cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Stimulation of the T3-T cell receptor complex induces a membrane-potential-sensitive calcium influx.

Abstract Three monoclonal antibodies selected for their recognition of parts of the T3-T cell receptor complex on human T lymphocytes were found to induce an increase in cytoplasmic free Ca 2+ (Ca 1 2+ ) in the T cell leukemia line HPB-ALL as measured by Quin2 fluorescence. These reagents are directed against T3 (OKT3), a non-variable T3-associated structure (WT-31) and the variable region of the T3-associated antigen receptor (T40/25) of this cell line. The rise in Ca 1 2+ was dependent on the presence of extracellular Ca 2+ , occurred within 30 sec of stimulation, and was sustained for at least 10 min. Fab fragments of OKT3 also caused a rapid increase in Ca 1 2+ , indicating that cross-linking is not necessary to induce a Ca 2+ response. Alterations in plasma membrane potential and La 3+ blocked the Ca 2+ influx induced by OKT3 and T40/25. These data suggest that the T3-T cell receptor complex of human T lymphocytes may be an antigen-regulated Ca 2+ channel.
Trade vs. national security: Section 232 cases

Abstract The following article analyzes some of the lessons for trade and national security policy presented by the recent trade petitions concerning the effects of imports on the national security. Two recent key Presidential decisions on petitions for restrictions on imports of ferroalloys and machine tools are discussed. This article first summarizes the NSC Stockpile/Industrial Mobilization Planning Study, which the President used to set goals for the nation's stock of critical and strategic materials, as well as to establish industrial mobilization requirements. The administration used this study to develop a general methodology for analyzing petitions for import restrictions on national security grounds. A detailed account of the critical events that led to the decisions to increase U.S. stockpiles of ferroalloys and negotiate a Voluntary Restraint Agreement (VRA) for machine tools is presented. Presidential decisionmaking in general is also discussed.
Movements, Countermovements and Policy Adoption: The Case of Right-to-Work Activism

Research on social movements and public policy has expanded tremendously in recent years, yet little of this work considers the role of movement opponents in the political process or how the movement-countermovement dynamic is influential in contests over policy. This historical study begins to fill this void by analyzing the contestation between employers and labor movement actors in relation to two critical right-to-work campaigns in the industrial Midwest in the 1950s. I find that actors who balance formal, professionalized organization with a more localized presence on the ground are in a better position to pursue multiple mechanisms of influence and to shape policy, while internal divisions severely limit their prospects. Event structure analyses of right-to-work campaigns advance this discussion, revealing how social movement organizational characteristics matter to the extent that they enable opposing movements to counter each other's actions in unfolding political processes. I conclude by discussing the implications of the findings for perspectives on social movements and politics, and for research dealing specifically with the U.S. labor movement.
The More You Ask For, the More You Get: Anchoring in Personal Injury Verdicts

The 'anchoring and adjustment' bias was demonstrated in a personal injury case using mock jurors. In Experiment 1, the ad damnum, or requested compensation, was manipulated across participants. In Experiment 2, anchors were operationalized as the strength of the legal evidence. Both monetary and causal anchors systematically influenced judgments of the probability that the defendant caused the plaintiff's injuries, compensation awarded, and perceptions of the litigants. These results indicate that anchoring occurs in legal applications, and that plaintiffs would do well to request large compensation awards. In addition, anchors expressed on one scale affected judgments expressed on another scale. This cross-modality anchoring stands in contrast to previous studies. Finally, these anchoring effects are unlikely to be explained by either demand effects or perceived relevance of the anchor. Language: en
Structure-function of the human insulin-like growth factor-I receptor: a discordance of somatotroph internalization and signaling.

Insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), a GH-dependent growth factor, suppresses GH secretion by pituitary cells. To clarify the role of ligand-mediated receptor internalization for IGF-I signaling to GH, human IGF-I receptor (IGF-IR) cDNAs mutated in the beta-subunit were stably transfected into GC rat pituitary cells. Overexpression of wild-type IGF-IR markedly enhanced IGF-I suppression of GH 4-fold (P Ala substitution in the IGF-IR submembrane domain only partially suppressed GH (73% of IGF-IR wild type), while replacement of 957Tyr-->Ala or 940Gly-->Ala produced IGF-IRs that retained enhanced IGF-I signaling to GH. Substitution of 950Tyr-->Ala or 1003Lys-->Ala in the human IGF-IR beta-subunit failed to enhance IGF-I signaling to GH above that of untransfected cells. Intracellular phosphorylation of insulin-responsive substrate-I by these mutant IGF-IRs paralleled the observed IGF-I suppression of GH, with no phosphorylation of IRS-I by 950Tyr-->Ala. Ligand-mediated receptor internalization, however, was not reduced by substitution of either 943Tyr-->Ala or 950Tyr-->Ala. In contrast, substitution of 957Tyr-->Ala reduced the internalization of labeled IGF-I to 35% that of wild-type IGF-IR. Substitution of 1003Lys-->Ala abolished IGF-IR internalization, as expected. These results demonstrate that both 950Tyr and 943Tyr are important for IGF-I signaling to GH and that IGF-IR internalization is discordant for IGF-I signaling to the GH gene.
Supplementation of an elemental enteral diet with alanyl-glutamine decreases bacterial translocation in burned mice

