cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Marginal cross-resistance to mosquitocidal Bacillus thuringiensis strains in Cry11A-resistant larvae: presence of Cry11A-like toxins in these strains

Culex quinquefasciatus mosquito larvae resistant to the Cry11A toxin showed marginal cross-resistance to the multiple toxin crystals from B. thuringiensis subsp. israelensis and also to toxin crystals from three other mosquitocidal strains, i.e. B. thuringiensis subsp. fukuokaensis, subsp. jegathesan, and subsp. kyushuensis. Cross-resistance patterns of the Cry11A-resistant larvae to mosquitocidal strains of B. thuringiensis together with the immunological screening using antisera raised against Cry11A indicated the presence of Cry11A-like toxins in these strains and could be used as a screening tool for the identification of novel toxins. The Cry11A-resistant larvae had significantly less resistance to the Cry11B toxin from B. thuringiensis subsp. jegathesan. The occurrence of cytolytic toxins in all of these mosquitocidal strains partially explains the marginal cross-resistance observed with multiple toxin crystals since each of these crystals also contains cytolytic toxins.
An unusual case of isolated, serial metastases of gallbladder carcinoma involving the chest wall, axilla, breast and lung parenchyma

In the English literature, only 9 cases of adenocarcinoma of the gallbladder with cutaneous metastasis have been reported so far. One case of multiple cutaneous metastases along with deposits in the breast tissue has been reported. We present a case of incidental metastatic gallbladder carcinoma with no intra-abdominal disease presenting as a series of four isolated cutaneous right chest wall, axillary nodal, breast, and pulmonary metastases following resection and adjuvant chemoradiation for her primary tumor. In spite of the metastatic disease coupled with the aggressive nature of the cancer, this patient reported that her energy level had returned to baseline with a good appetite and a stable weight indicating a good performance status and now is alive at 25 months since diagnosis. Her serially-presented, oligometastatic diseases were well-controlled by concurrent chemoradiotherapy and stereotactic radiation therapy. We report this case study because of its rarity and for the purpose of complementing current literature with an additional example of cutaneous metastasis from adenocarcinoma of the gallbladder.
Management of Pneumocystis Jirovecii pneumonia in HIV infected patients: current options, challenges and future directions

The discovery of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) was led by the merge of clustered cases of Pneumocystis jirovecii Pneumonia (PCP) in otherwise healthy people in the early 80’s.1,2 In the face of sophisticated treatment now available for HIV infection, life expectancy approaches normal limits. It has dramatically changed the natural course of HIV from a nearly fatal infection to a chronic disease.3–5 However, PCP still remains a relatively common presentation of uncontrolled HIV. Despite the knowledge and advances gained in the prevention and management of PCP infection, it continues to have high morbidity and mortality rates. Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMZ) remains as the recommended first-line treatment. Alternatives include pentamidine, dapsone plus trimethoprim, clindamycin administered with primaquine, and atovaquone. For optimal management, clinicians need to be familiar with the advantages and disadvantages of the available drugs. The parameters used to classify severity of infection are also important, as it is well known that the adjunctive use of steroids in moderate to severe cases have been shown to significantly improve outcome. Evolving management practices, such as the successful institution of early antiretroviral therapy, may further enhance overall survival rates.
Geometric model for Neogene crustal rotations in southern California

Paleomagnetic data from mainly Miocene igneous rocks in southern California suggest that large crustal regions have undergone clockwise rotation during that time. We propose a model whereby many crustal blocks presently bounded on the north and south by east-west—trending sinistral faults have undergone rotations of about 70° to 80° within the Pacific-American right-lateral shear couple. The data suggest that these crustal blocks include the western Transverse Ranges and parts of the offshore Borderland. Our model predicts that the eastern Transverse Ranges, the central Mojave Desert, and the Tehachapi Mountains region have also rotated. The rotated blocks are nested between blocks bounded by northwest-southeast—trending dextral faults. The rotations probably ceased in late Miocene time when the San Andreas fault system broke through southern California and may have begun when the Pacific plate contacted the North American plate in late Oligocene time. This geometric model for rotated blocks predicts that left-slip, right-slip, and rotation occur simultaneously; that the displacements can be calculated from the rotation (and vice versa); and that during the rotation, deep triangular basins open at the join between the rotated and unrotated blocks. It also suggests that dextral slip can occur on northwest-southeast faults without cutting the Transverse Ranges.
Vertical distribution of nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond formed by ion implantation and annealing

Etching experiments were performed that reveal the vertical distribution of optically active nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in diamond created in close proximity to a surface through ion implantation and annealing. The NV distribution depends strongly on the native nitrogen concentration, and spectral measurements of the neutral and negatively charged NV peaks give evidence for electron depletion effects in lower-nitrogen material. The results are important for potential quantum information and magnetometer devices where NV centers must be created in close proximity to a surface for coupling to optical structures.
Phorbol acetate enhances the phosphorylation of cytokeratins 8 and 18 in human colonic epithelial cells

