cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Properties of a fungicidal product formed from a reaction between L-cystine and pyridoxal.

Previously we found that three components of a commonly used mammalian cell culture medium incorporated into agar killed cryptococci (Granger and Call 2019). The components were L-cystine, iron [Fe(III)], and pyridoxal (CIP). We now report on a buffered solution at neutral pH of the three components, which was highly fungicidal without agar. We showed that CIP fungicidal activity, identical to the findings with cell culture medium, was inactivated by visible light and was unstable with storage in the dark. Congeners replacing either pyridoxal or L-cystine in CIP revealed structural requirements for fungicidal activity. Replacing pyridoxal in CIP with 2-hydroxy-5-nitrobenzaldehyde produced a solution that was equally fungicidal and maintained fungicidal activity upon storage in the dark for up to 50 days. We employed methods for excluding iron from CIP and found that fungicidal activity was not affected. Upon mixing L-cystine and pyridoxal in buffer at pH 7.0, diode array spectroscopy revealed a red-shift of absorbance maximum from 391 nm to 398 nm. Our findings point to Schiff base reaction between the pyridoxal aldehyde group of C1 with the alpha amino group(s) of cystine to yield a fungicidal compound. Light at wave length approximately 400 nm inactivates this complex accompanied by bleaching of the pyridine ring of pyridoxal. Our findings may be useful for design of a class of fungicidal compounds formed through Schiff base reaction of disulfide compounds with aromatic ring-bearing aldehydes.
Opioid prescriptions are associated with hepatic encephalopathy in a national cohort of patients with compensated cirrhosis

Background Opioids are often prescribed for pain in cirrhosis and may increase the risk of hepatic encephalopathy (HE). Aim To assess the association between opioids and HE in patients with well-compensated cirrhosis. Methods We used the IQVIA PharMetrics (Durham, NC) database to identify patients aged 18-64 years with cirrhosis. We excluded patients with any decompensation event from 1 year before cirrhosis diagnosis to 6 months after cirrhosis diagnosis. Over the 6 months after cirrhosis diagnosis, we determined the duration of continuous opioid use and classified use into short term (1-89 days) and chronic (90-180 days). We assessed whether patients developed HE over the subsequent year (ie 6-18 months after cirrhosis diagnosis). We used a landmark analysis and performed multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression to assess associations between opioid use and HE, adjusting for relevant confounders. Results The cohort included 6451 patients with compensated cirrhosis, of whom 23.3% and 4.7% had short-term and chronic opioid prescriptions respectively. Over the subsequent year, HE occurred in 6.3% patients with chronic opioid prescriptions, 5.0% with short-term opioid prescriptions and 3.3% with no opioid prescriptions. In the multivariable model, an increased risk of HE was observed with short-term (adjusted hazard ratio, HR 1.44, 95% CI 1.07-1.94) and chronic opioid prescriptions (adjusted HR 1.83, 95% CI 1.07-3.12) compared to no opioid prescriptions. Conclusion In this national cohort of privately insured patients with cirrhosis, opioid prescriptions were associated with the risk of incident HE. Opioid use should be minimised in those with cirrhosis and, when required, limited to short duration.
Co-producing sustainable solutions in indigenous communities through scientific tourism

This conceptual paper explores theoretical linkages between scientific tourism and sustainability outcomes within indigenous communities. Drawing on sustainability science, boundary work theory, in...
What Do We Know About “Race Unknown”?

One ethnoracial reporting category perplexes higher education researchers: “race and ethnicity unknown.” Using the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), we constructed a 28-year p...
Tracking denitrification in green stormwater infrastructure with dual nitrate stable isotopes.

Abstract Strategies to mitigate watershed nitrogen export are critical in managing water resources. Green infrastructure (GI) has shown the ability to remove nitrogen from stormwater, but the removal mechanism is unclear. Denitrification removes nitrate from water permanently, making it the most desirable removal mechanism. The year-round field performance of a roadside infiltration GI practice (bioretention) in Northern Virginia was monitored to investigate the transport of nitrogen and the occurrence and contribution of denitrification. Stormwater runoff volumes, nitrogen concentrations, and nitrate isotope ratios (δ15N-NO3− and δ18O-NO3−) were measured at the inlet and outlet of the bioretention during 24 storm events over 14 months. Nitrate concentration reductions (inlet vs. outlet) displayed seasonal trends, with higher reductions happening during warmer events and lower reductions or increases occurring during colder events. Cumulative bioretention nitrate and total dissolved nitrogen load reductions were 73% and 70%, respectively. Two out of 24 monitored events displayed denitrification isotope trends, indicating that although bioretention has denitrification potential, it is infrequent and other nitrogen removal mechanisms (i.e. infiltration and plant uptake) are primarily responsible for nitrogen surface effluent reductions. Only approximately 1.4% of the total reduced nitrate surface effluent load over the monitoring period was attributable to denitrification. Denitrification occurred during two of the largest monitored events, suggesting increased hydraulic retention time (HRT) promotes denitrification. Future GI designs should consider increasing HRT to encourage the important ecosystem service denitrification provides.
Abstract IA10: Multiscale simulations of k-Ras on lipid bilayers

