cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Prefrontal responses to digit span memory phases in patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): A functional near infrared spectroscopy study

Neuroimaging studies of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)-related memory impairments have consistently implicated abnormal activities in the frontal and parietal lobes. However, most studies have used block designs and could not dissociate the multiple phases of working memory. In this study, the involvement of the prefrontal cortex in working memory phases was assessed among veterans with PTSD and age-/gender-matched healthy controls. Multichannel functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) was utilized to measure prefrontal cortex hemodynamic activations during memory of neutral (i.e., not trauma-related) forward and backward digit span tasks. An event-related experimental design was utilized to dissociate the different phases (i.e., encoding, maintenance and retrieval) of working memory. The healthy controls showed robust hemodynamic activations during the encoding and retrieval processes. In contrast, the veterans with PTSD were found to have activations during the encoding process, but followed by distinct deactivations during the retrieval process. The PTSD participants, but not the controls, appeared to suppress prefrontal activity during memory retrieval. This deactivation was more pronounced in the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex during the retrieval phase. These deactivations in PTSD patients might implicate an active inhibition of dorsolateral prefrontal neural activity during retrieval of working memory.
Chemisorption of ethyl xanthate on copper electrodes

Abstract The interaction of ethyl xanthate with copper electrodes has been investigated by UV-Vis and ex situ FTIR spectroscopies. Xanthate was found to be abstracted from solution in the potential region in which previous studies indicated xanthate to be chemisorbed on copper, and to reappear in solution when the potential was returned to more negative values. The results confidently establish that the process occurring in this potential region is the reversible chemisorption of xanthate. FTIR reflectance spectra characteristic of xanthate were observed after holding the potential at values corresponding to high surface coverage of chemisorbed xanthate, as well as in the region in which bulk copper xanthate deposits. The failure to observe xanthate spectra when medium and low xanthate coverages are present on copper electrodes is shown to result from oxidation of chemisorbed xanthate.
INFECTIOUS HEMATOPOIETIC NECROSIS OF RAINBOW TROUT IN MONTANA: A CASE REPORT

Infectious hematopoietic necrosis was diagnosed in rainbow fingerlings (Salmo gairdneri kamloops) during an epizootic at a hatchery in Montana. Microscopic pathology and effects of the causative virus in cell culture are described.
Amorphous silicon dispersive transport considerations for analysis of films and solar cells

Abstract It has been reported that as the deposition temperature is decreased, the hydrogen content increases, the microvoid fraction increases and the electron mobility decreases. Based on dispersive transport considerations, it is not expected that the electron mobility plays a major role in determining μ e τ e or affects the performance of solar cells in the annealed state. However, if a thermodynamic equilibrium exists between charge carriers and dangling bond defects, lower mobilities will have a detrimental affect on stability due to increases in carrier density. Furthermore, the distributions of charged dangling bonds are affected by the disparity between electron and hole mobilities which, under illumination, will result in asymmetrical distributions of charged, light induced defects.
Kinetic constants for styrene polymerization

Values for A′ and Ctr,m for styrene polymerization between 0 and 90° are presented. These are important for accurate calculation of rates of initiation.
Microsomal phosphatidylethanolamine methyltransferase: Inhibition by S-adenosylhomocysteine

Inhibition by S-adenosylhomocysteine (AdoHcy) of the three reactions of phosphatidylethanolamine methyltransferase which catalyzes the production of phosphatidylcholine from phosphatidyl-ethanolamine in guinea pig and rat liver microsomes has been evaluated. Five of the six methylation reactions in these two species exhibit greater affinity for inhibitor, AdoHcy, than for substrate, S-adenosylmethionine (AdoMet). The Ki values for the rate-limiting reactions were 3.8 μM and 68 μM in rat and guinea pig livers, respectively. An AdoMet:AdoHcy ratio of 12∶1 in developing liver was found to decline to a constant value in the adult of 5∶1. The concentration of AdoHcy in rat and guinea pig liver increases markedly following death of the animal. A concomitant decrease in the AdoMet level was observed in guinea pig liver. A comparison of phosphatidylethanolamine methyl-transferase activity with the hepatic concentrations of AdoMet and AdoHcy in mouse, rat, rabbit and guinea pig is presented. Regulation of the methylation pathway is discussed.
Heat transfer theory for thermal non-equilibrium, quasi-equilibrium, and equilibrium

