cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
[3H]Epibatidine binding to bovine adrenal medulla: evidence for α3β4* nicotinic receptors

Abstract In these studies, [ 3 H]epibatidine is used as the radioligand to characterize nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) from bovine adrenal medulla. Specific binding reaches equilibrium within 30 min, and is saturable with a K d value of 0.5 nM. The affinities of several cholinergic agents were determined, including nicotine ( K i , 0.2 μM), cytisine ( K i , 0.4 μM), carbachol ( K i , 4.7 μM), dihydro-β-erythrodine ( K i , 33.6 μM), d -tubocurarine ( K i , 0.4 μM), 1,1-dimethyl-4-phenyl-piperazinium ( K i , 0.8 μM), decamethonium ( K i , 234 μM) and methyllycaconitine ( K i , 1.3 μM). These values are similar to reported values for recombinant α3β4 nAChRs in transfected cell lines. These studies demonstrate [ 3 H]epibatidine binding to an easily obtainable adrenal membrane preparation and support the characterization of adrenal nAChRs as α3β4* nAChRs.
Hydrodynamical dispersion of dredged materials sequestered on the abyssal seafloor

This paper addresses the potential dispersion by hydrodynamical processes of dredged material disposed on the abyssal seafloor off the east coast of the United States. The importance of the large-scale mean currents and of the eddy kinetic energy of the large-scale flow are discussed both for the selection of potential isolation sites and for determining the potential dispersion pattern from selected sites. These processes play a particularly significant role in the Atlantic off the east coast of the United States. There the potential isolation sites are close to a highly energetic region of the abyssal circulation, the North Atlantic Deep Western Boundary Current. The Naval Research Laboratory Layered Ocean Model was used to simulate large-scale ocean circulation in the North Atlantic Subtropical Gyre. Numerical experiments were conducted using monthly climatological forcing. High horizontal resolution, 1/16°, was required to achieve a realistic level of kinetic energy in the deep ocean and a realistic deep mean flow. The prognostic variables came to statistical equilibrium after 50 years of simulation. Then the mean currents and eddy kinetic energy were calculated based on 4 years of simulated data. The patterns and magnitudes of the currents and kinetic energy from the simulation agreed with the observations. The simulated pathways of the Deep Western Boundary Current including bifurcations and reconnections conformed to current concepts of its circulation. The recirculation gyres under the Gulf Stream were simulated, as were the eddies, meanders and high levels of eddy kinetic energy northeast of the New England Seamount chain. The decrease in eddy kinetic energy to the south over the Hatteras Abyssal Plain and the weak currents in the region of 25°N to 30°N along 70°W were also in agreement with observations and verified the results of the site selection model. Tracers were released into the 1° squares that were chosen by the NRL site selection model as the best candidates for isolation of dredged material. Modest quantities of the tracers were dispersed beyond the initial release areas and only trace amounts were mixed out of the bottom layer of the model. The results of this study indicate that if contaminated material was released into the water column from isolation sites in the region chosen by the site selection model it would probably be dispersed over a limited area. However, the dispersion of the tracers was anisotropic and varied spatially among the sites. This underscores the need to conduct both boundary layer-scale and gyre-scale numerical simulations and careful measurement programs at the sites chosen for initial evaluation of deep-ocean isolation of dredged material. The next step is to run mesoscale models that use the results from this study as boundary conditions and the results from plume models of contaminant release to determine the amount of contaminated material that might leak out of the boundary layer into the deep-ocean circulation system.
Prior Activity as a Determinant of Electrodermal Recovery Rate

This study attempts to assess Bundy's 1974 report that electrodermal recovery rate (ERR) can be accurately predicted by a variable, X, based on the recency and amplitude of prior activity. Five different types of assessment were made with the following results. (1) ERR was significantly related to X in two paradigms which avoided the temporal constraints of Bundy's experiment. (2) ERR of responses to repeated reaction time stimuli could be altered by controlling the magnitude of X. (3) A change in stimulus from a reaction time signal to a loud noise failed to change ERR when the value for X was held constant and when response amplitude was treated as a covariate. (4) The rank order of ERRs for reaction time signals and for loud sounds could be reversed by controlling the magnitude of X. (5) Differences in ERR associated with a cold pressor exposure and a mirror tracing task were reevaluated taking into account prior activity. Analysis of covariance with Bundy's X as the covariate failed to erase the difference. However, with a new covariate, namely the number of electrodermal responses in the 15 sec before the measured response, the difference in ERR became nonsignificant. In agreement with Bundy, prior activity appears to represent a major determinant of recovery rate. It is suggested that for those studies reporting ERR differences, attention should be focused on the biobehavioral implications of the likely differences in prior activity.
Using Master Planning Expert Panels to Achieve Planning Objectives

Abstract Workshops and panels are tools that planners are using with increasing frequency to resolve planning dilemmas. Such organizations as the Urban Land Institute (ULI), the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and, recently, the American Planning Association sponsor various forms of expert panel workshops to help public and private organizations solve urban development problems. The problems range from how to apply a master plan to vacant land parcels to what to do with abandoned factories. Expert panels have been used effectively to build community consensus about public policies on land use issues and to design projects to meet the needs of special populations. A thorough review of the literature reveals that workshops as a planning tool have received little serious scholarly attention. Yet their use in ever more situations is indicative of their apparent effectiveness. This article describes the types of panels that are offered by major planning policy organizations. It then presents a new varia...
Export demand for US orange juice: impacts of US export promotion programs.

