cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Coherent-backscatter effect: A vector formulation accounting for polarization and absorption effects and small or large scatterers.

Previous theoretical work on the coherent-backscatter effect in the context of speckle time autocorrelation has gone beyond the diffusion approximation and the assumption of isotropic (point) scatterers. This paper extends the theory to include the effects of polarization and absorption, and to give the angular line shape. The results are expressions for angular variations valid for small and large scatterers and linear and circular polarizations, in lossless or lossy media. Calculations show that multiple anisotropic scattering results in the preservation of incident polarization. Application to a problem in radar astronomy is considered. It is shown that the unusual radar measurements (high reflectivity and polarization ratios) of Jupiter's icy Galilean satellites can be explained by coherent backscatter from anisotropic (forward) scatterers.
A characterization of unmanaged riparian areas in the central Coast Range of western Oregon

Abstract As an approach to providing baseline information about riparian ecosystems, this study characterized the dominant riparian vegetation along unmanaged streams in central Oregon Coast Range forests. We systematically sampled along various reaches of nine first- to fourth-order streams, all of which were subject to stand-replacing fires ca. 145 year ago. The near-stream communities were divided into different vegetative and/or topographic units called landscape units (LUs); LU1s were closest to the stream, and LU2s were farther from the stream. Fifty-two percent of LU1s had no trees, and among all LUs, red alder was the most frequently found tree species. Although in some cases sample plots simply fell between widely spaced trees, we hypothesize that red alder originally dominated many of the current treeless patches and has since senesced to release understory shrubs. With increased distance from the stream, hardwoods decreased in compositional importance relative to conifers, not because hardwood frequency changed, but because conifer frequency increased. Our results suggest that the competitive advantage of hardwoods and shrubs is the biggest limiting factor of conifer growth in the near-stream micro-environment and that without vigorous competition, conifers have the potential to grow over more of the riparian area than that on which they occurred in unmanaged areas. Calculations of disturbance frequency, based on ages of shade-intolerant stand dominants, indicate that along the stream reaches we sampled, a minimum of 2.6 disturbances per stream km per century occurred since the last stand-resetting fire. Riparian areas are spatially and temporally diverse, and any riparian management model should incorporate this variability.
Indoor localization: ready for primetime?

Indoor navigation and location tracking have been popular academic research topics in our community for more than a decade. This has lead to a vast amount of theoretical results, positioning techniques, and system prototypes that were developed in academia and industry research labs for efficient and accurate indoor localization and navigation. Marketplace adoption, however, has been slow -- products have largely focused on outdoor positioning and navigation. Only recently has the industry buzz and investment in indoor positioning and navigation products picked up. This panel will discuss whether indoor positioning solutions are finally ready for the marketplace. It will examine the limitations of the state of the art along dimensions such as precision, accuracy, energy consumption, complexity, and privacy and will debate in which areas, if any, further academic research is called for. The panelists will also discuss why adoption has been slow, whether any significant non-technical hurdles remain, and speculate which technical solutions are most likely to succeed.
Parent views of infant pain and pain management in the neonatal intensive care unit

Abstract It is well established that infant pain is an important concern of parents, but little is known about the knowledge and expectations of parents regarding their infant's pain or about parents' involvement in their infant's care and satisfaction with pain management by neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) staff. Parents have an important role to play in helping health care professionals understand their child's pain and in providing comfort to their child. Neonatal nursing has been at the forefront of family-centered care, but family involvement in pain care has lagged behind other aspects. New guidelines and standards emphasize the importance of the family's role in pain management. This article examines the rationale for supporting parent involvement in infant pain care and discusses the importance of understanding parent views on infant pain in light of the new standards for pain management set forth by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. Findings from a survey to determine parent understanding of and involvement in infant pain care in one NICU are presented. A continuous-quality-improvement approach for enabling the involvement of parents in their infant's pain care is proposed, and specific strategies are suggested. Copyright © 2001 by W.B. Saunders Company
Mesophyll cell properties for some C3 and C4 species with high photosynthetic rates.

Leaves of twelve C3 species and six C4 species were examined to understand better the relationship between mesophyll cell properties and the generally high photosynthetic rates of these plants. The CO2 diffusion conductance expressed per unit mesophyll cell surface area (gCO2cell) cell was determined using measurements of the net rate of CO2 uptake, water vapor conductance, and the ratio of mesophyll cell surface area to leaf surface area (Ames/A). Ames/A averaged 31 for the C3 species and 16 for the C4 species. For the C3 species gCO2cell ranged from 0.12 to 0.32 mm s-1, and for the C4 species it ranged from 0.55 to 1.5 mm s-1, exceeding a previously predicted maximum of 0.5 mm s-1. Although the C3 species Cammissonia claviformis did not have the highest gCO2cell, the combination of the highest Ames and highest stomatal conductance resulted in this species having the greatest maximum rate of CO2 uptake in low oxygen, 93 μmol m-2 s-1 (147 mg dm-2 h-1). The high gCO2cell of the C4 species Amaranthus retroflexus (1.5 mm s-1) was in part attributable to its thin cell wall (72 nm thick).
Cultured human keratinocytes as a peripheral source of mRNA for tyrosine hydroxylase and aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase

Molecular and enzymatic analysis of genetic diseases which affect biogenic amine metabolism is hampered by an inability to easily obtain peripheral tissues that express enzyme activity or specific mRNA. Activity of enzymes involved in catecholamine metabolism has been reported in human skin keratinocytes (Schallreuter et al 1992 ; Ramchand et al 1995). We therefore investigated these cells to determine whether they could provide a source of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) (EC 1.14.16.2) mRNA or aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) (EC 4.1.1.28) mRNA and hence facilitate mutation studies in cases with a suspected deficiency of these enzymes.
mDAG: A web tool for analyzing, visualizing, and interpreting response patterns in gene expression data with multiple treatments

Background: We previously introduced a method based on post hoc pairwise comparisons to analyze gene expression responses. This method utilized directed graphs to represent gene response to all treatment pairs. It has been found useful in identifying structure-activity relationships among drugs and differentiating genes sharing similar functional pathways. Directed graphs are descriptive, visually expressive and can benefit subsequent functional analysis. Results: mDAG is a web-based software package based on this established method for the analysis, visualization, and interpretation of patterns of responses in gene expression data involving multiple treatments. Genes with the same directed graph patterns hypothetically share similar biological function, which may be further analyzed using external tools. To facilitate subsequent functional analysis, several well-known tools have been incorporated into mDAG to help users explore hypotheses about gene function and regulation. This tool is useful for any studies that analyze comparatively response patterns in gene expression data with multiple treatments (chemicals, cell types, etc.). Availability: The (server/personal/demo) software is freely available at http://cetus.cs. memphis.edu/mdag.
Bombesin microinjected into the dorsal vagal complex inhibits TRH-stimulated gastric contractility in rats

Abstract The effects of centrally injected bombesin on central and peripheral stimulated gastric contractility were investigated in fasted urethane-anesthetized rats. Miniature strain gauge force transducers were acutely implanted on the corpus of the stomach and gastric contractility was analyzed by computer. Intracisternal injection of the stable thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH)-analog RX 77368 (77 pmol) induced a stimulation of gastric contractility for 40 min. Intracisternal injection of bombesin (62–620 pmol) followed 30 min later by that of RX 77368 resulted in a dose-related inhibition of the TRH-analog-induced gastric contractility. Intracisternal injection of bombesin (620 pmol) did not modify gastric, contractility stimulated by intravenous carbachol. Stimulation of gastric contractility induced by TRH-analog microinjected into the dorsal vagal complex (DVC) was dose-related suppressed by concomitant injections of bombesin (6.2–620 pmol). Neither bombesin alone (6.2 pmol) nor vehicle modified basal gastric contractility. These results demonstrate that bombesin acts within the brain to inhibit vagally stimulated gastric contractility and that the DVC is a sensitive site for bombesin inhibitory action. These findings suggest a possible interaction between TRH and bombesin in the central vagal regulation of gastric contractility.
Computer Modeling Studies of the Interaction of Water With Carbohydrates

Abstract Recent advances in computer speeds now make possible the use of numerical simulations to model directly the relationships between molecular structure and functional properties. Molecular mechanics calculations, particularly molecular dynamics and Monte Carlo simulations, have long been used to study aqueous systems, and have played a crucial role in advancing our understanding of liquid water. It is also possible to use such computer simulations to study the interactions of solvent water with food molecules, which allows the direct theoretical examination of the structural basis for solution properties. We have conducted a series of such studies of several prototypical carbohydrates in aqueous solution. Solvent interactions were found to have significant effects on the conformational behavior of carbohydrates, and different solutes were found to have different effects upon the solvent behavior. The nature of the interaction of water with carbohydrate functional groups was found to depend not only upon the nature of the functional group, but also upon its location in the molecule relative to other functional groups. Hydrogen bonding is particularly important in carbohydrates, and was found to play a complex role in determining solution properties and conformation.
Cyanide binding to hexacoordinate cyanobacterial hemoglobins: hydrogen-bonding network and heme pocket rearrangement in ferric H117A Synechocystis hemoglobin.

The truncated hemoglobin (Hb) from the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 is a bis-histidyl hexacoordinate complex in the absence of exogenous ligands. This protein can form a covalent cross...
Blackshot: An unexpected dimension of human sensitivity to contrast

