cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Unitary Systems and Wavelet Sets

A wavelet is a special case of a vector in a separable Hilbert space that generates a basis under the action of a system of unitary operators de-fined in terms of translation and dilation operations. We will describe an operator-interpolation approach to wavelet theory using the local commutant of a unitary system. This is an application of the theory of operator algebras to wavelet theory. The concrete applications to wavelet theory include results obtained using specially constructed families of wavelet sets. The main section of this paper is section 5, in which we introduce the interpolation map σ induced by a pair of wavelet sets, and give an exposition of its properties and its utility in constructing new wavelets from old. The earlier sections build up to this, establishing terminology and giving examples. The main theoretical result is the Coefficient Criterion, which is described in Section 5.2.2, and which gives a matrix valued function criterion specificing precisely when a function with frequency support contained in the union of an interpolation family of wavelet sets is in fact a wavelet. This can be used to derive Meyer’s famous class of wavelets using an interpolation pair of Shannon-type wavelet sets as a starting point. Section 5.3 contains a new result on interpolation pairs of wavelet sets: a proof that every pair of sets in the generalized Journe family of wavelet sets is an interpolation pair. We will discuss some results that are due to this speaker and his former and current students. And we finish in section 6 with a discussion of some open problems on wavelets and frame-wavelets.
Observed aerosol and liquid water path relationships in marine stratocumulus

[1] The stratocumulus-topped marine boundary layer (BL), aerosol, and cloud properties observed on research flights made off the coast of northern Chile in the Southeastern Pacific (20°S, 72°W) during the VAMOS Ocean-Cloud-Atmosphere-Land Study-Regional Experiment (VOCALS-REx) were used to examine the variation of liquid water path (LWP) and cloud condensation nuclei (CCN). Ten flights were made under similar meteorological conditions where the BL structure was well-mixed, clouds were solid, and the conditions at the surface and at the top of the BL were similar. A strong positive correlation between the LWP, which varied from 15 to 73 gm−2, and the BL CCN, which ranged from 190 to 565 cm−3, was observed. Analysis of the highest and the lowest CCN concentration cases confirms that the differences in the thermodynamic jumps at the top of the BL and the turbulent fluxes at the surface cannot explain the observed differences in the LWP. Cloud properties from satellite retrievals combined with a back trajectories analysis demonstrated that the LWP differences observed at the time of the aircraft flights are also prevalent during the night-time hours prior to the aircraft observations. These results provide evidence for CCN and LWP relationships that are not fully explained by current hypotheses from numerical modeling.
Cellular and Genetic Analysis of Mouse Blastocyst Development

The major morphogenetic events that occur during preimplantation development of the mammalian embryo are formation of a compact mass of cells (the morula) and formation of the blastocyst. Development of the blastocyst involves differentiation of a unique cell type, trophectoderm, that is necessary for implantation and nutrition of the embryo in the maternal environment, and the inner cell mass (ICM), which differentiates into primary endoderm and ectoderm before implantation (Snell and Stevens, 1966; Enders, 1971; Enders et al., 1978). In the mouse, trophectoderm can form even when there are few or no ICM cells, and hollow vesicles of trophectoderm can implant in vivo or grow out in vitro (Gardner, 1972; Ansell and Snow, 1975; Sherman, 1975; Sherman and Atienza-Samols, 1979). However, subsequent proliferation of trophectoderm cells to form the ectoplacental cone and extraembryonic ectoderm depends on the presence of the ICM. The ICM itself gives rise to the fetus and to the extraembryonic membranes but cannot implant or survive in the uterus in the absence of trophectoderm (Gardner, 1972; Gardner et al., 1973). Thus, the early postimplantation development of mouse embryos, and perhaps other mammalian embryos, depends on the successful differentiation and interaction of the two cell populations that form in the preimplantation period.
Investigation of electromagnetically induced transparency in the strong probe regimen

Summary form only given. Though experiments in which a strong probe field was applied to an EIT system have been performed using pulsed lasers, previous investigations of the steady-state response of an EIT system to cw lasers have focused on the limit in which the probe field is weak. We investigate the behavior of an inhomogeneously broadened ladder system interacting with probe and control fields that are both strong. The experimental system we study is a gas of /sup 85/Rb atoms, where the lower level is the 5S/sub 1/2/ state, the intermediate level is the 5P/sub 3/2/ state, and the upper level is the 5D/sub 5/2/ state. To facilitate two-photon Doppler cancellation, the control and probe laser beams are counterpropagating. We theoretically model the response of this system by numerically solving the appropriate system of density-matrix equations without any approximations with respect to the strength of the control or probe field, and then numerically performing a Doppler average over the atomic velocity distribution.
Saturated Sand as an Inelastic Two-Phase Medium.

