cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Upper crustal structure of Newberry Volcano from P-wave tomography and finite difference waveform modeling

[1] Seismic tomography combined with waveform modeling constrains the dimensions and melt content of a magma body in the upper crust at Newberry Volcano. We obtain a P-wave tomographic image by combining travel-time data collected in 2008 on a line of densely spaced seismometers with active-source data collected in the 1980s. The tomographic analysis resolves a high-velocity intrusive ring complex surrounding a low-velocity caldera-fill zone at depths above 3 km and a broader high-velocity intrusive complex surrounding a central low-velocity anomaly at greater depths (3–6 km). This second, upper-crustal low-velocity anomaly is poorly resolved and resolution tests indicate that an unrealistically large, low-velocity body representing ∼60 km3of melt could be consistent with the available travel times. The 2008 data exhibit low amplitude first arrivals and an anomalous secondary P wave phase originating beneath the caldera. Two-dimensional finite difference waveform modeling through the tomographic velocity model does not reproduce these observations. To reproduce these phases, we predict waveforms for models that include synthetic low-velocity bodies and test possible magma chamber geometries and properties. Three classes of models produce a transmittedP-phase consistent with the travel time and amplitude of the observed secondary phase and also match the observed lower amplitude first arrivals. These models represent a graded mush region, a crystal-suspension region, and a melt sill above a thin mush region. The three possible magma chamber models comprise a much narrower range of melt volumes (1.6–8.0 km3) than could be constrained by travel-time tomography alone.
All-optical image processing by means of a photosensitive nonlinear liquid-crystal film: edge enhancement and image addition–subtraction

We demonstrate two simple yet efficient all-optical image-processing techniques that use nonlinear photosensitive dye-doped nematic liquid-crystal films, namely, edge enhancement and image addition–subtraction operations. These films require no external bias and function at much lower optical powers and shorter response times than other conventional methods.
ℰ-complete andD-generic filters of partially ordered sets

In this paper we prove theorems which ensure the existence of ℰ-complete andD-generic filters of partially ordered sets.
Infrastructure Interdependency and the Creation of a Normal Disaster: The Case of Hurricane Katrina and the City of New Orleans

This article examines the impact of Hurricane Katrina on the infrastructure of the City of New Orleans. Hurricane Katrina set in motion a devastating series of failures in the critical infrastructure of the City of New Orleans and the surrounding region. The authors argue that Katrina can be viewed as a “normal” disaster, involving the complex interaction of interdependent infrastructures resulting in the unanticipated failure of multiple infrastructure systems. Key characteristics of infrastructure interdependencies are explored in relation to the case of Hurricane Katrina and New Orleans. Understanding the nature of normal disasters and the tight coupling of infrastructure systems provides infrastructure managers with important lessons. These lessons involve the need for risk and vulnerability assessment; coordination, cooperation, and communication; and the need for flexible response to disasters.
Physical exercise during pregnancy improves object recognition memory in adult offspring.

Abstract Exercising during pregnancy has been shown to improve spatial learning and short-term memory, as well as increase brain-derived neurotrophic factor mRNA levels and hippocampal cell survival in juvenile offspring. However, it remains unknown if these effects endure into adulthood. In addition, few studies have considered how maternal exercise can impact cognitive functions that do not rely on the hippocampus. To address these issues, the present study tested the effects of maternal exercise during pregnancy on object recognition memory, which relies on the perirhinal cortex (PER), in adult offspring. Pregnant rats were given access to a running wheel throughout gestation and the adult male offspring were subsequently tested in an object recognition memory task at three different time points, each spaced 2-weeks apart, beginning at 60 days of age. At each time point, offspring from exercising mothers were able to successfully discriminate between novel and familiar objects in that they spent more time exploring the novel object than the familiar object. The offspring of non-exercising mothers were not able to successfully discriminate between objects and spent an equal amount of time with both objects. A subset of rats was euthanized 1 h after the final object recognition test to assess c-FOS expression in the PER. The offspring of exercising mothers had more c-FOS expression in the PER than the offspring of non-exercising mothers. By comparison, c-FOS levels in the adjacent auditory cortex did not differ between groups. These results indicate that maternal exercise during pregnancy can improve object recognition memory in adult male offspring and increase c-FOS expression in the PER; suggesting that exercise during the gestational period may enhance brain function of the offspring.
A 168 bp derivative of Suppressor-mutator/Enhancer is responsible for the maize o2–23 mutation

From a directed transposon tagging of the maize Opaque-2 gene (O2), we have isolated a stable mutant o2 allele, o2-23. Cloning and molecular analysis of the allele revealed a 168 nucleotide insertion in the third exon of o2. The sequence of this small insertion indicated identity with the 5' and 3' ends of the 8.3 kb Suppressor-mutator/Enhancer (Spm/En) transposable element. This represents the smallest deletion derivative of Spm (dSpm) thus far characterized in maize. Genetic crosses of plants homozygous for o2-23 with plants homozygous for both an o2 null allele (o2-R) and an autonomous Spm produce stable opaque seed having no apparent sectors of vitreous endosperm. DNA fragments of the size expected if the dSpm were to excise were not detectable by Southern analysis, suggesting that this element is unable to transpose. Northern analysis detected an o2-23 mRNA that was much more abundant in o2-23 seeds lacking Spm than in o2-23 seeds containing Spm, consistent with the idea that Spm transacting functions can suppress the accumulation of the o2-23 transcript.
The cell adhesion molecule, E-cadherin, distinguishes mesothelial cells from carcinoma cells in fluids.

