cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Self-organizing systems based on morphogenesis principles

Morphogenesis is the process that gives shapes to organisms from an embryonic stage through a sequence of cell divisions. Starting from a simple embryonic cell, the controlled division and transformation of the cells into different types leads to the creation of a complex organism. The growth of complex organisms is completely autonomic and is one of the best examples of self-organizing systems found in nature. In comparison, the computing infrastructure in current data centers is more static and requires significant human intervention in order to take on the form that is desired. However, emerging technology such as virtualization of servers and networks enables an architecture where distributed computer systems can take different forms using the concept of morphogenesis. Using this vision, all machines in a virtualized data center initially start with a single software image and, using a distributed scheme, adopt a structure in which different images take on the roles of a database server, a web server, a load balancer, a firewall, or a caching proxy in topologies whose structures form on their own. In this paper, we present a novel architecture of a virtualized data center that self-organizes using the principles of morphogenesis.
A NEW BANGIOPHYCIDEAN ALGA FROM ALABAMA1

SUMMARY A new species of red algae, Boldia angustata sp. nov., was discovered near Tuscaloosa, Alabama, during the spring of 1968. It differs significantly from the only previously described species, Boldia erythrosiphon Herndon, in length and width of young and mature thalli, cell size, shape of nuclei in first-order cells, shape of intercalary filaments, morphology of filaments derived from monospores, ontogenetic development of erect plants, morphology of the basal system, and regularity of first-order cells.
New developments in the photocatalytic conversion of methane to methanol

Abstract Investigation of direct conversion of methane to transportation fuels has been an on-going effort at FETC for over 14 years. One of our current areas of research is the conversion of methane to methanol, under mild conditions, using light, water, and a semiconductor photocatalyst. Research in our laboratory is directed toward adapting the chemistry developed for photolysis of water to that of methane conversion. The reaction sequence of interest uses visible light, a doped tungsten oxide photocatalyst and an electron transfer molecule to produce a hydroxyl radical. Hydroxyl radical can then react with a methane molecule to produce a methyl radical. In the preferred reaction pathway, the methyl radical then reacts with an additional water molecule to produce methanol and hydrogen.
A method for home training an incontinent child

Abstract A home training method for incontinent children utilizing a signal apparatus is described. Traditional toilet training techniques having failed to train a profoundly retarded 7-yr-old male, effective training was accomplished through simple procedures using an auditory signal apparatus. These procedures involved pairings of first the buzzer and running to the bathroom, and then bladder distension and the buzzer. After a number of such pairings the child began to indicate when his bladder was distended. This served as a cue for the parents to prompt the appropriate toileting response. Independent toileting behavior was effected within a 7-week period and maintained over a 5-month follow-up with generalization to new situations.
Migration of Male Lone Star Ticks on the Host in Relation to Mating

Laboratory-reared male Amblyomma americanum (L.), topically treated with saturated acetone solutions of fluorescent dyes, were released onto 3 body areas (hocks of and hind legs and belly) of bovines. Movement of the males toward female ticks attached to a circumscribed area on the animals’ shoulders was then recorded. Most males attached near the sites of release for varying lengths of time and then migrated to the females. Males were first found paired with females at 5 days postinfestation, but most reached the females between 8 and 14 days postinfestation. The last male took 40 days to reach the, females.
Precursor-mediated dissociative chemisorption of D2 on Ni(100) partially covered by CO

Abstract We report evidence for precursor dynamics in the dissociative chemisorption of D 2 on Ni(100) partially covered by CO. Efficient energy transfer from incident D 2 to surface CO and the transient bonding of D 2 to CO-modified Ni sites are invoked to explain the significant role played by precursor species.
Effect of β agonists on inflammatory cells

Although the major action of racemic beta(2 )-agonists on the airways is relaxation of airway smooth muscle, these drugs have several other effects mediated through beta(2 )-adrenergic receptors expressed on other cell types. These additional actions of beta(2 )-agonists may contribute to the efficacy of beta(2 )-agonists in relieving asthma symptoms. beta(2 )-agonists inhibit plasma exudation in the airways by acting on beta(2 )-receptors on postcapillary venule cells. They inhibit the secretion of bronchoconstrictor mediators from airway mast cells and inhibit effects on release of mediators from eosinophils, macrophages, T-lymphocytes, and neutrophils. In addition, beta(2 )-agonists may have an inhibitory effect on the release of neuropeptides from sensory nerves. The effect of beta(2 )-agonists on mediator release from structural cells in the airways such as epithelial cells is uncertain. Despite all of these inhibitory effects on inflammatory cells in vitro, beta(2 )-agonists do not appear to reduce the chronic inflammation of asthma. Desensitization is more readily seen in inflammatory cells than in airway smooth muscle cells and may account for this discrepancy. Corticosteroids may increase expression of beta(2 )-receptors in inflammatory cells to overcome the desensitization in response to chronic beta(2 )-agonist exposure.
Studies on the biotransformation of ketamine 1—Identification of metabolites produced in vitro from rat liver microsomal preparations

