cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Coalition releases declaration for healthy and productive oceans

Coalition releases declaration for healthy and productive oceans A coalition of 13 countries or federal agencies participating in a new Global Partnership for Oceans (GPO) indicated its support for a “Declaration for Healthy and Productive Oceans to Help Reduce Poverty” on 16 June, just prior to the Rio+20 conference in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Stable and high conductivity ceria/bismuth oxide bilayer electrolytes for lower temperature solid oxide fuel cells

A highly conductive bismuth oxide/ceria bilayer electrolyte was developed to reduce solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) operating temperatures. Bilayer electrolytes were fabricated by depositing a layer of Er0.2Bi0.8O1.5 (ESB) of varying thickness via pulsed laser deposition and dip-coating on a Sm0.2Ce0.8O1.9 (SDC) substrate. The open-circuit potential (OCP) and ionic transference number (t i) of ESB/SDC electrolytes were tested in a fuel cell arrangement as a function of relative thickness, temperature, and % MathType!Translator!2!1!AMS LaTeX.tdl!TeX -- AMS-LaTeX!% MathType!MTEF!2!1!+-% feaaeaart1ev0aaatCvAUfeBSjuyZL2yd9gzLbvyNv2CaerbbjxAHX% garmWu51MyVXgatuuDJXwAK1uy0HwmaeHbfv3ySLgzG0uy0Hgip5wz% aebbnrfifHhDYfgasaacH8qrps0lbbf9q8WrFfeuY-Hhbbf9v8qqaq% Fr0xc9pk0xbba9q8WqFfea0-yr0RYxir-Jbba9q8aq0-yq-He9q8qq% Q8frFve9Fve9Ff0dmeaabaqaciGacaGaaeqabaWaaeWaeaaakeaaca% qGqbWaaSbaaSqaaiaab+eadaWgaaadbaGaaeOmaaqabaaaleqaaaaa% !3A4E! $${\text{P}}_{{{\rm{O}}_{{\text{2}}} }}$$ with H2/H2O and CO/CO2 on the anode side and air on the cathode side. These EMF measurements showed a significant increase in OCP and t i with the bilayer structure, as compared to the cells with a single SDC electrolyte layer. Furthermore, improvement in the OCP and t i of bilayer SOFCs was observed with increasing relative thickness of the ESB layers. Hence, the bilayer structure overcomes the limited thermodynamic stability of bismuth oxides and prevents electronic conductivity of ceria-based oxides in reducing atmosphere.
Optimum Temperature for Feeding and Growth of Tilapia zillii

Abstract Tilapia zillii were fed lettuce at water temperatures ranging from 20 to 34°C to determine the impact of temperature on the feeding rate and growth and to determine the optimum temperature for each. The optimum temperature for feeding is between 28.8 and 31.4°C, when the feeding rate averaged 171% of the fish's body weight of lettuce in 24 h. The fastest growth rate was at 31.4°C, at which the fish averaged an increase of 3.42% of their body weight in 24 h. T. zillii should be valuable for aquatic weed control wherever water temperatures exceed 22°C for a substantial portion of the year.
Thermal indications of cutaneous blood flow in the American alligator

Abstract 1. 1. Cutaneous surface and subdermal heat flow measurements were made for a 67.1 kg alligator and combined with previously reported data from smaller alligators. 2. 2. Mean cutaneous blood flow rates of 0.016ml blood/min per cm2 of skin are thermally indicated at a body temperature of 25°C. 3. 3. This result is in good agreement with the rate of blood flow calculated from 133Xe clearance halftime. 4. 4. Body conductance obtained from the present work show trends with weight in accord with those expected from previously reported thermal time constants. 5. 5. Regression equations for 25°C whole body conductance vs weight for warming, cooling and dead conditions are as follows, with conductance in cal/cm2 per min per °C and W in kg: Cw = 0.076W−0.21; Cc = 0.061W−0.34; Cd = 0.039W−0.32.
Female reproductive factors and primary open-angle glaucoma in the Nurses’ Health Study

The purpose of this study was to explore the relation between age at menarche, parity, and oral contraceptive (OC) use, and primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). We followed 79 440 women in the Nurses’ Health Study prospectively from 1980 to 2006 and identified 813 cases of incident POAG. Eligible participants were ≥40 years old, free of POAG at baseline, had information on reproductive history, and reported receiving eye examinations during follow-up. Relevant exposure data and POAG risk factors were updated using biennial questionnaires. We used proportional hazards models to calculate multivariable rate ratios (MVRRs) of POAG and 95% confidence intervals (CI). In multivariable analysis, there were no significant linear trends between age at menarche (Pfor trend=0.65) or reproductive duration defined as time between age at menarche and menopause (Pfor trend=0.30) and POAG. Although ever using OCs was not associated with POAG risk (MVRR=1.14; 95% CI, 0.98, 1.34), ≥5 years of OC use was associated with a modest 25% increased risk of POAG (MVRR=1.25; 95% CI, 1.02, 1.53; Pfor linear trend=0.04). Furthermore, among past OC users, a shorter time since stopping OC use was also associated with an increased risk of POAG (Pfor linear trend=0.02). Parity was not associated with POAG risk. The ≥5 years of OC use was associated with a modestly increased risk of POAG. These data add further support for a role of circulating estrogen in the pathogenesis of POAG.
Viral-specific antigen synthesis following de novo RD-114 virus infection of stationary cells

