cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An expanded opportunity to provide tobacco cessation services in primary care

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) decision on tobacco cessation counseling support the need for expanded cessation coverage. Primary care practices receiving CMS payments will soon be mandated to offer these services. This commentary discusses the salience of tobacco cessation policy in terms of opportunities for primary care, and anticipated issues in meeting healthcare reform requirements. Comments build upon recent federal policy and suggest areas to which primary care practices will need to attend when operationalizing tobacco cessation policies. Research supports efficacious tobacco cessation interventions delivered in a primary care context. To effectively implement tobacco cessation in primary care, practices will need to address coding and payment issues, define service offerings, identify reporting requirements, align with the medical home model, and increase provider buy-in.
Dynamical local-field factors and effective interactions in the three-dimensional electron liquid.

We present an analytical study of the dynamical local-field factors associated with the response of a homogeneous two-dimensional interacting electron liquid as functions of momentum, frequency, and density. We derive sum rules that constrain their asymptotic forms (in momentum and frequency) for both the spin-symmetric and spin-antisymmetric cases. Parametrized expressions for the local-field factors are proposed, based on all available sum rules and on many-body perturbation theory, and these are found to be in good agreement with quantum Monte Carlo calculations. Finally, these expressions are used to evaluate the effective electron-electron interaction in a local approximation for two-dimensional systems. It is shown that both the quantitative and qualitative behaviors of the interaction are sensitive to the inclusion of dynamical correlations.
Musculoskeletal disorders and occupational exposures: How should we judge the evidence concerning the causal association?

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) affecting the back, upper and lower extremities are widespread in the general population, implying a variety of causal factors. Multiple causes are not mutually exclusive, and a high background rate does not preclude associations with specific factors that are uncommon in the general population. MSDs have well-documented associations with occupational ergonomic stressors such as repetitive motion, heavy lifting, non-neutral postures, and vibration. Organizational features of the work environment, such as time pressure and low decision latitude, may also play a role, at least by potentiating the effects of physical loading. Numerous systematic reviews have mostly concurred with these overall findings. Nevertheless, some continue to debate whether MSDs are sometimes work-related, even for those performing jobs with repetitive and routinized tasks, heavy lifting, and/or pronounced postural strain. This article discusses (1) some epidemiologic features of MSDs that underlie that debate; and (2) the question of what should appropriately be considered a gold standard for scientific evidence on an etiological question such as the health effects of a non-voluntary exposure, such as an occupational or environmental agent. In particular, randomized clinical trials have little relevance for determining the health effects of non-therapeutic risk factors.
An ATR challenge problem using HRR data

This paper describes the automatic target recognition (ATR) challenge problem which includes source code for a baseline ATR algorithm, display utilities for the results, and a high range resolution (HRR) data set consisting of 10 civilian vehicles. The Ku-band data in this data set has been processed into 1-dimensional range profiles of vehicles in the open, moving in a straight line. It is being released to the ATR community to facilitate the development of new and improved HRR identification algorithms which can provide greater confidence and very high identification performance. The intent of the baseline algorithm included with this challenge problem is to provide an ATR performance comparison to newly developed algorithms. Single-look identification performance results using the baseline algorithm and the data set are provided as a starting point for algorithm developers. Both the algorithm and data set can support single look and multi-look target identification.
Rapid and quantitative screening of kinetic and mass transfer parameters for materials used in micro and nanofabrication

Abstract Demanding line rules and property requirements for electrochemically-grown materials used in fabricated and templated systems motivates a need for quantitative analytical methods that are compatible with fabrication systems. We demonstrate a nanoelectrode array-based analysis method analogous to the Levich–Koutecky equation to enable rapid and quantitative evaluation of surface kinetics and mass transport parameters. The only data needed for the analysis is the radius of individual deposits on the array. We apply this new method to electrodeposition and electroless deposition (ELD) of copper from quiescent electrolytes. The results yield a room temperature cupric ion diffusivity of D = 5.9 × 10 − 10 m 2 /s in acidic copper sulfate electrodeposition bath and an ELD activation energy of E A = 58 kJ/mol in a copper ELD bath with the reducing agent DMAB.
Arteriovenous distribution of hemodynamic parameters in the rat dental pulp

A systematic investigation of the distribution of red cell velocity throughout the hierachy of the rat pulp microvascular network was performed. Luminal diameters (D) of microvessels ranging in size from 8 to 72 micron were measured in situ by an electronic video image shearing technique. Intravascular red cell velocities (Vrbc) were simultaneously measured by a variation of the "two-slit" photometric technique and intravascular volumetric flow rates (Q) were calculated. It was found that red cell velocity decreased monotonically throughout successive arteriolar divisions to attain capillary values of 1/10 those in the feeding arterioles. A slight rise in Vrbc was found in the venous confluences, however, a maximum value of Vrbc of only 1/5 large arteriolar values was evident in the large collecting venules. In contrast, the calculated volumetric flow rate distribution was found to be nearly parabolic from arterioles (40 micron) and their paired (72 micron) collecting venules. This behavior was attributed to the dominance of microvessel cross-sectional areas as a determinant of Q.
The influence of methionine sulfoximine on photosynthesis and nitrogen metabolism in excised pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) leaves