The inelastic densification produced by shear straining saturated sands is opposed by the elasticity of the pore water and leads to a pore pressure increase, which causes a decrease in the intergranular frictional forces and consequent liquefaction of the sand mass. This inelastic densification is accompanied by an inelastic strain of the fluid phase, and the magnitude of the developed pore water pressure is the product of the inelastic densification and the densification compliance, the latter being approximately equal to the drained compressibility of the sand. The tangent elastic moduli are expressed in terms of the drained and undrained compressibilities of the two-phase medium and the compressibilities of water and the solid matter forming the grains. It is demonstrated that the volume change of the grains due to intergranular stresses has a negligible effect on the material parameters, even though it roughly equals the volume change of the grains due to the pore water pressure, which has an appreciable effect. Typical values are calculated for the material parameters.
Accurate performance analysis of hard handoff algorithms

Previous work on estimating the performance of hard handoff algorithms has been based on Monte-Carlo simulations or asymptotic approximations. A new analysis technique for evaluating the performance of handoff algorithms is introduced. This technique may be used to accurately estimate the performance of both optimal and suboptimal handoff algorithms. Specifically, the technique allows for the calculation of an upper bound on handoff performance without the need for storing or simulating the complicated optimal solution.
Dismantling whiteness: Silent yielding and the potentiality of political suicide

This article attempts a re-configuration of silence, suicidal identity deconstruction and the politics of anti-racism. I will explore the potential of dismantling whiteness by way of a silence that involves the refusal to claim whiteness, a whiteness that, in effect, denies humanity to ‘others’. Such silences are insubordinate, as they challenge the hegemony of a racialized polity, attempting to resist its privileges, as well as its destructive and restrictive consequences.
Texas: An Efficient, Portable Persistent Store

Texas is a persistent storage system for C++, providing high performance while emphasizing simplicity, modularity and portability. A key component of the design is the use of pointer swizzling at page fault time, which exploits existing virtual memory features to implement large address spaces efficiently on stock hardware, with little or no change to existing compilers. Long pointers are used to implement an enormous address space, but are transparently converted to the hardware-supported pointer format when pages are loaded into virtual memory.
Construction of strains for rapid homokaryon purification after integration of constructs at the histidine-3 (his-3) locus of Neurospora crassa

We report the construction of histidine-3 (his-3) strains of Neurospora crassa containing the hygromycin B phosphotransferase gene of Escherichia coli (hph+) fused in-frame to the herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase gene (tk+; Lupton et al. 1991), integrated at the his-3 locus. We also report the construction of two ampicillin-resistant and two kanamycin-resistant his-3 gene-replacement vector plasmids. The combined use of these strains and plasmids for his-3-targeted gene integration allows for the rapid identification of homokaryotic transformants containing the expected gene replacement event.
Medieval Archaeology: Understanding Traditions and Contemporary Approaches

Medieval Archaeology: Understanding Traditions and Contemporary Approaches. Christopher Gerrard. New York: Routledge, 2003. 302 pp.
Spatial-Temporal [18F]FDG-PET Features for Predicting Pathologic Response of Esophageal Cancer to Neoadjuvant Chemoradiation Therapy

Purpose To extract and study comprehensive spatial-temporal 18 F-labeled fluorodeoxyglucose ([ 18 F]FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) features for the prediction of pathologic tumor response to neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy (CRT) in esophageal cancer. Methods and Materials Twenty patients with esophageal cancer were treated with trimodal therapy (CRT plus surgery) and underwent [ 18 F]FDG-PET/CT scans both before (pre-CRT) and after (post-CRT) CRT. The 2 scans were rigidly registered. A tumor volume was semiautomatically delineated using a threshold standardized uptake value (SUV) of ≥2.5, followed by manual editing. Comprehensive features were extracted to characterize SUV intensity distribution, spatial patterns (texture), tumor geometry, and associated changes resulting from CRT. The usefulness of each feature in predicting pathologic tumor response to CRT was evaluated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) value. Results The best traditional response measure was decline in maximum SUV (SUV max ; AUC, 0.76). Two new intensity features, decline in mean SUV (SUV mean ) and skewness, and 3 texture features (inertia, correlation, and cluster prominence) were found to be significant predictors with AUC values ≥0.76. According to these features, a tumor was more likely to be a responder when the SUV mean decline was larger, when there were relatively fewer voxels with higher SUV values pre-CRT, or when [ 18 F]FDG uptake post-CRT was relatively homogeneous. All of the most accurate predictive features were extracted from the entire tumor rather than from the most active part of the tumor. For SUV intensity features and tumor size features, changes were more predictive than pre- or post-CRT assessment alone. Conclusion Spatial-temporal [ 18 F]FDG-PET features were found to be useful predictors of pathologic tumor response to neoadjuvant CRT in esophageal cancer.
The glue protein of ribbed mussels ( Geukensia demissa ): a natural adhesive with some features of collagen

The Atlantic ribbed musselGeukensia (Modiolus)demissa attaches itself to the roots of cord grass and other hard objects in tidal salt marshes by spinning adhesive byssal threads. The precursor of a protein apparently present in the adhesive plaques of the threads was isolated in quantity from the foot of the mussel. The protein has an apparent molecular weight of 130000, a pI of 8.1, and contains a high proportion of Gly, Glu/Gln, Lys and 3,4-dihydroxyphenyl-l-alanine (DOPA). Sequence of tryptic peptides suggests a pattern of repeated motifs, such as: Gly-DOPA-Lys, and X-Gly-DOPA-Y-Z-Gly-DOPA/Tyr-Lys, where X is Thr or Ala in octapeptides and Gln-Thr in nonapeptides. Y is variable, but more often than not hydrophobic; and Z is frequently Pro or 4-trans-hydroxyproline (Hyp). The presence of Pro-Gly and Hyp-Gly sequences of δ-hydroxylysine in the protein is reminiscent of typical collagens; however, the protein is not labile to clostridial collagenase, nor does collagen cross-react with antibodies raised against the mussel protein. Unlike typical collagens, Gly probably occurs only at every 4th or 5th residue in this unusual mussel protein.
Services quality and satisfaction

