cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Modeling at the FSMD Level

A digital design is conceptually divided into two parts - a controller and a datapath. The relationship between the control logic and the datapath in a digital system is shown in Fig. 9.1. The datapath manipulates data in registers (or memories) according to the commands from the controller. The controller provides the datapath with the appropriate commands at every moment in time so that the datapath properly implements the specified functions and produces the required external output signals. The controller uses status conditions from the datapath to serve as decision variables for determining the sequence of state transitions.
Investigation of DVFS based dynamic reliability management for chip multiprocessors

We investigate dynamic voltage and frequency scaling (DVFS) as a mechanism for dynamic reliability management (DRM) of chip multiprocessors (CMPs). The proposed DRM scheme operates as a control technique whose objective is to drive the operation of the CMP such that reliability changes towards a desired target. While the chip multiprocessor is continuously monitored and reliability is estimated in real time, the voltage and frequency of different cores in the CMP are dynamically adjusted such that reliability converges towards the target. When the temperature of cores increases and thus reliability degrades, the proposed DRM scheme throttles selectively the frequency of the cores with the highest temperature. This is turn, leads to a lower power dissipation in those cores whose temperature decreases, thereby improving reliability. We leverage existing simulation and estimation tools to develop the proposed DRM scheme. Simulations results show that the proposed DRM scheme provides an effective way to tradeoff reliability and performance.
Critical Periods in Organizational Processes

Of all the known phenomena of development, that of critical periods lends itself most readily to practical applications, both for preventive mental hygiene and for positive control of behavioral development. Once a critical period has been identified, there is little difficulty in putting the information to use. Until recently, however, our understanding of this phenomenon had progressed very little further than its description and the recognition of its generality. It is the principal purpose of this chapter to develop and illustrate its underlying theoretical principles.
GLUTAMINE SYNTHETASE. VI. MECHANISM OF THE DITHIOL-DEPENDENT INHIBITION BY ARSENITE.

Abstract Dithiol-dependent inhibition by arsenite has been demonstrated in glutamine synthetase ( l -glutamate: ammonia ligase (ADP), EC 6.3.1.2) obtained from various sources: from Neurospora to mammalian tissues. With a partially purified enzyme preparation from rat liver, α,ω-dimercaptoalkanes, heterocyclic and aromatic dimercapto compounds have been compared for their ability to activate the enzyme and to mediate arsenite inhibition. BAL and 1,2-dimercaptoethane proved to be the most effective dithiols in both respects. Equimolar quantities of BAL and arsenite produced the greatest inhibition of glutamine synthetase. Excess arsenite did not cause an additional inhibition, but excess BAL diminished it. Cysteine, though less effective than BAL, also reversed the inhibition. Mapharside inhibited the enzyme at low concentrations and required no dithiol. Inhibition by either mapharside or p -arsenosobenzoate could be prevented more effectively by BAL than by cysteine. Inhibition by the organic arsenicals increased progressively with the length of time of prior incubation with the enzyme; that by arsenite, however, showed little increase. In contrast, prior incubation with o -iodosobenzoate produced a spontaneous reactivation of the enzyme with time. Both Cd 2+ and mercurial treatments of glutamine synthetase altered the course of arsenite inhibition. Cd 2+ treatment appeared to interfere with arsenite inhibition; mercurial treatment enabled cysteine, as well as BAL to mediate the inhibition. Evidence has been presented to show that the enzyme-arsenite complex dissociates readily. Moreover, kinetic analysis gives a value for K 1 as high as K m for hydroxylamine and adenosinetriphosphate. These results have invalidated the currently held assumption that dithiol-dependent arsenite inhibition results in the formation of a relatively stable ring structure with two closely juxtaposed sulfhydryl groups of the enzyme molecule. Instead, a mechanism has been proposed for the dithiol-mediated inhibition by arsenite, which entails reaction with only one sulfhydryl group of glutamine synthetase.
Backward and Forward Equations for Diffusion Processes

This article is devoted to the discussion of two fundamental (partial) differential equations, which arise in the context of Markov diffusion processes. After giving a brief introduction of continuous-time continuous-state Markov processes, we introduce the forward and backward equations, and provide a heuristic derivation of these equations for diffusion processes. We also discuss some examples and features of these two equations. Keywords: partial differential equation; forward equation; backward equation; time-homogeneous diffusion; Martingale property
Efficient Computation of Electromagnetic Waves in Anisotropic Orthogonal-Plano-Cylindrically Layered Media Using the Improved Numerical Mode Matching (NMM) Method

An orthogonal-plano-cylindrically layered (OPCL) medium consists of materials stratified planarly and layered concentrically in the orthogonal directions. The numerical mode matching (NMM) method has previously been shown to be a fast and robust semianalytical solver to investigate the propagation of electromagnetic (EM) waves in such a complex but isotropic or transversely isotropic medium. In this paper, several important improvements have been made to extend applications of this efficient solver to the anisotropic OCPL medium. The formulas for anisotropic media with three different diagonal elements in the cylindrical coordinate system are deduced to expand its application. The perfectly matched layer (PML) is incorporated along the radial direction as an absorbing boundary condition (ABC) to make the NMM method more accurate and efficient for unbounded low conductivity media and applicable to lossless media. We manipulate the weak form of Maxwell’s equations and impose the correct boundary conditions at the cylindrical axis to solve the singularity problem. Finally, we also offer formulas for computing EM fields excited by a magnetic dipole located at any position with an arbitrary orientation. Numerical results have demonstrated the efficiency and accuracy of this method.
Flow Through Spillway Flip Bucket

