cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dissolution Kinetics of Carboxylic Acids I: Effect of pH Under Unbuffered Conditions

The dissolution behavior of benzoic acid, 2-naphthoic acid, and indomethacin from rotating compressed disks into aqueous solutions of constant ionic strength (μ = 0.5 with potassium chloride) at 25° was investigated. The pH of the bulk aqueous medium was maintained during dissolution by means of a pH-stat apparatus. A model for the initial steady-state dissolution rate of a monoprotic carboxylic acid was derived from Fick's second law of diffusion. This model assumed that diffusion-controlled mass transport and simple, instantaneously established reaction equilibria existed across a postulated diffusion layer. Using previously determined intrinsic solubilities, pKa values, and diffusion coefficients, the model was found to predict the dissolution rates of these acids accurately as a function of the bulk solution pH. Hydroxide ion and water were the only reactive base species present in the bulk solution. The concentration profiles of all of the species across the diffusion layer were generated for a given bulk pH. Furthermore, the model generated values for the pH profile within the microclimate of the diffusion layer and the pH at the solid-solution boundary.
Introduction to This Special Issue on Organizations and Social Cohesions

(2005). Introduction to This Special Issue on Organizations and Social Cohesions. Peabody Journal of Education: Vol. 80, No. 4, pp. 1-7.
Prospects on behavioral studies of marine and freshwater toxins

While there is a long-standing tradition of using behavioral methods to study the effects of manufactured drugs and environmental chemicals, comparatively little attention has focused until recently on the behavioral effects of marine or freshwater toxins. A vast array of microorganisms, found in a variety of waters, are known to occasionally "bloom" and produce toxins that can cause either blatant toxicity (i.e., lethality) or damage to a number of organ systems. The nervous system is a known target for many of the toxins. Considerable research has in the past been carried out to determine toxin effects on the survivability of laboratory rodents (typically mice) following acute exposures. Newer research has shown, however, prominent toxin-induced alterations in motor, sensory, autonomic and cognitive functions at sublethal exposure concentrations. Future toxin research can capitalize upon a wealth of behavioral paradigms already available in toxicology, pharmacology and neuroscience.
Spectral asymptotics of the Dirichlet-to-Neumann map on multiply connected domains in R d

We study the spectral asymptotics of the Dirichlet-to-Neumann operator Λγ on a multiply connected, bounded, domain Ω ⊂ d, d ≥ 3, associated with the uniformly elliptic operator Lγ = − ∑ i,j = 1d ∂i γij∂j, where γ is a smooth, positive-definite, symmetric matrix-valued function on Ω. We prove that the operator is approximately diagonal in the sense that Λγ = Dγ + Rγ, where Dγ is a direct sum of operators, each of which acts on one boundary component only, and Rγ is a smoothing operator. This representation follows from the fact that the γ-harmonic extensions of eigenfunctions of Λγ vanish rapidly away from the boundary. Using this representation, we study the inverse problem of determining the number of holes in the body, that is, the number of the connected components of the boundary, by using the high-energy spectral asymptotics of Λγ.
Optimal Mesh Algorithms for the Voronoi Diagram of Line Segments and Motion Planning in the Plane

The motion planning problem of an object with two degrees of freedom moving in the plane can be stated as follows: Given a set of polygonal obstacles in the plane, and a two-dimensional mobile object B with two degrees of freedom, determine if it is possible to move B from a start position to a final position while avoiding the obstacles. If so, plan a path for such a motion. Techniques from computational geometry have been used to develop exact algorithms for this fundamental case of motion planning. In this paper we obtain optimal mesh implementations of two different methods for planning motion in the plane. We do this by first presenting optimal mesh algorithms for some geometric problems that, in addition to being important substeps in motion planning, have numerous independent applications in computational geometry. In particular, we first show that the Voronoi diagram of a set of n nonintersecting (except possibly at endpoints) line segments in the plane can be constructed in O(? n) time on a ? n × ? n mesh, which is optimal for the mesh. Consequently, we obtain an optimal mesh implementation of the sequential motion planning algorithm described by O?Dulainy and Yap (J. Algorithms 6 (1985), 104-111); in other words, given a disc B and a polygonal obstacle set of size n, we can plan a path (if it exists) for the motion of B from a start position to a final position in O(? n) time on a mesh of size n. We also show that the shortest path motion between a start position and a final position for a convex object B (of constant size) moving among convex polygonal obstacles of total size n can be found in O(n) time on an n × n mesh, which is worst-case optimal.
The significance of leptospiral hemolysin in the pathogenesis of Leptospira pomona infections.

