cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Structural transitions in methane+ethane gas hydrates — Part I: upper transition point and applications

Abstract Although methane and ethane form sI hydrates by themselves, the binary gas mixtures of these components form sII hydrates at certain compositions. In our earlier work, it was reported that the structure of methane+ethane hydrates changes from sI to sII over a methane vapor composition range ( y CH 4 ) of 0.72–0.75. In this work, Raman spectroscopic measurements on CH 4 +C 2 H 6 system suggest that the hydrate structure reverts from sII to sI over a y CH 4 range of 0.992 (±0.005)–0.994 (±0.007). 13 C NMR measurements on this system suggest that the methane hydrate composition increases by at least 0.2 mole fraction at the lower structural transition point. Predictions suggest that the hydrate structure above the incipient hydrate formation conditions may be different than that at the incipient conditions. The practical applications of these structural transitions in the CH 4 +C 2 H 6 hydrates are discussed.
High frequency elastic wave propagation in large structures using spectral elements and perfectly matched layer

The influence of mechanical noise in an Acoustic Emission (AE) testing still obscures its successful application in monitoring various structures and systems. While advances in pattern recognition algorithms are helpful to differentiate relevant data from captured noise, the algorithms fail if the characteristics of relevant data are unknown. A better scientific understanding of the characteristics of elastic waves due to damage mechanisms in a structure is needed for developing a quantitative measurement approach of damage (e.g. frequency content, type, orientation) based on the AE method. The results of small scale coupon tests cannot be directly used in large scale structures due to the influence of boundaries on propagating waves detected by the AE sensors. In this paper, a steel plate is modeled using an absorbing boundary condition and spectral elements in order to understand the direct wave release from damage without influenced by reflections. The selected absorbing layer is perfectly matched layer (PML), which is designed such a way that wave reflections from boundaries back into the solution domain regardless of frequency or angle of incidence are prevented through providing a stable solution and satisfying the Sommerfeld radiation condition. The displacement-based and timedomain equations of PML are utilized. The numerical results of the two-dimensional metal plate with absorbing boundary condition are validated with extended-geometry numerical models and experimental results.
A general algorithm for the solution of Kepler's equation for elliptic orbits

An efficient algorithm is presented for the solution of Kepler's equation f(E)=E-M-e sin E=0, where e is the eccentricity, M the mean anomaly and E the eccentric anomaly. This algorithm is based on simple initial approximations that are cubics in M, and an iterative scheme that is a slight generalization of the Newton-Raphson method. Extensive testing of this algorithm has been performed on the UNIVAC 1108 computer. Solutions for 20,000 pairs of values of e and M show that for single precision, 42.0% of the cases require one iteration, 57.8% two and 0.2% three. For double precision one additional iteration is required.
On the two kinds of probability in algebra

ONTHETWOKINDSOFPROBABILITYINALGEBRARalphFreeseIn Memoriam EvelynNelsonIn[6{8] Murskiistudiedprobability in algebra.Heshowed,for example, thatthe probability that a random group oid is simple is 1 and that the probability thatithasnoidemp otentelemen(onethatsatis esa2=)is1=e.Tomake thesestatements precise, de ne agroup oid tableon the setf0;1; : : : ; ngto b e annbynmatrix with entries fromf0;1; : : : ; ng.Of course, each group oid tableTde nes a group oid by the ruleij=ti;j, whereis the,thentry ofT.Letnb e the set of group oid tables on the setf0;1; : : : ; ng.Notice thatjTnj=nn2If P is a group oid prop erty, we de ne the probability of P bPr (P;T) =limn!1Pr(P ;n)if this limit exists, wherePr(P;Tn) =jfT2 Tn:j= Pgjnn2:This de nes a nitely, but not countably, additive probability measure.See [10] fora review of Murskii's work and other related pap ers.With this de nition, Murskii showed that the probability a nite group oid willhavea nitebasisforitsidentitiesis1.Moresurprisingly,heshowedthatthefraction of non nitely based group oids has ordern6as! 1.A second,more natural, de nition of the probability of P would take the limitasn!1oftheumb ergroup oids(uptoisomorphism) ofsizesatisfyingPdividedbythetotalnumb erofgroup oidssize.Howeverproblemcounting the isomorphism classes of group oids of sizensatisfying P is much moredicult than counting the tables satisfying P .Indeed, even counting the numb er ofisomorphism classes of group oids is very dicult.Following graph theory, we referto this secondkind of probability asunlab eled probabilityand the probabilitbased on the tables aslab eled probability.Inthisnoteweexamine thesetokindsofprobability.Tmake thisalittlemore preciseletKb eanyin nitesetof nitealgebrasandntheofThis research was partially supp orted by NSF grant no. DMS-8521710Typ eset byAMS-TEX1
When less is more: novel mechanisms of iron conservation

