cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
CHROMOSOME END ARRANGEMENTS IN DATURA INOXIA, D. METELOIDES AND D. METEL'

THE ANALYSIS of chromosome end arrangements in these three herbaceous species is the culmination of that part of a study on chromosomes in Datura species which was initiated in our laboratory over 25 years ago. Preliminary cytological examination made by Bergner showed that each Daturm species has the same number of chromosomes, n 12. At meiosis they are arranged in 12 pairs and form 12 bivalents (Blakeslee, 1932; Bergner, 1939). The free ends of each chromosome in the standard line of D. stramonium are indicated by numbers 1,2,3,4.... 23,24 and the 12 chromosomes are consequently designated as 1.2, 3.4, . . . 23.24, the 1.2 being the largest, the 23.24 the smallest one (Blakeslee and Cleland, 1930). Attention is called to the fact that whenever the chromosome is represented numerically the numbers refer only to its ends. For brevity the word chromosome will be used in the text synonymously with "chromosome end arrangement." The method for chromosome analysis used in the present studies is the same which has been developed by Bergner and Blakeslee in a series of chromosome investigations (Blakeslee, 1927, 1932; Bergner and Blakeslee, 1930). It is based on Belling's observation that like ends of homologous chromosomes are mutually attracted (Belling, 1921) and on his hypothesis of segmental interchanges between non-homologous chromosomes (Belling and Blakeslee, 1926). These two factors explain the presence of circles and chains formed by chromosomes at meiosis in hybrids from intra-se crosses. The presence of 12 closed bivalents in a hybrid at meiosis indicates that all chromosomes in the race tested are homologous with the chromosomes in the tester. A reduced number of bivalents in the hybrid together with an association of 4 or more chromosomes forming circles or other configurations indicates that the ends of some chromosomes in the tested race are rearranged in comparison with the tester. Such races in intra-se crosses represent new chromosomal types. They are called Prime Types (PT's) and the D. stramonium race selected as the standard type is PT]. The homologous ends and the rearranged ends of chromosomes are expressed numerically in terms of chromosomes in the standard PTI. More than one prime type was found by Bergner in each species with the exception of D. pruinosa and D. discolor. (Bergner and Blakeslee, 1941; Bergner, 1943a,b).
Photoreactivation action spectrum of tobacco mosaic virus-ribonucleic acid inactivated by U.V. radiation.

Abstract— Initially photoreactivation of irradiated (2537 A) nucleic acid on pinto bean increases linearly with time of illumination with white light of 250 ft-c. Maximum amounts of photo-reactivation depend on the quality of light used. The action spectrum shows a peak in the ‘black light’ region, where the greater amount of photoreactivation is found, and a shoulder in the blue light region. Maximum repair is obtained with ‘black light.’ Photoreactivation does not occur at wavelengths above 550 nm. Photoprotection by illumination of leaves prior to inoculation by irradiated RNA was not found. The action spectrum for photoreactivation does not resemble the action spectrum for photosynthesis.
Inferotemporal evoked potentials after visual discrimination training in squirrel monkey.

Sunnznfy.-A squirrel monkey was trained to close a switch activating a photo stimulator set for a single flash. The color of the light signalled the availability or unavailability of a raisin reward. Evoked potentials were recorded across the inferotemporal cortex and adjacent white matter, after original training and after each of 3 reversals. In each case there was a greater negative deflection in response to the SD. The difference in potentials was much less for the last 2 reversals. A series of experiments reviewed by Mishkin ( 1966) has indicated a subtle function of the middle and inferior temporal convolutions in visual function in the monkey. Impairment of visual discrimination following inferotemporal removal was evident only in formal training situations and has not been observed in auditory, tactual, or olfactory discrimination. Using macroelectrodes, Gerstein, Gross, and Weinstein ( 1968) averaged visually evoked inferotemporal responses to positive and negative stimuli and found no discernible differential effect although there was an evoked response beginning as early as 40 msec. after stimulation. Possibly the absence of discernible difference was due to the fact that S was rewarded for responding to the positive stimulus and was also rewarded for not responding to the negative stimulus. The inferotemporal region may have been critically involved in information processing following either type of stimulus with the result that gross recording may simply have been incapable of reflecting molecular functional differences in the inferotemporal response. Therefore, in the work reported below, only one of the two stimuli was associated with reinforcement during training on a given problem.
Use of Multiphase Oscillators with a Cyclotron (Lawrence) for the Production of High-Velocity Particles

Use of Multiphase Oscillators with a Cyclotron (Lawrence) for the Production of High-Velocity Particles
Stapedectomy Training With the Carbon Dioxide Laser

All primary carbon dioxide (CO2) laser stapedectomies supervised by the senior author since 1986 were retrospectively reviewed and reported according to 1995 American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Committee on Hearing guidelines. Sixty-three cases had more than 6 weeks of follow-up with an average residual gap of 6.49 dB (SD = 5.55 dB) and an 89% success rate. Thirty cases had more than 1 year of follow-up with the average hearing result of 6.58 dB (SD = 5.93 dB) and an 87% success rate. In 11 cases, 14 operative problems or complications occurred. Suctioning the vestibule occurred in five cases. Because suction is required to evacuate laser smoke, these cases are attributed to the laser. One of these patients had delayed sensorineural hearing loss. One patient had profound delayed sensorineural hearing loss as a result of granuloma formation. These were the only major complications. The laser is a tool that gives reproducible technique and good success rates.
Accuracy of B-mode scanning of the carotid bifurcation