BACKGROUND The distinction between benign reactive mesothelial cells and well differentiated carcinoma can be difficult in pleural, peritoneal, and especially pericardial fluids. E-cadherin is an adhesion protein that is specifically expressed in cells of epithelial lineage. In this study, anti-E-cadherin antibodies were used to identify and distinguish carcinoma cells from reactive mesothelial cells. METHODS Pleural, peritoneal, and pericardial fluids were prepared using the Cytyc Thin Prep™ processor. The specimens were comprised of a mix of 45 cases that were diagnosed as carcinoma, suspicious, or reactive by Papanicolaou staining of routine material seen by the authors' service. Routine immunologic techniques were used with a commercially available E-cadherin antibody. RESULTS In most cases of carcinoma, tumor cells showed a strong positive membranous reaction product (32 of 37). This included four cases that were not cytomorphologically diagnosed as malignant, but subsequently proved to be malignant. E-cadherin staining was not observed in five tumors, two of which were not expected to express this protein. One benign case showed cells staining for E-cadherin, although the cells were not malignant by morphologic criteria. Because this case was a surgical pelvic washing, these cells more likely were epithelial contaminants than true false-positives. CONCLUSIONS The epithelial specific cell-cell adhesion marker E-cadherin reliably distinguishes reactive mesothelial cells from carcinoma and is a useful adjunctive test to distinguish benign reactive mesothelial cells from well differentiated carcinoma cells in fluid specimens. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 1997; 81:293-8. © 1997 American Cancer Society.
Numerical simulations of mixtures of fluids using upwind algorithms

This study is concerned with the development of a thermodynamic model that can be used for numerical simulations of mixtures of fluids, whereby some of the mixture components cannot be accurately modeled by a thermally perfect equation of state. Upwind-type algorithms for the discretization of the inviscid fluxes are introduced in some detail, including preconditioning for low-speed problems. Results are obtained for a challenging test case involving the combustion of a liquid oxygen/gaseous hydrogen mixture at high pressure, and they compare reasonably well with experimental data.
Assessment of subunit-dependent direct gating and allosteric modulatory effects of carisoprodol at GABAA receptors ☆

Abstract Carisoprodol is a widely prescribed muscle relaxant, abuse of which has grown considerably in recent years. It directly activates and allosterically modulates α1β2γ2 GABA A Rs, although the site(s) of action are unknown. To gain insight into the actions of carisoprodol, subunit-dependent effects of this drug were assessed. Whole-cell patch clamp recordings were obtained from HEK293 cells expressing α1β2, α1β3 or αxβzγ2 (where x = 1–6 and z = 1–3) GABA A Rs, and in receptors incorporating the δ subunit (modeling extrasynaptic receptors). The ability to directly gate and allosterically potentiate GABA-gated currents was observed for all configurations. Presence or absence of the γ2 subunit did not affect the ability of carisoprodol to directly gate or allosterically modulate the receptor. Presence of the β1 subunit conferred highest efficacy for direct activation relative to maximum GABA currents, while presence of the β2 subunit conferred highest efficacy for allosteric modulation of the GABA response. With regard to α subunits, carisoprodol was most efficacious at enhancing the actions of GABA in receptors incorporating the α1 subunit. The ability to directly gate the receptor was generally comparable regardless of the α subunit isoform, although receptors incorporating the α3 subunit showed significantly reduced direct gating efficacy and affinity. In extrasynaptic (α1β3δ and α4β3δ) receptors, carisoprodol had greater efficacy than GABA as a direct gating agonist. In addition, carisoprodol allosterically potentiated both EC 20 and saturating GABA concentrations in these receptors. In assessing voltage-dependence, we found direct gating and inhibitory effects were insensitive to membrane voltage, whereas allosteric modulatory effects were affected by membrane voltage. Our findings demonstrate direct and allosteric effects of carisoprodol at synaptic and extrasynpatic GABA A Rs and that subunit isoform influences these effects.
Integrating expert systems with conventional problem-solving techniques using blackboards

Abstract Knowledge and expertise from numerous sources are required to find solutions to many of the problems confronting agriculture. These problems cannot be solved with expert systems (ES) or with more conventional problem-solving techniques alone. The combination of ES and conventional techniques allows many additional problems to be formulated and solved. Blackboard approaches have shown potential for integrating ES and other software. mksmart (Multiple Knowledge Source Management And Reasoning Tool) was developed for constructing blackboard-like applications. The use of mksmart for coupling ES with more conventional techniques is examined.
Update in the treatment of asthma during pregnancy.

