cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Discriminative Stimulus Effects of Nicotine, Epibatidine, and Varenicline in Mice: Involvement of β2 Containing Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Subtypes

Nicotine is a high efficacy β2 containing nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (β2 nAChR) agonist, whereas varenicline has low efficacy at β2 nAChRs. To better understand the receptor pharmacology of v...
Reply to “Confused by Weissella confusa Bacteremia”

In this issue, [Gelfand and Cleveland][1] comment ([1][2]) on our recent photo quiz ([2][3], [3][4]) about Weissella confusa bacteremia in a Crohn's disease patient. In particular, they raise the possibility that the bacteremia resulted from the patient's use of a probiotic supplement rather than
Neuroscience: Internal compass puts flies in their place

An analysis reveals that fruit-fly neurons orient flies relative to cues in the insects' environment, providing evidence that the fly's brain contains a key component for drawing a cognitive map of the insect's surroundings. See Article p.186
Enhanced real-time divisible load scheduling with different processor available times

Providing QoS and performance guarantees for arbitrarily divisible loads in a cluster has become a significant problem. While progress is being made in scheduling arbitrarily divisible loads, some of the proposed approaches may cause Inserted Idle Times (IITs) that are detrimental to system performance. Two contributions are made in addressing this problem. First, we propose two constraints that, when satisfied, lead to an optimal partitioning in utilizing IITs. Second, we integrate the new partitioning method with a previous approach and develop an enhanced algorithm that better utilizes IITs. Simulation results demonstrate the advantages of our new approach.
Iterative Methods for Symmetric Outer Product Tensor Decompositions

We study the symmetric outer product decomposition which decomposes a fully (partially) symmetric tensor into a sum of rank-one fully (partially) symmetric tensors. We present iterative algorithms for the third-order partially symmetric tensor and fourth-order fully symmetric tensor. The numerical examples indicate a faster convergence rate for the new algorithms than the standard method of alternating least squares.
Physicochemical stability profile of Tulane virus: a human norovirus surrogate

Aims Human norovirus (HuNoV) is estimated to cause 19–21 million illnesses each year in the US. A major limitation in HuNoV research is the lack of an in vitro culture system; therefore, surrogate viruses including murine norovirus (MNV) and feline calicivirus (FCV) are used to study HuNoV. Here, we aim to establish the physiochemical properties of Tulane virus (TV)—a newer HuNoV surrogate. Methods and Results For thermal inactivation, TV was exposed to 37°C for 2 h, and 56, 63 and 72°C for 30 min. For ethanol tolerance, TV was treated with 60, 70 and 90% ethanol at room temperature (RT) for 5 min. Tulane virus pH stability at pH 2, 3, 7, 9 and 10 was performed at RT for 90 min. At 37°C, there was no significant reduction in TV after 2 h. However, at 56, 63 and 72°C, D-values of 4·03, 1·18, and 0·24 min, were calculated respectively. The D-values obtained for TV ethanol tolerance were 1·46, 1·93, and 0·35 min at 60, 70 and 90% respectively. Less than 1 log10 plaque forming units (PFU) reduction was observed for TV at all pH levels except pH 10 where about a 2-log10 PFU reduction was observed. Tulane virus was also tolerant to chlorine disinfection on a solid surface with D-values of 15·82 and 5·42 min at 200 and 1000 ppm respectively. Conclusions Tulane virus is likely a suitable surrogate to study HuNoV thermal stability as well as ethanol tolerance below 90%. Tulane virus also is a promising surrogate to study HuNoV pH stability and chlorine tolerance. Significance and Impact of the Study Based on current work, in vitro studies demonstrate that TV is an overall more conservative and suitable surrogate for the study of HuNoV physicochemical properties.
TORQUE REVERSAL AND SPIN-DOWN OF THE ACCRETION-POWERED PULSAR 4U 1626(67

Over 5 yr of hard X-ray (20-60 keV) monitoring of the 7.66 s accretion-powered pulsar 4U 1626-67 with the Compton Gamma Ray Observatory/BATSE large-area detectors has revealed that the neutron star is now steadily spinning down, in marked contrast to the steady spin-up observed during 1977-1989. This is the second accreting pulsar (the other is GX 1+4) that has shown extended, steady intervals of both spin-up and spin-down. Remarkably, the magnitudes of the spin-up and spin-down torques differ by only 15%, with the neutron star spin changing on a timescale |ν/dot ν| ≈ 5000 yr in both states. The current spin-down rate is itself decreasing on a timescale |dot ν/bar ν| ≈ 26 yr. The long-term timing history shows small-amplitude variations on a 4000 day timescale, which are probably due to variations in the mass transfer rate. The pulsed 20-60 keV emission from 4U 1626-67 is well-fitted by a power-law spectrum with photon index γ = 4.9 and a typical pulsed intensity of 1.5 × 10^(-10) ergs cm^(-2) s^(-1). The low count rates with BATSE prohibited us from constraining the reported 42 minute binary orbit, but we can rule out long-period orbits in the range 2 days lesssim Porb lesssim 900 days. We compare the long-term torque behavior of 4U 1626-67 to other disk-fed accreting pulsars and discuss the implications of our results for the various theories of magnetic accretion torques. The abrupt change in the sign of the torque is difficult to reconcile with the extremely smooth spin-down now observed. The strength of the torque noise in 4U 1626-67, ~10^(-22) Hz^2 s^(-2) Hz^(-1), is the smallest ever measured for an accreting X-ray pulsar, and it is comparable to the timing noise seen in young radio pulsars. We close by pointing out that the core temperature and external torque (the two parameters potentially relevant to internal sources of timing noise) of an accreting neutron star are also comparable to those of young radio pulsars.
The need for surveillance of delay in age-appropriate immunization

