cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of logging roads on depredation of artificial ground nests in a forested landscape

We examined depredation of artificial ground nests in relation to logging-road width and distance of nests from logging roads at the Barrens Grouse Habitat Management Area (HMA) in central Pennsylvania from May to July 1994. We also compared predation rates on nests placed at induced edges created by narrow logging roads versus clearcut edges. Of the total nests, 1 31 (53%) were disturbed during the study. Disturbance was greater (P < 0.001) at nests farther away (<50 m) from roads (57% disturbed) than at nests near (<1 m) roads regardless of width (6-8 m wide: 49%; 15-20 m wide: 45%). Nest fate also was associated with type of induced edge (P= 0.032); nests located at the interface of clearcut plots had higher (P = 0.001) rates of disturbance (84%) than nests associated with other edge types (22-64%). We concluded that predators were not using logging roads as travel corridors or concentrating foraging activities along these linear corridors. Harvest-created edges, such as those along clearcut plots, may increase predator activity, thereby resulting in higher incidences of nest predation along clearcut edges than along logging roads. We caution that investigators should take into account distances of nests to different types of edges when evaluating avian nesting success in managed forested landscapes.
Theoretical Investigation of the C2H2B2 Potential Energy Surface

Fifteen unique energy minima and thirteen transition states on the C 2H2B2 potential surface have been located and optimized at the MP2 level of theory with the 6-311G(d,p) basis set. The planar four-membered ring isomer \({\text{HC}}{\text{ = }}{\text{ = }}{\text{CHB}}{\text{ = }}{\text{ = }}{\text{B}}\), 1, an analog of cyclobutadiene, is a transition state lying 37 kcal/mol above the nonplanar four-membered ring \({\text{HC}}{\text{ = }}{\text{ = }}{\text{CHB - B - }}\), 3. The planar \({\text{HC}}{\text{ = }}{\text{ = }}{\text{B - CH}}{\text{ = }}{\text{ = }}{\text{C}}\), 10, is the second most stable species found, lying 72.2 kcal/mol below 3. The nonplanar, butterfly-shaped \({\text{B}}{\text{ = }}{\text{ = }}{\text{CH - CH}}{\text{ = }}{\text{ = }}{\text{B}}\) ring, 4, is a local minimum 33.7 kcal/mol more stable than 3. A four-membered ring isomer with alternating boron–carbon locations, \({\text{HC}}{\text{ = }}{\text{ = }}{\text{B}}{\text{ - }}{\text{ - }}{\text{CH}}{\text{ = }}{\text{ = }}{\text{B}}\), 5, lies 67.0 kcal/mol below 3 and 33.3 kcal/mol below 4. The ring of 5 is planar with one hydrogen above and one below the plane (C2h symmetry). The borylene-substituted boracyclopropene, \({\text{HC}}{\text{ = }}{\text{ = }}{\text{B}}{\text{ - }}{\text{ - }}{\text{CH}}{\text{ = }}{\text{ = }}{\text{B}}\), 8, is a planar local minimum lying 36.0 kcal/mol above 5. The most stable C2H2B2 isomer found was the planar, four-membered ring system 22 (D2h symmetry) composed of two BCC three-membered rings fused across the C-C bond. Structure 22 lies 22.2 kcal/mole below 10, 105.4 kcal/mol below 3, 71.7 kcal/mol below 4, and 38.2 kcal/mol below 5. Isomer 22 is the structural analog of the trialene form of C4H2. The most stable linear isomer, HB\({\text{ = }}{\text{ = C}}{\text{ = }}{\text{ = }}{\text{C}}{\text{ = }}{\text{ = }}\)BH, 26, was surprisingly 50.5 kcal/mol less stable than 22. The stabilities of the two most stable cyclic isomers 10 and 22 may be explained by aromaticity.
Characterization and estimation of genetic parameters in the interpopulations formed by crossing unselected and selected BSSS and BSCB1 maize synthetics

A Design II mating design was used to produce half-sib and full-sib progenies in three cross populations: BSSSCO x BSCBICO, BSSS(R)C9 X BSCB1(R)C9, and BS13(S)C3 x BSCB1(R)C9. Progenies were evaluated in a replications-within-sets with two replications at five locations. Data were collected for grain yield, grain moisture, root and stalk lodging, dropped ears, plant and ear height, days to anthesis and silking, and tassel branch number. The objectives were to compare the relative performance among single crosses from selected and unselected cross populations and to estimate genetic parameters in the hybrid populations. Reciprocal recurrent selection (RRS) resulted in a significant increase in grain yield for the cross population. RRS was more effective than the combined progress of the halfsib (HT) and self (S) methods to increase yield in the population cross and to reduce root and stalk lodging, ear height, days to anthesis and silking, and tassel branches. The additive variance component was the most important component of genetic variability for all traits. For grain yield, the additive variance components increased with selection; however, the original population cross showed greater additive by environment interaction variance than the improved populations. RRS for grain yield resulted in an
Overlooked trade-offs of environmentally protective hydropower operation: Impacts to ancillary services and greenhouse gas emissions

