cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of multiple low doses of copper oxide wire particles compared with levamisole for control of Haemonchus contortus in lambs

High levels of anthelmintic resistance in gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) of small ruminants have created the need for alternative approaches to parasite control. Copper oxide wire particles (COWP; 2 g) have proven effective in decreasing GIN infection in lambs. However, the risk of copper toxicity has limited the usefulness of this approach. Recently, smaller doses (0.5 and 1 g) have proven effective in GIN control, reducing the risk of toxicity. The objective of this study was to examine the effectiveness and risk of toxicity using multiple small doses of COWP for GIN control in lambs between weaning and market weight. Dorper crossbred ram lambs were orally administered levamisole (Levasol, 8.0 mg/kg; n = 8), 0.5 g (n = 9), or 1 g COWP (n = 9) at weaning (Day 0; 118 ± 2 days of age; late May 2005) and again at 6-week intervals for a total of four treatments. A pooled fecal culture determined that Haemonchus contortus was the predominant gastrointestinal parasite at weaning. Lambs grazed bermudagrass pastures and were supplemented with up to 500 g corn/soybean meal and free choice trace mineralized salt. Fecal egg counts (FEC), packed cell volume (PCV), and plasma aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity were determined every 14 days and lambs weighed every 28 days. GIN infection reached a peak at Day 42 (high FEC, low PCV). COWP effectively reduced FEC on Days 0 and 42 compared with the previous week, but did not reduce FEC on Days 84 and 126 (treatment by time interaction, P < 0.005). Plasma AST activity and weight gains were similar among treatment groups throughout the study period. Concentrations of copper in the liver on Day 155 were greater in COWP-treated lambs (P < 0.001), but all concentrations were normal. Multiple doses of COWP were as effective as levamisole for control of H. contortus without risk of copper toxicity.
Sophisticated voting with information for two voting functions

Abstract The necessary and sufficient conditions for a single rational voter to reveal a sophisticated preference ordering under the Borda and Kemeny voting functions are presented. Algorithms for determining the dominant strategic ballot are given for a key voter having perfect information regarding the true preference orderings of the other voters. An example illustrating the stated concepts is provided.
Transforming Individuals and Organizations for the 21st Century: Implications for Health Educators

(1997). Transforming Individuals and Organizations for the 21st Century: Implications for Health Educators. Journal of Health Education: Vol. 28, No. 3, pp. 187-191.
Closed-string tachyon condensation and the worldsheet super-higgs effect.

Alternative gauge choices for worldsheet supersymmetry can elucidate dynamical phenomena obscured in the usual superconformal gauge. In the particular example of the tachyonic E_8 heterotic string, we use a judicious gauge choice to show that the process of closed-string tachyon condensation can be understood in terms of a worldsheet super-Higgs effect. The worldsheet gravitino assimilates the goldstino and becomes a dynamical propagating field. Conformal, but not superconformal, invariance is maintained throughout.
Strategies of multi-view and multi-matching for 3D object recognition

Abstract A multi-view representation scheme and a multi-matching strategy for 3D object recognition are described; 3D objects are represented in terms of their 2D appearances so that 2D techniques can be applied to 3D recognition. Appearances of objects in the representation scheme are further organized in a hierarchical manner so that the matching process can reduce its search space by examining only the optimal view at every level of the representation scheme. In our multi-matching strategy, the matching module is composed of four components: point matcher, string matcher, vector matcher, and chamfer matcher. Each matcher is associated with a termination rule so that impossible views can be rejected at the early stages of the matching process. Experimental results reveal that the proposed strategies are feasible for 3D object recognition.
Unified Government, Divided Government, and Party Responsiveness

Revisionist accounts conclude that divided and unified government do not differ significantly in the production of “important” public policy. I argue instead that when one theoretically reclaims the concerns about party responsiveness and institutional features of American politics that have animated party government scholars, unified government is significantly more productive than divided government. Employing a range of measures of important legislative enactments in the postwar period, I find that unified government produces greater quantities of significant enactments and is more responsive to the public mood than is divided government. The evidence suggests that parties do, as party government theorists maintain, generate incentives to cooperation that help transcend some of the policymaking gaps created by the Constitution.
Expression of Trichoderma reesei β-Mannanase in Tobacco Chloroplasts and Its Utilization in Lignocellulosic Woody Biomass Hydrolysis

