cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Electrophoretic migration of proteins in semidilute polymer solutions

We present a systematic study of the electrophoretic migration of 10-200 kDa protein fragments in dilute-polymer solutions using microfluidic chips. The electrophoretic mobility and dispersion of protein samples were measured in a series of monodisperse polydimethylacrylamide (PDMA) polymers of different molecular masses (243, 443, and 764 kDa, polydispersivity index <2) of varying concentration. The polymer solutions were characterized using rheometry. Prior to loading onto the microchip, the polymer solution was mixed with known concentrations of SDS (SDS) surfactant and a staining dye. SDS-denatured protein samples were electrokinetically injected, separated, and detected in the microchip using electric fields ranging from 100 to 300 V/cm. Our results show that the electrophoretic mobility of protein fragments decreases exponentially with the concentration c of the polymer solution. The mobility was found to decrease logarithmically with the molecular weight of the protein fragment. In addition, the mobility was found to be independent of the electric field in the separation channel. The dispersion is relatively independent of polymer concentration and it first increases with protein size and then decreases with a maximum at about 45 kDa. The resolution power of the device decreases with concentration of the PDMA solution but it is always better than 10% of the protein size. The protein migration does not seem to correspond to the Ogston or the reptation models. A semiempirical expression for mobility given by van Winkle fits the data very well.
Adaptation and the Form-Function Relation

SYNOPSIS. The idea of a form-function correlation implies some benefit for the individual that displays it. This is subsumed under the heading of adaptation, the reality of which has recently been questioned. Some caution in the application of adaptationist explanations may be necessary, but the key point is the perceived risk of the extension of adaptationist explanations to the human species. This review documents that adaptation exists and represents the basis for the match of form and function. It stresses that the underlying adaptive mechanisms are much more complex than sometimes assumed. The complexity has led to misunderstanding. Most important, there is no reason to expect perfection or optimization in any simple match. The review concludes with a review of procedures for the study of seemingly adaptive aspects of phenotypes.
Intracellular dynamics of bacterial proteins are revealed by super-resolution microscopy

Fluorescence imaging has been uncovering subcellular details in eukaryotic cells for many decades. However, prokaryotes, with their small size, have more typically been characterized and defined only by the absence of intracellular structures like the nucleus and organelles. It is now obvious that very careful, precise protein localization and dynamics must be at play to ensure the proper behavior, division, and reproduction of prokaryotes. Accordingly, an explosion of interest in bacterial cell biology began ∼15 years ago (1), and over the past five years, the application of superresolution imaging techniques to bacteria has allowed the inner workings of live bacteria cells to be directly probed, further uncovering the mysteries of subcellular microbiology (2).
Dynamics of heat destruction of spores: A new view

Discrepancies between actual, viable spore populations and those predicted by a classical model during heat sterilization of food and pharmaceutical products have long concerned food engineers and scientists as they pursue new sterilization techniques, including ultra-high temperature processes. Among potential causes of those discrepancies, activation of dormant spores is significant, and models addressing that factor were developed recently. This paper reviews historic and current views on the biology and models of microbial spore populations during heat sterilization. Activation and inactivation of viable spores are emphasized, with each viewed as a first-order reaction. Rate constants of those reactions may differ significantly, inactivation rates of dormant and activated spores may differ, and variations of all rate constants with temperature appear to be well described by Arrhenius equations. Model-based analyses show how categories of survivor response curves observed during isothermal heat treatments can arise from simultaneous activation and inactivation of spores in an overall population. Effects of different distributions of initial subpopulations, different distributions of rate constants, and ‘heat shock’ for homogenizing an indicator population are shown. The complexity of new, multiple process models has not increased greatly, but the potential for accurate, dynamic prediction of product safety after prescribed sterilization has. The relevant biology is understood and accounted for more thoroughly, and it is anticipated that the new models will aid design and evaluation of new and improved sterilization processes for food and pharmaceuticals.
Habitat fragmentation and population extinction of birds

It has not been established that a major cause of extinction in birds or any other taxa is failure of metapopulation dynamics: the collapse of a network of ephemeral but discrete populations as movement between them becomes increasingly infrequent. The few data on who goes where and who mates with whom suggest that most species are structured as either a single large population or a small set of source populations and a larger set of sinks. The extinction of the latter is irrelevant to the persistence of the species. However, regional decline of a species in the face of habitat destruction and fragmentation can mimic a failure of metapopulation dynamics, because distinct aggregations of individuals will disappear much as they would if populations in an interacting network were eliminated one by one. Any species with highly restricted range is at great risk of extinction from spatially localized forces, such as cyclones or deforestation. Restricted range rather than inherent weakness is the main reason that so many island species have gone extinct or are endangered. Species with small populations in contact with much larger heterospecific ones with which they are interfertile are threatened with extinction by hybridization. Finally, the disappearance of a species from a site may be due to subtle habitat change, even if this observation seems superficially consistent with some general population theory, such as the dynamic equilibrium theory of island biogeography. Current theory is an inadequate substitute for intensive field studies as a means to address the conservation problems of individual species.
Superalloy eutectic composites with the VI A refractory elements - Cr, Mo and W