Disorders of iron homeostasis are very common, yet the molecular mechanisms of iron regulation remain understudied. Over 20 years have passed since the first characterization of iron-regulatory proteins (IRP) as mediators of cellular iron-deficiency response in mammals through iron acquisition. However, little is known about other mechanisms necessary for adaptation to low-iron states. In this review, we present recent evidence that establishes the existence of a new iron-regulatory pathway aimed at iron conservation and optimization of iron use through suppression of nonessential iron-consuming processes. Moreover, we discuss the possible links between iron homeostasis and energy metabolism uncovered by studies of iron-deficiency response.
How Global Financial Markets Affect Sub-Saharan Africa

This paper uses a unique database covering 44 countries in sub-Saharan Africa between 2000 and 2007 to study the determinants of the allocation and composition of private capital flows across countries, as well as channels through which these flows could affect growth. In the sample, the degree of financial market development is an important determinant of the distribution of capital flows across countries, as opposed to property rights institutions. The fairly consistent positive association between net capital flows and growth for sub-Saharan African countries is encouraging, though the data do not allow for making conclusive inferences about a causality relationship.
Apoptosis is required during early stages of tail regeneration in Xenopus laevis

The Xenopus tadpole is able to regenerate its tail, including skin, muscle, notochord, spinal cord and neurons and blood vessels. This process requires rapid tissue growth and morphogenesis. Here we show that a focus of apoptotic cells appears in the regeneration bud within 12 h of amputation. Surprisingly, when caspase-3 activity is specifically inhibited, regeneration is abolished. This is true of tails both before and after the refractory period. Programmed cell death is only required during the first 24 h after amputation, as later inhibition has no effect on regeneration. Inhibition of caspase-dependent apoptosis results in a failure to induce proliferation in the growth zone, a mispatterning of axons in the regenerate, and the appearance of ectopic otoliths in the neural tube, in the context of otherwise normal continued development of the larva. Larvae amputated during the refractory stage exhibit a much broader domain of caspase-3-positive cells, suggesting a window for the amount of apoptosis that is compatible with normal regeneration. These data reveal novel roles for apoptosis in development and indicate that a degree of apoptosis is an early and obligate component of normal tail regeneration, suggesting the possibility of the existence of endogenous inhibitory cells that must be destroyed by programmed cell death for regeneration to occur.
Sexual Harassment in the Academy

Three recent books scrutinize the legal, ethical, and policy implications of sexual harassment on campus. Their discerning analyses of institutional policies and practices raise troubling questions about the nature and extent of the problem, the weakening of affirmative action and equal opportunity on campuses, and the disturbing proclivity to defer to the courts. These books underscore the importance of sustained discourse within higher education and a renewed commitment to implement sexual harassment and hostile environment policies.
Co-expression of β-amyloid precursor protein (βAPP) and apolipoprotein E in cell culture: analysis of βAPP processing

Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) is the major genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD). The ApoE4 allele is associated with earlier disease onset and greater cerebral deposition of the amyloid beta peptide (Abeta), the major constituent of senile (amyloid) plaques. The molecular mechanism underlying these effects of ApoE4 remains unclear; ApoE alleles could have different influences on Abeta production, extracellular aggregation, or clearance. Because the missense mutations on chromosomes 14 and 21 that cause familial forms of AD appear to lead to increased secretion of Abeta, it is important to determine whether ApoE4 has a similar effect. Here, we have examined the effects of all three ApoE alleles on the processing of betaAPP and the secretion of Abeta in intact cells. We established neural (HS683 human glioma) and non-neural (Chinese hamster ovary) cell culture systems that constitutively secrete both ApoE and Abeta at concentrations like those in human cerebrospinal fluid. betaAPP metabolites, generated in the presence of each ApoE allele, were analysed and quantified by two methods: immunoprecipitation and phosphorimaging, and ELISA. We detected no consistent allele-specific effects of ApoE on betaAPP processing in either cell type. Our data suggest that the higher amyloid burden found in AD subjects expressing ApoE4 is not due to increased amyloidogenic processing of betaAPP, in contrast to findings in AD linked to chromosome 14 or 21. These co-expressing cell lines will be useful in the further search for the effects of ApoE on Abeta aggregation or clearance under physiologically relevant conditions.
Music therapy for mood disturbance during hospitalization for autologous stem cell transplantation: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND High-dose therapy with autologous stem cell transplantation (HDT/ASCT) is a commonly used treatment for hematologic malignancies. The procedure causes significant psychological distress and no interventions have been demonstrated to improve mood in these patients. Music therapy has been shown to improve anxiety in a variety of acute medical settings. In the current study, the authors determined the effects of music therapy compared with standard care on mood during inpatient stays for HDT/ASCT. METHODS Patients with hematologic malignancy admitted for HDT/ASCT at two sites (Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and Ireland Cancer Center in Cleveland, Ohio) were randomized to receive music therapy given by trained music therapists or standard care. Outcome was assessed at baseline and every 3 days after randomization using the Profile of Mood States. RESULTS Of 69 patients registered in the study, follow-up data were available for 62 (90%). During their inpatient stay, patients in the music therapy group scored 28% lower on the combined Anxiety/Depression scale (P = 0.065) and 37% lower (P = 0.01) on the total mood disturbance score compared with controls. CONCLUSIONS Music therapy is a noninvasive and inexpensive intervention that appears to reduce mood disturbance in patients undergoing HDT/ASCT. Cancer 2003;98:2723–9. © 2003 American Cancer Society.
Risk factors for depression among older adults with dual sensory loss

