cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Novel genetic basis of resistance to Bt toxin Cry1Ac in Helicoverpa zea

Crops genetically engineered to produce insecticidal proteins from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) have advanced pest management, but their benefits are diminished when pests evolve resistance. Elucidating the genetic basis of pest resistance to Bt toxins can improve resistance monitoring, resistance management, and design of new insecticides. Here, we investigated the genetic basis of resistance to Bt toxin Cry1Ac in the lepidopteran Helicoverpa zea, one of the most damaging crop pests in the United States. To facilitate this research, we built the first chromosome-level genome assembly for this species. Using a genome-wide association study, fine-scale mapping, and RNA-seq, we identified a 250kb QTL on chromosome 13 that was strongly associated with resistance in a strain of H. zea that had been selected for resistance in the field and lab. This QTL contains no genes with a previously reported role in resistance or susceptibility to Bt toxins. However, within this QTL, we discovered a premature stop codon in a kinesin gene. We hypothesize that this mutation contributes to resistance. The results indicate the mutation on chromosome 13 was necessary but not sufficient for resistance, and therefore conclude that mutations in more than one gene contributed to resistance. Moreover, we found no changes in gene sequence or expression consistently associated with resistance for 11 genes previously implicated in lepidopteran resistance to Cry1Ac. Thus, the results reveal a novel and polygenic basis of resistance and extend the list of genes contributing to pest resistance to Bt toxins.
Embodied Interactive Characters using Social Robots

Much research has been applied to developing interactive characters. However, most existing work is designed for digital characters. In this work, we explore the use of social robots to embody virtual characters. Robotic avatars have great potential over traditional displays for engaging the user, especially children. Primitive movements of the robots can be used to express emotions, illustrate locations, and even suggest the social relationships among the characters. We present a novel social robot for embodying conversational agents. This social robot combines a robotic lower body with a digital upper body. Thus, we can gain the mobility and presence of a robot without losing the expressive power of body movements and gestures that a virtual character can provide. We performed a preliminary evaluation on expressing emotions and intentions using such a robotic avatar. Our results indicate that the robotic avatar can intensify the expression of emotions over its equivalent digital form. We also observed the trend of subjects paying attention to different aspects of the character’s movements when the character was digital versus when it has a robotic body.
Ideal and Filter Constructions in Lattice Varieties

In [5], Dilworth and Freese introduced an important method for dealing with lattice varieties. The basic argument is contained in the proof of Theorem 2; we give here a slight variation.
Teamwork in distributed POMDPs: execution-time coordination under model uncertainty

Despite their NEXP-complete policy generation complexity [1], Distributed Partially Observable Markov Decision Problems (DEC-POMDPs) have become a popular paradigm for multiagent teamwork [2, 6, 8]. DEC-POMDPs are able to quantitatively express observational and action uncertainty, and yet optimally plan communications and domain actions.
Section 404 implementation

Section 404 of the Sarbanes‐Oxley Act requires management to include in the annual report a report on the effectiveness of the company's internal control over financial reporting. This assessment must be supported by evidential matter, including documentation, regarding both the design of internal controls and the testing process. Understandably, many executives are seeking the assistance from their internal auditors in satisfying the Section 404 requirements, leaving internal auditors with the important task of ensuring that the corporation's internal control system is properly documented and tested. This paper discusses how nine leading internal auditors of large publicly listed corporations are assisting their respective companies in implementing the Section 404 requirements. Further discusses some of the significant issues that these auditors are addressing and their prediction on the expected future impact of Section 404.
Phase Transitions in Computer Science

Phase transitions are familiar phenomena in physical systems. But they also occur in many probabilistic and combinatorial models, including random versions of some classic problems in theoretical computer science. In this talk, I will discuss phase transitions in several systems, including the random graph — a simple probabilistic model which undergoes a critical transition from a disordered to an ordered phase; k-satisfiability — a canonical model in theoretical computer science which undergoes a transition from solvability to insolvability; and optimum partitioning -a fundamental problem in combinatorial optimization, which undergoes a transition from existence to non-existence of a perfect optimizer. Technically, phase transitions only occur in infinite systems. However, real systems and the systems we simulate are large, but finite. Hence the question of finite-size scaling: Namely, how does the transition behavior emerge from the behavior of large, finite systems? Results on the random graph, satisfiability and optimum partitioning locate the critical windows of these transitions and establish interesting features within these windows. No knowledge of phase transitions will be assumed in this talk.
Victim Noncooperation in the Prosecution of Domestic Assault

* * * In recent years increased attention has been focused on the response of the criminal justice system to domestic violence. Several studies have attributed the low rate of prosecution for spousal assaults to noncooperation on the part of police, prosecutors, and judges. A discussion of the role played by victim noncooperation in the prosecution process has been conspicuously absent. This article presents preliminary findings from a study of approximately 6,200 cases of domestic assaults reported to law enforcement authorities. The incidence and correlates of victim noncooperation are outlined at four decision points.
Immobilization of Xanthate Agent on Titanium Dioxide and Surface Initiated RAFT Polymerization

