cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Soil Type and Moisture Regime Effects on Fertilizer Efficiency Calculation Methods in a Nitrogen-15 Tracer Study

Research was conducted to determine the extent to which the method of calculation affects estimates of fertilizer N efficiency using 15 N as a tracer. Corn (Zea mays L.) was grown at three locations in Illinois that varied widely in soil type. Three early-season moisture regimes (ambient, ambient + 100 mm of excess water, and ambient + 150 mm of excess water) were established to obtain different fertilizer N efficiencies on each soil. Application of 15 N-enriched KNO 3 (168 kg N ha −1 ) was made to a Drummer silty clay loam (fine-silty, mixed, mesic Typic Haplaquoll) at DeKalb, a Cisne silt loam (fine, montmorillonitic, mesic Mollic Albaqualf) at Brownstown, and a Plainfield sand (mixed, mesic Typic Udipsamment) at Havana, IL (...)
On planar intersection graphs with forbidden subgraphs

Let ${\cal C}$ be a family of n compact connected sets in the plane, whose intersection graph $G({\cal C})$ has no complete bipartite subgraph with k vertices in each of its classes. Then $G({\cal C})$ has at most n times a polylogarithmic number of edges, where the exponent of the logarithmic factor depends on k. In the case where ${\cal C}$ consists of convex sets, we improve this bound to O(n log n). If in addition k = 2, the bound can be further improved to O(n). © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Graph Theory 59: 205–214, 2008
Depression and drug addiction

This study explored depressive problems in drug addicted patients. Subjects were 114 heroin addicted patients undergoing treatment in a V.A. hospital. The methods included intensive interviews, the MMPI, the Rotter ISB Test, a psychological diary, and observations. All of the self-report techniques used indicated that many of the patients were experiencing strong depressed feelings. This depression, however, was not as clearly evident in the overt behavior of the patient.
Prenatal identification of de novo marker chromosomes using micro‐FISH approach

Chromosome microdissection combined with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and reverse chromosome painting ('micro-FISH') is a powerful technique for the unequivocal identification of complex or subtle chromosomal aberrations. We have applied this technique to the prenatal diagnosis of three fetuses with de novo marker chromosomes. One small supernumerary satellited marker chromosome was shown to have originated from the fusion of the centromeric heterochromatin of one or both of chromosomes 14 and 22. The second marker was identified as i(9)(p10) while the third marker chromosome was shown to have been derived from the 1p13.1-1q21.3 region. At birth, the clinical outcome correlated well with that expected from the prenatal cytogenetic findings. Our study highlights the importance of the application of 'micro-FISH' to prenatal diagnosis.
WHY INFORMATION ETHICS MUST BEGIN WITH VIRTUE ETHICS

: The information ethics (IE) of Floridi and Sanders is evaluated here in the light of an alternative in virtue ethics that is antifoundationalist, particularist, and relativist in contrast to Floridi's foundationalist, impartialist, and universalist commitments. Drawing from disparate traditional sources like Aristotle, Nietzsche, and Emerson, as well as contemporary advocates of virtue ethics like Nussbaum, Foot, and Williams, the essay shows that the central contentions of IE, including especially the principle of ontological equality, must either express commitments grounded in the particular perspectives we already inhabit, or be without rational or ethical force for us.
Co-evaporated Cu2ZnSnSe4 films and devices

The use of vacuum co-evaporation to produce Cu2ZnSnSe4 photovoltaic devices with 9.15% total-area efficiency is described. These new results suggest that the early success of the atmospheric techniques for kesterite photovoltaics may be related to the ease with which one can control film composition and volatile phases, rather than a fundamental benefit of atmospheric conditions for film properties. The co-evaporation growth recipe is documented, as is the motivation for various features of the recipe. Characteristics of the resulting kesterite films and devices are shown in scanning electron micrographs, including photoluminescence, current-voltage, and quantum efficiency. Current-voltage curves demonstrate low series resistance without the light-dark cross-over seen in many devices in the literature. Band gap indicated by quantum efficiency and photoluminescence is roughly consistent with that expected from first principles calculation.
An approach to open intelligent information systems

Abstract The paper proposes a new approach to the design of open intelligent information systems based on artificial intelligence techniques. This approach is referred too as the open intelligent information systems architecture (OIISA) proposes a mechanism for the effective partitioning of the knowledge base and a framework by which separate knowledge bases (which in themselves can be distinct knowledge systems) would cooperatively solve problems.
Sudden death in medium chain acyl-coenzyme a dehydrogenase deficiency (MCADD) despite newborn screening

