cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
X-ray diffraction diagnostic design for the National Ignition Facility

This paper describes the design considerations for Target Diffraction In-Situ (TARDIS), an x-ray diffraction diagnostic at the National Ignition Facility. A crystal sample is ramp-compressed to peak pressures between 10 and 30 Mbar and, during a pressure hold period, is probed with quasi-monochromatic x-rays emanating from a backlighter source foil. The crystal spectrography diffraction lines are recorded onto image plates. The crystal sample, filter, and image plates are packaged into one assembly, allowing for accurate and repeatable target to image plate registration. Unconverted laser light impinges upon the device, generating debris, the effects of which have been mitigated. Dimpled blast shields, high strength steel alloy, and high-z tungsten are used to shield and protect the image plates. A tapered opening was designed to provide adequate thickness of shielding materials without blocking the drive beams or x-ray source from reaching the crystal target. The high strength steel unit serves as a mount for the crystal target and x-ray source foil. A tungsten body contains the imaging components. Inside this sub-assembly, there are three image plates: a 160 degree field of view curved plate directly opposite the target opening and two flat plates for the top and bottom. A polycarbonate frame, coated with the appropriate filter material and embedded with registration features for image plate location, is inserted into the diagnostic body. The target assembly is metrologized and then the diagnostic assembly is attached.
Stability for impulsive differential systems in terms of two measures

Stability properties of impulsive differential systems are investigated using two different measures and employing piecewise continuous Lyapunov functions.
Human cortical neurons in epileptogenic foci: comparison of inter-ictal firing patterns to those of "epileptic" neurons in animals.

Abstract 1. 1. Extracellular recordings of the spontaneous firing patterns of cortical neurons were obtained in patients undergoing craniotomy for the surgical excision of an epileptogenic focus. 2. 2. Because many kinds of experimental “epileptic” foci in animals exhibit cells with high frequency (200–500/sec) bursts of action potentials, lasting 5–50 msec and recurring many times per second, we explored the electrocorticographically defined epileptogenic focus in humans in search of bursting firing patterns. 3. 3. In addition to normal firing patterns, many cells near the focus exhibited “epileptic” bursting firing patterns. Sometimes, normal and bursting cells could be recorded simultaneously, indicating that cells in proximity to one another are not uniform in such firing properties. 4. 4. Such high frequency bursts are not typically the result of artifact such as micro-electrode pressure upon a cell, or heartbeat or respiratory movements of the cortex. Most bursting cells were obtained under operating conditions involving local anesthesia, but similar results were seen under general anesthesia. 5. 5. Bursts were not necessarily synchronized with the EEG sharp waves, nor with bursts from other simultaneously recorded neurons. 6. 6. Attempts were made to modify the burst patterns by arousing a sleeping patient and by electrical stimulation of the adjacent cortical surface. While some modifications in the rate of recurrence of the bursts could be obtained, the timing patterns of the first few spikes within a burst did not change readily. 7. 7. High frequency tonic firing was also seen. Some such activity could be observed to undergo spontaneous changes from silence to high frequency tonic firing and then to bursts. 8. 8. Within a burst, the timing of spikes may be very repeatable (stereotyped bursts) in some cases. In a few cases, the structured bursts reported in chronic monkey foci have been observed, where there seems to be a characteristic pause in the firing after the first one or two spikes and then a resumption of high frequency firing in a manner identical to the stereotyped bursts. These structured timing patterns have been considered a clue towards the identification of primarily dysfunctional epileptic neurons (in contrast to normal cells recruited into bursting firing patterns by an abnormally large synaptic input). 9. 9. We would conclude that there is a good correspondence between the chronic alumina “epileptic” foci in animals and the human disease, insofar as the inter-ictal firing patterns of neurons near the focus is concerned.
Counting Failure Events for a Support System

An initiating event is a departure from a desired operational envelope to a system state where a control response is required either by human or machine intervention. In the case of a support system such as a cooling water or electrical distribution system, failure of this system represents the departure from normal operating conditions. Initiating event frequencies for probabilistic risk assessments are generally based on data collection. For rare, but potentially high consequence initiators representing the failure of support systems, this approach has a number of shortcomings. For example, since events are rare, there may not be any complete system failure events in the available data sets. Consequently, there is a desire to model system failures of initiating events since component-level failure events in the support systems are more frequent. Therefore, what is needed is a suitable method for calculating the initiating event frequency (expected number of system failures over some operating mission) from the relatively well known component failure rates. In this paper, we explore ways to develop and quantify models that represent the rates of failures for support systems. These failures of repairable systems can be represented by focusing on observables. Specifically, we can either count the number of failures in time t or count the times of failure. As part of the analysis, we will describe and evaluate a couple of typical redundant support systems. Included in the analysis will be considerations of dependent failure mechanisms.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Multiscale Modeling of Large Deformation Processes in Polycrystalline Metals

