cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Modeling apple snail population dynamics on the Everglades landscape

The Florida Everglades has diminished in size and its existing wetland hydrology has been altered. The endangered snail kite (Rostrhamus sociabilis) has nearly abandoned the Everglades, and its prey, the apple snail (Pomacea paludosa), has declined. We developed a population model (EverSnail) to understand apple snail response to inter- and intra-annual fluctuations in water depths over the Everglades landscape. EverSnail was developed as a tool to understand how apple snails respond to different hydrologic scenarios. EverSnail is an age- and size-structured, spatially-explicit landscape model of P. paludosa in the Everglades. Landscape-level inputs are water depth and air temperature. We conducted sensitivity analyses by running EverSnail with ±20 % the baseline value of eight parameters. EverSnail was sensitive to changes in survival and water depth associated with reproduction. The EverSnail population varied with changes and/or differences in depth generally consistent with empirical data; site-specific comparisons to field data proved less reliable. A simulated 3-year wet period resulted in a shift in apple snail distribution, but little change in total abundance over the landscape. In contrast, a simulated 3-year succession of relatively dry years resulted in overall lower snail abundances. Comparisons of model output to empirical data indicate the need for more data to better understand, and eventually parameterize, several aspects of snail ecology in support of EverSnail. A primary value of EverSnail is its capacity to describe the relative response of snail abundance to alternative hydrologic scenarios considered for Everglades water management and restoration.
Basic principles to consider when opening a nurse practitioner‐owned practice in Texas

AbstractPurpose:Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN)-owned clinics in Texas are becoming more common and because of the success of these early clinics, more APRNs are considering opening their own practice; but Texas remains one of the most restrictive states for APRN practice and many question
Joint modelling of longitudinal outcome and interval-censored competing risk dropout in a schizophrenia clinical trial

The 'Clinical antipsychotic trials in intervention effectiveness' study, was designed to evaluate whether there were significant differences between several antipsychotic medications in effectiveness, tolerability, cost and quality of life of subjects with schizophrenia. Overall, 74 % of patients discontinued the study medication for various reasons before the end of 18 months in phase I of the study. When such a large percentage of study participants fail to complete the study schedule, it is not clear whether the apparent profile in effectiveness reflects genuine changes over time or is influenced by selection bias, with participants with worse (or better) outcome values being more likely to drop out or to discontinue. To assess the effect of dropouts for different reasons on inferences, we construct a joint model for the longitudinal outcome and cause-specific dropouts that allows for interval-censored dropout times. Incorporating the information regarding the cause of dropout improves inferences and provides better understanding of the association between cause-specific dropout and the outcome process. We use simulations to demonstrate the advantages of the joint modelling approach in terms of bias and efficiency.
Potential for introducing cold tolerance into papaya by transformation with C-repeat binding factor (CBF) genes

Papaya (Carica papaya L.) production is affected by low temperatures that occur periodically in the subtropics. The C-repeat binding factor (CBF) gene family is known to induce the cold acclimation pathway in Arabidopsis thaliana. Embryogenic papaya cultures were induced from hypocotyls of “Sunrise Solo” zygotic embryos on semisolid induction medium. The CBF 1/CBF 3 genes along with the neomycin phosphotransferase (NPT II) gene were placed under the control of the CaMV 35 S promoter and introduced into a binary vector pGA 643. Embryogenic cultures were transformed with Agrobacterium strain GV 3101 harboring pGA 643. After selection of transformed embryogenic cultures for resistance to 300 mg l−1 kanamycin, somatic embryo development was initiated and transgenic plants were regenerated. The presence of the CBF transgenes in regenerated plants was confirmed by Southern blot hybridization. The papaya and the related cold-tolerant Vasconcella genomes were probed for the presence of cold inducible sequences using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Possible cold inducible sequences were present in the Vasconcella genome but were absent in the Carica genome.
K-Shell Charge Transfer Cross Sections in Bates-Bornlike Formalisms

K-shell charwe transfer cross sections have been computed In the Bates-Born formalism and the various approximations common to it for H+, LI+, and B5+ projectiles and He, C, and Ne targets. The cross sections are computed for a variety of representations of the target K-shell orbital and with both Hartree-Fock and "experimental", orbital energies. The cross sections are found to be insensitive to the particular energy when the collision velocity is several times greater than the orbital velocity. The cross section is sensitive to the various approximations particularly at the lower collision energies and for the nearer resonant cases.
Gaseous emissions from lignosulfonates in dust abatement applications

Concerns over possible gaseous emissions from lignosulfonate dust suppressant agents used on dirt roads prompted an investigation into the possible release of sulfur dioxide and organic vapors. Emissions from eight commercial lignosulfonates products applied to three different soil types were measured in environmental chambers. It was determined that except under extreme soil pH conditions (<1), the release of sulfur dioxide from the application of lignosulfonates to roads is essentially non existent. The odor associated with the application was found to be due to trace amounts of organic compounds mainly of the furfural variety. Levels of odor compounds in these products was significantly lower than the previously reported values for spent sulfite liquors because the majority were removed during processing operations prior to sale.
Conservation and divergence of BMP2/4 genes in the lamprey: expression and phylogenetic analysis suggest a single ancestral vertebrate gene.

Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) molecules are members of a large family of signaling molecules important in numerous developmental pathways throughout the metazoa. Single members of the BMP2/4 class have been found in invertebrates such as cnidarians, arthropods, nematodes, echinoderms, ascidians, and cephalochordates. In all vertebrates studied, there are at least two copies, BMP2 and BMP4, that play important roles in axial patterning, tissue specification, and organogenesis. The basal vertebrate, lamprey, diverged near the time of vertebrate origins and is useful for understanding the gene duplication events that led to the increased complexity of the vertebrate genome. We characterized the sequence and expression pattern of BMP2/4 class genes in the sea lamprey, Petromyzon marinus. We uncovered three genes that we named PmBMP2/4A, PmBMP2/4B, and PmBMP2/4C. Phylogenetic analysis indicates that PmBMP2/4A is closer than PmBMP2/4B or PmBMP2/4C in sequence identity to both BMP2 and BMP4 ofgnathostomes. The developmental expression pattern of PmBMP2/4A also more closely resembles the combined early expression patterns of gnathostome BMP2 and BMP4, whereas PmBMP2/4B and PmBMP2/4C appear to play roles only later in development. Cell labeling showed that the BMP-expressing cells in the branchial arches of lampreys are of neural crest origin. Taken together, our sequence and expression data support the duplication of BMP2/4 genes in the lamprey from a single ancestral vertebrate BMP2/4 gene.
An interesting fact regarding the Routh table

AbstractThe Routh table is a powerful analysis tool used to determine how many roots of a given polynomial have negative, zero, and positive real parts. A special case occurs when a row of zeros is encountered. This indicates an even polynomial may be factored from the given polynomial. It is well known that the even polynomial is in the row above the row of zeros. In this technical note it will be shown that the even polynomial may be factored from all of the polynomials in the rows above the row of zeros.
A preliminary study of intra-pocket topical versus injected anaesthetic for scaling and root planing.

Aim: Compare the efficacy of topical benzocaine gel to injected lidocaine during scaling and root planing. Materials and Methods: In each of 21 participants undergoing root planing, two dental quadrants were randomly assigned to receive topical 20% benzocaine gel delivered subgingivally (TOP) or injection anaesthesia using 2% lidocaine (INJ). Baseline, intra- and immediate post-operative pain was assessed using the Heft-Parker pain scale. Intra-subject differences (INJ-TOP) were analysed using paired t-tests and mixed models. Results: Baseline and post-operative pain did not differ between treatments (p>0.50). The injected anaesthetic, however, was associated with less intra-operative pain than the topical (INJ-TOP = - 24.9 mm, p = 0.005) Six participants required rescue (injected) anaesthesia during treatment with the topical. Eleven participants (52%) preferred topical over injected anaesthetic. Among these 11, intra-operative pain scores did not differ significantly (TOP = 38.6 mm, INJ = 28.4 mm, p = 0.23). Among those who preferred the injected anaesthetic, intra-operative pain scores differed significantly (TOP = 84.7 mm, INJ = 43.8 mm, p = 0.03). Conclusions: Intra-pocket benzocaine gel is less effective than injected lidocaine in controlling pain during scaling and planing. Anaesthetic preference was related to the level of pain experienced during treatment with the topical. Larger studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Taxonomic resolution of Phyllobothrium van Beneden (Cestoda: Tetraphyllidea) and a description of a new species from the leopard shark Triakis semifasciata

Phyllobothrium riseri n. sp. is described from the leopard shark Triakis semifasciata collected from Californian coastal waters. The descriptions of the type-species, Phyllobothrium lactuca, and P. serratum are amended. P. serratum differs from P. lactuca in having wider mature segments, a larger apical sucker and a greater number of testes in cross-section. P. riseri differs from P. lactuca in being shorter, having a narrower cirrus-sac and having a smaller ovicapt. It differs from P. serratum in being shorter, having a narrower maximum width and having a narrower cirrus-sac. The generic diagnosis of Phyllobothrium is amended in order to be consistent with the descriptions of these three species, and the genus is considered to be monophyletic. Species in Phyllobothrium appear to be restricted to shark species belonging to the family Triakidae.
Hydrodynamic modeling of three-phase flows through a vertical column

A computational fluid dynamics model used to examine the structure of three-phase (air-water-glass beads) flows through a vertical column is presented in this paper. The present study proposes new correlations to modify the drag between the liquid and the gas phase to account for the effect of solid particles on bubble motion. The study also attempts to propose new correlations for drag between the solid particles and liquid phase to incorporate the effect of the bubbles. Solid-solid interactions were also accounted for in the model by a modification to the drag force acting on the solid phase. A k−e turbulence model was used for simulating the effect of turbulence on the flow field. Predictions were compared with experimental data for the axial variation of the solids concentration for model validation. Results of the radial variation of the phase velocities are also presented.
Effects of Aroclor 1254 on cytochrome P-450-dependent monooxygenase, glutathione S-transferase, and UDP-glucuronosyltransferase activities in channel catfish liver

