cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Differential polyteny and polyploidy in diaspine coccids (Homoptera: Coccoidea).

1. Male germ cells ofPseudaulacaspis pentagona (TARG.), an exceptional species of the coccid subfamilyDiaspinae, contain only approximately half as much DNA (measured by Feulgen cytophotometry) as do those ofChrysomphalus ficusAsh. — a typical representative of the group. 2. Reversing this relationship, the chromosomes ofP. pentagona number 16 in the female, 8 in the male — whileC. ficus has the basic complement of the subfamily, numbering 8 in the female, 4 in the male (Brown andBentsnett 1957). 3. The total mass of the chromosomes in the 2 complements is roughly proportional to the DNA values. It is concluded that 2 downward shifts in the level of chromosomal polyteny have been associated with the doubling of the chromosome number inPseudaulacaspis pentagona. 4. The cytology of the diaspines is discussed in relation to the evolutionary origin of male haploidy in coccids.
Detection of Attomole Quantitites of DNA Targets on Gold Microelectrodes by Electrocatalytic Nucleobase Oxidation

The electrochemical detection of nucleic acid targets at low concentrations has a number of applications in diagnostics and pharmaceutical research. Self-assembled monolayers of alkanethiol-derivatized oligonucleotides on gold electrodes provide a useful platform for such detectors, and the electrocatalytic oxidation of nucleobases included in the DNA targets is a particularly sensitive method of electrochemical detection. A strategy has been developed for combining these two aspects by substituting either 7,8-dihydro-8-oxoguanine (8G) or 5-aminouridine (5U) into DNA targets. Upon hybridization of targets containing these modified nucleobases, electrocatalytic signals at probe-modified gold electrodes are observed in the presence of Os(bpy)32+, which oxidizes both 8G and 5U upon oxidation to the Os(III) state. Self-assembled monolayers were prepared on both macro (1.6 mm) and micro (25 μm) gold electrodes using published procedures involving C6-terminated alkanethiol oligonucleotides and mercaptohexanol a...
The Effect of Enrolling in a Minority-Serving Institution for Black and Hispanic Students in Texas

Using state administrative data for three cohorts of college enrollees from 1997 to 2008 and incorporating propensity score matching techniques, we examine the effects of attending a Minority-Serving Institution (MSI)—that is, a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) or a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI)—on college-completion outcomes in Texas. Descriptively, we find the gender gap among Black students to be quite stark, with more Black males than females enrolling in HBCUs, although this gap has decreased over time. The income gap is greatest among Hispanic students, with economically disadvantaged students enrolling more frequently at HSIs and those more economically advantaged enrolling in traditional institutions, or non-HSIs. To address this selection bias, we conducted a propensity score analysis in our assessment of college completion. The results indicate that, after matching similar students who attend and do not attend an MSI and conditioning on institutional capacity factors, we no longer see a difference between the bachelor’s degree completion rates of Hispanic and Black students who do enroll in an MSI and those who do not for most of the cohorts examined. Where a significant negative effect on college completion does exist for Black students attending an HBCU, the rate is considerably lower in our matched sample. In sum, our results provide strong evidence that the effect of attending an MSI does not have a consistent negative or positive effect on college-graduation outcomes after matching similar students and controlling for institutional capacity, despite these schools serving a larger share of high-need and underprepared students.
Diversity of conotoxin types from Conus californicus reflects a diversity of prey types and a novel evolutionary history

Most species within the genus Conus are considered to be specialists in their consumption of prey, typically feeding on molluscs, vermiform invertebrates or fish, and employ peptide toxins to immobilize prey. Conus californicus Hinds 1844 atypically utilizes a wide range of food sources from all three groups. Using DNA- and protein-based methods, we analyzed the molecular diversity of C. californicus toxins and detected a correspondingly large number of conotoxin types. We identified cDNAs corresponding to seven known cysteine-frameworks containing over 40 individual inferred peptides. Additionally, we found a new framework (22) with six predicted peptide examples, along with two forms of a new peptide type of unusual length. Analysis of leader sequences allowed assignment to known superfamilies in only half of the cases, and several of these showed a framework that was not in congruence with the identified superfamily. Mass spectrometric examination of chromatographic fractions from whole venom served to identify peptides corresponding to a number of cDNAs, in several cases differing in their degree of posttranslational modification. This suggests differential or incomplete biochemical processing of these peptides. In general, it is difficult to fit conotoxins from C. californicus into established toxin classification schemes. We hypothesize that the novel structural modifications of individual peptides and their encoding genes reflect evolutionary adaptation to prey species of an unusually wide range as well as the large phylogenetic distance between C. californicus and Indo-Pacific species.
Pirenzepine (LS 519): A weak inhibitor of acid secretion by isolated rat parietal cells

