cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
POST-LARVAL DEVELOPMENTAL DYNAMICS OF THE SPINICAUDATAN (BRANCHIOPODA: DIPLOSTRACA) CARAPACE

The evolution of reproductive systems is of critical importance to evolution and yet has been difficult to examine using paleontological information. Recent studies on freshwater “clam shrimp” in both extant and fossil populations have demonstrated that sex can be inferred by quantifying morphological differences of the carapaces. However, the extent of morphological continuity between juveniles and mature phenotypes remains unclear, which, if extensive, would confound the determination of sex ratios from fossil specimens. Herein, we report studies of clam shrimp ontogeny using quantitative morphometric techniques to assess carapace shape change through juvenile and early adult development. Intra- and inter-species ontogenetic variance was captured in three species from two families (Limnadiidae, Cyzicidae), three genera (Paralimnadia, Eulimnadia and Cyzicus), and three breeding systems (dioecy, androdioecy and hermaphroditism) using geometric morphometric analyses to identify and characterize discrete phenotypic stages during ontogeny. With this approach, we successfully discriminated juvenile, male and female/hermaphrodite phenotypes. Additionally, we generated models that described the ontogenetic trajectory of carapace shape as species developed into sexually mature phenotypes. These findings verify the ability of these morphometric techniques to distinguish sex ratios using only carapace shape and, thus, validate the use of fossil spinicaudatans for studies of reproductive system evolution in deep time.
Signaling from the Small GTP-binding Proteins Rac1 and Cdc42 to the c-Jun N-terminal Kinase/Stress-activated Protein Kinase Pathway A ROLE FOR MIXED LINEAGE KINASE 3/PROTEIN-TYROSINE KINASE 1, A NOVEL MEMBER OF THE MIXED LINEAGE KINASE FAMILY

Certain small GTP-binding proteins control the enzymatic activity of a family of closely related serine-threonine kinases known as mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs). In turn, these MAPKs, such as p44mapk and p42mapk, referred to herein as MAPKs, and stress-activated protein kinases, also termed c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNKs), phosphorylate and regulate the activity of key molecules that ultimately control the expression of genes essential for many cellular processes. Whereas Ras controls the activation of MAPK, we and others have recently observed that two members of the Rho family of small GTP-binding proteins, Rac1 and Cdc42, regulate the activity of JNKs. The identity of molecules communicating Rac1 and Cdc42 to JNK is still poorly understood. It has been suggested that Pak1 is the most upstream kinase connecting these GTPases to JNK; however, we have observed that coexpression of Pak1 with activated forms of Cdc42 or Rac1 diminishes rather than enhances JNK activation. This prompted us to explore the possibility that kinases other than Pak might participate in signaling from GTP-binding proteins to JNK. In this regard, a computer-assisted search for proteins containing areas of homology to that in Pak1 that is involved in binding to Rac1 and Cdc42 led to the identification of mixed lineage kinase 3 (MLK3), also known as protein-tyrosine kinase 1, as a potential candidate for this function. In this study, we found that MLK3 overexpression is sufficient to activate JNK potently without affecting the phosphorylating activity of MAPK or p38. Furthermore, we present evidence that MLK3 binds the GTP-binding proteins Cdc42 and Rac1 in vivo and that MLK3 mediates activation of MEKK-SEK-JNK kinase cascade by Rac1 and Cdc42. Taken together, these findings strongly suggest that members of the novel MLK family of highly related kinases link small GTP-binding proteins to the JNK signaling pathway.
Oxidation of Alcohols by Hydrogen Peroxide, Catalyzed by Methyltrioxorhenium (MTO): A Hydride Abstraction.

Primary and secondary alcohols are oxidized using hydrogen peroxide as an oxygen donor and methyltrioxorhenium (MTO) as a catalyst. The methylrhenium di-peroxide, CH3Re(O)(η2-O2)2(H2O), was the dominant and reactive form of the catalyst. Representative rate constants k/L mol-1 s-1 are 1.02 × 10-4 for 4-Me-α-methylbenzyl alcohol and 4.9 × 10-5 for 4-Cl-α-methylbenzyl alcohol. There was a kinetic isotope effect of 3.2 for the α C−H bond. When sec-phenethyl alcohol was labeled with 18O, 80% of the oxygen was retained in the ketone. Tests for the possible intervention of a free radical intermediate were carried out; the evidence was entirely negative. A mechanism featuring hydride abstraction is proposed, the first time for the H2O2/MTO system. Also, a cocatalytic set of reaction conditions has been developed on the synthetic scale, using bromide and MTO as cocatalysts, which cuts the reaction time from hours to minutes.
Diffusion-viscous flow coupling and global transport coefficients symmetry in matter transport through porous membranes

If statistical mechanical theory of Bearman and Kirkwood is applied to describe isothermal permeation of an incompressible solution through a porous membrane at mechanical equilibrium and not far from thermodynamic equilibrium and if the pores are homogeneous and cylindrical, the global transport coefficients of the system are symmetric if and only if switching off the short-ranged membrane-solution interactions leads to an uncoupling of diffusion and viscous flow.
Where in an Ordered Sequence of Variables Do Independent Age-Related Effects Occur?

