cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
SU‐E‐I‐120: Automated Analysis of MRI Radio Frequency Coil Performance

Purpose: A key component of an effective MRIquality control program is radio frequency (RF) coil testing. Coil testing includes the assessment of SNR, uniformity, and ghosting. Performing RF coil analysis can be very time consuming due to the quantity of coils being assessed and the large number of ROI's that need to be drawn to obtain the coil performance data. Analysis of acquired data is extremely repetitious, follows a strict set of rules, and therefore, may be amenable to automation. Methods: Software was written using MATLAB (R2009b, The MathWorks, Inc.), a technical computing language. A graphical user interface provided an easy to use structure for the end user to analyze annual coil test images. The algorithm locates the image closest to the isocenter and will automatically place the 8 ROI's needed to perform the annual coil assessment as directed by the ACR MR Accreditation Program. Results are displayed in the GUI and exportable to text or a preformatted Excel Spreadsheet for inclusion in an annual physics report. Results: The program has been benchmarked against three physicists and demonstrates an increase in precision of 3% for SNR, 1% for uniformity, and 5% for ghosting. Furthermore, the program eliminates the variance of subsequent measurements of an identical image. Whereas, the measurements of a single physicist varied by 5% for SNR, 1% for uniformity, and 14% for ghosting. Additionally, the average time to process a coil was decreased from 4 minutes manually to less than 8 seconds. Conclusions: The preliminary results demonstrate that automation has the potential to eliminate some of the inherent variability of test results due to manual measurement. Higher precision may facilitate increased sensitivity of the tests for assessment of subtle changes in system performance that may indicate a change in system performance or impending equipment failure.
Sensitivity of skeletal muscle to 20,25-diazacholesterol-induced myotonia requires normal innervation.

Abstract Male rats were treated with 20,25-diazacholesterol (300 mg/kg, per os, on days 0 and 7). This treatment is known to result in a myotonic condition of the fast-twitch extensor digitorum longus (extensor) but not the slow-twitch soleus muscle, which attains a plateau of severity from days 16 to 35. To examine the neural influence on the sensitivity of muscle to this myotonia the nerve to the extensor was crushed on days 0 or 7. Thus, the muscles were reinnervated by the time that the peak myotonia occurred. Between 20 and 32 days the in vivo mechanical response of the extensor to nerve stimulation was examined. The half-relaxation time of the innervated extensor was 507.6 ± 95.9 ms, whereas it was 30.8 ± 1.3 ms for the contralateral extensor subjected to nerve crush on day 0. Likewise, nerve crush on day 7 prevented the appearance of the myotonic prolongation of twitch relaxation. Thus, denervation prior to (day 0) or after the onset of myotonia (day 7) prevented muscle from developing mechanical signs of myotonia. In addition, the reinnervating muscles failed to exhibit bursts of action potentials in response to a single stimulus as well as the afterpotentials characteristic of the myotonic state. Because the reinnervated muscles had a descreased maximal rate of rise of the action potential, we suggest that this reduction of responsiveness underlies the inability of the muscle to become myotonic. Therefore, the neural influence on the sensitivity of muscle to myotonia is secondary to the neural influence on membrane excitability.
A note on mimicking additive reaction time models

Abstract Ashby (1982a) and Ashby and Townsend (1980) have developed a series of tests of pure insertion based on the reaction time distribution. One of these tests allows one to determine whether an experimental task has inserted into its processing a component that is exponentially distributed. In this note, the test is applied to predictions from the diffusion model of Ratcliff (1978) and to data from two experiments (Ratcliff, 1978, Experiment 2; Hockley, 1984, Experiment 1) that were fitted by the diffusion model. It is found that both the predictions from the diffusion model and the experimental data pass tests for inserted stages at a statistical level (i.e., the analyses provide results that are within the range of the null hypothesis established by Ashby and Townsend (1980) ). However, it is shown that the diffusion model does not mimic insertion theoretically. These results demonstrate nonintuitive mimicking that should serve as a warning in the use of such tests for insertion, and the results suggest that the power of tests for pure insertion could be profitably examined using predictions from the diffusion and possibly other sequential sampling models.
Collateral innervation of the inferior colliculus in the North American opossum: A study using fluorescent markers in a double-labeling paradigm

The innervation of the opossum inferior colliculus was investigated using the retrograde transport of fluorescent markers in a double-labeling paradigm. True Blue was injected into one inferior colliculus while Nuclear Yellow was placed into the other. Many single-labeled neurons were found in all of the brainstem and cortical areas previously labeled by comparable injections of HRP. When the two injections of fluorescent markers were bilaterally symmetrical within the inferior colliculi, double-labeled neurons were numerous in the medial and lateral superior olivary nuclei. Only a few double-labeled neurons were found in the auditory cortex (AC), the dorsal nucleus of the lateral lemniscus (DNLL), the nucleus reticularis gigantocellularis pars ventralis (RGcv), and the dorsal column nuclei (DColN) and the spinal trigeminal complex (TrS). These data suggest that two patterns of innervation are seen for afferent fibers from regions with bilateral connections to the IC. The first pattern, typified by projections from AC, DNLL, RGcv, the DColN and TrS, primarily consists of neurons with unilaterally directed axons, extending to either the ipsilateral or contralateral IC. The second pattern, typified by projections from LSO and MSO, displays a great number of neurons whose axons apparently innervate both inferior colliculi, presumably through a process of axon collateralization. The bilateral projection of axons from individual neurons in these two nuclei possibly reflects their involvement in the processing of sensory information from the two cochleas and may represent at least one pathway whereby binaural information is relayed to both inferior colliculi.
The compositions of coexisting pyroxenes and garnet in the system CaO-MgO-Al2O3-SiO2 at 900°–1,100°C and high pressures

