cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The consistency and stability of abundance-occupancy relationships in large-scale population dynamics.

Summary 1. Abundance‐occupancy relationships comprise some of the most general and well-explored patterns in macro-ecology. The theory governing these relationships predicts that species will exhibit a positive interspecific and intraspecific relationship between regional occupancy and local abundance. Abundance‐occupancy relationships have important implications in using distributional surveys, such as atlases, to understand and document large-scale population dynamics and the consequences of environmental change. A basic need for interpreting such data bases is a better understanding of whether changes in regional occupancy reflect changes in local abundance across species of varying life-history characteristics. 2. Our objective was to test the predictions of the abundance‐occupancy rule using two independent data sets, the New York State Breeding Bird Atlas and the North American Breeding Bird Survey. The New York State Breeding Bird Atlas consists of 5332 25-km 2 survey blocks and is one of the first atlases in the USA to be completed for two time periods (1980‐85 and 2000‐05). The North American Breeding Survey is a large-scale annual survey intended to document the relative abundance and population change of songbirds throughout the USA. 3. We found that regional occupancy was positively correlated with relative abundance across 98 ( β = 0·60 ± 0·11 SE, P < 0·001, R 2 = 0·60) and 85 species ( β = 0·67 ± 0·06 SE, P < 0·001, R 2 = 0·57) in two separate time periods. This relationship proved stable over time and was notably consistent between breeding habitat groups and migratory guilds. 4. Between 1980 and 2005, changes in regional occupancy were highly correlated with long-term abundance trend estimates for 75 species ( β = 5·73 ± 0·24 SE, P < 0·001, R 2 = 0·88). Over a 20-year period, woodland and resident birds showed an increase in occupancy while grassland species showed the greatest decline; these patterns were mirrored by changes in local abundance. 5. Although exceptions existed, we found most changes in occupancy parallel changes in local abundance. These findings support the basic predictions of the abundance‐occupancy rule and demonstrate its consistency and stability in species and groups of varying life-history characteristics.
SAFT inspections for developing empirical database of fabrication flaws in nuclear reactor pressure vessels

The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is developing a methodology for estimating the size and density distribution of fabrication flaws in U.S. nuclear reactor pressure vessels. This involves the nondestructive evaluation (NDE) of reactor pressure vessel materials and the destructive validation of the flaws found. NDE has been performed on reactor pressure vessel material made by Babcock & Wilcox and Combustion Engineering. A metallographic analysis is being performed to validate the flaw density and size distributions estimated from the 2500 indications of fabrication flaws that were detected and characterized in the very sensitive SAFT-UT (synthetic aperture focusing technique for ultrasonic testing) inspection data from the Pressure Vessel Research User Facility (PVRUF) vessel at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Research plans are also described for expanding the work to include other reactor pressure vessel materials.
Correlated study of initial Sr-87/Sr-86 and Al-Mg isotopic systematics and petrologic properties in a suite of refractory inclusions from the Allende meteorite

The abundance and the distribution of Al-26, and the initial Sr-87/Sr-86 ratios were determined in a suite of six coarse-grained Ca-Al-rich inclusions from the Allende meteorite, using, respectively, petrographic and chemical characterizations and ion-probe mass spectrometric analyses of the Al-Mg isotopic system, and thermal emission spectrometric analyses of the Rb-Sr system. Results establish a firm association between primitive Al-26/Al-27 and primitive Sr-87/Sr-86 found in each of these inclusions. None of the results required interpretation in terms of heterogeneously distributed Al-26.
Use of monoclonal antibodies to determine if HBsAg of mixed subtype is one particle or two

Abstract Of the ten universally recognized subtypes of hepatitis B surface antigens, two contain both of what are normally mutually exclusive subtype determinants. These mixed subtypes presumably result from a concurrent infection by different viral subtypes and result in the presence of the various subtypes either on separate particles or intermixed on one particle. This study demonstrates that both of these alternatives can occur. Additionally, a mixed subtype present on one particle could result from either intermixing of separate protein subtypes into the same viral envelope (phenotypic mixing) or genetic recombination between viruses of different subtypes resulting in the production of one protein with a mixed subtype (genotypic mixing). The latter possibility would make the definition of the antigenic determinants and production of a vaccine for hepatitis B more difficult since it implies that the virus can alter its surface characteristics. Evidence is provided against genotypic mixing, demonstrating that phenotypic mixing does occur but does not ‘breed true’ upon viral transmission.
Rescuing the Childcare Center: One Community’s Efforts to Manage Change Through Generating and Coordinating Resources

Childcare centers are business organizations and are subject to some of the same issues and problems as any small business. Many childcare administrators have little or no business training, and are unable to embrace change in order to help their programs survive economic problems. This article describes how one community saved their childcare center through collaboration.
CHARACTERIZATION OF URETERAL DYSFUNCTION IN AN EXPERIMENTAL MODEL OF CONGENITAL BLADDER OUTLET OBSTRUCTION

