cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Geologic time series from deep-sea sediments: Time scales and distortion by bioturbation☆

Abstract In order to evaluate the time- and frequency-domain characteristics of geologic time series obtained from deep-sea sediments, two important problems must be considered. First, an accurate time scale must be established for the sediment records to be studied. An accurate time scale is a basic requirement for such techniques as spectral and cross-spectral analysis. Secondly, the distortion of a geologic time series by sedimentation processes such as bioturbation must be considered if inferences are to be made about the mechanisms controlling climatic and oceanographic processes reflected in the geologic record. Recently, it has been suggested that the periodic components in paleoclimatic records which can be related to variations in the Earth's orbital parameters, can be used as a means for providing very detailed control for late Pleistocene sediment sections. A time scale is estimated by tuning an individual frequency component in a climate record to an orbital parameter. The tuning procedure commonly uses the technique of bandpass filtering which removes all frequency components except the one equivalent to an orbital parameter and then adjusting the geologic time scale so that the filtered record and orbital record align. Since bandpass filtering will produce a periodic record from any data set, a question is raised as to the circularity of this tuning approach. A series of numerical experiments using synthetic time series are used to determine if the tuning of a geologic record artificially induces improved correlation and increased periodic character in a climatic record. These experiments indicate that the tuning does not artificially induce these effects. Thus, it is suggested that the careful use of orbital tuning provides a powerful means of defining a geologic time scale. The degree to which bioturbation distorts a paleoclimatic record is studied by comparing the spectra of oxygen-isotopic records obtained from cores with sedimentation rates ranging from 1 to 12 cm 1000 yr−1. It is shown that the systematic change in the variance spectra of these records that is predicted by models of bioturbation cannot be observed for sedimentation rates greater than 2 cm 1000 yr−1. This can be explained in part if bioturbation is a function of sedimentation rates. If this is the case, then bioturbation must proceed to depth of tens to hundreds of centimeters. However, it seems likely that the degree to which bioturbation alters the climate signal preserved in deep-sea sediment cores has been overestimated.
An experimental investigation of the effect of test-cell pressure on the performance of resistojets

The effect of test-cell pressure on the performance of two resistojets was investigated. Tests were conducted in a vacuum facility at pressures ranging from 0.000043 to 0.54 torr for two resistojet configurations: a laboratory model and an engineering model for the Space Station. The tests showed that for each thruster there was a decline in performance when tested in vacuum pressures above 0.001 torr. Measurements were made of surface temperature, thrust, and exit-plane pitot pressure over the range of test-cell pressures. From these measurements, the decline in performance of the laboratory-model resistojet at higher cell pressures was attributed to heat losses due to convection. For the engineering-model resistojet, the decline in performance was found to be a combination of heat loss and an effect of cell pressure on the nozzle flow.
Creating Ordinary Places: Slow Cities in a Fast World

This paper explores the interdependence between urban design and the social construction of place. Following the recent contribution to the discussion of sense of place, authenticity and character by Jiven & Larkham (Journal of Urban Design, vol. 8, 2003, pp. 67–81), it is suggested that architects, planners and urban designers should be attentive to the theoretical underpinnings that are relevant to place-making. The emphasis here is on the relationships between the pace of life and the capacity of urban settings to facilitate the routine encounters and shared experiences that underpin the intersubjectivity that, in turn, leads to the social construction of place. These issues are placed in the context of the ‘fast world’ of globalization and of grass-roots reaction to its consequences, as illustrated by the Slow City movement.
Diverse essential functions revealed by complementing yeast calmodulin mutants

Calmodulin, a cytoplasmic calcium-binding protein, is indispensable for eukaryotic cell growth. Examination of 14 temperature-sensitive yeast mutants bearing one or more phenylalanine to alanine substitutions in the single essential calmodulin gene of yeast (CMD1) revealed diverse essential functions. Mutations could be classified into four intragenic complementation groups. Each group showed different characteristic functional defects in actin organization, calmodulin localization, nuclear division, or bud emergence. Phenylalanine residues implicated in calmodulin localization and nuclear division are located in the amino-terminal half of the protein, whereas those implicated in actin organization and bud emergence are located in the carboxyl-terminal half.
Characterization of a nanocoating using a MEMS tribogauge

A chemisorbed fluorocarbon self-assembled monolayer (FSAM) layer on MEMS surfaces can greatly improve MEMS device reliability by reducing the in-use stiction force. In this work, a MEMS tribogauge that measures stiction force between two interacting surfaces has been used for FSAM coating and process parameter characterization. A commercially available nanocoating tool was used for depositing FSAM coatings. Five different coating recipes with different injection times for the FSAM precursor were evaluated with the tribogauge. The interacting surfaces of the tribogauge were exposed to many load cycles. These experiments allowed a preferred process to be determined.
Landslide risk assessment