The production of a hemolysin by some leptospiral serotypes was first reported by Alexander et al (1956). Hemolysin concentrations were found to be highest 1 to 3 days after maximum leptospiral growth had occurred. Hemolysin was associated primarily with the culture supernatants. The hemolysin was reported to be oxygen-stable, heatlabile, nondialysable and exhibited greatest activity against sheep, cow and goat erythrocytes. Russell (1956) reported that the hemolysin was inhibited by leptospiral antiserum. Because hemolytic anemia is observed in some leptospiral infections, the possible role of hemolysin in the pathogenesis of leptospirosis has been investigated. Immamura et al (1958) injected guinea pigs intradermally with culture supernatants but observed no inflammatory reaction. Bauer and Morse (1958) found no correlation between hemolysin production and virulence of Leptospira pomona cultures for hamsters. The effect of hemolysin on lambs was investigated by Kemenes (1958). A single intravenous injection of 150 to 200 ml amounts of leptospiral culture supernatants or repeated injections of smaller amounts resulted in anemia.
Estrogen augments hypothalamicβ-endorphin secretion and activates an inhibitoryβ-endorphin short-loop feedback system.

The role of estrogen in the regulation of hypothalamicβ-endorphin hormone secretion is studied by determiningβ-endorphin concentration in pituitary portal plasma of ovariectomized rats in the presence or absence of this steroid and/or the opioid antagonist naloxone. Twenty-six hours following s.c. injection of 10 /µg estradiol benzoate (estrogen) or oil, rats anesthetized with Saffan (alphaxolone/alphadolone) underwent pituitary stalk exposure and hypophysectomy, after which pituitary portal blood was continuously collected and stored in 15 min aliquots from 1100–1400 h. At 1100 h, animals were given an initial bolus iv injection of naloxone or saline (naloxone, 2 mg/ kg, or saline, 0.1 ml) and then infused (iv) continuously with naloxone (2 mg/kg/h) or saline (0.8 ml/h) until 1400 h. Plasma samples were extracted and assayed by radioimmunoassay forβ-endorphin. Treatment with estrogen increased the meanβ-endorphin levels twofold as compared to oil-treated controls. Naloxone potentiated estrogen action ofβ-endorphin secretion, but did not affect basalβ-endorphin secretion. These results suggest that estrogen enhancedβ-endorphin secretion from the hypothalamus. Furthermore, the hypersecretion ofβ-endorphin induced by naloxone with, but not without, estrogen supports the existence of an estrogen-activated short-loop negative feedback mechanism regulatingβ-endorphin secretion.
Automating the AR construction for non-isothermal reactor networks

Abstract In this work, we show that the IDEAS framework is applicable to synthesis of non-isothermal reactor networks, where constant heat capacity assumption is valid. We use Shrink-wrap algorithm to quantify the attainable region (AR) of non-isothermal reactor networks for the first time. The algorithm is applicable to both constant density fluid (CDF) and variable density fluid (VDF) reactor networks. One advance of the algorithm is that it can assess different energy utilization options. The effectiveness of the algorithm is demonstrated on a case study involving a multiple-reaction scheme.
Arylene- and alkylene-bridged polysilsesquioxanes

Abstract Bis(triethoxysilyl)arylene monomers 1–5 and the 1,6-bis(trimethoxysilyl)hexylene monomer 6 were hydrolytically condensed under sol-gel conditions using both acid and base catalysts to produce their respective arylene- and alkylene-bridged polysilsesquioxane materials (X-1 through X-6). Polymerization reactions yielded gels within 24 h. One notable exception was the acid-catalyzed polymerization of 2,5-bis(triethoxysilyl)thiophene (X-5-S1) which required approximately 1 month to gel. The gels were processed by extracting with low dielectric solvents or by aqueous extraction. Solid state 13C and 29Si CP MAS-NMR, infrared spectroscopy, and gas sorption porosimetry were measured on the xerogels. The materials were transparent, glass-like xerogels with surface areas as high as 1100 m2/g and porosity primarily confined to a micropore region ( A diameters ). Xerogels prepared using the aqueous extraction had surface areas between 500 and 956 m2/g.
DARPP-32 development in the caudate nucleus is independent of afferent input from the substantia nigra.

Abstract DARPP-32, a dopamine- and adenosine 3′:5′-monophosphate regulated neuronal phosphoprotein, Mr 32 kDa, is a phenotypic marker of the medium-size spiny neurons of the mammalian caudate-putamen. In the present study, we examined the ontogeny of DARPP-32 protein and mRNA, and compared it to the ontogeny of tyrosine hydroxylase and synapsin I, a synaptic-vesicle phosphoprotein. In vivo, the amount of DARPP-32 protein per mg total protein increased throughout the first three postnatal weeks, and then declined to plateau at adult levels. The mRNA level closely paralleled the protein, except that its rise preceded that of the protein. Tyrosine hydroxylase levels rose throughout the first 4 postnatal weeks, and synapsin I levels rose steadily during the same period. Primary reaggregate cultures containing cells from the caudate-putamen expressed DARPP-32 with a time course similar to that seen in vivo. The level of expression was not altered by coculturing with dopaminergic neurons from the rostral mesencephalic tegmentum. Thus, the postnatal increase in DARPP-32 levels in the caudate-putamen appears to be independent of transsynaptic or end-organ influences from the substantia nigra.
Serum and immunoglobulin G from the mother of a child with congenital heart block induce conduction abnormalities and inhibit L-type calcium channels in a rat heart model.