Purpose: Ureteral dysfunction is a significant sequela of congenital bladder outlet obstruction. However, the structural and functional alterations associated with ureteral dysfunction are not well defined. A model of fetal bladder obstruction in sheep was used to characterize the changes in ureteral smooth muscle, extracellular matrix (ECM) and functional properties in response to bladder outlet obstruction. Materials and Methods: Partial bladder outlet obstruction was created in fetal sheep at gestational age 95 days via placement of a metal ring around the proximal urethra as well as ligation of the urachus. Ureters were harvested at 109 and 135 days (full term=140 days) to determine the relative composition of smooth muscle, ECM and urothelium by morphometric analysis and to measure DNA and protein concentrations. Ureteral tissue from 135 day gestation obstructed and control sheep was harvested and immediately placed in Krebs solution. Smooth muscle strips (2–3 mm. × 7–8 mm.) were suspended in organ baths. The frequency and amplitude of spontaneous ureteral contractions was as well as the response to electric field stimulation (EFS) were determined. Results: Bladder outlet obstruction caused a significant increase in ureteral weight, smooth muscle mass and total ECM at both 109 and 135 days gestation. Total ureteral DNA was greater in obstructed compared with sham ureters at 135 days gestation. Obstructed ureters demonstrated greater amplitude and frequency of spontaneous contractions as well as more pronounced response to EFS when compared to sham ureters. Conclusions: The fetal ureter responds to bladder obstruction with smooth muscle hyperplasia and hypertrophy which is associated with increased spontaneous activity and augmented response to EFS. ECM content is markedly increased indicating a shift in the balance of connective tissue synthesis and degradation. Congenital post-obstructive ureteral dysfunction therefore appears to be the result of dysregulated smooth muscle cell growth and altered ECM homeostasis producing abnormal ureteral contractility.
The Economics of Experience-Based Higher Education

This article examines the relative costs and benefits associated with experience-based higher education in comparison to traditional lecture-based courses. The spreading of fixed costs that has been heavily relied upon in recent years to slow the accelerating cost of a college education is more difficult to accomplish with experience-based courses. In addition, certain intellectual capital costs must be invested in the transition to a curriculum balanced by adequate opportunities for experiential learning. The benefits of the latter, however, are also high, perhaps disproportionately so. After reviewing the evidence regarding the benefits that accrue to students, colleges, and communities, it is concluded that economic analysis supports the inclusion of experiential education in most baccalaureate programs. Further empirical work is needed to educate decision-makers and the public about the tradeoffs involved.
The hemolytic process of viral hepatitis inchildren with normal or deficient glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity

The incidence and degree of the hemolytic process associated with viral hepatitis wasstudied in 125 children; 16 were deficient in erythrocyte G-6-PD and 5 were heterozygotes for β-thalassemia. Hemolysis was observed in 24 (23 per cent) of the nondeficient subjects, 14 (87 per cent) of those with G-6-PD deficiency, and in 4 (80 per cent) of the heterozygotes. In the nondeficient patients hemolysis was unusual and mild. Moderate and severe hemolysis occurred only in 6 children with G-6-PD deficiency and in 3 with thalassemia trait. Bilirubinemia was generally more pronounced in the patients with the erythrocyte defects; levels higher than 25 mg. per cent were noted in 4 of them. These findings suggest that either G-6-PD deficiency or thalassemia trait may modify the clinical course of viral hepatitis by favoring the induction of hemolysis and hyperbilirubinemia.
Near-term increase in frequency of seasonal temperature extremes prior to the 2°C global warming target

Given current international efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and limit human-induced global-mean near-surface temperature increases to 2°C, relative to the pre-industrial era, we seek to determine the impact such a temperature increase might have upon the frequency of seasonal-mean temperature extremes; further we seek to determine what global-mean temperature increase would prevent extreme temperature values from becoming the norm. Results indicate that given a 2°C global mean temperature increase it is expected that for 70–80% of the land surface maximum seasonal-mean temperatures will exceed historical extremes (as determined from the 95th percentile threshold value over the second half of the 20th Century) in at least half of all years, i.e. the current historical extreme values will effectively become the norm. Many regions of the globe—including much of Africa, the southeastern and central portions of Asia, Indonesia, and the Amazon—will reach this point given the “committed” future global-mean temperature increase of 0.6°C (1.4°C relative to the pre-industrial era) and 50% of the land surface will reach it given a future global-mean temperature increase of between 0.8 and 0.95°C (1.6–1.75°C relative to the pre-industrial era). These results suggest substantial fractions of the globe could experience seasonal-mean temperature extremes with high regularity, even if the global-mean temperature increase remains below the 2°C target.
Full Employment with Liberty: John R. Commons' Perspective and Its Continuing Relevance

Paul Krugman recently suggested that John Maynard Keynes helped economists study and resolve mass unemployment at a time when few of them could understand the problem and institutionalists seemed unable to articulate a clear policy strategy. This article responds by outlining John R. Commons' case for full employment with liberty and his three-part strategy (addressing money, people and politics) for curing joblessness while saving capitalism. Commons' argument and recommendations offer insights that extend beyond Keynesian economics in important ways, and his contributions have special relevance today in light of the recent global financial crisis and still ongoing Great Recession.
Training Postgraduate Urologists in Laparoscopic Surgery: The Current Challenge