Abstract Carbamylcholine-stimulated potentiation of dibutyryl cyclic AMP-induced acid secretion by isolated rat parietal cells was specifically inhibited by the muscarinic cholinergic antagonist pirenzepine at an IC 50 of 1.1 μM. In contrast to the weak inhibition by pirenzepine, the potentiation was inhibited by atropine at an IC 50 of 4.6 nM. In vivo, pirenzepine is one-tenth as potent as atropine as an inhibitor of acid secretion. The weak activity of pirenzepine shown in this study suggests that its in vivo inhibitory activity is likely due to an interaction with a site involved in the regulation of gastric acid secretion which has higher-affinity muscarinic receptors for pirenzepine than those associated with parietal cells.
Kinetic model of cure reaction and filler effect

A new kinetic model for cure reactios has been developed from the concept of nonequilibrium thermodynamic fluctuation theory in which a distribution function relaxation spectrum is used for explaining cure kinetics of polymer–filler systems. It is found that an increase in filler loading reduces the relaxation time but broadens the relaxation spectrum of the cure reaction. The model is used to explain the cure curves which are obtained both from the Monsanto Rheometer 100 and the Rheometric Mechanical Spectrometer. Not only can the model predict scorch time, cure time, and activation energy of the cure reaction, but it can also take into account polymer–filler interaction and predict physical and mechanical properties of polymer systems during cure.
ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTERISTICS OF RARITAN BAY, A POLLUTED ESTUARY1

Temperature, salinity, dissolved 02, PO,-P, and NO:,-N in Raritan Hay, N. J. vvere detcrmined over a 16-month period. Each reflects the circulation pattern in which sea water floods along the northern shore, enters a region of mixing with river dixhargc in the head of the bay, and then ebbs out along the southern shore. At the mouth of the bay, salinity was higher on the northern than on the southern side. The mean annual monthly difference at the surface was 1.272,; departures from the mean were related to river flow. Surface and bottom dissolved O2 content were minimal in August arid Ilighcxt during winter. Low concentrations occurred in the Raritan River, especially. during the summer preceding operation of a trunk sewer. The primary source of NOJ-N was outflow from the Raritan River. Prior to operation of a trunk sewer, the river may have discharged significant quantities of PO,-1’ into the bay. Throughout spring and summer, PO, concentrations rose and NO:{ decreased. It is pohtulated that the resultant low N:P ratio was partially due to an efficient nutrient regeneration mechanism that favored the rate of P renewal. A combination of rich nutrient supplies arising from natural and domestic soruces, plrls a sluggish circulation, efficient nutrient regeneration mechanism, and scarcity of nnrcroscopic algae combine to form an estuarine environment capable of supporting estrernely dcbnsc pl&kton populations.
Equilibrium States of Inextensible Membranes under Gravity

We discuss the possible shapes and stress distributions of an inextensible membrane acted on by a gravitational force. It is shown that there are smooth shapes which cannot be an equilibrium solution under gravity for any stress distribution. In addition there are infinitely many shapes which are equilibrium solutions under gravity and for which the stress distribution is unique. Finally, there are infinitely many solution surfaces – each consisting of straight line generators parallel to the direction of gravity. These solutions are possible under infinitely many different stress distributions. In several cases we will solve the equations explicitly to find actual shapes and stress distributions.
Evaluation of MRI DTI-tractography by tract-length histogram

ABSTRACT In the absence of ground truth, there are very few methods available to evaluate the accuracy of a specific tracking algorithm or the various data acquisition protocols for DTI-tractography. The objective of this work was to develop methodology, based on tract-length histograms, that could be used to evaluate whole-brain tractography with data acquired under different conditions for a given subject, for example six versus 25 gradient directions, or use of an 8-element phased array versus quadrature head-coil. Whole-brain DTI data were acquired from six healthy normal human volunteers on a 1.5 T GE scanner at TR=10.3s, field-of-view 26cm, 128x128 matrix, 28 contiguous 4mm thick slices from 25 isotropic gradient directions with b=1000s/mm 2 , one b=0 acquisition, and number of excitations (NEX)=1 for a total acquisition time of 3min 53s. Similarly, four sets of data were acquired from 6 non-colinear directions and combined with two b=0 acquisitions to equalize the time for 25 and 6-directions acquisitions. The tract-length histograms clearly show that at equal acquisition time, there are more long tracts in the 25-direction acquisition than the 6-direction acquisition, suggesting better estimation of the tensor with 25 directions. Tract-counts above a threshold provide an objective index to evaluate tractography. Also a comparison of the two coils shows a higher tract-count for long tracts with the 8-element coil, consistent with the demonstrated higher sensitivity and higher signal-to-noise ratio for EPI acquisitions by the 8-element coil. Keywords: Diffusion Tensor Imaging, Tractography, MRI, Tractography Evaluation
A versatile apparatus providing immobilization of the head for electrophysiological studies; accessory equipment described for inserting electrodes into subcortical structures.