Scanning of the extracranial carotid arteries with real-time B-mode ultrasound has become an increasingly popular noninvasive diagnostic technique in the years since its introduction. The general perception is that its accuracy is "good," especially when the image is supplemented with spectral analysis of the Doppler flow signal (duplex scanning). This perception is bolstered by many favorable reports comparing the results o f B-scanning or duplex scanning with the arteriographic image. Only occasionally have other "gold standards" been used. Although there is strong evidence that the degree of angiographically demonstrable stenosis is closely associated with stroke risk, recent data suggest that plaque morphology and composinon may also play a decisive role. Moreover, arteriography is incapable of measuring plaque dimensions, a measurement that may be crucial for elucidating natural history, for detecting disease progression, and for evaluating the effects ofinterventional therapy. Because B-mode imaging provides the methodology for investigating these parameters (at least theoretically), it seems logical to determine its accuracy with respect to observations made on the pathologic specimen. Responding to a charge from the Heart, Lung and Blood Institute of the National Institutes of Health, a multicenter study involving 900 patients was undertaken to address these issues. This study, the results of which were recently reported in the JOURNAL, 1 employed endarterectomy specimens in addition to arteriograms to investigate the accuracy of the B-mode scan. Unfortunately, the study suffers from many of the same problems and ambiguities that beset other less ambitious projects. For the most part, the results o f the study were disappointing. The correlation between the percentage of diameter stenosis determined with ultrasound and that measured from the arteriogram was poor,
Application of a slurry feeder to 1 and 3 stage continuous simultaneous saccharification and fermentation of dilute acid pretreated corn stover

Continuous operation is often chosen for conceptual designs of biological processing of cellulosic biomass to ethanol to achieve higher volumetric productivities. Furthermore, continuous stirred tank reactors (CSTR) can handle higher solids concentrations than possible in batch mode due to broth thinning at partial conversion in a continuous fermentor. However, experience and literature data are very limited for continuous simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (cSSF) processes. In this work, a slurry feed system was developed and applied to a 3-stage bench-scale cSSF train to convert pretreated corn stover to ethanol and determine the effects of dilution rate and number of fermentation vessels on overall volumetric productivity. The highest productivity of 0.4 g L−1 h−1 was achieved in a single cSSF vessel with an 8 h residence time. Furthermore, productivity at identical total residence times was 12% higher for operation with 3 cSSF stages than for a single CSTR stage for pretreated corn stover.
Road-building and network efficiency in poly-centric Pittsburgh 1980–2010

Abstract Current research on urban structure says little about the aggregate efficiency of transportation systems in a metropolitan region. This paper addresses the problem by analyzing synoptic indexes of the controlled access highway network. Recent road building in the Pittsburgh MSA has intensified network infrastructure, but efficiency has diminished. The Pittsburgh MSA is the case study because, as an aging one, it exemplifies issues facing other American cities. The analysis uses direct connectivity, gamma ( γ ), and characteristic path length (CPL) indexes calculated over a 30 year period. The progressively less efficient network for each decade implies that some combination of the political process, land use inertia, and financial limitations preclude consideration of urban structure in decisions about construction priorities. Applied geographers can gain relevance by integrating the precision of state-of-the-art technology with the comprehensive capabilities and lucidity of seminal analytical methods.
Distribution of energy deposited by a moderately intense 26-MeV electron beam in thick metal targets.

Experiments have been performed with the moderately intense electron-beam pulses (8 kA/${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$ peak) at the Los Alamos National Laboratory pulsed high-energy radiographic machine emitting x-rays (PHERMEX) facility and with the much weaker beam at the Naval Research Laboratory linac, to measure energy absorption in Al, Ti, and W targets. The energy spectra at the two facilities were similar, with an average energy of about 26 MeV. A calorimetric method was used to measure the deposited energy. The experimental results are compared to each other and to Monte Carlo integrated ``tiger'' system (ITS) code calculations. Calorimeters consisting of two and four sections were used. The linac data were in good agreement with single-electron code calculations. Evidence for collective effects appears as a redistribution of the absorbed energy in the PHERMEX data, although the beam intensity is very much lower than in previous investigations of this effect.
Evaluation of nutrition assessment parameters in the presence of human immunodeficiency virus infection.

