cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Adaptation, Heritability, and the Emergence of Evolutionary Political Science

Biological approaches to politics have witnessed the emergence of two major strands of research that are related but quite distinct: an “Adaptationist” approach and a “Heritability” approach. The former explains behavior as the product of complex psychological adaptations designed by natural selection that all humans share, while the latter explains behavior as a consequence of heritable genetic differences between individuals. Importantly, neither approach excludes environmental factors from a causal role in generating behavior. Heritability approaches are more familiar to political scientists, and one well-known example is behavior genetics, as exemplified in twin study research. However, Adaptationist approaches, such as evolutionary psychology, remain theoretically underdeveloped in political science. We therefore provide a detailed outline of the theoretical framework of evolutionary psychology, and we explore its application toward the study of political behavior—an endeavor we label Evolutionary Political Science.
Rattling cisticola song features and variability across sub-Saharan Africa

Quantifying bird song variation can be an important tool for ensuring accurate species identification and can provide a significant basis for understanding the evolutionary processes that shape phenotypic diversity. This study describes variation in the songs of rattling cisticolas Cisticola chiniana across sub-Saharan Africa. For many cisticola species, learned songs are the most obvious phenotypic indicators of species affiliation and may also function to indicate individual quality. We examined 957 songs recorded from 61 individuals and archived in sound libraries. To assess the diversity of syllable and song types, we examined patterns of syllable use. We also measured vocalization frequency and time parameters and assessed how they vary through space. Results indicated that rattling cisticola songs are highly variable, but also have features that are species-specific. Examined songs had a relatively fixed structure containing one of three characteristic introductory note types, followed by an end phrase. Two of the introductory note types were sung across the species’ range (some 4500 km), whereas the third was only recorded in south-western Africa. End phrases generated most of the diversity in songs and appeared to have an unlimited number of forms. End-phrase characteristics showed a strong geographic variation, but did not vary with elevation. Song features varied individually and geographically in ways that are consistent with evolution due to multiple selective pressures, including stabilizing selection for species recognition on the introductory notes and diversifying selection on the end phrases. This pattern of lability in some song features coupled with stability in others may be a common feature of cisticola songs as it has also been found in Cisticola erythrops, a congener with a similarly broad range.
Salaries Increase for Medical Technology and Clinical Laboratory Science Faculty

High salaries help to attract and retain competent teachers in medical technology and clinical laboratory science programs. To determine if salaries have changed since a previous survey, a questionnaire was sent to directors of 126 university-based programs. The response rate was 46%. Results were compiled by academic rank according to geographic location and type of program. In general, salaries have increased in the past 2 years. Salaries in some geographic regions and program types showed greater increases than in others.
Challenges in getting flash drives closer to CPU

The PCI Express Solid State Disks (PCIe SSDs) blur the difference between block and memory access semantic devices. Since these SSDs leverage PCIe bus as storage interface, their interfaces are different from conventional memory system interconnects as well as thin storage interfaces. This leads to a new SSD architecture and storage software stack design. Unfortunately, there are not many studies focusing on the system characteristics of these emerging PCIe SSD platforms. In this paper, we quantitatively analyze the challenges faced by PCIe SSDs in getting flash memory closer to CPU and study two representative PCIe SSD architectures (from-scratch SSD and bridge-based SSD) using state-of-the-art real SSDs from two different vendors. Our experimental analysis reveals that 1) while the from-scratch SSD approach offers remarkable performance improvements, it requires enormous host-side memory and computation resources which may not be acceptable in many computing systems; 2) the performance of the from-scratch SSD significantly degrades in a multi-core system; 3) redundant flash software and controllers should be eliminated from the bridge-based SSD architecture; and 4) latency of PCIe SSDs significantly degrade with their storage-level queueing mechanism. Finally, we discuss system implications including potential PCIe SSD applications such as all-flash array.
Degrees of freedom in depolarizing Mueller matrices

Most measured Mueller matrices tend to be slightly non physical due to noise and calibration issues. Based on a simple white noise model and higher dimensional geometrical considerations, only 1 out of 90 measured Mueller matrices for a non depolarizing sample should be physical, a number given by the relation [equation] which describes the ratio of the 9-dimensional solid angle inside a 9-dimensional 45° cone to the 9- dimensional solid angle in the entire 9-dimensional hypersphere. The remaining majority of measured matrices would be expected to be slightly non physical.
Agent-based power management of microgrids including renewable energy power generation

Future smart grids may rely on microgrid systems that integrate localized generation, load, and storage assets into autonomous power system entities. Seen as an enabling technology, microgrids offer solutions for both customers and system operators as building blocks of expanding power networks capable of broadly integrating distributed energy resources (DER) and providing a means to optimize local assets based on multiple objectives. In this paper, a distributed agent-based microgrid control architecture capable of coordinating and cooperatively achieving user-defined objectives is presented. Key attributes of centralized versus decentralized agent-based control are presented, as well as describing the challenges faced by operating a distributed architecture that must self-organize to appropriately coordinate the cooperative behavior of agents. Further, the demand for a robust, real-time microgrid power management and control framework that achieves effective operation and can optimize its local generation, load, and storage assets is discussed, along with the viability of distributed agent-based microgrid control towards achieving smart grid objectives.
Ground-water levels in Pennsylvania in 1936

