cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Calories count: Memory of eating is evolutionarily special

Abstract How well do we remember eating food? Some nutritional scientists have decried memory of eating as being highly unreliable (i.e. low in accuracy), but it is unclear if memory of eating is particularly worse than memory of other behaviors. In fact, evolutionary reasoning suggests the mammalian memory system might be biased towards enhanced memory of eating. We created a novel behavioral task to investigate the relative strength and determinants of memory of eating. In this task, participants were cued to eat a single item of food every time a tone was sounded and were later asked to recall how many items of food they consumed. In Experiment 1, we found that memory for the behavior of eating was more accurate than memory for similar but noneating behaviors. In Experiment 2, we ruled out a potential physiological mechanism (glucose ingestion) behind this effect. Last, in two pre-registered studies, we explored determinants of memory of eating. In Experiment 3, we found that the caloric density of the consumed food item potentiates its ability to be remembered and in Experiment 4 we found that a slow eating rate results in more accurate memory of eating than a fast eating rate. Understanding these and future factors that influence memory of eating might be useful in designing intervention strategies to enhance memory of eating, which has been shown to reduce future food consumption. Ultimately these four studies inform our understanding of how selective pressures shaped memory and lay the groundwork for further investigations into memory of eating.
Educational Technology Research: Contexts, Complexity and Challenges

This paper explores the development of educational technology research over the last 50 years. This is done by considering what has influenced this development and what are current trends. The issue is further explored by considering what influence these trends have had on the development of distance learning pedagogy, especially for the education of adults. Technology Enhanced Learning or educational technology research (TEL) is a relatively young area of research. The work of educational technologists and others involved in education research has indeed been interdisciplinary. So, part of the exploration of trends in this paper has been directed towards understanding the impact of other areas of research on progress in educational technology research. A central focus of the paper is the understanding of how the “TEL Complex” (Scanlon et al. 2013) encapsulates some of these influences both from interdisciplinary perspectives and from an understanding of the complexity which has to be considered as part of the situatedness of the developments. The paper discusses some key contemporary trends in educational technology research. These are identified as personalisation, social learning, learning design, machine learning, and data driven improvement. These are worthy of exploration, in part, because each has a basis in early work in the field and therefore illustrate some continuing concerns. The paper concludes by acknowledging the broader influences on the development of educational technology and the complexity of the challenges facing the field and its practical applications.
Readmission after hospitalization with Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia in children.

Background Readmission rate is an important quality measure and can inform patient care. However, readmission of S. aureus bacteremia in children requires further research. Methods We performed a population-based longitudinal observational study using the State Inpatient Database from New York, Florida, and Washington, 2009-2015. Children aged 18 years or younger hospitalized with S. aureus bacteremia were included. The outcome of non-elective readmission was assessed by developing Cox proportional hazards regression models. Results Of 1240 children with S. aureus bacteremia, 223 (18.0%) and 351 (28.3%) had non-elective readmission within 30 days and 90 days after discharge, respectively. On multivariable analysis, catheter related infection (hazard ratio, HR: 1.79, 95% confidence interval, CI: 1.31-2.45) was associated with 30-day readmission. The median cost of the original hospitalization for S. aureus bacteremia was $29 914 (interquartile range, IQR: $13 276-$71 284), and that of 30 day readmission was $10 956 (IQR: $5765-$24 753). Conclusions S. aureus bacteremia is associated with a high rate of readmission in children, particularly in those with catheter related infection. Hospitalization with S. aureus bacteremia and readmission are costly. Future research should seek interventions to improve outcomes of S. aureus bacteremia in children, and the results of this study can serve as a benchmark.
Phytophthora sojae pathotype distribution and fungicide sensitivity in Michigan.

Identifying the pathotype structure of a Phytophthora sojae population is crucial for the effective management of Phytophthora stem and root rot of soybean (PRR). P. sojae has been successfully managed with major resistance genes, partial resistance, and fungicide seed treatments. However, prolonged use of resistance genes or fungicides can cause pathogen populations to adapt over time, rendering resistance genes or fungicides ineffective. A statewide survey was conducted to characterize the current pathotype structure and fungicide sensitivity of P. sojae within Michigan. Soil samples were collected from 69 fields with a history of PRR and fields having consistent plant stand establishment issues. Eighty-three isolates of P. sojae were obtained, and hypocotyl inoculations were performed on 14 differential soybean cultivars, all of which carry a single Rps gene or no resistance gene. The survey identified a loss of effectiveness of Rps genes 1b, 1k, 3b and 6, compared to a previous survey conducted in Michigan from 1993-1997. Three effective resistance genes were identified for P. sojae management in Michigan; Rps 3a, 3c, and 4. Additionally, the effective concentration of common seed treatment fungicides to inhibit mycelial growth by 50% (EC50) was determined. No P. sojae isolates were insensitive to the tested chemistries with mean EC50 values of 2.60x10-2 µg/ml for ethaboxam, 3.03x10-2 µg/ml for mefenoxam, 2.88x10-4 µg/ml for oxathiapiprolin, and 5.08x10-2 µg/ml for pyraclostrobin. Results suggest that while there has been a significant shift in Rps gene effectiveness, seed treatments are still effective for early season management of this disease.
Uncertainty Analysis of Wind Power Based on Operating Data

