cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of wipe sampling materials for lead in surface dust.

The suitability of several commercially available wipe sampling materials for the determination of lead in dust on solid surfaces was evaluated. Criteria for the selection of wipe materials appropriate for field use and subsequent laboratory analysis were identified. These included (a) uniform background lead levels in the materials (preferably<5 µg); (b) ease of digestion in nitric acid/hydrogen peroxide or nitric acid/perchloric acid leachate; (c) ≥80% recoveries of lead from standard reference material spikes; and (d) ease of use in the field. Other candidate wipe materials that were not examined in this study can be evaluated in a similar manner.
Trauma-Hemorrhage and Hypoxia Differentially Influence Kupffer Cell Phagocytic Capacity: Role of Hypoxia-Inducible-Factor-1α and Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase/Akt Activation

Objective We investigated whether Kupffer cell phagocytosis is differentially regulated following hypoxia (by breathing hypoxic gas) and trauma-hemorrhage. We hypothesized that the differences might result from a differential activation of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway under those conditions.
Finite-size scaling study of the three-dimensional classical XY model

The three-dimensional classical XY model on a cubic lattice has been studied using Monte Carlo simulations. The finite-size scaling method of the phenomenological renormalization group has been used to calculate the critical exponents \ensuremath{\nu}, v, and \ensuremath{\beta} of the correlation length, helicity modulus, and order parameter. Good agreement with series-expansion results is obtained.
Induction of P450 3A by Ethylbenzene Without Altering RNA Levels

Abstract Rats were treated with a single intraperitoneal injection of ethylbenzene in corn oil and the effects on cytochrome P450 3A-dependent activities, immunoreactive protein levels and RNA levels were examined. Ethylbenzene increased both P450 3A-dependent 2β-hydroxylation of testosterone and immunoreactive protein levels. These levels were maximally induced by 24 hr and diminished thereafter. Despite the increases in P450 3A protein, neither P450 3A1 nor P450 3A2 mRNA levels were altered by treatment with the hydrocarbon. These results clearly demonstrate that this P450 isozyme can be induced by either translational activation or stabilization of P450 3A protein and are suggestive of an elevation of P450 3A2 levels.
Measurement of the fluorescence lifetime in scattering media by frequency-domain photon migration.

A method is presented to determine fluorescence decay lifetimes within tissuelike scattering media. Fluorescence lifetimes are determined for micromolar concentrations of the dyes 3,3′-Diethylthiatricarbocyanine Iodide and Indocyanine Green by frequency-domain investigations of light propagating in turbid media. Dual-wavelength photon-migration measurements that use intensity-modulated sources at excitation and emission wavelengths of the fluorophores provide optical parameters of the media as well as fluorescence properties of the dyes. The deduction of fluorescence lifetimes requires no calibration with reference fluorophores, and the results are shown to be independent of dye concentration.
Early-stage visual processing abnormalities in high-functioning autism spectrum disorder (ASD)

It has been reported that individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have abnormal responses to the sensory environment. For these individuals sensory overload can impair functioning, raise physiological stress, and adversely affect social interaction. Early-stage (i.e. within 200 ms of stimulus onset) auditory processing abnormalities have been widely examined in ASD using event-related potentials (ERP), while ERP studies investigating early-stage visual processing in ASD are less frequent. We wanted to test the hypothesis of early-stage visual processing abnormalities in ASD by investigating ERPs elicited in a visual oddball task using illusory figures. Our results indicate that individuals with ASD have abnormally large cortical responses to task irrelevant stimuli over both parieto-occipital and frontal regions-of-interest (ROI) during early stages of visual processing compared to the control group. Furthermore, ASD patients showed signs of an overall disruption in stimulus discrimination, and had a significantly higher rate of motor response errors.
Finite element analysis of subsurface crack propagation in a half-space due to a moving asperity contact

Abstract Subsurface cracking in a homogeneous half-space due to a moving asperity is analyzed using linear elastic fracture mechanics and finite element simulations. Overlapping of the crack faces and assumptions about the surface traction distribution are avoided with the use of contact elements. Emphasis is given to the direction and the rate of crack propagation due to indentation and sliding contact. The crack propagation directions in shear and tensile mode are predicted based on the maximum range of the shear and tensile stress intensity factor, respectively. The effects of crack length-to-depth ratio, friction at the contact region and the crack interface, and load history on the shear and tensile mode crack propagation directions are elucidated. The likelihood of incipient kink formation due to the tensile mechanism during in-plane shear mode crack growth is interpreted in terms of the location and the length of the crack and the coefficient of friction at the contact region and the crack interface. The rate of in-plane shear mode crack growth is examined using the maximum range of the shear stress intensity factor. Crack mechanism maps showing the occurrence of slip, stick, and opening of the crack faces versus asperity position are presented for different crack length-to-depth ratios and friction conditions.
Fast coherent manipulation of three-electron states in a double quantum dot

