cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Oxidative and Bacterial Pathways in Metabolic Activation of Nitrated Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons

Abstract The relationship between the in vitro genotoxicity of nitrated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (NO2PAH) and their potency in vivo hinges on the presence of appropriate metabolic activation capabilities. The Salmonella typhimurium plate incorporation assay was used to investigate the mutagenicity of model NO2PAH with variants of strain TA98 deficient or enriched in transacetylase enzymes. 1-Nitropyrene, 2-nitrofluoranthene and 3-nitrofluroanthene were all direct-acting, and more active in the transacetylase-enriched variant YG1024. The reduced amino and acetamido derivatives, in contrast to the parent compounds, required metabolism by Aroclor 1254-treated rat liver S9 to exhibit activity. Activity was nevertheless enhanced in YG1024, strongly implicating an N-acetoxy ester or a hydro-xamic acid rather than a hydroxylamine as proximate active species. Following administration of the NO2PAH to rats, the nitrofluoranthenes, in contrast to 1-nitropyrene, gave rise to direct-acting mutagens excreted i...
Why No Mayan Party? Indigenous Movements and National Politics in Guatemala

Unlike indigenous social movements in several other Latin American countries, Mayan movements in Guatemala have not formed a viable indigenous-based political party. Despite the prominence of the Mayan social movement and a relatively open institutional environment conducive to party formation, indigenous groups have foregone a national political party in favor of a more dispersed pattern of political mobilization at the local level. This article argues that the availability of avenues for political representation at the municipal level, through both traditional political parties and civic committees, and the effects of political repression and violence have reinforced the fragmentation and localism of indigenous social movements in Guatemala and prevented the emergence of a viable Mayan political party. The result has been a pattern of uneven political representation, with indigenous Guatemalans gaining representation in local government while national political institutions remain exclusionary.
Vacuum-Insulated Self-Aligned Nanowire Phase-Change Memory Devices

Phase-change memory (PCM) is an emerging technology for faster nonvolatile memory where a small volume of phase-change material is switched between amorphous and crystalline states to provide distinct logic levels. A major difficulty with these devices is the high-power requirement for set and reset operations. In this brief, we computationally analyze a vacuum-insulated self-aligned Ge2Sb2Te5 nanowire (NW) PCM device and propose a way to control the placement and orientation of the NWs. The analysis is performed using 2-D rotationally symmetric finite-element simulations with temperature-dependent material parameters and accounting for thermoelectric effects. Simulation results predict a $\sim 10\times $ reduction in current required for reset operation and minimal thermal crosstalk when compared with a similarly sized conventional mushroom cell due to effective suppression of lateral heat loss. The operation of the vacuum-insulated NW devices is also almost independent of current polarity (unlike that of the mushroom cell), which can be advantageous for more flexible array programming schemes. These devices can be used to build densely packed PCM with lower power consumption and less thermal crosstalk.
Left ventricular remodeling early after correction of mitral regurgitation: Maintenance of stroke volume with decreased systolic indexes

Objective Mitral valve repair for mitral regurgitation is followed by left ventricle adjustment to new preload and afterload. We evaluated left ventricular geometry and function immediately after mitral valve repair for degenerative prolapse. Methods We prospectively studied 25 patients undergoing mitral valve repair; 15 patients undergoing a coronary artery bypass graft served as controls to determine the impact of cardiopulmonary bypass and cardioplegic arrest on left ventricular function. Intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography was conducted after sternotomy before initiation of cardiopulmonary bypass and after termination of cardiopulmonary bypass and protamine infusion. Simultaneous pulmonary catheter data ensured that the images were obtained under similar hemodynamic conditions. Results Immediately after mitral valve repair, left ventricular fractional area change decreased significantly from 65% ± 7% to 52% ± 8% ( P 2 vs 19.4 ± 4.5 cm 2 ; P = .005), whereas left ventricular end-systolic area increased significantly (7.5 ± 2.3 cm 2 vs 9.3 ± 2.5 cm 2 ; P P = .5). No significant difference was found in controls between pre- cardiopulmonary bypass and post-cardiopulmonary bypass fractional area change (54% ± 12% vs 57% ± 10%; P = .19), left ventricular end-diastolic area (16.6 ± 6.2 cm 2 vs 15.7 ± 5.0 cm 2 ; P = .32), and stroke volume (72 ± 29 mL vs 65 ± 19 mL; P = .15); they had a slight decrease in left ventricular end-systolic area (7.9 ± 4.4 cm 2 vs 6.9 ± 3.2 cm 2 ; P = .03). Conclusions Early after correction of mitral regurgitation, left ventricular fractional area change decreases significantly, primarily as the result of a larger end-systolic dimension. This may be a compensatory mechanism to prevent augmentation of forward stroke volume after mitral valve repair.
Undirected s-t connectivity in polynomial time and sublinear space

Thes-t connectivity problem for undirected graphs is to decide whether two designated vertices,s andt, are in the same connected component. This paper presents the first known deterministic algorithms solving undirecteds-t connectivity using sublinear space and polynomial time. Our algorithms provide a nearly smooth time-space tradeoff between depth-first search and Savitch's algorithm. Forn vertex,m edge graphs, the simplest of our algorithms uses spaceO(s),n 1/2log2 n≤s≤nlog2 n, and timeO(((m+n)n 2 log2 n)/s). We give a variant of this method that is faster at the higher end of the space spectrum. For example, with space θ(nlogn), its time bound isO((m+n)logn), close to the optimal time for the problem. Another generalization uses less space, but more time: spaceO(λn 1/λlogn), for 2≤λ≤log2 n, and timen O(λ). For constant λ the time remains polynomial.
Longitudinal vibration of spring-supported cylindrical membrane shells containing liquid.