Purpose: We established a new mini-fellowship training model for teaching laparoscopic urological surgery to practicing urologists that provides a learning experience beyond that of a pelvic trainer or hands-on, animal laboratory based laparoscopic course. It provides the practitioner with clinical experience under mentor direct guidance and supervision before embarking on independent laparoscopic surgery at an individual hospital.Materials and Methods: A mini-fellowship model was developed that consists of 3 phases, namely 1) completing a 2 to 3-day hands-on course in laparoscopy, including pelvic trainers and an animal model, 2) observing a clinical mentor perform 6 or more major renal laparoscopic cases and 3) performing 6 or more major renal procedures under mentor direct guidance in trainee patients at the mentor or trainee hospital after obtaining appropriate temporary privileges.Results: Two community urologists underwent the mini-fellowship program in 2000. Trainee 1 performed 30 laparoscopic proc...
Cagelike Si 12 clusters with endohedral Cu, Mo, and W metal atom impurities

In a recent series of mass-spectrometric ion trap measurements [H. Hiura et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 86, 1733 (2001)], the formation of silicon clusters with endohedral transition-metal impurities was observed. Particular stability was assigned to the experimentally detected species ${\mathrm{WSi}}_{12}^{+},$ which has been shown by ab initio geometry optimization to adopt the shape of a regular hexagonal ${\mathrm{Si}}_{12}$ prism with the W atom in the center. A similar geometry\char22{}namely, a ${\mathrm{Si}}_{12}$ double-chair structure surrounding the metal atom impurity\char22{}has emerged from our extensive investigations of silicon clusters in combination with a Cu atom $({\mathrm{CuSi}}_{N})$ as the likely ground-state structure of ${\mathrm{CuSi}}_{12}.$ These results suggest the systematic importance of ${\mathrm{Si}}_{12}$ cages derived from regular structures with ${D}_{6h}$ geometry for the architecture of silicon clusters containing metal atom impurities. In the present comparative study, we discuss the salient features of endohedral $M{\mathrm{Si}}_{12}$ clusters with $M=\mathrm{Cu},$ Mo, W, as well as several cationic and anionic species of these systems, with regard to their geometric and electronic structure. The interaction between the ${\mathrm{Si}}_{12}$ cage and the enclosed metal impurity is characterized as strongly delocalized bonding for $M=\mathrm{Mo},$ W, while Cu tends to form directed bonds with selected atoms of the cage. Linear extension of the $M{\mathrm{Si}}_{12}$ $(\mathrm{M}\mathrm{e}=\mathrm{M}\mathrm{o},\mathrm{W})$ cells along their principal axes leads to units of the form ${M}_{2}{\mathrm{Si}}_{18}.$
The effects of norepinephrine depletion on cerebral blood flow in the rat.

Cerebral blood flow (CBF) was measured by [14C]butanol indicator fractionation in 10 rats given intraventricular injections of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) compared to 8 saline-injected controls. Rats treated with 6-OHDA displayed an 83% reduction in cortical norepinephrine (NE) levels. CBF was significantly increased in 6-OHDA-treated rats compared to controls (average whole brain blood flow of 126.0 +/- 8.3 and 97.1 +/- 10.6 ml.min-1.10(-2)g-1 respectively, P less than 0.05). These studies suggest that noradrenergic innervation of the brain and cerebral microvasculature exerts a moderating effect on resting CBF.
Different enamel and dentin mineralization observed in VDR deficient mouse model.

Abstract Vitamin D plays an important role in the bone mineralization process. Enamel and dentin are two mineralized tissues of different origins that combine to form teeth, but the mechanism by which vitamin D regulates these tissues remains unclear. We hypothesized that vitamin D affects enamel and dentin mineralization through different mechanisms. Objective To examine enamel and dentin mineralization in a vitamin D receptor (VDR) deficient mouse model by micro-computerized tomography (micro-CT) and scanning electronic microscopy (SEM). Methods VDR wild type mice (VDR+/+) and VDR deficient (VDR−/−) littermates were sacrificed at 70.5 days old, and their mandibles were dissected. Micro-CT was used to compare mineral density (MD) of enamel and dentin of the two groups at different levels along the axis of mandibular incisors. SEM was employed to examine the ultrastructure of incisors at the levels corresponding to the levels used for the micro-CT studies. Furthermore, an accelerated eruption procedure was performed to exclude the effect of delayed eruption on enamel and dentin mineralization. Results Different distribution patterns of enamel and dentin MD were observed between VDR+/+ and VDR−/− groups. Early enamel maturation, mineralization, and hypomineralization in dentin were observed in the VDR deficient mice. Conclusion Vitamin D may affect the mineralization of dentin systemically, and enamel mineralization may be regulated locally.
Coordination chemistry: all square for high-spin iron(II).

