cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Regulation of gene expression during seed development in flowering plants.

Seeds are complex structures, made up of genetically and physiologically distinct components whose functions change during development (Bewley and Black, 1978, 1982; Rubenstein et al, 1978; Johri, 1984; Murray, 1984). The regulation of gene expression can thus be expected to be equally complex, as each part of the seed differentiates according to its own program. Most of the research effort to date has been directed toward describing the kinds of genes expressed in seeds and their temporal and spatial patterns of expression. Our knowledge of factors controlling the observed patterns is limited and comes from genetic analyses, studies of the effects of environmental and hormonal perturbations, and in vitro culture of isolated seed parts. In no case has the product of a regulatory gene been isolated and characterized, and the mechanisms by which hormones and environmental stimuli exert their effects on specific genes remain obscure. This chapter describes the systems and approaches being used to study regulation of expression of genes in each part of the seed, with special emphasis on evidence for interactions between tissues that are likely to involve trans-acting regulatory molecules, even though the identities of such molecules are unknown. My hope is that by pointing to our areas of ignorance, more systematic research will be undertaken, resulting in some clear answers about gene regulation in seeds.
Corrosion-Induced Mass Loss of Cu9Al4 at the Cu-Al Ball–Bond Interface: Explained Based on Full Immersion of Cu, Al, and Cu-Al Intermetallic Galvanic Couples

The disappearance of Cu9Al4 has been observed at the failed Cu-Al ball–bond interface in the standard humidity reliability test. Galvanic corrosion has been considered as the cause of the bond failure, yet no convincing argument has been provided to explain the preferential attack on Cu9Al4. Due to encapsulation, corrosion should proceed with the thin-layer electrolyte condition. The high ohmic resistance may constrain the galvanic corrosion between adjacent entities only. Thus, in this study, the galvanic corrosion between Cu and Cu9Al4, Cu9Al4 and CuAl2, and CuAl2 and Al were investigated using the zero-resistance ammetry. The results showed that the galvanic corrosion rate was the highest for the Cu9Al4-CuAl2 couple as compared with the other two galvanic couples. Also, the observed residual alumina between Cu9Al4 and CuAl2 and the associated internal stress build-up during the CuAl2-to-Cu9Al4 transition contributed to a higher crack propagation rate. Therefore, the failure first occurs at this interface. This failure then leads to a separation of Cu and Cu9Al4 from CuAl2 and Al. For the Cu-Cu9Al4 couple, Cu9Al4, the anode should corrode significantly faster due to the strong galvanic effect imposed by a larger surface area of Cu. In contrast, for the CuAl2-Al couple, the anodic corrosion rate of Al is slow as the galvanic effect imposed by the CuAl2 cathode is weak due to the small cathode surface area. As a result, Cu9Al4 disappeared from the failed ball–bond interface.
Mammals repel mosquitoes with their tails.

ABSTRACT The swinging of a mammal9s tail has long been thought to deter biting insects, which, in cows, can drain up to 0.3 liters of blood per day. How effective is a mammal9s tail at repelling insects? In this combined experimental and theoretical study, we filmed horses, zebras, elephants, giraffes and dogs swinging their tails. The tail swings at triple the frequency of a gravity-driven pendulum, and requires 27 times more power input. Tails can also be used like a whip to directly strike at insects. This whip-like effect requires substantial torques from the base of the tail on the order of 10 1 –10 2 N m, comparable to the torque of a sedan, but still within the physical limits of the mammal. Based on our findings, we designed and built a mammal tail simulator to simulate the swinging of the tail. The simulator generates mild breezes of 1 m s –1 , comparable to a mosquito9s flight speed, and sufficient to deter up to 50% of mosquitoes from landing. This study may help us determine new mosquito-repelling strategies that do not depend on chemicals.
Male Athlete Representations in Men’s Magazines: A Study in Mediated Sport Stacking:

This study examined 681 male athlete features in Details, Esquire, GQ, and Playboy across the first two decades of the 21st century. While White athletes accounted for 283 features and Black athlet...
Lattice Metric Space Application to Grain Defect Detection

We propose a new model for grain defect detection based on the theory of lattice metric space [7]. The lattice metric space \((\mathscr {L},d_{\mathscr {L}})\) shows outstanding advantages in representing lattices. Utilizing this advantage, we propose a new algorithm, Lattice clustering algorithm (LCA). After over-segmentation using regularized k-means, the merging stage is built upon the lattice equivalence relation. Since LCA is built upon \((\mathscr {L},d_{\mathscr {L}})\), it is robust against missing particles, deficient hexagonal cells, and can handle non-hexagonal lattices without any modification. We present various numerical experiments to validate our method and investigate interesting properties.
Mobility, Identity, and Complexity: Iranian Azerbaijanis in the U.S.

