cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cyclic AMP Levels, Adenylyl Cyclase Activity, and Their Stimulation by Serotonin Quantif ied in Intact Neurons

In molluscan central neurons that express cAMP-gated Na+ current (INa,cAMP), estimates of the cAMP binding affinity of the channels have suggested that effective native intracellular cAMP concentrations should be much higher than characteristic of most cells. Using neurons of the marine opisthobranch snail Pleurobranchaea californica, we applied theory and conventional voltage clamp techniques to use INa,cAMP to report basal levels of endogenous cAMP and adenylyl cyclase, and their stimulation by serotonin. Measurements were calibrated to iontophoretic cAMP injection currents to enable expression of the data in molar terms. In 30 neurons, serotonin stimulated on average a 23-fold increase in submembrane [cAMP], effected largely by an 18-fold increase in adenylyl cyclase activity. Serotonin stimulation of adenylyl cyclase and [cAMP] was inversely proportional to cells' resting adenylyl cyclase activity. Average cAMP concentration at the membrane rose from 3.6 to 27.6 microM, levels consistent with the expected cAMP dissociation constants of the INa,cAMP channels. These measures confirm the functional character of INa,cAMP in the context of high levels of native cAMP. Methods similar to those employed here might be used to establish critical characters of cyclic nucleotide metabolism in the many cells of invertebrates and vertebrates that are being found to express ion currents gated by direct binding of cyclic nucleotides.
Emergent, Controlled Lumbar Drainage for Intracranial Pressure Monitoring During Orthotopic Liver Transplantation

Background Measurement of intracranial pressure (ICP) is recommended in comatose acute liver failure (ALF) patients due to risk of rapid global cerebral edema. External ventricular drains (EVD) can be placed to drain cerebrospinal fluid and monitor ICP simultaneously although this remains controversial in the neurosurgical community given the risk of hemorrhagic complications. We describe a patient with ALF and global cerebral edema whose EVD failed immediately before orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) in which a lumbar drain (LD) was used temporarily to monitor ICP.
Isolated peripheral radial nerve paralysis in the newborn

Summary 1. A case of isolated peripheral radial nerve palsy in the newborn is reported. 2. Compression of the upper arm by the pelvis appears to be the major causative factor in these cases. 3. In our case it is possible that fetal intoxication from a barbiturate and quinine was a contributory causative factor.
Changes in glutathione content during cold acclimation in Cornus sericea and Citrus sinensis

Abstract Glutathione content was evaluated in relation to freezing tolerance in red osier dogwood stems and Valencia orange leaves. Exposure of dogwood and citrus to cold-acclimating conditions in controlled environments led to increases in reduced glutathione (GSH) content which were correlated with freezing tolerance. GSH did not accumulate in field-grown dogwood stems during cold acclimation in fall, but did increase in content prior to deacclimation in late winter. Further studies showed that accumulation of GSH in dogwood at low temperatures is dependent on adequate levels of sulfate in the soil. In citrus, modulation of GSH content by infiltration of leaf tissue with various compounds including GSH did not alter freezing tolerance. Root treatment with N,N -diallyl-2,2-dichloroacetamide (R-25788) increased leaf GSH content, but not hardiness. Evidence presented indicates that glutathione accumulates in plant tissues exposed to low temperatures, but that GSH accumulation is not associated with freezing tolerance.
Disposal of high activity power reactor wastes in salt mines: Mine renovations required for project Salt Vault

Abstract Project Salt Vault is a field-scale demonstration of the disposal of high-level radioactive wastes in a salt mine. Preparations required for the experiment included construction of a new headframe for the main mine shaft. renovation of the existing surface and underground facilities. mining of about 19000 tons of salt to prepare the experimental area. and drilling of a 19.1-in. i.d. waste-charging shaft from the surface to the mine level. 1000 ft below.
Some new experimental approaches to the analysis of complex forms of behavior.

1. A method is suggested for analyzing concrete “abstract thinking” and its precursors in animals. 2. It is shown that cats are capable not only of concrete intellectual activity, but also of elementary abstraction.
Kyasanur Forest Disease: An Ethnography of a Disease of Development

Kyasanur forest disease (KFD) is an example of a disease of development associated with deforestation in South India. This ethnographic account discusses the ways in which this unfamiliar debilitating disease was interpreted by South Kanarese villagers during an epidemic outbreak. Attention is focused on social and historical dimensions of emergent explanatory models. Highlighted is the manner in which physical aspects of the disease served as natural symbols for its social construction. Also noted is the metonymic relationship of body and land that underscored explanations linking the duties of feudal kings to the well-being of their kingdoms at a time following land reform and the division of estates. Beyond a consideration of co-extensive ideas of etiology, health-care decision making during the KFD epidemic is explored.
The purpose of this study is to: Connecting lexical bundles and moves in research article introductions

Abstract This article presents a group of lexical bundles identified in a corpus of research article introductions as the first step in the analysis of these expressions in the different sections of the research article. A one-million word corpus of research article introductions from various disciplines was compiled and the lexical bundles identified in it were classified grammatically and functionally. The findings of these analyses agreed with previous studies in the most frequent types of grammatical correlates for these bundles and the most frequent functions performed but showed several new qualities for these expressions ( Biber, Johansson, Leech, Conrad, & Finegan, 1999 ; Biber & Conrad, 1999 ; Biber et al., 2003 , Biber et al., 2004 ). A further step in the analysis matched these lexical bundles to the moves and steps which are characteristic of research article introductions ( Swales, 2004 ), discovering that a group of lexical bundles were exclusively linked to one move or step in a move while a second group occurred across several moves and steps. In addition, some of these expressions were used to trigger the steps that called for their use while others complemented other expressions and were used as comments.
Effect of exogenous ATP on the volume of TA3 ascites tumor cells.

