cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Aggression and worker control of caste fate in a multiple-queen wasp, Parachartergus colobopterus

Although famously cooperative, social insect colonies harbour considerable potential for genetic conflict among colonymates. This conflict may be expressed behaviourally as aggression by workers. We investigated aggression in 34 colonies of the wasp Parachartergus colobopterus, by evaluating the characteristics of both instigators and victims of aggressive interactions. We estimated genetic relatedness and queen number using DNA microsatellites and found that workers and emerging females should be most in conflict over the caste of the latter when there are many queens on the nest. We found that aggressive interactions are more likely to involve older workers attacking either males or younger workers, and that victim and aggressor females have more ovarian development than randomly sampled colonymates. Moreover, mated females with low levels of ovarian development relative to active queens were also more likely to be aggressors and victims than were randomly sampled females. Aggression among females supports the hypothesis that older workers use aggression towards younger females as a means of policing the development of emerging females into queens. Workers also may use aggression to suppress the reproduction of some mated females. Our findings thus support the hypothesis that genetic conflicts of interest motivate worker aggression in swarm-founding wasp colonies.
Magneto-optic spectrum and electronic structure of single-crystal MnBi

Abstract Single crystals of MnBi were used for magneto-optic Kerr-angle spectroscopy and photoelectron spectroscopy. The Kerr-angle peak at 3.35 eV was observed for our nearly oxygen-free bulk samples, but the role of the oxide overlayer, demonstrated by Auger spectroscopy, as a possible origin of this peak cannot fully be assessed. The energy bands from photoelectron spectroscopy were in general agreement with calculated band structures, but were not extensive enough, due to sample cleavage properties, to distinguish reliably between band-structure calculations that disagree.
The reaction of ferriprotoporphyrin with hydrogen peroxide in alkaline solutions.

Abstract The reaction of ferriprotoporphyrin (FPP) was studied in alkaline solutions. A stable iron porphyrin compound, FPP′, is formed when the reaction takes place in sodium hydroxide, sodium carbonate, or sodium bicarbonate solution, pH 7–13, but is not formed in the presence of pyridine. FPP′ was isolated free from FPP. The iron was removed to yield an ether-insoluble porphyrin. FPP′ was melted with resorcinol to give a compound spectroscopically similar to ferrideuteroporphyrin. From the reactions and spectroscopic properties, it was concluded that FPP′ is an oxidation product of FPP in which probably one or both of the vinyl side chains has been altered. It was further concluded that the iron atom is involved in this reaction.
Thiol Esters as Substrates for Insect Carboxylesterases

Seven thiol esters were prepared and assayed as substrates for insect carboxylesterases. Hydrolysis was detected by reaction of resulting thiol with 5,5'-dithiobis(2- nitrobenzoic acid). Four solvents were found to be unsuitable as carriers for thiol esters. A mixture of Triton N -100® (1 part) and absolute ethanol (99 parts) was the most desirable. All thiol esters except ethyl thiobenzoate were hydrolyzed by boll weevil homogenates. Two esters were also assayed with homogenates of field crickets, Acheta assimilis F. and house flies, Musca domestica L., and were found to be suitable substrates. Studies with mixed substrates suggested that α-naphthyl acetate and phenyl thioacetate are hydrolyzed by the same enzyme(s) and have comparable affinities for the enzyme(s).
Functional tolerance to mechanical deformation developed from organotypic hippocampal slice cultures.

In this study, we measured changes in electrophysiological activity after mechanical deformation of living organotypic hippocampal brain slice cultures at tissue strains and strain rates relevant to traumatic brain injury (TBI). Electrophysiological activity was measured throughout the hippocampus with a 60-electrode microelectrode array. Electrophysiological parameters associated with unstimulated spontaneous activity (neural event firing rate, duration, and magnitude), stimulated evoked responses (the maximum response $$R_{\mathrm{max}}$$ , the stimulus current necessary for a half-maximal response $$I_{50}$$ , and the electrophysiological parameter m that is representative of firing uniformity), and paired-pulse responses (paired-pulse ratio at varying interstimulus intervals) were quantified for each hippocampal region (CA1, CA3, and DG). We present functional tolerance criteria for the hippocampus in the form of mathematical relationships between the input tissue-level injury parameters (strain and strain rate) and altered neuronal network function. Most changes in electrophysiology were dependent on strain and strain rate in a complex fashion, independent of hippocampal anatomy, with the notable exception of $$R_\mathrm{max}$$ . Until it becomes possible to directly measure brain tissue deformation in vivo, finite element (FE) models will be necessary to simulate and predict the in vivo consequences of TBI. One application of our study is to provide functional relationships that can be incorporated into these FE models to enhance their biofidelity of accident and collision reconstructions by predicting biological outcomes in addition to mechanical responses.
Absorption and metabolism of clomazone by suspension-cultured cells of soybean and velvetleaf