In the fall of 1931 a project was begun for obtaining systematic weekly records of ground-water levels in Pennsylvania, in cooperation between the United States Geological Survey and the Pennsylvania Topographic and Geologic Survey. This project was described briefly at the thirteenth annual meeting of the American Geophysical Union, Section of Hydrology (Transactions 1932, p p . 373–375). This project has been in progress up to the present, and is to be continued. Some observation-wells have been discarded, and some new wells have been added. At present, weekly water-level measurements to the nearest hundredth of a foot are being made by local observers in 32 wells. One of the wells is also equipped with an automatic water-stage recorder. Most of them are shallow unused wells, and most of them are dug wells but a few are drilled.
A comparative study of density functional calculations with experimental molecular mechanics and analysis of complexation between the sodium ion and lariat crown ethers

Abstract Molecular mechanics and density functions were used in a theoretical study and research of determining the lowest energy, optimum geometric structure, and the relative geometric stabilities of the complex compounds of lariat crown ethers (LCE). Understanding of lariat 16-crown-5 ether and its complexation with the sodium ion, through the use of experimental data auxiliary to density function theoretical calculations to obtain a more optimal stereochemical molecular structure, can further improve the quality of calculation for the thermodynamic properties of the compounds. The objective of this study is to precisely handle large, electron-rich species, and provide a better understanding of the molecular behavior of a representative member that describes the complexation between this class of lariat crown ethers and the sodium ion. An experimental study and a quantum mechanical research, which used the density function theory (DFT) to conduct calculations at the B3LYP/6-31G ∗ and SDD level in the Gaussian 03 package program, were conducted on these LCEs with sodium ion complex. The spatial coordinate positions of complex compounds 1 – 3 with sodium complex, as obtained from an X-ray structural analysis, were used as the initial coordinates for the theoretical calculations. Conformational isomers 4 – 6 are complexes of 2-methoxybenzyl sym -dibenzo-16-crown-5 ether and sodium ion. Their spatial coordinate positions were derived from the crystal structures of the complexes which were reported earlier [C.C. Su, L.H. Lu, J. Mol. Struct. 702 (2004) 23]. The conformational isomer 7 was based on the molecular model of complex compounds 1 – 3 obtained through geometric optimization calculations. The optimal geometric structures of these compounds were confirmed in this study. The atomic bond lengths, atomic torsion angles, binding energies, and binding enthalpies of these complex compounds were also calculated. The results of the DFT calculations can more accurately establish the molecular model of the complex compounds. This study also found that the effect of sidearm appeared to have strong influence on the binding ability of sodium ion.
Gender and reward distributions: A test of two hypotheses

This study was designed as a test of two competing explanations of gender differences in distributive justice: (a) the equity-equality hypothesis, which states that males endorse equitable distributions more than females and females endorse equal distributions more than males; and (b) the exploitation-accommodation hypothesis, which states that the sexes vary their norm endorsement according to self-favoring (males) or other-favoring (females) distribution outcomes. Preadolescent and college-aged subjects rated the fairness of reward distributions of vignette characters who had contributed either more or less than a co-worker in a task, and had subsequently divided the rewards either equitably or equally. The data provided no support for the equity-equality hypothesis, but did support the exploitation-accommodation hypothesis. Specifically, females rated equitable distributions of inferior workers as more fair than males did. Thus, the popular conclusion that males have a stronger commitment to equity than females must be rejected.
Neurons with dual axons in the substantia gelatinosa (SG) of the adult cat lumbosacral spinal cord.

A small percentage of SG neurons possessing two separate and complete axons were observed in the lumbosacral spinal cord of the adult cat. Since they are found in small numbers and are structurally similar to single axon SG cells, dual axon cells may represent a developmental aberrancy rather than a functionally distinct cell type.
Deterministic walks in random environments

Deterministic walks in random environments (DWRE) occupy an intermediate position between purely random (generated by random trials) and purely deterministic (generated by deterministic dynamical systems, e.g., by maps) models of diffusion. These models combine deterministic and probabilistic features. We review general properties of DWRE and demonstrate that, to a large extent, their dynamics and their statistics can be analyzed consecutively and separately. We also show that orbits of one-dimensional walks in rigid environments with non-constant rigidity almost surely visit each site infinitely many times.
AUVish: An Application-Based Language for Cooperating AUVs

AUVish is an application-based language for Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs), designed to facilitate cooperative behaviors needed for complete coverage in underwater mine countermeasures (MCM). Initially, AUVish was developed to support the computer simulation of replacing lost vehicles. Additional cooperative tasks were added to the simulations and AUVish was modified to handle the complications that arose. The syntax, semantics, and pragmatics of AUVish are explored, along with the processing and application of AUVish messages. A comparison with existing AUV languages concludes the essay.
Differences in regulation of tight junctions and cell morphology between VHL mutations from disease subtypes

