cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Discovery of [Ni(NHC)RCN]2 Species and Their Role as Cycloaddition Catalysts for the Formation of Pyridines

The reaction of Ni(COD)2, IPr, and nitrile affords dimeric [Ni(IPr)RCN]2 in high yields. X-ray analysis revealed these species display simultaneous η1- and η2-nitrile binding modes. These dimers are catalytically competent in the formation of pyridines from the cycloaddition of diynes and nitriles. Kinetic analysis showed the reaction to be first order in [Ni(IPr)RCN]2, zeroth order in added IPr, zeroth order in nitrile, and zeroth order in diyne. Extensive stoichiometric competition studies were performed, and selective incorporation of the exogenous, not dimer bound, nitrile was observed. Post cycloaddition, the dimeric state was found to be largely preserved. Nitrile and ligand exchange experiments were performed and found to be inoperative in the catalytic cycle. These observations suggest a mechanism whereby the catalyst is activated by partial dimer-opening followed by binding of exogenous nitrile and subsequent oxidative heterocoupling.
Application of Wheat Meal Solvent Retention Capacity Tests Within Soft Wheat Breeding Populations

ABSTRACT The solvent retention capacity (SRC) test is a relatively new AACC Approved Method (56-11) for evaluating soft wheat flour quality. The test measures the ability of flour to retain a set of four solvents (water, 50% sucrose, 5% sodium carbonate, and 5% lactic acid) after centrifugation. The objective of this study was to evaluate the utility of wheat meal sodium carbonate and lactic acid SRC tests and SDS sedimentation volume within three populations of soft spring wheat inbred lines as tools for selecting for improved flour SRC profiles, flour extraction, and cookie and pastry quality. The populations were derived from the crosses Vanna/Penawawa, Kanto 107/IDO488, and M2/IDO470 and were grown in replicated, irrigated trials in 2000 and 2001 near Aberdeen, Idaho. Within each of the three populations, wheat meal sodium carbonate SRC effectively predicted straight-grade flour sodium carbonate (r = 0.69–0.81) and sucrose SRC (r = 0.74–0.84). Wheat meal sodium carbonate SRC also was negatively correl...
Long-Term Water Quality Trends in the Lake Okeechobee Watershed, Florida

A Seasonal Kendall Tau test was used to determine statistical significance of mean monthly total phosphorus (TP) and total nitrogen (TN) concentration trends during the time period of 1991–2007, by station and basin at 35 long-term water quality monitoring stations located within the northern Lake Okeechobee watershed. One drainage basin (S-154) had a significant decreasing trend for mean monthly TP concentrations during the analysis period. A significant increase in TN concentrations was detected for four basins during this same time period. The S-154 basin which had the significant decreasing trend for TP also had the highest percentage of implemented Best Management Practices (BMPs) and the most rigorous types of nutrient control projects. These findings emphasize the need for continued implementation of intensive P management strategies. The increasing trend in TN for this watershed signals the need for added focus on reductions of TN in future nutrient source control projects and BMPs.
A Novel Approach to Uncover Health Care Frauds through Spectral Analysis

Fraudulent activities exist in many areas of businesses and our daily lives, and have been studied in many research articles. Such activities are most prevalent in credit card transactions, telecommunications, network intrusions, finance and insurance, and scientific applications. However, not much emphasis has been put on healthcare fraud detections and hence the research in this area has been very limited. The lack of research is not because the loss in health care fraud is insignificant, rather, the loss is significantly huge. According to NHCAA estimates in 2011, the financial losses due to health care frauds are in the tens of billions of dollars each year. Because of privacy concerns, the health care data are seldom released to the research communities. In this article, we will use a de-identified health claims dataset to propose and test a novel fraud detection technique based on a community detection algorithm through spectral analysis. Our result shows good performance and promising results in terms of identifying potentially fraudulent patterns in potental physician collusions. We evaluated our findings by going to detailed discussions of potential fraudulent scenarios. This community detection algorithm and a list of other similar algorithms could be expanded to other areas of fraud detection problems.
An aminopyridine-sensitive, early outward current recorded in vivo in neurons of the precruciate cortex of cats using single-electrode voltage-clamp techniques.

Abstract Studies were performed in cortical neurons to determine if voltage- and time-dependent membrane currents could be recognized and characterized in the dynamic, in vivo state. Intracellular measurements made in neurons of the precruciate cortex of awake cats with single-electrode voltage-clamp (SEVC) techniques disclosed an early outward current to depolarizing command steps in 124 of 137 cells studies. The voltage-dependent properties of the early outward current closely resembled those of A-currents studied in vitro in verterbrate and invertebrate neurons. The current was activated rapidly at onset latencies of less than two ms, fell to flat plateau levels within 60–120 ms during sustained depolarization, and was reduced or eliminated in 22 of 23 cells following intracellular administration of 3- or 4-aminopyridine. The magnitude of outward current in response to depolarizing commands was increased by preceding steady hyperpolarization and reduced by preceding steady depolarization. (The steady potentials were of 9.8 s duration and ±40 mV apart from the holding potentials.) Since return to the holding potentials occurred 80 ms before the onset of the command steps, the changes in membrane properties that were induced lasted beyond cessation of the steady polarizing stimuli themselves. Spiking did not prevent recognition of the early outward current as judged from its appearance before and after intracellular application of QX-314 to reduce spike activity. Apart from fast inward currents associated with spike potentials, the early outward current was the most conspicuous and characteristic membrane current noted in these recordings. An additional current component that was noted but not characterized in these studies was a slow, depolarization-induced inward current that could be reduced by intracellular injection of QX-314.
The genetics of systemic lupus erythematosus stratified by renal disease: linkage at 10q22.3 (SLEN1), 2q34-35 (SLEN2), and 11p15.6 (SLEN3)