A mesoscale model for predicting the evolution of the grain structure and the mechanical response of polycrystalline aggregates subject to large deformations, such as arise in bulk metal forming processes, is presented. The gain structures modeled are either experimentally observed or are computer generated and statistically similar to experimentally observed grain structures. In order to capture the inhomogeneous deformations and the resulting grain structure characteristics, a discretized model at the mesoscale is used. This work focuses on Al-Mg-Si alloys. Scale bridging is used to link to the macroscale. Examples involving two-dimensional grain structures and current work on three-dimensional grain structures are presented. The present work provides a framework to model the mesoscopic behavior and interactions between grains during finite strains. The mesoscale is characterized by a statistically representative voluem element (RVE), which contains the grains of a polycrystal. Experimentally observed grain structures are used both as models directly (for two-dimensional cases) and to define statistical characteristics to verify the similarity of computer generated grain structures (for three-dimensional cases). A Monte Carlo method based on the Potts model is used to define three-dimensional grain structures. In order to make the representative grain structure appropriate for scale-bridging, we design them with periodicity. A three-field, updated Lagrangian finite element formulation with a kinematic split of the deformation gradient into volume preserving and volumetric parts is used to create a stable finite element method in the context of nearly incompressible behavior. A fully implicit two-level backward Euler integration scheme is derived for integrating the constitutive equations, and consistent linearization is used in Newton’s method to solve the resulting equations. In addition, the average of the boundary conditions and bulk response must match the macroscopically measured bulk response. To illustrate and verify the proposed model, we analyze examples involving two-dimensional grain structures and compare with results from a Taylor model. Current work on three-dimensional grain structures ara also presented.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Prefrontal D1 and ventral hippocampal N-methyl-D-aspartate regulation of startle gating in rats.

Abstract Background: Sensorimotor gating, as measured by prepulse inhibition of the startle reflex, is deficient in schizophrenia patients, and in rats after specific manipulations of limbic cortico–striato–pallido–thalamic circuitry. For example, prepulse inhibition in rats is disrupted after D1 blockade in the medial prefrontal cortex, and after N -methyl- d -aspartate infusion into the ventral hippocampus. In the present study, we examined whether these two substrates form part of an integrated circuit regulating sensorimotor gating, which might contribute to the loss of prepulse inhibition in patient populations. Methods: Prepulse inhibition was assessed in male Sprague–Dawley rats after systemic or intra-medial prefrontal cortex administration of the D1 antagonist, SCH 23390. Separate rats received intra-medial prefrontal cortex infusion of the retrograde transported label Fluoro-Gold. In rats with sham or electrolytic lesions of the medial prefrontal cortex, prepulse inhibition was tested after infusion of N -methyl- d -aspartate or vehicle into ventral hippocampus regions that were determined to send projections to the medial prefrontal cortex. Results: Prepulse inhibition was disrupted after systemic SCH 23390 treatment and after infusion of SCH 23390 into medial prefrontal cortex sites within the prelimbic and cingulate cortices. Fluoro-Gold infusion into these medial prefrontal cortex sites labeled cells in the ventral hippocampus complex, including regions CA1 and entorhinal cortex. N -methyl- d -aspartate infusions into these ventral hippocampus regions disrupted prepulse inhibition in rats after sham but not electrolytic lesions of the medial prefrontal cortex. Conclusions: Prepulse inhibition appears to be regulated by interacting substrates within the ventral hippocampus and MPFC. Specifically, NMDA activation of the ventral hippocampus appears to disrupt prepulse inhibition in a manner that is dependent on the integrity of infralimbic or cingulate cortical regions that also support a D1-mediated regulation of prepulse inhibition. Conceivably, dysfunction within these hippocampal-frontal circuits may contribute to sensorimotor gating deficits in schizophrenia.
Characterization and testing of the Caltrans Seismic Response Modification Device Test System

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has recently commissioned a Seismic Response Modification Device (SRMD) Test System, housed in the Department of Structural Engineering at the University of California, San Diego. This facility is being used to test and characterize various isolation bearings, dampers and lock–up devices scheduled for use in the seismic retrofits of several large California bridges. This state–of–the–art, six–degree–of–freedom seismic testing system incorporates many new concepts in earthquake simulation system design. The results of the initial shake–down characterization testing are presented, a model to predict the machine's inertial and frictional characteristics is developed, and the initial testing results of some SRMD isolation bearing specimens are presented.
Constrained OWA aggregation

Abstract The ordered weighted averaging operators are introduced and some of their properties described. Attention is then focused on the problem of maximizing an OWA aggregation of a group of variables that are interrelated and constrained by a collection of linear inequalities. It is shown how this problem can be modeled as an integer linear programming problem. An evaluation procedure for linguistically quantified propositions using OWA operators is described. Use is made of this procedure to provide a solution to fuzzy linear programming problems in which some linguistically proscribed number of the goals must be satisfied.
The interaural intensity difference as a diagnostic indicator.