Surface modification of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticle is essential to control its surface properties, thereby to enhance its cell penetration capability, reduce its cytotoxicity, or improve its biocompatibility. In order to graft polyvinyl acetate onto TiO2 nanoparticles, xanthate was chemically immobilized on the surface of TiO2 by acylation followed by nucleophilic substitution with a carbodithioate salt. Reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer polymerization was conducted to graft vinyl acetate onto the surface of TiO2. Both the TiO2-xanthate and TiO2-polyvinyl acetate hybrids were characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. The chemical immobilization of xanthate on the surface of TiO2 and the subsequent controlled polymerization provide useful insight for decoration and modification of TiO2 and other nanoparticles.
Maternal and fetal plasma oxytocin levels during pregnancy and parturition in the sheep

Abstract To assess fetal oxytocin release in relation to maternal oxytocin, serial paired maternal (femoral artery) and fetal (aorta) plasma oxytocin were determined by a specific and sensitive radioimmunoassay during pregnancy and parturition in the sheep. The maternal oxytocin level was 29.1 ± 2.6 pg/ml (mean ± SE) but was significantly lower than fetal oxytocin levels of 45.8 ± 4.3 pg/ml (p
Smart Land-Use Analysis: The LUCIS Model: Land-Use Conflict Identification Strategy

Sometimes the best way to start a debate on the impacts of regional growth is to illustrate the land use patterns that could result if current trends continue. Smart Land-Use Analysis: The LUCIS Mo...
Legislative Success and Political Failure: The Public's Reaction to Barack Obama's Early Presidency

During his first two years in office, fulfilling prominent campaign promises, Barack Obama pushed through legislation attacking the recession and its causes, initiated sweeping reforms in the health care system, and shifted U.S. forces from Iraq to Afghanistan. His reward was to see his Democratic Party suffer a crushing defeat in the 2010 elections. I examine the contours of opinion regarding Obama before he was elected and as they subsequently evolved during his early presidency in order to understand where, how, and why the president's legislative and policy successes turned into political failures.
Coherent spin waves in thin-film GaMnAs

Using pump-probe techniques we study coherent magnons in the ferromagnetic semiconductor GaMnAs. The magnetic anisotropy and spin stiffness constants are determined from the magnetic-field dependence of the frequency of the standing spin waves.
Reversal of enhanced pancreatic cancer growth in diabetes by insulin.

Background. Epidemiologic and animal studies have linked pancreatic cancer growth with both diabetes and fat intake. This study examined the influence of insulin treatment on pancreatic cancer growth in diabetes. Diabetes-induced elevations in levels of glucose and free fatty acids were correlated with enhanced tumor growth both in vivo and in vitro. Method. Hamsters were divided into three groups: control (n=15), Streptozocin-diabetic (n=20), or insulin-treated diabetic (n=20). Diabetes was induced with streptozocin and treated with a continuous subcutaneous infusion of insulin delivered via osmotic pumps. Five × 105 H2T hamster pancreatic cancer cells were implanted into the cheek pouch. Levels of plasma glucose and fatty acids were measured, and their effect on H2T cell division was assessed in vitro with a spectrophotometric cell proliferation assay. Results. Levels of plasma glucose and fatty acids were elevated in streptozocin-diabetic animals and normalized with insulin treatment. After 21 days of growth, tumor weight was 36 mg in the control group, 156 mg in the diabetic group (p Conclusion. Insulin ameliorated enhanced tumor growth in this model of diabetes. Glucose and free fatty acids mobilized during diabetes may serve as fuel for established pancreatic cancers.
CARMing down the SINEs of anarchy: two paths to freedom from paraspeckle detention

A subset of messenger RNAs (mRNAs) that contain inverted Alu elements in their 3' untranslated region are inefficiently exported to the cytoplasm and retained in subnuclear bodies called paraspeckles. The arginine methyltransferase CARM1 (coactivator-associated arginine methyltransferase 1) promotes the nuclear export of these mRNAs by methylating the paraspeckle component p54(nrb), which reduces the binding of p54(nrb) to the inverted Alu elements, and down-regulating synthesis of another paraspeckle component, the long noncoding RNA NEAT1, which inhibits paraspeckle formation.
Calculation of activation energy and pre-exponential factors from rising temperature data and the generation of TG and DTG curves from A and E values

After reviewing present methods of evaluating E, the activation energy, and A, the pre-exponential constant, and pointing out some of the inherent weaknesses of the method, a technique is outlined whereby a DTG and/or TG curve may be produced for direct comparison with experimental curves by assuming values for A and E and using finite difference techniques to produce such a curve.
Time and Distance: Comparing Motivations Among Forest Landowners in New England, USA

Parcelization and shifting landownership are critical forces reshaping forested ecosystems in the USA and elsewhere. These forces create a mosaic of new and long-time landowners as well as differences in residency. Using survey data (n = 879) of landowners in Massachusetts and Vermont, USA, we begin the process of sorting out time (i.e., length of landownership) and distance (i.e., distance of primary residence from forest holding), and their relationships to motivations for continued landownership and management. Both time and distance, and their interaction were significant in explaining three motivations for landownership: enjoyment, production, and protection as well as the number of neighbors with which respondents were acquainted. Distance is the statistically more important factor—negatively related to all dependent variables, but time and its interaction with distance offer the more useful insights for intervention.
Surgical management of acquired nonmalignant tracheoesophageal and bronchoesophageal fistulae.