The paper discusses the phase equilibria for the ternary systems NiAlCr, NiAlMo, and NiAlW, with emphasis on reactions from the liquid state, although some of the solid state reactions are mentioned. It is shown that eutectics in the Ni-Al-refractory element (Cr, Mo, W) systems offer the potential for high-temperature turbine blade and vane applications. In particular, it is shown that the phase diagrams of these ternary systems can be manipulated to alter the eutectic phases and morphologies by simple quaternary alloying modifications. The resultant combination of chemistry and structure can be controlled to ensure a behavior that is well-matched to hot section component materials requirements.
An ocean circulation model with surface wave parameterization

Breaking waves are considered an important source of turbulent energy, supplementing to shear production. Breaking waves also play an important role in development of thermo-dynamical and turbulent structures in the ocean. No circulation models presently used take the wind-wave-current-turbulence relationship into account. To improve understanding and prediction, an ocean circulation model with a surface wave parameterization is developed taking wind-wave-turbulence-current interaction into account. This model is called the NAM ocean model. Important features of NAM include a true coupling to wave prediction models and a numerical grid generation (multi-block) technique.The pivotal-condensation method is stable, simple and has rapid convergence. The method is especially effective for ocean modeling when primitive equations for momentum, temperature, salinity, turbulence kinetic energy, and turbulent dissipation are solved with the same procedure using advection and vertical diffusion equations. The latter requires only surface and bottom boundary conditions. The parameterization in the model uses a wave breaking condition of the linear wave theory and is able to relate model variables to wave parameters such as wave height, age, phase speed, period, and length. The model can be used for studying current-wave-turbulence interaction in realistic environments of varying topography, and complex temperature and salinity structures. The model is used in two numerical experiments to demonstrate ocean surface wave effects on current fields and to show the model capability for upwelling prediction. The model code is presently being parallelized using numerical multiblock grid and dual-level parallelism techniques.
Growth Rates in Running Speed and Vertical Jumping by Boys and Girls Ages 11–13:

This study examined growth rates in running speed and vertical jump among middle school children. 45 boys and 31 girls ages 11-13 years were tested on running speed and vertical jump three times (September, February, and May) during the school year. Hierarchical linear modeling was used to estimate initial status and growth rates for the entire sample (base model) and the association of running and vertical jump with height, weight, and sex (conditional model). Positive overall growth rates were found for both running speed and vertical jump. Increased heightand weight at the time of measurement were not significantly associated with growth rate for running. The growth rate for vertical jump was positively associated with height but unrelated to increased weight. Boys showed steeper growth rates than girls in jumping. No sex differences were found in running speed for either initial status or in growth rate. Furthermore, these results suggest highly variable rates of physical maturation but no general period of 'adolescent awkwardness'.
EXCESS DEMAND AND MARKET ADJUSTMENT

This paper develops a model of wage and price adjustment that is based on the optimizing behavior of firms. The output of the model is a relationship between price changes and excess demands that looks like a generalized Walrasian adjustment but which is based on firm microfoundations. The model is then applied to stability analysis and the “Phillips curve,” using restrictions derived from the underlying optimization to generate results.
Associations between maternal genotypes and metabolites implicated in congenital heart defects

Background The development of non-syndromic congenital heart defects (CHDs) involves a complex interplay of genetics, metabolism, and lifestyle. Previous studies have implicated maternal single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and altered metabolism in folate-related pathways as CHD risk factors.
The modeling of pulsating fires

The authors present scaling relationships for modeling pulsating fires. Data gathered from various sizes of pulsating fires compared favorably with the predicted relationships between fire diameter and pulsation frequency.
Calorimetric techniques for metabolic studies of cells and organisms under normal conditions and stress

When cells are subjected to stress, an early result is a shift in type and rate of metabolism to reflect their new conditions. The availability of metabolites, their endogenous vs exogenous origins, and the rates at which they can be used, besides availability of oxygen, dictate cell and tissue response. Measurement of heat output in such a response is a means for monitoring cells and tissues. Differential heat conduction calorimeters are reviewed to provide a listing of instrument parameters important in optimum practical use. Data obtained with one cell system, mammalian sperm, are presented to provide an example of how the combination of calorimetry and carbon balance, plus calculation from thermodynamic constants, permit an assessment of the importance of endogenous metabolism to total cellular metabolism.
Estimating hydraulic conductivity from drainage patterns—A case study in the Oregon Cascades

