cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An HST Study of Jovian Chromophores

Abstract A principal components analysis was performed on Hubble Space Telescope WFPC2 images of Jupiter from October 1995 and October 1996. Global maps in the F410M, F555W, F673N, and F953N filters were analyzed. These are continuum wavelengths in Jupiter's spectrum, sensitive to reflection from the visible cloud deck. The primary principal components correspond approximately to gray spectral brightness variations, accounting for ∼91% of the variance in the images, and a component with a red spectral slope, which accounts for ∼8% of the variance. This color component probably corresponds to a constituent in the ammonia cloud deck. Another color component, which is blue/green, may correspond to upper tropospheric clouds or haze and accounts for ∼1% of the image variance. Although small, this component may explain differences seen in the color of the Great Red Spot and other features.
Long path ambient air quality monitoring

Fixed long path monitoring is an old art with respect to stack emissions and airport visibility, but has yet to be developed for ambient air pollutants. Despite this, the characteristics required for monitoring instruments can be described and the relative merits of various path geometries identified. One of the most attractive geometries would use a single instrument consisting of an energy source and detector in the center of the area to be monitored with reflectors at the intersections of radial cardinal wind direction vectors from, and concentric circles around, the instrument site.
A collision model for the vibrational relaxation of hydrogen fluoride at low temperatures

Abstract A collision model for the vibrational relaxation of hydrogen fluoride at low temperatures is proposed. Because of the contribution of a strong hydrogen-bond attraction, the molecules are considered to undergo oscillatory motion about their equilibrium orientations. This motion is taken to be primarily responsible for the removal of vibrational energy. It is shown that the vibration-to-oscillation energy transfer mechanism explains the vibrational relaxation of HF at temperatures below 600°K.
Additional results on sub–optimal feedback control of non–linear systems

Convergence properties of a perturbational procedure for generating sub–optimal control laws for non–linear dynamical systems described by x = Ax + ∊φ(∊, x)+ Bu are discussed. Optimization is carried out with respect to a quadratic performance index, and an estimate of the degradation of performance resulting from truncation of the perturbational solution is presented.
The Role for Cervical Arthroplasty for Symptomatic Cervical Stenosis: Indicated for a Single-Level Cervical Disc Herniation Causing Stenosis with Myelopathy

Cervical myelopathy can be successfully treated by artificial disk replacement; however, it is extremely important to understand the appropriate indications. The suitable situation is quite narrow—a focal disc herniation without retrovertebral compression, without significant facet pathology, and without multilevel stenosis. It is critical to recognize the contraindications for cervical arthroplasty. The vast majority of patients with myelopathy are not candidates for cervical arthroplasty due to multilevel pathology or significant degeneration.
Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty: The Naval Medical Center, Portsmouth, experience

Abstract Purpose: To review the surgical results of uvulopalatopharyngoplasties (UPPP) performed at the Naval Medical Center, Portsmouth, VA, for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea. The results will be evaluated comparing the recognized standard criteria with a proposed revised criteria. Materials and Methods: A retrospective review was completed of uvulopalatopharyngoplasties performed from January 1, 1994 to July 30, 1996. Preoperative polysomnography and apnea-related symptoms were compared with those recorded postoperatively. Results: With our new proposed criteria, an apnea-hypopnea index of less than 20 and lowest oxygen saturation of greater than 85%, the success rate of UPPP was 49%. If patients with severe sleep apnea were excluded, the success rate rose to 69%. Conclusion: UPPP alone is an effective treatment for mild to moderately severe obstructive sleep apnea. However, it is not effective as the sole treatment for severe obstructive sleep apnea.
The effect of wall conduction on the performance of regenerative heat exchangers

Abstract The effect of heat conduction in the wall on the effectiveness of rotary regenerators is described. In order to document the effect of wall conduction, it is assumed that the thermal conductance of the solid is finite, both parallel and perpendicular to the gas flow. Two parameters introduced for modeling conduction effects are the Biot numbers in the y (Bi y ) and x (Bi x ) directions. Our results show that for certain values of Bi x and Bi y , the effectiveness including wall conduction can deviate substantially from results obtained when wall conduction is neglected.
When a democratic revolution isn’t democratic or revolutionary Press restraints and press freedoms after Kyrgyzstan’s Tulip Revolution

Kyrgyzstan’s Tulip Revolution of March 2005 was expected to spur democratization by ousting an increasingly autocratic and repressive regime. Many journalists and media experts in and out of the country hoped the regime change would loosen constraints on the press, encourage privatization of state-owned newspapers and broadcast outlets, enhance professionalization and independence of journalists, and make a market-supported media system economically viable. A year and a half later, however, anticipated improvements in Kyrgyzstan’s press environment were still slow in developing. The findings raise questions about the realistic prospects for rapid change in press rights following revolutionary regime changes in other post-communist countries with no tradition of a free press.
The Crisis of US Hegemony in the Era of Obama: Four Views from Latin America

