cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Toxicology studies of N-trichloromethylthio-4-cyclohexene-1,2-dicarboximide (captan): Its metabolism by rat liver drug-metabolizing enzyme system

The degree of toxicity caused in rats by captan (N-trichloromethylthio-4-cyclohexene-1,2-dicarboximide) administered intraperitoneally is greater that that induced by orally administered captan. With regard to its effect on the drug-metabolizing enzymes of rat liver, the activity of aniline hydroxylase and the level of cytochrome P-450 were found to decrease in the treated rats 24 h after a single oral dose (650 mg/kg). The loss was even greater in the animals receiving diethyl maleate 1 h prior to captan. Furthermore, usual increase in the activity of drug biotransformation enzymes seen after phenobarbital treatment appears to decrease in rats dosed with this fungicide. In vitro incubations of rat liver microsomes with captan resulted in a profound loss of cytochrome P-450 and of the activity of benzphetamine N-demethylase as well as aniline hydroxylase. Although the inhibition of drug-metabolizinf enzyme activity byc captan was observed in microsomal incubations with or without NADPH, a detectable amount of carbonyl sulfide (COS) was found only in the incubations that contained captan plus NADPH. Carbonyl sulfide appears to arise from a captan-derived metabolite, thiophosgene (CSCl2), which decomposes to COS in aqueous solutions and in the presence of NADPH inhibits the activity of drug biotransformation enzymes.
NCSX Toroidal Field Coil Design

The National Compact Stellarator Experiment (NCSX) is an experimental device whose design and construction is underway at the Department of Energy's Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL). The primary coil systems for the NCSX device consist of the twisted plasma shaping modular coils, the poloidal field coils, and the toroidal field (TF) coils. The TF coils are D shaped coils wound from hollow copper conductor and vacuum impregnated with a glass-epoxy resin system. There are 18 identical, equally spaced TF coils providing 1/R field at the plasma. They operate within a cryostat and are cooled by LN2 nominally to 80 K. Wedge shaped castings are assembled to the inboard face of these coils so that inward radial loads are reacted via the nesting of each of the coils against their adjacent partners. This paper outlines the TF coil design methodology, reviews the analysis results and summarizes how the design and analysis support the design requirements
Diminished amnestic effect of a second electroconvulsive seizure.

Abstract Cats were trained to enter a small compartment for food. They then received an aversive mouth-shock (MS) while eating in the compartment, followed in 4 sec by an electroconvulsive shock (ECS). When tested 24 hr later, all cats showed amnesia for the MS experience. Cats that received a second MS-ECS treatment on this test day showed retention for the MS experience 24 hr later. This failure to obtain amnesia for the second experience was shown not to be a function of fear produced by ECS, recovery from amnesia at a later time, nor to changes in efficacy of a second ECS if given an adequate time after the first. In addition, it was shown that at time intervals between MS and ECS less than 4 sec more than two MS-ECS combinations can be given before retention of the MS experience occurs. The data indicate that an ECS does not destroy an incipient memory trace but merely arrests its development, leaving an “incomplete” trace which at a later time can summate with similarly curtailed traces to produce a functionally adequate memory of the aversive experience.
Reduction of the bulk absorption coefficient in silicon optics for high-energy lasers through defect engineering

We engineered a factor-of-4 reduction in the bulk absorption coefficient over the 2.6-to-3.0-µm bandwidth in single-crystal Czochralski silicon optics for high-energy infrared lasers with high-temperature annealing treatments. Defect engineering adapted from the integrated circuit industry has been used to reduce the absorption coefficient across the 1.5-to-5-µm bandwidth for substrates up to 5 cm thick. A high-temperature oxygen-dispersion anneal dissolves precipitates and thermal donors that are present in the as-grown material. The process has been verified experimentally with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, infrared laser calorimetry, and Hall measurements. Reduction of the absorption coefficient results in less substrate heating and thermal distortion of the optical surface. The process is appropriate for other silicon infrared optics applications such as thermal-imaging systems, infrared windows, and spectrophotometers.
Computational analysis of shrouded wind turbine configurations using a 3-dimensional RANS solver

The use of a shroud is known to improve performance. In this work, the flow physics and performance of shrouded turbines is assessed by solving the Reynolds Averaged Navier–Stokes equations supplemented with a transition model. Shroud geometries are evaluated for their augmentation of mass flow through the turbine. Initial assessments are performed using axisymmetric calculations of annular wings with high-lift airfoils as cross sections. The mass flow amplification factor is defined as a performance parameter and is found to increase nearly linearly with radial lift force. From a selection of considered airfoils, the Selig S1223 high-lift airfoil is found to best promote mass flow rate. Full three-dimensional simulations of shrouded wind turbines are performed for selected shroud geometries. The results are compared to open turbine solutions. Augmentation ratios of up to 1.9 are achieved. Peak augmentation occurs at the highest wind speed for which the flow over the blade stays attached. Flowfields are examined in detail and the following aspects are investigated: regions with flow separation, the development of velocity profiles, and the interaction between the turbine wake and shroud boundary layer. The sensitivity of the solutions to rotation rate is examined.
Effect of methylmercury (II) on the synthesis of deoxyribonucleic acid, ribonucleic acid and protein in HeLa S3 cells.

