cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Stable carbon isotope budget of CO2 in a wet, modern soil as inferred from Fe(CO3)OH in pedogenic goethite: possible role of calcite dissolution

Abstract δ13C values of the Fe(CO3)OH component in pedogenic goethites from a young soil developed on the Eocene Weches formation in east Texas increase from approximately −13 or −14‰ at depths of 31–64 cm to values around −6 to −4‰ at depths greater than 122 cm. This spatial distribution of δ13C values suggests that dissolution of precursor fossiliferous marine calcite (still present at deeper levels in the soil) has contributed significantly to the isotopic budget of CO2 in this soil. A local isotopic material balance was calculated for the soil CO2 at each sample depth using a calcite δ13C value of −1‰, an organic matter δ13C value of −25‰, and the measured δ13C value of the Fe(CO3)OH component in each sample. Although there is presently no calcite in the upper 120 cm of the profile, the calculated apparent contribution of CO2 from a calcite source ranges from 16% to 45% at these shallow depths. Below 120 cm, dissolution of calcite appears to contribute more than 50% of the CO2 in the soil gas. Similar results might be expected in other wet, goethite-bearing soils that contain relict calcite and thus have not achieved the highly leached characteristics of laterites (such as those in the Amazon basin). Models of the soil CO2 budget in such systems may need to consider both oxidation of organic matter and dissolution of carbonate minerals as in situ sources of carbon isotope variation in CO2. The variation with depth of the δ13C values of the Fe(CO3)OH component suggests an ongoing process of goethite dissolution and reprecipitation in the active, aerobic soil zone. If so, the extremely low solubility of goethite in oxidizing environments suggests that this dissolution process is probably biologically mediated. Dissolution and reprecipitation of goethite in an aerobic soil would favor the recording of steady-state soil CO2 δ13C patterns. Preservation of such information in ancient soils would probably depend upon burial and consequent removal from the biologically active soil zone.
External Vacuum Devices in the Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction: A One-Year Study of Sexual and Psychosocial Impact

This prospective study assessed the sexual and psychosocial effects of 12 months' use of an external vacuum device in the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Results showed that the external vacuum device produced erections sufficient for intercourse in 87% of the men in our sample. The dropout rate was only 20% over the 12-month period. Use of the external vacuum device was associated with improvements in men's and their partners' sexual functioning. These improvements included erections of better quality, increased partner arousal, and increased frequency of orgasm and sexual satisfaction for men and women. The external vacuum device was also associated with decreases in general psychiatric symptomatology for men. Similar improvements in psychological functioning were not found for partners. Side effects and factors in patient and partner acceptance of the external vacuum device are discussed.
Glycemic control among U.S. Hispanics/Latinos with diabetes from the HCHS/SOL Sociocultural Ancillary Study: Do structural and functional social support play a role?

Social support is one potential source of health-related resiliency in Hispanics with diabetes. This study examined relationships of structural (i.e., social integration) and functional (i.e., perceived) social support with glycemic control (glycosylated hemoglobin; HbA1c) in the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos Sociocultural Ancillary Study. This study included 766 men and women representing multiple Hispanic ethnic backgrounds, aged 18-74 years, with diagnosed diabetes who completed fasting blood draw, medication review, and measures of sociodemographic factors, medical history, structural support (Cohen Social Network Index), and functional support (Interpersonal Support Evaluation List-12). After adjusting for sociodemographic covariates and medication, a one standard deviation increase in functional support was related to an 0.18% higher HbA1c (p = 0.04). A similar trend was observed for structural support; however, this effect was non-significant in adjusted models. Greater functional support was associated with poorer glycemic control in Hispanics.
Flow reactor study of the effect of pressure on the thermal de-NOx process

Abstract The effect of pressure on the thermal de-NO x reaction was studied in a flow reactor capable of operating at pressures up to 50 bar. Hot combustion products were supplied to the reactor by a burner operating with a lean, premixed CH 4 -air mixture. Nitric oxide, ammonia and nitrogen were injected into the combustion products at the throat of a converging-diverging nozzle through radially opposed jets oriented perpendicular to the flow to provide rapid mixing. Nearly isothermal conditions exist downstream of the mixing region. Typical axial temperature variations are ±5 K. Axial profiles of NO, NH 3 , NO 2 , and N 2 O mole fractions were measured in the reactor at pressures of 1, 2, 5, and 10 bar for temperatures of 1200 K and 1240 K using extractive sampling techniques. Initial injected mole fractions of NO and NH 3 corresponded to 250 ppm and 500 ppm, respectively, in the combustion products, and the O 2 mole fraction was near 3%. At a given temperature, increasing pressure resulted in a modest decrease in the rate of NO removal, with little effect on the amount of NO 2 and N 2 O formed. Measured NO 2 and N 2 O mole fractions were less than 20 ppm for all conditions of this study. To allow comparison of the experimental data with predictions, a model was developed that couples the entrainment and mixing processes in the flow reactor with a detailed thermal de-NO x reaction mechanism. To improve agreement between measured and calculated species profiles, particularly at elevated pressures, the reaction mechanism was optimized by systematic variation of key kinetic parameters within reported uncertainties. This optimization reduced the overall rate and branching fraction of the NH 2 + NO → products reaction to values consistent with recent experimental studies of this reaction and provided a modest improvement in agreement between the calculated and measured species profiles.
Health-related quality of life and body mass index among US adolescents