The relicensing of large hydropower projects in the United States often enforces environmental constraints such as minimum instream flows. These requirements can reduce hydropower's negative environmental impacts but may come at a cost of reduced electric generation and revenue. During the federal hydropower relicensing process, participants negotiate these environmental and economic trade‐offs based on coarse models, often conflating impacts on generation and revenue, overlooking ancillary services (AS) markets, and ignoring potential greenhouse gas (GHG) implications. Using a case study of a 362‐MW hydropower project in California, this research conducts higher resolution modelling to compare energy generation, AS provision, revenue, and GHG impacts of two hydropower operating regimes. The environmentally protective regime reduces average generation by 6% but increases AS provision by 2%. Total average revenue decreases by 3.5% under environmental constraints using current electricity prices (and by only 1.1% when modelled with projected 2030 electricity prices), indicating that generation impacts should not be equated with revenue impacts during relicensing. In the California electricity market, this reduced hydropower generation is replaced primarily by natural gas, resulting in an estimated 30,000 additional tons of CO₂ emitted annually. These positive and negative externalities are not adequately examined in the hydropower relicensing process.
Exploring the Effects of Participation in a Shelter Medicine Externship on Student Knowledge and Self-Confidence

With the recognition of shelter medicine as a sub-discipline of veterinary medicine, many veterinary programs are including clinical shelter experiences in their curricula. A concurrent mixed-metho...
Making with Fabric: Foundations of Soft Goods and E-Textiles Fabrication

Wearable technologies afford more pervasive access to the human user: higher bandwidth for communication in multiple modalities, and better context-awareness through sensing the user's body and environment. However, stand-alone devices like wristbands and clip-ons are limited in the body areas they can simultaneously access. Clothing and textiles provide a useful platform for distributed systems, but present unique challenges in design and fabrication. This course provides an introduction to the tools, methods, and techniques of designing and fabricating with soft goods, including patternmaking and construction techniques for different material types at multiple scales, and e-textile methods and materials.
Effect of Acute Ingestion of Green Tea Extract and Lemon Juice on Oxidative Stress and Lipid Profile in Pigs Fed a High-Fat Diet

Green tea and its catechins have been shown to ameliorate high fat diet-induced oxidative stress and hyperlipidemia. However, low bioavailability of catechins limits their therapeutic potential. Lemon juice (LJ) has been suggested to enhance the bioavailability of catechins in vitro. This study investigated the antioxidative and hypolipidemic efficacy of a single dose of green tea extract (GTE) or GTE plus LJ (GTE + LJ) in high-fat diet fed pigs. Sixteen pigs ingested a single dose of GTE (190 mg/kg/day) or GTE + LJ (0.75 mL/kg/day) mixed with low-fat (LF; 5% fat) or high-fat (HF; 22% fat) diets and blood samples were collected for 24 h. Plasma catechin level peaked at two hours, and gradually returned to baseline after six hours following the intake. The addition of LJ significantly increased plasma catechin level. The diet containing GTE did not lower plasma cholesterol and triacylglycerol (TG) concentrations, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase activity, or malondialdehyde concentration in 24 h in HF-fed pigs. Addition of a single dose of LJ, however, significantly decreased plasma TG level in LF groups but did not cause further changes on any other markers compared to the GTE alone. Our findings indicate limited effect of a single meal containing GTE on plasma antioxidant enzymes, lipid profile, and lipid peroxidation in pigs and no significant synergistic/additive action of adding LJ to GTE within 24 h in pigs. A study with a longer treatment period is warranted to further understand the potential role of GTE in reducing HF diet-induced oxidative stress and the possible synergistic role of LJ.
Hashimoto's encephalopathy: a rare cause of delirium.

Cognitive impairment is a frequent presentation of patients who come to the hospital. We report a case of a patient who presents with a common symptom, however, with a rare disease. This is an 84-year-old woman with a history of hypertension and atrial fibrillation who was reported to have confusion of 3 weeks. Investigations, including a complete blood count, MRI imaging of the brain, cerebrospinal fluid analysis and paraneoplastic screen, were all negative. Of note, thyroid peroxidase antibody was elevated. She did not have a history of thyroid disease. Following this, an assessment of Hashimoto encephalopathy was made. She was started on steroids and she showed remarkable recovery within 2 months, therefore, confirming the diagnosis. This case report emphasises the need to consider Hashimoto’s encephalopathy as a differential for delirium especially when other common aetiologies have been ruled out.
Assessing Claims of a New Doctrine of Preemptive War Under the Doctrine of Sources

After examining state practice and opinio juris on the preemptive use of force in the last few years, I conclude that the prohibition of preemptive war where there is no armed attack or an instant, overwhelming threat has not changed. Under customary international law, this prohibition of preemptive use of force is a customary international law norm of extremely high normativity and as such state practice inconsistent confirms the norm particularly in the absence of evidence of its widespread and representative repudiation. Second, under the doctrine of sources, state practice inconsistent with a norm of customary international law or persistent dissension from it, does not establish a new norm but is instead regarded a violation of the norm. Third, even assuming that persistent objectors to the prohibition of preemptive use of force in the absence of an armed attack or instant, overwhelming threats, regard themselves as having created a new rule binding to themselves, under the doctrine of sources a small number of states cannot within a limited time frame create a new rule without 'a very widespread and representative participation' in the practice. Finally, a small number of states cannot create a new rule of customary international law where there is practice which conflicts with the rule or where there are protests to the new rule. This is particularly so with respect to a rule relating to the prohibition of the use of force which is a 'conspicuous example of a rule of international law having the character of jus cogens' with respect to which practice inconsistent with it would be regarded as a violation of the norm rather than as establishing a new norm.
Adeno-Associated Virus Vector Mobilization, Risk Versus Reality.