Renal disease occurs in 40–75% of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients and significantly contributes to morbidity and mortality. We used two pedigree stratification strategies to explore the impact of the ACR renal criterion for SLE classification upon genetic linkage with SLE. In both we used SLE as the phenotype. First, we evaluated genome scan data from >300 microsatellite markers in the 75 pedigrees that had at least one SLE affected with the SLE renal criterion. A maximum-likehood parametric model approach produced a maximum screening LOD score of 3.16 at 10q22.3 in the European-American (EA) pedigrees. The African-American (AA) pedigrees obtained a maximum screening LOD score of 2.58 at 11p15.6. A multipoint sib-pair regression analysis produced P = 0.0000008 in EA at 10q22.3 (SLEN1) and P = 0.000001 in AA at 2q34-35 (SLEN2). A second stratification strategy explored the renal criterion in 35 pedigrees with two or more SLE patients with renal disease and produced a LOD score of 3.34 at 11p15.6 in AA (SLEN3). Sib-pair analysis in these 35 pedigrees revealed P = 0.00003 at 4q13.1 in EA, P = 0.00003 at 11p13 and 0.00007 at 3q23 in AA. Thus, multiple genetic linkages are related to the renal criterion in SLE. Of the significant genetic linkages with SLE described herein, those at 10q22.3 in the EA pedigrees (SLEN1) and at 2q34-35 in the AA pedigrees (SLEN2) have not been previously described.
Use of Elliptic Curves in Cryptography

We discuss the use of elliptic curves in cryptography. In particular, we propose an analogue of the Diffie-Hellmann key exchange protocol which appears to be immune from attacks of the style of Western, Miller, and Adleman. With the current bounds for infeasible attack, it appears to be about 20% faster than the Diffie-Hellmann scheme over GF(p). As computational power grows, this disparity should get rapidly bigger.
An Electrostatic-Magnetic Separator for Obtaining Isotopes of High Purity

The design of a 30-inch radius combined velocity and direction focusing mass analyzer is described. Application of this instrument as a high purity isotopic separator for research in nuclear physics, metallurgy, and semiconductors is also discussed. Brief mention is made of the development of p-n junctions for the detection of singly-charged ions of low kinetic energy.
Medical care of prisoners in the USA.

Universal access to health care for incarcerated persons has its modern roots in the 1929 Geneva Convention and, more recently, through advocacy organisations such as Amnesty International and the International Red Cross. In the USA, prison officials are implicitly obligated by the Eighth Amendment of the Constitution to provide adequate medical care to prisoners. For physicians who interact with detained and imprisoned persons around the globe, the ethics of medical care and its non-judgmental administration are similar. However, division of health-care resources is complex and limited in even the most technologically advanced and wealthy nations. At one extreme, nationwide public debate erupted in 2002, when a twiceconvicted felon became the first US prisoner to receive a heart transplant. He was constantly accompanied by armed guards, and his aftercare costs were estimated to be US$1 million during the first year after transplantation. Many argued that with tens of millions of law-abiding citizens lacking health insurance, the injustice of providing scarce and expensive resources to a felon at public expense was intolerable. Others forcefully argued that using gradations of social worth to determine medical care was ethically untenable. Nevertheless, from any perspective, the provision of health care to prisoners is hardly equal to that provided to their law-abiding counterparts. Because of security, administrative, medical-legal, and financial issues, the health care of prisoners is both qualitatively and quantitatively different from that of the general population.
A hydrophobic site on the GLP-1 receptor extracellular domain orients the peptide ligand for signal transduction

Structure–function studies have analyzed substitutions within the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) sequence that increase resistance to proteolysis, however, the investigation into how such substitutions alter interactions at the GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R) has captured less attention. This work describes our efforts at identifying relevant interactions between peptide ligands and the GLP-1R extracellular domain that contribute to the positioning of the peptide N-terminus for receptor activation. Alanine substitutions at hydrophilic (Glu127⁎ and Glu128⁎) and hydrophobic (Leu32⁎) GLP-1R residues were previously shown to differentially interact with GLP-1 and exendin-4. We examined if these receptor residues influence the activity of GLP-1- and exendin-4-based peptides containing either alanine or glycine at position 2. Additionally, a series of glucagon-based peptides were studied to determine how the central to C-terminal region affects activity. Our results suggest that peptide binding to the GLP-1R is largely driven by hydrophobic interactions with the extracellular domain that orient the N-terminus for activation.
A theoretical model for mixed alkali effect in ionic conduction in β-aluminas and glasses