Author(s): Landy, MS; Chubb, C; Econopouly, J | Abstract: Purpose. We studied the perceptual segregation of texture pairs consisting of a grid of uniform, square texture elements, differing only in the distribution of intensities across those elements. If two textures differ in mean intensity ("lightness") or in the variance of intensity ("contrast"), then they are easily segregated. Chubb, Econopouly a Landy (JOSA A, 11, 2350, 1994) demonstrated the existence of a 3rd mechanism B (in addition to mechanisms L and C, coding lightness and contrast respectively) that was solely responsible for the segregation of textures equated for mean and contrast. Here, we determine the sensitivity of B to textures differing in mean or variance, thus fully specifying its (highly nonlinear) contrast response function. Method. Two textures have gray-level histograms H1 and H2 chosen so as to equate both mean and variance so that B alone discriminates them. The magnitude of the difference D=H1-H2 was varied to find a segregation threshold t*D. Then, D was perturbed (e.g., D'=t*D+P) so that the two textures differed in mean or variance, and segregation performance was assessed. Results. Differences in texture mean and in texture variance traded off linearly with changes in D. This implies that even when the textures differ slightly in mean or variance, it is still B alone that discriminates between them. The slopes of the lines relating changes in mean and variance to changes in the amplitude of D reflect the sensitivity of B to texture mean and variance. Combining these findings with our previous results reveals that B is (i) highly sensitive to texture elements of the lowest contrast (near -1), and (ii) has a response that saturates by a contrast of -3/4 (dark gray). That is, this "blackshot mechanism" discriminates textures by comparing the number of the blackest pixels in each.
The Endgame for Moore's Law: Architecture, Algorithm, and Application Challenges.

Single processor clock speed scaling ended a decade ago, and transistor sizes will approach atomic scales in the next decade. With no abatement in the ideas of how to use more computing in science, engineering and business applications, and new performance drivers coming from increased density, speed and ubiquity of data collection devices, how will the demands for computing be met? Future computing system designs will be constrained by power density and total system energy, and the two performance approaches are likely to be parallelism and specialization. Data movement already dominates running time and energy costs, making communication cost reduction the primary optimization criteria for compilers and programmers.The endgame for Moore's Law will require rethinking our models of computation to minimize communication, expose fine-grained parallelism, and manage new hardware features. Specialization of languages can simplify analysis, and specialization of hardware may reduce energy use, but will disrupt the ecosystems for hardware and software development. These changes will affect the theoretical models of computing, the analysis of performance, the design of algorithms, and the practice of programming in fundamental ways.
Sexism in the pictures of children's readers: East and West Germany compared

School readers from East and West Germany were analyzed to test the hypothesis that children's literature in both socialist and capitalist societies shows stereotyped sex-role bias favoring males, but that socialist literature shows less bias. A content analysis of pictures was done for grades 1 through 4, using a sample of approximately 22% of West German readers and all four of the universally used East German readers. West German books increased in bias from the 1960s to the 1970s. Both countries showed patterns of increasing bias from grades 1 through 4. West Germany was significantly more biased than the East on nine variables. The hypothesis was thus confirmed.
A Review of the Beam Plasma Discharge

The literature of experimental laboratory beam plasma discharges (BPD) is reviewed. Previously unpublished data on the BPD in a uniform magnetic field are presented, showing clearly the convective nature of the instability at about ω pe . for ω pe > ω ce . There are still serious gaps in our understanding of the BPD in a magnetic mirror with its production of very hot electron tails with energies ≳ 10 × beam energy.
Soil-carbonate genesis in the Pinacate volcanic field, Northwestern Sonora, Mexico

Uranium-series methods were used to date and evaluate pedogenic CaCO3 genesis in the Pinacate volcanic field, northwestern Sonora, Mexico. Soils are developed in eolian deposits on lava flows. 230Th234U dates of pedogenic carbonate are mininum soil ages because of (1) the time needed to yield clasts from flows and to accrete enough carbonate to sample, (2) subsequent additions of uranium, and (3) continued solution and reprecipitation of carbonate rinds. KAr dates of basalt flows are maximum soil ages. Maximum and minimum rates of CaCO3 accumulation are calculated from the Th/U dates and KAr dates, respectively. The mean maximum rate is 0.13 g CaCO3/cm2/1000 yr and the mean minimum rate is 0.05 g CaCO3/cm2/1000 yr. Least-squares regressions of pedogenic carbonate and clay content and of Th/U ages against KAr ages suggest additions to soils from atmospheric sources throughout the late Quaternary. Morphology of pedogenic carbonate and laboratory data for soluble salts indicate that the climate of the Pinacate has not changed significantly during the past 150,000 yr. Soil variability is influenced by proximity of the eolian source. Near the periphery of the Pinacate, carbonate and clay are evenly distributed throughout soil profiles. Within the volcanic field, carbonate and clay are concentrated in soil horizons, suggesting that additions from atmospheric sources are slow enough to allow translocation.
Fecal Biomarkers for Research on Dietary and Lifestyle Risk Factors in Colorectal Cancer Etiology