Abstract The influence of methionine sulfoximine (MSO) on the photosynthesis and NH 4 + accumulation in excised pepper ( Capsicum annuum L.) leaves has been studied at 2 and 20% oxygen levels. Petiolar feeding with 10 mM MSO decreased the photosynthetic rate by 86% in 2 h when 20% O 2 was provided. During this 2-h period, the endogenous NH 4 + level rose from 0.9 to 11.0 μmol/g fresh wt. In the presence of 2% O 2 , MSO treated leaves showed a decline of only 18% in photosynthesis which was accompanied by a rise in NH 4 + level from 0.9 to 2.65 μmol/g fresh wt. In repeated experiments a negative correlation was obtained between the endogenous level of NH 4 + and photosynthesis ( r = 0.89). Pronounced accumulation of NH 4 + in MSO treated leaves occured only when conditions favored photorespiration.
The effect of leader–member exchange on turnover among retail buyers

Abstract Many studies have analyzed employee turnover. The study expands our understanding of turnover by including leader–member exchange in a model of turnover among retail buyers. Controlling turnover is especially important among retail buyers where it can exceed 30%. The results indicate that leader–member exchange influences turnover indirectly through certain facets of job satisfaction (supervisor satisfaction and pay raise satisfaction).
Evoked potentials, neuronal activity and stimulus intensity in the visual system

Abstract Gross and neuronal evoked responses, obtained by stimulation with brief flashes of light, were recorded from the lateral geniculate body and the visual cortex of unanesthetized, unrestrained cats. It has been found that in the geniculate as well as in the cortex, the probability of neuronal discharge is highest at the times which correspond to the steepest negative slopes and lowest at the times which correspond to the steepest positive slopes of the gross response. These relations remain unchanged as the magnitude of the gross response is increased by stimuli of higher intensities, or its configuration modified by downward displacement of the recording microelectrode.
Pul Eliya : a village in Ceylon : a study of land tenure and kinship

List of illustrations Acknowledgements Note to Reader 1. Introduction Pul Eliya: the general background 3. The Pul Eliya land map 4. The kinship system 5. Traditional land tenure 6. Non-traditional land tenure 7. The organisation and reward of labour 8. Conclusion Appendices references General index.
Modification by adrenergic blocking agents of arginine vasotocin-induced prolactin secretion in vitro.

Abstract Normal male rat hemipituitaries incubated in the presence of 1 μg of arginine vasotocin (AVT) released significantly more prolactin into the incubation medium than their corresponding untreated control halves. Prolactin secretion from hemipituitaries incubated in the presence of 5·10 −9 haloperidol, 4·10 −5 M propranolol or haloperidol plus AVT was unaffected by these treatments. However, the release of prolactin from hemipituitaries incubated with propranolol plus AVT was significantly inhibited (by 40%) compared with the control glands treated with AVT alone.
Faith-Based Programming for Offenders

Abstract In February 2009, President Obama established the White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships, amending but also continuing former President Bush's governmental support of faith organizations and their work with people in need. Faith-based programming for criminal offenders is one of the key areas supported by these White House initiatives, but there is little research on its implementation and effectiveness. This short article first discusses important definitional and constitutional issues relevant to faith-based programs working with offenders under government control. It then briefly summarizes results from available published studies, notes the limitations of this research, and discusses important policy implications resulting from these studies.
Expressing implicit figure-ground character information from explicit literary text information

Co-creation treats implicit information as equally important as explicit information. If sentences in literary text are considered as explicit information, the figure-ground characteristics of story characters perceived in our minds can be considered as implicit information. Such figure-ground information may not be evident from only reading the text. By constructing rough set derived lattices from the explicit literary text, such implicit figure-ground contrast can be expressed through the complement relations of elements in the lattice. We applied this method to observe the implicit figure-ground information of two stories, one to a detective mystery that provides unique alibi to characters most of the time and the other to a play where multiple characters appear in the same scene and are involved in the same activities; many attributes overlap. The figure-ground information results differently in these two stories. The sampled detective story often has a clear figure-ground property for its characters. However, the theater play has fewer scenes of clear figure-ground property.
Patch graft angioplasty techniques for extracranial occlusive vascular disease

Patch graft angioplasty is a useful technical alternative for arteriotomy closure. In our experience, patch graft angioplasty has been reserved for patients with recurrent stenosis, those with smaller than normal arteries, and those who have radiation arteriopathy after previous treatment for a malignancy. Patch graft angioplasty is also useful for the repair of smaller caliber vessels such as the vertebral artery. Any closure that decreases the arterial circumference represents an indication for patch graft angioplasty. Various materials, such as autogenous vein or artery and synthetic materials, have been used. This article reviews the advantages and technical aspects of patch angioplasty.
induction of apoptosis in mouse t cells upon peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (ppar-γ) binding