Electron spins in quantum dots are a promising platform for quantum information technologies. Using a double quantum dot system with three electrons, Shi et al. show that certain pulse sequences allow for fast rotations to all possible states, improving the performance compared with the two electron case.
PEX19 is a predominantly cytosolic chaperone and import receptor for class 1 peroxisomal membrane proteins

Integral peroxisomal membrane proteins (PMPs) are synthesized in the cytoplasm and imported posttranslationally. Here, we demonstrate that PEX19 binds and stabilizes newly synthesized PMPs in the cytosol, binds to multiple PMP targeting signals (mPTSs), interacts with the hydrophobic domains of PMP targeting signals, and is essential for PMP targeting and import. These results show that PEX19 functions as both a chaperone and an import receptor for newly synthesized PMPs. We also demonstrate the existence of two PMP import mechanisms and two classes of mPTSs: class 1 mPTSs, which are bound by PEX19 and imported in a PEX19-dependent manner, and class 2 mPTSs, which are not bound by PEX19 and mediate protein import independently of PEX19.
The gullet and trichocysts of Cyathomonas truncata

Abstract Evidence is presented for the passage of bacterial food organisms into a cytoplasmic tube present in Cyathomonas truncata . The tube thus appears to function as a gullet or cytostome. A fringe, which may assist in feeding, surrounds the entrance to the gullet. Microtrichocysts and macrotrichocysts are recognized in this organism. The undischarged trichocysts bear a strong resemblance to retractile bodies of kappa particles, and are able to incorporate 3 H-thymidine. The trichocysts of Cyathomonas can thus be classified with that ever increasing category of cytoplasmic organelles whose ultrastructural and molecular properties suggest that they are a type of endosymbiont.
Explanation for the simultaneous occurrence of bipolar structures and waves near ion-cyclotron harmonics in the auroral ionosphere

In the downward current region of the auroral ionosphere, the FAST spacecraft has observed bipolar electrostatic structures on Debye length scales and waves at frequencies between the H+ ion cyclotron harmonics. Such bipolar structures have been previously identified with the nonlinearly evolved state of a two-stream electron instability. In this paper, we present the results of long-duration and large-scale particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations which produce, from one set of initial conditions, both bipolar electrostatic structures and, at later times, ion Bernstein waves with peak intensities between multiples of the ion cyclotron frequency. The ion Bernstein waves are driven by a weaker beam instability caused by a residual positive slope in the nonlinearly evolved (nonthermal) electron distribution. Although there are a variety of processes which can produce ion Bernstein modes, we show that a common source (an electron beam) can produce both of these observed phenomena in the downward current region.
Anterior Cruciate Ligament Graft Failure A Comparison of Graft Type Based on Age and Tegner Activity Level

Background: When reviewing anterior cruciate ligament instability, age, gender, activity level, associated injury, and type of graft should all be considered.Hypothesis: The authors hypothesized that patients under 25 years of age will have higher failure rates with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction than those older than 25 years, and that in the patients younger than 25 years, bone–patellar tendon–bone autograft will have the lowest failure rate.Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.Methods: With use of a computerized relational database, all patients having primary anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction at 1 institution between January 2000 and July 2007 with allograft, bone–patellar tendon–bone, and hamstring grafts were evaluated.Results: A significant association was found between age group and graft failure (P = .012). Patients 25 years and younger had a significantly higher failure rate (16.5%) than patients older than 25 years (8.3%). Pairwise comparisons indicated that both ...
Adverse Life Events and Resilience

ABSTRACT Objective Adverse life events are well-documented risk factors of psychopathology and psychological dysfunction in children and adolescents. Youth with good adjustment despite high levels of adverse life events are considered resilient. This study identifies factors that characterize resilience. Method Household probability samples of youth aged 9 through 17 years at four sites were used. Main and interaction effects of 11 factors were examined to assess their impact on youth adjustment. Results Children at risk because of higher levels of adverse life events exhibited a greater degree of resilience when they had a higher IQ, better family functioning, closer parental monitoring, more adults in the household, and higher educational aspiration. The interaction between maternal psychopathology and adversity was significant, and the interaction between IQ and adversity approached significance. Conclusion Resilient youth received more guidance and supervision by their parents and lived in higher-functioning families. Other adults in the family probably complemented the parents in providing guidance and support to the youth and in enhancing youth adjustment. Higher educational aspirations might have provided high-risk youth with a sense of direction and hope. Although IQ had no impact in youth at low risk, youth at high risk who had a higher IQ might have coped better.
Active vibration control of smart composite plates using self-adaptive neuro-controller

A neural network-based control system is developed for self-adapting vibration control of laminated plates with piezoelectric sensors and actuators. The conventional vibration control approaches are limited by the requirement of an explicit and often accurate identification of the system dynamics and subsequent `offline' design of an optimal controller. The present study utilizes the powerful learning capabilities of neural networks to capture the structural dynamics and to evolve optimal control dynamics. A hybrid control system developed in this paper is comprised of a feed-forward neural network identifier and a dynamic diagonal recurrent neural network controller. Sensing and actuation are achieved using piezoelectric sensors and actuators. The performance of the hybrid control system is tested by numerical simulation of a composite plate with embedded piezoelectric actuators and sensors. Finite-element equations of motion are developed based on shear deformation theory and implemented for the plate element. The dynamic effects of the mass and stiffness of the piezoelectric patches are considered in the model. Numerical results are presented for a flat plate. A robustness study including the effects of structural parameter variation and partial loss of the sensor and actuator is performed. The hybrid control system is shown to perform effectively in all of these cases.
Kinetic parameters for the binding of p-nitrophenyl α-d-mannopyranoside to concanavalin A

