cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The California Marine Life Protection Act: A balance of top down and bottom up governance in MPA planning

Abstract California recently established a state-wide MPA network that extends over 1900 km of coastline and includes 124 MPAs totaling nearly 2200 km². Designing and implementing such an MPA network in a populous democratic state with a large number of ocean users required a balance of top-down and bottom-up governance strategies. A legal mandate for MPAs identified the goals for the network and stipulated that scientific knowledge should form the basis of MPA design, while political necessity led to a participatory stakeholder-driven MPA design process. At the time of publication, the oldest region of the network was just five years old, so it remains to be seen how the governance strategies employed in MPA planning will evolve to meet the challenges of long-term MPA management.
Dynamic stability of closed plasma configurations

The global stability of closed plasma configurations is related to the dynamical principle of least constraint and the spacetime and gauge symmetries of the flow fields. This leads to an entirely new concept of MHD stability which is more basic than stability predictions which rely on a linearized perturbation analysis. The predictions of the theory are compared to recent experimental results obtained in studies of the stability of plasma confinement geometries. The theory predicts the violent ‘instabilities’ of these systems which are currently attributed to other mechanisms. Several pertinent details of the theory which are widely misinterpreted are discussed and clarified.
Worksite Environmental Interventions for Obesity Prevention and Control: Evidence from Group Randomized Trials

Worksites provide multiple advantages to prevent and treat obesity and to test environmental interventions to tackle its multiple causal factors. We present a literature review of group-randomized and non-randomized trials that tested worksite environmental, multiple component interventions for obesity prevention and control paying particular attention to the conduct of formative research prior to intervention development. The evidence on environmental interventions on measures of obesity appears to be strong since most of the studies have a low (4/8) and unclear (2/8) risk of bias. Among the studies reviewed whose potential risk of bias was low, the magnitude of the effect was modest and sometimes in the unexpected direction. None of the four studies describing an explicit formative research stage with clear integration of findings into the intervention was able to demonstrate an effect on the main outcome of interest. We present alternative explanation for the findings and recommendations for future research.
DEVELOPMENT OF MECHANICAL STABILITY OF THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM IN PRETERM INFANTS

Distortion of the chest wall(CW) causes the diaphragm (DI) to make increased excursions for adequate pulmonary ventilation (PV). We studied the development of mechanical stability of the respiratory system by estimating the ventilation of the diaphragm (VD), its work (WD), and lung compliance (CL) in 6 preterm infants (wt. 780-1710g) at weekly intervals, from 29-36 post conceptional weeks (PCW) of age. Three to 5 studies were performed in each infant while in quiet sleep in room air. PV was partitioned between that produced by the CW and DI using a Respitrace inductance plethysmograph, calibrated against PV measured with a face mask and pneumotachograph, checked with airway occlusion. Esophageal and gastric pressures were measured with a modified feeding catheter. CL increased linearly with age (CL = 0.61 PCW -17.3 ml/cm H2O/kg, P .005), and VD decreased with age (VD = -14.8 PCW +603% of PV, P .005). WD and VD decreased consistently in 4/6 infants. The other 2 infants developed apnea, with increased VD (122% and 187%) and WD (239% and 302%) compared to studies prior to apnea. Both VD and WD decreased to previous values with resolution of apnea. There was no relationship between CL and apnea. These results suggest that apnea may be related to instability of the chest wall and diaphragm, as measured by VD and WD, independent of lung stability reflected by CL. Supported by NHLBI SCOR HL-27356 and ALA 57002
Vibrational properties of concentrated GeSi alloys

Abstract A comparison of second order Raman scattering and first order inelastic tunneling measurements in p — n junction of a concentrated GeSi alloy (54% Ge) suggests that both spectra reflect the phonon density of states modulated by smoothly varying matrix elements. The spectra indicate appreciable structure in the phonon density of states which is not predicted by effective medium theories and is attributed to atomic clustering effects in the random alloy. The presence of a continuous, rather than a discrete tunneling spectra normally observed in the pure constituents, is suggested to arise from relaxation of tunneling selection rules. This relaxation is attributed to the phonon states being localized in the appreciably disordered concentrated alloy.
SOME LIMITING FACTORS IN THE USE OF ALLOYS AT HIGH TEMPERATURES.

Over recent years, research has established some of the more basic principles associated with the complex reactions of gases with alloys at high temperatures. The most suitable alloys are based on Fe, Ni, or Co, protected with SiO2, Cr2O3, or A12O3 scales and the upper limit of temperature at which metals can be used in most engineering operations appears tobe about 1200° C (2200° F). A system of superimposing oxidation data on alloy phase diagrams is outlined that indicates suitable basic compositions for the development of high temperature alloys. The system is called “oxide mapping.” The principle used is described and its application to the two systems Ni-Cr-Al at 1000° C and Co-Cr-Al at 1100° C is used to illustrate how suitable ternary compositions are selected as the basis of new alloys.
The Conditions of Fruitfulness of Theorizing About Mechanisms in Social Science

