cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
On ontology-driven document clustering using core semantic features

Incorporating semantic knowledge from an ontology into document clustering is an important but challenging problem. While numerous methods have been developed, the value of using such an ontology is still not clear. We show in this paper that an ontology can be used to greatly reduce the number of features needed to do document clustering. Our hypothesis is that polysemous and synonymous nouns are both relatively prevalent and fundamentally important for document cluster formation. We show that nouns can be efficiently identified in documents and that this alone provides improved clustering. We next show the importance of the polysemous and synonymous nouns in clustering and develop a unique approach that allows us to measure the information gain in disambiguating these nouns in an unsupervised learning setting. In so doing, we can identify a core subset of semantic features that represent a text corpus. Empirical results show that by using core semantic features for clustering, one can reduce the number of features by 90% or more and still produce clusters that capture the main themes in a text corpus.
Slow viscoelastic flow in tilted troughs

In viscoelastic flow of an incompressible fluid down a straight trough of arbitrary cross-section, the normal stress effect produces a distortion of the free surface. In slow flow, the shape is given in the lowest order of approximation in terms of the axial velocity for Newtonian flow. Equations governing the second-order perturbation are derived.
Discriminative profile of MDMA

Abstract Groups of rats were trained to discriminate the stimulus properties of dopaminergically and/or serotonergically active drugs, viz., apomorphine, fenfluramine, tetrahydro-β-carboline (THBC) and l -cathinone. Once trained, these animals were given several doses of drugs used in training and dose-response relationships and ED50 values were generated. Subsequently, each group of trained rats was administered various doses of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) to test generalization of the interoceptive cue of the drug used for training to MDMA. Rats trained to fenfluramine, THBC, and l -cathinone were observed to discriminate MDMA in a manner similar to the drug state to which they had been trained. Analysis of dose-response curves suggested that MDMA may be acting both as an indirect dopaminergic agonist and as a serotonergic receptor agonist. This duality of effect of MDMA has been evidenced by other studies and may account for its present abuse potential.
Novelty indices: identifiers of potentially interesting time-courses in functional MRI data.

Abstract In a systematic study of hybrid MR time-series with simulated “activation” (contrast-to-noise range 1–10) we investigated the power and compared the ability of the “novelty indices” (NI) kurtosis, negentropy, and 1-lag autocorrelation, to discriminate between potentially interesting (“structured”) and uninteresting (“noisy”) time-courses (TCs). NIs may be employed as preprocessing tools to focus only on the interesting TCs prior to any further exploratory or confirmatory approach.
Spatiotemporal dynamics of lasers in the presence of an imperfect O(2) symmetry.

We show theoretically and experimentally that an infinitesimal imperfection in the symmetry of a system has a macroscopic influence on the stability of spatiotemporal patterns originated in a symmetry breaking process. This result makes it possible to discuss differences between experiments and models in which such corrections have not been taken into account. We show that the stability of the solutions arising from the first symmetry breaking transition in the Maxwell-Bloch equations is valid for every laser with radial symmetry.
Bilingualism & Biliteracy: Issues of Equity, Access, & Social Justice for English Language Learners: Introduction to This Special Issue

This special issue of Equity in Excellence in Education presents a series of articles that focus on conceptual, curricular, pedagogical, and policy issues that are central to the education of Engli...
Influence of bacterial interactions on pneumococcal colonization of the nasopharynx

Streptococcus pneumoniae (the pneumococcus) is a common commensal inhabitant of the nasopharynx and a frequent etiologic agent in serious diseases such as pneumonia, otitis media, bacteremia, and meningitis. Multiple pneumococcal strains can colonize the nasopharynx, which is also home to many other bacterial species. Intraspecies and interspecies interactions influence pneumococcal carriage in important ways. Co-colonization by two or more pneumococcal strains has implications for vaccine serotype replacement, carriage detection, and pneumonia diagnostics. Interactions between the pneumococcus and other bacterial species alter carriage prevalence, modulate virulence, and affect biofilm formation. By examining these interactions, this review highlights how the bacterial ecosystem of the nasopharynx changes the nature and course of pneumococcal carriage.
α1-Adrenoceptor subclassification in vascular smooth muscle

Abstract Affinity studies indicate that there appears to be two subtypes of α 1 -adrenoceptors in the vascular smooth muscle of blood vessels from rodents and rabbit. Nichlas Flavahan and Paul Vanhoutte analyse data from the literature which supports the existence of one subtype with high affinity for prazosin and yohimbine and a second subtype with low affinity for these antagonists.
The whole is not the simple sum of its parts in calmodulin from S. cerevisiae.

