cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Southeast Saline Everglades revisited: 50 years of coastal vegetation change.

We examined the vegetation of the Southeast Saline Everglades (SESE), where water management and sea level rise have been important ecological forces during the last 50 years. Marshes within the SESE were arranged in well-defined compositional zones parallel to the coast, with mangrove-domi- nated shrub communities near the coast giving way to graminoid- mangrove mixtures, and then Cladium marsh. The compositional gradient was accompanied by an interiorward decrease in total aboveground biomass, and increases in leaf area index and periphyton biomass. Since the mid-1940s, the boundary of the mixed graminoid-mangrove and Cladium communities shifted inland by 3.3 km. The interior boundary of a low-productivity zone appearing white on both black-and-white and CIR photos moved inland by 1.5 km on average. A smaller shift in this 'white zone' was observed in an area receiving fresh water overflow through gaps in one of the SESE canals, while greater change occurred in areas cut off from upstream water sources by roads or levees. These large-scale vegetation dynamics are appar- ently the combined result of sea level rise - ca. 10 cm since 1940 - and water management practices in the SESE.
Polyimide-passivated pn diodes

Abstract Polyimide-passivated pn diodes have been fabricated and characterized electrically. Four different passivation schemes were investigated; Hitachi PIX-1400, PIQ-13 with coupler, PIQ-13/oxide and silicon dioxide. The PIQ-13 passivated diodes exhibit a very leaky current-voltage (I-V) characteristic, due to surface inversion induced by the coupler. PIQ-13/oxide passivated diodes also have less than desirable characteristics, the result of charge accumulation at the PIQ-13/oxide interface. On the other hand, PIX-1400 polyimide yields low-voltage pn diodes with a quality factor of approximately 1.5, a cut-in voltage of 0.6 V and a reverse breakdown voltage in excess of 25 V. Although the reverse saturation current of these diodes has a slight voltage dependence, they do not exhibit any hysteresis after ten consecutive measurements of the reverse I-V characteristics. Furthermore, moisture absorption does not appear to have an adverse effect on the electrical characteristics of these devices.
Structure and Stability of the Midsummer Fish Communities in Chequamegon Bay, Lake Superior, 1973–1996

Abstract We analyzed the structure and stability of the summer fish communities of Chequamegon Bay, Lake Superior, during 1973–1996 from data collected with bottom trawls at 39 stations. Fifty-three taxa were collected during the study, but we found that relative abundances for 20 taxa described most of the internal variability of the data for all taxa. Abundance data for the 20 species showed that two communities existed in the bay; one inhabited shallow water (≤3.0 m) whereas the other inhabited deeper water (>3.0 m). No temporal patterns of change were found in the structure of the shallow-water community, whose variation was best described by abundances of 12 taxa. The deepwater community, whose variation was best described by eight taxa, underwent three periods ofstability; 1973–1978, 1979–1988, and 1989–1996. We conclude that the shallow-water community was stable throughout the 24 years studied. Dynamics of the deepwater community were greatly affected by changes in stocking rates of lake trout Sal...
Kinetic properties of a cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase from pig parotid gland.

Abstract Protein kinase from pig parotid gland exhibited kinetic properties similar to protein kinases from other tissues. The pH optimum for the enzyme was 6.6-6.7 in the presence of cyclic AMP and 7.9 in its absence. With histone as substrate, maximum activity of the enzyme was approximately 21 nmoles/mg protein/minute. The apparent Km for ATP was 16 μM in the absence of cyclic AMP and 18–20 μM in its presence. Cyclic AMP was associated with nearly a two-fold decrease in the apparent Km for histone. Half-maximal stimulation of kinase activity occurred at approximately 0.1 μM cyclic AMP as opposed to 0.8 and 5 μM for cyclic IMP and cyclic GMP respectively. Of the protein kinase substrates tested, histone IIA was the superior substrate. The enzyme was essentially inactive in the absence of magnesium and calcium was unable to substitute for magnesium. Maximum enzyme activity occurred at 5 mM magnesium. Half-maximal inhibition of enzyme activity by calcium in the presence of 10 mM magnesium occurred at approximately 2 mM. These results offer a basis for studying a possible role for protein kinase in salivary gland secretory function. Protein kinase activity could be partly regulated in vivo by high calcium levels in the gland.
Brain-computer interface supported collaborative work: Implications for rehabilitation

Working together and collaborating in a group can provide greater benefits for people with severe motor disability. However, it is still not clear how collaboration should be supported by BCI systems. The present study explored BCI-supported collaborative work by investigating differences in performance and brain activity between when a pair of users performs a task jointly with each other and when they do alone only through means of their brain activity. We found differences in performance and brain activity between different work conditions. The results of this research should provide fundamental knowledge of BCI-supported cooperative work.
Report of the Committee on Evaporation, 1934–35

The membership of this Committee remains the same as given in the Transactions of the Fifteenth Annual Meeting. The following manuscripts were submitted and are published in this volume: N. W. Cummings, The use of the Burt phototube in an integrating pyrheliometer; S. T. Harding, Evaporation from large water-surfaces based on records in California and Nevada.
Comment on “Are the government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs) justified?”

