cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Frequency-selective quadrupolar MRI contrast

A method for the selective detection of quadrupolar nuclei located in anisotropic environments is presented. The image contrast can be tuned to the degree of anisotropy in the sample by using frequency-swept pulsed. These methods are particularly useful in the field of sodium-MRI, where sodium signals from locally-ordered environments provide diagnostic information. In solid-state MRI, these methods could be useful for probing structural defects within the sample. We demonstrate here one-dimensional images, in which the pixel contrast indicates the presence or absence of quadrupolar coupling within a certain frequency range.
Parallel programming challenges for Internet-scale computing (entropia)

For the past three years, the largest computing systems in the world have been based on “distributed computing” — the assembly of large numbers of PC’s over the Internet. These “grid” systems sustain multiple teraflops continuously by aggregating hundreds of thousands to millions of machines, and demonstrate the utility of such resources for solving a surprisingly wide range of large-scale computational problems in data mining, molecular interaction, financial modeling, etc. Such systems are now achieving widespread adoption within the enterprises to solve their largest computing problems.
Proposal for a doubly focusing cold neutron spectrometer at NIST

I propose to build a cold neutron spectrometer with a doubly focusing monochromator viewing the liquid hydrogen moderator at the NBSR reactor at NIST. First I describe a practical formalism for calculating the monochromatic neutron flux at the sample position for various monochromating systems. Then I show that the large solid angle by which a doubly focusing crystal monochromator could view the cold neutron source at the NBSR would allow the construction of an instrument surpassing any current instrument for neutron spectroscopy with 0.1 < ΔE < 0.5 meV and ΔQ ≈ 0.1 A−1. I contrast the merits of this instrument to those of other neutron spectrometers at NIST and elsewhere and discuss the scientific opportunities that the instrument would provide.
Isolation and Characterization of Rhizobacteria from Composts That Suppress the Severity of Bacterial Leaf Spot of Radish

ABSTRACT Composts can induce systemic resistance in plants to disease. Unfortunately, the degree of resistance induced seems highly variable and the basis for this effect is not understood. In this work, only 1 of 79 potting mixes prepared with different batches of mature, stabilized composts produced from several different types of solid wastes suppressed the severity of bacterial leaf spot of radish caused by Xanthomonas campestris pv. armoraciae compared with disease on plants produced in a nonamended sphagnum peat mix. An additional batch of compost-amended mix that had been inoculated with Trichoderma hamatum 382 (T382), which is known to induce systemic resistance in plants, also suppressed the disease. A total of 11 out of 538 rhizobacterial strains isolated from roots of radish seedlings grown in these two compostamended mixes that suppressed bacterial leaf spot were able to significantly suppress the severity of this disease when used as inoculum in the compost-amended mixes. The most effective s...
Deconvolution of broad-line NMR spectra containing overlapping modulation sidebands☆☆☆

Abstract A numerical method has been devised to extract pure absorption spectra from NMR spectra displaying overlapping modulation sidebands. Modulation broadening of narrow lines present in wide-line NMR spectra can be eliminated by the use of high-frequency magnetic-field modulation without requiring that the modulation frequency exceed either the spectrum width or the width of the broadest spectral line. This facilitates the collection and interpretation of spectra in which narrow, intense lines either overlap or are adjacent to very broad, weak lines.
Urban American perceptions of animals and the natural environment

Abstract This paper will examine the animal-related knowledge and attitudes of urban Americans. The data is derived from a national study of 3107 randomly distributed Americans. The urban population of this sample consisted of 1392 respondents. Urban respondents are distinguished by residence in varying city sizes and suburban locations. A typology of ten basic animal-related attitudes are used to assess fundamental environmental perceptions. A scale is also employed to differentiate animal-related knowledge. Major differences in knowledge and attitudes are described among urban residents distinguished by area of residence, age, sex, ethnicity and socioeconomic status.
Narrowband PLC solutions for AMI achieve long distance communications and flexibility with immediate market impact

Introduction The critical components enabling affordable and wide scale Smart Grid deployment are semiconductors, software, and standards. Diverse requirements associated with 1000's of utilities and the multitude of international regulations dictate that software-enabled solutions be widely employed. In the case power line communications, a “software defined” PLC is an essential to fuel the smart grid.
Torque generation by one of the motor subunits of heterotrimeric kinesin-2.