This study introduces a new method for estimating hydraulic conductivity based on the concept of effective groundwater drainage length and DuPuit-Forchheimer assumptions. The effective groundwater drainage length is related to the surface drainage dissection patterns (as expressed in drainage density) forming over long periods of time. Application of the new method to the Oregon Cascades yielded hydraulic conductivity values similar to those documented in the literature. This method represents an effective and efficient way of estimating hydraulic conductivity for regions where the interplay among surface drainage, groundwater, and topography has established a steady-state dynamic equilibrium. It also provides a theoretically sound approach for extrapolating limited local measurements to a large region and revealing the spatial variation of hydraulic conductivity.
Scaled particle theory of mixtures of hard spheres with negatively non-additive diameters

Abstract The scaled particle theory is solved for mixtures of hard spheres with arbitrary negative non-additive diameters in three dimensions. The results obtained with the Gibbs—Duhem relation show excellent agreement with the Monte-Carlo calculations. The results from the virial relation for high densities and high non-additivity are less satisfactory.
Peptide YY interacts with secretin and duodenal acidification to inhibit gastric acid secretion.

Abstract Previous studies have indicated that plasma levels of peptide YY (PYY) increase significantly after a meal. The purpose of this study was to characterize the interaction of PYY and secretin in the inhibition of gastric acid secretion, and to determine whether PYY can influence acid-induced inhibition of gastric acid secretion in conscious dogs. I.v. administration of PYY at 200 pmol/kg/h inhibited pentagastrin (1 μg/kg/h)-stimulated gastric acid output ( P
Irrigated Eden: The Making of an Agricultural Landscape in the American West

Irrigation came to the arid West in a wave of optimism about the power of water to make the desert bloom. Mark Fiege's fascinating and innovative study of irrigation in southern Idaho's Snake River valley describes a complex interplay of human and natural systems. Using vast quantities of labor, irrigators built dams, excavated canals, laid out farms, and brought millions of acres into cultivation. But at each step, nature rebounded and compromised the intended agricultural order. The result was a new and richly textured landscape made of layer upon layer of technology and intractable natural forces - one that engineers and farmers did not control with the precision they had anticipated. "Irrigated Eden" vividly portrays how human actions inadvertently helped to create a strange and sometimes baffling ecology.
Synovial Joint Formation during Mouse Limb Skeletogenesis: Roles of Indian Hedgehog Signaling

Indian hedgehog (Ihh) has been previously found to regulate synovial joint formation. To analyze mechanisms, we carried out morphological, molecular and cell fate map analyses of interzone and joint development in wild type and Ihh−/− mouse embryo long bones. We found that Ihh−/− cartilaginous digit anlagen remained fused and lacked interzones or mature joints, whereas wrist skeletal elements were not fused but their joints were morphologically abnormal. E14.5 and E17.5 wild type digit and ankle anlagen expressed hedgehog target genes including Gli1 and Gli2 and interzone-associated genes including Gdf5, Erg and tenascin-C, but expression of all these genes was barely detectable in mutant joints. For cell fate map analysis of joint progenitor cells, we mated Gdf5-Cre+/−/Rosa R26R+/− double transgenic mice with heterozygous Ihh+/− mice and monitored reporter β-galactosidase activity and gene expression in triple-transgenic progeny. In control Gdf5-Cre+/−/R26R+/−/Ihh+/− limbs, reporter-positive cells were present in developing interzones, articulating layers and synovial lining tissue and absent from underlying growth plates. In mutant Gdf5-Cre+/−/R26R+/−/Ihh−/− specimens, reporter-positive cells were present also. However, the cells were mostly located around the prospective and uninterrupted digit joint sites and, interestingly, still expressed Erg, tenascin-C and Gdf5. Topographical analysis revealed that interzone and associated cells were not uniformly distributed, but were much more numerous ventrally. A similar topographical bias was seen for cavitation process and capsule primordia formation. In sum, Ihh is a critical and possibly direct regulator of joint development. In its absence, distribution and function of Gdf5-expressing interzone-associated cells are abnormal, but their patterning at prospective joint sites still occurs. The joint-forming functions of the cells appear to normally involve a previously unsuspected asymmetric distribution along the ventral-to-dorsal plane of the developing joint.
Radiolabel-transfer cross-linking demonstrates that protein 4.1 binds to the N-terminal region of beta spectrin and to actin in binary interactions.

Erythrocyte protein 4.1 plays a major role in stabilizing the spectrin-actin junction of the erythrocyte membrane skeleton. The particular sites on spectrin responsible for the binding of actin and protein 4.1 have not been specifically defined, although the general region of the ‘tail’ end, opposite the self-association site, has been deduced by electron microscopy. Using a photoactivtable, radiolabel-transfer cross-linker, 1-[N-(2-hydroxy-5-azidobenzoyl)-2-aminoethyl]-4-(N-hydroxysuccin-imidyl)-succinate, we have determined that the binding site for protein 4.1 on spectrin resides in the N-terminal region of β spectrin within a sequence homologous to the actin-binding region of α actinin. Moreover, this technique provided clear evidence for a direct binding interaction between actin filaments and protein 4.1 that was confirmed by rapid-sedimentation assays. In summary, use of radiolabel-transfer cross-linking has enabled assignment of the protein-4.1-binding site on erythrocyte spectrin and has identified a previously ill-defined binary interaction between protein 4.1 and F-actin.
Re-interpreting coherence in light of Non-Interaction of Waves, or the NIW-Principle

