cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Neural network quarterbacking

In the National Football League (NFL), teams that outperform their opponents in four categories usually are victorious. These statistics are yards gained, rushing yards gained, turnover margin, and time of possession. In fact, through the first eight weeks of the 1994 regular season, no team leading its opponent in all four categories had lost. In general, the more categories a team leads, the greater its chance of winning a game. Therefore, the relative strength of NFL teams can be established by comparing these four statistical categories. Several neural network strategies are tried to predict winners in NFL games. Binary, ternary, and continuous input vectors are used as inputs to appropriate networks: Hamming, adaptive resonance theory (ART), Kohonen self-organizing map (SOM), and backpropagation (BP). Predictions are presented, and the performance of each network is examined. Network results using supervised and unsupervised training methods are also compared.
Improved rate capability of Si-C composite anodes by boron doping for lithium-ion batteries

Abstract We report a novel strategy to enhance the rate capability of Si–C composite by facile boron doping. Boron doping was confirmed by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Raman spectroscopy. The boron-doped Si–C composite shows much improved rate capability, delivering a capacity of 575 mAh/g at 6.4 A/g without any external carbon additive, 80% higher than that of undoped composite. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurement shows that boron-doped Si–C composite has lower charge transfer resistance, which helps improve its rate capability.
Officer Garcia: a virtual human for mediating eyewitness identification

An analysis of court cases has revealed that the mistaken identification of the wrong person by victims and witnesses of a crime is the single most common error leading to the arrest and conviction of innocent people [Wells et al. 2006]. Recognizing the role of mistaken identification in erroneous conviction, a growing number of states and police departments have reformed their eyewitness identification procedures. In this paper, we investigate a new procedural reform: the use of a virtual officer who does not know the identity of the suspect in the lineup and therefore cannot bias the witness toward false identification.
Bifurcation conditions for a thick elastic plate under thrust

A thick rectangular plate of incompressible isotropic elastic material is subjected to a pure homogeneous deformation by tensile forces or thrusts applied to a pair of opposite faces. The theory of small deformations superposed on finite deformations is applied to determine the critical conditions under which bifurcation solutions (i.e. adjacent equilibrium positions) can exist. The adjacent equilibrium positions considered are those for which the superposed deformation is two-dimensional and is coplanar with the loading force and the thickness direction of the plate, the faces of the plate normal to its thickness being force-free. A number of theorems relating to the critical conditions for superposed deformations of the flexural and barreling types are derived under conditions on the strain-energy function more general than those employed in earlier work. It is also shown how these results can be applied to the determination of the bifurcation conditions corresponding to any specified strain-energy function.
Regional bankfull geometry relationships for southern California mountain streams and hydrologic applications

Abstract This study develops and intercompares regional relationships for bankfull channel width, hydraulic depth, and cross-sectional area for southern California mountain streams based on several data sources: surveyed streams, US Geological Survey stream survey reports, and existing literature. Although considerable uncertainty exists in estimating bankfull conditions, the relationships developed from the varying data sources show significant agreement. For small watersheds with drainage area ranging from 15 to ~ 2000 km 2 , the estimates of bankfull top width ranged from 7.2 to 44.5 m and hydraulic depth estimates ranged from 0.35 to 1.15 m. The utility of the developed bankfull geometry regional curves is demonstrated for southern California catchments through (a) the computation of the bankfull discharge and (b) the estimation of the surface runoff response necessary to produce bankfull conditions in the streams at the outlet of these catchments. For selected locations with instantaneous flow records, the occurrence frequency of events exceeding bankfull flow was examined for the available 10–15 year span of observational records. Bankfull discharge estimates for all small watersheds in the region ranged from 1.3 to 74 m 3 /s, while the range at the selected gauged stream locations was from 2.6 to 16.4 m 3 /s. Stream locations along the Transverse Mountains of southern California showed an average occurrence frequency of less than 1 year, whereas along the Peninsular Mountains the average return period tended to be greater than 1 year. The application of the regional curves to the estimation of the surface runoff response necessary to produce bankfull conditions at the channel outlets of small catchments may be used as an index for conditions of minor flooding with saturated soils. This surface runoff response index ranges from 2.0 to 5.5 mm for a 3-hour rainfall duration for southern California watersheds greater than 15 km 2 in area. Differences between the values for the Peninsular and Transverse Mountain Ranges are linked to geological, climatic, and geomorphologic differences. The developed regional geometry relationships are suitable for use in various hydrologic modeling applications, including distributed modeling with high resolution pertinent to flash flood forecasting.
Derivatives of the thiazolo[2,3-a]isoquinolinium system

The ketosulfides (IV) formed by the reaction of α-bromoketones with 2α-thiohomo-phthalimide (II) have been cyclized to form hydrogen-bonded, dimeric hemiperchlorates (V). Alternative products from the cyclization, 2-[2′-(carboxymethyl)phenyl]thiazoles (VII), may be cyclized with acetic anhydride to O-betaines (VI). The same betaines are obtained from the hemiperchlorates (V) by deprotonation. The ketosulfide hydrobromides (XIII) from α-bromoketones and 1-thio-3, 4-dihydroisocarbostyril (XII) give 5,6-dihydro-thiazolo[2,3-a]isoquinolinium salts (XV) on cyclization.
Measurement of Behavioral, Affective, and Somatic Responses to Pediatric Bone Marrow Transplantation: Development of the BASES Scale

