cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Quantitative planar laser-induced fluorescence of naphthalenes as fuel tracers

Abstract In planar laser-induced fluorescence (PLIF), naphthalenes are commonly used as tracers for diesel-like fuels and fuel surrogates. Previously, such a technique was used to visualize the air–fuel mixing in a mesoscale (∼10 cm 3 device volume) burner prototype running on dodecane as a single-component JP-8 surrogate. For quantification of this technique, the influence of temperature, oxygen quenching, and the presence of the fuel surrogate was investigated through spectrally resolved LIF of naphthalenes in a heated jet as well as through broadband imaging. For excitation at 266 nm, naphthalene and 1-methylnaphthalene show very similar fluorescence behavior. Fluorescence is not influenced by the presence of dodecane but is strongly quenched by oxygen. Due to this strong oxygen quenching, fluorescence intensity was found to be linear with equivalence ratio at all temperatures. Both increased temperature and increased oxygen concentrations lead to a spectral broadening and red-shift. This effect is minor for oxygen addition and saturates at about 10% oxygen, but is significant for temperature increase and continuous throughout the temperature range investigated. This red-shift was exploited to simultaneously image temperature and equivalence ratio. A dichroic beamsplitter was used to obtain a long-wavelength and a short-wavelength image whose ratio represents temperature. Calibrations were performed on the heated jet, and subsequently this two-color PLIF method was applied to the mesoscale burner. After averaging the images from 20 processed single-shot measurements, the equivalence ratio and temperature images obtained had signal/noise ratios of 25 and 11, respectively. Temperature correction of the equivalence ratio resulted in excessive noise. Likely inaccuracies in temperature were identified in very lean regions where the signal is low and sensitive to the background corrections employed.
Positive stereotyping: Influence tactic for prejudice reduction?

We explored the effect of making salient a positive stereotype toward an out‐group member. Combining personalization theory and contact theory, we predicted increased acceptance of an out‐group only when: (a) positive information is presented about an individual out‐group member, rather than his or her social category, and (b) that information confirms a stereotype of that out‐group. Confirming this prediction, in two 2×2 factorial experiments, each with an additional no information control condition, participants liked an out‐group more when presented with positive stereotypical information about an out‐group member than when presented with equally positive non‐stereotypical information about that out‐group member, or when presented with either type of information about the out‐group as a whole.
Space-charge-limited-trap-limited-currents in anthracene crystals

Abstract Space-charge-limited-trap-limited hole currents in anthracene crystals are interpreted in terms of a trap distribution which starts at a discrete trap level at 0·6–0·8 eV and in which the trap density falls off exponentially with energy relative to this level. It is suggested that exponential hole trap distributions are produced by physical perturbations of the crystal lattice introduced by the same impurities which give rise to the discrete hole trap level at 0·6–0·8 eV (revealed by thermally stimulated current studies). The results indicate that a perturbed molecule is introduced for every 10,000 impurity molecules and the total number of perturbed molecules is constant at 10 17 m −3 for melt-grown and vapor-grown crystals. The parameter kT c varies from crystal to crystal, indicating that the relative contributions of highly perturbed and slightly perturbed molecules is influenced by crystal growth conditions.
Prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility of major foodborne pathogens in imported seafood.

Seafood is a leading commodity implicated in foodborne disease outbreaks in the United States. Seafood importation rose dramatically in the past 3 decades and now contributes to more than 80% of the total U.S. seafood supply. However, limited data are available on the microbiological safety of imported seafood. In this study, we obtained a total of 171 salmon, shrimp, and tilapia samples imported from 12 countries in three retail stores in Baton Rouge, LA. The total microbial population and the prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibilities of six major foodborne-pathogen genera (Campylobacter, Escherichia coli, Listeria, Salmonella, Shigella, and Vibrio) were determined. The aerobic plate counts (APC) for the 171 samples averaged 4.96 log CFU/g, with samples from Chile carrying the highest mean APC of 6.53 log CFU/g and fresh samples having a significantly higher mean APC than frozen ones (P 7 log CFU/g). By culture, no sample tested positive for Campylobacter coli, Shigella, or Vibrio vulnificus. Campylobacter jejuni and Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium were each recovered once from farm-raised tilapia from China. By PCR, 17.5 and 32.2% of the samples were positive for Salmonella and Shigella, respectively. The overall prevalence rates of other target bacteria were low, ranging from 4.1% for Listeria monocytogenes to 9.4% for E. coli. All of the Vibrio parahaemolyticus isolates recovered were from shrimp, and 63.3% showed intermediate resistance to ampicillin. Both C. jejuni isolates possessed a rare resistance to gentamicin, while 75% of L. monocytogenes isolates were resistant to nitrofurantoin. Taken together, these findings suggest potential food safety hazards associated with imported seafood and warrant further large-scale studies.
Relation between Particle Coordination Number and Porosity in Nanoparticle Films: Implications to Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

