cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Toward applied behavior analysis of life aloft.

This article deals with systems at multiple levels, at least from cell to organization. It also deals with learning, decision making, and other behavior at multiple levels. Technological development of a human behavioral ecosystem appropriate to space environments requires an analytic and synthetic orientation, explicitly experimental in nature, dictated by scientific and pragmatic considerations, and closely approximating procedures of established effectiveness in other areas of natural science. The conceptual basis of such an approach has its roots in environmentalism which has two main features: (1) knowledge comes from experience rather than from innate ideas, divine revelation, or other obscure sources; and (2) action is governed by consequences rather than by instinct, reason, will, beliefs, attitudes or even the currently fashionable cognitions. Without an experimentally derived data base founded upon such a functional analysis of human behavior, the overgenerality of "ecological systems" approaches render them incapable of ensuring the successful establishment of enduring space habitats. Without an experimentally derived function account of individual behavioral variability, a natural science of behavior cannot exist. And without a natural science of behavior, the social sciences will necessarily remain in their current status as disciplines of less than optimal precision or utility. Such a functional analysis of human performance should provide an operational account of behavior change in a manner similar to the way in which Darwin's approach to natural selection accounted for the evolution of phylogenetic lines (i.e., in descriptive, nonteleological terms). Similarly, as Darwin's account has subsequently been shown to be consonant with information obtained at the cellular level, so too should behavior principles ultimately prove to be in accord with an account of ontogenetic adaptation at a biochemical level. It would thus seem obvious that the most productive conceptual and methodological approaches to long-term research investments focused upon human behavior in space environments will require multidisciplinary inputs from such wide-ranging fields as molecular biology, environmental physiology, behavioral biology, architecture, sociology, and political science, among others.
Recycling of the Ca2+-activated K+ channel, KCa2.3 is dependent upon RME-1, Rab35/EPI64C and an N-terminal domain

Regulation of the number of Ca2+-activated K+ channels at the endothelial cell surface contributes to control of the endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor response, although this process is poorly understood. To address the fate of plasma membrane-localized KCa2.3, we utilized an extracellular epitope-tagged channel in combination with fluorescence and biotinylation techniques in both human embryonic kidney cells and the human microvascular endothelial cell line, HMEC-1. KCa2.3 was internalized from the plasma membrane and degraded with a time constant of 18 h. Cell surface biotinylation demonstrated that KCa2.3 was rapidly endocytosed and recycled back to the plasma membrane. Consistent with recycling, expression of a dominant negative (DN) RME-1 or Rab35 as well as wild type EPI64C, the Rab35 GTPase-activating protein, resulted in accumulation of KCa2.3 in an intracellular compartment. Expression of DN RME-1, DN Rab35, or wild type EPI64C resulted in a decrease in steady-state plasma membrane expression. Knockdown of EPI64C increased cell surface expression of KCa2.3. Furthermore, the effect of EPI64C was dependent upon its GTPase-activating proteins activity. Co-immunoprecipitation studies confirmed an association between KCa2.3 and both Rab35 and RME-1. In contrast to KCa2.3, KCa3.1 was rapidly endocytosed and degraded in an RME-1 and Rab35-independent manner. A series of N-terminal deletions identified a 12-amino acid region, Gly206–Pro217, as being required for the rapid recycling of KCa2.3. Deletion of Gly206–Pro217 had no effect on the association of KCa2.3 with Rab35 but significantly decreased the association with RME-1. These represent the first studies elucidating the mechanisms by which KCa2.3 is maintained at the plasma membrane.
Catalytic Synthesis of Poly(arylmethylgermanes) by Demethanative Coupling: A Mild Route to σ-Conjugated Polymers

A variety of poly(arylmethylgermanes) have been synthesized from aryldimethylgermanes in high yield via mild catalytic demethanative coupling using tetrakis(trimethylphosphine)dimethylruthenium as a convenient catalyst precursor. Polymerizations of germanes Me2GeArH (Ar = phenyl, p-tolyl, p-fluoro, p-trifluorotolyl, p-anisyl, and m-xylyl) proceed in neat monomer at room temperature. Catalyst removal can be effected by treatment of the reaction mixture with air, which gives polymer yields between 70% and 100%. Alternatively, separation of the catalyst by precipitation of the polymers from THF solution with methanol gives lower yields, but of somewhat higher molecular weight material. The new polygermanes are characterized by 1H NMR and by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) using both polystyrene standards and light scattering methods. Molecular weights calculated by polystyrene analysis fall in the ranges of Mw = 3 × 103 to 7 × 103 and Mn = 2 × 103 to 6 × 103. Values obtained from light scattering are app...
N-Terminal spin label studies of hemoglobin. Ligand and pH dependence

