cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Planktonic foraminiferal flux to the deep ocean: Sediment trap results from the tropical Atlantic and the central Pacific

Abstract The flux of planktonic foraminifera between 100 μm and 1 mm to the seafloor has been estimated for the central Pacific (abyssal plain east of Hawaii) and the tropical Atlantic (Demerara Abyssal Plain) based on sediment trap samples collected from various water depths. The faunas in each region are quite similar, with 4 to 5 species generally accounting for 70–80% of the total assemblage. At both study sites, the total foraminiferal flux and the carbonate flux tend to decrease with depth. In addition, the flux of individual species of planktonic foraminifera varies significantly with depth, with the number of small, solution-susceptible species decreasing with increasing water depth. These results suggest that there is significant dissolution of small ( μ m) foraminifera as they settle through the water column. Material collected from the sediment-water interface directly below the Pacific sediment trap array contains no planktonic foraminifera, suggesting that the residence time of an individual on the seafloor before it dissolves, is extremely short.
On the incomplete similarity for turbulent velocity profiles in rough pipes

The possibility of extending Barenblatt’s hypothesis of incomplete similarity for the velocity profile is analyzed for rough-pipe flows. The verification of this hypothesis, which leads to a power law in the intermediate region of the flow, is performed using Nikuradse’s well-known data for pipes with homogeneous sand roughness. As detailed comparison between the log law and the power law would require much higher measurement resolution, no attempt is made here to assess the validity of one or the other law, and the power law profile is simply used as a working hypothesis. The power law fits well for a large part of the pipe section both for the transitionally rough regime and the fully rough regime. The coefficients of the power law show an interesting behavior as a function of the Reynolds number and the relative roughness. For the fully rough regime, it is possible to obtain simple expressions for the power law coefficients and the resistance law.
Observations on Excystment and Encystment of Vorticella microstoma

SYNOPSIS. Vorticellas were maintained on Bacillus cereus in a medium composed of unbuffered Proteose-Peptone, Cero-phyl, and the filtrate from boiled wheat kernels. Vorticella-free aliquots of culture medium were analyzed at critical intervals, beginning immediately before encystment and until re-encystment. Control aliquots changed insignificantly; significant changes were detected in the experimental cultures. Osmolality increased from 14 to 18 milliosmols/1, Na+ stayed in the range 2 to 3 milliequivalents/1, K+ decreased slightly below the initial value of 5 mEq/1, Ca++ decreased from 5.7 to 4 mg.%, CI fluctuated slightly down and up from 112 mg.% during the initial 8 hr., then down to < 104 mg.%, phosphate decreased steeply from 14 to < 0.6 mg.%, pH increased from 6.7 to 8.5. The results indicate that suboptimal levels of K+ Ca++ and phosphate impose upon V. microstoma a physiological stress which leads to encystment. The role played by Na+ and CI- was not clear. Osmolality was a major factor in excystment but not in encystment.
Participation rates in a case-control study: the impact of age, race, and race of interviewer.

PURPOSE: Despite concerns about declining participation rates in epidemiologic studies in recent years, relatively few papers have discussed obstacles to recruiting study participants or strategies for optimizing response rates. This report describes factors associated with nonparticipation in a population-based, case-control study of breast cancer and discusses ways to overcome barriers to participation. METHODS: Contact and cooperation rates were calculated for participants in the Carolina Breast Cancer Study (CBCS), stratified by case status, age, race, and race of interviewer. Demographic and breast cancer risk factor characteristics of partial and full responders also were compared. RESULTS: Contact rates and cooperation rates varied by case/control status and demographic characteristics. Contact rates were lower among controls, younger women, and black women. Cooperation rates were lower among controls, older women, and black cases. Cooperation rates were higher among both black and nonblack women when participants and interviewers were concordant on race. CONCLUSIONS: Obstacles to recruitment seem to differ among race and age subgroups, suggesting that recruitment strategies may need to be tailored to potential participants based upon demographic characteristics. Strategies have been implemented to improve response rates in this and other epidemiologic studies; however, additional research and innovation in this area are needed.
International negotiations on emission control

Abstract We study the size of viable emission abatement coalitions. A coalition is viable if all of its members are net gainers. To be viable, a coalition has to be of at least a certain size, the minimum critical size. We also show that if there are fixed costs associated with abatement programs then, under certain conditions, coalitions in excess of the minimum critical size are not vulnerable to ‘free riding’ or to prisoners' dilemma problems.
Can renal fibrosis be reversed

