cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Making Compost at the UA Dairy Saves Money and Recyles Waste

Lots of backyard gardeners have tried composting tossing clippings and leafy kitchen waste into piles that are turned and fed periodically until a crumbly mulch results. It helps the plants grow, saves money on fertilizer and recycles waste that otherwise would have gone into the trash or down the drain. On a larger scale, that's what is happening at the University of Arizona's dairy at the Campus Agricultural Center in Tucson. Four years ago, after paying to haul 1500 cubic yards of manure yearly from the dairy, manager Dan Foster switched to composting. Since then, the rich mix of manure and clippings from the College of Agriculture and Life Science farm on north Campbell Avenue has served as a soil amendment for landscaping needs both on and off campus. "We have a dairy with 300 cows," says Tracy Everingham, who succeeded Foster as farm manager. "It used to take one of our full -time employees nearly half his time to load the manure and haul it away. Some of it went to a farm in Marana or to other places with active farming and gardening. When they had all they could use, the rest went to the landfill." Disposal costs amounting to $1000 a month included the employee's wages, the truck and dumping fees. Although they are still refining their techniques after four years, the dairy is producing such rich compost already that others now are willing to pay the cost to haul it away. It's the mix of materials that makes the difference. Farm supervisor Ken Kriederman says the farm's sources for compost ingredients include a lot more than the manure from the brown Swiss and Holstein cows.
Magnetism-induced massive Dirac spectra and topological defects in the surface state of Cr-doped Bi2Se3-bilayer topological insulators

Proximity-induced magnetic effects on the surface Dirac spectra of topological insulators are investigated by scanning tunneling spectroscopic studies of bilayer structures consisting of undoped Bi_2Se_3 thin films on top of Cr-doped Bi_2Se_3 layers. For thickness of the top Bi_2Se_3 layer equal to or smaller than 3 quintuple layers, a spatially inhomogeneous surface spectral gap Δ opens up below a characteristic temperature T_c^(2D), which is much higher than the bulk Curie temperature T_c^(3D) determined from the anomalous Hall resistance. The mean value and spatial homogeneity of the gap Δ generally increase with increasing c-axis magnetic field (H) and increasing Cr doping level (x), suggesting that the physical origin of this surface gap is associated with proximity-induced c-axis ferromagnetism. On the other hand, the temperature (T) dependence of Δ is non-monotonic, showing initial increase below T_c^(2D), which is followed by a 'dip' and then rises again, reaching maximum at T ≪ T_c^(3D). These phenomena may be attributed to proximity magnetism induced by two types of contributions with different temperature dependences: a three-dimensional contribution from the bulk magnetism that dominates at low T, and a two-dimensional contribution associated with the RKKY interactions mediated by surface Dirac fermions, which dominates at T_c^(3D) ≪ T < T_c^(2D). In addition to the observed proximity magnetism, spatially localized sharp resonant spectra are found along the boundaries of gapped and gapless regions. These spectral resonances are long-lived at H = 0, with their occurrences being most prominent near T_c^(2D) and becoming suppressed under strong c-axis magnetic fields. We attribute these phenomena to magnetic impurity-induced topological defects in the spin texture of surface Dirac fermions, with the magnetic impurities being isolated Cr impurities distributed near the interface of the bilayer system. The long-term stability of these topologically protected two-level states may find potential applications to quantum information technology.
From Tutoring to Mentoring: Centering Adolescents’ Identities as Readers and Mentors in a High School Literacy Class:

Prior research on peer literacy teaching tends to be conceptualized as peer tutoring and often focuses on the cognitive aspects of reading (e.g., skills, strategies). In this multiple case study, w...
DETERMINISM IN THE UNIVERSE AND THE ILLUSION OF FREE WILL

This work outlines the nature of free will and determinism in the universe according to Paul C. Mocombe’s theory of phenomenological structuralism. The author posits that phenomenological structuralism is a deterministic theory, which sees free will as an illusion and the product of the human ability to defer meaning in ego-centered communicative discourse.
In Vitro Approaches to Interspecific Hybridization and Chromosome Manipulation in Crop Plants

The earliest report of an interspecific hybrid in plants is credited to Thomas Fairchild who in 1717 crossed carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) and sweet-william (D. barbatus) (Allard, 1960). Despite this early successful effort, the potential of wide hybridization in agronomic species was not appreciated until after the rediscovery of Mendel’s Laws. Since that time, the use of exotic germplasm has been significant in the improvement of a number of crops including wheat (Triticum sp.), potato (Solanum tuberosum), barley (Hordeum vulgare), tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum), tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum), sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum), and sunflower (Helianthus annuus) (Sanchez-Monge and Garcia-Olmedo, 1977; Stalker, 1980; Sharma and Gill, 1983; Bowley and Taylor, 1984). Overall, wide hybridization has been important when intraspecific diversity is lacking and where suitable germplasm can be found in species which can be crossed easily.
American Geographics: U.S. National Narratives and the Representation of the Non-European World, 1830-1865