The cell cycle dependence of retrovirus replication was studied. Canine sarcoma (D-17) cells were infected de novo with the xenotropic feline retrovirus RD-114 under conditions previously reported to simultaneously inhibit virus replication and cell DNA synthesis and/or cell division. RD-114 viral antigen synthesis was observed under conditions previously reported to be inhibitory to avian and murine oncornavirus replication, including confluency and serum deprivation, X-irradiation, mitomycin C pretreatment, colchicine, and ethidium bromide treatments of cells. Several mechanisms that could account for viral antigen synthesis under the restrictive conditions used are discussed.
Delay‐discounting rewards from consumer sales promotions

Purpose – Rewards from sales promotions may be either immediate (e.g. instant savings, coupons, instant rebates) or delayed (e.g. rebates, refunds). The latter type is of interest in this study. The purpose of this paper is to present the hyperbolic discounting framework as an explanation for how consumers delay‐discount rewards, and test whether this holds for both high‐price and low‐price product categories.Design/methodology/approach – Data were collected by administering two online surveys to respondents. One survey presented choice scenarios between sales promotion formats for a high‐priced product (a laptop, n=154) and the other for a low‐priced product (a cell phone, n=98). Hyperbolic and exponential functions were then fitted to the data.Findings – The hyperbolic function had a better fit than the exponential function for the low‐priced product. However, this effect was not evident in the case of the high‐priced product; no significant difference was found between the functions. The rate of discou...
Transmural migration of intestinal bacteria during peritoneal irrigation in uremic dogs.

Summary and ConclusionsRepeated intraperitoneal infusion of the fluid used for peritoneal irrigation in uremic patients, administered aseptically to healthy rabbits and dogs for 11-16 days, produced a moderate leukocytic response, but the peritoneum remained free of bacteria or visible inflammatory reaction. In uremic dogs, however, bacterial contamination of the peritoneal fluid developed after the 4th day of irrigation. The micro-organisms found were E. coli alone or with A. aerogenes. Occasionally, several other species, normally found in the intestine, appeared; but Clostridia were never found. Preliminary oral administration of streptomycin and sulfathalidine prevented contamination of the peritoneal fluid. Blood cultures were uniformly sterile throughout the period of observation, It is concluded that irrigation of the peritoneal cavity of uremic dogs causes transmural migration of intestinal bacteria and that oral chemotherapy can prevent such contamination.
Calorimetric Determination of Desolvation Energy for a Model Binding Reaction in Dilute and Crowded Solutions

In most thermodynamic treatments of aqueous reaction equilibria, the energetic contribution of the solvent is neglected or intentionally omitted. In the current work, water is treated as a co-reactant in the development of a general equation for binding equilibria that takes into account the unavoidable change in hydration that occurs when two solvated surfaces come into contact. The governing equation is supported by data obtained via isothermal titration calorimetry using the chelation of Ca2+ by EDTA as a model binding reaction. The desolvation free energy for formation of the EDTA/Ca2+ complex is unfavorable, as determined from the concentration dependence of the equilibrium “constant.” Results for dilute and crowded solutions are compared in order to assess the role of desolvation under conditions found in vivo.View Large Image | View Hi-Res Image | Download PowerPoint Slide
Perturbation Analysis of a Problem of Carrier's

In this paper, we analyze the asymptotic behavior of a nonautonomous nonlinear problem proposed by G. F. Carrier. In addition to its historical interest, this problem presents some unusual features; the internal layers, instead of obeying an approximate equal spacing rule as in the famous “spurious solutions” problem, in fact, coalesce. This feature is revealed by unusual matching that incorporates exponentially small and large terms in the matching process. Symmetry notions also play a role in understanding this interesting phenomenon. The asymptotics are compared with full numerical solutions.
Analyzing the temporal evolution of students’ behaviors in open-ended learning environments

Metacognition and self-regulation are important for developing effective learning in the classroom and beyond, but novice learners often lack effective metacognitive and self-regulatory skills. However, researchers have demonstrated that metacognitive processes can be developed through practice and appropriate scaffolding. Betty’s Brain, an open-ended computer-based learning environment, helps students practice their cognitive skills and develop related metacognitive strategies as they learn science topics. In this paper, we analyze students’ activity sequences in a study that compared different categories of adaptive scaffolding in Betty’s Brain. The analysis techniques for measuring students’ cognitive and metacognitive processes extend our previous work on using sequence mining methods to discover students’ frequently-used behavior patterns by (i) developing a systematic approach for interpreting derived behavior patterns using a cognitive/metacognitive task model and (ii) analyzing the evolution of students’ frequent behavior patterns over time. Our results show that it is possible to identify students’ learning behaviors and analyze their evolution as they work in the Betty’s Brain environment. Further, the results illustrate that changes in student behavior were generally consistent with the scaffolding provided, suggesting that these metacognitive strategies can be taught to middle school students in computer-based learning environments.
Approximate heat transfer coefficients based on variable thermophysical properties for laminar flow over a uniformly heated flat plate