Abstract Background: Vaccination status is assessed nationally in terms of up-to-date status without regard to the age at which recommended doses were actually received. Our study was conducted in 2000–2001 using the most current National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) public use files available. Methods: Retrospective analysis to determine up-to-date and age-appropriate vaccination status for children aged 25 to 72 months. Five years of pooled data (1992–1996) were obtained from the NHIS Immunization Supplement for children aged 25 to 72 months with immunization data based on written records. The outcome measures used were months of vaccination delay relative to age-appropriate vaccination standard as well as up-to-date vaccination status for the fourth diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTP 4), Polio3, the first measles-mumps-rubella (MMR1) doses, and the 4:3:1 series. Results: Of the 9223 eligible children, 80% were up-to-date for the 4:3:1 vaccination series, but 48% had experienced delays relative to age-appropriate standards. For the DTP4 dose, 85% were up-to-date, although only 46% had received this dose at the appropriate age. Similarly, 90% of children were up-to-date with their Polio3 dose, with 64% receiving this dose at the appropriate age; 96% were up-to-date for the MMR1, and 58% received this dose at the appropriate age. Age-appropriate DTP4 vaccination increased by 17 percentage points from 1992 to 1996, whereas up-to-date DTP4 status increased by only 6% during the same period. Conclusions: Children with up-to-date vaccination status often experienced considerable delay relative to age-appropriate vaccination standards. Consequently, vaccination status measures based solely on up-to-date status tend to understate the degree of underimmunization in a population. National surveillance of age-appropriate vaccination is necessary to identify subpopulations with the greatest prevalence of vaccination delay and to reveal underlying trends that may not be evident through assessments of up-to-date status.
Trade-Off for Road Pricing Between Transportation Performance and Financial Feasibility

This study estimates the transportation performance and financial impacts of express toll (ET) lane and high-occupancy toll (HOT) lane concepts, with and without new bus rapid transit (BRT) service. Estimates are made for a prototypical suburban transportation corridor in a major metropolitan area with the use of the Spreadsheet Model for Induced Travel Estimation, Managed Lanes (SMITE-ML), which was enhanced to analyze the conventional build concept with no priced lanes. The analysis demonstrates that in a typical case a HOT alternative may mitigate congestion more cost-effectively than an ET alternative. Combining BRT with ET may make this alternative much more effective, perhaps more effective than a HOT alternative with no BRT. BRT increases the benefits and economic efficiency of both ET and HOT alternatives, but it reduces financial feasibility because of the need for public tax support for transit. ET alternatives tend to be more financially feasible than HOT alternatives primarily because of the a...
Volatile compounds in blood, milk, and urine of cows fed silage-grain, bromegrass pasture, and hay-grain test meals.

Abstract Two to four cows per treatment were fasted after test meals, their fluids were sampled for 28 to 54 hr, and analyzed by gas liquid chromatography. Methyl sulfide, acetone and butanone occurred and increased during the 1st hr after silage was fed and reached maximal concentrations at about 4.5 hr. Ethanol, however, reached an early maximum during the first hr and a secondary maximum at 4.5hr. The test meal of bromegrass pasture produced a small amount of methyl sulfide and an increase in acetone. They reached maxima at about 4.5hr. Acetone, butanone, and a small amount of methyl sulfide were the only components found consistently after test meals of alfalfa hay and grain, except that one of the four cows produced an unidentified material and did not produce butanone, except in urine. All animals fasted after the test meal developed high concentrations of acetone in body fluids at about 30hr.
Signal processing in step-scan FTIR

This paper describes some aspects of signal processing in step-scan FT-IR, with emphasis on: the effects of varying phase modulation amplitude and phase modulation frequencies; operation in different spectral ranges; under-sampling; demodulation of high dynamic range interferograms; separation of frequencies in multiple modulation experiments; multichannel spectroscopy; and in-scan co-adding.
Prospects for Developing L2 Students' Effective Use of Vocabulary Learning-Strategies via Web-Based Training.