Stool, consisting of undigested food, endogenous secretions, and microbiota and exfoliated host cellular components, is an ideal biospecimen for non-invasive evaluation of the whole bowel environment regarding colorectal carcinogenesis and its biological effects on epithelial cells. Since the first suggestion, more than four decades ago, of stool volume as a potential risk marker for colorectal cancer, a variety of biomarkers, ranging from molecular to gross physical characteristics, have been measured in stool, fecal water or colorectal lavage. This article provides qualitative reviews of the association of these markers with established or postulated behavioral risk factors for colorectal cancer, i.e. diet, smoking, alcohol use, and physical activity. Published data based on fecal measurement are usually limited regarding both the number of publications and sample size within the studies, and associations have often been inferred from measurements of other specimen types, including blood, saliva, tissue and cell cultures. Studies concerning physical activity, smoking and alcohol are particularly sparse. Nevertheless, the studies suggest that dietary habits (high-fat-Western-style versus vegetarian and/or vegan) and red meat, calcium and/or vitamin D, and dietary fiber intake may modulate several molecular pathways associated with colorectal cancer. Further development of fecal sample collection procedures suitable for a large number of subjects, and use of high-throughput and high-dimensional assay techniques, are expected to facilitate epidemiological and prevention research elucidating the effects and biological mechanisms of these lifestyle factors regarding colorectal cancer risk.
The effect of tri-iodothyronine in combination with imipramine on [3H]-cyclic AMP production in slices of rat cerebral cortex

Abstract Tri-iodothyronine (T3; 15 μg) was administered to rats, alone or in combination with imipramine (20 mg/kg), for 5 days. The net synthesis of [3H]-cyclic AMP in cerebral cortex slices of animals so treated and control rats was then measured. The dose-dependent stimulation of [3H]-cyclic AMP by norepinephrine (NE) was significantly reduced in imipramine-treated rats. Tri-iodothyronine treatment had no effect on the enhanced net synthesis of [3H]-cyclic AMP produced by NE. In cortex slices of rats given both T3 and imipramine, NE produced less stimulation of [3H]-cyclic AMP than in control rats. The magnitude of this inhibitory effect was less than that observed in animals treated with imipramine alone. In vitro addition of imipramine to the cortex slice preparation reduced the stimulation of [3H]-cyclic AMP caused by NE; treatment of rats with T3 did not modify this inhibitory effect of imipramine in vitro. Isoproterenol produced significantly less stimulation of [3H]-cyclic AMP net synthesis than did NE; imipramine added in vitro had no effect on the stimulation produced by isoproterenol. It is concluded that the reason for the enhanced clinical effect of imipramine when given together with T3 is not due to the hormone exaggerating the effect of the antidepressant on NE stimulated adenylate cyclase. Furthermore, for NE to produce maximal stimulation of [3H]-cyclic AMP, uptake of the catecholamine is necessary.
Bloody Nipple Discharge in Infancy: A Case Report and Recommendations for Management

We report a 5-month-old male infant with benign unilateral bloody nipple discharge, and we present a brief review of 20 previously described cases of bloody nipple discharge in infancy. On the basis of our case and previous reports, we offer recommendations for the management of the bloody nipple discharge in the first year of life: (1) diagnosis should be based on noninvasive diagnostic procedures, in the absence of dubious ultrasound or cytological diagnostic findings; (2) the condition resolves spontaneously, and surgical intervention should be avoided; (3) manipulation of the nipple can prolong the bleeding; (4) antibiotics should be given only in the presence of clear clinical and cytological signs of infection; and (5) parent reassurance is an important part of infantile bloody nipple discharge management.
Test ion transport in a collisional, field-reversed configuration

Diffusion of test-ions in a flux-coil generated, collisional, field-reversed configuration is measured via time-resolved tomographic reconstruction of Ar+ optical emission in the predominantly nitrogen plasma. Azimuthal test ion diffusion across magnetic field lines is found to be classical during the stable period of the discharge. Test ion radial confinement is enhanced by a radial electric field, reducing the observed outward radial transport rate below predictions based solely on classical cross-field diffusion rates. Test ion diffusion is ∼500m2s-1 during the stable period of the discharge. The electric field inferred from plasma potential measurements and from equilibrium calculations is consistent with the observed reduction in argon transport. © 2014 IOP Publishing Ltd.
Colesevelam: Potential Uses for the Newest Bile Resin

Colesevelam is the newest bile resin with a unique chemical structure. It binds to bile acids with higher affinity than traditional bile acid sequestrants and has fewer gastrointestinal side effects and drug interactions. Colesevelam is safe and efficacious alone or in combination with HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) in reducing low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels. Despite this, the role of colesevelam in the treatment of hyperlipidemia remains limited, particularly in the face of new lipid lowering agents. As guidelines for cholesterol control become more stringent, the need to maximize therapeutic benefit through combination therapy will become increasingly more important. Colesevelam has a dose-sparing effect on statin therapy, potentially decreasing the risk of unwanted side effects or drug-drug interactions associated with statin use. This makes colesevelam a viable option for addition to a statin regimen when goal LDL-C levels cannot be achieved with a statin alone. Additionally, anecdotal reports indicate that colesevelam may have potential benefits in certain patient populations that cannot tolerate other lipid lowering therapies, including organ transplant recipients, cholestatic liver disesase, and end-stage renal disease. By recognizing the potential utility of colesevelam, clinicians can better manage those patients who are not able to tolerate first-line therapies.
Evaluation of Alkyl Bonded Silica and Solvent Phase Modifiers for the Efficient Elution of Basic Drugs on HPLC

