cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Trends of total cadmium, copper, and zinc in the zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) along the upper reach of the St. Lawrence River: 1994—2005

This study examines spatial and temporal variability of bioaccumulation of cadmium, copper, and zinc in tissues of zebra mussels in the upper reach of the St. Lawrence River which originates at the outflow of Lake Ontario. It was hypothesized that concentrations of these metals in mussel tissues would decline over time and decrease with increasing distance from the outlet of Lake Ontario as a result of on-going efforts to reduce contaminant discharges into the lake. Size of mussels was also evaluated as a factor influencing bioaccumulation. Mussels were collected annually in October from six sites from 1994 to 2005, including one site near a local industry. Individuals were grouped into five or more size classes per site in each year. Soft tissues were analyzed for total cadmium, copper and zinc. Concentrations of cadmium and copper in tissues varied significantly both spatially and temporally. Cadmium concentrations were elevated at most sites; copper concentrations were moderately elevated compared with other studies in the Lake Ontario basin and St. Lawrence River. Zinc showed the most uniformity in mussels possibly due to internal regulation and to low levels of environmental exposure. Animal size correlated with copper concentrations of tissues in approximately 30% of samples but infrequently for cadmium and zinc. Cadmium and copper levels were found to decline downstream over time. Inter-annual variability of metal concentrations in mussel tissues suggests utilization in long-term monitoring programs to discern significant trends.
Depressive symptoms predict exaggerated inflammatory responses to an in vivo immune challenge among pregnant women.

Objective Stress and depressive symptoms predict exaggerated inflammatory responses to a biological challenge in nonpregnant humans and animals. The extent to which these findings generalize to pregnancy is unknown because the immune system exhibits substantial changes to support pregnancy. Notably, inflammatory responses to infectious agents play a causal role in the development of gestational hypertension as well as risk for preterm birth. Thus, depressive symptoms may increase susceptibility to these outcomes via sensitization of inflammatory processes. The current study was designed to test the hypothesis that depressive symptoms would predict an exaggerated proinflammatory response to an in vivo antigen challenge, influenza virus vaccination, among pregnant women.
Lindblad Zones: resonant eccentric orbits to aid bar and spiral formation in galaxy discs

The apsidal precession frequency in a fixed gravitational potential increases with the radial range of the orbit (eccentricity). Although the frequency increase is modest it can have important implications for wave dynamics in galaxy discs, which have not been previously explored in detail. One of the most interesting consequences is that for a given pattern frequency, each Lindblad resonance does not exist in isolation, but rather is the parent of a continuous sequence of resonant radii, a Lindblad Zone, with each radius in this zone characterized by a specific eccentricity. In the epicyclic approximation the precession or epicyclic frequency does not depend on epicycle size, and this phenomenon is not captured. A better approximation for eccentric orbits is provided by p-ellipse curves (Struck 2006), which do exhibit this effect. Here the p-ellipse approximation and precession-eccentricity relation are used as tools for finding the resonant radii generated from various Lindblad parent resonances. Simple, idealized examples, in flat rotation curve and near solid-body discs, are used to show that ensembles of eccentric resonant orbits excited in Lindblad Zones can provide a backbone for generating a variety of (kinematic) bars and spiral waves. In cases balancing radius-dependent circular frequencies and eccentricity-dependent precession, a range of resonant orbits can maintain their form in the pattern frame, and do not wind up. Eccentric resonance orbits require a strong perturbation to excite them, and may be produced mostly in galaxy interactions or by strong internal disturbances.
Economic impact of Hessian fly (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) on spring wheat in Oregon and additive yield losses with Fusarium crown rot and lesion nematode

Damage caused by Hessian fly, Mayetiola destructor (Say), was quantified in spring wheat, Triticum aestivum L., trials near Pendleton and Moro, OR, during 2001 and 2002. Five field experiments were established to examine genetic resistance to Fusarium crown rot, Fusarium pseudograminearum (O’Donnell & Aoki), and economic damage by lesion nematode, Pratylenchus neglectus (Rensch, 1924) (Filipjev Schuurmanns & Stekhoven, 1941) and Pratylenchus thornei (Sher & Allen, 1941). Hessian fly became the dominant factor affecting grain yield in four experiments. Genotypes carrying the H3-resistance gene had grain yields 66 and 68% higher than susceptible genotypes in cultivar trials during 2001 and 2002, respectively. Yield reductions were detected when Hessian fly infestation rates exceeded 50% plants during 2001 and 15% plants (8% tillers) during 2002. In two trials during 2001, in-furrow application of aldicarb (Temik) at planting improved yields of four Hessian fly-susceptible cultivars by 72 and 144% (up to 1,959 kg/ha) and yields of one Hessian fly-resistant cultivar by 2 and 3%. Resistant cultivars and aldicarb improved grain quality as much as two market grades during 2001. The value of increased grain production with Hessian fly-resistant cultivars in four field experiments ranged from $112 to $252/ha, excluding price incentives for improved market quality. Yield reduction due to combined damage from Hessian fly and either Fusarium crown rot or lesion nematode was additive. This report seems to be the first quantitative yield loss estimate for Hessian fly in spring wheat in the semiarid environment of the inland Pacific Northwest.
Complete chloroplast genome sequences of Solanum bulbocastanum , Solanum lycopersicum and comparative analyses with other Solanaceae genomes