Contemporary research on service quality and satisfaction has limitations. First, current satisfaction models treat the consumer as an isolated individual, not considering the social context of the service provision. Second, while satisfaction and quality are thought to be process outcomes, the dominant survey research approaches are not well suited to learning about processes. Finally, popular paradigms assume consumers’ determination of service quality and satisfaction is based solely on a set of attributes. Symbolic interaction and ethnographic methods expand the theoretical basis of service quality/satisfaction research beyond an individually centered psychological view to consider social influences and processes, thereby providing a deeper understanding of how consumers experience quality and satisfaction. The knowledge gained from this approach is easily accessible to service managers and may serve to improve employee recruiting, training and evaluation. Examples of employing symbolic interaction and ethnographic methods are provided. Actions to improve the management of service providers are listed
Baseline susceptibility of western corn rootworm (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) to clothianidin

Western corn rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte, neonate susceptibility to clothianidin, a contact and systemic neonicotinoid insecticide, was determined from both laboratory and field-collected populations. Neonates were exposed to filter paper treated with increasing clothianidin concentrations and mortality was evaluated after 24 h. Additionally, two populations were exposed to an artificial diet which was surface treated with clothianidin. Although larvae were five- to six-fold more sensitive to treated diet, results with treated filter paper were more reliable in terms of control mortality and required much less manipulation of rootworm larvae. Therefore, initial baseline comparisons were conducted using the filter paper assays. The variation among populations exposed to treated filter paper was generally low, 4.4-fold among laboratory populations tested; however, there was a 14.5-fold difference in susceptibility among all populations tested. In general, clothianidin was very toxic to rootworm neonates, with LC50 values ranging from 1.5 to 21.9 ng/cm 2 . These results indicate the practicability and sensitivity of the paper filter disc assay to establish baseline susceptibility levels, which is an essential first step in resistance management. A baseline response provides a reference for tracking shifts in susceptibility following commercialization of a control agent so that early changes in susceptibility can be detected.
Dielectric Study of a Photo-Ckosslinkable Nonlinear Optical Polymer

Temperature and frequency dependent measurements are utilized to study the relaxation behavior of a photocrosslinking nonlinear optical (NLO) material based on a polyvinylcinnamate (PVCN) polymer matrix. 3-cinnamoyloxy-4-[4-(N, N-diethylamino)-2-cinnamoyloxy phenyl azo] nitrobenzene (CNNB-R) is used as a functionalized NLO active dye. Measurements of dielectric properties of PVCN doped with different levels of CNNB-R have been performed. NLO dye molecules were bonded to the host polymer by ultraviolet irradiation. Measurements were carried out from 50 to 200°C and a frequency range of 30 Hz to 1 MHz. The effects of dye content and UV irradiation on the dielectric response are discussed.
Associated Particle Neutron Imaging for Elemental Analysis in Medical Diagnostics

Associated Particle Neutron Elemental Imaging (APNEI) for in vivo and in vitro diagnostic analysis is a potential technology to measure elemental disease signatures. APNEI can produce elemental images with spatial resolution as small as ~ 1nmm. The use of APNEI technology for disease diagnoses is based on measured concentrations of many signature elements having large differences between normal and diseased tissues ranging up to more than 10 times. For cancer, anomalous elemental concentrations have been observed for breast, liver, colon, kidney, lung and prostate. In principle, in vivo observation of these anomalies would provide a diagnostic tool for disease presence. In vitro measurements may be useful in margin measurements for immediate surgical response. In addition, investigation into the pathways underlying these anomalous elemental concentrations may provide new understanding and possible novel therapeutic targets. To this end possible elemental concentration sensitivity and spatial resolution of APNEI technology for in vivo and in vitro disease diagnosis is presented.
Temperature dependence of reactions and intersystem crossing of C2a3Πu with hydrogen and small hydrocarbons from 300–600 K

Abstract C 2 a 3 Π u is produced by multiphoton UV excimer laser photodissociation of hexafluorobutyne-2 or benzene. The rate of C 2 depletion is monitored using laser induced fluorescence. The disappearance rates of C 2 a 3 Π u are reported over the temperature range of 300–600 K for reactions with H 2 , D 2 , C 2 H 6 , C 3 H 8 , n -C 4 H 10 , and C 2 H 4 and intersystem crossing due to collisions with Xe. The rates are (1σ confidence limits): Reactant k ( T ) cm 3 molecule −1 s −1 H 2 (1.55 ± 0.10) × 10 −11 exp [(−3012 ± 31)/ T ] D 2 (1.80 ± 0.22) × 10 −11 exp [(−3710 ± 72)/ T ] C 2 H 6 (2.42 ± 0.10) × 10 −11 exp [(−919 ± 15)/ T ] C 3 H 8 (1.84 ± 17) × 10 −11 exp [(−97 ± 36)/ T ] n -C 4 H 10 (4.9 ± 0.5) × 10 −11 exp [(−71 ±41)/ T ] C 2 H 4 (1.20 ± 16) × 10 −10 exp [(5 ± 46)/ T ] Xe (5.54 ± 0.14) × 10 −12 exp [(24 +- 30)/ T ] Probable mechanisms for these reactions are discussed.
An integrated model of risk and protective factors for post-deployment PTSD symptoms in OEF/OIF era combat veterans.

