cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of planting density and cultural intensity on stand and crown attributes of mid-rotation loblolly pine plantations

Abstract Loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) is an important timber species in the southeastern US and abroad. A better understanding of loblolly pine crown relationships with growth has implications for improving productivity estimates using process-based models or remote sensing techniques. Four study installations in the Upper Coastal Plain and Piedmont of Georgia were used to examine the effects of planting density and cultural intensity on loblolly pine stand growth and crown attributes. Treatments included six planting densities, ranging from 740 to 4440 trees ha−1, in a split-plot design with two different levels of fertilization and competition control. The “low intensity (LI)” cultural treatment included relatively high nutrient inputs and early competition control. The “high intensity (HI)” cultural treatment included even greater nutrient inputs and complete sustained competition control. Treatment effects on stand and crown attributes were examined at age 13. Fertilization and competition control did not have a major influence on stand and crown attributes. Stands planted at lower densities resulted in significantly greater DBH and height but less standing volume per hectare, basal area per hectare, and current annual increment (CAI) volume growth compared to stands planted at higher densities. Stand-level foliar biomass, peak projected leaf area index (LAI), foliar nitrogen (N) content, specific leaf area (SLA), and intercepted photosynthetically active radiation (IPAR) were significantly greater for stands planted at higher densities, while live crown length and crown ratio were significantly greater for stands planted at the lower densities. IPAR efficiency (CAI per IPAR) was significantly affected by planting density, with values of 0.32–0.42 m3 %IPAR−1 for 740 and 4440 trees ha−1, respectively. At this stage of stand development, light limitations due to high stocking have a greater influence on growth than soil resource limitations for the loblolly pine plantations analyzed in this study. Higher density stands resulted in increased SLA and IPAR efficiency, supporting the idea that higher density stands utilize light more efficiently than lower density stands.
Heat transfer to a viscoelastic fluid in laminar flow through a rectangular channel

Abstract The measured local and mean Nusselt numbers for a viscoelastic fluid in laminar flow through a rectangular channel are found to be much higher than those of a purely viscous fluid or a Newtonian fluid. The differences cannot be explained on the basis of a superimposed free convection effect. Rather, the increase is due primarily to secondary flows which are induced in the viscoelastic fluid as a result of the normal force differences acting at the boundaries which are unique to elastic fluids. The pressure drop behavior is unaffected by the presence of secondary flows and predictions based on a purely viscous power law model give good agreement with the measured values.
Dominance and symmetry in partner violence by male and female university students in 32 nations

Abstract The study investigated the widely held beliefs that physical violence against partners (PV) in marital, cohabiting, and dating relationships is almost entirely perpetrated by men, and that the major risk factor for PV is male dominance in the relationship. The empirical data on these issues were provided by 13,601 university students in 32 nations who participated in the International Dating Violence Study. The results in the first part of this paper show that almost one-third of the female as well as male students physically assaulted a dating partner in the previous 12 months, and that the most frequent pattern was bidirectional, i.e., both were violent, followed by “female-only” violence. Violence by only the male partner was the least frequent pattern according to both male and female participants. The second part of the article focuses on whether there is gender symmetry in a crucial aspect of the etiology of partner PV — dominance by one partner. The results show that dominance by either the male or the female partner is associated with an increased probability of violence. These results, in combination with results from many other studies, call into question the assumption that PV is primarily a male crime and that, when women are violent, it is usually in self-defense. Because these assumptions are crucial elements in almost all partner PV prevention and treatment programs, a fundamental revision is needed to bring these programs into alignment with the empirical data. Prevention and treatment of PV could become more effective if the programs recognize that most PV is bidirectional and act on the high rate of perpetration by women and the fact that dominance by the female partner is as strongly related to PV as dominance by the male partner.
X-Ray Isotope Shifts and Variations of Nuclear Charge Radii in Isotopes of Nd, Sm, Dy, Yb, and Pb

Isotope shifts of electronic $K\ensuremath{\alpha}$ x-ray transitions have been measured in isotopes of Nd, Sm, Dy, Yb, and Pb using a curved crystal spectrometer. The $\ensuremath{\delta}〈{r}^{2}〉$ values of the nuclear charge distribution, as derived from the data, are presented. A combination with results from optical isotope shifts yields an improved accuracy for $\ensuremath{\delta}〈{r}^{2}〉$. The optical mass shifts and the electronic coefficients can also be obtained. A comparison with muonic x-ray isotope shifts is presented for Nd and Pb. Consistancy between electronic and muonic data is noted.
A small elliptic perturbation of a backward-forward parabolic problem with applications to stochastic models

We consider an elliptic PDE in two variables. As one parameter approaches zero, this PDE collapses to a parabolic one, that is forward parabolic in a part of the domain and backward parabolic in the remainder. Such problems arise naturally in various stochastic models, such as fluid models for data-handling systems and Markov-modulated queues. We employ singular perturbation methods to study the problem for small values of the parameter.
In vitro release dynamics of insulin from a loaded hydrophilic polymeric network