This paper presents two separate solutions for potential flow through circular spillway buckets. The first solution, which considers gravity effects, employs finite difference equations in combination with a successive approximation procedure in order to satisfy the Laplace equation and the boundary conditions. The second solution, which neglects gravity effects, employs a perturbation expansion in combination with conformal mapping and analytical continuation. The two solutions are compared, and recommendations are made for their application.
Teachers’ viewpoints about other’s actions: Implications for multicultural education

This study examines how teachers in different national contexts respond to the actions taken by the main characters as they are represented in two short stories and one movie that embody multicultural themes. The assumption is that the teachers’ viewpoints displayed in their responses to actions of others in the short stories and movie in this study may very well manifest in and impinge upon their teaching diverse student population and translation of multicultural curriculum. More specifically, embedded in the teachers’ responses to actions of others are their assumptions about success, failure, right, or wrong in everyday life including in multicultural curricular and education. The questions that guided this study are: How are actions of others represented in the short stories and movie understood and represented by the participating teachers? What categories are used by these teachers to represent their viewpoints? Where do these categories come from and how might they relate to relevant external forces and structures of society? What are the consequences of the teachers’ viewpoints about the actions of others represented in the short stories and movie with respect forging more productive forms of multicultural education?
Shifts in Pain Severity Categories among Patients with Painful Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy or Postherpetic Neuralgia Treated with Pregabalin (P7.312)

BACKGROUND: Efficacy of pregabalin has been demonstrated in placebo-controlled trials of painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) and postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). Efficacy is based on statistically significant differences in pain scores between pregabalin- and placebo-treated patients. However, statistically significant pain relief may not always represent clinically meaningful relief. OBJECTIVE: We examined shifts in pain severity categories among DPN and PHN patients treated with pregabalin. METHODS: Data were pooled from 16 placebo-controlled trials of pregabalin for DPN or PHN. Treatment arms included placebo (n=1532), pregabalin 150 mg/d (n=427), pregabalin 300 mg/d (n=875), pregabalin 600 mg/d (n=861), and flexible pregabalin 150-600 mg/d (n=704). Pain scores were categorized as mild (0 to 7 to 10). Only patients reporting moderate or severe pain at baseline were analyzed (protocol inclusion criteria). The percentage of patients shifting from moderate or severe at baseline to mild, moderate, or severe at endpoint (BOCF) were calculated for each treatment arm. Treatment arms were compared with placebo using a Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel test (modified ridit transformation of the calculated ordinal shift scales). RESULTS: Significantly more patients shifted to a less severe pain category at endpoint in the pregabalin treatment groups compared with placebo (all p≤0.0012). This was especially evident in the 300-, 600-, and 150-600 mg/d pregabalin arms. The percentage of patients shifting from severe at baseline to mild at endpoint was 28% for pregabalin 300 mg/d, 37% for pregabalin 600 mg/d, and 36% for pregabalin 150-600 mg/d compared to only 17% for placebo. Additionally, the percentage of patients shifting from moderate at baseline to mild at endpoint was 59% for pregabalin 150-600 mg/d compared to only 41% for placebo. CONCLUSIONS: Pregabalin treatment is associated with beneficial shifts in pain severity categories, compared with placebo, among patients with painful DPN or PHN. Sponsored by Pfizer Inc. Disclosure: Dr. Parson has received personal compensation for activities with Pfizer Inc. as an employee. Dr. Emir has received personal compensation for activities with Pfizer Inc. Dr. Emir holds stock and/or stock options in Pfizer Inc.
TIM-1 signaling is required for maintenance and induction of regulatory B cells

Apart from their role in humoral immunity, B cells can exhibit IL-10-dependent regulatory activity (Bregs). These regulatory subpopulations have been shown to inhibit inflammation and allograft rejection. However, our understanding of Bregs has been hampered by their rarity, lack of a specific marker, and poor insight into their induction and maintenance. We previously demonstrated that T cell immunoglobulin mucin domain-1 (TIM-1) identifies over 70% of IL-10-producing B cells, irrespective of other markers. We now show that TIM-1 is the primary receptor responsible for Breg induction by apoptotic cells (ACs). However, B cells that express a mutant form of TIM-1 lacking the mucin domain (TIM-1(Δmucin) ) exhibit decreased phosphatidylserine binding and are unable to produce IL-10 in response to ACs or by specific ligation with anti-TIM-1. TIM-1(Δmucin) mice also exhibit accelerated allograft rejection, which appears to be due in part to their defect in both baseline and induced IL-10(+) Bregs, since a single transfer of WT TIM-1(+) B cells can restore long-term graft survival. These data suggest that TIM-1 signaling plays a direct role in Breg maintenance and induction both under physiological conditions (in response to ACs) and in response to therapy through TIM-1 ligation. Moreover, they directly demonstrate that the mucin domain regulates TIM-1 signaling.
Diffuse cavernous hemangioma of the uterus in a pregnant woman: report of a rare case and review of literature.