Abstract Exposing HeLa S3 cells to increasing concentrations of methylmercury CH 3 Hg(II) for varying periods of time results in an abrupt cessation of intracellular events, such as DNA, RNA and protein syntheses, once the organomercurial concentration in the growth medium has exceeded a certain threshold, the value of which lies between 1 and 10 μM. The synthetic activities, expressed as the ability of the cells to incorporate 3 H-labeled thymidine, uridine and leucine into the acid-insoluble fraction of the cells, decrease exponentially with time at a given methylmercury concentration and, at a given time, they cease in an abrupt, highly cooperative manner when plotted against the logarithm of the CH 3 Hg(II) concentration, yielding sigmoidally shaped dose-response curves. The inhibition of intracellular macromolecular synthesis is reversible up to a certain CH 3 Hg(II) level. For instance, cells that had been kept for 6 hr at CH 3 Hg(II) concentrations ranging from 2.5 to 10 μM did recover, albeit with lag periods that increased in length with increasing organomercurial concentration, as evidenced by their ability to continue RNA synthesis once the intoxicating medium had been removed. However, cells that had been exposed to 20 μM CH 3 Hg(II) and above did not recover, at least not at incubation periods up to 91 hr (4.3 generation times), after termination of the 6 hr methylmercury treatment. In general, macromolecular synthesis decreases in the sequence DNA ~ RNA > protein, followed by cell death as soon as protein synthesis has become inhibited to a major degree. The acute effects of CH 3 Hg(II) on intracellular DNA, RNA and protein syntheses were marginally different when HeLa S3 cells were exposed to methylmercury in three modes: as monolayers, as suspensions prepared from freshly trypsinized monolayer cells, and as suspension-cultures, demonstrating that, for instance, trypsin treatment of the cells increases their sensitivity toward methylmercury intoxication only slightly.
BOLD Correlates of Trial-by-Trial Reaction Time Variability in Gray and White Matter: A Multi-Study fMRI Analysis

Background Reaction time (RT) is one of the most widely used measures of performance in experimental psychology, yet relatively few fMRI studies have included trial-by-trial differences in RT as a predictor variable in their analyses. Using a multi-study approach, we investigated whether there are brain regions that show a general relationship between trial-by-trial RT variability and activation across a range of cognitive tasks. Methodology/Principal Findings The relation between trial-by-trial differences in RT and brain activation was modeled in five different fMRI datasets spanning a range of experimental tasks and stimulus modalities. Three main findings were identified. First, in a widely distributed set of gray and white matter regions, activation was delayed on trials with long RTs relative to short RTs, suggesting delayed initiation of underlying physiological processes. Second, in lateral and medial frontal regions, activation showed a “time-on-task” effect, increasing linearly as a function of RT. Finally, RT variability reliably modulated the BOLD signal not only in gray matter but also in diffuse regions of white matter. Conclusions/Significance The results highlight the importance of modeling trial-by-trial RT in fMRI analyses and raise the possibility that RT variability may provide a powerful probe for investigating the previously elusive white matter BOLD signal.
New molecular routes for synthesizing titanium disulfide

Abstract Titanium isopropoxide was reacted with H2S to form amorphous alkoxy-sulfide precursors. Gas chromatography and infrared spectroscopy indicate that a thiolysis-condensation mechanism is responsible for the formation of the precursors. The alkoxide was also reacted with organic sulfidizing agents, such as dimethyldisulfide and hexamethyldisilthiane. The precursors are all amorphous and are comprised of spherical particles. On heat treatment in H2S, the spherical particles transform to the crystalline sulfide having unique morphologies and exhibiting random as well as preferred growth of sulfide platelets.
Coverage of Cancer in Local Television News

Background. The news media provide significant health information to the American public. Although the public turns to and trusts local television news, news about cancer has not been systematically examined. Methods. In this content analysis, we examined 40,112 news stories aired in the 3rd, 25th, 87th, and 150th sized market in the country, all located in the Midwest. Results. In total, 386 stories focused on cancer. News stories about cancer were short and occurred less than once for every 30 minutes of news. The amount of news coverage of specific cancer sites was not consistent with cancer incidence rates. Similarly, the demography of cancer patients featured in the news differed from that in real life. Few stories provided follow-up information. The average story required a 10th-grade education to be understood. Differences across markets were not systematically related to market size. Conclusions. Cancer coverage was scattered and abbreviated. For both cancer practitioners as well as the general public, local television news cannot be counted on as a primary vehicle for cancer information.
Spatial analysis of various soil properties in a semiarid rangeland

