cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Historic Roots of the Neoliberal Program

The roots of the neoliberal program are found in the late 19th century. The growth of large corporations, trade unions, and government programs surrounding social insurance ran counter to classical liberal ideology that centered on private property, market competition and laissez faire. In the 1930s, specifically in response to Keynes' call for more government intervention, liberals, led by Lionel Robbins and Friedrich von Hayek, began to organize a modified liberal program that attempted to meet the "socialist" (so-called) challenge to liberal ideals while maintaining the core of classical liberalism. Contrary to most understanding, this neoliberal program was not of a singular nature.
Testing the Investment Model of Relationship Commitment and Stability in a Longitudinal Study of Married Couples

This study tested Rusbult’s (1980, 1983) investment model of relationship commitment and stability using data from both partners of 3,627 married couples. As predicted, spouses’ satisfaction, investments, and quality of alternatives were unique predictors of their commitment to the marital relationship. Additionally, commitment assessed at the initial testing predicted marital termination or stability 18 months later. Multiple-group path analyses showed that the investment model provided an adequate fit to the data and that the associations among variables were similar for husbands and wives. Limitations of the model as well as directions for future research are considered. Romantic relationships initiated with high hopes sometimes end in disappointment. What factors lead some relationships to endure and others to end? Rusbult’s (1980, 1983) investment model draws on interdependence theory (Kelley & Thibaut, 1978; Thibaut & Kelley, 1959) to predict commitment and stability in romantic relationships. According to the investment model depicted in Figure 1, the most proximate predictor of relationship stability is each individual partner’s commitment to maintaining the relationship. Commitment represents the degree to which an individual experiences long-term orientation toward a relationship, including the desire to maintain the relationship for better or worse. Commitment, in turn, is affected by three factors— satisfaction, investments, and the quality of alternatives. Predictors of Relationship Commitment and Stability
Gastrin-induced hypocalcemia in thyroparathyroidectomized rats.

Abstract The influence of gastrin on calcium homeostasis was studied in both thyroid intact and thyroparathyroidectomized (TPTX) rats. Either synthetic human gastrin I or porcine gastrin was injected intravenously into fasted, anesthetized male rats. Venous blood was collected before gastrin administration and both at 30 and 60 min after injection. Gastrin doses of 12–50 μg/rat induced a significant hypocalcemic response in thyroid intact rats. Similarly, gastrin doses of both 12 and 25 μg/rat also produced a significant decrease in serum calcium in TPTX rats. These studies strongly suggest that gastrin-induced hypocalcemia in the rat is not solely dependent upon the thyroid release and subsequent action of calcitonin.
Studies on zinc enzymes and models

Abstract Carboxypeptidase A catalyzes the hydrolysis of peptides and related esters. For one special type of ester an anhydride intermediate has been suggested [1], but our work on 18O exchange reactions [2] indicated that normal peptide substrates do not use a mechanism involving an anhydride intermediate but instead proceed by direct hydrolysis. A loophole in this proof involves the ‘trapped water’ problem: 18O exchange with solvent might not be observed if the water molecule produced in one step is enzyme bound, and not equilibrated with solvent. Kinetic 18O isotope effect studies have now been performed to close this loophole and establish the true enzymatic mechanism. In kinetic isotope effect studies a reaction partitions between heavy and light water. Another partitioning of interest is between water and methanol. We find that even the unusual substrate which reportedly [1] forms an anhydride with carboxypeptidase A will not incorporate methanol. By contrast, model systems [3] for the zinc-catalyzed cleavage of an anhydride show a preference for methanolysis over hydrolysis. This contrasting behavior suggests that the enzymatic reaction involves two proton transfers. Carbonic anhydrase is a zinc enzyme catalyzing a deceptively simple hydration reaction. A variety of ligands have been prepared [4] which form zinc complexes related to the active site of the enzyme, but few of the complexes show striking catalytic ability. The special requirements for catalysis will be discussed.
Ultracentrifugal study of liposome solubilization by sodium dodecylsulfate

Viscoelastic properties of mixed micelles formed upon interaction of liposomes (89% phosphatidylcholine and 11% phosphatidic acid) with sodium dodecylsulfate (SDS) were investigated using analytical ultracentrifugation, viscometry and light scattering to elucidate the mechanisms of liposome solubilization. The peak in viscosity observed at certain SDS concentrations was correlated with sedimentation coefficient and dynamic light scattering results. The effective size of mixed micelles showed a maximum at peak viscosity. The undissolved liposomes were the dominant factor in determining the sedimentation coefficient but had little effect on the viscosity itself. In the case of completely solubilized systems, results suggest the shape of mixed micelles transform from sphere to rod and such transformation is the governing process determining the viscosity and sedimentation coefficient of the system.
Concentration-controlled compared with conventional antiretroviral therapy for HIV infection.