Abstract A one-piece headholder for experimental animals is described. It is adjustable for use with most of the common experimental animals, affords dependable immobilization of an animal's head and is simple to operate. Multiple electrodes may be placed in specified sub-cortical structures with the accompanying micrometer and electrode rack.
An algorithm for computing the Madelung constant for the sodium chloride lattice

Abstract An algorithm to calculate the Madelung constant for the sodium chloride lattice using an ion grouping method is described. Complete instructions are presented for performing the computation using a TI-59 programmable calculator.
Predicting fully plastic mode II crack growth from an asymmetric defect

Asymmetrically cracked specimens fail with considerably less ductility than symmetrically cracked ones, due to the crack progressing along a shear band into pre-damaged material. A formulation for the accumulation of damage ahead of an asymmetric crack is presented, based on strain increments following a power law relation. These results are integrated both numerically and approximately. The crack growth per unit displacement increases approximately as the logarithm of the total crack advance per inclusion spacing р, and varies inversely as the critical fracture strain γc. This provides a basis for predicting large-scale, fully plastic fracture from asymmetric weld defects, using small-scale laboratory specimens.
Single port transumbilical (E-NOTES) donor nephrectomy

Purpose: We present the initial 4 patients undergoing single port transumbilical live donor nephrectomy. Scar-free abdominal surgery via natural body orifices is called NOTES (natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery). In a similar manner the umbilicus, an embryonic (E) natural orifice, permits abdominal access with hidden scar of entry. We propose the term E-NOTES for embryonic natural orifice transumbilical endoscopic surgery.Materials and Methods: Through an intra-umbilical incision a novel single access tri-lumen R-port was inserted into the abdomen. No extra-umbilical skin incisions were made whatsoever. A 2 mm Veress needle port, inserted via skin needle puncture to establish pneumoperitoneum, was used to selectively insert a needlescopic grasper for tissue retraction. Donor kidney was pre-entrapped and extracted transumbilically.Results: E-NOTES donor nephrectomy was successful in all 4 patients. Median operating time was 3.3 hours, blood loss was 50 cc, warm ischemia time was 6.2 minutes an...
An algorithm for robust fitting of autoregressive models

Abstract An algorithm for robust fitting of AR models is given, based on a linear regression idea. The new method appears to outperform the Yule–Walker estimator in a setting of data contaminated with outliers.
Electromechanical Actuator Test Stand Coupling Design to Support Actuator Prognostic Model Development

Uncertainty assessment and management is becoming an increasingly essential aspect of good prognostic design for engineering complex systems. Uncertainty surrounding diagnostics, loads, and fault progression models is very real and propagating this uncertainty from component-level health estimates to the system-level remains difficult at best. In this work, a test stand is used to conduct real-time failure experiments aboard various aircraft platforms to collect failure response data, expanding the actuator knowledge base that forms the foundation of component health estimations. The research takes a step towards standardizing a test stand design to produce comparable and scalable failure data sets, fostering uncertainty reduction within the electromechanical actuator prognostic model. This paper specifically presents a method to optimize the actuator coupling for a commercially available actuator where a model was built to minimize the coupling deflection and estimate the coupling life. Using this model, researchers can rapidly develop their own electromechanical actuator test stands.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Looking at pictures: affective, facial, visceral, and behavioral reactions

Colored photographic pictures that varied widely across the affective dimensions of valence (pleasant-unpleasant) and arousal (excited-calm) were each viewed for a 6-s period while facial electromyographic (zygomatic and corrugator muscle activity) and visceral (heart rate and skin conductance) reactions were measured. Judgments relating to pleasure, arousal, interest, and emotional state were measured, as was choice viewing time. Significant covariation was obtained between (a) facial expression and affective valence judgments and (b) skin conductance magnitude and arousal ratings. Interest ratings and viewing time were also associated with arousal. Although differences due to the subject's gender and cognitive style were obtained, affective responses were largely independent of the personality factors investigated. Response specificity, particularly facial expressiveness, supported the view that specific affects have unique patterns of reactivity. The consistency of the dimensional relationships between evaluative judgments (i.e., pleasure and arousal) and physiological response, however, emphasizes that emotion is fundamentally organized by these motivational parameters.
Syntheses of Hyperbranched Poly(carbosilarylenes)

New hyperbranched poly(carbosilarylenes) are described that exhibit low glass transition temperatures and high thermal stabilities. The incorporation of Si−O−Si linkages into the branches leads to a polymer of increased flexibility but considerably lower thermal stability. The hyperbranched polymers are prepared via a one-pot hydrosilylation polymerization of aromatic AB3 monomers. The monomers are prepared from commercially available reagents using lithium−halogen exchange reactions followed by treatment with chlorosilanes. The glass transition temperatures of the hyperbranched polymers range from −45 °C for the siloxane-containing polymer to 12 °C for the 1,4-substituted polymer. Number-average molecular weights (GPC) range from 2560 to 5600. The degree of branching in these polymers was determined by quantitative 29Si NMR spectroscopy and found to be very close to the theoretical value of 0.44 for AB3 systems.
Geographic structure in a widespread plant-mycorrhizal interaction: pines and false truffles.

