cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The P300 brain potential is reduced in smokers.

Rationale: Tobacco smoking is the most prevalent type of substance abuse, yet its biobehavioral etiology is little understood. Identification of differences between smokers and non-smokers on basic characteristics of neurocognitive functioning may help to elucidate the mechanisms of tobacco dependence. Objectives: This study assessed the relationship between smoking status and the P300 component of event-related potential (ERP) while controlling for potential confounders such as alcoholism, drug abuse, and psychopathology. Methods: The ERP responses elicited by a visual oddball task were measured at the mid-parietal site in 905 current smokers, 463 ex-smokers, and 979 never smokers. Results: P300 amplitude was significantly lower in current cigarette smokers compared to never-smokers. Ex-smokers did not differ significantly from never-smokers. P300 reduction was also associated with alcoholism, drug dependence, and family density of alcoholism. However, after controlling for smoking, only family density of alcoholism remained a significant predictor of P300 amplitude. Conclusions: The results indicate a significant effect of smoking status on P300 amplitude which is additive to family history of alcoholism and suggest that either (1) long-term tobacco smoking may produce a reversible change in brain function, or (2) reduced P300 may be a marker of risk for nicotine dependence.
Acoustic Features of Wood Duck (Aix Sponsa) Maternal Calls

While brooding their young and calling them out of the nest within 36 hr after hatching, wood duck hens utter a species-typical maternal call that their young find highly attractive. We recorded the maternal calls of eleven hens from nest sites in the field to determine the commonalities and variability in various acoustic features of the calls. Our results indicate that the "modal" wood duck maternal call has notes with the following characteristics: I. two independent, apparently nonharmonically-related tones between 900 and 1500 Hz uttered simultaneously; 2. descending frequency modulation - a finding that adds further substance to laboratory findings that indicate maternally-naive wood ducklings use this feature for species identification; 3. increasing amplitude modulation; 4. durations of 40-45 ms; 5. repetition rate of 9.0 notes/s; 6. 19 notes per burst. The variability between hens in the above features was relatively low, thus seeming to provide little or no basis for individual parent recognition, but that possibility remains to be determined experimentally.
The impact of gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB) legal restrictions on patterns of use: Results from an International Survey

AIMS: To conduct an Internet-based survey of GHB use, identifying differences by respondent residence. METHODS: We recruited GHB-knowledgeable persons via "social networking Internet sites." Individuals (n=314) or groups (n=66) were approached based on GHB-use testimonials. DATA COLLECTED: location, use, reason for cessation (if applicable). FINDINGS: We recruited 155 GHB users. U.S. respondents (53 of 70; 76%) compared to non-U.S. respondents (38 of 85; 45%) were older and more highly educated (p<0.05) but manifest a 3-fold greater adjusted odds of GHB cessation (Odds Ratio [OR] 3.1; 95% CI 1.4-6.9; p < 0.05). Of the 80 respondents stating reason for cessation, 36 (45%) cited legal risk, price, or access; 44 (55%) cited health or related concerns. U.S. compared to non-U.S. respondents more frequently invoked legal and related concerns (OR 2.5; 95% CI 0.99-6.3; p=0.05). In a nested analysis, narrowly stated legal (n=4/5 U.S.) versus health (n=6/18 U.S.) reasons differed by location (p=0.048, one-tailed). CONCLUSIONS: In the U.S., where GHB has stricter legal penalties, GHB cessation is more likely, with legal and related reasons more commonly invoked for cessation. These findings support a link between declining U.S. GHB abuse and more stringent restrictions; although other un-assessed factors may also explain this association. The Impact of Gamma Hydroxybutyrate (GHB) Legal Restrictions on Patterns of Use: Results from an International Survey.
Transcription-associated R-loop formation across the human FMR1 CGG-repeat region.