A hydrophilic semi-interpenetrating polymer network of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and crosslinked polyacrylamide (PAM) chains has been synthesized and its potential for controlled release of macromolecular drugs has been assessed by taking insulin as a representative drug. The semi-IPN was characterized by IR studies and network parameters such as the average molecular weight between crosslinks (Mc), crosslink density (q), and number of elastically effective chains (Ve) were evaluated. The effect of chemical architecture of the IPN was investigated on the percent loading of insulin and its subsequent release from the loaded device. Other parameters such as the thickness of the gel, molecular weight of PEG and pH and temperature of the release medium were also studied for their possible impact on the release of insulin. The whole release data was analyzed by Ficks power law and the influence of various factors on the plausible mechanism of insulin release was investigated.
The role of diverse institutional agendas in the importation of convergence policy into the Indian communications sector

Purpose – The primary purpose of this paper is to explore the importation of the convergence idea into the Indian regulatory and institutional context.Design/methodology/approach – The objectives of this paper were largely achieved by utilizing textual or policy document analysis. This methodological technique involves an analysis of primary and some secondary sources including: statements from policy makers and direct quotations from policy documents. In theoretical terms, this inquiry is grounded in institutionalism.Findings – Barriers to achieving real convergence are not merely a function of perceptual flaws in regulatory measures or shortcomings of the industries involved, but are endemic to unrealistic conceptualizations of the phenomenon in the literature.Research limitations/implications – More quantitative metrics could be added. However, if more quantitative methods are added the paper needs to be re‐written to accommodate them. Also a comparative perspective could be added, but then again the p...
Functional neuroimaging in psychiatry: a critical appraisal

Functional neuroimaging is performed with a family of kindred methods (Magneteoencephalography [MEG], Positron Emission Tomography [PET], Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography [SPECT], and functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging [fMRI]). The main purpose of all functional neuroimaging is to disclose the pattern of resting activity of the brain, or patterns of task specific activation, defined either in terms of neuronal signaling, of local metabolic and local blood flow rates or in terms of local density of specific neurotransmitter receptors throughout the brain. Establishing such patterns is relevant to psychiatry in two ways: First in characterizing in resting activity profiles that may differentiate diagnostic categories and, second, in disclosing the cerebral circuitry necessary for particular affective and cognitive functions that may be compromised in particular psychiatric disorders. The ultimate aim in both cases is enhancement of diagnostic accuracy as well as enhancement and verification of the efficacy of various therapeutic approaches. In this presentation, the degree to which these aims have been achieved, the methods that have been proved most suitable for addressing particular clinical issues and the most likely future developments will be outlined using as concrete examples neuroimaging data from several laboratories world wide. from International Society on Brain and Behaviour: 3rd International Congress on Brain and Behaviour Thessaloniki, Greece. 28 November – 2 December 2007
Interest Rates, Risk, and Imperfect Markets: Puzzles and Policies

Traditional theory emphasizes the key role that monetary policy can play through the manipulation of interest rates. But there are several puzzles that cannot be reconciled with standard models. These include: the apparent constancy in interest rates over extended periods, and changes at other times which appear unrelated to changes in technology and demography; the cyclical pattern of movements in real interest rates; the impact of nominal not real interest-rate changes on real variables; and the cyclical pattern of movements in interest-rate spreads. This paper reaches beyond the standard competitive equilibrium, perfect information, model of credit markets towards imperfect information models, particularly those that focus on the determinants of bank behaviour. Of the standard models, the money demand model is most deficient in understanding these puzzles. The loanable funds theory and a generalized version of real productivity theory can be reconciled with imperfect information, and markets and the consequent credit and equity rationing regimes help to explain the puzzles. Specifically, banks may be insensitive to changes in monetary stance owing to risk aversion. There are strong policy implications; it is argued, for instance, that in East Asia raising interest rates exacerbated economic decline and, rather than contributing to exchange-rate stability, may have induced capital flight as default risk increased, lowering risk-adjusted expected returns.
A Longitudinal Examination of the Social-Cognitive Foundations of Adolescent Egocentrism

The theoretical foundations of the imaginary audience (IA) and personal fable (PF) have been debated for years. Two studies were conducted to (a) replicate previous support for an alternative model linking the constructs to Level 3 social perspective-taking ability and (b) follow the constructs longitudinally. Data from 96 middle school students replicated previous findings: Level 3 social perspective-taking ability was associated with heightened PF and not IA. However, a Grade x Social Perspective-taking interaction indicated that elevated PF was related to Level 3 for sixth grade students only; a grade-related decrease in PF occurred among Level 3 students. Thirty-nine participants were retested a year later; those results verified the grade-related decline in PF seen in Study 1. Elevated PF was a function of social cognition and some sort of social experience (e.g., the experience of a school transition); Level 4 ability did not appear to be necessary for decreased sensitivity..
Mouse Primary Visual Cortex Is Used to Detect Both Orientation and Contrast Changes