Abstract Ionic conductivity of a binary system consisting of two kinds of monovalent ions in the two dimensional honeycomb lattice has been calculated by the Path Probability Method of irreversible statistical mechanics in order to gain insight into the probable cause of the mixed alkali effect in glasses and β-aluminas. It is shown that, if the interaction between the two components is attractive, one can expect the existence of a sharp minimum in the conductivity at a certain composition. The minimum is mainly due to the percolation difficulty created by mutual arrangements of two kinds of ions. Relations between the percolation difficulty and the mixed alkali effect are discussed.
Diffusion of macromolecules in polymer solutions and gels: A Laser scanning confocal microscopy study

Laser scanning confocal microscopy combined with fluorescence recovery after photobleaching is an effective tool to measure the diffusion coefficients of macromolecules in cross-linked hydrogels and polymer solutions. In this study, the effects of enzyme treatment on the diffusion of macromolecules (FITC-dextran) in guar solutions and titanium-guar hydrogels are examined. Enzyme treatment with β-mannanase, a polymer backbone cleaving enzyme, quickly increases the diffusion coefficient of the probe molecules in both solutions and hydrogels to that in water. Enzyme treatment of guar solutions and hydrogels with α-galactosidase, a side chain cleaving enzyme, displays a unique behavior due to changes in the fine structure of guar. The removal of galactose branches from the mannan backbone of guar creates additional hyperentanglements (i.e., cross-links), which reduce the water holding capacity of guar and induce syneresis. If the depth at which the diffusion coefficient is measured remains constant, a minimum...
The synthesis and characterization of a cationic technetium nitrosyl complex : The X-ray crystal structure of [TcCl(NO)(DPPE)2](PF6)·CH2Cl2

Abstract The reaction of the ammonium pertechnetate with a stochiometric excess of hydroxylamine hydrochloride in methanol yields a nitrosyl containing intermediate which can subsequently be reacted with reducing ligands to form nitrosyl complexes in various oxidation states. The reaction with a sixfold excess of diphenyl-phosphinoethane (DPPE) yields the Tc(I) cation [TcCl(NO)(DPPE) 2 ] + which can be precipitated cleanly with tetraphenylborate. The infrared spectrum displays an absorption at 1728 cm −1 which corresponds to the nitrosyl group. The ESI(+) mass spectrum displays the parent ion [TcCl(NO)(DPPE) 2 ] + as the only signal at 960 m / z . The X-ray crystal structure of the hexafluorophosphate salt shows a mutually trans arrangement of the nitrosyl and chloride ligands with the two bidentate phosphine ligands coordinated in the equatorial plane. The nitrosyl and chloride ligands display the usual site disorder which makes discussion of bond lengths tenuous. However, the Tc–N–O bond angle of 179.0(2)° reflects the sp hybridization of the nitrosyl nitrogen atom. The Tc–P bonds are somewhat elongated at 2.3810(6), 2.3947(6), 2.4096(5) and 2.4321(6) A, due to the steric congestion around the metal ion. The Tc–Cl bond is unexceptional at 2.3262(7) A. The coordination geometry of this complex is best described as a distorted octahedron.
Central venous oxygen saturation in shock: a study in man.

In two groups of patients, oxygen saturation was determined in blood drawn simultaneously from several locations: superior vena cava (SSVCO2) (central venous blood); right atrium (SRAO2); right ventricle (SRVO2); pulmonary artery (SO2) systemic artery (SARTO2) and inferior vena cava (SIVCO2). Values
Risk Factors for Readmission after Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation and Impact on Overall Survival

Abstract Patients treated with allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) are presumed to be at high risk for hospital readmission. The objective of this study was to identify the incidence and associated risk factors for readmissions in allogeneic HSCT patients and to evaluate the effect of readmissions on overall survival. In this retrospective review, we included 1141 HSCT patients (503 patients receiving a myeloablative [MAC] HSCT and 638 a reduced-intensity conditioning [RIC] HSCT). We measured rates of readmission at 30 days after discharge from HSCT and by day +100 after HSCT. Reasons for readmission, risk factors for readmission, and effect on overall survival were assessed. In the MAC group, 130 of 459 (28.3%) patients were readmitted within 30 days of discharge and 195 of 456 (42.8%) patients by day 100. In the RIC group, 105 of 600 (17.5%) patients were readmitted within 30 days of discharge and 185 of 595 (31.1%) patients by day 100. There were significantly more readmissions in the MAC group at both the 30-day (P
The nonexistence of nontrivial linear relations between the roots of a certain irreducible equation

Abstract Let x1,…, xn be the roots of an irreducible equation of degree n over Q. Under what conditions can we have “nontrivial” relations a 1 x 1 + … + a n x 1 = 0 (a n ∈ Q)? In some cases it is shown that the nonexistence of nontrivial relations depends on the nonvanishing of Dirichlet's series L(s, χ) at s = 1, when χ is a character with χ(−1) = −1.
Amyloid-beta Isoform Metabolism Quantitation by Stable Isotope Labeled Kinetics

Abstract Abundant evidence suggests a central role for the amyloid-beta (Aβ) peptide in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathogenesis. Production and clearance of different Aβ isoforms have been established as targets of proposed disease-modifying therapeutic treatments of AD. However, previous studies used multiple sequential purification steps to isolate the isoforms individually and quantitate them based on a common mid-domain peptide. We created a method to simultaneously purify Aβ isoforms and quantitate them by the specific C-terminal peptides in order to investigate Aβ isoform physiology in the central nervous system. By using standards generated from in vitro metabolic labeling, the relative quantitation of four peptides representing total amount of Aβ (Aβ–Total), Aβ38, Aβ40, and Aβ42 were achieved both in cell culture and in human cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Standard curves for each isoform demonstrated good sensitivity with very low limits of detection and high accuracy. Because the assay does not require antibody development for each Aβ isoform peptide, significant improvements in the throughput and accuracy of isoform quantitation were achieved.
Thermodynamic contributions of the ordered water molecule in HIV-1 protease.

