cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Genetic counseling: an appraisal

To assess the impact of genetic counseling interviews with former recipients of the counseling (consultands) in the Genetic Counseling Clinic of the University of Colorado were conducted. It was found that the interviews as compared with questionnaire alone with 87 couples provided the best insights and interchange of ideas. A correlation was established between social class which included educational levels and understanding but no correlation between understanding and degree of risk. The majority of consultands retained the information over extended periods of time. Over 1/2 of the consultands (56 of 101) found the counseling helpful. A positive correlation existed between the degree of satisfaction and level of understanding. 41 couples were influenced in their family planning by the genetic counseling. Genetic counseling was of limited effectiveness when the counselor was unable to satisfy the expectations of the consultand for enlightenment about the cause of problems particularly those of unknown etiology. Counselees most frequent suggestion for improved effectiveness was to expand knowledge about the availability of counseling services. They also felt that 3-6 months were needed for couples to adjust to the discovery of a birth defect before counseling information could be assimilated.
Properties of type II quadratic solitons excited by imbalanced fundamental waves

It was shown experimentally for type II second-harmonic generation in KTP that the family of quadratic spatial solitons exists over a wide range of imbalances for the two fundamental wave inputs. The threshold for soliton formation was measured as a function of both phase mismatch and relative input fraction of the energy in the two fundamental polarizations. Launching unequal fundamental inputs led to an imbalanced three-coupled-field output composition.
Establishment of transplantable porcine tumor cell lines derived from MHC-inbred miniature swine.

The lack of transplantable tumors has limited assessment of graft-versus-tumor effects following hematopoietic cell transplantation in clinically relevant large-animal models. We describe the derivation and characterization of porcine tumor cell lines with initial efforts of tumor transplantation using immunocompromised mice and highly inbred sublines of Massachusetts General Hospital major histocompatibility complex (MHC)–inbred miniature swine. Autopsies were performed routinely on swine that died unexpectedly or had suspicion of malignancy based on clinical symptoms or peripheral blood analysis. Tissue samples were obtained for pathology, phenotyped by flow cytometry, and placed in culture. Based on growth, lines were selected for passage into nonobese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficient (NOD/SCID) mice and miniature swine. Porcine tumor recipients were preconditioned with total body irradiation from 0 to 500 cGy or with a 30-day course of oral cyclosporine. We identified 19 cases of hematologic tumors. Nine distinct tumor cell lines were established from 8 of these cases, including 3 derived from highly inbred sublines. In vivo tumor growth and serial transfer were observed in immunocompromised mice for one tumor cell line and in miniature swine for 1 of 2 tumor cell lines expanded for this purpose. These results suggest the possibility of developing a transplantable tumor model in this large-animal system.
Extratropical Forcing of Tropical Pacific Convection during Northern Winter

Abstract Statistical evidence is presented to support the notion that tropical convection in the eastern Pacific and Atlantic intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) during northern winter can be forced by disturbances originating in the extratropics. The synoptic-scale transients in these regions are characterized at upper levels by strong positive tilts in the horizontal and appear to induce vertical motions ahead of troughs as in midlatitude baroclinic systems. Two case studies of such interactions are examined, one for the eastern North Pacific ITCZ and another somewhat different type of interaction for the South Pacific convergence zone (SPCZ) over the western South Pacific. Both cases are associated with upper-level troughs, strong cold advection deep into the tropics, and the formation of a frontal boundary at low levels. The ITCZ case is characterized by the advection of anomalously high isentropic potential vorticity air southward, a strong poleward flux of heat and westerly momentum, and the devel...
Bone Morphogenetic Protein-15 IDENTIFICATION OF TARGET CELLS AND BIOLOGICAL FUNCTIONS

In developing ovarian follicles, the regulation of cell proliferation and differentiation is tightly coordinated. Precisely how this coordination is achieved is unknown, but recent observations have suggested that molecules emitted by the oocyte are involved in the process. The newly discovered oocyte-specific growth factor, bone morphogenetic protein-15 (BMP-15), is one such molecule. At present, nothing is known about the target cells and biological functions of BMP-15. To fill this gap in our knowledge, recombinant BMP-15 and its antibody were produced and used to determine BMP-15 expression and bioactivity. BMP-15 mRNA and protein were shown to be co-expressed in oocytes throughout folliculogenesis, supporting the idea that BMP-15 is a physiological regulator of follicle cell proliferation and/or differentiation. To test this, we used primary cultures of rat granulosa cells (GCs). We found that BMP-15 is a potent stimulator of GC proliferation, and importantly, the mitogenic effect was follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)-independent. By contrast, BMP-15 alone had no effect on steroidogenesis. However, it produced a marked decrease in FSH-induced progesterone production, but had no effect on FSH-stimulated estradiol production. This result indicates that BMP-15 is a selective modulator of FSH action. In summary, this study identifies GCs as the first target cells for BMP-15. Moreover, it identifies the stimulation of GC proliferation and the differential regulation of two crucial steroid hormones as the first biological functions of BMP-15. Significantly, BMP-15 is the first growth factor that can coordinate GC proliferation and differentiation in a way that reflects normal physiology.
Physician Staffing Models and Patient Safety in the ICU