Malnutrition, weight loss, and body cell mass (BCM) depletion have long been observed in individuals with HIV infection and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Nutritional status may be adversely affected by many factors, including inadequate intake, gastrointestinal disturbances, altered nutrient metabolism, and medication-related side effects. Increasing numbers of HIV-infected individuals are exhibiting fat redistribution characterized by any combination of changes including peripheral fat atrophy, visceral or dorsocervical adiposity, or other changes, and these changes have been shown to be associated with increased cardiovascular disease risk. A complete nutrition assessment is key to effective patient management in HIV infection. This review focuses on the evaluation of anthropometry (including BCM and fat redistribution), biochemistries, medication-related issues, medical/social/dietary histories, and physical examination and clinical findin...
Activation of the Ca2+ release channel of skeletal muscle sarcoplasmic reticulum by palmitoyl carnitine

Studies of [3H]ryanodine binding, 45Ca2+ efflux, and single channel recordings in planar bilayers indicated that the fatty acid metabolite palmitoyl carnitine produced a direct stimulation of the Ca2+ release channel (ryanodine receptor) of rabbit and pig skeletal muscle junctional sarcoplasmic reticulum. At a concentration of 50 microM, palmitoyl carnitine (a) stimulated [3H]ryanodine binding 1.6-fold in a competitive manner at all pCa in the range 6 to 3; (b) released approximately 65% (30 nmol) of passively loaded 45Ca2+/mg protein; and (c) increased 7-fold the open probability of Ca2+ release channels incorporated into planar bilayers. Neither carnitine nor palmitic acid could reproduce the effect of palmitoyl carnitine on [3H]ryanodine binding, 45Ca2+ release, or channel open probability. 45Ca2+ release was induced by several long-chain acyl carnitines (C14, C16, C18) and acyl coenzyme A derivatives (C12, C14, C16), but not by the short-chain derivative C8 or by free saturated fatty acids of chain length C8 to C18, at room temperature or 36 degrees C. This newly identified interaction of esterified fatty acids and ryanodine receptors may represent a pathway by which metabolism of skeletal muscle could influence intracellular Ca2+ and may be responsible for the pathophysiology of disorders of beta-oxidation such as carnitine palmitoyl transferase II deficiency.
Fast sea-floor spreading on the Chile Ridge

Abstract The orientation and rate of spreading of the Chile Ridge is not well known owing to the paucity and poor orientation of the geophysical observations defining the ridge system. A recent profile crossing the Chile Ridge at 40°S, 92°W suggests that the half-spreading rate may be as high as 41 mm-yr −1 from 0 to 5 myBP and 56 mm-yr −1 from 5 to 9 myBP as opposed to previous estimates of 20 to 30 mm-yr −1 . In contrast to the rugged bathymetric relief which has been previously reported for the Chile Ridge, the new profile shows a 500 km-long section of “smooth” crust on the eastern flank. We interpret most of the rugged relief which has been observed as being due to numerous fracture zones offsetting the ridge and trending 080° ± 10°. Based on a skewness study of the magnetic anomalies, the ridge crest segments have been determined to be oriented along 350° ± 7°. This makes the ridge axis normal to the fracture zones and parallel to the final strike of the Galapagos Rise.
The mutual interference of spruce canopy structural elements

The drag force on fourteen three-prong spruce shoots (Picea rubens) has been measured in a wind tunnel in velocities ranging from 0.4 to 4.5 m s−1. The influence of wind velocity and shoot needle density on momentum transfer and the mutual interference to momentum transfer are evaluated. The influence of the shoot needle density (ranging from 0.6 to 1.7) on momentum transfer is velocity dependent. The shoot needle density does not influence the momentum transfer to the shoot when the wind velocity is less than about 1.5 m s−1. However, a slight trend of increased momentum transfer to the shoot with decreased shoot needle density was found for wind velocities between 1.5 and 4.5 m s−1. This trend is not statistically significant. The shelter factor, a measure of the mutual interference to momentum transfer to the shoot structure, is shown to be dependent on the model used to describe the flow around and through the shoot. This suggests that any apparent velocity dependence of the shelter factor may actually be due to a change in flow conditions. It is concluded that: (1) the needles are the vegetative component involved in mutual interference within the shoot for wind speeds between 0.4 and 1.5 ms−1, and (2) the shoots themselves are the vegetative component involved in mutual interference within a shoot array for wind speeds between 1.5 and 4.5 ms−1. The shelter factor at the low wind speeds is estimated to be 2.1 The shelter factor at the higher wind speeds should be based on interference between shoots and not between needles within a single shoot.
Interstellar Organic Chemistry

Most of the interstellar organic molecules have been found in the large radio source Sagittarius B2 toward the galactic center, and in such regions as W51 and the IR source in the Orion nebula. Questions of the reliability of molecular identifications are discussed together with aspects of organic synthesis in condensing clouds, degradational origin, synthesis on grains, UV natural selection, interstellar biology, and contributions to planetary biology.
Testing Threshold and Hormesis in a Random Effects Dose‐Response Model Applied to Developmental Toxicity Data

Here we describe a random effects threshold dose-response model for clustered binary-response data from developmental toxicity studies. For our model we assume that a hormetic effect occurs in addition to a threshold effect. Therefore, the dose-response curve is based on two components: relationships below the threshold (hormetic u-shaped model) and those above the threshold (logistic model). In the absence of hormesis and threshold effects, the estimation procedure is straightforward. We introduce score tests that are derived from a random effects hormetic-threshold dose-response model. The model and tests are applied to clustered binary data from developmental toxicity studies of animals to test for hormesis and threshold effects. We also compare the score test and likelihood ratio test to test for hormesis and threshold effects in a simulated study.
A rare case of Cryptococcus luteolus -related tenosynovitis