A series of regression analyses was conducted to determine which variables in an ordered sequence had significant age-related effects after control of the immediately preceding variable in the sequence. Independent age-related effects in these types of analyses are particularly interesting because they represent age-related influences that are not mediated through earlier variables. A total of 56 analyses are reported with ordered variables representing: (a) successive trials or sessions in learning; (b) progressively more intervening events during the retention interval of a memory task; (c) successively longer stimulus presentation durations; and (d) increased processing complexity. In most of the analyses a very large proportion of the age-related effects on later variables was found to be mediated through earlier variables in the sequence.
Management of cervical metastasis

Cervical metastasis from head and neck cancer is a common occurrence. Despite improvements in diagnostic modalities and treatment options, survival in this group of patients has not changed appreciably over the past few decades. Cervical metastasis portends a poor prognosis and also presents a diagnostic and treatment dilemma for the head and neck oncologist. This article reviews the current state of the art in the diagnosis and treatment of this difficult group of patients and the literature on the topic.
The other olive associated with vomiting

A 38-year-old female with a history of chronic reflux esophagitis and peptic ulcer disease presented to the emergency department complaining of a 5-day history of dysphagia with solids more than liquids. She had a similar episode 4 months prior that resolved spontaneously. She stated that any time she ate anything solid, or drank liquids too quickly, she would regurgitate; she could only tolerate small sips. She denied foreign body ingestion, shortness of breath, or other gastrointestinal symptoms. Physical examination revealed a woman who was mildly dehydrated and orthostatic, but was otherwise unremarkable. Initial concern was for distal esophageal stricture, malignancy, or foreign body. A barium swallow was performed; results are shown in Figure 1. The radiograph illustrates a round filling defect in the distal esophagus (see arrow). On repeat questioning of the patient, she recalled eating a salad 5 days ago in which she swallowed a whole olive that caused a brief period of discomfort, but she felt that it had passed into her stomach. Emergent endoscopy was performed, which confirmed that the object was indeed the olive in question. It was pushed into the stomach without difficulty with relief of the patient’s symptoms. She was scheduled for outpatient lower esophageal balloon dilatation.
Voting With Their Feet: Nonprofit Organizations and Immigrant Mobilization

In 2006 immigrants and their supporters participated in a series of marches in cities throughout the United States. The enormous size and scale of the demonstrations were surprising to some observers, who saw the marches as a spontaneous outburst of frustration. This article argues the unprecedented turnout at the demonstrations should be seen not as a spontaneous outburst but in large part the result of long-standing cooperative efforts and networks of immigrant-serving nonprofit organizations. Immigrant-serving organizations were at the forefront of organizing public education campaigns, advocacy activities, and community mobilization efforts leading up to the demonstrations. Using Chicago and New York City as case studies, the article analyzes data from a survey of 498 nonprofit organizations conducted in 2005, just prior to the demonstrations. The authors show how a history of collaborations, organizational network ties, and the existing relations between organizations in key coalitions became the fou...
Additional evidence for high-resistance intercalated discs in the myocardium.

Parallel-fibered strips of cardiac (cat papillary) and skeletal (frog sartorius) muscles were mounted in air and action potentials were externally recorded from the middle of the strip. Electric fields, oriented longitudinally with respect to the long axis of the cells, were applied. A pair of stimulating electrodes was located at each end of the strip to test for propagation. Under conditions of blocked propagation produced by addition of isotonic sucrose solution, the cells near the middle of the strip could be tested for direct response to longitudinal fields. In long-celled skeletal muscle, the sucrose solution produced simultaneously failure of electrical and mechanical response to stimulation across the strip as well as failure of propagation; stimulation at ten times threshold failed to elicit responses. However, in short-celled cardiac muscle, the sucrose solution produced failure of propagation first; electrical and mechanical responses to longitudinal field stimulation continued without a change in threshold. From these experiments it may be concluded that transverse membranes of high resistance are present in cardiac muscle; thus, radial currents are forced to flow through each cell membrane leading to direct excitation.
The effect of cocaine on myometrial contractile activity: Basic mechanisms

Several clinical studies have reported an association between cocaine use in pregnancy and preterm labor. The mechanism by which cocaine exerts this effect is unclear. Although cocaine stimulates isolated myometrial contractile activity, results using whole animal models are conflicting. Although cocaine inhibits uterine neuronal and extraneuronal uptake of catecholamines and increases circulating levels of catecholamines in experimental animals, it is unlikely that facilitation of the alpha-adrenergic pathway is the sole mechanism of cocaine's action. Further investigation of possible indirect mechanisms of action including altered prostaglandin production, inhibition of beta-adrenergic response, and direct effects on intracellular calcium mobilization may lead to enhanced understanding of the clinical ramifications of cocaine use during pregnancy.
Seasonal and Life-long Variation of Sr/Ca Ratio in Shells of Mya arenaria from Grays Harbor (Washington)—an Ancillary Criterion in Demographic Studies

