cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Exchange biasing of permalloy films by MnxPt1−x: Role of composition and microstructure

The interfacial coupling energy, Δσ for polycrystalline Ni0.8Fe0.2 (100 A)/MnxPt1−x (t A)/SiO2 bilayers, has been determined from wedge samples spanning a MnxPt1−x composition range 0.42<x<0.76 and t∼350 A. Δσ exhibits a sharp peak of 0.1 erg/cm2 at 51% Mn. We compare the magnetic and microstructural properties of two bilayer films, which have the same compositions of permalloy and MnxPt1−x: [Ni0.85Fe0.15(100 A)/Mn0.49Pt0.51(t A)]. In one case (normal structure), the epitaxial permalloy was grown first onto Pt/MgO(001), followed by 170 A of Mn0.49Pt0.51. In the other structure (inverted), a 350 A thick polycrystalline film of Mn0.49Pt0.51 was grown onto a SiO2 substrate, followed by permalloy. The structures exhibited very different exchange bias fields (32 versus 86 Oe) and Δσ values (0.021 versus 0.060 erg/cm2), respectively. Significant differences in texture, grain size, and Mn0.49Pt0.51 layer thickness for the two samples are reported.
Apparent calcium mediation of resistance of an ml-o barley mutant to powdery mildew

Abstract Resistance to Erysiphe graminis f. sp. hordei conditioned by the ml - o gene in barley was inhibited with treatments that were expected to lower the concentration of cytoplasmic, ionized calcium in the host cells. When partially dissected coleoptiles were incubated on 10 m m Ca(NO 3 ) 2 or CaCl 2 , resistance was very high, whereas lowering the exogenous calcium concentration to c . 0.25 m m decreased resistance by 50%. Adding indoleacetic acid to the low levels of calcium enhanced this effect, and resistance was almost totally inhibited. Treatments with the calcium ion chelators, chlortetracycline and anhydrochlortetracycline, also inhibited resistance, whereas treatment with the nonchelating analogue, isochlortetracycline, did not. This inhibition could be overcome by adding calcium to the tetracycline solution. These results lead us to hypothesize that calcium is required for activation of the resistance mechanism and that the ml - o mutation affects calcium regulation in the cell, resulting in an elevated cytosolic calcium ion level in the resistant isoline.
Fragipan Soils Of The Eastern United States

Publisher Summary This chapter presents an overview of the fragipan soil of the Eastern United States. Fragipans are subsoil horizons that are brittle and rigid when moist, that restrict root growth, and that transmit low-tension water more slowly than the overlying horizons. They occur in soils subjected to net downward water movement. Some fragipans have undergone strong eluviation, illuviation, or both. Others occur in soil materials that exhibit only the weak alteration of the parent material. Depth to the fragipan largely determines its influence on plant growth. Soils with shallow fragipans commonly have high water tables that may be a factor in restricting rooting depth. The importance of fragipans to the mechanical manipulation of soils is largely relatable to their slow transmission of low-tension water. In the Comprehensive Soil Classification System, fragipans are diagnostic at the great group level and they are recognized in that category in four soil orders. Fragipans unfavorably influence growth by restricting rooting, either through mechanical impedance or by creating saturated conditions.
Dose-response effects of recombinant bovine somatotropin (Posilac) on growth performance and body composition of two-year-old rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

Two hundred rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss, mean weight 301.5 g) were allotted to four treatments with five replicates in a randomized block design to determine the dose-response effects of recombinant bovine somatotropin (rbST; Posilac) on growth performance and carcass composition. Treatments were sham-injected controls (S), 10 micrograms/g BW of rbST (L), 20 micrograms/g BW of rbST (M), and 30 micrograms/g BW of rbST (H). The tanks held 135 L; water flow = 15.1 L/min; temperature = 15 degrees C. The fish were maintained in a 12-h light:dark cycle and hand-fed twice daily. The fish received a single intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection on d 0 and were weighed on d 0, 14, 28, and 56. On d 56 the fish were killed. The whole body (WBW), eviscerated carcass (EC), viscera (VIS), and reproductive organ weights and the increase in average daily body length (ADL) were determined. Recombinant bST reduced (linear, P .05) by rbST. Recombinant bST was undetectable in serum samples taken on d 56 as determined by radioimmunoassay. Overall, the improved ADG, feed efficiency, body mass, and composition indicate that administration of rbST to rainbow trout may be an efficacious method of modulating growth in fish.
Response of the Li-7-enriched Cs2LiYCl6:Ce (CLYC-7) scintillator to 6–60 MeV neutrons

Abstract We discuss a test campaign designed to irradiate the 7Li-enriched Cs2LiYCl6:Ce3+ (CLYC-7) scintillator with 6–60 MeV neutrons using the cyclotron located at the Crocker Nuclear Laboratory in Davis, CA. CLYC-7 is a newly developed scintillator that exhibits the ability to make good γ-ray measurements and has the ability to detect and discriminate fast neutrons via pulse shape discrimination (PSD) while functioning as a spectrometer. This allows a single detector to make good measurement of both stimuli simultaneously. The response of this scintillation detector has been investigated below 20 MeV [1] but has yet to be explored for energies greater than 20 MeV. Understanding the spectral and pulse shape response across a broad energy range is important for any radiation detection instrumentation capable of detecting multiple species. At the highest energies sampled, the CLYC-7 PSD demonstrated not only the standard electron/proton separation expected in a mixed γ/n field but the ability to discriminate locally produced deuterons, tritons and α particles. We show the results from the four different neutron beam energies sampled during the experiment. Lastly, we present the results obtained for relating the light output equivalence between electrons and protons/deuterons.
Chemical and structural differences between cilia and flagella from the lamellibranch mollusc, Aequipecten irradians