Human hemoglobin was spin labeled with 4-isothiocanato-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-piperdinooxyl, which is known to bind specifically to the N-terminal alpha-amino groups of proteins and slightly to the reactive sulfhydryl groups. Electron spin resonance (ESR) analysis indicated a partially resolved five-line spectrum, suggesting that the label was attached to at least two different binding sites. Using specific blocking reagents prior to spin labeling, the two binding sites were attributed to the sulfhydryl group of beta-93 (immobile) and the alpha-amino group of the N-terminal valines (mobile). The relative motion of the spin at one set of binding sites was restricted regardless of the state of ligation and pH, while the motion at the other site showed dependence on those parameters, e.g. the spin-labeled N-terminal ends of deoxyhemoglobin have restricted motion at all pH ranges studied, while those of oxyhemoglobin are relatively free to move at the basic pH range, but become more restricted in the acidic pH range.
Non-Commutative Polynomial Solutions to Partial Differential Equations

This paper extends the notion of a differential equation to the space of polynomials p in non-commutative variables x = (x1, . . . , xg). The directional derivative D[p, xi, h] of p in xi is a polynomial in x and a non-commuting variable h. When all variables commute, D[p, xi, h] is equal to h∂p/∂xi. This paper classifies all non-commutative polynomial solutions to a special class of partial differential equations, including the non-commutative extension of Laplace’s equation. Of interest also are non-commutative subharmonic polynomials. A non-commutative polynomial is subharmonic if its non-commutative Laplacian takes positive-semidefinite matrix values whenever matrices X1, . . . , Xg, H are substituted for the variables x1, . . . , xg, h. This paper shows that a homogeneous subharmonic polynomial which is bounded below is a harmonic polynomial—that is, a non-commutative solution to Laplace’s equation—plus a sum of squares of harmonic polynomials.
Photoneutrons from medical linear accelerators—Radiobiological measurements and risk estimates

Purpose: To assess the oncogenic potential of the photoneutrons produced by high energy medical linear accelerators. Methods and Materials: An established line of cells of rodent origin (C$I lOTlI2) was used to assess the oncogenic potential of the radiation dose received in the breast of an anthropomorphic “randoman” phanton, while the cervix received a dose of 70 Gy. Experiments were performed at 6 MV, below the threshold for the production of photoneutrons, and at 20 MV where the dose includes about 0.01 Gy of photoneutrons as well as scattered x-rays. Results: A significantly higher transformation incidence was observed for the 20-MV machine, consistent withe measured neutron dose of about 0.01 Gy and a quality factor of 20. Conclusion: An estimate can be made of the additional deaths from second malignancies that might result from the photoneutrons generated by higher energy linear accelerators (Linacs), which must be offset against the possible improvements in survival that might result from the higher tumor doses made possible by the increased percentage depth doses. Photoneutrons, Second malignancies, Linear accelerators.
Resection of liver metastases from colorectal cancer: Are there any truly significant clinical prognosticators?

PURPOSE: This study was designed to evaluate the prognostic significance of various prognostic factors affecting recurrence after resection of colorectal hepatic metastases. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Records of 54 patients who had hepatic resection between 1986 and 1993 for metastatic liver tumor from colorectal cancer were reviewed. Factors analyzed were those reported to be of prognostic significance in other studies, including gender, primary tumor site, Dukes stage, diagnostic interval, grade, preoperative carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) level, number of metastases, size of metastases, distribution of metastases, type of resection, resection margin, and estimated blood loss. RESULTS: Average follow-up of surviving patients was 28 (range, 12–89) months. Average survival time from date of hepatic resection was 26 months, with an estimated actuarial survival rate of 25.5 percent at five years. Using the multivariate analysis of factors, gender and preoperative CEA level were shown to be significantly related to overall survival (P=0.0455 and 0.054, respectively). Cancer of the right side colon had significant correlation with hepatic “recurrence” (P=0.0071). CONCLUSIONS: Female patients and those with preoperative CEA values higher than 20 ng/ml have a better chance of survival following hepatic resection. Cancer of the right colon has a greater tendency for hepatic recurrence than that of the left colon.
Oxidative stress in cardiovascular disease

The oxidative hypothesis of cardiovascular disease (CVD) has undergone tremendous changes during the past few years. Innumerable new proatherogenic effects have been added to the existing list that could be attributed to oxidative stress. However, both animal and human trials with a variety of antioxidants have failed to establish unambiguously a protective role for antioxidants in the prevention of CVD. This could be because of poor choice and dosage of antioxidants, incompatible experimental models, oxidative metabolism of the antioxidant, unrealistic expectations, and other reasons. More importantly, recent studies suggest that oxidative stress also could induce antioxidant enzymes in both cell culture and in vivo systems. In lieu of the potential of known deterrents of CVD such as exercise, estrogens, and the consumption of polyunsaturated fatty acids to induce an oxidative stress, the possibility that natural enhancement of antioxidant defense in the artery could better serve to deter CVD cannot be ignored. Thus, if oxidative stress does play a role in CVD, it may be better, in the absence of suitable animal models that respond to antioxidants, to adhere to behavioral and dietary changes that have been shown to benefit CVD.
Hydrothermal synthesis of cathode materials