In mammals, the lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) and the superior colliculus (SC) are the major targets of visual inputs from the retina. The LGN projects mainly to primary visual cortex (V1) while the SC targets the thalamus and brainstem, providing two potential pathways for processing visual inputs. Indeed, cortical lesion experiments in rodents have yielded mixed results, leading to the hypothesis that performance of simple visual behaviors may involve computations performed entirely by this subcortical pathway through the SC. However, these previous experiments have been limited by both their assays of behavioral performance and their use of lesions to change cortical activity. To determine the contribution of V1 to these tasks, we trained mice to perform threshold detection tasks in which they reported changes in either the contrast or orientation of visual stimuli. We then reversibly inhibited V1 by optogenetically activating parvalbumin-expressing inhibitory neurons with channelrhodopsin-2. We found that suppressing activity in V1 substantially impaired performance in visual detection tasks. The behavioral deficit depended on the retinotopic position of the visual stimulus, confirming that the effect was due to the specific suppression of the visually driven V1 neurons. Behavioral effects were seen with only moderate changes in neuronal activity, as inactivation that raised neuronal contrast thresholds by a median of only 14% was associated with a doubling of behavioral contrast detection threshold. Thus, detection of changes in either orientation or contrast is dependent on, and highly sensitive to, the activity of neurons in V1.
Community Agency and Tourism Initiatives in Carib Territory, Dominica

Dominica, a small, ruggedly mountainous island in the Lesser Antilles, is home to the Kalinago, one of the last remaining indigenous populations in the region. This article examines two recent tourism endeavours undertaken in their community, the Carib Heritage Tour and the Kalinago Barana Aute (Carib Cultural Village). Particular emphasis is given to understanding why, at the initial stages of each project, community members supported and participated in the heritage tours but rejected use of the cultural village. Data gathered from fieldwork in the community interpreted through insights from existing scholarship about the role of stakeholders in development initiatives provides an explanatory framework through which to understand the situation.
Morphine discriminative control is mediated by the mu opioid receptor: assessment of delta opioid substitution and antagonism.

Abstract Morphine is an effective training drug in drug discrimination procedures. In subsequent generalization tests in which other opioids are administered, mu opioid agonists selectively substitute for the training drug. Given the relative selectivity of morphine for the mu receptor, such substitution patterns suggest that the mu opioid receptor is mediating the discriminative control of this compound. The present study assessed this selective mediation by examining the ability of the delta opioid agonist SNC80 to substitute for (and the delta opioid antagonist naltrindole to antagonize) morphine stimulus effects in rats trained to discriminate morphine from its vehicle in the conditioned taste aversion baseline of drug discrimination learning. Although morphine and methadone produced dose-related substitution for morphine (10 mg/kg), there was no evidence of substitution for morphine by SNC80 at any dose tested. Further, although naloxone (3.2 mg/kg) completely blocked the discriminative effects of morphine, naltrindole (3.2–10 mg/kg) did not significantly affect the morphine stimulus. These data suggest that the discriminative control established to morphine is mediated by its activity at the mu, but not the delta, receptor.
Behavioral Safety in the Food Services Industry: Challenges and Outcomes.

During the course of a 6-year behavioral safety consult at a food and drink industry site, data were collected on the number of Occupational Safety Health Administration (OSHA) recordable incidents, number of lost and restricted days, and number of peer safety observations. Employees were trained to identify safe and unsafe behavior, conduct peer observations, and provide peer feedback. Data collected from observations were utilized to deliver graphic feedback. Managers were encouraged to review graphic feedback with employees weekly, provide prompts for observation, and praise employees for conducting observations. A committee composed of employees and managers met monthly to address safety concerns. Reductions in incidents were observed over the course of the behavioral safety intervention, but a reversal to baseline could not be implemented. A negative correlation was observed between number of peer observations and number of recordable incidents. Results suggest that when employees conduct peer observ...
Absence of auxin-induced stored growth in Avena coleoptiles and its implication concerning the mechanism of wall extension.