When exogenous ATP is added to suspensions of TA3 ascites tumor cells suspended in Ca++ and Mg++ free media, a significant increase in cell volume can be measured. This increase is reversible upon addition of Ca++ and/or Mg++ back to the media. The enlargement of these cells is temperature sensitive and specific for ATP; no other nucleotides, EDTA or ouabain were effective. The evidence suggest that this phenomena may be due to an alteration in membrane permeability and that the regulation of membrane permeability is an energy dependent process.
A modified amino acid analyzer with greater versatility

Abstract An older amino acid analyzer was easily modified with commercially available components to update it by providing more convenient sample application, more accurate timing, greater sensitivity, and automatic regeneration. New features were introduced to permit the optional use of different buffer systems and methodologies as well as the convenient analysis of unusual basic amino acids.
Commercial public bus transport services in Germany: How a market in motion struggles with its regulatory framework

After decades of stagnation, the competitive market for commercial public bus transport services in Germany is beginning to move. Nevertheless, compared to the total market volume, the number of cases where competition is observable remains small. An empirical analysis of competition in the commercial services market as compared to competition in the non-commercial services market confirms that entry barriers do exist. These barriers clearly impede competitive developments in this embryonic market, which relies on the market initiatives of operators to develop. The paper identifies a key entry barrier in the institutional framework: for potential market entrants, the overall uncertainty regarding competitive procedures for commercial services is significantly higher than usual in tendering procedures. This high uncertainty poses the main disadvantage for newcomers as compared to incumbents.
Practical multiple-copy methods for sampling classical statistical mechanical ensembles

We present a multiple-copy molecular dynamics (MD) simulation method based on our rigorously-derived mean field algorithm [Phys. Rev. E 64 (2001) 026701]. The algorithm is extended to constant temperature ensembles and then tested for equilibrium properties including temperature equilibration times and pair radial distribution functions. The method improves on conventional multiple-copy methods because it incorporates minor pseudoparticles they ignore, yet it retains their sampling advantage over conventional MD. The current method also incorporates a parameter that allows continuous scaling between conventional multiple-copy dynamics and conventional MD for an ensemble of systems. The parameter may be chosen to strike a compromise between accuracy and computer time requirements.
The Fire of Revolution: A Counterfactual Analysis of the Polish-Bolshevik War, 1919 to 1920

In August, 1920, the fate of Europe hung in the balance. Bolshevik forces stood poised to take Warsaw, while Lenin contemplated the possibility of invading Germany. General von Seeckt in Germany considered renouncing the Treaty of Versailles, thus threatening a new world war. In France and Great Britain, senior leaders reluctantly and with great hesitation discussed military intervention in Eastern Europe. Using primary source material from American, British, German, and Polish archives, this study offers new conclusions about the landscape of post-war Europe through a counterfactual analysis of the Battle of Warsaw.
Switching-Surge Design of Towers for UHV Transmission

Criteria for switching-surge design of uhv tower insulation are discussed on the basis of test results obtained at Project UHV. Basic design curves and correction factors are presented. This information makes it possible to evolve preliminary designs of basic tower insulation for system voltages up to 1500 kV.
ELEVATED URINARY EXCRETION OF 18-OXOCORTISOL IN GLUCOCORTICOID-SUPPRESSIBLE ALDOSTERONISM

Abstract A radioimmunoassay procedure for the measurement of urinary 18-oxocortisol was developed. The antibody was raised against 18-oxocortisol 3-carboxymethyloxime-BSA and had relatively high specificity, except for aldosterone (26.3%). The RIA required a preliminary HPLC purification using a Lichrosorb diol column eluted with toluene:acetonitrile:isopropanol:acetic acid (83:11.9:5.1:0.01). The eluate portion corresponding to 18-oxocortisol was evaporated and subjected to RIA. The RIA procedure had an intraassay variability of 11% when using a pool containing 10.8 μg/24 hr (n=6) and 17% with a pool containing 3.28 μg/24 hr. The interassay variability was 11% (n=4). The recovery of added 18-oxocortisol was 90 ± 10%. The urinary excretion of 18-oxocortisol in 22 white normal subjects was 3.26 ± 1.98 (SD) μg/24 hr (range 0.8 to 7.1 μg/24 hr). The mean excretion of 18-oxocortisol in 4 patients with glucocorticoid-suppressible aldosteronism (GSA) was 38.6 μg/24 hr (range 25.5 to 54.6 μg/24 hr). The excretio...
Epigenetic and epigenomic variation in Arabidopsis thaliana