Abstract Clomazone uptake and metabolism were compared in soybean and velvetleaf suspension cultured cells utilizing either [14C]methylene-clomazone or [14C]carbonyl-clomazone. Velvetleaf cells absorbed more clomazone than soybean did. Cells of both species accumulated more metabolites when treated with [14C]methylene-clomazone than when treated with [14C]carbonyl-clomazone. Higher amounts of [14C]metabolites were present in the media of cells treated with [14C]carbonylclomazone than [14C]methylene-clomazone. Differences in uptake were due to cellular retention of the benzyl moiety and efflux of the heterocyclic moiety after cleavage of clomazone. All metabolites produced in soybean and velvetleaf cells were more polar than clomazone. No qualitative differences in the metabolites produced by soybean and velvetleaf were identified. Both soybean and velvetleaf oxidatively cleaved the clomazone molecule and subsequently conjugated the benzyl moiety with glucose. One of the aglycones was identified as 2-chlorobenzylalcohol. Oxidative cleavage of clomazone was a major metabolic reaction occurring in both the tolerant (soybean) and susceptible (velvetleaf) species.
Oxide hemostatic activity

The tunable in vitro blood clotting activity of high-surface-area hemostatic bioactive glass is evaluated by Thromboelastograph, a clinical instrument for quantifying changes in blood during coagulation. The hemostatic trends associated with hemostatic bioactive glass and a new preparation of spherical hemostatic bioactive glass, along with similar Si- and Ca-containing oxides, are described and related to Si:Ca ratios, Ca2+ availability and coordination environment, porosity, DeltaHHydration, and surface area. Hemostatic bioactive glass is a new material with an excellent efficacy for inducing hemostasis and is chemically distinct from the traditional bioglass employed for bone growth.
MRI of brain disease in veterinary patients part 2: Acquired brain disorders

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has revolutionized brain imaging in veterinary medicine, making possible improved characterization of intracranial pathologic processes. This article focuses on MRI features of acquired brain disorders, including infectious inflammatory, noninfectious inflammatory, cerebrovascular, metabolic, nutritional, toxic, degenerative, traumatic, and neoplastic causes. Congenital intracranial disorders are covered in a companion article.
The redox chemistry of Pu(V)O2+ interaction with common mineral surfaces in dilute solutions and seawater

Abstract It has long been recognized that the Pu 4+ ion can be readily adsorbed on solid surfaces, but it has been assumed that the generally more abundant Pu(V)O 2 + ion should have little affinity for surfaces. Our results indicate that Pu(V)O 2 + can be adsorbed from dilute solutions and seawater on goethite, aragonite, calcite, and δ-MnO 2 . Adsorption on δ-MnO 2 is severely depressed in seawater, probably as a result of site competition with seawater cations. The sorption behavior of PuO 2 + is influenced by oxidation-reduction reactions occurring on the mineral surfaces. Adsorption on δ-MnO 2 results in oxidation of adsorbed Pu(IV) and Pu(V) to Pu(VI). However, adsorption on goethite results in a reaction in which Pu(IV) and Pu(VI) are formed on the mineral surface. The Pu(VI) is slowly reduced to Pu(IV), leaving Pu(IV) as the dominant surface Pu species. This reaction can be photochemically catalyzed. PuO 2 + adsorbed on carbonate minerals behaves similarly to Np(V)O 2 + and undergoes little change in oxidation state after adsorption.
What is the time course of reversal of tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy?

Although the reversal of tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy has been described previously, the time course of improvement in biventricular systolic function associated with tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy has not been described. We present the case of a tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy associated with atrial fibrillation. A transthoracic and transoesophageal echocardiogram performed the day prior to ablation revealed severe right and left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction. New York Heart Association Class IV symptoms and LV function were noted to improve 12 h after a successful catheter ablation. However, right ventricular (RV) systolic function remained depressed. A transthoracic echocardiogram demonstrated improvement of RV systolic function 5 months later. A 59-year-old male with a history of symptomatic paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) refractory to dofetilide was referred for catheter ablation. Despite medical therapy, the patient had episodes of AF associated with New York Heart Association (NYHA) Class IV symptoms. Prior to ablation, a transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) revealed a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of 25–30%. The patient underwent a successful wide area circumferential ablation of his pulmonary veins with confirmation of entrance and exit block and no inducible arrhythmias. On discharge …
WE-G-213CD-08: Initial Experience with the Clinical Implementation of a Deep Inspiration Breath Hold for Left Breast Radiotherapy Using Surface Imaging and Visual Aid.