Despite the agricultural importance of both potato and tomato, very little is known about their chloroplast genomes. Analysis of the complete sequences of tomato, potato, tobacco, and Atropa chloroplast genomes reveals significant insertions and deletions within certain coding regions or regulatory sequences (e.g., deletion of repeated sequences within 16S rRNA, ycf2 or ribosomal binding sites in ycf2). RNA, photosynthesis, and atp synthase genes are the least divergent and the most divergent genes are clpP, cemA, ccsA, and matK. Repeat analyses identified 33-45 direct and inverted repeats >or=30 bp with a sequence identity of at least 90%; all but five of the repeats shared by all four Solanaceae genomes are located in the same genes or intergenic regions, suggesting a functional role. A comprehensive genome-wide analysis of all coding sequences and intergenic spacer regions was done for the first time in chloroplast genomes. Only four spacer regions are fully conserved (100% sequence identity) among all genomes; deletions or insertions within some intergenic spacer regions result in less than 25% sequence identity, underscoring the importance of choosing appropriate intergenic spacers for plastid transformation and providing valuable new information for phylogenetic utility of the chloroplast intergenic spacer regions. Comparison of coding sequences with expressed sequence tags showed considerable amount of variation, resulting in amino acid changes; none of the C-to-U conversions observed in potato and tomato were conserved in tobacco and Atropa. It is possible that there has been a loss of conserved editing sites in potato and tomato.
Microstructural development and critical currents in long-length (Tl, Bi)-(Sr, Ba)-Ca-Cu-O wires

Synthesis of long Tl−Ba−Ca−Cu−O wires has been achieved byin situ synthesis techniques. Substitutions of Bi for Tl and of Sr for Ba were found to greatly enhance formation of the superconducting phase. Detailed microstructural characterization was performed on wires processed under various conditions in order to elucidate the reaction mechanisms. In addition, microstructural studies were carried out to investigate the beneficial effects of uniaxial compression on critical current density. It was found that thein situ reaction follows a “natural” two-powder process with early formation of Tl-1212. This reaction pathway provides a mechanism for sintering and crack healing and protects existing Tl-1223 for regrowth. Intermediate heat treatment allows more complete advantage to be taken of the above processes, while subsequent pressing increases the density and promotes grain alignment with minimum damage. Further heat treatment sinters grains and allows completion of the transformation to Tl-1223. Elements of this process have been incorporated in a sandwich-type geometry using plate-like grains to promote additional grain alignment.
Scaling space with the mirror illusion: The influence of body plasticity on perceived affordances

How do body representations influence decisions about action? We developed a novel paradigm using the mirror illusion (Holmes, Crozier, & Spence, in Cognitive, Affective, & Behavioral Neuroscience, 4, 193–200, 2004) to examine two ways of evoking body plasticity—extension of body capabilities and visual capture—and its influence on perceived affordances. In two experiments, we manipulated the action capabilities of a seen left hand by lengthening the arm with a rod (Exp. 1) or enlarging the hand with a glove (Exp. 2). The right hand was unaltered physically and was occluded by placement in a mirror box. We induced visual capture through synchronous finger movements of both hands. Right-hand estimates of reaching and of fitting through apertures increased relative to actual capabilities during visual capture, supporting the claim that visual capture can induce the incorporation of an apparent body extension into action decisions. The results suggest that both perceptual and cognitive influences on bodily awareness underlie perceived affordances.
Manipulation of diamond nanoparticles using bulk acoustic waves

We investigate the manipulation of 5 nm diamond nanoparticles in a user-defined pattern on a substrate using the acoustic radiation force associated with a bulk acoustic standing wave. Both concentric and rectangular patterns are studied and the experimental results are compared with theoretical predictions. The effect of drag force acting on a nanoparticle is evaluated and limits for particle speed and particle size that can be moved by acoustic radiation force are determined. We found good agreement between our experimental results and existing theoretical models and demonstrate that nanosized particles can be manipulated effectively by means of bulk wave acoustic radiation force.
Interrenal Function in Larval Ambystoma tigrinum. III. Acid-Base Balance Responses

Larval Ambystoma tigrinum (59-199 g) were treated with the drug aminoglutethimide (6 mg/day) in order to abolish steroid hormone synthesis. Steroid deprivation prevented the increase in plasma aldosterone concentration observed in sham-infused larvae during respiratory acidosis. It also blocked the normal compensatory response to respiratory acidosis of elevated plasma [HCO3-] and inhibited cutaneous Na+ transport. Aldosterone (10 micrograms/day) and, to a lesser extent, corticosterone (240 micrograms/day) restored the compensatory response. Aldosterone replacement also stimulated cutaneous Na+ transport in AG-inhibited larvae. The results suggest that aldosterone, at about 1000 pg/ml, supports the compensatory ionic responses to respiratory acidosis in this species.
INHIBITION OF Staphylococcus aureus GROWTH BY COMBINATIONS OF BUTYLATED HYDROXYANISOLE, SODIUM CHLORIDE, AND pH