The phosphorylation of epithelial-specific cytokeratin (CK) 8 and 18 was studied in the human colonic cell line HT29. Metabolic labelling of cells with orthophosphate resulted in phosphorylation of cytokeratins 8/18 on serine residues. When phorbol acetate was added to labelled cells, a 2.2-fold increase in CK8/18 phosphate labelling was noted, whereas increasing intracellular cAMP levels using forskolin or 8-Br-cAMP showed no significant change in CK phosphorylation. CKs8/18 were also phosphorylated by added PKC in the presence of [γ-31P]ATP. Tryptic peptide map analysis of the phosphorylated CK8 species showed that treatment of cells with 8-Br-cAMP or phorbol acetate generated a phosphopeptide not seen in control cells. In contrast, tryptic peptide maps of phosphorylated CK 18 showed no discernable differences. Our results support a role for PKC in the phosphorylation of epithelial cytokeratins, with some phosphorylation sites being modulated by cAMP dependent protein kinase.
Cervical-Cancer Screening — New Guidelines and the Balance between Benefits and Harms

Dr. George Sawaya discusses three major changes that are designed to minimize screening harms while preserving high benefit.
Observations on the embryonic development of the dioecious tapeworm ínfula macrophallus with emphasis on the histochemistry of the egg membranes.

The course of development of the embryonic membranes of Infula macrophallus is described. The constituent parts are characterized by 20 histochemical tests. The process of hatching is described. The systematic placement of the genus is discussed and the use of various characters is evaluated. Comments are made on the biology of dioecious tapeworms. Conclusions: Infula is almost identical to Diplophallus in histochemistry and morphology of the egg membranes, development, and the process of hatching. Striking differences are noted in adult morphology and biology associated with the dioecious condition. It is felt that Infula and Diplophallus are related in a way which could be shown by placing the two genera in the same family.
Nanowire-based dye-sensitized solar cells

We describe the design and performance of a ZnO nanowire-based dye-sensitized solar cell. ZnO nanowires with a branched structure were employed as the wide-band-gap semiconductor to construct dye-sensitized solar cells which exhibit energy conversion efficiencies of 0.5% with internal quantum efficiencies of 70%. The nanowires provide a direct conduction path for electrons between the point of photogeneration and the conducting substrate and may offer improved electron transport compared to films of sintered nanoparticles. The devices have light harvesting efficiencies under 10%, indicating that current densities and efficiencies can be improved by an order of magnitude by increasing the nanowire surface area.
Particle sample shape description with an automated Cascadograph particle analyzer

Abstract The Cascadograph™ particle analyzer is an instrument which characterizes the particle shape distribution in a sample of particles by measuring the rate at which they pass through a stack of identical sieves. Previous research has demonstrated its capability but the manual techniques used were time consuming and labor intensive. Recently automated, the Cascadograph particle analyzer now monitors particle passing rate using an optical counter interfaced with a computer. New data demonstrate that the automated instrument can distinguish between different particle samples and can reproduce the characteristic signature for a sample.
Above the Law’: Changes in Methamphetamine Laws and the Deterrent Impact on Market-Involved Women

Growing concern over the use and manufacture of methamphetamine in the United States prompted federal and state legislatures to more strictly regulate precursor agents and to increase penalties for its possession. While criminologists are generally skeptical of the deterrent effect of increased sanctions on crime rates, there is some evidence at the macro-level that these legislative changes have been effective. There is less clear-cut evidence of the micro-level impact of such laws. Drawing from interviews with 38 women methamphetamine users in Missouri, I explore the impact of recent changes in methamphetamine-related laws on their use and market behavior. The results provide insight into how law filters down to the individual level, including the relevance of accurate understanding of laws, and may give some indication as to the potential effectiveness of increasingly punitive policies.
Biodegradation of polyurethane: a review

Lack of degradability and the closing of landfill sites as well as growing water and land pollution problems have led to concern about plastics. Increasingly, raw materials such as crude oil are in short supply for the synthesis of plastics, and the recycling of waste plastics is becoming more important. As the importance of recycling increases, so do studies on elucidation of the biodegradability of polyurethanes. Polyurethanes are an important and versatile class of man-made polymers used in a wide variety of products in the medical, automotive and industrial fields. Polyurethane is a general term used for a class of polymers derived from the condensation of polyisocyanates and polyalcohols. Despite its xenobiotic origins, polyurethane has been found to be susceptible to biodegradation by naturally occurring microorganisms. Microbial degradation of polyurethanes is dependent on the many properties of the polymer such as molecular orientation, crystallinity, cross-linking and chemical groups present in the molecular chains which determine the accessibility to degrading-enzyme systems. Esterase activity (both membrane-bound and extracellular) has been noted in microbes which allow them to utilize polyurethane. Microbial degradation of polyester polyurethane is hypothosized to be mainly due to the hydrolysis of ester bonds by these esterase enzymes.
Congenital hemangiopericytoma of the duodenum.