Mechanisms in a theory are defined here as bits of theory about entities at a different level (e.g., individuals) than the main entities being theorized about (e.g., groups), which serve to make the higher-level theory more supple, more accurate, or more general. The criterion for whether it is worthwhile to theorize at lower levels is whether it makes the theory at the higher levels better, not whether lower-level theorizing is philosophically necessary. The higher-level theory can be made better by mechanisms known to be inadequate in the discipline dealing with the lower level. Conditions for the usefulness of lower-level theorizing are proposed, with many examples from various social and physical sciences.
Productivity enhancement from computer-mediated communication: a systems contingency approach

A systems contingency approach to social impacts of computing predicts that productivity enhancement will be a function of a complex interaction of social and technical systems.
NEIGHBORHOOD PERCEPTION AND HOUSING MAINTENANCE IN OLDER SUBURBAN COMMUNITIES

Local governments spend considerable time building neighborhood confidence by improving the visual qualities of the external environment. It is assumed that improved neighborhood appearance would trigger property reinvestment and real estate market stability or recovery. This study shows that in older suburban communitieswith the exception of government service delivery-knowledge of suburban location, housing tenure, length of residence, and housing improvements do not enable us to predict how residents perceive their neighborhood environments. While some things may be bothersome, they have not reached a threshold sufficient to produce awareness or to precipitate action. Under these circumstances, government efforts to maintain service levels or upgrade properties remain unperceived and they will not produce the desired multiplier effects.
Feasibility of single-pass boring operations

Abstract A model for spindle deflection in boring operations has been developed. Subsequently, it was used to demonstrate the feasibility of the single-pass boring operation. The diametral errors in conventional, two-pass, and the newly proposed method have been compared. It has been shown that the single-pass process provides a significant increase in productivity while maintaining the required dimensional accuracy and surface finish.
Ground reaction curve for tunnels with jet grouting umbrellas considering jet grouting hardening

Abstract In the calculation of the reaction curve for grounds reinforced with jet grouting umbrellas in tunnels, the jet grouting progressive hardening is ignored by assuming mean values for the jet grouting properties. In this paper, we present a new procedure that calculates the reaction curve for these grounds, considering jet grouting hardening. Tunnel excavation is represented in the ground plane-strain analysis by increasing the tunnel convergence at a rate obtained from the tunnel longitudinal deformation profile. This novelty allows us to perform the analysis at an accurate rate, which is critical for jet grouted tunnels. Using this new approach, one can estimate a lower bound for convergence of supported tunnels and hence an upper bound for pressure on the tunnel supports. Using a finite element model, we calculate the ground reaction curves for a case study tunnel with and without considering jet grouting hardening. The resulting curves illustrate that ignoring the jet grouting hardening can lead to an unsafe design of these tunnels. We use the ground reaction curve to also estimate the savings in tunnel supports due to jet grouting and the efficiency of jet grouting at different tunnel advance rates.
The city of Qayrawan in the works of Salih Suwaysi: a place of memory

Writing midway during the complex social and political circumstances of the French Protectorate, Tunisian Salih Suwaysi al-Qayrawani wrote about his birth city of Qayrawan as a means to resist and critique colonial rule. Examination of two of his writings here demonstrates intellectual continuity from early Muslim writers, highlights his participation in cross-regional trends in the Arab world, and reflects the borrowing of European styles. Suwaysi's words convey his view about French actions in Qayrawan: they diminished the historical and religious significance of the city and the values and traditions of the people of the city. This article analyses Suwaysi's urban identification in his Dalil Qayrawan, a description of monuments, biographical sketches of historical figures, their tombs, etc., and Khasumah bayna madina wa-idara, a short story. The former reminds the reader of the khitat, a long-standing Arab-Islamic genre used by Suwaysi's nineteenth- and twentieth-century Arab world contemporaries to co...
Effects of Colchicine and Light on Cell Form in Fern Gametophytes. Implications for a Mechanism of Light‐induced Cell Elongation

Spores of the fern, Onoclea sensihilis L., suffer a disruption of normal development when they are cultured on media containing colchicine. Cell division is inhibited, and the spores develop into giant spherical cells under continuous white fluorescent light. In darkness only slight cell expansion occurs. Spherical cell expansion in the light requires continuous irradiation. Photosynthesis does not seem to be involved, since variations in light intensity do not affect the final cell diameter; the addition of sucrose to the medium does not permit cell expansion in darkness; and the inhibitor DCMU does not block the light-induced cell expansion. Continuous irradiation of colchicine-treated spores with blue, red or far-red light produces different patterns of cell expansion. Blue light permits spherical growth, similar to that found under white light, whereas red and far-red light promote the reestablishment of polarized filamentous growth. Although ethylene is unable to induce polarized cell expansion in colchicine-treated spores in darkness or white and blue light, it enhances filamentous growth which already is established by red or far-red irradiation. Both red and far-red light increase the elongation of normal filaments (untreated with colchicine) above that of dark-grown plants, but under all 3 conditions the rates of volume growth are identical. Light, however, does cause a decrease in the cell diameters of irradiated filaments. These data are used to construct an hypothesis to explain the promotion of cell elongation in fern protonemata by red and far-red light. The model proposes light-mediated changes in microtubular orientation and cell wall structure which lead to restriction of lateral cell expansion and enhanced elongation growth.
Invited Commentary on “Discrimination of Real and Sham Acupuncture Needles Using the Park Sham Device: A Preliminary Study”

