cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Molecular delineation of species and species relationships in the red algal agarophytes Gracilariopsis and Gracilaria (Gracilariales)

Delineation of species in the economically important agarophyte genera Gracilaria and Gracilariopsis has proven extremely difficult using available morphological characteristics. In this study, we examine the usefulness of two transcribed spacers for molecular systematic studies of these genera. The polymerase chain reaction was used to amplify the internal transcribed spacers (ITSs) and the intervening 5.8S ribosomal DNA of the nuclear ribosomal repeat region. In addition, a plastid spacer region and flanking regions of coding genes were amplified from the RUBISCO operon. Both regions were sequenced for individuals and populations of Gracilariopsis lemaneiformis (Bory) Dawson, Acleto, et Foldvik to determine the usefulness of these spacers in delimiting populations. These studies reveal that there is as much variation among individuals of a population as there is between individuals of geographically separate populations. In addition, the ITS spacer regions were compared between different species of Gracilariopsis and Gracilaria. The nuclear ITS spacer region is conserved at a species level in both genera and provides phylogenetically informative characters that can be used to examine species interrelationships among relatively closely related taxa. However, because of the difficulties of aligning this entire region among species from the two genera, the ITS region is not useful for examining intergenera relationships. ITS interspecies sequence comparisons indicate that Gracilariopsis lemaneiformis from California is significantly different from G. lemaneiformis from China and that a species of Gracilariopsis from Peru is more closely related to G. lemaneiformis from North Carolina than it is to the other Gracilariopsis species examined. In addition, these studies indicate that Gracilaria chilensis Bird, McLachlan, et Oliveira from New Zealand and Gracilaria tenuistipitata Chang et Xia from southeast Asia are as closely related as are Gracilaria verrucosa (Hudson) Papenfuss, G. pacifica Abbott, and Gracilaria robusta Kylin. Phylogenetic analysis of aligned plastid spacer sequences from Gracilaria and Gracilariopsis taxa provide similar conclusions about species relationships.
Control of cell adhesion dynamics by Rap1 signaling

Individual cells in their particular environments adhere to the extracellular matrix (ECM) and their neighbours via integrin-containing and cadherin-containing complexes, respectively. The dynamics of these interactions regulate the formation and maintenance of complex tissues. An expanding body of evidence accentuates the role of the small Rap1 GTPase and its associated signaling network in many of these processes. In this review we will discuss more recently revealed roles of Rap1 signaling by primarily focusing on functions of the Rap1 effectors RIAM, KRIT-1/CCM1 and AF-6/Afadin in junctional regulation of the vascular system and in epithelial cells. Furthermore, we will describe novel findings on the Rap activator PDZ-GEF in the regulation of cell-cell adhesion between epithelial cells and within a stem cell niche.
Broadband Homonuclear Correlation Spectroscopy at High Magnetic Fields and MAS Frequencies

We present a new homonuclear recoupling sequence, CMAR, that allows observation of 2D 13C-13C correlation spectra at high magnetic fields and MAS frequencies (10-30 kHz). The main advantages of the sequence are that it provides efficient, broadband dipolar recoupling and concurrently decouples the 1H spins from the 13C's. Thus, no additional 1H decoupling is required during the mixing period, thereby significantly reducing the radio frequency power requirements for the experiment. Thus, CMAR significantly extends the range of applicability of the usual homonuclear recoupling techniques and should be of major interest for structure determinations of biomolecules at high magnetic fields.
Dyon analogs in antiferromagnetic chains.

A close analogy is pointed out between dyons (particles with electric and magnetic charge) in grand-unified theories and solitons in antiferromagnetic chains. For nonzero topological angle $\ensuremath{\theta}$, dyon electric charges are noninteger: $q=(n+\frac{\ensuremath{\theta}}{2\ensuremath{\pi}})e$. An analogous phenomenon occurs in antiferromagnets with alternating interactions.
The Dynamics of Circulations within the Trailing Stratiform Regions of Squall Lines. Part I: The 10–11 June PRE-STORM System

Abstract A dynamic version of the two-dimensional kinematic cloud model of Rutledge and Houze has been developed to investigate the effects of microphysics on circulations within the stratiform regions of mesoscale convective systems. The design of the model allows for specified inputs of hydrometeors, water vapor, and heat from the convective line. The stratiform region of the 10–11 June 1985 PRE-STORM squall line is simulated, with initialization based upon appropriate soundings, heat budgets, and ID cumulonimbus model results. The model accurately simulates the evolution of the stratiform rain area. Significant ascent occurs in the stratiform region where in situ condensate production contributes increasingly to the surface rainfall, reaching 65% of the total in the mature stage and averaging 44% over the entire simulation. The ratio of condensate produced within the mesoscale updraft to that advected from the convective line generally agrees with water budgets from other studies. Simulated horizontal ...
Seasonal Distribution and Movement of Black Sea Bass (Centropristis striata) in the Northwest Atlantic as Determined from a Mark-Recapture Experiment