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are a family of ligand-activated nuclear receptor transcription factors. PPARs heterodimerize with the retinoic acid X receptor upon ligand binding. This complex then binds to PPAR responsive elements (PPREs) located in the promoter regions of various genes and acts to regulate their expression (Westin, et al., 1998). Although there are several PPARs, much attention has recently focused on PPAR-γ. Two isoforms of PPAR-γ have been found in mice - PPARγl and PPAR-γ2. PPAR-γ2 is found exclusively in adipose tissue and regulates adipogenesis. PPAR-γl, however, is expressed at low levels in many cells such as smooth muscle cells, macrophages, and epithelial cells (Ma, et al., 1998). Ligand binding of PPAR-γl has many functions including inhibition of migration of vascular smooth muscle cells, inhibition of inducible nitric oxide synthase in murine macrophages, and apoptosis of some colonic tumor cell lines (Kitamura, et al., 1999, Spiegelman, et al., 1997, Vedin, et al., 1996). Metabolites of prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) have been suggested to be natural ligands for PPAR-γ. For example, 15-deoxy-Δ12,14-PGJ2(herein referred to as 15-d-PGJ2) as well as other prostaglandins of the J series can bind and activate PPARγin vitro.Synthetic ligands for PPAR-yhave also been identified, and include the thiazoldinediones (i.e. ciglitazone, troglitazone) (Schoonjans, et al., 1997, Willson, et al., 1996). These compounds are anti-hyperglycemic drugs currently used to treat non-insulin dependent diabetes.
Effect of temperature on muscle force and rate of muscle force production in men and women

The use of heat and/or cold is common in many physical therapy treatment programs. Knowledge concerning their effect upon muscular performance would help in the design of exercise programs used with heat or cold. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of heating and cooling on maximum voluntary force and rate of force development in the wrist extensor muscles of men and women. The maximum rate of force development was assessed in 30 subjects under three separate conditions: 1) following immersion in a 40 degrees C water bath, 2) following immersion in a 10 degrees C water bath, and 3) a control condition. The results showed that peak force and rate of force development decreased, while time to peak force development increased in males following exposure to cold. In females, only the time to peak force development was found to be altered (increased) by cold exposure. No significant change in the speed of force development was found following heat application in either sex. Investigation of the force-time curve showed that the slope of the curve decreased following cold exposure. This study shows that cold, but not heat, application at temperatures commonly used in rehabilitation is sufficient to cause alterations in the wrist extensor muscle's ability to quickly develop isometric tension.
Characterization of the Major Metabolite of Sampangine in Rats

Sampangine (1) is a plant-derived antifungal copyrine alkaloid extracted from the stem bark of Cananga odorata. Although it possesses potent in vitro antifungal activity, 1 is devoid of significant and reproducible in vivo activity in a mouse model of cryptococcosis. Speculating that the lack of in vivo activity could be due to metabolism, a study was undertaken to begin to develop an understanding of the pharmacokinetics, and particularly metabolism of 1. Following intraperitoneal administration of 1 to rats, urine was collected, extracted, and chromatographed over a reversed-phase C18 silica column to yield the major metabolite, SAM MM1 (2), which was identified by NMR and MS to be an O-glucuronide conjugate of sampangine. In addition, two other unstable, structurally uncharacterized minor metabolites were produced, as evidenced by HPLC analysis. Evaluation of the antifungal and antibacterial activities of 2 showed it to have remarkable in vitro activity against Cryptococcus neoformans.
Exploring School Learning Communities: Students' Early Literacy Transformations.

In this study, I examined a learning community of remedial readers and writers struggling with emergent forms of literacy and documented their transformations of this literacy into more conventional forms. I explored how more knowledgeable others engaged students in discourse and activities to support early literacy learning in several places within the school community (e.g., regular classroom, remedial resource room, library). Based on the analyses that explored the potential mediation of students literacy learning within several settings, four main themes emerged to help explain the nature of the mediating activities: decision-making, opportunity, choice, and engagement.
Resistivity of bias-sputtered TiW films

Abstract Ti W films were deposited by d.c. magnetron sputtering and r.f. diode sputtering, with r.f. substrate bias in both cases. The r.f.-induced d.c. self bias potential on the substrate carrier was varied from zero to −300 V. The resistivity of the Ti W film could be decreased by a factor of two by altering the substrate bias. The r.f.-sputtered films has higher resistivities than the d.c.-sputtered films. Auger analysis showed large decreases in titanium content as the bias voltage was increased. The oxygen content of the r.f.-sputtered films also decreased with increasing bias, but in the d.c.-sputtered films the oxygen content showed no correlation with bias. Calculated values of the titanium concentration in the films with no bias were lower than in the target by a factor of two, indicating a systematic error in the titanium content calculated from the sensitivity factors used. This is thought to be caused by preferential titanium sputtering during the Auger electron spectroscopy film profiling. The resistivity of the Ti W films showed a strong linear correlation with titanium content in the d.c.-sputtered films. The situation was less clear with the r.f.-sputtered films, which were more contaminated with oxygen.
Product grouping for batch processes

