cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fair Compensation

A firm has a group of workers, each of whom has varying productivities over a set of tasks. After assigning workers to tasks, the firm must then decide how to distribute its output to the workers. We first consider three compensation rules and various fairness properties they may satisfy. We show that among efficient and symmetric rules: the Egalitarian rule is the only rule that is invariant to ``irrelevant'' changes in one worker's productivity; the Individual Contribution rule is the only rule that is invariant to the removal of workers and their assigned tasks; and the Shapley Value rule is the only rule that, for any two workers, equalizes the impact one worker has on the other worker's compensation. We introduce other rules and axioms, and relate each rule to each axiom.
Effects of black cohosh treatment on metastatic markers in the MMTV/neu model of breast cancer

3926 Black cohosh is an herbal supplement used by many women to control the symptoms of menopause, mainly hot flashes. While many view black cohosh as a safe alternative to hormone replacement therapy, there is limited research regarding the effects of black cohosh on breast tumor development and progression. Previous work in our lab has shown that black cohosh treatment (adjusted to correlate with the recommended dose in women) did not alter primary mammary tumor incidence and latency in MMTV/ neu transgenic mice. However, black cohosh treatment did significantly increase the incidence of metastatic cancer. We have recently confirmed that black cohosh does not alter expression of the neu transgene in the normal mammary gland, indicating that the changes in metastatic cancer incidence are not due to the effects of black cohosh on the MMTV promoter. Expression of the endogenous neu gene was also unchanged. We are currently investigating metastatic markers to determine how black cohosh is altering tumor progression. Matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 (MMP-2, MMP-9) are enzymes involved in degradation of the basement membrane, an important step in the metastatic pathway. Tumor tissues from both control and black cohosh-treated mice that had detectable metastatic mammary tumors and those that had no metastases were analyzed by gelatin zymography to determine expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9. Preliminary results suggest that black cohosh treatment may increase the levels of active MMP-2 and MMP-9 enzymes. Through ongoing analysis of matrix metalloproteinases and additional metastatic and angiogenic factors, we hope to identify specific markers that are altered by black cohosh treatment. This will enable us to better understand how black cohosh is promoting the progression of primary mammary tumors to metastatic cancer. Because the MMTV/ neu model mimics a common form of human breast cancer (HER2), these markers can then be examined in human samples in order to determine if the effects of black cohosh on metastatic cancer are similar in breast cancer patients.
A microﬂuidic study of transient ﬂow states in permeable media using ﬂuorescent particle image velocimetry

Velocity ﬁelds in ﬂow in permeable media are of great importance to many subsurface processes such as geologic storage of CO2 , oil and gas extraction, and geothermal systems. Steady-state ﬂow is characterized by velocity ﬁelds that do not change signiﬁcantly over time. The ﬂow ﬁeld transitions to a new steady state once it experiences a disturbance such as a change in ﬂow rate or in pressure gradient. This transition is often assumed to be instantaneous, which justiﬁes the expression of constitutive relations as functions of instantaneous phase saturations. This work examines the evolution of velocity ﬁelds in a surrogate quasi-2D permeable medium using a microﬂuidic device, a microscopy system, and a high-speed camera. Tracer particles are injected into the medium along with Deionized water. The evolution of the velocity ﬁeld is examined by tracing these particles in the captured images using the standard high-density particle image velocimetry algorithm founded on cross-correlation. The results suggest that the transition between steady states for an incompressible ﬂuid takes a ﬁnite and non-negligible amount of time that is independent of the magnitude of the change in pressure gradient. The existence of transient states and the nature of the response during these states are readily interpreted by the principle of least action where ﬂow gradually establishes an optimal conﬁguration such that energy dissipation is minimized. The ﬁndings provide evidence against the applicability of the assumption that ﬂowing phases relax instantaneously to their steady states and, hence, against the accuracy of the classical multiphase extension of Darcy’s law. Cited as: Sun, J., Li, Z., Furtado, F., Aryana, S. A. A microﬂuidic study of transient ﬂow states in permeable media using ﬂuorescent particle image velocimetry. Capillarity, 2021, 4(4): 76-86, doi: 10.46690/capi.2021.04.03
Water consumption beliefs and practices in a rural Latino community: implications for fluoridation

Objective: Adequate fluoride exposure is especially important for those experiencing disproportionately high prevalence of dental caries, such as rural Latino farmworkers and their children. Water is an important source of fluoride. This qualitative study examined water consumption beliefs and practices among Latino parents of young children in a rural community. Methods: Focus groups and open-ended in-depth interviews explored parents' beliefs about tap water, beverage preferences, and knowledge of fluoride. A questionnaire documented socio-demographic characteristics and water consumption practices. Qualitative analysis revealed how water-related beliefs, social and cultural context, and local environment shaped participants' water consumption. Results: The vast majority of participants (n = 46) avoided drinking unfiltered tap water based on perceptions that it had poor taste, smell, and color, bolstered by a historically justified and collectively transmitted belief that the public water supply is unsafe. Water quality reports are not accessible to many community residents, all of whom use commercially bottled or filtered water for domestic consumption. Most participants had little knowledge of fluoride beyond a general sense it was beneficial. While most participants expressed willingness to drink fluoridated water, many emphatically stated that they would do so only if it tasted, looked, and smelled better and was demonstrated to be safe. Conclusions: Perceptions about water quality and safety have important implications for adequate fluoride exposure. For vulnerable populations, technical reports of water safety have not only to be believed and trusted but matched or superseded by experience before meaningful change will occur in people's water consumption habits.
Recent Laboratory Photochemical Studies and Their Relationship to the Photochemical Formation of Cometary Radicals