A new measure to assess behavioral, affective and somatic outcomes in the acute phase of bone marrow transplant is described. The Behavioral Affective and Somatic Experiences Scale (BASES) is a 38 item nurse-report instrument, with five subscales labeled Somatic distress, Compliance, Mood/Behavior, Interactions, and Activity. A series of pilot studies were conducted to refine the content of the BASES scale and to establish its psychometric properties in terms of internal consistency, inter-rater reliability, and validity. Internal consistency (Chronbach's α) for the subscales ranged from .742 to .902. Inter-rater reliability was good, with a median correlation between paired nurse observations of .866. A parent report version of the BASES scale has also been developed, and the finding of significant parent-nurse correlations provides preliminary evidence of the validity of the measure. Potential uses of the BASES scale in the pediatric BMT setting are discussed.
Seeing is believing: designing visualizations for managing risk and compliance

This paper explores the design of visualizations that support mandated organizational compliance processes. We draw on the research literature to show how visualizations can operate as effective user interfaces for complex, distributed processes. We argue that visualizations can reduce the complexity of such processes, making them easier to manage, and can facilitate the communication and collaboration that are critical to supporting compliance. We describe the design and pilot deployment of a visualization that supports the IBM Sarbanes-Oxley Act compliance process, discussing design alternatives, the final design, its deployment, and lessons learned.
Design, synthesis, and crystallographic studies of neutral platinum-based macrocycles formed via self-assembly.

A series of neutral, platinum-based macrocycles was synthesized from rigid oxygen donor building blocks via self-assembly. The combination of a platinum-based 60° acceptor unit 1 with several linear and angular dicarboxylate bridging ligands afforded hitherto unknown neutral platinum-based supramolecular triangles and rhomboids. In addition, a similar reaction of the diplatinum molecular clip 6 and three different linear dicarboxylates led to the formation of neutral molecular rectangles. Most of the macrocycles were characterized by X-ray single-crystal structure analysis, and, in all cases, NMR spectra were consistent with the formation of single highly symmetrical species.
Effectiveness and safety of spironolactone for systolic heart failure.

Aldosterone receptor antagonists have been shown in randomized trials to reduce morbidity and mortality in adults with symptomatic systolic heart failure. We studied the effectiveness and safety of spironolactone in adults with newly diagnosed systolic heart failure in clinical practice. We identified all adults with newly diagnosed heart failure, left ventricular ejection fraction of 2.5 mg/dl or a serum potassium level of >5.0 mEq/L. We used Cox regression with time-varying covariates to evaluate the independent association between spironolactone use and death, hospitalization, severe hyperkalemia, and acute kidney injury. Among 2,538 eligible patients with a median follow-up of 2.5 years, 521 patients (22%) initiated spironolactone, which was not associated with risk of hospitalization (adjusted hazard ratio 0.91, 95% confidence interval 0.77 to 1.08) or death (adjusted hazard ratio 0.93, confidence interval 0.60 to 1.44). Crude rates of severe hyperkalemia and acute kidney injury during spironolactone use were similar to that seen in clinical trials. Spironolactone was independently associated with a 3.5-fold increased risk of hyperkalemia but not with acute kidney injury. Within a diverse community-based cohort with incident systolic heart failure, use of spironolactone was not independently associated with risks of hospitalization or death. Our findings suggest that the benefits of spironolactone in clinical practice may be reduced compared with other guideline-recommended medications.
Internal Electric Field Investigations of a Cadmium Zinc Telluride Detector Using Synchrotron X-ray Mapping and Pockels Effect Measurements

Cadmium zinc telluride (CZT) has remained a major focus of research due to its promising application as a room-temperature nuclear radiation detector material. Among the several parameters that substantially affect the detectors’ performance, an important one is the distribution of the internal electric field. Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) employed synchrotron x-ray microscale mapping and measurements of the Pockels effect to investigate the distribution of the internal electric field in a CZT strip detector. Direct evidence that dislocations can distort the internal electric field of the detector was obtained. Furthermore, it was found that “star” defects in the CZT crystal, possibly ascribed to dislocation loop punching, cause charge trapping.
The role of microstructure in the electrical and thermal conductivity of Ni-alloys for LIGA microsystems