This paper considers a production environment in which multiple products produced in a batch process share several facilities, and the products must be grouped (or, equivalently, assigned to facilities) so as to minimize associated inventory carrying costs (an NP-hard problem). The main contributions of the paper are (1) to derive a polynomial-time procedure that computes optimal solutions to an important special case of the problem, (2) to extend the procedure as an heuristic to the more general case, and (3) to demonstrate computationally that the heuristic is remarkably effective in the general case.
Distributed timestamp generation in planar lattice networks

Timestamps are considered for distributed environments in which information flow is restricted to one direction through a planar lattice imposed on a network. For applications in such networks, existing timestamping algorithms require extension and modification. For example, in secure environments, typical timestamps provide a potential signaling channel between incomparable levels. In hierarchical databases, typical timestamps cause peripheral sites to unnecessarily affect the behavior at main sites.Algorithms are presented by which a network node may generate and compare timestamps using timestamp components maintained at dominated nodes in the network. The comparison relation is shown to be acyclic for timestamps produced by the generation algorithm. We discuss ways to safely relax the requirement that the network be a lattice. By example, we show how to modify a simple nonplanar lattice so that the generation algorithm can be applied. Uses of the timestamp generation algorithm in the motivating applications are outlined.
Unexpected rate retardation by 4-alkyl substituents in neutral electron demand diels-alder reactions of 2-(3-butenyl)-1,2-dihydropyridines

Abstract Sustmann's equation gives insight into the slower intramolecular reactivity of 4-alkyl-2-(3-butenyl)-1, 2-dihydropyrldines 2a – 2f relative to the parent 1a . Steric effects are inconsistent with the observed rate data.
Parviflorine, a glycosidic spirobenzylisoquinoline alkaloid

Abstract (+)-Parviflorine ( 1 ), found in Fumaria parviflora Lam. (Fumariaceae), is the first known glycosidic spirobenzylisoquinoline alkaloid. Its acid hydrolysis yields (+)-parfumine ( 4 ) and D-glucose. Klyne's rule indicates that 1 is a β-D-glucoside. The absolute configuration shown in expressions 1-11 is predominant among spirobenzylisoquinolines. A generalization has been drawn between plant source and the oxygenation pattern of ring C for the spirobenzylisoquinoline alkaloids.
Phosphorylated mesoporous carbon as a solid acid catalyst

Mesoporous carbon catalyst supports are attractive due to their wide chemical stability while potentially increasing mass-transport through and providing a path for larger molecules to access catalytic sites. Herein we report the synthesis of a phosphorylated mesoporous carbon solid-acid catalyst characterized by NH3-TPD and isopropanol dehydration.
Fatigue Modeling for Elastic Materials With Statistically Distributed Defects

The paper is devoted to formulation and analysis of a new model of structural fatigue that is a direct extension of the model of contact fatigue developed by Kudish (2000, STLE Tribol. Trans., 43, pp. 711-721). The model is different from other published models of structural fatigue (Collins, J. A., 1993, Failure of Materials and Mechanical Design: Analysis, Prediction, Prevention, 2nd ed., Wiley, New York) in a number of aspects such as statistical approach to material defects, stress analysis, etc. The model is based on fracture mechanics and fatigue crack propagation. The model takes into account local stress distribution, initial statistical distribution of defects versus their size, crack location, and orientation, and material fatigue resistance parameters. The assumptions used for the new model derivation are stated clearly and their validity is discussed. The model considers the kinetics of crack distribution by taking into account the fact that the crack distribution varies with the number of applied loading cycles due to crack growth. A qualitative and quantitative parametric analysis of the model is performed. Some analytical formulas for fatigue life as a function of the initial defect distribution, material fatigue resistance, and stress state are obtained. Examples of application of the model to predicting fatigue of beam bending and torsion and contact fatigue for tapered bearings is presented.
Neuroscience and accelerator mass spectrometry.

Accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) is a mass spectrometric method for quantifying rare isotopes. It has had great impact in geochronology and archaeology and is now being applied in biomedicine. AMS measures radioisotopes such as {sup 3}H, {sup 14}C, {sup 26}Al, {sup 36}Cl and {sup 41}Ca, with zepto- or attomole sensitivity and high precision and throughput, enabling safe human pharmacokinetic studies involving: microgram doses, agents having low bioavailability, or toxicology studies where administered doses must be kept low (<1 {micro}g/kg). It is used to study long-term pharmacokinetics, to identify biomolecular interactions, to determine chronic and low-dose effects or molecular targets of neurotoxic substances, to quantify transport across the blood-brain barrier and to resolve molecular turnover rates in the human brain on the timescale of decades. We will here review how AMS is applied in neurotoxicology and neuroscience.
The relationship between historical aspirin-induced asthma and severity of asthma induced during oral aspirin challenges

