cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The ROMS IAS Data Assimilation and Prediction System: Quantifying Uncertainty

Abstract : The long-term scientific goals of this research project are: 1. To develop a state-of-the-art ocean 4-dimensional variational (4D-Var) data assimilation and ocean forecasting system for the Regional Ocean Modeling System (ROMS); 2. To develop a state-of-the-art suite of post-processing and diagnostic tools in support of ROMS 4D-Var; 3. To gain the necessary experience using the ROMS 4D-Var systems in complex circulation environments; 4. To train the next generation of users of the ROMS 4D-Var system. The main objectives of this project are: (i) to assess the impact of observations on ocean state estimates and the ensuing forecasts; (ii) to quantify the expected errors in 4D-Var ocean circulation estimates; and (iii) to develop multimodel ensemble and superensemble methods for ocean models. The primary tool used is the Regional Ocean Modeling System (ROMS) and the Terraincoordinate Ocean Modeling System (TOMS). To address the aforementioned goals and objectives, we are using a recently developed suite of tools that utilize the tangent linear (TL), adjoint (AD), and finite-amplitude tangent linear (RP) versions of the ROMS/TOMS code.
Is Exchange Rate Stabilization an Appropriate Cure for the Dutch Disease

This paper evaluates how successful is a policy of exchange rate stabilization to counteract the negative effects of a Dutch Disease episode. We consider a small open economy model that incorporates nominal rigidities and a learning-by-doing externality in the tradable sector. The paper shows that leaning against an appreciated exchange rate can prevent an inefficient loss of tradable output but at the cost of generating a misallocation of resources in other sectors of the economy. The paper also finds that welfare is a decreasing function of exchange rate intervention. These results suggest that stabilizing the nominal exchange rate in response to a Dutch Disease episode is highly distortionary.
Influence of basin characteristics on baseflow and stormflow chemistry in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, USA

Relationships between stream chemistry and elevation, area, Anakeesta geology, soil properties, and dominant vegetation were evaluated to identify the influence of basin characteristics on baseflow and stormflow chemistry in eight streams of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Statistical analyses were employed to determine differences between baseflow and stormflow chemistry, and relate basin-scale factors governing local chemical processes to stream chemistry. Following precipitation events, stream pH was reduced and aluminium concentrations increased, while the response of acid neutralizing capacity (ANC), nitrate, sulfate, and base cations varied. Several basin characteristics were highly correlated with each other, demonstrating the interrelatedness of topographical, geological, soil, and vegetative parameters. These interrelated basin factors uniquely influenced acidification response in these streams. Streams in higher-elevation basins (>975 m) had significantly lower pH, ANC, sodium, and silicon and higher nitrate concentrations (p 10%) had significantly lower pH and sodium concentrations, and higher aluminium concentrations. Chemical and physical soil characteristics and dominant overstory vegetation in basins were more strongly correlated with baseflow and stormflow chemical constituents than topographical and geological basin factors. Saturated hydraulic conductivity, of all the soil parameters, was most related to concentrations of stormflow constituents. Basins with higher average hydraulic conductivities were associated with lower stream pH, ANC, and base cation concentrations, and higher nitrate and sulfate concentrations. These results emphasize the importance of soil and geological properties influencing stream chemistry and promote the prioritization of management strategies for aquatic resources. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Correlated System and Measurement Noise Processes

In the previous two chapters, Kalman filtering for the model involving uncorrelated system and measurement noise processes was studied. That is, we have assumed all along that $$E\left( {\underline \xi _k \underline \eta _\ell ^T } \right) = 0$$ for k,l = 0,1,.... However, in applications such as aircraft inertial navigation systems, where vibration of the aircraft induces a common source of noise for both the dynamic driving system and onboard radar measurement, the system and measurement noise sequences \(\left\{ {\underline \xi _k } \right\}\) and \(\left\{ {\underline \eta _k } \right\}\) are correlated in the statistical sense, with $$E\left( {\underline \xi _k \underline \eta _\ell ^T } \right) = S_k \delta _{k\ell } ,$$ , k,l = 0,1,..., where each S k is a known non-negative definite matrix. This chapter is devoted to the study of Kalman filtering for the above model.
The world economy to 2015: Policy simulations on sustainable development

Abstract The new frontiers of science and technology in the 21st century will appear in the fields of space, environment, biotechnology, new energy, new materials and information high-technology and is expected to induce tremendous impacts on development of the world economy and global environment. The Futures of Global Interdependence (FUGI) global model has been developed as a media of providing global information to the human society and finding out possibilities of policy coordination among countries in order to achieve sustainable development of the world economy under the constraints of changing global environment. The FUGI model 9.0 M200/80 classifies the world into 200/80 countries and regional groupings where each national/regional model is globally interdependent through international trade, financial flows and information flows. The purpose of this paper is twofold: one is to present the baseline projection of the world economy to the year 2015 using FUGI global model 9.0 M80 and the other is to show alternative simulation of the world economy under the policy assumption on sustainable development strengthening technological advancement for environment protection.
Intelligence, Attention, and Behavioral Outcomes in Internationally Adopted Girls with a History of Institutionalization

