cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Performance on tests of cognitive ability is not repeatable across years in a songbird

Studies of the cognitive abilities of animals aim to help us understand how they communicate, obtain resources, avoid danger and otherwise thrive in a given environment. But to what extent is cognitive ability a fixed trait in individuals? And can we answer this question by measuring performance on tests of cognitive ability? We tested the same 18 male song sparrows, Melospiza melodia, once yearly, across three consecutive years, with tests of four putative cognitive traits and a test of neophobia. We also tested 19 females twice, once in the first year and once in the third year. All birds were hand-reared and tested in the laboratory. Analyses of both data sets indicate repeatability of neophobia but not of performance on the cognitive tests. In addition, correlations among cognitive performance, neophobia and song quality that were observed in the first year were not observed in subsequent rounds of testing. These results suggest that cognitive ability is not a fixed trait in individuals, or that the tests used do not accurately measure cognitive ability, or both. Conclusions drawn from a single round of cognitive tests should therefore be interpreted with caution in this species and in any species in which repeatability has not been verified.
Measuring the Precision of a Level

Differential leveling procedures, as well as an awareness of sources of error in the level rod, the observer, and the atmosphere are involved in determining the reasonable accuracy to be expected in the use of the level. For the levels to be compared successfully, the field work for each level must be performed on the same test arrangement and under relatively the same atmospheric conditions. Study of the level, the order of accuracy, the length of the line of sight, and the percentage of successful level section closures. The nomogram allows the rapid selection of a desirable length of sight for a specific order of accuracy and percentage rerun given the quality of the level to be used. Limitations in the application of the results are mentioned.
The role of NHE3 (Slc9a3) in oxalate and sodium transport by mouse intestine and regulation by cAMP.

Intestinal oxalate transport involves Cl- /HCO3 - exchangers but how this transport is regulated is not currently known. NHE3 (Slc9a3), an apical Na+ /H+ exchanger, is an established target for regulation of electroneutral NaCl absorption working in concert with Cl- /HCO3 - exchangers. To test whether NHE3 could be involved in regulation of intestinal oxalate transport and renal oxalate handling we compared urinary oxalate excretion rates and intestinal transepithelial fluxes of 14 C-oxalate and 22 Na+ between NHE3 KO and wild-type (WT) mice. NHE3 KO kidneys had lower creatinine clearance suggesting reduced GFR, but urinary oxalate excretion rates (µmol/24 h) were similar compared to the WT but doubled when expressed as a ratio of creatinine. Intestinal transepithelial fluxes of 14 C-oxalate and 22 Na+ were measured in the distal ileum, cecum, and distal colon. The absence of NHE3 did not affect basal net transport rates of oxalate or sodium across any intestinal section examined. Stimulation of intracellular cAMP with forskolin (FSK) and 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX) led to an increase in net oxalate secretion in the WT distal ileum and cecum and inhibition of sodium absorption in the cecum and distal colon. In NHE3 KO cecum, cAMP stimulation of oxalate secretion was impaired suggesting the possibility of a role for NHE3 in this process. Although, there is little evidence for a role of NHE3 in basal intestinal oxalate fluxes, NHE3 may be important for cAMP stimulation of oxalate in the cecum and for renal handling of oxalate.
A Meta-Synthesis of Qualitative Research on Reading Intervention Classes in Secondary Schools:

Background/Context:In the past two decades there have been at least 10 quantitative reviews, syntheses, or meta-analyses focused on literacy interventions in secondary schools. To date, much of thi...
Expanding the Scope of an Electrophilic Aromatic Substitution Discovery Experiment Including Hydride and Methyl Shifts

Friedel–Crafts alkylation reactions using a curated set of alcohols provide students with the opportunity to combine the study of electrophilic aromatic substitution with carbocation rearrangements...
Foča Bosnia-Herzegovina: presentations of identity in survivor narratives and testimony

In April of 1992 the Foca municipality of Bosnia-Herzegovina was taken over by the ultranationalist Bosnian Serb, Serb and Montenegrin forces. As part of a larger strategy of genocide, the ultranationalist forces systematically raped and sexually abused the Bosniak girls and women of Foca. The systematic rapes perpetrated in the Foca municipality are representative of the larger pattern of rape during the 1992-1995 genocide in Bosnia-Herzegovina. The use of rape as a tactical force of war in the Foca municipality garnered international media attention; resulting in a wealth of literature, interviews with survivors and the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia court case The Prosecutor v. Dragoljub Kunarac, Radomir Kovac and Zoran Vukovic (Kunarac et al.). The academic discourse surrounding rape as a tactical force of war within the Foca municipality, and Bosnia-Herzegovina, portrays rape survivors as an amorphous group of women defined by their Bosniak identity and, ultimately, their victimhood. Through applying narrative analysis to 26 survivor accounts originating from the texts I Begged Them to Kill Me: Crime Against the Women of Bosnia-Herzegovina, Breaking the Wall of Silence: The Voices of Raped Bosnia and the survivor testimony from Kunarac et al. this thesis revisits the narratives and courtroom testimony of rape survivors from the Foca municipality, studying the presentation of their personal and social identities. Within the context of courtroom testimony, this thesis also examines patterns of questioning by the prosecuting and defense attorneys and the identity of rape survivors within the judicial system. Ultimately, this thesis argues that while there are commonalities between the survivors’ experiences and presentation of their personal and social identities, each individual survivor has her own unique perception, interpretation and coping mechanisms in regards to the trauma she experienced. To assign the Foca rape survivors a unidimensional identity is a denial of their individual identities and personhood.
Physiological Structure and Function of Proteins