Purpose To examine the magnitude of differences in health-related quality of life (HRQOL) by body mass index (BMI) in a population-based sample of United States adolescents overall and by sex, and to provide national prevalence estimates of reported HRQOL outcomes for not only obese and overweight but also underweight adolescents.
Developing a Data Identifier Taxonomy

As the amount of research data management is growing, the use of identity metadata for discovering, linking, and citing research data is growing too. To support the awareness of different identifier systems and the comparison and selection of an identifier for a particular data management environment, there is need for a knowledge base. This article contributes to that goal and analyzes the data management and related literatures to develop a data identifier taxonomy. The taxonomy includes four categories (domain, entity types, activities, and quality dimensions). In addition, the article describes 14 identifiers referenced in the literature and analyzes them along the taxonomy.
Effects of Immune Neutralization of Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone, Adrenocorticotropin, and β-Endorphin in the Surgically Stressed Rat

Specific in vivo neutralization was used in an attempt to explore the roles of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), ACTH, and β-endorphin during surgical stress in Sprague-Dawley rats. Rats were randomly assigned to groups (n = 20-30/group) that received iv injections of rabbit antirat/ human CRH (anti-r/hCRH), antihuman ACTH (anti-hACTH), antihuman β-endorphin (anti-hβ-endorphin), or normal rabbit serum. Three hours later all animals were subjected to a uniform stress consisting of ether anesthesia, surgical laparotomy, and phlebotomy of 7 ml via the inferior vena cava. Survival rates were recorded, and RIAs were performed for ACTH, β-endorphin, and corticosterone. Rats treated with anti-hβ-endorphin had a survival rate of 64%, which was significantly higher than that of the control group (33%; P < 0.025, by analysis of variance). Anti-r/hCRH or anti-hACTH treatment was not associated with a change in survival rate. Plasma immunoreactive β-endorphin levels were markedly decreased in the group treated w...
Effects of hydroprocessing on structure and properties of base oils using NMR

Abstract The hydroprocessing technologies such as hydrocracking, hydrofinishing provide an opportunity to modify the chemistry of hydrocarbons to improve the properties of petroleum base oils. Quantitative 1 H and 13 C NMR data has been used to generate average structural profile for a variety of base oil samples and aromatic fractions. The average structural parameters were used to study the effect of hydroprocessing on structure and properties of paraffinic neutral base oils. In addition, the effect of severity of hydrogenation on structure and properties has been investigated on three aromatic extract fractions obtained from different degree of hydrogenation of catalytic cycle stock. A linear relationship was found between average structural parameters and properties such as viscosity index, volatility and refractive index. Thermo-oxidative stability of samples was measured using differential scanning calorimetry and thin film micro oxidation tests. Variation in oxidative stability of various samples was explained using structural parameters. The NMR data was found useful in explaining property changes as a result of hydroprocessing. The results suggest that deepest knowledge of chemical structure could help in selecting base oils to meet future product specifications.
An Approximate Solution to Deterministic Kanban Systems

This paper presents a simple heuristic for computing the number of kanbans in a kanban system. The production systems under consideration have a multistage, uncapacitated, assembly tree structure, with every stage producing only one item at a time. The experimental results show that this method generates very good solutions. In more realistic problems where the master production schedule incorporates a smoothed demand, the solution found under the proposed method is identical to that of the linear programming approximation. This simple heuristic can be used in the real world to quickly determine the number of kanbans for daily just-in-time operations.
LOCAL FOLDING COUPLED TO RNA BINDING IN THE YEAST RIBOSOMAL PROTEIN L30

Abstract The ribosomal protein L30 from yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae auto-regulates its own synthesis by binding to a structural element in both its pre-mRNA and its mRNA. The three-dimensional structures of L30 in the free (f L30) and the pre-mRNA bound (b L30) forms have been solved by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Both protein structures contain four alternating α-helices and four β-strands segments and adopt an overall topology that is an αβα three-layer sandwich, representing a unique fold. Three loops on one end of the αβα sandwich have been mapped as the RNA binding site on the basis of structural comparison, chemical shift perturbation and the inter-molecular nuclear Overhauser effects to the RNA. The structural and dynamic comparison of f L30 and b L30 reveals that local dynamics may play an important role in the RNA binding. The fourth helix in b L30 is longer than in f L30, and is stabilized by RNA binding. The exposed hydrophobic surface that is buried upon RNA binding may provide the energy necessary to drive secondary structure formation, and may account for the increased stability of b L30.
Appointment attendance predicts level of glycaemic control in people with diabetes