Experimental laboratory techniques used in studying the photochemistry of stable and unstable molecules are discussed. The laboratory evidence for the photochemical formation of C2 from C2H, C3 from C3H2, and NH from NH2 is presented. Other recent results obtained in laboratory studies of H2O, H2S, NH3, and HCN are reported.
Configurable Robotic Millimeter-Wave Antenna facility

This paper presents an overview of the development of the Configurable Robotic Millimeter-Wave Antenna (CROMMA) facility by the Antenna Metrology Lab at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). NIST set out to develop an antenna measurement facility that would be reconfigurable to different near-field antenna measurement geometries and perform antenna measurements from 100 to 500 GHz. An industrial robotic arm, hexapod and precision rotator were integrated to make a unique antenna measurement facility. A laser tracker with the ability to monitor and record the six degrees of freedom of a target was employed to measure and provide feedback used to correct the actual path of the robotic arm and position of the hexapod and rotator.
Three-dimensional plasma measurements from three-axis stabilized spacecraft

Future planetary missions require that comprehensive three-dimensional measurements of electrons and mass-resolved ions be made from three-axis stabilized spacecraft. In order to make these measurements without requiring expensive and resource intensive platforms to scan space mechanically, we are developing various systems that are designed to scan space electrostatically. These systems also make it possible to circumvent the significant shadowing that would be present even with a scan platform, caused by necessary spacecraft appendages such as communications antennas and a power source (RTG or solar cell panels). The systems, which are axially symmetric, select particles arriving from 360/degree/ in azimuth along conical surfaces whose polar (or elevation) angles, referenced to the instrument symmetry axes, are determined by applying suitable deflection voltages to shapes deflectors. Particles thus selected in polar angle pass into spherically or toroidally-shaped electrostatic analyzers. After analysis, the 360/degree/ outputs of the analyzers are divided into discrete angular swaths to provide azimuthal angle resolution. In the case of electrons, the analyzed particles can be detected directly; in the case of ions, the particles in each swath can be counted directly, or further analyzed with time-of-flight or magnetic analyzers to obtain the velocity distributions of the separated major ion constituents.more » We present computer simulations of particle paths through the various analyzers of this type and show results from laboratory calibrations of prototypes.« less
High Resolution Thermally Differentiated Images of the Chromosphere and Corona

The development of optical coatings composed of multilayers engineered on atomic scales, which can efficiently and selectively reflect soft X-ray, EUV, and FUV radiation, has significant implications for the study of the solar atmosphere. The first high resolution X-ray images of an astronomical object (the solar corona) formed with normal incidence multilayer optics, were obtained in late 1987. We review the developments which have occurred in multilayer optics technology since 1987, and discuss the advantages that these developments present for solar observations. The most significant advantages of multilayer optics are (i) telescopes with modest apertures (∼ 0.1–0.5 meters) can achieve images with very high (∼ 0.1–0.3 arc seconds) resolution and (ii) the spectral selectivity of multilayers permits the investigation of thermal structures with resolution T/△T ∼ 5–10. We describe the analysis of polar plumes observed in 1987 and of small X-ray emitting regions called “bright points” observed in 1991 to illustrate the power of multilayer optics.
Effect of Reionization on High-z Stellar Populations

I will discuss the effects of inhomogeneous reionization on the Spectral Energy Distributions (SED) of galaxies at high redshifts. The formation process of the ionizing sources is modulated by large scale density modes. This makes reionization inhomogeneous and introduces a spread to the reionization times of different regions with the same size. These scale-dependent fluctuations modify the shape of the power spectrum of low-mass galaxies at high redshifts in a way that depends on the history of reionization. High-mass galaxies are affected in a more subtle manner; their star formation histories depend on the local minimum mass of star formation. This produces changes in the SEDs of the galaxies.
A method of howling detection in presence of speech signal

Hearing aid users suffer from howling sound caused by acoustic coupling between the loudspeaker and the microphone(s) of this device. It is crucial to detect and eliminate the howling before it causes serious irritation to the hearing aid user. This study presents a multiple-feature method which uses voice activity detection (VAD) algorithm to reduce false alarm probability. Experimental results compare the performance of the proposed method with three conventional howling detection techniques in terms of detection probability, false alarm probability, and computational complexity. The proposed method possesses lower false alarm probability and less computational complexity compared to the other methods. This study proposes a frame-based howling detection method.The method uses a VAD algorithm in the pre-processing step.Applying VAD reduces computational complexity and false alarm probability.Multiple features of the howling are checked to increase the accuracy.
Musica Ficta in the Cortona Laudario

