cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of Tableware Disinfection in Catering Units of Shimen County from 2006 to 2008

Objective To investigate the status of tableware disinfection in catering units of Shimen County,and to provide a scientific basis for prevention of food-borne diseases and food poisoning.Method Data on disinfection effect of various tableware in catering units in Shimen County from 2006 to 2008 were analyzed.Results Totally 28,516 tableware samples collected from catering units in Shimen from 2006 to 2008 were tested,24,376 of them were up to standard,with the total eligible rate of 85%.82%,85%,89% of them were up to standard in 2006,2007 and 2008 respectively;the difference was statistically significant(P0.01).The qualified rate was the highest in the first quarter(90%)and the lowest in the third quarter(81%).There was a difference in the qualified rate among the different quarters(P0.01).The qualified rate of chopsticks and cups was the highest(89%),while that of the plates was the lowest(80%).There was a difference of the qualified rate in different tableware(P0.01).Conclusions Tableware disinfection in catering units of Shimen County is effective,but supervision and inspection must be continuously strengthened.The regulations of disinfection and sanitary management must be implemented in an all-round way.
How are we improving the delivery to back of the eye? Advances and challenges of novel therapeutic approaches

Drug delivery to the back of the eye requires strategic approaches that guarantee the long-term therapeutic effect with patient compliance. Current treatments for posterior eye diseases suffer from significant challenges including frequent intraocular injections of anti-VEGF agents and related adverse effects in addition to the high cost of the therapy. Areas covered: Treatment challenges and promising drug delivery approaches for posterior segment eye diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) are summarized. Advances in the development of several nanotechnology-based systems, including stimuli-responsive approaches to enhance drug bioavailability and overcome existing barriers for effective ocular delivery are discussed. Stem cell transplantation and encapsulated cell technology (ECT) approaches to treat posterior eye diseases are elaborated. Expert opinion: There are several drug delivery systems demonstrating promising results. However, a better understanding of ocular barriers, disease pathophysiology, and drug clearance mechanisms is required for better therapeutic outcomes. The stem cell transplantation strategy and ECT approach provide positive results in AMD therapy, but there are a number of challenges that must be overcome for long-term efficiency. Ultimately, there are numerous multidimensional challenges to cure vision problems and a collaborative approach among scientists is required.
Interdict: Scenes of Military Maritime Encounter in the Caribbean

For the last several decades, the military ship has played a key role in steering and controlling the attempts of scores of thousands of undocumented, clandestine maritime migrants to make it to the US mainland, Puerto Rico and other parts of the Caribbean. Given the military control over the waters, it is difficult to obtain testimony of refugees and migrants at the time of interdiction. How do Caribbean people imagine and represent the encounter of the migrant/refugee vessel and the military ship? The vignettes offered in this paper consider four examples of contemporary encounters between Caribbean boat refugees and migrants and military power.
LKT-FM: A Novel Rating Pattern Transfer Model for Improving Non-overlapping Cross-Domain Collaborative Filtering

Cross-Domain Collaborative Filtering (CDCF) has attracted various research works in recent years. However, an important problem setting, i.e., “users and items in source and target domains are totally different”, has not received much attention yet. We coin this problem as Non-Overlapping Cross-Domain Collaborative Filtering (NOCDCF). In order to solve this challenging CDCF task, we propose a novel 3-step rating pattern transfer model, i.e. low-rank knowledge transfer via factorization machines (LKT-FM). Our solution is able to mine high quality knowledge from large and sparse source matrices, and to integrate the knowledge without losing much information contained in the target matrix via exploiting Factorization Machine (FM). Extensive experiments on real world datasets show that the proposed LKT-FM model outperforms the state-of-the-art CDCF solutions.
Parallel CE/SE Computations via Domain Decomposition

This paper describes the parallelization strategy and achieved parallel efficiency of an explicit time-marching algorithm for solving conservation laws. The Space- Time Conservation Element and Solution Element (CE/SE) algorithm for solving the 2D and 3D Euler equations is parallelized with the aid of domain decomposition. The parallel efficiency of the resultant algorithm on a Silicon Graphics Origin 2000 parallel computer is checked.
Development of pH indicator from PLA/PEO ultrafine fibers containing pigment of microalgae origin.

Abstract Phycocyanin is a pigment of intense blue color, constituting the biomass of microalga such as Spirulina. This pigment is sensitive to pH and this instability results in color change. Thus, phycocyanin fading may become interesting for application in intelligent packaging. The objective of the study was to develop PLA/PEO ultrafine fibers containing phycocyanin to be used as pH indicators membranes for food packaging. The ultrafine fibers were formed by electrospinning process. The average diameter of 1318 nm was obtained for PLA/PEO ultrafine fibers with 2% (w·v−1) of phycocyanin and 921 nm for those developed with 3% (w·v−1) of the dye. PLA/PEO ultrafine fibers with 3% (w·v−1) of the phycocyanin presented the best responses regarding the perception of color change (ΔE). With the highest thickness (68.7 μm) of the ultrafine fibers developed from 3% (w·v−1) of phycocyanin, the ΔE value found was 18.85 to the variation of pH 3 to 4 and for variation from pH 5 to 6 the value of ΔE was 18.66. Thus, the use of PLA/PEO ultrafine fibers containing phycocyanin as pH indicator is an innovative application for intelligent packaging, since the color of pigment changes depending on pH variation.
A THEORY ON THE SHAPE OF SATURATED HYSTERESIS LOOPS