Arabidopsis thaliana (Arabidopsis) is ideally suited for studies of natural phenotypic variation. This species has also provided an unparalleled experimental system to explore the mechanistic link between genetic and epigenetic variation, especially with regard to cytosine methylation. Using high-throughput sequencing methods, genotype to epigenotype to phenotype observations can now be extended to plant populations. We review the evidence for induced and spontaneous epigenetic variants that have been identified in Arabidopsis in the laboratory and discuss how these experimental observations could explain existing variation in the wild.
Catalytic synthesis of 1,4-hexadiene by a nickel-based catalyst. Factors controlling activity and selectivity

The nature of the phosphine ligand and the aluminum cocatalyst strongly affect activity and stereoselectivity in the Al/Ni/P type (e.g. RnAlX3−n + NiX2 · 2 PR3 or Ni0[L] + R3P) catalyst system to synthesize trans- and cis-1,4-hexadiene from ethylene and butadiene. Catalyst activity is highest when the P to Ni ratio is 1. Catalyst selectivity shifts toward the trans isomers and catalyst activity decreases as the electron acceptor ability of the phosphine is increased. Catalyst activity goes from zero to a maximum as the chlorine content of the cocatalyst RnAlCl3−n is increased with no influence on stereoselectivity. The selectivity in forming trans-1,4-hexadiene increases significantly when the cocatalyst consists of a 1/1.5 to 1/2.0 mixture of RAlCl2 and R2AlB (B = OR, or NR2; R2AlB alone is not a cocatalyst). By use of selected phosphine ligands and aluminum cocatalysts, almost all trans-1,4-hexadiene can be synthesized. The increase in catalyst selectivity is attributed to the steric and stereoelectronic effects which the ligand and the cocatalyst impose on the nickel atom. These cause the butadiene to interact in the s-trans configuration which leads to the formation of trans-1,4-hexadiene. Comparison of the reaction properties of various types of catalyst combinations suggests an active catalyst species whose structure is of the type where Y is generally a halogen and X is an alkyl, a halogen, or other non-inhibiting group.
The rate of reduction of oxidized redox-active tyrosine, Z+, by exogenous Mn2+ is slowed in a site-directed mutant, at aspartate 170 of polypeptide D1 of photosystem II, inactive for photosynthetic oxygen evolution

Abstract Eleven different site-directed mutants at Asp-170 of Photosystem II polypeptide D1 of Synechocystis PCC 6803 show varying degrees of activity for light-driven water oxidation depending on the nature of the substitution (Nixon, P.J. and Diner, B.A. (1992) Biochemistry 31, 942–948). These range from the most active, glutamate, with near wild-type rates of oxygen evolution to the totally inactive serine and alanine. Photosystem II core complexes lacking the tetranuclear Mn cluster responsible for water oxidation and isolated from wild-type and D1-Asp170Ser, were compared with respect to the kinetics of reduction by Mn 2+ of the photooxidized redox-active tyrosine, Z + . The dependence of the rate of reduction of Z + on the Mn 2+ concentration shows mixed first and second-order behavior in the case of the wild-type and second-order behavior alone in the case of the mutant. The second-order rate constants for the wild-type and mutant complexes were 3.1 · 10 7 M −1 s −1 and 5.5 · 10 5 M −1 s −1 , respectively. The ratio of these rate constants is consistent with theK m values determined earlier for the blockage of charge recombination by Mn 2+ . D1-Aspartate 170 is therefore implicated in a facilitated pathway for the oxidation of Mn 2+ , which most likely includes participation in a high-affinity metal binding site (Mn 2+ and/or Mn 3+ ) in the Photosystem II reaction center.
The tidal exchange of Callianassa californiensis (Crustacea, Decapoda) larvae between the ocean and the Salmon River estuary, Oregon

This study estimated the net flux of larvae of the anomuran crustacean Callianassa californiensis between the ocean and the Salmon River Estuary, Oregon (45°N, 124°W). Measurements of tidal current velocity, temperature and salinity were made concurrently with plankton sampling through eight weekly daylight tidal cycles. Zoea I larvae released in the estuary are flushed into the ocean on ebb tides before further development. Zoea I density and tidal discharge are highest early in the ebb. The ebb flux is greater than the flood flux of larvae from the ocean, resulting in a net flux out of the estuary. No retention of larvae in the estuary was found. Megalopae entered the estuary on flood tides in August and did not leave on the following ebb tides. These recruits to the benthic population spent most of the larval period in the nearshore oceanic plankton during the upwelling season. The Salmon River estuary hydrography is typical for Pacific north-west estuarine embayments. Tidal flushing of larvae into the ocean, development in coastal waters and exchange between embayments is probably common for lower estuarine benthic species with planktonic larvae.
Involvement of the AIM2, NLRC4, and NLRP3 inflammasomes in caspase-1 activation by Listeria monocytogenes