Abstract A number of cathodes are being considered for the next generation of lithium ion batteries to replace the expensive LiCoO2 presently used. Besides the layered oxides, such as LiNiyMnyCo1−2yO2, a leading candidate is lithium iron phosphate with the olivine structure. Although this material is inherently low cost, a manufacturing process that produces electrochemically active LiFePO4 at a low cost is also required. Hydrothermal reactions are one such possibility. A number of pure phosphates have been prepared using this technique, including LiFePO4, LiMnPO4 and LiCoPO4; this method has also successfully produced mixed metal phosphates, such as LiFe0.33Mn0.33Co0.33PO4. Ascorbic acid was found to be better than hydrazine or sugar at preventing the formation of ferric ions in aqueous media. When conductive carbons are added to the reaction medium excellent electrochemical behavior is observed.
Physical Mechanisms for Chemotactic Pattern Formation by Bacteria

This paper formulates a theory for chemotactic pattern formation by the bacteria Escherichia coli in the presence of excreted attractant. In a chemotactically neutral background, through chemoattractant signaling, the bacteria organize into swarm rings and aggregates. The analysis invokes only those physical processes that are both justifiable by known biochemistry and necessary and sufficient for swarm ring migration and aggregate formation. Swarm rings migrate in the absence of an external chemoattractant gradient. The ring motion is caused by the depletion of a substrate that is necessary to produce attractant. Several scaling laws are proposed and are demonstrated to be consistent with experimental data. Aggregate formation corresponds to finite time singularities in which the bacterial density diverges at a point. Instabilities of swarm rings leading to aggregate formation occur via a mechanism similar to aggregate formation itself: when the mass density of the swarm ring exceeds a threshold, the ring collapses cylindrically and then destabilizes into aggregates. This sequence of events is demonstrated both in the theoretical model and in the experiments.
An investigation of the physical and socioeconomic determinants of soil erosion in the Hararghe Highlands, eastern Ethiopia

The vicious poverty–environmental spiral commonly exists due to the interconnectedness of the socioeconomic aspects of farmers and land degradation. The socioeconomic situation of farmers affects their capabilities to implement environmentally viable soil and water conservation measures. These situations include farm practices and attitudes toward rational use of resources. An observational study was conducted to have an insight of the perception of farmers about the danger of gully erosion and their willingness to adopt new improved soil and water conservation measures. The variables studied included literacy, location of farm within the landscape, major land use, the severity of water scarcity, means of traction, perception, type of soil and water conservation measure in use, willingness to adopt new soil and water conservation measures and type of incentives needed for adopting new soil and water conservation measures. The variables studied were coded using dummy variable coding techniques and were subjected to rigorous statistical analysis using canonical correlation, logistic regression and discriminant analysis. Results suggest that perception about the danger of gully erosion is significantly correlated to severity of water scarcity, location of farm within the landscape and literacy of farmers. Willingness to adopt a new or improved soil and water conservation measure is strongly related to fertilizer availability as an incentive and to the literacy of the farmers. It is concluded that under Hararghe Highland conditions, design and implementation of soil and water conservation measures should take into account farmers' priorities such as alleviation of the water scarcity problem. Moreover, successful implementation of an improved or new measure of soil and water conservation measure is contingent upon the availability of incentives, primarily fertilizers. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Disorders of Sleep: An Overview

Only recently has the medical profession focused on the importance of sleep and health. There are increasing numbers of studies linking sleep disorders with neurobehavioral and cardiovascular morbidity and possibly mortality. Although sleep disorders are diverse and affect a substantial number of patients, they are often misdiagnosed or underdiagnosed. Common presenting symptoms to physicians include hypersomnia and insomnia. A systematic workup helps to diagnose the underlying cause.
The Transition from Object Faith to Personal Faith: Transitional Subjects

In this article, I argue that human beings begin life with an object faith, which is conditioned by the personal faith of good enough parents. The infant initially uses transitional objects as faith objects to negotiate the vicissitudes of internal and external reality. The infant’s use of transitional objects as faith objects is dependent on and supported by the parent’s personal faith, which facilitates the infant’s belief in and experience of being an-end-in-her/himself-as-a-me-subject-object—existential aliveness. Later, the child makes use of transitional subjects in learning to subordinate object recognition to personal recognition, as well as to begin to handle the life long challenges of interpersonal intimacy and vulnerability. The parent’s consistent recognition and treatment of the child as a person, as well as timely repairs of relational disruptions, make possible the child’s belief in and experience of being-an-end-in-her/himself-as-a-person-with-other-persons. God representations may function as transitional subjects, serving to secure, maintain, and support forms of interpersonal relations—fellowship, friendship, community, etc.
On the discovery of mathematical concepts