The autocorrelation, or the Wiener-Khintchine, theorem plays a pivotal role in optical coherence theory. Its proof derives from the time-frequency Fourier theorem. The derivation requires either dropping the cross-products (interference terms) between the different filed amplitudes corresponding to different frequencies, or taking time integration over the entire duration of the signal. The physical interpretation of these mathematical steps implies either (i) non-interference (noninteraction) between different frequencies, or (ii) the registered data is valid for interpretation when the detector is set for long time integration. We have already proposed the generic principle of Non-Interaction Waves (NIW), or absence of interference between light beams. The hypothesis of non-interaction between different frequencies was used by Michelson to frame the theory behind his Fourier Transform Spectroscopy, which is correct only when the detector possesses a long integrating time constant like a human eye, a photographic plate, or a photo detector circuit with a long LCR time constant. A fast detector gives heterodyne signal. So, the correlation factor derived by the prevailing coherence theory, and measured through fringe visibility, is essentially the quantum property of the detecting molecules compounded by the rest of the follow-on instrumentation. Low visibility fringes (low correlation factor) does not reflect intrinsic property of light alone; it is a light-matter joint response characteristics. So, we re-define coherence by directly referring to the key characteristics of light beams being analyzed as: (i) spectral correlation (presence of multi frequency), (ii) temporal correlation (time varying amplitude of light), (iii) spatial correlation (independent multi-point source), and (iv) complex correlation (mixture of previous characteristics).
Study of the Molecular Weight Dependence of Glass Transition Temperature for Amorphous Poly(L-Lactide) by Molecular Dynamics Simulation

Molecular dynamics simulation has been used to investigate the molecular weight dependence of glass transition temperature for amorphous poly(L-lactide). Amorphous PLLA systems were created using molecular modeling and NPT ensemble MD simulations were carried out using the modified OPLS-AA force field. The molecular weight dependence of glass transition temperature was studied and the good agreement between the simulation results and experiments was obtained.
Control of Mastitis by Hygiene and Therapy

Abstract Hygiene and therapy are two important components of a program to control mastitis. Conscientious application of these practices significantly reduces intra-mammary infection, especially when they are applied in concert with superior management. The two components operate independently, and response is maximum when both are applied. Hygiene acts by reducing the frequency of infection. The primary effect of therapy is to increase the rate of eliminating established infections, although dry cow treatment also provides prophylactic benefits. The most effective hygiene and therapy practices are dipping of teats after milking and treating each quarter at the end of lactation.
Evaluating the Uncertainties in the Electron Temperature and Radial Speed Measurements Using White Light Corona Eclipse Observations

We examine the uncertainties in two plasma parameters from their true values in a simulated asymmetric corona. We use the Corona Heliosphere (CORHEL) and Magnetohydrodynamics Around the Sphere (MAS) models in the Community Coordinated Modeling Center (CCMC) to investigate the differences between an assumed symmetric corona and a more realistic, asymmetric one. We were able to predict the electron temperatures and electron bulk flow speeds to within ± 0.5 MK and ± 100 km s−1, respectively, over coronal heights up to 5.0 R⊙ from Sun center. We believe that this technique could be incorporated in next-generation white-light coronagraphs to determine these electron plasma parameters in the low solar corona. We have conducted experiments in the past during total solar eclipses to measure the thermal electron temperature and the electron bulk flow speed in the radial direction in the low solar corona. These measurements were made at different altitudes and latitudes in the low solar corona by measuring the shape of the K-coronal spectra between 350 nm and 450 nm and two brightness ratios through filters centered at 385.0 nm/410.0 nm and 398.7 nm/423.3 nm with a bandwidth of ≈ 4 nm. Based on symmetric coronal models used for these measurements, the two measured plasma parameters were expected to represent those values at the points where the lines of sight intersected the plane of the solar limb.
Don’t Worry, She’ll Say it: A Tribute to Florence Lieberman

This paper presents a tribute to Florence Lieberman, a significant leader in the field of Clinical Social Work, who has been and continues to be highly productive and vastly influential. Throughout her career Florence has published books and articles that result from her intense and accurate concerns about social work practice, and particularly about practice with children. Florence’s academic career includes 20 years at Hunter College School of Social Work in New York. As an influential member of the Hunter faculty, she has played an important role in shaping the impact of social work philosophy on psychotherapy practice. Starting with her Charter membership in the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), she has been influential in the development of the Federation of Societies for Clinical Social Work (Federation), the National Academy of Practice (NAP), and the International Committee on the Advancement of Private Practice (ICAPP). Leadership, empowerment, and adherence to Social Work’s mission are themes that Florence Lieberman has enacted throughout her stellar career. The author discusses his experience with her, which illustrate these essential characteristics.
The Online School Librarian: Roles and Responsibilities.