Hemangiopericytomas are vascular tumors of pericyte origin. Although the majority of cases have been found in adults, a small precentage have been found to be congenital, most involving the subcutaneous tissues. Gastrointestinal involvement is exceedingly rare. All of the congenital tumors were found to be benign. We report a case of congenital duodenal hemangiopericytoma in a neonate which was locally invasive.
Glauber's stochastic spin model with broken bond disorder

A discrete-time form of Glauber's stochastic spin model is considered for a one-dimensional chain with Ising interaction E = −Σ Jjsjsj+1. The Jj are treated as independent random variables having realizations J, 0 with respective probabilities p, (1 −p). Equations are given to enable computation of an average (over fragments of different length) of the time-dependent magnetization.
Vision Changes, Intelligence, and Aging: Part 2.

Abstract The effect of vision changes commonly associated with aging on intellectual performance is a relatively neglected topic in the literature. The purpose of this article is to review common visual changes with age and examine what effects they have on one's ability to function. In addition, variables related to intellectual functioning and their relationship with aging will be discussed.
Interaction and colocalization of CaBP4 and Unc119 (MRG4) in photoreceptors.

Purpose—To characterize the interaction of the neuron-specific protein CaBP4 with the synaptic photoreceptor protein Unc119 homolog (MRG4). Methods—The interaction of CaBP4 and Unc119 was studied using affinity chromatography, yeast two-hybrid system, coimmunoprecipitation, and gel overlay assay. The colocalization of CaBP4 and Unc119 was analyzed using immunohistochemistry. Unc119, CaBP4, and synaptic proteins were examined in photoreceptors using immunohistochemistry and in synaptic tangential sections of flatmounted frozen retinas using Western blot analysis. Results—Biochemical evidence supported the interaction of CaBP4 with Unc119. CaBP4 and Unc119 colocalized in the photoreceptor synapse of adult retina and during postnatal retinal development. A reduction in Unc119 levels was observed in the photoreceptor terminals of CaBP4knockout mice compared with wild-type mice and was higher than the reduction of other synaptic proteins. Conclusions—This study provides evidence for the interaction of CaBP4 with Unc119 at the photoreceptor synapse. This interaction suggests a functional relationship between CaBP4 and Unc119, further supporting a role for these proteins in neurotransmitter release and in the maintenance of the photo-receptor synapse.
Evaluation of the Standard Setting on the 2005 Grade 12 National Assessment of Educational Progress Mathematics Test.

The National Assessment Governing Board used a new method to set achievement level standards on the 2005 Grade 12 NAEP Math test. In this article, we summarize our independent evaluation of the process used to set these standards. The evaluation data included observations of the standard-setting meeting, observations of advisory committee meetings where the results were discussed, review of documentation associated with the standard-setting study, analysis of the standard-setting data, and analysis of other data related to the mathematics proficiency of 2005 Grade 12 students. Our evaluation framework used criteria from the Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing (AERA, APA, & NCME 1999) and other suggestions from the literature (e.g., Kane, 1994, 2001). The process was found to have adequate procedural and internal evidence of validity. Using external data to evaluate the standards provided more equivocal results. In considering all evidence and data reviewed, we concluded the process used to...
The Intersection of Independent Lies: Increasing Realism in Ecological Risk Assessment

ABSTRACT In 1966, Levins presented a philosophical discussion on making inference about populations using clusters of models. In this article we provide an overview of model inference in ecological risk assessment, discuss the benefits and trade-offs of increasing model realism, show the similarities and differences between Levins' model clusters and those used in ecological risk assessment, and present how risk assessment models can incorporate Levins' ideas of truth through independent lies. Two aspects of Levins' philosophy are directly relevant to risk assessment. First, confidence in our interpretation of risk is increased when multiple risk assessments yield similar qualitative results. Second, model clusters should be evaluated to determine if they maximize precision, generality, or realism or a mix of the three. In the later case, the evaluation of each model will differ depending on whether it is more general, precise, or realistic relative to the other models used. We conclude that risk assessme...
A vibrational spectroscopic study of lithium triflate in polyphosphazenes with linear oligoethyleneoxy side-chains of different lengths

A comparative vibrational spectroscopy study is reported for a series of polymer electrolytes composed of poly(oligoethyleneoxy phosphazenes) containing dissolved lithium triflate. These polymers, of the form [NP((OCH 2 CH 2 ) x OCH 3 ) 2 ] n , with x = 0, 1, 2, or 5, have been mixed with LiCF 3 SO 3 in oxygen:lithium concentration ratios ranging from 10:1 to 40:1. Raman vibrational spectroscopy has been used to examine ionic association and local changes of the polymer as the salt concentration and the length of the ethylene oxide side-chains vary. The degree of ionic association of the triflate ion increases with increasing salt concentration. At a given salt concentration, the degree of ionic association and the nature of the ion-polymer interaction are dependent on the length of the side-chains.
Isolation and comparison of ribothymidine-lacking tRNAs of fetal, newborn and adult bovine tissues.