Although there are many reports of the importance of early enteral feeding in maintaining gastrointestinal integrity and preventing bacterial translocation (BT) following burn injury, no diet has been shown clinically to protect the GI tract postburn. Several studies suggest that glutamine (GLN) may benefit gut integrity following injury, shock and other stress. Unfortunately, the free amino acid GLN is unstable in solution. Alanyl-glutamine (ALA-GLN), a soluble form of GLN, maintains long-term stability in solution and could be supplemented to conventional liquid enteral diets. We studied the effects of ALA-GLN supplementation of the elemental diet Vivonex TEN on effecting BT in mice following 32 per cent TBSA full skin thickness burns. Groups A-D were burned. Group A (30 mice) was fed standard rodent chow, which contains extremely high (clinically non-useable) levels of protein. Group B (51 mice) was fasted 24 h, then fed chow 24 h. Group C (64 mice) was fed Vivonex TEN, and Group D (65 mice) received Vivonex TEN plus ALA-GLN (GLN equivalent, 14 g/l). A control group (Group E) consisted of 22 normal mice (no burn injury, chow diet). Mice were assessed for BT by sterile harvesting and plating of mesenteric lymph node tissue, 48 h postburn. Plates were considered positive if any bacterial growth was noted. Non-burned mice exhibited no BT, while burn-fasted mice showed a 64.3 per cent incidence of BT (P = NS).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Approximate transient analysis for subclasses of deterministic and stochastic Petri nets

Transient analysis of non-Markovian stochastic Petri nets is a theoretically interesting and practically important problem. In this paper, we first present a method to compute bounds and an approximation on the average state sojourn times for a subclass of deterministic and stochastic Petri nets (DSPNs) where there is a single persistent deterministic transition that can become enabled only in a special state. Then, we extend this class by allowing the transition to become enabled in any state, as long as the time between successive enablings of the deterministic transition is independent of this state, and develop a new approximate transient analysis approach. In addition to renewal theory, we only make use of discrete and continuous Markov chain concepts. As an application, we use the model of a finite-capacity queue with a server subject to breakdowns, and assess the quality of our approximations.
β-Phenylethylamine requires the dopamine transporter to increase extracellular dopamine in Caenorhabditis elegans dopaminergic neurons

β-Phenylethylamine (βPEA) is an endogenous amine that has been shown to increase the synaptic levels of dopamine (DA). A number of in vitro and behavioral studies suggest the dopamine transporter (DAT) plays a role in the effects generated by βPEA, however the mechanism through which βPEA affects DAT has not yet been elucidated. Here, we used Caenorhabditis (C.) elegans DAT (DAT-1) expressing LLC-pk1 cells and neuronal cultures to investigate whether the βPEA-induced increase of extracellular DA required DAT-1. Our data show that βPEA increases extracellular dopamine both in DAT-1 transfected cells and cultures of differentiated neurons. RTI-55, a cocaine homologue and DAT inhibitor, completely blocked the βPEA-induced effect in transfected cells. However in neuronal cultures, RTI-55 only partly inhibited the increase of extracellular DA generated by βPEA. These results suggest that βPEA requires DAT-1 and other, not yet identified proteins, to increase extracellular DA when tested in a native system. Furthermore, our results suggest that βPEA-induced increase of extracellular DA does not require functional monoamine vesicles as genetic ablation of the C. elegans homologue vesicular monoamine transporter, cat-1, did not compromise the ability of βPEA to increase extracellular DA. Finally, our electrophysiology data show that βPEA caused fast-rising and self-inactivating amperometric currents in a subset of wild-type DA neurons but not in neurons isolated from dat-1 knockout animals. Taken together, these data demonstrate that in both DA neurons and heterogeneous cultures of differentiated C. elegans neurons, βPEA releases cytoplasmic DA through DAT-1 to ultimately increase the extracellular concentration of DA.
Starting Off on the Right Foot: Common Factor Elements in Early Psychotherapy Process

Effective psychotherapy builds on a strong foundation developing as early as the first session. The aim of this review is to identify clinical research related to nonspecific (i.e., common factors) treatment effects and to expand upon those findings in developing techniques for applied clinical practice. Clinicians across treatment modalities can implement these techniques that are informed by empirical evidence in an effort to develop a collaborative treatment relationship with new patients. Three therapeutic principles identified in this review are: fostering positive expectancies, role preparation, and collaborative goal formation. Research related to these factors is reviewed as are suggestions for implementing them into applied clinical practice during early treatment interventions.
Single-layer model for surface roughness