A model is proposed for the distribution of mesh lengths available for reversed deformation based on the structural parameter R, the statistical fraction of dislocation-obstacle interactions that allows reverse motion of the dislocation on stress reduction. This model is applied to the case of cyclically stable fatigue where well defined cell structures are present. It is shown that the average spherical cell size determined from quantitative electron metallography should be directly proportional to the critical mesh length and hence, inversely proportional to the saturation flow stress at constant cell wall structure. It is also shown that at a given critical mesh length and hence flow stress there is a unique stabilizing cell size which will allow continued cyclically stable deformation. Experimental measurements of the average cell size as a function of critical mesh length taken from the literature are used to estimate the value of the structural parameter R during cyclically stable fatigue as R=0.052. Normalized reversed stress-strain curves are calculated for a range of R and comparisons are made with experimentally obtained results. It is concluded that when the role of thermal activation and internal stresses are included in the present model, the calculated reverse stress-strain behavior will closely approximate the experimental results.
Discrimination in Workplace Dynamics: Toward a Structural Account of Disparate Treatment Theory

As traditional social norms permitting overt racism and segregation give way to a modern norm of egalitarianism, and as well-defined, hierarchical, bureaucratic organizational structures delineating clear paths for advancement within institutions give way to a globalized workplace of flexible governance and movement between institutions, discrimination often operates in the workplace today less as a blanket policy or discrete, identifiable decision to exclude than as a perpetual tug on opportunity and advancement. Although we have begun to recognize the complexity of discrimination as it operates in its more fluid, socially dynamic forms, however, we have neglected to adequately conceptualize these modern forms of discrimination. Through review of empirical research and discussion of past and recent cases and scenarios, this article illustrates that existing Title VII doctrine fails to account for discrimination in the modern workplace, largely because it embraces a purely individualistic conception of discrimination on one end and a purely institutional conception on the other end, while ignoring the interplay between the two. Proposing a structural account of disparate treatment theory, the article submits that it is possible to address modern forms of employment discrimination while at the same time preserving institutional freedom and flexibility in organizational design. The article develops the beginnings of this structural account of disparate treatment theory, a theory that would hold employers responsible for the institutional practices and organizational structures that enable the operation of discriminatory bias in the workplace to the detriment of women and minorities. Moreover, it embarks upon an exploration of the potential of the theory in resolving existing doctrinal confusion as well as in creating a realistic legal incentive for maximizing equity in employment.
Probing heavy ion collisions using quark and gluon jet substructure with machine learning

Abstract Understanding the inner working of the quark-gluon plasma requires complete and precise jet substructure studies in heavy ion collisions. In this proceeding we discuss the use of quark and gluon jets as independent probes, and how their classification allows us to uncover regions of QCD phase space sensitive to medium dynamics. We introduce the telescoping deconstruction (TD) framework to capture complete jet information and show that TD observables reveal fundamental properties of quark and gluon jets and their modifications in the medium. We draw connections to soft-drop subjet distributions and illuminate medium-induced jet modifications using Lund diagrams. The classification is also studied using a physics-motivated, multivariate analysis of jet substructure observables. Moreover, we apply image-recognition techniques by training a deep convolutional neural network on jet images to benchmark classification performances. We find that the quark gluon discrimination performance worsens in Jewel-simulated heavy ion collisions due to significant soft radiation affecting soft jet substructures. This work suggests a systematic framework for jet studies and facilitates direct comparisons between theoretical calculations and measurements in heavy ion collisions.
Awareness training reduces college students' speech disfluencies in public speaking

Recent research suggests that a modified habit reversal procedure, including awareness training alone or combined with competing response training, is effective in decreasing speech disfluencies for college students. However, these procedures are potentially lengthy, sometimes require additional booster sessions, and could result in covariation of untargeted speaker behavior. We extended prior investigations by evaluating awareness training as a sole intervention while also measuring collateral effects of treatment on untargeted filler words and rate of speech. We found awareness training was effective for all participants without the use of booster sessions, and covariation between targeted filler words and secondary dependent variables was idiosyncratic across participants.
Functional Equations Characterizing Derivations and Homomorphisms on Fields

Over the past 55 years many articles have appeared treating functional equations from a certain class, in which for many cases the solutions are sums of derivations and homomorphisms on rings and fields. Here we consider another subclass of functional equations from this class and prove that the solutions are of the same type.
Nature-based Group Therapy Reflections: A Grounded Theory Study.