Abstract Although ribothymidine (rT) is the most common methylated nucleoside in tRNA, a wide variety of bovine tissues have now been found to contain a class of tRNAs which totally lack rT and have an unmodified uridine in its place. The tissues studied include bovine brain, kidney, liver, thymus and testicles from adult, newborn and fetal stages. This class of tRNA was detected by its ability to be methylated with Escherichia coli rT-forming uracil methylase with radioactive S- adenosyl- l -methionine as the methyl donor. In each case rT was shown to account for at least 95% of the methylated products produced. In vitro methylated tRNA populations were compared by fractionation of double-labeled tRNAs on RPC-5 columns. Three major methyl-accepting tRNA peaks were found for all mammalian tissues studied. The level of methyl acceptance in these peaks was found to vary considerably between tRNAs of different tissues. A major difference in the methyl-accepting tRNA populations of bovine liver and calf thymus was observed. Little similarity was found in the rT-lacking class of tRNAs of bovine liver and wheat germ. Three members of the rT-lacking class of bovine liver tRNA were isolated and found to be two species of valine tRNA and one species of threonine tRNA. All three tRNAs completely lacked rT and could be quantitatively methylated with E. coli uracil methylase.
Immunocytochemistry and quantification of protein colocalization in cultured neurons

This protocol details a method to quantify the distribution of protein and colocalization in neuronal cultures. To that end, this protocol includes itemized steps and considerations for performing immunocytochemistry, acquiring fluorescence images and quantifying multichannel fluorescence images. Success in quantifying immunostained neurons relies on the accessibility of the proteins of interest, the sensitivity and specificity of antibodies, the signal-to-noise ratio of the collected image and the sensitivity of the quantification method. In contrast to other commonly employed methods for quantification, the protocol detailed here requires manual selection of punctae and subtraction of background selected for each neurite. This approach reliably and uniquely allows for detection of proteins in low signal-to-noise ratio images, which are characteristic of developing neurons. Thus, this method serves an important niche in image analysis poorly addressed by alternative published methods. In general, immunocytochemistry requires 3.5-7 h, and one triple-immunostained neuron can be quantified in 1.5 h.
Preference effects on acquisition and retention of concurrent discriminations by rhesus monkeys

Ten rhesus monkeys were trained on five tasks, each of which consisted of eight concurrently presented object discrimination problems. Sequences of presentation were devised to allow one, two, or three new tasks to intervene between acquisition and retention tests or to provide a 30-day period of no testing. Equivalent and proficient performances were obtained in all retention tests, and no relationship was observed between retention and the initial preference characteristics of various objects. Object pReferences did produce significant influences upon acquisition, but these effects were not as pronounced in early tasks as in later ones. An additional retention test provided support for the contention that monkeys do not necessarily process information about specific object pair discriminations. Rather, they appeared to retain a list of previously rewarded objects even when object pairings were different from those provided during acquisition. Concurrent discriminations involving many distinct objects were resistant to interference and independent of preference characteristics over long retention periods.
The risk of hazardous waste spills from incineration at sea

Abstract This paper presents a critical assessment of the risk of spills from hazardous waste incineration aboard ocean going vessels. The likelihood of spills is estimated on the basis of recent domestic and worldwide chemical tanker experience. Results indicate that the probability of a spill is significant for projections of future ocean incineration demand. The severity of spills is explored using mathematical models of chemical transport and fate. This analysis is site specific and presents upper and lower bounds on the average pollutant concentration from spills of polychlorinated biphenyls in Mobile Bay. Severe impacts on the water quality and marine life in this region would result from spills of less than the capacity of a single incineration vessel. These findings demonstrate some inherent uncertainties in the analysis of these risks which bear strongly on the reliability of the program, the adequacy of contingency plans, and current liability requirements.
Dynamic Inhibition of Constrained Crystallization by Mesoscopic Morphology Modifiers

We investigate the mechanisms by which two chemically diverse polymer additives affect crystal separation from hexacosane/decane solutions under various conditions. The additives are dissimilarly effective for delaying the onset of crystallization in supercooled solutions, although none, of course, ultimately prevents their reaching equilibrium. Remarkably, one polymer significantly raises the dissolution temperature of the crystal aggregates grown in its presence, even at sub-parts-per-million additive levels. More interesting is the finding that sufficiently large concentrations of either additive are able to cap at a common minimum thickness the porous layers formed on a cold surface swept by undersaturated solutions. The thin layers formed in the presence of crystallization inhibitors are mesoscopically more compact (i.e., have pore sizes about 10-fold smaller) than those produced in their absence, although all meltwhen rid of solventas neat hexacosane at 329.5 ± 0.5 K. We infer that inhibitors permanently limit the extent of crystal separation from undersaturated solutions subjected to fixed temperature constraints by blocking solute transfer across the boundary layer. This lasting action is mediated by the subtle modification of mesoscopic crystal morphology and is remotely related to the kinetics of isothermal crystal nucleation or the thermodynamics of phase separation.
Variable particulate environment around the Shuttle

