cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Autonomic responses to exercise: Where is central command?

A central command is thought to involve a signal arising in a central area of the brain eliciting a parallel activation of the autonomic nervous system and skeletal muscle contraction during exercise. Although much of the neural circuitry involved in autonomic control has been identified, defining the specific higher brain region(s) serving in a central command capacity has proven more challenging. Investigators have been faced with redundancies in regulatory systems, feedback mechanisms and the complexities ofhuman neural connectivity. Several studies have attempted to address these issues and provide more definitive neuroanatomical information. However, none have clearly answered the question, "where is central command?"
Recent initiatives to encourage the uptake of higher efficiency motors

While the life cycle cost benefits of specifying energy efficient motors are clear, the market structure means that without external influences, penetration will remain low. No single approach to transforming the market is sufficient by itself, and so the UK DETR and European Commission are therefore actively involved in a variety of activities aimed at stimulating change in different points of the low voltage motor manufacturing and purchasing chain.
NMR study of a temperature-induced structural transition in ZrBe2Dx

Abstract We have studied the motion of D atoms in ZrBe2D1.56 and ZrBe2D1.4 using deuterium NMR and observed a temperature-induced structural transition near 240 K. By comparing the behavior of hydride and deuteride samples with the same concentration (x=1.4), the absence of a transition in the hydride is shown to be an isotope effect. Above 240 K, the deuterium relaxation times T1 and T2 behave as expected from proton data in ZrBe2H1.4. However, on decreasing the temperature below 240 K, T2 decreases rapidly and T1 increases rapidly, indicating that the D atom mobility is dramatically reduced. Above the transition temperature, the spectrum shows a quadrupolar doublet splitting of order 1 kHz, reflecting a small motionally averaged electric field-gradient (EFG) at the D atoms. Upon cooling below 240 K the line broadens rapidly, revealing a large distribution of quadrupolar splittings and EFGs at the individual sites. Thus substantial variations exist between the D-atom sites, despite their nominal equivalence in the neutron diffraction-determined structure. We suggest that the strong Be–H (Be–D) repulsion generates substantial Be displacements near vacant D-atom sites. The probable nature of the transition is discussed from the point of view of ordering of D-atom vacancies.
Plant Stem Cell Signaling Involves Ligand-Dependent Trafficking of the CLAVATA1 Receptor Kinase

Background: Cell numbers in above-ground meristems of plants are thought to be maintained by a feedback loop driven by perception of the glycopeptide ligand CLAVATA3 (CLV3) by the CLAVATA1 (CLV1) receptor kinase and the CLV2/CORYNE (CRN) receptor-like complex [1]. CLV3 produced in the stem cells at the meristem apex limits the expression level of the stem cell-promoting homeodomain protein WUSCHEL (WUS) in the cells beneath, where CLV1 and WUS RNA are localized. WUS downregulation nonautonomously reduces stem cell proliferation. Overexpression of CLV3 eliminates the stem cells, causing meristem termination [2], and loss of CLV3 function allows meristem overproliferation [3]. There are many questions regarding the CLV3/CLV1 interaction, including where in the meristem it occurs, how it is regulated, and how it is that a large range of CLV3 concentrations gives no meristem size phenotype [4]. Results: Here we use genetics and live imaging to examine the cell biology of CLV1 in Arabidopsis meristematic tissue. We demonstrate that plasma membrane-localized CLV1 is reduced in concentration by CLV3, which causes trafficking of CLV1 to lytic vacuoles. We find that changes in CLV2 activity have no detectable effects on CLV1 levels. We also find that CLV3 appears to diffuse broadly in meristems, contrary to a recent sequestration model [5]. Conclusions: This study provides a new model for CLV1 function in plant stem cell maintenance and suggests that downregulation of plasma membrane-localized CLV1 by its CLV3 ligand can account for the buffering of CLV3 signaling in the maintenance of stem cell pools in plants.
Granulocyte transfusion in the G-CSF era.

Granulocyte transfusions have been used since the 1960s with varying degrees of clinical success in the treatment of infection in patients with neutropenia or inherited granulocyte disorders. A number of studies have indicated that efficacy may well be associated with the dose of granulocytes delivered. Collection of granulocytes using modern apheresis machines and corticosteroid administration yields approximately 20∼30×109 neutrophils, unlikely to be adequate for treating an established infection. The administration of G-CSF to healthy donors has resulted in average granulocyte yields up to 8×1010 cells. Normal or near normal blood neutrophil counts are often attained when these concentrates are transfused to neutropenic recipients, and these levels are sustained for up to 24 h. G-CSF-primed granulocytes appear to be functionally normal by both in vitro and in vivo measurements. Adverse effects experienced by recipients are similar to those seen with traditional doses of granulocytes. G-CSF administration to donors is well tolerated. Controlled clinical trials are needed to determine the therapeutic efficacy of G-CSF-primed granulocyte transfusions.
A Performance Comparison between a Smith Predictor and a PID Controller for Control Valve Hysteresis and Process Non-Self-Regulation

