cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
LINKING DEMOGRAPHIC EFFECTS OF HABITAT FRAGMENTATION ACROSS LANDSCAPES TO CONTINENTAL SOURCE-SINK DYNAMICS

Forest fragmentation may cause increased brood parasitism and nest pre- dation of breeding birds. In North America, nest parasitism and predation are expected to increase closer to forest edges because the brood-parasitic Brown-headed Cowbird (Mol- othrus ater) and generalist nest predators often enter the forest from adjoining developed (largely agricultural) habitats. Yet the abundance of brood parasites and nest predators at the patch scale may be strongly constrained by the total area of developed habitat at landscape scales. The scale and extent of landscape effects are unclear, however, because past studies were mostly conducted within local landscapes rather than across independent landscapes. We report replicated studies from 30 independent landscapes across 17 states of the United States that show that nest parasitism is strongly affected by fragmentation at a 20 km radius scale, equivalent to the maximum foraging range of cowbirds. Nest predation is influenced by both edge and landscape effects, and increases with fragmentation at a 10 km radius scale. Predation is additive to parasitism mortality, and the two together yield decreased population growth potential with increasing forest fragmentation at a 10 km radius scale for 20 of 22 bird species. Mapping of population growth potential across continental landscapes displays broad impacts of fragmentation on population viability and allows geographic prioritization for conservation.
Microsatellite dinucleotide (T-G) repeat: a candidate DNA marker for breast metastasis.

Abstract A dinucleotide (T-G) repeat sequence was isolated by comparing DNA from metastatic lymph node and matched normal breast samples from a ductal mammary carcinoma patient using representational difference analysis (RDA) method. Our present study used this metastasis associated DNA sequence (MADS) as a diagnostic probe to screen five patient samples by slot blot method. A new approach to isolate single cells by microdissection, namely single cell microdissection (SCM) was developed to obtain homogeneous population of tumor cells (∼1000) from matched primary tumors and corresponding positive lymph nodes of five patients. We isolated DNA from these homogeneous tumor cells and used for the RDA and DNA slot blot experiments. The screening of patient samples showed loss of this MADS in the transition from primary to metastasis in four out of five cases (80%) suggesting its possible role in breast metastasis.
A natural randomization strategy for multicommodity flow and related algorithms

Abstract We consider the approximation algorithm of Leighton et al. (1991) for the multicommodity flow problem. We give a more natural randomization strategy that is simpler and results in a better running time. This strategy also applies to several related algorithms.
Vascular effects of class III antiarrhythmic agents

Methanesulfonanilide Class III antiarrhythmic agents have been shown to block a specific outward delayed rectifier K+ current, Ikr in cardiac cells. K+ conductance also is recognized to be an important regular of contractile tone in vascular smooth muscle. The purpose of the present investigation was to assess the effects of the new and potent methanesulfoanilide Class III agents E-4031, UK-68,798, UK-66,914 and the Class III standard d-sotalol in vitro in phasically active and electrically quiescent vascular smooth muscle preparations. All four Class III agents augmented phasic contractile tension in spontaneously active rat portal veins at concentrations similar to those effecting significant Class III electrophysiologic activity in cardiac muscle, but failed to contract electrically quiescent rabbit aortic rings. At concentrations exceeding effective cardiac Class III electrophysiologic concentrations, E-4031 relaxed methoxamine- and histamine-contracted rabbit aortic rings, and d-sotalol relaxed methoxamine-contracted aortic rings. UK-68,798 and UK-66,914 failed to relax spasmogen-contracted aortic rings. The similarity in effective concentrations required for the four Class III agents to augment phasic contractile tension in the rat portal vein and increase myocardial refractoriness in cardiac muscle is consistent with the presence of similar K+ channel subtypes in the two tissues. Alternatively, the observed activities in the two tissues may be due to actions of these four Class III agents on another, non-Ikr ion channel present in rat portal vein, with an order of potency for blockade similar to block of Ikr in cardiac tissue. © 1992 wiley-Liss, Inc.
Warping and partitioning for low error shadow maps

We evaluate several shadow map algorithms based on warping and partitioning using the maximum perspective aliasing error over the entire view frustum. With respect to our error metric, we show that a range of warping parameters corresponding to several previous warping algorithms have the same error. We also analyze several partitioning schemes to determine which produces the least maximum error using the least number of partitions. Finally, we show how warping and partitioning can be combined for interactive rendering of low error shadows in scenes with a high depth range.
NUTRITIONAL EVALUATION OF BLENDED FOODS MADE WITH A LOW-COST EXTRUDER COOKER

A nutritional evaluation was carried out on corn or sorghum blended with soy or cottonseed and processed using a Brady Crop Cooker. Protein efficiency ratios (PER's) and levels of antitrypsin activity and free or bound gossypol were determined. The extrusion process inactivated 52% of antitrypsin activity and resulted in a full-fat soy flour with corrected PER of 2.0 (casein = 2.5). The PER's for extruded corn-soy blends (CSB) were comparable to casein. Extrusion reduced free gossypol 68% and yielded a corrected PER for glanded cottonseed for 1.9. However, the PER's of extruded cereal-cottonseed blends were significantly inferior to CSB, especially at higher extrusion temperatures. The results suggest the utility of this extrusion system in producing low-cost nutritious blended foods for use in supplemental feeding programs.
Formaldehyde removal by common indoor plant species and various growing media

