cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The curious consistency of carbon biosignatures over billions of years of Earth-life coevolution.

The oldest and most wide-ranging signal of biological activity (biosignature) on our planet is the carbon isotope composition of organic materials preserved in rocks. These biosignatures preserve the long-term evolution of the microorganism-hosted metabolic machinery responsible for producing deviations in the isotopic compositions of inorganic and organic carbon. Despite billions of years of ecosystem turnover, evolutionary innovation, organismic complexification, and geological events, the organic carbon that is a residuum of the global marine biosphere in the rock record tells an essentially static story. The ~25‰ mean deviation between inorganic and organic 13C/12C values has remained remarkably unchanged over >3.5 billion years. The bulk of this record is conventionally attributed to early-evolved, RuBisCO-mediated CO2 fixation that, in extant oxygenic phototrophs, produces comparable isotopic effects and dominates modern primary production. However, billions of years of environmental transition, for example, in the progressive oxygenation of the Earth’s atmosphere, would be expected to have accompanied shifts in the predominant RuBisCO forms as well as enzyme-level adaptive responses in RuBisCO CO2-specificity. These factors would also be expected to result in preserved isotopic signatures deviating from those produced by extant RuBisCO in oxygenic phototrophs. Why does the bulk carbon isotope record not reflect these expected environmental transitions and evolutionary innovations? Here, we discuss this apparent discrepancy and highlight the need for greater quantitative understanding of carbon isotope fractionation behavior in extant metabolic pathways. We propose novel, laboratory-based approaches to reconstructing ancestral states of carbon metabolisms and associated enzymes that can constrain isotopic biosignature production in ancient biological systems. Together, these strategies are crucial for integrating the complementary toolsets of biological and geological sciences and for interpretation of the oldest record of life on Earth.
Formation and Operation of the Histidine-degrading Pathway in Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Abstract Histidine ammonia lyase (histidase), urocanase, and the capacity to degrade formiminoglutamate, which are respectively involved in steps I, II, and IV in the catabolism of histidine, were induced during growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa on histidine or urocanate, and were formed gratuitously in the presence of dihydro-urocanate. Urocanase-deficient bacteria formed enzymes I and IV constitutively; presumably they accumulate enough urocanate from the breakdown of endogenous histidine to induce formation of the pathway. Urocanate did not satisfy the histidine requirement of a histidine auxotroph, indicating that it probably acted as an inducer without being converted to histidine. The results imply that urocanate is the physiological inducer of the histidine-degrading enzymes in P. aeruginosa. Enzymes of the pathway were extremely sensitive to catabolite repression; enzymes I and II, but not IV, were coordinately repressed. Our results suggest a specific involvement of nitrogenous metabolites in the repression. Mutant bacteria with altered sensitivity to repression were obtained. The molecular weight of partially purified histidase was estimated at 210,000 by sucrose gradient centrifugation. Its Km for histidine was 2 × 10−3 m in tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane chloride buffer. Sigmoid saturation curves were obtained in pyrophosphate buffer, indicating that the enzyme might have multiple binding sites for histidine. Under certain conditions, histidase appeared to be partially inactive in vivo. These findings suggest that some sort of allosteric interaction involving histidase may play a role in governing the operation of the pathway of histidine catabolism.
Association Between Acute Exposure to Crime and Individual Systolic Blood Pressure.

Introduction Hypertension is associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes and is geographically concentrated in urban underserved neighborhoods. This study examines the temporal–spatial association between individual exposure to violent crime and blood pressure. Methods A retrospective observational cohort study analyzed 39,211 patients with 227,595 blood pressure measurements from 2014 to 2016 at 3 outpatient clinics at an academic medical center in Chicago. Patients were included in the study if they had documentation of blood pressure in the medical record and resided in census tracts with >1,000 observations. Geocoded violent crime events were obtained from the Chicago Police Department. Individual-level exposure was defined on the basis of spatial and temporal buffers around each patient's home. Spatial buffers included 100-, 250-, 500-, and 1,000-meter disc radii, and temporal buffers included 7, 30, and 60 days preceding each outpatient appointment. Systolic blood pressure measurements (mmHg) were abstracted from the electronic health record. Analysis was performed in 2019–2020. Results For each violent crime event within 100 meters from home, systolic blood pressure increased by 0.14 mmHg within 7 days of exposure compared with 0.08 mmHg at 30 days of exposure. In analyses stratified by neighborhood cluster, systolic blood pressure increased by 0.37 mmHg among patients in the suburban affluent cluster relative to that among those in an extreme poverty cluster for the same spatial and temporal buffer. Conclusions Exposure to a violent crime event was associated with increased blood pressure, with gradient effects by both distance and time from exposure.
Stable Isotope Values Suggest Opossums (Didelphis virginiana) at the Northern Edge of their Range do not Seasonally Molt