Purpose: To evaluate the clinical implementation of a deep inspiration breath hold (DIBH) treatment for left breast radiotherapy using surfaceimaging and visual aid. Methods: A CT scan of the patient at DIBH is acquired and used for treatment planning. The plan and skin contour, containing isocenter and surfaceinformation are exported from the treatment planning system and imported into the surfaceimaging system (SIS). The skin contour constitutes the treatment reference surface or target DIBH position. A region of interest (ROI) consisting of the sternum and medial breasts is selected in the SIS. A set of video goggles allows the patient to view their breathing signal within the SIS, aiding in producing a reproducible and stable DIBH similar to simulation. Once the patient is set up at free breathing, she performs a DIBH while being monitored with the SIS. Shifts to minimize displacements from their reference DIBH surface are made. The surfaceimage and patient setup are validated with weekly MV images. The beam is enabled when the two surfaces are within a predetermined tolerance. Results: Data for evaluation of the implementation was acquired for 4 patients throughout treatment. Average treatment time was 16.8 minutes and 14.2 minutes for setup. The average displacement from the reference surface was 0.4 mm during DIBHs. The average reduction of heart mean dose and volume receiving 50% of the prescribed dose between DIBH and FB was 38% and 89% respectively. A total of 15 patients have completed this new treatment. 2 were excluded for inability to achieve reproducible and stable DIBH.Conclusion: The workflow we have implemented has proven to be effective and efficient for clinical purposes. Surfaceimaging provides adequate real time information valuable to the treatment process. Visual aid has helped patients achieve DIBH with high reproducibility and stability.
An rpoE‐like locus controls outer membrane protein synthesis and growth at cold temperatures and high pressures in the deep‐sea bacterium Photobacterium sp. strain SS9

Many deep-sea bacteria have evolved specialized adaptations for life at cold temperatures and high pressures. A locus required for both psychro- and baro-adaptation in the psychrophilic, moderate barophile, Photobacterium species strain SS9 was identified among SS9 transposon mutants. DNA sequence analysis of this locus identified four complete open reading frames (ORFs), which appear to comprise an operon, and a fifth incomplete ORF. All transposon insertions isolated are in ORF3. Extensive sequence similarity exists between the translation products of ORFs 1-3 and a collection of gene products proposed to include alternative RNA polymerase sigma factors and modifiers of sigma-factor activity involved in extracytoplasmic sensing and regulation. Based on the similarity between ORF1 and Escherichia coli rpoE, we have tentatively designated this locus the rpoE locus. SS9 rpoE locus ORF3 insertion mutants showed altered abundances of numerous outer membrane proteins and were both baro- and psychro-sensitive. ORF3 mutant revertants that displayed enhanced high-pressure growth also displayed concomitant enhanced low-temperature growth. Most of these revertants possessed DNA rearrangements at the site of the transposon insertion, further demonstrating the importance of the rpoE locus to high-pressure and cold-temperature growth. Complementation analyses indicated that ORF3 functions in OMP synthesis regulation while ORF4 is required for baro- and psychro-adaptation.
Egress of Light Particles among Filopodia on the Surface of Varicella-Zoster Virus-Infected Cells

Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) is renowned for its very low titer when grown in cultured cells. There remains no single explanation for the low infectivity. In this study, viral particles on the surfaces of infected cells were examined by several imaging technologies. Few surface particles were detected at 48 h postinfection (hpi), but numerous particles were observed at 72 and 96 hpi. At 72 hpi, 75% of the particles resembled light (L) particles, i.e., envelopes without capsids. By 96 hpi, 85% of all particles resembled L particles. Subsequently, the envelopes of complete virions and L particles were investigated to determine their glycoprotein constituents. Glycoproteins gE, gI, and gB were detected in the envelopes of both types of particles in similar numbers; i.e., there appeared to be no difference in the glycoprotein content of the L particles. The viral particles emerged onto the cell surface amid actin-based filopodia, which were present in abundance within viral highways. Viral particles were easily detected at the base of and along the exterior surfaces of the filopodia. VZV particles were not detected within filopodia. In short, these results demonstrate that VZV infection of cultured cells produces a larger proportion of aberrant coreless particles than has been seen with any other previously examined alphaherpesvirus. Further, these results suggested a major disassociation between capsid formation and envelopment as an explanation for the invariably low VZV titer in cultured cells.
EMA positivity in epithelioid fibrous histiocytoma: a potential diagnostic pitfall.

Background: Epithelioid fibrous histiocytoma (EFH) represents a morphologic variant of cutaneous fibrous histiocytoma (FH) but can lack many characteristic features. The presence of epithelioid cytomorphology may mimic other dermal neoplasms. Our anecdotal experience of epithelial membrane antigen (EMA) expression in some examples of EFH has caused diagnostic difficulty. Our aim was to examine the immunohistochemical profile and incidence of EMA expression in EFH. Methods: Forty-four cases of EFH were retrieved from consultation files. Clinicopathologic and immunohistochemical features were evaluated. Results: Membranous EMA positivity was found in tumor cells in 27/42 cases (64%). Focal positivity for factor XIIIa was found in 10/14 (71%) and D2-40 in 14/27 (52%). Scattered smooth muscle actin (SMA)-positive tumor cells were seen in 11/43 (25%). Focal positivity for claudin-1 was found in 3/42 (7%). CD163 staining highlighted stromal macrophages; however, in five cases it was difficult to exclude focal staining of tumor cells. Tumor cells were consistently negative for pan-keratin, AE1/AE3, S100, CD31, CD34, CD68, desmin, p63, GFAP and CD45/LCA. Conclusion: Frequent EMA expression in EFH represents an unexpected finding and constitutes a potential diagnostic pitfall. Although of uncertain significance, this finding, when combined with established morphologic differences, raises the possibility that EFH is unrelated to classic FH. Doyle LA, Fletcher CDM. EMA positivity in epithelioid fibrous histiocytoma: a potential diagnostic pitfall.
Incorporating gene functions as priors in model-based clustering of microarray gene expression data