Introduction: beyond manifest destiny: American studies, national identity, and other worlds 1. The world as pedagogical spectacle: antebellum geography textbooks 2. 'Precepts graven on every breast': Melville's Typee, Polynesia, and the forms of the law 3. Desire, transgression, and the Holy Land 4. The archaeological sublime of tropical America: Ephraim G. Squier and John L. Stephens 5. Outgrowing the boundaries of North America: Martin R. Delany, Africa, and the question of African-American agency Conclusion: the world archive and the national canon of memory Notes Index.
Political Institutions under Dictatorship

1. The world of dictatorial institutions 2. Three illustrative cases 3. The use of institutions to co-opt 4. Institutions and policies under dictatorship 5. Institutions and outcomes under dictatorship 6. Institutions and the survival of dictators.
Short Range Bonding Interaction at Metal-Metal Interfaces

Using the techniques discussed by Falco, Bennett, and Boufelfel (in this volume), freshly deposited Mo surfaces were exposed to a beam of sputtered Ta atoms for varying, controlled lengths of time. The resultant number of deposited Ta atoms/cm2 (from here on referred to as Ta coverage) was subsequently measured using Rutherford Backscattering (RBS).
Proceedings of the 11th international conference on Architectural support for programming languages and operating systems

It is my pleasure to introduce the program for the Eleventh International Conference on Architectural Support for Programming Languages and Operating.Authors submitted 245 abstracts resulting in 169 full paper submissions this year, the largest number ever. The program committee selected 24 papers for inclusion in this proceedings, for an acceptance rate of 14%. The submissions and selected papers reach the ASPLOS goal of going beyond the sometimes artificial boundaries between architecture, operating systems, and programming languages to solve and understand problems in the performance, reliability, security, and power of computer systems.In the first round of reviewing, I assigned each paper two committee member reviewers, and each of them requested one or more reviews. For the 112 papers with a significant number of positive reviews or conflicting reviews, I then assigned an additional committee member reviewer and in a few cases, external reviews. Thus, each paper had at least 4 reviews and all papers discussed at the committee meeting had 5 reviews, with 3 from committee members. There were 827 total reviews, for an average of 4.9 reviews per paper.Authors had a 3 day rebuttal period in which they could address reviewer comments. Most reviews were available before the rebuttal period, but several reviews came in during or after this period. The committee members referred to the rebuttal responses during the committee meeting. In a few cases, the rebuttal responses influenced the final decisions in both directions.The committee meeting was held in Austin on May 10, 1pm--8pm, and May 11, 9am--2pm. All but two of the committee members attended in person, and these two participated via conference phone. We applied a strict conflict-of-interest policy whereby committee members left the room or hung-up for papers with authors with whom the committee member had co-authored in the past 5 years, or held an advisee-advisor relationship, or was from the same institution, or was a co-author.Program committee members were encouraged to submit, and could submit up to 2 papers. 11 paper submissions were from committee members. The committee discussed these papers on the second day, after selecting over half of the program. The committee held the first accepted paper of a committee member to the same conference standard as other papers, and the second paper to a higher standard. The committee selected 5 committee authored papers, 2 of these from one committee member.Program committee members volunteered to shepherd four papers to ensure reviewer comments were well addressed. The committee was very pleased with the quality and diversity of topics in this resulting program here. We hope you find them interesting as well.
Parametric Circuit Representation Using Inductive Boolean Functions

We have developed a methodology based on symbolic manipulation of inductive Boolean functions (IBFs) for formal verification of inductively-defined hardware. This methodology combines the techniques of reasoning by induction and symbolic tautologychecking in an automated and potentially efficient way. In this paper, we describe a component of this methodology that regards various mechanisms used to represent inductivelydefined circuits in the form of IBFs. The focus is on general parameterization issues, such as multiple parameter functions, multiple output functions, interaction of different parameters for supporting compositions etc. These mechanisms, which may be useful in other applications involving parametric circuit descriptions, are illustrated through practical circuit examples along with preliminary results. We also describe an application of our formal verification methodology, where a proof by induction is performed by automatic symbolic manipulation of parametric circuit representations.
Quality Mathematics Instructional Practices Contributing to Student Achievements in Five High-Achieving Asian Education Systems: An Analysis Using TIMSS 2011 Data

Although teaching quality is seen as crucial in affecting students’ performance, what types of instructional practices constitute quality teaching remains a question. With the theoretical assumptions of conceptual and procedural mathematics teaching as a guide, this study examined the types of quality mathematics instructional practices that affect students’ mathematics learning across five high-performing Asian education systems using the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) 2011 dataset. It found that no combinations of the components of conceptual and procedural mathematics teaching practices exist consistently across the five education systems. Results from the study provide important implications for practitioners and policy makers regarding how to improve mathematics teaching and learning in these Asian education systems as well as elsewhere.
Implications of free will beliefs for basic theory and societal benefit: Critique and implications for social psychology