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the physiological structure and function of proteins. It is mentioned that the three-dimensional structures of proteins are dictated by their linear sequences of amino acids. Molecular structure of proteins and techniques for the determination of the structures of proteins, bulk properties of proteins, and relationship of protein structure to function, are discussed in detail. Proteins are structured in such a way that their polar amino acids tend to be directed towards the aqueous solvent while the nonpolar or hydrophobic residues tend to point towards the interior of the protein. The three-dimensional structures of proteins can be determined by a variety of techniques, including circular dichroism (for regular structure), x-ray crystallography, two-dimensional NMR, and theoretical techniques. The three-dimensional structures of proteins determine bulk properties of these proteins, such as their behavior towards titration with acids or bases, their isoionic points, and their migration in electric fields, as in electrophoresis. The relationships of the conformations of proteins to their functions concentrate on one aspect of fundamental importance to cell physiology, membrane polypeptides, and proteins. The use of the methods of conformational analysis based on the principles of protein structure described in the chapter has resulted in being able to identify critical residues of an oncogenic protein that are vital to their function, to design peptides that selectively inhibit oncogenic “ras-p21,” and to detect differences in signal transduction pathways induced by oncogenic and normal p21 protein. Under function of ras-p21, it is mentioned that when activated by ras or other intracellular proteins, raf binds to and phosphorylates an extracellular mitogen-stimulated kinase called MEK, which in turn, binds to and phosphorylates a vital protein, MAP kinase (mitogen-activated protein kinase). Acid-base properties of amino acids, protein charge and solubility, titration of proteins, protein charge and electrophoresis are discussed in detail under properties of proteins and proteins as polyelectrolytes.
Optimizing systems performance based on Pentium processors

The Pentium processor is a new high-performance, i386/i486 compatible microprocessor. The authors describe targets of likely configurations of personal computers and servers based on the Pentium processor and provide simulation data which aid in the analysis of performance and price tradeoffs. Specific performance tradeoff data are provided for the processor-cache-memory interface. >
I-Suit Advanced Spacesuit Design Improvements and Performance Testing

The I-Suit has been tested in varying environments at Johnson Space Center (JSC). This includes laboratory mobility testing, KC-135 partial gravity flights, and remote field testing in the Mojave Desert. The experience gained from this testing has provided insight for design improvements. These improvements have been an evolutionary process since 1998 to the present. The design improvements affect existing suit components and introduce new components for systems processing and human/robotic interface. Examples of these design improvements include improved mobility joints, a new helmet with integrated communications and displays capability, and integration of textile switches for control of suit functions and tele-robotic operations. This paper addresses an overview of I-Suit design improvements and results of manned and unmanned performance tests. The performance tests include mobility joint testing, helmet visibility testing, and system level manned testing of the improved suit components.
The language of peace: communicating to create harmony

In The language of peace: communicating to create harmony, author Rebecca L. Oxford provides a sweeping and expansive overview of the ways that understanding structures of violence can serve as mea...
A Scale Invariant Superstring Theory With Dimensionless Coupling To Supersymmetric Gauge Theories

We show that there exist a unique dimensionless coupling between abelian supersymmetric gauge theories and a superstring theory that respects all expected symmetries. The coupling is expressed in terms of chiral currents and superfields in superspace. The natural coupling to the superstring gives rise to a new observable that is “stringy” in nature and has no analogue in non-supersymmetric gauge theories. We compute the expectation value of this “stringy” observable and show that its regularization leads to the kinetic term of a new superstring theory that is space-time scale invariant. We suggest a mechanism for breaking dynamically the scale symmetry, which provides the string with tension and leads to the Green-Schwarz theory.
Constipation: Understanding Mechanisms and Management

Constipation is a frequently diagnosed gastrointestinal disorder. Symptoms of constipation are common, with the greatest prevalence in the elderly. Evaluation of constipation begins with a detailed medical history and a focused anorectal examination. Diagnostic testing for constipation is not routinely recommended in the initial evaluation in the absence of alarm signs. Key self-management strategies include increased exercise, a high-fiber diet, and toilet training. High-fiber diets can worsen symptoms in some patients who have chronic constipation. Biofeedback is an effective treatment option for patients who have constipation caused by outlet obstruction defecation. A variety of medications are available to remedy constipation.
Dissociation Processes Produced in Sb Cl 3 , As Cl 3 and P Cl 3 by Electron Impact