Objectives: To demonstrate the feasibility of a concentration-controlled approach to combination antiretroviral therapy, and to compare the virological responses and safety of this strategy versus conventional fixed-dose therapy. Design: A prospective, randomized, 52 week, open-label trial of concentration-controlled compared with conventional close zidovudine, lamivudine, and indinavir therapy conduced in a university-based general clinical research center in the United States. Patients: Forty antiretroviral-naive individuals with plasma HIV-RNA levels > 5000 copies/ml. Interventions: Zidovudine, lamivudine, and indinavir plasma concentrations were measured in all participants. Doses were adjusted in those assigned to concentration-controlled therapy to achieve levels equal to or greater than target values. Main outcome measures: The proportion of patients who achieved the desired drug concentrations, the proportion of patients with HIV-RNA levels < 50 copies/ml at week 52, and safety and tolerance in the concentration-controlled versus conventional therapy arms. Results: Significantly more concentration-controlled recipients achieved the desired concentration targets for all three drugs: 15 of 16 concentration-controlled recipients compared with nine of 17 conventional recipients (P = 0.017) had HIV-RNA levels < 50 copies/ml at week 52. No difference was observed in the occurrence of drug-related clinical events or laboratory abnormalities between the two treatment arms. Conclusion: Concentration-controlled therapy implemented simultaneously for three antiretroviral agents was feasible, as well tolerated as conventional therapy, and resulted in a greater proportion of recipients with HIV-RNA levels < 50 copies/ml after 52 weeks. These findings provide a scientific basis to challenge the accepted practice of administering the same dose of antiretroviral agents to all adults, ignoring the concentrations actually achieved.
Comment on “Current definitions of reflectance”

The delta-function form of the bidirectional reflectance-distribution function (BRDF) is not limited to the case where θv = θi and ψv = ψi ± π (rad), but can represent a “glint” in any direction. The conceptual advantage of the BRDF approach is briefly discussed in relation to the continuum of directional distributions actually found between the limits of purely specular “spikes” and completely diffuse reflection.
Recurrence of lethal osteogenesis imperfecta due to parental mosaicism for a mutation in the COL1A2 gene of type I collagen. The mosaic parent exhibits phenotypic features of a mild form of the disease.

We have determined that a man, ascertained because he fathered a child with lethal osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) with each of two partners, is mosaic in both his germline and somatic tissues for a mutation in the COL1A2 gene which encodes the proα2(I) chain of type I procollagen. His dermal fibroblasts were previously shown to synthesize a population of cysteine-containing α2(I) chains that were posttranslationally overmodified. DNA sequence analysis of COL1A2 cDNAs demonstrated that the cysteine-containing chain resulted from a point mutation (G to T) in the first position of the codon for the glycine at residue 472 of the triple helical domain. Genomic DNA from the one available affected infant contained the mutant and normal COL1A2 alleles in equal proportion. Examination of DNA from several tissues of the father showed that the mutant allele was present in approximately 40% of his sperm, 80% of his lymphocytes, and nearly 100% of his dermal fibroblasts. Despite the high level of mosaicism detected in somatic tissues, the only phenotypic manifestation of OI in the proband was that he was shorter than his unaffected male relatives and had mild dentinogenesis imperfecta. Thermal stability of type I collagen molecules containing the substitution was decreased, but to a lesser extent than for a nonlethal cysteine for glycine substitution at residue 259 of α2(I), indicating that this measure of molecular stability may be of limited use in explaining the pathogenesis of osteogenesis imperfecta. © 1992 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Roles of erythropoietin in human milk.

Erythropoietin (Epo) is one of many biologically active growth factors present in human and animal milk. Accumulating evidence shows important developmental roles for these milk-borne growth factors. Although Epo is present in biologically relevant amounts in mammalian milk, the roles of Epo in milk are incompletely defined. A significant proportion of milk-borne Epo resists proteolytic degradation. Epo receptors (EpoR) have been found on gastric mucosa and intestinal mucosa, and in mesenteric vessel endothelium. Evidence to date shows that intact Epo reaches these local organs, as well as distal organs. After feeding Epo, local gastrointestinal physiological effects are seen in suckling rats. In humans and rats, short-term feeding of high-dose Epo increases reticulocytes, but it is unclear whether sustained treatment increases red cell mass. Conclusion: Further work towards understanding the physiological and potential pharmacological roles of enterally administered Epo is necessary.
Downregulation of cardiac lineage protein-1 confers cardioprotection through the upregulation of redox effectors

Abstract CLP-1, the mouse homologue of human Hexim1 protein, exerts inhibitory control on transcriptional elongation factor-b of RNA transcript elongation. Previously, we have demonstrated that downregulation of cardiac lineage protein-1 (CLP-1) in CLP-1+/− heterozygous mice affords cardioprotection against ischemia–reperfusion injury. Our current study results show that the improvement in cardiac function in CLP-1+/− mice after ischemia–reperfusion injury is achieved through the potentiation of redox signaling and their molecular targets including redox effector factor-1, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor, and NADPH oxidase 4 and the active usage of thioredoxin-1, thioredoxin-2, glutaredoxin-1 and glutaredoxin-2. Our results suggest that drugs designed to down regulate CLP-1 could confer cardioprotection through the potentiation of redox cycling.
5-Hydroxymethyluracil-DNA glycosylase activity may be a differentiated mammalian function