Abstract Binding of the chromogenic ligand p -nitrophenyl α- d -mannopyranoside to concanavalin A was studied in a stopped-flow spectrometer. Formation of the protein-ligand complex could be represented as a simple one-step process. No kinetic evidence could be obtained for a ligand-induced change in the conformation of concanavalin A, although the existence of such a conformational change was not excluded. The entire change in absorbance produced on ligand binding occurred in the monophasic process monitored in the stopped-flow spectrometer. The value of the apparent second-order rate constant ( k a ) for complex formation ( k a = 54,000 s −1 m − at 25 °C, pH 5.0, Γ/2 0.5) was independent of the protein concentration when the protein was in the range of 233–831 μ m in combining sites and in excess of the ligand. The apparent first-order rate constant ( k −a ) for dissociation of the complex was obtained from the rate constant for the decomposition of the complex upon the addition of excess methyl α- d -mannopyranoside ( k −a = 6.2 s −1 at 25 °C, pH 5.0, Γ/2 0.5). The ratio k a − a (0.9 × 10 4 m −1 ) was in reasonable agreement with value of 1.1 ± 0.1 × 10 4 m −1 determined for the equilibrium constant for complex formation by ultraviolet difference spectrometry. Plots of ln( k a T ) and ln( k a T ) vs 1 T were linear ( T is temperature) and were used to evaluate activation parameters. The enthalpies of activation for formation and dissociation of the complex are 9.5 ± 0.3 and 16.8 ± 0.2 kcal/mol, respectively. The unitary entropies of activation for formation and dissociation of the complex are 2.8 ± 1.1 and 1.3 ± 0.7 entropy units, respectively. These entropy changes are much less than those usually associated with substantial changes in the conformation of proteins.
A Fas-associated Death Domain Protein-dependent Mechanism Mediates the Apoptotic Action of Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs in the Human Leukemic Jurkat Cell Line

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are inhibitors of cyclooxygenase-1 and -2 and are useful for prevention and cure of cancers, especially colon and rectal cancers. The NSAIDs indomethacin and sulindac sulfide have been shown to induce apoptosis of colon epithelial cancer cells by a Bax-dependent mechanism that involves mitochondria-mediated activation of a caspase-9-dependent pathway. In this report, we demonstrate that indomethacin and sulindac sulfide induce apoptosis of human leukemic Jurkat cells by a mechanism that requires the Fas-associated Death Domain Protein-mediated activation of a caspase-8-dependent pathway. Therefore, NSAIDs induce apoptosis by different mechanisms depending on the cell type.
Abstract 5133: Microtentacles and invadopodia: Functionally distinct plasma membrane protrusions of metastatic breast tumor cells separated mechanistically by c-Src

Proceedings: AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010‐‐ Apr 17‐21, 2010; Washington, DC During metastasis, invading cells produce various actin-based membrane protrusions that promote directional migration and proteolysis of extracellular matrix (ECM). Our recent discovery of a filamentous actin (F-actin) component within thin tubulin-based microtentacle (McTN) protrusions in suspended MDA-MB-231 tumor cells prompted an investigation of whether these extensions are structural or functional analogs of invadopodia. We show here that MDA-MB-231s are capable of producing invadopodia and McTNs, both of which contain F-actin. Invadopodium formation was enhanced by expression of a constitutively-active c-Src kinase, and repressed by expression of dominant negative, catalytically inactive form of c-Src. In contrast expression of inactive c-Src significantly increased the McTN formation. Additionally, direct inhibition of c-Src with the SU6656 inhibitor compound significantly enhanced McTN formation, suppressed the appearance of F-actin cores and phospho-cortactin foci, and completely blocked focal degradation of extracellular matrix. These results identify McTNs and invadopodia as separate structures that provide unique and sequential contributions to metastatic progression, namely endothelial attachment and invasion, respectively. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 5133.
Synthesis and Photophysics of a 1-Pyrenylmethyl-Substituted 2‘-Deoxyuridine-5-Carboxamide Nucleoside: Electron-Transfer Product Lifetimes and Energies

