cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A molecular-thermodynamic model for Gibbs monolayers formed from redox-active surfactants at the surfaces of aqueous solutions : Redox-induced changes in surface tension

We report the development of a molecular-thermodynamic model for Gibbs monolayers formed from the redox-active surfactant (11-ferrocenylundecyl)trimethylammonium bromide (II+), or oxidized II+ (II2+), at the surfaces of aqueous solutions. This model provides an account of past experimental measurements (Gallardo, B. S.; Metcalfe, K. L.; Abbott, N. L. Langmuir 1996, 12, 4116−4124) which demonstrated electrochemical oxidation of II+ to II2+ to lead to large and reversible changes in the excess surface concentrations and surface tensions of aqueous solutions of this redox-active surfactant. The results of the model lead us to conclude that II+ assumes a looped conformation at the surfaces of aqueous solutions. This looped conformation lowers the surface tensions of aqueous solutions of II+ to ∼49 mN/m at a limiting surface area of 85 A2/molecule (in 0.1 M Li2SO4). The underlying cause of the reduction in surface tension is not an electrostatic contribution to the surface pressure (as is the case with classic...
Unitarity in periodic potentials: A renormalization group analysis

We explore the universal properties of interacting fermionic lattice systems, mostly focusing on the development of pairing correlations from attractive interactions. Using renormalization group we identify a large number of fixed points and show that they correspond to resonant scattering in multiple channels. Pairing resonances in finite-density band insulators occur between quasiparticles and quasiholes living at different symmetry-related wavevectors in the Brillouin zone. This allows a BCS-BEC crossover interpretation of both Cooper and particle-hole pairing. We show that in two dimensions the run-away flows of relevant attractive interactions lead to charged-boson-dominated low energy dynamics in the insulating states, and superfluid transitions in bosonic mean-field or XY universality classes. Analogous phenomena in higher dimensions are restricted to the strong coupling limit, while at weak couplings the transition is in the pair-breaking BCS class. The models discussed here can be realized with ultra-cold gases of alkali atoms tuned to a broad Feshbach resonance in an optical lattice, enabling experimental studies of pairing correlations in insulators, especially in their universal regimes. In turn, these simple and tractable models capture the emergence of fluctuation-driven superconducting transitions in fermionic systems, which is of interest in the context of high temperature superconductors.
The fixity of reasons

I consider backtracking reasoning: that is, reasoning from backtracking counterfactuals such as if Hitler had won the war, he would have invaded Russia six weeks earlier. Backtracking counterfactuals often strike us as true. Despite that, reasoning from them just as often strikes us as illegitimate. A number of diagnoses have been offered of the illegitimacy of such backtracking reasoning which invoke the fixity of the past, or the direction of causation. I argue against such diagnoses, and in favor of one that invokes a principle I call the fixity of reasons. Backtracking reasoning violates the fixity of reasons. But, the fixity of reasons is a principle that must be observed in order to engage in practical reasoning at all.
Morphological and Cytomolecular Assessment of Intraspecific Variability in Scarlet Eggplant ( Solanum aethiopicum L.)

Solanum aethiopicum L. is native to sub-Saharan Africa but is now found in many parts of the world. It is used for food, medicinal, and ornamental purposes. It has also been used as a rootstock for tomato and common eggplant because of its resistance to certain pathogens. However, very little is known about its genetics, so the purpose of this work was to assess intraspecific variability in S. aethiopicum via morphological and cytomolecular characterization of 12 scarlet eggplant accessions. Cluster analysis was used for grouping the accessions using means of 27 variables. Four separate groups were found, with two groups each consisting of five accessions and two other groups each consisting of only one accession. Variability was high with flower- and fruit-associated descriptors among the accessions. Monoploid genome sizes (Cx-value), average chromosome sizes (C/n-value), and GC content were determined. Haploid genome size of S. aethiopicum ranged from 1.312 pg/1C to 1.538 pg/1C., which is close to the g...
Polyclonal antibodies against the polypeptide and carbohydrate epitopes of recombinant human choriogonadotropin β-subunit