Trypticase Soy Broth containing butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA; 0, 50 or 100 ppm) and sodium chloride (NaCl: 3, 5, or 7%) at pH 5.0. 6.0, or 7.0 was inoculated with Staphylococcus aureus S-6 to evaluate the antimicrobial effectiveness of these chemicals in concert. BHA at the levels tested became more effective in preventing growth as the pH of the medium was decreased and the NaCl concentration was increased. The combination of 100 ppm BHA with 5 or 7% NaCl at all three pH levels tested had the strongest bactericidal effect.
tRNA–mRNA mimicry drives translation initiation from a viral IRES

Internal ribosome entry site (IRES) RNAs initiate protein synthesis in eukaryotic cells by a noncanonical cap-independent mechanism. IRESes are critical for many pathogenic viruses, but efforts to understand their function are complicated by the diversity of IRES sequences as well as by limited high-resolution structural information. The intergenic region (IGR) IRESes of the Dicistroviridae viruses are powerful model systems to begin to understand IRES function. Here we present the crystal structure of a Dicistroviridae IGR IRES domain that interacts with the ribosome's decoding groove. We find that this RNA domain precisely mimics the transfer RNA anticodon–messenger RNA codon interaction, and its modeled orientation on the ribosome helps explain translocation without peptide bond formation. When combined with a previous structure, this work completes the first high-resolution description of an IRES RNA and provides insight into how RNAs can manipulate complex biological machines.
Investigating the Architecture of the CRAC Channel Pore using SCAM

Calcium channels are vital for numerous cellular processes in all organisms. Among the many classes of calcium channels, the calcium release-activated Ca2+ (CRAC) channel, a member of the Store-operated channel (SOC) family is essential for the proper development and maintenance of the immune system, mediating critical functions such as T cells proliferation, release of inflammatory mediators, and motility. This interesting channel has a biophysical fingerprint consisting of an extremely high selectivity for Ca2+, a narrow pore size (3.9A), a very small unitary conductance, and several modes of modulation. A single amino acid mutation (R91W) results in a loss of CRAC channel function also known as severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) in human patients. Although the CRAC channel current has been well-characterized, no structural information is known about the channel or its pore.The objective of this study is to investigate the architecture of the CRAC channel pore using the substituted cysteine accessibility method (SCAM), which has been applied to several ion channel proteins and has provided significant structural insight from topology to conformational changes. Our initial studies analyzed the effects of MTS reagents, cysteine-modifying compounds, on the TM1 and the TM1-TM2 extracellular loop region around E106, an important residue that controls Ca2+ selectivity and ion permeation. We find that the ability of MTS reagents to block current diminishes as the residues in TM1-TM2 become more removed from E106. These results suggest that this region of the protein may form the entrance to the channel pore, thus providing the first insight into the architecture of the CRAC channel.
Determination of the Kinetic Parameters for Phospholipase C (Bacillus cereus) on Different Phospholipid Substrates Using a Chromogenic Assay Based on the Quantitation of Inorganic Phosphate

Abstract The kinetic parameters of the phosphatidylcholine-preferring phospholipase C fromBacillus cereus(PLCBc) have been evaluated for phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, and phosphatidylserine substrates with a new assay based on the quantitation of inorganic phosphate (Pi). Treatment of the phosphomonoester product of the PLCBc-catalyzed hydrolysis of these phospholipids with alkaline phosphatase releases Pi. This Pi forms a complex with ammonium molybdate that is then reduced by ascorbic acid to provide a blue molybdenum chromogen with an absorbance maximum at 700 nm. This highly sensitive assay may be used to determine accurately less than 5 nmol of Pi in solution. Performing the assay in 96-well plates provides a rapid and convenient method to evaluate a variety of phospholipids as substrates for PLCBc.The assay has been utilized to ascertain the kinetic constants for the PLCBc-catalyzed hydrolysis of 1,2-dihexanoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine, 1,2-di-hexanoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine, and 1,2-dihexanoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho- l -serine. It is found that these compounds are substrates for the enzyme with theirVmaxs being in the order of phosphatidylcholine > phosphatidylethanolamine > phosphatidylserine.
Genomic regulation after CD40 stimulation in microglia: Relevance to Alzheimer's disease