Expansion of a trinucleotide (CGG) repeat element within the 5′ untranslated region (5′UTR) of the human FMR1 gene is responsible for a number of heritable disorders operating through distinct pathogenic mechanisms: gene silencing for fragile X syndrome (>200 CGG) and RNA toxic gain-of-function for FXTAS (∼55–200 CGG). Existing models have focused almost exclusively on post-transcriptional mechanisms, but co-transcriptional processes could also contribute to the molecular dysfunction of FMR1. We have observed that transcription through the GC-rich FMR1 5′UTR region favors R-loop formation, with the nascent (G-rich) RNA forming a stable RNA:DNA hybrid with the template DNA strand, thereby displacing the non-template DNA strand. Using DNA:RNA (hybrid) immunoprecipitation (DRIP) of genomic DNA from cultured human dermal fibroblasts with both normal (∼30 CGG repeats) and premutation (55<CGG<200 repeats) alleles, we provide evidence for FMR1 R-loop formation in human genomic DNA. Using a doxycycline (DOX)-inducible episomal system in which both the CGG-repeat and transcription frequency can be varied, we further show that R-loop formation increases with higher expression levels. Finally, non-denaturing bisulfite mapping of the displaced single-stranded DNA confirmed R-loop formation at the endogenous FMR1 locus and further indicated that R-loops formed over CGG repeats may be prone to structural complexities, including hairpin formation, not commonly associated with other R-loops. These observations introduce a new molecular feature of the FMR1 gene that is directly affected by CGG-repeat expansion and is likely to be involved in the associated cellular dysfunction.
Use of digoxin, diuretics, beta blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, and calcium channel blockers in older patients in an academic hospital-based geriatrics practice.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence of and indications for digoxin use and the prevalence of beta blocker and calcium channel blocker use in older patients with pevious myocardial infarction or coronary artery disease (CAD), and the prevalence of use of diuretics, beta blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, and calcium channel blockers in older patients with hypertension in an academic hospital-based geriatrics practice. DESIGN: A retrospective analysis of charts from 528 unselected older patients, seen from June 1995 through July 1996 at an academic hospital-based geriatrics practice, was performed to investigate the prevalence of digoxin use and indications for digoxin use, the prevalence of beta blocker and calcium channel blocker use in older patients with previous myocardial infarction or coronary artery disease (CAD), and the prevalence of use of diuretics, beta blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, and calcium channel blockers in older patients with hypertension. SETTING: An academic hospital-based, primary care geriatrics practice staffed by fellows in a geriatrics training program and full-time faculty geriatricians. PATIENTS: A total of 416 women and 112 men, mean age 81 ± 8 years (range 58 to 101), were included in the study. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Ninety-two of the 528 patients (17%) were taking digoxin. Recorded indications for digoxin were atrial fibrillation with or without congestive heart failure (CHF) in 39% of patients, CHF with sinus rhythm and abnormal left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in 18% of patients, a clinical assessment of CHF with sinus rhythm and no recorded measurement of LVEF in 20% of patients, paroxysmal atrial fibrillation in 14% of patients, and coronary artery disease (CAD) in 9% of patients. Of 121 patients with previous myocardial infarction, 23 (19%) were prescribed beta blockers, and 54 (45%) were taking calcium channel blockers. Of 173 patients with CAD, 41 (24%) were treated with beta blockers, and 79 (46%) were taking calcium channel blockers. LVEF was not recorded in the charts of 90 of 121 patients (74%) with prior myocardial infarction and of 125 of 173 patients (72%) with CAD. Of 480 older patients with hypertension, 154 (37%) were treated with diuretics, 55 (13%) were treated with beta blockers, 160 (38%) were treated with ACE inhibitors, and 197 (47%) were treated with calcium channel blockers. CONCLUSIONS: In 528 older patients seen in an academic hospital-based geriatrics practice, the prevalence of digoxin use was 19%. Appropriate indications for digoxin were documented clearly in the charts of 53 of 92 patients (57%). Calcium channel blockers were used more often than beta blockers in patients with previous myocardial infarction or CAD. Calcium channel blockers were the most frequently used antihypertensive drugs.
Dietary cholesterol, fat, and lung cancer incidence among older women: The Iowa Women's Health Study (United States)

To test the hypothesis that a high intake of dietary cholesterol and fat is associated with elevated risks of lung cancer, we analyzed data from a population-based, prospective, cohort study conducted among 41,837 postmenopausal Iowa (United States) women who completed, in 1986, a comprehensive mailed questionnaire including information on usual intake of 127 food items. All cohort members were followed for cancer incidence through the statewide cancer registry. By 1991, after six years of follow-up, 272 incident lung-cancer cases were identified. After controlling for total energy intake and other confounding factors, dietary cholesterol, total fat, and animal fat were unrelated to lung cancer risk. Intake in the upper three quartiles of plantderived fat, however, was related to a 30 to 40 percent lower incidence of lung cancer, compared with those in the lowest quartile, with more pronoucned reduction in risk observed among smokers (relative risk=0.6, 95 percent confidence interval=0.4–0.9). This prospective cohort study suggests that high intake of fat of plant origin may be associated with reduced risk of lung cancer, while dietary cholesterol and animal fat intake is unrelated to the etiology of this malignancy in postmenopausal women.
Tension pneumothorax and contralateral presumed pneumothorax from endobronchial intubation via cricothyroidotomy

Cricothyroidotomy can be a life-saving procedure for the "can't intubate, can't ventilate" patient who has upper-airway obstruction. The procedure is usually fast and easy to do; however, complications have been reported. We report two cases in which cricothyroidotomy with an endotracheal tube led to unrecognized endobronchial intubation, ipsilateral tension pneumothorax, contralateral presumed pneumothorax, and unnecessary emergency surgery. Additionally, these led to the triad of hypotension, hypoxemia, and, probably, elevated intracranial pressure, which can worsen cerebral injury. We discuss methods to avoid these complications.
The length of parallel fibers in the cat cerebellar cortex. An experimental light and electron microscopic study.