Although a strong clinical association exists between congenital heart block (CHB) and an immune response to SSA/Ro and SSB/La proteins, a causative role of these antibodies in the pathogenesis is just emerging. In a preliminary report, we have demonstrated that IgG fractions isolated from the sera of mothers whose children have CHB are arrhythmogenic in the human fetal heart. To more precisely define the arrhythmogenic effect of anti-SSA/Ro-SSB/La antibodies, we used the readily available rat heart model to record: 1) ECGs from Langendorff beating hearts;2) action potentials from atrioventricular (AV) nodal preparations;3) L-type Ca currents, ICa at the whole-cell and single channel levels; and 4) other currents such as the transient outward K+ current,Ito, the inward rectifier K+ current,IK1, and the Na+ current,INa. Perfusion of hearts with purified IgG (800 µg/mL), isolated from the serum of a mother with SSA/Ro and SSB/La antibodies whose child had CHB, resulted in bradycardia associated with 2:1 AV block. Simultaneous action potentials were recorded from dissected atrial and AV nodal areas of the rat heart. Superfusion of these preparations with the same mother's IgG fraction resulted in 2:1 AV block followed by complete inhibition of AV nodal action potential. Because AV nodal electrogenesis is largely dependent on ICa, the effect of these antibodies on ICa was subsequently determined. Superfusion of myocytes with whole serum or purified IgG (80 µg/mL) from the same mother consistently inhibited whole cell ICa, ensemble average Ba2+ currents (IBa) and open state probability, po, without affecting the channel conductance. IgG had no significant effect on Ito,IK1, or INa. Whole sera and IgG fractions from a healthy mother with no detectable anti-SSA/Ro or SSB/La antibodies did not inhibit ICa or IBa. These results demonstrate that IgG containing anti-SSA/Ro and -SSB/La antibodies induces complete AV block in beating hearts and in multicellular preparations, thus implicating a preferential interaction of these autoantibodies with Ca channels and/or associated regulatory proteins. This is consistent with the observed inhibition of Ca channels that may be a critical factor contributing to the pathogenesis of CHB.
2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin induces diverse retinoic acid metabolites in multiple tissues of the Sprague-Dawley rat.

Retinoic acid metabolism was examined in microsomes prepared from four retinoid target tissues of male Sprague-Dawley rats removed 3 days after a single exposure to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD, 5 or 80 μg/kg, ip). Microsomes from all four tissues catalyzed increased rates of retinoic acid metabolism, with the degree of induction following the order: liver > lung = kidney = testis. The responses were tissue-specific with respect to the metabolites affected, the effects of dose, and the substrate used, [3H]retinoic acid or [3H]retinoic acid bound with cellular retinoic acid-binding protein. For example, neither 4-hydroxy- nor 18-hydroxy-retinoic acid increased in testis; 4-hydroxy- but not 18-hydroxy-retinoic acid increased in liver; and both 4-hydroxy- and 18-hydroxy-retinoic acid increased in kidney and lung. This ability of TCDD to affect diverse retinoic acid metabolites in multiple tissues, including those from a physiologically relevant substrate, holocellular retinoic-acid binding protein, strengthens the possibility that one aspect of TCDD toxicity involves altering the metabolism of retinoic acid.
Compressive sampling in array processing

In this paper, we propose a sampling architecture for the efficient acquisition of multiple signals lying in a subspace. We show that without the knowledge of the signal subspace, the proposed sampling architecture acquires the signals at a sub-Nyquist rate. Prior to sampling at a sub-Nyquist rate, the analog signals are diversified using analog preprocessing. The preprocessing step is carried out using implementable components that inject “structured” randomness into the signals. We recast the signal reconstruction from fewer samples as a low-rank matrix recovery problem from generalized linear measurements. Our results also include a sampling theorem that provides the sufficient sampling rate for the exact reconstruction of the signals. We also discuss an application of this sampling architecture in the estimation of the covariance matrix, required for parameter estimation in several important array processing applications, from much fewer samples.
Experiences of electric bicycle users in the Sacramento, California area

In some parts of the world, electric bicycles (e-bikes) represent a significant share of daily travel, though they are still rare in the United States. The small size and maneuverability of e-bikes that are assets in cities in China may not be as important in the U.S., where cities are built to accommodate cars, but their potential as a substitute for cars makes them an important part of the discussion around sustainable transportation. In this study we conducted 27 interviews with e-bike users in the greater Sacramento area in which we asked participants about the reasons why they chose to invest in an e-bike, the ways in which they use their e-bikes, positive and negative aspects of using e-bikes, and reactions from friends and family members. Several important themes emerged from the interviews. The functional characteristics of e-bikes, particularly greater speed and acceleration than conventional bicycles with less exertion, contribute to several positive aspects of their use, including enabling more people to bicycle, more trips to be made by bicycle, and more fun for their users. The result, for these users, was an overall decrease in driving, with some users getting rid of their car altogether. Negative aspects cited by users include security concerns, safety concerns, unwieldiness, and range anxiety. Participants also discussed several misperceptions on the part of non-users that could inhibit their adoption. These results provide insights for the development of e-bike policy and guidance for future research.
Abraham Jacobi, MD: The Man and His Legacy