Despite the manpower shortage to care for the critically ill, the number of ICU beds has been rising for the last 2 decades. The ICU intensivist physician staffing model is still in flux in this country. Despite a challenge by a recent single publication, numerous studies have shown that high-intensity intensivist staffing improves patient outcome in the ICU. However, 73% of the ICUs in this country provide low-intensity or no intensive care coverage. Although it may not be possible to implement 24 h/d intensivist coverage of all ICUs at this time, we believe it is the best model for achieving good patient outcome. The mere presence of intensivists in the ICU is unlikely to improve patient outcome unless it is associated with the creation of an organizational environment ideal for the implementation of evidence-based practice. In this commentary, we will discuss the available evidence behind the current models and express our opinions about current and future ICU intensivist staffing.
Does morality demand our very best? On moral prescriptions and the line of duty

It is widely accepted that morality does not demand that we do our very best, but our most significant moral traditions do not easily accommodate this intuition. I will argue that the underlying problem is not specific to any particular tradition. Rather, it will be difficult for any moral theory to account for binary moral concepts like permissible/impermissible while also accounting for scalar moral concepts like better/worse. If only the best is considered permissible, morality will seem either unreasonably demanding or implausibly minimal. But if we draw a line of duty below the optimal, then we must explain how the act that is worse is nonetheless permissible. Some have tried to explain this by appealing to non-moral considerations, and others have appealed to agent-relative moral considerations. I argue that no such approach will work. We should instead exploit the distinction between reasons for performing an act and reasons for holding someone accountable for an act’s performance. This approach will also help to clear up a confusion regarding the notion of a moral demand.
Method for isolating viruses from ground beef.

SUMMARY A method was developed to isolate viruses from ground beef. 5, l-g samples were taken from each loaf of meat and each sample dispersed in 4 ml of Eagle's minimum essential medium. Elimination or reduction of bacterial and fungal contaminants was accomplished by adding antibiotics to the medium to give final concentrations per ml of 1,000 units of penicillin G, 1,000 μg of streptomycin, 50 μg of tetracycline hydrochloride and 5 μg amphotericin B. The meat slurry was adjusted to pH 8.5 with NaOH, shaken at room temperature (23°C) for 1 hr, pH readjusted to 8.0 and the slurry stored at 4°C for at least 16 hr. After this period, the slurry was reshaken for 1 hr at room temperature, filtered through a double layer of cheese cloth and the filtrate assayed for viruses by a plaque-forming unit (pfu) procedure. By repeated experiments, this method recovered approximately 75% of input coxsackievirus B-2. The method was used to examine market-purchased ground beef for viruses. 1 to 195 viral pfu/5g were isolated from 3 of 12 loaves of meat. 1 loaf yielded poliovirus 1 and echovirus 6, 1 yielded poliovirus 2 and 1 yielded polioviruses 1 and 3.
Children's Depression Inventory: Normative Data and Utility with Emotionally Disturbed Children

Abstract This study presents data on the administration of the Children's Depression Inventory (CDI) to a psychiatrically hospitalized sample of children ranging from 6 to 17 years of age ( N = 535). The relationships between age, gender, and self-reported levels of depression are reported for the entire sample as well as for extremely depressed and nondepressed hospitalized children. The various properties of the CDI itself are examined in terms of the frequency of individually endorsed items. Interitem and interscale correlations as well as reliability data of the CDI are also computed. Overall it appears that the CDI is a useful instrument to tap into depression from a self-perceived level although much more research needs to be done to determine the validity of the scale before it can be used with any degree of confidence with emotionally disturbed populations.
Do bugs foreshadow vulnerabilities?: a study of the Chromium project

As developers face ever-increasing pressure to engineer secure software, researchers are building an understanding of security-sensitive bugs (i.e. vulnerabilities). Research into mining software repositories has greatly increased our understanding of software quality via empirical study of bugs. However, conceptually vulnerabilities are different from bugs: they represent abusive functionality as opposed to wrong or insufficient functionality commonly associated with traditional, non-security bugs. In this study, we performed an in-depth analysis of the Chromium project to empirically examine the relationship between bugs and vulnerabilities. We mined 374,686 bugs and 703 post-release vulnerabilities over five Chromium releases that span six years of development. Using logistic regression analysis, we examined how various categories of pre-release bugs (e.g. stability, compatibility, etc.) are associated with post-release vulnerabilities. While we found statistically significant correlations between pre-release bugs and post-release vulnerabilities, we also found the association to be weak. Number of features, SLOC, and number of pre-release security bugs are, in general, more closely associated with post-release vulnerabilities than any of our non-security bug categories. In a separate analysis, we found that the files with highest defect density did not intersect with the files of highest vulnerability density. These results indicate that bugs and vulnerabilities are empirically dissimilar groups, warranting the need for more research targeting vulnerabilities specifically.
Q and V band power InGaAs MESFETs