Abstract Mya arenaria was introduced to Grays Harbor (Washington) during the 1880s. Maximum size of members of the extant population is much smaller than that of clams dead in situ in preceding decades and nowadays found forming extensive 'death assemblages'. This could reflect differences in growth rate and/or maximum age (i.e. survival rate). Major 'growth marks' (seen in shell sections as translucent bands) are formed in the shell of extant clams during winter, when temperature and salinity are at their minima. Interpretation of the optical pattern observed in shells from the extinct population is difficult with criteria developed for the extant population, and cannot be validated experimentally. To assess the possible use of strontium/calcium ratios as an objective criterion for age estimation, profiles of Sr/Ca ratio and luminance were measured across thin sections of shell chondrophores of clams from the extinct ( N =4) and extant ( N =3) populations. Peaks in the Sr/Ca ratio always corresponded with translucent bands in shells from the two populations. Cross-correlation between vectors of slopes for two consecutive measurements of Sr/Ca and luminance was positive and significant for five of the seven clams. Cycles of high and low Sr/Ca ratios matched seasonality in the environment and are most probably governed by temperature, allowing validation of ages estimated for shells from the extinct population. There was a positive, significant correlation between mean Sr/Ca ratio and estimated age at the time of shell formation. This ontogenetic trend could be related to age, growth rate or both. Profiles of Sr/Ca constitute a useful ancillary criterion for age validation. Results support the hypothesis that the observed difference in maximum size is due to higher longevity in the extinct population.
Serum‐free culture of chicken embryonic sensory ganglia in a balanced salt solution with nerve growth factor for periods up to two weeks

Culture of embryonic chicken dorsal root ganglia for periods exceeding a week generally require serum supplementation and a trophic factor such as nerve growth factor. In this communication we describe the culture of chicken E-9 dorsal root ganglia for periods up to 2 weeks in a system that is composed only of a simple basic salts solution and 10 ng/ml (3.8 X 10(-10)M) beta nerve growth factor. Commercially available tissue culture dishes are used which have a hydrophilic, gas-diffusable membrane on the bottom to which the ganglia directly attach, eliminating the need for added substratum. Sparse fiber outgrowth appears after 24 hours and growth of the fibers continues for 120 hours of incubation. At this time, the fibers are extremely dense and reach approximately 3.5-4.0 diameters from the body of the ganglion. Continued survival of these fibers appears to depend on the concentration of nonneuronal cells present in the dish. No fiber outgrowth occurs at any time in the absence of beta nerve growth factor. The simplicity and purity of this culture system makes it an attractive tool in the study of primary cell-cell interactions, the production of trophic factors by nonneuronal cells, and biochemical and physiological analyses of growing neurons.
The Peregrine high-performance RPC system

The Peregrine RPC system provides performance very close to the optimum allowed by the hardware limits, while still supporting the complete RPC model. Implemented on an Ethernet network of Sun-3/60 workstations, a null RPC between two user-level threads executing on separate machines requires 573 microseconds. This time compares well with the fastest network RPC times reported in the literature, ranging from about 1100 to 2600 microseconds, and is only 309 microseconds above the measured hardware latency for transmitting the call and result packets in our environment. For large multi-packet RPC calls, the Peregrine user-level data transfer rate reaches 8.9 megabits per second, approaching the Ethernet’s 10 megabit per second network transmission rate. Between two user-level threads on the same machine, a null RPC requires 149 microseconds. This paper identifies some of the key performance optimizations used in Peregrine, and quantitatively assesses their benefits.
Perceptions of perceptual symbols

Various defenses of amodal symbol systems are addressed, including amodal symbols in sensory-motor areas, the causal theory of concepts, supramodal concepts, latent semantic analysis, and abstracted amodal symbols. Various aspects of perceptual symbol systems are clarified and developed, including perception, features, simulators, category structure, frames, analogy, introspection, situated action, and development. Particular attention is given to abstract concepts, language, and computational mechanisms.
Effect of iron-sulfur cluster environment in modulating the thermodynamic properties and biological function of ferredoxin from Pyrococcus furiosus.