Abstract Three porous materials (growstone, expanded clay and activated carbon) were evaluated as hydroponic growing media and for their individual ability to remove the indoor volatile organic compound formaldehyde under three conditions: growing medium alone, dry medium in a pot, and wet medium in a pot. The total percent-reduction of formaldehyde by each growing media was evaluated over a 10-h period. In all cases, activated carbon achieved the highest removal under the three conditions studied with average percent reductions measured at about 98%. Four common interior plants: Hedera helix (English ivy), Chrysanthemum morifolium (pot mum), Dieffenbachia compacta (dump cane) and Epipremnum aureum (golden pathos) growing in growstone were then tested for their ability to remove formaldehyde. The removal capacity of the aerial plant parts (AP), the root zone (RZ) and the entire plant (EP) growing in growstone were determined by exposing the relevant parts to gaseous formaldehyde (∼2000 μg m−3) in a closed chamber over a 24-h period. The removal efficiency between species and plant parts were compared by determining the time interval required to decrease about 2/3 of the total formaldehyde concentration reduction, T2/3. The T2/3 measured were 23, 30, 34 and 56 min for EP of C. morifolium, E. aureum, D. compacta and H. helix, respectively. The formaldehyde removal by the root zone was found to be more rapid than the removal by the aerial plant parts.
Acetone enhancement of microsomal aniline para-hydroxylase activity

Abstract Acetone in concentrations of 0.045–1.8 m markedly enhanced the para-hydroxylation of aniline by hepatic microsomal fractions derived from rats, mice, rabbits and dogs. Similarly acetone enhanced the hydroxylation of acetanilide and N -butylaniline but not the N -demethylation of ethylmorphine, N -methyl or N,N -dimethylaniline nor the O -demethylation of p -nitroanisole. The degree of enhancement increased with increasing pH. In the presence of acetone, both the Michaelis constant and maximal velocity for the hydroxylation of aniline increased. SKF 525-A and piperonyl butoxide were more potent inhibitors of aniline hydroxylation in the presence of acetone. Finally, evidence is presented that acetone produces its enhancement of aniline hydroxylation by a mechanism different from that of ethyl isocyanide.
Ultraviolet Radiation (UVR) Sensitivity Analysis and UVR Survival Strategies of a Bacterial Community from the Phyllosphere of Field-Grown Peanut (Arachis hypogeae L.)

The short-term population dynamics of the culturable bacterial community from field-grown peanut (Arachis hypogeae L.) was analyzed over three 2-day periods. As in other phyllosphere studies, significant numbers of pigmented organisms were detected, suggesting the importance of pigmentation in the colonization of this habitat. Isolates were grouped according to pigmentation (orange, pink, yellow, nonpigmented), and the sensitivity of each isolate in the collection (n= 617) to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) was determined as the minimal inhibitory dose (MIDC) of UVR that resulted in an inhibition of growth compared to an unirradiated control. The majority of isolates recovered (56.1%) had an MIDC equal to or exceeding that of Pseudomonas syringae 8B48, a known UV-tolerant strain. Among pigmentation groups, the mean MIDC of pink- and orange-pigmented isolates was significantly greater than that of yellow- or nonpigmented isolates at each sampling time of day. Identification of 213 of the isolates using fatty acid methyl ester analysis indicated that a large proportion of the isolates were gram-positive, with Bacillus spp. alone accounting for 35.7% of the total. The genus Curtobacterium contained the largest percentage of highly UVR-tolerant strains. Nonpigmented mutants of four Curtobacterium strains were selected following ethyl methane sulfonate mutagenesis; these nonpigmented mutants were significantly altered in survival following irradiation with UV-A wavelengths. The strategy of avoidance of UVR through colonization of the abaxial leaf surface was evaluated on three separate occasions by leaf imprint sampling. Only 3 of 120 leaves (2.5%) contained larger bacterial populations on the adaxial surface, indicating that colonization of the abaxial leaf surface is important to phyllosphere survival. Our results indicate that tolerance to UVR is a common phenotype among phyllosphere bacteria, suggesting that solar radiation has a strong influence on the microbial ecology of the phyllosphere.
Legitimating drug use: A note on the impact of gang membership and drug sales on the use of illicit drugs

A good deal is known about gang members' involvement as sellers of drugs. We know little, however, about the extent to which gang members are involved in the drug market as users, and about the role that involvement in drug sales plays in the use of drugs. This paper presents data from an 11-city survey of arrestees that includes a substantial number of gang members, to explore the relationship between demographic characteristics such as age and race, gang membership, drug sales, and drug use. In addition, the gang members views' regarding drug use by their associates are explored. The contrast between the drug-using behavior and norms designed to control such behavior is examined in the group context of adolescent gang membership.
The Effect Of Medicare Part D Coverage On Drug Use And Cost Sharing Among Seniors Without Prior Drug Benefits