Recombinant adeno-associated viral (rAAV) vector mobilization is a largely theoretical process in which intact AAV vectors spread or “mobilize” from transduced cells and infect additional cells wit...
COVID-19: Impact on the Musician and Returning to Singing; A Literature Review.

Summary Objective The purpose of this study was to review current literature of the impact of COVID-19 on musicians and returning to singing. Methods A comprehensive search of peer-review articles was completed using PubMed, GoogleScholar, Scopus, and Web of Science. The search was completed using many key terms including voice, hoarseness, dysphonia, aphonia, cough, singers, and public speakers. The bibliography from each article found was searched to find additional articles. The search process revealed 56 peer-reviewed articles, 18 primary articles, ranging from the years 2019 to 2020. Conclusion COVID-19 has had a major impact on singers and other musicians worldwide. It can affect the voice and can lead to paresis/paralysis of laryngeal nerves to long-term changes in respiratory function. There is a risk from aerosolization/droplet formation transmission with singing, and with playing wind and brass instruments that can be mitigated by following COVID-19 guidelines. Ways to reduce possible transmission during singing and instrument play include virtual rehearsals or performances, mask-wearing, instrument covers, smaller choirs, performing outside, excellent ventilation being socially distanced, shorter rehearsals, regularly cleaning commonly touched surfaces and washing hands, avoiding contact with others, and temperature screening.
Combining Anatomical Constraints and Deep learning for 3-D CBCT Dental Image Multi-label Segmentation

Machine learning research on medical images is becoming popular as advanced imaging technologies and equipment in medicine become more and more available. Dental Cone-beam Computed Tomography (Dental CBCT), a frequently-used visualization tool for oral diagnosis, provides valuable three-dimensional information, whose development for automation of Dental CBCT analysis, on the other hand, is relatively preliminary. Generally, there are three important characteristics for analyzing Dental CBCT with noisy labels and limited labeled sample size, and availability of oral medicine knowledge. Based on those characteristics, we develop an image segmentation method for Dental CBCT by integrating domain knowledge into deep U-Net for the 3D segmentation. Finally, depending on whether the knowledge can be decomposed into each pixel, the knowledge constraints are classified into two types: separable and non-separable constraints. All knowledge constraints can be represented as a posterior regularization term and solved in different ways in accordance with related types. For separable constraints, the mean-field theory is employed to solve an optimization problem with the independence assumption about the distributions of output variables on each pixel. For non-separable constraints, we propose to combine the importance sampling based approach and the stochastic optimization algorithm. Finally, we propose to formulate the domain knowledge to the learning stage to improve the accuracy and efficiency of automation of Dental CBCT segmentation. Finally, we will apply the proposed methods into the real datasets collected and manually labeled by the doctors at the University of Pennsylvania
Asymmetry of extreme Cenozoic climate-carbon cycle events.

The history of Earth’s climate and carbon cycle is preserved in deep-sea foraminiferal carbon and oxygen isotope records. Here, we show that the sub-million-year fluctuations in both records have exhibited negatively skewed non-Gaussian tails throughout much of the Cenozoic era (66 Ma to present), suggesting an intrinsic asymmetry that favors “hyperthermal-like” extreme events of abrupt global warming and oxidation of organic carbon. We show that this asymmetry is quantitatively consistent with a general mechanism of self-amplification that can be modeled using stochastic multiplicative noise. A numerical climate–carbon cycle model in which the amplitude of random biogeochemical fluctuations increases at higher temperatures reproduces the data well and can further explain the apparent pacing of past extreme warming events by changes in orbital parameters. Our results also suggest that, as anthropogenic warming continues, Earth’s climate may become more susceptible to extreme warming events on time scales of tens of thousands of years.
Mimesis and Simulacrum in Aristotle and Plato

The theories of art in Plato and Aristotle focus on poetry (including song and drama) and comment on music. What they find specific to pictures and visuality appears in a few evocative but often difficult passages.
Medical Aspects of AIDS

In the spring of 1981, investigators at the UCLA Medical Center recorded five cases of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, a virulent form of pneumonia uncommon in the United States (Centers for Disease Control, 1981a). Within a few months, clinical researchers in New York, San Francisco, and Los Angeles discovered 25 cases of Kaposi’s sarcoma, an exceedingly unusual cancer among young and otherwise healthy persons in this country (Centers for Disease Control, 1981b). None of the patients suffered from any underlying illness that would account for the development of these often fatal and unusual diseases, but each patient exhibited severe immune system impairment for unknown reasons and each was a young homosexual male. The syndrome accounting for these first few cases was not yet named but would shortly be identified as acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Within just a few years, it would be considered the most serious infectious disease epidemic of modern times and be designated as the nation’s primary medical priority by the National Institutes of Health.
High efficiency amorphous silicon germanium solar cells

