cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hawkmoths use wingstroke-to-wingstroke frequency modulation for aerial recovery to vortex ring perturbations

Abstract Centimeter-scale fliers that combine wings with springy elements must contend with the high power requirements and mechanical constraints of flapping wing flight. Insects utilize elastic energy exchange to reduce the inertial costs of flapping wing flight and potentially match wingbeat frequencies to a mechanical resonance. Flying at resonance may be energetically favorable under steady conditions, but it is difficult to modulate the frequency of a resonant system. Evidence suggests that insects utilize frequency modulation over long time scales to adjust aerodynamic forces, but it remains an open question the extent to which insects can modulate frequency on the wingstroke-to-wingstroke timescale. If wingbeat frequencies deviate from resonance, the musculature must work against the elastic flight system, thereby potentially increasing energetic costs. To assess how insects address the simultaneous needs for power and control, we tested the capacity for wingstroke-to-wingstroke wingbeat frequency modulation by perturbing free hovering Manduca sexta with vortex rings while recording high-speed video at 2000 fps. Because hawkmoth flight muscles are synchronous, there is at least the potential for the nervous system to modulate frequency on each wingstroke. We observed ± 16% wingbeat frequency modulation in just a few wing strokes. Via instantaneous phase analysis of wing kinematics, we found that over 85% of perturbation responses required active changes in motor input frequency. Unlike their robotic counterparts that explicitly abdicate frequency modulation in favor of energy efficiency, we find that wingstroke-to-wingstroke frequency modulation is an underappreciated control strategies that complements other strategies for maneuverability and stability in insect flight.
Efficiency and Inventives in Residential Brokerage

The literature on broker intermediation in residential real estate has shown positive pricing effects associated with the use of a broker and mixed results as far as the pricing effects of nonstandard commission structures. On the premise that real estate broker incentives emanate from two primary sources, factors that increase broker operating efficiency and negotiable features arising from the relationship between the listing broker and the seller, this study assesses the degree to which these incentives affect the marketing time, probability of sale, and selling price of single-family houses. Of particular interest, this study investigates efficiency and broker intermediation effects on residential property associated with a broker concentrating his listings into a service area. Empirical results show that properties within an individual broker's GIS-determined service area are more likely to sell, sell faster, and sell with an associated price premium. These effects are more concentrated in the market for higher priced homes. Also, additional compoensation favorably motivates the broker with higher-priced properties, but has no effect on the sale of lower-priced properties.
Balance: The Capacity to Establish and Maintain a Dialectical Balance Between Polar Lifeworld Meanings

The capacity to establish and maintain dialectical balance between polar lifeworld meanings forms the heart of the dialectical movement toward integration. Mature balance modulates the tension between polar meaning movements. Erik Erikson’s linear, stage-based model of human development is dialectically reformulated whereby balance is sought by modulating the polar meanings of trust-in-relation-to caution, independence-in-relation-to-dependence, initiative-taking-in-relation-to-maintenance-of-steadiness, industriousness-in-relation-to-leisure, identity-integration-in-relation-to-identity-de-integration, intimacy-in-relation-to-separateness, and other-care-in-relation-to-self-care. Mature balance, then, delicately maintains the polar tension between seemingly opposite meaning movements (e.g., moving between what it means for me to trust-and-to-be-cautious) in their optimal di-stance (the stance I take) relative to each polar meaning. It is a meaning movement from (potential) disintegrative conflict to (potential) integrative harmony.
Are Today’s SHM Procedures Suitable for Tomorrow’s BIGDATA?

Large SHM datasets often result from special applications such as long-term monitoring, dense sensor arrays, or high sampling rates. Through the development of novel sensing techniques as well as advances in sensing devices and data acquisition technology, it is expected that such large volumes of measurement data become commonplace. In anticipation of datasets magnitudes larger than today’s, it is important to evaluate current SHM processing methods at BIGDATA standards and identify potential limitations within computational procedures. This paper will focus on the processing of large SHM datasets and the computational sensitivity of common SHM procedures. Processing concerns encompass efficiency and scalability of SHM software, particularly the computational sensitivity of common system identification and damage detection algorithms with respect to a large amount of sensors and samples.
"It's Just Nice Having a Real Teacher": Student Perceptions of Online versus Face-to-Face Instruction

Abstract With recent increases in online enrollment, undergraduate students are far more likely to experience an onlinelearning environment than they were in the past. While existing literature provides general insight into reasonswhy students may or may not prefer online instruction, it is unclear whether these preferences are shaped bystudent’s perceptions of online learning or actual experience with online courses. To address this gap,undergraduate students enrolled in either online (n=370) or face-to-face (n=360) courses were surveyedabout their course format preference. A content analysis of the responses was performed with the findingssuggesting that 1) student perceptions may be based on old typologies of distance education akin tocorrespondence courses, regardless of actual experience with online courses, and 2) course preferences arerelated to issues involving teaching presence and self-regulated learning. The implications of this research fordeveloping more effective online pedagogy are discussed.
Liquid chromatography : IV. Effects of solvent velocity on separation using ion-exchange☆

