cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The influence of environmental variables and a managed water recession on the growth of charophytes in a large, subtropical lake

Abstract Two separate studies measured the biomass of benthic charophytes in Lake Okeechobee, a large subtropical lake located in south-central Florida, USA. In one study, five stations in the southern region of the lake were sampled monthly or bimonthly over a 6 year period (1994–1999). A distinct seasonal pattern was observed, with maximum biomass occurring in summer and early fall. Charophyte abundance was positively related to irradiance and negatively related to water depth. A second study took place in 1999–2000, before and after a managed lake drawdown in April, 2000. This whole-ecosystem experiment was designed to lower lake stage by ∼12.5% (0.6 m). We compared charophyte biomass at 42 stations throughout the lake prior to and after this managed recession and evaluated the influence of various environmental variables on growth. This analysis indicated that the recession resulted in increased transparency/bottom irradiance and greater charophyte biomass at nearshore stations. The data are consistent with prior studies, both in Lake Okeechobee and other lakes around the world, which indicate charophyte growth and abundance are strongly influenced by irradiance. We hypothesize that a positive feedback loop resulted in Lake Okeechobee when water levels were lowered, whereby shallower water allowed greater light penetration to the bottom, resulting in increased growth of submerged charophytes. Chara , in turn, probably stabilized sediments, leading to greater transparency and a further improvement of environmental conditions for plant recruitment and growth.
Secretion of collagen by embryonic neuroepithelium at the time of spinal cord--somite interaction.

Abstract Because the neural tube is known to stimulate the differentiation of cartilage from adjacent somite mesoderm in the 2–4-day chick embryo, we examined the nature of the extracellular materials produced by the neuroepithelium in this period. The present paper shows for the first time that collagens are produced by the neural tube and, in addition, describes the appearance of the juxta-neural extracellular materials in situ at the time of “induction.” For cultures, neural tubes were isolated from posterior levels of 2-day-old chick embryos after trypsinization and grown for 1–8 days on frozen-killed lenses in medium containing proline- 3 H. As one approach to identifying the proline-labeled material secreted by the neural tubes as collagen, we extracted 2-day-old cultures prior to fixation with 0.1 N NaOH. Autoradiography showed that a highly labeled material persisted in the lens capsule under these conditions. By electron microscopy, a basement lamina was identified under the neuroepithelium after 1 day in vitro . Beneath the lamina, there were extra layers of laminalike material and unstriated fibrils. By 2 days, the latter regions contained striated collagen fibrils 250 A in diameter with a 625 A repeat period. In older cultures, many additional striated fibrils accumulated. Since 2-day-old neural tube gave rise to crestlike cells in our cultures, we isolated ventral neural tube and, again, found that the neuroepithelium was able to secrete collagens that aggregated as basal lamina and striated fibrils. We discuss the possibility that collagen secreted by neural tube is one of the “inductive factors” in spinal cord-somite interaction as studied in vitro .
Phylogenetic relationships within the class Anthozoa (phylum Cnidaria) based on nuclear 18S rDNA sequences.

Taxonomic relationships within the corals and anemones (Phylum Cnidaria: Class Anthozoa) are based upon few morphological characters. The significance of any given character is debatable, and there is little fossil record available for deriving evolutionary relationships. We analyzed complete 18S ribosomal sequences to examine subclass-level and ordinal-level organization within the Anthozoa. We suggest that the Subclass Ceriantipatharia is not an evolutionarily relevant grouping. The Order Corallimorpharia appears paraphyletic and closely related to the Order Scleractinia. The 18S rRNA gene may be insufficient for establishing robust phylogenetic hypotheses concerning the specific relationships of the Corallimorpharia and the Ceriantharia and the branching sequence for the orders within the Hexacorallia. The 18S rRNA gene has sufficient phylogenetic signal, however, to distinguish among the major groupings within the Class Anthozoa, and we use this information to suggest relationships for the enigmatic taxa Dactylanthus and Dendrobrachia.
Degradation, infection and heat effects on polypropylene mesh for pelvic implantation: what was known and when it was known

Many properties of polypropylene mesh that are causative in producing the complications that our patients are experiencing were published in the literature prior to the marketing of most currently used mesh configurations and mesh kits. These factors were not sufficiently taken into account prior to the sale of these products for use in patients. This report indicates when this information was available to both mesh kit manufacturers and the Food and Drug Administration.
Effect of water concentration on photopolymerized acrylate/epoxide hybrid polymer coatings as demonstrated by Raman spectroscopy

Photopolymerization systems based on hybrid monomer 3,4-epoxy-cyclohexylmethyl methacrylate (METHB) were studied to investigate water effects on conversion and polymer coating properties. METHB contains epoxide and methacrylate moieties, which undergo cationic and free-radical photopolymerization, respectively. The conversion of both groups was obtained by Raman spectroscopy in real time and depth. Water concentration and initiator system compositions were varied and shown to affect reaction kinetics and depth profile. With increasing water concentration, the epoxide induction period increased when only cationic initiator was present; however, the induction period disappeared when using the dual-initiator system. In addition, epoxide groups continued reacting after light was shuttered and reached a higher and more homogeneous conversion. Hybrid systems were shown to be less sensitive to water at low or intermediate concentrations. With high water concentrations, hybrid monomer systems manifested increased ring opening during illumination due to chain transfer and decreased physical properties due to loss of cross-linking.
Employed parents’ satisfaction with food-choice coping strategies. Influence of gender and structure