In 1963 the American Medical Association (AMA) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) jointly established the Jacobi Award named after Dr Abraham Jacobi, acknowledged as the founder of pediatrics. He introduced pediatrics as a specialty in the opinions of medical historians. The first recipient was Dr Alexis F. Hartman, Sr, Professor of Pediatrics at Washington University in St Louis. This tribute to the efforts of Dr Abraham Jacobi reminds us of the very significant dedication that characterized Dr Jacobi's life. He was a most remarkable man of boundless energy and strong convictions. One year ago, Dr Robert Haggerty gave a very scholarly presentation of Jacobi's personal life and his professional life. Dr Haggerty referred to Jacobi as “a respectable rebel,” in my opinion, a very appropriate description of this remarkable man. Rather than covering many facets of Jacobi's life and career as did Dr Haggerty, it is appropriate that we touch on some aspects of Dr Jacobi's character as a reminder to keep us focused on the development of our specialty, the problems it presented, and also the problems we face today. Dr Jacobi was born in Hartum, Westphalia, Germany, in 1830. His family was of very limited means; consequently, there were struggles and sacrifices to provide him with his education. His MD was obtained from the University of Bonn in 1851.1 Jacobi's professional life could have been predicted from his outspoken strong opinions and intolerance of heavy-handed rules. His life was characterized by struggles against the prejudices of new ideas, injustices, and absurdities beginning in his student years. As a “zealous democrat” he was involved in the cause of the revolutionary activities going on in the 1840s in Germany. For this he was accused of high treason and was confined in prisons in Cologne and Minden for … Address correspondence to: Edmund C. Burke, MD, Mayo Clinic, 200 First St NW, Rochester, MN 55905.
Ovine anterior pituitary proopiomelanocortin gene expression is not increased by ACTH secretagogues in vitro

Recent reports have demonstrated that the secretion of ACTH from sheep anterior pituitary primary cultures is markedly stimulated by arginine vasopressin (AVP) but not by CRF, and that AVP-stimulated ACTH secretion is potentiated by CRF. It has also been reported that AVP increases total ACTH content (secreted plus intracellular ACTH), suggesting that AVP stimulates POMC biosynthesis in the ovine anterior pituitary. These observations differ from the rat, in which CRF is the most potent of the ACTH-releasing factors and the only ACTH secretagogue which stimulates POMC gene expression and biosynthesis. The second messenger pathways which mediate CRF- and AVP-stimulated ACTH release (protein kinase A and protein kinase C, respectively) are the same in sheep and rat corticotrophs. The present studies were undertaken to determine if ovine POMC gene expression, unlike the rat POMC gene, is stimulated by AVP via the protein kinase C pathway. A 295 base pair portion of the ovine POMC gene was isolated using poly...
Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Health-Related Quality of Life and Health in Children Are Largely Mediated by Family Contextual Differences

Abstract Objective To examine (1) racial/ethnic disparities in health-related quality of life (HRQOL), and overall health status among African-American, Hispanic, and white 5th graders in the general population and (2) the extent to which socioeconomic status (SES) and other family contextual variables mediate any disparities. Methods A total of 4824 African-American, Hispanic, and white fifth-graders participating in a population-based, cross-sectional survey conducted in 3 U.S. metropolitan areas reported their own HRQOL by using the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory Version 4.0 and supplemental personal and social well-being scales. Parents reported these children's overall health status. SES was indexed by parent education and household income. Other family contextual variables included family structure and degree to which English is spoken at home. Results Marked racial/ethnic disparities were observed across all measures of HRQOL and health status, favoring white children and especially disfavoring Hispanic children. Most of these disparities were no longer significant after adjusting for SES and other family contextual differences that were observed among these racial/ethnic groups. Only disparities in parent-reported overall health status and self-reported global self-worth remained. Conclusions Racial/ethnic disparities in children's health status are substantial but may be mediated by corresponding disparities in SES and other family contextual variables. Race/ethnicity and family context are related to one another and should be considered jointly in efforts to reduce health disparities in children.
Test-retest practice effects and test score changes of the WAIS-R in recovering traumatically brain-injured survivors

Abstract A group of adult TBI subjects who were tested at approximately 2, 4, 8, and 12 months postinjury with the WAIS-R were compared with a matched control group of similar adult TBI survivors who were tested twice with the WAIS-R at approximately 2 and 12 months postinjury. No significant differences were noted between the two groups on numerous preinjury, injury, or postinjury variables. Both groups demonstrated significant gains in both IQ and subtest scaled scores at 1 year postinjury. Significantly greater change scores were demonstrated in the experimental group than in the control group, suggesting possible test-retest practice effects in Performance IQ and several subtests. Trend analyses detected both linear and quadratic recovery curves, with recovery slowing by the third evaluation. Implications of results for clinical practice are discussed.
An Enhancer Composed of Interlocking Submodules Controls Transcriptional Autoregulation of Suppressor of Hairless