Abstract Question Do people who miss scheduled healthcare appointments have poorer management of their diabetes? Study design Retrospective cross-sectional cohort study. Main results During the year 2000, 12% of participants missed >30% of scheduled appointments, 52% missed 1–30% and 35% missed none. Glycaemic control was poorer in those who missed most appointments (p 30% of appointments (p 30% of scheduled appointments. Authors’ conclusions People with diabetes who frequently miss appointments are likely to have poorer glycaemic control and less frequent self-monitoring. Level of attendance could be monitored and used for clinical risk stratification.
Analysis of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy spectra: The case for extreme value statistics

In most instances, laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) spectra are obtained through analog accumulation of multiple shots in the spectrometer CCD. The average acquired in the CCD at a given wavelength is assumed to be a good representation of the population mean, which in turn is implicitly regarded to be the best estimator for the central value of the distribution of the spectrum at the same wavelength. Multiple analog accumulated spectra are taken and then in turn averaged wavelength-by-wavelength to represent the final spectrum. In this paper, the statistics of single-shot and analog accumulated LIBS spectra of both solids and liquids were examined to evaluate whether the spectrum averaging approach is statistically defensible. At a given wavelength, LIBS spectra are typically drawn from a Frechet extreme value distribution, and hence the mean of an ensemble of LIBS spectra is not necessarily an optimal summary statistic. Under circumstances that are broadly general, the sample mean for LIBS data is statistically inconsistent and the central limit theorem does not apply. This result appears to be due to very high shot-to-shot plasma variability in which a very small number of spectra are high in intensity while the majority are very weak, yielding the extreme value form of the distribution. The extreme value behavior persists when individual shots are analog accumulated. An optimal estimator in a welldefined sense for the spectral average at a given wavelength follows from the maximum likelihood method for the extreme value distribution. Example spectra taken with both an Echelle and a Czerny–Turner spectrometer are processed with this scheme to create smooth, high signal-tonoise summary spectra. Plasma imaging was used in an attempt to visually understand the observed variability and to validate the use of extreme value statistics. The data processing approach presented in this paper is statistically reliable and should be used for accurate comparisons of LIBS spectra instead of arithmetic averaging on either complete or censored data sets. © 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Isolation, Identification, and Synthesis of the Sex Attractant of Gypsy Moth

The extremely potent sex attractant of the female gypsy moth has been isolated in pure form and identified as dextrorotatory 10-acetoxy-1-hydroxy-cis-7-hexadecene. The dl-form of the attractant has been synthesized.
EITM: An assessment with an application to economic voting☆

This paper describes the origins of EITM and its role in research and training. The EITM framework is reviewed as well as clarifications of its meaning. We apply EITM to the study of economic voting and demonstrate how linking formal and empirical analysis creates a dialogue between theory and test sufficient in supporting communication and cumulation of scientific knowledge.
Evolution of the Mogollon Rim in central Arizona

Abstract The tectonic geomorphology of the Mogollon Rim in central Arizona near Pine reveals that this escarpment is related to mid- to late Tertiary extension. Tectonic lowering of base-level initiated the establishment of an older drainage divide near the present escarpment that was superseded by a faulting overprint along the Diamond Rim fault, which was active between 25 m.y. and 15 m.y. ago. The faulting is marginal to a zone of mid-Tertiary extension that is presently outlined by geophysical and topographic transitions. Retreat of the escarpment has occurred at an average rate of 354–857 m/m.y. Relief along the Mohollon Rim was comparable to the present relief by 14 m.y. ago. Since 12 m.y. ago, faulting has been minor, on the Diamond Rim fault, but a post 12 m.y. tectonic lowering of baselevel has occurred, presumably due to movement along other faults.
Solvent distribution studies of the chemistry of astatine

Abstract Certain aspects of the chemistry of the positive oxidation states of astatine have been investigated by solvent distribution studies. The existence of a chlorocomplex, probably AtCl2−, has been established. Methods for the recovery of astatine from inorganic residues, and for the isolation of astatine from bismuth targets, have been based on the ether extractability of this complex. Some organic reactions attributable to HAtO have been observed.
Movement of the Nucleotide Binding Domains in the ABC Transporter MsbA Reconstituted in Nanodiscs