Abstract Heterotrimeric kinesin-2 motors [1] , [2] transport intraflagellar transport (IFT)-particles from the base to the tip of the axoneme to assemble and maintain cilia [3] , [4] , [5] , [6] , [7] , [8] , [9] , [10] . These motors are distinct in containing two non-identical motor subunits together with an accessory subunit [1] , [11] , [12] , [13] , [14] , [15] . We evaluated the significance of this organization by comparing purified wild type kinesin-2 holoenzymes that support IFT in vivo, with mutant trimers containing only one type of motor domain that do not support IFT in vivo. In motility assays, wild type kinesin-2 moved microtubules (MTs) at a rate intermediate between the rates supported by the two mutants. Interestingly, one of the mutants, but not the other mutant or the wild type protein, was observed to drive a persistent counter-clock-wise rotation of the gliding MTs. Thus one of the two motor domains of heterotrimeric kinesin-2 exerts torque as well as axial force as it moves along a MT, which may allow kinesin-2 to control its circumferential position around a MT doublet within the cilium.
Evaluation of interruption behavior by naive encoders

The purpose of this study was to determine the characteristics of interactions that influence judgments of interruption behavior in naive observers. We selected 40 potential interruption conversation segments from television political talk shows. These segments were coded for the following 8 features a priori: floor change, rapport, transition‐relevance place (TRP), topic change, number of syllables overlap, line of regard, gender of interrupter, and gender of speaker, as well as 3 exploratory variables of overlap pile‐up, interruption acknowledgment, and moderator process‐relevant speech. The a priori features were chosen because in previous studies researchers had identified them as theoretically important in characterizing interruptions. Participants were asked to decide whether an example was indeed an interruption and then to rate it in terms of how “good” or “bad” it was as an example of an interruption, in order to extract a prototypicality judgment. Our findings suggest that a hybrid definition, c...
Formulation and Analysis of Matching Points of Interest in Two-Spacecraft for Optimal Rendezvous

This paper deals with the development of algorithms allowing solving for the optimal close rendezvous problem of two spacecraft, one of which is passive and freely tumbling. It first analyses the existing formulations that are limited to simplified models and control strategies. It then addresses the development of the complete three-dimensional twenty-state model of two-spacecraft rendezvous. Next, the minimum-time and minimum-control (energy) problem is formulated and dealt with using indirect (Minimum Principle) and one of the direct pseudospectral methods. The paper provides a methodology of solving optimal control problems using direct methods with further validation of the obtained results using the indirect method, presents and compares the results of several simulations carried out in the Mathworks’ MATLAB/Simulink development environment, and ends with conclusions.
Patterns and Personality Correlates of Implicit and Explicit Attitudes Toward Christians and Muslims

We explored implicit and explicit attitudes toward Muslims and Christians within a predominantly Christian sample in the United States. Implicit attitudes were assessed with the Implicit Association Test (IAT), a computer program that recorded reaction times as participants categorized names (of Christians and Muslims) and adjectives (pleasant or unpleasant). Participants also completed self-report measures of attitudes toward Christians and Muslims, and some personality constructs known to correlate with ethnocentrism (i.e., right-wing authoritarianism, social dominance orientation, impression management, religious fundamentalism, intrinsic-extrinsic-quest religious orientations). Consistent with social identity theory, participants' self-reported attitudes toward Christians were more positive than their self-reported attitudes toward Muslims. Participants also displayed moderate implicit preference for Christians relative to Muslims. This IAT effect could also be interpreted as implicit prejudice toward Muslims relative to Christians. A slight positive correlation between implicit and explicit attitudes was found. As self-reported anti-Arab racism, social dominance orientation, right-wing authoritarianism, and religious fundamentalism increased, self-reported attitudes toward Muslims became more negative. The same personality variables were associated with more positive attitudes toward Christians relative to Muslims on the self-report level, but not the implicit level.
Corticotropin-releasing hormone and calcium signaling in corticotropes

Abstract Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) stimulates ACTH secretion from anterior pituitary corticotropes, largely, but possibly not exclusively, via activation of the adenylyl cyclase cascade. CRH stimulates secretion by increasing Ca 2+ influx and by Ca 2+ -independent mechanisms. As Ca 2+ influx is largely regulated by membrane electrical properties, we review the effects of CRH on membrane excitability and changes in cytosolic Ca 2+ . We also speculate on possible pathways for CRH modulation of exocytosis by Ca 2+ independent mechanisms.
Development of an immunoassay to detect hemoglobin adducts formed by benzene exposure

Polyclonal murine antibodies that recognize the adducts formed by benzene metabolites in hemoglobin (Hb) were prepared and used to develop immunoassays. In competitive inhibition assays, the concentration of competitor needed to reduce the signal by 50% (IC50) was less than 10 pmoles for hydroquinone-hemoglobin (HQHb) adducts and less than 1 pmole for 1,2,4 trihydroxybenzene-hemoglobin (TriOH Hb). Hemoglobin (Hb) incubated with either phenol or catechol (CAT) did not elicit antibodies suitable for quantitative immunoassays. The metabolite-directed immunoassays were tested using hemoglobin from mice previously administered [C14] benzene for two to four weeks. The most sensitive assay for hydroquinone measured 0.49 pmoles adduct/40 pmoles Hb (191 pmoles adduct/mg Hb) in mice treated with 200 mg/kg benzene (P < 0.05, Student's t test). TriOH Hb adducts were not detected.
Disclosing versus concealing distressing information: linking self-reported tendencies to situational behavior