The ferredoxin (7.5 kDa) of the hyperthermophilic archaeon, Pyrococcus furiosus, contains a single [4Fe-4S]1+,2+ cluster that is coordinated by three Cys and one Asp residue rather than the expected four Cys. The role of this Asp residue was investigated using a series of mutants, D14X, where X = C, S, H, N, V, and Y, prepared by heterologous gene expression in Escherichia coli. While the recombinant form of the wild-type and the D14S and D14C mutants contained a [4Fe-4S]1+,2+ cluster, the D14V, D14H, D14Y, and D14N proteins contained a [3Fe-4S]0,+ center, as determined by visible spectroscopy and electrochemistry. The redox potentials (at pH 7.0, 23 °C) of the D14C and D14S mutants were decreased by 58 and 133 mV, respectively, compared to those of the wild-type 4Fe-ferredoxin (Em −368 mV), while those of the 3Fe-protein mutants (including the 3Fe-form of the D14S, generated by chemical oxidation) were between 15 and 118 mV more positive than that of wild-type 3Fe-form (obtained by chemical oxidation, Em...
Allozyme diversity in Chinese, Seguin and American chestnut (Castanea spp.)

Allozyme genetic variability in three chestnut (Castanea) species was investigated using 19 loci from ten enzyme systems. G-tests of heterogeneity of isozymic allele distribution showed significant differences between the three species at 15 of the 19 loci, and between the 13 C. mollissima populations at 13 of the 19 loci examined. C. mollissima was found to possess a significantly-higher value of mean gene heterozygosity (H=0.3050±0.0419), the percentage of polymorphic loci (P=84.21%) and the average number of alleles per locus (A=2.05), than any other species in the Castanea section Eucastanon. When the genetic variability of populations of C. mollissima from four regions in China was investigated, the population from the Changjiang river region showed a markedly higher mean gene heterozygosity (H=0.3480±0.0436) than populations from the other regions. Genetic relationships among the four regions were assessed by Nei's genetic identity I and standard genetic distance D. An approximately-identical distance between the population from the Changjiang river region and populations from the three other regions was observed, while populations from the latter regions showed almost the same genetic distance from each other. These data, when considered with information existing prior to this study, contribute to an understanding of the possible origin and progenitor of the chestnut species.
Personality disorders and body weight

We examine the impact of Axis II personality disorders (PDs) on body weight. PDs are psychiatric conditions that develop early in life from a mixture of genetics and environment, are persistent, and lead to substantial dysfunction for the affected individual. The defining characteristics of PDs conceptually link them with body weight, but the direction of the relationship likely varies across PD type. To investigate these links, we analyze data from Wave II of the National Epidemiological Survey of Alcohol and Related Conditions. We measure body weight with the body mass index (BMI) and a dichotomous indicator for obesity (BMI≥30). We find that women with PDs have significantly higher BMI and are more likely to be obese than otherwise similar women. We find few statistically significant or economically meaningful effects for men. Paranoid, schizotypal, and avoidant PDs demonstrate the strongest adverse impacts on women's body weight while dependent PD may be protective against elevated body weight among men. Findings from unconditional quantile regressions demonstrate a positive gradient between PDs and BMI in that the effects are greater for higher BMI respondents.
Growth factor modulation of the extracellular matrix.

Two cell culture models were utilized to characterize the actions of peptide growth factors on the composition of the extracellular matrix of embryonic mesenchymal tissue. To model the three-dimensional architecture of mesenchymal tissue, chick embryonic mesenchymal cells were maintained in organ culture as adherent cell populations in small three-dimensional tissue spheroids and as sparse populations of cells embedded in a mesh of hydrated native collagen fibrils. Cell proliferation was stimulated by a variety of growth factors. All of the growth factors that elicited a mitogenic response in both of these culture systems also stimulated the deposition of an abundant fibronectin-containing extracellular matrix that colocalized with the regions of active cell proliferation. The suggestion that the matrigenic actions of growth factors for intact mesenchymal tissue are an integral part of mitogenic signaling is supported by the observation that surfaces derivatized with ProNectin, an artificial mimic of the RGD attachment domain of fibronectin, stimulated the proliferation of embryonic mesenchyme in the absence of exogenous growth factors. All of the growth factors that activated proliferation and fibronectin matrix accumulation stimulated the transformation of the mesenchymal cells into myofibroblasts that displayed the marker α-smooth muscle actin.
The ternary system copper-magnesium-calcium

Abstract A phase diagram for the Cu-Mg-Ca ternary system has been derived from metallography, X-ray diffraction, electron-microprobe, and thermal-analysis data. An isothermal section at 350 °C has been constructed, and the approximate locations of the liquidus curves have been plotted. The stoichiometry of a previously reported binary compound, Ca4Cu, has been redetermined to be Ca2Cu. X-ray data for Ca2Cu and CaCu, a new binary compound, have been tabulated.
Ghrelin and its analogues as therapeutic agents for anorexia and cachexia in end-stage renal disease

Anorexia and cachexia are prevalent in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and are associated with increased risks of morbidity and mortality. Ashby et al. provide evidence that subcutaneous administration of synthetic ghrelin stimulated food intake in ESRD patients over a week, with no subsequent reduction in energy intake and no significant adverse effects. However, the clinical utility of ghrelin will depend on long-term outcomes in improving appetite and lean body mass as well as morbidity and mortality.
Synthesis and Nonlinear Optical Characteristics of Chromophore-Functionalized Polymers Having Chromophore-Centered Hydrogen-Bonding and Crosslinking Groups