The Graph Theorist (GT) is a system intended to perform mathematical research in graph theory. This paper focuses upon GT's ability to discover new mathematical concepts by varying the definitions in its input knowledge base. Each new definition is a correct and complete generator for a class of graphs. the new concepts arise from the specialization of an existing concept, the generalization of an existing concept, and the merger of two or more existing concepts. Discovery is driven both by examples (specific graphs) and by definitional form (algorithms). GT explores new concepts either to develop an area of knowledge or to link a newly-acquired concept into a pre-existing knowledge base. From an initial knowledge base containing only the definition of “graph,” GT discovers such concepts as acyclic graphs, connected graphs and bipartite graphs. Given an input concept, such as “star,” GT discovers “trees” while searching for the appropriate links to integrate star into its knowledge base. the discovery processes construct a semantic net linking frames for all of GT's concepts together.
A stochastic analysis of the growth of competing microbial populations in a continuous biochemical reactor

Abstract The dynamics of a chemostat in which two microbial populations grow and compete for a common substrate is examined. It is shown that the two populations cannot coexist in a spatially uniform environment which is subject to time invariant external influences unless the dilution rate takes on one of a discrete set of special values. The dynamics of the same system are next considered in the stochastic environment created by random fluctuations of the dilution rate about a value that allows coexistence. The information needed for the description of the random process of the state of the chemostat is obtained from the transition probability density function. By modeling the system as a Markov process continuous in time and space, the transition probability density is obtained as solution of the Fokker-Planck equation. Analytical and numerical solutions of this equation show that extinction of either one population or the other will ultimately take place. The time required for extinction, the evolution of the mean composition with time, the steady states of the latter and the dependence of all the above on the intensity of the random noise are also calculated using constants appropriate to the competition of E. coli and Spirillum sp. The question of making predictions as to which population is the more likely to become extinct is treated finally, and the probabilities of extinction are calculated as solutions of the steady state version of the backward Fokker-Planck (Kolmogorov) equation.
Proposed alternative to the Talairach localization system

It was shown quantitatively that different head shapes can affect the location of selected anatomic structures of the brain in the Talairach proportional system. Using the MR scans of 20 subjects the variability of localization accuracy across the image plane was assessed. A new proportional system using polar coordinates is proposed that eliminates those shortcomings of the Talairach atlas which are associated with the variance of brain shape across patients.
Physicochemical properties of the fluoroquinolone antimicrobials. III. 1-Octanol/water partition coefficients and their relationships to structure

Abstract The distribution of nalidixic acid and nine fluoroquinolones between 1-octanol and aqueous buffers has been studied at 25°C, pH 5, 7 or 9 and an ionic strength of 0.15. The partition coefficients were determined by analysis of both the organic and aqueous phases using either liquid chromatography or spectrophotometry. The partitioning of the compounds studied was generally consistent with that of zwitterions so that the highest partitioning was observed when the pH of the aqueous solution was close to that of the isoelectric point (pH 7) and decreased at both higher (9) and lower (5) pH values. However, deviation from ideal partitioning behavior was observed at pH 5 that was attributed to ion-pairing between the cationic form of the solute and anionic buffer species. Relationships between the theoretical partition coefficients obtained by a functional group approach and the experimental values obtained here were perturbed by the complex ionic equilibria of the compounds.
Attrition in a Longitudinal Drug Abuse Prevention Study

Participant attrition compromises both internal and external validity of any intervention outcome research if those who remain available for follow-up differ from those who do not and if the differences vary between intervention conditions. Identifying who will drop out is still an insufficiently answered question in the literature that may vary in terms of area and population. This study examined the predictors of retention (vs. attrition) for a drug abuse prevention follow-up study. The results indicated that non-white, male, older (seventh graders versus sixth graders at baseline), and low SES participants were less likely to continue during follow-up; in addition, cigarette users and marijuana users were less likely to continue. There was differential attrition by school type (public versus private) in the program group. The results of this study underscore the need for routine analyses of attrition in any drug use prevention program. The attrition analysis facilitates the retention efforts as well as...
Dimensions of Interpersonal Communication

Summary Four hundred and thirteen Ss ranging in age from 17 to 64 years and about evenly divided between males and females completed the 40 self-report items of the Interpersonal Communication Inventory. A principal components analysis followed by a varimax rotation revealed 11 orthogonal factors which appeared to be related to particular dimensions of interpersonal communication. All factors were interpretable and intuitively satisfying, and an oblique rotation failed to improve the simple structure. Dimensions in the present study are related to existing theory of interpersonal communication and other empirical data.
Adaptive strategies for automatic startup and temperature control of a batch process

Abstract For batch processes that undergo frequent startups and shutdowns, it is desirable to provide a smooth and rapid transition to the desired operating condition with little or no overshoot. Adaptive strategies for automatic startup have been experimentally investigated by using two different models for calculating of the startup switching time online, based on the estimated parameters in a model and predictions of the future output. The experiments show that the prediction error model is capable of accurately predicting the switching time and that the use of online adjustment of perturbation amplitude (variable amplitude of perturbation) can provide improvement in the quality of the predictions without resulting in slower startup. For steady-state regulation, there is enough information available during the startup to calculate initial estimates of satisfactory controller parameters. A new predictive control strategy is presented for regulation that incorporates the prediction error model in an extended horizon approach. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed predictive control method can provide better regulatory control than the automatically tuned PID controller.
What Do You Do with the “Pink Sheets?”