A simple sound Iateralization task, based on interaural intensity differences, has been developed as a tool for diagnosing central auditory disorders. Simultaneous white noise bursts are presented di-chotically at an equal sensation level. The intensity is then raised in 1 dB steps in the test ear until the sound image is located at that ear. The non-verbal motor response can be carried out by children or by adults with language impairment. Patients who have only peripheral hearing problems respond the same as normal listeners whereas a large percentage of patients with cerebral disease or trauma give abnormal results for the ear contralateral to the lesion.
Living arrangements of widows in the United States and Israel, 1960 and 1961.

One of the neglected areas in the study of the social structure of the family is that of widowhood, the last stage in the family life cycle. A study of living arrangements of the widowed provides an opportunity to examine the kinship solidarity of a society and to point up in bold relief the influence of a variety of factors that contribute to the residential patterns of the widowed. The data in this study were drawn from the 1960 Census of the United States and the 1961 Census of Israel, the latest which offer comparable data. Five ethnic-religious groups are examined in Israel and eight in the United States. Goode and others have stated that family modernization is a universal trend, and this is borne out by the results of this study. The small family system shows that age and children ever born are the most important predictors of living alone among the widowed in both countries. Otherwise, among the 13 ethnic-religious and ethnicracial groups there is a general similarity of the importance of the variables in the total prediction scheme.
Spin of an almost-axial, almost-symmetric, torque-free gyrostat near an osculation condition

Some spacecraft can be modeled as torque-free spinning gyrostats, and in practice these often are designed as nominally symmetric about a principal axis with an internal angular momentum aligned with the same axis. As actually constructed, they are almost-symmetric, almost-aligned. A general solution for the polhodes is known as a computational algorithm, though not as a literal expression. The general solution does not simplify in the slightly off-nominal case. This paper develops an accurate literal expression for polhodes sufficiently close to an osculation points in the latter case. Errors in the endcap solutions are of the order of I % for the end-cap in the several test problems examined.
Behavioral conflict, anterior cingulate cortex, and experiment duration: Implications of diverging data

We investigated the relationship between behavioral measures of conflict and the degree of activity in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). We reanalyzed an existing data set that employed the Stroop task using functional magnetic resonance imaging [Milham et al., Brain Cogn 2002;49:277–296]. Although we found no changes in the behavioral measures of conflict from the first to the second half of task performance, we found a reliable reduction in the activity of the anterior cingulate cortex. This result suggests the lack of a strong relationship between behavioral measurements of conflict and anterior cingulate activity. A concomitant increase in dorsolateral prefrontal cortex activity was also found, which may reflect a tradeoff in the neural substrates involved in supporting conflict resolution, detection, or monitoring processes. A second analysis of the data revealed that the duration of an experiment can dramatically affect interpretations of the results, including the roles in which particular regions are thought to play in cognition. These results are discussed in relation to current conceptions of ACC's role in attentional control. In addition, we discuss the implication of our results with current conceptions of conflict and of its instantiation in the brain. Hum. Brain Mapping 21:96–105, 2004. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Solvent Dependant Optical Switching in Carbazole-Based Fluorescent Nanoparticles

Suitably susbtituted ethynylphenyl carbazoles (PBM and PPM) form stable fluorescent organic nanoparticles. The emission of the nanoparticles can be reversibly switched on/off in the blue-green and orange-red regions by a change in the ratio of the tetrahydrofuran/water system used in their preparation. The size of the nanoparticles was found to be dependent on the solvent ratio, and the emissions were significantly red-shifted compared to those of dilute solutions of PBM and PPM in tetrahydrofuran. This is attributed to the formation of intermolecular charge transfer complexes in the nanoparticle state. The application of the nanoparticles as a chemical vapor sensor has been suggested.
Assessing Variability in the Impacts of Heat on Health Outcomes in New York City Over Time, Season, and Heat-Wave Duration

While the impacts of heat upon mortality and morbidity have been frequently studied, few studies have examined the relationship between heat, morbidity, and mortality across the same events. This research assesses the relationship between heat events and morbidity and mortality in New York City for the period 1991–2004. Heat events are defined based on oppressive weather types as determined by the Spatial Synoptic Classification. Morbidity data include hospitalizations for heat-related, respiratory, and cardiovascular causes; mortality data include these subsets as well as all-cause totals. Distributed-lag models assess the relationship between heat and health outcome for a cumulative 15-day period following exposure. To further refine analysis, subset analyses assess the differences between early- and late-season events, shorter and longer events, and earlier and later years. The strongest heat–health relationships occur with all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, and heat-related hospital admissions. The impacts of heat are greater during longer heat events and during the middle of summer, when increased mortality is still statistically significant after accounting for mortality displacement. Early-season heat waves have increases in mortality that appear to be largely short-term displacement. The impacts of heat on mortality have decreased over time. Heat-related hospital admissions have increased during this time, especially during the earlier days of heat events. Given the trends observed, it suggests that a greater awareness of heat hazards may have led to increased short-term hospitalizations with a commensurate decrease in mortality.
Potentiometric carbon dioxide sensor based on thin Li3PO4 electrolyte and Li2CO3 sensing electrode