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to identify risk factors that are associated with depression among older adults with dual sensory loss, evaluating variables typically associated with depression in an elderly population and variables related to sensory loss. Method: Survey data was collected from a sample of 203 adults aged 55 years and older with significant hearing and vision loss. Independent variables included demographics (as control variables), sensory loss-related factors, activity factors, and social factors. Correlation and hierarchical linear regression were used to analyze the data. Results: A large proportion of participants experienced depression. Risk factors typically associated with depression in the elderly were also significant for this group, with the exception of functional disability, but only one variable directly related to sensory loss was significant in the final model. The block of variables with the greatest relationship to depression was the social factor. Discussion: ...
Soil respiration in perennial grass and shrub ecosystems: Linking environmental controls with plant and microbial sources on seasonal and diel timescales

A mechanistic understanding of soil respiration is a major impediment to predicting terrestrial C fluxes spatially and temporally. Automated measurements of soil respiration offer the high-resolution information necessary to observe temporal variation in soil respiration, but spatially these measurements are under-represented in water-limited and non-forested ecosystems. We measured soil respiration with automated chambers over the growing season, at two sites with the same semi-arid climate, but with different dominant vegetation, perennial grasses and shrubs in the Owens Valley, CA, USA. An isotope mass balance technique was used to partition soil respiration into autotrophic and heterotrophic components at two time points, early and late growing season. Results showed large differences in the magnitude of growing season soil respiration between the two sites (910 versus 126 g C m−2 for grasses and shrubs respectively over 5 months). We attribute this to site differences in soil water availability and belowground allocation and productivity. Diel patterns of soil respiration between the two sites were similar. Temperature explained most of the diel variability in the early growing season, when soil moisture was greatest. As soil moisture declined over the growing season, diel patterns became increasingly decoupled temporally from temperature due to increased water-limitation on surface heterotrophic sources and hypothesized strong photosynthetic control over soil respiration rates. Partitioning of soil respiration into autotrophic and heterotrophic sources showed the dominance of autotrophic sources across seasons and ecosystems. However, heterotrophic respiration was more dynamic from early to late growing season, declining in the grass ecosystem; and a surprising increase in the shrub ecosystem, attributed to warming of the soil profile enhancing microbial decomposition at depth.
A Longitudinal Examination of the Relation Between Parental Expressed Emotion and Externalizing Behaviors in Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder

The current study explored the longitudinal relation between parental expressed emotion, a well-established predictor of symptom relapse in various other disorders (e.g., schizophrenia) with externalizing behaviors in 84 children, ages 8–18 (at Time 2), with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It was found that parental expressed emotion, specifically criticism/hostility at Time 1, significantly related to a change in externalizing behaviors from Time 1 to Time 2, even after controlling for Time 1 family income, ASD symptom severity, parental distress, and parenting practices. That is, higher levels of parental criticism/hostility at Time 1 predicted higher levels of child externalizing behaviors at Time 2. However, the reverse was not found. This finding of a unidirectional relation has important clinical implications.
Estimation of minimal selection pressure in a recessive trait from migration across climatic clines

While selection is thought to be a significant directive force in human evolution, there are few fitness estimates for specific loci. Populations which migrate across environmental clines offer an opportunity to estimate the speed of sclection on those genetic traits assumed sensitive to specific environmental pressure. Some time before a.d. 900 the Navajo and Apache began migrating south from the Southwestern Yukon Territory, arriving in the U.S. Southwest about a.d. 1525. Using canonical variate analysis Spuhler found that the Navajo are genetically Canadian Athasbaskan; however, at the cerumen locus the Navajo are very close to expected values for their geographical location ( w =0·836) rather than those of genetic and linguistic relatives, the Chilcotin ( w =0·577). Assuming that the effects of mutation and drift are negligible, selection must be acting. Using a mean generation time of 25 years, a maximum and minimum time for selection to operate yield a minimum fitness for the recessive dry phenotype of 1·017 for 44 generations or 1·042 for 18 generations. The former value is well within tolerable cost of selection as estimated by Haldane.
Electrical Conductivity in Fe1‐xO‐MgO Solid Solutions

Solid solutions of magnesium oxide containing iron oxide in concentrations varying from a few percent to 100% were fabricated in polycrystalline form for studying the mechanism of electrical conduction. These semiconductors were ohmic in the range 0 to 10 v/cm, conducted by hole transfer, and showed reproducible conductivity data from room temperature to about 300°C. The conductivity of these solid solutions increases with increasing Fe3+ concentration. The electrical conductivity is also dependent on the total iron oxide content, decreasing rapidly (nonlinear dependence) as Fe1-xO is diluted with MgO. The activation energy for electrical conduction varies from 0.1 to about 0.5 ev for the dilute solid solutions (less than about 15 cation % iron).
Prognostic factors in soft tissue sarcoma