Gill cilia and sperm flagella from the lamellibranch mollusc Aequipecten irradians were isolated by several methods and chemically fractionated by low-ionic-strength dialysis. These organelles differ in their forms of dynein and in the stabilities of their homologous microtubules and subsidiary structures (i.e. nexin fibres and spoke material). In flagella more than 80% of the axoneme ATPase is solubilized, appearing as a 14S peak in the ultracentrifuge, and the whole axoneme is broken down to unlinked, doublet outer fibres. In cilia only half of the ATPase is solubilized from axonemes as a 14S component. The ciliary B-tubules and one member of the central pair also dissolve, leaving the A-tubules and the other central tubule held together by nexin fibres and matrix material as a 9 + 1 singlet axoneme, to which is bound the remaining half of the ATPase. This tightly bound form of the ciliary ATPase can be removed in an enzymically active form by brief trypsin treatment which causes the breakdown of the singlet axoneme. The trypsin-solubilized ATPase behaves like native 14S dynein in the ultracentrifuge but breaks down to polypeptides when electrophoresed in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS). The native 14S material containing the dynein was partially purified by column chromatography and was shown on SDS-polyacrylamide gels to be composed of 2 components. The molecular weights of these as determined by 3% acrylamide SDS-gels are 450000 and 500000, and they are not reduced by prior treatment with 8 M urea. Parallel SDS-gels loaded with identical amounts of ciliary and flagellar axonemes show very nearly identical components; the ratio of the amounts of the 500000 and 450000 mol. wt. components is about 2:1 respectively. The fractionation of ciliary and flagellar axonemes was analysed quantitatively on SDS-gels. Essentially all of the 450000 and 500000 mol. wt. components are found in the soluble fraction from dialysed flagella. The soluble fraction from cilia contains the 2 components in a 1:1 ratio, along with half the axoneme ATPase, while the singlet axoneme fraction contains the remainder of the 500000 material and the remaining half of the ATPase. On this basis it is believed that the 500000 component is the dynein ATPase, while the 450000 material represents a non-ATPase protein. The chemical and structural differences between cilia and flagella may offer an explanation for their different modes of beat.
Academic Background and Course Involvement as Predictors of Exam Performance

We examined how academic background and course involvement differentially predicted students' performance on lecture- and text-based exam questions (N = 114; 34% men; 76% freshmen). Results showed that academic background and course involvement predicted performance on lecture-based questions and overall exam performance, whereas academic background variables alone predicted performance on text-based questions. We discuss the pedagogical implications of the findings on course and test design.
Effects of two sources of uncertainty in decision making.

The effects of variation in the stimulus and response uncertainty of a decision task on the decision maker's subjective uncertainty, amount of information search, and information processing were examined. Results indicated that: (a) information search tended to continue until one bit of stimulus and/or response uncertainty remained, independent of the level of initial uncertainty; (b) the higher the stimulus uncertainty of the decision task, the faster S began seeking information; and (c) subjective uncertainty increased with both stimulus and response uncertainty. Unfortunately, the data precluded adequate examination of the possible relationship between subjective uncertainty and search behavior, but the latency of search was negatively correlated with the magnitude of subjective uncertainty across Ss, suggesting that a more extensive examination of the motivational effects of subjective uncertainty would be of value.
Progressive Myoclonic Epilepsies

The progressive myoclonic epilepsies are a rare but extremely debilitating group of disorders that are difficult to diagnose and even harder to treat. They represent a heterogeneous subgroup of those with secondary generalized epilepsy. Efficacy of treatment is often measured in terms of slowing a patient's inevitable decline. Reviewed here are the classification of progressive myoclonic epilepsies, features of myoclonic seizures, the five most prevalent progressive myoclonic epilepsy syndromes-Unverricht-Lundborg disease, myoclonus epilepsy with ragged red fibers (MERRF) mitochondrial disease, Lafora's disease, neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses, and sialidoses-and current treatment options.
Dissipative quantum tunneling of a single defect in a disordered metal