Potentiometric CO2 gas sensors with thin-film lithium phosphate (Li3PO4) electrolytes were developed by using radio frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering. Li2CO3 and a mixture of Li2TiO3 and TiO2 were used as sensing and reference electrodes, respectively. By using the RF sputtering deposition process, we obtained a dense, crystalline, thin-film Li3PO4 electrolyte with good adhesion on the Al2O3 substrate. The thin-film Li3PO4 electrolyte had good ionic conductivity, i.e., 2.15 × 10−6 S cm−1 at 500 °C, and its activation energy was 0.97 eV. The thin-film Li3PO4 electrolyte was suitable for the miniaturization of potentiometric CO2 sensors. The thin-film potentiometric CO2 sensor provided relatively good sensing response for overall CO2 concentrations (500 to 3,000 ppm and 5 to 20 %) at 500 °C. The Nernstian slope of 78.2 mV/decade obtained for CO2 concentrations from 5 to 20 % at 500 °C was close to the theoretical value (76.6 mV/decade). Although the sensor’s reading deviated from the theoretical value at low CO2 concentrations (500 to 3,000 ppm), the sensor provided better sensing performance than a potentiometric CO2 sensor with a thick electrolyte. As a result, it was assumed that the thin-film sensor could be used to monitor the overall concentration of CO2 in the environment.
Using a gestalt to measure the quality of in vitro responses

Abstract Overall “quality” of in vitro responses can sometimes be difficult to assess using measured response variables (e.g., shoot number and height, and callus fresh weight). Gestalt Theory is the idea that the whole is perceived to be greater than the sum of the individual parts. To determine if a gestalt assessment could be used to assess quality of in vitro responses two plant tissue culture systems were examined—Brugmansia x candida shoot multiplication and sweet orange nonembryogenic callus growth. The gestalt assessment of each system was compared to measured responses—shoot number, leaf length and width for Brugmansia x candida, and fresh weight accumulation for citrus. The gestalt analysis modeled as precisely as the measured response variables for both in vitro systems while satisfying the statistical assumptions necessary for a valid analysis. We concluded that the gestalt response is a valid response as it was indistinguishable, in terms of statistical quality, from the measured responses.
Laser-flash photography of laser-induced spallation in liquid media.

Laser-flash photography was used to document the onset of cavitation bubbles induced in liquid media by Q-switched laser pulses. Such bubbles are hypothesized to indicate the 'breakage of water' by negative stress caused by the inverting reflectance of a laser-induced propagating stress wave at the air/liquid interface. Absorption of the pulsed laser by the liquid caused thermoelastic expansion which generated the initial stress distribution. These liquid phantom experiments model the situation for tissues where such 'breakage' of the tissue structure can contribute to the process of tissue removal by the phenomenon called 'spallation'. The threshold dosimetry for cavitation and explosive vaporization were determined. The threshold negative stress for onset of water cavitation under the dynamic stress conditions induced by approximately 140-ns laser pulses is approximately -8 bars.
Effect of pitavastatin on serum high-molecular weight (HMW) adiponectin to total adiponectin ratio in type 2 diabetic patients

Abstract Aim To investigate the effect of pitavastatin on the ratio of serum high-molecular weight (HMW) adiponectin to total adiponectin. Methods Twenty-four type 2 diabetic patients with hypercholesterolemia were studied before and 12 weeks after pitavastatin treatment (2 mg/day). Results Treatment with pitavastatin significantly increased the ratio of serum HMW adiponectin to total adiponectin. Conclusions This data showed the pleiotropic effect of pitavastatin on the serum active form of adiponectin.
Long-Range Transmission of Structural Instability due to the FHC Mutation E180G in Coiled-Coil Tm is inhibited by an Interchain Disulfide Bond

Previously we showed that the familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (FHC) mutation in Tm, E180G, increased the trypsin cleavage rate at R133 and introduced another cleavage site with a similar rate at K233 (Ly & Lehrer, 2012). To understand how this mutation can produce this dynamically unstable hot spot 53 residues away, we introduced a disulfide crosslink (XL) at C190 and studied its effect on limited trypsin digestion using MALDI MS and N-terminal sequencing.Trypsin digestions at 26° of native disulfide crosslinked (XL) ααTm, FHC mutant D175N and WT, produced a XL heterodimer intermediate for all, containing one cleaved chain at R133, XL to the full length chain (134-284/1-284) (50 kDa) as well as the doubly cleaved XL homodimer (134-284/134-284) (35 kDa). For XL E180G, however, another intermediate was also present (169-284/1-284) (46 kDa). For native XL ααTm, the cleavage site at K168 was only observed at 40° where the middle of Tm is unfolded. In contrast to uncrosslinked E180G, where cleavage occurred at residue 233, no cleavage was observed at residue 233 for crosslinked E180G.These results show: 1) that in addition to the increased destabilization near R133 due to the Glu to Gly change at residue 180 in XL E180G, further destabilization occurs in the region near residue 168; 2) the long-range destabilization near residue K233 caused by the E180G FHC mutation is inhibited by the intervening XL. This suggests that interchain dynamics is involved in propagating the local perturbation at 180G due to the mutation to the K233 region.Supported by NIH HL 91162.
An example for frictional slip progressing into a contact zone of a crack