This paper presents results of the synthesis and photophysical study of N-(1-pyrenylmethyl)-2‘-deoxyuridine-5-carboxamide (PMA-dU) and its spectroscopic model N-acetyl-1-aminomethylpyrene (PMA-Ac). The goal in these studies is to learn about the intrinsic forward and reverse electron-transfer (ET) processes in the PMA-dU nucleoside as a means of developing pyrenyl-dU nucleosides with ET product lifetimes in the 0.5 ns time range. Absorbance and emission spectra, emission quantum yields, and emission lifetimes are reported for both compounds in three solvents. The data show that the emission yield quenching varies from 75 to 98% in the solvent series THF, MeCN, and MeOH. Pyrenyl (π,π*)1 emission quenching is assigned to ET that forms the pyrene•+/dU•- product as observed previously in other pyrenyl-dU nucleosides. In contrast to the monoexponential emission decay of PMA-Ac, the emission of PMA-dU at all wavelengths is multiexponential with 4 lifetimes in THF and nearly always with 3 in MeCN and MeOH. The m...
Solubilities of the molybdates and tungstates of silver and copper(II) in water by ion-selective electrodes

Abstract The solubilities of silver molybdate, silver tungstate, copper molybdate and copper tungstate in water have been determined over the temperature range 20–40°C using ion-selective electrodes. The molar heats of solution for these salts have been calculated at 25°C. The discrepancies between our data and the existing literature values have been discussed.
Range correction applied to heart rate and to GSR data.

The utility of the range correction, in which each individual autonomic level or response measure is expressed in terms of estimates of that S's maximum and minimum level or response amplitude, was evaluated in terms of the apparent reduction in error variance indicated by larger or more significant treatment effects. The data analyzed were from an experiment in which 48 Ss received 12 painful shocks in each of four conditions of shock predictability. A reduction in error variance resulted from correcting, for individual differences in tonic range, measures of tonic SC (a replication of previous findings) and measures of tonic HR (a new finding). A reduction in error variance also resulted from dividing each SCR to shock by that S's largest SCR, i.e., by correcting phasic SCR measures for individual differences in range of SCR. No marked improvement resulted from a similar correction of phasic HRR data.
Age-related dendritic hypertrophy and sexual dimorphism in rat basolateral amygdala

Abstract Little research has examined the influence of aging or sex on anatomical measures in the basolateral amygdala. We quantified spine density and dendritic material in Golgi–Cox stained tissue of the basolateral nucleus in young adult (3–5 months) and aged (20–24 months) male and female Long-Evans rats. Dendritic branching and spine density were measured in principal neurons. Age, but not sex, influenced the dendritic tree, with aged animals displaying significantly more dendritic material. Previous findings from our laboratory in the same set of subjects indicate an opposite effect of aging on dendritic material in the medial prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. We also report here a sex difference across ages in dendritic spine density, favoring males.
Electrodeposition of Nickel‐Iron Alloys I . Effect of Agitation

Agitation effects on electrodeposition have been systematically investigated using a rotating ring‐disk electrode. Alloy compositions and bath current efficiencies have been shown to vary widely over the range of plating current densities and rotation speeds used. An analysis of partial currents as a function of electrode potential has shown that the Fe deposition reaction is mass‐transport controlled at sufficient cathodic potentials, and that the diffusivity of the Fe2+ ion is the same for both the reduction to Fe0 and the oxidation to Fe3+. In agreement with the observations of Dahms and Croll, the Ni deposition reaction is inhibited when Fe is codeposited. This inhibition effect, manifest as a cathodic shift in the Ni polarization curve, increases in magnitude with increased agitation. The dependence of Ni inhibition on agitation is seen only under conditions at which Fe deposition is mass‐transfer influenced, which suggests that Ni inhibition is primarily dependent on the flux of Fe2+ to the electrode surface. The rate of hydrogen evolution during deposition shows the same dependence on potential and agitation as it does in a Ni2+‐ and Fe2+‐free bath on a substrate.
General Education and Special Education Teachers Collaborate to Support English Language Learners with Learning Disabilities.

The Census 2000 Brief (U.S. Department of Commerce, 2004b) indicates that English is not the heritage language of approximately one in five Americans, and the number of limited English proficient (LEP) students, also known as English language learners (ELLs), grew about 50 percent in the last decade. It is estimated that nearly 400,000 ELL students in grades K-12 were identified as needing special education services in the school year 2001-2002 (McCardle, McCarthy-Mele, Cutting, Leos, & D’Emilio (2005). Paradoxically, there is an over-representation, and also an under-representation, of students in special education programs (Artiles & Ortiz, 2002; Klingner et al., 2006; Individuals With Disabilities Education Act Amendments, 1997). More research needs to be conducted to decipher whether ELLs struggle to develop literacy because of their limited English proficiency or because they have a learning disability (Klingner, et al., 2006). Not surprisingly, general education (GE) teachers hesitate to refer students to special education because they are unsure if the challenges these ELLs face relate to a second language acquisition or a learning disability (LD) issue (U.S. Department of Education, USDOE, & National Institute of Health and
Parallel and Divergent Interpreting in an Elementary School Classroom.