The uncertainty of wind power prediction has a serious impact on the stable operation of power system. In this paper, the actual operation data of 200 wind farms in a certain area of China are collected, and the wind farm stations are divided into different scale station clusters according to the integration location of the grid. The distribution characteristics of wind power prediction error of station clusters are analyzed. Then, based on the prediction error and power correlation characteristics, a clustering segmentation prediction error analysis method is proposed. Finally, the nonparametric kernel density estimation is used to fit the prediction error of station cluster, and the fitting precision evaluation indexes are compared to verify the applicability and effectiveness of the proposed method for the prediction error distribution of station cluster.
GASP Simulation of Terminal Air Traffic System

The objective of this study was to develop a simulation model to effectively assist in planning air traffic control operations in the terminal area. The analysis applied unique concepts employing a discrete events simulation philosophy through the proven simulation language known as GASP. In pursuing this objective, the study included pertinent factors associated with actual air traffic operations such as interaction between approaches, aircraft flight characteristics, and landings and takeoffs. An attempt was made to indicate the applicability of the derived solution in such analyses as runway evaluation, system component evaluations, landing sequencing policies, and sensitivity studies. The modeling philosophy was that aircraft were ‘flown’ through the system by indexing them through three nodes—the holding stack, a point on final approach, and touchdown. The system operated on a time basis causing the arrival of an aircraft at a node only at the proper time, and assuring proper aircraft separation throughout the system in time.
Perceptions And Validation Of Key Information Technology Competencies From An IT Alumni Viewpoint: Another Stakeholder In The Curriculum Design Process

The objective of this research was to determine the perceptions of End-user Information Systems graduates from selected universities (now alumni status) regarding an updated Organizational & End-user Information Systems (OEIS) curriculum sponsored by the Organizational Systems Research Association now referred to as AIS-SIG OSRA. The study included the following research objectives: (1) to determine the perceived level of importance of the OEIS curriculum content in today’s global workforce and (2) to ascertain the information systems (IS) personnel viewpoints on the overall importance of the specific course objectives. Survey findings revealed specific topics are of critical and/or considerable importance upon graduation from an end-user information systems-related program. An understanding of the systems development life cycle (SDLC) including planning and implementation of end-user support systems in combination with troubleshooting skills were perceived to be noted essential components of an IT curriculum. Moreover, an experiential learning/internship experience—similar to a clinical practicum--was deemed to be of critical importance for information technology (IT) professionals. To further validate the model, it is recommended that universities in other regions of the United States survey their alumni to assess what specific IS & IT objectives and skill sets are currently needed, especially given the exponential demand for trained personnel in emerging areas of health information technology, enterprise systems, project management, virtualization, and information assurance.
A new role for the technical communicator: facilitating improved supervisor-employee communication

It is suggested that, with their communication skills, technical writers and editors are in a unique position to contribute to the improvement of supervisor-employee communication. As part of the trend toward total quality control within organizations, management must recognize the need for improvement in both upward and downward communication. When managers use a noise audit to determine the factors that act as barriers to interpersonal communication, they can learn to reduce or eliminate those barriers. Managers may also use a noise audit to understand the characteristics of managers who successfully combat psychological noise in communicating with employees. For technical communicators, designing and facilitating appropriate noise audits can prove to be a valuable contribution to productivity improvement within their organizations. It is concluded that today, when management's quest for continuous improvement has spread from the manufacturing process to such concerns as the quality of documents and presentations, technical communicators must be ready to contribute to supervisor-employee communication. >
Linear modeling and nonlinearity compensation of the high density disc channel

As the recording density increases, the linear convolution model, which expresses the time-dependent readout signal as a convolution of unit optical stylus with a data sequence, does not simulate the readout signal well enough to be used for performance analysis.
The effect of race and socioeconomic status on outcomes following adrenal operations.