Abstract We consider a crack in a linearly varying field of normal stress that is kept constant, and apply shearing tractions that increase with time. This leads eventually to slip progressing into the closed part of the crack. If the crack lies entirely in the compressive part of the normal stress field, the problem can be solved in closed form, and it is easy to get results also for shearing tractions that start to decrease and eventually lead to backslip.
Testing the Boundaries of Marginality: Twentieth-Century Slavery and Emancipation Struggles in Nkanu, Northern Igboland, 1920–29

In 1914 the Enugu Government Colliery and the construction of its railway link to the Biafran coast used slave-owning chiefs as labor recruiters. Although aware of slavery in the Nkanu clan area the state simply outlawed the slave trade and excessive treatment but left it to slaves to secure their 'freedom'. Nkanu slavery was unusually pervasive, incorporating over half of some villages, with few opportunities for manumission or marriage to the freeborn. Severe ritualistic proscriptions excluded slave men from village politics. But forced labor destabilized slavery, causing unrest which reached crisis proportions in the fall of 1922. The revolt presents a unique opportunity for historical study of the goals, ideology and strategies of indigenous slave populations creating 'freedom' within the emergent colonial order. When owners demanded slaves' wages, the slaves resisted and demanded full social and political equality with the freeborn. Slaves who remained in the village struggled to provision Enugu's urban working class. For both slavery hindered opportunities in the colonial economy. In retaliation owners evicted slave families, increased their labor requirements and unleashed a reign of terror, abduction and sacrifice of slave women and children. By the fall of 1922 local government collapsed forcing the state to develop a policy on emancipation. It is significant that this struggle converted the slaves from a scattered subordinate group of patrilineages to an aggressive and cohesive community.
Differential regulation of luteinizing hormone release by gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor subtypes in the arcuate-ventromedial region of the castrated ram.

We investigated the effects on LH secretion of infusing gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) agonists muscimol and baclofen (GABAA and GABAB receptor agonists, respectively) into either the medial preoptic area (mPOA) or the arcuate-ventromedial region (ARC-VMR) of the hypothalamus of castrated rams during the nonbreeding season. Bilateral microdialysis of artificial cerebrospinal fluid for 4 h followed by treatment with artificial cerebrospinal fluid, baclofen (1 mM), or muscimol (1 mM in the ARC-VMR, 250 microM in the mPOA) for 4 h was carried out on three separate occasions in random order. Simultaneously, jugular venous blood was collected at 10-min intervals, and plasma later was assayed for LH. The estimated dose of baclofen delivered to each unilateral microdialysis site was 7.9 micrograms; for muscimol, it was 1.1 micrograms for the mPOA and 4.5 micrograms for the ARC-VMR. In the mPOA, baclofen had no detectable effect, whereas muscimol had a delayed suppressive effect on mean LH (P < 0.01). In the ARC-...
Personality differences of offenders and nonoffenders.

Discriminant analysis was used to isolate the similarities and differences between offenders and nonoffenders. 114 public offenders and 152 college students were administered the Thorndike Dimensions of Temperament. One discriminant function (p < .0001) was obtained. The weights indicated that the responsible, sociable, accepting, ascendant and tough-minded dimensions separated the two groups.
Soil organic carbon sequestration and agricultural greenhouse gas emissions in the southeastern USA

Agriculture in the southeastern USA can be highly productive (i.e., high photosynthetic fixation of atmospheric CO2) due to warm-moist climatic conditions. However, its impacts on greenhouse gas emissions and mitigation potential have not been thoroughly characterized. This paper is a review and synthesis of literature pertaining to soil organic C (SOC) sequestration and greenhouse gas emissions from agricultural activities in the southeastern USA. Conservation tillage is an effective strategy to regain some of the SOC lost following decades, and in some areas centuries, of intensive soil tillage and erosion. With conventional tillage (CT) as a baseline, SOC sequestration with no tillage (NT) was 0.42 � 0.46 Mg ha � 1 year � 1 (10 � 5 years). Combining cover cropping with NT enhanced SOC sequestration (0.53 � 0.45 Mg ha � 1 year � 1 ) compared with NT and no cover cropping (0.28 � 0.44 Mg ha � 1 year � 1 ). By increasing cropping system complexity, SOC could be increased by 0.22 Mg ha � 1 year � 1 , irrespective of tillage management. Taking into account an average C cost of producing and transporting N fertilizer, SOC sequestration could be optimized at 0.24 Mg ha � 1 year � 1 with application of 107 kg N ha � 1 year � 1 on Nresponsive crops, irrespective of tillage management. In longer-term studies (5‐21 years), poultry litter application led to SOC sequestration of 0.72 � 0.67 Mg ha � 1 year � 1 (17 � 15% of C applied). Land that was previously cropped and converted to forages sequestered SOC at a rate of 1.03 � 0.90 Mg ha � 1 year � 1 (15 � 17 years). Limited data suggest animal grazing increases SOC sequestration on upland pastures. By expanding research on SOC sequestration into more diverse pasture and manure application systems and gathering much needed data on methane and nitrous oxide fluxes under almost any agricultural operation in the region, a more complete analysis of greenhouse gas emissions and potential mitigation from agricultural management systems would be possible. This information will be necessary for developing appropriate technological and political solutions to increase agricultural sustainability and combat environmental degradation in the southeastern USA. # 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
All-trans retinoic acid stimulates and maintains neurite outgrowth in nerve growth factor-supported developing chick embryonic sympathetic neurons