Didelphis virginiana (Virginia Opossum) continues to spread further north into temperate North America, raising questions regarding how they survive harsh winters. Very few marsupials exhibit winter adaptations such as torpor or seasonal molting. We used stable isotopes to evaluate evidence of seasonal molting in Opossums. We serially cut hairs from captive Opossums to determine if a documented diet shift early in life was reflected along the hair shaft. Isotope values along the hair mirrored a shift in captive Opossum's diets. We compared isotope values between Opossums trapped in different seasons and found no differences. The data indicate Opossums do not seasonally molt at the northern edge of their range.
Fatigue Behavior of Silicon-Carbide Reinforced Titanium Composites

The low cycle axial fatigue properties of 25 and 44-fiber volume percent SiC/Ti(6Al-4V) composites were measured at room temperature and at 650°C. At room temperature, the S-N curves for the composites showed no anticipated improvement over bulk matrix behavior. Although axial and transverse tensile strength results suggest a degradation in silicon-carbide fiber strength during composite fabrication, it appears that the poor fatigue life of the composites was caused by a reduced fatigue resistance of the reinforced Ti(6Al-4V) matrix. Microstructural studies indicate that the reduced matrix behavior was due, in part, to the presence of flawed and fractured fibers created near the specimen surfaces by preparation techniques. Another possible contributing factor is the large residual tensile stresses that can exist in fiber-reinforced matrices. These effects as well as the effects of fatigue testing at high temperature are discussed.
Solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance structural studies of proteins.

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the progress that has been made in developing an approach to determining structures of proteins and peptides in oriented samples with solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. This approach relies on the spectral simplifications that result from sample orientation, with spin interactions at individual sites generally yielding single lines characterized by their resonance frequency or doublets characterized by the magnitude of the splitting. The observed values of the frequencies and splitting depend on the orientations of the principal axes of the spin interaction tensors present at each site relative to the direction of the applied magnetic field. Therefore, the magnetic field of the NMR spectrometer defines a frame of reference. Molecular structural information is available because the orientations of many spin-interaction tensors in themolecular frame of reference have been established. Since molecular structures can be described on the basis of angles, given standard bond lengths, and geometries, it is possible to determine the structure of a protein with a sufficient number of spectroscopic measurements.
Shimura’s Reciprocity Law

Let F be the modular function field, studied in Chapter 6. We saw that F can be identified with the field of x-coordinates (or h-coordinates, h = Weber function) of division points of an elliptic curve A defined over Q(j), having invariant j. Let k be an imaginary quadratic field, and let z ∈ k ⋂ ℌ
An estimate of the neutron electric-dipole moment

Utilizing the once-integrated commutation relations and the techniques of current algebra, a relation between the neutron electric-dipole moment and theCP-violating parameterɛ′ is established. This relation can be used to place an upper limit on |ɛ′|.
CO poisoning of : Structural effects on the hydrogenolysis of methylcyclopropane

Abstract The hydrogenolysis of methylcyclopropane has been used as a probe reaction to investigate the structure sensitivity of the deactivation of a series of well-characterized Pt Al 2 O 3 catalysts by carbon monoxide. After a standardized reduction procedure, the catalysts were prepoisoned by pulse chemisorption of carbon monoxide at 298 K to varying levels of surface coverage, then the hydrogenolysis was carried out under differential conversion conditions at 273 K. Results were obtained in terms of reaction turnover frequency and selectivity as a function of percentage of metal exposed ( D h ) and surface coverage of carbon monoxide. The general pattern of structure sensitivity for this reaction on Pt Ai 2 O 3 was not altered substantially upon progressive poisoning, although the change in absolute magnitude of turnover frequency was larger for low- D h catalysts than for high- D h catalysts. Product selectivity between isobutane and n -butane was not affected. A comparison with prior results obtained for a similar series of Pt SiO 2 (Onal, I. and Butt, J. B., J. Chem. Soc. Faraday Trans, 1 78 , 1887, 1982) is given. Comparison of prepoisoning from COAr pulses with that from COH 2 pulses indicate differences for high- D h catalysts. Thus there may be differences in apparent poisoning behavior as indicated by prepoisoning experiments compared to continuous introduction of poison with the reactants. Comparison of the mode of prepoisoning, pulse chemisorption vs thermal desorption from a monolayer, indicated generally similar results for the two methods. Some discrepancies appearing at low coverages of CO may be due to reordering of the adlayer in the thermal desorption treatment.
Mechanisms of Hypoxic Effects on the Cat DC Electroretinogram