Key pathological processes in Alzheimer's disease (AD) include the accumulation of amyloid beta peptide (Abeta) which, in excess, triggers pathological cascades including widespread inflammation, partly reflected by chronic microglial activation. It has previously been suggested that CD40/CD40L interaction promotes AD like pathology in transgenic mice. Thus, amyloid burden, gliosis and hyperphosphorylation of tau are all reduced in transgenic models of AD lacking functional CD40L. We therefore hypothesized that cellular events leading to altered APP metabolism, inflammation and increased tau phosphorylation underlying these observations would be regulated at the genomic level. In the present report, we used the Affymetrix (GeneChip) oligonucleotide microarray U133A to gain insight into the global and simultaneous transcriptomic changes in response to microglia activation after CD40/CD40L ligation. As expected, regulation of elements of the NF-kappaB signaling, chemokine and B cell signaling pathways was observed. Taken together, our data also suggest that CD40 ligation in human microglia specifically perturbs many genes associated with APP processing.
In vitro and in situ analyses of the inhibitory effect of Creeper tissues

The growth of White Leghorn tibiotarsi, measured as an increase in length, total protein and DNA content, is significantly lower when co-cultured in the presence of 6.5-7-day Creeper tibiotarsi. The growth of White Leghorn tibiotarsi is not affected with increasing age of the Creeper donor. Quantitative measurements of in situ growth of Creeper and White Leghorn tibiotarsi were made for a comparison with the in vitro effect. Creeper rudiments do not accumulate protein as fast as White Leghorn rudiments. Creeper rudiments show a lag phase in DNA accumulation up to the eighth day and then accumulate DNA at the same rate as White Leghorn rudiments. The evidence suggests that Creeper is acting primarily on protein metabolism.
Effects of the leukemia-associated AML1-ETO protein on hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells

Insights into the pathogenesis of human leukemia have relied heavily on studies of the identified chromosomal translocations found in this group of malignant diseases. Acquired, balanced translocations in acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) generally involve transcriptional regulatory genes, whereas in the myeloproliferative disorders tyrosine kinases are frequently involved. These rearrangements alter the function of at least one and often both of the involved genes. In this review, we focus on the AML1-ETO (a.k.a. RUNX1-ETO) fusion protein, which is found in t(8;21)+ AML. Expression of AML1-ETO in human hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) preferentially enhances their maintenance, as opposed to their differentiation. The direct effects of AML1-ETO on human and murine HSCs, and the potentially cooperating events that may contribute to its leukemogenic properties, are discussed.
The Effects of Poverty on Parenting Young Children

(1996). The Effects of Poverty on Parenting Young Children. Peabody Journal of Education: Vol. 71, No. 4, pp. 66-85.
The Effects of Divided Attention on Speech Motor, Verbal Fluency, and Manual Task Performance

Purpose The goal of this study was to evaluate aspects of the functional distance hypothesis, which predicts that tasks regulated by brain networks in closer anatomic proximity will interfere more ...
Statistical static timing analysis with conditional linear MAX/MIN approximation and extended canonical timing model

An efficient and accurate statistical static timing analysis (SSTA) algorithm is reported in this paper, which features 1) a conditional linear approximation method of the MAX/MIN timing operator, 2) an extended canonical representation of correlated timing variables, and 3) a variation pruning method that facilitates intelligent tradeoff between simulation time and accuracy of simulation result. A special design focus of the proposed algorithm is on the propagation of the statistical correlation among timing variables through nonlinear circuit elements. The proposed algorithm distinguishes itself from existing block-based SSTA algorithms in that it not only deals with correlations due to dependence on global variation factors but also correlations due to signal propagation path reconvergence. Tested with the International Symposium on Circuits and Systems (ISCAS) benchmark suites, the proposed algorithm has demonstrated very satisfactory performance in terms of both accuracy and running time. Compared with Monte-Carlo-based statistical timing simulation, the output probability distribution got from the proposed algorithm is within 1.5% estimation error while a 350 times speed-up is achieved over a circuit with 5355 gates
Implications of the biology of weight regulation and obesity on the treatment of obesity.

Purpose: The purposes of this article are to provide a brief review of the complex biology of weight regulation and obesity, to explain some of the effects of diet and exercise on the biology of weight regulation and obesity, and to propose a coherent way to assess and treat people related to weight and obesity. Data sources: Scientific publications, clinical guidelines, and government sources. Conclusions: Obesity is a complex problem requiring an understanding of how interventions interact with the biology of weight regulation in people who are obese. Promoting health in obese people requires a focus on improving insulin sensitivity. Implications for practice: Helping individuals maintain normal weight throughout life is important in order to keep the long- and short-term weight signals in balance and reflective of true energy requirements. Exercise is associated with loss of total and abdominal adipose tissue and improved insulin sensitivity. Diets inducing gradual weight loss are less likely to stimulate appetite. Diets should include antioxidants to neutralize the increase in free radical production associated with obesity and exercise. Other interventions in the treatment of obesity may include treating sleep deficits and the dysregulated endocannabinoid system.
The Microenvironment of Attitude Change

Studies of social influence have suffered from limitations in available data resources. Consequently, they usually have either failed to consider the dynamic nature of attitudes or have specified the social environment in some restricted way. This article evaluates a dynamic model of attitude change that includes direct information on individuals named as political discussants. Using party identification as an attitude subject to social influence, several findings are advanced. Political discussants are shown to significantly affect change in party identification. In addition, these effects are enhanced or inhibited depending on characteristics of the discussion partners, the nature of the relationship, and properties of the interaction. The nature of the relationship interacts with the other components in some interesting and surprising ways as well. Overall, the results show that intimacy and respect are more important deter-minants of social influence than previously given credit.
Public Policy and Private Higher Education