Abstract In our previous paper (Chen et al. (1991) J. Biol. Chem. 266, 4081–4087) we reported the preparation and characterization of recombinant human choriogonadotropin β subunit (hCGβ) using the baculovirus-insect cell expression system. The rhCGβ was found to contain high mannose type N-linked carbohydrates and 3–4 serine-linked disaccharide chains. Despite the carbohydrate structural variation, the rhCGβ was similar to hCGβ in in vitro immunological and biological properties. In order to evaluate its in vivo immunological properties, rabbit antiserum against rhCGβ was produced. The antiserum was found to be almost identical to anti-hCGβ in binding to hCGβ as well as in its crossreactivity with human lutropin (hLH), hCG and human follitropin (hFSH) as indicated by radioimmunoassays using 125I-hCGβ as a tracer. Further characterization of the anti-rhCGβ antiserum revealed that there are three types of antibodies in terms of antigenic specificity present in the anti-rhCGβ antisera pool as shown by dot blot and radioimmunoassays. The carbohydrate-specific antibodies were separated by affinity chromatography using an ovalbumin-glycopeptide-Sepharose column. The antibodies held on the ovalbumin affinity adsorbent were specific for the high mannose type carbohydrates such as those present in rhCGβ, rhCG and thyroglobulin and failed to react with transferrin, α1,-acid glycoprotein and hCGα, all containing complex type carbohydrates. This was further supported by the fact that the recombinant unglycosylated hCG or periodate oxidized rhCGβ also did not show any reactivity with the carbohydrate specific antibodies. Two types of peptide epitopes seemed to be present in rhCGβ since when the flowthrough fraction from the ovalbumin-glycopeptide-affinity column was passed through the hCGβ-Sepharose column, the antibodies in the flowthrough from the latter column were specific to the unique antigenic determinants present only in the rhCGβ and not in hCGβ. The eluate from the hCGβ-Sepharose column contained the third type of antibodies, being the predominant ones, directed to the common epitopes between rhCGβ and hCGβ. The high mannose type specific antibodies are potentially useful in differentiating between the high mannose and complex type of N-linked carbohydrates present in a glycoprotein. Also, the antibody could provide an effective reagent in studying the intracellular processing of the N-linked oligosaccharides. The antibodies unique to rhCG polypeptide probably were against those epitopes which were either masked or were present in a different conformation in the native hCGβ indicating that the high mannose type carbohydrates might have a different steric or subtle conformational effect than the complex type carbohydrate on the rhCGβ polypeptide chain.
Piezoelectrically Actuated Microvalves for Micropropulsion Applications

This paper presents a piezoelectric microvalve technology with a high pressure handling capability for micropropulsion applications.
Borehole resistivity curves near spheroidal masses

Modeling of in situ energy extraction processes (e.g., coal gasification and oil shale retorting) has been examined by assuming the affected zones may be described by oblate or prolate spheroids of lowered electrical resistivity. The purpose of the model study is to determine if such subsurface bodies may be monitored and defined by electrical resistivity measurements made in boreholes away from the reaction zone. Solutions of the Laplace equation in (1) oblate and (2) prolate spheroidal coordinate systems enable theoretical determination of the electrical potential distribution as would be measured in a borehole near an anomalous body of oblate or prolate shape. The body is assumed to be enclosed within an infinite, homogeneous mass. Normal (pole‐pole) type curves of (1) electrical resistivity for various electrode spacings (sounding curves) and (2) electrical resistivity for various positions in the borehole (vertical profiling) are developed for both oblate and prolate spheroidal models using spheroids...
THE ORIGIN OF THE DOUBLE PEAK AT 260 K IN CALORIMETRIC MEASUREMENTS ON SOLID C60

Abstract The fcc-sc phase transition in solid C 60 in calorimetric measurements is usually manifested as a single sharp peak centered at a temperature near T ≈ 260 K. In the present study it is shown that small amounts ( 70 can give rise to additional features, including a second peak at 10–20 K below the transition temperature. In contrast, the presence or absence of such double-peak anomaly in high-purity (>99.5%) samples is determined by the kinetics of crystallization. We conclude that impurities as well as crystal imperfections are the primary source of the double-peak anomaly.
Effect of endotoxin on the production of colony‐stimulating factor by human monocytes and macrophages

Colony-stimulating factor (CSF) is necessary for the clonal growth of human bone marrow in vitro. Human blood monocytes and macrophages produce CSF. Endotoxin was found to increase the level of CSF generated by macrophages, but had no stimulatory effect on monocytes. Several other substances known to influence the pinocytic or phagocytic activity of mononuclear phagocytes failed to enhance cellular CSF generation.
What about 'information'?

Various groups misinterpret ‘information' as evidence of design or consciousness. But information is just a form of matter or energy; it does not require consciousness to receive and process it.
Alterations in Calcium Channel Currents Underlie Defective Insulin Secretion in a Transgenic Mouse

A transgenic mouse overexpressing a mutant form of calmodulin (CaM-8) that is selectively targeted to pancreatic beta-cells has an impaired ability to secrete insulin in response to elevated blood glucose. Fluorescence measurements of cytosolic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) showed that intracellular Ca2+ rises produced by glucose were smaller than normal in beta-cells of CaM-8 mice. Glucose utilization rates were not different between the CaM-8 and control beta-cells, suggesting that glucose metabolism was unperturbed by CaM-8. Ion channel defects were implicated in the phenotype of CaM-8 beta-cells because treatment of these cells with tolbutamide, a blocker of ATP-sensitive K+ channels, produced smaller than normal amounts of insulin secretion and Ca2+ rises. Depolarization with elevated extracellular K+ also produced smaller Ca2+ rises in beta-cells from CaM-8 mice. Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings revealed that Ca2+ channel currents of beta-cells from CaM-8 mice were half as large as Ca2+ currents in control cells, while the currents carried by delayed rectifier and ATP-sensitive K+ channels were similar in magnitude in both cell types. We conclude that expression of the CaM-8 form of calmodulin causes a down-regulation of Ca2+ channel currents, which reduces Ca2+ entry and accumulation when glucose stimulates closure of the ATP-sensitive K+ channels. The reduction in intracellular Ca2+ accumulation then prevents an adequate amount of insulin from being secreted from beta-cells of CaM-8 mice.
The Value of Simple Multivariable and Nonlinear Models in Process Control