Lignocellulosic ethanol offers a promising alternative to conventional fossil fuels. One among the major limitations in the lignocellulosic biomass hydrolysis is unavailability of efficient and environmentally biomass degrading technologies. Plant-based production of these enzymes on large scale offers a cost-effective solution. Cellulases, hemicellulases including mannanases and other accessory enzymes are required for conversion of lignocellulosic biomass into fermentable sugars. β-mannanase catalyzes endo-hydrolysis of the mannan backbone, a major constituent of woody biomass. In this study, the man1 gene encoding β-mannanase was isolated from Trichoderma reesei and expressed via the chloroplast genome. PCR and Southern hybridization analysis confirmed site-specific transgene integration into the tobacco chloroplast genomes and homoplasmy. Transplastomic plants were fertile and set viable seeds. Germination of seeds in the selection medium showed inheritance of transgenes into the progeny without any Mendelian segregation. Expression of endo-β-mannanase for the first time in plants facilitated its characterization for use in enhanced lignocellulosic biomass hydrolysis. Gel diffusion assay for endo-β-mannanase showed the zone of clearance confirming functionality of chloroplast-derived mannanase. Endo-β-mannanase expression levels reached up to 25 units per gram of leaf (fresh weight). Chloroplast-derived mannanase had higher temperature stability (40°C to 70°C) and wider pH optima (pH 3.0 to 7.0) than E.coli enzyme extracts. Plant crude extracts showed 6–7 fold higher enzyme activity than E.coli extracts due to the formation of disulfide bonds in chloroplasts, thereby facilitating their direct utilization in enzyme cocktails without any purification. Chloroplast-derived mannanase when added to the enzyme cocktail containing a combination of different plant-derived enzymes yielded 20% more glucose equivalents from pinewood than the cocktail without mannanase. Our results demonstrate that chloroplast-derived mannanase is an important component of enzymatic cocktail for woody biomass hydrolysis and should provide a cost-effective solution for its diverse applications in the biofuel, paper, oil, pharmaceutical, coffee and detergent industries.
Prospects for mass production of electric vehicles

In this paper, the author describes problems, issues, and the industry's current readiness for the mass production of electric vehicles in the United States. The information presented was garnered from interviews conducted with 150 executives of more than 100 Government and industry organizations and institutions and has been complemented by the analysis, experience, and perspective of the author. The report is structured upon such topics as related vehicle manufacturers, component suppliers, and auto-related institutions, and presents data related to the current status of the industry. The development of electric vehicles has received world-wide attention in the past decade and the EV industry has now reached a readiness status to the extent that an EV passenger car built from the "ground-up" will be available by late 1980. By the turn of the century, the author expects EVs to play an important role in the automotive industry.
Immunotolerance and prevention of ocular autoimmune disease.

Immunotherapeutic approaches to autoimmune disease have a common goal of inducing antigen-specific, long-lasting tolerance to autoantigens, without otherwise compromising the immune response. Here we review some of the most interesting experimental advances in this area. We discuss the use of T cell targeting drugs that have been reported to induce long lasting tolerance to ocular antigens. Strategies involving the targeting of idiotypic and clonotypic determinants associated with ocular autoimmunity, such as idiotypic network manipulation and T cell vaccination, are reviewed. The use of cytokines to promote perturbation of the Th1/Th2 balance with its possible implications for treatment of uveitis, is analysed. Finally, we review tolerogenic strategies based on acquisition of tolerance following presentation of antigen through alternative routes, such as injection of antigen into the anterior chamber, intravenous infusion of antigen, and oral administration of retinal antigens. Special emphasis is placed...
Membrane phase transition of intact human platelets: Correlation with cold‐induced activation

Using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), we have determined the phase transition temperature (Tm) of lipids in intact human platelets and have shown that it occurs between 15 and 18 degrees C, the temperature at which cold activation of platelets has previously been reported (Zucker and Borrelli, 1954, Blood, 28:602-608; White and Krivit, 1967, Blood, 30:625-635). The temperature at which the platelets pass through Tm is highly correlated with initial platelet shape change. However, shape change continues after the cells have passed through the phase transition. Cold-induced activation has previously prevented long-term storage of platelets at 4 degrees C. Antifreeze glycoproteins (AFGPs) isolated from polar fishes previously have been used to prevent ice crystal growth during freezing of tissues as well as leakage of solutes from liposomes as they were chilled through their Tm. We sought to determine if these AFGPs were able to stabilize platelets for long-term storage at 4 degrees C. Incubating platelets with antifreeze glycoproteins during long-term storage and rapid rewarming to 37 degrees C abrogated granule secretion associated with cold activation in a dose-dependent manner. This work suggests that AFGPs may be a possible solute for use in long-term low temperature storage of platelets.
CodaChrome: a tool for the visualization of proteome conservation across all fully sequenced bacterial genomes

Background The relationships between bacterial genomes are complicated by rampant horizontal gene transfer, varied selection pressures, acquisition of new genes, loss of genes, and divergence of genes, even in closely related lineages. As more and more bacterial genomes are sequenced, organizing and interpreting the incredible amount of relational information that connects them becomes increasingly difficult.
Comparisons of K-Anonymization and Randomization Schemes under Linking Attacks

Recently K-anonymity has gained popularity as a privacy quantification against linking attacks, in which attackers try to identify a record with values of some identifying attributes. If attacks succeed, the identity of the record will be revealed and potential confidential information contained in other attributes of the record will be disclosed. K-anonymity counters this attack by requiring that each record must be indistinguishable from at least K -1 other records with respect to the identifying attributes. Randomization can also be used for protection against linking attacks. In this paper, we compare the performance of K-anonymization and randomization schemes under linking attacks. We present a new privacy definition that can be applied to both k-anonymization and randomization. We compare these two schemes in terms of both utility and risks of privacy disclosure, and we promote to use R-U confidentiality map for such comparisons. We also compare various randomization schemes.
Multi-Configuration Self-Consistent-Field Theory*)