We have reinvestigated the ability of Avena coleoptiles to undergo auxin-induced stored growth (stored growth is defined as the ability of a cell to store up a potential for extension during periods of reduced turgor which can be converted into extra extension upon restoration of normal turgor). We could detect little or no stored growth, with either moderate (1–2 bar) or more severe (3–5 bar) reductions in turgor, and with varying periods (10–100 min) of reduced turgor. Earlier reports of a stored growth potential (e.g., Cleland and Bonner, 1956) are shown to be in error, in that the apparent growth potential is probably an artifact of the use of argon or nitrogen as an inhibitor of auxin action. The absence of stored growth reported here is not due to a direct inhibitory effect of the osmoticum itself on auxin action, since coleoptiles can extend in response to auxin even in the presence of mannitol if an external force is applied to the section to replace the normal turgor. These results show that the two components of cell-wall extension, wall loosening and wall extension, usually are inseparable. Two possible explanations are considered; the walls may be extending by the process of chemical creep, or the wall loosening may only occur when the load-bearing bonds are under tension.
The adult growth examination: preliminary comparisons of physical aging in adults by sex and race.

That physical aging proceeds at different rates for different groupings of people is illustrated by a preliminary five-item form of a test of body age This Adult Growth Examination (AGE) test was based on norms of hearing, blood, and dental measures from a sample of several thousand Ss examined in a National Health Survey of a representative American sample. Median body age comparisons showed men to age more quickly than women until the age of 50. From 30 on, Negro males have aged an average of 5 more yr. than white males, with the deficit increasing past 50. Women appeared to age fastest in their forties (23 yr. of aging in 10 yr. of calendar); Negro males, starting even with white males at 21, collect their 5-yr. disadvantage between then and 30 (13 yr. of aging in 9 yr. of calendar), their first decade of adult life.
Time-domain tests for Gaussianity and time-reversibility

Statistical signal processing algorithms often rely upon Gaussianity and time-reversibility, two important notions related to the probability structure of stationary random signals and their symmetry. Parametric models obtained via second-order statistics (SOS) are appropriate when the available data is Gaussian and time-reversible. On the other hand, evidence of nonlinearity, non-Gaussianity, or time-irreversibility favors the use of higher-order statistics (HOS). In order to validate Gaussianity and time-reversibility, and quantify the tradeoffs between SOS and HOS, consistent, time-domain chi-squared statistical tests are developed. Exact asymptotic distributions are derived to estimate the power of the tests, including a covariance expression for fourth-order sample cumulants. A modification of existing linearity tests in the presence of additive Gaussian noise is discussed briefly. The novel Gaussianity statistic is computationally attractive, leads to a constant-false-alarm-rate test and is well suited for parametric modeling because it employs the minimal HOS lags which uniquely characterize ARMA processes. Simulations include comparisons with an existing frequency-domain approach and an application to real seismic data. Time-reversibility tests are also derived and their performance is analyzed both theoretically and experimentally. >
Regression analysis of regional quality of life

A regression procedure, using survey data on individual's stated preferences for communities, is used to calculate an index of ‘quality of life’. The survey instrument is extraordinarily simple, asking only for limited information about the subset of communities most well-known to respondents. The index is based upon an assumption about the distribution of the errors individuals make in perceiving the true, underlying index. The index is computed from dummy variables and is shown to have nice properties, including invariance to data ordering and (with full information) constant and equal standard errors associated with relative interplace index values. The index is estimated for a case study of 52 Pennsylvania counties.
Shaping an Identity: Factors Influencing the Achievement of Newly Married, Gifted Young Women

This article describes the experiences of 3 gifted women who had recently graduated from college and were beginning to shape their professional identities. Through a qualitative case study approach...
Making Peace with the Rising Costs of Writing Technologies: Flexible Classroom Design as a Sustainable Solution

Abstract In a challenging economy where budgets for academic programs seem to shrink each year, writing programs face serious economic challenges. When fiscal challenges are paired with the ever-changing nature of writing technologies and the need to update classroom technologies on a regular basis, the challenges can seem insurmountable. In this article the authors discuss the multiple phases of a classroom redesign project where first-year composition students used their own laptop computers in a flexible classroom, which included mobile furnishings, mobile whiteboards, and multiple LCD screens for projection. The purpose of the project was to design a space that was economically sustainable and would better meet the needs of composition instructors and students. To meet that goal, the First-Year Writing Program partnered with the institution's IT and Design Services to develop the flexible classroom model. The flexible classroom project sought to answer the question: how do we take existing classroom spaces and small/shrinking budgets and make the spaces work well for the teaching of writing? Based on financial comparisons of equipment between the flexible classroom versus classrooms where computers are provided by the university, as well as student surveys, the authors found that a flexible design is a cost-effective solution that is also an effective pedagogical space.
Protein fouling of surface-modified polymeric microfiltration membranes