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the association of neurocognitive functioning with internalizing and externalizing problems and school and social competence in children adopted internationally. Method: Participants included girls between the ages of 6–12 years who were internationally adopted from China (n = 32) or Eastern Europe (n = 25) and a control group of never-adopted girls (n = 25). Children completed the Vocabulary and Matrix Reasoning subtests from the Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence and the Score! and Sky Search subtests from the Test of Everyday Attention for Children. Parents completed the Child Behavior Checklist and the Home and Community Social Behavior Scales. Results: Compared to the controls, the Eastern European group evidenced significantly more problems with externalizing behaviors and school and social competence and poorer performance on measures of verbal intelligence, perceptual reasoning, and auditory attention. More internalizing problems were rep...
Optimal Linear-Quadratic Model Designs

Experimentation for achieving a robust process often involves signal variables which are controllable and internal to the process and noise variables which are generally external and routinely uncontrollable. To achieve a robust process, designs based on a combined array have been suggested by many authors. Many of these designs allow parameter estimation for the linear-quadratic (LQ) response surface model when the experimental design region is the hypercube. The LQ model contains the full quadratic model terms in the Q signal variables, the linear model terms in the L noise variables, and the signal by noise variable interaction terms. Because the quadratic regression model is just a special case of the LQ model when there are L = 0 noise variables, this article extends the optimal design theory regarding regression on the hypercube. An approach similar to that of Farrell, Kiefer, and Walbran [13] will be taken in this article. A support of D- and G-optimal designs for the LQ model on the hypercube will be defined. Closed-form expressions for the generalized (D) and prediction (G) variance are derived. Using these closed-forms, D-optimal design weights are determined for barycentric subsets of points in the support. These weights and the corresponding optimal D-criterion values are tabled for 4 ≤ K ≤ 17 design variables.
Piezoelectric properties of PLZT ceramics at different remanent polarization levels

The piezoelectric, electromechanical, and dielectric properties of lead lanthanum zirconate titanate (PLZT) ceramics at different remanent polarization levels were studied for acoustic imaging applications. The remanent polarizations at different levels were achieved by applying electric switching pulses with different widths. The piezoelectric coefficient obtained by direct and converse effects decreased with the remanent polarization, but the relations were not linear. The electromechanical coupling factor also decreased with the remanent polarization and the mechanical quality factor was not basically affected by remanent polarization. The dielectric properties varied in different polarization states, but they had different behaviors for different crystal structures of samples. The aging effect was researched in several partially polarized states and in the completely polarized state. No apparent difference in aging rates was observed. >
Longitudinally space charge dominated beams in a synchrotron

For a given RF cavity voltage amplitude, V/sub RF/, there is a maximum attainable peak current in an ion storage ring. This occurs when the electric field from the beam space charge balances the RF cavity field. In this limit, the linear charge density distribution, /spl lambda/(s), is parabolic and incoherent synchrotron motion is suppressed. The beam energy spread cannot be determined from the bunch time spread, T/sub FWHM/, which depends only upon the beam current, I, and V/sub RF/. This paper summarizes this work, discusses planned measurements, and conjectures about possible results. >
Cellular and Chromatin Dynamics of Antibody-Secreting Plasma Cells

Plasma cells are terminally differentiated B cells responsible for maintaining protective serum antibody titers. Despite their clinical importance, our understanding of the linear genomic features and chromatin structure of plasma cells is incomplete. The plasma cell differentiation program can be triggered by different signals and in multiple, diverse peripheral B cell subsets. This heterogeneity raises questions about the gene regulatory circuits required for plasma cell specification. Recently, new regulators of plasma cell differentiation have been identified and the enhancer landscapes of naive B cells have been described. Other studies have revealed that the bone marrow niche harbors heterogeneous plasma cell subsets. Still undefined are the minimal requirements to become a plasma cell and what molecular features make peripheral B cell subsets competent to become antibody-secreting plasma cells. New technologies promise to reveal underlying chromatin configurations that promote efficient antibody secretion. For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website.
Stability of pentoxifylline in an extemporaneously prepared oral suspension

The stability of pentoxifylline in an extemporaneously prepared suspension was studied. Twelve 400-mg pentoxifylline tablets were crushed and mixed with water to prepare a 20-mg/mL suspension. The suspension was transferred to 10 amber glass and 10 amber plastic prescription bottles. Five glass and five plastic bottles were stored at 25 degrees C, and the rest were stored at 4 degrees C. Samples were collected before storage and on days 7, 14, 21, 28, 42, 56, 70, and 91 and analyzed in duplicate by stability-indicating reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. Pentoxifylline was stable in the suspension under all storage conditions for the duration of the study. The color, odor, and pH of the suspension did not change appreciably. Some settling of the suspension was noted in all bottles beginning on day 21, but shaking resuspended the settled material. Pentoxifylline 20 mg/mL was stable in an extemporaneously prepared suspension for at least 91 days at 25 or 4 degrees C.
The Relative Importance of Employee Engagement, Other Job Attitudes, and Trait Affect as Predictors of Job Performance†