Mutualistic interactions are likely to exhibit a strong geographic mosaic in their coevolutionary dynamics, but the structure of geographic variation in these interactions is much more poorly characterized than in host‐parasite interactions. We used a cross-inoculation experiment to characterize the scales and patterns at which geographic structure has evolved in an interaction between three pine species and one ectomycorrhizal fungus species along the west coast of North America. We found substantial and contrasting patterns of geographic interaction structure for the plants and fungi. The fungi exhibited a clinal pattern of local adaptation to their host plants across the geographic range of three coastal pines. In contrast, plant growth parameters were unaffected by fungal variation, but varied among plant populations and species. Both plant and fungal performance measures varied strongly with latitude. This set of results indicates that in such widespread species interactions, interacting species may evolve asymmetrically in a geographic mosaic because of differing evolutionary responses to clinally varying biotic and abiotic factors.
Raman spectroscopic investigation of the adsorption of acetonitrile and methanol on Si(100)-2 × 1

We report the coverage dependent Raman spectra of acetonitrile and methanol on Si(100)-2 × 1 at 100 K in UHV. First, we demonstrate that unenhanced Raman spectroscopy can be used as an in-vacuo surface vibrational probe with monolayer sensitivity on a substrate that itself possesses Raman active modes. Second, we obtain qualitative information about the orientation of both methanol and acetonitrile on this surface. Our results indicate that acetonitrile is oriented with its primary axis roughly parallel and methanol with its primary axis roughly perpendicular to the surface normal. The sensitivity of our current spectrometer did not allow the detection of monolayer amounts of methanol. In light of these results, we comment briefly on the requirements of a next generation surface Raman spectrometer.
LEAD STUDIES : III. THE EFFECTS OF LEAD ON RED BLOOD CELLS. PART 1. CHANGES IN HEMOLYSIS.

It appears, from the investigations in other laboratories, that the anemia observed in cases of lead poisoning is due to destruction of blood rather than to diminished production of blood. The method of poisoning cells in vitro with lead was adopted in order to study this phenomenon, and distinct effects were thereby obtained, even when only 0.001 mg. of lead is added to approximately 5 billion washed red corpuscles. In order to obtain optimum results the usual dosage employed was ten times this or 0.01 mg. per 5 billion cells. The following changes were observed in cells so treated. 1. Such a marked increase in the resistance to hypotonic salt solution develops that complete hemolysis does not occur until the cells are exposed to a saline solution of 0.05 per cent. Untreated cells are completely hemolyzed in 0.25 or 0.225 per cent saline. 2. This reaction is quantitative and varies with the concentration of lead used. Under the conditions of our experiments this phenomenon seems to be unique. The effects of arsenic are very slight in comparison. 3. While from this reaction it may be concluded that lead increases cellular resistance, it also appears that it shortens the life of blood cells. This may be demonstrated by the much more rapid appearance of hemolysis than normal when the cells are merely allowed to stand in Ringer solution of any dilution. 4. In rabbits with acute lead poisoning these same phenomena may be noted in vivo. 5. Both phenomena may be changed in vitro by varying the time and temperature of the reaction and the concentration of lead, as Fici has already pointed out. 6. If normal cells stand in Ringer solution for 6 hours something diffuses into the solution which largely reduces the action of lead. After repeated washing these cells react with lead in the usual manner. 7. Small amounts of serum react with lead and eliminate its effects. Red blood cells, treated with a mixture of lead and blood serum, show normal hemolysis in hypotonic salt solution. 8. When lead is added to whole blood the only evidence of this neutralization is a marked decrease in the intensity of the reaction. This is probably explained by the fact that since both serum and cells are present together, the lead reacts with both simultaneously. This in turn explains how the reaction may occur in vivo. 9. The change in hemolysis does not appear in the blood of all species of animals. In the species in which it does occur, anemia and stippling of the red cells also tend to develop readily during lead intoxication. 10. In vitro, cells which have been exposed to lead are far more fragile than normal blood cells. Slight trauma causes them to hemolyze. In vivo this is probably an important causal factor in the increased destruction of blood and in the anemia of acute lead poisoning. 11. The serum of a rabbit which has been immunized to human blood, causes more rapid and complete hemolysis in cells treated with lead than in the control cells. No satisfactory explanation for this has been found.
Mitochondrial phosphate transport and the N-ethylmaleimide binding proteins of the inner membrane.

