cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mutations in Planar Cell Polarity Gene SCRIB Are Associated with Spina Bifida

Neural tube defects (NTDs) (OMIM #182940) including anencephaly, spina bifida and craniorachischisis, are severe congenital malformations that affect 0.5–1 in 1,000 live births in the United States, with varying prevalence around the world. Mutations in planar cell polarity (PCP) genes are believed to cause a variety of NTDs in both mice and humans. SCRIB is a PCP-associated gene. Mice that are homozygous for the Scrib p.I285K and circletail (Crc) mutations, present with the most severe form of NTDs, namely craniorachischisis. A recent study reported that mutations in SCRIB were associated with craniorachischisis in humans, but whether SCRIB mutations contribute to increased spina bifida risk is still unknown. We sequenced the SCRIB gene in 192 infants with spina bifida and 190 healthy controls. Among the spina bifida patients, we identified five novel missense mutations that were predicted-to-be-deleterious by the PolyPhen software. Of these five mutations, three of them (p.P1043L, p.P1332L, p.L1520R) significantly affected the subcellular localization of SCRIB. In addition, we demonstrated that the craniorachischisis mouse line-90 mutation I285K, also affected SCRIB subcellular localization. In contrast, only one novel missense mutation (p.A1257T) was detected in control samples, and it was predicted to be benign. This study demonstrated that rare deleterious mutations of SCRIB may contribute to the multifactorial risk for human spina bifida.
Shrine Traditions of Wakhan Afghanistan

Abstract This study, based on field work from 2004 to 2010, describes the religious, social and historical context of shrines in Wakhan District of Badakhshan Province, Afghanistan. Scholarly analysis of the significance of the shrines is balanced with the perspective of the people of Wakhan for whom the shrine traditions are part of a living landscape. Translated excerpts from interviews conducted in the Wakhi language at the shrines bring the Wakhi voice to the study, which focuses on one shrine (the shrine of the miracle of Nāser Khosrow in Yimit village) as an exemplar of shrine traditions. The study draws comparisons between documented shrine traditions in adjacent Wakhan Tajikistan and in Hunza-Gojal of Pakistan, locates the traditions within Pamir Ismaʿilism, and suggests outlines of a broader Pamir interpretive community.
Meal Planning Structure of Mothers of Children Aged 3 to 5

Abstract There are concerns about how the changing roles of women impact family meals. This qualitative study, which used the grounded theory approach, was designed to explore mothers' roles in feeding young children. A purposive sample of mothers with the following characteristics was recruited: mothers were at least 22 years of age, married, food secure (i.e. not receiving any assistance), and with a healthy child aged 3 to 5 but no children over the age of 10 living in the home. Mothers (n=25) individually participated in flexible format interviews that provided information about the child's meal and snack schedules, the mother's role in these schedules, and the mother's practices and attitudes about meal production. From this information, a spectrum of meal planning structure was observed, ranging from high to low. Of the 25 mothers. 11 were classified as exhibiting high meal planning structure, 7 as intermediate, and 7 as low. High structure was characterized by practices such as putting together ingredients and utensils the day before a meal; low structure was characterized by not planning food until children said they were hungry. Justification of low meal planning structure was indicated by mothers' intent to preclude obesity/disordered eating in the child by "listening to the child's body signals". These signals were used to determine if or when a meal (e.g. breakfast) should be served to the child to prompt offering a snack, and to decide if the child had eaten enough at an eating occasion. Although high meal planning structure does not guarantee nutritious meals, low meal planning structure may not provide the necessary balance and variety in a child's diet. Information regarding the structure of meal planning can aid nutrition educators in designing interventions to improve the quality of children's diets.
Critical design aspects involved in the study of Paneth cells and the intestinal microbiota

Paneth cells are long-lived secretory cells that reside in the base of the crypts of Lieberkuhn of the small intestine. They produce an arsenal of molecules that are involved in numerous biological processes, ranging from the control of gut microbial populations to supporting the intestinal stem cell niche. Because of these important functions, Paneth cell abnormalities are becoming implicated in a variety of disease processes. As such, it is necessary to establish parameters that will allow for the comprehensive study of Paneth cells in health and disease. In this addendum, we highlight critical design aspects involved in the study of Paneth cells and their downstream effects on the intestinal microbiota. The importance of this approach is demonstrated by our recent findings that Nod2 does not regulate mouse Paneth cell antimicrobial function, in contrast to previous reports. This work defines key issues to consider when studying Paneth cells in mouse systems.
A DERIVATION OF THE SCHWARZSCHILD EQUATIONS BY THE USE OF NEWTONIAN MECHANICS

An exact derivation of both the Schwarzschild metric of general relativity and its equations of motion is made by the use of Newtonian mechanics. Although the form of Newtonian mechanics itself is not modified, the concepts of length and time on which it is based are modified in a manner that allows Newton’s laws to be expressed in a non-Euclidean space-time geometry. The lengths used in the laws are defined in terms of local-scale-measured distances, rather than the usual coordinate distances. Particle velocities are then defined in terms of these differential scale lengths. The Newtonian law of gravitation is also defined in terms of the gradient of the usual Newtonian potential with respect to these same scale lengths. It is shown that non-Euclidean geometry is imposed by the requirement that a photon in a gravitational field should maintain a constant total energy that is expressed in terms of its frequency, while also having a potential energy that is independent of the geometry of space. These conditions and modifications make it possible to derive equations of motion which are Newtonian, but which can also be reduced to forms that are identical to the Schwarzschild equations of motion for an orbiting particle or a gravitationally deflected photon.
The photochemistry of biogenic gases in the early and present atmosphere.