Simple conceptual or mathematical models have always been used in design of linear SISO process controllers. On the other hand the design of nonlinear or MIMO controllers has always been perceived as requiring a detailed dynamic model. This communication aims to show that, the use of simple models, can drastically affect the design of such controllers by suggesting a design framework that centers around the extensive variable of the process instead of the intensive one that are usually measured.
An On-Campus Celebration of National Chemistry Week

This article describes an on-campus celebration program for National Chemistry Week (NCW) at the University of Pittsburgh at Titusville (UPT). The program, consisting of a chemistry magic show, hands-on chemistry fun, and a poster display session, was presented free of charge to the public on the Saturday of NCW. Presenting the program on campus avoided the transportation of the necessary materials, allowed the incorporation of many interesting demonstrations, and provided an opportunity for the school to showcase its state-of-the-art facilities. The program reached the public through different media, such as flyers, newspapes, and TV and radio. Over 100 people of all ages from the local community participated in the program. One of the most successful characteristics of the program was the substantial involvement of college students taking chemistry classes. Directly doing or seeing various reactions that involved changes in color or production of sound, heat, or light was stimulating and memorable. Many student participants became chemistry club members right after the events and were excited about more opportunities to explore the world of chemistry. This article also described activities highlighting the theme of NCW 1999, “Celebrating Polymers.”
Mechanical Compression Affects Nutritional Transport in Human Intervertebral Disc

Although the exact cause is not clear, low back pain has been attributed to degeneration of the intervertebral disc (IVD) of the spine, which has been linked to poor nutritional supply to the disc. Because the IVD is the largest avascular structure in the human body, disc cells must rely on diffusional transport for delivery of important nutrients, such as oxygen and glucose, from the surrounding vasculature. Thus, understanding factors affecting nutritional supply to the cells is important in elucidating the etiology of disc degeneration and related back pain. While knowledge of how mechanical strain affects nutritional transport is important in understanding these phenomena, little can be found in the literature regarding strain-dependent diffusion of nutrients in human IVD.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Focusing of intense ion beams by radiation cooling in a magnetic mirror

It is shown that a space-charge-neutralized intense ion beam can be focused down to diameters of \ensuremath{\sim}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ cm by injection into a magnetic mirror through the combined action of the magnetic field and nonadabatic radiative energy losses. These intense tightly focused beams may be important for the eventual ignition of thermonuclear microexplosions.
Lipid biosynthesis by axenic strains of Blastocystis hominis

Axenic strains of Blastocystis hominis incorporated 32P, added to the medium as orthophosphate, into a number of phospholipids, including sphingomyelin, cardiolipin, phosphatidic acid, the phosphoglycerides of choline, ethanolamine, serine, and inositol and some other minor phospholipids. Radioactive palmitate and glycerol provided in the growth medium introduced radiolabel into diacylglycerols, triacylglycerols, and all major phosphoglycerides found in the organism. Palmitate is a major fatty acid of cholesterol esters in B. hominis, but radioactive palmitate did not enter the cholesterol ester pool. Radioactive acetate was not incorporated into any lipids. Cholesterol and cholesterol esters of the organism were not labeled when cells were grown in the presence of radioactive glucose, mevalonic acid, or mevalonolactone. Radioactive cholesterol added to the medium became stably associated with B. hominis cells, but none of the radioactive cholesterol entered the cholesterol ester pool. Cholesterol-[3H]-palmitate added to the medium became stably associated with the organism, and most of the radioactivity associated with the cells remained in the cholesterol ester fraction on extended incubation. These results show that this parasitic protozoan has the capacity to synthesize most cellular lipids de novo, but suggest that it acquires free cholesterol and intact cholesterol esters directly from growth medium.
Phosphorescence quenching of biacetyl vapor by alcohols and iodides

Abstract The quenching of phosphorescence emission from biacetyl, excited at 404.7 nm, has been investigated in the gas phase for several alcohols and iodides. The data gave linear Stern—Volmer plots, from which quenching rate constants for collisions of 3 B u biacetyl were determined. The rate constant values in l/mol s were: methyl alcohol (7.6 × 10 5 ), ethyl alcohol (6.2 × 10 5 ), n-propyl alcohol (7.2 × 10 5 ), methyl iodide (1.0 × 10 6 ), ethyl iodide (1.1 × 10 6 ), n-propyl iodide (6.7 × 10 5 ), and methylene iodide (2.9 × 10 6 ). Using simple hard sphere collision theory, the collisional efficiencies of quenching, per gas kinetic collision, were all in the range 2 to 5 × 10 −6 , except for methylene iodide, which was 1.4 × 10 −5 . The quenching mechanism for the alcohols is most probably H-atom transfer from the alcohol to 3 B u biacetyl. For the iodides, the data cannot be used to distinguish unambiguously between an external heavy atom effect and chemical quenching.
Orientation-dependent function of a short CYC1 DNA fragment in directing mRNA 3' end formation in yeast.