Abstract We examined whether one's self-reported tendency to disclose versus conceal distressing information predicts actual disclosure and concealment behavior. Sixty-nine undergraduates who were pretested on a measure of disclosure versus concealment tendencies saw either a distressing or non-distressing film and we assessed their reactions to the film via a structured interview. Self-reports of disclosure versus concealment tendencies predicted the number of statements in which distressing emotions were acknowledged and independent observers' ratings of how much distress was expressed, but these relationships were not moderated by manipulated distress level. These findings support the use of self-reports of disclosure and concealment in research and clinical settings as predictors of observable disclosures of negative emotions.
In vitro study of afferent synaptic transmission in the rostral gustatory zone of the rat nucleus of the solitary tract

The synaptic responses of rostral nucleus of the solitary tract (rNST) neurons to electrical stimulation of the solitary tract (ST) fibers were investigated using whole-cell recordings in brain slices of adult rat medulla. Most neurons of the rNST (47%) responded to stimulation of the ST with excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs), 28% responded with mixed excitatory and inhibitory postsynaptic potentials (PSPs) and 25% responded with inhibitory postsynaptic potentials (IPSPs). The estimated reversal potentials for the EPSPs (EEPSP) was -7 mV and for the IPSPs (EIPSP) was -69 mV. The glutamate antagonist 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (CNQX) acting at the alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-isoxazole-4-propionic acid (AMPA)/kainate receptor, either reduced or blocked all EPSPs tested. D-2-Amino-5-phosphonovalerate (APV), a selective N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, also reduced the amplitude of the EPSPs. These results suggest that glutamate is released following stimulation of afferent fibers in the ST and acts on both AMPA/kainate and NMDA glutamate receptors. The IPSPs result from release of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) since superfusion of the GABAA receptor antagonist, bicuculline reversibly blocked the IPSPs. The GABAB receptor antagonist, phaclofen, also reduced the IPSP components in some neurons, indicating that both GABAA and GABAB receptors are involved in inhibitory transmission in the rNST. When the morphology of the recorded neurons was examined by filling the neurons with biocytin and reconstructing the neurons, each morphological type of rNST neuron responded with excitatory and inhibitory PSPs following stimulation of the ST.
Compositional properties and thermoelectric power of the superconducting ceramic. Nd2−xCexCuO4−y

Abstract We report studies on the compositional properties and subsequent thermoelectric power of ceramic samples of superconducting reduced, Ce-doped Nd 2 CuO 4−y and for the undoped parent compound as well. The synthesis of ceramic material with uniform cerium concentration is difficult, but samples can be obtained which are 20–25% superconducting by volume. For such material we find the sign of the Seebeck coefficient to be negative at all temperatures above its superconducting transition at T = 22 K and zero below, consistent with, but not proving purely “n-type” normal state transport and pairing. We also obtain a negative room temperature thermopower for the parent Nd 2 CuO 4−y compound, but with a change to positive sign at lower temperature. We review these findings against thermopower data reported for the “p-type” high-T c compounds where a negative Seebeck coefficient is also observed under certain conditions, and conclude that separation of carriers into specific negative or positive entities in the spirit of the effective mass approximation is in general not possible in copper oxide perovskite superconductors.
Correlated equilibrium in games with type-dependent strategies

Abstract This paper extends Aumann's definition of correlated equilibrium to games with incomplete information. A strategy correlated equilibrium is defined to be a correlated equilibrium of the game in behavioral strategies. It is shown that this equilibrium concept is robust with respect to misspecifications of the uncertainty in the game, and the equilibrium correspondence is upperhemicontinuous with respect to the players' payoff functions and information. This implies the existence of strategy correlated equilibria without assumptions on the structure of players' information. None of these results have been proven for Bayesian-Nash equilibria.
Clinical implications of orbital cellulitis

Periorbital and orbital cellulitis are clearly two distinct disorders with different etiologies. Periorbital cellulitis is well-documented as a more common infectious process limited to the eyelids in the preseptal region. In contrast, orbital cellulitis represents a more severe, but less common, infection of the orbit posterior to the septum with or without subperiosteal abscess, orbital abscess, or cavernous sinus thrombosis. A retrospective review of the clinical and laboratory data of 137 cases of orbital and periorbital cellulitis was performed. Periorbital cellulitis was documented in 98 cases (71%), in contrast to orbital cellulitis which was noted in 39 (28%) patients. All patients with orbital cellulitis received intravenous antibiotics, however, surgical therapy was necessary for progression of orbital cellulitis in 49% of patients. The majority of patients underwent incision and drainage of an abscess in the orbit. Complications as a result of orbital cellulitis occurred in nine (23%) of the patients. A distinction is made between the clinical entity of periorbital cellulitis and orbital cellulitis. Separating these clinical entities on the basis of physical examination and radiographic studies is important because the medical and surgical management of these two disease processes is different.
Eltrombopag (Promacta), a Thrombopoetin Receptor Agonist for the Treatment of Thrombocytopenia: Current and Future Considerations