Background Historical aspirin- or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)–induced reactions might provide predictive information about the severity of reactions in patients with aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD) undergoing oral aspirin challenge (OAC). Objective We sought to assess the relationship between historical aspirin- or NSAID-induced bronchial reactions and the severity of bronchial reactions during OAC in patients with AERD. Methods Data regarding the provoking doses, treatments, and treatment settings of historical aspirin/NSAID-induced reactions were recorded, analyzed, and compared with the provoking doses, maintenance regimens, and observed decreases in FEV 1 that occurred during OAC in 210 consecutive patients referred with suspected AERD. Results Of 147 patients who reported seeking acute medical care for their historical aspirin/NSAID-induced asthma attacks, 101 (69%) were treated in an emergency department and released, and 46 (31%) required hospitalization. During OAC in these 147 subjects, 23 (16%) had a 20% to 29% decrease and 14 (10%) had a 30% or greater decrease in FEV 1 values from baseline. Of the 46 patients previously hospitalized for aspirin/NSAID-induced asthma attacks, 9 (20%) had a 20% to 29% decrease and 6 (13%) had a 30% or greater decrease in FEV 1 during OAC. By contrast, of the 63 patients who treated their prior aspirin/NSAID-induced reactions at home, 5 (8%) had a 20% to 29% decrease and 5 (8%) had a 30% or greater decrease in FEV 1 during OAC ( P = not significant for both). Conclusion The severity of the historical aspirin/NSAID-induced asthma attack was not predictive of asthma severity during OAC. Clinical implications These data provide further reassurance regarding the safety of outpatient aspirin desensitization.
Respiratory and Laryngeal Responses to an Oral Air Pressure Bleed during Speech.

Researchers have hypothesized that the respiratory and laryngeal speech subsystems would respond to an air pressure bleed, but these responses have not been empirically studied. The present study examined the nature of the responses of the respiratory and laryngeal subsystems to an air pressure bleed in order to provide information relevant to the nature of motor control for speech. Participants produced a syllable train consisting of 7 syllables of [pa] 10 times with and without an air pressure bleed in place. Acoustic, aerodynamic, and respiratory kinematic data were collected. In the bleed condition, peak intraoral air pressure and average oral airflow during the [a] were lower, lung and rib cage volume excursions were longer, and rib cage volume terminations were more negative. This study provides empirical data demonstrating a clear interaction among the speech subsystems. Both active and passive mechanisms are suggested by the subsystems' responses.
Effects of gepirone, an aryl-piperazine anxiolytic drug, on aggressive behavior and brain monoaminergic neurotransmission.

Gepirone (BMY 13805), a buspirone analog, was used to determine the antianxiety mechanism of the arylpiperazine class of drugs. Because of the weak effects of these drugs on conflict behavior, isolation-induced aggressive mice were used as the antianxiety model. Gepirone, like buspirone, potently inhibited attacks against group housed intruder mice (ED50 = 4.5 mg/kg i.p.) without causing sedation or ataxia. Inhibition of aggression was potentiated by co-administration of 0.25 mg/kg methiothepin or 2.5 mg/kg methysergide. Gepirone had variable effects on dopamine metabolism and reduced 5-hydroxytryptamine (5HT) metabolism about one third after a dose of 2.5 mg/kg. In contrast to buspirone, which markedly increased dopaminergic impulse flow, gepirone inhibited the firing of most cells recorded from the substantia nigra zona compacta in doses of 2.3-10 mg/kg i.v. and the effects were reversible by administration of haloperidol. The common metabolite of buspirone and gepirone, 1-(2-pyrimidinyl)-piperazine, caused increased firing rates only. Gepirone potently inhibited serotonergic impulse flow recorded from the dorsal raphe nucleus (88.3% after 0.04 mg/kg) and this effect was partially reversed by serotonergic antagonists. Both buspirone and gepirone displaced [3H]-5HT from the 5HT1a binding site in the hippocampus with IC50 values of 10 and 58 nM, respectively. Non-alkyl substituted aryl-piperazines displaced [3H]-5HT from both 5HT1a and 5HT1b binding sites. Thus, although gepirone may be a weak postsynaptic 5HT agonist, its primary effect is to decrease 5HT neurotransmission. In support of this conclusion was the observed potentiation of antiaggressive effects by blocking 5HT receptors wit small doses of methiothepin or methysergide, which would exacerbate the decreased release of 5HT caused by gepirone. These results are in harmony with reports that decreased serotonergic activity has anxiolytic-like effects in animal models of anxiety.
Affect of Sedimentation on Stromatolite Reef Growth and Morphology, Ediacaran Omkyk Member (Nama Group), Namibia

