cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Seizures and proto-oncogene expression of fos in the brain of adult genetically epilepsy-prone rats

Abstract The mechanisms and brain circuitry that render genetically epilepsy-prone rats (GEPRs) susceptible to acoustically induced seizures are not completely known. The present study explores the neuroanatomy of acoustically induced seizures by immunohistochemical analysis of the proto-oncoproteinfosafter intense acoustic stimulation (AS) with and without seizures. Acoustic stimulation induced tonic convulsions in GEPR-9s, but not in control rats. Locations of brain nuclei showingfos-like immunoreactive (FLI) neurons following AS with and without seizures were mapped. Semiquantitative methods were used to compare FLI neuron numerical densities in AS control rats and GEPRs. Many brain areas exhibited profound FLI in AS control rats and GEPRs. Unexpectedly, the cochlear nuclei and the central nucleus of the inferior colliculi (ICc), both of which are requisite for AGS initiation, exhibited a diminishedfosexpression in animals having seizures compared to AS controls. In contrast, GEPRs displayed a significant increase in FLI neurons within the dorsal cortex of the IC (ICd) compared to AS controls. This finding may suggest a seizure-related amplification of the auditory signal between the ICc and the ICd. Other nuclei, known to be involved in auditory transmission (i.e., superior olivary complex; trapezoid nucleus; dorsal nucleus of the lateral lemniscus, DNLL), did not show differential FLI densities between seizure and AS control animals. In contrast, seizure-induced FLI was observed in many nonauditory brain nuclei. Of particular interest was the identification of an intensely labeled nucleus in the GEPR. This nucleus resides in the most posterior and dorsal–lateral part of the pedunculopontine tegmental nucleus–pars compacta (PPTn-pc) immediately adjacent to the DNLL and extends posteriorly into the superior lateral subnucleus of the lateral parabrachial area (SLPBn). Therefore, we have tentatively termed this nucleus the PPSLPBn. The PPSLPBn lies in a region previously described as a mesencephalic locomotor region and a suspected functional involvement of this nucleus in display of seizure activity is under investigation. Other brain stem nuclei showing differentialfosexpression between GEPRs and AS control rats are also described.
On estimating spatial and temporal variations in the properties of ice in the polar oceans

Abstract Because sea ice controls the surface heat and momentum exchange, light transmission and buoyancy fluxes in the water, its properties profoundly affect regional boundary layer characteristics and biological activity in the polar oceans. Quantifying such effects, however, is complicated by large spatial and temporal variations in ice properties which cannot adequately be resolved by direct observations alone. Present remote sensing data furnish only indirect information on the fundamental properties and processes needed to characterize a sea ice cover and its interaction with the atmosphere and ocean. Nevertheless, satellite and buoy data must provide the basis for future monitoring and the prediction of regional effects. Achievement of this goal depends on the availability of physical models that can translate routine remote sensing information into quantitative data on basic properties such as thickness, temperature, salinity and structure. In this paper we examine recent advances made in understanding and modeling the evolution of sea ice, both locally and on larger scales. Particular attention is given to the thermal, mechanical and optical properties of the ice as determined from field, laboratory and theoretical work.
The effectiveness of pattern recognition, sugar, nonvolatile acid, and 13C/12C analyses for detecting adulteration in apple juice☆

Abstract Pattern recognition methods were successfully used to classify authentic apple juice by variety and geographic origin on the basis of its sugar composition. The technique was also used to discriminate 10 potential adulterants from authentic apple juice, but it had only limited success in detecting adulteration of apple juice with the adulterants at the 40% level by volume. Analysis of the nonvolatile acid profile by more traditional methods enabled the detection of some but not all adulterants. The t,-malic test could detect adulteration at the 20% but not the 10% level. Similarly, adulteration with high fructose corn syrup and pineapple juice could be detected by isotopic carbon analysis at the 20% but not the 10% level.
Routine extraluminal use of the 5F Arndt Endobronchial Blocker for one-lung ventilation in children up to 24 months of age.

THORACIC SURGERY in neonates, infants, and small children increasingly is performed with minimally invasive techniques including thoracoscopy.1 One-lung ventilation (OLV) optimizes exposure during thoracoscopic surgery.1 The ediatric size 5F Arndt Endobronchial Blocker (AEB) (Cook edical Inc, Bloomington, IN) has been used successfully for ung isolation in children. A removable loop protruding through ts central lumen is used to guide it with a fiberoptic bronchocope (FOB) into the mainstem bronchus. Because a 4.5-mm nner-diameter (ID) endotracheal tube (ETT) or larger is reuired to accommodate the blocker concomitant with a peditric FOB for blocker placement, its endoluminal use is limited o children 2 years and older.2 The authors performed a retrospective review of their practice of placing the blocker outside the ETT (extraluminal) and to position the blocker with guidance by a bronchoscope inserted through the ETT (endoluminal) in children up to 24 months of age.
Health-Risk Behaviors of High School and College Females