We report high-efficiency single-junction a-SiGe n-i-p solar cells deposited using rf PECVD on stainless steel (SS) substrates coated with metal/ZnO back-reflector (BR). The initial and stabilized active-area efficiencies have been improved to 12.5-13.0% and 10.4%, respectively, for 0.25 cm/sup 2/ a-SiGe cells. The achievement of single-junction cells with such high efficiencies, equivalent to those for the state-of-the-art triple-junction solar cells, are important since this would lead to significant cost reduction in manufacturing. The key factors leading to these high efficiencies include the use of: 1) an optimized GeH/sub 4/ to Si/sub 2/H/sub 6/ ratio leading to a Ge content ideal for high-efficiency single-junction a-SiGe cell, 2) an optimized level of hydrogen dilution for the i-layer, and, most importantly, 3) a hybrid p-layer with the sub-layer near a-SiGe i-layer deposited at high temperature (140 /spl deg/C) and the bulk of the p-layer deposited at low temperature (70 /spl deg/C) for better transparency.
Twenty-one success sutras for chief executives: How to lead during turbulent times

Purpose – Provides chief executives with 21 tools for success in the turbulent global business environment. Design/methodology/approach – Illustrates the main points with the examples of such successful international leaders as Jack Welch, Steve Jobs, A. G. Lafley, Lakshmi Niwas Mittal, Jeff Bezos, Herb Kelleher and Tony Hsieh. Findings – Emphasizes the importance of valuing people, adapting to change, encouraging innovation and training for the future. Practical implications – Demonstrates how to overcome leadership challenges, including those from the increasing scope and pace of change and the growing internationalism of business. Social implications – Argues that successful chief executives are able to get the best out of their people and understand their customers, no matter what their background. Originality/value – Helps leaders to overcome volatility, complexity and ambiguity and even turn them to their advantage.
Screening Mechanisms in BSW Programs

Abstract At one time or another, all social work faculty encounter a student who is not well suited for professional social work practice. However, finding ways to effectively screen students to ensure their suitability for a career in social work seems a formidable task for educators. This article reports the findings of a study on the current screening practices used by bachelor of social work programs for judging students' fitness for entry into the major and the field practicum. The findings raise several issues about the appropriateness of screening practices and policies currently in place at the bachelor's level; recommendations for addressing these issues are included.
The Library as an Academic Partner in Student Retention and Graduation: The Library’s Collaboration with the Freshman Year Seminar Initiative at the Bronx Community College

In order for academic libraries to continue to demonstrate their value in an age of accountability, developing strong collaborations is essential. Collaborations provide a first rate opportunity for librarians not only to demonstrate their value to the institution and the research practices of the faculty but to facilitate teaching students how to navigate an increasingly diverse and at times confusing information environment driven by access to several technologies. For students entering college, learning early how to navigate the library and its resources can become an important element to their academic success. Inclusion of the library faculty into the development and teaching modules of student orientations and first year seminars, such as the ones designed at the Bronx Community College of the City of New York, provide a great step in establishing our value in promoting retention and graduation.
Endocannabinoids at the synapse a decade after the dies mirabilis (29 March 2001): what we still do not know

Endogenous cannabinoids (endocannabinoids, eCBs) are ubiquitous regulators of synaptic transmission in the brain, mediating numerous forms of short- and long-term plasticity, and having strong influences on synapse formation and neurogenesis. Their roles as retrograde messengers that suppress both excitatory and inhibitory transmission are well-established. Yet, despite intensive investigation, many basic aspects of the eCB system are not understood. This brief review highlights recent advances, problems that remain unresolved, and avenues for future exploration. While 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) is probably the major eCB for intercellular CB1R-dependent signalling, anandamide (AEA) has come to the forefront in several novel contexts, both as a dual endovanilloid/endocannabinoid that regulates synaptic transmission acutely and as the source of a steady eCB tone in hippocampus. Complexities in the cellular processing of 2-AG are receiving renewed attention, as they are increasingly recognized as major determinants of how 2-AG affects cells. Long-standing fundamental issues such as the synthesis pathway for AEA and the molecular mechanism(s) underlying cellular uptake and release of eCBs remain problematical.
Isolation and Properties of a Protein Complex Containing Flagellar Movement-Initiating Phosphoprotein from Testes of a White Salmon.

Phosphorylation of a tyrosine residue within a 15-kDa protein has been found to play a role in the initiation of flagellar movement of quiescent spermatozoa of the rainbow trout, Salmo gairdneri [Morisawa & Hayashi (1986) Biomed. Res. 6, 181-184; Hayashi et al. (1987) J. Biol. Chem. 262, 16692-16698]. In order to find a more accessible source of the 15-kDa protein for biochemical studies, phosphorylation of proteins was studied in other organs from other species. Cell-free extracts from spermatozoa and testes of Salmonidae were prepared and all catalyzed the cAMP-dependent, Mg(2+)-requiring, but Ca(2+)-independent phosphorylation of the 15-kDa proteins. Protein from the testes of a white salmon, Oncorhynchus keta, was isolated by conventional purification methods. The 15-kDa protein in the cell-free extract was found to be complexed with several other proteins such that the 15-kDa protein and its phosphorylating activity were copurified. Isolation of a sufficient amount of the complex for the preparation of antibodies against the various constituents is now possible.
Plasma viscosity and cerebral blood flow.