Mild hypoxia elevates the standing potential and alters three slow components of the DC electroretinogram in the cat: the c-wave, the fast-oscillation trough, and the light peak. This paper considers the cellular mechanisms of these effects. Elevation of the standing potential results from a depolarization of the basal membrane of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells. The depolarization is indirectly initiated by an elevation of [K+]0 in the subretinal space during hypoxia, and is accompanied by a decrease in basal membrane resistance that leads to an increase in the c-wave. There is also some evidence that hypoxia may alter the standing potential by directly affecting the basal membrane of the RPE. The fast-oscillation trough, which follows the c-wave when illumination is maintained, deepens during hypoxia. This is caused primarily by an increase in the amplitude of the delayed hyperpolarization of the RPE basal membrane that results from a slowing of the rate of recovery of light-evoked [K+]0 during hypoxia. The changes in [K+]0 probably result, in turn, from a decrease in the rate of the photoreceptors' Na+/K+ pump. The light peak's amplitude is reduced during hypoxia and its time-to-peak is lengthened, and this may be related to a change in photoreceptor metabolism that is distinct from the effect on the Na+/K+ pump. Knowledge of these mechanisms may eventually enhance the clinical usefulness of the standing potential and the c-wave, fast-oscillation, and light peak.
Time-resolved magneto-optical imaging of Y1Ba2Cu3O7−δ thin films in high-frequency AC current regime

We present a time-resolved magneto-optical (MO) imaging study of high-temperature superconductor (HTS) in a high-frequency alternating current (AC) regime. The evolution of the magnetic flux density distribution in YBa2Cu3O7−δ (YBCO) thin film samples is studied as a function of the phase of the applied AC current. A quantitative analysis of the data shows that the maxima of the AC current density is shifted from the edges further inside the sample, which may be caused by the higher self-induced field in that region. This technique can be used to study magnetic flux evolution in HTS films and coated conductors in the high-frequency current regime.
Designing Surveillance Law

As communications surveillance techniques become increasingly important in government efforts to detect and thwart criminal and terrorist activities, questions of how to reconcile privacy and law enforcement interests take on paramount importance. These questions have institutional as well as substantive dimensions. That is, the issue is not simply what the limits on communications surveillance should be, but who should set them — courts through application of the Fourth Amendment or legislatures through statutes and the oversight process? The scholarly literature offers divergent positive and normative perspectives on these questions. For most scholars, the question of who should regulate communications surveillance activities has a straightforward answer: the task is one for the courts applying the Constitution. Because constitutionally-based regulation of communications surveillance tactics has been relatively limited since the seminal case of Katz v. United States in 1967, such scholars view the surveillance law landscape as one reflecting judicial abdication: courts have largely failed at reining in executive discretion and must play a more active role. For a handful of other scholars, in contrast, the limited constitutionally-based regulation of surveillance tactics is not a cause for concern. Such scholars argue for legislative supremacy in surveillance law on the theory that courts lack the expertise to evaluate rapidly evolving technologies.Explicitly or implicitly, discussions about the respective roles of courts and the legislature in policing surveillance tactics rest on premises about the comparative competence of those institutions to limit executive discretion. These inquiries into questions of institutional competence add an important perspective to the study of communications surveillance law — but, I argue, one that is ultimately incomplete. Such inquiries tend to take institutional structure as a given, thereby predicting the quality of decisions while bracketing questions of institutional design that could themselves influence the quality of decisions. In short, institutional competence analyses of communications surveillance law seek to choose the institutional decision-maker best suited to arrive at first-order policy preferences, but they neither take account of nor generate constraints on the second-order design choices available to implement those preferences. This article seeks to bring second-order design questions to the forefront of the surveillance law debate and to provide a framework for considering these questions.
Group Maintenance Behaviors of Core and Peripherial Members of Free/Libre Open Source Software Teams

Group Maintenance is pro-social, discretionary, and relation-building behavior that occurs between members of groups in order to maintain reciprocal trust and cooperation. This paper considers how Free/libre Open Source Software (FLOSS) teams demonstrate such behaviors within the context of e-mail, as this is the primary medium through which such teams communicate. We compare group maintenance behaviors between both core and peripheral members of these groups, as well as behaviors between a group that remains producing software today and one which has since dissolved. Our findings indicate that negative politeness tactics (those which show respect for the autonomy of others) may be the most instrumental group maintenance behaviors that contribute to a FLOSS group’s ability to survive and continue software production.
Selective conversion of glycerol to lactic acid with iron pincer precatalysts

A family of iron complexes of PNP pincer ligands are active catalysts for the conversion of glycerol to lactic acid with high activity and selectivity. These complexes also catalyse transfer hydrogenation reactions using glycerol as the hydrogen source.
Old Traps for New Players: Western Direct Retailing Investment in Emerging Asian Markets

This paper is intended to provide a heads-up to transnational corporate executives who have an interest in, or responsibility for, foreign direct investment positions. Until relatively recently, many emerging markets in Asia restrict foreign participation in their retail sectors. Without sufficient pre-market entry information, Asia was identified as a particularly attractive region for western direct retail investment (WDRI). Groceries and provisions (FMCG) shoppers were served only by the traditional overseas Chinese retail trade. The western chains, principally from the United States and Europe, came to Asia in waves and unexpectedly experienced very high rates of attrition, explained in part by an indigenous account-payable-to- suppliers system referred to as Buy 10, Sell 7, Pay 3, Profit 4 (BSPP). A specific geographical focus of this paper is Thailand where foreign retailing casualties have been bloody. The ongoing lessons for executives of WDRI in entering emerging markets are addressed, particularly in relation to hidden local accounting traps. The implications for western retail investors in India’s recently-liberalized market are also discussed. Keywords: Retailing in emerging market; traditional and modern retail trade formats; direct retailing investment and accounts payable JEL Classifications: L81
Stress tensors, Riemannian metrics and the alternative descriptions in elasticity