Background Acquired nonmalignant fistulae between the airway and esophagus (tracheoesophageal fistulae [TEF]) are rare life-threatening conditions. Several management approaches have been proposed, while the optimal strategy remains controversial. Methods This study is a retrospective review of all patients with TEF treated at our institution from 1978 through 2007. Results Thirty-five patients (22 men, 13 women) underwent surgical repair of acquired nonmalignant TEF. Median age was 55 years (range, 5 to 78). Most common causes were the following: complications of esophageal surgery (11), trauma (6), granulomatous infection (5), stent erosion (4), and prolonged mechanical ventilation (2). Location was proximal trachea in 7, mid-trachea in 5, and distal trachea or bronchus in 23. Fifty-six operations were performed. Six patients had staged repair, with 1 patient requiring 4 operations for recurrent TEF. TEF division and primary repair was performed in 18 patients, esophageal resection with reconstruction in 4, and esophageal diversion in 6. Four patients had suture closure of the esophageal or tracheal defect only, and 3 required segmental tracheal or bronchial resection. Four patients were ventilator dependent at the time of repair. Pedicled tissue flaps were used in 28 patients (80%). Operative mortality was 5.7% (2 of 35). Nineteen patients (54.3%) had complications. Median hospital stay was 14 days (range, 4 to 209). Median follow-up was 30.4 months (range, 0.5 to 233) and complete in 34 (97.1%). Three patients (8.6%) developed recurrent TEF. Twenty-nine patients resumed oral intake. One patient required a permanent tracheal T tube. Conclusions Single-stage primary repair of both airway and esophageal defects with tissue flap interposition can safely be performed successfully in the majority of patients with acquired nonmalignant TEF.
Sustained pain reduction through affective self-awareness in fibromyalgia: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Affect and how it is regulated plays a role in pain perception, maintenance of pain, and its resolution. This randomized, controlled trial evaluated an innovative affective self-awareness (ASA) intervention, which was designed to reduce pain and improve functioning in individuals with fibromyalgia.
Ainhum: treatment with intralesional steroids.

: Ainhum is a rare constricting band disease, usually affecting digits and resulting in spontaneous amputation. Prompt symptomatic relief and latter partial resolution of the fibrotic band followed intralesional steroid injection in the case presented.
EFFECT OF REAGENT CONCENTRATION ON CERENKOV COUNTING EFFICIENCY

Cerenkov counting is often regarded as a modified version of liquid scintillation counting in which chemical quenching is not manifested. However, the mechanism of Cerenkov counting is such that changes in the concentration of reagents in the counting medium results in changes in Cerenkov counting efficiency. Large changes in counting efficiency occur for nuclides with low average beta energy values (Ēβ). The percent increase in Cerenkov counting efficiency in 4M HCl (relative to water) for various nuclides was found to be a smooth function of Ēβ. The relative change in counting efficiency for24Na,32P,42K and204Tl in HCl, NH4Cl and/or NaCl media are presented. The data emphasizes the need to keep the concentration of various chemicals in Cerenkov counting media constant, especially for nuclides with low Ēβ, values, in order to reproduce counting efficiency.
Design trade-offs in signal component separators for outphasing power amplifiers

Implementation design space of piece-wise linear outphasing signal component separator is explored by utilizing the changes in micro-architecture, choice of storage elements and aggressive back-end leakage power optimization techniques. With combination of these techniques, ~2× energy and area savings are achieved, resulting in record energy-efficiency of 32pJ/sample for asymmetric multilevel outphasing and 22pJ/sample for linear amplification with nonlinear components, at throughput of 400MSample/s and areas of 0.2-0.4mm2 in 45nm SOI process.
Comprehension of Different Types of Prohibitive Safety Symbols with Glance Exposure

The comprehension of 16 pictorial safety symbols was examined using a rapid visual exposure technique and 4 types of prohibitive circle-slash variants (over, under, partial, and translucent). Performance was higher for base pictorial images that appeared to depict more concrete, less complex and familiar concepts. Symbols were better understood with the under and translucent slashes. This research has implications for the design of pictorial symbols on roadways and in other environments where exposure to safety information may be brief. Language: en
EFFECT OF CASTRATION IN MAN UPON BLOOD SEDIMENTATION RATE, HEMATOCRIT AND HEMOGLOBIN.