The ability to accurately define the prognosis for patients with soft tissue sarcoma is a continuing challenge. Classically, this has been accomplished through assessments of tumor size, histologic grade, location, and the presence of nodal or distant metastases. These criteria are the basis of the currently utilized American Joint Commission on Cancer (AJCC) staging system. However, several other markers have been identified which have prognostic value. These newer markers are useful additions to the AJCC system. Such markers may not only improve our ability to prognosticate at diagnosis, but may also prove useful in selecting high-risk soft tissue sarcoma patients who could benefit from adjuvant therapy. This review will focus upon prognostic factors for patients with soft tissue sarcomas (STS). First, the components of the current AJCC staging system will be discussed; second, a summary of clinical prognostic factors which are not part of the staging system; and third, a discussion of newer and potential prognostic factors for STS patients.
Activity characterization of pure-β-emitting brachytherapy sources

Abstract A generalized approach for characterizing the activity content of sealed β-emitting sources has been developed, and was employed to establish National Institute of Standards and Technology based activity standardizations for three different types of intravascular brachytherapy sources. Initial ionization current measurements on the sources prior to destructive assays led to the establishment of calibration factors that can be used for subsequent non-destructive measurements of similar sources. Activity characterizations are needed to unequivocally relate theoretic absorbed-dose modeling results to dosimetric measurements, as well as to establish production and quality controls by the source manufacturers, and to satisfy the requirements of various governmental regulatory authorities.
Ectopic Expression of Oct-4 Blocks Progenitor-Cell Differentiation and Causes Dysplasia in Epithelial Tissues

Summary The POU-domain transcription factor Oct-4 is normally expressed in pluripotent cells of the mammalian embryo. In addition, germ-cell tumors and a few somatic tumors show detectable expression of Oct-4 . While Oct-4's role during preimplantation development is to maintain embryonic cells in a pluripotent state, little is known about its potential oncogenic properties. Here we investigate the effect of ectopic Oct-4 expression on somatic tissues of adult mice using a doxycycline-dependent expression system. Activation of Oct-4 results in dysplastic growths in epithelial tissues that are dependent on continuous Oct-4 expression. Dysplastic lesions show an expansion of progenitor cells and increased β-catenin transcriptional activity. In the intestine, Oct-4 expression causes dysplasia by inhibiting cellular differentiation in a manner similar to that in embryonic cells. These data show that certain adult progenitors remain competent to interpret key embryonic signals and support the notion that progenitor cells are a driving force in tumorigenesis.
Induction of antibodies against GD3 ganglioside in melanoma patients by vaccination with GD3‐lactone‐KLH conjugate plus immunological adjuvant QS‐21

The gangliosides GD3, GD2 and GM2 are expressed on the cell surface of malignant melanomas, GD3 being the most abundant. We have shown that immunization of melanoma patients with GM2 adherent to Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (GM2/BCG) induced an IgM antibody response. Vaccines containing GM2-keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) conjugate and the immunological adjuvant QS-21 induced a higher titer IgM response and consistent IgG antibodies. Patients with antibodies against GM2 survived longer than patients without antibody. On the other hand, our previous trials with GD3/BCG, GD3 derivatives including GD3-lactone (GD3-L)/BCG failed to induce antibodies against GD3. In our continuing efforts to induce antibody against GD3, we have immunized groups of 6 melanoma patients with GD3-KLH or GD3-L-KLH conjugates containing 30 microg of ganglioside plus 100 microg of QS-21 at 0, 1, 2, 3, 7 and 19 weeks. Prior to vaccination, no serological reactivity against GD3 or GD3-L was detected. After immunization, IgM and IgG antibodies were detected against both GD3 and GD3-L in the GD3-L group exclusively. The GD3-L-KLH vaccine induced IgM titers against GD3-L of 1:40-1/1,280 in all patients and IgG titers of 1/160-1/1,280 in 4 patients. These antibodies also strongly cross-reacted with GD3. ELISA reactivity was confirmed by immune thin-layer chromatography on GD3 and melanoma extracts. Sera obtained from 4 of these 6 patients showed cell surface reactivity by FACS and from 2 showed strong cell surface reactivity by immune adherence (IA) assay and complement lysis against the GD3 positive cell line SK-Mel-28.
Does comorbid major depressive disorder influence outcome of exposure and response prevention for OCD

