cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Extra-pair fertilizations in a predominantly monogamous bird: genetic evidence

Abstract Parentage in indigo buntings, Passerina cyanea , was examined by electrophoresis of soluble enzymes in muscle tissue. There were nine polymorphic loci which segregated independently. Of 257 offspring sampled in the 2 years, 37 (14·4%) had genotypes incompatible with one of the putative parents. Since evidence suggested that intraspecific egg parasitism did not occur, all of these offspring probably came from successful extra-pair copulations. More neighbouring males had genotypes that fitted the genotypes of the excluded young than expected by chance. Most of these males already had nesting females of their own. The probability of cuckoldry depended on the male's age but not on whether or not he was polygynous. Some males probably fathered many offspring through extra-pair copulations while others were cuckolded. These results are examined in light of behavioural observations on this species. Because parental exclusions underestimate the frequency of extra-pair fertilizations, an estimate of the actual rate of extra-pair fertilizations is reported. The consequences of these results for theories about mating systems and sexual selection are discussed.
Conformal anomalies in curved space-time

The general form of the conformal anomaly in a dimensionally regularized theory of massless fermions in a background metric is shown to be determined by the first few terms of weak field perturbation theory.
Evaluation of the polychlorobiphenyl Aroclor ® 1254 in an animal model of atherosclerosis

Dietary polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were evaluated in an atherosclerosis animal model during a 26-week period. Male white Carneau pigeons were maintained on diets containing either 0, 5, 25, or 125 Μg/g Aroclor® 1254. One-half of the birds from each of the four groups consumed diets which contained 0.5% cholesterol. Serum samples were analyzed after 8, 16, and 26 weeks of dietary treatment. Liver samples were analyzed for Zn and PCB content. Relative liver weight and serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT) increased with PCB consumption; however, liver Zn and serum alkaline phosphatase were negatively correlated with PCB exposure. Dietary cholesterol induced hypercholesterolemia, which was accounted for by elevation of serum low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) and very-low density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL). Consumption of dietary PCBs was inversely related to serum high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), The serum total cholesterol/HDL ratio was elevated by dietary cholesterol but not by PCBs. The serum HDL/LDL ratio was depressed by dietary cholesterol but not by PCBs. Chronic lowering of serum HDL associated with hypercholesterolemia and a decreased serum HDL/LDL ratio, as observed in this study, would be expected to exacerbate atherosclerosis.
Neuropeptides influencing in vitro pituitary hormone secretion in hatchling turtles

Static culture techniques were used to examine the effects of neuropeptides on thyrotropin (TSH), growth hormone (GH), and luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion by turtle pituitaries (Pseudemys scripta). Pituitaries were exposed to 2.5–2,500 nM thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), ovine corticotropin-releasing hormone (oCRH), sauvagine (SV), carp urotensin I (UI), rat growth hormone-releasing hormone (rGHRH), human GHRH (hGHRH), carp GHRH-like immunoreactive peptide (cGHRH-LIP), vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), arginine vasotocin (AVT), salmon gonadotropin-releasing hormone (sGnRH) or chicken II GnRH (cGnRH). Medium concentrations of TSH, GH, and LH were estimated by RIA. Significant dose responses in TSH secretion were observed with TRH, oCRH, rGHRH, and hGHRH; VIP was also a potent stimulator of TSH, but a dose response was not observed. The two CRH-like molecules, SV and UI, also stimulated TSH at the single dose tested (25 nM). All these neuropeptides had similar potencies. In one test in which PRL was measured, it was stimulated by 25 nM TRH but not by an equivalent dose of the CRH-like neuropeptides. GH secretion was elevated by TRH, rGHRH, hGHRH, and VIP. oCRH at the highest dose (250 nM) stimulated GH, but SV and UI had no effect on GH at the single dose tested (25 nM). Neither AVT, cGHRH-LIP, nor the two GnRH molecules had any effect on TSH or GH secretion. Data obtained by bioassay of TSH in representative samples were consistent with results of RIA. In contrast to the diversity of neuropeptides affecting pituitary TSH and GH, only GnRH stimulated significant and marked increases in LH secretion. AVT produced a small increase in LH output at the higher doses tested (250 and 2,500 nM), and all other neuropeptides were inactive at all doses. Taken together with other comparative data, these results suggest that in ectothermal vertebrates, TSH and GH responses are generally not as specific for neuropeptides as they are in normal mammals but may resemble mammals in certain abnormal states. However, there is not a clear phylogenetic pattern in which neuropeptides may be stimulatory to TSH or GH. The gonadotropes in both ectotherms and mammals appear to be relatively specific for molecules of the GnRH family.
Movement abnormalities predict conversion to axis I psychosis among prodromal adolescents