The electrical and thermal transport properties of three electrodeposited Ni-alloys for LIGA applications were investigated. Electrodeposted Ni from a sulfamate bath was shown to possess a microcrystalline grain structure with a thermal conductivity (82 W/mK) and electrical resistivity (7.9 μΩcm) similar to bulk Ni. The addition of saccharin additives or Mn alloying resulted in refinement of the grain structure which elevated the electrical resistivity and decreased the thermal conductivity. The effects of thermal aging were studied through isothermal annealing. Data show that the Ni-Mn samples were most thermally stable both in grain structure and transport properties. Ni-Watts with saccharin resulted in rapid grain growth and an increase in thermal conductivity and decrease in electrical resistivity to that near bulk Ni. The measurements of transport properties were shown to be sensitive to the initial changes in grain structure in the Ni-Watts and Ni-Mn materials, and thus, can be used to track microstructural evolution.
Using tobacco by-products as a nitrogen source for container-grown houseplants

Abstract There is continuing interest in using various agricultural by‐products as organic nutrient sources for plants. This experiment was designed to evaluate the use of a by‐product from the tobacco (Nicotiana tobacum L.) processing industry as a nutrient source for commonly grown houseplants. A 8‐week laboratory experiment was conducted to measure nitrogen (N) mineralization from pelletized and powder mixtures of tobacco by‐product combined with dried blood and bone meal. The mixtures were added to a fresh field soil, a peat‐based medium, or the peat‐based medium that had been sterilized in an autoclave. The N mineralization rate was in the order of soil > peat medium > sterilized peat medium. Mineralization was more rapid from the powdered formulation of the by‐product than from the pelletized form. In a 14‐week greenhouse experiment, ten common houseplants were fertilized with 0, 150, 300, or 900 mg N/pot from pelletized by‐product, Osmocote (14% N, 6% P, and 12% K), a resin‐coated controlled‐releas...
THE COLLECTIVE BRAIN

Since their invention, computers have been designed, used and improved using the human mind as metaphor. The appearance of a distributed form of computation in large networks in shifting the emphasis towards social structures as a source of inspiration for the design of new systems. I suggest that a reverse strategy could prove to be useful as well. If our results are any indication of future developments, the workings of distributed computational systems could provide a flexible and controlled environment for the study of complex interactions that are seldom accessible in the natural world.
Axisymmetric wave propagation in a solid viscoelastic sphere

Abstract Two problems of linear wave propagation in a viscoelastic solid sphere are solved. The waves are generated by two types of impact on the surface of the sphere. The deformation has symmetry with respect to an axis through the center of the sphere. The solution is based on a superposition principle which reduces the general solution to a static elastic solution, an elastic solution of an eigenvalue problem and an integral equation of the Volterra type involving time only. The solutions are given in double infinite series involving spherical Bessel functions, Legendre polynomials and Legendre functions of the first kind and order one.
Newton-type iterative schemes for generalized equations

Abstract Our main aim in the present paper is the search for a zero of the sum of a single-valued differentiable function and a multivalued Hausdorff-continuous function. Our approach is constructive and replaces the given problem with an infinite collection of Newton-type approximate problems whose solutions converge to the desired solution. Our class of approximate problems is quite wide and contains as special cases many generalized Newton-type schemes that have been studied by Argyros, Zabrejko, Nguen, Uko and other authors.
Binocular rivalry and reciprocal inhibition

Any explanation of binocular rivalry based on a reciprocal inhibition mechanism would require that unilateral increases in the stimulus strength of the rivalry target in one eye produce increases in the mean nonsuppression duration of that eye and concommitant decreases in the mean nonsuppression duration of the contralateral eye. To test that hypothesis, the stimulus strength (in this case, contrast) of one rivalry target was varied (0.1, 1, 10, and 100 ft-L) while the strength of the target in the other eye remained constant. The data, obtained from six experienced Ss, indicate that variations in stimulus strength do not alter the mean nonsuppression duration of the recipient eye. This outcome offers a fundamental difficulty for the reciprocal inhibition concept. A model that assumes partially independent suppression and dominance mechanisms is suggested as a more adequate alternative.
Knight Shifts and Magnetic Susceptibilities in V Alloys with Ti, Cr, and Tc

Knight shifts, ${K}_{V}$, of the ${\mathrm{V}}^{51}$ isotope have been measured in binary alloys of V with Ti, Cr, and Tc. The shifts, ${K}_{T\mathrm{c}}$, of the ${\mathrm{Tc}}^{99}$ nucleus have been measured over the whole composition range in the V-Tc system together with corresponding magnetic susceptibilities. The results on these bcc alloys indicate that the rigid band approximation is valid and nearly all electrons outside the closed $3p$ or $4p$ shell form a common conduction band with admixtures of $s$ and non-$s$ electronic states. Furthermore, these data augmented by electronic specific-heat measurements indicate that the proportion of electrons having $s$ and non-$s$ character changes with electron concentration within this common conduction band.
Three-dimensional asymptotic antiplane shear stress fields at the front of interfacial crack/anticrack type discontinuities in trimaterial bonded plates