The performance of a Smith Predictor compared to a PI controller for setpoint and load disturbances in self-regulating processes has been studied and documented extensively. These studies have shown that the Smith Predictor's response to load disturbances is noticeably better and the Smith Predictor's response to setpoint changes is dramatically better than that of a PI controller except for extremely small ratios of deadtime to time constant. However the effect on the comparison of derivative and batch reset action, control valve hysteresis, and process non-self-regulation has not been sufficiently documented. The relative merits of different performance criteria are discussed. A dynamic simulation program is used to generate results to compare a PID controller to a Smith Predictor for load disturbances and a PID controller with rate before reset and batch reset to a Smith Predictor for setpoint disturbances. These results are used to develop general conclusions on the capabilities of the two methods for applications in the chemical industry for varying degrees of deadtime, hysteresis, and process self-regulation.
Eliminating redundant entries in bibliographic records

According to AACR2 21.4D1 and 21.4D3 for works by heads of state, other high government officials, popes, and other high ecclesiastical officials, catalogers are to enter a person's personal heading and a person's corporate heading as main entry and added entry in the same bibliographic record. Entering both a person's personal and corporate headings in the same bibliographic record leads to the retrieval of identical sets where a person is represented in the catalog in both an official and a private capacity. This paper proposes to eliminate redundant entries in bibliographic records in order to help users find resources by heads of state (etc.) through the authority structure of the catalog.
Academic otolaryngology in the new millennium: We are falling behind:

Abstract Objective: To determine if differences in publication rates have evolved over the past 3 decades for academic otolaryngologists. Methods: Three random samples with 50 academic otolaryngologists each were studied. These otolaryngologists completed training in 1 of the 3 time periods (1970-74, 1980-84, 1990-94) studied. Articles published within the first 5 years after graduation were tabulated and statistically analyzed. Results: Academic otolaryngologists graduating in the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s averaged 8.7, 8.9, and 6.4 publications during their first 5 years of academic practice, respectively. The first 2 cohorts averaged 5.4 and 5.7 publications in the 4 major otolaryngology journals, versus 3.3 for 1990s graduates. Basic science publications increased for 1990s graduates over those of the 1970s and 1980s graduates. The percentage of first author articles remained stable. Despite these trends, only the drop in case reports was statistically significant ( P = 0.023, ANOVA). Conclusion: Trends may be developing that predict decreasing publication rates for newly trained otolaryngologists entering academic practice. (Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2001;124:4-8.)
Spectroscopic evidence for altered chromophore--protein interactions in low-temperature photoproducts of the visual pigment responsible for congenital night blindness.

The replacement of Gly90 by Asp in human rhodopsin causes congenital night blindness. It has been suggested that the molecular origin for the trait is an altered electrostatic environment of the protonated retinal Schiff base chromophore. We have investigated the corresponding recombinant bovine rhodopsin mutant G90D, as well as the related mutants E113A and G90D/E113A, using spectroscopy at low temperature. This allows the assessment of chromophore−protein interactions under conditions where conformational changes are mainly restricted to the retinal-binding site. Each of the mutant pigments formed bathorhodopsin- and isorhodopsin-like intermediates, but the concomitant visible absorption changes reflected differences in the electrostatic environment of the protonated Schiff base in each pigment. Fourier transform infrared-difference spectroscopy revealed effects on the chromophore fingerprint and hydrogen-out-of-plane vibrational modes, which were indicative of the removal of an electrostatic perturbati...
INTRACORONARY INFUSION OF NOREPINEPHRINE SELECTIVELY INCREASES LEFT VENTRICULAR PERFORMANCE IN FETAL LAMBS. † 154

Norepinephrine (NE) infused into the left coronary artery (LCA) of fetal lambs to achieve myocardial concentrations similar to those observed in blood during acute fetal hypoxemia, increases heart rate (HR) and left ventricular output (LVO) without affecting arterial pressure. Infusion into the LCA reaches the LV and septum, but not the RV free wall. We examined the effect of NE infusion into the LCA on LV and RV performance and output in 7 chronically instrumented fetal lambs (gest. age 126-132 d). Aortic (Ao) and pulmonary (PA) ultrasonic flow transducers were implanted to record LVO and RVO. LV and RV contractility were assessed from peak velocity and flow acceleration (dV/dt max). A catheter was inserted into a small branch of the LCA, close to its origin for infusion; NE was infused in amounts of 0.02 μg/min. HR increased from 167 ± 26 to 213 ± 49/min (p < 0.05). LVO rose from 380± 153 to 431 ± 135 ml/min (p < 0.03) and RVO from 498± 170 to 547 ± 250 ml/min (p 0.18). Neither LV nor RV stroke volume (SV) changed significantly. Ao peak flow increased from 1.76 ± 0.24 to 2.01 ± 0.25 L/min (p < 0.001) and Ao dV/dt max rose from 1046 ± 248 to 1496 ± 352 ml/sec/sec (p < 0.005). In contrast PA peak flow (2.04 ± 0.47 to 2.08 ± 0.57) and dV/dt max (2165± 497 to 2207 ± 566) did not change. LV and RV ejection times both fell during NE infusion (LV 139 ± 14 to 116 ± 19 msec, p< 0.02, RV 146 ± 9 to 124 ± 13, p < 0.02), but when adjusted to HR did not change. Thus, even though NE infusion into the LCA selectively enhances LV performance, it does not increase LV SV as compared with the RV. It is concluded that LV and RV ejection in the fetus are largely dependent on loading conditions.
A Reinvestigation by Circular Dichroism and NMR: Ruthenium(II) and Rhodium(III) Metallointercalators Do Not Bind Cooperatively to DNA