Abstract Heat transfer is one of the fundamental and veiled energy transfer processes. The complex characteristics of heat transfer in a thermal process are far from being understood entirely. We here propose a statistical thermodynamic transport theory which is applicable to the heat transfer mechanisms for non-equilibrium, quasi-equilibrium, and equilibrium to overcome limits on the heat diffusion equation. The heat transfer theory adopts a postulate that temperature, time, and displacement are independent and orthogonal variables in extended phase spaces. The solutions of the heat transfer theory are obtained for thermal non-equilibrium, quasi-equilibrium, and equilibrium and the heat fluxes are expressed as the functions of temperature, time, and displacement. The heat transfer theory demonstrates that there are heat flux gaps and broken discrete symmetries at the activation temperature, time, and displacement. The theory is consistent with statistical thermodynamics. The kinetic theory is the unification of conduction and internal convection heat transfer, a non-equilibrium generalization beyond quasi-equilibrium theories for isothermal and isentropic processes, and the integration of internal equilibrium and internal non-equilibrium.
Crane Operation Using Hand-Motion and Machine Vision

Payload oscillation inherent to all cranes makes it challenging for human operators to manipulate payloads quickly, accurately, and safely. A new type of crane control interface that allows an operator to drive a crane by moving his or her hand freely in space has been implemented on an industrial bridge crane. An image processing system tracks the movement of a glove worn on the operator’s hand and its position is then used to drive the crane. Matlab simulations of the crane dynamics and hand-motion control were compared with actual experimental data. The results show that a combination of aggressive PD gains and an input shaper is able to generate the desired characteristics of fast payload response and low residual oscillations.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Engineering of bacterial ribosomes: replacement of all seven Escherichia coli rRNA operons by a single plasmid-encoded operon.

Since the discovery of the ribosome as the machinery essential for protein synthesis in the mid-1950s, extensive studies have been carried out with respect to ribosomal structure, function, biosynthesis, regulation. For obvious historical reasons, these studies, especially those on the structure–function relationship, have been done mostly by using Escherichi coli, leading to enormous amounts of information on E. coli ribosomes (1). One of the most impressive recent developments is the demonstration in vitro of the peptidyl transferase activity of rRNA with few or no proteins attached, confirming the suspected essential roles of rRNAs in ribosomal functions (2–4). In parallel to the in vitro studies of E. coli ribosomes, extensive genetic and physiological studies have also been carried out, identifying all of the genes for ribosomal components and giving insight into mechanisms by which E. coli regulates the synthesis of ribosomes and their molecular components (5, 6). Genetic approaches have always been essential to test the validity of conclusions derived from in vitro experiments regarding ribosome functions or regulation of ribosome synthesis. In the article by Asai et al. published in this issue of the Proceedings (7), Squires and coworkers describe their success in constructing an E. coli strain (“Δ7 prrn”) in which each of the seven chromosomal rRNA operons is inactivated by a deletion spanning the 16S and 23S RNA-coding regions, and rRNA is transcribed from a single rRNA operon carried by a multicopy plasmid. Although this success does not provide major surprises, the newly constructed rrn deletion strains provide a powerful system for mutational analysis of the structure and function of rRNAs as well as a system for studying the significance of the presence of multiple rRNA operons in bacteria.
Time resolved absorption study of the reaction of hydroxyurea with sickle cell hemoglobin

Hydroxyurea has been mixed with hemoglobin S and the reaction was studied using electronic absorption spectroscopy as a function of time and wavelength. The rate of conversion of oxyhemoglobin S to other species was determined and the nature of the reaction products was studied. We also report the formation of methemoglobin (and other reaction products) when deoxyhemoglobin S is combined with hydroxyurea. The probable increase in the formation of methemoglobin, and other potential reaction products such as nitric oxide-hemoglobin, in patients with sickle cell anemia who are taking hydroxyurea as a therapeutic drug is discussed in terms of the pathophysiology of the disease. It is proposed that methemoglobin and possibly nitric oxide-hemoglobin formation may partially explain beneficial effects observed in these patients before their levels of fetal hemoglobin have increased.
Molecular mapping of Thinopyrum -derived Fusarium head blight resistance in common wheat

Resistance to Fusarium head blight (FHB) caused by Fusarium graminearum Schwabe in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) was identified in disomic chromosome substitution and translocation lines, into which chromosome 7el2 had been introgressed from wheatgrass, Thinopyrum ponticum. In this study, two chromosome substitution lines with different origins (designated as el1 and el2) and with different reactions to infection by F. graminearum were crossed to develop a segregating mapping population. The objectives of this study were to determine the effectiveness of this type II resistance and map it on chromosome 7el2. Type II resistance to FHB was characterized in the F2, F2:3 families, F4:5 plants and F5:6 recombinant inbred lines developed by single-seed descent; and the population was characterized in the F2 and F5 with DNA markers along the long arm of 7el. Composite interval mapping revealed a FHB resistance QTL, designated Qfhs.pur-7EL, located in the distal region of the long arm of 7el2 and delimited with flanking markers XBE445653 and Xcfa2240. Additive effects of Qfhs.pur-7EL reduced the number of diseased spikelets per spike following inoculation of one floret in four experiments by 1.5–2.6 and explained 15.1–32.5% of the phenotypic variation in the populations. Several STS-derived and EST-derived PCR or CAPS markers were developed in this chromosomal region, and showed the specificity of 7el2 compared to an array of wheat lines possessing other sources of FHB resistance. These markers are useful in an effort to shorten the chromosome segment of 7el2 and to use for marker-assisted introgression of this resistance into wheat.
Formal versus informal contracts: achieving alliance success