Introduction Diffuse cavernous hemangioma of the uterus in pregnant woman is an extremely rare condition. A total of eight cases have been described in the literature till date. The antenatal diagnosis as well as management requires considerable skill. Although it is a benign condition but it can have serious consequences for the mother as well as the baby.
Redefining Parent Involvement To Build Understanding and Support for Change

As educators engage in efforts to restructure the classroom, they are likely to be more successful if they view parents not as a necessary evil but as potentially powerful partners in the community of learners.
Four- and eight-port photonic switches monolithically integrated with digital CMOS logic and driver circuits

We demonstrate in a single chip a complete multiport photonic switching system using IBM 90-nm photonics-enabled CMOS. The system includes CMOS logic, switch drivers, multistage 4×4 and 8×8 photonic switch fabrics, and thermo-optic phase tuners.
Rotation screen prevents fish damage in hydroelectric power stations

Downstream migrations of fish over a rotation screen were studied at a hydroelectric power station in Hadamar/Hessen, Germany. This study monitored and evaluated the functionality and efficiency of the rotation screen in order to prevent fish from entering the Kaplan turbine. During one autumn and two spring tests, a total of 1,629 specimens representing 25 species including eel and salmon smolt migrated over the screen. The smallest fish (dace, bleak, three-spined stickleback, and perch) from standard lengths ≤30 mm were carried by scoop buckets mounted on the rotation screen. The tests confirmed in all cases that the migration activity of fish depended unambiguously on the diurnal cycle (P < 0.05).
Tropospheric ozone variability in the tropics from ENSO to MJO and shorter timescales

Abstract. Aura OMI and MLS measurements are combined to produce daily maps of tropospheric ozone beginning October 2004. We show that El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) related inter-annual change in tropospheric ozone in the tropics is small in relation to combined intra-seasonal/Madden–Julian Oscillation (MJO) and shorter timescale variability by a factor of ~ 3–10 (largest in the Atlantic). Outgoing longwave radiation (OLR), taken as a proxy for convection, suggests that convection is a dominant driver of large-scale variability of tropospheric ozone in the Pacific from inter-annual (e.g., ENSO) to weekly periods. We compare tropospheric ozone and OLR satellite observations with two simulations: (1) the Goddard Earth Observing System (GEOS) chemistry-climate model (CCM) that uses observed sea surface temperatures and is otherwise free-running, and (2) the NASA Global Modeling Initiative (GMI) chemical transport model (CTM) that is driven by Modern Era Retrospective-Analysis for Research and Applications (MERRA) analyses. It is shown that the CTM-simulated ozone accurately matches measurements for timescales from ENSO to intra-seasonal/MJO and even 1–2-week periods. The CCM simulation reproduces ENSO variability but not shorter timescales. These analyses suggest that a model used to delineate temporal and/or spatial properties of tropospheric ozone and convection in the tropics must reproduce both ENSO and non-ENSO variability.
Strategic and Business Planning Practices of Fast Growth Family Firms

Fast‐growth family firms were surveyed about their business and strategic planning practices. Of the 65 fast‐growth family firms surveyed, the majority prepare written formal plans. The business pl...
Anatomy of Protest in the Digital Era: A Network Analysis of Twitter and Occupy Wall Street

Two months before the first Occupy Wall Street (OWS) protest in September 2011, activists were using Twitter to organize and spread the movement. In this study, the earliest Twitter messages regarding #OccupyWallStreet were subjected to network analysis to answer these questions: What were the central hubs in the OWS discourse on Twitter in the summer of 2011? How did OWS emerge from among several social movement organizations to lead a nationwide series of demonstrations? What were the key points in the Twitter dialogue that aided the process of scale shift? By addressing these questions, this research connects social movement concepts with network centrality measures to provide a clearer picture of movements in the digital era.
Ecdysteroid titres and head critical period for moulting in male larvae of the cockroach, Diploptera punctata

Abstract The regulation of moulting was studied in the cockroach, Diploptera punctata, by measuring the head critical period for moulting and ecdysteroid titres during the final two stadia of male larvae. The end of the head critical period for moulting was determined from the percentage of animals that moulted following decapitation of animals on a series of days. The day of decapitation following which more than 50% of the animals moulted was day 8 (of a 15-day stadium) for penultimate instars, and day 12 (of a 22-day stadium) for final instars. The haemolymph ecdysteroid titres remained below 1 μM in the first half of both stadia. In the second half of the penultimate stadium the ecdysteroid titre rose to a peak of 22.5 μM on day 11. In the final stadium a small peak occurred on day 10 (1.2 μM) after which the titre declined significantly and was followed by the large increase between days 13–20 with a peak of 20.1 μM on day 17. In the final stadium on days 8 and 17 the 20-hydroxyecdysone/ecdysone ratios were 2.5 and 7.5, respectively. For comparison with males, haemolymph ecdysteroid titres were also determined in female larvae during the peak periods in the penultimate and final stadia. High titres of 8.2 and 14.2 μM were found in the penultimate and final stadia respectively.
The evaluation of moments methods for fitting multiparameter sinusoidal models

