cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Part II: Should the h-index be modified? An analysis of the m-quotient, contemporary h-index, authorship value, and impact factor

Objective The widely accepted h -index depends on the citation analysis source and does not consider the authorship position, the journal's impact factor (IF), or the age of the paper or author. We investigated these factors in citation statistics of academic neurosurgeons. Methods An uncorrected h- index and the m- quotient, which corrects for career length, were calculated by the use of Scopus and Google Scholar. In a subset of neurosurgeons, we computed the contemporary h- index ( hc) , which accounts for the age of the publications; the authorship value (AV), weighted by author position; and the journal IF. An "overall' average for AV and IF including most of an author's publications and an average for publications comprising the h- index (" h- index core") were calculated. Results When we used Google Scholar, the mean h -index was significantly greater than that calculated when we used Scopus ( P = 0.0030). m- quotient and hc- index increased with academic rank, with an m- quotient >1 achieved by 69% of chairmen and 48% of professors. The effect of AV was greatest on the greater h- indices. The average IF for the h- index core was greater than the overall IF, which did not correlate with academic rank. Few neurosurgeons consistently publish in high-impact journals. Conclusion Google Scholar tends to inflate the h- index. The m -quotient and hc- index allow comparisons of researchers across time. Although average journal IF did not differ significantly among neurosurgeons academic ranks, it should be noted for individuals who consistently publish in high-impact journals. We recommend the creation of individual bibliometric profiles to better compare the academic productivity of neurosurgeons.
Infection of the European chafer, Amphimallon majalis, by Bacillus popilliae: Ultrastructure

Abstract Electron microscopical studies indicate that midgut alterations observed in larval Amphimallon majalis during Bacillus popilliae invasion were due to infection of epithelium, wound repair, and hemocytic encapsulation. Hemocytes bearing angular cytoplasmic granules formed the capsule which adhered to the basal lamina subjacent to the mesenteronic lesion. Exocytosis of hemocyte granules into bacilli-containing endocytic invaginations of plasma membranes and vacuoles was observed. These hemocytes as well as mesenteronic cells exhibited bactericidal capabilities.
Performance of Ultrasound in the Diagnosis of Appendicitis in Children in a Multicenter Cohort

Objectives The objectives were to assess the test characteristics of ultrasound (US) in diagnosing appendicitis in children and to evaluate site-related variations based on the frequency of its use. Additionally, the authors assessed the test characteristics of US when the appendix was clearly visualized. Methods This was a secondary analysis of a prospective, 10-center observational study. Children aged 3 to 18 years with acute abdominal pain concerning for appendicitis were enrolled. US was performed at the discretion of the treating physician. Results Of 2,625 patients enrolled, 965 (36.8%) underwent abdominal US. US had an overall sensitivity of 72.5% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 58.8% to 86.3%) and specificity 97.0% (95% CI = 96.2% to 97.9%) in diagnosing appendicitis. US sensitivity was 77.7% at the three sites (combined) that used it in 90% of cases, 51.6% at a site that used it in 50% of cases, and 35% at the four remaining sites (combined) that used it in 9% of cases. US retained a high specificity of 96% to 99% at all sites. Of the 469 (48.6%) cases across sites where the appendix was clearly visualized on US, its sensitivity was 97.9% (95% CI = 95.2% to 99.9%), with a specificity of 91.7% (95% CI = 86.7% to 96.7%). Conclusions Ultrasound sensitivity and the rate of visualization of the appendix on US varied across sites and appeared to improve with more frequent use. US had universally high sensitivity and specificity when the appendix was clearly identified. Other diagnostic modalities should be considered when the appendix is not definitively visualized by US.
A life satisfaction measure based on judgment theory

A life satisfaction measure is developed in this paper drawn from a judgment-type theory. This measure is based on the theoretical notion of life satisfaction being a function of a comparison between perceived life accomplishments and a set of evoked standards. These standards are classified as to their derivative sources (e.g., the life accomplishments of relatives, friends, associates, past experience, self-concept of strengths and weaknesses, and average person in a similar position) and different forms (e.g., standards based on ideal, expected, deserved, minimum tolerable, and predicted outcomes). Two studies were conducted on the elderly to ascertain the internally consistent and possessing construct validity correlations through high and internally consistent and possessing construct validity correlations through high and positive correlations with the Delighted-Terrible Life Satisfaction Scale; through significant and positive correlations with cognitive age, income, employment, education, marital status, social contact, activity, religiosity, morale, television viewership, and selfrated health; and through nonsignificant correlations with chronological age, gender, and parenthood.
Burn wound infections: Current status