A mark-recapture experiment was conducted on the northern stock of black sea bass (Centropristis striata) which ranges from southern portions of the Gulf of Maine to Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. Tag recovery data from traditional tags indicate that extensive seasonal movements occur and are not homogeneous throughout the stock. During summer months fish throughout the stock remain stationary in coastal areas with very little mixing among adjacent areas. In autumn, offshore migration toward the edge of the continental shelf begins in the north and progresses southward. During the offshore overwintering period, intermixing of fish from various inshore areas is more frequent. Recaptures following spring inshore migrations demonstrate a high degree of site-fidelity with occasional straying to adjacent areas. Archival data tags suggest that offshore migration coincides with declining water temperature.
Transchip: Single Molecule Detection of Transcriptional Elongation Complexes

A new single-molecule system, Transchip, was developed for analysis of transcription products at their genomic origins. The bacteriophage T7 RNA polymerase and its promoters were used in a model system, and resultant RNAs were imaged and detected at their positions along single template DNA molecules. The Transchip system has drawn from critical aspects of Optical Mapping, a single-molecule system that enables the construction of high-resolution ordered restriction maps of whole genomes from single DNA molecules. Through statistical analysis of hundreds of single-molecule template/transcript complexes, Transchip enables analysis of the locations and strength of promoters, the direction and processivity of transcription reactions, and the termination of transcription. These novel results suggest that the new system may serve as a high-throughput platform to investigate transcriptional events on a large genome-wide scale.
Identification and characterization of a FasL-like protein and cDNAs encoding the channel catfish death-inducing signaling complex

To elucidate cytolytic mechanisms in the channel catfish, lysates from catfish lymphoid and fibroblast cell lines were screened by Western blot analysis using a panel of antibodies reactive with components of the mammalian apoptotic pathway. Strong reactivity with three proteins (approximate Mr 70,000, 37,000, and 15,000) was seen using an antibody targeted to mammalian Fas ligand (FasL). The sizes of the two smaller proteins are consistent with their tentative designation as membrane-bound (37,000 Mr) and soluble (15,000 Mr) FasL. Treatments known to induce FasL in mammalian systems (e.g., PMA/calcium ionophore, UV-irradiation) induced expression of the 37,000-Mr protein in catfish T-cell lines. Moreover, expression of the 37,000-Mr protein in clonal T cells was up-regulated by increasing cell density. At the nucleotide level, homologues of Fas receptor (FasR), FADD, and caspase 8 were identified and characterized. These gene products likely constitute the teleost equivalent of the death-inducing signaling complex (DISC). FADD was constitutively expressed in all (T, B, macrophage, and fibroblast) cell lines examined as well as in peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL), whereas FasR and caspase 8 were expressed in all cell lines except CCO, a FasL-positive fibroblast line. In contrast to FasL, expression of FasR and caspase 8 was inversely proportional to cell density. Collectively these studies identified four membrane-proximal proteins involved in the initiation of apoptosis in channel catfish and suggest that mechanisms of cell-mediated cytotoxicity in teleosts are similar to those used by mammals.
Excitation and polarization effects in semiconductor four-wave-mixing spectroscopy.

The dependence of optical four-wave-mixing (FWM) signals in semiconductors on carrier density and laser-field polarization is investigated. The theoretical and experimental analysis reveals the importance of the excitation-induced dephasing processes for the understanding of numerous published results on polarization selections rules in FWM signals. Even apparently contradictory earlier findings can be explained with this theoretical model.
Real-space ion scattering maps of the Mg(0001) surface

Low-energy ion scattering (LEIS) is useful for examining the structure of ordered surfaces as well as for identifying surface atoms. However, in some cases the structural information from LEIS measurements is obscured by complex collision processes which contribute to the detected scattering intensity. In this study, we have developed a more precise approach for examining surface structure that includes comparing experimental real-space ion scattering maps with simulations from binary collision codes using reliability factors. This method is demonstrated with the model system 2 keV ${\text{Ne}}^{+}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\text{Mg}(0001)$. Using an angle-resolved ion energy spectrometer, the intensity of scattered ${\text{Ne}}^{+}$ from the surface was recorded for a complete set of polar and azimuthal angles, which define the orientation of the surface with respect to the incident beam. These angles were then transformed to distances in real space and used to compile an ion scattering map of the Mg(0001) surface. A simulated map was also generated for the same conditions using a modified version of the binary collision code MARLOWE. The maps provide a comprehensive overview of surface scattering and allow the locations of surface atoms to be correlated directly to regions of enhanced scattering intensity. The sensitivity of the LEIS signal to interatomic spacing was simulated using MARLOWE, and methods for comparing with experiments were developed. Because LEIS can distinguish different types of atoms on the surface, the techniques described here could be extended to map compound surfaces and adsorbates.
Electric-field induced low temperature superconducting granular balls

Abstract In a strong electric field E , low temperature superconducting particles of μm size in liquid helium bind to form macroscopic balls and layers clinging to electrodes. There are two critical fields, E c1 E c2 . The formation of balls and layers occurs only for E ⩾ E c1 . The balls are stable if E c1 E E c2 . For E > E c2 , the balls break and the pieces fly to the electrodes. The phenomenon results from the interaction between Cooper pairs and a strong electric field. A positive surface energy associated with the induced surface charge on superconductors is a possible explanation.
The effect of Lagrangian chaos on locking bifurcations in shear flows.