The in vitro metabolic fate of the anesthetic agent ketamine [(+)2-o-chlorophenyl-2-methylaminocyclohexanone] has been evaluated using microsomal preparations from rat liver. With the aid of a rapid, nonselective metabolite extraction procedure and sample analysis by combined glass capillary gas chromatography low (and high) resolution mass spectrometry, eight metabolites of the drug were identified, six of which have not been reported previously. The novel metabolites were products of alicyclic ring hydroxylation of ketamine and of N-desmethylketamine (norketamine). Semi-quantitative analysis of metabolites produced during microsomal incubation was achieved using glass capillary gas chromatography. The results from this study indicate that 5,6-dehydronorketamine, previously considered to be a major biotransformation product of ketamine in mammalian systems, is almost certainly a methodological artefact.
The problem of internal and edge cracks in an orthotropic strip

The plane elastostatic problem of internal and edge cracks in an infinite orthotropic strip is considered. The problems for the material types I and II are formulated in terms of singular integral equations. For the symmetric case the stress intensity factors are calculated and are compared with the isotropic results. The results show that because of the dependence of the Fredholm kernels on the elastic constants, unlike the crack problem for an infinite plane, in the strip the stress intensity factors are dependent on the elastic constants and are generally different from the corresponding isotropic results.
Accelerated walkthrough of large spline models

CAD and rmimation applications. In this pa-per, we present algorithms for interactive walkthrough ofcomplex NURBS models composed of tens of thousands ofpatches on current graphics systems. Given a spline model,the algorithm precomputes simplification of a collection ofpatches and represents them hierarchically. Given a chang-ing viewpoint, the algorithm combines these simplificationswith dynamic tessellations to generate appropriate levels ofdetail. We also propose a system pipeline for parallel im-plementation on multi-processor configurations. Diiferentcomponents,
A Grazing Incidence X-Ray Study Of Interfacial Reactions In Al-Cu

The Al-Cu system has been used to test the application of grazing incidence EXAFS and x-ray reflectivity measurements to interface systems. Both techniques have been found to be sensitive to compound formation and interdiffusion, and with further development of analysis procedures should be very useful complements to more traditional techniques.
Development of an automated procedure for estimation of the spatial variation of runoff in large river basins

The use of distributed parameter models to address water resource management problems has increased in recent years. Calibration is necessary to reduce the uncertainties associated with model input parameters. Manual calibration of a distributed parameter model is a very time consuming effort. Therefore, more attention is given to automated calibration procedures. This paper describes the development and demonstration of such an automated procedure developed for a national/continental scale assessment study called Conservation Effects Assessment Project (CEAP). The automated procedure is developed to calibrate spatial variation of annual average runoff components for each USGS eight-digit watershed of the United States. It uses nine parameters to calibrate water yield, surface runoff and sub-surface flow respectively. If necessary, the procedure uses a linear interpolation method to arrive at a better value of a model parameter. When tested for the Upper Mississippi river basin of the United States, the automated calibration procedure gave satisfactory results. Other test results from the procedure are very encouraging and show potential for its use in very large-scale hydrologic modeling studies.
Parametric excitation of an inextensible, air-inflated, cylindrical membrane

Abstract Two-dimensional non-linear oscillations of a long cylindrical membrane are examined. The membrane is anchored along two generators to a horizontal base, and its material is inextensible. The internal pressure has a static part and a small dynamic part containing multiple harmonic components with frequencies λ m . A one-term Galerkin approximation is applied to the equation of motion, and weakly non-linear motions are determined using the method of multiple scales. The following resonances are investigated, where ω is the linear vibration frequency of the system: (i) λ1 ≈ 2ω; (ii) λ1 ≈ ω; (iii) λ1 ≈ 3ω; (iv) λ2 + λ1 ≈ 2ω; and (v) λ2 − λ1 ≈ 2ω. igures are presented which illustrate the variation of the response amplitude with the detuning, the excitation amplitude, and, for the last two resonances, the relative magnitudes of the exciatation frequencies.
An emerging problem: methamphetamine abuse among treatment seeking youth.

Abstract This study examined correlates of methamphetamine (MA) and marijuana (MJ) use and treatment response among treatment-involved youth (N = 4,430) in Los Angeles County, California treated between 2000 and 2005. Of the sample, 912 (21%) were primary MA and 3,518 (79%) were primary MJ users. Correlates of increased MA use included being female, White, Asian or Latino, older age, previous treatment involvement, legal status of probation or parole, and initiating drug use at an older age. Treatment trends showed a rise in treatment admissions for MA, with more MA users enrolling in residential treatment compared to outpatient treatment. Predictors of retention, drug use at discharge, and completion by treatment modality are discussed. Results can guide the development of effective strategies for treatment assessment and planning tailored towards minimizing drug use and maximizing treatment response among youth.
Optic/Haptic/Abject: Revisioning Indigenous Media in Victor Masayesva, Jr and Leslie Marmon Silko