Evidence suggests that movement abnormalities are a precursor of psychosis. The link between movement abnormalities and psychotic disorders is presumed to reflect common neural mechanisms that influence both motor functions and vulnerability to psychosis. The authors coded movement abnormalities from videotapes of 40 adolescents at risk for psychosis (designated prodromal on the Structured Interview for Prodromal Symptoms; T. J. Miller et al., 2002). Following initial assessment, participants were evaluated for diagnostic status at 4 times annually. Ten participants converted to an Axis I psychosis (e.g., schizophrenia) over the 4-year period. Comparisons of converted and nonconverted participants at baseline indicated that the groups did not differ on demographic characteristics or levels of prodromal symptomatology, but those who converted exhibited significantly more movement abnormalities. Movement abnormalities and prodromal symptoms were strongly associated and logistic regression analyses indicated that abnormalities in the face and upper body regions were most predictive of conversion. Findings suggest that individuals with elevated movement abnormalities may represent a subgroup of prodromal adolescents who are at the highest risk for conversion. The implications for neural mechanisms and for identifying candidates for preventive intervention are discussed.
MEASURING CHIRAL SYMMETRY BREAKING IN NEUTRINO SCATTERING.

Abstract The ideas of broken scale invariance and operator light cone expansions are used to relate the scale dimension of the chiral symmetry breaking part of the strong interaction Hamiltonian to the energy dependence of the form factors W4 and W5 in the deep inelastic region of neutrino scattering. The possibility that neutrino scattering may be used to measure the scale dimension of the chiral SU(3) ⊗ SU(3) breaking Hamiltonian is pointed out.
Expression of human immunodeficiency virus long terminal repeat in the human promonocyte cell line U937: effect of endotoxin and cytokines.

Abstract Phagocytic macrophages are known to support noncytopathic, chronic infections of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Regulation of viral replication in such cells with either chronic low-grade or latent HIV infection is probably influenced by both viral and cellular factors acting on the viral long terminal repeat (LTR). This study identifies naturally occurring biological response modifiers which are able to affect the HIV-LTR linked to the chloramphenicol acetyl transferase (LTR-CAT) gene in a stable transfection of the human promonocyte cell line, U937, in the absence of other viral proteins. In this model system, endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) are able to independently stimulate expression of LTR-CAT. Granulocyte/macrophage-colony-stimulating factor can enhance the effect of TNF-α or LPS, but other cytokines tested had minimal or no effect on LTR-CAT. In addition to effects on cellular susceptibility and immune function, the ability of naturally occurring factors to affect HIV-LTR in its integrated state may have particular relevance to progression of active disease from latent infection.
Methylprednisolone reduces the bulk flow of water across an in vitro blood-brain barrier

Cerebral water content is a variable quantity subject to the influence of hemodynamic and biochemical factors. Corticosteroids are frequently used in the therapy of cerebral edema, although their mechanisms of action in promoting the resolution of this state of pathologically increased water content remains unclear. To investigate this, a modified Ussing chamber was designed. The bulk flow of media (mainly composed of water) across a monolayer of cultured mouse cerebral endothelia was measured as a control. The same membranes were then exposed to either micromolar concentrations of hydrocortisone or methylprednisolone. The hydraulic conductivity (Lp) of each membrane before and after exposure to the corticosteroids was calculated as a reflection of membrane tightness. Methyl-prednisolone decreased the Lp of the membrane (i.e. tightened) by 36.1% compared to control. Hydrocortisone actually increased Lp (i.e. loosened the membrane) but not to a significant extent. The decrease in the bulk flow caused by methylprednisolone in vitro suggests that the mechanism of the clinically observed decrease in cerebral edema after corticosteroid administration may be due to the reduction of bulk flow across the blood-brain barrier.
An efficient way to compute the gas—surface potential with application to "double rainbow" scattering

Abstract Assuming that the total atom—crystal atom potential is a pair-wise sum of gas atom—crystal atom Lennard-Jones 12–6 potentials, we described a fast, efficient algorithm for numerically finding the total potential of a gas atom near a crystal surface. The algorithm consits of explicitly summing over part of the solid and then performing integrations over the rest. The algorithm is used in computing Ne scattering distributions from a static Ag (111) surface and the resulting “double rainbow” scattering distributin is described and discussed.
Mullite/Alumina Particulate Composites by Infiltration Processing: III, Mechanical Properties

The effect of incorporating mullite into alumina by an infiltration process on the mechanical properties was investigated. Data for Young's modulus, strength, and fracture toughness for various composite compositions were compared with those for the unreinforced matrix (alumina). Measurements of Young's modulus by a resonance technique showed that the addition of mullite decreased Young's modulus. Up to 14 vol%, these changes were close to those expected, but above this mullite content, the decrease was more dramatic and indicated specimen damage during processing. The addition of mullite led, in some cases, to increases of more than 60% in both the strength (biaxial flexure) and indentation fracture toughness. These increases have been attributed to the method of introducing mullite and the resulting residual compressive surface stresses. The strength of the indented composite bodies deviated from the ideal behavior, indicating the probability of R-curve behavior in these materials.
Shoulder Tendon Transfer Options for Adult Patients With Brachial Plexus Injury