Calmodulin is an essential Ca2+-binding protein involved in a multitude of cellular processes. The calmodulin sequence is highly conserved among all eukaryotic species; calmodulin from the yeast S. cerevisiae (yCaM) is the most divergent form, while still sharing 60% sequence identity with vertebrate calmodulin (vCaM). Although yCaM can be functionally substituted by vCaM in vivo, the two calmodulin proteins possess significantly different Ca2+-binding properties as well as abilities to activate vertebrate target enzymes in vitro. In addition, it has been observed that certain properties of the N-terminal and C-terminal domains of Ca2+-yCaM differ depending on whether they are in the context of the whole protein or isolated as half-molecule fragments. To investigate the structural basis for these differing properties, we have undertaken nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) studies on yCaM and the two half-molecule fragments representing its two individual domains, yTr1(residues 1−76) and yTr2 (residues 75−146...
FEM analysis of magnetic flake composites

Abstract A composite comprised of layered flake-like magnetic particles embedded in an insulating medium has been proposed as a low permeability, low loss core material. This would be an alternative to “distributed air gap” compressed powder cores that are widely used for inductors in power applications. Since the lowest loss metallic materials are manufactured in the form of very thin sheets, the particles after pulverizing would be in the form of flakes. The effective permeability and average core loss have been computed for model systems of flake composites in a two-dimensional approximation. The core loss is modeled by eddy current dissipation in the low-frequency limit, where the conductor thickness is much less than the skin depth. It is found that useful values of permeability should be obtained for a modest filling fraction of magnetic material, in contrast to the powder cores which require a value close to unity. The core loss will scale as the inverse of filling fraction, with a small additional enhancement due to perpendicular field components. It is thus expected that useful core materials may be attainable without the necessity of large compaction forces.
Polymer diffusion in porous media of fumed silica studied by forced Rayleigh scattering.

The diffusion of dye-labeled linear polystyrenes within porous media composed of fumed silica particles has been studied by using forced-Rayleigh-scattering (FRS) spectroscopy. Significant differences have been observed between results obtained by using silica R972 (made by the Degussa Corp.), which is known to adsorb labeled polystyrene chains, and silica R972-M, in which the surface hydroxyl concentration has been reduced to minimize surface adsorption. In the porous medium R972-M, the FRS signal was «normal,» and the decay rate 1/τ was proportional to the square of the scattering wave vector, an observation indicating diffusion by Brownian motion
Laparoscopic right colon resection with intracorporeal anastomosis.

This study was performed to evaluate short-term clinical outcomes of laparoscopic intracorporeal ileocolic anastomosis following resection of the right colon. This was a retrospective study of selected patients who underwent laparoscopic intracorporeal ileocolic anastomosis following resection of the right colon for tumors or Crohn’s disease by a single surgeon from July 2002 through June 2012. Data were retrieved from an Institutional Review Board-approved database. Study end point was postoperative adverse events, including mortality, complications, reoperations, and readmissions at 30 days. Antiperistaltic side-to-side anastomoses were fashioned laparoscopically with a 60-mm-long stapler cartridge and enterocolotomy was hand-sewn intracorporeally in two layers. Values were expressed as medians (ranges) for continuous variables. There were 243 patients (143 females) aged 61 (range = 19–96) years, with body mass index of 29 (18–43) kg/m2 and ASA 1:2:3:4 of 52:110:77:4; 30 % had previous abdominal surgery and 38 % had a preexisting comorbidity. There were 84 ileocolic resections with ileo ascending anastomosis and 159 right colectomies with ileotransverse anastomosis. Operating time was 135 (60–220) min. Estimated blood loss was 50 (10–600) ml. Specimen extraction site incision length was 4.1 (3–4.4) cm. Conversion rate was 3 % and there was no mortality at 30 days, 15 complications (6.2 %), and 8 reoperations (3.3 %). Readmission rate was 8.7 %. Length of stay was 4 (2–32) days. Pathology confirmed Crohn’s disease in 84 patients, adenocarcinoma in 152, and other tumors in 7 patients. Laparoscopic intracorporeal ileocolic anastomosis following resection of the right colon resulted in a favorable outcome in selected patients with Crohn’s disease or tumors of the right colon.
Pneumonic tularemia in rabbits resembles the human disease as illustrated by radiographic and hematological changes after infection.

Background Pneumonic tularemia is caused by inhalation of the gram negative bacterium, Francisella tularensis. Because of concerns that tularemia could be used as a bioterrorism agent, vaccines and therapeutics are urgently needed. Animal models of pneumonic tularemia with a pathophysiology similar to the human disease are needed to evaluate the efficacy of these potential medical countermeasures. Principal Findings Rabbits exposed to aerosols containing Francisella tularensis strain SCHU S4 developed a rapidly progressive fatal pneumonic disease. Clinical signs became evident on the third day after exposure with development of a fever (>40.5°C) and a sharp decline in both food and water intake. Blood samples collected on day 4 found lymphopenia and a decrease in platelet counts coupled with elevations in erythrocyte sedimentation rate, alanine aminotransferase, cholesterol, granulocytes and monocytes. Radiographs demonstrated the development of pneumonia and abnormalities of intestinal gas consistent with ileus. On average, rabbits were moribund 5.1 days after exposure; no rabbits survived exposure at any dose (190–54,000 cfu). Gross evaluation of tissues taken at necropsy showed evidence of pathology in the lungs, spleen, liver, kidney and intestines. Bacterial counts confirmed bacterial dissemination from the lungs to the liver and spleen. Conclusions/Significance The pathophysiology of pneumonic tularemia in rabbits resembles what has been reported for humans. Rabbits therefore are a relevant model of the human disease caused by type A strains of F. tularensis.
Apoptosis removes chick embryo tail gut and remnant of the primitive streak

