cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of oxygen and ammonia plasma treatment on polyphenylene sulfide thin films and their interaction with epoxy adhesive

X-Ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy (IRRAS) were used to study the chemical modification of polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) thin films on exposure to both oxygen and ammonia plasmas. The XPS results for the oxygen plasma treatment indicated a large oxygen increase with the incorporation of various oxidized carbon species as well as oxidized sulfur. For the ammonia plasma, both nitrogen and oxygen were incorporated. IRRAS proved to complement the XPS results, showing a wide range of C-O and C=O functionalities incorporated on oxygen plasma exposure. For the ammonia plasma treatment, an increase in hydrocarbon, alkene-type fragments, and possibly amine groups was detected. Both the XPS and IRRAS results indicated that exposure of plasma-treated surfaces to epoxy with subsequent carbon tetrachloride washes removed most of the modification originally present after plasma treatment. IRRAS analysis showed that a thin layer of epoxy remained after repeated solvent w...
Rheumatologists as an endangered species: a proposal for change.

It has been well documented that arthritis is a major health problem in the United States, and it is estimated that the costs of health care for persons with rheumatic diseases and of their lost time from work will approach 1% of the gross national product by the year 2000 (1). Most patients with rheumatic diseases are not cared for by rheumatologists, and the situation will probably worsen if future manpower estimates are correct. In 1980, the Graduate Medical Education National Advisory Committee (GMENAC) concluded that there would be 3,000 rheumatologists in the US by 1990 (2). This proved to be quite accurate, as there are now 3,200 adult rheumatologists in practice and in academia (3). Several studies have projected future needs, and one recent study included a recommendation that there should be 8,600 rheumatologists to handle the 21,000,000 visits projected by the year 2000 (3,4). A study commissioned by the American College of Rheumatology to update the GMENAC report estimated a need for 6,049 rheumatologists in 1990 and 7,071 in 2000 ( 5 ) . Based upon projections of supply, there will only be 4,088 rheumatologists available in the year 2000, thus leaving a deficit of almost 3,000 to meet patient care and research needs. If the trends of a decrease in the number of students entering internal medicine training programs
The use of digital image processing in monitoring shear band development

A new technique involving sample preparation, video imaging, and image analysis has been developed to observe the kinematics of shear bands when geomaterials are subjected to a general state of combined stress. The technique provides an effective, low-cost, and non-invasive way to monitor the development and measure the deformations inside and outside the shear bands. Its capabilities are demonstrated through a series of drained tests in which thin hollow cylinders of sand are subjected to combinations of hydrostatic, axial, and torsional stresses. It is shown that the deformation within the shear band is different from the global one and the one in its vicinity. For sand specimens with the same configuration, density, and confining pressure, the initiation, orientation, and thickness of shear bands depend on the loading path.
Deserts and Arid Lands

The exponential growth of global population and often concomitant degradation of the environment has forced human expansion into the more hostile and less well-known terrains of arid lands and deserts. Drought in the African Sahel, with recent wholesale movement of tribes seeking survival, has focused interest in such regions. However, geologic and geomorphic knowledge of deserts has expanded slowly until the last few decades. For instance, the arid cycle of erosion, as conceived by William Morse Davis (now deceased; formerly, Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass.), with modifications by W. Penck (now deceased; formerly, Leipzig University, Leipzig, German Democratic Republic), and L. C. King (University of Natal and Durban, South Africa), has dominated desert geomorphological deductions until recently. Since World War II and the verification of plate tectonics, the knowledge of arid lands has increased dramatically, especially in synoptic mapping from remote sensing data and space photography, which transcends political boundaries, thanks to the open skies policy of the U.S. space pioneers.
Cyclopentenone causes cell cycle arrest and represses cyclin D1 promoter activity in MCF-7 breast cancer cells

Evidence indicates that overexpression of cyclin D1 is an important event in malignant transformation of breast cancer cells. Therefore, cyclin D1 is a potential target for mechanistically-based chemoprevention/treatment of breast cancer. Treatment of serum-stimulated quiescent MCF-7 breast cancer cells with cyclopentenone (2-cyclopenten-1-one) blocked progression through G1 and into S phase. Growth arrest of the cyclopentenone-treated cells in G1 was associated with changes in the levels of several proteins that control the cell cycle, including a dramatic decrease in cyclin D1 protein expression. Cyclopentenone also decreased the abundance of cyclin D1 mRNA and nuclear transcripts, indicating that it regulated cyclin D1 expression at the transcriptional level. Cyclopentenone selectively inhibited the activity of the cyclin D1 and cyclin A promoters but not the activity of several other control promoters. Deletion analysis indicated that the cyclopentenone response element was located in the cyclin D1 core promoter. Additional functional studies showed that a sequence within the core promoter (CycY, located downstream from the initiator element) played an important role in activation of the cyclin D1 promoter in MCF-7 cells. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays demonstrated specific binding of the transcription factor BTEB to the CycY site. The cyclopentenone response element did not correspond to the CycY site but rather mapped to the initiator element itself. The overall results suggest that cyclopentenone interferes with the transcription initiation complex that assembles over the cyclin D1 initiator element, leading to selective inhibition of cyclin D1 gene transcription.
An accelerated introductory computer science course sequence for non-traditional Master's students