Fast, long-range electron transfer mediated by the DNA helix has been questioned by some researchers citing the possible clustering, or cooperative association, of noncovalently bound donors and acceptors on DNA. A systematic investigation of binding to DNA by the metallointercalators Δ-bis(1,10-phenanthroline)(dipyridophenazine)ruthenium(II) (Ru), Δ-bis(9,10-phenanthrenequinone diimine)(2,2‘-bipyridine)rhodium(III) (Rh), and Δ-bis(9, 10-phenanthrenequinone diimine)(5-(amidoglutaryl)-1,10-phenanthroline)rhodium(III) (Rh‘) using circular dichroism and NMR has shown no evidence for their cooperative clustering on a DNA helix. Circular dichroism (CD) studies of Ru and Rh in [poly(dA-dT)]2, mixed-sequence calf thymus DNA, and [poly(dG-dC)]2 as a function of loading indicate that the largest perturbations to the CD signal occur upon initial addition of DNA, with no subsequent systematic variation. Difference spectra of the two metallointercalators bound together versus separately are virtually indistinguishabl...
QRelX: generating meaningful queries that provide cardinality assurance

In many business and consumer applications, queries have cardinality constraints. However, current database systems provide minimal support for cardinality assurance. Consequently, users must adopt a cumbersome trial-and-error approach to find queries that are close to the original query but also attain the desired cardinality. In this demonstration, we present QRelX a novel framework to automatically generate alternate queries that meet the cardinality and closeness criteria. QRelX employs an innovative query space transformation strategy, proximity-based search and incremental cardinality estimation to efficiently find alternate queries. Our demonstration is an interactive game that allows the audience to compete with QRelX via manual query refinement. We illustrate the importance of cardinality assurance through real-time comparisons between manual refinement and QRelX. We also highlight the novelty of our solution by visualizing the core algorithms of QRelX.
Trends in relationship lending and factors affecting relationship lending efficiency

Abstract This paper investigates the efficiency of relationship managers at the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC) one of Canada's largest banks. Data envelopment analysis (DEA) efficiency scores are analyzed using regression. The results demonstrate that managers are less efficient when facing larger numbers of loans or smaller loans. M. Berlin and L.J. Mester (On the profitability and cost of relationship lending, Working paper no. 97-43, The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, 1997) show that credit smoothing is generally suboptimal. A more complete explanation is obtained by taking a micro-level focus. Other results indicate that banks may improve profitability by reserving relationship lending for loans of larger size. Tests of relationships between efficiency and nonperforming loans and of the skimping hypothesis are conducted.
Orthographic effects in the word substitutions of aphasic patients: an epidemic of right neglect dyslexia?

Abstract Aphasic patients with reading impairments frequently substitute incorrect real words for target words when reading aloud. Many of these word substitutions have substantial orthographic overlap with their targets and are classified as “visual errors” (i.e., sharing 50% of targets’ letters in the same relative position). Fifteen chronic aphasic patients read a battery of words and non-words; non-word reading was poor for all patients, and more than 50% of errors on words involved the substitution of a non-target word. An investigation of the factors conditioning these word substitutions, as well as the production of visual errors, identified a number of similarities to patterns previously reported for patients with right neglect dyslexia, which has been said to occur relatively rarely. These included a strong tendency for errors to overlap targets in initial letter positions, maintenance of target length in errors, and the substitution of words higher in imageability than targets. It is proposed that left hemisphere damage frequently leads to disruption of a level of representation for written words in which letter position is ordinally coded, resulting in exacerbation of a normal processing advantage for early letter positions. A computational model is discussed that incorporates this level of representation and successfully simulates relevant normal and patient data.
Accumulation of a uridine nucleotide in Staphylococcus aureus as the consequence of lysine deprivation.

Abstract Cells of S. aureus , incubated under conditions of lysine deprivation, accumulate a uridine nucleotide, identified as UDPAG-Lact · l -ala · d -glu, a new intermediate in the biosynthesis of the bacterial cell wall. Three means of interfering with cell wall synthesis in S. aureus , each interfering at a different point when viewed in terms of the uridine nucleotides which accumulate, are, therefore, known, viz: lysine deprivation, inhibition by penicillin, and inhibition by gentian violet.
Medications as a source of paraben exposure.