The unraveling of the Washington Consensus in Latin America is part of a broader decline of US hegemony in the region and beyond. Four distinct approaches by Latin American analysts from Argentina, Chile, Mexico, and Cuba are introduced that examine different aspects of this decline. It is argued that any serious analysis of regional hegemony must include consideration of the interrelationship between economic and military factors; the emergent modalities of exercising hegemony such as free trade agreements; the power structure of the hegemonic state; and the broader context of the global political economy.
Quantification of Human Plasma Apolipoproteins C-I, C-II, and C-III by Radioimmunoassays

We have developed radioimmunoassays for the quantification of apolipoproteins (apo) C-I, C-II, and C-III in human plasma. The apo C proteins were isolated from very low-density lipoproteins of patients with hypertriglyceridemia, fractionated on a Sephacryl column, and purified by diethylaminoethyl cellulose anion-exchange chromatography followed by reverse-phase fast protein liquid chromatography. The assays were sensitive, specific, and reproducible, and the standards demonstrated parallel immunoreactivity with plasma samples. Patients with hypertriglyceridemia (triglyceride level more than 2,200 mg/liter)—14 patients with diabetes and 12 with type V hyperlipoproteinemia—were compared with age- and sex-matched control subjects. In comparison with the control groups, levels of apoproteins C-I, C-II, and C-III were significantly increased in both disease groups, but the ratios of the C peptides to triglycerides were significantly lower, an indication of a relative deficiency of C apoproteins in hypertriglyceridemic states. Independent radioimmunoassays for each of the C apolipoproteins would help to study their individual roles in triglyceride-rich lipoprotein metabolism.
Simple Modules with Character Height at Most One for the Restricted Witt Algebras

Abstract The simple modules with character height at most one for the restricted Witt algebras are considered. Their classification, construction, and dimension formulas are reduced to the same for the general linear algebra. Results of Chang and Shen are recovered in the process.
Gender and Burial in Imperial China: An Investigation of Women's Space in Fujian Tombs of the Song Era (960-1279)

This paper examines how Song dynasty (960-1279) contemporaries viewed women's place in the afterlife. It analyzes archaeological reports on women's and men's tombs in Song Fujian as well as relevant writings by Song era Neo-Confucian scholars. Despite Neo-Confucians' strong emphasis on gender segregation among the living, both textual and material evidence show that the increasingly hardened gender hierarchy did not carry over into the afterlife. Prescription of gender distinctions in burial practices is virtually absent from neo-Confucians' writings. The structure of tombs implies that communication between women and men after death was expected, not suppressed. Similarities overwhelm differences among women's and men's grave goods, which resemble each other in both object categories and decorative motifs. Women's place in the afterlife was not a reflection of the hierarchies on earth but a new construction.
Optical fibre strength/fatigue experiments

New techniques for measuring and analysing the strength characteristics of optical waveguide fibres have evolved as the strength of the optical fibres improved. A recent life-fatigue experiment is described and the results analysed in terms of the most commonly used theoretical model which results in the power law V = AKn. Ten m long fibre samples were tensilely stressed in a high humidity environment by both fixed (static fatigue) and constant rate (dynamic fatigue) loads. The respective test values for the power law exponent, the fatigue constant ‘n’, were 38 and 17. The results of the tests indicate the more conservative value, 17, for practical engineering design, and the need for incorporating an ageing term in the model.
On the Dynamics of with a Period-two Coefficient

We investigate the periodic nature, the boundedness character and the global asymptotic stability of solutions of the difference equation where the parameter p n is a period-two sequence with positive values and the initial conditions are positive.
Papyrus swamps and the respiratory ecology of Barbus neumayeri

In seasonally flooding fresh waters, dissolved oxygen and fluctating water levels combine to create strong seasonal changes in habitat availability and dispersal pathways for fishes. In this study we demonstrate how respiratory mode can affect the use of and dispersal through hypoxic papyrus swamps for a small cyprinid fish, Barbus neumayeri, a species which uses aquatic surface respiration (ASR) in response to severe hypoxia. Monthly records of the distribution and relative abundance of B. neumayeri across 28 stations in a papyrus swamp in Uganda were used to examine seasonal patterns of habitat use and movement. The distribution of B. neumayeri was very restricted during the drier months. Most fish were captured in open pools and channels with large areas of open water surface and higher oxygen. Movement of B. neumayeri was limited to short periods during the wet season when peak water levels produced high levels of oxygen and pathways for movement. Three lines of evidence suggest that these patterns relate to its respiratory mode. These include: the positive :relationship between dissolved oxygen and the number of stations used per month, the positive relationship between fish density at dry season stations and dissolved oxygen, and the absence of fish from stations with. little open water surface area during the dry season. Significant differences in the gill morphology between B. neumayeri from the papyrus swamp and those from the main river suggest that papyrus swamps may contribute to the diversification of B. neumayeri by limiting movement and demanding specialization for extremely hypoxic waters.
Synaptically identified hippocampal slow potentials during behavior

Averaged evoked slow-wave potentials (AEPs) were recorded from various locations within the dentate gyrus and CA1 field of the hippocampus of 16 rats during the performance of an operant tone discrimination task. Consistent time-locked tone averaged evoked potentials (AEPs) were recorded from the perforant path zone in the outer molecular layer of the dentate gyrus. Tone AEPs were never present in this region (1) prior to development of the discrimination, (2) during behavioral extinction, or (3) during the performance of other operant behaviors. Results are discussed in terms of the functions of the perforant path in neural and behavioral plasticity.
Telomere-homologous sequences occur near the centromeres of many tomato chromosomes.