New heat transfer coefficient approximations are developed for forced laminar flow over a uniformly heated flat plate at zero incidence angle. The development is based on solving the variable property boundary layer equations using a variable property similarity transform that incorporates an adjustable similarity scaling constant. The scaling constants value is iteratively adjusted until the scaled temperature gradient-at-the-wall value is equal to the small temperature difference value. The resulting scaled profiles are nearly congruent. The congruency scaling constant is then approximated in terms of simple functions of the kinematic viscosity and the Prandlt number evaluated at the plate and free stream temperatures. The approximate scaling constants are used to form new approximations for the heat transfer coefficient. The new approximate coefficients are compared to traditional coefficients for four gases and six liquid flows covering the range 0.5 < Pr < 3,000 with large temperature differences.
Highly potent antagonists of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone free of edematogenic effects

Abstract To eliminate the undesirable edematogenic effect of the luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LH-RH) antagonists containing basic D amino acids at position 6, exemplified by [Ac-D-Phe(pCl)1,2,D-Trp3,D-Arg6,D-Ala10]LH-RH [Phe(pCl) indicates 4-chlorophenylalanine], analogs with D-ureidoalkyl amino acids such as D-citrulline (D-Cit) or D-homocitrulline (D-Hci) at position 6 were synthesized and tested in several systems in vitro and in vivo. HPLC analysis revealed that the overall hydrophobicity of the D-Cit/D-Hci6 analogs was similar to that of the basic D-Arg6 antagonists. In vitro, most of the analogs completely inhibited LH-RH-mediated luteinizing hormone release in perfused rat pituitary cell systems at an antagonist to LH-RH molar ratio of 5:1. In vivo, the most active peptides, [Ac-D-Nal(2)1,D-Phe(pCl)2,D-Trp3,D-Cit6,D-Ala10]LH-RH [Nal(2) indicates 3-(2-naphthyl)alanine] and its D-Hci6 analog, caused 100% inhibition of ovulation in cycling rats in doses of 3 micrograms and suppressed the luteinizing hormone level in ovariectomized female rats for 47 hr when administered at doses of 25 micrograms. Characteristically, these peptides did not exert any edematogenic effects even at 1.5 mg/kg. These properties of the D-Cit/D-Hci6 antagonists may make them useful clinically.
Reactive synaptogenesis in hippocampal area CA1 of aged and young adult rats

Selective lesions that result in a partial loss of neuronal input appear to signal residual, undamaged inputs to sprout and replace synaptic connections that have been lost. Previous investigations have compared this process of reactive synaptogenesis in young and old animals in the hippocampal dentate gyrus and have demonstrated that the aged brain has a diminished capacity for reinnervation following massive denervation of a target area. This investigation has focused on the lesion-induced plasticity of an adjacent area of the hippocampal formation, area CA1 of regio superior, in young adult and aged rats. Young adult aged Fischer 344 rates were subjected to a unilateral, intraventricular injection of kainic acid that selectively destroyed the CA3-CA4 hippocampal pyramidal neurons. Following a 2-day interoperative interval, the rats sustained an ipsilateral transection of the fimbria-fornix. Animals were killed at 4, 10, 30, and 60 days following the second transection and processed for electron microscopic analysis. Photographic montages were constructed of area CA1 extending from the alveus to the hippocampal fissure. The density of synapses, both intact and degenerating, was determined and analyzed as a function of age, days postlesion, and zone of analysis. Synaptic density decreased 30-40% contralaterally and 60-70% ipsilaterally in both aged and young adult rats. While both age groups restored synaptic density to preoperative levels, aged subjects required significantly more time. Aged rats appeared to be retarded in the initial phases of synaptic replacement. The delay in the aged animals' reactive response was not due to any differences in degeneration clearance between the age groups.
Effects of Turbulence on the Coagulational Growth of Cloud Droplets: An Overview and Recent Results (Keynote)

Although the importance of turbulence on rain formation was noted at least 60 years ago, progress has been very slow in quantifying the turbulence effects [1]. Adequate treatment of the turbulence effects on droplet growth represents a major gap in our understanding of cloud microphysical processes [2–7]. In this talk, we will discuss open issues in this subject, and report on an on-going, systematic effort to address various effects of turbulence on the growth of small cloud droplets to sizes for which the gravitational coagulation can operate effectively. We focus on the evolution in the size range from 10 μm to 100 μm for which the condensational growth is no longer an effective growth mechanism and gravitational coagulation alone is not sufficient to grow droplets at a rate typically observed. This size range involves a change of droplet inertial response time by roughly two orders of magnitude.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
The influence of experimental wind disturbance on forest fuels and fire characteristics

