cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reverse Diffusion and the Durability of State Cap & Trade Policy

The surge of state adoption of policies to mitigate climate change in the late 1990s and 2000s appeared to be the first wave of an ongoing expansion of the use of policy tools such as carbon cap-and-trade in the absence of binding federal constraints. Horizontal, regional, and vertical diffusion all loomed as possibilities at the beginning of the current decade. Instead, a substantial number of states have rescinded earlier policy commitments, as have some Canadian provincial partners, raising the possibility of an unanticipated process of reverse diffusion. This paper examines this process and also considers the durability of three distinct regional cap-and-trade zones that were established with comparable design and intent but have met very different political fates, including full-collapse, partial-collapse, and considerable durability. The analysis of these regional entities places particular emphasis on their political and institutional resiliency, their ability to be flexible through mid-course adjustments as new information emerges, and their capacity to build constituency support to counter opposition to cost-imposition. The paper also considers ways in which emerging changes in federal climate policy through executive branch action may create new incentives for state engagement with cap-and-trade and potentially reverse the process of reverse diffusion.
Inhibition of iron-stimulated catecholamine degradation by the iron-chelators DETAPAC and Desferal. Potentially useful laboratory agents.

Abstract The addition of ferrous sulfate to phosphate buffer at pH 7.4 brought about a large increase in the rate of autoxidation of dopamine or norepinephrine. The iron-chelating agents diethylenetri-aminepentaacetic acid (DETAPAC) and desferroxamine (Desferal) inhibited both the baseline as well as the iron-stimulated autoxidation of these catecholamines. Lesser inhibitory effects were observed with another iron-chelating agent, namely EDTA. In other experiments, DETAPAC or Desferal had little effect on the autoxidation of 6-hydroxydopamine in the absence of added ferrous sulfate, but both inhibited the ferrous sulfate-stimulated autoxidation. In contrast, both the baseline and ferrous sulfate-catalyzed rate of oxidation of 6-hydroxydopamine were greatly stimulated by EDTA addition. DETAPAC and Desferal appear to be useful experimental tools that may be added to solutions containing catecholamines to prevent their degradation.
Learning in Hybrid Noise Environments Using Statistical Queries

We consider formal models of learning from noisy data. Specifically, we focus on learning in the probability approximately correct model as defined by Valiant. Two of the most widely studied models of noise in this setting have been classification noise and malicious errors. However, a more realistic model combining the two types of noise has not been formalized. We define a learning environment based on a natural combination of these two noise models. We first show that hypothesis testing is possible in this model. We next describe a simple technique for learning in this model, and then describe a more powerful technique based on statistical query learning. We show that the noise tolerance of this improved technique is roughly optimal with respect to the desired learning accuracy and that it provides a smooth tradeoff between the tolerable amounts of the two types of noise. Finally, we show that statistical query simulation yields learning algorithms for other combinations of noise models, thus demonstrating that statistical query specification truly captures the generic fault tolerance of a learning algorithm.
Congressional Enforcement of Affirmative Democracy Through Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act

The constitutionality of Section 2 has been questioned by a number of commentators over the past several years. In this Essay, I argue that even under the Rehnquist Court's precedents, Section 2 is unquestionably constitutional. The Essay first explores a macro-level theory that racial discrimination in voting is different both from an equal protection perspective and a congressional enforcement power perspective. This difference will allow for the greater use of race-based remedies to benefit racial minorities when it comes to voting matters and will allow Congress greater latitude to use its enforcement power when it seeks to eradicate racial discrimination in voting. This difference, however, has limits, and these limits are that Congress cannot pass laws that violate separation of powers principles by completely subverting the Court's idea of the substance of constitutional rights and that Congress cannot pass laws that violate federalism principles by overly compromising the autonomy of state and local governments. I argue that Section 2 violates neither of these limits.
Protein sequence database for pathogenic arenaviruses.

Background: Arenaviruses are a family of rodent-borne viruses that cause several hemorrhagic fevers. These diseases can be devastating and are often lethal. Herein, to aid in the design and development of diagnostics, treatments and vaccines for arenavirus infections, we have developed a database containing protein sequences from the seven pathogenic arenaviruses (Junin, Guanarito, Sabia, Machupo, Whitewater Arroyo, Lassa and LCMV). Results: The database currently contains a non-redundant set of 333 protein sequences which were manually annotated. All entries were linked to NCBI and cited PubMed references. The database has a convenient query interface including BLAST search. Sequence variability analyses were also performed and the results are hosted in the database. Conclusion: The database is available at http://epitope.liai.org:8080/projects/arena and can be used to aid in studies that require proteomic information from pathogenic arenaviruses.
Ultrastructural basis of mitosis in the fungusNectria haematococca (sexual stage ofFusarium solani)