Applying for a grant seems like an enormous challenge, sometimes akin to Sisyphus' task of rolling the boulder up the hill. In many ways, obtaining funding can be challenging, yet year after year, new investigators do obtain funding, even though there are times when the funding percentage can be low. This review offers some suggestions of what to do after the first or second round of critiques are back. There are some relatively straightforward steps one can take to improve one's chances of success. The joy of funding is worth it!
231Pa excesses in arc volcanic rocks: Constraint on melting rates at convergent margins

The 231 Pa- 235 U disequilibria provide greater ability to constrain the rate of mantle melting in convergent margin settings than the more often analyzed 238 U- 230 Th- 226 Ra systems, which are strongly affected by fluid-addition processes from the subducting slab. Here we present new 231 Pa- 235 U data for 12 samples from the Kick9em Jenny (KEJ) submarine volcano in the Southern Lesser Antilles to define the melting rate at a subduction zone with one of the lowest convergence rates. The KEJ samples have the highest average ( 231 Pa)/( 235 U) yet measured in global arcs, consistent with other studies of the Southern Lesser Antilles lavas. These results reinforce the previously noted negative correlation between average ( 231 Pa)/( 235 U) and convergence rate in all arc settings globally. We develop a model to explain this negative correlation and to better constrain melting rates at convergent margins. Assuming that the corner flow velocity is coupled to and equal to the subducting slab velocity, the melting rate, directly reflecting the flux of water added, becomes a linear function of subduction rate. This physical model is then coupled to three different melting models previously developed for calculating U-series disequilibria (reactive porous flow, dynamic, and flux melting). All three models reproduce the globally observed negative correlation between subduction rate and 231 Pa excess. Although the style of melting cannot be easily discriminated, the good correspondence between models and observation provides an example of how geochemical and geophysical models can be linked to provide a self-consistent model of melt generation in convergent margin settings.
The oxidation of soot by O atoms

The oxidation of soot by O atoms has been studied gravimetrically using a sensitive recording balance. At 5 Torr, the rate of the reaction expressed as the number of C atoms leaving 1 cm 2 of geometric surface per sec is a function of the square of O atom concentration over a 5-fold range. This reaction order is independent of temperature between 300°K and 850°K. The rate of oxidation, however, varies in a complex manner with temperature. At a concentration of O atoms of 3.5×10 14 atoms per cc it reaches a maximum of 1.4×10 17 C atoms per cm 2 /sec at 425°K. It then decreases to a rate 1/7 of the above at 650°K. Above this temperature, the rate increases once again in a more normal manner. At 5 Torr, CO 2 is the only reaction product detected. At lower pressures (∼0.05 Torr) CO appears to be formed also. Both the high order of 2 and the preponderance of CO 2 , are rationalized on the basis that the present work was carried out at higher pressures than usual. The rates of oxidation of pyrographite and vitreous carbon by O atoms were also obtained over the same temperature range. Apart from the absence of the sharp maximum at 425°K, these rates showed remarkable general agreement with those obtained for soot and with literature values. The reactivity of O atoms thus appears little affected by the nature or micro-structural features of the carbon. The data available on the reactivity of pyrographite can therefore be used with confidence to infer the behavior of soot. There are now strong reasons to believe that oxygen atoms play an important role in the removal of soot in hydrocarbon flames.
Pharmaceutical risk management: Special problems encountered in the hospital setting

This article (1) reviews the types of adverse drug reactions that can occur, (2) discusses liability issues for hospitals and healthcare professionals who practice in a hospital or nursing home setting, and (3) presents risk management strategies for maximizing the quality of pharmaceutical care while minimizing exposure to risk.
The oxidative stability of lard at −20°C: Evidence for a synergistic prooxidant effect of copper and curing salts

In connection with an interest in the problem of rancidity development in cold-stored cured meat products (particularly bacon), the effect of certain trace components and permitted food additives on the oxidative stability of model systems containing lard was examined. Lard, to which additions of various single additives or combination of additives had been made, was stored for periods of up to 16 weeks at −20°C. Samples were removed during this time to assess the extent of their oxidation by chemical analysis (peroxide value determination) and sensory evaluation (odour). The additives studied included water, sodium chloride, sodium nitrate, sodium nitrite and copper (as palmitate, acetate and sulphate). It was observed that there was progressive oxidative deterioration of the lard with noticeable rancidity developing after 8 to 16 weeks' storage at −20°C when water, sodium chloride, sodium nitrate, sodium nitrite and copper were present in combination.
Energy losses by slow ions and atoms to electronic excitation in solids