Abstract Introduction Medium chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (MCADD) is the most frequent of the fatty acid oxidation disorders (FAOD), a group caused by defects in the mitochondrial B-oxidation of fatty acids. Fatty acid oxidation is critical in supplying energy during periods when glucose is limited or when energy needs are increased beyond the availability of glucose. In MCADD, this energy shortage can result in acute metabolic episodes or sudden death. The prevention of sudden death from MCADD served as the primary impetus to expand newborn screening. However, we have experienced sudden death in four children with MCADD despite their detection by newborn screening. The purpose of this report is to alert others to the danger of sudden death in MCADD even when it is detected by newborn screening, to identify the clinical symptoms that precede sudden death, and to examine the relationship between the newborn screening result and the risk for sudden death. Methods We describe these children and their metabolic findings with emphasis on their newborn screening octanoylcarnitine (C8) level, the primary marker for newborn detection of MCADD. We also performed a literature search of cases of sudden death in MCADD in which the clinical status preceding death is described. Results The newborn screening C8 levels in our four cases were markedly elevated, ranging from 8.4 to 24.8 μmol/L (cut off G MCAD mutation; the other two were heterozygous for this mutation. Similarly, among the eight reported cases which included MCAD genotypes, five were homozygous for the c.985A>G mutation, while two were heterozygous and one was homozygous for a splice site mutation. Vomiting 12–24 h before sudden death was present in all four of our cases, and the review of reported cases of sudden death in MCADD disclosed vomiting as a frequent symptom. Conclusion We suggest that in MCADD (1) a newborn screening C8 level of 6 μmol/L or greater represents particular risk of sudden death; (2) that MCAD genotypes other than homozygosity for the c.985A>G mutation are also associated with sudden death; (3) that vomiting is a frequent symptom preceding sudden death; and (4) social support and medical follow-up of these families are crucial in reducing the occurrence of sudden death.
Spin-Wave Renormalization Applied to Ferromagnetic Cr Br 3

Nuclear-magnetic-resonance-domain magnetization data for ferromagnetic Cr${\mathrm{Br}}_{3}$ have been extended over the range 1-20\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K. Using the low-temperature (\ensuremath{\le}5.25\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K) data and Holstein-Primakoff spin-wave theory without the usual long-wavelength approximation, we have shown that exchange constants reported by Gossard, Jaccarino, and Remeika are in error by about 40%. This error resulted from the long-wavelength approximation, which causes, even at temperatures $\frac{1}{9}\mathrm{th}$ the Curie temperature, errors much larger than experimental errors. In the low-temperature range, we have found a 20% range for the values of the exchange constants which will explain the experimental results. However, by using spin-wave renormalization techniques to interpret the intermediate temperature data, the acceptable range in values for the exchange constants is narrowed to less than 2%. We have been able to fit the experimental NMR frequencies, throughout the temperature range of 1-20\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K, with the renormalized spin-wave theory. The resulting rms error of 16.2 kc/sec lies within the mean experimental error, thereby giving experimental verification to the approximations used in developing the spin-wave renormalization. This data fit gives 8.25\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K for the intralayer exchange constant, 0.497\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K for the interlayer exchange constant, and 58.099 Mc/sec for the 0\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K, zero-field ${\mathrm{Cr}}^{53}$ resonance frequency.
Mosquito protein microassay. II. Modification for potential field use.

Abstract 1. 1. A simple microassay is described for determining protein levels in individual mosquitoes; this method should be useful on a routine basis in the field. 2. 2. This method requires only a small portion of a homogenate of a single mosquito. 3. 3. Sugar-fed adult female Anopheles albimanus showed a slow decline in protein level for 14 days post-emergence. 4. 4. Blood volumes and blood-meal protein levels were microassayed, and changes in protein level were monitored throughout the reproductive cycle. 5. 5. Blood-fed Anopheles albimanus protein levels return only slowly to pre-feeding levels following egg deposition.
Mail room sorting: A vital part of the library acquisition process

Abstract A discussion of the position of the mail room operations in the library acquisitions process is presented. Illustrations are provided in order to emphasize the numerous problems created by the poorly addressed materials.
Ovarian intercellular bridges in Dermacentor andersoni stiles (Acari : Ixodidae).

Intercellular bridges are present between oogonia and between oocytes of nymphs and newly molted and fasting adult Dermacentor andersoni Stiles. During these stages there is synchronous development of oogonia and oocytes. These bridges are unique both in their degree of development and in possessing narrow, elongated invaginations of the plasma membrane around both bases. Dictyosomes are frequently present in close proximity to bridge bases and vesicles are often noted in bridges between oocytes of adults. Bridges between oogonia infrequently contain cisternae of smooth endoplasmic reticulum.
Perceptual learning and the visual control of braking

Performance on a visually guided action may improve with practice because observers become perceptually attuned to more reliable optical information. Fajen and Devaney (2006) investigated perceptual attunement, using an emergency braking task in which subjects waited until the last possible moment before slamming on the brakes. The subjects in that study learned to use more reliable optical variables with practice, allowing them to perform the task more successfully across changes in the size of the approached object and the speed of approach. In Experiment 1 of the present study, subjects completed blocks of normal, regulated braking before and after practice on emergency braking. Size and speed effects that were present at early stages diminished or were eliminated after practice, suggesting that perceptual attunement resulting from practice on emergency braking transfers to normal, regulated braking. In Experiment 2, practice on regulated braking alone also resulted in perceptual attunement. The findings suggest that braking is not always guided on the basis of an optical invariant and that perceptual attunement plays an important role in learning to perform a visually guided action.
Excitation transfer cross sections for levels of the Ne 2 p 5 3 d configuration