Abstract Current theory in disturbance ecology predicts that extreme disturbances in rapid succession can lead to dramatic changes in species composition or ecosystem processes due to interactions among disturbances. However, the extent to which less catastrophic, yet chronic, disturbances such as wind damage and fire interact is not well studied. In this study, we simulated wind-caused gaps in a Pinus taeda forest in the Piedmont of north-central Georgia using static winching of trees to examine how wind damage may alter fuel characteristics and the behavior of subsequent prescribed fire. We found that experimental wind disturbance increased levels of fine and coarse woody fuels (but not leaf litter), increased spatial heterogeneity of fuels, and led to more complete consumption of leaf litter. These patterns led to changes in fire combustion characteristics in experimental gap plots within areas of downed tree crowns where we observed a large increase in fire radiative flux density (kW m −2 ) and its time integral, fire radiative energy density (MJ m −2 ). These results suggest that wind disturbance may interact with fire not only through addition of fuel, but also through more subtle changes in fuel composition, consumption, and arrangement. More broadly, this study shows that disturbances can influence one another via a variety of mechanisms not all of which are immediately obvious. Understanding disturbance interactions can allow forest managers to make more informed decisions about how wind disturbance influences fuel heterogeneity, and how management processes, such as prescribed fire can interact with other prior wind disturbances to interactively shape plant communities.
Validity of inspiratory and expiratory methods of measuring gas exchange with a computerized system

The accuracy of a computerized metabolic system, using inspiratory and expiratory methods of measuring ventilation, was assessed in eight male subjects. Gas exchange was measured at rest and during...
A new model of the distal convoluted tubule

The Na+-Cl− cotransporter (NCC) in the distal convoluted tubule (DCT) of the kidney is a key determinant of Na+ balance. Disturbances in NCC function are characterized by disordered volume and bloo...
Current Status of the Approach to Assisted Reproduction

Assisted reproductive technologies are important tools in the clinical armamentarium used to treat both female and male infertility disorders. Pre-implantation genetic diagnosis offers couples at risk of having children with inheritable disorders the ability to analyze the genetic make-up of embryos before transfer. For patients undergoing treatment of cancer with chemotherapy or radiation therapy, these technologies offer the potential for the preservation of future fertility. As technology evolves, it is likely the clinical applications of assisted reproduction will continue to develop and expand in the future to enhance fertility.
Beyond concern: a privacy-trust-behavioral intention model of electronic commerce

Despite the recent economic downturn in the Internet and telecommunication sectors, electronic commerce (EC) will continue to grow and corporate Web sites will remain an important communication channel. However, legitimate concerns regarding privacy and trust remain potential obstacles to growth and important issues to both individuals and organizations. This study proposed and tested a theoretical model that considers an individual's perceptions of privacy and how it relates to his or her behavioral intention to make an online transaction. An experiment that included over 200 subjects was conducted using two EC sites that differed only by the privacy dimensions of their notice, access, choice, and security. The results of this study suggested strong support for the model.
Critical role of weak [C–H⋯O] hydrogen bonds in the assembly of benzo[1,2-d:4,5-d′]bisoxazole cruciforms into supramolecular sheets

This paper explores the structural patterns adopted by a class of eight conjugated cruciforms based on a benzo[1,2-d:4,5-d′]bisoxazole (BBO) nucleus. Within the series, the lengths of cruciforms' x- and y-axes, as well as their terminal substituents, were varied. Two new cruciforms have been prepared using microwave-assisted Sonogashira couplings. Examination of molecular structures of BBO cruciforms revealed the expected cross-shaped geometries, with ∼90° crossing angles between the two conjugation circuits. Most significant deviations from the idealized planar structures were caused by the distortion of benzene rings positioned along the cruciforms' y-axis from the plane of the central benzobisoxazole ring, by as much as 82.1°. Deviations from linearity within carbon–carbon triple bonds were mild, but additively resulted in notably bent y-axes of the two largest examined cruciforms. Most significantly, the packing patterns of benzobisoxazole cruciforms revealed three distinct organizational motifs. Cruciforms with carbonyl groups on either the horizontal or the vertical axis (or both) all organized into two-dimensional infinite sheets, apparently connected chiefly through [C–H⋯O] contacts that varied in length between 2.24 and 2.60 A, and could be interpreted as weak hydrogen bonds. The parallel layers of these two-dimensional sheets then assembled into three-dimensional structures through [π⋯π] stacking between the layers. The packing patterns of the two cruciforms with 4-(N,N-dimethylamino)phenyl groups on the vertical axis are dominated by one-dimensional columnar or tape-like assemblies that are formed through [π⋯π] stacking; these then organize into two-dimensional sheets, which in turn layer into a three-dimensional structure, but with a ∼60° angle between the adjacent sheets. Finally, in the parent tetraphenyl-substituted cruciform, the sp2 nitrogen on the BBO core plays the key role in the assembly. It establishes 2.64 A-long [C–H⋯N] contacts with the phenyl groups, mediating the formation of a unique packing pattern in which six tilted columnar assemblies of [π⋯π] stacked cruciforms surround a three-fold rotation axis in the crystal.
Occurrence of Piscirickettsiosis-Like Syndrome in Tilapia in the Continental United States

From 2001 to 2003, tilapia (Oreochromis sp.) farms in Florida, California, and South Carolina experienced epizootics of a systemic disease causing mortality. The fish exhibited lethargy, occasional exoph- thalmia, and skin petechia. The gills were often necrotic, with a patchy white and red appearance. Grossly, the spleen and kidneys were granular with whitish irregular nodules throughout. Granulomatous infiltrates were observed in kidney, spleen, testes, and ovary tissues, but not in the liver. The granulomas contained pleomorphic coccoid bacteria, measuring 0.57 6 0.1 3 0.8 6 0.2 mm, that were Giemsa-positive, acid-fast-negative, and Gram-negative. The bacteria had a double cell wall, variable electron-dense and -lucent areas, and were present in the cytoplasm and within phagolysosomes. The syndrome was associated with cold stress and poor water conditions. These findings are consistent with an infectious process caused by a Piscirickettsia-like bacterium described previously in tilapia in Taiwan and Hawaii. This report involves the first identified cases of a piscir- ickettsiosis-like syndrome affecting tilapia in the continental United States.
GEN05-2: Power Control and Dynamic Channel Allocation for Delay Sensitive Applications in Wireless Networks