Several bacteriophage lambda clones containinginterstitialtelomererepeats (ITR) were isolated from a library of tomato genomic DNA by plaque hybridization with the clonedArabidopsis thaliana telomere repeat. Restriction fragments lacking highly repetitive DNA were identified and used as probes to map 14 of the 20 lambda clones. All of these markers mapped near the centromere on eight of the twelve tomato chromosomes. The exact centromere location of chromosomes 7 and 9 has recently been determined, and all ITR clones that localize to these two chromosomes map to the marker clusters known to contain the centromere. High-resolution mapping of one of these markers showed cosegregation of the telomere repeat with the marker cluster closest to the centromere in over 9000 meiotic products. We propose that the map location of interstitial telomere clones may reflect specific sequence interchanges between telomeric and centromeric regions and may provide an expedient means of localizing centromere positions.
Effect of heat stress during late gestation on immune function and growth performance of calves: isolation of altered colostral and calf factors.

Abstract Calves born to cows exposed to heat stress during the dry period and fed their dams’ colostrum have compromised passive and cell-mediated immunity compared with calves born to cows cooled during heat stress. However, it is unknown if this compromised immune response is caused by calf or colostrum intrinsic factors. Two studies were designed to elucidate the effects of colostrum from those innate to the calf. The objective of the first study was to evaluate the effect of maternal heat stress during the dry period on calf-specific factors related to immune response and growth performance. Cows were dried off 46 d before expected calving and randomly assigned to 1 of 2 treatments: heat stress (HT; n = 18) or cooling (CL; n = 18). Cows of the CL group were housed with sprinklers, fans and shade, whereas cows of HT group had only shade. After calving, the cows were milked and their colostrum was frozen for the subsequent study. Colostrum from cows exposed to a thermoneutral environment during the dry period was pooled and stored frozen (−20°C). Within 4 h of birth, 3.8 L of the pooled colostrum from thermoneutral cows was fed to calves born to both HT and CL cows. Day of birth was considered study d 0. All calves were exposed to the same management and weaned at d 49. Blood samples were collected before colostrum feeding, 24 h after birth and twice weekly up to d 28. Total serum IgG concentrations were determined. Body weight was recorded at birth and at d 15, 30, 45, and 60. Relative to CL calves, HT calves were lighter at birth (38.3 vs. 43.1 kg), but no difference in weight gain was observed at d 60. Additionally, HT calves had lower apparent efficiency of IgG absorption (26.0 vs. 30.2%), but no differences were observed for total IgG concentration. The objective of the second study was to evaluate the isolated effect of the colostrum from HT cows on calf immune response and growth performance. The experimental design was identical to the first study, but all calves were born to cows under thermoneutral conditions during the dry period. At birth, calves were blocked by sex and birth weight and then randomly assigned to 1 of 2 treatments, which meant they received pooled colostrum from HT cows or CL cows. No treatment effect was observed on passive immune transfer or on postnatal growth. Thus, heat stress during the last 6 wk of gestation negatively affects the ability of the calf to acquire passive immunity, regardless of colostrum source.
Influence of pentavalent dopant addition to polarization and bioactivity of hydroxyapatite.

Abstract Influence of pentavalent tantalum doping in bulk hydroxyapatite (HAp) ceramics has been investigated for polarizability and bioactivity. Phase analysis from X-ray diffraction measurement indicates that increasing dopant concentration decreased the amount of HAp phase and increased β-TCP and/or α-TCP phases during sintering at 1250 °C in a muffle furnace. Results from thermally stimulated depolarization current (TSDC) measurements showed that doping hindered charge storage ability in HAp ceramics, and doped samples stored fewer charge compared to pure HAp. However, doping enhanced wettability of HAp samples, which was improved further due to polarization. In vitro human osteoblast cell–material interaction study revealed an increase in bioactivity due to dopant addition and polarization compared to pure HAp. This increase in bioactivity was attributed to the increase in wettability due to surface charge and dopant addition.
Current Understanding of the Neurobiology and Longitudinal Course of Geriatric Depression

Late life depression is a complex disease associated with a number of contributing neurobiological factors, including cerebrovascular disease, neurodegeneration, and inflammation, which also contribute to its longitudinal prognosis and course. These factors create a context in which the brain is more vulnerable to the impact of stress, and thus, to depression. At the same time, some individuals are protected from late life depression and its consequences, even in the face of neurobiological vulnerability, through benefitting from one or more attributes associated with resilience, including social support, engagement in physical and cognitive activities, and brain reserve. Enhanced understanding of how neurobiological and environmental factors interact in predicting vulnerability and resilience is needed to predict onset and course of depression in late life and develop more effective interventions.
Electrophysiologic effects of hydralazine on sinoatrial function in patients with sick sinus node syndrome