Asthma is the most common potentially serious medical problem to complicate pregnancy. Recent reports suggest that 7 of every 100 pregnant women suffer from asthma during pregnancy. Asthmatic women have been shown to be at an increased risk of complications during pregnancy. This may be secondary to inadequately controlled asthma or perhaps the results of the effects of certain asthma medications taken during pregnancy. The choice to use a specific medication during pregnancy is based on available human and animal data. Much of the information currently available regarding the safety of various asthma medications during pregnancy comes from several large cohort studies. This article reviews the specific aspects of pharmacological therapy during pregnancy as provided in the recommendations of the joint ad hoc committee of the American College of Allergy Asthma and Immunology and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. This article presents practical strategies for the management of asthma in our pregnant patients.
An adaptive mixed relation decomposition algorithm for conjunctive retrieval queries

Abstract The paper proposes an adaptive relation decomposition algorithm for conjunctive retrieval queries and provides some hard experimental data for its performance analysis. Our algorithm performs horizontal relation partitioning first, followed by vertical partitioning of every horizontal cut created in the first step. Since the problem of the optimal relation decomposition is NP-hard, the proposed algorithm, as based on heuristics, is not optimal. Defining the relative savings as the ratio between the cost of answering a set of queries in the relation without decomposition and the cost of answering the same set of queries in the decomposed relation, the algorithm gives significant relative savings (250–300%) for realistic test relations and query patterns. These savings can be obtained only for an application with a query pattern that is stable over a time long enough to sense the pattern and propose a relation decomposition, to actually decompose the relation (or modify its decomposition), and to pay back for the decomposition cost. A surprising result is that the relative savings do not decrease even when the pages (blocks) on which a relation is stored are small.
Origins of Population, Turrialba, Costa Rica, 1948

(1963). Origins of Population, Turrialba, Costa Rica, 1948. Journal of Geography: Vol. 62, No. 8, pp. 352-361.
High heat flow from Enceladus' south polar region measured using 10–600 cm−1 Cassini/CIRS data

Analysis of 2008 Cassini Composite Infrared Spectrometer (CIRS) 10 to 600/cm thermal emission spectra of Enceladus shows that for reasonable assumptions about the spatial distribution of the emission and the thermophysical properties of the solar-heated background surface, which are supported by CIRS observations of background temperatures at the edge of the active region, the endogenic power of Enceladus' south polar terrain is 15.8 +/- 3.1 GW. This is significantly higher than the previous estimate of 5.8 +/- 1.9 GW. The new value represents an improvement over the previous one, which was derived from higher wave number data (600 to 1100/cm-I) and was thus only sensitive to high-temperature emission. The mechanism capable of producing such a high endogenic power remains a mystery and challenges the current models of proposed heat production.
Nonsingular quarkonium potential

It is shown that the appearance of singular terms in the quasistatic potential models of quarkonium can be avoided with the use of an improved quasistatic approximation, which yields a nonsingular quark-antiquark potential.
Visage-Link: a medium for distributed collaboration in information-intensive domains

Visage-Link takes the next step in the paradigm shift defined by the Visage information architecture, leveraging an information centric user interface approach in order to facilitate collaboration among geographically distributed users. Extending Visage's notion of polymorphism to the collaborative realm, Visage-link allows a user to visualize a shared data set using views tailored to his or her individual role. Basic research extends this concept to operate on devices smaller in nature and utilized for very user specific roles within operational exercises with varying levels of connectivity.
Mass transport: semiconductor microstructure fabrication by surface energy

Surface energy of an etched microstructure can induce mass transport during heat treatment and transform the structure. This phenomenon has been utilized to fabricate useful device structures for optoelectronic applications. The material process has been systematically investigated especially in the fabrication of large-numerical-aperture microlenses using deeply etched preforms. A reactor has been developed for a contamination-free process with controlled high phosphorus overpressure. Strong interactions between the phosphorus vapor and the wafer surface have been uncovered and investigated. Simple techniques have been developed for effectively maintaining the group III vapor equilibrium for complete wafer protection against erosion and defect generation. Comprehensive one- and two-dimensional models of the mass transport kinetics have been developed and have yielded useful guiding principles. These developments have led to reproducible fabrication of near perfect powerful microlenses and have opened considerable possibilities for more applications.
The structural and behavioral characteristics of the smallest-world phenomenon: minimum distance networks

Abstract This paper clarifies the structural and behavioral characteristics of minimum distance networks of diameter 2 and the relationship between the formation of minimum distance networks and the small-world phenomenon. These networks are evaluated in terms of efficiency of indirect contact/communication, parsimony in the use of edges, nonseparability, and expected inefficiency under the random elimination of a single node. Related existing graph-theoretic theorems are reviewed and are integrated into a description of these networks. In addition, a rational choice theory of ego-centric network ties is introduced to evaluate the relevance of minimum distance networks for the small-world phenomenon. In particular, Nash equilibria derived from utility models of ego-centric network ties for rational actors are described.
A Novel Factor Binding to the Glucose Response Elements of Liver Pyruvate Kinase and Fatty Acid Synthase Genes