Abstract Nine representative drugs were used to evaluate the effects of alkyl bonded stationary phases containing type A and type B silica and the effects of an amine modifier on the efficiency of high performance liquid chromatographic elution of basic and acidic drugs. The theoretical plate count and asymmetry factor of the eluted peaks were compared to that of acetophenone as a reference to the maximal efficiency of each system evaluated. ZorbaxR C8 was used as the stationary phase prepared from type A silica and Zorbax RXR was used as the stationary phase prepared from the type B silica. The theoretical plate count and asymmetry factor of acetophenone was observed to be the same on both columns when analyzed in an acidic aqueous/acetonitrile mobile phase. An improvement in the efficiency and peak shape of the amine containing compounds was observed using the Zorbax RXR stationary phase as compared to the efficiency and peak shape of these compounds on the ZorbaxR C8 stationary phase. Interestingly, th...
Effect of various drugs on spontaneous and surgically induced ventricular fibrillation in hypothermia.

Abstract The antifibrillary actions of Ambonestyl, quinidine, and mephentermine were studied on spontaneous ventricular fibrillation and on surgically induced ventricular fibrillation in the hypothermic dog. In addition, combinations of these agents were studied on spontaneous ventricular fibrillation in hypothermia. Mephentermine in a dose of 3 mg./Kg. significantly reduced the frequency of spontaneous ventricular fibrillation, whereas Ambonestyl and quinidine were not effective. When combined with either Ambonestyl or quinidine, mephentermine exerted the same antifibrillary effect. Surgically induced ventricular fibrillation in hypothermia was significantly reduced by quinidine (12 mg./Kg.) but not by Ambonestyl or mephentermine. The results indicate that the two situations (spontaneous and surgically induced fibrillation in hypothermia) are not entirely similar, that prevention of one does not imply prevention of the other, and that the factors predisposing the heart to fibrillation are different in the two conditions.
Temporal trends (1989–2011) in levels of mercury and other heavy metals in feathers of fledgling great egrets nesting in Barnegat Bay, NJ

There is an abundance of data for levels of metals from a range of species, but relatively few long-term time series from the same location. In this paper I examine the levels of arsenic, cadmium, chromium, lead, manganese, mercury and selenium in feathers from fledgling great egrets (Ardea alba) collected at nesting colonies in Barnegat Bay, New Jersey from 1989 to 2011. The primary objectives were to test the null hypotheses that (1) There were no temporal differences in metal levels in feathers of fledgling great egrets, and (2) Great egrets nesting in different areas of Barnegat Bay (New Jersey) did not differ in metal levels. There were significant yearly variations in levels of all heavy metals in feathers of fledgling great egret, but levels decreased significantly from 1989 to 2011 only for lead (1,470 ppb to 54.3 ppb), cadmium (277 ppb to 30.5 ppb), and manganese (only since 1996; 2,669 ppb to 329 ppb)). Although mercury levels decreased from 2003-2008 (6,430 ppb to 1,042 ppb), there was no pattern before 2003, and levels increased after 2008 to 2,610 ppb in 2011. Lead, cadmium, chromium, manganese and mercury were higher in feathers from great egrets nesting in the northern part of the bay, and selenium was highest in feathers from mid-bay. The lack of a temporal decline in mercury levels in feathers of great egrets is cause for concern, since the high levels in feathers from some years (means as high as 6,430 ppb) are in the range associated with adverse effects (5,000 ppb for feathers).
Effects of overdentures upon remaining oral structures

This study provided the following guidelines in the selection of specific designs for overdenture abutments: 1. The Dolder bar, which exhibits more cross-arch involvement than the Zest anchor, will share the occlusal load across the arch, between the abutments and the supporting structures. 2. The posterior edentulous regions will receive some physiologic stimulation with the Dolder bar, for it shares more stress here than the Zest anchor. 3. The forces on the Dolder bar produce stress directed more apically than that from the Zest anchor. Since this force is better tolerated, use of the Dolder bar may be indicated for a short-rooted tooth with less supporting bone. 4. The greater stress concentrated around the abutment teeth by the Zest anchor makes use of this design in a tooth that is periodontally sound and has a long root structure well imbedded in supporting bone seem logical.
Interaction of cobalt(II) bovine carbonic anhydrase with pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylate ion and other chelating ligands

Abstract The removal of cobalt from cobalt(II) bovine carbonic anhydrase by pyridine-2-carboxylate, pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylate and 5-methyl-1,10-phenanthroline occurs via formation of an intermediate. This is presumed to be a ternary adduct of cobalt(II) enzyme with the ligand. In this, metal-protein bonds are loosened, probably via distortion of the normal geometry, resulting in accelerated breakdown of the adduct to apoprotein, compared with the behavior of the cobalt(II) enzyme alone. With 2-carboxy-1,10-phenanthroline, removal of metal is very rapid but no adduct is observed. Values of stability constants of the adducts and rate constants for their decomposition to apoprotein and their formation from apoprotein and cobalt(II) complex were measured at pH 5.5 and 25°C. Formation and dissociation rate constants for the adduct of cobalt carbonic anhydrase with pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylate could be measured from pH 5 to 7 and 10° to 25°C by stopped flow. Values of thermodynamic parameters for the various reactions agreed well with those estimated from the kinetic data.
A reflection electron microscopic (REM) study of α-Al2O3(0001) surfaces