The electrophysiologic effects of hydralazine were evaluated in nine hypertensive patients with Sinoatrial dysfunction. Intravenous hydralazine, 0.15 mg/kg, caused no significant reduction in arterial blood pressure. Yet this dose of hydralazine increased heart rate from 61.9 ± 4.1 beats/ min (mean ± standard error of the mean) to 68.6 ± 4.9 (P < 0.001). Sinus nodal recovery time upon termination of atrial pacing shortened from 3,207 ± 1,098 to 2,064 ± 573 msec (P < 0.05) and second escape cycles shortened as well (P < 0.025). Acceleration of heart rate and abbreviation of recovery time did not closely correlate with change in blood pressure (r = 0.41 and 0.18, respectively). Junctional escape beats became more frequent and junctional escape time shortened from 2,525 ± 692 to 1,705 ± 382 msec (P < 0.05). Sinoatrial conduction time tended to shorten, but a significant change was not observed. Atrial tachyarrhythmias did not occur and atrial refractoriness was unchanged. Thus, a minimal blood pressure response to hydralazine was associated with enhanced automaticity. Hydralazine merits clinical trial for treatment of sick sinus syndrome with concomitant hypertension.
Effects of omega-3 fatty acids on complement-mediated glomerular epithelial cell injury

Effects of omega-3 fatty acids on complement-mediated glomerular epithelial cell injury. To define the mechanisms by which fish oil protects rats with passive Heymann nephritis (PHN) from proteinuria in vivo , we investigated whether omega-3 fatty acid substitution of glomerular epithelial cells (GEC) in culture alters their susceptibility or response to complement-mediated sublethal injury. The results show that GECs can be cultured under conditions that effectively incorporate omega-3 or omega-6 fatty acids into membrane phospholipids without causing toxicity. Under these conditions, sublethal injury with anti-Fx1A and C5b-9 stimulated a 6.6-fold increase in TxA 2 production by GECs substituted with arachidonic acid (AA, omega-6) but no increase was detected in eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, omega-3) substituted cells. Sublethal cell membrane injury was of equal severity in both groups as measured by the release of preloaded biscarboxyethyl carboxyfluorescein and by the transepithelial flux of albumin. In addition, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid substituted cells showed similar increases in diacylglycerol mass in response to sublethal injury by C5b-9, suggesting that omega-3 incorporation did not limit phospholipid (PL) hydrolysis by PLC. From this we can conclude that the protective effect of fish oil in PHN does not appear to result from the preservation of GEC integrity but is likely related to changes in the production of lipid mediators.
TU‐A‐I‐609‐01: Characteristics and Performance Evaluation of Digital Image Displays

The diagnostic radiology department is in the middle of a revolutionary change [1, 2]. Digital imaging sensors and displays are replacing the traditional sensor and display, namely, the film-screen combination. In many institutions the Totally Digital and Film less Radiology Department already exists. Here images are generated using digital detectors, and diagnosis is made using softcopy displays such as Cathode Ray Tube displays (CRT) and Liquid Crystal Displays (LCD). CRTs are analog devices while LCDs are discrete and digital devices. This presentation describes the resulting image quality in terms of spatial resolution or Modulation Transfer Function (MTF) and in terms of spatial and temporal noise or Noise-Power-Spectrum (NPS) and Signal-to-Noise-Ratio (SNR). Basic display image quality affects greatly the presentation of clinical images on the specific display. It is the display, which determines if the image quality captured by the image detector is transferred to the observer, i.e. the radiologist. So the display has a special importance amongst all components of the imaging chain. There is a need to test the image quality of the digital displays, called Acceptance Testing, when the displays are acquired from the display companies. In fact, before the acquisition of the displays by the user, there is a need for the display manufacturer to test the image quality of the digital displays in order to get FDA approval (i.e. 410 k). Amongst other performance characteristics the FDA wants to see the MTF and the NPS of the respective displays at several luminance values. There is a need for Image Quality Control in the Reading Room, because many things can go wrong in the Reading Room: (1) The luminance of the digital displays (CRTs as well as LCDs) can change, (2) the spatial resolution of CRTs can change as the luminance changes because the MTF is related to the luminance through the size of the scanning electron beam, (3) the display can be set-up incorrectly. These problems need to be evaluated in the Reading Room. The AAPM Task Group 18 has prepared a thorough report on “Assessment of Display Performance for Medical Imaging Systems”. • There are visual or qualitative or basic tests, where a human observer views the display and makes a decision on the presence or absence of a test object. • There are quantitative or advanced tests, where an instrument like a photometer or a CCD camera is used to make a measurement and provide quantitative data. Educational Objectives: 1. Understand the operational characteristics of CRTs and LCDs 2. Understand the concept of display Image Quality Evaluation. 3. Understand the need for acceptance testing of display image quality. 4. Understand the need for Image Quality Evaluation in the Reading Room 5. Understand the idea of the AAPM TG18 Assessment of Display Performance for Medical Imaging Systems 6. Understand the idea of quantitative evaluation of display image quality using a hand-held CCD camera.
A bead-based electrochemical biosensor with integrated magnetic manipulation for controllable sample preconcentration