This study aimed to understand parents' evaluations of the way they integrated work-family demands to manage food and eating. Employed, low/moderate-income, urban, U.S., Black, White, and Latino mothers (35) and fathers (34) participated in qualitative interviews exploring work and family conditions and spillover, food roles, and food-choice coping and family-adaptive strategies. Parents expressed a range of evaluations from overall satisfaction to overall dissatisfaction as well as dissatisfaction limited to work, family life, or daily schedule. Evaluation criteria differed by gender. Mothers evaluated satisfaction on their ability to balance work and family demands through flexible home and work conditions, while striving to provide healthy meals for their families. Fathers evaluated satisfaction on their ability to achieve schedule stability and participate in family meals, while meeting expectations to contribute to food preparation. Household, and especially work structural conditions, often served as sizeable barriers to parents fulfilling valued family food roles. These relationships highlight the critical need to consider the intersecting influences of gender and social structure as influences on adults' food choices and dietary intake and to address the challenges of work and family integration among low income employed parents as a way to promote family nutrition in a vulnerable population.
Appearance Performance of Fusible Interfacing Fabrics Attached to Home Sewn Cotton Blouses

A wear study was conducted to evaluate the appearance performance of five selected fusible interfacing fabrics of either a light or heavy weight, nonwoven, 50/50 nylon-polyester, or 45/45/10 nylon-polyester-rayon, each with a polyamide adhesive agent applied by the pinpointing method; or a 100 percent nylon knit with a polyamide adhesive applied by spray coating, attached to the front areas of 70 shirt-style, 100 percent cotton blouses and having a durable press finish. Thirty-five women wore the same two blouses for 25 eight-hour periods. Three textile technicians rated both the interfaced and the fabric side of the front areas of the blouses on a scale of one (least desirable) to five (most desirable) for the appearance parameters of blistering, puckering, strike-back, strike-through, and delamination after five, 10, 15, 20, and 25 times of wear and laundering. Analysis of variance and Duncan's multiple range test were used in the analysis of the data. The appearance performance of the blouse front areas interfaced with the 100 percent nylon knit fabrics was equal to or significantly (p < 0.05) more de sirable irrespective of fabric side or number of wear and launderings than those blouse front areas interfaced with the other fabric types.
EGF increases short-term type I collagen accumulation during wound healing in diabetic rats

Abstract Continuous topical application of epidermal growth factor (EGF) to granulation tissue increases the rate of collagen accumulation. It is believed that the clinical use of growth factors, such as EGF, may become common in the treatment of impaired wound healing in the near future. Impairments in the production and degradation of wound collagens have been demonstrated in diabetes mellitus. We studied the effects of a single, local application of EGF on collagen content, collagenase activity, and the ratio of type III and type I collagens within granulation tissue using polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) wound cylinders in 48 streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats in order to determine potential benefits of EGF to wound healing in diabetics. Wound collagen content in EGF-treated diabetic animals was significantly higher than in diabetic controls during the first 10 days of wound healing (236% on day 5, P P P P P P
Circumferential endoscopic mucosal resection in the swine esophagus assisted by a cap attachment

Background: The feasibility and safety of piecemeal, circumferential endoscopic mucosal resection of the distal esophagus are unknown. This study assessed this procedure in a porcine model. Methods: Different techniques of endoscopic mucosal resection were tested in Phase I of the study in two animals. During Phase II, 6 pigs underwent piecemeal cap-assisted EMR of the distal esophagus. The mucosa of one half of the circumference of the distal 5 cm of the esophagus was resected. After complete endoscopic re-epithelization, endoscopic mucosal resection was performed on the remaining unresected hemi-circumference. Healing was promoted by daily administration of lansoprazole and documented by weekly endoscopy. Observations: In Phase I, one perforation occurred during initial testing of cap-assisted endoscopic mucosal resection. Subsequent cap-assisted endoscopic mucosal resection led to homogenous and uniform piecemeal resection of mucosa. In Phase II, circumferential cap-assisted endoscopic mucosal resection was performed in 6 pigs without perforation or major bleeding. Complete endoscopic re-epithelization occurred over a mean of 3.6 weeks (range: 3-5). Strictures developed in 3 animals. Conclusions: Piecemeal circumferential cap-assisted endoscopic mucosal resection is safe and feasible in the normal swine esophagus. Proper technique for cap-assisted piecemeal endoscopic mucosal resection is necessary to minimize the risk of perforation. Procedural complications include esophageal stricture formation.
Large, deep, high-grade extremity sarcomas: treating tumors of the flexor fossae

Limb salvage is now possible for the majority of patients with extremity sarcomas. Although overall prognosis is primarily based on tumor size and histologic grade, complete surgical excision and local control is essential for cure. There are, however, certain anatomic locations such as the flexor fossae in which a complete surgical margin is difficult to attain, and surgery without adjuvant therapy has a high local failure and amputation rate. We have found that preoperative adjuvant therapy consisting of chemotherapy and radiation followed by surgical excision with tumor-free margins has been successful in treating flexor fossa sarcomas with high limb salvage (96%), local control (89%) and overall survival rates (70%). These results are comparable to patients with similar large, high-grade extremity tumors in other compartmental locations.
Course Ratings as Measures of Instructional Effectiveness.