We have studied the dynamics of single bistable defects in submicron disordered Bi wires at temperatures 0.1--2 K. The wires are sufficiently small so that the motion of a single defect can be detected as a random telegraph signal in the resistance time trace. The amplitude of the resistance jumps increases as the temperature is lowered due to the physics of universal conductance fluctuations. The defect transitions obey Poisson statistics and detailed balance, indicating that the defect is a two-state system. We interpret the signal as arising from incoherent tunneling of an atom or group of atoms between the two wells of a double-well potential. The temperature dependence of the tunneling rates agrees quantitatively with the predictions of dissipative quantum tunneling theory, which describes tunneling of a defect in the presence of strong dissipation from the electron bath. Our measurements exploit the previous discovery that the energy asymmetry \ensuremath{\varepsilon} of the defect varies with magnetic field. By varying both the temperature and magnetic field, we can probe the behavior of the tunneling rates spanning two very different regimes, from kT\ensuremath{\ll}\ensuremath{\varepsilon} to kT\ensuremath{\gg}\ensuremath{\varepsilon}. Data from a single defect at several values of magnetic field suggest that the defect-bath coupling constant \ensuremath{\alpha} and the renormalized tunneling matrix element ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Delta}}}_{\mathit{r}}$ are nearly independent of magnetic field. \textcopyright{} 1996 The American Physical Society.
Intramolecular interactions between the Dbl homology (DH) domain and the carboxyl-terminal region of myosin II-interacting guanine nucleotide exchange factor (MyoGEF) act as an autoinhibitory mechanism for the regulation of MyoGEF functions.

We have reported previously that nonmuscle myosin II-interacting guanine nucleotide exchange factor (MyoGEF) plays an important role in the regulation of cell migration and cytokinesis. Like many other guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs), MyoGEF contains a Dbl homology (DH) domain and a pleckstrin homology domain. In this study, we provide evidence demonstrating that intramolecular interactions between the DH domain (residues 162–351) and the carboxyl-terminal region (501–790) of MyoGEF can inhibit MyoGEF functions. In vitro and in vivo pulldown assays showed that the carboxyl-terminal region (residues 501–790) of MyoGEF could interact with the DH domain but not with the pleckstrin homology domain. Expression of a MyoGEF carboxyl-terminal fragment (residues 501–790) decreased RhoA activation and suppressed actin filament formation in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. Additionally, Matrigel invasion assays showed that exogenous expression of the MyoGEF carboxyl-terminal region decreased the invasion activity of MDA-MB-231 cells. Moreover, coimmunoprecipitation assays showed that phosphorylation of the MyoGEF carboxyl-terminal region by aurora B kinase interfered with the intramolecular interactions of MyoGEF. Furthermore, expression of the MyoGEF carboxyl-terminal region interfered with RhoA localization during cytokinesis and led to an increase in multinucleation. Together, our findings suggest that binding of the carboxyl-terminal region of MyoGEF to its DH domain acts as an autoinhibitory mechanism for the regulation of MyoGEF activation.
Uniqueness of the concentrated-load problem in the linear theory of couple-stress elasticity

It is pointed out that there exist at least two different solutions of the problem of concentrated loads in the two-dimensional, linear couple-stress theory when the formulation is based on the usual uniqueness theorem. An extension of this uniqueness theorem is proved. A set of conditions sufficient for uniqueness is found and is used in a formulation of the concentrated load problem which results in a unique solution. The significant new condition is that the order of the stress singularity is limited to O(r−1), where r is the distance from the concentrated load.
Application of bacterial artificial chromosome array-based comparative genomic hybridization and spectral karyotyping to the analysis of glioblastoma multiforme

Identification of genetic losses and gains is valuable in analysis of brain tumors. Locus-by-locus analyses have revealed correlations between prognosis and response to chemotherapy and loss or gain of specific genes and loci. These approaches are labor intensive and do not provide a global view of the genetic changes within the tumor cells. Bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) arrays, which cover the genome with an average resolution of less than 1 MbP, allow defining the sum total of these genetic changes in a single comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) experiment. These changes are directly overlaid on the human genome sequence, thus providing the extent of the amplification or deletion, reflected by a megabase position, and gene content of the abnormal region. Although this array-based CGH approach (CGHa) seems to detect the extent of the genetic changes in tumors reliably, it has not been robustly tested. We compared genetic changes in four newly derived, early-passage glioma cell lines, using spectral karyotyping (SKY) and CGHa. Chromosome changes seen in cell lines under SKY analysis were also detected with CGHa. In addition, CGHa detected cryptic genetic gains and losses and resolved the nature of subtle marker chromosomes that could not be resolved with SKY, thus providing distinct advantages over previous technologies. There was remarkable general concordance between the CGHa results comparing the cell lines to the original tumor, except that the magnitude of the changes seen in the tumor sample was generally suppressed compared with the cell lines, a consequence of normal cells contaminating the tumor sample. CGHa revealed changes in cell lines that were not present in the original tumors and vice versa, even when analyzed at the earliest passage possible, which highlights the adaptation of the cells to in vitro culture. CGHa proved to be highly accurate and efficient for identifying genetic changes in tumor cells. This approach can accurately identify subtle, novel genetic abnormalities in tumors directly linked to the human genome sequence. CGHa far surpasses the resolution and information provided by conventional metaphase CGH, without relying on in vitro culture of tumors for metaphase spreads.
Molecular Mechanism for the Interaction of Phospholipid with Cholesterol