A 68-year-old male with type II diabetes mellitus presented with a nodule over the metacarpophalangeal joint of his right second finger after being spurred on the hand by a domestic turkey 2 weeks prior to onset of clinical symptoms. He was diagnosed with cryptococcal tenosynovitis caused by Cryptococcus luteolus identified by DNA sequencing. Complete clinical resolution was achieved with synovectomy and debridement followed by 1 year of fluconazole 800 mg daily.
Continuous analysis of stresses from arbitrary surface loads on a half space

A new form of elemental surface load on a half space is introduced, presuming a quasi-pyramidal variation of load which is doubly linear in each of four rectangular parts of a surface rectangle. Approximations of arbitrary load distributions by sums of such elements are continuous, piecewise linear in two directions and well adaptable. The loads may be normal or tangential. The explicit solutions obtained for all stress and displacement components due to each elemental load involve only elementary functions, are free of the discontinuities which arise with stepwise elements, and are suitable for computing. Some illustrative stress distributions are presented for elemental loads and for multiple pyramidal loads involving both normal and tangential loads. The value of the load continuity in the more complicated analyses of surface cracks is also illustrated.
A static resource allocation framework for Grid‐based streaming applications

A number of applications increasingly rely on, or can potentially benefit from, analysis and monitoring of data streams. To support the processing of streaming data in a Grid environment, we have been developing a middleware system called GATES (Grid-based AdapTive Execution on Streams). Our target applications are those involving high-volume data streams and requiring distributed processing of data arising from a distributed set of sources. This paper addresses the problem of resource allocation in the GATES system. Although resource discovery and resource allocation have been active topics in Grid community, the pipelined processing and real-time constraint required by distributed streaming applications pose new challenges. We present a resource allocation algorithm that is based on minimal spanning trees. We evaluate the algorithm experimentally and demonstrate that it results in configurations that are very close to optimal, and significantly better than most other possible configurations. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Taking liberties in festive song Gender, new technologies and a ‘joking relationship’

The annual emergence of Holi cassette recordings in north India functions as the starting point for an investigation into issues of culture and social change, gender constructs, kin-ship norms, low...
Hyperdipsia after Serotonin-depleting Midbrain Lesions

VISUALIZATION of brain monoamines by histochemical fluorescence reveals that almost all forebrain serotonin (5-hydroxy-tryptamine) derives from cell bodies in the dorsal and median raphe nuclei of the midbrain1. While studying the shock thresholds of rats with lesions of these raphe nuclei, we noticed that home cage water supplies of experimental animals were often more depleted than those of controls (paper presented at Winter Conference on Brain Research, 1971). Since all rats were given similar amounts of fresh food and water daily, this observation implied increased drinking by lesioned animals. This paper summarizes systematic observations confirming that such animals drink more water than controls and additionally suggests that this hyperdipsia is not secondary to involuntary water loss. As far as we know, this is the first report of increased water intake after selective disruption of serotoninergic neural systems in brain.
Decreased IL-2, IFN-γ, and IL-10 Production by Aged Mice During the Acute Phase of E55+ Retrovirus Infection

Abstract We previously reported that aged mice demonstrated a 12-week delay in virus clearance compared to young mice after infection with E55+ murine leukemia retrovirus (E55+MuLV). The current study demonstrates that both the levels of IL-2, IFN-γ, and IL-10 and the number of cells producing IL-2 and IFN-γ were lower at 2 and 4 weeks postinfection (p.i.) in aged compared to young mice after virus-specific stimulation of spleen cells in vitro. In both age groups, IL-2 and IL-10 were produced by CD4 + T and B cells, respectively. IFN-γ was produced mainly by CD4 + T cells at 2 weeks p.i. and by CD4 + and CD8 + T cells at 4 weeks p.i. in young, but primarily by CD8 + T cells, in aged mice. Therefore, delayed virus clearance is associated with age-related decreases in type 1 and type 2 cytokines and a shift in the primary source of at least one cytokine.
Sustained isometric contraction of skeletal muscle depleted of phosphocreatine.