The Particle Analysis Cameras for Shuttle experiment was flown on Mission STS61C (Columbia). This experiment involved a pair of cameras in a stereo-viewing configuration and a coaligned strobe light flash to permit particle observation throughout the entire orbit. Although only one camera functioned properly, significant trends and particle counts were still obtained from the film data. We report the analysis and conclusions from that mission. Comparisons with other Shuttle observations and predictions for occurrence rates above other manned structures such as the International Space Station are presented.
A survey of dental radiology evaluation in American dental schools

Abstract Evaluation involves the worth of an experience, idea, or process and is an integral part of dental education. The current article discusses a survey of dental radiology evaluation in American dental schools. It is noted that little uniformity exists and few generalizations can be made that are valid for all of the dental schools.
A protein phosphatase-1γ1 isoform-selectivity determinant in dendritic spine-associated neurabin

Protein phosphatase-1 (PP1) catalytic subunit isoforms interact with diverse proteins, typically containing a canonical (R/K)(V/I)XF motif. Despite sharing ∼90% amino acid sequence identity, PP1β and PP1γ1 have distinct subcellular localizations that may be determined by selective interactions with PP1-binding proteins. Immunoprecipitation studies from brain and muscle extracts demonstrated that PP1γ1 selectively interacts with spinophilin and neurabin, F-actin-targeting proteins, whereas PP1β selectively interacted with GM/RGL, the striated-muscle glycogen-targeting subunit. Glutathione S-transferase (GST) fusion proteins containing residues 146–493 of neurabin (GST-Nb-(146–493)) or residues 1–240 of GM/RGL (GST-GM-(1–240)) recapitulated these isoform selectivities in binding and phosphatase activity inhibition assays. Site-directed mutagenesis indicated that this isoform selectivity was not due to sequence differences between the canonical PP1-binding motifs (neurabin, 457KIKF460; GM/RGL, 65RVSF68). A chimeric GST fusion protein containing residues 1–64 of GM/RGL fused to residues 457–493 of neurabin (GST-GM/Nb) selectively bound to and inhibited PP1γ1, whereas a GST-Nb/GM chimera containing Nb-(146–460) fused to GM-(69–240) selectively interacted with and weakly inhibited PP1β, implicating domain(s) C-terminal to the (R/K)(V/I)XF motif as determinants of PP1 isoform selectivity. Deletion of Pro464 and Ile465 in neurabin (ΔPI) to equally space a conserved cluster of amino acids from the (R/K)(V/I)XF motif as in GM/RGL severely compromised the ability of neurabin to bind and inhibit both isoforms but did not affect PP1γ1 selectivity. Further analysis of a series of C-terminal truncated GST-Nb-(146–493) proteins identified residues 473–479 of neurabin as containing a crucial PP1γ1-selectivity determinant. In combination, these data identify a novel PP1γ1-selective interaction domain in neurabin that may allow for selective regulation and/or subcellular targeting of PP1 isoforms.
Polymer precursor synthesis of alumina fibers

La chaine de l'oligo(methylaluminoxane) est allongee par reaction avec l'eau puis les groupes methyl n'ayant pas reagi sont transformes en groupes propanoyloxy et i-propanoyl en proportions relatives convenables pour obtenir une bonne fiabilite du materiau. Apres hydrolyse en 2 etapes des fibres puis calcination, les fibres d'alumine obtenues ont une resistance a la traction moyenne allant jusqu'a 1,1 GPa et au module elastique superieur a 140 GPa
RNAi, genome ultrastructure, and other unexpected tales from the analysis of genetic silencing

The genetic landscape faced by a living cell is constantly changing. Developmental transitions, environmental shifts, and pathogenic invasions lend a dynamic character to both the genome and its activity pattern. A variety of natural mechanisms are utilized by cells adapting to genetic change. These include normal developmental mechanisms and a subset of defense systems for responding to pathogens. At the root of these studies are questions of how a cell can distinguish "self" versus "nonself" and "wanted" versus "unwanted" gene expression.Investigations of gene silencing in our lab and elswhere have identified a number of structural features that provide an indication of unwanted nucleic acid. One of these features has been double stranded RNA (dsRNA). Absent during "normal" gene expression, dsRNA is an essential component in the life cycle of most viruses. By flagging dsRNA as an indicator of unwanted RNA replication, and by scrupulously avoiding the production of dsRNA during most normal gene expression, the cell acquires a modicum of protection from viral infection. The mechanism by which dsRNA segments are utilized to trigger silencing of homologous genes, termed RNAi, has been a focus of intensive work at many different institutions over the last seven years. This talk will describe aspects of this mechanism, with particular emphasis on the biological role and chemical logic of the interference reaction.
Composition and distribution of larval fishes in New Jersey high marshes

