cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Membrane Fusion and Rupture in Liposomes: Effect of Biodegradable pH-Sensitive Surfactants

Biodegradable pH-sensitive surfactants (BPS) are a unique family of easily metabolized compounds that demonstrate pH-dependent surface activity. These agents, in combination with other delivery systems, have demonstrated effects in enhancing transnucleic acid activity. The increased activity has been hypothesized to occur from a release of endosomal contents. Simply, the BPS delivery system containing nucleic acids enters the cell through an endocytotoic process. It encounters an acidic pH and becomes surface active leading to defects in the endosomal membrane. In the current study, an in vitro model membrane was used to better understand the liposome defect mechanisms that BPS elicit. Using this system, it is shown that BPS can induce both liposome fusion and rupture depending upon the pH and mole ratio of BPS to membrane lipids. Futhermore, liposome fusion induced by BPS was dependent on the total numbers of liposome particles while rupture was independent of interacting liposome particles. The generated data indicate that BPS agents act differently from other typical surface active agents and fuosgenic compounds. Instead of facilitating membrane fusion through the hexagonal II phase, BPS appeared to contribute and participate in the membrane fusion at different stages.
Reducing Bias in Estimates of Linear Models by Remeasurement of a Random Subsample

Measurement error in independent variables produces biased estimates of the coefficients in linear models. These biases can be reduced by obtaining repeated measurements of the variables and then estimating structural equation models with multiple indicators of latent variables. Remeasurement is usually costly, however, raising the question of whether the same benefits can be obtained by remeasuring only a fraction of the sample. Although this strategy has been tried previously, there were no appropriate statistical methods for combining the data in the remeasured subsample and the single measurement subsample. We demonstrate here how recently developed methods for incomplete data provide an attractive solution to this estimation problem. The methodology is illustrated by a reanalysis of Bielby, Hauser, and Featherman's (1977a) study of the OCG-II data.
Vinyl ether resist system for UV-cured nanoimprint lithography

Cationic curing of vinyl ethers for step-and-flash nanoimprint lithography is described. Photochemical acid generators for use in the vinyl ether formulation were carefully selected on the basis of their solubility in neat lipophilic vinyl ether. Our favorite acid generators include diphenyltolylsulfonium triflate, CGI261, CGI1905, CGI1906, and CGI1907. The CGI1900 series is sensitive to i-line irradiation while the former two can be sensitized to 365 nm radiation by adding 9-anthracenemethanol. Phenothiazine is also an effective i-line sensitizer of the sulfonium salt. A major problem associated with the vinyl ether curing material is poor storage stability and the formulation rapidly solidifies at room temperature. However, it has been found that anthracenemethanol can stabilize the sulfonium salt and CGI formulations against the aging. Phenothiazine extends the shelf life of the sulfonium salt system but violently reacts with the CGI PAGs. Volatility of the vinyl ethers was measured by thermogravimetric analysis at room temperature. Photochemical curing of the formulations was investigated by FT-IR and also by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) equipped with a UV lamp. The photo-DSC analysis was particularly useful in ascertaining the cure kinetics and the efficacy of the sensitization. Preliminary imprint experiments successfully printed 50 nm dense features.
Use of a gamma-ray pinhole camera for in vivo studies.

THE pinhole camera method of taking gamma-radioautographs, though it has been described in the literature1, has had very little use because of the long exposure times which are necessary even when the most sensitive radiographic films are used. An intensifying screen for use with the pinhole camera has now been developed which has made it possible to reduce the exposure time considerably. The screen consists of a large, flat crystal of thallium-activated sodium iodide. The gamma-rays produce scintillations in the crystal which in turn affect the photographic plate. This method has made it possible to take an in vivo gamma-ray pinhole radioautograph of a tumour containing 20 millicuries of iodine-131.
Volume, outcome, and the organization of intensive care.

Increasing evidence suggests that high case volume is associated with improved outcomes in the intensive care unit (ICU). Potential explanations for the volume–outcome relationship include selective referral, clinical experience and organizational factors common to high-volume ICUs. Distinguishing between these explanations has important health policy implications, because outcomes at low-volume ICUs could be improved either by exporting best practices found at high-volume centers or by regionalizing adult critical care – two very different care strategies. Future research efforts should be directed at better characterizing the process of care in high-volume ICUs and exploring the feasibility of creating a regionalized system of care.
Long-range connections synchronize rather than spread intrathalamic oscillatory activity: Computational modeling and in vitro electrophysiology

Abstract We developed thalamic network models based on known heterogeneity of thalamic reticular cell axonal arborizations, with short- and long-range projection patterns. To study how long-range connections influence thalamic oscillations, we compared a model containing only short-range connections with another containing both short- and long-range connections. In both networks, 3 Hz oscillations propagated at physiologically realistic speeds. However, the network without long-range connections produced phase differences that were much larger than those that we measured in vitro. This suggests that long-range projections do not increase the speed at which intrathalamic oscillations propagate. Instead, they may synchronize activity across thalamic subnetworks.
Incorporating social issues of computing in a small, liberal arts college: a case study