New therapeutic approaches are needed to address the current epidemic of chronic kidney disease. Beyond delaying the inevitable onset of end-stage kidney disease the ultimate dream of clinical therapy is disease regression. Degradation of the interstitial matrix proteins is potentially feasible, especially before the interstitial "scar" becomes highly organized. Currently the specific matrix-degrading proteases that perform this function in vivo have not been clearly identified although several candidates have been suggested. Reversing renal fibrosis will also mandate removal of interstitial myofibroblasts that are the major source of the fibrosis-associated interstitial matrix proteins. However, the greater therapeutic challenge pertains to the current inability to regenerate intact functional nephrons in a site where they have been destroyed. In chronic tubulointerstitial damage that typifies all progressive kidney diseases, it is not interstitial matrix accumulation per se that leads to renal functional decline but rather its destructive effects on neighboring cells. In particular, loss of peritubular capillaries and tubules are the morphological features that underlie declining renal function. Recent advances in several basic scientific fields of investigation such as matrix biology, developmental biology, angiogenesis, and stem cell biology have identified new candidate therapeutic targets. A powerful new molecular tool-box is at our disposal that can be used to begin to translate recent discoveries into the clinical research arena with the goal of reversing renal fibrosis in a functionally meaningful way.
Impact of hurricanes storm surges on the groundwater resources

Ocean surges onto coastal lowlands caused by tropical and extra tropical storms, tsunamis, and sea level rise affect all coastal lowlands and present a threat to drinking water resources of many coastal residents. In 2005, two such storms, Hurricanes Katrina and Rita struck the Gulf Coast of the US. Since September 2005, water samples have been collected from water wells impacted by the hurricanes’ storm surges along the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain in southeastern Louisiana. The private and public water wells tested were submerged by 0.6–4.5 m of surging saltwater for several hours. The wells’ casing and/or the associated plumbing were severely damaged. Water samples were collected to determine if storm surge water inundated the well casing and, if so, its effect on water quality within the shallow aquifers of the Southern Hills Aquifer System. In addition, the samples were used to determine if the impact on water quality may have long-term implication for public health. Laboratory testing for several indicator parameters (Ca/Mg, Cl/Si, chloride, boron, specific conductance and bacteria) indicates that surge water entered water wells’ casing and the screened aquifer. Analysis of the groundwater shows a decrease in the Ca/Mg ratio right after the storm and then a return toward pre-Katrina values. Chloride concentrations were elevated right after Katrina and Rita, and then decreased downward toward pre-Katrina values. From September 2005 to June 2006, the wells showed improvement in all the saltwater intrusion indicators.
Right atrial thrombus aspiration guided by intracardiac echocardiography during catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation.

A 56-year-old man with psoriasis and a 2-year history of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and flutter was admitted for catheter ablation. The procedure was performed under general anesthesia. The patient arrived to the electrophysiology laboratory in atrial flutter. A preprocedural transesophageal echocardiogram confirmed the absence of intraatrial thrombus. The patient was chronically anticoagulated with warfarin, and the international normalized ratio (INR) on the day of the procedure was 2.4. After vascular access was obtained, a duodecapolar catheter was placed from the left femoral vein with the 10 distal electrodes in the coronary sinus and 10 proximal electrodes in the right atrium (RA). A phased-array intracardiac echo (ICE) catheter was placed via the left femoral vein into the RA. Intravenous heparin, 5000 U, was given after initial catheter placement. The presence of typical clockwise atrial flutter was confirmed by activation and entrainment mapping. A cavo-tricuspid isthmus ablation line …
Artifact Reduction in CW Transmission Diffuse Optical Tomography

Three dimensional image reconstruction from diffuse optical tomography suffers from unwanted high-frequency image noise. We show how a customized mesh and proper preprocessing steps can lead to artifact reduction and quantification improvement in reconstructed images.
Soviet Religious Policy in the Baltics under Khrushchev, 1957–1964: Domestic Repression and International Engagement

The Khrushchev era brought a policy of religious repression in response to a resurgence of religious adherence after WWII. But a close evaluation of archival sources reveals distinctive features to its implementation in the Baltics, compared with other parts of the USSR and with the Orthodox Church. The study richly describes the erosion of church institutional interests, such as maintenance of registered churches and clergy, legal and financial autonomy, publications and theological education. But having adapted to their national context, republic-level state officials often pursued the campaign disproportionately against non-national churches, such as Catholics and so-called sects, thereby provoking bureaucratic tensions with party hardliners, both in Moscow and at the republic level. Motivated by its heightened anti-Vatican stance, Moscow's foreign policy opening—to the World Council of Churches, Lutheran World Federation, and the German churches—brought the Lutheran churches limited leverage against reluctant local and republic officials.
773 HOME VISITING NURSES (HVN) ARE BENEFICIAL IN CARE OF INTENSIVE CARE NURSERY GRADUATES (ICN-G)

ICN-G often are discharged with unresolved problems to families (F) whose anxiety is increased by the homecoming. To improve outcome of ICN-G and decrease F anxiety we are assessing the efficacy of HVN who make unlimited phone calls and ≥ 4 visits/12 wk study period for ICN-G hospitalized ≥ 1 wk. In 15 mos. 79 ICN-G 137 C and 42 S) have completed the study. There were no significant differences between S and C groups at enrollment. HVN interventions (mean)/S family/12 wk are 17 (28%) for new medical, 12 (21%) for chronic medical, 11 (19%) for psycho-social and 19 (32%) for general infant problems. Major interventions are teaching (38%), counseling/support (48%) and notification of physician (10%). Total interventions/S family/wk decreased from a mean of 10.9 in wk 1 to 1.8 in wk 12. Inter-rater reliability among HVN is 93%. Outcome shows no difference in weight gain, rehospitalizations, deaths, or developmental status, Hoyiever, F of S infants who are firstborn, require home monitoring or are of higher socio-economic status exhibit decreased anxiety (Multiple Affect Adjective Check List) at 12 wk vs. baseline (p 12 wk. Finally, 75% of physicians of ICN-G responding, to a questionnaire feel HVN provide more information tfian regional centers, none feels HVN interfere in their relationship with ICN-G and F, and 100%. feel regional centers should provide HVN to all ICN-G. HVN decrease anxiety in F of ICN-G, improve communications with primary physicians and are recommended by both F and physicians to assist in care of all ICN-G.
Self-discharge of secondary lithium-ion graphite anodes