Abstract Channel catfish ( Ictalurus punctatus ) were treated with single intraperitoneal injections of Aroclor 1254, ranging from 1–100 mg Aroclor 1254/kg body wt, and effects of the Aroclor on several xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes were evaluated. Hepatic microsomal monooxygenase (MO) activity toward 7-ethoxyresorufin, 7-ethoxycoumarin and benzo[ a ]pyrene was increased in a dose-dependent manner. 7-Ethoxyresorufin- O -deethylase activity was increased by a dose of 1 mg Aroclor 1254/kg, whereas 7-ethoxycoumarin- O -deethylase and benzo[ a ]pyrene hydroxylase activities were increased by doses of 10 mg/kg and higher. Maximal increases in MO activity ranged from three- to 15-fold, depending upon the substrate used. Treatment with 100 mg Aroclor 1254/kg increased hepatic cytosolic glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity toward 1,2-epoxy-3-( p -nitrophenoxy)propane about 20%; however, GST activity toward four other substrates was unaffected. Also, hepatic microsomal UDP-glucuronosyl-transferase (UDPGT) activity was increased about two-fold in catfish treated with 100 mg Aroclor 1254/kg. Treatment with doses of Aroclor 1254 lower than 100 mg/kg did not significantly increase either GST or UDPGT activities. Although MO, GST, and UDPGT activities all were increased by Aroclor 1254, the MO system was by far the most sensitive. Because these enzyme systems are functionally linked in the biotransformation of certain xenobiotics, differential effects, such as those produced by Aroclor 1254, could alter patterns of xenobiotic metabolism and toxicity.
Phospholipase D2 Is Required for Efficient Endocytic Recycling of Transferrin Receptors

RNA interference-mediated depletion of phospholipase D2 (PLD2), but not PLD1, inhibited recycling of transferrin receptors in HeLa cells, whereas the internalization rate was unaffected by depletion of either PLD. Although reduction of both PLD isoforms inhibits PLD activity stimulated by phorbol 12-myristic 13-acetate, only depletion of PLD2 decreased nonstimulated activity. Cells with reduced PLD2 accumulated a greater fraction of transferrin receptors in a perinuclear compartment that was positive for Rab11, a marker of recycling endosomes. EFA6, an exchange factor for Arf6, has been proposed to stimulate the recycling of transferrin receptors. Thus, one consequence of EFA6 overexpression would be a reduction of the internal pool of receptors. We confirmed this observation in control HeLa cells; however, overexpression of EFA6 failed to decrease the internal pool of transferrin receptors that accumulate in cells previously depleted of PLD2. These observations suggest that either PLD2 is required for a constitutive Arf6-mediated recycling pathway or in the absence of PLD2 transferrin receptors accumulate in recycling endosomes that are not responsive to overexpression of EFA6.
Effect of Age and Frequency of Injections on Immune Response to Hepatitis B Vaccination in Drug Users

Despite the high immunogenicity of the hepatitis B vaccine, evidence suggests that immunological response in drug users is impaired compared to the general population. A sample of not-in-treatment adult drug users from two communities in Houston, TX, USA, susceptible to hepatitis B virus (HBV), was sampled via outreach workers and referral methodology. Participants were randomized to either the standard multi-dose hepatitis B vaccine schedule (0, 1, and 6 months) or to an accelerated (0, 1, and 2 months) schedule. The participants were followed for 1 year. Antibody levels were measured at 2, 6 and 12 months after enrollment in order to determine the immune responses. At 12 months, cumulative adequate protective response was achieved in 65% of the HBV susceptible subgroup using both the standard and accelerated schedules. The standard group had a higher mean antibody titer (184.6 mIU/mL vs 57.6 mIU/mL). But at 6 months, seroconversion at the adequate protective response was reached by a higher proportion of participants and the mean antibody titer was also higher in the accelerated schedule group (104.8 mIU/mL vs. 64.3 mIU/mL). Multivariate analyses indicated a 63% increased risk of non-response for participants 40 years or older (p=0.046). Injecting drugs more than once a day was also highly associated with the risk of non-response (p=0.016). Conclusions from this research will guide the development of future vaccination programs that anticipate other prevalent chronic conditions, susceptibilities, and risk-taking behaviors of hard-to-reach populations.
Multiple Effects of Joint Attention Intervention for Children with Autism.

Joint attention refers to an early developing set of behaviors that plays a critical role in both social and language development and is specifically impaired in children with autism. In a series of three studies, preschool teachers demonstrated the effectiveness of discrete trial instruction and pivotal response training strategies to teach joint attention to 5 children with autism (Study 1). Parents of 2 of the 5 children also taught joint attention at home and in the community (Study 2). Several additional dependent measures demonstrated collateral improvements in expressive language and social-communicative characteristics that were socially validated by parent raters (Study 3). Results are discussed with respect to the importance of addressing different forms of joint attention, the necessity to extend intervention to naturalistic contexts and joint attention partners, the pivotal nature of joint attention, and whether intervention adequately addresses both the form and social function of joint attention.
Energy, angular and charge distributions for deeply inelastic scattering of Xe by Ta and Pb