Abstract Background Few attempts have been made to integrate the known risk factors for combat-related posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) into a comprehensive model. This study investigated relative contributions of combat experiences, post-battle experiences, and perceptions of threat to post-deployment PTSD symptoms, and also examined whether pre-deployment preparedness moderated associations among these variables. Methods Two hundred seven troops deployed to the Middle East between 2001 and 2008 completed self-report measures. Data were analyzed using path analysis and regressions. A comprehensive model including additive effects, mediation, and moderation was examined. Results Perceptions of threat mediated the association of combat experiences with PTSD, but not that of post-battle experiences with PTSD. Sense of preparedness for deployment moderated the association of combat experiences with perceived threat, such that troops with low preparedness perceived high levels of threat regardless of combat exposure, whereas troops with high preparedness perceived levels of threat that were correlated with levels of combat. Limitations Data were cross-sectional, all assessment was retrospective self-report, and the sample was primarily White, male, and married. Conclusions Combat and post-battle experiences appear linked to PTSD via separate pathways. Thus, PTSD prevention efforts may need to vary based on types of events experienced. Pre-deployment preparation mitigated perceived threat in the context of low combat exposure, but it did not moderate direct associations of risk factors with PTSD symptoms. Thus, pre-deployment training and preparation do not appear sufficient to protect against PTSD.
Perineal reconstruction after surgical extirpation of pelvic malignancies using the transpelvic transverse rectus abdominal myocutaneous flap.

Background: The nonhealing perineal wound is often a catastrophic complication after aggressive surgical extirpation of pelvic malignancies.
An Economic—Ecologic Model for Evaluating the Environmental Repercussions of Area Development

T HE acquisition of new industry has been the major goal of many rural areas in the United States in the years since World War II. Faced with rapid mechanization of agriculture and decline in farm influence, many areas have ignored the environmental costs associated with industrial development and have welcomed any and all industrial prospects. In the late 1960's, however, came a noticeable shift in emphasis; acquisition of industry began to be viewed as a mixed blessing, and local leaders began to be questioned often about the environmental consequences of particular types of areas in economic growth. Industrial development groups found themselves hard-pressed to answer many environmental questions. Techniques for quantifying the trade-offs between area economic growth and environmental quality are needed if planners and public administrators are to respond to these questions and identify the paths of developments that will do minimum environmental damage. One possible approach to analysis of the environmental repercussion of area economic development is modification of the basic static Leontief model. Such a model can be structured to show not only interindustry transactions, but also intersystem flows between an area economy and the local ecosystem. The model contains two basic elements: (1) the Leontief inverse of an area input-output matrix and (2) an environmental matrix containing data on resource use or residual emission per dollar of gross output for each sector in the input-output matrix. Operational implementation of the model is achieved by post-multiplying the environmental matrix by the Leontief inverse. The results show both the direct and indirect effects on resource use and re-
Dental metric comparisons of Morotopithecus and Afropithecus: Implications for the validity of the genus Morotopithecus

Morotopithecus bishopi and Afropithecus turkanensis are two large-bodied hominoid primates from early Miocene deposits of eastern Africa. Researchers have used both cranial and postcranial characters to distinguish these two species. Unfortunately, of the fossil material attributed to each, only the face, palate, and upper dentition are preserved well enough in both species for direct comparisons. There are currently no known directly comparable postcranial elements. In this study, we reevaluated dental characters argued to distinguish the type specimens of Morotopithecus from Afropithecus: relative size of the upper premolars and M3. Exact randomization methods were used to address two questions. First, is it possible to find the degree of dental-size difference observed between Morotopithecus (UMP 62-11) and Afropithecus (KNM-WK 16999) within extant African hominoids? Second, what is the probability of observing the levels of difference found between the fossils among pairs of extant individuals? Metric differences in relative premolar and M3 size were calculated between all possible pairs within the extant sample and the observed difference of the fossil pair was then compared to the resulting distribution of extant pairs. The observed size differences for all comparisons in the fossil teeth were well within the variation observed in the extant African hominoid samples (p>0.05). In light of these results and other currently available cranial evidence, we suggest that the type specimens of Morotopithecus and Afropithecus are not different enough to support taxonomic distinction.
Physical effects of sodium hypochlorite on bone: an ex vivo study.