Abstract A new method for measuring self-discharge of lithium-ion graphite anodes is reported. First, the anode lithium content is calculated from the open-circuit potential as a function of open-circuit time (OCP versus OCT) using equilibrium potential–composition isotherms. Then, the self-discharge rate is obtained from the differential of lithium content with respect to time on open circuit. The self-discharge rate measured by this means after the first charge–discharge cycle to 0.0 V versus Li/Li+ is largely controlled by the growth of the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) film, with some influence from stage transformation.
Proximity, entropy and orbital steering

Analysis of the factor for proximity and orientation is given for cyclopentadiene dimerization and for the general case of more complex biological molecules. Using either a probability or a statistical mechanical approach, the same ratios are obtained. The proximity effect factor is found to be about 55nn per reacting pair of molecules which show no net attraction or repulsion. The use of translational entropy without inclusion of a rotational entropy term gives a misleading value for this proximity factor. The calculations support the argument that orientation factors can play a large role in the catalytic power of enzymes.
Technical note: A 23-year record of twice-weekly aerosol composition measurements at Mauna Loa Observatory

Abstract This paper introduces a newly compiled data set of atmospheric particulate matter (PM) measurements from 1988 through 2010 at Mauna Loa Observatory (MLO), Hawaii, USA. The data are from two samplers: one running only during nighttime hours over multiple days and another running continuously over the same days. The objective of the night-only schedule is to capture samples from Pacific background air masses transported in the free troposphere with minimal contamination from local and marine emissions. Elements characteristic of soils generally exhibit similar concentrations between the continuous and night-only samples, which suggests Pacific background air masses are responsible for the majority of the fine soil aerosol observed at MLO. Sulfur concentrations in the continuous samples often substantially exceed those in night-only samples, suggesting that local sources contribute to the daytime S concentrations at MLO. Trends estimated from Thiel-Sen regression for all 23 years are 1.3% and −1.7% per year for S and Fe (significant at p = 0.05) in the night-only samples; S and Fe trends in the last 10 years are in the same directions and stronger (4.2% and −4.4% per year).
VARIABILITY ANALYSIS OF HOT-MIX ASPHALT CONCRETE CONTAINING HIGH PERCENTAGE OF RECLAIMED ASPHALT PAVEMENT

A research project was undertaken to evaluate the production and construction variability of hot-mix asphalt concrete (HMAC) containing large quantities of recycled asphalt pavement (RAP) material. Four construction projects were selected. Two of the projects used 35 percent RAP material, while the other two used 40 and 50 percent RAP, respectively. The projects differed in size with total hot-mix ranging from 12,000 to 30,000 tons. In all cases, dedicated RAP stockpiles were used. A series of tests were performed at both the hot-mix plant laboratory and the University of Texas (UT) asphalt laboratory. The tests at the plant included extraction, gradation, and asphalt content using nuclear gauge. A number of specimens were also compacted and shipped to the Texas Department of Transportation Materials and Tests Division for Hveem stability testing. Asphalt recovery, penetration, and viscosity tests for both HMAC and RAP were conducted at the UT laboratory. Each day, four sublots were sampled. The results o...
Spin polarization effects in Nd1-xHoxCo3 compounds

Abstract Magnetic moments and Curie temperatures have been measured for Nd 1- x Ho x Co 3 compounds. The cobalt moment has been found to be non-linear with x . This effect is attributed to spin polarization.
Dual kinase-mediated regulation of PITK by CaMKII and GSK3.

Abstract Phosphatase Interactor Targeting K protein (PITK) was previously identified as a novel PP1 targeting subunit implicated in modulating the phosphorylation of the transcriptional regulator heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein K (hnRNP K) [Kwiek NC, Thacker DF, Datto MB, Megosh HB, Haystead TA. Cell Signal 18 (10) (2006) 1769.]. Through the phosphorylation of PITK at S1013 and S1017 (residues that flank or reside within a PP1C-binding motif), the binding of the PP1 catalytic subunit to PITK, and subsequently the activity of the holoenzyme, are discretely controlled. Herein, we demonstrate that PITK phosphorylation at S1013 and S1017 also dictates the subcellular localization of the holoenzyme. Whereas both wildtype-and an S1013,1017D-PITK mutant displayed a speckled nuclear localization, a constitutively dephosphorylated form of PITK (S1013,1017A-PITK) resulted in a diffuse localization throughout the cell including the cytoplasm. Additionally, through the use of unbiased proteomics techniques, we provide evidence for a dual kinase-mediated regulation of the PITK holoenzyme whereby PITK phosphorylation at S1017 is catalyzed by calcium/calmodulin-dependent kinase II-delta (CaMKIIδ), promoting the subsequent phosphorylation of S1013 by glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK3) in vitro. Taken together, our findings provide further insight into the regulation of PITK, PP1, and hnRNP K by reversible phosphorylation.
Measurement of blood flow in attached gingiva of dogs following brushing.