The article here extended reflects on the excessively narrow debate over the government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs)' cost-benefit transfer balance which had been raging for a quarter-century before the 2007–2009 financial crisis. That crisis has cast a new light on the actual costs of GSE operations and exposed the unsustainability of some of their benefits for homeownership. After injecting afew new findings into the traditional debate, this comment adds some of what has transpired in recent years and what may be inferred from it so far. Doing so brings additional analysis to bear on the article's conclusion that “the GSEs might not be justified” and “Maybe it is time for them to exit” although most politicians in the past have been disinclined to show them the door.
Enzymes of phospholipid metabolism: Localization in the cytoplasmic and outer membrane of the cell envelope of Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimurium

Abstract The phospholipid biosynthetic enzymes of the cell envelope of Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimurium had highest specific activities in the cytoplasmic membrane fraction and lowest specific activities in the outer membrane fraction obtained by isopycnic sucrose density gradient centrifugation of the total membrane fraction of lysozyme-EDTA spheroplasts. This finding suggests that the site of phospholipid synthesis is the cytoplasmic membrane. Several degradative enzymes of phospholipid metabolism had highest specific activities in the outer membrane fraction and lowest specific activities in the cytoplasmic membrane. These data suggest an intracellular separation of the degradative and biosynthetic enzymes of phospholipid metabolism.
Severe winds in the Dallas/Ft. Worth microburst measured from two aircraft

Advanced analytical methods are applied to the digital flight data and air traffic control radar records from two airliners, Delta flight 191 and American flight 539, that penetrated a microburst at the Dallas/Ft. Worth Airport on August 2,1985. The results for Delta 191 (which crashed) show that the aircraft encountered a strong downburst followed by a strong outflow accompanied by large, rapid changes in the vertical wind. The rapid changes in the vertical wind detected near the ground are attributed to vortex-induce d turbulence. The next aircraft, American 539, made a go-around 110 s after Delta 191 and traversed the microburst at an altitude of about 2500 ft above the ground. The measured winds during this go-around indicate a broad pattern of downflow in the microburst, with regions of upflow at the extreme edges. The combined results indicate a microburst that was increasing in size with vortex-induced turbulence embedded in a strong outflow near the ground. These wind measurements provide a realistic description of the microburst wind environment that can be used in simulator studies and pilot training and provide a standard of comparison for ongoing experiments and modeling of microbursts involving vortex rings.
Total hemocyte counts of honey bee larvae (Apis mellifera L.) from various elevations.

Ausgewertet wurde die Gesamtzahl der Hemocyten (GZH) von Proben von Honigbienenlarven, die aus verschiedenen Hohenregionen in Bereichen von 48 bis 2160 m uber dem Meeresspiegel stammten. Die Untersuchung des Zusammenhanges der beiden Grossen mittels Regressionsanalyse mit logarithmischer Auftragung von log10 GZH gegen log10 Meereshohe ergaben eine deutliche Beziehung zwischen der Zahl der Hemocyten pro mm3 und der Meereshohe, aus der die Insekten entnommen wurden.
A randomized, controlled, double-blinded clinical trial of gabapentin 300 versus 900 mg versus placebo for anxiety symptoms in breast cancer survivors

Gabapentin is used for the treatment of hot flashes and neuropathic pain in breast cancer survivors, and is commonly used off-label for the treatment of anxiety. Yet, clinical trial evidence to support the use of gabapentin for anxiety symptoms is lacking. In a randomized, double-blinded controlled trial we compared 300 mg gabapentin versus 900 mg gabapentin versus placebo. Subjects were 420 breast cancer patients who had completed all chemotherapy cycles. Anxiety traits and current (state) anxiety were measured using the Speilberger Strait-Trait Anxiety Inventory at baseline, 4 and 8 weeks. Pain was measured at baseline using a 10-point scale. Analyses included analysis of covariance and ordinary least squares regression. At 4 weeks, state anxiety change scores were significantly better for gabapentin 300 and 900 mg (p = 0.005) compared to placebo. The magnitude of improvement was proportional to baseline state anxiety. At 8 weeks, the anxiolytic effects of gabapentin compared to placebo persisted (p < 0.005). We found no significant interactions. The lower dose (300 mg) was associated with the best treatment outcomes for all patients except those with the highest baseline anxiety. Given its similar pharmacology, efficacy in the treatment of hot flashes, and low cost, gabapentin may provide a low cost and parsimonious alternative treatment choice for breast cancer survivors presenting in primary care practices with anxiety symptoms. Gabapentin is effective for hot flashes, and, therefore, may provide therapeutic benefit for both anxiety and hot flashes at a generic drug price. For patients reluctant to take a controlled substance, such as a benzodiazepine, gabapentin may offer an alternative therapy. Similarly, patients with a history of substance use may benefit from gabapentin without risk of addiction or abuse. For cancer survivors experiencing both hot flashes and anxiety, gabapentin may provide a single effective treatment for both and is an alternative therapy for anxiety for patients unwilling to take a benzodiazepine or those with a history of substance use.
Slowly triggered excitotoxicity occurs by necrosis in cortical cultures