The study examined the extent to which a highly qualified interpreter remained parallel with or diverged from the original classroom discourse in her interpreting for a 3rd-grade deaf student in science, social studies, and resource room. The interpreter's signed and verbalized expressions were compared to the class participants' expressions for meaning equivalence. Parallel interpreting, occurring 33.2% of the time, closely matched the content of the speaker's message. Divergent interpreting, whereby the interpreter added or dropped elements of meaning, occurred 66.8% of the time. Qualitative analyses of classroom footage as well as interviews with the interpreter and the teachers revealed how, when, and why the interpreter diverged from the message. While the interpreter often made intentional reductions and additions to the discourse to achieve greater student understanding of language and course content, there was little awareness of these changes among individualized educational program team members.
Biogeography of subterranean decapods in North and Central America and the Caribbean region (Caridea, Astacidea, Brachyura)

A significant number of decapod crustaceans (81 troglobites and 58 other cavernicoles) has been described from various subterranean waters in North and Central America (United States south to Costa Rica) and from the islands in the western north Atlantic and the Caribbean Sea, posing puzzling questions concerning their evolution and biogeography. Of these troglobitic species, 36 are shrimps (1 procarid, 11 atyids, 2 agostocarids, 15 palaemonids, 2 alpheids, 5 hippolytids), 35 are cambarid crayfishes, and 10 are crabs (1 grapsid, 7 pseudothelphusids, 2 trichodactylids). They are known to occur in caves, springs, cenotes, blue holes, anchialine environments, and various crevicular habitats in localized areas throughout the region. Many, if not the majority, of the troglobites appear to have arisen independently from epigean progenitors rather than sharing common subterranean precursors.
Letter to the Editor-A Note on the Waiting-Time Distribution for the M/G/1 Queue with Last-Come-First-Served Discipline

The waiting-time distribution for an M/G/1 queue with last-come-first-served discipline has a simple structure that may be found from an argument based on the Takacs server backlog process. This structure provides real-time information in a convenient form.
Biochemical Characterization of CD1d Expression in the Absence of β2-Microglobulin

CD1d is a major histocompatibility complex class I-like molecule that exhibits a distinct antigen processing pathway that functions in the presentation of hydrophobic antigens to T cells. CD1d has been previously shown to be expressed on the cell surface of human intestinal epithelial cell lines in vivo and a transfected cell line in vitro independently of β2-microglobulin (β2m). To define the relationship between CD1d and β2m and characterize the biochemical structure of CD1d in the absence of β2m, we have used a newly generated series of CD1d transfectants and CD1d-specific antibodies. These studies show that in the absence of β2m, CD1d is expressed on the cell surface as a 45-kDa glycoprotein that is sensitive to endoglycosidase-H and is reduced to 37-kDa after N-glycanase digestion. In contrast, in the presence of β2m, CD1d is expressed on the cell surface as a 48-kDa endoglycosidase-H-resistant glycoprotein. Pulse-chase metabolic labeling studies demonstrate that acquisition of endoglycosidase-H resistance of CD1d is observed in the presence of β2m but not in the absence of β2m even after a 24-h chase period. Thus, CD1d is able to be transported to the cell surface independently of β2m; however, in the absence of β2m, the glycosylation pattern of CD1d is altered and consistent with an immature glycoprotein.
Statistical analyses of structural magnetic resonance imaging of the head of the caudate nucleus in Colombian children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies of the caudate nucleus have reported reversal asymmetry and alterations of its size, suggesting a striate cortical disorder related to attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The objective was to evaluate whether alterations of the asymmetry and size of the caudate nucleus head exist in a sample of well-controlled 7- to 11-year-old Colombian children, with different types of ADHD. Two groups of cases—ADHD of the combined type and ADHD of the inattentive type—and one control group, were selected. Multiple methods for assessing ADHD (rating scales, psychologic interview, neurologic history and examination, and neuropsychologic evaluation) were used to confirm the diagnoses. Participants with a history of language disorder, learning disabilities, depression, and other major neurologic and psychiatric conditions were excluded. Finally all groups had 15 children, matched by sex (7 male, 8 female), age, socioeconomic status, and grade. Height, weight, head circu...
Pollen-limited reproduction in blue oak: implications for wind pollination in fragmented populations

Human activities are fragmenting forests and woodlands worldwide, but the impact of reduced tree population densities on pollen transfer in wind-pollinated trees is poorly understood. In a 4-year study, we evaluated relationships among stand density, pollen availability, and seed production in a thinned and fragmented population of blue oak (Quercus douglasii). Geographic coordinates were established and flowering interval determined for 100 contiguous trees. The number of neighboring trees within 60 m that released pollen during each tree's flowering period was calculated and relationships with acorn production explored using multiple regression. We evaluated the effects of female flower production, average temperature, and relative humidity during the pollination period, and number of pollen-producing neighbors on individual trees' acorn production. All factors except temperature were significant in at least one of the years of our study, but the combination of factors influencing acorn production varied among years. In 1996, a year of large acorn crop size, acorn production was significantly positively associated with number of neighboring pollen producers and density of female flowers. In 1997, 1998, and 1999, many trees produced few or no acorns, and significant associations between number of pollen-producing neighbors and acorn production were only apparent among moderately to highly reproductive trees. Acorn production by these reproductive trees in 1997 was significantly positively associated with number of neighboring pollen producers and significantly negatively associated with average relative humidity during the pollination period. In 1998, no analysis was possible, because too few trees produced a moderate to large acorn crop. Only density of female flowers was significantly associated with acorn production of moderately to highly reproductive trees in 1999. The effect of spatial scale was also investigated by conducting analyses with pollen producers counted in radii ranging from 30 m to 80 m. The association between number of pollen-producing neighbors and acorn production was strongest when neighborhood sizes of 60 m or larger were considered. Our results suggest that fragmentation and thinning of blue oak woodlands may reduce pollen availability and limit reproduction in this wind-pollinated species.
Error analysis of 2-D MoM for MFIE/EFIE/CFIE based on the circular cylinder