Peter T. Dorsher, MS, MD, provides an interesting commentary on the findings of a study by Tan and colleagues that was highlighted in the December issue of the Archives as displaying potential deficiencies in a number of sham acupuncture devices. Dr. Dorsher's comments, while focused on acupuncture, are interesting in their own right. However, a little thought shows that his insights into the nature of an adequate placebo provide an improved understanding of the issues involved in the design and validation of control interventions in general.
The Competencies and Characteristics Required of an Effective Project Manager: A Web-Based Delphi Study

In this study, we explore the competencies required for a project manager to be effective in the workplace. We used a Web-based Delphi method to lead experienced project managers through an anonymous consensus-building process consisting of two rounds of surveys. The Round I analysis of 147 respondents, all with 20 or more years of project management experience, yielded 117 project management success factors, 78 of which were identified as trainable competencies. The Round II analysis confirmed 42 of the 78 competencies (53.8%) as very important to extremely important to project manager success. Important contributions of this study include: (a) reporting on project manager competencies that can inform the literature and guide the development of educational programs for instructional designers and other professionals, and (b) demonstrating the Web-based Delphi technique to be an efficient methodology for conducting afront-end analysis, a core process of instructional design (ID) work.
Ab‐initio study of the mechanism for the reaction of a primary amine with an aldehyde group

The interaction of a primary amine with an aldehyde group to form the enolamine RHN—C(OH)HR' is investigated for the simplified system of ammonia and formaldehyde, using the sto-3G method. The usually accepted approach in which the NH3 lone electron pair points toward the electrophilic aldehydic C atom in a direction perpendicular to the plane of formaldehyde is found to be associated with a strong repulsive potential for N—C separation R1, less than ∼3 A. A concomitant tunneling of a proton from a solution hydronium ion to the carbonyl oxygen, which increases as R1 decreases, is shown to result in an energywise downhill closer approach of NH3 to R1 = 1.6 A, thus leading to the formation of the enolamine. The electronic charge transferred from NH3 in this system is also discussed.
Novel immunocompetent murine models representing advanced local and metastatic pancreatic cancer.

Background The development of novel therapeutics for pancreatic cancer has been hindered by a lack of relevant preclinical models. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical relevancy of two pancreatic cancer models using standard-of-care therapeutic agent gemcitabine. Materials and Methods Murine Panc02 cells were injected directly into the spleen or pancreas of C57BL/6 mice to respectively create models of metastatic and locally advanced pancreatic cancer. Beginning 7 d post-Panc02 injection, treated mice received 20 mg/kg gemcitabine i.p. every 3 d. Animals were sacrificed when the untreated mice became moribund and tumor/liver weight used to assess tumor burden. Results Untreated mice became moribund 22 d after pancreatic Panc02 injection. Gross analysis revealed localized pancreatic tumors weighing 1.063 g. Intrasplenic Panc02 injection produced extensive liver metastasis by d 15 when the untreated mice first became moribund. Liver weights at this time averaged 3.6 g compared with the average non-tumor-bearing weight of 1.23 g. Gemcitabine therapy resulted in a 54% decrease in localized pancreatic tumor weight and 62.5% decrease in metastatic liver weight. Additionally, gemcitabine therapy extended animal survival to 20.5 d compared with 18.0 d average for the untreated mice. Conclusions We describe two models depicting both locally advanced and metastatic pancreatic cancer in immunocompetent mice. In efforts to establish baseline therapeutic efficacy, we determined that gemcitabine reduces tumor burden in both models and enhances survival in the metastatic model. These clinically relevant models provide valuable tools to evaluate novel therapeutics in pancreatic cancer.
Direct and Indirect Effects of Completion Versus Accuracy Contingencies on Practice-Exam and Actual-Exam Performance

Students in four sections of an undergraduate educational course (two large and two small sections) took out-of-class practice exams prior to actual exams for each of five course units. Each course unit consisted of five class sessions focusing on a specific developmental theme. Some sections received practice-exam credit based on the number of items completed, whereas other sections received practice-exam credit based on the number of items answered accurately. The contingencies were applied only to the practice exams. A two-way MANOVA included two independent variables (practice-exam contingency and group size) and two dependent variables (practice-exam performance and unit-exam performance). The analysis revealed a main effect for both independent variables across both dependent variables, with students performing better under the accuracy than the completion contingency and better in the small than the large groups. One exception to this overall pattern was a non-significant difference between the large and small groups on the practice exams across both contingencies.
Inhibition of type I collagen mRNA expression independent of tryptophan depletion in interferon-gamma-treated human dermal fibroblasts.