The suspension stability of blood and values for hematocrit and hemoglobin were significantly less in castrate than in intact males. The differences between these 2 groups of subjects tended to decrease with advancing age. Titers of urinary metabolites of testicular and adrenal cortical secretions were not significantly correlated with the hematologic indices under study. It is postulated that testicular secretions are largely responsible for the lowering of sedimentation rates associated with sexual maturation of males and for the sex differences in rates of young and middle-aged adults. Treatment with testosterone propionate tended to reduce sedimentation rates in eunuchs.
Velocity distribution from flux flow simulation experiments

Abstract Magnet needles floating in a cupric sulphate solution through which a strong current is passed are used to simulate flux flow in superconducting thin films. Pinning barriers are provided at regular intervals by cross-magnetized strips. The applicability of the model is limited by the presence of a dissipative term proportional to the square of the velocity and by a mass term. Single needles show the expected roughly sinusoidal velocity dependence on distance. Lattice type arrays of needles lose this behaviour already at low densities. The pinning current decreases drastically as the density of the needles is increased.
Stick and non-stick periodic motions in periodically forced oscillators with dry friction

In this paper, the force criteria for stick and non-stick motions in harmonically forced, friction-induced oscillators are developed from the local theory of non-smooth dynamical systems on connectable domains. The periodically driven, linear oscillator with a simple dry friction is considered as a sampled problem to demonstrate the methodology presented in this paper. With appropriate mapping structures, the force criteria give the analytical predictions of the stick and non-stick, periodic motions for such an oscillator. Furthermore, the effects of external excitations and friction forces on the stick and non-stick motions are discussed, and the corresponding regions of specified motions in parameter space are obtained. The sliding and grazing phenomena for this oscillator are also presented in this paper. However, an extensive investigation on sliding and grazing bifurcations should be carried out in sequel. The displacement, velocity and force responses for stick and non-stick, periodic motions are illustrated for a better understanding of the dynamics mechanism of stick and non-stick motions of the dry-friction oscillator. The force criteria and mapping techniques are also applicable to multi-body contact dynamics. The methodology presented in this paper can be applied for numerical predictions of motions in nonlinear, non-smooth dynamical systems.
Spiral order induced by distortion in a frustrated square-lattice antiferromagnet

In a strongly frustrated square-lattice antiferromagnet with diagonal coupling ${J}^{\ensuremath{'}},$ for $\ensuremath{\alpha}{=J/(2J}^{\ensuremath{'}})\ensuremath{\lesssim}1,$ an incommensurate spiral state with propagation vector $\stackrel{\ifmmode \tilde{}\else \~{}\fi{}}{Q}=(\ensuremath{\pi}\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}\ensuremath{\delta},\ensuremath{\pi}\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}\ensuremath{\delta})$ near (\ensuremath{\pi},\ensuremath{\pi}) competes closely with the N\'eel collinear antiferromagnetic ground state. For classical Heisenberg spins the energy of the spiral state can be lowered as it adapts to a distortion of the crystal lattice. As a result, a weak superstructural modulation such as exists in doped cuprates might stabilize an incommensurate spiral phase for some range of the parameter \ensuremath{\alpha} close to 1.
Internet interventions for traumatic stress: A review and theoretically based example

Trauma recovery Web sites are proliferating with limited supportive evidence for effectiveness. In this article, the authors review the current very early studies on trauma recovery Web sites highlighting the different approaches, the empirical support provided, and the critical development issues facing this exciting frontier. An example site based on social cognitive theory is also reviewed.
The success rate of personal salary negotiations: A further investigation of academic pay differentials by sex

A sample of male and female assistant professors in land grant public institutions was mailed a questionnaire regarding their past salary negotiation activities and their perceptions of the academic reward system. The survey results indicated that male and female academicians have about the same tendency to attempt a salary negotiation both for beginning salaries and for salary increases. Females were found to be as successful as the males in negotiating initial salaries and more successful in negotiating salary increases. The females and males studied also showed marked agreement on their perceptions of the academic reward system. However, females also reported feelings of pay inequality when they compared themselves to their peers, particularly peers of the opposite sex.
Intracellular performance of tailored nanoparticle tracers in magnetic particle imaging

Magnetic Particle Imaging (MPI) is a quantitative mass-sensitive, tracer-based imaging technique, with potential applications in various cellular imaging applications. The spatial resolution of MPI, in the first approximation, improves by decreasing the full width at half maximum (FWHM) of the field-derivative of the magnetization, dm/dH of the nanoparticle (NP) tracers. The FWHM of dm/dH depends critically on NPs’ size, size distribution, and their environment. However, there is limited information on the MPI performance of the NPs after their internalization into cells. In this work, 30 to 150 μg of the iron oxide NPs were incubated in a lysosome-like acidic buffer (0.2 ml, 20 mM citric acid, pH 4.7) and investigated by vibrating sample magnetometry, magnetic particle spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and dynamic light scattering (DLS). The FWHM of the dm/dH curves of the NPs increased with incubation time and buffer to NPs ratio, consistent with a decrease in the median core size of the NPs from ∼20.1 ± 0.98 to ∼18.5 ± 3.15 nm. Further, these smaller degraded NPs formed aggregates that responded to the applied field by hysteretic reversal at higher field values and increased the FWHM. The rate of core size decrease and aggregation were inversely proportional to the concentration of the incubated NPs, due to their slower biodegradation kinetics. The results of this model experiment show that the MPI performance of the NPs in the acidic environments of the intracellular organelles (i.e., lysosomes and endosomes) can be highly dependent on their rate of internalization, residence time, and degradation.
Computer Application in Clinical and Cineangiographic Studies