MsbA is a homodimeric bacterial lipid flippase homolog of P-glycoprotein, an ABC- transporter involved in multidrug resistance. ABC transporters are formed by two transmembrane domains and two highly conserved nucleotide binding domains (NBDs) that bind and hydrolyze ATP. Crystal structures have shown widely separated NBDs (open conformation; nucleotide-free state) and NBDs forming a dimer with nucleotide trapped at the interface (closed conformation, nucleotide-bound), leading to the proposal of a switch model, where NBDs associate/dissociate during the ATP hydrolysis cycle. Other proposed mechanisms suggest instead that the NBDs are always in contact. Recent studies using Luminescence Resonance Energy Transfer (LRET) in a detergent-solubilized single-cysteine MsbA mutant (T561C; Cooper & Altenberg, 2013. JBC 287:14994) have shown transitions between open (52 A) and closed NBD conformations (36 A), with the proportion of molecules in each conformation changing during the hydrolysis cycle: majority open in nucleotide-free, majority closed in nucleotide-bound, ∼50% each during hydrolysis. Now, we have used LRET to determine if this large NBD separation occurs when MsbA is reconstituted in a membrane bilayer. MsbA (T561C) was labeled with LRET probes, was reconstituted in nanodiscs, and the distance changes were determined in nucleotide-free, nucleotide-bound, and hydrolysis conditions (MgATP). We found that the largest distance observed for the reconstituted MsbA was 46 A (partially-open conformation), suggesting smaller conformational changes than in detergent. We also found that, opposite to what happens in detergent, only about half of the molecules adopt the “open” conformation in the nucleotide-free condition, indicating that the membrane stabilizes the closed conformation. These results show an important effect of the lipid bilayer, and suggest small conformational changes during the hydrolysis cycle of MsbA under near “physiological” conditions. This work was supported by CPRIT grant RP101073.
Simulating the outcome of a birth and death process

Abstract A method is given for sampling the outcome population size of a birth and death process running over a specific duration of time for an arbitrary starting population size. This is done by treating two cases depending on the size of the starting population. If the starting population size is small, then a sample outcome can be constructed by repeated sampling from the outcome distribution for starting size one; this being a computationally manageable distribution. For large starting sizes a sample outcome is gotten by sampling from the normal distribution which approximates the birth and death distribution. It is possible to find this normal distribution since, even for large starting sizes, the first and second moments of the birth and death process are readily computed.
Diffusion in inhomogeneous media. Capillary diffusion in beds of glass beads

Abstract The diffusion of AgNO3 into K2CrO4 and that of HCl into H2O have been studied as a function of the size of glass beads filling the system. The diffusion constant decreases with decreasing bead size below 200 μ. Diffusion of electrolyte into the beads occurs also.
Cognitive style, personality, and computer programming

Abstract Within the field of computer programming there is evidence of tremendous variation among individuals achievement in programming. Cognitive styles and personality traits have been investigated as factors that may help explain some of that variability; however, they have failed to consistently explain individual differences in achievement. In the majority of these studies, computer programming has been measured as a single activity. Computer programming has been described as an activity having separate and distinct phases: problem representation, program design, coding, and debugging. It may be that certain cognitive styles and personality dimensions affect some phases but not others. The purpose of this review is twofold. First, the empirical studies on the relation between cognitive style, personality traits and computer programming are reviewed. Second, the paper provides an agenda for future research by providing a conceptual framework that organizes and relates the variety of constructs to the specific phases of writing computer programs and identifies a number of distinct gaps in this particular body of research.
A Lattice Approach to Pricing Fixed‐Rate Mortgages with Default and Prepayment Options

Existing models on the pricing of default and prepayment options in fixed-rate mortgages either use numerical methds or they do not consider refinancing or other transaction costs involved in default and prepayment. We provide in this paper an application of the Boyle [1] lattice model to price secured debt with two risky assets. This model is simple, efficient and capable of considering the major types of transaction costs involved in prepayment and default. Using our model, we estimate the option values under a range of assumptions about the underlying parameters. We also provide some comparisons of the lattice model estimates to other models in the literature.
Cerebral metabolism in major depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder occurring separately and concurrently.

Abstract Background: The frequent comorbidity of major depressive disorder (MDD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) suggests a fundamental relationship between them. We sought to determine whether MDD and OCD have unique cerebral metabolic patterns that remain the same when they coexist as when they occur independently. Methods: [ 18 F]-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (PET) brain scans were obtained on 27 subjects with OCD alone, 27 with MDD alone, 17 with concurrent OCD+MDD, and 17 normal control subjects, all in the untreated state. Regional cerebral glucose metabolism was compared between groups. Results: Left hippocampal metabolism was significantly lower in subjects with MDD alone and in subjects with concurrent OCD+MDD than in control subjects or subjects with OCD alone. Hippocampal metabolism was negatively correlated with depression severity across all subjects. Thalamic metabolism was significantly elevated in OCD alone and in MDD alone. Subjects with concurrent OCD+MDD had significantly lower metabolism in thalamus, caudate, and hippocampus than subjects with OCD alone. Conclusions: Left hippocampal dysfunction was associated with major depressive episodes, regardless of primary diagnosis. Other cerebral metabolic abnormalities found in OCD and MDD occurring separately were not seen when the disorders coexisted. Depressive episodes occurring in OCD patients may be mediated by different basal ganglia-thalamic abnormalities than in primary MDD patients.
Efficient trace signal selection using augmentation and ILP techniques