Interferon-γ (IFN-γ) is a pleiotropic cytokine that modulates type I collagen synthesis. In addition, IFN-γ also exerts potent effects on cellular tryptophan levels by inducing the expression of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) and tryptophanyl- tRNA synthetase. Because recent evidence indicates that IDO-mediated oxidative tryptophan catabolism is important in cellular responses to IFN-γ, we investigated the role of IDO in the IFN-γ-induced modulation of type I collagen gene expression. IFN-γ (≥50 U/ml) stimulated IDO expression in human dermal fibroblasts in vitro , resulting in a >90% depletion of tryptophan in the culture media following incubation for 48 h. Higher concentrations of IFN-γ (≥500 U/ml) caused a marked decrease in type I collagen mRNA levels. Time-course studies indicated that maximal induction of IDO mRNA expression in IFN-&-treated fibroblast cultures (24 h) preceded the maximal decrease in collagen mRNA (96 h). Type I collagen mRNA levels were also markedly and selectively decreased in fibroblasts maintained in tryptophan- depleted cultures. Addition of exogenous tryptophan (up to 2500 μM) to IFN-γ-treated fibroblasts restored "normal" concentrations of tryptophan in the culture media, but did not abrogate the IFN-γ-induced decrease in collagen mRNA. Addition of the tryptophan metabolite kynurenine, in concentrations similar to those generated in fibroblast cultures following IFN-γ treatment for 48 h, had no significant effect on type I collagen mRNA levels. These results indicate that although JFN-γ causes activation of IDO and enhanced tryptophan catabolism in fibroblast cultures, neither the ensuing tryptophan starvation nor the accumulation of kynurenine in the culture media can fully account for the inhibitory effects of IFN-γ on type I collagen mRNA expression.
Infant Care--Does Anybody Care?.

Children’s cognitive, social and emotional skill development may suffer in the U.S. because parents and educators are not sufficiently aware of the critical importance of providing stimulating and responsive environments during the first three years of life. Research is cited suggesting that infants develop best if cared for at home by their own mothers but increasingly more families are unable to provide this kind of care. The authors suggest that despite its resources, in comparison to several other industrialized countries the U.S. falls behind in providing support for mothers either to stay at home or to have quality alternative child care. It is argued that with a real commitment to child care, U.S. policy makers could learn from other countries, particularly in the areas of maternity benefits, infant health care and work place child care.
Improving the Prospects for Heterodoxy in Organization Theory: A Review of Sociological Paradigms and Organisational Analysis by Gibson Burrell and Gareth Morgan

Sociological Paradigms and Organisational Analysis establishes the legitimacy of heterodoxy in organizational research. Its careful examination of the ontological and epistemological foundations of disparate research traditions promises to initiate a new type of integrative theory dialogue.
Protective actions of vitamin D in UVB induced skin cancer

Non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSC) are the most common type of cancer, occurring at a rate of over 1 million per year in the United States. Although their metastatic potential is generally low, they can and do metastasize, especially in the immune compromised host, and their surgical treatment is often quite disfiguring. Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) as occurs with sunlight exposure is generally regarded as causal for these malignancies, but UVR is also required for vitamin D synthesis in the skin. Based on our own data and that reported in the literature, we hypothesize that the vitamin D produced in the skin serves to suppress UVR epidermal tumor formation. In this review we will first discuss the evidence supporting the conclusion that the vitamin D receptor (VDR), with or without its ligand 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, limits the propensity for cancer formation following UVR. We will then explore three potential mechanisms for this protection: inhibition of proliferation and stimulation of differentiation, immune regulation, and stimulation of DNA damage repair (DDR).
Defining misfit between biogeochemical models and data sets

Abstract Marine biogeochemistry deals with diverse variables, many of them (especially biological rates) difficult to measure. For parameter estimation and data assimilation, differences between predicted and measured values of these variables must be summarized by a single misfit number. A ‘correct’ measure of misfit incorporates choices about issues that include (1) the relative importance of deviations from a small and a large predicted value; (2) the relative importance of small and large deviations from a predicted value; (3) the relative importance of deviations above and below a predicted value; (4) comparing discrepancies measured in intrinsically different units, like concentrations and rates. Recent papers on estimating ecological parameters represent a variety of different choices. This paper uses a data set and model for the subtropical North Atlantic to demonstrate that the choices made for defining misfit can have a large influence on the ‘best’ estimate of biogeochemically important fluxes and concentrations.
Our Initial Experience of the Transaxillary Totally Endoscopic Approach for Hemithyroidectomy