A pilot study performed on a group of patients with coronary heart disease has disclosed the simplicity of computer application of charting, recording, daily reporting and statistical analysis of clinical data. It has indicated that both physicians and paramedical personnel may make better use of their time by utilizing a computer to perform their daily bookkeeping routines. This report illustrates the requirements and application of a simple computer system to a specific problem of clinical investigation and gives guidelines for the expansion of its use in other areas of medical interest.
AN INVESTIGATION OF MOTIVATIONAL BIAS IN SUBJECTIVE PREDICTIVE PROBABILITY DISTRIBUTIONS

In this paper the problem of conscious motivational bias in the assessment of subjective predictive probability distributions is explored. The primary purpose of this research is to discover how subjects express their bias. Results of an experiment are reported in which subjective distributions were assessed by subjects, first in the absence of a biasing incentive and then in the presence of an incentive to bias upward coupled with an incentive to be “credible.” In the biased task, subjects reported manipulating up to five characteristics of their distribution, such as location, shape, and dispersion. Furthermore, subjects reported using combinations of the characteristics strategically. Dominant strategies included shifting the mode upward and redistributing probability to the left, shifting the mode upward a small amount and redistributing probability to the right, and shifting the mode upward and tightening the distribution. The location of the mode was mentioned first by nearly all subjects, suggesting that they first locate their biased distribution and then manipulate other characteristics to express their bias, need for credibility, and other concerns.
Characterization of monoclonal antibodies to protoplast membranes of Nicotiana tabacum identified by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Murine monoclonal antibodies to protoplast membrne antigens were generated using mouse myelomas and spleen cells from mice immunized with Nicotiana tabacum L. leaf protoplasts. For selecting antibody-secreting clones, a sensitive and rapid enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for monoclonal antibody binding to immobilized cellular membrane preparations or immobilized protoplasts was developed. With intact protoplasts as immobilized antigen, the ELISA is selective for antibodies that bind to plasma-membrane epitopes present on the external surface of protoplasts. Using the membrane ELISA, a total of 24 hybridoma lines were identified that secreted antibodies to plant membrane epitopes. The protoplast ELISA and subsequent immunofluorescence studies identified four hybridoma lines as secreting antibodies which bound to the external surface of protoplasts and cells. The corresponding antigens were not species- or tissue-specific, were periodatesensitive, and were located in membranes which equilibrated broadly throughout a linear sucrose gradient. When protein blots of electrophoretically separated membrane proteins were probed with these antibodies, a band of Mr 14 kilodaltons (kDa) and a smear of bands of Mr 45–120 kDa were labeled. An additional set of three antibodies appeared by immunofluorescence to bind to the plasma membrane of broken but not intact protoplasts and labeled membranes equilibrating at a density of approx. 1.12 kg·l-1 in a linear sucrose density gradient. These classes of monoclonal antibodies enlarge the library of monoclonal antibodies (Norman et al. 1986, Planta 167, 452–459) available for the study of plant plasma-membrane structure and function.
The effects of installation on single- and counter-rotation propeller noise

In order to understand the effects of installation on propeller noise, numerous measurements are required to define the directivity of the noise as well as the level. An experimental study was designed to map the noise radiation pattern for various single-rotation propeller (SRP) and counter-rotation propeller (CRP) installations covering + or 60 deg from the propeller disk plane and + or - 60 deg laterally. Configurations that were considered included an SRP at angle of attack and in tractor and pusher operations and a CRP. A first principles linear theory was validated for the SRP tractor operation over the angle range mentioned above. The increases in noise that arise from an unsteady loading operation such as an SRP pusher or CRP exceed 15 dB and depend on the observer location. In particular, the majority of the additional noise appears to radiate in the axial directions.
Towards a Conceptual Framework for Assessing Community Attractiveness for Conventions

Abstract The convention, exposition, and meeting industry (CEMI) has been growing at an unprecedented rate with cities of all sizes building or expanding their convention centers. While the cities may or may not have made good decisions, the underlying base for these judgements has not taken into account those characteristics of the city that convention attendees deem important. This research fills this void by delineating sixteen different city traits that impact on conventioneer destination attractiveness and develops scales for each. For each scale, applications to major convention cities are provided as examples. The framework provides an empirical base for convention decision making that was not previously possible. The extant research offers a means by which convention center operators and city policy makers can compare themselves to other cities or centers and identify their strengths and weaknesses. Thus, entities using this approach can better position themselves in the market with a resulting in...
ANGRY AGGRESSION AMONG THE “TRULY DISADVANTAGED”*

Violent incidents arising out of trivial conflicts and insults have been explained by subcultural theories of violence, but empirical support for those theories has been lacking. Recent cognitively oriented research on anger and aggression is combined in this analysis with W. Wilson's (1987) arguments about the “truly disadvantaged” to revise those theories. An individual-level theory explains the violent incidents, and an aggregate level theory explains the distribution of those incidents among social groups. A subculture of angry aggression arises under conditions of social isolation, when multiple feedback loops result in concentration effects.
A facile one step synthesis of novel ethyl 2,6-bis(trifluoromethyl)-4-hydroxypyrimidine-5-carboxylate