CC2001 and CC2008 recommend that an undergraduate computing curriculum include 16 hours related to social and professional issues. An ITiCSE 2010 Working Group discussed approaches for incorporating this material in the curriculum and outlined seven contrasting implementation cases. Also, Baldwin et al discuss the implementation of computing curricula at five different liberal arts colleges [TOCE, March 2010]. However, none of these provides specific implementation details for addressing social issues in a liberal arts computing curriculum. This paper identifies successful strategies from one college and begins a general discussion of teaching social issues of computing in a liberal arts setting.
RSS Feeds for Eastern Europe

ABSTRACT This piece is a continuation of a previous article about Russian RSS feeds, but with a new focus on feeds originating from or about other Eastern European countries. It also includes a brief discussion of the features of web-based readers and using the Firefox browser to locate feeds. It is intended for a non-technical audience.
Comparative influence of isolation, landscape, and wetland characteristics on egg-mass abundance of two pool-breeding amphibian species

The distribution and abundance of species are shaped by local and landscape processes, but the dominant processes may differ with scale and increasing human disturbance. We investigated population responses of two pool-breeding amphibian species to differences in local and landscape characteristics in suburbanizing, southeastern New Hampshire, USA. In 2003 and 2004, we sampled 49 vernal pools for spotted salamander (Ambystoma maculatum) and wood frog (Lithobates sylvaticus) egg masses. Using egg masses as a proxy for breeding-female population size, we examined the relative influence of five land-use and three isolation variables at two scales (300 and 1000 m) and five wetland variables on egg-mass abundance. For both species, road density at the landscape scale (1000 m) and hydroperiod most strongly predicted egg-mass abundance, with abundance decreasing as roads became denser and hydroperiods shortened. Wetland isolation was also an important predictor, with abundance greatest at more isolated pools, suggesting that both species concentrate at isolated pools when alternative breeding sites are scarce. Surprisingly, no 300-m parameters were strongly associated with salamander egg-mass abundance, whereas several landscape parameters were. In suburbanizing areas, it is at least as important to consider landscape-scale road density as to consider hydroperiod when designing conservation plans for these species. Furthermore, both isolated and clustered pools provide these species important habitat and may require protection. Finally, the conceptual framework for spotted-salamander management must be expanded so that spatial configuration at the landscape scale becomes a regular, integrated component of conservation planning for this species.
“Immaculate War”: Constraints on Humanitarian Intervention

In recent years, American military forces have been deployed in an ever-expanding array of humanitarian, peacekeeping, peacemaking, and nation-building operations. In practice American forces have often been reluctantly committed, and almost always with an extreme emphasis on force-protection and the avoidance of American casualties. Often this issue is discussed in the framework of perceived political constraints on American use of the military – in terms of how many casualties the American public will accept in exchange for a given mission. Beneath the level of the political constraints on American leaders, there lies a deeper tension having to do with the implicit moral contract between the United States and its military personnel. Although military personnel are required to follow all legal orders, morally the traditional contract between soldier and state rests on shared assumptions about the purposes for which national militaries will and will not be used.
References for “musty” odor notes in sensory analysis of grain sorghum

Abstract The presence of off-odors, such as “musty” or “sour,” in grain sorghum decreases the value of the product. Sensory analysis and head space-solid phase micro extraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry were conducted on raw sorghum to identify chemicals that would be suitable as sensory references for musty odors in this grain. Two groups of musty grain sorghum notes were differentiated: “dry” and “wet” musty sorghum. Musty sorghum with “wet” odor notes had other off-odor notes described as earthy / damp or moldy . The compounds found in musty sorghum grain were studied as “musty” note standards to use for the development of sensory references. Seven potential compounds were chosen, and a shelf life study was completed on the sensory references. Geosmin (0.1 mg/kg), 1,2-dimethoxybenzene (100 mg/kg), 3-octanone (100 mg/kg), and 1,2,4-trimethoxybenzene (100 mg/kg) were identified as potential candidates to help reproduce musty odor notes when added to clean fresh sorghum grain.
An Evaluation of Noncontingent Reinforcement for the Treatment of Challenging Behavior with Multiple Functions

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relative treatment effects of different forms of noncontingent reinforcement (NCR) on challenging behavior with multiple functions. We first conducted a functional analysis of challenging behavior exhibited by a child with autism. The results of the functional analysis suggested that challenging behavior served multiple functions. Next, we conducted a treatment evaluation in which we (a) compared the effects of NCR with attention to NCR with attention and preferred activities in the absence of work activities and (b) compared the effects of NCR with attention and NCR with attention and preferred activities during work activities. The results of the treatment evaluation showed that NCR with attention and preferred activities was more effective at decreasing challenging behavior than NCR with attention both when work was not implemented and during work situations. The current results provide support for the use of noncontingent multiple functional reinforcers to treat multiply-maintained challenging behavior.
Rotected deoxyribonucleoside-3′ aryl phosphodiesters as key intermediates in polynucleotide synthesis. Construction of an icosanucleotide analogous to the sequence at the ends of Rous sarcoma virus 35S RNA

