cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Diffuse migratory connectivity in two species of shrubland birds: evidence from stable isotopes

Connecting seasonal ranges of migratory birds is important for understanding the annual template of stressors that influence their populations. Brewer’s sparrows (Spizella breweri) and sagebrush sparrows (Artemisiospiza nevadensis) share similar sagebrush (Artemisia spp.) habitats for breeding but have different population trends that might be related to winter location. To link breeding and winter ranges, we created isoscapes of deuterium [stable isotope ratio (δ) of deuterium; δ2H] and nitrogen (δ15N) for each species modeled from isotope ratios measured in feathers of 264 Brewer’s and 82 sagebrush sparrows and environmental characteristics at capture locations across their breeding range. We then used feather 2Hf and 15Nf measured in 1,029 Brewer’s and 527 sagebrush sparrows captured on winter locations in southwestern United States to assign probable breeding ranges. Intraspecies population mixing from across the breeding range was strong for both Brewer’s and sagebrush sparrows on winter ranges. Brewer’s sparrows but not sagebrush sparrows were linked to more northerly breeding locations in the eastern part of their winter range. Winter location was not related to breeding population trends estimated from US Geological Survey Breeding Bird Survey routes for either Brewer’s or sagebrush sparrows. Primary drivers of population dynamics are likely independent for each species; Brewer’s and sagebrush sparrows captured at the same winter location did not share predicted breeding locations or population trends. The diffuse migratory connectivity displayed by Brewer’s and sagebrush sparrows measured at the coarse spatial resolution in our analysis also suggests that local environments rather than broad regional characteristics are primary drivers of annual population trends.
Translation-, Rotation-, Scale-, and Distortion-Invariant Object Recognition Through Self-Organization

The task of visual object recognition is often complicated by the fact that a single 3-D object can undergo a number of transformations which can substantially alter its projection onto a 2-D surface, such as the retina. Such transformations include translation of the object in the visual field, changes in the size of the object, its orientation in the 2-D plane and the viewing perspective. For a general pattern recognition system to detect and recognize and object after such transformations, it must be able to associate widely differing patterns with the same object label. In this paper, a novel self-organizing model, called the Multiple Elastic Modules (MEM), is presented which attempts to solve this problem by searching a multi-dimensional space, where each axis is defined by one of the transformations (e.g. scale, translation, rotation, etc.). A particular object of a specific size, orientation and spatial location is mapped onto a single point in this space. Of course, distortions and minor variations in an object's image will expand this point to a small localized area in this multi-dimensional space. Such a powerful representation scheme comes at a cost of high computational demand due to the combinatorially large search space. The MEM approach to solving this problem efficiently partitions the solution space to search the most promising areas for the correct match. Simulation results are presented on detecting a stick-figure object under translation, distortion, scale, and rotation transformations in a cluttered background.
Predicting entrepreneurial success: effects of multi-dimensional achievement motivation, levels of ownership, and cooperative relationships

This study examines the complex effects of multi-dimensional achievement motivation, personality characteristics, and needs for power and influence on the success of business owners. Success in this study is measured by peremployee productivity based on dollar sales volume and owner reports of market share. Regression analyses indicate work, mastery, and interpersonal competitiveness (factors of achievement motivation), percentage of ownership, anti level of cooperativeness interact in predicting entrepreneurial success. Additional regression analyses indicate that owner personality characteristics, such as expressivity, hostility, verbal aggression, need for power, and need for influence likewise predicted the success of the business venture. Percentage of ownership (an organizational characteristic) interacted with the various motivational and personality variables to effect the success of the business. Results are discussed in terms of a developing complex interactive model of entrepreneurial success.
Image analysis software and sample preparation demands

Image analysis offers the opportunity to analyse many processes in medicine, biology and engeneering in a quantitative manner. Experience shows that it is only by awareness of preparation methods and attention to software design that full benefit can be reaped from a picture processing system in the fields of cytology and histology. Some examples of special stains for automated analysis are given here and the effectiveness of commercially available software packages is investigated. The application of picture processing and development of related special hardware and software has been increasing within the last years. As PC-based picture processing systems can be purchased at reasonable costs more and more users are confronted with these problems. Experience shows that the quality of commercially available software packages differ and the requirements on the sample preparation needed for successful problem solutions are often underestimated. But as always, sample preparation is still the key to success in automated image analysis for cells and tissues. Hence, a problem solution requires the permanent interaction between sample preparation methods and algorithm development.© (1990) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Biochemical differentiation of mechanically dissociated mammalian brain in aggregating cell culture.