The effect of an externally imposed perturbation on an unstable or weakly stable shear flow is investigated, with a focus on the role of Lagrangian chaos in the bifurcations that occur. The external perturbation is at rest in the laboratory frame and can form a chain of resonances or cat’s eyes where the initial velocity vx0(y) vanishes. If in addition the shear profile is unstable or weakly stable to a Kelvin–Helmholtz instability, for a certain amplitude of the external perturbation there can be an unlocking bifurcation to a nonlinear wave resonant around a different value of y, with nonzero phase velocity. The interaction of the propagating nonlinear wave with the external perturbation leads to Lagrangian chaos. We discuss results based on numerical simulations for different amplitudes of the external perturbation. The response to the external perturbation is strong, apparently because of non-normality of the linear operator, and the unlocking bifurcation is hysteretic. The results indicate that the ob...
Direct linking of autonomic activity with typed text: The CARMEN machine

A technique that allows researchers to simultaneously record typed text and link each typed word with up to four channels of autonomic nervous system activity is described. The computer-based system is useful for studying the biological correlates of language production. The system, which works with J&J biofeedback equipment, can be adapted to virtually any monitoring equipment that can provide A/D conversion. Suggestions for data analyses are included.
Employee designation and health care worker support of an influenza vaccine mandate at a large pediatric tertiary care hospital.

Abstract Aim Determine predictors of support of a mandatory seasonal influenza vaccine program among health care workers (HCWs). Scope Cross-sectional anonymous survey of 2443 (out of 8093) randomly selected clinical and non-clinical HCWs at a large pediatric network after implementation of a mandatory vaccination program in 2009–10. Results 1388 HCWs (58.2%) completed the survey and 75.2% of respondents reported agreeing with the new mandatory policy. Most respondents (72%) believed that the policy was coercive but >90% agreed that the policy was important for protecting patients and staff and was part of professional ethical responsibility. When we adjusted for attitudes and beliefs regarding influenza and the mandate, there was no significant difference between clinical and nonclinical staff in their support of the mandate (OR 1.08, 95% C.I. 0.94, 1.26). Conclusions Attitudes and beliefs regarding influenza and the mandate may transcend professional role. Targeted outreach activities can capitalize on beliefs regarding patient protection and ethical responsibility.
Hemi-Fontan procedure for hypoplastic left heart syndrome: Outcome and suitability for Fontan

Abstract Background . Following the Norwood procedure for hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS), pulmonary artery distortion and hypoplasia are common and may negatively impact late outcome. The hemi-Fontan procedure (HFP) augments the central pulmonary arteries and establishes a connection between the right atrial/superior vena cava junction and the pulmonary arteries, while excluding the inferior vena cava. Methods . The hospital records of all 114 patients undergoing a HFP for HLHS between August 1993 and April 1998 were reviewed to assess patient, procedural, and morphologic determinations of outcome. The results of cardiac catheterization, Doppler/echocardiography, 12 lead electrocardiograms, hospital and subsequent course, as well as suitability and outcome for the Fontan procedure were analyzed. Results . Mean age was 5.4 months (range 1.5 to 15 months). Right ventricular function was normal in 95 patients, moderately depressed in 14, and severely depressed in five. Tricuspid regurgitation was absent or mild in 91 patients, moderate in 13, and severe in 10. Concomitant procedures included left superior vena cava to pulmonary artery anastomosis (12), tricuspid valve repair (10), pulmonary artery stent placement (3), coarctation repair (2), and aortic pseudoaneurysm repair (1). Hospital survival was 112/114, 98% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 95% to 100%). There were two late deaths, one noncardiac. Sinus rhythm is present in 105 patients (92%, 95% CI: 87% to 97%). To date, 79 of these patients have undergone the Fontan procedure with 74 survivors (94%, 95% CI: 89% to 99%). Conclusions . The HFP may be performed with excellent results for HLHS. It effectively augments the central pulmonary arteries while preserving sinus rhythm in the majority. In addition, the HFP facilitates the subsequent Fontan procedure and has significantly improved the overall outcome.
JIT compilation policy for modern machines