Enhancement of upper-extremity function, specifically shoulder function, after brachial plexus injury requires a good understanding of nerve repair and transfer, with their expected outcome, as well as shoulder anatomy and biomechanics enabling the treating surgeon to use available functioning muscles around the shoulder for transfer, to improve shoulder function. Surgical treatment should address painful shoulder subluxation in addition to improvement of function. The literature focuses on improving shoulder abduction, but improving shoulder external rotation should take priority because this function, even if isolated, will allow patients to position their hand in front of their body. With a functional elbow and hand, patients will be able to do most activities of daily living. The lower trapezius has been shown to be a good transfer to restore external rotation of the shoulder. Other parts of the trapezius, levator scapulae, rhomboids, and, when available, the latissimus dorsi, pectoralis major, teres major, biceps, triceps, and serratus anterior muscles can all be used to replace the rotator cuff and deltoid muscle function. To optimize the results, a close working relationship is required between surgeons reconstructing brachial plexus injury and shoulder specialists.
The total synthesis of α-allokainic acid

Abstract The aminoacid α-allokainic acid was synthesized in eight steps from thiazolidine 2.
Massive Star Formation Rates and Radial Distributions from Hα Imaging of 84 Virgo Cluster and Isolated Spiral Galaxies

The massive star formation properties of 55 Virgo Cluster and 29 isolated S0-Scd bright (MB ≤ -18) spiral galaxies are compared via analyses of R and Hα surface photometry and integrated fluxes as functions of Hubble type and central R light concentration (bulge-to-disk ratio). In the median, the total normalized massive star formation rates (NMSFRs) in Virgo Cluster spiral galaxies are reduced by factors of up to 2.5 compared with isolated spiral galaxies of the same type or concentration, with a range from enhanced (up to 2.5 times) to strongly reduced (up to 10 times). Within the inner 30% of the optical disk, Virgo Cluster and isolated spiral galaxies have similar ranges in NMSFRs, with similar to enhanced (up to 4 times) median NMSFRs for Virgo galaxies. NMSFRs in the outer 70% of the optical disk are reduced in the median by factors of up to 9 for Virgo Cluster spiral galaxies, with more severely reduced star formation at progressively larger disk radii. Thus, the reduction in total star formation of Virgo Cluster spiral galaxies is caused primarily by spatial truncation of the star-forming disks. The correlation between H I deficiency and R light central concentration is much weaker than the correlation between H I deficiency and Hubble type. The previously observed systematic difference in H I spatial distributions and kinematics between early- and late-type spiral galaxies in the Virgo Cluster is at least partially due to the misleading classification of stripped spiral galaxies as early types. Intracluster medium-interstellar medium stripping of the gas from spiral galaxies is likely responsible for the truncated star-forming disks of Virgo Cluster spiral galaxies. This effect may be responsible for a significant part of the morphology-density relationship, in that a large fraction of Virgo Cluster galaxies classified as Sa galaxies are H I-deficient galaxies with truncated star-forming disks rather than galaxies with large bulge-to-disk ratios.
Playing with Children, Answering with Our Lives: A Bakhtinian Approach to Coauthoring Ethical Identities in Early Childhood.

ABSTRACT In this paper I develop an alternative to prevailing moral development assumptions in early childhood education. Drawing on a Bakhtinian theoretical framework, theories of identity formation, and examples from my longitudinal research study of child–adult play, I reframe development as a lifelong process of coauthoring ethical identities that may begin in early childhood when adults join children in dramatic play.
Contending With Financial Inequality Rethinking the Contributions of Qualitative Research to the Policy Discourse on College Access

Researchers frequently focus on the roles of background and academic preparation in college access without considering the role of family income. The theory on cultural capital provides a lens for examining the role of family income in education decisions. This article uses the theory of cultural capital, along with claims from other theories, to examine interviews with students who received substantial grant awards. The analyses help illuminate that student perceptions of finances influence social and academic decisions about higher education, illustrating that qualitative research can contribute substantially to the emerging understanding of financial inequality in educational opportunity.
Metabolism of fat emulsions by thermally injured patients.

The lipolytic capacity of patients with severe and moderate thermal injury was assessed in vivo by determining the rate of clearance of chylomicrons. Twelve patients, two women and ten men, age 34 +/- 12 years, had burns varying from 28% to 84% of total burn surface area (TBSA). Seven patients had an average burn size of 63% TBSA. They were hypocholesterolemic and normotriglyceridemic during parenteral alimentation that excluded fat emulsion. But when Lyposil was infused intravenously (150 mg/kg/hr for a period of eight hrs), plasma triglyceride (TG) levels increased. Most of the triglyceride was in the form of chylomicrons, which had a prolonged residence time in plasma. Patients with moderate thermal injury (mean % TBSA 38% +/- 9%) had normal TG levels before fat infusion. When Liposyl was infused intraduodenally (170 mg/kg/hr), the plasma TG levels remained normal and the chylomicron half-life was very short. These observations suggest that patients with severe thermal injury may have reduced lipolytic capacity, especially during parenteral administration of fat emulsion. Language: en
Dynamic characteristics of a single-phase induction motor

SMALL-SIZE single-phase induction motors are used today principally on intermittent duty. In many cases this intermittent starting and stopping is automatically controlled. Loads are thus suddenly applied and as suddenly removed.
Effects of dietary restriction on experimental gastric mucosal injury in Fischer 344 rats

The present study was designed to determine whether dietary restriction would render rats more resistant to experimental gastric mucosal injury induced by either aspirin or acidified ethanol. We have found that dietary restriction rendered rats more resistant to experimental gastric mucosal injury, and that dietary restriction prevented decreases in endogenous mucosal antioxidants (such as glutathione) and energy stores (such as adenosine triphosphate) in rat stomachs that had been injured by acidified ethanol. Our findings suggest that dietary restriction may reverse some of the age-related reductions in gastric mucosal protective factors and thereby may render the aged stomach more resistant to experimental injury.
"Coulomb logarithm" for inverse-bremsstrahlung laser absorption.