Superbly preserved reefs of Ediacaran age in Namibia give clues to environmental controls on stromatolite-thrombolite growth morphology and nucleation. Digital mapping and Measured stratigraphic sections reveal parasequences featuring meter-scale alternation of shallow marine shale and stromatolitic-thrombolitic microbialites associated with other clastic carbonates (grainstones, mudstones). Stromatolite-thrombolite column width, spacing and height vary systematically with the type of sediment being deposited, with growth inhibited during shale deposition. Columns are generally wider and more closely spaced during carbonate sediment deposition and narrower and more widely spaced during shale deposition. While stromatolite growth should be sensitive to sediment type explicitly, we also interpret sediment type as a general proxy for changing environmental conditions (e.g. water depth, turbidity) that may directly affect reef growth. A simple rule-based numerical simulation of microbialite growth is formulated based on the field interpretations of sedimentological and topographic growth controls. The model cannot explain detailed morphologic attributes, but can recreate correlations between stromatolite column widths, column spacing and layer bed thickness as a function of sediment type.
Transformation of Arabidopsis thaliana with Agrobacterium tumefaciens

Transformed Arabidopsis thaliana plants have been produced by a modified leaf disk transformation-regeneration method. Leaf pieces from sterilely grown plants were precultured for 2 days and inoculated with an Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain containing an avirulent Ti (tumor-inducing) plasmid with a chimeric gene encoding hygromycin resistance. After cocultivation for 2 days, the leaf pieces were placed on a medium that selects for hygromycin resistance. Shoots regenerated within 3 months and were excised, rooted, and transferred to soil. Transformation was confirmed by opine production, hygromycin resistance, and DNA blot hybridization of both primary transformants and progeny. This process for producing transgenic Arabidopsis plants should enhance the usefulness of the species for experimental biology.
Frictional Instabilities in Polymer-Polymer Sliding

The effects of surface roughness, normal load, sliding velocity, and silicone oil content of Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene (ABS) polymer on static and kinetic friction were studied in a pin-on-di...
Synthesis and Characterization of Volatile, Thermally Stable, Reactive Transition Metal Amidinates

A series of homoleptic metal amidinates of the general type [M(R-R'AMD)(n)](x) (R = (i)Pr, (t)Bu, R' = Me, (t)Bu) has been prepared and structurally characterized for the transition metals Ti, V, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Ag, and La. In oxidation state 3, monomeric structures were found for the metals Ti(III), V(III), and La(III). Bridging structures were observed for the metals in oxidation state 1. Cu(I) and Ag(I) are held in bridged dimers, and Ag(I) also formed a trimer that cocrystallized with the dimer. Metals in oxidation state 2 occurred in either monomeric or dimeric form. Metals with smaller ionic radii (Co, Ni) were monomeric. Larger metals (Fe, Mn) gave monomeric structures only with the bulkier tert-butyl-substituted amidinates, while the less bulky isopropyl-substituted amidinates formed dimers. The new compounds were found to have properties well-suited for use as precursors for atomic layer deposition (ALD) of thin films. They have high volatility, high thermal stability, and high and properly self-limited reactivity with molecular hydrogen, depositing pure metals, or water vapor, depositing metal oxides.
Human otolith-ocular reflexes during off-vertical axis rotation: effect of frequency on tilt-translation ambiguity and motion sickness

The purpose of this study was to examine how the modulation of tilt and translation otolith-ocular responses during constant velocity off-vertical axis rotation varies as a function of stimulus frequency. Eighteen human subjects were rotated in darkness about their longitudinal axis 30 degrees off-vertical at stimulus frequencies between 0.05 and 0.8 Hz. The modulation of torsion decreased while the modulation of horizontal slow phase velocity (SPV) increased with increasing frequency. It is inferred that the ambiguity of otolith afferent information is greatest in the frequency region where tilt (torsion) and translational (horizontal SPV) otolith-ocular responses crossover. It is postulated that the previously demonstrated peak in motion sickness susceptibility during linear accelerations around 0.3 Hz is the result of frequency segregation of ambiguous otolith information being inadequate to distinguish between tilt and translation.
Magnetosphere-thermosphere coupling: An experiment in interactive modeling

The present use of the Rice convection model to investigate the electrodynamic coupling of the thermosphere to the inner magnetosphere encompasses the effects of EUV-driven and convection-driven neutral winds under quasi-equilibrium conditions. Convection-driven winds are included self-consistently and interactively; a steady-state wind parameterization is written analytically in terms of the electrostatic potential, which is in turn included in a closed-loop calculation for the electric potential itself. The simulations conducted show that, as the neutral system approaches a quasi-equilibrium state, the neutral winds play a much more significant role.
Relevance of ammonium oxidation within biological soil crust communities