In explanted embryonic chick sympathetic neurons, all-trans retinoic acid (RA) as well as nerve growth factor (NGF) were found to be required for neuronal survival and neurite outgrowth at early stages of development (day 6.5-7) in agreement with previous work (Rodriguez-Tebar and Rohrer [1991] Development 112:813-820). The dependence of neurons on all-trans RA for survival diminished at later stages of development. However, all-trans RA was found to be needed at all stages of development in order to maximize neurite outgrowth. Further, removal of all-trans RA from the cultures led to a rapid degeneration of the formed neurites, demonstrating the essentiality of all-trans RA for both the development of neurites, and for the maintenance of existing neurites in cultured embryonic sympathetic neurons. The mechanism whereby all-trans RA exerts its effects on embryonic sympathetic neurons may involve activation of the nuclear retinoic acid and retinoid-X receptor (RAR and RXR) families. The results of Northern blot analyses and/or reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) studies show that embryonic sympathetic ganglia express RAR beta, RAR gamma and RXR gamma mRNAs. RXR gamma mRNA is expressed at highest levels in immature neurons that are not yet responsive to NGF (day 6.5-7) and message levels decline with increasing developmental age. In contrast, RAR beta transcript levels are barely detectable at day 6.5-7, and increase approximately 4-fold in ganglia from embryos at day 8.5-9 and decline thereafter. RT-PCR studies show that RAR gamma mRNA is expressed both early (day 6.5-7) and late (day 15) in ganglionic development. Transcripts for the NGF receptors, p75NGFR and p140trk were also examined. The appearance of a single 2.7 kb p140trk transcript coincides with the time when RAR beta mRNA is maximally expressed, raising the possibility that NGF receptors may be targets of retinoid action. Evidence is also presented that all-trans RA may enhance neurite outgrowth by mechanisms other than simply inducing NGF-responsiveness of neurons.
Estimation of spatially distributed surface energy fluxes using remotely‐sensed data for agricultural fields

Land surface energy fluxes are required in many environmental studies, including hydrology, agronomy and meteorology. Surface energy balance models simulate microscale energy exchange processes between the ground surface and the atmospheric layer near ground level. Spatial variability of energy fluxes limits point measurements to be used for larger areas. Remote sensing provides the basis for spatial mapping of energy fluxes. Remote-sensing-based surface energy flux-mapping was conducted using seven Landsat images from 1997 to 2002 at four contiguous crop fields located in Polk County, northwestern Minnesota. Spatially distributed surface energy fluxes were estimated and mapped at 30 m pixel level from Landsat Thematic Mapper and Enhanced Thematic Mapper images and weather information. Net radiation was determined using the surface energy balance algorithm for land (SEBAL) procedure. Applying the two-source energy balance (TSEB) model, the surface temperature and the latent and sensible heat fluxes were partitioned into vegetation and soil components and estimated at the pixel level. Yield data for wheat and soybean from 1997 to 2002 were mapped and compared with latent heat (evapotranspiration) for four of the fields at pixel level. The spatial distribution and the relation of latent heat flux and Bowen ratio (ratio of sensible heat to latent heat) to crop yield were studied. The root-mean-square error and the mean absolute percentage of error between the observed and predicted energy fluxes were between 7 and 22 W m−2 and 12 and 24% respectively. Results show that latent heat flux and Bowen ratio were correlated (positive and negative) to the yield data. Wheat and soybean yields were predicted using latent heat flux with mean R2 = 0·67 and 0·70 respectively, average residual means of −4·2 bushels/acre and 0·11 bushels/acre respectively, and average residual standard deviations of 16·2 bushels/acre and 16·6 bushels/acre respectively (1 bushel/acre ≈ 0·087 m3 ha−1). The flux estimation procedure from the SEBAL-TSEB model was useful and applicable to agricultural fields. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influences on bureaucratic policy initiatives in the American States

This study develops and tests an empirical model of the influences on bureaucratic policy making in state Medicaid programs. The dependent variable is a measure of administrative social policy initiatives. The model incorporates a number of theoretically relevant independent variables, allowing us to examine some of the most important explanations for bureaucratic behavior. The empirical results demonstrate that interest groups, structural characteristics, and state environmental conditions all affect state policy choices to adopt optional health care services. In contrast, partisan and ideological political factors seem to have little direct impact. These findings give us important insights into the bureaucracy's role in state Medicaid programs. They also emphasize the need for further empirical research on administrative influence in the American social welfare policy process,
Knowledge, trust and recourse: imperfect substitutes as sources of assurance in emerging economies