Abstract We have cloned an 82-base-pair region spanning the site of normal 3' end formation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae CYC1 mRNA into an integrative vector carrying the 5' end of the actin gene (including its intron) fused in frame to HIS4ABC sequences. This vector can confer the ability to grow on histidinol if HIS4C (encoding histidinol dehydrogenase) is sufficiently expressed. With the CYC1 fragment cloned in its wild-type (forward) orientation within the actin intron, transformants cannot grow on histidinol, whereas cells transformed with the vector carrying the reverse orientation of this fragment are able to grow well. RNA transfers demonstrate that transformants containing the forward orientation accumulate less than 40% of the control level of full-length mRNA and reveal the presence of a short, stable (approximately equal to 300 nucleotides) poly(A) RNA that represents 60-70% of the transcripts originating from the same promoter. The reverse orientation of the insert allows near-normal levels of full-length mRNA. Mapping of the 3' end of the truncated RNA indicates that poly(A) addition is variable in length but occurs at the same location as in the normal CYC1 transcript. Dominant and recessive suppressor mutations permit growth on histidinol despite the inserted fragment. Genetic analyses indicate that most of the dominant mutants are cis-acting and that the recessive mutants define a minimum of three complementation groups, indicating that defects in several different genes can restore higher levels of HIS4C expression.
Action machines - towards a framework for model composition, exploration and conformance testing based on symbolic computation

We report on a framework for model composition, exploration, and conformance testing based on symbolic execution. The foundations of this framework are given by so-called action machines, a variation of labeled transition systems which communicate over synchronously stepped actions and constraints attached to them. The implementation is based on XRT, an exploration engine for .NET CIL code which supports symbolic computation. The main application is in the area of model-based conformance testing, where our approach addresses practical problems users at Microsoft have in applying model-based testing technology.
The Struggle for ‘‘Ownership of Conflict’’: An Exploration of Victim Participation and Voice in the Criminal Justice System

In the past several decades, the victims’ rights movement has advocated for a more inclusive criminal justice system, one that would allow victims greater voice. In response, states have created opportunities for victims to participate in the various stages of the justice process. One example of this inclusion is the victim impact statement that allows victims the opportunity to share their stories and victimization experiences with the court. And, while there is an abundance of research examining the effects of these statements on certain outcomes (e.g., sentencing), few studies have explored how the victim’s role in the justice process is created in relation to, or perhaps in conflict with, criminal justice workers. The current study used in-depth interviews with criminal justice officials and families of homicide victims to uncover views of victim participation. Results indicated that while most members of the courtroom workgroup felt victims should have a role in the justice process, they believed tha...
Functional Test Generation using Property Decompositions for Validation of Pipelined Processors

Functional validation is a major bottleneck in pipelined processor design. Simulation using functional test vectors is the most widely used form of processor validation. While existing model checking based approaches have proposed several promising ideas for efficient test generation, many challenges remain in applying them to realistic pipelined processors. The time and resources required for test generation using existing model checking based techniques can be extremely large. This paper presents an efficient test generation technique using decompositional model checking. The contribution of the paper is the development of both property and design decomposition procedures for efficient test generation of pipelined processors. Our experimental results using a multi-issue MIPS processor demonstrate several orders-of-magnitude reduction in memory requirement and test generation time.
Dealing with discreteness: making `exact’ confidence intervals for proportions, differences of proportions, and odds ratios more exact

'Exact' methods for categorical data are exact in terms of using probability distributions that do not depend on unknown parameters. However, they are conservative inferentially. The actual error probabilities for tests and confidence intervals are bounded above by the nominal level. This article examines the conservatism for interval estimation and describes ways of reducing it. We illustrate for confidence intervals for several basic parameters, including the binomial parameter, the difference between two binomial parameters for independent samples, and the odds ratio and relative risk. Less conservative behavior results from devices such as (1) inverting tests using statistics that are 'less discrete', (2) inverting a single two-sided test rather than two separate one-sided tests each having size at least half the nominal level, (3) using unconditional rather than conditional methods (where appropriate) and (4) inverting tests using alternative p-values. The article concludes with recommendations for selecting an interval in three situations-when one needs to guarantee a lower bound on a coverage probability, when it is sufficient to have actual coverage probability near the nominal level, and when teaching in a classroom or consulting environment.
Sugar or high fructose corn syrup-what should nurses teach patients and families?