The burn wound represents a susceptible site for opportunistic colonization by organisms of endogenous and exogenous origin. Patient factors such as age, extent of injury, and depth of burn in combination with microbial factors such as type and number of organisms, enzyme and toxin production, and motility determine the likelihood of invasive burn wound infection. Burn wound infections can be classified on the basis of the causative organism, the depth of invasion, and the tissue response. Diagnostic procedures and therapy must be based on an understanding of the pathophysiology of the burn wound and the pathogenesis of the various forms of burn wound infection. The time-related changes in the predominant flora of the burn wound from gram-positive to gram-negative recapitulate the history of burn wound infection. Proper clinical and culture surveillance of the burn wound permits early diagnosis of gram-positive cellulitis, and the stable susceptibility of beta-hemolytic streptococci to penicillin has eliminated the threat of this once common burn wound pathogen. Selection and dissemination of intrinsic and acquired resistance mechanisms increase the probability of burn wound colonization by resistant species such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Even so, effective topical antimicrobial chemotherapy and early burn wound excision have significantly reduced the overall occurrence of invasive burn wound infections. Individual patients, usually those with extensive burns in whom wound closure is difficult to achieve, may still develop a variety of bacterial and nonbacterial burn wound infections. Consequently, the entirety of the burn wound must be examined on a daily basis by the attending surgeon. Any change in wound appearance, with or without associated clinical changes, should be evaluated by biopsy. Quantitative cultures of the biopsy sample may identify predominant organisms but are not useful for making the diagnosis of invasive burn wound infection. Histologic examination of the biopsy specimen, which permits staging the invasive process, is the only reliable means of differentiating wound colonization from invasive infection. Identification of the histologic changes characteristic of bacterial, fungal, and viral infections facilitates the selection of appropriate therapy. A diagnosis of invasive burn wound infection necessitates change of both local and systemic therapy and, in the case of bacterial and fungal infections, prompt surgical removal of the infected tissue. Even after the wounds of extensively burned patients have healed or been grafted, burn wound impetigo, commonly caused by Staphylococcus aureus, may occur in the form of multifocal, small superficial abscesses that require surgical debridement. Current techniques of burn wound care have significantly reduced the incidence of invasive burn wound infection, altered the organisms causing the infections that do occur, increased the interval between injury and the onset of infection, reduced the mortality associated with infection, decreased the overall incidence of infection in burn patients, and increased burn patient survival.
Automatic window factor analysis—A more efficient method for determining concentration profiles from evolutionary spectra†

An algorithm called automatic window factor analysis (AUTOWFA) is developed for the purpose of determining, efficiently and automatically, the concentration profiles of the spectroscopically active components present in evolutionary processes, such as chemical titration, chromatography and kinetics. The method not only yields windows and profiles in agreement with those reported in the literature, but also reveals components not detected by precursor techniques. The method, however, has not been optimized and may require user interaction to fine-tune the windows.
Magnified neutron radiography with coded sources

A coded source imaging system has been developed to improve resolution for neutron radiography through magnification and demonstrated at the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) CG-1D instrument. Without magnification, the current resolution at CG-1D is 80μm using a charge-coupled device (CCD) equipped with a lens. As for all neutron imaging instruments, magnification is limited by a large source size. At CG-1D the size is currently limited to 12mm with a circular aperture. Coded source imaging converts this large aperture into a coded array of smaller apertures to achieve high resolution without the loss of flux for a single pinhole aperture, but requires a decoding step. The developed system has demonstrated first magnified radiographic imaging at magnifications as high as 25x using coded apertures with holes as small as 10μm. Such a development requires a team with a broad base of expertise including imaging systems design, neutron physics, microelectronics manufacturing methods, reconstruction algorithms, and high performance computing. The paper presents the system design, discusses implementation challenges, and presents imaging results.
Phylogenetic insights into the correlates of dioecy in meadow-rues (Thalictrum, Ranunculaceae)

Numerous studies have examined the evolution of sexual systems in angiosperms, but few explore the interaction between these and the evolution of pollination mode. Wind pollination is often associated with unisexual flowers, but which evolved first and played a causative role in the evolution of the other is unclear. Thalictrum, meadow-rues (Ranunculaceae), provides a unique opportunity to study the evolution of these traits because it contains insect and wind pollination and four sexual systems. We used a phylogenetic approach to reconstruct ancestral states for sexual system, pollination mode, and geographic distribution in Thalictrum, and tested for correlations to uncover the factors involved in the evolution of unisexuality and wind pollination. Our results show that dioecy, andro- and gynomonoecy evolved at least twice from hermaphroditism. Wind pollination, unisexual flowers, and New World distribution were all significantly correlated. Wind pollination may have evolved early in the genus, followed by multiple losses and gains, and likely preceded the origin of unisexual flowers in several cases; we found no evidence for unisexual flowers evolving prior to wind pollination. Given a broad scale study showing the evolution of dioecy before wind pollination, our results from a finer scale analysis highlight that different evolutionary pathways are likely to occur throughout angiosperms.
COMMUNITY, COMMUNICATION, AND MEANING: THEORIES OF BUCHLER AND HABERMAS

The scope of Jiirgen Habermas’s “universal pragmatics” and communicative interaction theory are critically assessed in this article. Habermas’s pragmatics are seen to reveal different assumptions than those of Peirce or Mead. This difference yields different assumptions about the research program embodied in Habermas’s work. The ideas of Justis Buchler are presented in order to develop a comprehensive theory of meaning and community. This article provides the basis for an assessment of linguistic rationality, meaning, and human interests in daily life.
Environmental Determinants and Individual-Level Moderators of Alliance Use

This study, utilizing data drawn from a sample of 433 Norwegian manufacturing firms, examined the direct effects of perceived environmental uncertainty and the moderating effects of key manager ori...
THE BIRTH-HOUR OF MUSLIM LAW?