The morphology and local three-dimensional structure of mesoporous nanoparticle TiO2 films are simulated by using a simple method based on the random packing of spheres. The pore size distribution ...
Die spacer thickness reproduction for central incisor crown fabrication with combined computer-aided design and 3D printing technology: An in vitro study

Abstract Statement of problem The inability to control die spacer thickness has been reported. However, little information is available on the congruency between the computer-aided design parameters for die spacer thickness and the actual printout. Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy and precision of the die spacer thickness achieved by combining computer-aided design and 3-dimensional printing technology. Material and methods An ivorine maxillary central incisor was prepared for a ceramic crown. The prepared tooth was duplicated by using polyvinyl siloxane duplicating silicone, and 80 die-stone models were produced from Type IV dental stone. The dies were randomly divided into 5 groups with assigned die spacer thicknesses of 25 μm, 45 μm, 65 μm, 85 μm, and 105 μm (n=16). The printed resin copings, obtained from a printer (ProJet DP 3000; 3D Systems), were cemented onto their respective die-stone models with self-adhesive resin cement and stored at room temperature until sectioning into halves in a buccolingual direction. The internal gap was measured at 5 defined locations per side of the sectioned die. Images of the printed resin coping/die-stone model internal gap dimensions were obtained with an inverted bright field metallurgical microscope at ×100 magnification. The acquired digital image was calibrated, and measurements were made using image analysis software. Mixed models (α=.05) were used to evaluate accuracy. A false discovery rate at 5% was used to adjust for multiple testing. Coefficient of variation was used to determine the precision for each group and was evaluated statistically with the Wald test (α=.05). Results The accuracy, expressed in terms of the mean differences between the prescribed die spacer thickness and the measured internal gap (standard deviation), was 50 μm (11) for the 25 μm group simulated die spacer thickness, 30 μm (10) for the 45 μm group, 15 μm (14) for the 65 μm group, 3 μm (23) for the 85 μm group, and -10 μm (32) for the 105 μm group. The precision mean of the measurements, expressed as a coefficient of variation, ranged between 14% and 33% for the 5 groups. Conclusions For the accuracy evaluation, statistically significant differences were found for all the groups, except the group of 85 μm. For the precision assessment, the coefficient of variation was above 10% for all groups, showing the printer's inability to reproduce the uniform internal gap within the same group.
Self-administration in baboons and the discriminative stimulus effects in rats of bupropion, nomifensine, diclofensine and imipramine

The behavioral effects of the antidepressants nomifensine, diclofensine, bupropion, and imipramine were examined using a cocaine substitution drug self-administration procedure in baboons and a cocaine drug discrimination procedure in rats. Intravenous self-administration of the antidepressants was examined in baboons under conditions in which baseline responding was maintained by intravenous injections of cocaine HCl (0.32 mg/kg/injection). Drug was available under a fixed-ratio 80-response or 160-response schedule of intravenous injection. Each drug injection was followed by a 3-h time-out allowing a maximum of eight injections per day. The antidepressants or their vehicles were substituted for cocaine for a period of 15 days, followed by a return to the cocaine baseline. Nomifensine, diclofensine, and bupropion all maintained self-administration behavior at levels above those maintained by their respective vehicles. Some doses of nomifensine, diclofensine, and bupropion maintained levels of behavior similar to those maintained under baseline cocaine conditions. High doses of imipramine maintained levels of behavior above those maintained by its vehicle, but the amount of behavior maintained under these conditions was extremely small. In a second experiment rats were trained to discriminate 32 µmol/kg cocaine (IP 10 min presession) from no drug in a two-lever food reinforced drug discrimination procedure in which responding on one lever was reinforced following ten consecutive responses when the session was preceded by cocaine administration, while responding on the other lever was similarly reinforced in the absence of cocaine pretreatment. Cocaine, nomifensine, diclofensine, and bupropion all dose-dependently occasioned cocaine-appropriate responding. Imipramine did not occasion cocaine-appropriate responding over a range of behaviorally active doses.
Quantitative visualization of biological data in Google Earth using R2G2, an R CRAN package

We briefly introduce R2G2, an R CRAN package to visualize spatially explicit biological data within the Google Earth interface. Our package combines a collection of basic graph-editing features, including automated placement of dots, segments, polygons, images (including graphs produced with R), along with several complex three-dimensional (3D) representations such as phylogenies, histograms and pie charts. We briefly present some example data sets and show the immediate benefits in communication gained from using the Google Earth interface to visually explore biological results. The package is distributed with detailed help pages providing examples and annotated source scripts with the hope that users will have an easy time using and further developing this package. R2G2 is distributed on http://cran.r-project.org/web/packages.
2,3-Diphosphoglycerate and the relative affinity of adult and fetal hemoglobin for oxygen and carbon monoxide

Abstract The ratio of the affinity of hemoglobin for carbon monoxide and oxygen ( M ) is unaffected by 2,3-diphosphoglycerate. This is also true for fetal hemoglobin. The value of M did not differ significantly for purified preparations of Hb A and Hb F.
A time-dependent, three-dimensional model of the Delaware Bay and River system. Part 1: Description of the model and tidal analysis