Abstract An eigenfuntion expansion method is employed for obtaining three-dimensional asymptotic displacement and stress fields in the vicinity of the front of a crack/anticrack type discontinuity weakening/reinforcing an infinite pie-shaped trimaterial plate, of finite thickness, formed as a result of bimaterial (matrix/semiconductor/ARC plus reaction product/scatterer) deposit over a substrate (fiber/ARC/semiconductor). The wedge is of general (unsymmetric) geometrical configuration, and is subjected to antiplane shear (mode III) far field loading. Each material is isotropic and elastic, but with different material properties. The material 2 or the substrate is always taken to be a half-space, while the wedge aperture angle of the material 1 is varied to represent varying composition of the bimaterial deposit. Numerical results pertaining to the variation of the mode III eigenvalues (or stress singularities) with various wedge aperture angles of the material 1 (reaction product/scatterer), are also presented. Hitherto generally unavailable results, pertaining to the through-thickness variations of stress intensity factors for symmetric parabolic load and its skew-symmetric counterpart that also satisfy the boundary conditions on the top and bottom surfaces of the trimaterial plates under investigation, form also an important part of the present investigation.
Effects of Pelvic Belt on Hip Extensor Muscle EMG Activity during Prone Hip Extension in Females with Chronic Low Back Pain

[Purpose] This study assessed the effects of a pelvic belt (PB) on the electromyography (EMG) activity of the elector spinae (ES), gluteus maximus (GM), and biceps femoris (BF) in females with chronic low back pain (CLBP) during prone hip extension (PHE). [Subjects] Twenty female with CLBP were recruited. Surface EMG data were collected from the ES, GM, and BF muscles during a PHE task. [Results] The EMG activity in the ES bilaterally, and the right GM decreased significantly when a PB was applied compared with when a PB was not applied. [Conclusion] This suggests that a PB is effective for altering the activation pattern of the hip extensor muscles in females with CLBP during PHE.
Asthma Education for Older Adults: Results from the National Asthma Survey

Rationale. Although asthma education is effective in younger population, it is unknown whether it is effective in older adults. Methods. Using the Four-State National Asthma Survey (NAS) data, asthma control was compared between older adults (≥65 years) who had been taught to use a peak flow meter (PFM) and asthma action plan (AAP) with those who had not. We also compared older adults who had taken an asthma course with those who had not. Both short-term (symptoms within last 1 week, day and night symptoms in last 30 days, and the use of steroid in last 3 months) and long-term (asthma attack, emergency department visit, hospitalizations, and activity limitations in the prior year) outcomes were compared. Results. Three hundred and ninety-eight older adults with asthma were identified. There were no differences in the short- and long-term asthma outcomes between the older adults who had or had not received instruction on PFM or AAP use. In preliminary analysis, those who took AC were more likely to have at...
Trunk decomposition based global routing optimization

We present global routing optimization methods which are not based on rip-up and re-route framework. In particular, the routing optimization is based on trunk decomposition [13] of the global routing. In this framework, the route of a net is decomposed into sets of wiring segments. By viewing a wiring segment as an "atomic object" of perturbation, we can efficiently evaluate the effect of routing tree perturbation. We propose two complementary routing optimization methods, namely segment partitioning and segment migration. These targeted optimizers can improve congestion related routing objectives by quickly shuffling wiring segments across different routing channels. Our routing approach produces better results compared to rip-up and re-route method based router Labyrinth [14] with average total overflow reduction of more than 88% while taking only 61% of runtime required by ripup and reroute phase of Labyrinth. When applied to the output of Labyrinth, the approach, on average, reduces the total overflow by more than 97% with complete overflow elimination for four circuits, while requiring additional runtime of just 33%. On a larger benchmark suite, the total overflow reduction of more than 86% is obtained, with complete overflow elimination for eight circuits, while requiring only 19% additional runtime.
The aging population: imperative to uncouple sex and gender to establish "gender equal" health care.

Abstract Aim The transgender community has long been marginalized in society. As the world's population ages, gender-unbiased health services for this growing population, with age-related chronic illnesses, will be essential. To optimally eliminate hurdles that trans individuals often confront when requesting services, it appears judicious to eliminate the strict and antiquated definition of what constitutes “normal” female and “normal” male. Methods A review of literature on transgender medicine on PubMed over the last five years was conducted. Results Existing statistics indicate that unacceptable bias and discrimination are occurring, making trans patients less likely to seek care. There are emerging initiatives that address the transgender and gender non-conforming population. Ongoing needs include defining what constitutes “gender equal,” understanding the continuum of gender identity, and establishing and implementing guidelines for gender equal counseling and care. Conclusions With the routine practice of defining sex at birth and equating sex with gender in the health care setting, the transgender patient encounters multiple barriers to accessing and acquiring health care services. These strict gender labels appear to preclude the institution of gender equal care. Care templates on gender equal patient encounters should be implemented to better address transgender health needs in a non-biased manner.
PEROXIDASE ACTIVITY IN RAT LIVER MICROBODIES AFTER AMINO-TRIAZOLE INHIBITION