Abstract The classical Van Deemter equation has been modified for use in modern high-pressure liquid chromatography. A number of workers have shown that H = vn accurately describes many separations in liquid-liquid, liquid-solid, and gel permeation chromatography, where 0.2 ≤ n ≤ 0.6. The high-pressure ion-exchange separations of the heavy rare earth ions appears to also be described by the exponential equation over a wide range of flow velocities and under a number of different experimental conditions. In this work n = 0.145 ± 0.037 for flow velocities of 0.057-3.77 cm/sec.
Wrong Incentives from Financial System Fixes

Few doubt the seriousness of the recent crisis afflicting the financial systems of the United States and the world. Few claim that nothing needs to be fixed. And few have missed the major debates about what types of solutions are best - often conducted at high volume, intensity, and frequency. So rather than try to add to one side or the other of the well-rehearsed arguments about each type of proposed reform, we try to refocus the analysis on some core incentives: when the basic rules of the game are changing, property rights and the rule of law are too ill-defined, creating exactly the wrong incentives for investment and economic growth. The wrong incentives created by repeated surges of bold government action pose risks that have direct, short-term impacts, which we fear have been seriously underexplored during both the end of the Bush administration and the beginning of the Obama administration. We hope that, by pointing out these risks, they can be significantly mitigated at relatively low cost.We begin by recommending a change to the general approach: halt soon the introduction of new, bold programs. We are not saying that nothing should be done; we are saying that it is important in times like these for government to reach closure on its decisions so that it can pick one set of rules of the game and then stick to them. We then focus more narrowly on the process of structuring workouts from bad deals and recommend avoiding approaches that undermine bankruptcy. Bankruptcy allows the large group of private professionals who are experts at restructuring or winding up bad deals - consultants, financiers, lawyers, managers, and so on - to get involved. Given the magnitude of the problem of toxic assets, any solution to the current crisis will almost certainly need to involve these private actors. We then explore how particular reform proposals can be implemented without running afoul of the cautions that are the focus of our effort. In the final analysis, we applaud the Herculean efforts by so many serious thinkers in the Bush and Obama administrations and outside government who have thrown themselves into this important work in good faith and with great sacrifice. All we can hope to add to the conversation are these relatively easy-to-deploy (and important to deploy quickly) tools for mitigating some vital but underappreciated risks with proposed financial system fixes.
Expression of a highly conserved oncofetal gene, TA1/E16, in human colon carcinoma and other primary cancers: Homology to Schistosoma mansoni amino acid permease and Caenorhabditis elegans gene products

The peptides encoded by the rat liver oncofetal cDNA TA1 and the human lymphocyte activation gene E16 display a high degree of homology with coding regions recently identified in Schistosoma mansoni and Caenorhabditis elegans. Previous studies showed that up-regulation of TA1/ E16 expression was associated with rat hepatocarcinogenesis and human tumor cell lines; therefore, we analyzed several primary human tumors including a panel of 20 colon carcinomas to evaluate the relationship of TA1/E16 RNA and protein expression to neoplasia. A 4.0-kb transcript was detected in all but one colorectal carcinoma but not in normal colon or specimens of inflammatory bowel disease. Steady-state TA1/E16 mRNA levels varied considerably between carcinomas and did not correlate simply with mitotic index, modified Dukes' stage, or tumor size. TA1/E16 message also was detected in adenocarcinomas from breast, endometrium, salivary gland, and esophagus. Western blot analysis using antibodies against TA1/E16-deduced peptides identified major reactive bands of approximately 35 and 19 kDa in neoplasms but not in normal tissue. Immunoperoxidase staining localized the protein primarily to the supranuclear region of colon carcinoma cells, whereas normal epithelial cells were negative. Heterogeneous staining was found in villous adenomas with focal intramucosal adenocarcinoma but was negative in tubular adenomas, suggesting that expression of TA1/E16 may correlate with neoplastic progression in the colon. Up-regulation of this gene in various human cancers suggests a common role in the carcinogenic process and possible application as a tumor marker.
Phytochrome chromophore biosynthesis. Treatment of tetrapyrrole-deficient Avena explants with natural and non-natural bilatrienes leads to formation of spectrally active holoproteins.

Abstract Etiolated Avena seedlings grown in the presence of 4-amino-5-hexynoic acid, an inhibitor of 5-aminolevulinic acid synthesis in plants, contain less than 10% of the spectrally detectable levels of phytochrome found in untreated seedlings (Elich, T.D., and Lagarias, J.C. (1988) Plant Physiol. 88, 747-751). In this study, incubation of explants from such seedlings with [14C]biliverdin IX alpha led to rapid covalent incorporation of radiolabel into a single 124-kDa polypeptide in soluble protein extracts. Immunoprecipitation experiments confirmed that this protein was phytochrome. Parallel experiments were performed with four unlabeled linear tetrapyrroles, the naturally occurring biliverdin IX alpha isomer, two non-natural isomers, biliverdin XIII alpha and biliverdin III alpha, and phycocyanobilin-the cleaved prosthetic group of the light-harvesting antenna protein C-phycocyanin. In all cases, except for the III alpha isomer of biliverdin, a time-dependent recovery of photoreversible phytochrome was observed. The newly formed phytochrome obtained after incubation with biliverdin IX alpha exhibited spectral characteristics identical with those of the native protein. In contrast, the spectral properties of phytochromes formed during incubation with biliverdin XIII alpha and phycocyanobilin differed significantly from those of the native chromoprotein. These results indicate that biliverdin IX alpha is an intermediate in the biosynthesis of the phytochrome chromophore and that phytochromes with prosthetic groups derived from bilatrienes having non-natural D-ring substituents are photochromic.
The Use of a Time-Out Ribbon and Precision Requests to Improve Child Compliance in the Classroom: A Case Study.

