cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
ANTROPOLOGÍA DEL TURISMO EN PAÍSES EN DESARROLLO: ANÁLISIS CRÍTICO DE LAS CULTURAS, PODERES E IDENTIDADES GENERADOS POR EL TURISMO

This article reviews anthropologically inspired theories of international tourism in developing countries, analyzing the interrelationships between three core theoretical concepts - culture, power, and identity. The first anthropological attempts at theorizing contemporary tourism were embedded in a framework of political economy and focused on macro-scale inequalities. Linking tourism to dependency and domination, these theories heavily relied on Marxist theory. The same framework has been used in recent times to analyze so-called 'alternative' forms of tourism, which emphasize authenticity and sustainability. Relying on the 'host-guest'-paradigm, anthropologists have traditionally explored the personal interaction between tourists and people living in tourism destinations. This approach has been coupled with a focus on the relation between tourism and identity politics. Tourism scholars have recently added a Foucauldian perspective and a feminist critique. In order to synthesize this wide array of conceptualizations, the anthropology of tourism is in urgent need of an integrative theoretical framework, interlinking the different levels at which cultures, powers and identities are at play.
The Sound of Silence: The Continuing Debate Over Class Action Rescission Under TILA

In 1995, Congress amended TILA so that massive lender liability could no longer result from minor errors in disclosure. In that same year, Congress passed a moratorium on class action claims under TILA; the moratorium was lifted on October 1, 1995. The new amendments balanced lender and consumer interests by raising the TILA tolerance bar from $10 to $100. Cases that fell above the new $100 tolerance bar could proceed forward on the merits; those that fell below could not.This paper analyzes decisional law on the issue of whether class action TILA rescission remains an available remedy for consumers. In this current housing crisis, lenders argue that class action rescission should not be available given the potential for large liability. Consumers, particularly those who seek out pre-default or pre-bankruptcy remedies, assert that TILA should allow rescission in class form.
On d-inversion in timed discrete event systems with interruption

We consider a timed discrete event system (DES) with interruption, modeled by an interruptive timed automaton. The system is observed via an observation scheme that consists of an event observation map and a state observation map. We define inversion as the process of extracting event lifetimes from the observations of the system trajectory. In this paper, we introduce the concept of d-invertibility for a single event, which corresponds to being able to extract every lifetime of the event from the observations of the previous transitions and at most d-additional transitions. We give a necessary and sufficient structural condition for d-invertibility for a single event.
Inflation Differentials in the EU: A Common (Factors) Approach with Implications for EU8 Euro Adoption Prospects

This paper explores inflation determinants within the EU and implications for new members' euro adoption plans. Factor analysis partitions observed inflation in EU25 countries into common-origin and country-specific (idiosyncratic) components. Cross-country differences in common-origin inflation within the EU are found to depend on gaps in the initial price level, changes in the nominal effective exchange rate, the quality of institutions, and the economy's flexibility. Idiosyncratic inflation is generally small in magnitude. Nonetheless, the results show that country-specific shocks have systematically pushed down headline inflation, potentially influencing the assessment of compliance with the Maastricht inflation criterion.
Subclinical hypothyroidism, mood, and cognition in older adults: a review

Objectives To perform a critical review of the literature on the mood and cognitive changes associated with subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH), with an emphasis on older adults. To evaluate these data against the Consensus Statement on the management of SCH from the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, the American Thyroid Association, and The Endocrine Society. Method A comprehensive literature review. Results Subclinical hypothyroidism may be associated with an increased risk of mood and cognitive dysfunction, although the strength of this association and the efficacy of replacement hormone therapy require further investigation. Conclusion It remains unclear whether SCH leads to significant mood and cognitive impairments in most older patients. More research is required to determine the nature and extent of this association and whether thyroid hormone replacement therapy is appropriate and effective in treating SCH-associated neurobehavioral impairments. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Using iPads to Facilitate Library Instruction Sessions in a SCALE-UP Classroom

This study details a trial in which three undergraduate library instruction sessions were conducted on a class set of iPads in a SCALE-UP classroom. The iPads suggested strong potential as replacements for desktop computers and demonstrated support for key active learning approaches: instant polling, content sharing, and navigation of Webpages and databases. The SCALE-UP classroom has made notable contributions in promoting undergraduate learning, and its advantages were found to be applicable to library instruction. The pedagogy that the space is designed to reinforce, collaborative learning segments interspersed with lecture components, seemed to promote student engagement in library instruction sessions.
Adjuvant pioglitazone for unremitted depression: Clinical correlates of treatment response

Previous studies suggest that insulin-sensitizing agents could play a significant role in the treatment of major depression, particularly depression in patients with documented insulin resistance or those who are resistant to standard psychopharmacological approaches. This study aimed to assess the effects on depressive symptoms with adjuvant treatment with the PPARγ-agonist pioglitazone. Patients (N=37) with non-psychotic, non-remitting depression receiving standard psychiatric regimens for depression were randomized across an insulin sensitivity spectrum in a 12-week double blind, randomized controlled trial of pioglitazone or placebo. Improvement in depression was associated with improvement in glucose metabolism but only in patients with insulin resistance. An age effect was also shown in that response to pioglitazone was more beneficial in younger aged patients. Study findings suggest differential improvement in depression severity according to both glucose metabolic status and level of depression at baseline. A greater understanding of the reciprocal links between depression and IR may lead to a dramatic shift in the way in which depression is conceptualized and treated, with a greater focus on treating and/or preventing metabolic dysfunction.
ABO blood groups in obstetrics.