Longitudinal vibration of cylindrical membrane shells containing liquid, with liquid velocity potential expanded into matrix-eigenvalue problem
An improved dispersion relationship for the p-n junction avalanche diode

A tractable and more physically realistic dispersion relationship for the avalanche diode than previously available has been developed, This includes terms relating to the differences in hole and electron velocities and ionization coefficients. Analysis of this modified dispersion relation indicates new ranges for instabilities. Plots for selected cases are presented.
Analyzing the evolution of β-endorphin post-translational processing events: Studies on reptiles

In many cartilaginous fishes, most ray-finned fishes, lungfishes, and amphibians, the post-translational processing of POMC includes the monobasic cleavage of beta-endorphin to yield an opioid that is eight to ten amino acids in length. The amino acid motif within the beta-endorphin sequence required for a monobasic cleavage event is -E-R-(S/G)-Q-. Mammals and birds lack this motif and as a result beta-endorphin(1-8) is a not an end-product in either group. Since both mammals and birds were derived from ancestors with reptilian origins, an analysis of beta-endorphin sequences from extant groups of reptiles should provide insights into the manner in which beta-endorphin post-translational processing mechanisms have evolved in amniotes. To this end a POMC cDNA was cloned from the pituitary of the turtle, Chrysemys scripta. The beta-endorphin sequence in this species was compared to other reptile beta-endorphin sequences (i.e., Chinese soft shell turtle and gecko) and to known bird and mammal sequences. This analysis indicated that either the loss of the arginine residue at the cleavage site (the two turtle species, chick, and human) or a substitution at the glutamine position in the consensus sequence (gecko and ostrich) would account for the loss of the monobasic cleavage reaction in that species. Since amphibians are capable of performing the beta-endorphin monobasic reaction, it would appear that the amino acid substitutions that eliminated this post-translational process event in reptilian-related tetrapods must have occurred in the ancestral amniotes.
Immunoelectron microscopy of wheat spindle streak and soil-borne wheat mosaic virus doubly infected wheat

Abstract In thin sections of wheat cells doubly infected with wheat spindle streak mosaic (WSSMV) and soil-borne wheat mosaic viruses (SBWMV), virions and inclusion bodies of both viruses all reacted with antiserum to SBWMV virions. Only the WSSMV virions reacted with antiserum to WSSMV virions. Anti-SBWMV IgG reacted only with SBWMV virions and not with WSSMV virions in leaf-dip preparations from doubly infected plants. The anomalous results can be explained by in vivo SBWMV capsid or inclusion body protein association with both WSSM virions and WSSMV-induced pinwheels and scrolls as well as with its own virions and inclusion bodies. Wheat spindle streak mosaic virus reacted with anti-barley yellow mosaic virus IgG in tissue sections and in leaf-dip preparations. Goat-anti-rabbit IgG labeled with colloidal gold remained active and useful after 14 months storage at 4°C in protection buffer.
Biventricular Pacing and QT Interval Prolongation

INTRODUCTION The purpose of this study was to examine BiV pacing-dependent changes in QT interval and the related potential for proarrhythmia. Biventricular (BiV) pacing has emerged as a promising therapy for patients with advanced congestive heart failure (CHF) and bundle branch block (BBB). METHODS AND RESULTS One hundred and seventy-six consecutive patients (123 men and 53 women; mean age 67 +/- 16 years) with ischemic (n = 128) or nonischemic (n = 48) cardiomyopathy in New York Heart Association Class II (8%) or III (92%) CHF (ejection fraction 24 +/- 9%) underwent atrial synchronous BiV pacing. The QRS, QT, and JT intervals were measured at 30 minutes after initiation of BiV pacing, at 24 hours, and at 1 month postimplant. QT interval was defined as the time interval between the initial deflection of the QRS complex and the point at which the T wave crossed the isoelectric line. At baseline, the average QRS duration was 178 +/- 10 ms, attributable to left BBB (n = 158) or intraventricular conduction delay (n = 18). BiV pacing resulted in a small but statistically significant reduction in QRS duration (148 +/- 9 ms during BiV pacing vs 178 +/- 10 ms at baseline [P < 0.0001]), yet the QT increased to 470 +/- 34 ms with BiV pacing versus 445 +/- 32 ms at baseline [P < 0.0001]). The JTc interval during BiV pacing was significantly shorter than during LV pacing (290 +/- 9 ms vs 320 +/- 20 ms, P < 0.0001). During a mean follow-up of 24 +/- 6 months, one patient developed recurrent torsade de pointes. That was eliminated once left ventricular pacing was discontinued. CONCLUSION Biventricular pacing prolongs QT interval. However, the occurrence of torsade de pointes is uncommon.
The purification of a gs antigen of the murine mammary tumor virus and its quantitation by radioimmunoassay.