This article uses Hopi videomaker Victor Masayesva, Jr’s 1992 film, Imagining Indians, and Laguna Pueblo writer Leslie Marmon Silko’s 1991 novel, Almanac of the Dead, as test cases through which tore-evaluate a central debate in visual anthropology about the meanings and values of indigenous visual media, and as complex representations which force us to move beyond that debate’s endorsements and critiques. Through their shared embrace of anti-visualist modes, both Masayesva and Silko develop alternative strategies of visualization intended to revise neo-colonial relations – strategies which seek to reconstruct the modes of visual mastery linked to a Western optic into a more desiring, pleasurable relation to the image through the resources of proximity and tactility. They not only redraw the territory of subject– object relations informed by the gaze, but more foundationally may be said to rewrite the ‘scription’ through which social rules are inscribed upon the body, and to redesignate what Homi Bhabha h...
Two-dimensional gene scanning: exploring human genetic variability.

Current methods for mutation detection are not optimized for the generation of highly accurate data on multiple genes of hundreds of individuals in population-based studies. Two-dimensional gene scanning (TDGS) is a high-resolution system for detecting mutational variants in multiple genes in parallel. TDGS is based on a combination of extensive multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and two-dimensional (2-D) DNA electrophoresis. The latter involves a size separation step followed by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE). TDGS tests for a number of large human disease genes have been designed, using a computer program to optimally position PCR primers around the relevant target sequences (e.g., exons) and evaluated using panels of samples with previously detected mutations. The results indicate a high sensitivity and specificity, equal to nucleotide sequencing, which is generally considered as the gold standard. Here, we describe the different components of the TDGS process and its potential application as a high-throughput system for the systematic identification of human gene variants.
Direct Methods and Powder Data: State of the Art and Perspectives

Solving crystal structures by applying direct methods to single-crystal data is a relatively easy task for structures with up to 100 atoms in the asymmetric unit. Their successful application to powder data is still a challenge unless the size of the structure is moderate. The rate of success depends on several factors like the efficiency of the full-pattern-decomposition programs, the peak overlapping, the presence of preferred orientation in the powder specimen, the nature of the background, the type of radiation used for collecting experimental data etc. The main factors are analysed in order to provide a clear description of the specific problems that have to be forced when direct phasing from powder data is attempted.
Remark on "Some simple chaotic flows"

Sprott [Phys. Rev. E 50, 647 (1994)] developed a computerized search method and applied it to generate millions of sets of coupled chaotic ordinary differential equations. Each of the sets contained three coupled quadratic equations. Of these, the simplest, Sprott's case A, is the set of equations that Posch, Hoover, and Vesely [Phys. Rev. A 33, 4253 (1986)] used to describe a single one-dimensional Nos\'e-Hoover oscillator. In this sense, the Nos\'e-Hoover oscillator system is the simplest mechanical system exhibiting chaos.
Conservative management of infected necrosis complicating severe acute pancreatitis.

Abstract Objectives Patients with severe necrotizing pancreatitis are at risk for infection, a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Most patients with infected pancreatic tissue require surgical intervention (necrosectomy), which is associated with high morbidity and mortality. A subset of these patients can be managed successfully with conservative management combined with prolonged courses of antibiotics. Methods Three cases of severe acute pancreatitis seen at our institution are described, in which the patients developed aspirate-proven pancreatic infections. The patients were nonetheless stable from a clinical standpoint and were treated with long courses of antibiotics known to penetrate the pancreas; emergent surgery was deferred. Results In two patients, surgery was completely avoided, with good clinical outcome. In the third patient, elective surgery was undertaken 12 wk after the episode of acute pancreatitis, to perform necrosectomy on organized pancreatic necrosis and to evaluate the patient’s biliary tree. There were no postoperative complications. Conclusions A subset of patients with severe acute pancreatitis complicated by infection can be successfully managed with long term antibiotics and other supportive measures. High risk necrosectomy can, in some instances, be delayed or avoided entirely.
Hypertension and adrenal disorders.

Adrenal disorders causing hypertension can be related to the dysfunction of either the adrenal cortex or the adrenal medulla. These disorders, including congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), owing to 11β-hydroxylase deficiency and to 17α-hydroxylase deficiency; apparent mineralocorticoid excess; familial hyperaldosteronism type I; primary aldosteronism; Cushing’s syndrome; and familial glucocorticoid resistance, primarily affect the adrenal cortex and cause low-renin hypertension. The classic disorder of the adrenal medulla resulting in hypertension is pheochromocytoma, although hypertension in obesity might also be associated with catecholamine secretion. In this review, we discuss these etiologies and the most recent advances in our knowledge of their pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment.
Imaging for Urogynecology, Including New Modalities

Radiologic evaluation is the mainstay in urogynecology. Currently videofluorourodynamics is the most precise diagnostic tool for evaluating disturbances of micturition. However, evolving application of ultrasonography, when combined with urodynamics, constitutes an attractive alternative for such evaluations. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may prove to be a powerful research and clinical tool. Advantages and limitations of each imaging modality are discussed.
Prevalence and constituency of behavioral disturbance taxonomies in the regular school population.