Abstract Energy spectra, angular distributions, and Z -distributions for the scattering of 1120 MeV 136 Xe ions by 181 Ta and 208 Pb have been measured. The elastic scattering angular distributions are fitted by optical model potentials whose strength in the tail region of the potential is in good agreement with theoretical estimates. The angular distributions for non-elastic processes are sidewise peaked for both the quasi-elastic and deeply inelastic components. The sum of the integrated cross sections for these components accounts for all of the expected total reaction cross section, with no evidence for a significant fusion-fission component. For most angles the energy spectra exhibit a broad peak several hundred MeV below the elastic peak. At very forward and very backward angles the most probable total kinetic energy is sub-barrier with respect to the entrance channel. The Z -distributions of the light reaction product exhibit a most probable Z that is remarkably close to that of the projectile for all angles and energy losses. A linear dependence of the width of the Z -distribution on energy loss is found that is common to all angles.
Lack of growth enhancement by exogenous growth hormone treatment in yellow perch (Perca flavescens) in four separate experiments

Abstract The effect of exogenous growth hormone (GH) treatment on the growth of juvenile yellow perch ( Perca flavescens ) was investigated in four experiments. In the first two experiments, juvenile yellow perch were reared at either 13 °C or 21 °C, and injected weekly with bovine GH (bGH) at 0.1, 1.0 or 10.0 μg/g body weight for 84 days. No significant growth enhancement in GH-treated fish was measured in fish in either of the experiments. In the third experiment, juvenile yellow perch were treated with estradiol-17β (E 2 , 15 μg/g of diet), bGH (1.0 μg/g body weight) injected weekly or both hormones for 70 days at 21 °C. E 2 alone stimulated growth, but no further growth stimulation occurred in the E 2 + bGH-treated fish. In addition, no growth enhancement was found in fish treated with bGH alone. We measured no difference in serum insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) levels between the treatment groups at 12 and 24 h after the final injection of GH; however, a drop in IGF-I levels after 24 h was observed. In a fourth study, the effect of recombinant yellow perch GH (rypGH, 0.2 or 1.0 μg/g body weight) injected weekly was evaluated in yellow perch juveniles. The fish were reared for 42 days at 18 °C. Neither GH dosages improved growth compared to control-injected and non-injected fish. Taken together, the lack of effect of mammalian GH or rypGH in our experiments suggests (1) low binding affinity between these hormones and the GH receptor in yellow perch, (2) that the endogenous GH levels were already at biologically maximal levels or (3) that other endocrine factors are needed in order for GH to promote yellow perch growth. The reduction in IGF-I levels 24 h after handling suggests a negative effect of handling stress on the GH-IGF-I axis in yellow perch.
The competitive advantage potential of vertical integration

Abstract There is a widely held belief that backward vertical integration provides firms with the potential for a low-cost competitive advantage, and forward vertical integration provides them with the potential for a differentiation advantage. This study builds theory that underpins that belief, and then tests the theory using a sample of large firms. While our findings do not support the relationship between backward vertical integration and low cost, they do provide strong support for arguments linking forward vertical integration with differentiation-based competitive advantage.
PREDNISONE IN TREATMENT OF ALLERGEN-ASSOCIATED ANGIO-IMMUNOBLASTIC LYMPHADENOPATHY

Abstract Angio-immunoblastic lymphadenopathy with dysproteinaemia (A.I.L.D.) is a lymphoproliferative disorder associated in one third of the patients with exposure to an allergen. In four patients with allergen-associated A.I.L.D. single cytotoxic drugs were ineffective but maintenance low-dose prednisone for 6-12 months induced complete remission for up to 13 years. In contrast, three patients with non-allergen-associated A.I.L.D. did not respond to prednisone but achieved remission with combination chemotherapy.
In‐situ measurements of scattering phase functions of stratospheric aerosol particles in Alaska during July 1979

A laser nephelometer developed for airborne measurements of polar scattering diagrams of atmospheric aerosols was flown on the NCAR Sabreliner aircraft to obtain data on light-scattering parameters for stratospheric aerosol particles over Alaska during July 1979. Observed values of the angular variation of scattered-light intensity were compared with those calculated for different values of the asymmetry parameter g in the Henyey-Greenstein phase function. The observations indicate that, for the time and location of the experiments, the Henyey-Greenstein phase function could be used to calculate polar scattering diagrams to within experimental errors for an asymmetry parameter value of 0.49 plus or minus 0.07.
Flow injection analysis of trace hydrogen peroxide using an immobilized enzyme reactor

Flow Injection Analysis of Trace Hydrogen Peroxide Using an Immobilized Enzyme Reactor Sub-part-per-billion levels of aqueous hydrogen peroxide have been determined with a flow injection analysis system employing a single bead string reactor composed of horseradish peroxidase covalently bound to an animated macroporous polymeric adsorbent with glutaraldehyde and a passive cation exchange membrane reactor to alter pH. The chemistry relies on the peroxidase mediated oxidation of nonfluorescentp-hydroxyphenylacetate to its fluorescent dimer. The advantage of the system includes rapid throughout rates (40 samples/h), excellent detection limits (0.3 ppb H2O2) and large dynamic range of linear response (1 ppb-1 ppm). However, the immobilized enzyme is not useful for the analysis of organic peroxides which act as inhibitors.
On the Importance of Spectral Interferences in Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy

Various types of spectral interferences in atomic absorption spectroscopy were investigated. Of particular concern were interferences in which atomic electronic processes are a problem. Source emission of multiplets and other radiation near the analysis line can cause nonlinear analytical curves and poor detection limits. Direct absorption spectral overlaps were found to be of importance in some analyses, particularly for transition elements. Comprehensive lists of observed and predicted spectral interferences are presented. It is concluded that spectral interferences may be of more importance than previously supposed in routine analytical situations. Further, there should be an optimal spectral bandpass for each analytical transition.
Remembering implied advertising claims as facts: Extensions to the "real world"

Previous findings that people remember implied claims in advertising (e.g., “Crest fights cavities”) as assertions of fact (e.g., “Crest prevents cavities”) were replicated in more naturalistic settings in a series of four studies, using real television and radio programs and commercials, as well as experimental materials in a laboratory setting. Results from the laboratory generalized well to the “real world.”
The critical relationship between venture capitalists and entrepreneurs: Planning, decision-making, and control

On the basis of preliminary interview and survey data, evidence suggests that venture capitalists (VCs) are less involved with their affiliated new venture organizations than may be necessary for long term survival. The dual core model of innovation that emphasizes the need of a technical and administrative core for continued innovation is used as the foundation of this perspective. In the post investment relationship between the venture capitalist and the new venture, it is expected that the new venture has a well developed technical core. However, the administrative needs are often ignored by the new venture entrepreneurs. Therefore, it is recommended that VCs become more involved in the administrative component of the new venture organization (NVO) through either direct involvement or through the recruiting of key personnel. As the NVO moves through its life cycle the addition of an administrative component to its technical core provides for continued innovation necessary for long term survival and growth.
Membrane skeleton of innervated and denervated fast- and slow-twitch muscle.

We used confocal microscopy and immunoblotting to study membrane skeletal proteins of fast-twitch (extensor digitorum longus) and slow-twitch (soleus) muscles of the adult rat. In the extensor digitorum longus (EDL), beta-spectrin concentrates in costameres, whereas dystrophin is enriched at costameres but is also present in intercostameric regions. In the soleus, beta-spectrin and dystrophin underlie much of the sarcolemma, and intercostameric regions are difficult to detect. The EDL sarcolemma reorganizes following denervation to resemble soleus sarcolemma, but denervation does not significantly affect the latter. Consistent with these observations, soleus contains similar amounts of dystrophin but more beta-spectrin than EDL. Denervation increases beta-spectrin levels only in the EDL and dystrophin levels in both muscles. Denervation does not affect beta-fodrin, a beta-spectrin homolog expressed in embryonic myofibers. Thus, neuromuscular activity controls sarcolemmal organization and the levels of beta-spectrin and dystrophin, but not postnatal downregulation of beta-fodrin. The differences in organization of the sarcolemma may underlie the differential susceptibility of fast and slow myofibers to dystrophinopathies.
Effects of a Music Therapy Strategy on Depressed Older Adults

A music-facilitated psychoeducational strategy was developed as a cost-effective and accessible intervention for older adults experiencing symptoms of depression, distress, and anxiety. Thirty older adults who had been diagnosed with major or minor depressive disorder were randomly assigned to one of three 8-week conditions: (1) a home-based program where participants learned music listening stress reduction techniques at weekly home visits by a music therapist; (2) a self-administered program where participants applied these same techniques with moderate therapist intervention (a weekly telephone call); or (3) a wait list control. Participants in both music conditions performed significantly better than the controls on standardized tests of depression, distress, self-esteem, and mood. These improvements were clinically significant and maintained over a 9-month follow-up period. The potential for this type of intervention with homebound elders and others who have limited access to services is discussed.
Insight into Functional Aspects of Stt3p, a Subunit of the Oligosaccharyl Transferase EVIDENCE FOR INTERACTION OF THE N-TERMINAL DOMAIN OF Stt3p WITH THE PROTEIN KINASE C CASCADE

Over a decade ago, the gene STT3 was identified in a staurosporine and temperature sensitivity screen of yeast. Subsequently the product of this gene was shown to be a subunit of the endoplasmic reticulum-localized oligosaccharyl transferase (OT) complex. Although stt3 mutants are known to be staurosporine-sensitive, we found that mutants of other OT subunits (except ost4Δ) are staurosporine-resistant, which indicates that this phenotype of stt3 mutants is not simply a consequence of their defect in glycosylation, as previously speculated. Staurosporine sensitivity was found to be an allele-specific phenotype restricted to cells harboring mutations in highly conserved residues in the N-terminal domain of the STT3 protein. Cells bearing mutations in one of the cytosolic-oriented loops (amino acids 158-168) in the N terminus of Stt3p were found to be specifically susceptible to staurosporine. Staurosporine is a specific inhibitor of Pkc1p, and a genetic link had previously been suggested between PKC1 and STT3. It is known that overexpression of PKC1 suppresses the staurosporine sensitivity of the stt3 mutants in an allele-specific manner, which is typical of mutants of Pkc1p cascade. It has been shown that the pkc1 null mutant exhibits lowered OT activity. Our results combined with these previous observations indicate that the N-terminal domain of Stt3p may interact with members of the Pkc1p cascade and consequently mutations in this domain result in staurosporine sensitivity. We further speculate that the Pkc1p regulates OT activity through the N-terminal domain of Stt3p, the C-terminal domain of which possesses the recognition and/or catalytic site of the OT complex.
Functionalized polypyrrole film: synthesis, characterization, and potential applications in chemical and biological sensors.