A general formalism is presented to solve in a practical way the equations resulting from applying the variation principle to a mixture of configurations, constructed from a common orthonormal set of orbitals. The optimization of the configuration mixing coefficients leads to the usual eigenvalue problem and secular equation; the optimiza­ tion of the orbitals leads to Self-Consistent-Field equations which strongly resemble the Hartree-Fock equations. Since the mathematical model provides for adjusting the orbitals to a more proper electronic environment as represented by a better total wave function, it is expected that short expansions in terms of configurations will yield wave functions of high quality. It is well known that the Hartree-Fock approximation for a many-elec­ tron system has many inherent shortcomings. Nevertheless, the approxima­ tion is particularly attractive because of its conceptual simplicity. In a sense, it yields rather good wave functions while still maintaining the one-particle concept, with all the mathematical simplifications implied by the latter. The present paper describes an approach whereby the mathematical simplicity of the Hartree-Fock model is by and large maintained, but which is capable of yielding much better wave functions. This approach has been used be­ fore by other workers; 1 )-a) however, the formalistic framework presented here is of somewhat more general applicability than was hitherto considered. II. General formulation of the multi-configuration problem As in the Hartree-Fock approximation, the many-electron wave func­ tions are constructed from orbitals. We impose the constraints that the orbitals be symmetry orbitals, and that they form an orthonormal set. De­ signating the orbitals by ¢P,a(r, {), ..; (r) Y>..a. (fJ, <p),
Bio-based senior chemical engineering laboratory course

In the senior chemical engineering laboratory course, chemical engineering principles are applied to the evaluation and reporting of the performance of bench scale and pilot scale process equipment. Over the past two years the experiments have been revamped to reflect the emphasis on biological engineering in the workplace of many of the recent chemical engineering graduates. Such emphasis is also reflected in current ABET guidelines. The new experiments are thematic based and use the protein processing techniques that are part of the authorspsila individual collagen research programs. This thematic approach is all within the context of the fluid, heat and mass transfer content of the coursework. The key experiments that are performed include: drying, calorimetry (DSC), milling, centrifugation, dispersion, blending, vacuum systems (ovens and lyophilizers), convective heat transfer (for heating and freezing), viscometry, particle settling, microscopy, protein kinetics (crosslinking, denaturing, and modification), controlled release diffusion studies, and gel extraction. Several of the experiments are grouped as a modular approach to the manufacture of a bio-based product. As an example, artificial tissue for direct application or as a coating is produced in a process that covers several weeks and requires many different unit operations. Experimental data as well as pedagogical data is presented from the initial two years of the offering of modification of this course.
Effect of environmental enrichment on methylphenidate-induced locomotion and dopamine transporter dynamics

Rats raised in an enriched condition (EC) are less sensitive to the locomotor effects of stimulant drugs than rats raised in an impoverished condition (IC). Methylphenidate (MPD), a primary pharmacotherapy for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, has abuse potential. This study determined whether environmental enrichment differentially altered the effects of MPD on locomotor activity and dopamine (DA) transporter (DAT) function. Acute and repeated MPD (3 or 10 mg/kg, s.c.) increased locomotion in EC, IC and social condition (SC) rats; however, EC rats showed a blunted response to repeated MPD (3 mg/kg). The maximal velocity (Vmax) of [3H]DA uptake in the presence of the combination of phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, a protein kinase C (PKC) activator and okadaic acid, a protein phosphatase inhibitor was decreased in EC and IC rats by 68% and 40%, respectively, indicating that DAT in prefrontal cortex (PFC) is more sensitive to PKC-mediated down-regulation in EC rats. Acute MPD (10 mg/kg) administration decreased the Vmax of [3H]DA uptake in PFC and striatum in EC rats, but not in IC rats. Furthermore, [3H]WIN 35,428 binding density was decreased in PFC of EC and IC rats, and in striatum of EC rats given repeated MPD (10 mg/kg). These results demonstrate that environmental enrichment modulates DAT dynamics in PFC. However, since the change in DAT function was observed only following the high dose of MPH (10 mg/kg), the attenuated locomotor response to repeated MPD (3 mg/kg) in EC rats is not likely due to a specific DAT alteration in the brain regions examined.
Design and Optimization of a Biologically Inspired Flapping Mechanism for Flapping Wing Micro Air Vehicles

In this paper, we investigate design and performance of a flapping mechanism which generates flapping motion through resonant excitation similar to flight apparatus of insects. The desired flapping motion is based on optimum aerodynamic efficiency. The mechanism is driven by a conventional motor and gearbox. The rotary motion is converted into oscillatory excitation through a four-bar linkage. This study explores the optimal design parameters of this mechanism for peak performance.
Germ Cells Are Not Required to Establish the Female Pathway in Mouse Fetal Gonads