Islamic religion is characterized by the prominence of legal conceptions in its system: The Shari'a, or holy law, is its very essence, and Fiqh, or religious jurisprudence, is its science par excellence. There has been a considerable amount of discussion on the question of the origin and early development of Muslim law. This chapter discusses Muslim law itself, that is the legal parts of the Shari'a. As is well known, the Shari'a does not differentiate between purely legal matters, such as contracts or the laws of inheritance, and religious duties, such as prayers and fasting. Through detailed interpretation of a significant passage in the Koran, the chapter tries to answer the question whether this particular character of the Shari'a goes back to the founder of Islam himself, and if so, at what juncture of his activities did a tendency towards it become evident.Keywords: Islamic jurisprudence; Koran; Muslim law; Shari'a
Synthesis and preliminary scintigraphic evaluation of in vivo distribution of 11C-hydroxyurea/isohydroxyurea and 11C-cyanate.

Abstract H11CN, produced directly from proton bombardment of 99% N 2 −1% H 2 [ 14 N (p, α) 11 C ] , was oxidized by KMnO4 to 11C-cyanate which was added to hydroxylamine at −5 to 0°C to yield a mixture of hydroxyurea and isohydroxyurea. Scintigraphic evaluation of in vivo distribution in a dog following administration of KO11CN showed diffuse whole-body distribution, apparently including brain, with greater activity seen in regions of the heart, liver, and kidneys. Similar evaluation of a dog given 11C-hydroxyurea/isohydroxyurea showed early localization of activity in the region of the heart which appeared to be due to activity in the myocardium. However, tissue activity measured in rats after administration of this material failed to demonstrate concentration in the myocardium.
Representing Weak Maps of Oriented Matroids

This paper gives new characterizations of weak maps of oriented matroids: as maps of covector complexes, as maps of vector complexes, and as homotopy equivalences of spheres.
The effect of the metabolic syndrome, hepatic steatosis and steatohepatitis on liver fibrosis in hereditary hemochromatosis.

Objectives The variability in phenotypic expression of hereditary hemochromatosis (HH) is not fully understood. We sought to examine whether the metabolic syndrome, hepatic steatosis or steatohepatitis influenced hepatic fibrosis among patients with HH and iron overload. Methods We identified 86 patients with C282Y/C282Y or C282Y/H63D HH and iron overload (hepatic iron concentration (HIC) >2,200 microg/g for males, >1,600 microg/g for females). Features of the metabolic syndrome were assessed at the time of liver biopsy. Biopsies were scored by a blinded pathologist. Significant fibrosis was defined as peri-portal fibrosis or greater. Results The mean (+/-SD) age of the study population was 53+/-12 years and 68 (79%) were male. The median (range) values of ferritin and HIC were 1,125 (253-9,530) microg/l and 9963 (1926-50 887) microg/g, respectively. The metabolic syndrome was present in 23 (27%), hepatic steatosis in 43 (50%), steatohepatitis in 18 (21%) and significant fibrosis in 38 (44%). Overall, neither the metabolic syndrome nor any of its components were associated with significant fibrosis or a higher mean fibrosis stage. Hepatic steatosis but not steatohepatitis was associated with a lower fibrosis stage. C282Y/H63D compound heterozygous individuals who had glucose intolerance had more severe fibrosis compared with those without glucose intolerance (1.0+/-1.0 vs. 0.1+/-0.3, P=0.01). Conclusions Overall, the metabolic syndrome and fatty liver were not associated with hepatic fibrosis among individuals with HH and iron overload. However, glucose intolerance may be important risk factor for the development of hepatic fibrosis in subjects with the C282Y/H63D HFE genotype.
A new formula for calculating the flow temperature in a gas pipeline

Calculation of the flowing temperature in a gas pipeline is necessary for the design of gas compressor stations, chilling systems after compressors, and for conditions in which gas flows are increased through existing lines. The temperature of the gas pipeline must be controlled where either frost heaves or melting of unstable ices could be problem. Increased has flow can raise gas temperature and require greater downstream compressor power unless energy input is balanced by heat loss the surrounding ground and to Joule-Thompson cooling. The degree of gas cooling and compressor power required at each compressor power station depends on the temperature of the gas arriving at the station. Therefore, it is necessary to be able to calculate the gas temperature along a gas pipeline. This paper develops a new formula for calculating the gas temperature.
Treatment of Parkinson's disease with lergotrile mesylate.