Abstract The following two articles constitute the second part of a three-part feature on health issues for active females. In the August issue, after an introduction by feature editor Lynda Ransdell, Sarah Warner and Janet Shaw described the relationship between estrogen levels, physical activity, and bone maladies such as osteoporosis, while Ro Di Brezzo and Gretchen Oliver offered strategies for preventing ACL injuries among the active female population.
What They're Reading: The Courage to Teach: Exploring the Inner Landscape of a Teacher's Life by Parker J. Palmer

With this book, Parker Palmer erects an important landmark for all who practice the art of teaching and for anyone concerned with education today. In an educational landscape riddled with deliberations on general education reform, pedagogical approaches, and student needs, Palmer's essential point is that good teaching cannot be reduced to technique because "good teaching comes from the identity and integrity of the teacher" (10). Good teaching, he contends, is a courageous act that results both from the teacher's intimate relation with the subject matter as well as the teacher's humility and openness to discover and learn. Learning for both teacher and student, then, is also a courageous act, for teacher and student alike must be willing to confront "great things" together that cannot be reduced to the lowest common denominator of any single perspective of an individual or group. W
NUCLEAR EXCITATION FUNCTIONS AND THICK TARGET YIELDS: (Cr + d)

Nuclear excitation functions and thick-target yields have been determined for several reactions which occur when chromium of natural isotopic composition is bombarded with deuterons of \ensuremath{\sim}15 Mev. The reactions are ${\mathrm{Cr}}^{52}(d, 2n){\mathrm{Mn}}^{52}$, [${\mathrm{Cr}}^{53}(d, n){\mathrm{Mn}}^{54}$, ${\mathrm{Cr}}^{54}(d, 2n){\mathrm{Mn}}^{54}$], [${\mathrm{Cr}}^{50}(d, p){\mathrm{Cr}}^{51}$, ${\mathrm{Cr}}^{50}(d, n){\mathrm{Mn}}^{51}\stackrel{\ensuremath{\beta}}{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathrm{Cr}}^{51}$, ${\mathrm{Cr}}^{52}(d, t){\mathrm{Cr}}^{51}$], and ${\mathrm{Cr}}^{50}(d, \ensuremath{\alpha}){\mathrm{V}}^{48}$. The excitation function for ${\mathrm{Cr}}^{53}(d, n)$ was approximated by correcting for ${\mathrm{Cr}}^{54}(d, 2n)$ but the complex reactions yielding ${\mathrm{Cr}}^{51}$ could not be completely analyzed. Stacked chromium foils were bombarded, Mn, Cr, and V isolated chemically and the activities of relatively long-lived products measured with a calibrated scintillation counter. Absolute cross sections were calculated for several of the reactions and thick target yields as a function of deuteron energy were calculated for the production of ${\mathrm{Mn}}^{52}$, ${\mathrm{Mn}}^{54}$, ${\mathrm{Cr}}^{51}$, and ${\mathrm{V}}^{48}$. The energy loss of deuterons in chromium has been measured over the range of 3.8 to 13.6 Mev and some beam straggling data are presented.
Stability of the ordered orthorhombic phase in Ti-24Al-11Nb

The ordered orthorhombic 'O' phase in the Ti-Al-Nb ordered alloy system emerges either through slow cooling from above 1200 C or through isothermal aging after quenching from that temperature regime. An experimental investigation is presently conducted of the structural relationship between the O and alpha(2) phases, in order to clarify the mechanism of transition between the two. The transition occurs with the formation of a platelike alpha(2) phase within the O matrix, and may be characterized as due to a shape-deformation mechanism associated with diffusion of excess Nb away from the O/alpha(2) interface.
Monte Carlo calculation of noise transport in a two-dimensional diode

The noise transport phenomena in a two-dimensional diode operated under space-charge-limited conditions are investigated by means of the statistical Monte Carlo method. Effects on the transport characteristics of an electron beam by the multi-dimensional nature of the potential distribution in the vicinity of the potential minimum are evaluated. Contrary to both the single velocity and multivelocity linear small-signal noise theories, the noise parameters S , II, S -- II and S + II are found to be nonconservative. A reduction in the equivalent noise figure from 6.96 db corresponding to full-shot noise input at the cathode to approximately 2 db is observed at the anode of the two-dimensional diode for a wide range of frequencies. A substantial amount of correlation between the kinetic potential and the current fluctuations is developed in the multivelocity region beyond the potential minimum. It is believed that the improvement in noise performance of the two-dimensional diode over the one-dimensional model is directly attributable to the space-charge potential-depression effects by which an additional amount of velocity spread is introduced in the electron beam, creating an extension of the multivelocity non-linear region. The theoretical minimum-noise figures obtained indicate that possibly two-dimensional dc effects are more important than two-dimensional ac effects in essentially hollow-beam low-noise devices.
Palliative and Hospice Care in Assisted Living: Reality or Wishful Thinking?