Summary Positive autoregulation is an effective mechanism for the long-term maintenance of a transcription factor's expression. This strategy is widely deployed in cell lineages, where the autoregulatory factor controls the activity of a battery of genes that constitute the differentiation program of a postmitotic cell type. In Drosophila , the Notch pathway transcription factor Suppressor of Hairless activates its own expression, specifically in the socket cell of external sensory organs, via an autoregulatory enhancer called the ASE. Here, we show that the ASE is composed of several enhancer submodules, each of which can independently initiate weak Su(H) autoregulation. Cross-activation by these submodules is critical to ensure that Su(H) rises above a threshold level necessary to activate a maintenance submodule, which then sustains long-term Su(H) autoregulation. Our study reveals the use of interlinked positive-feedback loops to control autoregulation dynamically and provides mechanistic insight into initiation, establishment, and maintenance of the autoregulatory state.
Simulation of endovascular interventions of cerebral aneurysms: techniques and evaluation

Computer simulations of blood flow past endovascular devices such as coils and stents is important to design better devices as well as for personalizing and optimizing endovascular procedures used to treat cerebral aneurysms. However, the main difficulty lies in the generation of suitable computational grids inside the blood vessels and around the surface of these devices. In this paper, a hybrid method that combines body fitted grids for the vessel walls and adaptive embedded grids for the devices is presented. This approach tremendously simplifies the simulation of blood flows past endovascular devices. The methodology is evaluated with a simple flow past a circular cylinder and illustrated with several idealized aneurysm stenting models and a subject-specific model of aneurysm coiling. These examples demonstrate that the methodology can be used in a wide variety of interesting applications with different levels of geometrical complexity with only a modest increase in effort. This paves the way for using these techniques to evaluate different terapeutic options during the planning phase of endovascular interventions.
The Two-Year College as a First Choice, Second Chance Institution for Baccalaureate-Degree Holders

This study focused on degree-seeking baccalaureate-degree holders at one two-year technical institute in the Midsouth to determine why they chose to study at the two-year college and how they compared their two-year college experience with their baccalaureate educational experience. Findings indicated the technical college was their first choice institution for post-baccalaureate work because the institution offered them a second chance for career advancement or a career change. Additionally, their two-year college experience compared very favorably with their four-year college experience.
Economic Consumption, Pleasure, and the Good Life

L'A. mesure l'influence de la consommation economique sur l'amelioration de la qualite de vie, dans la perspective d'une ethique de la vertu environnementaliste. Defendant la superiorite de l'ethique ancienne sur la science economique moderne, l'A. privilegie l'ideal eudemoniste d'une societe bonne sur les valeurs de neutralite, croissance et developpement propres a l'economie moderne.
Myocardial infarction in dogs with acute and gradual occlusion of the circumflex or right coronary arteries.

This study was designed to quantitate and describe the incidence and magnitude of myocardial infarction in the canine heart following acute and gradual occlusion of the circumflex or right coronary arteries. In animals with acute occlusion, the circumflex artery was ligated just distal to the bifurcation of the left coronary artery for 4 hr (seven dogs). Gradual occlusion was produced by placing an Ameroid occluder on the circumflex artery for 1 month (nine dogs), 3 months (nine dogs), and 5 months (eight dogs) and on the right coronary artery for 3 months (nine dogs). Ten dogs served as controls. At the end of the experiments the dogs were sacrificed, and identification of myocardial infarction was made with an enzyme-mapping technique in dogs with acute occlusion and with histological methods in dogs with gradual occlusion. The volume of ventricular infarction was determined with the use of an Apple II Computer and graphics tablet. After 3 months, gradual occlusion of the right coronary artery produced a 22% incidence of infarction which was significantly less (P less than .01, chi 2) than the 67% incidence observed with 3 months of gradual circumflex occlusion. The average infarct volume produced by gradual right coronary occlusion was 0.94 + 0.69%. The average volume of left ventricular infarction in animals with circumflex acute occlusion was 15.6% + 6.6 and the incidence of infarction was 100%. With gradual occlusion of the circumflex artery for 1, 3, and 5 months, average left ventricular infarction was 2.02 +/- 1.01%, 3.13 +/- 1.53%, and 2.96 +/- 1.35%, respectively. There were no significant differences in the amount of damage observed among the three groups with gradual occlusion, and the average incidence of infarction for these three groups was 76%. In the 1-, 3- or 5-month animals with circumflex occlusion, no additional areas of necrosis subsequent to the original damage were found, indicating that infarction is a single event in this model of gradual occlusion. These results suggest that infarct size is determined primarily by factors at the time of total occlusion and that gradual occlusion allows sufficient time for collateral growth, thereby limiting the extent of myocardial injury.
The smallest drops of the Quark–Gluon plasma

Abstract High multiplicity p p and p A bins display elliptic and triangular flows, similar to that observed in A A collisions. We discuss why hydrodynamic description of such “small drops of QGP” should work, and in fact the main–radial–flow should even be stronger than in the textbook A A cases. We end up briefly discussing re-summation of high gradients.
Effect of Water Shortage On Main Shoot Development and Tillering of Common and Spelt Wheat