Abstract 1. Evidence is accumulating that the ABO genes are not “neutral”, but are affected by natural selection. 2. Such natural selection would be of obstetric importance. 3. ABO incompatibilities cause a small percentage of cases of erythroblastosis fetalis. 4. Group O mothers appear to have a lowered reproductivity as compared to mothers of other blood groups. The cause is uncertain, as is the exact degree of effect. 5. Group O mothers may have a higher incidence of pre-eclampsia. 6. Maternal isoimmunization by an ABO heterospecific fetus is a possible cause of some cases of pre-eclampsia. 7. Further studies should throw more light on these interesting problems.
Everything You Need To Know About Career Development You Already Know

Before we begin, we want you to dig deeply into your own career and focus on your feelings about it. No, no, not like that—we mean dig really deeply, beyond the superficial reasons and into those early dreams, hopes, and aspirations. That's right, look way down there, where all of those private feelings lie, feelings about what you wanted to do and what you've actually done with your life. These are feelings that you probably do not share with your closest friends or with your parents or with anyone for that matter. All that you need to know to understand a student or an advisee is embedded in those personal experiences you probably acknowledge only rarely.
LOCATION OF MANUFACTURING: METHODS OF MEASUREMENT

T HE 1954 United States Census of Manufactures offers a new mass of data for research by manufactural geographers. The purposes of this article are: (a) to urge collaborative research efforts by industrial geographers working with these new statistics, (b) to consider classification of methods of measurement, (c) to comment briefly on mapping changes in location of manufacturing, and (d) to suggest two specific problems of measurement for investigation by manufactural geographers.
How does experimental pulmonary embolism decrease CO2 elimination

Abstract To test how large pulmonary embolism changes non-steady state CO 2 kinetics, the right pulmonary artery (RPA) was occluded in 5 anesthetized, ventilated, thoracotomized dogs. By 1 min after RPA occlusion, CO 2 volume exhaled per breath (V CO 2 ,br ) decreased from 9.3 ± 2.8 to 7.0 ± 2.6 ml and end-tidal P CO 2 (PET CO 2 ) decreased from 28.7 ± 4.2 to 21.8 ± 3.3 Torr. During the ensuing 70 min, V CO 2 ,br increased back to baseline but PET CO 2 was still 13% less than baseline. Both Pa CO 2 (41.5 ± 1.7 to 55.1 ± 8.1 Torr) and Pv CO 2 (48.2 ± 1.9 to 62.8 ± 6.5 Torr) steadily increased and approached equilibrium by 45 min of RPA occlusion. Cardiac output did not significantly change. In summary, RPA occlusion immediately decreased V CO 2 ,br by 25%, due mostly to increased alveolar VD(Vd alv ). Then, V CO 2 ,br recovered back to baseline as CO 2 accumulated in tissues and lung. In contrast, elevated VD alv caused persistent decreased PET CO 2 , which did not detect recovery of V CO 2 ,br nor increase in Pa CO 2 during RPA occlusion.
A token based distributed algorithm for supporting mutual exclusion in opportunistic networks

Opportunistic networks are essentially distributed networks with transient connectivity among nodes. Nodes in opportunistic networks are resource constrained, mobile and opportunistically come in contact with each other. In such a distributed network, nodes may require exclusive access to a shared object or resource. Ensuring freedom from starvation is a challenging problem in opportunistic networks due to limited pairwise connectivity and node failures. In this paper, we review mutual exclusion algorithms proposed for generic mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs) and discuss their applicability to opportunistic networks. Further, we propose a novel token based algorithm and prove its correctness. Simulation results show that our algorithm is communication efficient as compared to other algorithms proposed for generic mobile ad hoc networks. We also propose a timeout based fault detection algorithm that exploits the intercontact time distributions.
1016-52 Real-Time Acoustic Assessment of Mechanical Heart Valves

