cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A simulation model of the impacts of green-tree reservoir management on bottomland hardwood seedling growth and survival

Abstract Green-tree reservoirs are stands of bottomland hardwoods that are impounded with levees, equipped with water control structures, and flooded during the fall and winter to provide mast and invertebrates for waterfowl. We developed a model to evaluate the potential impacts of green-tree reservoir management on seedling growth and survival of three bottomland hardwood species (overcup oak, water elm, and willow oak). The model is a compartment model based on difference equations with a time step of 6 months and operates on a microcomputer. Each species is represented by two series of 10 state variables representing the number and height of seedlings, respectively, in age-classes from 1 to 10 yr. Seedling growth is a function of the length of flooding during the growing season and light availability; seedling survival is a function of these 2 parameters as well as the depth of flooding during the dormant-season. The model ordinates the relative growth rates of the three species accurately based upon flood tolerances described in the literature. Simulations indicate that changes in the length of flooding during the growing season, flood depth during the dormant season, and light availability influence both the composition and abundance of regeneration of bottomland hardwood species. Regeneration of all species was reduced as either the length of flooding during the growing season, light availability, or dormant season flood depth approached an extreme for that species, regardless of the values of the other environmental gradients. Our model, with slight modifications, could be incorporated into existing bottomland hardwood simulation models that do not specifically represent seedling growth and survival.
Effect of Chronic Secretagogue Exposure on Pro-Adrenocorticotropin/Endorphin Production and Secretion in Primary Cultures of Rat Anterior Pituitary*

The effects of rat CRF, arginine vasopressin (VP), oxytocin (OXY), and isoproterenol (ISO) on the biosynthesis and release of pro-ACTH/endorphin-derived peptides by monolayer cultures of rat anterior pituitary cells in complete serum-free medium (CSFM) were studied. When cells were exposed to hormone for 3 h, CRF, VP, OXY, and ISO were each able to stimulate secretion of immunoactive hormone into culture medium. To determine the effects of chronic secretagogue exposure on corticotrope function, cultures were exposed to hormone for 14 days, and total hormone production was measured by immunoassay (cumulative hormone secreted plus cell hormone content). In the absence of CRF, total hormone production increased 3.6 +/- 0.2-fold (mean +/- SEM) over the period from 2-14 days; chronic CRF treatment brought about a 7.9 +/- 0.7-fold increase in total hormone production over the same period (P less than 0.0025) or a 2.2-fold increase over control cells. Total hormone production was not affected by chronic treatment with VP (100 nM), OXY (100 nM), or ISO (100 nM); the response of the cells to chronic CRF treatment was unaltered by chronic inclusion of VP, OXY, or ISO. To examine the chronic effects of secretagogues more directly, anterior pituitary cells were grown in control CSFM or in CSFM containing CRF or VP for 7 days and then incubated in medium containing radiolabeled amino acid for 15 min. The newly synthesized pro-ACTH/endorphin was quantified by immunoprecipitation and sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). Cells grown in CSFM containing CRF synthesized 1.9 times more labeled pro-ACTH/endorphin that cells grown in control CSFM or in CSFM containing VP. Chronic exposure of anterior pituitary cultures to 8-bromo-cAMP stimulated both synthesis and release of pro-ACTH/endorphin-derived peptides, suggesting that a secretagogue capable of producing a sustained elevation in intracellular cAMP levels will stimulate prohormone synthesis.
In cancer drug resistance, germline matters too

Cancer genome sequencing projects focus exclusively on the discovery of somatic changes. A new study shows that germline alterations in the proapoptotic protein BIM can have a crucial role in how a tumor responds to treatment (pages 521–528).
Colored aftereffects produced with moving edges

Colored aftereffects that lasted as long as 6 weeks were produced with moving patterns of parallel black and white stripes or with black and white spirals. During adaptation, the patterns moved periodically in opposite directions, each direction paired with one illuminant, red or green. When the moving patterns were later viewed in white light, S saw the red and green colors, but they were related in the opposite way to the direction of motion. The red and green aftereffects were also produced by other pairs of illuminants, red and white, white and green, reddish-yellow and white, and white and greenish-yellow. The aftereffects did not occur unless, during adaptation, the stripes moved in both directions, each direction paired with a different color. The aftereffect was elicited by stripe motion over the retina—it was seen when the eye swept over a pattern of stationary stripes. The aftereffect desaturated when the retinal orientation of the stripes was changed from the adaptation orientation. Saturation was increased by longer exposure and slower speed during adaptation and by faster speed and a more rapid rate of altemation during the test. The luminance of the adaptation light seemed to have little effect. The aftereffect did not transfer from one eye to the other, and it did not change retinal locus, as was shown when clear images of a colored square that lasted several days were produced with a spiral. S ftxated the spiral’s center. The spiral rotated altemately in opposite directions. A red square with a green surround was projected on the center of the spiral when it rotated in one direction; a green square with a red surround was used when it rotated in the other direction. Following 50 min of adaptation, colored images of the squares were seen when the center of the spiral was ftxated and the direction of
CHEMICAL ANALYSES OF THE MURCHISON AND LOST CITY METEORITES