We consider the theory of energy losses by slow ions and atoms to electronic excitations in an electron gas. Predictions of the theory are compared with experimental data on ion penetration in several different solids. We also compare the stopping power obtained from linear-response theory with that found from numerically computed phase shifts for electron scattering on the screened potential of an ion. The stopping power of an electron gas for slow, singly ionized He atoms is calculated from linear-response theory, by using a wave function for the bound electron determined self-consistently in the electron gas.
Population biology of the intertidal kelp, Alaria marginata Postels and Ruprecht: A non-fugitive annual

Abstract Persistence of annual plant populations requires sufficient seeds and suitable habitat for development and growth each year. Competition with perennials may prevent within site persistence and result in “fugitive” annual populations. Comparisons have been made between the population biology of annual macroalgae and terrestrial plants, but demographic information necessary to make strong comparisons is lacking for most of these algae, and life history differences may make such comparisons questionable. We studied population dynamics of the kelp Alaria marginata to determine if it was an annual and, if so, how populations persisted. This kelp is the dominant macroalga on exposed mid to low rocky intertidal shores along the Big Sur coast of California. Experimental clearings at two sites were used to assess recruitment timing and survivorship. Sporophytes were collected monthly to determine growth and fecundity. Recruitment occurred in late winter to early spring, primarily on geniculate corallines and residual A. marginata holdfasts. Thinning was inversely related to density, and occurred during the February through July growing season as larger thalli rapidly increased in length (up to 1.4 m month− 1) and formed a thick canopy. Sorus development was positively related to size, began as early as March, peaked in late August–October, and decreased as adults were removed by winter surf. Spore release was generally highest (108–109 spores individual− 11 h− 1) between October and January and associated with high water motion. Survivorship of sporophytes beyond one year was Field observations and experiments on effects of canopy clearing, season of clearing, and influence of substrate type on recruitment were done to assess how these annual populations persist. Massive spore production at the onset of fall storms, survival of microscopic stages for 3–4 months facilitated by microhabitat refuges, rapid growth, large size and rapid maturation of sporophytes contributed to persistence. Furthermore, the dense stands with thick canopies may suppress potential competitors via shading and abrasion. Rather than being a fugitive, this combination of growth and life history features enables A. marginata and perhaps other large, annual kelps to maintain perennial populations.
Influence of hydrostatic pressure and cosolutes on RNA tertiary structure.

RNAs fold into complex three-dimensional structures that are critical to their various biological functions. These structures often form independently of the RNA secondary structure, and the three-...
Interaction between 1,4-butanediol and ethanol on operant responding and the cardiovascular system.

The current studies characterized the rate-decreasing and cardiovascular responses produced by 1,4-butanediol administered alone and in combination with ethanol to test the hypothesis that these effects resulted from the degradation of 1,4-butanediol to γ-hydroxybutyrate. One group of rats responded under a fixed-ratio 20 schedule of food presentation; ethanol and 1,4-butanediol dose-dependently decreased response rates. Ethanol administered in combination with 1,4-butanediol attenuated the rate-decreasing effects of 1,4-butanediol without altering the potency of ethanol. In separate groups of conscious rats, radio telemetry was used to record mean arterial pressure and heart rate. In contrast to its depressant effects on schedule-controlled responding, 1,4-butanediol increased mean arterial pressure and heart rate; these increases were attenuated by ethanol. Thus, the behavioral and cardiovascular actions of 1,4-butanediol are similar to those elicited by γ-hydroxybutyrate. The ability of ethanol to attenuate the behavioral and cardiovascular effects of 1,4-butanediol indicates that these effects require the conversion of 1,4-butanediol to γ-hydroxybutyrate.
High-intensity Fitness Training Among a National Sample of Male Career Firefighters

Obesity and fitness have been identified as key health concerns among USA firefighters yet little is known about the current habits related to exercise and diet. In particular, high-intensity training (HIT) has gained increasing popularity among this population but limited quantitative data are available about how often it is used and the relationship between HIT and other outcomes. Using survey methodology, the current study evaluated self-reported HIT and diet practice among 625 male firefighters. Almost one-third (32.3%) of participants reported engaging in HIT. Body composition, as measured by waist circumference and percentage body fat, was significantly related to HIT training, with HIT participants being approximately half as likely to be classified as obese using body fat [odds ratio (OR) = 0.52, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.34–0.78] or waist circumference (OR = 0.61, 95% CI = 0.37–0.98). Those who engaged in HIT were more than twice as likely as those who did not (OR = 2.24, 95% CI = 1.42–3.55) to meet fitness recommendations. Findings highlight directions for future prevention and intervention efforts.
Inductively coupled plasma-mass (ICP-MS) and atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES): Versatile analytical techniques to identify the archived elemental information in human teeth