Reliable assessment of mechanical heart valve function remains a difficult clinical problem. We have shown that 1) leaflets of bileaflet mechanical valves do not close simultaneously and 2) the dominant energy contained in closing sounds created by these valves is in the ultrasonic range ( g20 kHz). Taking advantage of these findings, we designed a real-time Macintoshbased system that permits a clinician to evaluate dynamic characteristics of these valves by listening to closing sounds played back at slow speeds. Valve sounds detected by a high-frequency accelerometer microphone are amplified and undergo a 12-bit analog-to-digital conversion at 140 kHz. During data acquisition closing valve sounds are digitally detected for immediate playback through an audio output. The user can select the speed and length of sound playback. While the expanded closing sounds are plotted on the screen, the audio output gives the clinician a unique appreciation of closing valve dynamics. Sound output can be through either a dedicated digital-to-analog converter or the regular Macintosh sound interface, thus allowing previously recorded data to be presented on any standard Macintosh system. A recording obtained from a patient with a bileaflet mitral valve is shown below. Download : Download high-res image (69KB) Download : Download full-size image Slowing playback speed reduces dominant frequencies of valve closure sounds into the audible range making it easy to recognize sounds from individual leaflet impacts as well as noises caused by leaflets scraping against valve structures. This system is directly applicable to sounds created by any type of mechanical heart valve. Conclusions Slow speed playback of high-frequency sounds created by closing mechanical heart valves gives important insight into valve function. This technique, readily implemented with personal computers, provides a simple and inexpensive method to screen patients with mechanical heart valves.
A Standardized Obstacle Course for Assessment of Visual Function in Ultra Low Vision and Artificial Vision

We describe an indoor, portable, standardized course that can be used to evaluate obstacle avoidance in persons who have ultralow vision. Six sighted controls and 36 completely blind but otherwise healthy adult male (n=29) and female (n=13) subjects (age range 19-85 years), were enrolled in one of three studies involving testing of the BrainPort sensory substitution device. Subjects were asked to navigate the course prior to, and after, BrainPort training. They completed a total of 837 course runs in two different locations. Means and standard deviations were calculated across control types, courses, lights, and visits. We used a linear mixed effects model to compare different categories in the PPWS (percent preferred walking speed) and error percent data to show that the course iterations were properly designed. The course is relatively inexpensive, simple to administer, and has been shown to be a feasible way to test mobility function. Data analysis demonstrates that for the outcome of percent error as well as for percentage preferred walking speed, that each of the three courses is different, and that within each level, each of the three iterations are equal. This allows for randomization of the courses during administration. Abbreviations: preferred walking speed (PWS) course speed (CS) percentage preferred walking speed (PPWS)
Pharmacist graduation competencies in a transformed healthcare market – Implications for psychiatric pharmacy

Substantial progress has occurred in psychiatric pharmacy education since Fred Elmadjain, in his role as a pharmacist/psychopharmacologist at NIMH, advocated for colleges of pharmacy to get interested in mental health during the 1960s and when Glen Stimmel created his own psychiatric pharmacy rotation at UCSF in 1971. Psychiatric pharmacy has grown as a specialty to include 758 board certified psychiatric pharmacists and nearly 40 psychiatric pharmacy residency programs. Yet, much is left to be accomplished. We do not have the necessary critical mass of psychiatric pharmacists to transform pharmacotherapy care for mentally ill individuals, and we must graduate primary care pharmacists who are competent to address mentally ill patients’ basic direct pharmacy care needs. In his 2007 survey, Cates et al. estimated that over 75% of pharmacy schools have at least one faculty member identified as being a psychiatric pharmacist. However, fewer than one-half of these faculty met the criteria to be called a psychiatric pharmacy specialist. Although all reporting schools had curricular content addressing treatment of psychiatric disorders, significant variance existed in the contact hours for teaching, with some critical and common disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder only being taught in 57% of reporting pharmacy schools. Time spent in case based problem solving of psychiatric disorders was scant as compared with traditional lectures.
Flowering in cultivars of sesame (Sesamum indicum) Differing in photoperiodic sensitivity

Studies of flowering in sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) under different photoperiods revealed that cultivars Glauca, Venezuela-52 and Oro were short day strains while a fourth cultivar, Aceitera, proved to be day length neutral. Sensitivity to varying photoperiods, then, does not seem to be a universal characteristic of all sesame cultivars. Also, no correlation was found between photoperiodic class and latitude of origin in the cultivars studied. Inheritance studies involved crosses between the day neutral cultivar and two of the short day cultivars. In all cases, the F2 populations demonstrated continuous variation. Most of the F2 variability was of genetic origin and heritability values ranged from 86 to 96%. Additionally, transgressive segregation was observed for both early and late flowering. It is proposed that a minimum of three loci are involved in the inheritance of photoperiodic response in the sesame cultivars studied.
MscL: channeling membrane tension

Mechanosensitive channels are integral components for the response of bacteria to osmotic shock. The mechanosensitive channel of large conductance (MscL) responds to extreme turgor pressure increase that would otherwise lyse the cellular membrane. MscL has been studied as a model mechanosensitive channel using both structural and functional approaches. We will summarize the structural data and discuss outstanding questions surrounding the gating mechanism of this homo-oligomeric channel that has ~3 nS conductance. Specifically, we will explore the following: (1) the variability in oligomeric state that has been observed, (2) the open pore size measurements, and (3) the role of the C-terminal coiled coil domain for channel function. The oligomeric state of MscL has been characterized using various techniques, with a pentamer being the predominant form; however, the presence of mixtures of oligomers in the membrane is still uncertain. In the absence of structural data for the open state of MscL, the diameter of the open state pore has been estimated by several different approaches, leading to a current estimate between 25 and 30 A. While the C-terminal domain is highly conserved among MscL homologues, it is not required for activity in vivo or in vitro. This domain is likely to remain intact during the gating transition and perform a filtering function that retains valuable osmolytes in the cytosol. Overall, studies of MscL have provided significant insight to the field, and serve as a paradigm for the analysis of non-homologous, eukaryotic mechanosensitive channel proteins.
Low sweat electrolytes in a patient with cystic fibrosis