Using an applied policy approach, we describe and discuss the policies and practice that influence access to palliative care and hospice to persons living in assisted living facilities (ALFs). We found that not many people, policy makers included, have a clear understanding of what palliative care is. We also found that very few regulations are in place to safeguard a person's ability to age in place within ALFs, and that consumers may not be getting the information they need to make an informed decision about their long term options within that setting.
Mayors of American Cities: An Analysis of Powers and Responsibilities

Using data from a 1987 nationwide survey of U.S. cities of 25,000 population and above, this research analyzes the formal authority and the informal powers associated with the office of mayor. We divide cities by mayor-council or council-manager form. The findings confirm that elected chief executives in mayoral cities possess considerably more formal authority than their counterparts in manager communities, yet informal mayoral powers are quite comparable among these two forms of government. Using ANOVA (GLS), we also predict variations in mayoral power using five demographic and political variables. Among mayor-council cities, location in a central city and large size are the best explanatory variables. For manager cities, regional location and the presence of partisan ballots and ward elections are the best predictors of mayoral power.
Kinetics of Repair of UV-induced DNA Damage in Repair-proficient and -deficient Cells as Determined by Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction

Abstract— Advances in methodologies to monitor gene-specific repair in human cells have facilitated a detailed understanding of the complexity of the nucleotide excision repair system. One of these procedures, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (QPCR), holds significant promise for dissecting the fine structure of the repair of UV-induced DNA damage. This assay was used to study the repair of UV photoproducts in both actively transcribed and nontranscribed genes from human cells that were capable of (1) repair of both cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers and 6-4 photoproducts; (2) removal of neither dinners nor 6-4 photoproducts; (3) strong preferential repair of 6-4 photoproducts relative to dimers; and (4) severely depressed rates of 6-4 photoproducts and dimers. Detailed kinetic analyses revealed that repair of both active and inactive genes can be studied with a very fine degree of precision and that the repair status of the cells can easily be detected by use of the procedures described.
DIFFERENCES IN SELF CONCEPT BETWEEN CHILDREN ON HEMODIALYSIS (CH) AND NORMAL CHILDREN (C) ATTENDING A SUMMER CAMP

DIFFERENCES IN SELF CONCEPT BETWEEN CHILDREN ON HEMODIALYSIS (CH) AND NORMAL CHILDREN (C) ATTENDING A SUMMER CAMP
The isolation of "link proteins" from bovine nasal cartilage.

Abstract Methods of isolating the water insoluble ‘link proteins’ from preparations of bovine nasal cartilage proteoglycan aggregates have been investigated. Upon chromatography on Sepharose 4B in 0.1% sodium dodecyl sulfate, the ‘link proteins’ are found in a discrete, included peak, whereas the bulk of the proteoglycan emerges at the void volume. Some low molecular weight proteoglycan is associated with the ‘link proteins’. An alternative procedure, i.e. chromatography on DEAE-cellulose in sodium dodecyl sulfate, has also been examined. In 0.1% sodium dodecyl sulfate, proteoglycan monomer is not absorbed by the column, whereas ‘link proteins’ are. Subsequently, the ‘link proteins’ with a minor fraction of the proteoglycan are eluted with 1.0% sodium dodecyl sulfate. Both procedures serve to separate the ‘link proteins’ from the bulk of proteoglycan present in an aggregate preparation, but additional steps are necessary to achieve homogeneity. Thus a ‘link protein’ preparation, fractionated from proteoglycan aggregate by equilibrium density gradient centrifugation under dissociative conditions, can be finally purified by chromatography on DEAE-cellulose in sodium dodecyl sulfate.
Effects of Pre-Trial Response Requirements on Self-Control Choices by Rats and Pigeons

Parallel experiments with rats and pigeons examined whether the size of a pre-trial ratio requirement would affect choices in a self-control situation. In different conditions, either 1 response or 40 responses were required before each trial. In the first half of each experiment, an adjusting-ratio schedule was used, in which subjects could choose a fixed-ratio schedule leading to a small reinforcer, or an adjusting-ratio schedule leading to a larger reinforcer. The size of the adjusting ratio requirement was increased and decreased over trials based on the subject's responses, in order to estimate an indifference point—a ratio at which the two alternatives were chosen about equally often. The second half of each experiment used an adjusting-delay procedure—fixed and adjusting delays to the small and large reinforcers were used instead of ratio requirements. In some conditions, particularly with the reinforcer delays, the rats had consistently longer adjusting delays with the larger pre-trial ratios, reflecting a greater tendency to choose the larger, delayed reinforcer when more responding was required to reach the choice point. No consistent effects of the pre-trial ratio were found for the pigeons in any of the conditions. These results may indicate that rats are more sensitive to the long-term reinforcement rates of the two alternatives, or they may result from a shallower temporal discounting rate for rats than for pigeons, a difference that has been observed in previous studies.
Symmetry energy in nuclei and neutron stars

Abstract The symmetry energy plays an important role in nuclear astrophysics, ranging from the structure of nuclei to gravitational collapse to neutron stars. The BBAL paper by Bethe, Brown, et al., was among the first to recognize its importance. The role of the symmetry energy has evolved since that time when it represented one of the major uncertainties in modeling the equation of state of dense nuclear matter. At present, the parameters of the nuclear symmetry energy are tightly constrained by a concordance achieved from nuclear experiment, astrophysical observations, and ab initio theoretical calculations of neutron matter.
A Methodology for Determining the Transferability Rate of Courses.