Background: There is lack of consensus in the lay literature to support consumption of table sugar as a preferred sweetener when compared to high fructose corn syrup (HFCS). Aims: The purpose of this study was to search the literature for evidence to determine the health effects of consumption of table sugar (sucrose) and HFCS on blood glucose, lipid levels, obesity, and appetite as well as to make recommendations for patient and family teaching of those at risk for developing negative health outcomes, including coronary heart disease. Methods: Nursing and health-related databases, including CINAHL, PubMed, Cochrane Central Registry of Controlled Trials, and Health and Wellness were searched for research articles, which were compared and evaluated for purpose, sample size, procedure, findings, and level of evidence. Findings: Five studies that met inclusion criteria were evaluated. No difference was found in changes in blood glucose levels, lipid levels, or appetite between table sugar consumption and HFCS consumption. When only fructose was consumed, lipid levels were significantly increased. Linking Evidence to Action: The evidence suggests that fructose, found in both table sugar and HFCS, has a negative effect on health outcomes. Clinicians should teach patients and families that all sugar consumption should be closely monitored and kept below the 40 g/day recommended by the World Health Organization. BACKGROUND As concern about the ever-increasing incidence of obesity and development of Type 2 diabetes mellitus continues to escalate, the role of high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) as a food additive and sweetener has been examined more carefully. Popular lay literature ascribes many ill effects of HFCS consumption, but with little cited research to support these claims. When nurses and other clinicians teach patients and families about health dietary choices, they commonly provide information about saturated and unsaturated fats, fiber, caloric consumption, and salt. Sugar may be discussed within the context of diabetes mellitus education, but HFCS is rarely mentioned, often because of an assumption that HFCS is a fructose product that does not have the same effects on metabolism as table sugar.
Can we prevent diabetic ketoacidosis in children

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is an acute potentially life-threatening complication of diabetes affecting more than 100,000 persons annually in the United States. Although major advances have improved diabetes care, DKA remains the leading cause of hospitalization, morbidity, and death in youth with type 1 diabetes (T1D). As the majority of patients presenting with DKA have established diabetes, it is important to address outpatient educational approaches directed at sick-day management and early identification and treatment of impending DKA. Teaching and reinforcement of sick-day rules involves improved self-care with consistent self-monitoring of blood glucose and ketones, and timely administration of supplemental insulin and fluids. DKA as an initial manifestation of T1D may be less amendable to prevention except with an increased awareness by the lay and medical communities of the symptoms of diabetes and surveillance in high-risk populations potentially identified by family history or genetic susceptibility. New technologies that can detect the blood ketone 3beta-hydroxybutyrate (3beta-OHB) instead of traditional urine ketones appears to provide opportunity for early identification and treatment of impending DKA leading to reduced need for hospitalization and potential cost-savings.
Immunodominant epitopes in nsp2 of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus are dispensable for replication, but play an important role in modulation of the host immune response

Non-structural protein 2 (nsp2) of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) is the largest protein of this virus. In addition to its crucial role in virus replication, recent studies have indicated its involvement in modulating host immunity. In this study, each of the six identified immunodominant nsp2 B-cell epitopes (ES2–ES7) was deleted using a type I PRRSV cDNA infectious clone. Deletion of ES3, ES4 or ES7 allowed the generation of viable virus. In comparison with the parental virus, the ΔES3 mutant showed increased cytolytic activity and more vigorous growth kinetics, whilst the ΔES4 and ΔES7 mutants displayed decreased cytolytic activity and slower growth kinetics in MARC-145 cells. These nsp2 mutants were characterized further in a nursery pig disease model. The results showed that the ΔES4 and ΔES7 mutants exhibited attenuated phenotypes, whereas the ΔES3 mutant produced a higher peak viral load in pigs. The antibody response reached similar levels, as measured by IDEXX ELISA at 21 days post-infection, and slightly higher levels of mean virus neutralizing titres were observed from pigs infected by the ΔES4 and ΔES7 mutants. The expression of innate and T-helper 1 cytokines was measured in peripheral blood mononuclear cells or virus-infected macrophages. The results consistently showed that interleukin-1β and tumour necrosis factor alpha expression levels were downregulated in cells that were stimulated (or infected) with the ΔES3 mutant compared with parental virus and the other nsp2 deletion mutants. These results suggest that certain regions in nsp2 are non-essential for PRRSV replication but may play an important role in modulation of host immunity in vivo.
Optimisation of indices of external pneumatic compression for prophylaxis against deep vein thrombosis: radionuclide gated imaging studies.