A large body of research supports the efficacy of learning strategies employed in the acquisition of second language vocabulary. However, research also indicates that many such strategies are underused or misused by learners and, further, that any effort to integrate learner training in the use of such strategies into classroom instruction faces a number of challenges, among them a shortage of appropriate training materials, a lack of expertise on the part of the teacher, and ingrained habits or even resistance on the part of the learner. This paper describes a classroom-based investigation into the utility of a prototype web-based learner-training resource called The Virtual Vocabulary Trainer (The VVT Site), which combines multimedia tutorials, practice exercises, and awareness-raising tasks. Participants' use of the site and their opinions about the training they received were investigated by way of a survey, interviews, observations, and screen-capture devices. The results provide insights into the benefits that might be gained from an online multimedia approach to learner training, as well as useful design and content considerations for future enhancements to the site.
The Maquiladora Revolution in Guatemala

The Maquiladora Revolution in Guatemala. Kurt Petersen Yale Law School, Orville H. Schell, Jr, Center for International Human Rights, Occasional Paper Series, 2, 1993244 pp. $7.95 (paper). ISBN 1–881862–00–3.
Hormonal and heat‐stress regulation of protein synthesis in the aleurone layers of barley seeds

Barley aleurone cells have long served as a model system for studying the regulation of gene expression in plants. In this review we survey what is known about hormone-regulated gene expression in aleurone cells. We also describe the effects of heat stress on gene expression in this system, and speculate how the aleurone cell prioritizes its response between hormone-induced and environment-induced programs of gene expression.
A FOUR YEAR LONGITUDINAL STUDY OF A PEDIATRIC CLERKSHIP

Clerkship performance should be evaluated to determine if objectives are achieved and appropriate and to improve the clerkship experience. Medical students (184) had a 12 week clerkship between 1969 and 1973. Emphasis was on data collection, problem solving, pediatric knowledge, and attitude in the clinical setting. Clerkship objectives, content and evaluation method were made known prior to the experience. Evaluation was done in the above emphasis areas. Student attitudes were quantified using pre-established criteria. Students, upon completion of the clerkship and later as housestaff, were asked to permit 2 supervisors to evaluate their performance as housestaff. One hundred fifteen students responded and 153 evaluations were made by housestaff supervisors. Performance was analyzed and comparisons made of emphasis areas as well as between clerkship, housestaff, and National Board performances. Performance was compared to specialty choice and graduates indicated the degree of clerkship influence, if any, on their choice. Achievement was documented by: National Boards (NB) (Pass: Clerkship-99%/HS-97%); evaluation of housestaff (HS)(96% no deficit in ped. knowledge, average or above performance: clerkshlp-79%/NB-99%); and retrospective assessment by HS (objectives highly appropriate-47% and preparation expecially strong-61%). There were notable differences in performances for various objectives and all, except attitude, correlated with specialty choice (ped. HS significantly higher than 2 and 4 of six specialty choices).
Phylogenetic scanning: a computer-assisted algorithm for mapping gene conversions and other recombinational events

An algorithm, 'phylogenetic scanning', is described for mapping gene conversion events where comparative DNA sequence data are available from different species. In this algorithm, sets of hypothetical phylogenetic trees are constructed that describe possible sequence relationships due to gene conversions in different species lineages; these trees are then evaluated by the principle of parsimony at intervals in the sequence alignment. When used to map gene conversion events that occurred between the pair of gamma-globin genes of higher primates, the algorithm gives results nearly identical to those obtained using a tedious manual approach. Suggestions are also provided for adaptation of this procedure to the analysis of other recombination events.
Plasma Dynamics During Pulsed Laser Evaporation of High Tc Superconductors

We have theoretically and experimentally investigated the dynamics of the evaporated material generated by nanosecond excimer laser irradiation of YBa2Cu3O7 targets in vacuum. The velocity distribution and the ionization of the plasma were determined by the ion time of flight measurements. The excimer laser ablated species possessed very high velocities (> 106 cm/sec) which increased non-linearly with energy density. The ionization/ volume of the evaporated material exhibited a weak dependence on energy density, thereby suggesting the role of nonthermal mechanisms in the ionization process. These experimental results have been correlated with the theoretical model analyzing the plasma dynamics during pulsed laser evaporation of materials. A new modification to the earlier theoretical model is developed which accurately predicts the terminal velocities and the effect of ionization on these velocities. Various factors including, evaporation rates, degree of ionization, and laser wavelength which affect the plasma velocities will also be discussed.
Market turkey performance, air quality, and energy consumption affected by partial slotted flooring.

Abstract Two experiments were conducted with 600 male Large White turkeys to examine performance and health when reared from 5 to 18 wk of age on litter (L) partially slotted flooring (SF), and under two ventilation rates-control and reduced ventilation (80% control). In both experiments, body weights were improved significantly (P
Diagnosis and treatment of jejunoileal atresia.