Export demand for US frozen concentrated orange juice (FCOJ) was estimated with special focus on the impacts of export promotion programs based on annual observations from 1984 to 1992. The study was based on exports to France, Germany, Japan, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. Results indicate that own-price, real exchange rate of the importing country in most cases, and trend had a negative relationship with US FCOJ exports; while the price of Brazilian FCOJ exports, the real income (GNP) of the importing country, and export promotion programs were positively related to US FCOJ exports. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Multi-Functional Compression with Side Information

In this paper, we consider the problem of multifunctional compression with side information. The problem is how we can compress a source X so that the receiver is able to compute some deterministic functions f1(X, Y1), ..., fm(X, Ym), where Yi, 1 ≤ i ≤ m, are available at the receiver as side information. In [1], Wyner and Ziv considered this problem for the special case of m = 1 and f1(X, Y1) = X and derived a rate-distortion function. Yamamoto extended this result in [2] to the case of having one general function f1(X, Y1). Both of these results were in terms of an auxiliary random variable. For the case of zero distortion, in [3], Orlitsky and Roche gave an interpretation of this variable in terms of properties of the characteristic graph which led to a particular coding scheme. This result was extended in [4] by providing an achievable scheme based on colorings of the characteristic graph. In a recent work, reference [5] has considered this problem for a general tree network where intermediate nodes are allowed to perform some computations. These previous works only considered the case where the receiver only wants to compute one function (m=1). Here, we want to consider the case in which the receiver wants to compute several functions with different side information random variables and zero distortion. Our results do not depend on the fact that all functions are desired in one receiver and one can apply them to the case of having several receivers with different desired functions (i.e., functions are separable). We define a new concept named the multi-functional graph entropy which is an extension of the graph entropy defined by Korner in [6]. We show that the minimum achievable rate for this problem is equal to the conditional multi-functional graph entropy of random variable X given side informations. We also propose a coding scheme based on graph colorings to achieve this rate.
Myocardial substrates in children with congenital heart disease: relationship to substrate supply, age, growth and desaturation

Aim: The myocardial uptake of substrates in children has only been investigated on a small scale. The purpose of this study was to define myocardial substrate uptake in relation to the arterial supply of substrates, age, growth and oxygen saturation. Methods: Thirty patients with congenital heart disease, aged 3 months to 16 years, were studied during cardiac catheterization. Arterial and coronary sinus blood was analyzed for the major fuel metabolites and amino acids. Results: The uptake of all major substrates correlated significantly with the arterial supply: free fatty acids (r = 0.52, p = 0.004), β-hydroxybutyrate (r = 0.74, p < 0.0001), lactate (r = 0.70, p < 0.0001) and glucose (r = 0.48, p = 0.01). Free fatty acids were the dominant substrate, irrespective of age, growth and saturation. With age, there was an increase in the uptake of lactate (r = 0.61, p = 0.0004) and a decrease in the uptake of β-hydroxybutyrate (r =–0.41, p = 0.02). In multivariate analyses, these changes were explained by the arterial supply of the substrates, while age per se did not contribute significantly. Conclusion: The uptake of myocardial metabolites correlated with the arterial supply. Free fatty acids were the dominant substrate at all ages. The uptake of lactate and β-hydroxybutyrate, although varying with age, was also determined by the arterial supply.
A 60-GHz superheterodyne downconversion mixer in silicon-germanium bipolar technology

A single-balanced Gilbert mixer intended for use in a superheterodyne receiver in the 57-64-GHz ISM band has been fabricated in SiGe bipolar technology. Using an output IF in the range of 8.3-9.1 GHz, the mixer achieves a voltage conversion gain >9 dB and an upper single-sideband noise figure <13 dB, with mixer core current consumption of 3.2 mA at 2.7 V. Total test-site current consumption, including an output buffer, is 19.2 mA.
Host-parasite relationships of Ascogregarina chagasi (eugregarinorida, aseptatorina, lecudinidae) in Luzomyia longipalpis (Diptera: Psychodidae)