In von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease, germline mutations in the VHL tumor suppressor gene cause clear cell renal carcinomas, hemangioblastomas, and pheochromocytomas. The VHL gene product is part of an ubiquitin E3 ligase complex and hypoxia-inducible factor alpha (HIF-α) is a key substrate, although additional VHL functions have been described. A genotype-phenotype relationship exists in VHL disease such that specific VHL mutations elicit certain subsets of these tumors. Here, we examine VHL genotype-phenotype correlations at the cellular level, focusing on the regulation of tight junctions and cell morphology. Wild-type and various mutant VHL proteins representing VHL disease subtypes were stably expressed in 3 VHL-negative renal carcinoma cell lines. Using these cell lines, the roles of various VHL-associated cellular functions in regulation of cell morphology were investigated. As a whole, type 1 mutants varied greatly from type 2 mutants, demonstrating high levels of HIF-2α, cyclin D1 and α5 integrin, lower p27 levels, and a spindly, fibroblastic cellular appearance. Type 2 mutations demonstrated an epithelial morphology similar to wild-type VHL in the majority of the renal cell lines used. Knockdown of p27 in cells with wild-type VHL led to perturbations of both epithelial morphology and ZO-1 localization to tight junctions. ZO-1 localization correlated well with VHL disease subtypes, with greater mislocalization observed for genotypes associated with a higher risk of renal carcinoma. HIF-2α knockdown in 786-O partially restored ZO-1 localization, but did not restore an epithelial morphology. VHL has both HIF-α dependent and HIF-α independent functions in regulating tight junctions and cell morphology that likely impact the clinical phenotypes seen in VHL disease.
Development of novel linkers to conjugate pharmacophores to a carrier antibody

We have developed modified maleimide novel linkers with improved chemical stability that could potentially be used in conjugating various pharmacophores such as oligo nucleotides, peptides, and proteins to antibodies to afford novel biologics with well-defined therapeutic benefits and improved pharmacokinetic properties. These linkers expand the array of tools available for bioconjugation of pharmacophores to antibodies.
Separation of scattering phenomena in super-resolution ISAR imaging using constrained music

In ISAR Multiple Signal Classification (MUSIC) imaging, the target is generally modeled as a collection of point scatterers. This simplistic model is robust but does not accurately image other scattering phenomena such as physical optics scattering from targets that are large with respect to wavelength. Utilization of the point scattering model for MUSIC imaging of physical optics scattering results in the distribution of target energy across several image pixels. This abstract introduces a method for separating scattering returns from objects with distinct size and shape or with different scattering mechanisms. A new scattering model is proposed to estimate physical optics scattering from spherical scatterers. Using constrained MUSIC techniques, returns from scatterers with a specific size and shape can be eliminated from the super-resolution ISAR image.
Reflection-Absorption Infrared Spectroscopy of Cuprous Oxide:

Reflection-absorption infrared spectroscopy is a technique for obtaining infrared spectra of thin films formed on the surfaces of plane metallic mirrors by reflecting infrared radiation from the mirrors at large, nearly grazing angles of incidence. Such spectra can, of course, provide a great deal of information about surface processes but for their correct interpretation it is essential to determine any differences in appearance between reflection-absorption spectra and transmission spectra that are inherent in the reflection-absorption technique.
Question temporality: identification and uses

In this paper, we introduce the concept of question temporality as a measure of the usefulness of the answers provided on the questions asked in the Question Answering sites (QA). We define question temporality based on when the answers provided on the questions would expire. We use classification methods to show that the question temporality can be assessed automatically. Our regression analysis highlights features that predict temporality of the questions. Our research can be instructive for interface designers to design temporality-aware interfaces and influence selection of questions and answers for display.
A Procedure for Correlation of Chemical and Sensory Data in Drinking Water Samples by Principal Component Factor Analysis

A statistical method utilizing principal component factor analysis (PCFA) was developed for chemical/sensory taste and odor correlation. With this method, specific flavor descriptors can be correlated with specific chromatographic peaks. A background odor mechanism was assumed to explain the odors perceived at or below their odor threshold concentrations. PCFA was applied to a series of simulated data sets and chemical/sensory data obtained from drinking water samples. The simulated data sets were used to evaluate six types of chemical/sensory response equations. The response equation giving satisfactory correlation results was then used to evaluate the drinking water sample data sets. After merger of the chemical/sensory data, the covariance between items was calculated, and PCFA was applied to the covariance structure followed by a target transformation of PCFA factors. Quality assurance evaluations of both sensory and chemical data were an integral part of the correlation procedure. The correlation stu...
Factors Affecting Performance of Nili-Ravi Buffaloes in Pakistan

