cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Modeling Regional Carbon Dynamics and Soil Erosion in Disturbed and Rehabilitated Ecosystems as Affected by Land Use and Climate

The quantification of carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) cycling inecosystems is important for (a) understanding changes inecosystem structure and function with changes in land use, (b)determining the sustainability of ecosystems, and (c) balancingthe global C budget as it relates to global climate change.A meso-scale study was conducted to determine regional effectsof climate change on C and N cycling within disturbedecosystems. Objectives of the research were to quantify (a)sediment yield, (b) current C storage in vegetation and soils,and (c) soil C efflux from both abandoned and rehabilitatedcoal surface-mined lands in Ohio. A dynamic model was developedto simulate sediment yield, grassland production, and C and Ncycling on surface-mined lands. Evaluation of plant productionand soil erosion submodels with data sets from surface-minedlands in the mid-western U.S. resulted in r2 values of 0.99 and0.97, respectively. Depending on the initial values of soil organic carbon (SOC),model simulations estimated that unvegetated surface-mined landsin Ohio yield approximately 441,325 Mg yr-1 of sediment andemit between 2,000–20,000 Mg yr-1 of C to the atmosphere fromdecomposition of SOC. While rehabilitated lands had a higher Cefflux rate than barren lands, a positive C sequestration rateof 18.4 Mg km-2 yr -1 was estimated as a result oforganic matter additions. This sequestion rate increasedconsiderably under projected climate change scenarios, while itdecreased when simulated rehabilitated grasslands were harvestedfor hay. Changes in land use and cover can cause surface-minedlands to be either a net sink or source for C. Successful rehabilitation of mined lands can decrease erosion and promotesoil C sequestration, while at the same time providingadditional lands for the management of natural resources.
Who Creates the Norm?: In Case of Corporate Philanthropy in Contentious Social Issues

While the influence of institutional norms has been well documented in the CSR and corporate philanthropy literature, the question of where such norms come from and who creates them in the first pl...
Alienating and Reorganizing Cultural Goods: Using Lefebvre’s Controlled Consumption Model to Theorize Media Industry Change

The primary objective of this article is to develop social theorist Henri Lefebvre’s notion of a bureaucratic society of controlled consumption as a useful theoretical model for media studies researchers. Developing a model that draws on four processes of “controlled consumption”—instantiating, programming, alienating, and reorganizing—this article first explains how this theory and these components can provide useful analytic pathways for media research, and, in particular, the ongoing processes of moving media consumption onto streaming platforms. The second half of the article demonstrates one way this model might be used through a critical discourse analysis of how industry trade press framed the 2014 release of The Interview as an example of how members of the film industry responded to a crisis situation by shifting to online rentals under the goal of reorganizing distribution through controlled consumption processes. The article concludes by suggesting this theoretical model may have a number of further uses and developments for studying larger rearticulations and contextual transformations across various media industries.
Does partisanship promote anti-democratic impulses? Evidence from a survey experiment

Emerging research argues that liberal democracy, including American democracy, is showing evidence of erosion and is in retreat around the world. Our research provides a counterbalance to concerns ...
Gaming Beyond the Novelty-Effect of Immersive Virtual Reality for Physical Rehabilitation

Immersive Virtual Reality (iVR) Head-Mounted Display (HMD) systems paired with serious exercise games can positively augment physical rehabilitation process from both engagement and analytics perspectives. This paper presents a serious game for iVR HMD based long term upper-extremity exercise. We demonstrate the capabilities of our game through a case study with five users recovering from upper-extremity injuries. We examine how our program maintains engagement and motivation over eight weeks, where users completed bi-weekly prescribed movements framed as protecting a virtual butterfly. We assess user experiences through a mixture of biomarkers from brainwave, heart rate, and galvanic skin response recorded at runtime as well as motion capture and behavioral game data. Our results suggest that the iVR game was an effective medium in inducing high compliance, physical performance, and biometric changes even with increasing difficulty beyond the novelty effect period. We conclude with considerations of future work for iVR physical therapy games that adapt to biometric response.
Creative Ways to Enhance and Assess Critical Thinking in Nursing Students.

ABSTRACT Nursing students should be challenged to implement critical thinking decisions regarding conclusions they implement for patient care. This article reinforces common techniques and introduces new practices to teach critical thinking. Many ways are currently recognized utilizing an assortment of techniques. The concepts from an escape room are a great way to deliver opportunities for students to practice this skill and can be provided economically and easily. Being creative in managing these concepts will offer an exciting chance to introduce critical thinking for your students.
The Role of Appetite Stimulants for Cancer-Related Weight Loss

Involuntary weight loss and its end-stage manifestation, the anorexia and cachexia syndrome, is a frequent complication of cancer. The incidence of weight loss varies both with the primary site of the malignancy and its stage. At presentation, 15–48% of cancer patients report weight loss, while more than 80% of those with advanced disease note involuntary weight loss [1]. A weight loss of as little as 5% from premorbid weight predicts a poor prognosis, particularly among patients with lymphoma, lung, breast or gastrointestinal malignancies. Weight loss of less than 5% adversely impacts survival, with the greatest effect seen in those patients with good performance status [1]. Involuntary weight loss adversely affects quality of life as well [2] [4].
Molecular Analysis of Voltage-Gated K+ Channel Diversity and Functioning in the Mammalian Heart