The Bristol Social Adjustment Guides (BSAG) are widely employed in research and in the identification of maladjustment in school children. The BSAG provides scores on several indices including five homogeneous behavioral syndromes and one associated grouping. Field experience suggests that maladjusted children frequently manifest problems in more than one syndrome. In order to discover what patterns of syndromic profiles may commonly exist among children, the data for the most recent revision of the BSAG are reanalyzed. The syndrome scores for all 2,527 5- to 15-year-old regular school children in the standardization sample were grouped into similar profile patterns by hierarchical cluster analysis. Sixteen homogeneous syndromic profile types emerged. The resultant profile types were described on the basis of their component behaviors and examined for membership trends by sex and age groups. Multiple syndromic profiles represented 60% of all maladjusted children.
Evidence for excess vacancies at sliding grain boundaries during superplastic deformation

Rapid quenching of Al-Mg alloys during superplastic deformation has revealed the presence of nano-scale cavities along many grain boundaries. They were observed only under deformation conditions where grain boundary sliding was the dominant mechanism. Fine-probe compositional measurements revealed that the cavity surface is enriched in Mg, and in situ heating in the transmission electron microscope demonstrated that they are not stable above 175 C. Kinetic analysis of cavity formation during a quench concludes that the cavities did not exist during deformation but were formed as the sample cooled. It is proposed that these cavities are evidence for a localized excess of vacancies during grain boundary sliding.
Plume and bloom: effect of the Mississippi River diversion on the water quality of Lake Pontchartrain

The opening of the Bonnet Carre spillway to prevent flood threat to New Orleans in April 2008 created a sediment plume in the Lake Pontchartrain. The nutrient rich plume triggered a massive algal bloom in the lake. In this article, we have quantified the spatio-temporal distribution of the plume (suspended solids) and the bloom (chlorophyll-a (chl-a)) in the lake using remotely-sensed data. We processed the Moderate-resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer satellite data for mapping the total suspended solids (TSS) and chl-a concentrations. An existing algorithm was used for estimating TSS whereas a novel slope model was developed to predict the per-pixel chl-a concentration. Both algorithms were successful in capturing the spatio-temporal trend of TSS and chl-a concentrations, respectively. Algal growth was found to be inversely related to TSS concentrations and a time lag of ∼45 days existed between the spillway opening and the appearance of the first algal bloom at an observation location.
Regulation of luteinizing hormone secretion by neuropeptide Y in rats: Hypothalamic and pituitary actions

Previous studies have suggested that the stimulatory effect of neuropeptide Y (NPY) on the release of luteinizing hormone (LH) in rats may be due to a central action of the peptide that promotes the release of LH-releasing hormone (LHRH) from the hypothalamus, and to an action in the pituitary gland, to potentiate the release of LH induced by LHRH. The objectives of the present experiments were to test (1) whether NPY stimulation of LHRH release requires extracellular Ca++, and (2) whether NPY can exert direct stimulatory effects on the release of LH from anterior pituitary cells. The in vitro release of LHRH from medial basal hypothalamic fragments induced by KCl depolarization (56 mM), but not the basal release, was blocked by omission of Ca++ and addition of 0.1 mM EGTA to the incubation medium and also by cobalt (1 mM). Depolarizationinduced release of the peptide was unaffected by nifedipine, diltiazem, or lanthanum. However, the stimulation of LHRH release by NPY (1 μM) still occurred in Ca++ free/EGTA medium. In a second set of experiments, 10 min pulses of NPY (1–100 nM) alone were ineffective in stimulating the release of LH from dispersed, perifused anterior pituitary cells obtained from ovariectomized, untreated or ovariectomized, estrogen-treated rats, under conditions where pulses of LHRH (0.1–10 nM) were consistently effective. A brief increase in LH release was observed during a 30 min exposure to 100 nM NPY in estrogen-pretreated cells, but not from untreated cells, and the effect was not as marked as that produced by LHRH. The present results confirm previous observations that NPY stimulates the release of LHRH from medial basal hypothalamus in vitro and suggests that NPY does not activate the influx of extracellular Ca++ in order to produce this effect. NPY may also directly stimulate the release of LH from anterior pituitary cells, but is weaker than the physiological releasing hormone, LHRH. The dual actions of NPY may have physiological significance in mediating ovarian hormone positive feedback on LH secretion during the estrous cycle.
Children's Perceptions of Counter-Depressive Activities

Sz/mmary.-Children's perceptions of counter-depressive activities were examined as a function of their sex, age, and level of depression. In Study 1, 922 children aged 8 to 12 yr. were asked to identlfy as many counter-depressive activities as possible. Girls provided more counter-depressive responses than boys and more often reported Help-seeking responses, while boys more frequently produced both Activity and Recreation responses. In Study 2, 98 children, ages 8 to 14 yr., completed the Children's Depression Inventory and generated counter-depressive activities. Girls provided more counter-depressive activities than boys, and older children provided more counter-depressive activities than younger ones. Although depression scores were unrelated to the types of counter-depressive activities provided, they were modestly, though statistically significantly, correlated with the number of counter-depressive activities: as depression increased, children listed fewer coping activities. The rdationship between children's perceptions of counter-depressive activities and those of adults is discussed.
COMPUTATIONAL STUDY OF THE (CH3ZN)2B3H7 AND CH3ZNBH4 DIMERS