We analyze the error in typical moment method scattering solutions for smooth cylindrical geometries and TM-polarized fields. We consider the magnetic field integral equation (MFIE), electric field integral equation (EFIE), and combined field integral equation. To quantify the impact of mesh element size, approximate integration of moment matrix elements, and geometrical discretization error on the accuracy of computed surface currents and scattering amplitudes, we derive error estimates analytically for the circular cylinder. For pulse functions and point testing, current and scattering amplitude errors are generally second order in the mesh element width. The convergence rate worsens to first order if low-order numerical quadrature is used to evaluate moment matrix elements with the EFIE formulation, or if a flat-facet mesh is employed with the MFIE formulation. Third-order convergence is also possible in some special cases. These results for the circular cylinder are empirically compared to computed error values for other smooth scatterer geometries. Convergence rates with respect to mesh refinement agree, but scatterers with regions of high curvature exhibit increased absolute error.
Phase Characterization and Adaptive Pulse Compression Using MIIPS In Air

We introduce a noninterferometric single beam method for accurate characterization and adaptive compression of amplified femtosecond pulses. This new method, air-MIIPS, exploits the third harmonic generation in air to measure and compensate high-order phase distortions.
South Carolina mayflies ( Insecta: Ephemeroptera) of Conservation Concern

Abstract: Nine mayfly species (Insecta: Ephemeroptera) that may be of conservation concern in South Carolina are discussed. Three such species associated with sand-bottomed streams are Acanthametropus pecatonica (Burks, 1953), Dolania americana Edmunds & Traver, 1959 and Homeoneuria dolani Edmunds, Berner & Traver, 1958. Three species of potential concern are associated with Hornleaf Riverweed (Podostemum ceratophyllum Michaux, 1803), and they include Barbaetis benfieldi Kennedy, 1985, Heterocloeon berneri (Muller-Liebenau, 1974) and Tsalia berneri (Allen & Edmunds, 1958). Mayflies of slow or stagnant waters that may be of conservation concern in South Carolina include Arthroplea bipunctata (McDunnough, 1924), Macaffertium lenati (McCafferty, 1990) and Siphlonurus decorus Traver, 1932. Biological, ecological and geographic distribution studies of each species are reviewed. The South Carolina record of A. bipunctata is questionable. New data are provided for S. decorus. This article is available in Journal of the South Carolina Academy of Science: http://scholarcommons.sc.edu/jscas/vol11/iss1/6
A Model of mRNA Splicing in Adult Lysosomal Storage Disease (Glycogenosis Type II)

Glycogenosis type II is a recessively inherited disorder caused by mutations in the acid maltase (GAA) gene. Clinically, three different phenotypes are recognized: Infantile, juvenile and adult forms. A majority of compound heterozygous adult-onset patients carry a t-13g mutation in intron 1 associated with splicing out the first coding exon (exon 2). We have studied the mechanism of this mutation in a model system with wild-type and mutant minigenes expressed in a GAA deficient cell line. We have demonstrated that the mutation does not prevent normal splicing; low levels of correctly spliced mRNA are generated with the mutant construct. The data explain why the mutation is restricted to a milder, adult-onset phenotype. We also demonstrate that splicing out of exon 2 occurs with the wild-type construct, and thus represents alternative splicing which takes place in normal cells. Three splice variants (SV1, SV2 and SV3) are made with both the mutant and the wild-type constructs. Furthermore, as shown by RNAse protection assay, these mRNA variants are less abundant with the mutant construct. Thus, a major effect of the mutation appears to be a low splicing efficiency, since the total amount of all the transcripts generated from the mutant construct is reduced compared with the wild type. The removal of approximately 90% of the intron 1 (2.6 kb) sequence resulted in a dramatic increase in the levels of correctly spliced mRNA, indicating that the intron may contain a powerful transcriptional repressor.
Gravitational One-Solitons

It is shown that Chinea's Baecklundd transformations for the gravitational field equations are equivalent to the Belinnski-Zakharov one-solitonn construction.(AIP)
Contributions of the propatagium to avian flight