Abstract Human dental enamel is composed of sequentially calcifying growth layers that can provide an archival record of temporal changes such as past pollution events and changes in elemental nutrition. Human teeth and bones alike are mainly made out of calcium and a phosphorous rich crystalline building block called hydroxyapatite [Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2]. Divalent cations such as Zn2+, Pb2+, Sr2+, and Mg2+ can replace isovalent calcium sites, and phosphate and hydroxyl sites can substitute with anions, such as carbonate and fluoride, respectively. In this investigation inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission (ICP-AES) and mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used to determine lead, zinc, and strontium concentrations in deciduous teeth from contemporary populations from Solis, Mexico and Kalama, Egypt and permanent teeth from Bronze age Tell Abraq, United Arab Emirates and the 18th century New York African Burial Ground (NYABG) from Lower Manhattan. The concentration of lead in children's teeth from a semi-urban village in Egypt (ranged from 162 to 2.6 μg g− 1; n = 10) and NYABG individuals (range 112–1.2 μg g− 1; n = 6) showed the elevated lead levels while the ancient population from Tell Abraq had the lowest level (1.34 to 0.03 μg g− 1; n = 10). Lead isotope ratios (i.e., 208Pb/206Pb and 207Pb/206Pb) of above individuals' teeth were measured using ICP-MS to discern their domicile. Zinc and Sr concentrations of teeth reflect the diet, nutritional and environmental history of individuals. The versatility of ICP-AES and ICP-MS as trace metal analytical techniques in unraveling elemental information embedded in hard tissue, like teeth, is demonstrated.
Modeling individualization in a bayesian networks implementation of knowledge tracing

The field of intelligent tutoring systems has been using the well known knowledge tracing model, popularized by Corbett and Anderson (1995), to track student knowledge for over a decade Surprisingly, models currently in use do not allow for individual learning rates nor individualized estimates of student initial knowledge Corbett and Anderson, in their original articles, were interested in trying to add individualization to their model which they accomplished but with mixed results Since their original work, the field has not made significant progress towards individualization of knowledge tracing models in fitting data In this work, we introduce an elegant way of formulating the individualization problem entirely within a Bayesian networks framework that fits individualized as well as skill specific parameters simultaneously, in a single step With this new individualization technique we are able to show a reliable improvement in prediction of real world data by individualizing the initial knowledge parameter We explore three difference strategies for setting the initial individualized knowledge parameters and report that the best strategy is one in which information from multiple skills is used to inform each student's prior Using this strategy we achieved lower prediction error in 33 of the 42 problem sets evaluated The implication of this work is the ability to enhance existing intelligent tutoring systems to more accurately estimate when a student has reached mastery of a skill Adaptation of instruction based on individualized knowledge and learning speed is discussed as well as open research questions facing those that wish to exploit student and skill information in their user models.
Effect of electrolyte pH on the rate of the anodic and cathodic reactions in an air-cathode microbial fuel cell

The measurement of electricity generation from an air-cathode microbial fuel cell (MFC) with a mixed bacteria culture at different pH showed that this MFC could tolerate an initial (feed solution) pH as high as 10. The optimal initial pH was between 8 and 10 with higher current generation compared to lower or higher pH. The bacterial metabolism exhibited a buffer effect and changed the electrolyte pH. The impedance spectra of the anode and cathode of the MFC at the open-circuit potential (OCP) revealed that the anodic microbial process preferred a neutral pH and microbial activities decreased at higher or lower pH; while the cathodic reaction was improved with increasing pH.
Trust Assessment for Web Services under Uncertainty

We introduce a model for assessing the trust of providers in a service-oriented environment. Our model is cooperative in nature, such that Web services share their experiences of the service providers with their peers through ratings. The different ratings are aggregated using the “statistical cloud model” defined for uncertain situations. The model can uniformly describe the concepts of randomness, fuzziness, and their relationship in quantitative terms. By incorporating the credibility values of service raters in the model, we can assess a service provider’s trust. Experiment results show that our proposed model performs in a fairly accurate manner.
Seed Germination Percentage Increases with Population Size in a Fragmented Prairie Species

: Laboratoty germination percentages were relatively low in small populations of royal catchfly (Silene regia), a perennial prairie plant whose distribution has been severely reduced by habitat fragmentation. Populations with more than 150 individuals bad uniformly high (>85%) germination, whereas smaller populations had great variation within and between populations. Germination percentage was related to the natural log of population size (r = .49, p = .017); in small populations the relationship was linear (r = .37, p = .156). Germination success was unrelated to population isolation. The overall dependence of germination percentage on population size has at least two possible explanations: (I) inbreeding depression in recently reduced populations, manifesting itself in lower fitness of seeds; or (2) increased proportion of inferior geitonogamously produced seed caused by reduced hummingbird visitation and reduced interplant movements in small populations. Resumen: Los porcentajes de germinacion en el laboratorio fueron relativamente bajos en las pequenas poblaciones de Silene regia, una planta de pradera perenne cuya distribucion ha sido severamente reducida por la fragmentacion del habitat. Las poblaciones con mas de 150 individuos tuvieron una germinacion uniformememente alta (>85%) mientras que las poblaciones mas pequenas tuvieron gran variacion dentro y entre las poblaciones. El porcentaje de germinaciones estaba relacionado con el logaritmo natural del tamano de la poblacion (r = .49, p = .017); en las poblaciones pequenas la relacion fue linear. (r = .37, p = .156). El exito de la germinacion no estuvo relaciondado con el aislamiento de la poblacion. La total dependencia del porcentaje de la germinacion en el tamano de la poblacion tiene cuando menos dos posibles explicaciones:(1) depresion por el entrecruzamiento consanguineo en poblaciones recientemente reducidas, manifestandose como disminucion en la viabilidad de las semillas; o (2) el aumento en la proporcion de semillas inseriores producidas por polinizacion dentro de la misma planta causada por la reduceon de visitas de colibries y los reducidos movimientos entreplanta y planta en las poblaciones pequenas.
The Link Between Galaxies and Dark Matter