Trifluoroacetonitrile was condensed with diethyl malonate to give a novel ethyl 2,6-bis(trifluoromethyl)-4-hydroxypyrimidine-5-carboxylate (2) in 88% yield. Derivations of 2 are also described.
Song type matching as threat: a test using interactive playback

Neighbouring song sparrows, Melospiza melodia, in our Seattle population share song types and sometimes respond to neighbour song by type matching (replying with the same song type being sung) or repertoire matching (replying with a shared song other than the type being sung). Based on our modification of the threat hypothesis of Krebs et al. (1981,Animal Behaviour , 29, 918–923), according to which, type matching is a threat, we develop two predictions concerning type matching. (1) A bird will be more likely to escalate when type matched by his neighbour than when repertoire matched. (2) When type matched, birds who escalate will continue to sing the matched song type, while those who de-escalate will switch off the matched type or stop singing. To test these predictions we conducted an interactive playback experiment that simulated a bird in an adjoining territory issuing a song reply to a singing subject. We exposed subjects to three song playback conditions, each on a different day: a type match, a repertoire match and an unshared stranger song (to provide an estimate of each subjects maximum response for comparison with their responses to type matching). Subjects responded consistently and most aggressively to stranger song. Subjects responded more aggressively to type-matching playback than to repertoire-matching playback, supporting our first prediction. In type-matching trials, subjects did not always respond aggressively, and those who stayed on the same song type throughout the trial responded more aggressively than those who switched to a different song, supporting the second prediction.
Moire Strain Contours Of Crack-Tip Deformation

In this paper, deformed cross gratings around crack-tip are recorded. The derivative fields of displacements (∂u/∂x, ∂u/∂y, ∂v/∂x, ∂v/∂y, ∂w/∂x ∂w/∂y) are obtained by optical spatial filtering of two shifted deformed gratings. From which, strain contours around crack-tips can be obtained directly.
The basic-helix-loop-helix transcription factor HAND2 directly regulates transcription of the atrial naturetic peptide gene.

Abstract B. D. Thattaliyath, B. A. Firulli and A. B. Firulli. The Basic-Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factor HAND2 Directly Regulates Transcription of the Atrial Naturetic Peptide Gene. Journal of Molecular and Cellular Cardiology (2002) 34 , 1335–1344. The HAND basic Helix-Loop-Helix (bHLH) transcription factors are essential for the development of heart and extra embryonic structures. Although essential for embryonic development, the molecular pathways in which HAND factors participate are poorly understood. In efforts to identify downstream transcriptional targets, we have determined that HAND2 regulates the transcription of the Atrial Naturetic Peptide (ANP) gene. Results show that ANP expression is reduced in HAND2 null mice. Transactivation assays show significant transcriptional upregulation of ANP by HAND2 and cotransfection experiments using HAND2 and E12 suggest that an E-protein/HAND heterodimer is the likely trans -acting complex. The required cis -elements reside within a 258 bp proximal region that contains three evolutionarily conserved Ebox consensus sites. Surprisingly, mutations in these three sites suggest HAND2 activity is DNA-binding independent. In addition, HAND2 and the homeobox factor Nkx2.5 exhibit transcriptional synergy in the regulation of ANP. Taken together, this data shows that HAND2 is an upstream transcriptional regulator of ANP expression, and furthermore HAND2 can synergistically interact with Nkx2.5, showing a functional relationship between HAND2 and Nkx2.5 supporting the genetic observation, that mice null for both HAND2 and Nkx2.5 lack ventricle specification.
Activation of tyrosinase in mouse melanoma cell cultures.

Tyrosinase activity increased in Cloudman S-91 mouse melanoma cell homogenates incubated at 37°C for a minimum of 8 h. Enzyme activity continued to increase for 48h at which time the maximal level of activation was observed. Activation did not occur at 4°C and did not occur in the cytosol fraction of the cell, suggesting that the response was localized to melanosomes. The activated enzyme was resistant to solubilization with the nonionic detergent, Triton X-100, and preparation of homogenates in this detergent did not inhibit the temperature-dependent activation of the melanosomal fraction of the cell. The activation process increased the V Max of tyrosinase 10-fold and lowered the K M by a factor of 2 as determined by the tyrosine hydroxylase assay. The increase in tyrosinase activity was detectable by three assay methods: tyrosine hydroxylation, melanin synthesis, and by tyrosine decarboxylation. The formation of melanin, however, was found to be 1/20 that of either tyrosine hydroxylation or decarboxylation, a finding which suggests that the melanin pathway may be blocked at 5,6-dihydroxyindole. The “self-activation” response could not be mimicked by incubating cell homogenates with cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase. Activated tyrosinase could be inhibited by the addition of fresh cell extracts, a finding which suggests that tyrosinase inhibitors may be present in these cells.
A prototyping environment for specifying, executing and checking Communicating Real-Time State machines