Abstract Effects of herd, year, age, season, and lactation length on milk yield and reproductive efficiency for the Nili-Ravi breed of buffalo were determined by analysis of variance of 5,716 lactation records from two herds in Pakistan. Herds differed in all traits. Herd average milk yields were 1,702 and 2,064kg. Year, season, herd, parity number, days in milk, days open, age, and sire all influenced milk yield. Herd, year, season, and parity number also had significant effects on days open and calving interval. Month of calving was important for time until return to estrus. Percentages of variance in milk yield attributed to herd, year, sire, cow, and residual were 20.3, 11.4, 4.3, 17.0, and 47.0. Classification of lactation length (>60, >250, or at least 305 days) markedly influenced the sire component of variance suggesting some interdependence of milk yield and lactation length. Total variance for milk yield was 466,911kg 2 . Within herd heritability for milk yield was .25, and repeatability was low (.31). Predicted breeding values for sires for 250 to 305-day milk ranged from -172kg to +260. Cows in Herd 1 completed 5.58 lactations with an average herd life of 12.3 yr; Herd 2 cows completed 4.52 lactations with culling at 10.6 yr. Frequency of termination of lactations because of mastitis, reproductive problems or health was similar to frequencies for cattle. Factors affecting milk yield in buffaloes are similar to those of cattle.
Dietary habits and ageing in a sample of Italian older people.

To analyse dietary habits and explore the role of socioeconomic status in a sample of elderly Italians. Observational. 306 elderly subjects aged 65 and over living in the Marche Region (Italy). Assessment of dietary habits and life-style characteristics using a “Life-style questionnaire”. Nutritional data collected by means of a 53-item “Frequency food questionnaire”. The study revealed differences in dietary patterns and food consumption. Age was negatively related to all food categories. Some socio-economic characteristics (level of education and economic status) were correlated with consumption of many foods, such ad Fish, Red Meat and Diary products. Between-the-sexes differences were also documented. Our findings showed that the nutritional and dietary habits varied greatly within the sample investigated. The mapping of these dietary and nutritional patterns may be of value for future research in elderly populations, particularly those with low educational status and poor economic means. Conclusively, greater promotion of healthy dietary habits should be targeted towards elderly populations.
A High-Resolution X-Ray Image of the Jet in M87

We present the first high-resolution X-ray image of the jet in M87 using the Chandra X-Ray Observatory. There is clear structure in the jet and almost all of the optically bright knots are detected individually. The unresolved core is the brightest X-ray feature but is only 2-3 times brighter than knot A (123 from the core) and the inner knot HST-1 (10 from the core). The X-ray and optical positions of the knots are consistent at the 01 level, but the X-ray emission from the brightest knot (A) is marginally upstream of the optical emission peak. Detailed Gaussian fits to the X-ray jet one-dimensional profile show distinct X-ray emission that is not associated with specific optical features. The X-ray/optical flux ratio decreases systematically from the core, and X-ray emission is not clearly detected beyond 20'' from the core. The X-ray spectra of the core and the two brightest knots, HST-1 and A, are consistent with a simple power law (Sν ∝ ν-α) with α = 1.46 ± 0.05, practically ruling out inverse Compton models as the dominant X-ray emission mechanism. The core flux is significantly larger than expected from an advective accretion flow, and the spectrum is much steeper, indicating that the core emission may be due to synchrotron emission from a small-scale jet. The spectral energy distributions of the knots are well fitted by synchrotron models. The spectral indices in the X-ray band, however, are comparable to that expected in the Kardashev-Pacholczyk synchrotron model but are much flatter than expected in the pitch-angle isotropization model of Jaffe and Perola. The break frequencies derived from both models drop by factors of 10-100 with distance from the core.
Agricultural distortions and structural change

Abstract Many developing countries have chosen to use a variety of policy instruments to transfer resources out of agriculture and to the manufacturing and, in some countries, the service sector. It will be argued in this paper that such policies slow structural change, create incentives for capital intensive production in non-agricultural sectors, and slow the process of technical innovation in agriculture. These arguments will be illustrated by examining the recent growth experience in India.
PRODUCTION OF ACETIC ACID FROM HYDROGEN AND CARBON DIOXIDE BY CLOSTRIDIUM SPECIES ATCC 29797

Abstract Clostridium sp. ATCC 29797 converts H2 and CO2 to acetic acid in stationary phase in almost 100% yield. The resting cells are stable for up to 300 h and produce acetate to a final product concentration of 221 mM. The specific productivity of acetate during the stationary phase appears limited by the specific activity of hydrogenase. A high pressure fermentor was constructed to investigate the use of pressure, as a general strategy, for increasing the rates of microbial syngas conversions. Fermentations were conducted at pressures up to 1000 psig using various mixtures of H2 and CO2. The use of high pressure proved to be an effective method for eliminating gas transfer resistances and increasing the volumetric productivity. Hydrostatic pressure had little effect on the specific productivity of acetate, however, high partial pressures of hydrogen caused the specific productivity and total acetate accumulated to decrease. High pressures of hydrogen also caused a decrease in the specific activity of ...
Evaluation of Aphid Resistance Among Sugarcane Cultivars in Louisiana

