cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Southern Africa Validation of NASA's Earth Observing System (SAVE EOS)

Southern Africa Validation of EOS (SAVE) is 4-year, multidisciplinary effort to validate operational and experimental products from Terra-the flagship satellite of NASA's Earth Observing System (EOS). At test sites from Zambia to South Africa, we are measuring soil, vegetation and atmospheric parameters over a range of ecosystems for comparison with products from Terra, Landsat 7, AVHRR and SeaWiFS. The data are also employed to parameterize and improve vegetation process models. Fixed-point and mobile "transect" sampling are used to collect the ground data. These are extrapolated over larger areas with fine-resolution multispectral imagery. We describe the sites, infrastructure, and measurement strategies developed underSAVE, as well as initial results from our participation in the first Intensive Field Campaign of SAFARI 2000. We also describe SAVE's role in the Kalahari Transect Campaign (February/March 2000) in Zambia and Botswana.
A alteridade e a relação pedagógica no pensamento de Enrique Dussel

O artigo aborda a nocao de alteridade em Enrique Dussel, procurando acentuar um parâmetro etico que implica a reflexao e a pratica educativa. Alem de recuperar a origem da Etica da Libertacao, o texto explicita a dimensao pedagogica que ali se apresenta. Verifica-se a decisiva presenca do pensamento do filosofo Levinas, a partir do qual emerge o rosto do outro latino-americano enquanto criterio etico. No encontro com o pensamento levinasiano, lido a partir da realidade dos excluidos, Dussel propoe a pedagogica etica como um dos principais momentos da Filosofia da Libertacao. Palavras-chave : Alteridade; Etica; Educacao. A bstract The article explores the notion of otherness in Enrique Dussel, trying to emphasize an ethical parameter that implies the educative and practical reflection. Besides recovering the origin of the Release Ethics, the text explicit the pedagogical dimension that is presented there. It is verified the decisive presence of the thought of the philosopher Levinas, from which emerges the face of the other Latin American while ethical criterion. In the encounter with the levinasian thought, read from the reality of the excluded ones, Dussel considers the pedagogical ethics as one of the main moments of the Release Philosophy. Key words : Otherness; Ethics; Education.
Improving End-of-Life Experience and Care in the Community: A Conceptual Framework

End-of-life research and interventions have mostly focused on patients and family. There are compelling reasons for studying end-of-life experience and care from a community perspective. "Whole community" approaches to end-of-life care have been endorsed by the Institute of Medicine Committee on Care at End of Life. Building on the model developed by Stewart and colleagues, which integrates quality of life and quality of health indicators, a conceptual framework is presented that describes pertinent whole-community characteristics, structures, processes, and outcomes. The framework offers a map for whole-community research, intervention, and evaluation with the goal of changing the community culture related to life's end and thereby improving the quality of life for dying people and their families.
Choroidal Thickness Profiles in Myopic Eyes of Young Adults in the Correction of Myopia Evaluation Trial Cohort

Purpose To examine the relationship of choroidal thickness with axial length (AL) and myopia in young adult eyes in the ethnically diverse Correction of Myopia Evaluation Trial (COMET) cohort. Design Cross-sectional, multicenter study. Methods In addition to measures of myopia by cycloplegic autorefraction and AL by A-scan ultrasonography, participants underwent optical coherence tomography imaging of the choroid in both eyes at their last visit (14 years after baseline). Using digital calipers, 2 independent readers measured choroidal thickness in the right eye (left eye if poor quality; n = 37) at 7 locations: fovea and 750, 1500, and 2250 μm nasal (N) and temporal (T) to the fovea. Results Choroidal thickness measurements were available from 294 of 346 (85%) imaged participants (mean age: 24.3 ± 1.4 years; 44.9% male) with mean myopia of −5.3 ± 2.0 diopters and mean AL of 25.5 ± 1.0 mm. Overall, choroidal thickness varied by location ( P P ≤ .001) and presence of peripapillary crescent at all locations except T1500 and T2250 ( P ≤ .0001). Choroidal thickness varied by ethnicity at N2250 ( P Conclusion Choroids are thinner in longer, more myopic young adult eyes. The thinning was most prominent nasally and in eyes with a crescent. In the furthest nasal location, ethnicity was associated with choroidal thickness. The findings suggest that choroidal thickness should be evaluated, especially in the nasal regions where myopic degenerations are most commonly seen clinically.
Internet Technology Links Three Generations: A Case Study

The Internet is taking root with a wide cross-section of Americans. In just a few years, the Internet has emerged from near obscurity to being a common household word, largely due to the replacement of difficult computer language with user-friendly graphical user interfaces with point-and-click interactions (Ryder & Hughes, 1998). This case study in progress will take an in- depth look at three generations of a family and their experiences with learning and using Internet technology. A sample of the research questions that are being investigated include: (1) Is there a difference in the learning styles, attitudes, and achievements of the three generations? (2) What challenges are faced by the participants? (3) What kinds of instruction are most helpful to the participants? Reference: Ryder, R.J., & Hughes, T. (1998). Internet for Educators. Upper Saddle River, NJ:Merrill.
Drosophila as a Model for Human Diseases

The fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster is a powerful genetic model organism that can be easily manipulated. Advanced tools have been constructed in Drosophila for disruption of genes (both somatic and germ line) as well as misexpression of endogenous and foreign transgenes. A high degree of similarity between these two proteomes suggests that as many as 74% of human disease-causing genes could be studied in a Drosophila model. Keywords: genetic model organism; drosophila melanogaster; disease; etiology; transgenics
Spin correlation coefficients in from 325 to 400 MeV

Abstract The spin correlation coefficient combinations S ≡ A xx + A yy , D ≡ A xx − A yy and the analyzing powers A y ( θ ) were measured for p → p → →pnπ + at beam energies of 325, 350, 375 and 400 MeV. A polarized internal atomic hydrogen target and a stored, polarized proton beam were used. These polarization observables are sensitive to contributions of higher partial waves. A comparison with recent theoretical calculations is provided.
Tales of a Fourth Tier Nothing, a Response to Brian Tamanaha's Failing Law Schools

This is a paper written in response to Professor Brian Tamanaha’s Failing Law Schools. Much of the book is laudable for highlighting the serious structural, policy, and moral issues confronting legal education today. However, I disagree with several of Professor Tamanaha’s ideas for reforming our system. In this paper, I write from the perspective of a tenured legal writing professor teaching at a for-profit fourth tier school, in fact, one of the schools that Tamanaha repeatedly implies are the problem and not the solution for the legal education crisis. Part One addresses the idea, which dates back to 1921, that students at lower-tiered schools should be able to receive a different education (impliedly lower quality) than those students matriculating at higher ranked schools. Part Two counters Professor Tamanaha’s dichotomous view of legal scholarship and teaching, arguing that scholarship and legal theory carry a unique practical value for students, particularly in the context of a non-elite legal education. Part Three considers Tamanaha’s puzzling claim that clinical faculty and legal writing faculty must accept less job security and unequal pay in order to help save legal education. Part Four of this paper presents an alternative explanation as to why students might choose to attend law school, even with the deep economic hardships involved. In terms of the continuing value of the J.D. degree, both Professor Tamanaha’s narrow economic analysis and the predominant counterarguments (e.g., you can do anything with a law degree!) miss the point that, for many, a law degree carries cultural value that operates apart from (but sometimes in tandem with) with economic capital. The idea that we should impose restraints on the ability of students to obtain a law degree, if they so choose, is somewhat paternalistic and at odds with the free market aspects of his analysis. The paper concludes by briefly developing social policy arguments that explain why we must work on reducing the institutionalized elitism that afflicts the legal profession and its educational system. Legal education must be reformed. But my suggestion is that we look for ways to make it better – less elitist and less hierarchical – as well as cheaper.
Two Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients With Severe Pleurisy: Similar Presentations, Different Causes

History of the present illness. A 25-year-old woman was diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) 2 years prior to admission, after she presented with fever, malaise, lymphadenopathy, arthritis, myalgias, malar rash, and positive serologies for antinuclear antibody (ANA) and anti–double-stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA). Additional serology tests were negative for anti-Ro/SSA, anti-La/SSB, RNP, and Sm antibodies, as well as antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL). She was treated with intermittent courses of glucocorticoids (GC) for disease flares. Eight months before admission, she had a severe flare that manifested with high fevers, weight loss, delirium, spastic bladder, and non-nephrotic proteinuria. She was ultimately diagnosed with gray matter transverse myelitis of the conus medullaris and lupus nephritis. She was treated aggressively with pulse GC and intravenous (IV) cyclophosphamide (CYC), which led to resolution of all symptoms. After completion of a 6-month course of IV CYC, she was maintained on 20 mg of prednisone. One month prior to admission, she was admitted to another hospital with leftsided pleurisy, dyspnea, and high fever. A chest computed tomography (CT) scan excluded pulmonary embolism, but showed bilateral lung lower lobe consolidations with pleural effusions (left larger than right) and a small fluid collection adjacent to her spleen. Her blood cultures grew Salmonella. Her symptoms improved with cefepime and high-dose GC, and she was discharged home 2 weeks later on 60 mg of daily prednisone and oral levofloxacin for a total of 3 weeks of antibiotics. In addition, she was discharged on trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX) 160/800 mg 3 times weekly for Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia (PCP) prophylaxis. One week before her current admission, she was started on 1,000 mg of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) daily. She then presented to our hospital with acute left-sided pleuritic chest pain, dyspnea, and arthralgias. She did not have fever or cough.
A United States Marine Presenting With Hemoptysis After Push-Ups

ABSTRACT We present an unusual case of right lower lobe intralobar pulmonary sequestration in a previously healthy and physical active 27-year-old U.S. Marine, who presented with new onset hemoptysis after doing push-ups. Diagnosis was obtained by chest X-ray and contrast computed tomography scan. Preoperatively the patient underwent fluoroscopy-guided embolization of the aberrant systemic artery supplying the sequestration. The segmental resection of the sequestration was then successfully performed through a muscle-sparing thoracotomy.
Hecke algebras and involutions in Coxeter groups