A 133Xenon clearance technique was used io measure blood flow in the capillary bed of non-inflamed attached gingiva. Measurements were made before and after brushing in a standardized manner. The results show that blood flow through attached gingiva is greater than in published data for skin and increases significantly with brushing. The increases measured, however, are much smaller than those reported for skin under similar stimuli. It is concluded that the high flow within unbrushed attached gingiva may be nearer the maximal possible flow than is the case for skin. The smaller increases measured as a result of brushing the gingival tissues may therefore represent a near maximal microcirculatory response.
Planting Geometry and Plant Population Affect Dryland Maize Grain Yield and Harvest Index

Water for dryland grain production in the Texas panhandle is limited. Agronomic practices such as reduction in plant population or change in sowing time may help increase maize (Zea mays L.) yield potential. Tiller formation under dryland conditions leads to more vegetative growth and reduced yield. We hypothesized that clump planting dryland maize would reduce environmental stress, tillering, and vegetative growth, and increase harvest index by having more soil water available during grain filling. Clump planting was studied during 2008 at Bushland, Texas. Two plant populations—30,000 and 40,000 plants ha−1—and three plant geometries—clumps of three or four plants (3 PPC or 4 PPC) and equally spaced single plants (ESP)—were grown in 75 cm rows. Growing season precipitation was 209 mm. Harvest index (HI) 200-seed mass and harvested ears were higher in 3 PPC and 4 PPC compared with ESP. Three PPC planted at 40,000 plants ha−1 had the highest harvest index of 0.46. The ESP produced 27% more unproductive ear...
On the adaptive control of robot manipulators

A new adaptive robot control algorithm is derived, which consists of a PD feedback part and a full dynamics feedfor ward compensation part, with the unknown manipulator and payload parameters being estimated online. The algorithm is computationally simple, because of an effective exploitation of the structure of manipulator dynamics. In particular, it requires neither feedback of joint accelerations nor inversion of the estimated inertia matrix. The algorithm can also be applied directly in Cartesian space.
Input-output description of linear systems with multiple time-scales†

It is pointed out that the study of systems evolving at multiple time-scales is simplified by studying reduced-order models of these systems valid at specific time-scales. The present investigation is concerned with an extension of results on the time-scale decomposition of autonomous systems to that of input-output systems. The results are employed to study conditions under which positive realness of a transfer function is preserved under singular perturbation. Attention is given to the perturbation theory for linear operators, the multiple time-scale structure of autonomous linear systems, the input-output description of two time-scale linear systems, the positive realness of two time-scale systems, and multiple time-scale linear systems.
The effect of treadmill gait training on low-frequency depression of the soleus H-reflex: comparison of a spinal cord injured man to normal subjects.

Abstract H-Reflex recruitment curves were obtained at 0.1 and 1 Hz in the right soleus of an incomplete SCI man before and after training and on 12 neurologically normal individuals. Low frequency depression (LFD) was calculated by the formula: 1−(H-wave amplitude at 1 Hz/0.1 Hz)×100. Training consisted of treadmill walking at the speed matching his overground fast walking. The subject trained for 30 min every other day for 10 days under supervision and then continued three times a week for 4 months at a health club. Maximum H/M ratio of the right soleus (78%) was greater than that of the normals (67%) and did not change following training (79%). The mean LFD of the SCI subject was 24% prior to training compared to 42% for the normal subjects. Following training, LFD increased to 35%. In addition, the reflex threshold appears to have increased following training. This was accompanied by 47 and 45% increases in the subject's self selected and fast gait velocities, respectively. We conclude that training adaptations enabled the SCI subject to increase his gait velocity due to an improved ability to gate peripheral afferent feedback during gait.
Statistical pattern analysis of blood vessel features on retina images and its application to blood vessel mapping algorithms

Computer based modeling and analysis of blood vessel (BV) networks is essential for automated detection and tracking of anomalies and structural changes in retina images. Among many published techniques for automated BV mapping, optimal selection of thresholds to delineate BV pixels from their background pixels remains an open problem. In this paper we propose a novel representation of a BV pixel feature, daisy graph, using rotational contrast transform (RCT), and two feature descriptors energy E p and symmetry difference S p of the daisy graph. Non-BV pixels are separated from BV and boundary pixels based on E p . Fitness of the lognormal distribution to S p of BV pixels with negative E p has been tested extensively for images in the STARE and DRIVE databases. Based on statistical pattern analysis in the feature space, we propose a fast self-calibrated BV mapping algorithm which achieve comparable and statistically sound performance as contemporary solutions.
Magnetic mini-mover procedure for pectus excavatum II: initial findings of a Food and Drug Administration-sponsored trial.