Dynamic or Just-in-Time (JIT) compilation is crucial to achieve acceptable performance for applications (written in managed languages, such as Java and C#) distributed as intermediate language binary codes for a virtual machine (VM) architecture. Since it occurs at runtime, JIT compilation needs to carefully tune its compilation policy to make effective decisions regarding 'if' and 'when' to compile different program regions to achieve the best overall program performance. Past research has extensively tuned JIT compilation policies, but mainly for VMs with a single compiler thread and for execution on single-processor machines.This work is driven by the need to explore the most effective JIT compilation strategies in their modern operational environment, where (a) processors have evolved from single to multi/many cores, and (b) VMs provide support for multiple concurrent compiler threads. Our results confirm that changing 'if' and 'when' methods are compiled have significant performance impacts. We construct several novel configurations in the HotSpot JVM to facilitate this study. The new configurations are necessitated by modern Java benchmarks that impede traditional static whole-program discovery, analysis and annotation, and are required for simulating future many-core hardware that is not yet widely available. We study the effects on performance of increasing compiler aggressiveness for VMs with multiple compiler threads running on existing single/multi-core and future many-core machines. Our results indicate that although more aggressive JIT compilation policies show no benefits on single-core machines, these can often improve program performance for multi/many-core machines. However, accurately prioritizing JIT method compilations is crucial to realize such benefits.
Multiple lattice packings and coverings of spheres

Let Λ be a lattice inR n . Consider the systemS of unit spheres centered at the lattice points of Λ.S is called ak-fold lattice packing (covering) if each point inR n lies in at most (least)k of the open (closed) spheres ofS. Letd k n (D k n ) be the density of the closest (thinnest)k-fold lattice packing (covering) ofR n . After dealing several cases left by G. Fejes Toth and A. Florian, we have concluded thatd k n >kd 1 n for all (n, k) (n≥2,k≥2) except (2, 2), (2, 3), (2, 4); andD k 3 <k D 1 3 for allk≥2.
Grating-coupled strain-enhanced light emission from mechanically stressed germanium nanomembranes

Direct-bandgap light emission from Ge nanomembranes is strongly enhanced and red-shifted through the application of tensile strain, combined with the use of a periodic array of amorphous-Si nanopillars to outcouple the strain-enhanced luminescence.
Association between hydrophobicity and dry band arcing on ADSS fiber optic cables and dampers

All-Dielectric self-supporting (ADSS) cables are fiber optic cables installed along with high voltage transmission lines for data transfer. Spiral vibration dampers (SVD) are impact type mechanical vibration dampers used over these ADSS cables to damp Aeolian vibrations. There have been occurrences of dry band arcing observed between ADSS cable and the dampers. In order to observe this phenomenon, experiments to simulate dry band arcing were conducted on ADSS cable and the dampers. Results of the experiments suggest that SVDs increase the presence of arcing and the increased reduction in hydrophobicity is one factor which induces increased dry band arcing. The relation between this increased arcing activity and the hydrophobic nature of the samples is presented. The importance of the hydrophobic nature of the samples is discussed with the help of electric field distribution.
Prevalence of High Somatic Cell Counts in Bulk Tank Goat Milk

Higher SCC have been observed in goat milk than in cow milk. This study evaluated the prevalence of high SCC and determined whether increased neutrophils were a factor in high SCC. Bulk tank goat milk samples were collected from commercial dairy goat herds in California, Arkansas, Michigan, and Wisconsin. Total SCC were determined using a Fossomatic Electronic Cell Counter and microscopically using pyronin Y-methyl green stain. Differential counts were determined using Wright's-stained cytospin centrifuge preparations. Average SCC were high (6.12 log10 cells/ml; geometric mean, 1.32 x 10(6) cells/ml). The average of the Fossomatic and direct microscopic SCC indicated that 8.6% of the producers had SCC < .75 x 10(6) cells/ml and that 34.5% were < 1 x 10(6) cells/ml. The current goat milk SCC standard is 1 x 10(6) cells/ml; the cow milk SCC standard will be .75 x 10(6) cells/ml in 1993. Milk samples contained 9.9% macrophages, 2.8% lymphocytes, and 87% neutrophils. These data indicate that high SCC were prevalent and that increased neutrophils contributed to high SCC in the bulk tank goat milk.
Collaborative Depression Care Models: From Development to Dissemination

n 1978 the first multi-site mental health epidemio- logic study in the U.S. reported that more than 50% of community respondents with depressive disorders were treated exclusively within the primary care system. 1 As a result, primary care was labeled the "de facto mental health system" for Americans with the more prevalent but less severe mental health disorders. 1 Subsequent re- search over the next decade found that only 25% to 50% of patients with depressive disorders were accurately diag- nosed by primary care physicians. 2 Moreover, among those accurately diagnosed only 50% received mini- mally adequate pharmacologic treatment, and less than 10% received a minimally adequate number of psycho-
Tensor-Based Cortical Surface Morphometry via Weighted Spherical Harmonic Representation