Water stress was imposed by cessation of watering (CW) on bread wheats and, in some experiments two spelt wheats, during 9-17 days, starting at the 4-5 leaves stage. Main shoot foliar stages (MSS) were delayed by CW and the effect remained thereafter. The presence of side tillers (intact or partly destroyed by heat or potassium iodide (KI) was not beneficial to main shoot foliar development after the end of CW. Emergence of tillers after the onset of CW was also delayed, but the effect was small if timing was expressed in MSS. Secondary tillers were the most sensitive to water shortage, their number, size and foliar stage were drastically reduced. The two cultivars of spelt wheats were not less sensitive to CW than the bread wheat tested.
Search techniques for gravitational waves from black-hole ringdowns

Of all the astronomical sources of gravitational radiation, the ringdown waveform arising from a small perturbation of a spinning black hole is perhaps the best understood: for the late stages of such a perturbation, the waveform is simply an exponentially damped sinusoid. Searching interferometric gravitational wave antenna data for these should be relatively easy. In this paper, I present the results of a single-filter search for ringdown waveforms arising from a 50 solar mass black hole with $98%$ of its maximum spin angular momentum using data from the Caltech 40-m prototype interferometer. This search illustrates the techniques that may be used in analyzing data from future kilometer-scale interferometers and describes some of the difficulties present in the analysis of interferometer data. Most importantly, it illustrates the use of coincident events in the output of two independent interferometers (here simulated by 40-m data at two different times) to substantially reduce the spurious event rate. Such coincidences will be essential tools in future gravitational wave searches in kilometer-scale interferometers.
Reconstruction of oral cavity of Tetrahymena pyriformis utilizing high voltage electron microscopy

Reconstruction of the oral cavity from 17 0.5 mum thick serial sections observed with a high voltage electron microscope (JEM-1000, operated at 1000 kV) has enabled us to describe the in situ shape of the cavity, the orientation of the membranelles, oral ribs, cytostomal lip and forming food vacuole of Tetrahymena pyriformis. The study also showed that many different sets of microtubules encircle the oral cavity forming an interwoven, basket-like structure around the cavity thus providing it with considerable structural rigidity. By correlating results obtained from the reconstruction with results obtained from scanning electron microscopy and freeze-fracturing we have been able to elucidate the probable mechanism of how food particles are propelled into and through the oral cavity.
Effect of sidewall boundary conditions on unsteady high speed cavity flow and acoustics

The effect of sidewall boundary conditions on the computed unsteady flow and sound pressure level is investigated in a transonic open cavity. The hybrid approach used for modeling turbulence combines a Reynolds averaged mode in the boundary layer, and a large eddy simulation mode in the massively separated flow region within the cavity to resolve the wide dynamic range involved. Computational results are presented for the instantaneous vorticity and for the sound pressure level spectra. Comparison of the results obtained using inviscid and periodic sidewall boundary conditions show the sensitivity of the computed SPL spectra and autocorrelation to the conditions enforced at the sidewalls. The computed SPL spectra are also compared with available experimental results, with LES computational results, and with prior investigations based on the same hybrid turbulence model without the wall function used in the current investigation. The comparisons show that the current results obtained using inviscid sidewall boundary conditions are closest to the experimental sound pressure level spectra and that agreement is achieved at considerable saving in required computational resources.
Audio-visual gender recognition

Combining different modalities for pattern recognition task is a very promising field. Basically, human always fuse information from different modalities to recognize object and perform inference, etc. Audio-Visual gender recognition is one of the most common task in human social communication. Human can identify the gender by facial appearance, by speech and also by body gait. Indeed, human gender recognition is a multi-modal data acquisition and processing procedure. However, computational multimodal gender recognition has not been extensively investigated in the literature. In this paper, speech and facial image are fused to perform a mutli-modal gender recognition for exploring the improvement of combining different modalities.© (2007) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Biological function for 6-methyladenine residues in the DNA of Escherichia coli K12

Abstract A strain of Escherichia coli K12 mutant at the dam † site contains 0.8 mole % 6-methyl adenine as compared to 0.50 mole % in the wild type, and the residual DNA methylation is not due to the K12 modification methylase specified by the hsp genes. The dam-3 mutant is more sensitive to ultraviolet irradiation and to mitomycin C than the wild type and also shows a higher mutability. DNA isolated from the dam-3 mutant contains single-stranded breaks that are amplified in dam-3 polA12 and dam-3 lig-7 double mutants. A function of dam -specified 6-methyl adenine residues in DNA would, therefore, appear to be the protection of DNA from a nuclease(s) that causes the development of breaks. Combination of dam-3 with polA, recA, recB and recC is lethal.
Critical Care Clotting Catastrophies

Coagulation problems are very common in intensive care patients. It is important to recognize potential problems, perform a rapid assessment, and start therapy. The author reviews general clinical and laboratory approaches to diagnosis and treatment of the bleeding patient and to correction of coagulopathies. This review outlines a set of often catastrophic coagulation problems, which may present both thrombotic and bleeding challenges. These include heparin induced thrombocytopenia, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, and disseminated intravascular coagulation.
Selected country circuity factors for road travel distance estimation