Abstract Researchers and managers of semiarid rangelands rely on accurately determining soil properties for such tasks as establishing experimental plots, randomizing experiments, and developing mangement plans. Spatial variability of many soil characteristics is generally very high often resulting in erroneous assumptions concerning baseline soil properties. A field study was initiated to quantify the degree of spatial variability on a rangeland site in northeastern Colorado. The research site consisted of north‐ and south‐facing slopes. Soil cores were collected at two depths from a 100‐point grid laid out on each slope. Soil was analyzed for bulk density, particle size, calcium carbonate, and organic matter. Conventional and geostatistical analyses were conducted to compare variables within and between the two slopes. Spatial correlations were detected for percentage sand, clay, and calcium carbonate on the south‐facing slope. Soil bulk density and percentage calcium carbonate in the soil were the most...
Constructing and Analyzing Criminal Networks

Analysis of criminal social graph structures can enable us to gain valuable insights into how these communities are organized. Such as, how large scale and centralized these criminal communities are currently? While these types of analysis have been completed in the past, we wanted to explore how to construct a large scale social graph from a smaller set of leaked data that included only the criminal's email addresses. We begin our analysis by constructing a 43 thousand node social graph from one thousand publicly leaked criminals' email addresses. This is done by locating Facebook profiles that are linked to these same email addresses and scraping the public social graph from these profiles. We then perform a large scale analysis of this social graph to identify profiles of high rank criminals, criminal organizations and large scale communities of criminals. Finally, we perform a manual analysis of these profiles that results in the identification of many criminally focused public groups on Facebook. This analysis demonstrates the amount of information that can be gathered by using limited data leaks.
Critical heat flux on a tube in a horizontal tube bundle

Abstract An experimental study was conducted on the critical heat flux (CHF) phenomenon on a single tube in an inline horizontal tube bundle that operates in an upward two-phase cross flow. For a saturated liquid, the CHF was 10–20% lower than the pool boiling value; there was no significant variation in the CHF with mass velocity. At low mass fluxes, the CHF generally decreased with increasing quality. At higher mass fluxes, the CHF first increased (sometimes quite sharply) with increasing quality, reached a maximum, and then began to decrease. At lower qualities, the CHF mechanism is most likely a departure from a nucleate boiling type process, and at higher qualities, a dryout phenomenon.
Synthesis and NMR assignments of galactosylgloboside and its β-d-GalNAc-(1→4)-α-d-Gal-linked positional isomer in a conjugatable form☆

Abstract Two pentasaccharides suitable for conjugation, namely 3-aminopropyl glactosylgloboside and its β- d -GalNAc-(1→4)-α- d -Gal-linked positional isomer, were synthesized from 3 III ,4 III -di- O -unprotected globotrioside and the trichloroacetimidate of β- d -Gal-(1→3)-β- d -GalNPhth derivative. Glycosylation at both positions led to the formation of β- d -GalNPhth-(1→4)-α- d -Gal and β- d -GalNPhth-(1→3)-α- d -Gal-linked products in a ratio of 1:1 without selectivity. Complete NMR spectral assignments are also described.
Development of a fingerprinting panel using medically relevant polymorphisms

For population based biorepositories to be of use, rigorous quality control and assurance must be maintained. We have designed and validated a panel of polymorphisms for individual sample identification consisting of 36 common polymorphisms that have been implicated in a wide range of diseases and an additional sex marker. This panel uniquely identifies our biorepository of approximately 20,000 samples and would continue to uniquely identify samples in biorepositories of over 100 million samples. A panel of polymorphisms associated with at least one disease state in multiple populations was constructed using a cut-off of 0.20 or greater confirmed minor allele frequency in a European Caucasian population. The fingerprinting assay was tested using the MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry method of allele determination on a Sequenom platform with a panel of 28 Caucasian HapMap samples; the results were compared with known genotypes to ensure accuracy. The frequencies of the alleles were compared to the expected frequencies from dbSNP and any genotype that did not achieve Hardy Weinberg equilibrium was excluded from the final assay. The final assay consisted of the AMG sex marker and 36 medically relevant polymorphisms with representation on each chromosome, encompassing polymorphisms on both the Illumina 550K bead array and the Affymetrix 6.0 chip (with over a million polymorphisms) platform. The validated assay has a P(ID) of 6.132 × 10-15 and a Psib(ID) of 3.077 × 10-8. This assay allows unique identification of our biorepository of 20,000 individuals as well and ensures that as we continue to recruit individuals they can be uniquely fingerprinted. In addition, diseases such as cancer, heart disease diabetes, obesity, and respiratory disease are well represented in the fingerprinting assay. The polymorphisms in this panel are currently represented on a number of common genotyping platforms making QA/QC flexible enough to accommodate a large number of studies. In addition, this panel can serve as a resource for investigators who are interested in the effects of disease in a population, particularly for common diseases.
Self-Knowledge in “Deciding to Believe”

Bernard Williams a soutenu que ce n'est pas un fait purement contingent que les croyances ne puissent etre acquises a volonte. II part de l'intuition plausible que le «fait» que les croyances ne peuvent etre acquises a volonte a quelque chose a voir avec le «fait» que les croyances visent la verite. Au fur et a mesure que l'argument se developpe, cependant, il assume certaines hypotheses quant a la connaissance de soi qui serait requise pour acquerir des croyances a volonte. Je soutiens que ces hypotheses sont fausses et qu'elles engagent Williams a une conception trop intellectualiste et rationaliste de nos pratiques epistemiques.
Generalized QR factorization and its applications