Excellent power performance at 44 and 60 GHz demonstrated by 0.25 mu m gate InGaAs MESFETs is reported. From small-signal S-parameter measurements, these devices typically have extrinsic f/sub t/ greater than 100 GHz. At 1 dB compression point, a 150 mu m wide MESFET shows a power added efficiency of 33% with an output power of 60.8 mW (0.43 W/mm) at 44 GHz. For 200 mu m wide devices, the power added efficiency was measured to be 19% with an output power of 82 mW (0.41 W/mm) at 60 GHz. These results indicate that InGaAs MESFETs are viable millimetre-wave power devices.
Search for photoinduced absorption in materials with non-one-half band fillings

Abstract We have searched for photoinduced absorption in the quasi-one-dimensional charge-density-wave materials blue bronze, with an N M = 3 4 filled band, and trimethylammonium-iodide-TCNQ, with N M = 1 3 . In analogy to conducting polymers with N M = 1 2 , one expects to observe mid-gap states due to solitons, with charge (modulo e ) Q = ± 2e M . We have observed no photoinduced absorption in either material, using both broad-band and monochromatic searches, giving upper limits on the product of the probability of soliton formation and the lifetime of the soliton.
A microstructurally based fracture model for polygranular graphites

The physical basis of, and assumptions behind, the Burchell fracture model for graphites are reported. The model combines a fracture mechanics failure criteria and a microstructurally based description of fracture. Microstructurally related inputs such as pore-size distribution, particle size, bulk density, particle fracture toughness, the number of pores per unit volume, and specimen geometry (size and stressed volume) are utilized in the model. Microstructural inputs to the model code, determined by quantitative image analysis of prepared specimens of the graphites, are reported. The Burchell fracture model was successfully applied to four graphites of widely different texture, ranging from a fine-grain, high-strength aerospace grade (POCO AXF-5Q) to a coarse-grain, low-strength electrode graphite (AGX). The excellent performance and versatility of the Burchell fracture model was attributed to its sound physical basis. The potential for applying the Burchell fracture model to irradiated graphites was explored and the model was shown to qualitatively predict the influence of neutron damage on the strength of a nuclear graphite.
Effect of actinomycin D on RNA and protein synthesis in regions of developing frog embryos.

Aux stades neurula et bourgeon caudal du developpement embryonnaire deRana pipiens, traitee a l'actinomycine D, la reduction de la synthese de proteine est proportionellement moindre que celle du RNA. Aux niveaux semblables de l'inhibition de la synthese du RNA, la synthese de proteine a diminue plus fortement dans la region de l'endoderme que dans les cellules de l'ectoderme-mesoderme dorsaux, aux stades embryonnaires mentionnes plus haut. Les donnees suggerent que le D-RNA se conserve mieux dans le cytoplasme des cellules de l'ectoderme-mesoderme dorseaux que dans celui des cellules de l'endoderme.
Experimental microwave collision diameters in the rotational spectrum of H2CO

Abstract Collision diameters for some select transitions in the rotational spectrum of H 2 CO have been determined using pressure broadening of the spectral lines. Transitions of the type Δ J = 0, K −1 = 1, and Δ K +1 = 1 with 1 ≤ J ≤ 5 were investigated for both self-broadening and foreign gas broadening (He and H 2 ) of the spectral lines. Pressure ranges from 0.001 Torr to 0.1 Torr were explored in obtaining the line width parameters Δ ν p for each transition. Collision diameters were found to be very nearly constant (14 A) over the J states studied for H 2 COH 2 CO interaction, 2.5–5.8 A for H 2 COH 2 interaction and 2.7–3.5 A for H 2 COHe interaction.
Turbulence downstream from the Ionescu-Shiley bioprosthesis in steady and pulsatile flow

The turbulence generated downstream from an aortic Ionescu-Shiley bioprosthesis has been investigated in vitro with both steady and pulsatile flow; Instantaneous point velocities were measured using laser-Doppler anemometry (LDA) at numerous preselected locations in the flow. The mean and RMS velocities from these data at each location were then used to estimate the laminar and turbulent shear in the bulk flow as a function of radial position on a cross-section of the flow system downstream from the mounted prosthesis. Estimated total shear stresses were found in the bulk flow that were of sufficient magnitude to possibly cause haemolysis and initiate platelet chemical-release reactions. For steady flow and at peak pulsatile flow, maximum total shear stresses were estimated to be 120 N m−2 and 100 N m−2, respectively, over more than 5 per cent of the flow cross-section. The spatial distribution of the elevated shear stresses correlates well with the valve superstructure. It is concluded that these elevated stresses are a direct consequence of the notable flow constriction generated by the valve’s fully opened leaflets.
Application of a time-delay neural network to promoter annotation in the Drosophila melanogaster genome