PREVIOUS models1–3 for the interaction of phospholipid with cholesterol have been based on the idea of highly specific one-to-one complexes of these molecules. But on the basis of our interpretation of recent nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)4, electron spin resonance (ESR)5, calorimetric6 and X-ray7 data we propose a model in which steric interaction of the phospholipid hydrocarbon chains with the cholesterol molecule is the dominant feature. The validity of the model does not depend on a stoichiometric ratio, such as one-to-one, although it is consistent with such a ratio. The shape of the cholesterol molecule is such that variations in the length and degree of saturation of the phospholipid hydrocarbon chains can be readily accommodated within a stable bilayer structure.
The rate of strand separation in alkali-treated DNA

Abstract Bacteriophage DNA preparations from T2, λcb+, λcb2b5, α and D3 were subjected to denaturing conditions in strong alkali solutions for brief periods and then neutralized. The time taken for strand separation to occur under these alkaline conditions was measured by detecting the disappearance of the sedimentation boundary corresponding to native DNA. The time required for strand separation increases with the square of the molecular weight of the DNA; the process is complete for T2 DNA in approximately 25 seconds.
Beyond promotion and protection: creators, audiences and common ground in user-generated media

In this paper, we present findings from a qualitative study of producers in a specific creative domain---online digital photography. We used social psychology and linguistic concepts of audience design and common ground to analyze data from interview and observational sessions with 26 individuals. Through this, we identified several recurrent types of intended audiences: intimates (friends and family), photo subjects and event participants, communities of interest, communities of practice, professional contacts and peers, current and potential commercial clients, the generalized audience of "the internet," and the self as audience. We also identified three recurrent audience management practices. We use these findings to discuss the role of shared history and shared interpretive frames in the generation of common ground between creators and audiences. Our findings recast privacy controls and promotion support as subtypes of a broader set of audience management practices, providing new considerations for design of creativity support tools and user-generated media systems.
65.2: Spin‐On Polymers for TFT Gate Dielectric Application and Planarization of Stainless Steel

We present spin-on polymer films with significantly improved dielectric properties for TFT gate dielectric applications. Breakdown voltage//leakage current//CV hysteresis are 4.10 MV/cm at 1 μA/cm2//4.9 × 10−8 A/cm2 at 2.5 MV/cm//3.4 V and 4.73 MV/cm//2.6 × 10−8 A/cm2//0.44V at curing temperatures of 250 °C and 425 °C, respectively. In addition, we present our recent results using spin-on dielectrics to planarize and insulate stainless steel substrates for flexible displays and high resolution QVGA mobile displays.
The effects of radiation on craniofacial skeletal growth: a quantitative study

To determine whether radiation delivered to children treated for head and neck cancer causes deformity, we performed a quantitative analysis for craniofacial asymmetry. A total of 42 patients, with either rhabdomyosarcoma or nasopharyngeal carcinoma, treated between 1980 and 1991, were analyzed. Exclusions included 16 subjects, leaving 26 children of mixed race and gender with a median age at diagnosis of 13 years (range: 2-18) and a median age at follow-up of 4 years (range: 3-37). Data from 14 measurements of the cranium and facial skeleton, for which normative data exist, were recorded. Symmetry of the face and head were determined and each measurement was compared to age specific standards. Deviation occurred in the cranial vault, the anterior and mid-interorbital distances and lateral orbital wall length. Asymmetry existed in the medial and lateral orbital wall lengths and the zygomatic arches. We conclude that, children irradiated for head and neck malignancies, have significant alterations in some skeletal measurements indicative of treatment induced asymmetry and potential deformity.
Laboratory Bioassay for Resistance in Corn to Fall Armyworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and Southwestern Corn Borer (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

Inbred lines of corn, Zea mays L., were evaluated for resistance to leaf feeding by the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith), and southwestern corn borer, Diatraea grandiosella Dyar, in field and laboratory experiments. For the laboratory bioassays, diets were prepared from lyophilized whorl tissue of field grown plants of resistant and susceptible corn inbred lines. To prepare the diets, 11 g lyophilized tissue was stirred into a mixture of 250 ml distilled water, 2 g agar, 12.5 mg gentamicin sulfate, 132 mg sorbic, and 528 mg ascorbic acid that had been heated to 82°C and poured into 30-ml plastic cups. Cups were infested with two neonate larvae each. Fall armyworm larvae reared for 10 d on diets containing tissue of resistant inbred lines weighed 60% less than those reared on diets containing susceptible inbred tissue. Southwestern corn borer larvae reared for 14 d on whorl tissue from resistant inbred lines weighed 50% less than those reared on susceptible tissue. The laboratory bioassay satisfactorily differentiated among resistant and susceptible corn inbreds.
THE PRECIPITIN REACTION BETWEEN TYPE III PNEUMOCOCCUS POLYSACCHARIDE AND HOMOLOGOUS ANTIBODY : II. CONDITIONS FOR QUANTITATIVE PRECIPITATION OF ANTIBODY IN HORSE SERA.

