cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Plant monocultures produce more antagonistic soil Streptomyces communities than high-diversity plant communities

Abstract Plant–soil feedbacks are important to productivity and plant community dynamics in both natural and managed ecosystems. Among soil bacteria, the Streptomyces possess particularly strong antagonistic activities and inhibit diverse plant pathogens, offering a clear pathway to involvement in plant–soil feedbacks. We hypothesized that feedback effects and the ability of individual host plant species to foster antagonistic Streptomyces populations may be modified by the richness of the surrounding plant community. To test this, we collected soil associated with four different plant species (two C4 grasses: Andropogon gerardii , Schizachyrium scoparium ; and two legumes: Lespedeza capitata , Lupinus perennis ), grown in communities that spanned a gradient of plant species richness (1, 4, 8, 16, or 32 species). For each of these soils, we characterized the potential of soil Streptomyces to antagonize plant pathogens, using an in vitro plate assay with indicator strains to reveal inhibition. We cultivated each plant species in each conditioned soil to assess feedback effects on subsequent plant growth performance. Surrounding plant richness modified the impacts of particular plant species on Streptomyces antagonistic activity; A. gerardii supported a higher proportion of antagonistic Streptomyces when grown in monoculture than when grown in 32-spp plant communities, and L. capitata supported more strongly antagonistic Streptomyces when grown in 4- or 32-spp plant communities than in 8-spp plant communities. Similarly, the feedback effects of particular plant species sometimes varied with surrounding plant richness; aboveground biomass production varied with plant species richness for A. gerardii in L. perennis -trained soil, for L. capitata in A. gerardii -trained soil, and for L. perennis in L. capitata -trained soil. Streptomyces antagonist density increased with overall Streptomyces density under low but not under high plant richness, suggesting that plant diversity modifies selection for antagonistic phenotypes among soil Streptomyces . This work highlights the complexity of feedback dynamics among plant species, and of plant–microbiome interactions in soil.
Distributed Software System Design Representation Using Modified Petri Nets

A model for representing and analyzing the design of a distributed software system is presented. The model is based on a modified form of Petri net, and enables one to represent both the structure and the behavior of a distributed software system at a desired level of design. Behavioral properties of the design representation can be verified by translating the modified Petri net into an equivalent ordinary Petri net and then analyzing that resulting Petri net. The model emphasizes the unified representation of control and data flows, partially ordered software components, hierarchical component structure, abstract data types, data objects, local control, and distributed system state. At any design level, the distributed software system is viewed as a collection of software components. Software components are externally described in terms of their input and output control states, abstract data types, data objects, and a set of control and data transfer specifications. They are interconnected through the shared control states and through the shared data objects. A system component can be viewed internally as a collection of subcomponents, local control states, local abstract data types, and local data objects.
A 12-Week Single-Blind Trial of Quetiapine for the Treatment of Mood Symptoms in Adolescents at High Risk for Developing Bipolar I Disorder

OBJECTIVE To investigate the effectiveness and tolerability of quetiapine for the treatment of adolescents at high risk for developing bipolar I disorder. METHOD Twenty adolescents (aged 12-18 years) with mood symptoms that did not meet DSM-IV-TR criteria for bipolar I disorder and who had at least one first-degree relative with bipolar I disorder were recruited from August 2003 to June 2005 to participate in a single-blind, 12-week prospective study of quetiapine. Subjects were diagnosed using the Washington University in St. Louis Kiddie Schedule of Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia and were symptomatic, defined by a Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) score > or = 12 or a Childhood Depression Rating Scale-Revised Version (CDRS-R) score > or = 28 at baseline. The primary effectiveness measure was an endpoint Clinical Global Impressions-Improvement scale (CGI-I) score < or = 2 ("much" or "very much" improved). Secondary efficacy measures included change from baseline to endpoint in YMRS and CDRS-R scores. RESULTS Mood disorder diagnoses in the adolescents consisted of bipolar disorder not otherwise specified (N = 11), dysthymia (N = 3), bipolar II disorder (N = 3), cyclothymia (N = 2), and major depressive disorder (N = 1). The majority of patients (N = 12, 60%) were non-responders to previous trials of psychotropic agents. Fifteen subjects (75%) completed all study visits. Eighty-seven percent of patients were responders (CGI-I < or = 2) to quetiapine at week 12 (mean +/- SD endpoint dose = 460 +/- 88 mg/day). YMRS scores decreased from 18.1 +/- 5.5 at baseline to 8.7 +/- 7.9 at endpoint (p < .0001), and CDRS-R scores decreased from 38.2 +/- 9.8 to 27.7 +/- 9.3, (p = .0003). The most frequently reported adverse events were somnolence, headache, musculoskeletal pain, and dyspepsia. No subjects discontinued study participation due to adverse events. CONCLUSION Although these findings are limited by the small sample size and open-label treatment, the results suggest that quetiapine may be an effective treatment for mood symptoms in adolescents with a familial risk for developing bipolar I disorder.
Injuries and serum enzyme activities of fingerling channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) harvested with a turbine pump

External injuries and the serum activities of two enzymes were determined for fingerling channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) moved from ponds to hauling trucks by either a turbine pump or a conventional lift net attached to a boom. Fish harvested with the turbine pump had significantly more reddened cutaneous abrasions and reddened fins than did fish harvested with the lift net. Activities of serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) increased in some groups of harvested fish, but there were no consistent differences between fish harvested with the pump or lift net. External lesions caused by loading equipment are of concern because of the potential for infections.
Solubility of anthracene in binary alcohol + 2-methoxyethyl ether solvent mixtures

Article on the solubility of anthracene in binary alcohol + 2-methoxyethyl ether solvent mixtures.
Photophysics of platinum-acetylide substituted hexa-peri-hexabenzocoronenes.