The anaphase B spindle in the fungusNectria haematococca elongates considerably at a nearly constant rate, regulating the rate at which the asters are allowed to separate the spindle pole bodies (SPBs). To elucidate the ultrastructural basis of the elongation process, we determined the three-dimensional architecture of spindles by reconstructing them from serial thin-sections of freeze-substituted mitotic cells. We also quantified the microtubules (MTs) of the spindles using the same digitized data sets and illustrated the ultrastructure of the kinetochores (KCs). KCs were found to have a fibrillar component that bridges the gap between the end of the kinetochore microtubule (kMT) and the chromatin. The kMTs were inserted in the KCs at metaphase but were pulled out during anaphase A. The transition from metaphase to anaphase was further characterized by narrowing of the spindle, bundling of MTs, and a large reduction in the number and total length of MTs as well as in the number of polar MTs (pMTs). Thereafter, as the spindle continued to elongate and narrowed progressively through late anaphase B, the shortest MTs (<0.5 μm long) were selectively depolymerized, whereas longer ones in all length classes were maintained in similar numbers and proportions. There was no increase in either the number of longer MTs or the maximum length of MTs during anaphase, suggesting that MT growth did not contribute to spindle elongation. Furthermore, active sliding between antiparallel pMTs could not have contributed to spindle elongation, because there was no such MT overlap during anaphase. A careful examination of extant models of spindle elongation in light of these and related findings has led us to favor, instead, a telescoping model forN. haematococca in which the bundled MTs at the beginning of anaphase B are pulled out and slid passively past each other by astral forces acting on the SPBs, to form a very narrow, highly elongated central spindle by the end of anaphase B.
Evaluation of Landsat and MODIS data fusion products for analysis of dryland forest phenology

Abstract Current satellite sensors provide data of insufficient spatial and temporal resolutions to fully characterize the patchy phenology patterns of dryland forests. The spatial and temporal adaptive reflectance fusion model (STARFM) is an algorithm that fuses Landsat 30 m data with MODIS 500 m data to produce synthetic imagery at Landsat spatial resolution and MODIS time steps. In this study, we evaluated the feasibility of using STARFM to produce synthetic imagery over a dryland vegetation study site for the purpose of tracking phenological changes. We assembled subsets of six Landsat-5 TM scenes and temporally-coincident MODIS datasets spanning the 2006 April–October growing season in central-northern Arizona, which is characterized by large tracts of dryland forest. To investigate the effects of temporal compositing, BRDF-adjustment, and base pair timing on the accuracy of the resulting synthetic imagery, we employed a range of MODIS 500 m surface reflectance datasets (daily, 8-day composite, and 16-day Nadir BRDF-Adjusted Reflectance (NBAR)) as well as initial Landsat/MODIS imagery pairs from opposite ends of the growing season. The STARFM algorithm was applied to each MODIS data series to produce up to twelve synthetic images corresponding to each Landsat image. We evaluated the accuracy of the synthetic images by comparing the reflectance values of a random sample of the vegetation pixels with the corresponding pixel values of the reference Landsat image on a band-by-band basis. Our results indicate that the NBAR imagery is the optimal dataset for use with Landsat-5 TM data in this area. The NBAR dataset consistently returned the lowest absolute difference values and the highest correlations. A comparison of landscape-scale maps of the timing and value of the peak NDVI derived from STARFM, Landsat, and MODIS (NBAR) time series across the full 2006 growing season shows the effect of the heightened spatial and temporal resolution offered by a STARFM-based dataset. This work demonstrates the feasibility of using the STARFM algorithm to assemble an imagery time series at Landsat spatial resolution and MODIS temporal resolution in vegetated dryland ecosystems.
Monitoring Insecticide Resistance in Greenhouse Whitefly (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae) with Yellow Sticky Cards

The use of a yellow sticky card coated with one of three insecticides mixed with a polybutene insect trap adhesive was investigated as a resistance monitoring technique for greenhouse whitefly, Trialeurodes vaporariorum (Westwood). The technique provided accurate estimates of the mortality response of whiteflies after 24 h, with minimal control mortality (usually < 5%). The technique was used to estimate diagnostic concentrations (LC99 of a susceptible strain) for dichlorvos, resmethrin, and bifenthrin. The diagnostic concentrations were then tested against the susceptible strain and a resistant strain. These concentrations consistently killed approximately 99% of susceptible whiteflies in contrast with the resistant strain. Although the differences were not significant, adult males tended to be about twice as susceptible as females to all three insecticides. Mortality at the diagnostic concentrations was significantly and linearly correlated with mortality of both larvae and adults for resmethrin and bifenthrin in greenhouse applications, but only for adult mortality after treatment with dichlorvos. The technique provides a simple, rapid way to monitor insecticide resistance in greenhouse whitefly in the greenhouse or field. The degree of resistance to bifenthrin did not change substantially after 15-18 mo without insecticide exposure.
Further Perspectives on Child Development Research: A Reconsideration and a Recall

In this article, we respond to the call put forward by McKinney, Abrams, Terry, and Lerner (1994 [this issuel)for child development researchers to address concerns related to child poverty and diversity. We acknowledge the importance of these goals and also consider the ways in which researchers select topics for study and how we evaluate the importance of social problems. Although we agree there is a needfor increased attention to the integration of child development research and outreach, we issue a call of our own for child development researchers in home economics to be increasingly involved in both basic and applied research.
Experience With Lacosamide in a Series of Children With Drug-Resistant Focal Epilepsy