This study evaluates the effect of Medicare Part D among seniors who previously lacked drug coverage, using time-trend analyses of patient-level dispensing data from three pharmacy chains. Of 114,766 seniors without drug benefits, 55 percent initiated drug insurance under Part D. After the penalty-free Part D enrollment period, use of statins, clopidogrel, and proton pump inhibitors stabilized at levels ranging from 11 percent to 37 percent above the trend that would have been expected if Part D had not been implemented. Patients reaching the Part D coverage gap (12 percent) experienced a decrease in essential medication use ranging from 5.7 percentage points per month for warfarin to 6.3 percentage points for statins.
Glutathione S-transferase 1 and 2 in susceptible and insecticide resistant Aedes aegypti

Abstract Glutathione S -transferase enzymes (GST) were characterized in permethrin and in DDT resistant and susceptible strains of Aedes aegypti . The predominant GST, designated GST-1, was purified from susceptible and resistant larvae using S -hexyl-glutathione affinity chromatography and anion-exchange chromatography. Rabbit antiserum directed against the 26.8-kDa GST-1 subunit purified from the susceptible strain was specific for a 26.8-kDa subunit in the resistant strain. There was no significant difference in enzyme kinetic constants ( K m and V max ) between GST-1 from susceptible and resistant strains. GST-1 enzyme activity varied during larval development in both resistant and susceptible strains, but was approximately 1.7 times greater in resistant larvae and pupae throughout development. The GST-1 amount (measured using a radioimmunoassay) also varied during development, and was generally higher in resistant larvae and pupae. GST-1 enzyme activity measured each day during the 6 days of larval development was significantly correlated with GST-1 protein amount on each of the previous days, suggesting that an inactive enzyme form is converted to the active form approximately 24 hr after it is synthesized. Another GST enzyme, GST-2, was also found in resistant and susceptible A. aegypti larvea. GST-2 was partially purified from resistant larvae using S -2,4-dinitrophenylglutathione affinity chromatography and anion-exchange chromatography. GST-2 has a molecular mass of 28 kDa, and an isoelectric point of less than 5.0. GST-2 was not cross-reactive with GST-1 antiserum. GST-2 enzyme activity varied during the development of both susceptible and resistant larvae, but the pattern was different than that for GST-1. Throughout development, GST-2 enzyme activity was substantially higher (approximately eight-fold) in resistant strains of A. aegypti compared to susceptible strains.
A Nonlinear Singularly Perturbed Volterra Integrodifferential Equation Occurring in Polymer Rheology

Abstract : A study is presented on the initial value problem for the nonlinear volterra integrodifferential equation. This problem arises as a mathematical model for a process in polymer rheology which is described.
Application of the Statistical Oxidation Model (SOM) to Secondary Organic Aerosol formation from photooxidation of C 12 alkanes

Abstract. Laboratory chamber experiments are the main source of data on the mechanism of oxidation and the secondary organic aerosol (SOA) forming potential of volatile organic compounds. Traditional methods of representing the SOA formation potential of an organic do not fully capture the dynamic, multi-generational nature of the SOA formation process. We apply the Statistical Oxidation Model (SOM) of Cappa and Wilson (2012) to model the formation of SOA from the formation of the four C12 alkanes, dodecane, 2-methyl undecane, cyclododecane and hexylcyclohexane, under both high- and low-NOx conditions, based upon data from the Caltech chambers. In the SOM, the evolution of reaction products is defined by the number of carbon (NC) and oxygen (NO) atoms, and the model parameters are (1) the number of oxygen atoms added per reaction, (2) the decrease in volatility upon addition of an oxygen atom and (3) the probability that a given reaction leads to fragmentation of the molecules. Optimal fitting of the model to chamber data is carried out using the measured SOA mass concentration and the aerosol O:C atomic ratio. The use of the kinetic, multi-generational SOM is shown to provide insights into the SOA formation process and to offer promise for application to the extensive library of existing SOA chamber experiments that is available.
Local and global dynamics of the G protein-coupled receptor CXCR1.

The local and global dynamics of the chemokine receptor CXCR1 are characterized using a combination of solution NMR and solid-state NMR experiments. In isotropic bicelles (q = 0.1), only 13% of the expected number of backbone amide resonances is observed in 1H/15N HSQC solution NMR spectra of uniformly 15N-labeled samples; extensive deuteration and the use of TROSY made little difference in the 800 MHz spectra. The limited number of observed amide signals is ascribed to mobile backbone sites and assigned to specific residues in the protein; 19 of the signals are from residues at the N-terminus and 25 from residues at the C-terminus. The solution NMR spectra display no evidence of local backbone motions from residues in the transmembrane helices or interhelical loops of CXCR1. This finding is reinforced by comparisons of solid-state NMR spectra of both magnetically aligned and unoriented bilayers containing either full-length or doubly N- and C-terminal truncated CXCR1 constructs. CXCR1 undergoes rapid rot...
Adsorption and diffusion of C6 and C8 hydrocarbons in silicalite