Greater belief in free will is associated with greater empathy towards the working poor, support for social mobility, greater desire for socio-economic equality, and less belief that poor people are fated to live in poverty. We found no sign that belief in free will led to prejudice or discrimination against poor people or undercut justice. These findings from an online survey flatly contradict the claims made by James Miles (2013). Belief in a just world did produce many of the patterns Miles attributed to belief in free will. We also question the reasoning and the strength of the purported evidence in his article, and we recommend that future writers on the topic should cultivate cautious, open-minded consideration of competing views. Miles’ article is a useful reminder that to some writers, the topic of free will elicits strong emotional reactions.
Thermal Conductivity of Indium–Graphene and Indium-Gallium–Graphene Composites

Samples of graphene composites with a matrix of indium or indium-gallium alloy were prepared in the form of foils using exfoliated graphene dispersions. The thermal conductivity of the composite samples with different thicknesses was determined using the three-omega method. Indium–graphene composite samples with a thickness of 430 μm exhibited a twofold increase in thermal conductivity, whereas indium-gallium–graphene composite samples with a thickness of 330 μm exhibited a threefold improvement in thermal conductivity over that of the matrix at 300 K. The effective medium approximation (EMA) was used to model the thermal conductivity of the composite samples. The graphene platelet size distribution was used to determine the average thermal conductivity of graphene in the composite samples. The interfacial thermal conductance between graphene and indium or indium-gallium alloy determined from EMA was not the limiting factor in the improvement of the thermal conductivity of the composite samples, although the increase in thermal conductivity was found to be slightly lower than predicted theoretically using acoustic and diffuse mismatch models. The smaller size of the graphene platelets obtained by exfoliation prior to dispersion in the matrix appears to be the limiting factor.
Antipsychotic Drugs: Medicolegal Implications for Pharmacists

The purposes of this article are to briefly review the adverse reactions induced by antipsychotics that have the greatest modicolegal implications and to set them in the context of pharmacist liability for patient injury. Although little or no case law has evolved specifying antipsychotic drugs and the pharmacist's possible duty to warn, such an obligation may be increasingly realized as standards of practice in psychiatric pharmacy are elevated.
The preparation and properties of some nitrosamino acids

Abstract The N-nitroso derivatives of the amino acids sarcosine, azetidine-2-carboxylic acid, proline, hydroxyproline and pipecolic acid have been prepared and characterized. All five compounds are formed in high yield under conditions approximating those in the mammalian stomach. The nitrosamino acids can be decarboxylated in low yield in the presence of dilute alkali, the product in each case being a nitrosamine. The possible relevance of these findings to the occurrence of human cancer is discussed. The variation of NMR spectral properties with time has shown that four of these nitrosamino acids preferentially crystallize in a conformation in which the C atom bearing the carboxyl group is syn to the nitroso O atom, while nitrosoazetidinecarboxylic acid assumes the anti conformation in the crystal. The carboxyl group of nitrosopipecolic acid strongly prefers the axial orientation.
Mechanisms of Vasovagal Syncope: Relevance to Postflight Orthostatic Intolerance

Orthostatic intolerance can present a very serious limitation to astronauts attempting any functions requiring the upright position. Vasovagal syncope is a common cause of fainting characterized by paradoxic bradycardia and vasodilation in the presence of decreasing arterial pressure. Several mechanisms have been proposed to mediate vasovagal syncope and it seems likely that redundant mechanisms exist both centrally and peripherally which can mediate these responses. Spaceflight alters reflex control of cardiovascular function in several ways which may influence susceptibility to vasovagal syncope provoked by the Bezold-Jarisch reflex.
Transformation of plant biochemicals to geological macromolecules during early diagenesis.

Chemical and isotopic changes in plant biochemicals that were transformed into organic geochemicals have been measured in anaerobic, freshwater marsh environments. In two litter bag studies, plant biochemicals decayed extensively in the first year, as recorded by dry weight, C:N ratios, δ15N of bulk tissue and amino acids, and δ13C of individual amino acids. Molecular analyses of Rubisco revealed that the high-molecular-weight enzyme subunit could be recognized antigenically for at least 12 months, but concentrations and amounts declined. Geochemical compounds, advanced glycation endproducts, were not found in fresh plants, but formed gradually with first indications documented at 3 months. The organic remains of plants were reworked or replaced by microbial products from decomposition, as indicated by a shift in the isotopic composition of individual amino acids in total plant protein. In experiments with Rubisco, isotopic changes over time in the individual amino acids in the 50-60 kDa molecular weight range were substantial. These high-molecular-weight substances were no longer pristine molecules. Biochemical and isotopic tools for studying living processes have been demonstrated to be effective and novel approaches to identify and quantify altered geochemical remnants.
Latent class analysis of substance use: comparison of two American Indian reservation populations and a national sample.

Objective: Our goal was to carefully examine disparities in substance use between two American Indian reservation communities and a national sample. We sought to identify characteristic patterns of use-both across and within samples-that could be used to inform intervention efforts aimed at reducing disparities. Method: Latent class analyses were used to identify subgroups within each sample that were characterized by distinctive patterns of use of alcohol and eight drugs; the use patterns and prevalence of subgroups were then compared across samples. American Indian data were from the American Indian Service Utilization, Psychiatric Epidemiology, Risk and Protective Factors Project (AI-SUPERPFP; N=2647), which comprised participants from two distinct cultural groups in the Southwest (SW; n=1244; 57% female) and Northern Plains (NP; n=1443; 52% female). National data were from the public use file of the 1999 National Household Survey of Drug Abuse (NHSDA; N = 39.152; 52% female). Results: Four classes of ...
Spinach nitrite reductase: subunit composition and siroheme redox potential.