Abstract Mitochondria have been prepared from the flight muscles of mature blowflies (Sarcophaga bullata). Phosphate transport by these mitochondria, determined by rates of passive swelling in ammonium phosphate, is sensitive to inhibition by N-ethylmaleimide. 20 nmol of N-ethylmaleimide/nmol cytochrome a inhibit the swelling by 90%. When the mitochondria are inhibited by N-[ 3 H ] ethylmaleimide , then solubilized in dodecyl sulfate/mercaptoethanol at 100°C and then electrophoresed on dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gels, many labeled protein bands can be detected, including a large labeled peak that has the same mobility as the tracking dye, bromophenol blue. Sonic submitochondrial particles that are prepared from the N-[ 3 H ] ethylmaleimidelabeled mitochondria, solubilized, and electrophoresed on dodecyl sulfatepolyacrylamide gels, possess only seven major labeled protein bands with no radioactive peak at the tracking dye. These labeled proteins have molecular weights of 71, 68, 64, 45, 32, 30, and approx. 10 · 103. The nmol N-[ 3 H ]- ethylmaleimide bound to each of these proteins per nmol cytochrome a are 0.15, 0.19, 0.35, 0.45, 0.87, 0.10, and 0.17, respectively, when the mitochondria are inhibited with 21.5 mol N-[ 3 H ] ethylmaleimide/mol cytochrome a at 10 μM cytochrome a. Coty and Pedersen ((1975) J. Biol. Chem. 250, 3515–3521) sensitized rat liver mitochondria to N-[ 3 H ] ethylmaleimide and identified five labeled proteins. Only the labeled 32 · 103 dalton and the 45 · 103 dalton proteins are common to both systems
Structural Characterization of Unfolded States of Apomyoglobin using Residual Dipolar Couplings

The conformational propensities of unfolded states of apomyoglobin have been investigated by measurement of residual dipolar couplings between 15N and 1H in backbone amide groups. Weak alignment of apomyoglobin in acid and urea-unfolded states was induced with both stretched and compressed polyacrylamide gels. In 8 M urea solution at pH 2.3, conditions under which apomyoglobin contains no detectable secondary or tertiary structure, significant residual dipolar couplings of uniform sign were observed for all residues. At pH 2.3 in the absence of urea, a change in the magnitude and/or sign of the residual dipolar couplings occurs in local regions of the polypeptide where there is a high propensity for helical secondary structure. These results are interpreted on the basis of the statistical properties of the unfolded polypeptide chain, viewed as a polymer of statistical segments. For a folded protein, the magnitude and sign of the residual dipolar couplings depend on the orientation of each bond vector relative to the alignment tensor of the entire molecule, which reorients as a single entity. For unfolded proteins, there is no global alignment tensor; instead, residual dipolar couplings are attributed to alignment of the statistical segments or of transient elements of secondary structure. For apomyoglobin in 8 M urea, the backbone is highly extended, with φ and ψ dihedral angles favoring the β or PII regions. Each statistical segment has a highly anisotropic shape, with the N–H bond vectors approximately perpendicular to the long axis, and becomes weakly aligned in the anisotropic environment of the strained acrylamide gels. Local regions of enhanced flexibility or chain compaction are characterized by a decrease in the magnitude of the residual dipolar couplings. The formation of a small population of helical structure in the acid-denatured state of apomyoglobin leads to a change in sign of the residual dipolar couplings in local regions of the polypeptide; the population of helix estimated from the residual dipolar couplings is in excellent agreement with that determined from chemical shifts. The alignment model described here for apomyoglobin can also explain the pattern of residual dipolar couplings reported previously for denatured states of staphylococcal nuclease and other proteins. In conjunction with other NMR experiments, residual dipolar couplings can provide valuable insights into the dynamic conformational propensities of unfolded and partly folded states of proteins and thereby help to chart the upper reaches of the folding landscape.
Experimental Comparison of Neutrino and Muon Velocities

The velocities of neutrinos and muons originating from π+ and K+ decays have been compared using the California Institute of Technology-Fermilab detector in a narrow-band neutrino beam. A time-of-flight comparison between positive muons and neutrinos, as indicated by the final-state negative muons in neutrino interactions, yields |βν-βμ|<~0.4×10-3 (99% confidence level). We assume that |1-βμ|<10-5 for these muons.
S’exposer aux aléas. Essai sur les risques du rapport esthétique et politique

La notion de risque occupe une place fondamentale dans les creations artistiques soucieuses des manifestations politiques qui les bordent, les transforment et qu'elles engendrent. Il s'agit en ce sens de comprendre le risque a travers les rapports qui viennent lier esthetique et politique, en faisant du meme coup appel a la philosophie, a la sociologie, aux communications et a l'histoire. Dans cette perspective, le risque sera d'abord aborde sous ses dimensions intersubjectives : risque d'affronter le chaos, risque de destruction sans bornes, voire meme d'autodestruction, mais aussi risque d'egocentrisme et d'incomprehension. Par la suite, une attention soutenue sera accordee au risque inherent au hasard, a l'imprevisibilite constitutive des effets politiques de l'oeuvre : risques de recuperation, d'instrumentalisation propagandiste ou pedagogique, etc. Ainsi, nous tenterons de voir, a travers cet essai, en quoi le risque vient perilleusement lier art et communication, et donc comment une comprehension des risques encourus en art comme en politique peut contribuer aux diverses demarches d'emancipation.
PELE: Pre-emphasis a Equalization Link Estimator to Address the Effects of Signal Integrity Limitations