Summary Mouse and rat brain cells were dissociated by a simple mechanical sieving technique and studied in culture for the formation of aggregates and the activities of choline acetyltransferase, acetylcholinesterase, glutamic acid decarboxylase, tyrosine 3-monooxygenase, aromatic l -amino acid decarboxylase, catechol methyltransferase, and monoamine oxidase. Cells from fetal and neonatal tissue formed aggregates but not cells from tissue older than two days after birth. The pattern of development of enzyme activities in these aggregates varied with the age of the starting tissue. The highest levels of specific activity for the neuron-specific enzymes were found after 3–4 weeks in culture for aggregates of cells derived from relatively undeveloped brains.
Strontium diffusion kinetics in plagioclase feldspars

Abstract A pronounced, systematic variation, by a factor of 104, in strontium tracer diffusion kinetics has been measured in four feldspar specimens that span the range of plagioclase compositions. The experiments were carried out in air, using isotopically enriched 86Sr, and analyzed with an ion microprobe. The Arrhenius relations for strontium diffusion are: Plagioclase [Ab]% D 0 ( m 2 /s ) Q ( kj g - atom Sr) Temperature Range °C Albite 98 1.05e 279 550–1080 Oligoclase 73 7.4e-7 261 750–1100 Labradorite 36 1.1e-6 295 800–1300 Anorthite 4 5.7e-9 267 900–1300 No difference was found, within the measurement uncertainty, between these results and those for albite under hydrothermal conditions at one kbar (100 MPa). Strontium diffusion rates parallel to, and normal to the albite twin lamellae are the same. There is no effect on the strontium diffusion rate in albite between an oxygen partial pressure of 0.2 bar (air) and ~ 10−19 bar (graphite buffer). A relation is developed that permits calculation of the strontium diffusion Arrhenius parameters for any normal plagioclase composition. The large variation in diffusion rate with composition has a major effect on the ease of strontium isotope exchange at high temperatures between plagioclases and coexisting phases in rocks, which may prove useful in determining thermal histories.
A lightweight soft-state tracking framework for dense mobile ad hoc networks

In a mobile ad hoc network, tracking protocols need to deal with-in addition to the mobility of the target-the mobility of the intermediate nodes that maintain a track toward the target. To address this problem, we propose the MDQT (Mobility-enhanced Distributed QuadTree) tracking framework. MDQT employs a static cell abstraction to mask the mobility of the nodes and provide the illusion of a logical static network overlaid on the mobile network. MDQT implements this virtual static network layer in a lightweight/communication-free manner by exploiting the soft-state principle and the snooping feature of wireless communication. Through simulation, we study the impacts of the mobile node percentage and target mobility speed on the system performance. Simulation results show that the success rate of tracking is mostly unaffected by the speed of mobile nodes, but degrades slightly with the increases in mobile node percentage. On the other hand, the cost measurements (latency, average hops, and retry rate) are more sensitive to the mobility speed, and remain unaffected by the increase of mobile node percentage-owing to our soft-state design approach. We find that even at very high mobility speeds (50 m/s), low update rates (1 update per second), and 100% node mobility, the success rate of MDQT tracking is above 85% and the latency is comparable with that of static networks.
Constitutive Model for Shape-Memory Alloys and its use in Design and Finite-Element Analysis

A constitutive model for predicting the thermomechanical behavior of Shape Memory Alloys (SMAs) has been developed and validated. The model uses an approach similar to Brinson, 1 Liang and Rogers, 2 and Tanaka. 3 It links key thermomechanical variables: stress, strain, temperature, and martensite fraction. A basic differential form for the SMA constitutive behavior, developed by Tanaka, forms the foundation of the model. The model is completed with a definition of the rules governing the behavior of martensite fraction. Like Brinson, the model distinguishes between de-twinned and twinned martensite. The phase transition temperatures are assumed to be a linear function of applied stress. The forward and reverse phase transformations are described by piecewise exponential functions. There are a number of parameters in the model that need to be determined using experimental data. The critical transformation temperatures are determined by resistivity measurements. All other parameters are determined by mechanical tension testing followed by nonlinear least-squares estimations. Mechanical testing consisted of displacement controlled, tension tests on Nitinol wires at several temperatures. The effectiveness of this model is demonstrated by its use in the design of an SMA actuated robotic arm. The constitutive model is used in conjunction with a lumped heat transfer model, a kinematic model, and a dynamic model to predict the behavior of the arm. Comparison between predictions and experimentally observed behavior is very good indicating a sound constitutive model. The model is also built into a finite element code that simulates pseudoelastic SMA behavior. The code considers geometric and material nonlinearities. The behavior of a simple pseudoelastic device is shown to be well predicted by the finite element code.
Impaired immune function and identification of polybrominated biphenyls (PBB) in blood compartments of exposed Michigan dairy farmers and chemical workers

In 1973 PBB's were accidentally mixed into animal feed, resulting in marked toxic effects. Meat and dairy products were widely consumed in Michigan. To determine the impact of PBB's, 55 exposed Michigan farm residents, 11 Michigan chemical workers and 46 non-exposed Wisconsin farmers were examined. Abnormalities included decreased number of T-lymphocytes with concomitant increase of lymphocytes with no detectable surface markers, "null cells", and altered lymphocyte function. Data obtained from skin testing using standard recall antigens, showed no consistent correlation between the delayed cutaneous hypersensitivity response and the impaired lymphocyte function. PBB (hexa) in separated white blood cells and red cells was positively identified and quantified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. PBB and immunological abnormalities were not detected in non-exposed Wisconsin dairy farm residents.
Periglacial debris-flow initiation and susceptibility and glacier recession from imagery, airborne LiDAR, and ground-based mapping