Binding between biomolecules is usually accompanied by the formation of direct interactions with displacement of water from the binding sites. In some cases, however, the interactions are mediated by ordered water molecules, whose effect on binding affinity and the other thermodynamic functions is unclear. In this work, we compute the contribution of one such water molecule, the strongly bound water molecule at the binding site of HIV-1 protease, to the thermodynamic properties using statistical mechanical formulas for the energy and entropy. The requisite correlation functions are obtained by molecular dynamics simulations. We find that the entropic penalty of ordering is large but is outweighed by the favorable water−protein interactions. We also find a large negative contribution from this water molecule to the heat capacity. This approach could be useful in rational drug design by estimating which bound water molecules would be most favorable to displace.
Analysis of volatile compounds from various types of barley cultivars.

We identified volatile compounds of barley flour and determined the variation in volatile compound profiles among different types and varieties of barley. Volatile compounds of 12 barley and two wheat cultivars were analyzed using solid phase microextraction (SPME) and gas chromatography. Twentysix volatiles comprising aldehydes, ketones, alcohols, and a furan were identified in barley. 1-Octen3-ol, 3-methylbutanal, 2-methylbutanal, hexanal, 2-hexenal, 2-heptenal, 2-nonenal, and decanal were identified as key odorants in barley as their concentration exceeded their odor detection threshold in water. Hexanal (46-1269 Ig/L) and 1-pentanol (798-1811 Ig/L) were the major volatile compounds in barley cultivars. In wheat, 1-pentanol (723-748 Ig/L) was a major volatile. Hulled barley had higher total volatile, aldehyde, ketone, alcohol, and furan contents than hulless barley, highlighting the importance of the husk in barley grain aroma. The proanthocyanidin-free varieties generally showed higher total volatile and aldehyde contents than wild-type varieties, potentially due to decreased antioxidant activity by the absence of proanthocyanidins.
WHEN MEN ARE THE MINORITY: The Case of Men in Nursing

Based on in-depth interviews with a nonprobability sample of male nurses, this study argues that while male nurses do experience the interaction dynamics associated with tokenism as outlined by Kanter (1977a, 1977b), their experience is substantially different from that of female tokens because of socio-cultural factors that interact with group proportions in forming patterns of group interaction. Not only do male nurses react differently to the dynamics of visibility, polarization, and assimilation, but gender-related issues of status and stigma are also important to them. Although Kanter's framework is applicable to male nurses, many of the differences they experience compared to female tokens are attributable to socio-cultural definitions of masculinity and femininity as well as gender-based issues of status rather than group proportions alone. Thus, these findings suggest that socio-cultural factors, interacting with group proportions, strongly influence patterns of interaction among nurses.
Determination of isocitrate lyase and malate synthase activities in a marine bivalve mollusk by a new method of assay.

Abstract 1. 1. A new method for the assay of isocitrate lyase (EC 4.1.3.1) was developed, based on the isolation of 14C-glyoxylate semicarbazone by co-crystallization with authentic carrier. The method was easily adapted to measure malate synthase (EC 4.1.3.2). 2. 2. Interfering reactions were avoided with this method, and isocitrate dehydrogenase (ID) was easily distinguished from isocitrate lyase (IL). Assay of IL in germinating pumpkin seeds gave rates proportional to the amount of extract, with greater sensitivity and less variability than the spectrophotometric method. 3. 3. Six species of marine bivalve mollusks were tested for IL activity, and two species produced glyoxylate: Crassostrea virginica at 0.10 μmol/hr/g tissue, and Petricola pholadiformis at 0.85 μmol/hr/g. The other four species, and four other marine invertebrates from other phyla, lacked detectable IL activity. 4. 4. The rate of disappearance of glyoxylate in the malate synthase (MS) reaction indicated that Petricola had an activity of 0.60 μmol/hr/g; this is the first demonstration of activities of both IL and MS in a marine invertebrate.
Radio Interferometry Observations of the Hallmarks of Planet Formation

Some of the fundamental processes involved in the evolution of circumstellar disks and the assembly of planetary systems are just now becoming accessible to astronomical observations. The new promise of observational work in the field of planet formation makes for a very dynamic research scenario, which is certain to be amplified in the coming years as the revolutionary Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) facility ramps up to full operations. To highlight the new directions being explored in these fields, this brief review will describe how high angular resolution measurements at millimeter/radio wavelengths are being used to study several crucial aspects of the formation and early evolution of planetary systems, including: the gas and dust structures of protoplanetary disks, the growth and migration of disk solids, and the interactions between a young planetary system and its natal, gas-rich disk.
Sm-Nd dating of Archaean basic and ultrabasic volcanics