Experimental light and electron microscopic studies were carried out to determine the length of parallel fibers in the cat cerebellar cortex. Using a fine surgical knife, vermal and hemispheral folia were cut perpendicular to their long axis. The animals were sacrificed 1–10 days after the operation. Sections of the transected folia were then stained with a Fink-Heimer procedure. The resulting degeneration appeared as fine dots that extended lateral to the lesion, as predictable from the course of the parallel fibers. Densitometer readings indicate that the density of degeneration declines gradually lateral to the lesion. The specificity of the silver impregnation was checked by processing silver stained sections for electron microscopy. This confirmed the location of the silver precipitate on degenerating parallel fibers. The pattern of parallel fiber degeneration in the molecular layer has a trapezoidal configuration centered on the lesion. The shorter parallel fibers are located at the base of the molecular layer and extend for 5 mm. The parallel fibers become progressively longer as they approach the pial surface where they attain a maximum length of 7 mm. Our studies suggest that in folia longer than 7 mm parallel fibers are 6 mm long on the average. In addition, it was determined on Golgi sections that the average center-to-center distance between en passant boutons of individual parallel fibers is 5.2 μm. The data indicate that an average parallel fiber, 6 mm long, forming approximately 1100 boutons, may synapse with each Purkinje dendritic tree it traverses.
A fault detection and isolation methodology

A fault detection and isolation methodology has been developed for validation of sensors and plant components. Significantly, the isolation of most consistent and inconsistent subsets of measurements for the purposes of estimation and failure detection is performed on the basis of a multi-level, as opposed to the usual bi-level, fail/no fail, characterization of the inconsistencies among measurements. This is achieved by the concurrent checking of the relative consistency of smaller size subsets of measurements. The algorithm has been computer-coded for real time applications, and validated by on-line demonstration in an operating nuclear reactor.
Coupled Plasmon-Waveguide Resonance Spectroscopy Studies of the Cytochrome b6f/Plastocyanin System in Supported Lipid Bilayer Membranes

Abstract The incorporation of cytochrome (cyt) b 6 f into a solid-supported planar egg phosphatidylcholine (PC) bilayer membrane and complex formation with plastocyanin have been studied by a variant of surface plasmon resonance called coupled plasmon-waveguide resonance (CPWR) spectroscopy, developed in our laboratory. CPWR combines greatly enhanced sensitivity and spectral resolution with direct measurement of anisotropies in refractive index and optical extinction coefficient, and can therefore probe structural properties of lipid-protein and protein-protein interactions. Cyt b 6 f incorporation into the membrane proceeds in two stages. The first occurs at low protein concentration and is characterized by an increase in total proteolipid mass without significant changes in the molecular order of the system, as demonstrated by shifts of the resonance position to larger incident angles without changing the refractive index anisotropy. The second stage, occurring at higher protein concentrations, results in a decrease in both the mass density and the molecular order of the system, evidenced by shifts of the resonance position to smaller incident angles and a large decrease in the membrane refractive index anisotropy. Plastocyanin can bind to such a proteolipid system in three different ways. First, the addition of plastocyanin before the second stage of b 6 f incorporation begins results in complex formation between the two proteins with a K D of ∼10 μ M and induces structural changes in the membrane that are similar to those occurring during the second stage of complex incorporation. The addition of larger amounts of plastocyanin under these conditions leads to nonspecific binding to the lipid phase with a K D of ∼180 μ M. Finally, the addition of plastocyanin after the completion of the second phase of b 6 f incorporation results in tighter binding between the two proteins ( K D ≈ 1 μ M). Quantitation of the binding stoichiometry indicates that two plastocyanin molecules bind tightly to the dimeric form of the cyt b 6 f complex, assuming random insertion of the cytochrome into the bilayer. The structural basis for these results and formation of the proteolipid membrane are discussed.
Barium Plateau Potentials of CA1 Pyramidal Neurons Elicit All-or-None Extracellular Alkaline Shifts Via the Plasma Membrane Calcium ATPase

In many brain regions, synchronous neural activity causes a rapid rise in extracellular pH. In the CA1 region of hippocampus, this population alkaline transient (PAT) enhances responses from postsy...
Resonance linewidth dependence on film thickness

Abstract We report on the spin-wave resonance linewidth (ΔH) of Permalloy films as a function of film thickness (d) and compare the results with those obtained from a previously published theory. ΔH is found to vary as d 3 2 .
Kali's child and Krishna's lover: An anatomy of Ramakrishna's Caritas Divina

The famous 19th-century Bengali saint Shri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa has almost universally been regarded as a Shakta (sometimes confused with Tantrika) devotee of the Mother Goddess Kali. His association with the Kali temple at Daksineshvar, in the northern suburb of Calcutta, has no doubt been a powerful argument behind his Shakta/Tantrika affiliation. This paper argues that Ramakrishna was essentially a bhakta (devotee) in the Vaisnava tradition and his cultural and family inheritance. His idea of the divine and his career and logia as a priest and a saint provide ample justification to consider him essentially a Vaisnava whose spiritual battle-cry was to demand to have dalliance with God.
Evaluation of the protection elicited by direct and indirect exposure to live attenuated infectious laryngotracheitis virus vaccines against a recent challenge strain from the United States.