Landslide risk can be assessed by evaluating geological conditions associated with past events. A sample of 2,4 16 slides from urban areas in West Virginia, each with 12 associated geological factors, has been analyzed using SAS computer methods. In addition, selected data have been normalized to account for areal distribution of rock formations, soil series, and slope percents. Final calculations yield landslide risk assessments of 1.50=high risk. The simplicity of the method provides for a rapid, initial assessment prior to financial investment. However, it does not replace on-site investigations, nor excuse poor construction.
Decreased Protein Kinase C Activity During Cerebral Ischemia and After Reperfusion in the Adult Rat

The possible activation of protein kinase C (PKC) during total cerebral ischemia was investigated in the rat. Translocation of PKC activity from the soluble to the particulate fraction was used as an index of PKC activation. There was a drop in the proportion of particulate PKC activity from 30% for controls to 20% by 30 min of ischemia (p less than 0.01). By 20 min of cardiac arrest, there was a 40% decline of the total cellular PKC activity (p less than 0.01). This was not accompanied by an increase in activator-independent activity, a finding indicating PKC was not being converted to protein kinase M. These data suggest that PKC was not activated during ischemia, but rather that ischemia causes a reduction in cellular PKC activity. Translocation of PKC activity to the particulate fraction was not observed in the cerebral cortex or hippocampus of reperfused brain for up to 6 h of recovery following 11-13 min of total cerebral ischemia. The level of total, soluble, and particulate PKC activity in the cerebral cortex was reduced (p less than 0.05), corresponding to the decrease observed by 15 min of ischemia without reflow. A similar decline in activity was also observed in the hippocampus. No increase in activator-independent activity was observed. These data suggest that PKC was inhibited during cerebral ischemia and that this reduced level of PKC activity was maintained throughout 6 h of recovery. We conclude that pathological activation of PKC was not responsible for the evolution of ischemic brain damage.
Study on three-phase state estimation for distribution networks

This paper presents a robust algorithm of three-phase state estimation for distribution networks. All kinds of measurements in distribution networks are used in the algorithm, Jacobi matrix becomes constant though phase transform of node voltage and equivalent transform of current measurement. Setting of equivalent weight based on prediction residual avoids the modification by iterations, the above methods reduce the amount of computation. Simulation results have shown the proposed method in this paper is stable and robust.
New Social Movements with Old Party Politics The MTL Piqueteros and the Communist Party in Argentina

The Movimiento Territorial de Liberacion (MTL) is a radical piquetero (picketer) group formed by unemployed workers and activists from the Communist party in Argentina. The autonomous and radical n...
Response to Letter Regarding Article, “Exercise-Induced Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension”

We thank Drs Naeije and Melot for their careful review of our article.1 As they note, the intent of our article was to demonstrate that exercise-induced pulmonary arterial hypertension (EIPAH) is a clinically relevant syndrome, an inference drawn largely from our demonstration that EIPAH occupies a physiological domain (including Vo2 max and central hemodynamics) intermediate between normal and established resting pulmonary arterial hypertension. We used accepted tools of human incremental exercise testing, relating cardiopulmonary responses to pulmonary …
Medications and the Elderly in the Critical Care Setting

As the elderly population in our country continues to increase, it is imperative that the bedside practitioner be keenly aware of the factors that affect pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of medication administration. Refining the admission interview process to obtain accurate medication information--including alternative and OTC drugs--will help to decrease the incidence of drug interactions and ADR in the acute care setting. Appropriate monitoring of pharmacologic effects and organ function will allow the practitioner to better treat the elderly client with as few medications as possible.
Astronomical Alinements in Britain, Egypt and Peru

Photogrammetric air surveys have been made of Stonehenge, the Great Temple of Amon-Re, Karnak, and the desert lines near Nasca, Peru. The latter designs have been correlated in time with pottery of type Nasca 3 and 4. New astronomical alinements have been found for the trilithons and station stones at Stonehenge. The Amon-Re temple alined precisely, within the limits of present-day measurements, with the rising of the Sun at midwinter at the time of rebuilding of the structure by Tuthmosis III. No significant astronomical alinements were found for the desert lines. The possible significance of the British and Egyptian alinements are discussed together with the implications of the negative result in Peru. Some comments are made concerning the precision of the megalithic yard, and the geometries and stellar alinements of prehistoric British structures.
Once you know, you are responsible: the road from scholar to activist.