The fetal gonad is composed of a mixture of somatic cell lineages and germ cells. The fate of the gonad, male or female, is determined by a population of somatic cells that differentiate into Sertoli or granulosa cells and direct testis or ovary development. It is well established that germ cells are not required for the establishment or maintenance of Sertoli cells or testis cords in the male gonad. However, in the agametic ovary, follicles do not form suggesting that germ cells may influence granulosa cell development. Prior investigations of ovaries in which pre-meiotic germ cells were ablated during fetal life reported no histological changes during stages prior to birth. However, whether granulosa cells underwent normal molecular differentiation was not investigated. In cases where germ cell loss occurred secondary to other mutations, transdifferentiation of granulosa cells towards a Sertoli cell fate was observed, raising questions about whether germ cells play an active role in establishing or maintaining the fate of granulosa cells. We developed a group of molecular markers associated with ovarian development, and show here that the loss of pre-meiotic germ cells does not disrupt the somatic ovarian differentiation program during fetal life, or cause transdifferentiation as defined by expression of Sertoli markers. Since we do not find defects in the ovarian somatic program, the subsequent failure to form follicles at perinatal stages is likely attributable to the absence of germ cells rather than to defects in the somatic cells.
Fatal lung metastasis secondary to index finger giant cell tumor in an 8-year-old child

We report the case of a 7-year-old girl presenting with giant cell tumor (GCT) of the index finger, complicated by lung metastases. Index disarticulation, pulmonary metastasectomy and chemotherapy failed to produce a cure, and the child died at the age of 8 years after 1 year's evolution. The pulmonary metastases were discovered following hypoxia during initial biopsy. A review of the literature shows this observation to be original, in terms of the patient's age and of the location, onset and fatal outcome of metastasis. The hypoxic episode complicating biopsy raises the issue of early screening for lung metastases in GCT. Pulmonary dissemination of GCT is of severe prognosis.
Regional Economic Diversity and Diversification

ABSTRACT Regional scientists have long attempted to develop meaningful definitions and measures of economic diversity and diversification, and to establish functional relationships between diversity, diversification, and economic performance. The multiplicity of definitions and measures explains, in part, the confusion about these relationships. A framework that sorts out the overlaps, contradictions, and gaps of the various definitions and measures IS needed. Such a framework would explicitly address the question, “What is the relationship between a region's changing economic structure and performance?” In this paper it is suggested that an input-output model that incorporates elements of portfolio theory be used as the integrating framework for analysis.
1-Methyl 1′-cyclopropylmethyl (MCPM) as an anomeric protecting group

Abstract A pragmatic approach for preparing glycoconjugates of complex oligosaccharides is to prepare the oligosaccharide as a building block with most of its protecting groups exchanged to protecting groups whose cleavage and other manipulations are highly compatible with the functional groups of complex aglycones. For such an approach the reducing end sugar of the building bloc must be protected with a cleavable protecting group during the oligosaccharide synthesis. We demonstrate that the acid labile 1-methyl 1′-cyclopropylmethyl (MCPM) can be effectively used for this purpose. A trisaccharide glycolipid and a disaccharide glycoamino acid are prepared. The absolute chirality of the MCPM in one key acceptor is determined by a combination of NMR NOE measurements, DFT molecular modeling and Noyori catalyst catalyzed asymmetric reduction.
Efficient computation schemes and bit-serial architectures for normalized LMS adaptive filtering in audio applications

Efficient calculation schemes are developed for the normalized LMS adaptive filtering. The division for normalization and the multiplication for coefficient adaptation are avoided without causing noticeable performance reduction. The proposed computation schemes are realized by bit-serial architectures which can easily satisfy the speed requirement of audio applications.
N-terminal protein processing: A comparative proteogenomic analysis

N-terminal methionine excision (NME) and N-terminal acetylation (NTA) are two of the most common protein post-translational modifications. NME is a universally conserved activity and a highly specific mechanism across all life forms. NTA is very common in eukaryotes but occurs rarely in prokaryotes. By analyzing data sets from yeast, mammals and bacteria (including 112 million spectra from 57 bacterial species), the largest comparative proteogenomics study to date, it is shown that previous assumptions/perceptions about the specificity and purposes of NME are not entirely correct. Although NME, through the universal enzymatic specificity of the methionine aminopeptidases, results in the removal of the initiator Met in proteins when the second residue is Gly, Ala, Ser, Cys, Thr, Pro, or Val, the comparative genomic analyses suggest that this specificity may vary modestly in some organisms. In addition, the functional role of NME may be primarily to expose Ala and Ser rather than all seven of these residues. Although any of this group provide “stabilizing” N termini in the N-end rule, and de facto leave the remaining 13 amino acid types that are classed as “destabilizing” (in higher eukaryotes) protected by the initiator Met, the conservation of NME-substrate proteins through evolution suggests that the other five are not crucially important for proteins with these residues in the second position. They are apparently merely inconsequential players (their function is not affected by NME) that become exposed because their side chains are smaller or comparable to those of Ala and Ser. The importance of exposing mainly two amino acids at the N terminus, i.e. Ala and Ser, is unclear but may be related to NTA or other post-translational modifications. In this regard, these analyses also reveal that NTA is more prevalent in some prokaryotes than previously appreciated.
Benefits of Eating Conspecifics: Effects of Background Diet on Survival and Metamorphosis in the Cuban Treefrog (Osteopilus septentrionalis)