Road distances are conveniently estimated from distance functions that frequently must be corrected with a multiplier, referred to as a circuity factor, in order to approximate actual travel distances. For various regions of the world, these circuity factors differ due to such factors as road network density, travel obstacles, in hilliness. In this note, the circuity factors resulting from a sampling of road networks for various countries and country regions throughout the world are presented. They are particularly useful in designing logistics networks, routing vehicles, and planning in other geographically based logistics applications.
Techniques for heavy-ion coupled-channels calculations. I. Long-range Coulomb coupling

Direct-reaction calculations for heavy ions require special computational techniques that take advantage of the physical peculiarities of heavy-ion systems. This paper is the first of a series on quantum-mechanical coupled-channels calculations for heavy ions. It deals with the problems posed by the long range of the Coulomb coupling interaction. Our approach is to use the Alder-Pauli factorization whereby the channel wave functions are expressed as products of Coulomb functions and modulating amplitudes. The equations for the modulating amplitudes are used to integrate inwards from infinity to a nuclear matching radius (\ensuremath{\approx} 20 fm). To adequate accuracy, the equations for the amplitudes can be reduced to first order and solved in first Born approximation. The use of the Born approximation leads to rapid recursion relations for the solutions of the Alder-Pauli equations and hence to a great reduction in computational labor. The resulting coupled-channels Coulomb functions can then be matched in the usual way to solutions of the coupled radial equations in the interior region of $r$ space. Numerical studies demonstrate the reliability of the various techniques introduced.NUCLEAR REACTIONS HI coupled-channel inelastic scattering. Treatment of long-range Coulomb potential.
The political power of the french senate: Micromechanisms of bicameral negotiations

In comparison with the extensive powers of the French Senate under the Third Republic, the constitutional role of the upper legislative house in the French Fourth and Fifth Republics has been highly circumscribed; in cases of disagreement, the National Assembly is granted the ultimate power of decision. This article compares three explanations of senatorial influence under these institutional constraints. The first account accords influence to senatorial wisdom; the second refers to presidential attitudes toward the Senate; the third attributes senatorial influence to a series of institutional and political factors. Four case studies of senatorial influence are analysed. Although the legislative outcomes are consistent with both the second and third explanations, the details of the negotiation process provide additional support for the institutional/political explanation.
Algebraic rotating-frame approach to electron-molecule scattering: A hybrid calculation

A hybrid approach to electron scattering from polar molecules that uses a recently introduced algebraic rotating-frame approach is presented. The high partial waves are taken from the rotating-frame calculation, while the low partial waves are taken from coupled-channel calculations. The method is applied to electron scattering from a diatomic molecule with large dipole moment and compared with a recent hybrid approach that uses the albegraic-eikonal approximation.
REAL-TIME, IN SITU MEASUREMENTS OF ATMOSPHERIC OPTICAL ABSORPTION IN THE VISIBLE VIA PHOTOACOUSTIC SPECTROSCOPY--IV. VISIBILITY DEGRADATION AND AEROSOL OPTICAL PROPERTIES IN LOS ANGELES*

Abstract Aerosol light absorption ( b abs ) has been measured in real-time in Los Angeles with a validated photoacoustic technique, and its impact on visibility degradation has been examined. These measurements were collected during ten days in the summer of 1987 for the Southern California Air Quality Study (SCAQS). Aerosol b abs ( λ = 514.5 nm) varied from an hourly average value of 7 × 10 −6 m −1 in the 3–4 and 4–5 a.m. periods of 13 July to 9 × 10 −5 m −1 in the 7–8 a.m. period of both 28 August and 3 September. This b abs , which is due solely to elemental carbon (EC) showed a distinct diurnal pattern with low values at night, increasing around sunrise to higher values through mid-afternoon. Comparison of these data with aerosol light scattering data clearly illustrates that the contribution of aerosol light absorption to visibility degradation increases in importance under less polluted conditions. Other urban and rural studies show similar results.
Cultural narrative and the motivation of the terrorist

Understanding terrorism primarily as a form of opposition to the State and to the rule of Law, political science aspires to a schematic and exhaustive typology of terrorism. For the Armenians in the diaspora, there is no state that can conduct their political life for them, that can challenge, for example, Turkish misrepresentations of Armenian history, or claim the legitimate use of force. The absence of a state and a country means that there is no possibility in the diaspora for enacting a classical narrative of social revolution on either the Marxist or another model: neither Angolan revolution nor Afghan guerrilla war is possible. Under such circumstances and in the conditions that have prevailed in the Middle East since 1967, the dominant cultural narratives overdetermine conditions that help to produce terrorism and are in turn reanimated by it.
The use of atmospheric analogues to predict Alberta Clipper storm trajectories in a changing global climate

Abstract Alberta Clippers are extratropical cyclones that form in Alberta, Canada and move east-southeastward over the Great Plains and Midwest regions. With the onset of global climate change and the potential shifts in atmospheric circulation patterns, however, this defined storm trajectory could be modified. Since the affected regions support much of the national population and agricultural activity, the presence of the Alberta Clipper storm track influences regional climatological patterns. In this study, atmospheric analogues defined by global temperature and El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) characteristics are used to compare the trajectories of past Alberta Clipper storms to hypothesize how these could change with global warming. The results indicate that, although the trajectory azimuths from t = 0 to t = 60 are similar between the analogues, starting latitude and longitude results show that, on average, Warm analogue storms form further to the north and east than La Nina analogue Clippers.
Spectrophotometric determination of cobalt with sulfosalicylic acid