We hypothesized that the response of cerebral blood flow (CBF) to changing viscosity would be dependent on “baseline” CBF, with a greater influence of viscosity during high-flow conditions. Plasma ...
Application of a Vidicon Spectrometer for Simultaneous Flame-Emission Analysis for Sodium and Potassium in Serum

We describe a unique new approach to analytical spectroscopy, which makes use of a silicon-target vidicon tube to rapidly and repetitively scan ultraviolet and visible spectra. We discuss the concept and characteristics of the vidicon spectrometer and illustrate its application to simultaneous determination of sodium and potassium in serum by flame photometry. Average values of coefficients of variation for sodium and potassium are 1.1% and 1.7%, respectively. Recoveries of sodium and potassium added to sera were 99.5% and 99.8%, respectively. When the same burner and flame conditions were used with the vidicon spectrometer and a conventional flame photometer, deviations among results were well within ±3 mmol/liter for sodium and 0.2 mmol/liter for potassium. A bias is observed for both elements when results obtained with an air-hydrogen flame are compared with results obtained with an air-propane flame. Our data illustrate that the vidicon spectrometer is a viable tool for both routine applications and basic studies of effects of flame conditions on two or more elements simultaneously.
Atomic hydrogen rocket engine

A rocket using atomic hydrogen propellant is discussed. An essential feature of the proposed engine is that the atomic hydrogen fuel is used as it is produced, thus eliminating the necessity of storage. The atomic hydrogen flows into a combustion chamber and recombines, producing high velocity molecular hydrogen which flows out an exhaust port. Standard thermodynamics, kinetic theory and wall recombination cross-sections are used to predict a thrust of approximately 1.4 N for a RF hydrogen flow rate of 4 x 10 to the 22nd/sec. Specific impulses are nominally from 1000 to 2000 sec. It is predicted that thrusts on the order of one Newton and specific impulses of up to 2200 sec are attainable with nominal RF discharge fluxes on the order of 10 to the 22nd atoms/sec; further refinements will probably not alter these predictions by more than a factor of two.
High cycle fatigue of weld repaired cast Ti-6AI-4V

In order to determine the effects of weld repair on fatigue life of titanium-6Al-4V castings, a series of specimens was exposed to variations in heat treatment, weld procedure, HIP cycle, cooling rate, and surface finish. The results indicate that weld repair is not detrimental to HCF properties as fatigue cracks were located primarily in the base metal. Fine surface finish and large colony size are the primary variables improving the fatigue life. The fusion zone resisted fatigue crack initiation due to a basketweave morphology and thin grain boundary alpha. Multipass welds were shown not to affect fatigue life when compared with single pass welds. A secondary HIP treatment was not detrimental to fatigue properties, but was found to be unnecessary.
Pharmacogenetics of Drug Metabolizing Enzymes and Transporters: Effects on Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Anticancer Agents

There is wide interpatient variability in drug response and toxicity to standard doses of most anticancer medications. Genetic polymorphisms in genes encoding metabolic enzymes, receptors and drug transporters targeted by anticancer medications are often found, in part, to be responsible for the observed variability. Approximately 80% of all sequence variations residing in genes is in the form of single nucleotide polymorphisms or SNPs. The location of SNPs can be in the protein coding sequence, regulatory regions or at exon-intron boundaries of genes. Adverse drug reactions resulting from these sequence variations are due to changes in the activity of the encoded protein (in many instances the protein is non-functional) or perturbations in the level of gene expression. The goal of pharmacogenetic testing is to identify genetic polymorphisms that predispose patients to an adverse drug reaction, thereby allowing the health care provider to make informed decisions pertaining to the type of drug, dosage and dosage scheduling to be administered.
How to integrate a business plan into your introductory accounting course

Abstract This article provides a business plan assignment, along with a business plan grading sheet, oral presentation grading sheet, and peer evaluation form for use in a user-oriented introductory accounting course. The article includes a discussion of issues related to making the group project assignment run smoothly, such as assigning students to groups, simplifying assumptions, ways to add specificity, grading of written reports, and set-up and grading of oral presentations.
Syntheses with stable isotopes: 4‐Ethylsulfonyl‐l‐naphthalenesulfonamide‐ 15N

The title compound was prepared from 4-ethylthio-1-naphalenesulfonyl chloride in a two-step synthesis with an overall yield of 56%. An alternative one-step synthesis from 4-ethylsulfonyl-1-naphthalenesulfonyl chloride was found to be unsuitable for nitrogen labeling.
Distribution of CD44 in the retina during development and the rds degeneration