The products of dissociation of Sb${\mathrm{Cl}}_{3}$, As${\mathrm{Cl}}_{3}$ and P${\mathrm{Cl}}_{3}$ by electron impact have been investigated. Ions of the types X$\mathrm{Cl}_{3}^{+}$, X$\mathrm{Cl}_{2}^{+}$, X${\mathrm{Cl}}^{+}$, ${\mathrm{X}}^{+}$, X$\mathrm{Cl}_{2}^{++}$, X${\mathrm{Cl}}^{++}$, ${\mathrm{X}}^{++}$ and ${\mathrm{Cl}}^{+}$ have been observed. The efficiencies of production of these ions for various electron energies have been investigated. The appearance potentials have been determined and a partial analysis of the results has been made.
A time domain view of filter banks and wavelets

The authors consider a time domain approach to the reconstruction problem for filter bank and wavelet decompositions. The procedure for the design of general decomposition and reconstruction systems, called generalized lapped transforms (GLTs), is discussed. GLTs include many classical transforms and the discrete-time wavelet transform (DTWT) as special cases. The proposed design procedure is used to design wavelets and DTWT systems. Because of the generality of the framework, regularity and phase conditions can easily be imposed on the wavelet. Also, because the design procedure can be used to design nonuniform band systems, systems with higher frequency resolution than dyadic wavelet-based systems can be designed and realized. A number of design examples are presented. >
New Paradigm or Same Old Hype in Equity Investing

The recent relative stock-price performance of six U.S. equity asset classes (classified by size and by value-versus-growth style) differs markedly from the historical pattern. Large-capitalization growth stocks have apparently taken the place of small-capitalization and value stocks in investors' hearts. Have the size and value premiums of the past vanished for good? We explore three explanations of recent market behavior—the “rational-asset-pricing” hypothesis, the “new-paradigm” viewpoint, and the “behavioral” or “institutional” explanation. In our study, we examined the operating performance of the equity classes to see which hypothesis accounts for the recent behavior of returns. Our findings provide the most support for the behavioral explanation.
Stress-Induced Fas Ligand Expression in T Cells Is Mediated through a MEK Kinase 1-Regulated Response Element in the Fas Ligand Promoter

T lymphocytes undergo apoptosis in response to a variety of stimuli, including exposure to UV radiation and gamma-irradiation. While the mechanism by which stress stimuli induce apoptosis is not well understood, we have previously shown that the induction of Fas ligand (FasL) gene expression by environmental stress stimuli is dependent on c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) activation. Using inducible dominant-active (DA) JNK kinase kinase (MEKK1) expression in Jurkat cells, we map a specific MEKK1-regulated response element to positions -338 to -316 of the Fas ligand (FasL) promoter. Mutation of that response element abrogated MEKK1-mediated FasL promoter activation and interfered in stress-induced activation of that promoter. Using electrophoretic mobility shift assays, we demonstrate that activator protein 1 (AP-1) binding proteins, namely, activating transcription factor 2 (ATF2) and c-Jun, bind to the MEKK1 response element. Transient transfection of interfering c-Jun and ATF2 mutants, which lack the consensus JNK phosphorylation sites, abrogated the transcriptional activation of the FasL promoter, demonstrating the involvement of these transcription factors in the regulation of the FasL promoter. Taken together, our data indicate that MEKK1 and transcription factors regulated by the JNK pathway play a role in committing lymphocytes to undergo apoptosis by inducing FasL expression via a novel response element in the promoter of that gene.
Precocious evagination of the embryonic chick thyroid in ATP-containing medium

The identification of actin and myosin in many cell types other than muscle has given support to the hypothesis that contractile proteins are involved in cell shape changes. However, there is no direct evidence that a contractile process participates in morphogenetic movements during organogenesis. As a first step in testing this possibility, thyroid placodes of chick embryos were treated with an incubation medium containing Triton X-100 and ATP. Pharyngeal regions, isolated in Medium 199, were photographed at timed intervals. At a concentration of 10−3 M ATP, the thyroid region formed a deep pit within minutes after addition of this ‘contraction medium’, whereas evagination requires approximately 7 h in ovo. Treatment with Medium 199 containing either Triton X alone, ATP alone, or Triton X and pyrophosphate did not result in evagination of the thyroid. Substitution of other nucleotides for ATP suggested a specific requirement for ATP. Surgical removal of selected portions of the pharyngeal floor and examination of sectioned material by light microscopy indicated that the cells involved in the shape change were located at the periphery of the thyroid placode before treatment. The sharp bends that were formed in ‘contraction medium’ cannot be explained entirely by pinching of cell apices at the point of folding; rather the effect of several forces is indicated in the evagination.
Home food environment factors associated with the presence of fruit and vegetables at dinner: A direct observational study.