Studies that have examined the effects of comorbid depression on response to treatment in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) have yielded inconsistent results. We examined treatment outcome for 15 OCD patients with comorbid major depressive disorder (MDD) and 33 OCD patients without MDD. All patients received intensive cognitive-behavioral therapy by exposure and response (ritual) prevention. Improvement in OCD symptoms was observed in both patient groups, and treatment gains were maintained at follow-up. Whereas the presence of a comorbid MDD diagnosis in OCD was not related to treatment failure, nondepressed patients had significantly lower posttreatment and follow-up OCD severity scores.
Worker Control: The Bases of Women's Support

A vast amount of research on women and work indicates that women have not gained parity with men in the paid workforce. Workplace democracy is particularly relevant for women. I employ US national survey data from 1991 to analyze women’s support for worker control over workplace decision-making. The nature of this support is hypothesized using four branches of feminist theory. An analysis of the gender gap in attitudes is performed and then I incorporate logistic regression to test for cleavages in women’s attitudes. The lack of consistency across the items suggests that these specific work issues are not reflective of a larger, generalized predisposition to workplace democracy. I conclude by considering the relationship between women and the labor movement. Union-supported worker participation is most likely to improve women’s working conditions.
Mutual information analysis and detection of interictal morphological differences in interictal epileptiform discharges of patients with partial epilepsies

The purpose of this paper is to compare the morphological features of interictal epileptiform discharges (IED) in patients with benign epilepsy of childhood with centrotemporal spikes to IED of those with symptomatic localization related epilepsies using information theory. Three patients from each clinical group were selected. Two-second epochs centered at the peak negativity of the sharp waves were analyzed from a referential montage during stage I sleep. The epochs from the two groups were compared using parametric and information theory analysis. Information analysis determined the likelihood of correctly identifying the clinical group based on the IED. Standard parametric, morphological and spectral analyses were also performed. We found no significant difference in the morphology of the sharp wave between the two groups. The after-going slow wave contained the greatest information that separated the two groups. This result was supported by morphological and spectral differences in the after-going slow wave. Greater distinguishing information is held in the after-going slow wave than the sharp wave for the identification of clinical groups. Information analysis may assist in differentiating clinical syndromes from EEG signals.
Measurement of Accessibility and Its Applications

Access to markets and social services is a major determinant of economic status and welfare. Measurement of access is therefore of great importance for policy analysis and planning of interventions...
Web users' perceptions of and attitudes toward online advertising formats

This study investigated attitudes and the perceptual antecedents of attitudes toward six online advertising formats and tested the ability of perceptions to predict attitude toward the format (Aformat) and click through behaviour using a national survey of 1,075 adults. The data supported the four hypotheses of the study: web users possess significantly different attitudes across formats; users hold a varied combination of perceptions about each format; the three general perceptions of entertainment, annoyance and information have a significant impact on Aformat; and attitude is significantly related to user behaviour toward that format.
Wetland restoration for amphibians: should local sites be designed to support metapopulations or patchy populations?

Pond-breeding amphibians have been characterized as having metapopulation structure, and a goal of many local restoration projects is to establish viable metapopulations. However, recent studies suggest that metapopulation organization is unlikely at the local level because of high dispersal rates between neighboring ponds. Although many amphibians avoid ovipositing in habitats that pose high predation risk to their offspring, the spatial scale of avoidance is poorly resolved for natural systems and could involve wholesale movements between ponds. To determine the scale of avoidance, we monitored annual habitat use by the Wood frog (Rana sylvatica), American toad (Bufo americanus), and Spotted salamander (Ambystoma maculatum) at a restoration site in western North Carolina, U.S.A. Wood frogs consistently used most fish-free ponds, but rapidly curtailed use following fish invasions. American toads rarely used the same breeding site from year to year, and adults strongly avoided ovipositing in habitats with predatory Wood frog tadpoles. Spotted salamanders exhibited a predator avoidance response to fish that was weaker than the predator avoidance response of anurans. Our data indicate that the spatial scale of predator avoidance by ovipositing amphibians often exceeds that of an individual pond and that the focal species at this site are organized as patchy populations rather than as metapopulations. At local restoration sites, ponds that are placed in spatial arrays to create metapopulations may not accomplish their goal and may limit the extent to which ovipositing adults can express an adaptive antipredator behavior. We discuss an alternative design that is more likely to enhance the long-term persistence of local populations.
Examination of racial differences on the MMPI-2 clinical and restructured clinical scales in an outpatient sample.

The current study examined the possibility of differential predictive accuracy of selected Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory—Second Edition (MMPI-2) clinical and Restructured Clinical (RC) scales in a group of Black and White mental health center clients. Results indicate that Black clients scored higher than White clients on one non-K-corrected clinical scale and 4 RC scales. All these differences produced medium effect sizes and were clinically significant according to Greene's (1987) criterion. These differences, however, were not accompanied by differential predictive accuracy of the scales in Black versus White clients. Although additional research is needed, especially on the RC scales, this study indicates that the MMPI-2 is not a biased predictor of symptomatology for Black versus White test takers.
Polarography of Iodochlorhydroxyquin and Diiodohydroxyquin

Two iodo-organic compounds, iodochlorhydroxyquin and diiodohydroxyquin, were reduced at the dropping mercury electrode of a polarograph in nonaqueous systems. The diffusion current at various concentrations was determined. The currents produced were found to be diffusion controlled and applicable to a quantitative assay in the range of concentrations used.
The effects of nematode grazing on nitrogen mineralization during fungal decomposition of organic matter.