Thrombocytopenia, a decreased platelet count, is a common clinical feature that may be caused by decreased platelet production or accelerated platelet removal. Accelerated platelet removal may result from various immunologic mechanisms, excessive consumption, or sequestration of platelets in the spleen. Thrombocytopenia can range from a transient, isolated finding to a severe, life-threatening condition. Eltrombopag (SB497115) is a novel, orally bioavailable, small-molecule thrombopoetin receptor agonist that induces differentiation and proliferation of megakaryocytes. Preclinical testing on healthy volunteers shows high drug bioavailability and efficacy in raising platelet counts. The 10-day treatment with eltrombopag increased platelet count up to 1.5 times. The drug is usually tolerated well and serious adverse events and discontinuation are rare. There is an unmet need for this agent, and probably eltrombopag is indeed the "drug of choice" for some limited categories of patients; however, its long-term safety profile is unknown. To evaluate the potential drug development, careful analysis of thrombocytopenia morbidity and prevalence of the applicable for treatment with eltrombopag clinical scenarios is highly warranted. Lack of vascular outcome data with regard to potential excessive activity of these next-generation novel platelets may result in increased thrombotic risks and cause worsened cardiovascular and stroke outcomes may be the major obstacle to the success of this promising agent.
Flow-swallowing enthalpy probes in low-density plasma streams.

Flow swallowing enthalpy probes for low density plasma gas flows in constricted arc heated facility, discussing attached shock system
Korean Commercialism and Sense of Place: A Case Study of Shin-chon Commercial District through Two Concepts of Walter Benjamin′s Flâneur and Mimesis

This study explores the sense of place in contemporary commercial spaces in South Korean cities by analyzing Shin-chon, one of the major commercial districts located in Seoul. While studies of ″place″ have grown alongside critiques of modernism and have played a significant role in fostering better understandings of built environments in the last few decades, the discourses of sense of place within dynamically changing metropolis remain relatively unexamined. Despite many criticisms of the distracting and placeless aspects of contemporary Korean cities, these aspects also reveal localized commercialisms, privatized public spaces, and material representations in everyday life. Advertisements are here perceived as the mode of communication and medium through which one can construct sense of place according to what one experiences. Signboards are the vehicles that reflect this psychological process. Through the application of Walter Benjamin′s two concepts – flâneur and mimesis – this paper will discuss how the theory of signboards in everyday life is formulated, and how Shin-chon can be interpreted as a place where people find sense of place without being alienated from the built environment.
Matrix product ansatz for Fermi fields in one dimension

We present an implementation of a continuous matrix product state for two-component fermions in one dimension. We propose a construction of variational matrices with an efficient parametrization that respects the translational symmetry of the problem (without being overly constraining) and readily meets the regularity conditions that arise from removing the ultraviolet divergences in the kinetic energy. We test the validity of our approach on an interacting spin-1/2 system and observe that the ansatz correctly predicts the ground-state magnetic properties for the attractive spin-1/2 Fermi gas, including the phase-oscillating pair correlation function in the partially polarized regime.
The effect of alloy deformation on the average spacing parameters of nondeforming particles

It is shown on the basis of stereological definitions and a few simple experiments that the commonly used average dispersion parameters, area fraction (A/sub A/)/sub ..beta../, areal particle density N/sub A..beta../ and mean free path lambda/sub ..cap alpha../, remain invariant during plastic deformation in the case of non-deforming equiaxed particles. Directional effects on the spacing parameters N/sub A..beta../ and lambda/sub ..cap alpha../ arise during uniaxial deformation by rotation and preferred orientation of nonequiaxed particles. Particle arrangement in stringered or layered structures and the effect of deformation on nearest neighbor distances of particles and voids are briefly discussed in relation to strength and fracture theories.
Perceptions of Competence: Age Moderates Views of Healthy Aging and Alzheimer’s Disease

BACKGROUND/STUDY CONTEXT: Older adults have more complex and differentiated views of aging than do younger adults, but less is known about age-related perceptions of Alzheimer's disease. This study investigated age-related perceptions of competence of an older adult labeled as "in good health" (healthy) or "has Alzheimer's disease" (AD), using a person-perception paradigm. It was predicted that older adults would provide more differentiated assessments of the two targets than would younger adults. Methods Younger (n=86; 18-36 years) and older (n=66; 61-95 years) adults rated activities of daily living (ADL), instrumental activities of daily living (IADL), and memory abilities of a female target aged 75 years, described as healthy or with AD. Data on anxiety about aging, knowledge of and experience with aging and AD, knowledge of memory aging, and positive and negative biases toward aging and AD were also collected. Results Older adults perceived the healthy target as more capable of cognitively effortful activities (e.g., managing finances) and as possessing better memory abilities than the AD target. As predicted, these differences were greater than differences between targets perceived by younger adults. The interaction effect remained significant after statistically controlling for relevant variables, including education and gender. Additionally, exploratory analyses revealed that older adults held less positively biased views of AD than younger adults, but negatively biased views were equivalent between age groups. Conclusion The results demonstrate that mere labels of "healthy" and "Alzheimer's disease" produce significant and subtle age differences in perceived competencies of older adults, and that biases towards AD vary by age group and valence. Our findings extend the person-perception paradigm to an integrative analysis of aging and AD, are consistent with models of adult development, and complement current research and theory on stereotypes of aging. Future directions for research on perceptions of aging are suggested.
Residue series solution of impulse noise propagation into a shadow zone