The compositions of coexisting orthopyroxene, clinopyroxene and garnet in the CaO-MgO-Al2O3-SiO2 system are fixed at any givenP andT. Reversed hydrothermal experiments over theP/T range 15–40 kb/900°–l,100° C indicate that the garnet composition is nearly constant at Py86Gr14; the Alcontent and Ca/Ca+Mg values of the pyroxenes vary significantly, however: T P Wt. %Al2O3 \(\frac{{Ca}}{{Ca + Mg}} \times 100\) °C kbar in opx in cpx in opx in cpx 900 15 3.55 2.92 0.72 47.05 900 30 1.62 0.92 0.81 47.30 1,100 20 1.11 0.92 1.22 45.20 1,100 40 1.26 0.88 0.81 45.64 The significant variation of A12O3 content with pressure supports its use as a geobarometer. The Ca/Ca +Mg values of coexisting orthoand clino-pyroxene have been used as a geothermometer. However, the present results show that the presence of A12O3 in the pyroxenes decreases significantly the mutual solubility of the pyroxenes, which may cause errors of up to 200° C if the A12O3 effect is ignored.
Teaching with Literature

Describes the benefits of using literature rather than textbooks within a whole language program for students with special needs
Using the Voids. Evidence for an Antenna Effect in Dye-Sensitized Mesoporous TiO2 Thin Films

Composite structures of Ru(bpy)2(4,4′-(PO3H2)2bpy)2+ surface bound to nanocrystalline TiO2 with an overlayer of Ru(bpy)32+ ion exchanged into Nafion, FTO|nanoTiO2-[Ru(bpy)2(4,4′-(PO3H2)2bpy)]2+/Nafion,Ru(bpy)32+ (FTO = fluorine-doped tin oxide), have been prepared and characterized. Steady-state emission and time-resolved lifetime measurements demonstrate that energy transfer occurs from Nafion,Ru(bpy)32+* to adsorbed Ru(bpy)2(4,4′-(PO3H2)2bpy)2+ with an efficiency of ∼0.49. Energy transfer sensitizes photoinjection by the adsorbed metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) excited state by an “antenna effect.”
The Luther-Emery liquid: Spin gap and anomalous flux period

We study the dependence of the ground state energy on an applied Aharonov-Bohm flux $\ensuremath{\Phi}$ for the Luttinger model with large momentum scattering. Employing the method of finite size bosonization, we show that for systems with a spin gap but with gapless charge degrees of freedom, the ground state energy has an exact period of $hc∕2e$, i.e., half a flux quantum, in the limit of large system size $L$. Finite size corrections are found to vanish exponentially in $L$. This behavior is contrasted to that of the spin gapless case, for both even and odd particle number. Generalizations to finite temperature are also discussed.
ClpP hydrolyzes a protein substrate processively in the absence of the ClpA ATPase: mechanistic studies of ATP-independent proteolysis.

ATP-dependent proteases are processive, meaning that they degrade full-length proteins into small peptide products without releasing large intermediates along the reaction pathway. In the case of the bacterial ATP-dependent protease ClpAP, ATP hydrolysis by the ClpA component has been proposed to be required for processive proteolysis of full-length protein substrates. We present here data showing that in the absence of the ATPase subunit ClpA, the protease subunit ClpP can degrade full-length protein substrates processively, albeit at a greatly reduced rate. Moreover, the size distribution of peptide products from a ClpP-catalyzed digest is remarkably similar to the size distribution of products from a ClpAP-catalyzed digest. The ClpAP- and ClpP-generated peptide product size distributions are fitted well by a sum of multiple underlying Gaussian peaks with means at integral multiples of ∼900 Da (7−8 amino acids). Our results are consistent with a mechanism in which ClpP controls product sizes by alternat...
The status and future of audience duplication research: An assessment of ratings‐based theories of audience behavior

Audience duplication is recognized as a major component of program choice models and a fundamental aspect in understanding television viewing patterns. This study evaluates the utility of a specific set of ratings‐based audience theories developed over the past 25 years, and critiques their future relevance in an increasingly dynamic, complex media environment. An integrated model of audience duplication is presented as a way to assess the ability of current structural theories to explain audience behavior in the future. Recommendations are given for the direction of this research.
Agonadism in a 46,XY patient with CHARGE association

We report on an infant girl born with findings of CHARGE association who proved to be a genetic male (46, XY) on cytogenetic study. Further investigation of the genitalia demonstrated partially female internal organs but absence of gonads by ultrasonography, hormone studies, and absence of ZFY by DNA probe of Yp. Pelvic exploration confirmed lack of gonadal tissue and uterus. Facial phenotype was compatible with CHARGE appearance.
The structure of the c(2 × 2) oxygen overlayer on the unreconstructed (110) surface of iridium