The surface of the salt marsh is an important, but largely unrecognized, site for fish reproduction and larval growth. In an attempt to determine the composition and distribution of fishes utilizing these habitats, we sampled larval and juvenile fish with plankton nets, dip nets, and traps at a variety of microhabitats (tidal and nontidal ponds and ditches and the marsh surface) in three New Jersey high marshes. Two of the three marshes had been altered for mosquito control. During April to September 1980, we collected over 2,400 larvae and juveniles. All study sites were dominated by the larvae of the resident killifishes (Fundulus heteroclitus, Cyprinodon variegatus, F. luciae, andLucania parva) and less commonlyMenidia beryllina. However, the occurrence and abundance of each species varied with microhabitat. Larval production in all three marshes peaked during June–July, but extended from May until September. In most instances juveniles of the dominant fishes had microhabitat preferences similar to the larvae. High marshes may be more important for fish production than previously recognized because they serve as nursery areas for the resident killifishes.
Ultrastructural features of the salt gland of Tamarix aphylla L.

The salt gland in Tamarix is a complex of eight cells composed of two inner, vacuolate, collecting cells and six outer, densely cytoplasmic, secretory cells. The secretory cells are completely enclosed by a cuticular layer except along part of the walls between the collecting cells and the inner secretory cell. This non-cuticularized wall region is termed the transfusion are (Ruhland, 1915) and numerous plasmodesmata connect the inner secretory cells with the collecting cells in this area. Plasmodesmata also connect the collecting cells with the adjacent mesophyll cells.
The Role of Rheological Characterization of Ceramic Dopes in Predicting Fiber Spinning Performance

We have previously shown that suspension dry spinning of green ceramic fibers can produce continuous fibers of alumina in an ethyl methacrylate binder. The spinning behavior of the dope and the particle packing in the dried fiber are highly dependent on the interparticle interactions in the dope prior to spinning. In particular, the interactions between the ceramic powder and both the dispersant and the binder are critical in determining the processability and spinnability of the dope. We have used rheological techniques to probe these interactions in alumina dispersions in methyl ethyl ketone employing ethyl methacrylate as the binder and a phosphate ester as the dispersant. Measurements of the viscosity of the dispersion as a function of dispersant concentration demonstrate that there is an optimum dispersant concentration to achieve a minimum viscosity at a given binder concentration. In addition, the relative viscosity (viscosity of the dispersion relative to that of the dispersing medium) is found to decrease significantly with increasing binder concentration. These results highlight the importance of characterizing the power-binder-dispersant interactions to fully understand the stability and ultimate spinnability of a ceramic dope. In addition, this work illustrates the general applicability of rheological characterization in ceramic fiber spinning.
Patterns of DNA Sequence Variation Suggest the Recent Action of Positive Selection in the janus-ocnus Region of Drosophila simulans

Levels of nucleotide polymorphism in three paralogous Drosophila simulans genes, janusA (janA), janusB (janB), and ocnus (ocn), were surveyed by DNA sequencing. The three genes lie in tandem within a 2.5-kb region of chromosome arm 3R. In a sample of eight alleles from a worldwide distribution we found a significant departure from neutrality by several statistical tests. The most striking feature of this sample was that in a 1.7-kb region containing the janA and janB genes, 30 out of 31 segregating sites contained variants present only once in the sample, and 29 of these unique variants were found in the same allele. A restriction survey of an additional 28 lines of D. simulans revealed strong linkage disequilibrium over the janA-janB region and identified six more alleles matching the rare haplotype. Among the rare alleles, the level of DNA sequence variation was typical for D. simulans autosomal genes and showed no departure from neutrality. In addition, the rare haplotype was more similar to the D. melanogaster sequence, indicating that it was the ancestral form. These results suggest that the derived haplotype has risen to high worldwide frequency relatively recently, most likely as a result of natural selection.
Gender differences in the development of uremic cardiomyopathy following partial nephrectomy: Role of progesterone

Gender difference has been suggested as a risk factor for developing cardiovascular and renal diseases in humans and experimental animals. As a major sex hormone, progesterone was reported to compete with cardiotonic steroid binding to Na/K-ATPase. Our previous publication demonstrated that cardiotonic steroids (e.g., marinobufagenin) play an important role in the development of experimental uremic cardiomyopathy. We also observed that the putative mineralocorticoid antagonists, spironolactone and its major metabolite canrenone, antagonize binding of cardiotonic steroids to Na/K-ATPase in a competitive manner and also ameliorate experimental uremic cardiomyopathy induced by partial nephrectomy. In the following studies, we noted that progesterone displayed competitive inhibition of cardiotonic steroid binding to Na/K-ATPase and partially inhibited collagen synthesis induced by marinobufagenin in cultured cardiac fibroblasts. Therefore, we sought to examine whether female rats displayed less uremic cardiomyopathy than male rats when subjected to partial nephrectomy. Although partial nephrectomy caused the induction of smaller increases in blood pressure of female rats, they appeared to be similarly susceptible to cardiac remodeling induced by partial nephrectomy in terms of hypertrophy and fibrosis as age-matched male rats. The possible explanations for our findings are therefore discussed.
Phase Transitions of Confined Lattice Homopolymers