Abstract To determine the prevalance of the repaire enzyme HMU-DNA hlycosylase we assayed its activity in whole cell extracts of several bacterial species, the eukaryotic yeast Saccharomyces cerevesiae , mammalian cell line and murine tissue. Enzyme activity was constitutively present in murine, hasmter and human cell lines. It was not inducible by exposing cells to oxidative stress from ionizing radiation or by incubating cells with the 2′-deoxynucleoside of HMU, HMdU. In murine tissue, enzyme activity was highest in brain and thymus. HMU-DNA glycosylase activity was not detectable in bacteria or yeast nor could activity be detected after exposure of cells to H 2 O 2 . These results suggest that, in contrast to other DNA-repair enzymes, HMU-DNA glycosylase is a differentiated function limited to higher eukaryotic organisms.
Consuming the geospatial substrate: the next generation of applications, analytics and tools

As more and more organizations implement and embrace the geo-enabled enterprise, it has become possible not just to incorporate maps and geospatial analysis into applications, but to create a new class of solutions that implicitly and inherently rely on the geospatial substrate that is part of today's information systems. Critical applications -- business Intelligence and analytics, operational systems, web and cloud services are more targeted, more context-appropriate, and incorporate more relevant information because the data infrastructure increasingly understands and delivers location, sensor and tagged content from devices through standard interfaces. This presentation will describe how the base components of the IT infrastructure comprise a complete geospatial substrate and how applications, BI, analytic technologies and tools incorporate these capabilities and the new classes of applications that will soon be possible through the synthesis of 3D modeling, augmented reality, and operational data.
Smart “Stick-on” Sensors for the Smart Grid

Rapid increase in electric power demand, introduction of RPS mandates, and a push towards electrification in the transportation sector is expected to increase power system stresses and disturbances. To tackle these power system issues and maintain high system reliability, it is essential to have information about the condition of assets present on the grid. Presently, due to the absence of low cost flexible grid wide monitoring solutions, complete information of the system is not achievable. This paper deals with the development of a new class of sensors called the smart “stick-on” sensors. These are low cost, self-powered, universal sensors that provide a flexible monitoring solution for grid assets. These sensors can be mass deployed due to low cost, need low maintenance as they are self-powered, and can be used for monitoring a variety of grid assets. This paper also presents the details on the network architecture, interoperability and integration, and different design aspects of the stick-on sensor, such as novel energy harvesting techniques, power management, wide operating range, and reliability. It is envisioned that the smart stick-on sensors shall be an enabling technology for monitoring a variety of grid assets and prove to be an essential element of the Smart Grid.
Molecular modeling of a PAMAM-CGS21680 dendrimer bound to an A2A adenosine receptor homodimer

Abstract The theoretical possibility of bivalent binding of a dendrimer, covalently appended with multiple copies of a small ligand, to a homodimer of a G protein-coupled receptor was investigated with a molecular modeling approach. A molecular model was constructed of a third generation (G3) poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM) dendrimer condensed with multiple copies of the potent A 2A adenosine receptor agonist CGS21680. The dendrimer was bound to an A 2A adenosine receptor homodimer. Two units of the nucleoside CGS21680 could occupy the A 2A receptor homodimer simultaneously. The binding mode of CGS21680 moieties linked to the PAMAM dendrimer and docked to the A 2A receptor was found to be similar to the binding mode of a monomeric CGS21680 ligand.
Pull protocols for communication constrained advanced traveler information systems

The advanced traveler information provides realtime information about estimated time of arrival for the bus to the commuters. The bus transmits its location information to the base station frequently and then base station uses this available location information and advanced prediction algorithms to estimate the time of arrival for rest of the stops on the itinerary. This frequent communication between the bus and base station adds a recurring cost to the implementation and management of such a system. In this paper we wish to study performance of the system wherein the bus transmits its information only when it is pulled by base station. Algorithms that determine when to request information are developed for the two scenarios: one where motion on each link on the road network is modeled with a single common statistical model, and another where each link on the road has an individual model for vehicle motion. The second scenario can generate more accurate predictions of vehicle motion, but the algorithms for determining when to request information from the vehicles are more complex. The resulting algorithms are evaluated using Monte Carlo simulations to illustrate the performance of the approaches.
Rapid sequence airway vs rapid sequence intubation in a simulated trauma airway by flight crew.