The next-generation packet-based wireless cellular network will provide real-time services for delay-sensitive applications. To make the next-generation cellular network successful, it is critical that the network utilizes the resource efficiently while satisfying quality of service (QoS) requirements of realtime users. In this paper, we consider the problem of power control and dynamic channel allocation for the downlink of a multi-channel, multi-user wireless cellular network. We assume that the transmitter (the base-station) has the perfect knowledge of the channel gain. At each transmission slot, a scheduler allots the transmission power and channel access for all the users based on the instantaneous channel gains and QoS requirements of users. We propose three schemes for power control and dynamic channel allocation, which utilize multiuser diversity and frequency diversity. Our results show that compared to the benchmark scheme, which does not utilize multiuser diversity and power control, our proposed schemes substantially reduce the resource usage while explicitly guaranteeing the users' QoS requirements.
Dual-energy CT angiography of pelvic and lower extremity arteries: dual-energy bone subtraction versus manual bone subtraction

Aim To analyse the effect of dual-energy bone subtraction (DEBS) on the image quality of peripheral computed tomography (CT) angiograms. Materials and methods Twenty patients underwent dual-energy CT angiography of the pelvic and lower extremity arteries using commercially available equipment. Two different methods of image processing were employed for each CT angiographic dataset: (1) DEBS, and (2) manual bone subtraction (MBS). Effects on vessel visibility and artificial vessel alterations were compared. Results Bone removal, and the resultant visibility of vessel segments, were significantly better with DEBS than with MBS (p = 0.011). The overall frequency of vessel-related alterations was lower in MBS compared with DEBS (p = 0.001). Specifically, in the 249 vessel segments with calcified plaques, MBS generated fewer vessel alterations than DEBS (p Conclusion DEBS facilitates bone removal in peripheral CT angiography, but generates more vessel alterations, particularly in the presence of calcified plaque.
Spatially Varying Classification with Localization Certainty in Level Set Segmentation

We introduce a segmentation framework which extends spatially varying classification to not only incorporate anatomical localization from shape estimation, but to also encode certainty of the localization by local shape variability. The method iterates between a classification step where a statistical classifier learned from feature selection is extended with anatomical localization features, and a shape estimation step where, given the class probability maps, shape is inferred by particle filtering using a level set shape model that accounts for local degrees of anatomical variability. The spatially varying classification is embedded in a geodesic active region framework which allows for local deviations from the inferred shape using an iteratively updated classification based region term. The method is evaluated on late gadolinium enhanced cardiac MRI and is to our knowledge the first automatic segmentation method demonstrated on this type of data.
Thermal Expansion of Thin Diblock Copolymer Films

The thermal expansion of thin films of symmetric diblock copolymers of polystyrene (PS) and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) was investigated by X-ray reflectivity. The confinement of the copolymer to the substrate, coupled with the multilayering of the copolymer where PS and PMMA layers are oriented parallel to the substrate, gives rise to unusual thermal expansion characteristics. The total thickness of the film increases as 3αL, where αL is the linear thermal expansion coefficient of the copolymer. Unlike homopolymer films, the thermal expansion of an ordered block copolymer film results in an excessive stretching of the copolymer chains at the interface between the PS and PMMA layers. This excess stretching is a result of the confinement of the junction points of the copolymer chains to the interfaces and the suppression of the lateral expansion of the copolymer. When the stretching of the chains becomes too high, relaxation occurs by transporting copolymer chains to the surface. This is evidenced by a reduction in the period of the multilayer. After the copolymer chains have relaxed, the change in the multilayer period with temperature closely follows αL.
Population genetic analysis of a recent range expansion: mechanisms regulating the poleward range limit in the volcano barnacle Tetraclita rubescens

As range shifts coincident with climate change have become increasingly well documented, efforts to describe the causes of range boundaries have increased. Three mechanisms—genetic impoverishment, migration load, or a physical barrier to dispersal—are well described theoretically, but the data needed to distinguish among them have rarely been collected. We describe the distribution, abundance, genetic variation, and environment of Tetraclita rubescens, an intertidal barnacle that expanded its northern range limit by several hundreds of kilometres from San Francisco, CA, USA, since the 1970s. We compare geographic variation in abundance with abiotic and biotic patterns, including sea surface temperatures and the distributions of 387 co-occurring species, and describe genetic variation in cytochrome c oxidase subunit I, mitochondrial noncoding region, and nine microsatellite loci from 27 locations between Bahia Magdalena (California Baja Sur, Mexico) and Cape Mendocino (CA, USA). We find very high gene flow, high genetic diversity, and a gradient in physical environmental variation coincident with the range limit. We infer that the primary cause of the northern range boundary in T. rubescens is migration load arising from flow of maladapted alleles into peripheral locations and that environmental change, which could have reduced selection against genotypes immigrating into the newly colonized portion of the range, is the most likely cause of the observed range expansion. Because environmental change could similarly affect all taxa in a region whose distributional limits are established by migration load, these mechanisms may be common causes of range boundaries and largely synchronous multi-species range expansions.
Copycat Funds: Information Disclosure Regulation and the Returns to Active Management in the Mutual Fund Industry