Simulating proteins on lipid membranes could provide unprecedented insights into cancer biology and a host of other phenomena. However, such simulations face conflicting computational constraints: reaching biologically relevant time and length scales (milliseconds and microns) requires continuum-level models but understanding the processes of interest requires molecular level detail. I will present a new type of massively parallel, multiscale simulation framework that brings together these two modeling paradigms. Using a machine learning algorithm, we couple a novel continuum model to an ensemble of molecular dynamics simulations. The result is a simulation at macro length- and time-scales that incorporates microscale precision. We demonstrate this capability with a large-scale simulation of several hundred k-Ras proteins on a realistic lipid bilayer spanning 1 μm2. Citation Format: Frederick H. Streitz. Multiscale simulations of k-Ras on lipid bilayers [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Targeting RAS-Driven Cancers; 2018 Dec 9-12; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Res 2020;18(5_Suppl):Abstract nr IA10.
A Wizard of Oz Study Simulating API Usage Dialogues with a Virtual Assistant

Virtual Assistant technology is rapidly proliferating to improve productivity in a variety of tasks. While several virtual assistants for everyday tasks are well-known (e.g., Siri, Cortana, Alexa), assistants for specialty tasks such as software engineering are rarer. One key reason software engineering assistants are rare is that very few experimental datasets are available and suitable for training the AI that is the bedrock of current virtual assistants. In this paper, we present a set of Wizard of Oz experiments that we designed to build a dataset for creating a virtual assistant. Our target is a hypothetical virtual assistant for helping programmers use APIs. In our experiments, we recruited 30 professional programmers to complete programming tasks using two APIs. The programmers interacted with a simulated virtual assistant for help the programmers were not aware that the assistant was actually operated by human experts. We then annotated the dialogue acts in the corpus along four dimensions: illocutionary intent, API information type(s), backward-facing function, and traceability to specific API components. We observed a diverse range of interactions that will facilitate the development of dialogue strategies for virtual assistants for API usage.
Origin of Carbonaceous Species in the Atmosphere Deduced by Radiocarbon

A review is given of the use of radiocarbon as a direct measure of the relative importance of natural and anthropogenic sources of carbonaceous gases and particles. Through the use of a specially designed, low-level gas proportional counting system, the biospheric (living) carbon fraction has been determined in selected chemical species containing as little as 5 mg of carbon. The species of interest include those that are climatically active and those that have an impact on air quality, such as methane, carbon monoxide, nonmethane hydrocarbons, and carbonaceous particles. Major factors considered in the interpretation of the radiocarbon data include the chemical and isotopic composition of carbonaceous sources, and natural and man-induced perturbations of biospheric radiocarbon. In order to ensure reliable conclusions, therefore, we have incorporated chemical and size selectivity and data on the recent history of radiocarbon fluctuations. Exploratory studies on selected urban and rural aerosol samples have thus far reflected the dominance of man's activities for the urban locales. This has been seen in the large fossil carbon content of particles from cities having only natural biospheric sources, and in the large biospheric carbon content of urban (Portland, Ore.) particles collected during periods of wood and grass burning. Measurement advances, including the development of multiple counter systems and accelerator mass spectrometry, promise increased utilization of natural radiocarbon as an environmental tracer, in addition to its application to the rarer atmospheric components.
Abstract PO065: Single cell transcriptomics of triple negative breast cancer allografts following chemotherapy treatment reveals increased T cell abundance in doxorubicin-sensitive tumors

The contribution of stromal cells on drug response in primary tumors remains unclear. To determine how individual cells within the stroma of triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) allografts respond to chemotherapy, we used single cell sequencing to profile cells present in murine tumors with or without exposure to doxorubicin. Doxorubicin is a chemotherapeutic agent commonly used to treat TNBC by inhibiting cancer cell proliferation through intercalation of DNA and preventing topoisomerase II activity. In this study, murine TNBC 4T1 cell line was utilized to generate allograft tumors in immunocompetent BALB/c mice. Syngeneic 4T1 tumors exhibit a range of responsiveness to doxorubicin treatment. Tumor growth rates were monitored throughout the chemotherapeutic regiment then stratified into sensitive or resistant response. Cellular composition and behavior were then analyzed via single cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and flow cytometry 8 days post-doxorubicin chemotherapeutic administration mimicking clinical treatment. ScRNA-seq revealed decreases in tumor infiltrating lymphocytes after doxorubicin exposure. Furthermore, an increase in T cell abundance was discovered in tumors sensitive to doxorubicin treatment. This finding was further supported by flow cytometric analysis showing a tumor specific increase in all, CD4+, and CD8+ T cell populations relative to resistant tumors. Additionally, T-cell differentiation, exhaustion, and activation states were further examined from scRNA-seq data providing insights into functional properties of the tumor residing T cell populations undergoing chemotherapeutic treatment. Future work will focus on analyzing prognostic value of specific T-cell populations in disease regression following doxorubicin treatment. This study received funding from LLNL LDRD grant 19-SI-003. This work was conducted under the auspices of the USDOE by LLNL (DE-AC52-07NA27344). Citation Format: Nicholas R. Hum, Aimy Sebastian, Sean F. Gilmore, David M. Gravano, Naiomy D. Rios-Arce, Kelly A. Martin, Elizabeth K. Wheeler, Matthew A. Coleman, Gabriela G. Loots. Single cell transcriptomics of triple negative breast cancer allografts following chemotherapy treatment reveals increased T cell abundance in doxorubicin-sensitive tumors [abstract]. In: Abstracts: AACR Virtual Special Conference: Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy; 2020 Oct 19-20. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Immunol Res 2021;9(2 Suppl):Abstract nr PO065.
Carbon and Nitrogen Reserve Remobilization Following Defoliation: Nitrogen and Elevated CO2 Effects