For transfer students, the transfer of credit between institutions creates a barrier to graduation as students’ time and money is ultimately wasted when courses do not successfully transfer as credit applicable toward degree requirements at the receiving institution. Understanding the extent to which courses at your institution transfer to other institutions is the first step to increase the transferability of courses and, ultimately, ease this barrier. We created a process for utilizing the enrollment data from the National Student Clearinghouse to identify a subset of institutions to which large numbers of our former students transferred in the past three years. Then, for these institutions, we recorded course transfer equivalency information from the Michigan Transfer Network website and several other sources. To determine the transferability rate of courses, a coding system was created to increase consistency in the identification of a course as transferable. The detailed methodology for this transfer...
Infrared Fabry-Perot Imaging of M82 [Fe II] Emission. II. Tracing Extragalactic Supernova Remnants

We report high spatial and spectral resolution [Fe II] 1.644 ?m Fabry-Perot imaging observations of M82. We present extinction-corrected [Fe II] images and discuss the nature of compact [Fe II] emission regions revealed by these new data. We conclude that these [Fe II] sources trace a population of supernova remnants in M82 that are substantially older than those revealed previously on 6 cm radiographs. In addition, we find that M82 contains a distributed [Fe II] emission component that is extended along the southern minor axis and that accounts for 90% of the galaxy's [Fe II] luminosity. We interpret this extended emission as tracing disk material entrained in a super wind that has broken out of the galactic disk to the south. We find that the [Fe II]/Br? line ratio throughout M82 correlates with the age of the starburst as reflected by the color of the photospheric emission from the galaxy's stars. This correlation suggests that the [Fe II] emission regions in M82 are colocated with a post-main-sequence stellar population. The engineering details of our Fabry-Perot imaging methodology are also discussed.
Polyphosphate in a chlorococcalean alga

Abstract The chlorococcalean alga Trebouxia erici possesses numerous granular inclusions when grown in media of normal phosphate concentration, and few granular inclusions in media of low phosphate concentration. The granules stain metachromatically with toluidine blue and precipitate lead sulfide, indicative of linear polyphosphate. Their image varies with fixation for electron microscopy.
"Add-on" Purchasing: Consumer Behavior in the Trial of New Products

The research reported here examines consumer behavior in the trial of new consumer packaged goods. Panel data tracking purchase patterns over the first two years of introduction for seven low-priced consumer goods was utilized to study both the timing and quantity of individual household new product trials. A behavior termed “add-on” purchasing (buying trial brands in addition to regularly purchased brands) was exhibited across all seven new products. Implications of this “add on” behavior are discussed.
Blind identification of out-of-cell users in DS-CDMA: An algebraic approach

In the context of multiuser detection for the DS-CDMA uplink, out-of-cell interference is usually treated as Gaussian noise, possibly mitigated by overlaying a long random cell code on top of symbol spreading. Different cells use statistically independent long codes, thereby providing means for statistical out-of-cell interference suppression. When the total number of (in-cell plus out-of-cell) users is less than the spreading gain, subspace identification techniques are applicable. If the base station is equipped with an antenna array, then completely blind identification is possible via three-dimensional low-rank decomposition. This works with more users than spreading and antennas, but a purely algebraic solution is missing. In this paper, we develop an algebraic solution under the premise that the codes of the in-cell users are known. The codes of out-of-cell users and all array steering vectors are unknown. In this pragmatic scenario, we show that in addition to algebraic solution, better identifiability is possible. Our approach yields the best known identifiability result for three-dimensional low-rank decomposition when one of the three component matrices is partially known, albeit non-invertible.
Organosilane polymers: Formable copolymers that contain methyl(β-phenethyl)silylene or cyclohexyl(methyl)silylene units

High molecular weight polysilane copolymers which contain the units in the title were prepared in high yield by sodium coupling the corresponding organodichlorosilanes in toluene. These copolymers are highly soluble in common solvents and can be drawn into fibers or formed into films by molding or casting. They are also photoactive.
Fullerene-derived molecular electronic devices

The carbon nanotube junctions have recently emerged as excellent candidates for use as the building blocks in the formation of nanoscale electronic devices. While the simple joint of two dissimilar tubes can be generated by the introduction of a pair of heptagon-pentagon defects in an otherwise perfect hexagonal graphene sheet, more complex joints require other mechanisms. In this work we explore structural and electronic properties of complex three-point junctions of carbon nanotubes using a generalized tight-binding molecular-dynamics scheme.
Gemini rendezvous program

One of the main purposes of the Gemini program is to establish techniques for the rendezvous and docking of space vehicles. Since it is expected that these techniques will be used in many other space programs, the Gemini rendezvous experiments have been planned to provide the basic information needed, and provision has been made for accomplishing rendezvous in several ways, each having special features to be explored in the program so that an optimized operational procedure can be established.
Characterization of the acidic and basic properties of αLiAIO2, γLiAIO2, and calcined "HAIO2" using isopropyl alcohol