Climate changes in the Pacific Northwest, USA, may cause both retreat of alpine glaciers and increases in the frequency and magnitude of storms delivering rainfall at high elevations absent significant snowpack, and both of these changes may affect the frequency and severity of destructive debris flows initiating on the region9s composite volcanoes. A better understanding of debris-flow susceptibility on these volcanoes’ slopes is therefore warranted. Field mapping and remote sensing data, including airborne light detection and ranging (LiDAR), were used to locate and characterize initiation sites of six debris flows that occurred during an “atmospheric river” event (warm wet storm) on Mount Rainier, Washington, in November 2006, and data from prior studies identified six more debris flows that occurred in 2001–2005. These 12 debris flows had initiation sources at the heads of 17 gullies distributed over seven distinct initiation zones near the termini of glaciers, and all debris-flow initiation sites were located within areas exposed by glacier retreat in the past century. Gully locations were identified by their steep walls and heads on a 1-m digital elevation model (DEM) from LiDAR data collected in 2007–2008. Gullies in which debris flows initiated were differentiated from numerous non-initiating gullies primarily by the greater upslope contributing areas of the former. Initiation mechanisms were inferred from pre- and post-2006 gully width measurements from aerial photos and the LiDAR DEM, respectively, field observations of gully banks, and elevation changes calculated from repeated LiDAR, and these data indicate that debris flows were initiated by distributed sources, including bank mass failures, related to erosion by overland flow of water. Using gully-head initiation sites for debris flows that occurred during 2001–2006, a data model was developed to explore the viability of the method for characterization of debris-flow initiation susceptibilities on Mount Rainier. The initiation sites were found to occupy a restricted part of the four-dimensional space defined by mean and standard deviation of simulated glacial meltwater flow, slope angle, and minimum distance to an area of recent (1994–2008) glacier retreat. The model identifies the heads of most gullies, including all sites of known debris-flow initiation, as high-susceptibility areas, but does not appear to differentiate between areas of varying gully-head density or between debris-flow and no-debris-flow gullies. The model and field data, despite limitations, do provide insight into debris-flow processes, as well as feasible methods for mapping and assessment of debris-flow susceptibilities on periglacial areas of the Cascade Range.
Dynamic fracture energy of polyurea-bonded steel/E-glass composite joints

Abstract We report dynamic fracture energy measurements for E-glass/polyurea/steel joints at a peak strain rate of 1.2 × 10 7 s −1 . Experiments were done by initiating a crack at the steel/polyurea interface by a laser-generated stress wave, whose profile was recorded using optical interferometry. The critical energy release rate or the energy delivered by the propagating stress wave to the crack-tip region at crack initiation was computed by using a wave dynamics simulation. An average value of 359 (±19) J/m 2 was obtained. The effect of moisture on the fracture energy values was also examined. Results showed that the values reduced by only 3% to 349 ± 19 J/m 2 in samples that were exposed to 75% RH at 65 °C for 30 days. In addition to using the data as a local failure criterion in large-scale simulation of structural joints, it can be used to estimate the residual fracture energy of the E-glass/polyurea/steel joints in service.
DEALING WITH LOW SELF‐CONFIDENCE

(1968). DEALING WITH LOW SELF‐CONFIDENCE. Educational Research: Vol. 10, No. 2, pp. 134-138.
Bax Shuttling After Neonatal Hypoxia–Ischemia: Hyperoxia Effects

Perinatal hypoxia-ischemia (HI) occurs in 0.2%-0.4% of all live births, with 100% O(2) resuscitation (HHI) remaining a standard clinical treatment. HI produces a broad spectrum of neuronal death phenotypes ranging from a more noninflammatory apoptotic death to a more inflammatory necrotic cell death that may be responsible for the broad spectrum of reported dysfunctional outcomes. However, the mechanisms that would account for this phenotypic spectrum of cell death are not fully understood. Here, we provide evidence that Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) can shuttle to different subcellular compartments in response to HI, thus triggering the different organelle-associated cell death signaling cascades resulting in cell death phenotype diversity. There was an early increase in intranuclear and total nuclear Bax protein levels followed by a later Bax redistribution to the mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Associated with the organelle-specific Bax shuttling time course, there was an increase in nuclear phosphorylated p53, cytosolic cleaved caspase-3, and caspase-12. When HI-treated P7 rats were resuscitated with 100% O(2) (HHI), there were increased lesion volumes as determined by T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging with no change in cortical apoptotic signaling compared with HI treatment alone. There was, however, increased inflammatory (cytosolic-cleaved interleukin-1beta) and necrotic (increased nuclear 55-kDa-cleaved PARP-1 [poly-ADP-ribose 1] and decreased nuclear HMGB1 [nuclear high-mobility group box 1]) after HHI. Furthermore, HHI increased ER calpain activation and ER Bax protein levels compared with HI alone. These data suggest that 100% O(2) resuscitation increases Bax-mediated activation of ER cell death signaling, inflammation, and lesion volume by increasing necrotic-like cell death. In light of these findings, the use of 100% O(2) treatment for neonatal HI should be reevaluated.
Characteristics of nonlinear organic crystal of 4-(N,N-dimethylamino)-3-acetamidontrobenzene (DAN)

Abstract The nonlinear crystal of 4-(N,N-dimethylamino)-3-acetamidonitrobenzene (DAN) grown by Bridgman method is characterized. Bulk and cored fiber DAN are measured for second harmonic generation (SHG) of Nd:YAG laser at 1064 nm and 1319 nm, where energy conversion of 33.5% was obtained using a 1.7 mm thick DAN crystal. The phase matching curves were calculated and compared with the experimental data.
Inhibition of poliovirus replication by N-methylisatin-β-4':4'dibutylthiosemicarbazone.