Early regrowth following defoliation of forage species often depends on remobilization of nitrogen and non-structural carbohydrate (TNC) reserves stored in roots and crowns. The degree to which TNC and N remobilization contribute to regrowth can depend on internal concentrations and on external CO 2 and N supplies. We studied the effect of CO 2 and N supply on reserve remobilization during the first 20 d following defoliation of 9-wk-old alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), western wheatgrass [Pascopyrum smithii (Rydb) A. Love], and blue grama [Bouteloua gracilis (H.B.K.) Lag ex Steud]. plants. Reserve remobilization was studied in controlled-environment chambers set at either ambient (350 μmol mol 1 ) or elevated (700 μmol mol 1 ) CO 2 . Plants were fertilized twice weekly with Hoaglands solution containing either 0 mg L -1 (low N) or 400 mg L -1 N (high N). Elevated CO 2 increased the total amount and percent of available TNC that was remobilized in alfalfa, and the amount of remobilized TNC in western wheatgrass, but reduced TNC remobilization in blue grama. Nitrogen fertilization had little effect on TNC remobilization at ambient CO 2 , but increased remobilization in alfalfa and reduced remobilization in the two grasses under elevated CO 2 . Alfalfa remobilized a greater percentage of its root and crown N reserves than either grass species. Nitrogen remobilization was highest under high N and ambient CO 2 conditions for all species. Nitrogen deficiency and elevated CO 2 reduced N remobilization and the contribution of remobilized N to shoot regrowth.
Late postoperative vaginal vault disruption. Report of a case.

Abstract A case is presented of vaginal vault rupture and evisceration occurring with minimal trauma 3½ months after abdominal hysterectomy for preinvasive cervical carcinoma. Minimal posthysterectomy febrile morbidity was present, and vaginal vault granulation tissue requiring cautery may have indicated less than optimal vault healing. However, both of these features are relatively common-place. This late complication of hysterectomy is very rare, more so after the abdominal than the vaginal operation.
Morality in the Philosophy of Thomas Hobbes: Cases in the Law of Nature

Part I. Moral Philosophy, Method and Matter: 1. Moral judgments 2. Moral judges Part II. From Psychology to Moral Philosophy: 3. The law of nature: definition and function 4. A critical examination of derivations of the laws of nature 5. The reciprocity interpretation of Hobbes' moral philosophy Part III. From Moral Philosophy to Civil Philosophy: 6. Self-effacing natural law and the duty to submit to government 7. Fools, hypocrites, zealots, and dupes: civic character and social stability 8. The unity of practical wisdom.
Visibility and responsiveness: Their influences on the impact of social support

This study examined the influences of support visibility, perceived responsiveness, and adult attachment dimensions on the effects of social support. These influences were assessed for support’s impact on depressive symptoms, self-esteem, relationship satisfaction, perceived mattering, intimacy, and progress towards stressor resolution. A total of 99 couples recruited from the ISU Psychology Research Pool participated. Multilevel regression results failed to replicate key support visibility findings. Attachment avoidance was negatively associated with perceived responsiveness for men and with perceived support receipt for both genders. Practical support was associated with stressor resolution for men only. For men only, support receipt (but not partner provision) was associated with decreased depressive symptoms and increased selfesteem. Additional results regarding daily fluctuations in depression are also presented.
Low Velocity Penetration of Kaolin Clay

PENETRATION OF RIGID PROJECTILES INTO COMPACTED KAOLIN CLAY TARGETS WITH CAREFULLY CONTROLLED PROPERTIES IS INVESTIGATED. A EXAMINATION OF THE EXPERIMENTAL TECHNIQUES FOR MEASURING THE SOIL RESISTANCE TO A PENETRATING PROJECTILE IS PRESENTED. PROCEDURES FOR CONSTRUCTION OF TARGETS AND DETERMINATION OF SOIL PROPERTIES IS DESCRIBED. PROJECTILE DIAMETER IS VARIED FROM 1.5 IN. TO 3 IN. (40 MM TO 75 MM) AND PROJECTILE WEIGHT IS VARIED FROM 3 LB F TO 115 LB F (10 N TO 510 N). SIX DIFFERENT NOSE SHAPES ARE TESTED. IMPACT VELOCITY IS VARIED FROM 30 FPS TO 300 FPS (9.0 M/S TO 90 M/S). THE EFFECT OF PROJECTILE AND SOIL PROPERTIES ON THE DECLERATION HISTORY OF THE PROJECTILE IS DEMONSTRATED. TEST RESULTS INDICATE THAT A CRITICAL VELOCITY EXISTS ABOVE WHICH SEPARATION OF THE SOIL OCCURS DURING PENETRATION. THE CRITICAL VELOCITY IS A FUNCTION OF BOTH SOIL AND PROJECTILE PROPERTIES. /AUTHOR/
Search for the Standard Model Higgs at LHC

The physics potential for Higgs boson discovery with the ATLAS and CMS detectors at the LHC is discussed in the framework of the Standard Model.
Democratizing society and food systems: Or how do we transform modern structures of power?