The life cycle of Ascogregarina chagasi in larvae and in adult female Lutzomyia longipalpis was studied by light and electron microscopy. Sporozoites and young gamonts were attached to the epithelial lining of the larval midgut via an osmiophilic contact zone. The mucron of young gamonts was bordered by an invaginated pellicular fold, and an electron-opaque vesicular structure was observed adjacent to it. Sporozoites possessed an apical complex and were bound by a double membrane with underlying subpellicular microtubules. The gamont pellicle was uniformly corrugated and consisted of two cortical membranes and a plasma membrane. Mature gamonts and gametocysts were found in the posterior ectoperitrophic space of third and fourth instar larval midguts and in the haemocoel of adult flies. Gametocysts in adult females adhered to the genital accessory glands, where they were encased in electron-dense capsules secreted by the fly through haemocyte-mediated humoral immune reactions. Oocytes were spindle-shaped and bound by a double-layered wall with a discernible polar plug at each end. Sporulation was endogenous, occurring within gametocysts in the midguts of larvae or the accessory glands of adult females. FITC-phalloidine staining of all stages of A. chagasi except mature gametocysts produced bright fluorescence, indicating the presence of a diffuse, actin-like protein in the cytoplasm.
Twenty-five years before the masthead: Confessions of a journal editor

After two-and-a-half decades as Editor of the Journal of Labor Research, I share some of my thinking about academic research in general and about journal editing, the review process, and the publishing game, in particular. This irreverent (and sometimes irrelevant) personal perspective should not be taken too seriously — indeed, journal editors should never take themselves too seriously.
Phosphorylation of intact erythrocytes in human muscular dystrophy

The uptake of exogenous /sup 32/Pi into the membrane proteins of intact erythrocytes was measured in 8 patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. No abnormalities were noted after autoradiographic analysis. This contrasts with earlier results obtained when isolated membranes were phosphorylated with gamma-(/sup 32/P)ATP, and suggests a possible reinterpretation of those experiments.
Three-dimensional optical display unit

This paper presents a method to visually display, in true three dimensions, light spots representing objects or targets. They can move in three spatial directions within a specified volume as directed by incoming electronic information. Spots of light positionable in the X and Z directions are flashed onto an oscillating screen moving in the Y direction. If the flashing of spots is synchronized with the position of the screen, the spots, generated by a cathode ray tube (CRT), can be made to appear stationary in space. The spots are flashed onto the screen through an optical system consisting of mirrors, a collimating lens, and a focusing lens. The translucent screen and focusing lens oscillate together in a direction perpendicular to the planes of the screen and focusing lens. Since the screen and focusing lens move together, the focal distance is held constant. A key to the method is the mechanical drive system for the reciprocating motion of the screen and lens. The drive provides: (1) theoretically perfect rigid body dynamic balancing to minimize vibration, shock, and noise; (2) simple and low power mechanical drive system, offering continuous unidirectional rotation; (3) constant inertial load; (4) harmonic motion, providing for simple data inputs; and (5) low friction losses.© (1978) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Silicon-implanted SiO2 for nonvolatile memory applications

Abstract MOS capacitors with silicon-implanted oxides were studied for nonvolatile memory applications. It was found that the threshold voltages of these devices were strongly dependent on scanning voltage range for the capacitance-voltage measurements. The writing/erasing capability of these memory devices was also evaluated by applying short voltage pulses with opposite polarities. Excellent cycling and endurance characteristics were observed using ±16V programming voltages to at least 109 cycles for these Si-implanted memory devices. In addition, only a slight narrowing of threshold voltage window was detected as a function of waiting time after the devices were written/erased. The results suggest that silicon-implanted oxides might be applicable to nonvolatile memory cells.
Efficient Broadcast in All-Port Wormhole-Routed Hypercubes

A method to reduce broadcast time in wormhole routed hypercube systems in described. The method takes advantage of the destance insensitivity of wormhole routing and the presence of multiple ports between processors and their routes. Performance results from an nCUBE-2 multicomputers are given that demonstrate the advantage of the method over the traditional spanning binomial tree approach.
Neurodrinking: Is alcohol a substrate in a novel, endogenous synthetic pathway for norepinephrine?

A number of preclinical and clinical studies indicate multiple types of interaction between ethanol intake and the mood-related neurotransmitter, norepinephrine (NE). For example, ethanol interacts with dopamine beta-hydroxylase (DBH), an enzyme that plays an essential role in the only well-established endogenous synthetic pathway for NE, whereby dopamine is hydroxylated to form NE. While the DBH pathway may indeed be the only endogenous mechanism for producing NE, another possibility is that multiple means have evolved for the biosynthesis of this very important neurotransmitter, where some pathways may be independent of DBH. If so, such redundancy would provide greater assurance that enough NE is available for the body to use in this neurotransmitter’s various physiological roles. This paper puts forth the hypothesis ethanol is a substrate in a novel, endogenous synthetic pathway for NE, consistent with some studies showing that intake of ethanol increases the concentration of endogenous NE. Also consistent with this hypothesis, the molecular structure of ethanol is a physical subset of the structure of NE itself. If the hypothesis is correct, it may have important implications for understanding the physiological basis of alcohol use, abuse, and dependence in humans, as well as modeling these phenomena in animals. Importantly, the hypothesis is directly testable in rodents by presenting ethanol to DBH knockout mice, which are thought to lack NE, and then measuring if NE is synthesized in these animals.
On measuring company performance within a supply chain