Do unusual geometries always come from the force exerted by a protein, a solid-state lattice or bulky ligands? In a new iron(II) complex, simple ligands stabilize a square-planar high-spin complex through finesse rather than force.
Experimental and theoretical investigation of the Stark effect for manipulating cold molecules: Application to nitric oxide

As part of an ongoing investigation of cold-molecule collisions involving nitric oxide (NO), we here theoretically assess the first- and second-order perturbation-theory approximations to the Stark shifts; such approximations have been used almost exclusively in previous published research on NO in external electric fields. We perform this assessment by comparison to Stark shifts from the corresponding nonperturbative two-state model, considering field strengths from zero to values typical of current experimental studies of cold molecules. To facilitate the future use of this model, we give expressions for the Stark energies in a generic form that can trivially be applied to any molecules in the class under consideration. To provide insight into the validity of the two-state model, we also experimentally assess the two-state Stark shifts for NO.
The Internet as a source of health information: experiences of cancer survivors and caregivers with healthcare providers.

Purpose/objectives To describe the experiences of cancer survivors and caregivers with healthcare providers in the context of the Internet as a source of health information. Research approach Qualitative description. Setting Online cancer communities hosted by the Association of Cancer Online Resources. Participants Purposive sample of 488 cancer survivors, with varying cancer types and survivorship stages, and caregivers. Methodologic approach Secondary data analysis using Krippendorff's thematic clustering technique of qualitative content analysis. Main research variables Survivorship, healthcare relationships, and the Internet. Findings Disenchantment with healthcare relationships was associated with failed expectations related to evidence-based practice, clinical expertise, informational support, and therapeutic interpersonal communication. Survivors and caregivers exercised power in healthcare relationships through collaboration, direct confrontation, becoming expert, and endorsement to influence and control care decisions. Conclusions Disenchantment propelled cancer survivors and caregivers to search the Internet for health information and resources. Conversely, Internet information-seeking precipitated the experience of disenchantment. Through online health information and resources, concealed failures in healthcare relationships were revealed and cancer survivors and caregivers were empowered to influence and control care decisions. Interpretation The findings highlight failures in cancer survivorship care and underscore the importance of novel interdisciplinary programs and models of care that support evidence-informed decision making, self-management, and improved quality of life. Healthcare professionals need to receive education on survivors' use of the Internet as a source of health information and its impact on healthcare relationships. Future research should include studies examining the relationship between disenchantment and survivorship outcomes.
A generalized approach for the determination of yield stress by slump and slump flow

The slump test (ASTM C-143) is the most common method for assessing the flow properties of fresh concrete. Although slump provides a qualitative measure of workability, the relationship between slump and more quantitative rheological parameters is not fully understood. In this study, a dimensionless model relating slump to yield stress is further developed and generalized as a function of cone geometry. Yield stress measurements of cement paste are performed using a vane technique and compared with slump measurements using cylindrical and conical geometries. The cylindrical slump model is in excellent agreement with the experimental yield stress data obtained using the vane method. The data for the conical slump measurements fit the cylindrical model at low yield stress values, but the results deviate as the yield stress of the paste increases. Most of the other slump models available in the literature, including finite element models, predict the same yield stress for a given slump when converted to dimensionless form. The results suggest that a fundamental relationship exists between yield stress and slump that is independent of the material under investigation and largely independent of cone geometry.
Accounting‐based Valuation of Polish Listed Companies

This study examines the value relevance of the new accounting system in Poland. Using a model derived from the Edwards-Bell-Ohlson valuation framework, the relation of current earnings and lagged book values with the stock prices of Polish listed companies is tested. The accounting data are derived from the financial statements prepared under The Act on Accounting of 1994, which assured a full compliance of the Polish accounting standards with the European Union directives. The results show that both current earnings and lagged book values are positively and significantly related to prices, and the magnitude of this relation is comparable to that reported in more advanced markets. Also, the incremental information content of lagged book value is greater than that of current earnings.
An application of the C∗ concept in predicting the topical efficacy of finite dose acyclovir in the treatment of cutaneous HSV-1 infections in hairless mice

Abstract This study has examined C ∗ (and its temporal pattern) as a parameter for predicting topical antiviral efficacy of acyclovir (ACV) formulations in a recently developed hairless mouse model for the treatment of HSV-1 cutaneous infections. C ∗ referred to here is the free drug concentration at the target site, which is believed to be the basal cell layer of the epidermis. Two different topical ACV formulations, one available commercially (Zovirax 5% ointment) and the other prepared in our laboratories (3% ACV suspension) were investigated in a finite dose multiple dosing regimen (twice a day application) to simulate the clinical situation. C ∗ was calculated from in vitro flux data and information obtained from previous baseline studies. In vitro ACV flux determinations involved an in vivo-in vitro experimental design that was believed to approximate closely the actual in vivo antiviral treatment protocol. For the in vivo antiviral efficacy studies, a 1-day delayed (after virus inoculation) 4-day treatment protocol was implemented and the animals wore a Velcro jacket to protect the formulations from being removed during the drug application period. With Zovirax 5% ointment given 3 mg every 12 h, our results showed a 0% topical efficacy which was consistent with the C ∗ predictions. In the case of the laboratory prepared 3% ACV suspension, a dose of 2 μl was given every 12 h and our results showed a modest level (33–44%) of topical effectiveness, which was somewhat higher than predicted (0–25%) from C ∗ considerations. Also, in the efficacy studies (but not in the in vitro flux studies) with the laboratory prepared formulation, there were instances (20–33%) of severe skin irritation/damage noted at the end (day 5) of the experiments. Taking this into consideration, it is suggested that these studies represent a good correlation between predictions (C ∗ ) based on the in vitro data and the in vivo antiviral efficacy and validate the predictive value of this approach.
Metastable water clusters in the nonpolar cavities of the thermostable protein tetrabrachion.