Abstract The molecular weight of the spinach chloroplast, ferredoxin-dependent enzyme ferredoxin:nitrite oxidoreductase (EC 1.7.7.1) was shown to be 85,000 using gel filtration chromatography under nondenaturing conditions. In the presence of denaturants, either gel filtration chromatography or gel electrophoresis separated the enzyme into two subunits with molecular weights of 61,000 and 24,000, respectively. Oxidation-reduction titrations of the siroheme prosthetic group of the putative native form (Mr 85,000) of the enzyme yielded a midpoint potential value of −305 mV, a value considerably more negative than the value of −30 mV obtained for siroheme in a modified, Mr 61,000 form of the enzyme.
Mapping annual mean ground‐level PM2.5 concentrations using Multiangle Imaging Spectroradiometer aerosol optical thickness over the contiguous United States

[1] We present a simple approach to estimating ground-level fine particulate matter (PM2.5, particles smaller than 2.5 mm in diameter) concentrations by applying local scaling factors from a global atmospheric chemistry model (GEOS-CHEM with GOCART dust and sea salt data) to aerosol optical thickness (AOT) retrieved by the Multiangle Imaging Spectroradiometer (MISR). The resulting MISR PM2.5 concentrations are compared with measurements from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) PM2.5 compliance network for the year 2001. Regression analyses show that the annual mean MISR PM2.5 concentration is strongly correlated with EPA PM2.5 concentration (correlation coefficient r = 0.81), with an estimated slope of 1.00 and an insignificant intercept, when three potential outliers from Southern California are excluded. The MISR PM2.5 concentrations have a root mean square error (RMSE) of 2.20 mg/m 3 , which corresponds to a relative error (RMSE over mean EPA PM2.5 concentration) of approximately 20%. Using simulated aerosol vertical profiles generated by the global models helps to reduce the uncertainty in estimated PM2.5 concentrations due to the changing correlation between lower and upper tropospheric aerosols and therefore to improve the capability of MISR AOT in estimating surface-level PM2.5 concentrations. The estimated seasonal mean PM2.5 concentrations exhibited substantial uncertainty, particularly in the west. With improved MISR cloud screening algorithms and the dust simulation of global models, as well as a higher model spatial resolution, we expect that this approach will be able to make reliable estimation of seasonal average surface-level PM2.5 concentration at higher temporal and spatial resolution. INDEX TERMS: 0305 Atmospheric Composition and Structure: Aerosols and particles (0345, 4801); 0345 Atmospheric Composition and Structure: Pollution—urban and regional (0305); 0394 Atmospheric Composition and Structure: Instruments and techniques; KEYWORDS: MISR AOT, GEOS-CHEM, PM2.5
Interactions of Oxidative Stress and Neurovascular Inflammation in the Pathogenesis of Traumatic Brain Injury

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major cause of death in the young age group and leads to persisting neurological impairment in many of its victims. It may result in permanent functional deficits because of both primary and secondary damages. This review addresses the role of oxidative stress in TBI-mediated secondary damages by affecting the function of the vascular unit, changes in blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability, posttraumatic edema formation, and modulation of various pathophysiological factors such as inflammatory factors and enzymes associated with trauma. Oxidative stress plays a major role in many pathophysiologic changes that occur after TBI. In fact, oxidative stress occurs when there is an impairment or inability to balance antioxidant production with reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) levels. ROS directly downregulate proteins of tight junctions and indirectly activate matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) that contribute to open the BBB. Loosening of the vasculature and perivascular unit by oxidative stress-induced activation of MMPs and fluid channel aquaporins promotes vascular or cellular fluid edema, enhances leakiness of the BBB, and leads to progression of neuroinflammation. Likewise, oxidative stress activates directly the inflammatory cytokines and growth factors such as IL-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) or indirectly by activating MMPs. In another pathway, oxidative stress-induced degradation of endothelial vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR-2) by MMPs leads to a subsequent elevation of cellular/serum VEGF level. The decrease in VEGFR-2 with a subsequent increase in VEGF-A level leads to apoptosis and neuroinflammation via the activation of caspase-1/3 and IL-1β release.
Estimating Emission Impact of Traffic Flow Operation with Dual-Loop Data

While many regional level studies have been reported, project level studies are limited because of lacking microscopic traffic parameters revealing transportation emission changes under varied real-world traffic operations. This paper presents a Vehicle Specific Power (VSP) based model for estimating the emission impact of traffic flow over dual-loop monitoring stations in highways. An innovative algorithm is developed to generate traffic volume, vehicle composition and operating mode distribution from dual-loop data. Those parameters are contributing variables in the VSP based emission model and their accuracy is tested using video-based ground-truth data. A case study using the presented model on an I-71 expressway section shows that traffic flow state is a function of operating mode distribution, traffic volume and vehicle composition. These three traffic parameters dominate mobile source emissions along the specific road section studied. The VSP based model provides a linkage between traffic operation and vehicle emission impact analysis. The presented methodology makes it possible for project level mobile source emission impact studies to be performed using the prevailing microscopic real-world traffic data.
Synthesis and biological evaluation of 2′,4′- and 3′,4′-bridged nucleoside analogues