The abundances of 22 elements have been determined in the recently fallen Murchison and Lost City meteorites. Analyses were performed by 14-MeV neutron activation, thermal neutron activation, and in a few cases by wet chemical techniques. On the basis of these data the composition of the Murchison chondrite is intermediate between previously reported analyses of Type II and Type III carbonaceous chondrites. The data for the Lost City chondrite in general agree well with mean values reported for H-group ordinary chondrites. The low oxygen content of the Lost City chondrite suggests that previously reported oxygen abundances in H-group falls may be too high due to oxidation in storage or weathering prior to collection
Exfoliation and related microstructures in 2024 aluminum body skins on aging aircraft

Exfoliation, a directional attack along elongated grain boundaries, has been examined in some detail in rolled 2024 aluminum sheet and plate for KC-135 aging aircraft body skin samples utilizing optical (light) metallography, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. A detailed analysis and comparison of precipitates within the grains and in the grain boundaries were performed, as well as an examination of elemental depletion profiles across grain boundaries. These observations suggest that corrosion-related anodic sites play a far less significant role in the propagation of exfoliation than do the hard corrosion products creating wedging stresses within the elongated grain boundaries, which seem to demonstrate unique and unusual structural or energetic features or both.
Modelling reproductive allocation of dusky salamanders using optimal control theory: Pros, cons and caveats

Optimal control theory has been used to examine the evolution of life history characters in a variety of plant and animal species. In this paper, I examine control theoretic models of reproductive allocation in female dusky salamanders and consider some practical aspects of modelling, including the appropriateness of nonlinear formulations, methods for describing semelparous reproduction, and data needed to parameterize models. The model analysed includes state variables for somatic and reproductive tissue, energy intake and requirements for physiological maintenance, and iteroparous reproduction. It predicts that female salamanders should spend the first part of their lives growing. After reaching sexual maturity, females should either spend the remainder of their lives reproducing at the expense of decreasing body size, possibly resulting in death by starvation, or maintain approximately constant body size at the expense of low reproductive output. This lack of correspondence to the observed biology of dusky salamanders suggests that not all the appropriate biology has been described. In particular, inclusion of a storage variable may be necessary in future modelling efforts.
Veganism and Living Well

I argue that many philosophical arguments for veganism underestimate what is at stake for humans who give up eating animal products. By saying all that’s at stake for humans is taste and characterizing taste in simplistic terms, they underestimate the reasonable resistance that arguments for veganism will meet. Taste, they believe, is trivial. Omnivores, particular those that I label “meaningful omnivores,” disagree. They believe that eating meat provides a more meaningful meal, though just how this works proves elusive. Meaningful omnivores could find little in the philosophical literature to help them clarify and support their position until recently. A few philosophers have argued that our culinary practices involve something more significant than taste. I categorize these arguments into three kinds. They either argue that culinary practices are a form of artistic achievement, that our diet forms part of our identity, or that a specific diet facilitates honest engagement with the world. Each of these arguments connects some aspect of our culinary practices to living a meaningful life. I examine each argument to see if it can defend the meaningful omnivore’s position. In the end, I conclude that it cannot. Nonetheless, this argument has significant implications for the animal welfare movement. Given the intense suffering caused by contemporary animal agriculture, concern for meaning is not sufficient to justify eating meat and often dairy. Concern for meaning does, however, require that we look for ways to preserve and extend culinary traditions while making them more humane.
A Transport Protocol for Content-Centric Networking with Explicit Congestion Control

Content-centric networking (CCN) adopts a receiver-driven, hop-by-hop transport approach that facilitates in-network caching, which in turn leads to multiple sources and multiple paths for transferring content. In such a case, keeping a single round trip time (RTT) estimator for a multi-path flow is insufficient as each path may experience different round trip times. To solve this problem, it has been proposed to use multiple RTT estimators to predict network condition. In this paper, we examine an alternative approach to this problem, CHoPCoP, which utilizes explicit congestion control to cope with the multiple-source, multiple-path situation. Protocol design innovations of CHoPCoP include a random early marking (REM) scheme that explicitly signals network congestion, and a per-hop fair share Interest shaping algorithm (FISP) and a receiver Interest control method (RIC) that regulate the Interest rates at routers and the receiver respectively. We have implemented CHoPCoP on the ORBIT testbed and conducted experiments under various network and traffic settings. The evaluation shows that CHoPCoP is a viable approach that can effectively deal with congestion in the multipath environment. I. INTRODUCTION During the last decade, content retrieval has dominated the Internet usage. To address the challenges posed for content retrieval, content-centric networking (CCN) (12), (15) has been proposed. Being a significant shift in the network design philosophy, CCN is centered on named content instead of host addresses. Routing towards a content is based on the content name instead of the host address, and data retrieval is initiated by issuing Interest at the content receiver. Com- pared to application-layer overlay solutions such as Content Distribution Networks (CDN) and Peer-to-peer systems (P2P), CCN holds the promise of providing a more efficient and cost- effective solution to content dissemination. CCN's unique characteristics introduce new design chal- lenges for the underlying transport protocol. First, CCN is naturally receiver-driven, since the content receiver needs to issue an Interest first in order to request a Data chunk. Second, hop-by-hop transfer is desired for CCN transport, because con- tent files can be cached along the route to improve throughput. Moreover, since a specific content is often widely disseminated and cached in the network, a CCN flow may have multiple sources - i.e., one content chunk originates from source A, while the next chunk might originate from source B. Such multi-source/multi-path transfer in CCN makes congestion estimation based on a single RTT value fall short. These features of CCN are sufficiently distinct from a traditional end-to-end host-based model that a new transport approach is called for. Recently transport protocol design for CCN has received
Perturbation analysis for production control and optimization of manufacturing systems