Purpose The Magnetic Mini-Mover Procedure (3MP) uses a magnetic implant coupled with an external magnet to generate force sufficient to gradually remodel pectus excavatum deformities. This is an interim report of the evolution of the 3MP during a Food and Drug Administration-approved clinical trial. Methods After obtaining Institutional Review Board approval, we performed the 3MP on 10 otherwise healthy patients with moderate to severe pectus excavatum deformities (age, 8-14 years; Haller index >3.5). Operative techniques evolved to improve ease of implantation. Patients were evaluated monthly by a pediatric surgeon and orthotist. Electrocardiograms were performed pre- and postoperatively. Sternal position was documented by pre- and postprocedure computed tomographic scan, interval chest x-ray, depth gauge, and interval photographs. Results There was no detectable effect of the static magnetic field on wound healing or cardiopulmonary function. No detectable injuries and minimal skin changes resulted from brace wear. Operative techniques evolved to include a custom sternal punch and a flexible guide wire to guide the posterior plate into position behind the sternum, reducing outpatient operating time to one-half hour. In 9 patients, the procedure was performed as an outpatient basis; and 1 patient was observed overnight. Three patients required evacuation of retained pleural air postoperatively, and 2 required an outpatient revision. A custom-fitted orthotic brace (Magnatract) was extensively modified to increase user friendliness and functionality while incorporating several novel functions: a screw displacement mechanism so patients can easily self-adjust magnetic force, a miniature data logger to measure force and temperature data every 10 minutes, and an interactive online Web portal for remote patient evaluation. All attempts to quantitate sternal position (radiographic, fluid volume, and depth gauge) were inadequate. Visual assessment remains the best indicator. Conclusions In this interim report, the 3MP appears to be a safe, minimally invasive, outpatient, cost-effective alternative treatment of pectus excavatum. Outcomes will be reported upon the completion of this phase II clinical trial.
On the active site of Old Yellow Enzyme. Role of histidine 191 and asparagine 194.

Old Yellow Enzyme (OYE) binds phenolic ligands forming long wavelength (500–800 nm) charge-transfer complexes. The enzyme is reduced by NADPH, and oxygen, quinones, and α,β-unsaturated aldehydes and ketones can act as electron acceptors to complete catalytic turnover. Solution of the crystal structure of OYE1 from brewer's bottom yeast (Fox, K. M., and Karplus, P. A. (1994) Structure 2, 1089–1105) made it possible to identify histidine 191 and asparagine 194 as amino acid residues that hydrogen-bond with the phenolic ligands, stabilizing the anionic form involved in charge-transfer interaction with the FMN prosthetic group. His-191 and Asn-194 are also predicted to interact with the nicotinamide ring of NADPH in the active site. Mutations of His-191 to Asn, Asn-194 to His, and a double mutation, H191N/N194H, were made of OYE1. It was not possible to isolate the N191H mutant enzyme, but the other two mutant forms had the expected effect on phenolic ligand binding, i.e. decreased binding affinity and decreased charge-transfer absorbance. Reduction of the H191N mutant enzyme by NADPH was similar to that of OYE1, but the reduction rate constant for NADH was greatly decreased. The double mutant enzyme had an increased rate constant for reduction by NADPH, but the reduction rate constant with NADH was lower by a factor of 15. The reactivity of OYE1 and the mutant enzymes with oxygen was similar, but the reactivity of 2-cyclohexenone was greatly decreased by the mutations. The crystal structures of the two mutant forms showed only minor changes from that of the wild type enzyme.
Angular resolution obtained with a LaBr3-based rotational modulator

A Rotational Modulator (RM) gamma ray imager, consisting of a single grid of lead slats rotating above an array of detectors with diameter equal to the slat spacing, has the capability of providing angular resolution significantly better than the geometric resolution (i.e., the ratio of detector diameter to mask/detector separation). The sensitivity, weight, and angular resolution are comparable to that of a coded aperture device, but with significantly less complexity. As the grid rotates, the transmission from a source is modulated on each detector between 0 and 100%. The count profile is cross-correlated with precalculated modulation profiles to produce an approximate source image. Deconvolution of this image with the known imager response can accurately resolve point sources and complex emissions. The appropriate deconvolution technique can achieve angular resolution better than the basic geometrical resolution of the instrument. A prototype RM developed at Louisiana State University features high sensitivity and energy resolution, functional angular resolution of 15, and a simple readout system. The detector array consists of 19 1.5 × 1 thick cerium-doped lanthanum bromide (LaBr 3 :Ce) crystals. LaBr3 produces significantly more light than other common scintillators, offering < 3% FWHM energy resolution at 662 keV. A grid spaced ~1.2 m from the detection plane with slat width 1.5 offers a 13.8° field of view. We present our reconstruction technique, deconvolution algorithms, and simulated and experimental imaging results.
Structural reanalysis by iteration