Abstract Background Parabens are used as antimicrobial excipients in some pharmaceuticals. Parabens may adversely affect reproduction. Objectives Determine whether paraben-containing medication contributes to high urinary paraben concentrations. Methods Individuals at a fertility clinic provided multiple urine samples during evaluation/treatment and reported 24-h use of medications and personal care products (PCP). Repeated measures models compared specific gravity-adjusted urinary methyl, propyl, and butyl paraben concentrations between samples “exposed” and “unexposed” to paraben-containing medication. Results Eleven participants contributed 12 exposed and 45 unexposed samples, among which paraben concentrations did not differ. Use within 7 h was associated with 8.7-fold and 7.5-fold increases in mean methyl (P = 0.11) and propyl (P = 0.10) paraben concentrations, respectively, after adjusting for PCP use. However, these associations decreased to 1.3-fold (P = 0.76) and 2.6-fold (P = 0.34), respectively, after removal of one influential individual. Conclusion Paraben-containing medications contributed to higher urinary paraben concentrations within hours of use.
Prolonged suppression of ecosystem carbon dioxide uptake after an anomalously warm year

Terrestrial ecosystems control carbon dioxide fluxes to and from the atmosphere through photosynthesis and respiration, a balance between net primary productivity and heterotrophic respiration, that determines whether an ecosystem is sequestering carbon or releasing it to the atmosphere. Global and site-specific data sets have demonstrated that climate and climate variability influence biogeochemical processes that determine net ecosystem carbon dioxide exchange (NEE) at multiple timescales. Experimental data necessary to quantify impacts of a single climate variable, such as temperature anomalies, on NEE and carbon sequestration of ecosystems at interannual timescales have been lacking. This derives from an inability of field studies to avoid the confounding effects of natural intra-annual and interannual variability in temperature and precipitation. Here we present results from a four-year study using replicate 12,000-kg intact tallgrass prairie monoliths located in four 184-m(3) enclosed lysimeters. We exposed 6 of 12 monoliths to an anomalously warm year in the second year of the study and continuously quantified rates of ecosystem processes, including NEE. We find that warming decreases NEE in both the extreme year and the following year by inducing drought that suppresses net primary productivity in the extreme year and by stimulating heterotrophic respiration of soil biota in the subsequent year. Our data indicate that two years are required for NEE in the previously warmed experimental ecosystems to recover to levels measured in the control ecosystems. This time lag caused net ecosystem carbon sequestration in previously warmed ecosystems to be decreased threefold over the study period, compared with control ecosystems. Our findings suggest that more frequent anomalously warm years, a possible consequence of increasing anthropogenic carbon dioxide levels, may lead to a sustained decrease in carbon dioxide uptake by terrestrial ecosystems.
The Impact of Culture on Managerial Perceptions of Quality

The rationalist school posits that as globalization gains momentum, management systems will converge, implying that culture plays a limited role. In contrast, the culturalist school suggests that managerial practices are an extension of a given country's traditions and are unique to that country. While the empirical evidence is mixed, the results of this article provide additional evidence for the importance of cultural variables in the context of a cross-national study of managerial perceptions of quality, utilizing data from the USA, Japan, Hong Kong and Taiwan. The study includes the societal context in the analysis of organizations in cross-national research, and investigates whether cultural variables and company size could explain the differences in managerial perceptions of quality. Model coefficients are estimated by multinomial logistic regression analysis. The findings indicate that both organizational and cultural variables are important in explaining the differences in managerial perceptions o...
Multistage delivery of chemotherapeutic nanoparticles for breast cancer treatment

Adequate drug delivery to tumors is hindered by barriers such as degradation and non-specific distribution. Nested incorporation of drug-containing nanoparticles within mesoporous silicon particles (MSVs), carriers rationally designed to enhance tumor transport, was hypothesized to result in pronounced and sustained antitumor efficacy. Paclitaxel (PTX)-containing poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(e-caprolactone) (PEG-PCL) polymer micelles were favorably loaded within MSVs, after which drug release was significantly delayed. Antitumor efficacy analyses in mice bearing MDA-MB-468 breast tumors demonstrated significant tumor growth suppression following a single administration. Results highlight effective chemotherapeutic shuttling and site-specific controlled release afforded by MSVs, potentially translating towards improvements in patient outcomes and morbidity.
Viscosity response of shear horizontal surface acoustic wave on AlN=sapphire structure

The effect of viscous liquid loading on SH-SAW devices on AlN/sapphire structure has been experimentally investigated. The sensitivity of the devices to liquid (glycerol/water mixtures) viscosity changes is measured to be approximate 8.2 times 10 -9 m 2 s/kg, which is only about 30% of that of commonly used quartz Love wave devices. This indicates that, when used for mass sensing in liquid the AlN SH-SAW devices have better tolerance to viscous perturbation.
Nucleation and Growth of Electrochemically Deposited Copper on TiN and Copper from a Cu ­ NH 3 Bath

The nucleation and growth of constant-potential electrochemically deposited copper was investigated using NH 3 copper complexed alkaline haths. The mechanisms of copper nucleation and growth were studied under four conditions: (1) on nonpatterned physical vapor deposited (PVD) TiN, (2) on inlaid (Damascene) PVD TiN trenches, (3) on nonpatterned PVD Cu, and (4) on inlaid PVD Cu trenches. Growth of copper was conformal at lower overpotentials and became subconformal at higher overpotentials, indicating mass-transfer restricted growth in the trenches. On TiN there was a potential-dependent incubation period, which is believed to be due to the multistep electrochemical reduction occurring in this system. The high surface energy between the deposited copper and the TiN resulted in spherical growth morphology, which can he classified as following the Volmer-Weber nucleation and growth mechanism. Complete filling of trenches with copper was achieved, hut with sporadic pinhole voids.
Mitogen induced cellular cytotoxic activity as a monocyte function in human peripheral blood preparations.