Abstract Soil fungi and nematodes isolated from a long-term Sustainable Agriculture Farming Systems (SAFS) project research site at the University of California, Davis were investigated in microcosm systems. Nitrogen-free sand in the columns was amended with ground alfalfa and cellulose, with total N held constant, to create C-to-N ratios of 11:1, 15:1, 20:1, 25:1, 30:1, 35:1, 40:1 and 45:1. Nitrogen mineralization by Aphelenchus avenae and Aphelenchoides composticola feeding on Rhizoctonia solani and Trichoderma sp. was determined by measuring ammonium and nitrate concentrations in the leachate from the columns at 3-d intervals. Nematode population numbers and the fatty acid 18:2 ω6c, a fungal biomass indicator, were monitored by destructive sampling on d 0, 7, 14 and 21. For R. solani, but not Trichoderma sp., there was significantly more N extracted from columns in the presence of either nematode species than in the absence of nematodes. Average N-mineralized nematode−1 d−1 was 1.8 ng for A. avenae and 3.3 ng for A. composticola when feeding on R. solani. As the C-to-N ratios of organic substrates increased, total mineral N decreased with R. solani alone, but in general remained the same in the presence of nematodes. Initial and average nematode population densities were significantly higher in columns containing R. solani than in those with Trichoderma sp. Both nematode species reduced the fungal fatty acid 18:2 ω6c in Trichoderma columns on d 21. The fatty acid 18:2 ω6c was lower in columns containing both R. solani and A. composticola on d 0 and 7 and higher on d 14 and 21 than those in the absence of nematodes.
Wheelesley: A Robotic Wheelchair System: Indoor Navigation and User Interface

Many people in wheelchairs are unable to control a powered wheelchair with the standard joystick interface. A robotic wheelchair can provide users with driving assistance, taking over low-level navigation to allow its user to travel efficiently and with greater ease. Our robotic wheelchair system, Wheelesley, consists of a standard powered wheelchair with an on-board computer, sensors and a graphical user interface. This paper describes the indoor navigation system and the customizable user interface.
Simulation of inelastic-scattering contributions to the irradiance field in the ocean: variation in Fraunhofer line depths.

Raman scattering and fluorescence are important processes in oceanic optics because of their influence on the natural light field in the water. Monte Carlo simulations are described that verify that measurements of the Fraunhofer line depth in the in-water irradiance can be used to separate the irradiance into elastic and inelastic components, i.e., components that are generated by elastic- and inelastic-scattering processes, respectively. Specifically, the upwelling and downwelling irradiances, including Raman scattering, are simulated for a variety of model oceans. The inherent optical properties of the ocean are derived from a bio-optical model in which the elastic-scattering and the absorption coefficients of the biological material depend only on the phytoplankton pigment concentration, C. The Fraunhofer line at 656 nm is found to fill in, i.e., disappear into, the background continuum rapidly with increasing depth. This indicates a rapid transition from a near-surface light field dominated by elastic scattering to one composed of irradiance derived entirely from Raman scattering. Conversely the depth of the Fraunhofer line at 486 mm is nearly independent of depth in the water, indicating that Raman scattering never makes a significant contribution to the irradiance there. Between these two extremes, the lines at 518 and 589 nm show variations in line depths that depend significantly on C, e.g., at 518 nm the line fills in with increasing depth at low-C values but not at high-C values.
Design and optimization of multi-level TAM architectures for hierarchical SOCs

Multi-level TAM optimization is necessary for modular testing of hierarchical SOCs that contain older-generation SOCs as embedded cores. We present two hierarchical TAM optimization flows that exploit recent advances in TAM design for flattened SOC hierarchies. Unlike prior methods that assume flat test hierarchies, the proposed methods are directly applicable to real-world design transfer models between the core vendor and the SOC integrator. Experimental results are presented for four ITC'02 SOC test benchmarks.
A Highly Tunable Silicone-Based Magnetic Elastomer with Nanoscale Homogeneity

Magnetic elastomers have been widely pursued for sensing and actuation applications. Silicone-based magnetic elastomers have a number of advantages over other materials such as hydrogels, but aggregation of magnetic nanoparticles within silicones is difficult to prevent. Aggregation inherently limits the minimum size of fabricated structures and leads to non-uniform response from structure to structure. We have developed a novel material which is a complex of a silicone polymer (polydimethylsiloxane-co-aminopropylmethylsiloxane) adsorbed onto the surface of magnetite (γ-Fe(2)0(3)) nanoparticles 7-10 nm in diameter. The material is homogenous at very small length scales (< 100 nm) and can be crosslinked to form a flexible, magnetic material which is ideally suited for the fabrication of micro- to nanoscale magnetic actuators. The loading fraction of magnetic nanoparticles in the composite can be varied smoothly from 0 - 50% wt. without loss of homogeneity, providing a simple mechanism for tuning actuator response. We evaluate the material properties of the composite across a range of nanoparticle loading, and demonstrate a magnetic-field-induced increase in compressive modulus as high as 300%. Furthermore, we implement a strategy for predicting the optimal nanoparticle loading for magnetic actuation applications, and show that our predictions correlate well with experimental findings.
Two-phase fluid logic displays