Observes that strategic alliances continue to be an important research and business focus. Many firms struggle with how to link alliance theory with actual practice. In particular, managers question how long‐term commitment between alliance partners is developed and achieved. Traditional business practice has relied primarily on formal written contracts, but informal social contracts or verbal agreements are also utilized. Examines the role of formal and informal contracts in positioning alliances for long‐term success. Findings indicate that extremely successful alliances exhibited informal social contracts regardless of whether or not formal written contracts were included in the relationship. In other words, while a written contract may initially serve as an agreement to collaborate, the partners’ actions signify long‐term commitment to the alliance. This has important managerial implications for how key contacts in the alliance develop co‐operation, trust and loyalty which illustrates the strength of the informal contract.
Advances in biliary reconstruction after liver transplantation

T tubes are commonly used to splint biliary anastomoses after liver transplantation. Although several advantages are claimed for this approach, there is undoubtedly some iatrogenic morbidity associated with the use of T tubes in this situation. We have evaluated 120 consecutively biliary reconstructions after liver transplant, the majority of which are unsplinted end to end bile duct anastomoses. We have shown that biliary leakage and stricture rates are not significantly affected by T tubes. We have also shown that endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and percutaneous cholangiography are reliable and posttransplant methods for cholangiography and structure dilstation. Routine T tube splintage of post-liver transplant biliary anastomoses is unjustified.
Histology of the thick scar on the female, red Duroc pig: final similarities to human hypertrophic scar.

The etiology and treatment of hypertrophic scar remain puzzles even after decades of research. A significant reason is the lack of an accepted animal model of the process. The female, red Duroc pig model was described long ago. Since the skin of the pig is similar to that of humans, we are attempting to validate this model and found it to be encouraging. In this project we quantified myofibroblasts, mast cells and collagen nodules in the thick scar of the Duroc pig and compared these to the values for human hypertrophic scar. We found the results to be quite similar and so further validated the model. In addition, we observed that soon after wounding an inflammatory cell layer forms. The thickness of the inflammatory layer approaches the thickness of the skin removed as if the remaining dermis “knows” how much dermis is gone. In deep wounds this inflammatory layer thickens and this thickness is predictive of the thickness of the ultimate scar.
A Universal Strategy for Proteomic Studies of SUMO and Other Ubiquitin-like Modifiers

Post-translational modification by the conjugation of small ubiquitin-like modifiers is an essential mechanism to affect protein function. Currently, only a limited number of substrates are known for most of these modifiers, thus limiting our knowledge of their role and relevance for cellular physiology. Here, we report the development of a universal strategy for proteomic studies of ubiquitin-like modifiers. This strategy involves the development of stable transfected cell lines expressing a double-tagged modifier under the control of a tightly negatively regulated promoter, the induction of the expression and conjugation of the tagged modifier to cellular proteins, the tandem affinity purification of the pool of proteins covalently modified by the tagged modifier, and the identification of the modified proteins by LC and MS. By applying this methodology to the proteomic analysis of SUMO-1 and SUMO-3, we determined that SUMO-1 and SUMO-3 are stable proteins exhibiting half-lives of over 20 h, demonstrated that sumoylation with both SUMO-1 and SUMO-3 is greatly stimulated by MG-132 and heat shock treatment, demonstrated the preferential usage of either SUMO-1 or SUMO-3 for some known SUMO substrates, and identified 122 putative SUMO substrates of which only 27 appeared to be modified by both SUMO-1 and SUMO-3. This limited overlapping in the subset of proteins modified by SUMO-1 and SUMO-3 supports that the SUMO paralogues are likely to be functionally distinct. Three of the novel putative SUMO substrates identified, namely the polypyrimidine tract-binding protein-associated splicing factor PSF, the structural microtubular component alpha-tubulin, and the GTP-binding nuclear protein Ran, were confirmed as authentic SUMO substrates. The application of this universal strategy to the identification of the pool of cellular substrates modified by other ubiquitin-like modifiers will dramatically increase our knowledge of the biological role of the different ubiquitin-like conjugations systems in the cell.
The more the merrier? Multiple developmental relationships and work satisfaction.