In a recent study (Oldoni & Garcia, 2007), some field strains of infectious laryngotracheitis viruses (ILTV) were characterized as genotypically different (group VI) from ILT vaccine strains. The objective of this study was to evaluate the protection elicited by one chicken embryo origin (CEO) and one tissue culture origin (TCO) vaccine against a field isolate from group VI after direct and indirect exposure to ILTV live attenuated vaccines. In phase 1 of the experiment, non-vaccinated chickens were placed into contact with the eye drop vaccinates for a period of four weeks after vaccination. Transmission of the vaccine virus to these in-contact birds was demonstrated by real time PCR and antibody production, although the in-contact birds did not become protected against disease when subsequently challenged in phase 2 of the experiment. This emphasized the importance of uniform vaccination to obtain adequate protection, both to avoid the occurrence of susceptible chickens, and to minimize the potential for reversion to virulence of live-attenuated vaccines. In phase 2, protection against challenge with a group VI field virus was assessed four weeks after vaccination by scoring clinical signs and mortality, and quantifying weight gain. Sentinel birds were added to the groups one day after challenge to assess shedding of challenge virus, using real time PCR and virus isolation, during the period 2 to 12 days post challenge. The results showed that the CEO and TCO eye drop-vaccinated chickens were protected against challenge with the group VI virus, even though it was genetically different from the vaccine strains, and that challenge virus was not transmitted from these protected birds to the sentinels.
Multiple intravesical linear staples identified during surveillance cystoscopy after laparoscopic nephroureterectomy

Laparoscopic nephroureterectomy has faced technical criticism secondary to the unknown effects of urine-exposed intravesical or intraureteral staples. Although not reported, staples exposed to urine theoretically create a nidus for encrustation and stone formation. We present a case of a 66-year-old man after left laparoscopic ureterectomy for ureteral malignancy. Surveillance cystoscopy at 6 months revealed a nearly complete intravesical titanium staple line without encrustation. Successful transurethral removal of all staples with standard cystoscopic graspers revealed no immediate, or delayed, sequelae.
A probability model for computer system overhead

Abstract Two models for computer system overhead are developed by considering the number of jobs in the system as an immigration-death process. The models developed relate the death rates to the state of the process. The first model uses the total numver of jobs in the system as the state of the processe. The second model classifies the jobs in the system according to the priority classes unsed in the computer system. In the model based on the total number of jobs in the system, the death rate when the system is in the state i, μi, is μi = μ min(i, x0) where μ and x0 are parameters to be estimated by maximum likelihood. In the second model, the death rate for jobs in the kth priority class when the state of the system is i = (i1…,ip), μi(k) is given by μ i (k) =μ (k) i k min (1, x 0 i·1 ) . Computational difficulties in finding the maximum likelihood estimates of the parameters for this model are noted.
Classical adiabatic angle and geometrical phase in spin precession

Abstract This Letter demonstrates the classical origin of the geometrical phase factor for a spin eigenstate which accompanies adiabatic traversal of a closed path, by the external magnetic field.
Change in undercarboxylated osteocalcin is associated with changes in body weight, fat mass, and adiponectin: parathyroid hormone (1-84) or alendronate therapy in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis (the PaTH study).

Context: The undercarboxylated form of the osteoblast-secreted protein osteocalcin has favorable effects on fat and glucose metabolism in mice. In human subjects, cross-sectional studies suggest a relevant association. Objective: We investigated whether changes in undercarboxylated osteocalcin (ucOC) during osteoporosis treatment are associated with changes in metabolic parameters. Design, Setting, Participants, and Interventions: We measured ucOC in sera from a subset of osteoporotic postmenopausal women who were treated with PTH(1-84) or alendronate (n = 64 and n = 33, respectively) during the Parathyroid Hormone and Alendronate study. Main Outcome Measures: We measured serum adiponectin, leptin, and insulin and analyzed existing data on body weight, fat mass, and serum glucose concentration. Three-month changes in ucOC levels were evaluated as predictors of 12-month changes in indices of fat and glucose metabolism. Results: ucOC levels increased with PTH(1-84) and decreased with alendronate administrat...
Interleukin-2 at the Crossroads of Effector Responses, Tolerance, and Immunotherapy

Interleukin-2 (IL-2) is a pleiotropic cytokine produced after antigen activation that plays pivotal roles in the immune response. Discovered as a T cell growth factor, IL-2 additionally promotes CD8 + T cell and natural killer cell cytolytic activity and modulates T cell differentiation programs in response to antigen, promoting naive CD4 + T cell differentiation into T helper 1 (Th1) and T helper 2 (Th2) cells while inhibiting T helper 17 (Th17) and T follicular helper (Tfh) cell differentiation. Moreover, IL-2 is essential for the development and maintenance of T regulatory cells and for activation-induced cell death, thereby mediating tolerance and limiting inappropriate immune reactions. In this review, we focus on the molecular mechanisms and complex cellular actions of IL-2, its cooperative and opposing effects with other cytokines, and how both promoting and blocking the actions of IL-2 are being utilized in clinical medicine.
Creativity, Gender and The Family: A Study of Creative Writers