Abstract Moment methods have been applied to several different models of decomposition observed in atom-probe random-area analysis data such as (1) {p = a0 + a1 sin θ, p = a0 + a1 cos θ} (2 moments), (2) p = a0 + a1sinθ + a2 cos θ (3 moments), (3) p = a0 + a1 sin θ + a2 sin(2θ) (3 moments), (4) p = a0 + a1 sinθ + a2 sin2θ (3 moments), (5) p = a0 + a1 sinθ + a2 sin3θ (3 moments), (6) {p = a0 + a1 sin θ + a2 cosθ + a3 sin(2θ), p = a0 + a1 sin θ + a2 cos θ + a3 cos(2θ)} (4 moments) and (7) a0 + a1 sin θ + a2 cosθ + a3 sin(2θ) + a4 cos(2θ) (5 moments). A comparison of the best fits for these various models to experimental atom-probe data from spinodally decomposed iron-chromium alloys showed that in most cases where solutions were found, the periodic binomial distributions used here with only a few moments seem to result in a moderate improvement over previous models.
Voreloxin, a first-in-class anticancer quinolone derivative, acts synergistically with cytarabine in vitro and induces bone marrow aplasia in vivo

Main purpose Voreloxin is a first-in-class anticancer quinolone derivative that intercalates DNA and inhibits topoisomerase II, inducing site-selective DNA damage. Voreloxin is in clinical studies, as a single agent and in combination with cytarabine, for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The preclinical studies reported here were performed to investigate the activity of voreloxin alone and in combination with cytarabine, in support of the clinical program.
Identification of novel pathways that control farnesoid X receptor-mediated hypocholesterolemia.

Farnesoid X receptor (FXR) plays important regulatory roles in bile acid, lipoprotein, and glucose homeostasis. Here, we have utilized Fxr−/− mice and mice deficient in scavenger receptor class B type I (SR-BI), together with an FXR-specific agonist and adenovirus expressing hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α or constitutively active FXR, to identify the mechanisms by which activation of FXR results in hypocholesterolemia. We identify a novel pathway linking FXR to changes in hepatic p-JNK, hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α, and finally SR-BI. Importantly, we demonstrate that the FXR-dependent increase in SR-BI results in both hypocholesterolemia and an increase in reverse cholesterol transport, a process involving the transport of cholesterol from peripheral macrophages to the liver for excretion into the feces. In addition, we demonstrate that FXR activation also induces an SR-BI-independent increase in reverse cholesterol transport and reduces intestinal cholesterol absorption. Together, these data indicate that FXR is a promising therapeutic target for treatment of hypercholesterolemia and coronary heart disease.
A structural model of medical student achievement

This study presents a theoretical model of student performance. The modeling process begins with 38 measures, which are reduced to 18 without loss of information. These 18 measures are shown to reflect five underlying theoretical variables, and the model reveals the system of relationships among the theoretical variables. The substantive results should be useful to those with research or administrative interest in assessing candidates for admissions against two critical outcomes: (a) the acquisition of medical knowledge and (b) performance as a physician. The study illustrates how LISREL's measurement model can provide insight into the reliability and validity of the measures and how a structural model depicts relationships among the theoretical variables and can test one model against another. Such an approach is intended to remedy the usual criticism of studies that are piecemeal rather than comprehensive, that use error‐laden measures to represent theoretical variables, that use measures that are highl...
Noise in space-charge limited currents in CdS crystals

Synopsis The noise observed in space-charge limited currents in CdS crystals can be attributed to generation-recombination fluctuations. Two characteristic relaxation times are observed, corresponding to typical turn-over frequencies in the measured noise spectra. For frequencies larger than 1 Mc/s the noise increases with increasing frequency. The turn-over frequency for this phenomenon corresponds roughly with the inverse dielectric relaxation time indicating that the effect is caused by space charge. The dielectric relaxation time was calculated by making use of the differential conductivity at the operation point.
Troubles with twins: Fetoscopic therapy

Monochorionic twin gestations present challenges in perinatal management not seen in dichorionic twins or singleton pregnancies. Monochorionic twin gestations may be complicated by (1) a monoamniotic presentation, (2) a structurally anomalous cotwin, (3) twin reversed arterial perfusion sequence, (4) and the twin-twin transfusion syndrome. Each of these conditions is associated with increased morbidity and mortality rates. Although a variety of therapeutic interventions are available, fetoscopic surgery is a promising new approach to these conditions. Advances in microinstrumentation have allowed for the wider application of fetoscopy for a variety of prenatally diagnosed conditions, including "troubles with twins." This article examines the natural history, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and indications for fetoscopic surgery in complicated monochorionic twin gestations.
Reactions between Li Atoms and RCN (R = H or CH3): Semiempirical SCF MO and Matrix Isolation ESR Studies