The effects of varying morphology and surface chemistry on protein fouling of microfiltration membranes were investigated. In part I of the study, on the effects of varying morphology, results show that 0.2 μm track-etched polycarbonate (PC) membranes internally foul, with external fouling becoming the dominant means of fouling only at later times. A 0.2 μm cellulose acetate (CA) membrane showed only internal fouling, while 0.2 μm polysulfone (PS) and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membranes showed only external fouling. It is hypothesized that the low surface porosities of the PS and PVDF membranes lead to almost immediate external fouling, while the higher surface porosities of the PC and CA membranes allow for a significant period of time for internal fouling to occur. For each membrane, protein transmission remained constant or only slightly decreased during internal fouling, while a significant loss of protein transmission was observed during external fouling. In part II of the study, on the effects of various surface modifications, results show that surface-modified polyethylene and polypropylene membranes have lower initial fluxes than the unmodified membranes. However, the hydrophilic modified membranes demonstrated comparable final fluxes and lower percent flux declines than the unmodified membranes. The azlactone modified membranes showed very low long-term fluxes and large decreases in permeate protein concentration due to efficient protein binding. Again, protein transmission remained constant or only slightly decreased during internal fouling, while a significant loss of protein transmission was observed during external fouling.
KH/18-Crown-6: A Powerful Base for the Protection of Hindered Alcohols with t-Butyldimethylsilylchloride

Abstract A facile method for the protection of highly hindered alcohols with t-Butyldimethylsilylchloride using KH/18-Crown-6 as a base is reported.
Quantification of electronic band gap and surface states on FeS2(100)

Abstract The interfacial electronic properties and charge transfer characteristics of pyrite, FeS 2 , are greatly influenced by the presence of electronic states at the crystal free surface. We investigate the surface electronic structure of FeS 2 (100) using scanning tunneling spectroscopy (STS) and interpret the results using tunneling current simulations informed by density functional theory. Intrinsic, dangling bond surface states located at the band edges reduce the fundamental band gap E g from 0.95 eV in bulk FeS 2 to 0.4 ± 0.1 eV at the surface. Extrinsic surface states from sulfur and iron defects contribute to Fermi level pinning but, due to their relatively low density of states, no detectable tunneling current was measured at energies within the intrinsic surface E g . These findings help elucidate the nature of energy alignment for electron transfer processes at pyrite surfaces, which are relevant to evaluation of electrochemical processes including corrosion and solar energy conversion.
Cross-linguistic contrasts of verification and answering among children.

This review article examines how children verify a statement (e.g., You are a child. Right or wrong?) and answer a corresponding question (e.g., Are you a child? Yes or no?) in English, French, Japanese, and Korean. While people verify affirmative statements and answer affirmative questions similarly across the four languages, they answer negative questions differently across the four languages. In English, answering negative questions works in a way opposite to verification (e.g., Are you not a child? Yes; You are not a child. Wrong). In French, si is used in the place of the yes response in English. In Japanese and Korean, answering negative questions works in a way similar to verification (e.g., Are you not a child? No; You are not a child. Wrong). The effects of these linguistic characteristics are examined. Findings are: (1) All children across the four languages appear to start answering negative questions using the English system; (2) English-speaking children find verifying negative statements more difficult than answering the corresponding questions but Japanese-speaking children find it less difficult; and (3) while English-speaking and Korean-speaking children find true negative statements more difficult to verify than false negative statements, Japanese-speaking children find them less difficult. Language-universal and language-specific processes in verification and answering are discussed.
Heating efficiency in magnetic nanoparticle hyperthermia

Abstract Magnetic nanoparticles for hyperthermic treatment of cancers have gained significant attention in recent years. In magnetic hyperthermia, three independent mechanisms result in thermal energy upon stimulation: Neel relaxation, Brownian relaxation, and hysteresis loss. The relative contribution of each is strongly dependent on size, shape, crystalline anisotropy, and degree of aggregation or agglomeration of the nanoparticles. We review the effects of each of these physical mechanisms in light of recent experimental studies and suggest routes for progress in the field. Particular attention is given to the influence of the collective behaviors of nanoparticles in suspension. A number of recent studies have probed the effect of nanoparticle concentration on heating efficiency and have reported superficially contradictory results. We contextualize these studies and show that they consistently indicate a decrease in magnetic relaxation time with increasing nanoparticle concentration, in both Brownian- and Neel-dominated regimes. This leads to a predictable effect on heating efficiency and alleviates a significant source of confusion within the field.
Monosaccharide Detection with 4,7-Phenanthrolinium Salts: Charge-Induced Fluorescence Sensing

Herein we report the preparation of novel boronic acid-substituted 4,7-phenanthrolinium viologens and demonstrate their ability to quench the fluorescence of 8-hydroxypyrene-1,3,6-trisulfonic acid trisodium salt (pyranine). In an aqueous buffer solution at pH 7.4, the quenching is suppressed upon binding to monosaccharides, as was determined by Stern−Volmer analysis. Thus, the combination of the viologen and pyranine is shown to act as a saccharide sensor. A spectroscopic study reveals a ground-state complexation between the viologens and pyranine. In the presence of monosaccharide, the complex dissociates, resulting in a relative increase in the fluorescence. In comparison to the dipyridyl-derived viologen, the phenanthroline-derived viologen shows a greater fluorescence quenching as well as sensitivity to and an unusual selectivity for glucose.
Fabrication of high performance conducting polymer nanocomposites for biosensors and flexible electronics: summary of the multiple roles of DNA dispersed and functionalized single walled carbon nanotubes