The ``Coulomb logarithm'' for inverse-bremsstrahlung laser absorption is examined for plasmas of different ionic charge, spanning the classical and quantum-mechanical limits. Previously, this term has not been calculated exactly for the conditions of interest in laser fusion experiments; it has only been estimated from physical considerations. For short-wavelength irradiation (e.g., 0.35 \ensuremath{\mu}m), uncertainties in the ``logarithmic'' factor can produce variations of 20\char21{}50 % in the laser absorption coefficient. A more exact treatment of this term is presented here. For low-Z plasmas, a modified Born approximation is used that reproduces previous results for long-range interactions that cannot be described by a single electron-ion collision, and it simultaneously treats the short-range electron-ion encounters. For high-Z plasmas, the Coulomb logarithm is calculated in terms of the classical, nonlinear electron trajectory in a self-consistent electrostatic potential; strong ion-ion correlations are treated by the nonlinear Debye-H\"uckel model. There are no indeterminate quantities in the calculations.
Easing the generation of predictive human performance models from legacy systems

With the rise of tools for predictive human performance modeling in HCI comes a need to model legacy applications. Models of legacy systems are used to compare products to competitors, or new proposed design ideas to the existing version of an application. We present CogTool-Helper, an exemplar of a tool that results from joining this HCI need to research in automatic GUI testing from the Software Engineering testing community. CogTool-Helper uses automatic UI-model extraction and test case generation to automatically create CogTool storyboards and models and infer methods to accomplish tasks beyond what the UI designer has specified. A design walkthrough with experienced CogTool users reveal that CogTool-Helper resonates with a "pain point" of real-world modeling and provide suggestions for future work.
Biochemical Properties of CikA, an Unusual Phytochrome-like Histidine Protein Kinase That Resets the Circadian Clock in Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942

We recently described the cikA (circadian input kinase A) gene, whose product supplies environmental information to the circadian oscillator in the cyanobacterium Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942. CikA possesses three distinct domains: a GAF, a histidine protein kinase (HPK), and a receiver domain similar to those of the response regulator family. To determine how CikA functions in providing circadian input, we constructed modified alleles to tag and truncate the protein, allowing analysis of each domain individually. CikA covalently bound bilin chromophores in vitro, even though it lacks the expected ligand residues, and the GAF domain influenced but did not entirely account for this function. Full-length CikA and truncated variants that carry the HPK domain showed autophosphorylation activity. Deletion of the GAF domain or the N-terminal region adjacent to GAF dramatically reduced autophosphorylation, whereas elimination of the receiver domain increased activity 10-fold. Assays to test phosphorelay from the HPK to the cryptic receiver domain, which lacks the conserved aspartyl residue that serves as a phosphoryl acceptor in response regulators, were negative. We propose that the cryptic receiver is a regulatory domain that interacts with an unknown protein partner to modulate the autokinase activity of CikA but does not work as bona fide receiver domain in a phosphorelay.
Comment on "Eddy/Wind Interactions Stimulate Extraordinary Mid-Ocean Plankton Blooms"

McGillicuddy et al. (Reports, 18 May 2007, p. 1021) proposed that eddy/wind interactions enhance the vertical nutrient flux in mode-water eddies, thus feeding large mid-ocean plankton blooms. We argue that the supply of nutrients to ocean eddies is most likely affected by submesoscale processes that act along the periphery of eddies and can induce vertical velocities several times larger than those due to eddy/wind interactions.
Lessons from California's stumble into the dark ages: Disrespect of knowledge

An eleven-year-old girl called recently into a live National Public Radio program in which the electricity shortages in California were discussed, and expressed surprise at the big fuss. She offered that this is commonplace in many countries, and people still live well. So, we could just regard this as an "event" (a nuclear industry expression for disasters or near-disasters), keep fresh batteries for the flashlight and kerosene for the lamp, and hope that someone will find a fix. What is amazing though to many of us is that this is happening in California, one of the most wealthy, productive and educationally and technologically advanced regions of the world. The consequences of this mishap are having seriously damaging consequences to the economy directly through immediate loss of productivity, and to employment shortly thereafter, a vicious cycle. Like any other crisis, this has also created an opportunity, for objective and constructive citizens, experts, and leaders, for special interest groups, and, unfortunately, for scoundrels too. The crisis has been blamed on the California lifestyle and growth, on environmentalists, on those who oppose nuclear power, on the international concern about CO2 emissions, on the greed of corporations in the electricity supply chain, on OPEC, on SUV-s and the car industry in general, on the federal government (past and present, depending on which of them is doing the blaming), on the state government (past and present, ditto), and within some groups, I am sure, it was blamed on inadequate application of Fung Shuey to the design of power plants and the unfavorable constellation of the planets and stars. Consequentially, pursuing its crisis-independent agenda, the current federal administration uses this crisis to justify increased fuel exploration in previously protected areas, rejection of the international CO2 emission-reduction Kyoto proposals, and weakening of the Clean Air and Clean Water Acts which are generally viewed as two of the most outstanding legislation gems passed by Congress. While the blame should be shared by many, this editorial focuses on disrespect of knowledge
Vocalizations as measures of pain in monkeys.