In this study, we report the synthesis and characterization of a new, systematically designed class of second-order NLO polymers in which the appended chromophoric substituent is modified (hydroxylated) to allow direct chromophore involvement in hydrogen-bonding and crosslinking. Thus, the glassy polymer poly(p-hydroxystyrene) has been functionalized to varying levels with the N-(3-hydroxy-4-nitrophenyl)-(S)-prolinoxy (HNPP) high- pd chromophore. The time-dependent second harmonic generation characteristics of thin films of this material have been studied at {ie39-1} as a function of chromophore functionalization level, hydrogen-bonding capacity, and thermal crosslinking. These materials are found to possess high d33 values (up to 34 x 10-9 esu) and long characteristic SHG decay times (longer than a year). Analysis of the decay of the second harmonic signal shows that increasing hydrogen-bonding density substantially increases relaxation times; it is further shown that introduction of crosslinks is yet more effective in imparting SHG temporal stability to these polymeric nonlinear optical materials.
Service Multinationals: Conceptualization, Measurement and Theory

The application of MNE definitions, measurements and theories to international services is still in its infancy, despite the considerable size and growth of this sector. There are problems in defining, classifying, measuring, comparing and explaining service MNEs, but they do not require special definitions and theories. Still, research to date suggests: (1) delinking the concepts of multinational enterprise and foreign direct investment under certain conditions, and (2) qualifying the nature of ownership, internalization and location advantages in FDI theory, as far as service MNEs are concerned.
Solid-phase synthesis of substituted guanidines using a novel acid labile linker.

A novel acid labile linker for solid-phase synthesis of substituted guanidines has been developed. Its synthetic utility is exemplified by high-yielding pyrazole displacement with structurally and ...
Loss of p24 function in Drosophila melanogaster causes a stress response and increased levels of NF-κB-regulated gene products

Secretory and transmembrane proteins traverse the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and Golgi compartments for final maturation prior to reaching their functional destinations. Members of the p24 protein family, which are transmembrane constituents of ER and Golgi-derived transport vesicles, function in trafficking some secretory proteins in yeast and higher eukaryotes. Yeast p24 mutants have minor secretory defects and induce an ER stress response that likely results from accumulation of proteins in the ER due to disrupted trafficking. We tested the hypothesis that loss of Drosophila melanogaster p24 protein function causes a transcriptional response characteristic of ER stress activation. We performed genome-wide profiling experiments on tissues from Drosophila females with a mutation in the p24 gene logjam (loj) and identified changes in message levels for 641 genes. We found that loj mutants have expression profiles consistent with activation of stress responses. Of particular note is our observation that approximately 20% of the loci up regulated in loj mutants are Drosophila immune-regulated genes (DIRGs), many of which are transcriptional targets of NF-κB or JNK signaling pathways. The loj mutant expression profiling data support the hypothesis that loss of p24 function causes a stress response. Genes involved in ameliorating stress, such as those encoding products involved in proteolysis, metabolism and protein folding, are differentially expressed in loj mutants compared to controls. Nearly 20% of the genes with increased message levels in the loj mutant are transcriptional targets of Drosophila NF-κB proteins. Activation of NF-κB transcription factors is the hallmark of an ER stress response called the ER overload response. Therefore, our data are consistent with the hypothesis that Drosophila p24 mutations induce stress, possibly via activation of ER stress response pathways. Because of the molecular and genetic tools available for Drosophila, the fly will be a useful system for investigating the tissue-specific functions of p24 proteins and for determining the how disrupting these molecules causes stress responses in vivo.
Electro-optical system for the nondestructive evaluation of bioengineering materials

The paper presents a system that may be used in a wide range of biomedical fields. The system can be applied in conjunction with different optical techniques: (a) holography, (b) moire method, (c) speckle techniques, (d) photoelasticity. The system has been built in such a way that an operator with average skills will be able to use it; data acquisition and processing are fast and almost automatic. A brief description of the system, its main components and the basic theory behind it, are given. The use of the system is illustrated with examples in orthopedics and in the cardio-vascular area.
Higher Education's Commitment to Instructional Improvement Programs

The chief reason that many educators are opting for low profile strategies to shape up college instruction is that in higher education we are still protected by the mistaken perception that universitylevel instruction is relatively good. Whereas our elementary and secondary schools have undergone intense public scrutiny during the past two decades, the quality of university instruction has gone largely unchallenged. Yet it desperately needs to be challenged. The time for rattling our ivy-laden walls and the ineffectual teaching conditions they hide is long overdue. But while our elementary and secondary schools are now in the midst of what many characterize as an "era of accountability," a period where they are under an obligation (often legislatively imposed) to produce evidence that their instructional efforts are effective, universities have been left to their
Evaluation of field and laboratory protocols used to detect avian influenza viruses in wild aquatic birds