Through flight experiments with live birds and computer modeling we define the aerodynamic contributions of the propatagium in avian flight. From flight trials we found that in House Sparrows, with all flight feathers removed except for the distal six primaries, the loss of approximately 50% of the propatagium's projected area and its cambered profile produced a significant reduction in the distance a bird was able to cover in flight. Removal of the secondary feathers, leaving six distal primaries and an intact propatagium, did not have a noticeable affect upon flight. From the computer model which is representative of the bird wing's mid-antebrachial chord (cambered propatagium, symmetrical musculoskeletal elements, and flat secondary flight feathers), we found that the propatagium: (1) produced the majority of the lift; (2) had a higher (relative to secondary feathers) production of lift in relation to its angle of attack, i.e., steeper lift-curve slope; and (3) produced more lift with a chord only 1/5 that of the feather subsection. We conclude that the cambered propatagium is the major lift generating component of the wing proximal to the wrist. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Polymer encapsulants for microelectronics: mechanisms for protection and failure

Electrochemical failure of microelectronics is related to surface impurity levels, to temperature, and to relative humidity (RH). Contamination-by-design experiments were performed in order to investigate the interplay among these factors. Under dry conditions (0% RH), leakage currents were found to be small ( approximately 1-10 pA) and insensitive to surface contamination levels, implying that electrochemical IC failure becomes vanishingly small under dry conditions. At 100% RH, steady-state leakage currents were large ( approximately 10-100 mu A) and roughly proportional to surface loadings. Individual chemical compounds were found to exhibit step increases of leakage current at critical RH values corresponding to solid-to-saturated solution transitions. Aqueous droplets, or vacuoles, were seen visually at surface sites occupied by solid deposits. Variable-temperature studies, made on contaminated specimens at constant external water vapor partial pressure, exhibited a step decrease of leakage current at temperatures corresponding to the critical RH. Sucrose, a nonelectrolyte, showed leakage current steps similar to those observed with NaCl and CaCl/sub 2/. Vacuole formation is considered in some detail. >
Analysis of Residual Stress in Polycrystalline Silver Thin Films by X-Ray Diffraction

The stress state of evaporated Ag films prepared on Ti underlayers before and after encapsulation process has been studied by x-ray diffraction using a “sin2Ψ” technique. A low tensile stress of approximately 61 MPa was measured in the as-deposited Ag films. The stress was caused by nonequilibrium growth during film deposition and resulted in a lattice tension state in the film plane and a lattice compression state along the film normal. Thermal mismatch stress was produced by the encapsulation process at 600°C, but most of this stress relaxed during the cooling stage, and a residual tensile stress of ∼ 320 MPa in the film plane was determined.
Impact of pretransplant serum ferritin level on risk of invasive mold infection after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Invasive mold infections (IMI) are life-threatening complications of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and are mostly caused by Aspergillus species and Mucorales. We examined whether elevated serum ferritin prior to HSCT was associated with increased risk of IMI after allogeneic HSCT. Elevated serum ferritin was defined as values ≥1000 ng/mL. Pretransplant ferritin levels were available for 477 transplants. Nine developed IMI at day 30 and 21 had IMI at day 100 for a cumulative incidence of 1.9% and 4.4%, respectively. Among the high ferritin group, eight of 220 transplant cases (3.6%) developed an IMI within 30 d after HSCT compared with one of 257 (0.4%) in the low ferritin group (P = 0.01). Fourteen of 220 (6.4%) and seven of 257 transplant cases (2.7%) in the high and low ferritin groups, respectively, had developed an IMI by day 100 after HSCT (P = 0.07). Nine of 53 (17%) patients with grades III and IV acute GVHD and iron overload experienced IMI, when compared to three of 37 (8.1%) with high-grade aGVHD, but no iron overload. Among patients without aGVHD, those with elevated ferritin had a 2.7% incidence of IMI compared with 0.9% for patients without elevated ferritin. There was a marginally significant difference in cumulative incidence function between high and low ferritin groups for IMI (P = 0.06). However, elevated serum ferritin (≥1000 ng/mL) was not a significant risk factor for IMI in a multivariate competing risk regression model after adjusting for aGVHD.
Kinetic Modeling and Constrained Reconstruction of Hyperpolarized [1-13C]-Pyruvate Offers Improved Metabolic Imaging of Tumors

Hyperpolarized [1-(13)C]-pyruvate has shown tremendous promise as an agent for imaging tumor metabolism with unprecedented sensitivity and specificity. Imaging hyperpolarized substrates by magnetic resonance is unlike traditional MRI because signals are highly transient and their spatial distribution varies continuously over their observable lifetime. Therefore, new imaging approaches are needed to ensure optimal measurement under these circumstances. Constrained reconstruction algorithms can integrate prior information, including biophysical models of the substrate/target interaction, to reduce the amount of data that is required for image analysis and reconstruction. In this study, we show that metabolic MRI with hyperpolarized pyruvate is biased by tumor perfusion and present a new pharmacokinetic model for hyperpolarized substrates that accounts for these effects. The suitability of this model is confirmed by statistical comparison with alternates using data from 55 dynamic spectroscopic measurements in normal animals and murine models of anaplastic thyroid cancer, glioblastoma, and triple-negative breast cancer. The kinetic model was then integrated into a constrained reconstruction algorithm and feasibility was tested using significantly undersampled imaging data from tumor-bearing animals. Compared with naive image reconstruction, this approach requires far fewer signal-depleting excitations and focuses analysis and reconstruction on new information that is uniquely available from hyperpolarized pyruvate and its metabolites, thus improving the reproducibility and accuracy of metabolic imaging measurements.
Private-Information Group Contests