The evolution of societies and food systems across the grand transitions is traced to show how nature and culture have been transformed along with the basic structures of power, politics, and governance. A central, but neglected, element has been the synergy between the creation of industrial institutions and the exponential, but unsustainable growth of the built environment. The values, goals, and strategies needed to transform and diversify these structures – generally and in terms of food and agriculture – are discussed in terms of: 1) the need to diversify and decentralize the built environment as we move towards a post-fossil fuel society; and 2) the need to transform industrial institutions. To help develop more sustainable and regenerative institutions it is argued we will need to re-embed culture and society in nature; re-embed science, technology, and economics in society and nature; and re-embed governance and politics in society, something that requires a rethinking of representative democracy. Also, since the reforms needed to democratize society and to democratize food systems are parallel and reinforcing, it is crucial that each of us thinks through the linkages and the potential synergies and acts constructively in each realm.
Skeletal Muscle PPAR-delta increases with 10 Weeks of Resistance Training (LB819)

Purpose: PPARδ expression in skeletal muscle has been shown to increase in response to endurance exercise training. However, the effect of resistance exercise training on PPARδ expression has not been investigated in humans and is thus the purpose of this study. Methods: Seven untrained young men (N=5) and women (N=2) (Age=23.5±1.7, BMI=27.0±2.1) performed a 10-week progressive whole body resistance training program that included leg press and leg extension for emphasis on quadriceps femoris muscles. Muscle biopsies were performed on the vastus lateralis muscles 24 hours before the first and 24 hours after the last resistance exercise sessions to study the effect of training on PPARδ. Western Blotting was conducted to detect the PPARδ content. Results: After 10 weeks of resistance exercise training, PPARδ levels increased by 97.3% (p=0.037). Conclusion: Our data suggest that resistance exercise training has positive effects on PPARδ content, which may be a key factor of lipid metabolism.
MicroRNA-124 Targets Tip110 Expression and Regulates Hematopoiesis

MicroRNA (miR) regulates hematopoiesis through targeting different genes post-transcriptionally. We have recently shown that Tip110 expression is downregulated during hematopoietic stem cell differentiation. However, the underlying mechanisms are not known. In this study, we identified a conserved miR-124-binding site on the Tip110 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR) and showed that Tip110 was downregulated by miR-124 through its 3'-UTR. We then examined the relationship among miR-124 and Tip110 expression and differentiation of human cord blood CD34(+) cells. We found that miR-124 was expressed in a low level in human cord blood CD34(+) cells, but it was considerably upregulated during culturing and differentiation of these cells. Moreover, we demonstrated that miR-124 expression decreased Tip110 expression and promoted differentiation of human cord blood CD34(+) cells, while miR-124 knockdown increased Tip110 expression, slowed down differentiation of human cord blood CD34(+) cells, and caused an expansion of hematopoietic progenitor cells in vitro. Finally, we used mouse embryonic fibroblasts derived from Tip110 transgenic mice, performed the exon array analysis, and found that Tip110 altered a number of genes in the hematopoiesis pathways. Dnmt3a as de novo methyltransferase was also significantly upregulated. That miR-124 was markedly upregulated during human cord blood CD34(+) cell differentiation could be the result of direct loss of its promoter methylation from Dnmt3a. Taken together, our study demonstrates that miR-124 regulates Tip110 expression and differentiation of human cord blood CD34(+) cells and suggests important roles of miR-124/Tip110 in hematopoiesis.
Manifold and Supermanifold: Global Aspects of Supermanifold Theory

In her lectures in this volume, A. Rogers distinguishes two topologies for supermanifolds, namely the DeWitt topology and the fine topology. As she explains, supermanifolds which are constructed by patching together open sets in the DeWitt topology have been completely classified: they are necessarily vector bundles over some “body” manifold. Only supermanifolds of this type have been used in supersymmetric physical theories thus far, the body manifold serving as the physical spacetime manifold of the theory.
Low Temperature Cryocooler Regenerator Materials

There are four importantfactorswhich influence the magnitude of the magnetic heat capacity near the magnetic ordering transition temperature. These include the theoretical magnetic entropy, the deGennes factor, crystalline electric field, and the RKKY (Ruderman-Kittel-Kasuya-Yosida) interaction. The lattice contribution to the heat capacity also needs to be considered since it is the sum of the lattice and magnetic contributions which give rise to the heat capacity maxima. The lattice heat capacity depends on the chemical composition, crystal structure and temperature. As a result, one can obtain large changes in the heat capacity maxima by alloying. Several ternary intermetallic systems have been examined in light of these criteria. A number of deviations from the expected behaviors have been found and are discussed.
User Interface Software Tools

Developing high-quality user interfaces is becoming the critical step in bringing many different computer applications to end users. Ease of learning and speed of use typically must be combined in an attractively-designed interface which appeals to application-oriented (not computer-oriented) end users. This is a complex undertaking, requiring skills of computer scientists, application specialists, graphic designers, human factors experts, and psychologists.
Mutual coupling reduction between two monopole antennas using fractal based DGS

