cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Simyra dentinosa freyer (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae): A candidate for biological control of leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula L.) in the United States

Abstract The biology and host specificity of Simyra dentinosa Freyer (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) were studied from 1982 to 1988 in the field and laboratory in northern Greece and from 1986 to 1988 in the laboratory in Rome, Italy. Adults emerge from the middle of March to the end of April. Young larvae (instar 1–4) are gregarious; the fifth and sixth instars are solitary. Larval development requires 30 days. Larvae feed on budding or flowering Euphorbia plants and prevent or reduce seed production. Mature larvae leave their host plant to pupate and overwinter in silken cocoons, which they make in cell-like spaces of twisted and dry leaves of various thistles. The larvae are parasitized by Cotesia sp. (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) and Exorista sp. (Diptera: Tachinidae). Neonate larvae hatched from eggs in the laboratory were tested on plants of 55 species or varieties in 17 families. Complete development of the larvae occurred on only 11 of 24 Euphorbia spp., including E. esula, which originated from Nebraska. S. dentinosa is recommended as a candidate for biological control of E. esula in North America, where in the absence of its Old World parasites it should be very effective in reducing populations of Euphorbia spp.
Nonlinear Response of Thin Cylindrical Shells With Longitudinal Cracks and Subjected to Internal Pressure and Axial Compression Loads

The results of an analytical study of the nonlinear response of a thin unstiffened aluminum cylindrical shell with a longitudinal crack are presented. The shell is analyzed with a nonlinear shell analysis code that maintains the shell in a nonlinear equilibrium state while the crack is grown. The analysis accurately accounts for global and local structural response phenomena. Results are presented for internal pressure, axial compression, and combined internal pressure and axial compression loads. The effects of varying crack length on the nonlinear response of the shell subjected to internal pressure are described. The effects of varying crack length on the prebuckling, buckling and postbuclking responses of the shell subjected to axial compression, and subjected to combined internal pressure and axial compression are also described. The results indicate that the nonlinear interaction between the in-plane stress results and the out-of-plane displacements near a crack can significantly affect the structural response of the shell. The results also indicate that crack growth instabilities and shell buckling instabilities can both affect the response of the shell as the crack length is increased.
Primary Processes in the Photochemistry of Eosin

The effect of ultraviolet irradiation on proteins offers one of the most interesting challenges in the field of photochemistry. The overall objective is to follow the pathway of energy deposition from the initial absorption act through the sequence of physical and chemical alterations leading to permanent changes in structure and biological function. Most of the recent emphasis has been given to enzymes, globular proteins whose catalytic activity depends on the specific sequence of amino acid residues leading to an active conformation in the appropriate ranges of temperature and pH. Proteins provide excellent systems for studying intra molecular energy and electron transfer under conditions where diffusional reactions of the amino acids are inhibited. Similarly, the photolysis reactions of amino acid residues in proteins may differ from the free amino acids in solution because of fixation in the polypeptide chain. The paper first reviews the pre-1970 theories of enzyme inactivation by ultraviolet (UV) and proposes a modified form based on the early work of McLaren1,2,3 and Dose4,5 in good agreement with quantum yield measurements. Next, flash photolysis studies on enzymes carried out in this laboratory from 1971 to 1978 are reviewed and related to the inactivation model. Finally, current laser flash photolysis research on aromatic amino acids and enzymes is described, that provides new evidence for multiple pathways of aromatic residue photolysis, depending on the exciting wavelengths and microenvironment of the residue.
Sustained increases in productivity with maintenance of quality in an academic anesthesia practice.

UNLABELLED Previously, the authors reported trends in anesthesia quality and productivity in a university-based anesthesia practice as it responded to increasing service demands with shortages of qualified staff and decreasing reimbursement. From 1992 to 1997, productivity increased, with a significant decrease in patient injury. In this study, we analyzed whether previous productivity and quality gains were sustained from 1998 to 2000 despite continued staff shortages. Productivity, caseload, and outcome data were abstracted from departmental administrative and quality-improvement reports. Retrospective cohort analysis compared trends during 3 yr of moderate productivity (1994-1996) with those during 3 yr of high productivity (1998-2000). The mean monthly productivity in 1998-2000 (15 +/- 0.6 billed hours per attending per clinical day) was larger than levels from 1994 to 1996 (mean, 14 +/- 0.7 h; P < 0.01). The overall continuous quality improvement report rate was slower at larger productivity levels, as were rates of patient injuries. When adjusted for declining report rates, patient injury rates showed no change between smaller- and larger-productivity years. Adjusted rates of operational inefficiencies and human errors were more frequent at larger productivity levels. Although the pressures of increased demands, shrinking resources, and shortages of qualified academic anesthesiologists have not abated, productivity and quality have been sustained. Future management must be directed toward reductions in operational inefficiencies and human error. IMPLICATIONS Our academic anesthesia service sustained increases in productivity with maintenance of quality. During a 3-yr period of high productivity, patient injury rates did not increase compared with prior years with lower productivity.
Proposed Mode of Action of Corticosteroids on the Connective Tissue