The Cortona Laudario (late 13th century), the oldest surviving witness to the repertory of Tuscan and Umbrian laudesi fraternities, includes no accidentals. This paper surveys editorial accidentals added by Liuzzi, 1935; Lucchi, 1987; Terni, 1988; Durrer, 1996; and Tischler, 2002 (Ernetti and Rossi Leidi, 1980, added no accidentals). It proposes alternative readings based on the theory of accidentals presented by Marchetto da Padova in his Lucidarium of 1317-1319, a work firmly rooted in earlier Italian theory and postdating the Cortona Laudario by only a few decades. The paper proposes that B- and E-flats are never appropriate in modes based on G (contrary to the practice of Liuzzi, Lucchi, and Terni), but may be used in particular situations in those based on D or F; and that the subsemitonium modi is appropriate in at least one case.
Enhancing the Effectiveness of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act Through Corporate Social Responsibility

Over the last decade, combating corruption has taken a place alongside human rights, labor rights, and environmental protection as one of the major issues in corporate social responsibility (CSR). Major CSR initiatives and activities now play a role in helping to try to reduce the supply-side of corruption. Due to the increased enforcement of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), it is important to consider how CSR and the enforcement of antibribery laws can support each other. This brief essay reviews how the major CSR initiatives seek to influence corporate behavior, with a focus on the major themes of disclosure, dialogue with stakeholders, and development of the firm’s ethical culture. Then, as an example, the essay explores how one of the suggested reforms of the FCPA — the compliance defense — could best be implemented to ensure the reforms support and further the goals of the CSR activities related to anti-corruption.
Soliton regime for second-harmonic generation by ultrashort laser pulses in dispersive media

Summary form only given. In this paper soliton solutions of the three wave interaction equations are used to analyze the process of second-harmonic generation by short laser pulses in a dispersive medium. It is shown that even for highly dispersive media conversion efficiencies close to 100% are attainable for incoming waves with different intensities and durations. It is also shown that the intensity/duration of the second harmonic generated can be many times greater/smaller than those of the fundamental pulses.
Teaching Individual Representation Alongside Institutional Advocacy: Pedagogical Implications of a Combined Advocacy Clinic

A growing number of clinics have adopted a combined advocacy model, in which students both represent individual clients and participate in broader-scale projects to achieve social change. Combined advocacy clinics permit students to learn about working for social justice in a variety of capacities, from small-case lawyering to larger advocacy work on behalf of institutional clients. Students simultaneously acquire a range of skills: the traditional lawyering skills associated with small case work - including interviewing, counseling, fact development, and negotiation - as well as the ability to conduct advocacy, including legislative work, impact litigation, local advocacy, and public education. This Article examines the pedagogical implications of the combined advocacy model. In particular, how should clinical teachers adjust their supervision methods when working with a student on both an individual case and a larger advocacy project? While the traditional student-ownership model of supervision generally facilitates student learning in the individual small-case context, that model is a poor fit for student work on larger advocacy projects. The Article proposes a supervisory model based on collaboration between students and clinical instructors as to the advocacy component of student clinical work.
Asymptotic normality in multivariate nonlinear regression and multivariate generalized linear regression models under repeated measurements with missing data

For multivariate nonlinear regression and multivariate generalized linear regression models, with repeated measurements and possible missing values, we derive the asymptotic normality of a general estimating equations estimator of the regression matrix. We also provide consistent estimators of the covariance matrix of the response vectors. In our setting both the response variable and the covariates may be multivariate. Furthermore, the regression parameters are allowed to be dependent on a finite number of time units or some other categorical variable. For example, one may test whether or not the parameter vectors are equal across the different time units. Missing values are permitted, though certainly are not necessary, in order for the asymptotic theory to hold. Herein, any missingness is allowed to depend upon the values of the covariates but not on the response variable. No distributional assumptions are made on the data.
Characterization of β-Primeverosidase, Being Concerned with Alcoholic Aroma Formation in Tea Leaves To Be Processed into Black Tea, and Preliminary Observations on Its Substrate Specificity

A β-primeverosidase has been, for the first time, purified from fresh leaves of a cultivar (Camellia sinensis var. assamica) for black tea in the same way as in the case of green and oolong tea leaves previously reported. The molecular weight was shown to be 60.3 kDa by MALDI-TOFMS analysis. Its pI, optimum temperature, and pH are 9.5, 45 °C, and 4, respectively. The enzyme is stable below 40 °C and between pH 4 and 5. These enzymic characteristics are very similar to those of the β-primeverosidases from cvs. Yabukita and Shuixian which are exclusively processed into green and oolong tea, respectively. Each β-primeverosidase from tea leaves for green, oolong, and black teas was further purified by HPLC (ODS) and digested by trypsin to be analyzed by HPLC (ODS capillary column). Their chromatograms were not identical but very similar to each other. The molecular weight differences among these enzymes (60.5, 60.2, and 60.3 kDa from the cultivars for green, oolong, and black teas, respectively) suggest that ...
Tree Topology Estimation