Motivation: Cluster analysis of gene expression profiles has been widely applied to clustering genes for gene function discovery. Many approaches have been proposed. The rationale is that the genes with the same biological function or involved in the same biological process are more likely to co-express, hence they are more likely to form a cluster with similar gene expression patterns. However, most existing methods, including model-based clustering, ignore known gene functions in clustering. Results: To take advantage of accumulating gene functional annotations, we propose incorporating known gene functions as prior probabilities in model-based clustering. In contrast to a global mixture model applicable to all the genes in the standard model-based clustering, we use a stratified mixture model: one stratum corresponds to the genes of unknown function while each of the other ones corresponding to the genes sharing the same biological function or pathway; the genes from the same stratum are assumed to have the same prior probability of coming from a cluster while those from different strata are allowed to have different prior probabilities of coming from the same cluster. We derive a simple EM algorithm that can be used to fit the stratified model. A simulation study and an application to gene function prediction demonstrate the advantage of our proposal over the standard method. Contact: weip@biostat.umn.edu
The sequential auction problem on eBay: an empirical analysis and a solution

Bidders on eBay have no dominant bidding strategy when faced with multiple auctions each offering an item of interest. As seen through an analysis of 1,956 auctions on eBay for a Dell E193FP LCD monitor, some bidders win auctions at prices higher than those of other available auctions, while others never win an auction despite placing bids in losing efforts that are greater than the closing prices of other available auctions. These misqueues in strategic behavior hamper the efficiency of the system, and in so doing limit the revenue potential for sellers. This paper proposes a novel options-based extension to eBay's proxy-bidding system that resolves this strategic issue for buyers in commoditized markets. An empirical analysis of eBay provides a basis for computer simulations that investigate the market effects of the options-based scheme, and demonstrates that the options-based scheme provides greater efficiency than eBay, while also increasing seller revenue.
Impaired spine stability underlies plaque-related spine loss in an Alzheimer's disease mouse model

Dendritic spines, the site of most excitatory synapses in the brain, are lost in Alzheimer's disease and in related mouse models, undoubtedly contributing to cognitive dysfunction. We hypothesized that spine loss results from plaque-associated alterations of spine stability, causing an imbalance in spine formation and elimination. To investigate effects of plaques on spine stability in vivo , we observed cortical neurons using multiphoton microscopy in a mouse model of amyloid pathology before and after extensive plaque deposition. We also observed age-matched nontransgenic mice to study normal effects of aging on spine plasticity. We found that spine density and structural plasticity are maintained during normal aging. Tg2576 mice had normal spine density and plasticity before plaques appeared, but after amyloid pathology is established, severe disruptions were observed. In control animals, spine formation and elimination were equivalent over 1 hour of observation (∼5% of observed spines), resulting in stable spine density. However, in aged Tg2576 mice spine elimination increased, specifically in the immediate vicinity of plaques. Spine formation was unchanged, resulting in spine loss. These data show a small population of rapidly changing spines in adult and even elderly mouse cortex; further, in the vicinity of amyloid plaques, spine stability is markedly impaired leading to loss of synaptic structural integrity.
Managing the Transition from Hospital to Home

This study describes the transition from hospital to home from the perspective of the older adults and family members who experience it. Qualitative data were collected in semistructured interviews conducted with a purposive sample of 55 older adult/family member dyads at 2 weeks and 2 months following hospitalization. Data were analyzed using the constant comparative method. The findings suggest that the 2-week period following hospitalization is characterized by worry, followed by attempts to establish routines and acquire mastery by 2 months post discharge.
Effect of frozen storage on physical properties of pasta filata and nonpasta filata Mozzarella cheeses