Abstract : Previously reported changes in dermal chemistry associated with cortisol administration are explained on the basis of: (1) a hormonally potentiated release of a cellular protease into the extracellular compartment of the connective tissue; (2) the limited proteolytic activation of collagenase zymogen by this protease; and (3) the digestion of insoluble collagen by the activated dermal collagenase. The dermal chemical responses of rats to cortisol were inhibited by 'Dilantin' and by age, as was the ability of the steroid to effect the release of cellular protease into the ground substance.
Sensitivity of the Human Circadian Pacemaker to Moderately Bright Light

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the sensitivity of the human circadian pacemaker to the resetting effect of moderately bright light (∼1260 lux), and to assess the direct effect of such...
Transition of care: What Is the pediatric hospitalist's role? An exploratory survey of current attitudes

OBJECTIVE: Survey of current attitudes of pediatric hospitalists related to transition of care. METHODS: We developed and piloted a survey that was validated by an expert on transition. It was introduced it to the AAP/Pediatric Hospital Medicine Listserv using Survey MonkeyTM. Any participant who agreed to the informed consent was included in the survey. RESULTS: Patients aged 16–17 with chronic medical conditions were taken care of by pediatric hospitalists 70% of the time. Patients aged 18–20 were cared for by pediatric hospitalists 36.8% of the time. Advantages of hospitalist participation in healthcare transition include improved continuity of care and quality of care. The biggest impediments might be lack of time and resources. Most surveyed would be interested in a web based educational module to develop their understanding of healthcare transition. CONCLUSION: The survey provides a snapshot of current attitudes of pediatric hospitalist involvement in transition of care. Pediatric hospitalists are interested in participating in healthcare transition. Although more research is needed to compare current models of transition services and a hospitalist model, the perception for inpatients is that better quality of care can be expected. Targeted educational modules might provide a foundation for pediatric hospitalists to build their scope of practice to include transition services. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2012. © 2011 Society of Hospital Medicine
Parameter sensitivity analysis for different complexity land surface models using multicriteria methods

[1] A multicriteria algorithm, the MultiObjective Generalized Sensitivity Analysis (MOGSA), was used to investigate the parameter sensitivity of five different land surface models with increasing levels of complexity in the physical representation of the vegetation (BUCKET, CHASM, BATS 1, Noah, and BATS 2) at five different sites representing crop land/pasture, grassland, rain forest, cropland, and semidesert areas. The methodology allows for the inclusion of parameter interaction and does not require assumptions of independence between parameters, while at the same time allowing for the ranking of several single-criterion and a global multicriteria sensitivity indices. The analysis required on the order of 50 thousand model runs. The results confirm that parameters with similar “physical meaning” across different model structures behave in different ways depending on the model and the locations. It is also shown that after a certain level an increase in model structure complexity does not necessarily lead to better parameter identifiability, i.e., higher sensitivity, and that a certain level of overparameterization is observed. For the case of the BATS 1 and BATS 2 models, with essentially the same model structure but a more sophisticated vegetation model, paradoxically, the effect on parameter sensitivity is mainly reflected in the sensitivity of the soil-related parameters.
Vibriobactin Antibodies: A Vaccine Strategy

A new target strategy in the development of bacterial vaccines, the induction of antibodies to microbial outer membrane ferrisiderophore complexes, is explored. A vibriobactin (VIB) analogue, with a thiol tether, 1-(2,3-dihydroxybenzoyl)-5,9-bis[[(4S,5R)-2-(2,3-dihydroxyphenyl)-4,5-dihydro-5-methyl-4-oxazolyl]carbonyl]-14-(3-mercaptopropanoyl)-1,5,9,14-tetraazatetradecane, was synthesized and linked to ovalbumin (OVA) and bovine serum albumin (BSA). The antigenicity of the VIB microbial iron chelator conjugates and their iron complexes was evaluated. When mice were immunized with the resulting OVA-VIB conjugate, a selective and unequivocal antigenic response to the VIB hapten was observed; IgG monoclonal antibodies specific to the vibriobactin fragment of the BSA and OVA conjugates were isolated. The results are consistent with the idea that the isolated adducts of siderophores covalently linked to their bacterial outer membrane receptors represent a credible target for vaccine development.
Relative effect of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)-I and GnRH-II on gonadotropin release.