A key problem in post-silicon validation is to identify a small set of traceable signals that are effective for debug during silicon execution. Most signal selection techniques rely on a metric based on circuit structure. Simulation-based signal selection is promising but have major drawbacks in computation overhead and restoration quality. In this paper, we propose an efficient simulation-based signal selection technique to address these bottlenecks. Our approach uses (1) bounded mock simulations to determine state restoration effectiveness, and (2) an ILP-based algorithm for refining selected signals over different simulation runs. Experimental results demonstrate that our algorithm can provide significantly better restoration ratio (up to 515%, 51% on average) compared to the state-of-the-art techniques.
Noise analysis of magnetoresistive permalloy detectors

The noise characteristics of magnetoresistive bubble detectors were studied in the 0-70 °C temperature range using 1 Mbit permalloy devices. The results show that the "zero" signal noise is constant while the "one" signal noise is a function of the temperature. The main source of the "one" signal noise is the random propagation of the stripe domain rather than the switching noise of the permalloy elements. Strong correlation exists between the noise amplitude and the slope of the signal. It is proposed that the detector noise can be modeled with random changes of the phase lag of the propagating stripe.
Molecular dynamics simulation of the temperature-dependent behavior of solid copper

Abstract Molecular dynamics simulations of bulk copper have been carried out between 300 and 1100 K with the objective of establishing and validating the methodology for predicting its temperature-dependent behavior. The program charmm was used in conjunction with a multibody potential function from the literature to perform simulations in the NPT ensemble. The parametrization was based on an earlier investigation. Three important properties—the coefficient of thermal volume expansion, the isothermal compressibility, and the heat capacity at constant pressure—are correctly found to increase with temperature at roughly the observed rate, and their magnitudes are predicted with reasonable accuracy (or better). The heat capacity at constant volume is in excellent agreement with classical theory and the empirical law of Dulong and Petit.
Formation of nanoparticles by intramolecular cross-linking: following the reaction progress of single polymer chains by atomic force microscopy

Aliphatic polycarbonates with pendant vinyl groups were transformed into nanoparticles through intramolecular olefin cross-metathesis under dilute conditions. Reaction progress was monitored by AFM, revealing a range of structures from extended linear molecules at 0% cross-linking to isolated particles at 76% cross-linking.
Experiments on nest-building behaviour in Peromyscus (Rodentia: Cricetinae)

Abstract Previous studies reflect conflicting views on the relative importance of major climatic factors and microhabitat in selection for nest-building behaviour in the genus Peromyscus. In my study, populations of the leucopus species group (P. leucopus and P. gossypinus) from Illinois, Mississippi, and Florida were found not to differ consistently. Populations of P. polionotus, a burrow-nesting form, from Mississippi and Florida scored lower on tests designed to measure nest-building tendency than members of the other two species. I conclude that the evolution of nest-building behaviour in this genus was influenced more by microhabitat than by differences in climate.
Functional and physical communication between oncoproteins and tumor suppressors

The discovery of oncogenes (c-onc’s) and tumor suppressors (TS’s) has led to the concept that cancer arises from defects in each of these classes of genes or their products. More recently, it has been appreciated that c-onc and TS proteins often affect one another’s functions. Within this context, I review the two classical TS’s, p53 and the retinoblastoma protein, and the consequences of their inactivation. The various forms of genomic instability (GI) that underly the high mutation rates of transformed cells are then discussed. Particular emphasis is placed upon the concept that GI is not only an integral part of the transformed state but is a prerequisite. Increased oxidative DNA damage, and/or an inabiliy to repair it, can lead to GI. The review then discusses recent observations showing that loss of the TS protein peroxiredoxin 1 (prdx1) and increased expression of the c-onc protein c-Myc, each leads to increased oxidative DNA damage. The critical nature of the c-onc-TS interaction is underscored by that occurring between prdx1 and c-Myc, with the former protein regulating the production of DNA-damaging reactive oxygen species by the latter. The intimate association between these proteins and others serves as a paradigm for the exquisite balancing act that c-onc’s and TS’s must maintain in order to properly control normal DNA replication and cellular proliferation while simultaneously minimizing the acquisition of potentially neoplastic mutations.
Modal analysis using segmented piezoelectric sensors

This paper is concerned with the use of segmented piezoelectric film sensors for the modal analysis of structures. We make use of the relation between the charge generated by the piezoelectric sensors and the modal coordinates, the asymptotic behavior of the eigensolution of structures, and the concept of modal observers to extract the modal coordinates and velocities from the sensor output. We also conduct sensitivity studies in an effort to determine the optimal coverage area of the piezofilm sensor, and we investigate the effects of noise, unmodeled dynamics, and parameter errors on the accuracy of the modal coordinate and velocity extraction. We analyze implementation of piezoelements on beams as well as on plates.
Scenario analysis via bundle decomposition

Scenario analysis, originally proposed by Rockafellar and Wets, is a widely applicable method for introducing uncertainty into practical decision problems. As it often leads to very large optimization problems, one needs special techniques for the resulting numerical computation. One such technique, the Progressive Hedging Algorithm, is simple and universally applicable, but it can be slow. In this paper we show how the bundle decomposition method can be applied to linear or convex scenario analysis problems that are loosely coupled. We illustrate its effectiveness by presenting computational results for military force planning problems and for multi-scenario network models of production planning.
Regulation of dynamin 2 and G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2 in rat nucleus accumbens during acute and repeated cocaine administration.