The sections in this article are: 1 Electrophysiological Diversity of Voltage-Gated Myocardial K+ Channel Currents 1.1 Transient Outward K+ Current Channels, Ito 1.2 Delayed Rectifier K+ Currents, IK 1.3 Cellular/Regional Heterogeneity in Voltage-Gated K+ Current Expression and Properties 2 Molecular Determinants of Voltage-Gated Cardiac K+ Channels 2.1 Voltage-Gated K+ Channel Pore-Forming α Subunits 2.2 Accessory Subunits of Voltage-Gated K+ Channels 2.3 Voltage-Gated K+ Channels and the Cytoskeleton 3 Molecular Correlates of Functional Voltage-Gated K+ Channels 3.1 Molecular Genetics of Cardiac Delayed Rectifier K+ Currents, IKr and IKs 3.2 Transgenic and Targeted Gene Deletion Approaches 3.3 Molecular Correlates of Other Voltage-Gated Cardiac K+ Currents 4 Functional Consequences of in Vivo Alterations in Voltage-Gated Myocardial K+ Channels 4.1 QT Prolongation 4.2 Atrioventricular Block 4.3 Ventricular Arrhythmia/Tachycardia 4.4 Pathophysiology 5 Summary, Conclusions, and Future Directions
Water consumption by man in a warm environment: a statistical analysis.

Statistical analysis of relationships between metabolic variables and mean daily water consumption in young men
Involvement of cyclic AMP in multiple, excitatory actions of biogenic amines on the cardiac ganglion of the horseshoe crab Limulus polyphemus

Cyclic AMP appears to be involved in several excitatory actions of amines on neurones of the Limulus cardiac ganglion. Amines selectively increase levels of cardiac ganglion cyclic AMP with a magnitude and time course similar to that observed for amine-induced excitation of cardiac ganglion burst rate. With respect to either the physiological or biochemical effect, the apparent order of potency is octopamine greater than epinephrine approximately dopamine greater than norepinephrine. Elevation of cardiac ganglion cyclic AMP levels by octopamine or dopamine is dose-dependent and is potentiated by the phosphodiesterase inhibitor 3-isobutyl 1-methylxanthine (IBMX). Several pharmacological agents which influence cyclic nucleotide metabolism, including forskolin, IBMX and 8-substituted cyclic AMP analogues, have amine-like effects on the Limulus cardiac ganglion. These effects include increased burst rate of the isolated cardiac ganglion and decreased burst duration, interburst interval and number of spikes per burst in follower neurones. Forskolin and IBMX increase levels of cardiac ganglion cyclic AMP, and IBMX also increases cyclic GMP levels in this tissue. Amines, forskolin and IBMX have direct effects on follower neurones pharmacologically isolated from pacemaker cell input. Octopamine, forskolin and IBMX depolarize follower neurones, while dopamine hyperpolarizes these cells. Amines, forskolin and IBMX elicit burst-like potentials in follower neurones, and increase the size of evoked, unitary junction potentials recorded in cardiac muscle fibres. These pharmacological and biochemical data suggest that multiple, excitatory effects of biogenic amines on the Limulus cardiac ganglion are mediated by simultaneous increases in cyclic AMP at several loci within this neural network.
Dioxin Photoproducts of Triclosan and Its Chlorinated Derivatives in Sediment Cores

Triclosan, a widely used antimicrobial, is known to undergo phototransformation in aqueous solution to form 2,8-dichlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (2,8-DCDD). Two sediment cores from a wastewater-impacted depositional zone of the Mississippi River were analyzed for triclosan by ultra performance liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS-Q(3)) and for a suite of polychlorinated dioxins and furans by high resolution gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HRGC-MS) to provide evidence of this photoreaction in the environment. 2,8-DCDD was detected at levels that trended with the historical use of triclosan since its introduction in the 1960s. Three other dioxin congeners, 2,3,7-TCDD, 1,2,8-TriCDD, and 1,2,3,8-TCDD, which are known photoproducts of chlorinated derivatives of triclosan, were also detected with similar trend profiles. These four congeners comprised the majority of di- through tetra-chlorinated dioxins. The trend profile of these specific dioxin congeners did not correlate with the trend profile of the higher-chlorinated dioxin homologues or any chlorinated furan homologues, suggesting a unique source. These results are fully consistent with the phototransformation of triclosan and its chlorinated derivatives that form during wastewater chlorine disinfection as the source of 2,8-DCDD, 2,3,7-TriCDD, 1,2,8-TriCDD, and 1,2,3,8-TCDD in this aquatic environment. As the levels of triclosan-derived dioxins increased over time and the total level of chlorinated dioxins decreased, the contribution of triclosan-derived dioxins to the total dioxin pool increased to as high as 31% by mass in recent years, indicating that their contribution to total dioxin toxicity may need consideration.
A Composite Study of Comma Clouds and their Association with Severe Weather over the Great Plains