Abstract A method using Concanavalin (ConA) affinity chromatography has been developed for the purification of the mouse mammary tumor virus (MuMTV) gs antigens (gp52) and (p27). The procedure combines ConA chromatography and DEAE cellulose fractionation to yield the gs antigens in both high yield and sufficient purity for use in radioimmunoassay (RIA). The gp52 obtained has been iodinated with the [ 125 I]Bolton-Hunter reagent, chromatographed on Sephadex G-100, and utilized in the development of a blocking radio immunoassay (RIA). The sensitivity of this assay (0.5–1.0 ng) is superior to that achieved with whole particle assays. The procedures used for the isolation and iodination of the gp52 avoid the technical problem of incomplete displacement of [ 125 I]gp52 by native viral antigen. The resulting RIA provides a sensitive, reliable tool for studying the expression of the gp52 antigen and its relationship to the onset and progression of murine breast cancer.
Computer control of the infusion of vasoactive drugs.

In the Cardiac Surgical Intensive Care Unit (CICU) of the University of Alabama Hospital in Birmingham, Alabama, the mean arterial pressure (MAP) is regulated by computer (H-P 21 MX) controlled infusion of vasodilating agents and has been performed in 1100 hypertensive patients following open heart surgery.
Economic dispatch in microgrids using multi-agent system

In traditional bulk power system, economic dispatch is usually conducted in a central controller, which has access to global system information. However, characterized as flexible and “plug and play”, microgrids are often controlled in a distributed manner. This paper presents a decentralized architecture of multi-agent system for economic dispatch of distributed generators (DG) in microgrids. In this architecture, all DGs are equipped with identical agents, which can only perceive local information or obtain necessary information from their neighbors. By competing with each other, agents attempt to maximize their own profit, thereby tending to an optimal global solution. This paper first develops necessary conditions for minimal cost operation of microgrids. Then it proposes an innovative multi-agent communication algorithm to implement the minimal principle in multi-agent environment based on the consensus theorem. In the end, a five-agent system and a fifty-agent system are investigated to validate the proposed multi-agent algorithm.
The Role of Epistemic Style in Counseling Preference and Orientation.

Recent work has suggested that philosophical commitments play a part in directing preferences for different types of counseling, and in this article the authors extend that work with a series of four studies. Study 1 provides partial support for the relationship between epistemic commitments (rational, empirical, or metaphorical) and preferences for particular types of counseling (behavioral, rational emotive, constructivist). Studies 2 and 3 extend these findings by noting differences in how individuals gather, process, and respond to self-relevant feedback as a result of epistemic style. Finally, Study 4 provides tentative support for the possibility that counselor trainees gravitate toward preferring counseling theories that are consistent with their own epistemic orientations. Implications and limitations of these findings are discussed.
DUV ALTA system aerial image enhancement for improved pattern fidelity

The ALTA 4300 system has been used to successfully write many advanced design layers previously only feasible with 50kV vector shaped beam tools. In order to further enlarge the application space of this high productivity an aerial image enhancement technique has been developed to deliver mask patterns that more closely match pattern data for corners and jogs. This image enhancement is done in real time in the ALTA system’s rasterizer by modifying the gray level mapping of pixels near the corner vertexes. SEM measurements of corner rounding with standard rasterization and the enhanced rasterization show an improvement of corner rounding radius from ~205 to ~132 nm. A direct comparison of SEM micrographs show no qualitative difference between vector scan mask features and those written with aerial image enhancement. This convincingly demonstrates that the ALTA 4300 system with the new image enhancement can write many layers requiring vector scan corner acuity.
Development of a Spectral Element DNS/LES Method for Turbulent Flow Simulations

This paper describes a turbulent flow simulation method, which is based on combination of spectral element and large eddy simulation (LES) technique. The robust, high-order discontinuous Galerkin (DG) spectral element method for large-eddy simulation of compressible flows allows for arbitrary order of accuracy and has excellent stability properties. A local spectral discretization in terms of Legendre polynomials is used on each element of the (possibly unstructured) mesh, which allows for high-accurate simulations of turbulent flows. Discontinuities across the interfaces of the elements are resolved using a Riemann solver. An isoparametric representation of the geometry is implemented, with boundaries of the domain discretized to the same order of accuracy as the solution, and explicit low-storage Runge-Kutta methods are used for time integration. Large eddy simulation has proven to be a valuable technique for the calculation of turbulent flows. An element based filtering technique is used in conjunction with the standard Smagorinsky eddy viscosity model to estimate the effect of sub-grid scales stresses in this paper. The recently developed nonlinear model [1] will also be added in the future. The final aim of this project is to use the LES methodology in swirling jet flow simulation. As a first step towards these simulations, simulations of compressible turbulent mixing layer and back-facing step are also performed to evaluate the robust method. Initial results based on both DNS and large eddy simulations are presented in this paper. Future work will be to validate the code.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
The role of altruistic behavior in generalized anxiety disorder and major depression among adults in the United States.