A patient with the clinical syndrome of cystic fibrosis characterized by chronic pulmonary disease, infection with mucoid Pseudomonas aeruginosa, sinusitis, nasal polyposis, abnormal pancreatic bicarbonate response to secretin stimulation, but normal levels of trypsin and chymotrypsin in the duodenal drainage, and a sibling with autopsy-documented cystic fibrosis, is described. Sweat chloride ranged from 20 to 44 meq/liter and sweat sodium from 36 to 55 meq/liter. Immunoglobulin deficiency, alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency, tuberculosis and abnormalities of ciliary ultrastructure were excluded. Review of sweat electrolytes in 213 patients with cystic fibrosis revealed that patients with normal pancreatic enzyme release have significantly lower sweat sodium and chloride concentrations (p < 0.0005) than do patients with pancreatic insufficiency. Chronic pulmonary disease, pancreatic insufficiency and elevated levels of sweat electrolytes comprise the classic diagnostic triad for cystic fibrosis. The expression of these features may be variable, but the sweat test remains the cardinal laboratory confirmation of the diagnosis. Over 98 percent of patients with cystic fibrosis have sweat chloride values greater than 60 meq/liter, 1 to 2 percent between 50 and 60 meq/liter, and only about one in 1,000, like our patient, less than 50 meq/liter. Patients with cystic fibrosis with borderline sweat chloride values frequently have chronic pulmonary disease but intact pancreatic enzyme release. In such patients, family history, ancillary clinical features and systemic exclusion of other syndromes assume special diagnostic importance.
Observation of inner electron ionization from radial rydberg wave packets in two-electron atoms

We have observed multiphoton ionization of the $5s$ core electron from a $5snd$ radial Rydberg wave packet of Sr atoms using a short optical pulse. When the outer $\mathrm{nd}$ electron is at its outer turning point the inner $5s$ electron is removed from the atom, and the outer electron is left in a ${\mathrm{Sr}}^{+}$ Rydberg state, but when the outer electron is at the inner turning point this does not occur. Analysis of the final ${\mathrm{Sr}}^{+}$ Rydberg states shows that the two electrons interact as the inner electron leaves, so that the outer electron is not simply projected onto the ${\mathrm{Sr}}^{+}$ Rydberg states.
Equine severe combined immunodeficiency: a defect in V(D)J recombination and DNA-dependent protein kinase activity

V(D)J rearrangement is the molecular mechanism by which an almost infinite array of specific immune receptors are generated. Defects in this process result in profound immunodeficiency as is the case in the C.B-17 SCID mouse or in RAG-1 (recombination-activating gene 1) or RAG-2 deficient mice. It has recently become clear that the V(D)J recombinase most likely consists of both lymphoid-specific factors and ubiquitously expressed components of the DNA double-strand break repair pathway. The deficit in SCID mice is in a factor that is required for both of these pathways. In this report, we show that the factor defective in the autosomal recessive severe combined immunodeficiency of Arabian foals is required for (i) V(D)J recombination, (ii) resistance to ionizing radiation, and (iii) DNA-dependent protein kinase activity.
The Friendships of Women: Are there Differences between African Americans and Whites?

Research suggests that friendships often aid in the sustainability of longer, healthier lives and contribute to mental well-being. However, comparative research between how African American and White women carry out their friendships is limited. Based on qualitative interviews with 40 women (20 African American and 20 White), this article describes the nature of women's friendships and explores comparisons between these two groups of women. Findings relevant to the formation of friendships and the types of support that they provide can inform the design and implementation of clinical interventions, particularly those focused on relationship building.
Body elongation and decreased reproductive output within a restricted clade of lizards (Reptilia: Scincidae)

Relationships between body shape and relative abdominal size were compared among differentially elongate species within the scincid lizard genus Brachymeles, to investigate how morphological evolution affects the proportion of body volume available to hold eggs and offspring. Relative abdominal size is inversely related to elongation, suggesting that relative clutch mass decreases with addition of abdominal body segments. Shape-volume relationships contradict trends seen in comparisons among distantly related limbed and limbless squamates (lizards and snakes), in which snakes have relatively more abdominal volume. Comparison within a phylogenetically restricted group allows the identification of functional and ontogenetic factors potentially limiting reproductive output. In Bruchymeles, constraining factors include retention of anterior body segments bearing parasternal ribs, which prevents extension of the clutch anteriorly within the body, and reduction of allometry of abdominal segments, which provides extended series of uniformly-sized vertebrae for limbless locomotion, but reduces the relative size of the abdomen. The latter trait is associated with overall size reduction, which affects relative egg-size and packing. Factors constraining abdominal volume in this genus are probably common to other elongate lizards, a morphological group that has been rarely represented in comparative studies of life history.
Effects of test environment and grain size on the tensile properties of L12-ordered (Co,Fe)3 V alloys