There are at least four possible alternative pictures useful in the description of the motion of an elastic continuum: the spatial. Lagrangian. convected ... an rotated pictures. The description of the motion in the rolated picture is obtained essentially by pull-back of the spatial picture with the rotation part of the deformation gradient. as described in Section 2.3. Our purpose is first to discuss the remarkable duality existing between . )
Hydraulic fracturing water use variability in the United States and potential environmental implications.

Until now, up‐to‐date, comprehensive, spatial, national‐scale data on hydraulic fracturing water volumes have been lacking. Water volumes used (injected) to hydraulically fracture over 263,859 oil and gas wells drilled between 2000 and 2014 were compiled and used to create the first U.S. map of hydraulic fracturing water use. Although median annual volumes of 15,275 m3 and 19,425 m3 of water per well was used to hydraulically fracture individual horizontal oil and gas wells, respectively, in 2014, about 42% of wells were actually either vertical or directional, which required less than 2600 m3 water per well. The highest average hydraulic fracturing water usage (10,000−36,620 m3 per well) in watersheds across the United States generally correlated with shale‐gas areas (versus coalbed methane, tight oil, or tight gas) where the greatest proportion of hydraulically fractured wells were horizontally drilled, reflecting that the natural reservoir properties influence water use. This analysis also demonstrates that many oil and gas resources within a given basin are developed using a mix of horizontal, vertical, and some directional wells, explaining why large volume hydraulic fracturing water usage is not widespread. This spatial variability in hydraulic fracturing water use relates to the potential for environmental impacts such as water availability, water quality, wastewater disposal, and possible wastewater injection‐induced earthquakes.
Glucocorticoid modulation of cardiovascular and autonomic function in preterm lambs: role of ANG II

The mechanisms by which antenatal glucocorticoids facilitate postnatal circulatory function in preterm infants are uncertain but may be related to augmented angiotensinergic functions. To test the ...
Proximity-enhanced thermal radiation

The enhancement of thermal radiation between two planar absorptive semi-infinite slabs, one hot one cold, is analysed by a new method. This method enables one to evaluate changes in the spectrum of radiation transfer when one of the slabs is replaced by a periodically layered structure. The effects of the grating and photoconductivity of the receiver on the proximity-enhanced power transfer are investigated.
Refinement of primary Si and modification of eutectic Si for enhanced ductility of hypereutectic Al-20Si-4.5Cu alloy with addition of Al2O3 nanoparticles

It is very difficult to simultaneously refine and modify Si particles in hypereutectic Al–Si–Cu alloys to enhance their ductility. This study investigates how nanoparticles affect Si particles during solidification in hypereutectic Al–Si–Cu alloys. 0.5 wt% γ-Al2O3 nanoparticles were added in hypereutectic Al–20Si–4.5Cu alloy melt and further dispersed through an ultrasonic-cavitation-based technique. The as-cast Al–20Si–4.5Cu–Al2O3 nanocomposites showed marked enhancements in both ductility and strength. The ductility of Al2O3 nanocomposite was more than two times higher than that of the monolithic alloy without the nanoparticles. Microstructural analysis with optical and scanning electron microscopy revealed that both the primary and eutectic Si particles were significantly refined. The primary Si particles were refined from star shapes to polygon or blocky shapes, and their edges and corners were much smoother. The large plate eutectic Si particles were also modified into the fine coralline-like ones. The porosity of alloy was also reduced with the addition of γ-Al2O3 nanoparticles. Study suggests that γ-Al2O3 nanoparticles simultaneously refine and modify Si particles as well as reduce porosity in cast Al–20Si–4.5Cu, resulting in unusual ductility enhancement that could have great potential for numerous applications.
A simplified transmission-line based crosstalk noise model for on-chip RLC wiring

In this paper, we present a new RLC crosstalk noise model that combines simplicity, accuracy, and generality. The new model is based on transmission line theory and is applicable to asymmetric driver and line configurations. The results show that the model captures both the waveform shape and peak noise accurately (average error in peak noise was 6.5%). A key feature of the new model is that its derivation and form enables physical insight into the dependency of total coupling noise on relevant physical design parameters. The model is applied to investigate the impact of various physical design optimizations (e.g., wire sizing and spacing, shield insertion) on total RLC coupled noise. Results indicate that common (capacitive) noise avoidance techniques can behave quite differently when both capacitive and inductive coupling are considered together.
Surface modification of SiO2 glass by laser processing