The effect of confinement on the phase behavior of lattice homopolymers has been studied using grand canonical Monte Carlo simulations in conjunction with multihistogram reweighting. The scaling of critical parameters and chain dimensions with chain length was determined for lattice homopolymers of up to 1024 beads in strictly 2D and quasi-2D (slab) geometries. The inverse critical temperature scales linearly with the Shultz Flory parameter for quasi-2D geometries, as it does for the bulk system. The critical volume fraction scales as a power law for all systems, with exponents 0.110 ( 0.024 and 0.129 ( 0.004 for the strictly 2D and slab geometries, respectively. The influence of confinement on critical behavior persists even in a thick slab due to the diverging correlation length of density fluctuations. The scaling of the radius of gyration with chain length in the quasi-2D system increasingly resembles the scaling in the strictly 2D system as the chain length increases. At the extrapolated infinite chain critical temperature, the radius of gyration of the 2D system scales with chain length with exponent 0.56 ( 0.01 = (4/7), in agreement with theoretical predictions.
Temperature-Dependent Kinetic Model for Nitrogen-Limited Wine Fermentations

A physical and mathematical model for wine fermentation kinetics was adapted to include the influence of temperature, perhaps the most critical factor influencing fermentation kinetics. The model was based on flask-scale white wine fermentations at different temperatures (11 to 35°C) and different initial concentrations of sugar (265 to 300 g/liter) and nitrogen (70 to 350 mg N/liter). The results show that fermentation temperature and inadequate levels of nitrogen will cause stuck or sluggish fermentations. Model parameters representing cell growth rate, sugar utilization rate, and the inactivation rate of cells in the presence of ethanol are highly temperature dependent. All other variables (yield coefficient of cell mass to utilized nitrogen, yield coefficient of ethanol to utilized sugar, Monod constant for nitrogen-limited growth, and Michaelis-Menten-type constant for sugar transport) were determined to vary insignificantly with temperature. The resulting mathematical model accurately predicts the observed wine fermentation kinetics with respect to different temperatures and different initial conditions, including data from fermentations not used for model development. This is the first wine fermentation model that accurately predicts a transition from sluggish to normal to stuck fermentations as temperature increases from 11 to 35°C. Furthermore, this comprehensive model provides insight into combined effects of time, temperature, and ethanol concentration on yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) activity and physiology.
Orientation Dependence of the Stability of Strained Sn Eplayers Grown On Cd0.8Zn0.2Te Substrates

The strain energy density in epitaxial overlayers depends strongly on the substrate's surface orientation. The affect of a growth orientation dependent strain energy contribution to the phase stability was studied by growing overlayers of metastable, semiconducting a-Sn films on the (100) and (111) surfaces of Cd 0.8 Zn 0.2 Te substrates. On the (100) surface the α-phase of Sn remains stable for coverages up to and beyond 125 ML. On the (111) surface though, the Sn overlayer shows metallic behavior from a partial α→β phase separation for coverages lower than 100 ML. Static calculations using the stress-strain relationship bear out these experimental results by showing that the strain energy density for the (111) growth direction is 38% larger than for the (100) direction.
Concurrent and lasting effects of emotion regulation on amygdala response in adolescence and young adulthood

This study used functional MRI (fMRI) to examine a novel aspect of emotion regulation in adolescent development: whether age predicts differences in both the concurrent and lasting effects of emotion regulation on amygdala response. In the first, active regulation, phase of the testing session, fMRI data were collected while 56 healthy individuals (age range: 10.50-22.92 years) reappraised aversive stimuli so as to diminish negative responses to them. After a short delay, the second, re-presentation, phase involved passively viewing the aversive images from the reappraisal task. During active regulation, older individuals showed greater drops in negative affect and inverse rostrolateral prefrontal-amygdala connectivity. During re-presentation, older individuals continued to show lasting reductions in the amygdala response to aversive stimuli they had previously reappraised, an effect mediated by rostrolateral PFC. These data suggest that one source of heightened emotionality in adolescence is a diminished ability to cognitively down-regulate aversive reactions.
Implications of Overdiagnosis: Impact on Screening Mammography Practices

This review article explores the issue of overdiagnosis in screening mammography. Overdiagnosis is the screen detection of a breast cancer, histologically confirmed, that might not otherwise become clinically apparent during the lifetime of the patient. While screening mammography is an imperfect tool, it remains the best tool we have to diagnose breast cancer early, before a patient is symptomatic and at a time when chances of survival and options for treatment are most favorable. In 2015, an estimated 231,840 new cases of breast cancer (excluding ductal carcinoma in situ) will be diagnosed in the United States, and some 40,290 women will die. Despite these data, screening mammography for women ages 40-69 has contributed to a substantial reduction in breast cancer mortality, and organized screening programs have led to a shift from late-stage diagnosis to early-stage detection. Current estimates of overdiagnosis in screening mammography vary widely, from 0% to upwards of 30% of diagnosed cancers. This range reflects the fact that measuring overdiagnosis is not a straightforward calculation, but usually one based on different sets of assumptions and often biased by methodological flaws. The recent development of tomosynthesis, which creates high-resolution, three-dimensional images, has increased breast cancer detection while reducing false recalls. Because the greatest harm of overdiagnosis is overtreatment, the key goal should not be less diagnosis but better treatment decision tools. (Population Health Management 2015;18:S3-S11).
A comparison of curriculum in baccalaureate degree programs in agribusiness management