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to reintroduce the generalized QR factorization with or without pivoting of two matrices A and B having the same number of rows. When B is square and nonsingular, the factorization implicity gives the orthogonal factorization of B −1 A . Continuing the work of Paige and Hammarling, we discuss the different forms of the factorization from the point of view of general-purpose software development. In addition, we demonstrate the applications of the GQR factorization in solving the linear equality-constrained least-squares problem and the generalized linear regression problem, and in estimating the conditioning of these problems.
Deriving how far structural information is transmitted through parallel homodimeric coiled-coils: a correlation analysis of helical staggers.

How local conformation is affected by local sequence is fairly well understood for alpha-helical coiled-coils, but less is known about how local conformation is influenced by distant features. Here, I describe an approach to detect such an effect, based on computing correlation coefficients of local out-of-register alignments, or so-called “staggers” between the helices, as a function of the axial distance between the staggers. This approach requires parallel homodimers, in which each stagger can occur with two “signs,” where either one helix or the other is shifted towards the N terminus. The signs of such staggers separated by up to 12 residues are strongly correlated, indicating that the conformations of the ends of coiled-coils are commonly influenced by attached structures. Thus, the structures of coiled-coil residues aberrantly attached to alternative proteins, such as those resulting from leukemogenic chromosomal rearrangements, may be distinguishable from those in normal tissues, and in turn serve as targets of selective drug design. The signs of helical staggers separated by between 13 and 30 residues are moderately yet significantly correlated, indicating that some of the coiled-coils transmit this conformational feature axially for at least 45 A. A positive, albeit noisy, correlation also exists among tropomyosin coiled-coils for signed staggers separated by the 40-residue actin repeat distance, consistent with the semi-flexible tropomyosin filament binding F-actin and regulating skeletal muscle contraction in a partially cooperative manner. Communication of the signs of axial staggers is explained in part by minimization of main-chain hydrogen bond deformations. © Proteins 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Variability in a dominant block to SIV early reverse transcription in rhesus monkey cells predicts in vivo viral replication and time to death

While it has long been appreciated that there is considerable variability in host containment of HIV/SIV replication, the determinants of that variability are not fully understood. Previous studies demonstrated that the degree of permissivity of a macaque's peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) for infection with simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) in vitro predicted that animal's peak plasma virus RNA levels following SIV infection in vivo. The present study was conducted to define the mechanisms underlying the variable intrinsic susceptibility of rhesus monkey PBMC to SIVsmE660 infection. In a cohort of 15 unrelated Indian-origin rhesus monkeys, infectability of PBMC of individual animals with SIVsmE660, as defined by tissue culture infectious dose (TCID50), varied by more than 3 logs and was a stable phenotype over time. Susceptibility of a monkey's PBMC to wild type SIVsmE660 infection correlated with the susceptibility of that monkey's PBMC to infection with VSV-G pseudotyped SIVsm543-GFP. Moreover, the permissivity of an individual monkey's PBMC for infection with this construct correlated with the permissivity of a B-lymphoblastoid cell line (B-LCL) generated from PBMC of the same animal. We found that the degree of intrinsic resistance of monkey B-LCL correlated with the copy number of early reverse transcription (ERT) SIV DNA. The resistance of monkey B-LCL to SIVsmE660 replication could be abrogated by preincubation of cells with the SIV virus-like particles (VLPs) and SIV resistance phenotype could be transferred to a SIV susceptible B-LCL through cell fusion. Finally, we observed a positive correlation between susceptibility of monkey B-LCL to SIV infection with a VSV-G pseudotyped SIV-GFP construct in vitro and both the peak plasma virus RNA levels in vivo and time to death following wild type SIV infection. These findings suggest that a dominant early RT restricting factor that can be saturated by SIV capsid may contribute to the variable resistance to SIV infection in rhesus monkey B-LCL and that this differential intrinsic susceptibility contributes to the clinical outcome of an SIV infection.
The development delusion

The future of humankind depends on its survivability as a species of consequence. This seems impossible unless societies continue to learn (and unlearn) behaviors that are self-sustaining. The daunting challenge that we face today is to devise a strategy of global transformations that involves enduring progress, peace and development. The myth and reality of this formulation involve critical analysis of issues and forces beyond the kitsch of contemporary developmentalism.
Chemokine receptors in the human brain and their relationship to HIV infection