Infection with Listeria monocytogenes can cause meningitis and septicemia in newborn, elderly, or immunocompromised individuals. Pregnant women are particularly susceptible to Listeria, leading to a potentially fatal infection. Cytosolic Listeria activates the proinflammatory caspase-1 and induces the processing and secretion of interleukins IL-1β and IL-18 as well as caspase-1-dependent pyroptosis. This study elucidates the role of various inflammasome components of host macrophages in the proinflammatory response to infection with Listeria. Here, we have used macrophages from AIM2-, NLRC4-, NLRP3-, and ASC-deficient mice to demonstrate that AIM2, NLRC4, and NLRP3 inflammasomes as well as the adaptor protein ASC all contribute to activation of caspase-1 in Listeria-infected macrophages. We show that Listeria DNA, which escapes into the cytosol of infected macrophages, triggers AIM2 oligomerization, caspase-1 activation, and pyroptosis. Interestingly, we found that flagellin-deficient Listeria, like Francisella tularensis, is recognized primarily by the AIM2 inflammasome, as no caspase-1 activation or cell death was observed in AIM2-deficient macrophages infected with this Listeria mutant. We further show that prior priming of NLRC4-deficient macrophages with LPS is sufficient for Listeria-induced caspase-1 activation in these macrophages, suggesting that TLR4 signaling is important for activation of the AIM2 and NLRP3 inflammasomes by Listeria in the absence of NLRC4. Taken together, our results indicate that Listeria infection is sensed by multiple inflammasomes that collectively orchestrate a robust caspase-1 activation and proinflammatory response.
Evaluation of acute renal colic: a comparison of non-contrast CT versus 3-T non-contrast HASTE MR urography

With the introduction of a 3-T scanner, magnetic resonance urography (MRU) may be an alternative imaging modality for evaluation of acute renal colic. We performed a prospective study to compare the performance of computed tomography (CT) with half-Fourier single shot turbo spin-echo (HASTE) MRU in the evaluation of patients with suspected renal colic. Patients presenting to the emergency department with acute renal colic were eligible for inclusion. Following a standard CT stone evaluation, patients underwent a non-contrast HASTE MRU study with a 3-T scanner. The presence of perinephric fluid, hydronephrosis, ureteral obstruction, and calculus was assessed. A total of 22 patients completed the study. Twenty (91 %) were diagnosed with an upper tract stone by radiographic findings. MRU detected a discrete stone in 50 % of the patients with stones detected by CT. Perinephric fluid was noted in 12 MRUs, compared to 7 CTs. Using CT as the reference standard, the combination of stone or perinephric fluid and ureteral dilation gave MRU a sensitivity of 84 %, specificity of 100 %, and accuracy of 86 % (95 % CI 0.72–1.0). HASTE MRU with a 3-T MR scanner can reliably detect the presence of upper urinary tract obstruction. Although CT imaging remains the superior modality with which to detect calculi, MRU detects a greater number of secondary signs of upper tract obstruction. For situations in which the use of ionizing radiation is undesirable, MRU is a reasonable imaging alternative.
Crystal cryocooling distorts conformational heterogeneity in a model Michaelis complex of DHFR

Most macromolecular X-ray structures are determined from cryocooled crystals, but it is unclear whether cryocooling distorts functionally relevant flexibility. Here we compare independently acquired pairs of high-resolution data sets of a model Michaelis complex of dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR), collected by separate groups at both room and cryogenic temperatures. These data sets allow us to isolate the differences between experimental procedures and between temperatures. Our analyses of multiconformer models and time-averaged ensembles suggest that cryocooling suppresses and otherwise modifies side-chain and main-chain conformational heterogeneity, quenching dynamic contact networks. Despite some idiosyncratic differences, most changes from room temperature to cryogenic temperature are conserved and likely reflect temperature-dependent solvent remodeling. Both cryogenic data sets point to additional conformations not evident in the corresponding room temperature data sets, suggesting that cryocooling does not merely trap preexisting conformational heterogeneity. Our results demonstrate that crystal cryocooling consistently distorts the energy landscape of DHFR, a paragon for understanding functional protein dynamics.
The Design of a Dexterous Gripper to be Used for Activities of Daily Living by People With Upper-Extremity Disabilities

A new robotic gripper was designed and constructed for Activities of Daily Living (ADL) to be used with the new Wheelchair-Mounted Robotic Arm developed at USF. Two aspects of the new gripper made it unique; one is the design of the paddles, and the other is the design of the actuation mechanism that produces parallel motion for effective gripping. The paddles of the gripper were designed to grasp a wide variety objects with different shapes and sizes that are used in every day life. The driving mechanism was designed to be simple, light, effective, safe, self content, and independent of the robotic arm attached to it.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Interest congruency as a moderator of the relationships between job tenure and job satisfaction and mental health

Abstract The purpose of the present study was to examine the role of interest-present job congruency as a moderator of the relationship between job tenure and job satisfaction and mental health. In a sample of 54 middle managers, significant moderator effects were found for the mental health indices of self-esteem, life-satisfaction, and overall mental health and for satisfaction with supervision. As expected, these indices correlated positively with job tenure for high congruency individuals. For low congruency individuals, the relationships were expected to be negative. However, the obtained correlations did not differ significantly from zero.
Synthesis of linear α-olefins via polyhomologation

Linear α-olefins (LAOs) of controlled molecular weight and low PDI were synthesized in high yield by the polyhomologation reaction of dimethylsulfoxonium methylide (1) with triallylborane (2). Following polymerization, propionic acid or trimethylamine N-oxide dihydrate (TAO) was used to afford α-vinyl-ω-methyl or α-vinyl-ω-hydroxy end-functionalized polymethylene, respectively. Controllable molecular weights up to 13 kDa were obtained by varying the initial monomer/catalyst ratio, and the resultant polymers had very narrow polydispersities (PDI < 1.08). Although polymer yields were generally high, quantities of oxidized side products were observed in α-vinyl-ω-methyl samples; however, these oxidized side products could be removed for samples of low molecular weights (Cn ≤ 36).
BDNF-trkB signaling in late life cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease

Expression levels of BDNF and trkB, primary components of an important neurotrophin signaling pathway, have been reported to be abnormal in neurodegenerative dementias. Here, we used a novel postmortem brain tissue stimulation paradigm to examine BDNF-induced trkB signaling in participants of the Religious Orders Study, a large longitudinal clinicopathological study of aging and cognition. Thawed slices of anterior cingulate cortex were incubated in BDNF and changes in phosphorylated trkB and downstream signaling molecules ERK2 and Akt were measured, as well as the association of NMDA receptors with trkB. We found that stimulation with BDNF induced much greater activity of the BDNF-trkB signaling pathway in brain tissues of people with cognitive decline and AD, as evidenced by significantly more phosphorylation of trkB (pY-trkB), ERK2 (pY/pT-ERK2), Akt (pS-Akt), and greater BDNF-induced coupling of trKB with NMDAR2A/B. These findings were independent of PHFtau neurofibrillary tangle and amyloid-b plaque densities and other potentially confounding variables. Regression analyses with clinical features further characterized significant relationships between measures of BDNF-trkB activation and domains of cognition and emotional functioning. Increased BDNF-trkB signaling with cognitive decline could reflect a primary derangement of pathway functioning or a compensatory neuroplastic response to counteract neural injury associated with neurodegenerative processes.
Electrical conductivity based microstructure and strength prediction of plain and modified concretes

Electrical response of cementitious systems can be used to understand the evolving microstructure, and thus to provide indications of the mechanical and durability performance of such systems. This paper deals with the use of a generalized effective medium (GEM) theory to predict the porosity of cement pastes and concretes containing several cement replacement materials. Methodologies to obtain the pore solution conductivities and an equivalent soild phase conductivity in the case of concretes are outlined. The predicted porosities are found to match well with the experimental values obtained from a vacuum saturation method. It is shown in this paper that the critical exponent in the GEM equation influences the predicted porosities and a universal value for this exponent cannot be used in continuum percolating systems such as cement pastes and concretes. The thermal signature of hydrating cementitious systems, represented using the equivalent age maturity index, is related to a microstructural parameter obtained from electrical impedance. A unique relationship is observed between the equivalent age and the microstructural parameter irrespective of the mixture design parameters thereby providing a crucial link between maturity and microstructure development.
Imaging Subresolution Membrane Curvature in Living Cells by Back Focal Plane Positioning Polarized Total Internal Reflection Microscopy (TIRFM)

Induction of membrane curvature is an essential step in the formation of endocytic vesicles and viral particles. Axelrod and co-workers have shown that polarized total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy (pol-TIRFM) can be used to visualize membrane curvature in cells labeled with the lipophilic fluorophore DiI. We describe an approach for creating s-pol and p-pol TIRF fields using a commercial microscope system equipped with a 2-D scan head to position polarized laser beams at distinct azimuthal positions in the back focal plane (BFP) of a high numerical aperture TIRF lens. This configuration allows for reduction of interference fringing of the coherent light by alternating illumination at azimuthal positions separated by 180 degrees. Additional reduction of fringing could be obtained by sweeping the laser through small arcs in the BFP of about 8 degrees with minimal impact on the polarization of the TIRF fields. We investigated the performance of this pol-TIRFM approach for visualization of endocytosis and viral budding in cells labeled with DiI and either the endocytic marker clathrin-YFP or viral budding marker HIV Gag-YFP.
Paired quasars near NGC 2639 - Evidence for quasars in superclusters

Arp (1979, 1980) has found quasars with similar redshifts which appear to be paired across low-redshift galaxies. Arp concludes that the pairings provide evidence for an association between high-redshift quasars and a small, low-redshift galaxy. Oort et al. (1981) suggested an alternative hypothesis to explain the close redshift pairs. They proposed that the two closest pairs are in superclusters at the cosmological distances implied by the quasars' redshifts. The low-redshift quasar pair U7/U10 (0.303/0.305) is close enough to allow detection of any associated clusters of galaxies on deep red photographs. The present investigation had originally the objective to test the supercluster hypothesis by searching for faint clusters which might comprise a supercluster at z approximately 0.3. Unfortunately, the disappearance of the pairs makes it impossible to test the hypothesis in this field. The search for a supercluster at z = 0.30 revealed a faint rich cluster of galaxies near the quasar U10 (z = 0.305). It was found that U10 is not associated with the cluster.
Navier-Stokes calculations for the unsteady flowfield of turbomachinery

The Multistage Unsteady Turbomachinery Code is presently used to numerically simulate the flowfield generated by rotating machinery. The code, which simplifies the Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations via the thin-layer approximation, is an implicit finite-volume scheme with flux Jacobians that are evaluated by flux-vector splitting, while residual fluxes are evaluated by flux-difference splitting. Attention is given to the computational results this obtained for three engineering problems, involving propfan, rotating blade, and both rotating and static blade flows.
Directional solidification in immiscible systems: The influence of gravity