Let W be a Coxeter group and let M be the free Z[v, v−1]-module with basis indexed by the involutions of W. We show how the recent results of Elias and Williamson on Soergel bimodules can be used to give an alternative definition of an action of the Hecke algebra of W on M​.
Chipping away at brain function: mining for insights with microarrays

The impact of microarray studies on neurobiology has been limited because, with the exception of a few outstanding papers, most reports provide little more than lists of genes, often leaving the reader at a loss to understand which and how many of the identified transcripts will be true positives with significant biological impact. However, some recent papers have offered considerable biological insight by providing independent in vivo confirmation of the roles of candidate genes, offering a glimpse of the potential power of microarrays in neurobiological research.
Electron microscopy of intracellularly labeled neurons in the hippocampal slice preparation.

We have assessed the properties of three intracellular markers, horseradish peroxidase, biocytin/Neurobiotin, and Lucifer Yellow, and have compared their usefulness as neuronal markers for light and electron microscopic visualization. Neurons in the acute slice preparation of rat hippocampus were filled with one of these markers, and the marker was converted to an optical and electron-dense reaction product. Dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) greatly facilitated penetration of recognition reagents while preserving membrane integrity. The markers were compared with respect to injection parameters, mobility and recognition, stability and visibility, and ultrastructural clarity. Horseradish peroxidase (HRP)-labeled neurons, recognized histochemically with diaminobenzedine (DAB), were easily visualized by the density of the DAB reaction product; however, the electron density was often so great as to obscure ultrastructural details. Biocytin (BC)-/Neurobiotin (NB)-labeled neurons were recognized by avidin-HRP, followed by histochemical localization of HRP with DAB. The optically dense reaction product gave complete visualization of the soma and processes at the light microscopic level. The electron density was homogeneously distributed throughout the cell, so that ultrastructural features were easily identified. Lucifer Yellow (LY), a fluorescent marker, was converted to an optical and electron-dense reaction product via immunocytochemical staining with a rabbit anti-LY antibody, followed by goat anti-rabbit IgG-HRP and DAB histochemical localization. Similar to BC/NB, the reaction product was evenly dispersed, providing good light microscopic and ultrastructural clarity. Under our experimental conditions, BC/NB and LY were superior markers that could be used routinely to label neurons, and give excellent visualization not only at the light but also at the electron microscopic level. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Prevalence of Symptoms of Body Dysmorphic Disorder and Its Correlates: A Cross-Cultural Comparison

The authors investigated the prevalence of body image concerns, body dysmorphic disorder, and related psychiatric symptoms in a group of 101 American students. Results were compared with data from a group of 133 German students. Survey data were collected on body image concerns, self-esteem, depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive symptoms, and skin picking. A total of 74.3% of the American students endorsed body image concerns, and 28.7% were preoccupied by them; 4.0% appeared to meet DSM-IV criteria for body dysmorphic disorder. Body esteem was significantly correlated with self-esteem and depressive, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive symptoms. Body image concerns and preoccupation were significantly greater in American than in German students, although the prevalence of probable body dysmorphic disorder was not.
Prediction of turbulent separation over a backward-facing smooth ramp

Large eddy simulation (LES) and Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) calculations have been performed of the turbulent flow over a smoothly contoured ramp. The upstream conditions are obtained from a separate pre-computation of a flat-plate turbulent boundary layer. The flow in the primary calculation develops downstream, first experiencing an increase in the surface skin friction due to ramp curvature, then exhibiting a shallow separation with subsequent reattachment on a flat section downstream. The LES results provide a baseline for investigation of the flow and enable assessment of the RANS models, the specific closures applied being the Spalart–Allmaras one-equation model v 2−f, and a modified version of v 2−f. The wall layer is resolved in all of the calculations, the Reynolds number based on the boundary layer thickness at the inlet plane is 10 400. LES results show that the separation process is intermittent and exhibits a transition of turbulence structures, features that are challenging for th...
Information access tools for software reuse

Software reuse has long been touted as an effective means to develop software products. But reuse technologies for software have not lived up to expectations. Among the barriers are high costs of building software repositories and the need for effective tools to help designers locate reusable software. Although many design-for-reuse and software classification efforts have been proposed, these methods are cost-intensive and cannot effectively take advantage of large stores of design artifacts that many development organizations have accumulated. Methods are needed that take advantage of these valuable resources in a cost-effective manner. This article describes an approach to the design of tools to help software designers build repositories of software components and locate potentially reusable software in those repositories. The approach is investigated with a retrieval tool, named CodeFinder, which supports the process of retrieving software components when information needs are ill-defined and users are not familiar with vocabulary used in the repository. CodeFinder uses an innovative integration of tools for the incremental refinement of queries and a retrieval mechanism that finds information associatively related to a query. Empirical evaluation of CodeFinder has demonstrated the effectiveness of the approach.
Developing an Integrated Model Framework for the Assessment of Sustainable Agricultural Residue Removal Limits for Bioenergy Systems