Conventional wisdom usually argues that academic research should be conducted with the highest level of objectivity possible. I seek to turn that argument on its head and suggest that taking sides, even pursuing activist tactics, in support of our subjects' goals may be not only desirable but also the most ethical option. Drawing on my own experiences with research and activism in HIV/AIDS, first in the United States and later in East Africa, I present the case for the mutually beneficial relationship between scholarship and activism. Language: en
A rejoinder to Pribram

Contrary to Pribram's assertion, Kohler proposed a functional isomorphism between brain processes and phenomenal events; the sense organs are not implied in the isomorphism principle. With respect to the facts of the Kohler-Pribram collaboration reliance on the written record is recommended.
Cross‐validation of protein structural class prediction using statistical clustering and neural networks

We present an approach to predicting protein structural class that uses amino acid composition and hydrophobic pattern frequency information as input to two types of neural networks: (1) a three-layer back-propagation network and (2) a learning vector quantization network. The results of these methods are compared to those obtained from a modified Euclidean statistical clustering algorithm. The protein sequence data used to drive these algorithms consist of the normalized frequency of up to 20 amino acid types and six hydrophobic amino acid patterns. From these frequency values the structural class predictions for each protein (all-alpha, all-beta, or alpha-beta classes) are derived. Examples consisting of 64 previously classified proteins were randomly divided into multiple training (56 proteins) and test (8 proteins) sets. The best performing algorithm on the test sets was the learning vector quantization network using 17 inputs, obtaining a prediction accuracy of 80.2%. The Matthews correlation coefficients are statistically significant for all algorithms and all structural classes. The differences between algorithms are in general not statistically significant. These results show that information exists in protein primary sequences that is easily obtainable and useful for the prediction of protein structural class by neural networks as well as by standard statistical clustering algorithms.
Effectiveness of Saltwater Baths in the Treatment of Epidermolysis Bullosa

Current management of epidermolysis bullosa (EB) focuses on preventing secondary infections--a leading cause of mortality--by regularly cleaning and bandaging blisters and erosions and preventive bandaging of high-friction areas. Unfortunately the baths and showers used to remove bandages and clean the skin are often painful, causing lack of adherence and subsequent increases in infections, pain, and antimicrobial use. This study evaluates the hypothesis that bathing individuals with EB in saltwater is less painful than in normal bath water. The study also explores whether taking saltwater baths reduces infections as measured through skin pruritus, odor, discharge, and nonbathing pain. Participants recruited from the Children's Hospital Colorado Outpatient EB Clinic completed standardized questionnaires assessing the effects of the clinic's saltwater bathing recommendations; the data were analyzed using frequencies and Fisher tests. After starting saltwater baths, patients reported a significant reduction in pain (91%), pain medication use (66%), skin odor (31%), and skin discharge (44%). No significant differences were found with respect to the type of EB, age, length of time using baths, or amount of salt added. Saltwater baths are a noninvasive, low-cost, effective treatment that significantly reduces bathing pain, pain medication use, and some signs of skin infection. This treatment can be recommended to patients with all studied EB types without regard to age, the specific amount of salt used, bathing frequency, or pain level. Given the central role bathing and dressing changes play in the management of EB, the use of saltwater baths can lead to significant improvement in quality of life.
Sensitive non-radioactive PCR detection of clonal T-cell receptor-gamma gene rearrangements in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia

Rearrangement of the T-cell receptor gamma (TCRgamma) gene potentially provides a valuable target for monitoring minimal residual leukaemia by the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). However, existing strategies directed at this locus frequently lack sensitivity or specificity. We describe a novel PCR strategy for improved detection of clonal TCRgamma gene rearrangements based on the design of two overlapping clone-specific reverse PCR primers spanning the TCRgamma junctional region, which are used sequentially in conjunction with forward V-region specific primers. Unlike other strategies, specificity is generated from the initial and subsequent round of PCR amplification. This non-radioactive technique is highly specific and sensitive, and should prove effective for monitoring minimal residual leukaemia.
Oceanography: Southern Ocean polynya

From 1974 to 1976, an unexpected large hole appeared in the Weddell Sea winter sea-ice cover, a consequence of ocean heat carried to the sea surface by convection. This may have been a window to the past, as model analysis suggests anthropogenic climate change will diminish the chances of a repeat performance.
GLOBAL CONTACT DYNAMICS OF AN ICE-STRUCTURE INTERACTION MODEL

The interaction between a moving ice sheet and an elastic structure is studied using the analogue model of Matlock, et al. [1969]. The ice sheet is represented by a series of teeth with bilinear, discontinuous stiffness. A global analysis of the resulting dynamical system is performed. Using a combination of analytical and numerical techniques, periodic solutions are determined and basin boundaries of the Poincare map identified. While the total system dynamics are quite complex, two types of threshold solutions are found, each necessary but not sufficient in defining local separatrices.
Parameter Calibration for Synthesizing Realistic-Looking Variability in Offline Handwriting