Abstract Introduction Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) accidents during endodontic therapy require accurate and prompt action. Understanding the physical properties of bone and evaluating the resultant cell damage from NaOCl exposure could improve management of these accidents. This study assessed the physical and histologic properties of dog femurs exposed to NaOCl for a period of 30 minutes. Methods Four dog femurs were dissected and frozen. Twelve 40-mm-long sections were obtained and cut into 20-mm paired sections. Adjacent surfaces were randomly selected for shallow injection of either NaOCl or saline. Sections were visually assessed for gross physiologic effects. The structural integrity of the cancellous bone was measured by micro-indentation testing, and statistical analysis of needle penetration was conducted. Histologic evaluation of specimens was also conducted. Results Grossly, NaOCl caused remarkable changes in cancellous structure, leaving craters of apparent demineralization. There was a significant difference in mean depth of needle penetration and demineralization between the treatments ( P = .0397), with NaOCl showing greater mean depth than saline. The NaOCl group showed degradation of the organic matrix collagen. Conclusions These results indicate that NaOCl compromises the integrity of cancellous bone. Calcified elements, especially cortical bone, appeared less affected.
The Belles Heures of Jean de France, Duke of Berry Manuscript and the Question of the Artists' 'Hands'

The extraordinarily beautiful book of hours, The Belles Heures of Jean de France , Duke of Berry , c. 1405-8 by the Limbourg Brothers: Herman, Paul, and Jean from Nijmegen, Guelders was commissioned by the Duke of Berry, one of the greatest collectors of all time. Belonging to the Department of Medieval Art and the Cloisters at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, it is one of the great treasures of the western world. The painting techniques in the Belles Heures requires more study beyond existing examination and scientific analysis of materials performed to understand the relationship between the underdrawing and the finished miniatures. This chapter reports on observations made on 'the hands' as expressed in both underdrawing layout and painting techniques in the Belles Heures . Close examination indicates the 'drawing hand' artist uses fine linear, engraving-like lines in painting as well as underdrawing. Keywords: Belles Heures ; Duke of Berry ; Limbourg brothers
Study of etch rate characteristics of SF/sub 6//He plasmas by response-surface methodology: effects of interelectrode spacing

The characteristics of SF/sub 6//He plasmas which are used to etch Si/sub 3/N/sub 4/ have been examined with experimental design and modeled empirically by response-surface methodology using a Lam Research Autoetch 480 single-wafer system. The effects of variations of process gas flow rate (20-380 sccm), reactor pressure (300-900 mtorr). RF power (50-450 W at 13.56 MHz), and interelectrode spacing (8-25 mm) on the etch rates of LPCVD (low-pressure chemical vapor deposition) Si/sub 3/N/sub 4/, thermal SiO/sub 2/, and photoresist were examined at 22+or-2 degrees C. Whereas the etch rate of photoresist increases with interelectrode spacing between 8 and 19 mm and then declines between 19 and 25 mm, the etch rate of Si/sub 3/N/sub 4/ increases smoothly from 8 to 25 mm, while the etch rate of thermal SiO/sub 2/ shows no dependence on spacing between 8 and 25 mm. The etch rates of all three films decrease with increasing reactor pressure. Contour plots of the response surfaces for etch rate and etch uniformity of Si/sub 3/N/sub 4/ as a function of spacing and flow rate at constant RF power (250 W) display complex behavior at fixed reactor pressures. A satisfactory balance of etch rate and etch uniformity for Si/sub 3/N/sub 4/ is predicted at low reactor pressure ( approximately 300 mtorr), large electrode spacing (12-25 mm), and moderate process gas flow rates (20-250 sccm). >
The effect of modeling and disclosure of experimenter's intent on drinking rate of college students.

Abstract Three male subjects drank beer with confederate models in a simulated bar. An ABACADA reversal design was used, with A indicating subject baseline drinking rate; B either a high or low modeled rate; C either high or low in the opposite direction to B; and D, modeled rate similar to B, but following disclosure of the true purpose of the study. Previous research indicating that the confederate model successfully influenced the subject's rate in both directions was replicated. The disclosure had no effect on subject behavior, in that subjects continued to match the models' rate even when they had been told the purpose of the study. Suggestions for further research on disclosure and modeling effects were presented.
Orthogonal collocation on finite elements—progress and potential

Abstract The method of orthogonal collocation on finite elements is described for solution of ordinary and partial differential equations. Benefits and limitations of the method are outlined by comparison with Galerkin finite element methods. Practical difficulties are given which arise in the application to engineering problems. Areas for future research are suggested.
Optical Parametric Multicasting Linearization Based on Distortion Correcting Tables

Distortion correcting tables generated by a calibrating sequence are effectively used as a postprocessing method to equalize the nonlinear response of a parametric multicaster. The proposed linearization method is implemented in a broadband parametric multicaster and a 25 dB improvement in total harmonic distortion of 55 signal copies is demonstrated experimentally.
A MALDI Probe for Mass Spectrometers

A new MALDI probe has been designed that uses transmission geometry. This geometry allows the probe to be fashioned after typical EI/CI solid probes which enables it to be introduced into spatially constrained ion source regions such as encountered in quadrupole ion trap mass spectrometers. In the probe design demonstrated here, light from a fiber optic irradiates the backside of a sample through a small piece of quartz on which the sample has been directly deposited. The performance characteristics exhibited by utilizing this probe for MALDI on a quadrupole ion trap mass spectrometer are similar to those which can be obtained through the traditional methods of implementing MALDI. Spectra have been obtained from 50 fmol of total loading of bombesin, MS/MS has been performed on 5 pmol of des-Arg9-bradykinin, and the analyte ion signal is shown to last for over 2500 laser shots for 2 pmol of bombesin. Optical micrographs showing the crystal distribution of a sample containing 2 pmol of bombesin have been ob...
The heme moiety of cytochrome c is an autoreactive Ir gene-restricted T cell epitope.