The context of the present study is the early careers of lawyers. I examine if and how receiving “more” mentoring – in terms both of number of relationships and amount and type of assistance received – affects individuals’ satisfaction at work. Results suggest that the more developmental relationships an individual has and the more developmental assistance he or she receives, the greater will be his or her work satisfaction. Findings also suggest, however, that receiving a high amount of psychosocial assistance from just one person, who is not necessarily of higher status, is associated with high work satisfaction. Practical implications and suggestions for future research that explores the effects of multiple developmental relationships in other contexts are discussed.
DA strain of Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus induces demyelination in nude mice

DA strain of Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus produces a chronic, progressive demyelinating disease in mice that resembles multiple sclerosis. An immunopathological mechanism for demyelination has been postulated, because there is a brisk immune response with low virus titers at the time of demyelination and because immunosuppression lessens the degree of demyelination. We inoculated Nude mice with DA virus to clarify the role of immune-mediated demyelination. Animals became paralyzed 3 weeks to 2 months after inoculation, usually dying within a week of appearance of signs. Demyelinated foci were present in the spinal cords, with evidence of degenerating myelin around intact axons as well as completely demyelinated, naked axons. Occasional macrophages were present, but none was seen actively stripping intact myelin lamellae. These results suggest that DA virus lytic infection, without a contribution from the T lymphocyte immune system, is sufficient to produce demyelination. It is likely that DA virus demyelination has varying mechanisms that may be active at different times.
Determinants of venous thromboembolism among hospitalizations of US adults: a multilevel analysis.

Background Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a significant clinical and public health concern. We evaluated a variety of multilevel factors—demographics, clinical and insurance status, preexisting comorbid conditions, and hospital characteristics—for VTE diagnosis among hospitalizations of US adults. Methods We generated adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and determined sources of outcome variation by conducting multilevel logistic regression analysis of data from the 2011 Nationwide Inpatient Sample that included 6,710,066 hospitalizations of US adults nested within 1,039 hospitals. Results Among hospitalizations of adults, age, sex, race or ethnicity, total days of hospital stay, status of health insurance, and operating room procedure were important determinants of VTE diagnosis; each of the following preexisting comorbid conditions—acquired immune deficiency syndrome, anemia, arthritis, congestive heart failure, coagulopathy, hypertension, lymphoma, metastatic cancer, other neurological disorders, obesity, paralysis, pulmonary circulation disorders, renal failure, solid tumor without metastasis, and weight loss—was associated independently with 1.04 (95% CI: 1.02−1.06) to 2.91 (95% CI: 2.81−3.00) times increased likelihood of VTE diagnosis than among hospitalizations of adults without any of these corresponding conditions. The presence of 2 or more of such conditions was associated a 180%−450% increased likelihood of a VTE diagnosis. Hospitalizations of adults who were treated in urban hospitals were associated with a 14%−15% increased likelihood of having a VTE diagnosis than those treated in rural hospitals. Approximately 7.4% of the total variation in VTE diagnosis occurred between hospitals. Conclusion The presence of certain comorbidities and hospital contextual factors is associated with significantly elevated likelihood of VTE diagnosis among hospitalizations of adults. The findings of this study underscore the importance of clinical risk assessment and adherence to evidence-based clinical practice guidelines in preventing VTE, as well as the need to evaluate potential contextual factors that might modify the risk of VTE among hospitalized patients.
A midsummer night's dream: social proof in HRI

The introduction of two types of unmanned aerial vehicles into a production of A Midsummer Night's Dream suggests that social proof informs untrained human groups. We describe the metaphors used in instructing actors, who were otherwise untrained and inexperienced with robots, in order to shape their expectations. Audience response to a robot crash depended on whether the audience had seen how the actors interacted with the robot "baby fairies." If they had not seen the actors treating a robot gently, an audience member would likely throw the robot expecting it to fly or handle it roughly. If they had seen the actors with the robots, the audience appeared to adopt the same gentle style and mechanisms for re-launching the micro-helicopter. The difference in audience behavior suggests that the principle of social proof will govern how untrained humans will react to robots.
Internet Recruiting in the Cruise Industry

The cruise line industry is expanding rapidly. Recruitment within the industry will be an endless task and the cruise lines will need to explore every avenue possible to recruit new employees for each new contracted ship. The purpose of this study is to examine the Web site of each major cruise company to determine if they are utilizing their Web site to recruit employees. In total, 33 attributes relating to e-recruiting method, function, content, and job search tools were analyzed. The results of the content analysis revealed that, although the cruise lines are using e-recruiting methods, they are not using the methods to their fullest capability.
Limb regeneration and nerve fiber number in Rana sylvatica and Xenopus laevis.