The possibility of producing aligned fibrous composite microstructures with a high volume fraction of the immiscible phase, L2, through the directional solidification of hypermonotectic alloys is examined. Early work suggests that low gravity conditions are necessary to prevent sedimentation of the more dense L2 phase. However, if convective flows result, they disrupt the formation of the desired fibrous microstructure and produce a disperse structure. The need for long-duration low-g experiments is emphasized.
Grain Boundary Corrosion and Alteration Phase Formation During the Oxidative Dissolution of UO 2 Pellets

Alteration behavior of UO{sub 2} pellets following reaction under unsaturated drip-test conditions at 90 C for up to 10 years was examined by solid phase and leachate analyses. Sample reactions were characterized by preferential dissolution of grain boundaries between the original press-sintered UO{sub 2} granules comprising the samples, development of a polygonal network of open channels along the intergrain boundaries, and spallation of surface granules that had undergone severe grain boundary corrosion. The development of a dense mat of alteration phases after 2 years of reaction trapped loose granules, resulting in reduced rates of particulate U release. The paragenetic sequence of alteration phases that formed on the present samples was similar to that observed in surficial weathering zones of natural uraninite (UO{sub 2}) deposits, with alkali and alkaline earth uranyl silicates representing the long-term solubility-limiting phases for U in both systems.
Using computerized cinematography to develop a predictive model relating muscle stress and wrist movement

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the compression of the median nerve as it lies in the middle of the wrist in the carpal tunnel. Symptoms commonly associated with this syndrome include burning, prickling, or tingling either in the wrist or the first three fingers and thumb. Some loss of feeling may be experienced in the f'mgers, especially the middle finger. CTS is an injury that is affecting workers in many industries. Examples of occupations with high reported frequencies of CTS include typists, hairdressers, knitters, butchers, and meat wrappers.
Macroscopic quantum tunneling in quasi one-dimensional metals. II. Theory.

A consequence of photon-assisted-tunneling theory of charge-density waves in quasi one-dimensional metals is that the ac conductivity $\ensuremath{\sigma}(\ensuremath{\omega})\ensuremath{\simeq}{\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{b}\mathrm{exp}(\ensuremath{-}\frac{{\ensuremath{\omega}}_{s}}{\ensuremath{\omega}})$ scales with the dc current $\frac{{I}_{\mathrm{dc}}(E)}{(E\ensuremath{-}{E}_{T})}={\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{b}\mathrm{exp}(\ensuremath{-}\frac{{E}_{0}}{E})$. In a revised theory, ${\ensuremath{\omega}}_{s}=(\frac{{c}_{0}}{{v}_{\mathrm{F}}}){\ensuremath{\omega}}_{p}$, where ${c}_{0}$ is the phason velocity and ${\ensuremath{\omega}}_{p}$ the pinning frequency. Expressions are derived for ${\ensuremath{\omega}}_{s}$ and ${E}_{0}$. Relevant lengths are the Lee-Rice domain length, ${L}_{d}=\frac{\ensuremath{\pi}{c}_{0}}{{\ensuremath{\omega}}_{p}}$, the free path, $L\ensuremath{\sim}\frac{{c}_{0}}{{\ensuremath{\omega}}_{p}}$, and the current-current correlation length, ${L}_{I}\ensuremath{\sim}(\frac{{v}_{F}}{{c}_{0}}){L}_{d}$.
The property of signal-to-noise and its variation over spatial frequency in differential phase contrast CT

The differential phase contrast CT implemented with x-ray Talbot interferometry is a new CT imaging technology with the potential of significantly improving contrast sensitivity of the conventional attenuation-based x-ray CT. The research and development along this scientific/technological path have seen increasing activities recently. Via theoretical derivation, system modeling, analysis and computer simulation, we have investigated the differential phase contrast CT's properties in signal, noise and signal-to-noise transfer. In this paper, we investigate the differential phase contrast CT's signal-to-noise transfer property as a function of spatial frequency that is dependent on dimension of the detector cell used for data acquisition and size of the lesion to be detected. The preliminary data show that, owing to the substantial difference in their noise power spectrum NPS(k), the differential phase contrast CT outperforms the conventional CT in the signal-to-noise at scenarios wherein small lesions are to be detected using a detector with fine cells. The data presented in this paper may provide an insightful understanding of differential phase contrast CT's imaging capability and the guidelines on its performance optimization for extensive preclinical and eventually clinical applications.
Enhanced Hydrogen Storage Kinetics of LiBH4 in Nanoporous Carbon Scaffolds

Enhanced kinetics for hydrogen exchange in LiBH4 incorporated within nanoporous carbon scaffolds are described. Dehydrogenation rates up to 50 times faster than those in the bulk material are measured at 300 °C in a nanostructured hydride formed by filling a porous carbon aerogel host with LiBH4. Furthermore, the activation energy for hydrogen desorption, measured using the approach developed by Ozawa, is reduced from 146 kJ/mol for bulk LiBH4 to 103 kJ/mol for nanostructured LiBH4, and the faster kinetics result in desorption temperatures that are reduced by up to 75 °C. In addition, nanostructured hydrides exhibit increased cycling capacity over multiple sorption cycles. This work demonstrates that confinement within a porous scaffold host is a promising approach for enhancing hydrogen uptake and release in reversible light-metal complex hydrides.
Macromolecular structure and solute diffusion in membranes: An overview of recent theories