All Computer Science Departments that offer graduate degrees share a common problem---many students, with degrees in other disciplines, apply to pursue a Master's degree in Computer Science, but have to make up a large number of undergraduate deficiencies before taking graduate classes. These students are typically above traditional age, have jobs and families, and cannot easily afford to make the time commitment that is necessary to be able to complete the deficiencies before taking the classes that become their graduate program. The Computer Science Department at Montana State University has a solution to this problem.We have developed two accelerated introductory courses, CS 252 and 254, where enrollment is restricted to students who already have degrees in other disciplines. These classes, which have two lectures and six hours of laboratory work each week, replace 26 semester credits of regular coursework, and let potential graduate students remove their required undergraduate deficiencies about a year faster than would otherwise be possible.
Efficient array beamformer using spatial filtering for ultrasound B-mode imaging

We propose an efficient array beamformer using spatial matched filtering. In the proposed method, ultrasound waves are transmitted from an array subaperture with fixed transmit focus as in conventional array imaging. At receive, radio frequency (RF) echo signals from each receive channel are passed through a spatial matched filter that is constructed based on the system transmit-receive spatial impulse response. The filtered echo signals are then summed. The filter remaps and spatially registers the acoustic energy from each element so that the pulse-echo impulse response of the summed output is focused with acceptably low side lobes. Analytical beam pattern analysis and simulation results using a linear array show that the proposed spatial filtering method can provide more improved spatial resolution and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) compared with conventional dynamic receive focusing (DRF) method by implementing two-way dynamically focused beam pattern throughout the field. We tested the predictions experimentally using an f/1.5, 8-ring annular array with 10 MHz center frequency focused geometrically at 45 mm. The -6 dB beam width measured with spatial filtering and DRF were measured to be 0.13 mm and 16.64 mm, respectively, at a depth of 25 mm. Spatial filtering was applied to the design of high frequency arrays for small animal imaging where delay and sum beamforming is problematic. Predictions of beam properties at 70 MHz will be presented.
Deformability of layered or jointed rock masses: Analysis and comparison of different types of test

Abstract Tests using a borehole jack or a pressure plate on tunnel wall are unsuitable for layered or jointed rock masses. Such rock masses possess five deformability measures— E h E v ν hh ν hv G hv or an equivalent set—and the procedures mentioned, which were developed for measuring just two parameters, are not adaptable. Jack tests on in situ blocks that have been partly isolated by saw-cuts are more suitable, perhaps in conjunction with seismic methods.
An equilibrium solution for a fluid saturated porous elastic solid

This work concerns the behavior of a binary mixture of a fluid and an isotropic elastic solid in static equilibrium. The displacements are assumed to be small. Thus, the governing partial differential equations are linear. The physical model is sufficiently general to allow for a nonconstant fluid pressure when the mixture is in static equilibrium. The model is applied to the problem of an arbitrary pressure distribution on an isothermal half-space. Among the results of this calculation is an explicit formula for the surface porosity. This parameter gives the fraction of the applied pressure transmitted to the fluid.
Topology of NBCe1 protein transmembrane segment 1 and structural effect of proximal renal tubular acidosis (pRTA) S427L mutation.

In the kidney proximal tubule, NBCe1-A plays a critical role in absorbing HCO3− from cell to blood. NBCe1-A transmembrane segment 1 (TM1) is involved in forming part of the ion permeation pathway, and a missense mutation S427L in TM1 impairs ion transport, causing proximal renal tubular acidosis. In the present study, we examined the topology of NBCe1-A-TM1 in detail and its structural perturbation induced by S427L. We analyzed the N-terminal cytoplasmic region (Cys-389–Gln-424) of NBCe1-A-TM1 using the substituted cysteine scanning accessibility method combined with extensive chemical stripping, in situ chemical probing, and functional transport assays. NBCe1-A-TM1 was previously modeled on the anion exchanger 1 TM1 (AE1-TM1); however, our data demonstrated that the topology of AE1-TM1 differs significantly from NBCe1-A-TM1. Our findings revealed that NBCe1-A-TM1 is unusually long, consisting of 31 membrane-embedded amino acids (Phe-412 to Thr-442). The linker region (Arg-394–Pro-411) between the N terminus of TM1 and the cytoplasmic domain is minimally exposed to aqueous and is potentially folded in a helical structure that intimately interacts with the NBCe1-A cytoplasmic domain. In contrast, AE1-TM1 contains 25 amino acids connected to an aqueous-exposed cytoplasmic region. Based on our new NBCe1-A-TM1 model, Ser-427 resides in the middle of TM1. Leucine substitution at Ser-427 blocks the normal aqueous access to Thr-442, Ala-435, and Lys-404, implying a significant alteration of NBCe1-TM1 orientation. Our study provides novel structural insights into the pathogenic mechanism of S427L in mediating proximal renal tubular acidosis.
Egg maturation in mosquitoes not regulated by the corpora allata