Two forms of GnRH (GnRH-I and GnRH-II) are expressed in the hypothalamus of humans and rhesus monkeys, but their relative abilities to stimulate LH and FSH release are unknown. Therefore, young (8–12 yr) and old (21–23 yr) female rhesus monkeys were treated iv with bolus injections of either GnRH-I or GnRH-II (dose range, 0.01–10 μg/kg body weight); serial blood samples were remotely collected through a vascular catheter for up to 2 h after injection. Overall, plasma LH concentrations were similarly elevated after treatment with GnRH-I and GnRH-II, and the responses were slightly greater in the younger animals. Although plasma FSH concentrations were unaffected by a single exposure to GnRH-I or GnRH-II, they showed a similar significant increase after repeated exposures (every 2 h for 24 h). In a subsequent experiment, antide, a GnRH-I receptor antagonist, was administered (100 μg/kg body weight) together with a single injection of GnRH-I or GnRH-II (1 μg/kg body weight). As expected, GnRH-I-induced LH re...
A note on least-squares estimates from likelihood ratios

In another paper we have shown that the likelihood ratio for detecting the presence of a finite-variance signal in additive white Gaussian noise can be expressed in terms of the causal least-squares estimate of the signal. In this paper a converse relation is derived. Comparisons are made with some related but nontrivially different results in the discrete-time case that were recently discussed in this journal by Esposito.
Parabolic equations with BMO coefficients in Lipschitz domains

Abstract In this paper, we are concerned with certain natural Sobolev-type estimates for weak solutions of inhomogeneous problems for second-order parabolic equations in divergence form. The geometric setting is that of time-independent cylinders having a space intersection assumed to be locally given by graphs with small Lipschitz coefficients, the constants of the operator being uniformly parabolic. We prove the relevant L p estimates, assuming that the coefficients are in parabolic bounded mean oscillation (BMO) and that their parabolic BMO semi-norms are small enough.
Simultaneous axial dispersion and adsorption in a packed bed

A study has been made of simultaneous axial dispersion and solid-fluid mass exchange in a packed-bed adsorber. Four different and mutually exclusive controlling mechanisms for the solid-fluid mass exchange rate are considered. A dimensionless parameter K characterizes this interphase mass transfer. The Peclet number characterizes axial dispersion. An impulse-response technique was used to obtain simultaneously values of the axial Peclet number and the rate parameter K in the adsorption column. Values of the Peclet number obtained under conditions of interphase mass transfer were found to be significantly smaller than the values measured under pure mixing (no surface activity) conditions. The mathematical model used to analyze the results includes the particular case of no surface activity with results previously found from the dispersion model. One result not previously derived from the dispersion model was found and tested experimentally.
Sustained vessel dilation induced by increased pulsatile perfusion of porcine carotid arteries in vitro

Arterial pulse pressure (PP) increases with exertional stress and ageing, and can modify vessel diameter in smaller vessels. To test if PP must exceed a certain range to influence vessel diameter, and determine if such effects are endothelium-dependent or intrinsic to vascular viscoelasticity, eight fresh excised porcine carotid artery segments were perfused with modified Krebs–Henseleit by a servo-controlled system generating physiological arterial pressure waveforms. In a separate group of vessels (n = 10), the endothelium was mechanically removed. Vessel external diameter was measured by video edge-detection. Vessels partially preconstricted with noradrenaline were perfused at 9 mL min–1 mean flow, at mean pressure of 90 or 120 mmHg, and zero PP. PP alone was then increased to 40, 70, or 120 mmHg at 1 Hz cycling rate for 5 min, then returned to zero and vessel diameter measured immediately thereafter. The protocol was repeated after 10–20 min stabilization. Mean vessel diameter rose proportionally with PP only once PP exceeded 40 mmHg, with maximal increases of 6–9% at a PP of 120 mmHg. Similar responses were obtained in vessels with and without a functional endothelium, at both mean pressures. Thus, when exposed to higher than normal resting PP, conduit arteries dilate owing to the stress-relaxation response of their viscoelastic wall. This mechanism of PP-mediated vascular dilatation may contribute to enhanced organ perfusion when small resistance arteries are already dilated.
How to recover more value from small pine trees: Essential oils and resins

Abstract In recent years, the young dense forests of northern Arizona have suffered extreme droughts, wildfires, and insect outbreaks. Improving forest health requires reducing forest density by cutting many small-diameter trees with the consequent production of large volumes of residual biomass. To offset the cost of handling this low-value timber, additional marketing options for current operations are urgently needed to recover more value as wood products, energy, and chemicals. Northern Arizona forests are predominantly composed of ponderosa pine ( Pinus ponderosa ) which, besides producing abundant timber, can also yield many useful chemicals such as essential oils and resins. We describe a case study to assess the opportunities, constraints, and information required to integrate recovery of essential oils into forest and mill operations as might be used in northern Arizona. Preliminary results support the proposition there is an available, large supply of biomass with high concentrations of essential oils. The chemistry and process engineering for recovering these essential oils by distillation are well known. The potential output and uses also appear attractive given the substantial United States market for such products. However, less is known of the capability of essential oils extracted from ponderosa pine to compete with products imported from other countries. A more detailed assessment of product uses and further analysis of viable markets and environmental benefits are justified.
Pediatric Case Report of Topiramate Toxicity