Adult Rana sylvatica does not regrow an amputated forelimb whereas Xenopus laevis does. This difference in regenerative behavior has been analyzed in terms of the number of nerve fibers available at the amputation surface because previous studies have shown that nerve fibers must satisfy a quantitative threshold in order that regeneration occur. Our results show that Xenopus has more fibers per unit area than Rana. However, the value for both is far below that of Triturus and, indeed, even lower than that of the mouse. The relative scarcity of fibers in the anuran limb thus brings into question the direct relation previously drawn between nerve number and regenerative capacity in vertebrates. However, anuran nerve fibers are much larger fibers than those of other vertebrates; and, indeed, those of Xenopus surpass in size the fibers of the vertebrates we have investigated. Initial studies show that if the size of fibers is taken into account and the inneryation is expressed as amount of neuroplasm available at the amputation surface rather than as the number of fibers, the limb of Xenopus is then as richly innervated as the limb of Triturus whereas that of Rana contains much less nervous substance.
The lesbian family life cycle

Despite the rapidly growing number of lesbian families in this country, until now little discussion has emerged of the particular developmental stages and common stresses that face lesbian couples. In this book, psychotherapist Suzanne Slater looks at the wide spectrum of lesbian families - one or two lesbian parents with children, newly lesbian mothers of adult children, the extended family of lesbian friends and ex-lovers. The book provides a five-stage model of the development of lesbian couple relationships, describing the tasks, challenges, and accomplishments particular to each developmental stage.
Navigation and maneuver strategy for mobile robot with preview information

This paper addresses a navigation and maneuver strategy for a mobile robot in an environment with unexpected obstacles. It is assumed that the mobile robot has on-board sensors which provide vital preview information of the surroundings. Preview control theory is combined with a maneuver algorithm to provide the nagivation and maneuver scheme for the mobile robot on an autonomous source to destination mission.
The undecidability of the lattice of R.E. closed subsets of an effective topological space

Abstract The first-order theory of the lattice of recursively enumerable closed subsets of an effective topological space is proved undecidable using the undecidability of the first-order theory of the lattice of recursively enumerable sets. In particular, the first-order theory of the lattice of recursively enumerable closed subsets of Euclidean n -space, for all n , is undecidable. A more direct proof of the undecidability of the lattice of recursively enumerable closed subsets of Euclidean n -space, n ⩾ 2, is provided using the method of reduction and the recursive inseparability of the set of all formulae satisfiable in every model of the theory of SIBs and the set of all formulae refutable in some finite model of the theory of SIBs.
Quantitative analysis of anomalous sources and geochemical signatures in the Walker Lake quadrangle of Nevada and California

Abstract A new quantitative transportation model for geochemical elements in stream sediment samples is proposed and used to estimate mineral sources of anomalous concentrations and to adjust both location and concentration for the transportation effect. Subsequent to transportation analysis, data on 14 geochemical elements in the Walker Lake quadrangle are analyzed for geochemical signatures for three types of mineralization environments: epithermal gold-silver deposits, porphyry-skarn copper deposits, and a mixed occurrence. Geochemical signatures are analyzed using a multidimensional scaling method referred to as the p ijk model, which is a factor-like model generalized to include nonlinear associations, as well as linear, among triple variables (elements). A result of this analysis is that Pb is the best indicator for epithermal gold-silver mineralization, Mo and Zn for mixed mineralization, and Cu for porphyry-skarn mineralization.
Electrical coupling between tunicate heart cells.

Abstract Heart cells of the tunicate, Chelyosoma , were found to be electrically coupled. The coupling ratio in cells adjacent to the polarized cell was 40%. Electrical current generated by an impulse was observed to spread through an area of local conduction block caused by an overstretched condition. These results suggest that the spread of excitation is by local current flow from cell to cell.
Localization of chromosomal RNA in human G-banded metaphase chromosomes.

Abstract Chromosomal RNA with an 11% dihydropyrimidine content was extracted from human placental chromatin. Under appropriate conditions, this RNA showed wide-spread in situ hybridization to metaphase chromosomes. This included preferential hybridization to the telomeric regions and heterochromatic short arms of acrocentric chromosomes as well as significant hybridization to Q- and G-positive bands.
Identification of the Carbohydrate Moieties and Glycosylation Motifs in Campylobacter jejuni Flagellin

Abstract Flagellins from three strains ofCampylobacter jejuni and one strain of Campylobacter coli were shown to be extensively modified by glycosyl residues, imparting an approximate 6000-Da shift from the molecular mass of the protein predicted from the DNA sequence. Tryptic peptides from C. jejuni 81–176 flagellin were subjected to capillary liquid chromatography-electrospray mass spectrometry with a high/low orifice stepping to identify peptide segments of aberrant masses together with their corresponding glycosyl appendages. These modified peptides were further characterized by tandem mass spectrometry and preparative high performance liquid chromatography followed by nano-NMR spectroscopy to identify the nature and precise site of glycosylation. These analyses have shown that there are 19 modified Ser/Thr residues in C. jejuni 81–176 flagellin. The predominant modification found onC. jejuni flagellin was O-linked 5,7-diacetamido-3,5,7,9-tetradeoxy-l -glycero- l -manno-nonulosonic acid (pseudaminic acid, Pse5Ac7Ac) with additional heterogeneity conferred by substitution of the acetamido groups with acetamidino and hydroxyproprionyl groups. In C. jejuni 81–176, the gene Cj1316c, encoding a protein of unknown function, was shown to be involved in the biosynthesis and/or the addition of the acetamidino group on Pse5Ac7Ac. Glycosylation is not random, since 19 of the total 107 Ser/Thr residues are modified, and all but one of these are restricted to the central, surface-exposed domain of flagellin when folded in the filament. The mechanism of attachment appears unrelated to a consensus peptide sequence but is rather based on surface accessibility of Ser/Thr residues in the folded protein.
Effects of Compost on Colonization of Roots of Plants Grown in Metalliferous Mine Tailings, as Examined by Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization

The relationship between compost amendment, plant biomass produced, and bacterial root colonization as measured by fluorescence in situ hybridization was examined following plant growth in mine tailings. Mine tailings can remain devoid of vegetation for decades after deposition due to a combination of factors that include heavy metal toxicity, low pH, poor substrate structure and water-holding capacity, and a severely impacted heterotrophic microbial community. Research has shown that plant establishment, a desired remedial objective to reduce eolian and water erosion of such tailings, is enhanced by organic matter amendment and is correlated with significant increases in rhizosphere populations of neutrophilic heterotrophic bacteria. Results show that for the acidic metalliferous tailings tested in this study, compost amendment was associated with significantly increased bacterial colonization of roots and increased production of plant biomass. In contrast, for a Vinton control soil, increased compost had no effect on root colonization and resulted only in increased plant biomass at high levels of compost amendment. These data suggest that the positive association between compost amendment and root colonization is important in the stressed mine tailings environment where root colonization may enhance both microbial and plant survival and growth.
Potential of entomopathogenic nematodes as biological control agents of sweetpotato weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae.

The entomopathogenic nematodes Heterorhabditis bacteriophora Poinar (= H. heliothidis Khan, Brooks, & Hirschmann) (HP88 strain) and Steinernema (=Neoaplectana ) carpocapsae Weiser (All and G-13 strains) were evaluated as biological control agents of the sweet potato weevil, Cylas formicarius elegantulus (Summers). In Petri dish bioassays, all three strains were pathogenic to larvae and pupae of C. f. elegantulus . The LD50 values of C. f. elegantulus larvae were 2.6, 2.9, and 3.4 infective juveniles per insect for ‘All,’ ‘G-13,’ and ‘HP88,’ respectively. The LD50 values of pupae were 4.9, 5.9, and 4.8 infective juveniles per insect for these three nematodes, respectively. Virulence did not differ among strains or between life stages within each strain. Under simulated field conditions, ‘G-13’ was most efficacious at killing weevil larvae within infested sweet potato ( Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.) roots followed in decreasing order by ‘HP88’ and ‘All’ nematodes. Efficacy in killing pupae within roots did not differ among the three nematodes or between life stages for each nematode. Field applications of ‘HP88’ and ‘All’ nematodes were more effective than chemical insecticides at reducing weevil densities on plants. ‘HP88’ nematodes were more effective than ‘All’ nematodes and chemical insecticides at reducing weevil damage to fleshy roots.
Uniform stabilization of a nonlinearly perturbed Kirchoff plate

This paper considers the problem of local uniform stability of certain plate equations where unstructured nonlinearities appear in the boundary conditions. Using appropriate feedback laws, we prove that the solutions to these equations possess the necessary regularity to achieve the desired stability.
Nanoparticles heat through light localization

Aqueous solutions containing light-absorbing nanoparticles have recently been shown to produce steam at high efficiencies upon solar illumination, even when the temperature of the bulk fluid volume remains far below its boiling point. Here we show that this phenomenon is due to a collective effect mediated by multiple light scattering from the dispersed nanoparticles. Randomly positioned nanoparticles that both scatter and absorb light are able to concentrate light energy into mesoscale volumes near the illuminated surface of the liquid. The resulting light absorption creates intense localized heating and efficient vaporization of the surrounding liquid. Light trapping-induced localized heating provides the mechanism for low-temperature light-induced steam generation and is consistent with classical heat transfer.
Analytical approach to breakdown under impulse conditions

Under impulse conditions, the energy to form a tree channel must come from the electric field as formation of a substantially conducting channel "shorts out" part of the field. This concept is developed into a basis for the energy available to form a breakdown channel under single impulse conditions. The energy of formation is derived from basic material properties, and energy balance is used to develop criteria for channel formation.
The Toxicity of Bayluscide and TFM to Tubifex tubifex: Implications for Chemical Control of the Oligochaete Host of Myxobolus cerebralis, the Causative Agent of Whirling Disease