OBJECTIVE: To report our initial experience with the transaxillary totally endoscopic (TATE) approach to the thyroid gland. STUDY DESIGN: A historic cohort study of patients undergoing TATE procedures compared with open procedures for hemithyroidectomy with isthmusectomy. SETTING: Private-practice otolaryngology group. SUBJECT AND METHODS: Patients selected for benign thyroid disease confirmed by fine-needle aspiration and requiring hemithyroidectomy with isthmusectomy. A historic cohort study of 24 patients who underwent TATE procedures for hemithyroidectomy with isthmusectomy. Comparison of the first 10 TATE approaches to a control group of 10 consecutive open approaches by the senior author's group. RESULTS: All 24 TATE patients were successful without the need to convert to an open procedure. The TATE approach had longer operative times than the open group (142 vs 105), but these operative times decreased as the number of procedures increased (first five TATE = 170, last five TATE = 114, n = 24, average = 114). No patients had peri- or postoperative complications. CONCLUSIONS: The TATE approach to the thyroid gland is safe and effective. Operative time is longer but decreases with experience. The TATE approach is one option to treat young patients with unilateral benign thyroid disease who are seeking to avoid visible scars and limit morbidity.
Ethylene oxide dosimetry in the mouse

Abstract Ethylene oxide (EO) is a direct-acting mutagen and animal carcinogen used as an industrial intermediate and sterilant with a high potential for human exposure. Understanding the exposure–dose relationship for EO in rodents is critical for developing human EO exposure–dose models. The study reported here examined the dosimetry of EO in male B6C3F1 mice by direct determination of blood EO concentrations. Steady-state blood EO concentrations were measured during a single 4-h nose-only inhalation exposure (0, 50, 100, 200, 300, or 400 ppm EO). In addition, glutathione (GSH) concentrations were measured in liver, lung, kidney, and testis to assess the role of the GSH depletion in the saturable metabolism previously observed in mice (Brown et al., Toxicol. Appl. Pharmacol. 136, 8–19, 1996). Blood EO concentrations were found to increase linearly with exposure concentration up to 200 ppm. Markedly sublinear blood dosimetry was observed at exposure concentrations exceeding 200 ppm. An EO exposure concentration-dependent reduction in tissue GSH levels was observed, with both liver and lung GSH levels significantly depressed at EO exposure concentrations of 100 ppm or greater. Our results also indicate that depletion of GSH is likely responsible for nonlinear dosimetry of EO in mice and that GSH depletion corresponds with reports of dose–rate effects in mice exposed to EO.
Encountering Islam in Short-Term Mission:

This article documents short-term mission’s engagement with Islam by showing how Islam is represented by sending agencies and how volunteers interact with Muslims. I relate the different styles of representing and engaging with Islam to differences of theological orientation as well as to the particular contexts and practices of short-term mission. This article is based on research in Southern California between 2009 and 2012, including visual and textual content analyses of sending agencies’ websites and guidebooks, and interviews with 57 short-term mission participants
End-to-side anastomosis of rat carotid artery: comparison of different types of section and shape of the terminal end

In 50 rats, different types of end-to-side carotid artery anastomoses were compared. In one technique, a longitudinal split in the long axis of the vessel was performed to enhance the diameter of the anastomosis. This theoretical advantage was not confirmed in this series. The clamping time, anastomoses time, and tamponade time were increased significantly when compared with a simple, slightly oblique end-to-side anastomosis. This study highlighted that the most simple type of end-to-side anastomosis gave less bleeding, achieved a quicker water-tight anastomosis and decreased the risk of late problems.
Asymmetrical Integration: Public Finance Deprivation in China's Urbanized Villages

China's unprecedented urbanization since the 1978 economic reform has left many rural villages engulfed by expanding urban jurisdictions. Because of the collective ownership of land, these villages have not vanished over night. On the contrary, they have maneuvered to bypass planning and construction codes and rebuilt themselves into high-density neighborhoods, housing millions of migrants in the cities. This paper analyzes the continued survival of the collective economy of these villages-in-the-city (chengzhongcun) from the perspective of public finance. Urbanized villages remain financially responsible for public services within their jurisdictions, including infrastructure, sanitation, policing, social welfare, and even education. Neither the problem of urban—rural disparities, nor the consequent lack of adequate public services has been resolved by the integration of these villages into urban areas. These villages have had to find new ways to cope with rapid population growth, finance an urbanized co...
Analysis of human plasma phosphatides by paper chromatography

Abstract The individual phosphatides of human plasma were analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively by paper chromatography. The phosphatides which were always present were lecithin, sphingomyelin, lysolecithin phosphatidylethanolamine and a component having the properties of inositol phosphatide. Phosphatidylserine was not detected by this procedure and hence is at most a trace constituent in plasma. Very small amounts of other unidentified phosphatides also occur in plasma. One of these may be lysophosphatidylethanolamine. A study was made of the plasma phosphatides of persons having recent cardiac infarctions. There is suggestive evidence that plasma lysolecithin is significantly diminished in some of these persons. The advantages and limitations of the paper chromatographic method for the analysis of plasma phosphatides are discussed.
Host plant induction of microsomal monooxygenase activity in relation to diazinon metabolism and toxicity in larvae of the tobacco budworm Heliothis virescens (F.)