We use stochastic fluid models (SFM) to capture the operation of threshold-based production control policies in manufacturing systems without resorting to detailed discrete event models. By applying infinitesimal perturbation analysis (IPA) to a SFM of a workcenter, we derive gradient estimators of throughput and buffer overflow metrics with respect to production control parameters. It is shown that these gradient estimators are unbiased and independent of distributional information of supply and service processes involved. In addition, based on the fact that they can be evaluated using data from the observed actual (discrete event) system, we use them as approximate gradient estimators in simple iterative schemes for adjusting thresholds (hedging points) on line seeking to optimize an objective function that trades off throughput and buffer overflow costs.
Magnesium sensitivity of l-aspartate: 2-oxoglutarate aminotransferase in Escherichia coli

Abstract Strains 619 and 961, derived from Escherichia coli K12, show growth inhibition by 0.4 M Mg 2+ . The inhibition is overcome by l -aspartate. The related strain 977 exhibits Mg 2+ , which arose concurrently with a mutation to argR − . Transduction experiments indicated that the genetic determinant for Mg 2+ sensitivity is closely linked to, but not identical with, argR . Since aspartate reverses the inhibition, aspartate aminotransferase ( l -aspartate:2-oxoglutarate aminotransferase, EC 2.6.1.1), an enzyme of aspartate synthesis, was examined. Incubation of 961 in a growth medium containing Mg 2+ leads to a sharp decrease in the specific activity of aspartate aminotransferase in 2 h, followed by a gradual increase. In similar experiments with 977, a greatly reduced drop and a much sharper rise occur. Extracted aspartate aminotransferase is virtually insensitive to Mg 2− . Extracts of Mg 2+ -treated 961, on incubation at 37°C, show nearly full restoration of aspartate aminotransferase activity within several hours. The reversible inactivation appears to affect the finished enzyme, in the absence of protein synthesis, as demonstrated in cell suspension experiments. Under these conditions, the inactivating effect of Mg 2+ is enhanced by aspartate. Tests with growing cells suggest that aspartate may repress aspartate aminotransferase formation. Growth of 961 in the presence of 0.4 M Mg 2+ plus aspartate leads to relatively elevated levels of aspartate aminotransferase activity. In this case, on extractiion, no appreciable restoratiion occurs, and in cell suspension experiments, the aspartate aminotransferase shows no Mg 2+ sensitivity. The aminotransferase from Mg 2+ plus aspartate-grown cells and the normal enzyme are similar in affinity for aspartate, sedimentation behaviour, and inactivation at 60°C, but differ in their response to heat treatment at 50°C. It is thought that the two enzymes may be specified by the same gene, but may differ structurally, as a function of availability of Mg 2+ during their formation.
Analysis of learning rate and momentum term in backpropagation neural network algorithm trained to predict pavement performance

Abstract Pavement performance modeling is a critical component of any pavement management system (PMS) decision-making process. A characteristic feature of pavement performance models is that they are formulated and estimated statistically from field data. The statistical modeling can only consider no more than a few of the parameters, in a simplified manner, and in some cases various transformations of the original data. Lately, artificial neural networks (ANNs) were applied to pavement performance modeling. The ANNs offer a number of advantages over the traditional statistical methods, caused by their generalization, massive parallelism and ability to offer real time solutions. Unfortunately, in pavement performance modeling, only simulated data were used in ANNs environment. In this paper, real pavement condition and traffic data and specific architecture are used to investigate the effect of learning rate and momentum term on back-propagation algorithm neural network trained to predict flexible pavement performance. On the basis of the analysis it is concluded that an extremely low learning rate around 0.001–0.005 combination and momentum term between 0.5–0.9 do not give satisfactory results for the specific data set and the architecture used. It is also established that the learning rate and momentum term, and validation data can be used to identify when over-learning is taking place in a training set.
Methods for Preparing Concentrated Infant Formulas Vary: A Survey of Pediatric Nutrition Practice Group Members