Agricultural residues have significant potential as a feedstock for bioenergy production, but removing these residues from the land can have negative impacts on soil health. Because of this computational tools are needed that can help guide decisions on the amount of agricultural residue that can be sustainably removed. Models and datasets that can support decisions about sustainable agricultural residue removal are available; however, no tools currently exist that are capable of simultaneously addressing all of the environmental factors that can limit the availability of residue for bioenergy production. This paper presents an integrated framework of models and data that provide a coupled a set of environmental process models and databases that can support agricultural residue removal decisions. Specifically the RUSLE2, WEPS, and Soil Conditioning Index models have been integrated together with the disparate set of databases providing the soils, climate, and management practice data required. The integrated system has been demonstrated for two example cases. In the first case the potential impact of agricultural residue removal is explored. In the second case an aggregate assessment of the agricultural residues available bioenergy production in the state of Iowa is performed.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Parameter identification in the presence of non-parametric dynamic uncertainty

Abstract This paper provides identification laws which yield monotonic parameter error reduction in the absence of external noise inputs, but in the presence of non-parametric dynamic uncertainty (unmodelled dynamics). This paper considers two non-parametric uncertainty sets motivated by robust control: the weighted ball in H∞, and the weighted ball in the induced-L2 norm. The non-parametric uncertainty produces signals which corrupt the signals used in identification. This paper shows that the corruption is non-conservatively bounded in an L2 sense. This L2 bound is then compared with the signal energy, with the result used to enable/disable the parameter adjustment of a gradient least-squares adjustment mechanism. It is proved that the resulting parameter adjustment yields non-increasing parameter errors, with strictly decreasing parameter errors whenever the parameter errors are distinguishable from zero given the system input and output histories.
Nongradient Methods in Multidisciplinary Design Optimization-Status and Potential

A number of multidisciplinary design optimization (MDO) problems are characterized by the presence of discrete and integer design variables, over and beyond the more traditional continuous variable problems. In continuous variable design problems, the design space may be nonconvex or even disjointed. Furthermore, the number of design variables and constraints may be quite large. The use of conventional gradient-based methods in such problems is fraught with hazards. First, these gradient-based methods cannot be used directly in the presence of discrete variables. Their use is facilitated by creating multiple equivalent continuous variable problems; in the presence of high dimensionality, the number of such problems to be solved can be quite large. Second, these methods have a propensity to converge to a relative optimum closest to the starting point, and this is a major weakness in the presence of multimodality in the design space. This paper primarily focuses on the use of nontraditional optimization methods in such problems, broadly classified today as soft computing strategies. These methods include techniques such as simulated annealing, genetic algorithms, Tabu search, and rule-based expert systems. It also examines issues pertinent to using these methods in MDO problems.
Using Existing Employee Assistance Program Case Files to Demonstrate Outcomes

Demonstrating outcomes and highlighting the value of employee assistance (EA) services are critical, especially in today's difficult economic climate. This study reports findings from an exploratory study of Employee Assistance Program (EAP) outcomes using existing EAP case files from 20 different U.S. employers. Research questions examined the effects of EAP services as measured by three commonly used indices: the Level of Functioning Scales at Home and at Work, and the Global Assessment of Functioning. Significant changes in scores on all three measures were found at posttest, suggesting an overall positive affect from employee participation in EAP services. Recommendations for EAPs with little to no resources for research and limited experience with research are discussed.
Effects of antihypertensive therapy on cardiovascular response to exercise.

Abstract The effects of alpha methyldopa and hydrochlorothiazide therapy on exercise induced changes in arterial pressure, heart rate, rate-pressure product and total duration of exercise were evaluated with graded treadmill exercise. Although both agents were equally effective in reducing resting arterial pressure, alpha methyldopa appeared to provide slower build-up, a lower celling and more rapid recovery of arterial pressure in response to exercise stress than did hydrochlorothiazide. Alpha methyldopa significantly reduced the degree of rise of the rate-pressure product (an index of myocardial oxygen consumption) during the exercise and recovery phases, whereas hydrochlorothiazide failed to do so. The total duration of exercise (an index of work capacity) was unchanged with either hydrochlorothiazide or alpha methyldopa. Therapy with alpha methyldopa presumably reduced myocardial oxygen demand without reducing work capacity.
Centroid of a type-2 fuzzy set

Abstract In this paper, we introduce the centroid and generalized centroid of a type-2 fuzzy set (both of which are essential for implementing a type-2 fuzzy logic system), and explain how to compute them. For practical use, we show how to compute the centroid of interval and Gaussian type-2 fuzzy sets. An exact computation procedure is provided for an interval type-2 set, whereas an approximation is provided for both interval and Gaussian type-2 sets. Examples are given that compare the exact computational results with the approximate results.
Identification of the pI 4.6 extensin peroxidase from Lycopersicon esculentum using proteomics and reverse-genomics.