O May 28 and 29, academic leaders, researchers, and policymakers from five continents discussed the key issues facing private higher education worldwide. The social responsibilities of the private sector in higher education for societal improvement and service were discussed, as well as more traditional topics such as accreditation, quality control, the financing of private higher education, and others. The significant diversity of the private sector in higher education was illustrated in reports from such diverse countries as Mexico, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Hungary. Realities differ, but problems are quite similar. Daniel Levy, a noted researcher on private higher education, focused on what he termed isomorphism— the tendency of private universities to look similar in response to pressures toward uniformity. Other participants emphasized the variations among countries and even within systems. The funding of private higher education, and the difficulties of operating institutions based on student tuition in a competitive marketplace were emphasized. The link between funding, quality, and access was seen as one of the more perplexing issues facInternational Private Higher Education Conference Held at Boston College
Localized in vivo 13C NMR spectroscopy of the brain.

Localized (13)C NMR spectroscopy provides a new investigative tool for studying cerebral metabolism. The application of (13)C NMR spectroscopy to living intact humans and animals presents the investigator with a number of unique challenges. This review provides in the first part a tutorial insight into the ingredients required for achieving a successful implementation of localized (13)C NMR spectroscopy. The difficulties in establishing (13)C NMR are the need for decoupling of the one-bond (13)C-(1)H heteronuclear J coupling, the large chemical shift range, the low sensitivity and the need for localization of the signals. The methodological consequences of these technical problems are discussed, particularly with respect to (a) RF front-end considerations, (b) localization methods, (c) the low sensitivity, and (d) quantification methods. Lastly, some achievements of in vivo localized (13)C NMR spectroscopy of the brain are reviewed, such as: (a) the measurement of brain glutamine synthesis and the feasibility of quantifying glutamatergic action in the brain; (b) the demonstration of significant anaplerotic fluxes in the brain; (c) the demonstration of a highly regulated malate-aspartate shuttle in brain energy metabolism and isotope flux; (d) quantification of neuronal and glial energy metabolism; and (e) brain glycogen metabolism in hypoglycemia in rats and humans. We conclude that the unique and novel insights provided by (13)C NMR spectroscopy have opened many new research areas that are likely to improve the understanding of brain carbohydrate metabolism in health and disease.
Comparative analysis of IEEE 802.1x authentication methods

The IEEE Standard 802.11 is one of the most widely adopted mechanisms for WLANs, it provides comprehensive guidelines for their operational smoothness. 802.11 suffered from limited data confidentiality and cumbersome procedure for exchange of security parameters. In response to the security limitations in 802.11, IEEE introduced 802.1x for authentication and key management. The 802.1x is a port based network access control protocol that uses Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP) at the transport layer. The 802.1x only defines authentication mechanism and does not recommend any appropriate authentication method. Consequently wireless vendors implemented their own 802.1x adaptations such as MD5 (Message Digest 5), TLS (Transport Layer Security), TTLS (Tunneled TLS), PEAP (Protected Extensible Authentication Protocol), LEAP (Lightweight Extensible Authentication Protocol) etc. The paper analyses the performance of 802.1x authentication with respect to different solutions i.e, EAP TLS, PEAP and EAP TTLS. The network performance is gauged with respect to throughput, round time trip (RTT)/response time and packet error in different configurations.
Selective Perception and Interpretation of Interpersonal Cues in Dyadic Interactions

Summary Twenty high and 20 low socially anxious male college students interacted with a female confederate (C) for six minutes. The C alternated between providing the S with positive and negative social cues. High and low anxious S s did not selectively attend to positive or negative cues. However, high anxious S s felt the C would prefer to interact less with them in the future than did the low anxious S s. The findings suggest that socially anxious S s may perceive social events similarly to low anxious S s, but interpret these same events differently.
Basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma

Objectives To describe the clinical and histologic subtypes, pathophysiology, recognition, and treatment options for basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma, and the molecular biology of sunlight-induced carcinogenesis. Data Sources Journal and review articles, research studies, textbooks, and clinical practice. Conclusions Basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma will occur in more than one million cases annually in the United States, and are highly curable when detected and treated early. During the last decade, significant progress has been made in elucidating the molecular basis of skin carcinogenesis and in identifying newer approaches for the management and treatment of these keratinoctye cancers. Implications for Nursing Practice Nurses can play crucial roles in decreasing the morbidity and mortality from the skin cancer epidemic by identifying and referring patients with lesions suspicious for basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas.
The foster child's impact upon foster parents: A pilot study