ABSTRACT Sugarcane (Saccharum L.) in Louisiana is colonized by the sugarcane aphid, Melanaphis sacchari (Zehntner), and the yellow sugarcane aphid, Sipha flava (Forbes). Five commercial sugarcane cultivars, ‘LCP 85-384′, ‘HoCP 91-555′, ‘Ho 95-988′, ‘HoCP 96-540′, and ‘L 97-128′, representing >95% of Louisiana's sugarcane-growing area, were assessed under southern Louisiana field conditions for numbers of the two aphid species. Biweekly sampling during 2007 and 2008 growing seasons indicated cultivar and time effects on aphid frequency. Aphid population peaks occurred during June and July and then crashed. M. sacchari was more abundant than S. flava on almost all cultivars and on all sampling dates during both years of the study. HoCP 91-555 was found to be the most resistant compared with the susceptible Ho 95-988 and L 97-128 cultivars. HoCP 91-555 might be useful in areas of high aphid pressure, and as a source of resistance in cultivar development programs.
Pediatric sport injury in backcountry wilderness destinations

Summary Aims To identify the distribution, causes, and severity of injuries involving children aged 0–6 years engaged in backcountry wilderness sport activities. Methods A retrospective review of incident reports involving children aged 0–6 years in 20 US National Park Service units designated as backcountry wilderness destinations. Results There were 1672 incidents involving children aged 0–6 years. This accounted for 18.4% of the total incidents for all age demographics. Fifty-eight of the pediatric incidents were fatalities, 589 required emergency medical transport, and 995 were minor treat and release incidents. Hiking activities accounted for 20% of all incidents and 26% were swimming and boating related. Swimming and boating incidents were responsible for 62% of all fatalities. Conclusions It was concluded that children aged 0–6 years account for almost 20% of all outdoor sport incidents and that swimming and boating were the most common activities leading to fatalities.
Population dynamics of daphnia pulex and utilization by the rainbow trout (salmo gairdneri)

The effect of rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri) predation on the population dynamics of the water flea,Daphnia pulex, was examined during 1976 and 1977 in Becker Lake, a small, shallow, productive reservoir in northeastern Arizona. Rainbow trout were size-biased feeders, utilizing daphnids which were 1.3 mm in size or larger. Trout predation uponDaphnia pulex occurred mainly during winter and early spring when their numbers were relatively low but their clutch size high, suggesting that trout selectedDaphnia on the basis of brood pigmentation. By far the greatest proportion ofDaphnia mortality was due to nonpredatory sources, since generally less than 6% could be attributed to trout predation. TheD. pulex population exhibited a bimodal seasonal abundance curve which was attributed to ephippial egg production and trout predation during the winter and poor food quality/quantity during the summer.
Energetics of hydrate and hemiketal formation for highly fluorinated ketones

Abstract Heats of hydration for a series of fluoroketones have been calculated at the HF/6-31G **//6-31G ** level, and equilibrium constants for hemiketal formation with trifluoroethanol have been measured for a related series. These reactions were found to be considerably more favorable in cyclic than in corresponding acyclic systems. Quantum mechanical calculations indicate that this difference can be traced to steric hindrance in the acyclic adducts.
An open-field activity analysis of labyrinthectomized rats.

Abstract A detailed behavioral analysis was performed on rats that received bilateral labyrinthectomies. They were placed in a walled activity monitor (39 × 39 cm) that allowed the animal to move freely within the enclosure. Their behavioral activities were automatically recorded. These activities were placed into twelve different categories. The results show a lower rate of habituation for the labyrinthectomized animal as well as an overall increase in activity over all dimensions as compared to the control. This increase in behavior may be exploratory and a necessary feature in the formation of spatial maps.
A comparison of combinatorial library approaches for the study of opioid compounds

Combinatorial libraries composed of ten to hundreds of millions of compounds have attained widespread acceptance over the past four years as broadly applicable research and drug discovery tools. Case studies involving either antibody- or receptor-based opioid assays have demonstrated the feasibility and practicality of library approaches for the study and identification of new opioid ligands. The two most commonly used assays are ELISA, in conjunction with a monoclonal antibody raised against β-endorphin (mAb 3E7), and a radioreceptor binding assay specific for the μ-opioid receptor. These two assays provide a framework for the comparison of a number of different combinatorial library approaches. In this review, combinatorial approaches which have been tested in either of these assays are presented, and the compounds identified from these libraries are compared.
Tiling a square with silimar rectangles

In 1903 M. Dehn proved that a rectangle can be tiled (or partitioned) into finitely many squares if and only if the ratio of its base and height is rational. In this article we show that a square can be tiled with finitely many similar rectangles of eccentricity r if and only if r is an algebraic number and each of its conjugate roots has positive real part.
Hantavirus Infection in the United States: Epizootiology and Epidemiology