Nature-based therapies have a long history in mental health care. Beneficial effects have been documented for nature-based therapies in a variety of other health care settings. The aims of this gro...
Four health science librarians’ experiences how they responded to the covid-19 pandemic crisis

The COVID-19 pandemic has an unprecedented impact on the entire country. With exponential growth of COVID-19 cases in many areas, university administration and faculty faced mounting challenges on all fronts in meeting students’ needs in transition to remote learning environments. In the face of indefinite closure of libraries and university campuses, how could academic libraries respond to emerging needs in response to the rapidly evolving situation from one day to the next?
Midsemester Transition to Remote Instruction in a Flipped College Level Organic Chemistry Course

This report describes rapid changes to instructional materials, assessment, and technology use in a flipped college-level organic chemistry course in response to the sudden COVID-19 campus closures and midsemester transition to remote learning. The instructors modified in-class instructional materials to accommodate students’ preference for text-based over audiovisual engagement in the remote environment. The pros and cons of three approaches to administering remote organic chemistry exams are presented. Issues related to equitable incorporation of technology and maintaining academic integrity are discussed.
Targeted Muscle Reinnervation for Partial Hand Amputation.

Background Targeted muscle reinnervation for the treatment of symptomatic neuromas after upper limb amputation has been described for shoulder disarticulation and for transhumeral and transradial amputations. Early clinical outcomes are promising and demonstrate a statistically significant reduction in phantom limb pain and a decrease in residual limb pain. Methods We performed a cadaver dissection of the motor branches arising from the median and ulnar nerves to assess whether this technique could be applied to symptomatic neuromas after partial hand and finger amputations. Results After identification of all branches under 4.5x loupe magnification, we performed simulated transfers of digital nerves to lumbrical motor branches, common digital nerves to lumbrical motor branches or the recurrent motor branch, and the common sensory portion of the ulnar nerve to a hypothenar motor branch. Conclusions The proximity of all sensory nerves to motor branches and the numerous redundant motor nerve targets available support our hypothesis that targeted muscle reinnervation is possible after partial hand or finger amputation. Further studies will be required to refine clinical indications and evaluate outcomes.
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis, gait characteristics and relation to function.

Abstract Background Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) is a chronic inflammatory arthritis that impacts biomechanical features of gait. This systematic review describes the effects of JIA on gait motion parameters and walking performance. Methods Six databases were searched (PubMed/Medline, Cochrane, the EBSCOHost database SPORTDiscus, Web of Science, and Embase). Studies were restricted to children with any subtype of JIA who were assessed for gait motion features (kinematic, kinetic, temporalspatial) or walking performance (velocity or distance covered); could include intervention or treatment exposure with measures of gait and gait speed; could involve comparison of gait in JIA to healthy controls. Quality of evidence was assessed using the GRADE system. This systematic review was registered at PROSPERO (CRD42018109582) Results The search yielded 625 papers, 23 of which described biomechanical features of gait and/or assessed walking performance. Twenty studies measured walking velocity and walking ability using simple field tests or laboratory methods. Eleven studies measured temporalspatial parameters such as cadence, step length, stride length, step width, single and double support time. Nine studies evaluated kinetic measurements including joint power, flexion and extension and joint moments. Nine studies evaluated kinematic parameters including range of motion, pelvic tilt, center of motion and trunk sway. Conclusions Key features of gait in children with JIA include slower gait velocity, shortened step length, decreased range of motion at the hip, knee and ankle with trend towards flexion, decreased joint power, anteriorly tilted pelvis and trunk with shifted center of motion. There is a potential to ameliorate JIA-related gait changes with exercise and/or pharmaceutical interventions.
Hepatocyte Growth Factor and Incident Heart Failure Subtypes: The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA).

Abstract Background Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is a cytokine and marker of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Less is known about HGF and incident heart failure (HF). We examined the association of HGF with incident HF and its subtypes in a multiethnic cohort. Methods and Results We included 6597 participants of the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) cohort, free of clinical CVD and HF at baseline, with HGF measured at baseline. Incident hospitalized HF was assessed and adjudicated for HF with preserved ejection fracture (HFpEF) vs HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Cox regression models estimated hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for HF risk by HGF levels, adjusted for socio-demographics, CVD risk factors and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide. The mean age was 62 ± 10 years. The median HGF level was 950 pg/mL (interquartile range, 758–1086 pg/mL); 53% were women. Over 14 years (IQR, 11.5–14.7 years), there were 324 cases of HF (133 HFpEF and 157 HFrEF). For the highest HGF tertile compared with lowest, adjusted HRs were 1.59 (95% CI, 1.10–2.31), 1.90 (95% CI, 1.03–3.51), and 1.09 (95% CI, 0.65–1.82) for overall HF, HFpEF, and HFrEF, respectively. For continuous analysis per 1-standard deviation log-transformed HGF, adjusted HRs were 1.22 (95% CI, 1.06–1.41), 1.35 (95% CI, 1.09–1.69), and 1.00 (95% CI, 0.81–1.24) for HF, HFpEF, and HFrEF, respectively. Conclusions HGF was independently associated with incident HF. HGF remained significantly associated with HFpEF but not HFrEF upon subtype assessment. Future studies should examine the mechanisms underlying these associations and evaluate whether HGF can be used to improve HF risk prediction or direct therapy.
Deriving within-person estimates of delta-beta coupling: A novel measure for identifying individual differences in emotion and neural function in childhood