Abstract Background Although previous studies found protective associations of altruistic behaviors (AB) with positive mental health outcomes, these studies were limited to unspecified mental health outcomes and non-nationally representative studies. It is needed to examine the association of AB with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and major depression (MD). Methods Data collected from the National Survey of Midlife Development in the United States (MIDUS) in 1995–1996 for those aged between 25 and 74, who completed both the telephone survey and the self-administered questionnaire ( N = 4,242) were analyzed. GAD and MD were measured by telephone on the basis of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview, while AB was measured by the questionnaire. Multivariate logistic regression was used to observe the independent effects of AB on GAD and MD. Results AB had a weak protective effect on GAD. However, AB had a significant and independent harmful effect on MD after controlling for demographic variables (gender, age, working status, and marital status). Limitations Since the MIDUS study is cross-sectional, the causality of the associations between AB with GAD and MD cannot be established. Other possible confounders that explain these associations were not controlled. Conclusion AB might be recommendable to prevent GAD, but on the other hand, it could be a risk factor for individuals having MD. Longitudinal studies are needed to explore the mechanism of the onset of GAD and MD through enhanced AB.
Computational Methodology for Absolute Calibration Curves for Microfluidic Optical Analyses

Optical fluorescence and absorption are two of the primary techniques used for analytical microfluidics. We provide a thorough yet tractable method for computing the performance of diverse optical micro-analytical systems. Sample sizes range from nano- to many micro-liters and concentrations from nano- to milli-molar. Equations are provided to trace quantitatively the flow of the fundamental entities, namely photons and electrons, and the conversion of energy from the source, through optical components, samples and spectral-selective components, to the detectors and beyond. The equations permit facile computations of calibration curves that relate the concentrations or numbers of molecules measured to the absolute signals from the system. This methodology provides the basis for both detailed understanding and improved design of microfluidic optical analytical systems. It saves prototype turn-around time, and is much simpler and faster to use than ray tracing programs. Over two thousand spreadsheet computations were performed during this study. We found that some design variations produce higher signal levels and, for constant noise levels, lower minimum detection limits. Improvements of more than a factor of 1,000 were realized.
Indians, ethnicity as a resource and aging: You can go home again.

Ethnicity can be a facilitating resource throughout the life course for those who recognize and exploit its potential to be so. Ethncity is multidimensional, its elements experienced at differing levels of intensity across the life span. Life history trajectories of American Indians who lived in urban centers most of their adult lives and, upon retirement, returned to their tribal homelands underscore the positive contributions ethnic group membership makes to well-being in old age. Ethnographic research methods including: long-term, personal relationships with the participants, immersion in both their urban and rural cultural milieux, life history elicitation and observation of the participant's social and decision-making processes over time allow for an exploration of these theoretical assertions. Processual analysis of an exemplar life trajectory broadly representative of the sample group is presented here to illustrate the analytical process and its power to identify those ethnically-inflected statuses and roles which sustain well-being into old age and generate theoretical frameworks that account for cultural continuity, situationality, intensity and dimensionality in the interaction of ethnicity and aging and the structure of a social process — ethnic community reincorporation.
Inhibition of climbing and mossy fiber, and basket and stellate cell inputs to mouse cerebellar purkinje cells by novel anti-ischemic agents, ifenprodil and BMY-14802

Abstract Cerebellar cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) levels reflect the ongoing neuronal activity mediated by the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor complex. Due to the putative role of the NMDA receptor complex in the etiology of ischemic neuronal injury, the effects of two novel anti-ischemic agents, ifenprodil and BMY-14802, were examined on cGMP responses mediated by harmaline, methamphetamine (MA), and pentylenetetrazol (PTZ), agents which modulate the Purkinje cell activity by three distinct pharmacological mechanisms. Similar to the competitive NMDA antagonist, CPP [(±)-3-carboxypiperazin-4-yl) propyl-1-phosphonic acid], ifenprodil and BMY-14802 reversed the harmaline-, MA- and PTZ-induced cGMP levels. Unlike CPP, ifenprodil was nearly 3-times less potent at reversing the harmaline-induced increases in cGMP levels than at reversing MA-and PTZ-induced increases in cGMP levels. These results suggest a differential modulation of basket and stellate, and mossy fiber activity by ifenprodil.
Distal splenic artery hemodynamic changes during transient proximal splenic artery occlusion in blunt splenic injury patients: a mechanism of delayed splenic hemorrhage

Background: Delayed splenic hemorrhage after proximal splenic artery embolotherapy (SAE) in patients with blunt splenic injury is a well-known outcome. The hemorrhage is thought to be due to rupture of a splenic parenchymal pseudoaneurysm. This study attempts to explain at least part of the mechanism involved in the delayed hemorrhage event. Methods: Hemodynamically stable patients with blunt splenic injury, without active extravasation, who underwent splenic artery angiography, also had the distal splenic artery pressure determined with transient balloon occlusion of the proximal splenic artery. Results: Seven patients were referred for splenic artery angiography. The average mean aortic pressure was found to be 89.0 ± 21.9 mm Hg. The average mean distal splenic arterial pressure with temporary proximal occlusion was 47.1 ± 25.8 mm Hg (range = 25–98 mm Hg). The average mean pressure drop was 41.9 ± 19.0 mm Hg or 48.0 ± 19.3%. The average systolic pressure drop was 75.4 ± 24.0 mm Hg (range = 40–113 mm Hg). However, one of our seven patients only had a 14.8% mean arterial pressure drop and maintained a 102 mm Hg systolic pressure in the distal splenic artery. Conclusions: The arterial pressure in the distal splenic artery after SAE is highly variable and may depend on the robustness of pre-SAE collaterals.
Precipitate shape transitions during coarsening under uniaxial stress