Background. Topiramate is an FDA-approved second generation antiepileptic drug with actions on voltage-dependent sodium and calcium channels and GABA and excitatory amino acid receptors. There has only been one prior pediatric case report of topiramate toxicity. We report a 33-month-old girl with persisting neurologic symptoms after acute ingestion of topiramate. Case Report. A 33-month-old girl was found at her sitter'shouse with a bottle of topiramate (100-mg tablets). She presented to the emergency department 3 days post-ingestion. The child appeared confused and was only able to crawl. At one point, she looked directly at mother and asked, ‘‘Where is my mommy?” She had visual hallucinations and screamed while pointing to objects on the wall. Neurologic exam was notable for the slurred speech and severe ataxia. All laboratory testing, urine chemical dependency screen, CSF, chest X-ray, head CT, and EEG showed no abnormalities. Topiramate level on the third day post-ingestion was 9.4 mcg/mL, and 4.2 mcg...
Parsing and compiling using Prolog

This paper presents the material needed for exposing the reader to the advantages of using Prolog as a language for describing succinctly most of the algorithms needed in prototyping and implementing compilers or producing tools that facilitate this task. The available published material on the subject describes one particular approach in implementing compilers using Prolog. It consists of coupling actions to recursive descent parsers to produce syntax-trees which are subsequently utilized in guiding the generation of assembly language code. Although this remains a worthwhile approach, there is a host of possibilities for Prolog usage in compiler construction. The primary aim of this paper is to demonstrate the use of Prolog in parsing and compiling. A second, but equally important, goal of this paper is to show that Prolog is a labor-saving tool in prototyping and implementing many non-numerical algorithms which arise in compiling, and whose description using Prolog is not available in the literature. The paper discusses the use of unification and nondeterminism in compiler writing as well as means to bypass these (costly) features when they are deemed unnecessary. Topics covered include bottom-up and top-down parsers, syntax-directed translation, grammar properties, parser generation, code generation, and optimizations. Newly proposed features that are useful in compiler construction are also discussed. A knowledge of Prolog is assumed.
Mutation rate evolution in replicator dynamics.

The mutation rate of an organism is itself evolvable. In stable environments, if faithful replication is costless, theory predicts that mutation rates will evolve to zero. However, positive mutation rates can evolve in novel or fluctuating environments, as analytical and empirical studies have shown. Previous work on this question has focused on environments that fluctuate independently of the evolving population. Here we consider fluctuations that arise from frequency-dependent selection in the evolving population itself. We investigate how the dynamics of competing traits can induce selective pressure on the rates of mutation between these traits. To address this question, we introduce a theoretical framework combining replicator dynamics and adaptive dynamics. We suppose that changes in mutation rates are rare, compared to changes in the traits under direct selection, so that the expected evolutionary trajectories of mutation rates can be obtained from analysis of pairwise competition between strains of different rates. Depending on the nature of frequency-dependent trait dynamics, we demonstrate three possible outcomes of this competition. First, if trait frequencies are at a mutation–selection equilibrium, lower mutation rates can displace higher ones. Second, if trait dynamics converge to a heteroclinic cycle—arising, for example, from “rock-paper-scissors” interactions—mutator strains succeed against non-mutators. Third, in cases where selection alone maintains all traits at positive frequencies, zero and nonzero mutation rates can coexist indefinitely. Our second result suggests that relatively high mutation rates may be observed for traits subject to cyclical frequency-dependent dynamics.
250K Single Nucleotide Polymorphism Array Karyotyping Identifies Acquired Uniparental Disomy and Homozygous Mutations, Including Novel Missense Substitutions of c-Cbl, in Myeloid Malignancies

Two types of acquired loss of heterozygosity are possible in cancer: deletions and copy-neutral uniparental disomy (UPD). Conventionally, copy number losses are identified using metaphase cytogenetics, whereas detection of UPD is accomplished by microsatellite and copy number analysis and as such, is not often used clinically. Recently, introduction of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) microarrays has allowed for the systematic and sensitive detection of UPD in hematologic malignancies and other cancers. In this study, we have applied 250K SNP array technology to detect previously cryptic chromosomal changes, particularly UPD, in a cohort of 301 patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), overlap MDS/myeloproliferative disorders (MPD), MPD, and acute myeloid leukemia. We show that UPD is a common chromosomal defect in myeloid malignancies, particularly in chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML; 48%) and MDS/MPD-unclassifiable (38%). Furthermore, we show that mapping minimally overlapping segmental UPD regions can help target the search for both known and unknown pathogenic mutations, including newly identified missense mutations in the proto-oncogene c-Cbl in 7 of 12 patients with UPD11q. Acquired mutations of c-Cbl E3 ubiquitin ligase may explain the pathogenesis of a clonal process in a subset of MDS/MPD, including CMML.
Nuclear quadrupole resonance in two crystalline forms of As2O3, Arsenolite and Claudetite I

Abstract Pulsed nuclear quadrupole resonance (NQR) measurements have been performed on claudetite I and arsenolite from 4.2K to 300K. As expected, from X-ray results, two inequivalent but nearly degenerate As sites are observed in claudetite I and one As site is observed in arsenolite. The temperature dependence of the spin lattice relaxation times, T1, are consistent with relaxation via Raman phonon processes.
Childhood systemic lupus erythematosus with negative antinuclear antibody test.