The experiments recorded above show that in the case of antipneumococcus horse serum or purified antibody the arbitrary immunological procedure (37° for 2 hours, overnight in the ice box) does not permit either the establishment of a true equilibrium or the precipitation of the maximum amount of antibody nitrogen. Analyses of such horse sera for antibody content should therefore be carried out at 0° and the determinations should be allowed to stand in the cold for at least 24 hours in order to insure the completion of the reaction. It is believed that the similarity of the nitrogen: S III ratios in the specific precipitate, whether obtained from whole serum or from purified antibody, and the failure of added serum to influence the amount of nitrogen precipitated show that the absolute chemical method for the estimation of antibody actually measures antibody and not antibody plus a more or less indefinite amount of non-specific protein. An objection to the use of the method is thus shown to be unfounded.
Excited-state absorption in ruby, emerald, and MgO: Cr 3 +

Absorption from the metastable $^{2}E$ and $^{2}T_{1}$ states of ${\mathrm{Cr}}^{3+}$ has been measured in ruby with more precision than in previous experiments and in emerald and MgO: ${\mathrm{Cr}}^{3+}$ for the first time. The sharp $^{2}E$, $^{2}T_{1}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}^{2}T_{2}I$ lines are resolved in these three crystals, as well as the $^{2}E\ensuremath{\rightarrow}^{2}A_{1}$ lines in ruby and the $^{2}E\ensuremath{\rightarrow}^{2}A_{2}$ lines in ruby and MgO: ${\mathrm{Cr}}^{3+}$. Three excited-state bands are also seen in each crystal. To confirm the assignments of the observed transitions, the energy matrices are diagonalized, and intensity calculations using the closure approximation are made. In particular, the sharp lines in MgO: ${\mathrm{Cr}}^{3+}$ are found to be from the tetragonal vacancy and pair systems rather than the cubic system. The predicted polarization selection rules are experimentally confirmed and, except for the $^{2}E\ensuremath{\rightarrow}^{2}A_{2}$ transition, the observed intensities are explained well by theory. This anomalous transition is more than an order of magnitude stronger than predicted by theory in all three crystals.
Delivery Options in the Pricing and Hedging of Treasury Bond and Note Futures

An arbitrage-free stochastic term structure model is used here to determine the equilibrium Treasury bond futures price in terms of the option to deliver one of many eligible bonds as well as the appropriate quantity of Treasury bond futures required to hedge the bond identified initially as cheapest to deliver. If interest rates are close to 6%, the rate used to determine Treasury bond futures conversion factors, the proper hedging quantity can differ significantly from a more standard duration-based quantity that ignores the option to switch delivery to a more optimal bond. If interest rates are significantly different from 6%, the option to switch will have little if any value, and hedging quantities that ignore the option to switch will be much more accurate.
The Effects of Instrumental Elliptical Polarization on Stellar Point Spread Function Fine Structure

We present a status report on a study on the effects of instrumental polarization on the fine structure of the stellar point spread function (PSF). These effects are important to understand because the the aberration caused by instrumental polarization on an otherwise diffraction-limited PSF will likely have have severe consequences for extreme high contrast imaging systems such as NASA's proposed Terrestrial Planet Finder (TPF) mission and the proposed NASA Eclipse mission. The report here, describing our efforts to examine these effects, includes two parts: 1) a numerical analysis of the effect of metallic reflection, with some polarization-specific retardation, on a spherical wavefront; 2) an experimental approach for observing this effect, along with a status report on preliminary laboratory results. The numerical analysis indicates that the inclusion of polarization-specific phase effects (retardation) results in a point spread function (PSF) aberration more severe than the amplitude (reflectivity) effects previously recorded in the literature. Preliminary in-lab results are consistent with our numerical predictions.© (2006) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
EEG identification of subgroups of men at risk for alcoholism

Abstract Biological sons of male alcoholics constitute one group at high risk (HR) for the development of alcoholism, and were the subjects of this study. A low dose of alcohol (0.5 g/kg) was administered to HR and control subjects. On the basis of changes in the electroencephalographic (EEG) mean alpha frequency that occured following alcohol administration, two HR subgroups were identified. Measures obtained after alcohol administration, comprising self-ratings and an observer's assessment, distinguished the HR subgroups and control subjects; measures of visuomotor performance did not. The findings are discussed in relation to two current etiological theories bearing on the development of alcoholism: a biopsychological perspective and an initial tolerance for alcohol effects.
Closing the Loop: Nutrient Balances in Organic and Conventional Coffee Agroforests

Agroforests are a primary example of ecologically sustainable agroecosystems due to their efficient use of natural resources and ability to buffer against ecological and socioeconomic stresses. We constructed nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) balances to examine the ecological sustainability of conventional, organic, and unfertilized coffee agroforests. A similar percentage of applied nutrients were recovered in conventional and organic coffee yields. However, nutrient excess (inputs minus outputs) was higher in conventional farms, suggesting they may be more prone to nutrient loss. Nutrient pools were large overall, with unfertilized farms tending to store nutrients aboveground, and fertilized farms belowground. Future research should investigate the fate of excess nutrients to develop specific strategies promoting nutrient optimization in agroforests.
Some finite dimensional integrable systems and their scattering behavior

We consider a class of Hamiltonian systems which posses integrals expressible in terms of the eigenvalues of some associate matrices. Moreover, these systems will be solved explicitly and their scattering behavior investigated using additional associated matrices whose eigenvalues change in time during a flow.
Autoionization in bulk, multilayer, and monolayer Cr.