Abstract Because vocalizations have been utilized as measures of pain reactivity and are reduced in frequency by systemic morphine in rodents, vocalization patterns of monkeys were analyzed in detail to determine whether specific relationships to pain could be established. Vocalizations were recorded as monkeys performed on tasks that presented the opportunity either to acquire food reinforcement or escape electrical stimulation (ES) of one leg. Three of 5 monkeys vocalized during sessions on the escape task, and 2 of 3 monkeys vocalized while performing for food reinforcement. The amplitudes and durations of vocalizations did not vary significantly over bins of time within the intertriai intervals of 1 min, and these aspects of the monkeys' calls were not affected by the intensity of the electrocutaneous stimulation or by morphine. Although the frequency of vocalizations was greatest within a reactive period of 6–12 sec following onset of a trial, vocalization frequency was not uniquely related to the occurrence of painful stimulation. Rates of vocal calls in the reactive period were higher following presentation only of a tone (that had been paired with shock in previous sessions) than following electrocutaneous stimulation, and vocalization frequency was not directly related to the intensity of painful stimulation. Furthermore, the vocalization patterns were similar for monkeys performing aversive or appetitive responses. Finally, systemic morphine reduced the frequency of vocalizations overall, without evidence for a selective effect on vocal calls elicited by painful stimulation. This result suggests a direct effect of morphine on the neural circuitry subserving vocalizations. Spectrographs of vocalizations revealed that 2 monkeys emitted a ‘broken scream’ call that occurred most often as the first vocalization following strong electrocutaneous stimulation, and 0.25 mg/kg of morphine reduced the frequency with which strong shock elicited these vocalizations. Although broken screams appeared to represent vocalizations in response to aversion, they also occurred following presentation of a tone that had been paired with shock, and therefore they do not reliably indicate the presence of pain.
History of Mechanisms: The Odometer of the Mormon Trail

The wagon odometer (or “roadometer”), designed, built, and implemented on the Mormon Trail, has generated much interest because of the documentation of the odometer’s design, the unusual circumstances under which it was developed, the impact it made on the settlement of the West, and the epic nature of the Mormon Exodus. This paper reviews first-person accounts documenting the odometer’s development, discusses the odometer’s impact, and reviews myths and misconceptions surrounding the odometer. In contrast to previous assumptions, this paper argues that enough information is provided from the accounts, combined with knowledge of gear design, to determine the actual gear sizes. Calculations and arguments are provided to support the idea that the gear diameters were 15 inches (38 cm) for the 60-tooth gear, 10 inches (25 cm) for the 40-tooth gear, and 1 inch (2.54 cm) for the 4-tooth gear.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Behavioral thermoregulation and diel activity in white sucker (Catostomus commersoni)

Abstract 1. 1. In an electronic thermoregulatory shuttlebox, eleven white suckers (Catostomus commersoni) were tested individually for 3-day periods, controlling water temperatures by their movements between chambers monitored by photocells. 2. 2. Eighty-nine per cent of locomotor activity (light beam interruptions) occurred during darkness under an L:D 12:12 photoperiod. 3. 3. Preferred temperatures ranged from 22.8 to 261.°C, and were slightly higher during the day (mean = 24.2°C, mode = 25°C) than at night (mean and mode = 24.0°C).
Blockade of Tumor Necrosis Factor-induced Bid Cleavage by Caspase-resistant Rb

Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF) activates caspase-8 to cleave effector caspases or Bid, resulting in type-1 or type-2 apoptosis, respectively. We show here that TNF also induces caspase-8-dependent C-terminal cleavage of the retinoblastoma protein (Rb). Interestingly, fibroblasts from RbMI/MI mice, in which the C-terminal caspase cleavage site is mutated, exhibit a defect in Bid cleavage despite caspase-8 activation. Recent results suggest that TNF receptor endocytosis is required for the activation of caspase-8. Consistent with this notion, inhibition of V-ATPase, which plays an essential role in acidification and degradation of endosomes, specifically restores Bid cleavage in RbMI/MI cells. Inhibition of V-ATPase sensitizes RbMI/MI but not wild-type fibroblasts to TNF-induced apoptosis and stimulates inflammation-associated colonic apoptosis in RbMI/MI but not wild-type mice. These results suggest that Rb cleavage is required for Bid cleavage in TNF-induced type-2 apoptosis, and this requirement can be supplanted by the inhibition of V-ATPase.
Mastery of naming skills by a chimpanzee