Abstract LEARNING OUTCOME: To identify methods used by pediatric dietitians to concentrate infant formulas. To data standards of practice or quality assurance criteria dealing with infant formula concentration have not been developed. A survey of/dietitians (N= 538) belonging to the Pediatric Nutrition Practice Group in Areas 3 (southeastern states) and 5 (midwestern states) was conducted to obtain information regarding practices followed when concentrating infant formulas. Of 283 responses received, 174 (52.6%) met the inclusion criteria. The majority (66%) of the respondents were employed as hospital impatient dietitians. Greater than two-thirds (81%) of the dietitians did not increase the caloric density to more than 29 kilocalories/ounce of infant formula using formula exclusively. More dietitians in hospital inpatient settings (68%) concentrated formulas to a higher caloric density than outpatient dietitians (32%) (p ≤ 0.01). Although the majority (97%) of the respondents who accounted for displacement of water by powder when making a small volume (6 ounces) of formula used the same method when preparing a large volume (25 ounces), only 67% of those who did not account for displacement when making a small volume continued this practice when making a larger volume (p≤0.0001). Respondents were also asked to indicate their use of modular components. Protein modules were used less frequently (71%) than carbohydrate and/or fat (90%). The percentage of respondents using protein modules who accounted for the additional volume contributed by the module increased with years of pediatric experience (p≤0.0001). These data suggest inconsistencies in dietitians' practices in their approaches to concentrating formulas. The development of quality assurance criteria related to the concentration of infant formulas would help standardize care and reduce the risk of recommending a concentrated formula that may compromise the infant's nutritional and/or medical status. Supported in part by Grant # MCJ-129162 from the Maternal and Child Health Bureau (Tide V, Social Security Act), Health Resources and Services Administration, Department of Health and Human Services.
Regulation of mitochondrial malate dehydrogenase: Kinetic modulation independent of subunit interaction☆

Porcine heart mitochondrial malate dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.37), a dimeric enzyme of Mr = 70,000, is both allosterically activated and inhibited by citrate. Using an affinity elution procedure based upon citrate binding to malate dehydrogenase, the isolation of pure heterodimer (a dimeric species with one active subunit and one iodoacetamide-inactivated subunit) has been achieved. Investigations utilizing this heterodimer in conjunction with resin-bound monomers of malate dehydrogenase have allowed the formulation of a definite conclusion concerning the role of subunit interactions in catalysis and regulation of this enzyme. The citrate kinetic effects, oxaloacetate inhibition, malate activation, and the effects of 2-thenoyl-trifluoroacetone (TTFA) are shown to be independent of interaction between catalytically active subunits. Previous kinetic data thought to support a reciprocating catalytic mechanism for this enzyme may be reinterpreted upon closer analysis in relation to an allosteric, conformationally specific binding model for malate dehydrogenase.
Sediment and Phosphorus Accumulation Dynamics behind Newly Installed Low‐Grade Weirs in Agricultural Drainage Ditches

Low-grade weirs are controlled surface drainage management structures that are being advocated for improving water quality of downstream ecosystems within agricultural landscapes. Low-grade weirs are small controlled drainage structures that are placed in series in an agricultural drainage ditch to create biogeochemical conditions for enhanced nutrient retention but also to slow runoff velocities and encourage sedimentation. This study evaluated eight low-grade weirs for sediment and P accumulation in agricultural drainage ditches 1 yr after installation. On average, sediment (weir: 54 ± 25cm; reference: 13 ± 7 cm; ≤ 0.001) and water (weir: 9 ± 7cm; reference: 1.16 ± 2 cm; ≤ 0.05) depth was greater upstream of weirs when compared within ditch references sites. There were no significant differences in total P concentrations of sediments or between any P fractions between 1-yr-old weirs and their respective references. Bioavailability ratios of P (i.e., the ratio of potentially bioavailable to nonbioavailable P fractions) were also found to be similar between weir and reference sites. Based on these results, weirs increase the hydrological capacity of drainage ditches and significantly retain more sediment and P within the drainage ditch within 1 yr of construction. Future research will examine temporal changes in weir sediments and associated P concentrations to aid our understanding of how maintenance of weirs should occur to maximize physical and chemical characteristics for greatest sediment and P retention.
REGULATION OF CORTICOTROPIN-RELEASING HORMONE RECEPTOR MESSENGER RIBONUCLEIC ACID IN THE RAT BRAIN AND PITUITARY BY GLUCOCORTICOIDS AND STRESS

Glucocorticoids and stress are known to influence the synthesis of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) at a variety of sites in brain, including the hypothalamus and amygdala. The recent cloning of the CRH receptor (CRH-R) enabled us to determine whether glucocorticoids or stress influenced CRH action via regulation of CRH-R. We, therefore, used in situ hybridization to measure CRH-R messenger RNA (mRNA) levels in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN), anterior pituitary (AP), amygdala, and bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) under several conditions. Systemic corticosterone (CORT) treatment, both daily injection (5 mg/rat.day) up to 14 days and pellet implant (200 mg) for 14 days, decreased CRH-R mRNA in the PVN and lateral and basolateral nucleus of the amygdala (BLA). Corticosterone injection (10 mg/rat.day, for 7 days) decreased CRH-R mRNA in the AP. Adrenalectomy also decreased CRH-R mRNA in the PVN and AP, but did not alter it in the BLA. In both sham and adrenalectomized rats with...
A new representation of ζ(s)