Water expulsion from the protein core is a key step in protein folding. Nevertheless, unusually large water clusters confined into the nonpolar cavities have been observed in the X-ray crystal structures of tetrabrachion, a bacterial protein that is thermostable up to at least 403 K (130 °C). Here, we use molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to investigate the structure and thermodynamics of water filling the largest cavity of the right-handed coiled-coil stalk of tetrabrachion at 365 K (92 °C), the temperature of optimal bacterial growth, and at room temperature (298 K). Hydrogen-bonded water clusters of seven to nine water molecules are found to be thermodynamically stable in this cavity at both temperatures, confirming the X-ray studies. Stability, as measured by the transfer free energy of the optimal size cluster, decreases with increasing temperature. Water filling is thus driven by the energy of transfer and opposed by the transfer entropy, both depending only weakly on temperature. Our calculations...
Effect of 1-hydroxyethylidene-1,1-bisphosphonate on membrane-mediated calcium phosphate formation in model liposomal suspensions.

Abstract The bisphosphonate, 1-hydroxyethylidene-1,1-bisphosphonate (HEBP), was examined for its effect on calcium phosphate precipitation in pH 7.4, 22°C suspensions of 7∶2∶1 phosphatidylcholine (PC):dicetylphosphate (DCP):cholesterol (Choi) and 7∶1∶1 PCphosphatidylserine (PS).Chol liposomes. HEBP (0.5–50 μ mol/l) in the suspending medium had little, if any, effect on precipitation that formed inside phosphate-rich (50 mmol/l) aqueous interiors of liposomes as a result of ionophore (X-537A) driven 2.25 mmol/l Ca 2+ influxes from the medium. On the other hand, HEBP had a significant negative impact on the subsequent spread of the precipitate into the surrounding medium when the latter was made metastable with 1.5 mmol/l total inorganic phosphate (PO 4 ). The inhibitory effect of HEBP was more strongly felt in the 7PC∶1PS∶1Chol liposomal suspensions, with only 1 μ mol/l HEBP needed to effectively block extraliposomal precipitation compared to 7.5 μ mol/l for 7PC∶2DCP∶1Chol suspensions. Direct encapsulation of HEBP (1–1000 μ mol/l) together with PO 4 in the aqueous cores of 7PC∶2DCP∶Cho1 liposomes reduced somewhat (~ 30%) intraliposomal yields and delayed but did not block extraliposomal precipitate development. These results provide a possible physicochemical explanation for the suppression of matrix vesicle initiated mineralization in ectopically-induced osteoid tissue of HEBP treated mice [1]. In particular, the liposome results suggest that membrane phosphatidylserine interactions with mineral may enhance HEBP's effectiveness in vivo.
‘Serbs, You Are Allowed to be Serbs!’ Radovan Karadžić and the 1990 Election Campaign in Bosnia-Herzegovina

AbstractIn July 1990 the Serb Democratic Party (SDS) was founded in Bosnia-Herzegovina. Within six months the party would become the dominant political party among the Serb population of Bosnia-Herzegovina. How did it accomplish this? Taking issue with two existing explanations of SDS and the 1990 election campaign, underbidding and vagueness, this paper develops an empirical argument about the rhetorical strategies used by the SDS leader, Radovan Karadžic. It argues Karadžic skillfully used concurrent events in Croatia to mobilize Bosnian Serbs. Both the underbidding and vagueness arguments are insufficient explanations because SDS discourse did not disguise or obfuscate its policy positions. Rather, research needs to appreciate the affective qualities of SDS campaign discourse.
Solution to a gene divergence problem under arbitrary stable nucleotide transition probabilities

A nucleic acid chain, L nucleotides in length, with the specific base sequence B(1)B(2) ... B(L) is defined by the L-dimensional vector B = (B(1), B(2), ..., B(L)). For twelve given constant non-negative transition probabilities that, in a specified position, the base B is replaced by the base B' in a single step, an exact analytical expression is derived for the probability that the position goes from base B to B' in X steps. Assuming that each base mutates independently of the others, an exact expression is derived for the probability that the initial gene sequence B goes to a sequence B' = (B'(1), B'(2), ..., B'(L)) after X = (X(1), X(2), ..., X(L)) base replacements. The resulting equations allow a more precise accounting for the effects of Darwinian natural selection in molecular evolution than does the idealized (biologically less accurate) assumption that each of the four nucleotides is equally likely to mutate to and be fixed as one of the other three. Illustrative applications of the theory to some problems of biological evolution are given.
Effect of growth regulators on sprouting of stored table stock potatoes and on waste piles for control of diseases