Most nucleosides in solution typically exist in equilibrium between two major sugar pucker forms, N-type and S-type, but bridged nucleosides can be locked into one of these conformations depending on their specific structure. While many groups have researched these bridged nucleosides for the purpose of determining their binding affinity for antisense applications, we opted to look into the potential for biological activity within these conformationally-locked structures. A small library of 2',4'- and 3',4'-bridged nucleoside analogues was synthesized, including a novel 3',4'-carbocyclic bridged system. The synthesized compounds were tested for antibacterial, antitumor, and antiviral activities, leading to the identification of nucleosides possessing such biological activities. To the best of our knowledge, these biologically active compounds represent the first example of 2',4'-bridged nucleosides to demonstrate such properties. The most potent compound, nucleoside 33, exhibited significant antiviral activity against pseudoviruses SF162 (IC(50)=7.0 μM) and HxB2 (IC(50)=2.4 μM). These findings render bridged nucleosides as credible leads for drug discovery in the anti-HIV area of research.
Sensitization of titanium dioxide and strontium titanate electrodes by ruthenium(II) tris(2,2'-bipyridine-4,4'-dicarboxylic acid) and zinc tetrakis(4-carboxyphenyl)porphyrin: an evaluation of sensitization efficiency for component photoelectrodes in a multipanel device

The utility of polycrystalline anatase TiO/sub 2/ and SrTiO/sub 3/ semiconductor electrodes sensitized by ruthenium(II) tris(2,2'-bipyridine-4,4'-dicarboxylic acid) (1) and by zinc tetrakis(4-carboxyphenyl)porphyrin (2) as component photoelectrodes in a multipanel array has been evaluated. The efficiency for photocurrent generation of a single sensitized electrode is decreased as the sensitizer loading on the surface is increased beyond monolayer coverage. Power curves for both sensitizers were obtained in aqueous solutions of potassium iodide, hydroquinone, hydroquinonesulfonate (potassium salt), durohydroquinone, and potassium ferrocyanide as electron donors. From stability and efficiency considerations, hydroquinone is the most appropriate electron donor among this group. The maximum quantum efficiency attained on the metal oxide coated electrodes described herein for monochromatic excitation of 1 was 41% on TiO/sub 2/ (surface coverage 3.0 x 10/sup -10/ mol/cm/sup 2/) and 57% on SrTiO/sub 3/ (surface coverage 5.9 x 10/sup -11/ mol/cm/sup 2/). With 2 at 420 nm a maximum quantum efficiency on TiO/sub 2/ was 9.5% (surface coverage 1.7 x 10/sup -10/ mol/cm/sup 2/) and on SrTiO/sub 3/ was 27% (surface coverage 5.0 x 10/sup -12/ mol/cm/sup 2/). Better efficiencies were observed with adsorbed than with chemically bonded 1. The quantitative reproducibility of the observed photocurrents was a sensitive function of themore » preparation and porosity of the metal oxide surface. Porous TiO/sub 2/ gave better photoresponse than photodoped SrItO/sub 3/ as a photosensitized electrode. Despite these relatively high quantum efficiencies, the steady-state photocurrents produced on these sensitized electrodes were too low for practical operation in a multipanel device.« less
The Space of Production

The storming of film studies by semiotics in the seventies had consequences for the field that went far beyond the exciting discovery of signs, signifiers and signifieds. Most visibly, semiotics ga...
African Americans present with more severe primary hyperparathyroidism than non-African Americans.

Background Similar to other disease states, we postulated that African American patients present with more severe signs of primary hyperparathyroidism than non-African Americans. To test this hypothesis, we compared relevant preoperative laboratory values, sestamibi scan results, and intraoperative findings between African American and non-African American patients with primary hyperparathyroidism who underwent parathyroidectomy between January 2002 and May 2007. Methods In all, 588 patients were included and 113 (19%) were African American. A linear model was used to examine the effect of race with respect to mean differences in serum calcium, 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), alkaline phosphatase (ALKP) levels, gland weight, presence of double adenomas and, sestamibi scan sensitivity. Results Adjusted for age and gender, African Americans exhibited significantly higher median calcium (11.36 [SD = 0.91] vs 11.06 [SD = 0.72] mg/dL, P Conclusion African Americans present with more advanced signs of primary hyperparathyroidism than non-African Americans. These results may reflect less access to health care, surgical consultations, or other unidentified factors. These highly significant findings, however, warrant additional investigation.
Heard any really good stories lately? A critique of the critics of narrative in educational research