Abstract Background Rapid sequence airway (RSA) utilizes rapid sequence intubation (RSI) pharmacology followed by the placement of an extraglottic airway without direct laryngoscopy. Study objective To evaluate the difference in time to airway placement and lowest oxygen saturations in a simulated trauma patient using RSI or RSA with a Laryngeal Mask Airway—Supreme (LMAS). Methods This randomized, prospective, non-blinded, IRB-approved observational study used a SimMan ® human simulator in an ambulance. FC were randomly assigned to initially manage the patient with RSI or RSA. They then completed the same scenario with the other modality to serve as their own control. Trained assistants performed directed tasks. SimMan ® had an initial grade III view and desaturated along a standardized curve until intubation, LMAS, or bag-valve-mask ventilation (BVMV) was initiated. When BVMV was used, oxygen saturation increased along a standardized curve. The simulator's airway converted to a grade II view after the first attempt if difficult airway maneuvers were applied. Time, oxygen saturation, number of attempts and back-up airway placement were recorded. Results Nineteen FC completed both paired modalities. Paired T -test was used for statistical analysis. Average time to secure the airway was 145s shorter in the RSA group (95% CI: 100.4–189.7). Lowest oxygen saturation was 4.8% higher (95% CI: 2.8–6.8) in the RSA group. During RSI, FC placed a back-up airway 47% of the time. Conclusion In a simulated moderately difficult trauma airway managed by FC, RSA results in a significantly shorter time to secure the airway and less hypoxemia compared to RSI.
Quick and Efficient Measurement of Transient GUS Expression Using Image Analysis

An image-analysis procedure was developed for measurement of transient β-glucuronidase (GUS) gene expression events in peanut. Gene transfer via microprojectile bombardment has been effective in peanut. Experiments were performed to improve the efficiency of DNA delivery to embryogenic calli for transformation. Transient GUS expression was assayed 24 hours after bombardment by staining calli and manually counting blue-stained spots under a microscope. These calli were then placed under a dissecting microscope with a video camera that recorded each image onto a computer. The images were then subjected to analysis with software that counted the number of blue-stained GUS-positive spots as well as the area and percent of the total area of each spot. The manual counts and data from the image analysis were compared through correlation statistics and by comparing analyses of variance for fixed parameters of the experiments. Correlation coefficients were high between manual spot counts and image-analysis counts (r=0.77) and between manual counts and percent area (GUS (r=0.91) Results indicate that image analysis provides a quick and efficient method for analysis of transient expression. Much more reliable information is obtained with less effort and less fatigue with the image-analysis procedure. Scientists can use this method to monitor transient expression events in plant transformation experiments.
Text, Role and Context: Developing Academic Literacies

1. Literacy and pedagogy: three views 2. Genre knowledge and socioliteracies: what readers and writers may share 3. Genres and social forces: homely and academic texts 4. Discourse communities/communities of practice: membership, conflict and diversity 5. Our special roles: literacy practitioners as campus mediators and researchers 6. Students as researchers: investigating texts, processes and contexts 7. The socioliterate classroom: basic tenets and goals 8. Putting tenets and goals into practice: using portfolios in literacy classrooms 9. Conclusion.
The oxygen luminometer. An apparatus to determine small amounts of oxygen, and application to photosynthesis.

Abstract 1. The oxygen luminometer is a sensitive device for the continuous measurement of small amounts of oxygen. An inert carrier gas flows at a controlled rate through an electrolysis cell, then through a sample cuvette, and finally into a solution of luminol dianion in dimethyl sulfoxide. The light generated by the chemiluminescent reaction of the luminol dianion with the oxygen is measured with a photomultiplier. Calibration, either internally with the water electrolysis cell or externally with premixed gases, shows the response of the system to be linear over a range of greater than four orders of magnitude in oxygen concentration. The sensitivity corresponds to a rate of oxygen production of 10 −13 mole/sec or to a change in oxygen concentration of 0.01 ppm in the gas or of 10 −11 M in water at room temperature. The device has a response time of about 1 min and the output is a direct measure of the rate of oxygen production in absolute units. 2. The oxygen luminometer is suitable for measuring oxygen production in photosynthetic systems. A mutant of Chlorella which requires light for chlorophyll synthesis is shown to lose its chlorophyll and its oxygen-producing activity in the dark by simple dilution on cell division.
All-diamond micro-electrode arrays for neural recordings and diamond electrochemistry

This paper reports the successful fabrication and testing of all-diamond micro-electrode-arrays (MEAs) for use in neural recording and chemical detection applications using standard electrochemical methods. The MEAs have been tested through in vivo neural recordings. Also, electrochemical probes are reported using diamond as working and reference electrodes, achieving a potential window of about 4 V.
Identification of an Endoplasmic Reticulum-Retention Motif in an Intracellular Loop of the Kainate Receptor Subunit KA2