Abstract An Ir(110)-c(2 × 2)O structure has been prepared by adsorbing a half-monolayer of oxygen at room temperature on an unreconstructed (1 × 1)Ir surface stabilized by a quarter-monolayer of randomly adsorbed oxygen. Results of the low energy electron diffraction structural analysis indicate that the ordered oxygen atoms are residing on the short-bridged sites on the (110) surface. The Ir-O interlayer spacing is 1.37 ± 0.05 A, and the bond length is 1.93 ± 0.07 A. The topmost substrate interlayer spacing is found to be 1.33 ± 0.07 A rather than 1.26 ± 0.07 A which is the topmost interlayer spacing of the unreconstructed (1× 1)Ir surface.
Space-dependent thermal stability of reacting tokamak plasmas

A technique is presented for the analysis of thermal stability in reacting tokamak plasmas using a one-dimensional, time-dependent fluid transport model. Application is made to the analysis of density-related thermal instabilities in a neutral-beam-driven, two-component plasma (TETR) and a conceptual reactor-size ignited plasma (UWMAK-III). A density-driven thermal instability can exist when the particle confinement varies as τp ∝ n. This condition is satisfied by the trapped-ion-mode diffusion model and an empirical model. A time delay in the heating due to finite alpha thermalization does not significantly alter the character of the instability at normal plasma densities. A linear feedback response for the particle source is found to provide a stabilized equilibrium in all cases. Strong radial variation of the transport and physical properties of the plasma is not found to introduce radial-dependent feedback requirements. Feedback on the average density is sufficient for stabilization with moderate response times.
Transference in Everyday Experience: Implications of Experimental Research for Relevant Clinical Phenomena

Experimental research examining the clinical concept of transference (S. Freud, 1912/1958; H. S. Sullivan, 1953) using a social–cognitive model has demonstrated that mental representations of signi...
Crystallin genes: lens specificity of the murine alpha A-crystallin gene.

The abundant soluble proteins of the eye lens, the crystallins, are encoded by several gene families which are developmentally regulated in the embryonic lens. We have studied the expression of the...
Lesions of the basal forebrain in rat selectively impair the cortical vasodilation elicited from cerebellar fastigial nucleus.

We sought to determine in rat, whether interruption of the major extrathalamic projections to the cerebral cortex originating in and projecting through the basal forebrain (BF), will impair the increase in regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF), but not metabolism, elicited in the cerebral cortex by electrical stimulation of the cerebellar fastigial nucleus (FN). Studies were conducted in anesthetized, paralyzed, ventilated rats, with blood gases controlled and AP maintained in the autoregulated range. Electrolytic lesions were placed unilaterally in the BF at the level of the lateral preoptic region lying in rostral portions of the medial forebrain bundle and resulted in a reduction of up to 47% of the choline acetyltransferase activity in the ipsilateral cerebral cortex. rCBF was measured in homogenates of 9 paired brain regions by the14C-iodoantipyrine technique. In unlesioned rats, FN stimulation symmetrically and significantly(P < 0.05) increased rCBF in all brain regions with the greatest increase (to 180%) in the frontal cortex. Two days following a unilateral BF lesion, FN stimulation failed to increase rCBF in the ipsilateral cerebral cortex distal to the BF lesion. In contrast, rCBF was increased to an almost comparable degree in the remainder of the brain. BF lesions alone resulted in a 18–23% reduction in cortical rCBF ipsilaterally(P < 0.025). BF lesions did not alter the cerebrovascular vasodilation elicited by CO2 nor perturb autoregulation. The cortical vasodilation elicited by FN stimulation is mediated by intrinsic neuronal pathways and depends upon the integrity of neurons, possibly cholinergic, originating in, or passing through, the BF.
Toward Linking Maize Chemistry to Archaeological Agricultural Sites in the North American Southwest

Abstract Maize (Zea mays L.) was the staple domestic food crop for Ancestral Pueblo people throughout the northern American Southwest. It is thought to have been the basic food of the inhabitants of Chaco Canyon, New Mexico, a location that was a major centre of Ancestral Pueblo building and population during the 11th and early 12th centuries ad . Modern heirloom varieties of Native American corn have been difficult to grow in experimental fields in Chaco Canyon. Given an abundance of apparent storage structures in Chacoan buildings, it is possible that some corn recovered from archaeological contexts, was imported from surrounding areas. The ultimate goal of this research is to determine whether the corn in Chaco Canyon was grown locally or imported. This paper establishes the feasibility of a method to accomplish this goal. This study reports the results of using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometric (ICP-MS) instrumentation to determine chemical constituents of experimental fields and modern heirloom varieties of Native American corn. Analysis of 19 elements is adequate to differentiate soil and corn from three field areas. These results are promising; however, a number of problems, including post-depositional alterations in maize, remain to be solved.
Attraction of tortricid moths of subfamily olethreutinae to field traps baited with dodecadienes

All four geometrical isomers of 7,9- and 8,10-dodecadienes with acetate, alcohol, and aldehyde functional groups were synthesized and field tested. The field survey produced sex attractant lures for 14 insect species. Species in the generaCydia, Grapholita, Eucosma, Pelochrista, Petrova, Phenta, Hedya, and Pseudosciaphila were captured. Defined lures were developed for some of the species captured. Gas chromatographie retention times for all geometrical isomers of 7,9- and 8,10-dodecadienes with acetate, alcohol, and aldehyde functional groups are reported. A study of the isomerization of 8,10-dodecadienyl acetates and aldehydes impregnated in rubber septa is reported.
Identification of the noncompliant hypertensive patient.