Abstract Density functional theory (DFT) has been used to study the structure and binding of two zinc tetraborate dimers. Both dimers ([(CH 3 Zn) 2 B 3 H 7 ] 2 and [CH 3 ZnBH 4 ] 2 ) display an interesting five-coordinate geometry around zinc including four Zn–H–B bridges and one terminal methyl group. The binding energy of the [(CH 3 Zn) 2 B 3 H 7 ] 2 dimer is predicted to be 6.5 kcal/mol at the DFT (B3LYP) level and 16.5 kcal/mol at the MP2 level. In comparison, the binding energy of [CH 3 ZnBH 4 ] 2 is predicted to be 10.2 and 14.2 kcal/mol at the DFT and MP2 levels, respectively. A comparison is made with the X-ray structure of [(CH 3 Zn) 2 B 3 H 7 ] 2 .
Targeting Inflammation: Impact on Atherothrombosis

Atherothrombosis is a worldwide epidemic accounting for an unacceptable toll of deaths and disabilities. Its pathophysiology is complex and hardly referable to a specific mechanism; however, in the last 20 years, a growing amount of evidence has demonstrated that inflammatory processes play a major role from the very beginning to the ultimate complication of atherothrombosis. These evidences are addressing a growing interest toward anti-inflammatory agents as preventive or curative treatments of atherothrombosis. At present, accumulated data are not conclusive, but strong evidence exists in favor of an anti-inflammatory positive effect for several drugs as statins or renin–angiotensin inhibitors. More conclusive data are expected from ongoing trials directly exploring the role of specific cytokines antagonists.
Direct demonstration of carbamoyl phosphate formation on the C-terminal domain of carbamoyl phosphate synthetase.

Carbamoyl phosphate synthetase synchronizes the utilization of two ATP molecules at duplicated ATP-grasp folds to catalyze carbamoyl phosphate formation. To define the dedicated functional role played by each of the two ATP sites, we have carried out pulse/labeling studies using the synthetases from Aquifex aeolicus and Methanococcus jannaschii, hyperthermophilic organisms that encode the two ATP-grasp folds on separate subunits. These studies allowed us to differentially label each active site with [γ-32P]ATP and determine the fate of the labeled γ-phosphate in the synthetase reaction. Our results provide the first direct demonstration that enzyme-catalyzed transfer of phosphate from ATP to carbamate occurs on the more C-terminal of the two ATP-grasp folds. These findings rule out one mechanism proposed for carbamoyl phosphate synthetase, where one ATP acts as a molecular switch, and provide additional support for a sequential reaction mechanism where the γ-phosphate groups of both ATP molecules are transferred to reactants. CP synthesis by subunit C in our single turnover pulse/chase assays did not require subunit N, but subunit N was required for detectable CP synthesis in the traditional continuous assay. These findings suggest that cross-talk between domain N and C is required for product release from subunit C.
How good is that data in the warehouse

A data warehouse is an analytical database used for decision support. Data are copied from production databases, cleaned up, and possibly renormalized (i.e., denormalized for performance or normalized to create correct record structures). If the resulting records are normalized incorrectly or if the users do not understand how the records have been denormalized, then a phenomenon called semantic disintegrity may occur. Semantic disintegrity occurs when a user submits a query and receives an answer, but the answer is not the answer to the question they believe that they asked.Thus an understanding of normalization is critically important for both database designers and database users. Unfortunately, the process of normalization relies on a series of heuristics that, in turn, assume the existence of an innate mental logic in the mind of the database designer or user for understanding data dependencies and their implications. The quality of answers derived from the data warehouse, in turn, relies on the existence of this innate mental logic.In order to determine if this is a reasonable assumption, an empirical test was constructed for the purpose of determining if subjects have an innate mental logic for understanding data dependencies and their implications.
Disposition and metabolism of 4‐chloro‐2‐nitroaniline in the male F344 rat

The disposition and metabolism of 14 C‐labeled 4‐chloro‐2‐nitroaniline (CNA) was studied in male F344 rats following oral or intravenous (iv) administration. The gastrointestinal absorption of CNA was found to be near complete and was not affected by the dose in the range studied (0.788–78.8 μmol/kg). Following either oral or iv administration, CNA was rapidly distributed throughout the tissues and showed no marked affinity for any particular tissue. [14C]CNA was rapidly cleared by metabolism and excretion in urine and to a lesser extent in feces. The whole‐body half‐life of CNA in the rat was approximately 1 h, and clearance of radioactivity from the body was near complete in 3 d. The known carcinogen and potential metabolite of CNA, 4‐chloro‐o‐phenylenediamine, was not detected in rat tissues or excretia following administration of CNA. Approximately 70% of the dose was detected in urine as a sulfate conjugate of a single metabolite of CNA. The remainder of the dose was excreted in the form of seven add...
Year, Region, and Temperature Effects on the Quality of Minnesota's Soybean Crop