We used univariate and multivariate relative weight analysis to assess the relative importance of a new job attitude (employee engagement), several longstanding job attitudes (job satisfaction, organizational commitment, job involvement, perceived organizational support, and work centrality), and trait positive and negative affect as predictors of 3 important components of overall employee performance: task performance, organizational citizenship behavior (OCB), and counterproductive (or deviant) work behavior. The results indicate that the best predictors of overall employee performance were trait negative affect, employee engagement, and job satisfaction. Moreover, the results were unaffected by the removal of a few behavioral items (akin to OCB) from measures of employee engagement. Implications and suggestions for future research are discussed.
The Third Epidemic—Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis

We recently observed a striking Increase In multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) among patients admitted to the Chest Service at Bellevue Hospital Center in New York. We reviewed the laboratory susceptibility test results of 4,681 tuberculosis (TB) cases over the past 20 years. Combined resistance to isoniazid and rifampin increased from 2.5 percent in 1971 to 16 percent in 1991 with higher rates noted for individual drugs. We reviewed the medical records of 100 patients with drug-resistant TB, finding that these individuals were predominantly less than 40 years of age, minority, male, jobless, undomiciled, with a high percentage of drug abuse and human immunodeficiency virus infection. We conclude that the epidemics of AIDS and TB are complicated by a third epidemic of MDR-TB. This third epidemic requires urgent attention to achieve more rapid diagnosis, to develop new therapeutic regimens, and to address the social and hospital environment to care for these individuals.
Deconvolution of gamma-ray peak doublets as a function of peak separation and relative amplitude

Abstract Deconvolution techniques are used to determine the areas of individual overlapping peaks in gamma-ray spectroscopy. The method of least squares fitting has been successfully used in the quantitative analysis of manufactured spectra containing doublets separated by less than and more than the FWHM and with relative amplitudes of 1:1 and 1:1000. An assessment has also been made of the differences that may occur in determining the area of a small peak located on the low- and high-energy side of a large peak.
Selenium in a Wyoming grassland community receiving wastewater from an in situ uranium mine

Water, soil, vegetation, grasshoppers, bird eggs, and bird livers collected at a 23.5-ha (58 acres) grassland irrigated with wastewater from an in situ uranium mine (study area) and a reference site in 1998 were analyzed for selenium and other trace elements. Selenium concentrations in the uranium mine wastewater applied onto the grassland ranged from 340 to 450 μg/L. Selenium in the upper 15 cm (6 in) of soil from the irrigated grassland at the mine ranged from 2.6 to 4.2 μg/g dry weight (DW). Mean selenium concentrations in soil and water were 5 and 15 times higher at the study area than at the reference site. Selenium concentrations in grasses and grasshoppers ranged from 6.8 to 24 μg/g and 11 to 20 μg/g DW, respectively. Selenium in red-winged blackbird eggs and livers collected from the study area ranged from 13.2 to 22 μg/g and 33 to 53 μg/g DW, respectively, and concentrations were well in excess of toxic thresholds. Mean selenium concentrations in grasses, grasshoppers, and bird eggs and livers were 5.8 to 30 times higher at the study area than at the reference site. Elevated selenium concentrations in water, soil, grasshoppers, and red-winged blackbird eggs and livers collected from the study area demonstrate that selenium is being mobilized and is bioaccumulating in the food chain.
An epilogue to evaluating the impact of P.L. 99-252 on decreasing smokeless tobacco use.

In a previous paper, “Evaluating the Impact of P.L. 99-252 on Decreasing Smokeless Tobacco Use,” the context of this law and the theoretical framework for an evaluation plan for measuring its impact were described. In this paper, the methodology and selected findings from this project as well as their implications are discussed. This discussion includes the identification of the six indicators considered to be the most relevant, valid, reliable, accessible, and practical for measuring the impact of this law on decreasing smokeless tobacco use, as well as a report on the feasibility analysis of three of these indicators. Pilot data on two indicators–pounds of smokeless tobacco sold and incidence rates of tobacco-induced leukoplakia–are presented and analyzed.
Isolation and physiological properties of intact mitochondria from bell pepper (Capsicum annum) fruit