In these studies, we have shown that the heme moiety of cyt c is a dominant T cell epitope that induces a large proliferative response in lymph node T cells derived from SJL and B10.A mice when presented on either unfixed or fixed syngeneic APCs. Not only is this vigorous response observed for cyt c-primed T cell populations but also for populations obtained from naive SJL or B10.A mice. The reactivity to the heme moiety falls under strict MHC restriction, in that it is present only in murine strains bearing either the I-Ak or I-As molecule and can be blocked by antibodies specific for these class II molecules. Therefore, these findings require that the current models describing the nature of T cell epitopes be extended to include nonpeptide molecules. Furthermore, as the heme moiety is ubiquitous throughout the organism, although sequestered within proteins, the existence of heme-reactive T cell populations in unprimed animals provides another example of the existence of self-reactive T cell clones.
AKT Induces Transcriptional Activity of PU.1 through Phosphorylation-mediated Modifications within Its Transactivation Domain

Signal transduction by the antigen receptor complexes is critical for developmental progression of B-lymphocytes, which are defined by assembly and sequential expression of immunoglobulin genes, which in turn are regulated by the enhancer elements. Although proximal antigen-receptor signal transduction pathways are well defined, the precise nuclear factors targeted by these signals remained unknown. Previous studies have demonstrated that tissue-restricted transcription factors including PU.1 and PU. 1 interaction partner (PIP) function synergistically with c-Fos plus c-Jun to stimulate the κE3′-enhancer in 3T3 cells. In this study, we demonstrate that the functional synergy between these factors is enhanced in response to mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase, in 3T3 cells, where the enhancer is inactive. However in S194 plasmacytoma cells, mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase was able to stimulate the activity of PU.1 but unable to induce the κE3′-enhancer activity. We have found that Ras-phosphoinositide 3-kinase-dependent externally regulated kinase, AKT, induces κE3′-enhancer activity in both pre-B and plasmacytoma cells. AKT stimulation of the κE3′-enhancer is primarily due to PU.1 induction and is independent of PU.1 interaction with PIP. Activation of AKT had no effect on the expression levels of PU.1 or its protein-protein interaction with PIP. Using a series of deletion constructs, we have determined that the PU.1 acid-rich (amino acids 33–74) transactivation domain is necessary for AKT-mediated induction. Substitution analyses within this region indicate that phosphorylation of Ser41 is necessary to respond to AKT. Consistent with these studies, ligation of antigen receptors in A20 B cells mimics AKT activation of PU.1. Taken together, these results provide evidence that PU.1 is induced by AKT signal in a phosphoinositide 3-kinase-dependent manner, leading to inducible or constitutive activation of its target genes.
Muscle Ultrastructural Changes in Freshwater Prawns, Macrobrachium rosenbergii during Iced Storage

Deheaded and whole prawns (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) were stored up to 10 days on ice. Myofibrils, extracted from the first abdominal segment, were prepared for incubations at different ionic strengths (0.1 to 0.3 M) and subsequent SDS-gel electrophoresis, while other samples were prepared intact for transmission election microscopy. Elevated ionic strengths in vitro increased the solubilization of specific myofibrillar proteins (such as myosin heavy chain); this effect was especially pronounced in prawns stored whole. Proteolysis was indicated in samples from whole prawns by the appearance of a family of proteins ranging in molecular weight from 65 kD to 180 kD. Loss of myofibrillar integrity was apparent by day 10, with losses more pronounced in whole prawns than in deheaded prawns.
Speckle in the 4F optical system

We provide a comprehensive analysis of the space and wavelength dependence of speckle generated by a thin diffuser and imaged by a 4F optical system. The use of this space-invariant system is shown to lead to the well-known features of speckle patterns in an analytically simple and elegant manner, thereby providing a clear insight into speckle in an optical configuration that includes the Fresnel zone, the optical Fourier transform plane, and the image plane. In our analysis we assume a white-noise diffuser. The spatial variation mainly depends on the imaging system, whereas the wavelength dependence is related to diffuser heights. Motion dynamics of speckle are also included.
The Postwar Black Women's Club Movement: The Intersection of Gender, Race, and American Political Development, 1940–1960