The amoun and rate of blood expelled with different modes of intermitten external pneumatic compression applied to the lower leg were studied on a regional basis in a series of experiments on healthy human volunteers. Radionuclide imaging of the labelled blood pool, with acquisition of counts synchronised to the pressurisation cycle, provided data on regional blood volumes in the leg in relation to time. To determine the changes in blood volume of the lower leg resulting from external pneumatic compression labelled red blood cell counts were determined during 10 different types of compression cycle. Since venous stasis is considered to be a major cause of venous thrombosis the red blood cell counts were used to calculate regional values of the fraction of blood ejected as well as comparative indices proportional to regional flow rate, regional velocity, and regional wall shear stress. All these indices should be maximised for optimal prophylaxis agains deep vein thrombosis. The four compartmen cuff in each compression mode applied a mean pressure of 45 mm Hg, bu different combinations of values were used for intercompartmental pressure gradation (‡p) and for intercompartmental time sequencing to the onse of compression (‡t). Uniform compression (‡p=0; ‡t=0) was substantially inferior to cycles with gradation and sequencing. The optimal values of △p were in the range 5–10 mm Hg and of ‡t in the range 0–0.5 seconds.
The Contours of Feminist Media Studies

Console-ing Passions (CP) is the international conference on television, video, audio, new media, and feminism. It was founded in 1989 by a group of feminist media scholars and artists looking to c...
Particle Collection from Aqueous Suspensions by Permeable Hollow Fibers

Permeable hollow fibers can be utilized as a filter medium to increase the collection efficiency of conventional depth filters. The permeability of the wall permits modification of the chemistry and hydrodynamics of the fiber-suspension interface, thereby increasing the transport and attachment of particles to the filter. Modification of the interface is accomplished by induction of a minute flow of liquid into the fiber interior and/or by the diffusion of a destabilizing chemical from the fiber interior. The flow of liquid into the fiber surface reduces the viscous drag on the particle as it nears the surface of the filter thereby increasing the rate of transport. The destabilizing chemical reduces repulsion (electric double layer) between particle and fiber surfaces, increasing the fraction of particle-fiber contacts resulting in attachment.
A Hierarchy of Qualitative Representations for Space

Research in Qualitative Reasoning builds and uses discrete symbolic models of the continuous world. Inference methods such as qualitative simulation are grounded in the theory of ordinary differential equations. We argue here that cognitive mapping -- building and using symbolic models of the large-scale spatial environment -- is a highly appropriate domain for qualitative reasoning research. We describe the Spatial Semantic Hierarchy (SSH), a set of distinct representations for space, each with its own ontology, each with its own mathematical foundation, and each abstracted from the levels below it. At the control level, the robot and its environment are modeled as a continuous dynamical system, whose stable equilibrium points are abstracted to a discrete set of "distinctive states." Trajectories linking these states can be abstracted to actions, giving a discrete causal graph level of representation for the state space. Depending on the properties of the actions, the causal graph can be deterministic or stochastic. The causal graph of states and actions can in turn be abstracted to a topological network of places and paths. Local metrical models, such as occupancy grids, of neighborhoods of places and paths can then be built on the framework of the topological network while avoiding their usual problems of global consistency. This paper gives an overview of the SSH, describes the kinds of guarantees that the representation can support, and gives examples from two different robot implementations. We conclude with a brief discussion of the relation between the concepts of "distinctive state" and "landmark value."
Education for Mildly Handicapped Adolescents: Structure and Quality of Published Information From the Past Decade:

Structural and qualitative features of published information available on educating mildly handicapped adolescents is examined. Professional journal literature from the past 10 years was searched to locate articles reporting on or advocating educational interventions with this population. Articles were categorized according to their orientation, support base, and the handicapping condition(s) addressed. Results indicated that articles addressing different handicapping conditions within the orientations of academics, career/vocational, or both have been differentially distributed in both data and non-data support bases. While the total number of articles has been increasing slightly since 1968, virtually no consistent upward or downward trends appeared when articles were considered in terms of their orientation, handicapping condition, and support base categories. Quality of data-based reports was assessed by examining the research designs on which each was based. It was concluded that data-based reports h...
Microbial biomass and production associated with decaying leaf litter of the emergent macrophyte Juncus effusus