Careful selection and observance of standard field and laboratory protocols are critical for successful detection and characterization of avian influenza viruses (AIV) from wild birds. Cloacal swabs were collected from hunter-killed or nesting waterfowl and shorebirds from wildlife refuges in Alabama, Georgia, and Florida during 2006 to 2008. Swab samples were inoculated into embryonated eggs followed by hemagglutination (HA) test to determine the presence of hemagglutinating agents. Antigen capture-ELISA (AC-ELISA) and real-time reverse transcription-PCR (RRT-PCR) were used to detect AIV from both allantoic fluids (AF) and swab specimens of HA-positive samples. Hemagglutination inhibition test was used to detect Newcastle disease virus, another hemagglutinating virus common in wild birds. The HA-positive AF were sent to the National Veterinary Services Laboratory for subtyping of the isolates. Out of 825 samples tested, 19 AIV and 3 avian paramyxovirus subtypes were identified by the National Veterinary Services Laboratory. Without egg passage, AC-ELISA did not detect virus, whereas matrix gene of 13 AIV were detected using RRT-PCR. When testing was done on AF, 14 were positive for influenza A by AC-ELISA and 20 by RRT-PCR. Antigen capture-ELISA did not detect influenza A when the HA titer was lower than 125, whereas RRT-PCR detected AIV from AF with HA titer as low as 4. The highest isolation rate was from Florida, where out of 109 samples analyzed, 14 AIV were detected by RRT-PCR from AF. Real-time reverse transcription-PCR was more sensitive, specific, and cost-effective than AC-ELISA. However, to avoid false-negative results, testing should be performed on AF and not directly from cloacal swabs. Our procedures to detect AIV directly from cloacal swabs need further optimization for improved sensitivity.
15 k.y. paleoclimatic and glacial record from northern New Mexico

The southern Sangre de Cristo Mountains, New Mexico, contain evidence of glacial activity from the late Pleistocene to late Holocene. Sediment cores recovered from an alpine bog (3100 m) trapped behind a Pinedale age moraine, ∼2 km downvalley from a high-elevation cirque, reached glacial-age debris and recovered ∼6 m of lake clays overlain by gyttja. Accelerator mass spectrometry dating, sedimentology, variations in magnetic properties, and organic carbon data reveal six distinct periods of glacial and/or periglacial activity. These include a late Pleistocene Pinedale glacial termination just before 12120 1 4 C yr B.P., a Younger Dryas chron cirque glaciation, an early Neoglacial periglacial event (ca. 4900 1 4 C yr B.P.), a late Holocene cirque glaciation (3700 1 4 C yr B.P.), as well as late Holocene periglacial events at 2800 1 4 C yr B.P. and the Little Ice Age (ca. 120 1 4 C yr B.P.). Cold events in the middle to late Holocene correlate with subtle ice-rafting events in the North Atlantic and records of cold events in North America and Europe and were probably hemispheric in extent.
Densely methylated DNA islands in mammalian chromosomal replication origins.

Densely methylated DNA sequence islands, designated DMIs, have been observed in two Chinese hamster cell chromosomal replication origins by using a PCR-based chemical method of detection. One of the origins, oriS14, is located within or adjacent to the coding sequence for ribosomal protein S14 on chromosome 2q, and the other, ori-beta, is approximately 17 kbp downstream of the dhfr (dihydrofolic acid reductase) locus on chromosome 2p. The DMI in oriS14 is 127 bp long, and the DMI in ori-beta is 516 bp long. Both DMIs are bilaterally methylated (i.e., all dCs are modified to 5-methyl dC) only in cells that are replicating their DNA. When cell growth and DNA replication are arrested, methylation of CpA, CpT, and CpC dinucleotides is lost and the sequence islands display only a subset of their originally methylated CpG dinucleotides. Several possible roles for DMI-mediated regulation of mammalian chromosomal origins are considered.
Computational issues in parameter estimation and feedback control problems for partial differential equation systems

Abstract We consider computational aspects of two problems governed by partial differential equations systems: (i) the computation of approximate Riccati feedback gains for LQR control problems,(ii) the estimation of parameters using methods based on approximate gradients computed via a costate algorithm. Sufficient conditions for convergence of algorithms for these problems are discussed; in both cases, some type of adjoint or costate system convergence is required in addition to the expected system convergence. Examples are discussed that illustrate computational difficulties which may arise if only convergence of the approximate system holds (i.e., in the event costate convergence does not hold).
'There's No One as Irish as Barack O'Bama': Policy and Politics of American Multiracialism