Abstract Background Little research exists about the factors influencing the foods available at family meals. This study examines the home food environment factors contributing to the presence of fruit and vegetables at family meals. Methods Home food inventory (HFI) and survey data were collected from low-income, minority families (n = 120) with children 6–12 years old. Observations from video-recorded family dinner meals, totaling 800 videos, were used to measure the frequency at which fruit and vegetables were served. Multiple regression was used to investigate how the fruit and vegetables in the HFI and other home food environment factors were related to the number of days fruit and vegetables were served at dinner during the observation period. Results Availability and accessibility of fruit and vegetables in the home were each found to be significantly associated with the presence of fruits and vegetables at family dinners. Of the fruit and vegetable categories (i.e., fresh, canned, or frozen), having fresh fruit and vegetables available in the home was found to be most strongly associated with serving fruit and vegetables at dinner, respectively. Higher parent intake of vegetables was associated with the presence of vegetables at dinners, and parent meal planning was associated with the presence of fruit at dinners. Conclusions Increasing the availability and accessibility of fresh fruit and vegetables in the home may be an effective approach to increasing the presence of fruits and vegetables at family dinners, especially among low-income, minority households. It is also essential to understand why families are not using all fruits and vegetables (e.g., canned and frozen) available in the home for family meals. Family meals are a place to promote the increased presence of both fruit and vegetables.
Political and social contributions of international tourism to the development of Israel

Abstract The principal contention of this paper is that the political and social effects of tourism development is a subject that is often discussed but infrequently analyzed. Using Israel as a case study, the author has attempted to isolate specific political and social variables and note the effect of international tourism on them. In Israel international tourism has played the role of a political and cultural bridge to the outside world. Over this bridge pass inputs which contribute to (1) the level of sovereignty by assisting in the achievement of a wide range of political goals, and (2) the level of cultural development by creating a multiplier effect for the local cultural establishment. Israel's tourism planners have been conscious of these political and cultural payoffs and have attempted to maximize them.
An 8Gb/s/pin 4pJ/b/pin Single-T-Line dual (base+RF) band simultaneous bidirectional mobile memory I/O interface with inter-channel interference suppression

The demand for higher power efficiency and bandwidth is increasing as mobile devices keep enhancing its graphic computing and media processing capabilities. Current memory interfaces with single-wire signaling operate at 5Gb/s/pin [1] and 6Gb/s/pin [2] with the power efficiency of 17.4pJ/b/pin and 15.8pJ/b/pin, respectively. Mobile DDR memory I/O with differential signaling has better power efficiency of 6.4pJ/b/pin [3], and so does the prior dual-band interconnect (DBI) [4] with the efficiency of 5pJ/b/pin at 4.2Gb/s/pin for simultaneous bidirectional (SBD) mobile memory I/O interface. However, DBI's differential signaling is incompatible with existing standards, and it also occupies large die area for using differential transmission lines and an LC-oscillator for generating RF-carrier. To alleviate these concerns, we propose to use a Single-Transmission-Line DBI (STL-DBI) with the best figure-of-merit (FoM) defined as data rate per pin divided by the I/O-interface die area and power consumption.
Prayer as coping: a psychological analysis.

Engaging in prayer and holding positive attitudes toward religion are empirically associated with personal wellbeing, health, and the relief of distress. This paper starts with those findings and builds on the Jamesian concept of prayer as “inward communication or conversation with a power recognized as divine.” Within this framework, the paper employs selected, well recognized psychological constructs to offer a theoretical explanation of how and why prayer contributes to the relief of distress, and to the health and psychological wellbeing of the person who engages in prayer.
Cesarean delivery during second-stage labor: characteristics and diagnostic accuracy.

Objective: To characterize dysfunctional labors that lead to cesarean delivery in the second stage and to assess the accuracy of diagnoses of abnormal fetal descent.Methods: Thirty-one patients delivered by cesarean during the second stage because of abnormal labor or presumed cephalopelvic disproportion were studied and compared to 62 control cesarean cases delivered for the same indications in the first stage. The clinical diagnosis of dysfunctional labor that led to the cesarean was compared to the diagnosis made by retrospective analysis of the labor curves.Results: Cases did not differ from controls delivered in the first stage in maternal age, race, parity, gestational age, weight gain, or the frequency of associated medical complications. The newborns were not significantly different in birth weight, ponderal index, sex, or the incidence of low Apgar scores. Among study patients, 94% had a second stage labor dysfunction determined by graphic labor analysis, predominantly arrest of descent (69%) and...
Insulin decreases apical cell membrane resistance in cultured kidney cells (A6).