Abstract Since N -methylisatin-β-4′:4′-dibutylthiosemicarbazone (busatin) has been reported to inhibit the replication of RNA viruses, we investigated its mechanism of inhibition of poliovirus synthesis in HeLa cells. It was observed that busatin inhibited the growth and DNA synthesis, but not RNA synthesis, of HeLa cells. In addition, busatin blocked poliovirus (types 1, 2, and 3) replication and viral RNA synthesis at any time in the replication cycle. Furthermore, busatin directly inhibited the cell-free, polio RNA polymerase reaction which differentiates it from other polio inhibitors such as guanidine and 2-(α-hydroxybenzyl)benzimidazole. Both the inhibition of cellular DNA synthesis and polio RNA synthesis could be reversed by washing the treated cells free of busatin. The parent compound, isatin-β-thiosemicarbazone, neither inhibited poliovirus replication nor the in vitro polymerase reaction. It is concluded that busatin blocks poliovirus replication not as a consequence of a toxic effect on HeLa cells, but by causing a discrete lesion in viral RNA synthesis.
Operating Mechanisms for High-Capacity High-Voltage Oil Circuit Breakers [includes discussion]

The operating mechanism of a power circuit breaker must give consistent and exacting performance under the most rigorous conditions. Therefore it is important to select the most suitable design for use with the new high-capacity high-voltage oil circuit breakers. Mechanism designs have changed over the years to match circuit-breaker and industry requirements. They now must be adapted to meet the requirements of these new circuit breakers which will require special consideration of certain characteristics: higher output, shorter instantaneous reclosing times with multiple-duty cycles, higher speed tripping, and increased reliability. This paper discusses the various methods available to obtain these objectives and illustrates the conclusions reached by describing a mechanism design which incorporates them and which already has found wide usage.
A Hanging in Nacogdoches: Murder, Race, Politics, and Polemics in Texas's Oldest Town, 1870–1916 – By Gary B. Borders

In this study, the author examines the life of a small East Texas town between the end of Reconstruction and the eve of World War-I, centering on the execution there of a black man, Jim Buchanan, i...
The resonance of the arterial system

The arterial system is assumed to consist of two elastic chambers connected by a conducting channel. It is assumed that a current of fluid enters one chamber, whereas the other chamber is drained by a pipe with a certain peripheral resistance. The continuity of the fluid is described by a differential equation for each chamber. The inertia resistance of the conducting channel is taken into consideration. It is shown that the system may possess a resonance frequency. The latter, if it exists, as well as the damping coefficients are expressed in terms of the elastic moduli of the chambers, the conductivity of the channel, and the peripheral resistance. It is shown that with plausible values of the latter variables the resonance frequency as determined theoretically has the right order of magnitude as found experimentally.
ITC2007 solver description: a hybrid approach

This paper provides a brief description of a constraint-based solver that was successfully applied by the author to the problem instances in all three tracks of the International Timetabling Competition 2007 (For more details see the official competition website at http://www.cs.qub.ac.uk/itc2007.). The solver presented in this paper was among the finalists in all three tracks and the winner of two.
Effects of interferon-γ reverse hypoxia-stimulated extracellular matrix expression in human peritoneal and adhesion fibroblasts

Objective To determine the response of adhesion and normal peritoneal fibroblasts to interferon-γ (IFN-γ) under normal and hypoxic conditions. Design Prospective experimental study. Setting University medical center. Patient(s) Primary cultures of fibroblasts established from peritoneal and adhesion tissue of the same patients. Intervention(s) Hypoxia and IFN-γ treatment of the primary cultured fibroblasts. Main Outcome Measure(s) Primary cultures of fibroblasts were established from peritoneal and adhesion tissues of the same patients (n = 5). The expression of extracellular matrix components (type I collagen and fibronectin) in adhesion and peritoneal fibroblasts under normal (20% O 2 ) and hypoxic (2% O 2 ) conditions was evaluated by multiplex reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis. Result(s) Adhesion fibroblasts (ADF) have increased basal levels of type I collagen as compared with normal peritoneal fibroblasts (NF). Interferon-γ treatment resulted in a dose-response decrease in type I collagen and fibronectin mRNA levels in both ADF and NF. Hypoxia treatment resulted in a time-response increase in type I collagen and fibronectin mRNA levels in NF and ADF. Hypoxia had no effect on type I collagen and fibronectin mRNA levels in the presence of increasing dose of IFN-γ in both NF and ADF. Interferon-γ can block the stimulating effects of hypoxia on type I collagen expression, supporting the antifibrogenic nature of this cytokine. Conclusion(s) Understanding the mechanism by which IFN-γ exerts its effect will be important in the utilization of this cytokine as a therapy for postoperative adhesion and tissue fibrosis.
Tokamak pump limiters