Abstract A constant-volume, constant-pressure system was employed to measure the adsorption isotherms and diffusion coefficients of C6 (hexane, cyclohexane and benzene) and C8 (p-xylene, m-xylene, o-xylene and ethylbenzene) hydrocarbons in silicalite in the temperature range of 20°–200°C. The difference in equilibrium adsorption capacity and diffusion coefficient for these hydrocarbons is discussed in terms of the shape selective characteristics of the silicalite and size of the adsorbate molecules.
A Detailed Microphysical Simulation of Hygroscopic Seeding on the Warm Rain Process

Abstract The Wisner one-dimensional time-dependent model has been modified to allow the condensed water forms to be represented by 52 logarithmically spaced size categories covering a range of just under 2 μm radius to slightly less than 5 mm radius. The size distribution of the water drops was allowed to evolve with time as a result of the physical processes of vertical advection, condensation/evaporation, stochastic coalescence, and drop breakup. Salt seeding was simulated by the introduction of a distribution of raindrop embryos at cloud base for a specified period of time. The raindrop embryo distribution was derived from calculations on the diffusional growth of a distribution of salt particles in the unsaturated air below cloud base. This model was applied to the 23 July 1970 salt seeding case reported by Biswas and Dennis. This “detailed microphysical” study has indicated that salt seeding can be effective in stimulating the warm rain process only if breakup-induced chain reactions result. In order...
From dialogue rights to property rights: Foundations for Hayek's legal theory

Hayek's philosophy of law has Kantian features, but he offers indirect utilitarian arguments for them. Hayek's argument might be strengthened by considering that the utilitarian has an interest in issues of truth and falsity and thus in the individual as the bearer of critical judgments. Individuals might thus be accorded “dialogue rights”; upon a (Popperian) episte‐mological basis, an idea which is further strengthened by the consideration that dialogue may be extended to the appraisal of the validity of utilitarianism. Moreover, such dialogue rights should be interpreted in large part as property rights.
Progenitor cells with the capacity to differentiate into sympathetic-like neurons are transiently detected in mammalian embryonic dorsal root ganglia.

We have identified a population of progenitor cells in embryonic dorsal root ganglia (DRG) of the mouse. These cells can be induced into proliferating and differentiating into neurons that display multiple characteristics of the sympathetic lineage by a brief exposure to a defined medium. The sympathetic neuronal characteristics include immunoreactivity for the transcription factors MASH-1 and Phox2a and for the neurotransmitter markers tyrosine hydroxylase, choline acetyltransferase, and NPY. The progenitor cells are detected in DRG from embryonic day 11.5 (E11.5) to E15. An identical time course is observed in primary cultures of neural crest, suggesting that the competency of these cells is intrinsically regulated. We also present evidence that the environment of the sensory ganglion, unlike that of a sympathetic ganglion, prevents these cells from differentiating into neurons.
First-principles calculations of hyperfine parameters

Hyperfine parameters obtained from experimental techniques such as electron paramagnetic resonance contain a wealth of information about defects in semiconductors. Detailed structural information can only be extracted, however, if accurate calculations are available with which the experimental quantities can be compared. We show that reliable values for hyperfine parameters can be obtained from first-principles calculations based on spin-density-functional theory and pseudopotentials. We present a method that overcomes the complication that the wave functions in the core region are not directly available in a pseudopotential formalism. The power of the approach will be illustrated with examples for a number of different defect systems, including H in various semiconductors (Si, GaAs, and ZnSe), and the Zn interstitial in ZnSe.
Infiltration, macroporosity, and mesoporosity distributions on two forested watersheds

Macro- and mesopore processes substantially control the subsurface flow in forested watersheds. Limited field scale information is available on spatial variability of macropore infiltration and associated porosity of the hydrologically active macro- and mesopores. The double-ring and tension infiltrometer methods were employed at 37 and 39 locations, respectively, on two contrasting forested watesheds. The spatial variability of infiltration under ponded-flow (macropore-flow) and under 2-, 5-, and 14-cm water tension (mesopore-flow) conditions was determined. The frequency distributions were tested for lognormality with the Shapiro-Wilk ω-statistic and with isopleth probability analysis, and the spatial dependence of these data was tested with semivariogram analysis. The infiltration rates were found to be lognormally distributed, with the mesopore infiltration rates as variable (coefficients of variation of 102-184%) as the macropore infiltration rates (coefficient of variation of 107%). Macropore flow constitued 85% of the ponded flux; however, the mesopore fluxes were large (~ 2 × 10-5 m s-1) and were considered sufficient to infiltrate rainfall without macropores filling and contributing to the flow. The large measured infiltration rates were associated with exceedingly small macroporosities of 0.0003 m³ m-3 and 0.0002 m³ m-3 for the two watersheds. The reduction in infiltration rate with increased tension was described as an exponential function of the diameter of the largest effective pore. Semivariograms revealed no spatial dependence for separation distances >4 m at one watershed and weak spatial dependence for separation distances <15 m at the other. Infiltration into these forested watersheds can be considered a stochastic process for hydrologic modelling
Biochemical mechanisms in colon xenografts: Thymidylate synthase as a target for therapy