This study assesses the validity of instructor ratings as measures of instructional effectiveness. Multiple regression analysis was used to assess the relationship between ratings of classroom practices, instructor characteristics and student commitment to the course and an overall rating of the instructor. Sixty-four percent of the variance in instructor ratings could be explained by variance in students' ratings for eleven course-related items. It was concluded that variance in instructor ratings reflected variance in classroom and instructional practices.
The two faces of revenge: moral responsibility and the culture of honor

Retributive emotions and behavior are thought to be adaptive for their role in improving social coordination. However, since retaliation is generally not in the short-term interests of the individual, rational self-interest erodes the motivational link between retributive emotions and the accompanying adaptive behavior. I argue that two different sets of norms have emerged to reinforce this link: (1) norms about honor and (2) norms about moral responsibility and desert. I observe that the primary difference between these types of retribution motivators lies in where the normative focus is placed after an offense. In the first form of retribution, the normative focus is on the offended party. In the second, it is on the offender. Next, I show how each class of norms is well tailored to the particular features of the environment in which these forms of retributive behavior emerge. Finally, I consider some philosophical implications of these observations. I suggest that my account, if correct, would pose tough challenges for contemporary philosophical theories of moral responsibility and punishment.
Time domain BEM-FEM seismic analysis including basemat lift-off

Abstract Strong earthquake lateral forces can induce base overturning moments that exceed the available overturning resistance due to gravity loads causing uplift of the basemat. To address the problem of uplift, a time domain BEM-FEM methodology for a two-dimensional plane strain soil-structure interaction problem is presented. The boundary element method (BEM) is applied to the soil medium and the finite element method (FEM) is applied to the foundation and the superstructure. FEM interface elements are utilized to effectively simulate foundation uplift from the underlying soil medium. The two methods are combined through displacement compatibility and force equilibrium considerations at the soil-foundation interface. A representative problem of a nuclear containment structure subjected to the El Centro earthquake of 1940 is analysed using the rigorous BEM-FEM and two approaches employing discrete models in the time and frequency domains. The results obtained from the approximate models are critically compared with those obtained from the BEM-FEM approach. The results indicate that the base shear at the foundation-structure interface can cause malevolent or benevolent effects depending on various structural and soil parameters. Further, it is concluded that the effects of uplift on the structure response cannot be predicted from the linear behaviour under bilateral contact conditions.
Cognitive aspects of difference testing : memory and interstimulus delay

There are many ways in which a laboratory difference test differs from ‘real life’ discrimination of foods. One of these is the interval of time between tasting the two stimuli to be discriminated. To investigate this, judges performed same-different discrimination tests using a citrus flavored beverage as a medium. The time interval between tasting the standard and comparison stimuli was varied. In this initial study, short intervals of zero, 30, 60 s were examined. For judges unfamiltar with the stimuli, performance deteriorated as the time interval increased. For judges familiar with the stimuli, the zero time interval elicited best performance but there was no decrease in performance when the interval was increased from 30 to 60 s. The results were explained by hypothesizing different types of memory trace for the standard stimulus being utilized for comparison with the comparison stimulus.
The effect of ascorbic acid on the metabolism of rat calvarial bone cells in vitro

Addition of 50 micrograms/ml sodium ascorbate to confluent cultures of isolated rat calvarium bone cells resulted in a 21% increase in DNA production, a 50-60% increase in incorporation of [14C]proline into collagenous and noncollagenous proteins, and a 200% increase in alkaline phosphatase activity; under identical conditions, [35S]sulfate incorporation into proteoglycans (glycosaminoglycans) was not affected. These results suggest that ascorbate may be important in maintaining or stimulating the osteogenic phenotype of normal bone cells.
Foliations of Hyperbolic Space by Constant Mean Curvature Surfaces Sharing Ideal Boundary

Let γ be a Jordan curve in S 2, considered as the ideal boundary of H 3. Under certain circumstances, it is known that for any c E (−1, 1), there is a disc of constant mean curvature c embedded in H 3 with γ as its ideal boundary. Using analysis and numerical experiments, we examine whether or not these surfaces in fact foliate H 3, and to what extent the known conditions on the curve can be relaxed.
Superconductivity in Ba Pb 1 − x Bi x O 3 near the metal-semiconductor phase boundary under pressure