Abstract The effector cell population in man responsible for mitogen induced cellular cytotoxicity (MICC) of chicken erythrocytes was investigated using several separation techniques, including free flow electrophoresis. Electrophoresis produced substantial monocyte enrichment in some fractions with substantial depletion in others. MICC activity was seen to correlate with monocyte content in these fractions. Furthermore, removal of phagocytic cells with carbonyl iron and removal of adherent cells on plastic petri dishes depleted preparations of MICC activity. Thus it is suggested that under conditions described in this paper, the effector cell of the MICC assay in man appears to be a monocyte. This MICC effector cell was shown to be different from the effector cell in the natural killing (NK cells) of RPMI 6410 cells.
Impacts of Water and Air Quality Legislation on the Poultry Industry

Poultry operators are faced with continually changing water and air quality regulations that may influence management decisions and economic viability. Informed extension, research and allied industry members may be able to respond to industry needs to develop research and disseminate findings. Implications of Reauthorization of the Coastal Zone Management Act and its potential impact on the next version of the Clean Water Act are presented. Also presented are air quality concerns related to ozone and particulate matter formation.
C1 and C2 chemistry in rich mixture, ethylene/air flames

Decay profiles of methane, acetylene, and hydrogen atoms are modeled in the post flame zone of four fuel-rich, atmospheric presure ethylene/air flat flames, at fuel equivalence ratios of 1.71 to 1.83 and adiabatic flame temperatures of 1992 to 2126 K. Chain branching is required in the fuel-rich hydrocarbon combustion mechanism for the simulation of hydrogen atom measurements. The mechanism of hydrocarbon suppression of free radical overshoot is discussed.
Structure and transcription of the gene for translation elongation factor 1 subunit alpha of zebrafish (Danio rerio)

The zebrafish gene for translation elongation factor 1 alpha (EF1 alpha) was isolated from a phage Lambda genomic library and sequence and structure determined. One gene copy of EF1 alpha per haploid set of chromosomes was found and no processed pseudogenes. A highly active promoter region was localized to a 277 bp PstI/PvuII fragment beginning 240 bp upstream from the tsp, but no transcription enhancing, or silencing activity was observed within 1 kbp upstream, or downstream from the promoter. Expression of EF1 alpha appears to be developmentally regulated.
Ratliff-Rush Closures and Coefficient Modules

Let (R, m) be ad-dimensional Noetherian local domain. SupposeMis a finitely generated torsion-freeR-module and supposeFis a freeR-module containingM. In analogy with a result of Ratliff and Rush [Indiana Univ. Math. J.27(1978), 929–934] concerning ideals, we define and prove existence and uniqueness of theRatliff–RushclosureofMinF. We also discuss properties of Ratliff–Rush closure. In addition to the preceding assumptions, supposeF/Mhas finite length as anR-module. Then we define theBuchsbaum–RimpolynomialofMinF. In analogy with the work of K. Shah [Trans. Amer. Math. Soc.327(1991), 373–384], we definecoefficientmodulesofMinF. Under the assumption thatRis quasi-unmixed, we prove existence and uniqueness of coefficient modules ofMinF.
Quality of life and risk perception among predominantly heterosexual, minority individuals with HIV/AIDS.

The objective of this study was to examine the quality-of-life concerns of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals and to assess their perceptions of acquired immune deficiency synd...
Distribution and movement of shortnose sturgeon (Acipenser brevirostrum) in the Chesapeake Bay

During a reward program for Atlantic sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus), 40 federally endangered shortnose sturgeon (Acipenser brevirostrum) were captured and reported by commercial fishers between January 1996 and January 2000 from the Chesapeake Bay. Since this is more than double the number of published records of shortnose sturgeon in the Chesapeake Bay between 1876 and 1995, little information has been available on distributions and movement. We used fishery dependent data collected during the reward program to determine the distribution of shortnose sturgeon in the Chesapeake Bay. Sonically-tagged shortnose sturgeon in the Chesapeake Bay and Delaware River were tracked to determine if individuals swim through the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal. Shortnose sturgeon were primarily distributed within the upper Chesapeake Bay. The movements of one individual, tagged within the Chesapeake Bay and later relocated in the canal and Delaware River, indicated that individuals traverse the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal.
The Absence of Birth Order Correlations Among Unwed and Married Black First-Conceptors

Abstract Re‐examination of the hypothesis that firstborns are overrepresented concerning premarital sexual activity was conducted with a sample of young, poor, black unwed and married first‐conceptors. Contrary to confirming results obtained in earlier studies wherein all—or virtually all—respondents were white, the present study with black females did not support the hypothesis. U.S. black/white cultural differences were considered to account for the disparity of results found between this and earlier efforts.
The Changing Landscape of Contemporary Cataloging