Motivated by the widely accepted principle that the more training data, the better a recognition system performs, we conducted experiments asking human subjects to do evaluate a mixture of real English handwritten text lines and text lines altered from existing handwriting with various distortion degrees. The idea of generating synthetic handwriting is based on a perturbation method by T. Varga and H. Bunke that distorts an entire text line. There are two purposes of our experiments. First, we want to calibrate distortion parameter settings for Varga and Bunke's perturbation model. Second, we intend to compare the effects of parameter settings on different writing styles: block, cursive and mixed. From the preliminary experimental results, we determined appropriate ranges for parameter amplitude, and found that parameter settings should be altered for different handwriting styles. With the proper parameter settings, it should be possible to generate large amount of training and testing data for building better off-line handwriting recognition systems.
Metabolism studies of the antischistosomal drug praziquantel using tandem mass spectrometry: Distribution of parent drug and ten metabolites obtained from control and schistosome‐infected mouse urine

The collisionally activated dissociation spectrum of the antischistosomal drug praziquantel (PZQ) has many structure-specific fragmentations which permit identification of PZQ and seventeen of its hydroxylated metabolites in mouse urine. These fragmentations may also be used to quantify the metabolic pattern of PZQ. In the present study, a triple-quadrupole mass spectrometer system has been used to generate [M + H]+ ions for PZQ and its monohydroxy, dihydroxy and trihydroxy metabolites which yield daughter ions capable of quantifying PZQ and ten of these metabolites. The goal of these experiments was to evaluate the effect of this hepatic infection on drug metabolism. This was accomplished in two steps. First, the amount of unmetabolized, mono- and dihydroxylated PZQ was established from the [M + H]+ ions. Then the specific metabolites at each level of hydroxylation were determined from daughter ion spectra. The product of these two values produces the metabolite pattern. The reproducibility of these assays ranged from good, with a coefficient of variation of 3% for the most abundant metabolite, to poor (43%) for PZQ, which is only 1% of the total elimination pattern. The excretion of unchanged PZQ and two dihydroxylated metabolites was enhanced in animals bearing schistosomiasis compared to control mice, while a third dihydroxylated metabolite was depressed.
Adopting Full Dollarization in Postconflict Economies: Would the Gains Compensate for the Losses in Liberia?

This paper discusses whether adopting the U.S. dollar as the sole legal tender could help Liberia, a postconflict economy, to boost growth and strengthen fiscal discipline. In view of the performance of exchange rate regimes in many countries and Liberia's own experience with dollarization, we conclude that Liberia should not adopt full dollarization for the following reasons: (i) the alleged benefits voiced by the proponents of dollarization, in terms of enhanced fiscal discipline and faster economic growth, are not supported by the empirical evidence; (ii) dollarization would increase the Liberian economy's vulnerability to external shocks and Liberia's social fragility; (iii) banks in fully dollarized economies face additional capitalization requirements that Liberian banks cannot meet at present; and (iv) dollarization would be costly in terms of real resources because of the loss of seigniorage.
Electrical conductivity measurements on silicate melts using the loop technique

A new method is described for measurement of the electrical conductivity of silicate melts under controlled oxygen partial pressure at temperatures to 1550 °C. The melt samples are suspended as droplets on platinum–rhodium loops, minimizing iron loss from the melt due to alloying with platinum, and providing maximum surface exposure of the melt to the oxygen‐buffering gas atmosphere. The latter provides extremely rapid equilibration of the melt with the imposed oxygen partial pressure. The loop technique involves a minimum of setup time and cost, provides reproducible results to within ±5% and is well suited to electrical conductivity studies on silicate melts containing redox cations.
Genotypic variation in tissue water relations of leaves and roots of black walnut (Juglans nigra) seedlings

Genetic variation in the drought response of leaf and root tissue water relations of seedlings of eight sources of black walnut (Juglans nigra L.) was investigated using the pressure-volume technique. Tissue water relations were characterized at three stages of a drying cycle during which well-watered plants were allowed to desiccate and then were reirrigated. Sources varied both in the capacity for and degree of leaf and root osmotic adjustment, and in the mechanism by which it was achieved. A decrease in osmotic potential at the turgor loss point (ψπp) of 0.4 MPa was attributable to increased leaf tissue elasticity in seedlings of four sources, while seedlings of an Ontario source exhibited a 0.7–0.8 MPa decline in ψπp as a result of both increased solute content and increased leaf tissue elasticity. Seedlings of a New York source showed no detectable osmotic adjustment. In roots, decreased ψπp (osmotic potential at full hydration) and ψπp were observed under drought. Sources that exhibited significant leaf osmotic adjustment also generally showed a similar response in roots. Tissue elasticity and ψπp of roots were higher than those of shoots, whereas ψπp of the two organs was similar for most sources. Because of greater elasticity, roots exhibited a more gradual decline in turgor and total water potential than did leaves as tissue relative water content decreased.
Impact of a critical pathway on inpatient management of diabetic ketoacidosis