This manuscript reports the synthesis and photophysical investigation of two hexa-peri-hexabenzocoronenes (HBCs) that are functionalized with platinum(II) acetylide units of the type trans-(Ar−C⋮C−)2Pt(PBu3)2. In one complex, the platinum is directly linked to the HBC chromophore by an ethynyl spacer, whereas in the second, the platinum is separated from the HBC via a 1,4-phenylene ethynylene spacer. The Pt−acetylide units introduce strong spin−orbit coupling into the HBC chromophore, giving rise to high yields of the triplet excited state along with moderately intense phosphorescence at ambient temperature. On the basis of emission spectroscopy, the triplet state of the HBC chromophore is located at 2.14 eV and the S−T splitting is 0.6 eV. The triplet−triplet absorption and radical cation absorption spectra of the Pt−HBCs are determined by laser flash photolysis. Aggregation of the Pt−HBCs in a poor solvent such as hexane leads to quenching of the triplet state, but spectroscopy provides no evidence for ...
A Novel Interpretation of Steady-State Electrophoresis Experiments

In steady-state electrophoresis the macroion concentration c(x) is shown to be proportional to exp(vel x/D) at low values of c(x), where vel is the electrophoretic velocity and D is Fick's diffusion coefficient of the macroions in free solution. For 20 bp DNA, studied by Laue et al. (J. Pharm. Sci. 1996, 95, 1331) in a novel membrane constrained electrophoresis cell, the steady-state concentration pattern is used to test the values of vel and D determined under the same conditions. If the macroion/salt ratio is not low, the c(x) pattern is biased by interactions between the macroions and by the conservation of current requirement. The calculation of an effective charge of macroions, Qeff, from electrophoretic experiments is discouraged because Qeff is not a useful molecular parameter for several reasons. (a) Qeff is not simply related to the structural charge of the macroion. (b) For macro-ions with high surface potential Qeff depends also on the mobility of the small ions. (c) Qeff may depend on the type...
Effects of Prelinguistic Communication Levels on Initiation and Repair of Communication in Children With Disabilities

Purpose: This study examined the effects of expressive and receptive language levels on initiated and repaired communication acts by prelinguistic children with developmental disabilities. Method: ...
The impact of potential climate change commitments on six industries in the United States

This paper summarizes a series of six workshops that estimated the effects of potential climate change commitments on six energy intensive industries. The six industries are: steel, chemicals, paper and pulp, aluminum, cement and petroleum refining. The climate policy commitments are assumed to apply to the US and other OECD countries, but not to developing countries. The assumed commitments would produce a substantial reduction in industrial output and employment in the US and in other participating countries. Non-participating countries would experience economic gain in these industries. Global carbon emissions would be redistributed and may not decline. An increase in fossil fuel prices would not encourage US industries to substitute capital for energy to reduce emissions, which indicates that capital and energy are complements in these industries.
Sexually Transmitted Disease: Shadow on the Land, Revisited

Excerpt Since Surgeon General Thomas Parran (1) began his campaign in the 1930s to wipe out syphilis-"the shadow on the land"-partner notification has been considered an important element of public...
Chemopreventive effects of tolfenamic acid against esophageal tumorigenesis in rats

The primary objective of this study is to identify small molecules that target critical transcription factors for potential application in the chemoprevention of esophageal cancer. Specificity proteins (Sp) play a critical role in the growth and metastasis of several malignancies including esophageal cancer. Researchers at the M. D. Anderson Cancer Center Orlando Cancer Research Institute have reported previously that tolfenamic acid (TA) inhibits cancer cell proliferation and tumor growth through the degradation of Sp1, Sp3, and Sp4. We evaluated the chemopreventive properties of TA against esophageal tumorigenesis in N-nitrosomethylbenzylamine (NMBA)-induced murine tumor model. Fischer-344 rats were treated with NMBA (0.5 mg/kg s.c. 3 times a week) for 5 weeks to initiate the tumor formation, and then treated with 50 mg/kg TA from week 6 through week 25. Tumor incidence, tumor multiplicity (number of papilloma per rat), and tumor volume were evaluated after 25 weeks. All rats in the control group that received only NMBA developed lesions (100% incidence), while the TA-treated group showed significantly lower (33%) tumor incidence and tumor multiplicity. Furthermore, the tumor volume was significantly diminished in the TA-treated group when compared with the control group. Using small molecules such as TA to target key transcription factors associated with tumorigenesis for the prevention of esophageal malignancies is a new and promising strategy. Results of the current study provide evidence that TA, when given orally after tumor initiation, can significantly suppress tumorigenesis induced by carcinogenic nitrosamines in rats. These appealing results demonstrate that TA may potentially serve as an effective chemopreventive agent in patient populations vulnerable to esophageal cancer.
Microbiology: Hydrogen for dinner

The vast array of bacterium–animal symbioses at deep-sea hydrothermal vents was thought to be fuelled by just two chemicals. A study of one such symbiosis in its environmental context reveals a third energy source.
Ultrastructural changes in rat hepatocytes following acute methyl mercury intoxication.