Abstract In this paper I examine the problems of “truth” in the use of narratives to study teaching. The analysis focuses on the themes of universality and control that have dominated the study of teaching and conceptions of the relationship between research and social policy. I argue (1) that teaching can only be known through story; (2) that story gives rise to provisional models that teachers can use to address local situations; and (3) that policy is a storied process grounded in the cherished narratives of a society and, thus, story is central to fostering school improvement.
Opponent recognition in male green anoles, Anolis carolinensis

Male green anoles convey territorial ownership to rivals through use of stereotyped aggressive displays, with intrasexual interactions often escalating to physical combat. In the laboratory, losers of such interactions significantly reduce their aggressive behaviour when interacting with the same opponent 7 days later. In the current study, we examined whether this behavioural modification is a function of opponent recognition. Pairs of size-matched male A. carolinensis were allowed to interact for 2 h. Following this, subjects were separated for varying intervals, and then participated in a second interaction with either the same or an unfamiliar opponent. Losers of the first interaction significantly reduced their total aggressive behaviour when re-paired with the same opponent after a 3-day interval but not after a 10-day interval between the first and second interaction. However, losers of the first interaction failed to show reduced aggression during their second interaction when paired 3 or 10 days later with an unfamiliar opponent. Therefore, A. carolinensis appear to learn information specific to their opponent during an initial agonistic interaction, with the salience of this information declining when the interval between interactions increases. Males also showed low levels of chemosensory taste behaviour during agonistic interactions, suggesting that opponent recognition does not rely on chemoreception. Similarities between our results and findings from other vertebrate species suggest that the motivation to behave aggressively during social interactions can be influenced by opponent recognition rather than by previous experience of social defeat alone.
Temperature regulation of bud-burst phenology within and among years in a young Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) plantation in western Washington, USA

Past research has established that terminal buds of Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco) seedlings from many seed sources have a chilling requirement of about 1200 h at 0-5 degrees C; once chilled, temperatures > 5 degrees C force bud burst via accumulation of heat units. We tested this sequential bud-burst model in the field to determine whether terminal buds of trees in cooler microsites, which receive less heat forcing, develop more slowly than those in warmer microsites. For three years we monitored terminal bud development in young saplings as well as soil and air temperatures on large, replicated plots in a harvest unit; plots differed in microclimate based on amount of harvest residue and shade from neighboring stands. In two of three years, trees on cooler microsites broke bud 2 to 4 days earlier than those on warmer microsites, despite receiving less heat forcing from March to May each year. A simple sequential model did not predict cooler sites having earlier bud burst nor did it correctly predict the order of bud burst across the three years. We modified the basic heat-forcing model to initialize, or reset to zero, the accumulation of heat units whenever significant freezing temperature events (> or = 3 degree-hours day(-1) < 0 degrees C) occurred; this modified model correctly predicted the sequence of bud burst across years. Soil temperature alone or in combination with air temperature did not improve our predictions of bud burst. Past models of bud burst have relied heavily on data from controlled experiments with simple temperature patterns; analysis of more variable temperature patterns from our 3-year field trial, however, indicated that simple models of bud burst are inaccurate. More complex models that incorporate chilling hours, heat forcing, photoperiod and the occurrence of freeze events in the spring may be needed to predict effects of future silvicultural treatments as well to interpret the implications of climate-change scenarios. Developing and testing new models will require data from both field and controlled-environment experiments.
Carvedilol: New Considerations for Its Use in the Diabetic Patient With Hypertension

Beta blocker use improves outcomes for the diabetic patient with a history of acute myocardial infarction or coronary artery disease even more so than for the nondiabetic patient similarly afflicted. Beta blockers shift myocardial metabolism away from dependence on free fatty acids and toward greater utilization of glucose; in the process, cardiac workload drops and myocardial ischemia becomes less likely. Beta blockers also reverse the fetal gene induction program, which undoes myocardial remodeling and improves ventricular function; however, β blocker side effects in the diabetic patient can often prove their undoing. Beta blockers can deteriorate glycemic control by increasing insulin resistance. Beta blockers can also increase triglyceride levels and lower levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. In addition, vasoconstriction, caused by unopposed α activity, can worsen the symptom profile of patients with peripheral vascular disease; however, carvedilol, a combination α-blocker/nonselective β blocker with vasodilating and insulin-sensitizing properties, largely avoids these problems. The recently reported Glycemic Effects in Diabetes Mellitus: Carvedilol-Metoprolol Comparison in Hypertensives (GEMINI) trial, which compared the effects of carvedilol and metoprolol tartrate on glycemic control and microalbuminuria, showed a better maintenance of glycemic control and improvement in metabolic syndrome parameters with carvedilol compared with metoprolol.
Obesity and traumatic brain injury.

Background:As obesity continues to run rampant in our society, an understanding of its adverse effect after traumatic injury is starting to unfold. We hypothesize that obesity negatively impacts head-injured patients, and the current study intends to compare obese and lean patients with traumatic br
A study of the radiographic appearance of osseous defects on panoramic and conventional films.