Chemokine receptors have been recently identified as the important co-factors which in conjunction with CD4, mediate entry of HIV into its target cells. The brain is one of the most prominent targets of HIV infection, where it leads to HIV encephalitis (HIVE) and HIV-associated dementia. Knowledge of the distribution, physiology, and pathology of chemokines and chemokine receptors in the human brain is fundamental for understanding the pathogenesis of the interaction between HIV and the central nervous system (CNS). There is also increasing evidence that chemokine receptors expression in the CNS increases during pathological, especially inflammatory, conditions. The major co-factors for HIV infection, CCR5, CCR3, and CXCR4 have been detected in the human brain in a variety of cell types including microglia, astrocytes, neurons, and vascular endothelial cells. Furthermore, antibodies to chemokine receptors can also block HIV infectivity in cultured CNS cells. This indicates that chemokine receptors are likely to have a functional role in the pathogenesis of HIVE.
Germinal center selection and the antibody response to influenza

In this Minireview, we discuss basic aspects of germinal center biology in the context of immunity to influenza infection and speculate on how the simultaneous evolutionary races of virus and antibody may impact our efforts to design a universal influenza vaccine.
Persistence, Intensity, and Areal Extent of Violence Against Women Baltimore City, 1992 to 1995

The authors focus on the density of assaults against women in Baltimore City, expressed in terms of persistence, intensity, and areal extent. Aggravated assaults and homicides with female victims were abstracted from the data base of all such events in police files for the 4 years 1992 to 1995 (N = 36,286). Women were victims in 209 homicides and 12,553 aggravated assaults. Problem areas were delineated using a threshold incident density of approximately two standard deviations above the mean. Maps expressing this density level were prepared for each year. The intersection of each annual high density pattern with census block group geography was determined, and block groups were divided into two classes: those intersecting high density zones and those not intersecting. The authors report on salient census characteristics of the two sets of block groups and comment on relevant policy implications.
Hormone withdrawal symptoms in oral contraceptive users.

Objective: To measure the timing, frequency, and severity of hormone-related symptoms in oral contraceptive (OC) users, specifically to compare active-pill with hormone-free intervals. Methods: Using daily diaries, women recorded pelvic pain, bleeding, headaches, analgesic use, nausea or vomiting, bloating or swelling, and breast tenderness during active-pill intervals and hormone-free intervals. Participants either had no prior OC use, had taken OCs and were restarting, or had been taking OCs continuously for 12 months or longer. Results: Two hundred sixty-two women, 26 with no previous OC use, 43 prior users, and 193 current users, provided daily records of hormone-related symptoms. Subjects with no prior OC use and prior users restarting were similar in no recent OC use, and because of the small sample, they were pooled for analysis as new-start OC users. Current users had patterns of symptoms that were more frequent during hormone-free intervals than during the three active-pill weeks. These included pelvic pain (70% versus 21%, P < .001), headaches (70% versus 53%, P < .001), use of pain medication (69% versus 43%, P < .001), bloating or swelling (58% versus 19%, P < .001), and breast tenderness (38% versus 16%, P < .001). Similar patterns were seen in new-start OC users after the first cycle. Among new-start OC users, menstrual flow patterns, headache, bloating or swelling, and breast-tenderness symptoms decreased during the three cycles to approach those levels of current users. Conclusion: Almost all symptoms assessed were significantly worse during the 7-day hormone-free interval than during the 21 days of hormone-containing pills.
A focused exercise regimen improves clinical measures of balance in patients with peripheral neuropathy.

Abstract Richardson JK, Sandman D, Vela S. A focused exercise regimen improves clinical measures of balance in patients with peripheral neuropathy. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2001;82:205-9. Objective: To determine the effect of a specific exercise regimen on clinical measures of postural stability and confidence in a population with peripheral neuropathy (PN). Design: Prospective, controlled, single blind study. Setting: Outpatient clinic of a university hospital. Participants: Twenty subjects with diabetes mellitus and electrodiagnostically confirmed PN. Intervention: Ten subjects underwent a 3-week intervention exercise regimen designed to increase rapidly available distal strength and balance. The other 10 subjects performed a control exercise regimen. Main Outcome Measures: Unipedal stance time, functional reach, tandem stance time, and score on the activities-specific balance and confidence (ABC) scale. Results: The intervention subjects, but not the control subjects, showed significant improvement in all 3 clinical measures of balance and nonsignificant improvement on the ABC scale. Conclusion: A brief, specific exercise regimen improved clinical measures of balance in patients with diabetic PN. Further studies are needed to determine if this result translates into a lower fall frequency in this high-risk population.
Response of Antarctic (ODP Site 690) planktonic foraminifera to the Paleocene–Eocene thermal maximum: Faunal evidence for ocean/climate change

[1] High-resolution study of Antarctic planktonic foraminiferal assemblages (Ocean Drilling Program Site 690, Weddell Sea) shows that these microplankton underwent a stepwise series of changes during the Paleocene–Eocene thermal maximum (PETM). Initiation of this response coincides with the onset of the carbon isotope excursion (CIE) but precedes the benthic foraminiferal mass extinction. The “top-to-bottom” succession in the biotic response indicates that the surface ocean/atmosphere was affected before the deep sea. The earliest stage of the faunal response entailed a conspicuous turnover within the shallow-dwelling genus Acarinina and a succession of stratigraphic first appearances. The genus Morozovella, large (>180 μm) biserial planktonics, and A. wilcoxensis are all restricted to the lower CIE within this PETM section. Acarininid populations crashed as the ocean/climate system ameliorated during the CIE recovery, reflecting atypical surface water conditions. This transient decline in acarininids is paralleled by a marked increase in carbonate content of sediments. It is postulated that this interval of carbonate enrichment, and its unusual microfauna, reflects enhanced carbon storage within reservoirs of the global carbon cycle other than the marine carbonate system [sensu Broecker et al., 1993; Ravizza et al., 2001].
Effects of Cement Bases on the Stresses in Amalgam Restorations