Abstract Standard 24-h toxicity tests were performed to determine the acute toxicity of Bayluscide (5,2′-dichloro-4′-nitrosalicylanilide) and 3-trifluoromethyl-4-nitrophenol (TFM) to two strains of the oligochaete worm Tubifex tubifex exposed and unexposed to Myxobolus cerebralis, the causative agent of whirling disease. In addition, microcosm trials were conducted to test the effect of three treatment levels of each chemical on the density of T. tubifex in an earthen hatchery pond. In the toxicity tests, worms that were susceptible to M. cerebralis infection were more sensitive to both chemicals than worms that were resistant to the parasite. The toxicity differences of exposed and unexposed worms within a lineage were not as great as those between lineages. Among worms that were susceptible to M. cerebralis, the concentrations of TFM that were lethal to 50% of the test organisms (LC50s) were 6.3 mg/L for worms that had been exposed to M. cerebralis myxospores and 7.3 mg/L for unexposed worms; for resist...
Host but Not Parasite Cholesterol Controls Toxoplasma Cell Entry by Modulating Organelle Discharge

Host cell cholesterol is implicated in the entry and replication of an increasing number of intracellular microbial pathogens. Although uptake of viral particles via cholesterol-enriched caveolae is increasingly well described, the requirement of cholesterol for internalization of eukaryotic pathogens is poorly understood and is likely to be partly organism specific. We examined the role of cholesterol in active host cell invasion by the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii. The parasitophorous vacuole membrane (PVM) surrounding T. gondii contains cholesterol at the time of invasion. Although cholesterol-enriched parasite apical organelles termed rhoptries discharge at the time of cell entry and contribute to PVM formation, surprisingly, rhoptry cholesterol is not necessary for this process. In contrast, host plasma membrane cholesterol is incorporated into the forming PVM during invasion, through a caveolae-independent mechanism. Unexpectedly, depleting host cell plasma membrane cholesterol blocks parasite internalization by reducing the release of rhoptry proteins that are necessary for invasion. Cholesterol back-addition into host plasma membrane reverses this inhibitory effect of depletion on parasite secretion. These data define a new mechanism by which host cholesterol specifically controls entry of an intracellular pathogen.
Overflow analysis for finite waiting room systems

A system of multiple primary queues with finite waiting rooms, where blocked jobs are allowed to overflow onto a common secondary queue, also with finite waiting room, is considered. Poisson arrivals and exponentially distributed service times, possibly different ones, are assumed at each primary service facility. Service facilities consist of a single server or multiple servers. Based on a simple iterative expression for the Laplace-Stieltjes transform of the interoverflow time distribution, the peakedness of the overflow process from primary queues is studied as a function of the number of primary servers and buffers as well as the original primary load. Behaviors and relations are identified for extreme cases (low offered load or large waiting rooms) and illustrated with examples. An approximation consisting of a natural extension of Hayward's formula to finite waiting room systems is proposed to estimate the blocking seen by the overflow traffic offered to the secondary service facility. Numerical examples covering a wide range of systems show that the approximation is good over a wide range of loads for systems with a single primary queue, as well as at high load for systems with multiple primary queues. >
Toward tactilely transparent gloves: Collocated slip sensing and vibrotactile actuation

Tactile information plays a critical role in the human ability to manipulate objects with one's hands. Many environments require the use of protective gloves that diminish essential tactile feedback. Under these circumstances, seemingly simple tasks such as picking up an object can become very difficult. This paper introduces the SlipGlove, a novel device that uses an advanced sensing and actuation system to return this vital tactile information to the user. Our SlipGlove prototypes focus on providing tactile cues associated with slip between the glove and a contact surface. Relative motion is sensed using optical mouse sensors embedded in the glove's surface. This information is conveyed to the wearer via miniature vibration motors placed inside the glove against the wearer's skin. The collocation of slip sensing and tactile feedback creates a system that is natural and intuitive to use. We report results from a human subject study demonstrating that the SlipGlove allows the wearer to approach the capabilities of bare skin in detecting and reacting to fingertip slip. Users of the SlipGlove also had significantly faster and more consistent reaction to fingertip slip when compared to a traditional glove design. The SlipGlove technology allows us to enhance human perception when interacting with real environments and move toward the goal of a tactilely transparent glove.
Feature selection for classification based on fine motor signs of parkinson's disease

Effective evaluation of potential neuroprotective interventions for Parkinson's disease (PD) requires precise quantification of the motor signs associated with this disease. We have created a protocol that uses force tracking in a simultaneous task paradigm to quantify the fine motor control deficits in individuals with PD. We have used this protocol to collect data from 30 individuals with early to moderate PD and 30 age-matched controls. Based on this data, we computed 60 variables. We generated all possible combinations of three of these variables, and we then computed the classification accuracy of a support vector machine (SVM) trained on each variable combination. We were able to correctly classify 85% of subjects as with or without PD. We found that root-mean-square error variables were the most important features for classification and that utilizing a simultaneous task paradigm improves classification accuracy.
Photoacoustic imaging of lacZ gene expression in vivo.