A spectrophotometric procedure is presented for the determination of cobalt as the cobalt(II)-5-sulfosalicylic acid complex. Absorbance measurements at 325 nm in solutions adjusted to pH 9.0 with ammonium hydroxide and containing boric acid-potassium chloride-sodium hydroxide buffer obey Beer's law for concentrations up to 40.0μg of cobalt per ml. The molar absorptivity of the complex is 2670 l/mol/cm at 325 nm.
Synthesis of the spin-labeled derivative of an ether-linked phospholipid possessing high antineoplastic activity

Abstract We report here the complete synthesis of the spin-labeled derivative of an antitumor ether phospholipid, 1- O -octadecyl-2- O -(4′-doxylpentyl- rac -glycerol-3-phosphocholine. This also represents the first time that the synthesis of a nitroxide spin-labeled diether phospholipid is described. In vitro experiments showed that at micromolar concentrations, this new analog is readily incorporated into the plasma membranes of human HL60 and mouse E8/AK.D1 leukemic cells, and subsequently kills the cells. The availability of this new probe should permit the electron spin resonance spectroscopic approach to investigate ways by which antitumor ether phospholipids selectively destroy the tumor cells.
In vivo three-dimensional microelectromechanical endoscopic swept source optical coherence tomography

In clinical applications, three-dimensional (3-D) microscopic image volume reveals tissue morphological changes, which are closely related to pre-cancer and early stage disease, much better than two-dimensional images. However, the traditional endoscope only achieves two-dimensional surface images. In this paper, a 3-D endoscopic microscope was developed based on a rotational microelectromechanical system (MEMS) probe [1]. The 3-D helix scan mode was realized by combining a MEMS motor rotational scan and linear stage transversal movement. In order to coordinate the high spin speed of MEMS motor inside the endoscope, an optical coherence tomography (OCT) system with a broadband fast swept laser was used. In vivo 3-D image volumes of rabbit esophagus and trachea were demonstrated.
Polymerization shrinkage and stress development in amorphous calcium phosphate/urethane dimethacrylate polymeric composites

This study explores how substituting a new high molecular mass oligomeric poly(ethylene glycol) extended urethane dimethacrylate (PEG-U) for 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) in photo-activated urethane dimethacrylate (UDMA) resins affects degree of vinyl conversion (DC), polymerization shrinkage (PS), stress development (PSSD) and biaxial flexure strength (BFS) of their amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) composites. The composites were prepared from four types of resins (UDMA, PEG-U, UDMA/HEMA and UDMA/PEG-U) and zirconia-hybridized ACP. Introducing PEG-U improved DC while not adversely affecting PS, PSSD and the BFS of composites. This improvement in DC is attributed to the long, more flexible structure between the vinyl groups of PEG-U and its higher molecular mass compared to poly(HEMA). The results imply that PEG-U has the potential to serve as an alternative to HEMA in dental and other biomedical applications.
Telling tales: The role of scribes in constructing the discourse of the Salem witchcraft trials

This study examines the practices of scribes who recorded the examinations of those accused of witchcraft in Salem in 1692. The data consists of 68 records of examinations held between March and October 1692 and in January 1693. Each record is coded for two features: use of contextual commentary and evaluative adjectives or adverbs which suggest attitudes and values of the scribes and reflect the pragmatic context. Records are also coded according to presentation in direct discourse or reported discourse. Records presented in direct discourse and those occurring in the early period of the trials contain the greatest number of both contextual commentary and evaluative/subjective adjectives or adverbs. The analysis reveals that the majority of the records are written by four identified scribes.
The localized requirements for a gene affecting segmentation in Drosophila: Analysis of larvae mosaic for runt

The runt gene is required in a developing Drosophila embryo for proper segmentation. Mutant embryos fail to hatch but secrete a larval cuticle in which pattern defects are apparent. In runt embryos, there are pattern deletions spaced at two segment intervals along the antero-posterior axis of the animal. The deleted regions are replaced by mirror-image duplications of the remaining regions. This paper investigates the localized requirements for runt+ activity by analyzing the segmentation patterns in larval genetic mosaics. This analysis is aided by the faintoid and shavenbaby mutations which affect larval cuticle morphology without affecting segmentation. These two mutations serve as markers of the regions of larval cuticle secreted by genetically runt cells. The analysis of the runt mosaic patterns indicates the effects of the gene on segmentation are primarily cell autonomous. This includes both the pattern deletions and the associated mirror-image duplications. This indicates the mirror-image duplications are not due to regeneration but result from a more direct effect of runt on patterning in the embryo. The mosaic patterns also reveal other aspects of the process of pattern formation in the larval epidermis. Based on these results a model is presented for the generation of the larval pattern.