The effects of 1) ripening 2, 7, and 14 d at 7 degrees C before freezing; 2) tempering 7, and 14 d at 7 degrees C after freezing; and 3) frozen storage for 1 and 4 wk at -20 degrees C, on the meltability, stretchability, and microstructure of pasta filata and nonpasta filata Mozzarella cheeses were investigated. Cheeses were cut into 5 x 10 x 7-cm blocks and vacuum-sealed 1 d after manufacture. The results were compared to the corresponding results obtained with unfrozen control samples, aged at 7 degrees C between 2 and 21 d. The changes in physical properties of frozen-stored pasta filata and nonpasta filata Mozzarella cheeses were consistent with critical damage to the cheese microstructure as compared to the unfrozen control samples. Generally, aging before and tempering after freezing resulted in increased meltability of both frozen-stored pasta filata and nonpasta filata Mozzarella cheeses. The stretchability of frozen-stored pasta filata Mozzarella cheese increased during tempering, but that of nonpasta filata Mozzarella cheese decreased during aging and tempering. In most cases, one-week frozen stored pasta filata Mozzarella cheese had higher meltability and stretchability than 4-wk frozen-stored sample. For 1-wk frozen-stored nonpasta filata Mozzarella cheese, the meltability increased but stretchability decreased when it was frozen-stored for 4 wk.
Optimum codec companding for high-speed PCM data transmission in telephone networks

Codecs used in telephone networks in the United States have a /spl mu/-law companding characteristic solely designed for the purpose of transmitting voice signals. These /spl mu/-law codecs are not well suited for the latest generation of high-speed digital voice-band modems requiring PCM data transmission at the quantization levels of the codec. In this paper, we have shown that using a linear codec in the telephone network is optimal for PCM transmission (in terms of a minimum symbol error rate) for the range of SNRs observed over most modern telephone lines. We demonstrate that with a linear codec we get a dramatic improvement in the performance of these PCM modems without any increase in the complexity of the modem. In practice, it would be necessary and relatively simple to implement an additional feature in the /spl mu/-law codec to detect a voice-band modem during the initial phase of training and switch to a linear companding characteristic.
Dynamic control of induction motor motion via stator voltage variations

An algorithm for speed-trajectory control of three-phase squirrel-cage induction motors by means of stator voltage control is presented. The dynamic behavior of the induction motor is described by a set of first-order nonlinear differential equations. The stator voltage and the electromagnetic torque are related by a recursion formula. A nonlinear method for controlling the induction motor so that it follows an interpolated speed-trajectory is discussed. To achieve an acceptable control performance, the control law is utilized, together with the recurrence relation, to compute a nonlinear feedback controller. The method consists of first parameterizing the path in the configuration space and then, given a path, using control theory to determine a trajectory subject to torque constraints. >
New perspectives on the management of penetrating trauma in proximity to major limb arteries

Abstract Current management of penetrating injuries in the proximity of major extremity arteries with no evidence of vascular trauma remains controversial. A total of 318 such injuries in 254 patients were evaluated prospectively to clarify the appropriate timing and role of arteriography, as well as the natural history of these injuries. The arteries at risk were: axillary, 47; brachial, 57; superficial femoral, 176; and popliteal, 38. No deaths occurred, and no morbidity resulted from arteriographic delay of 6 to 24 hours after injury. Of the 48 arteriographic abnormalities detected, 16 involved noncritical branch vessels. There were 32 injuries to major arteries (10.0%), including localized narrowing ( n = 13), intimal flap ( n = 12), false aneurysm ( n = 6), and arteriovenous fistula ( n = 1). Shotgun wounds led to a greater arterial injury rate (3/17; 17.6%) than did gunshot wounds (24/247; 9.7%) or stab wounds (5/54; 9.3%). At the surgeon's discretion, three injuries underwent immediate exploration (one negative), whereas the remaining 29 vessel injuries were followed up nonoperatively by repeat arteriography ( n = 22) or clinical examination ( n = 7), for a mean interval of 2.8 months. Fifteen abnormalities resolved, 10 improved or remained unchanged, and 4 worsened. The four lesions (13.7%) that worsened (two shotgun and two axillary artery injuries) were identified within 3 months of injury and repaired surgically with no morbidity. In conclusion, only 6 operations were required out of 318 potential injuries (1.8%), suggesting that routine arteriography is not a cost-effective means of evaluating these injuries. Clinically occult arterial injuries do not necessarily mandate surgery and thus may not need to be found, because the vast majority (86.3%) have a self-limiting natural history. Shotgun and thoracic outlet injuries are at higher risk for vascular injuries requiring surgery and should undergo arteriography, which can be delayed safely. Avoiding arteriography in all other cases would have resulted in a missed operative arterial injury rate of only 0.8% (2/254), which is within the range of missed injury rates reported for arteriography. Thorough clinical examination and close follow-up should suffice as the most appropriate management of penetrating proximity extremity trauma. (J VASC SURG 1990;11:85-93.)
Orientation tuning, but not direction selectivity, is invariant to temporal frequency in primary visual cortex.