Abstract Let χ denote a primitive, Dirichlet character to the modulus q > 1, such that χ(−1) = 1. Then it is shown that the Riemann zeta function can be expressed in terms of the non-trivial zeros of L ( S , χ ). Although the explicit form of the representation is given only when σ > 1, and only for χ(−1) = 1, it is indicated how similar representations can be obtained for σ > 0 when χ(−1) = ±1.
Error Correlation and Error Reduction in Ensemble Classifiers

Using an ensemble of classifiers, instead of a single classifier, can lead to improved generalization. The gains obtained by combining, however, are often affected more by the selection of what is presented to the combiner than by the actual combining method that is chosen. In this paper, we focus on data selection and classifier training methods, in order to 'prepare' classifiers for combining. We review a combining framework for classification problems that quantifies the need for reducing the correlation among individual classifiers. Then, we discuss several methods that make the classifiers in an ensemble more complementary. Experimental results are provided to illustrate the benefits and pitfalls of reducing the correlation among classifiers, especially when the training data are in limited supply.
Epoxidation of alkenes with molecular oxygen catalyzed by a manganese porphyrin-based metal-organic framework.

Abstract The flexible nature of reticular assemblies and high specific surfaces of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) offers new opportunities for the design of heterogeneous catalysts capable of industrially relevant reactions. We demonstrate the first instance of alkene epoxidation at mild conditions using molecular oxygen by a manganese porphyrin containing MOF, MOF-525-Mn [Zr 6 O 4 (OH) 4 (MgC 48 H 24 O 8 N 4 Cl) 3 ]. This zirconium MOF with a manganese porphyrin catalyst shows minimal deactivation over long periods and maintains its structure and high activity after multiple catalytic cycles. Kinetic studies of styrene epoxidation are in agreement with theoretical and experimental studies of homogeneous reactions with the same porphyrin unit, suggesting that the heterogeneous catalyst operates according to a similar mechanism as its homogeneous counterpart.
Gauchers Disease—A Reappraisal of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), first performed in 1984, was the first treatment approach for Gaucher's disease (GD) which had curative intent. The early successes in HSCT were soon eclipsed by the introduction of a highly effective enzyme replacement therapy (ERT), which has remained the single most widely used treatment. Experience with HSCT is limited to about 50 reported cases, mainly performed in the last century, with an overall survival around 85%. HSCT typically achieves complete correction of visceral and bony changes and can fully stabilize neurological features in otherwise progressive type II and III GD. ERT, in contrast, is completely safe and effective, but is limited by cost, incomplete resolution of visceral, hematological, and bony features in some patients, and lack of neurological correction in type II and III disease. In this review, we summarize and compare HSCT and ERT. With 20 years of experience of ERT, its limitations as well as its advantages are now well delineated. Meanwhile progress in HSCT over the last decade suggests that transplantation would today represent a very safe curative approach for GD offering one time complete correction of the disease, contrasting with the lifelong need for ERT with its associated expense and dependence on sophisticated drug manufacture. Additionally, unlike ERT, HSCT can be beneficial for neurological forms of GD. We conclude that the time has come to re-evaluate HSCT in selected patients with GD where ERT is less likely to fully eradicate symptoms of the disease.
Stable multivariate W-Eulerian polynomials

Abstract We prove a multivariate strengthening of Brentiʼs result that every root of the Eulerian polynomial of type B is real. Our proof combines a refinement of the descent statistic for signed permutations with the notion of real stability—a generalization of real-rootedness to polynomials in multiple variables. The key is that our refined multivariate Eulerian polynomials satisfy a recurrence given by a stability-preserving linear operator. Our results extend naturally to colored permutations, and we also give stable generalizations of recent real-rootedness results due to Dilks, Petersen, and Stembridge on affine Eulerian polynomials of types A and C . Finally, although we are not able to settle Brentiʼs real-rootedness conjecture for Eulerian polynomials of type D , nor prove a companion conjecture of Dilks, Petersen, and Stembridge for affine Eulerian polynomials of types B and D , we indicate some methods of attack and pose some related open problems.
Persistence in the ephemeral: utilizing repeat behaviors for multi-session personalized search

As the abundance of information on the Internet grows, an increasing burden is placed on the user to specify his or her query precisely in order to avoid extraneous results that may be relevant, but not useful. At the same time, users have a tendency to repeat their search behaviors, seeking the same URL (re-finding) as well as issuing the same query (re-searching). These repeated actions reveal a form of user preference that the search engine can utilize to personalize the results. In our approach, we personalize search results related to ongoing tasks, allowing for a different degree of strength of interest, and diversity of interest per task. We focus on high valued queries; queries that are both related to past queries and will be related to future queries given the ongoing nature of the task.
Electric quadrupole moments and strong interaction effects in pionic atoms of 165Ho, 175Lu, 176Lu, 179Hf and 181Ta

Abstract The effective quadrupole moments Q eff of the nuclei of 165 Ho, 175 Lu, 176 Lu, 179 Hf and 181 Ta were accurately measured by detecting the pionic atom 5g-4f X-rays of the elements. The spectroscopic quadropole moments, Q spec , were obtained by correcting Q eff for nuclear finite size effect, distortion of the pion wave function by the pion-nucleus strong interaction, and contribution to the energy level splittings by the strong interaction. The intrinsic quadrupole moments, Q 0 , were obtained by projecting Q spec into the frame of reference fixed on the nucleus. The shift, e 0 , and broadening, Γ 0 , of the 4f energy level due to the strong interaction between the pion and the nucleons for all the elements were also measured. Theoretical values of e 0 and Γ 0 were calculated and compared to the experimental values. The measured values of Q 0 were compared with existing results in muonic and pionic atoms. The measured values of e 0 and Γ 0 were also compared with existing values.
Oral/metronomic cyclophosphamide-based chemotherapy as option for patients with castration-refractory prostate cancer: review of the literature.