Transcription of the liver type pyruvate kinase and lipogenesis enzyme genes is induced by high carbohydrate in liver. We have found a novel protein factor in rat liver nuclei that binds to the glucose response element (CACGTG motifs) of the pyruvate kinase gene (Liu, Z. , Thompson, K. S., and Towle, H. C. (1993) J. Biol. Chem. 268, 12787-12795) and the "insulin response element" of fatty acid synthase gene. The amounts of this DNA-binding protein, termed "glucose response element binding protein" (GRBP) in the nuclear extract, were increased in liver by a high carbohydrate diet and decreased by starvation, high fat, and high protein diet. GRBP also occurs in cytosols of liver and is dependent on carbohydrate. Both the nuclear and the cytosolic GRBP showed similar properties, except the former was more resistant to thermal inactivation than the latter. Kinetics of glucose activation of the cytosolic GRBP in a primary culture of hepatocytes indicated that a half-maximum activation was achieved after 6 h, and glucose concentration required for the maximum activation of the GRBP was approximately 12 mM. Dibutyryl-cAMP, okadaic acid, and forskolin inhibited glucose activation of both GRBP and liver pyruvate kinase transcription. These results suggested that GRBP may be a factor that recognizes the glucose response motif site and may be involved in mediating carbohydrate response of the pyruvate kinase gene.
Effects of lithium on cAMP generation in cultured rat inner medullary collecting tubule cells

Effects of lithium on cAMP generation in cultured rat inner medullary collecting tubule cells. The effects of lithium (Li) on the cAMP system in rat inner medullary collecting tubule cells were studied. While acute exposure to 5mM Li was without effect, 10mM, 25mM and 50mM Li significantly decreased AVP-stimulated cAMP formation. In contrast, cells grown in 5mM Li for 72hours which caused no morphologic changes enhanced cAMP formation (fmol/μg protein) in response to both 10nM AVP (114.5 ± 9.2 vs. 71.6 ± 7.4,P > 0.005) and 100nM AVP (182 ± 14 vs. 120 ± 8.3, P 2 ; and thromboxane B 2 synthesis were unchanged by Li, but the production of prostacyclin was significantly (P
Supported phospholipid bilayers for two-dimensional protein crystallization

Phospholipid bilayers, supported on UV irradiated carbon shadowed nitro-cellulose electron microscope grids, have been used to induce two-dimensional crystal growth of IgE and IgG anti-DNP monoclonal antibodies. The UV irradiation renders the grids hydrophilic in a very uniform fashion and allows for the transfer of phospholipid monolayers from an air/water interface in a sequential dipping procedure. The surface coverage achieved was nearly 100% as measured by antibody binding and by the formation of protein arrays on the bilayer covered grids. The supported bilayers appear to be stably held and are appropriate for slow binding conditions and long incubation times with low concentrations of binding protein.
Using app inventor in a K-12 summer camp

Educators are often seeking new ways to motivate or inspire students to learn. Our past efforts in K-12 outreach included robotics and media computation as the contexts for teaching Computer Science (CS). With the deep interest in mobile technologies among teenagers, our recent outreach has focused on using smartphones as a new context. This paper is an experience report describing our approach and observations from teaching a summer camp for high school students using App Inventor (AI). The paper describes two separate methods (one using a visual block language, and another using Java) that were taught to high school students as a way to create Android applications. We observed that initiating the instruction with the block language, and then showing the direct mapping to an equivalent Java version, assisted students in understanding app development in Java. Our evaluation of the camp includes observations of student work and artifact assessment of student projects. Although the assessment suggests the camp was successful in several areas, we present numerous lessons learned based on our own reflection on the camp content and instruction.
Modulation of Yersinia Type Three Secretion System by the S1 Domain of Polynucleotide Phosphorylase

Both low temperatures and encounters with host phagocytes are two stresses that have been relatively well studied in many species of bacteria. Previous work has shown that the exoribonuclease polynucleotide phosphorylase (PNPase) is required for Yersiniae to grow at low temperatures. Here, we show that PNPase also enhances the ability of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis and Yersinia pestis to withstand the killing activities of murine macrophages. PNPase is required for the optimal functioning of the Yersinia type three secretion system (TTSS), an organelle that injects effector proteins directly into host cells. Unexpectedly, the effect of PNPase on the TTSS is independent of its ribonuclease activity and instead requires its S1 RNA binding domain. In contrast, catalytically inactive enzyme does not enhance the low temperature growth effect of PNPase. Surprisingly, wild-type-like TTSS functioning was restored to the pnp mutant strain by expressing just the ∼70 amino acid S1 domains from either PNPase, RNase R, RNase II, or RpsA. Our findings suggest that PNPase plays multifaceted roles in enhancing Yersinia survival in response to stressful conditions.
Channel-opening kinetics of GluR2Q(flip) AMPA receptor: a laser-pulse photolysis study.