This article examines the intersection of race, gender, and American political development in the National Association of Colored Women (NACW) in the mid-twentieth century. In the late 1940s and 1950s, the NACW was one of the last remaining autonomous Black organizations that could truly be called “civic.” Membership was decentralized, active, and widespread among female citizens who might not otherwise be engaged in public affairs. Political change and subsequent developments in African American and women's organizations in the mid-twentiethh century encouraged NACW leaders to begin considering new approaches to organizing Black womanhood. The collective identity that defined NACW clubwomen's public activism as local, nonpolitical, and nonpartisan eventually gave way to more deliberately nationalized, partisan, and political forms. This article argues that NACW clubwomen worked in solidarity and shared common goals with other African American and civil rights organizations, but faced a transformation uni...
Diurnal and seasonal trends in total gaseous mercury flux from three urban ground surfaces

Abstract Total gaseous mercury flux measurements were carried out over three urban ground surfaces for 1 year in Tuscaloosa, AL, USA. The objective was to provide insight into the characteristics of gaseous mercury flux from urban surface covers. Bare soil, grass, and pavement surfaces were sampled as the most representative terrestrial surfaces throughout Tuscaloosa. Measurements were quantified over diurnal and seasonal periods and relationships were developed between flux from each surface and major meteorological parameters. Averaging data over the entire year, fluxes from each surface were as follows: bare soil (6.48 ng/m −2 h), pavement (0.02 ng/m −2 h), and grass (0.28 ng/m −2 h). Pavement and many grass fluxes were small and arguably indistinguishable from chamber blanks. The soil surface displayed the largest difference between evening and daytime flux, particularly during the spring and summer seasons (i.e., evening low (12 ng/m −2 h) to daytime high (30 ng/m −2 h) during summer). The grass surface showed the largest amount of atmospheric deposition, mainly during the spring and fall periods (up to −2.31 ng/m −2 h), with pavement showing somewhat less (up to −1.05 ng/m −2 h). Bare soil showed very little to negligible deposition. Diurnal flux variance was greater than seasonal flux variance for all surfaces. The regression results demonstrate that despite the highly dissimilar physical and geochemical make-up of pavement, bare soil, and grass, each surface displayed similar responses to time series change in meteorological parameters. However, each surface may be seasonally controlled or limited by different sets of meteorological parameters.
Natural history of congenital diaphragmatic hernia: implications for management

Advances in ultrasonography have made it possible to accurately diagnose congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) prenatally, and recently interest has been expressed in in-utero correction of CDH as a solution to the problem of high mortality. In an attempt to elucidate the natural history of CDH, we analysed the incidence and mortality of this disorder in a large maternity hospital with an autopsy rate of 100% for all stillbirths and neonatal deaths. Between 1973 and 1985, there were 47 cases of CDH among 99,062 births, an incidence of 1 in 2,107 birhts. There were 15 (32%) stillbirths and 32 (68%) live births. All 15 stillborns had lethal associated non-pulmonary anomalies. Of the 32 liveborn patients, 17 died prior to transfer to the referral centre and 11 of these had major associated anomalies. Prematurity was a feature in 65% of patients who died prior to transfer to the referral centre. Nine of the 15 patients who arrived at the referral centre survived. Our date suggest that the only patient who may benefit from prenatal correction of CDH is a fetus who has serious persistent pulmonary hypertension. However, in the absence of reliable criteria for the in-utero prediction of persistent pulmonary hypertension in association with CDH, surgical correction of CDH prenatally is not practicable at present even for this group of patients. Newer therapeutic approaches in the management of persistent pulmonary hypertension should be addressed as the most promising approach in the management of a CDH patient who develops respiratory failure in the first few hours of life.
A Revision to the U.S. Southwest Archaeomagnetic Master Curve

Abstract Recently, two problems have been recognized with the United States Southwest archaeomagnetic master curve (Eighmy, 1991; LaBelle & Eighmy, 1997; Sternberg, 1989). One of these problems, the damping problem, is inherent to the moving window method of curve construction proposed by Sternberg (1989). The other is due to the fact that the small number of independently dated virtual geomagnetic pole determinations available for the period between ad 900–1100 are not representative of secular variation during this period. The analyses presented here confirm the existence of these two problems and suggest that they distort the curve by less than 1·0° and between 1·0° and 2·0° respectively. Based on these findings, a new curve is proposed for the U.S. Southwest.
Superconductor–Insulator Transitions in 2D: The Experimental Situation

Superconductor–insulator (SI) transitions in ultrathin films have attracted significant attention over the last decade because of the possibility that they are quantum phase transitions. Magnetic field, film thickness, or carrier concentration can be used as control parameters. The bosonic pictures of these transitions proposed some years ago are only in qualitative agreement with experiment. In particular, the critical resistance appears not to be universal, and there are variations in the values of critical exponents. It has been concluded that in real films fermionic degrees of freedom must be taken into account. There are also indications that the phase diagram may include a significant metallic phase separating the superconducting and insulating phases, and that the transition may have a significant percolative aspect. The experimental situation will be broadly reviewed with attention paid to issues relating to materials and measurements.
Differences between family physicians and patients in their knowledge and attitudes regarding traditional chinese medicine.