The activity of neurons in primary visual cortex is influenced by the orientation, contrast, and temporal frequency of a visual stimulus. This raises the question of how these stimulus properties i...
Hierarchical reconfiguration of dataflow models

This paper presents a unified approach to analyzing patterns of reconfiguration in dataflow graphs. The approach is based on hierarchical decomposition of the structure and execution of a dataflow model. In general, reconfiguration of any part of the system might occur at any point during the execution of a model. However, arbitrary reconfiguration must often be restricted, given the constraints of particular dataflow models of computation or modeling constructs. For instance, the reconfiguration of parameters that influence dataflow scheduling or soundness of data type checking must be more heavily restricted. The paper first presents an abstract mathematical model that is sufficient to represent the reconfiguration of many types of dataflow graphs. Using this model, a behavioral type theory is developed that bounds the points in the execution of a model when individual parameters can be reconfigured. This theory can be used to efficiently check semantic constraints on reconfiguration, enabling the safe use of parameter reconfiguration at all levels of hierarchy.
The role of computers in conjunction with analytical instrumentation

The use of a small or medium size computer as a data acquisition and processing system for a mass spectrometer has greatly enhanced the effectiveness of this instrument, particularly when used in conjunction with a gas chromatograph as the sample input device for the spectrometer. The qualitative information obtainable from the complex mixtures usually represented by biological samples is greatly increased, up to the point that an almost automatic identification of all components in such mixtures is achieved. The sensitivity of a mass spectrometer is very high, compared with most other analytical instruments, and it is therefore well suited for the identification of trace components, an important feature for environmental analyses. Similarly unmatched is the high degree of specificity of mass spectrometry and its capability for quantitative measurements at very low levels. These aspects are illustrated on examples involving the identification of drugs in body fluids, contaminants in drinking water, forensic analysis, monitoring of biologically very active trace components (melatonin), detection of absorption through the skin of toxic flame retardants from fibers and the monitoring of the extremely toxic substance tetrachlorodibenzodioxin in a severely contaminated area.
Effects of artificial lighting on the detection of plant stress with spectral reflectance remote sensing in bioregenerative life support systems

2 Dynamac Corporation, Building M6-1025, Space Life Sciences Lab, Kennedy Space Center, FL 32899, USA Abstract : Plant-based life support systems that utilize bioregenerative technologies have been proposed for long-term human missions to both the Moon and Mars. Bioregenerative life support systems will utilize higher plants to regenerate oxygen, water, and edible biomass for crews, and are likely to significantly lower the 'equivalent system mass ' of crewed vehicles. As part of an ongoing effort to begin the development of an automatic remote sensing system to monitor plant health in bioregenerative life support modules, we tested the efficacy of seven artificial illumination sources on the remote detection of plant stresses. A cohort of pepper plants (Capsicum annuum L.) were grown 42 days at 25 xC, 70 % relative humidity, and 300 mmol m x 2 s x 1 of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR; from 400 to 700 nm). Plants were grown under nutritional stresses induced by irrigating subsets of the plants with 100, 50, 25, or 10 % of a standard nutrient solution. Reflectance spectra of the healthy and stressed plants were collected under seven artificial lamps including two tungsten halogen lamps, plus high pressure sodium, metal halide, fluorescent, microwave, and red/blue light emitting diode (LED) sources. Results indicated that several common algorithms used to estimate biomass and leaf chlorophyll content were effective in predicting plant stress under all seven illumination sources. However, the two types of tungsten halogen lamps and the microwave illumination source yielded linear models with the highest residuals and thus the highest predictive capabilities of all lamps tested. The illumination sources with the least predictive capabilities were the red/blue LEDs and fluorescent lamps. Although the red/blue LEDs yielded the lowest residuals for linear models derived from the remote sensing data, the LED arrays used in these experiments were optimized for plant productivity and not the collection of remote sensing data. Thus, we propose that if adjusted to optimize the collection of remote sensing information from plants, LEDs remain the best candidates for illumination sources for monitoring plant stresses in bioregenerative life support systems.
Female choice in Drosophila: evidence from Hawaii and implications for evolutionary biology.

Details of female choice of mate in Drosophila silvestris of Hawaii strikingly parallels epigamic behavioral systems in many other animals and may be common in other species of Drosophilidae. Females respond selectively to male circling, wing displays, songs and tactile stimulation with foreleg cilia, a quantitative character that is highly variable in some populations. I hypothesize that the female can exert choice based on these cues from individual males that differ genetically by quantitative trait loci. Laboratory tests show that one third of courting males are repeatedly rejected in favor of a minority of ‘alpha’ males. This result imposes non-random mating at the local population level. Past multiple-choice lab tests, widely used to measure ‘isolation’ between pairs of populations or species of Drosophila may be flawed, since random mating has been assumed in the interpretation of results. Pre-mating sexual selection is clearly a powerful intrapopulation force in population biology. This view creates difficulties for discerning any proposed simultaneous interpopulation selective events in the presence of strong female choice. The long-held theory assuming that there is significant selection for pre-mating isolation between groups is questionable.
Holographic PDLCs for spatial light intensity modulation

Holographic polymer-dispersed liquid crystals are switchable holograms exhibiting electrically controllable diffraction efficiency. Such devices form the building blocks for several applications under active consideration including spatial light modulators. Several demanding requirements are placed on switchable holograms for these applications, such as high diffraction efficiency, wide on/off dynamic range, low optical scatter, low switching voltage and power consumption, high speed, uniformity and repeatability, low cost, and manufacturability. We describe the challenges and progress in meeting many of these goals.© (1999) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Consequences of Adolescent Smoking: Cognitive Performance, Brain Function, and Policy Implications