Abstract Experimental defects were produced in dried human mandibles and subsequently radiographed. The size of the largest defect that did not encroach on either cortical plate was 5 mm. The image of the defects appeared more distinctly on panoramic films than on conventional ones because of the tomographic principle that is applied in panoramic radiography.
Abnormalities in the Regulation of Prolactin in Patients with Chronic Renal Failure

We have investigated the hypothalamic-hypophyseal regulation of prolactin secretion in patients with chronic renal failure treated with chronic hemodialysis. When compared to control subjects, baseline serum prolactin levels were elevated in the renal failure patients (range 11 to 16 mmicrogram/ml for renal failure patients, 6 to 9 mmicrogram/ml for controls, P less than 0.05). In addition, serum prolactin levels in the renal failure patients failed to suppress significantly following the administration of L-dopa, and did not increase in response to chlorpromazine or thyrotropin releasing hormone. These findings suggest an abnormal regulation of prolactin secretion and appear to be another example of the endocrine dysfunction that occurs in uremic subjects.
Deep-inelastic neutrino scattering: A double spectral form viewpoint

The scattering of neutrinos on polarized nucleons, viewed as forward virtual WN scattering, is discussed in a model-independent way based upon the use of a double spectral representation for the invariant amplitudes. In this framework, many of the scaling results of deep-inelastic $nu$N scattering emerge naturally: for example, the linear neutrino energy dependence of the double differential cross section and, for unpolarized, average nucleon targets, its y dependence; the scaling behavior of the various structure functions; and the vanishing of the longitudinal cross section in the scaling limit. This approach is seen to be useful in organizing disparate data from the different scattering regimes. Of particular interest is the derivation of new sum rules for the scaling functions and for various WN total cross sections. (AIP)
On tree census and the giant component in sparse random graphs

For each of the two models of a sparse random graph on n vertices, G(n, # of edges = cn/2) and G(n, Prob (edge) = c/n) define tn(k) as the total number of tree components of size k (1 ≤ k ≤ n). the random sequence {[tn(k) ‐ nh(k)]n−1/2} is shown to be Gaussian in the limit n →∞, with h(k) = kk−2ck−1e−kc/k! and covariance function being dependent upon the model. This general result implies, in particular, that, for c> 1, the size of the giant component is asymptotically Gaussian, with mean nθ(c) and variance n(1 − T)−2(1 − 2Tθ)θ(1 − θ) for the first model and n(1 − T)−2θ(1 − θ) for the second model. Here Te−T = ce−c, T<1, and θ = 1 − T/c. A close technique allows us to prove that, for c < 1, the independence number of G(n, p = c/n) is asymptotically Gaussian with mean nc−1(β + β2/2) and variance n[c−1(β + β2/2) −c−2(c + 1)β2], where βeβ = c. It is also proven that almost surely the giant component consists of a giant two‐connected core of size about n(1 − T)β and a “mantle” of trees, and possibly few small unicyclic graphs, each sprouting from its own vertex of the core. © 1990 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Source identification of urban airborne polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons by gas chromatographic mass spectrometry and high resolution mass spectrometry

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons formed during the combustion of three common fuels (coal, wood and kerosene) were separated and identified by capillary-column gas chromatographic mass spectrometry and were compared to airborne polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from Indianapolis, a high coal consuming area, and Boston, a low coal consuming area. High resolution mass spectral data were utilized in the construction of alkyl homolog plots for the comparison of alkyl distribution within each sample.
Aspergillus pulmonary infections in transplant recipients

Aspergillus infections are increasing in frequency in those undergoing solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. The ongoing impact of Aspergillus infection on morbidity and mortality after transplantation makes this subject an area of intense clinical and research interest. This article discusses the evolving epidemiologic features of the infection and its management and diagnosis.
Meiotic Errors Activate Checkpoints that Improve Gamete Quality without Triggering Apoptosis in Male Germ Cells

Summary Background Meiotic checkpoints ensure the production of gametes with the correct complement and integrity of DNA; in metazoans, these pathways sense errors and transduce signals to trigger apoptosis to eliminate damaged germ cells. The extent to which checkpoints monitor and safeguard the genome differs between sexes and may contribute to the high frequency of human female meiotic errors. In the C. elegans female germline, DNA damage, chromosome asynapsis, and/or unrepaired meiotic double-strand breaks (DSBs) activate checkpoints that induce apoptosis; conversely, male germ cells do not undergo apoptosis. Results Here we show that the recombination checkpoint is in fact activated in male germ cells despite the lack of apoptosis. The 9-1-1 complex and the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-related protein kinase ATR, sensors of DNA damage, are recruited to chromatin in the presence of unrepaired meiotic DSBs in both female and male germlines. Furthermore, the checkpoint kinase CHK-1 is phosphorylated and the p53 ortholog CEP-1 induces expression of BH3-only proapoptotic proteins in germlines of both sexes under activating conditions. The core cell death machinery is expressed in female and male germlines; however, CED-3 caspase is not activated in the male germline. Although apoptosis is not triggered, checkpoint activation in males has functional consequences for gamete quality, because there is reduced viability of progeny sired by males with a checkpoint-activating defect in the absence of checkpoint function. Conclusions We propose that the recombination checkpoint functions in male germ cells to promote repair of meiotic recombination intermediates, thereby improving the fidelity of chromosome transmission in the absence of apoptosis.
Insertion of an elastase-binding loop into interleukin-1β