Abstract Purpose Castration-refractory prostate cancer remains a therapeutic challenge even after introduction of docetaxel as first-line treatment. Castration-refractory prostate cancer cannot be cured by any available therapeutic option, and chemotherapy still needs to be considered palliative. The survival benefit is modest, and treating physicians are searching for alternative treatment options. Despite new drugs currently under investigation, some conventional and well known chemotherapeutic drugs are experiencing a renaissance. The development of anti-angiogenic approaches in cancer treatment has led to the development of metronomic dosing of conventional chemotherapeutic drugs including cyclophosphamide. The intention of this review is to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of oral/metronomic cyclophosphamide in the treatment of patients with castration-refractory prostate cancer. Materials and methods A comprehensive literature search was performed in different databases using various key words. Relevant articles and references between 1962 and 2010 were reviewed and analyzed for data regarding the association between oral cyclophosphamide treatment and prostate cancer. Results Oral cyclophosphamide is active in the treatment for castration-refractory prostate cancer even in patients treated with previous chemotherapy including docetaxel. It yields symptomatic and objective remissions. The side effects are usually grade 1–2 and easy to manage. Grade three to four side effects are less common. Conclusions Oral cyclophosphamide treatment for patients with castration-refractory prostate cancer deserves more attention and validation, and warrants further testing of various treatment combinations. Given the fact that castration-refractory prostate cancer includes an extremely heterogeneous group of patients with variability of tumor growth rates, the combination of cyclophosphamide with other active agents such as angiogenesis inhibitors and immunomodulatory compounds need to be explored.
The Test-Taking Strategy Intervention for College Students with Learning Disabilities

Limited research exists related to empirically validated strategies to assist college students with learning disabilities (LD). Given that students with LD demonstrate both fewer test-taking skills and higher levels of test anxiety than their peers without LD, and poor test-taking skills contribute to higher levels of test anxiety, such research is critical. The present study examines the effectiveness of the test-taking strategy on test performance (timed/untimed), degree of strategy usage, and time on test-taking task, with a sample of university students with LD. This strategy has been successful with adolescents with LD, but has not been studied with postsecondary populations. Results of a multiple baseline design suggested that the strategy was an effective intervention for these students. Implications are discussed.
What Sustainability Should Mean

The economics of sustainability has become narrowly defined as the need to balance growth with environmental health. But this author argues that sustainability truly involves much more than this. How can people who have not yet benefited from that growth work to reverse the environmental impact of economic growth? The author argues that we need a broader understanding of well-being.
Forensic science: A library research guide

In today's society with concern for crime and violence increasing and court television and celebrity trials bringing the criminal justice system, courtroom procedures, and rules of evidence into our living rooms, there is an increased need for reliable information about issues that are the core of forensic science: crime scene investigation and the collection and scientific analysis of physical evidence used in trials.
Selenoprotein W in overexpressed and underexpressed rat glial cells in culture.

Abstract Selenium deficiency results in undetectable levels of selenoprotein W (SeW) in muscle but has very little effect upon its content in the brain and thus rat glial cells were studied. Previous work showed that glutathione (GSH) is bound to SeW and this study was undertaken to elucidate its possible antioxidant functions. Full length cDNA of SeW was cloned to inducible LacSwitch expression vector and stably transfected in C6 rat glial cells. After induction, SeW and its mRNA were expressed 22- and 11-fold higher respectively than control. The cDNA coding region of SeW was cloned to the vector in the antisense direction and stably transfected in C6 cells for underexpression of the protein. After induction, SeW expression was reduced to 20% of the control cells. Glutathione peroxidase activity and GSH levels were not significantly different between induced and control cells. There was a greater survival rate of overexpressed than control cells when incubated with 2,2′-Azobis (2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride (AAPH), suggesting SeW possibly has an antioxidant function.
Physics of nanoscale and mesoscopic dimensions: nanoelectronics, beyond and revisited

Abstract OnlyTHE PHYSICS OF NANOSCALE AND MESOSCOPIC DIMENSIONS;NANOELECTRONICS, BEYOND AND REVISITED Gerald I. lafrate United States Army Research Office Research Triangle Park, North Carolina As semiconductor technology continues to drive the scaling of electronic device dimensionsinto the ultrasubmicron, nanodimensional regime, many ultrasmall and ultrafast concepts andphenomena will continue to be put-forth for notional consideration. The stunning achievementsof nanofabrication technology in the last decade now allow for band-engineering and atomic- level structural tailoring not heretofore available or explorable except through naturallyoccurring atomic and molecular processes. Appropriately, this paper addresses several novel concepts, some new and some revisited, for consideration as interesting future directions.Five main themes will be put-forth and discussed as "food-for-thought" in considering novel directions in nanophysics, namely: coherent, electric-field assisted interference of closely
A PHOSPHOLIPID ACTS AS A CHAPERONE IN ASSEMBLY OF A MEMBRANE TRANSPORT PROTEIN