To increase the compliance of a preschool student with disabilities, the combined and separate effects of a time-out ribbon procedure and a precision request format were examined. A time-out ribbon and precision request format were evaluated with an ABACBC single subject replication design. The percent of child compliance was recorded during circle time. When the time-out ribbon procedure was used, compliance increased. When precision requests were added to the time-out ribbon procedure, there was an even greater increase in compliance. Implications for using the time-out ribbon procedure and precision request format with preschool children with disabilities in a classroom are discussed.
Impact of cytomegalovirus (CMV) antibody reflex testing in the transfusion service on management of CMV-seronegative blood inventory.

BACKGROUND: Our goal is to minimize unnecessary cytomegalovirus (CMV)-seronegative blood transfusion to preserve the CMV-seronegative blood inventory for patients who are identified as CMV seronegative. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: We implemented a CMV antibody reflex testing protocol for patients who require CMV-compatible blood but in whom a CMV serostatus is unknown (coded as CMVT in our computer system). A solid-phase red blood cell (RBC) adherence antibody detection system was validated to detect CMV antibodies in plasma samples (received for ABO/Rh type and RBC antibody screen) with acceptable sensitivity and specificity. We evaluated the impact of this CMV antibody reflex testing on the management of RBC and platelet (PLT) inventory for patients requiring CMV-compatible blood. RESULTS: Over a 16-month period, implementation of CMV antibody reflex testing identified 361 (34%) of 1063 previously CMV-untested patients who required CMV-compatible blood and who were CMV seronegative. We observed a 75% decrease in the number of CMVT patients in our data base from 190 per month before implementation to 57 at 16 months postimplementation. Consequently we reevaluated the percentage in our blood inventory of CMV-seronegative units required while potentially saving 1234 CMV-seronegative blood products (835 RBCs and 399 PLTs) each month. CONCLUSION: A strategy of performing CMV antibody reflex testing in the transfusion service allows more effective blood inventory management and control in maintaining a CMV-seronegative blood inventory dedicated for patients who truly require it.
The spectroscopy and photochemistry of quinioline structural isomers: (E)- and (Z)-phenylvinylnitrile.

In Titan’s atmosphere, photochemical pathways that lead to nitrogen heteroaromatics may incorporate photoisomerization of their structural isomers as a final step. (E)- and (Z)-phenylvinylnitrile ((E)- and (Z)-PVN, C6H5 —CH=CHCN) are structural isomers of quinoline that themselves possess extensive absorptions in the ultraviolet, and thus may engage in such photoisomerization pathways. The present study explores the vibronic spectroscopy and photo-induced isomerization of gas-phase (E)- and (Z)-PVN in the 33,600-35,850 cm−1 region under jet-cooled conditions. The S0-S1 origins for (E)- and (Z)-PVN have been identified at 33 827 cm−1 and 33 707 cm−1, respectively. Isomer-specific UV-UV hole-burning and UV depletion spectra reveal sharp vibronic structure that extends over almost 2000 cm−1, with thresholds for fast non-radiative decay identified by a comparison between hole-burning and UV depletion spectra. Dispersed fluorescence spectra of the two isomers enable the assignment of many low frequency transitions in both molecules, aided by harmonic frequency calculations (B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p)) and a comparison with the established spectroscopy of phenylvinylacetylene, the ethynyl counterpart to PVN. Both isomers are proven to be planar in both the S0 ground and S1 electronic excited states. (E)-PVN exhibits extensive Duschinsky mixing involving out-of-plane modes whose frequencies and character change significantly in the ππ∗ transition, which modulates the degree of single- and double-bond character along the vinylnitrile substituent. This same mixing is much less evident in (Z)-PVN. The spectroscopic characterization of (E)- and (Z)-PVN served as the basis for photoisomerization experiments using ultraviolet hole-filling spectroscopy carried out in a reaction tube affixed to the pulsed valve. Successful interconversion between (E) and (Z)-PVN was demonstrated via ultraviolet hole-filling experiments. Photoexcitation of (E)- and (Z)-PVN at their respective S0-S1 origins failed to produce quinoline, a simple polycyclic aromatic nitrogen heterocylcle, within the detection sensitivity of our experiments. Stationary points along the potential energy surface associated with (Z)-PVN → quinoline isomerization showed a barrier of 93 kcal/mol associated with the first step in the isomerization process, slowing the interconversion process at the excitation energies used (96 kcal/mol) to timescales beyond those probed in the present experiment.
Effect of local variability in erosional resistance on large-scale morphodynamic response of salt marshes to wind waves and extreme events