Abstract Cannibalism provides a potential mechanism for enhanced growth and survival for species with complex lifecycles developing in habitats of unpredictable duration. We asked whether background resource quality affected survival and metamorphosis of Cuban Treefrog (Osteopilus septentrionalis) tadpoles fed conspecifics. In a factorial experiment, we crossed two levels of background resources, a high-quality (commercial rabbit chow) or low-quality (algae and periphyton) diet with no conspecifics, the presence of a dead conspecific (in a bag), or ad libitum availability of dead conspecifics. Survival of tadpoles did not differ significantly among treatments. Availability of conspecifics resulted in larger mass and decreased larval periods for tadpoles on low-quality background treatments; however, for tadpoles on high-quality background treatments, availability of conspecifics resulted in prolonged larval periods. These results suggest that profitability of feeding on conspecifics is dependent on backgr...
What Constitutes an Obesogenic Environment in Rural Communities

Abstract Purpose. To identify perceived indicators of the physical environment associated with obesity in rural communities. Design. Cross-sectional telephone survey. Setting. Thirteen communities in rural Missouri, Tennessee, and Arkansas, 2003. Subjects. A total of 2510 adults completed the survey and 2210 respondents were included in the analysis (74% female, 93% white, and 27% obese). Measures. The 106-item survey measured perceptions of the neighborhood environment (recreational facilities, land use, transportation/safety, aesthetics, and food environment) and health-related behaviors. The primary outcome was obese (body mass index [BMI] ≥ 30 kg/m2) vs. normal weight (BMI =18.5–24.9 kg/m2). Analysis. Logistic regression was used to control for age, gender, and education. Results. Several indicators of the perceived neighborhood environment were associated with being obese (adjusted odds ratio [95% confidence interval]), including furthest distance to the nearest recreational facility (1.8 [1.3–2.4]),...
Microstickies agglomeration by electric field

Microstickies deposits on both paper machine and paper products when it agglomerates under step change in ionic strength, pH, temperature and chemical additives. These stickies increase the down time of the paper mill and decrease the quality of paper. The key property of microstickies is its smaller size, which leads to low removal efficiency and difficulties in measurement. Thus the increase of microstickies size help improve both removal efficiency and reduce measurement difficulty. In this paper, a new agglomeration technology based on electric field was investigated. The electric treatment could also increase the size of stickies particles by around 100 times. The synergetic effect between electric field treatment and detacky chemicals/dispersants, including polyvinyl alcohol, poly(diallylmethylammonium chloride) and lignosulfonate, was also studied.
Returning Home: Life Histories and the Native Community

AbstractEarly life histories were written with little consideration of the native community as audience. Today's life histories make their way back to the native communities where they are sold to locals and tourists, absorbed into the school or community library, and even read. Publication of two life histories of Native American women invites reflection on how these books have been "read" in their native communities and their impact on their narrators and on native-initiated life-history research in these same communities. These works also raise the issue of whether anthropologist authors can write life histories for a culturally diverse audience or whether we must present life stories differently to the multiple audiences our works now address. (Life history interviewing and editing; issues of cultural representation; cross-cultural communication)
External Control over the American Bar

Professional regulation is primarily about self-regulation. Codes of Professional Responsibility and Rules of Professional Conduct promulgated by the American Bar Association are prime examples of forum and content of self-regulation. While this approach does much to inform lawyers of their professional obligations, it does so at the macro-level, focusing on general obligations and duties. Professional codes and rules are largely silent at the micro-level; they often fail to inform lawyers of their day-to-day obligations, which are building blocks of the larger professional obligations set forth in the codes. Historically, these day-to-day activities were left to lawyers to work out on their own. With increasing frequency and detail, however, non-professional regulators are stepping in to regulate and control lawyer conduct and much of their attention is focused on the day-to-day activities of lawyers that the professional bar has largely ignored. In this paper, I examine two non-professional groups who have entered the field of profession regulation: insurers and legislators. While for the most part insurers and legislators complement professional self-regulation, both insurers and legislators are taking positions regarding required lawyer behavior that is different in degree and kind from that required by professional codes and rules. The trend has been for both insurers and legislators to assume more aggressive postures. To date, courts have tempered the most aggressive impulses, but whether they will continue to do so is unclear.
PHENOTYPIC, GENETIC, AND ENVIRONMENTAL MORPHOLOGICAL INTEGRATION IN THE CRANIUM.