This study examined the possibility that the excitotoxin-induced death of cultured cortical neurons might occur by apoptosis, specifically focusing on the slowly triggered death induced by low concentrations of excitotoxin. Cultured murine cortical neurons (days in vitro 10-12) were exposed continuously to N-methyl-D-aspartate (10-15 microM), alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (3-100 microM) or kainate (30-60 microM) over 24 h. Within 2 h of exposure onset, neuronal cell body swelling was visible under phase-contrast optics. At this point, transmission electron microscopy revealed disruption of cell membranes and organelles, mitochondrial swelling and scattered chromatin condensation at the periphery of nuclei. By 8 h after exposure onset, many neurons were devoid of cytoplasmic structures, but nuclear membranes remained relatively intact. This excitotoxic degeneration was not blocked by the protein synthesis inhibitor, cycloheximide, or the growth factors, brain-derived neurotrophic factor or insulin-like growth factor-1, agents that did block serum deprivation-induced apoptosis death in other cultures. DNA agarose gel electrophoresis, however, revealed the transient occurrence of internucleosomal DNA fragmentation, appearing 4-8 h after exposure onset, but absent 24 h after exposure onset. The present results suggest that even slowly triggered excitotoxicity occurs by necrosis, and raise a cautionary note in interpreting internucleosomal DNA fragmentation in isolation as evidence for apoptosis.
Moving after the Crisis: A Prospective Study of Three Mile Island Area Population Mobility

A study was conducted to determine the effect of the 1979 nuclear accident at Three Mile Island (TMI) on residential mobility and population composition. The entire population living within five mi...
Estimation of 239Pu independent and cumulative fission product yields from the chain yield data using a Bayesian technique

The independent and cumulative fission product yields (FPYs) are obtained by using the Bayesian technique based on the evaluated mass chain yield, where required constraints such as the normalization can be straightforwardly included. We apply this technique to the 239Pu FPY data at neutron incident energies of 0.5, 2.0, and 14 MeV, where the most updated mass chain yield ENDF/B-VII.1 data are available. The obtained yield data are compared with the evaluated values by England and Rider in ENDF/B-VI, and differences from their values are investigated. We show that the modern decay data used, such as branching ratios to ground and metastable states, cause differences in the evaluated individual and cumulative fission yields.
The mechanism of inhibition and “reversal” of mitogen-induced lymphocyte activation in a model of purine-nucleoside phosphorylase deficiency

Abstract Purine-nucleoside phosphorylase (PNP) is a purine degradative enzyme that catalyzes the phosphorolysis of (deoxy) inosine or (deoxy) guanosine to their respective bases and (deoxy) ribose 1-phosphate. A severe T-cell immune deficiency syndrome with hypouricemia is associated with impaired PNP function. To study the biochemical basis for this syndrome we created an in vitro model of PNP deficiency in mitogen (phytohemagglutinin)-stimulated normal human peripheral blood lymphocytes using guanosine to competitively inhibit deoxyguanosine phosphorolysis. Guanosine-induced guanine toxicity was reversed by adenine. Under these conditions, deoxyguanosine (5–45 μ M ) diminished mitogen stimulation to 30% of control while increasing the deoxyguanosine triphosphate pool (dGTP) by over 20-fold. Deoxycytidine reversed deoxyguanosine toxicity with a diminution of dGTP accumulation, but no significant change in the deoxycytidine triphosphate pool. Thymidine reversed the deoxyguanosine toxicity, repleted the thymidine triphosphate (dTTP) pool, and caused an even further increase in the accumulation of dGTP. These data support a model of lymphotoxicity in PNP deficiency based on dGTP accumulation with inhibition of ribonucleotide reductase and depletion of the thymidine triphosphate pool. Thymidine triphosphate depletion is reversed by either deoxycytidine or thymidine; however, the former diminishes dGTP accumulation (probably by competition for phosphorylation) and the latter potentiates dGTP accumulation (probably through feedback augmentation of guanosine diphosphate (GDP) reduction by ribonucleotide reductase secondary to an increased dTTP pool).
Large displacement analysis of three‐dimensional beam structures

An updated Lagrangian and a total Lagrangian formulation of a three-dimensional beam element are presented for large displacement and large rotation analysis. It is shown that the two formulations yield identical element stiffness matrices and nodal point force vectors, and that the updated Lagragian formulation is computationally more effective. This formulation has been implemented and the resulted of some sample analyses are given.
Evaluation of home audiotapes as an abbreviated test for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) in children.