This paper discusses a methodology employed to create a tool that quantifies the effects of signal integrity limitations particularly for high-speed applications. The tool is based on a platform of routines which predict performance over high-speed links. It contains routines that optimize transmitter pre-emphasis and receiver equalization that lead to superior BER performance. The tool is qualified against Agilent's ADS simulator and correlated to measurements.
PHYLOGENY, BIOGEOGRAPHY AND LIFE HISTORY EVOLUTION IN THE RED ALGAL FAMILY PHYLLOPHORACEAE (GIGARTINALES)

Red algae are exceptional for the great diversity in reproductive morphology and for their complex life histories. In particular, the family Phyllophoraceae, consisting of ∼100 species worldwide, stands out in exhibiting a wide spectrum of unique life history types that makes it unusually interesting for assessing the phylogenetic importance of reproductive traits relative to classification criteria. Type of life history and position of the reproductive structures on the plant body have traditionally formed the basis for separating eleven genera in the Phyllophoraceae; however, phylogenetic analyses inferred from three sets of DNA sequences [chloroplast-encoded rbcL, nuclear large-subunit ribosomal RNA gene (LSU), and internal transcribed spacer regions (ITS) of nuclear ribosomal DNA], instead indicate a lack of correlation between type of life history and phylogenetic relationships among the established taxa. This lack of correlation dramatically challenges all of the traditional taxonomy. The study will answer the question which morphological features and which aspects of life history evolution can be used as meaningful indicators of phylogenetic relationships in the Phyllophoraceae. The results are addressed in light of global biogeographic hypotheses for the family.
Effect of aminonucleoside on transcription, methylation, and maturation of ribosomal RNA in SV40-transformed human lung fibroblasts.

The effects of puromycin aminonucleoside (AMS) have been studied in the nucleoli of SV40-transformed human lung fibroblasts with attention to the relationships between transcription, methylation, and maturation of ribosomal RNA (rRNA). Inhibition of the transcription of pre-rRNA became evident between 1 and 2 hr of exposure to AMS, and the degree of inhibition remained approximately constant throughout the remainder of the 18-hr period of study. Methylation of the ribose units of pre-rRNA was inhibited by AMS approximately as much as RNA transcription, but later, suggesting that the inhibition of methylation is a consequence of the lowered rate of RNA transcription. It was also noted that ribose methylation of nucleolar RNA occurs in the absence of concurrent RNA transcription, indicating that rRNA may be methylated post-transcriptionally. Exposure of the fibroblasts to fresh serum had the capacity to increase the rate of nucleolar RNA transcription if the fibroblasts were treated with AMS for periods of less than 2 hr but was ineffective thereafter, confirming that the inhibitory effect of AMS on pre-rRNA transcription is established in approximately 2 hr. On the other hand, processing of the primary transcript (45 S RNA) to the mature rRNA species (28 and 18 S) was inhibited more gradually, with a complete inhibition of rRNA maturation being noted after 18 hr of AMS treatment. These data are consistent with the view that the primary effect of AMS is on the rate of rRNA transcription, with a later effect on its maturation, while RNA methylation is reduced only because of the diminished availability of the RNA substrate.
The losses and suffering of terminal illness.

197 tant to intervene in relieving the indignation of loss and instead relegate the person to a disease ("the lung cancer in room 24"), falsely abolishing the necessity of ministering to the individual and the losses of a terminal illness. More­ over, physicians may inadvertently abandon terminally ill persons because they feel impotent in response to impend­ ing death, further devaluing the dying person and exacer­ bating the incalculable losses, including the physician's own sense of loss . Physicians must acknowledge that there are no answers to many of the questions and losses of dying persons and that their mere attendance relays a sense of caring, concern, and compassion. And while discerning the meaning of life may be impossible, physicians can promise to face illness together with the dying person and accept and realize that silence and empathic listening are two of the greatest forms of communication. Also , nurses, social workers, clergy, and volunteers are valuable colleagues who can help the physician with this burdensome and difficult task and assist in assuaging the losses of death." But aside from the losses the dying person feels, family
Infrastructure and Scaffolding: Interpretation and Change of Research Involving Human Genetic Information

This essay addresses the relationship of interpretation to change, at two levels. One level concerns the revolutionary claims of molecular biology and biotechnology about using genetic information, read literally or with a minimum of interpretation, to reshape human life. The other level concerns the relationship in social studies of science and technology (STS) between interpreting projects in the life sciences and influencing their direction. On that level, the essay is experimental, employing a series of vignettes that introduce themes and questions—scaffolding—intended to stimulate readers to make their own connections between interpretation and change, in science, STS, and society. The vignettes in Part 1, which range from treatment of individuals with PKU or MAOA genes to personalized medicine and biobanks, indicate in different ways that the use of genetic information always requires social infrastructure. Once attention is given to the actual or implied social infrastructure, the prospect of resha...
PERSPECTIVES IN MEDICAL EDUCATION : 5. Implementing a More Integrated, Interactive and Interesting Curriculum to Improve Japanese Medical Education