Abstract Implantation of extra corpora allata from either autogenous or anautogenous donors did not stimulate egg maturation in anautogenous Aedes aegypti or Culex pipiens pipiens fed only on sugar, contrary to the report of Larsen. Implantation of a cockroach corpus allatum did not induce egg maturation in anautogenous mosquitoes fed on sugar, although the corpora allata of larval or adult cockroaches were shown to function in A. aegypti. Therefore, the effect of Larsen and Bodenstein's whole cockroach extract on mosquitoes may not have been due to corpus allatum hormone. Anautogenous Culex and Aedes, allatectomized 3 to 5 days after emergence, matured eggs following a blood meal. Therefore, the corpora allata had already secreted sufficient hormone for maturation of the anautogenous ovary before the first blood meal.
The failure of Teton Dam

Abstract This paper reviews the events leading to the failure of Teton Dam in Idaho on June 5, 1976 and the investigations, conducted over a period of about eight years, to determine the cause of the failure. Conclusions are presented regarding the probable trigger mechanisms which initiated the failure, the mechanics of failure and the significant lessons concerning earth dam design and construction resulting from the investigations.
Development and validation of a rapid PCR method for the PowerPlex® 16 HS system for forensic DNA identification

Currently, the amplification step of most forensic DNA profiling systems takes 3–4 h to complete. A decrease in the amplification time would allow for increased laboratory throughput, which may help reduce backlog when is due to limited cycling capacity. By using the SpeedSTAR™ HS Polymerase (Takara Bio, Otsu, Japan) in combination with the Veriti® (Applied Biosystems, Foster City, CA, USA) rapid thermal cycler, the amplification time for the PowerPlex® 16 HS (Promega, Madison, WI, USA) kit was reduced by 66 % (1 h). The sensitivity of this fast method was comparable to the standard system (0.13 ng). Although this rapid protocol showed an increase in average stutter ratios (2.8 %) and a decrease in average peak height ratios (7 %) across all loci when compared with standard conditions, it was able to consistently generate reliable DNA profiles. The results of this study indicate that the rapid protocol could be implemented in forensic laboratories with an optimal range of 0.25–2 ng of input DNA using appropriate analytical interpretation guidelines.
Perceptual Changes and Drivers of Liking in High Protein Extruded Snacks

: Increasing the amount of protein in snack foods can add to their satiating ability, which aligns with many health-based trends currently seen in the food industry. Understanding the effect of adding high levels of protein in a food matrix is essential for product development. The objective for this research was to determine the effects of varying protein type and level on the sensory-related aspects of a model extruded snack food. Independent variables in the design of the snacks were the level of total protein and the protein type in the formulation. The level of protein ranged from 28% to 43% (w/w) in 5% increments. The protein type varied in the ratio of whey to soy protein ranging from 0: 100 to 100: 0, in 25% increments. Descriptive analysis was conducted on the samples to profile their sensory characteristics. Protein type was found to be the predominant variable in differentiating the sensory characteristics of the samples. Soy protein imparted nutty, grainy aromas-by-mouth, and increased expansion during processing, resulting in a lighter, crispier texture. Whey protein imparted dairy related aromas-by-mouth and inhibited expansion during processing, resulting in a more dense, crunchy texture. Separately, 100 consumers rated their acceptance of the samples using the 9-point hedonic scale. It was found that protein type was also the predominant variable in affecting acceptance, with some clusters of consumers preferring samples comprised of soy protein, and others preferring samples with whey. Food product developers can use these findings to predict changes in a similar food product by varying protein level or protein type. Practical Application: This work shows how the perceivable appearance, aroma, and texture characteristics of puffed snack foods change when adding protein or changing the protein type. The type of protein incorporated was shown to have major effects on the characteristics of the snacks, partially because of their impact on how much the snacks puffed during processing. The findings from this research can help develop acceptable products that incorporate high levels of protein to be aligned with current health trends in the market.
Coherent surface‐subsurface fingerprint of the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation

[1] Satellite altimeter data shows a weakening of the North Atlantic subpolar gyre during the 1990s, which is thought as an indicator of a slowdown of the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (AMOC). However, whether the recent slowing subpolar gyre is a decadal variation or a long-term trend remains unclear. Here I show that altimeter data is highly correlated with instrumental subsurface ocean temperature data in the North Atlantic, and both show opposite signs between the subpolar gyre and the Gulf Stream path. Such a dipole pattern is a distinctive fingerprint of AMOC variability, as shown for the first time by a 1000-year coupled ocean-atmosphere model simulation. The results suggest that, contrary to previous interpretations, the recent slowdown of the subpolar gyre is a part of a multidecadal variation and suggests a strengthening of the AMOC. The ongoing satellite and subsurface temperature measurements could be used to monitor future AMOC variations sensitively.
Third trimester ultrasound better predicts postnatal surgery for hydronephrosis