Removal of transient features in morphogenesis of chick embryo tail is by programmed cell death. We used ApopTagTM (Oncor, Gaithersburg, MD) with the peroxidase/diaminobenzidine (DAB) procedure to correlate apoptosis with earlier reports of patterns of cell death in stage HH17-25 embryos, and our results suggest that the cell death inferred with supravital staining and appearance of cells in morphogenesis of the tail bud is programmed cell death called apoptosis. Apoptosis markers in tail bud are most abundant in the median cell cord of occluded degenerating tail gut. Tail bud mesenchyme marks for apoptosis most frequently in the ventrum of older stages, where cell death has been reported. Cells of the remnant of the primitive streak (Hensen's node) mark for apoptosis, suggesting that programmed cell death is a stop signal for axial organization at the caudal terminus. Apoptosis markers in postmembrane cloacal endoderm anticipate the transient cloacal fenestra. Lack of apoptosis markers in neural tube, notochord, and somites supports the suggestion of Schoenwolf ([1981] Anat, Embryol. (Beri.) 162:183-197) that cells of those areas in the tail bud are assimilated into the growing rump of the chick embryo. Lack of markers in neural tube of tail bud formed by secondary neurulation suggests that apoptosis is not involved in cavitation of medullary cord, but further investigation is necessary. A limited investigation of pharyngeal membranes and midgut, where cell death has not been reported to be as important in morphogenesis, did not show apoptosis markers in those tissues (Miller and Briglin [1994] "Cell Death in Development and Cancer," Houston: University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, pp, 82-83). Absence of apoptosis markers in roof of gut tube suggests that the lower frequency of thymidine labeling reported for those cells (Miller [1986] Anat. Rec. 214: 87A) is not a result of apoptosis. Clearly marked cells correlated with expected locations of migrating neural crest and primordial germ cells in these stages, but distribution of apoptosis markers was not abundant or general for either cell type.
Interference Study of 802.11b Networks for Proactive Performance Management

Performance analysis is one of the important ingredients of network management. Wireless networks, apart from experiencing problems like congestion, will also suffer from fading, multi path effects and interference from other devices. Many devices operate in the same frequency band as 802.11b networks such as Bluetooth, 802.11g networks, microwave ovens and cordless phones to name a few. In such cases, guaranteeing predefined performance is difficult. In the present work we study the performance degradation of 802.11b networks, in terms of throughput, in the presence of interference. Experiments are carried out in an anechoic chamber to reduce the effects of multi path, fading and other radio related interferences and understand the true effect of the interference introduced. Analyzing the performance of the wireless 802.11b networks under interference helps in drawing a base line for acceptable performance. This helps in proactive performance management which enables us to take necessary corrective measures for the imminent problem before hand.
Basophil arrival and function in tissue hypersensitivity reactions

Bone marrow-derived blood basophils are recruited into the tissues by immuno mechanisms in a variety of delayed time-course hypersensitivity responses. In the skin these are called cutaneous basophil hypersensitivity (CBH) reactions. In guinea pigs, it is now established that the elicitation of CBH is dependent on T cell- and/or (antibody)-triggered mechanisms. Both are subject to modulation. T cell-mediated CBH seems to be suppressed in basophil-poor tuberculin-type reactions. B cells mediate CBH via antibody of IgG1 isotype through mechanisms that involve Fc receptors, which can be competitively blocked. After basophils arrive at a CBH reaction they can be triggered by antigen to immediately release mediators such as histamine. Thus, one consequence of the arrival and accumulation of basophils at delayed hypersensitivity reactions is to augment the anaphylactic potential of a given tissue site. In reactions to parasites, release of mediators by tissue basophils seems to aid in the expulsion of these multicellular organisms, In addition, histamine released by recruited basophils, or by locally resident mast cells, may modulate some delayed reactions through stimulation of histamine-2 receptors on cells such as T lymphocytes. In mice, mast cell release of serotonin and subsequent stimulation of the local vasculature seems to be required to allow diapedesis and tissue accumulation of various bone marrow-derived accessory leukocytes in delayed-type hypersensitivity responses. Thus, basophils and mast cells, and their release of mediators such as vasoactive amines, are involved in the onset, development, and function of various tissue hypersensitivity responses.
A theoretical basis for practical amplifier design using cascaded operational amplifiers

A procedure is developed for the design of amplifiers to meet specified gain and bandwidth figures. The number of required operational amplifier stages is minimised. A figure of merit is introduced to determine if a particular operational amplifier can be used to satisfy a given set of specifications.
P300 from normals and adult children of alcoholics

The P300 event-related brain potential (ERP) was obtained from 24 pairs of undergraduate male subjects. One member of each pair reported having a father who was alcoholic (FH+), the other reported no alcoholic family member (FH-). Pairs were matched on height, weight, academic performance, and personal drinking history. Three auditory task situations were employed which manipulated stimulus discrimination difficulty. All tasks employed 20% target and 80% standard tones randomly presented with the subjects required to move their index finger whenever a target tone was detected. No differences in P300 amplitude or latency were obtained between the groups. FH+ subjects tended to demonstrate decreased amplitudes with increased amounts of reported alcohol consumption but only for the most difficult task. The results of the present study suggest that the relationship between the P300 and the heritability for alcoholism is not yet clear and may be modulated by differences in task requirements, subject populations, and personal drinking history.
Understanding of Aviation Safety Pictograms among Respondents from Europe and the U.S.