Abstract Interviews were conducted with 142 hypertensive patients attending the medical clinic of an urban hospital to evaluate their compliance with therapeutic regimens and to obtain information on variables potentially related to compliance. Patients' self-reported responses were used to categorize them as “compliant” (47%) or “noncompliant” (53%). Persons were considered compliant if they had stayed in treatment continuously since treatment was first begun and if they had had no lapses in the subsequent prescribed medication regimens. Withdrawal from treatment and dosage reductions led to a categorization of noncompliant. Results demonstrate that (a) the patient's perception of being socially isolated (odds ratio = 3.47), (b) readiness to begin treatment when first diagnosed (odds ratio = 3.83), and (c) distress experienced from side effects of the hypertension medications (odds ratio = 4.35) make independent contributions to compliance after the effects of other variables are controlled for. A formal index constructed from these three variables was moderately successful at predicting noncompliance (sensitivity = 54%; specificity = 80%). These findings may be useful to clinicians treating hypertensives. Information on the three predictors of compliance can be gathered early in the course of treatment to help identify persons “at risk” of being noncompliant. Compliance-gaining measures, therefore, can be directed toward those who stand to benefit most from them.
An interactive approach to facilities design using microcomputers

Abstract Facilities design is an industrial engineering activity which can benefit greatly from a methodology which effectively combines the quantitative optimum seeking approach of computer implemented algorithmic techniques and the creativity and perception of the human designer. FLING (Facility Layout using INteractive Graphics) offers such an approach to facility design. Moreover, FLING is programmed in BASIC to run on the IBM-PC microcomputer (with 64K memory and a single disk drive). It makes full use of the personal computer color graphics. FLING is a highly interactive computer-assisted (not computer-generated) procedure which has clear advantages over manual techniques and eliminates the rework which is often necessary to make computer-generated layouts functional. This article describes the FLING program and its use. An illustrative example is given.
Altered susceptibility to collagen‐induced arthritis in transgenic mice with aberrant expression of interleukin‐1 receptor antagonist

Objective To determine the effect of overexpression or deletion of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) in collagen-induced arthritis (CIA). Methods Mice overexpressing the IL-1Ra gene under the control of its endogenous promoter, mice lacking IL-1Ra, and normal littermate controls were immunized with bovine type II collagen (CII) and compared in terms of features of CIA. Results Mice overexpressing IL-1Ra had a significant reduction in the incidence and severity of CIA. After CII immunization, IL-1Ra messenger RNA was overexpressed in the spleens, but not in the paws, of transgenic mice. Minimal differences were observed in the humoral or cellular immune responses to CII. Mice lacking IL-1Ra had a significantly earlier onset of CIA, with increased severity. Conclusion Endogenous expression of IL-1Ra is a critical determinant of susceptibility to CIA. These findings suggest potential therapeutic interventions for autoimmune arthritis.
Aerodynamic Characteristics of Spanwise Cambered Delta Wings

A wind-tunnel investigation was undertaken to determine the effect of various spanwise camber distributions on the aerodynamic characteristics of a 75-deg delta wing. Data presented include force balance, seven-hole probe survey, as well as surface e ow visualization and vortex burst trajectories. The experimental results indicate that some of the tested dihedral and anhedral geometric variations can augment lift signie cantly, requiring only minor modie cations to the planar wing geometry to implement. It was found that anhedral generally promotes lift augmentation compared to the basic wing, whereas dihedral has the opposite effect. Anhedral and dihedral have the greatest effect when applied near the wing tips, with anhedral enhancing lift through an increase in strength of both the primary and secondary wing leading-edge vortices. Nonplanarity had a small effect on the vortex burst characteristics.
Single-Stage-to-Orbit Versus Two-Stage-to-Orbit Airbreathing Systems

mi = initial mass of the space transportation system or stage, lbm mp = orbital payload mass of the space transportation system, lbm Z = ratio of the initial mass of an airbreathing single-stage-to-orbit system to that of an airbreathing two-stage-to-orbit system of equal technological capability Ze = ratio of the empty mass of an airbreathing single-stage-to-orbit system to that of an airbreathing two-stage-to-orbit system of equal technological capability = ratio of initial space transportation system mass to orbital payload mass, or initial mass ratio e = ratio of empty mass to initial mass for a stage f = ratio of fuel plus oxidizer mass to initial mass for a stage
Characterization of transparent polycrystalline yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG) fabricated from nano-powder

With the ever increasing demands for optical quality YAG, ceramic laser gain materials present attractive advantages in design, fabrication, and cost without any penalty in performance compared to their single crystal counterparts. Due to intrinsic differences in the production method, ceramic gain media can be fabricated faster, larger, more affordably, and at higher and more uniform doping. This investigation into polycrystalline YAG included optical, mechanical, and microstructural characterization -- focusing primarily on Konoshima Chemical Company ceramic YAG, the current global state of the art.
Molecular-Scale Mixed Alkanethiol Monolayers of Different Terminal Groups on Au(111) by Low-Current Scanning Tunneling Microscopy

We report a study of molecular-scale, uniform mixed self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of alkanethiols with different terminal groups on atomically flat Au(111) surfaces prepared using the kinetically trapped method reported by us previously for methyl-terminated alkanethiol SAMs. The terminal groups studied include carboxylic acid, amine, hydroxyl, and methyl. Mixed SAMs are characterized by low-current scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). Molecular-resolution STM images show that these mixed SAMs formed at higher solution temperatures are uniform for different terminal groups, compositions, and chain lengths, similar to methyl-terminated SAMs reported previously.
Regional distribution of brain and myocardial perfusion in swine while awake and during 1.0 and 1.5 MAC isoflurane anaesthesia produced without or with 50% nitrous oxide