Abstract Various oxide films on SiO 2 glass substrates were irradiated by a laser beam. A continuous CO 2 laser source (wavelength 10.6 μm) was used for this purpose; the composition change at the surface layer was determined by Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS). All the alkaline-earth oxides as well as those of lanthanum and yttrium, entered the glass after treatment. ZrO 2 and CeO 2 , however, did not enter the SiO 2 glass due to laser irradiation. It is interesting, however, that a film of ZrO 2 + Al 2 O mixture easily entered into the SiO 2 glass by laser processing. The conditions and mechanism of laser-enhanced interaction of ZrO 2 or other oxide films with SiO 2 glass surfaces are discussed especially in view of their structural behaviour in glass.
Knee arthroscopy in the older patient

Abstract With seniors living longer, more active, healthier lives, arthroscopy in the senior knee has become a commonlyperformed orthopaedic procedure., Because of the favorable risk-benefit ratio of arthroscopy when compared with more invasive procedures such as arthroplasty or osteotomy, the procedure is often offered as a temporizing measure to patients in whom it may be of only short-term benefit. Appropriate patient selection is imperative to a successful outcome. Based on currently available data, the following patient variables can be associated with favorable postoperative outcomes: normal roentgenographic limb alignment, history of mechanical symptoms, minimal or no roentgenographic signs of degeneration, short duration of symptoms, and no previous surgery. With minimal associated morbidity, it appears that arthroscopic lavage may be considered as a palliative treatment option for osteoarthritic knees; however, results deteriorate over time. Preexisting degenerative articular changes, not age, have often been reported as the most important predicting factor for the outcome following arthroscopic partial meniscectomy in the elderly. Although the results of arthroscopic partial meniscectomy are poorer in patients with significant degenerative joint disease, the results appear to be acceptable in the short term. In active seniors with mild degenerative knee arthritis, conservative arthroscopic debridement is the initial procedure of choice after a nonoperative regimen has failed. Because of its unpredictability, high failure rate, and prolonged rehabilitation phase, abrasion arthroplasty has fallen out of favor as a primary treatment for degenerative arthritis of the knee in the older, active patient.
Three decades of composites activities at US Air Force Materials Laboratory

Abstract In the decades of 1960s–1980s, Air Force Materials Laboratory pioneered many programs and training of personnel that led to major advances in the understanding and utilization of composite materials and structures. The early involvement of industry resulted in rapid identification of the advantages and technical hurdles to be overcome. Through extensive use of postdoctoral appointments, ROTC at universities, visiting and exchange scientists, the Laboratory was able to reach many talented young people who in the years following have assumed leadership in teaching and research of composite materials worldwide. A recount of the activities during these three decades is timely because most of the “young” men and women who had spent time at the Laboratory will be ready to retire in the next few years.
Polarimetric Strain And Pressure Sensors Using Temperature-Independent Polarization Maintaining Optical Fiber

A polarimetric fiber sensors stabilized against the ambient temperature change has been developed by cancelling the temperature dependence of the intrinsic fiber birefringence with the thermal stress of a multi-layer plastic jacket.
Minimum Mean-Squared-Error Quantization in Speech PCM and DPCM Systems

The optimum (minimum mean-squared-error) and optimum uniform quantizing characteristics for Laplacian- and gamma-distributed signals are given in tabular form. The performance of these quantizers in real speech pulse-code modulation (PCM) and differential pulse-code modulation (DPCM) systems is investigated and compared with that obtained when the μ-law quantizing characteristic is used.
Constraints on the interactions of Majorana particles from CPT invariance

We derive a constraint on the gravitational interaction of a Majorana particle from CPT invariance, following the work of Kayser and Goldhaber on the electromagnetic form factor. Similar constraints hold for the decay of an integer spin particle into two identical Majorana particles. Lastly we attempt to clarify the role played by CPT invariance in deriving these and the previous results.
YOUTH AT RISK: Definitions and Implications for Service Delivery

The literature on adolescent risk is reviewed, a model of risk that emphasizes risk antecedents and markers is proposed, and an overview is presented of an emergency service delivery strategy that integrates services, emphasizes interagency coordination, and addresses the full range of service needs for youth at risk. Highlights of programs currently in operation are described.
Paper-Based Lithium Magnesium Oxide Battery

Replacing of metal current collectors with flexible materials has great potentials of improving flexibility, weight, and applications of Li-ion batteries. This paper presents fabrication and experimental results of lithium magnesium oxide (LiMn2O4) battery using conductive paper current collectors. A thin layer of LiMn2O4 was coated on paper current collectors using air-spray method, and half-cell devices were fabricated. Experimental capacity of 130 mAh/g is reported. The porous structure of cellulous fibers in the current collector improves the adhesion of electrode materials on the substrate, which provides higher flexibility and lighter weight.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Environmental services and poverty reduction: Options for smallholders in the Sahel