Previously published calculations of impulse noise propagation into a shadow zone have been performed using expressions that are only valid above the creeping wave layer [C. G. Don and A. J. Cramond, J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 80, 302–305 (1986)]. In this letter the results of a calculation accurate within the creeping wave layer will be described.
Expression analysis of the T-cell-targeting chemokines CXCL9 and CXCL10 in mice and humans with endothelial infections caused by rickettsiae of the spotted fever group

Rocky Mountain spotted fever and other related diseases are systemic infections caused by rickettsiae. These obligatory intracellular bacteria target the endothelium, offering an appealing model to study the interactions between endothelial cells and T lymphocytes. We investigated the mRNA expression of chemokines known to target CD8+ T cells and CD4+ T-helper 1 cells in the lungs of C3H/HeN mice infected with Rickettsia conorii with the purpose of identifying evidence for a role of chemokines in the immune clearance of rickettsiae from the vasculature. The expression of the CXCR3 ligands CXCL9 and CXCL10 was significantly higher than the other chemokines investigated. We validated the relevance of these results in the animal model through the analysis of tissues from humans with Rocky Mountain spotted fever. We then characterized the kinetics and localization of expression of CXCL9 and CXCL10 in lungs, brain, and liver of mice infected with lethal or sublethal doses of R. conorii by a combination of quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry. Interestingly, the peak of expression of these chemokines occurred 4 days before CD8+ T cells infiltrated the infected tissues. Our results suggest that CXCL9 and CXCL10 may play a role early during the immune response against rickettsial infections.
New Class of Intermetallic Borocarbide Superconductors: Electron-Phonon Coupling and Physical Parameters

In spite of their layered crystal structure, the new class of intermetallic borocarbide superconductors (typified by LuNi2B2C) have three-dimensional conduction with anisotropy being a minor factor. The calculated electron-phonon coupling constants are consistent with a picture of moderate- to strong-coupling conventional superconductivity, with large contributions from boron vibrations. We report several calculated material parameters for members of this class of compounds, and compare with some of the experimental data.
Stereochemical course in vivo of alpha-methyldopa decarboxylation in rat brains.

Abstract The metabolic fate in vivo of the antihypertensive agent α-methyldopa (α-MD) has been examined in rat brain tissues with the aid of 13 C- and 2 H-labeled compounds and chemical ionization mass spectrometry. After intraperitoneal administration of (S)-α-MD, endogenous catecholamines in the caudate nucleus and hypothalamus were replaced by the corresponding α-methylated compounds. In contrast to these results, brain catecholamines were unaffected when (R)-α-MD was given. Transport of the amino acids into the brain was found to be highly stereoselective for the (S)-enantiomer. After direct administration of (S)- or (R)-α-MD into rat brain (third ventricle), evidence of metabolism was obtained only for the pharmacologically active (S)-enantiomer. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that the centrally mediated antihypertensive properties of (S)-α-MD are dependent on its metabolic conversion in the brain to α-methyldopamine and/or α-methylnorepinephrine.
Age and growth of mutton snapper along the east coast of Florida

Abstract Otoliths of 1191 mutton snappers, Lutjanus analis, 265–860 mm total length (TL) were examined. The fish were sampled from headboat landings from Jacksonville Beach, Florida, to Key West, Florida, from 1976 to 1981. The oldest fish was aged 14 and measured 824 mm TL. Back-calculated mean lengths of 878 fish ranged from 161 mm at age 1 to 778 mm at age 14. The von Bertalanffy growth equation is Lt = 861.5 (1−e−0.1534(t + 0.5788)), where L = total length in mm and t = years. The lenght-weight relationship is W = 1.0 × 10−8TL3.0449, where W = weight in kg and TL = total length in mm. Mutton snapper are fully recruited to the headboat hook and line fishery at age 3. For all years combined, the total instantaneous mortality rate (Z) was 0.33 and the total annual mortality rate was 0.28. A Beverton and Holt yield-per-recruit model (M = 0.20) suggests a maximum yield-per-recruit of 800 g if instantaneous fishing mortality is 0.4–0.5 and recruitment ages are 5–6 years. However, even with the current low levels of fishing mortality (
A rapid, reproducible method for processing human solid tumors for in vitro culture

The described techniques permit rapid processing of solid human tumors. Resultant cell and tissue suspensions have high viability and can be readily propagated in vitro.
Prostitutes as Victims of Serial Homicide: Trends and Case Characteristics, 1970-2009:

This work includes a count of solved serial murder cases in the United States from 1970 to 2009. The number of serial murder cases has declined; the likelihood that a victim is a female has increased somewhat and although the numbers of all types of serial murder victims has declined, when a case occurs, victims are increasingly likely to be prostitutes, particularly female prostitutes. U.S. serial murder cases with prostitute victims accounted for 32% of all U.S. serial murder cases involving female victims only, 1970-2009. However, the proportion of solved cases involving female prostitute victims only increased across the study period from 16% during 1970-1979 to a high of 69% during 2000-2009. Prostitute killers amass a greater average number of victims than do nonprostitute killers and when analyzed by decade, those who kill primarily prostitutes, kill for slightly longer periods of time. The implications of findings for prevention and investigation efforts are discussed.
Growth characteristics of bone marrow cells from beige mutant, the mouse homologue of the Chediak-Higashi syndrome of man, propagated in semisolid agar cultures.