Isoflurane has been hailed as the anaesthetic of the eighties. We examined the effects of isoflurane anaesthesia on regional distribution of brain and myocardial blood flow in 11 healthy isocapnic pigs using 15 micron diameter radionuclide labelled microspheres that were injected into the left atrium. Each animal was studied during five of the following six conditions: (i) unanaesthetised (control; n = 8); (ii) 1.45% end-tidal (ET; 1.0 MAC) isoflurane anaesthesia (n = 10); (iii) 2.18% ET (1.5 MAC) isoflurane anaesthesia (n = 9); (iv) 0.95% ET isoflurane + 50% N2O anaesthesia (equivalent to 1 MAC; n = 8); (v) 1.68% ET isoflurane + 50% N2O anaesthesia (equivalent to 1.5 MAC; n = 8); and (vi) 50% N2O alone (n = 8). The order of anaesthetised steps was randomised for each pig. At every step 50 to 55 min were allowed for equilibration with isoflurane, and for N2O 35 to 40 min were allowed for equilibration. Recovery periods of 60 min each were interposed between anaesthetised steps to allow pigs to recover towards control values. Control values of blood flow in the cerebrum, cerebellum, and brain-stem were 81 +/- 5, 87 +/- 8, and 64 +/- 6 ml X min-1 X 100 g-1, respectively. During 1.45% isoflurane anaesthesia, cerebral, cerebellar and brainstem blood flows were 120%, 152%, and 145% of respective control values. With 2.18% isoflurane, perfusion in these regions of the brain was 140%, 200%, and 226% of respective control values. Substitution of 50% N2O to maintain equipotent anaesthesia markedly exaggerated the increment in cerebral blood flow, while changes in cerebellar and brain-stem blood flow were similar. Cerebral blood flow during 0.95% isoflurane + 50% N2O and 1.68% isoflurane + 50% N2O anaesthesia was 137% and 210% of the control value, respectively. Regional brain blood flow was only insignificantly altered by 50% N2O alone. It is concluded that isoflurane caused dose-dependent vasodilatation in all regions of the brain, the magnitude being greater in the cerebellum and the brain-stem. The administration of N2O with isoflurane to maintain equipotent anaesthesia exaggerated cerebral vasodilatation, especially at deeper level of anaesthesia. Myocardial blood flow in isoflurane anaesthetised pigs decreased, especially in the inner layers, in a dose-related manner. The use of 50% N2O with isoflurane permitted higher heart rate, perfusion pressure, rate-pressure product, and transmural myocardial blood flow.
Comparison of the mixed function oxidase-catalyzed metabolism of a series of dialkyl p-nitrophenyl phosphorothionates.

Abstract Various concentrations of dimethyl, diethyl, di-n-propyl and di-n-butyl p-nitrophenyl phosphorothionate were incubated with rabbit liver microsomes, and the rates of formation of the corresponding dimethyl, diethyl, di n-propyl and di n-butyl p-nitrophenyl phosphates and dimethyl, diethyl, di n-propyl and di n-butylphosphorothioic acids were determined. From these data the apparent Km and Vmax for the formation of each metabolite was calculated. The maximum rate of metabolism (Vmax) was found to vary with the size of the alkyl group. The maximal rate of metabolism of the dialkyl p-nitrophenyl phosphorothionates to the dialkyl p-nitrophenyl phosphates was exhibited by the di n-propyl and di n-butyl compounds. The maximal rate of metabolism to the dialkylphosphorothioic acids was shown by the dimethyl compound. A linear free energy plot failed to show a significant correlation between the polar effect of the alkyl groups (as quantitated by the Taft σ ∗ constant) or the alkoxy groups (as quantitated by the Kabachnik σφ constant), and the maximal rates of metabolism of these compounds to either the dialkyl p-nitrophenyl phosphates or the dialkylphosphorothioic acids. Although the inductive and steric properties of the alkyl groups are undoubtedly important, there must be additional factors responsible for the differences seen in the rates of metabolism of this series of compounds.
Unemployment, deindustrialization, and ‘community economy’ in eastern Germany

Abstract Drawing from an evening of fieldwork at an eastern German Protestant churchin the rapidly deindustrialized city of Leipzig, this article finalyzes a discussion among church leaders, former ‘dissidents,’ and unemployed workers on the subject of ‘community economy’ (Gemeinschaftsokonomie), a concept people interpret to represent a potential solution to the crisis of mass unemployment. Such local debates on unemployment offer a frame for understanding the re-negotiation of labor and social welfare in eastern Germany following socialism's end. finalyzing this discussion within the context of theoretical debates on ‘civil society,’ I follow Burawoy's and Gramsci's lead in fillustrating that the imagined economic sphere of ‘community economy’ is an ideological battle ground, where hegemonic discourse supporting economic neoliberalism may be either reinforced or subverted.
Synthesis and characterization of Pt clusters in aqueous solutions

Extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) and UV–visible (UV–vis) spectroscopies were used to monitor the various steps involved in the synthesis of unprotected and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)-protected aqueous colloidal Pt suspensions. The results indicate that on hydrolysis of the H2PtCl6 precursor, the Cl− ligands were partially replaced by aquo ligands in the first coordination shell of Pt to form [PtCl2(H2O)4]2+. Treatment of these species with NaBH4 under controlled pH conditions led to the formation of nearly uniform Pt4 and Pt6 clusters in the absence and presence of PVA, respectively. These highly dispersed colloidal Pt suspensions were stable for several months. The addition of 2-propanol (IPA) to both types of Pt suspensions led to some sintering of the Pt clusters, although both suspensions retained their colloidal nature. Less sintering was evident in the PVA-protected Pt suspension. Both the unprotected and the PVA-protected colloidal Pt suspensions were catalytically active for the liquid-phase selective oxidation of 2-propanol to acetone, with the unprotected suspension exhibiting the highest activity.
A 14-Point reduced integration scheme for solid elements

Abstract A 14-point integration scheme for use with solid brick elements is presented. A 14-point scheme which mimics the Gauss 3 × 3 × 3 point integration at almost half the computational cost is derived in this paper. The scheme is tested using a 20-node solid element using a set of standard test problems. By relaxing the 14-point integration, the 20-node solid element produces excellent results.
Evaluation of Continuous Infusion of Lidocaine on Gastrointestinal Tract Function in Normal Horses

Objective— To determine the effect of continuous infusion of lidocaine on fecal transit time in normal horses. Study Design— Experimental randomized cross-over study. Animals— Healthy horses (n=6). Methods— Barium-filled microspheres were administered to horses by nasogastric intubation and feces were collected every 2 hours for 4 days. A bolus of 2% lidocaine (1.3 mg/kg) was administered randomly, followed by a continuous infusion of lidocaine (0.05 mg/kg/min) for 3 days or an equivalent volume of saline. The washout period was 10 days. Variables assessed included defecation frequency, weight of feces produced, intestinal transit time (number of microspheres observed on radiographs), fecal moisture content, borborygmus score, heart and respiratory rate, and signs of lidocaine toxicity (e.g., ataxia, CNS depression). Results— During the first 24 hours of lidocaine administration, mean (±SD) fecal output (10.8±6.9 kg) was decreased compared with controls (15±4.9 kg). Mean (±SEM) time for passing 50% of the barium-filled microspheres was shorter in controls (42±1.13 hours) compared with the lidocaine group (50±1.32 hours). Conclusions— Continuous infusion of lidocaine increases the transit time of feces in normal horses. Clinical Relevance— Clinicians need to be aware of the effects of using a continuous infusion of lidocaine on the transit time of feces in normal horses, with a potential for exacerbating those effects when combined with drugs that decrease motility and in horses with medical colic (e.g., impaction) or where a diagnosis has not been made.
Energy-aware scheduling with probabilistic deadline constraints in wireless networks

In a shared-medium wireless network, an effective technique that allows for a tradeoff of message transmission time for energy savings is to transmit messages over multiple smaller hops as opposed to using the long direct source-destination hop. In this context, we address the problem of scheduling messages with probabilistic deadline constraints. Unlike most other works in this area, we consider the practical aspects of the erroneous channel condition and the receiver energy consumption while solving the scheduling problem. Our solution is three fold - first we prove that the problem is NP-hard. We then present an Integer Linear Program (ILP) formulation for the scheduling problem. Finally, we present efficient heuristic scheduling algorithms which minimize the energy consumption while providing the required guarantees. Our simulation studies show that the proposed heuristic algorithms achieve energy savings comparable to that obtained using the linear programming methodology under practical channel conditions.
New ways to optically detect CH2 and HCF radicals using resonance-enhanced multiphoton ionization spectroscopy

We report two new optical detection methods for the CH2 (X 3B1) radical and one new detection method for the HCF (X 1A') radical. These detection methods are based upon resonance enhanced multiphoton ionization (REMPI) spectroscopy and require only commonly available lasers. Single laser pulse sensitivity for CH2 and HCF is better than 108 radicals(DOT)cm-3. REMPI spectra of CH2 between 380 and 440 nm arose from three-photon resonances with the B 3A2 (3d), C (3d), D (3d), and 4d 3A2 Rydberg states between 78,950 and 68,200 cm-1 above the ground state. A fourth laser photon ionized the radicals and the signal was carried by CH2+ (m/z 14) ions, i.e., CH2 signal arises through a 3 + 1 REMPI mechanism. We have also discovered two new states, H(3p) and I(4p), that enable extremely sensitive detection of CH2 through a 2 + 1 REMPI scheme. In two photons, the H(3p) state produces a strong band at 311.80 nm (64,126 cm-1). The much weaker I(4p) state appears at 269.27 nm (74,254 cm-1). Between 305 and 325 nm HCF and DCF radicals produce 2 + 1 REMPI spectra by excitation to 3p Rydberg states. The band origins for HCF and DCF are at 321.6 nm (62,180 cm-1) and 321.7 nm, respectively.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Silver-Zinc Redox-Coupled Electroceutical Wound Dressing Disrupts Bacterial Biofilm

Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm is commonly associated with chronic wound infection. A FDA approved wireless electroceutical dressing (WED), which in the presence of conductive wound exudate gets activated to generate electric field (0.3–0.9V), was investigated for its anti-biofilm properties. Growth of pathogenic P. aeruginosa strain PAO1 in LB media was markedly arrested in the presence of the WED. Scanning electron microscopy demonstrated that WED markedly disrupted biofilm integrity in a setting where silver dressing was ineffective. Biofilm thickness and number of live bacterial cells were decreased in the presence of WED. Quorum sensing genes lasR and rhlR and activity of electric field sensitive enzyme, glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase was also repressed by WED. This work provides first electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy evidence demonstrating that WED serves as a spontaneous source of reactive oxygen species. Redox-sensitive multidrug efflux systems mexAB and mexEF were repressed by WED. Taken together, these observations provide first evidence supporting the anti-biofilm properties of WED.
Variable Exit Angle X-Ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy.