mined. These dual determinations are to assure accurate analysis of the sample, not accuracy of the diagnosis of CF. Applications of the point and interval estimation equations presented here to values in the "border l ine" region yield practically identical point estimates for the equations derived from CF patients and controls. Interval estimates were less precise when based on the equation for CF patients; the intervals were about twice as wide. We recommend using the narrower limits based on the equation of the controls for value in the "border l ine" region because of the higher relative prevalence of nonCF patients in this region (approximately five to one in our experience). The slope o f both equations was not greatly different from one, although we observed slightly higher values of chloride than sodium in CF patients and a reversal of this ratio in the controls.
A limit formula for joint spectral radius with p-radius of probability distributions

Abstract In this paper we show a characterization of the joint spectral radius of a set of matrices as the limit of the p-radius of an associated probability distribution when p tends to ∞. Allowing the set to have infinitely many matrices, the obtained formula extends the results in the literature. Based on the formula, we then present a novel characterization of the stability of switched linear systems for an arbitrary switching signal via the existence of stochastic Lyapunov functions of any higher degrees. Numerical examples are presented to illustrate the results.
Disorders of the avian female reproductive system

An analysis is provided of reproductive disorders encountered at necropsy of 1666 adult, female birds excluding poultry. The results are compared with other accounts of these disorders in non-domesticated species and poultry. At least 650 different species were examined, belonging to 24 of the 27 avian orders. All were non-domesticated birds, with the exception of 133 budgerigars, 48 canaries and 4 pigeons. Reproductive disorders were found in 148 (8.9%) representing 88 different species in six orders. There was no conclusive evidence of species susceptibility. Some individuals were affected with more than one type of disorder, the most prevalent being obstruction of the oviduct and ectopic ovulation; in each case 28.6% of 161 disorders. Less common disorders were oophoropathies (16.8%), salpingitis without apparent obstruction (10.6%), neoplasia (4.3%), ruptured oviduct (3.1%) and miscellaneous disorders (8.0%). Domestic poultry bred for egg production are probably more susceptible to reproductive disorders than non-domesticated species. In the latter birds predisposing causes include senility and bacterial infections, but many more are probably involved.
Prediction of school outcomes based on early language production and socioeconomic factors

Early differences in family SES, child language production, and IQ were related to outcomes in early elementary school in the present prospective, 10-year longitudinal study. In a prior study of family interactional variables associated with language learning, major differences in parenting (i.e., time, attention, and talking) were found to be associated with differences in child productive vocabulary between 7 to 36 months of age, and child IQ, favoring higher-SES parents. Lower-SES children were exposed less often than higher-SES children to diverse vocabulary through their parents' attention and talking, and they were prohibited from talking more often. In the current study, 32 children involved in the earlier study were repeatedly assessed between 5 to 10 years of age, while in kindergarten through third grade. Results indicated that SES-related differences in child language prior to school were predictive of subsequent verbal ability, receptive and spoken language, and academic achievement assessed on standardized tests in kindergarten through grade 3. However, none of the predictor variables were related to direct measures of elementary schooling. When combined with a composite SES indicator, early child language production significantly increased the variance accounted for in the prediction of elementary language and academic competencies in each subsequent year in elementary school. Implications are discussed in terms of the stability of performance on language and academic performance measures of children who entered school with different early language learning experiences, and the need to consider early home- and school-based intervention designed to prevent or ameliorate these trends.
Study Abroad: A Review of the Kentucky Institute for International Studies (KIIS) and Geographers' Role in the Consortium

Abstract The Kentucky Institute for International Studies is a consortium of colleges and universities that provides semester length and short summer semester over-seas study programs. This article traces the growth of the consortium from its ro-ots at Murray State University in 1975 through the celebration of its thirtieth anniversary in 2005. Aspects considered include the overall growth of the consor-tium and the type and number of progr-ams offered, as well as the composition of the faculty and students who participate. Contributions of consortium geography faculty members are examined.
An Archaea 5S rRNA analog is stably expressed in Escherichia coli

Mini-genes for 5S-like rRNA were constructed. These genes had a sequence which largely resembles that of the naturally occurring 5S rRNA of a bacterium, Halococcus morrhuae, which phylogenetically belongs to the Archaea. Plasmids carrying the mini-genes were transformed into Escherichia coli (Ec). Ribosomal incorporation was not a prerequisite for stable accumulation of the RNA product. However, only those constructs with a well-base-paired helix I accumulated RNA product. This result strongly implies that this aspect of the structure is likely to be an important condition for stabilizing 5S rRNA-like products. The results are consistent with our current understanding of 5S rRNA processing in Ec. When used in conjunction with rRNA probe technology, the resulting chimeric RNA may be useful as a monitoring tool for genetically engineered microorganisms or naturally occurring organisms that are released into the environment.
Connected component labelling on the BLITZEN massively parallel processor