A total of 116 cases of intestinal atresia or stenosis were encountered at the Yale-New Haven Hospital between 1970 and 1990. Sites involved were the duodenum (n=61; 53%), jejunum or ileum (n=47; 46%), and colon (n =8; 7%). All but two patients underwent operative correction, for an overall survival rate of 92%. Challenging problems were the management of apple-peel atresia (five patients), multiple intestinal atresia with short-gut syndrome (eight patients), and proximal jejunal atresia with megaduodenum requiring imbrication duodenoplasty (four patients). Major assets in the improved outlook for intestinal atresia are prenatal diagnosis, regionalization of neonatal care, improved recognition of associated conditions, innovative surgical methods, and uncomplicated long-term total parenteral nutrition.
Fitting the pieces of the puzzle together: Acquisitions

Abstract The author discusses two key elements which should be considered in the automation of any library system: integration and access. He illustrates his points with a description of the design considerations surrounding the acquisitions and circulation components of MAGGIES PLACE, the automated management and production system implemented in the Pikes Peak Regional Library District.
A screening of the capacity of Louisiana freshwater wetlands to process nitrate in diverted Mississippi River water

Abstract Mississippi River water is currently being diverted into Louisiana coastal wetlands for slowing or reversing marsh deterioration attributed to the rapid subsidence and accompanying saltwater intrusion. In this study, nitrate processing and removal was quantified in a 3700 ha ponded freshwater wetland through which the diverted Mississippi River water enters Louisiana Barataria Basin estuary. Nitrate removal rates using a mass balance approach (measuring changes in nitrate content between the inlet and the outlets) showed that the fresh water wetland removed practically all the nitrate in the diverted river water (≈35 m 3 s −1 ) during a discharge event in April 2003. Denitrification was a major process in removing nitrate in diverted river water. The capacity of the ponded wetland to remove all nitrate in diverted river water was strongly influenced by discharge rate. The ponded wetland did not remove all the NO 3 in river water at high discharge rate (>100 m 3 s −1 ) in December 2003. Results demonstrate that freshwater diversion through Louisiana coastal wetland can effectively process nitrogen in diverted Mississippi River water. However, discharge or pulsing rate should be regulated where possible to maximize nitrogen removal for limiting amount of nitrogen reaching lower reaches of Louisiana's Barataria Basin estuary.
A reassessment of market power among credit card banks

An improved empirical specification of credit card conduct agrees with several prior studies in rejecting perfectly competitive equilibrium, indicates structural disequilibrium in the industry and is consistent with monopolistic competition. Measures of liquidity management costs, omitted from prior studies, are shown to be important factors in a properly specified model of pricing conduct in credit card lending.
Women and Access to Political Office: a Comparison of Female and Male State Legislators

The status of women in state legislatures is examined in terms of representation across the United States. A sample of female state legislators and a sample of male state legislators are compared on social and political career characteristics, including marital status, education, occupation, age when one began serving, election mobility, party leadership, and tenure. Party leadership, education, age and, to a lesser extent, occupation were found to distinguish female from male legislators. But party leadership significantly differentiated only between female and male legislators with less than a college degree. Overall, access to state legislative office seems to depend on the same characteristics which define success in society as a whole; for certain groups of women, however, achievement within party ranks provides an alternative mechanism to this end.
Time-domain sensing of targets buried under a rough air-ground interface

In this paper we model time-domain plane-wave scattering from targets buried under a rough (random) air-ground interface. The properties of the interface are parametrized as a random process with known statistics. Since the fields incident upon a buried target first penetrate the rough interface, they are random processes as well, and so are the scattered fields. An optimal detector is built based on this model, which takes into account both the clutter and target-signature statistics (the former due to scattering at the rough surface, and the latter due to transmission); the statistics of these two processes are in general different. Detector performance is compared to that of a matched filter, which assumes the target signature is known exactly (i.e., is non-random). The results presented here, as a function of angle and polarization, show that, when the target signature is properly treated as a random process, a gain in detector performance can be obtained. Also, we explain under which conditions this improvement is expected to be significant.
Methamphetamine self-administration by humans.

Rationale: Methamphetamine abuse has become increasingly problematic. Yet, the reinforcing effects of methamphetamine in humans have not been systematically evaluated. Objective: To characterize methamphetamine's reinforcing effects in human research participants under controlled laboratory conditions. Methods: Eight healthy research volunteers (one female, seven males) completed this 20-day residential study. On days 1, 5, 9, 13 and 17, at 1000 hours, participants received the "sample" oral dose of methamphetamine (0, 5, 10 mg) that was available for the next 3 days and they also received an alternative reinforcer, a $1 voucher (redeemable for cash at study's end). Over a 3-day period, volunteers participated in an eight-trial choice procedure, during which they had the opportunity to self-administer the dose of methamphetamine they most recently sampled or to receive the $1 voucher. Results: Participants' choice to self-administer methamphetamine significantly increased when active methamphetamine (5 mg and 10 mg) was available compared to placebo. No difference of choice was noted between low-dose and high-dose methamphetamine. However, the sampled 10 mg methamphetamine dose significantly increased several "positive" subjective ratings including "High," "Good Drug Effect," and "Stimulated," whereas the sampled 5 mg methamphetamine dose did not. Both active methamphetamine doses caused significant reductions in daily total caloric intake, relative to the respective placebo conditions. Conclusion: These data demonstrate that oral methamphetamine is a positive reinforcer in humans.
The Evolution Of The Particle Shape Distribution During The Formation Of Iron Nanoparticles In The Presence Of Tubular Lecithin Assemblies