Tree-like structures are fundamental in nature, and it is often useful to reconstruct the topology of a tree—what connects to what—from a two-dimensional image of it. However, the projected branches often cross in the image: the tree projects to a planar graph, and the inverse problem of reconstructing the topology of the tree from that of the graph is ill-posed. We regularize this problem with a generative, parametric tree-growth model. Under this model, reconstruction is possible in linear time if one knows the direction of each edge in the graph—which edge endpoint is closer to the root of the tree—but becomes NP-hard if the directions are not known. For the latter case, we present a heuristic search algorithm to estimate the most likely topology of a rooted, three-dimensional tree from a single two-dimensional image. Experimental results on retinal vessel, plant root, and synthetic tree data sets show that our methodology is both accurate and efficient.
Initial design of the BTeV RICH detector

Abstract Initial design consideration for BTeV particle identification system are discussed.
Gene and Protein Sequence Optimization for High-Level Production of Fully Active and Aglycosylated Lysostaphin in Pichia pastoris

Lysostaphin represents a promising therapeutic agent for the treatment of staphylococcal infections, in particular those of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). However, conventional expression systems for the enzyme suffer from various limitations, and there remains a need for an efficient and cost-effective production process to facilitate clinical translation and the development of nonmedical applications. While Pichia pastoris is widely used for high-level production of recombinant proteins, there are two major barriers to the production of lysostaphin in this industrially relevant host: lack of expression from the wild-type lysostaphin gene and aberrant glycosylation of the wild-type protein sequence. The first barrier can be overcome with a synthetic gene incorporating improved codon usage and balanced A+T/G+C content, and the second barrier can be overcome by disrupting an N-linked glycosylation sequon using a broadened choice of mutations that yield aglyscosylated and fully active lysostaphin. The optimized lysostaphin variants could be produced at approximately 500 mg/liter in a small-scale bioreactor, and 50% of that material could be recovered at high purity with a simple 2-step purification. It is anticipated that this novel high-level expression system will bring down one of the major barriers to future development of biomedical, veterinary, and research applications of lysostaphin and its engineered variants.
Upper bounds for the number of irreducible character degrees of a group

Abstract Let G be a p-solvable group for some prime p, and suppose that the largest irreducible character degree of G is kp, where k p is an integer. We obtain an upper bound on the total number of different irreducible character degrees of G, where the bound depends on k but not on p.
A container closure system that allows for greater recovery of radiolabeled peptide compared to the standard borosilicate glass system

Objectives Often peptides used in synthesis of radiopharmaceutical PET tracers are lipophilic and adhere to the walls of container closure systems (CCS) such that costly peptide and product are not fully recoverable after synthesis occurs. This investigation compares a standard United States Pharmacopeia (USP) Type I borosilicate glass CCS to a cyclic polyolefin copolymer Crystal Zenith® (CZ) CCS, for 68Ga-chloride and 68Ga-DOTATOC ([68Ga] Ga-DOTA-d-Phe1-Tyr3-octreotide) retention in the reaction vial after labeling. Methods 68Gallium labeling of DOTATOC was conducted by adding 68Ga-chloride, 2 M HEPES (4-(2-hydroxyethyl)piperazine-1-ethanesulfonic acid) or 0.75 M sodium acetate, and 1–30 µg of DOTATOC into the CZ or glass CCS. The reaction mixture was heated for 15 min and cooled to room temperature. The crude reaction mixture was then withdrawn via syringe, for final processing. The CCS was then assayed using a dose calibrator to determine the amount of retained 68Ga-DOTATOC. Statistical significance was assessed using an unpaired Student's t-test. Results In all experiments (n=72) with various amounts of peptide and different buffering systems, the CZ CCS retained less activity than the glass CCS. Using 2 M HEPES and 15 µg or 30 µg of DOTATOC, the CZ CCS retained approximately 10% less of the labeled DOTATOC compared to the glass CCS (p<0.05). Utilizing either a sodium acetate or a HEPES buffering system with 15 µg or 30 µg of DOTATOC, the CZ CCS retained approximately 2.5% less of the total reaction activity compared to the glass CCS (p<0.05). Product yield was equivalent in glass and CZ CCS under the same reaction conditions. Both the CZ and glass vials showed no retention of 68Ga-chloride. Conclusion For applications involving the labeling of peptides such as 68Ga-DOTATOC, the CZ CCS compared to the glass CCS, results in an improved recovery of product.
Hydrogen-Bonding Effects on Free-Radical Properties

Hydrogen-bonding effects on structures, vibrational frequencies, and isotropic hyperfine coupling constants are investigated in semiquinone, phenoxyl, and closely related amine-substituted radicals...
Consumers' evaluative structures in two ethical situations: A means-end approach