This study was undertaken to evaluate the impact that foster parenting of delinquents had on foster parents. Six families provided foster parenting services for delinquent adolescents and received training, family counseling, and group counseling from a qualified social worker. Each parent completed the Personal Orientation Inventory prior to training and again following six months of foster parenting. The results displayed significant increases by the foster fathers in terms of self-regard and inner directedness. Foster mothers displayed no significant gains. Discussion focused on the growth potential of foster parenting.
An evaluation of BATS as a basis for a radiobrightness model for northern prairie

Biosphere models provide estimates of energy and momentum fluxes at the land atmosphere interface. In this paper one such model, BATS, was evaluated for its sensitivity of predicted surface soil temperatures to soil moisture and its ability to predict foliage temperatures for prairie grassland given insolation, soil moisture and other weather forcings. These weather forcings and observed foliage temperatures were provided by the authors' first Radiobrightness Energy Balance Experiment (REBEX 1). They observed that the increase in soil moisture decreased the soil temperature and the amplitude of the diurnal variation. While BATS predicted diurnal cycles for foliage temperatures that were close to observed values, it overestimated the maximum and underestimated the minimum foliage temperatures by as much as 10 K. Since the effective emissivity of prairie grass at SSM/I frequencies is generally greater than 0.95, these differences would be reflected in similar differences between predicted and observed radiobrightnesses if BATS were the basis of a radiobrightness model. >
Adaptive mixtures of local experts are source coding solutions

Research in intelligent control uses radial basis function networks to learn and perform tasks. The method lacks rigorous quantitative analysis and a physical interpretation of the ideas present. Current research in intelligent control uses information theory to describe and quantify solutions to control problems. This approach lacks flexibility. The connection between the two approaches is identified using a comparison of the two approaches. The main result is that the computation of the stochastic mapping in the adaptive mixtures approach is the same as the stochastic mapping in the source coding approach. This implies that the adaptive mixtures approach produces optimal mappings based on the analysis and results from source encoding theory. >
Linear spaces of Toeplitz and nilpotent matrices

Abstract We determine the lower bound on the dimension of linear spaces of Toeplitz matrices which guarantees that it contains a matrix with rank at least equal to a specified number r . We also give elementary proofs of theorems of Gerstenhaber concerning the dimension of linear spaces of nilpotent matrices. Our proofs exhibit and exploit a combinatorial structure of these linear spaces.
Compliant control of constrained robot manipulators: stabilization on the constraint surface

As an extension to their formulation of the compliant control problem employing the framework of constrained Hamiltonian systems the authors consider the feedback of error signals with respect to a desired position, velocity and force. They allow for uncertainty in modeling and disturbances. They show that the nonlinear feedback controls introduced specify the dynamics of the manipulator on the constraint surface. Results of computer simulations which verify the analytical formulation , are presented. >
Lipid transfer protein 3 as a target of MYB96 mediates freezing and drought stress in Arabidopsis

Several lipid-transfer proteins were reported to modulate the plant response to biotic stress; however, whether lipid-transfer proteins are also involved in abiotic stress remains unknown. This study characterized the function of a lipid-transfer protein, LTP3, during freezing and drought stress. LTP3 was expressed ubiquitously and the LTP3 protein was localized to the cytoplasm. A biochemical study showed that LTP3 was able to bind to lipids. Overexpression of LTP3 resulted in constitutively enhanced freezing tolerance without affecting the expression of CBFs and their target COR genes. Further analyses showed that LTP3 was positively regulated by MYB96 via the direct binding to the LTP3 promoter; consistently, transgenic plants overexpressing MYB96 exhibited enhanced freezing tolerance. This study also found that the loss-of-function mutant ltp3 was sensitive to drought stress, whereas overexpressing plants were drought tolerant, phenotypes reminiscent of myb96 mutant plants and MYB96-overexpressing plants. Taken together, these results demonstrate that LTP3 acts as a target of MYB96 to be involved in plant tolerance to freezing and drought stress.
Quantitative flow visualization: toward a comprehensive flow diagnostic tool.

SYNOPSIS. Quantitative flow visualization has many roots and has taken several approaches. The advent of digital image processing has made it possible to practically extract useful information from every kind of flow image. In a direct approach, the image intensity or color (wavelength or frequency) can be used as an indication of concentration, density and temperature fields or gradients of these scalar fields in the flow (Merzkirch, 1987). For whole-field velocity measurement, the method of choice by experimental fluid mechanicians has been the technique of Particle Image Velocimetry (DPIV). This paper presents a novel approach to extend the DPIV technique from a planar method to a full three-dimensional volume mapping technique useful in both engineering and biological applications.
[14C]Normacromerine Fate in the Rat

The biological fate of [14C]normacromerine, a dimethoxylated phenethylamine derivative with putative hallucinogenic properties, was evaluated in male Sprague-Dawley rats at 100 mg/kg po. Urine was the primary elimination route accounting for 50% of administered carbon-14 after 24 h. Of this urine radioactivity, normacromerine comprised 30% at 8 h decreasing to nondetectable levels at 24 h. Carbon-14 in feces represented <10% of the administered dose at 24 h, and 14CO2 expiration was not detected. Studies of normacromerine fate in comparison with previously studied phenethylamines may enhance evaluation of hallucinogenic potential of normacromerine.
A Study of Defects in Czochralski-Grown Silicon by Positron Annihilation Spectroscopy