It was previously demonstrated that the 90 kDa cell adhesion molecule CD44 is localized to Muller cell apical microvilli which project into the interphotoreceptor matrix in the adult retina. For the current report, the distribution of CD44 was studied in developing normal BALB/c mouse retinas and in rds mutant mouse retinas of various ages. Using immunoperoxidase techniques, positive label for CD44 was first detected on Muller cell microvilli after 7 days postnatal in BALB/c retinas and the band of label widened as the microvilli elongated and the retina reached maturity. Labeling of the radiating Muller cell bodies within the retina was also observed during development, and this distribution of CD44 is most likely related to retinal cell differentiation and maturation which are taking place at this time. This label was not observed in mature retinas. In the rds mouse retina, a normal labeling pattern for CD44 was observed on Muller cell microvilli at early ages, prior to photoreceptor degeneration. During the time course of the degeneration, microvillar labeling was still seen, however labeling of the radiating Muller cell bodies within the retina increased dramatically. Following degeneration, the Muller cell microvilli appeared to have retracted or collapsed and the inner retinal labeling was not observed. Only a residual label remained at the level of the outer limiting membrane. The increased presence of CD44 within the rds retina during photoreceptor degeneration is likely due to an upregulation of CD44 synthesis by the Muller cells and/or to the transfer of CD44 from retracting microvilli into lower portions of the Muller cells.
Gravitational Casimir energy in non-Abelian Kaluza-Klein theories.

The Casimir energy of the gravitational field in certain Kaluza-Klein theories is computed. Specifically, the one-loop quantum effective potential of the gravitational field on the background manifold (Minkowski space)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}(N-sphere) is evaluated as a function of the radius of the N-sphere. (N is restricted to be odd for technical reasons.) Minima of the (real part of the) potential for which the observed cosmological constant is zero are found numerically for N=13, 15, 17, 19, and 21. The potential has an imaginary part which is attributed to ``tachyonic'' terms in the mode sum, although it is argued that the Faddeev-Popov ghost modes do not contribute to this imaginary part.
PPARα-mediated remodeling of repolarizing voltage-gated K+ (Kv) channels in a mouse model of metabolic cardiomyopathy

Diabetes is associated with increased risk of diastolic dysfunction, heart failure, QT prolongation and rhythm disturbances independent of age, hypertension or coronary artery disease. Although these observations suggest electrical remodeling in the heart with diabetes, the relationship between the metabolic and the functional derangements is poorly understood. Exploiting a mouse model (MHC-PPARalpha) with cardiac-specific overexpression of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARalpha), a key driver of diabetes-related lipid metabolic dysregulation, the experiments here were aimed at examining directly the link(s) between alterations in cardiac fatty acid metabolism and the functioning of repolarizing, voltage-gated K(+) (Kv) channels. Electrophysiological experiments on left (LV) and right (RV) ventricular myocytes isolated from young (5-6 week) MHC-PPARalpha mice revealed marked K(+) current remodeling: I(to,f) densities are significantly (P<0.01) lower, whereas I(ss) densities are significantly (P<0.001) higher in MHC-PPARalpha, compared with age-matched wild type (WT), LV and RV myocytes. Consistent with the observed reductions in I(to,f) density, expression of the KCND2 (Kv4.2) transcript is significantly (P<0.001) lower in MHC-PPARalpha, compared with WT, ventricles. Western blot analyses revealed that expression of the Kv accessory protein, KChIP2, is also reduced in MHC-PPARalpha ventricles in parallel with the decrease in Kv4.2. Although the properties of the endogenous and the "augmented" I(ss) suggest a role(s) for two pore domain K(+) channel (K2P) pore-forming subunits, the expression levels of KCNK2 (TREK1), KCNK3 (TASK1) and KCNK5 (TASK2) in MHC-PPARalpha and WT ventricles are not significantly different. The molecular mechanisms underlying I(to,f) and I(ss) remodeling in MHC-PPARalpha ventricular myocytes, therefore, are distinct.
Influence of ionic strength and cation charge on transport of colloidal particles in fractured shale saprolite.

The role of solution chemistry (cation charge and concentration) and particle size on colloid transport was examined in an intact monolith of fractured shale saprolite (highly weathered rock). Recovery of the microsphere tracers consistently decreased with increasing ionic strength of either mono- (Na+) or divalent- (Ca2+) dominated solutions, but a much greater concentration of Na+ in the influent solution was required to result in a similar reduction in colloid recovery as compared to Ca2+. However, composition of the solution along the flow path, and hence the degree of microsphere retention, was also strongly influenced by cation exchange and diffusive exchange between pore water in the fractures and in the fine-grained, Ca- and Mg-rich matrix. The influence of “matrix diffusion” on solute transport is also evident in the 5-fold difference between the arrival of the center-of-mass of microspheres as compared to the much later arrival of a bromide tracer. Particle size affected the extent of microspher...
Nucleation of soot: Molecular dynamics simulations of pyrene dimerization