Iron particles were prepared by the sodium borohydride reduction of ferrous ion in tubular lecithin assemblies and a 1200 Oe magnetic field. When the reaction was quenched after two minutes more than 90% of the particles were acicular, single crystal iron. As the reaction proceeded the percentage of acicular particles decreased, while spherical and chains-of-sphere particles were formed. After 30 minutes the predominant particle shape was chains-of-spheres. This change in particle shape distribution was attributed to the break-up of the lecithin assemblies during the course of the reduction.
Investigation of relationships between high strength self consolidating concrete compressive strength and macroscopic internal structure

► Production of self-consolidating concrete with supplementary cementitious materials. ► Supplementary cementitious materials replaced the cement content by up to 70%. ► SCC compressive strength is correlated with contact points between paste and aggregate. ► Curve fitting equations provide number of contact points between aggregate with the compressive strength.
Electron impact excitation of fine-structure levels in Cl II

The B-spline basis has been used in the R-matrix approach to calculate electron impact excitation collision strengths for transitions between the 3s 2 3p 4 3 P 0,1,2 , 1 D 2 and 1 S 0 levels and from these levels to the fine-structure levels of the excited 3s3p 5 , 3s 2 3p 3 4s, 3s 2 3p 3 3d, 3s 2 3p 3 4p and 3s 2 3p 3 4d configurations of Cl II. We considered 23 LS states 3s 2 3p 4 3 P, 1 D, 1 S, 3s3p 5 3 P°, 3 s 23p 3 ( 4 S°)4s 5.3 S°, 3s 2 3p 3 ( 4 S°)3d 5,3 D°, 3s 2 3p 3 ( 2 D°)3d 1 P°, 1 S°, 3 F°, 3 D°, 3 P°, 3s 2 3p 3 ( 2 D°)4s 3,1 D°, 3s 2 3p 3 (2P°)4s 3,1 P°, 3s 2 3p 3 ( 4 S°)4p 5,3 P, 3s 2 3p 3 ( 2 P°)3d 3,1 P°, 3 D° and 3s 2 3p 3 ( 2 D°)4d 3 P° in the close-coupling expansion that give rise to 51 fine-structure levels. The non-orthogonal orbitals are used for an accurate representation of both the target wavefunctions and the R-matrix basis functions. The collision strengths for transitions between fine-structure levels are calculated by transforming the LS-coupled K-matrices to K-matrices in an intermediate coupling scheme. The Rydberg series of resonances converging to excited state thresholds make substantial contributions to collision strengths. The thermally averaged collision strengths have been obtained by integrating collision strengths over a Maxwellian distribution of electron energies and these are listed in Table 2 for log T from 3.3 to 5.6 K.
Encapsulation of a Concanavalin A/dendrimer glucose sensing assay within microporated poly (ethylene glycol) microspheres

Proper management of diabetes requires the frequent measurement of a patient’s blood glucose level. To create a long-term, minimally-invasive sensor that is sensitive to physiological concentrations of glucose a fluorescent glucose sensing assay using a competitive binding approach between fluorescently tagged Concanavalin-A (Con-A) and glycodendrimer is being developed. Until now, the essential step of effectively encapsulating this aggregative sensing assay while allowing a reversible response has yet to be reported. In this paper, a microporation technique is described in which microspheres are synthesized in a manner that creates fluid-filled pores within a poly (ethylene glycol) hydrogel. This dual-nature technique creates hydrophilic, biocompatible microcapsules in which the aggregative binding kinetics of the sensing assay within the pores are not constrained by spatial fixation in the hydrogel matrix. Confocal images displaying the localization of pockets filled with the assay within the polymeric matrix are presented in this paper. In addition, fluorescent responses to varying glucose concentrations, leaching studies, and long-term functionality of the encapsulated assay are demonstrated. To our knowledge, this is the first time that the Con-A/glycodendrimer assay has been shown to be reversible and repeatable within hydrogel spheres, including the display of functionality up to fourteen days under ambient conditions.
Profiling user-trigger dependence for Android malware detection

As mobile computing becomes an integral part of the modern user experience, malicious applications have infiltrated open marketplaces for mobile platforms. Malware apps stealthily launch operations to retrieve sensitive user or device data or abuse system resources. We describe a highly accurate classification approach for detecting malicious Android apps. Our method statically extracts a data-flow feature on how user inputs trigger sensitive API invocations, a property referred to as the user-trigger dependence. Our evaluation with 1433 malware apps and 2684 free popular apps gives a classification accuracy (2.1% false negative rate and 2.0% false positive rate) that is better than, or at least competitive against, the state-of-the-art. Our method also discovers new malicious apps in the Google Play market that cannot be detected by virus scanning tools. Our thesis in this mobile app classification work is to advocate the approach of benign property enforcement, i.e., extracting unique behavioral properties from benign programs and designing corresponding classification policies.
A Socio-Political Analysis of Policies and Incentives Applicable to Community Wind in Oregon

Abstract As a new type of ownership structure, community owned wind projects are becoming more and more important in today's wind energy generation in the U.S. Unlike traditional large wind farms, community wind features local ownership and small-scale generation capacity. The goal of this paper is to identify policies, incentives, and regulations in place that are applicable to community wind projects in Oregon by interviewing project representatives and governmental officials and to depict the Oregon context from strategic, tactical, and operational perspectives for researchers, farmers, private businesses, government entities, and others who are interested in learning about the community wind in the state.
Temporal variations in the concentration and settling flux of carbon and phytoplankton pigments in a deep fjordlike estuary