Abstract In this paper, we examine differences in consumers' means-end chain knowledge structures that are developed during the evaluation of a seller's prior ethical/unethical behavior. Independent measures of personal list of values (terminal values) were obtained from undergraduate subjects prior to the presentation of one of two treatment scenarios. Reading one version, subjects made judgments regarding unethical business behavior, but were told that they were not personally affected by the misconduct. The second treatment group was told that they were victims of the unethical business behavior. The subjects were measured, post-treatment on ethical orientation (instrumental values) and ethical evaluation (consequence), and decision outcomes were taken using normal questionnaire techniques. These were analyzed using correlative statistical analysis. Comparisons revealed marked differences between means-end chain structures utilized when the ethical situation has personal versus social (nonpersonal) consequences to the subjects. This study suggests that means-end analysis may hold promise as a tool to better understand the process through which the individual utilizes chunks of associated information, or causal schema, in decision making.
Evidence that conformational changes upon the transition of the native to the modified form of vitronectin are not limited to the heparin binding domain

Vitronectin (Vn) exists in vivo in at least two different conformational states, the native and the modified form, and these forms have different ligand binding properties. To characterize the molecular events associated with this conformational flexibility, modified Vn was analyzed by competitive ELISA using a panel of conformationally sensitive antibodies with known epitopes. These studies provided evidence for major molecular rearrangements upon the transition from the native to the modified form that are not limited to the C-terminal heparin binding domain, but also occur in the N-terminal part of the molecule.
Factors Regulating Net Methane Flux by Soils in Urban Forests And Grasslands

Long-term studies in the Baltimore, MD USA metropolitan area have found higher CH₄ uptake by soils in rural versus urban forests and no net uptake in urban lawns. Here, we investigated three factors that could be causing this inhibition; reduced diffusion of CH₄ into soils, production of CH₄ in anaerobic microsites and N additions from fertilizer or atmospheric deposition. Patterns of consumption in homogenized soils in the laboratory were comparable with previous field results, eliminating diffusion as a possible inhibiting mechanism. No CH₄ was produced in anaerobic incubations, signifying that microsite production was not important. Nitrogen additions had no effect on consumption of ambient CH₄, suggesting that N inputs do not immediately inhibit uptake. However, there were strong negative relationships between CH₄ uptake and nitrification, suggesting that long-term differences in N cycling associated with urban land use change may have led to a reduction in the microbial populations responsible for methane uptake.
The Development of Ecological Literacy among Novice Outdoor Leaders

Professional outdoor leaders play a central role in educating the public to use outdoor recreation areas in an environmentally responsible manner. Yet little research exists regarding the preparation of outdoor leaders to fulfill this role. To help fill this void in the literature, this study examined the development of several elements of ecological literacy among novice outdoor leaders, specifically, knowledge of environmental impacts resulting from outdoor recreation activities, a sense of self-efficacy in mitigating these impacts through education, and intended continued involvement in the field of outdoor leadership. The sample consisted of participants in courses offered by the Wilderness Education Association (WEA) May through October 2007. Results showed statistically significant increases in knowledge of Leave No Trace (LNT) principles and self-efficacy in teaching environmental ethics. However, results showed a decrease in intention to pursue further development in outdoor leadership.
Activation of IKKβ by glucose is necessary and sufficient to impair insulin signaling and nitric oxide production in endothelial cells

Hyperglycemic impairment of nitric oxide (NO) production by endothelial cells is implicated in the effect of diabetes to increase cardiovascular disease risk, but the molecular basis for this effect is unknown. In skeletal muscle, diabetes induces activation of inhibitor kappaB kinase (IKKbeta), a key cellular mediator of the response to inflammatory stimuli, and this impairs insulin signal transduction via the insulin receptor substrate-phosphatidylinositol 3-OH kinase (IRS-1/PI3-kinase) pathway. Since activation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) is dependent on IRS-1/PI3-kinase signaling, we hypothesized that activation of IKKbeta may contribute to the effect of glucose to impair NO production. Here, we show that exposure of bovine aortic endothelial cells to high glucose (25 mM) for 24 h impaired insulin-mediated tyrosine phosphorylation of IRS-1, serine phosphorylation of Akt, activation of eNOS, and production of NO. High glucose treatment also activated IKKbeta, and pretreatment with aspirin, a pharmacological inhibitor of IKKbeta, prevented both glucose-induced IKKbeta activation and the effect of high glucose to impair insulin-mediated NO production. These adverse responses to glucose were also blocked by selective inhibition of IKKbeta signaling via overexpression of a kinase-inactive form of the enzyme. Conversely, overexpression of wild-type IKKbeta recapitulated the deleterious effect of high glucose on insulin-mediated activation of eNOS. These data demonstrate that activation of IKKbeta plays a critical and novel role to mediate the deleterious effects of high glucose on endothelial cell function.
Fluctuating patch boundaries in a native annual forb: the roles of niche and dispersal limitation.