Abstract To evaluate the need for phosphocreatine as an energy reservoir to sustain isometric contraction of skeletal muscle, rats were depleted of phosphocreatine by feeding β-GPA (β-guanidinopropionate) as 1% of the diet. In the place of phosphocreatine, β-GPAP (phosphorylated β-GPA) accumulated to concentrations of 20–25 μmoles/g wet weight of muscle. Although the maximum isometric tension produced by the soleus was always less than that produced by the plantaris muscle, the maximum for either muscle was not significantly affected by feeding β-GPA. The endurance of experimental soleus muscles was prolonged, however. These muscles held 70% of their maximum isometric tension for 106 ± 40 seconds (mean ± SD, n = 4) whereas the value for five control muscles was 43 ± 18 seconds. With fatiguing, isometric contractions of control plantaris and soleus muscles, phosphocreatine concentrations decreased by 68–70%; in experimental muscles, the β-GPA concentration decreased less than 12%. This difference in phosphagen consumption demonstrates that skeletal muscle can sustain fatiguing, isometric contractions without using large amounts of phosphocreatine or a substitute phosphagen as an energy reservoir. Phosphocreatine hydrolysis during muscle contraction normally may serve some other purpose.
An internet accessible remote controlled home automation system

Home automation systems have been in development since the late seventies. However, the home automation market has not fully reached its potential. This can be attributed to a number of factors. Remote home automation systems, however, are quickly becoming more and more popular. Users like the ability to change their home environment while not at home. The remote home automation systems in existence, however, use the telephone as a medium for communication. These telephone user interfaces, unfortunately, are crude at best and often lead to a frustrating attempt to access the system. A better system would be one that could offer a graphical user interface, such as a homepage on the internet. Thus, if the user can access a web browser, the user can access the home automation system. In this paper, we discuss the design and implementation of such a system, an Internet Accessible Remote-control Home Automation System.
Linear equations over commutative rings

Abstract A generalized rank (McCoy rank) of a matrix with entries in a commutative ring R with identity is discussed. Some necessary and sufficient conditions for the solvability of the linear equation A x = b are derived, where x , b are vectors and A is a matrix with entries in either a Noetherian full quotient ring or a zero dimensional ring.
On the complexity of privacy-preserving complex event processing

Complex Event Processing (CEP) Systems are stream processing systems that monitor incoming event streams in search of userspecified event patterns. While CEP systems have been adopted in a variety of applications, the privacy implications of event pattern reporting mechanisms have yet to be studied - a stark contrast to the significant amount of attention that has been devoted to privacy for relational systems. In this paper we present a privacy problem that arises when the system must support desired patterns (those that should be reported if detected) and private patterns (those that should not be revealed). We formalize this problem, which we term privacy-preserving, utility maximizing CEP (PP-CEP), and analyze its complexity under various assumptions. Our results show that this is a rich problem to study and shed some light on the difficulty of developing algorithms that preserve utility without compromising privacy.
Collective radial expansion in Au+Au reactions from 0.25 to 2 GeV/nucleon

The expansion of hot, excited nuclear matter formed in collisions of heavy ions is governed by the fundamental forces of nature. In an effort to understand their effects, we have turned to studies of these collisions through observables sensitive to the dynamics they govern. Such observables as collective flow phenomena[1 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8] have been used in the past with success. Flow originates when nuclear matter from nucleus-nucleus collisions attains a strongly correlated momentum distribution principally through effective strong interactions.
Power routing: dynamic power provisioning in the data center

Data center power infrastructure incurs massive capital costs, which typically exceed energy costs over the life of the facility. To squeeze maximum value from the infrastructure, researchers have proposed over-subscribing power circuits, relying on the observation that peak loads are rare. To ensure availability, these proposals employ power capping, which throttles server performance during utilization spikes to enforce safe power budgets. However, because budgets must be enforced locally -- at each power distribution unit (PDU) -- local utilization spikes may force throttling even when power delivery capacity is available elsewhere. Moreover, the need to maintain reserve capacity for fault tolerance on power delivery paths magnifies the impact of utilization spikes. In this paper, we develop mechanisms to better utilize installed power infrastructure, reducing reserve capacity margins and avoiding performance throttling. Unlike conventional high-availability data centers, where collocated servers share identical primary and secondary power feeds, we reorganize power feeds to create shuffled power distribution topologies. Shuffled topologies spread secondary power feeds over numerous PDUs, reducing reserve capacity requirements to tolerate a single PDU failure. Second, we propose Power Routing, which schedules IT load dynamically across redundant power feeds to: (1) shift slack to servers with growing power demands, and (2) balance power draw across AC phases to reduce heating and improve electrical stability. We describe efficient heuristics for scheduling servers to PDUs (an NP-complete problem). Using data collected from nearly 1000 servers in three production facilities, we demonstrate that these mechanisms can reduce the required power infrastructure capacity relative to conventional high-availability data centers by 32% without performance degradation.
Dielectric measurements of semi-insulating liquids and solids

Sinusoidal steady state and transient decay measurement techniques were used to monitor the dielectric properties of electrical insulation. Impedance measurements of an air-gap capacitor, immersed in Shell Diala A transformer oil and driven with a 1 V peak sinusoidal signal (5 mHz-10 kHz), showed that the oil conductivity increased with temperature (15-70/spl deg/C) and aging in air but was independent of the oil moisture content (2-30 ppm). Interfacial double layer effects were also observed. Surface charge effects were studied in a cylindrical electrode apparatus with EHV-Weidmann Hi-Val pressboard on the inner cylinder and transformer oil filling the gap. The pressboard dielectric properties were obtained from time transient decay measurements of the open-circuit voltage after disconnecting a DC voltage source from across the cylinders. These measurements indicate that the conduction mechanism through the pressboard follows a drift dominated unipolar conduction law rather than ohmic conduction. Further frequency sweep dielectrometry measurements using a three-wavelength interdigital electrode sensor confirm the dispersive properties of oil-impregnated pressboard. This sensor was also used to measure the time and space distributions of moisture diffusion into oil-impregnated pressboard.
The TRACER instrument: A balloon-borne cosmic-ray detector