Inspired by the remarkable electrical and thermal conductivities, and the superior mechanical properties of carbon nanotubes (CNTs), tremendous efforts have been made over the past decade to prepare polymer and carbon nanotube composites. However to truly synergistically combine the merits of each individual component in the nanocomposites, it is critical to understand monomer–nanotube interfacial chemical and electronic interactions during polymerization and polymer–nanotube interfacial interactions after the polymerization. By taking advantage of the well-documented surface chemistry and electronic structure of ss-DNA-SWNTs, our group studied these multiple interactions to obtain synergistic enhancement in the fabrication of conducting polymer composites for biosensor and flexible electronics applications. This feature article summarizes some of our recent findings.
QTLRel: an R Package for Genome-wide Association Studies in which Relatedness is a Concern

Existing software for quantitative trait mapping is either not able to model polygenic variation or does not allow incorporation of more than one genetic variance component. Improperly modeling the genetic relatedness among subjects can result in excessive false positives. We have developed an R package, QTLRel, to enable more flexible modeling of genetic relatedness as well as covariates and non-genetic variance components. We have successfully used the package to analyze many datasets, including F34 body weight data that contains 688 individuals genotyped at 3105 SNP markers and identified 11 QTL. It took 295 seconds to estimate variance components and 70 seconds to perform the genome scan on an Linux machine equipped with a 2.40GHz Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Quad CPU. QTLRel provides a toolkit for genome-wide association studies that is capable of calculating genetic incidence matrices from pedigrees, estimating variance components, performing genome scans, incorporating interactive covariates and genetic and non-genetic variance components, as well as other functionalities such as multiple-QTL mapping and genome-wide epistasis.
Electrochemical Characterization of Ferricyanide Retention by Polymerized Diacetylenic Phospholipid Vesicles

This report describes measurement of retention of electroactive ferricyanide (Fe(CN)63-) entrapped within structurally stable photopolymerized vesicles composed of diacetylenic lipid 1-palmitoyl-2-(tricosa-10,12-diynoyl)-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (PC8,9PC). Vesicle size, shape, and dispersity were assessed by dynamic laser light scattering and rates of permeation of ferricyanide measured by cyclic voltammetry. Gold disk electrodes modified with 6-mercaptohexanol or 2-mercaptoethanamine (cysteamine) respond with quantitative sensitivity to extravesicular ferricyanide over a concentration range of 10 μM to 0.1 M, are insensitive to entrapped ferricyanide even at high applied oxidative potentials, and resist fouling by vesicles, vesicle fragments, or vesicle-rupturing surfactant. Quantitative changes in ferricyanide peak current over time enabled straightforward determination of ferricyanide permeation rate constants as a function of pH and temperature. At 25 °C, ferricyanide permeability increased from 1....
A critical assessment of the Simplified Hybrid Displacement Method

The Simplified Hybrid Displacement Method, an attractive modification of one of the principles of stationary value of modified potential energy, is examined critically and compared to another form of such variational principles and to the classical principle of minimum of potential energy. The three methods are studied from a theoretical vantage point and through the medium of numerical examples. A non-conforming triangular finite plate bending element serves as the vehicle to solve a number of simple problems, utilizing the classical principle of minimum potential energy, a principle of stationary value of modified potential energy and the Simplified Hybrid Displacement Method. The attraction of this method derives from the fact that no additional independent unknown parameters—Lagrangian multipliers from a mathematical standpoint—enter into the modified energy functional, as is usually the case with hybrid methods. It is demonstrated numcrically that the Simplified Hybrid Displacement Method may become unstable. It is also shown that the stationary values of the modified energy functional for this method may be inconsistent with the corresponding minima of the classical potential energy. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that the Simplified Hybrid Displacement method is, in general, incapable of ‘restoring’ interelement slope continuity in the sense of a principle of stationary value of modified potential energy, that is, at least in an ‘integral sense’.
Ultrastructural studies of vascular and muscular changes in ascorbic acid deficient guinea-pigs

Disorganization of muscle structures such as fragmentation of myofilaments with a loss of contrast in the Z bands, swelling of mitochondria and glycogenic infiltration, was seen in ascorbic acid deficient guinea-pigs. Vacuolar degeneration of external and internal endothelial cell membranes with accompanying dystrophic changes of the surrounding muscle and lack of collagen formation were consistent findings. Chondroblasts showed a marked dissolution of the matrix vesicle and a lack of hyaline droplets.
Constant change: dynamic regulation of membrane transport by calcium signalling networks keeps plants in tune with their environment