Work published in 1997 showed a link between the diagnosis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and early initiation of smoking (1). This association has been interpreted as evidence that smoking provides a form of self-medication for a pre-existing problem, particularly one involving attention. Arguing against this view are the results of animal studies, which have shown that nicotine exposure during adolescence induces changes in brain development, neurochemical markers, and various behavioral measures (2), including evidence for increased vulnerability to drug abuse. This evidence suggests that the direction of causality may be reversed and that smoking may be the cause, rather than the consequence, of attentional deficits in smokers. To distinguish between these two possibilities by minimizing cause-consequence confounding, Treur et al. (3) used a monozygotic discordant twin design, including longitudinal assessments to dissociate the influences of genetic factors and family environment from the effects of smoking on attentional performance. They found that among adult monozygotic twins discordant for smoking, twins who endorsed ever smoking exhibited greater attentional problems than their never-smoker co-twins. Among adolescent twin pairs discordant for smoking, greater attentional problems were observed at age 16 in twins who had initiated smoking compared with their nonsmoking co-twins. The differences were not seen in the same twin pairs at earlier ages, before the initiation of smoking. These findings support the conclusion that smoking in adolescence produces problems with attention that persist to adulthood. The results of studies that compared adolescent and adult smokers with age-matched nonsmokers are largely consistent with smokers having problems with attention, but there is evidence for more general differences in executive functions. For example, a population-based study including participants 18–65 years old demonstrated small but significant impairments in nondeprived smokers (n 5 1002) compared with never-smokers (n 5 1161) in visual attention and cognitive impulsivity (4). Assessments of adolescent smokers revealed impairments in accuracy of working memory performance after recent smoking (4) and in adaptive decision making (5). In the latter example, nonsmokers adaptively altered risk-taking behavior to approach an optimal strategy, whereas the smokers did not. Task-based functional magnetic resonance imaging studies of brain function also demonstrated differences between adolescent smokers and nonsmokers. For example, adolescent smokers exhibited a greater dorsolateral and ventrolateral prefrontal cortical sensitivity to risk during decision making than nonsmokers (6). Altered functional
The Four-Principles Approach: An Appeal to the Common Morality for Resolution and Justification

As explored in Chapter 2, the minimal requirements of content-free secular morality are too minimal to serve as any kind of useful tool for justifiably solving moral conflicts in a pluralistic society. Tom Beauchamp and James Childress try a different approach to address the same problem. They argue that what they understand as the “common morality ,” held by all morally serious persons, already contains certain basic norms, which can be loosely codified as principles of morality. These principles, appropriately made specific and in interaction with each other, can be used to respond to and resolve moral conflicts.
Cover Crop and Irrigation Effects on Soil Microbial Communities and Enzymes in Semiarid Agroecosystems of the Central Great Plains of North America

Cover crops can have beneficial effects on soil microbiology by increasing carbon (C) supply, but these beneficial effects can be modulated by precipitation conditions. The objective of this study was to compare a fallow-winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) rotation to several cover crop-winter wheat rotations under rainfed and irrigated conditions in the semiarid US High Plains. Experiments were carried out at two sites, Sidney in Nebraska, and Akron in Colorado, USA, with three times of soil sampling in 2012–2013 at cover crop termination, wheat planting, and wheat maturity. The experiments included four single-species cover crops, a 10-species mixture, and a fallow treatment. The variables measured were soil C and nitrogen (N), soil community structure by fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) profiles, and soil β-glucosidase, β-glucosaminidase, and phosphodiesterase activities. The fallow treatment, devoid of living plants, reduced the concentrations of most FAMEs at cover crop termination. The total FAME concentration was correlated with cover crop biomass (R = 0.62 at Sidney and 0.44 at Akron). By the time of wheat planting, there was a beneficial effect of irrigation, which caused an increase in mycorrhizal and protozoan markers. At wheat maturity, the cover crop and irrigation effects on soil FAMEs had subsided, but irrigation had a positive effect on the β-glucosidase and phosphodiesterase activities at Akron, which was the drier of the two sites. Cover crops and irrigation were slow to impact soil C concentration. Our results show that cover crops had a short-lived effect on soil microbial communities in semiarid wheat-based rotations and irrigation could enhance soil enzyme activity. In the semiarid environment, longer time spans may have been needed to see beneficial effects of cover crops on soil microbial community structure, soil enzyme activities, and soil C sequestration.
Spectroscopic Method for Determining the Strain Configuration in Semiconductor Optoelectronic Devices and Structures

The ratio of heavy-hole to light-hole interband transition energy shifts as a function of strain can be used to determine the strain configuration of semiconductor devices or structures for a wide range of strains.
In Situ XAFS of the LixNi0.8Co0.2O2 Cathode for Lithium-Ion Batteries