Abstract Precipitate shape transitions of elastically misfitting inclusions in the presence of a uniaxial stress field are examined for cubic materials using simple bifurcation theory. Both size-induced shape transitions that occur during growth of the precipitate under zero or constant stress and stress-induced shape transitions resulting from changes in the external stress field at constant precipitate volume and misfit are identified. Using elastic fields valid for small differences in elastic constants between precipitate and matrix, a dimensionless stress parameter and precipitate volume are identified from a Landau-type expansion that indicate the type and nature of permissible shape transitions. These dimensionless parameters incorporate the interfacial energy density, difference in elastic constants between precipitate and matrix, precipitate misfit, precipitate volume and external stress field into simple algebraic relationships. They indicate under what combination of material parameters a shape transition might be expected and whether the transition is continuous or discontinuous. Results of the model are applied using material parameters from a nickel-based alloy.
Affinity-based isolation of tagged nuclei from Drosophila tissues for gene expression analysis

Drosophila melanogaster embryonic and larval tissues often contain a highly heterogeneous mixture of cell types, which can complicate the analysis of gene expression in these tissues. Thus, to analyze cell-specific gene expression profiles from Drosophila tissues, it may be necessary to isolate specific cell types with high purity and at sufficient yields for downstream applications such as transcriptional profiling and chromatin immunoprecipitation. However, the irregular cellular morphology in tissues such as the central nervous system, coupled with the rare population of specific cell types in these tissues, can pose challenges for traditional methods of cell isolation such as laser microdissection and fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS). Here, an alternative approach to characterizing cell-specific gene expression profiles using affinity-based isolation of tagged nuclei, rather than whole cells, is described. Nuclei in the specific cell type of interest are genetically labeled with a nuclear envelope-localized EGFP tag using the Gal4/UAS binary expression system. These EGFP-tagged nuclei can be isolated using antibodies against GFP that are coupled to magnetic beads. The approach described in this protocol enables consistent isolation of nuclei from specific cell types in the Drosophila larval central nervous system at high purity and at sufficient levels for expression analysis, even when these cell types comprise less than 2% of the total cell population in the tissue. This approach can be used to isolate nuclei from a wide variety of Drosophila embryonic and larval cell types using specific Gal4 drivers, and may be useful for isolating nuclei from cell types that are not suitable for FACS or laser microdissection.
Physicochemical stability of the antibody-drug conjugate Trastuzumab-DM1: changes due to modification and conjugation processes.

In the manufacture of the antibody-drug conjugate Trastuzumab-DM1 (T-DM1), the lysine residues on the antibody trastuzumab (Tmab) are modified to form the intermediate Tmab-MCC (T-MCC) and then conjugated with the drug DM1. Our goal is to understand the effects of modification and conjugation steps on the physicochemical stability of the antibody. The structural stability of Tmab relative to its modified and conjugated forms was assessed, employing thermally induced stress conditions to formulations containing Tmab, T-MCC, and T-DM1. DSC, SEC, CE-SDS, and LC-MS were used to study the stability of Tmab, T-MCC, and T-DM1 to thermal stress. The DSC thermograms show a decrease in melting temperature for the CH2 transition, in the order Tmab > T-MCC > T-DM1. As per SEC analysis, a significant increase in level of aggregation was detected in T-MCC (∼32%) and T-DM1 (∼5%) after 14 days at 40 °C. Tmab did not show significant aggregate formation. CE-SDS and LC-MS data demonstrate that the aggregation in the case o...
Effect of Chronic Maternal Methadone Therapy on Intrapartum Fetal Heart Rate Patterns

Objective:Treatent of matemal opioid dependence with methadone is associated with a delay in fetal heart rate (FHR) accelerations in nonstress tests. The objective of this investgation was to deter...
Crop evapotranspiration of processing tomato in the San Joaquin Valley of California, USA

Yield of processing tomato has increased by 53% over the past 35 years. Thus, concerns exist about the current seasonal crop evapotranspiration requirements of processing tomato compared to the past published requirements, which were about 645 mm. Also, the mid-season crop coefficient for processing tomato developed 35 years ago with sprinkler irrigation was 1.25, while a mid-season coefficient developed 20 years ago with subsurface drip irrigation was 1.05. Because of the age and variability of crop coefficients and the long-term yield increase, a study was conducted to determine the seasonal crop evapotranspiration and crop coefficients of processing tomatoes using the Bowen ratio energy balance method in eight commercial fields from 2001 to 2004. Measurements were made in both furrow- and drip-irrigated fields. Results showed seasonal crop evapotranspiration to range from 528 to 752 mm with an average of 648 mm. No statistical differences were found between furrow and drip irrigation. Mid-season crop coefficients varied between 0.96 and 1.09 with statistically similar values between furrow- and drip-irrigation for a given year. Current evapotranspiration rates were similar to those of the early 1970s, indicating that the water use efficiency of processing tomato increased substantially with time during the past 35 years.
The fiber-type—Specific effect of inactivity and intermittent weight-bearing on the gastrocnemius muscle of 30-month-old rats