We use field data and a cellular automata model to investigate salt marsh response to wave action under different wave energy conditions and frequency of extreme events. Our results suggest that salt marsh response to wind waves is tied to their local properties. In case of low-wave-energy conditions, local variability in marsh resistance might lead to the unpredictable failure of large marsh portions with respect to average erosion rates. High-wave-energy conditions, while overall leading to faster marsh deterioration, produce constant and predictable erosion rates. A high occurrence of extreme events leads to smoother and more uniformly deteriorating marsh boundary profiles. Salt marshes subject to weak wave energy conditions are the most susceptible to variations in the frequency of extreme events. This suggests that variations in time in the morphology of salt marsh boundaries could be used to infer changes in frequency and magnitude of external agents.
SENSORY AND PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF EXTRUDED POTATO PUFFS

Although extrusion is widely used for snack foods, there are few descriptive sensory analysis studies of extrudates. This study investigated the effects of potato granule type (flour or flakes), feed moisture content (16%, 18% and 20%) and addition of oil (0%, 2% and 4%) on sensory attributes of extrudates. Generalized Procrustes analysis (GPA) and Principal Component analysis (PCA) were used to describe the relationship among the sensory attributes. Additionally, GPA described the relationship between selected sensory and physical variables. Feed moisture content, as a primary factor, and added oil, as the secondary, affected the puff characteristics. High feed moisture puffs were high in hardness and chewiness, whereas low moisture ones were high in brownness, burnt flavor and fracturability. Added oil changed sensory expansion with relation to low feed moisture. Using GPA, physical properties related to appearance, color and texture were matched with corresponding sensory attributes.
Mercaptopropionic acid: a convulsant that inhibits glutamate decarboxylase.

—3-Mercaptopropionic (MP) and 4-mercaptobutyric (MB) acids caused convulsions in rats after the intraperitoneal administration of 32 and 200 mg/kg body wt. respectively. These compounds competitively inhibited glutamate decarboxylase (L-glutamate 1-carboxy-lyase; EC 4.1.1.15) of rat brain and bacterial GABA transaminase (4-aminobutyrate: 2-oxoglutarate aminotransferase; EC 2.6.1.c). Glutamine synthetase (L-glutamate: ammonia ligase (ADP); EC 6.3.1.2) was not affected. Pyridoxal phosphate added in vitro did not reverse the inhibition. Action of these compounds is compared to methionine sulphoximine, a bacterial exotoxin (lactylaminopimelic acid) and to hydrazinopropionic acid.
Accommodations for earth-viewing payloads on the international space station

Abstract The design of the International Space Station (ISS) includes payload locations that are external to the pressurized environment. These external or attached payload accommodation locations will allow direct access to the space environment at the ISS orbit and direct viewing of the earth and space. NASA sponsored payloads will have access to several different types of standard external locations; the S3 Truss Sites, the Columbus External Payload Facility (EPF), and the Japanese Experiment Module Exposed Facility (JEM-EF). As the ISS Program develops, it may also be possible to locate external payloads at the P3 Truss Sites or at non-standard locations similar to the handrail-attached payloads that were flown during the MIR Program. Earth-viewing payloads may also be located within the pressurized volume of the US Lab in the Window Observational Research Facility (WORF). Payload accommodations at each of the locations will be described, as well as transport to and retrieval from the site.
The Principal and the School Psychologist: Partners for Students

Prevention is more effective (and less costly) than reaction. The school psychologist, who is trained in such prevention strategies, holds a wealth of information that, properly utilized, can be among the princi pal's greatest assets.
Bureaucracy and crime

Bureaucracy, often assigned the task of reducing crime, actually contributes to the crime problem in a variety of ways. Several characteristics of bureaucracy are identified as having a criminogenic effect. Some of these characteristics are associated with bureaucracy at its worst, involving outright violations of the law. But others are associated with normal bureaucracy, such as its drive survival, and even with bureaucracy at its best, such as its rationality.
Repair of DNA damage induced by oxygen radicals in human non-proliferating and proliferating lymphocytes.

Abstract Repair of DNA lesions induced by oxygen radicals, generated by xanthine/xanthine oxidase (X/XO), was studied in human peripheral blood lymphocytes and in PHA-stimulated proliferating lymphocytes from 4 healthy subjects. The lesions included DNA-strand breaks (SSB) and other lesions that are converted to SSB under alkaline conditions. The frequencies of SSB were estimated by fluorometric analysis of DNA unwinding. Maximum production of SSB occurred within 10 min of incubation with X/XO at 22°C; with 0.5 mM or higher concentrations of xanthine; and with 0.1–0.5 units/ml of xanthine oxidase. Proliferating lymphocytes repaired X/XO-induced SSB about 4 times more rapidly than lymphocytes. Lymphocytes repaired X/XO-induced SSB more slowly than SSB caused by γ-radiation. These findings are consistent with the evidence that a number of DNA-repair enzymes have greater activity in proliferating cells than in resting cells. These findings also support the view that there are differences between the DNA damage due to oxygen radicals and that due to ionizing radiation.
Chromophoric self-assembled superlattices as a new class of thin-film second-order nonlinear optical materials