Despite substantial variation and irregularities in their environment, plants must conform to spatiotemporal demands on the molecular composition of their cytosol. Cell membranes are the major interface between organisms and their environment and the basis for controlling the contents and intracellular organization of the cell. Membrane transport proteins (MTPs) govern the flow of molecules across membranes, and their activities are closely monitored and regulated by cell signalling networks. By continuously adjusting MTP activities, plants can mitigate the effects of environmental perturbations, but effective implementation of this strategy is reliant on precise coordination among transport systems that reside in distinct cell types and membranes. Here, we examine the role of calcium signalling in the coordination of membrane transport, with an emphasis on potassium transport. Potassium is an exceptionally abundant and mobile ion in plants, and plant potassium transport has been intensively studied for decades. Classic and recent studies have underscored the importance of calcium in plant environmental responses and membrane transport regulation. In reviewing recent advances in our understanding of the coding and decoding of calcium signals, we highlight established and emerging roles of calcium signalling in coordinating membrane transport among multiple subcellular locations and distinct transport systems in plants, drawing examples from the CBL-CIPK signalling network. By synthesizing classical studies and recent findings, we aim to provide timely insights on the role of calcium signalling networks in the modulation of membrane transport and its importance in plant environmental responses.
Near-Degenerate Four-Wave-Mixing Microscopy

Fluorescence microscopy has been widely used to explore the nanoscale world because of its superb sensitivity, but it is limited to fluorescent samples. Hence, various spectroscopic contrasts have been explored for imaging nonfluorescent species. Here we report a multiphoton microscopy based on single-beam near-degenerate four wave mixing (ND-FWM), by detecting a coherent signal generated by the sample at frequencies close to the "edge" of the spectrally "truncated" incident femtosecond pulses. ND-FWM microscopy allows label-free biomedical imaging with high sensitivity and spatial resolution. In particular, by achieving a nearly perfect phase matching condition, ND-FWM generates almost the highest nonlinear coherent signal in a bulk medium and provides a contrast mechanism different from other nonlinear imaging techniques. More importantly, we developed an electronic resonant version of ND-FWM for absorbing but nonfluorescent molecules. Ultrasensitive chromophore detection (approximately 50 molecules) and hemoglobin imaging are demonstrated, by harnessing a fully (triply) resonant enhancement of the nonlinear polarization and using optical heterodyne detection.
Model selection as a tool for phylogeographic inference: an example from the willow Salix melanopsis

Phylogeographic inference has typically relied on analyses of data from one or a few genes to provide estimates of demography and population histories. While much has been learned from these studies, all phylogeographic analysis is conditioned on the data, and thus, inferences derived from data that represent a small sample of the genome are unavoidably tenuous. Here, we demonstrate one approach for moving beyond classic phylogeographic research. We use sequence capture probes and Illumina sequencing to generate data from >400 loci in order to infer the phylogeographic history of Salix melanopsis, a riparian willow with a disjunct distribution in coastal and the inland Pacific Northwest. We evaluate a priori phylogeographic hypotheses using coalescent models for parameter estimation, and the results support earlier findings that identified post-Pleistocene dispersal as the cause of the disjunction in S. melanopsis. We also conduct a series of model selection exercises using IMa2, Migrate-n and ∂a∂i. The resulting ranking of models indicates that refugial dynamics were complex, with multiple regions in the inland regions serving as the source for postglacial colonization. Our results demonstrate that new sources of data and new approaches to data analysis can rejuvenate phylogeographic research by allowing for the identification of complex models that enable researchers to both identify and estimate the most relevant parameters for a given system.
Self-Assembled Heterogeneous Integrated Fluorescence Detection System

We present the current progress towards a fully integrated fluorescence detection system constructed via self-assembly of independently microfabricated excitation sources and photosensors onto a common template. The system template contains specifically shaped binding sites for micron-scale components and electrical interconnects. The self-assembly process allows for using materials such as plastic or glass for constructing the template that are incompatible with conventional microfabrication processes. The excitation sources are AlGaAs light emitting diodes and the photosensors are silicon pn junctions. These microcomponents are independently microfabricated and released from their respective substrates to yield a powder-like collection. The microcomponents are introduced over the template in a heated fluidic slurry and allowed to self-assemble onto the complementary-shaped binding sites. The self-assembly process is driven by capillary forces resultant from low melting point alloy coated on the electrical contact pads, fluidic forces, shape matching, and gravity. The final system offers a 3 times 3 array of individually addressable complete fluorescence detection units.
Sequence similarity between the erythrocyte binding domain of the Plasmodium vivax Duffy binding protein and the V3 loop of HIV-1 strain MN reveals a functional heparin binding motif involved in binding to the Duffy antigen receptor for chemokines