For the first time in American history, the 2000 census allowed respondents to identify with more than one race. That change resulted, in part, from mobilization of activists and an increasing population of mixed-race partnerships and multiracial offspring. However, despite both supporters' and opponents' predictions of rapid growth in multiracial identification, less than 3 percent of the population chose more than one race in 2000. And the largest recent surveys show similar results. This paper explores whether and how far multiracialism has become embedded in Americans' practice and understanding of race, and considers what might happen in the foreseeable future. Starting from theories that elegantly explicate various forms of policy feedback and transformation but are weaker on causal explanations for them, we identify four factors that lead an enacted policy to endure or be blocked. They are: whether other agencies have incentives to institutionalize the policy, whether the policy triggers development of a committed constituency, whether opposing groups remain strong, and whether the change is supported by independent societal trends. We find that the first and fourth factors encourage consolidation of multiracial identification, while the second and third work toward keeping it very low. Thus institutional procedures and underlying societal trends tend in one direction while individuals' active and intentional choices are tending the opposite way: a fascinating and unusual situation with important implications for theories of path dependency and policy transformation. The trajectory of multiracial identification could change the racial order in the United States, for better or for worse. If it increases, it might portend a shift in classification norms that could break down racial boundaries and even reduce interracial hostility and fear. Alternatively, an increase could signal Americans' desire to find one more route out of blackness and into some less denigrated status, to the detriment of African Americans. If multiracial identification does not increase, that will indicate the power of old single race understandings regardless of demographic changes, with all of their implications for prejudice and group loyalty.
Final stages of transition to turbulence in plane channel flow

This paper involves a numerical simulation of the final stages of transition to turbulence in plane channel flow at a Reynolds number of 1500. Three-dimensional incompressible Navier-Stokes equations are numerically integrated to obtain the time evolution of two- and three-dimensional finite-amplitude disturbances. Computations are performed on the CYBER-203 vector processor for a 32 x 51 x 32 grid. Solutions indicate the existence of structures similar to those observed in the laboratory and characteristics of the various stages of transition that lead to final breakdown. In particular, evidence points to the formation of a upside-down-V-shaped vortex and the subsequent system of horseshoe vortices inclined to the main flow direction as the primary elements of transition. Details of the resulting flow field after breakdown indicate the evolution of streaklike formations found in turbulent flows. Although the flow field does approach a steady state (turbulent channel flow), the introduction of subgrid-scale terms seems necessary to obtain fully developed turbulence statistics.
Compositionally Dependent Si 2p Binding Energy Shifts in Silicon Oxynitride Thin Films

The Si 2p binding energies measured from a series of silicon oxynitride thin films are related to the nitrogen contents of the films using a simple Pauling charge distribution model. The linear relation found between the binding energy and the calculated charge is expected if Si–N bonds replace Si–O bonds as the nitrogen content of the films is increased.
Useful views of student artifacts and activities: Supporting student use of an open-ended exploratory construction tool in the classroom

Constructionism suggests that people learn particularly well when they are creating personally meaningful artifacts for an audience. Design-oriented construction kits can provide affordances for creative, open-ended exploration and creation, but their use can be difficult to incorporate in a classroom setting where many learners are working at different rates or may find certain aspects of the activities more or less compelling. During the shared time in the classroom, what can be done to help students and instructors maintain awareness of opportunities for reflection, collaboration, or sharing? Once the shared time has passed, how can teachers and students review the work that was accomplished for reflection, assessment, or further exploration? What kinds of guidance might be useful for helping align student activities with the goals of the instructor? DigiQuilt is a constructionist toolkit for exploring math concepts through the creation of patchwork quilt blocks that solve mathematical challenges. In this presentation, we describe previous and ongoing work that aims to improve DigiQuilt in ways that support its reflective, meaningful use by teachers and learners in a classroom setting.
Diagnosis and treatment of inferior mesenteric arterial endoleaks after endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms.

PURPOSE: To review the incidence and repair of inferior mesenteric arterial (IMA) type II endoleaks after endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty patients who underwent endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms were examined. If an endoleak was identified at 30-day postoperative computed tomography, conventional arteriography was performed to identify and eliminate its source. After the exclusion of attachment site leaks, a catheter was placed selectively in the superior mesenteric artery (SMA). If retrograde filling of the IMA and aneurysm was identified, coil embolization was attempted through the SMA and middle colic artery. Intrasac pressures were measured at embolization. RESULTS: Eight of 50 patients (16%) had type II endoleaks that were attributed to retrograde flow in the IMA. Intrasac measurements demonstrated systemic pressure in six patients and one-half systemic pressure in two patients. The IMA was embolized through the SMA and left colic artery...
Treatment of dystonia