Abstract Sixty-eight comma-cloud systems over the Great Plains during two spring seasons were examined using satellite imagery and rawinsonde data. Composite soundings were produced for each of ten distinct parts of the comma cloud in order to describe quantitatively the atmospheric structure associated with wave cyclones that produced 585 severe weather events. Composite sectionals and soundings document the different kinematic and thermodynamic environment of each part of the comma-cloud system. Relative-wind, isentropic analyses show air flow relative to the storm and provide additional evidence that the clear region intruding northward east of the cyclone center is an area of strong ascent of dry air with a previous history of subsidence. Stability computations from the mean soundings suggest that the most likely location for severe weather is near the central part of the comma tail, in agreement with the tabulated severe weather reports. A case study from 21–22 March 1981 is conducted to investigate ...
Direct Measurement of Excited-State Intervalence Transfer in [(tpy)RuIII(tppz•-)RuII(tpy)]4+* by Time-Resolved Near-Infrared Spectroscopy

Extension of time-resolved infrared (TRIR) measurements into the near-infrared region has allowed the first direct measurement of a mixed-valence band in the metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) excited state of a symmetrical ligand-bridged complex. Visible laser flash excitation of [(tpy)Ru(tppz)Ru(tpy)]4+ (tppz is 2,3,5,6-tetrakis(2-pyridyl)pyrazine; tpy is 2,2‘:6‘,6‘ ‘-terpyridine) produces the mixed-valence, MLCT excited state [(tpy)RuIII(tppz•-)RuII(tpy)]4+* with the excited electron localized on the bridging tppz ligand. A mixed-valence band appears at νmax = 6300 cm-1 with a bandwidth-at-half- maximum, Δν1/2 = 1070 cm-1. In the analogous ground-state complex, [(tpy)Ru(tppz)Ru(tpy)]5+, a mixed-valence band appears at νmax = 6550 cm-1 with Δν1/2 = 970 cm-1 which allows a comparison to be made of electronic coupling across tppz0 and tppz•- as bridging ligands.
Earth science: Tiny triggers deep down

The documentation and characterization of remotely triggered earthquakes deep within the Earth is an achievement that provides insight into the mechanisms that initiate such events.
A monoclonal antibody that inhibits translation in Sf21 cell lysates is specific for glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase.

Monoclonal antibody (Mab) 8B7 was shown in a previous study to inhibit protein translation in lysates of Sf21 cells. The antibody was thought to be specific for a 60-kDa form of elongation factor-1 alpha (EF-1α), primarily because the antigen immunoprecipitated by Mab 8B7 cross-reacted with Mab CBP-KK1, an antibody generated to EF-1α from Trypanosoma brucei. The purpose of the current study was to investigate further the antigenic specificity of Mab 8B7. The concentration of the 60-kDa antigen relative to total cellular protein proved insufficient for its definitive identification. However, subcellular fractionation of Sf21 cells yielded an additional protein of 37 kDa in the cytosolic and microsomal fractions that was reactive with Mab 8B7. The 37-kDa protein could be easily visualized by colloidal Coomassie Blue G-250 staining as a series of pI 6.9–8.4 spots on two-dimensional gels. Excision of an abundant immunoreactive spot enabled identification of the protein as glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization–mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS) and protein database searching. Subsequent immunoblotting of purified rabbit skeletal muscle GAPDH with Mab 8B7 confirmed the antibody's specificity for GAPDH. Besides the pivotal role GAPDH plays in glycolysis, the enzyme has a number of noncanonical functions, including binding to mRNA and tRNA. The ability of Mab 8B7 to disrupt these lesser-known functions of GAPDH may account for the antibody's inhibitory effect on in vitro translation. Arch. Insect Biochem. Physiol. 69:107-117, 2008. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Teacher stress and health; Examination of a model

Stress in teaching derives from a variety of sources, and evidence exists linking such stress to physical and mental health concerns. Detailed examination of the linkages among personal factors, job stress, job satisfaction and symptomatology have not been done in this occupation, however, and the present study examines a model interrelating these variables. A survey of 245 predominantly female elementary school teachers in southeast Texas suggested that demographic factors and teaching background do not influence stress, satisfaction or health concerns. However, while job stress was the strongest predictor of job satisfaction, this stress had no direct relationship with health problems, an unexpected finding. Write-in responses by teachers indicated additional sources of stress, many of which were environmental or policy-based in nature. The implications of these findings for future research and stress management interventions for teachers are discussed.
Experimental studies of personal pressure and resistance: I. Experimental production of resistance.

(1944). Experimental Studies of Personal Pressure and Resistance: I. Experimental Production of Resistance. The Journal of General Psychology: Vol. 30, No. 1, pp. 23-41.
Acute renal failure caused by hyperuremic acidemia in ABO-incompatible kidney transplant maintained with cyclosporine and high-dose mizoribine: a case report.