Abstract Environmental service provision is increasingly discussed as a potential new venue for the simultaneous pursuit of development and natural resource conservation objectives, particularly among landowners in the low-income tropics. To date, most of the experience with such market-regulated mechanisms comes from water and forest projects in Latin America. Preliminary evidence suggests that participation of, and benefits to, small-scale land users are highly unequal and that the synergistic goals of poverty reduction and resource conservation through these emerging market mechanisms might be overly ambitious. This paper assesses the possibility of pro-poor environmental service provision through carbon sequestration among smallholders in the Sahel. It focuses on a case study in the small-scale, rain-fed agricultural systems of the Old Peanut Basin of Senegal. Based on a conceptual framework including economic, institutional, policy and livelihood factors, it assesses to the extent to which specific groups of farmers are able or willing to participate in and benefit from potential carbon offset programs. Finally, the paper stresses the need for adequate and equitable financial support and a careful rethinking of the institutional structures necessary to enhance rural livelihoods and natural resource management in drylands, with or without market-based environmental service programs.
A genetic and cytological analysis ofOenothera pratincola and one of its revolute-leaved mutations

A new occurrence of mut.formosa together with the parental form,Oe. pratincola Etypica, and hybrids of both with other species were studied cytologically and genetically to determine the nature of the changes occurring when mut.formosa is produced. The egg complex,α, oftypica was found to have chromosomes 1.2 (carryingR, the gene for red nerves), 3.4 (carryingp, non-punctate, and probably carrying the normal allelomorph off), 7.10, 8.9, 11.12, and either 5.14 and 6.13 or 5.13 and 6.14. The pollen complex,β, oftypica was found to have chromosomes 1.4 (carryingf, the gene for revolute leaves), 7.8 and 13.14, with the remaining chromosomes undetermined but with the geneP s (punctate stems, striped bud cones) in the 3-end of a chromosome designated 3.x. The egg complex of mut.formosa,f α′, was found to have five chromosomes in common withα oftypica, but chromosomes 1.2 and 3.4 have been replaced by 1.4 (carryingf) and 2.3 (carryingR andP s). In this replacement, chromosome 1.4 has come directly fromβ oftypica, while chromosome 2.3 represents a new chromosome made up of the 2-end of 1.2 fromα and the 3-end of 3.x fromβ. The regular occurrence of mut.formosa with a frequency of about thirteen per thousand in the progeny oftypica is accounted for on the assumption that the mid-regions of chromosome 1.2 ofα and 3.x ofβ are homologous and occasionally cross-over. The distribution of such “interstitial segments” inOenothera chromosomes is discussed. Further evidence is presented tending to show that mut.setacea is the homozygousβ.β segregant fromtypica, a conclusion already reached by Blanchard (1929).
Editorial for the Inaugural Issue of the ACM Journal of Data and Information Quality (JDIQ)

A growing component of organizational operations today involves the collection, storage, and dissemination of unprecedented vast volumes of data. However, this expansion comes not without growing pains. Organizations are often unable to translate this data into meaningful insights that can be used to improve business processes and change the way we work. The reasons for this difficulty can often be traced to issues of data and information quality, involving both problematic symptoms and their underlying causes. Previously collected data can turn out to be inconsistent, inaccurate, incomplete, or outof-date. Organizations can have inappropriate or conflicting strategies across the “pockets” of an enterprise that interfere with the ability to get the right information to the right stakeholders in the right format at the right place and time. To make matters worse, the boundary of stakeholders is broadening and increasingly involves extended enterprises often reaching a global interenterprise scale. The time horizon for the use of information also becomes an open and moving target. In recent years, several terms have emerged to refer to these issues, such as Information Quality and Data Quality. We have chosen to name this journal Data and Information Quality to cover the full range of issues and will generally use these terms interchangeably. Complicating matters is the fact that today’s organizations need to do more with their data if they are to compete effectively. Data quality as measured by its fitness for use in a particular application is a major consideration and possibly a thorny issue when discussing issues such as data privacy and protection, data lineage and provenance, enterprise architecture, data mining, data cleaning, as well as data integration processes such as entity resolution and master data-management. Particularly in the area of data integration processes, organizations must grapple with how to deal with incomplete customer data, inaccurate or conflicting data, and fuzzy data as they strive to develop measures of confidence for the information produced in this environment. Even more daunting is the reality that even if organizations get the creation and management of information right for current stakeholders, there is always the prospect of unexpected future stakeholders to consider. How does one ensure that over the long term information will remain accessible, trustworthy, and meaningful in the face of rapidly changing computing and storage technologies and corresponding demands for use? What types of models, methods,
Test results on an MNOS memory array

The NCR 2050 MNOS memory chip, developed under Air Force contract for frequency-preset applications in communications equipment, has been tested and evaluated. Results on retentivity, writing characteristics, pattern sensitivity, and endurance are presented.
Acceleration of Horton overland flow and erosion by footpaths in an upland agricultural watershed in northern Thailand