Abstract Characterization of both the acidic and basic sites of αLiAIO2, γLiAIO2, and calcined “HAIO2” was carried out with the isopropyl alcohol probe reaction. All three materials catalyzed the formation of both propylene and acetone. The formation of propylene is indicative of acidic-basic pair sites, while the presence of acetone is indicative of basic sites. In addition to the formation of both propylene and acetone, base-catalyzed acetone aldol condensation products were formed on both αLiAIO2 and calcined “HAIO2.” Both materials produced a C6DIENE (2-methyl-1,3-pentadiene or 4-methyl-1,3-pentadiene) aldol condensation product, while αLiAIO2 also produced the aldol condensation products 4M2PONE (4-methyl-2-pentanone) and 4M2POL (4-methyl-2-pentanol). The reaction pathways that describe the formation of the various C6 products were used to infer the nature of the basic sites on the materials. Additional information obtained from TPD and FTIR of chemisorbed CO2 demonstrate that the basic sites on αLiAIO2 are similar in strength and number to MgO.
Singularities of the surface magnetisation profile near the critical point

Abstract Using renormalised perturbation theory we calculate explicitly the leading singular behaviour of the magnetisation shape function φ(y). To leading order φ(y)⋍yσ, where σ=1- 1 6ϵ .
Application of fuzzy theories to multiple objective decision making in system design

Abstract Much decision making in the real world takes place in an environment in which the goals, constraints, and consequences of possible actions are not known precisely. To deal with such imprecision in a quantitative manner, the tools of fuzzy set theory can be advantageously applied. The use and effectiveness of fuzzy theories in the formulation and solution of design problems are developed and described via an application in the engineering design of high speed mechanisms. An integrated approach to the design of high speed planar mechanisms is formulated as a multiple objective nonlinear programming problem, which combines both the kinematic and dynamic synthesis aspects of mechanism design. To model the vague and imprecise information in the problem formulation, the tools of fuzzy set theory have been used. A novel method of solving the resulting fuzzy multiple objective problem using mathematical programming techniques is presented. The outlined procedure should be useful in engineering and management design situations where uncertainty or ambiguity arises about the preciseness of permissible parameters, degree of credibility, and correctness of statements and judgements.
THE COLLECTIVE DESCRIPTION OF MANY-PARTICLE SYSTEMS (A GENERALIZED THEORY OF HARTREE FIELDS)

A systematic method of handling a system composed of a number of particles and an intermediary Bose field has been developed. The main idea consists in linearizing the interaction by taking certain average values so that it may be amalgamated to the free Hamiltonian. Only the remaining fluctuational interaction is treated by perturbation theory. The effect of the averaged interaction appears in the form of two generalized Hartree fields associated with the particle and the Bose quantum, respectively. The self-consistent equations for these Hartree fields are derived from an analysis of the $S$ matrix, keeping close analogy to the renormalization procedure in quantum electrodynamics. The formalism includes such approximations as the Bohm-Pines, Hartree-Fock, and Thomas-Fermi theories as special cases. General criteria about the validity and plausibility of the picture involved in the present formulation are discussed from various points of view.
Aragonite Formation by Marine Bacteria: ABSTRACT

Investigations of the calcium and magnesium metabolism of marine deaminating bacteria have revealed that these organisms are capable of binding alkaline-earth elements on or in the cell wall-cell membrane complex. In actively metabolizing cells, both calcium and magnesium are taken up as a complex with amino acids and peptone. Accumulation of these elements during this phase, however, is low as compared with senescent cells. In the latter case, the accumulation of calcium is such that a given volume of cells will concentrate up to 100 × the concentration in an equivalent volume of sea water. Magnesium concentration is considerably less and the element appears to be preferentially exchanged for calcium at this stage. The nature of the binding force is under investigation but appears to be a type of weak adsorption or ion exchange. The bound calcium may be eluted from cells by washing with any isotonic fluid at pH's varying between 5 and 9. Unwashed cells may be considered as small concentrated sources of calcium. When carbonate concentration becomes sufficiently high (from respired C02) and pH is at a minimum of 7.8 (from excretion of NH3), calcium carbonate precipitation occurs as aragonite crystals with bacteria occupying the center of the crystal. It is surmised that bacteria may act as nuclei for precipitation in nature since the environment produced in static culture in the laboratory is similar to that produced in interstitial spaces of the upper sediments-only on a smaller scale. Examination of fine sediment particles from Florida Bay have revealed them to be largely calcified bacteria. End_of_Article - Last_Page 358------------
Statistical consistency and hypothesis testing for nonmetric multidimensional scaling

The properties of nonmetric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) are explored by specifying statistical models, proving statistical consistency, and developing hypothesis testing procedures. Statistical models with errors in the dependent and independent variables are described for quantitative and qualitative data. For these models, statistical consistency often depends crucially upon how error enters the model and how data are collected and summarized (e.g., by means, medians, or rank statistics). A maximum likelihood estimator for NMDS is developed, and its relationship to the standard Shepard-Kruskal estimation method is described. This maximum likelihood framework is used to develop a method for testing the overall fit of the model.
Chikotsa—Secrets, Silence, and Hiding: Social Risk and Reproductive Vulnerability in Central Mozambique