In this chapter, I draw on my ethnographic study of Iranian Azerbaijanis in the U.S. to illustrate how participants simultaneously draw on multiple scaled chronotopes (Bakhtin, 1981) to position themselves relative to notions of ethnicity, identity, and language. At times, the scope of the chronotopes participants invoke is so broad as to include all Turks beyond the limits of nation-states, while at times it is narrowed down to address local differences. Additionally, the invocation of certain chronotopes sometimes make ethnic and/or national identities salient centers of orientation, and some other times, the chronotopes they invoke lead to the construction of transnational and in-between identities. In re-conceptualizing diasporic identities, I argue for a focus on the multiple co-present dimensions of these identities and their interaction with individuals’ life trajectories and socialization histories.
Outcomes of minimally invasive surgery for patients with endometrial carcinoma involving the cervix.

Objective Most studies evaluating the oncologic safety of minimally invasive surgery for endometrial cancer focus on patients with stage I disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the outcomes of minimally invasive surgery for patients with endometrial carcinoma involving the cervix. Methods Patients diagnosed between January 2010 and December 2015, with clinical stage II endometrial carcinoma, who underwent hysterectomy with lymphadenectomy, were drawn from the National Cancer Database. Inclusion criteria were clinical International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO 2009) stage II, patients who underwent hysterectomy with lymphadenectomy, and known route of surgery (open or minimally invasive). Patients who received radiation therapy prior to surgery, those who had subtotal/supracervical hysterectomy, or unknown type of hysterectomy were excluded. The exposure of interest was performance of minimally invasive surgery either laparoscopic or robotic-assisted. Overall survival (primary endpoint) was assessed for patients diagnosed between January 2010 and December 2014 following generation of Kaplan-Meier curves and compared with the log-rank test. A Cox model was constructed to control for confounders. Results A total of 2175 patients were identified and 1282 (58.9%) had minimally invasive surgery. Of these, 339 and 943 patients had laparoscopic or robotic-assisted laparoscopic hysterectomy, respectively. Minimally invasive surgery was converted to open surgery in 74 (5.8%) patients. Those undergoing minimally invasive surgery had shorter hospital stay (median 1 vs 3 days, p Conclusions In this retrospective analysis, minimally invasive surgery in patients with stage II endometrial carcinoma was associated with superior short-term peri-operative outcomes and improved 3-year overall survival.
THE IMPORTANCE OF COURSE TITLE AND STUDENT PERCEIVED VALUE OF A COURSE TO EMPLOYERS IN MOTIVATING STUDENTS TO ENROLL IN QUANTITATIVE MARKETING COURSES

With growing demand for marketing graduates with quantitative strengths, many universities are developing degree programs and courses that focus on analytical skills. Unfortunately, marketing stude...
Correlative nm-Scale Nonuniformity of Active Charge Carriers and Electrical Potential along both the Plane-View and Depth Directions in Group-V-Doped CdTe Thin Films

We report nanometer-scale imaging on inhomogeneous distributions of active carrier and electrical potential in an As-doped CdTe film along both plane-view and film-depth directions. Despite Se grading, the scanning capacitance microscopy imaging does not show a clear variation of carrier concentration along the depth of the film. Instead, we observe carrier concentration variations of about 1 order of magnitude (high 1015 to low 1017/cm3), with inhomogeneous spatial regions ranging from a few hundred nm to a few $\mu \mathrm{m}$ . This nonuniformity is distributed randomly in both the film lateral and vertical directions, independent of grain structure and grain boundaries (GBs). We further mapped the surface potential using Kelvin probe force microscopy. Higher potential was found on GBs, illustrating positive GB charging but not GB-specific carrier concentration. The results indicate that this suite of techniques can identify nonuniform carrier concentration and potential fluctuations that can contribute to open-circuit voltage deficits in group-V-doped CdTe devices.
Exploring the Link Between Wages and Psychological Capital

Traditional Mincer-type hedonic wage equations typically fail to account for the effect of psychological capital, in part because such factors are often regarded as unobservable. This article incor...
Use of Scrambler Therapy in the Treatment of Amyloidosis Neuropathic Pain.

Background: Scrambler therapy (ST) is a relatively new neuromodulation technique that is useful in treatment of medication-resistant pain syndromes, including chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy and other chronic pain syndromes. Amyloidosis commonly leads to peripheral neuropathy, and although the mechanism is unclear, it is possibly related to amyloid deposits on the nerve. Case Presentation: In this case presentation, we describe the novel use of ST for a patient with 13 years of neuropathic pain related to amyloidosis and worsened by chemotherapy. The patient reported bilateral hand pain with burning and aching and bilateral numbness on the soles of her feet. Her upper extremities were treated with 4 days of 40 minute ST treatment sessions providing reduction in her pain scores to zero. Discussion: Current therapy for amyloid peripheral neuropathy aims at treating the underlying condition, and then medical management with gabapentinoids. This is first case presentation showing successful treatment with ST.
High-Throughput Data Analysis: Application to Micronuclei Frequency and T-cell Receptor Sequencing