Dystonia, defined as a neurological syndrome characterised by involuntary, patterned, sustained, or repetitive muscle contractions of opposing muscles, causing twisting movements and abnormal postures, is one of the most disabling movement disorders. Although gene mutations and other causes are increasingly recognised, most patients have primary dystonia without a specific cause. Although pathogenesis-targeted treatment is still elusive, the currently available symptomatic treatment strategies are quite effective for some types of dystonia in relieving involuntary movements, correcting abnormal posture, preventing contractures, reducing pain, and improving function and quality of life. A small portion of patients have a known cause and respond to specific treatments, such as levodopa in dopa-responsive dystonia or drugs that prevent copper accumulation in Wilson's disease. Therapeutic options must be tailored to the needs of individual patients and include chemodenervation with botulinum toxin injections for patients with focal or segmental dystonia, and medical treatments or deep brain stimulation for patients with generalised dystonia.
Using Social Marketing to Increase Awareness of the African American Infant Mortality Disparity

Background. African American infants in San Francisco suffer a mortality rate two to three times higher than Whites, yet prior discussion groups with African American residents suggested they were unaware of this disparity. Methods. Social marketing techniques were used to develop and implement three campaigns to increase awareness. The campaign themes were (1) infant mortality disparities, (2) proper infant sleep position, and (3) taking action to reduce disparities. Mediums to carry messages included bus ads, radio ads, church fans, and posters and cards distributed at clinics, daycares, agency waiting rooms, and community organizations. Campaign effectiveness was evaluated using telephone surveys of African Americans. Results. Almost 62% report some exposure to Campaign 1, 48.5% to Campaign 2, and 48.9% to Campaign 3. Chi-square analyses reveal a statistically significant increase in awareness of the disparity (39.6% vs. 62.7%, p < .0005, odds ratio [OR] = 2.5, confidence interval [CI] = 2.1-3.2). Alth...
Recruitment of the intracellular Ca2+ by ultrashort electric stimuli: The impact of pulse duration

Nanosecond-duration electric stimuli are distinguished by the ability to permeabilize intracellular membranes and recruit Ca2+ from intracellular stores. We quantified this effect in non-excitable cells (CHO) using ratiometric Ca2+ imaging with Fura-2. In a Ca2+-free medium, 10-, 60-, and 300-ns stimuli evoked Ca2+ transients by mobilization of Ca2+ from the endoplasmic reticulum. With 2 mM external Ca2+, the transients included both extra- and intracellular components. The recruitment of intracellular Ca2+ increased as the stimulus duration decreased. At the threshold of 200–300 nM, the transients were amplified by calcium-induced calcium release. We conclude that nanosecond stimuli mimic Ca2+ signaling while bypassing the usual receptor- and channels-mediated cascades. The recruitment of the intracellular Ca2+ can be controlled by the duration of the stimulus.
Lithium metal: An experimental equation of state

Abstract The piston-displacement technique has been used to obtain pressure-volume-temperature data for lithium metal over the temperature range from 350°K to 20°K at pressures up to 20 kbars. The data may be represented by a temperature-independent isothermal bulk modulus BT which varies linearly with the pressure with a slope dB T dP = 3.6(±0.25) . The bulk modulus at the equilibrium molar volume at absolute zero (12.69 cm3/mole) is 123 (±3) kbars. The experimental details as well as the general conclusions are identical with those described in earlier work on potassium metal (J. Phys. Chem. Solids26, 291 (1965)). The similarity between the experimental results for sodium, potassium and lithium suggests that to a first approximation the cohesive energies for these three metals can be represented as U 0 (V) = ϵƒ( V σ 3 )+E 0 , where the function ƒ and the energy ϵ are the same for all three and the characteristic distance σ and the additive constant E0 are characteristic of the individual metal.
Estimate of the stress field in Kilauea's South Flank, Hawaii

SUMMARY We estimated stress and seismic strain tensors for the Kilauea volcano's south flank. The stress orientation inversion and the seismic strain calculation were performed using fault-plane solutions. The principal stress and seismic strain directions are approximately uniformly distributed in space and time during the interval covered by the data. However, the 01,03 plane is approximately orthogonal to the plane. Therefore, a weak layer may exist beneath the south flank. o1 has a plunge of 59" and an azimuth of 152", with a 10" 95 per cent confidence range. We also developed a stress magnitude inversion to estimate magnitudes of boundary and interior stresses. In this inversion, the principal stress directions were taken as constraints in the seismic volume, and surface geodetic observations were used as data. The maximum magmatic pressure in Kilauea's rift zone is about 160 MPa. The direction of o1 can be interpreted as the superposition of hydrostatic stress (pgh) and magmatic pressure. Without the constraint imposed by the direction of ol, the estimated pressure is only 60 MPa. The distribution of magmatic pressure may be similar to that of pgh. In contrast, the upper rift zone may be in tension. The shear stress in the rift zone is about one order of magnitude smaller than the maximum compressive stress, supporting the interpretation of magmatic flow as fluid in dikes or channels. The combination of stress orientation inversion, seismic strain calculation, and stress magnitude inversion performed in this study provides a means by which to estimate the stress state in seismic areas.