This contribution reports a new approach to the synthesis of thin-film secondorder nonlinear optical (NLO) materials in which self-assembled chromophorecontaining multilayer structures are built up in the repeating reaction sequence: I3Si(CH2)2C6H4CH21 (Cp) , 4- [N,N-bis(3-hydroxypropyl)aminojstyryl-4' -pyridine (Ch), Cl3SiOSiCl2OSiCl3 (Si) , polyvinylalcohol (PVA) . The resulting multilayer structures have been characterized by optical and XPS spectroscopy, advancing contact angle measurements, null ellipsometry, and NLO properties. The latter mepirements reveal multilayer superlaces with good structural uniformity and that = 2 x l0 esu at A = 1064 nfl' (Xzz 6 x l0 esu for a single CpCh monolayer of 22 A estimated thickness).
Bifunctional PAMAM dendrimer conjugates of folic acid and methotrexate with defined ratio

Our group previously developed a multifunctional, targeted cancer therapeutic based on Generation 5 (G5) polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimers. In those studies we conjugated the targeting molecule folic acid (FA) and the chemotherapeutic drug methotrexate (MTX) sequentially. This complex macromolecule was shown to selectively bind and kill KB tumor cells that overexpress folate receptor (FR) in vitro and in vivo. However, the multistep conjugation strategy employed in the synthesis of the molecule resulted in heterogeneous populations having differing numbers and ratios of the functionally antagonistic FA and MTX. This led to inconsistent and sometimes biologically inactive batches of molecules, especially during large-scale synthesis. We here resolved this issue by using a novel triazine scaffold approach that reduces the number of dendrimer conjugation steps required and allows for the synthesis of G5 conjugates with defined ratios of FA and MTX. Although an unoccupied γ-glutamyl carboxylate of FA has been...
Interaction of a dense fermion medium with a scalar-meson field

The interaction between a dense fermion medium and a scalar-meson field is studied. It is shown that in the quasiclassical approximation, independently of the details of the theory, at low fermion density the lowest energy state is normal (i.e., effective fermion mass ${m}_{\mathrm{eff}}\ensuremath{\cong}\mathrm{free} \mathrm{mass}$, but at high density the state is abnormal (i.e., ${m}_{\mathrm{eff}}\ensuremath{\cong}0$). The nature of the transition is analyzed at zero and low temperatures. Our main concern is to examine the problem of quantum fluctuation. Both the one- and two-loop diagrams are calculated. By developing a variational formalism involving only two-line irreducible diagrams, we derive a suitable high-density expansion for the energy. The quasiclassical solution emerges as the lowest-order term in this expansion. Therefore, when the expansion is valid, the overall description of the transition given by the quasiclassical solution remains correct with the inclusion of quantum corrections.
The arthritis of leukemia.

Arthritis related to the primary disease was detected in 10 of 74 (13.5%) patients seen primarily for leukemia [2 of 12 patients with acute (16.6%) and 8 of 62 (12.4%) with chronic leukemia]. To these were added 18 additional patients previously diagnosed of having arthritis of leukemia. Clinical analyses of 28 patients with arthritis of leukemia showed that the arthritis of acute leukemia was commonly asymmetric, additive, polyarticular and often part of the initial manifestation of the disease. The arthritis of chronic leukemia was similar to the acute but was often symmetric and usually appeared as a late manifestation. X-ray films of affected joints were abnormal in 7 patients. Mild hyperuricemia was found in 15.8%, rheumatoid factor in none and antinuclear antibodies in 11% of patients with arthritis of leukemia. Leukemic infiltration of the synovial membrane was found in all 3 of the patients who underwent synovial biopsy and is believed to be the cause of the arthritis.
PdAu and PdAuAg composite membranes for hydrogen separation from synthetic water-gas shift streams containing hydrogen sulfide

Abstract Electroless deposition was used to fabricate Pd–23Au and Pd–20Au–13Ag (wt%) membranes on Pall AccuSep ® ZROD supports. The weight gain compositions of each film were corroborated with XRF analysis, EDS and XRD after testing. The membranes were annealed in a H 2 atmosphere at temperatures of 773 K and higher. The Pd–20Au–13Ag alloy membrane had higher single-gas H 2 permeability than a pure Pd membrane on a comparable support. In a mixture of 20 ppm H 2 S in H 2 at 689.5 kPa feed pressure, the H 2 permeance of the Pd–20Au–13Ag alloy membrane was less inhibited at 773 K than 723 or 673 K. Both membranes were tested in a sour WGS mixture containing 20 ppm H 2 S. The Pd–23Au membrane had a 29% H 2 flux inhibition at 773 K and 1.1 MPa feed pressure, which is one of the best reported for a composite PdAu alloy membrane in a feed gas containing H 2 S. Although the H 2 permeance of the Pd–20Au–13Ag alloy membrane was reduced more than the Pd–23Au membrane, it had a higher absolute H 2 permeance in the sour WGS mixture. Once the H 2 S was removed from the WGS feed gas, the H 2 permeance recovered at least 97% of its original value before H 2 S exposure to both membranes at 673 and 773 K. After H 2 S testing, sulfides were not detected using XRD.
Vital Pulp Therapy