We report our pediatric experience with lacosamide, a new antiepileptic drug, approved by the US Food and Drug Administration as adjunctive therapy in focal epilepsy in patients more than 17 years old. We retrospectively reviewed charts for lacosamide use and seizure frequency outcome in patients with focal epilepsy (Wilcoxon signed rank test). Sixteen patients (7 boys) were identified (median dose 275 mg daily, 4.7 mg/kg daily; mean age 14.9 years, range 8-21 years). Patients were receiving a median of 2 antiepileptic drugs (interquartile range [IQR] 1.7-3) in addition to having undergone previous epilepsy surgery (n=3), vagus nerve stimulation (n=9), and ketogenic diet (n=3). Causes included structural (encephalomalacia and diffuse encephalitis, 1 each; stroke in 2) and genetic abnormalities (Aarskog and Rett syndromes, 1 each) or cause not known (n=10). Median seizure frequency at baseline was 57 per month (IQR 7-75), and after a median follow-up of 4 months (range 1-13 months) of receiving lacosamide, it was 12.5 per month (IQR 3-75), (P<0.01). Six patients (37.5%; 3 seizure free) were classified as having disease that responded to therapy (≥50% reduction seizure frequency) and 10 as having disease that did not respond to therapy (<50% in 3; increase in 1; unchanged in 6). Adverse events (tics, behavioral disturbance, seizure worsening, and depression with suicidal ideation in 1 patient each) prompted lacosamide discontinuation in 4/16 (25%). This retrospective study of 16 children with drug-resistant focal epilepsy demonstrated good response to adjunctive lacosamide therapy (median seizure reduction of 39.6%; 37.5% with ≥50% seizure reduction) without severe adverse events.
Effects of temperature on the uptake of glutamic acid and lysine in a psychrophilic yeast

Uptake of labeled amino acids occurred at −4 C to 50 C accompanied by amino acid pool formation and protein synthesis. Maximum assimilation rates of both amino acids occurred at a temperature at which growth of this yeast was inhibited. Over a wide range of temperature the organism took up more exogenous lysine than glutamic acid, even though glutamic acid was present in the cellular protein in greater quantities. At 25 C the uptake and incorporation rates of glutamic acid was significantly higher than at 3 C; however, the size of the glutamic acid pools, at these two temperatures, appeared to be equal and independent of temperature.
An experimental study of ball formation processes with aluminum and copper

Abstract In integrated circuits, bond pads on the semiconductor chip and terminals on the supporting lead frame are usually interconnected by a wire on which a ball has been formed at the end by heating from an electric discharge to melt a length of wire. Results are given of an experimental investigations of the ball formation processes using high-speed photography and methods of metallographic examination. The electrical discharges are in air or argon. High-speed photography at 500–1000 frames/s has revealed details of the wire melting characteristics, ball surface motion, neck formation at the ball-wire junction, material ejection from the ball, and the characteristics of the electrical discharge. Where present, the necking above the ball occurs after the arc is extinguished. The electrical discharge is found to be more stable in argon than in air. Aluminum and copper balls have also been sectioned and examined under the optical microscope. The examinations reveal the presence and type of porisity in the balls, solidification patterns, melting into the wire above the ball-wire junction, and the presence of cracks. Porosity in aluminum balls ranges from very large void(s) in the “balloon” balls to small distributed pores in the “slow-melt” balls. For similar discharge conditions, the copper balls are substantially solid (very little porosity). Large voids in the balloon balls may be attributed to the vaporization of aluminum in the interior. The porosity in the slow-melt aluminum balls may be explained in terms of density change during solidification, aluminum oxidation, and changes in the solubility of hydrogen in aluminum during melting and solidification. Slow-melt balls formed in argon are less porous than those formed in air.
Efficient approach to physics-based FOPEN-SAR ATD/R

A physics-based approach to VHF/UHF foliage penetrating (FOPEN) SAR automatic target detection and recognition (ATD/R) uses signatures constructed directly from physical scattering predictions in a sequence of matched filter banks that span the complex angle-frequency-polarimetric observation space. While the matched filter can be made efficient using FFTs, the primary means of achieving overall algorithm efficiency is through the sequential testing. Physics-based sequential testing achieves efficiency by matching the modeling complexity in each step to its increasing level of recognition, while using parameter estimates from previous setups to limit the number of signatures under test. This keeps the total number of signatures tested from increasing geometrically as the ATR search dimensionality is increased to achieve higher levels of recognition. Since each step in the sequence is performed on a smaller portion of surviving data, most of the computation usually lies in the initial detection of man- made objects in forest clutter. In this paper, computational efficiency is compared between various architectures which differ in their use of a matched filter image formation screener. This screener may save up to 16 dB in detection, and 3 dB in image formation, processing requirements.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Sr isotopic geochemistry of voluminous rhyolitic ignimbrites and related rocks, Batopilas area, western Mexico