We describe a toolset, consisting of a graphical editor, a simulator, and an assertion checker, for prototyping real-time systems that are specified as Communicating Real-Time State machines (CRSMs). CRSMs are timed state machines that communicate synchronously over unidirectional channels. The system behavior of CRSMs is characterized by a time-stamped trace of communication events. Safety and timing assertions on the trace of communication events are expressed in a notation based on Real-Time Logic. We illustrate the simulator and assertion checker by specifying a traffic-light controller and other real-time systems. There are two main contributions in this work: first, the prototyping environment serves as a validation of the model, the execution algorithm and paper design of example CRSMs, demonstrating that the ideas are realizable and potentially useful. Secondly, the paper presents a novel and useful method of specifying safety and timing properties, and checking them during simulation.
Turbulence model assessment for shock wave/turbulent boundary-layer interaction in transonic and supersonic flows

Abstract Comparisons of the performance of several state-of-the-art low-Reynolds number turbulence models in the prediction of shock wave/turbulent boundary-layer interactions in transonic and supersonic flows are reported in this paper. The models include a realizable k - e model, a k - e / k - ω hybrid model, and a one-equation ν t model. Several flow experiments focused on the shock wave/turbulent boundary-layer interaction phenomena are chosen for model comparisons. The selected flows represent a range of flow conditions with the turbulent boundary layers being fully attached, incipiently separated, or displaying large region of flow separation. Care has been taken to obtain solutions on sufficiently refined grids in all calculations. The model predictions are compared with experimental data and with the results obtained using Chien’s low-Reynolds number model. The results show that the models tested provide improvements over Chien’s model in the predictions of shock wave/turbulent interactions.
Ab initio studies of structural features not easily amenable to experiment. 22. Structural aspects of a long‐chain hydrocarbon (n‐nonane) and a study of the transferability of electronic effects through CC single bonds

The molecular structure of the stretched form of n-nonane, as a typical long-chain hydrocarbon, was refined by geometrically unconstrained ab initio force relaxation on the 4-21G level. The CC bonds and CH bond distances in the interior of the hydrocarbon chain are found to be longer (by about 0.001 A and 0.002 A, respectively) than those near the end of the chain. Similarly, interior CCC bond angles are 0.4° larger than the terminal angles. The variation of structural parameters with distance from the molecular ends levels off after the second carbon atom, and the geometry of methylene is practically constant from C3 on. However, if one end of the system is perturbed by moving the inplane methyl hydrogen away from equilibrium, the resulting destabilizing electronic effects are transmitted through the CC bond distance chain in such a way that significant perturbations are still experienced at C5. Molecular mechanics (MM2) gives a structure in which the small changes in bond lengths and angles with chain location are well reproduced.
Significance test for characteristics among multiple spectrum estimates

Abstract Unfortunately tests of significance are not frequently made on power spectrum estimates in the applied literature. This paper discussed a straightforward application of analysis of variance methods to power spectra so that power spectra from a multi-dimensional multi-level experimental design can be analyzed. This method makes available all of the usual advantages of analysis of variance plus the fact that such a method is another step toward placing power spectrum analysis into a more powerful and familiar statistical framework. Assumptions and limitations are discussed and two examples are given.
Interpersonal Perception and Alcohol Expectancies Predict Beverage Selection in Opposite Sex Dyadic Interactions

ABSTRACT This study examined cognitive-personality and situational factors which contribute to the decision to consume alcohol in a mixed sex interaction. Participants were college students who completed the Alcohol Expectancy Questionnaire, an alcohol consumption measure, and the Fear of Negative Evaluation Scale (FNE). Individuals interacted with a member of the opposite sex (29 dyads) for a total of 15 minutes. After 4 minutes, participants evaluated their partner, then selected a beverage before resuming the interaction. Men were more likely to select alcohol (p <.05), as were those with positive alcohol expectancies (p = .001), and those who perceived their partner as anxious (p = .01). Typical alcohol consumption and FNE were not predictive. Results are discussed in terms of the need to consider both personal and perceived situational factors in understanding an individual's beverage choice in opposite sex dyadic situations.
Energy-efficient interspike interval codes

We investigate the energy efficiency of interspike interval (ISI) neural codes. Using the hypothesis that nature maximizes the energy efficiency of information processing, it is possible to derive neuronal firing frequencies which maximize the information/energy ratio. With simple assumptions about the encoded ISI and noise distributions, we show that ISI codes can be at least as efficient as discrete binary and frequency codes and that their predicted optimal frequencies are in the same range.
Characterization of Disease-related 5β-Reductase (AKR1D1) Mutations Reveals Their Potential to Cause Bile Acid Deficiency