Abstract Introduction The shortage of cadaver organs has led to expansion of living donor kidney transplantations with, 30% increase among ABO-incompatible cases in Japan and the use of marginal extended donors. Herein we have reported the outcome after an ABO-incompatible kidney transplantation from an aged living-related donor who suffered from mild diabetes mellitus and hypertension. Case Report A 48-year-old man underwent ABO-incompatible kidney transplantation from his 76-year-old father, using anti-CD20 antibody induction, followed by cyclosporine (CsA), mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), and prednisolone. After the operation, MMF was switched to high-dose mizoribine (MZ). He was discharged from the hospital on postoperative day (POD) 28 with a serum creatinine (sCr) of 1.47 mg/dL. On POD 34 when the sCr was 8.14 mg/dL, his urine examination showed uric acid crystals with serum uric acid of 24.6 mg/dL. Biopsy findings showed no evidence of acute rejection but mild tubulointerstitial injury. Hemodialysis performed twice to reduce uric acid was accompanied by hydration. CsA/MZ was switched to tacrolims/MMF; benzbromarone, to febuxostat to treat hyperuric acidemia. On POD 58, sCr reduced to 1.75 mg/dL he was discharged. On POD 416, graft function was stable with sCr of 1.70 mg/dL. Conclusion Common side effect of MZ is hyperuricemia which presumably caused acute renal failure of this aged marginal donor kidney.
Inter-cohort differences in spatial and temporal settlement patterns of young-of-the-year windowpane (Scophthalmus aquosus) in southern New Jersey

Abstract The timing and location of settlement of two cohorts (spring and fall) of windowpane (Scophthalmus aquosus) were identified based on collections from 64 sampling locations along a corridor from the lower estuary, through the inlet, and on to the adjacent inner continental shelf in southern New Jersey. Spatio-temporal patterns of settlement during 1989–1998 were determined based on capture location and timing, and eye migration stage. Spring-spawned windowpanes were collected in estuarine, inlet and ocean habitats as larvae, during settlement, and after settlement. Densities of spring-spawned larvae (∼2–10 mm standard length (SL)) peaked in May in all habitats (estuary, inlet, and ocean). Initial settlement of spring-spawned windowpane occurred during May in the inlet and ocean when fish had grown to ∼7–8 mm SL (mid-point of eye migration), but fish did not appear in demersal estuarine collections until June when they were larger and more developmentally advanced (∼24–32 mm SL; post-eye migration). A transitional settlement period, comprised of a progressive habitat shift from pelagic to demersal habitats, is proposed for the spring cohort to explain the observed patterns. Fall-spawned fish of all developmental stages and sizes were virtually absent from estuarine collections. Fall-spawned larval (∼2–10 mm SL) densities peaked in October in inlet and ocean habitats and fish began settling there during the same month at sizes similar to the spring cohort (∼7–8 mm SL). This research confirms that there are important cohort-specific and life-stage dependent differences in young-of-the-year (YOY) windowpane habitat use in southern New Jersey and perhaps in other east coast US estuaries. These differences may affect the overall contribution that each cohort makes to a given year class and thus, may have an important role in determining the recruitment dynamics of this species.
Comparative studies of muscarinic and dopamine receptors in three strains of rat.

Cholinesterase activities and characteristics of muscarinic and dopamine receptors from 9 week old male Sprague-Dawley (SD), Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) were studied. Plasma cholinesterase activity in WKY was significantly lower (50%) than activity in the other strains. In studies of muscarinic receptors, the number of [3H]QNB binding sites in striata from SD rats was lower (18%) than those from WKY and SHR. However, muscarinic receptor properties (Kd and Bmax) were the same in hypothalami. Studies of dopamine receptors revealed that the densities of both D-1 and D-2 receptors in both striata and hypothalami were significantly higher in SHR than in other strains. However, there were no differences in the affinity constant (Kd). The higher densities in hypothalami from SHR were mainly due to the high population of D-1 and D-2 receptors in the posterior hypothalamus. In the anterior hypothalamus, there was no difference in the population of D-2 receptors. These results provide a substantive basis, i.e. demonstration of alterations in drug metabolizing enzymes and receptor populations, on which to build an understanding of the genetic predisposition to the actions of xenobiotic agents.
Trends in the Design and Arrangement of Electrical Equipment in Hydraulic Power Plants

DURING the last ten years there has been a considerable development of water power resources in this country. Many different organizations have participated in the design of these projects, and many contributions have been made to reduce the first cost, improve the overall efficiency, and reduce the cost of operation. A brief review of those trends which represent the greatest changes, or have provoked the most discussion, may be of interest at this time. On many of them there is no unanimity of opinion. The reader may disagree with some, he may even question whether others represent general trends at all; nevertheless, the writer will try to give them without either commendation or condemnation, and he would not be entirely candid if he did not say that some looked rather foolish to him at first. It should be emphasized that this paper will discuss only those features which have been changing, or have provoked discussion; many things which are of much greater importance to the station may therefore be mentioned only briefly, if at all.
Differential Binding of cAMP-dependent Protein Kinase Regulatory Subunit Isoforms Iα and IIβ to the Catalytic Subunit