Reaction passage between the Li atom and the HCN molecule and that between the Li atom and the CH3CN molecule were examined by a semiempirical molecular orbital method (MNDO). For both systems two distinct passages were revealed; one leads to the formation of an end-on complex (I), HCN···Li, and the other to the formation of a side-on complex (II), Li+(HCN)-. The end-on complex is a weak, van der Waals type, while the side-on complex is a strong, charge-transferred type as indicated. An ESR study of argon matrices in which Li atoms and HCN (or CH3CN) had been co-condensed revealed the presence of the two complexes in accord with the theoretical prediction. Irradiation of the matrix with near-IR light (λ = 850 ± 50 nm) resulted in conversion of complex I to complex II. The g tensors and the hyperfine coupling tensors of the linear and side-on complexes observed in both the Li/HCN and Li/CH3CN systems were determined. In complex I the unpaired electron is in an sp hybridized orbital of Li projected away fro...
Rates of Juvenile Hormone biosynthesis and degradation during reproductive development and diapause in the boll weevil, Anthonomus grandis

. The role of Juvenile Hormone (JH) during reproductive development and diapause was investigated in the boll weevil, Anthonomus grandis Boheman (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). JH sythesized by corpora allata (CA) in vitro of A.grandis was identified as JH-UJ by high-performance liquid chromatography and by conversion to the methoxyhydrin. Optimal conditions for the use of a short-term assay in vitro were established to examine profiles of CA activity. In addition, rates of JH degradation by JH-specific esterase were determined. Patterns of CA and JH-esterase activity during reproductive development and the diapause state were established with laboratory-reared reproductive weevils and diapausing weevils collected as larvae and pupae in the field after the cotton-growing season. The results indicate that JH production is elevated in reproductive females whereas males and winter field-collected females show no CA activity. Vitellogenin concentrations in haemolymph and rates of oviposition were studied in relation to CA activity and JH degradation. An attempt to induce diapause in the laboratory failed.
Haloacetonitriles Are Low KI Inhibitors of Bacterial Dichloromethane Dehalogenases

Distinct dichloromethane dehalogenases from Methylobacterium sp. strain DM4 and Methylophilus DM11 were inhibited by low concentrations of haloacetonitriles. Chloroacetonitrile (ClCH2CN) showed maximal inhibition at a stoichiometry of 1 mol inhibitor: 1 mol holoenzyme for both enzymes. This stoichiometry is suggestive of one active site per holoenzyme or extreme negative cooperativity amongst the subunits. Radiolahcllcd ClCH2CN dissociated completely or partially from the two dehalogenases, respectively, during chromatography. This suggested ClCH2CN was bound non-covalently.
The polarization impedance of the C|PbCl2 and Pt|PbCl2 interfaces

Abstract Complex admittance measurements of electrochemical cells of the type Pb|PbCl2|M (M=Pt, C) have been performed in the frequency range 0.1 Hz to 1 kHz, and in the temperature range 380 to 530 K. The M|PbCl2 interfaces can be represented by a parallel combination of a capacitance, a resistance, and a diffusional impedance. Different theoretical models for the interface capacitance are reviewed. The observed, nearly voltage-independent capacitance is ascribed to an inner-layer capacitance. The resistance is strongly correlated to the deposition voltage. Possible origins of the diffusion process are considered; diffusion of neutral crystal components within the electrode material or diffusion of electronic charge carriers within the electrolyte is ruled out.
Case history of a mill-wide project for NFPA 70E compliance and arc flash hazard mitigation

This paper provides a comprehensive account of a mill-wide project to bring a thirty-plus year old market pulp mill into compliance with NFPA 70E requirements and to mitigate arc flash hazards to levels reasonable to allow effective maintenance. The project spanned three years and was completed in 2011. The major activities to be discussed (and through which the project had to progress) include decision to initiate, data collection or re-creation and update of single line diagrams, creation of database and software model, short circuit analysis, multiple upgrades or replacements to address overdutied equipment, arc flash analysis, protection/co-ordination changes to address let-through energy, equipment upgrades or replacements to address let-through energy and mitigate arc flash hazards and, finally, equipment labeling and training of personnel.
Nation Building or Nation Splitting? Political Transition and the Dangers of Violence

Internationally-directed nation building combines great rhetorical promise with very mixed practical outcomes. In spite of considerable optimism on the part of international actors, and in spite of often substantial desire for a functioning government among targeted populations, it has not clearly succeeded in building states or nations. The question is why? While many authors look to the weaknesses of international efforts for explanation, the answers may lie instead in the difficult process of transition itself. Although transforming political and social interactions is often necessary in post-conflict contexts, doing so can intensify vulnerabilities and uncertainties that prevent reforming governments from establishing legitimacy. That can in turn enable the fragmentation of political authority and become a sort of worst case scenario for nation building. International actors have shown no ability to counteract fragmentation and in some cases may unwittingly aid its entrenchment. One reason for this is...
Brown tree snakes effectively removed from a large plot of land on Guam by perimeter trapping.