The in vivo effects of 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole (AT) on the fine structure of microbodies in hepatic cells of male rats has been studied by the peroxidase-staining technique. Within 1 hr of intraperitoneal injection AT abolishes microbody peroxidase-staining, and the return of staining coincides temporally with the known pattern of return of catalase activity following AT inhibition; this is further evidence that the peroxidase staining of microbodies is due to catalase activity. Peroxidase staining reappears in the microbody matrix without evidence of either massive degradation or rapid proliferation of the organelles. Furthermore, during the period of return of activity, ribosomal staining occurs adjacent to microbodies whose matrix shows little or no peroxidase staining. These observations are interpreted as evidence that (a) catalase is capable of entering preexisting microbodies without traversing the cisternae of the rough endoplasmic reticulum or the Golgi apparatus, and that (b) the ribosomal staining is probably not cytochemical diffusion artifact and may represent a localized site of synthesis or activation of catalase.
Analysis of nonisothermal sintering of nanocrystalline and microscaled ceramic materials

AbstractAbstractSintering involves consolidation of powders under the application of heat to form solids of higher density and is often the final step in the processing of ceramic materials. The time–temperature cycles used in sintering affect the kinetics and, in turn, influence the quality of the sintered product. Considering the densification mechanisms controlled by grain boundary diffusion along with interface reaction and the grain growth mechanism, this paper presents a systematic numerical study on the sintering of nanocrystalline yttria tetragonal stabilised zirconia and microscaled α-alumina, to bring out the effects of the time–temperature cycles on their sintering behaviour. Effects of initial grain size are also examined. Based on the studies, empirical correlations are developed that relate the final grain size and the sintering time to the temperature cycle. The results serve as guidelines in the design of time–temperature cycles for the sintering of the two material systems considered.
A review of x-ray free-electron laser theory.

High-gain free-electron lasers (FELs) are being developed as extremely bright sources for a next-generation x-ray facility. In this paper, we review the basic theory of the start-up, the exponential growth, and the saturation of the high-gain process, emphasizing the self-amplified spontaneous emission. The radiation characteristics of an x-ray FEL, including its transverse coherence, temporal characteristics, and harmonic content, are discussed. FEL performance in the presence of machine errors and undulator wakefields is examined. Various enhancement schemes through seeding and beam manipulations are summarized.
Minors’ Attitudes toward Peers with Asthma: A Developmental Study

Objective. Peers can play a critical role in asthma management, with attitudes toward friends with asthma hindering or supporting self-management. We explored minors’ attitudes toward peers with asthma, testing if attitudes varied by grade, sex, asthma knowledge, and asthma status. Methods. Three hundred and eighty-one students in grades 5–11 (51% female; 51% White, non-Hispanic; 12% with asthma) read five vignettes about peers with asthma, and rated the characters on 10 adjective pairs (e.g., afraid/brave and sad/happy). Three vignettes portrayed an aspect of uncontrolled asthma (asthma-related school absence, asthma-related limited physical activity, and asthma-related school nurse visit). One vignette depicted controlled asthma; one described taking medication publically. We computed a total attitude score for each vignette and a mean attitude score across the three uncontrolled vignettes. Linear regression analyses tested the effect of each predictor (grade, sex, asthma knowledge, and asthma status) o...
Properties of glycosyl transfer enzymes of bovine retina.

Abstract 1. 1. The enzyme catalyzing the transfer of N -acetylneuraminic acid (NANA) to an endogenous acceptor exhibits a K m of 7 μM for CMP-NANA. The transfer of NANA is stimulated by CTP and glutathione and by UDP-galactose. 2. 2. The galactose transfer enzyme exhibits a K m of 6.5 μM for UDP-galactose. The transfer of galactose is stimulated by UTP and requires MnCl 2 (2.5-5 mM). 3. 3. UDP-galactose-stimulated NANA transfer also requires MnCl 2 (2.5 mM).
Allosteric Changes in Solvent Accessibility Observed in Thrombin upon Active Site Occupation

The solvent accessibility of thrombin in its substrate-free and substrate-bound forms has been compared by amide hydrogen/deuterium (H/(2)H) exchange. The optimized inhibitor peptide dPhe-Pro-Arg chloromethyl ketone (PPACK) was used to simulate the substrate-bound form of thrombin. These studies were motivated by the lack of observed changes in the active site of thrombin in the crystal structure of the thrombin-thrombomodulin complex. This result appeared to contradict amide exchange studies on the thrombin-thrombomodulin complex that suggested subtle changes occur in the active site loops upon thrombomodulin binding. Our results show that two active site loops, residues 214-222 and residues 126-132, undergo decreases in solvent accessibility due to steric contacts with PPACK substrate. However, we also observe two regions outside the active site undergoing solvent protection upon substrate binding. The first region corresponds to anion binding exosite 1, and the second is a beta-strand-containing loop which runs through the core of the molecule and contains Trp141 which makes critical contacts with anion binding exosite 1. These results indicate two pathways of allosteric change that connect the active site to the distal anion binding exosite 1.
Factors affecting zinc concentrations in plants grown in sludge‐amended soils