Abstract The effect of the wild tomato, Lycopersican hirsutam F. glabratam (accession PI 134417), on susceptibility to and metabolism of diazinon, 0,0-diethyl-0-(2-isopropyl-4-methyl-6-pyrimidinyl) phosphorothioate, in larvae of the tobacco budworm, Heliothis virescans F., was studied. The larvae were over 4-fold more tolerant to diazinon toxicity when fed on leaves of wild tomato than when fed on an artificial diet. Diazinon injected into fifth instar larvae is converted into two chloroform-soluble and five water-soluble metabolites. Degradation of diazinon was faster in larvae fed tomato leaves (88.1%) than in larvae fed on the artificial diet (68.4%). Some oxon (13.0%) was detected in the latter case but none in larvae fed tomato leaves. The major metabolite was hydroxypyrimidine and its formation was higher (73.2%) in larvae fed tomato leaves than in larvae fed the artificial diet (49.2%). In vitro studies revealed that both diazinon and its oxon were metabolized primarily by the microsomal cytochrome P -450-dependent monooxygenase system which was induced 2.5- to 3.7-fold by feeding on tomato leaves. It was concluded that diazinon was degraded in H. virescens larvae through desulfuration, hydroxylation of the ring-alkyl side chain, and oxidative dearylation reactions, all of which were increased by varying amounts after feeding on tomato leaves. Treatment of the larvae with 2-tridecanone, a naturally occurring toxin in tomato leaves, resulted in increased tolerance to diazinon and increased in vitro degradation of diazinon and its oxon, the induction being dependent on the magnitude of 2-tridecanone treatment. The microsomes of tomato fed larvae had a 1.5- to 2.1-fold higher concentration of cytochrome P -450, accompanied by a 1–2 nm shift in the λmax of the cytochrome P -450 carbon monoxide complex.
Automated echocardiographic quantification of left ventricular volumes and ejection fraction: Validation in the intensive care setting

To validate automated boundary detection measurements of left ventricular volumes, cardiac output, and ejection fraction, we studied 50 patients in the intensive care unit. End-diastolic volume, end-systolic volume, and ejection fraction were calculated by automated boundary detection and compared with two-dimensional echocardiographic images. Automated boundary detection-derived cardiac output was compared with thermodilution measurements and Doppler calculations of flow through the aortic and pulmonic valves. Automated boundary detection agreed well with two-dimensional measurements for end-diastolic volume ( r =0.98), end-systolic volume ( r =0.98), and ejection fraction ( r =0.91). Cardiac output derived from automated boundary detection correlated with two-dimensional echocardiographic measurements ( r =0.84), thermodilution ( r =0.83), aortic valve Doppler ( r =0.75), and pulmonic valve Doppler ( r =0.60). Automated boundary detection measurements of left ventricular volumes, ejection fraction, and derived cardiac output are feasible in patients in intensive care units. This method yields rapid, accurate result compared with thermodilution, two-dimensional images, and Doppler measurements.
Cdk5rap2 exposes the centrosomal root of microcephaly syndromes

Autosomal recessive primary microcephaly (MCPH) is characterized by small brain size as a result of deficient neuron production in the developing cerebral cortex. Although MCPH is a rare disease, the questions surrounding its etiology strike at the core of stem cell biology. The seven genes implicated in MCPH all encode centrosomal proteins and disruption of the MCPH gene Cdk5rap2 in mice revealed its role in neural progenitor proliferation and in maintaining normal centriole replication control. We discuss here the impact that centrosome regulation has upon neural progenitors in the developing brain. We integrate the impact of centriole replication defects with the functions of Cdk5rap2 and other MCPH proteins, propose mechanisms for progenitor loss in MCPH, and discuss links to two other microcephaly syndromes.
Unusual reactions of [tris(trimethylsilyl)methyl]-dimethyl -chloro- and -bromo-silane with tetra-n-butylphosphonium chloride

Abstract [Tris(trimethylsilyl)methyl] dimethylbromosilane undergoes facile halide exchange reaction with tetra-n-butylphosphonium chloride. In addition, under phase-transfer conditions with tetra-n-butylphosphonium chloride, both [tris(trimethylsilyl)methyl] dimethylbromosilane and the analogous chlorosilane undergo halide substitution. Other phase-transfer reagents do not affect these reactions.
Fast ion transport in composites

Abstract Calorimetric investigations on AgI-AgBr and AgI-AI 2 O 3 composites yield large enthalpies. Results are interpreted in terms of enhanced defect interactions at interphase intrefaces. Evidence for a Lix·1/2H 2 O composition is presented.
Interpreting the South Flats Earthwork (20MU2): Insights Gained from Geophysical Surveys

ABSTRACT Michigan's prehistoric earthen enclosures are among the least understood archaeological sites in the state. This paper explores the function of the South Flats Earthwork (20MU2) using remote sensing strategies to reveal aspects of its internal structure not available through excavation. Ground penetrating radar and magnetometry were employed to explore this fragile archaeological site. Results, coupled with excavation data, suggest that South Flats was the work of a small-scale society and a locus of storage and food exchange through kin ties.
Fishing Behavior and Decision-Making in an Ecuadorian Community: A Scaled Approach