Abstract An overview of macroscopic, mass transfer, irreversible thermodynamic and macromolecular theories is presented for application in solute diffusion through polymeric membranes. Special emphasis is given to recent work on solute diffusion through microporous and non-porous membranes.
Hotel Guest satisfaction and brand performance: the effect of franchising strategy

The value and significance of guest satisfaction, brand management, and franchising in the hotel industry have been well docu- mented and researched as independent topics. While previous research has suggested that franchising has an overall negative effect on hotel quality, it has rarely investigated the important links between hotel brand performance and guest satisfaction, and the role of brand franchis- ing strategy in the relationship between hotel brand performance and guest satisfaction. This study examines the relationships among guest satisfaction, revenue performance and growth, and franchising strategy at the hotel brand level. Results indicate that guest satisfaction is a key to brand growth, while the positive effect of guest satisfaction on brand revenue performance is moderated by the extent of franchising within each brand. doi:10.1300/J162v07n03_02 (Article copies available for a fee from The Haworth Document Delivery Service: 1-800-HAWORTH. E-mail address: Website:
Elastic π + +p Scattering from 7 to 17 BeV/c

Differential cross sections obtained for the momentum range 7 to 17 Bev/ c and the 4-momentum-transfer squared range of 0.2 to 0.1 (Bev/c)/sup 2/ failed to show the shrinkage with increasing center-of-mass energy squared that was predicted by Regge-pole theory. Similar results were previously obtained for pi /sup -/-p scattering, while shrinkage was observed in p-p cross sections. These results contradict the dominance of the vacuum pole or three-pole models. (D.C.W.)
Delayed anaphylactoid reaction in a worker exposed to chromium

Abstract A 29-year-old male welder reported systemic reactions after exposure to chromium. Inhalation challenge testing to 29 μg/m 3 of sodium chromate aerosol resulted in late appearing systemic urticaria, angioedema, and severe bronchospasm that occurred at the same time as a threefold rise in plasma histamine. A direct leukocyte inhibitory factor test to 5.5 × 10 −6 mol/L Na 2 CrO 4 was positive. Although the mechanism of this reaction is unknown, the positive leukocyte inhibitory factor and the general acceptance of hexavalent chromium as a contact skin sensitizer suggest that cell-mediated mechanisms could be involved.
Evaluating the spatial equity of bus rapid transit-based accessibility patterns in a developing country: The case of Cali, Colombia

The development of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems world-wide has witnessed tremendous growth in recent years, most notably in cities throughout the developing world. These large, city-wide transportation projects are often central to larger urban revitalization plans intending to foster economic growth and alter city images to both residents and to outsiders. Crucial to the success of such ambitions is a system that provides equitable access to all residents and one that provides access to a large number of urban opportunities. The purpose of this paper is to explore the spatial accessibility landscape created by newly implemented BRT system in Cali, Colombia in terms of both access to the system itself and access to three distinct activities around the city. In particular, the equitable distribution of accessibility patterns is explored in relation to neighborhood socio-economic strata. Findings indicate that walking access to the BRT system is greatest for middle income groups and most limited for neighborhoods in the highest and lowest socio-economic strata. Accessibility values to activities are largely bound to the spatial distribution pattern of activities; most equitable for intentionally dispersed recreation site, and least for spatially clustered hospitals.
Two-element Zeeman slower for rubidium and lithium

We demonstrate a two-element oven and Zeeman slower that produce simultaneous and overlapped slow beams of rubidium and lithium. The slower uses a three-stage design with a long, low-acceleration middle stage for decelerating rubidium situated between two short, high-acceleration stages for aggressive deceleration of lithium. This design is appropriate for producing high fluxes of atoms with a large mass ratio in a simple, robust setup.
GRACEnet: Greenhouse gas reduction through agricultural carbon enhancement network

Abstract GRACEnet (greenhouse gas reduction through agricultural carbon enhancement network) is a new research program initiated by the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The primary objectives of GRACEnet are to identify and develop agricultural strategies that will enhance soil C sequestration and reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to provide a scientific basis for possible C credit and trading programs that could be used to reduce net emissions of greenhouse gases and improve environmental quality. This program will generate information on C storage in agricultural systems, which is needed by producers, program managers, and policy makers. Scenarios evaluated in GRACEnet will not only address mitigation of CO 2 emission through soil C sequestration, but also their effects on nitrous oxide (N 2 O) and methane (CH 4 ). Both grazing lands (range and pasture) and croplands (irrigated and dryland) will be investigated. The information generated will be applicable at the local (e.g., farm or ranch), regional and national scales. GRACEnet's geographical extent, use of common procedures, and cooperation with other North American C cycle research programs will result in robust information to promote scientifically based conservation technologies that are relevant to national and international policy makers, as well as to agricultural producers and practitioners.
Application of newton modified barrier method to structural optimization