Abstract Sm-Nd data for ten greenstone belt volcanics from Rhodesia define an age of 2.64 ± 0.14AE , which is in agreement with other geochronological data and with observed field relationships. This age and the initial 143 Nd/ 144 Nd ratio of 0.50919 ± 0.00018 yield a time-integrated Sm/Nd ratio of 0.302 ± 0.009 in the mantle source region, similar to that in chondrites. Sm/Nd ratios of some lavas are 0.31 and imply that a small fraction of their source was removed prior to or as part of the main melting event. The utility of the Sm-Nd system for dating altered Archaean volcanic rocks is amply demonstrated by these data.
Evaluation of front loading in auctions for wholesale power

Abstract Bidders in auctions for long-term wholesale power contracts may offer prices that exceed value in the short run, even if they are attractive in the long run. Such prices are called ‘front-loaded’. Some multi-attribute bid evaluation schemes penalize front-loading bids. The rationale for penalties is the buyer's risk that long-run benefits will not materialize due to premature termination of the contract. We propose a framework to analyse the economics of front-loaded bids. Our method exploits the intuition that front-loading is a loan from buyer to seller. We separate this loan from the bidder's price stream. The default risk of these loans is embodied in an interest rate greater than the utility's normal discount rate. Several proposed bid evaluation systems are analysed from this perspective.
Filamentous nature of pheromone plumes protects integrity of signal from background chemical noise in cabbage looper moth,Trichoplusia ni

(Z)-7-Dodecenol failed to interrupt pheromone-mediated anemotactic responses by male cabbage looper moths,Trichoplusia ni (Hubner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in a wind tunnel when released 5 cm crosswind on both sides of the pheromone source or 10 cm upwind of the source to create an overlapping plume downwind. Significant inhibitory effects of (Z)-7-dodecenol were observed when released with the six-component pheromone blend from the same septum or abutting septa. These results indicate that (Z)-7-dodecenol needs to be received simultaneously with the pheromone blend to inhibit the anemotactic responses of males to the sex pheromone. We suggest that this feature and the filamentous nature of pheromone plumes render pheromone signals relatively protected from background chemical noise that may originate from pheromone plumes of other insect species. Unless filaments from a pheromone signal and an inhibitor arrive simultaneously, the integrity of the signal is maintained.
The Economics of Eminent Domain: Private Property, Public Use, and Just Compensation

The eminent domain clause of the U.S. Constitution concerns the limits of the government’s right to take private property for public use. The economic literature on this issue has examined (1) the proper scope of this power as embodied by the “public use” requirement, (2) the appropriate definition, and implications, of “just compensation,” and (3) the impact of eminent domain on land use incentives of owners whose land is subject to a taking risk. This essay reviews this literature and draws implications for our understanding of eminent domain law.
How Ought Critical Communication Scholars Judge, Here, Now?

The essays in this colloquy can be read as disagreeing on four key points: definitions of theory and criticism, the demands of the transnational scene, the role of novelty in academic productions, and the nature of the audience for academic journals. I suggest that the essays can be read together to conclude that the audience of the journal should be presumed to be people who are invested in sustained conversations about communication studies and who are semi-self-aware of our conversation's moving placements in a queerly transnationalizing human universe. Five guidelines for editors and journal reviewers are offered as responsive to the essays and that frame.
Mass and nutrient content of dead wood in a central Illinois floodplain forest

The quantity and quality of dead wood in a central Illinois floodplain forest was measured to determine its role in organic matter and nutrient budgets. Dead wood (downed wood and standing dead trees) was inventoried using plots and the line intersect method for mass, and samples were analyzed for density and concentration of ash. N, and P. Total dead wood was estimated at 15.9 Mg ha−1 and was comprised of 9.3 Mg ha−1 as standing dead (59%) and 6.6 Mg ha−1 as downed wood (41%). Most of the downed wood (82% of the total) was in the intermediate decomposition class. Density of downed wood (0.19–0.47 g cm−3) decreased and concentrations of N (0.18–1.29%), P (0.12–0.56 mg g−1, and ash (1–23%) increased with increasing state of decomposition. Mean N, P, and ash pools in dead wood were 47 kg ha−1, 3.1 kg ha−1, and 481 kg ha−1, respectively. Downed wood contained 56%, 54%, and 69% of the total N, P, and ash pools, respectively. During periods of rapid decomposition of leaves and reproductive parts, downed dead wood is the dominant and often sole component of the floor litter mass.
Trap position and fruit presence affect visual responses of apple maggot flies (Dipt., Tephritidae) to different trap types