Children across the United States of America are maturing in a media-saturated society. Unfortunately, this often results in poor content choices and evaluative skills. North American schools have attempted to address this problem through information literacy skills. One role key to teaching these skills is the role of the school librarian. Unfortunately, although much research is available on this role in traditional schools, little research was found on the school librarian’s role and responsibilities in a fully online school. In this study, two online school principals were interviewed regarding skills required to teach information literacy; who in their school was responsible for teaching these skills and how these skills were taught. Results indicate that although there is much potential for teaching information literacy in a fully online school, the reality often falls short due to a chopping up of school librarian duties into tasks assigned to several individuals.
Patients leaving the ED without being seen by a physician: Is same-day follow-up indicated?☆☆☆

A prospective study was performed to determine acuity levels, waiting times, and reasons why patients who sought care in an emergency department (ED) left without being seen by a physician, and to evaluate whether timed telephone follow-up improved their health outcomes. A comparison and follow-up survey was conducted on all patients who registered for care in the ED at the Naval Medical Center, San Diego, CA, and left without being seen (n = 32) and a 20% systematic sampling of patients who waited until they were seen (n = 170) during a one-week period in Spring, 1993. Baseline demographics and health statuses on reporting to the ED were gathered on all patients waiting to be seen that agreed to participate in the study (n = 533). Demographics for those seen versus those who left without being seen (LWBS) were similar (mean age 23.9 v 23.2, not significant [NS]; percent male 50.5% v 50.0%, NS). Seen versus LWBS had a similar proportion of patients triaged urgent (15% v 6%, NS), and nonurgent (85% v 69%, NS). Twenty-five percent of LWBS left before triage. Acuity levels were compared for patients seen versus LWBS for level I (1.5% v 3%, NS), level II (75% v 78%, NS), and level III (23.5% v 19%, NS). For the 25% that left before triage, level I was 9%, level II was 64%, and level III was 27%. Sixty-nine percent of patients who LWBS were seen for evaluation within 48 hours, 9% in an ED and 60% in a clinic.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Regulation of systemic and local neutrophil responses by G-CSF during pulmonary Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection

Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) regulates the production, maturation, and function of neutrophils. Its expression is often induced during infection, resulting in high concentrations of G-CSF in inflammatory exudates and in the blood, suggesting that it may regulate both local and systemic neutrophil responses. Herein, we characterize the neutrophil response in G-CSFR−/− mice following intratracheal injection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa–laden agarose beads, modeling the pulmonary infection observed in many patients with cystic fibrosis. G-CSFR−/− mice are markedly susceptible to bronchopulmonary P aeruginosa infection, exhibiting decreased survival and bacterial clearance as well as extensive damage to lung tissue. The systemic neutrophil response was mediated primarily by enhanced neutrophil release from the bone marrow rather than increased neutrophil production and was attenuated in G-CSFR−/− mice. Despite normal to increased local production of inflammatory chemokines, neutrophil accumulation into the infected lung of G-CSFR−/− mice was markedly reduced. Moreover, the percentage of apoptotic neutrophils in the lung was elevated, suggesting that G-CSF signals may play an important role in regulating neutrophil survival at the inflammatory site. Collectively, these data provide new evidence that G-CSF signals play important but specific roles in the regulation of the systemic and local neutrophil response following infection.
Preliminary Validation of Urban Building Integrated PV System Simulation Software

The objective of the present project is to develop a software simulation tool to accurately estimate the power generated from solar energy absorbed by photovoltaic panels mounted on the facade of a building in an urban environment, taking into account shading and reflection from neighboring buildings. The software tool has been designed and modeled in AutoCAD, with the help of AccuRender/Ecotect. We have previously presented the modeling approach [1]. We have recently established a test facility in which a 50W BP Solar module surrounded by several glass panels in wood frames has been used to simulate a BIPV system with neighboring buildings. Current-voltage characteristics at different times of day for different months are in the process of being recorded together with solar insolation data. These data will be used to perform preliminary validation of the simulation software. A preliminary comparison of the collected experimental solar module performance data with the computer simulated data will be presented.© 2006 ASME
Unveiling the secrets to her heart.