The HIV surface glycoprotein gp120 (SU, gp120) and the Plasmodium vivax Duffy binding protein (PvDBP) bind to chemokine receptors during infection and have a site of amino acid sequence similarity in their binding domains that often includes a heparin binding motif (HBM). Infection by either pathogen has been found to be inhibited by polyanions. Specific polyanions that inhibit HIV infection and bind to the V3 loop of X4 strains also inhibited DBP-mediated infection of erythrocytes and DBP binding to the Duffy Antigen Receptor for Chemokines (DARC). A peptide including the HBM of PvDBP had similar affinity for heparin as RANTES and V3 loop peptides, and could be specifically inhibited from heparin binding by the same polyanions that inhibit DBP binding to DARC. However, some V3 peptides can competitively inhibit RANTES binding to heparin, but not the PvDBP HBM peptide. Three other members of the DBP family have an HBM sequence that is necessary for erythrocyte binding, however only the protein which binds to DARC, the P. knowlesi alpha protein, is inhibited by heparin from binding to erythrocytes. Heparitinase digestion does not affect the binding of DBP to erythrocytes. The HBMs of DBPs that bind to DARC have similar heparin binding affinities as some V3 loop peptides and chemokines, are responsible for specific sulfated polysaccharide inhibition of parasite binding and invasion of red blood cells, and are more likely to bind to negative charges on the receptor than cell surface glycosaminoglycans.
The evolution of vertically integrated organizations: the role of historical context

Vertical integration across three different types of economies and selected industries is studied to trace historical, political, and economic influences on the evolution of vertically integrated structures. Specifically, the focus in this article is on the industrial development that took place in Germany, the UK, Japan and the USA. The role of a domestic market, colony markets, and attempts to become a dominant colonizer all play a significant role in the development of various industries, and the efficiency levels that they attained. The role of government, the level of international competition, and other integration drivers salient in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries are also discussed. A broad view of structural and contextual forces provides a better understanding of why certain industries chose to integrate the way they did.
A multi-criteria decision model for the selection of a computerized manufacturing control system

The purpose of this paper is to describe and demonstrate a quantitative procedure for evaluating alternative computerized manufacturing control software packages that are being considered for possible purchase. The procedure considers both quantitative factors (i.e. costs) and qualitative factors (i.e. vendor reputation) that should be considered in the evaluation process. The various evaluation factors and criteria are identified and a procedure for quantifying the factors in commensurable unite is described. The procedure is demonstrated via an example.
Examining the Application of Holland's Theory to Vocational Interests and Choices of Chinese College Students

This study investigates the applicability of Holland's career development theory in cross-cultural settings by examining vocational interests of Chinese college students and the relationship between those interests and their career choices. One hundred sixty five Chinese college students complete a Chinese version of the Self-Directed Search and a questionnaire requesting their demographic information, career choices, reasons for making a particular choice, and suggested areas needed for vocational guidance. The Multidimensional Scaling results supported the RIASEC order of Holland's typology for male students and equivalent distance among six types for female students. The majority of participants had a medium level of congruence between interests and choices as measured by the C-Index. Personal interests, social needs, and job market are identified as the top reasons for making a career choice. Practical outcome-oriented career implementation skills are more desired than self-exploration for vocational ...
The AraC/XylS Family Activator RhaS Negatively Autoregulates rhaSR Expression by Preventing Cyclic AMP Receptor Protein Activation

The Escherichia coli RhaR protein activates expression of the rhaSR operon in the presence of its effector, l-rhamnose. The resulting RhaS protein (plus l-rhamnose) activates expression of the l-rhamnose catabolic and transport operons, rhaBAD and rhaT, respectively. Here, we further investigated our previous finding that rhaS deletion resulted in a threefold increase in rhaSR promoter activity, suggesting RhaS negative autoregulation of rhaSR. We found that RhaS autoregulation required the cyclic AMP receptor protein (CRP) binding site at rhaSR and that RhaS was able to bind to the RhaR binding site at rhaSR. In contrast to the expected repression, we found that in the absence of both RhaR and the CRP binding site at the rhaSR promoter, RhaS activated expression to a level comparable with RhaR activation of the same promoter. However, when the promoter included the RhaR and CRP binding sites, the level of activation by RhaS and CRP was much lower than that by RhaR and CRP, suggesting that CRP could not fully coactivate with RhaS. Taken together, our results indicate that RhaS negative autoregulation involves RhaS competition with RhaR for binding to the RhaR binding site at rhaSR. Although RhaS and RhaR activate rhaSR transcription to similar levels, CRP cannot effectively coactivate with RhaS. Therefore, once RhaS reaches a relatively high protein concentration, presumably sufficient to saturate the RhaS-activated promoters, there will be a decrease in rhaSR transcription. We propose a model in which differential DNA bending by RhaS and RhaR may be the basis for the difference in CRP coactivation.