Experimental and numerical studies indicate that particle coagulation plays an important role in sootformation. However, to date, neither method has been able to conclusively determine the stage at which chemical precursors begin to coalesce. In the present study, molecular dynamics (MD) with on-the-fly quantum forces was used to investigate binary collisions between pyrene molecules. The molecular structure and internal motion were treated explicitly. Most of the runs were performed at 1600 K, within the temperature window of soot nucleation in flames. The MD simulations were successful in producing dimers with substantial collisional frequency and lifetimes far exceeding the equilibrium-based predictions, demonstrating that pyrene dimerization is physically realisically realistic in flame environments. The principal finding of the present study is the development of internal rotors by colliding pyrene molecules, the phenomenon responsible for stabilization of the forming dimer. Analysis of the MD results shows that the mechanism of stabilization is rooted in the pattern of energy transfer. The translational energy of the individual colliding molecules is trapped in internal rotors that emerge upon collision and in the vibrational modes of the dimer, including the van der Waals bond established between the pyrene molecules. This model extends the view of stabilization of aromatic species dimerization, with the implication that aromatic dimers of species as small as pyrene can survive long enough to evolve into soot nuclei.
The impact of message appeal and message source on Gen Y consumers' attitudes and purchase intentions toward American Apparel

A 3 × 2 experimental design was used to examine the impact of message appeal (fair labor, sex, or a combination of fair labor and sex) and message source (company advertisements or third-party publicity) upon Gen Y consumers' (N = 258) intent to patronize the retailer, American Apparel. Results supported models of hierarchical effects of advertising on patronage intention as well as the inclusion of external variables in the theory of reasoned action. Findings revealed that Gen Y consumers' attitudes toward ad, attitudes toward brand, and purchase intentions toward American Apparel varied by exposure to message appeal in advertisements viewed. Participants' evaluations of source credibility, attitudes toward brand, and purchase intentions toward American Apparel were influenced by message source. Additionally, purchase intentions toward American Apparel were directly predicted by attitudes toward American Apparel and indirectly by perceptions of source credibility. Theoretical and managerial implications ...
Possible evidence for multistep processes in the (d,t) reaction on rare- earth nuclei

The (d, t) reaction has been studled for targets of /sup 160/Gd. /sup 162,164/Dy, and /sup 166,168/Er at a deuteron energy of 17 MeV. Although th e angular distributions for transitions populating most residual states are well reproduced by distorted-wave Born-approximation (DWBA) calculations, a number of transitions have angular distributions whose shape departs significantly from the DWBA predictions. This paper presents a sample of 10 such anomalous transitions which were selected because their Nilsson model band assignments are reasonably well established and their cross sections are reasonably large relative to cross sections for transitions to well fit levels of the same spin-parity. The levels which exhibit anomalous angular-distribution shapes also tend to have anomalous cross sections (spectroscopic factor) relative to Nilsson model predictions. Also most of these levels are concentrated in the 11/2-STA505!, 3/2-STA521!, and 5/2+STA642! bands. (auth)
The carboxy-terminal region of the glycoprotein hormone alpha-subunit: contributions to receptor binding and signaling in human chorionic gonadotropin.

The glycoprotein hormones are heterodimeric and contain a common alpha-subunit, which is noncovalently associated with a hormone-specific beta-subunit. The alpha-subunit has been highly conserved throughout evolution; for example, the five amino acid residues of the carboxy-terminus, Tyr-Tyr-His-Lys-Ser-COOH, are identical in nine of the 10 available amino acid sequences. It has been shown that enzymatic removal of these five amino acid residues, while not affecting holoprotein formation, results in a heterodimer that exhibits very little, if any, binding to the CG/LH receptor. Using site-directed mutagenesis on the human alpha-subunit, we have prepared two deletion mutants, Des-(88-92)alpha and Des-(89-92)alpha, and two point mutants, where each of the two tyrosines, 88 and 89, was replaced with phenylalanine, in order to delineate more specifically the contributions of these aromatic side-chains to receptor binding. The cDNAs for wild-type hCG alpha and mutants were introduced into a pcDNAINEO expressio...
Compression directions north of the San Fernando Valley determined from borehole breakouts

Borehole breakouts in 4 nearly vertical oil wells, and several other deviated holes, in the San Fernando Valley and Santa Susana Mountains suggest a maximum horizontal compressive stress direction (S_H) of N49°W. These wells provide information about the stress field from 1974 to 1983 in the uppermost crust (<3 km depth) near the aftershock zones of the January 1994 Northridge earthquake and the February 1971 Sylmar earthquake. This direction of S_H is anomalous with respect to the N to NNE directions of S_H seen in other regional data, but is consistent with the structural complexity of this zone, including local changes in strike of major thrust fault zones and the presence of lateral ramps in both the Santa Susana and San Fernando faults.
The breakdown of word meanings in aphasia.

Abstract The present study evaluates an explanation of agrammatism that involves the conceptual distinction between nouns and predicative terms. It was argued that the degraded production of verbs relative to nouns that is characteristic of agrammatic speech reflects a selective distruption in the mental representation of predicative concepts. The data from a sorting task were consistent with a set of experimental predictions derived from this explanation and suggest that a satisfactory explanation of agrammatism should involve semantic variables in addition to syntactic ones.
The development and degeneration of Purkinje cells in pcd mutant mice