Before consenting to copulate, a female fruit fly gauges both her mating status and her suitor's quality. Three recent studies, Bussell et al. (2014) in Current Biology and Feng et al. (2014) and Zhou et al. (2014) in this issue of Neuron, dissected the receptivity circuit of female Drosophila, providing insights into how she integrates courtship cues, assesses her internal state, and directs the motor programs that facilitate copulation.
ABA overly‐sensitive 5 (ABO5), encoding a pentatricopeptide repeat protein required for cis‐splicing of mitochondrial nad2 intron 3, is involved in the abscisic acid response in Arabidopsis

*SUMMARY To study the molecular mechanism of abscisic acid (ABA) regulation of root development, we screened the root growth of Arabidopsis mutants for sensitivity to ABA. ABA overly-sensitive 5 (ABO5/At1g51965) was identified, and was determined to encode a pentatricopeptide repeat protein required for cis-splicing of mitochondrial nad2 intron 3 (nad2 is one subunit in complex I). Under constant light conditions (24-h light/0-h dark photoperiod), abo5 mutants exhibited various phenotypes and expressed lower transcripts of stressinducible genes, such as RD29A, COR47 and ABF2, and photosynthesis-related genes proton gradient regulation 5 (PGR5) and PGR5-like photosynthetic phenotype (PGRL1), but higher levels of nuclear-encoded genes alternative oxidase 1a (AOX1a) and oxidative signal-inducible 1 (OXI1). Prolonged ABA treatment increased the expression of the cox2 gene in complex IV and nad genes in complex I to a higher level than no ABA treatment in the wild type, but only to a moderate level in abo5, probably because abo5 already expressed high levels of mitochondrial-encoded cox2 and nad genes under no ABA treatment. More H2O2 accumulated in the root tips of abo5 than in the wild type, and H2O2 accumulation was further enhanced by ABA treatment. However, these growth phenotypes and gene-expression defects were attenuated by growing abo5 plants under short-day conditions (12-h light/12-h dark photoperiod). Our results indicate that ABO5 is important in the plant response to ABA.
The Management and Funding of US Study Abroad

US colleges and universities manage and fund study-abroad programs in a tremendous variety of ways The wide range includes types of programs, policies for awarding academic credit, structuring of study-abroad program fees, systems for funding the study-abroad office, program evaluation methods, and other areas of program management. US colleges and universities frequently partner with overseas universities and program providers. Institutions and organizations should commit to being clear and consistent about their mission and goals, and employ continuous quality improvement.
The state of the art in modeling migration in LDCs: a comment.

Early research on migration in LDCs initially motivated by labor market postulates offered by Harris and Todaro built upon general equilibrium models of interregional trade. In contrast recent research on migration (such as Brueckner and Kim in this issue) builds upon a partial equilibrium analysis that is based on an urban land model. There are subtle differences between these models that complicate intermodel comparisons. The current paper motivated by this complexity has three purposes: (1) a mathematical explication of the state of the art in migration modeling (2) a provision of further insights into the Todaro paradox and (3) a suggestion for future research predicated on melding the urban land and interregional literatures. (authors)
Mitral Annular Velocities Generated by Speckle Tracking Imaging: Reproducibility and Correlation with Tissue Doppler Velocities

Background: Early diastolic mitral annular velocities (E′) are routinely generated by tissue Doppler imaging (TDI), an angle-dependent technique. Velocity vector imaging (VVI) lacks this limitation. Normal VVI E′ values and their correlation with TDI E′ are unknown. Methods: E′ by VVI and TDI were compared in 100 patients. Results: VVI velocities are lower and correlate moderately with TDI velocities for medial E′ (r = 0.405) and mildly for lateral E′ (r = 0.278) and are image quality dependent. In patients with diastolic or systolic dysfunction, no correlation was found. E′ < 0.06 m/s by VVI for the medial and lateral annulus can detect abnormal diastolic function with sensitivity of 90% and 77%, respectively, and with specificity of 56% and 52%, respectively. Conclusions: E′ by VVI is lower than by TDI with a poor agreement between the measurements, which are therefore not interchangeable. Although VVI can be performed offline, this method is dependent on image quality. (Echocardiography 2010;27:637-643)
Absorbability and utility of calcium in mineral waters.

Background: Calcium intake in North America remains substantially below recommended amounts. Bottled waters high in calcium could help close that gap. Objectives: The objectives were to summarize and integrate published absorbability and biodynamic data concerning high-calcium mineral waters and to combine these data with hitherto unpublished analyses from my laboratory. Design:The usual library database was searched. The absorbability of calcium from a high-mineral water labeled with tracer quantities of 45 Ca was measured in human volunteers as a part of an otherwise low-calcium test meal. Published reports that used differing load sizes and meal conditions were harmonized by making corrections based on published calcium absorbability data. Results: All the high-calcium mineral waters had absorbabilities equal to milk calcium or slightly better. When tested, all produced biodynamic responses indicative of absorption of appreciable quantities of calcium (ie, increased urinary calcium, decreased serum parathyroid hormone, decreased bone resorption biomarkers, and protection of bone mass). Conclusion: High-calcium mineral waters could provide useful quantities of bioavailable calcium. Am J Clin Nutr 2006;84: 371–4.
Domain mapping of Escherichia coli RecQ defines the roles of conserved N‐ and C‐terminal regions in the RecQ family