Limited trypsin digestion of type I cAMP-dependent protein kinase holoenzyme results in a proteolytic-resistant Δ(1–72) regulatory subunit core, indicating that interaction between the regulatory and catalytic subunits extends beyond the autoinhibitory site in the R subunit at the NH2 terminus. Sequence alignment of the two R subunit isoforms, RI and RII, reveals a significantly sequence diversity at this specific region. To determine whether this sequence diversity is functionally important for interaction with the catalytic subunit, specific mutations, R133A and D328A, are introduced into sites adjacent to the active site cleft in the catalytic subunit. While replacing Arg133 with Ala decreases binding affinity for RII, interaction between the catalytic subunit and RI is not affected. In contrast, mutant C(D328A) showed a decrease in affinity for binding RI while maintaining similar affinities for RII as compared with the wild-type catalytic subunit. These results suggest that sequence immediately NH2-terminal to the consensus inhibition site in RI and RII interacts with different sites at the proximal region of the active site cleft in the catalytic subunit. These isoform-specific differences would dictate a significantly different domain organization in the type I and type II holoenzymes.
Pathogens as a factor limiting the spread of cannibalism in tiger salamanders

Intraspecific predation is taxonomically widespread, but few species routinely prey on conspecifics. This is surprising as conspecifics could be a valuable resource for animals limited by food. A potential cost of cannibalism that has been largely unexplored is that it may enhance the risk of acquiring debilitating pathogens or toxins from conspecifics. We examined how pathogens affect variation in the incidence of cannibalism in tiger salamander larvae (Ambystoma tigrinum nebulosum), which occur as two environmentally-induced morphs, typicals and cannibals. Salamanders from one population were more likely than those in another to develop into cannibals, even when reared under identical conditions. Variation in the propensity to become a cannibal may be caused by variation in pathogen density. In the population with cannibals at low frequency, bacterial blooms in late summer correlated with massive die-offs of salamanders. The frequency of cannibals correlated significantly negatively with bacterial density in ten different natural lakes. In the laboratory, cannibals exposed to a diseased conspecific always preyed on the sick animal. As a result, cannibals wre more likely to acquire and die from disease than were typicals that were similarly exposed, or cannibals that were exposed to healthy conspecifics. Since conspecifics often share lethal pathogens, enhanced risk of disease may explain why cannibalism is generally infrequent. Pathogens may constrain not only the tendency to be behaviorally cannibalistic, but also the propensity to develop specialized cannibal morphologies.
Unbalanced Rna Accumulation In Regenerating Mouse Epidermis Follwing Abrasion

Following removal of the epidermis from the backs of CD-1 female mice, the epidermis is regenerated from the underlying resting hair follicles. The epidermis, which is normally 2 cell layers in thickness, reaches 7 cell layers by 5 days after abrasion and maintains this thickness throughout the rest of the 7-day experimental period. DNA and protein accumulate coordinately with the increase in epidermal wet weight as the regenerating epidermis thickens, reaching 3 to 4× normal levels by day 5. In contrast, RNA accumulates disproportionately, reaching levels over 12× that of normal by day 5. The unbalanced accumulation of RNA is also seen per cell since there is a 3- to 4-fold increase in the RNA/DNA ratio as well as an approximately comparable increase in RNA/protein. Protein/DNA does not increase markedly during regeneration, although at days 6 and 7 it does increase slightly.
Does trait urgency moderate the relationship between parental alcoholism and alcohol use

Many college students engage in unsafe amounts of alcohol use, resulting in considerable alcohol-related problems. Several recent studies have shown that trait urgency is positively associated with...
Spontaneous Fission Neutron Spectrum of Cf 252

The spontaneous fission neutron spectrum of ${\mathrm{Cf}}^{252}$ from 0.2 to 7.0 Mev has been measured. Time-of-flight techniques were employed to determine the lower energy portion of the spectrum while proton recoils in emulsions were used to study the higher energy neutrons. The measured neutron spectrum is, within the experimental accuracy, described by the empirical relation $N(E)\ensuremath{\propto}\mathrm{exp}[\ensuremath{-}0.88E(\mathrm{Mev})]sinh{[2.0E(\mathrm{Mev})]}^{\frac{1}{2}}$, where $N(E)$ is the number of neutrons of energy $E$ per unit energy interval. The experimental results are compared with the theoretically determined ${\mathrm{Cf}}^{252}$ fission neutron spectrum.
Absence of Effect of Stimulants on the Pharmacokinetics of Desipramine in Children

We conducted a retrospective chart review to examine the pharmacokinetic interaction between desipramine and the stimulants methylphenidate and dexedrine using routinely monitored desipramine serum concentrations in children receiving desipramine either alone or with a stimulant. Subjects were 142 children and adolescents (age 6-17 yrs; 113 taking desipramine, 29 taking desipramine-stimulants) in whom 401 dose- and weight-normalized serum concentrations were evaluated (333 desipramine, 68 desipramine-stimulants). Desipramine pharmacokinetic parameters were similar for both groups, including mean weight-corrected dose (3.66+/-1.36 mg/kg, desipramine; 3.66+/-1.09 mg/kg, desipramine-stimulants; p=0.97), weight- and dose-normalized serum concentrations (47.26+/-39.26 [microg/L]/[mg/kg], desipramine, 39.02+/-19.92 [microg/L]/[mg/kg], desipramine-stimulants; p=0.09), and clearance (0.690+/-0.913 [L/kg]/hr, desipramine; 0.613+/-0.514 [L/kg]/hr, desipramine-stimulants; p=0.499). When stratified by age, gender, and type of stimulant, no difference was detected (p>0.05) between groups. Our findings indicate the absence of a clinically significant interaction between desipramine and stimulants.
Ethylene Receptors: Ethylene Perception and Signal Transduction