Abstract Intracellular potentials measured across the apical and basolateral cell membranes of cultured renal A6 cells were −53.5 ± 1.5 and −48.7 ± 1.3 mV, respectively, (19 measurements) and did not significantly change after insulin treatment. Analysis based on an equivalent circuit indicates that the resistances of the apical cell membrane and of the transcellular pathway decrease after insulin treatment to 36 ± 6 and 42 ± 6% of the control value, respectively (7 measurements). Thus, the decrease in transcellular resistance which accompanies an increase in transcellular Na transport after insulin treatment appears to be connected with a commensurate decrease in apical cell membrane resistance.
Missouri State Record for Polypedilum (Pentapedilum) Tritum Walker (Diptera: Chironomidae) Based on Larval Identifications from Wadeable Streams

INTRODUCTION Polypedilum (Pentapedilum) tritum (Walker) has a widespread Holarctic dis tribution (Stone et al., 1965; Oliver et al., 1990; Caldwell et al., 1997; Oyewo and Saether, 2008). However, Epler (2001) noted the name P. tritum may represent more than one species in the southeastern USA. We identified larvae of P. tritum in samples collected from 27 of 224 wadeable streams sampled in Missouri during the years 2008-2010. Streams where specimens of P. tritum were collected were sampled during 28 March and 16 to 18 September, 2008, 31 March and 1 April, 2009, and 23 March to 6 April, 2010 in the Osage Plains, Ozark Highlands, and Central Dissected Till Plains ecological sections of Missouri (Cleland et al., 1997; Nigh and Schroeder 2002) (Fig. 1). Our records of P. tritum represent the first for this species in Missouri, although larvae of this species may have been misidentified as members of the Polypedilum illinoense group in earlier collections. The undeveloped posterior lobe in the ventromental plates, antennae with vestigial Lauterborn organs and long segments 3 and 4, and the sunken first lateral teeth of the mentum should be a unique set of characters to distinguish larvae of P. tritum from larvae of other described species (for full description see Oyewo and Saether, 2008). However, there are 52 recognized species in the subgenus Pentapedilum, but only 11 of those have larval descriptions (Oyewo and Saether, 2008). Although undescribed larvae of some Polypedilum species may, possibly, have characteristics in common with some diagnostic characteristics of larval P. tritum, we are confident in our identifications of lar val P. tritum based upon the description for larvae of this species provided by Oyewo and Saether (2008). Volume 122, Number 2, March and April 2011 165
Measuring the longitudinally polarized proton gluon distribution using photoproduction processes.

Little information is known about the polarization of gluons inside a longitudinally polarized proton. We investigate the sensitivity of photoproduction experiments with both beam and target longitudinally polarized to the polarization of the gluon distribution in the proton. We study the photoproduction of jets and heavy quarks and conclude that they are both sensitive to the gluon polarization.
Triage and Ethics: Social Workers on the Front Line

ABSTRACT This article highlights the results of an international qualitative study examining the impact of terrorism and other disasters—both human-made and natural—on social work agencies and their labor force. The study was conducted with focus groups of social workers in health care and social service settings. The major research question concerned the impact of disaster—both natural and human-made—on agencies and social work practitioners. Focus was placed on the ethical dissonance experienced by social workers under pressure to prioritize how services and resources are distributed to those in need.
Modern diagnosis and management of the porphyrias

Recent advances in the molecular understanding of the porphyrias now offer specific diagnosis and precise definition of the types of genetic mutations involved in the disease. Molecular diagnostic testing is powerful and very useful in kindred evaluation and genetic counselling when a disease-responsible mutation has been identified in the family. It is also the only way to properly screen asymptomatic gene carriers, facilitating correct treatment and appropriate genetic counselling of family members at risk. However, it should be noted that DNA-based testing is for the diagnosis of the gene carrier status, but not for the diagnosis of clinical syndrome or severity of the disease, e.g. an acute attack. For the diagnosis of clinically expressed porphyrias, a logical stepwise approach including the analysis of porphyrins and their precursors should not be underestimated, as it is still very useful, and is often the best from the cost-effective point of view.
Optical Manipulation and Fusion of Liposomes as Microreactors

We present an all-optical method to manipulate and fuse giant liposomes, typically 10 μm in diameter. Optical tweezers are used to trap two individual liposomes, which are then brought into contact. A single pulse of ultraviolet laser light focused on the adjoining membranes induces the fusion between the liposomes. As a consequence, the chemical reagents encapsulated in the two liposomes mix and a chemical reaction takes place.
Continuous-wave Nd:YAG laser deposition of CdS thin films with cubic phase