We developed a novel lab-on-a-chip device for immunoassays that use paramagnetic bead as the solid carrier of biomolecules. The device combines interdigitated electrodes (IDEs), as the biomolecule detection element, with an array of patterned soft magnetic materials (e.g. NiFe stripes or pads), as the bead manipulation element. The purpose of magnetic bead manipulation is to provide sample preconcentration in close proximity of the IDE sensing region. In the presence of an external uniform magnetic field, the NiFe features create local magnetic field gradients that capture the paramagnetic beads to the IDE sensing region from a dilute bead suspension flowing in a microchannel. With NiFe pads in size comparable to the magnetic beads, the control of individual beads is realized, which allows us to conveniently adjust the distribution and number density of the beads in the sensing region. Using paramagnetic beads immobilized with enzyme molecules, we explored the effectiveness of IDE sensing of the enzyme product as a function of the distribution and number density of the beads, which represents the distribution and level of the preconcentration of enzyme molecules.
Prazosin blocks the pressor but not the regional circulatory effects of diaspirin crosslinked hemoglobin

Abstract Diaspirin crosslinked hemoglobin (DCLHb TM ) (400 mg/kg, i.v.) produces an increase in blood pressure and blood flow to the heart, spleen, stomach, small intestine, skin, mesentery and pancreas when administered to rats. The present study was conducted to determine (1) whether prazosin, an α 1− adrenergic antagonist, can block the pressor effect of DCLHb and (2) the effect of prazosin pretreatment on regional circulatory changes induced by DCLHb in rats. DCLHb (400 mg/kg, i.v.) produced an increase in blood pressure (64%), cardiac output (20%) and total peripheral resistance (65%) when administered to control rats. Infusion of DCLHb in prazosin (1 mg/kg, i.v.) treated rats did not show any significant pressor effect, but reversed the hypotensive effect of prazosin. Cardiac output and stroke volume were significantly increased and total peripheral resistance decreased in prazosin treated rats as compared to control (untreated) rats. DCLHb significantly increased blood flow to the heart, gastrointestinal tract, portal system (spleen), and skin of control rats. Blood flow to the brain, kidneys, and musculo-skeletal system was not altered following the infusion of DCLHb in control rats. Infusion of DCLHb in prazosin treated rats produced a significant increase in blood flow to the brain, heart, kidneys, gastrointestinal tract, portal system, skin and musculoskeletal system. In summary, prazosin pretreatment blocked the pressor effet of DCLHb, however, blood flow to the heart, brain, gastrointestinal tract, portal system, kidneys, skin and musculoskeletal system was increased by DCLHb. It is concluded that blood flow to most of the organs is increased by DCLHb but the pressor effect of DCLHb is blocked by prazosin pretreatment.
Spectroscopic Investigations of Some Halide Reactions in Plasma-Generating Devices:

The behaviors of some halides of carbon (CF4, CCl4, CF3Cl, and Teflon), silicon (SiF4 and SiCl4), and boron (BF3) in plasma reactors have been investigated by emission spectroscopy. The emission spectra from these compounds have been identified and arise from excited diatomic molecules SiF, SiO, BO, C2, and CN and excited atoms of Si, B, and C. On the basis of the observed spectra and energetic and thermodynamic arguments, it is concluded that dissociation, excitation, and/or ionization processes requiring 25–30 eV are predominant in the plasma reactors under the experimental conditions of these studies.
Exotic Slugs Pose a Previously Unrecognized Threat to the Herbaceous Layer in a Midwestern Woodland

Developing effective restoration strategies requires first identifying the underlying factors limiting native plant recovery. The slug Deroceras reticulatum is an important herbivore in Europe, a global agricultural pest, and is introduced and abundant throughout eastern North America, but little information is available on the effect of this exotic herbivore on the forest herbaceous layer. Here, we test the palatability of 12 forest herbs to the introduced slug D. reticulatum and use field surveys to determine the degree to which slugs are damaging plants in the field. In laboratory feeding trials, slugs readily consumed most plants, but avoided the grass Elymus virginicus, the invasive forb Alliaria petiolata (garlic mustard), and thicker leaved plants. In the field, we documented significant slug damage, with close to 50% or more of plant leaves damaged by slugs on five of the six native species tested. Slug damage in the field was predicted by laboratory-determined acceptability, but was significantly greater on short-statured rosette species than on erect plants for a given acceptability value. Our results identify introduced slugs as an important, but overlooked obstacle to forest herb restoration and potential drivers of larger scale understory compositional change. The relaxed herbivore pressure on A. petiolata, relative to native competitors, suggests that invasive plant removal alone may not result in the recovery of native flora. Rather, restoration of unpalatable native species should accompany invasive plant control in slug invaded areas. Erect forbs, thick-leaved plants, and graminoids should have the greatest success where introduced slugs are abundant.
Yin and yang of continental crust creation and destruction by plate tectonic processes