Abstract The α-Al2O3(0001) surfaces were investigated with the reflection electron microscopy (REM) technique. The surface step configurations are reviewed in terms of atomic structure and bonding energies. Experimental evidences of step and facet configurations are also given. The characteristics of dislocations on the (0001) surfaces were discussed using Burgers vector directions and magnitudes. Contrast reversal due to the different resonance conditions and lattice termination at different atomic layers within a unit cell is reported. Also examined is the electron-beam-induced damage/contamination.
Ferromagnetism in ZnO Nanocrystals: Doping and Surface Chemistry

Room temperature ferromagnetic ordering is observed in chemically grown ZnO nanocrystals. Nanocrystals are simultaneously capped by two different organic molecules inducing p-type and n-type defects. A saturation magnetization of 0.008 emu/g is achieved at 300 K. Incorporation of Mn2+ ions at substitutional sites in nanocrystals gives rise higher saturation magnetic moment at lower doping level. ZnO nanocrystals codoped with Mn2+ and Co2+ and prepared under identical conditions revealed an increase in saturation magnetization. However, the saturation magnetic moment remains lower than that obtained for Co2+-doped ZnO nanocrystals prepared by the same method. An increase in saturation magnetization was invariably associated with quenching of photoluminescence emission. These findings reaffirm that magnetism in nanocrystals is a defect induced phenomenon that can be controlled by choice of capping agent as well as incorporation of the transition metal impurity. Magnetization as a function of temperature [M(...
Feeding and temperature responses in the unrestrained rat after injections of cholinergic and aminergic substances into the cerebral ventricles

Abstract Cholinergic, aminergic and related compounds produce dose-dependent eating, hyper- and hypothermia when given by the intraventricular route in the satiated, normothermic rat. In 335 experiments with 45 rats, acetylcholine and eserine evoked hyperthermia but no eating or drinking. The indole amine, serotonin and its precursor, 5-hydroxytryptophan, caused hypothermia but had little effect on ingestive behavior. The catecholamines, dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine selectively elicited dose-dependent eating, but no drinking; these amines also produced intense hyperthermia. L-dopa, a precursor of catecholamines, in equivalent doses caused the same responses although with a diminished magnitude and longer latency. The beta -adrenergic agonist, isoproterenol, evoked hyperthermia but no feeding, and hence alpha and beta adrenergic functions in the central nervous system may be distinguished. Although aminergic substances administered intraventricularly evoke eating and temperature changes, cholinergic compounds given by this route produce only changes in temperature.
Comparative pyrolysis studies of ethylarsines

Abstract The pyrolysis of triethylarsine (TEAs), diethylarsine (DEAsH), and monoethylarsine (MEAsH2) has been studied at atmospheric pressure in a flow tube reactor using mass spectrometry. He and D2 were selected as the carrier gases to determine ambient effects and to isotopically label the pyrolysis products. For some experiments, supplemental C2H5 and CH3 radicals, produced from pyrolysis of the co-reactants azoethane ((C2H5)2N2) and azomethane ((CH3)2N2), were added to investigate the roles of C2H5 and CH3 in the reactions. Significant D2 effects have been observed for pyrolysis of TEAs but not for DEAsH and MEAsH2. Pyrolysis of the latter could be enhanced by adding C2H5 radicals while the TEAs was nearly unaffected. With the presence of supplemental CH3 radicals, 85% decomposition was induced for each precursor. The products included DEAsD, rather than DEAsH, for TEAs pyrolysis in D2. However, DEAsH pyrolysis produced TEAs, and MEAsH2 decomposed to yield DEAsH and arsine, in both ambients. This suggests that a β-elimination reaction is not a major step for any of the ethylarsine precursors. More likely, radical reactions occur. When trimethylgallium (TMGa) was added, the ethylarsine pyrolysis rates were accelerated due to the CH3 radicals produced from TMGa pyrolysis. In addition, heterogeneous reactions have been observed for pyrolysis of ethylarsines, especially when a GaAs surface was involved.
Regression Level Set Estimation Via Cost-Sensitive Classification

Regression level set estimation is an important yet understudied learning task. It lies somewhere between regression function estimation and traditional binary classification, and in many cases is a more appropriate setting for questions posed in these more common frameworks. This note explains how estimating the level set of a regression function from training examples can be reduced to cost-sensitive classification. We discuss the theoretical and algorithmic benefits of this learning reduction, demonstrate several desirable properties of the associated risk, and report experimental results for histograms, support vector machines, and nearest neighbor rules on synthetic and real data
Multiclass Distance-Weighted Discrimination