Based on interviews with 20 creative writers, this study explores the relationship between creativity and the family. Although most research in this area addresses the effect of parental influences on young creators, this study examines the effect of being a parent and a spouse once adult creators establish families of their own. The family affects writers in terms of (a) gender expectations, (b) material and symbolic constraints of parenthood, and (c) social support provided by spouses. These social forces affect men and women differently, and may help explain why there have been so few female creators. Locating creativity within the context of family relationships will further expand the study of creativity from a psychological phenomenon to a social process.
Histological structure of the intestine and pyloric caeca of the green sunfish, Lepomis cyanellus rafinesque

A histological study was made of the intestine and pyloric caeca of green sunfish, Lepomis cyanellus (Centrarchidae). The intestinal and caecal walls are histologically very similar, consisting of a mucosa (epithelial layer), submucosa (lamina propria and stratum compactum), muscularis (circular and longitudinal layers) and the serosa. Cellular constituents of the mucosal layer include absorptive, columnar epithelial cells, mucous-secreting goblet cells, and various leucocytes, the majority of which are lymphocytes. Other than relative size and the entrance of the bile duct at the base of the first caecum, no difference was found among caeca. When fish were nutritionally stressed, a greater variety and number of leucocytes and shifts in the numbers of lymphocytes and goblet cells of the mucosal layer were the only observable effects.
Quaternary records of the dire wolf, Canis dirus, in North and South America

The dire wolf was an important large, late Pleistocene predator in North and South America, well adapted to preying on megaherbivores. Geographically widespread, Canis dirus is reported from 136 localities in North America from Alberta, Canada, southward and from three localities in South America (Muaco, Venezuela; Talara, Peru; and Tarija, Bolivia). The species lived in a variety of environments, from forested mountains to open grasslands and plains ranging in elevation from sea level to 2255 m (7400 feet). Canis dirus is assigned to the Rancholabrean land mammal age of North America and the Lujanian land mammal age of South America and was among the many large carnivores and megaherbivores that became extinct in North and South America near the end of the Pleistocene Epoch. Because of the large number of Canis dirus localities and individuals recovered from the fossil record, the dire wolf is the most commonly occurring large predator in the Pleistocene of North America. By contrast, the species is rare in South America. What is the reason for this discrepancy in the distribution of Canis dirus between the American continents? This and many other fundamental questions about the dire wolf remain to be answered. For example, in North America, why are there no records of Canis dirus farther north than southern Canada? What environmental factors most significantly influenced the biogeography of the dire wolf? Did the species originate in South America or North America, and when? Why did such an apparently successful species become extinct at the end of the Pleistocene? By summarizing our current knowledge of the dire wolf’s paleobiogeography, this article helps to set the foundation for developing future studies that will provide answers to these questions.
Solvent-induced intramolecular exciplex fluorescence of β-naphthylmethyl amine

Abstract Intramolecular exciplex fluorescence of β-naphthylmethyl amine has been observed in polar media. The absence of exciplex fluorescence and the quenching of naphthalene-type fluorescence in hydrocarbon solvents is explained in terms of enhanced intersystem crossing. The crucial role the solvent can play in determining the energy and intensity of exciplex fluorescence is clearly demonstrated.
Biodegradation dynamics of polymer–starch composites

The dynamics of starch biodegradation in polyethylene–starch (PE–S) composites was investigated by aerobic biodegradation methods and computer simulations, with the starch fraction p above and below the percolation threshold pc. Two models for starch degradation were considered: (i) microbial invasion through the composite and (ii) macromolecular (enzyme) diffusion which results in the back-diffusion of small molecules to the surface for further assimilation by microorganisms. The microbial-invasion model was based on scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies of PE–S composites that contained a 1–15-micron distribution of starch particles. Following exposure to soil test conditions, micrographs of thin films clearly showed the colonization of microorganisms within channels of the matrix that were initially occupied by starch. The enzymatic diffusion was based on hydrolytic experiments of PE–S composites. Following exposure of a composite to a hydrolytic test condition, small molecules were produced. The starch accessed by microbes and enzymes was computed by simulating degradation of a monodisperse and polydisperse (starch grains of 1–10-micron diameter) composite. Aerobic degradation studies in a biometer indicate that the starch accessibility. A follows a power-law dependence with time A ∼ tn, where the exponent n depends on the fractal dimension of the accessed starch clusters and pathways and approaches unity when p > pc. Microbial invasion simulations indicate that the average power-law exponent near pc is approximately 0.5 and approaches 1.0 at p > pc, whereas the enzymatic diffusion simulations indicate that the average power-law exponent near pc is about 0.25 and approaches 0.5 at p > pc. The observed exponent for the aerobic degradation study suggests that for composites with a starch fraction less than and greater than pc the starch is predominantly accessed by microbial invasion. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 77: 1643–1657, 2000
The chemistry and flux of throughfall and stemflow in subalpine balsam fir forests

The fluxes of water and chemicals in throughfall and stemflow of three subalpine balsam fir forests of New Hampshire, USA were measured. The three fir stands were highly dissimilar in structural characteristics, serving as a test of the importance of stand structure on these fluxes. The sum of throughfall and stemflow water exceeded incident precipitation by more than 18 to 29%. This difference was attributed to the unmeasured input of cloud droplets impacted on canopy surfaces. The principal effect of stand structure was a positive relationship between stand density and stemflow. The flux of NH+4, Na+, SO=4 and Cl− in stemflow was also significantly higher in the most dense stand. The fir canopy effects on capture and chemical alterations of elements were compared with analogous behavior of a nearby deciduous forest. There were several major contrasts, the most striking of which was a flux/canopy pool ratio (leachability index) in the hardwood canopy ranging from two to 32 times higher than in the fir canopy.
The development of automated systems for clinical and research use.