Conveying safety information to aircraft passengers is an important task for the designers of aircraft passenger safety information cards. Since the information must be understood by all passengers, regardless of native language or nationality, many designers use pictorial representations that are considered “culture free.” The current study investigated the comprehension of 13 pictograms from a sample of actual safety cards among participants from four language groups in Europe and the U.S. One-hundred-and-fifty students whose native languages were English (British and U.S.), French, or German, respectively, interpreted 13 pictograms. From their responses, three main conclusions can be drawn: 1. Conveying aviation safety information by pictorial means appears to be largely effective, as indicated by general comprehension levels above 85%. 2. While passengers may get the “essence” of a particular pictogram, it is often difficult for them to recognize specific details. 3. There are relatively small differe...
Inducible expression of green fluorescent protein within channel catfish cells by a cecropin gene promoter

Abstract The activity of an insect promoter of the cecropin B gene (Cec B) was investigated using green fluorescent protein (gfp) as a reporter in cells of channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus). The expression vector pQZ-1 containing the Cec B promoter and a modified gfp cDNA sequence was delivered by lipofection to three catfish cell types: fibroblast and leukocyte cell lines, and primary cultures of leukocytes. No resistance genes were included in the vector for selection of GFP-expressing cells. The GFP mRNA was detected in all three cell types with 5 to 10 times higher concentrations observed in leukocytes than in fibroblasts. Expression was enhanced with the addition of irradiated Flavobacterium columnare (7.0×106 cells/ml) or Escherichia coli LPS (125 μg/ml). Quantitative RT-PCR showed GFP mRNA reached maximum levels 24 h after bacterial challenge in fibroblast cells, and at 10–12 h after LPS challenge in fibroblasts and leukocytes. The number of fibroblasts expressing GFP increased by 0.8%, and the average of green fluorescence intensity increased by 52.8%, whereas the increase in leukocytes was 0.13% in cell number and 3.4% in fluorescence intensity. These results suggest that the transcription of the Cec B promoter in channel catfish cells exhibited an inducible pattern and could be placed under the control of the immune system (in vivo). The mechanisms for endogenous activation of the Cec B promoter and for production of gfp RNA in unchallenged cells remain to be studied.
Micro-scratch reduction of replacement metal gate aluminum chemical mechanical polishing at 28nm technology node

The defectivity control of replacement metal gate (RMG) chemical mechanical polishing was important for high-k metal gate (HKMG) process. Micro-scratches of RMG CMP easily caused shorting or open of devices. In this study, the micro-scratch reduction of aluminum chemical mechanical polishing (AlCMP) has been investigated to provide solutions for preventing the formation of micro-scratches. Micro-scratches can be reduced by implementing soft pads at platen 2 and platen 3, pad cleaning chemical, and optimized post cleaning condition. Soft pads can reduce micro-scratch levels of AlCMP process, especially at platen 2. However, AlCMP with soft pads easily suffer serious dishing or erosion. Therefore, the balance between micro-scratches and dishing or erosion was crucial for pad selection of AlCMP. Besides, removal of pad stain was also important. Pad stain removed by pad cleaning chemical could get a lower micro-scratch level of AlCMP. In addition to polishing process, post cleaning process was a source of micro-scratch for AlCMP. An unsuitable post cleaning condition caused a counter effect of micro-scratch reduction.
Advances in thoracostomy tube management

This article summarizes several of the studies utilizing randomized trials or predetermined algorithms for chest tube management. The classification system, when to use wall suction, when to use water seal, and how to safely discharge patients by the fourth postoperative day-even with air leaks-are outlined.
A monoclonal antibody that recognizes hyaluronic acid binding region of aorta proteoglycans

A chondroitin sulfate-dermatan sulfate proteoglycan was isolated from bovine aorta intima by extraction of the tissue with 4 M guanidine hydrochloride. The proteoglycan was purified by CsCl isopycnic centrifugation followed by gel filtration and ion exchange chromatography. A monoclonal antibody C8F4 was developed to this core protein. The characteristics and specificity of the antibody were studied by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using an alkaline phosphatase conjugated antibody (goat anti-mouse IgG). The antibody binding to the core protein was found specific and optimal at pH 7.0. The antibody recognizes either intact chondroitin sulfate-dermatan sulfate proteoglycan monomer, chondroitinase ABC digested monomer or chemically deglycosylated proteoglycan. Free chondroitin sulfates, keratan sulfate and hyaluronic acid did not compete for the antigenic sites in ELISA. Limited hydrolysis of the core protein by trypsin resulted in three peptides and only the peptide with a molecular weight M(r) = 40,000 was found capable of binding to hyaluronic acid. The antibody C8F4 recognized this hyaluronic acid binding peptide but did not recognize the other two peptides suggesting that the epitope(s) for this antibody is in the hyaluronic acid-binding region of the core protein. The antibody recognized the core proteins from bovine nasal cartilage proteoglycan and human aorta proteoglycan but did not recognize bovine aorta link protein, bovine serum albumin, human serum albumin, human transferrin, collagen Type I and fibronectin. The antibody was found useful to localize proteoglycans in atherosclerotic lesions in human aorta by immunohistochemical techniques.
Competence of a rabbit-feeding Ixodes (Acari: Ixodidae) as a vector of the Lyme disease spirochete.