Summary A protocol for isolating mitochondria from bell pepper (Capsicum annum, var. ‹Jupiter›) fruit by differential centrifugation and purification on a discontinuous 2-step Percoll gradient was developed based on modifications of techniques employed for other plant tissues. The mitochondrial fraction banded at the interface of the two Percoll concentrations, and was well separated from thylakoid fragments. Percoll-purified mitochondria exhibited high oxidative and phosphorylative capacities with high respiratory control and ADP/O ratios. Catalase activity decreased during purification of mitochondria, with levels associated with purified mitochondria representing only about 3% of those present in crude mitochondrial fractions. The specific activity of cytochrome oxidase increased during purification. Membrane competence of the purified mitochondria was about 90 %, and the typical double-membrane system remained otherwise intact as revealed in electron micrographs. Mitochondrial ATPase (α-subunit) and alternative oxidase proteins were detected at typical molecular-mass values, providing additional evidence for the maintenance of mitochondrial membrane integrity during the purification process. Bell pepper fruit mitochondria are physiologically competent in vitro and should prove useful in studies of the respiratory metabolism of fruit ripening and senescence.
Synthesis of kryptogenin‐26‐14C and diosgenin‐26‐14C

Kryptogenin-26-14C (13) was synthesized from dihydrodiosgenin diacetate (1). The radioactive carbon atom was introduced by the Arndt-Eistert method, and the extra carbon atom was then removed by a carboxy-inversion reaction. Diosgenin-26-14C (14) was prepared by reduction of kryptogenin-26-14C.
Recognition of Arabic characters

A statistical approach for the recognition of Arabic characters is introduced. As a first step, the character is segmented into primary and secondary parts (dots and zigzags). The secondary parts of the character are then isolated and identified separately, thereby reducing the number of classes from 28 to 18. The moments of the horizontal and vertical projections of the remaining primary characters are then calculated and normalized with respect to the zero-order moment. Simple measures of the shape are obtained from the normalized moments. A 9-D feature vector is obtained for each character. Classification is accomplished using quadratic discriminant functions. The approach was evaluated using isolated, handwritten, and printed characters from a database established for this purpose. The results indicate that the technique offers better classification rates in comparison with existing methods. >
Nerve growth factor modulates the drug sensitivity of neurotransmitter release from PC-12 cells

Abstract The release of catecholamines from adrenal chromaffin cells is known to be blocked by dihydropyridines, such as nitrendipine, and enhanced by others, such as BAY K8644. On the other hand, release from sympathetic neurons is predominantly insensitive to these agents. Release of [3H]norepinephrine from undifferentiated PC-12 pheochromocytoma cells resembles that from chromaffin cells in that it is extremely sensitive to dihydropyridines. Following differentiation, however, release of catecholamine becomes predominantly insensitive to both nitrendipine and BAY K8644. Under both growth conditions, release remains completely blocked by 3 mM Co2+ or by removal of Ca2+ from the release media. Dose-response curves to K+ show that following differentiation, cells become more sensitive, releasing transmitter at lower K+ concentrations. In contrast, depolarization-induced uptake of 45Ca2+ remains sensitive to dihydropyridines and shows similar sensitivity to K+ stimulation in both growth conditions. These results can be explained by invoking a model involving dihydropyridine-sensitive and -insensitive types of voltage-sensitive calcium channels.
Studies of the chick edema disease. 2. Preparation and biological effects of a crystalline chick edema factor concentrate.

Abstract INTRODUCTION FOLLOWING the early reports of the chick edema disease (CED), Sanger et al. (1958), Potter et al. (1959), Allen (1961) and Allen and Lalich (1962) reported toxicological studies which established that the disease differed from known poultry diseases. A number of investigators reported on the purification, isolation and partial chemical characterization of toxic factor (Brew et al., 1959; Friedman et al., 1959; Wootton and Alexander, 1959; Ames et al., 1960; Harman et al., 1960; Yartzoff et al., 1961; Wootton et al., 1962; and Wootton and Courchene, 1964). Brew et al. (1959) reported that broiler chicks developed the disease when fed a fraction purified 3200-fold from the original starting material. A fraction purified 10,000-fold which elicited CED was reported by Friedman et al. (1959). Yartzoff et al. (1961) reported that a fraction purified 3,000,000-fold from a low potency commercial triolein produced hydropericardium (HP) when fed to day-old chicks at 50…
VLE/VLLE/LLE Predictions for Hydrogen Fluoride Mixtures Using an Improved Thermodynamic Equation of State

Recently a model has been introduced describing the heat effects of hydrogen fluoride (HF) more accurately than other models available. In this work, we extend this model to predict the coexistence properties of some binary HF mixtures. Twelve HF mixtures are explored initially (R12, R22, R32, R113a, R123, R124, R134a, R142b, R152a, n-propane, HCl, and Cl2) because these are the systems where experimental data are available. Good agreement with experiment, especially in the correlation of miscibility gaps, is realized through the use of two mixing rules, namely, van der Waals (VDW) and Wong−Sandler. We also correlate the binary interaction parameter from the VDW mixing rule using the dipole moment to predict the properties of the HF−R141b system. We also use this model to correlate and predict the properties of an aqueous HF system, including a prediction for a double azeotrope of this system at very dilute concentrations of HF.
Time scales for sorption-desorption and surface precipitation of uranyl on goethite.