Lergotrile mesylate, an ergot alkaloid derivative and putative dopamine agonist, was effective in the majority of patients with Parkinson's disease who were showing signs of disease progression despite treatment with levodopa combined with a peripheral decarboxylase inhibitor (carbidopa). Among 20 patients completing a six-month trial, there was a significant ( P ( JAMA 238:2380-2382, 1977)
Anomalous strain accumulation in the yucca mountain area, nevada

Global Positioning System (GPS) surveys from 1991 to 1997 near Yucca Mountain, Nevada, indicate west-northwest crustal elongation at a rate of 1.7 ± 0.3 millimeters per year (1σ) over 34 kilometers, or 50 ± 9 nanostrain per year. Global Positioning System and trilateration surveys from 1983 to 1997 on a 14-kilometer baseline across the proposed repository site for high-level radioactive waste indicate that the crust extended by 0.7 to 0.9 ± 0.2 millimeter per year (50 to 64 ± 14 nanostrain per year), depending on the coseismic effect of the M_s 5.4 1992 Little Skull Mountain earthquake. These strain rates are at least an order of magnitude higher than would be predicted from the Quaternary volcanic and tectonic history of the area.
Observations on the efficacy of chloramine-T treatment to control mortality in a variety of salmonids.

Abstract Results and observations from 120 chloramine-T treatment trials to control mortality in a variety of salmonids caused by bacterial gill disease and columnaris are provided to aid fish culturists in determining more effective treatment regimes. When chloramine-T was used at 6, 10, or 15 mg/L, regardless of treatment frequency, efficacy in control of mortality was observed in 56%, 65%, and 61% of the trials, respectively. When chloramine-T was administered one, two, or three times, regardless of treatment concentration, efficacy was observed in 38%, 62%, and 88% of the trials, respectively.
Preferential Release of Adrenaline from the Adrenal Medulla by Muscarine and Pilocarpine

HISTOCHEMICAL examination of the adrenal medulla of several species, including the cat, has revealed two distinct types of chromaffin cell, one rich in adrenaline and the other rich in noradrenaline1,2; and with appropriate physiological stimuli it is possible to release one or the other of these catecholamines more or less selectively3–5. Pharmacological investigations, on the other hand, have indicated that two types of ‘acetylcholine receptor’ are present in the cat's adrenal medulla. Attention was directed to this by Feldberg, Minz and Tsudzimura6, who found that both nicotine and pilocarpine had pressor effects when injected ‘close-arterially’ into the adrenal gland and that the effect of the former was blocked by excess nicotine while that of the latter was blocked by small doses of atropine. They were further able to demonstrate both nicotine-sensitive and atropine-sensitive components in the stimulant action of the splanchnic nerve on adrenal medullary secretion. Our purpose here is to present evidence suggesting that the two sets of phenomena are related: that, in the cat at least, pilocarpine and muscarine release adrenaline with little or no noradrenaline; while nicotine releases large amounts of noradrenaline as well as adrenaline.
Delineating the Maladaptive Pathways of Child Maltreatment: A Mediated Moderation Analysis of the Roles of Self Perception and Social Support

The current study investigated concurrent and longitudinal mediated and mediated moderation pathways among maltreatment, self-perception (i.e., loneliness and self-esteem), social support, and internalizing and externalizing behavior problems. For both genders, early childhood maltreatment (i.e., ages 0-6) was related directly to internalizing and externalizing behavior problems at age 6, and later maltreatment (i.e., ages 6-8) was directly related to internalizing and externalizing behavior problems at age 8. Results of concurrent mediation and mediated moderation indicated that early maltreatment was significantly related to internalizing and externalizing behavior problems at age 6 indirectly both through age 6 loneliness and self-esteem for boys and through age 6 loneliness for girls. Significant moderation of the pathway from early maltreatment to self-esteem, and for boys, significant mediated moderation to emotional and behavioral problems were found, such that the mediated effect through self-esteem varied across levels of social support, though in an unexpected direction. No significant longitudinal mediation or mediated moderation was found, however, between the age 6 mediators and moderator and internalizing or externalizing problems at age 8. The roles of the hypothesized mediating and moderating mechanisms are discussed, with implications for designing intervention and prevention programs.
Cereal leaf beetle, Oulema melanopus (L.) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), attraction to oat plantings of different ages

The cereal leaf beetle (CLB), Oulema melanopus , a serious pest in oats, barley and wheat, is a relatively new pest on the west coast of North America. To determine if adults showed a preference for oat stands of different ages, we examined adult and egg densities in four sequentially planted oat stands in the Willamette Valley, Oregon, in 2005 and 2006. Adults moved from earlier to later plantings (from older to younger oats) during the growing season, particularly once the ﬂag leaf had emerged in earlier plantings. In 2005, the seasonal pattem in egg counts tended to match that of adult counts in the first three oat plantings. The egg to adult ratio was greater in the earlier planted (older) oats, particularly the first planting. The egg to adult ratio was more variable in 2006. Adults spent the most physiological time (degree—days) in the second oat planting, and total egg numbers were highest in the second and third plantings. Data suggest that delayed planting as a trap crop management tool for CLB is complex and potentially ineffective.
Ovarian steroid modulation of gonadotropin secretion and pituitary responsiveness to luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone in the female hamster.