: We compared responses of apple maggot flies, Rhagoletis pomonella (Walsh), in a commercial apple orchard in Massachusetts with three different types of visual traps baited with synthetic fruit volatiles. The traps were red spheres, Ladd traps (a rectangular yellow panel between two red hemispheres) and rectangular yellow panels. Traps were placed either in optimal position (Drummond, F.; Groden, E.; Prokopy, R. J., 1984: Environ. Entomol. 13, 232–235.) or sub-optimal position (not surrounded by foliage and fruit from all sides). The study was performed over 3 years. Early in the fruiting season, when apples were small and green, red spheres followed by Ladd traps attracted more flies than yellow panels. Ladd traps were the most sensitive to trap positioning, losing effectiveness when placed in sub-optimal position. Late in the fruiting season, in years yielding crops of large red apples, red spheres in optimal position (surrounded by growing red fruit) lost some effectiveness relative to Ladd traps in optimal position. Red spheres in sub-optimal position were not similarly affected, perhaps because of the lack of fruit in the background. Red sphere performance relative to Ladd traps was re-established after removal of competing fruit from trees at harvest. Because Ladd traps are more expensive to purchase and more difficult to position, red spheres are a better option for commercial growers in eastern North America. Conceivably, loss of capturing power of red spheres because of visual competition from red apples towards harvest could be mitigated by adjusting trap positioning.
U.S. Geological Survey Federal-State Program

The U.S. Geological Survey Federal-State Cooperative Water Resource Program is a partnership between the Geological Survey and State and local agencies for the collection of the hydrologic information needed for the continuing determination and evaluation of the quantity, quality, and use of the Nation’s water resources. The first Cooperative Program was started in 1895; the Congress gave formal recognition to the partnership in 1928 and authorized Federal funding of not more than 50 percent for cooperative programs with the Geological Survey, with total funding over $80 million. The process of project selection in the Cooperative Water Resource Program is a mutual effort in which Geological Survey represents national interests, including the needs of other Federal agencies, and the cooperator represents State and local interests. The result is a balanced program that involves careful evaluation of needs, priorities, and resources. A number of typical examples of projects within the Cooperative Program are presented.
Doppler color flow image size: dependence on instrument settings.

Doppler color flow imaging provides important qualitative information about the location and spatial distribution of intracardiac blood flow. However, the effect of instrument-related variables on the size of color Doppler images requires further definition. Flow of a silicone particle solution was established in a tube or cylinder and scanned as color gain, pulse repetition frequency, depth, and transducer frequency were varied. The diameter of Doppler color flow images were measured during constant laminar or disturbed flow parallel to the ultrasound beam and during laminar flow perpendicular to the ultrasound beam. The diameter of color Doppler images of laminar flow perpendicular and parallel to the beam varied directly with color gain. Diameter varied inversely with transducer frequency for laminar flow parallel to the transducer and inversely with pulse repetition frequency for laminar flow perpendicular to the transducer. The diameter of laminar flow parallel to the transducer varied directly with the depth of the flow area below the transducer. The size of the color flow dropout of laminar flow exactly perpendicular to the ultrasound beam varied directly with transducer frequency and inversely with gain. During disturbed flow parallel to the transducer, the diameter of the image varied directly with gain and inversely with transducer frequency and pulse repetition frequency. Instrument settings have a significant impact on the size of color Doppler images. Understanding the effects of changes in these variables is important for reliable diagnostic use of Doppler color flow imaging. (ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, Volume 8, May 1991)
Specification tests in simultaneous equations systems

Abstract This paper makes two contributions: (a) it provides a new derivation of 2SLS and 3SLS estimators in which they are represented as restricted least squares and restricted generalized least squares, respectively; (b) in the convext thus created it provides a perfectly routine and flexible vehicle for carrying out ‘identifiability’ and specification tests utilizing 2SLS or 3SLS estimators. The tests in question are simple Lagrange multiplier tests (LMT) carried out directly on the prior restrictions, in contrast to the current literature which approaches the problem indirectly through tests on the implications of such prior restrictions on the reduced form. In addition, it provides a limited Monte Carlo study comparing the performance of the newly created tests to that of the Hausman test (HT).
Image quality of a cone beam o-arm 3D imaging system

The O-arm is a cone beam imaging system designed primarily to support orthopedic surgery and is also used for image-guided and vascular surgery. Using a gantry that can be opened or closed, the O-arm can function as a 2-dimensional (2D) fluoroscopy device or collect 3-dimensional (3D) volumetric imaging data like a CT system. Clinical applications of the O-arm in spine surgical procedures, assessment of pedicle screw position, and kyphoplasty procedures show that the O-arm 3D mode provides enhanced imaging information compared to radiographs or fluoroscopy alone. In this study, the image quality of an O-arm system was quantitatively evaluated. A 20 cm diameter CATPHAN 424 phantom was scanned using the pre-programmed head protocols: small/medium (120 kVp, 100 mAs), large (120 kVp, 128 mAs), and extra-large (120 kVp, 160 mAs) in 3D mode. High resolution reconstruction mode (512×512×0.83 mm) was used to reconstruct images for the analysis of low and high contrast resolution, and noise power spectrum. MTF was measured using the point spread function. The results show that the O-arm image is uniform but with a noise pattern which cannot be removed by simply increasing the mAs. The high contrast resolution of the O-arm system was approximately 9 lp/cm. The system has a 10% MTF at 0.45 mm. The low-contrast resolution cannot be decided due to the noise pattern. For surgery where locations of a structure are emphasized over a survey of all image details, the image quality of the O-arm is well accepted clinically.
Ab initio calculations of the rotational barrier in PH4NH2