Male rats were given daily subcutaneous injections of methylmercuric chloride (CH3HgCl) at a dosage of 10 mg/kg body weight for 4 days. The earliest ultrastructural changes consisted of dilatation of the rough endoplasmic reticulum, wavy transformation of the mitochondrial membranes and occasional accumulation of liposomes. Focal areas of cytoplasmic degradation were observed 1 day after the initial administration of mercury. An increased number of lysosomes as well as swelling and floccular degeneration of the mitochondria were frequently observed at 2 days. Sequestration of cytoplasmic organelles within the hepatocytes, extrusion of degenerated hepatic organelles and cytoplasmic debris into the sinusoid could be observed 24 hours after the initial mercury administration and became a frequent finding after 4 days of intoxication.
A computer-controlled multichannel micropipetter☆

A multichannel micropipetter was developed capable of pipetting as little as 1 μl with a reproducibility of better than ±2% and an accuracy of ±0.5%. The micropipetter consists of a precision syringe to which 13 individually valved fluid channels are connected as a bundle of segments spreading out radially from the tip of the syringe to pinch valves and further to fluid interfaces consisting of steel tubing sections for uptake or dispensing of fluid. A stepping motor drives the piston of the measuring syringe by means of a precision screw. Motor and valves are under computer control. Low dead volume (internal volume, ca. 1 μl/channel; external volume, 0.3 μl/cm of tubing), and the absence of internal valving parts ensure low cross-conamination (ca. 0.1%). These features together with the versatility provided by the large number of independent channels and the automatic operation make the instrument suitable for pipetting multicomponent mixtures in the general biochemistry laboratory (for enzyme kinetics and complex reactions) as well as in specialized routine applications (clinical diagnostics and radioimmunoassay).
Nucleotide binding domain interactions during the mechanochemical reaction cycle of ATP-binding cassette transporters

ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters serve as importers and exporters for a wide variety of solutes in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes, and are implicated in microbial drug resistance and a number of significant human genetic disorders. Initial crystal structures of the soluble nucleotide binding domains (NBDs) of ABC transporters, while a significant step towards understanding the coupling of ATP binding and hydrolysis to transport, presented researchers with important questions surrounding the role of the signature sequence residues, the composition of the nucleotide binding sites, and the mode of NBD dimerization during the transport reaction cycle. Recent studies have begun to address these concerns. This mini-review summarizes the biochemical and structural characterizations of two archaebacterial NBDs from Methanocaldococcus jannaschii, MJ0796 and MJ1267, and offers current perspectives on the functional mechanism of ABC transporters.
The yin and yang of introducing a sales culture: the Amalgam Bank Case

Purpose – The purpose of this study was to explore the introduction of a “sales culture” at one of the ten largest US banks. Identifying and analyzing the existing human relations problems should enable constructive competitive improvements to be made in the future. Design/methodology/approach – The major findings of our interviews with tellers and customer service representatives are compared to how the managers presented the sales culture, as well as the relevant cultural literature. The metaphor of the yin and the yang will be used to shed light on the tense and fluctuating interconnection of certain phenomenon. Findings – Amalgam Bank’s sales did increase, but unanticipated problems also surfaced. The new sales duties slowed service and irritated customers. The teller referral quota proved unrealistic. The sales incentive point system provided little motivation. The negative tended to be stressed in sales meetings. When employees raised concerns, their managers replied with silencing behaviors. Furthe...
SOME OBSERVATIONS ON RESILIENCE AND ROBUSTNESS IN HUMAN SYSTEMS

ABSTRACT This article begins with a discussion of robustness versus resilience of a system. Next, I consider two aspects of human societies relevant to explicating human behavior and how each of these relates to robustness and resilience. The argument is exemplified through consideration of hunter–gatherer societies; more specifically, the material and cultural adaptive systems of the Netsilik Inuit, an Arctic hunter–gatherer group. Three structural conflicts in Netsilik society and their resolution through cultural practices are delineated. The relationship between these cultural practices and resilience versus robustness of the social systems is examined. The importance of self-monitoring of the state of a system as part of the system's resilience is discussed, especially with regard to cultural systems that lead to group level benefits.
POLTERGEIST Encodes a Protein Phosphatase 2C that Regulates CLAVATA Pathways Controlling Stem Cell Identity at Arabidopsis Shoot and Flower Meristems