We present a new tensor-based morphometric framework that quantifies cortical shape variations using a local area element. The local area element is computed from the Riemannian metric tensors, which are obtained from the smooth functional parametrization of a cortical mesh. For the smooth parametrization, we have developed a novel weighted spherical harmonic (SPHARM) representation, which generalizes the traditional SPHARM as a special case. For a specific choice of weights, the weighted-SPHARM is shown to be the least squares approximation to the solution of an isotropic heat diffusion on a unit sphere. The main aims of this paper are to present the weighted-SPHARM and to show how it can be used in the tensor-based morphometry. As an illustration, the methodology has been applied in the problem of detecting abnormal cortical regions in the group of high functioning autistic subjects.
Three-body dissociation dynamics of (SO2)3 studied through dissociative photodetachment of (SO2)3−

The dissociative photodetachment dynamics of ðSO2Þ � were studied by photoelectron–photofragment coincidence spectroscopy at 258 nm. Correlation between the photoelectron and photofragment translational energies was observed as previously seen in the dimer system, implying the presence of a dimer core. The three-body dissociation dynamics of ðSO2Þ 3 after photodetachment are consistent with a dimer core solvated by a spectator SO2 molecule with a broad distribution in initial geometry. 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Land-use change and greenhouse gas emissions in the FAPRI-CARD model system: addressing bias and uncertainty.

Even with a normalized and standardized biofuel shock, the wide range of land-use change estimates and their associated greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions have raised concern on the adequacy of existing agricultural models in this new area of analysis. In particular, reducing bias and improving precision of impact estimates are of primary concern to policy makers. This paper provides a detailed overview of the FAPRI-CARD agricultural modeling system, with particular emphasis on the modifications recently introduced to reduce bias in the results. We illustrate the impact of these new model features using the example of the new yield specification that now includes updated trend parameter, intensification and extensification effects, and a spatially disaggregated Brazil specification. The paper also provides a taxonomy of the many types of uncertainty surrounding any analysis, including parameter-coefficient uncertainty and exogenous variable uncertainty, identifying where specific types of uncertainty originate, and how they interact. Finally, FAPRI-CARD's long experience in using stochastic analysis is presented as a viable approach in addressing uncertainty in the analysis of changes in the agricultural sector, associated land-use change, and impacts on GHG emissions.
A Comparison of the Properties of Ceric Ion and Preirradiated Acrylic Acid Grafts to Rayon Fibers

Acrylic acid has been grafted to rayon filaments using both the high energy radiation and ceric ion methods. By using preirradiation and a pretreatment of the cellulose with the ceric salt, homopolymer was reduced to acceptable amounts. A number of properties have been measured on the treated controls without monomer and on the grafted samples. These included tenacities, elongations, initial modulii and work to rupture. The moisture regains and water retention values were also determined. Considering the tensile properties, the pretreatments resulted in a drop in the values except for the initial modulii. Ceric ion initiation produced more degradation than the preirradiation treatment. This was attributed to the additional acidic and oxidative effects in the case of the former method. Grafting with both methods of initiation led to an initial improvement of properties over the treated control values. As the degree of grafting increased, however, the values decreased. In all cases ceric ion gave somewhat lower properties compared with preirradiation. The moisture regains and water retention values showed some rather minor differences between the two types of grafting. Explanations of the various behavior patterns are presented.
Cell invasion of poultry-associated Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis isolates is associated with pathogenicity, motility and proteins secreted by the type III secretion system

Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis (S. Enteritidis) is a major cause of food-borne gastroenteritis in humans worldwide. Poultry and poultry products are considered the major vehicles of transmission to humans. Using cell invasiveness as a surrogate marker for pathogenicity, we tested the invasiveness of 53 poultry-associated isolates of S. Enteritidis in a well-differentiated intestinal epithelial cell model (Caco-2). The method allowed classification of the isolates into low (n = 7), medium (n = 18) and high (n = 30) invasiveness categories. Cell invasiveness of the isolates did not correlate with the presence of the virulence-associated gene spvB or the ability of the isolates to form biofilms. Testing of representative isolates with high and low invasiveness in a mouse model revealed that the former were more invasive in vivo and caused more and earlier mortalities, whereas the latter were significantly less invasive in vivo, causing few or no mortalities. Further characterization of representative isolates with low and high invasiveness showed that most of the isolates with low invasiveness had impaired motility and impaired secretion of either flagella-associated proteins (FlgK, FljB and FlgL) or type III secretion system (TTSS)-secreted proteins (SipA and SipD) encoded on Salmonella pathogenicity island-1. In addition, isolates with low invasiveness had impaired ability to invade and/or survive within chicken macrophages. These data suggest that not all isolates of S. Enteritidis recovered from poultry may be equally pathogenic, and that the pathogenicity of S. Enteritidis isolates is associated, in part, with both motility and secretion of TTSS effector proteins.
Motif Evaluation by Leave-one-out Scoring