Background Disparities following different operations exist. We seek to measure the effects of race/ethnicity and socioeconomic status on outcomes following adrenal surgery. Methods Cross-sectional analysis of adrenal operations identified in the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) from 2003 to 2009. Results A total of 7,537 procedures were included. Operations by high-volume surgeons had shorter length of stay (LOS) (3.4 days vs. 5.2 days, P 5 days. Conclusions Racial and socioeconomic disparities exist; however, they are not solely related to access. A complex interplay between various racial, cultural, and socioeconomic factors likely influence outcomes in adrenal surgery. J. Surg. Oncol. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Modeling and identification of a current to vacuum transducer and VNT actuator

This paper describes a model for a current to vacuum transducer (CVT) in conjunction with a variable nozzle turbocharger (VNT) actuator. CVTs are commonly used in automotive applications for the control of exhaust gas recirculation valves, throttles, port deactivation devices, and variable geometry turbochargers. They are relatively cheap, however, their dynamic behavior exhibits serious nonlinearities. The model developed in this report serves to aid in the development and initial validation of control algorithms for vacuum actuated devices. The dynamics between CVT duty cycle input and VNT guide vane position are developed here from first principles and experimental data. The experimental data shown in this report were obtained from a 2.0 liter DI Diesel engine, equipped with the VNT-15 VNT from Allied Signal.
Comparative analysis of the concentration of injected horseradish peroxidase in cytoplasmic granules of the kidney cortex, in the blood, urine, and liver.

The concentration of horseradish peroxidase in total particulate fractions from the kidney cortex did not change much during the first few hours after injection, as long as most of the injected protein was not yet cleared from the blood. It decreased at a rate of 6–8% per hr afterwards. The concentration of peroxidase in total particulate fractions increased in proportion to the load (dose) over a wide range, suggesting that a constant fraction of the protein was reabsorbed by micropinocytic vesicles into the tubule cells from the glomerular filtrate. The amount of peroxidase excreted in the urine also increased in proportion to the injected dose. The proportion of peroxidase taken up by the liver, however, decreased several times when the dose was increased. A marked decrease of protein uptake into the kidney cortex and an increase of urinary excretion were observed when rats received a second, equal dose of peroxidase 4 hr after the first injection, and the rate of clearance of peroxidase from the blood was decreased after the second injection. The liver, on the other hand, took up almost twice as much peroxidase after two injections as after one. The uptake of peroxidase by the kidney cortex increased with age. Cytochemical observations on the preferential absorption of peroxidase by certain cell types and segments of the renal tubules in relation to dose are reported.
Variability in the 28-kDa Surface Antigen Protein Multigene Locus of Isolates of the Emerging Disease Agent Ehrlichia chaffeensis Suggests That It Plays a Role in Immune Evasion

Abstract Infections caused by rickettsial pathogens persist in vertebrate hosts for long periods of time, despite the active host immune response. We recently described the multigene locus encoding 28 kDa surface antigen proteins (28 kDa SAPs) for two closely related rickettsials, Ehrlichia chaffeensis and Ehrlichia canis (Reddy, G. R., et al. (1998) Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 247, 636–643), that share extensive structural homology to antigenic variant surface protein genes of Neisseria and Borrelia species. In this study, we describe motifs for recombinase binding sites and a high frequency of repeat elements in the cloned 28 kDa SAP genes. The locus for two newly established E. chaffeensis isolates also was characterized, and immunological specificity of the 28 kDa SAPs was investigated. The study identified variant forms of the 28 kDa SAPs and extensive restriction fragment length polymorphisms among isolates. The molecular data suggest that the locus is influenced by short-term evolutionary changes such as genetic recombinations leading to the generation of antigenic variants. Antigenic variation could contribute to the mechanism of immune evasion and the emergence of new diseases.
Intracranial hemorrhage and vitamin K deficiency in early infancy

We report late-onset (1/2 to 6 months of age) intracranial hemorrhage related to vitamin K deficiency in 32 breast-fed infants, 31 of whom received no prophylactic vitamin K at birth. Computerized tomography showed mild to severe intracranial hemorrhage. Most (90.6%) had subarachnoid hemorrhage, either alone or in combination with subdrual hemorrhage (37.5%), parenchymal hemorrhage (31.3%), or intraventricular hemorrhage (12.5%). In three (9.4%) the infratentorial region was involved.
Metastatic tumors of spermatic cord

Abstract A case of metastatic carcinoma to the spermatic cord is presented. The previous 12 cases documented in the literature are reviewed. In the majority of cases the primary tumor occurred in the gastrointestinal tract with metastasis to the spermatic cord by retrograde lymphatic flow.
Solar and geomagnetic effects on upper atmospheric temperature.