In this article, I examine pregnancy narratives and patterns of reproductive health seeking among women of fertile age in central Mozambique. I map the interplay between gendered economic marginalization, maternal risk perceptions, and pregnancy management strategies. By interpreting my data in light of Shona illness theories, I illuminate the ways that embodied experiences of reproductive vulnerability, risk perceptions, and social inequalities are linked: women attribute the most serious maternal complications to human- or spirit-induced reproductive threats of witchcraft and sorcery. This construction of reproductive vulnerability as social threats related to material and social competition significantly influences prenatal health seeking. Data reveal the structural and cognitive gap between biomedical constructions of risk and lay social threat perceptions. Plural health care systems are strategically utilized by women seeking to minimize both social and biological harm. On-the-ground ethnography shows that maternal health initiatives must take this plurality into full and accommodative account to achieve viable improvements in reproductive care and outcomes.
Fast computation of optimal paths in two-and higher-dimension maps

Abstract Highly interconnected networks of relatively simple processing elements are shown to be very effective in solving difficult optimization problems. Problems that fall into the broad category of finding a least cost path between two points, given a distributed and sometimes complex cost map, are studied in this paper. A neural-like architecture and associated computational rules are proposed for the solution of this class of optimal path-finding problems in two- and higher-dimensional spaces.
Hierarchical network development of wireless passive sensors

Design and implementation of wireless sensor systems is one of the important issues in aerospace technologies. It has wide range of applications such as monitoring different parameters in aircraft engines, satellites indoor and outdoor conditions as well as environmental data in moon and other planets in space exploration activities. In most of these applications, it is not possible to utilize active sensors due to operation failure in harsh conditions. In this article, design and implementation of a system consist of both active and passive sensors is studied.
Respiratory Response to Periodic Emergence in Intertidal Molluscs

SYNOPSIS: The ratio of aerial: aquatic V ˙ O2 ( V ˙ o2(a): V ˙ o2(W)) was computed for species of intertidal molluscs. This ratio was 1 for high littoral archeogastropods suggesting high metabolic demands in air. V ˙ O2(a): V ˙ O2(w) ratios were near unity for meso- and neogastropod species regardless of zonation. Littoral fringe mesogastropods had ratios V ˙ O2(a): V ˙ O2(w) ratios near unity. In contrast, littoral fringe pulmonates without secondary gills are partially anaerobic in water. Emerged low and mid-littoral bivalves close the valves, are almost entirely anaerobic, have V ˙ o2(a): V ˙ o2(w) ratios ≤0.14:1 and conserve energy by greatly reducing metabolic demand in air. In contrast, emerged high littoral bivalves remain aerobic by periodic gaping and mantle cavity ventilation. Such behaviors support an aerobic metabolism while minimizing evaporative water loss. Aerial gas exchange prevents anaerobic end-product accumulation and, with a reduction in energy demand, allows efficient energy store utilization during prolonged emergence.
Quaternary Structure of Rice Nonsymbiotic Hemoglobin

Plant nonsymbiotic hemoglobins are hexacoordinate heme proteins found in all plants. Although expression is linked with hypoxic environmental conditions (Taylor, E. R., Nie, X. Z., Alexander, W. M., and Hill, R. D. (1994)Plant Mol. Biol. 24, 853–862), no discrete physiological function has yet been attributed to this family of proteins. The crystal structure of a nonsymbiotic hemoglobin from rice has recently been determined. The crystalline protein is homodimeric and hexacoordinate with two histidine side chains coordinating the heme iron atom. Despite the fact that the amino acids responsible for the subunit interface are relatively conserved among the nonsymbiotic hemoglobins, previous work suggests that this group of proteins might display variability in quaternary structure (Duff, S. M. G., Wittenberg, J. B., and Hill , R. D. (1997) J. Biol. Chem. 272, 16746–16752; Arredondo-Peter, R., Hargrove, M. S., Sarath, G., Moran, J. F., Lohrman, J., Olson, J. S., and Klucas , R. V. (1997) Plant Physiol. 115, 1259–1266). Analytical ultracentrifugation and size exclusion high pressure liquid chromatography were used to investigate the quaternary structure of rice nonsymbiotic hemoglobin at various states of ligation and oxidation. Additionally, site-directed mutagenesis was used to test the role of several interface amino acids in dimer formation and ligand binding. Results were analyzed in light of possible physiological functions and indicate that the plant nonsymbiotic hemoglobins are not oxygen transport proteins but more closely resemble known oxygen sensors.
Energy consumption of multi-hop wireless networks under throughput constraints and range scaling