We propose a new method for collecting information on regulatory elements found by any motif discovery program. We suggest that combining the results of n leave-one-out motif discovery runs provides additional information. By examining motifs found in n ? 1 of the sequences and scoring them on the remaining sequence, we overcome some of the issues arising from noisy data to identify more high-quality motifs. We describe preliminary investigations of this approach, using MEME for motif discovery. We show that the Leave-one-out method highlights different motifs than a single MEME run would. We demonstrate that our method increases the power of small datasets. We also explore how the information gain of the method changes as the number of sequences increases. Our approach may be generalized to any number of sequences, and may be applied with any motif-inference package that generates a final population of solutions and scores.
Amplitude, Phase Contrast, and Polarization Imaging in Near-Field Scanning Optical Microscopy

The design and theory of operation of a variety of new techniques in NSOM are discussed. The basic framework of all these modalities is the force-regulated NSOM. A number of results are presented to demonstrate the power of this simultaneous microscope. Amongst the new techniques introduced are linearized polarizing microscopy, as well as amplitude, and phase, interference contrast imaging modalities. In each case results are presented to demonstrate the potential of the techniques. Finally, a new approach to Kerr/Faraday polarization imaging is introduced, which is based on the behavior of orthogonal states of light. This has direct application in magneto-optic imaging.
Rate-adaptive error control for multimedia multicast services in satellite-terrestrial hybrid networks

This paper presents a rate-adaptive error control (RAEC) protocol for multimedia multicast services in satellite-terrestrial hybrid networks. The proposed scheme considers user fairness to a multicast group and adapts the code rate according to the channel conditions. In order to provide fairness perceived by user application, a packet is transmitted via satellite, while the retransmission of the packet is carried out over either terrestrial links or satellite link based on the number of negative acknowledgments of the packet. For code rate adaptation, a code is chosen adaptively based on the estimated channel condition. In the RAEC protocol, the transmitter uses a combination of forward and backward channel estimation. The throughput performance shows that the proposed RAEC protocol outperforms the static hybrid ARQ protocol under different channel conditions.
Efficient CNG indexing in location-aware services

In this paper, we propose and evaluate a new in-memory index structure for efficient processing of range queries over moving objects. Traditional spatial index approaches suffer from the need for frequent updates and therefore result in poor performance in moving object environments. To reduce the number of updates, many existing approaches use a linear function to represent the movement of objects, but for numerous real applications, the movements of objects are too complicated to be represented as a simple linear function. The index structure we propose has two levels. The lower level consists of a number of cluster nodes, each of which is in charge of a group of moving objects and can dynamically adjust its location and covering range according to the movement of the objects. The upper level makes use of a grid index to support querying evaluation. With our approach, no assumption is required about the maximum velocity of objects and it is not necessary for objects to move according to some well-behaved patterns.
Power output of fast and slow skeletal muscles of mdx (dystrophic) and control mice after clenbuterol treatment

The mdx mouse is the most commonly used animal model for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. We tested the null hypothesis that 20 weeks of clenbuterol treatment ( approximately 2 mg kg-1 day-1) of mdx and control mice would have no effect on the absolute and specific force (Po, kN m-2) and absolute and normalised power output (W kg-1) of extensor digitorum longus (EDL) and soleus muscles. For mdx and control mice, clenbuterol treatment produced modest increases in the mass of the two muscles but did not increase absolute or specific force or normalised power output. For absolute power output, only the EDL muscles of mdx mice showed a difference following treatment, with the power output of treated mice being 118 % that of the untreated mice. The modest effects of clenbuterol treatment on the dynamic properties of skeletal muscle provide little support for any improvement in muscle function for the dystrophic condition.
Stepwise analyses of metal ions in RNase H catalysis from substrate destabilization to product release

In two-metal catalysis, metal ion A has been proposed to activate the nucleophile and metal ion B to stabilize the transition state. We recently reported crystal structures of RNase H–RNA/DNA substrate complexes obtained at 1.5–2.2 A. We have now determined and report here structures of reaction intermediate and product complexes of RNase H at 1.65–1.85 A. The movement of the two metal ions suggests how they may facilitate RNA hydrolysis during the catalytic process. Firstly, metal ion A may assist nucleophilic attack by moving towards metal ion B and bringing the nucleophile close to the scissile phosphate. Secondly, metal ion B transforms from an irregular coordination in the substrate complex to a more regular geometry in the product complex. The exquisite sensitivity of Mg2+ to the coordination environment likely destabilizes the enzyme–substrate complex and reduces the energy barrier to form product. Lastly, product release probably requires dissociation of metal ion A, which is inhibited by either high concentrations of divalent cations or mutation of an assisting protein residue.
The Design of a Pulse-Position Modulated Optical Communication System