Abstract The influence of test environment, grain size and heat treatment on the tensile properties and fracture behavior of L1 2 -ordered (Co 78 Fe 22 ) 3 V and (Co 85 Fe 15 ) 3 V alloys was studied at room temperature. The tensile ductility depends strongly on test environments; the elongation decreases in the sequence of oxygen, vacuum, air and distilled water. The loss in elongation is accompanied by a change in fracture mode from transgranular to intergranular. When tested in oxygen or vacuum, (Co 78 Fe 22 ) 3 V specimens exhibited predominantly transgranular fracture, while (Co 85 Fe 15 ) 3 V specimens exhibited essentially intergranular fracture. Grain refinement of (Co 78 Fe 22 ) 3 V resulted in a ductility improvement in air, while such a beneficial effect of grain refinement was not observed in (Co 85 Fe 15 ) 3 V. These results suggest that: (1) (Co,Fe) 3 V alloys exhibit a moisture-induced hydrogen embrittlement and (2) grain boundaries are more intrinsically brittle in (Co 85 Fe 15 ) 3 V than in (Co 78 Fe 22 ) 3 V. The presence of a brittle hexagonal phase is suggested to be the reason for the observed grain-boundary brittleness in (Co 85 Fe 15 ) 3 V.
Self-Regulation and Personality Science: Reply to the Commentaries

The authors reply to commentaries on their target article “Self-Regulation: Reminders and Suggestions from Personality Science”. Substantial consensus is evident across the target article and multiple commentaries. The message conveyed is that personality science and the study of self-regulation are mutually complementary and that applied efforts to enhance people's self-regulatory capacities can be enhanced via study of the intra-individual architecture of social-cognitive and affective personality systems.
Group sequential designs for cure rate models with early stopping in favour of the null hypothesis.

Ewell and Ibrahim derived the large sample distribution of the logrank statistic under general local alternatives. Their asymptotic results enable us to extend several group sequential designs which allow for early stopping in favour of the null hypothesis to the setting in which the cure rate model is appropriate. In particular, we derive stopping rules for the cure rate model using conditional power, predictive power and repeated confidence intervals methods. We illustrate the methods proposed using a hypothetical phase III clinical trial which is typical for melanoma studies.
New magnetic results from Allende C3/V/

Thermomagnetic analyses of Allende C3(V) suggest that magnetic phases contributing about 15% to saturation magnetization with transition temperatures not greater than 320 C, also contribute about 90% to natural remanence (NRM) and about 80% to the saturation isothermal remanence (SIRM). Phases carrying the dominating part of of the NRM are found to be intergrown, magnetically interacting, and thermally unstable, beginning at temperatures as low as 50 C. The ratio of the NRM/SIRM ranges from 0.004 to 0.006 for the bulk meteorite and from 0.0004 to 0.005 for chondrules of all sizes. The remanent coercive force behavior suggests coexisting magnetic phases with differing Curie points or with the low temperature transitions being due to transformation of a thermally metastable phase.
Geologic controls of soil carbon cycling and microbial dynamics in temperate conifer forests

Understanding soil carbon cycling is important for assessing ecosystem response to climate change. Temperate conifer forest soils contain a substantial portion of the global soil C pool and therefore are key components of the global carbon cycle. Despite the importance of temperate forest soil organic carbon (SOC) in the global carbon cycle, the mechanisms and dynamics of SOC accumulation and storage remain poorly understood. To address this knowledge gap, we sampled four soils over different bedrock types (rhyolite, granite, basalt, limestone) under Pinus ponderosa to explore the following questions: i) Within a specific ecosystem type, how do SOC contents vary among sites with differing mineralogy? ii) What physicochemical variables are most highly correlated with SOC content, soil microbial community composition and soil respiration? and iii) What mechanisms account for the influence of these variables on SOC cycling? Soil physiochemical and microbiological properties were characterized and compared on the basis of mineral assemblage, pH, organic carbon content, bacterial community composition, respiration rate, microbial biomass, specific metabolic activity (qCO2), and δ13C of respired CO2. The selected field sites spanned a physicochemical gradient, ranging from acid (pH of 5.2) to basic (pH of 7.1) from rhyolite to granite to basalt to limestone. The acidic rhyolite and granite soils had measurable amounts of exchangeable Al3+ (up to 3 cmol+ kg− 1). SOC content varied significantly among sites, ranging from 3.5 to 11 kg C m− 2.in limestone and rhyolite soils, respectively. Soil bacterial communities were also significantly different among all sites. Metal–humus complex and Fe-oxyhydroxide content emerged as important controllers of SOC dynamics across all sites, showing significant correlation with both SOC content (Al–humus: R2 = 0.71; P < 0.01; Fe–humus: R2 = 0.75; P < 0.001; crystalline FeOx: R2 = 0.63; P < 0.01) and bacterial community composition (Al–humus: R2 = 0.35; P < 0.05; Fe–humus: R2 = 0.51; P < 0.01; oxalate-extractable Fe: R2 = 0.59; P < 0.01). Moreover, soil pH was significantly correlated with exchangeable Al3+, metal–humus complex content, bacterial community composition, and microbial biomass C/N ratios. Results indicated that within a specific ecosystem, SOC dynamics and microbial community vary predictably with soil physicochemical variables directly related to mineralogical differences among soil parent materials. Specifically, the data suggest a gradient in the dominant SOC stabilization mechanism among sites, with chemical recalcitrance and metal–humus complexation the dominant control in soils of the acidic rhyolite and granite sites, and mineral adsorption the dominant factor in the basic limestone and basalt sites. Knowledge of parent material dependent SOC dynamics allows for improved estimates of ecosystem SOC stocks and the potential response of SOC to climate change.
Effect of L-dopa methylester and glutathione depletion on murine B16BL6 melanoma growth in vitro