Growth of human adenocarcinomas of the colon and rectum in immunoincompetent mice has allowed for a greater understanding of the interaction of 5-fluorouracil, its metabolism, and mechanism(s) of cytotoxicity under conditions of tumor growth in situ. Conversely, this agent has proven to be a useful tool in defining metabolic characteristics in human colon adenocarcinomas. Analysis of tumor sensitivity to 5-fluorouracil (FUra), 5-fluorouridine (FUrd) and 5-fluoro-2′ -deoxyuridine (FdUrd) suggests that growth inhibition in vivo is related to a DNA-directed event. Resistance, de novo appears to be a consequence of relatively transient inhibition of the target enzyme thymidylate synthase (dTMP-synthase), which may be a consequence of low concentrations of 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate (CH2-H4PteGlu) or its polyglutamate forms within tumor cells in situ. In order to study the relationship between inhibition of dTMP-synthase and growth inhibition, mutant cells deficient in their ability to salvage dThd have been selected, and grown as xenografts. Data suggest that transient inhibition of dTMP-synthase and not dThd salvage is responsible for resistance de novo, and that prolonged inhibition of dTMP-synthase would be a lethal event in vivo. This would predict that a cell lacking dTMP-synthase activity would not be tumorigenic. This has been tested directly by selecting clones of GC3 colon adenocarcinoma cells deficient in dTMP-synthase (TS-) activity. Preliminary data indicate that each of 3 TS- clones is tumorigenic in athymic nude mice. The importance of dTMP-synthase as a target for drug development is discussed with respect to these findings.
Preparative countercurrent chromatography with horizontal flow-through coil planet centrifuge

Abstract Capability of a new countercurrent chromatographic scheme is demonstrated on preparative-scale separation with two typical two-phase solvent systems. The scheme uses a helical column revolving around the horizontal axis of the centrifuge and rotating about its own axis at the same angular velocity. This planetary motion while eliminating the need for the rotating seals, enables utilization of the gravitational and/or centrifugal force fields to perform a high-efficiency countercurrent chromatography with a variety of two-phase solvent systems.
The Cult of Doctors: Harvey Cushing and the Religious Culture of Modern Medicine

Harvey Cushing had an extraordinary life in medicine as an innovative brain surgeon and a pivotal figure in the biomedical revolutions taking place at the turn of the twentieth century. Expressions of sincere devotion from Cushing’s patients often rely on distinctly religious language to capture the meaning and impact of the doctor in their lives. If these devotional sentiments from former patients were the only traces of religious meaning associated with the life of Cushing, they could easily be discounted as an all-too-common, and some might say particularly confused, infusion of personal spirituality into the realm of medicine and health. But these expressions of adoration and veneration may be only the proverbial tip of a deep, wide, and largely unseen religious iceberg. Cushing’s extraordinary accomplishments did inspire both patients and the public in this era, but it is proposed that his life is embedded in a much larger and more significant religious movement driving the cultural success and power of biomedical science: the cult of doctors.
A 4-year study on clinical characteristics of children hospitalized with rotavirus gastroenteritis

Rotavirus (RV) is a frequent cause of severe gastroenteritis (GE) in children. With the licensure of new RV vaccines, data on the burden of disease are important regarding immunization strategies. We reviewed the medical records of children hospitalized with RV infection in our institution between July 2002 and March 2006. Relevant data were extracted in a standardized fashion from records of hospitalized children with a positive RV antigen test in a stool sample. Severity of disease was graded by the 20-point Vesikari score. Population data were obtained from the Federal Office of Statistics. Six hundred eighty-six RVGE were identified and records of 608 hospitalizations (in 607 children) were available. In 539 (89%) cases, RVGE was the primary reason for hospitalization and 69 (11%) were nosocomial infections; yearly peaks occurred between February and May. Cumulative incidence of RVGE was 26.7/1,000 children 11). Intravenous fluids were administered in 378 (70%) patients, 130 (24%) patients were rehydrated via nasogastral tube, and 31 (5.7%) received rehydration by mouth. RVGE causes a substantial burden in children with an estimated risk for hospitalization due to RVGE of one in 37 children <3 years of age.
Treatment of Primary Osteoporosis With Fluoride and Calcium: Clinical Tolerance and Fracture Occurrence

Thirty-six patients with primary osteoporosis were treated for up to six years with sodium fluoride, calcium supplements, and, in 24 patients, vitamin D. Major adverse reactions (synovitis, painful plantar fascial syndrome, recurrent vomiting, or anemia) occurred in 15 patients (42%). New vertebral fractures occurred at a rate of 329 fractures per 1,000 years of observation. Almost half of them occurred during the first year of therapy, and they were only one sixth as frequent in 12 patients who had fluoride-induced increased trabeculation on vertebral roentgenograms. Nevertheless, until long-term safety and antifracture efficacy are better established, this regimen should continue to be restricted to investigational use. (JAMA243:446-449, 1980)
New structures of the optical node in multihop transparent optical networks with deflection routing