Thin, vertically structured topsoil communities that become ecologically important in arid regions (biological soil crusts or BSCs) are responsible for much of the nitrogen inputs into pristine arid lands. We studied N(2) fixation and ammonium oxidation (AO) at subcentimetre resolution within BSCs from the Colorado Plateau. Pools of dissolved porewater nitrate/nitrite, ammonium and organic nitrogen in wetted BSCs were high in comparison with those typical of aridosoils. They remained stable during incubations, indicating that input and output processes were of similar magnitude. Areal N(2) fixation rates (6.5-48 micromol C(2)H(2) m(-2) h(-1)) were high, the vertical distribution of N(2) fixation peaking close to the surface if populations of heterocystous cyanobacteria were present, but in the subsurface if they were absent. Areal AO rates (19-46 micromol N m(-2) h(-1)) were commensurate with N(2) fixation inputs. When considering oxygen availability, AO activity invariably peaked 2-3 mm deep and was limited by oxygen (not ammonium) supply. Most probable number (MPN)-enumerated ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (6.7-7.9 x 10(3) cells g(-1) on average) clearly peaked at 2-3 mm depth. Thus, AO (hence nitrification) is a spatially restricted but important process in the nitrogen cycling of BSC, turning much of the biologically fixed nitrogen into oxidized forms, the fate of which remains to be determined.
Effects of current velocity and suspended debris on the drift feeding of Arctic grayling

Abstract We videotaped Arctic grayling Thymallus arcticus feeding on large Daphnia middendorffiana drifting at different water velocities in an experimental stream with and without stream debris. The angle and distance at which fish first located each prey was determined from the videotapes. Both measures were affected by stream velocity and added debris. Location distance was unchanged at the lower velocities (11.6 and 32.3 cm/s) but declined at higher velocities. However, prey encounter rate increased up to water velocities of 45.8 cm/s, and thus water velocity compensated for reduced search area. Added debris always shortened location distance and decreased location angle. These findings have implications for position choice in streams and search strategies.
Preliminary X-ray analysis of a new crystal form of the Escherichia coli KDO8P synthase.

3-Deoxy-d-manno-octulosonate 8-phosphate (KDO8P) synthase catalyzes the biosynthesis of an essential component of the lipopolysaccharide of all Gram-negative bacteria. The structure and mechanism of KDO8P synthase are being actively studied as this enzyme represents an important target for antibiotic therapy. The structure of the Escherichia coli KDO8P synthase in cubic crystals (space group I23) has recently been determined and the enzyme shown to be a tetramer of identical subunits. However, this information is challenged by biochemical studies, which suggest that the enzyme behaves in solution as a homotrimer. Here, the preparation and preliminary X-ray analysis of monoclinic crystals of KDO8P synthase are reported. The crystals belong to space group P21, with unit-cell parameters a ≃ 50, b ≃ 140, c ≃ 74 A, β ≃ 105°. The structure of KDO8P synthase in the monoclinic crystal form was determined by molecular replacement, using as a search model one of the subunits of the enzyme in the cubic crystals. A tetramer of KDO8P synthase with 222 local symmetry is also present in the asymmetric unit of the P21 crystals, with a solvent content of 43%. The observation that the same quaternary structure of KDO8P synthase is observed in two different crystal forms belonging to distinct crystal systems (monoclinic and cubic) suggests that a tetramer is the native form of the enzyme.
HYPERTHYROID GOITRE DUE TO INAPPROPRIATE TSH SECRETION SUCCESSFULLY TREATED WITH DEXTRO-THYROXINE

HYPERTHYROID GOITRE DUE TO INAPPROPRIATE TSH SECRETION SUCCESSFULLY TREATED WITH DEXTRO-THYROXINE
Micro-fabricated membrane gas valves with a non-stiction coating deposited by C4F8/Ar plasma

Micro-fabricated gas valves with C4F8/Ar treatment at the sealing interface are designed, fabricated and characterized to passively control gases in a micro gas analysis system. The check valves form a seal between a polished Si/SiO2 substrate and a smooth polyimide (PI) membrane. The smooth PI membrane touches the SiO2 surface, giving rise to relatively strong van der Waals adhesion, and under humid conditions hydrogen-bonded stiction can occur at the interface between PI and SiO2. To prevent stiction from dominating adhesion, the valve-seat surface was treated with a hydrophobic CFn thin film, which was formed by exposing the surface to C4F8/Ar inductively coupled plasma (ICP) at low power. The valves without a non-stiction coating did not open with inlet pressures up to 210 kPa. With a non-stiction coating, the valves showed an average initial opening pressure of 59.25 kPa. In order to further reduce the opening pressure, 40% of the valve-seat area is reduced. After modification, the average opening pressure is reduced to 32.5 kPa. After the initial opening, the average in-use opening pressure was 16.9 kPa before area modification, and 13.1 kPa after the modification. The valve has been tested up to 10 000 open/close cycles under dry N2 gas flow, and an additional 3000 open/close cycles under humid N2 gas flow. The average forward flow conductance of the valves before modification was 1.1 sccm kPa−1, and the conductance after modification was 1.41 sccm kPa−1. The measured leakage is between 0.0003 and 0.004 sccm up to 35 kPa reverse pressure.
Dopaminergic Neurons of Periventricular and Arcuate Nuclei of Pseudopregnant Rats: Semicircadian Rhythm in Fos-Related Antigens Immunoreactivities and in Dopamine Concentration*