The middle Tertiary ignimbrites of the Sierra Madre Occidental of western Mexico form the largest continuous rhyolitic province in the world. Minor amounts of intermediate lavas occur interlayered with the ignimbrites, and Sr isotope data on the complete range in rock compositions must be considered when evaluating hypotheses for the origin of the rhyolites. Initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios of andesites, dacites and rhyolites from the Batopilas region of western Chihuahua lie in the range 0.7042–0.7050, showing no systematic variation with rock composition. The data reported here support a crystal fractionation hypothesis for the origin for the voluminous rhyolitic ignimbrites.
Gelation in strongly charged polyelectrolytes

Crosslinking of strongly charged chains via multivalent ions of valence z was treated within the Flory approach, which accounts only for the treelike architecture of the clusters formed. Density–density correlations due to the electrostatic nature of the system were considered with a modified random-phase approximation. At a certain concentration of multivalent ions that play the role of effective stickers among z monomers, an infinitely large polymer network was formed. We analyzed the gelation driven by the formation of locally neutral clusters induced by divalent and trivalent ions. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 42: 766–776, 2004
Thermodiffusional transport in pelagic clay: Implications for nuclear waste disposal in geological media

Thermal gradient experiments in sediment-seawater systems revealed large-scale fluxes of aqueous electrolytic components away from the heat source through thermal diffusion. These findings indicate a need for similar studies in other geological materials of low permeability in order to assess the implications of this phenomenon for various nuclear waste disposal options.
Poly(thieno[3,4-b]thiophene)s from Three Symmetrical Thieno[3,4-b]thiophene Dimers

Herein we report the synthesis of symmetrical bis(thieno[3,4-b]thiophene)s and their electrochemical polymerization. The 2,2‘-bis(T34bT) has an oxidation peak at 0.73 V for electropolymerization whereas both 4,4‘-bisT34bT and 6,6‘-bisT34bT have peak oxidation potentials for polymerization at 0.49 and 0.53 V (0.44 V vs NHE), respectively. For comparison, thieno[3,4-b]thiophene (T34bT) polymerizes with an oxidation peak at 0.9 V. Conjugated T34bT polymers prepared from T34bT, 4,4‘-bisT34bT, and 6,6‘-bisT34bT exhibit similar redox behavior showing oxidation and reduction peaks located at ca. 0.1 V and ca. −0.3 V, respectively, and optical band gaps of ca. 0.9 eV (1377 nm), whereas the conjugated polymer from 2,2‘-bisT34bT has redox peaks centered at 0.5 and 0.4 V. Like PT34bT prepared from T34bT, both PT34bTs prepared from 4,4‘-bisT34bT and 6,6‘-bisT34bT are pale blue to colorless in their oxidized states and sky blue in their neutral forms. PT34bT prepared from 2,2‘-bisT34bT is brown in the oxidized state. ...
Orbital interactions in phyllosilicates: perturbations of an idealized two-dimensional, infinite silicate frame

The ∞ 2 [Si2O 5 2− ] frame in phyllosilicate minerals is distorted through the rotation and tilting of the silicate tetrahedra and interacts with octahedral cations through its apical oxygens. Qualitative perturbation theory and extended Huckel band structure calculations demonstrate that rotation and tilting distortions of the ∞ 2 [Si2O 5 2− ] frame have little influence on orbital interactions within the frame. The effects which are observed can be traced to next-nearestneighbor, oxygen-oxygen interactions. Analysis of band widths and crystal-orbital-overlap-populations demonstrate the importance of O(2s) orbitals in the silicate bond. Interactions between Si(3s, 3p) and O(2s) atomic orbitals account for about half of the bonding overlap in the Si-O bond. Crystal orbitals within the ∞ 2 [Si2O 5 2− ] frame are perturbed in kaolinite, lizardite, pyrophyllite and talc through interactions of the apical oxygens with octahedrally coordinated Al(III) and Mg(II). These interactions appear to involve states that are non-bonding in an isolated frame, having little effect on the Si-Oapical bond while significantly reducing the apical-oxygen atomic population.
Reading Machiavelli. Innocent Gentillet's discourse on method

L'A. analyse le commentaire de Gentillet sur Machiavel a la Renaissance («Discours contre Machiavel») pour montrer qu'il faut lire Machiavel sous l'angle de la rhetorique pour comprendre les rapports entre celle-ci et la politique
Inconsistency in natural languages

An argument for Trivialism, the view that natural languages are logically inconsistent, is provided that does not rely on contentious empirical assumptions about natural language terms such as “and” or “or.” Further, the view is defended against an important objection recently mounted against it by Thomas Hofweber.
Free radical metabolism of mutagenic acridines and binding to microsomal membranes