A computerized dental model was used to study the stress induced in a Class 1 amalgam restoration when supported by bases of varying materials and thickness. Under the same load, the maximum tensile stresses and deflections in the amalgam restoration increased at least threefold with a zinc oxide-eugenol base as compared with a ZnPO4 cement base.
Data assimilation using a hybrid ice flow model

Abstract. Hybrid models, or depth-integrated flow models that include the effect of both longitudinal stresses and vertical shearing, are becoming more prevalent in dynamical ice modeling. Under a wide range of conditions they closely approximate the well-known First Order stress balance, yet are of computationally lower dimension, and thus require less intensive resources. Concomitant with the development and use of these models is the need to perform inversions of observed data. Here, an inverse control method is extended to use a hybrid flow model as a forward model. We derive an adjoint of a hybrid model and use it for inversion of ice-stream basal traction from observed surface velocities. A novel aspect of the adjoint derivation is a retention of non-linearities in Glen's flow law. Experiments show that in some cases, including those nonlinearities is advantageous in minimization of the cost function, yielding a more efficient inversion procedure.
Distributed hierarchical optimal routing using aggregation/disaggregation and decomposition/composition techniques

The authors improve the performance of the original iterative aggregation disaggregation gradient projection (IAD-GP) algorithm based on the idea of A/D only. The A/D concept naturally fits the hierarchical structure of the large wide area data networks and one would expect speed-up effects. Furthermore, by adding to the modified IAD-GP iteration decomposition/composition (D/C) steps, the authors propose a new algorithm called HAD (hierarchical A/D and D/C)-GP algorithm. The HAD-GP algorithm achieves significant improvement in convergence speed. This speed-up is demonstrated by numerical implementations comparing the HAD-GP algorithm with the modified IAD-GP and the ordinary GP (ORD-GP) algorithms. >
Bevacizumab for Advanced Breast Cancer

Tumor angiogenesis is essential for the growth and metastasis of solid tumors. In breast cancer, increased levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) have been associated with poor prognosis in lymph node-positive and lymph node-negative patients. In addition to its prognostic significance, VEGF is now a validated target in the treatment of breast cancer. Bevacizumab, an anti-VEGF antibody, has demonstrated significant clinical benefit in several solid tumors. In this article the authors discuss the data pertaining to bevacizumab and other antiangiogenic agents for the treatment of patients who have advanced breast cancer.
The Stoichiometry of Gβγ Binding to G-protein-regulated Inwardly Rectifying K+ Channels (GIRKs)

Abstract G-protein-coupled inwardly rectifying K+ (GIRK; Kir3.x) channels are the primary effectors of numerous G-protein-coupled receptors. GIRK channels decrease cellular excitability by hyperpolarizing the membrane potential in cardiac cells, neurons, and secretory cells. Although direct regulation of GIRKs by the heterotrimeric G-protein subunit Gβγ has been extensively studied, little is known about the number of Gβγ binding sites per channel. Here we demonstrate that purified GIRK (Kir 3.x) tetramers can be chemically cross-linked to exogenously purified Gβγ subunits. The observed laddering pattern of Gβγ attachment to GIRK4 homotetramers was consistent with the binding of one, two, three, or four Gβγ molecules per channel tetramer. The fraction of channels chemically cross-linked to four Gβγ molecules increased with increasing Gβγ concentrations and approached saturation. These results suggest that GIRK tetrameric channels have four Gβγ binding sites. Thus, GIRK (Kir 3.x) channels, like the distantly related cyclic nucleotide-gated channels, are tetramers and exhibit a 1:1 subunit/ligand binding stoichiometry.
Farmers, flames, and forests: Historical ecology of pastoral fire use and landscape change in the French Western Pyrenees, 1830-2011

The human use of fire is a major disturbance factor shaping the long term composition and patterning of temperate forest landscapes. Yet, knowledge of the role of human agency in the historical dynamics of fire in temperate forests remains vague. This paper presents a cross-scale Bayesian Weights of Evidence analysis of change in the spatial patterns of fire use over the last 180 years for a village territory in the Basque portion of the French Pyrenees. Research investigated the historical relationships between social institutions that control land use, the spatial patterning of fire use, and landscape change. Analysis considered the spatial contexts within which humans use and manage land: the household institution and the parcel unit of land management. Bayesian methods established statistically significant associations between social and ecological factors driving fire use and landscape change. These associations suggest that social institutions differentially affected fire use patterns through inherited constraints. The resulting socioecological legacies helped to explain the spatial patterns of landscape change. Uncertainty highlighted in the modeling process suggests that we need a better understanding of the historical ecological dynamics of household institutions and land use change in order to better explain relationships between variability in land use intensity and the fire regime.
Interface quality control of monolithic photonic crystals by hydrogen annealing