Abstract Several modifications have been incorporated into the phosphotriester strategy for chemical synthesis of oligodeoxyribonucleotides. These include high-yield methods of preparation and isolation of O5', N-protected deoxyribonucleoside-3' p-chlorophenyl phosphates which serve as key intermediates, and the elimination of some superfluous manipulation and purification steps commonly used in the process of synthesizing oligonucleotide blocks. In addition, two new arylsulfonyl nitroimidazole derivatives have been prepared and found to be highly effective agents for internucleotide bond formation. These techniques have been applied in construction of the iconsamer d(G-C-C-A-T-T-T-T-A-C-C-A-T-T-C-A-C-C-A)-rC, equivalent to a ribonucleotide sequence located at both the 5' and 3' ends of Rous sarcoma virus 35S RNA.
Lost Toy? Monsters Under the Bed? Contributions of Temperament and Family Factors to Early Internalizing Problems in Boys and Girls

This study was designed to examine the contribution of multiple risk factors to early internalizing problems and to investigate whether family and ecological context moderated the association between child temperament and internalizing outcomes. A sample of 1,202 mothers of 2- and 3-year-old children completed a survey of child social-emotional functioning, family environment, and violence exposure. Child temperament, maternal affective symptoms, and family expressiveness were associated with child anxiety and depression problems. Violence exposure was related only to child anxiety. When maternal affective symptoms were elevated, inhibited girls but not boys were rated as more anxious and youngsters with heightened negative emotionality were rated as more depressed. Family expressiveness moderated the association between inhibited temperament and anxiety symptoms.
Metastasis in dedifferentiated liposarcoma: Predictors and outcome in 148 patients.

Abstract Objective To describe the pattern of dedifferentiated liposarcoma (DDLPS) metastases and to analyze their predictors and outcome. Materials and methods In this retrospective study, we reviewed the imaging and clinical records of all consenting patients with histopathology-confirmed DDLPS seen from 2000 through 2012. The predictive value of clinical and histopathologic parameters for metastasis later in the disease course was analyzed using univariate and multivariate analyses. Survival of patients with and without metastasis was compared using Log-rank test. Results Records of 148 patients (57 women, 91 men; mean age 59 years, range 30–87 years) were reviewed. Distant metastases were observed in 44/148 patients (29.7%), 9/44 (20.5%) at presentation and 35/44 (79.5%) developing them later at a median interval of 8 months (IQR = 0.80–26 months). Median duration of follow-up was 38 months (IQR = 18–74 months) with 77/148 patients (31 with metastases) deceased at the time of analysis. Median survival was 28 months (IQR = 10–56 months) for patients with metastases and 38 months (IQR, 17–65 months) for patients without metastases (p = 0.0123, Log-Rank test; Hazard ratio 1.79 [95% confidence interval 1.11–2.84]). Lung was the most common site of metastases (33 patients, 22.3%). On univariate analysis, grade and local recurrence were associated with subsequent risk of metastasis where as age, tumor size, site, de novo dedifferentiation, number of previous surgical resections, margin positivity and chemoradiation were not. On multivariate analysis, high tumor grade (p-value = 0.0005, OR 5.05; 95% CI 2.01–13.48) and local recurrence (p-value = 0.0025, OR 4.46; 95% CI 1.67–13.40) predicted metastasis. Conclusion Lung was most frequent site of DDLPS metastases. Risk of developing metastatic disease was statistically associated with tumor grade and local recurrence. Metastatic disease was associated with decreased survival.
Increased vascular collagen and elastin synthesis in experimental atherosclerosis in the rabbit Variation in synthesis among major vessels

Collagen and elastin synthesis was determined in 5 regions of the vascular system in rabbits on (a) normal diet and (b) atherogenic diet. Increased connective tissue synthesis was found in 3 different sections of the aorta and in the pulmonary artery of rabbits on the atherogenic diet. The inferior vena cava showed no difference between the two groups. Regional variation in connective tissue synthesis was found in both normal and atherosclerotic animals, the vessels associated with the greatest degree of pulsatile distention in vivo having the greatest synthesis and the inferior vena cava, a low pressure, low distention vessel having the lowest synthesis. It is concluded that the atherogenic process includes stimulation of collagen and elastin synthesis. It is suggested that in addition to the effect of pressure on connective tissue synthesis, pulsatile distention may be a factor in synthesis and may be related to lesion formation.
Learning from Contagion (Without Timestamps)