Abstract Experiments with pump limiters on several operating tokamaks have established them as efficient collectors of particles. The gas pressure rise within the chamber behind the limiters has been as high as 50 mTorr when there is no internal chamber pumping. Observations of the plasma power distribution over the front face of these limiter modules yield estimates for the scale length of radial power decay consistent with predictions of relatively simple theory. Interaction of the in-flowing plasma with recycling neutral gas near the limiter deflector plate is predicted to become important when the effective ionization mean free path is comparable to or less than the neutral atom mean path length within the throat structure of the limiter. Recent experiments with a scoop limiter without active internal pumping have been carried out in the PDX tokamak with up to 6 MW of auxiliary neutral beam heating. Experiments have also been performed with a rotating head pump limiter in the PLT tokamak in conjunction with RF plasma heating. Extensive experiments have been done in the ISX-B tokamak and first experiments have been completed with the ALT-I limiter in TEXTOR. The pump limiter modules in these latter two machines have internal getter pumping. Experiments in ISX-B are with ohmic and auxiliary neutral beam heating. The results in ISX-B and TEXTOR show that active density control and particle removal is achieved with pump limiters. In ISX-B, the boundary layer (or scape-off layer) plasma partially screens the core plasma from gas injection. In both ISX-B and TEXTOR, the pressure internal to the module scales linearly with plasma density but in ISX-B, with neutral beam injection, a nonlinear increase is observed at the highest densities studied. Plasma plugging is the suspected cause. Results from PDX suggest that a regime may exist in which core plasma energy confinement improves using a pump limiter during neutral beam injection. Asymmetric radial profiles and an increased edge electron temperature are observed in discharges with improved confinement. The injection of small amounts of neon into ISX-B has more clearly shown an improved electron core energy confinement during neutral beam injection. While carried out with a regular limiter, this “Z-mode” of operation is ideal for use with pump limiters and should be a way to achieve energy confinement times similar to values for H-mode tokamak plasmas. The implication of all these results for the design of a reactor pump limiter is described.
Increased incidence of airsacculitis in broilers infected with mycoplasma synoviae and chicken-passaged infectious bronchitis vaccine virus.

Infectious bronchitis vaccine virus is thought to cycle (i.e., pass from vaccine-virus-infected to susceptible chickens) in commercial broiler and pullet flocks. To simulate the effect of this cycling, mild infectious bronchitis vaccine virus was passaged in chickens serially six times. This sixth passage virus was used to infect chickens, which were then exposed to a moderately cold environment of 10 +/- 2 C and to Mycoplasma synoviae. In two separate experiments, the chicken-passaged vaccine virus resulted in a marked increase in the incidence of airsacculitis compared with nonpassaged vaccine virus. Intermediate passage levels also increased airsacculitis incidence but not as much as the sixth passage virus. In another experiment, virus chicken-passaged by contact transmission also caused increased airsacculitis incidence.
Measuring the effect of commutative transactions on distributed database performance

Abstract In this paper, we consider algorithms that permit every site in a partitioned system to perform new updates. Because this may result in independent updates to items in different partitions, conflicts among transactions are bound to occur. Commutative transactions can be used to reduce the number of these conflicts. We develop a probabilistic model to estimate the possible reduction in conflicts if we incorporate this notion of commutativity. Our results show that the additional efforts to recognize this commutativity are not beneficial unless the number of transactions that commute with each other is significantly large.
The Single Salary Schedule and Other Issues of Teacher Pay

The importance of teacher quality for determining student outcomes is now well established. At the same time, the translation of what is known about teacher quality into effective policy is far from being institutionalized. The simplest summary of research into teacher quality is that some teachers are dramatically more effective than others but that common measures of quality are largely uncorrelated with true quality. Thus, for example, we continue to face problems of insufficient numbers of high-quality teachers, or shortages of math and science teachers, and of “out of field” teachers. Many argue that we should tightened up on entry requirements along with increasing overall pay, but these policies are unlikely to deal with the current problems. Instead, we are likely to be much better off by loosening up entry requirements, by paying more attention to retention decisions, and by rewarding the people we want—those who are effective and who meet current areas of need.
Effects of sucrose and mannitol on asparagine deamidation rates of model peptides in solution and in the solid state

Asparagine (Asn) degradation kinetics in two model peptides, Gly-Gln-Asn-Gly-Gly (GQNGG) and Val-Tyr-Pro-Asn-Gly-Ala (VYPNGA), were studied at 50 degrees C in pH 7 buffer solutions in the presence and absence of 5% (w/v) sucrose or mannitol and at 50 degrees C and 30% relative humidity in solid samples lyophilized from these solutions. Solid formulations were characterized using Karl Fischer coulometric titration, thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier-transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR), and solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. GQNGG and VYPNGA showed similar pseudo first-order deamidation rates in solution in the absence of sucrose and mannitol. Adding 5% sucrose or mannitol decreased the rates by no more than 17%. The model peptides degraded 2- to 80-fold more slowly in the solid formulations of sucrose and mannitol than in 5% solutions of these carbohydrates. Ratios of deamidation rates of the model peptides depended upon the solid matrix. In the mannitol solid, the ratio of deamidation rates of GQNGG and VYPNGA (GQNGG:VYPNGA) was approximately 8, while in the sucrose solid, the model peptides deamidated at similar rates (GQNGG:VYPNGA congruent with 1). DSC showed the mannitol formulations to be largely amorphous immediately after lyophilization with some ordered, crystalline-like structure; the extent of ordered structure increased during storage as shown by FTIR and ssNMR. In contrast, the sucrose formulation was largely amorphous after lyophilization and remained so during storage. Together, the results showed that 5% sucrose or mannitol in solution does not significantly change the rates of Asn deamidation of the model peptides, while sucrose stabilizes the model peptides against deamidation more than mannitol in the solid state.
Extreme ultraviolet spectra of solar active regions and their analysis