The sorption of uranium on mineral surfaces can significantly influence the fate and transport of uranium contamination in soils and groundwater. The rates of uranium adsorption and desorption on a synthetic goethite have been evaluated in batch experiments conducted at constant pH of 6 and ionic strength of 0.1 M. Adsorption and desorption reactions following the perturbation of initial states were complete within minutes to hours. Surface−solution exchange rates as measured by an isotope exchange method occur on an even shorter time scale. Although the uranium desorption rate was unaffected by the aging of uranium−goethite suspensions, the aging process appears to remove a portion of adsorbed uranium from a readily exchangeable pool. The distinction between sorption control and precipitation control of the dissolved uranium concentration was also investigated. In heterogeneous nucleation experiments, the dissolved uranium concentration was ultimately controlled by the solubility of a precipitated uranyl...
MRI findings of Wallerian degeneration after diffuse axonal injury: case report and review of literature

Abstract Objective: To present magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of Wallerian degeneration after diffuse axonal injury (DAI). Material and methods: A 20-year-old unrestrained driver sustained a motor vehicle accident with DAI. A follow-up MRI revealed findings suggestive of Wallerian degeneration. Results: Wallerian degeneration is demonstrated on MRI after DAI. Conclusion: We present this case and review the literature.
Intrinsic trapping sites and ion-lattice coupling parameters of cerium-doped lutetium oxyorthosilicate

Cerium-doped lutetium oxyorthosilicate (LSO:Ce) is an excellent scintillator due to its fast decay time (approximately 40 ns), excellent brightness (> 3X bismuth germanate), and high density (7.4 gm/cm3). However, the luminescence process in this technologically important scintillator is not well understood. Elucidation of electronic traps and their role in scintillator afterglow is lacking and fundamental ion-lattice coupling parameters have not been established. From thermally stimulated luminescence and emission spectra data on several oxyorthosilicates we show the traps to be intrinsic and uniquely associated with the C2/c crystal structure. Temperature dependent optical absorption measurements reveal prominent Gaussian bands at 3.432 eV (peak a), 3.502 eV (peak b), 4.236 eV (peak c) and 4.746 eV (peak d). The second moments are well described by the usual linear coupling model yielding the Huang-Rhys parameter and vibrational quantum energies for each peak. Oscillator strengths of the 4f yields 5d transitions are calculated from Smakula's formula and knowledge of the cerium distribution between the two crystallographically inequivalent sites. From the known correlation between average Ce-ion- ligand distance and oscillator strength we conclude that peak a is correlated with the seven-oxygen-coordinated site, and peaks b, c and d are associated with the six-oxygen- coordinated site.© (2000) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Numerical experiments for three-phase state estimation performance and evaluation

Relatively poor performance of state estimators is a well documented experience. Yet, control and operation of electric power system requires reliable state estimators. The poor performance is attributed to implementation simplifications that use single phase asynchronous measurements and the positive sequence model of the system. These simplifications have generated practical problems. The experience is that the state estimation problem does not have 100% performance, i.e. there are cases and time periods that the SE algorithm will not converge. There are practical and theoretical reasons for this and they are explained in the paper. The paper also demonstrates that these problems are correctable by using a three phase asymmetric model of the system and precise modeling of three phase and/or single phase measurements. This approach leads to an enhanced hybrid SE approach that combines the current SCADA type data with three phase phasor measurements. The performance of the hybrid state estimator is demonstrated with visualization techniques that clearly demonstrate the superiority of the three phase modeling and hybrid data sets. The performance is demonstrated with data from an actual electric power network. Numerical experiments on this system have quantified the performance gains of the three phase hybrid state estimator.
Abstract IA9: Small RNA pathways in germline

In animals, a discrete class of small RNAs, the piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs), guard germ cell genomes against the activity of mobile genetic elements. piRNAs are generated, via an unknown mechanism, from apparently single-stranded precursors that arise from discrete genomic loci, termed piRNA clusters. Presently, little is known about the signals that distinguish a locus as a source of piRNAs. It is also unknown how individual piRNAs are selected from long precursor transcripts. To address these questions, we inserted new artificial sequence information into piRNA clusters and introduced these marked clusters as transgenes into heterologous genomic positions in mice and flies. Profiling of piRNA from transgenic animals demonstrated that artificial sequences were incorporated into the piRNA repertoire. Transgenic piRNA clusters are functional in non-native genomic contexts in both mice and flies, indicating that the signals that define piRNA generative loci must lie within the clusters themselves rather than being implicit in their genomic position. We found that both local and long-range sequence environments inform the generation of individual piRNAs from precursor transcripts. Citation Format: Alexei A. Aravin. Small RNA pathways in germline [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Noncoding RNAs and Cancer; 2012 Jan 8-11; Miami Beach, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(2 Suppl):Abstract nr IA9.
Matrix Metalloproteinases: Regulators of the Tumor Microenvironment