Angle-resolution techniques in combination with a tunable synchrotron radiation source are used in resonant photoemission from bulk, multilayer, and monolayer Cr. The striking double-peak structure of the resonant 3p..-->..3d transition in bulk Cr is found to turn gradually into a single peak when going to a multilayer and eventually to a monolayer of Cr. The evolution of the double peak into a single peak is also confirmed in electron-energy-loss spectra. The constant-initial-state (CIS) spectra of bulk Cr are strongly angle dependent. This is an indication of a multichannel autoionization process in the neighborhood of the M/sub 2,3/ absorption threshold. We attempt to describe this angle dependence by the empirical Kabachnik-Sazhina two-channel autoionization formula. For describing the two-peak-structure angular dependence in Cr we find the following values for the Fano-profile parameters q and the level widths GAMMA: q/sub 1/ = +0.8, q/sub 2/ = -1.5, GAMMA/sub 1/ = 5 eV, and GAMMA/sub 2/ = 7 eV. The double-peak structure in the Cr M/sub 2,3/ resonant transition is found to disappear in high-energy transmission electron-energy-loss spectroscopy of a Cr/sub 20/Au/sub 80/ alloy. For comparison reasons angle-integrated resonant photoemission studies were also carried out on vanadium for photon energies around the M/sub 2,3/more » binding energy and only a single peak was detected, in agreement with previously published results.« less
Heavy drinking contexts and indices of problem drinking among college students.

Objective: Heavy drinking among college students carries with it the risk of adverse consequences. This study explored the relationship between alcohol-related problems and the social-emotional contexts of drinking in college students. Method: Undergraduate volunteers (N = 139; 61% female; 27% minority) completed an assessment of drinking patterns, the short form of the Inventory of Drinking Situations (IDS-42) and an alcohol problems index. Results: Heavy drinkers drank more, relative to light/moderate drinkers, in five of the eight situations assessed by the IDS-42. Several IDS-42 subscales correlated highly with the number of alcohol-related problems. Subjects identified by their extreme scores on the IDS-42 reported more alcohol problems, greater maximum quantities consumed and more frequent intoxication. Conclusions: The IDS-42 can identify the contexts in which heavy drinking occurs and individuals who are likely to experience alcohol problems.
Optimal Regulation of a Class of Linear Stochastic Systems Relative to Quadratic Criteria

ABSTRACT A method of optimally regulating a class of stochastic linear systems relative to quadratic performance criteria is presented. The class of stochastic systems considered are those whose dynamics are described by an nth order stochastic linear differential equation. The system input is passed through a randomly varying gain. The control function is taken to be unconstrained in magnitude. The stochastic processes treated are increments of Brownian motion and generalized Poisson. A deterministic optimal feedback control is obtained. This control is a function of time, the state vector and the system parameters (both deterministic and stochastic). All results are derived using Bellman's continuous dynamic programming.
Understanding the links between technological opportunism, marketing emphasis and firm performance: Implications for B2B

Abstract The capability of firms to sense and respond to changes in technologies, called technological opportunism, is of growing importance to managers as a source of competitive advantage. However, exactly how technological opportunism impacts firm performance is still not clearly understood. Furthermore, the role of marketing in this relationship, if any, has yet to be examined. Understanding this relationship is critical for marketing managers not only for determining strategic investments of resources but also for demonstrating marketing return on activities. This paper explores the links between technological opportunism and firm performance. The results show that technological opportunism has a strong positive impact on key measures of performance such as firm sales, profits and market value. Importantly, marketing emphasis is the mechanism through which the technological opportunism–performance relationship is achieved. Finally, the impact of marketing emphasis on B2B firms is different than that for B2C firms, highlighting the importance of these activities for B2B marketing managers.
Role of Conformational Dynamics in α-Amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionic Acid (AMPA) Receptor Partial Agonism

We have investigated the range of cleft closure conformational states that the agonist-binding domains of the α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionic acid (AMPA) receptors occupy when bound to a series of willardiine derivatives using single-molecule FRET. These studies show that the agonist-binding domain exhibits varying degrees of dynamics when bound to the different willardiines with differing efficacies. The chlorowillardiine- and nitrowillardiine-bound form of the agonist-binding domain probes a narrower range of cleft closure states relative to the iodowillardiine bound form of the protein, with the antagonist (αS)-α-amino-3-[(4-carboxyphenyl)methyl]-3,4-dihydro-2,4-dioxo-1(2H)-pyrimidinepropanoic acid (UBP-282)-bound form exhibiting the widest range of cleft closure states. Additionally, the average cleft closure follows the order UBP-282 > iodowillardiine > chlorowillardiine > nitrowillardiine-bound forms of agonist-binding domain. These single-molecule FRET data, along with our previously reported data for the glutamate-bound forms of wild type and T686S mutant proteins, show that the mean currents under nondesensitizing conditions can be directly correlated to the fraction of the agonist-binding domains in the "closed" cleft conformation. These results indicate that channel opening in the AMPA receptors is controlled by both the ability of the agonist to induce cleft closure and the dynamics of the agonist-binding domain when bound to the agonist.
Differential pyridine nucleotide coenzyme binding to the β-subunit of the voltage-sensitive K+ channel: a mechanism for redox regulation of excitability?