Neuronal kainate receptors are typically heteromeric complexes composed of GluR5-7 and KA1-2 subunits. Although GluR5-7 can exist as functional homomeric channels, the KA subunits cannot. KA2 is widely expressed in the CNS, and KA2/GluR6 heteromers are the most prevalent subunit composition in brain. Previous work has identified endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-retention motifs in the C terminus of KA2, which prevent surface expression of KA2 homomers. However, we find that, when these motifs are mutated, only a small fraction of KA2 is surface expressed. We now identify an additional ER retention motif in the intracellular loop region of KA2, which, when mutated together with the C-terminal motifs, significantly increases the level of KA2 surface expression. However, electrophysiological analysis of surface-expressed KA2 homomers indicates that they do not form functional ion channels. In heterologous cells, a large fraction of KA2 remains intracellular even when the trafficking motifs are mutated or when GluR6 is coexpressed. Therefore, we analyzed the trafficking of endogenous KA2 in vivo. We find that native KA2 surface expression is dramatically reduced in GluR6 knock-out mice compared with wild-type mice. In contrast, KA2 trafficking was unaffected in the GluR5 knock-out. Thus, our study demonstrates that trafficking motifs in both the intracellular loop and C terminus regulate KA2 surface expression; however, in neurons, GluR6 oligomerization is required for egress of KA2 from the ER and transport to the cell surface. The combination of these mechanisms likely prevents surface expression of nonfunctional KA2 homomers and ensures a high level of GluR6/KA2 heteromeric kainate receptors.
Trajectory design for a nonlinear system to insure observability

In this work, the idea of coupling between actuation and observation is used to design a control policy which guarantees the observability of a nonlinear system. The Lie algebra observability matrix has been used as a tool for evaluating the observability. Different notions of observability are introduced base on Lie algebra observability matrix. In the case of some simple forms of the nonlinear systems, the control policy required for observability is obtained by looking at the geometry of the vector fields. Then, for the case of single input control-affine nonlinear systems, the Lie algebra observability condition is used to extract the control to construct an observability matrix with nearly orthogonal rows. In case of given control, an optimization problem is presented to tune the given trajectory to insure the observability. Results are demonstrated in simulation.
Licking response distributions associated with the acquisition of schedule-induced polydipsia

The relation between drinking and pellet delivery was examined in a rat that acquired polydipsia when it was exposed to a free fixed-interval (FFI) 50-sec food (Noyes 45-mg pellets) schedule. A distributional analysis of responding in the interpellet interval indicated that drinking, which was originally distributed equally throughout the interpellet interval, became concentrated predominantly as a postpellet event within the first FFI session. The redistribution of drinking as a postpellet event was followed by an increase in water consumption, with asymptotic water intake occurring by the fourth FFI session. These results indicated that schedule-induced polydipsia cannot be attributed to adventitious food reinforcement.
Tumor Inhibitors II: Cytotoxic Alkaloids from Annona Purpurea

Investigation of the cytotoxic principles of Annona purpurea L. resulted in the isolation and characterization of four new alkaloids of the aporphine variety. One of the four is an oxoaporphine which shows borderline activity in vitro against the 9-KB tumor test system. The known aporphine isocorydine, oxoaporphine O-methylatheroline, and the proaporphines glaziovine and stepharine were also obtained. Glaziovine and O-methylatheroline also showed limited tumor inhibition.
ARMA estimation using the general order, two channel normalized FTF algorithm

The general-order multichannel fast transversal filter (FTF) algorithm is a generalization of the multichannel FTF algorithm in which the orders of the input channels can be independently specified. A normalized version of this algorithm is derived and applied to a special case of a two-input-channel, joint-process estimator: one of the input channels is defined as the unit-delayed joint-process signal. The configuration is an equation error form for least-squares pole-zero (ARMA) system identification; it is also used in decision-directed equalization and echo cancellation. A summary of the algorithm is given in proper execution order, with an operations count for each step. >
Game-theoretic routing of GPS-assisted vehicles for energy efficiency

Congestion on roads and highways is an issue that leads to reductions in the energy-efficiency of travel. Current GPS navigation devices include features which provide turn-by-turn directions to vehicles based on real-time traffic conditions, and these features provide an opportunity to improve average fuel consumption. Routing strategies in these devices optimize individual travel times, but theoretical (e.g., Braess's paradox) and empirical results show that this can actually increase congestion and average travel times. We model traffic routing in the game-theoretic framework of Stackelberg games, which is a simplification of the true information patterns, and then use this model to provide an algorithm for turn-by-turn directions. One advantage of our algorithm is that it can be easily incorporated into existing GPS devices by modifying the traffic information sent to them. Our framework is used to qualitatively study the effectiveness of traffic routing on a specific road network topology. If roughly 60% of users follow GPS directions implementing our strategy, then the average delay will be close to the optimal average delay for the road network. This poses social and technological challenges for reduction in congestion through routing. The situation is not hopeless though, because our qualitative results indicate that having a small percentage of compliant users may still lead to large reductions in congestion.
"High-Power Microwave" tubes: in the laboratory and on-line