Random roughness of an optical surface reduces its specular reflectance and transmittance by the scattering of light. The reduction in reflectance can be modeled by a homogeneous layer on the surface if the refractive index of the layer is intermediate to the indices of the media on either side of the surface. Such a layer predicts an increase in the transmittance of the surface and therefore does not provide a valid model for the effects of scatter on the transmittance. Adding a small amount of absorption to the layer provides a model that predicts a reduction in both reflectance and transmittance. The absorbing layer model agrees with the predictions of a scalar scattering theory for a layer with a thickness that is twice the rms roughness of the surface. The extinction coefficient k for the layer is proportional to the thickness of the layer.
Exploring Parish Nursing from an Ethnographic Perspective

Purpose: This study examined a parish program as an evolving nursing specialty. Design: This is an ethnographic study of a parish nursing program in a southeastern U.S. city that included interviews with key informants, participant observations, and document analysis. Data were content analyzed. Findings and results: Findings indicate positive perceptions of the parish nursing program. Cultural themes include the process of discovery, commitment to the parish nurse and program, and fit with values and missions. Taxonomies of parish nurse attributes, actions, offerings, roles, and entrance requirements were derived. Discussion and conclusion: Parish nursing offers nurses the opportunity to bridge physical, social, emotional, and spiritual lives into one caregiving experience. Implications for practice: Findings provide clinical guidance for parish nurses.
A FILTRABLE VIRUS CAUSING A TUMOR-LIKE CONDITION IN RABBITS AND ITS RELATIONSHIP TO VIRUS MYXOMATOSUM

The properties of the agent causing a tumor-like condition in rabbits have been tested experimentally and the conclusion reached that it is a filtrable virus. While the tumor-like condition and infectious myxoma differ markedly in their clinical and pathological pictures, they have been found to be related immunologically. The relationships of the tumor-producing virus to the virus of infectious myxoma, and of the tumor-like condition to malignant neoplasms have been discussed.
Context-aware systems: the 'right' information, at the 'right' time, in the 'right' place, in the 'right' way, to the 'right' person

Based on the assumption that the scarce resource for many people in the world today is not information but human attention, the challenge for future human-centered computer systems is not to deliver more information "to anyone, at anytime, and from anywhere," but to provide "the 'right' information, at the 'right' time, in the 'right' place, in the 'right' way, to the 'right' person."This article develops a multidimensional framework for context-aware systems to address this challenge, transcending existing frameworks that limited their concerns to particular aspects of context-awareness and paid little attention to potential pitfalls. The framework is based on insights derived from the development and assessment of a variety of different systems that we have developed over the last twenty years to explore different dimensions of context awareness.Specific challenges, guidelines, and design trade-offs (promises and pitfalls) are derived from the framework for designing the next generation of context-aware systems. These systems will support advanced interactions for assisting humans (individuals and groups) to become more knowledgeable, more productive, and more creative by emphasizing context awareness as a fundamental design requirement.
The crystal structure of Er2Co7 and other rare earth-cobalt compounds R2Co7 (R = Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Tm, Lu, Y)

Abstract Compounds of the R2Co7 series, where R is Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Lu and Y, were prepared by the levitation melting technique. The compounds are isostructural and have rhombohedral symmetry; the most probable space group is R3m. The lattice constants of the triply primitive hexagonal unit cells are given. There are six formula units per hexagonal unit cell. The structure of the R2Co7 compounds consists of double layers of RCo5 alternating with double layers of RCo2. The atomic positions of Er2Co7 were refined employing least-squares structure refinement. General principles as discussed by Frank and Kasper are used in the classification of the R2Co7 structure.
The popliteal pterygium syndrome: report of a new family and review of the literature

This paper reports on a family with popliteal pterygium syndrome (PPS), which was ascertained through a baby with most of the major signs of the syndrome. The mother, who had a repaired cleft palate and toe syndactyly, had been aware that her syndactyly was familial, but her unpreparedness for the birth of a child with PPS led to interest in, and a subsequent review of, the differnetial diagnosis and the variable expression of the clinical manifestations of this syndrome. Upon review, some earlier reported cases were excluded as PPS, and certain ascertainment and reporting biases that could affect such an analysis were considered.
Can nitric oxide be spin trapped by nitrone and nitroso compounds