Abstract Fluid logic circuits operated in a two-phase mode, in which the pumped fluid is dyed water and the ambient fluid is atmospheric air, form the basis of a new display concept. The necessary switching, storage and display functions are all performed by the pumped liquid moving through the fluid logic channels and the display chambers. Exprimental results indicate this new technology is particularly suited to a large area, high resolution, matrix addressed, flat panel display operated at sub-TV speed. The display which can be reflective or emissive, has a high optical contrast ratio and reasonable power requirements. The fluid logic circuits are inherently reliable and appear to be well suited to economical large scale integration.
Uncertainty in atmospheric temperature analyses

This report illustrates and quantifies the unanticipated large uncertainty and differences in tropospheric temperature analyses within current global operational forecast systems and historical re-analysis products. Results reveal that regional patterns of uncertainty in seasonally averaged and daily atmospheric upper-air temperature analyses are related to the irregular distribution of in situ and satellite observations. There is less uncertainty in analysed temperature where in situ radiosonde observations are plentiful, primarily over developed nations in the Northern Hemisphere, and more uncertainty over regions that are observed primarily by satellites with fewer in situ temperature observations, including oceanic areas, the cryosphere, and developing nations. The results suggest that operational weather forecasting and climate monitoring would benefit from an improved global observing network, including additional in situ components. There is also a need for progress in data assimilation to extract more information from the wealth of current and future satellite observations.
Out‐of body experiences: Cell‐free cell death

Apoptosis (programmed cell death) is an evolutionarily conserved cellular process, important for development and homeostasis. Most apoptotic cells share a common set of morphological and physiological characteristics that distinguish them from necrotic deaths. While genetic studies have indicated that these characteristic changes result from the activation of an endogenous 'suicide program', little is known about the nature of this program and the molecular events underlying these changes. Two recent papers describing cell-free extracts that reproduce several of the characteristic changes observed in apoptotic cells promise to make these phenomena accessible to biochemical analysis.
REFLECTIONS ON THE CONTINUOUS CULTIVATION OF PLASMODIUM FALCIPARUM

With the recent passing of Professor William Tr?ger, I have reflected much about his remarkable career and his significant contributions to parasitology, especially his successful cultiva tion of the malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum. Over the years, I have been asked many times just how we were able to succeed in culturing this major human pathogen when so many others who preceded us had failed (Tr?ger and Jensen, 1976). Because this question was nearly always asked in a brief and casual setting, my answers were never sufficient to explain what really happened. I am writing this paper to give some historical background for our work, our thinking, and our approach. In the telling, I hope to pay tribute to this remarkable man by providing insights into his character, as well as his personality and his work as a scientist. During the late 1960s and early 1970s, the alarming spread of drug resistance in P. falciparum generated widespread dis cussions about the feasibility of a malaria vaccine. In 1966, an enterprise was undertaken by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to develop a malaria vaccine. Initially, this well-funded project was located at the University of Illinois under the direction of the late Dr. Paul Silverman, who later moved it to the University of New Mexico. While at the Uni versity of New Mexico, the program was expanded to several divisions (now under the direction of Dr. Karl Riechmann), with, for example, each division studying different aspects of malaria vaccine development, testing different animal models, examining host responses to different parasite stages (i.e., mer ozoites and sporozoites), and studying parasite cultivation. Some of those divisions were making reasonable progress, whereas others were struggling. After a workshop sponsored by the National Academy of Science (USA) encouraged further work on a malaria vaccine, US AID conducted a review of their project at the University of New Mexico using outside experts. Soon afterward, they decided to diversify and expand this vac cine initiative by requesting proposals from the scientific com munity covering many of the projects then underway at the University of New Mexico. Obviously, the cultivation of P. falciparum was essential for any hope of a successful malaria vaccine (this was before the era of genetic engineering). Be cause Dr. Trager was the foremost researcher in the area of malaria parasite cultivation, he was specifically invited by USAID to apply for funding. Bill later told me that although he recognized the critical importance of continuous cultivation, he had some doubts that the task could be accomplished. He had spent his entire career on this problem, and still, continuous cultivation of any malaria parasite had eluded him (and many others). Nevertheless, he agreed to return to this area of re search that he had not pursued for 5-6 yr before 1976. In his proposal to USAID, Bill specifically asked for sufficient fund ing to hire someone experienced in cultivation of apicomplexan parasites. Whether he had me in mind at the time I do not know,
Isolation and enrichment of low abundant particles with insulator-based dielectrophoresis