Abstract A three-dimensional, time-dependent numerical model is used to simulate the dynamics and thermodynamics of Delaware Bay, River and adjacent continental shelf. This study describes the first attempt to model an estuary and the contiguous shelf as a coupled hydrodynamic and thermodynamic system. Here, in Part 1, a description of the model, boundary conditions and forcing information is provided. Numerical results are compared with surface elevation data at several locations throughout the Bay and the River, as well as with the observations collected by the National Ocean Service during their 1984–1985 circulatory study. It is shown that a vertically-integrated, two-dimensional version of the model predicts realistic amplitudes but with some phase error. The full three-dimensional model reduces the phase error but underpredicts the tidal range; this is due to the higher values of horizontal viscosity required by the three-dimensional model. The model accounts for non-linear, shallow-water effects and reproduces the observed amplification of the high-frequency tidal components from the mouth of the Bay to the head of the River at Trenton.
An electrophoretic comparison of hemoglobins in bats

Abstract 1. 1. Three electrophoretically distinct hemoglobins, in four different patterns, were found in twenty-three species of vespertilionid bats. 2. 2. Only two additional hemoglobins were found in four other bat families (one species each of Emballonuridae, Molossidae and Natalidae, and eight species of Phyllostomatidae). 3. 3. Peptide mapping of hemoglobins from representatives of the four vespertilionid groupings showed that electrophoretically homogeneous hemoglobins probably have the same primary structure. 4. 4. It appears that hemoglobins may be useful in determining chiropteran phylogeny at the family level, but not below.
Message convergence as a message-centered approach to analyzing and improving risk communication.

This study introduces the message convergence framework, initially established by Perelman and Olbrechts-Tyteca, as means for comprehending and analyzing the process through which audiences simultaneously decipher pluralistic meaning from multiple sources typical of crisis events. Emphasizing Perelman and Olbrechts-Tyteca's concept of plurality, the framework establishes three propositions: focusing on source credibility, significance of source convergence, and the evolution of source convergence throughout the crisis. The propositions are applied to the transcripts generated by focus groups that observed a series of simulated television reports about a mock crisis. Participants performed well in distinguishing among sources and their credibility, in recognizing and evaluating points of convergence, and in seeing how these points of convergence gain and lose strength or persuasiveness as the crisis unfolds. The framework is seen as a practical tool for assessing an organization's credibility and relations...
Immunogenicity of Brucella abortus salt-extractable proteins.

Tabatabal, L B., Deyoe, B.L. and Patterson, J.M, 1989. Immunogemclty of Brucella abortus saltextractable proteins. Vet Mtcrobml., 20:49-58 The lmmunogemc propertms of salt-extractable proteins and chromatographic fractions thereof from Brucella abortus were evaluated in lemmings (Dlcrostonyx rubrzcatus ). The ethcacy of the Brucella proteins as lmmunogens was determined after challenge with virulent B abortus strain 2308 and was based on protection against climcal signs and gross lesions of brucellosis, as well as on numbers of viable Brucella m the spleen. Vaccination of lemmings with as little as 0 1 pg of salt-extractable proteins (CSP) suppressed splemc infection, resulting m reduced numbers of viable orgamsms per spleen of 5-6 logs compared to non-vaccinated controls. Protein fractmns separated by column chromatography were generally effective in reducing splenic refection, and contained proteins with molecular weights of 30 000, 20 000 and 12 000 Vaccines containing chemically modified dodecanoyl-CSP offered no addltmnal advantage oxer unmodified CSP vaccines
Green energy laws and Republican legislators in the United States

Abstract The policy context for green energy laws in the United States has changed over the past few years, because the Republican Party has increasingly opposed renewable electricity and other green energy policies. In this study, we draw on a database of 6071 votes on RPS (renewable portfolio standards) and PACE (Property-Assessed Clean Energy) laws by individual state legislators in the United States to examine the circumstances shaping Republican votes for green energy laws from 2007–2011. We find that votes on these laws are indeed increasingly partisan, with Republicans supporting RPS laws especially less than Democrats. However, Republicans' support for these laws is higher in states with weaker fossil fuel industries. Furthermore, Republicans tend to support the laws where median household income is lower, environmental organizations are weaker, labor-environmental coalitions are absent, and the proportion of Democrats in the legislature is lower, suggesting a reactive effect against green energy policies in more progressive settings.
IMPACT OF TEACHERS' MORALE ON THE CLASSROOM