Abstract The regulation of plant cell growth and early defense response involves the insolubilization of hydroxyproline-rich glycoproteins (HRGPs), such as extensin, in the primary cell wall. In tomato ( Lycopersicon esculentum ), insolubilization occurs by the formation of tyrosyl-crosslinks catalyzed specifically by the pI 4.6 extensin peroxidase (EP). To date, neither the gene encoding EP nor the protein itself has been identified. Here, we have identified tomato EP candidates using both proteomic and bioinformatic approaches. Bioinformatic screening of the tomato genome yielded eight EP candidates, which contained a putative signal sequence and a predicted pI near 4.6. Biochemical fractionation of tomato culture media followed by proteomic detection further refined our list of EP candidates to three, with the lead candidate designated ( CG5 ). To test for EP crosslinking activity, we cloned into a bacterial expression vector the CG5 open-reading frame from tomato cDNA. The CG5 was expressed in Escherichia coli , fractionated from inclusion bodies, and folded in vitro . The peroxidase activity of CG5 was assayed and quantified by ABTS (2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid)) assay. Subsequent extensin crosslinking assays showed that CG5 can covalently crosslink authentic tomato P1 extensin and P3-type extensin analogs in vitro supporting our hypothesis that CG5 encodes a tomato EP.
Lack of effect of neural activity on RNA synthesis in rat dorsal root ganglion cells

Abstract An autoradiographic technique was used to investigate RNA synthesis in rat dorsal root ganglion cells under conditions of electrically-induced neural activity. Tritiated cytidine was used as a radioactive precursor. One sciatic nerve was electrically stimulated for varying periods of time, while the other was not. Grain counts were made for ribonuclease-treated and ribonuclease-untreated cell sections from corresponding dorsal root ganglia. Differences between the experimental and control sides based on these counts were used to assess the effect of the induced activity. Although there was an increase in labeled RNA with time and the nucleoli showed a high degree of labeling, no differences in incorporation were observed as a result of the experimental treatments.
Ultrahydrophobicity indicates a non-adhesive default state in gecko setae

Geckos may represent the world’s most demanding adhesives application. The adhesive setae on the toes of climbing geckos must adhere strongly yet avoid fouling or attachment at inappropriate times. We tested the hypothesis that gecko setae are non-adhesive in their unloaded default state by comparing the water droplet contact angle (θ) of isolated setal arrays to the smooth surface of eye spectacle scales of tokay geckos (Gekko gecko). At equilibrium, θ was 98.3 ± 3.4° in spectacle scales of live geckos and 93.3 ± 3.5° in isolated spectacles. Isolated setal arrays were ultrahydrophobic, with θ of 160.6 ± 1.3° (means ± SD). The difference in θ of setal arrays and smooth spectacles indicates a very low contact fraction. Using Cassie’s law of surface wettability, we infer that less than 6.6% of the surface of unloaded setae is solid and at least 93.4% is air space. We calculated that the contact fraction must increase from 6.6% in the unloaded state to 46% in the loaded state to account for previously measured values of adhesion. Thus gecko setae may be non-sticky by default because only a very small contact fraction is possible without mechanically deforming the setal array.
Visualization of Morse Connection Graphs for Topologically Rich 2D Vector Fields

Recent advances in vector field topologymake it possible to compute its multi-scale graph representations for autonomous 2D vector fields in a robust and efficient manner. One of these representations is a Morse Connection Graph (MCG), a directed graph whose nodes correspond to Morse sets, generalizing stationary points and periodic trajectories, and arcs - to trajectories connecting them. While being useful for simple vector fields, the MCG can be hard to comprehend for topologically rich vector fields, containing a large number of features. This paper describes a visual representation of the MCG, inspired by previous work on graph visualization. Our approach aims to preserve the spatial relationships between the MCG arcs and nodes and highlight the coherent behavior of connecting trajectories. Using simulations of ocean flow, we show that it can provide useful information on the flow structure. This paper focuses specifically on MCGs computed for piecewise constant (PC) vector fields. In particular, we describe extensions of the PC framework that make it more flexible and better suited for analysis of data on complex shaped domains with a boundary. We also describe a topology simplification scheme that makes our MCG visualizations less ambiguous. Despite the focus on the PC framework, our approach could also be applied to graph representations or topological skeletons computed using different methods.
Fabrication and characterization of ZnO nanowires based UV photodiodes

Abstract A heterojunction of n-type zinc oxide (ZnO) nanowires and p-type silicon has been successfully constructed to demonstrate ultraviolet (UV) photodiodes. The prototype device consists of naturally doped n-type ZnO nanowires grown on top of a (1 0 0) p-silicon substrate by the bottom-up growth process. The diameter of the nanowires is in the range of 70–120 nm, and the length is controlled by the growth time. The isolation is achieved by using spin-on glass (SOG) that also works as the foundation of the top electrode. The current–voltage (I–V) characteristics show the typical rectifying behavior of heterojunctions, and the photodiode exhibits response of ∼0.07 A/W for UV light (365 nm) under a 20 V reverse bias.
Migration to dry foods