A continuous wave (CW) Nd:YAG laser operating at the fundamental mode of 1.064 micrometers was used to deposit CdS thin films with cubic phase on glass, quartz, NaCl (100), and carbon coated formvar substrates. At substrate temperatures near 200 degree(s)C, the films consisted of a combination of the zincblende (cubic) and wurtzite (hexagonal) phases of CdS. X-ray diffraction patterns of films deposited on each substrate indicate a predominantly cubic structure. Transmission electron microscope further confirmed the presence of the cubic phase. The films had a stoichiometric ratio of 1:1 for Cd:S. The surface of the films were optically smooth. Optical transmission measurements reveal a room temperature absorption edge of 515 nm for the films deposited on glass and quartz substrates. Raman spectra show longitudinal optical (LO) modes at 300 cm-1 (1LO) and 605 cm-1 (2LO), similar to that of the hexagonal film. The transition from predominantly cubic to hexagonal films was estimated to occur near 275 degree(s)C for glass substrates, and 350 degree(s)C for quartz substrates.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Tribal Positions of Western Hemisphere Green Sweat Bees, with Comments on Their Nest Architecture (Hymenoptera: Halictidae)

Most Western Hemisphere genera of Halictinae which contain bright green species are characterized in the males by the absence of a pygidial plate and the presence of a spiculum on metasomal sternum VIII and are placed in the tribe Augochlorini. Other American genera with bright green species, related to Agapostemon and Caenohalictus, possess a pygidial plate and lack the spiculum in the males and are tentatively placed in the Halictini; they are more closely related to the cosmopolitan genera Halictus and Lasioglossum than to the Augochlorini. The generic assignments of 6 Chilean halictines important for nest architecture studies are corrected, and possible reasons for poor correlation of nest architecture and taxonomy in 3 other Chilean halictines are discussed. With these corrections, nest architecture coincides well with tribal systematics. Nests of augochlorine bees are characterized by absence of laterals leading to cells; cells typically are clustered and surrounded by a cavity. Nests of the American group of Halictini related to Agapostemon are characterized by long laterals leading to nonclustered cells which are arranged singly or in series. Other Halictini build long to short or obsolescent laterals, and some species build clusters in cavities, similar to those of Augochlorini.
Artificial Triple Wolbachia Infection in Aedes albopictus Yields a New Pattern of Unidirectional Cytoplasmic Incompatibility

Obligately intracellular Wolbachia bacteria infect numerous invertebrates and often manipulate host reproduction to facilitate the spread of infection. An example of reproductive manipulation is Wolbachia-induced cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI), which occurs commonly in insects. This CI has been the focus both of basic scientific studies of naturally occurring invasion events and of applied investigations on the use of Wolbachia as a vehicle to drive desired genotypes into insect populations ("gene drive" or "population replacement" strategies). The latter application requires an ability to generate artificial infections that cause a pattern of unidirectional incompatibility with the targeted host population. A suggested target of population replacement strategies is the mosquito Aedes albopictus (Asian tiger mosquito), an important invasive pest and disease vector. Aedes albopictus individuals are naturally "superinfected" with two Wolbachia types: wAlbA and wAlbB. Thus, generating a strain that is unidirectionally incompatible with field populations requires the introduction of an additional infection into the preexisting superinfection. Although prior reports demonstrate an ability to transfer Wolbachia infections to A. albopictus artificially, including both intra- and interspecific Wolbachia transfers, previous efforts have not generated a strain capable of invading natural populations. Here we describe the generation of a stable triple infection by introducing Wolbachia wRi from Drosophila simulans into a naturally superinfected A. albopictus strain. The triple-infected strain displays a pattern of unidirectional incompatibility with the naturally infected strain. This unidirectional CI, combined with a high fidelity of maternal inheritance and low fecundity effects, suggests that the artificial cytotype could serve as an appropriate vehicle for gene drive.
Africa: Challenges to global partnership

Goran Hyden takes a critical look at African development in relation to today's global world. He offers some insights into why Africa has gone backwards rather than forwards. He questions both African governments and the international community and suggests that through a new approach to global partnership Africans can enter into the modern world on their own terms.
Decreased Srcasm expression in hyperproliferative cutaneous lesions

Background: Src-family tyrosine kinases (SFKs) are signaling proteins that regulate keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation. Src-activating and signaling molecule (Srcasm) is a recently identified molecule that downregulates SFK activity and promotes keratinocyte differentiation. To determine if Srcasm expression correlates with keratinocyte differentiation, we characterized the level of Srcasm expression in some cutaneous lesions that exhibit increased keratinocyte proliferation. Methods: Formalin-fixed sections of randomly selected seborrheic keratoses (SKs) and basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) were analyzed for Srcasm and Ki-67 immunohistochemical staining. Anti-Srcasm and anti-Ki-67 stainings were performed in parallel. Results: All SKs displayed decreased Srcasm staining in areas comprised of basaloid keratinocytes that exhibited an increased Ki-67 index. Higher Srcasm staining levels were detected near pseudohorn cysts where keratinocytes exhibited a lower Ki-67 index. All multicentric and nodular BCCs displayed a prominent loss of Srcasm staining in association with a marked increase in Ki-67 staining. Conclusions: Our results support the hypothesis that Srcasm protein levels are decreased in the hyperproliferative keratinocytes found in SKs and BCCs. Increased Srcasm protein levels are detected in keratinocytes undergoing differentiation. Decreased Srcasm levels may be part of the pathophysiologic mechanism in cutaneous lesions, exhibiting keratinocyte hyperproliferation.
UNILATERAL PERINEPHRIC PSEUDOCYST OF UNDETERMINED ORIGIN IN A DOG