This paper studies the joint optimization of throughput and energy consumption in multi-hop wireless networks and associated scaling trends. We employ transmission range as the main control knob and forfeit the common, but often unrealistic, premise that communication energy is proportional to the transmission range raised to a path loss exponent. In real systems, idle power, overhearing and power amplifier play a major role and energy efficiency may potentially favor long transmission ranges. On the other hand, throughput maximization favors short transmission ranges. We derive approximate expressions for average per-node energy consumption as a function of the transmission range for various representative system behaviors. Based on these, we build a joint energy-throughput analytical model and validate it through simulations. Then, we address two key problems: Given an upper bound on the average per-node power consumption (or energy budget) find the maximum per-node throughput (or number of transferred bits) and the range that achieves it. And, given a lower bound on average per-node throughput (or minimum bit volume to be transferred), find the transmission range that results in the minimum per-node power consumption (or minimum energy dissipation).
Effect of Heat Treatments on the Wetting Behavior of Bismuth-Rich Intergranular Phases in ZnO:Bi:Co Varistors

The effect of annealing on the wetting behavior of Bi-rich intergranular phases in ZnO:Bi:Co varistors was studied. The intergranular phase exhibits temperature-dependent grain-boundary wetting, with an average equilibrium dihedral angle of 0° at 1140°C and over 55° at 610°C. The temperature-dependent wetting may be related to the temperature dependence of the ZnO concentration in the Bi2O3 liquid phase. The effect of the intergranular phase distribation on the electrical properties of ZnO varistors is discussed.
Study of the lowest known 6+ state in 16O by means of the 12C(α,α)12C reaction

Abstract Differential cross-section angular distributions and excitation functions have been measured for the 12 C(α,α) 12 C reaction between 10.0 and 10.3 MeV α-particle energies. A strong anomaly is observed near E α = 10.2 MeV at all angles except where P 6 (cos θ) = 0 . A phase-shift analysis of the angular distributions indicates a 6 + resonance. The results of an R -matrix analysis using a single-level formalism yields J π = 6 + , E res = 10.199 MeV, Γ lab = = 70 ± 10 keV, and Γ α Γ =0.50 ± 0.03 . Possible configurations for this state are discussed.
Evolution of the Metazoan-Specific Importin α Gene Family

Importin αs are import receptors for nuclear localization signal-containing proteins. Most animal importin αs assort into α1, α2, and α3 groups. Studies in Drosophila melanogaster, Caenorhabditis elegans, and mouse suggest that the animal importin α gene family evolved from ancestral plant-like genes to serve paralog-specific roles in gametogenesis. To explore this hypothesis we extended the phylogenetic analysis of the importin α gene family to nonbilateral animals and investigated whether animal-like genes occur in premetazoan taxa. Maximum likelihood analysis suggests that animal-like importin α genes occur in the Choanoflaggelate Monosiga brevicollis and the amoebozoan Dictyostelium; however, both of these results are caused by long-branch attraction effects. The absence of animal-like α genes in premetazoan taxa is consistent with the hypothesis that they duplicated and then specialized to function in animal gametogenesis. The gene structures of the importin αs provide insight into how the animal importin α gene family may have evolved from the most likely ancestral gene. Interestingly, animal α1s are more similar to plant and fungal α1-like sequences than they are to animal α2s or α3s. We show that animal α1 genes share most of their introns with plant α1-like genes, and α2s and α3s share many more intron positions with each other than with the α1s. Together, phylogenetics and gene structure analysis suggests a parsimonious path for the evolution of the mammalian importin α gene family from an ancestral α1-like progenitor. Finally, these results establish a rational basis for a unified nomenclature of the importin α gene family.
The constant stress tensile creep behaviour of a superplastic zirconia-alumina composite

A detailed study was conducted to evaluate the constant stress tensile creep behaviour of a superplastic 3 mol% yttria-stabilized zirconia-20 wt% alumina composite. The comprehensive experimental results indicate that creep deformation may be expressed in the form $$\dot \varepsilon \propto \sigma ^{2.8} \left( {{1 \mathord{\left/ {\vphantom {1 {\bar L}}} \right. \kern-\nulldelimiterspace} {\bar L}}} \right)^2 $$ exp(−585 000/8.3T), where $$\dot \varepsilon $$ is the steady-state creep rate, σ is the imposed stress, $$\bar L$$ is the linear intercept grain size andT is the absolute temperature. Microstructural observations revealed that there is very little dislocation activity, or change in grain size or shape. A detailed analysis was conducted to evaluate the possible rate-controlling mechanisms in terms of the experimentally determined mechanical properties and the microstructural observations. Based on the maintenance of an equiaxed microstructure and the strong grain size and stress dependence, it is concluded that creep occurs by a grain-boundary sliding/grain rearrangement process.
Beliefs about the state, goals, and objects of sexual desire

Abstract Little is known about how men and women conceptualize sexual desire. This descriptive study explored beliefs about the nature of sexual desire. Participants defined sexual desire in a free response format. The results suggest that there is no single common understanding of sexual desire. In particular, although men and women conceptualize the state of sexual desire in a manner similar to researchers and theorists (i.e., as a subjective, psychological experience rather than as a physiological or behavioral sexual event), sexual desire represents a more romantic, interpersonal experience for women than for men. Significantly more women than men believed that love and emotional intimacy are important goals of sexual desire, and fewer women than men viewed sexual activity as a goal of sexual desire .
The zeroes of controlled structures - Sensor/actuator attributes and structural modelling