Summary.-The attitude and morale of 191 teachers in 15 school districts was measured by Rotter's Locus of Control Scale and White and Stevens' Survey of Teacher Morale. The Locus of Control score and three semantic differential variables generated from factor analysis of responses to 10 teacher concepts were placed in the stepwise regression analysis of the Stgndardized California Achievement Test scores in reading or language arts for each classroom. The multiple correlatjon of .22 was nonsignificant between locus of control scores, teachers' morale scores, and students' achievement scores. The major purpose of this study was to identify statistical relationships between teachers' morale and classroom variables, especially students' achievement. From self-estimated attitude scales completed by teachers Hoppock (1935) concluded that satisfied teachers had better relationships with their supeziors than teachers who were frustrated and unhappy. Greenwood and Soars (1973) found that less talk by teachers and more studenc-student conversation was related positively to teachers' morale. Students' achievement gains, however, in those classrooms were not related to high morale. Peck, Fox, and Morston (1977) concluded from a study of classroom teachers and their students that the teachers with strong positive attitudes about teaching had students whose self-esteem was high. Students seem to recognize the effectiveness of teachers who are satisfied with their teaching performance (Cooper, 1976). Teachers who viewed themselves as effective in the classroom were significantly inclined to look for intrinsic factors (work, satisfactory relations with other teachers, and high rapport and morale in the school) rather than for extrinsic rewards of pay or promotion (Knoop & O'Reilly, 1978). Jordan (1986) obtained from teachers in small independent school districts responses to 69 questions on the Halpin and Croft (1963) Observation Climate Description Questionnaire. Four dimensions of this questionnaire, i.e., Disengagement, Hindrance, Espirit, Intimacy, referred to social interactions within the faculty group. The factor scores on each of these social interaction scales correlated significantly with reading achievement scores as measured by the California Achievement Test. Research on teachers' morale is largely based on invalidated assessment devices and evaluation techniques. The problem with measurement includes difficulty in relating affective aspects of teachers' attirude and the cognitive measures of students' achievement test scores.
Quality-of-life assessment in patients with unilateral vocal cord paralysis.

Objective: Our objective was to identify the impact of unilateral vocal cord paralysis (UVCP) on an individual's quality of life both before and after thyroplasty. Study Design and Setting: This was a prospective observational outcome study of consecutive patients presenting to a laryngology clinic with UVCP. Participants received The Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36-Item Health Survey (SF-36), the Voice Handicap Index (VHI), and the Voice Outcome Survey (VOS). Patients underwent medialization laryngoplasty with silastic, with or without arytenoid adduction. Outcome measures were repeated after surgery. Results: A review of 45 patients at presentation revealed statistically significant reductions in quality of life as measured by each survey. Marked improvements were noted after surgery. Conclusions: Our preoperative data support a profile of significant general health-related and voice-related limitations caused by UVCP. Patient perceptions improved significantly after the surgical treatment of glottal insufficiency. Significance: The SF-36, VHI, and VOS provide an important complement to traditional endpoints in the analysis of patients with UVCP. (Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2001;125:176-82.)
Optical polarization of neovascularized human ocular tissues

Optical polarization study is performed on the healthy and neovascularized human retinal and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)/choroidal tissues. Linear polarizer and polarizing analyzer have been employed to determine the intensity changes as well as polarization shifts of the polarized laser light scattered off these tissues from both the left and right eyes. Our studies show that both retinal and choroidal tissues possess strong polarization properties. The polarization shift is found to be higher in the neovascularized tissues than in the healthy tissues. It is also observed that the greater the polarization shift, the lower the intensity of the scattered light.
Variability of warm/dry mixed conifer forests in southwestern Colorado, USA: Implications for ecological restoration

Abstract There is a need to quantitatively describe forest types and their associated natural fire regimes in the western US to understand their variability and to develop strategies to restore fire dependent landscapes to reduce ecological problems that might ensue from forest structure and fire regime generalizations. We established three study sites in warm/dry mixed conifer across a west–east transect in southwestern Colorado to determine variability in the historical fire regime and fire–climate relationships and to quantify how diverse warm/dry mixed conifer forest composition and structure are along the same west–east transect. At each study site we collected cross-sections from dead fire-scarred trees to reconstruct fire history and established study plots to characterize forest structure. The three warm/dry mixed conifer sites exhibited different fire histories. One site was characterized by numerous smaller fires as well as larger fires that appeared to burn most of the study site with the other two study sites characterized by relatively infrequent, large fire events. There were more unique fire years at each site than synchronous fire years shared by any sites. Current forest stand structure, after extended fire exclusion and past logging across the three sites, also varied with a reverse-J distribution indicating strong dominance by small trees for two of the study sites and a truncated age distribution at the other site. Our research illustrates that historical fire regime variability exists within the same vegetation type in a relatively small, ∼50 km, geographic locality emphasizing the role that other topographic variables play in determining fire regimes and forest structure. Our findings demonstrate the need to develop site-specific reference conditions and for managers to exercise caution when extrapolating fire regimes and forest structure from one geographic locality to another given a projected warmer climate making conditions more favorable to frequent, large wildfires.
The synthesis and characterization of novel thermotropic liquid crystalline poly(aryl ether ketone)s