Emerging research strengthens the connection between supply chain performance and a company's financial performance (D’Avanzo, R., Von Lewinski, H. and Van Wassenhove, L. N., 2003. The link between supply chain and financial performance. Supply Chain Management Review, November/December, 40–47). The focus on integrating functional internal processes has expanded to include the need for integrating these with external processes of business partners (Edwards, P., Peters, M. and Sharman, G., 2001. The effectiveness of information systems in supporting the extended supply chain. Journal of Business Logistics, 22(1), 1–27). This need for enterprise efficiency is compelling companies to review, to identify, and to adopt supply chain initiatives. This research investigates the use of common measurement metrics in an attempt to determine which one(s) are most useful for measuring performance as companies implement SCM practices. For firms that were engaged in SCM we found inventory and cycle time to be the most s...
AUTONOMIC CONTROL IN NEWBORN INFANTS

Peripheral blood flow (PBF) measurements can be used as an index of autonomic control. Tilting from a recumbent position should produce an increase in PBF in dependent limbs by gravitational effects but for vasoconstrictive effects mediated by autonomic baroreceptors. Non-invasive venous occlusion plethysmography using an air-filled latex cuff was used to detect PBF changes following tilting in a group of 17 infants: 12 under 1500 gm. at birth, 8 of whom had HMD as determined by x-ray, blood gas, and lung volume measurements, and 5 healthy term infants >2500 gms. Serial studies were performed at birth and at weekly intervals. Presence of baroreceptor activity was determined by tilting the infant to a 450 angle, head up, and measuring PBF at 15”,30”,and 60”, and 1 min. intervals for 5’. A fall in PBF determined by the rate of change in limb volume after venous occlusion suggests an intact baroreceptor reflex. Percent change from control: The greater fall in PBF in premature and some sick premature infants, the rise in PBF with tilting in other sick infants suggest lack of autonomic control of PBF in these infants. This lack may influence their adaptation to extrauterine life and their response to illness.
Exposure assessment and risk characterisation for consumers associated to the use of electrical diffuser for insecticides

Insecticides are mainly used in the home environment, and most of them are recognised to pose risks for the human health. In particular, pyrethroids are an insecticide category widely used in agriculture and households, and for industrial purposes to get protection from mosquitoes, cockroaches and other insects. In this study, both exposure and risk following the application of insecticides by using an electrical heating device have been characterised. The indoor exposure levels have been estimated by using ConsExpo Model. The exposure values have been compared with the toxicological data from the WHO Specifications. Thus, the risks have been estimated by calculating the Derived No-Effect Level (DNEL) and the risks result to be very low. However, a potential risk might occur at the beginning of the exposure. Therefore, possible risk reduction measures should be put in place, such as avoiding people to stay while the electrical heating device is functioning.
Essential protective role attributed to the surface lipoproteins of Borrelia burgdorferi against innate defences

To initiate infection, a microbial pathogen must be able to evade innate immunity. Here we show that the Lyme disease spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi depends on its surface lipoproteins for protection against innate defences. The deficiency for OspC, an abundantly expressed surface lipoprotein during early infection, led to quick clearance of B. burgdorferi after inoculation into the skin of SCID mice. Increasing expression of any of the four randomly chosen surface lipoproteins, OspA, OspE, VlsE or DbpA, fully protected the ospC mutant from elimination from the skin tissue of SCID mice; moreover, increased OspA, OspE or VlsE expression allowed the mutant to cause disseminated infection and restored the ability to effectively colonize both joint and skin tissues, albeit the dissemination process was much slower than that of the mutant restored with OspC expression. When the ospC mutant was modified to express OspA under control of the ospC regulatory elements, it registered only a slight increase in the 50% infectious dose than the control in SCID mice but a dramatic increase in immunocompetent mice. Taken together, the study demonstrated that the surface lipoproteins provide B. burgdorferi with an essential protective function against host innate elimination.
Bioinformatics in Otolaryngology

The remarkable landmark event of the sequencing of the entire human genome has initiated a new era in the understanding and practice of medicine. The Human Genome Project, which was started in the mid-1980s, was an effort to encourage and coordinate many research groups to sequence the entire human genome. Fifty years after the historic publication of the double-helix structure of DNA by Watson and Crick [1], the Human Genome Project was completed in 2003. Along with high-throughput sequencing of the genome, new tools were required to elaborate the functions and complex interactions of thousands of newly discovered gene sequences. Conventional techniques such as RNA Northern blot hybridization and ribonuclease protection assays are performed on only one gene at a time [2]. More sophisticated methods, such as differential display by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) [3] and serial analysis of gene expression [4] were developed to analyze multiple transcripts simultaneously. The participation of bioengineers and chemists in the Human Genome Project brought forth the use of novel ideas, crucial to the development of microarrays. An innovative technique was developed that has the capability to analyze the expression level of thousands of genes quantitatively in a single experiment. This technique has been applied to create a library of cDNA on a high-density Cartesian coordinate array, called a ‘‘gene microarray’’ [5,6]. Thus microarrays were born. The cDNA library is typically composed of both defined genes and expression sequence tags (ESTs) [7]. With microarray technology it is possible to study the expression of the entire human genome of approximately 30,000 genes in a single microarray experiment. This revolutionary technique has proved to be a valuable tool for the analysis of complex biochemical pathways and the study of carcinogenesis. This article reviews the recent literature on microarray analysis,
Intermediate term follow-up of the end-to-side aortic anastomosis for coarctation of the aorta.