To assess the management of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and evaluate if introduction of a critical pathway improves management, we studied adults admitted with DKA to the Medicine and Critical Care Services in a US teaching hospital. Patients admitted with DKA in 1997 before implementation of the critical pathway were the control group (n=72). In 1998, housestaff and nurses in the emergency department (ED) and on the General Medicine and Critical Care Services were instructed in the use of the critical pathway. Patients admitted with DKA during 1998 (n=77) were the intervention group. Length of stay (LOS), hospital cost, adherence to guidelines, and medical outcomes to be avoided were compared, and regression analyses were performed to correlate processes and outcomes of care. Mean LOS and variability in LOS decreased during the intervention period, especially in patients treated without endocrinology consultation (EC) (5.2 +/- 10.6 vs. 2.4 +/- 2.1 days, P=0.01), and hospital cost and variability in cost tended to decrease ($6441 +/- 15,204 vs. $3625 +/- 3478, P=0.24). More intervention subjects received the recommended intravenous fluid volume (88 vs. 71%, P=0.013), education in sick-day management (77 vs. 54%, P=0.006), and EC (38 vs. 21%, P=0.03). Insulin management was not changed. We conclude that implementation of a DKA critical pathway reduced practice variation and was associated with shorter LOS and a trend toward decreased cost. Some processes of care were improved but many require additional interventions.
An integrated approach to identifying clinically relevant targets in pediatric gliomas.

303 ISSN 2045-0907 10.2217/CNS.13.21 © 2013 Future Medicine Ltd CNS Oncol. (2013) 2(4), 303–306 High-grade gliomas (HGGs) are categorized by WHO as grade III–IV glial malignancies and account for roughly 15–20% of all pediatric CNS tumors [1]. For pediatric patients diagnosed with supratentorial HGGs, the 2-year survival rates range from 10 to 30%. The prognosis for patients with diffuse brainstem gliomas is even more dismal, as less than 10% will survive more than 2 years after diagnosis [1]. The current treatment for newly diagnosed pediatric HGGs is safe maximal surgical resection and radiotherapy. The addition of chemotherapy to this regimen is debatable, reflecting the lack of consensus among pediatric neuro-oncologists regarding the optimal protocol/treatment plan for newly diagnosed patients [2]. Despite these efforts, marginal impact has been made on the overall survival rates of these patients. This begs the question: ‘how do we change the way in which we view and treat pediatric HGGs?’ To fully understand the complexities of pediatric HGGs and subsequently identify therapeutic vulnerabilities, we must first understand the full molecular, cellular and physiological context of these malignancies. While it has long been thought that both pediatric and adult gliomas are the same disease affecting different patient populations, recently, multiple groups including the Canadian Paediatric Cancer Genome Consortium and the St Jude Children’s Research Hospital–Washington University in St Louis Pediatric Cancer Genome Project have challenged this notion by revealing striking differences in the mutation spectrum and frequencies between pediatric and adult HGGs [3–11]. The use of high-resolution genomic approaches has uncovered potential therapeutic targets for pediatric gliomas such as PDGFRA, MET and IGF1R (recurrent focal amplification in HGGs and pontine gliomas) [7,10,12], BRAF and CDK2NA (BRAF-V600E mutations with concomitant CDKN2A loss in a subset of malignant astrocytomas) [11] and FGFR1 (intragenic duplications of the tyrosine kinase domain in low-grade gliomas) [3]. Alone, the identification and characterization of the somatic DNA alterations is insufficient. Pediatric HGGs harbor
Review of antiwear additives for crankcase oils

Abstract Some of the mechanisms of synthetic oil lubricant additives in reducing friction in automotive engines are reviewed in this paper. Generally, under high-load and high-temperature conditions, friction, wear, corrosion, foaming and scuffing occur in moving parts in crankcases. These problems reduce engine life and may increase fuel consumption. To avoid these undesirable effects, synthetic additives should be added to the engine oil. One of these additives is the friction-reducing additive. There are several classes of friction-reducing additive, each having its own mechanism in reducing friction in automotive engines. This paper reviews some of the properties of these additives and the mechanisms by which they are effective in reducing friction.
Untangling the Genetic Basis of Fibrolytic Specialization by Lachnospiraceae and Ruminococcaceae in Diverse Gut Communities

The Lachnospiraceae and Ruminococcaceae are two of the most abundant families from the order Clostridiales found in the mammalian gut environment, and have been associated with the maintenance of gut health. While they are both diverse groups, they share a common role as active plant degraders. By comparing the genomes of the Lachnospiraceae and Ruminococcaceae with the Clostridiaceae, a more commonly free-living group, we identify key carbohydrate-active enzymes, sugar transport mechanisms, and metabolic pathways that distinguish these two commensal groups as specialists for the degradation of complex plant material.
Changes in the pattern of expression of pp60c-src in cerebellar mutants of mice