Debate over how people behave in an open access environment is ongoing in both the social sciences and natural resource management circles. Central to this debate is the question of driving forces behind decisions and behavior toward natural resources within a given area. Using data from an artisanal shrimping community in Ecuador, I demonstrate that behavior in an open access environment, measured in terms of fishing effort, is responsive to both economic and noneconomic factors, the nature of which depends on the temporal scale at which behavior is being measured—hourly, daily, or amount of gear over time. These findings suggest that much of the observed variation between previous studies and corresponding data sets may be a methodological artifact, and the ensuing debates ultimately a result of different methodologies and scales of analyses.
Exact solution of certain dual series for indentation and inclusion problems

Abstract Exact solutions are obtained for certain dual trigonometric series that arise in the study of mixed boundary value problems with circular boundaries, in two-dimensional elasticity. The problems considered are: 1. (i) An indentation problem: an infinite body with a smooth circular inclusion to which a concentrated force is applied. 2. (ii) An inclusion problem: a smooth elastic inclusion in an infinite body subjected to uniform tension at infinity. The solutions of these problems are valid for a restricted class of elastic media.
Raising Capital Claims of Masculinity among Men on Match.com

We examine both gay and straight men’s constructions of masculinity using 358 self-descriptive dating profiles from Match.com of “men seeking men” and “men seeking women” in eight southern US metro...
Geometric multi-resolution analysis based classification for high dimensional data

Data sets are often modeled as point clouds lying in a high dimensional space. In practice, they usually reside on or near a much lower dimensional manifold embedded in the ambient space; this feature allows for both a simple representation of the data as well as accurate performance for statistical inference procedures such as estimation, regression and classification. In this paper we propose a framework based on geometric multi-resolution analysis (GMRA) to tackle the problem of classifying data lying around a low-dimensional set M embedded in a high-dimensional space R D . We test our algorithms on real data sets and demonstrate its efficacy in the presence of noise.
Is maternal diabetes a risk factor for childhood obesity

Objective: Our objective is to determine if there is a relationship between diabetes during pregnancy and childhood obesity, in our inner-city, African–American population. Methods: Pertinent child, neonatal and maternal pregnancy and delivery data were collected from mothers of children age 2–5 years old. Outcome variable definition was based on children’s body mass index (BMI) subgroups; independent variable definition on birthweight subgroups based on customized growth percentiles. Covariates included pre and postnatal factors. Those covariates marginally related to diabetes (p < 0.2) by bivariate analyses, were allowed to compete in logistic regression, with p < 0.05 significant. Results: Four hundred and ninety-three patients were enrolled, of which 35 (7.1%) had diabetes during pregnancy. Children of diabetic mothers were more likely to be obese at age 2–5 years than those of non-diabetics (p = 0.004). Five of 20 covariates had p < 0.2 in bivariate setting. Following stepwise logistic regression, di...
Heat flow across the East African Plateau

Four new heat flow measurements from western Tanzania are combined with existing data from non-rifted areas of East Africa to determine if there is a broad heat flow anomaly associated with the East African Plateau. Three of the new data sites lie in the Kibaran Belt and yield heat flows of 60, 68, and 74 mW m−2. The fourth new site is in the interior of the Tanzania Craton and gives a heat flow of 33 mW m−2. The ensemble of heat flow data from the interior of East Africa, when compared to the global distribution of heat flow in tectonically undisturbed Precambrian terrains of similar age, indicates that heat flow from the center of the Plateau is not elevated. This finding suggests that if the lithosphere beneath the interior of the Plateau lithosphere has been thermally perturbed, as proposed previously by many investigators, then the thermal anomaly must be of insufficient magnitude and/or has not existed for an adequate length of time to affect surface heat flow.
A systematic survey identifies prions and illuminates sequence features of prionogenic proteins

Prions are proteins that convert between structurally and functionally distinct states, one or more of which is transmissible. In yeast, this ability allows them to act as non-Mendelian elements of phenotypic inheritance. To further our understanding of prion biology, we conducted a bioinformatic proteome-wide survey for prionogenic proteins in S. cerevisiae, followed by experimental investigations of 100 prion candidates. We found an unexpected amino acid bias in aggregation-prone candidates and discovered that 19 of these could also form prions. At least one of these prion proteins, Mot3, produces a bona fide prion in its natural context that increases population-level phenotypic heterogeneity. The self-perpetuating states of these proteins present a vast source of heritable phenotypic variation that increases the adaptability of yeast populations to diverse environments.
SEU-hardened resistive-load static RAMs

A charge partitioning (CP) design technique for MOS resistive-load static RAMs (RMOS SRAMs) is presented. This technique, when applied to RMOS SRAMs with specific capacitance attributes, may produce significant SEU error-rate control without sacrifices in area or power consumption. Silicon-on-insulator (SOI) technology, usually not considered appropriate for conventional RMOS SRAMs because of reduced storage capacitances, appears to be an excellent technology for CP-hardened RMOS. Simulated CP-hardened, 4-transistor RMOS RAM cells in SOI approach the error-rate performance of rad-hard, full 6-transistor CMOS cells. >
Perspectives on educational psychology