Abstract The weekly mass flux of C and phytoplankton pigments at five depths in the main basin of Puget Sound, a deep (∼200 m) fjordlike estuary, was sampled for a year with moored sequentially-sampling sediment traps. Flux measurements were compared with weekly samples of suspended pigments in the euphotic zone and bi-monthly samples of total suspended matter and particulate C throughout the water column at the mooring site. Seasonal changes in the total mass flux at all depths were small; instead, physical (river runoff, bottom resuspension) and biological (phytoplankton blooms) events caused occasional sharp increases on a weekly scale. The dry weight concentration of pigments in the trap samples mirrored the concentration of pigments in the euphotic zone suspended matter, increasing from 0·01% in winter to a maximum of 0·65% in late summer. Bloom-induced changes in the pigment concentration were observed almost simultaneously in the euphotic zone and in the traps to a depth of 160 m, indicating a rapid vertical transfer of surface-originating particles by organic aggregates. In contrast to the strong seasonal signal in the pigment concentration, C concentration varied by only a factor of three during the year. The seasonal trend of C/pigment ratios in the C flux arises from at least two sources: (1) a balance between terrestrial sources of C during the high-runoff winter season and in-situ primary production in spring and summer, and (2) cycling of C through the zooplankton population. Budget calculations suggest that the loss of primary-produced C and pigment from the euphotic zone by settling is ∼5% regardless of season. On an annual basis, this C flux (16 g m−2) is sufficient to support previously measured values of benthic aerobic respiration at the mooring site. To account for other C sinks such as burial, predation and chemical oxidation, however, terrestrial C sources and alternate transport pathways, such as vertical advection and sediment movement down the steep basin walls, are necessary.
Complex interactions between pairs of forward maskers

The present study was conducted to determine to what extent the combined effects of two forward maskers can be predicted from addition of their individual effects. The maskers were 50-Hz wide noise bands with center frequencies ranging from 1.8 to 2.2 kHz. The signal was a brief, 2.0-kHz tone burst. When the maskers were gated on and off together, the combination produced sometimes more and sometimes less masking than predicted depending on the particular pair and the relative amounts of masking produced by the individual members of the pair. The greatest discrepancy occurred, however, when the masker pair was presented simultaneously with the signal or when the forward maskers were presented in sequence. In the latter case, the obtained threshold exceeded the predicted threshold by as much as 34 dB.
Glacier variability in the conterminous United States during the twentieth century

Glaciers of the conterminous United States have been receding for the past century. Since 1900 the recession has varied from a 24 % loss in area (Mt. Rainier, Washington) to a 66 % loss in the Lewis Range of Montana. The rates of retreat are generally similar with a rapid loss in the early decades of the 20th century, slowing in the 1950s–1970s, and a resumption of rapid retreat starting in the 1990s. Decadal estimates of changes in glacier area for a subset of 31 glaciers from 1900 to 2000 are used to test a snow water equivalent model that is subsequently employed to examine the effects of temperature and precipitation variability on annual glacier area changes for these glaciers. Model results indicate that both winter precipitation and winter temperature have been important climatic factors affecting the variability of glacier variability during the 20th Century. Most of the glaciers analyzed appear to be more sensitive to temperature variability than to precipitation variability. However, precipitation variability is important, especially for high elevation glaciers. Additionally, glaciers with areas greater than 1 km2 are highly sensitive to variability in temperature.
Surface morphology of TiSi2 on silicon

Abstract The formation mechanisms and morphology of TiSi 2 on silicon are explored. TiSi 2 is formed on atomically clean Si(100) and Si(111) substrates by UHV deposition of titanium and in situ annealing. The TiSi 2 formation process is monitored with in situ low energy electron diffraction and Auger electron spectroscopy, and the morphology is examined with ex situ scanning electron microscopy. Titanium thickness between 50 and 400 A were examined. The TiSi 2 formation process involves interdiffusion at temperatures less than 400°C, formation of a metastable TiSi 2 phase at about 500°C, and transformation to the stable TiSi 2 phase at about 700°C. The results show TiSi 2 island formation after annealing at between 700 and 900°C, depending on the film thickness. The low energy electron diffraction measurements showed that the exposed silicon regions exhibited reconstructed surface structures after the island formation. The island formation process is described in terms of a wetting model, and the surface energies for nucleation and island formation are related.
A simple dilatometer for thermoset cure shrinkage and thermal expansion measurements

A simple capillary and bulb mercury dilatometer designed for specific volume measurements on thermoset resin systems during the curing reaction and as a function of temperature is described. The design, calibration, operation, data treatment, and error analysis are presented in detail, with data on the bisphenol A dicyanate resin system used as an example. Particular attention is directed at experimental difficulties such as monomer/prepolymer degassing, filling the dilatometer under vacuum, adhesive distortion of the curing resin on the dilatometer bulb, and the dilatometer bulb to capillary connection problem. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.1
Just-in-Time Intervention: Economic Development Policy for Apparel Manufacturing in San Francisco