Ethylene is sensed by a family of receptors that can be divided into two subfamilies based on phylogenetic analysis and some shared structural features. In this review we focus on the mechanistic aspects of how the receptors function in plants to transduce the ethylene signal. Recent work has led to new insights into how ethylene binds to the receptors and how this binding may induce a conformational change to regulate signaling. Additional studies point to several possible mechanisms for signal output by the receptors, which may involve changes in enzymatic activity and/or conformational changes. Other studies indicate the importance of interactions, both physical and genetic, between the receptors and early components of the signaling pathway, in particular, the Raf-like kinase CTR1, which functions as an integral component of the ethylene receptor signaling complex. The current model for signaling in Arabidopsis supports differing contributions from the receptors, with subfamily-1 receptors playing a more significant role than the subfamily-2 receptors in transmitting the ethylene signal.
The Importance of Distributed Loading and Cantilever Angle in Piezo-Force Microscopy

Piezo-force microscopy (PFM) is a variation of atomic force microscopy that is widely applied to investigate piezoelectric thin films at the nanometer scale. Curiously, PFM experiments are found to be remarkably sensitive to the position along the cantilever at which deflection is detected, complicating attempts to use this technique to quantify surface actuation and thereby measure the converse piezoelectric coefficient. A straightforward analytical theory is proposed that accounts for this observation by combining standard PFM analyses with subtleties of the typical AFM detection mechanism as well as the concept of distributed loading. Corresponding simulations of PFM measurements indicate that these experimental artifacts can even lead to an apparent inversion of the detected domain orientation. To better understand the importance of these effects, simulations are used to qualitatively map the theoretical PFM response for a wide range of typical experimental parameters, as well as the relative difference between these measurements and true piezoactuation.
A Novel Approach to Assessing the Drug Susceptibility and Replication of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Isolates

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) drug susceptibility testing is often curtailed because such testing is expensive and time consuming. A colorimetric tetrazolium dye method previously used for high-throughput antiviral drug screening was adapted to assess the susceptibility of 16 HIV-1 isolates to zidovudine, didanosine, lamivudine, and nevirapine in MT-2 cells. Cell viability was assessed colorimetrically, and all measurements and calculations were automated. Each HIV-1 isolate was tested in > or = 5 assays to determine the reproducibility of the assay in HIV-1 isolates with known reverse-transcriptase mutations. The drug susceptibility of several mutant HIV-1 strains whose drug susceptibilities had not previously been well defined was also determined. Data on HIV-1 replication from the susceptibility assays indicated that some mutant HIV-1 isolates may have been less cytopathic in MT-2 cells than wild type HIV-1 isolates.
pH-triggered shape response of cubical ultrathin hydrogel capsules

We report on two types of poly(methacrylic acid) (PMAA)-based hydrogel microcontainers (capsules) of cubical shape with distinctly different shape responses upon pH variations. The microcontainers were prepared as replicas of cubical inorganic templates through chemical cross-linking of hydrogen-bonded layer-by-layer (LbL) films. The two types of hollow hydrogels, a single-component (PMAA) and PMAA–poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone) (PMAA–PVPON), showed drastic differences in their shape response to pH variations. Cubical (PMAA)20 capsules turned into bulged sphere-like structures of the same size when transitioned from pH 3 to pH 8. In contrast, cubical (PMAA–PVPON)5 capsules retained their cubical shape at pH 3 while increasing in size at pH 8. The pH-triggered size change of cubical capsules was completely reversible. The difference in pH-triggered shape responses was rationalized through the difference in hydrogel rigidity expressed as the ratio of the polymer contour length between the neighboring cross-links to the persistence polymer length. The ratios of 22.7 and 2 for (PMAA) and (PMAA–PVPON) systems, respectively, suggested that the dual-component system is more rigid and therefore expands uniformly in all directions. We believe that the results provide new prospects for developing polymeric materials with predictable shape and size-changing properties for controlled drug delivery, cellular uptake, and pH-regulating transport behavior in microfluidic devices.
Suppression of spontaneous epileptiform activity with applied currents.

Abstract It has beem well established that both applied and endogenous electrical fields can modulate neuronal activity preparations. In this paper, we present the effects of applied currents on spontaneous epileptiform activity in the CA1 region of the rat hippocampus. A computer-controlled system was designed to detect the spontaneous abnormal activity and then apply current pulses of programmable amplitude with monopolar electrodes in the stratum pyramidale. The epileptiform activity was generated by subperfusion of the neural tissue with an elevated potassium artificial cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) solution. Extracellular recordings showed that the interictal bursts could be fully suppressed in 90% of the slices by subthreshold currents with an average amplitude of 12.5 μA. Intracellular recordings showed that the anodic currents generated hyperpolarization of the somatic membrane thereby suppressing neuronal firing. This inhibitory effect of applied current pulses is important for the understanding of electric field effects on abnormal neuronal activity and could be an effective means of preventing the spread of epileptiform activity.
Electrical Properties of Some Titanium Oxides