The significance of ovarian estradiol (E2) and progesterone secretion in the regulation of pituitary LH and FSH secretion and pituitary responses to LHRH was investigated in the hamster. Cycling females showed increased LH and FSH responses to LHRH on the morning of proestrus as compared to the responses observed on diestrus day 2. Pituitary responsiveness to LHRH declined on the evening of proestrus, after the preovulatory LH/FSH release. The secondary increase in serum FSH concentration on the morning of estrus was accompanied by a selective increase in the pituitary FHS response to exogenous LHRH. Hamsters ovariectomized (ovx) on diestrus day 2 exhibited daily afternoon LH surges but not FSH surges for at least 10 days after ovx. The magnitude of the LH surges in ovx hamsters was approximately 30–50% of that observed in proestrous females. The pituitary LH response to exogenous LHRH in ovx animals was about 25% as great as in proestrous hamsters. Serum FSH concentrations in ovx females increased by onl...
Formal Operations and Learning Style Predict Success in Statistics and Computer Science Courses

Measures of formal operations and learning style predicted success in introductory statistics and computer science courses. Using a final course grade cutoffof80% or better as a criterion of success in the course, a discriminant analysis correctly classified 8 1 % of the statistics students and 72 % of the computer science students. Success was related to the presence of the ability to act as a formal operator and to the absence of a reliance on the concrete experiences learning style. These findings highlight the need to examine both cognitive maturity and learning style in studies of academic success at the college level.
α1-Adrenergic Plus Angiotensin Receptor Blockade Reduces Atherosclerosis in Apolipoprotein E–Deficient Mice

Abstract —We have used the apolipoprotein E (apoE)–deficient mouse model to determine whether both the angiotensin II type 1 (AT 1 ) and the α 1 -adrenergic receptors influence arteriosclerotic changes in this hyperlipidemic animal model. Mice were treated with antihypertensive drugs beginning at 9 weeks of age, and aortic atherosclerosis was measured after 12 weeks of treatment. Systolic blood pressure in the untreated apoE-deficient mouse averaged 104 mm Hg throughout the treatment period. Prazosin at a dose of 7.5 mg · kg −1 · d −1 was ineffective in attenuating atherosclerosis and did not significantly reduce blood pressure. Losartan, at dosages of either 20 or 30 mg · kg −1 · d −1 , also did not influence atherosclerosis and had only a slight blood pressure–lowering effect. However, combined treatment with both prazosin and losartan markedly reduced atherosclerotic lesion development from an average lesion size per section of 2.6 to 1.5×10 5 μm 2 ( P N G -nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (40 mg · kg −1 · d −1 ) produced significant elevations of blood pressure (127±3.8 mm Hg) but had no effect on the development of atherosclerosis. None of the treatments used affected plasma cholesterol throughout the 12-week period. These studies suggest that the vascular changes associated with atherosclerosis are influenced by a combination of AT 1 and α 1 -adrenergic receptor activation.
Radar measurements of the planet venus

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory established contact with the planet Venus using a planetary radar system from 10th March to 10th May 1961. Using both velocity and range data, a new value of 149 598 500 km was determined for the astronomical unit which is presently accurate to 500 km. Further data reduction is expected to improve accuracy towards 150 km. The rotation of Venus has been determined by spectral analysis as ~225 days.A super-sensitive receiving system was employed with a 10 kW transmitter operating at 2388 Mc/s. The receiver range capability is a 50 mW signal located on Venus at 30×106 miles. The data received included (1) received signal level, (2) power spectrum of the Venus-reflected signal, (3) Venus-Earth velocity and (4) Venus range. The first two used open- loop receivers; the second two used closed-loop automatic tracking receivers. All significant radio frequencies were derived from an atomic frequency standard.
Asymmetries and cross sections for the reaction p+p→p+π + +n at 800 MeV

Kinematically complete data (analyzing powers and polarized cross sections) for the reaction p+p..-->..p+..pi../sup +/+n at 800 MeV have been accumulated at twelve angle pairs with polarized beam and unpolarized target. Analyzing powers as large as 0.6 are observed in the regions of phase space where the ..delta../sup + +/ resonant state can be produced. The four-momentum transfer to the proton-pion ..delta../sup + +/ resonance varied between 0.09 (GeV/c)/sup 2/ to 0.81 (GeV/c)/sup 2/. Current theories are not capable of reproducing these results in detail.
Electrodeposited nickel and gold nanoscale metal meshes with potentially interesting photonic properties

Nickel and gold meshes having three-dimensional periodicity at optical wavelengths and nanoscale structural fidelity have been prepared by electrodeposition within close-packed silica sphere arrays.
Gated-diode amplifiers

This brief describes MOS amplifiers comprising a gated diode and a field-effect transistor. A gated diode is a two-terminal MOS device in which charge is stored when a voltage above the threshold voltage is applied between the gate and the source, and negligible charge is stored otherwise. The operation makes use of the nonlinear capacitance of the gated diode for voltage boosting, where voltage for 1-data is boosted high and voltage for 0-data stays low, achieving significant voltage gain, signal margin, and current drive. Further, a number of small-signal single-ended sense amplifier circuits are presented. The gated-diode sense amplifiers deliver high gain, require low power and low device count, and are tolerant to voltage and process variation.
CHARACTERIZATION OF A PETUNIA STRAIN OF TURNIP VEIN-CLEARING VIRUS