Abstract The nature of the rotational barrier in substituted phosphoranes has been investigated by ab initio calculations of PH 4 NH 2 using gaussian expansions of Slater orbitals. The conformation with the amino group's lone pair lying in the equatorial plane of the phosphorane system was favored by 21.0 kcal/mole without using d orbitals and 25.5 kcal/mole if d orbitals were added to the phosphorus. The molecular orbitals are analyzed to rationalize the conformational preference.
A modified DCB specimen to determine mixed mode fracture toughness of adhesives

Abstract The purpose of this work is to demonstrate the applicability of a relatively simple test specimen formed of unlike adhesively joined double cantilever beams (UDCB) for determining the mixed mode components G I and G II of the adhesive's fracture toughness. This work presents an approximate analysis based upon the Green's functions method for shear deformable beams that enables the evaluation of G I and G II without resort to finite element computations. It is shown that the current approximate analysis, which is essentially one dimensional, provides a simple, engineering type, solution that agrees with FEM results to within about 5%. It is demonstrated that a wide range of G II / G I ratios can also be obtained by applying a single load to any one of the UDCB, which may facilitate the test program.
Chondrocytes respond to adenosine via A2receptors and activity is potentiated by an adenosine deaminase inhibitor and a phosphodiesterase inhibitor

Abstract Objective To test the mechanisms by which adenosine and adenosine analogues stimulate adenylate cyclase and suppress lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced production of nitric oxide (NO) by chondrocytes. Methods Primary chondrocytes isolated from equine articular cartilage were plated in monolayer. Intracellular cyclic-AMP (cAMP) accumulation was measured following exposure to medium containing adenosine, the non-hydrolyzable adenosine analogue N 6 -methyladenosine, the A 2A specific agonist N 6 -(dimethoxyphenyl)-ethyl]adenosine (DPMA), the adenosine deaminase inhibitor erythro-9-(2-Hydroxy-3-nonyl)adenine hydrochloride (EHNA), or forskolin, a potent stimulator of adenylate cyclase. Regulation of NO production by LPS-stimulated chondrocytes, as determined by nitrite concentration, was assessed in the presence of adenosine, N 6 -methyladenosine, DPMA, the broad agonist 5′-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (NECA), or forskolin. Alternatively, LPS-stimulated chondrocytes were exposed to EHNA or the phosphodiesterase inhibitor rolipram in the presence or absence of supplemental adenosine. Results Adenosine, N 6 -methyladenosine, DPMA, and forskolin each increased intracellular cAMP accumulation in a concentration-dependent manner and suppressed NO production by LPS-stimulated chondrocytes. NECA also decreased NO production by chondrocytes stimulated with LPS. Incubation with EHNA, to protect endogenously produced adenosine, or rolipram, which prevents the degradation of cAMP, similarly suppressed LPS-stimulated NO production. The addition of exogenous adenosine with EHNA or rolipram further suppressed NO production. Conclusions This study documents functional responses to adenosine by articular chondrocytes. These responses are mimicked by the A 2A receptor agonist, DPMA. Effects were enhanced by protecting adenosine using an adenosine deaminase inhibitor or by potentiating the cAMP response with rolipram. These experiments suggest that adenosine may play a physiological role in regulation of chondrocytes and that adenosine pathways could represent a novel target for therapeutic intervention.
Lithium vanadium oxides (Li 1+x V 3 O 8 ) as cathode materials in lithium-ion batteries for soldier portable power systems

Improving soldier portable power systems is very important for saving soldiers' lives and having a strategic advantage in a war. This paper reports our work on synthesizing lithium vanadium oxides (Li 1+x V 3 O 8 ) and developing their applications as the cathode (positive) materials in lithium-ion batteries for soldier portable power systems. Two synthesizing methods, solid-state reaction method and sol-gel method, are used in synthesizing lithium vanadium oxides, and the chemical reaction conditions are determined mainly based on thermogravimetric and differential thermogravimetric (TG-DTG) analysis. The synthesized lithium vanadium oxides are used as the active positive materials in the cathodes of prototype lithium-ion batteries. By using the new solid-state reaction technique proposed in this paper, lithium vanadium oxides can be synthesized at a lower temperature and in a shorter time, and the synthesized lithium vanadium oxide powders exhibit good crystal structures and good electrochemical properties. In the sol-gel method, different lithium source materials are used, and it is found that lithium nitrate (LiNO 3 ) is better than lithium carbonate (Li 2 CO 3 ) and lithium hydroxide (LiOH). The lithium vanadium oxides synthesized in this work have high specific charge and discharge capacities, which are helpful for reducing the sizes and weights, or increasing the power capacities, of soldier portable power systems.
THE IMPACT OF PRIOR WORKING PAPERS ON AUDITOR EVIDENTIAL PLANNING JUDGMENTS.