This paper presents the implementation of a fractal based defected ground structure DGS to reduce the interaction between two closely spaced planer monopole patch antennas. The design achieves a −7 dB reduction in mutual coupling level with antennas' edge to edge separation of λ o /25 over a bandwidth of 51.8 % (2 – 3.4) GHz in which the reflection coefficient is less than −10 dB and a realized total gain of 4.8 dB. The proposed structure is a good candidate for IEEE 802.11 WLAN applications operating at 2.4 GHz. The design and simulation results have been obtained using the commercial software High Frequency Structure Simulator (HFSS), Ver. 15.
A performance prediction framework for scientific applications

This work presents the results of ongoing investigations in the development of a performance modeling framework, developed by the Performance Modeling and Characterization (PMaC) Lab at the San Diego Supercomputer Center. The framework is faster than traditional cycle-accurate simulation, more sophisticated than performance estimation based on system peak-performance metrics, and is shown to be effective on benchmarks and scientific applications. This paper focuses on one such functionality by investigating sensitivity studies to further understand observed and anticipated effect of both the architecture and the application in predicted runtime.
Semantics and the Number of English Sentences

How many English sentences are there? Infinitely many has long been the answer in the catechisms of the orthodox. And not without reason. 'This is the cat that caught the rat.' is an English sentence. So is 'This is the cat that caught the rat that stole the cheese.'. This is the cat with white paws that caught the rat that stole the cheese.' is unobjectionable as well. Since a clear cutoff point cannot be specified, it is tempting to resort to the three dots. We argue that the argument from the lack of a clear cutoff point to infinity is a bad argument; the set of English sentences may be a fuzzy set rather than a standard set. We also argue that the initial question suppresses several quite distinct questions. A theory constructed to account for formal relations between sentences might warrant the positing of infinite semantic structures. A theory constructed to account for human understanding probably would not. Furthermore the common claim that infinity is necessary if there are to be novel and creative uses of language is found to be entirely without substance.
Crosstalk between reverse cholesterol transport and innate immunity

Although lipid metabolism and host defense are widely considered to be very divergent disciplines, compelling evidence suggests that host cell handling of self- and microbe-derived (e.g. lipopolysaccharide, LPS) lipids may have common evolutionary roots, and that they indeed may be inseparable processes. The innate immune response and the homeostatic network controlling cellular sterol levels are now known to regulate each other reciprocally, with important implications for several common diseases, including atherosclerosis. In the present review we discuss recent discoveries that provide new insight into the bidirectional crosstalk between reverse cholesterol transport and innate immunity, and highlight the broader implications of these findings for the development of therapeutics.
Fundamental frequency analysis of single specially orthotropic, generally orthotropic and anisotropic rectangular layered plates by the differential quadrature method

Abstract A differential quadrature method is presented for computation of the fundamental frequency of a thin single-layer specially orthotropic and anisotropic rectangular plate. The partial differential equations of motion for free vibration are solved for the boundary conditions by approximating them by substituting weighted polynomial functions for the differential operators. By doing this, the uncoupled and coupled partial differential equations of motion are reduced to sets of homogeneous algebraic equations. These sets of homogeneous algebraic equations are combined to give a set of general eigenvalue equations. The results for the eigenvalue (or fundamental frequency) for all the cases analyzed are compared with solutions obtained by another numerical method. Effects of level of discretization, boundary conditions, aspect ratio and taper ratio on the accuracy and rate of convergence of the results are also discussed. The method presented gives accurate results and is found to use much less computer time.
Simulating quantum transport in nanoscale transistors: Real versus mode-space approaches

In this article, we present a computationally efficient, two-dimensional quantum mechanical simulation scheme for modeling electron transport in thin body, fully depleted, n-channel, silicon-on-insulator transistors in the ballistic limit. The proposed simulation scheme, which solves the nonequilibrium Green’s function equations self-consistently with Poisson’s equation, is based on an expansion of the active device Hamiltonian in decoupled mode space. Simulation results from this method are benchmarked against solutions from a rigorous two-dimensional discretization of the device Hamiltonian in real space. While doing so, the inherent approximations, regime of validity and the computational efficiency of the mode-space solution are highlighted and discussed. Additionally, quantum boundary conditions are rigorously derived and the effects of strong off-equilibrium transport are examined. This article shows that the decoupled mode-space solution is an efficient and accurate simulation method for modeling e...
Clandestine French Literature During the Occupation