Abstract Background: Receptor kinases are a large gene family in plants and have more than 600 members in Arabidopsis . Receptor kinases in plants regulate a broad range of developmental processes, including steroid hormone perception, organ elongation, self-incompatibility, and abscission. Intracellular signaling components for receptor kinases in plants are largely unknown. The CLAVATA 1 (CLV1) receptor kinase in Arabidopsis regulates stem cell identity and differentiation through its repression of WUSCHEL ( WUS ) expression. Mutations at the POLTERGEIST ( POL ) gene were previously described as phenotypic suppressors of mutations within the CLV1 gene. Genetic evidence placed POL as a downstream regulator of CLAVATA1 signaling. Results: We provide evidence that POL functions in both the CLV1-WUS pathway and a novel WUS -independent CLV1 pathway regulating stem cell identity. We demonstrate that POL encodes a protein phosphatase 2C (PP2C) with a predicted nuclear localization sequence, indicating that it has a role in signal transduction downstream of the CLV1 receptor. The N terminus of POL has a possible regulatory function, and the C terminus has PP2C-like phosphatase catalytic activity. Although the POL catalytic domain is conserved in other PP2Cs, the POL protein represents a unique subclass of plant PP2Cs. POL is broadly expressed throughout the plant. Conclusions: POL represents a novel component of the CLV1 receptor kinase signaling pathway. The ubiquitous expression of POL and pol phenotypes outside the meristem suggest that POL may be a common regulator of many signaling pathways.
Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide facilitates muscarinic transmission in mammalian sympathetic ganglia.

Abstract Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) in the concentration of 1 μM or less markedly and selectively increased the amplitude and duration of the muscarinic slow excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP) without appreciably affecting the nicotinic fast EPSP or the non-cholinergic EPSP of guinea pig inferior mesenteric ganglion cells. The membrane depolarization evoked by the muscarinic agonist, acetyl-β-methylcholine in these neurons was similarly enhanced by VIP. Our results suggest that the peptide may be a neuromodulator effective in enhancing the sensitivity of postsynaptic muscarinic receptors to acetylcholine in the vertebrate sympathetic ganglia.
Hot carrier effects in submicron CMOS

Abstract The scaling of n and p channel MOS devices, while not scaling the supply voltage, results in large electric fields. These large fields cause hot carriers and present a limit on the reliability of submicron CMOS. Devices with lifetimes on the order of minutes instead of years have been measured. Hot carriers also cause photon emission. These photons are shown to radiate through an isolation oxide and cause device-device interactions.
Circadian rhythms of ethanol consumption by mice: a simple computer analysis for chronopharmacology.

On the assumption that a sinusoidal curve adequately describes the circadian rhythm of food or fluid consumption by mice, the whole daily pattern can be derived from a few observations. Examples are presented to show that the assumption is valid. This simple curve-fitting by computer is also applicable to analysis of blood levels of drugs administered in the food or drinking fluid. The method should be useful for estimating the magnitude of daily fluctuations in pharmacological variables, including drug intake rates and circulating drug levels.
Testing, labelling, certifying: a perspective on consumer information

Examines and reviews the roles of the principal types of consumer information services – these are: those which offer comparative testing; labelling; and quality certification in the interests of consumers. Proposes that the purpose here is to analyse points of intersect and interaction between the three types of consumer information programmes and to discuss the extent to which they may lend themselves to integration within an overall consumer information system. Sums up that consumer information programmes themselves thrive in systems where there is a perpetual interplay of competition and co‐operation, independence and co‐ordination.
Generalised correlated cross-validation

Since its introduction by [Stone, M. (1974), ‘Cross-validatory Choice and the Assessment of Statistical Predictions (with discussion)’, Journal of the Royal Statistical Society, B36, 111–133] and [Geisser, S. (1975), ‘The Predictive Sample Reuse Method with Applications’, Journal of the American Statistical Association, 70, 320–328], cross-validation has been studied and improved by several authors including [Burman, P., Chow, E., and Nolan, D. (1994), ‘A Cross-validatory Method for Dependent Data’, Biometrika, 81(2), 351–358], [Hart, J. and Yi, S. (1998), ‘One-sided Cross-validation’, Journal of the American Statistical Association, 93(442), 620–630], [Racine, J. (2000), ‘Consistent Cross-validatory Model-selection for Dependent Data: hv-block Cross-validation’, Journal of Econometrics, 99, 39–61], [Hart, J. and Lee, C. (2005), ‘Robustness of One-sided Cross-validation to Autocorrelation’, Journal of Multivariate Analysis, 92(1), 77–96], and [Carmack, P., Spence, J., Schucany, W., Gunst, R., Lin, Q., and...
The 21st century substation design: Vision of the future

This paper discusses the 21st century substation design requirements, which should meet the following criteria: improved reliability, cost, interoperability, reconfigurability, security, controllability and flexibility. Such criteria require designs that use new methodologies quite different from the existing philosophy. The design strategies are focused on reducing cost while maintaining the performance, or maintaining cost while improving performance. Based on the considerations mentioned above, we proposed three design approaches: a) retrofitting the existing substations by replacing legacy equipment with new technologies without disrupting continuity of service, b) implementing brand new substation design using of-the-shelf technologies, and c) envisioning green-filed substation design considering energy market, profit optimization and system-operation/price.
Indium tin oxide modified transparent nanotube thin films as effective anodes for flexible organic light-emitting diodes