Plastic packaging is used for the containment of many dry foods. The United States Food and Drug Administration requires no migration testing of the packaging used for dry foods having no free oils on their surface. We illustrate with numerous examples that migration of additives from plastic packaging does, however, occur to such dry foods. Migration rates to these dry foods are lower than to food oils but are significantly higher than to water. It is suggested that activated carbon or alumina power could be used as a simulant for many dry foods.
A convergent scheme for the synthesis of spiroketals and the synthesis of (±)-chalcogran

Abstract The hetero-Diels-Alder condensation between furanoid and pyranoid exocyclic vinyl ethers establishes the spiroketal system and subsequent oxidative ring contraction leads to 1.6-dioxaspiroalkane carboxylic acids. The latter are useful subunits for polyether antibiotic synthesis.
Relationship between subjective effects and drug preferences: ethanol and diazepam

The relationship between subjective effects and drug preferences in normal volunteers was explored in a meta-analysis of several previously published studies. Subjective effects of, and preference for, ethanol and diazepam vs. placebo were measured using a choice procedure. Subjects were grouped according to their drug choices: ‘non-choosers’ never chose drug, whereas ‘choosers’ always chose drug. The two groups were compared on their subjective responses to drug and on demographic variables. Ethanol decreased Arousal, Elation, Positive Mood and Vigor, and increased Anxiety, Depression and Fatigue in the non-choosers, whereas it increased Arousal and Vigor in the choosers. Ethanol choosers were also more likely to be males and/or full-time students than non-choosers. Diazepam produced sedative-like effects in both choosers and non-choosers, but markedly decreased Anxiety and increased Friendliness in choosers only. Diazepam choice was also associated with more frequent recreational use of marijuana and stimulants. Thus, both demographic variables and subjective drug effects were related to drug preference.
Effects of Procedural and Distributive Justice on Reactions to Pay Raise Decisions

We conducted a survey to examine the impact of distributive and procedural justice on the reactions of 217 employees to decisions about pay raises. Distributive justice accounted for more unique va...
There's a right way and a wrong way: in vivo and in vitro folding, misfolding and subunit assembly of the P22 tailspike

The in vivo and in vitro folding, assembly and misfolding of an elongated protein, the thermostable tailspike adhesin of phage P22, reveals important aspects of the sequence control of chain folding as well as its failure mode, inclusion body formation.
Hummod browser: An exploratory visualization tool for the analysis of whole-body physiology simulation data

We present HumMod Browser, a multi-scale exploratory visualization tool that allows physiologists to explore human physiology simulation data with more than 6000 attributes. We first present a tag cloud technique to reveal the significance of time-varying attributes and then study how a chain of tag clouds can form an exploratory visuailzation that assist multiple dataset comparison and query. One purpose is to reduce the high cognitive workload of understanding complex interactions within the large attribute space. The HumMod Browser produced can give physiologists flexible control over the visualization displayed for quick understanding of complicated simulation results. The visualization is constructed through the metaphorical bubble interface to allow dynamic view controls and the data relationships and context informaiton unfold as physiologists querying groups of connected bubbles within the hierarchical or causal relationships. HumMod Browser contributions to the interaction design and provides multi-scale coordinated interactive exploration for a new type of physiological modeling data. Two case studies have been reported with real datasets containing more than 6000 physiology attributes, which provide supportive evidence on the usefulness of HumMod Browser in supporting effective large-attribute-space exploration.
Texture variation and its influence on the tensile behavior of a friction-stir processed magnesium alloy

Abstract Friction-stir processing (FSP) induces significant texture variations in magnesium alloys. Diffraction peak intensities measured using spatially-resolved neutron-diffraction scanning provide the quantitative changes in the texture across the processing line. The relationship between the texture distribution and the tensile behavior of a FSP AZ31B Mg alloy is discussed.
Initial impacts of altered UVB radiation on plant growth and decomposition in shortgrass steppe

We initiated a study in winter 2000 in a Colorado shortgrass steppe to investigate effects of altered ultraviolet-B (UVB) radiation and altered precipitation on plant growth, plant tissue decomposition, and litter faunal activity. In the field, open-air structures were constructed of solid plastic sheet material that either passed all wavelengths of solar radiation or passed only wavelengths greater than 400 nm (UVB =280-315 nm). Preliminary results indicate decreases in warm-season grass production under UVB radiation and drought conditions. Analysis of fiber constituents shows some significant seasonal and UVB treatment effects. The results of in vitro digestible dry matter analyses show significantly higher digestibility with UVB. Simulated grazing increased plant production, but there were no UVB by grazing interactions. Litter decomposition was affected by UVB exposure, the CO 2 growing conditions, and precipitation level. Under dry conditions, UVB radiation tended to increase litter decomposition, as measured by mass loss. There were no clear initial effects of UVB treatment on soluble and fiber constituents of litter. Exclusion of UVB resulted in reduced fungal hyphae counts in ambient CO 2 -grown litter collected in fall 2002. Preliminary results indicate that litter arthropod density was lower with exposure to UVB and also lower under drought conditions.
Off-response of electroretinogram induced by X-ray stimulation