Cultures of neurons from rat embroyos have been show previously to express high levels of a unique from of pp60c-src [Brugge et al (1985): Nature 316:524-526], the cellular homologue of the transforming protien of Rous sarcoma virus. This altered form of pp60c-src(+), designated pp60c-src(+), displays a retarded electroretic mobility due to a structural alteration within the aminoterminal region of the molecule [Brugge et al, 1985]. In order to investigate the distribution and possible role of pp60c-src(+) in intact brain, we have examined the expression of pp60c-src in extracts from developing cerebella from wild-type mice and mutant mice that display progressive degeneration of specific classes of cerebellar neurons. The loss of pp60c-src(+) generally correlated with the loss of granule cells and Purkinje cells from the cerebella of mice carrying the staggerer (sg/sg) and Lurcher (Lc/+) mutation, with the most pronounced changes observed in cerebella from the more severely affected sg/sg mice. The experssion of pp60c-src(+) in weaver wv/wv mice is qualitatively and quantitatively quite different. From the earliest time points, there was a significant reduction in the levels of pp60c-src(+), with no further loss of this form during the period of maximal neuronal differentiation. This suggests an maximal neuronal differentiation. This suggests an early, predegenerative absence of pp60c-src(+) in this mutant strian, which is defective in granule-cell migration.
Rare earths in Archean graywackes from Wyoming and from the Fig Tree Group, South Africa

Abstract Six graywackes from the Archean greenstone belt in the Wind River of Wyoming and 11 graywackes and three shales from the Archean Fig Tree Group, South Africa, were analyzed for the rare earth elements (REE). There are real deviations beyond analytical uncertainty among sediments from the same formation. The absolute abundance of the REE (∑REE) is somewhat lower than that of the North American shale composite (NASC) which is representative of younger sedimentary rocks. Still, the results confirm previous suggestions that the RE pattern in Precambrian sediments is the same as the NASC but that, relative to the heavy REE, graywackes are slightly enriched in the light REE, shales are depleted, and there is a slight enrichment in Eu relative to the NASC. The average abundance of Eu relative to the other REE for all the Precambrian sediments is the same as that in chondritic meteorites. Attesting to the complexity of graywacke genesis, there is no correlation between the variations in the REE parameters and the variations in major or minor element concentrations. In particular, there is no obvious correlation between the excess Eu and Sr abundance. The total amount of REE, the La Yb ratio, and the Eu enrichment factor, however, all increase in the graywackes with the amount granite-gneiss detritus in the rocks. In general, the REE distributions in Archean graywackes and shales appear to be related to the relative amounts of clastic feldspar, mica, and minor phases which concentrate the REE.
Starburst99 for Windows

We present a Windows compatible version of the evolutionary synthesis code Starburst99. Starburst99 for Windows was developed from the public UNIX-based version at STScI. We converted the original Fortran77 source code into a version for a Win32 environment with an Absoft2 Fortran Pro x86 compiler. Extensive testing showed no significant numerical differences in comparison with the previous UNIX version. The software application consists of the source code, executable, and a number of auxiliary files. The package installs on any PC running Windows 2000, XP, or Vista and can be obtained as freeware at http://www.stsci.edu/science/starburst/PCStarburst99.html. We give an overview of the different running modes and provide instructions for getting started with the initial set-up.
Use of PMUs in regression-based power system dynamic state estimation

In this paper a new approach to incorporate PMU measurements to regression-based dynamic state estimation (DSE) is presented. Regression-based DSE utilizes a state transition matrix calculated by the historical values of the states in state forecasting stage. Proposed technique exploits the PMU measurements along with SCADA measurements to correct the forecasted states. The technique incorporates the fast sampling rate of PMU measurements to provide a “state trend”, while SCADA measurements are not available. The state trends are then used to determine the state transition matrix based on regression analysis. The transition matrix is updated when most recent measurements are available from PMUs. The tests on IEEE 57-bus system show improvement in the state forecasting accuracy when compared to the existing state forecasting methods in dynamic state estimation.
Evolvability as a function of purifying selection in TEM-1 β-lactamase.

Summary Evolvability—the capacity to generate beneficial heritable variation—is a central property of biological systems. However, its origins and modulation by environmental factors have not been examined systematically. Here, we analyze the fitness effects of all single mutations in TEM-1 β-lactamase (4,997 variants) under selection for the wild-type function (ampicillin resistance) and for a new function (cefotaxime resistance). Tolerance to mutation in this enzyme is bimodal and dependent on the strength of purifying selection in vivo, a result that derives from a steep non-linear ampicillin-dependent relationship between biochemical activity and fitness. Interestingly, cefotaxime resistance emerges from mutations that are neutral at low levels of ampicillin but deleterious at high levels; thus the capacity to evolve new function also depends on the strength of selection. The key property controlling evolvability is an excess of enzymatic activity relative to the strength of selection, suggesting that fluctuating environments might select for high-activity enzymes. PaperClip
The Motivation-Volition Divide and Its Resolution in Action-Phase Models of Developmental Regulation