High-Throughput Data Analysis: Application to Micronuclei Frequency and Tcell Receptor Sequencing by Mateusz Makowski A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy at Virginia Commonwealth University. Virginia Commonwealth University, 2015 Major Director: Kellie J. Archer, Ph.D., Professor, Department of Biostatistics The advent of high-throughput sequencing has brought about the creation of an unprecedented amount of research data. Analytical methodology has not been able to keep pace with the plethora of data being produced. Two assays, ImmunoSEQ and the cytokinesisblock micronucleus (CBMN), that both produce count data and have few methods available to analyze them are considered . ImmunoSEQ is a sequencing assay that measures the β T-cell receptor (TCR) repertoire. The ImmunoSEQ assay was used to describe the TCR repertoires of patients’ that have undergone hematopoietic stem cell transplantion (HSCT). Several different methods for spectratype analysis were extended to the TCR sequencing setting then applied to these data to demonstrate different ways the data set can be analyzed. The different methods include CDR3 distribution perturbation, Oligoscores, Simpson’s diversity, Shannon diversity, Kullback-Leibler divergence, a non-parametric method and a proportion logit transformation method. Herein we also demonstrate adapting compositional data analysis methods to the TCR sequencing setting. The various methods were compared when analyzing a set of 13 subjects who underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. The eight subjects who developed graft versus host disease were compared to the five who did not. There was no little overlap in the results of the different methods showing that researchers must choose the appropriate method for their research question of interest. viii The CBMN assay measures the rate of micronuclei (MN) formation in a sample of cells and can be paired with gene expression or methylation assays to determine association between MN formation and other genetic markers. Herein we extended the generalized monotone incremental forward stagewise (GMIFS) method to the situation where the response is count data and there are more independent variables than there are samples. Our Poisson GMIFS method was compared to a popular alternative, glmpath, by using simulations and applying both to real data. Simulations showed that both methods perform similarly in accurately choosing truly significant variables. However, glmpath appears to overfit compared to our GMIFS method. Finally, when both methods were applied to two data sets GMIFS appeared to be more stable than glmpath.
Mucocele of the Appendix: Dilemmas in Differential Diagnosis and Therapeutic Management

Mucocele of the appendix (AM) is a descriptive term for mucinous distension of the appendiceal lumen. It refers to the progressive retrograde dilatation of the vermiform appendix. Because of a lack of specific signs or due to its sometime quiet presentation, this condition is frequently diagnosed only at an advanced stage. We present three isolated cases of AM complicated by the development of acute inflammation of the appendix. Currently, the assessment of appendiceal lesions relies heavily on Ultra Sonography (US) as the primary diagnostic tool. This however may not always identify the origin of such a tumour. Therefore, additional investigative modalities are implemented. Despite recent research on the therapeutic strategies against appendiceal neoplastic disorders, surgical resection appears the only potentially curative approach. Accepted management includes appendectomy, right hemicolectomy, partial colectomy with debulking or palliative resection combined with additional chemotherapy. Even if laparoscopy has been successfully used to perform appendectomy, some concerns exist regarding its use in dealing with mucinous secreting lesions because of possible spillage of mucin intra-operatively. The aim of this investigation was to analyze all cases of AM complicated by the development of acute inflammation of the appendix presented in our institution. The relevant literature is briefly reviewed. Clinical features, diagnostic approach and management algorithm for appendiceal lesions are also discussed.
Growth and characterization of Nd(Fe1−xCox)AsO single crystals

Single crystals of NdFe1 − xCoxAsO with x = 0, 0.025, 0.05, 0.075, 0.10 and 0.15 were grown via high pressure synthesis. Structural and elemental analysis showed successful substitution of Co for Fe with no detectable change in the oxygen site occupation. Magnetic, electrical transport and tunnel-diode resonator measurements were used to characterize the NdFe1 − xCoxAsO crystals. These measurements indicated that superconductivity was achieved with x ≥ 0.025 and optimal doping was established with x = 0.05 with the maximum superconducting critical temperature of 25 K. Measurement of temperature dependent resistance in applied magnetic fields as high as 14 T showed a broadening of the superconducting transition and an Hc2(T) curve that was consistent with those of other iron pnictide superconductors.
Graph Planarity and Related Topics

This compendium is the result of reformatting and minor editing of the author’s transparencies for his talk delivered at the conference. The talk covered Euler’s Formula, Kuratowski’s Theorem, linear planarity tests, Schnyder’s Theorem and drawing on the grid, the two paths problem, Pfaffian orientations, linkless embeddings, and the Four Color Theorem.
Nonlinear dynamic rupture inversion of the 2000 Western Tottori, Japan, earthquake

[1] We have developed a systematic nonlinear inversion method for estimating rupture propagation and the underlying dynamic parameters for large historical earthquakes. The rupture modeling is carried out using a three-dimensional finite-difference method, and the inversion is implemented by a neighbourhood algorithm, minimizing the misfit between computed and observed near-fault seismograms. We test the method by estimating the stress drop within 32 regions on the causative fault for the 2000 magnitude 6.6 Western Tottori, Japan, earthquake. While the dynamic models show both similarities and differences with the conventional kinematic models, our method provides an ensemble of physically-correct models with plausible rupture propagation for the earthquake.
Kinetics of NO reduction by CO on Rh(111): A molecular beam study

Abstract A brief overview of results from isothermal kinetic studies on the reduction of NO by CO on rhodium (111) single-crystal surfaces is provided. These studies were performed under well-controlled ultra-high vacuum, but by using high-flux collimated molecular beams that reproduce catalytic conditions.
QUANTITATIVE STUDY OF ENDOLYSIN SYNTHESIS DURING REPRODUCTION OF LAMBDA PHAGES