Abstract Endive (Chicorium endiviaL.), a crop tolerant of acid soil conditions, was grown in a loamy sand, a loam, and a silt loam in a greenhouse. The soils were treated with limestone and a high‐calcium sewage sludge and with five levels of Zn ranging from 0 to 800 mg.kg‐1. Limed soils were about pH 6 ‐ 6.5 compared to pH 4.5 ‐ 5 for unlimed soils. Zinc concentrations in shoots of endive grown in limed soils were less than those in unlimed soils. Sludge increased Zn concentrations in plants grown in the loam or silt loam but not in the loamy sand. The pH of the loamy sand was increased by the addition of sludge and may have limited Zn entry into the plants. A second addition of sludge enhanced Zn levels in plants, and the effects of the sludge appeared to be related to the resultant soil pH.
Paid search as an information seeking paradigm

La recherche remuneree de l'information sur le Web est un processus d'interaction contextuelle dynamique, par lequel les fournisseurs de contenu achetent des termes de requete et paient les moteurs de recherche pour presenter des resultats (dits sponsorises) adaptes aux requetes ciblees. Ce modele de recherche payee, qui a des consequences tant economiques que politiques, educatives et sociales, represente un domaine d'etudes particulierement riche.
Anti-integrins as a potential therapeutic target in angiogenesis

Several physiological processes including cell activation, migration, proliferation and differentiation require direct contact between cells or extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. Cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions are mediated through several different families of cell adhesion molecules (CAMs), including the selectins, the integrins, the cadherins and the immunoglobulins. Newly discovered CAMs, along with the discovery of new roles of integrins, selectins and immunoglobulins in certain disease states, provide a great opportunity to develop therapeutic, and perhaps diagnostic, modalities.CAMs play a very significant and critical role in both normal and pathophysiological disease states. For this key reason, the selection of specific and relevant CAMs to target certain disease conditions, without interfering with other normal cellular functions is a very important prerequisite for the ultimate success in developing truly active and safe therapeutic strategies. Recent breakthroughs with animal models,...
SPECTRUM ANALYZER FOR EEG.

Abstract A versatile system is described, employed primarily for off-line EEG power spectrum analysis, using a phase-sensitive detector as a tunable filter element. It has found extensive application also as an on-line swept-frequency spectrum analyzer and in the measurement of phase relationships between EEG channels.
Explosive craters and soil liquefaction

Curious dry craters formed in the aftermath of a disastrous earthquake are explained. The Bhuj earthquake in January 2001, with a moment magnitude of 7.7, was one of the most disastrous in India's recorded history. Although its fault plane did not rupture the surface, the earthquake caused ground failure, including the formation of sand-blow craters and sand fissures, indicative of liquefaction of subsurface sediment, over an area of about 15,000 square kilometres1. Here we investigate the two large, dry craters that formed during the earthquake, and estimate the likely subsurface pressure at the time from a trajectory analysis of the ejected clasts. We conclude that the craters were created by explosive deformation of the ground that probably resulted from the delayed effects of soil liquefaction.
Stability constants and multinuclear NMR measurements of phosphonic acid derivatives with aluminum in aqueous solutions

Abstract We are reporting the stability constants of the different complexes between phosphonoacetic acid (PAA), phosphonoformic acid (PFA), aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA), aminoethylphosphonic acid (AEPA) and methylenediphosphonic acid (MDP) with the aluminum metal ion in aqueous solutions. (In this study the term aluminum is reserved for the 3+ ion.) The affinity of the phosphonic acid derivatives to chelate aluminum has been tested by potentiometric titrations with I = 0.10 M KNO 3 at 25 ± 0.1 °C. The proposed aluminum–ligand complex structures have been confirmed by 31 P NMR, 13 C NMR, and 27 Al NMR experiments. Both PAA and PFA formed simple one to one complexes. The respective values for PAA are log β 111 = 13.57, log β 110 = 10.58, and log β 11−1 = 5.84. The respective values for PFA are log β 112 = 15.24, log β 111 = 13.11, and log β 110 = 6.88. In contrast to PAA and PFA, the major species formed with AMPA and AEPA consist of a series of dimeric complexes. The 31 P NMR spectra of these complexes indicate that the amine groups do not co-ordinate to aluminum and remain protonated. In addition to these dimeric complexes, a monoprotonated monomer of Al–AMPA also has been detected. The 27 Al NMR experiments indicated that the aluminum is hexacoordinated in all the complexes in this study and the hydroxide ion did not remove aluminium from its complexes. Among the ligands studied, PAA and PFA were able to solubilize aluminum at physiological pH. A comparison between the acidities and the chelating properties of the ligands used is presented.
A conserved secondary structure for telomerase RNA

The RNA moiety of the ribonucleoprotein enzyme telomerase contains the template for telomeric DNA synthesis. We present a secondary structure model for telomerase RNA, derived by a phylogenetic comparative analysis of telomerase RNAs from seven tetrahymenine ciliates. The telomerase RNA genes from Tetrahymena malaccensis, T. pyriformis, T. hyperangularis, T. pigmentosa, T. hegewishii, and Glaucoma chattoni were cloned, sequenced, and compared with the previously cloned RNA gene from T. thermophila and with each other. To define secondary structures of these RNAs, homologous complementary sequences were identified by the occurrence of covariation among putative base pairs. Although their primary sequences have diverged rapidly overall, a strikingly conserved secondary structure was identified for all these telomerase RNAs. Short regions of nucleotide conservation include a block of 22 totally conserved nucleotides that contains the telomeric templating region.
Angiotensin II type 2 receptor-mediated stimulation of protein phosphatase 2A in rat hypothalamic/brainstem neuronal cocultures