Delta-beta coupling is increasingly used to understand early emotional development. However, little is known about the development of the coupling, limiting its utility for identifying normative or aberrant functioning. We used a prospective longitudinal sample (N = 122) to compare measures of within-person and between-person coupling between ages 3 and 5, track the developmental trajectory of coupling, identify individual differences in patterns of development, and explore emotion-related predictors and outcomes of discrete developmental patterns. Within-person measures, limited in overall utility, were most useful when (1) statistical approaches produced more homogenous groups within the overall sample (extreme groups or latent classes) or (2) the full developmental course was considered. We found two trajectories of change in frontal coupling and three trajectories of change in parietal coupling. Coupling trajectories were predicted by observed fear and approach/avoidance at age 3. In addition, high levels of frontal coupling at age 3 that declined and then levelled out through age 5 were associated with lower levels of internalizing by age 5. This work provides a foundation for understanding normative change in delta-beta coupling across the preschool years and useful insight for the use of this metric in future work.
De-sliming followed by froth flotation for the recovery of phosphorus and enrichment of rare earth elements from Florida waste clay

Abstract Reprocessing and valorization of secondary resources is a possible solution to alleviate the supply-demand disparity for critical materials. The current study investigated the recovery of P and enrichment of REEs from Florida waste clay (WC). Clays, dolomite, and quartz are the main associated gangue minerals, while apatite is the predominant P-bearing mineral, and monazite and xenotime are the rare earth minerals in this WC. A 1.5-in. diam. hydro-cyclone unit was initially employed for the removal of clays. Froth flotation was then examined for the separation of values from the cyclone underflow. Various depressants and surface modifying agents were assessed for both direct and reverse flotation separations. Results showed that the direct flotation does not offer a solution for the selective recovery of P from WC. Despite their documented affinity for apatite and rare earths, hydroxamic acid collectors do not produce a selective separation. A single-stage reverse cationic process provides a more economically viable route due to its capability to avoid the loss of REEs. Test results of the single-stage reverse cationic process indicated that the P2O5 grade was increased to 21 wt.% from an initial grade of ∼8 wt.% with a corresponding recovery of approximately 80%. The REE content was elevated from an initial value of 307.1 ppm to 800 ppm, with an 80% recovery resulting from the same process. The removal of clays, silicates, and carbonates up to a point to meet the medium-grade phosphate ore specifications also facilitates the subsequent recovery of REEs using chemical separation.
SpOT the Correct Tissue Every Time in Multi-tissue Blocks

Multi-tissue paraffin blocks provide high throughput analysis with increased efficiency, experimental uniformity, and reduced time and cost. Tissue microarrays make up the majority of multi-tissue paraffin blocks, but increasingly, researchers are using non-arrayed blocks containing larger tissues from multiple individuals which can provide many of the advantages of tissue microarrays without substantial investment in planning and equipment. A critical component of any multi-tissue analysis is the orientation method used to identify each individual tissue. Although methods exist to maintain proper orientation and identification of tissues in multi-tissue blocks, most are not well-suited to non-arrayed blocks, may consume valuable space within an array and/or are difficult to produce in the standard histology laboratory. The Specimen Orientation Tag (SpOT) is a simple, low cost orientation tool that is clearly visible in paraffin blocks and all tissue sections for reliable specimen identification in arrayed and non-arrayed layouts. The SpOT provides advantages over existing orientation methods for non-arrayed blocks as it does not require any direct modification to the tissue and allows for flexibility in the arrangement of tissue pieces.
The Quality of Life Among U.S. States

Categories of Schwartz and Mukherjee are used to select twelve measures with direct or indirect influence on QoL of the 50 States and the D.C. Included are such recognized indicators as health, housing, longevity, a toxic-free environment, crime, etc. From a factor analysis of these data, four factors emerge, identified as Security, Mastery, Harmony and Autonomy. Three partially-independent measures provide verification of the QoL measures: the KIDS COUNT Index, the Southern Regional Council QoL of workers Index and a state-by-state Stress Index. I then test hypotheses relating to QoL: the economic hypothesis that the production of wealth enhances welfare (QoL), a demographic hypotheses concerning migration and urbanization, an hypothesis that religious adherents influence QoL, and psychological hypothesis that a better QoL generates less stress, and others.
Building a Learning Commons: Necessary Conditions for Success

Remodeling an academic library according to the Learning Commons service model will challenge the library staff. This paper gives insight into four of these challenges: Working with the design team, preserving a scholarly environment, ensuring the most efficient arrangement of the library's service centers, and moving the library's collection. It gives practical advice, including examples, for responding to these challenges effectively.
Stress Proteins and Initiation of Immune Response: Chaperokine activity of Hsp72