The synthesis and characterization of novel thermotropic liquid crystalline poly(aryl ether ketone)s based on the reaction of a liquid crystalline mesogen containing monomer, biphenol, and a crystal-disrupting substituted monomer, t-butyl- or phenyl-, hydroquinone with 4,4′-difluorobenzophenone are described. Two families of copolymers—a biphenol/t-butylhydroquinone series of 90,75,50, 25, and 0% biphenol, and a biphenol/phenylhydroquinone series of 75, 50, 25, and 0%—are evaluated. Thermotropic liquid crystalline behavior was observed in the copolymers containing 50 and 75% biphenol. The first order and second order transitions associated with melting, crystallization, thermotropic liquid crystalline mesophases, and glass transition temperatures (Tgs) of each copolymer are investigated. The thermal transitions are correlated with optical microscopy and X-ray and/or electron diffraction characteristics. It was observed that the Tg increases and end group concentration decreased after isothermal heat treatment indicative of further polymerization. These materials are believed to be the first known thermotropic liquid crystalline poly(aryl ether ketone)s.
A regional environmental quality management model: An assessment

Abstract The principal purpose of this paper is to discuss the research and policy lessons learned from a large environmental quality management model constructed for the Lower Delaware River Valley Region, The policy lessons involve estimates of the costs of meeting varying standards on air and water quality and the impact on those costs of certain region-wide management alternatives. The research lessons concern: (a) the desirability of considering air and water quality, and solid waste disposal, simultaneously in a single model; (b) the costs of and returns to including nonlinear models of natural systems in a regional optimization framework; and (c) the feasibility of working with constraints on the geographic distribution of the costs of environmental quality improvement within the regional, nonlinear model.
Characterization of CAF4 and CAF16 reveals a functional connection between the CCR4-NOT complex and a subset of SRB proteins of the RNA polymerase II holoenzyme.

The CCR4-NOT transcriptional regulatory complex affects transcription both positively and negatively and consists of the following two complexes: a core 1 × 106dalton (1 MDa) complex consisting of CCR4, CAF1, and the five NOT proteins and a larger, less defined 1.9-MDa complex. We report here the identification of two new factors that associate with the CCR4-NOT proteins as follows: CAF4, a WD40-containing protein, and CAF16, a putative ABC ATPase. Whereas neither CAF4 nor CAF16 was part of the core CCR4-NOT complex, both CAF16 and CAF4 appeared to be present in the 1.9-MDa complex. CAF4 also displayed physical interactions with multiple CCR4-NOT components and with DBF2, a likely component of the 1.9-MDa complex. In addition, both CAF4 and CAF16 were found to interact in a CCR4-dependent manner with SRB9, a component of the SRB complex that is part of the yeast RNA polymerase II holoenzyme. The three related SRB proteins, SRB9, SRB10, and SRB11, were found to interact with and to coimmunoprecipitate DBF2, CAF4, CCR4, NOT2, and NOT1. Defects in SRB9 and SRB10 also affected processes at the ADH2 locus known to be controlled by components of the CCR4-NOT complex; an srb9 mutation was shown to reduceADH2 derepression and either an srb9 orsrb10 allele suppressed spt10-enhanced expression of ADH2. In addition, srb9 andsrb10 alleles increasedADR1 c-dependent ADH2expression; not4 and not5 deletions are the only other known defects that elicit this phenotype. These results suggest a close physical and functional association between components of the CCR4-NOT complexes and the SRB9, -10, and -11 components of the holoenzyme.
Flushing effect in reconnection: Effects of minority species of oxygen ions

Abstract Effects of O+ ions on magnetic reconnection in the magnetotail are examined in a Harris equilibrium using a combination of linear Vlasov theory and large-scale driven and non-driven two-dimensional fully kinetic particle simulations. Linear theory of multiple species plasma indicates that the growth rate is rather insensitive to the composition of the background (lobe) or its temperature but more sensitive to the properties of the current carriers. Thus O+ can affect significant changes to the linear growth rate of tearing mode only as a current carrier. However, it is demonstrated that in the nonlinear stage reconnection can effectively move trace material from the lobes into the current sheet proper. If the supply of lobe markers (like O+) is sufficiently permanent in the lobe, an initially proton-dominated current sheet can be virtually replaced by the marker ions through this “flushing effect”. The dominance of marker ions introduces finite Larmor radius signatures with marker gyroradii scales rather than that of the protons. In this way, the presence of heavier marker species in the lobe can lead to (i) reduced efficiency of energy conversion, (ii) reduction in the number and repetition frequency of secondary islands, (iii) broadening of the quadrupole magnetic structure, (iv) slowing down of the coalescence process and (v) modification of the composition of the ion current carriers. Using Cluster observations, we show the evidence for the “flushing effect” in the data. Detailed comparison with observations is planned for future work.
Influence of Acidification on Texture of Canned Carrots

Texture of acidified canned carrots was evaluated using a shear compression procedure. Carrots canned with as little as 0.77% gluconic acid in the brine retained firmer texture than those packed without acid. Softening phenomena of acidified carrots do not appear to be consistent with a two substrate first order rate expression model.
Campaign Contributions and Mayoral/Aldermanic Relationships: Building on Krebs and Pelissero