Uncertainty prevents voluntary interactions, but institutions of trust and/or recourse can substitute for knowledge by making promises relatively credible. Trust and various sources of recourse are imperfect substitutes, however, as demonstrated by consideration of the trade-offs between trust based on repeated dealings, recourse to informal private sanctions such as reputation threats, ostracism sanctions and third-party dispute resolution through formal commercial organizations operating under customary law, and the state's coercive legal system. The problems of knowledge and interest imply that, though not perfect, private sources of trust and recourse are superior in emerging markets to state-provided recourse.
Anti)hydrogen recombination studies in a nested Penning trap

Extremely cold antiprotons, stored in a Penning trap at 4 K, open the way toward the production and study of cold antihydrogen. We have begun experimentally investigating the possibility to recombine cold positrons and antiprotons within nested Penning traps. Trap potentials are adjusted to allow cold trapped protons (and positive helium ions) to pass through cold trapped electrons. Electrons, protons and ions are counted by ejecting them to a cold channel plate and by nondestructive radiofrequency techniques. The effect of the space charge of one trapped species upon another trapped species passing through is clearly observed.
Investigation of Temperature Induced Mechanical Changes in Supported Bilayers by Reconstructed Atomic Force Microscopy Tapping Forces

Membrane mechanics, such as rigidity, adhesion, and fluidity are known to play an important role in the regulation of many biological and cellular processes. These properties can be drastically affected by changes in temperature; increasing temperature can enhance membrane permeability and susceptibility whereas decreasing temperature is known to restrict membrane movement and the intake of essential nutrients. Temperature also plays a key role in determining the phase of a membrane; evidence of nanoscale rearrangement of lipids into raft-like domains has been found at physiological temperatures. Rafts are thought to be a site of importance for signal transduction and membrane protein trafficking. There is even a growing association between rafts and the development of neurodegenerative diseases. Thus, it is evident that temperature has a critical role in the maintenance of membrane biology. In this work, patches of total brain lipid extract bilayer containing 30% exogenous cholesterol were formed in phosphate buffered saline and examined using atomic force microscopy while the temperature was systematically increased from 28-40°C. Tapping mode atomic force microscopy (TMAFM) and scanning probe acceleration microscopy (SPAM) were used to obtain topographical and mechanical information of the sample, respectively. SPAM is relatively new technique that offers the advantage of quickly obtaining mechanical information, while maintaining nanoscale spatial imaging resolution, due to its basis in TMAFM. The principle of SPAM is that the noisy deflection signal is captured during TMAFM imaging and reconstructed to reveal the time-resolved forces between the cantilever tip and the sample surface. These tip/sample forces can be correlated with surface properties such as rigidity and adhesion. With SPAM it is also possible to construct harmonic images, thus providing further insights on subtle surface characteristics.
Smoking cessation training improves provider performance but has limited effect on patient smoking behavior

Original Article Lancaster T, Silagy C, Fowler G. Training health professionals in smoking cessation (Cochrane Review). In: The Cochrane Library, Issues 4, 2004. Chichester, UK: John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Level of Evidence 1a Purpose The aim of this review was to assess the effectiveness of training health care professionals to deliver smoking cessation interventions to their patients. The review assessed both process outcomes (number of patients counseled) and rates of abstinence at 6 months or more after the intervention. Source of Funding External sources of support: NHS Anglia and Oxford Region Research and Development Program, England, UK, NHS Research and Development National Cancer Programme, England, UK; Internal sources of support: Imperial Cancer Research Fund General Practice Research Group, UK Type of Study/Design Systematic review
Fundamentalist Violence and Despair

AbstractLiberals usually misconstrue the recent political movements, worldwide, that have been motivated by fundamentalist religious ideologies. We often dismiss the representatives of these movements both morally and intellectually as fanatic, benighted anachronisms that cling to medieval absolutes. We would be better served, however, if we regard these movements and their representatives in the light of Reinhold Niebuhr's psychology of sin. The purpose of such a construal would not be the cheap, ironical pleasure of accusing fundamentalists of sin, but to provide a more nuanced grasp of their beliefs and behavior, and to open a more promising avenue in our attempts to defuse the furor and mitigate the damage caused by their movements on the national and international stage.
The Yang-Zhang inequality

Yang Lu and Zhang Jinh-Zhong generalized the Neuberg-Pedoe inequality toR n by applying Maclaurin's inequality to a determinant equation. We noticed that a simple proof of an equivalent formula follows from their positive definite matrices alone. The resulting formula also has a simple matrix formulation.
Thermodynamic Treatment of Radio-Tracer Movements across Biological Membranes

The movements of radioactive tracers across living cell membranesare discussed on the basis of thermodynamics of irreversible processes. Krogh9s equation describing the flux of a tracer as a function oftime is derived, and the significance of the "permeability" constant is clarified.
Cardiovascular effects of raloxifene: the arterial and venous systems