Abstract The brown tree snake introduction to Guam has had serious environmental, economic and social consequences. Trapping brown tree snakes in the vicinities of ports and other cargo staging facilities is central to a program implemented to deter its dispersal from Guam. Trapping forested plots on their perimeters has been an efficient and effective trap placement strategy for removing brown tree snakes from plots up to 8.4 ha. Here we examined whether this trap placement strategy was effective on a 17.8 ha plot, over twice the size of plot for which there was solid evidence of perimeter trapping’s efficacy. We found that brown tree snakes were removed according to an exponential decay function. From 7 weeks on of trapping, snake captures had declined to low steady state levels that may best reflect population recruitment in the plot. After 22 weeks of trapping, both the plot interior and perimeter were trapped in a second phase designed to determine if the central portion of the plot contained reservoirs of brown tree snake populations. The second trapping phase lasted for 8 weeks and produced the same low, steady state capture rates as the final 16 weeks of the first phase that used only perimeter trapping. Only five snakes were captured in the plot interior in the second phase. We concluded that perimeter trapping removed brown tree snakes throughout the plot and the strategy could be applied to larger plots than demonstrated previously.
Estimating net primary productivity from grassland biomass dynamics measurements

To address the need for a high quality data set based upon field observations suitable for parameterization, calibration, and validation of terrestrial biosphere models, we have developed a comprehensive global database on net primary productivity (NPP). We have compiled field measurements of biomass and associated environmental data for multiple study sites in major grassland types worldwide. Where sufficient data were available, we compared aboveground and total NPP estimated by six computational methods (algorithms) for 31 grassland sites. As has been found previously, NPP estimates were 2–5 times higher using methods which accounted for the dynamics of dead matter, compared with what is still the most commonly applied estimate of NPP (maximum peak live biomass). It is suggested that assumptions such as the use of peak biomass as an indicator of NPP in grasslands may apply only within certain subbiomes, e.g. temperate steppe grasslands. Additional data on belowground dynamics, or other reliable estimates of belowground productivity, are required if grasslands are to be fully appreciated for their role in the global carbon cycle.
Citizenship Behavior and The Creation of Social Capital in Organizations

Previous research on organizational citizenship behavior indicates that such behavior is critical for organizational effectiveness, but little theoretical work details how it might contribute to enhanced organizational functioning. Nahapiet and Ghoshal (1998) argue that a firm's social capital comprises a critical source of sustainable organizational advantage. Based on their work, we suggest that citizenship behaviors enhance firm functioning by contributing to the development of social capital in organizations; specifically, citizenship behaviors contribute to the creation of structural, relational, and cognitive forms of social capital.
Reactions of substituted phenacyl bromides with various bases. o- and p-nitrophenacyl bromide. I

The products obtained from the reaction of o- and p-nitrophenacyl bromide with various bases is described.
The role of surface adsorption in surface-enhanced Raman scattering from Benzene thiols

The origins of the surface-enhanced Raman (SERS) effect have been widely studied and are generally accepted as understood. However, there is still a need to provide a satisfactorily complete model which addresses the well known phenomena in which some molecules exhibit weak or even no SERS response at all. The relative intensities of vibrational modes observed in SERS can depend strongly on the mechanism of surface adsorption, such as bond type (covalent/noncovalent) and number of covalent bonds. Thus, in this experimental study the role of surface adsorption in surface-enhanced Raman scattering is investigated. A simple group of Benzene thiols was chosen to facilitate comparison with theoretical models. Experimental results with consideration towards surface bond strengths and reduction in degrees of freedom due to single and multiple surface bonds is presented and their effect on the relative intensities and positions of observed vibrational modes observed in the SERS spectra are discussed. The relative stability of molecules in the presence of nanostructures exhibiting strong and weak local electric fields will also be presented and discussed.
Terminating federal research and development programs

The barriers to terminating federal research and development vary with the type of program (manpower resource creation, basic or applied research, hardware development) and the functional sector in which it is lodged (defense or civilian). Each has a public/private constituency of sponsors and performers. Some constituencies are much more potent than others. Hence, to kill an R&D program, one must weaken the constituency behind it. Useful strategies for would-be terminators include decremental funding and the amalgamation of competing R&D programs within the same agency.
Iran's Policy toward the Persian Gulf

Only recently has the Persian Gulf assumed primacy in Iran's foreign policy. Basic reasons for this ascendency lie in: (a) stabilized relations with the superpowers since the early 1960s, (b) progressive enhancement of the Gulf's role in Iran's economic and strategic interests, and (c) competitive and conflicting interests and aspirations of nonlittoral states of this region.
Tracking facial feature points with prediction-assisted view-based active shape model

Facial feature tracking is a key step in facial dynamics modeling and affect analysis. Active Shape Model (ASM) has been a popular tool for detecting facial features. However, ASM has its limitations. Due to the finiteness of the training set, it cannot handle large variations in facial pose exhibited in video sequences. In addition, it requires accurate initiation. In order to address these limitations, we propose a novel approach that is capable of providing a more accurate shape initiation as well as automatically switching on multi-view models. We categorize the apparent 2D motions of facial feature points into global motion (the rigid part) and local motion (the non-rigid part) by whether they have relative movement in the image plane. We use the Kalman framework to predict the global motion, and then use adaptive block matching to refine the search for local motion. This will provide an initial shape closer to the real position for ASM. From this initial shape, we can estimate a rough head pose (yaw rotation), which in turn helps choose a suitable view-specific model automatically for ASM. We compare our method with the original ASM as well as with a newly developed competing method. The experimental results demonstrate that our approach have a higher flexibility and accuracy.
Stable yellowhead virus (YHV) RNA detection by qRT-PCR during six-day storage