Satellite drag analysis of atmospheric temperatures noting effects of UV, solar radiation and geomagnetic fluctuations
VERTEBRAL OSTEOLOGY AND COMPLEXITY IN LAGENORHYNCHUS ACUTUS (DELPHINIDAE) WITH COMPARISON TO OTHER DELPHINOID GENERA

The vertebral column of the Atlantic white-sided dolphin, Lagenorhynchus acutus, reflects the radical reorganization of the cetacean column for locomotion in water. Both posterior thoracic and anterior caudal vertebrae have been ‘‘lumbarized,’’ and discontinuities occur within the caudal series at the synclinal point and fluke base. Morphology changes subtly as body size increases. Neural process height increases more rapidly, and centrum length more variably, than other vertebral parameters. As a result, large animals have disproportionately tall neural processes, short necks, long mid-body regions, and short flukes. Vertebral columns of large animals also show greater complexity (range, irregularity, and polarization) of centrum length than do those of smaller animals. Comparisons among dolphins reveal that complexity trends with respect to differentiation of parts run counter to the trend with respect to number of parts, a relationship predicted by Williston in 1914.
When Sex Equals AIDS: Symbolic Stigma and Heterosexual Adults' Inaccurate Beliefs about Sexual Transmission of AIDS

Data from an experiment embedded in a national telephone survey of heterosexual, English-speaking U.S. adults ( N = 1,283) were used to examine the relationship between manifestations of symbolic stigma and erroneous beliefs about AIDS transmission. Each respondent was presented with three scenarios describing a hypothetical sexual encounter between a protagonist and an HIV-negative or HIV-positive partner in which condoms were or were not used. The partner's gender and the protagonist's gender and sexual orientation were experimentally manipulated. Nearly all respondents knew that AIDS could be contracted through unprotected sex with a person with AIDS. A substantial minority erroneously believed it could be contracted through sex with an uninfected partner, and significantly more respondents believed that a homosexual or bisexual man who had sex with another (uninfected) man risked contracting AIDS compared to respondents who were asked about a heterosexual encounter. Inaccurate beliefs about HIV transmission through unprotected sex were predicted by socioeconomic status (lower educational level and income), gender (being female), race (being black), religiosity, personal concern about contracting AIDS, and lack of knowledge about HIV transmission through casual contact. With other variables statistically controlled, sexual prejudice was a significant predictor of inaccurate beliefs about HIV transmission through protected sex but not unprotected sex.
Optical network survivability beyond the core

Optical network Survivability in the backbone, or core, network has been an active area of research. As optics move closer to the edge and to end users, the core network is now used not only to provide connections across a wide area,but also to provide connections for local and metropolitan area networks (LANs and MANs). While optical backbone networks are generally concerned with providing end-to-end circuits based upon whole wavelengths, optical LANS and MANs generally provide shared access to a small number of wavelengths. In this paper, we consider the issue of robustness for optical access networks built as overlays on optical mesh networks. The problem of optical access network robustness is that of maintaining connectivity among nodes of the access networks after a link (or possibly node). We survey three methods of providing robustness to optical access networks. The first method consists of building access networks as covers of rings. The second method builds folded bus overlays and use a combination of optical switches and electronic routers to provide reliability. The third generalizes the concept of buses to build tree-based robust collection and distribution routes over mesh networks. Optical access networks are beginning to be deployed at the edge of the optical backbone network to support access by the high-end users that drive increased bandwidth demands. This development in the applications of optical networking poses new challenges in the areas of medium access, topology design and network management. In this article, we survey access network architectures and outline the issues associated with providing reliability for these architectures.
766 CHARACTERIZATION OF URETER, BLADDER, AND BOWEL TISSUE INJURY AFTER COMPRESSION WITH ROBOTIC INSTRUMENTS

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: The robotic assisted technique has been criticized for its lack of haptic feedback which potentially results in less delicate tissue handling. To date, tissue injury from robotic manipulation is poorly characterized and tissue survival implications are unknown. This study was designed to examine the histopathologic changes in the acute and subacute periods after robotic manipulation. METHODS: A total of 20 animals were studied with 10 pigs in each of the acute and subacute arms. Ureter, bladder, and bowel were examined for tissue injury after timed durations of robotic grasper compression (no compression, 1 second, 10 seconds, 30 seconds, 1 minute and 5 minutes). Tissues were isolated, suture marked for identification, grasped for each time interval and immediately harvested in the acute arm or harvested after a 10–14 day survival period in the subacute arm. Paraffin block, H&E stained tissues were evaluated by a single veterinary pathologist for 4 standard characteristics of crush or perforating injury (inflammation, nuclear smearing, cellular degeneration/necrosis/loss, and hemorrhage.) Each sample received a histopathologic injury score from 0 to 5 with 0 representing no change and 5 representing severe change for each of the 4 characteristics. RESULTS: In the acute arm, the mean histopathologic injury score across all tissue types for the control samples was 0.25 (range 0–2) and for the compressed tissue, regardless of time of compression, was 0.40 (range 0–4) (p 0.02). Comparisons between acute control and compressed samples by tissue type approached statistical significance for bowel tissue (p 0.07) but not for ureter (p 0.16) or bladder (p 0.30). All pigs in the subacute group survived the observation period and at necropsy had no urinary extravasation, obstruction or bowel perforation. All of the subacute histopathologic injury scores were 0 regardless of time of compression or tissue type. CONCLUSIONS: Tissue compression with robotic instruments should be minimized, however, no subacute clinical or histopathologic consequences of tissue compression were observed. Additional studies of tissue compression with robotic instruments combined with ischemic insult, such as that associated with transection of the involved tissue are needed.
The Cytoplasmic Domain of Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-stimulating Factor (GM-CSF) Receptor α Subunit Is Essential for Both GM-CSF-mediated Growth and Differentiation

Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) regulates differentiation, survival, and proliferation of colony-forming unit-granulocyte-macrophage progenitor cells. The biologic actions of GM-CSF are mediated by binding to a specific receptor consisting of two chains designated as α and β subunits. We have demonstrated that the murine FDC-P1-derived cell line WT-19 transfected with the human GM-CSF receptor α and β subunits (GM-CSFRα and β) can be induced to differentiate by the addition of human GM-CSF (hGM-CSF). By expressing a series of GM-CSFRα mutants in WT19 cells, we have determined the amino acid domains of the GM-CSFRα cytoplasmic domain that regulate cell differentiation, proliferation, and survival. We found that the membrane proximal proline-rich domain and adjacent 16 residues are essential for both hGM-CSF-dependent cell proliferation and differentiation. In contrast, the C-terminal region of the GM-CSFRα cytoplasmic domain was not necessary for cell differentiation mediated by hGM-CSF, but the removal of this region severely impaired the ability of hGM-CSF to support cell survival. While the activation of JAK2, Shc, Erk, and STAT5 proteins correlated with hGM-CSF-mediated cell growth, cellular differentiation occurred in the absence of activation of these signal transduction pathways.
Assessment of molecular diversity and population structure of the Ethiopian sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] germplasm collection maintained by the USDA–ARS National Plant Germplasm System using SSR markers

The molecular diversity and population structure present in the Ethiopian sorghum collection maintained at the USDA–ARS National Plant Germplasm System (NPGS) has not been studied. In addition, 83 % of the accessions in the Ethiopian collection lack passport information which has constrained their evaluation and utility. Therefore, 137 Ethiopian accessions from NPGS were randomly selected and characterized with 20 strategically selected simple sequence repeat markers. These markers indentified 289 alleles with average polymorphic information content of 0.78. The allele frequency distribution reflects that 62 % of the alleles were rare (<0.05), 17 % range from 0.05 to 0.10, and 22 % were higher than 0.10. Expected and observed heterozygosity were estimated at 0.78 and 0.23, respectively, demonstrating Ethiopia has high sorghum genetic diversity germplasm. Population structure analysis indentified two subpopulations of 77 and 41 accessions, respectively, while a third group was constituted by 19 accessions whose classifications were not defined (i.e. hybrids). Analysis of molecular variances determined variation within subpopulations as the major source of variation. Likewise, genetic differentiation between subpopulations was moderate (Fst = 0.10). These results indicated that a continuous exchange of genes between subpopulations of sorghum exists in Ethiopia. The absence of a well defined population structure positioned this germplasm as an important resource for the study and dissection of agricultural traits by association mapping. However, genetic redundancy analysis indicated the presence of highly related accessions, therefore, strategic selected accessions must be consider prior to phenotype evaluation of larger number of accessions. The Ethiopian collection is composed of highly genetically diverse germplasm, and the genetic information presented herein is valuable to ex situ and in situ conservation programs to promote the use of this germplasm for breeding programs.
Fretting behavior of a rubber coating: Friction characteristics of rubber debris

This paper presents friction characteristics of a rubber coating undergoing fretting-like, oscillatory motion. Results are presented for rubber coated stainless steel as well as uncoated stainless steel experiencing fretting motion. Friction coefficients are experimentally investigated before and after the rubber coating is fully worn out. The effect of load, velocity and displacement amplitude on the friction coefficients of both uncoated and coated stainless steel is discussed.
Salt Migration to the Northwest Body of Great Salt Lake, Utah

Interchange of saline lake water between the northwest body of Great Salt Lake, Utah, comprising about one-third of the lake area, and the main body of the lake, has been severely restricted by the completion of a railroad embankment across the lake in 1959. The northwest body has a relatively small volume of inflow and a somewhat greater rate of evaporation than the main body. As a result, there has been a net flow of saline water northward and accompanying deposition of a thick layer of salt over the bottom and shore of the northwest body. A unique set of hydrologic and physical-chemical influences are in action, and further important effects on the entire lake are expected.
Vertebral body replacement with an expandable cage for reconstruction after spinal tumor resection