Results with certain growth regulators or dormancy treatments indicate that sprouting and subsequent development of late blight on potato waste piles can be prevented if the cull potatoes are treated with dormancy treatments before or when the tubers are deposited on the cull piles.
Dynamic features of combustion

The dynamic features of combustion are discussed for four important cases: ignition, inflammation, explosion, and detonation. Ignition, the initiation of a self-sustained exothermic process, is considered in the simplest case of a closed thermodynamic system and its stochastic distribution. Inflammation, the initiation and propagation of self-sustained flames, is presented for turbulent flow. Explosion, the dynamic effects caused by the deposition of exothermic energy in a compressible medium, is illustrated by self-similar blast waves with energy deposition at the front and the adiabatic non-self-similar wave. Detonation, the most comprehensive illustration of all the dynamic effects of combustion, is discussed with a phenomenological account of the development and structure of the wave.
On the meridional form of baroclinic waves in a two-layer quasi-geostrophic model

It is shown that in laterally bounded two-layer models of the atmosphere the only permissible meridional variation of the wave solutions is of the form sin(π/D)γ whereD is the lateral width.
The Bevalac Radiotherapy Facility

The Patient Treatment Room at the Bevalac is now in full operation. In the design of this facility, emphasis has been placed on creating an atmosphere appropriate to a clinical facility; the usual features of an irradiation cave have been hidden behind carpets, curtains and paint. Patient positioning is done with a Philips Ram-style couch, with additional fixtures to accommodate a patient in the seated or standing, as well as the supine, position. Dosimetry apparatus, collimators, ion chambers and the beam flattening system used to produce the highly uniform 20 cm diameter therapy field are described.
Three roads to islet bursting: emergent oscillations in coupled phantom bursters.

Glucose-induced membrane potential and Ca2+ oscillations in isolated pancreatic β-cells occur over a wide range of frequencies, from >6/min (fast) to <1/min (slow). However, cells within intact islets generally oscillate with periods of 10–60 s (medium). The phantom bursting concept addresses how β-cells can generate such a wide range of frequencies. Here, we explore an updated phantom bursting model to determine how heterogeneity in a single parameter can explain both the broad frequency range observed in single cells and the rarity of medium oscillations. We then incorporate the single-cell model into an islet model with parameter heterogeneity. We show that strongly coupled islets must be composed of predominantly medium oscillating single cells or a mixture of fast and slow cells to robustly produce medium oscillations. Surprisingly, we find that this constraint does not hold for moderate coupling, and that robustly medium oscillating islets can arise from populations of single cells that are essentially all slow or all fast. Thus, with coupled phantom bursters, medium oscillating islets can be constructed out of cells that are either all fast, all slow, or a combination of the two.
Phenotype-dependent synthesis of transferrin receptor in rat alveolar epithelial cell monolayers

The iron carrier protein transferrin plays a prominent antioxidant and anti-bacterial role in the lower respiratory tract and is present at elevated concentrations in lung epithelial lining fluid relative to plasma. The level of transferrin receptor synthesis in primary cultures of rat alveolar epithelial cells (AECs) was investigated. Transferrin receptor was found to be synthesized early in AEC cultures with the alveolar type II cell-like phenotype. Cell-surface receptor localization was attenuated upon apparent transdifferentiation to the alveolar type I cell-like phenotype later in culture. Binding of 125I-labeled transferrin to the receptor indicated that surface and total cellular transferrin receptor levels were decreased in the type I-like cells. Inclusion of keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) in culture media (10 ng/ml) resulted in retention of transferrin receptor localized to the basolateral surface. Transferrin-receptor-specific internalization of 59Fe-transferrin was also limited to the basolateral surface of KGF-treated monolayers. These data suggest that alveolar type II (but not type I) cells express functional transferrin receptor in adult rat alveolar epithelium.
Innervation of the inflammatory periapical lesions

Abstract Specimens were taken from periapical lesions of ten cariously involved extracted teeth with radiolucencies. The lesions were examined with light and electron microscopes to determine the status of innervation. Nonmyelinated and myelinated nerve fibers were present, both intact and demyelinated, in severely inflamed tissue.
Interference interactions among tube-dwelling polychaetes in a dense infaunal assemblage