Mutual funds must disclose their portfolio holdings to investors semiannually. The costs and benefits of such disclosures are a long-standing subject of debate. For actively managed funds, one cost of disclosure is a potential reduction in the private benefits from research on asset values. Disclosure provides public access to information on the assets that the fund manager views as undervalued. This paper tries to quantify this potential cost of disclosure by testing whether "copycat" mutual funds, funds that purchase the same assets as actively-managed funds as soon as those asset holdings are disclosed, can earn returns that are similar to those of the actively-managed funds. Copycat funds do not incur the research expenses associated with the actively-managed funds that they are mimicking, but they miss the opportunity to invest in assets that managers identify as positive return opportunities between disclosure dates. Our results for a limited sample of high expense funds in the 1990s suggest that while returns before expenses are significantly higher for the underlying actively managed funds relative to the copycat funds, after expenses copycat funds earn statistically indistinguishable, and possibly higher, returns than the underlying actively managed funds. These findings contribute to the policy debate on the optimal level and frequency of fund disclosure.
Effect of zafirlukast on cough reflex sensitivity in asthmatics

In patients with asthma, increased sensitivity of airway sensory nerves may be involved in producing bronchospasm and cough. To evaluate the effect of a leukotriene-modifying agent on cough reflex sensitivity, we measured the cough response to inhaled capsaicin before and after a 1 4-day course of therapy with zafirlukast, a cysteinyl leukotriene receptor antagonist, in a group of stable asthmatics. The concentration of capsaicin inducing two or more (C2) and five or more (C5) coughs was not altered by zafirlukast, even in those subjects demonstrating a significant change (increment or decrement) in forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV1). These findings support previous evidence that cough and bronchoconstriction are modulated by distinct neural pathways.
Spontaneous dimerization in the S = 1 2 Heisenberg antiferromagnetic chain with competing interactions

Spontaneous dimerization is found in the $S=\frac{1}{2}$ isotropic Heisenberg antiferromagnetic chain with competing nearest- and next-nearest-neighbor exchange, $\frac{{J}_{2}}{{J}_{1}}\ensuremath{\gtrsim}\frac{1}{6}$, and results from the same umklapp processes that lead to the N\'eel state when easy-axis exchange anisotropy is present. Spontaneous and externally induced dimerizations are contrasted.
Lck Regulates Vav Activation of Members of the Rho Family of GTPases

Vav is a member of a family of oncogene proteins that share an approximately 250-amino-acid motif called a Dbl homology domain. Paradoxically, Dbl itself and other proteins containing a Dbl domain catalyze GTP-GDP exchange for Rho family proteins, whereas Vav has been reported to catalyze GTP-GDP exchange for Ras proteins. We present Saccharomyces cerevisiae genetic data, in vitro biochemical data, and animal cell biological data indicating that Vav is a guanine nucleotide exchange factor for Rho-related proteins, but in similar genetic and biochemical experiments we fail to find evidence that Vav is a guanine nucleotide exchange factor for Ras. Further, we present data indicating that the Lck kinase activates the guanine nucleotide exchange factor and transforming activity of Vav.
Hemophilus parainfluenzae peritonitis associated with an intrauterine contraceptive device

A case report of Hemophilus parainfluenzae peritonitis associated with an IUD (Dalkon Shield) is presented. Cultures of the peritoneum and endometrium grew Hemophilus parainfluenzae which were sensitive to ampicillin kanamycin and tetracyline. Due to a history of chronic sinusitis and bronchitis in this 26-year-old woman the possibility that hematogenous seeding of the peritoneum or endometrium from the respiratory tract led to infection was considered. It is doubtful that a normal endometrium or peritoneum could be thus seeded however making clear the important role of the IUD in facilitating this infection.
Explaining the Impact of USDA's Healthy Incentives Pilot on Different Spending Outcomes

This article reports spending results for the USDA's Healthy Incentives Pilot (HIP), which tested a 30% incentive on fruit and vegetable purchases with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. Self-reported mean usual monthly spending for all fruits and vegetables was $6.15 higher for randomly assigned HIP participant households than for a control group. Much of the additional spending appears to have taken place in ways that did not earn the incentive—spending with non-SNAP resources or in retailers that did not participate in HIP. This article investigates mechanisms that might explain the HIP impact on fruit and vegetable purchases that did not earn the incentive.
UC Berkeley School of Information and La Sapienza University: A Statement of Ongoing Collaboration

This chapter describes the research and academic focus of the UC Berkeley School of Information, as well as a statement of ongoing collaboration with Sapienza University in Rome, Italy. Multidisciplinary collaboration is a core part of the guiding philosophy and purpose of the School of Information. In the following sections we describe the structure of our academic programs, focal research areas, and existing collaborations with other Universities and programs around the world. Finally, we close with a statement about our commitment to ongoing cooperation and collaboration with Sapienza University.
Long-Term, Large-Scale Effects of Insecticidal Control on Rangeland Grasshopper Populations (Orthoptera: Acrididae)