Object. The authors report their clinical experience with expandable cages used to stabilize the spine after vertebrectomy. The objectives of surgical treatment for spine tumors include a decrease in pain, decompression of the neural elements, mechanical stabilization of the spine, and wide resection to gain local control of certain primary tumors. Most of the lesions occur in the anterior column or vertebral body (VB). Anterior column defects following resection of VBs require surgical restoration of anterior column support. Recently, various expandable cages have been developed and used clinically for VB replacement (VBR). Methods. Between January 2001 and June 2003, the authors treated 15 patients who presented with primary spinal tumors and metastatic lesions from remote sites. All patients underwent vertebrectomy, VBR with an expandable cage, and anterior instrumentation with or without posterior instrumentation, depending on the stability of the involved segment. The correction of kyphotic angle was achieved at an average of 20˚. Pain scores according to the visual analog scale decreased from 8.4 to 5.2 at the last follow-up review. Patients whose Frankel neurological grade was below D attained at least a one-grade improvement after surgery. All patients achieved immediate stability postsurgery and there were no significant complications related to the expandable cage. Conclusions. The advantage of the expandable cage is that it is easy to use because it permits optimal fit and correction of the deformity by in vivo expansion of the device. These results are promising, but long-term follow up is required.
Interactions among pathways for phosphatidylcholine metabolism, CTP synthesis and secretion through the Golgi apparatus

Phosphatidylcholine is the major phospholipid in eukaryotic cells. It serves as a structural component of cell membranes and a reservoir of several lipid messengers. Recent studies in yeast and mammalian systems have revealed interrelationships between the two pathways of phosphatidylcholine metabolism, and between these pathways and those for CTP synthesis and secretion via the Golgi. These processes involve the regulation of the CDP-choline and phosphatidylethanolamine-methylation pathways of phosphatidylcholine synthesis, CTP synthetase, phospholipase D and the phospholipid-transfer protein Sec14p.
An Archaeological Survey of El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro, Las Cruces—El Paso

Archaeologists from New Mexico State University surveyed El Camino Real, the earliest long-distance trail established by European colonists in North America, from Las Cruces, New Mexico, to El Paso, Texas. Our goal was to determine the location and condition of this historic trail within a strip of land that has witnessed significant agricultural, suburban, and urban development in recent years. Due to this development, many scholars have assumed that all physical traces of the Camino Real have been destroyed. Results of our research, however, suggest that not all remnants of the trail and related campsites have been lost.
Genomics of type 2 diabetes mellitus: implications for the clinician

Our understanding of the genetics of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has changed, in part owing to implementation of genome-wide association studies as a method for unraveling the genetic architecture of complex traits. These studies enable a global search throughout the nuclear genome for variants that are associated with specific phenotypes. Currently, single nucleotide polymorphisms in about 24 different genetic loci have been associated with T2DM. Most of these genetic loci are associated with the insulin secretion pathway rather than insulin resistance. Study design, heritability differences and the intrinsic properties of in vivo insulin resistance measures might partially explain why only a few loci associated with insulin resistance have been detected through genome-wide association approaches. Despite the success of these approaches at detecting loci associated with T2DM, currently known associations explain only a small amount of the genetic variance involved in the disease. Compared with previous studies, larger cohorts might be needed to identify variants of smaller effect sizes and lower allele frequencies. Finally, the current list of genetic loci that are related to T2DM does not seem to offer greater predictive value in determining diabetes risk than do commonly used phenotypic risk factors and family history.
Mathematical Models for Ranking from Paired Comparisons

Abstract Brief mention is made of several models in each of two categories: (I) Each possible ranking of items is assumed to have a “utility” which depends on the expected scores of the items in paired comparisons. In particular, the “worth” of an item may be defined in terms of its expected scores in comparisons with others. (II) Each item is assumed to have an intrinsic worth; these intrinsic worths determine the expected scores. A concept, “regularity” is introduced. Under (I), general linear utilities are discussed, and a necessary and sufficient condition is given in order that a linear utility may be regular. Under (II), a “minimum assumption” model is introduced. Let e(u, v) denote the expected score of an item of worth u when compared with one of worth v. The assumption is: e(u, v) is non-decreasing in u, non-increasing in v. The problem of estimating expected scores in this model is discussed.
Cytosolic Ca2+ homeostasis is a constitutive function of the V-ATPase in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

The vacuole is the major site of intracellular Ca2+ storage in yeast and functions to maintain cytosolic Ca2+ levels within a narrow physiological range via a Ca2+ pump (Pmc1p) and a H+/Ca2+antiporter (Vcx1p) driven by the vacuolar H+-ATPase (V-ATPase). We examined the function of the V-ATPase in cytosolic Ca2+ homeostasis by comparing responses to a brief Ca2+ challenge of a V-ATPase mutant (vma2Δ) and wild-type cells treated with the V-ATPase inhibitor concanamycin A. The kinetics of the Ca2+ response were determined using transgenic aequorin as an in vivo cytosolic Ca2+ reporter system. In wild-type cells, the V-ATPase-driven Vcx1p was chiefly responsible for restoring cytosolic Ca2+ concentrations after a brief pulse. In cells lacking V-ATPase activity, brief exposure to elevated Ca2+compromised viability, even when there was little change in the final cytosolic Ca2+ concentration. vma2Δ cells were more efficient at restoring cytosolic [Ca2+] after a pulse than concanamycin-treated wild-type cells, suggesting long term loss of V-ATPase triggers compensatory mechanisms. This compensation was dependent on calcineurin, and was mediated primarily by Pmc1p.
A Second Conserved GAF Domain Cysteine Is Required for the Blue/Green Photoreversibility of Cyanobacteriochrome Tlr0924 from Thermosynechococcus elongatus†