Bulk commodity soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] can now be sourced with great specificity through rail and container purchases. The objective of this study was to determine whether analyses of farmer-grown soybean seed samples could detect significant regional differences in soybean quality traits. Through analysis of 2706 farmer volunteered soybean samples representing harvests from 2003-2005, we found significant year and region effects on seed quality. An independent variable, temperature during seed filling (T sf ) was created for each soybean sample by kriging local daily mean air temperatures from 135 weather stations. A region x year interaction was noted for protein and the sum of protein and oil concentrations, but using T sf as a covariate eliminated this interaction. The variable T sf correlated with average regional oil concentrations such that oil concentration increased at a rate of 6.6 g kg -1 °C -1 . Overall, farmer produced and volunteered soybean samples provide an excellent means of identifying within-state soybean seed quality variation. Additionally, local climate data (T sf ) can be used to predict this variation in regional soybean seed quality.
Observing single cell NF-κB dynamics under stimulant concentration gradient.

Study of cell signaling often requires examination of the cellular dynamics under variation in the stimulant concentration. Such variation has typically been conducted by dispensing cell populations in a number of chambers or wells containing discrete concentrations. Such practice adds to the complexity associated with experimental or device design and requires substantial labor for implementation. Furthermore, there is also potential risk of missing important results due to the often arbitrary selection of discrete concentration values for testing. In this Letter, we study NF-κB activation and translocation at the single cell level using a microfluidic device that generates continuously varying concentration gradient. We use only three device settings to cover stimulant (interleukin-1β) concentrations of 4 orders of magnitude (0.001–10 ng/mL). Such device allows us to study temporal dynamics of NF-κB in single cells under different stimulant concentrations by real-time imaging. Interestingly, our results...
Quenching correction in liquid scintillation counting

Two types of quenching are encountered in liquid scintillation counting, chemical and color quenching. Chemical quenching is caused by the presence of nonfluorescent molecules in the liquid scintillator system which interfere with the energy transfer between the solvent and the organic scintillator. In a scintillation solution, the radiation energy from a radioactive sample is expended in inducing molecular excitation of the solvent molecule. This excitation energy is transferred, according to Kallman and coworkers [1], by a process of diffusion, migration, or single-step jump to the solute molecule. If the solute molecules are those of an organic scintillator, they will be excited and then de-excited, with emission of photons which can be detected by a photomultiplier tube and counted. If the solute molecules are those of a nonfluorescent compound, they will be excited, but de-excitation occurs by radiationless transition without concomitant emission of photons. This thermal degradation of radiation energy without enhancing the fluorescence yield of the liquid scintillator system is the cause of chemical quenching.
Effect of tillage and soyabean on Ipomoea lacunosa and Senna obtusifolia emergence

Summary Field experiments were conducted in Pendleton, South Carolina, USA, in 2004 and 2005 to determine the influence of spring tillage and no spring tillage with and without soyabean on Ipomoea lacunosa and Senna obtusifolia emergence. Ipomoea lacunosa emergence was observed from 20 April to 12 November 2004 and 19 April to 7 November 2005, with peak emergence occurring from May to early August. Ipomoea lacunosa emergence patterns were impacted minimally by soyabean and total emergence were similar with and without a soyabean canopy. Tillage generally promoted I. lacunosa emergence, reducing the time needed to achieve 25%, 50%, and 75% emergence. Senna obtusifolia emergence was observed from 26 April to 12 November 2004 and 18 April to 13 November 2005. Tillage shortened the time to 25% of total emergence by 8 to 25 days. Following soyabean canopy formation, S. obtusifolia emergence was generally negatively impacted by soyabean, but some emergence still occurred under the canopy. Peak periods of S. obtusifolia emergence occurred from early May to early October. Overall, I. lacunosa and S. obtusifolia emergence periods were similar, with both species exhibiting continual emergence from spring to early autumn. Continual emergence of I. lacunosa and S. obtusifolia beneath a soyabean canopy contributes to the difficulty in managing these weeds. The study demonstrates that an appropriate combination of sowing soyabean in late May, minimising tillage and sowing at a rate to maximise crop canopy closure will contribute significantly to management of these two important weed species.
Asymmetric adjustment costs in simple general equilibrium models

Abstract This paper demonstrates that the introduction of asymmetric adjustment costs in a simple general equilibrium framework establishes a meaningful link between factor price determination and output determination, breaking the analytically convenient dichotomy of the Heckscher–Ohlin–Samuelson model. The possibility of trade between seemingly similar countries that differ in their adjustment technologies is visited.
Simultaneous transesterification and esterification of unrefined or waste oils over ZnO-La2O3 catalysts