Purpose Surgery for post-natal persistence of clinically significant hydronephrosis is poorly predicted by the anteroposterior diameter of prenatal pyelectasis. We sought to determine if the timing of pyelectasis in either the second or third trimester could better predict the need for surgery. Material and methods A database query for fetal pyelectasis in our maternal-fetal registry for all fetuses with pyelectasis. Utilizing >7mm in 2nd trimester and >10mm in 3rd trimester, patients were then selected for review of post-natal imaging and clinical outcome (Fisher's exact test). Results 59 children with 116 involved kidneys were identified. Second trimester pyelectasis correlated with the degree of post-natal hydronephrosis (Grade 3 or 4; p=0.03), but not the need for surgery (p=0.61). Third trimester pyelectasis also correlated with pos-natal hydronephrosis (p=0.0005), and predicted those requiring surgical intervention (p=0.0001). Eleven children (18%)came to surgery during the 5 year follow-up. Surgery was for progressive obstruction, ectopia, and one child with VUR with recurrent pyelonephritis. Conclusions A third trimester ultrasound for fetal pyelectasis is a better predictor of post-natal outcome than the second trimester.
The role of iron in prion disease and other neurodegenerative diseases.

A growing number of neurodegenerative conditions, such as sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (sCJD), Alzheimer's disease (AD), and Parkinson's disease (PD), are associated with accumulation of iron in the brain. The underlying cause is complex and only partially known. A better understanding of whether iron plays a primary or secondary role in disease pathogenesis is desirable and is likely to help in the development of disease-specific therapeutic strategies.
Approximation algorithms for the Fault-Tolerant Facility Placement problem

In the Fault-Tolerant Facility Placement problem (FTFP) we are given a set of customers C, a set of sites F, and distances between customers and sites. We assume that the distances satisfy the triangle inequality. Each customer j has a demand r"j and each site may open an unbounded number of facilities. The objective is to minimize the total cost of opening facilities and connecting each customer j to r"j different open facilities. We present two LP-rounding algorithms for FTFP. The first algorithm achieves an approximation ratio of 4. The second algorithm uses the method of filtering to improve the ratio to 3.16.
MAJOR-ELEMENT CYCLING IN A HIGH-ELEVATION ADIRONDACK FOREST: PATTERNS AND CHANGES, 1986-1996

High-elevation forests in the northeastern United States have received large amounts of atmospheric deposition of pollutants that may alter natural element cycling and retention rates in a variety of ways. This study examined atmospheric deposition of N, S, and base cations (Ca2+, Mg2+, K+, Na+), and their impact on element cycling, in a high-elevation forest on Whiteface Mountain, New York, USA. Ten years of element cycling data (1986–1996) showed that at our study site (1050-m elevation) precipitation and cloud water contributed most of the atmospheric deposition relative to dry deposition. Input–output budgets revealed a net retention of N in this forest. In contrast, annual variations in outputs of K+ were roughly balanced by atmospheric inputs. Potassium output seemed to be strongly related to and dependent on K+ inputs. There was a net loss of Ca2+, Mg2+, and SO42− from the site. Calcium and SO42− outputs were related to one another and to water inputs to the forest. Net loss of 2.9 kg S·ha−1·yr−1 w...
A methodological analysis of research on adherence and weight loss: Reply to Brownell and Stunkard (1978)

Brownell and Stunkard (1978) noted a lack of empirical support for the view that behavioral weight loss programs attain their successes through clients' adherence to prescribed behaviors. The present report reviews the methodology of studies that have yielded both positive and negative findings and concludes that pessimism with regard to this issue may be premature.
An analysis of the temporal stability and structural reliability of metric conjoint analysis procedures

The purpose of this study was to extend previous research on conjoint measurement temporal stability and structural reliability. The primary issues examined concerned the within-subject temporal stability and structural reliability of metric conjoint measurement for models containing interaction terms and for models that are severely misspecified via the omission of important attributes. The metric conjoint measurement results exhibited high temporal stability and structural reliability.
Oxidation-reduction potential dependence of the interaction of cytochromes, bacteriochlorophyll and carotenoids at 77 degrees K in chromatophores of Chromatium D and Rhodopseudomonas gelatinosa.