We introduce and study new models for learning from contagion processes in a network. A learning algorithm is allowed to either choose or passively observe an initial set of seed infections. This seed set then induces a final set of infections resulting from the underlying stochastic contagion dynamics. Our models differ from prior work in that detailed vertex-by-vertex timestamps for the spread of the contagion are not observed. The goal of learning is to infer the unknown network structure. Our main theoretical results are efficient and provably correct algorithms for exactly learning trees. We provide empirical evidence that our algorithm performs well more generally on realistic sparse graphs.
Temperature dependence of the relaxation resonance frequency of long-wavelength vertical-cavity lasers

The temperature dependence of the differential gain in AlInGaAs 1310-nm vertical-cavity lasers is investigated. The variations in differential gain and in relaxation resonance frequency are shown to depend on the room-temperature offset between the gain peak wavelength and the wavelength of the lasing mode. The tradeoff between high modulation bandwidth and good high-temperature performance for vertical-cavity lasers is analyzed. A cavity mode that is red-shifted about 25 nm from the gain peak is shown to minimize the variation in modulation bandwidth with temperature, and simultaneously allow for satisfactory high-temperature operation. Experimental results are presented and compared to calculated results with excellent agreement. Because of the change in gain-mode offset with internal temperature, the measured modulation current efficiency changed from about 2 to 4.8 GHz/mA/sup 1/2/ for an increase in drive current from 2 to 10 mA.
Parental Functioning in Families of Children With ADHD Evidence for Behavioral Parent Training and Importance of Clinically Meaningful Change

Objective/Method: Statistically significant and clinically meaningful effects of behavioral parent training on parental functioning were examined for 20 children with ADHD and their parents who had...
A Peer Assessment System to Improve Student Team Experiences

Groups are frequently used in courses, but there is substantial evidence that insufficient attention is paid to creating conditions for successful teamwork. One key condition is high-quality, individual, and team-level feedback. An online peer assessment system and team improvement process was developed for this test case based on three design criteria: efficient administration of the assessment, promotion of quality feedback, and fostering effective team processes. Sample data from 13 teams were collected to propose a means of testing the system against these criteria.
Chronic alcohol consumption during pregnancy: alleviation of untoward effects by adequate nutrition

Abstract In many investigations of the fetal alcohol syndrome, a liquid diet containing 36% of total calories as ethanol was fed to rats during pregnancy. Since this diet was considered nutritionally adequate, it was thought that the observed effects were due to the teratogenicity of alcohol. It is now known that rats maintained on this diet do not obtain required nutrition during gestation. Hence, the results obtained in the past are due to both malnutrition and alcohol. In some recent studies, pregnant rats were fed a diet containing less than 36% of total calories as alcohol. These diets provided both adequate nutrition and chronic alcohol administration during pregnancy. The results from these studies suggest a close association between nutritional status of the animal and the effects of alcohol ingestion. Unlike in the past, further studies on fetal alcohol syndrome can now be carried out in the absence of malnutrition to determine whether alcohol will exhibit any teratogenic effects.
An investigation of state-space model fidelity for SSME data

In previous studies, a variety of unsupervised anomaly detection techniques for anomaly detection were applied to SSME (space shuttle main engine) data. The observed results indicated that the identification of certain anomalies were specific to the algorithmic method under consideration. This is the reason why one of the follow-on goals of these previous investigations was to build an architecture to support the best capabilities of all algorithms. We appeal to that goal here by investigating a cascade, serial architecture for the best performing and most suitable candidates from previous studies. As a precursor to a formal ROC (receiver operating characteristic) curve analysis for validation of resulting anomaly detection algorithms, our primary focus here is to investigate the model fidelity as measured by variants of the AIC (akaike information criterion) for state-space based models. We show that placing constraints on a state-space model during or after the training of the model introduces a modest level of suboptimality. Furthermore, we compare the fidelity of all candidate models including those embodying the cascade, serial architecture. We make recommendations on the most suitable candidates for application to subsequent anomaly detection studies as measured by AIC-based criteria.
The Results Of A Longitudinal Study Of The Effects Of Network Delays On Learning

The use of interactive web-based teaching materials has become an indelible feature of the educational landscape over the last decade especially for technical subjects such as engineering and mathematics. While web-based simulations present great opportunity to provide students with the feedback needed for the acquisition of new concepts, it has been demonstrated that even small network delays can adversely affect the pedagogical efficacy of these simulations. In the present work a longitudinal study is performed to examine the effects of network delay on learning as student’s progress from freshmen to senior year. Findings indicate that by the time students have progressed to their senior year, they have taken on a more conservative learning style and that their learning style is less sensitive to network delays than it was when they were freshmen. The study suggests that the accumulation of experience is an important factor in mitigating the effects of network delay on learning.
Adaptive cut generation for improved linear programming decoding of binary linear codes