AMPA receptors mediate fast excitatory neurotransmission in the central nervous system. GluR2 is an AMPA receptor subunit that controls some key heteromeric AMPA receptor properties, such as calciu...
Breaking up is easy to do (if you're a DNA enzyme that cleaves RNA).

In this issue of Chemistry & Biology, Cruz et al. use in vitro selection to select deoxyribozymes that collectively cleave almost any RNA dinucleotide junction [6]. More remarkable is the finding that the new enzymes are related to the 8-17 deoxyribozyme that cleaves AG dinucleotide junctions.
Nitrification in relation to growth in Aspergillus flaws

Abstract Relatively high nitrification rates were attained with Aspergillus flavus grown aerobically with high concentrations of glucose and peptone. l -Aspartate added after depletion of glucose gave only a moderate increase in the total nitrate yield, but a marked specific response was observed when l -aspartate was added as nitrate production started to level off. The effect of glucose, glucosamine and N-acetylglucosamine on actively nitrifying cultures was studied. The first two had an inhibitory effect due to nitrate assimilation, while N-acetylglucosamine had virtually no effect. Young mycelium had a cytochrome type of terminal oxidase which was observed to shift to a flavoprotein type as the mycelium became fully grown.
Interactive learning: a multiexpert paradigm for acquiring new knowledge

In this paper a paradigm for knowledge acquisition is presented. The paradigm, referred to as Multiexpert Knowledge System (MKS), is based on the philosophy that many decision problems which are candidate expert system applications do not rely on just a single expert for advice but utilize the expertise of many, sometimes conflicting, knowledge sources. Because of the potential for conflict between sources, the contemporary approach to building multiple expert or multiexpert knowledge systems has been to eliminate conflict prior to building the knowledge base. The MKS paradigm accommodates multiple, potentially conflicting experts and uses their expertise in the formulation of new knowledge (rules). These new rules are tested using sequential analysis and organized into a knowledge base by means of an entropy reduction program. Together the MKS paradigm, sequential analysis and entropy reduction are components in the design of an 'interactive' learning expert system which behaves as a 'virtual' expert learning and unlearning new knowledge.
Spins of low-energy neutron resonances in 175Lu, 189Os and 187Os

Abstract Resonances up to 300 eV in 175 Lu, 189 Os, and 187 Os are reported together with spin assignments and probabilities of correctness. Those spins reported with better than 90% confidence consist of 49, 17 and 10 resonances in 175 Lu, 189 Os, and 187 Os respectively. In 187 Os, 39 of the observed resonances have not been reported previously. Ratios of low-energy γ-ray intensities and γ-ray multiplicity were used for spin determinations. A method developed previously for analyzing these data has been extended to include analysis of uncertainties in relative populations, average reduced neutron widths, and strength functions of the two spin groups. The data in 189 Os is consistent with a 20 J +1 level-density dependence, but in the other two isotopes this rule is violated. We suggest spin cut-off factors of about 3 in this mass region. Small differences in gΓ n 0 > and in the strength functions for the two spin groups are not considered very significant.
Specific interaction between adenoviral 55-kDa E1B protein and in vivo produced p53 fusion proteins

Several protein fusion systems have been used in recent years to study protein-protein and DNA-protein interactions. Most of them use bacterially produced proteins which have several inherent disadvantages, notably, the absence of correct post-translational modifications and the frequent insolubility of recombinant proteins. We sought to develop a system to study proteins interacting with the nuclear phosphoprotein p53, which is believed to be a tumor suppressor. To prepare fusions of p53, we developed a convenient system that permits both in vivo and in vitro production and easy affinity purification of peptides and protein fragments as glutathione-transferase fusions. We placed the coding sequence of the Schistosoma japonica glutathione S-transferase (GST) under the control of the strong CMV/T7 promoter and SV40 splice and polyadenylation signals. An extensive polylinker (MCS) at the 3' end of the GST gene is preceded by the sequence encoding the cleavage site of the site-specific protease. We cloned the complete coding sequences of human wild-type p53, as well as p53 mutants representing all four mutational hotspots (codons 141, 175, 248, and 273), into our expression vector. In vitro transcription using the upstream T7 promoter and translation in reticulocyte lysates form an easy way to produce hybrid proteins; affinity purification on a glutathione-agarose column removes proteins that are present in reticulocyte lysates. We have also studied specific in vivo interactions of human p53 with the adenoviral 55-kDa E1B protein by transfecting expression constructs of GST-p53 fusions into human Ad5-transformed 293 cells.
Ergodic fluctuations in deterministic economic models

Abstract Nonperiodic business fluctuations are shown to exist with positive measure generically and to behave like stationary stochastic processes in the standard dynamic macro model. The implication is that so called ‘chaotic’ fluctuations are probable for random initial conditions in a large class of recursive economies.
The amino acid sequence of ferredoxin from the sulfate reducing bacterium, Desulfovibrio gigas.