Abstract Backround Classic techniques for repairing coarctation of the aorta, especially in neonates, have a significant incidence of recurrent obstruction. By connecting the descending aorta to the proximal aortic arch, the end-to-side aortic anastomosis isolates hypoplastic distal arch and encroaching ductal tissue from the anastomotic site. Methods Follow-up data were available for 88 patients (54 male) who underwent an end-to-side aortic anastomosis from November 1992 until November 1999. The median postoperative follow-up was 1.9 years (range, 0.1 to 6.3 years). Fifty-four patients were corrected as neonates. Thirty-four patients were operated on out of the neonatal period (> 1 month of age). A systolic blood pressure gradient ≥ 20 mm Hg and a Doppler flow velocity ≥ 2.5 ms across the area of repair were considered a recurrent obstruction. Results No patients in the pediatric group had a recurrent obstruction. In the neonatal group, 3 patients (5.5%) had recurrent obstruction. Of those, 2 patients had a reintervention performed; one reintervention was a balloon angioplasty and the other one was a reoperation. Kaplan-Meier analysis of the neonatal group revealed a 95.8% freedom from reintervention at 1 and 2 years. Conclusions The end-to-side aortic anastomosis is an effective repair for coarctation of the aorta. Even when performed in the neonatal period, recurrence of coarctation is rare.
Why Not Raindrop Impressions

ABSTRACT Field observations show that most raindrop impressions are produced during the last vestiges of shower activity when the rain has almost ceased to fall. These fewer number of raindrops impact upon portions of the mud surface that have the "right" degree of saturation to retain impressions. This accounts for the isolated nature of most modern and fossil raindrop impressions. While not all so-called raindrop impressions are considered to have formed due to the impact of raindrops, one can not eliminate their important role.
Comments on “glueballs, multi-quark states and the OZI rule”☆

Abstract Arguments in regard to the OZI rule by Lipkin are shown to be erroneous, especially in regard to the reaction π − p → φφ n and ψψ (3685)→ J / ψ (3100)+2 π which he concludes are OZI allowed or only suppressed by a much smaller factor. His conclusions in regard to our glueball arguments are also erroneous. The reasons for these errors are discussed in this paper.
The Effect of Bicarbonate Administration via Continuous Venovenous Hemofiltration on Acid-Base Parameters in Ventilated Patients

Background. Acute kidney injury (AKI) and metabolic acidosis are common in the intensive care unit. The effect of bicarbonate administration on acid-base parameters is unclear in those receiving continuous venovenous hemofiltration (CVVH) and mechanical ventilatory support. Methods. Metabolic and ventilatory parameters were prospectively examined in 19 ventilated subjects for up to 96 hours following CVVH initiation for AKI at an academic tertiary care center. Mixed linear regression modeling was performed to measure changes in pH, partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO2), serum bicarbonate, and base excess over time. Results. During the 96-hour study period, pCO2 levels remained stable overall (initial pCO2 42.0 ± 14.6 versus end-study pCO2 43.8 ± 16.1 mmHg; for interaction with time), for those with initial pCO2 ≤40 mmHg (31.3 ± 5.7 versus 35.0 ± 4.8; ) and for those with initial pCO2 >40 mmHg (52.7 ± 12.8 versus 53.4 ± 19.2; ). pCO2 decreased during the immediate hours following CVVH initiation (42.0 ± 14.6 versus 37.3 ± 12.6 mmHg), though this change was nonsignificant ( ). Conclusions. We did not detect a significant increase in pCO2 in response to the administration of bicarbonate via CVVH in a ventilated population. Additional studies of larger populations are needed to confirm this finding.
A MATRIX MODEL FOR SHORT-TERM DYNAMICS OF SEEDED POPULATIONS OF SEA SCALLOPS