Linear programming (LP) decoding approximates optimal maximum-likelihood (ML) decoding of a linear block code by relaxing the equivalent ML integer programming (IP) problem into a more easily solved LP problem. The LP problem is defined by a set of linear inequalities derived from the constraints represented by the rows of a parity-check matrix of the code. Adaptive linear programming (ALP) decoding significantly reduces the complexity of LP decoding by iteratively and adaptively adding necessary constraints in a sequence of smaller LP problems. Adaptive introduction of constraints derived from certain additional redundant parity check (RPC) constraints can further improve ALP performance. In this paper, we propose a new and effective algorithm to identify RPCs that produce linear constraints, referred to as “cuts,” that can eliminate non-ML solutions generated by the ALP decoder, often significantly improving the decoder error-rate performance. The cut-finding algorithm is based upon a specific transformation of an initial parity-check matrix of the linear block code. Simulation results for several low-density parity-check codes demonstrate that the modified ALP decoding algorithm significantly narrows the performance gap between LP decoding and ML decoding.
Reply to Kitahara and Mulder: An ensemble view of protein stability best explains pressure effects in a T4 lysozyme cavity mutant

Kitahara and Mulder (1) challenge our interpretation of pressure-perturbation studies of the Leu99Ala (L99A) cavity mutant of the T4 lysozyme. Kitahara and Mulder suggest we incorrectly discarded a model where the native state (NS) interconverts with a highly structured high-energy state (HES) to explain NMR phenomena observed at elevated pressure. It is first important to be clear as to the meaning of “unfolding.” Nucci et al. (2) note that the responses observed are “…indicative of subglobal and local unfolding events and largely correspond to the cooperative unfolding of secondary structural units and domains…” Also, contrary to what is implied by Kitahara and Mulder, using site-resolved cross-peak intensities (integrals) is a valid means to obtain the apparent free energy difference between the NS and an ensemble of unfolded states. Having said that, the reasons to discount the Kitahara and Mulder two-structure interconversion model in favor of an ensemble of partially unfolded states are many. The pressure sensitivity of the protein is heterogeneous, which argues strongly against the global two-state interpretation. Leu133 is simply provided as representative of many examples of the lack of simple correlation with the HES. Critically, small angle X-ray scattering data by Ando et al. (3) show that the pressure-induced states are more extensive than the uniquely structured and compact NS and HES. Thus, the suppression of the pressure sensitivity by confinement in a reverse micelle and by crystallization is most consistent with our view. Kitahara and Mulder argue that the pressure sensitivity of the native state is relieved by reorganization to the HES where the ring of Phe-114 fills the cavity. In an elegant study, Bouvignies et al. (4) show that binding of benzene is mutually exclusive with the HES. The suppression of unfolding transitions by occupation of the cavity by benzene is therefore consistent with both views. All of this and more was used to support our original interpretation.
Divided Government and the Design of Administrative Procedures: A Formal Model and Empirical Test

Despite the abundance of recent studies on divided government, no clear consensus has emerged as to whether divided partisan control has an appreciable impact on policy outcomes. In this article we take a new perspective on the divided government debate by emphasizing the important role that the federal bureaucracy plays in shaping policy. We present a game theoretic model of the policy-making process in which legislators design administrative procedures, the president appoints agency heads, and bureaucrats collect information and promulgate regulations. The model predicts that during times of divided control Congress delegates less discretionary authority to the executive branch, and that these changes in authority have significant policy consequences. We then test the implications of our model with data drawn from U.S. trade policy between 1890 and 1990. Our central finding is that divided government influences policy indirectly, through the procedures that Congress designs to control the bureaucracy.
Landscape‐scale carbon storage associated with beaver dams

[1] Beaver meadows form when beaver dams promote prolonged overbank flooding and floodplain retention of sediment and organic matter. Extensive beaver meadows form in broad, low-gradient valley segments upstream from glacial terminal moraines. Surveyed sediment volume and total organic carbon content in beaver meadows on the eastern side of Rocky Mountain National Park are extrapolated to create a first-order approximation of landscape-scale carbon storage in these meadows relative to adjacent uplands. Differences in total organic carbon between abandoned and active beaver meadows suggest that valley-bottom carbon storage has declined substantially as beaver have disappeared and meadows have dried. Relict beaver meadows represent ~8% of total carbon storage within the landscape, but the value was closer to 23% when beaver actively maintained wet meadows. These changes reflect the general magnitude of cumulative effects in heterotrophic respiration and organic matter oxidation associated with historical declines in beaver populations across the continent.
Normal first heart sounds with nonfunctional tricuspid valve or right ventricle. Clinical and experimental evidence.