Abstract This paper presents the implementation of two connected component labelling algorithms on the BLITZEN massively parallel processor that was developed recently for NASA. The topology of BLITZEN is a two-dimensional mesh that can be dynamically configured to also support diagonal data transfers. It is shown that an algorithm based on Levialdi's connected component shrinking process performs much better than a straightforward algorithm for connected component labelling.
Frequency of alleles conferring resistance to Bacillus thuringiensis maize in Louisiana populations of the southwestern corn borer

Transgenic maize [Zea mays L. (Poaceae)] expressing Bacillus thuringiensis proteins (Bt maize) has become the most important tool for managing stalk borers in maize in the USA. The current strategy for delaying the evolution of resistance in target insects for Bt maize is referred to as high dose/ refuge strategy. A key requirement of the strategy is that initial resistance allele frequencies in field insect populations are low (e.g., <0.001). More than 200 iso-line families of the southwestern corn borer, Diatraea grandiosella Dyar (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), a major target stalk borer pest of Bt maize, were developed from Louisiana populations and evaluated for Bt resistance using a modified F 2 screening method during 2005. No major resistance alleles were detected in these populations. The results showed that the expected Bt resistance allele frequency in the Louisiana populations was <0.0035 with 95% probability and a detection power of 83.9 ± 0.6%. The F 2 screen indicates that Bt resistance allele frequencies in D. grandiosella are low among the Louisiana populations and should meet the rare resistance allele requirement of the 'high dose/refuge' strategy.
Joule heating of Io's ionosphere by unipolar induction currents☆

Electrical induction in Io's ionosphere, due to the corotating plasma bound to the Jovian magnetosphere, is one possible source for the attainment of the high temperatures suggested by the large scale height of Io's ionosphere. Unipolar induction models are constructed to calculate ionospheric joule heating numerically, whose heating rates lie between 10 to the -9th and 10 to the -8th W/cu m. The binding and coupling of the ionosphere is due to the dense, and possibly ionized, neutral SO2 atmosphere, and there appears to be no need to postulate the existence of an intrinsic Ionian magnetic field in order to retain the observed ionnosphere.
Dietary supplementation with Lovaza and krill oil shortens the life span of long-lived F1 mice

Marine oils rich in ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids have been recommended as a preventive treatment for patients at risk for cardiovascular diseases. These oils also are the third most consumed dietary supplement in the USA. However, evidence for their health benefits is equivocal. We tested the daily, isocaloric administration of krill oil (1.17 g oil/kg diet) and Lovaza (Omacor; 4.40 g/kg diet), a pharmaceutical grade fish oil, beginning at 12 months of age, on the life span and mortality-related pathologies of long-lived, male, B6C3F1 mice. The oils were incorporated into the chemically defined American Institute of Nutrition (AIN)-93 M diet. An equivalent volume of soybean oil was removed. Krill oil was 3 % and Lovaza 11 % of the oil in the diets. When their effects were analyzed together, the marine oils significantly shortened life span by 6.6 % (P = 0.0321; log-rank test) relative to controls. Individually, Lovaza and krill oil non-significantly shortened median life span by 9.8 and 4.7 %, respectively. Lovaza increased the number of enlarged seminal vesicles (7.1-fold). Lovaza and krill oil significantly increased lung tumors (4.1- and 8.2-fold) and hemorrhagic diathesis (3.9- and 3.1-fold). Analysis of serum from treated mice found that Lovaza slightly increased blood urea nitrogen, while krill oil modestly increased bilirubin, triglycerides, and blood glucose levels. Taken together, the results do not support the idea that the consumption of isolated ω-3 fatty acid-rich oils will increase the life span or health of initially healthy individuals.
Charmonium-nucleon dissociation cross sections in the quark model

Charmonium dissociation cross sections due to flavor-exchange charmonium-baryon scattering are computed in the constituent quark model. We present results for inelastic $J/\ensuremath{\psi}N$ and ${\ensuremath{\eta}}_{c}N$ scattering amplitudes and cross sections into 46 final channels, including final states composed of various combinations of $D,{D}^{*},{\ensuremath{\Sigma}}_{c}$, and ${\ensuremath{\Lambda}}_{c}$. These results are relevant to experimental searches for the deconfined phase of quark matter and may be useful in identifying the contribution of initial $c\overline{c}$ production to the open-charm final states observed at the BNL Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC) through the characteristic flavor ratios of certain channels. These results are also of interest in relation to possible charmonium-nucleon bound states.
Flexible biosensors on spirally rolled micro tube for cardiovascular in vivo monitoring.