Abstract Free radical metabolism of the acridine derivatives, quinacrine and 9-amino-acridine, has been studied using horseradish peroxidase-H2O2 (HRP-H2O2) and prostaglandin-arachidonic acid systems. In the presence of HRP-H2O2 quinacrine rapidly formed a free radical intermediate consisting of three lines which collapsed into a single line with a g-value of 2.0055. Under similar conditions no radical was detected with 9-aminoacridine. In contrast, incubation of either quinacrine or 9-aminoacridine with ram seminal vesicle microsomes and arachidonic acid gave a single line spectrum with g-values of 2.0055. Although no radical could be detected with rat hepatic microsomes, incubation of the acridines resulted in covalent binding to microsomal membranes which was NADPH-dependent. Free radical metabolism and covalent binding may play a significant role in the mutagenic properties of quinacrine and 9-aminoacridine.
Tiny Solutions for Giant Cardiac Problems

Abstract Health care nanotechnology research has “domesticated” molecular and cellular processes to serve our needs. This paper introduces current cardiovascular therapies for nanotechnologists unfamiliar with the field or current developments. Although early in its development, cell-based disease therapy capitalizes on existing biologic systems to implement nanoscale functionality. We propose that the most efficient development pathway for nanomedicine is to merge biomolecular and cellular techniques with the nanotechnology knowledge base.
Atomic roughness enhanced friction on hydrogenated graphene

Atomic friction on hydrogenated graphene is investigated using molecular dynamics simulations. Hydrogenation is found to increase friction significantly, and the atomic-level information provided by the simulations reveals that atomic roughness induced by hydrogenation is the primary cause of the friction enhancement. Other proposed mechanisms, specifically adhesion and rigidity, are excluded based on the simulation results and analyses performed using the Prandtl-Tomlinson model. In addition, it is found that friction does not monotonically increase with hydrogen coverage on the graphene surface; instead, a maximum friction is observed at a hydrogen coverage between 5 and 10%.
Obesity, hyperlipidemia and non-insulin-dependent diabetes: A unified theory

Obesity, hyperlipidemia, and non-insulin-dependent diabetes seem to share common causative factors, chemical abnormalities, and clinical complications. A positive energy balance requiring storage of excess nutrients as triglyceride appears to be an underlying factor in all. It is postulated that everyone has a defined capacity to store triglyceride. Filling the storage space from plasma glucose and triglyceride is insulin dependent. When storage areas are full, the effectiveness of insulin is reduced, and excess nutrients stay in circulation, producing the clinical picture of hyperlipidemia, non-insulin-dependent diabetes, and the shared findings. Comments about the implications of the model for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, and non-insulin-dependent diabetes are also incorporated.
RELIABILITY OF ACADEMIC AND DISPOSITIONAL MEASURES OF PROCRASTINATION

The reliabilities of the Procrastination Assessment Scale—Students and the General Procrastination Scale were examined. Scores (n = 116) on split-half comparisons (odd vs even items) from two secti...
Comparison of precipitation chemistry in the central Rocky Mountains, Colorado, USA.

Abstract Volume-weighted mean concentrations of nitrate (NO 3 − ), ammonium (NH 4 + ), and sulfate (SO 4 2− ) in precipitation were compared at high-elevation sites in Colorado from 1992 to 1997 to evaluate emission source areas to the east and west of the Rocky Mountains. Precipitation chemistry was measured by two sampling methods, the National Atmospheric Deposition Program/National Trends Network (NADP/NTN) and snowpack surveys at maximum accumulation. Concentrations of NO 3 − and SO 4 2− in winter precipitation were greater on the western slope of the Rockies, and concentrations of NO 3 − and NH 4 + in summer precipitation were greater on the eastern slope. Summer concentrations in general were almost twice as high as winter concentrations. Seasonal weather patterns in combination with emission source areas help to explain these differences. This comparison shows that high-elevation ecosystems in Colorado are influenced by air pollution emission sources located on both sides of the Continental Divide. It also suggests that sources of nitrogen and sulfur located east of the Divide have a greater influence on precipitation chemistry in the Colorado Rockies.
From Hedging to Pure Speculation: A Micro Model of Optimal Futures and Cash Market Positions

A theoretical model of optimal firm decisions in cash and futures markets that includes both primary product producers and marketing firms is presented. The generalized model of production and marketing decisions under risk is applied to both short and long hedging and speculation. Hedging and speculation are given precise definitions. Speculation exists when a firm's futures position exceeds the 100 percent hedging level or when it does not provide hedging possibilities in conjunction with the cash market position. Comparisons between hedging on futures markets and forward contracting are made. Live beef futures are used to show how transformation costs for nonstorable commodities should be treated in the same manner as storage costs for storable commodities.
A liquid-scintillation technique for the radioassay of calcium-45.