Computational methods for automated genome annotation are critical to understanding and interpreting the bewildering mass of genomic sequence data presently being generated and released. A neural network model of the structural and compositional properties of a eukaryotic core promoter region has been developed and its application for analysis of the Drosophila melanogaster genome is presented. The model uses a time-delay architecture, a special case of a feed-forward neural network. The structure of this model allows for variable spacing between functional binding sites, which is known to play a key role in the transcription initiation process. Application of this model to a test set of core promoters not only gave better discrimination of potential promoter sites than previous statistical or neural network models, but also revealed indirectly subtle properties of the transcription initiation signal. When tested in the Adh region of 2.9 Mbases of the Drosophila genome, the neural network for promoter prediction (NNPP) program that incorporates the time-delay neural network model gives a recognition rate of 75% (69/92) with a false positive rate of 1/547 bases. The present work can be regarded as one of the first intensive studies that applies novel gene regulation technologies to the identification of the complex gene regulation sites in the genome of Drosophila melanogaster.
Microsecond charge recombination lifetimes in complexes of CdS quantum dots and organic hole acceptors enabled by hole-hopping within the ligand shell

Transient absorption (TA) and NMR measurements were used to demonstrate that carrier mobility within the ligand shell contributes to photoinduced charge transfer dynamics between a bis(diarylamino)biphenyl (TPD)-based thiol and cadmium sulfide quantum dots.
Molecular targeting by homocysteine: a mechanism for vascular pathogenesis

Hyperhomocysteinemia is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Although there is a growing body of evidence that homocysteine plays a causal role in atherogenesis, specific mechanisms to explain the underlying pathology have remained elusive. This review focuses on chemistry unique to the homocysteine molecule to explain its inherent cytotoxicity. Thus, the high pKa of the sulfhydryl group (pKa=10.0) of homocysteine underlies its ability to form stable disulfide bonds with protein cysteine residues, and in the process, alters or impairs the function of the protein. Albumin, fibronectin, transthyretin, annexin II, and factor V have now been identified as molecular targets for homocysteine, and in the case of albumin, the mechanism of targeting has been elucidated.
Body mass index and allograft function in pediatric renal transplantation.

Recent studies indicate that pre-transplant (Tx) obesity and increased body mass index (BMI) after renal Tx in adults are associated with decreased long-term renal allograft survival. This study examined whether obesity prior to renal Tx or the development of obesity within the 1st year after Tx in children is associated with worse allograft function at 1 year post Tx. This is a retrospective review of medical records from 76 pediatric renal allograft recipients between January 1994 and December 2000. Recipients had their renal allograft functioning at 1 year, and had a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) measured 1 year post Tx. Obesity was defined as body mass index (BMI)≥95th percentile for age, sex, and race. Patients were divided into three groups: (1) children who had BMI≥95th percentile at time of Tx, (2) children who had BMI<95th percentile at time of Tx but became obese at 1 year after Tx, and (3) children with BMI<95th percentile at time of Tx and 1 year later. The number of patients with BMI≥95th percentile doubled at 1 year after Tx when compared with pre-Tx data: 10 (13%) versus 22 (29%), respectively. Fifteen (20%) patients developed obesity and 10 (13%) patients had BMI between the 85th and 95th percentile at 1 year post Tx. Children in group 1 had significantly lower mean GFR (46.1±15.0 ml/min per 1.73 m2) than children in group 2 (57.7±24.5 ml/min per 1.73 m2, P<0.05) and group 3 (60.4±21.5 ml/min per 1.73 m2, P<0.01). The difference remained significant after adjusting GFR to height: group 1 24.0±5.2 ml/min per m, group 2 31.5±11.2 ml/min per m, P<0.05, and group 3 32.2±10.6 ml/min per m, P<0.01. Children with pre-Tx obesity (group 1) had significantly higher indexed systolic blood pressure (P<0.01) than children from other groups. We conclude that pre-Tx obesity is associated with decreased GFR in children at 1 year after Tx. The reason may be persistence or development of post-Tx hypertension in severely obese patients.
Global fault localization using induced voltage alteration

Abstract Advances in integrated circuit technology have made failure site localization extremely challenging. Charge-induced voltage alteration (CIVA), low energy CIVA (LECIVA), light-induced voltage alteration (LIVA), Seebeck effect imaging (SEI) and thermally-induced voltage alteration (TIVA) are five recently developed failure analysis techniques which meet the challenge by rapidly and non-destructively localizing interconnection defects on ICs. The techniques take advantage of voltage fluctuations in a constant current power supply as an electron or photon beam is scanned across an IC. CIVA and LECIVA are scanning electron microscopy techniques that yield rapid localization of open interconnections. LIVA is a scanning optical microscopy (SOM) method that yields quick identification of damaged semiconductor junctions and determines transistor logic states. SEI and TIVA are SOM techniques that rapidly localize open interconnections and shorts respectively. LIVA, SEI, and TIVA can be performed from the backside of ICs by using the proper photon wavelength. This paper describes the CIVA, LECIVA, LIVA, TIVA, and SEI techniques in terms of the physics of signal generation, general data acquisition system required, and imaging results displaying the utility of each technique for localizing interconnection defects.
Are We Ready for Diphtheria? A Report from the Diphtheria Diagnostic Workshop, Atlanta, 11 and 12 July 1994