Abstract Groman, Neal B. (University of Washington, Seattle) and Grace Suzuki. Quantitative study of endolysin synthesis during reproduction of lambda phages. J. Bacteriol. 86:187–194. 1963.—Endolysin is presumed to be a phage-induced enzyme participating in lysis through its destructive action on the host cell wall. A method for assaying endolysin is described, which was utilized in studying endolysin synthesis at 37 and 44 C by induced strains of K-12 (λ), K-12 (λtem), and K-12 (λ112). In all cases, endolysin was detected prior to the appearance of mature, intracellular phage and was detected earlier at 44 C than at 37 C. It was synthesized at a linear rate, as was phage, and both syntheses terminated at the same time. Surprisingly, endolysin also accumulated under conditions in which induced K-12 (λ112) exhibited lysis inhibition. Under these conditions, endolysin concentration per induced cell was 2 to 2.5 times that produced by normally lysing K-12 (λ). Since alterations introduced into the lytic process by temperature, mutation, or both correlate well with the timing and rate of endolysin synthesis, the data tend to support the concept that endolysin determines the kinetics of the process. However, the accumulation of endolysin during lysis inhibition suggests the need for alternative hypotheses. One hypothesis is that although endolysin action is the key to lysis some preliminary steps are required to release the enzyme so that it may contact its substrate in the cell wall. A second hypothesis is that basically the lytic process involves an alteration in the permeability barrier of the cell and that lytic enzymes such as endolysin have evolved as an auxillary but dispensable mechanism to this process.
Stable isotopic evidence for a Pre‐Middle Miocene rain shadow in the western Basin and Range: Implications for the paleotopography of the Sierra Nevada

[1] A recently proposed method for approximating the paleorelief of mountain belts makes use of the predictable relationship between the isotopic depletion of precipitation and the net elevation of an orographic barrier over which an air mass rises. This rain shadow effect often creates desert regions on the lee side of mountain belts in which precipitation is isotopically light. Changes in the isotopic composition of precipitation can be estimated from the isotopic composition of authigenic or pedogenic minerals, which can then be used to infer both the development of relief during orogenesis as well as the stability of a rain shadow formed by developing mountains. The δ18O of smectites formed from the weathering of Middle Miocene to Late Pliocene volcanic ashes currently exposed in the rain shadow of the modern Sierra Nevada of California show no indication of large-scale Late Cenozoic surface uplift of the Sierra and corresponding regional rain shadow development. Rather smectite isotope data tentatively suggest that elevations may have decreased over this time by as much as 2000 m toward the southern end of the range and 700 m in regions farther north. This suggests that the modern rain shadow cast over the western Basin and Range has been in existence since pre-Middle Miocene and that the Sierra Nevada have been a prominent orographic barrier since before this time. These interpretations are in accord with several recent studies also suggesting a possible Cenozoic elevation loss of an already developed Sierra Nevada mountain range.
Is The Trusted Computing Base Concept Fundamentally Flawed

This debate was conceived by Carl Landwehr, who asked me to serve as moderator. The proposition under discussion was first put forward by Bill Wulf in the JavaSoft Forum 1.1 (http://java.sun.com/forum/securityForum.html). Wulf objects to the JavaSoft security model, which aims to protect user files, network connections! and other resources from malicious applets by restricting applets to executing in a “sandbox”. Wulf states:
Viewpoints: A Look at Issues Related to Body Image and Self-Esteem

In this issue, my student Ashley Wiedow writes of her struggles with anorexia nervosa and Miriam Giguere examines the disorder from the perspective of a dance educator. I appreciate their frankness...
Naked singularities and the hoop conjecture: An analytic exploration

The formation of a naked singularity during the collapse of a finite object would pose a serious difficulty for the theory of general relativity. The hoop conjecture suggests that this possibility will never happen provided the object is sufficiently compact (approx.
Maize stem tissues: cell wall concentration and composition during development

Grass maturation results in reduced cell wall degradability by ruminant livestock. Using a specific internode of maize (Zea mays L.) stems as a model, the pattern of grass stem tissue and cell wall development was characterized. The fourth elongated internode above ground level from three maize hybrids was sampled at 10 stages of development beginning when the internodewas about 10 mm in length through physiological maturity from a 2-yr, replicated field trial at St. Paul, MN. Tissue development was characterized by light microscopy. Cell wall concentration and composition (polysaccharide sugar residues, lignin, ferulates, and p-coumarates) were determined. Internode length and cross-sectional area increased from Sampling Date 1 until the interval between Sampling Dates 5 and 6. During elongation only protoxylem vessels stained positive for lignin. After elongation, parenchyma, sclerenchyma, and metaxylem tissues lignified, but phloem did not. Cell wall concentration increased until shortly after elongation ended. Cell wall lignin concentration declined over the first four samples, with an increase in glucose and xylose polysaccharide residues, before rising sharply until after elongation was complete. Ferulate cross-links of lignin to arabinoxylan increased 12-fold during elongation. Our results indicated that post-elongation development of sclerenchyma and rind-region parenchyma accounted for the majority of cell wall accumulation and lignification in maize stems.
Isolated and Borderline Isolated Systolic Hypertension Relative to Long-Term Risk and Type of Stroke A 20-Year Follow-Up of the National Health and Nutrition Survey