Abstract A method for radiocalcium assay by liquid scintillation has been developed. This method has the advantages of being quick, very precise, versatile, and having a very high detection efficiency for calcium-45. The method consists of converting calcium salts to the chlorides, bringing the sample to volume, taking a sample aliquot to dryness at 130°C in a 20-ml sample vial, adding 15 ml of dibutyl-phosphate; toluene mixture (containing primary and secondary flours), shaking until all the calcium salts are dissolved, and then counting these solutions at −5°C. Under these conditions 500 mg of CaCl 2 can be accomodated in the 15 ml of flour reagent, and calcium-45 assayed with a precision of 0.15 per cent and a high absolute detection efficiency of about 85 per cent. This method is applicable for calcium-45 assay in common agricultural materials, such as plant material, soils, etc.
Is There a Liquidity Effect? An Investigation using the Kalman Filter

Abstract We test for a liquidity effect by utilizing a Kalman filter and find that monetary innovations lowered interest rates in 51 out of the 120 quarters in our sample. This implies that the recent empirical consensus of no liquidity effect has resulted from the implicit assumption that monetary innovations always impact interest rates in the same direction, rather than from an absence of a liquidity effect in the data (JEL E4).
Leachability of Cu and Ni in wood ash-amended soil as impacted by humic and fulvic acid

Land application is a cost-effective way of disposing of wood ash. However, high volume wood ash application tends to increase soil pH, solubilizing soil organic matter (SOM), and enhancing metal mobility. Column studies (1.5×20 cm) were conducted to determine the leachability of Cu and Ni in an ash-amended soil. In the first study, deionized water was used to leach three columns: ash, ash mixed with topsoil, and ash mixed with topsoil overlying a spodic horizon. In the second study, humic acid (HA), fulvic acid (FA), and a mixture of humic and fulvic acids (HAFA) were used to leach ash columns. Leaching was conducted, one pore volume (PV) at a time, under unsaturated conditions. Leachate concentrations of dissolved organic carbon (DOC), Cl, Cu, and Ni, as well as pH were determined. Leachate pH ranged from ∼10 to ∼11 in the water- and acid-leached columns, respectively. In the ash-only columns, Cu leaching was in the form of soluble complexes with Cl. When wood ash was mixed with soil, Cu leached as soluble complexes with DOC at high pH (∼10). Columns with a Bh horizon had 30% less leaching of Cu, possibly due to increased metal retention. Nickel leachability was not affected to the same extent as Cu. Organic acid-leached ash columns showed lower DOC, Cu, and Ni leaching, suggesting that these two metals and DOC were precipitating out with DOC at the high ionic strengths of these solutions (>0.3 mol dm−3). Precipitation was greater in the more reactive FA-leached columns. This study shows the need to understand the system to which wood ash is applied to minimize potential harmful effects.
The WRKY Gene Family in Rice (Oryza sativa)

WRKY genes encode transcription factors that are involved in the regulation of various biological processes. These zinc-finger proteins, especially those members mediating stress responses, are uniquely expanded in plants. To facilitate the study of the evolutionary history and functions of this supergene family, we performed an exhaustive search for WRKY genes using HMMER and a Hidden Markov Model that was specifically trained for rice. This work resulted in a comprehensive list of WRKY gene models in Oryza sativa L. ssp. indica and L. ssp. japonica. Mapping of these genes to individual chromosomes facilitated elimination of the redundant, leading to the identification of 98 WRKY genes in japonica and 102 in indica rice. These genes were further categorized according to the number and structure of their zinc-finger domains. Based on a phylogenetic tree of the conserved WRKY domains and the graphic display of WRKY loci on corresponding indica and japonica chromosomes, we identified possible WRKY gene duplications within, and losses between the two closely related rice subspecies. Also reviewed are the roles of WRKY genes in disease resistance and responses to salicylic acid and jasmonic acid, seed development and germination mediated by gibberellins, other developmental processes including senescence, and responses to abiotic stresses and abscisic acid in rice and other plants. The signaling pathways mediating WRKY gene expression are also discussed.
Effects of spatial and spectral resolution on remote sensing for disaster response

Visible and Near-Infrared (VNIR) Multispectral and hyperspectral data are compared for their potential to assist with disaster response and recovery via detailed mapping of the distribution of specific surface materials. Airborne Visible/Infrared Imaging Spectrometer (AVIRIS) data at two spatial resolutions are used to assess the effects of spatial resolution on material mapping capabilities. AVIRIS data are also compared to WorldView-2 (WV-2) 8-band multispectral data with similar spatial resolution to determine the effects of spectral resolution. Initial results illustrate that for urban mapping (buildings, roads, other infrastructure), that high spatial resolution is more critical than high spectral resolution. Decreasing spatial or spectral resolution, however, each increases mapping error.
Selective alterations in hepatic enzyme response after reduction of nuclear triiodothyronine receptor sites by partial hepatectomy and starvation.

Abstract Partial hepatectomy results in a decrease in the nuclear triiodothyronine binding capacity of rat liver. Although we confirmed reports that starvation causes a reduction in binding capacity, starvation alone did not fully account for the decrease after hepatectomy. Reduction in nuclear binding sites both by hepatectomy and starvation failed to impair the response to triiodothyronine administration as measured by an increase in the enzyme activity of mitochondrial α-glycerophosphate dehydrogenase, but significantly blocked the triiodothyronine response as measured by cytosolic malic enzyme. These findings indicate that triiodothyronine response is influenced by currently undefined metabolic factors and raises the possibility that such factors cause a selective decrease in receptors associated with the gene for malic enzyme.
Effects of leukotriene C4 on macrophage association with and intracellular fate of Trypanosoma cruzi