The ability of the grass frog Rana pipiens to produce an electroretinogram (ERG) in response to x rays, similar in some respects to the ERG produced in response to light, is reported. The on-response to x rays is comparable to the on-response to light. However, the off-response to x rays differs considerably from the off-response to light, and, moreover, differs in frogs of altered physiological condition (depending on the season, state of hibernation, and nutrition). Animals in prime physical condition show a very small off-response which involves a complex relation to the intensity and duration of the stimulus. Starved frogs show a very slow off-response, characterized by considerable amplitude and duration. All degrees of response were observed between these two extremes. It was concluded that physiological condition. related to inadequate nutrition, rather than the physiological changes associated with hibernation or reproduction, is responsible for the response observed. It is suggested that the human eye, similar in response in many respects to the frog eye or the eyes of other mammals, might produce off- responses to x rays similar to those described above for frogs, and, if so, they be related to a comparable physiological condition. (BBB)
Sexual dimorphism in IVM-IVF bovine embryos produced from x and y chromosome-bearing spermatozoa sorted by high speed flow cytometry

The objective of this study was to examine preimplantation development and sperm aster characteristics of bovine male and female embryos produced by using spermatozoa sorted for the X or Y chromosome. In vitro matured oocytes were inseminated at 24 h of maturation with sorted X or Y chromosome-bearing spermatozoa, using either fresh or frozen-thawed semen. Samples were taken from each sperm group 12 h post insemination (hpi), fixed, and immunostained for the microtubule cytoskeleton. Confocal microscopy enabled visualization of sperm aster formation and microtubule characteristics of each zygote during early fertilization. Cultured embryos were checked for cleavage at 30, 35, 40 and 45 hpi, embryo development was examined daily until Day 8 of culture. Blastocyst cell numbers were determined at the end of the experiments. Reanalysis of the sorted sperm cells for DNA content showed purity rates of 90.1 and 92.1% for X and Y chromosome-bearing spermatozoa, respectively. Reduced fertilization and development rates were observed when sorted spermatozoa were used compared with fresh and frozen-thawed spermatozoa. Penetration rates at 12 hpi were 39.5, 44.7, 55.9 and 79.0%, while blastocyst formation rates at Day 8 were 26.7, 26.5, 31.7 and 40.7% for X and Y chromosome-bearing spermatozoa, using fresh and frozen-thawed semen groups, respectively. Sperm aster size was larger in males than females, while the size of pronuclei and subjective grade of sperm aster quality showed no differences between sexes. In this study, a greater cleavage rate and sperm aster size in male embryos indicated a dimorphic pattern of development in male and female embryos during fertilization and first cleavage.
Ulcerative colitis and cancer

Patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) are at an increased risk for the development of colorectal cancer (CRC). Unlike sporadic CRC, the cancer in UC patients arises from a focal or multifocal dysplastic mucosa in areas of inflammation. The clinical features of UC-associated cancer are similar to those found in patients with hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer. As with other varieties of CRC, UC-associated cancer exhibits a variety of genetic and molecular changes/abnormalities. These abnormalities are however clustered in areas of mucosae with histological abnormalities. The magnitude and timing of these changes are however significantly different. Surveillance and identification of patients at risk for cancer are a challenging problem.
Contamination Effects On Optical Surfaces

A model of the total surface BRDF (Bidirectional Reflection Distribution Function) of optical surfaces has been developed to account for forward and backscatter of light as a result of particulate contamination. Measurements of several different optical surfaces are presented before and after particulate contamination in clean rooms and the forward and backscatter components are described. The prediction of the total BRDF using the model is correlated to the data.
Landscape genetic structure of bur oak (Quercus macrocarpa) savannas in Illinois

Abstract We examined population genetic structure among 14 stands of Quercus macrocarpa Mich. (Fagaceae), bur oak, in northeastern and central Illinois using five microsatellite loci. We chose Q. macrocarpa because its scattered, pre-settlement distribution in the prairie/savanna landscape of this region allows us to examine the effects of long-term population fragmentation on a wind-pollinated tree species. A pairwise comparison of Wright's F ST among all pairs of stands showed small but significant differentiation among most stand pairs. However, a Bayesian clustering approach showed no underlying genetic structure. An analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) showed that over 97% of genetic variation occurred within the stands, while less than 3% occurred among stands. A Mantel test showed no evidence for isolation-by-distance. Therefore, levels of population differentiation among the study stands are low and are not correlated to distance. Despite a dispersed and fragmented distribution that persisted for several thousand years, the savanna bur oaks of this region appear to comprise a single genetic population. The lack of population genetic structure is most likely due to high levels of pollen-mediated gene flow in this species. Our findings suggest that wind-pollinated trees may be quite resilient to the negative genetic consequences of habitat fragmentation.
Characterization of glutamine synthetase in the apple