Recently, there has been increasing interest in releasing ("seeding") bivalves onto the seabed for purposes of aquaculture or population enhancement. The success of such enterprises has varied greatly and is related to the interactions between mortality, dispersal, and growth of the organisms. In this paper, we have constructed a stage-based matrix model for short-term population dynamics of seeded sea scallops (Placopecten magellanicus). Our goals were to predict scallop survival to commercial size and to de- termine the relative contributions of predation, dispersal, and growth to loss of scallops. Competing risk theory was used to account for predation by crabs and by sea stars, and for correlations between dispersal and predation (both of which depend on encounters with predators). Density dependence (in the form of predator functional responses), seasonal variation, and a simple spatial structure were also incorporated into the model. The model was parameterized from the results of small-scale experiments and tested against indepen- dently observed population trajectories. Uncertainty analysis was used to determine the effect of parameter sampling error on model output. Sensitivity analysis indicated that variables affecting predation by crabs were important and that variables affecting inter- mediate-sized scallops (e.g., large juveniles) were more important than those affecting other size classes. Using perturbation analysis, we ranked alternative management scenarios for increasing final scallop survival from the most effective to the least effective as follows: reducing predator densities, increasing size of seeded scallops, changing the initial density of seeded scallops, increasing the dimensions of the site, and changing the season of seeding. Inclusion of seasonal variability in predator densities (thereby converting the deterministic model into a stochastic model) did not greatly change final scallop survival.
NMR and potentiometric determination of the high pK values and protonation sequence of dipyridino-hexaaza-28-crown-8 and its interactions with selenate, sulfate and nitrate ions in aqueous solution

The aqueous protonation and anion-binding SeO 2 −/4 SO 2− 4 , and NO − 3 ) constants of the macrocyclic polyamine ligand, dipyridino-hexaaza-28-crown-8(L), were measured in 0.1M KCl using a potentiometric titration technique. The protonation sequence of the aza groups of L was studied in D2O from the chemical shifts of the nonlabile protons so as to find the charge distribution geometry as a function of pD. The study indicates that in 0.1M KC1 fully protonated L forms stable l: 1 complexes with SeO 2− 4 (logK=3.68) and SO 2− 4 (logK=3.55), but not with NO − 3 (logK < l.5). All of the amine pK values were above 6.3, thus allowing the use of the protonated form of this ligand over a wide pH range.
Measures of Lack of Fit for Response Surface Designs and Predictor Variable Transformations

Some first-order (2 k–p two-level factorials and fractional factorials plus center points) and second-order (cube plus star plus center-point composite) response surface designs are discussed from the point of view of their ability to detect certain likely kinds of lack of fit of degree one higher than has been fitted. This leads to consideration of conditions for representationa adequacy of first- and second-order models in transformed predictor variables. It is shown how to use the estimated regression coefficients from the higher degree model to check if power transformations of the predictor variables could eliminate the lack of fit, and also actually to estimate the transformations.
Response to open peer commentaries on "can medical repatriation be ethical? Establishing best practices".

I wish to thank the commentators for their very astute essays. It is an honor to have such insightful work done in response to my article. My argument examines medical repatriation in light of the ...
High temperature metal-induced crystallization of r.f. sputtered amorphous Si thin films

Abstract R.f. sputter-deposited amorphous Si (a-Si) films have been found to exhibit an interconnected fine structure of low and high density regions. The porosity decreases as the film thickness increases in agreement with results for evaporated a-Ge previously published by Donovan. At an annealing temperature of 800°C, a-Si films crystallize by the relatively slow diffusionless growth of crystallites nucleated within the a-Si matrix. Similar a-Si films containing a buried layer 30 A thick of Al in an a-Si/Al/a-Si structure exhibited greatly enhanced nucleation and crystallization rates. Crystallite growth in these films occurred by two separate mechanisms both involving the precipitation of crystalline Si from an Al + Si liquid region. The first growth mechanism was observed during the early stages of crystalline formation in which crystalline islands grew around isolated liquid regions. Later, Al + Si liquid boundary layers were established between crystalline Si and a-Si regions, and further crystallization occurred by the motion of this boundary layer.
Electrical Characterization of Carbon Fiber Polymer Matrix Composites

This paper studies the response of carbon fiber polymer matrix composites subjected to DC electric currents. We have developed a new fully instrumented experimental setup that enables one to measure electric field characteristics (amperage, voltage, resistance) and temperature at the surface of the electrified composites in real time. The experimental procedure ensured a low contact resistance between the composite and electrodes, high uniformity in the density of the applied electric current, and low resistance heating. An extensive experimental study on the electrical characterization of carbon fiber polymer composites of different composition, ply sequence, thickness, etc. was conducted. The effect of the resistance heating was carefully analyzed through experimental analysis as well as the finite element modeling.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Climate change effects on behavioral and physiological ecology of predator–prey interactions: Implications for conservation biological control

Habitat management under the auspices of conservation biological control is a widely used approach to foster conditions that ensure a diversity of predator species can persist spatially and temporally within agricultural landscapes in order to control their prey (pest) species. However, an emerging new factor, global climate change, has the potential to disrupt existing conservation biological control programs. Climate change may alter abiotic conditions such as temperature, precipitation, humidity and wind that in turn could alter the life-cycle timing of predator and prey species and the behavioral nature and strength of their interactions. Anticipating how climate change will affect predator and prey communities represents an important research challenge. We present a conceptual framework—the habitat domain concept—that is useful for understanding contingencies in the nature of predator diversity effects on prey based on predator and prey spatial movement in their habitat. We illustrate how this framework can be used to forecast whether biological control by predators will become more effective or become disrupted due to changing climate. We discuss how changes in predator–prey interactions are contingent on the tolerances of predators and prey species to changing abiotic conditions as determined by the degree of local adaptation and phenotypic plasticity exhibited by species populations. We conclude by discussing research approaches that are needed to help adjust conservation biological control management to deal with a climate future.
Index to the literature dealing with the near-millimeter wave properties of materials