Electrical conductivity, differential thermal analysis, ac Hall effect, and x-ray diffraction measurements were used to investigate the low-temperature behavior of flux-grown single crystals of the titanium oxides. Monoclinic ${\mathrm{Ti}}_{3}$${\mathrm{O}}_{5}$ and the triclinic Magn\'eli phases ${\mathrm{Ti}}_{4}$${\mathrm{O}}_{7}$, ${\mathrm{Ti}}_{5}$${\mathrm{O}}_{9}$, and ${\mathrm{Ti}}_{6}$${\mathrm{O}}_{11}$ were studied---with the major effort devoted to ${\mathrm{Ti}}_{4}$${\mathrm{O}}_{7}$. The only known property of the Magn\'eli phases was the magnetic susceptibility, which was measured on polycrystalline samples. Several transitions, most of which correlate with previously reported magnetic susceptibility data, were found in these compounds. A semiconductor-to-metal transition occurs in ${\mathrm{Ti}}_{4}$${\mathrm{O}}_{7}$ at 149\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K, followed by a second transition at 125\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K which involves some structural rearrangement. The properties of these compounds are discussed in relation to existing theories for the transition-metal oxides. It is concluded that the observed properties are not adequately explained by these theories.
Formation and break-up of a bead-and-string structure during injection moulding of a polycarbonate/acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene blend

Abstract The morphology gradient through the thickness of an injection-moulded blend of 10% by weight acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) and 90% by weight polycarbonate (PC) has been characterized. Brittle fracture surfaces were etched and examined both parallel and perpendicular to the injection direction in the scanning electron microscope. In the centre of the plaque, the morphology was isotropic with the ABS phase dispersed in the PC matrix as large composite rubber particles about 1 μm in diameter and smaller particles of free styrene-acrylonitrile (SAN) about 0.3 μm in diameter. About half the distance from the centre to the edge, the morphology of the free SAN phase changed from predominantly spherical to predominantly string-like. The SAN strings connected the rubber particles to form an oriented ABS bead-and-string structure that was essentially continuous in the injection direction. It was thought that the free SAN was highly extended under elongational or shear flow while remaining attached to the rubber particles because of miscibility with grafted SAN. The bead-and-string structure was retained near the edge where the melt solidified most rapidly. In the centre of the plaque, the low shear rate during mould filling and longer cooling time after mould filling favoured relaxation of the bead-and-string structure. The morphology gradient through the thickness was created by the competition between the relaxation rate and the cooling rate after mould filling. In this case, relaxation was thought to occur by interfacial-tension-driven break-up and end-pinching mechanisms to produce the dispersion of rubber and free SAN particles. Evidence to support the break-up mechanism was obtained when annealing above the glass transition temperature of PC for a matter of seconds, the timescale of mould cooling, caused the bead-and-string structure to convert to a dispersion of composite rubber particles and SAN particles.
The contradictions of uneven development for states and firms: Capital and state rescaling in peripheral regions

Abstract Recent studies suggest that processes of capital and state rescaling are generating new socio-spatial inequalities within nation-states. I explore rescaling in the understudied context of a peripheral region through the case of a global apparel merchant, Lands’ End, and its decision to relocate its call and distribution centers to Dodgeville, Wisconsin. I argue that an empirical exploration of rescaling in peripheral regions demonstrates the need for two revisions to this literature: (1) an extension of the rescaling literature to capture the multi-scalar construction of socio-spatial inequalities and how the interactions between these different scales influence local outcomes; (2) an extension to firms the kind of analysis that scholars have applied to states—that is, we must consider both the rescaling strategies pursued by states and firms, as well as the contradictions both face as a result of new and existing socio-spatial inequalities.
Temporal patterns of deep brain stimulation generated with a true random number generator and the logistic equation: effects on CNS arousal in mice

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) has shown promise in the treatment of many neurological and psychiatric disorders as well as a disorder of consciousness, the minimally conscious state (MCS). In the clinic, DBS is always monotonic standard pulses; however, we have hypothesized that temporally patterned pulses might be more efficient in achieving desired behavioral responses. Here we present two experiments on DBS of the central thalamus to increase arousal, as measured by motor activity, and to affect the electroencephalogram (EEG). In the first, we optimized amplitude and frequency in standard stimulation of the central thalamus in intact mice. In the second, the optimized fixed frequency was compared to two alternative temporal patterns, chaotic and random, which were physically identical to each other and fixed frequency in all ways except temporal pattern. In both experiments and with all types of stimulation, DBS of the central thalamus increased arousal as measured by motor activity. These data also revealed that temporal patterning of pulses can modulate response to stimulation. That temporal patterns in DBS of the central thalamus were found to alter motor activity response implies possible usefulness of temporal patterns in DBS of other contexts. More investigation into exactly how temporally patterned stimulation may affect neuronal circuit dynamics is necessary.
Heterogeneous microstructure sensitive design for performance optimization of MEMS switch