In this paper, we report the synthesis of a carboxyl-functionalized polypyrrole derivative, a poly(pyrrole-N-propanoic acid) (PPPA) film, by electrochemical polymerization, and the investigation of its basic properties via traditional characterization techniques such as confocal-Raman, FTIR, SEM, AFM, UV−vis, fluorescence microscopy, and contact-angle measurements. The experimental data show that the as-prepared PPPA film exhibits a hydrophilic nanoporous structure, abundant −COOH functional groups in the polymer backbone, and high fluorescent emission under laser excitation. On the basis of these unique properties, further experiments were conducted to demonstrate three potential applications of the PPPA film in chemical and biological sensors: a permeable and permselective membrane, a membrane with specific recognition sites for biomolecule immobilization, and a fluorescent conjugated polymer for amplification of fluorescence quenching. Specifically, the permeability and permselectivity of ion species t...
Optimization of 5-(and-6)-Carboxyfluorescein Diacetate Succinimidyl Ester for Labeling Human Intervertebral Disc Cells in Vitro

We have assessed the utility of an intracellular fluorochrome, 5-(and-6)-carboxyfluorescein diacetate succinimidyl ester (CFSE), as a tracking label for human intervertebral disc cells in vitro. Although 5 JJIM provides adequate intracellular labeling for whole cell fluorescent microscopic identification of labeled cells, 20 JJLM was preferable for immunocytochemical localization of paraffin embedded labeled cells. Electron dense vesicles are seen at the ultra-structural level in labeled cells. Discrete vesicular labeling can also be observed in whole cell mounts viewed with fluorescence microscopy. Whole cells retain good label for 6 weeks. CFSE labeling is relatively easy, nontoxic to cells and nonradiocactive. Initial optimization of dose with specific cells types is recommended when confirmation of positive immunocytochemistry is needed for tissue engineering studies.
Sorting Large Multifield Records on a GPU

We extend the fastest comparison based (sample sort) and non-comparison based (radix sort) number sorting algorithms on a GPU to sort large multifield records. Two extensions - direct (the entire record is moved whenever its key is to be moved) and indirect ((key, index) pairs are sorted using the direct extension and then records are ordered according to the obtained index permutation) are discussed. Our results show that for the By Field layout, the direct extension of the radix sort algorithm GRS[1] is the fastest for 32-bit keys when records have at least 12 fields, otherwise, the direct extension of the radix sort algorithm SRTS[14] is the fastest. For the Hybrid layout, the indirect extension of SRTS is the fastest for records with 2 or more keys.
SURFACTANT ADMINISTRATION REDUCES TESTICULAR ISCHEMIA-REPERFUSION INJURY

AbstractPurpose: The mechanism of testicular ischemia-reperfusion injury has not been well delineated. We determined the efficacy of a biocompatible surfactant (tetronic 1107) to reduce tissue injury and evaluated cell membrane integrity as reflected by calcium ion permeability in an in vivo animal model of testicular ischemia-reperfusion.Materials and Methods: Three groups of male Sprague-Dawley rats (6 per group) were studied. Group 1 was the nonoperative control, and groups 2 and 3 underwent 4 hours of unilateral testicular ischemia followed by 4 hours of reperfusion. Ten minutes after reperfusion 0.4 ml. saline was administered intravenously to group 2 and 180 mg./kg. surfactant tetronic 1107 to group 3. (99m) Technetium pyrophosphate was used to monitor calcium ion uptake by the ipsilateral and contralateral testicles. Both testicles were also examined histologically.Results: The surfactant treated animals had markedly diminished hemorrhagic discoloration and vascular congestion compared to saline tr...
The Global Financial Crises of 2007–2010 and the future of capitalism

Abstract This paper presents an analysis of the 2007-2010 Global Financial Crisis which started with the sub-prime crisis in the U.S. and became global very fast. It argues that the financial system in the United States is a complex interlocking structure of markets, institutions and regulators. The causes and culprits of the crisis, the misaligned incentives of participants and exogenous events such as the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, precipitated failure in key markets: commodities, sub-prime housing, equities, and credit. One of the strategic consequences of this crisis is that the US will lose its dominance in world power, the frequent crises and vulnerabilities of the Neoliberalism and examines the future of capitalism. Of the alternatives to economic system, the capitalism is the most viable economic system. However, it must adopt real and efficient allocation of resources to maximize welfare of all parties and seriously address the income inequality. It must reject crony capitalism, enact true financial regulation of institutions and markets, end corporate socialism and address the system’s structural deficiencies.
Transport in the surface channel of strained Si on a relaxed Si1−xGex substrate