Abstract The study of thin films and surfaces has received increasing attention over the last 10 years. Furthermore, there has been an increasing number of techniques devoted to these studies.1 The majority of the techniques achieve their surface sensitivity as a result of the strong coupling between the charged particle and the material that the particle traverses before it is detected. For example, with electron detection techniques (e.g., photoemission [XPS, UPS] and Auger electron spectroscopy [AES]), this strong coupling leads to an electron mean free path that ranges from 5 to 30 A for most materials in the electron energy range of 10 to 1000 eV.2
Topological adjacency relations on Z, n

For which adjacency relations (i.e., irreflexive symmetric binary relations) on Zn does there exist a topology on Zn such that the -connected sets are exactly the -path-connected subsets of Zn? If such a topology exists then we say that the relation is topological. Let l1 and l, respectively, denote the 4- and the 8-adjacency relations on Z2 and the analogs of these two relations on Zn (for any positive integer n). Consider adjacency relations on Zn such that 1.For x,yZn,xl1yxyxly. 2.For all xZn, the set {x}{y|xy} is l1-path-connected. Among the uncountably many adjacency relations satisfying conditions 1 and 2 above, Eckhardt and Latecki showed that there are (up to isomorphism) just two topological relations on Z2, and essentially showed that there are just four topological relations on Z3. We show in this paper that for any positive integer n there are only finitely many topological adjacency relations on Zn that satisfy conditions 1 and 2, and we relate the problem of finding these relations to the problem of finding all sets of vertices of an n-cube such that no two vertices in the set are the endpoints of an edge of the n-cube. From our main theorems we deduce the above-mentioned results of Latecki and Eckhardt, and also deduce that there are (again, up to isomorphism) exactly 16 topological adjacency relations on Z4 that satisfy conditions 1 and 2.
Deep penetrating nevus: a case report and brief literature review

Background - Deep penetrating nevus (DPN) is a distinct variant of melanocytic nevus and remains a histopathologic challenge to pathologists because of its resemblance to blue nevus, malignant melanoma, pigmented Spitz nevus, and congenital melanocytic nevus. It often goes unrecognized due to its relative rarity.
Effects of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons on the proliferation of ectopic thyroid tissue in Poecilia formosa, the Amazon molly*

A single intraperitoneal injection of any one of several polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons given to young Amazon mollies induces massive enlargement of the spleen. This enlargement is the result of splenic tissue being partially or wholly replaced by proliferating thyroid tissue. The pharyngeal thyroid gland is stimulated but to a lesser degree. No exuberant thyroid tissue is found at any other extrapharyngeal site. We discuss the possible causes of this finding.
Effect of stand age on whole ecosystem CO2 exchange in the Canadian boreal forest

One of the key steps to estimating the current and future contribution of boreal forests to the global carbon cycle is quantifying the role recovery from fire plays in stand level carbon dynamics. We used tower-based eddy covariance to measure the CO2 exchange above five black spruce stands in central Manitoba during the 1999 and 2000 growing seasons (June–September). Fluxes in the four youngest stands (11, 19, 36, and 70 year old burns) were measured using portable eddy flux systems stationed in each burn for 4 to 6 weeks. Fluxes in the oldest stand (∼1870 burn) were measured continuously throughout 1999 and 2000, providing a baseline for interpretation of the fluxes measured simultaneously in the younger stands. Light-saturated CO2 uptake was lowest in the 11 year old stand (−4.1 μmol m−2 s−1), high in the 19 year old stand (−8.9 μmol m−2 s−1), highest in the 36 year old stand (−10.1 μmol m−2 s−1), and moderate in the 70 and 130 year old stands (−6.3 and −7.1 μmol m−2 s−1, respectively). Whole-ecosystem respiration was lowest in the youngest burn and consistently increased with stand age. Integrated daily carbon balance changed from a slight sink at the 11 year old stand (−0.20 g C m−2 d−1) to a modest sink at the 19 year old stand (−1.9 g C m−2 d−1) to a large sink at the 36 year old stand (−3.1 g C m−2 d−1) to a modest sink at the 70 year old stand (−0.53 g C m−2 d−1) to around zero at the 130 year old stand. The results from any single tower in a boreal region are therefore unlikely to be representative of the entire region. Reliable assessments of regional carbon balance will require an approach that incorporates information on the fractional coverage of stands in different age classes and measurements of ecosystem gas exchange by representative stands within each age class.
Crystal structure of the catalytic domain of drosophila β1,4-galactosyltransferase-7