Purkinje cell degeneration (pcd), an autosomal recessive mutation in the mouse, causes the postnatal death of virtually all cerebellar Purkinje cells during the third and fourth postnatal week. We have compared the postnatal development of normal and pcd mutant Purkinje cells. The early deviations from normal development involve primarily the perikaryonal polysomes and endoplasmic reticulum. Many of the mutant Purkinje cells retain abnormally the basal accumulation of polysomes, a finding which permits the identification of affected animals at postnatal day 15, one week prior to the onset of behavioral abnormalities. In addition, the affected Purkinje cells possess unusual configurations of endoplasmic reticulum with associated electron-dense particles similar to but larger than ribosomes, mature and forming intracisternal A particles and nematosomes. Before the pcd Purkinje cells degenerate they appear to receive all their appropriate synaptic contacts. Some disruption, however, of parallel fiber: Purkinje spine synaptogenesis occurs at late stages of development. Some spines lack presynaptic elements, postsynaptic thickenings are present along the dendritic shafts and parallel fibers appear to make synaptic contacts directly onto the shafts. The spectrum of early morphological changes that has been observed in pcd mutant Purkinje cells is thus far unique to this cerebellar abnormality.
Rate constants for the reaction of singlet oxygen with derivatives of p-aminobenzoic acid

Summary p-Aminobenzoic acid and its derivatives are often topically applied to prevent damage to the skin by actinic radiation. It has recently been suggested that reaction of these compounds with photochemically generated singlet oxygen may contribute to the protective effect. The total rate constants for interaction (reaction plus quenching) of several p -aminobenzoic acid derivatives with singlet oxygen have been determined in chloroform. The low rate constants for interaction, ethyl p -aminobenzoate, 8 × 104M−1s−1 ethyl p-N, N-dimethylaminobenzoate, 5.5 × 106M−1s−1, and p-N,N-dimethylaminobenzaldehyde, 1.1 × 106M−1s−1, indicate that interaction with singlet oxygen is not an important mode of protection for these compounds.
Evidence for an unfolding and refolding pathway in cytochrome c

It has been suggested that three partially unfolded forms detected in a native state hydrogen exchange study of oxidized cytochrome c may represent sequential intermediates in an unfolding-refolding pathway. To better define the structure of each intermediate a 'stability labeling' method was used in which the stability of a given segment against unfolding was changed. The condition--folded or unfolded--of the stability-labeled segment in each intermediate could then be determined. The structures found are discrete and native-like and are just those necessary for a sequential pathway.
Evolutionary models of the rotating sun

This paper reviews current work on the evolution of a differentially rotating solar model. Although we discuss global features of the evolution with rotation in general terms, the specific models described are those computed with the new Yale Rotating Evolution Code (YREC). YREC uses the Kippenhahn and Thomas (1970, KT) formalism as implemented by Endal and Sofia (1976), although the numerical formulation of our code is totally new. Particular calculations that we describe include the effects of different initial total angular momentum, the consequences of varying the properties and magnitude of angular momentum losses by wind torquing, and the consequences of specific composition and angular momentum redistribution mechanisms. This paper is a progress report which points out the complexity of the problem, and the need for a broad-based observational program to solve it. Because the final solution is not yet in hand, we outline the steps that, in our estimation, need to be undertaken in order to make progress.
Structure of the Inversion Spectrum of Ammonia

Measurements of the fine structure in the ammonia inversion spectrum have been extended into the millimeter wave region to the 16,16 line at 39941 mc/sec. The relative intensities and positions of the lines are compared with calculated values. The hyperfine structures of 15 lines have been measured. A systematic disagreement is shown to exist between the theoretical and observed separations of the hyperfine components. There is good agreement between the observed and calculated intensities of the hyperfine structure.
Thermal characterisation of active layer across a soil moisture gradient in the McMurdo Dry Valleys, Antarctica

Heat transport into active layer soils is important to understanding potential responses to changes in surface energy balance, particularly in the context of changing climate. Here we present results of a study to characterise soil thermal properties along a soil moisture gradient adjacent to Lake Fryxell in Taylor Valley, Antarctica. Our goals were to characterise the thermal characteristics of these relatively wet soils (compared to the rest of the McMurdo Dry Valleys landscape), and to assess the response of the active layer to possible increases in soil moisture. We measured subsurface temperatures at depths from 3 to 50 cm at four locations along a natural gradient of wet to dry soils adjacent to Lake Fryxell from January 2006 to January 2007. We used a numerical model to estimate apparent thermal diffusivity (ATD) and simulate observed temperature time series. Calculations of ATD at discrete locations yielded values ranging from 1.0 × 10−9 – 2.4 × 10−5 m2 s−1, and the corresponding range of bulk (i.e. depth averaged at a single surface location) ATD was 2.9 × 10−9–1.2 × 10−7 m2 s−1. Thawed soils had a range of bulk ATD during warming of 2.9 × 10−9–3.8 × 10−8 m2 s−1, and during cooling of 2.9 × 10−9–4.8 × 10−8 m2 s−1. When soils were frozen, however, the range of bulk ATD was 7.6 × 10−9–1.2 × 10−7 m2 s−1 during warming, and 7.8 × 10−9–1.1 × 10−7 m2 s−1 during cooling. Estimated bulk ATD values were consistently greater in locations of enhanced soil moisture, so lakeside soils were more likely to conduct energy into the subsurface. Increased soil moisture across the landscape would likely increase ATD, allowing for greater heat exchange between the atmosphere and the subsurface. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.