ABSTRACT Intended to contribute to the current dialogue about how the emerging information environment is impacting cataloging issues, this survey paper covers a broad range of topics, such as how search engines compare with integrated library systems, and includes some thoughts on how cataloging processes may evolve to continue to remain relevant. The author suggests that there is a need for significant changes in integrated library system interfaces and infrastructures as well as some changes in cataloging practice. The value of descriptive vs. non-descriptive elements in the catalog record and some pros and cons of the MARC format are covered.
Kinetics Of Peptide (pHLIP) Insertion And Folding In A Lipid Bilayer Membrane

The early stages of folding a membrane protein have been conceptualized in terms of the formation of independently stable transmembrane helices, followed by their association to form a bundle, and then followed by further insertions, rearrangements, and binding events. A part of this notion is the formation of transmembrane helices, which is catalyzed by the translocon for hydrophobic sequences, but which can also occur spontaneously for moderately polar sequences. We study spontaneous insertion and folding across a lipid bilayer of moderately polar membrane peptide pHLIP - pH Low Insertion Peptide. pHLIP has three major states: (I) soluble in water or (II) bound to the surface of a lipid bilayer as an unstructured monomer, and (III) inserted across the bilayer as a monomeric α-helix. The existence of three distinct equilibrium states makes it possible to separate the process of peptide attachment to a lipid bilayer from the process of peptide insertion/folding. The transitions between states could be easily monitored by the changes of tryptophan fluorescence and circular dichroism signals. We performed steady-state and stopped-flow fluorescence and CD measurements to reveal the molecular mechanism of pHLIP insertion and folding within a POPC lipid bilayer and to calculate the activation energy of formation of transmembrane helix. Global mode analysis allowed us to monitor changes of entire tryptophan fluorescence spectrum during the transition from the state II to the state III.
Residential Differences in Family Formation: The Significance of Cohabitation*

Abstract We update and extend prior research on residential differences in women's family formation experiences using data from the 1995 cycle of the National Survey of Family Growth. Residential differences in the timing of family formation behaviors are examined, including first birth, first cohabitation, and first marriage. Our study emphasizes the significance of cohabitation, estimating the effect of geographic residence on type of union formation (i.e., cohabitation versus marriage) and relationship context of first birth (i.e., cohabiting, married, or single). We find that (1) the timing of family formation behaviors, including marriage and childbearing, differs by residence; (2) nonmetro women are more likely to enter marriage and marry at younger ages than their metro counterparts; and (3) when marriage and cohabitation are presented as competing risks, nonmetro women are more likely to marry than cohabit both as a first union and a first birth context.
Rejuvenated sycamore cuttings for energy plantations.

Abstract Rejuvenation of mature, progeny tested American sycamore trees is needed to increase rooting success of cuttings for energy plantations. Studies conducted in Mississippi (U.S.A.) indicated that hedging of stock plants and spraying the stock plants with benzyl adenine may rejuvenate the cuttings. Percentages of cuttings with early bud break in one study and with sprouts and roots after nine months in another study were increased. The rooted cuttings grew rapidly like juvenile material and showed no plagiotrophic effects during the first year after transplanting. At the end of that year the dry weight was 2.13 Mg ha −1 (1.2 m × 3.6 m spacing) and was distributed in stems (31%), branches (14%), leaves (24%) and roots (31%). An IBA rooting powder decreased rooting success. Planting cuttings directly in the nursery, rather than first in the greenhouse, increased success when frost was absent. Use of cuttings of greater than 14 mm diameter with a node within 2 cm of the base increased success. Clonal differences in frost susceptibility of sprouting cuttings were observed.
EARLY FENCING ON THE MIDDLE WESTERN PRAIRIE

ABSTRACT Fencing has played an essential part in the transformation of wild landscapes into cultural landscapes on the American prairie. In some cases, enclosures of farms and fields are sufficiently conspicuous or distinctive to help give character to a place. Contemporary accounts of early fencing and limited quantitative data as to material and form of enclosures permit some generalizations of sequences in fencing and recognition of some distributional patterns. Fencing experience in Illinois, often with antecedents in the East and in Europe, commonly was repeated in prairie areas to the west. This study is concerned primarily with Illinois, Missouri, and Iowa before barbed wire became dominant.
Distribution of forbidden neutral carbon emission in the ring nebula (NGC 6720).

The spatial distribution of forbidden C I 9823, 9850 A emission in NGC 6720 is reported. Like forbidden O I, the forbidden C I radiation appears enhanced in the region of the bright filaments. A few percent of the carbon atoms in the filaments are neutral. The neutral fraction is consistent with ionization equilibrium calculations made under the assumption of complete shielding of direct stellar radiation by hydrogen. The observed carbon lines are excited by photoelectrons produced from hydrogen by the nebular diffuse radiation field. The forbidden C I observations confirm that the filaments in NGC 6720 are regions of locally enhanced shielding.
Resource allocation in networks: a case study of the influence model

The allocation of resources in networks is studied in the context of the influence model, a stochastic network model composed of interacting Markov chains. First, some new results regarding the influence model are presented. Next, a specific resource allocation problem is posed, and three different methods for allocating resource are described and analyzed. Both the structure of the resource allocation and the resulting behavior of the network are explored for each method. Finally, some more general insights about these resource allocation procedures are discussed.
The proximate determinants of insect size