We model competing groups when players' values for winning are private information, each group's performance equals the best effort ("best shot") of its members, and the group with the best performance wins the contest. At the symmetric equilibrium of symmetric contests, increasing the number of competing teams may increase or decrease each team's performance, but it unambiguously increases the overall expected best shot. Depending on the elasticity of the distribution of players' values, individual, team, and contest performance may increase or decrease with team size. Considering just two competing groups that differ only in size, we show members of the smaller group use the more aggressive strategy, but, depending on the nature of uncertainty, either team may be more likely to win. More generally, when teams' value cdfs differ, increasing one team's size decreases (increases) that team's chance of winning if its value cdf is elastic (inelastic).
Current Concepts in the Pathophysiology ofAbnormal Pain Perception In Fibromyalgia

ABSTRACT Fibromyalgia is a noninflammatory rheumatic disorder characterized by chronic widespread musculoskeletal pain. Although many studies have described the pain and other clinical symptoms associated with this disorder, the primary mechanisms underlying the etiology of fibromyalgia remain elusive. This article reviews recent data supporting the links among each of three systems the musculoskeletal system, the neuroendocrine system, and the central nervous system (CNS), all of which appear to play major roles in fibromyalgia pathophysiology-and pain in fibromyalgia, and concludes by presenting a model of the pathophysiology of abnormal pain perception in fibromyalgia which integrates the research findings described. Fibromyalgia; Abnormal pain perception; Musculoskeletal system; Neuroendocrine system; Central nervous system.
Left-Handers' Sensitivity to Hand Usage: Theoretical Note on Saliency in the Self-Concept:

Etaugh and Brausam (1978) reported that left-handers were more sensitive than right-handers to hand usage by figures in a picture. Their interpretation emphasizes particular social experiences of left-handers. We propose a theoretically broader explanation—that there are general tendencies to characterize the self in terms of characteristics that are distinctive relative to others and to note in others those qualities salient in the self-concept.
Microbiology of Burns Treated with Carbenicillin: Experimental and Clinical Observations

ginosa, the principal pathogen causing sepsis from the bum wound [2, 3]. This topical therapy has lowered markedly the death rate due to sepsis from the burn wound, but sepsis from the bum wound, pulmonary involvement, and other sites remains a significant problem in management of the burn. The experimental model of bum-wound sepsis, which made possible the evolution of an effective topical therapy, has been useful in the assessment of other drugs in the treatment of burns. Invasion of the burn wound by Pseudomonas in this model is lethal unless protective therapy intervenes, and the model has been used to assess the potential effectiveness of carbenicillin (Geopen?Pfizer Inc.) in suppressing invasive sepsis due to Pseudomonas. Clinical trials of the antibiotic followed, but the complex problems presented by sepsis in severe burns obscure the effect of a specific antibiotic agent, and the animal response becomes an essential part of this evaluation.
Investigation on eating behaviors among residents in Shunyi District of Beijing in 2012

[Objective]To understand the eating behaviors of residents in Shunyi District of Beijing,provide the scientific evidence for developing the intervention measures.[Methods]By using the multi-stage proportional cluster random sampling,the questionnaire survey was conducted in 1434 households from 12 communities,and 1 people aged 15-79 years old was randomly investigated in each household.[Results]77. 5% of residents have often eaten homemade breakfast,and they mainly chose the canteen to eating out. The incidence rates of overweight and obesity in residents who have often eaten lunch,dinner and supper in the restaurants were significantly higher than those in other populations( P 0. 05). The residents have often eaten vegetables and fruits accounted for 94. 9% and 56. 6% respectively,and 56. 9% of residents have rarely consumed milk and milk products.[Conclusion]The eating behaviors of residents in Shunyi District are unreasonable. It is urgent to strengthen health education and intervention,to encourage residents to develop healthy eating behaviors and habits.
The appearance of labeled cells in the thoracic duct lymph of the guinea pig after the administration of tritiated thymidine.

S ummary Tritium-labeled thymidine was given by either intraperitoneal or intravenous injection to 13 male guinea pigs of approximately 400 Gm. weight. At times varying from 1 hour to 30 days after the administration of thymidine, thoracic duct lymph was obtained and examined for the presence of labeled cells. After a single dose of thymidine, a steady stream of labeled lymphocytes, ranging from 2 to 7 per cent of the total cells, enters the blood over the period studied. The intensity of the labeling appears to diminish gradually. Labeled large and medium lymphocytes were found in the lymph during the first hour. Labeled small lymphocytes began to appear in the fourth hour, in small numbers, and thereafter increased, whereas the proportion of labeled large and medium lymphocytes steadily diminished. This sequential appearance of large, medium and small lymphocytes is interpreted as indicating the pattern of development of the cell series. The labeled small lymphocytes appearing in the lymph are considered to be newly formed from precursor cells located in the various lymphatic tissues.