In this article, we extend the binary distance-weighted discrimination (DWD) to the multiclass case. In addition to the usual extensions that combine several binary DWD classifiers, we propose a global multiclass DWD (MDWD) that finds a single classifier that considers all classes at once. Our theoretical results show that MDWD is Fisher consistent, even in the particularly challenging case when there is no dominating class, that is, a class with probability bigger than 0.5. The performance of different multiclass DWD methods is assessed through simulation studies and application to real microarray datasets. Comparison with the support vector machines is also provided. MATLAB implementation of the proposed methods is given in the online supplementary materials.
Hormonal Control of Macrophage Phagocytosis of Phospholipid Vesicles

AbstractHormones are known to modulate macrophage metabolism and function. This manuscript briefly reviews the influence of sex hormones on macrophage function and examines the effect of a synthetic oestrogen, diethylstilbestrol, on liposome clearance and recognition by mouse Kupffer cells and spleen macrophages.
The effects of aging on the interfacial bond in paper-polypropylene-paper laminates

This study is focused on understanding the behavior of paper-polypropylene-paper (PPP) laminate aging in hot oil in the absence of voltage stress. Peel strength measurements on two laminates aged in polybutene oil at 90/spl deg/C for up to 950 hours showed an initial rapid loss of strength followed by a much slower loss as a function of long times. Weibull analysis of the data obtained on unaged samples and those aged for 120 hours showed that the strength loss is consistent with one failure mechanism and the failure rate increases with applied stress. For the aged sample, Weibull analysis results are consistent with the prior loss of peel strength due to hot oil aging. Experiments on the solubility of the polybutene oil show that lamination reduces the amount of absorption in comparison to that for the unlaminated composite. Swelling measurements on both the polypropylene and paper components alone in the machine and transverse directions show that the polypropylene swells and the paper shrinks in both directions. Slight differences (less than 1%) between the amount of polypropylene swelling or paper shrinkage in the two directions is due to orientation in the machine direction for both components. Swelling measurements on the laminate show that both paper and polypropylene shrink, indicating that the paper governs the laminate swelling process. It is suggested that during the aging time, the differential swelling between the paper and polypropylene imposes a stress on the interface and is responsible for the loss of strength. >
Reality TV and Participatory Culture in India

This article focuses on events surrounding the third season of Indian Idol in order to assess the changing relationship between television, everyday life, and public political discourse in contemporary India. In the summer of 2007, media coverage of Indian Idol focused on how people in Northeast India cast aside decades-old separatist identities to mobilize support for Amit Paul and Prashant Tamang, the two finalists from the region. Situating this media phenomenon in relation to the changing landscape of Indian television and the socio-historical context of ethno-national politics in Northeast India, I explore how reality television, combined with mobile media technologies and practices, has enabled new modes of cultural and political expression. Positing the notion of “mobile publics,” I argue that participatory cultures surrounding television create possibilities for the renewal of everyday forms of interaction in public settings that may have been forgotten, subdued, or made impossible under certain p...
Piecing together the family portrait of TCR-CD3 complexes.

The pre-T-cell receptor (TCR)-, αβTCR-, and γδTCR-CD3 complexes are members of a family of modular biosensors that are responsible for driving T-cell development, activation, and effector functions. They inform essential checkpoint decisions by relaying key information from their ligand-binding modules (TCRs) to their signaling modules (CD3γe + CD3δe and CD3ζζ) and on to the intracellular signaling apparatus. Their actions shape the T-cell repertoire, as well as T-cell-mediated immunity; yet, the mechanisms that underlie their activity remain an enigma. As with any molecular machine, understanding how they function depends upon understanding how their parts fit and work together. In the 30 years since the initial biochemical and genetic characterizations of the αβTCR, the structure and function of the individual components of these family members have been extensively characterized. Cumulatively, this information has allowed us to piece together a portrait of the αβTCR-CD3 complex and outline the form of the remaining family members. Here we review the known structural and functional characteristics of the components of these TCR-CD3 complex family members. We then discuss how these data have informed our understanding of the architecture of the αβTCR-CD3 complex as well as their implications for the other family members. The intent is to provide a framework for considering: (i) how these thematically similar complexes diverge to execute their specific functions and (ii) how our knowledge of the form and function of these distinct family members can cross-inform our understanding of the other family members.
Importance of Time-Dependent Material Behavior in Predicting Strength of Steel Columns Exposed to Fire

One of the critical factors affecting the strength of steel columns at elevated temperatures is the influence of material creep. Under fire conditions, steel columns can exhibit creep buckling, a phenomenon in which the critical buckling load for a column depends not only on slenderness and temperature, but also on the duration of the applied load. This paper will propose a preliminary methodology to study the phenomenon of creep buckling in steel columns subjected to fire. Analytical solutions using the concept of time-dependent tangent modulus are developed to model time-dependent buckling behavior of steel columns at elevated temperatures. Results from computational creep buckling studies using ABAQUS® are also presented, and compared with analytical predictions. Both analytical and computational methods utilize material creep models for structural steel developed by Harmathy, and by Fields and Fields. The analytical and computational results clearly indicate that accurate knowledge of material creep is essential in studying creep buckling phenomenon at elevated temperatures, and that neglecting creep effects can lead to potentially unsafe predictions of the strength of steel columns subjected to fire.
A novel 2D model of internal O2 dynamics and H2S intrusion in seagrasses