Interactions involving contact between the feeding organs of the tube building polychaetes Pseudopolydora paucibranchiata Okuda, Streblospio benedicti Webster, and Fabricia limnicola Hartman were observed through a dissecting microscope and quantified for frequency of occurrence and effects on foraging time and withdrawal. These surface feeding species form a dense intertidal assemblage ( > 100000 individuals · m−2) and can be readily transferred to the laboratory and observed in undisturbed sediment cores. Interspecific contact with Pseudopolydora often resulted in withdrawal and consequently a 4 to 7% loss of foraging time for individuals of other species, while intraspecific interactions among Pseudopolydora did so rarely. Larger individuals of all three species experience more interaction. The probability and duration of withdrawal due to contact with Pseudopolydora is size dependent in Fabricia and Streblospio: juvenile Fabricia and adult Streblospio show the greatest interference. The observation that Pseudopolydora interferes with individuals of other species more than with conspecifics contradicts the small-scale dispersion of these species as well as previous reports of interference behavior. A possible explanation is the relatively recent coexistence of these three species, two of which were introduced to the eastern Pacific since 1900.
Screening of the Yeast yTHC Collection Identifies Essential Host Factors Affecting Tombusvirus RNA Recombination

RNA recombination is a major process in promoting rapid virus evolution in an infected host. A previous genome-wide screen with the yeast single-gene deletion library of 4,848 strains, representing approximately 80% of all genes of yeast, led to the identification of 11 host genes affecting RNA recombination in Tomato bushy stunt virus (TBSV), a small model plant virus (E. Serviene, N. Shapka, C. P. Cheng, T. Panavas, B. Phuangrat, J. Baker, and P. D. Nagy, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 102:10545-10550, 2005). To further test the role of host genes in viral RNA recombination, in this paper, we extended the screening to 800 essential yeast genes present in the yeast Tet-promoters Hughes Collection (yTHC). In total, we identified 16 new host genes that either increased or decreased the ratio of TBSV recombinants to the nonrecombined TBSV RNA. The identified essential yeast genes are involved in RNA transcription/metabolism, in protein metabolism/transport, or unknown cellular processes. Detailed analysis of the effect of the identified yeast genes revealed that they might affect RNA recombination by altering (i) the ratio of the two viral replication proteins, (ii) the stability of the viral RNA, and/or (iii) the replicability of the recombinant RNAs. Overall, this and previous works firmly establish that a set of essential and nonessential host genes could affect TBSV recombination and evolution.
Direction pathway analysis of large-scale proteomics data reveals novel features of the insulin action pathway

Motivation: With the advancement of high-throughput techniques, large-scale profiling of biological systems with multiple experimental perturbations is becoming more prevalent. Pathway analysis incorporates prior biological knowledge to analyze genes/proteins in groups in a biological context. However, the hypotheses under investigation are often confined to a 1D space (i.e. up, down, either or mixed regulation). Here, we develop direction pathway analysis (DPA), which can be applied to test hypothesis in a high-dimensional space for identifying pathways that display distinct responses across multiple perturbations. Results: Our DPA approach allows for the identification of pathways that display distinct responses across multiple perturbations. To demonstrate the utility and effectiveness, we evaluated DPA under various simulated scenarios and applied it to study insulin action in adipocytes. A major action of insulin in adipocytes is to regulate the movement of proteins from the interior to the cell surface membrane. Quantitative mass spectrometry-based proteomics was used to study this process on a large-scale. The combined dataset comprises four separate treatments. By applying DPA, we identified that several insulin responsive pathways in the plasma membrane trafficking are only partially dependent on the insulin-regulated kinase Akt. We subsequently validated our findings through targeted analysis of key proteins from these pathways using immunoblotting and live cell microscopy. Our results demonstrate that DPA can be applied to dissect pathway networks testing diverse hypotheses and integrating multiple experimental perturbations. Availability and implementation: The R package ‘directPA ’i s distributed from CRAN under GNU General Public License (GPL)-3 and can be downloaded from: http://cran.r-project.org/web/packages/directPA/index.html
Size, age and productivity of scientific and technical research groups

Varied empirical studies show that the average output (measured in various ways) of a scientific or technical research group is directly proportional to its size (also measured in various ways), when the size and output are measured independently. Hence groups of different sizes have the same average output per unit of size. There is no reliable evidence for the existence of a size or a range of sizes for a research group that maximizes output per unit of size. Present theoretical explanations for the proportionality between size and output are largely inadequate or untested. Similarly, among reported results on group age and output, the only consistency so far is that age, measured as years since the founding or first functioning of the group, is uncorrelated with output per capita. Again, there is no evidence for the existence of an age or a range of ages for a research group that is optimal.
Improving distribution reliability (the "N 9 problem") by the addition of primary feeders

Some power system loads require hyper reliability - this is the level of reliability that is characterized by a level of 0.999... availability of service. In this paper, the concept of high and hyper reliability is revisited (the "N/sub 9/ problem" referring to reliability as 0.999... showing N nines in the reliability figure). A model is proposed for the reliability of multiple distribution feeders, and that model appears to behave like actual distribution engineering experience. The model is termed the discounted model because as the number of primary feeds increases the effectiveness of those feeds on the ultimate load service reliability is discounted.
Responses of physically abused boys to interadult anger involving their mothers