SUMMARY Virus-like symptoms were observed in February 2005 on Double Wave TM petunias (Petunia x hybrida Hort. Vilm.-Andr.) grown in a greenhouse in northeastern Mississippi. Electron microscope observations of leaf dips from symptomatic plants showed the presence of rodshaped virus-like particles. Infected petunia samples reacted weakly with an immunostrip test to Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV), but not in ELISA using a polyclonal antiTMV-c commercial kit. The dsRNA patterns from four infected petunias were identical and resembled those of tobamoviruses although they differed slightly in size from the replicative forms of TMV extracted from infected tobacco plants. Purified dsRNAs were used for random-primer cloning of the viral genome. A partial sequence of the viral 3’ end showed that the virus is a strain of Turnip vein-clearing virus (TVCV, reported also as Tobacco mosaic virus-crucifer strain) sharing 96% common nucleotides and 98% identical amino acids. To the best of our knowledge, TVCV has not been reported previously either from petunias or from Mississippi in general.
DETERMINANTS OF 5-LIPOXYGENASE NUCLEAR LOCALIZATION USING GREEN FLUORESCENT PROTEIN/5-LIPOXYGENASE FUSION PROTEINS

Next Section Abstract 5-Lipoxygenase catalyzes the first two steps in the biosynthesis of leukotrienes, potent extracellular mediators of inflammation and allergic disorders. The unanticipated observation of 5-lipoxygenase in the nucleus of some cell types including bone marrow-derived mast cells (Chen, X. S., Naumann, T. A., Kurre, U., Jenkins, N. A., Copeland, N. G., and Funk, C. D. (1995) J. Biol. Chem. 270, 17993–17999) has raised speculation about intranuclear actions of leukotrienes or the enzyme itself. To explore the entry of 5-lipoxygenase into the nucleus we have transfected various cell types with expression vectors encoding native 5-lipoxygenase and green fluorescent protein/5-lipoxygenase (GFP-5LO) fusion proteins. 5-Lipoxygenase and green fluorescent protein/5-lipoxygenase co-localized with the nuclear DNA stain Hoechst 33258 in each cell type. The three main basic regions of 5-lipoxygenase were incapable of acting as “classical” nuclear localization signal sequences. Mutations that abolished enzyme activity/non-heme iron resulted in proteins that would no longer enter the nucleus. An NH2-terminal 5-lipoxygenase fragment of 80 residues was sufficient for directing nuclear localization of green fluorescent protein but not cytosolic pyruvate kinase. The combined data suggest that 5-lipoxygenase enters the nucleus not by a classical nuclear localization signal but by a non-conventional signal located in the predicted β-barrel domain that may be masked by structural alterations.
Optimal convergence rates for the combined methods of different finite element methods

Coupling techniques are essential to combining different numerical methods together for the purpose of solving an elliptic boundary value problem. By means of nonconforming constraints, the combinations of various Lagrange finite element methods often cause reduced rates of convergence. In this article, we present a method using penalty plus hybrid technique to match different finite element methods such that the optimal convergence rates in the ‖ · ‖h and zero norms of errors of the solution can always be achieved. Also, such a coupling technique will lead to an optimal asymptotic condition number for the associated coefficient matrix. Moreover, this study can easily be extended for combining the finite difference method with the finite element method to also yield the optimal rate of convergence.
A theory of complex multiple equilibria. The effect of polyU concentration on the binding of deoxyadenosine

A grand-partition function method employed previously for the study of cooperative binding of nucleosides to polynucleotides is generalized to include the effect of changes in the polymer concentration, as well as the effect of changes in the nucleoside concentration. This method is applied to compute isotherms for the binding of deoxyadenosine by polyuridylic acid at various total concentrations of polyuridylic acid. It is found that these isotherms are extremely insensitive to the polymer concentration, as commonly assumed heretofore, and as demonstrated experimentally (to some degree) by Davies and Davidson. However, the conclusion inferred by Davies and Davidson that the complexes must be unimolecular in polyuridylic acid is now seen to be clearly unwarranted, though it remains still a viable possibility, until data over a much wider range of polyuridylic acid concentrations become available.
Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Exosomes Promote Endogenous Repair Mechanisms and Enhance Cardiac Function Following Myocardial Infarction

Rationale:Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) hold great promise for cardiac regeneration but are susceptible to various concerns. Recently, salutary effects of stem cells have been connected to exosome secretion. ESCs have the ability to produce exosomes, however, their effect in the context of the heart is unknown. Objective:Determine the effect of ESC-derived exosome for the repair of ischemic myocardium and whether c-kit+ cardiac progenitor cells (CPCs) function can be enhanced with ESC exosomes. Methods and Results:This study demonstrates that mouse ESC-derived exosomes (mES Ex) possess ability to augment function in infarcted hearts. mES Ex enhanced neovascularization, cardiomyocyte survival, and reduced fibrosis post infarction consistent with resurgence of cardiac proliferative response. Importantly, mES Ex augmented CPC survival, proliferation, and cardiac commitment concurrent with increased c-kit+ CPCs in vivo 8 weeks after in vivo transfer along with formation of bonafide new cardiomyocytes in the isc...
Aerospace Meteorology: Some Lessons Learned from the Development and Application of NASA Terrestrial Environment Design Criteria