Recent studies have suggested a role for an inhibitory guanine nucleotide binding (G i ) protein and protein (serine/threonine) phosphatase 2A (PP2A) in the angiotensin II type 2 (AT 2 ) receptor-mediated stimulation of neuronal K + currents. In the present study we have directly analyzed the effects of angiotensin II on PP2A activity in neurons cultured from newborn rat hypothalamus and brainstem. Angiotensin II elicited time (30 min-24 h)- and concentration (10 nM-1 μM)-dependent increases in PP2A activity in these cells, an effect mimicked by the AT 2 receptor ligand CGP-42112A. These effects of angiotensin II and CGP-42112A involve AT 2 receptors, because they were inhibited by the AT 2 receptor-selective ligand PD 123,319 (1 μM) but not by the angiotensin II type 1 receptor antagonist losartan (1 μM). Furthermore, the stimulatory effects of angiotensin II and CGP-42112A on PP2A activity were inhibited by pretreatment of cultures with pertussis toxin (200 ng/ml ; 24 h), indicating the involvement of a G i protein. These effects of angiotensin II and CGP-42112A appear to be via activation of PP2A, and western blot analyses revealed no effects of either peptide on the protein levels of the catalytic subunit of PP2A in cultured neurons. In summary, these data suggest that PP2A is a cellular target modified following neuronal AT 2 receptor activation.
Effect of Gelation on the Properties of Water in Clay Systems

Particle size distributions in samples of Belle Fourche, Wyoming, Aberdeen, Utah, and Cheto bentonite were obtained by a centrifugation technique. From these distributions and the clay density the number of particles per gram was calculated for the different samples. Then the clays were mixed in different proportions with water and the clay concentrations required for thixotropy were determined. It was found that a smooth curve was obtained when the clay concentration required for thixotropy was plotted against the number of particles per gram of clay. A smooth curve was also obtained when the clay concentration at the upper plastic limit was plotted against the number of particles per gram of clay.
Radiative-convective equilibrium with explicit two-dimensional moist convection

Abstract Radiative-convective statistical equilibria are obtained using a two-dimensional model in which radiative transfer is interactive with the predicted moisture and cloud fields. The domain is periodic in x, with a width of 640 km, and extends from the ground to 26 km. The lower boundary is a fixed-temperature water-saturated surface. The model produces a temperature profile resembling the mean profile observed in the tropics. A number of integrations of several months' duration are described in this preliminary examination of the model's qualitative behavior. The model generates a QBO-like oscillation in the x-averaged winds with an apparent period of ∼60 days. This oscillation extends into the troposphere and influences the convective organization. In order to avoid the associated large vertical wind shears, calculations are also performed in which the x-averaged winds are constrained to vanish. The convection then evolves into a pattern in which rain falls only within a small part of the domain. ...
High dose methotrexate followed by citrovorum factor reversal in patients with advanced cancer.

High dose methotrexate followed by citrovorum factor reversal has been utilized in twenty-six patients with advanced cancer. Four of 10 patients with head ar.d neck cancer had an objective response. One of 7 patients with metastatic osteosarcoma to the lungs had stabilization with twenty treatments over 23 months. One patient with acute lymphocytic leukemia developed marrow aplasia but did not attain remission. The regimen was well tolerated when meticulous attention was paid to hydration, urine alkalinization, renal function and third space fluid accumulation. Life-threatening or lethal toxicity was encountered when these phenomena were not scrupulously observed. Cancer 43:1177-1182, 1979.
Metabolism of T4 messenger RNA, host messenger RNA and ribosomal RNA in T4-infected Escherichia coli B.

Abstract Rifampicin was added to Escherichia coli B cells one minute after bacteriophage T4 infection, and the subsequent degradation of newly labeled T4 messenger RNA, host messenger RNA and ribosomal RNA was followed by DNA—RNA hybridization. T4 and host mRNA decayed exponentially. The half-life of T4 mRNA was 9 to 10 minutes; in contrast, the half-life of host mRNA was 2.2 minutes, equal to that in uninfected cells. Newly synthesized rRNA decayed slightly faster than the T4-specific RNA. The direction of breakdown of labeled T4 mRNA molecules after rifampicin addition was analyzed by competition hybridization. Appropriate unlabeled competitor RNA's were extracted from cells infected for short but increasing lengths of time. These competitors were used to follow breakdown of portions of labeled RNA chains that extend from the 5′-end and require 20, 60 or 150 seconds for their synthesis. All decayed at the same rate; the over-all sense of decay was 5′ to 3′.
Location choice of foreign banks in the United States