A case of Ebstein's malformation of the tricuspid valve with persistent foramen secundum and right bundle-branch block is presented. Preoperative tracings revealed three distinct components of the first sound with normal intervals between them. After resection of a single floating tricuspid leaflet, closure of the septal defect, and insertion of a Starr-Edwards valve, the phonocardiogram again showed three normal components of the first heart sound, followed by a loud closing snap of the prosthetic tricuspid valve. This case demonstrates the occurrence of the three normal components of the first heart sound independently of right ventricular contraction and of tricuspid closure or tensing. In five dogs left ventricular phonocardiograms, made after right heart bypass and destruction of the free ventricular wall, revealed three normal components of the first heart sounds in three animals, and of the first two components, separated by normal intervals in two others. These experiments exclude any participatio...
Tree rings detect earthworm invasions and their effects in northern Hardwood forests.

Invasions of European earthworms into the forests of northern North America are causing dramatic changes in forest floor structure, vegetation communities, biogeochemical cycling, and site hydrology. However, long-term studies on the effects of invasive earthworms are limited because little data exist on the timing and rate of earthworm invasion at specific sites. We successfully used tree rings to identify the timing of earthworm invasions and the effects of earthworm activity on the Acer saccharum overstory of two recently invaded sites in northern Minnesota, thereby establishing a method to date earthworm invasions at other sites. In addition to identifying a tree-ring signature related to earthworm invasion, we found trees growing in invaded condi- tions were more sensitive to drought than trees growing in earthworm-free conditions. Increased drought sensitivity by A. saccharum has important implications for possible range shifts under climate change scenarios that include increasing drought frequency and severity.
Structuration Theory’s Relevance to HRD: A Review and Application

Post-positivist methods are common in Human Resource Development (HRD) theory and research, however some argue that this perspective limits analysis, and there is opportunity for more alternative p...
Dynamic window-constrained scheduling for multimedia applications

This paper describes an algorithm, called dynamic window-constrained scheduling (DWCS), designed to meet the service constraints on packets from multiple, network-bound media streams with different performance objectives. Using only two attributes, a deadline and a loss-tolerance per packet stream, DWCS: can limit the number of late packets over finite numbers of consecutive packets in loss-tolerant or delay constrained, heterogeneous traffic streams; does not require a priori knowledge of the worst-case loading from multiple streams to establish the necessary bandwidth allocations to meet per-stream delay and loss constraints; and can exhibit both fairness and unfairness properties when necessary. In fact, DWCS can perform fair-bandwidth allocation, static priority (SP) and earliest-deadline first (EDF) scheduling. The paper shows the effectiveness of DWCS using a streaming video application, running over ATM.
Netrin instructs synaptic vesicle clustering through Rac GTPase, MIG-10, and the actin cytoskeleton

Netrin is a chemotrophic factor known to regulate a number of neurodevelopmental processes, including cell migration, axon guidance, and synaptogenesis. Although the role of Netrin in synaptogenesis is conserved throughout evolution, the mechanisms by which it instructs synapse assembly are not understood. Here we identify a mechanism by which the Netrin receptor UNC-40/DCC instructs synaptic vesicle clustering in vivo. UNC-40 localized to presynaptic regions in response to Netrin. We show that UNC-40 interacted with CED-5/DOCK180 and instructed CED-5 presynaptic localization. CED-5 in turn signaled through CED-10/Rac1 and MIG-10/Lamellipodin to organize the actin cytoskeleton in presynaptic regions. Localization of this signaling pathway to presynaptic regions was necessary for synaptic vesicle clustering during synapse assembly but not for the subcellular localization of active zone proteins. Thus, vesicle clustering and localization of active zone proteins are instructed by separate pathways downstream of Netrin. Our data indicate that signaling modules known to organize the actin cytoskeleton during guidance can be co-opted to instruct synaptic vesicle clustering.
Administration of Filgrastim in Two Patients with Drug‐Induced Agranulocytosis

Two patients experienced agranulocytosis associated with either procainamide or trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. Both were treated with filgrastim in an attempt to decrease the duration of agranulocytosis. The first patient received 12 days and the second patient 4 days of filgrastim before white blood cell counts recovered. Published reports both support and refute the efficacy of filgrastim in this setting. The agent may be beneficial in certain cases of this disorder, but further investigation is necessary to determine if it has a definitive role.
An MBoC Favorite: Role of GTP hydrolysis in microtubule dynamics: information from a slowly hydrolyzable analogue, GMPCPP

In celebration of MBoC’s first 20 years, members of the Editorial Board, members of the ASCB Council, and others comment on their favorite MBoC papers from the past two decades. Admirers of mitosis delight in viewing the dynamicity of microtubules during mitosis, so it is no surprise that the properties required for such dynamicity—termed “dynamic instability”—has been a major research focus since the mid-20th century. To study the role of GTP in the dynamic instability of microtubules, investigators have used different GTP analogues. In general, GTP that binds tubulin is stable in the microtubule lattice, but it becomes unstable when hydrolyzed to GDP-tubulin. Hyman et al. (1992) showed that the GTP analogue guanylyl(α,β)-methylene-diphosphonate (GMPCPP) was more stable than GTP and promoted polymerization, because it was hydrolyzed extremely slowly, making it almost equivalent to a nonhydrolyzable analogue. The authors concluded that GTP hydrolysis is not important for microtubule polymerization but is essential for microtubule depolymerization and, therefore, microtubule dynamics. They also noticed that GMPCPP hydrolysis was enhanced by the surrounding GTP lattice, identifying cooperativity as another key element in dynamic instability. Since the appearance of this article, our understanding of dynamic instability has continued to improve and evolve. A PDF file of the paper discussed above is attached to this article.
Nutritional factors affecting serum phenylalanine concentration during pregnancy for identical twin mothers with phenylketonuria