New single-receiver/single-transmitter/single node structures for two-connected multihop transparent optical packet-switching networks with deflection routing are introduced. A ShuffleNet topology in uniform traffic is adopted to compare various shared optical memory schemes and their control algorithms. These simple structures minimize the number of crossbar switches needed or the node and have moderate control complexity, while still yielding high throughput and low delay. Analytical results are obtained by an extension of the existing theory and verified by simulation. >
The “Inverse Relationship Between Evolutionary Rate and Age of Mammalian Genes” Is an Artifact of Increased Genetic Distance with Rate of Evolution and Time of Divergence

It has recently been claimed that older genes tend to evolve more slowly than newer ones (Alba and Castresana 2005). By simulation of genes of equal age, we show that the inverse correlation between age and rate is an artifact caused by our inability to detect homology when evolutionary distances are large. Since evolutionary distance increases with time of divergence and rate of evolution, homologs of fast-evolving genes are frequently undetected in distantly related taxa and are, hence, misclassified as "new." This misclassification causes the mean genetic distance of 'new' genes to be overestimated and the mean genetic distance of "old" genes to be underestimated.
Modern Uses of Explosive Pressure—From Rock Blasting to Synthetic Diamond

Conventional and unconventional commercial uses of high pressures generated by detonation of chemical explosives are described. Recent basic research on factors affecting the performance of explosives in rock blasting are discussed.
The Nigerian Investment and Securities Act: delineating its boundaries in relation to the registration of securities

This article examines the requirement of the Nigerian Investment and Securities Act, 1999 (ISA) that securities be registered prior to being offered to the public, with a view to determining the limits (boundaries) of that requirement. It shows that the boundaries can be staked out along three dimensions: items excluded from the registration requirement because they are not caught by the definition of securities under the ISA; items that qualify as securities under the ISA's definition of that term but which are exempt from registration for various policy reasons (exempt securities); and items which are exempt only because of the nature of the transactions involved rather than the nature of the securities themselves (exempt transactions). It shows that while doubts about the limits of the registration requirement exist at some points where the boundaries cannot be readily staked out without interpretive difficulties, such doubts and the points in relation to which they exist are relatively residual, except in areas where the Nigerian Securities and Exchange Commission has in its rule-making manifested a misconception of its powers under the ISA.
Influence of nitrogen application rate on the magnitude of root and shoot growth flushes of Viburnum odoratissimum Ker-Gawl

Most trees and shrubs have cyclic, rather than continuous shoot and root growth. Growth cycles have important implications with regards to transplant and fertilization timing. Although growth cycles of several woody species have been characterized, no information is available on sweet viburnum (Viburnum odoratissimum). A series of experiments was conducted to study shoot and root growth flushes of sweet viburnum and the influence of nitrogen fertilization on flushes. Plants were grown in observation tubes and kept under greenhouse conditions. Sweet viburnum exhibited alternating periods of root and shoot elongation, and the root elongation peak preceded shoot elongation peak by 6–18 days. Increased nitrogen fertilization rate negatively impacted the magnitude and number of root growth flushes. Further research is needed to determine when maximum nitrogen uptake is occurring, relative to root and shoot growth cycles.
Multimodal information presentation: Design guidance and research challenges

Abstract Multimodal interfaces have gained considerable interest in recent years. This trend can be expected to continue as designers try to address challenges like data overload, the need for improved performance of recognition-based systems, a greater sense of immersion in virtual-reality environments, and support for time sharing and attention management in a variety of complex real-world domains. To ensure the robustness and effectiveness of multimodal interfaces, a number of design guidelines have been proposed. The present paper will review guidelines that focus on multimodal information presentation (as opposed to multimodal system input), and it will discuss important research needs in this area, including the exploration of possible uses and benefits of rarely used sensory channels (such as touch and olfaction), the consideration of crossmodal links in attention, the top–down modulation of multimodal information processing, and the need for adaptive and adaptable multimodal interfaces. Relevance to industry Multimodal interfaces will likely find their way into an increasing number of complex data-rich environments. It is critical for engineers and designers to be aware of benefits, requirements, and constraints associated with the design of multimodal displays to ensure their effectiveness and avoid pitfalls of this approach to information presentation.
Effects of lycopene-beadlet or tomato-powder feeding on carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicty in rats.

Summary The carotenoid lycopene has been touted as possessing various antioxidant properties, but there are no demonstrations that lycopene inhibits tissue injury due to acute oxidant stress. Thus, the present study examined the effects of intake of lycopene or tomato extract, a rich source of lycopene, on acute liver injury caused by the oxidant carbon tetrachloride (CCl 4 ). Feeding with tomato extract (10% tomato powder), but not with lycopene (0.25% lycopene beadlets), partially inhibited CCl 4 –induced hepatic injury based on the serum activities of sorbitol dehydrogenase and aspartate aminotransferase. No effect was seen for either lycopene or tomato extract on serum beta-glucuronidase activity, a marker of lysosomal injury. We concluded that tomato extract, but not lycopene, partially protected against acute liver injury due to chemically-induced oxidant stress.
An electronic tachometer for disk file motion control