Exposure to cocaine causes many neuroadaptations including alterations in several neurotransmitter receptors and transporters. This study investigated potential mechanisms of cocaine-induced receptor and transporter regulation by measuring levels of two proteins involved in receptor and transporter trafficking, dynamin 2 and G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2 (GRK2). Male Fischer rats received three daily injections of cocaine, 15 mg/kg, in a binge-pattern (at one hour intervals) for 1, 3, or 14 days. Brain regions of interest were collected 30 minutes after the last injection and proteins measured by Western blot. Acute binge-pattern cocaine administration produced a significant increase in both dynamin 2- and GRK2-immunoreactivity (227% and 358% of control) in the nucleus accumbens and GKR2 (150% of control) in the caudate putamen. Tolerance to this effect occurred, as levels of both proteins returned to baseline after 3 days of cocaine. In contrast, dynamin 2 and GRK2 were significantly decreased in the nucleus accumbens after chronic cocaine. This pattern of regulation was unique to the nucleus accumbens and not seen in the frontal cortex or substantia nigra. Pre-treatment with either the dopamine D1 receptor antagonist SCH 23390 or D2 receptor antagonist eticlopride prior to acute cocaine blocked the upregulation of dynamin 2 and GRK2 in the nucleus accumbens. However, only eticlopride was effective in attenuating the decrease in these proteins following chronic cocaine exposure. These results demonstrate that two proteins involved in receptor and transporter trafficking are selectively regulated in the nucleus accumbens following acute versus chronic cocaine exposure, and dopamine receptor activation is required for this regulation.
The pathophysiologic mechanism of cerebellar mutism.

Abstract Objective Cerebellar mutism (CM) is a postoperative complication of mainly pediatric posterior fossa surgery. Multiple theories exist for explaining this phenomenon. We have made an attempt to further understand this entity given a particularly interesting case as it relates to multiple pathophysiologic pathways. Methods We have reviewed the details surrounding a particularly interesting case of CM. A retrospective analysis of this patient's clinical history and recovery is described. An extensive literature review has been performed in conjunction with an attempt to help elucidate details and a better understanding of CM. Results A thorough analysis of existing theories as to the pathophysiologic mechanism of CM has been performed as it relates to the details of this particular case. A case is described in which a child exhibiting CM abruptly improved and made a relatively quick recovery after the triggering of the melodic speech pathway by way of watching and beginning to sing along with a video. It appears that this incident involving a familiar song catalyzed various speech pathways, which apparently were in some state of shock. This phenomenon seems to be a temporary entity involving not only the mechanical coordination of speech production, but also the initiation of speech itself. Conclusions Evidence exists for a pathophysiologic pathway for speech by way of coordinating phonation and articulation. In addition, there seems to exist a pathway by which the initiation of speech may be altered or halted by posterior fossa pathology, namely, vermian or dentate nuclear injury. In particular to this case, we found that the incidental appreciation of other forms of speech, melodic in this instance, may be the key to help stimulate and accelerate the recovery from CM.
A high f/sub OSC//f/sub T/ ratio VCO in SiGe BiCMOS technology

A 37-GHz voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) fabricated in IBM's 47-GHz SiGe BiCMOS technology is presented. The VCO achieves a phase noise of -81dBc/Hz at 1-MHz offset from the carrier while delivering an output power of -30dBm to 50 /spl Omega/ buffers. Drawing 15-mA of dc current from a 3-V power supply the VCO occupies 350/spl mu/m/spl times/280/spl mu/m of silicon area. Capacitive emitter degeneration and compact layout are used to achieve high f/sub OSC//f/sub T/ ratio.
Fossil fuel supplies and future energy needs

Through the years one of the most significant indexes for measuring a nation's progress has been the per capita consumption of inanimate energy in the performance of work, the production of material goods, and the provision of services. Most of us have seen those charts that show the close parallel between the per capita consumption of energy and per capita income. Much of the industrial and economic growth of the United States for almost 200 years has been based on an abundance of low-cost energy. However, recent events have brought increasing evidence that our fuel supplies, though they appear to be vast, are not adequate to support indefinitely an ever-increasing demand. Furthermore, environmental effects associated with their production and consumption are now a matter of major concern.
Estimation of the network effects model in a large data set