Background and Purpose— Although the short-term risks of stroke and types of stroke associated with isolated systolic hypertension (ISH) and borderline isolated systolic hypertension (BISH) have been described, the long-term effects of these hypertensive conditions, particularly in younger individuals, are unclear. We performed this study to evaluate the long-term risks of stroke, type of stroke, and predictors of stroke associated with ISH and BISH and how this risk compares with that for persons with diastolic hypertension and normotension. Methods— We used the 20-year follow-up data for 12 344 adults aged 25 to 74 years who participated in the First National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey Follow-Up Study to determine the aforementioned risks. Blood pressure (BP) measurements of the participants were obtained during baseline evaluation. ISH was defined as systolic BP ≥160 mm Hg and diastolic BP <90 mm Hg. BISH was defined as systolic BP between 140 and 159 mm Hg and diastolic BP <90 mm Hg. Dias...
Is Polaris a HOG? A Case Study*

The main usefulness of a general purpose financial statement centers on its comparability to the financials produced by an entity's competition. This case works for both undergraduate and graduate students because it offers comparisons between two well known recreation industry companies. Financial statement analysis is a lesson which serves as an appropriate capstone to financial accounting education. Analyzing the financial statements of competing entities explains “why” accountants must implement the intricate “how” which produces the statements and the resulting decision models such as ratios and common-sized statements. Compared to previous generations, current students will be more responsible for managing their own retirement funds. This case can help students start to appreciate investment analysis by providing enough detail for any level student to conduct financial statement evaluations that make comparisons to find successful fundamental business strategies. Polaris et Harley-Davidson — une etude de cas Resume La principale utilite des etats financiers a vocation generale d'une entite tient a leur comparabilite aux donnees financieres produites par ses concurrents. Le cas propose par les auteurs s'adresse tant aux etudiants de premier cycle qu'aux etudiants de cycle superieur, car il donne a comparer deux societes bien connues du secteur des vehicules recreatifs. L'analyse des etats financiers constitue un cadre ideal pour l'enseignement de la comptabilite generale. L'analyse des etats financiers d'entites concurrentes illustre pourquoi les comptables doivent mettre en application l'outillage complexe grâce auquel sont etablis les etats financiers, de meme que les modeles decisionnels qui en resultent tels que l'analyse indiciaire et les etats en chiffres relatifs. Par rapport aux etudiants des generations precedentes, les etudiants actuels assumeront davantage la responsabilite de la gestion de leurs propres fonds de retraite. Le cas propose permettra aux etudiants de s'initier a l'analyse des investissements en leur fournissant suffisamment de details pour que, quel que soit leur niveau d'etudes, ils soient en mesure de proceder a des evaluations des etats financiers dans le cadre desquelles ils effectueront des comparaisons afin d'elaborer des strategies globales de base efficaces.
Opera on the Road: Traveling Opera Troupes in the United States, 1825-60

Katherine K. Preston leads the reader on an operatic tour of pre-Civil War America in this cultural study of what was, surprisingly, an almost ubiquitous art form. Her richly detailed examination of itinerant troupes covers orchestral and choral musicians as well as stars, impresarios, business methods, repertories, advertising techniques, itineraries, sizes of companies, and methods of travel.
Genetic variation in postfire aspen seedlings in Yellowstone National Park

A rare episode of regeneration of aspen ( Populus tremuloides Michx.) by seeds occurred in Yellowstone National Park (YNP), Wyoming, USA, following extensive fires that occurred in 1988. In 1997, we sampled 410 aspen seedlings from 23 local populations distributed widely across YNP to determine how genetic diversity varies with elevation, substrate, plant competition, ungulate browsing, and geographical location. We employed 132 randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers based on six primers to show genetic relationships within and among the postfire aspen seedling populations. Measures of genetic variation, including estimates of percentage polymorphic loci, expected heterozygosity, and Nei’s F ST , indicated that most of the variation occurred within rather than among local populations. There was no indication of geographical differentiation among sampled populations based on hierarchal estimates of Nei’s F ST , neighbour-joining, or correlations between genetic distance and geographical distance. Even genetically distant populations shared nearly 90% of the same markers. Within plots, the amount of genetic variation decreased slightly in response to increased percentage vegetative cover, mean seedling basal diameter, and mean seedling height. Geological substrate, density of lodgepole pine ( Pinus contorta var. latifolia Dougl.) seedlings, browsing intensity, and elevation were not significantly related to levels of genetic variation within the seedling plots. These data suggest that genetic variation and geographical structure among seedling populations may occur over time as the transition from seedlingdominated stands to clone-dominated stands occurs.
A genome-wide association study of variants associated with acquisition of Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia in a healthcare setting

Background Humans vary in their susceptibility to acquiring Staphylococcus aureus infection, and research suggests that there is a genetic basis for this variability. Several recent genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified variants that may affect susceptibility to infectious diseases, demonstrating the potential value of GWAS in this arena.
Calculation of screening in a hot plasma.