Abstract A single-step method was developed for biodiesel production from unrefined or waste oils using a series of heterogeneous zinc and lanthanum mixed oxides. Effects of metal oxide molar ratio, free fatty acids (FFA) and water content in feedstock, molar ratio of methanol and oil, and reaction temperature on the yield of biodiesel were investigated. A strong interaction between Zn and La species was observed with enhanced catalyst activities. Lanthanum promoted zinc oxide distribution, and increased the surface acid and base sites. The catalyst with 3:1 ratio of zinc to lanthanum was found to simultaneously catalyze the oil transesterification and fatty acid esterification reactions, while minimizing oil and biodiesel hydrolysis. A reaction temperature window of 170–220 °C was found for the biodiesel formation. A high yield (96%) of fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) was obtained within 3 h even using unrefined or waste oils.
Disparity in utilization of combined kidney–liver transplantation in the United States

: Background: Orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) is performed as a definitive treatment of acute and chronic liver failure. The prevalence of acute and chronic kidney diseases is substantially higher in this population secondary to diverse etiologies. Combined kidney–liver transplantation (CKLT) is widely performed in some centers, even though there are no definitive studies which support or contradict this practice. Methods: We comprehensively reviewed OLT as well as CKLT data from US transplant centers provided by United Network of Organ Sharing (UNOS). Results: The incidence of CKLT as a percentage of total OLTs performed has been increasing, especially in the post-MELD era (2002 and after). Moreover, there is a great disparity among centers in regard to percentage of CKLTs to total OLTs. Conclusion: We conclude that there is much difference of opinion among US transplant centers as to indications for CKLT. A more scientific approach to this problem including studies to assess the role of kidney biopsy in determining renal outcome after OLT is needed.
Growth and photosynthetic response of a freshwater alga, Selenastrum capricornutum, to an oil shale by-product water.

Several recent studies have focused on toxic effects of various oil shale waters to freshwater algae (e.g., Cleave et al. 1980; McKnight et al. 1983). Algal bioassays are ecologically significant, since algae are the dominant primary producers in most freshwater environments. Furthermore, algae have been shown to be more sensitive to complex wastes than fish or invertebrates. Using a standard algal species provides a systematic approach to toxicant evaluation. One such species is Selenastrum capricornutum Printz, a freshwater unicellular green alga. A strategy to assess the hazards of complex effluents should include a battery of rapid, easily conducted, predictive tests within the larger framework of tier testing. This approach is used in this study to compare the growth and photosynthetic response of S. capricornutum to an oil shale by-product water and its organophilic and hydrophilic subfractions.
Androgen receptor gene repeats and indices of obesity in older adults.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the relationship between GGN and CAG trinucleotide repeat polymorphisms in the androgen receptor (AR) gene and indices of obesity in older Caucasian adults. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study. SUBJECTS: Ninety-nine healthy men (age 51–93 y) and 113 healthy postmenopausal women (age 51–92 y). MEASUREMENTS: Genotyping the GGN and CAG repeats of the AR gene, and measuring body weight, height and waist and hip circumferences. Waist was measured at the umbilicus (wstumb), iliac crest (wstili), and mid-way between the iliac crest and lowest rib (wstwst). Waist-to-hip ratios (WHRUMB, WHRILI and WHRWST) and body mass index (BMI) were calculated. RESULTS: Women who were homozygous for a common GGN (17 or 18) and short CAG (≤25) had higher waist and hip circumferences and higher WHRUMB and WHRWST, compared with women without this allele combination. The odds ratios (OR) for the upper 25th percentile of obesity measures were 3.6–5.6-fold higher for wstumb, wstwst, WHRUMB and WHRWST among women with this allele combination. Men who had both a rare GGN (not 17) and short CAG (≤23) had a higher WHRUMB and WHRILI compared with men without this allele combination. The OR related to the upper 10th percentile of obesity measures among men who had this allele combination was 4.7-fold higher for WHRILI. CONCLUSION: AR GGN and CAG allele combinations are strongly associated with central obesity indices in older adults, particularly in women.
Transport dynamics in a glutamate transporter homologue

Glutamate transporters are integral membrane proteins that catalyse neurotransmitter uptake from the synaptic cleft into the cytoplasm of glial cells and neurons. Their mechanism of action involves transitions between extracellular (outward)-facing and intracellular (inward)-facing conformations, whereby substrate binding sites become accessible to either side of the membrane. This process has been proposed to entail transmembrane movements of three discrete transport domains within a trimeric scaffold. Using single-molecule fluorescence resonance energy transfer (smFRET) imaging, we have directly observed large-scale transport domain movements in a bacterial homologue of glutamate transporters. We find that individual transport domains alternate between periods of quiescence and periods of rapid transitions, reminiscent of bursting patterns first recorded in single ion channels using patch-clamp methods. We propose that the switch to the dynamic mode in glutamate transporters is due to separation of the transport domain from the trimeric scaffold, which precedes domain movements across the bilayer. This spontaneous dislodging of the substrate-loaded transport domain is approximately 100-fold slower than subsequent transmembrane movements and may be rate determining in the transport cycle.
Parallel, similar and constrained folds