Snoring occurs commonly in children and is sometimes associated with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). Based on clinical history alone, it is difficult to distinguish primary snoring, characterized by noisy breathing during sleep without apnea or hypoventilation, from snoring indicative of OSAS. An overnight polysomnogram (PSG) is required to establish a definitive diagnosis of OSAS. Because sleep evaluations are costly and resources are limited, we evaluated whether a home audiotape recording could accurately identify children with OSAS. We studied 36 children referred by pediatricians and otolaryngologists for possible OSAS. Parents completed a questionnaire about their child's sleep and breathing and made a 15-min audiotape of the child's breath sounds during sleep. Overnight PSGs were performed on all patients. There were 29 patients who completed the study: 15 patients in the Primary Snoring group (apnea/hypopnea index or = 5). No significant statistical differences existed between the two groups for physical characteristics or questionnaire responses. Seven observers analyzed the audiotapes for the presence of a struggle sound and respiratory pauses. The median sensitivity of the audiotape as a predictor of OSAS was 71% (range 43-86%), and the median specificity was 80% (range 67-80%). The presence of a struggle sound on the audiotape was the parameter most predictive of OSAS. There was a good level of agreement among the seven audiotape observers, as demonstrated by a mean and range kappa statistic of 0.70 (0.50-0.93) for the 21 pairs of observers. Using a clinical score to predict OSAS, the sensitivity was 46%, and the specificity was 83%. We conclude that findings on a home audiotape can be suggestive of OSAS, but are not sufficiently specific to reliably distinguish primary snoring from OSAS.
Laboratory and field evaluation of an improved glass honeycomb denuder/filter pack sampler

Abstract A new and improved glass honeycomb denuder/filter pack sampler has been designed to measure atmospheric particles and gases. The new sampler combines the features of a previously developed glass honeycomb denuder sampler with a new inlet that minimizes loss of sampled gases on the inlet surfaces. Another novelty of the improved design is that the honeycomb denuders are entirely made of glass, instead of consisting of a large number of tubes sealed in an outer glass tube with epoxy resin. The new inlet was designed to reduce the residence time of the air sample as well as the overall surface area available for gas reaction. Although inlets of various materials were tested, the PTFE Teflon coated inlet was found to minimize loss of sampled gases. The honeycomb sampler with the improved inlet was characterized in two different field studies. Outdoor concentrations of nitric acid (HNO3), nitrous acid (HONO), ammonia (NH3), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and fine-particle sulfate (SO42−), ammonium (NH4+), strong acidity (H+) and fine particulate mass determined using the honeycomb denuder sampler (HDS) were compared to those determined with a collocated Harvard/EPA annular denuder system (HEADS). The average collection of the HEADS sampler was in excellent agreement (e.g. within ± 10% or less) with that of the honeycomb sampler for all the gas and particle phase species in the comparison studies. Results from the laboratory and field tests suggest that the new honeycomb denuder sampler with the improved inlet is suitable for sampling atmospheric particles and gases. In addition, it has the advantage of being more compact than annular denuder/filter pack systems, which makes the sampler more practical for large-scale monitoring studies.
Gating of inward rectifier K+ channels by proton-mediated interactions of N- and C-terminal domains

Ion channels play an important role in cellular functions, and specific cellular activity can be produced by gating them. One important gating mechanism is produced by intra- or extracellular ligands. Although the ligand-mediated channel gating is an important cellular process, the relationship between ligand binding and channel gating is not well understood. It is possible that ligands are involved in the interactions of different protein domains of the channel leading to opening or closing. To test this hypothesis, we studied the gating of Kir2.3 (HIR) by intracellular protons. Our results showed that hypercapnia or intracellular acidification strongly inhibited these channels. This effect relied on both the N and C termini. The CO2/pH sensitivities were abolished or compromised when one of the intracellular termini was replaced. Using purified N- and C-terminal peptides, we found that the N and C termini bound to each other in vitro. Although their binding was weak at pH 7.4, stronger binding was seen at pH 6.6. Two short sequences in the N and C termini were found to be critical for the N/C-terminal interaction. Interestingly, there was no titratable residue in these motifs. To identify the potential protonation sites, we systematically mutated most histidine residues in the intracellular N and C termini. We found that mutations of several histidine residues in the C but not the N terminus had a major effect on channel sensitivities to CO2 and pHi. These results suggest that at acidic pH, protons appear to interact with the C-terminal histidine residues and present the C terminus to the N terminus. Consequentially, these two intracellular termini bound to each other through two short motifs and closed the channel. Thus, a novel mechanism for K+ channel gating is demonstrated, which involves the N- and C-terminal interaction with protons as the mediator.
The effect of leptin on the ventilatory responseto hyperoxia.