Abstract A real time Green's functions formalism is used to study the electron transport in a uniformly-doped strained-Si surface channel on a relaxed Si1−xGex buffer. Our theoretical mobility results, for Ns = 1012 cm−2 and for several Ge concentrations in the substrate, are in good agreement with the available experimental data. We find that the low-field electron mobility is affected strongly by rather high fixed-oxide charge, interface-trap and surface-roughness scattering, in addition to non-polar optical phonon scattering. Significant mobility enhancement with increasing Ge fraction in the substrate is observed only for low values of Ns. The weighting coefficients a and b for the inversion and depletion charge densities in the definition of the effective transverse electric field Eeff are not found to be considerably affected by the strain. Strain induced increase of the population of the higher lying sub-bands from the Δ2-band leads to a reduction of the inversion layer capacitance Cinv.
Maintaining user participation throughout the systems development cycle

Effective user participation is well known to be an important aspect of good system development methodology. Specific tools and techniques for managing user participation in all phases of the systems development life cycle are illustrated by a large business system development project at Texas Instruments. Emphasis is placed on maintaining a constant level of communication between user and developer as the system design evolves.
A new Doherty amplifier design approach

The conventional Doherty amplifier requires the auxiliary device current to increase faster than the main as the input power increases. This has been accomplished by additional control circuitry, or uneven power drive, or periphery scaling. This paper presents a new Doherty design approach that accepts the insufficient auxiliary device current. It is shown that with this approach, comparable power back-off efficiency is achieved while linearity is maintained.
Neuropathological findings in West Nile virus encephalitis: A case report

A 67-year-old woman had fever, myalgias, progressive weakness, and respiratory insufficiency. In 9 days, flaccid areflexic quadriparesis and bulbar palsy developed. She died 26 days after the onset of her illness. Serum and cerebrospinal fluid serology were positive for West Nile virus. Neuropathological study showed changes consistent with a viral encephalomyelitis, similar to poliomyelitis. The brainstem showed neuronal loss and multiple foci of necrosis. The spinal cord showed severe loss of anterior and posterior horn neurons. Immunohistochemistry identified West Nile virus antigens in the brainstem and spinal cord. Paralysis, in West Nile virus encephalitis, is caused by destruction of motor neurons.
Anomalous Intraocular and Periocular Formation of Adipose Tissue

Three patients with anomalous formation of intraocular adipose tissue had in common an ensheathment of the optic nerve and replacement of the leptomeninges by adipose tissue. Case 1 showed a colobomatous microphthalmia and the presence of adipose tissue and other heteroplastic elements within the globe and adjacent to an optic nerve coloboma. Case 2 also showed adipose tissue deposition adjacent to an optic nerve coloboma. Case 3 was unique in that there was no coloboma present to explain the faulty tissue induction.
A code for studying plasmas in contact with solids

A new time dependent 2-D code, PLANET-TD, has been developed for plasma edge simulations with a particular emphasis on plasma neutral gas-wall interaction. The code has its own diffusive neutral transport model but can also operate in conjunction with the DEGAS neutral transport code. The high (neutral hydrogen) recycling and substantial low-Z impurity content conditions are of great importance for the magnetic fusion research. The PLANET-TD code has the capability of treating the strongly coupled system of hydrogen plasma, impurity plasma, and neutral gas simultaneously. Consequently, the situations with large energy dissipation from a (tokamak) edge plasma can be studied. An application designed to explore the limits of high recycling is described and the results are discussed.
Delamination in sandwich panels due to local water slamming loads

Abstract We study delamination in a sandwich panel due to transient finite plane strain elastic deformations caused by local water slamming loads and use the boundary element method to analyze motion of water and the finite element method to determine deformations of the panel. The cohesive zone model is used to study delamination initiation and propagation. The fluid is assumed to be incompressible and inviscid, and undergo irrotational motion. A layer-wise third order shear and normal deformable plate/shell theory is employed to simulate deformations of the panel by considering all geometric nonlinearities (i.e., all non-linear terms in strain–displacement relations) and taking the panel material to be St. Venant–Kirchhoff (i.e., the second Piola–Kirchhoff stress tensor is a linear function of the Green–St. Venant strain tensor). The Rayleigh damping is introduced to account for structural damping that reduces oscillations in the pressure acting on the panel/water interface. Results have been computed for water entry of (i) straight and circular sandwich panels made of Hookean materials with and without consideration of delamination failure, and (ii) flat sandwich panels made of the St. Venant–Kirchhoff materials. The face sheets and the core of sandwich panels are made, respectively, of fiber reinforced composites and soft materials. It is found that for the same entry speed (i) the peak pressure for a curved panel is less than that for a straight panel, (ii) the consideration of geometric nonlinearities significantly increases the peak hydrodynamic pressure, (iii) delamination occurs in mode-II, and (iv) the delamination reduces the hydroelastic pressure acting on the panel surface and hence alters deformations of the panel.
Historical evidence for energy efficiency rebound in 30 US sectors and a toolkit for rebound analysts