Increasing interest in the study of nitric oxide (NO.) in many facets of biological research necessitates a search for accurate techniques to directly identify the free radical. One recently employed strategy for NO. detection is the method of electron spin resonance (ESR) used in combination with nitrone and nitroso spin traps. Applying this technique to our studies with nitric oxide synthase (NOS), we found that NO. generated directly from the enzyme system could not be detected. Further investigation revealed that 3,5-dibromo-4-nitrosobenzenesulfonic acid (DBNBS) inhibited NO. generation by NOS at concentrations used for spin trapping. Reexamining the ability of various nitrones and DBNBS to spin trap authentic NO. dissolved in buffer, we obtained ESR spectra similar to those previously reported for the spin trap DBNBS. However, continuing our studies with 15NO. and N-hydroxylamine, we found these spectra to be artifactual. Our results emphasize the need to synthesize new spin traps, since currently available compounds are not capable of spin trapping NO. generated by NOS.
Multi-material bio-fabrication of hydrogel cantilevers and actuators with stereolithography†

Cell-based biohybrid actuators are integrated systems that use biological components including proteins and cells to power material components by converting chemical energy to mechanical energy. The latest progress in cell-based biohybrid actuators has been limited to rigid materials, such as silicon and PDMS, ranging in elastic moduli on the order of mega (106) to giga (109) Pascals. Recent reports in the literature have established a correlation between substrate rigidity and its influence on the contractile behavior of cardiomyocytes (A. J. Engler, C. Carag-Krieger, C. P. Johnson, M. Raab, H. Y. Tang and D. W. Speicher, et al., J. Cell Sci., 2008, 121(Pt 22), 3794–3802, P. Bajaj, X. Tang, T. A. Saif and R. Bashir, J. Biomed. Mater. Res., Part A, 2010, 95(4), 1261–1269). This study explores the fabrication of a more compliant cantilever, similar to that of the native myocardium, with elasticity on the order of kilo (103) Pascals. 3D stereolithographic technology, a layer-by-layer UV polymerizable rapid prototyping system, was used to rapidly fabricate multi-material cantilevers composed of poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) and acrylic-PEG-collagen (PC) mixtures. The incorporation of acrylic-PEG-collagen into PEGDA-based materials enhanced cell adhesion, spreading, and organization without altering the ability to vary the elastic modulus through the molecular weight of PEGDA. Cardiomyocytes derived from neonatal rats were seeded on the cantilevers, and the resulting stresses and contractile forces were calculated using finite element simulations validated with classical beam equations. These cantilevers can be used as a mechanical sensor to measure the contractile forces of cardiomyocyte cell sheets, and as an early prototype for the design of optimal cell-based biohybrid actuators.
A low-cost single-stage isolated differential ĈCuk inverter for fuel-cell application

Several inverter configurations have been proposed in literature to achieve fuel-cell power conversion at significantly lower cost, which is one of the most critical constrains to make such alternative energy systems viable. A single-stage isolated dc/ac Cuk inverter would potentially be a better alternative with reduced system complexity, costs, improved reliability, and high efficiency because it achieves direct dc/ac power conversion using only four main switches. Simple drive circuit (owing to all low-side power devices), possibility for integrated magnetics, and less turns ratio requirement for transformer lead to a low-cost, high-power-density energy-conversion system. This paper investigates the possibility of using and performance of this inverter for low power (< 3 kW) fuel-cell applications. The operational principle for isolated dc/ac Cuk inverter, which has not appeared in the literature, is presented. Key design issues of a 1 kW prototype for the application are addressed. In order to achieve higher efficiency, the turns ratio of the transformer needs to be selected to achieve a trade off between output voltage distortion and duty ratio range. Switching losses due to the leakage of the transformer and high reverse current during device turn off can be reduced by implementing active lossless clamp circuit, which has been presented in this paper.
THE STRUCTURE OF A SIMPLE Z LINE

The structural simplicity of the Z line in fish muscle fibers allows direct visualization of its basic geometry. Models which postulate termination of the I filaments at the edges of the Z line and the direct linkage of I filaments belonging to the two adjacent sarcomeres by Z filaments crossing the whole width of the Z line give the best fit to the electron micrographs. The structure of fish Z lines is not significantly altered by the use of different fixation procedures and by changes in sarcomere length.
Anchoritic Traditions of Medieval Europe

The practice of anchoritism - religious enclosure which was frequently solitary and voluntarily embraced, very often in a permanent capacity - was widespread in many areas of Europe throughout the middle ages. Originating in the desert withdrawal of the earliest Christians and prefiguring even the monastic life, anchoritism developed into an elite vocation which was popular amongst both men and women. Within this reclusive vocation, the anchorite would withdraw, either alone or with others like her or him, to a small cell or building, very frequently attached to a church or other religious institution, where she or he would - theoretically at least - remain locked up until death. In the later period it was a vocation which was particularly associated with pious laywomen who appear to have opted for this extreme way of life in their thousands throughout western Europe, often as an alternative to marriage or remarriage, allowing them, instead, to undertake the role of 'living saint' within the community. This volume brings together for the first time in English much of the most important European scholarship on the subject to date. Tracing the vocation's origins from the Egyptian deserts of early Christian activity through to its multiple expressions in western Europe, it also identifies some of those regions - Wales and Scotland, for example - where the phenomenon does not appear to have been as widespread. As such, the volume provides an invaluable resource for those interested in the theories and practices of medieval anchoritism in particular, and the development of medieval religiosity more widely. Dr LIZ HERBERT MCAVOY is Senior Lecturer in Gender in English and Medieval Studies at Swansea University. CONTRIBUTORS: Anneke B. Mulder-Bakker, Gabriela Signori, M. Sensi, G. Cavero Dominguez, P. L'Hermite-Leclercq, Mari Hughes-Edwards, Colman O Clabaigh, Anna McHugh, Liz Herbert McAvoy.
Leadership Style, Decision Context, and the Poliheuristic Theory of Decision Making: An Experimental Analysis:

The poliheuristic (PH) theory of decision making has made important contributions to our understanding of political decision making but remains silent about certain key aspects of the decision process. Specifically, PH theory contends that leaders screen out politically unacceptable options, but it provides no guidance on (1) the crucial threshold at which leaders reject options as politically unacceptable, (2) whether this threshold varies across leaders and situations, and, (3) if so, which factors shape variation in this threshold. We integrate PH theory with research on political leadership and decision context and derive hypotheses from this modified PH framework. An experimental test reveals that situational context and leadership style affect both (1) the ``noncompensatory threshold'' at which decision makers reject options as politically unacceptable and (2) how much decision makers rely on their constituents' views in making policy choices. We conclude that a modified PH theory incorporating thes...
Modeling of 3.1-10.6 GHz CMOS Filter-Based Low Noise Amplifier for Ultra-Wideband Receivers

In this paper, the authors present a complete modeling methodology for fully integrated filter-based ultra-wideband low noise amplifiers (LNA). The accurate analytical models capture the impact of device and passive component parasitics and transistor short channel effects to closely match circuit simulation results. Utilizing the method, the authors are able to accurately generate an ultrawideband LNA in the 3.1 to 10.6 GHz band that achieves a power gain greater than 10dB, input and output impedance matching less than -10dB, and a noise figure from 2.2dB to 3.3dB when using a TSMC 0.18mum mixed-signal/RF model. These performance parameters exceed the results reported from previous ultra-wideband designs. Our modeling methodology provides a new means for accurate modeling and efficient design of high performance ultrawideband amplifiers in wireless front-end RF systems
Spatial ability, experience, and skill in laparoscopic surgery.

Abstract Background Previous research showing correlations between spatial ability and surgical skills has used participants in relatively early stages of training. Research in skill acquisition has shown that the role of cognitive abilities can diminish as skills become increasingly automatic. In this study, we explored the role of spatial ability in laparoscopic surgical skills in two groups, one experienced and the other relatively inexperienced. Methods Subjects were recruited from two videoscopic courses: an advanced course for experienced surgeons and a laparoscopic urological surgery course attended by participants with relatively little laparoscopic experience. Three measures were obtained: spatial abilities, videoscopic experience, and operative skills. Results A significant correlation ( r = 0.393) was found between spatial ability and skills in the lower experience group but not among the experienced surgeons ( r = 0.020). Conclusions The results are consistent with the prediction that the importance of spatial ability in performance of laparoscopic skills should diminish with experience.
Refractory element depletion and the determination of abundances in H II regions

Photoionization models have been used to show that the strengths of abundance diagnostics such as [O II]λ3727 and [O III]λ5007 in low-excitation H II regions are very sensitive to the gas-phase depletion factors of refractory elements. As a result, observationally unconstrained levels of elements such as Mg, Si and Fe employed in models to infer nebular properties may lead to uncertainties of a factor of 2 2 the abundances of elements such as O, N and S
Diastereoselective Synthesis of Polysubstituted Tetrahydropyrans and Thiacyclohexanes via Indium Trichloride Mediated Cyclizations1

Polysubstituted tetrahydropyrans and thiacyclohexanes were synthesized in high yields with excellent diastereoselectivities via indium trichloride mediated cyclizations between homoallyl alcohols a...
Phantom models for in-vitro measurements of blood glucose

The current work tests the feasibility of using phantom models to detect and determine different blood glucose levels as well as using phantom models to replicate in-vitro results. This is possible since the glucose levels affect the blood's permittivity. Using phantom models, the permittivity characteristics of blood with different glucose levels have been observed to match previous literature as well as actual in-vitro measurements. Realistic models have also been constructed in CST and HFSS to observe a shift in the resonant frequency of the different blood models using an antenna described by another paper in this conference. Phantom models were then created and placed against the same antenna to take actual measurements of the shift using a network analyzer. Further analytical techniques and software models are being developed to relate these frequency shifts to the permittivity and conductivity of the blood, which are directly determined from the glucose levels.
Annual Report and Editorial Commentary for The Accounting Review