We have measured electron-impact optical emission cross sections for selected resonance and nearby nonresonant levels of the neon 2p 5 3d configuration at pressures from 2 to 70 mTorr. The enhanced fluorescence observed from nonresonant levels at high pressures is consistent with excitation transfer from highly populated resonance levels of the 2p 5 3d configuration. We measured excitation-transfer cross sections of 540 ′80 A 2 , 1600′500 A 2 , and 1100′200 A 2 for transfer from the 3d 5 →3d 6 , 3s' 1 →3s" 1 , and 3s' 1 →3s"" 1 , respectively.
Forests for cotton: Institutions and organizations in Brazil's mid-twentieth-century cotton boom

Abstract The western region of Sao Paulo state, Brazil, became one of several sites of global cotton production during the first half of the twentieth century in response to increased global demand and fears of cotton shortages. The cotton boom tapped a ‘forest rent’ that helped Brazil rise to become the largest producer in Latin America, providing both export revenue and critical raw material to a growing industrial economy that would become the largest in South America. This paper uses an organizational and institutional perspective to analyze causes and effects of the mid-century cotton boom that centered on Sao Paulo state. Organizations and institutions relating to cotton production are considered using oral histories, judicial documents, agronomic texts, and the sediment record in small catchments as empirical evidence. The state dramatically reformed some organizations to provide the key inputs to cotton production, while most contemporary observers ignored institutions, such as sharecropping and tenant farming, that supported cotton. Sao Paulo's institutions and organizations were characterized by the borrowing and adaptation of existing labor institutions, the creation of new state organizations that subsidized elite producers, and the weak development of institutions or organizations in response to soil fertility issues and labor supply.
Protagoras - or Plato?

In an earlier article,' I argued that Plato had manipulated the discussion in Republic I to move Thrasymachus from a political position he may in fact have held2 to the un-Thrasymachean moral position he himself wanted to consider in the rest of Republic.3 The move is made in 343 c 3 by linguistic bridging; i.e., by juxtaposing (1) "advantage of the stronger" and (3) "another's good" as if they were synonymous,4 though (1)as interpreted by (2) "obedience to the ruler's law" is in fact quite incompatible with (3); and it is only with (3) that the moral discussion can be opened. The reason is that it alone can apply to everyone, ruler as well as subject, and in it alone "justice" means something like "acceptance of equality" rather than simply "obedience to (any) law", which is called "justice" -by the ruler. In the light of this apparently cavalier attitude by Plato toward historical accuracy in using for his own purposes the doctrine of the Sophist, Thrasymachus, it seems worthwhile to ask whether he is similarly cavalier in using the doctrines of other historical personages; and if he is, whether he employs a similar method of bridging. Specifically, does he do this with, e.g., Protagoras in Theaetetus?
Syncarpurea, a novel metabolite from

Abstract The isolation and structure determination of syncarpurea (1), a novel urea from Uvaria afzelii is reported.
Family Structure and Cohesion, and Depressive Symptoms in Adolescents

This study assessed whether the presence of both natural parents in the home and the level of perceived emotional bonding in the family, as measured by the cohesion component of the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scales, were independent predictors of depressive symptoms as measured by the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) in a diverse community sample of 3,191 young adolescents. In cross-sectional analysis, cohesion was significantly associated with depressive symptoms after controlling for family structure and parent education, but there were significant interactions of cohesion with race and gender. Higher CES-D scores were associated with lower cohesion scores, with partial R² values from 0.11 for African American female adolescents to 0.29 for White female adolescents. In longitudinal analysis, the Year 1 cohesion score explained only a small amount of the variance in Year 2 CES-D after controlling for Year 1 CES-D; however, the change in cohesion score from Year ...
Reciprocity versus rhythmicity in spontaneous alternations of nasal airflow.

Active anterior rhinomanometry was used to observe nasal airflow in five men and four women (ages 18–30). Measurements were obtained for each nasal passage every 5 min throughout an uninterrupted 8-hr session. Facial skin temperature from the left and right side of the face was recorded simultaneously from thermocouples. Observations were made during the months of May and June; subjects were allowed to maintain their routine diurnally active schedules prior to observation. Airflow in the two passages showed a significant negative correlation (i.e. Was reciprocal) in 44% of subjects (N= 9). Autocorrelation and spectral analysis of the airflow data found evidence of periodicity in 39% of individual nostrils and 56% of subjects. Mean estimated period was 4.5 ± 1.0 hr (range 3.5–6.0 hr). Only 22% of subjects showed statistical evidence of periodicity in both nostrils (i.e. a “nasal cycle”). Left- and right-side facial skin temperatures changed in parallel rather than reciprocally, but showed evidence of perio...
Modeling EAI-based e-business solutions