The possibility of incapacitating the electronic circuits of hostile equipment with high-energy microwave pulses has created a demand for microwave tubes capable of very high peak pulsed powers. Experimentalists, primarily from the plasma physics community, have been working in this field, dubbed High-Power Microwave or HPM. Separately, research in high-energy physics requires electron-positron colliders with energies approaching 1 trillion electron-volts (1 terra-electron-volt, or TeV). Such accelerators must be powered by microwave sources that are very similar to some that are proposed for the HPM application. The paper points out that for these tubes to be used on-line in the manner intended, they must be designed and built to operate at a very high internal vacuum, which is not the case for many of the HPM laboratory projects. The development of a particular klystron at the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center is described in detail in order to illustrate the need for special facilities and strong quality control. Should the defense requirements for HPM survive the end of the cold war, an effort should be made to coordinate the tube development activities serving these two widely disparate applications. >
Bacillus subtilis Cells Lacking Penicillin-Binding Protein 1 Require Increased Levels of Divalent Cations for Growth

Bacillus subtilis strains lacking penicillin-binding protein 1 (PBP1), encoded by ponA, required greater amounts of Mg2+ or Ca2+ for vegetative growth or spore outgrowth than the wild-type strain and strains lacking other high-molecular-weight (HMW) PBPs. Growth of ponA cells in a medium low in Mg2+ also resulted in greatly increased cell bending compared to wild-type cells or cells lacking other HMW PBPs. The addition of high levels of Mg2+ to growth media eliminated these phenotypes of a ponA mutant. In contrast to the effects of divalent cations, NaCl did not restore ponA cell growth in a divalent-cation-deficient medium. Surprisingly, wild-type cells swelled and then lysed during both vegetative growth and spore outgrowth when 500 mM NaCl was included in a divalent-cation-deficient medium. Again, Mg2+ addition was sufficient to allow normal vegetative growth and spore outgrowth of both wild-type and ponA cells in a medium with 500 mM NaCl. These studies demonstrate that (i) while HMW PBPs possess largely redundant functions in rich medium, when divalent cations are limiting, PBP1 is required for cell growth and spore outgrowth; and (ii) high levels of NaCl induce cell lysis in media deficient in divalent cations during both vegetative growth and spore outgrowth.
Capacity and Production Decisions in Stochastic Manufacturing Systems: An Asymptotic Optimal Hierarchical Approach

We present a new paradigm of hierarchical decision making in production planning and capacity expansion problems under uncertainty. We show that under reasonable assumptions, the strategic level management can base the capacity decision on aggregated information from the shop floor, and the operational level management, given this decision, can derive a production plan for the system, without too large a loss in optimality when compared to simultaneous determination of optimal capacity and The results are obtained via an asymptotic analysis of a manufacturing system with convex costs, constant demand, and with machines subject to random breakdown and repair. The decision variables are purchase time of a new machine at a given fixed cost and production plans before and after the costs of investment, production, inventories, and backlogs. If the rate of change in machine states such as up and down is assumed to be much larger than the rate of discounting costs, one obtains a simpler limiting mean. We develop methods for constructing asymptotically optimal decisions for the original problem from the optimal decisions for the limiting problem. We obtain error estimates for these constructed decisions.
A New Precision TV Measuremnt Demodulator

The performance of a television transmitter has always been difficult to measure because the demodulator introduces distortions which may be identical to those being measured in the transmitter. Envelope demodulation of the vestigal sideband signal introduces quadrature distortion, which masks the distortions of the, transmitter. This paper describes a means by which a so-called 'transparent' demodulator has been developed. It also explains why this transparency is inherent and thus reliable.
Phosphorus and soil development: does the Walker and Syers model apply to semiarid ecosystems?

The Walker and Syers model of phosphorus (P) transformations during pedogenesis is widely accepted for the development of humid ecosystems, but long-term P dynamics of more arid ecosystems remain poorly understood. We tested the Walker and Syers model in semiarid pinon-juniper woodlands by measuring soil P fractions under tree canopies and in intercanopy spaces along a well-constrained, approximately 3000 ka (1 ka = 1000 years) volcanic substrate age gradient in northern Arizona, USA. The various pools of soil P behaved largely as predicted; total soil P and primary mineral P declined consistently with substrate age, labile inorganic P increased early in soil development and then declined at later stages, and organic phosphorus increased consistently across the chronosequence. Within each site, soils under tree canopies tended to have higher concentrations of labile and intermediately available P fractions compared to intercanopy soils. However, the degree of spatial heterogeneity conferred by tree islands was moderated by the stage of soil development. In contrast, tree islands had no influence on within-site distribution of more recalcitrant soil P pools, which appear to be controlled solely by the stage of pedogenesis. Coincident with declines in total P, primary mineral P, and labile inorganic P, we found that phosphatase enzyme activity increased with substrate age; a result consistent with greater ecosystem-level P demand on older, more highly weathered substrates. Our results suggest that, compared to humid climates, reduced inputs of water, energy, and acidity to semiarid ecosystems slow the rate of change in P fractions during pedogenesis, but the overall pattern remains consistent with the Walker and Syers model. Furthermore, our data imply that pedogenic change may be an important factor controlling the spatial distribution of labile P pools in semiarid ecosystems. Taken together, these data should both broaden and unify terrestrial ecosystem development theory.
Truffle abundance and mycophagy by northern flying squirrels in eastern Washington forests.