We compared the development of the Lyme disease spirochete, Borrelia burgdorferi Johnson, Schmid, Hyde, Steigerwalt and Brenner, in subadult rabbit-feeding Ixodes dentatus Marx with that in mouse-feeding I. dammini Spielman, Clifford, Piesman and Corwin. Rabbits were infected with spirochetes by the bites of I. dammini that had been infected naturally in a zoonotic site. Larval ticks of both species were permitted to engorge simultaneously on each of these infected hosts. Spirochetes were present in the guts of about half of the resulting nymphal I. dentatus and most of the I. dammini that developed. An experimentally infected nymphal I. dentatus, in turn, infected a rabbit. Because I. dentatus feeds solely on rabbits, and these hosts may be extraordinarily abundant in nature, this tick provides potential for a hidden enzootic cycle of natural Lyme disease transmission.
Abstract 169: Inhibition of focal adhesion kinase suppresses gastrin-releasing peptide receptor-mediated liver metastasis in neuroblastoma

Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL We have previously reported that high expression of gastrin-releasing peptide receptors (GRP-R), a member of the G-protein coupled receptor family, is observed in more undifferentiated human neuroblastoma. We have also found that GRP-R-mediated cell signaling plays a critical role in neuroblastoma cell transformation; however, its molecular mechanisms are unknown. Here, we sought to determine the role of focal adhesion kinase (FAK), a non-receptor protein tyrosine kinase, in GRP-R-mediated neuroblastoma cellular transformation. METHODS. Using human neuroblastoma tissue sections, the correlation of GRP-R and FAK expression was examined. Human neuroblastoma cell line, BE(2)-C and SK-N-SH were used for our experiments. Using transfection with Lipofectamine 2000, the level of knockdown and overexpression of GRP-R and FAK were modulated. MTT assay was carried out to measure the cell viability of neuroblastoma cells, and soft agar colony formation assay was performed to determine the capacity of cell transformation. Transwell migration and wound healing assay were employed to study cell motility. Rescue experiments by overexpression of FAK in GRP-R silencing cells were conducted to further validate the role of FAK in neuroblastoma cell transformation. Using FAK inhibitor and GRP-R agonist, animal experiment was performed. RESULTS. FAK expression correlated with GRP-R expression in BE(2)-C and SK-N-SH human neuroblastoma cells. GRP treatment induced phosphorylation of FAK at Y397 in both cell lines. Overexpression of GRP-R in SK-N-SH cells, which are known to express low endogenous levels of GRP-R, increased the levels of phosphorylated and total FAK. Moreover, overexpression of FAK increased cell viability and colony formation of SK-N-SH cells. These effects were reversed when cells were co-transfected with FAK siRNA in BE(2)-C cells, which endogenously express higher levels of GRP-R. Conversely, silencing of GRP-R decreased the levels of phosphorylated and total FAK in BE(2)-C cells. Interestingly, in cells with GRP-R silencing, FAK overexpression significantly enhanced cell viability and colony formation. GRP-R-mediated liver metastasis suppressed by FAK inhibitor in vivo. CONCLUSIONS. Our results suggest that FAK is a critical downstream regulator of GRP-R-mediated tumorigenesis. Furthermore, GRP-R and FAK expression correlate with morphological changes implicated in the malignant transformation of human neuroblastoma cells. Importantly, inhibition of FAK can suppress GRP-R-induced tumor progression in neuroblastoma in vivo. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 169. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-169
Alkalinity distribution in the western North Atlantic Ocean margins

[1] Total alkalinity (TA) distribution and its relationship with salinity (S) along the western North Atlantic Ocean (wNAO) margins from the Labrador Sea to tropical areas are examined in this study. Based on the observed TA-S patterns, the mixing processes that control alkalinity distribution in these areas can be categorized into a spectrum of patterns that are bracketed by two extreme mixing types, i.e., alongshore current-dominated and river-dominated. Alongshore current-dominated mixing processes exhibit a segmented mixing line with a shared mid-salinity end-member. In such cases (i.e., Labrador Sea, Gulf of Maine, etc.), the y-intercept of the high salinity segment of the mixing line is generally higher than the local river alkalinity values, and it reflects the mixing history of the alongshore current. In contrast, in river-dominated mixing (Amazon River, Caribbean Sea, etc.), good linear relationships between alkalinity and salinity are generally observed, and the zero salinity intercepts of the TA-S regressions roughly match those of the regional river alkalinity values. TA-S mixing lines can be complicated by rapid changes in the river end-member value and by another river nearby with a different TA value (e.g., Mississippi-Atchafalaya/Gulf of Mexico). In the wNAO margins, regression intercepts and river end-members have a clear latitudinal distribution pattern, increasing from a low of ∼300 μmol kg−1 in the Amazon River plume to a high value between ∼500–1100 μmol kg−1 in the middle and high latitude margins. The highest value of ∼2400 μmol kg−1 is observed in the Mississippi River influenced areas. In addition to mixing control, biological processes such as calcification and benthic alkalinity production may also affect ocean margin alkalinity distribution. Therefore, deriving inorganic carbon system information in coastal oceans using alkalinity-salinity relationships, in particular, those of generic nature, may lead to significant errors.
Far i.r. and Raman assignments of substituted aryltrimethyltins