Abstract This research categorizes required and elective courses for 112 different 4-year baccalaureate programs in agribusiness management in the U.S. These included 50 degrees and 62 majors, options, or concentrations within degrees. Over 50% of the 50 degree programs do not require international and global dimensions of agriculture, and courses in management, marketing, or finance from the College of Business. Almost two-thirds of the 50 degree programs do not require an integrative course such as strategy.
The Bases of Goal Setting in the Self-regulation of Hypertension

We apply a new methodology to investigate goal setting by hypertensive patients that uncovers the reasons why people have a goal to manage hypertension or not (e.g. to reduce/maintain one's current blood pressure). The reasons are found to consist of superordinate goals in support of one's focal hypertension goal and the hierarchical mental network underlying the superordinate goals. We show that, not only do such superordinate goals influence patients' beliefs, feelings and decisions, but the relationships among superordinate goals are particularly efficacious in the formation of beliefs and attitudes, as well as intentions to self-regulate hypertension and actual efforts in doing so. Hypotheses were tested on a sample of 219 patients at a university-based hypertension clinic.
Two New Species of Guntheria (Guntheria) (Acari: Trombiculidae) from Papua New Guinea, with Key to the Nine Known Species in the Subgenus

Guntheria (G.) inflata is described from the Mossforest Rat, Rattus niobe , and the Variable Spiny Rat, Rattus ruber , and Guntheria (G.) hoxieae from the Striped Bandicoot, Peroryctes longicauda , taken in Papua New Guinea. A key to the 9 speeies in the subgenus Guntheria is given.
The evolution of low-temperature convection cells near spreading centers; a mechanism for the formation of the Galapagos mounds and similar manganese deposits

The Galapagos mounds occur in two fields south of the Galapagos spreading center over crust which is between 500,000 and 900,000 years old. Detailed investigations of composition and chronology of these mounds (e.g., Honnorez et al., 1981; Lalou et al., 1984) have shown that their deposition started in 300,000-year-old sediments with the formation of hydrothermal sediments and ended with the recent formation of manganiferous crust. On the basis of numerical models the flow distribution in hydrothermal convection cells near active spreading centers is studied here as a possible formation mechanism for these and similar deposits.The flow at an active spreading center is dominated by a strong convection cell associated with the intrusion process at the ridge axis. This cell is stationary relative to the ride axis. All the other convection cells which form off-axis because of the heat input from the cooling plate are not stationary but move in general with the moving plate away from the ridge axis. As a consequence of this movement, a transition zone exists between the on-axis and off-axis convection where new off-axis cells are formed once the distance between stationary and moving cells has become too large. The beginning of low-temperature convection occurs thus at some distance from the ridge axis (ca. 10 km) in older crust which has in general a thin sediment cover. This convection can be related to the formation of the hydrothermal sediments in the Galapagos mounds.When the spreading rate is relatively low and the rate of fluid flow in the off-axis cells is high, merging of convection cells in this transition zone can occur. The merging episodes cause strong pulses of low-temperature hydrothermal convection, which are not related to off-axis intrusive events. As a segment of the crust moves through the transition zone, it can be exposed to several of these merging episodes. The evolution of off-axis convection cells near an active spreading center provides thus a mechanism which can cause one or more pulses of short-lived (ca. 10,000 years), low-temperature ( approximately 200 degrees C) convection in a segment of the crust. This activity has the characteristics necessary for the deposition of manganese crust or lenses of massive manganese ore associated with marine sediments. Calculated intervals between onset of convection and merging episodes are in good agreement with observations from the Galapagos mounds. Flow rates associated with the merging episodes are sufficient to explain the formation of sizable Mn lenses such as those found associated with the Appenine ophiolites and the Nicoya ophiolite.
Coupling Laser Power Into a Slab-Symmetric Accelerator Structure

We present a detailed analysis of the coupling of external laser fields into a resonant acceleration structure. The structure is slab-symmetric and consists of metal boundaries lined with dielectric; coupling is accomplished via an array of narrow, equally-spaced slots in the upper structure boundary. Effects of the couplers on the structure fields are investigated using both theory and 2-dimensional time-dependent simulation. Details of the resonance are found to be highly sensitive to the coupling slot geometry: the presence of the couplers can lead to frequency detuning, changes in the field breakdown limits and overall Q-factor, and distortions of the field pattern. Beam wakefields are enhanced by the presence of the slots, but found to have no significant effect on the beam transport. The resonant accelerating fields in this case are nearly constant along the short transverse direction and are found to have between 10 and 15 times the amplitude of the driving radiation.