Phytochromes are widely occurring red/far-red photoreceptors that utilize a linear tetrapyrrole (bilin) chromophore covalently bound within a knotted PAS-GAF domain pair. Cyanobacteria also contain more distant relatives of phytochromes that lack this knot, such as the phytochrome-related cyanobacteriochromes implicated to function as blue/green switchable photoreceptors. In this study, we characterize the cyanobacteriochrome Tlr0924 from the thermophilic cyanobacterium Thermosynechococcus elongatus. Full-length Tlr0924 exhibits blue/green photoconversion across a broad range of temperatures, including physiologically relevant temperatures for this organism. Spectroscopic characterization of Tlr0924 demonstrates that its green-absorbing state is in equilibrium with a labile, spectrally distinct blue-absorbing species. The photochemically generated blue-absorbing state is in equilibrium with another species absorbing at longer wavelengths, giving a total of 4 states. Cys499 is essential for this behavior, because mutagenesis of this residue results in red-absorbing mutant biliproteins. Characterization of the C499D mutant protein by absorbance and CD spectroscopy supports the conclusion that its bilin chromophore adopts a similar conformation to the red-light-absorbing Pr form of phytochrome. We propose a model photocycle in which Z/E photoisomerization of the 15/16 bond modulates formation of a reversible thioether linkage between Cys499 and C10 of the chromophore, providing the basis for the blue/green switching of cyanobacteriochromes.
HICO Observations of Biological and Sediment-Transport Processes in Monterey Bay, California

Coastal marine biological and sediment-transport processes are examined with HICO (Hyperspectral Imager for the Coastal Ocean) data and other remote sensing and in situ observations. The value of HICO spatial and spectral resolution is illustrated.
Zooplankton Abundance, Biomass, and Size-Distribution in Selected Midwestern Waterbodies and Relation with Trophic State

ABSTRACT Zooplankton abundance and biomass were measured in natural lakes and impoundments in Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma during summer. Zooplankton exhibited wide ranges of abundance (70,000-1,000,000 individuals/m3) and biomass (45–1,000 mg/m3). Communities were dominated by rotifers; they comprised 70% or more of the zooplankton abundance in 41 lakes and, on average, comprised 53% of zooplankton biomass. Zooplankton in Missouri were significantly smaller than those collected in me other states, suggesting predation and regulation of size structure by zooplanktivorous fish may have differed among states at the time of this study. Within the data set, neither the microzooplankton nor the component groups of the macrozooplankton showed consistent changes witii lake trophy. Among die Missouri reservoirs, Daphnia sp. decreased and Diaphanosoma sp. increased in relation to algal chlorophyll. Both zooplankton abundance and biomass were positively correlated with algal chlorophyll (r=0.30–0.58). This ...
Dynamic pre-processing software for the hyperviscoelastic modeling of complex anisotropic biological tissue materials

Soft biological tissues are complex structures with intricate microstructure, which is usually highly anisotropic. These tissues are typically composed of multiple fiber bundles, which may have a unique orientation, defined for each single element in a large finite element mesh for modeling complex structures such as the human heart. These complex orientations can be difficult to define in an ABAQUS input deck using existing methods. In general, each change in fiber orientation requires a "new material" to be defined. Using the conventional method of defining material properties in ABAQUS is time consuming and, as a result of the large number of input constants required, is prone to errors. It is therefore deemed desirable to create a new means of material property input. The CC Cards method presented partitions the material property data for a time-dependent, anisotropic, material response into discrete card images, and thus eliminates much of the redundant data input required by ABAQUS. This strategy is also more efficient, both computationally and from the viewpoint of user time required.
Bench-Scale Testing of the Continuous Sludge Leaching Process

Boehmite has proved to be a difficult aluminum phase to dissolve out of high-level waste (HLW), requiring longer residence times and higher temperatures than the gibbsite phase for more complete dissolution. To provide a simple, compact, effective, and proven method to remove aluminum from HLW sludges, HLW feed can be blended with caustic in a reaction vessel while continuously removing permeate from the reactor. This approach allows for a concurrent addition of fresh caustic and HLW feed while simultaneously removing concentrated reacted slurry. Separation in this manner will keep solids in the reactor for longer periods of time, allowing for higher conversions than could be achieved in a normal batch reactor. The advantages for this continuous sludge leaching process are the reduction of the number of high level waste canisters by one-third to one-half at the Hanford Tank Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant, resulting in billions of dollars in life-cycle cost savings. Bench-scale continuous reactor...
Development of kinetic-based energy exchange models for noncontinuum, ionized hypersonic flows