We demonstrate that the optical characteristics of silicon photonic crystals can be modified by hydrogen annealing. Hydrogen annealed PCs show reduced surface roughness and improved structural uniformity, leading to increased reflectivity and sharper resonance peaks.
Comparative effects of water level variations on growth characteristics of Myriophyllum aquaticum

Summary Myriophyllum aquaticum is a non-native aquatic plant that has invaded a range of habitats in the United States and Europe. Myriophyllum aquaticum reduces native species richness at local scales, water quality, habitat quality for fish and wildlife and impacts on human uses. Despite the submersed leaf form, M. aquaticum is not typically a weed problem as water level increases, although little data exist describing basic biological and ecological mechanisms affecting growth. The objective of this study was to quantify changes in M. aquaticum growth as water levels increase from 0 (representing shoreline habitat) to 137 cm under controlled mesocosm conditions. Total biomass at 0 cm was 96% greater than plants grown at a depth of 137 cm. Biomass of emergent shoots, stolons and roots were also greater when M. aquaticum was grown at the 0 cm water level. Submersed shoot biomass was on average 99% greater between 37 and 77 cm. Submersed shoots comprised a small fraction, 0.1–12% of total biomass, depending on water level. Total plant length was 25% greater when plants were grown at water levels from 0 to 77 cm, compared with plants grown at 97, 117 or 137 cm. Nuisance growth is dependent upon plants emerging from the water column; as water levels increase, this becomes more difficult for plants, as a result of the reduced photosynthetic ability of submersed leaves. These results can be used to identify optimal areas for M. aquaticum growth and possibly predict areas of new infestations.
Circadian rhythm of plasma sodium is disrupted in spontaneously hypertensive rats fed a high-NaCl diet

High-NaCl diets elevate arterial pressure in NaCl-sensitive individuals, and increases in plasma sodium may trigger this effect. The present study tests the hypotheses that 1) plasma sodium displays a circadian rhythm in rats, 2) the plasma sodium rhythm is disturbed in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), and 3) excess dietary NaCl elevates plasma sodium concentration in SHR. The results demonstrate that plasma sodium has a circadian rhythm that is inversely related to the circadian rhythm of arterial pressure. Although the plasma sodium rhythms of SHR and control rats are nearly identical, the plasma sodium concentrations are significantly higher in SHR throughout the 24-h cycle. Maintenance on a high-NaCl diet increases plasma sodium concentration similarly in both SHR and control rats, but it blunts the plasma sodium rhythm only in SHR. These results demonstrate that in rats, plasma sodium has a circadian rhythm and that high-NaCl diets increase plasma sodium concentration.
The effects of government spending on deforestation due to agricultural land expansion and CO2 related emissions

This paper examines the effect of changes in government spending level and composition on deforestation due to agricultural land expansion and related carbon dioxide emissions. Our theoretical model shows an unintended consequence from increased government spending and widening social safety nets in developing countries where agricultural land expansion significantly affects forest cover: there is an increase in deforestation and carbon dioxide emissions from land use change. Our empirical tests show that an increase in total government spending significantly increases forest land clearing for agricultural production in the short run leading to more carbon dioxide emissions. However, there is no long-run statistically significant effect on the steady-state forest cover and carbon dioxide emissions.
Impact of Automated Software Testing Tools on Reflective Thinking and Student Performance in Introductory Computer Science Programming Classes

The goal of this research was to investigate the effects of automated testing software on levels of student reflection and student performance. This was a self-selecting, between subjects design that examined the performance of students in introductory computer programming classes. Participants were given the option of using the Web-CAT software-testing tool to evaluate their computer code. Student self-reported levels of reflection were measured using reflective thinking survey.
Experimental laboratory study on the formation of multiple shock waves observed during volcanic eruptions

Sequences of multiple pressure waves have recently been observed in different explosive volcanic eruptions, but their origin is not clearly understood. Although a pulsating type of eruption with many individual discharges can produce this effect, the formation of multiple shock waves could also result from a single discharge through (1) the dynamics of the shock wave itself, (2) the coupled shock wave-supersonic jet dynamics, or (3) a combination of these factors. Shock tube experiments were performed to evaluate these potential mechanisms under controlled laboratory conditions. The amount of energy released was varied to achieve different weak shock wave conditions and to promote formation of single or multiple shock waves through both shock wave dynamics and coupled shock wave-supersonic jet interactions. Our analysis indicates that both mechanisms may play a role in the formation of multiple pressure waves in low-intensity eruptions.
Monitoring by Institutional Investors: Evidence from Ownership Changes and Trading Behavior Around Restatements