Emergent macrophytes are a major source of organic matter production in freshwater wetlands, and often represent the bulk of the plant material entering the detrital pool. We examined the decomposition and microbial dynamics associated with litter of the emergent macrophyte, Juncus effusus (soft rush), during its movement from an aerial standing dead to a submerged decay environment. Standing dead leaves of J. effusus were collected after an initial period of standing litter microbial decay, placed in 1-mm mesh litter bags, and submerged in a wetland. Litter bags were retrieved periodically over 268 d and analyzed for microbial (fungal and bacterial) biomass and production, ATP concentrations, litter mass loss, and quality (C : N : P and plant fiber). Submerged litter decay of J. effusus was slow (k 5 0.0010 d 21 ), with only 23% weight loss after 268 d. Both fungal and bacterial biomass and production decreased significantly soon after standing plant litter was submerged in the wetland surface waters. Despite decreases in microbial biomass and production, fungal decomposers remained the dominant microbial assemblage associated with decaying plant litter, accounting for 99% and 91% of the total microbial biomass and production, respectively. Mean fungal production ranged from 73‐2,836 m gCg 21 AFDM d 21 (AFDM: ash-free dry mass remaining) during the study period, whereas attached bacterial production ranged from 4‐32 m gCg 21 AFDM d 21 . Patterns of litter ATP and nutrient concentrations (N and P) were similar to those observed for fungal and bacterial biomass, suggesting that at least a portion of the detrital N and P may have been incorporated into microbial biomass. Significant changes in microbial colonization and activity associated with emergent macrophyte litter can occur following the collapse of standing dead plant matter to the water or surface sediments. Furthermore, our findings suggest that fungi are significant contributors to the decay of coarse particulate plant matter in wetland ecosystems.
Molecular distributions in polycondensations involving unlike reactants. VII. Treatment of reactants involving nonindependent groups

The molecular distributions involving the use of reactants with nonindependent groups are considered in this paper. The distributions are shown to depend on the relative amounts of reactant in the unreacted state, the once-reacted state, and the twice-reacted state. The kinetic considerations determining these relative amounts are reviewed for several different types of reactants, including cyclic acid anhydrides and certain diisocyanates. The general linear distribution for a condensation polymerization of two reactants is derived. The calculations for nonindependent groups in other types of distributions are briefly indicated. The molecular distributions arising in polyurethane condensations, particularly those of chain extension, are slightly specialized forms of the general distribution. The methods of this paper are the only available tools to deal with these distributions. It is shown that a diacid or glycol can be treated as a reactant having nonindependent groups. The kinetic calculations for such a unit are seen to be the same as for a cyclic acid anhydride. Somewhat improved distributions for polymers of such units are thus made available.
The myosin relay helix to converter interface remains intact throughout the actomyosin ATPase cycle

Abstract Crystal structures of the myosin motor domain in the presence of different nucleotides show the lever arm domain in two basic angular states, postulated to represent prestroke and poststroke states, respectively (Rayment, I. (1996) J. Biol. Chem. 271, 15850–15853; Dominguez, R., Freyzon, Y., Trybus, K. M., and Cohen, C. (1998) Cell 94, 559–571). Contact is maintained between two domains, the relay and the converter, in both of these angular states. Therefore it has been proposed by Dominguez et al. (cited above) that this contact is critical for mechanically driving the angular change of the lever arm domain. However, structural information is lacking on whether this contact is maintained throughout the actin-activated myosin ATPase cycle. To test the functional importance of this interdomain contact, we introduced cysteines into the sequence of a “cysteine-light” myosin motor at position 499 on the lower cleft and position 738 on the converter domain (Shih, W. M., Gryczynski, Z., Lakowicz, J. L., and Spudich, J. A. (2000) Cell 102, 683–694). Disulfide cross-linking could be induced. The cross-link had minimal effects on actin binding, ATP-induced actin release, and actin-activated ATPase. These results demonstrate that the relay/converter interface remains intact in the actin strongly bound state of myosin and throughout the entire actin-activated myosin ATPase cycle.
Kant's advice for leaders: “No, you aren't special”

Abstract Are leaders above the law? People who ask this question usually have in mind the law of the state. But what about the so-called moral law ? Are leaders also bound by the moral rules that apply to the rest of us? In this paper, I show why leaders are not justified in breaking the moral rules. Although they may be especially inclined to think they are special, their behavior must conform to the demands of reason and show respect for the rationality of followers. In other words, morality is equally binding on all rational agents, including leaders.
Fault-Tolerant Convolution Via Chinese Remainder Codes Constructed From Non-Coprime Moduli

This paper develops a framework for performing fault-tolerant convolution via error-correcting codes based on the chinese remainder theorem (CRT) with non-coprime moduli. In contrast to convolution that is protected through CRT codes with coprime moduli, our scheme allows errors to be detected and located in a highly parallel manner, and has the advantage of being robust to faults that occur during the error handling stage. In addition, for certain important classes of errors, the codes developed in this paper require less redundancy than CRT codes constructed from coprime moduli. We demonstrate the applicability and advantages of our codes by comparing them to both CRT codes with coprime moduli and repetition codes. We focus on codes over polynomial rings, but our constructions apply naturally to integer codes; we discuss this extension and show that it generalizes the distance properties and error correction strategies associated with previously developed approaches for codes based on non-coprime integer moduli.
Regulation of Redox Signaling by Selenoproteins