The resistance of Ba${\mathrm{Pb}}_{0.8}$${\mathrm{Bi}}_{0.2}$${\mathrm{O}}_{3}$ has been measured as a function of temperature at various pressures. The results show that the compound is made more semiconductorlike by the application of pressure, while its superconducting transition temperature is enhanced before a phase transition, evidenced by a resistance jump, sets in.
The Effect of Remotely Delivered Gonadotropin Formulations on Reproductive Function of White-Tailed Deer

AbstractThree experiments were conducted on two white-tailed deer herds over 2 years. In the first year, 8 of 17 does were remotely treated with a human chorionic gonadotropin-ovalbumin/saponin (hCG) biobullet formulation. In the second year, 11 of 23 does from one herd and 10 of 35 does from the second herd were remotely treated with porcine luteinizing hormone (pLH) biobullet formulation. Treatments were administered from September to mid-October, before the breeding season. Reproduction was assessed the subsequent spring. All untreated and hCG-treated does gave birth and timing of the parturitions was unaffected by the hCG treatment. In the second year, more (p<0.05) pLH-treated does than untreated does gave birth at the first location. In addition, a higher number of the pLH-treated deer gave birth earlier the next spring at the first location. Therefore, remote treatment with a sustained-released pLH biobullet formulation may enhance reproductive function of white-tailed deer.
Contact Evolution in a Micromechanical Switch

An AFM-based test station has been established for rapid mechanical and electrical characterization of contacts in a micromechanical switch. A wide contact force range is accessible, from nN to mN, determined by the mechanical properties of the microfabricated contact test cantilevers. During testing the contact force, deformation, and contact adhesion are measured. Periodic observations of material transfer are made. The cycling rate can reach 200 kHz.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
An Evaluation of Batra's “Fallacy of Free Trade”*

Batra (1992) argues that international trade since 1972 has lowered the living standards of most Americans (whose income results from providing labor services), while benefiting the small group of capital owners. This commentary shows that Batra's arguments are based on incorrect data and that his analyses are grossly lopsided. Batra further claims that the manufacturing base of the United States is shrinking due to international trade and that, therefore, this sector should be protected. the facts, however, counter Batra's contention, thereby dealing a fatal blow to his policy recommendation. This commentary refutes several additional assertions in Batra's paper.
Dimethyl 7-Methylcyclohetianone-2, 4-Dicarboxylate. A Potential Intermediate in Sesquiterpene Synthesis

Abstract As part of our study on the commentitive Diackmann eyeliration of triestars 1the reaction of trimethyl 1, 3, 6- hexanetricarboxylate (la) with potassium t- butoxide in toluene at 0 ° was investigated. The only materials obtained from this reaction were the cyclopentanone diestar, zb, and the estar acid, 2a. None of the cycloheptanone, 3a, was observed. It was reasoned that if a nethyl group were placed in the 6 position of the triester as in lb the only enolizable 5 keto ester which could be formed on cycliration would be the cycloheptanone, 3b.
TH‐E‐214‐01: Physical Perspective on Radiation Response Modulation of Tumors with Gold Nanoparticles

Goldnanoparticles (GNPs) can be fabricated in various shapes and sizes from an inert metal, gold, that has a long history of medical uses without any noticeable toxicity. Moreover, they can be accumulated preferentially within tumors by either “passive targeting” through a phenomenon typically known as “enhanced permeability and retention” or “active targeting” in which GNPs are conjugated with antibodies or peptides directed against tumor and/or angiogenesis markers. When infused into tumors, GNPs can alter not only the interaction probability of tumors with ionizing radiation but also the locations of such interactions within tumors. These mechanisms have provided a unique strategy to modulate the radiation response of tumors. In recent years, many computational/in‐vitro/in‐vivo studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of this strategy. Consequently, there is a reasonably good potential for GNPs, especially bio‐conjugated GNPs, to be introduced into clinical trials as an investigational device rather than as investigational new drugs, in the near future. This lecture will provide an overview of GNP‐mediated radiation response modulation from a physical point of view focusing on the following: 1. Basic physical principles 2. Various computational models 3. Correlation of computational results with radiobiological outcomes 4. Technical issues with clinical implementation
Swallows as Indicators of Environmental Pollution of the Rio Grande/Rio Bravo Basin: Are Persistent Organic Pollutants a Concern?

Swallows from two locations in the Rio Grande/Rio Bravo Basin and one reference site located 500 km away were analyzed for organochlorine pesticides (OCs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). Of the OC pesticides, only p,p′-DDE was observed at levels of concern (carcass geometric mean range 642 to 8511 ng/g wet weight [ww]). DDE residues in carcass were significantly greater at El Paso than at other locations. PCBs were relatively low compared with locations in the northeastern United States and the Great Lakes. Geometric mean PBDE concentrations ranged from 18 to 258 ng/g ww (280 to 3395 ng/g lipid weight). PBDE congeners 47 and 99 comprised approximately 60% of total PBDEs. Concentrations of DDE measured in swallows from El Paso in 2000 and 2005 are among the highest observed in the last 20 years along the United States–Mexico border. The results from this study indicated that swallows are still being exposed to high concentrations of DDE, which could have adverse effects on reproduction or on predators that feed on swallows.
Unusual Insertion Mechanism in the Reaction C(3P) + H2 → CH + H