Isolation and enrichment of low-abundant particles are essential steps in many bio-analytical and clinical applications. In this work, the capability of an insulator-based dielectrophoresis (iDEP) device for the detection and stable capture of low abundant polystyrene particles and yeast cells was evaluated. Binary and tertiary mixtures of particles and cells were tested, where the low-abundant particles had concentration ratios on the order of 1:10 000 000 compared to the other particles present in the mixture. The results demonstrated successful and stable capture and enrichment of rare particles and cells (trapping efficiencies over 99%), where particles remained trapped in a stable manner for up to 4 min. A device with four reservoirs was employed for the separation and enrichment of rare particles, where the particles of interest were first selectively concentrated and then effectively directed to a side port for future collection and analysis. The present study demonstrates that simple iDEP devices have appropriate screening capacity and can be used for handling samples containing rare particles; achieving both enrichment and isolation of low-abundant particles and cells.
A comprehensive economic optimization plan for microgrids considering grid interconnection and line congestion

In this paper a comprehensive method to optimize the operation of a microgrid is presented. Various factors such as fuel cost, environmental cost, maintenance cost, start-up and shut-down costs and spot price of electricity as well as effect of congestion are considered. To demonstrate the performance of the presented method, a test system consisting of micro turbine, fuel cell and wind unit is considered. Three different scenarios with low and high penetration of wind unit and different prices of electricity are examined. Simulations are carried out using MATLAB and results of the optimal operation are presented in each case.
The centriolar complex.

Publisher Summary The centriolar complex is centered on the mitotic phase of the cell cycle. The centriolar complex undergoes a maturation process that is cell cycle-dependent. Interphase complexes can only initiate a few microtubules but that prometaphase centriolar complexes can initiate large numbers of microtubules. The centriolar complex is divided into two general component regions: the centrioles and the cloud of electron-dense osmiophilic material surrounding the centrioles. The amount of cloud material appears to be quite variable from preparation to preparation and among animal species. In addition to varying amounts of cloud material, the organization of components within the pericentriolar material also varies considerably. Current laser microbeam experiments employing photosensitization with acridine orange and psoralens indicate the presence of nucleic acid in the pericentriolar cloud. The major component of the pericentriolar cloud is tubulin. Microtubules are usually abundant in the cloud material and it often appears that it is the cloud that organizes the microtubules rather than the centriole.
Participants’ Assessment of the Impact of Behavioral Health Self-Direction on Recovery

Self-direction involves managing a flexible budget, selecting and purchasing services and supports to meet individual needs and preferences. An emerging practice in the behavioral health field, self-direction is part of a systemic shift toward person-centered approaches to service provision. To understand the relationship between recovery and self-direction, the authors conducted a content analysis of 30 in-depth interviews with individuals from two self-direction programs in one state. A positive relationship between self-direction and recovery was established. Meeting basic needs for food, clothing, and shelter are important first steps in the recovery process for self-directing participants. Recovery domains were dynamic and interrelated, with gains in independence, self-esteem, and self-confidence facilitating achievement of goals in other domains. To maximize the benefits of self-direction, program administrators may need to develop clearer program implementation standards and address poverty and limited access to appropriate behavioral health services and supports.
Surgery of the Arthritic Hand and Wrist

Arnold-Peter C. Weiss and Hill Hastings II, editors. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins; 2001. 200 pages. $130.00. This timely, 200-page, multiauthored monograph is an excellent overview of degenerative and rheumatoid arthritis of the hand and wrist for the general hand surgeon, and it also serves as an excellent primer for hand fellows and residents. The chapters are concise, practical, and easy to read. The book is divided into three sections: The Foundation, The Hand, and The Wrist. The first section consists of three chapters. The first two chapters provide an excellent, …
Feasibility study of neurocognitive assessment of melanoma patients treated with adjuvant interferon

e20567 Background: Interferon α-2b (IFN) is the only approved adjuvant therapy for patients diagnosed with high-risk melanoma. Cognitive and mood alterations have been consistently reported during ...
A gyroscopic seismometer: Measurements during the borrego earthquake

The gyro seismometer, consisting of two counter-rotating pendulous Nordsieck gyroscopes, permits separation of tilts from horizontal motion. Sensitivity is limited by the accuracy with which the gyro orientation can be measured, ∼1 arcsecond rms in a 0.5 Hz bandwidth. This instrumental noise level is equivalent to ground tilts of ∼1 arcsecond and ground velocities of ∼0.1 cm/sec. Peak values in the instrumental pass band (0 to 0.5 Hz ) of the tilt and horizontal velocity during the Borrego Mountain, California, earthquake of April 9, 1968, were 1 cm/sec and 10 arcseconds respectively. In La Jolla, 115 km from the epicenter, the static displacement and tilt were less than 1 cm and 0.1 arcsecond (5 × 10−7 radian).