Since 1990, there has been a major resurgence of diphtheria in Europe, centered mostly in Russia and Ukraine. The outbreak in the Russian Federation is the largest diphtheria outbreak in the developed world in recent years. In 1990, 1211 cases were reported, of which one-third were from Moscow. Outbreaks continued in 1991 (1869 reported cases) and 1992 (3897 reported cases). In 1993, the epidemic drastically increased in magnitude (15,210 reported cases) [1]. In the first 2 months of 1994, M000 cases were reported. From 8 February to 4 March, 525 patients with diphtheria were treated in Moscow hospitals. Most persons infected are ^4 years old, and ^S^c of cases have been bacteriologically confirmed. The case-fatality ratio remains low ^5(^) [1]. Since initial studies verified the effectiveness of the vaccines in use in Russia and Ukraine, the reasons for the outbreak remain unclear and are under investigation. High levels of susceptibility to diphtheria, particularly among adults, have probably contributed most strongly to the epidemic. In addition to Ukraine (1991-1994, 6000 cases), other countries that have experienced outbreaks of diphtheria in recent years include China (1988-1989, 103 cases), Tajikistan (1993, 1100 cases), Ecuador (1993-1994, several hundred cases), and Algeria. Because of concern about diphtheria worldwide and the level of US preparedness, the National Vaccine Program held a Diphtheria Diagnostic Workshop hosted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Workshop goals were to review the current state of diphtheria diagnostics, assess the capability of US laboratories to diagnose diphtheria, and identify directions for future research and preparedness activities. Twenty-three persons from the United States, United Kingdom, Russia, Italy, and Finland met to discuss issues related to diagnosis of diphtheria, share expertise, and determine areas of mutual support. Dr. Melinda Wharton (National Immunization Program, CDC) presented information on the current epidemiology of diphtheria in the United States. In contrast to the situation early in this century, when diphtheria was a major cause of
Gene interactions affecting mechanosensory transduction in Caenorhabditis elegans

GENETIC screening has identified a group ofmec (mechanosensory) genes that are required for the function of a set of six touch-receptor neurons in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans1,2. Such genes potentially encode components of the mechanosensory apparatus. We have cloned one of these genes, mec-10, which is a member of the degenerin gene family (genes such as mec-4 and deg-1 (refs 3, 4) that can be mutated to cause neurodegeneration). Because components of an amiloride-sensitive sodium channel (α, β and γrENaC) from rat6–8 share considerable sequence similarity with the C. elegans genes, it is likely that degenerins may function as channel proteins. Here we show that two degenerin homologues (mec-4 and mec-10) are expressed in the same cells, although each provides a unique function. Based on genetic data of mutations affecting mec-10-induced degeneration, we propose that the products of three genes (mec-4, mec-10 and mec-6) form a complex needed for mechanosensation, and that several other mec genes may be important in regulating the putative channel complex.
Selected physiological and psychobiological responses to physical activity in different configurations of firefighting gear

The aim was to examine selected physiological and psychobiological responses to different configurations of protective firefighting gear. Career firefighters (n = 10) walked on a treadmill (3·5 km · h−1, 10% grade) for 15 min in three different clothing configurations. On separate days subjects wore: (a) ‘station blues’, (b) a hip boot configuration of firefighting gear, and (c) the current ‘NFPA 1500 standard’ gear. Physiological, psychophysical, and psychological measurements were recorded pre-exercise (5 min), during exercise (15 min), and during post-exercise recovery (10min). Repeated measures ANOVA revealed significant main effects for condition, time, and interaction (p < 0·001) for heart rate (HR), rectal temperature, mean skin temperature, oxygen consumption, breathing distress, thermal sensations, and affect. Furthermore, post hoc analyses revealed that all variables were significantly higher in the NFPA 1500 standard versus the hip boot or the station blues clothing configurations. These data s...
School-based interventions for aggressive and disruptive behavior: update of a meta-analysis.

Background Research about the effectiveness of school-based psychosocial prevention programs for reducing aggressive and disruptive behavior was synthesized using meta-analysis. This work updated previous work by the authors and further investigated which program and student characteristics were associated with the most positive outcomes. Methods Two hundred forty-nine experimental and quasi-experimental studies of school-based programs with outcomes representing aggressive and/or disruptive behavior were obtained. Effect sizes and study characteristics were coded from these studies and analyzed. Results Positive overall intervention effects were found on aggressive and disruptive behavior and other relevant outcomes. The most common and most effective approaches were universal programs and targeted programs for selected/indicated children. The mean effect sizes for these types of programs represent a decrease in aggressive/disruptive behavior that is likely to be of practical significance to schools. Multicomponent comprehensive programs did not show significant effects and those for special schools or classrooms were marginal. Different treatment modalities (e.g., behavioral, cognitive, social skills) produced largely similar effects. Effects were larger for better-implemented programs and those involving students at higher risk for aggressive behavior. Conclusions Schools seeking prevention programs may choose from a range of effective programs with some confidence that whatever they pick will be effective. Without the researcher involvement that characterizes the great majority of programs in this meta-analysis, schools might be well-advised to give priority to those that will be easiest to implement well in their settings.
Application of hypervariable genetic markers to forensic identification of ‘wild’ from hatchery-raised red drum, Sciaenops ocellatus