Designers have traditionally simplified the consideration of material properties because of the diffi culty in incorporating anisotropy and non-homogeneity into design problems. Microstructure sensitive design for performance optimization (MSDPO) introduces the necessary tools to optimize both geometric design and anisotropic material properties concurrently, while also considering heterogeneous placement. In this paper a case study is presented wherein the geometry and microstructure of a micro-electro-mechanical system switch are optimized to minimize the actuation voltage, while ensuring that plastic yielding does not occur during operation. This is accomplished by varying both beam width and crystallographic texture along the length of the beam. The designed switch is predicted to reduce the actuation voltage by 90%. While this case study does not identify the manufacturing processes required to produce the optimized microstructure, such considerations can be included in MSDPO, but lie beyond the scope of this paper.
Optimal redundancies for reliability and availability of series systems

Abstract Five different series system configurations with standby units are compared based on their overall reliability and availability. The time-to-failure of a component and its repair time are assumed to have the negative exponential distribution. The mean time-to-failure, MTTF, and the steady-state availability, AT(∞), are obtained for the first three simple configurations and comparisons are performed. For all five configurations, comparisons are made based on assumed numerical values given to the distribution parameters, as well as to the cost of the components. The configurations are ranked based on: MTTF, AT(∞), cost and cost-benefit where benefit is either MTTF or AT(∞).
Exploration In Space

sian and of American scientists to put man into space. The idea of commuting on a regular schedule between earth and one of the other planets is improbable during the lifetime of anyone of us. When a scientist or an engineer talks about space, what is meant? The definition depends upon the point of view. If a physiologist is speaking about space, he is talking about something a little different than the engineer is referring to. There are roughly three general definitions of space: 1) the so-called "space outside the atmosphere" which begins somewhere about 120 miles above the
A Study of Ion-Neutral Collision Cross Section Values for Low Charge States of Peptides, Proteins, and Peptide/Protein Complexes.

Abstract Here, we report ion-helium collision cross-sections (CCS) for a number of peptide, small protein, and peptide/protein ionic complexes. The CCS values reported here are compared to previously reported results [1] , [2] . We also compare values for low charge state species, i.e., [M+H]+ and [M+2H]2+, formed by MALDI with values for high charge state species formed by ESI, and the measured CCSs are compared with predicted CCS for solid-state and solution phase structures and calculated structures obtained by using a protein–protein structure algorithm generator, based on a combined Biomolecular complex Generation with Global Evaluation and Ranking [3] and Multi Dimensional Scaling [4] .
Oxygen K-edge EXAFS of the high-TC superconductor Y-Ba-Cu-O

Abstract EXAFS spectra above the oxygen K absorption edge of the high-TC superconductor Y-Ba-Cu-O have been studied by measuring the total electron yield (TEY) as a function of x-ray energy. Temperature variation of the TEY spectra was examined between 77K and 300K. These data provide evidence for the existence of local soft modes in the material.
Wide bandgap semiconductors: blue-green lasers and exciton physics

An overview is given of recent developments in wide bandgap semiconductor lasers. Following a description of the current device status of the ZnSe and GaN-based heterojunction emitters, physics of excitons at high densities and optical microcavities are considered; respectively.
Accurate calculations of the forward drop and power dissipation in thyristors

Four-layer power thyristors are analyzed using exact numerical solutions of the full set of semiconductor device equations together with the heat-flow equation. Included in the analysis are the physical mechanisms of carrier-carrier scattering, Auger and SRH recombination, and band-gap narrowing. The experimental current-voltage curves for three-thyristor structures are compared with the theoretical predictions and are shown to be in good agreement. The limiting effects on device behavior of the physical mechanisms noted above, including heat-sink thermal impedance, are investigated over the range of device operating conditions. The distribution of power dissipation throughout the device is shown and compared with the distribution of recombination in the device. The theory of calculating power dissipation in a semiconductor is also discussed.
Pulmonary calcification in a patient with multiple myeloma.

A patient with multiple myeloma and hypercalcemia was treated with intravenous sodium sulfate and prolonged oral sodium phosphate. She subsequently developed extensive metastatic calcification in the lungs, alveolar-capillary block and severe respiratory distress. The probable mechanism of phosphate and sulfate induced soft tissue calcification in hypercalcemia is reviewed and caution is urged in the administration of phosphate as a hypocalcemic agent.
Indirect adaptive suboptimal control for linear dynamic systems having polynomial nonlinearities

An indirect adaptation algorithm to adaptively implement a control weighted one-step-ahead suboptimal control law previously derived for the control of stochastic linear dynamic systems having polynomial nonlinearities is presented. Since identification is separated from the calculation of controller design and a single adaptation algorithm is used, the indirect scheme provides more flexibility and has the advantage that few estimated parameters and less memory space are required in the case when the system time delay d and/or degree p of the polynomial are large. It has been shown that the proposed indirect scheme has the same global convergence property as the direct scheme given by Zhang and Lang (see ibid., vol.AC-32, no.8 (1987)). >
THE TRANSFORMING MMIC

In this paper, we describe two new DARPA initiatives addressing new concepts in compound semiconductor materials and architectures that will radically transform monolithic microwave integrated circuits (MMICs) technology to address future requirements for military and commercial sensors and mobile communication networks.