The apparel manufacturing industry in San Francisco has experienced considerable growth since the late 1980s due to changes in retailing, the increasing flexibility of the industry, the influx of Asian immigrants, and the availability of industrial space adjacent to the central business district. However, the continued growth of the industry is in jeopardy because of rising labor costs in comparison to offshore and Mexico locations, as well as new competition for space in the industrial district from multimedia and residential uses. Current economic development efforts targeted at the apparel industry are attempting to facilitate a transition to higher value-added manufacturing, open up new markets, and foster cooperation in the industry. This article highlights some of the obstacles such endogenous policies face and argues that more traditional supply-side initiatives to reduce land, labor, and capital costs may be necessary first to preserve the industry.
Synthesis of a 7-Azaindole by Chichibabin Cyclization: Reversible Base-Mediated Dimerization of 3-Picolines

The lithium diisopropylamide (LDA)-mediated condensation of 2-fluoro-3-picoline and benzonitrile to form 2-phenyl-7-azaindole via a Chichibabin cyclization is described. Facile dimerization of the picoline via a 1,4-addition of the incipient benzyllithium to the picoline starting material and fast 1,2-addition of LDA to benzonitrile cause the reaction to be complex. Both adducts are shown to reenter the reaction coordinate to produce the desired 7-azaindole. The solution structures of the key intermediates and the underlying reaction mechanisms are studied by a combination of IR and NMR spectroscopies.
Appropriate Overstrength of Shear Reinforcement in Precast Concrete Diaphragms

Current precast concrete diaphragm design may not necessarily protect the diaphragm from a nonductile shear failure in an overload situation. As evidence exists that diaphragms can attract large inertial loads during strong ground motion, emerging design methodologies are aiming to develop the diaphragm flexural strength. However, the performance target desirable or achievable in design may depend on a number of other factors. An analytical study examines the performance of precast diaphragms with different shear strength relative to design (flexural) strength, termed here “shear reinforcement overstrength.” The objective of the study is to determine the required shear reinforcement overstrength in the precast diaphragm to produce certain performance targets. Appropriate shear reinforcement overstrength design factors are proposed in terms of a number of key parameters related to diaphragm geometry and the properties of the diaphragm reinforcing details.
Some considerations when selecting digital library software

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to develop an understanding of the aspects of system software selection for digital library system projects.Design/methodology/approach – This article outlines the aspects of system software selection giving particular emphasis to those points where a digital library project differs from a traditional enterprise‐level software selection process.Findings – Digital library system software selection differs in some significant ways from traditional software implementations. In particular, security and authentication issues, long‐term cost and maintenance considerations, vendor viability, as well as training and documentation are areas where the software selection team needs to devote greater attention if the project is to be successful.Originality/value – This paper fills a gap in the digital project management literature by helping project managers understand how the software selection process for digital library systems projects differs from the traditional process us...
Structure and basic equations of a simulator for branch growth in the Pinaceae

The structure of a simulator for branch growth and morphological development in the Pinaceae is described. Growth is defined as the net production of foliage, the increment of branch thickening and the export of photosynthate to the trunk. Branch morphology is described by the spatial distribution of the branch segments, or branchlets, and a curvilinear profile of the whole branch as it bends under its own weight. Growth is the result of five interacting processes. Foliage development is the result of foliage production on the annual production of new branchlets and foliage death from older branchlets. Biomass production , (g biomass produced). (g foliage)-1, depends upon both the rate of production, which can vary with age of foliage, and the total amount of foliage of different ages. The distribution of biomass between the growth of the branch and export to the trunk of the tree is controlled by the phenology of shoot (branchlet) growth. During the period of branchlet growth biomass increment is distributed between branchlet elongation and the associated foliage growth and branchwood thickening . This is done so that branch posture in the vertical plane follows a particular deflection profile. The production of new branchlets is from the terminals of previous year's branchlets and is made according to morphological rules . Two types of rules are described; simple numerical sequences where branchlet number depends upon the order and length of the parent branch and a process of lateral inhibition between branchlets combined with dependence upon branchlet order.
Abstract A100: Pemetrexed-induced uracil accumulation is an importatn source of DNA damage in UNG deficient cells, contributing to hematologic toxicity.