Effects of interpersonal context are processes best represented by the network effects model. However, the size of the data matrices involved has until now prevented application of the model to large data sets containing information on individuals. The proposed adaptation of Doreian's maximum likelihood estimator substantially reduces the amount of computer core memory required for estimating the model, so that estimation can be carried out on a typical mainframe computer. An empirical illustration of the network effects model using the Adolescent Society data is presented.
Interplay between Local Dynamics and Dispersal in Discrete-time Metapopulation Models

The effects of synchronous dispersal on discrete-time metapopulation dynamics with local (patch) dynamics of the same (compensatory or overcompensatory) or mixed (compensatory and overcompensatory) types are explored. Single-species metapopulation models behave as single-species single-patch models, whenever all local patches are governed by compensatory dynamics. Dispersal gives rise to multiple attractors with complex basin structures, whenever some local patches are under overcompensatory dynamics. In mixed systems, dispersal is capable of altering the local dynamics from compensatory to overcompensatory dynamics and vice versa. Examples are provided of metapopulation models supporting multiple attractors with intermingled basins of attraction.
Expression Profiling of Reciprocal Maize Hybrids Divergent for Cold Germination and Desiccation Tolerance

Recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from B73 × M017 were screened for cold germination (CG) and desiccation tolerance (DT) phenotypes. Reciprocal F1 hybrids were made between divergent RILs, and hybrids that showed differential phenotypes (parent-of-origin effect) for CG or DT were selected for profiling mRNA and protein expression. mRNA and proteins were extracted from embryo axes of seed germinated for 11 d at 12.5°C in the dark and developing embryos at 40% seed moisture (R5 stage) for CG and DT, respectively. GeneCalling analysis, an open-ended mRNA profiling method, identified 336 of 32,496 and 656 of 32,940 cDNA fragments that showed ≥1.5-fold change in expression between the reciprocal F1 hybrids for CG and DT, respectively. Protein expression map (PEM) analysis, an open-ended two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, identified 117 of 2,641 and 205 of 1,876 detected proteins to be differentially expressed with ≥1.5-fold change between the reciprocal F1 hybrids in CG and DT samples, respectively. A subset of these proteins was identified by tandem mass spectrometry followed by database query of the spectra. The differentially expressed genes/proteins were classified into various functional groups including carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism, ion transporters, stress and defense response, polyamine metabolism, chaperonins, cytoskeleton associated, etc. Phenotypic analysis of seed from self-pollinated ears of the reciprocal F1 hybrids displayed small differences compared with the reciprocal hybrids themselves, suggesting a negligible effect of cytoplasmic factors on CG and DT traits. The results provide leads to improving our understanding of the genes involved in stress response during seed maturation and germination.
1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D in biological fluids: a simplified and sensitive assay

A competitive binding assay for 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25-(OH2D] in plasma has been developed in which intestinal cytosol preparations from rachitic chicks are used as the binding protein. A new method of extraction and two new chromatographic procedures are used for this assay. The method is sensitive to as little as 10 picograms of 1,25-(OH)2D, and triplicate assays can be done on 5 milliliters of plasma. This assay shows that in the plasma of normal adult subjects there is a 1,25-(OH)2D concentration of 29 +/- 2 picograms per milliliter, while none can be detected in the plasma of nephrectomized subjects and end-stage renal failure patients.
Metamorphosis of behavior in the bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana).

This study describes the development of different spontaneous and elicited behaviors of frogs and their relationship to morphological, physiological, and econological changes of metamorphosis. Tadpoles were studied at all stages of development from STage XVIII, the onset of metamorphosis, to Stage XXV, when metamorphosis of the froglets is complete. Behaviors examined included development of forelimb postural support, postural responses to vestibular stimulation, the hindlimb withdrawal reflex, the corneal reflex, ocular mobility, and habital preference. Results showed that these behaviros differ markedly in their timing and rate of maturation. Forelimb postural support and postural responses to vestibular stimulation improved gradully between Stagez XX and XXV. In contrast, the threshold of the hindlimb withdrawal reflex remained essentially unchanged until Stage XXV, when it increased suddenly and dramatically. The corneal reflex appeared suddenly at Stage XXI with a threshold similar to that of juvenile forgs. The ability to move the eyes in response to visual or vestibulaar stimulation was pronounced it tadpoles, but gradually declined between Stage XIII and Stage XXV, so that froglets showed almost no ocular mobility. The preference of metamoprphosing frogs for deep water, shallow water, shoreline, or land were examined in an aquarium during a 24-hr observation period using time-lapse videotape recordings. Results showed that tappoles spent progressively less time in deep water and shallow water as metamorphosis proceeded. Preference for land emerged suddenly at Stage XXII and remainhed high thereafter. There were no stage-related differences in preferences for the shoreline.
Visual microscopic studies on hetero-aggregation and selective aggregation