Abstract Storage conditions of haemolymph samples which contain yellowhead virus (YHV) may result in a decline of YHV RNA concentration or false-negative results in the detection of YHV. We evaluated the stability of YHV RNA in haemolymph stored at different temperatures for 6 d with conventional RT-PCR and TaqMan qRT-PCR. Specific pathogen free individuals of Litopenaeus vannamei were challenged with YHV92TH isolate, and haemolymph samples of 3 groups of 10 pooled moribund shrimp were aliquoted and stored at 4 and 25 °C for 0, 2, 6, 12, 24, 48, 72, 96, 120, and 144 h. All samples were evaluated by conventional RT-PCR and qRT-PCR. After the optimization of experimental conditions, TaqMan qRT-PCR showed a very strong linear relationship between the log scale of the standard DNA copy number and the C T values ( R 2 = 0.999) over a 7-log range from 10 2 to 10 8 copy number per reaction. Even though the haemolymph was stored at either 4 or 25 °C for a 6-day period, the viral load number at 4 °C was not significantly different from that stored at 25 °C. The only difference was between the samples stored for 144 h at either 4 or 25 °C and those stored at − 80 °C. We conclude that shrimp haemolymph can be drawn from shrimp at farms or in the wild and stored at either 4 or 25 °C for 3–5 d without a significant reduction in measured YHV RNA levels and without having to immediately freeze the samples.
NON-INVASIVE MONITORING OF BLOOD GAS PARAMETERS IN PEDIATRIC AND YOUNG ADULT PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC PULMONARY DISEASE

NON-INVASIVE MONITORING OF BLOOD GAS PARAMETERS IN PEDIATRIC AND YOUNG ADULT PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC PULMONARY DISEASE
The budding yeast point centromere associates with two Cse4 molecules during mitosis

The centromere is defined by the incorporation of the centromere-specific histone H3 variant centromere protein A (CENP-A). Like histone H3, CENP-A can form CENP-A-H4 heterotetramers in vitro. However, the in vivo conformation of CENP-A chromatin has been proposed by different studies as hemisomes, canonical, or heterotypic nucleosomes. A clear understanding of the in vivo architecture of CENP-A chromatin is important, because it influences the molecular mechanisms of the assembly and maintenance of the centromere and its function in kinetochore nucleation. A key determinant of this architecture is the number of CENP-A molecules bound to the centromere. Accurate measurement of this number can limit possible centromere architectures. The genetically defined point centromere in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae provides a unique opportunity to define this number accurately, as this 120-bp-long centromere can at the most form one nucleosome or hemisome. Using novel live-cell fluorescence microscopy assays, we demonstrate that the budding yeast centromere recruits two Cse4 (ScCENP-A) molecules. These molecules are deposited during S phase and they remain stably bound through late anaphase. Our studies suggest that the budding yeast centromere incorporates a Cse4-H4 tetramer.
Serotonin-mediated striatal dopamine release involves the dopamine uptake site and the serotonin receptor

Abstract Modulation of striatal dopamine (DA) release by serotonin (5HT) and its antagonists was studied utilizing in vitro perfusion techniques. In isolated striatal tissue, 5HT (10 μM) increased the fractional basal release of labeled DA. The 5HT2/1c antagonist ketanserin (5 μM) also stimulated the basal release. These two effects were mediated by different mechanisms as cocaine (10 μM) greatly inhibited the 5HT-mediated response, but slightly increased the ketanserin-mediated response. 6-Nitroquipazine maleate (10 μM, 5HT uptake inhibitor) partially inhibited both responses. Inhibition by GBR 12909 (DA uptake inhibitor) at 1 μM of the 5HT-mediated DA release was similar to that of cocaine, but at 10 μM it increased release before addition of 5HT, and maintained elevated DA release while present in the incubation medium. At 1 μM GBR 12909, ketanserin-mediated DA release was stimulated and a much greater release was seen at 10 μM, but the prolonged release was not observed as after 5HT-mediated release. Among other antagonists methiothepin (5HT1,2,6 antagonist) also enhanced DA release, whereas oxymetazoline (5HT1A,1B,1D agonist) had no effect. RS2359-190 (5HT4 antagonist) had a small effect (slight stimulation) on 5HT-mediated DA release, and no effect on ketanserin-mediated DA release. CGS 12066A (5HT1B agonist) inhibited 5HT-mediated DA release. The glutamate antagonist MK-801 and the GABAA antagonist bicuculline had no affect on either response. These results indicate that 5HT-mediated DA release occurs via reversal of the DA transporter and that inhibitory presynaptic 5HT heteroreceptors and both inhibitory and stimulatory somato-dendritic 5HT receptors regulate release. In addition to the reversal of the transporter, an inhibitory 5HT2 component was identified.
The octet structure function and radiative quarkonia decays