Abstract The primary structure of a ferredoxin from the sulfate reducing bacterium, Desulfovibrio gigas has been determined by conventional procedures. The molecule is unique among bacterial ferredoxins in that it contains only six cysteine residues, four in the first half and two in the second half of the sequence. Preliminary structural considerations suggest that it may be derived from a prototype ferredoxin intermediate between green plants and bacteria.
ROBUSTNESS ANALYSIS OF A FIXED-BED TUBULAR REACTOR: IMPACT OF MODELING DECISIONS

A robustness analysis technique is applied to the control of a tubular fixed-bed reactor. Critical modeling decisions such as lumping and order reduction are evaluated in terms on their impact on the model/plant mismatch and its consequences in closed-loop stability and performance. It is shown that a previously proposed control scheme lacks robustness and thus is very difficult to control in the presence of modeling errors.
The ultrastructure of myofibers in a reptilian heart: The boa constrictor

Electron microscopic observation of cardiac myofibers from the boa constrictor depict several features that differ from other vertebrate cardiac and striated muscle cells. The indentations in the sarcolemma do not penetrate into the deep sarcoplasmic matrix to form a transverse tubular system, instead the regular indentations extend the circumference of the myofiber at the regions of the Z line and are continuous with the latter via a dense homogeneous material that occurs at regular intervals along the subsarcolemmal surface. This dense material provides a direct contact between the sarcolemma and the contractile system. A complex sarcoplasmic reticulum was not observed around the myofibrils or in the sarcoplasmic matrix, instead there were small vesicles dispersed about the sarcoplasm. These myofibers are compared with the slow or tonic muscle fiber (Felderstruktur) which also lacks a transverse tubular system and contains an irregular sarcoplasmic reticulum.
Forest floor respiration in a black spruce taiga forest ecosystem in Alaska

A technique was developed for measuring respiration of virtually undisturbed forest floor samples, and used to follow seasonal changes in two black spruce forest stands in interior Alaska. In the laboratory, soil respiration showed a positive response to increasing temperature; however, respiration measured in the field was negatively correlated with air and soil temperature, but positively correlated with water content of the soil within the range (100-250% of dry weight) normally experienced in the field. Moisture levels above 250% inhibited respiration. Precipitation events usually stimulate forest floor respiration, but prolonged periods of dry and rainy weather lead to limitation of respiration by sub- and supraoptimal moisture, respectively. Long-term confinement of soil has significant effects upon soil arthropod densities, moisture content, temperature, and respiration, and should not be taken to represent the natural conditions of the forest floor.
An empirical investigation of critical TQM factors using exploratory factor analysis

SUMMARY In this article, exploratory factor analysis was applied to a set of 50 quality management practices, synthesized from Deming's philosophy, to determine whether they can be summarized or explained by a smaller number of meaningful factors. Eight meaningful factors were extracted that accounted for 53.6% of the total variation among Deming's 50 quality management practices. Industry practitioners can use these factors in concert with other critical quality management practices to help them in their TQM initiatives. Researchers can also use these factors to build structural models linking such factors to various organizational performance measures.
Profiling Formulated Monoclonal Antibodies by 1H NMR Spectroscopy

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) is arguably the most direct methodology for characterizing the higher-order structure of proteins in solution. Structural characterization of proteins by NMR typically utilizes heteronuclear experiments. However, for formulated monoclonal antibody (mAb) therapeutics, the use of these approaches is not currently tenable due to the requirements of isotope labeling, the large size of the proteins, and the restraints imposed by various formulations. Here, we present a new strategy to characterize formulated mAbs using 1H NMR. This method, based on the pulsed field gradient stimulated echo (PGSTE) experiment, facilitates the use of 1H NMR to generate highly resolved spectra of intact mAbs in their formulation buffers. This method of data acquisition, along with postacquisition signal processing, allows the generation of structural and hydrodynamic profiles of antibodies. We demonstrate how variation of the PGSTE pulse sequence parameters allows proton relaxation rates and relat...
A theory of inference generation during text comprehension

An adequate theory of inference generation should accurately predict whether particular classes of knowledge‐based inferences are generated “on‐line” during text comprehension. This article proposes a theory which can account for available empirical findings in cognitive psychology and discourse processing, including those reported in this issue of Discourse Processes. The proposed “constructionist” theory incorporates: (a) the goals of the reader, (b) explanations of why actions and events in the text occur, (c) coherence at local and global levels, and (d) the activation of inferences from multiple information sources.
Interaction between sodium bromide and chlorpromazine

Abstract An interaction between sodium bromide and chlorpromazine has been demonstrated in mice. This was seen as an increase in the chlorpromazine-induced sleeping time. The effect was found to be both dose and time dependent. A plasma bromide concentration of about 65 mg% was found to be the critical level above which sleeping time prolongation became evident.
Computational screening of homochiral metal–organic frameworks for enantioselective adsorption