RecQ DNA helicases function in DNA replication, recombination and repair. Although the precise cellular roles played by this family of enzymes remain elusive, the importance of RecQ proteins is clear; mutations in any of three human RecQ genes lead to genomic instability and cancer. In this report, proteolysis is used to define a two-domain structure for Escherichia coli RecQ, revealing a large (approximately 59 kDa) N-terminal and a small (approximately 9 kDa) C-terminal domain. A short N-terminal segment (7 or 21 residues) is also shown to be sensitive to proteases. The effects of removing these regions of RecQ are tested in vitro. Removing 21 N-terminal residues from RecQ severely diminishes its DNA-dependent ATPase and helicase activities, but does not affect its ability to bind DNA in electrophoretic mobility shift assays. In contrast, removing the approximately 9 kDa C-terminal domain from RecQ results in a fragment with normal levels of ATPase and helicase activity, but that has lost the ability to stably associate with DNA. These results establish the biochemical roles of an N-terminal sequence motif in RecQ catalytic function and for the C-terminal RecQ domain in stable DNA binding.
Coronary artery bypass grafting in diabetics: A growing health care cost crisis

Objectives To determine 4-decade temporal trends in the prevalence of diabetes and cardiovascular risk factors among patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and to compare in-hospital outcomes, resource utilization, and long-term survival after CABG in diabetics versus nondiabetics.
Rogue Groups in Business

This paper explores the formation of and behavior within rogue groups in business settings and considers implications of the analysis for whistle-blowing. Behavior may be unacceptable to some groups but seen as worthy by others, and rogue behavior typically revolves around the exercise of idiosyncratic skills of value to a rogue group. This paper shows how the behavior can be modeled as the formation of human capital, but that the modeling needs to be embedded socially to be of interest in distinguishing different groups. The paper demonstrates that rogue behavior in business may be conceptualized analogously to that of a gang, albeit with recognition of certain differences. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Accurate motion layer segmentation and matting

Given a video sequence, obtaining accurate layer segmentation and alpha matting is very important for various applications. However, when a non-textured or smooth area is present in the scene, the segmentation based on only single motion cue usually cannot provide satisfactory results. Conversely, the most matting approaches require a smooth assumption on foreground and background to obtain a good result. In this paper, we combine the merits of motion segmentation and alpha matting technique together to simultaneously achieve high-quality layer segmentation and alpha mattes. First, we explore a general occlusion constraint and design a novel graph cuts framework to solve the layer-based motion segmentation problem for the textured regions using multiple frames. Then, an alpha matting technique is further used to refine the segmentation and resolve the non-textured ambiguities by determining proper alpha values for the foreground and background respectively.
Right and left ventricular diastolic pressure-volume relations: a comprehensive review

Ventricular compliance alterations can affect cardiac performance and adaptations. Moreover, diastolic mechanics are important in assessing both diastolic and systolic function, since any filling impairment can compromise systolic function. A sigmoidal passive filling pressure-volume relationship, developed using chronically instrumented, awake-animal disease models, is clinically adaptable to evaluating diastolic dynamics using subject-specific micromanometric and volumetric data from the entire filling period of any heartbeat(s). This innovative relationship is the global, integrated expression of chamber geometry, wall thickness, and passive myocardial wall properties. Chamber and myocardial compliance curves of both ventricles can be computed by the sigmoidal methodology over the entire filling period and plotted over appropriate filling pressure ranges. Important characteristics of the compliance curves can be examined and compared between the right and the left ventricle and for different physiological and pathological conditions. The sigmoidal paradigm is more accurate and, therefore, a better alternative to the conventional exponential pressure-volume approximation.
Finite Section Thickness

The classic applications of stereology and the principal rules which have been derived and applied are specific to the case of planar sections through three-dimensional solids. This is more-or-less the situation in metallographic microscopy, where polished sections cut through the material are examined. It is not so appropriate for many other fields. Light microscopy in biological and medical applications usually looks through a slice of material, for instance cut with a microtome, whose thickness is not negligible. Microscopy of particulates also looks through a thick layer, in which the matrix is transparent air. Confocal light microscopy images an optical section from within material, whose thickness is finite and depends on the numerical aperture of the optics, and whose boundaries are not sharp. Even electron microscopy, which uses much thinner sections than light microscopy, deals with finite sections (the lateral resolution of the images is improved along with the thinner sections so that features much smaller than the section thickness are detected). And in scanning electron microscopy although surfaces are imaged to negligible depth (at least with secondary electrons, if not backscattered electrons or X-rays), the surfaces are rarely flat.
Signaling effectors underlying pathologic growth and remodeling of the heart

Cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of mortality in the Western world. The heart responds to many cardiopathological conditions with hypertrophic growth by enlarging individual myocytes to augment cardiac pump function and decrease ventricular wall tension. Initially, such cardiac hypertrophic growth is often compensatory, but as time progresses these changes become maladaptive. Cardiac hypertrophy is the strongest predictor for the development of heart failure, arrhythmia, and sudden death. Here we discuss therapeutic avenues emerging from molecular and genetic studies of cardiovascular disease in animal models. The majority of these are based on intracellular signaling pathways considered central to pathologic cardiac remodeling and hypertrophy, which then leads to heart failure. We focus our discussion on selected therapeutic targets that have more recently emerged and have a tangible translational potential given the available pharmacologic agents that could be readily evaluated in human clinical trials.
Phase Contrast X-Ray Imaging of Lipid Membranes

The investigations of membranes and associated processes in Chapters 2 and 3 clearly point to very important phenomena at the nanoscale.
Arrayed Imaging Reflectometry for Rapid Label-Free Clinical Diagnostics

We have developed a rapid label-free protein biosensor based on null laser reflectance principles. Our imaging technique is capable of identifying and quantifying protein targets in 500 arrayed detection spots simultaneously.
The New Farm Economy

The U.S. farm economy has undergone profound changes in market organization. A wave of consolidation has shifted a larger share of agricultural production to big, low-cost producers. Moreover, new forms of ownership and control that link the farm more closely to the dinner table are replacing commodity markets as the dominant characteristics of the farm economy. Unfortunately, U.S. agricultural policy has not kept pace with those changes. The 2002 Farm Bill, rather than simplifying agricultural policy, has made it more confusing than ever. The challenge for agricultural policy in the 21st century is to remove government from the farm marketplace.
Income inequality and voting for radical right-wing parties

Using a multilevel analysis method, this article tests different hypotheses for how income inequality affects voter support for radical right-wing parties (RRPs) in Western Europe. Specifically, the article shows how this ‘income inequality effect’ encourages poor people to vote for RRPs, while it concurrently discourages rich people from doing so. This finding supports the social identity hypothesis, which states that social identity (a micro-level factor) intermediates income inequality effect (a macro-level factor) on voter support for RRPs. The article's results suggest, further, that income inequality has different effects between the main supporters of RRPs with dissimilar occupations (e.g., manual workers and the petty bourgeoisie) because they belong to different income groups; and that country-level factors may have different effects on people regarding their support for RRPs.
Responses of Female Burrowing Owls to Alterations in Clutch Size: Are Burrowing Owls Determinate or Indeterminate Egg-Layers?

Abstract Bird species, including raptors, can often be categorized into two groups depending upon their response to alterations in clutch size while laying. For some, clutch size is predetermined prior to the start of laying (i.e., determinate species). In contrast, the clutch size of indeterminate layers can be influenced by external factors present at the time of laying. Using field experiments, our objective was to examine the egg-laying responses of female Western Burrowing Owls (Athene cunicularia hypugaea) to manipulations of clutch size. To assess whether Burrowing Owls are determinate or indeterminate egg-layers, we altered female clutch size by removing or adding one egg during the laying period. At the time of egg removal or addition, the resident female had 1–5 of her own eggs present in her clutch. We compared the size of completed clutches of both removal and addition nests to the size of completed clutches at control nests. Mean clutch size at removal nests (x = 8.3 eggs, SE = 0.44, n = 9) ...
A simplified method for the simultaneous extraction of phytoplanktonic chlorophyll and fecal sterol from water

A simple column method employing Amberlite XAD-1 (60–120 mesh) resin for the simultaneous extraction of coprostanol and algal chlorophyll a was proposed and evaluated. The results showed that the efficiencies of the column extraction for these two water quality indicators were comparable to or better than the conventional hexane liquid/liquid partitioning and aqueous acetone extraction for the respective compounds. Furthermore, the column technique was time-saving and more economical.
Laser Photochemical Vapour Deposition of Epitaxial Ge Films on GaAs from GeH4 Using NH3 as a Sensitiser

The viability of ammonia as a sensitiser for the epitaxial growth of Ge on GaAs by laser photochemical vapour deposition (LPVD) has been investigated. Specifically NH3/GeH4/He (0.8/5/95 sccm, 5.5 Torr total pressure) mixtures have been irradiated by a 193nm ArF excimer laser in parallel geometry for substrate temperatures, Ts<400°C. As evidenced by a dramatic acceleration in Ge film growth rate, the NH3 efficiently couples the laser radiation to the GeH4 precursor molecule. The microstructures of LPVD Ge films grown with and without NH3 have been examined by TEM, and the epitaxial nature of both types of films has been verified, although some subtle differences are noted. Chemical analysis of the deposited films has been carried out using Auger spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and secondary ion mass spectroscopy. Our results show that there is little or no nitrogen incorporation into the Ge films grown in the presence of NH3, and that hydrogen contamination in our films is minimal. The beneficial effect of NH3 on the growth rate of LPVD Ge films is attributed to the photolytic production of hydrogen atoms which efficiently decompose GeH4 by hydrogen abstraction collisions.