Abstract Theoretical analysis of folding of viscous multilayers with free slip or bonding at layer contacts indicates that folds in such multilayers can be described in terms of three end-members:parallel, in which orthogonal thicknesses of layers are largely constant;similar, in which vertical thicknesses of layers and shapes of successive interfaces are essentially constant; andconstrained, in which amplitudes of anticlines and synclines decrease to zero at upper and lower boundaries. Constrained,internal folds form if the multilayer is confined by rigid media; parallel,concentric-like folds form if the multilayer is confined by soft media, provided soft interbeds are sufficiently thin for the stiff layers to fold as an ensemble. Similar,sinusoidal orchevron folds form throughout much of the thickness of a multilayer, for any stiffness of confining media, provided wavelengths of folds are short relative to the thickness of the multilayer or soft interbeds are sufficiently soft and thick for the stiff layers to act independently. The analysis shows that multilayer folds may have the same form regardless of whether the layer contacts are freely slipping or bonded. The forms of folds in multilayers confined by media with different viscosities above and below depend on the viscosity contrast of the media. For no medium above and a rigid medium below, the forms are concentric-like in the upper part and internal in the lower part of the multilayer. For no medium above and a soft medium below, the folds are concentric-like throughout the multilayer. The theory indicates that a useful way to analyze forms of folds in rocks or in experiments is in terms of component waveforms, as defined, for example, by Fourier series. The distributions of amplitudes of component waveforms throughout the multilayer appears to be diagnostic, reflecting contrasts in properties of the multilayer and its confining media. Analysis of a large fold in the central Appalachians, Pennsylvania, and of a smaller fold in the Huasna syncline, California, indicates that at least three component waveforms are required to produce the gross forms of those folds. The theory closely predicts wavelengths and shapes of folds produced in analogous elastic multilayers, indicating that nonlinearities in material behavior, which are inherent in the elastic material but are absent in the viscous material, are less significant than nonlinearities in the boundary conditions, which are the same in elastic and viscous materials.
Phosphodiesterase and adenyl-cyclase activities in the cerebral cortex of the aging rat

In an effort to determine the factors responsible for the four-fold decrease in cyclic-AMP content of the rat cerebral cortex, observed to occur between the ages of 3 and 6 months, studies were performed on adenyl-cyclase and phosphodiesterase, the cyclic-AMP synthesizing and hydrolyzing enzymes. The activities and kinetic characteristics were determined for both enzymes as obtained from the cerebral cortex of rats ranging in age from one to 24 months. No age dependence was observed either in adenyl-cyclase activity, assayed with or without fluoride ion, or in phosphodiesterase activity. It was concluded that age related changes in factors other than the direc levels of these enzymes underlie the age related decline in cortical cyclic-AMP levels.
The Periodical Press in Eighteenth-Century English and French Society: A Cross-Cultural Approach

Historians have long recognized that the large body of periodical literature surviving from the eighteenth century, along with the smaller amount preserved from the seventeenth century, is an important source of insight into the early development of modern society in the West. Newspapers and other periodicals—magazines, reviews, and a miscellany of other publications difficult to characterize precisely—provided eighteenth-century readers with fundamental information about their world and with news of the ways in which it was changing. It is not surprising that this voluminous printed record also yields evidence to those seeking to understand that world from the vantage point of a subsequent era.
The Supreme Court Appointment Process: Lessons from Filling the Rehnquist and O'Connor Vacancies

The 11 years from 1994 to 2005 comprised the second-longest period without an appointment to the U.S. Supreme Court (Epstein et al. 2003, 353). The nominations of John Roberts in 2005 and Samuel Alito in 2006 were met with enthusiasm by conservatives, foreboding by liberals, and great interest by political scientists concerned with the Court's future and with changes in the appointment process since Stephen Breyer's appointment in 1994.
Stability Indicating HPLC Analysis of Dibromodulcitol in Aqueous Solutions

Abstract A stability-indicating HPLC analytical method for the anticancer agent dibromodulcitol (DBD, Mitolactol, NSC-104800) has been developed that will completely resolve the compound from its degradation products. A 5 μm octadecylsilane analytical column was used in conjunction with a refractive index detector, with a mobile phase of 98:2 water/methanol. The limit of DBD detection was determined to be 250 ng (5 μg/ml) with a signal to noise ratio of 2:1. Intraday variation of the method, as percent relative standard deviation, was 4.37% (12.5 μg/ml) and 0.973% (250 μg/ml), and interday variation was 3.93% (250 μg/ml). Comparison with potentiometric titration of bromide after digestion of DBD with NaOH indicated that the method was more sensitive and specific than titration. The method has been used in tablet content analysis, as well as degradation studies of DBD in solution.
Defect-mediated creep of structured materials

Low-stress creep measurements on a nematic liquid crystal polymer indicate that it is a viscoelastic solid, with a modulus of 100dynes/cm2 and a yield stress of 50dynes/cm2. Both smectics and nematics are viscoelastic solids at very low stress levels, with a modulus that is related to their defect texture. At stress levels somewhat above the yield stress, there is a yielding regime where the deformation rate and defect spacing are power laws in the applied stress. We understand these power laws using the ideas developed long ago by Orowan for the motion of line defects in crystalline solids. The exponents of these power laws are different for nematics and smectics, but the nematic universality class also appears to apply to superplastic metals and ceramics.