Abstract Reanalysis based on an iteration process is expressed as an infinite series. It is shown that for large changes in the design, convergence is poor or not possible. A method to improve convergence is presented, based on an expression of the matrix of changes in stiffness as a linear combination of two matrices. The method is then modified to further improve convergence separately for each component of the unknown displacement vector. The advantage of the proposed procedure is demonstrated by numerical examples.
MarR family transcription factors

What are MarR proteins? Members of the Multiple Antibiotic Resistance Regulator (MarR) family of transcriptional regulators are named for Escherichia coli MarR. In E. coli, MarR regulates an operon that encodes a drug efflux pump, and mutations in proteins that participate in this system lead to a multiple antibiotic resistance phenotype, hence the name. MarR proteins are members of the winged helix-turn-helix family of transcription factors.
On homogeneous solutions of Einstein's field equations

In the first part of this paper we describe a formalism capable of finding all homogeneous solutions of Einstein's field equations with any arbitrary energy-impulse tensor. In the second part we find all homogeneous vacuum solutions.
Heterogeneous integration of semiconductor materials: basic issues, current progress, and future prospects

The world's dominant IC material, silicon, cannot do everything we want a semiconductor material to do. However, for this discussion, the fact that Si wafers are of high quality, large and cheap is of great interest. This is important for at least two reasons. First, nearly all of the electronic and photonic compound semiconductor devices that comprise the current $20 billion per year market are fabricated on substrates that are either very expensive or non-optimal for the epitaxy required to realize the device or an IC of interest. A second reason is the integration of new functionality to current Si technology. Clearly, if many of the current photonic applications already realized in current compound semiconductor technology could be integrated into Si technology, some of the herculean efforts to continue following Moore's Law (including trying to do it via nanotechnology) could be mitigated. This presentation examines some of the basic materials science issues involved with heterogeneous integration of semiconductor materials. These include those applications in which the active device region requires a high degree of crystal perfection and those that do not. Epitaxy issues at the hetero-interface, heterovalent versus homovalent epigrowth, and dislocation dynamics are presented. Notable historical examples are summarized, followed by examples of current successful approaches including the materials science concepts used to achieve the results. A list is made of some challenges that need to be solved in order to continue making future progress.
Comparison of Two Methods for Implanting Passive Integrated Transponders in Rio Grande Silvery Minnow

Abstract Uniquely tagged animals provide an opportunity to study changes in population demographics and movement. Passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags are used to monitor growth, movement, and survival of fishes. Laboratory studies of tag retention and mortality in small-bodied, warmwater cyprinids after insertion of PIT tags are rare. Mortality induced by two PIT tag implantation methods was compared, and tag retention after implantation was assessed. Relations between standard length and tag retention and between standard length and survival in Rio Grande silvery minnow Hybognathus amarus were examined. Fish were randomly selected and PIT-tagged with 12.5-mm tags via surgical incision or needle injection and were held in laboratory aquaria for 32 d. Mean (±SE) survival on day 32 was 99 ± 1% for control fish, 87 ± 6% for fish that received tags by incision, and 50 ± 5% for fish that received tags by injection. We also tagged 280 fish by incision and held them in aquaria for 49 d. On day 49, survival...
Generativity and Social Involvement among African Americans and White Adults

Abstract The study examined the relation between generativity and social involvement in a sample of 253 community adults, approximately half African American and half White, between the ages of 34 and 65 years. For the sample as a whole, individual differences in generativity were positively asociated with social support from family and friends, involvement in religious activities, and political participation, and generativity among parents was associated with emphasizing prosocial values and viewing oneself as a role model and source of wisdom for one's children. Controlling for mean education and family income differences between Blacks and Whites, African American adults scored significantly higher than Whites on measures of generative concern and generative acts as well as on indices of social support, religious participation, and parenting as a role model and source of wisdom. The results are discussed in terms of contemporary psychological research on the social ecology of generative lives and sociological studies of personal resources and adaptive coping among African American families.
Estimating Power Supply Noise and its impact on path delay

Power Supply Noise has a significant impact on path delay and therefore its estimation is critical in delay testing. In deep sub-micron technologies, voltages are scaled and the number of switching gates has increased which make chips susceptible to power supply noise. Running full-chip simulations on large designs to predict the noise is time consuming and expensive. Therefore, most existing techniques are based on statistical approaches. In this paper, we propose a current-based dynamic method to estimate power supply noise and use the framework to predict the increase in path delay caused by the variations in power supply voltage without carrying out a full-chip simulation. A convolution-based technique is used to compute the path delays where standalone paths are extracted and simulated. Experimental results reported for estimating noise using the ISCAS-85 benchmark circuit are within 10% of full-chip results. The delay predictions carried out on two other experimental designs using our technique closely match full-chip results with a maximum error of 2%.
REACTIVE OXYGEN SPECIES DO NOT CAUSE ARSINE-INDUCED HEMOGLOBIN DAMAGE