Aerospace meteorology plays an important role in the design, development, and operation of aerospace vehicles. Many of the issues and lessons presented occurred during the involvement of the authors with the development and interpretation of aerospace environment inputs, especially those of the terrestrial environment. Background for the actions needed to avoid the issue being repeated or the lesson having to be relearned is addressed. The engineering application importance and some issues associated with the presentation and interpretation of terrestrial environment guidelines associated with aerospace meteorology elements are presented.
Equivalent weights and standard homomorphisms for convolution algebras on ℝ

We take a second look at two basic topics in the study of weighted convolution algebras L 1 (ω) on ℝ + . An early result showed that one could replace the weight $\omega$ with a very well-behaved weight without changing the space L 1 (ω) as long as L 1 (ω) was an algebraffi We prove the analogous result for measure algebras when M (ω) is an algebraffi This allows us to preserve not only the norm topology but also the relative weak* topology on L 1 (ω). A homomorphism between weighted convolution algebras is said to be standard if it preserves generators of dense principal ideals. The original proofs of standardness and its variants are all based on finding the generator of a particular strongly continuous convolution semigroup. In this paper we give much simpler direct proofs of these results. We also improve the statement and proof of the theorem, giving useful properties equivalent to the standardness of a homomorphism.
Path integrals, density matrices, and information flow with closed timelike curves.

Two formulations of quantum mechanics, inequivalent in the presence of closed timelike curves, are studied in the context of a soluable system. It illustrates how quantum field nonlinearities lead to a breakdown of unitarity, causality, and superposition using a path integral. Deutsch's density matrix approach is causal but typically destroys coherence. For each of these formulations I demonstrate that there are yet further alternatives in prescribing the handling of information flow (inequivalent to previous analyses) that have implications for any system in which unitarity or coherence is not preserved.
The teacher workshop program at Penn state

Abstract This article is concerned with the influential role of the non‐speech classroom teacher in shaping students’ development of speech communication competencies. A description is provided of the course offerings and operations of the Speech Communication Teacher Workshop Program at Penn State. This program, based upon a preceding E.S.E.A. Title III Grant, offers graduate level credit courses to non‐speech teachers which are designed to improve their teaching effectiveness and skill in the understanding and application of oral communication activities in the classroom. The program has enrolled 3500 teachers in two years of operation, demonstrating that typical classroom teachers are concerned with communication and that they respond productively to training in it.
INTERSPECIES RELATIONSHIPS, COMMUNITY STRUCTURE, AND FACTORS INFLUENCING ABUNDANCE OF SUBMERGED MACROPHYTES IN PRAIRIE WETLANDS

Submerged macrophytes are important components of wetland ecosystems in the Prairie Pothole Region of North America, but factors influencing species abundance and community structure are poorly known. We sampled submerged macrophyte communities and habitat characteristics in 18 prairie wetlands for five years in order to 1) assess interspecific relationships between macrophyte species, 2) test for presence of distinct species assemblages at the whole-basin level, and 3) identify relationships between community composition and limnological characteristics of the wetland basins. Macrophyte communities did not occur as distinct assemblages of species; most species showed eurytopic distributions, and communities varied along gradients of individual species abundances. Redundancy analysis showed that turbidity, presence/ absence of fish, drainage history (restored versus non-drained), average depth, and surface area explained 20% of the variance in species abundance. However, turbidity and drainage history alone accounted for 15% of this variance. Most species showed a negative relationship with turbidity, while drainage history influenced community composition but had little effect on overall abundance at the community level. Our results indicate that restored and non-drained wetlands have similar species richness but differ in species composition. Species richness and total plant abundance in both restored and non-drained wetlands will be greatest in wetlands with low turbidity, moderate depth, and small surface area. However, substantial residual variation indicates that additional, unstudied factors are important determinants of community structure.
Convergence of Caratheodory solutions for primal-dual dynamics in constrained concave optimization

This paper characterizes the asymptotic convergence properties of the primal-dual dynamics to the solutions of a constrained concave optimization problem using classical notions from stability analysis. We motivate our study by providing an example which rules out the possibility of employing the invariance principle for hybrid automata to analyze the asymptotic convergence. We understand the solutions of the primal-dual dynamics in the Caratheodory sense and establish their existence, uniqueness, and continuity with respect to the initial conditions. We employ the invariance principle for Caratheodory solutions of a discontinuous dynamical system to show that the primal-dual optimizers are globally asymptotically stable under the primal-dual dynamics and that each solution of the dynamics converges to an optimizer.
The Politics of Aging in a Majority-Minority Nation

This chapter will explore the nuances and complexities of politics, aging, ethnicity and public policy within the prism of one subset of aging and diversity: Latino baby boomers. This chapter explores these issues and suggests directions for future policy research and legislative ideas for a more proactive response to the reality of a nation that is becoming majority-minority as it grows older. This chapter will also provide a deeper examination of what it means that older persons are an influential segment of the electorate and also discuss how current controversies over entitlement reforms and budgetary politics influence the aging of the Latino population.
Optimal Sample Complexity for Blind Gain and Phase Calibration