Abstract The acquisition of naming skills by a chimpanzee in a computer-controlled language-training situation is described. Initial training consisted of presenting one of two exemplars coupled with the question, What name of this? Upon mastery of that phase, two transfer-of-naming tasks were given, results of which demonstrated that the subject had come to learn that things can be referred to by name.
Auditory cortical processing in noise in younger and older adults

AbstractObjective: A common clinical complaint among older adults is difficulty hearing in noise, even in those with normal or near-normal peripheral hearing sensitivity. Researchers have demonstrated behavioral hearing in noise deficits in older adults, but to date limited evidence, particularly objective, exists elucidating the effects of age on auditory cortical processing in noise. The purpose of this investigation was to explore age related differences in auditory cortical processing at multiple signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs). Study design: Twenty normal-hearing young adults and 15 normal-hearing older adults participated in the study. Late auditory evoked potential (N1 and P2) latencies and amplitudes were measured in quiet and at three signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) (+ 20, + 10, and 0 SNR). Repeated measures analyses of variance (ANOVA) were utilized to determine if statistically significant differences existed. Results: Significant group by listening condition interactions existed for N1 and P2 ampl...
Are There Significant Gravitational Corrections to the Unification Scale

Abstract Higher dimension operators may be induced in the lagrangian of a unified theory by gravity. We find that c tr( G μv G μv H )/ M Planck can lead to substantial corrections to the unification scale. For ordinary SU(5) a second solution unifying at 10 17 GeV can exist which has no observable proton decay but an unacceptable value of sin 2 θ w . Analogous effects in supersymmetry, however, can lead to enormous corrections. We find that supersymmetric SU(5) can unify anywhere between 5 × 10 16 M X 18 GeV with an acceptable sin 2 θ w for | c | ⩽ 1.0.
The Impact of Varied Discrimination Parameters on Mixed-Format Item Response Theory Model Selection

Whittaker, Chang, and Dodd compared the performance of model selection criteria when selecting among mixed-format IRT models and found that the criteria did not perform adequately when selecting the more parameterized models. It was suggested by M. S. Johnson that the problems when selecting the more parameterized models may be because of the low variance of the discrimination parameters used to generate the data. This simulation study reproduced the Whittaker et al. study by incorporating more variability in the discrimination parameter estimates used to generate the data. The results indicated that the majority of the criteria performed more accurately when selecting the more parameterized models. Differences among the criteria performance under certain conditions and implications for model selection practice are discussed.
Elevated blood urea nitrogen/creatinine ratio is associated with poor outcome in patients with ischemic stroke

Abstract Objective Dehydration may impair cerebral oxygen delivery and worsen clinical outcome in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). We evaluated if elevated blood urea nitrogen to creatinine ratio (BUN/Cr) as a marker of dehydration was associated with poor clinical outcome in emergency department (ED) patients presenting with AIS. Methods We conducted a prospective cohort study using a stroke registry enrolling all ED patients with AIS from 10/2007 through 6/2009. Poor clinical outcome was defined as death, placement in a nursing home for purposes other than rehabilitation, or hospice within 30 days of ED presentation. A BUN/Cr ratio of ≥15 was considered elevated. (IQR). Logistic regression was performed adjusted for age >64 years, NIHSS >8, diabetes, prior CVA, and coma at presentation reporting odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals. Results 324 patients had a final diagnosis of AIS. 163 (50%) were female, 19 (6%) died, 44 (14%) received t-PA, and 89 (27%) had a poor clinical outcome. The median NIHSS, BUN and Cr were 4 (IQR 1–9), 14 mg/dL (IQR 11–21), and 1.02 mg/dL (IQR 0.87–1.27) respectively. The median BUN/Cr was 13.9 (IQR 10.6–18.5). The variables associated with a poor clinical outcome were: high NIHSS OR 6.5 (3.6–11.8), age >64 years OR 2.7 (1.5–5.0), and BUN/Cr ratio of ≥15 OR 2.2 (1.2–4.0). Conclusion An elevated BUN/Cr ratio in patients with AIS is associated with poor outcome at 30 days. Further study is needed to see if acutely addressing hydration status in ED patients with AIS can alter outcome.
Direct modification of low density lipoprotein by the spin trap 3,5-dibromo-4-nitrosobenzenesulfonic acid.

Abstract We have previously reported that the spin trap α-phenyl-tert-butyl nitrone (PBN) inhibited the oxidative modification of low density lipoprotein (LDL) (Kalyanaraman, B., Antholine, W.E. and Parthasarathy, S. (1990) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 1035. 286–292). In the present study, we report that 3,5-dibromo-4-nitrosobenzenesulfonic acid (DBNBS), a water-soluble spin trap, also inhibited the oxidation of LDL as measured by the formation of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). However, when compared with LDL incubated without DBNBS, the DBNBS-incubated LDL showed increased negative charge on agarose gel electrophoresis and was avidly degraded by mouse peritoneal macrophages. Despite the suggestion of biological modification, there was no decrease in lysine-amino groups in DBNBS-incubated LDL. Furthermore, reductively methylated LDL in which more than 85% of the amino group of lysines was blocked, was also modified by DBNBS. A sulfonic acid analog of PBN failed to modify LDL in a similar manner, suggesting that the presence of sulfonic acid alone does not ensure modification. When LDL was incubated with DBNBS, radical adducts associated with both lipid and protein were detected by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) technique. It is suggested that DBNBS may bind to the apoprotein B100 and lipids of LDL by a lysine-independent mechanism resulting in increased recognition and degradation by macrophages. The present work offers a novel approach for rapid modification of LDL.
Population structure and movements of freshwater turtles across a road-density gradient