Abstract Basic research necessary for the development of advanced methods for clinical chemistry are reviewed. It is concluded that a new class of fast analyzers are required which are inherently adapted to computer data reduction. A new analytical system using centrifugal force to transfer and mix fluids in a multiple-cuvet rotor yields data signals at intervals of 3.3 milliseconds. It is applicable to a variety of analyses, but is especially suited to the determination of enzymes by measuring reaction rates.
Roles for KRAS in Pancreatic Tumor Development and Progression

The Kras gene is mutated to an oncogenic form in most pancreatic tumors. However, early attempts to use this molecule as a specific biomarker of the disease, or inhibit its activity as a cancer therapy, failed. This left a situation in which everyone was aware of the association between this important oncogene and pancreatic cancer, but no one knew what to do about it. Recent findings have changed this picture—many assumptions made about KRAS and its role in pancreatic cancer were found to be incorrect. Several factors have contributed to increased understanding of the activities of KRAS, including creation of genetically engineered mouse models, which have allowed for detailed analyses of pancreatic carcinogenesis in an intact animal with a competent immune system. Cancer genome sequencing projects have increased our understanding of the heterogeneity of individual tumors. We also have a better understanding of which oncogenes are important for tumor maintenance and are therefore called “drivers.” We review the advances and limitations of our knowledge about the role of Kras in development of pancreatic cancers and the important areas for future research.
Slipped-mispairing and the evolution of introns

Abstract Introns are regions of non-coding nucleotides which interrupt most eukaryotic genes. Comparison of homologous genes in related species shows that the number and position of introns are usually highly conserved during evolution, but that intron length can change relatively quickly. Detailed comparison of the DNA sequence of introns suggests that a common mechanism for varying length is insertion or deletion caused by ‘slipped-mispairing' of short, direct repeats during DNA replication.
Preparation of self-assembled monolayers from micellar solutions

The self-assembly of alkanethiols on gold surfaces from micellar aqueous solutions was investigated using Triton X-100, sodium dodecylsulfate, and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide as representative nonionic, anionic, and cationic surfactants, respectively. The surfactant solutions solubilized the otherwise water-insoluble alkanethiols, which self-assembled on gold to form organized assemblies very similar to those prepared using the conventional procedures, i.e., exposure of the gold surface to a nonaqueous solution of the alkanethiol. The resulting derivatized gold electrodes exhibited typical electrochemical properties, such as low capacitance values and substantial blocking of the voltammetric reduction of Ru(NH3)63+. The concentration of surfactant was found to have a profound effect on the rate of alkanethiol chemisorption.
The effect of long-term constant light on the frog pigment epithelium

Abstract Frogs exposed to constant normal room light (40 ft-c.) for 14 months were found to have a swollen pigment epithelium. The principal morphological feature seen in these swollen pigment epithelial cells was a vast array of smooth endoplasmic reticulum. and all of the normal cytoplasmic organelles were displaced to the apical margins of the cells. However, the underlying photoreceptors were undamaged and the outer segment showed no signs of swelling or vesiculation. When a dark/light period was used to induce rod shedding in these animals, shedding, ingestion, and phagocytosis occurred normally. The same general morphological changes, with an absence of swelling, could be induced in normal frogs using bright flashes of light followed by a period of darkness. Thus, the principal morphological effect of long-term constant light on the frog retina is on the pigment epithelium.
EXAFS Spectra of the Dilute Solutions of Ca2+ and Sr2+ in Water and Methanol

A set of polarizable ion−water intermolecular potential models were developed that accurately describe solvation enthalpies and structural properties of Ca2+ and Sr2+ in aqueous solution. The molecular dynamics (MD) results were coupled to electron scattering simulations in order to generate the Ca2+ and Sr2+ extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectra. These MD-XAFS spectra were found to be in good agreement with the corresponding experimental measurements including both the ion-oxygen and the ion-hydrogen distances for the first hydration shell. This work demonstrates that the combination of MD-EXAFS, and the corresponding experiment measurement provides a powerful tool in the analysis of the solvation structure of aqueous ionic solutions. The Ca2+−methanol interaction was also developed, and the dilute Ca2+ MD-EXAFS spectrum in liquid methanol was also predicted using the same approach.
Distribution of 223Ra and 224Ra in the plumes of the Mississippi and Atchafalaya Rivers and the Gulf of Mexico