Tree-level calculations of thermal processes involving the exchange of massless gauge bosons give rise to infrared divergences which are screened by thermal loop corrections. For gauge theories at high temperatures or densities, a resummation method for the complete calculation of the effects of screening to leading order in the coupling constant is developed. The method is applied to calculte the rate of energy loss of a hot plasma from the Primakoff production of axions. Previous {ital ad} {ital hoc} prescriptions for screening significantly underestimate the contribution from magnetic scattering.
Applicability of Simplified Methods to Alloy 617 in Excess of 649°C

The Alloy 617 draft Code case does not permit the use of simplified methods to assess ratcheting when temperatures exceed 649°C. This restriction was placed due to an apparent difficulty in distinguishing between creep and plastic deformation at various strain rates for this material. A numerical evaluation of the B-1 and B-2 Tests for a tube under constant pressure and cyclic thermal gradients (linear and nonlinear) was made. Analysis results indicate that simplified methods currently in Appendix T of ASME-NH are applicable for Alloy 617 in excess of 649°C.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
American Biblical Archaeology and Jewish Nationalism: Rabbi Nelson Glueck, the American Schools of Oriental Research and the Israeli State

Despite the officially neutral stance of the American Schools of Oriental Research, biblical archaeologists' political viewpoints about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict were embedded in their writings. This article examines one case study of this phenomenon by tracing the shift in Nelson Glueck's popular writings from envisioning the ancient world as replete with cultural change and hybridity to envisioning its ethnic groupings as pure and essential, and their boundaries as rigid, a change that mirrored his political shift from supporting a multicultural Palestine to supporting a Jewish ethno-national state. The final section explores the implications of Glueck's championing of Jewish-Christian unity in his role as president of Hebrew Union College and the way this ecumenism excluded those who did not fit into the ‘Judeo-Christian tradition’.
Effect of short-term ethanol administration on lorazepam clearance

The disposition of chlordiazepoxide (Librium) and diazepam (Valium), compounds which are initially degraded by oxidative processes, differs from that of oxazepam (Serax) and lorazepam (Ativan, drugs which are inactivated by conjugation with glucuronic acid. Liver disease and cimetidine impair the elimination of the former agents, but not the latter two benzodiazepines. In addition, ethanol inhibits the metabolism of chlordiazepoxide and diazepam. The present studies were performed to determine the effect of short-term ethanol administration on glucuronidation and elimination of lorazepam in dogs and humans. Because, in dogs, lorazepam has a high extraction ratio (approximately 0.9) with an anticipated large presystemic elimination, the influence of ethanol on the presystemic (first-pass) elimination of lorazepam was determined. Administration of p.o. lorazepam to five healthy dogs 1 hr after i.v. saline or ethanol (3 gm/kg) reduced the presystemic elimination of lorazepam by 52% (p less than 0.05). In man, lorazepam has a low (approximately by 0.05) extraction ratio and only a small first-pass effect. Short-term administration of ethanol (0.8 gm/kg followed by 0.5 gm/kg p.o. every 5 hr for four doses) reduced i.v. lorazepam clearance by 18% (p less than 0.03). In dogs and man, ethanol did not significantly alter lorazepam t1/2, plasma protein binding, or distribution volume (Vd beta). The results suggest that short-term ethanol administration impairs the conjugation of lorazepam in dogs and man.
Computer Program to Print Adhesive Identification Labels for Research

(…) Our program produces sequentially incremented labels using «skeletal» information such as study title/location, list of treatments, number of replications, and material(s) sampled. Templates with this information can be stored and recalled for individual experiments. Bar codes (UPC, Uniform Code Council, Inc., Dayton, OH, and Code-39 Interface Mechanisms, Inc., Lynnwood, WA) with encoded treatment/replication information are optionally printed. The program requires 185 K RAM, a 360 K floppy disk drive, a printer, and continuous-form (pin-fed) adhesive labels
Split Bregman's optimization method for image construction in compressive sensing

The theory of compressive sampling (CS) was reintroduced by Candes, Romberg and Tao, and D. Donoho in 2006. Using a priori knowledge that a signal is sparse, it has been mathematically proven that CS can defY Nyquist sampling theorem. Theoretically, reconstruction of a CS image relies on the minimization and optimization techniques to solve this complex almost NP-complete problem. There are many paths to consider when compressing and reconstructing an image but these methods have remained untested and unclear on natural images, such as underwater sonar images. The goal of this research is to perfectly reconstruct the original sonar image from a sparse signal while maintaining pertinent information, such as mine-like object, in Side-scan sonar (SSS) images. Goldstein and Osher have shown how to use an iterative method to reconstruct the original image through a method called Split Bregman's iteration. This method "decouples" the energies using portions of the energy from both the !1 and !2 norm. Once the energies are split, Bregman iteration is used to solve the unconstrained optimization problem by recursively solving the problems simultaneously. The faster these two steps or energies can be solved then the faster the overall method becomes. While the majority of CS research is still focused on the medical field, this paper will demonstrate the effectiveness of the Split Bregman's methods on sonar images.
Mean mobilities of charge carriers in disordered media.