Abstract This paper presents the application of the Newton modified barrier method to obtain a minimum weight structure with constraints on displacements and minimum sizes. The solution to the problem is obtained via minimizing the modified barrier function (MBF) at each step by using the Newton method and updating Lagrange multipliers. The Lagrange multipliers are updated by using the value of the constraints at the minimum of the MBF. Three truss problems with a different number of design variables are solved. The convergence to the minimum weight design was found to be monotonic and the algorithm is potentially robust for solving problems with a large number of design variables.
A Conserved Histidine in Cytochrome c Maturation Permease CcmB of Shewanella putrefaciens Is Required for Anaerobic Growth below a Threshold Standard Redox Potential

Shewanella putrefaciens strain 200 respires a wide range of compounds as terminal electron acceptor. The respiratory versatility of Shewanella is attributed in part to a set of c-type cytochromes with widely varying midpoint redox potentials (E'(0)). A point mutant of S. putrefaciens, originally designated Urr14 and here renamed CCMB1, was found to grow at wild-type rates on electron acceptors with high E'0 [O2, NO3-, Fe(III) citrate, MnO2, and Mn(III) pyrophosphate] yet was severely impaired for growth on electron acceptors with low E'0 [NO2-, U(VI), dimethyl sulfoxide, TMAO (trimethylamine N-oxide), fumarate, gamma-FeOOH, SO3(2-), and S2O3(2-)]. Genetic complementation and nucleotide sequence analyses indicated that the CCMB1 respiratory mutant phenotype was due to mutation of a conserved histidine residue (H108Y) in a protein that displayed high homology to Escherichia coli CcmB, the permease subunit of an ABC transporter involved in cytochrome c maturation. Although CCMB1 retained the ability to grow on electron acceptors with high E'(0), the cytochrome content of CCMB1 was <10% of that of the wild-type strain. Periplasmic extracts of CCMB1 contained slightly greater concentrations of the thiol functional group (-SH) than did the wild-type strain, an indication that the E(h) of the CCMB1 periplasm was abnormally low. A ccmB deletion mutant was unable to respire anaerobically on any electron acceptor, yet retained aerobic respiratory capability. These results suggest that the mutation of a conserved histidine residue (H108) in CCMB1 alters the redox homeostasis of the periplasm during anaerobic growth on electron acceptors with low (but not high) E'0. This is the first report of the effects of Ccm deficiencies on bacterial respiration of electron acceptors whose E'0 nearly span the entire redox continuum.
Evaluating the impact of a facilitated learning community approach to professional development on teacher practice and student achievement

The focus of this research was an evaluation of the impact of teacher professional development (PD) on student achievement during implementation of a reform curriculum. The PD consisted of five four‐hour workshop sessions distributed over the time teachers were implementing the reform curriculum in their classrooms. The research was conducted in a mid‐size, urban school district over the span of two years. Three groups of teachers were contrasted: teachers who continued to use the established curriculum (N = 5), teachers who implemented the reform curriculum without participating in the PD sessions (N = 5), and teachers who implemented the reform curriculum while participating in the PD sessions (N = 13). Teachers who participated in the PD had approximately a one standard deviation advantage in their students' achievement over those who did not. We collected evidence of particular features of the PD that explained the differences in student achievement. The features included: distributing the workshops t...
Modification of polyimide surface morphology: relationship between modification depth and adhesion strength

The morphology of a polyimide film surface is modified from a semicrystalline state to an amorphous state without altering the bulk properties. The outer layer (0.5-25 nm) of fully cured poly(pyromellitic anhydride-oxydianiline) (PMDA-ODA) and poly(biphenyl dianhydride-p-phenylene diamine) (BPDA-PDA) polyimides is chemically modified to polyamic acid, which is subsequently imidized at 230-250°C for 30 min to give a disordered polyimide surface. This disordered layer seems amorphous since it swells well in 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone (NMP) and the ions in the modified layer can be easily removed with a solvent such as water or ethanol. The modified surfaces are analyzed by surface-sensitive techniques such as contact angle measurement, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), ion scattering spectroscopy (ISS), secondary ion mass spectroscopy (SIMS), and external reflectance infrared spectroscopy (ERIR). The adhesion of polyimide layers onto the amorphous polyimides is greatly enhanced. Interdiffusion and subse...
Facet Scales for Agreeableness and Conscientiousness: A Revision of the NEO Personality Inventory☆

Abstract The NEO Personality Inventory (NEO-PI) is intended to operationalize the five-factor model of personality, both at the level of broad factors or domains and at the level of more specific traits or facets of each domain. However, only facets of three of the domains are currently measured. In this paper we describe minor modifications to the facet scales of Neuroticism, Extraversion, and Openness, and the development of new scales to measure facets of Agreeableness and Conscientiousness. Conceptual distinctions within these domains were suggested by a review of the literature, and pilot studies provided preliminary evidence for the validity of new facet scales. Item analyses in a large and diverse sample (n = 1539) of adult men and women were used to finalize item selection and to confirm the structure of the Revised NEO-PI (NEO-PIR) at both the item and the scale level. Correlations of the NEO-PIR with a variety of other self-report scales in a second sample of 394 men and women provided evidence on the convergent and discriminant validity of scales to measure Trust, Straightforwardness, Altruism, Compliance, Modesty and Tender-Mindedness as facets of Agreeableness, and Competence, Order, Dutifulness, Achievement Striving, Self-Discipline, and Deliberation as facets of Conscientiousness.