The pore-forming subunits of the voltage-sensitive K(+) channel (K(v)) associate with ancillary beta-subunits that regulate inactivation and voltage-dependence of the channel. The beta-subunits are members of the aldo-keto reductase (AKR) superfamily. We have previously demonstrated that recombinant K(v)beta2.1 displays tight binding to NADP(H). The protein also binds NAD(H), but with less affinity. To assess the physiological significance of this binding, we examined how pyridine nucleotides regulate the K(v)beta-mediated inactivation of K(+) channels. Transient transfection of COS-7 cells with an pIRES-hrGFP vector containing the Kvalpha1.5 cDNA led to the appearance of the K(v)1.5 protein in the membrane fraction and large non-inactivating potassium currents were recorded from the transfected cells. No such currents were observed in cells transfected with the empty vector alone or with K(v)beta1.3 (AKR6A3), which was localized to the cytoplasm. In contrast, K(v)beta1.3 co-transfected with Kvalpha1.5 was localized to the membrane, suggesting high affinity binding of the two proteins. Moreover, the K currents recorded from cells transfected with both K(v)alpha1.5 and K(v)beta1.3 displayed pronounced inactivation. Inclusion of 1 mM NAD(+) in the internal solution of the patch pipette abolished K(v)beta-induced inactivation of K(v)1.5 currents, but did not affect the non-inactivating currents recorded from cells transfected with K(v)1.5 alone, indicating that in the absence of K(v)beta, NAD(+) does not affect the activity of K(v)alpha. The inactivating currents recorded from cells expressing both K(v)alpha1.5 and K(v)beta1.3 were unaffected by the inclusion of 0.1 mM NADPH in the pipette solution. Together, these data suggest that NADPH and NAD(+) impart different conformational states to the K(v)beta protein and that only the NADPH bound K(v)beta imparts inactivation to non-inactivating K(+) currents. Thus, differential binding of pyridine nucleotide coenzymes to K(v)beta could regulate membrane potential and excitability as a function of the cellular redox state. Because NAD(+)/NADPH ratio is sensitive to oxygen concentration, the differential changes in K(v)beta-mediated inactivation of K currents by NAD(+) and NADPH could represent an oxygen-sensing mechanism.
Comparison of soil fulvic acids using synchronous scan fluorescence spectroscopy, FTIR, titration and metal complexation kinetics

Abstract Fulvic acids isolated from four contrasting forest soil environments (northern coniferous, northern hardwoods, southern coniferous, and southern hardwoods) have been examined using synchronous scan fluorescence spectroscopy (SSFS), FTIR, potentiometric titration, and metal complexation kinetics as a function of metal ion concentration and pH. SSFS methods yielded two distinct emission peaks for fulvic acids, thus providing a more sensitive probe than ordinary fluorescence for the analysis of soluble humic materials. Based on SSFS analysis, calculated Al 3+ binding constants for the different fulvic acids varied by 60% for the high-energy fluorescence site and by 200% for the low-energy fluorescence site. Kinetic fluorescence experiments indicated less than a 10% difference in the observed rate parameters for Al 3+ binding with the four fulvic acids. Average proton dissociation constants for the four fulvic acids varied by a factor of two, but were consistently larger for the hardwood samples and for samples from the southern sites. Likewise, Al 3+ binding constants were larger for the hardwood and southern sample sets. Infrared ATR (attenuated total reflectance) and SSFS results suggested that metal ions like Al 3+ bind to fulvic acid at multiple sites corresponding to salicylic/phthalic acid type moieties as well as lower energy delocalized sites.
Anticonvulsant effect of N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine against kainic acid-induced behavioral seizures in the rat prepiriform cortex

Kainic acid (KA), microinjected unilaterally into the rat prepiriform cortex (PC), produces generalized motor seizures in a dose-dependent manner. The adenosine agonist N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (NECA), when co-injected with KA, protects against seizures in a dose-dependent and highly potent manner: ED50 = 25.6 +/- 2.1 pmol/rat. The seizure-suppressing effects of NECA are completely abolished by co-administration of the adenosine receptor antagonist 8-(p-sulfophenyl)theophylline (8-pSPT), suggesting that adenosine receptor activation underlies the efficacy of NECA against KA seizures. Moreover, dilazep, an effective blocker of adenosine uptake, when co-administered with KA, provides significant protection against seizures. Together, these findings suggest that adenosine receptors may play an important role in the regulation of the inhibitory neuronal circuitry of this paleocortical brain area.
Observed variations of σθ and σΦ in the nocturnal drainage flow in a deep valley

The variations of Σθ and ΣΦ in the drainage flow in the Brush Creek valley of western Colorado are investigated using data from Doppler acoustic sodars and instrumented towers. The data were obtained on two experimental nights during the 1984 ASCOT field study. There is good agreement between the Σ variations derived from low-level observations of the sodars and those derived from the towers located throughout the valley. The observed hourly average Σθ and ΣΦ in the nocturnal drainage flow are about 20 ° to 25 ° and 5 °, respectively; these values are much larger than those generally observed over flat terrain during nighttime stable conditions. After sunrise (about 0600 MST), as the valley warms and the flow direction changes to up-valley, these parameters increase sharply to their peak values at about 0800 MST and then decrease to their normal daytime values after about two hours.
The Politics of Citizenship Policy in Post-Soviet Russia