Time-of-flight transient photocurrents in molecularly doped polymers are analyzed in terms of an effective velocity distribution, which is found to be normal. Combining this with a fractional power law to describe the current that would flow in a semi-infinite sample provides an accurate description of experimental data on many materials and allows the determination of mobilities with a precision significantly enhanced over previous graphical analysis. The mobilities are found to deviate systematically from the ln\ensuremath{\mu}\ensuremath{\sim} \ensuremath{\surd}E dependence previously suggested in the literature.
Kinetics of charge separation in poly(A)-poly(T) DNA hairpins.

A kinetics model is designed to investigate the charge separation (CT) process in stilbene-capped DNA hairpins composed of AT base pairs. This model combines standard tunneling and hopping electron transport with exciplex formation upon photoexcitation of the acceptor stilbene and its neighboring adenine and is capable of interpreting the CT rate and yield data within experimental accuracy. An analysis of hopping transport within the framework of a 1-D diffusion model results in a calculation of the nearest-neighbor CT rate to be approximately 1.2 ns−1. In agreement with previous experimental and theoretical work, it is ascertained through a novel application of an extension to classical Marcus theory that the nearest-neighbor CT is adiabatic with reorganization energy λ ∼ 0.83 eV. The kinetics model can be extended to accurately characterize CT in other poly(A)−poly(T) systems with different hole donors (naphthaldiimide and 2-aminopurine) and acceptors (phenothiazine and guanine).
Utilization of Transition-Metal Properties To Control Polyborane Formation. Synthesis of the arachno-Diiridahexaborane(12) 2,5-{Cp*IrH}2B4H8 and Its Conversion to the nido-Diiridahexaborane(10) 1,2-{Cp*Ir}2(μ-H)B4H7 (Cp* = η5-C5Me5)

Metal-assisted borane condensation is demonstrated by the formation of the hexaborane(12) analogue arachno-2,5-{Cp*IrH}2B4H8 (3) by the reaction of two BH3·THF moieties with the metal centers of the tetraborane(10) analogue {Cp*IrH}2(μ-H)B2H5 (1). Mild thermolysis of 3, which contains separated B2H4 fragments, results in H2 elimination and the formation of the hexaborane(10) analogue nido-1,2-{Cp*Ir}2(μ-H)B4H7 (2), containing a contiguous B4H7 fragment.
Improving FPGA Design and Evaluation Productivity with a Hardware Performance Monitoring Infrastructure

Hardware design with FPGAs can be a daunting task, even for experienced engineers. Even with sophisticated tools and improvements in high-level language to gates approaches, an engineer can expend significant effort simply implementing the design. Often, when the design is evaluated on the FPGA, the performance may not be what was expected. As a result, an engineer may go back and augment the design to include performance monitors to help identify the bottlenecks in the system or to aid in the debugging of the design. This work aims to alleviate this effort. We present the Hardware Performance Monitoring Infrastructure (HwPMI), which includes a collection of software tools and hardware cores that can be used to profile the current design, recommend/insert performance monitors directly into the HDL, and retrieve the monitored data with minimal invasion to the design. This paper reports on the functionality of the tools and the integration of the hardware cores into existing designs.
Transformation and virus growth by murine sarcoma viruses in human cells.

IN the study of neoplastic transformation of human cells in culture, the quantitative systems so far described have used only the DNA-containing tumour viruses SV40 (ref. 1) and adenovirus type 12 (ref. 2). Various factors, both genetic3 and environmental4, influence the efficiency of transformation with these viruses. We describe here a quantitative transformation system using an RNA-containing tumour virus, murine sarcoma virus (MSV)5. The transformation of human cells by MSV is inefficient, but in optimal conditions (logarithmically growing cells and certain highly susceptible cell strains) both cell transformation and virus growth can be demonstrated.
Effect of the queen, brood and worker caste on haemolymph vitellogenin titre in Camponotus festinatus workers

Abstract Haemolymph concentration of vitellogenin and ovary development have been examined in Camponotus festinatus workers under inhibited (queenright) and uninhibited (queenless) conditions, in order to determine which social factors may affect worker oogenesis. While most queeright workers had very low vitellogenin titres, queenless workers maintained either in the presence or absence of pupae showed increasing vitellogenin titres. Mean vitellogenin concentration in 7-week-old queenless soldiers and 10-week-old queenless minor workers were 15-fold higher than those found in queenright workers of the same age. Larvae had an inhibitory effect on the haemolymph vitellogenin titres of workers, particularly of minor workers. Soldiers in the presence of minor workers showed significantly higher vitellogenin titres during early adult life. In spite of the accumulation of vitellogenin in the haemolymph of queenless workers, even far above the levels detected in some queens, oocyte development did not occur in the majority of these animals.
Developing an underwater glider for educational purposes