An electronic tachometer system used as a velocity transducer for the track-accessing control system of a disk file is described. Rather than employing a conventional moving magnet and fixed-coil velocity transducer, this electronic tachometer combines information from the servo head position signal and from the actuator motor current to generate an accurate measurement of actuator velocity. Transducer bandwidths of several kilohertz, together with good calibration accuracy and linearity, are obtained over the 100:1 dynamic range of 0.013 to 1.3 meters per second.
Breaking Free of Sample Size Dogma to Perform Innovative Translational Research

Innovative clinical and translational research is often delayed or prevented by reviewers' expectations that any study performed in humans must be shown in advance to have high statistical power. This supposed requirement is not justifiable and is contradicted by the reality that increasing sample size produces diminishing marginal returns. Studies of new ideas often must start small (sometimes even with an n of 1) because of cost and feasibility concerns, and recent statistical work shows that small sample sizes for such research can produce more projected scientific value per dollar spent than larger sample sizes. Renouncing false dogma about sample size would remove a serious barrier to innovation and translation.
Three Strategies of State Economic Development: Entrepreneurial, Industrial Recruitment, and Deregulation Policies in the American States

State governments have adopted a wide variety of policies to promote economic development over the past two decades. There has been little progress, however in developing a clear conceptualization of the general strategies that underlie these programs or in assessing their impact on economic growth. Using confirmatory factor analysis, the authors examine a wide range of these policies, finding evidence of three general approaches: (1) an entrepreneurial approach focusing on new firm and technology development; (2) an industrial recruitment strategy emphasizing financial incentives for the relocation or expansion of existing enterprises; and (3) a deregulation approach that minimizes governmental control over private enterprise. These policies are modestly associated with particular regions of the United States. The entrepreneurial strategy appears to boost new business incorporations, and the recruitment approach reduces business failures. The results complement and extend other attempts to measure state ...
Distributed target tracking and boundary estimation in wireless sensor networks

We study the problem of target tracking and boundary detection of a substance diffusing from a mobile source using a wireless sensor network. We present a Prediction-based Mobility Adaptive Tracking (P-MAT algorithm to study the tradeoff among energy, accuracy of tracking, coverage and boundary estimation. P-MAT minimises overall energy consumption by incorporating adaptivity in two forms: (1) the size of the active region and (2) modulation of the sampling rate. It uses adaptive Kalman filtering to predict the target's future location and velocity. The predicted target location determines a set of sensors surrounding that location to be activated known as the active region. Sensors in the active region are responsible for target tracking and boundary detection. In this article, we include dynamic boundary estimation. Boundary estimation in many situations can be performed efficiently using a subset of nodes within the vicinity of the phenomenon. This subset of nodes in our algorithm is the set of nodes in the active region. As the substance spreads, sensors in the active region determine if additional sensors outside of the active region are needed to enclose the boundary. Results from simulation experiments show that P-MAT can perform both tracking and boundary.
Human‐information interaction in time‐critical settings: Information needs and use in the emergency room

Trauma centers are stressful, noisy, and dynamic places, with many people performing complex tasks, and with no technological aids to support their operations. This paper describes research that uses an emergency room as a natural laboratory for investigating information behavior and information sources of trauma team members. Data from interviews, focus groups, and videotaped trauma resuscitations revealed specific information needs in four distinct phases of a trauma event. The most commonly utilized information sources include the patient, vital signs monitor, x-rays images, and other team members. Additionally, data indicated inefficiencies in teamwork and communication. Results from this study can be used to derive system requirements for the design of decision and communication support systems for trauma teams.
Dietary diacylglycerol oil has no effect on hypertriacylglycerolaemia in lipoprotein lipase-deficient cats.

A commercially available vegetable oil containing a high concentration (87 %, w/w) of diacylglycerol (DAG) has been investigated in humans and animals for potential beneficial effects in reducing serum TAG concentrations in fasting and postprandial states. Effects of DAG oil as a sole dietary fat source (25 % metabolisable energy) were evaluated in a feline model of hypertriacylglycerolaemia. Eleven adult (1·5 (SEM 0.1) years) male cats deficient of lipoprotein lipase (LPL) catalytic activity from a heritable point mutation of the LPL gene were acclimatised to a semi-purified diet containing TAG oil for 21 d. After assignment into two groups, pair-matched by serum TAG concentrations (range 6·1-31·6 mmol/l), the cats were fed the diet with either TAG or DAG oil for 8 d. The dietary fat source was crossed-over and presented for 8 d more. Non-fasting serum concentrations of TAG, cholesterol and NEFA were measured on days 6-8 and days 14-16. Dietary fat source (DAG v. TAG) did not significantly affect food intake (491 (SEM 16) v. 486 (SEM 14) kJ/kg 0·67 ), body weight or serum concentrations (mmol/l) of TAG (37.1 (SEM 4.5) v. 33.9 (SEM 3·4)), cholesterol (4.8 (SEM 0.3) v. 4.8 (SEM 0·2)) and NEFA (1·4 (SEM 0.2) v. 1·4 (SEM 0·2)). The results show that for a feeding trial of 8 d, DAG oil was well accepted and tolerated by cats but did not reduce hypertriacylglycerolaemia resulting from a deficiency of LPL catalytic activity.
Correlates and Consequences of Peer Victimization: Gender Differences in Direct and Indirect Forms of Bullying