Multiple species of murid and arvicolid (microtine) rodents serve as the reservoir hosts of hantaviruses, the etiologic agents of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome. Three antigenically distinct hantaviruses have been isolated from Rattus norvegicus, Mus musculus, and Microtus pennsylvanicus captured in the United States, and serologic evidence of a hantavirus enzootic has been found in several other indigenous rodent species. In residential districts of port cities such as Baltimore, nearly 50% of Norway rats are infected with viruses that are serologically indistinguishable from disease-causing Hantavirus strains isolated from rats in the Far East. Despite the widespread distribution of Hantavirus-infected rodents, confirmed cases of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome have not been recognized in the United States. Moreover, the overall risk of hantavirus infection in humans in the United States is low, even among individuals who have frequent exposure to commensal and wild rodents. Studies are needed to define the clinical spectrum of hantavirus infection in humans in the United States.
Establishing chronologies from acid-insoluble organic 14C dates on Antarctic (Ross Sea) and Arctic (North Atlantic) marine sediments

To compare north and south polar marine paleoenvironments over the last 30,000 years, comparable chronological (radiocarbon) records must be developed and refined. Many areas in the polar regions do not preserve marine carbonates (foraminifera, mollusks), and thus age determinations, of necessity, are based on the acid-insoluble organic (AIO) fraction of the sediment. Although AIO ages are problematic and rarely used in the Arctic, they provide reasonable and consistent chronologies for the Ross Sea, Antarctica. AIO dates are meaningful in the Ross Sea because there are relatively high levels of productivity, good preservation of marine biogenic material in the sediment, and little input of terrigenous sediment and old/dead carbon. Event stratigraphy based upon proxy records of biogenic silica and ?13C can be used to assess the reliability of the AIO dates and surface age corrections. Reconstructed time-series of changes in the biogenic silica content of cores from the western Ross Sea show apparent similarities with the ‘classic’deglacial climate sequence of the northern North Atlantic. Once the absolute ages of the antarctic AIO dates are constrained by independently dated records to validate surface age corrections, it will be possible to directly compare the timing of events such as ice-rafting events in the sedimentary record.
Interactional Conflicts among Audience, Purpose, and Content Knowledge in the Acquisition of Academic Literacy in an EAP Course

The issues of authentic context and authoritative ethos are explored through a study of a graduate student learning to write for mathematics within the context of an English for academic purposes (...
The resistance of breast cancer stem cells to conventional hyperthermia and their sensitivity to nanoparticle-mediated photothermal therapy

Breast tumors contain a small population of tumor initiating stem-like cells, termed breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs). These cells, which are refractory to chemotherapy and radiotherapy, are thought to persist following treatment and drive tumor recurrence. We examined whether BCSCs are similarly resistant to hyperthermic therapy, and whether nanoparticles could be used to overcome this resistance. Using a model of triple-negative breast cancer stem cells, we show that BCSCs are markedly resistant to traditional hyperthermia and become enriched in the surviving cell population following treatment. In contrast, BCSCs are sensitive to nanotube-mediated thermal treatment and lose their long-term proliferative capacity after nanotube-mediated thermal therapy. Moreover, use of this therapy in vivo promotes complete tumor regression and long-term survival of mice bearing cancer stem cell-driven breast tumors. Mechanistically, nanotube thermal therapy promotes rapid membrane permeabilization and necrosis of BCSCs. These data suggest that nanotube-mediated thermal treatment can simultaneously eliminate both the differentiated cells that constitute the bulk of a tumor and the BCSCs that drive tumor growth and recurrence.
Plasma Membrane-Cytoskeleton-Endoplasmic Reticulum Complexes in Neurons and Astrocytes

The possibility that certain integral plasma membrane (PM) proteins involved in Ca2+ homeostasis form junctional units with adjacent endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in neurons and glia was explored using immunoprecipitation and immunocytochemistry. Rat brain membranes were solubilized with the mild, non-ionic detergent, IGEPAL CA-630. Na+/Ca2+ exchanger type 1 (NCX1), a key PM Ca2+ transporter, was immunoprecipitated from the detergent-soluble fraction. Several abundant PM proteins co-immunoprecipitated with NCX1, including the α2 and α3 isoforms of the Na+ pump catalytic (α) subunit, and the α2 subunit of the dihydropyridine receptor. The adaptor protein, ankyrin 2 (Ank 2), and the cytoskeletal proteins, α-fodrin and β-spectrin, also selectively co-immunoprecipitated with NCX1, as did the ER proteins, Ca2+ pump type 2 (SERCA 2), and inositol-trisphosphate receptor type 1 (IP3R-1). In contrast, a number of other abundant PMs, adaptors, and cytoskeletal proteins did not co-immunoprecipitate with NCX1, including the Na+ pump α1 isoform, PM Ca2+ pump type 1 (PMCA1), β-fodrin, and Ank 3. In reciprocal experiments, immunoprecipitation with antibodies to the Na+ pump α2 and α3 isoforms, but not α1, co-immunoprecipitated NCX1; the antibodies to α1 did, however, co-immunoprecipitate PMCA1. Antibodies to Ank 2, α-fodrin, β-spectrin and IP3R-1 all co-immunoprecipitated NCX1. Immunocytochemistry revealed partial co-localization of β-spectrin with NCX1, Na+ pump α3, and IP3R-1 in neurons and of α-fodrin with NCX1 and SERCA2 in astrocytes. The data support the idea that in neurons and glia PM microdomains containing NCX1 and Na+ pumps with α2 or α3 subunits form Ca2+ signaling complexes with underlying ER containing SERCA2 and IP3R-1. These PM and ER components appear to be linked through the cytoskeletal spectrin network, to which they are probably tethered by Ank 2.
Peptide platforms for metal ion sensing