IN the summer of 1940 France was physically and spiritually crushed. For months Frenchmen were dazed, groping for an explanation of the catastrophe that had befallen their country, trying to adapt themselves to a life as prisoners within a captive Europe. As for the life of the mind, it seemed to be dead. The publishing houses and periodicals that had remained in the capital were most efficiently appropriated, in many cases, by the Nazis, whereas those that fled across the line of demarcation were permitted hardly more liberty than they would have enjoyed in Paris. During this first period of confusion and uncertainty, some writers attempted to elude the scissors of Anastasie (the French image of censorship) by writing on non-controversial subjects with only an occasional and everso-discreet reference to the events of the day. Thus Andre Gide, in his seventies the dean of French letters, wrote for the Figaro, then in Lyon, a series of Imaginary Interviews which have disappointed many readers smugly seated beside their American fireside because those interviews concern chiefly literary and often even stylistic questions. But, to a careful reader who puts himself in the place of a closely-guarded French writer in 1942, they contain a number of references to the plight of France-even to a couplet of Goethe wilfully mistranslated to refer to an eventual liberation. But the very fact itself of Gide's having to limit himself to such inoffensive topics as grammar and an actress's delivery of Racine formed in itself a sufficient comment upon the times. But it was chiefly in the domain of poetry that the open literature of allusion and double meanings flourished. Recent poetry has tended toward obscurity and nowhere more so, perhaps, than in France where the influences of Rimbaud and Mallarm6 at the end of the nineteenth century have encouraged young writers to be hermetic and difficult, where the Surrealist movement has literally mocked the public. It was a simple matter then for young French poets to say what they wanted to and be sure of being understood only by their initiates. This they did in many new poetry magazines which mushroomed mysteriously all over the country. Chief among them were three: Poesie edited by the poet Pierre Seghers in the little village of Villeneuve-lis-Avignon; Confluences (the merging of rivers, excellent name for a magazine published in Lyon where the rushing Sa6ne meets the mighty
A training model for e-readiness in e-governance

Advances in information and communication technologies (ICT) are providing opportunities for both public and private organisations to offer e-services on the web. In the e-service environment stakeholders are customers and customer satisfaction becomes vital. E-readiness is a prerequisite for all e-services. Training has been identified as a major component for e-readiness. Unfortunately, training has been typically ignored. This paper focuses on employee training and proposes a process and a model for training employees for the e-environment. The model links four factors: job classification (roles), job requirements, training levels and training modes to e-readiness. In addition, we discuss techniques to assess training effectiveness needed for continuous improvement. This paper should be useful for countries that are planning e-readiness for e-governance or are concerned about efficiency and lack of e-participation in e-government. Instead of re-inventing the wheel, governments can use the model presented here to select training mode by matching job characteristics to the level of training requirement. We feel this is a first attempt in this direction.
Distribution of Gentamicin and Amikacin in Rabbit Tissues

Abstract Rabbits were injected intramuscularly with gentamicin and amikacin (15 mg of base per kg), and the antibiotic levels in tissues were determined 20 h after either a single or multiple injections. Disk diffusion assays, with Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6633, were carried out both on homogenates and on supernatants deproteinized with trichloroacetic acid. Both assays indicated that the kidney is the major site of antibiotic deposition. Antibiotic levels increased after multiple doses. Gentamicin levels in other tissues were higher than those of amikacin. The assay of trichloroacetic acid-treated material was more sensitive than the assay of the total homogenate.
Preparation and Use of Ta(CD2But)5 To Probe the Formation of (ButCD2)3Ta=CDBut. Kinetic and Mechanistic Studies of the Conversion of Pentaneopentyltantalum to the Archetypical Alkylidene Complex

Pentaneopentyltantalum, Ta(CH2But)5 (1), was directly observed earlier in the formation of the archetypical alkylidene complex (ButCH2)3Ta═CHBut (2) from the reaction of either (ButCH2)3TaCl2 (3) with 2 equiv of ButCH2Li or (ButCH2)4TaCl (4) with 1 equiv of ButCH2Li. Ta(CH2But)5 (1) was, however, short-lived, and its 1H NMR resonances were mixed with those of (ButCH2)3Ta═CHBut (2), ButCH2Li, (ButCH2)3TaCl2 (3), (ButCH2)4TaCl (4), and CMe4 in a fairly narrow region. In the current work, deuterium-labeled Ta(CD2But)5 (1-d10) has been prepared from the reactions of (ButCD2)3TaCl2 (3-d6) with 2 equiv of ButCD2Li as well as (ButCD2)4TaCl (4-d8) with 1 equiv of ButCD2Li. Due to a kinetic isotope effect, Ta(CD2But)5 (1-d10) has a much longer life than 1. In addition, there are fewer peaks in the 1H NMR spectra of Ta(CD2But)5 (1-d10). 2H NMR spectroscopy can also be used to characterize 1-d10. These properties provide an opportunity to identify and study 1-d10 in detail. Kinetic studies of the Ta(CD2But)5 (1-d10)...
Agonistic behaviour of young rhesus monkeys after changes induced in social rank of their mothers

Abstract Four changes in the adult female dominance hierarchy were studied in a small, enclosed social group of rhesus monkeys. Rank changes were artificially induced by either the introduction of a ‘strange’ adult male at a time when the second-ranking female was in oestrus or by removal and reintroduction of the currently topranking female. Agonistic interactions were studied following each social manipulation. The mother-offspring dominance relationship was emphasized. Families (mother and offspring) were ranked in a new linear dominance hierarchy following each rank change. With one exception offspring directly reflected the rise or fall of the rank of the mother. Offspring both influenced and were influenced by the rank changes by either contributing to aggression towards other animals when the mother's rank rose or by suffering aggression simultaneously with the mother, including wounding, when the mother's rank fell. One 2 1 2 -year-old female acted independently of the mother and consistently achieved a social rank higher than that of the mother when the mothers rank fell.
An Old Story with a New Twist: Do NMDAR1 mRNA Binding Proteins Regulate Expression of the NMDAR1 Receptor in the Presence of Alcohol?