The cytotoxic and growth-inhibitory effect of levodopa methylester (LDME) in murine B16BL6 (BL6) melanoma cells after glutathione (GSH) depletion was studied in vitro. Pretreatment of BL6 cells with 50 microM buthionine sulfoximine (BSO) depleted GSH content by nearly 90% and enhanced the growth-inhibitory effect of even a minimally cytotoxic concentration of LDME. Radiothymidine incorporation into BL6 cells significantly increased compared to untreated controls during the first 4 h of exposure to 0.2 mM LDME. However, pretreatment with BSO prevented this LDME-induced increase in radiothymidine incorporation. Because the percentage of cells in S-phase of the cell cycle was not altered, these results suggest that BSO exposure may be inhibiting unscheduled DNA synthesis, which could contribute to the cytotoxic effects of LDME. In addition, spectrophotometric studies indicated that in a cell-free system, GSH scavenged dopaquinone produced by the tyrosinase-mediated oxidation of LDME, presumably by formation of glutathionyldopa. Thus, enhancement of LDME cytotoxicity by BSO may also involve depleting the amount of GSH available for the nucleophilic addition to the quinone.
Influence of nitrogen and potassium on micronutrient content of fifteen cultivars of bermudagrass.

Abstract There is limited information concerning the micronutrient composition of different turfgrass species and cultivars. Bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] is an important turfgrass utilized throughout the Southeastern and Southwestern states and the transition zone of the United States. A study was conducted to determine the effects of different rates of nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) on the micronutrient content of fifteen bermudagrass cultivars. The cultivars utilized were: ‘Ormond’, ‘Texturf 10’, ‘Tiflawn’, ‘Tufcote’, and ‘U‐3’ [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.]; ‘Everglades’, ‘Midiron’, ‘Midway’, ‘Pee Dee’, ‘Santa Ana’, ‘Tifdwarf, ‘Tifgreen’, ‘Tifway’, and ‘Tifway II’ [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. x Cynodon transvaalensis Burtt‐Davey]; and ‘Sunturf [Cynodon magennisii Hurcombe]. The study was a 2x2 factorial with the factors being two levels each of N and K imposed on the fifteen cultivars. It was a completely randomized design with three replications. The N and K rates were 227 g N and 227 g K...
Frequency-selective multiple-input multiple-output channel estimation with transmitter non-linearities

The authors propose an algorithm based on the knowledge of training sequences to obtain an asymptotically unbiased estimator of non-linear multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) channels, which involves the radio frequency front-end non-linearity and linear frequency selective MIMO channels. Although the impact of non-linearity in the transmitter side has been widely studied, most work on the channel estimation assumes linear channel models and ignores the non-linear effects. In this study, we develop a non-linear channel estimator that can simultaneously estimate the linear MIMO channel model and non-linearity of the transmitter is developed. With these two sets of parameters, the non-linear channel model can be fully described. This channel estimation algorithm is implemented over an empirical MIMO channel model using an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing system.
A suggested framework for analysis of urban-rural fertility differentials with an illustration of the Tanzanian case

This paper offers a framework for analyzing how individual characteristics and urban or rural "place" factors interact to influence fertility decisions. The framework builds on the Davis-Blake model and additionally shows how place or community variables influence exposure to intercourse, conception, and birth, either with or without a conscious decisionmaking process. The framework emphasizes the way person and place related factors combine to determine a woman's perception of her life options before bearing any children, as well as how changes in these factors may affect subsequent child decisions. The framework is briefly illustrated by the Tanzanian case. The analysis highlights urban-based considerations, such as education-wage differentials, which may influence the rural couple's decisions. A comparison of two rural cohorts shows that specific community variables such as cultural attitudes, accessibility, general educational levels, and child mortality mediate the influence of these urban-based phenomena.
High-dimensional electromagnetic design sensitivity

Present-day electromagnetic simulators are capable of simulating systems and devices with a larger number of design parameters. The next challenge is to use such simulators in order to provide parametric simulation and optimization in a high-dimensional design space, while minimizing the number of calls to the electromagnetic simulator, and providing means to estimate design sensitivity in an efficient and scalable manner. This paper presents a technique for sensitivity analysis, based on Taguchi's method and the analysis of variance (ANOVA). The method shows promise in tests involving parasitic extraction of large designs.
Opiates and enkephalins inhibit synthesis of gangliosides and membrane glycoproteins in mouse neuroblastoma cell line N4TG1