An index to the literature of the near-millimeter wave (94 to 1000 GHz) properties of solid and liquid materials has been prepared which lists materials in alphabetical order, citing parameters measured, the frequency coverage, and the corresponding publication reference. An accompanying discussion deals with parameters and materials properties and present limitations in this frequency range.
A Household-Level Television Advertising Exposure Model

The author proposes a household-level television advertising exposure model for media planning that is based on household exposure records. Consistent with the industry practice, managerial input o...
Solar irradiance modulation by active regions during 1980

The solar irradiance modulation due to active regions during 1980 has been investigated in detail. Specifically, the uncertainties caused by ground-based data used as input in the modeling effort, and by currently incomplete knowledge of the proper parameters that describe the angular variation of sunspot and facular contrasts are estimated. It is concluded that the most significant uncertainties are due to errors in area measurements and, possibly, varying spot and facular brightness. A 'standard model' for later use is derived to a best-fit technique of the currently available ACRIM irradiance data and the predictions of models with appropriately varied parameters. Finally, the expected irradiance for the entire year of 1980 is computed.
Effects of Block Scheduling

This study examined the effects of a tri-schedule on the academic achievement of students in a high school. The tri-schedule consists of traditional, 4x4 block, and hybrid schedules running at the same time in the same high school. Effectiveness of the schedules was determined from the state mandated test of basic skills in reading, language, and mathematics. Students who were in a particular schedule their freshman year were tested at the beginning of their sophomore year. A statistical ANCOVA test was performed using the schedule types as independent variables and cognitive skill index and GPA as covariates. For reading and language, there was no statistically significant difference in test results. There was a statistical difference mathematics-computation. Block mathematics is an ideal format for obtaining more credits in mathematics, but the block format does little for mathematics achievement and conceptual understanding. The results have content specific implications for schools, administrations, and school boards who are considering block scheduling adoption.
Voice quality strengthening and glottalization

Abstract Prominence and phrase-initial position strongly favor the presence of word-initial glottalization in English and other languages. This suggests that word-initial glottalization may arise from prosodic strengthening – the phenomenon by which sounds are more ‘strongly’ articulated in stronger prosodic positions. However, if word-initial glottalization is due to prosodic strengthening, what exactly is being strengthened? The goal of this study is to determine whether voice quality is strengthened in vowels and sonorants, and whether this type of strengthening is consistent with word-initial glottalization. Prominent and/or phrase-initial voicing in English and Spanish was analyzed articulatorily using electroglottography. The results reveal that voicing during word-initial vowels in English and Spanish has increased contact under prominence, but not at phrasal onsets. Non-prominent initial vowels and sonorants are characterized by a decrease in contact, which I argue is inconsistent with both word-initial glottalization and voice quality strengthening. Based on the results, a prominence-driven account of word-initial glottalization is proposed and motivated.
Childhood hyperuricemia and acute renal failure resulting from a missense mutation in the HPRT gene

A 6-year-old boy was determined to have partial hypoxanthine phosphoribosyl transferase (HPRT) enzyme deficiency without the phenotypic features of Lesch-Nyhan syndrome. He presented with recurrent acute renal failure (ARF) from hyperuricemia. Treatment with allopurinol prevented further attacks of renal failure. T lymphocyte cultures were used to sequence the HPRT cDNA and a novel single nucleotide substitution at codon 65 in exon 3 was found (193C>T, 65leu>phe). This mutation was confirmed by genomic DNA sequencing and was also detected in his heterozygous, asymptomatic mother and sister. Unlike the cells from patients with classic Lesch-Nyhan syndrome, the in vitro cultures of our patient's T-lymphocytes did not proliferate in the presence of purine analogue 6-thioguanine (TG). This report highlights the unusual occurrence of recurrent ARF in a child with partial HPRT enzyme deficiency. The absence of TG resistance in vitro with this mutation shows that even small alterations in enzyme activity in vivo can result in disease symptoms, in this instance, hyperuricemia sufficient to cause ARF. Atypical HPRT mutations should also be considered in cases of unusual renal failure, because correct diagnosis can allow appropriate treatment, as well as informed genetic counseling.
Specifying caregiver outcomes: Gender and relationship aspects of caregiving strain.