Abstract Objective: To characterize single skeletal muscle fiber contractile properties from the gastrocnemius muscle that occur during inactivity and intermittent weight-bearing in 30-month-old animals. Design: Randomized control trial. Setting: A controlled laboratory environment. Subjects: Eighteen 30-month-old male Fisher 344 Brown Norway F1 Hybrid rats were randomly assigned to control (C), hindlimb unweighted (HU), and hindlimb unweighted with intermittent weight-bearing (HU-X) groups. Interventions: The HU and HU-X rats were suspended for 7 days. The HU-X animals were unsuspended for four 15-minute bouts of weight-bearing. Main Outcome Measures: Single skeletal muscle fiber contractile properties (diameter, peak active force [P 0 ], peak specific tension [P 0 /Csa], and maximal shortening velocity [V 0 ] by fiber type) were determined from the deep portion of the lateral head of the gastrocnemius muscle (RG). Results: In comparison to C animals, the ratio of gastrocnemius weight to body weight decreased by 18% and 14% following HU and HU-X, respectively. Diameter and P 0 of type I fibers from the RG were reduced after HU. Attenuation of the decline in diameter and P 0 was observed in type I fibers from the RG with HU-X. P 0 was reduced in type IIa fibers and type I-IIa fibers with HU. Attenuation of the decline in P 0 by intermittent weight-bearing in type IIa fibers and type I-IIa fibers did not occur. Conclusions: Inactivity altered the contractile properties of single skeletal muscle fibers from the gastrocnemius muscle of 30-month-old animals. The inactivity-induced alterations were present in the three fiber types. Therapeutic intervention of weight-bearing attenuated the inactivity-induced changes in the type I fibers from the gastrocnemius, but not the other fiber types.
Explaining Global Increases in Water Use Efficiency: Why Have We Overestimated Responses to Rising Atmospheric CO2 in Natural Forest Ecosystems?

Author(s): Silva, Lucas CR; Horwath, William R | Abstract: BackgroundThe analysis of tree-ring carbon isotope composition (δ(13)C) has been widely used to estimate spatio-temporal variations in intrinsic water use efficiency (iWUE) of tree species. Numerous studies have reported widespread increases in iWUE coinciding with rising atmospheric CO(2) over the past century. While this could represent a coherent global response, the fact that increases of similar magnitude were observed across biomes with no apparent effect on tree growth raises the question of whether iWUE calculations reflect actual physiological responses to elevated CO(2) levels.Methodology/resultsHere we use Monte Carlo simulations to test if an artifact of calculation could explain observed increases in iWUE. We show that highly significant positive relationships between iWUE and CO(2) occur even when simulated data (randomized δ(13)C values spanning the observed range) are used in place of actual tree-ring δ(13)C measurements. From simulated data sets we calculated non-physiological changes in iWUE from 1900 to present and across a 4000 m altitudinal range. This generated results strikingly similar to those reported in recent studies encompassing 22 species from tropical, subtropical, temperate, boreal and mediterranean ecosystems. Only 6 of 49 surveyed case studies showed increases in iWUE significantly higher than predicted from random values.Conclusions/significanceOur results reveal that increases in iWUE estimated from tree-ring δ(13)C occur independently of changes in (13)C discrimination that characterize physiological responses to elevated CO(2). Due to a correlation with CO(2) concentration, which is used as an independent factor in the iWUE calculation, any tree-ring δ(13)C data set would inevitably generate increasing iWUE over time. Therefore, although consistent, previously reported trends in iWUE do not necessarily reflect a coherent global response to rising atmospheric CO(2). We discuss the significance of these findings and suggest ways to distinguish real from artificial responses in future studies.
Structural and electronic properties of tin clathrate materials

Using an ab initio local density approximation (LDA) method, we have studied the structural properties and the electronic band structures of several tin-based clathrate materials. We find that the pure type-I $({\mathrm{Sn}}_{46})$ and type-II $({\mathrm{Sn}}_{136})$ clathrate frameworks are metastable, expanded-volume phases of Sn and that they are semiconductors. We further find that the Cs encapsulated type-I binary clathrate is metallic if full stoichiometry $({\mathrm{Cs}}_{8}{\mathrm{Sn}}_{46})$ is assumed. However, our calculations suggest that vacancy formation is energetically favored, and that the stable vacancy compound ${\mathrm{Cs}}_{8}{\mathrm{Sn}}_{44}{\ensuremath{\square}}_{2}$ is a narrow gap semiconductor. We have also studied the ternary clathrate compounds ${\mathrm{Cs}}_{8}{\mathrm{Ga}}_{8}{\mathrm{Sn}}_{38}$ and ${\mathrm{Cs}}_{8}{\mathrm{Zn}}_{4}{\mathrm{Sn}}_{42},$ which have been suggested as potential thermoelectrics, and we find that these are semiconductors. The trends in the structural and electronic properties of these Sn-based clathrates are discussed, and our results are compared with experiment where possible.
Prenatal growth of the median face