Abstract Although much is known about truffle abundance and rodent mycophagy in mesic Douglas-fir forests in the Pacific Northwest, few data are available for dry interior montane forests dominated by ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa), Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), and grand fir (Abies grandis). Our objective was to quantify the relationship between the abundance and diversity of ectomycorrhizal fungal sporocarps in the soil and in the diets of northern flying squirrels (Glaucomys sabrinus) in low-elevation forests of the eastern Washington Cascades. We randomly sampled four stands each of three cover types: dry open ponderosa pine, mesic young mixed-conifer forest, and mesic mature mixed-conifer forest. We sampled the soil for hypogeous sporocarps during the spring of 1999 and 2000. We collected fecal pellets from 318 flying squirrels live-trapped during the fall of 1997–2000. We sampled 2400 m2 of soil surface and found truffles in 40% of 600 plots. Total biomass collected was 609 g. Spring truffle biomass on a kg/ha basis averaged 1.72 in open pine, 3.56 in young, and 4.11 in mature forest. Twenty-two species were collected across all cover types, with all but three species belonging to the Basidiomycotina. Eleven dominant species accounted for 91–94% of truffle biomass in each cover type. Four dominant species accounted for 60–70% of spring truffle biomass: Gautieria monticola, Hysterangium coriaceum, Rhizopogon parksii, and R. vinicolor. Truffle assemblages, richness and total biomass differed among cover types: richness and biomass were highest in young and mature mixed-conifer forest, and lowest in open ponderosa pine forest. Fall squirrel diets were composed of 23 genera or groups of fungi, plus about 22% plant material. Rhizopogon was the most abundant genus in the diet, followed by plant material, then Gautieria, Leucogaster, Alpova, and Hysterangium. Diets in different cover types were similar in the composition, richness, evenness, and the ratio of fungus to plant material. Diet richness varied over the study period. Nineteen truffle genera were detected in fall fecal samples versus 12 in spring soil samples. Management of low-elevation dry forest to maintain or restore stable fire regimes might reduce truffle diversity at stand scales by simplifying stand composition and structure; but, such management might increase long-term beta and landscape truffle diversity and persistence by reducing the occurrence of high-intensity fires and stabilizing inherent fire disturbance regimes.
Electrical stimulation of neural tissue to evoke behavioral responses

Abstract This review yields numerous conclusions. (1) Both unit recording and behavioral studies find that current activates neurons (i.e., cell bodies and axons) directly according to the square of the distance between the electrode and the neuron, and that the excitability of neurons can vary between 100 and 4000 μA/mm 2 using a 0.2-ms cathodal pulse duration. (2) Currents as low as 10 μA, which is considered within the range of currents typically used during micro-stimulation, activate from a few tenths to several thousands of cell bodies in the cat motor cortex directly depending on their excitability; this indicates that even low currents activate more than a few neurons. (3) Electrode tip size has no effect on the current density — or effective current spread — at far field, but tip size limits the current-density generated at near field. (4) To minimize neuronal damage, the electrode should be discharged after each pulse and the pulse duration should not exceed the chronaxie of the stimulated tissue. (5) The amount of current needed to evoke behavioral responses depends not only on the excitability of the stimulated substrate but also on the type of behavior being studied.
Subnational Governance in Europe: Engaging Students With The Spanish Sub-state

Although the study of regional and local politics has been largely conducted in the context of the United States (Loughlin 2001), in recent decades, researchers have studied sub-state transformations and multilevel governance in Europe (see, for example, Marks 1993; Bukowski et al. 2003; Weatherill 2005). In this article, I urge professors to incorporate this literature in undergraduate, comparative politics classrooms and I suggest how to do so using the case of Spain. I argue that Spain, and more generally southern Europe, provides an exciting context in which to discuss subnational themes. The article is structured in four sections. First, I explain the Comparative European Politics course in which I discuss the Spanish sub-state. The second section demonstrates Spain's comparative appeal by summarizing its State of Autonomies and situating it within the European context. The third section raises theoretical debates about democracy, subnational institutions, and the European Union. The final section offers accessible lecture examples for European politics courses.
Ingestion, transmission, and persistence of Chino del tomate virus (CdTV), a New World begomovirus, by Old and New World biotypes of the whitefly vector Bemisia tabaci