We have studied defects in Cz-grown single crystal silicon by utilizing a variable energy positron beam and positron lifetime spectroscopy in conjunction with surface photovoltage measurements. We present results for the depth profile of defects obtained from the Doppler broadening spectra measured by implanting variable energy positrons at different depths ranging from the surface down to ∼ 1 /xm deep. We have also measured positron lifetime spectra at different locations on a wafer and have obtained a radial variation in the density of the vacancy-type defects.
Proton Beam Irradiation: An Alternative to Enucleation for Intraocular Melanomas

Proton irradiation was used in the treatment of uveal melanomas in 36 eyes. The average follow-up period was 16 months. One patient developed metastatic disease and died. No eye has been enucleated and tumor regression has been observed in all 22 eyes with a follow-up of more than 12 months. This type of treatment offers definite advantages over previously used methods, can be used for the treatment of relatively large melanomas, and should be considered before enucleation.
Method procedures for sampling aldehyde and ketone using 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine : a review

AbstractMethods for sampling aldehyde and ketone using 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine (DNPH) are reviewed with emphasis on the type of trapping media, the absorbing solution composition and stability and the sample flowrate. Pre- and post-sampling procedures are discussed as well as collected sample stability, detection range, contamination and interference. Different methods for generating standard atmospheres are discussed as well as collection efficiency and standards recovery. Aldehyde emissions measured using DNPH in engine exhaust are briefly reviewed with an overview of the effects of fuel type, engine concept and operation and exhaust gas aftertreatment. Finally, practices and recommendations are proposed to ensure the integrity of the sampling process and appropriateness to different applications.
Transcriptional analysis of the innate immune response of ducks to different species-of-origin low pathogenic H7 avian influenza viruses

Wild waterfowl, including ducks, represent the classic reservoir for low pathogenicity avian influenza (LPAI) viruses and play a major role in the worldwide dissemination of AIV. AIVs belonging to the hemagglutinin (H) 7 subtype are of epidemiological and economic importance due to their potential to mutate into a highly pathogenic form of the virus. Thus far, however, relatively little work has been conducted on elucidating the host-pathogen interactions of ducks and H7 LPAIVs. In the current study, three H7 LPAIVs isolated from either chicken, duck, or turkey avian species were evaluated for their comparative effect on the transcriptional innate immune response of ducks. Three H7 LPAIV isolates, chicken-origin (A/chicken/Maryland/MinhMa/2004), duck-origin (A/pintail/Minnesota/423/1999), and turkey-origin (A/turkey/Virginia/SEP-67/2002) were used to infect Pekin ducks. At 3 days post-infection, RNA from spleen tissue was used for transcriptional analysis using the Avian Innate Immune Microarray (AIIM) and quantitative real-time RT-PCR (qRT-PCR). Microarray analysis revealed that a core set of 61 genes was differentially regulated in response to all three LPAIVs. Furthermore, we observed 101, 135, and 628 differentially expressed genes unique to infection with the chicken-, duck-, or turkey-origin LPAIV isolates, respectively. qRT-PCR results revealed significant (p<0.05) induction of IL-1β, IL-2, and IFNγ transcription, with the greatest induction observed upon infection with the chicken-origin isolate. Several key innate immune pathways were activated in response to LPAIV infection including the toll-like receptor and RIG-I-like receptor pathways. Pekin ducks elicit a unique innate immune response to different species-of-origin H7 LPAIV isolates. However, twelve identifiable genes and their associated cell signaling pathways (RIG-I, NOD, TLR) are differentially expressed regardless of isolate origin. This core set of genes are critical to the duck immune response to AI. These data provide insight into the potential mechanisms employed by ducks to tolerate AI viral infection.
Projections of leaf area index in earth system models

Abstract. The area of leaves in the plant canopy, measured as leaf area index (LAI), modulates key land–atmosphere interactions, including the exchange of energy, moisture, carbon dioxide (CO2), and other trace gases and aerosols, and is therefore an essential variable in predicting terrestrial carbon, water, and energy fluxes. Here our goal is to characterize the LAI projections from the latest generation of earth system models (ESMs) for the Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) 8.5 and RCP4.5 scenarios. On average, the models project increases in LAI in both RCP8.5 and RCP4.5 over most of the globe, but also show decreases in some parts of the tropics. Because of projected increases in variability, there are also more frequent periods of low LAI across broad regions of the tropics. Projections of LAI changes varied greatly among models: some models project very modest changes, while others project large changes, usually increases. Modeled LAI typically increases with modeled warming in the high latitudes, but often decreases with increasing local warming in the tropics. The models with the most skill in simulating current LAI in the tropics relative to satellite observations tend to project smaller increases in LAI in the tropics in the future compared to the average of all the models. Using LAI projections to identify regions that may be vulnerable to climate change presents a slightly different picture than using precipitation projections, suggesting LAI may be an additional useful tool for understanding climate change impacts. Going forward, users of LAI projections from the CMIP5 ESMs evaluated here should be aware that model outputs do not exhibit clear-cut relationships to vegetation carbon and precipitation. Our findings underscore the need for more attention to LAI projections, in terms of understanding the drivers of projected changes and improvements to model skill.
A Cubic, 12-Connected, Microporous Metal−Organometallic Phosphate Framework Sustained by Truncated Tetrahedral Nodes