From its original description as solely an intracellular molecular chaperone, heat shock proteins have now been shown to function as initiators of the host's immune response. Although the exact mechanism by which intracellular heat shock proteins leave cells is still incompletely understood, recent work from several labs suggest that heat shock proteins are released by both passive (necrotic) and active (physiological) mechanisms. Binding to specific surface receptors is a prerequisite for the initiation of an immune response. To date, several cell surface proteins have been described as the receptor for seventy kilo-Dalton heat shock protein (Hsp70) including Toll-like receptors 2 and 4 with their cofactor CD14, the scavenger receptor CD36, the low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein CD91, the C-type lectin receptor LOX-1, and another member of the scavenger super-family SR-A plus the co-stimulatory molecule, CD40. Binding of Hsp70 to these surface receptors specifically activates intracellular signaling cascades, which in turn exert immunoregulatory effector functions; a process known as the chaperokine activity of Hsp70. This review will highlight recent advances in understanding the mechanism by which Hsp70 initiates the host's immune response.
Form — Function Characteristics of Electro-Mechanical Designs

Mechanical designs are solutions to multi-faceted problems. In this regard, mechanical design is no different from most other engineering design disciplines. However, in many design disciplines such as software design and circuit design, designs can be characterized as collections of weakly-interacting functional modules, each of which implements one of the functional requirements. In these domains, good designs can often be accomplished by successively decomposing requirements until the lowest level requirements match the behavior of some preexisting design component. Direct transformation and recombination can then be used to complete the design. On the other hand, good mechanical designs are often highly-integrated, tightly-coupled collections of interacting components because the cost, size, and weight of mechanical components makes a direct application of the decompose and transform strategy impractical. In well designed mechanical devices a simple correspondence between specific functional requirements of the product and individual components in the design does not usually exist. The converse is also true, i.e., a specific component does not contribute to a single function of a product.
Biochemical studies on inositol

Abstract A purification procedure is described which allows the separation of glucose 6-phosphate cyclase and inositol 1-phosphatase of yeast. The cyclase was purified 700-fold and was free of phosphatase activity when various phosphorylated compounds were used as substrate. d - or l -inositol-1-P was the best substrate for inositol 1-phosphatase followed by (−)-inositol-3-P, 2′-AMP, and β-glycerophosphate. The stability of inositol 1-phosphatase to heating and to storage at −20 ° was much greater than that of the other phosphatases. From the substrate specificity it is concluded that inositol 1-phosphatase hydrolyzes primarily phosphate esters of secondary hydroxyl groups.
Reductive dechlorination of chlorinated ethenes and 1, 2-dichloroethane by "Dehalococcoides ethenogenes" 195.

"Dehalococcoides ethenogenes" 195 can reductively dechlorinate tetrachloroethene (PCE) completely to ethene (ETH). When PCE-grown strain 195 was transferred (2% [vol/vol] inoculum) into growth medium amended with trichloroethene (TCE), cis-dichloroethene (DCE), 1,1-DCE, or 1,2-dichloroethane (DCA) as an electron acceptor, these chlorinated compounds were consumed at increasing rates over time, which indicated that growth occurred. Moreover, the number of cells increased when TCE, 1,1-DCE, or DCA was present. PCE, TCE, 1,1-DCE, and cis-DCE were converted mainly to vinyl chloride (VC) and then to ETH, while DCA was converted to ca. 99% ETH and 1% VC. cis-DCE was used at lower rates than PCE, TCE, 1,1-DCE, or DCA was used. When PCE-grown cultures were transferred to media containing VC or trans-DCE, products accumulated slowly, and there was no increase in the rate, which indicated that these two compounds did not support growth. When the intermediates in PCE dechlorination by strain 195 were monitored, TCE was detected first, followed by cis-DCE. After a lag, VC, 1,1-DCE, and trans-DCE accumulated, which is consistent with the hypothesis that cis-DCE is the precursor of these compounds. Both cis-DCE and 1,1-DCE were eventually consumed, and both of these compounds could be considered intermediates in PCE dechlorination, whereas the small amount of trans-DCE that was produced persisted. Cultures grown on TCE, 1,1-DCE, or DCA could immediately dechlorinate PCE, which indicated that PCE reductive dehalogenase activity was constitutive when these electron acceptors were used.
Recombinant human G protein-coupled lysophosphatidic acid receptors mediate intracellular calcium mobilization.