Suspensions of bone marrow cells from the beige (bg/bg) mouse, a homologue of the Chediak-Higashi syndrome (C-HS) of man, and normal mouse bone marrow cells, when stimulated by colony-stimulating factor (CSF) from different sources, proliferate in semisolid agar cultures and produce colonies composed of granulocytic and/or mononuclear cells. Studies with CSF from various sources (embryo and kidney feeder monolayers, conditioned media from and kidney cell cultures, and plasma from untreated, irradiated, or endotoxin-treated mice) indicated that bone marrow cells mal cells when the incubated with the same CSF source. Experiments which compared the bone marrow colony response of beige and normal cells using postendotoxin plsma (PEP) as the CSF source indicated that beige cells were stimulated to the same extent by CSF obtained from either the normal or the beige mouse. CSF obtained from normal or affected mice was equally effective in stimulating bone marrow cell proliferation. There was no discordance of colony cell types present when PEP-stimulated 8-day bone marrow colonies from normal and affected mice were compared. The nuclear morphology of beige and normal granulocytes from these cultures indicated cells ranging from myeloblasts to mature segmented polymorphonuclear leukocytes. These preliminary studies indicate that the agar culture method for the growth of mono-nuclear and granulocytic colonies may provide a method for obtaining enriched C-HS cell populations for biochemical analysis of the genetic efect(s) in this interesting disease.
Action Potential Prolongation in Cardiac Myocytes of old Rats is an Adaptation to Sustain Youthful Intracellular Ca2+ regulation

A. M. Janczewski, H. A. Spurgeon and E. G. Lakatta. Action Potential Prolongation in Cardiac Myocytes of Old Rats is an Adaptation to Sustain Youthful Intracellular Ca2+ Regulation. Journal of Molecular and Cellular Cardiology (2002) 34, 641–648. Advanced age in rats is accompanied by reduced expression of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ pump (SERCA-2). The amplitudes of intracellular Ca2+ (Ca2+i) transients and contractions in ventricular myocytes isolated from old (23–24-months) rats (OR), however, are similar to those of young (4–6-months) rat myocytes (YR). OR myocytes also manifest slowed inactivation of L-type Ca2+ current (ICaL) and marked prolongation of action potential (AP) duration. To determine whether and how age-associated AP prolongation preserves the Ca2+i transient amplitude in OR myocytes, we employed an AP-clamp technique with simultaneous measurements of ICaL (with Na+ current, K+ currents and Ca2+ influx via sarcolemmal Na+-Ca2+ exchanger blocked) and Ca2+i transients in OR rat ventricular myocytes dialyzed with the fluorescent Ca2+ probe, indo-1. Myocytes were stimulated with AP-shaped voltage clamp waveforms approximating the configuration of prolonged, i.e. the native, AP of OR cells (AP-L), or with short AP waveforms (AP-S), typical of YR myocytes. Changes in SR Ca2+ load were assessed by rapid, complete SR Ca2+ depletions with caffeine. As expected, during stimulation with AP-S vs AP-L, peak ICaL increased, by 21±4%, while the ICaL integral decreased, by 19±3% (P<0.01 for each). Compared to AP-L, stimulation of OR myocytes with AP-S reduced the amplitudes of the Ca2+i transient by 31±6%, its maximal rate of rise (+dCa2+i/dtmax; a sensitive index of SR Ca2+ release flux) by 37±4%, and decreased the SR Ca2+ load by 29±4% (P<0.01 for each). Intriguingly, AP-S also reduced the maximal rate of the Ca2+i transient relaxation and prolonged its time to 50% decline, by 35±5% and 33±7%, respectively (P<0.01 for each). During stimulation with AP-S, the gain of Ca2+-induced Ca2+ release (CICR), indexed by +dCa2+i/dtmax/ICaL, was reduced by 46±4% vs AP-L (P<0.01). We conclude that the effects of an application of a shorter AP to OR myocytes to reduce +dCa2+i/dtmax and the Ca2+ transient amplitude are attributable to a reduction in SR Ca2+ load, presumably due to a reduced ICaL integral and likely also to an increased Ca2+ extrusion via sarcolemmal Na+-Ca2+ exchanger. The decrease in the Ca2+i transient relaxation rate in OR cells stimulated with shorter APs may reflect a reduction of Ca2+/calmodulin-kinase II-regulated modulation of Ca2+ uptake via SERCA-2, consequent to a reduced local Ca2+ release in the vicinity of SERCA-2, also attributable to reduced SR Ca2+ load. Thus, the reduction of CICR gain during stimulation with AP-S is the net result of both a diminished SR Ca2+ release and an increased peak ICaL. These results suggest that ventricular myocytes of old rats utilize AP prolongation to preserve an optimal SR Ca2+ loading, CICR gain and relaxation of Ca2+i transients.
Managing Dynamic Competition