□ Leptin-deficient mice show a blunted response to hypercapnia explained by central nervous system effects. The impact of leptin on peripheral chemoreceptor function is unclear. Therefore, 9 mutant (ob/ob) and 9 wild-type ( +/+ ) mice were exposed to room air or 100% oxygen and respiratory rate (RR) and tidal volume (Vt) were measured. Subsequently, ob/ob mice received either leptin or vehicle and measurements were repeated. Compared to baseline, for +/+ mice, RR decreased significantly by 9.4% ± 3.0% (means ± SD), whereas Vt remained unchanged. Transition from normoxia to hyperoxia did not change RR and Vt in untreated ob/ob mice, whereas after leptin treatment, RR and Vt decreased significantly. Leptin deficiency abolishes the response to hyperoxia, which is restored by leptin replacement. Thus, leptin seems to be influential for a competent peripheral chemoreceptor function.
Role of thioredoxin reductase in the Yap1p-dependent response to oxidative stress in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The Saccharomyces cerevisiae Yap1p transcription factor is required for the H2O2-dependent activation of many antioxidant genes including the TRX2 gene encoding thioredoxin 2. To identify factors that regulate Yap1p activity, we carried out a genetic screen for mutants that show elevated expression of a TRX2–HIS3 fusion in the absence of H2O2. Two independent mutants isolated in this screen carried mutations in the TRR1 gene encoding thioredoxin reductase. Northern blot and whole-genome expression analysis revealed that the basal expression of most Yap1p targets and many other H2O2-inducible genes is elevated in Δtrr1 mutants in the absence of external stress. In Δtrr1 mutants treated with H2O2, the Yap1p targets, as well as genes comprising a general environmental stress response and genes encoding protein-folding chaperones, are hyperinduced. However, despite the elevated expression of genes encoding antioxidant enzymes, Δtrr1 mutants are extremely sensitive to H2O2. The results suggest that cells lacking thioredoxin reductase have diminished capacity to detoxify oxidants and/or to repair oxidative stress-induced damage and that the thioredoxin system is involved in the redox regulation of Yap1p transcriptional activity.
Divergent Functions through Alternative Splicing: the Drosophila CRMP Gene in Pyrimidine Metabolism, Brain and Behavior

DHP and CRMP proteins comprise a family of structurally similar proteins that perform divergent functions, DHP in pyrimidine catabolism in most organisms and CRMP in neuronal dynamics in animals. In vertebrates, one DHP and five CRMP proteins are products of six genes; however, Drosophila melanogaster has a single CRMP gene that encodes one DHP and one CRMP protein through tissue-specific, alternative splicing of a pair of paralogous exons. The proteins derived from the fly gene are identical over 90% of their lengths, suggesting that unique, novel functions of these proteins derive from the segment corresponding to the paralogous exons. Functional homologies of the Drosophila and mammalian CRMP proteins are revealed by several types of evidence. Loss-of-function CRMP mutation modifies both Ras and Rac misexpression phenotypes during fly eye development in a manner that is consistent with the roles of CRMP in Ras and Rac signaling pathways in mammalian neurons. In both mice and flies, CRMP mutation impairs learning and memory. CRMP mutant flies are defective in circadian activity rhythm. Thus, DHP and CRMP proteins are derived by different processes in flies (tissue-specific, alternative splicing of paralogous exons of a single gene) and vertebrates (tissue-specific expression of different genes), indicating that diverse genetic mechanisms have mediated the evolution of this protein family in animals.
Analysing the Ethiopian Revolution: a Rebuttal

The Africana section of The Journal of Modern African Studies, Vol. xix, No. 4, December I980, pp. 685-91, features a 'cautionary tale' written by John M. Cohen that is devoted to a critique of published treatments of the Ethiopian revolution. In particular, Cohen purports to show that important data on post-coup food production had neither been consulted nor considered in a previously published study of the impact on the nation's agricultural sector of the radical legal and policy measures introduced by the Derg.1 He further introduces estimates of food-grain production based on Ethiopian Government and U.N. F.A.O. sources which he finds 'probably more reliable' than those cited in the earlier article. On the basis of these official statistics, Cohen then disputes the conclusion that the Derg carried out sweeping land reforms without inducing a short-run decline in domestic harvests. He concludes with a call for 'more thorough research in government and donor archives'.2 This rebuttal to Cohen's piece takes a hard look at available crop production data for Africa, and reconsiders the crucial issue of the impact of political changes on food production in Ethiopia. Our main concern is that the criticisms found in Cohen's provocative short article have been misdirected. While we concede the importance of consulting all available evidence, we believe that his preoccupation with official statistical reporting deflects attention from the more fundamental methodological and analytical flaws inherent in many 'authoritative' treatments of African food-production systems. These shortcomings are displayed in Cohen's own discussion of the Ethiopian case. Cohen rests his critique on 'empirical evidence' culled from Ethiopian Government materials that are in limited circulation. Specifically, he makes extensive use of the results of crop-production surveys conducted by the Ministry of Agriculture with assistance from 'a team of F.A.O. specialists'.3 These findings, Cohen admits, are based upon surveys that covered an extremely small total number of rural households. On this basis alone, the estimates he presents 'may... be subject to quite wide margins of error, especially in relation to totals and year-to-year changes'. Cohen also concedes that 'It is probably correct to observe that every type of sampling error is
Ducks, Rabbits, and Normal Science: Recasting the Kuhn's-eye View of Popper's Demarcation of Science

Kuhn maintains that what marks the transition to a science is the ability to carry out 'normal' science—a practice he characterizes as abandoning the kind of testing that Popper lauds as the hallmark of science. Examining Kuhn's own contrast with Popper, I propose to recast Kuhnian normal science. Thus recast, it is seen to consist of severe and reliable tests of low-level experimental hypotheses (normal tests) and is, indeed, the place to look to demarcate science. While thereby vindicating Kuhn on demarcation, my recasting of normal science is seen to tell against Kuhn's view of revolutionary science.
Skin sensitivity to streptomycin.