With increasing Internet use, the selling and buying of goods and services on the Web, commonly considered as a part of e-commerce, is exploding at an unbelievably rapid speed. The success of e-commerce depends a lot on the effort of a contributing domain called e-business that is typically unseen and unconcerned with Web consumers/Web customers, and that is now becoming the focus of every company and its business partners, large and small. The e-commerce therefore is just the tip of the iceberg. Underneath is a huge supporting infrastructure involving the bridging and integration of disparate applications. These applications, old and new, are written in different computer languages and compiled in different platforms, run on different hardware, have different data structures, types and formats, use different transport mechanisms, and support a wide range of different technologies. Consequently, many tools have been introduced in the market over the years to provide rapid development and delivery of integrated applications supporting e-business. While these EAI-enabled applications, pre-packaged software and tools in support of EAI in particular and e-business in general have grown at a highly accelerating rate, methods and techniques for effective and rapid development of EAI and EAI-enabled applications have received a lesser degree of attention. The article discusses an EAI based modeling scheme of e-business solutions for and across enterprises. As a case in point, we use a product suite, namely CandleNet eBusiness Platform by Candle Corporation, to exemplify our modeling scheme.
P1B-8 Experimental Investigation of the Effects of Gas Pockets on HIFU Field

The paper describes experimental and numerical studies of the effects of gas pockets on HIFU filed. Spherical air bubbles ranging from 1.5 to 5.0 mm diameter were produced in transparent polyacrylamide tissue mimicking gels. A single element 3.5 MHz HIFU transducer was used for sonication of the gel phantoms. Diffused backlight visualization technique was used to observe lesion formation in the tissue models. The changes in the HIFU beam pattern for air bubbles at different positions were visualized by schlieren method. Quantitative measurement of pressure at the HIFU focus by a calibrated needle hydrophone showed considerable reduction in the focal pressure with the presence of a pre-focal air pocket. The effects were simulated numerically and good agreement with experiments was obtained. The results provide guidelines for evaluation of potential safety concerns produced by trapped gas- pockets in various HIFU therapies.
Countertop responsive mirror: supporting physical retail shopping for sellers, buyers and companions

We examine opportunities for ubiquitous technologies in retail shopping, jewelry shopping in this case, to supplement the unique information needs inherent to physical trials of tactile products. We describe an iterative design approach to develop a mirror system that records and matches images across jewelry trials called the Countertop Responsive Mirror. The key technological distinction of our system from prior technologies is the use of "matched access," which automatically retrieves images that match a scene shown in separately accessed images. This not only helps shoppers compare jewelry but also promotes interactions among all parties during shopping. We report qualitative findings from multiple field trials of the system. This paper contributes to a body of research on the design and introduction of new technologies into retail shopping that provide value to all users without disruption to their normative practices and behaviors.
Foreign Language Learning Difficulties An Historical Perspective

For 10 years, the authors of this article have examined cognitive, affective, and linguistic influences on foreign language learning. They have proposed the Linguistic Coding Differences Hypothesis (LCDH) as a model for understanding foreign language learning problems. The authors review their empirical support for the LCDH and explain the diagnostic, pedagogical, and policy implications of their research.
Preparation of methyl 8c,11c‐eicosadienoate‐17,17,18,18‐d4, methyl 8c,11c,14c‐eicosatrienoate‐17,17,18,18‐d4 and methyl 5c,8c,11c‐eicosatrienoate‐17,17,18,18‐d4

Methyl 8c,11c-eicosadienoate, methyl 5c,8c,11c-eicosatrienoate and methyl 8c,11c,14c-eicosatrienoate (all 17,17,18,18-d4) were prepared in multi-gram quantities for human metabolism studies. The deuterium atoms were incorporated by reduction of the appropriate acetylenic tetrahydropyranyl (THP) ethers with (Ph3P)3RhCl and deuterium gas. The THP ethers were converted to the iodides with H3PO4/P2O5/KI. The deuterium-labelled fatty acid methyl esters were then synthesized from the alkyl iodide-d4 via a series of acetylenic coupling reactions with the last double bond generated by the Witting reaction. Acetylenic bonds were reduced to olefinic bonds by use of Lindlar's catalyst. Both 8,11-20:2 and 5,8,11-20:3 were synthesized from the same 8-carbon-d4 starting fragment. The 8,11-20:2 isomer was prepared in a 10-step synthesis in 19% overall yield, the 5,8,11-20:3 in 12 steps (18% overall yield) and the 8,11,14-20:3 isomer in 12 steps with an overall yield of 10%. Trans isomers were removed by silver resin chromatography. The 8,11-20:2, 5,8,11-20:3 and 8,11,14-20:3 compounds had isotopic purities of 91-97%.
Comment on Hanssen and Meehan, ‘‘Who Integrated Major League Baseball Faster Winning Teams or Losing Teams?’’