Understanding interactions between roadways and population structure and movements of wildlife is key to mitigating “road effects” associated with increasing urbanization of the landscape. Aquatic turtles are a useful focal group because (1) population persistence is sensitive to mortality of individuals upon roads; (2) turtles frequently move among wetlands and encounter roads, and (3) turtles are an important component of vertebrate biomass in aquatic ecosystems. From 2005 to 2007, we examined the effects of urbanization on local- and landscape-scale populations of turtles. To do so, we sampled and marked turtles in 15 ponds arranged along a steep, urban–rural gradient in central New York State. We captured 494 turtles, representing 327 individuals, the majority of which were common snapping turtles Chelydra serpentina (n = 191) and eastern painted turtles Chrysemys picta picta (n = 122). At the local population (pond) scale, a higher proportion of female snapping turtles in ponds was associated with lower road densities within 500 m of ponds. The mean size of both species of turtle increased in ponds with a lower density of roads within 100 m. At the landscape-level, we observed fewer turtles dispersing through urbanized habitat than forested, and fewer movements through areas with a higher density of roads. Our study suggests that roads alter both local- and landscape-level turtle populations through a loss of female turtles, and by reducing movement between ponds. By extension, the study targets key landscape features upon which to focus mitigation efforts.
Equilibrium theory for hysteresis-dependent fixed-bed desorption

Abstract The effect of hysteresis on fixed-bed desorption was investigated, based on local equilibrium theory. According to the geometric condition: ∂ q /∂ y = Δ q /Δ y , different type isotherms were analyzed to determine the locations of simple waves, shcok waves and/or combined waves. The characteristics, bed profiles and elution curves were constructed for three systems which collectively exhibited isotherm Types I, II, IV and V, and hysteresis loop Types H1, H2 and H4. The effect of hysteresis was ascertained by comparing elution along the adsorption branch of the isotherm with that along the desorption branch. The results showed that hysteresis can increase significantly the time associated with desorption. To attain complete desorption, 10–30% delay was realized by three systems investigated. Moreover, because the elution curves were, in some cases, significantly different, an even greater effect of hysteresis can be realized when complete regeneration is not advantageous.
Human odor intensity perception: correlation with frog epithelial adenylate cyclase activity and transepithelial voltage response.

Abstract Although a number of odorants are hypothesized to depolarize frog olfactory receptor cells by binding to ciliary glycoproteins which activate membrane-bound G-proteins to induce adenylate cyclase-mediated increases in intracellular cAMP (cyclic adenosine 3′,5′-monophosphate), it is not known whether these odorants influence human odor perception via similar mechanisms. In this paper we present evidence derived from odor attribute ranking and multidimensional scaling procedures that the perceived intensity of such odorants to humans is correlated with (a) the amount of adenylate cyclase activity they induce in an in vitro frog olfactory cilia preparation and (b) the magnitude of their influence on the frog transepithelial voltage response or electro-olfactogram (EOG). These observations are in accord with the hypothesis that the perception of the intensity of some odors by humans is associated with cAMP-related epithelial processes and imply that remarkable homologies exist between the intensity-related olfactory receptor mechanisms of frog and man.
ABLATION OF THE MATERNAL SUPRACHIASMATIC NUCLEI DISRUPTS THE TIMING OF THE FETAL CIRCADIAN CLOCK

We have proven in the rat that a functional circadian clock oscillates in the fetal suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) and that the maternal circadian system coordinates the phase of the fetal clocks to ambient lighting conditions (Science 220:969, 1983). As the first step towards elucidating the mechanism of maternal coordination, we examined the effects of maternal SCN ablation. The 14C-deoxyglucose (DG) method was used to monitor metabolic activity of the fetal SCN. Timed pregnant rats were exposed to diurnal lighting throughout pregnancy. On gestational day 7, dams either received bilateral electrolytic SCN lesions or sham lesions. On gestational day 18, all were placed in constant darkness; dams were injected i.v. with 145 μCi/kg DG during either mid-subjective day or mid-subjective night on gestational day 21. Autoradiographs of serial sections of fetal brains from sham-operated dams revealed that the fetal SCN were all metabolically active during subjective day (n=18) and all inactive during subjective night (n=18). In contrast, after histologically confirmed complete SCN ablation in the dam, there was no significant day-night variation of SCN metabolic activity in the fetuses; activity was scattered over the inactive to active range within each of the 3 litters studied (8-10 fetuses/litter) at each of the two injection times. The results indicate that the maternal SCN are essential for coordination of the fetal circadian clock. (Supported by PHS Grant HD14427)
Age recognition from voice.