Abstract Previous work suggested that arsine- (AsH3-) induced hemoglobin (Hb02) damage may lead to hemolysis (Hatlelid et al., 1996). The purpose of the work presented here was to determine whether reactive oxygen species are formed by AsH3 in solution, in hemoglobin solutions, or in intact red blood cells, and, if so, to determine whether these species are responsible for the observed hemoglobin damage. Hydrogen peroxide (H202) was detected in aqueous solutions containing AsH3 and Hb02 or AsH3 alone but not in intact red blood cells or lysates. Additionally, high-activity catalase (19,200 U/ml) or glutathione peroxidase (68 U/ml) added to solutions of Hb02 and AsH3 had only a minor protective effect against AsHyinduced damage. Further, the differences between the visible spectra of AsH3-treated Hb02 and H202-treated HbO2 indicate that two different degradative processes occur. The presence of superoxide anion (Of) was measured by O2 -dependent reduction of nitro blue tetrazolium (NBT). The results were n...
International PV QA Task Force's proposed comparative rating system for PV modules

The International PV Quality Assurance Task Force is developing a rating system that provides comparative information about the relative durability of PV modules. Development of accelerated stress tests that can provide such comparative information is seen as a major step toward being able to predict PV module service life. This paper will provide details of the ongoing effort to determine the format of such an overall module rating system. The latest proposal is based on using three distinct climate zones as defined in IEC 60721-2-1 for two different mounting systems. Specific stresses beyond those used in the qualification tests are being developed for each of the selected climate zones.
Fate of Intravenously Injected Mycoplasma arthridis in Rodents and Effect of Vaccines

Virulent Mycoplasma arthritidis strain 158 P10 was rapidly eliminated from the peripheral circulation of rats and mice during the first 2 h after intravenous injection of the organisms. Characteristically after this time, the numbers of viable organisms remained remarkably constant through 48 to 72 h. The inability to clear the remaining mycoplasmas was not due to reticuloendothelial blockade but appeared to indicate the presence of a certain number of cells which were resistant to the clearance mechanism. Rat blood was usually devoid of mycoplasmas at 6 days and mouse blood was sterile by 14 days. An occasional transient mycoplasmemia occurred after these times. Avirulent M. arthritidis strain H606 was cleared more rapidly from rats in which it is non-arthritogenic. Different, but characteristic, clearance curves were obtained in mice using M. hominis, M. bovirhinis, and M. pulmonis. Active immunization procedures resulted in enhanced clearance of virulent M. arthritidis from rats. These procedures were less successful in mice. The results of passive immunization of normal rats and mice using convalescent serum indicated the presence of a serum factor which greatly enhanced clearance from rats but had only minimal effects in mice. This serum factor could not be correlated with metabolic-inhibiting antibody. Lymphocytes taken from convalescent rats enhanced the clearance rates of recipient rats. Mouse convalescent lymphocytes were without effect. The results indicated that mice are less able to control long-term infection by M. arthritidis than are rats.
Invited Editorial on “Nitric oxide and thermoregulation during exercise in the horse”

sweating in combination with increased skin blood flow are two key mechanisms that can transfer heat generated by exercising skeletal muscles to the environment. These mechanisms are governed primarily by the autonomic nervous system ([8][1]). In this month’s Journal, Mills and co-workers ([6][2
Estimating numbers of whole individuals from collections of body parts: a taphonomic limitation of the paleontological record

1 Abstract.-Paleoecologists have long sought to obtain estimates of the sizes of extinct populations. However, even in ideal cases, accurate counts of individuals have been hampered by the fact that many organisms disarticulate after death and leave their remains in the form of multiple, separated parts. We here analyze the problem of estimating numbers of individuals from collections of parts by developing a general counting theory that elucidates the major contributing variables. We discover that the number of unique individuals of a particular species that are represented in a fossil collection can be described by an intricate set of relationships among (1) the number of body parts that were recovered, (2) the number of body parts that were possessed by organisms belonging to that species, and (3) the number of individuals of that species that served as the source of the parts from which the paleontological sample was obtained (the size of the "sampling domain"). The "minimum number of individuals" and "maximum number of individuals" methods currently used by paleontologists to count individuals emerge as end members in our more general counting theory. The theory shows that the numbers of individuals of a species that are represented in a sample of body parts is fully tractable, at least in a theoretical sense, in terms of the variables just mentioned. The bad news is that the size of the "sampling domain" for a species can never be known exactly, thus placing a very real limit on our ability to count individuals rigorously. The good news is that one can often make a reasonable guess regarding the size of the sampling domain, and can therefore make a more thoroughly informed choice regarding how to estimate numbers of individuals. By isolating the variables involved in determining the numbers of individuals in paleontological samples, we are led to a better appreciation of the limits, and the possibilities, that are inherent in the fossil record.
The serpentinite multisystem revisited : chrysotile is metastable

The two rock-forming polymorphs of serpentine Mg3Si2O5(OH)4, lizardite and chrysotile, occur in nature in virtually identical ranges of temperature and pressure, from surficial or near-surficial environments to temperatures perhaps as high as 400°C. Laboratory evidence indicates that lizardite is the more stable at low temperatures, but the difference in their Gibbs free energies is not more than about 2 kJ in the 300-400°C range. Above about 300°C, antigorite + brucite is more stable than both; in other words, chrysotile is nowhere the most stable. The crystal structures of lizardite and chrysotile give rise to contrasting crystallization behaviors and hence modes of occurrence. The hydration of peridotite at low temperature results in the growth of lizardite from olivine, and (commonly topotactically) from chain and sheet silicates, although the MgO-SiO2-H2O (MSH) phase diagram predicts antigorite + talc in bastite. The activity of H2O during serpentinization may be buffered to low values by the solids,...
ATP-dependent Movement of Myosin In Vitro: Characterization of a Quantitative Assay