New flexible biosensors on a spirally rolled micro tube have been designed, fabricated and characterized for microcatheter-based cardiovascular in vivo monitoring. With this new microfabrication method, sensors, wires and circuits can be fabricated first on the flexible polymer substrate (Kapton film) and then rolled spirally to make micro tubes with different diameters. This approach provides a unique method for mounting multiple sensors on both the inside and outside the tube. So, the new spirally rolled polymer tube flexibly conceives physical, biomedical and physiological microsensors, elevating most problems arisen from wiring and assembling of microsensors in conventional microcatheters. As a demonstration vehicle, we fabricated glucose biosensors on the 25 μm thick Kapton film first, then the film was spirally rolled to make a polymer micro tube with the glucose sensors on the inside wall of the tube. To verify the performance of the spirally rolled glucose biosensor, we characterized it both in a planar unrolled and rolled conditions and compared their performances. The spirally rolled glucose sensors showed good performance in the typical glucose concentration range in human blood from 60 mg/dL to 120 mg/dL with different rolled diameters at different working temperature.
Venous endothelial changes after experimental cooling of free flaps

Abstract The free epigastric rabbit flap was used to observe morphological alterations in the microvasculature following prolonged hypothermic ischemic intervals. Free flaps were raised, cooled 1–6 days, and reanastomosed. The epigastric artery, vein, and dermal vessels were examined by electron microscopy. Efforts to keep flap tissues in the cold ≤5 days were successful (85% of flaps survived following reanastomosis N = 15). Flap failures were accompanied by extensive disruption to the endothelial cells of the epigastric vein. The findings support the efficacy of a cooling period ≤5 days for free flaps. The morphological alterations in the venous endothelium of the flap also suggest a plausible explanation for flap failures which occur in spite of patent anastomotic sites.
Beta2 receptors on myocardial cells in human ventricular myocardium

Beta 2-adrenergic receptors comprise 40% of the total beta-receptor population in failing human right ventricles, as deduced from computer modeling of iodine-125 iodocyanopindolol-ICI 118,551 competition curves. A myocardial cell origin of at least some of the beta 2 subpopulation was demonstrated by documenting a beta 2-receptor mediated positive inotropic response to the selective beta 2 agonist zinterol. It is concluded that beta 2-adrenergic receptors are present on human ventricular myocardial cells.
Three Different Isomers in the Same Crystal

WE wish to report the discovery of a crystal in which three different isomers occur in the proportion 1 : 1 : 1.
Trace metal seasonal variations in Texas marine sediments

Abstract Trace elements in coastal environments are derived from three major sources: (1) the bordering watershed; (2) the offshore marine environment; and (3) industrial and/or urban effluent. The site of deposition, however, is controlled by physical and chemical processes in the coastal zone. In many cases, these processes are controlled by climate and can vary seasonally. In the harbor at Corpus Christi, Texas, the summer climate creates an oxygen-poor environment in the water column near the sediment-water interface. This causes chalcophilic metals to precipitate from the water, resulting in high concentrations in the sediments near the source. During the winter, turbulence created by strong winds causes the entire water mass to become aerated and oxidizing, and remobilization of some metals results. In addition, this turbulence accelerates circulation which transports the metal-enriched waters from the harbor. On the outer continental shelf of south Texas, the infaunal activity varies seasonally with bottom water temperatures. As this infaunal activity has an effect on the chemical environment within the sediment near the sediment-water interface, the observed trace metal content at the interface also appears to change with the seasons.
Developmental and Disruptive Behavior Disorders among Delinquents

Abstract Medical histories, psychological tests, psychiatric examinations, and social investigations were reviewed to determine the frequency of independent diagnoses of retardation, attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity (ADD-H), and attention deficit disorder without hyperactivity (ADD). In a sample of 1,956 (384 females and 1,572 males) adjudicated delinquents with a mean age of 13.9 ± 1.9 years, 9% had ADD-H, 15% were retarded, and 46% had ADD. The reliabilities of the diagnoses were 0.95 for retardation, 0.91 for ADD-H, and 0.94 ADD. Retarded delinquents had the greatest scholastic delays followed by the ADD-H and ADD adolescent offenders.
Configuring Cloud Admission Policies under Dynamic Demand

We consider the problem of admitting sets of, possibly heterogenous, virtual machines (VMs) with stochastic resource demands onto physical machines (PMs) in a Cloud environment. The objective is to achieve a specified quality-of-service related to the probability of resource over-utilization in an uncertain loading condition, while minimizing the rejection probability of VM requests. We introduce a method which relies on approximating the probability distribution of the total resource demand on PMs and estimating the probability of over-utilization. We compare our method to two simple admission policies: admission based on maximum demand and admission based on average demand. We investigate the efficiency of the results of using our method on a simulated Cloud environment where we analyze the effects of various parameters (commitment factor, coefficient of variation etc.) on the solution for highly variate demands.
Cochlear Implant Rehabilitation in Older Adults: Literature Review and Proposal of a Conceptual Framework