Mobilization of intracellular Ca2+ is a critical cellular response to lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) in many cell types. Recent identification of endothelial differentiation gene (Edg) 2 and Edg4 as subtypes of G protein-coupled receptors for LPA allowed examination of the Ca2+ mobilization mediated specifically by each subtype. To reduce endogenous background levels while enhancing recombinant receptor-specific signals, the aequorin luminescence method was used to quantify cytoplasmic Ca2+ levels. In TAg-Jurkat T cells transiently co-transfected with apoaequorin and human Edg2 or Edg4 cDNA, LPA dose-dependently increased light emission triggered by increased Ca2+ bound to aequorin.N-Palmitoyl-l-serine-phosphoric acid andN-palmitoyl-l-tyrosine-phosphoric acid, which had been previously shown to be antagonists for Xenopus laevis LPA receptors, did not antagonize the Ca2+-mobilizing effects of Edg2 and Edg4. Surprisingly, they acted as agonists or partial agonists for Edg2 and Edg4. The Ca2+ mobilization by Edg2 and Edg4 was further characterized in stable transfectants of rat HTC4 hepatoma cells. By using the fura-2 fluorescence method, a difference in the kinetics of Ca2+ flux with Edg2 and Edg4 was observed. With Edg2, but not Edg4, the initial increase in the Ca2+ concentration was followed by a sustained influx of extracellular Ca2+. The coincident production of inositol phosphates and the inhibition of Ca2+ mobilization by the phospholipase C inhibitor U73122 strongly suggested that Edg2 and Edg4 mobilize Ca2+ through inositol trisphosphate generated by phospholipase C activation. Pertussis toxin almost completely blocked LPA-induced Ca2+mobilization by Edg2 but only partially blocked that by Edg4, which suggests that Edg2 transduces Ca2+ mobilization largely through pertussis toxin-sensitive Gi proteins, whereas Edg4 requires both Gi and Gq.
A genetic linkage map of tetraploid orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.) and quantitative trait loci for heading date

Orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.), or cocksfoot, is indigenous to Eurasia and northern Africa, but has been naturalized on nearly every continent and is one of the top perennial forage grasses grown worldwide. To improve the understanding of genetic architecture of orchardgrass and provide a template for heading date candidate gene search in this species, the goals of the present study were to construct a tetraploid orchardgrass genetic linkage map and identify quantitative trait loci associated with heading date. A combination of SSR markers derived from an orchardgrass EST library and AFLP markers were used to genotype an F1 population of 284 individuals derived from a very late heading Dactylis glomerata subsp. himalayensis parent and an early to mid-heading Dactylis glomerata subsp. aschersoniana parent. Two parental maps were constructed with 28 cosegregation groups and seven consensus linkage groups each, and homologous linkage groups were tied together by 38 bridging markers. Linkage group lengths varied from 98 to 187 cM, with an average distance between markers of 5.5 cM. All but two mapped SSR markers had homologies to physically mapped rice (Oryza sativa L.) genes, and six of the seven orchardgrass linkage groups were assigned based on this putative synteny with rice. Quantitative trait loci were detected for heading date on linkage groups 2, 5, and 6 in both parental maps, explaining between 12% and 24% of the variation.
Nigrotectal projections in the primate Galago crassicaudatus

The pattern of the nigrotectal projection in Galago crassicaudatus was determined using retrograde and anterograde transport methods. These experiments revealed that pars reticulata and pars lateralis of the substantia nigra project to all layers of the ipsilateral and contralateral superior colliculus, except to layer I. The nigrotectal projection is not homogeneous, but is concentrated in particular collicular layers and sublayers, and the intensity and laminar distribution of the projection varies along the rostral-caudal dimension of the superior colliculus. The ipsilateral and contralateral nigrotectal projections are generally similar, except that a tier of dense label which is prominent in the ventral part of much of the ipsilateral layer IV is not obvious contralaterally; moreover, the contralateral projection is much sparser than the ipsilateral. Deposits of tracers at different medial-lateral locations within the substantia nigra did not result in different laminar patterns of anterogradely transported label in the superior colliculus. Based on the known connections and functions of the collicular layers and sublayers, the pattern and distribution of the nigrotectal projection suggests that the substantia nigra may use this pathway to gain access to particular components of vision- and visuomotor-related networks.
Survey for the Three Major Leafroll Disease-Associated Viruses in Finger Lakes Vineyards in New York

Vineyards in the Finger Lakes region in New York were surveyed for the three major viruses associated with leafroll disease, i.e., Grapevine leafroll-associated virus 1 (GLRaV-1), Grapevine leafroll-associated virus 2 (GLRaV-2), and Grapevine leafroll-associated virus 3 (GLRaV-3). Target viruses were detected in nearly two-thirds (68%, 65 of 95) of the vineyard blocks surveyed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Single infections by GLRaV-1, GLRaV-2, and GLRaV-3 occurred in 10% (113 of 1,124), 3% (36 of 1,124), and 15% (173 of 1,124) of the samples tested, respectively, whereas mixed infections affected 3.6% (40 of 1,124) of them, essentially with GLRaV-1 and GLRaV-3 (2.5%, 28 of 1,124). Presence of the target viruses was confirmed in selected samples by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and sequencing. Comparative analysis indicated moderate to high nucleotide sequence identities in the second diverged copy of the GLRaV-1 coat protein gene (81.0 to 86.7%), GLRaV-2 coat protein gene (87.6 to 99.2%), and GLRaV-3 heat shock protein 70 homologue gene (91.5 to 98.3%) of New York isolates with corresponding virus reference strains. The prevalence of the three major leafroll disease-associated viruses in Finger Lakes vineyards results likely from poor sanitary status of planting materials, stressing the need to reinstate a certification program in New York.
Egg and Larva Development of Brook Silversides from the Peace River, Florida