Sheetz and Spudich (1983, Nature (Lond.), 303:31-35) showed that ATP-dependent movement of myosin along actin filaments can be measured in vitro using myosin-coated beads and oriented actin cables from Nitella. To establish this in vitro movement as a quantitative assay and to understand better the basis for the movement, we have defined the factors that affect the myosin-bead velocity. Beads coated with skeletal muscle myosin move at a rate of 2-6 micron/s, depending on the myosin preparation. This velocity is independent of myosin concentration on the bead surface for concentrations above a critical value (approximately 20 micrograms myosin/2.5 X 10(9) beads of 1 micron in diameter). Movement is optimal between pH 6.8 and 7.5, at KCl concentrations less than 70 mM, at ATP concentrations greater than 0.1 mM, and at Mg2+ concentrations between 2 and 6 mM. From the temperature dependence of bead velocity, we calculate activation energies of 90 kJ/mol below 22 degrees C and 40 kJ/mol above 22 degrees C. Different myosin species move at their own characteristic velocities, and these velocities are proportional to their actin-activated ATPase activities. Further, the velocities of beads coated with smooth or skeletal muscle myosin correlate well with the known in vivo rates of myosin movement along actin filaments in these muscles. This in vitro assay, therefore, provides a rapid, reproducible method for quantitating the ATP-dependent movement of myosin molecules on actin.
Identifying Prenatal Alcohol Use: Screening Instruments Versus Clinical Predictors

The purpose of this study is to compare the accuracy of screening instruments with clinical predictors in the identification of prenatal alcohol use. 350 women initiating prenatal care at the Brigham and Women's Hospital (Boston, MA) completed the T-ACE, AUDIT, and SMAST. The predictive accuracy of each was compared using Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. The T-ACE, AUDIT, and clinical predictors alone correctly identified 65 to 70% of current drinkers, whereas the SMAST alone performed only slightly better than chance. The predictive ability of the T-ACE was further improved with the addition of clinical predictors.
Parkinsonian motor deficits are reflected by proportional A9/A10 dopamine neuron degeneration in the rat.

In a model of Parkinson's disease (PD), amphetamine, a dopamine (DA)-releasing drug, fails to induce ipsilateral drug rotations in a proportion of rats with complete unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) lesions of the medial forebrain bundle and DA neurons of the substantia nigra. To investigate this phenomenon, individual 6-OHDA lesions (measured by tyrosine hydroxylase immunohistochemistry) in the substantia nigra pars compacta (A9), ventral tegmental area (A10), and striatum were examined in conjunction with outcomes of four behavioral tests. The behavioral tests were skilled paw reaching, a head-turning test, and apomorphine (0.05 mg/kg) and amphetamine (4 mg/kg) drug-induced rotations. Four weeks postlesion, ipsilateral side bias measured by the head-turning test correlated strongly with extent of A9 DA neuronal lesion. Additional A10 neuronal DA lesions did not substantially improve the model fit, indicating that the head-turning bias was primarily A9 dependent. In contrast, total head-turning activity increased monotonically with lesions of A10 striatal DA fibers. Skilled paw-reaching accuracy decreased with increased lesion of both A9 and A10 DA neuronal systems. Associating amphetamine-induced rotations with extent of A9 DA lesion generated a second-order polynomial model, y = -11.1x + 0.20 x(2) + 208.7 (R(2) = 0.73), with an overall F ratio (df = 2,21) of 28.4 (P < 0.0001). This model predicts that an A9 DA lesion of about 50% is required to induce an ipsilateral turning bias, after which rotations increase with the degree of A9 DA neuronal lesion. No further change in rotational behavior was seen until an additional A10 DA lesion reached 60%, after which the rotational response decreased. This analysis provides tests that differentiate between A9 DA degeneration and combined A9/A10 lesions in animal models and in addition allows predictive testing of PD therapeutic intervention at a preclinical level.
Texting, techspeak, and tweens: The relationship between text messaging and English grammar skills:

The perpetual use of mobile devices by adolescents has fueled a culture of text messaging, with abbreviations and grammatical shortcuts, thus raising the following question in the minds of parents and teachers: Does increased use of text messaging engender greater reliance on such ‘textual adaptations’ to the point of altering one’s sense of written grammar? A survey (N = 228) was conducted to test the association between text message usage of sixth, seventh and eighth grade students and their scores on an offline, age-appropriate grammar assessment test. Results show broad support for a general negative relationship between the use of techspeak in text messages and scores on a grammar assessment, with implications for Social Cognitive Theory and Low-Road/High-Road Theory of Transfer of Learning. These results indicate that adolescents may learn through observation in communication technologies, and that these learned adaptations may be transferred to standard English through Low-Road transfer of learning...