Abstract Molecular simulations were used to screen a diverse collection of eight homochiral metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) for their ability to separate 19 chiral compounds by enantioselective adsorption. The simulation model was validated by comparison with available experimental data. It was found that high enantioselectivity is strongly correlated with a close match between the size of the pore and the size of the chiral sorbate molecule. However, there is also a possibility of no enantioselectivity even when the size of the pore matches with the size of the chiral sorbate molecule. A four-point model was used to explain this observation, and a solution to promote high enantioselectivity has been proposed.
Effect of Chronic Pressure Overload on the Maximal Rate of Pressure Fall of the Right Ventricle

The maximal rate of fall in the right ventricular pressure (negative dp/dt) was evaluated in 34 patients. Eight had normal pulmonary arterial pressure. Seventeen had pulmonary arterial hypertension, and nine had pulmonary arterial hypertension with right ventricular failure. The right ventricular maximal negative dp/dt in patients with normal pulmonary arterial pressure was 170 ± 20 mm Hg/sec. In patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension not accompanied by right ventricular failure, this value was 670 ± 60 mm Hg/sec; and in patients with right ventricular failure, it was also 670 ± 60 mm Hg/sec. This was higher than in control subjects (P r = 0.72). Right ventricular maximal negative dp/dt in patients who were not in right ventricular failure correlated linearly with pulmonary arterial systolic pressure ( r = 0.83) and pulmonary arterial diastolic pressure ( r = 0.83). At any level of pulmonary arterial systolic pressure, right ventricular maximal negative dp/dt in patients with right ventricular failure was lower than in patients with the same level of pulmonary arterial hypertension who were not in failure. These observations indicate that right ventricular maximal negative dp/dt is dependent on load. Even in the presence of right ventricular failure, right ventricular maximal negative dp/dt exceeded values in control subjects.
Microvolume electrochemical cell employing cylindrical graphite fiber microelectrodes

Abstract A microvolume electrochemical cell was designed that allows voltammetric measurements to be conducted in less than 10-μl volumes of solutions. The cell body consists of a stainless-steel needle functioning as both the reference and auxiliary electrodes. A cylindrical graphite fiber microelectrode, inserted into the needle, serves as the working electrode. Microliter samples of solution can be aspirated into the cell by means of an Eppendorf micropipet attached to the needle. The performance of the microvolume cell was investigated by conducting square-wave anodic stripping voltammetry of lead and cadmium and square-wave voltammetry of epinephrine, both in solutions containing dissolved oxygen. The cell functioned very well in both methods; however, a needle preplated with mercury was found to improve the performance of the cell in anodic stripping voltammetry.
Biogeochemical Characteristics of the Everglades Sloughs

Everglades sloughs are alkaline hardwater systems. Mean water column dissolved phosphate (5 μg/L) and TP (9 μg/L) concentrations in the sloughs are typical of oligotrophic waters. Molar ratios of dissolved inorganic N and P (DIN:DIP = 28:1) in the surface waters suggest that P may be limiting the aquatic primary productivity in the Everglades sloughs. Variations in water column TP and TN in the sloughs were inversely related to the water depth fluctuations (P <0.0001) suggesting a strong link with hydrology. Periphyton and macrophytes in the sloughs exhibited NIP ratios indicative of depletion in P relative to N. The N/P ratios in the Everglades slough communities were in the upper range of values reported for aquatic plants from other ecosystems. The NIP ratios in periphyton were higher than macrophytes suggesting that P depletion was even greater for periphyton. As a result any introduced inorganic phosphate was taken up rapidly by the periphyton reducing the water column PO 4 -P to near background levels. Our results suggest that C/N/P ratios of the periphyton provide a reliable measure of the P-status of the Everglades sloughs whereas the water column P concentration may not truly reflect the P-status of the system. Periphyton mat also plays an important role in oxygenating the water column of the sloughs. Experimental results show that a decline in periphyton mat cover will result in a decrease in the water column dissolved oxygen concentration and may also lead to other ecosystem changes by enhancing the PAR availability to the slough bottom.
Charge accumulation at a threading edge dislocation in gallium nitride

We have performed Monte Carlo calculations to determine the charge accumulation on threading edge dislocations in GaN as a function of the dislocation density and background dopant density. Four possible core structures have been examined, each of which produces defect levels in the gap and may therefore act as electron or hole traps. Our results indicate that charge accumulation, and the resulting electrostatic interactions, can change the relative stabilities of the different core structures. Structures having Ga and N vacancies at the dislocation core are predicted to be stable under nitrogen-rich and gallium-rich growth conditions, respectively. Due to dopant depletion at high dislocation density and the multitude of charge states, the line charge exhibits complex crossover behavior as the dopant and dislocation densities vary.
ALASKA'S COMMUNITY COLLEGES: BIG STATE, BIG CHALLENGES, AND BIG CHANGES