Naturally occurring motifs have been redesigned to product fluorescent peptidyl-chemosensors that sensitively and selectively recognize Cu(II) or Fe(III). The modular nature of peptide architecture allows preparation and evaluation of potential sensors on solid supports.
Adaptive speaker identification with audiovisual cues for movie content analysis

An adaptive speaker identification system which employs both audio and visual cues is proposed in this work for movie content analysis. Specifically, a likelihood-based approach is first applied for speaker identification using pure speech data, and techniques such as face detection/recognition and mouth tracking are applied for talking face recognition using pure visual data. These two information cues are then effectively integrated under a probabilistic framework for achieving more robust results. Moreover, to account for speakers' voice variations along time, we propose to update their acoustic models on the fly by adapting to their incoming speech data. An improved system performance (80% identification accuracy) has been observed on two test movies.
On an edge ranking problem of trees and graphs

Abstract A k-edge ranking of an undirected graph is a labeling of the edges of the graph with integers 1, 2, …, k, with the property that all paths between two edges with the same label i contain an edge with label j[rang]i. The edge ranking problem is that of finding the smallest k for which a graph has a k-edge ranking. This problem is useful in the optimization of the number of parallel stages required to assemble a product from its components. The problem is also related to that of finding minimum height edge partition trees of graphs. The main result in the paper is an O(n log n) time approximation algorithm for edge ranking of trees, which has a worst case performance ratio of 2.
Layered Mixed Transition Metal Oxide Cathodes with Reduced Cobalt Content for Lithium Ion Batteries

The structural and physical properties of the low cobalt material, LiNi0.45Mn0.45Co0.1O2, have been investigated. Nearly stoichiometric LiNi0.45Mn0.45Co0.1O2 with the optimal electrochemical perfor...
High speed spectral measurements of IED detonation fireballs

Several homemade explosives (HMEs) were manufactured and detonated at a desert test facility. Visible and infrared signatures were collected using two Fourier transformspectrometers, two thermal imaging cameras, a radiometer, and a commercial digital video camera. Spectral emissions from the post-detonation combustion fireball were dominated by continuum radiation. The events were short-lived, decaying in total intensity by an order of magnitude within approximately 300ms after detonation. The HME detonation produced a dust cloud in the immediate area that surrounded and attenuated the emitted radiation from the fireball. Visible imagery revealed a dark particulate (soot) cloud within the larger surrounding dust cloud. The ejected dust clouds attenuated much of the radiation from the post-detonation combustion fireballs, thereby reducing the signal-to-noise ratio. The poor SNR at later times made it difficult to detect selective radiation from by-product gases on the time scale (~500ms) in which they have been observed in other HME detonations.
The evidence-based dentistry champions: a grassroots approach to the implementation of EBD.

In order for evidence-based dentistry (EBD) to become part of decision making in practice, the most current and comprehensive research findings must be translated into practice. The use of Champions, influential individuals to support the transfer of knowledge among their peers, is one effective approach used by others in the health care field to successfully implement science research into clinical care. With the success of Champions in other health care areas, the American Dental Association (ADA) and the Journal of Evidence-Based Dental Practice , through an educational grant from Procter and Gamble, have launched a novel program to develop Evidence-Based Dentistry Champions. The EBD Champion program is developing a network of oral health care workers who will disseminate information about the application of an evidence-based approach to dental care and will serve as resources and mentors to their colleagues. The primary mechanism for developing the network of EBD Champions is through 3 annual EBD Champion Conferences, the first of which will be held at the ADA Headquarters in Chicago, IL, on May 2 and 3, 2008. The EBD Champion will serve as a resource to the practitioners in their communities, providing a grassroots approach to facilitating the implementation of an evidence-based approach to providing dental care.
Learning How to Manage Bias: A Case Study of Youth Participatory Action Research

Youth programs that are organized around intellectually challenging, socially relevant projects create opportunities for deep cognitive engagement. One type of authentic project that deserves attention from applied developmental scientists is youth participatory action research (YPAR), in which participants study a problem relevant to young people's lives and take action based on what they find. This combination of activism and inquiry can pose a cognitive challenge for participants, who must coordinate their emotional investment in a specific outcome with openness to unexpected or disconfirming evidence. We call this process managing bias. In this article we draw on qualitative data to show opportunities for youth to practice managing bias as part of an after-school YPAR project. In our conclusion we discuss implications of learning to manage bias for youth development processes and settings.
A comparative study of the rearrangement of some 6- and 7-halo-substituted 3-amino-3,4-dihydro-l-hydroxycarbostyrils in concentrated hydrohalic acids