In this short note, the authors contrast their own recent work on racial integration in Major League Baseball with that of two other groups: Hanssen and Meehan (2009) and Goff, McCormick, and Tollison (2002). While reaching dissimilar conclusions, both groups understate the role of the entrepreneur in the process of integration and rely too heavily on a continuous estimation model for a discrete dependent variable.
Predicting Invasions of Woody Plants Introduced into North America

Plant species continue to be introduced in North America for various purposes. If the trend continues, it is probable that some will escape cultivation and become invasive in native ecosystems. We present a retrospective analysis of several structural, life history, and biogeographical attributes of woody plants introduced in North America to determine which traits characterize species that have and have not invaded. Predictive models derived from discriminant analysis correctly classified 86.2% of the species in cross-validation, whereas those derived from classification and regression trees classified 76% correctly. From these models we created a hierarchical predictive tree that allows the user to divide species into three categories: admit (low risk of invasiveness), deny admission (high risk of invasiveness), or delay admission for further analyses and/or monitor intensively (risk cannot adequately be assessed based on only the included attributes). We recommend that species that are highly invasive elsewhere not be allowed into the U.S. and that a more conservative introduction policy using a hierarchical predictive method be employed. Especies de plantas continuan siendo introducidas a Norteamerica para diversos motivos. De continuar la tendencia, es probable que alguna escape y se vuelva invasiva en ecosistemas nativos. Presentamos un analisis retrospectivo de varios atributos estructurales, biologicos y biogeograficos de plantas lenosas introducidas a Norteamerica para determinar los rasgos caracteristicos de las especies que han invadido y de las que no han invadido. Los modelos predictivos derivados de analisis discriminatorio clasificaron correctamente al 86.2% e las especies en validacion cruzada, mientras que los modelos derivados de dendrogramas de clasificacion y de regresion clasificaron correctamente al 76%. A partir de estos modelos creamos un dendrograma predictivo jerarquico que permite al usuario dividir a las especies en tres categorias: admitir (bajo riesgo de invasividad), negar admision (alto riesgo de invasividad) o retrasar admision para analisis posterior y/o monitoreo intensivo (el riesgo no puede evaluarse adecuadamente solo con base en los atributos incluidos. Recomendamos que no se permita la entrada a E.U.A. de especies que son altamente invasivas en otras partes y que se aplique una politica de introduccion conservadora basada en un modelo predictivo jerarquico.
Effect of controlled feeding on the isoenzymes of pyruvate kinase, hexokinase and aldolase in liver during development☆

Abstract Controlled feeding schedules have been used to maintain rats during the first thirty days following birth to investigate the role of food in determining the course of liver development. Use of the ‘8 + 16’ feeding schedule and a new ‘16 + 8’ suckling schedule allowed rats to be reared through the neonatal period without access to solid food until the day they were weaned. Food-independent increases in Pyruvate kinase type I isoenzyme, glucokinase and aldolase B take place in the late suckling period. Thus it appears that the change in the nutritional status of the animal at weaning is not a major factor in liver development.
Contrasting neurotic styles in the analysis of two preschool children.

The first child to be treated psychoanalytically was a preschooler, and his short and successful treatment was skillfully supervised by Freud. In the follow-up many years later, he had remained well. An untreated child, with a different neurotic illness, grew up to become the Wolfman, and his subsequent treatment was “interminable” and not too successful. The two cases represent contrasting neurotic styles and pose an interesting hypothetical “what if?”: What if the Wolfman had also been treated psychoanalytically as a child? Would the outcome in adult life have been equally successful? To provide even a tentative answer would seem to depend on finding two similar cases and having them treated by the same child analyst, using the same technique governed by the same underlying theoretical assumptions over the same period of time. Two fairly similar cases were found, meeting the criteria for circumscribed and diffuse neurosis and both were treated by the same child analyst until the neurotic impediments had been removed and normal development was resumed.
Type I interferon mimetics bypass vaccinia virus decoy receptor virulence factor for protection of mice against lethal infection.

The canonical model of interferon (IFN) signaling focuses solely on the activation of STAT transcription factors which, according to the model, are initiated by the singular event of cross-linkage of the receptor extracellular domain by the IFN. The IFN has no further function beyond this. The model thus provides no approach to circumventing poxviruses decoy receptors that compete with the IFN receptors for IFNs. This simple event has allowed smallpox virus to decimate human populations throughout the ages. We have developed a noncanonical model of IFN signaling that has resulted in the development of small peptide mimetics to both types I and II IFNs. In this report, we focus on a type I IFN mimetic at positions 152 to 189, IFN-1(152–189), which corresponds to the C terminus of human IFN-1. This mimetic functions intracellularly and is thus not recognized by the B18R vaccinia virus decoy receptor. Mimetic synthesized with an attached palmitate (lipo-) for cell penetration protects mice from a lethal dose of vaccinia virus, while the parent IFN-1 is ineffective. Unlike IFN-1, the mimetic does not bind to the B18R decoy receptor. It further differs from the parent IFN in that it lacks the toxicity of weight loss and bone marrow suppression in mice while at the same time possessing a strong adjuvant effect on the immune system. The mimetic is thus an innate and adaptive immune regulator that is evidence of the dynamic nature of the noncanonical model of IFN signaling, in stark contrast to the canonical or classical model of signaling.
Multiyear variability of phytoplankton abundance in the Gulf of Maine