Earth's continental crust today is both created and destroyed by plate tectonic processes, a balance that is encapsulated by the traditional Chinese concept of yin–yang, whereby dualities act in concert as well as in opposition. Yin–yang conceptualizations of crustal growth and destruction are mostly related to plate tectonics; both occur mostly at subduction zones, by arc magmatic creation and by subduction removal. Crust is also created and destroyed by processes unrelated to plate tectonics, including losses by lower crust foundering and additions at hotspots. At present, creation and destruction of continental crust is either in balance (∼3.2 km3/year, or 3.2 AU) or more crust is being destroyed than created; the uncertainty comes from unknown deep losses of continental crust at collision zones and due to lower crustal foundering. The yin–yang creation–destruction balance changes over a supercontinent cycle, with crustal growth being greatest during supercontinent break-up due to high magmatic flux at...
Sound barriers: influences of social prestige, peer pressure and teacher (dis)approval on FL oral performance

Social pressure and prestige have been viewed as barriers to oral performance in the L2 classroom, but their impact has not been extensively examined in foreign language (FL) contexts. Learner decisions to accept or reject prescriptive pronunciation norms may confer prestige, which may both privilege and marginalize novice classroom learners. This paper examines how adult, monolingual FL learners’ oral performance is affected by the degree to which they associate prestige with classmate and teacher (dis)approval. We explore relationships among the following variables: (1) learners’ views of their own and their peers’ pronunciation skills; (2) values associated with native-like speech; (3) beliefs about social conditions favourable to target-like speech; and (4) the accuracy of learners’ perceptions of desirable pronunciation patterns. Data are drawn from 11 audio-recorded FL class sessions, 10 ethnographic interviews, and questionnaire responses supplied by 282 students in French and Spanish cohorts. Analyses reveal that participants profess a strong desire to attain ‘standard’ pronunciation. However, findings also highlight striking disjunctions between learners’ perceptions and their observed production, reflecting a concern for social status and solidarity. Finally, results expose a tendency to inflate oral performance self-assessments, which may conceal learners’ inability to notice mismatches between their production and target norms.
REDOX, MAGNETIC, AND STRUCTURAL PROPERTIES OF 1,3,2-DITHIAZOLYL RADICALS. A CASE STUDY ON THE TERNARY HETEROCYCLE S3N5C4

The characterization of the heterocyclic radical 1,2,5-thiadiazolo[3,4-b]-1,3,2-dithiazolo[3,4-b]pyrazin-2-yl (TDP-DTA) is described. The compound is prepared by treatment of 5,6-dithiolo-1,2,5-thiadiazolo[3,4-b]pyrazine with S3N3Cl3 and purified by fractional sublimation in vacuo. The results of cyclic voltammetry and ESR analysis of TDP-DTA and related heterocyclic dithiazolyls indicate that the spin distributions and donor/acceptor properties of these radicals are extremely sensitive to the nature of the 4,5-substituents. The crystal structure of TDP-DTA has been determined at two temperatures. At 293 K, the crystals are triclinic, space group P1, with a = 4.4456(8), b = 8.407(2), c = 9.671(3) A, α = 71.34(2), β = 89.28(2), γ = 87.80(2)°, Z = 2 (for C4N5S3); at 150 K the crystals are triclinic, space group P1, with a = 7.489(7), b = 9.593(4), c = 10.759(6) A, α = 65.77(4), β = 74.10(6), γ = 74.64(6)°, Z = 2 (for C8N10S6). At 293 K the structure consists of ribbons of TDP-DTA radicals packed in a slip...
Performance of rainbow trout and Snake River cutthroat trout reared in oxygen-supersaturated water.

Rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss, reared in water containing oxygen at 180% or 94% of saturation for 125 days showed no difference in growth or feed conversion. Hematocrits were nominally reduced in fish held in the supersaturated oxygen environment, but increased within 35 days of returning the fish to water at 94% oxygen saturation. Mortality was not affected. Hemoglobin levels did not differ statistically between treatments by the end of the trial. Cutthroat trout, O. clarki, reared in 183%, 127% or 97% oxygen-supersaturated water for 91 days also showed no differences in growth or feed conversion. Hematocrits decreased nominally as dissolved oxygen was increased. There were no differences in mortality during handling or distribution stress tests. Results of these trials indicated that long-term culture in water saturated up to 183% oxygen has no adverse effect on growth or survival of these two species.
Ecology of the Rio Grande Silvery Minnow (Cyprinidae: Hybognathus amarus) Inferred from Specimens Collected in 1874

The Rio Grande silvery minnow (Hybognathus amarus) was historically an abundant and widespread species in the Rio Grande Basin. Its decline to endangered status had many probable causes and has spanned more than a century. Specimens of H. amarus collected in July 1874 at San Ildefonso, near Santa Fe, New Mexico, allowed a retrospective assessment of the ecology and morphology of the species and the environmental conditions of the Rio Grande in areas foraged by these minnows. Analysis of diatoms from the gut showed that H. amarus foraged mainly in nutrient-enriched areas on mud substrates in 1874 and to lesser extents on periphyton associated with plant, sand, and rock substrates. Gut contents included a considerable amount of fine-grained sediment and a wide variety of organic materials including detritus, pine pollen, cyanobacteria, algae, and diatoms. Scale annuli showed that H. amarus was once a relatively long-lived minnow; all age classes from 1 to 5 were present in 1874. The presence of multiple ind...
Light chain myeloma with meningeal and pleural involvement