Abstract Brook silverside (Labidesthes sicculus) eggs, larvae, and juveniles were collected with a plankton net from the Peace River, Florida. Eggs had two or three attachment filaments (mode = 2) and a mean diameter of 1.2 mm. Oil globules were present in the yolk, and decreased from a mean of 22 after fertilization to one by the late embryo stage. Recently hatched protolarvae ranged from 4.7 to 5.6 mm total length and had six to seven and 28 to 31 postanal myomeres. The ratio of preanal length to total length increased as the anus migrated posteriorly during the metalarval phase; preanal myomere counts increased while postanal counts decreased. Pectoral anlages were present at hatching. By 8.0 mm, the base of the second dorsal and anal fins began to develop, and fin ray anlages were present in the caudal fin. Pelvic fin anlages appeared by 10.3 mm and all median fin rays were visible by 11.3 mm. The first dorsal fin developed between 11.3 and 15.5 mm. Metalarvae transformed into juveniles between 15.5 a...
Assessment as a Barrier in Developing Design Expertise: Interior Design Student Perceptions of Meanings and Sources of Grades.

This article reports on a portion of a larger qualitative study focused on a group of interior design students' perceptions of their educational experiences. Twelve interior design students enrolled in their final studio course participated in interviews intended to elicit their perceptions of key barriers encountered during their undergraduate design school experience. Among students' perceived barriers to learning, studio project grades figured so prominently that they are the focus of this article. Interviews were transcribed, coded and analysed using a constant comparative approach. Themes were developed to describe the students' conceptions of meanings and sources of grades. Interactions among main themes are examined and implications for future research are addressed.
Charging Results from the Satellite Surface Potential Monitor

Electrical charging of common spacecraft materials flown on a high-altitude satellite are measured by the Satellite Surface Potential Monitor experiment and the data obtained are used as a framework for future modeling of spacecraft charging. Results from two magnetically disturbed times were chosen; one when the USAF P78-2 satellite was in eclipse on March 28, 1979 and the other which occurred in sunlight on April 24, 1979. On both days, the spacecraft charged negatively in the Earth's shadow to greater than -5 kV. From the results of these data, the location of various insulating materials, as well as their physical properties, must be considered if the details of spacecraft charging are to be understood.
Mechanism of action of DuP 721: inhibition of an early event during initiation of protein synthesis.

The mode of action of DuP 721 was investigated. This compound was active primarily against gram-positive bacteria, including multiply resistant strains of staphylococci. Although inactive against wild-type Escherichia coli, DuP 721 did inhibit E. coli when the outer membrane was perturbed by genetic or chemical means. Pulse-labeling studies with E. coli PLB-3252, a membrane-defective strain, showed that DuP 721 inhibited amino acid incorporation into proteins. The 50% inhibitory concentration of DuP 721 for protein synthesis was 3.8 micrograms/ml, but it was greater than 64 micrograms/ml for RNA and DNA syntheses. The direct addition of DuP 721 to cell-free systems did not inhibit any of the reactions of protein synthesis from chain initiation through chain elongation with either synthetic or natural mRNA as template. However, cell extracts prepared from DuP 721 growth-arrested cells were defective in initiation-dependent polypeptide synthesis directed by MS2 bacteriophage RNA. These cell-free extracts were not defective in polypeptide elongation or in fMet-tRNA(fMet)-dependent polypeptide synthesis stimulated by poly(G.U). We conclude, therefore, that DuP 721 exerts its primary action at a step preceding the interaction of fMet-tRNA(fMet) and 30S ribosomal subunits with the initiator codon.
S-methyl-N,N-diethylthiolcarbamate: a disulfiram metabolite and potent rat liver mitochondrial low Km aldehyde dehydrogenase inhibitor

S-methyl-N,N-diethylthiolcarbamate-methyl ester (DETC-Me), a proposed disulfiram metabolite, was investigated both in vivo and in vitro for its effectiveness as a liver mitochondrial low Km aldehyde dehydrogenase (L Km ALDH) inhibitor. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were treated intraperitoneally with DETC-Me, killed at various times and L Km ALDH determined. DETC-Me was found to be a more potent in vivo inhibitor of L Km ALDH than either disulfiram, diethyldithiocarbamate (DDTC) or diethyldithiocarbamate-methyl ester (DDTC-Me). The ID50 for DETC-Me, DDTC-Me and disulfiram was 6.5, 15.5 and 56.2 mg/kg, respectively. The ID50 for DDTC was similar to DDTC-Me. Maximal inhibition of L Km ALDH occurred 30 minutes after DETC-Me administration. DETC-Me was ineffective as an in vitro inhibitor. DETC-Me produced a marked disulfiram-ethanol reaction (DER) at one-quarter of the dose of disulfiram or DDTC. Plasma DETC-Me in rats was greater after DETC-Me administration than after DDTC-Me, DDTC or disulfiram. In conclusion, DETC-Me is proposed to be a metabolite of disulfiram, and may be the immediate precursor of the chemical species responsible for L Km ALDH inhibition.
Systat 12.2