Extracellular proteolysis mediates tissue homeostasis. In cancer, altered proteolysis leads to unregulated tumor growth, tissue remodeling, inflammation, tissue invasion, and metastasis. The matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) represent the most prominent family of proteinases associated with tumorigenesis. Recent technological developments have markedly advanced our understanding of MMPs as modulators of the tumor microenvironment. In addition to their role in extracellular matrix turnover and cancer cell migration, MMPs regulate signaling pathways that control cell growth, inflammation, or angiogenesis and may even work in a nonproteolytic manner. These aspects of MMP function are reorienting our approaches to cancer therapy.
Initiation of simian virus 40 DNA replication in vitro:identification of RNA-Primed nascent DNA chains

Abstract Cell-free extracts of simian virus 40 (SV40)-infected CV-1 cells can initiate large tumor antigen dependent bidirectional replication in circular DNA molecules containing a functional SV40 origin of replication (ori). To determine whether or not DNA replication under these conditions involves RNA-primed DNA synthesis, replication was carried out in the presence of 5-mercuri-deoxycytidine triphosphate to label nascent DNA chains. Newly synthesized mercurated DNA was isolated by its affinity for thiol-agarose, and the 5'-ends of the isolated chains were radiolabeled to allow identification of RNA primers. At least 50% of the isolated chains contained 4 to 7 ribonucleotides covalently linked to their 5'-end; 80% of the oligoribonucleotides began with adenosine and 19% began with guanosine. About 60% of the nascent DNA chains annealed to the SV40 ori region, and about 80% of these chains were synthesized in the same direction as early mRNA. These results are consistent with the properties of SV40 DNA replication in vivo and support a model for initiation of SV40 DNA replication in which DNA primase initiates DNA synthesis on that strand of ori that encodes early mRNA.
A comparison of the reactions of the oxide radical anion (O−· with simple aromatic compounds at atmospheric and at reduced pressure conditions

The reactions of oxide radical anions (O(-.)) with benzene and toluene under atmospheric pressure (APCI) and conventional chemical ionization (CI) conditions were compared. Hydrogen radical (H(-)) displacement by oxygen, yielding [M - H + O](-), was observed in both the APCI and the CI source. However, the product, [M - 2H](-.), derived from dihydrogen radical ion (H2 (+.)) transfer which was observed in the CI spectra, was consistently absent under APCI conditions. This behavior is rationalized in terms of the higher pressures and chemical equilibrium associated with the APCI source. In addition to the formation of the a priori expected phenoxide isomers, the reaction of O(-.) with toluene to yield the [M - H + O](-) product generates a benzyloxide anion. Tandem mass spectrometry data from collision-induced dissociation and isotopic labeling with deuterium support a reaction mechanism initiated by α hydrogen abstraction for both the H(.) and the H2 (+.) transfer pathways.
Computing in context: integrating an embedded computing project into a course on ethical and societal issues

A hands-on embedded computing project is introduced into an undergraduate social sciences course. In the pilot module, nine student teams created working prototypes, using the technology to address social, ecological and ethical issues. The teams included freshman to senior level computer science majors, other technical majors, and non-technical students. Most students became highly engaged in the activity, developed exciting ideas, and reported improved learning in the social sciences.
Borel complexity of isomorphism between quotient Boolean algebras

In response to a question of Farah, “How many Boolean algebras are there?” [Far04], one of us (Oliver) proved that there are continuum-many nonisomorphic Boolean algebras of the form with I a Borel ideal on the natural numbers, and in fact that this result could be improved simultaneously in two directions: (i) “Borel ideal” may be improved to “analytic P-ideal” (ii) “continuum-many” may be improved to “ E 0 -many”; that is, E 0 is Borel reducible to the isomorphism relation on quotients by analytic P-ideals. See [Oli04]. In [AdKechOO], Adams and Kechris showed that the relation of equality on Borel sets (and therefore, any Borel equivalence relation whatsoever) is Borel reducible to the equivalence relation of Borel bireducibility. (In somewhat finer terms, they showed that the partial order of inclusion on Borel sets is Borel reducible to the quasi-order of Borel reducibility.) Their technique was to find a collection of, in some sense, strongly mutually ergodic equivalence relations, indexed by reals, and then assign to each Borel set B a sort of “direct sum” of the equivalence relations corresponding to the reals in B . Then if B 1 , ⊆ B 2 it was easy to see that the equivalence relation thus induced by B 1 was Borel reducible to the one induced by B 2 , whereas in the opposite case, taking x to be some element of B / B 2 , it was possible to show that the equivalence relation corresponding to x , which was part of the equivalence relation induced by B 1 , was not Borel reducible to the equivalence relation corresponding to B 2 .
Impacts of management legacies on litter decomposition in response to reduced precipitation in a tallgrass prairie