Forensic identification of 'wild' versus hatchery-produced (cultured) red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus), an economically important marine fish in the southern United States, was assessed using hypervariable nuclear-encoded microsatellites and sequences of mitochondrial DNA. Both genotype exclusion and likelihood-ratio tests successfully identified 'wild' and 'cultured' individuals within requisite error bounds and within the context of complete parental sampling. Of the two, genotype exclusion was more effective, producing satisfactory results with fewer microsatellites and larger allowable error rates. Assignment tests proved ineffective, most likely because of the low level of genetic divergence between the sampled populations. An optimal, minimum set of ten markers that will reduce potential genotyping costs is identified. Results of the study should allay concerns regarding identification of 'wild'-caught fish sold illegally.
Understated implications of objected-oriented simulation and modeling

There are many unresolved questions and issues for the modeling process before the object-oriented paradigm moves from the methodology of the software programmer into the worldview of the systems engineer. The author attempts to identify some of these implications and highlight some of the specific areas which require resolution and further study. Object-oriented simulation and modeling currently follows traditional process decomposition in formulating its base and lumped models. The object-oriented paradigm is principally used in development of the associated software model. Use of object-oriented decomposition to develop base and lumped models holds the potential to extend the benefits of extensibility and reusability to these fundamental models. Additionally, such an approach may provide the mechanism to address the analysis of complex, highly integrated systems. Impeding this potential is the lack of an established methodology for object identification and the general lack of knowledge concerning design tradeoffs in object-oriented model development. >
A Molecular Morphology of Euglena gracilis var. bacillaris

SUMMARY. The structural morphology of Euglena gracilis, particularly the photoreceptors, has been studied by electron microscopy in order to arrive at some structural basis for function. The chloroplast, eye-spot, and flagella are described and their relationship within the cell discussed. A molecular model for both the chloroplast and eye-spot are proposed from the available structural and experimental data. The effects of darkness, elevated temperatures, metal depletion, and streptomycin on the cells and structure of the chloroplast are described. In all cases where structural changes occur in the chloroplast they are accompanied by spectral shifts in the absorption spectra of chlorophyll indicative of the appearance of pheophytin. The relationship of the eye-spot and flagella was considered as a structural unit and the energy for excitation was roughly estimated.
An Improved Hybrid Genetic Algorithm with a New Local Search Procedure

One important challenge of a hybrid genetic algorithm (HGA) (also called memetic algorithm) is the tradeoff between global and local searching (LS) as it is the case that the cost of an LS can be rather high. This paper proposes a novel, simplified, and efficient HGA with a new individual learning procedure that performs a LS only when the best offspring (solution) in the offspring population is also the best in the current parent population. Additionally, a new LS method is developed based on a three-directional search (TD), which is derivative-free and self-adaptive. The new HGA with two different LS methods (the TD and Neld-Mead simplex) is compared with a traditional HGA. Four benchmark functions are employed to illustrate the improvement of the proposed method with the new learning procedure. The results show that the new HGA greatly reduces the number of function evaluations and converges much faster to the global optimum than a traditional HGA. The TD local search method is a good choice in helping to locate a global “mountain” (or “valley”) but may not perform the Nelder-Mead method in the final fine tuning toward the optimal solution.
Evidence for a conserved function of heart and neural crest derivatives expressed transcript 2 in mouse and human decidualization

Previously, we showed that heart and neural crest derivatives expressed transcript 2 (Hand2) mRNA levels dramatically increase in mouse uterine endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) as they undergo decidualization in vivo. However, to date, little is known about the expression and function of this transcription factor in mouse or human uterus decidualization. Therefore, this study was conducted to provide a more detailed assessment of Hand2 gene expression and function in the mouse uterus during the peri-implantation period and also in mouse plus human ESCs during decidualization in vitro. The results show that Hand2 mRNA and protein levels increase in the mouse uterus during decidualization and this does not depend on the presence of a conceptus. Interestingly, Hand2 mRNA and protein are present in ESCs adjacent to the luminal epithelium in the uterus prior to the onset of implantation. We find that progesterone is likely a regulator of Hand2 expression during uterine sensitization of the mouse uterus. Finally, Hand2 expression increases in mouse and human fibroblast cells as they undergo decidualization in vitro. This expression is significantly increased in response to prostaglandin E(2). In particular, reduction of Hand2 expression in these cells using small hairpin RNA or small interfering RNA approaches results in the reduced extent of decidualization as shown by the reduced expression of a subset of decidualization markers. The results of this study support the hypothesis that Hand2 expression not only plays an important role in decidualization but may also play a role in obtaining proper progesterone-dependent uterine sensitization required for implantation to begin.
Econometric studies of household saving behaviour in developing countries: A survey