NMDA receptors not only play a pivotal role in normal physiological processes in the central nervous system (CNS), but have been identified as an important target of ethanol. Chronic exposure to ethanol induces a number of adaptive processes in the CNS, including an upregulation of NMDA receptor number and function. The increase in NMDA receptor number in response to chronic ethanol exposure both in vivo and in vitro is accompanied by an increase in NMDAR1 and NMDAR2B polypeptide levels. It is widely believed that these adaptive changes play an important role in the development of alcohol dependence and withdrawal syndrome. At the molecular level, chronic ethanol exposure of fetal cortical neurons selectively increases expression of NMDAR1 splice variants lacking exon 5 and exon 22. Chronic ethanol exposure of fetal cortical neurons also increases NMDAR1 mRNA half-life in these neurons. However, when new protein synthesis is inhibited, the half-life of NR1 mRNA in these neurons returns to control values, strongly suggesting that ethanol induces the synthesis of protein(s) that may regulate the decay of NR1 mRNA. In recent years, it has become apparent that regulation of mRNA stability is an important aspect of regulation of gene expression. Changes in mRNA stability can be accomplished by interaction between cis-acting sequences in the 3' untranslated region (3'UTR) of mRNAs and trans-acting proteins expressed in cells. Such interactions may protect RNAs from degradation by ribonucleases, thereby increasing the half-life of mRNAs.
Texture Defect Detection Using Support Vector Machines with Adaptive Gabor Wavelet Features

This paper aims at investigating a method for detecting defects on textured surfaces using a support vector machines (SVM) classification approach with Gabor wavelet features. Instead of using all the filters in the Gabor wavelets, an adaptive filter selection scheme is applied to reduce the computational cost on feature extraction while keeping a reasonable detection rate. One-against-all strategy is adopted to prepare the training data for a binary SVM classifier that is learnt to classify pixels as defective or non-defective. Experimental results on comparison with other multiresolution features and the learning vector quantization (LVQ) classifier demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method on defect detection on textured surfaces.
Leisure: A Framework for Policy

Leisure is increasingly a central concern in both Eastern and Western societies. Often linked with initiatives related to human happiness, improving the livability of communities, protecting and conserving the environment, and supporting efforts aimed at improving the quality of life for all, the provision of leisure amenities, and programs and services has required greater attention of citizens, legislators, government agencies, nongovernmental organizations, and business and industry. It is evident that there is a need for the establishment of a policy framework to assist in the development and provision of such leisure resources and opportunities.
Community–based conservation in East Africa: a case study of Ndarakwai ranch, Tanzania

In East Africa, areas of interspersed savanna and woodland between large preserves, such as National Parks, act as important corridors for migrating wildlife. Ndarakwai ranch serves as a wildlife corridor, in particular for the African elephant (Loxodonta africana). We compared browsing intensity on two species of Acacia by measuring elephant damage in 2002 and 2004, especially as it relates to the proximity of individual trees to a permanent water hole. We found a significant negative correlation between damage to both A. tortilis and A. mellifera and their distance from the water hole, as well as significantly greater damage on A. mellifera. The use of this wooded site appears to have declined, as measured by the significantly lower abundance of elephant scat on the site in 2004 compared to 2002.
Handling roll constraints for path following of marine surface vessels using coordinated rudder and propulsion control

The problem of path following for marine surface vessels using coordinated rudder and propeller control is addressed in this paper. The same problem was addressed in [1] using model predictive control (MPC) to deal with roll constraints. The goal of this study is to investigate the benefits as well as the associated cost, in terms of both control performance and computational complexity, of using the propeller as the second control actuator for solving the path following problem. The proposed MPC design is based on a time varying linear model, and the roll limitation is enforced as a hard constraint. The performance evaluation of the MPC using the rudder and propeller is carried out on a nonlinear 4 degree-of-freedom surface vessel model. The simulation results verify the effectiveness of the resulting controller and show the advantage of the proposed controller over the one using a rudder as the sole actuator. Sensitivity of the performance over the key design parameters is also investigated to provide design guidelines.
Intraventricular bombesin can decrease single meal size in the baboon

We have reported that intravenous bombesin decreases single meal size in a dose-dependent manner. The present study tests whether intraventricular bombesin is also effective in decreasing single meal size. Doses of bombesin (0.1-4 micrograms/kg) were administered both intravenously and intraventricularly. A median dose of 1 microgram/kg bombesin decreased 30 min meal size about 50%, whereas a median dose of 1 microgram/kg given intravenously only decreased meal size 25%. We conclude that bombesin given centrally in the baboon can decrease meal size and that this effect does not appear to be due to leakage into the periphery.
Hyperthermia induced by m-CPP in the rat and its modification by antidepressant treatments