Summary Two whitefly biotypes of Bemisia tabaci, from either the Eastern or Western Hemisphere, respectively, were compared with respect to their competency to ingest and their efficiency to transmit the New World begomovirus, Chino del tomate virus (CdTV). The AZ A biotype of B.tabaci originates from the arid southwestern USA and northwestern Mexico, while the B biotype has an origin in the Middle East or Northern Africa. The ability of these two vector biotypes to ingest and subsequently to transmit CdTV were evaluated for an acquisition-access period (AAP) that ranged from 0 to 72 h, followed by a 48 h inoculation-access period (IAP). Individual adult whiteflies were monitored for CdTV ingestion using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect the viral coat protein gene (AV1 ORF), and transmission efficiency (frequency) was determined by allowing potentially viruliferous whiteflies access to tomato seedlings following each experimental AAP. PCR results for individual adult whiteflies indicated that CdTV was ingested from infected tomato plants by both biotypes 93% of the time. Transmission frequencies by both vector biotypes increased with longer AAPs. However, the AZ A biotype transmitted CdTV 50% of the time, compared to only 27% for the B biotype. Evidence that virus was ingested with equal competency by the A and B biotypes confirmed that both vectors were capable of ingesting CdTV from tomato at the same frequency, even when the AAP was 0.5 h. Consequently, either the acquisition and/or transmission stages of the pathway, rather than ingestion competency, were responsible for differences in vector-mediated transmissibility. Detection frequency of CdTV, after 48 h AAP, by PCR in single females of AZ B biotype was significantly higher than males.
Injury Patterns and Levels of Care at a Marathon

Introduction: Marathons pose many challenges to event planners. The medical services needed at such events have not received extensive coverage in the literature. Objective: The objective of this study was to document injury patterns and medical usage at a category III mass gathering (a marathon), with the goal of helping event planners organize medical resources for large public gatherings. Methods: Prospectively obtained medical care reports from the five first-aid stations set up along the marathon route were reviewed. Primary and secondary reasons for seeking medical care were categorized. Weather data were obtained, and ambient temperature was recorded. Results: The numbers of finishers were as follows: 4,837 in the marathon (3,099 males, 1,738 females), 814 in the 5K race (362 males, 452 females), and 393 teams in the four-person relay (1,572). Two hundred fifty-one runners sought medical care. The day’s temperatures ranged from 39 to 73°F (mean, 56°F). The primary reasons for seeking medical were medication request (26%), musculoskeletal injuries (18%), dehydration (14%), and dermal injuries (11%). Secondary reasons were musculoskeletal injuries (34%), dizziness (19%), dermal injuries (11%), and headaches (9%). Treatment times ranged from 3 to 25.5 minutes and lengthened as the day progressed. Two-thirds of those who sought medical care did so at the end of the race. The majority of runners who sought medical attention had not run a marathon before. Conclusions: Marathon planners should allocate medical resources in favor of the halfway point and the final first-aid station. Resources and medical staff should be moved from the earlier tents to further augment the later first-aid stations before the majority of racers reach the middle- and later-distance stations. Nguyen RB, Milsten AM, Cushman JT: Injury patterns and levels of care at a marathon. Prehospital Disast Med 2008;23(6):519‐525.
Nano computing revolution and future prospects

There are several ways nanocomputers might be built, using mechanical, electronic, biochemical, or quantum technology. It is unlikely that nanocomputers will be made out of semiconductor transistors (Microelectronic components that are at the core of all modern electronic devices), as they seem to perform significantly less well when shrunk to sizes under 100 nanometers.The research results summarized here also suggest that many useful, yet strikingly different solutions may exist for tolerating defects and faults within nanocomputing systems. Also included in the survey are a number of software tools useful for quantifying the reliability of nanocomputing systems in the presence of defects and faults.
Do international election monitors increase or decrease opposition boycotts

Election boycotts are over twice as common when international observers are present. Do international observers increase election boycotts as this correlation and past research suggest? This articl...
Application of the fast Fourier transform to the computation of the Sommerfeld integral for a vertical electric dipole above a half-space

The fast Fourier transform (FFT) is used in conjunction with analytical techniques to obtain an approximate expression for the Sommerfeld integral associated with a vertical electric dipole above a half-space. The resulting expression, which is an analytic function of the source and observation locations, can be used in lieu of a numerical integration of the Sommerfeld integral. It can be used in either the near zone or the far zone, and it can even be applied for observation angles close to grazing. The accuracy of the expansion directly depends on the number of terms used in the FFT. Results obtained using the expansion are compared with those obtained both from a direct numerical integration of the Sommerfeld integral and the reflection coefficient method. >
The potential impact of shell fragment distributions on high-frequency seafloor backscatter

There has been much recent activity on developing and testing high-frequency seafloor volume scattering models and on the related high-resolution characterization of seafloor volumes. This paper will address another plausible volume scattering mechanism that has not yet received much attention-distributions of broken shell fragments in sediment (commonly referred to as shell hash). The shell fragments are modeled as nonaggregating spherical scatterers, and the spatial distribution of the shell pieces is determined using the Percus-Yevick packing factor. Computer simulations of the multiple scattering and a single scattering model are used to study the power backscattered by shell hash sediments as a function of the volume of scatterers and the frequency of the incident wave (10-100 kHz). Parameter values for simulations are obtained by stereological analysis of x-ray computed tomography scans of sediment cores