The β1,4-galactosyltransferase-7 (β4Gal-T7) enzyme, one of seven members of the β4Gal-T family, transfers in the presence of manganese Gal from UDP-Gal to an acceptor sugar (xylose) that is attached to a side chain hydroxyl group of Ser/Thr residues of proteoglycan proteins. It exhibits the least protein sequence similarity with the other family members, including the well studied family member β4Gal-T1, which, in the presence of manganese, transfers Gal from UDP-Gal to GlcNAc. We report here the crystal structure of the catalytic domain of β4Gal-T7 from Drosophila in the presence of manganese and UDP at 1.81 A resolution. In the crystal structure, a new manganese ion-binding motif (HXH) has been observed. Superposition of the crystal structures of β4Gal-T7 and β4Gal-T1 shows that the catalytic pocket and the substrate-binding sites in these proteins are similar. Compared with GlcNAc, xylose has a hydroxyl group (instead of an N-acetyl group) at C2 and lacks the CH2OH group at C5; thus, these protein structures show significant differences in their acceptor-binding site. Modeling of xylose in the acceptor-binding site of the β4Gal-T7 crystal structure shows that the aromatic side chain of Tyr177 interacts strongly with the C5 atom of xylose, causing steric hindrance to any additional group at C5. Because Drosophila Cd7 has a 73% protein sequence similarity to human Cd7, the present crystal structure offers a structure-based explanation for the mutations in human Cd7 that have been linked to Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.
Photoelectron binding energy shifts observed during oxidation of group IIA, IIIA and IVA elemental surfaces

Abstract An extensive re-evaluation of XPS binding energies (BE's) and binding energy shifts (ΔBE's) from metals, oxides and the carbonates of the group II, III and IVA elements (exceptions are Be, Mg and Hf) has been carried out using a substrate specific BE referencing approach. From this, O-1s BE's are found to fall into surface oxide, bulk oxide and carbonate groupings, with bulk oxides showing the lowest BE's followed by surface oxides (+∼1.5 eV) and then carbonates (+∼3.0 eV). The O-1s BE's from the bulk oxides also appear to scale with 1/d, where d is inter-atomic distance. The same is noted in the ΔBE's observed from the metallic counterparts during oxidation of the elemental surfaces. This, and the decreasing BE exhibited by Ca, Sr and Ba on oxidation is explained within the charge potential model as resulting from competing inter- and intra-atomic effects, and is shown to be consistent with partial covalency arguments utilizing Madulung potentials. The ΔBE's also fall into groups according to the elements location in the periodic table, i.e. s, p or d block. These trends open up the possibility of approximating ΔBE's arising from initial and final state effects, and bond distances.
In search of the supermassive magnetic monopole

Abstract During the past three years there has been an intense search for slow, massive magnetic monopoles, presumed to be the oldest observable relics of creation. There is little theoretical guidance as to their expected flux, although such particles are mandatory in a large class of grand unified theories. We review experimental constraints. Superconducting induction experiments provide the most direct upper limit, 1.5 × 10−2 cm−2 sr−1 s−1 at the 90% confidence level, independently of velocity. A Russian group using a large scintillation counter array reports F ⪅ 2 × 10−15 cm −2 sr−1 s−1 for monopoles with velocities as low as 10−3 c, the local virial velocity in the galaxy. A search for tracks in ancient muscovite mica establishes a limit near 10−19 cm−2 sr−1 s−1 at this velocity, albeit with some interpretative problems. These terrestrial bounds are to be compared with the Parker limit at ∼10−15 cm−2 sr−1 s−1 (over most of the expected mass range), a bound at 10−19 cm−2 sr−1 s−1 if magnetic fields survive in clusters of galaxies, and with several limits based upon neutron star observations—∼10−22 cm−2 sr−1 s−1 if nucleon decay is or is not catalyzed by monopoles. New induction, scintillation, and proportional wire chamber experiments are in their late construction stages, and a very large array of He-n-pentane streamer chambers, track etch detectors, and scintillators has been proposed. This active and exciting field would be even further stimulated by the discovery of monopoles.
Optical, electrical, and electro-mechanical measurement methodologies of electric field, charge, and polarization in dielectrics

A selective review is presented of the use of optical, electrical, and electro-mechanical measurement methodologies of the electric field, charge, conductivity, and permittivity in dielectrics. Kerr electro-optic measurements are presented to demonstrate how volume charge distributions can significantly distort the electric field distribution and how the field and charge distributions depend on dielectric and electrode materials and geometry and on voltage magnitude, polarity, and time duration. A new class of interdigitated dielectrometry sensors is reviewed which from one side can measure profiles in dielectric permittivity and conductivity and related physical properties such as moisture content. Electromechanical devices such as the Absolute Charge Sensor and the Couette Charger with a rotating cylindrical electrode are reviewed for their applications in liquid flow electrification measurements.
Least-Cost Transition Firing Sequence Estimation in Labeled Petri Nets

This paper develops a recursive algorithm for estimating the least-cost transition firing sequence(s) based on the observation of a sequence of labels produced by transition activity in a given labeled Petri net. Each transition in the given net is associated with a nonnegative cost which could represent its likelihood (e.g., in terms of the amount of workload or power required to execute the transition). Given the structure of a labeled Petri net and the observation of a sequence of labels, we aim at finding the transition firing sequence(s) that has (have) the least total cost and is (are) consistent with both the observed label sequence and the Petri net. We develop a recursive algorithm that finds the least-cost transition firing sequence(s) with complexity that is polynomial in the length of the observed label sequence and is thus amenable to online event estimation and monitoring. An example of two parallel working machines is also provided to illustrate the algorithm.