Abstract Through field rainfall simulation experiments in an upland mountainous watershed of northern Thailand, we have identified two phenomena that increase the potential for Horton overland flow (HOF) generation on agricultural lands. First, there appears to be a transition period of 12–18 months, extending from the time of abandonment until the formation of a dense vegetation layer capable of intercepting rainfall and ponding surface water, during which HOF generation is accelerated. Simulation data indicate these recently abandoned fields may have runoff coefficients (ROCs) as high as 40% during large seasonal storms with wet antecedent soil moisture conditions. In comparison, actively cultivated lands and advanced (>16–18 months) fallow fields, the land surfaces existing before and after the threshold period, have ROCs≤4%. Secondly, compacted path surfaces initiate HOF within agricultural fields, which have saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ks) values that are 100–200 mm h−1 higher. In the study area, path/furrow networks, comprising 8–24% of field surface areas, are designed to provide walking access within fields and channel excess surface flow from the fields. Compared with hoed surfaces, path/furrows reduce the time to HOF generation by about 85% and have ROCs that are six times higher. Access paths have the lowest Ks values of all watershed surfaces, but conveyance efficiency of HOF generated on these surfaces is low. Even recently created field paths are capable of reducing runoff generation time by 40–90% and producing sixfold increases in ROCs. Collectively, the data suggest that agricultural erosion rates are accelerated during the 12–18-month threshold period following abandonment and during storms where path-generated HOF interacts with adjacent planting surfaces. Despite having periods of increased HOF generation, the total HOF contribution from agricultural fields to the basin stream hydrograph is similar in magnitude to that of unpaved roads, which occupy 95% less land area.
Antifungal agents of the 1980's

Abstract The first of the “new” antifungals for systemic administration was clotrimazole (Bayer). Parenterally administered, this agent rapidly induced hepatic inactivating enzymes, and never achieved widespread use. Although miconazole was somewhat more successful, the drug which altered the world of antifungal therapy was ketoconazole. A broad antifungal spectrum, reduced toxicities compared with amphotericin B, and oral administration, all opened new possibilities for future drug development. Combined with the appearance of less toxic alternatives was the sharp increase in candidiasis among leukopenic patients, to the extent of causing up to 25% of deaths in these patients. A second major factor was the appearance of AIDS and huge problems with both mucosal candidiasis and cryptococcosis. Development of antifungals for systemic administration has been stimulated by the high efficacy and reduced toxicity of new drugs, and by increasing numbers of patients with systemic mycoses. Itraconazole and fluconazole are likely to be licensed in the near future-both have unique features that will give them some competing and non-competing roles. Even more potent agents are already entering clinical development, and nonazole antifungals have become the subjects of awakening interest. As recently as a decade ago the question was whether we would ever see alternatives to amphotericin B. Now the question is when amphotericin B will be at long last retired from its supremacy in this small but rapidly increasing field, the systemic mycoses.
Effects of natural organic matter type and concentration on the aggregation of citrate-stabilized gold nanoparticles

The aggregation of 12 nm citrate-stabilized gold nanoparticles (cit-AuNPs) in the presence of four different natural organic matter (NOM) isolates and a monovalent electrolyte (KCl) was evaluated using time-resolved dynamic light scattering. All four NOM isolates stabilized the cit-AuNPs with respect to aggregation. However, specific effects varied among the different NOM isolates. At pH = 6 in 80 mM KCl, low concentrations ( 2 mg C per L) of smaller Suwannee River Fulvic Acid (SRFA) were necessary at the same ionic strength. Suwannee River NOM (SRNOM) which contains both SRHA and SRFA behaved in a manner intermediate between the two. Pony Lake Fulvic Acid (PLFA), an autochthonous NOM isolate, provided substantial stability at low concentrations, yet aggregation was induced at NOM concentrations > 2 mg C per L, a trend that is hypothesized to be the result of favourable hydrophobic interactions between coated particles induced at increased surface coverage. For all NOM isolates, it appears that NOM adsorption or conformational changes at the AuNP surfaces result in significant increases in the hydrodynamic diameter that aren't attributable to NP–NP aggregation.
Investigation of time-resolved atmospheric conditions and indoor/outdoor particulate matter concentrations in homes with gas and biomass cook stoves in Nogales, Sonora, Mexico