The protease-binding sequence EAIPMSIPPE from alpha 1-antitrypsin has been inserted into the cytokine interleukin-1 beta, replacing residues 50-53. The resulting mutant protein was cleaved specifically at a single site by elastase and chymotrypsin, but not by trypsin. The cleavage by elastase was shown to be between Met and Ser of the inserted loop. In contrast, wild-type interleukin is not susceptible to cleavage by any of these enzymes. The mutant protein acts as an inhibitor of elastase, with a KI of approximately 30 microM. The wild type displays no such inhibitory activity. The overall structure of the mutant, as demonstrated by CD, appears to be indistinguishable from that of the wild type. These results indicate that the protease-binding region of alpha 1-antitrypsin can be recognized and is active even within the context of an entirely different protein structure. Given that interleukin-1 beta binds to, and is internalized by, many types of cells, this hybrid protein also demonstrates the feasibility of using interleukin-1 beta as a delivery system for useful therapeutic agents.
Late Holocene sediment storage in canyons of the Colorado Plateau

Field surveys of ten drainage basins 10 to 1,790 km2 in area in the Colorado Plateau (Utah and Arizona) and repeat photography of 156 fluvial environments providing comparative evidence spanning up to 114 yr reveal that two stratigraphic units characterize the alluvial materials on valley floors. An older unit deposited generally between 1250 A.D. (±200 yr) and 1880 A.D. (±20 yr) was dissected by arroyo development by the early twentieth century. A younger unit was deposited generally during the period after approximately 1943 (±5 yr). Rates of sedimentation in the 1943–1980 period were almost twice the rates in the 1250–1880 period. Channel-storage rates during the two periods of sedimentation are related to drainage-basin area by a power function similar to functions relating slope-sediment production and sediment yield to drainage basin area. Storage rates in the 1943–1980 period were about 50% of the rates of slope-sediment production. The amount of sediment stored in the two units exhibits a definable spatial pattern. Source streams (with basin areas upstream 10,000 km2) alternatively stored or evacuated moderate amounts of sediment in response to upstream evacuations of sediment from the Colorado Plateau, riparian vegetation change, and hydro-climatic changes in mountain watersheds outside the plateau region.
Filiasparosides A-D, cytotoxic steroidal saponins from the roots of Asparagus filicinus.

Four new steroidal saponins, filiasparosides A−D (1−4), together with known aspafiliosides A (5) and B (6) were isolated from the roots of Asparagus filicinus. The structures of these new compounds were elucidated by detailed spectroscopic study and chemical analysis. Compounds 1−6 were cytotoxic against human lung carcinoma (A549) and breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7) tumor cell lines with EC50 values of 2.3−16.8 μg/mL. Compound 3 showed the most potent cytotoxicity, with EC50 values of 2.3 and 3.0 μg/mL toward A549 and MCF-7 cell lines, respectively.
Identification of the XorII methyltransferase gene and a vsr homolog from Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae.

The gene encoding the XorII methyltransferase (M · XorII) was cloned from Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae and characterized in Escherichia coli. The M · XorII activity was localized to a 3.1 kb BamHI-BstXI fragment, which contained two open reading frames (ORFs) of 1272 nucleotides (424 amino acids) and 408 nucleotides (136 amino acids). Ten polypeptide domains conserved in other M5 cytosine methyltransferases (MTases) were identified in the deduced amino acid sequence of the 1272 ORF. E. coli Mrr+ strains were transformed poorly by plasmids containing the XorII MTase gene, indicating the presence of at least one MCG in the recognition sequence for M · XorII (CGATCG). The 408 nucleotide ORF was 36% identical at the amino acid level to sequences of the E. coli dcm-vsr gene, which is required for very short patch repair. X. oryzae pv. oryzae genomic DNA that is resistant to digestion by Pvul and XorII hybridizes with a 7.0 kb fragment containing the XorII MTase gene and vsr homolog, whereas DNA from strains that lack M · XorII activity do not hybridize with the fragment.
ATC-4 waveguides may be field repairable.

Three accelerator tube failures have occurred on an ATC‐4 at the Medical University of South Carolina. On the third occasion, the accelerator tube was repaired without removal from the machine by the in‐house service group. This action saved the hospital thousands of dollars in replacement costs and treatment downtime.
Proton affinities by reactant ion monitoring: Triphenyl group Va compounds

Proton affinities of a series of triphenyl Group Va compounds have been determined by bracketing using reactant ion monitoring: (C6H5)3N = 904 ± 8 kJ mol−1, (C6H5)3P = 968 ± 5 kJ mol−1, (C6H5)3As = 904 ± 8 kJ mol−1 and (C6H5)3Sb = 846 ± 8 kJ mol−1. The large difference in substituent effect of phenyl for hydrogen between As or P and N may result from overlap of the 2p orbitals of N with the sp2 orbitals on the ring carbons and lack of overlap for P or As. Proton affinities of phenylalkylphosphine oxides are essentially the same, 904 ± 8 kJ mol−1, independent of alkyl group.