Abiotic, biotic, and dispersal constraints jointly control the spatial distributions of species, but few studies have directly evaluated how these forces interact and vary over time to create dynamic spatial distributions. Through three years of observation and two years of field manipulation, I investigated simultaneous constraints on the spatial distribution of Lupinus nanus, a native annual legume that grows in dense patches in California grasslands. I transplanted L. nanus across its own patch boundaries, yet within apparently suitable habitat, and assessed the demographic success of naturally occurring and seeded plants in plots with and without competitor removal in years that varied in temperature and rainfall. Core sites were defined as those consistently densely occupied, whereas peripheral sites were densely occupied only during some years, and exterior sites were consistently unoccupied or very sparsely occupied. Site types (core, periphery, and exterior) differed in soil moisture, P, and NO3. Competition limited emergence in all site types in the dry/warm year and in patch peripheries in the wet/cool year. Population fitness (seeds produced per seed added) was >1.0 in cores during all years. Peripheral sites had fitness near replacement in the wet/cool year, which was greatly increased by competition removal. Exterior fitness was <1.0 in both experimental years, regardless of seed addition and competitor removal. Seed addition did not increase site-specific fitness, and a seed bank was found to be present in all site types. Herbivory was greater in patch cores and peripheries than in exteriors. Soil variation exerted the most consistent control over patch limits, while competition played an intermittent role in excluding Lupinus from patch peripheries. The dynamic distribution of L. nanus is the product of temporal variation in specific abiotic and biotic niche axes, primarily soil characteristics and competition, rather than dispersal limitation.
Effect of x-irradiation upon the enzyme systems of the mouse spleen.

ConclusionsTotal whole body irradiation of white mice with 640 r (L90 dose) revealed the following changes in the metabolism of spleen homogenates: 1) no effect upon the activity of the succinoxidase system, 2) marked increase in activity of alkaline phosphatase which was especially marked with ATP as substrate and 3) decreased ability to synthesize (or maintain) the high energy phosphorus compounds coupled with the oxidation of succinate.
Update on the rapid two-stage arterial switch procedure.

In 1989, we reported the results of surgical treatment in 11 patients with complete transposition and an intact ventricular septum or restrictive ventricular septal defect who had undergone a two-stage arterial switch procedure beyond the neonatal period with a short period (median 9 days) between banding of the pulmonary trunk and repair. The most common indication for the procedure was referral to our center after the neonatal period from a geographically distant center where the arterial switch procedure was not available. Other indications were multi-organ failure in the neonatal period which contraindicated corrective surgery at that time, as well as prematurity or late development of right ventricular dysfunction, which contraindicated correction at the atrial level planned at the referral center. In this report, we describe our continuing experience.
Quiché focus constructions

Abstract In Quiche (Mayan), constructions containing a focused, questioned, or relativized ergative NP are marked relative to those containing a focused, questioned, or relativized absolutive NP. Both types exhibit a change in word order. The former, however, also exhibits a morphological change in the verb. This change results in a ‘mismatch’ between the morphological and syntactic properties of agentive focus verbs. Formally, these verbs are intransitive. Syntactically, however, they are transitive. In addition, these verbs exhibit an unusual pattern of agreement. In some instances, they agree with the agent; in others, they agree with the patient. This paper proposes to explicate this pattern in terms of an explicit hypothesis regarding the nature of ‘agentive focus’ rules in Quiche. Specifically, it is claimed that there are two such rules. One rule promotes ergative (agent) NPs to the absolute relation. The other does not. Both rules are formulated as lexical rules within the framework of Head-driven Phrase Structure Grammar (HPSG). In this framework, such rules can manipulate both the category (i.e. features) of arguments and their grammatical relations. It is this feature that permits resolution of the mismatch between the morphological and syntactic properties of agentive focus verbs in Quiche.
Insecticide Bioassays with Field Populations of Alfalfa Weevils, a Simplified Approach

Adults and larvae of Hypera postica (Gyllenhal), were collected from the field and tested with a simplified contact biological assay with carbofuran, methidathion, phosmet, and carbaryl. Carbofuran and methidathion, with 24 h LC50 values from 0.05 to 1.39 μg/vial were the most toxic to either adults or larvae. Phosmet had a similar LC50 to young adult weevils but was much less effective against larvae. Carbaryl was ineffective in the contact tests against either adults or larvae. The simplified assay conducted without rigid control of insect age or sex or environmental parameters could be suitable for field research in agricultural entomology or for preparing test kits to provide early warning of insecticide resistance.
Foam Produced by Male Coturnix Quail: What Is Its Function?