I discuss the long-standing divide in motivational psychology between issues of motivation (i.e., why strive for certain goals) and of volition (i.e., how to strive for chosen goals). This debate began in the 1920s between Lewin (1926) and Ach (1905, 1910) and was revived in the 1980s by Kuhl (1983) who proposed a distinction between motivation (choice of goal) and volition (pursuit of goal). Action-phase models lay out motivation and volition sequentially and are useful for investigating processes of developmental regulation across the life course. Shifts between different phases of action are salient during transitions affecting opportunities from better to worse or vice versa. Several studies have addressed phenomena of interphase adaptation of motivational mind-sets to shifting goal-related opportunities in the context of life-course transitions.
Endoscopic small bowel mucosal biopsy: a controlled trial evaluating forceps size and biopsy location in the diagnosis of normal and abnormal mucosal architecture

This study was designed to determine (1) whether the site of biopsy within the proximal small bowel affects the ability to assess mucosal architecture in general, or to confirm a diagnosis of celiac sprue specifically; and (2) whether endoscopic small bowei biopsy using standard forceps can obtain adequate biopsy specimens to detect or exclude mucosal abnormalities. Three-hundred fifty-two biopsy specimens were obtained prospectively from 26 patients (8 sprue, 2 nonspecific changes, 16 normal) with "jumbo" and standard forceps from jejunum, ligament of Treitz, fourth, third, and second portions of the duodenum. There was no difference in biopsy specimen quality from different locations. All celiac sprue patients had at least one good or excellent specimen from each location, thereby allowing the diagnosis to be made equally well from second, third, and fourth portions of the duodenum, as well as at the ligament of Treitz and jejunum. No false-positive diagnoses of celiac sprue were made. Finally, the standard biopsy forceps provided good or excellent specimens in all patients.
Integration of biological photonic crystals in dye-sensitized solar cells for enhanced photocurrent generation

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) rely on a network of titanium dioxide nanoparticles for electron transport and must balance carrier generation and collection. Adding photonic structures may increase light capture without affecting carrier collection. Diatoms are single-celled algae that biologically fabricate silicon dioxide cell walls which resemble photonic crystal slabs. We present a simple fabrication strategy that allows for uniform and controlled placement of biosilica within DSSCs. Integration of biosilica reduces photoanode transmittance to less than 5% prior to dye sensitization at loading levels as low as 6 wt% biosilica. Increased biosilica loading (17 wt%) provides additional enhancements in photocurrent generation. Reflectance measurements suggest that the enhancement results from the combined effects of photonic resonance and Mie scattering. Overall efficiency of these devices is improved by 8% and 14%, respectively.
Membrane transport during erythroid differentiation

Transport, unidirectional flux, of a monosaccharide, a nucleoside and three amino acids, all of which enter cells by independent, discrete carriers, was compared at three stages of erythroid maturation, the normal (anucleate) mouse erythrocyte, and in differentiated and undifferentiated Friend erythroleukemia cells. We found specific transport alterations during this developmental program. Transport of 3-O-methylglucose increased with each successive developmental stage. Aminoisobutyrate transport was maintained during Friend cell differentiation, but fell slightly in erythrocytes. Leucine, lysine and uridine transport began to fall two days after dimethylsulfoxide exposure, and diminished further in red cells. These studies of transport are not directly comparable to uptake studies reported by others. Median cell volume and thus surface area decreased more during differentiation than amino acid transport declined, so flux, transport past a unit area of membrane, actually increased. Monosaccharide flux also increased. Only uridine transport fell in parallel to surface area. Perhaps sites for nutrient transport required for energy production are preferentially maintained.
Elective affinities - Bioinformatic analysis of proteomic mass spectrometry data

Shotgun proteomic strategies based on the identification of proteolytic peptides by tandem mass spectrometry and sequence database searches have emerged as useful approaches for qualitative and quantitative measurement of proteins in large scale studies. Coincidentally, the automated analysis of the resulting mass spectrometry data has become increasingly challenging. Important steps in the analysis include the statistical validation of peptide and protein identifications, the extraction of quantitative information, and the interpretation of identified peptide and protein lists. This review discusses current informatics methods and software available to analyze shotgun proteomics data.
Birth order, sex of child, and perceptions of parental favoritism

Many studies have examined factors that influence discriminative parental solicitude. Sex, birth order, and age of the mother are a few factors demonstrated to influence levels of parental investment (especially as measured by offspring self-report). One indicator of a high level of parental investment is being a parental favorite. Using self-reports from a sample of several hundred young adults, we secured support for two hypotheses related to the influence of birth order and sex on parental favoritism. Fathers are not perceived as having a favorite child more often than are mothers, but are more likely to favor female children than are mothers. Mothers are perceived to be more likely to favor female children in blended sibships. Both mothers and fathers are perceived as favoring genetically-related children. The results also suggest that the birth order of the parental favorite varies with the birth order of the participant. Firstborns and lastborns report a pattern of favoritism that suggests parents favor firstborn and lastborn children. The discussion addresses limitations of the methodology and presents directions for future research.
Evaluation of blood glucose levels after hepatitis B immune globulin administration utilizing two different blood glucose monitoring systems.