Unilateral perinephric pseudocyst of undetermined origin was diagnosed in a 131/2 year old dog with a history of recurrent urinary tract infections. A presumptive diagnosis of pseudocyst was based on radiographic and sonographic findings. In survey radiographs, asymmetrical unilateral renomegaly was seen. The mass was anechoic. There was absence of opacification of the mass during excretory urography. A celiotomy was performed for removal of the perinephric mass, and histologic review of this structure confirmed it to be a pseudocyst. Perinephric accumulation of fluid is a rare condition in domestic animals. Seven examples of perinephric pseudocysts have been previously reported in the cat. Predominant clinical findings include progressive abdominal distension and nonspecific signs of renal disease. The presence of unilateral or bilateral renomegaly is a characteristic radiographic feature. This clinical report describes the first case of perinephric pseudocyst diagnosed in the dog.
Solution conformation and thermodynamic characteristics of RNA binding by the splicing factor U2AF65.

The U2 auxiliary factor large subunit (U2AF65) is an essential pre-mRNA splicing factor for the initial stages of spliceosome assembly. Tandem RNA recognition motifs (RRM)s of U2AF65 recognize polypyrimidine tract signals adjacent to 3′ splice sites. Despite the central importance of U2AF65 for splice site recognition, the relative arrangement of the U2AF65 RRMs and the energetic forces driving polypyrimidine tract recognition remain unknown. Here, the solution conformation of the U2AF65 RNA binding domain determined using small angle x-ray scattering reveals a bilobal shape without apparent interdomain contacts. The proximity of the N and C termini within the inter-RRM configuration is sufficient to explain the action of U2AF65 on spliceosome components located both 5′ and 3′ to its binding site. Isothermal titration calorimetry further demonstrates that an unusually large enthalpy-entropy compensation underlies U2AF65 recognition of an optimal polyuridine tract. Qualitative similarities were observed between the pairwise distance distribution functions of the U2AF65 RNA binding domain and those either previously observed for N-terminal RRMs of Py tract-binding protein that lack interdomain contacts or calculated from the high resolution coordinates of a U2AF65 deletion variant bound to RNA. To further test this model, the shapes and RNA interactions of the wild-type U2AF65 RNA binding domain were compared with those of U2AF65 variants containing either Py tract-binding protein linker sequences or a deletion within the inter-RRM linker. Results of these studies suggest inter-RRM conformational plasticity as a possible means for U2AF65 to universally identify diverse pre-mRNA splice sites.
Differences in the Rate of Molar Wear between Monkeys Raised on Different Diets

The purpose of this study was to make detailed comparisons of rates and patterns of tooth wear in 15 growing vervet monkeys raised on hard vs. soft diets. Dental impressions were taken every six to eight weeks over a four-year period. Cusp heights and areas of dentin exposure on the buccal cusps of the left mandibular first molar were measured from high-resolution epoxy casts, by use of a Reflex Measuring Microscope. Areas of dentin exposure were regressed against time (by use of least-squares regression) so that the course of tooth wear in animals from both diet groups could be charted. By use of a two-sample t test and the Mann-Whitney test, slopes of the regressions and changes in cusp height were compared between diet groups. In both comparisons, animals raised on the hard diet showed more rapid tooth wear than did animals raised on the soft diet. Analyses of other parameters indicate that this was probably because of differences in dietary consistency between the two groups.
A roentgenographic method to determine the vertical dimension of occlusion for complete dentures.

M any methods have been used to determine the vertical dimension of occlusion for complete denture patients. Each method has its limitations if pre-extraction measurements are excluded because concrete landmarks of reference are altered or lost following the removal of all teeth, The dentist must use his knowledge of gross anatomy and physiology to help him select the vertical relation at which he will develop the occlusal scheme for a specific edentulous patient. The purposes of this article are: ( 1) to describe a roentgenographic technique of establishing the vertical dimension of occlusion, and (2) to report the relativre accuracy of this method.
Binding of deuterium to icosahedral nickel and cobalt clusters

The binding of deuterium atoms to icosahedral nickel and cobalt clusters in the 55 to 147 atom size region is studied at near room temperature conditions. The icosahedral clusters have closed shells at 55 and 147 atoms and closed subshells at many intermediate sizes. Deuterium saturation levels are determined for many of the closed shell and subshell clusters in this size region. From the series of saturation levels a set of binding rules (appropriate to room temperature conditions) have been determined that allow a prediction of the observed coverages for the entire series of closed shell and subshell clusters. The configurations of D-atom binding sites for clusters containing 55, 71, 83, 92, 101, 116, and 147 atoms are given. In general, the ratio of D atoms to surface metal atoms is near unity.
When Both the Skilled and Unskilled are Unaware: Consequences for Academic Performance