A 76-year-old woman with newly diagnosed lambda light chain myeloma was found to have involvement of the pleura and meninges. Direct immunofluorescence demonstrated the monoclonal nature of plasma cells found in the pleural fluid; morphologically similar cells were found in the cerebrospinal fluid and bone marrow. Immunoelectrophoresis revealed lambda light chains in the pleural fluid and cerebrospinal fluid, as well as in the serum and urine. Clinically apparent pleural involvement and meningeal involvement by myeloma are each rare events. This is believed to be the first report of both phenomena occurring simultaneously and the first known case of light chain myeloma involving the cerebrospinal fluid.
Changes in total ribonucleic acid during the climacteric phase in yellow transparent apples

Abstract Total ribonucleic acid (RNA) was determined in cortical tissue of ripening Yellow Transparent apples. The rate of respiration of composite fruit samples was also determined. Total RNA increased markedly as the respiration rate increased. Ratios of individual nucleotides in the total RNA fraction did not change appreciably. The relationship of this quantitative change in total RNA to protein synthesis during the climacteric stage is discussed.
DNA Adducts among Asphalt Paving Workers

Objective: Asphalt is used extensively in the highway construction industry and contains a complexmixtureofpolycyclicaromatichydrocarbons,someofwhichareknownorsuspectedto be human carcinogens. Though numerous epidemiologic studies have described an excess cancer risk among asphalt workers, a causal relationship has not been established. Accordingly, the primary objective of this study was to use DNA adducts as a biomarker of biologically effective dose and determine whether DNA damage resulted from occupational exposure to asphalt among paving workers. Methods: Over a 12 month period, four peripheral blood samples (spring, summer, fall and winter) were obtained from 49 asphalt paving workers (169 samples) and 36 non-paving construction workers (103 samples). The spring, summer and fall samples were collected during the work-season, whereas the winter samples were collected during the off-season (due to the seasonality of paving work). Mononuclear white blood cells were isolated and analyzed for DNA adducts via the 32 P-postlabeling assay and generalized linear models were used to evaluate the DNA adduct data. Results: Among paving workers duringthe work-season, DNA adductsincreased duringeach dayof the workweek such that mean adduct levels were lowest on Mondays (3 adducts per 10 10 nucleotides) and highest on Fridays (46 adducts per 10 10 nucleotides). Additionally, a 3-fold difference in adduct burden was observed by paving task such that mean adduct levels were lowest among roller operators (7adductsper10 10 nucleotides)andhighestamongscreedmen (23adductsper10 10 nucleotides). Using adducts as a measure of biologically effective dose, these findings (weekday trend and task-based differences) were consistent with a previous evaluation of absorbed dose in the same population. Adduct levels were not, however, higher among paving workers than among nonpavers. Adducts were also highest during the winter months, suggestive of a seasonal effect that has been observed in previous studies. Conclusion: These findings indicate that adduct burden increased throughout the workweek among paving workers, suggesting that DNA damage may be associated with occupational exposure to hot-mix asphalt. However, the lack of contrast with non-paving workers, as well as the seasonal variation warrants additional investigation.
Does Preterm Birth Influence Cardiovascular Risk in Early Adulthood

Objective To investigate the effect of preterm birth on risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD), independent of birth size. Study design Observational study using data of 406 healthy participants aged 18-24 years, from the PROgramming factors for Growth And Metabolism and Prematurity and Small for Gestational Age studies. Associations between gestational age (GA), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), pulse pressure (PP), blood pressure variability, heart rate (HR), pulse wave velocity, and carotid intima media thickness (cIMT) were studied. To study the differential effects of preterm birth and small birth size for gestational age, these parameters were also analyzed in subgroups born either preterm or term: young adults born small for gestational age with short or normal adult stature, and young adults born appropriate for gestational age with normal adult stature. Results Subjects born preterm (GA Conclusions Young adults born preterm might have a higher risk for CVD than those born term.
Luteinizing Hormone and Follicle-Stimulating Hormone Exhibit Different Secretion Patterns from Cultured Madin-Darby Canine Kidney Cells

LH, FSH, and chorionic gonadotropin (CG) are comprised of a common a subunit and a hormone-specific b subunit. Using Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) epithelial cells to examine the polarized secretion of human CG/LH, we previously reported that CG and LH were detected in the apical and basolateral compartments, respectively, and the carboxyl terminal end of the CGb subunit contains a strong apical signal. Here we show that the carboxyl seven amino acids in the LHb subunit contribute to the basolateral secretion of LH, and an LH chimera bearing the CGb apical signal is redirected from the basolateral to the apical compartments. Because LH and FSH are synthesized in the same cell, we also compared the secretion polarity of LH with FSH. MDCK cells expressing the FSH dimer displayed an almost equal distribution of protein into the apical and basolateral compartments. Given that the LHb and CGb carboxy terminal sequences, which differ from that in the FSHb subunit, occupy a pivotal role in their polarized behavior, the results support the hypothesis that pituitary exit of LH and FSH occur via different secretion pathways, and are released spatially from the pituitary via different circulatory routes. follicle-stimulating hormone, human chorionic gonadotropin, luteinizing hormone, pituitary
A conditional simulation of non-normal velocity/pressure fields