Sn-doped In2O3 (ITO) modified single-walled carbon nanotube (SW-CNT) transparent electrodes are fabricated on flexible polyethyleneterephthalate (PET) substrates by stamp printing SW-CNT films, followed by room temperature ion-assisted deposition of ITO. Polymer light-emitting diodes (PLEDs) using such film as anodes exhibit superior performance versus CNT-only controls. Flexible PLEDs with the following structure: PET/CNT(30 nm)-ITO(45 nm)/poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) poly (styrenesulfonate)/[poly(9,9-dioctyl-fluorene-co-N-(4-butylphenyl)diphenylamine)]+{4,4′-bis[(p-trichlorosilyl propylphenyl)-phenylamino]biphenyl}/[poly(9,9-dioctylfluorene-co-benzothiadiazole)]/CsF/Al, achieve a maximum light output of 8900cd∕m2 with a current efficiency of 4.5cd∕A. Bending test comparisons with ITO/PET show the ITO modified CNT/PET electrodes to be far more mechanically flexible.
CCI-779 Inhibits Rhabdomyosarcoma Xenograft Growth by an Antiangiogenic Mechanism Linked to the Targeting of mTOR/Hif-1α/VEGF Signaling

Angiogenesis is one of the critical steps in tumor growth and metastasis. The goal of this study was to evaluate whether the antitumor activity of CCI-779 is related to antiangiogenic effects in vivo in tumors of mice bearing human rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) xenografts. We now demonstrate that CCI-779 rapidly inhibits mTOR activity, as indicated by S6 reduction and eukaryotic initiation factor 4E-binding protein 1 (4E-BP1) phosphorylation in two xenograft models of RMS within 24 hours of treatment. Treatment with a single 20-mg/kg dose of CCI-779 suppressed S6 phosphorylation for more than 72 hours and 4E-BP1 phosphorylation for more than 96 hours. Based on these data, an intermittent treatment schedule (every 3 days for 30 days) was chosen and displayed a significant suppression of both tumor growth and mTOR signaling. Western blot analysis and immunohistochemical studies demonstrated that the antitumor activity of CCI-779 was associated with antiangiogenesis, as indicated by impaired levels of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (Hif-1α) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) protein expression and by decreased microvessel density in Rh30 and RD xenografts. Together, these data suggest that CCI-779 inhibits human RMS xenograft growth by an antiangiogenic mechanism associated with the targeting of mTOR/Hif-1α/VEGF signaling.
Large enhancement of wavelength conversion in silicon nanowaveguides via free-carrier removal

We demonstrate an increase of nearly 10 dB in the efficiency of broadband wavelength conversion via four-wave mixing in silicon nanowaveguides by incorporating a p-i-n structure and applying modest voltages to remove the free carriers.
Comet color changes with solar distance

JHK colors of 14 comets are correlated with cometary distance from the sun. The correlation could be explained by (1) changes in coma particle size as comets approach the sun, (2) decrease in the ice/dirt ratio in coma grains as comets approach the sun, and/or (3) phase reddening. Short-term color changes in individual comets at fixed phase angles suggest that phase reddening does not explain all color changes. Short-term changes are consistent with jets injecting fresh (high ice/dirt) nuclear material into parts of the coma. All colorimetric data are consistent with pristine coma material being relatively low-albedo dirty ice grains colored by carbonaceous dirt like that in RD-type asteroids. Ice sublimation near the sun may leave residual pure RD dirt grains, explaining the observed color changes.
Estimation of dynamic ocean topography in the Gulf Stream area using the Hotine formula and altimetry data

Two modifications of the Hotine formula using the truncation theory and marine gravity disturbances with altimetry data are developed and used to compute a marine gravimetric geoid in the Gulf Stream area. The purpose of the geoid computation from marine gravity information is to derive the absolute dynamic ocean topography based on the best estimate of the mean surface height from recent altimetry missions such as Geosat, ERS-1, and Topex. This paper also tries to overcome difficulties of using Fast Fourier Transformation (FFT) techniques to the geoid computation when the Hotine kernel is modified according to the truncation theory. The derived absolute dynamic ocean topography is compared with that from global circulation models such as POCM4B and POP96. The RMS difference between altimetry-derived and global circulation model dynamic ocean topography is at the level of 25cm. The corresponding mean difference for POCM4B and POP96 is only a few centimeters. This study also shows that the POP96 model is in slightly better agreement with the results derived from the Hotine formula and altimetry data than POCM4B in the Gulf Stream area. In addition, Hotine formula with modification (II) gives the better agreement with the results from the two global circulation models than the other techniques discussed in this paper.
Spectrally Efficient Multicarrier Transmission With Message-Driven Subcarrier Selection