Buoyancy-driven underwater gliders (UGs) have proven to be quite effective for long-range, long-term oceanographic sampling. However, current off-the-shelf UGs are large, heavy, expensive, and difficult to modify, both in hardware and software, which prevents their frequent use for lake observations and limits researchers' ability to perform multi-vehicle coordination experiments. Our current research goal is to develop UGs that would share the buoyancy-driven concept with the first generation of gliders, but are smaller in size, lighter in weight, and lower in price. Our future research goal is to design and develop an underwater glider fleet that will result in novel and transformative research capabilities in coordinated control. Along with advancing research and broadening data collection ability, UGs provide a hands-on tool for engaging students in sophisticated STEM learning. This paper describes in detail the design, manufacturing, and modeling of our inexpensive Glider for Underwater Problem-solving and Presentation in Education (GUPPIE). GUPPIE was developed using practical components such as syringes for buoyancy control and a hull made of acrylic for easy analysis. The design is both affordable and easy-to-duplicate. GUPPIE's pedagogical platform provides hands-on learning applications that demonstrate glider mechanics, mechatronics, hydrodynamics, trimming, diving and surfacing performance, and mobility in water.
A conceptual definition of quality of life with a left ventricular assist device: Results from a qualitative study

Abstract Objective To develop a conceptual definition of quality of life (QoL) with a left ventricular assist device (LVAD). Background Conceptual and operational definitions of QoL with an LVAD are lacking. Methods A grounded theory method was used. Adult, outpatient LVAD recipients (n = 11) participated twice in individual or paired interviews. Results A conceptual definition of QoL while living with an LVAD was established as: “Being well enough to do and enjoy day-to-day activities that are important to me.” Participants described 5 important life domains consistent with QoL literature: physical, emotional, social, cognitive, and spiritual/meaning. However, participants identified unique concerns not addressed by generic or heart failure disease specific measures typically used in the LVAD population. Conclusion Existing generic and heart-failure specific QoL measures are not adequate for understanding QoL among LVAD patients. Cognition and spiritual/meaning domains were significant; these need inclusion for comprehensive QoL assessment in the LVAD population.
A small conductance calcium-activated K+ channel in C. elegans, KCNL-2, plays a role in the regulation of the rate of egg-laying.

In the nervous system of mice, small conductance calcium-activated potassium (SK) channels function to regulate neuronal excitability through the generation of a component of the medium afterhyperpolarization that follows action potentials. In humans, irregular action potential firing frequency underlies diseases such as ataxia, epilepsy, schizophrenia and Parkinson’s disease. Due to the complexity of studying protein function in the mammalian nervous system, we sought to characterize an SK channel homologue, KCNL-2, in C. elegans, a genetically tractable system in which the lineage of individual neurons was mapped from their early developmental stages. Sequence analysis of the KCNL-2 protein reveals that the six transmembrane domains, the potassium-selective pore and the calmodulin binding domain are highly conserved with the mammalian homologues. We used widefield and confocal fluorescent imaging to show that a fusion construct of KCNL-2 with GFP in transgenic lines is expressed in the nervous system of C. elegans. We also show that a KCNL-2 null strain, kcnl-2(tm1885), demonstrates a mild egg-laying defective phenotype, a phenotype that is rescued in a KCNL-2-dependent manner. Conversely, we show that transgenic lines that overexpress KCNL-2 demonstrate a hyperactive egg-laying phenotype. In this study, we show that the vulva of transgenic hermaphrodites is highly innervated by neuronal processes and by the VC4 and VC5 neurons that express GFP-tagged KCNL-2. We propose that KCNL-2 functions in the nervous system of C. elegans to regulate the rate of egg-laying.
Specific heat of V6O11 between 0.4 and 50 K

Abstract The specific heat of 3 sets of V 6 O 11 single crystals has been measured between 0.4 and 50 K. This compound is an insulator below 170 K; the specific heat shows a λ-type anomaly at 24 K, T N and linear term above this temperature. The features of the specific heat can be understood if a model of independent antiferromagnetic chains above T N is postulated. The λ-type anomaly arises as a consequence of the weak interactions between the chains and the one dimensional system changes to a three dimensional system.
Mechanical Behavior of Porcine Pulmonary Artery

Proper characterization of the material properties of pulmonary arterial tissue is needed for many medical applications. The objective of this study was to investigate the stress-strain relationship and characterize the nonlinear elastic behavior of porcine pulmonary arteries; thus, uniaxial tension tests and cyclic loading-unloading tests were conducted on healthy porcine pulmonary arterial tissue. In these experiments, pulmonary arteries from different piglets and a commercial pulmonary valved conduit, called “Contegra 200”, were subjected to uniaxial tension. Results demonstrated a higher stiffness along the circumferential direction than the axial direction. The “Contegra 200” was much suffer than real pulmonary arterial tissue along the axial direction and had a similar stiffness to natural tissue along the circumferential direction within physiological stretch ranges, which is less than 40% strain. Elastic hysteresis was observed from cyclic loading-unloading tests, which indicates that more energy was required during the loading than the unloading. A nonlinear hyperelastic model based on second order polynomial constitutive equation was derived from average values of the test data along both axial and circumferential directions. The material model could be used in numerical analysis of pulmonary arterial response and facilitate the design of intravascular devices.Copyright © 2010 by ASME