Abstract 1. A technique for assay of light-induced reactions at 77°K as a function of oxidation-reduction potential has been developed. 2. The light-induced reactions at 77°K in Rhodopseudomonas gelatinosa and Chromatium D have been studied as a function of oxidation-reduction potential imposed on the chromatophores before freezing. 3. In Chromatium D, cytochrome C553 (Em + 10 mV) is oxidized by the bacteriochlorophyll reaction center complex (Em + 470 mV) which undergoes light-induced bleaching at 615 nm, 430 nm and 400 nm; these spectral components are probably part of the reaction center P890 (P883). The evidence suggests that either of two cytochrome C553 hemes are capable of transferring electrons to bacteriochlorophyll+ at 77°K. The primary electron acceptor associated with the reaction center bacteriochlorophyll has Em −135 mV. 4. In R. gelatinosa, cytochromes C422 (Em + 280 mV) and C419 (Em + 128 mV) are both apparently oxidized by a reaction center bacteriochlorophyll, Em + 400 mV; the molar ratio of these three components reacting at 77°K is 0.55:1:1, respectively. The primary electron acceptor of this system has Em −140 mV. However, the fact that some cytochrome oxidation was detectable at −350 mV indicates another and lower potential acceptor. 5. Evidence in the cited species indicates that a single reaction center oxidizes both the high and low potential cytochromes. 6. As the ambient oxidation-reduction potential is decreased, the control of cytochrome C422 oxidation in R. gelatinosa appears directly associated with the oxidation-reduction curve of the low potential cytochrome C419. 7. Carotenoid absorbance changes observed in R. gelatinosa at 77°K appear to respond to the light-induced oxidation-reduction reactions of reaction center bacteriochlorophyll, the primary electron acceptor, and to the cytochromes; the carotenoid changes may result from electrostatic field alterations.
Intake and digestibility by sheep, in situ disappearance in cannulated cows, and chemical composition of crabgrass hayed at two moisture concentrations and treated with a non-viable Lactobacillus–lactic acid additive

Abstract Crabgrass ( Digitaria ciliaris [Retz.] Koel.) is a high-quality warm-season annual that can be used as hay, but field curing time may be lengthy compared with other forages. A 1.6-ha field of common crabgrass was divided into 12 plots (8.25 m × 50 m) that were used in a randomized complete block design with a 2 × 2 factorial treatment arrangement to determine the effects of a non-viable Lactobacillus –lactic acid additive and moisture concentration at baling on heating characteristics and pre- and post-storage chemical composition. Half of the plots within each block were treated with 0.081 ml/mg dry matter (DM) of a solution containing 110 g lactic acid/kg and non-viable Lactobacillus acidophilus at the time of mowing (T) and half were not treated (U). Within T and U plots, half were baled in small square bales at 163 g moisture/kg DM (L) and half at 251 g moisture/kg DM (H) of moisture. Six bales per plot were selected at random, weighed, and stored in separate insulated 6-bale stacks. Core samples were taken from 3 bales initially and 3 bales post-storage. Initial bale moisture concentrations were greater (P vs. L. Post-storage concentrations of NDF and acid-detergent insoluble N (ADIN; g/kg DM and g/kg N), were greater (P vs. L. Dry matter intake in sheep was unaffected (P>0.05) by either treatment, but DM digestibility and digestible DM intake were both positively affected (P L. In situ DM disappearance was largely affected by spray treatment × moisture interactions (P
On the Determination of Single Sampling Attribute Plans Based upon a Linear Cost Model and a Prior Distribution

The linear cost model previously formalized by Hald [4], [5], [9] is reviewed. Techniques are described which permit easy determination of sampling plans based on that model. The degenerate, the beta, and the two point distributions are considered as prior distributions of p, the process fraction defective. For calculations only standard tables and a desk calculator are required.
The donor’s dilemma

In this issue of Blood , Pulsipher et al identify key differences in adverse events related to donation for hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) from a prospective cohort of nearly 9500 unrelated allogeneic donors recruited through the National Marrow Donor Program. 1 Although the rates of life-threatening complications were very low overall (
Dinoflagellate blooms in upwelling systems: Seeding, variability, and contrasts with diatom bloom behaviour

Abstract The influence of diatom bloom behaviour, dinoflagellate life cycles, propagule type and upwelling bloom cycles on the seeding of dinoflagellate blooms in eastern boundary current upwelling systems is evaluated. Winter–spring diatom bloom behaviour is contrasted with upwelling bloom behaviour because their phenology impacts dinoflagellate blooms. The winter–spring diatom bloom is usually sustained, whereas the classical upwelling diatom bloom occurs as a series of separate, recurrent mini-blooms intercalated by upwelling-relaxation periods, during which dinoflagellates often bloom. Four sequential wind-regulated phases characterize upwelling cycles, with each phase having different effects on diatom and dinoflagellate bloom behaviour: bloom “spin up”, bloom maximum, bloom “spin down”, and upwelling relaxation. The spin up – bloom maximum is the period of heightened diatom growth; the spin down – upwelling-relaxation phases are the periods when dinoflagellates often bloom. The duration, intensity and ratio of the upwelling and relaxation periods making up upwelling cycles determine the potential for dinoflagellate blooms to develop within a given upwelling cycle and prior to the subsequent “spin up” of upwelling that favours diatom blooms. Upwelling diatoms and meroplanktonic dinoflagellates have three types of propagules available to seed blooms: vegetative cells, resting cells and resting cysts. However, most upwelling dinoflagellates are holoplanktonic, which indicates that the capacity to form resting cysts is not an absolute requirement for growth and survival in upwelling systems. The long-term (decadal) gaps in bloom behaviour of Gymnodinium catenatum and Lingulodinium polyedrum, and the unpredictable bloom behaviour of dinoflagellates generally, are examined from the perspective of seeding strategies. Mismatches between observed and expected in situ bloom behaviour and resting cyst dynamics are common among upwelling dinoflagellates. This disassociation suggests unrecognized upwelling system factors that fall within the physical–chemical–biological domain are more important than life cycle in selecting dinoflagellates species having the survival-seeding strategies and ecophysiological adaptations required for growth in physically robust upwelling systems. It is conjectured that diatom life cycles, as a group, are geared towards exploiting seeding opportunities, whereas dinoflagellates have evolved life-cycle behaviour more attuned to survival. The role of ecological dormancy and ecological release from bloom inhibition underlying dinoflagellate bloom irregularity is considered. The expectation that the dinoflagellate species selected to bloom from among the common upwelling flora would be the same in all eastern boundary upwelling systems is not realized.
Do mature forest birds prefer early-successional habitat during the post-fledging period?