When mouse neuroblastoma clonal cell line N4TG1 cells were cultured in the presence of opiates or enkephalins, in the range 10(-6)-10(-10) M for 24 hr, a dose-dependent inhibition of the incorporation of [3H]glucosamine and [14C]-galactose into sialoglycosphingolipids and glycoproteins was observed. The gangliosides most affected comigrated in thinlayer chromatographic systems with GM2 (GalNAc[AcNeu]-Gal-Glc-ceramide), GM1 (Gal-GalNAc[AcNeu]Gal-Glc-ceramide), and GDla (AcNeu-Gal-GalNAc[AcNeu]Gal-Glc-ceramide). The effects were stereospecific and naloxone-reversible. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis revealed that the synthesis of a large number of membrane glycoproteins was also stereospecifically inhibited. Synthesis of other proteins and glycoproteins, proteoglycans, DNA, and membrane phospholipids and the rate of cell division were not altered in any specific or stereospecific manner. Moreover, clonal cell lines (neuroblastomas and oligodendroglioma) and human skin fibroblasts, which do not possess opiate receptors, did not respond to opiates or enkephalins in a stereospecific manner.
A semiempirical model for the mean transmission of a molecular band and application to the 10μ and 16μ bands of NH3

Abstract A new method for constructing accurate semiempirical band models for the mean transmission is presented and applied to the 10μ and 16μ bands of NH 3 . The assumptions and approximations that are commonly made are discussed and new ones proposed. One need not have a knowledge of the half-widths of the individual lines to construct a model for the mean transmission of a planetary band having saturated lines. This is provided the model is fitted to the corresponding laboratory band at any path length and pressure causing saturation, and at a resolution high enough to separate a majority of the lines. We find that the logarithm of the mean transmission of a band depends sensitively on the shape of the intermediate wings, particularly at lower transmission values. Our study of the transmission of NH 3 shows that the line shape in the wings departs significantly from the Lorentz curve. We derive the line shape of these NH 3 bands pressure-broadened by N 2 . We also derive a value for the effective line width of the 10μ band at room temperature and obtain a consistent value of the self-broadening coefficient. We present calculations of the mean transmissions for the 10μ and 16μ NH 3 bands for room temperature and 130°K. These results show that, frequently, one cannot accurately approximate the mean transmission over a small spectral interval by a power law in the path length and pressure. Finally, we emphasize the need for additional laboratory data on molecules appearing in planetary atmospheres.
Detection of clusters of simulated calcifications in lumpy noise backgrounds

The effect of the lump amplitude of lumpy backgrounds on human observers' ability to find clusters of simulated calcifications was measured. Clusters of simulated calcifications were randomly located in 56-pixel-radius circular areas of lumpy backgrounds to which Gaussian noise was added. The clusters of simulated calcifications were projections of five 2.5 pixel- radius spheres randomly located less than 10 pixels of its center. The lumpy backgrounds were produced by adding to the circular areas at random locations, 50 Gaussian lumps of a standard deviation of 7 pixels. Stimulus sets were rendered on the gray-scale monitor of a computer workstation. Three observers searched each area for the cluster. They indicated the location most likely to contain a cluster with a mouse pointer and rated the likelihood that the indicated location actually contained a cluster. The Gaussian noise was adjusted so that the fraction of clusters found was approximately 0.5 for the three levels of amplitude of the lumpy backgrounds and the uniform backgrounds. The detectability, d', was calculated from the fraction of clusters found using an M-alternative forced choice model. A cluster was scored as found (a hit) if the center of the cluster was contained within a specified area surrounding the observer indicated location. The observer detection loss ratio, the ratio of d' to SNR-SKE, decreased from 0.6 for the uniform noise background to 0.25 for the lumpy backgrounds. Observers' ability to find clusters of simulated calcifications is significantly decreased by lumpy backgrounds.
GM1 dynamics as a marker for membrane changes associated with the process of capacitation in murine and bovine spermatozoa.

We previously showed that in live murine and bovine sperm heads, the ganglioside GM1 localizes to the sterol-rich plasma membrane overlying the acrosome (APM). Labeling GM1 using the pentameric cholera toxin subunit B (CTB) induced a dramatic redistribution of signal from the APM to the sterol-poor postacroso- mal plasma membrane (PAPM) upon sperm death. We now show a similar phenomenon in the flagellum where CTB induces GM1 redistribution to sterol-poor membrane subdomains of the annulus and flagellar zipper. Because sterol efflux from the plasma membrane is required for capacitation, we examined whether GM1 localization might be useful to detect membrane changes associated with capacitation and/or acrosomal exocytosis. First, incubation of murine and bovine sperm with their respective stimuli for capacitation did not change GM1 distribution in live cells. However, incubation of sperm of both species with specific stimuli for capacitation, followed by the use of specific fixation conditions, induced reproducible, stimulus-specific patterns of GM1 distribution. By assessing changes in GM1 distribution in response to progesterone-induced AE, we show that these patterns reflect the response of murine sperm populations to capacitating stimuli. These data suggest that GM1 localization can be used as a diagnostic tool for evaluating sperm response to stimuli for capacitation and/or AE. Such information could be useful when deciding between technologies of assisted reproduction or when screening for male fertility. Furthermore, stimulus-specific changes in GM1 distribution showed that sperm could respond to NaHCO3 or mediators of sterol efflux independent- ly, thereby refining existing models of capacitation.
Symmetry Breaking : The Effect of Randomizing Mass and Stiffness on Building Response to Winds and Earthquakes