The operator product expansion, in conjunction with the power counting of non-relativistic field theory, is used to examine the end-point region of the radiative decay of heavy quark bound states with 3S1 quantum numbers, QQ → γ + X. We identify an infinite class of operators that determine the shape of the photonic end-point spectrum. These operators can be resummed to form an octet structure function which parameterizes the energy of the dynamical gluon content of the leading octet Fock state component of the quarkonium. This color-octet contribution is important when the photon spectrum is examined with a resolution given by ΔEγ ∼ mQν2, where ν is the magnitude of the relative quark velocity. The formalism used makes explicit the shift of the end-point from its partonic to its hadronic value.
Alignment of the digital filter frequency axis with the bilinear transformation

The problem of aligning the frequency axes of a digital filter with the reference analog prototype is considered. It is shown that the use of an arbitrary constant in the bilinear transformation results in a particularly simple means for matching the responses of the analog and the digital filters at any reference frequency.
Neuroprotective effects of testosterone on the morphology and function of somatic motoneurons following the death of neighboring motoneurons.

Motoneuron loss is a significant medical problem, capable of causing severe movement disorders or even death. We have previously shown that partial depletion of motoneurons from sexually dimorphic, highly androgen-sensitive spinal motor populations induces dendritic atrophy in remaining motoneurons, and this atrophy is attenuated by treatment with testosterone. To test whether testosterone has similar effects in more typical motoneurons, we examined potential neuroprotective effects in motoneurons innervating muscles of the quadriceps. Motoneurons innervating the vastus medialis muscle were selectively killed by intramuscular injection of cholera toxin-conjugated saporin. Simultaneously, some saporin-injected rats were given implants containing testosterone or left untreated. Four weeks later, motoneurons innervating the ipsilateral vastus lateralis muscle were labeled with cholera toxin-conjugated HRP, and dendritic arbors were reconstructed in 3 dimensions. Compared to intact normal males, partial motoneuron depletion resulted in decreased dendritic length in remaining quadriceps motoneurons, and this atrophy was attenuated by testosterone treatment. To examine the functional consequences of the induced dendritic atrophy, and its attenuation with testosterone treatment, the activation of remaining quadriceps motoneurons was assessed using peripheral nerve recording. Partial motoneuron depletion resulted in decreased amplitudes of motor nerve activity, and these changes were attenuated by treatment with testosterone, providing a functional correlate to the neuroprotective effects of testosterone treatment on quadriceps motoneuron morphology. Together, these findings suggest that testosterone has neuroprotective effects on morphology and function in both highly androgen-sensitive as well as more typical motoneuron populations, further supporting a role for testosterone as a neurotherapeutic agent in the injured nervous system.
Use of spatial information technologies for noxious plant detection and distribution on rangelands

Abstract This paper reviews the application of aerial photography, airborne videography, and satellite imagery for distinguishing brush and weed species on rangeland and other wildland areas in the western United States. Ground reflectance measurements are used to determine the spectral characteristics of plant species. Season is an important variable for detecting many species because their reflectance varies at different times of the year and many species are distinguishable only when in a specific phenological stage. Computer image analyses are used to quantify weed and brush infestations, thus providing area estimates of noxious plant populations on rangelands. The integration of videography with global positioning system and geographic information system technologies is demonstrated. Plant species addressed include silverleaf sunflower (Helianthus arqophyllus). Texas lantana (Lantana horrida), false broomweed (Ericameria austrotexana). broom snakeweed (Gutierrezia sarothrae). spiny aster (Aster spino...
β-ENDORPHIN IN THE HUMAN PANCREAS

Using a specific antiserum, β-endorphin was quantitated in 8 human pancreas obtained at autopsy by radioimmunoassay and localized by immunocytochemistry. The mean (±SE) concentration of β-endorphin in pancreatic extracts of 5 non-diabetic adults was 13.5 ± 9.8 ng/gm with a range of 2.1 to 52.8 ng/gm of tissue. Pan creatic βh-endorphin concentration in two premature infants were within the range found in adults. In one diabetic pancreas, there was no measurable β-endorphin. Specific β-endorphin immunoflourescence is localized within the pancreatic islets. This finding suggests that β-endorphin may participate in intraislet regulation of pancreatic hormone secretion.
Vancomycin use—an historical review

In the early 1950s the increase of antibiotic-resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus in hospitalized patients with infection stimulated a screening program to develop an effective new agent. A soil sample found in the jungles of Borneo contained a microorganism, Streptomyces orientalis, that produced a substance later called vancomycin. Vancomycin was shown to have antistaphylococcal activity and to be relatively safe when administered to patients. With the resurgence of staphylococcal infections resistant to the newer antistaphylococcal antibiotics, there has been a corresponding increase in the use of vancomycin. Vancomycin is also being used for prophylaxis in patients with reduced renal function undergoing dialysis, for the treatment of patients with antibiotic-induced enterocolitis, and in combination with other antibiotics for 'sterilization' of the intestinal tract in patients with cancer.