Leukotriene C4 (LTC4) enhanced the association of mouse peritoneal macrophages (MPM) with Trypanosoma cruzi, increasing the proportion of MPM associating with parasites and the number of trypanosomes per MPM. LTC4 affected both cells since pretreatment of either one increased the association. LTC4 also enhanced MPM uptake of killed T. cruzi or latex beads, denoting stimulation of phagocytosis. However, since LTC4 pretreatment of rat heart myoblasts - nonphagocytic cells - also increased the association, host cell membrane alterations induced by LTC4 may also facilitate parasite invasion. Inhibition of MPM guanylate cyclase abrogated the LTC4 effect, suggesting a role for elevated levels of cyclic GMP. LTC4 also increased the rate of intracellular parasite killing by MPM. These results suggest that LTC4, occurring in inflammation such as develops in T. cruzi infection, regulates parasite clearance by MPM by increasing uptake and intracellular destruction.
Applications of high power millimeter waves in the DIII-D fusion program

First operation of a new generation of MW level, 110 GHz generator on the DIII-D fusion experimental device has been achieved. THe desire for high power, cw millimeter (mm) wave sources to support fusion research and development is just now beginning to be realized. Plasma heating and current drive with directed mm waves rely on the strong absorption achieved when the wave frequency matches the natural 'cyclotron' frequency of electrons in a magnetic field, or its harmonics. Recent progress in fusion experiments highlights the need for control of the interior details of the hot plasma, and mm wave systems are ideally suited for this role. A brief status of fusion research is given, and the importance of mm waves in the future directions for fusion research is described. The vacuum transmission components necessary for transmitting, monitoring, and launching high power 110 GHz waves into a plasma have been developed at General Atomics and will be described. High power mm waves have a number of attractive technological features for fusion applications compared with other candidate plasma heating and current drive technologies. Millimeter waves can be transmitted with high power density over large distances with low losses by utilizing corrugated waveguides, so the generators can be sited remotely, facilitating maintenance and saving valuable space near the fusion device.
Secondary coronary arterial fistulas.

The combination of an atretic semilunar valve and a competent atrioventricular valve is frequently associated with an abnormal communication between the involved ventricle and the coronary arteries. Thirty-one cases of these secondary coronary arterial fistulas, including 3 previously unreported cases, are presented. The variations found in the third patient of the current series have not been described previously.
Seasonal colour changes and shifting antipredator tactics in darters

Dull coloured, non-breeding males of the darter Etheostoma flabellare‘freeze’ in response to simulated predatory threat. As they enter breeding condition, colour changes are minor and antipredator behaviour does not change. Male E. blennioides, which develop bright green colours in the breeding season, also freeze in response to threats in both breeding and non-breeding states. Male E. spectabile change colours dramatically when breeding, developing intense and contrasting orange, blue, yellow and red colours on their sides, fins and throats. In non-breeding colouration, they freeze when threatened, but in breeding colouration they become less likely to freeze and more likely to flee. These results are discussed both with respect to the hypothesis that changing colours may require changing antipredator behaviour, and in terms of the probable degree of crypticity of these species. Details of the duration of immobility of ‘freezing’ fish and the pattern of subsequent recovery of activity level are also presented.
Influence of spacer length and rigidity on properties of phosphonium polymers and on their supramolecular assembly with a conjugated polyelectrolyte

A series of seven cationic polymers have been prepared wherein the length of spacer between charge-bearing sites has been varied. Thermal stability of the polymers was characterized by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The length of spacer has obvious effect on thermal stability as well as on the extent of crystallinity as revealed by X-ray powder diffraction. The cationic polymers were tested for their ability to form supramolecularly-assembled films with an anionic polythiophene derivative by a layer-by-layer (LbL) deposition process. Film growth was followed by spectroscopic techniques and surface morphologies were examined by atomic force microscopy (AFM). Interesting dependence of film morphology and composition was observed depending on whether an even- or odd-number of methylene spacers was present between charge-bearing sites.
Wasting away. What a waste. Part 1.

Wednesday, July 3, 1996. On his ride over to Lloyd Benton's office early Wednesday morning, C.O. recapitulated information he had obtained Tuesday evening about the mysterious illness in Hawk Point (see Cardiovasc Res 1999;44:1–4). Five people had died, four during the first week of June. Four were adults, one a child, and four were residents, one a visitor to the area. At the same time, there was a gastrointestinal disorder that featured diarrhea without constitutional symptoms. One of the two men who died was a trucker visiting friends. The other was Doc Murphy, the town's practitioner for more than 30 years. Murphy's death occurred on June 22, when his car ran off the road. He had become confused after fishing in the Mark Twain National Wildlife Refuge. One woman who succumbed died in her sleep. She was being treated for heart failure when she developed diarrhea. C.O. knew little about the trucker, the other woman, and the child who died. Was this one or more illnesses? Did it have a common cause? A common source? Were homicides involved? ‘It's good to meet you, Chief Benton. I've heard a great many nice things about you from Cy Litwak, who sends his regards,’ said C.O. as he greeted the police chief of Quincy, Illinois. ‘Thank you for coming down from Chicago. We can use your help in solving our problem,’ replied a grim Benton, whose remarks were accentuated with a firm handshake. He offered C.O. a chair as he sat behind his modest desk and began to review the situation. C.O. took notes as the Chief went along, noting questions. ‘Let me share with you what I learned last night,’ said C.O. as he highlighted conversations with Al Synovitis and Mike Hunt at Mystic's Lounge. ‘This is important information,’ smiled Benton. ‘It …
Outsourcing the catalog department: A meditation inspired by the business and library literature