Modern theories of evolutionary change have stressed the unity of the genotype (Mayr, 1963, 1976; Lewontin, 1974; Wright, 1978, 1980). It is the total phenotype which is selected upon and the total genotype which evolves rather than individual phenotypic characters or genes. Individual phenotypic characters and genes only evolve within the larger context of the organism in which they occur. Therefore, organisms are the integrated functional units which evolve. This outlook on evolutionary change lends itself to a holistic, systems view of an organism (Waddington, 1957; Riedl, 1978; Gould and Lewontin, 1979). Mayr (1976) refers to the unity of the genotype because most phenotypic characters are the result of the collaboration of many structural and regulatory genes. Most traits of evolutionary importance are polygenic (Lewontin, 1974). Also, most genes are pleiotropic, affecting many different aspects of the phenotype (Wright, 1980). Mayr states, "It is no longer possible to regard the phenotype as a mosaic in which each part can be replaced without any effect on neighboring components . . . (also) the genotype is an organic whole with an internal harmony that, when exposed to a new selection pressure, will change . . . in a harmonious manner" (1976, p. 49). Both genotype and phenotype are systems composed of interacting components.
The Effects of Wing Planforms on the Aerodynamic Performance of Thin Finite-Span Flapping Wings

A three-dimensional high-order unstructured dynamic grid based spectral difference (SD) Navier-Stokes (N-S) compressible flow solver with low Mach number preconditioning is used to investigate the effects of wing planforms on the aerodynamics performance of the thin finite-span flapping wings in this paper. Two types of wings, namely the rectangular and bio-inspired wings, are simulated and compared. The formation process of the ubiquitous two-jet-like wake patterns behind the finite-span flapping wing is explained at first. Then the effects of the wing planforms on the aerodynamics performance of the finite-span flapping wings are elucidated in the terms of the evolutions and dynamic interaction between the leading edge vortices (LEV), trailing edge vortices (TEVs) and the wing tip vortices (TVs) as well as the thrust generated by the flapping wings. Different types of LEVs have been discovered for different wing planforms with the flapping motion in the vertical direction, resulting in different aerodynamic performances. A combined plunging and pitching motion is then adopted to enhance the thrust production of the flapping wing, and it increases the amount of the thrust production by about thirty times when compared with the flapping motion only in the vertical direction.
Decorating diruthenium compounds with Fréchet dendrons via the click reaction.

A series of dendronized-Ru2 compounds were prepared using the Cu(I)-catalyzed 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition (click reaction) between the terminal azides of azidopoly(benzyl ether) dendrons ([Dn]-N3, n = 0–3) and Ru2 units bearing one or two terminal ethynes, Ru2(D(3,5-Cl2Ph)F)4–m(DMBA-4-C2H)mCl with m = 1 and 2, and D(3,5-Cl2Ph)F and DMBA-4-C2H as N,N′-bis(3,5-dichloro-phenyl)formamidinate and N,N′-dimethyl-4-ethynylbenzamidinate, respectively. The resultant Ru2(D(3,5-Cl2Ph)F)4–m(DMBA-Dn)mCl compounds were further functionalized by the axial ligand displacement of Cl by -C2Ph to yield new compounds Ru2(D(3,5-Cl2Ph)F)4–m(DMBA-Dn)m(C2Ph)2 (where m = 1 and 2; n = 0 and 1). All Ru2 compounds reported herein were analyzed via mass spectrometry, voltammetry, and UV–visible and fluorescence spectroscopy. Density-functional theory (DFT) calculations were performed on a model compound to gain more insight into the molecular orbital energy levels possibly associated with the photophysical data obtained and presented he...
Characterization of micro-generators embedded in commercial-off-the-shelf watches for wearable energy harvesting

This paper presents the characterization of the micro-generators embedded in Commercial-Off-The-Shelf (COTS) watches based on a generalized rotational energy harvester model which predicts the upper bound on energy generation given certain system constraints and specific inputs. We augment this generalized model to represent the actual micro-generator used in the Seiko Kinetic watch with realistic damping coefficients which allow us to identify optimizations to move the system output towards the upper bound. We have developed a mobile data logging platform which captures 6 DOF inertia data and the voltage output from the micro-generator simultaneously. We have asked 6 subjects to conduct a series of daily activities with the platform worn on different locations of the body. This effort not only serves as the experimental validation of our model but also provides insight into the state of the art in wearable kinetic energy harvesting devices that are commercially available. Finally we identify the opportunity for improvement on energy generation and show that we can increase the power by reducing the mechanical damping in the system, which might require an alternative mechanism with inherent lower friction.
Scene Inversion Slows the Rejection of False Positives through Saccade Exploration During Search.