This paper develops two spectrally efficient orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM)-based multicarrier transmission schemes: a scheme with message-driven idle subcarriers (MC-MDIS) and another with message-driven strengthened subcarriers (MC-MDSS). The basic idea in MC-MDIS is to carry part of the information, which is named carrier bits, through an idle subcarrier selection while regularly transmitting the ordinary bits on all the other subcarriers. When the number of subcarriers is much larger than the adopted constellation size, higher spectral and power efficiency can be achieved compared with OFDM. The reason is that each idle subcarrier carries more bits than a regular symbol, with no power consumption. Moreover, the existence of idle subcarriers can also decrease possible intercarrier interference between their neighboring subcarriers. In MC-MDSS, the idle subcarriers are replaced by strengthened subcarriers, which, unlike idle subcarriers, can carry both carrier bits and ordinary bits. Therefore, MC-MDSS achieves even higher spectral efficiency than MC-MDIS. Both theoretical analysis and numerical results are provided to demonstrate the performance of the proposed schemes.
Surface Tension of Mercury in the Presence of Gas Under Varying Pressures

Quincke's method with Worthington's correction was used. Contrary to the accepted values the maximum surface tension of mercury (515\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}7 dynes/cm at 31\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C) is reached when only mercury vapor is present. A surface freshly created in a gas at 760 mm has a high initial tension approaching that when the surface is created in mercury vapor. The tension falls as the gas is adsorbed until an equilibrium value for a given pressure is attained. As the pressure is reduced the equilibrium value rises to a maximum which depends upon the nature of the gas. For instance, this maximum tension for mercury-hydrogen occurs at the critical pressure of 2.8 mm. If the pressure is lowered to stiction the tension remains unchanged so long as the mercury is not agitated beyond a certain amount. This maximum value for mercury-hydrogen is 441 dynes/cm which is less than the mercury-mercury vapor value of 515 dynes/cm. If the mercury-hydrogen is violently agitated when the pressure has been reduced to stiction the tension approaches 515 dynes/cm, the mercury-mercury vapor tension. Vibrating drop methods tend to give the vacuum value of the surface tension even when a gas is present at atmospheric pressure.
A fresh perspective on research for nonlinear filters

We give a fresh perspective on research for nonlinear filters with particle flow. Such research is an interesting mixture of theory and numerical experiments, as well as tradeoffs in filter implementation using GPUs and fast approximate k-NN algorithms, and fast approximate Poisson solvers. Our fundamental idea is to compute Bayes' rule using an ordinary differential equation (ODE) rather than a pointwise multiplication; this solves the problem of particle degeneracy. Our filter is many orders of magnitude faster than standard particle filters for high dimensional problems, and it is several orders of magnitude more accurate than the EKF for difficult nonlinear problems, including problems with multimodal densities.
Properties and structure of cesium phosphate glasses

Abstract A series of Cs-phosphate glasses, xCs2O(1−x)P2O5, where 0⩽x⩽0.60, were prepared. The glass transition temperature (Tg) decreases with the initial addition of Cs2O to P2O5, from 637 K at x=0 to 472 K at x=0.16. There is little change in Tg with further additions of Cs2O up to x=0.60. The 31P magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (MAS NMR) spectra show that Cs2O additions systematically convert the cross-linked ultraphosphate network of ν-P2O5 to a chain-like metaphosphate structure as x approaches 0.50. The 133Cs MAS NMR spectra show a 90 ppm increase in isotropic chemical shift (δiso) with increasing Cs2O content, which indicates a decrease in the average electron density around the Cs+ ions, more covalent Cs–O bonding, and a shorter average Cs–O bond length. The physical properties and spectroscopic results are interpreted using a structural model that considers the effects of composition on the average coordination environment of Cs+ ions.
Immunologic measurement of antithrombin III-heparin cofactor and α2macroglobulin in disseminated intravascular coagulation and hepatic failure coagulopathy

Abstract Antithrombin III (AT III) and α2Macroglobulin (α-2M) were measured immunologically in the plasma of five patients with Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC) and eight with severe hepatic failure. In DIC secondary to sepsis both AT III and α-2M levels fell to very low levels. When DIC was associated with hepatic failure or with aspirin overdosage, α-2M levels remained near normal while AT III levels were low. In hepatic failure without associated DIC, α-2M levels remained elevated while AT III was found to be extremely low. The significance of these findings is discussed.
Optimization of pulse radiation from a simple antenna using resistive loading

The performance of a simple antenna, the open-ended parallel-plate waveguide, is optimized for pulse radiation by including a section of waveguide with tapered resistive loading. The novelty of the optimization is that the resistive loading is not only used in the traditional sense to reduce internal reflections, but the frequency dispersion inherent in the loading is also used to compensate for the distortion of the pulse on radiation from the open end. The analysis and optimization are performed using the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) technique. The approach introduced here for optimizing this simple radiator should be applicable to more complex, practical antennas. © 1992 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
A spatially stratified, multi-stage cluster sampling design for assessing accuracy of the Alaska (USA) National Land Cover Database (NLCD)

Assessing the accuracy of a land-cover map is typically expensive, and at the planning stage it is often uncertain what final sample size will be affordable. The aim of this study is to develop an accuracy assessment sampling design that accommodates an 'in progress' change in target sample size without sacrificing other desirable design criteria. The sampling design constructed to assess the accuracy of the National Land Cover Database (NLCD) for Alaska achieves these desirable criteria. Spatial stratification provides the flexibility to accommodate a change in sample size and cluster sampling contributes to the cost-effectiveness of the design. We describe the advantages of these design features when the difficulty of accessing remote, large areas is a primary driver of the choice of a sampling design for accuracy assessment. Estimators for overall, user's, and producer's accuracies along with approximate standard errors are provided for the stratified, multi-stage cluster sampling design proposed.
Electric poling-assisted additive manufacturing process for PVDF polymer-based piezoelectric device applications