The characteristics of rangeland grasshopper outbreaks were assessed among adjacent border counties in Wyoming and Montana by the use of Markovian models. Based on about 30 yr of historical survey data, the probability, duration, and stability of economically damaging grasshopper populations were consistently greater in Wyoming counties than in adjacent Montana counties. These long-term, large-scale differences appear to be attributable to intensive insecticidal control efforts in Wyoming. Target pest resurgence, in which beneficial insects are eliminated by insecticides, thereby allowing rapid growth of a pest population, may be responsible for the counterproductive aspects of an intensive chemical control program against grasshoppers.
Fabrication of electrochemical DNA sensors on gold-modified recessed platinum nanoelectrodes.

We report the use of gold-modified recessed platinum (Pt) nanoelectrodes in the fabrication of linear and stem-loop probe-based electrochemical DNA (E-DNA) sensors. Pt nanoelectrodes with a radius less than 10 nm were reproducibly fabricated using an optimized laser pulling technique. Prior to sensor fabrication, the nanoelectrode was electrochemically etched to create a recessed nanopore, followed by electrodeposition of gold into the nanopore using either cyclic voltammetry or constant potential amperometry. Both techniques enabled controlled deposition of gold into the nanopores, resulting in a nanostructured gold electrode with a well-defined surface area. In addition, we systematically determined the optimal experimental condition for DNA probe immobilization and target interrogation. The electron transfer rate constants of methylene blue, as determined using alternating current voltammetry, were found to be much higher than those obtained from E-DNA sensors fabricated on conventional macroscale elec...
Advances in the medical therapy of inflammatory bowel disease.

The medical therapy of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has advanced significantly over the past year. Serologic markers of IBD have been further investigated and better defined, showing some discriminatory power with potential therapeutic implications. Studies of azathioprine and 6-mercaptopurine m
Synergistic induction of mitochondrial damage and apoptosis in human leukemia cells by flavopiridol and the histone deacetylase inhibitor suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA)

Interactions between the histone deacetylase inhibitor SAHA (suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid) and the cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitor flavopiridol (FP) were examined in human leukemia cells. Simultaneous exposure (24 h) of myelomonocytic leukemia cells (U937) to SAHA (1 microM) and FP (100 nM), which were minimally toxic alone (1.5 +/- 0.5% and 16.3 +/- 0.5% apoptosis respectively), produced a dramatic increase in cell death (ie 63.2 +/- 1.9% apoptotic), reflected by morphology, procaspase-3 and -8 cleavage, Bid activation, diminished DeltaPsi(m), and enhanced cytochrome c release. FP blocked SAHA-mediated up-regulation of p21(CIP1) and CD11b expression, while inducing caspase-dependent Bcl-2 and pRb cleavage. Similar interactions were observed in HL-60 and Jurkat leukemic cells. Enhanced apoptosis in SAHA/FP-treated cells was accompanied by a marked reduction in clonogenic surivival. Ectopic expression of either dominant-negative caspase-8 (C8-DN) or CrmA partially attenuated SAHA/FP-mediated apoptosis (eg 45 +/- 1.5% and 38.2 +/- 2.0% apoptotic vs 78 +/- 1.5% in controls) and Bid cleavage. SAHA/FP induced-apoptosis was unaffected by the free radical scavenger L-N-acetyl cysteine or the PKC inhibitor GFX. Finally, ectopic Bcl-2 expression marginally attenuated SAHA/FP-related apoptosis/cytochrome c release, and failed to restore clonogenicity in cells exposed to these agents. Together, these findings indicate that SAHA and FP interact synergistically to induce mitochondrial damage and apoptosis in human leukemia cells, and suggest that this process may also involve engagement of the caspase-8-dependent apoptotic cascade.
Linking ocean container carrier capabilities to shipper–carrier relationships: a case study

ABSTRACTAs outsourcing and offshoring continue to expand, the ocean container industry serves a critical and still increasing role in supporting global trade. Yet, perceived commoditization and intense price competition among ocean container carriers limit opportunities for competitive advantage and formation of long-term shipper–carrier relationships. This environment ultimately yields an unhealthy industry that threatens the stability of global supply chains. Extant literature provides limited insight into how carriers can build strong relationships with shippers to overcome the short-term, transactional-orientation of the industry. Examining a case study of a major ocean container carrier, we apply structural equation modeling to shipper survey data to explore how carrier operational, service, and pricing capabilities influence the strength of the long-term shipper–carrier relationship. Furthermore, we identify unique clusters of shipper needs, helping the carrier understand when and how to promote a p...
Relationship between eyesight and body mass index among children and adolescents in Shenzhen