Symmetry-breaking can have profound consequences for the response of periodic structures. Examples of such structures include tall buildings and their response to winds and earthquakes; repeated trusses in bridge structures and, similarly, repeated trusses for space vehicles; there are many others. These results are discussed for various dampings, various building heights and various excitations with a view to finding building response. Variation of up to ± 20% in the parameters shows displacements (RMS or maximum) of up to two to three times those for the deterministic structure (no variation in parameters). Buildings of 3 to 50 floors are considered. The greatest effects are seen near lower frequency resonances for all structures. The biggest effects are seen for the tallest structures: in such cases amplification of up to a factor of four occur.
Studies on textile dyes for biological staining. I. Pontacyl blue black SX, pontacyl violet 6R and luxol fast yellow TN.

After a series of commercial grade textile dyes were screened, three -were found to be excellent biological stains. Two of these, pontacyl blue black SX and pontacyl violet 6R, were nuclear stains, the best results being obtained after mordanting with chrome salts. The third dye, luxol fast yellow TN, imparted a brilliant yellow stain to the cytoplasm and collagen fibers when used in alcoholic solution. A technical procedure for the use of either of the nuclear stains combined with the yellow cytoplasmic stain is given.
National and Global Agendas on Violence Against Women: Historical Perspective and Consensus

A policy analysis of 11 national and global institutions' violence against women agendas spanning 1990 to 2006 is presented. Analysis revealed 85 distinct recommendations. The highest percentages of them referenced prevention (29%); data, design, and measurement (21%); and psychotherapy and support (19%). Consensus (percentage of recommendations for future activities included in four or more agendas) was highest for advocacy (75%), funding (50%), prevention (48%), and data, design, and measurement (44%). Changes in emphasis over time, aims that have been abandoned, and observations contrasting U.S. and global agendas are also examined. The results create a context to inform the agendas currently in development within psychology, criminal justice, medicine, nursing, public health, and other disciplines. Next steps to guide future policy work include investigation of advocates', practitioners', researchers', and policymakers' perceived progress in implementing existing recommendations, empirical cataloguing of achievements that demonstrate progress toward aims, constituent input on reprioritization of activities, and contemporizing action steps.
Design and development of conjugated block copolymers for use in photovoltaic devices

A novel tertiary nano structured photovoltaic device has been designed and preliminarily examined by recent development of target block copolymers. The unique feature of the device includes a -D(donor)-B(bridge)-A(acceptor)-B(bridge)- type of block copolymer primary structure, where D and A are conjugated donor and acceptor polymer blocks, and B is a non-conjugated and flexible chain, a π orbital stacked and conjugated chain self-assembled and ordered “secondary structure,” and a donor/acceptor asymmetric layers sandwiched D/A columnar “tertiary structure.” This device is expected to improve photovoltaic power conversion efficiency significantly in comparison to existing organic based donor/acceptor binary photovoltaic devices due to the reduction of “exciton loss,” the “carrier loss,” as well as the “photon loss” via three-dimensional space and energy level optimizations. Preliminary experimental results revealed better morphology and opto-electronic properties of -DBAB- vs. D/A blends.
Influence of Ge doping on defect distributions of Cu 2 Zn(Sn x Ge 1−x ) (S y Se 1−y ) fabricated by nanocrystal ink deposition with selenization

Copper zinc tin sulfide (CZTS) solar cells have recently attracted attention as a potential low cost, earth abundant replacement for CIGS cells. This new thin film material boasts theoretical efficiencies on par with CIGS, but instead uses the relatively common elements zinc and tin rather than the rarer and more expensive indium and gallium. Band gap tuning by adding Ga has been previously used to improve performance for CIGS devices. A mechanism for band gap tuning in CZTS could prove advantageous as well. Recently, the incorporation of germanium in CZTSSe has been shown to provide a potential method for band gap adjustment and may serve as a way to improve the performance of CZTSSe in a manner that is similar to the role of Ga in CIGS. Several experiments are currently being performed to examine this effect on the efficiency of ink based CZTSSe devices. The material parameters of Ge doped CZTSSe have not yet been thoroughly investigated. This paper reports measurements of defect distributions in CZTSSe samples with varying amounts of Ge. The defect energies are compared to those of CZTS and the relation of defects to cell performance is explored.
Perceived Competence and Self-Worth of LD and Normally Achieving Students

Elementary and middle-school learning disabled (LD) and normally achieving (NA) students' responses to the Perceived Competence Scale for Children were compared. This scale measures general self-wo...