Males of the Old World quail genus Coturnix are unique among birds in possessing a well-developed proctodeal gland. The gland and associated cloacal musculature are sexually dimorphic, androgen dependent, and produce a foamy substance that is introduced into the female along with semen during copulation, suggesting that the foam plays some role in increasing male reproductive success. I experimentally tested three hypotheses about the function of this foam in Japanese Quail (Coturnix japonica): (1) foam functions in sperm competition, (2) foam reduces the female's receptivity to a second male, and (3) foam increases the probability of fertilization when a hard-shelled egg is present in the uterus (hypothesis 3 was originally proposed by Cheng et al. 1989a). Insemination shortly before oviposition fertilized fewer eggs than inseminations earlier in the day, but only if males had a reduced foam complement, supporting the third hypothesis. The other two hypotheses were not supported. Copulation reduced female receptivity, but this effect was not due to the male's foam.
Hypothalamic nuclear estrogen receptors and lordosis behavior in hamsters

These experiments examined the effects of a high and a low dose of estradiol benzoate (EB) in enhancing lordosis behavior and correlated these effects with the retention of hypothalamic nuclear estrogen receptors (NER) in female hamsters. Ten micrograms EB was significantly more effective in facilitating sexual receptivity in hamsters when it was followed 36 or 48 hr later by 0.5 mg progesterone (P), but not when P was given 24 hr after EB. Low levels of behavioral responses were observed in animals that received P at 24, 36 or 48 hr after 2 micrograms EB. Correspondingly, although the hypothalamic NER levels were equally elevated 24 hr after either a low or a high dose of EB, these receptor concentrations remained high at 36 and 48 hr post EB, only in those animals that received the high estrogen dose. The results of these experiments suggest that the long-term retention of NERs (which is maintained by a single high EB dose) may play an important role in the enhancement of sexual receptivity in hamsters.
Impact of graybeam method of virtual address reduction on image quality

In both optical and electron beam raster scan imaging for mask making or direct write on wafer, graybeam techniques are used to create a small virtual address grid while maintaining a large physical address grid. Using simple simulations of aerial image formation as the summation of Gaussian spots, several important conclusions about the use of graybeam are made. Graybeam results in a non-linear variation in edge position with gray level, with the non- linearity increasing with larger physical address grid size. While this edge position deviation form non-linearity can be calibrated out of the writing tool, the calibration curve is process dependent. One problem with the use of graybeam is the reduction of image quality as expressed by the image log-slope. For the case of a physical address grid equal to half of the spot size, the worst case graybeam level has an image log-slope at the edge that is 20 percent less than the best case.
Adverse cutaneous reactions to psychotropic drugs

Psychotropic drugs are frequently used in both psychiatric and general medical practice. Familiarity with common side effects and their management may assist psychiatrists in the selection of agents to suit individual patient needs. The authors describe the morphologic features and pathologic basis of cutaneous reactions to drugs and discuss the common and reported cutaneous side effects of psychotropic drugs. Although most dermatologic reactions to drugs follow a benign course after drug discontinuation, more serious effects are known to occur with certain agents. An overview of the diagnosis and management of these adverse drug reactions is provided.
Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2B and Hirschsprung's disease.

Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2B and Hirschsprung’s disease are genetic disorders characterized by gross and/or microscopic pathology of the enteric nervous system and associated dysmotility. A specific missense mutation in the RET proto-oncogene is the etiology of multiple endocrine neoplasia type B, in contrast to very complex multigenetic defects that underlie Hirschsprung’s disease, which include overt mutations and more subtle changes in the RET locus. In this review, the molecular genetics of the 2 conditions are discussed, and the clinical implications of existing data and future studies are summarized.
Two factors in the perception of velocity at a distance.

Six experiments dealing with the effect of the surrounding framework on the perceived velocity of movement were reported. Experiment 1 reproduced Brown’s 11931) transposition of velocity effect. Experiment 2 demonstrated the application of relational determination to the explanation of speed constancy. Experiment 3 showed that the relational effect is independent of the perceived sizes and perceived distances of the frameworks of movement. Only relative retinal size need be considered. Experiment 4 showed that relational factors can generate large deviations from speed constancy. Experiments 5 and 6 showed that only the immediately proximate frame needs to be taken into account in assessing effects on velocity. Despite the successes of the hypothesis of relational determination, it was argued that two factors are needed to explain perceived velocity: relative object-relative displacement accounting for perceived relative velocity, and a distance calibration mechanism explaining perceived absolute velocity.
Abnormal open field behavior after anterolateral hypothalamic injection of 6-hydroxydopamine

Abstract To investigate the importance of forebrain catecholamine terminals in open field behavior, rats were microinjected bilaterally in the medial forebrain bundle at the level of the anterolateral hypothalamus with 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA), a specific catecholaminergic neurotoxin. These 6-OHDA microinjections produced extensive loss of forebrain catecholamine terminals; identical vehicle microinjections did not. When 6-OHDA rats were given 8 open field (OF) tests in the first or the fifth postinjection week, they had a longer latency to enter the OF, crossed fewer squares and reared less than normal rats or rats microinjected with vehicle. The abnormal OF behavior of 6-OHDA rats was not a generalized loss of locomotor activity because 6-OHDA rats were normally active in the home cage. The abnormal OF behavior of 6-OHDA rats was also not a result of a generalized lack of reactivity because the OF test elicited an increase of plasma corticosterone in 6-OHDA rats. The possibility that 6-OHDA rats were abnormal in the OF because they were hyperreactive to it was consistent with the observation that the OF activity of 6-OHDA rats did not change with repetitive testing, 6-OHDA rats did not defecate more than vehicle rats, and 6-OHDA rats did not display freezing behavior. These results suggest, but do not prove, that the abnormal OF behavior of 6-OHDA rats reflects a deficit of exploratory behavior that is correlated with extensive loss of forebrain catecholamine terminals.
A synthetic riboswitch with chemical band-pass response