Abstract 1.1. Streptomycin sensitivity does exist and develops in certain individuals who have frequent contact with solutions of the drug. Apparently past or present allergy or penicillin sensitivity has no effect on the development of skin sensitivity to streptomycin. 2.2. The development of skin sensitivity to streptomycin is due to frequent contact over a period of several weeks. Just which individuals will be sensitized by this contact has not been determined. 3.3. A successful method of treatment and prophylaxis has been discussed.
Flow field-flow fractionation as an analytical technique to rapidly quantitate membrane fouling

Abstract The initial fouling behavior of a clean membrane surface was studied using flow field-flow fractionation (flow FFF), an analytical technique typically used to separate and characterize macromolecules and particulates. This work represents the first time flow FFF has been used to quantitatively evaluate membrane performance. Flow FFF is an ideal tool for expeditiously studying sample–membrane interactions for the following reasons: membranes can be quickly installed into the flow FFF channel, each analysis requires only microgram amounts of sample, and sample–membrane interactions can be rapidly quantitated for different flowrates and solution compositions. Suwannee River humic acids were used as a probe to investigate the initial fouling of an XLE reverse osmosis membrane and an NF-200 nanofiltration membrane. Flow FFF was successfully used to quantitate the fouling of each membrane and to demonstrate that the majority of sample loss was due to irreversible adsorption. The fouling on both membranes was enhanced by increasing the flowrate perpendicular to the membrane surface and by adding calcium ions to the solution. The NF-200 membrane was more resistant than the XLE membrane to fouling in the presence of calcium ions, whereas, the fouling resistance of both membranes improved to similar levels with the addition of EDTA to a solution containing calcium ions.
Objective fuzzy subsets and an algorithm for partial linear programming

People do know how to use optimization to search the peak points of fuzzy subsets. This paper presents an inverse approach: how to treat optimization as peak-searching of fuzzy subsets. The author presents the concepts of objective fuzzy subsets and apt objective fuzzy subsets. This work shows how to use objective fuzzy subsets to treat the optimization problem. Based on the apt objective fuzzy subsets, the author formulates and resolves a new kind of optimal program problem, Partial Linear Programming problem.
Continuous Adventitious Lung Sounds

Recent research has increased the still limited understanding about the generation of continuous adventitious lung sounds. These sounds all have a definite pitch, such as in stridor and wheezing. With the use of waveform analysis, one can examine more closely the relationship between what is heard and the pathophysiology causing the sound. Clinical examples are given to show the utility and limitations of current lung sounds analysis techniques.
Congressional Campaign Spending and the Quality of Democracy

Nearly all research on campaign finance overlooks important intermediaries between candidate spending and electoral outcomes. We consider the effects of campaign spending on a variety of factors important to the health of any democracy and political community: trust, efficacy, involvement, attention, knowledge, and affect. Our analysis of the 1994 and 1996 U.S. House elections shows that the effects of campaign spending lie more on the side of democratic boon than democratic bane. Campaign spending increases knowledge of and affect toward the candidates, improves the public's ability to place candidates on ideology and issue scales, and encourages certainty about those placements. Rather than permit House members to mask their voting records, incumbent spending helps improve the accuracy of citizen perceptions of the incumbent's ideology. Spending neither enhances nor erodes trust and efficacy in politics or attention and interest in campaigns. We conclude that campaign spending contributes to key aspects...
Development Communication and Participation: Applying Habermas to a Case Study of Population Programs in Nepal

One conceptual problem associated with analyzing participatory communication for development is the lack of clear definitions; another concerns scale. The participation literature tends to limit itself to processes at the village level yet certain kinds of change require the involvement of large-scale organizations and support from the state. This article addresses these problems using Jurgen Habermass theory of communicative action with a focus on the concepts of "ideal speech" and the "public sphere." The theory is applied to a case study of a population communication program carried out by the government of Nepal with the support of USAID and international aid organizations. The ongoing program provides empirical evidence of the usefulness of this conceptualization of participatory communication that can potentially provide analytic leverage in relation to both small- and large-scale programs of social change as well as guide operationalization of key elements of communicative action. (authors)
Denitrification of agricultural drainage line water via immobilized denitrification sludge.

Nonpoint source nitrogen is recognized as a significant water pollutant worldwide. One of the major contributors is agricultural drainage line water. A potential method of reducing this nitrogen discharge to water bodies is the use of immobilized denitrifying sludge (IDS). Our objectives were to (1) produce an effective IDS, (2) determine the IDS reaction kinetics in laboratory column bioreactors, and (3) test a field bioreactor for nitrogen removal from agricultural drainage line water. We developed a mixed liquor suspended solid (MLSS) denitrifying sludge using inoculant from an overland flow treatment system. It had a specific denitrification rate of 11.4 mg NO3-N g− 1 MLSS h− 1. We used polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) to immobilize this sludge and form IDS pellets. When placed in a 3.8-L column bioreactor, the IDS had a maximum removal rate (K MAX) of 3.64 mg NO3-N g− 1 pellet d− 1. In a field test with drainage water containing 7.8 mg NO3-N L− 1, 50% nitrogen removal was obtained with a 1 hr hydraulic retent...
Is Descartes' evil spirit finite or infinite?