Significant interannual changes in phytoplankton abundance were identified in the Continuous Plankton Recorder time-series collected in the Gulf of Maine from 1961 to 2008. Abundance levels of nearly all the common taxa began to increase in 1990 and remained elevated through 2001. During that period, total numbers were above average throughout the year, with an unusual bloom in late summer. Multivariate analysis of abundance identified three consecutive multiyear periods of varying abundance levels: low to average from 1961 to 1989, above average or very high from 1990 to 2001, and below average thereafter, through 2008. Phytoplankton abundance patterns were closely aligned to the rising trends displayed by several of the common zooplankton taxa. The North Atlantic Oscillation was the only environmental variable examined that showed some association with time-series abundance trends of plankton. The index was primarily positive in the 1990s, which would favour the propagation of warm, nutrient-rich slope water into the region. Perhaps the increased influx of this water, along with feedback enrichment from abundant zooplankton stocks and reduced top-down control by the relative scarcity of the dominant copepod Calanus finmarchicus, combined with a low salinity to make the 1990s a unique decade for plankton change in the Gulf of Maine.
Entirely declarative sensor network systems

The database and sensor network community have both recognized the utility of SQL for interfacing with sensor network systems. Recently there have been proposals to construct Internet protocols declaratively in variants of Datalog. We take these ideas to their logical extreme, and demonstrate entire distributed sensor network systems built declaratively. Our demo exposes the rapidity, flexibility, and efficiency of our approach by building several fully-functional yet widely-varying sensor network applications and services declaratively. As a result of our declarative construction, we are able to highlight a wealth of previously underexposed similarities between sensor networks and database concepts. In addition, we tackle many database systems challenges in building multiple layers of a declarative database for an embedded, distributed system.
SYNCHRONIZATION OF MITOCHONDRIAL DNA SYNTHESIS IN CHINESE HAMSTER CELLS (LINE CHO) DEPRIVED OF ISOLEUCINE

Mitochondrial DNA (mit-DNA) synthesis was compared in suspension cultures of Chinese hamster cells (line CHO) whose cell cycle events had been synchronized by isoleucine deprivation or mitotic selection. At hourly intervals during cell cycle progression, synchronized cells were exposed to tritiated thymidine ([3H]TdR), homogenized, and nuclei and mitochondria isolated by differential centrifugation. Mit-DNA and nuclear DNA were isolated and incorporation of radioisotope measured as counts per minute ([3H]TdR) per microgram DNA. Mit-DNA synthesis in cells synchronized by mitotic selection began after 4 h and continued for approximately 9 h. This time-course pattern resembled that of nuclear DNA synthesis. In contrast, mit-DNA synthesis in cells synchronized by isoleucine deprivation did not begin until 9–12 h after addition of isoleucine and virtually all [3H]TdR was incorporated during a 3-h interval. We have concluded from these results that mit-DNA synthesis is inhibited in CHO cells which are arrested in G1 because of isoleucine deprivation and that addition of isoleucine stimulates synchronous synthesis of mit-DNA. We believe this method of synchronizing mit-DNA synthesis may be of value in studies of factors which regulate synthesis of mit-DNA.
Multiple-sequence functional annotation and the generalized hidden Markov phylogeny

Motivation: Phylogenetic shadowing is a comparative genomics principle that allows for the discovery of conserved regions in sequences from multiple closely related organisms. We develop a formal probabilistic framework for combining phylogenetic shadowing with feature-based functional annotation methods. The resulting model, a generalized hidden Markov phylogeny (GHMP), applies to a variety of situations where functional regions are to be inferred from evolutionary constraints. Results: We show how GHMPs can be used to predict complete shared gene structures in multiple primate sequences. We also describe shadower, our implementation of such a prediction system. We find that shadower outperforms previously reported ab initio gene finders, including comparative human--mouse approaches, on a small sample of diverse exonic regions. Finally, we report on an empirical analysis of shadower's performance which reveals that as few as five well-chosen species may suffice to attain maximal sensitivity and specificity in exon demarcation. Availability: A Web server is available at http://bonaire.lbl.gov/shadower
Comprehensive frequency-dependent substrate noise analysis using boundary element methods

We present a comprehensive methodology for the electrodynamic modeling of substrate noise coupling. A new and efficient method is introduced for the calculation of the Green's function that can accommodate arbitrary substrate doping profiles and thus facilitate substrate noise analysis using boundary element methods. In addition to a discussion of the application of the method and its validation in the context of substrate transfer resistance extraction, preliminary results from its application to frequency-dependent substrate noise modeling are also presented.
Teaching Healthy Anger Management

TOPIC. Teaching anger management in the community. PURPOSE. To describe anger management and offer guidelines for assessing potential participants and teaching healthy behaviors. SOURCES. Drawing from the literature, more than 10 years of quantitative and qualitative studies by our research team, and 5 years of experience in conducting anger management groups, the author presents basic principles of teaching anger management. A model is described for a 4-week group for women. CONCLUSIONS. Anger management has wide applicability to a variety of constituencies for
XPS: a multi-channel preamplifier-shaper IC for X-ray spectroscopy