This article surveys recent attempts to measure and analyze household savings behaviour in developing economies. Studies of the relationships between savings and current income, permanent income, wealth, interest rates, the price level, household demographic characteristics, occupation, income distribution, direct taxation, and other factors are reviewed and evaluated.
English in the Roman Catholic liturgy 1969–2002

In 1963 the Vatican in Rome, as part of the Second Vatican Council, authorized vernacular languages to be used in Catholic liturgies around the world. For English speaking countries, a commission was formed to translate the Latin into English for the Mass as well as for all of the various rites such as baptism, anointing of the sick, marriage, and the ordination of priests and bishops. An International Commission on English in the Liturgy (ICEL) set to work, and by 1970 it had a provisionary translation completed. The commission then set out to revise its work in a more thoughtful and studied manner. These new translations were sent to the English-speaking bishops all over the world for approval and comment, which were then revised accordingly. This work continued until 2002 when a new regime in Rome revised their instructions for translation, dismissed the work that had been done, and appointed a new international commission. This article documents the history of ICEL from 1969 to 2002.
Weight comparisons and litter size manipulation in columbian ground squirrels (Spermophilus columbianus) show evidence of costs of reproduction

I studied reproductive costs in the female Columbian ground squirrel (Spermophilus columbianus) using individually marked animals. I compared weight changes during the active season and over winter, and mortality for females that did and did not wean young. Females raising young were heavier at emergence in that spring than unsuccessful ones. Females that did not raise young gained more weight during summer, were heavier than successful females at the time of entry into hibernation, and were heavier emerging from hibernation the following spring. Over-winter mortality was higher for females that reared young compared to reproductively unsuccessful females. A food supplementation experiment showed that energy-rich food can accelerate individuals’ weight gain. Interactions between litter size, birth weight, weight at emergence from the natal burrow, survival of young to yearling age, and maternal fitness were also studied. Litter sizes were experimentally manipulated to evaluate how females cope with costs of rearing one additional young. Birth weight of juveniles was positively correlated with survival to emergence from the natal burrow and with survival to yearling age. Partial litter loss was higher in experimentally enlarged litters than in either experimentally decreased or control litters. Total litter loss, survival of adult females or the probability of weaning young the following year were not affected by the litter size manipulation. Females appear to adjust the size of their litter before birth, and to some extent during lactation, to their ability to wean young.
A Ground Validation Network for the Global Precipitation Measurement Mission

Abstract A prototype Validation Network (VN) is currently operating as part of the Ground Validation System for NASA’s Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) mission. The VN supports precipitation retrieval algorithm development in the GPM prelaunch era. Postlaunch, the VN will be used to validate GPM spacecraft instrument measurements and retrieved precipitation data products. The period of record for the VN prototype starts on 8 August 2006 and runs to the present day. The VN database includes spacecraft data from the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) precipitation radar (PR) and coincident ground radar (GR) data from operational meteorological networks in the United States, Australia, Korea, and the Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands. Satellite and ground radar data products are collected whenever the PR satellite track crosses within 200 km of a VN ground radar, and these data are stored permanently in the VN database. VN products are generated from coincident PR and GR observations when...
Using Morpholinos for Gene Knockdown in Giardia intestinalis

We used translation-blocking morpholinos to reduce protein levels in Giardia intestinalis. Twenty-four hours after electroporation with morpholinos targeting either green fluorescent protein or kinesin-2b, levels of these proteins were reduced by 60%. An epitope-tagged transgene can also be used as a reporter for morpholino efficacy with targets lacking specific antibodies.
Charge-density analysis of the ground state of a photochromic 1,10-phenanthroline zinc(II) bis(thiolate) complex

The charge density of the title compound was determined at 90 K, using a spherical crystal of 150 µm diameter. The proper treatment of the Zn atom in the pseudo-tetrahedral environment is considered in detail. A satisfactory refinement is only obtained when anharmonic Gram–Charlier parameters are included as variables in the refinement. A successful combined anharmonic/multipole refinement indicates a small polarization of the 4s shell in the anisotropic environment. One of the two toluenethiols is approximately π-stacked with the phenanthroline ligand. A bond path is found connecting the two ligands. In addition the Zn—S bond to this ligand is slightly extended compared with the same bond to the second toluenethiol. A separate photocrystallographic and theoretical study indicates the long wavelength emission of the title compound to be due to a ligand-to-ligand charge transfer (LLCT) from a toluenethiol to the phenanthroline ligand. The charge-density results do not provide a basis for deciding which of the thiole ligands is the source of the transferred electron density. This result is in agreement with the theoretical calculations, which show comparable oscillator strengths for charge transfer from either of the ligands.
Time-Delay Multiplexing of Two Beams in a Terahertz Imaging Radar