Objective To understand the correlation between eyesight and height,weight and body mass index( BMI) among children and adolescents in Shenzhen and to provide more reference for exploring risk factors of poor eyesight and developing prevention methods. Methods Twelve junior high schools and 12 primary schools were selected by cluster sampling method. All students in the selected schools were included in the research.Information of students' eyesight,height and weight was analyzed.Results The prevalence of poor eyesight among students in Shenzhen reached 59.01%,and the prevalence of overweight and obesity was 13.42% and 9.83%,respectively.Primary school students with poor eyesight had a higher prevalence of overweight and obesity than pupils with normal eyesight,and the difference was statistically significant( χ2= 11.138,P = 0.001).There was a linear relationship between eyesight and BMI classification among primary school students( χ2= 9.008,P = 0.003). Correlation analysis indicated that students' eyesight was negatively correlated with height,weight and BMI( P0.01).Students with higher height,heavier weight or larger BMI had worse eyesight. Conclusion There was a relationship between eyesight and height,weight and BMI among children and adolescents in Shenzhen.More attention should be paid to eyesight status of children and adolescents with overweight or obesity.
A cross-layer approach to energy balancing in wireless sensor networks

We consider a many-to-one real-time sensor network where sensing nodes are to deliver their measurements to a base station under a time constraint and with the overall target of minimizing the energy consumption at the sensing nodes. In wireless sensor networks, the unreliability of the links and the limitations of all resources bring considerable complications to routing. Even in the presence of static nodes, the channel conditions vary because of multipath fading effects due to the motion of people or objects in the environment, which modify the patterns of radio wave reflections. Also, sensing nodes are typically battery-powered, and ongoing maintenance may not be possible: the progressive reduction of the available energy needs to be factored in.
WHERE DO YOUNG ADULT RENAL TRANSPLANT RECIPIENTS FIT IN

Young adult renal transplant recipients often have unique concerns and interests. To give them an opportunity to share these concerns with peers, a support group was established at Boston Children's Hospital. Despite a less than enthusiastic beginning, this group is now well attended, meets four times a year, and has continued for over 4 years. The group has become a comfortable setting where the participants discuss their unique perspectives on schooling, family, and relationships.
Life and Legacy of Ronald Coase

Coase made a memorable contribution to our understanding by pointing out starkly just how little we understood, but which managers take for granted. The notion that markets function costlessly, and that firms operate efficiently may be a convenient extreme but it is invariably untrue. Instead, it is clear that information within the firm is costly, and that within the market it is very costly, and the ability to prevent shirking and human opportunism is a challenging one.
Split Hopkinson bar measurement using high-speed full-spectrum fiber Bragg grating interrogation.

The development and validation of a high-speed, full-spectrum measurement technique is described for fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors. A FBG is surface-mounted to a split-Hopkinson tensile bar specimen to induce high strain rates. The high strain gradients and large strains that indicate material failure are analyzed under high strain rates up to 500 s-1. The FBG is interrogated using a high-speed full-spectrum solid-state interrogator with a repetition rate of 100 kHz. The captured deformed spectra are analyzed for strain gradients using a default interior point algorithm in combination with the modified transfer matrix approach. This paper shows that by using high-speed full-spectrum interrogation of an FBG and the modified transfer matrix method, highly localized strain gradients and discontinuities can be measured without a direct line of sight.
Planar Antenna Development for Plasma Imaging Application

Dual dipole antennas have been developed in the frequency range of 33-50 GHz and 105-135 GHz for use as imaging array elements in an electron cyclotron emission imaging (ECEI) and microwave imaging reflectometry (MIR) plasma diagnostic system respectively. A wideband balun with less than 3 dB back to back insertion loss was achieved in the frequency range of 1.7 GHz-19.8 GHz (1:11.7) for convert IF signals from the balanced antenna to the unbalanced transmission line/connector.
Sleep Less, Think Worse: The Effect of Sleep Deprivation on Working Memory

Sleep deprivation is increasingly common and poses serious problems for optimal cognitive functioning. Here we review the empirical literature on the consequences of sleep loss for working memory. The bulk of the research suggests that sleep is essential for working memory. Sleep deprivation inhibits general attentional and mnemonic abilities and influences neural activation in frontal and parietal cortices, areas critical for working memory. Decreases in task performance are typically accompanied by decreased activation in task-relevant areas under conditions of sleep deprivation. However, there is some evidence that deprivation can lead to increases in activation as a compensatory mechanism allowing for maintained performance. We conclude by discussing what is known about the remediation of these impairments through the use of caffeine and other stimulants.
Energy of Deformation of an Elastic Body Containing a Microcrack Under Pressure

We determine complex potentials and the corresponding stress-strain state of a body with dislocation crack under a given pressure acting in the crack. We find the geometric parameters of a cracklike dislocation cavity and deduce relations for finding the energy of the body containing a crack of this kind. On this basis, we establish the lengths of equilibrium and nonequilibrium cracks and determine the critical pressure of crack initiation.
Central Projections of the Retina and Vision

Vision is a dominant sense in most teleost fish, as is indicated by the presence of large eyes with a well developed retina and by the size of the dorsal mid-brain which is very large relative to the forebrain and the cerebellum. The majority of optic nerve fibres terminates in the mid-brain roof, the optic tectum. Additional minor projections have been demonstrated by silver impregnation techniques. In Eugerres plumrieri these are the lateral geniculate nucleus, the cortical nucleus, the pretectal area, and the optic nucleus in the hypothalamus (Vanegas and Ebbesson, 1973).