In many important high-technology markets, including software development, data processing, communications, aeronautics, and defense, suppliers learn through experience how to provide better service at lower cost. This paper examines how a buyer designs dynamic competition among rival suppliers to exploit learning economies while minimizing the costs of becoming locked in to one producer. Strategies for controlling dynamic competition include the handicapping of more efficient suppliers in procurement competitions, the protection and allocation of intellectual property, and the sharing of information among rival suppliers. (JEL C73, D44, L10)
Dangerous Spaces, Dangerous Liaisons: Performance Arts on and of the U.S./Mexico Border

This essay will consider the performative arts on the border, ranging from script-based plays to performance pieces in urban spaces and public installation pieces. These will be analyzed according to their focus on 1) the plight of the illegal immigrant; 2) the violence that has become a daily factor in the lives of border citizens; and 3) the symbolic efforts to make a sacred space out of one as seemingly unsacred as the border; and if not a sacred space, one that is more transparent and hopefully, less dangerous and threatening. This article is available in Studies in 20th & 21st Century Literature: http://newprairiepress.org/sttcl/vol32/iss2/10 Dangerous Spaces, Dangerous Liaisons: Performance Arts on and of the U.S./Mexico Border Kirsten F. Nigro* The University of Texas at El Paso The nearly 2,000-mile border between Mexico and the United States has long been a paradox, experienced as well as imagined by citizens of both countries as a space of desire and revulsion, pleasure and pain, life and death. In the early twenty-first century—the time of NAFTA, illegal immigration and ruthlessly powerful drug cartels—the border is seen by many as a threat to these neighboring countries: to the “homeland security” and economy of the United States, and to the very existence of Mexico as a law-abiding and viable nation-state. The building of walls in an era of globalization is the latest contradiction of this extensive border: it is open and often invisible as an economic passage way, while also increasingly closed and visible as a crossing point for human transit. Given these paradoxes, it is not surprising that artists who personally live this border experience should find it rich material for their work. Although the political and economic challenges of the border are prime features in the news media, the ones that get the most and loudest sound bites, there is another border phenomenon that also merits close attention: the arts, which have so blossomed there that a city as maligned as Tijuana was heralded by Newsweek as a cultural mecca for our new century.1 This essay will consider the performative arts on the border, ranging from script-based plays to performance pieces in urban spaces and public installation pieces. These will be ana1 Nigro: Dangerous Spaces, Dangerous Liaisons: Performance Arts on and of Published by New Prairie Press
The influence of figure size and orientation on the magnitude of the horizontal-vertical illusion.

Abstract Two experiments were performed to examine the effect of display size and figure orientation on the horizontal-vertical illusion. According to the visual field hypothesis of Kunnapas (1957a, 1957b) if the relation of the figure components to the surrounding frame is held invariant neither experimental manipulation should exert an appreciable influence. However, both manipulations produced significant effects indicating that the visual field hypothesis is untenable as the primary determinant of the horizontal-vertical illusion. An alternative explanation was discussed.
Reducing verbal redundancy in multimedia learning: An undesired desirable difficulty?

Previous research on the redundancy principle in multimedia learning has shown that although exact correspondence between on-screen text and narration generally impairs learning, brief labels within an animation can improve learning. To clarify and extend the theoretical and practical implications of these results, the authors of the present research examined the extent to which varying degrees of correspondence between on-screen text and narration in a multimedia lesson affects recall and transfer. In 2 experiments, college students viewed an animated and narrated PowerPoint lesson about the life cycle of a star, with different participants experiencing different degrees of correspondence between on-screen text and narration. Consistent with the redundancy principle and the dual-channel theory of multimedia learning, both experiments demonstrated impairment for on-screen text identical to the narration. As an extension of previous research on the redundancy principle, however, both experiments also demonstrated an advantage for a small amount of discrepancy between narration and on-screen text. On the other hand, too much discrepancy resulted in learning just as poor as when the on-screen text was identical to the narration. Metacognitive judgments revealed that participants tended to prefer on-screen text identical to the narration, even though recall and transfer scores showed that on-screen text worded slightly differently than the narration was better for learning. Results indicate that despite learner preferences to the contrary, slight discrepancies between on-screen text and narration can be a desirable difficulty, suggesting an extension to the redundancy principle that is consistent with the desirable difficulties framework as well as the cognitive theory of multimedia learning.
Civil Wars Kill and Maim People—Long After the Shooting Stops

down by age, gender, and type of disease or condition. We test hypotheses about the impact of civil wars and find substantial long-term effects, even after controlling for several other factors. We estimate that the additional burden of death and disability incurred in 1999, from the indirect and lingering effects of civil wars in the years 1991-97, was approximately equal to that incurred directly and immediately from all wars in 1999. This impact works its way through specific diseases and conditions and disproportionately affects women and children.
Nonlocal form of the rapid pressure-strain correlation in turbulent flows