A mutant of Escherichia coli lacking phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) and a monoclonal antibody (mAb 4B1) directed against a conformationally sensitive epitope (4B1) of lactose permease were used to establish a novel role for a phospholipid in the assembly of a membrane protein. Epitope 4B1 is readily detectable in spheroplasts and right-side-out membrane vesicles from PE-containing but not from PE-deficient cells expressing lactose permease. Lactose permease from PE-containing membranes, but not from PE-deficient membranes, subjected to sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and Western blot analysis is also recognized by mAb 4B1. If total E. coli phospholipids or PE (but not phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylglycerol, or cardiolipin) are blotted on nitrocellulose sheets (Eastern blot) prior to transfer of proteins from SDS-polyacrylamide gels, the permease from PE-deficient cells regains its recognition by mAb 4B1. Therefore, PE is required during assembly to form epitope 4B1, but, once formed, sufficient "conformational memory" is retained in the permease to either retain or reform this epitope in the absence of PE. Lactose permease lacking epitope 4B1 can be induced to form the epitope if partially denatured and then renatured in the presence of PE specifically. These results establish for the first time a role for PE as a molecular chaperone in the assembly of the lactose permease.
Synthesis and photophysical characterization of a bis-pincer osmium complex

Abstract The neutral bis-pincer transition metal complex Os(PCP)2 (PCP = 2,6-(CH2PPh2)2C6H3, Ph = C6H5) was prepared via two synthetic routes with up to 42% yield. The lemon-yellow complex is air stable as a neat solid and in solution, and is thermally stable as can be purified by high vacuum zone sublimation at 280-240-200 °C under 1 × 10−6 torr. The pincer ligands coordinate in a pseudo-octahedral arrangement around the metal center. X-ray crystallography reveals that the complex is in pseudo-D2 geometry symmetry due to the twist caused by the methylenes. NMR studies at varied temperatures between 223 and 343 K along with low temperature inversion recovery studies show the fluxional behavior and exchanging process between the two enantiomers (Ea = 8.6 kcal/mol). The Os(PCP)2 shows no emission in solution at room temperature, but emits at 77 K in 2-MeTHF glass (Φ = 60%). At room temperature, the neat solid of Os(PCP)2 shows yellow emission of 3% quantum yield. TDDFT predicted S0 → S1 transition shows that the lowest singlet state (S1) is metal-ligand (the Os-Xylyl fragments) to ligand’ (the PPh2 fragments) charge transfer (ML-L’CT) in character with a small contribution from the higher lying metal centered (1MC) states. The large spin–orbit coupling constant of osmium leads to effective intersystem crossing to a triplet state with increased MC character. The DFT predicted triplet spin surface of Os(PCP)2 indicates that the emission is dominated by 3MC state. Significant Os–P bonds elongation at the lowest triplet excited state also strongly supports the conclusion.
Prefrontal cortex dysfunction and attitudes toward money: A study in neuroeconomics

In a sample of 139 community residents, attitudes toward money and credit cards were found to be associated with a measure of prefrontal cortex dysfunction (FrSBe), even after controls for age, sex, education and income. The results provide support for a neuroeconomic approach to the study of economic behavior.
Use of a microelectromechanical mirror for adaptive optics in the human eye

Ophthalmic instrumentation equipped with adaptive optics offers the possibility of rapid and automated correction of the eye’s optics for improving vision and for improving images of the retina. One factor that limits the widespread implementation of adaptive optics is the cost of the wave-front corrector, such as a deformable mirror. In addition, the large apertures of these elements require high pupil magnification, and hence the systems tend to be physically large. We present what are believed to be the first closed-loop results when a compact, low-cost, surface micromachined, microelectromechanical mirror is used in a vision adaptive-optics system. The correction performance of the mirror is shown to be comparable to that of a Xinetics mirror for a 4.6-mm pupil size. Furthermore, for a pupil diameter of 6.0-mm, the residual rms error is reduced from 0.36 to 0.12 µm and individual photoreceptors are resolved at a pupil eccentricity of 1° from the fovea.
Compatibility and development in Ustilago cynodontis.