Vital pulp therapy is performed to preserve the health status of the tooth and its ultimate position in the arch. These procedures are performed routinely in primary and permanent teeth. This review is divided into 2 parts: the first aims to illustrate the basic biology of the pulp and the effects on the pulp due to various procedures; the second focuses on the clinical aspects of treatment and the use of various dental materials during different vital pulp therapy procedures performed in the primary and permanent teeth.
Representation of Linear Granulometric Moments for Deterministic and Random Binary Euclidean Images

Abstract A powerful method of morphological texture classification employs moments of the granulometric pattern spectrum. Classification depends on the statistical distributions of the granulometric moments and a fundamental problem is to find analytic expressions for the granulometric moments and, when possible, to characterize their probability distributions in terms of the underlying random image process. The present paper provides analytic expressions for the granulometric moments when the granulometric generator is linear. These expressions apply to all images likely to occur in practice. The expressions involve derivatives of length-functions for cross-cuts of the image. In addition, granulometric moments for random images composed of disjoint unions of randomly sized homothetics are shown to be asymptotically normal, independent of whether the image is generated by a convex primitive and of whether the image and granulometry share congruent generators. Asymptotic expressions are given for moments of these granulometric moments. For these, it is not assumed that the granulometric generator is linear.
Amniotic Fluid Androgens and their Relationship to Foetal Sex

Levels of testosterone (T), dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and androstenedione (A) in amniotic fluid taken before twenty weeks of gestation were measured by radioimmunoassay in 37 patients with female foetuses and 45 patients with male foetuses. Androstenedione levels were not significantly influenced by foetal sex. While DHT levels were undetectable for both sexes, the levels of T were significantly higher in the amniotic fluid surrounding the male foetus when compared to that surrounding the female foetus (X= 184 pg/ml for males and 58 pg/ml for females). Testosterone concentration in the amniotic fluid still appears to be the best hormonal indicator of foetal sex in utero.
Structural Analysis of the Horn Area, Bighorn Mountains, Wyoming

Blocklike uplift of Precambrian metamorphic rocks during Laramide deformation resulted in the formation of an asymmetric faulted mountain mass extending south from the central Bighorn unit. The internal structure of the metamorphic rocks is dominated by a complex anticline plunging to the north-northwest as demonstrated by foliation, lineation, relationship of minor folds, and distribution of mapped units. The geometry of the fold is elucidated by statistical analysis of the structural elements and tectonic profile construction, which reveal a closed, slightly overturned cylindrical anticline with planar limbs. Measured lineation corresponds to the axial line, as determined from statistical analysis of foliation data, and is, therefore, b -lineation. Structures in overlying sedimentary rocks resulted from draping over active basement blocks. The blocks are bounded by the Horn and Tensleep faults. The Horn fault parallels foliation in the Precambrian rocks; whereas, the Tensleep fault is a rejuvenated Precambrian fault showing that the structural gram of the basement influenced later deformation.
Synovial fluid findings in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)

Synovial fluids from 26 patients with SLE were usually clear and viscous, with few WBCs and low complement. Twelve fluids, studied in detail, were further characterized according to protein and IgG concentrations. Four were transudates. Fluids from 3 subjects with atypical features of SLE were exudates that contained increased concentrations of proteins and complement. Five other fluids were exudates with very low complement, thus similar to rheumatoid effusions, but lacking the polymorphonuclear leukocytosis and rheumatoid factor found in RA.
Identification and characterization of new Δ-17 fatty acid desaturases

ω-3 fatty acid desaturase is a key enzyme for the biosynthesis of ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids via the oxidative desaturase/elongase pathways. Here we report the identification of three ω-3 desaturases from oomycetes, Pythium aphanidermatum, Phytophthora sojae, and Phytophthora ramorum. These new ω-3 desaturases share 55 % identity at the amino acid level with the known Δ-17 desaturase of Saprolegnia diclina, and about 31 % identity with the bifunctional Δ-12/Δ-15 desaturase of Fusarium monoliforme. The three enzymes were expressed in either wild-type or codon optimized form in an engineered arachidonic acid producing strain of Yarrowia lipolytica to study their activity and substrate specificity. All three were able to convert the ω-6 arachidonic acid to the ω-3 eicosapentanoic acid, with a substrate conversion efficiency of 54–65 %. These enzymes have a broad ω-6 fatty acid substrate spectrum, including both C18 and C20 ω-6 fatty acids although they prefer the C20 substrates, and have strong Δ-17 desaturase activity but weaker Δ-15 desaturase activity. Thus, they belong to the Δ-17 desaturase class. Unlike the previously identified bifunctional Δ-12/Δ-15 desaturase from F. monoliforme, they lack Δ-12 desaturase activity. The newly identified Δ-17 desaturases could use fatty acids in both acyl-CoA and phospholipid fraction as substrates. The identification of these Δ-17 desaturases provides a set of powerful new tools for genetic engineering of microbes and plants to produce ω-3 fatty acids, such as eicosapentanoic acid and docosahexanoic acid, at high levels.
The new proposal for establishing a multilateral investment guarantee agency

(1985). The new proposal for establishing a multilateral investment guarantee agency. Third World Quarterly: Vol. 7, No. 2, pp. 365-389.
Comparative study of brain deformation estimation methods