The activity of the A,, and A,, hypothalamic dopaminergic (DAergic) neurons were characterized throughout a day of pseudopregnancy to establish their relationship to the generation of PRL surges during that time. Double-label immunocytochemistry was performed using fos-related antigens as markers of neuronal activity, and tyrosine hydroxylase antibody to identify DAergic neurons of the periventricular nucleus and the arcuate nucleus (ARN). Dopamine concentrations were measured with HPLC with electrochemical detection from micropunched samples to approximate synthetic activities of A,, and A,, neurons. Serum PRL levels were determined by RIA. On the fifth and sixth day of pseudopregnancy, five rats/time point were killed at 1100 h, 1300 h, 1500 h, 1800 h, 2100 h, 2400 h, 0300 h, and 0600 h. When the serum PRL was low, the incidence of fos-related antigens/tyrosine hydroxylase double-labeled neurons was high, and it decreased twice a day by 1500 and 0300 h in the periventricular nucleus, rostra1 ARN, dorsomedial subpopulation of the middle ARN, and in the caudal ARN, corresponding to the initiation of PRL surges. Concentrations of DA were high in these areas, and decreased before PRL surges in agreement with the immunocytochemical data. These findings suggest a semicircadian rhythm in the activities of A,, and A,, neurons which, in concert with PRL releasing factors, contribute to the generation of PRL surges in pseudopregnant animals.
Sleep and suicidality in psychotic patients

The purpose of the study was to determine whether polysomnographic rapid eye movement (REM) sleep parameters distinguish between psychotic patients with and without a history of suicidal behavior. We examined both hand-scored and automated measures of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep in psychotic patients with and without a history of suicidal ideation or attempts. Patients with suicidal behavior had significantly increased REM activity and time both in the whole night data and in the first REM period. These findings suggest an association between REM sleep abnormalities and suicidal behavior, perhaps related to alteration in serotonergic function.
A Photon-Camera Star Tracker For Stellar Interferometry

A photon-camera star tracker was developed for use in a ground-based optical stellar interferometer. A major advantage gained by using a photon camera as the light detecting element is that it allows the received image to be cross-correlated with any desired spatial function. A theoretical analysis is presented to show that proper selection of a cross-correlation function can result in improved tracking performance. In addition, the optical, electronic, and software design of the star tracker is discussed.
Structural Determinants of Gas Phase Basicities of Peptides

Abstract Gas phase basicities of more than two dozen peptides have been measured in studies of structural determinants. These were determined using the kinetic method of dissociation of proton-bound dimers with a tandem four-sector mass spectrometer. Basicities of peptides were found to be higher than those of amino acids, and values for polyalanines with residues ranging from 1 to 6 were found to increase with the length of the polymer. Basicities of systematically varied peptides are rank ordered with increments analogous to the proton affinities of the most basic amino acids present in each. The position of the most basic residue was found in a series of tripeptides to have only a small influence (less than 2 kcal/mol) on basicity, in the order: amino terminus > internal > carboxyl terminus. The kinetic method can provide good thermochemical values when it is used with caution, as is discussed in this paper.
Spectral properties of alkenylboranes evidence for conjugative interactions of boron with carbon—carbon π-systems

Abstract Ultraviolet, proton magnetic resonance and infrared spectral studies of a number of alkenylboranes are reported. Appreciable conjugation of carbon—carbon π-systems with boron is indicated. Comparisons of the UV and PMR spectra of alkenylboranes with those of their corresponding methyllithium ate complexes are especially informative. A marked solvent effect upon the PMR spectra of lithium ate complexes of alkenylboranes has been observed.
A Systematic Literature Review of Six Sigma Practices in Education

Six Sigma is a continuous improvement methodology aimed at reducing process variation. As Six Sigma implementation has spread from manufacturing to service and healthcare, the need for teaching the methodology in higher education emerged to prepare students for industry. The purpose of this paper is to present a systematic review the relevant literature of Six Sigma in higher education. Insights on best practices and trends for integrating Six Sigma in higher education systems are also provided.
EXISTENCE OF A STABLE NEUTRAL MESON

A stable neutral meson is described. Strong and weak interactions, and experiments designed to observe this particle are discussed. Finally, it is shown that if a scalar or pseudoscalar boson is odd under charge conjugation, it is stable or extremely long lived in the absence of neutral lepton currents.
The Gray Short-Tailed Opossum (Monodelphis-Domestica) as a Model Didelphid Species for Genetic Research

The gray short-tailed opossum (Monodelphis domestica) has been established as a laboratory animal that can be produced economically in large numbers under simple husbandry conditions. The high fecundity of this species has enabled it to be widely distributed to laboratories in the U.S.A. and Europe, and to be exploited experimentally in a diverse array of scientific disciplines. Partially inbred strains produced by full sib matings have reached the F8 generation. Several genetic markers have been identified, and further work in this area will enhance the value of the species as a model didelphid marsupial for basic and biomedical genetic research.