Abstract Two naturally occurring, short-lived radium isotopes ( 223 Ra and 224 Ra) provide unique tracers of riverine plumes as they mix into the ocean. Here, we apply these isotopes to studies conducted at the mouths of the Mississippi and Atchafalaya Rivers in November 1993 and May 1994. During each study, plume waters contained unsupported activities of short-lived radium isotopes for distances of over 75 km from the Mississippi River mouth. These isotopes may be used to calculate apparent ages of the plume since the water was last in contact with sediments at the river mouth. The ages provide a unique time history of water in the plume. Plume ages derived from the isotope ratios indicate that the plume moved considerably faster in May compared to November. During May 1994, there were significant enrichments of all radium isotopes in the bottom waters near the Mississippi mouth. The suspected source of these enrichments is the discharge of salty groundwater into the bottom water. Besides supplying radium isotopes, these discharges may provide significant inputs of nutrients and other materials.
An anthropogenic signal in Phoenix, Arizona winter precipitation

Many other investigators have shown pronounced weekly cycles in atmospheric composition, particularly in large urban settings. A substantial body of literature shows that the varying concentrations of fine atmospheric aerosols (particulate matter (PM)2.5) impact precipitation processes; generally, higher concentrations of these aerosols tend to depress winter precipitation especially in short-lived, shallow, and orographic clouds. Phoenix, Arizona has a large population relying heavily on motor vehicles as the primary means of transportation. This results in a strong weekly cycle of PM2.5 concentrations with a maximum on Wednesday and Thursday and a distinctive minimum on the weekend. To determine any influence on rainfall, we analyze daily precipitation records from 291 stations in the Phoenix area and find a strong weekly cycle in winter precipitation frequencies with maximum values on Sunday and minimum values on Thursday. The weekly cycle in precipitation frequency strengthens slightly moving eastward (downwind) across the metropolitan area as well as with increasing proximity to the metropolitan area. These results strongly suggest that human activity is influencing winter precipitation primarily by the suppressing effect of PM2.5.
DIJET PRODUCTION BY DOUBLE POMERON EXCHANGE AT THE TEVATRON

The authors report the observation of dijet events with a Double Pomeron Exchange topology produced in {bar p}p collisions at {radical}s = 1,800 GeV. The events are characterized by a leading antiproton, two jets in the central pseudorapidity region, and a rapidity gap on the outgoing proton side. Results on kinematics, production rates, and comparisons with corresponding results from single diffractive and inclusive dijet production are presented.
Special Abstract Section: 2008 National Conference in Sales Management

Each year, Pi Sigma Epsilon sponsors the National Conference in Sales Management (NCSM) in conjunction with its annual convention. JPSSM is pleased to present this special section containing the abstracts of the papers presented at the 2008 NCSM, which was held March 26–29 in Dallas, TX.
Towards a continuous personalization experience

The aim of this paper is to stimulate the discussion about the broader application of user profiling. For this we present the research questions and some preliminary results from the project called AlterEgo [1]. This is a research project in which a number of Dutch companies and organizations participate.Our observation is that there are too many different and isolated user profiles and users have too little control over them [2]. This leads to a fragmented personalization experience.We believe in the need for a cross-domain profile that is under control of the individual (user). In this paper we motivate our approach and introduce the most important user requirements that will lead to a continuous personalization experience when using products and services.
Lysine-rich histone phosphorylation and hyperplasia in the developing rat

Abstract Electrophoretic comparisons of histones from developing rat liver from the 15-day fetus to the aged adult have revealed differences only in the lysine-rich histones. The lysine-rich histones from rapidly dividing fetal cells are extensively phosphorylated (∼80%) while the F1 from nondividing adult liver cells contains no detectable phosphorylation. Between these two extreme points the extent of F1 phosphorylation declines as the rate of cell replication decreases. We propose that not only is the extent of F1 phosphorylation correlated with the overall rate of cell division, but that it may depend upon the fraction of cells proceeding through the S phase (DNA synthesis) at a given time.
Three-dimensional spiral computed tomographic angiography: An alternative imaging modality for the abdominal aorta and its branches

Abstract Purpose: We sought to apply a new technique of computed tomographic angiography (CTA) to the preoperative and postoperative assessment of the abdominal aorta and its branches. Methods: After a peripheral intravenous contrast injection, the patient is continuously advanced through a spiral CT scanner, while maintaining a 30-second breath-hold. Thirty-five patients with abdominal aortic, renal, and visceral arterial disease have undergone CTA. Results: Diagnostic three-dimensional images were obtained in patients with aortic aneurysms ( n = 9), aortic dissections ( n = 4), and mesenteric artery stenoses ( n = 4). The technique has also been used to assess vessels after operative reconstruction or endovascular intervention in 18 patients. These preliminary studies have correlated well with conventional arteriographic findings. In aneurysmal disease both the lumen and mural thrombus and associated renal artery stenoses are visualized. The true and false channels of aortic dissections and the perfusion source of the visceral vessels are clearly shown; patency of visceral and renal reconstruction or stent placement are confirmed. CTA is relatively noninvasive and can be completed in less time than conventional angiography with less radiation exposure. Conclusions: This initial experience suggests that CTA may be a valuable alternative to conventional arteriography in the evaluation of the aorta and its branches. (J VASC SURG 1993;18:656-65.)
Isolation and characterization of two nonaflatoxigenic classes of morphological variants ofaspergillus parasiticus