Recent studies have highlighted the importance of the post-fledging period to bird populations, suggesting that the importance of this portion of the life cycle is equal to or greater than the nesting period. Nevertheless, few studies have compared abundance of forest nesting species between mature forest and early-successional habitats while controlling for differences in detectibility and for biases associated with comparing low stature shrubby vegetation and tall stature forests. We investigated habitat use by forest-nesting birds during the post-fledging period in 2004 using both point counts and mist-netting in regenerating clearcuts, maintained wildlife openings, and mature forest in the White Mountain National Forest of New Hampshire, USA. We captured 1151 individuals of 50 species with mist-nets and detected 1267 individuals of 50 species with point counts during the course of the study. Of the nine mature forest-nesting species for which we had sufficient samples, seven were more abundant in early-successional habitats than mature forest. Additionally, these species highest densities were in large clearcuts with tall, complex vegetation structure and large wildlife openings with tall vegetation and standing dead vegetation. Our findings provide the first comparison of mature forest bird abundance between mature forest and early-successional habitat during the post-fledging period using estimates corrected for detectibility and for habitat stature. These results suggest that mature forest birds might actually prefer early-successional habitat to mature forest during the post-fledging period, which has important implications for managers and conservationists weighing the effects of management on early-successional versus mature forest birds.
Block copolymer micelles with acid-labile ortho ester side-chains: Synthesis, characterization, and enhanced drug delivery to human glioma cells

A new type of block copolymer micelles for pH-triggered delivery of poorly water-soluble anticancer drugs has been synthesized and characterized. The micelles were formed by the self-assembly of an amphiphilic diblock copolymer consisting of a hydrophilic poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) block and a hydrophobic polymethacrylate block (PEYM) bearing acid-labile ortho ester side-chains. The diblock copolymer was synthesized by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) from a PEG macro-initiator to obtain well-defined polymer chain-length. The PEG-b-PEYM micelles assumed a stable core-shell structure in aqueous buffer at physiological pH with a low critical micelle concentration as determined by proton NMR and pyrene fluorescence spectroscopy. The hydrolysis of the ortho ester side-chain at physiological pH was minimal yet much accelerated at mildly acidic pHs. Doxorubicin (Dox) was successfully loaded into the micelles at pH 7.4 and was released at a much higher rate in response to slight acidification to pH 5. Interestingly, the release of Dox at pH 5 followed apparently a biphasic profile, consisting of an initial fast phase of several hours followed by a sustained release period of several days. Dox loaded in the micelles was rapidly taken up by human glioma (T98G) cells in vitro, accumulating in the endolysosome and subsequently in the nucleus in a few hours, in contrast to the very low uptake of free drug at the same dose. The dose-dependent cytotoxicity of the Dox-loaded micelles was determined by the MTT assay and compared with that of the free Dox. While the empty micelles themselves were not toxic, the IC(50) values of the Dox-loaded micelles were approximately ten-times (by 24h) and three-times (by 48h) lower than the free drug. The much enhanced potency in killing the multi-drug-resistant human glioma cells by Dox loaded in the micelles could be attributed to high intracellular drug concentration and the subsequent pH-triggered drug release. These results establish the PEG-b-PEYM block copolymer with acid-labile ortho ester side-chains as a novel and effective pH-responsive nano-carrier for enhancing the delivery of drugs to cancer cells.
Mixed azide-terminated monolayers: a platform for modifying electrode surfaces.

We have prepared and characterized mixed self-assembled monolayers (SAM) on gold electrodes from azido alkane thiols and various ω-functionalized alkane thiols. In the presence of copper(I) catalysts, these azide-modified surfaces are shown to react rapidly and quantitatively with terminal acetylenes forming 1,2,3-triazoles, via “click” chemistry. The initial azide substituents can be identified and monitored using both grazing-angle infrared (IR) and X-ray photoelectron spectrosopies. Acetylenes possessing redox-active ferrocene substituents react with the azide-terminated mixed SAMs and electrochemical measurements of the ferrocene-modified SAM electrodes have been used to quantify the redox centers attached to these platforms. Time-resolved electrochemical measurements have enabled us to follow the formation of these ferrocene centers and thus to measure the rate of the surface “click” reaction. Under optimal conditions this well-behaved second-order reaction takes place with a rate constant of 1 × 103...
How to use light and dark to produce circadian adaptation to night shift work.