Exact parallels can be drawn between the shortcomings in medical education in the US in the 80s and those prevalent in Japan today. Research and clinical practice had primacy over teaching, and primary care medicine, with its focus on humanistic principles, was subordinated to specialization and tertiary care. US medical schools undertook a wide-ranging reform of the traditional curriculum, recognizing its four major shortcomings. These were (i) an institutional failure to accord academic status to teaching, resulting in a disincentive to teach, (ii) a failure by faculty to perceive a shared interest in education, resulting in teaching that was fragmented and even contradictory, (iii) a failure to integrate preclinical and clinical material, resulting in fragmented learning, (iv) a failure to encourage the development of the most important attributes of a physician (independent thinking, problem solving, and self-directed learning). The reform of medical education in the US was achieved through a wholesale restructuring that (i) integrated basic science with clinical medicine across the curriculum; (ii) coordinated teaching across departments by organizing the curriculum into "blocks"; (iii) integrated problem based instruction into the curriculum to encourage active learning; and (iv) elevated the importance of both teaching and primary care. The successful effort to reform medical education in the US can serve as a source of encouragement and a road map for academic institutions in Japan, like Keio University, who recognize the same shortcomings in Japanese medical education and are attempting to develop and implement a curriculum that is more integrated and problem-oriented.
Modeling subauroral polarization streams during the 17 March 2013 storm

The subauroral polarization streams (SAPS) are one of the most important features in representing magnetosphere-ionosphere coupling processes. In this study, we use a state-of-the-art modeling framework that couples an inner magnetospheric ring current model RAM-SCB with a global MHD model Block-Adaptive Tree Solar-wind Roe Upwind Scheme (BATS-R-US) and an ionospheric potential solver to study the SAPS that occurred during the 17 March 2013 storm event as well as to assess the modeling capability. Both ionospheric and magnetospheric signatures associated with SAPS are analyzed to understand the spatial and temporal evolution of the electrodynamics in the midlatitude regions. Results show that the model captures the SAPS at subauroral latitudes, where Region 2 field-aligned currents (FACs) flow down to the ionosphere and the conductance is lower than in the higher-latitude auroral zone. Comparisons to observations such as FACs observed by Active Magnetosphere and Planetary Electrodynamics Response Experiment (AMPERE), cross-track ion drift from Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP), and in situ electric field observations from the Van Allen Probes indicate that the model generally reproduces the global dynamics of the Region 2 FACs, the position of SAPS along the DMSP, and the location of the SAPS electric field around L of 3.0 in the inner magnetosphere near the equator. The model also demonstrates double westward flow channels in the dusk sector (the higher-latitude auroral convection and the subauroral SAPS) and captures the mechanism of the SAPS. However, the comparison with ion drifts along DMSP trajectories shows an underestimate of the magnitude of the SAPS and the sensitivity to the specific location and time. The comparison of the SAPS electric field with that measured from the Van Allen Probes shows that the simulated SAPS electric field penetrates deeper than in reality, implying that the shielding from the Region 2 FACs in the model is not well represented. Possible solutions in future studies to improve the modeling capability include implementing a self-consistent ionospheric conductivity module from inner magnetosphere particle precipitation, coupling with the thermosphere-ionosphere chemical processes, and connecting the ionosphere with the inner magnetosphere by the stronger Region 2 FACs calculated in the inner magnetosphere model.
Extension to the maximum entropy method II

The maximum entropy method provides an estimate of the power spectral density which maximizes the entropy of a stationary random process from the first N lags of the autocorrelation function. The method is applied to cases where some of the first N autocorrelation function lags are unknown.
Decomposing Workload Bursts for Efficient Storage Resource Management

The growing popularity of hosted storage services and shared storage infrastructure in data centers is driving the recent interest in resource management and QoS in storage systems. The bursty nature of storage workloads raises significant performance and provisioning challenges, leading to increased resource requirements, management costs, and energy consumption. We present a novel workload shaping framework to handle bursty workloads, where the arrival stream is dynamically decomposed to isolate its bursts, and then rescheduled to exploit available slack. We show how decomposition reduces the server capacity requirements and power consumption significantly, while affecting QoS guarantees minimally. We present an optimal decomposition algorithm RTT and a recombination algorithm Miser, and show the benefits of the approach by evaluating the performance of several storage workloads using both simulation and Linux implementation.
Letter by DeGroff Regarding Article, “Rheumatic Heart Disease Screening by Echocardiography: The Inadequacy of World Health Organization Criteria for Optimizing the Diagnosis of Subclinical Disease”

To the Editor: I read with interest the article on the prevalence of rheumatic heart disease (RHD) using combined World Health Organization and echocardiographic criteria.1 As the authors point out, the number of cases of RHD detected depends on the criteria used for diagnosis. For doctors working in parts of the world where RHD is still a problem, a 10-fold increase in the …
Control of tool/workpiece contact force with application to robotic deburring