Extreme ultraviolet spectra of several active regions are presented and analyzed. Spectral intensities of 3 active regions observed with the NRL Skylab XUV spectroheliograph (170–630 A) are derived. From this data density sensitive line ratios of Mg viii, Si x, S xii, Fe ix, Fe x, Fe xi, Fe xii, Fe xiii, Fe xiv, and Fe xv are examined and typically yield, to within a factor of 2, electron pressures of 1 dyne cm−2 (n e T = 6 × 1015 cm−3 K). The differential emission measure of the brightest 35″ × 35″ portion of an active region is obtained between 1.4 × 104 K and 5 × 106 K from HCO OSO-VI XUV (280–1370 A) spectra published by Dupree et al. (1973). Stigmatic EUV spectra (1170–1710 A) obtained by the NRL High Resolution Telescope and Spectrograph (HRTS) are also presented. Doppler velocities as a function of position along the slit are derived in an active region plage and sunspot. The velocities are based on an absolute wavelength scale derived from neutral chromospheric lines and are accurate to ±2 km s−1. Downflows at 105 K are found throughout the plage with typical velocities of 10 km s−1. In the sunspot, downflows are typically 5 to 20 km s−1 over the umbra and zero over the penumbra. In addition localized 90 and 150 km s−1 downflows are found in the umbra in the same 1″ × 1″ resolution elements which contain the lower velocity downflows. Spectral intensities and velocities in a typical plage 1″ resolution element are derived. The velocities are greatest (∼ 10 km s−1) at 105 K with lower velocities at higher and lower temperatures. The differential emission measure between 1.3 × 104 K and 2 × 106 K is derived and is found to be comparable to that derived from the OSO-VI data. An electron pressure of 1.4 dynes cm−2 (n e T = 1.0 × 1016 cm−3 K) is determined from pressure sensitive line ratios of Si iii, O iv, and N iv. From the data presented it is shown that convection plays a major role in determining the structure and dynamics of the active region transition zone and corona.
Temporal trends in the incidence of HIV-1-related neurologic diseases: Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study, 1985-1992.

Objective: To describe temporal trends in the incidence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-re-lated neurologic diseases in the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study from 1985 to 1992. Methods: The incidence rates of six neurologic disorders were examined: toxoplasmosis, cryptococcal meningitis, primary CNS lymphoma, progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, HIV dementia, and sensory neuropathy. Poisson modeling was used to test linear trends over time and the effects of progressive immunosuppression, antimicrobial prophylaxis, and antiretroviral drug therapy. Results: There was an upward temporal trend in all incidence rates, except for HIV dementia. Progressive immunosuppression in the cohort explained all calendar trends except for sensory neuropathy, where an increasing temporal trend remained even after adjusting for CD4 + cell count, and for HIV dementia where a slight decline was noted, although the effects were not statistically significant. We noted a protective trend of antimicrobial prophylaxis on toxoplasmosis and cryptococcal meningitis, but, in contrast, use of antiretroviral agents was not protective against HIV dementia. Men receiving didanosine, zalcitabine, or stavudine were more likely to develop sensory neuropathy. Conclusion: Despite the earlier and more widespread use of antimicrobial and antiretroviral agents, neurologic conditions still occurred frequently in this cohort, with annual rates above 1.5 per 100 person-years for HIV dementia and sensory neuropathy. Sensory neuropathy seems to be increasing in incidence and HIV dementia declining slightly in this cohort. As the epidemic matures and more people with profound immunosuppression live longer, the overall incidence of HIV-related neurologic diseases can be expected to rise.
Impact of Prairie Age and Soil Order on Carbon and Nitrogen Sequestration

Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) prairie restorations can sequester soil C and N, but the varied effects of soil order and ecosystem age are uncertain. Soil bulk density (D b ) (0-20 cm) and soil organic C (SOC) and total N at 0 to 5, 5 to 10, and 10 to 25 cm were measured at 39 paired CRP-crop sites in Wisconsin to quantify SOC and N stock changes as a function of prairie age (4-16 yr) and soil order (Alfisols and Mollisols). Several important outcomes were found regarding land conversion to CRP: (i) soil D b decreased on Alfisols (-0.12 ± 0.11 g cm -3 , P < 0.0001) but not Mollisols; (ii) SOC sequestration rates were not significantly different between Mollisols (49.7 ± 64g Cm -2 yr -1 ) and Alfisols (43.9 ± 86 g Cm -2 yr -1 ), but were only detectable (P< 0.05) in the upper 5 cm; (iii) whole SOC and N to a depth of 25 cm did not change significantly; (iv) the annual average SOC sequestration rate declined (P < 0.05) as prairie age increased (from 72 ± 105 to 13 ± 25 g C m -2 yr -1 for youngest to oldest age groupings); and (v) short-term SOC and N increases could be lost with time. These data suggest that there may be a discontinuity between the intensity of continuing management that is needed for sustained, long-term SOC increases in planted prairies and the resources that the CRP has available to achieve this level of ecosystem functioning.
Heterotopic pancreas presenting as dysphagia