The circadian rhythms of night shift workers do not usually adjust to their unusual work and sleep schedules, reducing their quality of life and producing potentially dangerous health and safety problems. This paper reviews field studies of simulated night work in which shifted light-dark cycles were constructed with artificial bright or medium-intensity light to produce circadian adaptation, ie the shifting of circadian rhythms to align with night work and day sleep schedules. By using these studies we describe fundamental principles of human circadian rhythms relevant to producing circadian adaptation to night shift work at a level designed for the reader with only a basic knowledge of circadian rhythms. These principles should enable the reader to start designing work/sleep-light/dark schedules for producing circadian adaptation in night shift workers. One specific schedule is presented as an example. Finally, we discuss phase-response curves to light and clarify common misconceptions about the product...
Price controls and rent-seeking behavior in developing countries

Abstract When the price of a good is controlled, a nonprice allocation rule must necessarily be substituted for allocation by price. Examples are first come-first served allocation, which gives rise to rationing by waiting, and allocation by an explicit system of ration coupons. With rationing by waiting, consumers are induced to pursue activities that economize on waiting costs, such as buying a larger quantity per purchase. Although such responses are individually rational, they are socially self-defeating in the sense that they lower equilibrium consumer welfare. Rationing by coupons can avoid some, but typically not all, of these losses. These ideas are developed with examples of model economies, and their practical relevance is illustrated with evidence from developing countries.
Desertification and a shift of forest species in the West African Sahel

Original field data show that forest species richness and tree density in the West African Sahel declined in the last half of the 20th century. Average forest species richness of areas of 4 km 2 in Northwest Senegal fell from 64 ± 2 species ca 1945 to 43 ± 2 species in 1993, a decrease significant at p < 0.001. Densities of trees of height ≥ 3 m declined from 10 ± 0.3 trees ha -1 in 1954 to 7.8 ± 0.3 trees ha -1 in 1989, also significant at p < 0.001. Standing wood biomass fell 2.1 t ha -1 in the period 1956-1993, releasing CO2 at a rate of 60 kgC person -1 yr -1 . These changes have shifted vege- tation zones toward areas of higher rainfall at an average rate of 500 to 600 m yr -1 . Arid Sahel species have expanded in the north, tracking a concomitant retraction of mesic Sudan and Guinean species to the south. Multivariate analyses identify latitude and longitude, proxies for rainfall and tempera- ture, as the most significant factors explaining tree and shrub distribution. The changes also de- creased human carrying capacity to below actual population densities. The rural population of 45 people km -2 exceeded the 1993 carrying capacity, for firewood from shrubs, of 13 people km -2 (range 1 to 21 people km -2 ). As an adaptation strategy, ecological and socioeconomic factors favor the natural regeneration of local species over the massive plantation of exotic species. Natural regenera- tion is a traditional practice in which farmers select small field trees that they wish to raise to matu- rity, protect them, and prune them to promote rapid growth of the apical meristem. The results of this research provide evidence for desertification in the West African Sahel. These documented impacts of desertification foreshadow possible future effects of climate change.
Nevus lipomatosus cutaneous superficialis

Description d'un cas situe sur la cuisse et la fesse apparu a l'âge de 12 ans, ayant grossi pendant 5 ans puis s'etend stabilise. La biopsie confirme le diagnostic
On the predispositions toward information technology: a three-way cross-cultural study

Abstract Governments in most countries have realized the critical importance of telecommunications for economic progress and are opening up to foreign investment in this sector. In order to achieve significant market share, U.S. firms need to understand attitudinal and lifestyle factors impacting information technology purchase and usage patterns across different cultures. This includes understanding the current infrastructure and economic conditions, but also familiarity and attitudes. A study was conducted to explore attitudes towards, and familiarity with, new information technologies in the United States, Germany and Croatia. Findings indicate that Americans are more familiar with technology than Germans and Croats, and tend to use information technology more. Respondents from all countries showed a predominantly positive attitude towards technology. Germans and Croats were particularly aware of environmental problems and, in general, the price society pays for technology, while Americans and Croats showed concern for the loss of essential human qualities. These and other findings from the study not only highlight the differences in these three markets, they also provide useful insights for strategists in information technology firms and public policy makers grappling with the complex issues arising from the rapid proliferation of new information technologies in an ever-shrinking world.
TEN POINTS TO CONSIDER IN MAKING TEST INTERPRETATIONS TO GROUPS

The name or title of the test will probably mean little to the students. For example, rather than limiting the identification of the test to the Kuder Preference Record, Vocational, say: "That's the test in which you punched holes in the answer sheet with a long pin, indicating which activities you liked best and which activities you liked least." A review of several test items similar to those in the actual test is usually sufficient for the students to remember the test.
Minimization of Internal Molecular Free Volume: A Mechanism for the Simultaneous Enhancement of Polymer Stiffness, Strength, and Ductility