Pemetrexed is a multi-target antifolate that has proven activity against several solid tumors. Dose limiting myelosuppression and acquired resistance are major challenges to pemetrexed and antifolate chemotherapy regimens. We have previously shown that resistance to pemetrexed in human cancer cells can be overcome via inhibition of DNA base excision repair (BER), the major pathway responsible for the resolution of uracil in DNA. To understand the implications of UNG deficiency in vivo, we have investigated the impact of UNG deficiency on whole animal response to pemetrexed. Here, we illustrate that pemetrexed treatment induces more significant reduction in bone marrow cell numbers and relatively low peripheral lymphocyte counts in UNG−/− mice compared to UNG+/+ littermates. Compared to wild-type cells, UNG−/− MEFs also show reduced viability and increased cell death in response to pemetrexed. Hematopoietic cell sensitivity was mirrored by increased pemetrexed cell killing in UNG mutant human lymphoblastoid cells, derived from patients with biallelic inactivating mutations in the UNG gene. Cellular sensitivity is characterized by reduced nucleotide incorporation, arrest in S-phase of the cell cycle, and induction of apoptosis. Pemetrexed treatment of UNG−/− cells also causes robust induction of γ-H2AX, a surrogate marker of DNA double strand breaks. Through γ-H2AX ChIP-sequencing we provide the first direct evidence that DNA double strand breaks are located specifically at AT(U) rich sequences, directly implicating uracil accumulation in the formation of double strand breaks following pemetrexed treatment. UNG deficient cells showed no differential sensitivity to cisplatin or temozolomide, two drugs unrelated to uracil accumulation. Moreover, through thymidine supplementation, we were able to partially reverse the pemetrexed-mediated induction of DNA damage markers, including γ-H2AX and protect UNG−/− cells from cell death, further supporting a uracil-mediated mechanism of cytotoxicity in UNG−/− cells. In sum, these data suggest that the accumulation of uracil in the DNA of hematopoietic cells drives myelosuppression and lymphocyte toxicity. Mechanistically, our data support a previously underappreciated role for uracil accumulation, UNG activity and the BER pathway in the determination of cellular sensitivity to pemetrexed and suggest UNG expression may be an important predictor of adverse events, such as myelosuppression in individuals receiving pemetrexed. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference: Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics; 2011 Nov 12-16; San Francisco, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2011;10(11 Suppl):Abstract nr A100.
Understanding the population dynamics of a rare, polyvoltine butterfly

Understanding the effects of endogenous and exogenous factors on population dynamics is essential for assessing the viability of populations, setting recovery goals for endangered species, and evaluating management options. Invertebrates are particularly difficult to monitor and few long-term datasets are available for these species. Additionally, limited resources make it necessary to perform monitoring as efficiently as possible. Here, I use the bivoltine Karner blue butterfly Lycaeides melissa samuelis to demonstrate how analyzing the effects of density-dependent factors and weather on separate life stages can be utilized to understand monitoring data, assess populations and identify critical life-history parameters. My first step was to compare the use of peak numbers as an index of population size with estimates obtained from a more data intensive methodology. Peak numbers proved to be an effective index, and so I utilized this index to analyze 10 and 13 years of monitoring data at two Karner blue butterfly sites in New York, USA. I modeled the effects of weather and density dependence on two distinct population growth rates (λ) per year. Analysis with Akaike's Information Criteria indicated that both sites were primarily influenced by density dependence during the summer period and by weather conditions during the winter period. Large population declines occurred in the winter period and were a result of the previous year's dry summer and cool spring weather. I conclude that recovery goals for this endangered species should include a second brood-carrying capacity, mean winter growth rate and multiple sites with independent populations. This study represents a rare, long-term study on the population dynamics of a polyvoltine species. Understanding the population dynamics of polyvoltine species, such as the Karner blue butterfly, will assist in the conservation of many invertebrate and small mammal species.
The angiotensin AT1 receptor antagonist irbesartan has near-peptide affinity and potently blocks receptor signaling

The angiotensin II type 1 (AT(1)) receptor plays a pivotal role in the regulation of blood pressure and electrolyte balance, and is involved in the control of specific ingestive behaviours. Irbesartan (SR 47436/BMS 186295) is a recently developed angiotensin AT(1) receptor antagonist, chemically described as 2-butyl-3-([2'-?1H-tetrazol-5-yl?biphenyl-4-yl]methyl)-1, 3-diazaspiro (4,4)non-1-en-4-one. Irbesartan displays higher affinity for its target receptor than other similar antagonists. In radioligand binding assays performed on membranes from WB-Fischer 344 (WB) rat liver epithelial cells, irbesartan was able to displace [125I]angiotensin II with a K(i) of 4.05 nM as compared to losartan (DuP 753) and tasosartan (WAY 126756), which had K(i) values of 25.2 nM and 46.6 nM, respectively. Similarly, in functional assays, irbesartan exhibited the highest functional potency to block angiotensin II-induced inositol trisphosphate (IP(3)) turnover. The improved affinity of irbesartan for the angiotensin AT(1) receptor does not coincide with a concomitant increase in affinity for the angiotensin AT(2) receptor, as irbesartan and losartan exhibited the same low potency to displace [125I]angiotensin II in radioligand binding assays performed on membranes from PC-12w cells. In binding assays performed on peripheral tissues in rat, irbesartan bound to the angiotensin AT(1) receptor expressed in liver, adrenal, kidney and pituitary with an overall affinity closely approaching that of the high affinity peptidic antagonist [Sar(1), Ile(8)]angiotensin II. Due to the higher affinity of irbesartan over other similar antagonists for the angiotensin AT(1) receptor in many tissues and its greater potency to block receptor activation, irbesartan may be quite useful in the study of the angiotensin AT(1) receptor and its role in controlling ingestive behaviours and, furthermore, shows great potential to improve the treatment of hypertension and other cardiovascular disease states.