The effect of energy, protein, fat, and phenylalanine on serum phenylalanine concentrations during pregnancy for a set of identical twins with phenylketonuria (PKU) was examined. Blood samples were collected one to two times per week. The subjects completed a 3-d food record prior to each blood collection. The effect of the factors on serum phenylalanine levels was evaluated statistically using time-series analysis. Dietary intakes of the nutrients evaluated were similar for the subjects. For one subject, there were highly significant effects of energy, protein, and fat on serum phenylalanine levels. In contrast, these nutrients had no significant effect on serum phenylalanine for the other subject. Dietary phenylalanine had no significant effect on serum phenylalanine for either twin. Conclusions: There was no effect of phenylalanine intake and no consistent effect of energy, protein, or fat on serum phenylalanine. Other dietary or environmental factors or a combination of factors may impact serum phenylalanine levels of pregnant women with PKU.
Differential Susceptibility of Primary and Established Human Glioma Cells to Adenovirus Infection: Targeting via the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Achieves Fiber Receptor-independent Gene Transfer

Adenovirus (Ad) vectors are promising for gene therapy of glioma due to their ability to achieve efficient gene transfer upon intratumoral administration. Yet in this context, Ad mediates widespread gene transfer to both tumor and surrounding parenchyma. Ad entry is dependent upon the expression of fiber receptors, such as coxsackie/adenovirus receptor, and alpha(v) integrins on the target cells for binding and internalization, respectively. We hypothesized that the susceptibility of human gliomas to Ad would likely be heterogeneous due to variable expression of these receptors. It was found that established human glioma cell lines exhibited differential susceptibility to Ad-mediated gene transfer, which correlated directly with the level of radiolabeled Ad binding and with the expression of coxsackie/adenovirus receptor but not with the expression of alpha(v) integrins. To circumvent the lack of fiber receptors and to target Ad gene transfer specifically to tumor cells, we used a bispecific antibody conjugate to ablate Ad binding to fiber receptors and retarget binding to the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), a tumor-associated marker negligibly expressed in normal, mitotically quiescent neural tissues. The results demonstrate that EGFR-targeted Ad gene transfer was EGFR specific and independent of fiber-fiber receptor interactions. Furthermore, EGFR targeting significantly enhanced Ad gene delivery to 7 of 12 established glioma cell lines and to 6 of 8 cultured primary gliomas. Interestingly, EGFR-targeted Ad gene transfer did not correlate with EGFR expression across cell lines, suggesting the importance of other factors. This study establishes that fiber receptor expression limits the utility of Ad vectors for gene transfer to glioma cells and suggests that targeting Ad via EGFR may prove valuable for tumor-specific gene transfer to high-grade gliomas. These findings have key relevance in the context of Ad vector-based approaches for glioma gene therapy.
Effect of Complex Formation on Drug Absorption XIII: Effect of Constant Concentrations of N,N-Di-n-propylpropionamide on Prednisolone Absorption from the Rat Small Intestine

Previous studies in this laboratory showed that N,N-dialkylpropionamides complex with prednisone and prednisolone in an organic solvent and enhance significantly the intestinal absorption of these steroids in rats. A kinetic analysis of the absorption data was complicated by the rapid decrease in amide concentration during the experiments. Therefore, a new approach was developed which involves the perfusion of a continuously recirculating solution of the steroid and amide through a small intestine segment of the anesthetized rat. An aqueous solution of amide is infused into this system at a constant rate to replace the amide absorbed from the intestine. Variability between experiments is minimized by concomitant use of butanol as an internal standard. Absorption rate-constants for prednisolone were determined as a function of the concentration of N,N-di-n-propyl-propionamide in the intestinal solution. Comparison of these data with the results of parallel in vitro studies shows that the intestine does not act like a simple lipoid barrier. Computer simulations indicate that the effect of the amide on steroid absorption can be rationalized by assuming that the intestine functions like two or more barriers in series with respect to the steroid, and that the permeability of one of these barriers is increased by the amide. This concept of the intestine as a series of two or more barriers with different permeability characteristics is consistent with the results of other recent studies of the permeability of the human small intestine, the human red cell, and the toad bladder.
The take and give between retrotransposable elements and their hosts.