The response of ecosystem processes to current and future climatic events may be affected by historical disturbance regimes. Here, we address the interaction between reduced precipitation and the legacy effects of two contrasting long-term burn regimes in a tallgrass prairie (20 years of annual burning versus fire suppression). We examined rates of decomposition and the response of decomposition to reduced precipitation under rainout shelters in these two prairie types to assess potential interactions between legacy effects and reduced precipitation. To test the legacy effects of the different burn regimes, we placed experimental plots in each prairie type under a standardized management regime. In each plot, we ceased burning, mowed to maintain a standard canopy height, and maintained standard surface litter accumulation. We measured decay rates for surface litter, buried roots, and buried wooden dowels. While decomposition rates of substrates were reduced an average of approximately 29% under reduced precipitation, we found no significant main effects of burn history on decomposition on any of the substrates. However, in the recovery period following 2 years of an experimentally imposed drought, we did find an effect of burn history on decomposition and this effect varied for different substrates. Historical effects of management or natural disturbances on ecosystem processes may often be subtle or negated by compensatory responses, and in this study few legacy effects on decomposition rate were detected.
Functional imaging of developmental and adaptive changes in neurocognition.

Abstract Characterization of brain–behavior relationships through functional magnetic imaging (fMRI) within typically or atypically developing populations poses methodological and interpretational challenges. We consider theoretical, methodological, and artifactual factors that influence characterization of developmental and adaptive changes in childhood. Findings from anatomical and physiological brain development studies are highlighted as they may influence functional imaging results. Then, we consider several patterns of functional activation within the context of developmental processes as well as neurologic disease. Hypotheses regarding the development of cognitive networks are proposed to account for the individual differences seen in normal and atypical development. We also identify potential sources of unwanted variability related to experimental design and task performance and suggest possible solutions to help minimize these effects. Lastly, a challenge for current studies is a lack of group and individual analysis methods that can be reliably applied to capture and quantify factors that contribute to variability introduced by developmental and disease processes. We review current methods and propose potential solutions.
Anthropological perspectives on death and mourning

Loring M. Danforth with photography by Alexander Tsearas. The Death Rituals of Rural Greece. 1982. Princeton: Princeton University Press. 170 pages (text) with 31 photographs. $30.00 cloth, $12.50 ...
Selection for the readiness to respond to electrical stimulation of the hypothalamus as a reinforcing agent.

Abstract The reported study describes results from a parent population (Po) as well as from two progeny generations (P 1 and P 2 ) in a selection program intended to produce two divergent rat strains: (1) A strain which would show high readiness to activate an electrical stimulus in the hypothalamus (high self-stimulators); (2) a strain which would show low readiness to activate an electrical stimulus in the hypothalamus (low self-stimulators). Results from P 1 and P 2 show that there appears to be significant response to selection in the low strain, while no significant response could be obtained as yet in the high strain. Different interpretations to this asymmetry are presented. Possible theoretical implications for brain research from a successful continued selection program are discussed.
Comparative analyses of α-synuclein expression levels in rat brain tissues and transfected cells

Abstract α-Synuclein may have a role in the genesis of Parkinson's disease (PD) and other neurodegenerative diseases, and overexpression of α-synuclein in endogenously expressing systems and transfected cell lines has been linked to its cytotoxicity. Because there is no definition of what constitutes normal or high expression levels of α-synuclein, the current studies were undertaken. Protein levels of α-synuclein, and its binding partner, the dopamine transporter (DAT), were examined and semi-quantified in different rat brain regions and compared to the amounts of α-synuclein expressed in Ltk− cells after transfection with known amounts of DNA. Of the regions tested, α-synuclein expression was lowest in dopamine-producing brain areas, substantia nigra and ventral tegmental area; conversely, the expression of DAT was the highest in these tissues. Areas that do not normally degenerate in PD, such as cerebellum, nucleus accumbens and thalamus, expressed the highest levels of α-synculein and very low DAT. Expression of DAT and α-synuclein to levels similar to those observed in rat substantia nigra were obtained after transfection of Ltk− cells with 1–2 μg each of α-synuclein and DAT DNAs, indicating that such transfection conditions produce normal expression levels of these proteins.
It's time for you to develop professionally... ... or get left behind

One of the features of the BEMAS Annual Conference is the interaction with those from overseas. Here the authors give a flavour of the approach to continuing professional development in Illinois.
The “activator-Ca” of the pregnant and post partum rabbit uterus

Abstract From 25 days pregnant and post partum rabbits, a total of 133 uterine strips were excised and studied in vitro under a variety of experimental conditions, to define functionally the regulatory state of the “activator-Ca” (ACa) which couples excitation with contraction in these two extreme regulatory conditions of the uterus. Using Verapamil and Ruthenium-red (both of which inhibit Ca-influx), MnCl 2 (which, in addition, displaces Ca from binding sites), or EGTA (a chelating agent), excitability and 45 Ca-efflux, were measured. The studies showed that in the progesterone-dominated pregnant uterus the ACa is more strongly bound than in the progesterone-deficient post partum uterus and that extracellular-Ca plays a greater role in the activation of the latter than in that of the former. The effects on excitability of Ca-deficiency and inhibition of Ca-transport indicate that the site of strong binding of the ACa in the pregnant uterus is in or near the plasma membrane, partly accounting for the physiological character of this membrane under progesterone dominance.
Trophic Stimulation of Cultured Neurons from Neonatal Rat Brain by Epidermal Growth Factor