The gender-specific kinship relationship of patients and their care providers has not generally been investigated in studies of caregiver burden and well-being. In this study of 183 heart patient-caregiver dyads, gender and relationship were analyzed singly and jointly with respect to the process and outcome of caregiving. Strains caregivers experienced while caring for older heart patients six weeks and one year after hospital discharge were determined. Findings showed consistent patterns of strain. Women, nonspousal caregivers, and daughters, in particular, experienced the most severe aftereffects. These findings support a caregiving outcomes model proposing that the patient-caregiver relationship is an essential component of caregiver strain.
The Fine Art of Sitting on Two Stools: Multicultural Education Between Postmodernism and Critical Theory

The paper examines two philosophical origins of multicultural education -- postmodern philosophy and critical theory. Critical theory is closely connected to grand narrative of liberation, while postmodern tradition rejects such narrative. The ambivalence of fundamental assumptions makes multicultural theory vulnerable to criticism. However, author maintains, this ambivalence can be a strength rather than a weakness of the multicultural theory. Using Mikhail Bakhtin's notion of polyphony, author attempts to show that incompatible theoretical perspectives may productively coexist within framework of dialogical engagement. The result of such dialogical relations is reciprocal change and not an eventual merge.
A valid method of calibration which includes correction for dispersion in gel permeation chromatography

Two independently derived distribution function methods validate both the calibration curve and the dispersion correction of the “effective linear calibration” method used in gel permeation chromatography (GPC). Experimental conditions are specified for making the method more useful by permitting linear extrapolation of the calibration line, and for using a minimum number of standards. The independent methods quantitatively relate known differential of integral distribution functions for standard samples to their respective chromatograms. As such, they are useful calibration methods also, but are limited in scope and range.
Guided Tissue Regeneration-Based Root Coverage: Meta-Analysis

Background: The goal of guided tissue regenerationbased root coverage (GTRC) is to repair gingival recession via new attachment formation. Numerous clinical trials have been conducted utilizing the concept of GTR to promote root coverage. Most GTRC studies have had relatively small sample sizes and have not utilized power calculations to determine appropriate sample size; therefore, it is difficult to draw strong conclusions from them. Hence, the purpose of this study is to combine data from currently available GTRC studies and to use meta-analysis to determine whether GTRC provides significantly improved clinical outcomes compared to conventional periodontal plastic surgical approaches for the treatment of marginal tissue recession. Methods: Studies were identified that used GTR approaches to treat gingival recession from January 1990 to October 2001. Information from each study was entered into a database. Data were analyzed according to the following criteria: GTRC versus conventional mucogingival surg...
Conditions favouring Bromus tectorum dominance of endangered sagebrush steppe ecosystems

Summary 1. Ecosystem invasibility is determined by combinations of environmental variables, invader attributes, disturbance regimes, competitive abilities of resident species and evolutionary history between residents and disturbance regimes. Understanding the relative importance of each factor is critical to limiting future invasions and restoring ecosystems. 2. We investigated factors potentially controlling Bromus tectorum invasions into Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis communities across 75 sites in the Great Basin. We measured soil texture, cattle grazing intensity, gaps among perennial plants and plant cover including B. tectorum, biological soil crusts (BSCs) and bare soil. Using a priori knowledge, we developed a multivariate hypothesis of the susceptibility of Artemisia ecosystems to B. tectorum invasion and used the model to assess the relative importance of the factors driving the magnitude of such invasions. 3. Model results imply that bunchgrass community structure, abundance and composition, along with BSC cover, play important roles in controlling B. tectorum dominance. Evidence suggests abundant bunchgrasses limit invasions by limiting the size and connectivity of gaps between vegetation, and BSCs appear to limit invasions within gaps. Results also suggest that cattle grazing reduces invasion resistance by decreasing bunchgrass abundance, shifting bunchgrass composition, and thereby increasing connectivity of gaps between perennial plants while trampling further reduces resistance by reducing BSC. 4. Synthesis and applications. Grazing exacerbates Bromus tectorum dominance in one of North America’s most endangered ecosystems by adversely impacting key mechanisms mediating resistance to invasion. If the goal is to conserve and restore resistance of these systems, managers should consider maintaining or restoring: (i) high bunchgrass cover and structure characterized by spatially dispersed bunchgrasses and small gaps between them; (ii) a diverse assemblage of bunchgrass species to maximize competitive interactions with B. tectorum in time and space; and (iii) biological soil crusts to limit B. tectorum establishment. Passive restoration by reducing cumulative cattle grazing may be one of the most effective means of achieving these three goals.
COMPARISON OF NAIVE AND EXPERIENCED STUDENTS OF ELEMENTARY PHYSIOLOGY ON PERFORMANCE IN AN ADVANCED COURSE

The purpose of this study was to determine whether, in comparison with naive students, experienced students who have completed an elementary physiology course 1) have a greater knowledge level of p...
Impact of recent blackout - return of experiences on utility operation IT infrastructure

This paper has described a high-level plan for wide-area control implementation in an EMS to improve power system grid security. The primary intent is to protect the electrical interconnection from a widespread collapse. Wide area controls are meant to protect the grid as an entity. In some cases, the appropriate action would be islanding and blacking out a portion of the grid in order to prevent widespread collapse.