T he following pages comprise my third and final Annual Report as outgoing Senior Editor of The Accounting Review (TAR). As I did back in 2008 when I first adopted the new format for the Annual Report, as directed by the Publications Committee and Executive Committee (now Board of Directors) of the American Accounting Association (AAA), I am liberally supplementing the various requested tables with my comments and observations, subject to the understanding that others are free to disagree with my interpretations. I believe that the ‘‘commentary’’ part of an Annual Report and Editorial Commentary makes the document more interesting and informative, and I hope the reader agrees. As I understand it, the spirit of the more comprehensive Annual Reports now provided by AAA journals is to provide our constituents not only with increased accountability, but also with information about our submissions and decisions that might help to address misunderstandings about the process. As in prior years, I will begin with some brief comments on TAR’s editorial process in Section II, followed by various statistics and associated commentary in Section III. Section IV closes with some notes of thanks and recognition.
A method for determining quantum yields for solid-state photochemical reactions

Abstract A method is described for determining the quantum yields of solid-state photochemical reactions. The major advantage of the method is that absorption of radiation by the photoproducts is taken into account. Use of the method for determining quantum yields for the solid-state photochemical reaction ofK3 [Mn(C2O4)3]·3H2O at 400 nm and various radiation intensities is discussed.
Quantifying sexual selection: a comparison of competing indices with mating system data from a terrestrially breeding salamander

Calculations for quantifying the potential for sexual selection remain controversial. Many indices have been promoted in the literature, but each has unique sets of advantages and disadvantages. Using marbled salamanders, I evaluated the performance of several measures by manipulating intensity of sexual selection in experimental breeding replicates of varying operational sex ratio. Theory predicts that sexual selection among males will be higher when sex ratio is male-biased and lower when female-biased. I used microsatellite data to assign hatchling parentage, estimate adult fitness, and calculate several indices of inequality for quantifying sexual selection. Opportunity for selection and Morisita index always conformed to theoretical expectations, which was not the case for index of resource monopolization, standardized Morisita index, or binomial skew index. Although I conclude that opportunity for selection is advantageous in sexual selection studies because of its link to formal theory, this should be tested against the null hypothesis of random variation in ambiguous cases. In the present study, although variation in both reproductive and mating success was high when quantified using opportunities for selection, it was only significantly greater than random expectations for reproductive success. This study provides further empirical support for the continued use of opportunity for selection in sexual selection studies. © 2010 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2010, 99, 73–83.
Multiscale Astronomical Image Processing Based on Nonlinear Partial Differential Equations

Astronomical applications of recent advances in the field of nonastronomical image processing are presented. These innovative methods, applied to multiscale astronomical images, increase signal-to-noise ratio, do not smear point sources or extended diffuse structures, and are thus a highly useful preliminary step for detection of different features including point sources, smoothing of clumpy data, and removal of contaminants from background maps. We show how the new methods, combined with other algorithms of image processing, unveil fine diffuse structures while at the same time enhance detection of localized objects, thus facilitating interactive morphology studies and paving the way for the automated recognition and classification of different features. We have also developed a new application framework for astronomical image processing that implements some recent advances made in computer vision and modern image processing, along with original algorithms based on nonlinear partial differential equations. The framework enables the user to easily set up and customize an image-processing pipeline interactively; it has various common and new visualization features and provides access to many astronomy data archives. Altogether, the results presented here demonstrate the first implementation of a novel synergistic approach based on integration of image processing, image visualization, and image quality assessment.
Effects of electric fields on cytoskeleton of corneal stromal fibroblasts.

Low-level, steady electric fields (6–10 volts/cm) stimulated cultured corneal stromal fibroblasts to undergo directional orientation and translocation. The orientative movements (galvanotropism) consisted of somatic elongation of the cells into spindle shapes along an imaginary axis perpendicular to the field; the cathodal edge of the cell underwent retraction, while the anodal edge and the longitudinal ends developed ruffled membranes and lamellipodia. The translocational movements (galvanotaxis) consisted of directed migration of the cells towards the anode. While most actin-containing stress fibers became aligned along the long axes of the elongated fibroblasts (with distal ends of the stress fibers terminating at the longitudinal extremes of the cells), some were aligned towards the anodal direction (with distal terminations inside ruffled membranes and lamellipodia on the leading anodal edge of cells). The distal ends of stress fibers were associated with discrete foci of vinculin, ie. focal indicato...
Sustainable multi-core architecture with on-chip wireless links

Current commercial systems on chip (SoC) designs integrate an increasingly large number of pre-designed cores and their number is predicted to increase significantly in the near future. Specifically, molecular-scale computing will allow single or even multiple order-of-magnitude improvements in device densities. In the design of high-performance massive multi-core chips, power and temperature have become dominant constraints. Increased power consumption can raise chip temperature,which in turn can decrease chip reliability and performance and increase cooling costs.The new, ensuing possibilities in terms of single chip integration call for new paradigms, architectures, and infrastructures for high bandwidth and low-power interconnects. In this paper we demonstrate how small-world Network-on-Chip (NoC) architectures with long-range wireless links enable design of energy and thermally efficient sustainable multi-core platforms.
Measurement of Sea State by RF Interferometry