Abstract Background Hepatitis B Immune Globulin (HBIG) is used post liver transplantation (OLT) in hepatitis B surface antigen-positive recipients to prevent recurrence of hepatitis B. One formulation of HBIG, HepaGam B, contains the disaccharide maltose, which can potentially falsely elevate glucose readings when glucose nonspecific point of care (GNSPOC) testing is used, such as a glucose dehydrogenase pyrroloquinolinequinone (GDH-PQQ)-based method. This can result in inappropriate administration of antidiabetic agents and resultant episodes of clinically significant hypoglycemia. Glucose specific point of care (GSPOC) testing, such as a glucose oxidase-based method, however, is not affected by the presence of maltose. The purpose of this study was to determine if there was a significant difference in glucose readings using GSPOC and GNSPOC monitoring devices after HBIG administration. Methods This is a nonrandomized, prospective study evaluating patients receiving maintenance HBIG therapy over 3 months post liver transplantation. Blood glucose levels in each subject were analyzed by GSPOC and GNSPOC devices at specific times around HBIG administration. Results Five adult OLT recipients receiving maintenance HBIG therapy were administered HepaGam B during the regularly scheduled outpatient visits. The median difference (GNSPOC minus GSPOC) predose as well as immediately, 60 minutes, and 120 minutes postdose were: −2, 11, 6, and 0 mg/dL, respectively. A random intercept model was used to fit the five subjects' glucose reading data over time. The Meter by Time interaction effect was not significant ( P = .59) and the Meter effect was not significant ( P = .46), which demonstrated no statistical difference between GNS and GS readings following HBIG administration. Conclusions Based on these results, there is not a significant difference between GSPOC and GNSPOC readings after administration of this HBIG formulation.
Action Research as Signature Pedagogy in an Education Doctorate Program: The Reality and Hope

Debates about the education doctorate continue; and, while some individuals focus on the problematic, others work to distinguish this degree from the Ph.D. The author is part of the latter, and in this article I explain how faculty members at one university are using action research as a signature pedagogy to create stewards of practice, that is, school leaders who have the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to pinpoint educational problems, design solutions, and create effective change. A content analysis of action research dissertations was used to prove stewardship. I investigated the challenges that sparked students’ actions; the actions they took in response; and the benefits, if any, they gained from this experience.
Stable glass transformation to supercooled liquid via surface-initiated growth front.

Highly stable glasses of tris-naphthylbenzene transform into a liquid when annealed above the glass transition temperature ${T}_{g}$. In contrast to the predictions of standard models, the observed transformation is spatially inhomogeneous. Secondary ion mass spectrometry experiments on isotopically labeled multilayer films show that the liquid grows into the stable glass with sharp growth fronts initiated at the free surface and at the interface with the substrate. For the free surface, the growth velocity is constant in time and has the same temperature dependence as self-diffusion in the equilibrium supercooled liquid. These stable glasses are packed so efficiently that surfaces and interfaces are required to initiate the transformation to the liquid even well above ${T}_{g}$.
Crop Specialization, Exchange and Robustness in a Semi-arid Environment

We compare the robustness of food supplies to annual variation in rainfall within two different agricultural systems: a generalist system with one type of agent who cultivates both maize and agave, and a specialist system composed of two types of agents who cultivate either maize or agave and are able to exchange. When mean rainfall is relatively high and less variable or relatively low and more variable, food supplies in the specialist system are more robust than in the generalist system. However, at intermediate levels of mean rainfall and variability, food supplies in the specialist system are less robust than those in the generalist system. Our analysis suggests that conflicts of interest and their associated costs constrain the development of specialization in some environments. When considering the robustness of social-ecological systems, it is important to consider “for whom a coupled social and ecological system is robust?”
New Evidence On the Origin and Ancestry of Maize

New evidence concerning the origin of maize — a question which has puzzled botanists for more than a century — has made it possible to reach several rather definite conclusions: (1) Maize is undoubtedly an American plant. (2) Maize undoubtedly had at least one center of origin in Middle America. (3) The ancestor of maize is maize. (4) The ancestor of maize is a form of pod corn, hut perhaps not the extreme type of pod corn known today. The ancestor was certainly a popcorn. (5) Sometime in its history maize hybridized with Tripsacum or teosinte or both to produce radically new types which comprise the majority of modern maize varieties of North America. The evidence on which these rather sweeping conclusions rest comes from three fields —botany, archaeology, and genetics. Substantially conclusive evidence of the American origin of maize was obtained from fossil pollen grains discovered at a depth of more than 200 feet below Mexico City.
On the edge-reconstruction of 3-connected planar graphs with minimum valency 4

It is shown that a 3-connected planar graph with minimum valency 4 is edge-reconstructible if no 4-vertex is adjacent to a 5-vertex.