The unique chemistry of oxygen has been both a resource and threat for life on Earth for at least the last 2.4 billion years. Reduction of oxygen to water allows extraction of more metabolic energy from organic fuels than is possible through anaerobic glycolysis. On the other hand, partially reduced oxygen can react indiscriminately with biomolecules to cause genetic damage, disease, and even death. Organisms in all three superkingdoms of life have developed elaborate mechanisms to protect against such oxidative damage and to exploit reactive oxygen species as sensors and signals in myriad processes. The sulfur amino acids, cysteine and methionine, are the main targets of reactive oxygen species in proteins. Oxidative modifications to cysteine and methionine can have profound effects on a protein’s activity, structure, stability, and subcellular localization. Non-reversible oxidative modifications (oxidative damage) may contribute to molecular, cellular, and organismal aging and serve as signals for repair, removal, or programmed cell death. Reversible oxidation events can function as transient signals of physiological status, extracellular environment, nutrient availability, metabolic state, cell cycle phase, immune function, or sensory stimuli. Because of its chemical similarity to sulfur and stronger nucleophilicity and acidity, selenium is an extremely efficient catalyst of reactions between sulfur and oxygen. Most of the biological activity of selenium is due to selenoproteins containing selenocysteine, the 21st genetically encoded protein amino acid. The most abundant selenoproteins in mammals are the glutathione peroxidases (five to six genes) that reduce hydrogen peroxide and lipid hydroperoxides at the expense of glutathione and serve to limit the strength and duration of reactive oxygen signals. Thioredoxin reductases (three genes) use nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate to reduce oxidized thioredoxin and its homologs, which regulate a plethora of redox signaling events. Methionine sulfoxide reductase B1 reduces methionine sulfoxide back to methionine using thioredoxin as a reductant. Several selenoproteins in the endoplasmic reticulum are involved in the regulation of protein disulfide formation and unfolded protein response signaling, although their precise biological activities have not been determined. The most widely distributed selenoprotein family in Nature is represented by the highly conserved thioredoxin-like selenoprotein W and its homologs that have not yet been assigned specific biological functions. Recent evidence suggests selenoprotein W and the six other small thioredoxin-like mammalian selenoproteins may serve to transduce hydrogen peroxide signals into regulatory disulfide bonds in specific target proteins.
Soft Regionalism in Action: Examining Voluntary Regional Councils’ Structures, Processes and Programs

In the United States, the voluntary regional council is the dominant organizational form used by local, state and federal agencies to address regional issues. However, research addressing the details of their operations including their structures, processes and programs has been limited. This article reports on a survey of thirty of these regional councils that are located in large metropolitan areas. The findings indicate that these councils reflect a form of “soft regionalism.” Primarily, they facilitate, coordinate and energize, but they don’t have the more expansive capabilities of consolidations, regional governments and annexations.
A decomposition algorithm to determine the maximum flow in a generalized network

Abstract Generalized networks are characterized by the presence of positive arc multipliers not all equal to one. Generalized network flow algorithms are known to have high computational complexity. We present a procedure which decomposes the network into smaller networks and solves the maximum flow problem on the subnetworks. This procedure enable us to handle large networks which can not be solved using the available computers in the work place. Maximum flows for pure networks can also be determined by setting all arc multipliers equal to one.
Real Walking Increases Simulator Sickness in Navigationally Complex Virtual Environments

We report on a study in which we investigate the effects of travel technique on simulator sickness in a real and virtual environment. Participants explored either a real maze or a virtual maze using either natural walking or simulated walking. Reported scores for measures of overall simulator sickness, disorientation, nausea, and occulomotor discomfort were all higher in the natural walking condition than either the simulated walking or real world conditions. This indicates that simulated walking is a better choice for reducing simulator sickness during tasks requiring a navigationally complex environment and a long amount of time.
Temporal corneal phacoemulsification in filtered glaucoma patients.

Abstract PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of temporal clear corneal phacoemulsification on intraocular pressure (IOP) in eyes that had prior trabeculectomy. DESIGN: Retrospective case-control study. PATIENTS: Forty consecutive patients (cases; TRAB-PHACO group) who underwent temporal corneal phacoemulsification subsequent to trabeculectomy were identified. Forty patients (controls; TRAB group) who had trabeculectomy alone were matched to the cases for length of follow-up, age, IOP, number of anti-glaucoma medications, number of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) injections, race, sex and diagnosis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Comparison of IOP before and one year after phacoemulsification in the TRAB-PHACO group, and comparison with the TRAB group. Survival analysis of IOP control after trabeculectomy in the TRAB-PHACO and TRAB groups. RESULTS: In the TRAB-PHACO group, IOP one year after phacoemulsification was not significantly different from the pre-phacoemulsification IOP value (p = 0.65). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that the rates of IOP control at 3, 6 and 9 years after trabeculectomy in the TRAB-PHACO group were 80%, 66% and 44%; in the TRAB group these were 79%, 69% and 55%. These survival curves were not statistically different (p = 0.55). CONCLUSIONS: Cataract surgery by temporal clear corneal phacoemulsification in eyes with filtering blebs after trabeculectomy does not adversely affect long term IOP control.