A new fundamentally based formulation of nonlocal effects in the rapid pressure-strain correlation in turbulent flows has been obtained. The resulting explicit form for the rapid pressure-strain correlation accounts for nonlocal effects produced by spatial variations in the mean-flow velocity gradients and is derived through Taylor expansion of the mean velocity gradients appearing in the exact integral relation for the rapid pressure-strain correlation. The integrals in the resulting series expansion are solved for high- and low-Reynolds number forms of the longitudinal correlation function f(r), and the resulting nonlocal rapid pressure-strain correlation is expressed as an infinite series in terms of Laplacians of the mean strain rate tensor. This formulation is used to obtain a nonlocal transport equation for the turbulence anisotropy that is expected to provide improved predictions of the anisotropy in strongly inhomogeneous flows.
Quantum Model of Selective Multiphoton Processes: The Role of External (Field) and Internal (Anharmonic Coupling) Detunings*

Quantum equations of motion describing the energy transfer dynamics via intramolecular anharmonic coupling are presented and solved numerically. Dynamical features of the average excitations of a homogeneous system (SF6) and a heterogeneous system (H/W) are quantitatively discussed in terms of the intramolecular vibrational relaxation (IVR) rates. Possible mechanisms of surface-enhanced desorption via low-power laser radiation are proposed.
Fibrillin domain folding and calcium binding: significance to Marfan syndrome

Abstract Background: Marfan syndrome is a heritable disorder of connective tissue which has been associated with mutations in a gene encoding fibrillin, a 350 kD glycoprotein found in microfibrils. This protein consists of ∼60 domains, 47 of which have similarity to epidermal growth factor (EGF). The first mutations to be detected were found in two sporadic cases that had identical Arg to Pro changes within one EGF-like domain. Based on sequence features common to 43 of the EGF-like domains, it was proposed that these domains might bind calcium. Through the synthesis and characterization of wild-type and mutated single domain peptides, we examined the structural and calcium-binding properties of an isolated EGF-like domain from fibrillin and the effects of the Arg to Pro sequence change. Results: A peptide corresponding to the thirteenth putative calcium-binding. EGF-like domain of fibrillin (the site of the first detected mutations) was synthesized. This peptide could be easily oxidized and refolded. The structure of this domain was probed using NMR methods, indicating features characteristic of the known structures of EGF-like domains. The domain bound to calcium with moderate affinity (K d = 0.6 ± 0.1 mM) with no major changes in structure induced upon calcium binding. A synthetic peptide containing the Arg to Pro mutation was found to be drastically impaired in its ability to fold in vitro . Conclusions: As predicted, a fibrillin domain forms a calcium-binding, EGF-like module. As the putative calcium-binding sites are found at the amino-terminal end of the modules, we propose that calcium ions may bind at the interfaces between domains, affecting the overal structure of the protein. The Arg to Pro mutation blocks domain folding in vitro , suggesting that lack of proper domain folding in vivo may contribute to the molecular defects responsible for Marfan syndrome.
Alternative forms of sales taxation for a developing country

Summary In an increasing n umber of developing countries, as in virtually all of the major industrial countries, one or other form of sales taxation has taken root as an important provider of revenue, though in spite of much recent debate—much of it concerning the value added tax—no single form of sales taxation has emerged as being the most efficacious. This article does not discuss the merits of sales taxation, nor its effects or, development, but rather focuses on the question of which form of sales tax should be adopted assuming that one is to be.
The reciprocity between student-faculty informal contact and academic performance of university undergraduate students

A nonrecursive theoretical model was developed through a review of the literature to assess the degree of reciprocity between faculty contact and academic performance. Data was gathered from 1,096 freshmen and sophomores at a single research university. Contrary to expectations, GPA and faculty contact did not strongly affect one another. GPA was most strongly affected by high school performance and academic integration, and faculty contact was most influenced by advisor contact, talking in class, and memberships in campus organizations. The findings suggest that men and women and freshmen and sophomores were affected by faculty contact in different ways.
A prospective, multipractice study of shoulder function and health status in patients with documented rotator cuff tears

A total of 191 patients from 29 orthopedic practices are analyzed in this report. All had full-thickness tears documented by imaging tests and/or surgical observation; 190 had tears of the supraspinatus, 54 had tears of the infraspinatus, and 13 had tears of the subscapularis. The greatest functional deficits were in the ability to place 8 pounds on a shelf at the level of the head (93% unable), the ability to throw overhand (93% unable), and the ability to sleep on the affected side (86% unable). The SF-36 physical role function and comfort scores were 27% and 48%, respectively, of those of age- and sex-matched controls. Of the variables suggested by a review of the literature, only female sex, involvement of the infraspinatus in the cuff tear, and workers' compensation claims were significantly correlated with lower shoulder function in this series of patients.