The effect of face inversion has been heavily studied, whereas fewer studies have investigated inversion in scenes. We investigated the influence of scene inversion on decisions and contextual guidance of eye movements during visual search. A saccade contingent display termination paradigm was used to assess the temporal dynamics of the effect. Observers searched for a computer mouse in office scenes and performed a yes/no detection task. Observers’ sensitivity (d’) was lower for inverted images relative to upright. Observers’ false positive rate decreased with additional eye movements when they viewed upright images, but remained constant during the first three eye movements when viewing inverted images. The average distance of observers’ eye movements to the target location was greater for inverted than upright scenes. We interpret that inverting an image disrupts the rapid extraction of scene gist, subsequently disrupting guidance in eye movement behavior and slowing the process of rejecting false positives.
N omega-nitro-L-arginine attenuates endothelium-dependent pulmonary vasodilation in lambs.

To investigate the role of endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF) in the regulation of resting pulmonary vascular tone and endothelium-dependent pulmonary vasodilation, we studied the hemodynamic effects of N omega-nitro-L-arginine (a new stereospecific EDRF inhibitor) in 10 spontaneously breathing lambs and then compared the hemodynamic responses to five vasodilators during pulmonary hypertension induced by the infusion of U-46619 (a thromboxane A2 mimetic) or N omega-nitro-L-arginine. N omega-nitro-L-arginine caused a significant dose-dependent increase in pulmonary arterial pressure. Pretreatment with L-arginine blocked this increase, but pretreatment with D-arginine did not, suggesting that N omega-nitro-L-arginine is a competitive inhibitor of L-arginine for EDRF production. During U-46619 infusions, acetylcholine, ATP-MgCl2, isoproterenol, sodium nitroprusside, and 8-bromoguanosine 39,59-cyclic monophosphate (8-bromo-cGMP) decreased pulmonary arterial pressure. During N omega-nitro-L-arginine infusions, the decrease in pulmonary arterial pressure caused by acetylcholine and ATP-MgCl2 (endothelium-dependent vasodilators) was significantly attenuated, but the decrease caused by isoproterenol, sodium nitroprusside, and 8-bromo-cGMP (endothelium-independent vasodilators) was unchanged. This study supports the hypothesis that EDRF in part mediates resting pulmonary vascular tone and endothelium-dependent pulmonary vasodilation. N omega-nitro-L-arginine is useful for studying EDRF inhibition in intact animals.
Food consumption and activity levels increase in rats following intranasal Hypocretin-1.

Abstract Hypocretin-1 (HC, orexin-A) is a neuropeptide involved in regulating physiological functions of sleep, appetite and arousal, and it has been shown that intranasal (IN) administration can target HC to the brain. Recent clinical studies have shown that IN HC has functional effects in human clinical trials. In this study, we use rats to determine whether IN HC has an immediate effect on food consumption and locomotor activity, whether distribution in the brain after IN delivery is dose-dependent, and whether MAPK and PDK1 are affected after IN delivery. Food intake and wheel-running activity were quantified for 24 h after IN delivery. Biodistribution was determined 30 min after IN delivery of both a high and low dose of 125I-radiolabelled HC throughout the brain and other bodily tissues, while Western blots were used to quantify changes in cell signaling pathways (MAPK and PDK1) in the brain. Intranasal HC significantly increased food intake and wheel activity within 4 h after delivery, but balanced out over the course of 24 h. The distribution studies showed dose-dependent delivery in the CNS and peripheral tissues, while PDK1 was significantly increased in the brain 30 min after IN delivery of HC. This study adds to the growing body of evidence that IN administration of HC is a promising strategy for treatment of HC related behaviors.
Electrolyte transport in piglets infected with transmissible gastroenteritis virus: Stimulation by verapamil and clonidine

The effects of clonidine, an alpha 2-adrenergic agonist, and verapamil, a Ca2+ channel blocker, on Na+ and Cl- absorption were studied in stripped jejunal mucosa from control and transmissible-gastroenteritis-virus-infected piglets. All infected piglets developed severe diarrhea 18-24 hours after oral inoculation. Jejunum from infected animals, as compared with control jejunum, had decreased mucosal-to-serosal, serosal-to-mucosal, and net Na+ and Cl- fluxes. Clonidine and verapamil caused a decrease in short-circuit current and stimulation of Na+ and Cl- absorption in control jejunum. In infected piglets, although the jejunum exhibited severe villus atrophy, both drugs stimulated Na+ and Cl- absorption and the magnitude of Na+ and Cl- absorption was similar in control and transmissible-gastroenteritis-infected jejunum. In contrast, D-glucose stimulated Na+ absorption, and the decrease in short-circuit current caused by verapamil and clonidine, were decreased in transmissible-gastroenteritis-infected jejunum. Such pharmacological stimulation of Na+ and Cl- absorption might be useful in the management and treatment of certain viral diarrheal diseases.
Current Research Efforts in Economics Education

The vast literature in economics education aims to document good teaching practices and to serve as a guide for educators. Through a review of arguably some of the best studies in this literature, this chapter examines whether and why the current research paradigm is not successful in providing guidance to educators. A different approach to economics education research is proposed to supplement the current efforts.
New symplectic 4–manifolds with b + =1