Foreign banks expanded rapidly in the United States during the 1980s and now play a significant role in U.S. banking. The amount and type of foreign bank activity varies greatly by state, with New York and California being by far the most important. This paper examines the determinants of foreign banking activity by state and analyzes the effects of state laws on foreign bank entry and growth. The empirical results indicate that foreign bank presence, as measured by assets or offices, is drawn to states with large bank market sizes and fewer restrictions to entry. These results hold for total foreign bank presence as well as for separate measures of foreign bank agencies, branches, and subsidiaries. The amount of foreign direct investment in the state is also significant for attracting foreign bank assets overall and foreign bank branch assets in particular.
Julien Gracq Studies

Julien Gracq (1910–2007) was generally considered to be the doyen of French letters at his demise on 22 December 2007, aged ninety-seven. Born Louis Poirier in Saint-Florent-le-Vieil (Maine-et-Loire), Gracq took his nom de plume in 1939 at the time his first novel, Au château d’Argol, was published. Professor agrege of history and geography, notably at the Lycee Claude-Bernard in Paris from 1947 until his retirement in 1970, Gracq began writing fiction almost by accident. His works, published by the Librairie Jose Corti, were collected in the Bibliotheque de la Pleiade, under the masterly direction of Bernhild Boie. Translated into twenty-six languages, they touch on all genres: novels, poetry, theatre, short stories, translations, autobiographical essays, literary criticism, and occasional writings, including notebooks, travel journals, prefaces, and interviews. Gracq is one of the rare literary figures to have appeared in the Pleiade and on agregation examinations during his lifetime, a prestige marking him out as an exceptional writer. The exception gracquienne, however, is a double-edged one, indicating not only the singularity of a writer whose syncretic style defies labelling, but also, unfortunately, a dearth of critical interest in his works, especially in the UK and other anglophone academies, as Beatrice Damamme-Gilbert has recently pointed out in French Studies Bulletin. Author of an excellent Bakhtinian study of Gracq’s lyrical remapping of the Nantes of his adolescence, Damamme-Gilbert finds this gap all the more surprising, given Gracq’s stature in France and his familiarity with British cultural history. Among academics based in North America, too, substantive publications are few, with only one book in English. Even in
An electrothermal/electrostatic dual driven MEMS scanner with large in-plane and out-of-plane displacement

This paper reports the design, fabrication and characterization of an MEMS scanner with combined electrothermal and electrostatic actuation. The scanner can generate large out-of-plane and in-plane displacement. The out-of-plane displacement is achieved by a pair of electro-thermal bimorph actuators, which is as much as 370 μm at only 2.5 V. The in-plane displacement is obtained by employing electrostatic comb drives, which can achieve fast scan up to 10 kHz. A special process has been developed to fabricate microstructures with both thin-film bimorphs and single-crystal-silicon comb drives.
High-Potential Testing Equipment for Quantity Production

Manufacturers of electrical apparatus and appliances are aware of the value of high-potential insulation tests and have endeavored constantly to improve testing facilities and methods. Practical circumstances very early gave rise to the practice of applying a short-time test voltage substantially above the normal excitation of the apparatus or appliance. Because of the availability and simplicity of amplitude control, alternating voltage of ordinary power frequency has been used and the test voltage levels have been developed through operational experience. Occasionally circumstances have made the use of power frequency impractical; hence higher frequencies and direct voltage have been resorted to. Also, surge voltage tests have been used increasingly in an effort to simulate transient voltages which occur in field circuits.
Serum uric acid and cardiovascular disease: Recent developments, and where do they leave us?

The relationship between serum uric acid (SUA) and cardiovascular disease has been controversial. Here we review recent literature assessing whether hyperuricemia is an independent risk factor for adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Studies from the past 6 years evaluating the association of SUA with cardiovascular disease were identified through MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane library searches, bibliography cross-referencing, and review articles. Twenty-one cohort studies in healthy and high-risk patients with cardiovascular disease were identified and reviewed. In studies of high-risk patients, in which more overall events were recorded, 10 of 11 studies were supportive of an independent association. In 10 studies of healthy patients, 6 suggested an independent association of SUA with adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Increasing SUA is likely an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease in high-risk individuals. However, the magnitude of excess risk attributable to high SUA is likely to be small in healthy individuals. Trials of SUA-lowering therapy in hyperuricemic patients evaluating the effect on cardiovascular outcomes are justified in high-risk patients.
Design of stripline beam-former network components for low-profile, organic phased arrays in the X Band

This work shows the design of stripline beam-former network components at 9.5GHz in liquid crystal polymer. Particular emphasis is placed in the implementation of via fences to minimize radiation loss and cross coupling of radio frequency (RF) signals to other bias and digital lines that would feed multiple chips in a single antenna package. Additionally, a Coplanar-Waveguide-to-Stripline transition is presented as a suitable solution for an end-fire RF feed. Measurements of the fabricated striplines showed a normalized return loss better than 20dB over the entire X Band. At 9.5GHz, a line loss of 0.26dB=cm was estimated for the striplines, whereas for the proposed transition, back-to-back measurements showed an insertion loss of 0.42dB.