The effects of sensor/actuator design and modeling decisions on the zero frequencies of single input single output structural systems are explored. A zero definition based on the high gain closed loop character of the poles of a system is used to study parametrically zeroes as a function of sensor and actuator location. An infinite order model is adopted so that the effects of finite order modeling are removed. Examples focus on point or localized actuators and sensors and simple uniform structures. The sensitivity of the zero frequencies to changes in the sensor and actuator location for both collocated and non-collocated cases are presented. Non-minimum phase behavior is visible in only certain non-collocated situations. In addition to the sensor/actuator attributes, the zeroes are shown to be a function of the truncation and discretization used to model the structural response for collocated and dual systems. Methods for improving the zero predictions in the control bandwidth are suggested.
Effect of linear reinsertion of receptor on the distribution of receptors around coated pits.

Abstract We consider a linear receptor reinsertion step in our kinetic model of the primary steps occurring in receptor-mediated endocytosis. In contrast with our previous zeroth order receptor reinsertion assumption, here we consider a first order process, and we study the effect of receptor diffusion on the trapping rate constant ( k + ) and the radial distribution of receptors around coated pits ( g rp ). Using experimental data for low density lipoproteins (LDL) receptors on fibroblast cells, we find that the trapping of receptors by coated pits is diffusion-controlled for any value of the escaping rate constant ( k − ). This result is significantly different from our previous findings. In fact, for a zeroth order process, we find that either diffusion has no effect on k + or, at the most, receptor trapping is 84% diffusion-controlled. Moreover, we find values for the receptor reinsertion rate constant (ϰ), which range between 15% of the pit's invagination rate constant, λ, and three halves λ. In addition, the ratio ϰ/λ is equal to the ratio of the concentration of receptors in pits with respect to the internalized receptors. Comparison between the experimental radial distribution of receptors around pits and the theoretical should provide an indication of the diffusion effect on k + .
Effects of social security on personal saving

Abstract To fill a gap in literature, we formulate and estimate a simultaneous equation model to separately measure the substitution and retirement effects of social security on personal saving, taking explicit account of the influence of pension saving.
Hydrothermal Synthesis of BaTiO3 on a Titanium-Loaded Polymer Support

A titanium-containing polymer precursor was subjected to aqueous Ba(OH)2 solutions of concentration varying from 0.02 to 0.5 M and at temperatures from 65 to 200 °C under hydrothermal conditions. Powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) revealed the presence of cubic BaTiO3 in most of the products, as a result of the mineralization of the polymer. Nucleation of spindlelike BaTiO3 particles was observed on the polymer surface after reactions lasting 5 h. Sources of possible contamination with carbonates are discussed.
Finding Dynamic Modules of Biological Regulatory Networks

Often groups of genes in regulatory networks, also called modules, work collaboratively on similar functions. Mathematically, the modules in a regulatory network has often been thought as a group of genes that interact with each other significantly more than the rest of the network. Finding such modules is one of the fundamental problems in understanding gene regulation. In this paper, we develop a new approach to identify modules of genes with similar functions in biological regulatory networks (BRNs). Unlike existing methods, our method recognizes that there are different types of interactions (activation, inhibition), these interactions have directions and they take place only if the activity levels of the activating (or inhibiting) genes are above certain thresholds. Furthermore, it also considers that as a result of these interactions, the activity levels of the genes change over time even in the absence of external perturbations. Here we addresses both the dynamic behavior of gene activity levels and the different interaction types by an incremental algorithm that is scalable to the organism wide BRNs with many dynamic steps. Our experimental results suggest that our method can identify biologically meaningful modules that are missed by traditional approaches.
A relation between the strengths of the orientation polarization and the infrared absorption of the OH stretching vibrations of ice

Abstract The dipole moment of a water molecule in ice during a stretching of the OH bonds in which all molecules move in phase can be expanded in a Fourier series in 2 π/R where r is the OH and R the OO distance. If only the first term is kept, the dipole moment and its derivatives can be related to a single parameter. Experimental values of the moment and of its first and second derivatives at the equilibrium configuration in ice I, which can be derived from the orientation polarization and from the infrared intesities respectively, agree well with the resulting equations. The higher-order derivatives, which have not been measured, can be predicted.
Hybridization and regional variation in Pacific Northwestern Impatiens (Balsaminaceae)

Variation patterns ofImpatiens species in the Pacific Northwest are discussed. Much of the variability there is attributed to widespread interspecific hybridization. Taxonomy of the genus is briefly reviewed, and it is suggested that four species should be recognized for the region. An account of natural hybridization betweenI. capensis andI. ecalcarata is given in detail, and it is postulated that the effects of this hybridization may extend beyond the immediate area in which it is detectable on the basis of morphological patterns. It is suggested thatI. aurella may be of hybrid origin since it combines characters of two species in the Pacific Northwest. Although natural hybridization is occurring at the present time, geographical distribution of variant populations of the species suggests that extensive hybridization may have been initiated in late Pleistocene as a result of the ecological disturbances prevalent at that time.