The mutual coherence function is derived for the scattered field due to a plane wave incident on the surface of the sea. The analysis is based on first order small perturbation theory, and neglects composite surface effects. The concept of an interferometer measuring the space correlation function of the scattered field providing information leading to the determination of the wave number spectrum of the sea surface is demonstrated. Assuming that the sea has a Phillips spectrum with a low cutoff number determined by the wind, a number of the basic physical properties of the proposed device are examined.
Prognostic Value of Delayed Enhancement Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Mitral Valve Repair

Background The objective of this study was to examine the prognostic utility of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) in patients with chronic mitral regurgitation undergoing mitral valve repair. Methods This study is a prospectively enrolled observational cohort study of 48 consecutive patients with chronic mitral regurgitation who had preoperative evaluation with CMR including delayed-enhancement CMR for assessment of myocardial fibrosis before undergoing mitral valve repair. Postoperative adverse clinical events were defined as intensive care unit readmission, needs of permanent cardiac pacemaker, and rehospitalization for cardiac reasons. Results The cohort comprised 33 (69%) men with a mean age of 61 ± 13 years and mean left ventricular ejection fraction of 0.63 ± 0.12. Preoperative myocardial fibrosis was detected in 40% of the patients. Median fibrosis was 4% (interquartile range, 2% to 10%). Mean follow-up duration was 11 months (interquartile range, 1 to 24 months). Adverse clinical events occurred in 16 patients. In multivariate analysis, the presence of myocardial fibrosis was independently associated with postoperative adverse clinical events (hazard ratio, 4.775; 95% confidence interval, 1.100 to 20.729; p = 0.037). The addition of the presence of myocardial fibrosis to the preoperative characteristics model significantly improved overall predictive performance ( p = 0.04). Conclusions The presence of preoperative myocardial fibrosis assessed with delayed-enhancement CMR was an independent predictor of increased adverse clinical outcomes in patients with chronic mitral regurgitation undergoing mitral valve repair. Our findings suggest that in this population, preoperative delayed-enhancement CMR may be of clinical utility.
Fatal dual infection with Salmonella and Mycobacterium avium complex infection in a patient with advanced acquired immunodeficiency syndrome: a case report

Non-typhoid Salmonella and Mycobacterium avium complex infections are part of the constellation of infections seen with increasing frequency in patients with acquired immuned deficiency syndrome. The incidence has reduced significantly since highly active antiretroviral therapy era, but their critical nature is unchanged. The co-existence of these infections and the accompanied increased mortality is presented in this case report.
Measurement of interobserver agreement using a "standard": measure formulation and statistical inferences

This paper is concerned with the measurement of agreement between two observers who independently classify items or observations into a set of given categories. In particular, the proposed agreement measure applies to the situation when one of the observers is viewed as the "standard" against which the ratings of the other observer are compared. The possibility that different types of disagreements should be weighted differently is incorporated into the measure, and statistical inference procedures are outlined.
Legends of the Icon of Our Lady of Vladimir: A Study of the Development of Muscovite National Consciousness

THE icon of Our Lady of Vladimir was one of the most popular and revered symbols of national consciousness in old Russia. Yet historians, who long have noted the Byzantine influence in descriptions of Muscovite power, have largely ignored the importance of the icon in mediaeval Russian political thought.' Also most historians who have remarked on the importance of the icon have dated tales about it, which include Muscovite claims to national leadership, to the time of the invasion of Tamerlane in 1395 without a careful study of the evidence. This paper is an attempt to fix the origin and explore the development of the legends about the icon. It is my belief that clerics wrote about the icon as the instrument of Divine patronage of Muscovite princes only from the very end of the fifteenth century. Further, a study of the texts of legends of the icon suggests that it was the literary circle of Metropolitan Makarii of Moscow (1481?-1563) which assembled and expanded earlier unconnected stories about the icon into a coherent historical legend spanning all of Russian history. Makarii developed the legend as part of a major rewriting of texts designed to sustain the imperial pretensions of Ivan IV, whom he crowned as Tsar in 1547, and to influence state policy.2
Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, and Excretion of Furazolidone: A Review of the Literature

Systematic determination of profiles of absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of drugs is standard in the pharmaceutical industry today, and powerful, precise, and specific analytical methods are available to carry out such studies. In the case of furazolidone, developed in the late 1940s, the data were obtained with less precise analytical procedures. This gave rise to the misconception that furazolidone is poorly absorbed and inactivated in the intestine. Newer techniques, such as chromatography and l4C studies, have helped to establish that the drug is indeed well absorbed. Levels of radiolabeled analyte measured in urine indicate that more than 65% of an oral dose is recovered in each animal species tested. Chromatographic methods indicate that little or no intact drug is recovered.
Beyond Knowledge and Pedagogy: Academic Optimism of Teachers in High Need Schools