Blind gain and phase calibration (BGPC) is a structured bilinear inverse problem, which arises in many applications, including inverse rendering in computational relighting (albedo estimation with unknown lighting), blind phase and gain calibration in sensor array processing, and multichannel blind deconvolution. The fundamental question of the uniqueness of the solutions to such problems has been addressed only recently. In a previous paper, we proposed studying the identifiability in bilinear inverse problems up to transformation groups. In particular, we studied several special cases of blind gain and phase calibration, including the cases of subspace and joint sparsity models on the signals, and gave sufficient and necessary conditions for identifiability up to certain transformation groups. However, there were gaps between the sample complexities in the sufficient conditions and the necessary conditions. In this paper, under a mild assumption that the signals and models are generic, we bridge the gaps by deriving tight sufficient conditions with optimal or near optimal sample complexities.
The Genetic Basis of Peyronie Disease: A Review.

Abstract Introduction Peyronie disease (PD) is a progressive fibrotic disorder of the penile tunica albuginea that results in fibrotic penile plaques and can lead to penile deformity. Characterized by aberrant fibrosis resulting in part from the persistence of myofibroblasts and altered gene expression, the molecular factors underpinning PD and other related fibrotic diatheses are just being elucidated. A genetic link to PD was first identified three decades ago using pedigree analyses. However, the specific genetic factors that predispose patients to aberrant fibrosis remain unknown, and the relations between these fibrotic conditions and other heritable diseases, including malignancy, are uncharacterized. Aim To review the current landscape linking molecular and genetic factors to aberrant fibrosis in PD and related fibrotic diatheses, including Dupuytren disease. Methods Review and evaluation of the literature from 1970 to the present for genetic factors associated with PD were performed. Main Outcome Measures Data describing the genetic factors associated with PD were obtained. Results We describe the known structural chromosomal abnormalities and single-nucleotide polymorphisms associated with fibrotic diatheses and discuss the spectrum of differential gene expression data comparing normal tissues with those derived from men with PD or Dupuytren disease. We discuss epigenetic mechanisms that might regulate gene expression and alter predisposition to fibrosis. Conclusion Although the current understanding of the genetic factors associated with PD is limited, significant advances have been made during the past three decades. Further research is necessary to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the landscape of genetic factors responsible for the development of PD.
Opportunities and Challenges for Family Businesses Pursuing Global Markets

Global expansion is virtually an imperative for family businesses and is no longer avoidable as a strategic choice. Globalization strategies are far from the norm, however, among small and medium size family enterprises. This article reviews the primary opportunities and drivers for globalization, highlights the distinct characteristics of family businesses that may enhance or constrain global expansion, and provides a framework for strategically evaluating business capabilities and global market opportunities.
THE INTERACTIVE EFFECTS OF INDUCED ABORTION, INTER-PREGNANCY INTERVAL AND CONTRACEPTIVE USE ON SUBSEQUENT PREGNANCY OUTCOME

Prior induced abortion and outcome of the next pregnancy are investigated, allowing for two intervening and potentially confounding variables: 1) length of interval between the termination of the first pregnancy and the conception of the next (inter-pregnancy interval) and 2) the utilization of contraception during this interval. Results show that non-contracepting (susceptibility) intervals which immediately precede a subsequent pregnancy are significantly shorter following an induced abortion than those following a spontaneous abortion or delivery. A life table analysis of all susceptibility intervals confirmed this finding. To investigate outcome of subsequent pregnancy as influenced by preceding pregnancy outcome, inter-pregnancy interval and contraceptive use in the interval, a categorical linear model has been developed. Among non-contraceptors, the model indicates no differences in proportions of succeeding adverse outcomes (spontaneous abortion or low birth weight) regardless of inter-pregnancy interval and whether or not the preceding pregnancy had been terminated by an induced abortion. For the contraceptive users, however, proportions of adverse outcomes increased with length of inter-pregnancy interval, and, within each interval category, proportion of adverse outcomes was higher when the preceding pregnancy had terminated in an induced abortion.
The Crisis of Child Mortality in Enslaved Women's Lives in Zanzibar

This paper uses the lives of Bahati binti Serenge and Binti Farahani to explore the ways in which child mortality affected enslaved mothers and how they responded to their children’s deaths. Colonial officials in the Zanzibar Islands in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries often spoke of the infertility of enslaved women, suggesting that slavery would die out simply because enslaved women did not reproduce. However, evidence from life histories collected by missionaries and court records from the islands indicate that enslaved women had children, but those children often did not live past the age of five indicating a crisis in infant and child mortality on the islands. The life histories of Bahati binti Serenge and Binti Farahani (and other enslaved women) tell of the ways in which women interpreted and dealt with child mortality and the long term effects on their lives caused by this public health crisis. From belief in witchcraft and the power of jealousy to kill children to the demotion of concubines by their owners, child mortality affected the lives of enslaved women and the wider society in which they lived.