An integrated circuit featuring 48 channels of charge sensitive preamplifiers followed by variable-gain pulse shaping amplifiers is being developed as part of an X-ray spectrometer with a highly segmented detector to handle high fluxes in synchrotron experiments. Such detector systems can provide excellent energy resolution combined with one-dimensional spatial information. The IC combines many basic spectroscopy amplifier functions with a low noise preamplifier section to produce a unique circuit capable of driving conventional ADC modules directly. An important feature of the design is the novel CR-RC/sup 2/ pulse shaper. In this section, high-linearity transconductor circuits are required in order to provide a broad range of continuously variable peaking times while still maintaining the linearity and noise performance necessary for X-ray spectroscopy. Reported here are first measurements made on the performance of a 16-channel prototype integrated circuit. At present, the preamplifier-shaper circuit achieves an equivalent input noise of 26 electrons RMS at 2 /spl mu/s peaking time with a 0.2 pF external capacitor, which is similar to the capacitance of a single detector element. The design was fabricated in standard 1.2 /spl mu/m CMOS technology.
Optimal Lot Sizing, Process Quality Improvement and Setup Cost Reduction

This paper seeks to demonstrate that lower setup costs can benefit production systems by improving quality control. It does so by introducing a simple model that captures a significant relationship between quality and lot size: while producing a lot, the process can go "out of control" with a given probability each time it produces another item. Once out of control, the process produces defective units throughout its production of the current lot. The system incurs an extra cost for rework and related operations for each defective piece that it produces. Thus, there is an incentive to produce smaller lots, and have a smaller fraction of defective units. The paper also introduces three options for investing in quality improvements: i reducing the probability that the process moves out of control which yields fewer defects, larger lot sizes, fewer setups, and larger holding costs; ii reducing setup costs which yields smaller lot sizes, lower holding costs, and fewer defects; and iii simultaneously using the two previous options. By assuming a specific form of the investment cost function for each option, we explicitly obtain the optimal investment strategy. We also briefly discuss the sensitivity of these solutions to changes in underlying parameter values. A numerical example illustrates the results.
PROGRESS TOWARDS A 3D AERODYNAMIC SHAPE OPTIMIZATION TOOL FOR THE COMPRESSIBLE, ElGE-Re NAVIER-STOKES EQUATIONS DISCRETIZED ON UNSTRUCTURED MESHES.

We report on recent progress towards the development of a 3D optimization capability for transonic flow at high Reynolds numbers. In this paper we demonstrate optimization based on the 3D laminar Navier-Stokes equation, and we present validation of the flow analysis scheme based on the 2D Navier-Stokes equations with turbulence modelling.
Maturation of proximal tubule Na+/H+ antiporter activity in sheep during transition from fetus to newborn

We have studied maturational changes in the kinetics of the proximal tubule Na+/H+ antiporter. Microvillus membrane vesicles were prepared from renal cortex of fetal and newborn lambs. Amiloride-sensitive uptake of 22Na+ by these vesicles was measured and Woolf-Augustinsson-Hofstee plots were used to determine the Michaelis constant (Km) and rate of maximal uptake (Vmax). Initial studies of fetal lambs at 130-132 days gestation (n = 5; term is 145 days) and 3- to 4-day-old lambs (n = 5) revealed no maturational change in Km (7.27 +/- 1.25 for fetuses and 9.01 +/- 1.03 mM for lambs); however, there was a 242% increase in Vmax (from 1.28 +/- 0.33 in the fetuses to 4.37 +/- 0.85 nmol.s-1.mg protein-1 in the lambs, P = 0.005). Further definition of the developmental change in Na+/H+ antiporter Vmax was obtained when 144-day-gestation fetuses (n = 5) were compared with 24-h-old sibling lambs (n = 5) that had been delivered by cesarean section at 144 days gestation. Again, no significant difference was seen in ...
Evaluation of a Rapid Fluorescent Staining Method for Detection of Mycobacteria in Clinical Specimens

Rapid detection of mycobacterial disease is essential. Using multiple specimen types and concentrations of mycobacteria, we compared two commercial auramine O stains. The more rapid stain permitted consistent acid-fast bacillus quantitation and exhibited less debris staining, and the staining procedure required less time (∼2 min) to perform. These results suggest that the rapid stain may be more cost-effective and efficient for use in clinical laboratories.
Efficacy of serologic testing in asymmetric sensorineural hearing loss.