Administration of the serotonin agonist m-chlorophenylpiperazine to rats produced a dose-related hyperthermia. Pretreatment with the serotonin receptor antagonist metergoline totally abolished this response, whereas similar treatment with haloperidol, phenoxybenzamine, naloxone, clonidine, pindolol, propranolol, methiotepin, and ritanserin was ineffective. In studies investigating the modification of the response by antidepressant treatments both acute (3 day) and chronic (22 day) administration of the MAO inhibitor clorgyline, as well as the tricyclics clomipramine and imipramine, attenuated the hyperthermic response to m-CPP. These findings are discussed with regard to the specificity of m-CPP-induced hyperthermia and its subsequent modification by antidepressant treatments, in order to evaluate this model's use as a probe for assessment of the serotonergic system.
The Physiology of Hormone Receptors

SYNOPSIS. Hormone retention by various target tissues has been demonstrated for a number of sex steroids. Retention of the steroid by the target tissue appears to be specific and saturation occurs at physiological levels of hormone. Thus, target tissues are said to possess specific receptors for the hormone. Only the estrogens have been extensively studied, and both a cytoplasmic and nuclear receptor have been described for various estrogen target tissues (uterus, pituitary, hypothalamus). The receptor concept has been utilized by a number of laboratoriesas a mechanism which might be helpful in understanding the relationship between estrogen effects, i.e. , changes in physiology or behavior resulting from estrogen treatments. The basis for the estrogen receptor is reviewed along with the data which attempt to relate hormone retention to a physiological response. There is considerable evidence that hormone retention is a primary step in the tissue hormone interaction as in its absence the effects attributable to the presence of the hormone are not observed. Progesterone retention has also been demonstrated forsome target tissues, and an estrogen (priming) component is apparent for uterus and vagina. Todate there is no concrete evidence lor specific progesterone retention at the neural level.
Hypothalamic monoamines and their catabolites in relation to the estradiol-induced luteinizing hormone surge

Abstract Monoamines and non-conjugated catabolites (serotonin (5-HT), 5-hydroxyindole acetic acid (5-HIAA), 3,4-dihydroxyphenyl-acetic acid (DOPAC), homovanillic acid (HVA), 4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenylethyleneglycol (MHPG), norepinephrine (NE), and dopamine (DA)) were measured in the medial basal hypothalamus (MBH) and preoptic area (POA) of ovariectomized (OVX) and OVX estradiol (E 2 )-treated rats using high-performance liquid chromatoggraphy with electrochemical detection. These E 2 treatments were sufficient to induce and LH surge. The use of MHPG/NE ratios as estimates of NE release was validated in the rat hypothalamus by the major decreases of MHPG after injection of theα 2 -adrenergic agonist, clonidine, and by MHPG increases after theα 2 -antagonist, yohimbine. The ratio, MHPG/NE, decreased between morning and afternoon in the MBH but not in the POA; there were no differences between OVX and E 2 -treated rats. Previous studies using a variety of methods indicate that NE turnover increases during LH surges. The present data suggest that unconjugated MHPG is not a sensitive measure of NE release in the rat hypothalamus, but can detect the large changes produced by stimulating or inhibiting theα 2 -adrenergic autoreceptor. The ratios of DOPAC/DA and 5-HIAA/5-HT in the MBH decreased consistently between morning and afternoon in OVX rats, with or without E 2 treatment. This suggests that the release of DA and 5-HT decreases during the day regardless of steroidal milieu.
A new prostaglandin, C22-PGF4α, synthesized from docosahexaenoic acid (C22:6n3) by trout gill

Abstract The concentrations of prostaglandins PGE 3 and PGF 3α were 214 and 1500 ng/g wet trout gill tissue, respectively. A new prostaglandin, tentatively identified by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry as C22-PGF 4α (590 ng/g wet tissue) was discovered. This was synthesized from docosahexaenoic acid.
Process forces during friction stir channeling in an aluminum alloy

An understanding of the material flow behavior during friction stir channeling (FSC) is essential to produce consistently stable and continuous channels in monolithic plates. In this study, channels were fabricated in Al6061-T6 alloy using FSC and the process forces were measured using a high frequency data acquisition system. Polar plots of the net resultant force acting on the tools are plotted and correlated with the process parameters and channel features. The magnitude and direction of the net forces acting on the tool are analyzed to understand the material flow behavior and the occurrence of channels in the nugget.
Microbial mass-dependent fractionation of chromium isotopes

Abstract Mass-dependent fractionation of Cr isotopes occurs during dissimilatory Cr(VI) reduction by Shewanella oneidensis strain MR-1. Cells suspended in a simple buffer solution, with various concentrations of lactate or formate added as electron donor, reduced 5 or 10 μM Cr(VI) to Cr(III) over days to weeks. In all nine batch experiments, 53Cr/52Cr ratios of the unreacted Cr(VI) increased as reduction proceeded. In eight experiments covering a range of added donor concentrations up to 100 μM, isotopic fractionation factors were nearly invariant, ranging from 1.0040 to 1.0045, with a mean value somewhat larger than that previously reported for abiotic Cr(VI) reduction (1.0034). One experiment containing much greater donor concentration (10 mM lactate) reduced Cr(VI) much faster and exhibited a lesser fractionation factor (1.0018). These results indicate that 53Cr/52Cr measurements should be effective as indicators of Cr(VI) reduction, either bacterial or abiotic. However, variability in the fractionation factor is poorly constrained and should be studied for a variety of microbial and abiotic reduction pathways.