Given that dark matter is gravitationally dominant in the universe, and that galaxy formation is closely related to dark matter halos, a key first step in understanding galaxy formation and evolution in the CDM paradigm is to quantify the galaxy-halo connection for galaxies of different properties. Here I will present results about the halo/galaxy connection obtained from two different methods. One is based on the conditional luminosity function, which describes the occupation of galaxies in halos of different masses, and the other is based on galaxy systems properly selected to represent dark halos.
Methodology for development of new active barrier PET copolymers

Active barrier developments for poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) are among important approaches being used to achieve improvements in the polyester's barrier properties. This work utilized two active barrier materials and their PET copolymers, synthesized by melt polymerization of terephthalic acid (TPA) with ethylene glycol (EG) and active oxygen scavengers: monoolein (MO) or 3-cyclohexene-1,1-dimethanol (CHEDM), in separate compositions. The oxidizable monomers and their copolymers were characterized with respect to changes resulting from their reactions with oxygen. Evaluations of their infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance spectra established that the monomers as well as their PET copolymers underwent first order reactions and had rate constants ranging from 0.03 to 0.08 day−1. The only volatile oxidation product of MO was acetaldehyde and no volatile products resulted from oxidation of CHEDM. In comparison to unmodified PET, the PET/MO and PET/CHEDM copolymers achieved respective oxygen barrier property improvements of about 30 and 40%. Results from this study have shown that the oxidation kinetics of pure monomers of this type may be used for evaluation of their effectiveness and suitability as active barrier materials, without the need to synthesize their corresponding PET copolymers. This is significant and work is continuing to include other moieties that will interact with higher levels of oxygen and react at faster rates. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 4273–4283, 2013
Nonuniform fast Fourier transform (NUFFT) algorithm and its applications

Based on a class of regular Fourier matrices, a new nonuniform fast Fourier transform (NUFFT) algorithm is developed for unequally spaced data. With a comparable complexity of O(N log/sub 2/N), this algorithm is much more accurate than previously reported results since it is optimal in the least squares sense. The algorithm is useful for computational electromagnetics and other fields of applied mathematics.
Site Tenacity and Dominance in Wintering White‐throated Sparrows Zonotrichia albicollis (Passeriformes: Emberizidae)

Supplemental feeding of a wintering population of 132 white-throated sparrows was suspended in midwinter to determine characteristics associated with the tendency to remain within previously established home ranges after a drop in food levels. Site-faithful birds tended to be dominant, to have high levels of subcutaneous fat and to reside in certain regions of the study area. The high site fidelity of dominant sparrows reaffirms the importance of dominance in structuring populations.
Effect of Supplementary Tryptophan Prior to Marketing on Carcass Quality in Broilers

SUMMARY Three experiments were conducted to examine the effect of supplemental Tryptophan on carcass quality of broilers. The first experiment utilized 49-d-old broilers with half of the birds crop intubated with 2 tablets, each containing 500 mg of Trp, compared with an equal number of birds not crop intubated, with processing occurring 14 h after intubation. For the second experiment, broilers were taken off feed on d 49, weighed, and allotted to either normal drinking water or offered a Trp-saturated solution containing 5 g of Trp per 1,000 mL of water for 4 h in pens during feed withdrawal until cooping for 14 h prior to processing. In the third experiment, a withdrawal feed was formulated with standard or high dietary Trp (2× requirement, 0.33 vs. 0.18%) and fed to broilers from 46 to 49 d of age. Our results suggest that supplemental Trp, whether in an intubated tablet, water, or final feed, was insufficient to have any meaningful effect on broiler carcass defects. Supplementation of Trp in the water did reduce water consumption compared with birds offered the control water (42.1 vs. 88.9 mL, respectively). Consequently, until the level and length of Trp supplementation can be determined to alleviate contradictory findings and inconsistent results reported in the literature, determination of the genuine effects of supplemental Trp on behavior modification and carcass quality improvements in broilers are speculative at this time.