One of the least understood aspects of animal development – the determination of body size – is currently the subject of intense scrutiny. A new study employs a modeling approach to expose the factors that matter in the control of insect size.
Sustained-Release Fampridine for Symptomatic Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis

Objective:To review the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, clinical trials, and adverse effects of sustained-release (SR) fampridine in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS).Data Sources:An English-language human data search was done using PubMed/MEDLINE (1966-August 2008) to retrieve relevant material using the search terms fampridine-SR, 4-aminopyridine. and multiple sclerosis. References of selected articles and information from the drug developer were used to further identify pertinent trials.Study Selection and Data Extraction:Article selection was based primarily on studies that evaluated the pharmacokinetics, safety, and efficacy of fampridine-SR in patients with MS. Relevant meeting abstracts were also included as part of the analysis.Data Synthesis:Fampridine-SR is a sustained-release, orally administered potassium-channel blocker acting in the central nervous system to enhance conduction in demyelinated axons Several small trials have evaluated the safety and efficacy of fampridine-SR in patients w...
Efficient behavior-driven runtime dynamic voltage scaling policies

Power consumption has long been a limiting factor in microprocessor design. In seeking energy efficiency solutions, dynamic voltage/frequency scaling (DVFS), a technique to vary voltage/frequency on the fly, has emerged as a powerful and practical power/energy reduction technique that exploits computation slack due to relaxed deadlines and memory accesses. DVFS has been implemented in some modern processors such as Intel XScale and Transmeta Crusoe. Hence the bulk of research efforts have been devoted to developing policies to detect slack and pick appropriate V/f assignments such that the energy is minimized while meeting performance requirements. Since slack is a product of memory accesses and relaxed deadlines, the number of instances and the duration of available slack are highly dependent on the runtime program behavior. Runtime DVFS policies must take into consideration program characteristics in order to achieve significant energy savings. In this paper, we characterize program behavior and classify programs in terms of the memory access behavior. We propose a runtime DVFS policy that takes into consideration the characteristics of program behavior for each category. Then we examine the efficiency of the proposed DVFS policies by comparing with previously derived upper bounds of energy savings. Results show that the proposed runtime DVFS policies approach the upper bounds of energy savings in most cases.
Causality and clinical medicine: Using fuzzy measures for patient prediction and experimental design

Background: Scientific medicine regards causality in terms of conditions of chance, and expressed in probabilities. The large double blind controlled randomized trial and Bayes' theorem are the foundation of Evidence Based Medicine. Evidence -Based Medicine has the purpose of bringing science to the bedside. Comparison between experimental subjects or real patients and the average patient of a group study requires uniform conditions.Probability theory satisfies this requirement. Methods: The fundamental concept of fuzzy subset hood and measure space of fuzzy theory allow for the comparison of subjects or patients without the requirement of uniform conditions. The fuzzy measure of breaking of symmetry of conditions, K, allows for measures of fuzzy similarity, comparison, prediction to be made between two fuzzy sets as points while accounting for different conditions. Results: Using the fuzzy measure of prediction , F Pred (A,B) , it is possible to precisely compare a clinical patient to the average patient of any large group study, and in addition, with fuzzy entropy it is possible to carry out experiments where test and control groups are compared. Conclusion: The scientific requirement of uniform conditions for each repetition of an experiment is no longer a necessity for the comparison of patients or groups of patients. This is because fuzzy measures of symmetry breaking and similarity can account for any difference between patients due to different conditions. Fuzzy entropy can then measure the difference between two groups of patients in the experimental setting.
THE INTERPRETATION OF TENSE AND ASPECT IN ENGLISH

An analysis of English tense and aspect is presented that specifies temporal precedence relations within a sentence. The relevant reference points for interpretation are taken to be the initial and terminal points of events in the world, as well as two "hypothetical" times: the perfect time (when a sentence contains perfect aspect) and the progressive or during time. A method for providing temporal interpretation for nontensed elements in the sentence is also described.
Some cubic surfaces with no rational points

Selmer( 1 ) conjectured that the Hasse principle holds for all cubic surfaces of the type that is, such a surface has a rational point whenever it has points defined over every p -adic field Q p ; and he proved this assertion in the case that ab = cd .
Puberty Does Not Induce Serum Antisperm Surface Antibodies in Patients With Previously Operated Cryptorchidism

Purpose: We investigated serum antisperm surface antibody (ASA) prevalence at puberty, which is reported to be as high as 38% in the sera of males with cryptorchidism operated on before puberty. Operative technique impact, dartos pouch orchiopexy or testis fixation, was also examined. Materials and Methods: We examined a total of 61 pubertal males (Tanner stage 2 or greater) divided into 3 groups. Group 1 consisted of 24 males with cryptorchidism 10 to 17.9 years old who underwent unilateral dartos pouch orchiopexy before puberty (median age 5.85). All of these cases were known to be negative for ASA preoperatively, and 20 before puberty. Group 2 consisted of 22 males with cryptorchidism 12.1 to 17.7 years old operated on previously (median age 10.35) by testicular fixation among other techniques. Group 3 consisted of 15 healthy males 12.2 to 17.3 years old. Prepubertal ASA status was unknown for groups 2 and 3. Operated testis was compared with counterpart before serum collection in group 1 and during operation in group 2. IgG IgM and IgA ASA were studied by the indirect Immunobead (BioRad, Clinisciences S.A., Montrouge, France) test. Results: All sera tested were found negative in the 3 groups. Dartos pouch operation, testis fixation or even consecutive operations did not induce ASA production. Alterations in size or consistency were observed in operated testes in 10 patients in group 1, and in 8 patients in group 2. Conclusions: Our results suggest that dartos pouch orchiopexy, testicular fixation and/or intrinsic developmental alterations of the cryptorchid testis does not elicit an autoimmune response against sperm surface antigens at puberty.
COMPARISON BETWEEN HIGH-DOSE SUFENTANIL-OXYGEN AND HIGH-DOSE FENTANYL-OXYGEN FOR NEUROANAESTHESIA