We use quasiclassical trajectories to study the reaction C(3P) + H2 → CH + H using an accurate ab initio potential surface, making comparisons with recent product distribution measurements. An analysis of the reactive trajectories indicates that the formation of CH + H is completely dominated by insertion to form a 3CH2 intermediate. However, this C insertion is initiated from nearly linear C−H−H geometries rather than by perpendicular attack as has been found for other insertion reactions (like O(1D) + H2). Perpendicular insertion collisions do occur, but they are almost always nonreactive due to poor coupling between modes initially excited in 3CH2 and the product reaction coordinate (C−H stretch). The calculated product rovibrational distributions are in excellent agreement with experiment, but we find that they are not sensitive to the presence of this modified insertion mechanism. Reactions like O(1D) + H2 may also show the modified insertion mechanism at high energies. Results from C + HD and C + HC...
MULTICOLLINEARITY AND TESTING QUESTIONS OF SEX EQUITY

Multiple regression is being used by some investigators to determine the unique statistical relevance of potential sex bias for various groups of individuals. The following article shows that the presence of multicollinearity among the independent variables can cause misleading interpretations of the resulting regression weight for sex coded as a dummy variable. An alternative approach is proposed with an example to demonstrate the interpretation of the results. Questions are raised concerning the interpretation of some previous research.
Epigallocatechin-3-gallate ameliorates experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis by altering balance among CD4+ T-cell subsets.

The green tea component epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) may be beneficial in autoimmune diseases; however, the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. In this study, we determined the effect of EGCG on the development of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, an animal model for human multiple sclerosis, and the underlying mechanisms. Female C57BL/6 mice were fed EGCG (0%, 0.15%, 0.3%, and 0.6% in diet) for 30 days and then immunized with specific antigen myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein 35-55. EGCG dose dependently attenuated clinical symptoms and pathological features (leukocyte infiltration and demyelination) in the central nervous system and inhibited antigen-specific T-cell proliferation and delayed-type hypersensitivity skin response. We further showed that EGCG reduced production of interferon-γ, IL-17, IL-6, IL-1β, and tumor necrosis factor-α; decreased types 1 and 17 helper T cells (Th1 and Th17, respectively); and increased regulatory T-cell populations in lymph nodes, the spleen, and the central nervous system. Moreover, EGCG inhibited expression of transcription factors T-box expressed in T cells and retinoid-related orphan receptor–γt, the specific transcription factor for Th1 and Th17 differentiation, respectively; the plasma levels of intercellular adhesion molecule 1; and CCR6 expression in CD4 + T cells. These results indicate that EGCG may attenuate experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis autoimmune response by inhibiting immune cell infiltration and modulating the balance among pro- and anti-autoimmune CD4 + T-cell subsets. Thus, we identified a novel mechanism that underlies EGCG's beneficial effect in autoimmune disease.
Utilization and predictors of early repeat colonoscopy in Medicare beneficiaries.

OBJECTIVES:Early repeat colonoscopy after an index examination may be justifiable, but may also reflect quality issues during the first examination. The aims of this study were to examine the use of second colonoscopy within 1 year of an index colonoscopy, and to examine patient and provider factors
F sex factor of Escherichia coli K-12 codes for a single-stranded DNA binding protein

Abstract In Escherichia coli K-12 strains that carry the mutation ssb-1 in the gene for single-stranded DNA binding protein, the presence of the F sex factor partially reverses the temperature-sensitive growth phenotype caused by the mutation. The region of F (EcoRI fragment 3) responsible for this compensation has been identified and subcloned onto pBR322. A BamHI cleavage site has been found to intersect the essential coding region for this F function. By using this site, mutational blocks in the function have been constructed and used to identify a protein product (Mr approximately 22,000, slightly larger than the E. coli K-12 single-stranded DNA binding protein) which is correlated with the ssb-1-complementing activity. Labeled extracts from maxicells were used to show that this protein binds tightly to single-stranded DNA. The gene on F that codes for this protein is denoted ssf and is located at approximately 55.2 kilobases on the standard map of F, in the region transferred very early during bacterial conjugation.
Relating structural, magnetization, and hyperfine field studies to a local environment model in Fe 3 − x V x Si and Fe 3 − x Mn x Si