Heterotopic pancreatic tissue, also known as a pancreatic rest, is an uncommon congenital anomaly defined as extrapancreatic tissue located far from the pancreas and without connection via vascular or anatomical means to it. Such tissue may occur throughout the GI tract but has a propensity to affect the stomach and the proximal small intestine. The majority of patients with pancreatic heterotopia are asymptomatic, but when symptoms occur, they can present in a variety of ways. We report a case of a patient whose pancreatic rest presented primarily as dysphagia for solid food and in whom endoscopic ultrasound was used to further define the lesion. There have been only two cases reported of a pancreatic rest causing symptoms of dysphagia. A review of the literature on pancreatic heterotopia as well as the use of endoscopic ultrasound as an aid in evaluation is included.
Analysis of the Molecular Pathogenesis of Cardiomyopathy-Causing cTnT Mutants I79N, ΔE96, and ΔK210

Three troponin T (TnT) mutants that cause hypertrophic, restrictive, and dilated cardiomyopathy (I79N, ΔE96, and ΔK210, respectively), were examined using the thin-filament extraction/reconstitution technique. Effects of Ca(2+), ATP, phosphate, and ADP concentrations on force and its transients were studied at 25°C. Maximal Ca(2+) tension (THC) and Ca(2+)-activatable tension (Tact), respectively, were similar among I79N, ΔE96, and WT, whereas ΔK210 led to a significantly lower THC (∼20% less) and Tact (∼25% less) than did WT. In pCa solution containing 8 mM Pi and ionic strength adjusted to 200 mM, the Ca(2+) sensitivity (pCa50) of I79N (5.63 ± 0.02) and ΔE96 (5.60 ± 0.03) was significantly greater than that of WT (5.45 ± 0.04), but the pCa50 of ΔK210 (5.54 ± 0.04) remained similar to that of WT. Five equilibrium constants were deduced using sinusoidal analysis. All three mutants showed significantly lower K0 (ADP association constant) and larger K4 (equilibrium constant of force generation step) relative to the corresponding values for WT. I79N and ΔK210 were associated with a K2 (equilibrium constant of cross-bridge detachment step) significantly lower than that of ΔE96 and WT. These results demonstrated that at pCa 4.66, the force/cross-bridge is ∼18% less in I79N and ∼41% less in ΔK210 than that in WT. These results indicate that the molecular pathogenesis of the cardiac TnT mutation-related cardiomyopathies is different for each mutation.
Differential interaction of cations with the thiamine and biotin transport proteins of Lactobacillus casei

Abstract Lactobacillus casei cells contain separate and specific bindig proteins which mediate the cellular uptake of thiamine and biotin. In buffered salt solutions, these proteins exhibit a very high affinity for their vitamin substrate. Dissociation constants (Kd values) at pH 7.5 are 0.03 and 0.15 nM for thiamine and biotin, respectively. Optimal binding of biotin requires the presence of cations. This cation dependence is substantial since the Kd for biotin is 60-fold higher in a buffer containing 0.1 mM K-Hepes, compared with a buffer composed of 50 mM K-Hepes and 5mM MgCl2. Measurements of Kd versus cation concentration showed that Mg2+ is 300-fold more effective than K+ in promoting biotin binding. The extent of cation dependence decreases as the pH is reduced from 7.5 to 5.0, suggesting that protons can partially fulfill the cation requirement. In contrast, binding of thiamine to the thiamine transport protein shows no dependence on the ionic composition of the medium. These results suggest that the transport protein for the anionic vitamin, biotin, contains a binding site for cations. Cotransport of both the vitamin and cation into the cell might then occur during the normal transport cycle, allowing the cellular uptake of the vitamin to occur against the membrane potential. Conversely, the cationic vitamin, thiamine, does not appear to be transported into the cell as a complex with other ions.
A Compton profile representation for some second period elements

Abstract Compton profiles for the elements C, N and O, which are important both in medical science and security screening, are represented here as weighted sums of three Gaussians. Simple scaling relationships describe the dependence on atomic number (Z) of the amplitudes and standard deviations of the component Gaussians, which are identified with the Compton profiles of the 1s, 2s and 2p orbitals. This representation of the Compton profile agrees with tabulated values for C, N and O to a rms deviation of the order of 1% of the mean profile amplitude over the momentum range 0≤q≤4, where q is expressed in units of the hydrogen ground state momentum. This representation allows a “mean atomic number” for mixtures and compounds dominated by second period elements to be assigned on the basis of experimental measurements of the Doppler broadening of back-scattered X-ray K characteristic lines. Processed spectra of water and ethanol from a Compton spectrometer equipped with a room-temperature semiconductor detector are compared with the Compton profiles synthesized as suggested here, and a satisfactory agreement between the measured and theoretical mean atomic numbers and the profile shapes is found.
Enantioselective benzylidene transfer reactions using the chiral-at-iron benzylidene complexes (SFeSc)- and (RFeSc)-Cp(CO)(Ph2R★P_Fe=CH6H5+ (R★ = (S-2-methylbutyl) and SFe- and (RFe)-Cp(CO)PEt3Fe=CHC6H5+