We examine institutional ownership and financial reporting practices. We find that institutions sell a significantly large fraction of their holdings in the quarter of a restatement announcement, however, not in the days prior to or on the announcement day. Further, we find that the likelihood and magnitude of misstatement are positively related to the amount of institutional ownership, though negatively related to the size of the largest institutional holding. These results suggest that the presence of institutional investors create incentives to manage earnings and does not provide monitoring sufficient to predict or prevent restatements, though a significant blockholder may monitor the firm sufficiently to prevent misstatement. Nevertheless, there is evidence that firms that institutions buy on the announcement day subsequently outperform those that are sold suggesting that institutions may be familiar enough with firms to better evaluate the significance of a restatement announcement.
Characterization of a High-Power Microwave Induced Plasma inside an MP Torch using Emission Spectroscopy

Atmospheric pressure microwave-induced (MIP or MP) torches are frequently used in industrial and environmental sectors for chemical analysis of various samples. In spite of their significant use in industry, data related to the plasma inside the torch is rare. In this work, we have analyzed an MP torch that is commercially available. The main objective of this work was to gather information related to the plasma dependence on the various gas flow conditions. Investigations were also carried out to understand analyte-plasma interaction and its dependence on gas flow conditions. Experimental results clearly indicate that the physical location of the plasma inside the torch along with the plasma plume length outside the torch is a strong function of the outer gas flow rate. At a higher outer gas flow rate, a “recirculation” zone is created inside the torch that physically “holds” the plasma near the injector exit. The physical movement of this high temperature plasma zone is also confirmed by analyzing the emission spectrum of various nitrogen bands along with OH, NH, and NO bands. High speed imaging of the analyte (1000 ppm Na in 1% HNO3 solution) indicates a central cooler region that is surrounded by a high temperature zone. This was observed by imaging the Na D2 line inside the microwave torch by varying the inner gas flow rate carrying the analyte droplets into the plasma. Further investigation of the analyte plume inside the torch showed that it was strongly affected by the inner gas flow rate. Furthermore, at certain flow conditions, a plasma instability was observed where the analyte plume moved upstream in the torch and the plasma radially expanded in an undesirable fashion.
ESTIMATION OF ELONGATIONAL VISCOSITY USING ENTRANCE FLOW SIMULATION

A new elongational viscosity model along with the Carreau-Yasuda model for shear viscosity is used for a finite element simulation of the flow in a capillary rheometer die. The entrance pressure loss predicted by the finite element flow simulation is matched with the corresponding experimental data to predict the parameters in the new elongational viscosity model. For two different polymers, the predicted elongational viscosity is compared with the corresponding predictions from Cogswell’s analysis and K-BKZ model.
Computational folkloristics

A searchable meta-graph can connect even troublesome house elves and other supernatural beings to scholarly folk categories.
Is the National Football League a 'Single Entity' Incapable of Conspiring Underthe Sherman Act?: The Supreme Court will Decide

In American Needle v. National Football League, a sports clothing manufacturer (American Needle) sued the National Football League (NFL) alleging that an exclusive agreement between the NFL and Reebok to manufacturer caps with team logos constituted a concerted refusal to deal among the teams in the league. American Needle alleged that this violated the Sherman Act, which prohibits conspiracies in restraint of trade. The district court granted summary judgment in favor of the NFL and the Seventh Circuit affirmed. Both courts found that the NFL constitutes a single business entity, and therefore the individual teams were incapable of conspiring under the Sherman Act. Put simply, the lower courts held that you cannot conspire with yourself. This decision's significance is hard to overstate. Antitrust challenges to the conduct of sports leagues are quite common. The NFL, despite its victory in the lower court, supported U.S. Supreme Court review in an effort to ensure that the American Needle analysis would apply nationwide. The National Basketball Association (NBA) and the National Hockey League (NHL) also concurred in American Needle's petition for certiorari to the U.S. Supreme Court. Even Major League Baseball (MLB), which is generally exempt from antitrust scrutiny, recently cited the Seventh Circuit's decision to justify its new exclusive license with the Topps baseball card company. This new deal will end a quarter century of open competition among trading card producers. Despite the Solicitor General’s recommendation against hearing the case, the Supreme Court granted certiorari on July 29, 2009. This article evaluates the single-entity defense and concludes that the Seventh Circuit wrongly decided the American Needle case, and that the Supreme Court should thus reverse and remand for a full trial under the rule of reason, a test requiring the court to determine whether the challenged agreement restrains or enhances competition. Although the NFL functions as a single entity for some purposes, the sale of logo caps is not one of them. Individual teams can meaningfully compete to sell caps and other items bearing team logos, and consumers would benefit from this competition. There is no reason to believe that this form of competition would detract from the overall success of the NFL in competing with other forms of entertainment. Part I of this article reviews the circuit court case law on the single-entity defense prior to American Needle. Part II summarizes the American Needle litigation. Part III critiques the Seventh Circuit's opinion and provides an alternative framework of analysis. The article concludes that the NFL should not be treated as a single entity for the purpose of licensing team logos and that the case should be remanded and the lower court instructed to assess the exclusive license under the rule of reason.