Independently of Krebs and Pelissero, the authors have studied Chicago election campaign contributions and city council voting. Their findings confirm the differences between the political regimes of Mayors Harold Washington and Richard M. Daley. The authors go further to explore the implication of these empirical findings for what they call the “new Chicago machine.”
Oxidoreductase Catalyzed Polymerization of 3-Methylpyrrole

A one-pot, environmentally friendly enzymatic method is described for the synthesis a polypyrrole derivative, poly(3-methylpyrrole) (poly(3-MP)) in an aqueous solvent system. The enzyme, soybean peroxidase (SBP), was shown to successfully polymerize the beta functionalized pyrrole monomer. The resulting polymer was semiconducting, thermally stable, and exhibited bipolaron absorptions when synthesized in the presence of poly(sodium 4-styrenesulfonate) (PSS). Polymers synthesized in the presence of 10-camphor sulfonic acid (CSA) were found to exhibit slightly higher conductivity values, but were less thermally stable compared to poly(3-MP) polymerized in the presence of PSS. This work should stimulate further interest in expanding the use of enzymes as catalysts for the polymerization of other pyrrole derivatives, as well as other classes of conjugated polymers.
Crustal structure of China and surrounding regions from P wave traveltime tomography

[1] A three-dimensional (3-D) P wave velocity model is developed for the crust and uppermost mantle of China and the surrounding area by applying the tomography method of Zhao et al. using 500,000 high-quality P wave first arrivals extracted from the Annual Bulletin of Chinese Earthquakes (ABCE). This tomographic method can accommodate velocity discontinuities such as the Moho in addition to smooth velocity variations. The spatial resolution is 1° × 1° in the horizontal direction and 10 km in depth. The velocity images of the upper crust correspond well with the surface geologic features such as basins and the Tibetan Plateau. High-velocity anomalies are found in the lower crust beneath the Precambrian regions (Tarim Basin, Ordos Basin, Sichuan Basin, and western half of Songliao Basin). The highest-velocity anomaly is beneath the Sichuan Basin. High- and low-velocity anomalies imaged beneath the Bohai Gulf are associated with the presence of a major Cenozoic rift system. In the lower crust beneath the South China Block, P wave velocities are lower in the north than in the south. The Indochina Block shows low velocities both in the crust and in the uppermost mantle due to volcanism. The Pn velocities in the Tibet area are higher than those in other areas largely due to thicker crust. Tomographic model significantly reduces the traveltime residuals. Tests conducted by relocating large explosions and earthquakes validate the 3-D velocity model.
The role of the microbiology laboratory in the treatment of infective endocarditis

The antibiotic era has greatly improved the prognosis for patients with infective endocarditis. The need for bactericidal activity against the infecting organism has created an additional role for the clinical microbiology laboratory. This role involves the selection and performance of the proper in-vitro susceptible tests in order to ensure bactericidal activity. However, there are problems in both the performance and the interpretation of bactericidal tests; these include persisters, the 'paradoxical effect', tolerance and the development of resistance. Technical factors include inoculum size, growth phase of the inoculum, insufficient contact between the test organism and the antimicrobial agent, and the volume of transfer for the count of survivors. Appreciation of these factors is important for the laboratory performing bactericidal tests, which include time-kill curves, minimal bactericidal concentrations and the serum bactericidal test. Of these tests, the serum bactericidal test offers the most logical approach. However, the performance of this test and the interpretation of the results has been controversial. Recent attempts at standardization should allow better utilization. In addition to the serum bactericidal test, the clinical microbiology laboratory can offer time-kill curves and minimal bactericidal activity and can offer serum assays of antibiotics to ensure adequate levels without toxicity. The use of any or all of these methods must be tempered by clinical judgement in each individual case. Application of the proper tests can assist in the optimal therapy of infective endocarditis.
“Reel” Character Education: Using Film to Promote Global Citizenship

This article explores using films to spark moral dilemma discussions and thereby promote critical thinking and character education for global citizenship in elementary classrooms. After clarifying some of the basic concepts associated with the fields of character education and global citizenship, and the interrelationship between the two, the authors provide a rationale and model for using films as part of these efforts. A filmography presents relevant, English-language films that may be used to facilitate moral dilemma discussions in elementary classrooms. As character education remains a focal point in education policies worldwide, the authors emphasize the relevance of using such film-based moral dilemma discussions to create unique opportunities for stimulating intellectual and moral growth. The authors also note the value of promoting media literacy skills through critical analysis and dialogue, to help students become critical consumers of information.
The Effect of Refuting Misconceptions in the Introductory Psychology Class

Students often come into the introductory psychology course with many misconceptions and leave with most of them intact. Borrowing from other disciplines, we set out to determine whether refutational lecture and text are effective in dispelling student misconceptions. These approaches first activate a misconception and then immediately counter it with correct information. We tested students' knowledge of 45 common misconceptions and then taught the course with lecture and readings of a refutational or standard format or did not cover the information at all. Students showed significant changes in their beliefs when we used refutational approaches, suggesting refutational pedagogies are best for changing students' misconceptions.
Temporal changes in an alligator snapping turtle (Macrochelys temminckii) population