Abstract We describe a large-area detector for measurements of the intensity of cosmic-ray nuclei in balloon-borne exposures. In order to observe individual nuclei at very high energies, the instrument employs transition radiation detectors (TRD) whose energy response extends well beyond 104 GeV amu−1. The TR measurement is performed with arrays of single-wire proportional tubes interleaved with plastic-fiber radiators. An additional energy determination comes from the specific ionization in gas and its relativistic rise which is also measured with proportional tubes. The tubes also determine the trajectory of each cosmic-ray nucleus with mm-resolution. In total, nearly 1600 tubes are used. The instrument is triggered by large-area plastic scintillators. The scintillators, together with acrylic Cherenkov counters, also determine the nuclear charge Z of each cosmic-ray particle, measure the energy in the GeV amu−1 region, and discriminate against low-energy background. We describe the details of this detector system, and discuss its performance in three high-altitude balloon flights, including two long-duration flights in 2003 and 2006 at Antarctic and Arctic latitudes, respectively. Scientific results from these flights are summarized, and possible future developments are reviewed.
Quiescent and unstable regimes of a helicon plasma

Known for their ability to produce high densities at low power, helicon discharges have found many uses. However, it has been discovered that the plasma density saturates, and even falls for light ion gases, as the magnetic field is increased. Detailed measurements of fluctuations in plasma density reveal the onset of a strong, low-frequency electrostatic instability. This onset correlates well with density saturation and is predicted from a linear theory.
TECTONIC CONTROL AND PETROLEUM GEOLOGY OF THE PALEOZOIC CLASTICS OF THE MARANHÃTO BASIN, BRAZIL

Selected paleoenvironmental maps of the Maranhao Basin from Silurian to Eo-Carboniferous are analyzed in terms of their source rock and reservoir potentials. These maps combine petrographic data with the distribution of clay mineral assemblages, palynofacies, trace-metals, organic carbon and boron. Two depositional models are recognized. The first one, which lasted from Silurian to Eo-Carboniferous, is a model of coalescent deltas in which delta systems (with seven subenvironments) are separated by interdeltaic areas (with five subenvironments). The second model, limited to the Late Devonian, shows a continental ice sheet interfering with a system of coalescent deltas and generating mixed glacio-deltaic sediments.
Pets Trusts: Fido With a Fortune?

Dogs, cats, parrots, and other pet animals play extremely significant roles in the lives of many individuals. People own pets for a variety of reasons – they love animals, they enjoy engaging in physical activity with the animal such as playing ball or going for walks, and they enjoy the giving and receiving of attention and unconditional love. Research indicates that pet ownership positively impacts the owner’s life by lowering blood pressure, reducing stress and depression, lowering the risk of heart disease, shortening the recovery time after a hospitalization, and improving concentration and mental attitude.The primary goal of the pet owner’s attorney is to carry out the pet owner’s intent to the fullest extent allowed under applicable law. Accordingly, the attorney should select a method which has the highest likelihood of working successfully to provide for the pet after its owner’s death. (The pet owner should also determine if any special arrangements need to be made to care for the pet if the owner becomes disabled.) After discussing the history of providing for a pet after the owner’s death, this article discusses the variety of techniques currently available and comments on the advisability of each.Special features of this article include: sample pet trust provisions; "client-friendly" FAQs; summary of tax concerns with pet trusts; comprehensive appendix with links to all pet trust statutes (42 states plus D.C.).
Conjugated oral versus transdermal estrogen replacement in girls with Turner syndrome: a pilot comparative study.

Background: The optimal route of estrogen replacement in Turner syndrome (TS) is unknown. Objective: The objective of the study was to compare conjugated oral vs. transdermal estrogen (TD E2) on bone accrual, uterine growth, pubertal development, IGF-I, and lipids in girls with TS. Methods: Prepubertal GH-treated girls aged 10 yr or older with TS were eligible. Subjects were randomized to conjugated oral estrogen or TD E2 for 1 yr. Assessments included dual-emission x-ray absorptiometry, pelvic ultrasound, Tanner staging, growth velocity, IGF-I, and lipid profile. Results: Twelve girls (14.0 ± 1.7 yr) were enrolled. TD E2 resulted in a significantly greater change in spine bone density at 12 months compared with conjugated oral estrogen (bone mineral content 9.0 ± 0.9 vs. 5.8 ± 0.9 g, P = 0.04; bone mineral density 0.12 ± 0.01 vs. 0.06 ± 0.01 g/cm2, P = 0.004; Z-score 0.7 ± 0.1 vs. 0.3 ± 0.1, P = 0.03). Greater increases in uterine length (4.13 ± 0.39 vs. 1.98 ± 0.39 cm, P = 0.003) and volume (22.2 ± 4.4 ...
'Indeed,''Really,''In Fact,''Actually'