Seagrasses provide a physical connection between the water column and sediments by transporting photosynthetic- and seawater-derived oxygen to their roots and rhizomes. In this paper, we present a single-shoot reaction-transport model that incorporates the biological, chemical and physical processes in the water column, seagrass plant, and sediments and that simulates oxygen and hydrogen sulfide dynamics in the system. The model reproduces oxygen and sulfide patterns observed in laboratory manipulations and field measurements of Thalassia testudinum and Zostera marina. Model results reinforce experimental conclusions that (1) meristem oxygen is tightly coupled to water column oxygen and diel patterns of sunlight, (2) sediment sulfide enters the plant when plant tissues are hypoxic, and (3) internal sulfide is rapidly depleted once oxic seawaters are re-established or with the onset of photosynthesis. Sensitivity analysis further emphasizes that water column oxygen concentration has a strong influence on the minimum oxygen concentration and maximum sulfide concentration in the meristem at night. The model indicates that diffusion is the dominant transport process in the lacunae, though advective mass flow can account for nearly a quarter of oxygen transport during periods of increasing sunlight. In the model, biological sulfide oxidation and plant dissolved organic carbon exudation both play significant roles in determining patterns of sediment oxygen consumption and sulfide intrusion into the plant.
Complete Genome Sequences of Probiotic Strains Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis B420 and Bi-07

We present the complete genomes of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis B420 and Bi-07. Comparative genomic analysis with the type strain DSMZ10140 revealed 40 to 55 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and an indel in a clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR) locus. These genetic differences provide a molecular basis for strain typing within the two main phylogenetic groups of this monomorphic species.
Effect of Using an Auditory Trainer on the Attentional, Language, and Social Behaviors of Autistic Children.

Two groups of seven autistic children wore an auditory trainer for an average of 24 minutes per day over two 5- week periods interspersed with 5-week control periods in a time series design. Videotapes were coded for three attentional states (normal, withdrawn, attacking), for verbalization and signing, and for appropriate and acceptable behaviors. Results demonstrated a decrease in time spent withdrawn and increases in signing and in schoolappropriate behavior. Results are interpreted as congruent with Katz's theory of reduced attention due to deficits in auditory conductance.
Autonomy revisited: A rejoinder to its critics

(1990). Autonomy revisited: A rejoinder to its critics. Religion: Vol. 20, No. 1, pp. 30-37.
Optimal spacing for a polar look-up table predistorter

Modern modulation standards utilize undistorted complex non-constant envelope modulation schemes for improved spectral efficiency and transmit data bandwidth. On the contrary, the increased demand of power added efficiency for longer battery life forces the power amplifiers to be operated well into their non-linear operational region. The transmitter and PA non- linearities, if uncompensated, result in many undesired effects such as spectral regrowth and degradation of BER. Look-up-table (LUT) based predistorters have been widely used to mitigate the effects of nonlinear PA's. LUT refinements techniques such as optimal spacing have been studied for zero-hold LUT (ZOH- LUT) in the complex gain predistorter configuration. In this paper, optimal spacing for the polar LUT predistorter is studied. An optimal spacing is derived for both ZOH-LUT and Linearly interpolated LUT (Lin-LUT). An analytical study of Lin-LUT shows that the mean squared approximation error is decreased by 12 dB when the LUT size is doubled, as opposed to 6 dB for ZOH interpolation.
Landscape Variation in the Diet and Productivity of Reindeer in Alaska Based on Stable Isotope Analyses

Abstract Productivity of a managed grazing system is dependent upon both the grazing strategy of ungulates and decisions made by humans. Herds of domestic reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus) graze on discrete ranges of the Seward Peninsula, Alaska with variable production rates. We show that the 15N natural abundance of reindeer forages vary significantly and the δ15N value of collagen deposited in antler bone from spring until ossification was significantly correlated with the δ15N signature of the diet. Calf weight in June was related to isotopic signatures in antler and soft tissue of adult females, and was inversely correlated with the absolute differential between summer and winter serum δ15N values. This observation suggests that female reindeer with smaller calves had catabolized more body protein during winter than females in adjacent herds. Moreover, in herds with smaller calves, female reindeer consumed proportionately more shrubs in early spring resulting in a strong relationship between δ15N...
Espacio femenino en dos montajes de Rosa de dos aromas de Emilio Carballido

En la puesta en escena de esta comedia, Rosa de dos aromas de Emilio Carballido, el movimiento fisico entre las zonas del escenario corresponden al movimiento paralelo de las mujeres desde su propia rutina dependiente hacia su libertad emocional y economica. Este montaje nos lleva mas y mas al espacio intimo de las dos mujeres, revelando sus secretos deseos y elaborando lazos de amistad entre dos seres potencialmente celosos.La ubicacioin de la accion, muestra tambien que, lo personal es lo politico y lo social.