This study reports observationally based assessments of the responses of physically abused and nonabused boys to interadult anger involving their mothers. Physically abused boys were more behaviorally reactive to interadult anger than comparison subjects, evidencing more problem-focused coping behaviors and greater aggressiveness. Thus, rather than habituating to others' hostility due to their history of exposure to familial violence, abused children appeared more aroused and angered by it and more motivated to intervene. As the matched low-socioeconomic status nonmaltreated sample was also exposed to interparent physical aggression, the results suggest that greater anger and aggression across multiple family subsystems (parent-child, interparental) may have cumulative effects. The study thus advances knowledge toward a more specific process-based understanding of relations between history of family conflict and child outcomes.
New models of women's health care

A consideration of contemporary U.S. women's health status, causes of morbidity and mortality, and the progress of the women's health care movement prompts a reconsideration of traditional health care models. New models must deliver comprehensive services, invite participation of clients, offer a choice of healers, incorporate new sites for delivery of services, and transcend the boundaries of traditional medicine. Although consumer demand and cost effectiveness may ease the birth of these models, their acceptance by traditional professionals and fiscal and business management will be influential in their survival.
Multi-agent systems in a distributed smart grid: Design and implementation

The objective of this paper is to discuss the design and implementation of a multi-agent system that provides intelligence to a distributed smart grid — a smart grid located at a distribution level. A multi-agent application development will be discussed that involves agent specification, application analysis, application design and application realization. The message exchange in the proposed multi-agent system is designed to be compatible with an IP-based network (IP = Internet Protocol) which is based on the IEEE standard on Foundation for Intelligent Physical Agent (FIPA). The paper demonstrates the use of multi-agent systems to control a distributed smart grid in a simulated environment. The simulation results indicate that the proposed multi-agent system can facilitate the seamless transition from grid connected to an island mode when upstream outages are detected. This denotes the capability of a multi-agent system as a technology for managing the microgrid operation.
Lagrangian Gradient for Principal Singular Component Analysis

In this paper a framework for developing dynamical systems for solving optimization problems with orthogonal constraints are proposed. These systems are based on the Lagrangian gradient of the given constrained problem. By exploiting orthogonality and symmetry in the constraints, several dynamical systems for solving the same optimization problem are developed, and conditions for global stability of these systems are also given. As a special case, the reduced singular value decomposition is formulated as an optimization problem within this framework which resulted in a singular value dynamical system whose solution converges to the principal singular components of a given matrix.
Properties and Applications of Molecular Beam Epitaxial Silicides

Transition metal silicides are now being used as essential and integral elements of microelectronics technology. Epitaxial growth and deposition provide additional flexibility for many device and circuit applications. In this paper, various epitaxial growth techniques, namely solid phase epitaxy and molecular beam epitaxy are reviewed. The resulting morphology, crystallinity, and Schottky barrier heights as well as deep-level defects are contrasted. The parallel and perpendicular strains as a function of film thickness is reported. Application of the epitaxial silicide in improving conventional integrated circuits as well as in fabricating new devices are discussed.
State-selected beams of hydroxyl radicals via electric hexapole focusing

Abstract We report the development of a new molecular beam source of hydroxyl radicals. An electrostatic hexapole focuses and state-selects radicals produced in a corona discharge. Routinely generated beams of OH have the following important characteristics: high purity with only one rotational state populated, intensities exceeding 10 13 molecules cm −2 s −1 , and narrow velocity distributions ( Δv / v
Comparisons and validation of statistical clustering techniques for microarray gene expression data

Motivation: With the advent of microarray chip technology, large data sets are emerging containing the simultaneous expression levels of thousands of genes at various time points during a biological process. Biologists are attempting to group genes based on the temporal pattern of their expression levels. While the use of hierarchical clustering (UPGMA) with correlation ‘distance’ has been the most common in the microarray studies, there are many more choices of clustering algorithms in pattern recognition and statistics literature. At the moment there do not seem to be any clear-cut guidelines regarding the choice of a clustering algorithm to be used for grouping genes based on their expression profiles. Results: In this paper, we consider six clustering algorithms (of various flavors!) and evaluate their performances on a well-known publicly available microarray data set on sporulation of budding yeast and on two simulated data sets. Among other things, we formulate three reasonable validation strategies that can be used with any clustering algorithm when temporal observations or replications are present. We evaluate each of these six clustering methods with these validation measures. While the ‘best’ method is dependent on the exact validation strategy and the number of clusters to be used, overall Diana appears to be a solid performer. Interestingly, the performance of correlation-based hierarchical clustering and model-based clustering (another method that has been advocated by a number of researchers) appear to be on opposite extremes, depending on what validation measure one employs. Next it is shown that the group means produced by Diana are the closest and those produced by UPGMA are the farthest from a model profile based on a set of hand-picked genes. Availability: S+ codes for the partial least squares based clustering are available from the authors upon request. All ∗ To whom correspondence should be addressed. other clustering methods considered have S+ implementation in the library MASS. S+ codes for calculating the validation measures are available from the authors upon request. The sporulation data set is publicly available at