The question that drives the research presented in this paper is –why are some teachers in a cohort more effective than others, despite the fact that the academic preparation is the same for all? We find the answers in the teacher academic optimism- teacher beliefs and attitudes of efficacy about the students and themselves. Next, we visit their classrooms, review their journals, question them about how they use mentors. Based on this data, we present five case studies, characterize teacher beliefs and philosophy while observing how their academic optimism plays out in their classroom behavior.
Investigation of properties of the solutions of hyperbolic stochastic PDEs

In this paper we investigate the compact support property of the solutions of hyperbolic Stochastic PDE (SPDE) providing that initial condition function is deterministic and has compact support property. First, to approach this problem, we consider semi-SPDE. It turns out that in the semi-SPDE case solution u (t, x) preserve compact support property. When we consider SPDE, we use the stochastic differential-difference equations (SDDE) approach. It turns out that in SPDE case solution u (t, x) does not preserve compact support property. So, if we compare the semi-SPDE and SPDE then it becomes obvious that differentiation in space in SPDE plays crucial role and influence the behavior of the solution. (© 2008 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Entry into Winner-Take-All and Proportional-Prize Contests: An Experimental Study

This experiment compares the performance of two contest designs: a standard winner-take-all tournament with a single fixed prize, and a novel proportional-payment design in which that same prize is divided among contestants by their share of total achievement. We find that proportional prizes elicit more entry and more total achievement than the winner-take-all tournament. The proportional-prize contest performs better by limiting the degree to which heterogeneity among contestants discourages weaker entrants, without altering the performance of stronger entrants. These findings could inform the design of contests for technological and other improvements, which are widely used by governments and philanthropic donors to elicit more effort on targeted economic and technological development activities.
Dominance-constrained Markov decision processes

We are interested in risk constraints for discrete time Markov decision processes (MDPs). Starting with the average reward case, we argue that stochastic dominance constraints are natural risk constraints for MDPs. Specifically, we constrain the empirical distribution of reward to dominate a benchmark distribution in the increasing concave stochastic order. We argue that the optimal policy for the dominance-constrained MDP is a stationary randomized policy. Further, the optimal policy can be computed from a linear program in the space of occupation measures, where the dominance constraint is represented by linear inequalities. The dual of this linear program is computed and is shown to be close to the usual linear programming form of the average dynamic programming optimality equations. In our case, a pricing term appears in the dual corresponding to the dominance constraints. We carry out a parallel development for the discounted reward case with stochastic dominance constraints. We also extend this development to cover multivariate stochastic dominance.
On Nature of Plasmonic Drag Effect

Light-matter momentum transfer in plasmonic materials is theoretically discussed in the framework of modified plasmonic pressure mechanism taking into account electron thermalization process. We show that our approach explains the experimentally observed relationship between the plasmon-related electromotive force and absorption, emphasizes the quantum nature of plasmon-electron interaction, and allows one to correctly predict the magnitude of the plasmon drag emf in flat metal films. We extend our theory to metal films with modulated profiles and show that the simple relationship between plasmonic energy and momentum transfer holds at relatively small amplitudes of height modulation and approximation of laminar electron drift. Theoretical groundwork is laid for further investigations of shape-controlled plasmon drag in nanostructures.
High electric field measurement using slab-coupled optical sensors

A fiber-optic electric field sensor was developed to measure electric field up to 18 MV/m. The sensor uses resonant coupling between an optical fiber and a nonlinear electro-optical crystal. The sensing system uses high dielectric strength materials to eliminate dielectric breakdown. A postprocessing nonlinear calibration method is developed that maps voltage change to wavelength shift and then converts the wavelength shift to electric field using the transmission spectrum. The nonlinear calibration method is compared against the linear method with electric field pulses having magnitudes from 1.5 to 18 MV/m.
Anticancer Effects of Cu(II)(3,5-Diisopropylsalicylate)2in Mice Inoculated Intramuscularly with Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma Cells

In 1979, Oberley and Buettner published a review1 which suggested that all neoplastic cells were deficient in total superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. To determine whether or not Cu-Zn SOD had an anticancer effect, Oberley and Leuthauser injected mi ce wi th a single dose of this enzyme one hour after they implanted Sarcoma 180 tumor cells in the hind limb of CF1 mice and measured average leg diameter versus time after implantation. In animals treated with saline, tumor growth was unimpeded.2 Animals treated with Cu-Zn SOD showed a reduction in tumor growth. Animals treated with Cu-Zn SOD also showed a slight increase in survival in comparison to those treated only with saline-vehicle.