Research on school-based violence and bullying suggests that males are more likely to be both perpetrators and victims of bullying. Because of this, until recently, the experiences of females have been somewhat overlooked. Evidence suggests, however, that definition and measurement issues may be at play; girls, for instance, are more likely than boys to experience indirect forms of bullying such as teasing. To what extent have the correlates and consequences of bullying victimization been misspecified due to an emphasis on direct forms of bullying, such as physical violence, which disproportionately affects boys? The authors use data from two waves of a longitudinal panel study of 1,222 youths in 15 schools across the United States to address this question by examining the correlates and consequences for both boys and girls of two forms of bullying. Findings suggest a number of important gender similarities and differences in indirect and direct bullying victimization.
Bitemarks: distortion and covariation of the maxillary and mandibular dentition as impressed in human skin.

Abstract In bitemark analysis the extent of distortion of both maxillary and mandibular arches and how one affects the other has not been studied. A single dentition was used to create 49 bites on unembalmed cadavers. Landmarks were placed on digital images of the bitemarks and scanned images of the biting dentition. A sample of 297 randomly acquired dental models was used for comparison purposes. Geometric morphometric techniques were utilized to statistically describe size and shape change, as well as the correlation between the two arches. Results indicate that the predominant distortion seen was in arch width, at 7–28 times as large as measurement error in the biting dentition and roughly 50% of the variation seen in the random population of dentitions. The correlation of arch width distortion between arches was very low (∼0.03). However, the principal patterns of all shape variation did co-vary in the bitemarks produced by the maxillary and mandibular dentition, an effect indicating independence of size and shape distortion. In conclusion, bitemark analysis should be approached with caution when the principal difference between suspects is arch width.
Separation of Cesium and Strontium from Residues Arising from Fluoride Volatility Processing of Spent Nuclear Fuel

Abstract The overall objective of this study was to support an alternative hybrid process to meet Advanced Fuel Cycle Initiative goals, using fluorination and aqueous processing techniques, for treatment of spent nuclear fuel (SNF). The specific goal was to develop a simple aqueous dissolution process to separate two high‐heat fission products, cesium and strontium, from SNF fluoride residues. This separation was based on solubility differences examined by modeling using the HSC Chemistry 5.0 program. HSC automatically utilizes an extensive thermochemical database, which contains enthalpy (H), entropy (S), and heat capacity (C) data for more than 17,000 chemical compounds. The work focused on the fluoride residues from the voloxidation and fluorination steps of the fluoride volatility process and was limited to SNF from commercial light‐water reactors. Material balances were used to estimate the quantity of residue. A representative SNF was considered to be one with a burnup of 33,000 megawatt days per me...
Satisfaction Among International Student-Athletes Who Participate in the National Collegiate Athletic Association

The number of international student-athletes participating in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) has nearly doubled from 8,945 in 2001–02 to 16,440 in 2007–08 (DeHass, 2009). As a result of such dramatic growth in the number of student-athletes participating in NCAA athletics, it is important to understand the level of satisfaction among this group. Determining whether athletes are satisfied with their experience may aid in recruiting future international athletes as well as potentially leading to higher retention and graduation rates. Thus, the purpose of this study was to explore the level of satisfaction (academic and athletic) among international student-athletes who participate in NCAA Division I-Football Bowl Subdivision athletics. Data analysis revealed that international student-athletes are satisfied with the dimensions measuring satisfaction, including academic support services, personal treatment, team social contribution and medical support. In addition, male athletes are more...
Measuring adiposity in patients: the utility of body mass index (BMI), percent body fat, and leptin.

Background: Obesity is a serious disease that is associated with an increased risk of diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, stroke, and cancer, among other diseases. The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates a 20% obesity rate in the 50 states, with 12 states having rates of over 30%. Currently, the body mass index (BMI) is most commonly used to determine adiposity. However, BMI presents as an inaccurate obesity classification method that underestimates the epidemic and contributes to failed treatment. In this study, we examine the effectiveness of precise biomarkers and duel-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) to help diagnose and treat obesity. Methodology/Principal Findings: A cross-sectional study of adults with BMI, DXA, fasting leptin and insulin results were measured from 1998–2009. Of the participants, 63% were females, 37% were males, 75% white, with a mean age=51.4 (SD=14.2). Mean BMI was 27.3 (SD=5.9) and mean percent body fat was 31.3% (SD=9.3). BMI characterized 26% of the subjects as obese, while DXA indicated that 64% of them were obese. 39% of the subjects were classified as non-obese by BMI, but were found to be obese by DXA. BMI misclassified 25% men and 48% women. Meanwhile, a strong relationship was demonstrated between increased leptin and increased body fat. Conclusions/Significance: Our results demonstrate the prevalence of false-negative BMIs, increased misclassifications in women of advancing age, and the reliability of gender-specific revised BMI cutoffs. BMI underestimates obesity prevalence, especially in women with high leptin levels (.30 ng/mL). Clinicians can use leptin-revised levels to enhance the accuracy of BMI estimates of percentage body fat when DXA is unavailable.