Glutamine synthetase (l-glutamate: ammonia ligase, ADP-forming, EC 6.3.1.2) in bark tissue of the apple (Malus domestica Borkh. cv. Golden Delicious) was partially purified and characterized. The Mn2+- and Mg2+-dependent activities were maximal at pH 7.2 and 7.5, respectively. The enzyme was almost completely inactivated within two weeks at 0°C. Both Mg2+ and β-mercaptoethanol were effective in stabilizing the enzyme during storage. The enzyme was protected from thermal inactivation at 60°C by the addition of Mg2+ and ATP. One-tenth mM phenylmercuric acetate inhibited the Mg2+-dependent activity by 50%. Equimolar dithiothreitol protected the enzyme from this inactivation. The Km values of the enzyme were 0.27, 7.35, and 0.69 mM for ATP, glutamate, and NH2OH, respectively. The constant for NH+4 was an order of magnitude higher in the presence of Mn2+ than Mg2+. When the amino acids were externally added to the reaction mixtures, the measurement of Pi exhibited a higher degree of enzyme inhibition than the measurement of γ-glutamyl monohydroxamate (GHA). Ten mM histidine inhibited the Mg2+- and Mn2+-dependent activities by 26 and 45% respectively. Twenty mM aspartate (d,l-form) inhibited the enzyme 30% in the presence of either Mg2+ or Mn2+. Aspartate (Mg2+-dependent) and histidine (Mn2+-dependent) inhibited the enzyme competitively with respect to glutamate, the estimated inhibition constants being 17.6 and 1.6 mM, respectively. At 10 mM, amino acids such as tryptophan, arginine, alanine and citrulline inhibited enzyme activity from 1 to 18%. Glutamine stimulated the Mg2+-dependent activity 25% at 25 mM when GHA was measured. Glutamine above 32 mM inhibited the enzyme.
Metaphors and Reflective Dialogue Online.

The primary purpose of this study was to examine how adult learners used a WebCT bulletin board space to construct knowledge. Cognitive psychologists are clear that active involvement with other people is necessary for learning. Yet, what stimulates the discussion online? How does simple “posting” or “argument” develop into “deep reflection?” How does this online learning environment provide for significant and sustained interactions? What is it about a WebCT bulletin board space that facilitates adult learning? In this analysis, metaphors and questions of possibilities were the “tools” that connected reflection, dialogue and self-direction to create new understandings. The space itself provided unique opportunities for self-directed learning and reflective dialogue.
The Evolutionary Innovation of Nutritional Symbioses in Leaf-Cutter Ants

Fungus-growing ants gain access to nutrients stored in plant biomass through their association with a mutualistic fungus they grow for food. This 50 million-year-old obligate mutualism likely facilitated some of these species becoming dominant Neotropical herbivores that can achieve immense colony sizes. Recent culture-independent investigations have shed light on the conversion of plant biomass into nutrients within ant fungus gardens, revealing that this process involves both the fungal cultivar and a symbiotic community of bacteria including Enterobacter, Klebsiella, and Pantoea species. Moreover, the genome sequences of the leaf-cutter ants Atta cephalotes and Acromyrmex echinatior have provided key insights into how this symbiosis has shaped the evolution of these ants at a genetic level. Here we summarize the findings of recent research on the microbial community dynamics within fungus-growing ant fungus gardens and discuss their implications for this ancient symbiosis.
The proteomes of human parotid and submandibular/sublingual gland salivas collected as the ductal secretions

Saliva is a body fluid with important functions in oral and general health. A consortium of three research groups catalogued the proteins in human saliva collected as the ductal secretions: 1166 identifications—914 in parotid and 917 in submandibular/sublingual saliva—were made. The results showed that a high proportion of proteins that are found in plasma and/or tears are also present in saliva along with unique components. The proteins identified are involved in numerous molecular processes ranging from structural functions to enzymatic/catalytic activities. As expected, the majority mapped to the extracellular and secretory compartments. An immunoblot approach was used to validate the presence in saliva of a subset of the proteins identified by mass spectrometric approaches. These experiments focused on novel constituents and proteins for which the peptide evidence was relatively weak. Ultimately, information derived from the work reported here and related published studies can be used to translate blo...
Characterization system for research on energy storage capacitors

In this work a characterization system for high energy-density capacitors is described and demonstrated. Capacitors are being designed using thin-film technology in an attempt to achieve higher energy-density levels by operating the devices at a high voltage. These devices are fabricated from layers of 100 nm aluminum and a layer of polyvinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene on a polyethylene naphthalate plastic substrate. The devices have been designed to store electrical charge at up to 200 V. Characterizations of these devices focus on the measurement of capacitance vs bias voltage and temperature, equivalent series resistance, and charge/discharge cycles. For the purpose of the characterization of these capacitors, an electronic charge/discharge interface was designed and tested.