Interjections, such as those in the title, together with a few similar devices, when qualifying clauses expressing truth-conditions, or that such conditions have been satisfied, are entitled 'force-amplifiers'. Disputes between deflationary and inflationary truth-theories sometimes are assumed to turn on the supposed pivotal role that these devices are construed as playing in the interpretation of the clauses they qualify. I argue that they are not dispensable add-ons. Moreover, even in their absence the relevant clauses giving truth-conditions permit interpretations that are not deflationary-friendly. I maintain that this is a significant fact about the use to which writers put them. I then defend, a thesis about force-amplifiers that makes them indispensable to the interpretation of the relevant clauses, and that renders certain moves unavailable to popular deflationist treatments.
The HARPSS process for fabrication of nano-precision silicon electromechanical resonators

In this paper, radio frequency (RF) ultra-stiff electromechanical resonators are introduced and compared with their ultra-light counterparts. RF ultra-stiff resonators with dimensions in the low end of the micrometer scale can yield UHF frequencies (0.33 GHz) by operating at their higher order flexural modes. However, electrostatic actuation and capacitive sensing of ultra-stiff resonators will require nanoscale airgaps. The HARPSS (high aspect-ratio combined poly and single crystal silicon MEMS technology) fabrication process presented in this paper is an all-silicon process that is capable of producing capacitive silicon resonators (poly and single-crystalline) with lateral gap spacing as small as 10 nm between the resonating structure and the silicon electrodes, without the need for nano-lithography.
Cognitive Role of Neurogenesis in Depression and Antidepressant Treatment

The discovery of newborn neurons in the adult brain has generated enormous interest over the past decade. Although this process is well documented in the hippocampus and olfactory bulb, the possibility of neuron formation in other brain regions is under vigorous debate. Neurogenesis within the adult hippocampus is suppressed by factors that predispose to major depression and stimulated by antidepressant interventions. This pattern has generated the hypothesis that impaired neurogenesis is pathoetiological in depression and stimulation of newborn neurons essential for effective antidepressant action. This review critically evaluates the evidence in support of and in conflict with this theory. The literature is divided into three areas: neuronal maturation, factors that influence neurogenesis rates, and function of newborn neurons. Unique elements in each of these areas allow for the refinement of the hypothesis. Newborn hippocampal neurons appear to be necessary for detecting subtle environmental changes and coupling emotions to external context. Thus speculatively, stress-induced suppression of neurogenesis would uncouple emotions from external context leading to a negative mood state. Persistence of negative mood beyond the duration of the initial stressor can be defined as major depression. Antidepressant-induced neurogenesis therefore would restore coupling of mood with environment, leading to the resolution of depression. This conceptual framework is provisional and merits evaluation in further experimentation. Critically, manipulation of newborn hippocampal neurons may offer a portal of entry for more effective antidepressant treatment strategies.
Muddy Water and American Agriculture: How to Best Control Sedimentation From Agricultural Land?

The role of agricultural sediment in water quality is well documented. While numerous policies have been advocated and initiated, it still appears to be a significant problem. The present analysis concentrates on the outcome of several policy alternatives in terms of sediment delivery and project costs. These results are obtained by combining social science investigation of probable farmer behavior under a variety of scenarios with a hydrologic simulation model which predicts the sediment delivery with different land uses. This integration of social science behavioral research with the hydrologic response simulation model provides a framework to assess the environmental effectiveness of alternative policies aimed at reducing sedimentation. While the results presented here are preliminary, this approach seems to offer great promise as a tool for federal, state and local conservation agencies in their efforts to efficiently and effectively use their limited resources to reduce soil loss.
Banks and Economic Development in Post-Revolutionary Northern Virginia, 1790–1812

In order to facilitate commercial transactions and economic investment after the American Revolution, many inhabitants of northern Virginia became convinced that the region needed financial institutions. Indeed, most politically active residents of the region—at least after the 1790s—saw banks as crucial agents of economic development. Thus, the philosophy of “agrarian republicans” such as Thomas Jefferson and John Taylor of Carolina—who saw banks as monopolistic and anti-republican institutions—had limited appeal in the region. Moreover, the banks of northern Virginia were not controlled by planters who sought capital to finance the purchase of slaves and land. Instead, banks supported a wide range of economic endeavors—agriculture, industry, internal improvement projects, and commercial activities. The broadening access to bank capital in northern Virginia reveals that in the South—as in the northern states—there was a “democratization” of banking in the years after Revolution.
Some Shrub Shading Effects on the Mid-Summer Microenvironment of Ponderosa Pine Seedlings in Central Oregon