Abstract Diastereomeric benzoyl complexes (SFeSc)- and (RFeSc)-Cp(CO)(Ph2R★P)Fe-COC6H5 (R★ = (S-2-methylbutyl) have been prepared, separated and converted to the benzylidene complexes (SFeSc- and (RFeSc)-Cp(CO)(Ph2R★P)Fe=CHC6H5+. These complexes transfer benzylidene to styrene and vinyl acetate to give phenylcyclopropane derivatives with moderate to high enantioselectivity. The stereochemistry observed is consistent with a mechanism involving reaction of the synclinal benzylidene isomer with the alkene followed by backside attack of the developing electrophilic center at Cγ on the FeCα bond. Benzylidene complexes (SFe- and (RFe)-Cp(CO)(PEt3)Fe=CHC6H5+ have been prepared in unknown but likely high enantiomeric purity from (S)-mandelic acid. Benzylidene transfer from these complexes to vinyl acetate gives phenylcyclopropane derivatives with moderate enantioselectivity.
A discursive institutionalist analysis of global policy ideas in the creation of the United Nations Peacebuilding Commission

This article examines three levels – policies, programs, and philosophies – and two types – cognitive and normative – of ideas in the policy discourse around the formation of the United Nations (UN) Peacebuilding Commission (PBC), using discursive institutionalism. This study of ideas helped explain this important global policy change and identify causal factors behind it. Underlying the policy ideas for the PBC and several antecedents, failed peacebuilding proposals were programmatic ideas about what peacebuilding was, whether it was relief, development, or security, and whether it should include prevention. A major questioning of ideas at the philosophical level, sparked by the 9/11 attacks and the 2002–2003 Iraq crisis, created the conditions under which the PBC policy idea could be brought forward. Tracing normative as well as cognitive ideas also helped explain policy change, by identifying policy actors’ motivations behind the policy proposals. Normative ideas were about what was wrong in post-confl...
Appendicular skeletal and visceral malformations induced by thalidomide in bonnet monkeys

Twenty-nine pregnancies were obtained in 21 female bonnet monkeys. The females were housed individually and were mated for a 2-h period, usually 2 days before midcycle. The day of mating was designated as day o of pregnancy. After pregnancy was confirmed by rectal palpation the animals each received 5, 10, or 30 mg/kg thalidomide orally, either as single doses on days 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, or 29 or once per day on days 25–27 or 41–44. With 5 and 10 mg/kg only malformations of the forelimbs were observed, characterized by total absence (amelia) or partial absence (meromelia) of the free limb. In all cases the malformations were more severe on the left side than the right. No craniocaudal developmental gradient was noted with 10 mg/kg. With 30 mg/kg forelimb and hindlimb malformations occurred, although the hindlimb malformations were mild and consisted essentially of either bowing or partial absence of the femur. A craniocaudal developmental gradient was evident with 30 mg/kg. Treatment during the time of palate closure (days 41–44) did not affect normal palate development. Absence and/or malformations of the uterus, ovaries, kidney, heart, brain, spleen, and umbilical arteries also occurred.
Network model for the viscoelastic behavior of polymer nanocomposites

Abstract A theoretical network model reproducing some significant features of the viscoelastic behavior of unentangled polymer melts reinforced with well dispersed non-agglomerated nanoparticles is presented. Nanocomposites with low filler volume fraction (∼10%) and strong polymer–filler interactions are considered. The model is calibrated based on results obtained from discrete simulations of the equilibrium molecular structure of the material. This analysis provides the statistics of the network of chains connecting fillers, of dangling strands having one end adsorbed onto fillers, and that of the population of loops surrounding each nanoparticle. The network kinetics depends on the attachment–detachment dynamics of grafted chains of various types and is modeled by using a set of convection equations for the probability distribution functions. The overall viscoelastic response depends strongly on the lifetime of the polymer–filler junctions. The largest reinforcement is observed at low strain rates and low frequency oscillations. A solid like behavior is predicted for systems in which the polymer molecules interact strongly with the nanoparticles, effect which is associated with the behavior of the network of bridging segments.
Efficiency Impact of Silicon Carbide Power Electronics for Modern Wind Turbine Full Scale Frequency Converter

Power electronics is an enabling technology found in most renewable energy generation systems. Because of its superior voltage blocking capabilities and fast switching speeds, silicon carbide (SiC) power electronics are considered for use in power conversion units in wind generation systems in this paper. The potential efficiency gains from the use of SiC devices in a wind generation system are explored by simulations, with the system modeling explained in detail. The performance of the SiC converter is analyzed and compared to its silicon counterpart at different wind speeds, temperatures, and switching frequencies. The quantitative results are based on SiC metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) prototypes from Cree and modern Si insulated-gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) products. A conclusion is drawn that the SiC converters can improve the wind system power conversion efficiency and can reduce the system's size and cost due to the low-loss, high-frequency, and high-temperature properties of SiC devices, even for one-for-one replacement for Si devices.