Background: With patients turning more to alternative medicine, most physicians are still conservative in their views toward these practices. It is important to know whether there is a difference between physicians and patients regarding knowledge and attitudes about alternative medicine. This study focused on information regarding a specific type of alternative medicine, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Methods: Two questionnaires-one for physicians, one for patients-were designed. Two clinics were chosen as sites where patients could fill out the questionnaires while they were waiting for treatment. A total of 85 patient questionnaires were collected. Forty-four completed questionnaires were returned from family physicians in Cincinnati area. Data analyiss included t-test, analysis of variance, and logistic regression. Results: Generally, physicians and patients had the same knowledge level on TCM. Physicians, however, had more knowledge on basic concepts, whereas patients knew more about practice, such as the specific conditions that could be treated by TCM. A difference between physicians and patients on attitudes toward TCM was found, with patients having a more positive attitude. More than 60% of the patients in this study had visited alternative practitioners during the year prior to this study. The inform rate was higher for the patients visiting physicians who practiced alternative treatment. Conclusions: There are differences between physicians and patients regarding their knowledge and attitudes about TCM.
Analysis of pea HMG‐I/Y expression suggests a role in defence gene regulation

SUMMARY HMG-I/Y proteins are characterized by the presence of AT-hook motifs, DNA binding domains that recognize AT-rich tracts of DNA. By facilitating protein:protein and protein:DNA interactions in the vicinity of these AT-rich binding sites, HMG-I/Y positively or negatively regulates gene expression. Several pea defence gene promoters have AT-rich tracts of DNA that are potential targets for modulation via HMG-I/Y. In this study, a comparison of the expression of a pea defence gene (DRR206) mRNA relative to the expression of HMG-I/Y mRNA was monitored by Northern analysis following the inoculation of a fungal pathogen, Fusarium solani or treatment with chitosan and a F. solani DNase (Fsph DNase). In pea pod endocarp tissue, HMG-I/Y expression was observed at high levels in untreated tissue and at lower levels 6 h following inoculation or wounding of the tissue. Western blots with an antipea HMG-I/Y polyclonal antibody also revealed that pea HMG-I/Y is expressed at decreased levels 6 h following inoculation or elicitor treatment. HMG-I/Y extracted from pea caused alterations in the gel migration of radio-labelled AT-rich sequences from the pea DRR206 promoter, suggesting that similar interactions could exist in vivo. Agroinfiltration was utilized to express the pea HMG-I/Y gene in tobacco containing a chimeric gene fusion of a promoter from the PR gene, DRR206, and the beta-glucuronidase (GUS) reporter gene. Transient expression of pea HMG-I/Y led to a decrease in GUS reporter gene activity in the heterologous tobacco system. These data implicate pea HMG-I/Y abundance in the down-regulation of DRR206 gene expression, and possibly HMG-I/Y depletion in the expression of defence genes in pea.
Nuclear magnetic resonance as a noninvasive method of diagnosing intestinal ischemia: technique and preliminary results.

Abstract Despite the long-standing effort to identify a noninvasive method of diagnosing intestinal ischemia, no reliable biochemical or radiographic technique has evolved. We explored the use of phosphorus nuclear magnetic resonance (PNMR) as a method of detecting surgically induced intestinal ischemia. Using Lewis strain rats (250 to 300 g), small intestine ischemia was produced by ligation in succession from the ligament of Treitz to the ileocecal valve 1 of 2 (group I), 2 of 3 (group II), 3 of 4 (group III), and 4 of 5 (group IV) mesenteric terminal vessels. A sham-operated group was used as a control. Following the surgical procedure, the abdomen was closed and the rat positioned under the PNMR apparatus. Using phosphorus spectroscopy, data were analyzed using a computer program and plotted on a graph indicating relative peaks for the phosphate-based compounds. As a means of comparing groups, we devised an inorganic phosphate to phosphocreatine ratio ("ischemia index"), a qualitative measurement indicating trends used to evaluate ischemia. At the completion of the PNMR study, the abdomen was reopened and proximal, mid, and distal small intestine segments were harvested for histological evaluation using a previously established grading system for intestinal ischemia. Preoperatively, immediately postoperatively, and approximately 2 hours postoperatively, blood samples were obtained for hexosaminidase levels. With increasing vascular ligation, there was an upward trend in both the histological appearance of ischemia and the PNMR ischemia index indicative of increasing tissue ischemia. A similar trend was identified when the histological ischemia grade was directly correlated with the PNMR ischemia index. Hexosaminidase levels did not correlate with ischemia in this study. This study describes a new application of PNMR and demonstrates its potential feasibility as a noninvasive method of evaluating intestinal ischemia in vivo.
Educational Expenditures in Thailand: Development, Trends, and Distribution.

This article aims to investigate the trends of education expenditure policy during the past few decades, as well as the recent allocation and distribution of education expenditure in Thailand. It also focuses on the development of the substance of education policy in Thailand. Political connection with the education expenditure policy is also examined in this study. Both the trends in education expenditure and the distribution across provinces in Thailand can provide a landscape of the making of education expenditure policy in Thailand. It is evident that education expenditure in Thailand has increased significantly in the past few decades even though the relative figure to gross domestic product (GDP) and to total public expenditure illustrated slightly more volatility. The current distribution of education expenditure in Thailand is still somewhat uneven. In particular, a higher level of education expenditure should be allocated to the needy in the poor area.