Alaska's system of higher education has primarily operated through the University of Alaska, founded in 1917. Several attempts were made to start community colleges during the first half of the century, but it was not until President Terris Moore's efforts during the 1950s that significant progress was made. In 1954, Anchorage Community College was founded, followed by 10 other institutions over the next 25 years. The community colleges, although responsive to local concerns, were also expensive. As a result of the collapse of oil prices in the 1980s, the University of Alaska faced a fiscal crisis. To save money, the board of regents reorganized the university system, assigning each of the 11 community colleges to one of the system's three major universities. Prince William Sound Community College was allowed to retain its relatively autonomous status by virtue of its local support. That structure of three major universities, combined with branch campuses or learning centers in Alaska's smaller communitie...
Relative Value of Managed Wetlands and Tidal Marshlands for Wintering Northern Pintails

Abstract Northern pintail Anas acuta (hereafter pintail) populations have declined substantially throughout the western United States since the 1970s, largely as a result of converting wetlands to cropland. Managed wetlands have been developed throughout the San Francisco Bay estuaries to provide wildlife habitat, particularly for waterfowl. Many of these areas were historically tidal baylands, and plans are underway to remove dikes and restore tidal action. The relationship between tidal baylands and waterfowl populations is poorly understood. Our objective was to provide information on selection and avoidance of managed and tidal marshland by pintails. During 1991–1993 and 1998–2000, we radiomarked and relocated 330 female pintails (relocations, n = 11,574) at Suisun Marsh, California, the largest brackish water estuary within San Francisco Bay, to estimate resource selection functions during the nonbreeding months (winter). Using a distance-based modeling approach, we calculated selection functions fo...
The social fabric approach as an approach to knowledge integration in Cultural Algorithms

Recently there has been increased interest in socially motivated approaches to problem solving. These approaches include particle swarm optimization, ant colony optimization, and cultural algorithms. Each of these approaches is derived from a social system that operates on potentially different scale. In previous work we introduced a toolkit to model optimization problem solving using cultural algorithms. In this paper we extend the influence and integration function in the cultural algorithm toolkit (CAT) by adding a mechanism by which knowledge sources can spread their influence throughout a population. We then compare this enhanced approach with previous approaches using the Cones world optimization landscape. Dejong and Morrison proposed the Cones world as an alternative to traditional benchmark optimization problems in the assessment of optimization algorithms. We demonstrate how the social fabric enhances cultural algorithm performance within this environment relative to earlier system.
CHASE: an extracellular sensing domain common to transmembrane receptors from prokaryotes, lower eukaryotes and plants

A novel extracellular ligand-binding domain, termed CHASE, is described in sensory adenylyl and diguanylate cyclases, and histidine kinases, in several bacterial species, Dictyostelium and plants. The CHASE domain is predicted to sense stimuli that are specific for the developmental program of an organism.
Oral-contraceptive use in relation to myocardial infarction.

Abstract The effect of oral-contraceptive use on the risk of myocardial infarction and, in particular, the possible accentuation of that effect by cigarette smoking, was investigated in 234 premenopausal women with a first infarction and 1742 hospital controls. The overall rate ratio estimate of acute myocardial infarction for women who had used oral contraceptives in the preceding month was 4· (95% confidence interval, 2·5-6·3). Women who smoked heavily and used oral contraceptives had a point estimate of 39 (lower two-sided 95% confidence limit, 22) compared with those who did neither. This value was appreciably larger than could be accounted for by the separate effects of cigarettes and oral contraceptives, and this suggests a considerable accentuation by cigarette smoking of the effect of oral contraceptive use on myocardial infarction.
Survival of Listeria monocytogenes in whole egg and egg yolk powders and in liquid whole eggs.

A mixture of five strains of L. monocytogenes was inoculated at two populations (approximately 10 cfu g −1 and 10 5 cfu g −1 ) into commercially dried powdered whole egg and egg yolk, and liquid whole egg. Inoculated dried egg products were stored at 5 and 20°C for 6 months and liquid whole eggs were stored at 0 and −18°C for 2 and 24 weeks, respectively. The presence and populations of viable cells were determined periodically throughout storage. Presence of L. monocytogenes was determined by subjecting egg products to primary enrichment in tryptic soy broth followed by plating the broth on Lee Modified Oxford (MOX) agar. Enumeration was done by directly plating serially diluted egg products directly on MOX agar. All egg products inoculated with 10 cfu g −1 yielded viable Listeria cells throughout storage. L. monocytogenes decreased about 1 and 1·5 log 10 cfu g −1 in powdered whole egg and egg yolk, respectively, when inoculated with 10 5 cfu g −1 and stored at 5°C. Inactivation occurred more rapidly at 20°C. The number of viable L. monocytogenes in frozen liquid whole egg initially containing 10 5 cfu g −1 remained unchanged throughout storage. These results indicate that L. monocytogenes can survive throughout the normal shelf life of powdered and frozen egg products.