X-ray, magnetization, and spin-echo NMR techniques have been used to measure the changes in the atomic ordering along with the effect of these changes on the local moment and the internal field distributions in ${\mathrm{Fe}}_{3\ensuremath{-}x}{\mathrm{V}}_{x}\mathrm{Si}$ alloys for $0\ensuremath{\le}x\ensuremath{\le}1.00$. We have shown that V continues to enter predominantly the $B$ sites in the ${\mathrm{Fe}}_{3}$Si matrix up to $x\ensuremath{\approx}1.0$, which is the limit of V solubility. The ${\mathrm{Fe}}_{3\ensuremath{-}x}{\mathrm{V}}_{x}\mathrm{Si}$ alloys are ferromagnetic up to $x\ensuremath{\approx}0.9$ with the saturation magnetization decreasing linearly with $x$. V substitution into the $B$ sites reduces the moments of the first-near-neighbor (1nn) $\mathrm{Fe}(A,C)$ atoms linearly from their initial value of $1.35{\ensuremath{\mu}}_{B}$ while the moments of $\mathrm{Fe}(B)$ atoms remain constant at $2.20{\ensuremath{\mu}}_{B}$. A model giving a detailed mechanism for the origin of the satellite structure observed in the NMR spectra is proposed for ${\mathrm{Fe}}_{3\ensuremath{-}x}{\mathrm{V}}_{x}\mathrm{Si}$ as well as for ${\mathrm{Fe}}_{3\ensuremath{-}x}{\mathrm{Mn}}_{x}\mathrm{Si}$, a previously measured system. According to this model, the changes in the transition-metal internal fields at $B$ sites are produced as a result of changes in the $4s$ spin polarization induced by the perturbations of the 1nn $\mathrm{Fe}(A,C)$ moments. The values calculated from this model for the on-site hyperfine fields of $\mathrm{Fe}(B)$ and $\mathrm{Mn}(B)$ are -205 and -192 kOe, respectively. The on-site contribution to the V hyperfine field is estimated to be about 3 kOe with this model, in reasonable agreement with the very low moment value found for V. This detailed work suggests that the $\mathrm{Fe}(A,C)$ 1nn shell screens the $B$ sites from any direct interaction with a more distant neighbor either magnetically or chemically. Using all of the NMR and magnetization data together with the model, a canting of the Mn moments in ${\mathrm{Fe}}_{3\ensuremath{-}x}{\mathrm{M}}_{x}\mathrm{Si}$ for $0.75lxl1.6$ has been predicted. In addition, the disorder contributions to the NMR spectra have been identified.
Demand side management by using electric vehicles as Distributed Energy Resources

This paper aims at demonstrating the potential benefits of using electrical vehicles (EVs) as Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) in smart distribution system. It discusses the options of grid-to-vehicle (G2V) and vehicle-to-building (V2B) operating modes that might be used to support the power grid through demand side management (DSM) program. The V2B mode is particularly promising since it provides an option to use the energy stored in a battery in Electric Vehicles (EVs) to support the local load in the power grid during severe system loading and outages, hence alleviating the demand on the grid and its reliability requirements. The implementation and benefits of using EVs as DERs for demand-side management are discussed and demonstrated with test cases and numerical results.
Transcription initiation of genes associated with azole resistance in Candida albicans

Oral infections with the opportunistic pathogenic yeast Candida albicans are one of the earliest and most frequent infections in immunosuppressed individuals. In these populations, drug-resistant isolates have emerged with the widespread use of antifungal azole drugs. Many molecular mechanisms of resistance have been identified, including overexpression of two types of efflux pumps, the major facilitator MDR1 and the ABC-transporters (CDR1 and CDR2), and the overexpression or mutation of the target enzyme, ERG11. With overexpression of these four genes implicated in multidrug resistance, identification of regulatory regions of the promoters is important. 5′ rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) was used to identify transcription initiation sites for genes associated with multidrug resistance (CDR1, CDR2, MDR1 and ERG11). These results were confirmed by cloning and sequencing of 5′ RACE products and by primer extension. This research will allow further analysis of the regulation of transcription for thes...
Patient perspectives of telemedicine quality

Background The purpose of this study was to explore the quality attributes required for effective telemedicine encounters from the perspective of the patient. Methods We used a multi-method (direct observation, focus groups, survey) field study to collect data from patients who had experienced telemedicine encounters. Multi-perspectives (researcher and provider) were used to interpret a rich set of data from both a research and practice perspective. Results The result of this field study is a taxonomy of quality attributes for telemedicine service encounters that prioritizes the attributes from the patient perspective. We identify opportunities to control the level of quality for each attribute (ie, who is responsible for control of each attribute and when control can be exerted in relation to the encounter process). This analysis reveals that many quality attributes are in the hands of various stakeholders, and all attributes can be addressed proactively to some degree before the encounter begins. Conclusion Identification of the quality attributes important to a telemedicine encounter from a patient perspective enables one to better design telemedicine encounters. This preliminary work not only identifies such attributes, but also ascertains who is best able to address quality issues prior to an encounter. For practitioners, explicit representation of the quality attributes of technology-based systems and processes and insight on controlling key attributes are essential to implementation, utilization, management, and common understanding.
Achieving Care Integration from the Patients’ Perspective: Results from a Care Management Program

Integration of care is emerging as a central challenge of health care delivery particularly for older adults with multiple, complex chronic conditions. Recent health reform efforts encourage the in...
A note on optimal designs for a two-part model