Ultrahigh Mach number re-entry vehicles create sufficiently energetic flow conditions with substantial ionization occurring in the noncontinuum flow regime. To model these noncontinuum, ionized, and thermochemically nonequilibrium flows, a direct simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) approach is investigated. Energy exchange models that have been developed for Navier–Stokes computational fluid dynamics computations are examined and revised for application to the DSMC method. Since the electron–heavy particle collision rate is approximately two orders of magnitude higher than that between heavy particles, a new model is developed for electron scattering collision processes and electron-vibrational energy exchange based on the electron-molecule shape resonance phenomena. It is found that the flow electron and vibrational temperatures are sensitive to the electron-vibrational relaxation model because the relaxation time changes by orders of magnitude. The DSMC calculations of the bow-shock region of a blunt body were found to predict the correct flow features for free stream Knudsen numbers spanning the near-free molecular to the continuum limit. The range of degree of ionization was found to vary from the highest altitude to the lowest from 1% to 11%.
Repellency of some phenylphenols and related compounds to house flies.

Phenylphenols and related compounds were investigated as repellents to Musca domestica L. Biphenyl and 4-chloro-2-phenylphenol were the most active of the single compounds tested. A mixture of these 2 compounds with phenol, o -phenylphenol, and 6-chloro-2-phenylphenol was more repellent than any of the single components.
Is the Zone of Peace Stable? Sources of Stress and Conflict in the Industrial Democracies of Post-Cold War Europe

I would like to thank Samuel Huntington, Michael Desch, John Owen, Gideon Rose, Michael Hatch, LaMond Tullis, Benjamin Frankel, and a number of anonymous reviewers for their comments on earlier versions of this article.
t-Butyl hydroperoxide-induced changes in the physicochemical properties of human erythrocytes

Abstract Treatment of human erythrocytes with micromolar concentrations of t- butyl hydroperoxide causes a variety of changes in the physical properties of the cells. Red cells exposed to concentrations of t- butyl hydroperoxide of less than 750 μM for 15 min exhibited significant decreases in cellular and membrane deformability, increases in membrane-associated protein crosslinking, osmotic fragility and the viscosity of the intracellular hemoglobin solution. No changes in the volume or density of the cells were observed. Changes in cellular deformability are probably attributable solely to changes in the mechanical properties of the cell membrane. Conversely, when red cells are exposed to t- butyl hydroperoxide concentrations in excess of 750 μM for 15 min they exhibited decreases in cellular deformability which may be related to increases in cell volume as well as membrane rigidity.
Recovery of small pile burn scars in conifer forests of the Colorado Front Range

The ecological consequences of slash pile burning are a concern for land managers charged with maintaining forest soil productivity and native plant diversity. Fuel reduction and forest health management projects have created nearly 150,000 slash piles scheduled for burning on US Forest Service land in northern Colorado. The vast majority of these are small piles (<5 m diameter). Similar to larger piles, we found that burning small piles had significant immediate effects on soil nutrients and physical and chemical properties and native plant cover. To evaluate the need to rehabilitate small piles and compare the effectiveness of treatment options, we examined soil and plant responses to treatments designed to alter soil nutrients, moisture and temperature and to increase seed availability. We compared four surface treatments (soil scarification, woodchip mulch, tree branch mulch, untreated scars), with and without addition of a native seed mixture. Natural recovery and treatment effects were examined for 2.5 years after pile burning at 19 conifer forest sites along the Colorado Front Range. Woodchip mulch had dramatic effects on soil moisture, temperature, decomposition and inorganic soil N compared to the other treatments, untreated scars or unburned areas; woodchip mulch also suppressed plant establishment. Seeding increased total native species richness as expected, but had marginal effects on forb cover and no effect on graminoid cover. Soil N availability and plant cover did not differ from unburned areas in the absence of surface or seeding treatments within two years of pile burning. Neither reduced seed availability nor altered soil properties following burning hindered revegetation of these small burn scars by native herbaceous plants. Our findings indicate that rehabilitation may not be required for small burn pile scars except in sensitive areas, such as those with water quality and invasive plant concerns. Published by Elsevier B.V.
Scattering from mirrors contaminated by particulates: a model

A model has been used to fit the bidirectional reflectance distribution function for a variety of samples with different angles of incidence and degrees of contamination and roughness by the proper adjustment of six parameters. Exponential and Gaussian composite surface height autocorrelation functions are used to simulate the data at the small and medium angles, and a perturbation of these functions with two additional parameters allows the fit of the upward and downward curve portions of the data at the large angles. Good agreement is found with previous results. The present approach is the same as the classical dispersion equation in treating the index of refraction of optical materials.