Abstract There has been significant concern in auditing about the effects of relying on prior working papers in planning audit procedures (“anchoring”). This study employed an experiment with varying information sets: prior working papers, current year information and “scenario” (summarized prior year information). Practicing auditors were asked to design a substantive audit program for a case where changes in the client's environment dictated additional procedures. A consensus program from three partners was used as a bench-mark. Experimental groups were about equally adaptive to the changing environment. However, auditors provided with prior working papers demonstrated lower efficiency. The scenario group exhibited both high relative effectiveness and efficiency, while current information subjects displayed the lowest overall level of performance.
Leucine-nitrogen metabolism in the brain of conscious rats: its role as a nitrogen carrier in glutamate synthesis in glial and neuronal metabolic compartments

The source of nitrogen (N) for the de novo synthesis of brain glutamate, glutamine and GABA remains controversial. Because leucine is readily transported into the brain and the brain contains high activities of branched-chain aminotransferase (BCAT), we hypothesized that leucine is the predominant N-precursor for brain glutamate synthesis. Conscious and unstressed rats administered with [U-13C] and/or [15N]leucine as additions to the diet were killed at 0-9 h of continuous feeding. Plasma and brain leucine equilibrated rapidly and the brain leucine-N turnover was more than 100%/min. The isotopic dilution of [U-13C]leucine (brain/plasma ratio 0.61 +/- 0.06) and [15N]leucine (0.23 +/- 0.06) differed markedly, suggesting that 15% of cerebral leucine-N turnover derived from proteolysis and 62% from leucine synthesis via reverse transamination. The rate of glutamate synthesis from leucine was 5 micro mol/g/h and at least 50% of glutamate-N originally derived from leucine. The enrichment of [5-15N]glutamine was higher than [15N]ammonia in the brain, indicating glial ammonia generation from leucine via glutamate. The enrichment of [15N]GABA, [15N]aspartate, [15N]glutamate greater than [2-15N]glutamine suggests direct incorporation of leucine-N into both glial and neuronal glutamate. These findings provide a new insight for the role of leucine as N-carrier from the plasma pool and within the cerebral compartments.
A practical approach to the echocardiographic evaluation of diastolic function

A number of recent community-based epidemiologic studies suggest that 40% to 50% of the cases of heart failure have preserved left ventricular systolic function. Although diastolic heart failure is often not well clinically recognized, it is associated with marked increases in morbidity and all-cause mortality. Doppler echocardiography has emerged as the principal clinical tool for the assessment of left ventricular diastolic function. Doppler mitral inflow velocity-derived variables remain the cornerstone of the evaluation of diastolic function. Pulmonary venous Doppler flow indices and mitral inflow measurements with Valsalva's maneuver are important adjuncts for differentiating normal and pseudonormal mitral inflow patterns. Unfortunately, these Doppler flow variables are significantly influenced by loading conditions and, therefore, the results from these standard techniques can be inconclusive. Recently, color M-mode and Doppler tissue imaging have emerged as new modalities that are less affected by preload and, thus, provide a strong complementary role in the assessment of diastolic function. This review will discuss the diastolic properties of the left ventricle, Doppler echocardiographic evaluation, and grading of diastolic dysfunction.
An evaluation of a theory based childhood overweight prevention curriculum

Food Fit, a social cognitive theory based (SCT) nutrition intervention, was implemented to 3rd-5th grade student’s at 5 YMCA after-school programs to impact specific dietary behaviors associated with the prevention of childhood overweight (n = 58). Pre and post tests were administered for each lesson to evaluate changes in behavioral capabilities (BC), self efficacy (SE), and outcome expectancies (OE) for each lesson's key objectives. A child-modified Food Behavior Checklist was administered before and after the program to evaluate dietary behaviors. Results showed significant improvements for SCT psychosocial variables (i.e. outcome expectancies for eating raw vegetables (p<0.01), self efficacy for eating fruit (p<.05)) Significant dietary changes included an increased consumption of fruits and vegetables as snacks (p<.001), citrus fruits and juice (p<0.02), raw vegetables (p<.001), and increased use of the food label to determine food selection (p<0.001). The FF program appears to be successful at favorably impacting children's BC, SE and OE for food selection behaviors thought to contribute to the prevention and treatment of overweight and obesity. FF may be a viable nutrition program for use in multi-component interventions, aimed at impacting behaviors associated with the prevention and treatment of overweight and obesity.
Volatile Flavor of Sauerkraut.a,b Gas Chromatographic Identification of a Volatile Acidic Off-Odor

SUMMARY A method is presented for gas chromatographic identification of the chain length and structure of methyl esters of lower-molecular-weight fatty acids. The chemical identity of the “cheese-like” off-odor of sauerkraut was established. Abnormally high concentrations of n-propionic, n-butyric, and n-caproic acids were found in samples of kraut that had been graded low because of this off-odor defect. A very poor sample that had been discarded, contained isobu-tyric and isovaleric acids in addition to n-propionic, n-butyric, n-valeric, and n-caproic acids. In this sample, n-butyric acid was found in the largest concentration—103 ppm.
The emergence of social capital in low-income Latino elementary schools

Scholars suggest that racial/ethnic and class disparities in school-based social capital contribute to educational inequalities. Previous studies demonstrate that social capital (relations of trust, mutual expectations, and shared values) between parents and schools supports children's development. Yet we know little about the emergence of social capital, that is, the processes through which it develops. In this study, we explore mechanisms of social capital emergence in predominantly low-income Latino school communities. We draw data from an experimental study that manipulated social capital through an after-school family engagement program. Based on interviews and focus groups with participating parents, teachers, and program staff in two elementary schools, we identified four types of interactions that act as mechanisms of social capital emergence: (1) responsive communication; (2) reciprocal communication; (3) shared experiences; and (4) institutional linkage. The article connects these mechanisms to theoretically linked sources of social capital and discusses implications for theory and practice.