A rare example of a microporous metal−organic phosphate, [Co12(L)6(μ3-PO4)4(μ3-F)4(μ-H2O)6][NO3]2 (1), is synthesized by the reaction of a [(η5-C5H5)FeII]+-functionalized terephthalate ligand with Co(NO3)2·6H2O and phosphate and fluoride ions generated from the in situ hydrolysis of hexafluorophosphate. 1 is a cubic, 12-connected, face-centered cubic framework sustained by the linear connection of unprecedented, dodecanuclear truncated tetrahedral coordination clusters.
On the fertilizing and cytolytic effect of soap

It has been shown by experiments on the eggs of sea-urchins, starfish, and annelids that the artificial membrane formation is the act which causes the unfertilized egg to develop. The agencies which cause the artificial membrane formation, as a rule, injure the egg. For the eggs of the starfish and certain other annelids this injury is rather slight, and these eggs are able to develop into larvae without any further treatment. In the egg of the Californian sea-urchin this secondary, injurious effect connected with the artificial membrane formation is more severe and demands a further treatment of the egg. This consists in preventing the eggs from developing for about from two to three hours after the membrane formation, by depriving them of oxygen or by preventing oxidations in the egg through the addition of a trace of potassium cyanide. During this time the egg is able to recuperate from the injurious effects of the membrane formation and is able to develop perfectly normally into a pluteus if transferre...
Reconfigurable Ion Gating of 2H-MoTe2 Field-Effect Transistors Using Poly(ethylene oxide)-CsClO4 Solid Polymer Electrolyte

Transition metal dichalcogenides are relevant for electronic devices owing to their sizable band gaps and absence of dangling bonds on their surfaces. For device development, a controllable method for doping these materials is essential. In this paper, we demonstrate an electrostatic gating method using a solid polymer electrolyte, poly(ethylene oxide) and CsClO4, on exfoliated, multilayer 2H-MoTe2. The electrolyte enables the device to be efficiently reconfigured between n- and p-channel operation with ON/OFF ratios of approximately 5 decades. Sheet carrier densities as high as 1.6 × 1013 cm–2 can be achieved because of a large electric double layer capacitance (measured as 4 μF/cm2). Further, we show that an in-plane electric field can be used to establish a cation/anion transition region between source and drain, forming a p–n junction in the 2H-MoTe2 channel. This junction is locked in place by decreasing the temperature of the device below the glass transition temperature of the electrolyte. The idea...
Influence of chondrodystrophy and brachycephaly on geometry of the humerus in dogs

Objective: To assess the geometry of canine humeri as seen on radiographs in chondrodystrophic dogs (CD) and brachycephalic dogs (BD) compared to non-chondrodystrophic dogs (NCD). Methods: Mediolateral (ML) and craniocaudal (CC) radiographs of skeletally mature humeri were used (CD [n = 5], BD [n = 9], NCD [n = 48]) to evaluate general dimensions (length, width, canal flare, cortical thickness), curvature (shaft, humeral head, and glenoid), and angulation (humeral head and condyle). Measurements from CD, BD, and NCD were compared. Results: Mean humeral length was shorter in CD (108 mm) compared to BD (184 mm, p = 0.001) and NCD (183 mm, p
On line Detecting Content and Behavior of Hydrogen and Other Elements in Aluminum Melt by Solid Electrolyte Sensors

Solid electrolyte sensors can be used to detect quickly and continuously the content of hydrogen or other elements and their behaviors in the aluminum and aluminum alloy melt on line,so they are the newest type of detecting method and will have bright application prospect within this field.This paper introduces in detail their working principles as well as the technical performances and practical application results of the hydrogen sensor end rare earths sensors developed by the author.
To Use Dialysis Appropriately: The Emerging Consensus on Patient Selection Guidelines

When the United States Congress established the Medicare End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) Program in 1972, they did not specify patients for whom dialysis would be appropriate. The ESRD program has grown beyond expectation in patient numbers and in costs, partly because patients who were not initially considered by the dialysis community to be candidates are now routinely accepted. The appropriateness of dialysis for some of these patients has been questioned. Recognizing that practice guidelines are a means to promote appropriate health care, the Institute of Medicine Committee to Study the Medicare ESRD Program recommended the development of practice guidelines for ESRD patient selection. This article reviews the arguments for and against guideline development for dialysis patient selection and the guidelines that have been proposed. It describes what appears to be an emerging consensus on the appropriate use of dialysis and recommends a process for the establishment of dialysis patient selection guidelines based on this consensus.