The growth and development of the median facial region remain incompletely understood. Data concerning the prenatal size and growth rates of facial components are especially lacking. A group of fetuses and newborn infants with apparently normal craniofacial development and body size was therefore studied at autopsy. The interorbital distance and dimensions of the external nose, philtrum (upper lip), and mouth were determined; the growth of morphogenetically related structures--the ethmoid bone and tongue--was also studied. The slopes of linear regressions of these variables against body length indicated that growth of the median facial region proceeds slowly in the latter half of gestation. The center of the face seems to grow slower than the sides of the face. A multivariate technique, factor analysis, identified and ordered relationships among the variables. The best statistical summary of size in the median face was given by four transversely oriented variables, nose breadth, outer orbital distance, inner canthal distance, and mouth width. Within the region, a secondary cluster was dominated by sagittally oriented variables. The second best summary of median facial relationships was provided by three variables of lingual size and was followed by a group of variables representing ethmoidal size. This pattern of growth may represent the effects of a developmental hierarchy. Growth seems to be coordinated along the major axes of the body, with transverse growth controlled more rigidly than sagittal growth. The statistical independence of the three regions suggests that the controls of growth are also separate.
Quantification of uncertainty for fluid flow in heterogeneous petroleum reservoirs

Abstract Detailed description of the heterogeneity of oil/gas reservoirs is needed to make performance predictions of oil/gas recovery. However, only limited measurements at a few locations are usually available. This combination of significant spatial heterogeneity with incomplete information about it leads to uncertainty about the values of reservoir properties and thus, to uncertainty in estimates of production potential. The theory of stochastic processes provides a natural method for evaluating these uncertainties. In this study, we present a stochastic analysis of transient, single phase flow in heterogeneous reservoirs. We derive general equations governing the statistical moments of flow quantities by perturbation expansions. These moments can be used to construct confidence intervals for the flow quantities (e.g., pressure and flow rate). The moment equations are deterministic and can be solved numerically with existing solvers. The proposed moment equation approach has certain advantages over the commonly used Monte Carlo approach.
Consumer valuation of safety-labeled free-range chicken: results of a field experiment in Hanoi

This article presents results of a field experiment designed to assess willingness to pay for safely produced free-range chicken in Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. Improved safety of chicken production and trading is suggested as an important component of avian influenza control strategy, which aims to address the direct costs of avian influenza as well as the global public health externality. However, consumer demand for safely produced free-range chicken is unknown. Products that have credible food labeling are not common in traditional markets where the majority of free-range chicken is purchased. Valuing characteristics of products sold in informal markets is a major challenge that our experiment overcomes. As part of the experiment, we provided several vendors from these markets with safety-labeled free-range chicken. Consumer valuation of safety labeling was elicited through having experiment participants, who were representative of potential consumers, select between discount coupons for either safety-labeled chicken or regular chicken. Results indicate that consumers will pay at least $0.50, or a 10–15% premium, per chicken purchase for safety labeling, which emphasizes safe production, processing, and transport conditions. This premium is smaller than the premium currently paid for traditional chicken varieties that are considered to be tastier. Consumers with more education have higher valuation of safety labeling. Hence, safety labeling for high-quality free-range chicken can play a role in controlling livestock disease and improving public health.
Dominance, subordination, and concepts of personal entitlements in cultural contexts

In 2 studies, we assessed concepts of personal entitlements in more and less hierarchically organized cultures. Study 1 assessed the judgments of 88 adolescent and adult males (mean ages 17-6 and 34-7) from Druze and Jewish communities in Israel. Subjects were presented with conflict situations in which a person in a dominant position (husband, father) objects to the activities of a family member in a subordinate position (wife, daughter, son), and vice versa. Druze subjects attributed more power than Jewish subjects to husbands and fathers over wives and daughters, but concepts of personal entitlements were prominent in both groups. Study 2 assessed the judgements of Druze females (mean ages 12-10, 17-5, and 38-6). Results show that females accept the legitimacy of males' power and personal autonomy, recognize the consequences for those in subordinate positions, and regard the existing social arrangements as unfair. Overall, the findings indicate that social reasoning is heterogeneous in different types of cultures.
Autophagostimulation by mosquito larvae.