Abstract Vibrational spectra of ten para -, six meta -, nine ortho -substituted, six 2,6-disubstituted and other miscellaneously polysubstituted phenyltrimethyltins have been recorded in the i.r. and Raman in the 600-100 cm −1 region. Assignments of low frequency fundamentals were aided by comparison with analogous para -substituted phenyltrimethylsilanes and germanes, and with literature values for disubstituted benzenes. The frequencies assigned to the phenyltin stretch correlate excellently ( r > 0.9) with the square root of the reciprocal of the reduced mass of the substituted phenyl system, but not with the Hammett σ-constants of the substituent group attached to the phenyl ring.
Relationships between climate and macroscale area burned in the western United States

Increased wildfire activity (e.g. number of starts, area burned, fire behaviour) across the western United States in recent decades has heightened interest in resolving climate–fire relationships. Macroscale climate–fire relationships were examined in forested and non-forested lands for eight Geographic Area Coordination Centers in the western United States, using area burned derived from the Monitoring Trends in Burn Severity dataset (1984–2010). Fire-specific biophysical variables including fire danger and water balance metrics were considered in addition to standard climate variables of monthly temperature, precipitation and drought indices to explicitly determine their optimal capacity to explain interannual variability in area burned. Biophysical variables tied to the depletion of fuel and soil moisture and prolonged periods of elevated fire-danger had stronger correlations to area burned than standard variables antecedent to or during the fire season, particularly in forested systems. Antecedent climate–fire relationships exhibited inter-region commonality with area burned in forested lands correlated with winter snow water equivalent and emergent drought in late spring. Area burned in non-forested lands correlated with moisture availability in the growing season preceding the fire year. Despite differences in the role of antecedent climate in preconditioning fuels, synchronous regional fire activity in forested and non-forested lands suggests that atmospheric conditions during the fire season unify fire activity and can compound or supersede antecedent climatic stressors. Collectively, climate–fire relationships viewed through the lens of biophysical variables provide a more direct link to fuel flammability and wildfire activity than standard climate variables, thereby narrowing the gap in incorporating top-down climatic factors between empirical and process-based fire models.
Nonnutritive sweeteners are not supernormal stimuli.

It is often claimed that nonnutritive sweeteners (NNS) are ‘sweeter than sugar’, with the implicit implication that high-potency sweeteners are supernormal stimuli that encourage exaggerated responses. This study aimed to investigate the perceived sweetness intensity of a variety of nutritive sweeteners (sucrose, maple syrup and agave nectar) and NNS (acesulfame-K (AceK), rebaudioside A (RebA), aspartame and sucralose) in a large cohort of untrained participants using contemporary psychophysical methods. Participants (n=401 total) rated the intensity of sweet, bitter and metallic sensations for nutritive sweeteners and NNS in water using the general labeled magnitude scale. Sigmoidal dose–response functions were observed for all stimuli except AceK. That is, sucrose follows a sigmoidal function if the data are not artifactually linearized via prior training. More critically, there is no evidence that NNS have a maximal sweetness (intensity) greater than sucrose; indeed, the maximal sweetness for AceK, RebA and sucralose were significantly lower than that for concentrated sucrose. For these sweeteners, mixture suppression due to endogenous dose-dependent bitter or metallic sensations appears to limit maximal perceived sweetness. In terms of perceived sweetness, NNS cannot be considered supernormal stimuli. These data do not support the view that NNS hijack or overstimulate sweet receptors to produce elevated sweet sensations.
Broccoli and Desire

Tracing the commodity chain of broccoli from Nashville, Tennessee supermarkets to Maya farmers in highland Guatemala, this paper examines relations of desire and political economic power. We argue that the global broccoli trade is shot through with desires—desires of Western consumers to eat healthy foods as well as desires for Maya farmers to get ahead economically. Such desires simultaneously subvert and sustain the hegemonic constellations that anchor crucial nodes in the international broccoli trade.
Infants of depressed mothers show less “depressed” behavior with their nursery teachers