The 6-bromo (16), 6-fluoro (17), 7-bromo (14), and 7-fluoro (15) substituted 3-amino-3,4-dihydro-l-hydroxycarbostyrils were treated with concentrated hydrochloric and hydrobromic acids under reflux conditions. The 7-halogenated N-hydroxycarbostyrils (14,15) gave the normal rearrangement products, the 6,7-dihalolactams (18–21). The 6-halogenated compounds (16,17) yielded the corresponding 6,8-dihalolactams (22–24) under the same experimental conditions, with the exception of the hydrobromic acid reaction of the 6-fluoro derivative 17 which yielded a mixture of products. Based on the comparison of the nmr spectrum of the product mixture with those of two authentic compounds, the mixture was identified as consisting of the normal rearrangement product, the 8-bromo-6-fluorolactam (27) and the straightforward reduction product, the 6-fluorolactam (26) in a ratio of about 2:1. The latter compounds were prepared by an independent method of synthesis in which 2-amino-5-fluorophenylalanine (25) was acidified to yield the corresponding lactam 26, followed by bromination to afford the 8-bromo-6-fluorolactam 27. A mechanism is proposed to interpret the experimental results of nucleophilic substitution with rearrangement and reduction which occur with the 6-fluoro compound 17 when exposed to bromide ions in strongly acidic solution.
In vitro and in vivo studies on wireless powering of medical sensors and implantable devices

This paper investigates wireless electricity (witricity) and its application to medical sensors and implantable devices. Several coupling scenarios of resonators are analyzed theoretically. In vitro experiments are conducted in open air and through an agar phantom of the human head. An in vivo animal experiment is also carried out. Our studies indicate that witricity is a suitable tool for providing wireless power to a variety of medical sensors and implanted devices.
LYSINE METABOLISM IN THE RAT BRAIN: BLOOD—BRAIN BARRIER TRANSPORT, FORMATION OF PIPECOLIC ACID AND HUMAN HYPERPIPECOLATEMIA

— Through the use of intravenous pulse injection of L-[U-14C] lysine, the blood-brain barrier transport of L-lysine was studied. The uptake of L-lysine plus metabolites in the brain remained essentially unchanged at approx 0.002–0.005 nmol/g in the low dose (3μg per kg body weight) injection, and 20–40 nmol/g in the high dose (30 mg/kg) injection throughout the time intervals of up to 60 min. The uptake of L-lysine plus metabolites in the heart, however, decreased substantially from 0.03 to 0.003 nmol/g in the low dose injection and from 320 to 62 nmol/g in the high dose injection. The plasma to heart uptake ratio only decreased slightly through the 60 min period: from 6 to 2 in either the low or high dose L-lysine injection. The plasma to brain uptake ratio, however, decreased rapidly from a high of 62 to a low of about 4 in either the low or high dose injection throughout the 60-min time course. Study of labeled L-pipecolate formation in the plasma and individual organs indicates that this compound was formed only in the brain to a significant level within 0.5 min of 14C-L-lysine intravenous pulse injection. Labeled pipecolate was recovered from heart, liver, kidney and plasma in significant quantities only at 2 min or later after pulse-injection. It is concluded that the blood-brain barrier of L-lysine in the rat is not particularly strong and that the rat brain may be primarily responsible for L-pipecolate synthesis from L-lysine. The possible etiology of human hyperpipecolatemia is also discussed in light of the current findings.
The technical approach to the acute abdomen

A CUTE ABDOMINAL CONDITIONS are among the most frequent and most dangerous and difficult ailments radiologists have to examine and diagnose. They are, indeed, a diagnostic challenge. The roentgen examination should be performed in the shortest possible time with great care and precision. The radiologist must be informed of any special conditions or limitations that should be taken into account so that the examination can be logically planned and safely performed. He must insist on adequate clinical information. The radiologic examination is not competitive but complementary to the clinical examination. Both are done with the intent of bringing about the most accurate and speedy diagnosis. Often the major question should be, “Does the patient have an acute surgical abdomen needing immediate exploration?” The purpose of a good history and a thorough physical examination as well as a complete radiologic examination in every patient with an acute abdomen is obvious. Even if the abdomen is tender and rigid, the disease may not lie there. An assumption of local peritonitis may prove wrong when a routine chest film shows pneumonia* or a pleural effusion. Therefore, a chest film should always be routine in acute abdominal conditions. I** If available, the patient’s previous films should always be reviewed for possible diagnostic clues. These films also help in planning additional studies. The roentgen examination should be done in the x-ray department where adequate equipment and trained personnel are available. The patient with an acute abdominal condition who is “too sick to be moved to the x-ray department” should be moved immediately to the operating room! The method of examination required may differ with different lesions, and should be modified for each patient during the course of the work-up. In the beginning, however, a standard approach should be adopted. First consideration should be given to the findings on the plain films. Frequently the roentgen work-up can stop here. If not, contrast media must be considered. Other decisions must be made. Should the barium sulfate be administered from above or from below? Is intubation under fluoroscopy required for diagnosis or therapy?