Abstract D- and D A -optimal designs are investigated for a model where the response is a mixture of zero and a lognormal random variable, and can be modelled using a logit model combined with a linear regression on the logarithm of the lognormal part. The D A -optimal design for estimating the logit model parameters is shown to coincide with the D-optimal design for the usual logit model. The D A -optimal design for estimating the linear model parameters is derived analytically. Among two-point designs, an analytic solution is given for the design that maximizes the D-optimality.
Eyewitness identification: Effects of suggestion and bias in identification from photographs

141 students were made witnesses to a simulated crime and tested for immediate recall. Seven weeks later, the witnesses were tested for recognition of the perpetrator in a 2 by 2 design which varied the degree of bias in instructions and in the layout of a six-person photospread. Main effects of bias were significant, with a strong interaction effect leading to the highest number of identifications of the perpetrator in the biased photo/biased instruction condition. Suggestivity in photospreads confounds the attribution of a positive identification to the witness’s original perception.
A clarification of certain issues related to the CO2-climate problem

In this paper we examine and clarify several arguments that have been put forth by Dr. S. B. Idso in an article appearing within this issue of Climatic Change.
Regional metabolic status of the E–18 rat fetal brain following transient hypoxia/ischemia

Increasing evidence indicates that fetal metabolic stress may result in a variety of post–natal perturbations during brain development. The goal of the study was to determine the duration of hypoxia/ischemia that would elicit a demonstrable regional depression of metabolism in the fetal brain and further to examine several end–points to determine if the metabolic stress affects the developing brain. The uterine artery and uterine branch of the ovarian artery were occluded with aneurysm clamps for a period of 45 min, the clips removed and the metabolites in five regions of the perinatal brain were measured at 0, 2 and 6 h of reflow. Regional P–creatine, ATP and glucose levels were significantly depleted at the end of the 45 min occlusion. The levels of glycogen and glutamate at the end of the occlusion indicated a decreasing trend which was not significant. The concentration of citrate remained essentially unchanged at the end of the occlusion. To ensure that the insult was not lethal to the tissue, the recovery of the metabolites was examined at 2 and 6 h of reflow and generally the concentrations of the high–energy phosphates and glucose were normal or near–normal by 6 h of reperfusion in the five regions of the brain examined. The changes in the metabolites indicate that 45 min of hypoxia/ischemia is an appropriate model for studying neonatal development after fetal metabolic stress.
Production of Hemadsorption-Negative Areas by Serums Containing Australia Antigen

Exposure of human Wi-38 cells to human serums containing Australia antigen, and presumably serum hepatitis virus, renders the cells refractory to infection by Newcastle disease virus as detected by the hemadsorption-negative plaque test for intrinsic interference. Induction of the Newcastle disease virus refractory state could be passed in cell culture with up to a 1 : 100,000 dilution of material obtained from cells "infected" with serums containing Australia antigen after filtration (0.45-µm pores) and heating to 60°C for 1 hour. Human antiserums to the Australia antigen prevented induction of the Newcastle disease virus refractory state.
Associations between FSH concentrations and major and minor follicular waves in pregnant mares.

Abstract Follicular waves were detected in 19 pregnant mares (Days 11 to 40) by a significant increase followed by a significant decrease in diameters of follicles after removing large (≥25 mm) follicles from the data sets. The waves were defined as major (largest follicle, ≥35 mm; n=18) or minor (largest follicle,
The thermal stabilization of austenite

Abstract It is proposed that the thermal stabilization of austenite occurs because of the pinning of martensite nucleus-austenite matrix interfaces by segregated carbon. The kinetics of thermal stabilization implicit in this model are quantitatively developed and compared with reported austenite stabilization behavior.
Nucleolar colocalization of TAF1 and testis-specific TAFs during Drosophila spermatogenesis

In Drosophila, testis-specific TBP-associated factors (tTAFs) predominantly localize to spermatocyte nucleoli and regulate the transcription of genes necessary for spermatocyte entry into meiosis. tTAFs are paralogs of generally expressed TAF subunits of transcription factor IID (TFIID). Our recent observation that the generally expressed TAF1 isoform TAF1-2 is greatly enriched in testes prompted us to explore the functional relationship between general TAFs and tTAFs during spermatogenesis. Analysis by immunofluorescence microscopy revealed that among the general TFIID subunits examined (TATA-box binding protein [TBP], TAF1, TAF4, TAF5, and TAF9), only TAF1 colocalized with the tTAF Mia in spermatocyte nucleoli. Nucleolar localization of TAF1, but not Mia, was disrupted in tTAF mutant flies, and TAF1 dissociated from DNA prior to Mia as spermatocytes entered meiosis. Taken together, our results suggest stepwise assembly of a testis-specific TFIID complex (tTFIID) whereby a TAF1 isoform, presumably TAF1-2, is recruited to a core subassembly of tTAFs in spermatocyte nucleoli. Developmental Dynamics 236:2836–2843, 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
A comparative study of 2-3 trees and AVL trees

This paper presents an analysis, a survey, and compares the pertinent characteristics of AVL and 2-3 trees. In an attempt to optimize the space complexity of 2-3 trees, it introduces a new space saving and efficient top-down insertion and construction algorithm. The analysis shows that neither data structure totally dominates the other. The decision as to which is cost-wise efficient is a function of the application.
Leader capabilities, succession, and competitive context: A study of professional baseball teams