Recent studies of natural regeneration dynamics in ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa var. ponderosa Dougl. ex Laws.) forests of central Oregon's Cascade Range reveal positive associations between shrubs and the survival of new tree seedlings. To shed light on the potential mechanisms of this possible facilitative relationship, we conducted a simple experiment in which ambient air temperature, relative humidity, soil temperature, and shrub-canopy light penetration were recorded beneath shrub-shaded and shrub-free locations during a typical mid-summer day in four stands at two sites. Air temperature and relative humidity were unaffected by shrubs, but soil temperatures were 6.2 °C to 6.6 °C lower beneath shrubs between 12 pm and 4 pm. Percent shading by shrubs averaged 2.3 to 3.0 times that of adjacent shrub-free locations. Amelioration of midday soil temperature appears to be one of the mechanisms involved in theorized shrub-seedling facilitations in this region.
Novel Protective Role of Endogenous Cardiac Myocyte P2X4 Receptors in Heart Failure

Background— Heart failure (HF), despite continuing progress, remains a leading cause of mortality and morbidity. P2X4 receptors (P2X4R) have emerged as potentially important molecules in regulating cardiac function and as potential targets for HF therapy. Transgenic P2X4R overexpression can protect against HF, but this does not explain the role of native cardiac P2X4R. Our goal is to define the physiological role of endogenous cardiac myocyte P2X4R under basal conditions and during HF induced by myocardial infarction or pressure overload. Methods and Results— Mice established with conditional cardiac-specific P2X4R knockout were subjected to left anterior descending coronary artery ligation–induced postinfarct or transverse aorta constriction–induced pressure overload HF. Knockout cardiac myocytes did not show P2X4R by immunoblotting or by any response to the P2X4R-specific allosteric enhancer ivermectin. Knockout hearts showed normal basal cardiac function but depressed contractile performance in postinfarct and pressure overload models of HF by in vivo echocardiography and ex vivo isolated working heart parameters. P2X4R coimmunoprecipitated and colocalized with nitric oxide synthase 3 (eNOS) in wild-type cardiac myocytes. Mice with cardiac-specific P2X4R overexpression had increased S-nitrosylation, cyclic GMP, NO formation, and were protected from postinfarct and pressure overload HF. Inhibitor of eNOS, L-N5-(1-iminoethyl)ornithine hydrochloride, blocked the salutary effect of cardiac P2X4R overexpression in postinfarct and pressure overload HF as did eNOS knockout. Conclusions— This study establishes a new protective role for endogenous cardiac myocyte P2X4R in HF and is the first to demonstrate a physical interaction between the myocyte receptor and eNOS, a mediator of HF protection.
Saccular cysts: A current review of characteristics and management

Objectives/Hypothesis: To review a large cohort of adult saccular cyst patients and update current management of saccular cysts. Study Design: Retrospective review of treatment of adult patients with saccular cysts. Methods: Medical records were reviewed of all adult patients with saccular cysts identified between July 1, 2005 and August 31, 2009 at a tertiary care voice center. Results: Sixteen patients were identified. All complained of dysphonia. Saccular cysts were predominantly left-sided (62.5%). The majority were anterior (85.7%); 14.3% were combined anterior/lateral. There were no isolated lateral saccular cysts. Surgical intervention was performed in 13 patients (81%); 100% were endoscopic. No patient required an external approach. Two patients recurred (15%), both within 2 months, and were managed conservatively. Conclusions: Saccular cyst is uncommonly encountered but can cause debilitating or even life-threatening symptoms. Over time, management of these lesions has changed dramatically. With current, improved endoscopic techniques, most saccular cysts can be managed endoscopically with great success rates, often without the need for an external approach.
Inward rectifier potassium channels in the rat middle cerebral artery

Inward rectifier K+ channels (Kirs) were studied in the isolated perfused rat middle cerebral artery (MCA). The addition of 15 mM K+ (KCl) to the extraluminal bath dilated the MCAs. These dilations were blocked by selective inhibitors for the Kirs (40 μM BaCl2 or 40 mM CsCl) but not selective inhibitors for other K+channels (glibenclamide, tetraethylammonium, or 4-aminopyridine). Neither removal of the endothelium nor treatment with the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor ( N G-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester, 10 μM) affected the K+-induced dilation. The addition of BaCl2 to resting MCAs produced a dose-dependent constriction of 8–12%, indicating that, during resting conditions, Kirs aid in setting or determining the resting tone. The magnitude of the dilations produced by the addition of K+ or constrictions produced by BaCl2 were independent of pressure over a range of 40–100 mmHg. We conclude that Kirs, which produce a dilation when activated, exist on the vascular smooth muscle of the rat MCA. These Kirs aid in determining the resting tone of the vessel, and their function is independent of pressure over physiological pressure ranges.
Symbol acquisition for probabilistic high-level planning

We introduce a framework that enables an agent to autonomously learn its own symbolic representation of a low-level, continuous environment. Propositional symbols are formalized as names for probability distributions, providing a natural means of dealing with uncertain representations and probabilistic plans. We determine the symbols that are sufficient for computing the probability with which a plan will succeed, and demonstrate the acquisition of a symbolic representation in a computer game domain.
Custom KM: Implementing the Right Knowledge Management Strategy for Your Organization

This article discusses a ten step framework for implementing a knowledge management strategy that is aligned with the idiosyncrasies of a given organizational context. Case-based exemplars are used to illustrate each major point.