In 1995 Dusa McDuff and Dietmar Salamon conjectured the existence of symplectic 4–manifolds (X,ω) which satisfy b+=1, K2=0, K·ω>0, and which fail to be of Lefschetz type. This is equivalent to finding a symplectic, homology T2×S2 manifold with nontorsion canonical class and a cohomology ring which is not isomorphic to the cohomology ring of T2×S2. They needed such examples to complete a list of possible symplectic 4–manifolds with b+=1. In that same year Tian-Jun Li and Ai-ko Liu, working from a different point of view, questioned whether there existed symplectic 4–manifolds with b+=1 with Seiberg- Witten invariants that did not depend on the chamber structure of the moduli space. The purpose of this paper is to construct an infinite number of examples which satisfy both requirements.
Heavy Drinking in Young Adulthood Increases Risk of Transitioning to Obesity

Introduction Heavy episodic alcohol use during young adulthood may contribute to excess weight gain and transition from healthy weight to overweight/obesity. This study is the first to evaluate the association between heavy episodic drinking during early adulthood and transition to overweight/obese status 5 years later using data from the U.S. National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health. Methods The study used data from Waves III and IV, when participants were aged 18–26 and 24–32 years, respectively. The final sample consisted of 7,941 participants with measured height/weight who reported ever drinking alcohol. Multinomial logistic regression models tested the association between heavy episodic drinking and risk of transitioning to an unhealthy weight class. Results Heavy episodic drinking was associated with 41% higher risk of transitioning from normal weight to overweight (relative risk ratio, 1.41; 95% CI=1.13, 1.74; p =0.002) and 36% higher risk of transitioning from overweight to obese by Wave IV (relative risk ratio, 1.36; 95% CI=1.09, 1.71; p =0.008), compared with individuals not drinking heavily, while accounting for covariates. Heavy episodic drinking was associated with 35% higher risk of maintaining obesity (relative risk ratio, 1.35; CI=1.06, 1.72; p =0.016) and gaining excess weight (OR=1.20, 95% CI=1.03, 1.39, p =0.02). Conclusions Regular heavy episodic drinking in young adulthood is associated with higher risk of gaining excess weight and transitioning to overweight/obesity. Obesity prevention efforts should address heavy drinking as it relates to caloric content and risk of transitioning to an unhealthy weight class.
Performance evaluation of 10GE NICs with SR-IOV support: i/o virtualization and network stack optimizations

SR-IOV has been proposed to improve the performance and scalability of I/O in Virtual machines and some 10GE NICs supporting this functionality have already appeared on the market. In addition to the SR-IOV support, these NICs all provide optimizations for various network layers within the OS kernel. In this paper we try to present a comprehensive view of the performance gain by SR-IOV. This study is conducted by evaluating the performance of 10GE NICs with SR-IOV support at different layers in various virtualized environments.
Mathematical programming in electric power capacity investment planning

Mathematical programming has long been an important tool for electric utility planners. This paper presents a survey of state-of-the-art mathematical programming methods as applied to electric power capacity expansion planning. The focus is on modelling features which make it possible to investigate important power system issues such as reliability, uncertainty and environmental impacts which linear programming models cannot address without considerable simplification. Solution methodologies are also described.
Performance Measurement and Target-Setting in California’s Safety Net Health Systems*:

Health policies encourage implementing quality measurement with performance targets. The 2010-2015 California Medicaid waiver mandated quality measurement and reporting. In 2013, California safety net hospitals participating in the waiver set a voluntary performance target (the 90th percentile for Medicare preferred provider organization plans) for mammography screening and cholesterol control in diabetes. They did not reach the target, and the difference-in-differences analysis suggested that there was no difference for mammography ( P = .39) and low-density lipoprotein control ( P = .11) performance compared to measures for which no statewide quality improvement initiative existed. California's Medicaid waiver was associated with improved performance on a number of metrics, but this performance was not attributable to target setting on specific health conditions. Performance may have improved because of secular trends or systems improvements related to waiver funding. Relying on condition-specific targets to measure performance may underestimate improvements and disadvantage certain health systems. Achieving ambitious targets likely requires sustained fiscal, management, and workforce investments.
Model Reuse, Composition, and Adaptation

It is often the case that models and simulations of subsystems such as the components making up a vehicle are created in isolation and must later be integrated with other models to create a model of the overall system. However, the reuse of existing models and simulations can be costly and time-consuming, and can yield uncertain results. Advances are needed to enable cost-effective reuse of models and simulations and to ensure that integrated models produce reliable results. Key findings discussed in this chapter include the need for advances in the theory of reuse to provide a firm theoretical foundation for producing robust and reliable reuse practices, the need for guides documenting best practices on reuse, and the need for research advances on the social, behavioral, and cultural aspects of reuse in addition to technical issues.
Monitoring Pyrethroid Resistance in Bollworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) Moths in Missouri, 1988 to 1994

From 1988 to 1994, adult vial bioassays were conducted on bollworms, Helicoverpa zea (Boddie), collected from pheromone traps in Missouri to determine their susceptibility to pyrethroids. Although ...