Abstract Context. Monitoring populations of long-lived species requires continuous long-term efforts. This is especially applicable for species that have experienced declines range-wide. Aims. Our study assessed the current status of a population of wild Macrochelys temminckii and compared the present results to those from a survey conducted nearly a decade ago. Methods. Trapping in 2010–2011 was conducted on two creeks within the refuge, during the months of May–July. Capture data were compared with data collected by similar methods in 1997–2001. Key results. The population structure of M. temminckii was dominated by juveniles, with few large adults or small juveniles detected and a missing size class was evident. Retrospective analysis of 1997–2001 data revealed that the population was likely to be in decline even then, despite high capture rates. Conclusions. The M. temminckii population showed significant declines that indicated that the population had experienced stressors of unknown origin. The stat...
Effects of Ascorbic Acid Deficiency on Kinetics of Drug Hydroxylation in Male Guinea Pigs

The effects of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) deficiency on components of drug-hydroxylating systems in guinea pig liver were investigated. Although the liver weight-body weight ratio was increased, the concentration of microsomal protein was markedly less in ascorbic acid-deficient guinea pigs. This was reflected in a decrease in aniline and hexobarbital hydroxylation reactions when calculated on a unit of liver weight; however, when analyzed per unit of microsomal protein, ethylmorphine demethylase activity was unaffected. The Km's for these substrates, as well as the ethyl isocyanide difference spectra, were unchanged, indicating that no qualitative changes had occurred in the enzymes responsible for their metabolism or in the cytochrome P-450. Aniline metabolism per unit protein was depressed by ascorbic acid deficiency, as was the content of cytochromes P-450 and b5. The return of function by a single injection of ascorbic acid given 1-24 hr. prior to decapitation was not frequently observed. Induction with sodium phenobarbital was not blocked by this dietary deficiency state.
Probabilistic Multi-Hypothesis Tracking for Distributed Multi-Static Active Sonar

The PMHT algorithm is sufficiently mature to be applicable to mono-static active sonar in [1] and other researchers have investigated PMHT for multi-sensor systems. An important modification of PMHT to utilize echo amplitude information in addition to range and bearing measurements was developed in [2]. In multi-static active systems different source/receiver combinations will observe the same target at different aspect angles and different signal to noise ratios. Any multi-static tracking algorithm attempting to use amplitude information must model the effects of target aspect on the amplitudes of the observed echoes. This paper presents a scheme to use an aspect dependent model of target strength to adapt the parameters in the distribution for target echo amplitude. Results on simulated data demonstrating the improvement that can be achieved with the new method are also presented.
Utility of Various Radionuclide Techniques for Distinguishing Ischemic From Nonischemic Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Background.— Clinically, ischemic and nonischemic (idiopathic) dilated cardiomyopathy may be difficult to distinguish. Radionuclide ventriculography and exercise testing with thallium-201 scintigraphy are often used in an attempt to differentiate them noninvasively. With these techniques, the presence of (1) left ventricular (LV) regional asynergy, (2) depressed LV systolic function with normal right ventricular function, and/or (3) thallium-201 perfusion abnormalities traditionally has been regarded as evidence of ischemic heart disease. We assessed the incidence with which these abnormalities occur in patients with nonischemic-dilated cardiomyopathy. Methods. — Seventy-six patients (45 men, 31 women, aged 18 to 75 years) with invasively proven nonischemicdilated cardiomyopathy underwent radionuclide ventriculography (n = 75) and provocative thallium-201 perfusion imaging (n = 17). Results.— Regional LV wall motion abnormalities were noted in 48% of patients, and 54% had LV systolic dysfunction without concomitant right ventricular dysfunction. Reversible and/or fixed exercise-induced thallium-201 perfusion abnormalities occurred in 94% of the patients studied. Conclusions.— Radionuclide ventriculography and exercise testing with thallium perfusion imaging cannot be used reliably to differentiate ischemic from nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy, since many patients with the latter have radionuclide evidence of LV segmental wall motion abnormalities, selective LV systolic dysfunction, and segmental perfusion abnormalities. (Arch Intern Med. 1992;152:769-772)
An Intriguing Case of Bright Red Blood per Rectum

Question: A 36-year-old man with a history of seizure disorder, mental retardation, and recurrent aspiration requiring percutaneous endoscopic gastrojejunostomy tube for feedings, presented to the emergency room with bright red blood per rectum. He was also complaining of generalized abdominal pain. The patient was hemodynamically stable on presentation but the initial hemoglobin measurement was low at 6.5 g/dL and he was transfused 2 units of packed red blood cells. An abdominal radiograph showed moderate colonic gaseous distension with numerous cystic lucencies of various sizes throughout the colon (Figure A). Subsequently, CT of the abdomen showed numerous round pockets of gas within the walls of the ascending, transverse, and descending colon (Figure B). After this, a bedside sigmoidoscopy was performed revealing several small erythematous areas in the rectum without active bleeding and irregular mucosa with possible blebs in the descending colon (Figure C). What is the diagnosis? See the Gastroenterology web site (www.gastrojournal.org) for more information on submitting your favorite image to Clinical Challenges and Images in GI.
Universal mechatronics coordinator