The comments that follow are based on a long career, primarily through my professorship in academic psychology in the School of Humanities and Sciences at Stanford University, but secondarily through a professorship held jointly in the School of Education, beginning a half-century ago. Professional affiliation with education began in the summer of 1927, when in the midst of my graduate study in psychology at Yale I spent the summer as a teaching assistant in courses in vocational guidance under Harry D. Kitson at Teachers College, had course work there with Ben D. Wood, and became well acquainted with Goodwin Watson. I had only a single graduate course in educational psychology at Yale under V. A. C. Henmon, who had interrupted his career at the University of Wisconsin to teach for a time at Yale.
Book Review: Constitutional Alarmism (Bruce Ackerman, The Decline and Fall of the American Republic (2010))

This is a review essay of Bruce Ackerman's new book, The Decline and Fall of the American Republic. The book argues that the modern presidency poses a new and dire threat to our constitutional traditions. One of its core claims is that legal interpretation in the executive branch - especially as practiced by offices like the White House Counsel's Office and the Justice Department's Office of Legal Counsel (OLC) - is hopelessly compromised and cannot possibly be relied upon to foster principled, good faith adherence to legal constraints. Executive branch lawyers, Ackerman contends, inevitably say yes to whatever the President wants to do, even if it means defending the legally indefensible. This Review shows that Ackerman's account of law and legal interpretation in the executive branch - "executive constitutionalism," in Ackerman's terminology - is simply wrong. Although the recent experience of the "torture memos" shows that offices like OLC can sometimes go badly astray, as a general matter OLC has a long history of providing principled, independent legal analysis. There is a similarly long history of the White House and other executive components binding themselves to OLC's opinions. These trends continue. (In particular, Ackerman's claim that the White House Counsel's Office has recently been usurping OLC's role is inaccurate.) To be sure, neither OLC nor any other player in executive constitutionalism is perfect, and there is certainly room to improve. Among other things, better disclosure of executive branch legal interpretation could help encourage fidelity to the traditions of independence and professional integrity for which offices like OLC are known. Ackerman, however, is insufficiently attentive to the institutional details of how executive constitutionalism actually works, which leads him to miss the important but subtle ways in which it entails real constraint. As a result, the book's broadside attack on executive branch legal interpretation is an exercise in unwarranted alarmism. And given its mistakes of description, the book's prescriptions for reform - including its call to replace OLC with a quasi-court he dubs the "Supreme Executive Tribunal" - are not only troubling on their own terms but entirely unwarranted.
The Scope of Phage Display for Membrane Proteins

Numerous examples of phage display applied to soluble proteins demonstrate the power of the technique for protein engineering, affinity reagent discovery and structure-function studies. Recent reports have expanded phage display to include membrane proteins (MPs). The scope and limitations of MP display remain undefined. Therefore, we report data from the phage display of representative types of membrane-associated proteins including plasma, nuclear, peripheral, single and multipass. The peripheral MP neuromodulin displays robustly with packaging by conventional M13-KO7 helper phage. The monotopic MP Nogo-66 can also display on the phage surface, if packaged by the modified M13-KO7(+) helper phage. The modified phage coat of KO7(+) can better mimic the zwitterionic character of the plasma membrane. Four examples of putatively α-helical, integral MPs failed to express as fusions to an anchoring phage coat protein and therefore did not display on the phage surface. However, the β-barrel MPs ShuA (Shigella heme uptake A) and MOMP (major outer membrane protein), which pass through the membrane 22 and 16 times, respectively, can display surprisingly well on the surfaces of both conventional and KO7(+) phages. The results provide a guide for protein engineering and large-scale mutagenesis enabled by the phage display of MPs.
Spatial patterns of grasses and shrubs in an arid grassland environment

In the Chihuahuan Desert of Mexico and New Mexico, shrub invasion is a common problem, and once-abundant grassland ecosystems are being replaced by shrub-dominated habitat. The spatial arrangement of grasses and shrubs in these arid grasslands can provide better insight into community dynamics and can provide information on grass shrub interactions. To better understand the dynamics of the Chihuahuan Desert ecosystem and to provide information regarding the interactions between grasses and shrubs, we examined the spatial patterns of grasses and shrubs in remaining grass-dominated areas, interspersed with some shrubs. We developed 18, 10 × 20 m vegetation distribution plots by mapping the location of all grasses and shrubs on each and repeating the measurements three years later. Spatial patterns were then assessed for each plot using a second-order spatial statistic, Ripley's K-function, as well as any observed changes in the spatial patterns over a three-year period. We observed clumped grass distributions, indicating a lack of competition among grasses; random shrub distributions; and even grass distribution with respect to shrub locations, indicating competition between grasses and shrubs. We also observed a tendency for grass distributions to become more even over time, and grasses to become less even with respect to shrub locations over time. These changes occurred during a period of greater than average rainfall, indicating that greater water availability may lead to increased competition among grasses and decreased competition between grasses and shrubs.