Russian citizenship policy has evolved in puzzling ways from the 1990s, when all former Soviet citizens were entitled to simplified access to Russian citizenship, to the 2002 citizenship law, which put an abrupt end to this policy, giving few but those born on the territory of Russia the right to citizenship. Since 2002, the right to Russian citizenship has been extended to some additional categories of former Soviet citizens, but without a return to the expansive policy of the 1990s. Drawing on legal and governmental sources and the scholarly literature, this article looks at elite debates over citizenship rules to analyze Russian citizenship politics and policies, focusing on citizenship rules affecting former Soviet citizens. These are examined to uncover the causes of legislative zigzags and ascertain the applicability of existing citizenship theories to Russian realities.
Helix 69 Is Key for Uniformity during Substrate Selection on the Ribosome

Structural studies of ribosome complexes with bound tRNAs and release factors show considerable contacts between these factors and helix 69 (H69) of 23 S rRNA. Although biochemical and genetic studies have provided some general insights into the role of H69 in tRNA and RF selection, a detailed understanding of these contributions remains elusive. Here, we present a pre- steady-state kinetic analysis establishing that two distinct regions of H69 make critical contributions to substrate selection. The loop of H69 (A1913) forms contacts necessary for the efficient accommodation of a subset of natural tRNA species, whereas the base of the stem (G1922) is specifically critical for UGA codon recognition by the class 1 release factor RF2. These data define a broad and critical role for this centrally located intersubunit helix (H69) in accurate and efficient substrate recognition by the ribosome.
Bending Snell's Laws [AP-S Turnstile]

Early on in my annual graduate course on electromagnetic-wave propagation, I derive the familiar Snell's laws on reflection and transmission from the boundary conditions applied to the tangential components of the electric and magnetic fields across a planar dielectric interface. While I was preparing my lecture on reflection and transmission this fall, I received an e-mail edition of the Harvard Gazette. It contained an intriguing story [1] about “an optical phenomenon that defies laws of reflection and refraction.” Naturally, I wanted to look into the story right away to see (shiver) whether I would have to abandon my lecture notes on the redoubtable Snell's laws and start afresh.
Guidebook for International Trainers in Business and Industry

The article reviews the book “Guidebook for International Trainers in Business and Industry,” by Vincent A. Miller.
Tobacco tightrope--balancing disease prevention and economic development in China.

In 2005, China ratified the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. Drs. Alexi Wright and Ingrid Katz write that as international pressure to cut tobacco use mounts, the Chinese government struggles to balance advancing the country's economy with maintaining the health of its society and garnering global support. Dr. Steven Schroeder, director of the Smoking Cessation Leadership Center at the University of California, San Francisco, discusses the history of research on smoking-related illness and the state of tobacco control in the United States and the developing world.
"I'm pregnant and I have breast cancer"

Pregnancy is infrequently complicated by the diagnosis of a concurrent breast cancer. This presents a particularly complicated clinical problem. The treatment of breast cancer in young women involves a number of difficult decisions regarding therapy. These decisions become even more complex when the concerns of the safety of an unborn child are added to the equation. For breast cancers diagnosed late in the third trimester, it is relatively straight forward to delay therapy until after delivery. For women diagnosed earlier in pregnancy, there are legitimate concerns that delays in therapy may adversely affect outcomes. While there are no randomized trials addressing the optimal treatment of women in this situation, there are case reports, case series, and cohort experiences that provide some insight. There are recommendations available from an international working group and from the National Comprehensive Cancer Network that address the treatment of women in this situation. There is general consensus that both surgery and chemotherapy are relatively safe after the first trimester of pregnancy. It is generally agreed that therapeutic radiation, if necessary, should be delayed until completion of pregnancy.
Effect of the alloy composition on the grain refinement of aluminum alloys

Abstract Experiments were carried out to evaluate the effect of solute elements on grain refinement in aluminum based hypoeutectic alloys. Grain sizes of the as-cast structures were measured. The measured grain sizes were plotted vs. the undercooling parameter, P , the growth restriction factor, Q , and the solidification interval, Δ T , of the alloys. The results indicated that grain sizes decrease monotonically with increasing Δ T over the whole range of the hypoeutectic compositions whereas the relationships between the grain size and P or Q are “V” type curves.
Fast parallel pipelined readout architecture for a completely flash digitizing system with multilevel trigger

Abstract We have built, and used to take physics data, a digitizing and readout system for Brookhaven AGS Experiment 791, a high-rate search for rare kaon decays. All digitization of charge and time information is “flash” (performed in less than 200 ns), followed by front-end buffering and a pipelined readout with massive parallelism. A data transfer rate of 0.4 Gbyte/s into dual-port memories in eight 3081-emulating processors has been achieved. A readout-supervising circuit coordinates the three levels of event triggering and the movement of data throughout the system. The host Micro-VAX is interrupted only for the uploading of packets of fully filtered events from the 3081/E's. Digitizing and data transfer from the front end to the 3081/E's contribute negligible deadtime to the experiment.