Retrotransposons mobilize via RNA intermediates and usually carry with them the agent of their mobility, reverse transcriptase. Retrotransposons are streamlined, and therefore rely on host factors to proliferate. However, retrotransposons are exposed to cellular forces that block their paths. For this review, we have selected for our focus elements from among target-primed (TP) retrotransposons, also called non-LTR retrotransposons, and extrachromosomally-primed (EP) retrotransposons, also called LTR retrotransposons. The TP retrotransposons considered here are group II introns, LINEs and SINEs, whereas the EP elments considered are the Ty and Tf retrotransposons, with a brief comparison to retroviruses. Recurring themes for these elements, in hosts ranging from bacteria to humans, are tie-ins of the retrotransposons to RNA metabolism, DNA replication and repair, and cellular stress. Likewise, there are parallels among host-cell defenses to combat rampant retrotransposon spread. The interactions between t...
An efficient algorithm for transient and distortion analysis of mildly nonlinear analog circuits

This work presents an effective approach to transient and distortion for mildly nonlinear analog circuits. Our method is based on Volterra functional series representation of nonlinear circuits. It computes the nonlinear responses using nonlinear current method which recursively responses using linear Volterra circuits to obtain linear and higher-order responses of a nonlinear circuit. The linear Volterra circuits are solved in frequency domain using an efficient graph-based technique, which can derive transfer functions of any large linear network very efficiently. The harmonic distortion can be directly obtained in the frequency domain while the transient responses are obtained via inverse Laplace transformation. The algorithm takes advantage of the identical Volterra circuits for second and higher order response, which results in significant saving in deriving the transfer functions. Experimental results for a number of nonlinear circuits are obtained and compared with SPICE3 to validate the effectiveness of this method.
The Chilean Bees Xeromelissa nortina and X. sielfeldi : Their Nesting Biologies and Immature Stages, Including Biological Notes on X. rozeni (Colletidae: Xeromelissinae)

ABSTRACT Herein are described the nests and their contents of Xeromelissa nortina (Toro and Moldenke) and of X. sielfeldi (Toro and Moldenke), found in the dry, high Atacama Desert of northern Chile. Nests of the former, discovered in 2014, contained linear cell series in the central pith channels of dead, broken twigs of Baccharis, revealing clear, cellophanelike cell linings that presumably control cell humidity. From the cells, postdefecating larvae were obtained, permitting their description and comparison with our meager understanding of other larval xeromelissines. Nests of X. sielfeldi, also found in broken dead twigs, were discovered and first studied in 1971 before the species was described and named, thereby delaying publication until now. Although similar in most respects to nests of X. nortina, they occupied abandoned beetle burrows. Toro and Moldenke provided information on eggs, predefecating larvae, and pupae, described herein. At the time of that discovery, adults of X. rozeni (Toro and Mo...
Use of Lithium Aluminum Hydride in the Study of Surface Chemistry of Carbon Black

Abstract Considerable interest has been focused in recent years on the effects of carbon black surface chemistry on its properties in rubber and other polymer systems. Methods have been developed in our laboratory for the quantitative characterization and description of the surface chemistry of carbon blacks. The total surface acidity as given by the active (acidic) hydrogen is determined by reaction with strongly basic lithium aluminum hydride in diethyl carbitol, or by equilibration with aqueous alkali under nitrogen. Exclusion of oxygen is essential since carbon blacks readily undergo base catalyzed oxidation. Selective neutralization techniques are employed to further differentiate between strong and weak surface acids. For example, using aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution, only those acids stronger than carbonic acid will be neutralized. Strong acids, as determined by bicarbonate neutralization, are shown to be aromatic carboxyl groups, while weak acids determined by difference between total acidity...
Antemolar Dentitions of the Paleocene Apatemyid Insectivorans Jepsenella and Labidolemur

New specimens of the middle Paleocene apatemyid, Jepsenella praepropera , and the late Paleocene apatemyid, Labidolemur soricoides , permit description of the antemolar dentitions of both genera. Both have three premolars and identical patterns of premolar roots. The second premolar is probably the progenitor of the large “blade” of later apatemyids; the third lower premolar, large in both Jepsenella and Labidolemur , was lost by the known Eocene apatemyids. The similarity between Jepsenella and Labidolemur raises questions about the validity of the generic distinction.
Locke, the Law of Nature, and Polygamy

When Locke mentions polygamy in his writings, he does not condemn the practice and even seems to endorse it under certain conditions. This attitude is out of step with that of many of his contemporaries. Identifying the philosophical reasons that lead Locke to have this attitude about polygamy motivates our project. Because Locke never wrote a treatise on ethics, we look to a number of different texts, but focus on An Essay Concerning Human Understanding and Essays on the Law of Nature in order to outline his basic ethical theory. We argue that this theory, the elements of which include moral mixed modes, the law of nature, and the comparison of these modes with this law, is broad enough to accommodate practices such as polygamy. Our interpretation shows that Locke's line of thought on marriage is strikingly flexible for the seventeenth century and even compared to some public debates on marriage in our time.