We have synthesized and analyzed the mechanical/structural characteristics of a polyester containing 21 wt % of a triptycene monomer and compared it to a reference polyester homologue wherein benzene replaces the triptycene residue. Solvent-cast films and tension heat-treated (THT) films were investigated by tensile deformation and wide-angle X-ray scattering. The addition of triptycene units increases the Tg and, contrary to what is typically observed, also increases the ductility of film samples. In comparison to the solvent-cast non- triptycene polyester films, the triptycene polyester films displayed a nearly 3-fold increase in Young's modulus, an approximately 3-fold increase in strength, and a more than 20-fold increase in strain to failure. THT films of the triptycene polyester exhibited a modulus more than 7 times that of the non-triptycene as-cast polyester and strength greater than 14 times higher for roughly the same strain to failure. This unusually beneficial mechanical behavior is primarily attributed to the ability of individual triptycene units to express what has been termed as "internal molecular free volume" (IMFV). We suggest that the triptycene polymers adopt favorable conformations that minimize the IMFV, and the resultant assembly introduces two mechanisms for the enhancement of tensile mechanical properties: molecular threading and molecular interlocking.
A case study on alternate representations of data structures in XML

XML provides a universal and portable format for document and data exchange. While the syntax and specification of XML makes documents both human readable and machine parsable, it is often at the expense of efficiency when representing simple data structures.We investigate the ``costs'' associated with XML serialization from several resource perspectives: storage, transport, processing and human readability. These experiments are done within the context of a large text-centric service oriented architecture -- IBM's WebFountain project.We find that for several applications, human readable formats outperform binary equivalents, especially in the area of data size, and that the costs of processing encoded binary data often exceeds that of processing terse human readable formats.
Activity Increase of Horseradish Peroxidase in the Presence of Magnetic Particles

We report evidence for the effect of very low magnetic fields on a biological reaction. The presence of magnetite particles (with permanent magnetic moment of 1 emu/g) in the assay had a 30-fold increase on the rate of reaction of horseradish peroxidase. The activity of this enzyme was evaluated with two chromogen systems, and the apparent Michaelis−Menten kinetic parameters were extracted.
The influence of processing variables on the mechanical properties of injection molded pregenerated microcomposites

This work was concerned with addressing how injection molding process variables affected the final mechanical properties of composite materials based on poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) reinforced with pregenerated thermotropic liquid crystalline polymer (TLCP) fibrils, where the TLCP had a higher melting point than the PET. These composites, referred to as pregenerated microcomposites, were produced using a two step processing scheme. First, a novel dual extrusion process was used to spin strands of PET reinforced with continuous lengths of TLCP fibrils. Second, these composite strands were subsequently chopped into pellets and injection molded below the melt processing temperature of the TLCP but above that of the matrix. This allowed the high modulus TLCP fibrils generated in the spinning step to be retained in the final injection molded samples. The influence of several injection molding variables on the final composite properties was examined, including the injection molding temperature and the type of diluting matrix used. These variables were shown to affect the final mechanical properties of the composites, with the best mechanical properties being achieved using low injection molding temperatures and poly(butylene terephthalate) as the diluting resin.
Gambling with Identity: Self-Representation of American Indians on Official Tribal Websites

This analysis of 224 official American Indian websites examines how tribes with the incentive to attract tourists to casino gambling represent their identities on the Internet. The framing analysis found that nearly 4 out of 10 tribes with casinos represent their own identities using the historic relic frame—primarily relying on the exotic Other, such as tepees and stoic chiefs in headdresses, locked in the past. In contrast, only 1 in 10 of the tribes without casinos communicates the same identity, instead being more likely to display a voiced participant frame of modern images and assertions of sovereignty and resistance. Implications for ethnic tourism are discussed, including the continued marginalization and stereotyping of American Indians, in this case, by American Indians themselves.
Effects of synchronization barriers on multiprocessor performance

Abstract Synchronization barriers are frequently required by numerical algorithms for multiprocessors. When the number of processors becomes large these barriers may cause significant performance degradation. This paper examines the performance of two alternative types of synchronization barriers using simulation tools. It is found that the performance of a recently proposed ‘butterfly’ barrier is significantly higher than the more traditional ‘two lock’ barrier.
Distributed Control of Uncertain Networked Systems: A Decoupled Design

This paper studies interconnected networked control systems in the presence of communication constraints and plant uncertainties. We propose a novel control architecture, where a reference model is introduced in each subsystem with the objective of generating the data for network broadcast as well as local feedback control. With this structure, the co-design of an output-feedback control strategy and the required communication protocol can be decoupled: the local controller only needs to address the uncertainty in the system dynamics, while the communication protocol purely focuses on the limitations due to communication channels. As a result, one can integrate the existing communication protocols and robust control techniques into this architecture without worrying about the coupling between the control and the communication. We provide stability conditions for the overall closed-loop system and derive uniform bounds on the error signals between the real system, the reference model, and an ideal model, which has perfect communication and no uncertainties. It is shown that these bounds can be arbitrarily improved, subject only to the hardware limitations.