Abstract The simulation of random velocity and pressure signals at un-instrumented locations of a structure conditioned on measured records is often needed in wind engineering. Malfunctioning equipment may leave a hole in a wind data set or information may be lacking due to a limited number of instruments or difficulty in monitoring at certain locations. This paper presents a non-Gaussian conditional simulation technique in the context of non-Gaussian pressure fluctuations in separated flow regions, or velocity fluctuations in atmospheric flows. First, a uni-variate non-Gaussian simulation technique is developed. This is extended to multi-variate, and subsequently utilized as a mapping technique in a conditional simulation algorithm. This technique is applied to both the extension of existing records beyond recorded lengths, and the simulation of missing or damaged records based on measured data at other locations.
Acquired hematometra and hematotrachelos in an adolescent with dysfunctional uterine bleeding.

Obstruction of the lower female genital tract leading to proximal dilatation and development of hematocolpos, hematotrachelos, and hematometra is most commonly a result of congenital abnormalities. 1-3 These conditions include an imperforate hymen, a complete transverse vaginal septum, and vaginal and, rarely, cervical atresia. 1-3 Acquired obstruction of the lower female genital tract is rare. Etiologies of such acquired lesions include iatrogenic trauma to the uterine cervix such as cone biopsies, loop electrosurgical procedures, dilation and curettage, obstetric lacerations, cervical or endometrial carcinoma, and radiation therapy. 4-8 Spontaneous obstruction is extremely rare yet has been reported recently. 9 We describe an unusual case in which sonographic findings of marked spontaneous hematometra and hematotrachelos were depicted in an adolescent with dysfunctional uterine bleeding.
SAW-based radioisotope-powered wireless RFID/RF transponder

We demonstrate a microfabricated 63Ni radioisotope-powered RFID transponder realized with a SAW (surface acoustic wave) device as the transmission frequency selector. The transponder is powered by a 1.5 milli-Ci 63Ni source which has a half-life of 100 years. We have achieved a 5mW, 10-μs long, 100MHz carrier envelope, RF pulses which occur every 3 minutes, across a 50Ω load. The optimization of conversion efficiency of the system is studied, and with fingers placed between input and output ports, the mass-loading effects of the devices are also investigated for RFID/RF sensor applications. The transponder can potentially work autonomously for decades, enabling long term reliable sensing and monitoring eliminating the need for battery changing.
Differential effects on pain intensity and unpleasantness of two meditation practices

Pain is an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience that can be regulated by many different cognitive mechanisms. We compared the regulatory qualities of two different meditation practices during noxious thermal stimuli: Focused Attention, directed at a fixation cross away from the stimulation, which could regulate negative affect through a sensory gating mechanism; and Open Monitoring, which could regulate negative affect through a mechanism of nonjudgmental, nonreactive awareness of sensory experience. Here, we report behavioral data from a comparison between novice and long-term meditation practitioners (long-term meditators, LTMs) using these techniques. LTMs, compared to novices, had a significant reduction of self-reported unpleasantness, but not intensity, of painful stimuli while practicing Open Monitoring. No significant effects were found for FA. This finding illuminates the possible regulatory mechanism of meditation-based clinical interventions like Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR). Implications are discussed in the broader context of training-induced changes in trait emotion regulation.
Calcium dynamics during fertilization in C. elegans.

Background: Of the animals typically used to study fertilization-induced calcium dynamics, none is as accessible to genetics and molecular biology as the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans. Motivated by the experimental possibilities inherent in using such a well-established model organism, we have characterized fertilization-induced calcium dynamics in C. elegans. Results: Owing to the transparency of the nematode, we have been able to study the calcium signal in C. elegans fertilization in vivo by monitoring the fluorescence of calcium indicator dyes that we introduce into the cytosol of oocytes. In C. elegans, fertilization induces a single calcium transient that is initiated soon after oocyte entry into the spermatheca, the compartment that contains sperm. Therefore, it is likely that the calcium transient is initiated by contact with sperm. This calcium elevation spreads throughout the oocyte, and decays monotonically after which the cytosolic calcium concentration returns to that preceding fertilization. Only this single calcium transient is observed. Conclusion: Development of a technique to study fertilization induced calcium transients opens several experimental possibilities, e.g., identification of the signaling events intervening sperm binding and calcium elevation, identifying the possible roles of the calcium elevation such as the completion of meiosis, the formation of the eggshell, and the establishing of the embryo's axis of symmetry.
Clarifying the logical problem of language acquisition

MacWhinney is to be commended for reopening questions about the logical problem of language acquisition in the light of new data and models. Unfortunately his discussion is marred by technical errors, false dichotomies, and inadequate attention to detail.
Raman resonant probe gain and pump depletion in rubidium vapor for simultaneous slow and fast light effects

We demonstrate simultaneous slow and fast light effects using Raman resonant probe gain and pump depletion in rubidium. The use of a weak probe to produce anomalous dispersion in a pump highly simplifies metrological applications.