In recent literature the advantages of an idealized narrow-width pulse-position modulated (PPM) optical communication system, using coherent sources and direct photodetection, have been shown. In this paper the practical design of such an operating PPM link is considered. System performance in terms of error probabilities and information rates is derived in terms of key parameters, such as power levels, number of PPM signals, pulse width, and bandwidths. Both background radiation and receiver thermal noise are included. Design procedures utilizing this data are outlined. Whenever possible, optimal design values and parameter tradeoffs, in terms of maximizing information rate or minimizing transmitter power, are shown. The effect on performance of photomultipliers and their inherent statistics is also presented. Although the basic analysis is derived in terms of photon "counts," the necessary system optics equations are introduced to allow for overall optical hardware design. The primary underlying assumption is that synchronization is maintained at all times between the transmitter and receiver.
Epitaxy of Ge Nanowires Grown from Biotemplated Au Nanoparticle Catalysts

Semiconductor nanowires (NWs) are being actively investigated due to their unique functional properties which result from their quasi-one-dimensional structure. However, control over the crystallographic growth direction, diameter, location, and morphology of high-density NWs is essential to achieve the desirable properties and to integrate these NWs into miniaturized devices. This article presents evidence for the suitability of a biological templated catalyst approach to achieve high-density, epitaxial growth of NWs via the vapor−liquid−solid (VLS) mechanism. Bacterial surface−layer protein lattices from Deinococcus radiodurans were adsorbed onto germanium substrates of (111), (110), and (100) crystallographic orientations and used to template gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) of different diameters. Orientation-controlled growth of GeNWs was achieved from very small size (5−20 nm) biotemplated AuNP catalysts on all of the substrates studied. Biotemplated GeNWs exhibited improved morphologies, higher densities...
Surgical management of arteriovenous malformations in children.

Object Children compose 3 to 20% of the patients with arteriovenous malformations (AVMs); however, AVMs are responsible for 30 to 50% of intracranial hemorrhages in children. Methods The medical records of 82 children with 84 AVMs treated surgically between 1983 and 2005 were reviewed. Fifty-two patients (63%) presented with hemorrhage, 13.4% presented with seizures, and AVMs in 12% were found incidentally. Patients with brainstem lesions presented at a significantly younger age (p = 0.002) than those harboring lesions in other locations. Frontal lobe lesions were significantly smaller than those in other locations, and thalamic lesions were significantly larger (p = 0.012 and 0.005, respectively). Most patients with Spetzler–Martin Grades I to III lesions underwent craniotomy only. Half of the patients with Grade IV and V lesions underwent embolization, craniotomy, and radiosurgery. The mean follow-up period was 43 months. Postoperatively, the initial obliteration rate was 65%, with a long-term obliterat...
Explaining the Gender Gap in Political Knowledge

Much scholarship has noted that there are significant differences in the political behavior of women and men. Women, for example, are found to be more likely to identify as and vote for Democrats, less likely to hold conservative issue positions, and more likely to vote for incumbents. One of the more disturbing gender gaps occurs in political knowledge: Specifically, women are typically found to be less knowledgeable about politics and government than their male counterparts. We propose that much of the gap can be explained by theories of risk aversion, which imply that women are less likely to guess on questions for which they are uncertain. Using item response models, we demonstrate that failure to consider these gender-based differences leads to scales that significantly underestimate the political knowledge of women. Consistent with other work in this area, we find that accounting for the higher propensity of men to guess decreases the gender gap in knowledge by around 36%.
Development of the Drosophila mushroom bodies: sequential generation of three distinct types of neurons from a neuroblast

The mushroom bodies (MBs) are prominent structures in the Drosophila brain that are essential for olfactory learning and memory. Characterization of the development and projection patterns of individual MB neurons will be important for elucidating their functions. Using mosaic analysis with a repressible cell marker (Lee, T. and Luo, L. (1999) Neuron 22, 451-461), we have positively marked the axons and dendrites of multicellular and single-cell mushroom body clones at specific developmental stages. Systematic clonal analysis demonstrates that a single mushroom body neuroblast sequentially generates at least three types of morphologically distinct neurons. Neurons projecting into the (gamma) lobe of the adult MB are born first, prior to the mid-3rd instar larval stage. Neurons projecting into the alpha' and beta' lobes are born between the mid-3rd instar larval stage and puparium formation. Finally, neurons projecting into the alpha and beta lobes are born after puparium formation. Visualization of individual MB neurons has also revealed how different neurons acquire their characteristic axon projections. During the larval stage, axons of all MB neurons bifurcate into both the dorsal and medial lobes. Shortly after puparium formation, larval MB neurons are selectively pruned according to birthdays. Degeneration of axon branches makes early-born gamma neurons retain only their main processes in the peduncle, which then project into the adult gamma lobe without bifurcation. In contrast, the basic axon projections of the later-born (alpha'/beta') larval neurons are preserved during metamorphosis. This study illustrates the cellular organization of mushroom bodies and the development of different MB neurons at the single cell level. It allows for future studies on the molecular mechanisms of mushroom body development.
Electromagnetic imaging for breast cancer research