Abstract Background Cardiovascular disease caused by atherosclerosis is the largest single killer of women. Prior observational data had suggested that hormone therapy may have cardioprotective effects. Methods Data from clinical trials and basic science studies were evaluated to assess the cardiovascular effects of hormone therapy and selective estrogen replacement modulators. Results Hormone therapy does not appear to lower the risk of cardiovascular events in older postmenopausal women. Selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMS) have been approved for human use; tamoxifen is used for treatment and prevention of breast cancer and raloxifene is used for the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis. Raloxifene is the only SERM being specifically studied for its effects on coronary heart disease events in a prospective, randomized, controlled trial. Conclusions Although raloxifene does increase venous thromboembolic events, there is suggestive data that it may have favorable effects on the arterial systems in women. Only compelling positive data from the Raloxifene Use for The Heart (RUTH) trial will lead to greater use of SERMS to potentially lower the risk of atherosclerotic vascular disease.
Heterogeneity and 5'-terminal structures of the late RNAs of simian virus 40.

Abstract We have investigated the 5′-terminal structures of the late lytic RNAs of simian virus 40 (SV40) by binding the plus strand of small DNA fragments labeled in the 5′-terminal position with 32P to specific regions of cytoplasmic polyadenylated late RNA, extending these “primer” fragments in a 3′ direction with reverse transcriptase, fractionating the extended products on denaturing polyacrylamide gels and performing DNA sequence analyses on the extended products. Extension of a primer bound to the 5′ terminus of the body of 19 S RNA revealed a multiplicity of extended products. RNAs from which these products are derived fall into four classes, the first containing sequences colinear with SV40 DNA and the latter three containing splices which fuse the 5′ terminus of the 19 S body at residue 476 (0.765 map units) to residues 444, 291 and 212, respectively. Of 15 extended products we have analyzed, eight have 3′ termini with the sequence T-A(A). These termini lie at positions 243, 182, 110, 55, and 5189 on the SV40 genome. A number of lines of evidence, including nucleotide sequence analysis of late RNA labeled in vivo and the fact that the principal sequence in SV40 late mRNAs adjacent to capped structures is A-U(U), suggest that the termini at positions 243 and 182 correspond to the 5′ termini of discrete in vivo 19 S RNAs and that stops at the shorter positions may also correspond to the 5′ termini of specific in vivo species of 19 S RNA. An additional extended product was observed with a sequence colinear with SV40 DNA and a 3′ terminus of T-A-A at residue 548 (0.779 map units). It contains sequences complementary to the VP3 but not the VP2 initiation codons of 19 S RNA. For each of the three different gaps we have found in the late 19 S RNAs, as well as four additional gaps we have analyzed in the late 16 S and early 19 S RNAs of SV40, identical di-, tri-or tetranucleotide sequences lie on the ungapped precursor at sites which undergo splicing; these sequences may be involved in determining the specificity of the splicing reaction.
Introgression at differentially aged hybrid zones in red-tailed chipmunks

Hybrid zones allow us to investigate the maintenance and the break down of reproductive isolation; they are a window into the speciation process. Tamias ruficaudus (red-tailed chipmunk) has a roughly ring-like distribution in the Inland Northwest and includes two morphologically well-differentiated subspecies, T. r. ruficaudus (in the eastern portion of its range) and T. r. simulans (in the western portion). These taxa meet at two contact zones: the Lochsa River in Idaho and 200 km to the north, near Whitefish, Montana. The Lochsa Zone is encompassed within the Clearwater River Drainage, which has been proposed as a glacial refugium for many taxa throughout the Pleistocene, whereas the Whitefish Zone was under the Cordilleran ice sheet during the most recent glacial maxima approximately 10,000 years ago. Mitochondrial DNA introgression has been documented at both contact zones, yet the subspecies remain significantly distinct with respect to bacular morphology and no intermediate morphologies have ever been reported. Here, we elucidate differentiation and introgression of the nuclear genome using ten microsatellite loci and compare findings to previously described mitochondrial DNA haplotype distribution and introgression. We found significant substructure in the nuclear data; each subspecies is divided into at least two genetically distinct demes. At the Lochsa contact zone, individuals restricted to the mtDNA zone of introgression form a distinct deme at microsatellite loci whereas in the younger, Whitefish contact zone, there is no hybrid-zone specific group. The genetic distances of the demes within these two subspecies indicate recent northward expansion.
Characteristics of low-bandwidth conversations

Wide area wireless networks will have limited bandwidth. Effective analysis and modeling of these systems requires information that is not appropriately represented by previous high bandwidth traffic studies. This paper describes a data collection effort for gathering low-bandwidth traffic statistics. The connections monitored have similar bandwidth constraints as projected wireless systems. Gross session statistics, which have no counterpart in previous studies, are presented. Application level protocol statistics are also presented and compared to previous high speed studies. Protocol usage distributions are provided to identify potential optimization areas.