*University of Georgia, U.S.A. 1 Sophia, XVII, 3 (October, 1978), p. 33. Hereafter referred to as "DGES." 2 See Richard Kennington, "The Finitude of Descartes' Evil Genius," Journal of the History of Ideas, XXXI[ (1971), 441--446, who invokes the linguistic differences as partial evidence for his contention that Cartesian doubt was not intended to be universal. 3 Oeuvres de Descartes, ed. Charles Adams and Paul Tannery (Paris, 18971913), VII, p. 21. Hereafter referred to as AT. 4 AT VII, pp. 40 & 45, respectively. s AT VII, pp. 22, 25 and 26, respectively. In reply to Kennington, Hiram Caton notes "A genlurn is mentioned in only one of the three passages Kennington cites: the others speak only of a 'deceiver'. It follows that the only strict textual evidence against the omnipotence of the demons must be drawn from that passage [i.e., from summe poteus in AT VII, 22] ." See "Kennington on Descartes' Evil Genius." Journal of the History of ideas, XXXIV (1973), 639. I agree with Kennington in identifying the deceiver with the evil spirit, and I assume that Elliot and Smith do so also. See "Reply to Caton," Ibid., 641.
MyoD can induce cell cycle arrest but not muscle differentiation in the presence of dominant negative SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling enzymes.

Cell cycle arrest is critical for muscle differentiation, and the two processes are closely coordinated but temporally separable. SWI/SNF complexes are ATP-dependent chromatin-remodeling enzymes that have been shown to be required for muscle differentiation in cell culture and have also been reported to be required for Rb-mediated cell cycle arrest. We therefore looked more closely at how SWI/SNF enzymes affect the events that occur during MyoD-induced myogenesis, namely, cell cycle regulation and muscle-specific gene expression, in cells that inducibly express dominant negative versions of Brahma (BRM) and Brahma-related gene 1 (BRG1), the ATPase subunits of two distinct SWI/SNF complexes. Although dominant negative BRM and BRG1 inhibited expression of every muscle-specific regulator and structural gene assayed, there was no effect on MyoD-induced activation of cell cycle regulatory proteins, and thus, cells arrested normally. In particular, in the presence or absence of dominant negative BRM or BRG1, MyoD was able to activate expression of p21, cyclin D3, and Rb, all of which are critical for cell cycle withdrawal in the G1/G0phase of the cell cycle. These findings suggest that at least one basis for the distinct mechanisms that regulate cessation of cell proliferation and muscle-specific gene expression during muscle differentiation is that SWI/SNF-mediated chromatin-remodeling enzymes are required only for the latter.
Development of a method for the detection and confirmation of the alpha-2 agonist amitraz and its major metabolite in horse urine.

Amitraz (N'-(2,4-dimethylphenyl)-N-[[(2,4-dimethylphenyl)imino]methyl]-N-methyl-methanimidamide) is an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist used in veterinary medicine primarily as a scabicide- or acaricide-type insecticide. As an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist, it also has sedative/tranquilizing properties and is, therefore, listed as an Association of Racing Commissioners International Class 3 Foreign Substance, indicating its potential to influence the outcome of horse races. We identified the principal equine metabolite of amitraz as N-2,4-dimethylphenyl-N'-methylformamidine by electrospray ionization(+)-mass spectrometry and developed a gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric (GC-MS) method for its detection, quantitation, and confirmation in performance horse regulation. The GC-MS method involves derivatization with t-butyldimethylsilyl groups; selected ion monitoring (SIM) of m/z 205 (quantifier ion), 278, 261, and 219 (qualifier ions); and elaboration of a calibration curve based on ion area ratios involving simultaneous SIM acquisition of an internal standard m/z 208 quantifier ion based on an in-house synthesized d 6 deuterated metabolite. The limit of detection of the method is approximately 5 ng/mL in urine and is sufficiently sensitive to detect the peak urinary metabolite at 1 h post dose, following administration of amitraz at a 75-mg/horse intraveneous dose.
Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction in Patients With Gastroparesis

AbstractPurpose: We characterized the bladder dysfunction in patients with idiopathic gastroparesis and compared it to findings in those with gastroparesis secondary to diabetes mellitus.Materials and Methods: The clinical and urodynamic records of 17 patients with gastroparesis (10 idiopathic and 7 secondary to diabetes mellitus) were retrospectively reviewed.Results: Urinary frequency and difficulty emptying were the predominant symptoms that led to patient referral. Overall this population demonstrated diminished bladder sensation, increased capacity, decreased flow rates, elevated post-void residuals and increased rates of abdominal straining. Patients with idiopathic gastroparesis had more severe dysfunction than those with gastroparesis secondary to diabetes mellitus.Conclusions: An association between idiopathic gastroparesis and bladder dysfunction exists. These patients have bladder dysfunction that parallels but is more severe than that in patients with gastroparesis secondary to diabetes mellit...
Mapping surface currents near the Gulf Stream using the Air Force over-the-horizon-radar