In the postgenomic era, imaging techniques are playing an important role in visualizing gene expression in vivo. This work represents the first demonstration of photoacoustic tomography (PAT) for reporter gene imaging. Rats inoculated with 9L/lacZ gliosarcoma tumor cells are imaged with PAT before and after injection of X-gal, a colorimetric assay for the lacZ-encoded enzyme β β -galactosidase. Using far-red optical illumination, the genetically tagged tumors in rats are clearly visualized by PAT following the assay. The spatial resolution is quantified to be less than 400μm 400μm , while 500-nM-level sensitivity is demonstrated. With the future development of new absorption-based reporter gene systems, it is anticipated that photoacoustic technology will provide a valuable tool for molecular imaging research.
Exploring privacy and personalization in information retrieval applications

A growing number of information retrieval applications rely on search behavior aggregated over many users. If aggregated data such as search query reformulations is not handled properly, it can allow users to be identified and their privacy compromised. Besides leveraging aggregate data, it is also common for applications to make use of user-specific behavior in order to provide a personalized experience for users. Unlike aggregate data, privacy is not an issue in individual personalization since users are the only consumers of their own data. The goal of this work is to explore the effects of personalization and privacy preservation methods on three information retrieval applications, namely search task identification, task-aware query recommendation, and searcher frustration detection. We pursue this goal by first introducing a novel framework called CrowdLogging for logging and aggregating data privately over a distributed set of users. We then describe several privacy mechanisms for sanitizing global data, including one novel mechanism based on differential privacy. We present a template for describing how local user data and global aggregate data are collected, processed, and used within an application, and apply this template to our three applications. We find that sanitizing feature vectors aggregated across users has a low impact on performance for classification applications (search task identification and searcher frustration detection). However, sanitizing free-text query reformulations is extremely detrimental to performance for the query recommendation application we consider. Personalization is useful to some degree in all the applications we explore when integrated with global information, achieving gains for search task identification, task-aware query recommendation, and searcher frustration detection. Finally we introduce an open source system called CrowdLogger that implements the CrowdLogging framework and also serves as a platform for conducting in-situ user studies of search behavior, prototyping and evaluating information retrieval applications, and collecting labeled data.
Vitamin D, infections and immune-mediated diseases

Vitamin D has been an exciting field of research in recent years, with more than 1400 publications published on the subject in 2008. The lay press has published articles, the internet is full of information and pharmacies have prominent displays of vitamin D supplements. Historically, vitamin D has been thought only to have an effect on calcium metabolism and bone. Vitamin D deficiency was thought only to cause rickets or osteomalacia. Recent work has found that vitamin D affects many other cells and tissues. Basic science, epidemiological, case–control and cohort studies have been conducted that show an effect of vitamin D on infections and autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus and Type 1 diabetes. Further research is needed in each of these areas to elucidate the mechanism vitamin D uses to affect the immune system and to develop prevention and/or treatment guidelines.
The demography of Calanus pacificus during winter-spring Californian El Nino conditions, 1992-1993 : implications for anchovy?

Samples from the southern California sector of the California Current System were examined to test for changes in abundance, reproduction, recruitment and naupliar survival of the planktonic copepod, Calanus pacificus, coincident with the 1993 Californian El␣Nino, relative to 1992 (also El Nino conditions) and to 1989–1991 (defined as `normal'). In 1993, as in 1992, females were rare in both winter and spring, but per capita reproduction was less, food limitation was greater and biomass of chlorophyll was reduced only in winter. Recruitment was more variable than was naupliar survival. Recruitment increased in both El Nino springs, but survival of older naupliar stages decreased. The mesoscale distributions of larval anchovy, relative to eggs and nauplii of Calanus, did not result in efficient use of the reduced supply of this source of food, and the abundance of larval anchovy did not cause measurable variation in the survival of naupliar Calanus.
Further studies on the optimum ratio of saturated to mono-unsaturated fatty acids in rat diets.

Fat mixtures containing 10, 30, 60, and 70% saturated fatty acids as glycerides were fed to male rats at a level of 17% by weight of a chow diet. The saturated acids were mainly palmitic rather than lauric and myristic as previously used. In confirmation of earlier results the fat mixture containing 30% saturated fatty acids produced the greatest weight gains and the highest food efficiency. The same trend was noted when similar fat mixtures were added to a purified diet but differences in weight gain and food efficiency were not significant. The source of fatty acids had no effect on weight gains. The excretion of total lipids was not influenced by the degree of saturation of the fats within the limits studied. Shortening, however, caused increased excretion of total lipid. There were no significant differences in liver and adrenal weights produced by these diets.