An optical video microscopic technique was used to study hetero-aggregation and selective aggregation phenomena among n-hexadecane oil drops (40–110 µim in diameter) and two types of polystyrene latex particles (6.76 and 30.2 µm, in diameter), suspended inside an aqueous medium with pH varying between 1.1 and 12.9. A single drop was produced in situ using a micropipette inside the aqueous phase-filled glass microcapillary (100–160 µm i.d.) containing the particles. Interactions between the drop and the solid particles and among the solid particles was achieved by movement of the aqueous medium in and out of a second micropipette. Drop-particle interactions were distinctly different from particle-particle interactions. It was observed that the latex particles aggregated irreversibly with the oil drop in all cases except two, viz. for 6.76 µm particles at around neutral pH whereas the irreversibility of aggregation in particle-particle interactions was only seen at the ends of the pH spectrum. At around neutral pH, the floes or clusters of small particles were very weak. Visual observations at each pH are explained on the basis of the classical DLVO (Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbe ek) theory. Partial wetting of particles surfaces by oil appears to be a key factor in the irreversibility of drop-particle hetero-aggregation. Results indicate that the display of reversible, irreversible or weak aggregation depends on the location and depth of the secondary minimum and that the long-range, attractive, London-van der Waals force is responsible for the initial formation of an aggregate.
Economic feasibility of electricity production from energy plantations present on community-managed forestlands in Madhya Pradesh, India

Abstract This paper assesses economic feasibility of utilizing community-managed degraded forest areas for raising energy crops and using the produced biomass for electricity production in the state of Madhya Pradesh, India through gasification technology. Three fast-growing species, three gasifiers of different capacities, three capital costs, and two scenarios of carbon payments were considered for analysis. Sensitivity and risk analyses were undertaken for determining the effects of variations in inputs on selected outputs. Results suggest that 5 million megawatt hour electricity can be generated annually which will prevent 4 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions per year. The production cost of a unit of electricity was found inversely related to the scale of production. The average cost of electricity at the consumer level produced using 100 kW gasifier was $0.15/kWh, which was greater than the price of electricity supplied from grid i.e. $0.08/kWh. The unit cost of producing electricity using Acacia nilotica was lowest among all the selected species. Technological advancements suitable government incentives are needed to promote electricity generation from forest biomass through gasification technology. This will help in spurring economic development and reducing overall ecological footprint of the state.
Infant and child feeding practices and childhood overweight: the role of restriction.

This review addresses the association between restrictive feeding practices by parents and the development of overweight in children. To date, only one parent feeding domain – feeding restriction – has been consistently linked to variations in child eating patterns or weight status. Despite challenges to unravelling causal pathways, the most current data suggest that restrictive feeding practices are elicited by child characteristics (e.g. weight status or obesity risk) and depend on parent characteristics as well. Restriction, in turn, may maintain or exacerbate child overweight. There remain important questions to be addressed in this literature, pertinent both to the development of childhood overweight and clinically to overweight prevention. Two areas of importance are the roles of cultural differences, as well as genes that confer risk for overweight, on the relationship between restriction and child weight status.
Temperature Dependence of Resonances in Metamaterials

Metamaterials are increasingly being proposed for many different microwave applications. Metamaterials are highly resonant structures and metamaterial device design is based on the resonance frequency for both civilian and military applications. These applications are often in a high-temperature environment. In this paper, we have performed an experimental study of the shift in resonance frequency of selected metamaterials (split-ring resonators and thin wires) in the 25°C -400°C range using FR4 and low-temperature co-fired ceramic substrates. We have provided a theoretical explanation for the observed shift in resonance frequency by calculating the shift in frequency resulting from the temperature dependence of the substrate permittivity and electrical conductivity of the metal, as well as thermal expansion of the metallo-dielectric structures comprising the metamaterial. The measured downward shift of the resonance frequency with increasing temperature agrees very well with full-wave finite-element simulation. It is found that the change of permittivity of the substrate is the primary effect, while the thermal expansion of the metallic structure is a secondary effect. The reducing resonance strength is due to the decrease in electrical conductivity with rising temperature. This study can be applied to other metamaterial metallo-dielectric structures or other planar microwave resonators printed on dielectric substrates.
Closing the Clinical Gap Translating Best Practice Knowledge to Performance with Guidelines Implementation

Unsustainable health care costs coupled with opportunity for improvement in health care outcomes in the United States are stimulating meaningful transformation in the way we deliver care. One approach in this transformation focuses on minimizing unnecessary variation in physician practices, instead focusing on evidence-based medicine in a more uniform manner. Clinical practice guidelines contain evidence-based recommendations, articulate goals of care, and can help to reduce unnecessary variation. While thousands of clinical practice guidelines are in existence, a clinical gap exists between knowledge and clinical performance. With thoughtful guidelines implementation strategies in place, organizations can begin to close the gap and translate best practice knowledge into care. Health systems that have done this effectively have seen improved clinical outcomes, improved patient satisfaction, and lower cost per patient.