The design and implementation of a microprocessor-based system to control the interaction forces between a five-axis articulated robot and a workpiece is described. The control system worked in parallel with a robot controller by calculating position corrections that allowed forces to be controlled in the desired manner. These corrections were successfully interfaced to the controller's position control loop on an individual-axis level. Stable force-control algorithms were designed in spite of limitations imposed by flexibility in the robot drive train. For multi-degree-of-freedom force control, it is shown that each axis can be considered autonomous, obviating the need for a multivariable approach. Force control was implemented in both edge following and deburring experiments. In edge following, the commanded normal force ranged from 1 to 15 N, while the root mean square (rms) force errors remained constant. Errors increased from 0.5 to 1.5 N rms as tangential speed was increased from 1 to 9 cm s-1. The performance of the force control system during deburring operations was characterized across the full force and speed range of the cutting tools used. The smoothness of cut was shown to be consistent with manual deburring operations in terms of optimal feed and metal removal rates.
The ovarian dysgenesis of trisomy 18

Ovarian abnormalities have been reported as a rare feature of the trisomy 18 syndrome. Gross and histological examination of autopsy material from 13 female infants with this syndrome revealed that ovarian dysgenesis, in varying degrees of severity, is more common than is indicated by the literature. The characteristic changes are reduction in germ cells due to necrobiosis, and the presence of mesothelial clefts and abnormal masses of stromal cells.
Conditioning of the rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) nictitating membrane response as a function of trials per session, ISI, and ITI

A parametric investigation of nictitating membrane conditioning with interstimulus intervals (ISIs) of 250 or 1,000 msec, constant intertriai intervals (ITIs) of 30 or 90 sec. and 5, 15, 30, 60, or 120 trials per daily session revealed that acquisition rate decreased as a function of both larger number of trials per session (NTS) and longer ISI, but with larger overall effects of NTS occurring at the longer ISI. The effects of lengthening the ITI were also greater at the higher NTS and varied as a function of ISI. Results were discussed in terms of several constructs used to explain time-related conditioning effects, namely reactive inhibition, stimulus fluctuation, consolidation, and rehearsal.
Unexpected Dynamic Gene Family Evolution in Algal Actins

Actin is a conserved cytoskeletal protein that is well studied in model organisms although much less is known about actin molecular evolution in taxonomically diverse algae. Here, we analyzed 107 novel partial algal actin sequences and report some unexpected results. First, monophyletic actin gene families in multiple, phylogenetically distantly related algal taxa contain two distinct clades of sequences. One of these clades contains highly conserved sequences, whereas the second has multiple members with a significantly elevated substitution rate. This rate difference is associated with an excess of synonymous substitutions, strongly suggesting that both isoforms are active. These results paint a novel picture of actin gene evolution in algae showing it to be a remarkably dynamic system with duplication, homogenization, and potential functional diversification occurring independently in distantly related lineages.
The distribution of the average depth of snow‐on‐ground In New York and New England: Method of study

These brief remarks are not intended to reveal the crystallized results of a completed investigation but rather to call attention to the subject and methods of a study underway. As the final report will not be published for some time and the interest in the subject is growing the hope is cherished that some readers may be interested to plan or start similar studies in other sections of the country. The International Commission of Snow meets here in September 1939 and it would be an appropriate occasion for the presentation of a comprehensive series of snow-maps for the United States.
Airway structure, function and development in health and disease

Until they are fully mature, the airways are highly susceptible to damage. Factors that may contribute to vulnerability of immature airways and the occurrence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in preterm neonates include decreased contractility of smooth muscles of the airway, which leads to generation of lower forces, and immaturity of airway cartilage, leading to increased compressibility of developing airways. Mechanical ventilation has little effect on adult airways, but affects the dimensions and mechanical properties of preterm and newborn airways. Techniques for clinical evaluation of airway function include: (i). measurements of airway function during tidal breathing (airway resistance and reactivity are significantly elevated in infants with BPD); (ii). forced expiratory flow measurements [small-airway obstruction in infants with BPD is indicated by markedly reduced maximal volume measurements (Vmax)]; (iii). radiography procedures (plain radiographs, fluoroscopy, computed tomography and virtual bronchoscopy); and (iv). endoscopy procedures (rigid or flexible bronchoscopy, with or without measurement of oesophageal pressure). Imaging has demonstrated an excessively decreased airway cross-sectional area during exhalation in infants with BPD and acquired tracheomegaly in very preterm infants who had received mechanical ventilatory support. To further advance our understanding of how the airways develop, and to design less damaging protocols for mechanical ventilation in preterm neonates, basic laboratory studies of airway ultrastructure need to be performed and the results correlated with clinical pulmonary function studies.
Individual risk and community benefit in international research

It is widely agreed that medical researchers who conduct studies in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are morally required to ensure that their research benefits the broader host community, not only the subjects. The justification for this moral requirement has not been adequately examined. Most attempts to justify this requirement focus on researchers' interaction with the community as a whole, not on their relationship with their subjects. This paper argues that in some cases, research must benefit the broader host community for researchers to treat subjects and prospective subjects ethically. If research presents substantial net risks to subjects, researchers can ethically ask LMIC citizens to participate only if people in LMICs, normally including people in the host community, stand to benefit.