Abstract This article draws on parallels between outsourcing in business and in libraries to examine the difficulties and implications of outsourcing the catalog department. It examines why cataloging, in particular, has received outsourcing attention. Two major reasons emerge: cataloging is a noncore activity, and catalog departments are troublesome.
A low-cost distributed control strategy for rooftop PV with utility benefits

Increasing adoption of rooftop photovoltaic (PV) generators presents a growing challenge to some distribution utility companies, as legacy local controls were never intended for high penetration rates. Some countries have already begun the process of updating their control standards for grid-tied PV systems. This paper presents a low-cost distributed control strategy for grid-tied, rooftop PV generators that addresses some of the concerns of high penetration PV while also adding some benefits to the utility. The control strategy does not require an advanced communications infrastructure but still allows for some aggregate control of the active and reactive power outputs of the PV units and their grid-tied inverters. The paper demonstrates that a distribution company that employs this control strategy to address the issues of high penetration PV will also be able to gain improved power factor correction and potentially new ways to gain revenue from open market interactions. Simulations of the control strategy during daily load and insolation cycles are presented based on the IEEE benchmark 13-bus feeder system.
Induced motion and apparent straight ahead during prolonged stimulation.

Induced motion (IM) of a fixation target and the location of the apparent straight ahead (ASA) were measured during and after 2 min of exposure to a moving contoured background. The magnitude of IM increased to an asymptotic level during the exposure period. Following termination of moving contours, illusory motion of the fixation target occurred first in the same direction and then in the direction opposite to that of previous IM. The change in location of ASA followed a similar time course, shifting first in the direction of background motion, reaching an asymptotic position during contour exposure, and then moving in the opposite direction after contour exposure. The similar time courses displayed by IM magnitude change and ASA position change suggest that these two phenomena may be related through a third, causal factor. The hypothesis that IM is caused by motion of ASA is disconfirmed, however, by the fact that IM persists while the ASA is nearly stationary at its asymptotic position.
Ultrasonic Velocity Studies of Graphite and Its Intercalation Compounds

The c-axis sound velocities and attenuations for HOPG, stage 3 and stage 4 SbCl5-graphite were determined by ultrasonic techniques in the temperature range between 4 and 325 °K. The temperature variation of C33 for HOPG agrees closely with the theoretical prediction based on the Lennard-Jones interlayer potential. In SbCl5-graphite, the longitudinal sound attenuation increases sharply and the transverse sound cannot propagate for temperatures above 200 °K, indicating a commensurate-to-incommensurate in-plane phase transition. The stage dependence of C33 at low temperatures indicates that the interlayer forces beyond the nearest layers can not be neglected.
Primary Pulmonary Disease Due to Mycobacterium Avium-Intracellulare

Primary pulmonary disease due to Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare (MAI) presented in an immunologically intact child exposed to pet birds.
High-spin neutron hole excitations in light odd-A Pb nuclei

Abstract The high-spin level structures of 195,197,199,201,203Pb have been investigated by (α, xnγ) and ( 3 He , x n γ) spectroscopy. The resulting level schemes are interpreted in terms of the weak coupling of an ν i 13 2 hole to known states of the even-A core nuclei.
Medium carbon steel alloy design for wear applications

Abstract The fracture characteristics of steels are strongly influenced by martensite substructure, retained austenite stability, and morphology. Attractive strength-toughness properties have been attained with Fe-Cr-C-Mn alloys. These alloys, when tested under sliding wear conditions, also exhibit good wear resistance which compares favorably with that of commercial wear-resistant alloys. The most significant finding is an apparently strong correlation between sliding wear resistance and retained austenite, which in turn appears to correlate with Charpy impact properties. Little correlation was observed between hardness and wear resistance for the experimental steels.
A sequential Colonel Blotto game with a sensor network

In this paper, we pose a new sequential variant of the famous Colonel Blotto game in which two players, Player A and Player B, must allocate finite resources among N regions of a battlefield. A key new feature of our problem formulation is the introduction of a deterministic sensor network employed by Player B to gain an informational advantage over Player A. The existence of the sensor network and its properties are common knowledge in the game. We pose the resulting resource allocation game and obtain necessary conditions for Nash equilibrium optimal mixed strategies for the two players in terms of each player's available resources and the sensor network characteristics. These conditions apply to the marginal probability distribution functions of each player's strategy. The optimality conditions are developed using a novel case of the associated first-price all pay auctions with upper or lower bounds on the players' allocations. A numerical example is included to show the tractability of our solution.