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) is a potent polypeptide mitogen originally isolated from the adult male mouse submaxillary gland. It also acts as a gastrointestinal hormone. EGF-immunoreactive material has recently been identified within neuronal fibers and terminals in rodent brain. In the present study, EGF was found to enhance survival and process outgrowth of primary cultures of subneocortical telencephalic neurons of neonatal rat brain in a dose-dependent manner. This effect was observed with EGF concentrations as low as 100 picograms per milliliter (0.016 nanomolar) and was dependent on the continuous presence of EGF in the medium. Similar effects were observed with basic fibroblast growth factor, but several other growth-promoting substances, including other mitogens for glial elements, were without effect. Thus EGF, in addition to its mitogenic and hormonal activities, may act as a neurite elongation and maintenance factor for select neurons of the rodent central nervous system.
Synthesis of fullerenes: An effort to optimize process parameters

Abstract Fullerenes in yields as high as 15 wt% have been synthesized in a flow through reactor assembly employing the contact arc method. The yields are found to be greatly affected by arcing parameters like the flow rate of helium and current. UV radiation emitted during arcing was found to reduce fullerene yields. Steps to minimize UV scattering and decrease the residence time of the carbon vapor resulted in higher yields. This work involves the study of such factors that could provide insight into design aspects in an effort to maximize fullerene formation. The separation of C60 and C70 fullerenes by column chromatography was also investigated. The preadsorption technique utilizing solvents such as carbon disulfide, carbon tetrachloride, and cyclohexane on a n-alumina stationary phase has shown to result in a faster separation of the two fullerene fractions. The purity of the fractions were tested using UV/Vis spectrophotometry which revealed no contamination due to the preadsorption solvent.
Cultural boundaries of self-justification and prospect theories in escalation of commitment: a US–Mexico comparison

The interplay among managers' cultural origin (i.e. Mexican vs. the USA), decision context and framing was investigated to test the cultural boundaries of self-justification and prospect theories in escalation of commitment. An experimental design indicated that, although a negative decision frame had a greater impact on escalation of commitment among Mexican managers, a positive frame had a greater impact on escalation of commitment among American managers. Moreover, a pattern indicating that framing had an opposite effect in each country emerged when the decision context was negative. Specifically, when the incoming information is positive, US decision-makers escalate their commitment to a failing course of action, whereas it is negative incoming information that leads to escalation for Mexican decision-makers.
Rapid assessment of trichloroethylene in ground water

On-site analysis of trichloroethylene (TCE) in aqueous samples by head- space sample preparation and gas chromatography (HS/GC) provides for quick and precise concentration estimates. This analytical approach is well suited for the on-site determination of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in a variety of sample matrices, including ground water and saturated and unsatured soils. For these reasons, HS/GC can be used to establish analyte concentrations on a near real time basis to help select appropriate casing material during monitoring well installation. This application and the collection of multiple well samples during sampling events facilitates the hydrogeological site interpretation and the formulation of remediation strategies.
The Double‐Rating Method: A Replication and Extension

The purpose of this study was to replicate and extend Hui's (2001) findings of effectiveness of the double-rating method. To address a statistical analysis concern in Hui's original study, this study employed 2 measures of social desirability: the Marlowe–Crowne Social Desirability Scale (MCSDS; Crowne & Marlowe, 1964) and the Balanced Inventory of Desirable Responding (BIDR; Paulhus, 1984, 1988). For both scales, participants in the single-rating method condition had higher social desirability scores than did those in the double-rating method. There were also positive correlations between socially desirable responses for others and socially desirable responses for self. However, only for the BIDR did participants respond for themselves in the manner that they believed fellow students would respond.
Relationship between Microstructure and Mechanical Performance of a 70% Silicon Nitride–30% Barium Aluminum Silicate Self‐Reinforced Ceramic Composite

The abnormal grain growth of β-Si3N4 was observed in a 70% Si3N4–30% barium aluminum silicate (70%-Si3N4–30%-BAS) self-reinforced composite that was pressureless-sintered at 1930°C; Si3N4 starting powders with a wide particle-size distribution were used. The addition of coarse Si3N4 powder encouraged the abnormal growth of β-Si3N4 grains, which allowed microstructural modification through control of the content and size distribution of β-Si3N4 nuclei. The mechanical response of different microstructures was characterized in terms of flexural strength, as well as indentation fracture resistance, at room temperature. The presence of even a small amount of abnormally grown β-Si3N4 grains improved the fracture toughness and minimized the variability in flexural strength.