Serial transfer of mycelial macerates of aflatoxigenic strains ofAspergillus parasiticus produced 2 morphological variants. The “fan” variant type showed flat growth, a gradient of sporulation density, absence of mycelial pigmentation and deep furrows on the back of the colony. The “fluff” variants displayed abundant aerial mycelium, sparse sporulation, absence of mycelial pigmentation and furrows on the reverse of the colony. Neither “fan” nor “fluff” produced detectable aflatoxin. In a marked mutant strain, the appearance of “fan” and “fluff” and their concomitant loss of aflatoxin production occurred whereas spore color and auxotrophic markers were retained. A parasexual diploid synthesized from the mutant strain with the “fan” phenotype produced high levels of aflatoxin whereas a parasexual diploid containing the “fluff” pheno-type produced low levels of aflatoxin. The unusual mode of isolation, the differential retention of aflatoxin and other genetic markers in a mutant strain, and the different levels of aflatoxin production in parasexual diploids with “fan” and “fluff” imply an unusual genetic mechanism for the control of the aflatoxin pathway.
The effects of chronic doses of an organophosphorus inhibitor on cholinesterase activity in boll weevils.

Bei Imagines vonAnthonomus grandis Boheman die kontinuierlich mit nahezu letaler und letaler Dosis phosphororganischer Insektizide gefuttert wurden, konnte eine befristete zunehmende Hemmung der Cholinesteraseaktivitat beobachtet werden. Trotzdem die Behandlung nicht unterbrochen wurde, gewann das Enzym die fast normale Wirksamkeit wieder zuruck.
Stochastic methods in hydraulics and hydrology of streamflow

Stochastic methods in hydraulics and hydrology of streamflow are presented. The hydraulics part consists of mechanics of streamflow and sediment transport. A technique presented herein enables one to analyze a limited amount of field data to determine the stochastic structure of irregular stream geometry so that cross-sections and slopes of a stream may be simulated wherever, or as many as, needed. It provides the rational basis of efficient use, interpolation, and extrapolation of field data of irregular stream geometry for any studies to understand and control transport processes in streams. Stochastic modelings of motion of a single sediment particle, either in suspension or on the stream bed, help in understanding the complex mechanism governing sediment transport and, hence, improving techniques for calculating the spatial distribution and transport rate of sediment. For practical applications, however, the technique combining the stochastic and deterministic methods should be most effective. In the hydrology part, Markov and non-Markov models are presented which may be used to simulate streamflow data. Markov models, which dominated stochastic hydrology in the past, have short memories and, therefore, cannot preserve or simulate long-term persistence characterizing physiscal streamflows. Non-Markov models which are currently being developed, and may or may not belong to the Brownian domain, have very long or infinite memories. This paper is dedicated to the idea of coupling the stochastic and deterministic methods in hydraulics and hydrology, so that the two methods may contribute their strengths while complementing each other for their weaknesses.
The ivory tower is open for business: The Academy of Management meets in San Francisco

For five foggy days last August, over 3,000 management scholars converged on the San Francisco Hilton to hold the fiftieth annual meeting of the Academy of Management. This year's theme was “Enhancing Organizational Vision and Vitality,” and four of the featured speakers were prominent CEOs. Luckily, I was able to attend three out of their four presentations.
The Acidic Domain of pUL37x1 and gpUL37 Plays a Key Role in Transactivation of HCMV DNA Replication Gene Promoter Constructions

Abstract Transient complementation of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV)oriLyt DNA replication in permissive human diploid cells expressing replication genes under native promoters requires its UL36-38 gene products. Two of the immediate early (IE) proteins encoded by this locus, pUL37x1 and, to a lesser extent, gpUL37, activated expression of HCMV early gene promoter constructions. The other IE protein encoded by the UL36-38 locus, pUL36, and the early product, pUL38, did not transactivate the HCMV early promoter constructions under similar conditions. The acidic domain, common to both pUL37x1 and gpUL37, is required for activation of HCMV early promoter constructions. Conversely, gpUL37 sequences downstream of amino acid 199 are not required for transactivation of viral early promoters. Taken together, these results suggest that the requirement for UL36-38 products for HCMV DNA replication results, at least in part, from the requirement of the transactivation of HCMV early DNA replication promoters by pUL37x1 and, to a lesser extent, by gpUL37 and that the acidic domain is critical for this activity.
Fan-speed-aware scheduling of data intensive jobs

As server processor power densities increase, the cost of air cooling also grows resulting from higher fan speeds. Our measurements show that vibrations induced by fans in high-end servers and its rack neighbors cause a dramatic drop in hard disk bandwidth, resulting in a corresponding decrease in application performance. In this paper we quantify the performance and energy cost effects of the fan vibrations and propose a disk performance aware thermal, energy and cooling technique. Results show that we can not only meet thermal constraints, but also improve performance by 1.35x as compared to the conventional methods.
A simple and rapid technique for preparing histological sections of brain

A rapid technique for preparing histological sections of rodent brain is described. Sectioning and staining may be completed within two hours of sacrifice.