This paper presents a new additive manufacturing (AM) process to directly and continuously print piezoelectric devices from polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) polymeric filament rods under a strong electric field. This process, called ?electric poling-assisted additive manufacturing or EPAM, combines AM and electric poling processes and is able to fabricate free-form shape piezoelectric devices continuously. In this process, the PVDF polymer dipoles remain well-aligned and uniform over a large area in a single design, production and fabrication step. During EPAM process, molten PVDF polymer is simultaneously mechanically stresses in-situ by the leading nozzle and electrically poled by applying high electric field under high temperature. The EPAM system was constructed to directly print piezoelectric structures from PVDF polymeric filament while applying high electric field between nozzle tip and printing bed in AM machine. Piezoelectric devices were successfully fabricated using the EPAM process. The crystalline phase transitions that occurred from the process were identified by using the Fourier transform infrared spectroscope. The results indicate that devices printed under a strong electric field become piezoelectric during the EPAM process and that stronger electric fields result in greater piezoelectricity as marked by the electrical response and the formation of sharper peaks at the polar ? crystalline wavenumber of the PVDF polymer. Performing this process in the absence of an electric field does not result in dipole alignment of PVDF polymer. The EPAM process is expected to lead to the widespread use of AM to fabricate a variety of piezoelectric PVDF polymer-based devices for sensing, actuation and energy harvesting applications with simple, low cost, single processing and fabrication step.
A finite element solution method for contact problems with friction

A new finite element solution method for the analysis of frictional contact problems is presented. The contact problem is solved by imposing geometric constraints on the pseudo equilibrium configuration, defined as a configuration at which the compatibility conditions are violated. The algorithm does not require any a priori knowledge of the pairs of contactor nodes or segments. The contact condition of sticking, slipping, rolling or tension release is determined from the relative magnitudes of the normal and tangential global nodal forces. Contact iterations are in general found to converge within one or two iterations. The analysis method is applied to selected problems to illustrate the applicability of the solution procedure.
Obesity and cardiovascular risk factors in younger breast cancer survivors: The Cancer and Menopause Study (CAMS).

Background.Breast cancer patients today can expect long-term survival; however, weight gain is a common problem after treatment and increases the risk for recurrence, cardiovascular disease and diabetes. The multi-ethnic cohort from the Cancer and Menopause Study, designed to examine the reproductive and late cardiovascular health effects of treatment in younger female breast cancer survivors (BCS), was used to describe the relationship of behavioral and treatment variables to body mass index (BMI), physical activity (PA), and cardiovascular risk factors. Methods.Stage 0, I or II breast cancer survivors who were ≤50 years at diagnosis and 2–10 years disease-free survivors (mean 5.9±2.3 years) were recruited from two tumor registries to complete a mail survey that included information on demographics, health-related quality of life, reproductive health, cancer treatment, PA, weight and height. A sub-sample completed an office visit where fasting blood lipids, blood pressure (BP), height and weight were measured. Linear regression analysis was used to model the following outcomes: BMI, PA, blood lipids and BP. Results.Current BMI was positively associated with higher BMI prior to diagnosis, unhappiness with body image and negatively associated with current total PA (model p<0.001). More work, home and leisure PA were all positively associated with greater physical functioning and higher energy levels (all models, p<0.001). Total and LDL cholesterol were positively associated with number of years since diagnosis and negatively associated with leisure PA (both models, p < 0.001), while systolic and diastolic BP were both positively associated with age, current use of BP medications and current BMI (models, p < 0.001). Conclusions.Obesity in these BCS is prevalent and associated with premorbid obesity and decreased current physical activity but not with adjuvant treatment. Given the negative health consequences of weight gain and obesity after breast cancer, continued study of the etiology of weight gain, and potential targets for weight gain prevention are required. Interventions that target PA may be important for weight maintenance in BCS.
Fast Neutron Activation Cross Section of Au 197

The neutron activation cross section of gold was measured in the neutron range from 30-1500 kev. The absolute value of the cross section was based on the ${\mathrm{U}}^{235}$ fast fission cross section which was used for absolute neutron flux measurements from 200-1500 kev. For measurements below 200 kev, the ${\mathrm{B}}^{10}(n, \ensuremath{\alpha})$ cross section was used for monitoring the neutron flux. The relative cross section from 30-200 kev was then normalized at 200 kev to the absolute measurement. The results agree well with recent measurements, except for some pulsed beam---liquid scintillator measurements and spherical shell transmission measurements which yield much lower cross section values.
The effect of temperature on asanguineous rabbits