Cette etude a examine si le comportement «deprime» des nourrissons (c'est-a-dire defini par un affect moins positif et des niveaux d'activite plus bas) note durant les interactions avec leurs meres deprimees se generalisaient a leurs interactions avec leurs puericultrices non deprimees. Field et al. (1988) ont etabli que les nourrissons de meres deprimees font aussi preuve d'un «comportement deprime» durant l'interaction avec des femmes adultes non deprimees, suggerant ainsi que les nourrissons developpent un «style deprimee» d'interaction generalise. Cependant, dans cette etude les adultes etaient aussi des etrangers aux enfants, ce qui a pu introduire quelque confusion dans les resultats. Dans l'etude que nous presentons 18 nourrissons de trois mois ont eu une interaction d'episodes de 3 minutes avec leur mere deprimee et leur puericultrice non deprimee. Quand on les compare aux interactions avec leurs meres, les scores de comportement des nourrissons se sont ameliores durant l'interaction des nourrissons avec leur puericultrice habituelle. Les niveaux d'activite bas et l'affect negatif etaient specifiques a leurs interactions avec leurs meres deprimees. Les donnees suggerent donc que les nourrissons repondent differemment aux adultes deprimes et non deprimes s'ils leur sont familiers
Biocompatible and biodegradable copolymer stabilizers for hydrofluoroalkane dispersions: a colloidal probe microscopy investigation.

In this work we investigate the ability of biodegradable and biocompatible lactide-based nonionic amphiphiles to stabilize a model drug (salbutamol base) dispersion in hydrofluoroalkane (HFA) propellant. A series of triblock copolymers of the type poly(lactide)−poly(ethylene glycol)−poly(lactide) (LAmEOnLAm) with varying molecular weight (MW) and % EO were synthesized. The cohesive forces between drug particles in liquid HFA in the presence of the amphiphiles were quantitatively determined by colloidal probe microscopy (CPM). The effect of cosolvent, oleic acid, and a nonionic triblock copolymer with the propylene oxide moiety as the HFA-phile was also investigated. CPM results show that the overall concentration, MW, surfactant tail (LA) length, and the ratio between the stabilizing LA moiety and the anchor EO group have a great impact on the drug cohesive forces. The CPM results in liquid HFA were correlated to the bulk physical stability of the drug suspensions in the propellant 1,1,1,2,3,3,3-heptafluo...
Vacancies and Matthiessen's rule in gold and platinum

Abstract Measurements at 4.2 and 303°K of the resistivities quenched into gold and platinum wires are consistent with Matthiessen's rule.
Practical Approach to Designing Wood Roof Truss Assemblies

The objective of this research was to use a three-dimensional (3D) analysis method to evaluate “system effects” in light-frame roof truss assemblies. The goal of this study was to develop an improved and practical design method for 3D roof truss assemblies used in residential construction. A truss plate manufacturer (TPM) design software was used to lay out assemblies and to design individual trusses. The TPM software used a conventional design procedure (CDP) by analyzing one truss at a time in two dimensions. A commercially available structural analysis program was utilized to model and analyze 3D truss assemblies as a system. This system design procedure (SDP) is being proposed as a tool to analyze and design 3D roof truss assemblies. Three truss assemblies, L shape, T shape, and a complex assembly, were analyzed. The structural responses including combined stress index (CSI), truss deflections, and reactions from both CDP and SDP were compared and the system effects were evaluated. From this investiga...
Photo-enhanced oxidation of nickel

Abstract The oxidation in air of polycrystalline nickel samples at bulk temperatures of 400°C and 500°C under both infrared oven heating and high flux visible/near u.v. irradiation (⩾ 1 MW/m 2 ) is examined. The oxide thickness is found to be over 400% greater under photo-irradiation at 3.5 MW/m 2 and 400°C bulk temperature than under infrared irradiation at an equivalent temperature. Also, the oxide thickness is found to increase linearly with increasing flux. This photo-enhanced oxidation is believed to be mainly due to electronic excitation of the surface adsorbed molecular oxygen species with subsequent enhanced dissociation. This leads to increased oxidation kinetics and ultimately to the observed increase in oxide thickness.
Competency in electrocardiogram interpretation among internal medicine and emergency medicine residents.

Abstract Purpose Accurate interpretation of the electrocardiogram is critical, yet there are no evidence-based guidelines for assessing competency. Our study evaluated the ability of internal medicine residents and emergency medicine residents to interpret a variety of electrocardiograms. Methods The 120 participants included 87 internal medicine residents and 33 emergency medicine residents at two hospitals. Participants reported their sex, training level, adequacy of training, career interest in cardiology, and estimated electrocardiogram proficiency. They then took a test containing 12 electrocardiograms and recorded their diagnosis and certainty. Two cardiologists independently established the correct diagnoses. Two blinded, independent graders scored each electrocardiogram (0 = incorrect, 1=partially correct, 2=correct). Results The median proficiency was 6 out of 10, total electrocardiogram score was 15 of 24, and certainty was 33 of 48. There was no significant difference in overall competency between emergency medicine and internal medicine residents (14.0 vs 15.0, P = 0.239). Internal medicine residents interested in a cardiology career scored higher than those not interested in a cardiology career (17.3 vs. 14.1, P = 0.003). When analyzing the most critical diagnoses, we found that the mean score for ventricular tachycardia was 1.6 of 2.0, for myocardial infarction was 1.3 of 2.0, and for complete heart block was 0.8 of 2.0. Over half of the participants felt their electrocardiogram training was inadequate. Conclusion Despite improvement in interpretation with clinical experience, overall performance was low. Research is needed to find optimal methods to improve electrocardiogram competency.
Experience required for pheromone recognition by the apple maggot fly