Rates of feeding of larvae of Culex pipiens in distilled water and larval water (water in which larvae were head overnight at a density of 1–2 larvae/ml) were compared by two methods. One method depended on assessing the relative rate of displacement of kaolin from the gut when kaolin-glutted larvae were provided with charcoal powder in the test liquids. The other method involved observation of changes in the time spent filtering by individual larvae transferred between distilled and larval water. Compared with plain water, larval water stimulates increased rates of feeding by the same or other conspecific larvae. Resume AUTOPHAGOSTIMULATION CHEZ LES LARVES DE MOUSTIQUE L'eau dans laquelle on a maintenu des larves pendant une nuit, a la densiTE de 1–2 larves/ ml, stimule l'activiTE de filtration et la prise de nourriture de larves introduites isolement dans ce milieu, par comparaison avcc des larves TEmoins placecs dans de l'eau distillee. La comparaison de l'activiTE alimentaire a eTE faite selon deux methodes. La premicre methode utilise des larves gavees de poudre de kaolin ajouTEe a l'eau du milieu d‘elevager, ccs larves sont transferees ensuite dans de l'eau distillee ou de l'eau ayant heberge de nombreuses larves (“eau de larves”) eau a laquelle on ajoute de la poudre de charbon. La quantiTE de charbon filtree et absorbee pent alors etre appreciee et comparee pour l'eau distillee et pour “l'eau de larves”. La seconde methode est basee sur la mesure du temps passe en activiTE de filtration, pour des larves isolees introduites dans de l'eau distillee ou de l'eau, ayant heberge, de larves. Ces experiences dernontrent que l'cau d'elcvage des larves groupees renferme un principe phagostimulant apporTE par les larves elles-memes.
Automated small business legal counseling systems

The author reviews expert systems currently under development for automating small business legal counseling services. The core of these systems is an automated legal audit, which reviews and analyzes the operational and organizational status of a small business. Such systems would require both forward and backward chaining abilities, both case- and rule-based reasoning, a rich hypertext system, the ability to contact online information systems and to assimilate the information derived, and automated document generation capabilities. Although the systems are still being built, a major feature will be their ability to formulate queries to search and retrieve information from online services and then incorporate such information into their analyses. >
Computation of a Nash Equilibrium of Multiple-Leader Stackelberg Network Games

We propose a multiple-leader Stackelberg network game to model the pricing decisions of relay nodes on an arbitrary topology between a source and a destination, under a reservation-based traffic model. After deriving closed-form solutions for the special case of serial and parallel networks, we present a centralized algorithm that finds a Nash equilibrium of the multiple-leader Stackelberg network game. We design an algorithm that converges to a Nash equilibrium for an arbitrary relay topology. We analyze the performance of the algorithm in the context of energy-limited wireless networks.
Xanthine Oxidoreductase Is a Regulator of Adipogenesis and PPARγ Activity

In an effort to identify novel candidate regulators of adipogenesis, gene profiling of differentiating 3T3-L1 preadipocytes was analyzed using a novel algorithm. We report here the characterization of xanthine oxidoreductase (XOR) as a novel regulator of adipogenesis. XOR lies downstream of C/EBPbeta and upstream of PPARgamma, in the cascade of factors that control adipogenesis, and it regulates PPARgamma activity. In vitro, knockdown of XOR inhibits adipogenesis and PPARgamma activity while constitutive overexpression increases activity of the PPARgamma receptor in both adipocytes and preadipocytes. In vivo, XOR -/- mice demonstrate 50% reduction in adipose mass versus wild-type littermates while obese ob/ob mice exhibit increased concentrations of XOR mRNA and urate in the adipose tissue. We propose that XOR is a novel regulator of adipogenesis and of PPARgamma activity and essential for the regulation of fat accretion. Our results identify XOR as a potential therapeutic target for metabolic abnormalities beyond hyperuricemia.
Arabidopsis thaliana β-Glucosidases BGLU45 and BGLU46 hydrolyse monolignol glucosides

In higher plants, beta-glucosidases belonging to glycoside hydrolase (GH) Family 1 have been implicated in several fundamental processes including lignification. Phylogenetic analysis of Arabidopsis thaliana GH Family 1 has revealed that At1g61810 (BGLU45), At1g61820 (BGLU46), and At4g21760 (BGLU47) cluster with Pinus contorta coniferin beta-glucosidase, leading to the hypothesis that their respective gene products may be involved in lignification by hydrolysing monolignol glucosides. To test this hypothesis, we cloned cDNAs encoding BGLU45 and BGLU46 and expressed them in Pichia pastoris. The recombinant enzymes were purified to apparent homogeneity by ammonium sulfate fractionation and hydrophobic interaction chromatography. Among natural substrates tested, BGLU45 exhibited narrow specificity toward the monolignol glucosides syringin (K(m), 5.1mM), coniferin (K(m), 7mM), and p-coumaryl glucoside, with relative hydrolytic rates of 100%, 87%, and 7%, respectively. BGLU46 exhibited broader substrate specificity, cleaving salicin (100%), p-coumaryl glucoside (71%; K(m), 2.2mM), phenyl-beta-d-glucoside (62%), coniferin (8%), syringin (6%), and arbutin (6%). Both enzymes also hydrolysed p- and o-nitrophenyl-beta-d-glucosides. Using RT-PCR, we showed that BGLU45 and BGLU46 are expressed strongly in organs that are major sites of lignin deposition. In inflorescence stems, both genes display increasing levels of expression from apex to base, matching the known increase in lignification. BGLU45, but not BGLU46, is expressed in siliques, whereas only BGLU46 is expressed in roots. Taken together with recently described monolignol glucosyltransferases [Lim et al., J. Biol. Chem. (2001) 276, 4344-4349], our enzymological and molecular data support the possibility of a monolignol glucoside/beta-glucosidase system in Arabidopsis lignification.