During nine days in 1993 and 1994, the authors pointed the Air Force OTH-B radar in Maine southward to illuminate a 240,000 km/sup 2/ ocean area off the Carolina coast to test the feasibility of mapping radial surface currents. In the past, ionospheric motions have masked the effects of ocean currents on the OTH sea echo spectrum. The present authors average the radar measurements over time to take advantage of the shorter time scales of ionospheric variability, compared with those of ocean currents. In addition, they have concentrated on the times of day when the reflecting layer is most stable. Examples of daily current maps show features of the Gulf Stream core and associated eddies with reasonable day-to-day consistency. Agreement is good with the location of SST features on infrared (AVHRR) imagery and with acoustic-Doppler current profile measurements on board research vessels.
On the Role of Meridional Wind Anomalies in a Coupled Model of ENSO

The role of the meridional wind anomalies on the El Nino-Southern Oscillation as simulated by a simple coupled tropical Pacific ocean-atmosphere model is investigated. It is found that these anomalies play a key role in maintaining finite amplitude interannual variability in the coupled simulations. When the meridional wind stress anomalies are not allowed to feed back to the ocean, the simulated oscillations are damped out within a few years. This happens irrespective of initial conditions. During a warm (cold) event, the simulated meridional wind stress anomalies drive convergent (divergent) surface currents in the equatorial east Pacific, inducing downwelling (upwelling) anomalies that act to strongly reinforce the SST and wind anomalies. This is in contrast to the model zonal wind stress anomalies, which due to the tendency to reverse sign in the eastern Pacific, induce upwelling (downwelling) anomalies in the east, and SST patterns with weaker net positive feedback. Observed wind stress anomalies present some similarity with those simulated by the coupled model in the near-equatorial region. The zonal component reverses sign between the central and the eastern Pacific. There, the meridional component induces a vertical current anomaly of opposite sign and similar magnitude to that induced by the zonal one. These features suggest the importance of meridional wind stress anomalies in the real climate system.
Performance considerations for protected wideband satcom

There is increased interest in using transponded payloads to provide jam-resistant links to users. In the type of system we consider, multiple user terminals transmit to a satellite using a coordinated frequency hopping waveform, and the received signals are relayed to a ground processing “hub” terminal for baseband processing. In this paper, expressions for computing end-to-end signal-to-noise ratios for such systems are presented, and some example results are provided. In particular, modeling of effects such as signal suppression, intermodulation noise, and gain setting is discussed. By considering each component of the end-to-end link performance separately, the factors limiting performance are more apparent, enabling the system designer to identify which improvements would have the greatest impact.
Resistance to Two Classes of Insecticides in Southern Chinch Bugs (Hemiptera: Lygaeidae)

Abstract Southern chinch bugs were tested from 10 locations in Florida to determine possible resistance to 4 insecticides. Resistance of varying degrees was found in all 4 insecticides: bifenthrin, deltamethrin, imidacloprid, and lambda-cyhalothrin. This study is the first to show southern chinch bug resistance to the latter 3 insecticides. Our data also show that multiple locations are necessary for insecticidal testing for southern chinch bugs since results from 1 location can be very misleading.
Peter Senge, the Pragmatist? On the Philosophical Credentials of an Organizational Theorist

Few philosophers are familiar with the name and work of the American organizational theorist Peter Senge. Significantly more organizational theorists know the writings of the American pragmatist philosopher John Dewey. Since organizational theory is a broadly trans-disciplinary area of inquiry, the scholars and practitioner-scholars that call themselves organizational theorists liberally share methods and approaches with educational philosophers, behavioral psychologists, and management scientists, to name a few. Senge revolutionized the study of organizations in the 1990s with his theory of learning organizations, or firms that resemble dynamic systems capable of confronting interpersonal and cultural resistance, adapting to changing markets and cultivating abilities to reflect, inquire and learn in their membership. While John Dewey died only five years after Senge’s birth, he anticipated some key themes in Senge’s work on learning organizations. Dewey criticized the routinized processes that passed for education in the schools, as well as many other traditional organizations of the time, proposing that they be replaced with an experimental, democratic and inquiry-driven approach to learning — widely referred to as learning-by-doing. In this paper, I explore the commonalities between Dewey’s educational philosophy and Senge’s theory of learning organizations, by way of asking the question: Is it fair to call Senge a philosophical pragmatist?
MECHANICALLY COUPLED BUOYANT FLAPS: THEORY AND EXPERIMENT

A system composed of two buoyant flaps hinged at the sea floor and coupled with weighted mooring lines is modeled analytically and experimentally. The system behavior is described theoretically utilizing an eigenseries representation of linear wave theory in the vicinity of the breakwater. The structure dynamics are modeled in terms of structure weight, inertia, buoyancy, damping, mooring line tension and the wave pressure field. The mechanically coupled system provides shelter by reflecting incident waves and by attenuating wave energy through structural and viscous damping. The structure can be tuned to minimize wave transmission within a particular frequency range by changing the flap spacing and adjusting the mass and equilibrium position of the mooring line weights. The theory is validated with experimental results for models fabricated from inflatable, parallel-tube membranes. Buoyancy and inertia are changed by filling tubes with air and/or water. Single and double flaps are examined with and without mooring lines. Incident, reflected, and transmitted waves are measured as well as flap motion. Theoretical results are corroborated by the experiments and the importance of including damping in the model is demonstrated.