The ability of 10 listeners to differentiate the voices of younger adults (under age 35) from older (over age 65) subjects on the basis of a prolonged vowel, a reading sample played backward, and a...
How and why people Twitter: the role that micro-blogging plays in informal communication at work

Micro-blogs, a relatively new phenomenon, provide a new communication channel for people to broadcast information that they likely would not share otherwise using existing channels (e.g., email, phone, IM, or weblogs). Micro-blogging has become popu-lar quite quickly, raising its potential for serving as a new informal communication medium at work, providing a variety of impacts on collaborative work (e.g., enhancing information sharing, building common ground, and sustaining a feeling of connectedness among colleagues). This exploratory research project is aimed at gaining an in-depth understanding of how and why people use Twitter - a popular micro-blogging tool - and exploring micro-blog's poten-tial impacts on informal communication at work.
Development of gemifloxacin in vitro susceptibility test methods for gonococci including quality control guidelines

Abstract Gemifloxacin (formerly SB-265805 or LB20304a) is a new fluoronapthyridone with documented activity against Gram-positive and -negative organisms. The activity of gemifloxacin was tested against 150 Neisseria gonorrhoeae strains, using reference agar dilution, standardized disk diffusion, and Etest (AB BIODISK, Solna, Sweden) methods. Gemifloxacin was very potent against ciprofloxacin (CIPRO)-susceptible strains (MIC 90, 0.008 μg/ml) but was significantly less active against the CIPRO-resistant gonococci (MIC 90, 0.12 μg/ml). Etest and reference agar dilution MIC results showed excellent correlation ( r = 0.96), and 98.7% MICs were within ± one log 2 dilution. Agar dilution MICs were also compared to zone diameters obtained using gemifloxacin 5-μg disks; and complete intermethod categorical agreement (100%) was achieved applying breakpoints proposed as follows: ≤0.25 μg/ml (zone, ≥ 25 mm) for susceptible and ≥1 μg/ml (zone, ≤21 mm) for resistant. Gemifloxacin MIC and disk diffusion test quality control (QC) ranges were established for N. gonorrhoeae ATCC 49226. Data were collected from ≥ seven laboratories, three GC agar medium lots for both agar MICs and disk methods, and two lots each of the 5- and 10-μg disks. The proposed MIC QC range was 0.002 to 0.016 μg/ml and the calculated mm zone ranges (median ± 0.5× average mm range) for both disks were similar, but contained only 88.1 to 91.9% of participant results. To achieve the acceptable ≥ 95% of all study results within range, a 43 to 54 mm limits (5-μg disks) were necessary. The excellent broad-spectrum activity and a low reported adverse effects profile of gemifloxacin shows a potential for treatment of fluoroquinolone-resistant gonorrhea.
Quaternary epitope specificities of anti-HIV-1 neutralizing antibodies generated in rhesus macaques infected by the simian/human immunodeficiency virus SHIVSF162P4.

Monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) that neutralize human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) have been isolated from HIV-1-infected individuals or animals immunized with recombinant HIV-1 envelope (Env) glycoprotein constructs. The epitopes of these neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) were shown to be located on either the variable or conserved regions of the HIV-1 Env and to be linear or conformational. However, one neutralizing MAb, 2909, which was isolated from an HIV-1-infected subject, recognizes a more complex, quaternary epitope that is present on the virion-associated functional trimeric Env spike of the SF162 HIV-1 isolate. Here, we discuss the isolation of 11 anti-HIV NAbs that were isolated from three rhesus macaques infected with the simian/human immunodeficiency virus SHIV SF162P4 and that also recognize quaternary epitopes. A detailed epitope mapping analysis of three of these rhesus antibodies revealed that their epitopes overlap that of the human MAb 2909. Despite this overall similarity in binding, however, differences in specific amino acid and glycosylation pattern requirements for MAb 2909 and the rhesus MAbs were identified. These results highlight similarities in the B-cell responses of humans and macaques to structurally complex neutralization epitopes on related viruses, HIV-1 and SHIV.
A Rare Epidemic of Sugar Beet Seedling Rust in Nebraska

Sugar beet seedling rust, caused by Puccinia subnitens, is a disease that has rarely been observed in sugar beet production. The pycnial and aecial stages occur on sugar beets, while the uredial and telial stages infect the primary host, inland saltgrass (Distichlis spicata). In mid-May 2009, lesions indicative of sugar beet seedling rust were found on young sugar beet plants in a field near Bayard, Nebraska. Because of the continued cool weather with above average precipitation throughout May, a survey of sugar beet production fields in western Nebraska was conducted between late-May and mid-June to further document the incidence and distribution of seedling rust caused by P. subnitens. Over this time period, 37 of 57 (65%) scouted locations, representing 8 counties in Nebraska contained sugar beet or common lambsquarter plants with pycnia and/or aecia of P. subnitens. The majority (89%) of those pathogen-infested fields were located within two counties in the North Platte Valley (Scotts Bluff and Morrill). A similar survey was conducted during May and June 2010, with only 26% of monitored locations yielding infected plants (8 of 31). The results from this survey during 2009-2010 represent the first time the disease has been found occurring naturally from field infections in Nebraska and anywhere else in the world for almost 100 years.