The layered LiNi0.8AsCo0.2O2 system is being considered as a new cathode material for the lithium-ion battery. Compared with LiCoO2, the standard cathode formulation, it possesses improved electrochemical performance at a projected lower cost.In situ x-ray absorption fine-structure spectroscopy (XAFS) measurements were conducted on a cell cycled at a moderate rate and normal Li-ion operating voltages (3.0–4.1 V). The XAFS data collected at the Ni and Co edges approximately every 30 min. revealed details about the response of the cathode to Li insertion and extraction. These measurements on the LixNi0.8AsCo0.2O2 cathode (0.29<x<0.78) demonstrated the excellent reversibility of the cathode’s short-range structure. However, the Co and Ni atoms behaved differently in response to Li insertion. This study corroborates previous work that explains the XAFS of the Ni atoms in terms of a Ni3+ Jahn-Teller ion. An analysis of the metal-metal distances suggests, contrary to a qualitative analysis of the x-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES), that the Co3+ is oxidized to the maximum extent possible (within the Li content range of this experiment) at x = 0.47 ± 0.04, and further oxidation occurs at the Ni site.
Phase II trial of docetaxel (Taxotere) in patients with metastatic melanoma previously untreated with cytotoxic chemotherapy

A phase II study was undertaken to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of docetaxel in patients with malignant melanoma. Between April 1992 and February 1996, 37 patients with metastatic malignant melanoma and no prior chemotherapy were treated with docetaxel 100 mg m-2 administered intravenously over 1 hour every 21 days. Patients were premedicated prior to each course with dexamethasone and diphenhydramine. Toxicity and follow-up were provided. Objective responses were seen in two out of 35 patients evaluable for response, one complete response and one partial response. These two responses were of a duration of greater than two years. The most common toxicity was grade 4 neutropenia, which occurred in 92% of patients; 49% required hospitalization for an episode of neutropenic fever. Additional patients had reversible grade 3–4 toxicities including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomatitis, arthralgias, myalgias, peripheral neuropathy and fatigue. Eighteen patients had hypersensitivity reactions, two were grade 3–4. Fluid retention, grade 1–3 was observed in seven patients. Alopecia occurred in most patients. Docetaxel has definite but low-level activity against malignant melanoma. Further investigation of this drug should be considered in multidrug combination programs.
CD147 Regulates Cell Metabolism in Pancreatic Cancer via Targeting of Multiple Small Molecule Transporters to the Cell Membrane

CD147 is a highly glycosylated type I transmembrane protein upregulated in pancreatic cancer where it has received significant attention as a potential therapeutic target due to its regulation of several proteins that drive cancer progression. While CD147 was initially thought to act as a ligand on the cell surface to directly stimulate the secretion of several proteins, recent findings have suggested that CD147 may contribute to cancer progression through a much more complex set of interactions. The present study identified CD147 as having a unique chaperone role for multiple transmembrane proteins important for signaling events related to cancer metastasis and metabolic maintenance in pancreatic cancer. A robust combination of cellular, biochemical, proteomic and metabolomic studies showed that CD147 depletion leads to a significant decline in cell proliferation and migration, an increase in epithelial phenotype, and a striking reprogramming of cellular metabolism. Xenograft mouse models further confirmed these findings where tumor growth and metabolism were dependent on CD147 expression. In order to determine the underlying mechanism of CD147's role in pancreatic cancer, we combined crosslinking methods with mass spectrometry to identify the specific interactions and discovered that CD147 is responsible for targeting multiple transmembrane proteins to the cell surface. Furthermore, CD147 depletion caused a down-regulation of a subset of these proteins, which could then be reversed with proteosomal inhibitor treatment indicating that CD147 is a chaperone. Together, our studies illustrate the functional consequence of CD147 expression and chaperone activity in relation to regulating pancreatic cancer progression.
From Cultural Imperialism to Transnational Commercialization: Shifting Paradigms in International Media Studies

The idea for this paper emerged from a presentation at the International Communication Association (ICA) Conference held in Acapulco, Mexico in June of 2000. As a popular tourist destination, Acapulco represented a mix of “global” commerce familiar to world travelers. The conference hotel, owned by the Fairmont Hotel chain headquartered in New York, was one of several luxury resorts that stretched along the beach between the airport and the city. Travelling along the Costera Miguel Aleman, the main commercial thoroughfare, a parade of transnational corporate logos flashed by the windows of the cab: Hyatt, Hilton, and Radisson hotels, Wal Mart, Costco, and Woolworth’s retail stores, McDonalds, Burger King, and Dominos’ Pizza fast-food chains, Walt Disney and Warner Bros. novelty/theme stores, Nestle and Baskin-Robbins ice cream shops, a Nike shoe and apparel store, a Ralph Lauren boutique, Eastman Kodak photo shops, an American Express service center, Planet Hollywood, Hooters, and the Hard Rock Cafe.