Shift of brain tissues during surgical procedures affects the precision of image-guided neurosurgery (IGNS). To improve the accuracy of the alignment between the patient and images, finite element model-based non-rigid registration methods have been investigated. The best prior estimate (BPE), the forced displacement method (FDM), the weighted basis solutions (WBS), and the adjoint equations method (AEM) are versions of this approach that have appeared in the literature. In this paper, we present a quantitative comparison study on a set of three patient cases. Three-dimensional displacement data from the surface and subsurface was extracted using the intra-operative ultrasound (iUS) and intraoperative stereovision (iSV). These data are then used as the "ground truth" in a quantitative study to evaluate the accuracy of estimates produced by the finite element models. Different types of clinical cases are presented, including distension and combination of sagging and distension. In each case, a comparison of the performance is made with the four methods. The AEM method which recovered 26-62% of surface brain motion and 20-43% of the subsurface deformation, produced the best fit between the measured data and the model estimates.
Formation of cartilage by non-chondrogenic cell types

Abstract Freshly excised embryonic rat skeletal muscle has been shown to form hyaline cartilage when organ cultured upon demineralized rat bone (bone matrix). Since skeletal muscle is composed of fibrous connective tissue (C.T.) as well as muscle cells, the cartilage could arise from either of these sources. The object of this study was to determine whether cartilage arose from fibrous connective tissue or muscle cells, or both, and whether the ability to form cartilage is limited to tissues derived from somatic mesoderm. Control experiments demonstrated that 19-day embryonic rat skeletal muscle formed cartilage when organ cultured on bone matrix after dissociation and cultivation in vitro, and that 11-day embryonic chick muscle also formed cartilage, although less reproducibly (3 out of 10 cases). Fibroblasts and skeletal muscle were cloned from similar suspensions of dissociated muscle in order to test these purified cell types. Dermis, vascular tissue, and tendons were mechanically removed prior to dissociation in order to eliminate fibroblasts from contaminant sources. Cloned fibroblasts, derived from rat skeletal muscle, formed cartilage in three out of three cases. It was not possible to clone sufficient rat skeletal muscle to place an aggregate onto bone matrix. An aggregate of several hundred chick skeletal muscle clones formed cartilage on bone matrix. The freshly excised C.T. capsules of embryonic chick thyroid and lung were tested for the ability to form cartilage as nonskeletal C.T. derivatives. The epithelial rudiments of thyroid and lung were also tested as endodermal derivatives. Chick cornea was similarly tested as an ectodermal derivative. Of these tissues, only the C.T. capsules formed cartilage. The results demonstrate that various C.T. cell types may alter their phenotype well after that stage at which their differentiation is thought to be stabilized, and that the ability to differentiate as cartilage may be common to all C.T. cells. The option of differentiating along a certain variety of pathways may depend more upon local conditions than on a predetermined pattern.
793 DISSOCIATION OF THE NEUTROPHIL FUNCTION OF CHEMOTAXIS FROM DEGRANULATION AND AGGREGATION

To establish whether degranulation is an important prerequisite for granulocyte (PMN) aggregation, we employed the chemoattractant synthetic peptides Gly-His-Gly (GHG) and n-formyl-Met-Leu-Phe (FMLP). As previously shown, GHG caused chemotaxis of PMN at 10 ug/ml. GHG at concentrations of 10, 15, and 50 ug/ml did not cause degranulation of cytochalasin (CB)-treated PMN beyond that observed for control as measured by the percent total release of the granular constituent lysozyme into supernate (GHG 8.4%; control 8.7%). GHG also did not cause release of the cyto-plasmic constituent LDH (GHG 5.9% of total; control 4.0%). GHG (range 12.5 to 100 ug/ml) also did not induce aggregation of CB-treated PMN as measured by light scattering. In contrast, 2×10-7M FMLP provoked the release of lysozyme (33% of total) from granules, but not release of LDH (5.3% of total), and caused aggregation of CB-treated PMN. When CB-treated PMN were incubated with GHG (15 ug/ml) followed by FMLP, there was no inhibition of lysozyme release (29.2% of total) nor of PMN aggregation. These studies suggest that GHG and FMLP interact with the PMN at distinct loci. Although GHG is chemotactic for PMN it failes to induce PMN aggregation, probably through its inability to provoke degranulation.
The causes of bank failures: deflationary spells

Abstract Unexpected reductions in inflation induce debtor insolvency and bank failures with lags of up to eight years. Outside money is non-neutral because the default of marginal banks and the rising costs of surviving banks reduce the supply of monetary services.
Crossing the Rubricon: evaluating the Information Literacy instructor

Sound information literacy programs at a university library depend on effective librarian instructors. A robust, systematic evaluation procedure can both assist the development of librarian instructors as well as provide data for summative decisions regarding retention, promotion or tenure. This case study explores issues in IL instructor evaluation and proposes a rubric instrument for peer review observation. Rubrics are a fast, powerful, standardised mechanism for evaluating performance, and while studied in depth for the purposes of assessing student work, are relatively understudied and underemployed for the purposes of evaluating librarians. The different types of rubrics (analytic vs. holistic, simple vs. complex) are discussed and how they allow for customisable but standardized application. The process of developing a rubric can help clarify instructional values and desired outcomes. Rubrics show promise as a streamlined, equitable means for furthering information literacy goals by focusing on the growth of the librarian instructor.
The Effect of Annealing on the Stability of Amorphous Solids: Chemical Stability of Freeze-Dried Moxalactam