Abstract This article presents a detailed econometric analysis of historical energy efficiency rebound magnitudes in the US economy by sector and in aggregate. The results strongly suggest that energy consumption forecasts that ignore rebound effects will systematically and significantly understate energy consumption. Accompanying this article is a toolkit that allows any analyst to conduct a comparable analysis for any country, or sector, for which the data are available.
Digital readouts for large microwave low-temperature detector arrays

Over the last several years many different types of low-temperature detectors (LTDs) have been developed that use a microwave resonant circuit as part of their readout. These devices include microwave kinetic inductance detectors (MKID), microwave SQUID readouts for transition edge sensors (TES), and NIS bolometers. Current readout techniques for these devices use analog frequency synthesizers and IQ mixers. While these components are available as microwave integrated circuits, one set is required for each resonator. We are exploring a new readout technique for this class of detectors based on a commercial-off-the-shelf technology called software defined radio (SDR). In this method a fast digital to analog (D/A) converter creates as many tones as desired in the available bandwidth. Our prototype system employs a 100 MS/s 16-bit D/A to generate an arbitrary number of tones in 50 MHz of bandwidth. This signal is then mixed up to the desired detector resonant frequency (~10 GHz), sent through the detector, then mixed back down to baseband. The baseband signal is then digitized with a series of fast analog to digital converters (80 MS/s, 14-bit). Next, a numerical mixer in a dedicated integrated circuit or FPGA mixes the resonant frequency of a specified detector to 0 Hz, and sends the complex detector output over a computer bus for processing and storage. In this paper we will report on our results in using a prototype system to readout a MKID array, including system noise performance, X-ray pulse response, and cross-talk measurements. We will also discuss how this technique can be scaled to read out many thousands of detectors.
Containment of free-ranging goats using pulsed-radio-wave-activated shock collars

Abstract Goats ( Capra hircus ) are useful for brush and weed control. Their usefulness would be enhanced if their distribution on grazing land could be controlled without herders or permanent fencing. The feasibility of using electric shock collars to restrict the range of grazing goats was evaluated. Electric shock collars developed for canine control were tested as an alternative method for unattended containment. Shock collars effectively contained goats within the designated test area. Goast not wearing the shock collars remained close to the collared goats due to herd instinct, and thus also remained within the test area. Preliminary results indicate that the non-visual fence may make it feasible to develop commercial weed-grazing goat herds restricted to weed infestations by electric collars.
Oscillations in extracellular pH and reactive oxygen species modulate tip growth of Arabidopsis root hairs

Root hairs show highly localized cell expansion focused to their growing tips. This growth pattern is accomplished through restriction of secretion to the elongating apex and modulation of cell wall properties, with the wall just behind the tip becoming rigidified to resist the lateral expansive forces of turgor. In this report we show that root hairs exhibit oscillating growth that is associated with oscillating increases in extracellular pH and reactive oxygen species (ROS), which lag growth by ≈7 s. Consistent with a role for these changes in growth control, artificially increasing extracellular pH arrested root hair elongation, whereas decreasing pH elicited bursting at the tip. Similarly, application of exogenous ROS arrested elongation, whereas scavenging of ROS led to root hair bursting. Roots hairs of the root hair-defective rhd2-1 mutant, which lack a functional version of the NADPH oxidase ATRBOH C, burst at the transition to tip growth. This phenotype could be rescued by elevating the pH of the growth medium to ≥6.0. Such rescued root hairs showed reduced cytoplasmic ROS levels and a lack of the oscillatory production of ROS at the tip. However, they exhibited apparently normal tip growth, including generation of the tip-focused Ca2+ gradient thought to drive apical growth, indicating that ATRBOH C is not absolutely required to sustain tip growth. These observations indicate that root hair elongation is coupled to spatially distinct regulation of extracellular pH and ROS production that likely affect wall properties associated with the polarized expansion of the cell.
Infrared microcalorimetric spectroscopy using uncooled thermal detectors

The authors have investigated a novel infrared microcalorimetric spectroscopy technique that can be used to detect the presence of trace amounts of target molecules. The chemical detection is accomplished by obtaining the infrared photothermal spectra of molecules absorbed on the surface of an uncooled thermal detector. Traditional gravimetric based chemical detectors (surface acoustic waves, quartz crystal microbalances) require highly selective coatings to achieve chemical specificity. In contrast, infrared microcalorimetric based detection requires only moderately specific coatings since the specificity is a consequence of the photothermal spectrum. They have obtained infrared photothermal spectra for trace concentrations of chemical analytes including diisopropyl methylphosphonate (DIMP), 2-mercaptoethanol and trinitrotoluene (TNT) over the wavelength region2.5 to 14.5 {micro}m. They found that in the wavelength region 2.5 to 14.5 {micro}m DIMP exhibits two strong photothermal peaks. The photothermal spectra of 2-mercaptoethanol and TNT exhibit a number of peaks in the wavelength region 2.5 to 14.5 {micro}m and the photothermal peaks for 2-mercaptoethanol are in excellent agreement with infrared absorption peaks present in its IR spectrum. The photothermal response of chemical detectors based on microcalorimetric spectroscopy has been found to vary reproducibly and sensitively as a consequence of adsorption of small number of molecules on a detector surface followed by photon irradiation and can be used for improved chemical characterization.