Hearing loss is a prevalent consequence of aging and also poses special challenges for older adults. Particularly when superimposed on other age-related conditions, presbycusis (age-related hearing loss) places the older adult at risk for social isolation and associated psychological and general health sequelae. The increasing cognitive demand of verbal communication, as well as the diminished sense of social and physical connectedness, can furthermore contribute to a feeling of vulnerability and poor health that worsens with advancing presbycusis. This cascade of downstream effects of hearing loss has implications for the self-assessment of health related quality of life (HRQL) and resulting estimates of associated costs. There is accumulating evidence of a potential role for cochlear implants (CI) in older adults with poor word understanding despite conventional hearing aid (HA) usage. In our review of the literature we identify strong evidence for the restoration of communication capacity in the deaf and hard of hearing geriatric population, little published work on communication performance in the real world and HRQL, and significant gaps of knowledge regarding how CI rehabilitation interacts with changing psychosocial and functional status. We therefore propose a broader conceptual framework than is currently available for the role of CI rehabilitation in the management of severe-to-profound hearing loss in older adults. We posit that the use of such a model in future investigations is needed to guide multidisciplinary investigations into the unique challenges of hearing loss in older adults as well as open new opportunities for innovation.
Penning ionization of Ar by He* (1s2s, 3S) in the presence of intense laser radiation: Pronounced laser‐modified collisional effects in the emitted‐electron energy spectrum

Results of calculations based on quantum‐mechanical theory are presented for ionizing collisions of He* and Ar in the presence of a strong electromagnetic field.
Variation in the Horizontal Distribution of Light from Candlepower Standards

A recording goniophotometer was used to measure the luminous intensity around the horizontal plane for several types of lamps used as working standards of candlepower. It was found that variations in the intensity of the light in a few degrees of arc could sometimes lead to an error much greater than the supposed error in the calibration of such lamps. Of those tested it was found that the lamps most suitable for use as working standards of candlepower have relatively large spherical or conical bulbs and well-supported filaments.
A Learning-Efficiency Explanation of Structure in Language

This paper proposes a learning-efficiency explanation of modular structure in language. An optimal grammar arises as the solution to the problem of learning a language from a minimal number of observations of instances of the use of the language. Agents face symmetry constraints that limit their ability to make a priori distinctions among symbols used in the language and among objects (interpreted as facts, events, speaker’s intentions) that are to be represented by messages in the language. It is shown that if it is commonly known that the object space is modular and messages are strings, then modularity of the language is sufficient and (essentially) necessary for learning efficiency. Journal of Economic Literature Classification Number: C72.
Using the Law to Promote the Mental Health of Older Adults during Disasters

Disasters may disproportionately impact older adults due to sensory deficits, diminished social support networks, financial limitations, and displacement from familiar environments. During and shortly after a disaster, older adults' mental health needs may be overlooked for varied reasons, including concerns about stigma and lack of information about available services. Law can protect the mental health of older adults in disaster and non-disaster circumstances, but it sometimes may frustrate efforts to address older adults' mental health concerns. This article analyzes three areas - Medicare services, staffing shortages, and continuity of prescription medications - in which the law has the potential to promote the mental health of older adults during disasters.
Effects of antimicrobial agents on oral biofilms in a saliva-conditioned flowcell

Oral bacteria form mixed-species biofilms known as dental plaque. Growth of these complex microbial communities is often controlled with the use of antimicrobial mouthrinses. Novel laboratory methods for testing the efficacy of antimicrobials in situ are necessary to complement current clinical testing protocols. In this study, we examined the effects of antimicrobial agents on a streptococcal biofilm grown in a saliva-conditioned flowcell. The flowcell coupled with confocal laser scanning microscopy enabled examination of growing oral biofilms in situ without disruption of the microbial community. Biofilms composed of Streptococcus gordonii DL1 were grown in an in vitro flowcell and treated with several commercially available antimicrobial mouthrinses containing essential oils, triclosan, cetylpyridinium chloride/domiphen or chlorhexidine. The results of this study revealed varying abilities of the antimicrobial agents to cause cellular damage on the growing biofilm in situ. This study therefore demonstrated the usefulness of the flowcell in the rapid assessment of antimicrobial efficacy.
Extended spaces and the resolution topology

The extended L 2e space used to define stability and instability for systems defined on an L 2 space is shown to be the completion of the given L 2 space in an appropriate topology. This, in turn, allows the extended space concept to be generalized to an arbitrary Hilbert resolution space by taking its completion in the appropriate resolution topology.
Global software piracy: Trends and strategic considerations

Abstract The design, manufacture, distribution, and sale of software constitutes a rapidly growing and remarkably lucrative global industry. Leaders of most software companies understand that intellectual property rights (IPR) typically are vital to competitive advantage and company success. Theft of intellectual property (IP) in the form of software piracy is brazen, extremely costly, lowers incentives to innovate, and threatens the very existence of some companies. IP theft, therefore, is a daunting challenge for managers of software firms. In this article, we make several contributions that should prove helpful to software designers, managers, responsible users, and broad stakeholders of software innovation and use—that is, almost all of us. In doing so, we provide an overview of international legal, ethical, economic, and systemic considerations, and we share an analysis of the drivers of consumer software piracy. We then discuss strategic considerations and introduce a decision-making typology, which may help legitimate companies to devise strategies and tactics to manage their software IP in the face of widespread piracy.