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of annealing on the chemical stability and calorimetric structural relaxation times of freeze-dried moxalactam. Moxalactam disodium was freeze dried with 12% mannitol and split into several batches after freeze drying. One batch was held as a control while others were subjected to a further heating (annealing) treatment at 60°C, 70°C, and 80°C for different periods of time. Isothermal microcalorimetry studies using thermal activity monitor (TAM) were performed on the freeze-dried samples to measure relaxation times (τ) and stretched exponential values (β). Modulated DSC experiments were carried out to determine Tg and ΔCP for moxalactam-12% w/w mannitol systems at various moisture contents to allow extrapolation of these quantities to zero residual moisture. Storage stability studies were performed at 25°C, 40°C and 50°C. Decarboxylated moxalactam and parent contents after various storage times were measured by reverse phase HPLC. Annealing moxalactam-12% mannitol amorphous systems improved chemical stability of moxalactam and reduced molecular mobility, as measured by TAM. Moxalactam-12% w/w mannitol systems annealed at higher temperatures and for longer times had higher τβ values than the “control” sample, with τβ values increasing as annealing temperature increased. Additionally, τβ value increased as annealing time at the same temperature increased. These observations indicated that higher temperature annealing decreased molecular mobility in the glass, as expected. Further, chemical stability improved as annealing temperatures and annealing times increased. For example, the rate of decarboxylation of the sample annealed at 70°C for 8 h was roughly 1.7 times lower than the “control.” Note that in spite of degradation during the annealing process, the level of degradation at the end of storage is actually less in the annealed sample than in the control sample; thus, annealing can result in samples having less degradation at the end of a storage period. Chemical stability and relaxation times are correlated, thus indicating that molecular mobility and structural relaxation time are coupled. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association J Pharm Sci 96: 1237–1250, 2007
The influence of plant carbon dioxide and nutrient supply on susceptibility to insect herbivores

The carbon/nutrient ratio of plants has been hypothesized to be a significant regulator of plant suscep tibility of leaf-eating insects. As rising atmospheric carbon dioxide stimulates photosynthesis, host plant carbon supply is increased and the accompanying higher levels of carbohydrates, especially starch, apparently ‘dilute’ the protein content of the leaf. When host plant nitrogen supply is limited, plant responses include increased carbohydrate accumulation, reduced leaf protein content, but also increased carbon-based defensive chemicals. No change, however, has been observed in the concentration of leaf defensive allelochemicals with elevated carbon dioxide during host plant growth. Insect responses to carbon-fertilized leaves include increased consumption with little change in growth, or alternatively, little change in consumption with decreased growth, as well as enhanced leaf digestibility, reduced nitrogen use efficiency, and reduced fecundity. The effects of plant carbon and nutrient supply on herbivores appear to result, at least in part, from independent processes affecting secondary metabolism.
Explicit evaluation of the pentagon diagram for open superstrings

Abstract In a previous publication [1] we showed using light-cone gauge that the leading divergence associated with soft dilation emission cancels at one-loop order in the O(32) open superstring theory. In that work it was argued on “physical” grounds that the only divergence arises from a simple pole. Here we undertake and complete the argument by summing to zero all the non-leading logarithmic terms (which are potentially new divergences) in the pentagon diagram. Certain aspects of our fully explicit calculation are non-trivial although the answer is the simple on expected on the basis of physical (or pictorial) superstring world-sheet considerations.
In vitro and in vivo effects of combination of Trastuzumab (Herceptin) and Tamoxifen in breast cancer.

Extensive interactions between estrogen receptor α (ERα) and HER2 signaling pathways have been described. Using BT-474 human breast cancer cells, we have previously shown that the combination of tamoxifen (TAM) and Herceptin results in strong synergistic growth inhibition, enhancement of G0–G1 cell cycle accumulation, inhibition of HER2 activity and a cytostatic effect without cell death. To further examine the underlying mechanism of synergy, we investigated the effect of this drug combination on ERα function and growth factor downstream signaling. TAM caused a small increase in ERα levels while Herceptin had no effect, and both drugs caused an increase in the level of Ser118-phosphorylated ERα. However, both TAM and Herceptin individually inhibited ERα transcriptional activity, although the combination did not have a greater effect than either single agent. Herceptin inhibited MAPK and Akt activity, while TAM had no effect on these either as a single agent or when added to Herceptin. Using a BALB/c athymic BT-474 in vivo xenograft model, the drug combination (Herceptin 0.3 mg/kg i.p. twice weekly, TAM 1.0 mg/mouse i.p. three times per week) showed a greater inhibition of tumor growth compared to either single agent. Tumor extracts and fixed sections were examined at the end of the treatment period for treatment-specific alterations: we noted a paradoxical proliferation-inducing effect of TAM that was reversed by the addition of Herceptin. Our results indicate that combined targeting of both peptide growth factor receptors and ERα represents a promising breast cancer treatment strategy.