This paper reports findings from a case study designed to investigate indoor and outdoor air quality in homes near the United States-Mexico border During the field study, size-resolved continuous particulate matter (PM) concentrations were measured in six homes, while outdoor PM was simultaneously monitored at the same location in Nogales, Sonora, Mexico, during March 14-30, 2009. The purpose of the experiment was to compare PM in homes using different fuels for cooking, gas versus biomass, and to obtain a spatial distribution of outdoor PM in a region where local sources vary significantly (e.g., highway, border crossing, unpaved roads, industry). Continuous PM data were collected every 6 seconds using a valve switching system to sample indoor and outdoor air at each home location. This paper presents the indoor PM data from each home, including the relationship between indoor and outdoor PM. The meteorological conditions associated with elevated ambient PM events in the region are also discussed. Results indicate that indoor air pollution has a strong dependence on cooking fuel, with gas stoves having hourly averaged median PM3 concentrations in the range of 134 to 157 microg m(-3) and biomass stoves 163 to 504 microg m(-1). Outdoor PM also indicates a large spatial heterogeneity due to the presence of microscale sources and meteorological influences (median PM3: 130 to 770 microg m(-3)). The former is evident in the median and range of daytime PM values (median PM3: 250 microg m(-3), maximum: 9411 microg m(-3)), while the meteorological influences appear to be dominant during nighttime periods (median PM3: 251 microg m(-3), maximum: 10,846 microg m(-3)). The atmospheric stability is quantified for three nighttime temperature inversion episodes, which were associated with an order of magnitude increase in PM10 at the regulatory monitor in Nogales, AZ (maximum increase: 12 to 474 microg m(-3)). Implications: Regulatory air quality standards are based on outdoor ambient air measurements. However, a large fraction of time is typically spent indoors where a variety of activities including cooking, heating, tobacco smoking, and cleaning can lead to elevated PM concentrations. This study investigates the influence of meteorology, outdoor PM, and indoor activities on indoor air pollution (IAP) levels in the United States-Mexico border region. Results indicate that cooking fuel type and meteorology greatly influence the IAP in homes, with biomass fuel use causing the largest increase in PM concentration.
Biomedical Applications and Instrumental Implications of Ion Microprobe

An effort has been made to construct a heavy-ion scanning microprobe. Some preliminary results on beam-optics are presented, and a new technique for measuring the beam spot size is reported here. The performance of ion beams as a source for characteristic x-ray production has been studied. As a justification of this work, a brief comparison is made between the x-ray excitation probabilities of protons and heavy ions on the one hand, and that of electrons and x-rays on the other. The present work is a first step toward the future construction of a high resolution ion microprobe which would have a beam size smaller than 1 ?m.
Interplay between magnetism and non-Fermi-liquid behavior in Sc 1-x U x Pd 3

Low-temperature electrical resistivity $\ensuremath{\rho}(T)$ and specific heat $C(T)$ measurements on ${\mathrm{Sc}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}{\mathrm{U}}_{x}{\mathrm{Pd}}_{3}$ for $0.2l~xl~0.35$ are reported, demonstrating non-Fermi-liquid temperature dependence. For temperatures $0.05\mathrm{K}l~Tl~2.5\mathrm{K},$ the resistivity follows $\ensuremath{\rho}(T)=\ensuremath{\rho}(0)[1\ensuremath{-}{a(T/T}_{\mathrm{K}}{)}^{n}],$ with n decreasing from $n=1.3$ at $x=0.2$ to $n=0.5$ at $x=0.35.$ The electronic specific heat $\ensuremath{\Delta}C(T)$ follows $\ensuremath{\Delta}C(T)/T=\ensuremath{-}(b\mathrm{R}{/T}_{\mathrm{K}})\mathrm{ln}{(b}^{\ensuremath{'}}{T/T}_{\mathrm{K}})$ above the spin-glass freezing temperature, with values of ${T}_{\mathrm{K}}$ that decrease with increasing x, in accord with the Fermi-level tuning phenomenon previously observed in this system. Applied magnetic fields produce an increase in the resistivity of samples with $xl0.3$ at the lowest temperatures.
Neutral and Ion Chemistry and Solar Fluxes

Advances that have been made in neutral and ion chemistry in the thermosphere and in solar flux measurements since the 1979 meeting of the IAGA are surveyed. Attention is given to the issues that have arisen in areas previously considered resolved. It is believed that the field has reached a state of maturity in which many of the remaining issues are subtle and present fairly complex problems. Of considerable importance at the present time is the need for good measurements of the O(+) (2D) species, owing to its pivotal role in the overall thermospheric chemistry. Also required are careful and comprehensive studies of the vibrationally excited species. An important concern in the field is the absence of an orbiting extreme and far-ultraviolet solar flux monitor. It is pointed out that measurements in the foreseeable future will be restricted to short duration observations by a variety of instruments.
LOW FREQUENCY SCATTERING BY A FINITE CONE

The scattering of a low frequency electromagnetic wave by a metallic cone, whose base is part of a spherical surface centered on the apex of the cone, is analyzed using a mode matching technique. The dipole contributions to the scattering are obtained in complete generality, and numerical results are presented for a wide range of cone angles. Comparisons of the computed data with the predictions of an empirical formula for the scattering reveal both the strengths and weaknesses of the latter.
Cutaneous mast cell tumours with pulmonary metastasis in a hen.

Summary Multiple, firm, white, 0.5‐ to 2‐cm dermal nodules and three discrete 0.5‐ to 1‐cm pulmonary masses were discovered in a hen carcass at slaughter. Microscopic examination of both dermal and pulmonary tumours revealed solid sheets of individual cells with central round nuclei and granular to vacuolated cytoplasm. Both toluidine blue and Giemsa stains revealed numerous cells with metachromatic cytoplasmic granules. Dermal tumours contained both collagen degeneration and infiltrates of eosinophils. Ultrastructural examination of tumour cells confirmed the presence of typical avian mast cell granules.