Breast cancer is a serious potential health problem for all women. The current screening and imaging techniques such as X-ray mammography, clinical examination, ultrasound, and MRI, even combined in some way, provide only 73% accuracy in detecting breast cancer. This motivates researchers with biomedical background to investigate new techniques to advance the screening techniques aiming for early detection of breast cancer. In particular, the electromagnetic (EM) community has been researching potential techniques for breast cancer detection. Potential EM techniques are discussed in this paper.
Flipping the switch from G1 to S phase with E3 ubiquitin ligases

The cell cycle ensures genome maintenance by coordinating the processes of DNA replication and chromosome segregation. Of particular importance is the irreversible transition from the G1 phase of the cell cycle to S phase. This transition marks the switch from preparing chromosomes for replication (“origin licensing”) to active DNA synthesis (“origin firing”). Ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis is essential for restricting DNA replication to only once per cell cycle and is the major mechanism regulating the G1 to S phase transition. Although some changes in protein levels are attributable to regulated mRNA abundance, protein degradation elicits very rapid changes in protein abundance and is critical for the sharp and irreversible transition from one cell cycle stage to the next. Not surprisingly, regulation of the G1-to-S phase transition is perturbed in most cancer cells, and deregulation of key molecular events in G1 and S phase drives not only cell proliferation but also genome instability. In this review we focus on the mechanisms by which E3 ubiquitin ligases control the irreversible transition from G1 to S phase in mammalian cells.
Rationalized Esthetics in Civil Engineering

Supreme court decisions, Federal law, and governmental regulations now require civil engineering design to give appropriate consideration to environmental amenities. Anthropology clearly demonstrates that art is a fundamental characteristic of human society. The philosophies of esthetics have ranged broadly from the relative to the absolute, but eminent philosophers since Plato have urged a rational approach. For the past two centuries, civil engineering has been rooted in the physical sciences. The behavioral sciences can now be added as a source for the formulation of design principles. Recent psychological research has provided a promising means for the development of a rational design methodology. There is hope of quantifying esthetics, developing an esthetic modulus, and establishing truth about beauty.
Evaluation of the electroinjection method for introducing proteins into living cells

The introduction of impermeant probes such as antibodies and other proteins into living cells without compromising physiological function is an important approach for studying cellular regulatory mechanisms. Many techniques including direct microinjection, liposome-mediated delivery, fusion of red cell ghosts, and osmotic lysis of pinocytic vesicles have been used to introduce proteins into intact cells. We have used a modification of the voltage-discharge technique to introduce antibodies and other proteins into living physiologically responsive pheochromocytoma and other cultured cells. In this technique, called electroinjection, a single discharge of relatively low field strength is used to transiently permeabilize the plasma membrane. Our experiments demonstrate that electroinjection permits the introduction of large amounts (microM) of probe into 2-5 x 10(6) cells simultaneously without compromising cell viability or physiological responsiveness when performed under carefully defined conditions. They also demonstrate that electroinjection results in a single population of loaded cells and that protein incorporation is a function of field strength, capacitance, molecular weight of the protein, and the concentration of the protein in the electroinjection buffer. Interestingly, a significant fraction of the protein electroinjected into cells is trapped in the plasma membrane when cells are shocked at high capacitance. These results demonstrate that electroinjection appears to be an efficient method for loading exogenous proteins into cells while maintaining the integrity of the physiological properties of the cell.
Abstract 80: Abnormal Water Balance in Salt-Sensitivity of Blood Pressure

We studied body weight (BW), serum Na, osmolality (Osm), urine sodium excretion (UNaV) and sodium balance (NaBal) responses to a 24-hr 460 mEq sodium load in 53 subjects (32 hypertensive HTN, 21 normotensive NTN) classified as salt-resistant (SR) or salt-sensitive (SS) with an in-patient protocol. Cutoff for SS was a fall in mean daytime systolic BP (Spacelabs 90207) of ≥10 mmHg from high- to low-salt (10 mEq Na diet plus furosemide 40 mg x 3). UNaV (SR 362±22 vs SS 353±21 mEq/day) and NaBal (SR 98±22 vs SS 107±21 mEq/day) did not differ between groups. In contrast, SR had non-significant BW loss (-0.2±0.2 kg) whereas SS gained BW (0.8±0.2, p -5 *sec -1 ), were not different between SR and SS. On high-salt, SR significantly reduced TPR (-347±84 dyn*cm -5 *sec -1 ; p
Anodic coupling reactions: exploring the generality of Curtin-Hammett controlled reactions.

Intramolecular anodic olefin coupling reactions can be compatible with the presence of dithioketal protecting groups even though the dithioketal oxidizes at a lower potential than either of the groups participating in the cyclization. In such cases, product formation is controlled by the Curtin−Hammett Principle. In this study, the generality of such reactions is examined along with the use of alternative reaction conditions to suppress unwanted side reactions.