I gave a rather comprehensive review of Systat 11 for the February 2005 issue of The American Statistician. Systat 12 was released February 21, 2007, and provides users with a number of enhancements. Since Systat is one of the oldest and most rep utable software applications on the market, I believe it justified to provide TAS readers with an overview of its most recent re lease. In fact, the most recent update is an incremental patch, as it is termed by the company, for version 12, released on January 9, 2008. The current version of the software as of this review is therefore version 12.2.
Thermally Induced Instability of Laminated Beams and Plates

A theoretical investigation of dynamic stability for linear elastic structures due to non-uniform, time and space-dependent stochastic temperature fields is presented. The study is based on the reformulation of stochastic stability problems as a stability of Ito type equations in some appropriate Hilbert space and is adopted for stability problems of structures with time and space-dependent stochastic coefficients. Uniform stochastic stability criteria of the structure equilibrium are derived using the Liapunov direct method. The energy-like functional and the generalized Ito lemma are used to derive the sufficient stability conditions of the equilibrium state. A symmetrically laminated cross-ply plate subjected to the wide-band Gaussian temperature distribution and a laminated beam subjected to local short-time heatings are analysed in detail.
Surface embedded atom model of the electrolyte-metal interface

We develop a semiempirical interatomic potential model based on the surface embedded atom method (SEAM) for simulating the metal-electrolyte interface in the presence of excess surface charge on the metal electrode surface in an electrochemical cell. We take the excess charge into account by modifying the electron density in the embedding function of the SEAM potential. We calculate total and surface energies and the surface stress as functions of the cell voltage [relative to the potential of zero charge (PZC)] for gold electrodes and compare with reported measurements. The values of the two parameters that occur in our model are fit to the measured work function and capacitance of the Au(111) surface. The parameter corresponding to the height of the surface layer is in close agreement with that obtained from density-functional theory calculations. A similar fit is also carried out for silver electrodes. The calculated values of the PZC for low index faces of gold and silver follow the trend observed experimentally. Our results suggest that the SEAM potentials can reasonably describe the physics of the metal-electrolyte interface.
Psychological Momentum in Performance of a Circle-Marking Task

An experiment was conducted in which 104 subjects were given a simple circle-marking task in competition with a same-sex opponent (52 pairs). False feedback established perception of momentum without the confounding effects of differences in skill. Perceived momentum did not predict scores.
Parliaments in Africa: Representative Institutions in the Land of the 'Big Man'

This paper analyses the perceptions among survey participants, of African parliaments and presidents and examines their citizens’ attitudes towards the coexistence of these two institutions. It aims to determine the way citizens rate their parliaments compared with their presidents. It further seeks to answer the question of whether Africa remains the continent of the ‘big man’, where absolute power lies with an individual, feeding clientelistic relationships. In the decades following the transitions to independence, most of the continent was marked by a proliferation of monoparty regimes; in many cases, these were almost one-man regimes. A majority of the leaders symbolised, at an early stage of independence, the birth of the nation itself. Many times these presidents have sought to extend their incumbency perpetually. However, over the last two decades this scenario has changed considerably. Monoparty parliaments have been replaced by multiparty parliaments and executives, and presidents have found them...
Unintended Outcomes in Second Life: Intercultural Literacy and Cultural Identity in a Virtual World

Abstract Since its inception in 2003, the popularity of Second Life (SL), an online 3-D virtual environment, has increased exponentially. The global reach of SL and the opportunities it provides for cross-cultural exchange using multiple modes of communication in real and virtual worlds make it an ideal venue to examine cross-cultural engagement. Drawing on Cultural Historical Activity Theory and Heyward's model of intercultural literacy, this article analyses findings from an exploratory study examining the construction of cultural identity and development of intercultural literacy among 29 SL participants. The authors argue that SL Residents participate in an Activity System, engaging in myriad activities (e.g. language classes) which provide structured environments that generate both intended and unintended outcomes. The findings reveal that in many ways participation in SL enhanced participants’ intercultural literacy – for example, by fostering use of multiple languages, cross-cultural encounters and...
Authenticating aviation augmentation system broadcasts

This paper studies the feasibility and means by which authentication can be overlaid upon the existing SBAS and GBAS designs. It considers how to achieve the authentication that is compatible with the current augmentation system and its users. It also considers how to perform the security necessary to support authentication within the current NAS framework. One important issue is secure key distribution and the paper presents some options designed to be reasonable for aviation infrastructure and operations. One means is a key distribution protocol that utilizes the operation of the aircraft and air traffic to aid in key verification. This provides to distribute keys and provide some ability to validate them without significant additions to the NAS. Another issue is bandwidth. The paper presents ways of modifying protocols such as TESLA to reduce bandwidth use while maintaining an acceptable level of security. The paper uses the current L1 SBAS and GBAS as case studies. The paper presents reasonable method to provide authentication on the current SBAS using about ten percent of bandwidth. The method is compatible to current SBAS user equipment in that they will not be adversely affected. GBAS can employ similar means. As it has greater data bandwidth, a more critical issue for GBAS is key distribution to the ground stations.