Bile acid deficiency is a serious syndrome in newborns that can result in death if untreated. 5β-Reductase deficiency is one form of bile acid deficiency and is characterized by dramatically decreased levels of physiologically active 5β-reduced bile acids. AKR1D1 (aldo-keto reductase 1D1) is the only known human enzyme that stereo-specifically reduces the Δ4 double bond in 3-keto steroids and sterols to yield the 5β-hydrogenated product. Analysis of the AKR1D1 gene in five patients with 5β-reductase deficiency revealed five different mutations resulting in an amino acid substitution in the protein. To investigate a causal role for these observed point mutations in AKR1D1 in 5β-reductase deficiency, we characterized their effect on enzymatic properties. Attempts to purify mutant enzymes by overexpression in Escherichia coli only yielded sufficient amounts of the P133R mutant for further characterization. This enzyme displayed a highly reduced Km and Vmax reminiscent of uncompetitive kinetics with 4-cholesten-7α-ol-3-one as substrate. In addition, this mutant displayed no change in cofactor affinity but was more thermolabile in the absence of NADPH as judged by CD spectroscopy. All mutants were compared following expression in HEK 293 cells. Although these enzymes were equally expressed based on mRNA levels, protein expression and functional activity were dramatically reduced. Cycloheximide treatment also revealed that several of the expressed mutants were less stable. Our findings show that the reported mutations in AKR1D1 in patients with 5β-reductase lead to significantly decreased levels of active enzyme and could be causal in the development of bile acid deficiency syndrome.
The effects of cimetidine on schedule-controlled responding and locomotor activity in rats

Abstract The effect of intraperitoneal injections of cimetidine, a selective histaminergic H2-receptor blocking agent, on operant behavior and locomotor activity were examined in rats. Cimetidine (1–100 mg/kg) failed to show any significant effect on responding maintained under a fixed-ratio (FR) 30 fixed-interval (FI) 5-min schedule of food presentation. A higher dose of cimetidine (300 mg/kg) produced decreases in both FR and FI rates of responding. In contrast, 100 mg/kg of cimetidineincreased the response rate and decreased reinforcement rate in rats performing under a schedule requiring the temporal spacing of responses (DRL-10 sec). Cimetidine (10–300 mg/kg) did not induce significant changes in locomotor activity in the rat. These data suggest that cimetidine is more potent in altering the steady low rate of responding under a DRL schedule of food presentation, than responding maintained under a multiple FR FI schedule, and that cimitidine is even less potent in altering locomotor activity.
Free radical generation and oxidative stress with ageing and exercise: Differential effects in the myocardium and liver

Reactive oxygen species and other oxidants are implicated in the mechanisms of biological ageing and exercise-induced tissue damage. The present study examined the effects of ageing and an acute bout of exercise on intracellular oxidant generation, lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation and glutathione (GSH) status in the heart and liver of young adult (8 month, N=24) and old (24 month, N=24) male Fischer 344 rats. Young rats ran on treadmill at 25 m min-1, 5% grade until exhaustion (55.4+/-2.7 min), whereas old rats ran at 15 m min-1, 5% until exhaustion (58.0+/-2.7 min). Rate of dichlorofluorescin (DCFH) oxidation, an indication of intracellular oxidant production, was significantly higher in the homogenates of aged heart and liver compared with their young counterparts. In the isolated heart and liver mitochondria, ageing increased oxidant production by 29 and 32% (P<0.05), respectively. Acute exercise increased oxidant production in the aged heart but not in the liver. When nicodinamide dinucleotide phosphate (reduced), adenosine diphosphate and Fe3+ were included in the assay, DCFH oxidation rate was 47 and 34% higher (P<0.05) in the aged heart and liver homogenates, respectively, than the young ones. The age differences in the induced state reached 83 and 140% (P<0.01) in isolated heart and liver mitochondria, respectively. Lipid peroxidation was increased in the aged liver and exercised aged heart, whereas protein carbonyl content was elevated only in the aged heart (P<0.05). Although our data using DCFH method probably underestimated cellular oxidant production because of time delay and antioxidant competition, it is clear that oxidative stress was enhanced in both heart and liver with old age. Furthermore, aged myocardium showed greater susceptibility to oxidative stress after heavy exercise.
The occurrence of N-acetylaspartate amidohydrolase (aminoacylase II) in the developing rat.

Of The amino acids and derivatives, N-acetyl-L-aspartic acid is present in a uniquely high level (5–6 μmol/g) in the brain of mammals after myelination has occurred. Much lower levels (0·06–0·17 μmol/g) are found prior to this stage of brain development (Tallan, 1957). In non-nervous tissues, on the other hand, only trace amounts of this acetyl amino acid are present (Tallan, Moore and Stein, 1956). N-acetyl aspartic acid serves as an excellent source of acetyl groups for lipogenesis in the developing rat brain (D'Adamo and Yatsu, 1966; Dadamo, Gidez and Yatsu, 1968). Non-nervous tissues such as kidney and mammary gland also rapidly metabolize the acetyl amino acid, the former tissue converting the acetyl group primarily to CO2 and the latter to fatty acids (Benuck and D'Adamo, 1968). An enzyme with a high specificity for N-acetyl-L-aspartic acid initially termed aminoacylase II, was originally isolated from hog kidney by Birnbaumet al. (1952). Since the physiological role of the substrate is not known, it was of interest to study the occurrence of this enzyme, N-acetyl-L-aspartate amidohydrolase (EC 3.5.1.15), in developing tissues of the rat.