We demonstrate a time-delay multiplexing technique that doubles the frame rate of a 660-690-GHz imaging radar with minimal additional instrument complexity. This is done by simultaneously projecting two offset, orthogonally polarized radar beams generated and detected by a common source and receiver. Beam splitting and polarization rotation is accomplished with a custom designed waveguide hybrid coupler and twist. A relative time lag of approximately 2 ns between the beams' waveforms is introduced using a quasi-optical delay line, followed by spatial recombination using a selectively reflective wire grid. This delay is much longer than the approximately 20-ps time-of-flight resolution of the 30-GHz bandwidth radar, permitting the two beams' reflected signals from a compact target to be easily distinguished in digital post-processing of the single receiver channel.
Stakeholder behavior and legislative influence: A case study of recreational water rights in Colorado

Colorado water law is based on 150 years of legal, constitutional, and administrative precedent. Much of this precedent encourages traditional consumptive uses of water and impedes non-consumptive uses. Throughout Colorado’s history, the water law system has evolved to include new codified uses of water. This paper analyzes the behavior of stakeholder groups that drove legislative changes in the Colorado General Assembly in the most recent example of this evolution—the inclusion of non-consumptive recreational in-channel water rights as a codified use of water. Using a qualitative case study research method, this study finds that collaboration among formerly disenfranchised stakeholders explains their legislative success despite the lesser degree of influence these groups have over water rights in Colorado.
In-vitro synthesis of elastin sheets on crosslinked hyaluronan gels for tissue engineering of aortic valves

The complex three-layered structure of aortic valve cusps is organized from collagen, glycosaminoglycans, and elastin. Our approach to tissue engineering the aortic valve is to fabricate a functional composite tissue from each layer grown separately in vitro. This paper summarizes our efforts to fabricate the viscoelastic spongiosa, and the elastin-rich ventricularis.
A SECOND AUSTRALIAN SPECIES OF PHERBELLIA ROBINEAUDESVOIDY (DIPTERA: SCIOMYZIDAE)

Pherbellia juxtajavana sp.n. is described. It is closely related to P. javana (de Meijere). The male and female terminalia and wings of both species are illustrated and their distributions are mapped. A character not previously used in the classification of Sciomyzidae, the vaginal apodeme, is described and illustrated. A key to the genera of Sciomyzidae in Australia is included.
Life cycles of persistent anomalies. I: Evolution of 500 mb height fields

The life cycles of persistent anomalies of the extratropical Northern Hemisphere wintertime circulation are studied, focusing on the typical characteristics of the 500 mb height anomaly and flow patterns accompanying the development and breakdown of large-scale flow anomalies in the eastern North Atlantic and the northern Soviet Union. Following onset, anomaly centers develop and intensify in sequence downstream from the main center, forming a quasi-stationary wavetrain pattern. From development through decay, corresponding positive and negative patterns have similar evolutions.
Monitoring overwash using water-level loggers resolves frequent inundation and run-up events

Abstract Long-term (months to years) data on barrier-island overwash are lacking, but necessary for the proper parameterization of models addressing island response to rising sea levels, increased storminess and anthropogenic changes. Here, we present a method for recording overwash events that requires little maintenance and can endure storms. This technique uses water-level data loggers suspended in shallow wells that are anchored deeply into the ground. The loggers are placed close to the highest elevation of the barrier island along a cross-shore transect and record high-resolution (± 1 cm) and high-frequency (2 minute) water-level measurements. We developed a schema for differentiating between tidal fluctuations in groundwater, run-up overwash and inundation overwash based on the pattern of water-level changes. Interpretations were validated using trail cameras aimed at the well and programmed to take a photograph every 5 min during daylight hours. There were some data gaps in the record caused by siltation of the logger in the well, repairing a corroded severed cable that was suspending the logger, and limited logger data storage. We constructed a year-long record of overwash frequency and magnitude from October 2012–2013 that included 43 distinct overwash events at a washover fan that initially formed in August of 2011 on Onslow Beach, NC, USA. The record revealed a shift in overwash intensity at the study site, reflecting both changing water levels and changing barrier morphology. The high number of overwash events that occurred at the washover fan 14 months after its initial formation is likely not unique to this site; however, overwash frequency needs to be measured along other shorelines using this method.
Metabolic modeling of clostridia: current developments and applications

Anaerobic Clostridium spp. is an important bio-production microbial genus that can produce solvents and utilize a broad spectrum of substrates including cellulose and syngas. Genome-scale metabolic (GSM) models are increasingly being put forth for various clostridial strains to explore their respective metabolic capabilities and suitability for various bioconversions. In this study, we have selected representative GSM models for six different clostridia ( Clostridium acetobutylicum , Clostridium beijerinckii , Clostridium butyricum , Clostridium cellulolyticum , Clostridium ljungdahlii , and Clostridium thermocellum ) and performed a detailed model comparison contrasting their metabolic repertoire. We also discuss various applications of these GSM models to guide metabolic engineering interventions as well as assessing cellular physiology.