Purpose: The goal of this study was to determine the efficacy of a detailed questionnaire, auditory brain stem response testing (ABR), MRI, and an extensive battery of serologic tests in diagnosing asymmetric sensorineural hearing loss (ASNHL). Methods And Material: Patients with audiograms demonstrating ASNHL of 10 dB or greater in 2 consecutive frequencies or 15 dB in any 1 frequency between 250 and 6000 Hz were asked to participate. Patients underwent MRI scanning of the cerebellopontine angle, internal auditory canals, and posterior fossa with gadolinium contrast, ABR, and an extensive battery of tests. The causative diagnosis was made by the individual clinician based on each patient’s history, physical examination, and test results. Results: Forty-five patients completed the study. A review of the data confirmed the utility of a detailed history and physical examination, MRI, and fluorescent treponemal antibody test in all cases. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate, glycosylated hemoglobin, Lyme antibody titers, and total hemolytic component (CH50) were helpful in selected cases. Thyroid function testing, complete blood count, Sequential Multiple Analysis-7, prothrombin time/partial thromboplastin time, lipid profile, and ABR were of no value in these patients. Conclusion: A careful history and physical examination, MRI, and fluorescent treponemal antibody test should be performed for the evaluation of all patients with ASNHL; however, more extensive serologic testing, including sedimentation rate, glycosylated hemoglobin, Lyme antibody titers, and CH50, should be selectively performed, based on a suggestive history or suspicious physical findings. (Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2000;122:469-76.)
Formulation and analysis of horizontal mergers among oligopolistic firms with insights into the merger paradox: a supply chain network perspective

In this paper, we consider oligopolistic firms with supply chain networks who are involved in the production, storage, and distribution of a homogeneous product to demand markets and explore what has become known in the literature as the “merger paradox.” We present the oligopolistic supply chain network equilibrium model associated with the competing firms before the horizontal mergers and also develop the supply chain network optimization model post the complete merger. In addition, we develop the model in which only a subset of the firms in the industry merge. The governing concept of the competing firms is that of Cournot–Nash equilibrium. We utilize finite-dimensional variational inequality theory for the formulation, analysis, and solution of both the pre and the post-merger supply chain network problems. We provide numerical examples for which we compute the total costs, the total revenues, as well as the profits obtained for the firms pre and post the mergers for a variety of distinct oligopoly problems. The generality of the network models and the flexibility of the computational approach, which yields closed form expressions for the product flows at each iteration, allows us to obtain deeper insights into the merger paradox.
CEP Is an Important and Ubiquitous Oxidation Specific Epitope Recognized by Innate Pattern Recognition Receptors

Nonenzymatic modifications of proteins and lipids are ubiquitous and often greatly exaggerated in various metabolic conditions, such as in hyperglycemia, or in the presence of inflammation, for example, because of enhanced lipid peroxidation. Such modifications often alter the normal structure/function or confer novel and unwanted properties to the modified proteins or lipids. For example, nonenzymatic glycation of lysine residues of proteins, which is greatly exaggerated in hyperglycemia, can lead to the formation of glucitollysine adducts that can alter function of proteins, such as the binding properties of albumin and the metabolic properties of low-density lipoprotein (LDL).1 Over time, these adducts can undergo even more complex chemical rearrangements to form a host of newly formed chemical structures, collectively termed advanced glycation end products, which can confer yet further novel properties, for example, proinflammatory properties mediated by various innate receptors, such as scavenger receptor CD36 and RAGE (receptor for advanced glycation endproducts).2 Article, see p 321 In a similar manner, reactive oxygen species, generated during inflammation as a result of both enzymatic and nonenzymatic reactions, lead to oxidative modifications of a wide range of substrates. Among these, polyunsaturated fatty acids present in phospholipids in extracellular lipoproteins, such as LDL, or in the cellular membranes of cells, are highly susceptible to such attack. One such widely studied example occurs during the formation of oxidized LDL (OxLDL), which leads to formation of oxidized cholesterol esters and oxidized phospholipids (OxPLs). For example, if the sn2 polyunsaturated fatty acid in a phosphocholine (PC) containing phospholipid undergoes free radical attack, generating an oxidized phospholipid (OxPL), a variety of highly reactive oxidative degradation split products can be formed, such as 4-hydroxynonenal and malondialdehyde, which both can then further modify proteins or amino-containing phospholipids.3 Both malondialdehyde and 4-hydroxynonenal adducts with apoB-100 of LDL can be demonstrated …
A Marek's Disease Virus vIL-8 Deletion Mutant Has Attenuated Virulence and Confers Protection Against Challenge with a Very Virulent Plus Strain

Abstract Marek's disease virus (MDV) is an alpha-herpesvirus that causes rapid development of T-cell lymphomas in chickens. MDV-encoded vIL-8 is homologous to the cellular IL-8 gene, and its function in MDV pathogenesis has yet to be determined. Using overlapping cosmid clone–based technology, we have generated an MDV vIL-8 deletion mutant virus, rMd5/ΔvIL-8. In vivo experiments with this mutant virus demonstrated that deletion of vIL-8 results in attenuation of the virus and induction of significantly less gross tumor, both in viscera and nerves, when compared to the parental virus. Reintroduction of the vIL-8 gene in the genome of the mutant virus restored the virulence of the virus to the wild-type levels, indicating that vIL-8 plays a role in MDV-induced pathogenesis. In this study, we show that there is a significant difference in the reduction of B cells and activation of T cells in the spleen cells of chickens inoculated with parental rMd5 and vIL-8 deletion mutant virus. These results indicate tha...