We designed a synthetic riboswitch containing an OFF and an ON riboswitch units fused in tandem. The resulting complex riboswitch functions as a chemical band-pass filter circuit.
Multiple pathways across past landscapes: circuit theory as a complementary geospatial method to least cost path for modeling past movement

Abstract The incorporation of geospatial technologies in archaeology has resulted in productive advances in the analysis of past behavioral processes. Archaeologists have relied on the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) application of cost surface analysis and the computation of least cost paths (LCP) to study movement, one key social process. Recent research has identified limitations with LCP for modeling nonhuman species movement, notably the inability of LCP to accommodate multiple pathways. Archaeology must consider the implications of these critiques for models of past human movement. In this paper, I apply a different approach, circuit theory modeling, enacted through the program Circuitscape, to an archaeological case study previously analyzed with LCP modeling, travel to a regionally significant ceremonial earthwork center during Late Prehistory (ca. AD 1200–1600) in the Northern Great Lakes. Through this comparative analysis, I evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of these methods for modeling past movement. The results suggest LCP modeling and circuit modeling offer archaeology complementary geospatial methods for conceptualizing past mobility. Combining circuit theory and LCP allows archaeologists to produce richer models of past movement by appreciating scenarios where multiple pathways are important as well as scenarios where optimum single travel routes have priority.
Sequential extraction of labile elements and chemical characterization of a basaltic soil from Mt. Meru, Tanzania

Abstract We conducted a modified Bureau Commun Reference (BCR) sequential extraction on a basaltic soil (phono-tephrite) from Mt. Meru in Northern Tanzania in order to determine the relative contribution of water soluble, carbonate and exchangeable, oxide and organic fractions to the bulk composition of the soil. Elemental compositions were determined by ICP-MS and corrected for loss on ignition. Relatively immobile elements, such as Zr, Hf and Al, are enriched by 10–30% compared to the unweathered protolith, consistent with soil formation being accompanied by mass loss due to chemical weathering. However, superimposed on this mass loss appears to be enrichment of elements such as Fe, Ca and Mg, especially towards the surface. In some cases, the bulk concentrations of these elements at the surface exceed that of the protolith. These data suggest that the surface of the Meru soil columns may have experienced “re-fertilization” by the deposition of volcanic ash. From the carbonate and exchangeable extraction, we found evidence of clay rich horizons which may sequester as much as 5% of the bulk K. The concentration of calcium carbonate appears to decrease with depth, but the largest incorporation of Sr and Ba into carbonates occurs below 114 cm. Fe and Mn oxides scavenge more than 10–20% of total Ti, V, Co, Cu, Zr and Pb below 114 cm. The organic fraction sequestered significant fractions of total Al, Cu, REE’s and Pb throughout the soil column.
Triacylglycerol composition and structure in genetically modified sunflower and soybean oils

Changes in composition were examined in oils extracted from genetically modified sunflower and soybean seeds. Improvements were made to the analytical methods to accomplish these analyses successfully. Triacylglycerols (TAG) were separated on two 300 mm × 3.9 mm 4µ Novapak C18 high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) columns and detected with a Varex MKIII evaporative light-scattering detector. Peaks were identified by coelution with known standards or by determining fatty acid composition of eluted TAG by capillary gas chromatography (GC). Stereospecific analysis (fatty acid position) was accomplished by partially hydrolyzing TAG with ethyl magnesium bromide and immediately derivatizing the resulting diacylglycerols (DAG) with (S)-(+)-1-(1-naphthyl)ethyl isocyanate. The derivatized sn-1,2-DAG were completely resolved from the sn-2,3-DAG on two 25 mm × 4.6 mm 3 µ silica HPLC columns. The columns were chilled to −20°C to obtain baseline resolution of collected peaks. The distribution of fatty acids on each position of the glycerol backbone was derived from the fatty acid compositions of the two DAG groups and the unhydrolyzed oil. Results for the sn-2 position were verified by hydrolyzing oils with porcine pancreatic lipase, isolating the resulting sn-2 monoacylglycerols by TLC, and determining the fatty acid compositions by GC. Results demonstrated that alterations in the total fatty acid composition of these seed oils are determined by the concentration of TAG species that contain at least one of the modified acyl groups. As expected, no differences were found in TAG with fatty acid quantities unaffected by the specific mutation. In lieu of direct metabolic or enzymatic assay evidence, the authors’ positional data are nevertheless consistent with TAG biosynthesis in these lines being driven by the mass action of available acyl groups and not by altered specificity of the acyltransferases, the compounds responsible for incorporating fatty acids into TAG.