The cardiovascular responses to anaesthesia, neurosurgery and the postoperative administration of naloxone were studied in 20 patients. Ten patients were anaesthetized with sufentanil 20 μ kg−1 and 10 with fentanyl 100 μg kg−1, and oxygen. At 30-min intervals, sufentanil 50 μg or fentanyl 250 μg was given to maintain anaesthesia. Mean arterial pressure and heart rate did not increase following intubation, incision of the scalp or infusion of naloxone. Because of inadequate anaesthesia, thiopentone was administered at the end of surgery to one patient who had received sufentanil and seven patients who received fentanyl. Apart from one patient in each group the tracheal tubes were removed within 1 h of the start of the administration of naloxone. Recall of tracheal intubation or surgery was not reported by any patient. High-dose sufentanil-oxygen anaesthesia, like high-dose fentanyl- oxygen anaesthesia, was satisfactory for use in neurosurgery. However, high-dose narcotic anaesthesia, followed by the postoperative administration of naloxone, requires that skilled nursing care be available for many hours after surgery.
Conjugated metallorganic macrocycles: opportunities for coordination-driven planarization of bidentate, pyridine-based ligands

Two conjugated systems that can be constrained to planarity via metal coordination have been generated and their metal complexes studied. The potential for these architectures to be incorporated into metal-sensing arylene ethynylene/vinylene oligomers and polymers was probed by verifying that these ligands (1) bind strongly to Ag(I) and Pd(II) cations, and (2) that this event leads to complexes that are planar. Single crystal structures confirm that introduction of Ag(I) or Pd(II) cations enforces planarity in the newly formed macrocycles. Likewise, 1H-NMR titration studies reveal stoichiometric binding of Pd(II) and strong binding of Ag(I) (Ka (Ligand 1) = 1.3 × 102 M−1; Ka (Ligand 2) = 5.4 × 102 M−1) for each conjugated ligand.
Lessons from History, or the Perfidy of English Exceptionalism and the Significance of Historical France

Theories of development are derived from readings of history. Modern historical research challenges many of the basic beliefs about how economies develop. More specifically, recent research suggests that the lessons drawn from the history of industrialization in England are highly misleading. The article thus challenges the empirical foundations for much of classical and Marxian development theory.
Longitudinal bunch rotation scheme in a muon cooling ring

We present an idea of achieving better longitudinal phase space cooling in a muon cooling ring with the RF cavity configuration which generate short bunch length and large energy spread at the energy absorbers in a low momentum muon cooling ring. In this scheme, the heating terms in the longitudinal phase space, the slope of the dE/dx as a function of muon momentum and the dE/dx straggling through absorbers, are relatively small compared to the energy spread of the muon beam in the absorber.
Extended cavity model analysis of stacked microstrip ring antennas

Microstrip ring antennas deserve special attention because they can yield a larger bandwidth compared to other conventional patches and outstanding gain-bandwidth characteristics that renders them useful for applications that require reduced size and good radiation efficiency, like in the area of mobile communications. Stacked microstrip ring antennas for dual-frequency behavior and improved bandwidth are studied and analyzed. The cavity model for single microstrip antennas is extended with some modifications for the stacked geometry to account for the coupling between the upper and lower cavities, fringe fields, dispersion effects, and the effective loss tangent of the dielectric material. Green's functions are used to allow for modal analysis and closed-form solutions. The results for the radiation patterns and input impedance predicted through this simple model are compared with experimental data.
Determination of energy and charge spectra of high energy cosmic ray nuclei using gas Čerenkov counter

Abstract Suitability of gas Cerenkov counter for the determination of energy spectra of cosmic ray nuclei as well as charge composition from few GeV to few tens of GeV has been investigated in this paper. It is found that for a counter with 5 GeV/nuc threshold energy and 100 cm radiating length the energy resolution is 40% for proton up to 21 GeV and for alpha particles 30 GeV/nuc. With 10 GeV/nuc. threshold energy and for the same radiating length these limits are at 27.5 GeV for protons and 39 GeV/nuc. for alpha particles for the same resolution. This resolution, however, steadily improves at lower energies. These results show that gas Cerenkov counters are superior in resolving power to most of the ionization spectrometer likely to be constructed for balloon and satellite payload. Comparison with theoretical results show that ionization spectrometer in this energy interval has indeed inferior resolution.