The authors replicate Kruger and Dunning (1999) by demonstrating that the most unskilled students overestimate their skill level, whereas highly skilled students underestimate their skill level. Furthermore, this misestimation of skill is related to academic performance. Misestimation was positively related to first year college GPA, persistence to the fourth year of college, and graduation. At times, this effect can lead lower-ability students to perform just as well as, or better than, higher-ability students. Thus, misestimation of skill level appears to serve as a benefit for less-skilled individuals, but as a hindrance for highly-skilled individuals as they pursue academic goals.
Achieving and Managing Global Brand Equity: A Critical Analysis

ABSTRACT According to some experts, brand equity is a company's most important asset. In this article, the authors first study the durability of brand equity in the long run. Then they examine the maintenance of that brand equity. The study analyzes the relative position of the top 50 most important global brands. Rank correlations indicate that, in the short run, the top 50 brands maintain strong equity levels, but in the longer run, this equity dissipates. In order to empower global brands in the long run, the authors put together a general global brand strategy model that would achieve and maintain brand equity. The model has three important components: strategic action, generating brand power, and achieving sustained brand equity. Such a model could balance the success in achieving brand equity globally both in the short and long run.
Fast Hankel transform algorithm

The Hankel, or Fourier-Bessel, transform is an important computational tool for optics, acoustics, and geophysics. It may be computed by a combination of an Abel transform, Which maps an axisymmetric two-dimensional function into a line integral projection, and a one-dimensional Fourier transform. This paper presents a Hankel transform algorithm using a fast (linear time) Abel transform, followed by an FFT.
High-Rate Formation of Nano-Scale Alumina Particles

In this paper we report a new approach to the problem of high rate formation of nanophase powders. In our experiments we were able to make aluminum oxide particles in the size range from 5 to 140 nm (peaking sharply at 35 nm) at a rate of 3 g/min. The starting material was a mixture of aluminum-tri-sec-butoxide and sec-butanol. An aerosol was made from this solution and subsequently burned in a special torch, described below. The resulting particles were spherical and no necked regions were observable between them. In a practical application, our technique allows a large production rate while still approaching the ideal of nano-scale monodispersed particles. The work was extended to the formation of zirconium oxide particles with quite similar results in the size distribution.
The Peg-Word Mnemonic Facilitates Immediate but Not Long-Term Memory in Fifth-Grade Children

Abstract Two experiments examining immediate and long-term serial list learning effects for common nouns were conducted with fifth graders. In Experiment 1, when initial level of recall was not controlled from pre- to post-training, children receiving mnemonic training with the peg-word (One is a Bun) technique showed superior immediate recall effects during post-test compared to pretest. However, pre- versus post-test differences were not detected with a test for long-term retention 2 days following acquisition. In Experiment 2, when initial level of recall was controlled following mastery level learning, experimental subjects again showed superior immediate recall effects compared to untrained controls. The reverse effect occurred during a test for long-term retention. Results from these experiments are in line with recently reported findings by Wang and his associates (1992) and provide further evidence that long-term forgetting may be greater for learners receiving mnemonic instruction than for untrained controls. Implications for ecological, school-based research are discussed.
Metamaterial-inspired structures and concepts for elastoacoustic wave energy harvesting

Enhancement of structure-borne wave energy harvesting is investigated by exploiting metamaterial-based and metamaterial-inspired electroelastic systems. The concepts of wave focusing, localization, and funneling are leveraged to establish novel metamaterial energy harvester (MEH) configurations. The MEH systems transform the incoming structure-borne wave energy into electrical energy by coupling the metamaterial and electroelastic domains. The energy harvesting component of the work employs piezoelectric transduction due to the high power density and ease of application offered by piezoelectric materials. Therefore, in all MEH configurations studied in this work, the metamaterial system is combined with piezoelectric energy harvesting for enhanced electricity generation from waves propagating in elastic structures. Experiments are conducted to validate the dramatic performance enhancement in MEH systems as compared to using the same volume of piezoelectric patch in the absence of the metamaterial component. It is shown that MEH systems can be used for both broadband and tuned wave energy harvesting. The MEH concepts covered in this paper are (1) wave focusing using a metamaterial-inspired parabolic acoustic mirror (for broadband energy harvesting), (2) energy localization using an imperfection in a 2D lattice structure (for tuned energy harvesting), and (3) wave guiding using an acoustic funnel (for narrow-to-broadband energy harvesting). It is shown that MEH systems can boost the harvested power by more than an order of magnitude. (Some figures may appear in colour only in the online journal)
Goat milk acidosis.

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