Intracollection pairings of single spore isolates of 35 collections from the United States, Australia, Bulgaria, France, Israel, Republic of China and Peoples Republic of China demonstrated that compatibility in Ustilago cynodontis is controlled at one locus with two alleles. Positive in vitro pairings correlated with infections in the host, Cynodon dactylon, which produced viable teliospores, Intercollection pairings disclosed five partially intersterile groups
Postoperative Myocardial Infarction

Postoperative myocardial infarction (PMI) was first described in 1952 (1). Approximately 7 to 8 million noncardiac surgical patients are at risk for cardiac morbidity or mortality annually (2). The reported incidence of PMI in the literature varies between 0.0 and 0.7% (2) and is as high as 37% in patients who have surgery within 3 months of a myocardial infarction (MI) (3). Approximately 50,000 patients annually have a PMI and 20,000 are fatal (2). There is now a better understanding of the factors that lead to the development of PMI, but many areas of controversy remain. The relationship between perioperative ischemia and PMI is uncertain. The factors leading to PMI in a cardiac surgical population may be different from the non-cardiac group, and within the non-cardiac group there appear to be varying degrees of risk depending on many factors, including the type of surgical procedure (3–10). One undisputed fact is the existence of certain patient populations at increased risk of PMI (11). The following discussion focuses predominantly on PMI in the non-cardiac surgical population.
Comparison of fuzzy partitions based on their a-cuts

Abstract This paper proposes a measure of degree of equivalence between two fuzzy partitions. A method which allows one to find values of αϵ[0,1] at which two or more partitions are considered to be equivalent is introduced. Partial order of fuzzy partitions with respect to their sharpness is discussed. A procedure for constructing a lower α-bound and an upper α-bound of a family of fuzzy partitions is suggested. This procedure can be used in aggregation of fuzzy partitions.
Na diffusion dependent Ca handling in rabbit ventricular myocytes

Intracellular Na concentration ([Na]i) plays a pivotal role in modulating the electrical and contractile activity of the heart via the Na/Ca and Na/H exchange mechanisms. Several studies showed that important [Na]i gradients exist close to the cell membrane. Thus, intracellular Na diffusion has to be slow with respect to the rates of Na transport across the sarcolemma. Here we extended the rabbit ventricular action potential and Ca transient model developed in our laboratory to establish [Na]i gradients that have been inferred directly from experimental data. In our simulations, a dramatic slowing of the Na diffusion coefficient or higher than expected colocalization between Na and Ca transporters is required to predict experimentally derived indirect effects of altered local [Na]i on Ca handling. The results suggest some directions for further laboratory investigation and modeling.
A simple and general solution to King Solomon's problem

Abstract An indivisible object is to be allocated at no cost to the agent who values it most. We provide a simple two-stage mechanism, which implements the desired outcome when it is common knowledge that the agent who values the object most knows that. At each stage of the game, all players have weakly dominant strategies. Moreover, if the two highest valuations are common knowledge, the second stage of the game is redundant, and the outcome is implemented in weakly dominant strategies.
Transfer-dehydrogenation of alkanes catalyzed by rhodium(I) phosphine complexes

Abstract Complexes of the form Rh(PMe3)2ClL′ (L′ = CO or trisubstituted phosphine) and [Rh(PMe3)2Cl]2 have previously been reported to catalyze the transfer-dehydrogenation of alkanes, using olefinic hydrogen acceptors under a dihydrogen atmosphere. Such complexes are herein reported to effect transfer-dehydrogenation in the absence of H2 but with much lower rates and total catalytic turnovers, even at much greater temperatures. Analogs with halides other than chloride (Br, I), or with pseudo-halides (OCN, N3), are found to exhibit generally similar behavior: high catalytic activity under H2 and measurable but much lower activity in the absence of H2. Thermolysis (under argon) of complexes [RhL2Cl]n (n = 1, 2; L is a phosphine bulkier than PMe3) in cyclooctane in the absence of hydrogen acceptors yielded cyclooctene. However, transfer-dehydrogenation was plagued by ligand decomposition. Under a hydrogen atmosphere complexes containing ligands much bulkier than PMe3 do not effect dehydrogenation. Complexes with tridentate ligands, (η3-PXP)RhL′ (PXP = (Me2PCH2Me2Si)2N, Me2PCH2(2,6-C6H3)CH2PMe2; L′ = CO, C2H4), were also found to catalyze thermal or photochemical dehydrogenation of cyclooctane with limited reactivity. The structure of [Rh(PMe3)2Cl]2 was determined by single-crystal diffraction. The Rh(μ-Cl)2Rh bridge of 1 is folded like that of [Rh(CO)2Cl]2, unlike that of the planar PPh3 and PiPr3 analogs.
Buffering dynamics and stability of internet congestion controllers

Many existing fluid-flow models of the Internet congestion control algorithms make simplifying assumptions on the effects of buffers on the data flows. In particular, they assume that the flow rate of a TCP flow at every link in its path is equal to the original source rate. However, a fluid flow in practice is modified by the queueing processes on its path, so that an intermediate link will generally not see the original source rate. In this paper, a more accurate model is derived for the behavior of the network under a congestion controller, which takes into account the effect of buffering on output flows. It is shown how this model can be deployed for some well-known service disciplines such as first-in-first-out and generalized weighted fair queueing. Based on the derived model, the dual and primal-dual algorithms are studied under the common pricing mechanisms, and it is shown that these algorithms can become unstable. Sufficient conditions are provided to guarantee the stability of the dual and primal-dual algorithms. Finally, a new pricing mechanism is proposed under which these congestion control algorithms are both stable.