Mechatronic systems incorporate multiple actuators and sensor which must be properly coordinated to achieve the desired system functionality. Many mechatronic systems are designed as one-of-a-kind custom projects without consideration for facilitating future system or alterations and extensions to the current syste. Thus, subsequent changes to the system are slow, different, and costly. It has become apparent that manufacturing processes, and thus the mechatronics which embody them, need to be agile in order to more quickly and easily respond to changing customer demands or market pressures. To achieve agility, both the hardware and software of the system need to be designed such that the creation of new system and the alteration and extension of current system is fast and easy. This paper describes the design of a Universal Mechatronics Coordinator (UMC) which facilitates agile setup and changeover of coordination software for mechatronic systems. The UMC is capable of sequencing continuous and discrete actions that are programmed as stimulus-response pairs, as state machines, or a combination of the two. It facilitates the modular, reusable programing of continuous actions such as servo control algorithms, data collection code, and safety checking routines; and discrete actions such as reporting achieved states, and turning on/off binary devices. The UMC has been applied to the control of a z- theta assembly robot for the Minifactory project and is applicable to a spectrum of widely differing mechatronic systems.© (1999) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
A Morphometric Analysis of the Redistribution of Organelles in Columella Cells in Primary Roots of Normal Seedlings and Agravitropic Mutants of Hordeum vulgare

Moore, R. 1985. A morphometric analysis of the redistribution of organelles in columella cells in primary roots of normal seedlings and agravitropic mutants of Hordeum vulgare.—J. exp. Bot. 36: 1275-1286. The redistribution of organelles in columella cells of horizontally-oriented roots of Hordeum vulgare was quantified in order to determine what structural changes in graviperceptive (i.e., columella) cells are associated with the onset of root gravicurvature. The sedimentation of amyloplasts is the only major change in cellular structure that correlates positively with the onset of root gravicurvature, which begins within 15 min after re-orientation. There is no consistent contact between sedimented amyloplasts and any other organelles. Nuclei are restricted to the proximal ends of columella cells in vertically-oriented roots, and remain there throughout gravicurvature after roots are oriented horizontally. Root gravicurvature does not involve significant changes in (1) the volume of columella cells, (2) the relative or absolute volumes of organelles in columella cells, or (3) the distribution of endoplasmic reticulum (ER). The size, number and sedimentation rates of amyloplasts in columella cells of non-graviresponsive roots of mutant seedlings are not significantly different from those of graviresponsive roots of normal seedlings. Similarly, there is no significant difference in (1) cellular volume, (2) distribution or surface area of ER, (3) patterns or rates of organelle redistribution in horizontally-oriented roots, or (4) relative or absolute volumes of organelles in columella cells of graviresponsive and non-graviresponsive roots. These results suggest that the lack of gravi responsiveness by roots of mutant seedlings is probably not due to either (1) structural differences in columella cells, or (2) differences in patterns or rates of organelle redistribution as compared to that characteristic of graviresponsive roots. Thus, the basis of non-graviresponsiveness in this mutant is probably different from other agravitropic mutants so far studied.
Mobile elements and viral integrations prompt considerations for bacterial DNA integration as a novel carcinogen

Insertional mutagenesis has been repeatedly demonstrated in cancer genomes and has a role in oncogenesis. Mobile genetic elements can induce cancer development by random insertion into cancer related genes or by inducing translocations. L1s are typically implicated in cancers of an epithelial cell origin, while Alu elements have been implicated in leukemia as well as epithelial cell cancers. Likewise, viral infections have a significant role in cancer development predominantly through integration into the human genome and mutating or deregulating cancer related genes. Human papilloma virus is the best-known example of viral integrations contributing to carcinogenesis. However, hepatitis B virus, Epstein-Barr virus, and Merkel cell polyomavirus also integrate into the human genome and disrupt cancer related genes. Thus far, the role of microbes in cancer has primarily been attributed to mutations induced through chronic inflammation or toxins, as is the case with Helicobacter pylori and enterotoxigenic Bacteroides fragilis. We hypothesize that like mobile elements and viral DNA, bacterial and parasitic DNA may also integrate into the human somatic genome and be oncogenic. Until recently it was believed that bacterial DNA could not integrate into the human genome, but new evidence demonstrates that bacterial insertional mutagenesis may occur in cancer cells. Although this work does not show causation between bacterial insertions and cancer, it prompts more research in this area. Promising new sequencing technologies may reduce the risk of artifactual chimeric sequences, thus diminishing some of the challenges of identifying novel insertions in the somatic human genome.
Apparent cellulitis with a prolonged APTT

The differential diagnosis of cellulitis includes haematoma. This can be the presentation of a bleeding disorder in adult life.