Remarkable progress has been made during the past 20 yr in the identification of chemical components and receptor sites of pheromones of various insects. However, our understanding of the physiological and ecological parameters which affect the response of individual insects to pheromones remains rather limited. Here we report that in apple maggot fly, Rhagoletis pomonella, females require experience with oviposition-deterring pheromone (ODP) before they are able to discriminate between ODP-marked and unmarked host fruit. This seems to be the first conclusive evidence in an insect that pheromone recognition may depend on previous contact with the particular pheromone.
Validation of carrier-mediated transport of H+ and Na+ through mobile-site membranes

Abstract The response of membranes containing neutral ion carriers of either H + or Na + to an externally-applied potential step was investigated using previously developed techniques for the analysis of charge and mass transport in ion-selective membranes. The results from constant-resistance membranes, e.g. membranes with unperturbed negative site concentration profiles, showed that tridodecylamine behaved as a carrier for H + , and there was no evidence for proton hopping from stationary carriers. In addition, the experimental outcome supported the assumption of a failure of the Donnan exclusion principle at very low pH levels in these membranes. The results from membranes containing the Na + carrier illustrated the significant concentration polarization of ionic species, which was related to significant changes in bulk membrane resistance.
Information transfer and the facilitation and inhibition of feeding in a schooling fish

Recent studies show that fish forage actively when perceived risk is low, but decrease foraging and increase vigilance when perceived risk is high. Isolated juvenile chum salmon,Oncorhynchus keta, were visually exposed to groups of conspecifics engaged in different activities to examine their ability to gain information about foraging opportunity and risk by interpreting conspecific behavior. Isolates ate most when exposed to feeding groups, less when exposed to nonfeedig groups, and least when exposed to alarmed groups. Isolates exposed to alarmed conspecifics also spent more time motionless than did fish exposed to either feeding or nonfeeding conspecifics. These findings indicate that schooling fish gain information by interpreting conspecific behavior, and are consistent with research showing that animals balance the conflicting demands of foraging and vigilance.
The predictive value of first-trimester embryonic heart rates in infertility patients.

Objective To analyze whether first-trimester embryonic (fetal) heart rates (FHR) are useful in predicting pregnancy outcome for infertility patients. Methods Patients in a university-based reproductive endocrinology and infertility practice were studied prospectively. Infertile women who achieved clinical pregnancy underwent first-trimester transvaginal sonographic evaluation, and FHR in patients achieving viable pregnancies were compared with those experiencing fetal loss. Results Overall, 99 pregnancies reached viability and 17 resulted in fetal loss before 20 weeks' gestation. Patient age, methods of conception, and number of previous fetal losses did not differ significantly between the two groups. A significant correlation (r = .70, P Conclusion First-trimester FHR can help predict pregnancy outcome for infertility patients. Women with FHR outside the reference range from the mean for viable pregnancies at corresponding gestational ages may be at risk for eventual pregnancy loss.
THE EFFECT OF INCREASING DOSES OF INGESTED GLUCOSE ON INSULIN AND GASTRIC INHIBITORY POLYPEPTIDE (GIP) CONCENTRATIONS IN MAN

SUMMARY Gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP) is insulinotropic in vivo and in vitro. It is released following glucose ingestion and is a leading candidate as a mediator of the enteroinsular axis. To investigate the GIP response to increasing amounts of oral glucose, and its relationship to glucose levels and insulin secretion, fourteen normal volunteers ingested 25, 50 and 75 g of glucose at random with 5–7 days between each test. Serum insulin, glucose and GIP concentrations were measured and total integrated incremental responses were determined. Peak mean responses to glucose, insulin and GIP occurred at 30 min following each glucose ingestion. There were no significant differences in glucose concentrations at any interval with the varying glucose doses. Mean peripheral insulin concentrations were significantly increased ater 50 or 75 g of glucose as compared with the 25 g dose (P<0.02). Mean GIP concentrations were significantly greater (P<0.03) between 15 and 180 min with both the 50 and 75 g glucose stimulus. Total integrated areas under the response curves for glucose, insulin and GIP showed a graded increase in circulating insulin and GIP (P<0.01) as the amount of ingested glucose was increased from 25 to 75 g. These findings show that increasing doses of glucose stimulated greater levels of GIP and insulin and further support the insulinotropic properties of endogenous GIP in man.
Preparation of crude transfer RNA and chromatographic purification of five transfer RNAs from calf liver.

Abstract Five tRNAs (aspartic acid-2, leucine-1, lysine-2, phenylalanine, and serine-3) were isolated from crude calf liver tRNA by chromatographic procedures involving benzoylated DEAE-cellulose, reversed-phase chromatography, and DEAE-Sephadex A-50. Calculated activities (amino acid acceptance per 3′-terminal adenosine) were from 87 to 102 %. Crude calf liver tRNA contains much smaller quantities of RNA contaminants than crude tRNA from the mature beeves. The procedures for the preparation of the crude tRNA and chromatographic steps for isolation of these five tRNAs are amenable to scale-up for the preparation of larger samples.