Abstract Using a sample of major league baseball teams, this study provides evidence that leader (field manager) ability and experience are positively associated with subsequent performance for ongoing field managers. Following a succession event, however, only the ability of the new field manager, as measured by his prior record, is important to subsequent performance. We hypothesize that the level of rivalry will be importantly associated with a new field manager's ability to improve subsequent performance, because it is easier to improve in a low-rivalry context. Contrary to the hypothesis, however, our analysis indicates that the abilities of the new field manager are even more important when the team is competing in a high-rivalry context, and tend to matter little in a low-rivalry context.
Complementation of a pKM101 derivative that decreases resistance to UV killing but increases susceptibility to mutagenesis

Abstract The drug resistance plasmid pKM101 makes Escherichia coli resistant to the lethal effects of ultraviolet (UV) irradiation and more susceptible to mutagenesis by a variety of agents. The plasmid operon responsible for increasing mutagenesis has been termed mucAB (Mutagenesis, UV and chemical). We have isolated a derivative of pKM101 called pGW1975 which makes cells more sensitive to killing by UV but which retains the ability of pKM101 to increase susceptibility to methyl methanesulfonate (MMS) mutagenesis. pGW1975 increases UV mutagenesis less than pKM101 in a uvrA+ strain but more than pKM101 in a uvrA− strain. muc− point and insertion mutants of pKM101 and pGW1975 complement to restore the plasmid-mediated: (i) ability to reactivate UV-irradiated phage, (ii) resistance to killing by UV, and (iii) level of susceptibility to UV mutagenesis. We have identified a 2.0 kb region of pKM101 which is responsible for the complementation and which maps counterclockwise of mucAB.
Computer Simulations to Support Science Instruction and Learning: A critical review of the literature

Researchers have explored the effectiveness of computer simulations for supporting science teaching and learning during the past four decades. The purpose of this paper is to provide a comprehensive, critical review of the literature on the impact of computer simulations on science teaching and learning, with the goal of summarizing what is currently known and providing guidance for future research. We report on the outcomes of 61 empirical studies dealing with the efficacy of, and implications for, computer simulations in science instruction. The overall findings suggest that simulations can be as effective, and in many ways more effective, than traditional (i.e. lecture-based, textbook-based and/or physical hands-on) instructional practices in promoting science content knowledge, developing process skills, and facilitating conceptual change. As with any other educational tool, the effectiveness of computer simulations is dependent upon the ways in which they are used. Thus, we outline specific research-...
Managing nitrogen for sustainable corn systems: Problems and possibilities

Excessive nitrogen fertilizer use in corn production has resulted in widespread nitrate pollution of ground water and economic losses for farmers. In addition, reliance on nitrogen fertilizers produced with large amounts of fossil fuels may not be economically or environmentally sustainable in the future. Although leaching of significant amounts of nitrate to the ground water is inherent in growing corn, several techniques are available for more environmentally and agronomically sound management. The following management practices are discussed in this article: sidedress as the main method of N fertilizer application; the pre-sidedress (Magdoff) nitrate soil test; farm-based nitrogen sources (manures, green manures, and rotations with sod crops); cover crops for lowering profile nitrate during the most likely period for leaching; and the end of season stalk nitrate test.
A NOVEL MINIATURIZED TRIBAND PIFA FOR MIMO APPLICATIONS

Multiband antennas are vital in meeting the modern tele- communication demands of mobile terminals. Using the spatial properties of multipath channels, multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) communica- tion systems employ antenna arrays to increase their communication capac- ity. This article presents a novel printed inverted "F" antenna (PIFA), which has been used to design a miniaturized triband antenna. In turn, the triband antenna has been used as an element in various arrays of MIMO applications. Specifically, the antenna element has been constructed and applied, in arrays of two and four, in a laptop PCMCIA wireless LAN card. The size of the four element MIMO antenna array is 50 mm 13 mm 8 mm, which translates to 0.4 0.1 0.06 at 2.45 GHz. The input im- pedance of the single element antenna has been measured at UCLA. The antenna has a return loss lower than 10 dB within the 2.4 -2.5 GHz, 5.15-5.35 GHz, and 5.7-5.85 GHz bands. The measured scattering matri- ces of two and four element arrays have been used to calculate the total active reflection coefficient (TARC). TARC has been calculated for different combinations of excitation signals applied at each port. Each excitation signal has a unity magnitude and a random phase, thus leading to innumer- able signal combinations. Our results reveal that "off" diagonal elements of the scattering matrix (couplings between elements) are as important as di- agonal elements in calculating the TARC and the radiation efficiency of arrays. Furthermore, increasing the number of elements in a MIMO system with a limited volume will increase the channel capacity but lower the radiation efficiency. The experimental and simulation results have been in agreement. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 49: 724 -731, 2007; Published online in Wiley Inter- Science (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.22239