Abstract In this study we investigated the mechanism of anoxic tolerance of normothermic, spontaneously breathing rabbits whose blood was exchanged with an equal volume of a buffered 5% albumin Ringer's solution. The animals were anesthetized with methoxyfluorine in oxygen and within 1 hr the hematocrit was reduced to an average value of 3%. As long as the hematocrit was above 10% there were no significant changes in left ventricular pressure, pulmonary artery pressure, cardiac output, heart rate, and stroke volume. The animals maintained a normal pCO2, arterial and venous pO2, and pH. Below a hematocrit of about 7.5%, metabolic acidosis, myocardial depression, and lowering of oxygen consumption occurred. When these signs appeared the average survival time was about 50 min at normal body temperature and about 150 min at 30 °C. This remarkably long survival time of intact, spontaneously breathing rabbits after total blood washout is due to a decrease of oxygen consumption, blood viscosity, and peripheral resistance, and of an increase in stroke volume. At normal body temperature the anoxic tolerance is reached at a hematocrit of about 10% and at 30 °C at a hematocrit of about 5%.
General-buffer catalysis of the reaction of N-(hydroxymethyl)benzamide: a new pathway for the aqueous reaction of carbinolamides

The second-order rate constants for the general-buffer catalyzed breakdown of N-(hydroxymethyl)benzamide (1) in water at 25 °C, I = 1.0 (KCl) by pivalic, acetic, chloroacetic, and dichloroacetic acid were determined by initial rates. The observed rate increased with increasing amounts of the acidic form of the buffer and a Bronsted correlation of α = 0.35 was determined. The results presented here, represent the first evidence for a general-buffer catalytic mechanism for the aqueous reaction of 1 and for carbinolamides in general.
HIGH PRESSURE LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS OF TYRAMINE, PHENYLETHYLAMINE AND TRYPTAMINE IN SAUSAGE, CHEESE AND CHOCOLATE

High pressure liquid chromatography in conjunction with paired-ion chromatography provided a rapid, effective, sensitive tool for studying biogenic amines in food products. In a survey of 61 cheeses, 13 sausages and 10 chocolate samples for tyramine, phenylcthylamine and tryptamine, tyramine was found to be most prevalent and in generally higher concentrations. Tyramine was present in 90% of the cheese and 85% of the sausage samples. Phenylethylamine was found in 38% of cheese and sausage samples while tryptamine occurred in only 18% of the cheeses and 38% of the sausages. None of the amines was detected in the chocolate samples.
NGC 4550 : a laboratory for testing galaxy formation

The kinematic and photometric structure of the two components of the E7/S0 galaxy NGC 4550 are evaluated quantitatively to determine the system's morphology. Attention is given to whether the data indicate a rotating bulge with a counterrotating disk or a pair of counterstreaming disks, and formation scenarios are discussed in the light of the findings. The data examined include long-slit spectroscopy with evidence of bimodality in the line-of-sight velocity distribution. Two photometrically inseparable counterstreaming disk components are identified and their velocities given. The structure and the formation scenarios given point to the feasibility of absorption of external material by galaxy disks without extreme heating. The possibility of detecting stellar counterrotation in S0 disks is discussed based on the study of NGC 4550.
One-step direct synthesis of layered double hydroxide single-layer nanosheets

Layered double hydroxide (LDH) single-layer nanosheets were traditionally prepared through a multi-step exfoliation process which is very time-consuming and of low efficiency. Herein we report the preparation of LDH single-layer nanosheets through a facile direct synthesis method. By introducing a layer growth inhibitor, one can directly synthesize LDH single-layer nanosheets instead of LDH layered compounds. The inhibitor weakens the interactions between neighboring layers, thus preventing the interlayer growth. This investigation on blocking interlayer growth by weakening interlayer interactions to obtain inorganic single-layer nanosheets opens a new route for the synthesis of 2-dimensional materials.
Operation of analog MOS circuits in the weak or moderate inversion region

In analog metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) circuit design, the ratio of channel width to channel length (W/L) can become very high, often exceeding a value of 1000. This high ratio may result either from wide channel devices, designed to achieve high transconductance, or from short-channel-length devices used in high-frequency circuits. Since drain current is generally proportional to the W/L ratio, the effective gate-to-source voltage to achieve a desired drain current is typically quite low. In many cases, this set of circumstances leads to operation in the weak or moderate inversion region accompanied by electrical behavior that differs significantly from that in the strong inversion region. In designing analog MOS circuits, an understanding of operation below the strong inversion region is necessary to relate design predictions to simulation results. In addition, biasing simple amplifier stages near the weak or moderate inversion region can be used to advantage. Such a bias can lead to maximum voltage gain, low device dissipation, and minimum total harmonic distortion.
Rejecting Sita: Indian responses to the ideal man's cruel treatment of his ideal wife.

There is a well known practice in India during which a man sets fire to a wife who did not fulfill his “needs and expectations.” The ideal man is cruel to his wife repeatedly rejecting her despite her faithfulness to her husband. Furthermore the ideal woman maintains her loyalty and devotion to her husband despite this treatment and does not shy from the tradition of fire. This article discusses the Hindu phenomenon that is still embraced by many Hindus both male and female. Various types of literature praise the practice as a “fundamental of [the] culture.” However experts are beginning to look deeper into the women men and society who engage in such behavior to determine the true worth behind the tradition.