The distribution of gases in the prebiologial paleoatmosphere is investigated using photochemical models. A chart of the photochemical and chemical reactions and reaction rates for CH4, NH3, H2S, N2O, and CO atmospheric gases is given. Mixing ratios and surface mixing ratios for CH4, NH3, CO, and N2O are obtained using thermodynamic equilibrium calculations; an increase in CH4 and N2O is observed. The reactions, which explain the photochemistry of the gases studied, are presented. The sources of these gases and their concentration with regards to altitude are examined. Graphs of the vertical distribution of CH4, NH3, H2S, CO, O2, and N2O in prebiological paleoatmosphere are provided. The data reveals the presence of only N2, CO2, and N2O in the early atmosphere; with the evolution of life, sources of atmospheric gases increased and their influence on the photochemistry of the troposphere and stratosphere increased.
Plumes and hotspots as sources of greenstone belts

Abstract Greenstone belts that are older than 0.18 Ga formed under circumstances that generate a buoyant, garnet-poor root. Because they do not generate enough depletion in the lithospheric mantle, juvenile arcs involving average temperature Early Precambrian mantle were not a significant source of Early Precambrian greenstone belts. Instead, Early Precambrian greenstone belts originated from mantle plumes and hotspots. We focus on the origin of highly deformed, MORB-like greenstone belts that are underlain by tonalitic to trondhjemitic plutons and surrounded by metamorphosed, accretionary wedge-like sediments. These greenstone belts could form as the consequence of subducting a ridge segment within 500 km of a hotspot located beneath the continent, as has happened on the Taitao Peninsula in Chile. The tonalitic to trondhjemitic plutons result from partial melting of oceanic crust thickened by extra melt derived from the hotspot. The MORB-like rocks result from decompressive partial melting within the slab window produced by the subducting ridge. The stratigraphy and tectonic setting of the recently emplaced Taitao ophiolite are a possible Phanerozoic analog of some MORB-like Archean and Early Proterozoic greenstone belts.
Characterization of fiber/matrix interfaces in composites with a boron nitride matrix

The fracture behavior of boron nitride (BN) composites reinforced with several types of carbon and ceramic fibers has been examined. Fiber properties and fiber/matrix interface characteristics were found to control the mechanical strength and toughness of the composites. Transmission electron microscopy demonstrated preferential orientation of the BN matrix parallel to the fiber surfaces. Auger electron spectroscopy was then used to examine the fiber/matrix interface and locate the path of interface debonding. Single-fiber push-out experiments were used to quantify the mechanical properties of the fiber/matrix interface. The bulk composite fracture properties were consistent with current understanding in that a lower interfacial toughness was found to enhance fiber pull-out and increase the composite toughness. Matrix abrasion during fiber sliding had a significant effect on the sliding behavior of the fibers.
Stereochemical dynamics and recognition probed by lanthanide chiroptical spectroscopy

Abstract A mechanistic model for enantioselective excited-state quenching kinetics is described for systems in which quenching occurs via electronic energy transfer between chiral lanthanide (donor) and transition-metal (acceptor) complexes in solution. This model is applied to systems in which quenching rates are slow compared with translational and rotational diffusion rates of the donor and acceptor species in solution. The rate parameters derived from enantioselective quenching measurements are expressed in terms of both electronic and stereoselective contributions to intermolecular chiral discrimination, and applications are illustrated for several lanthanide (luminophore)-transition metal (quencher) systems.
Group Leader Reflections on Their Training and Experience: Implications for Group Counselor Educators and Supervisors

Effective group leaders possess specialized counseling skills and abilities; however, attention to group leadership training appears to be lagging behind that of individual counseling. In this phenomenological study we explored group leaders’ perceptions of their training and experience. Twenty-two professional counselors participated in semi-structured interviews in which 7 primary themes within 2 categories were identified: (a) group counseling practice, (b) observation of group leadership, (c) supervision of group leadership, (d) experiential group participation, (e) academic/instruction, (f) group leader role, and (g) group process and dynamics. We discuss implications for counselor educators and supervisors and future research.
On the Mechanism of Renaturation of Complementary DNA Strands by the recA Protein of Escherichia coli

Abstract The renaturation of complementary DNA strands by the recA protein of Escherichia coli has been found to exhibit the following features. (i) Optimal renaturation occurs at recA protein levels below that required to saturate the DNA strands; saturating amounts of recA protein significantly reduce the rate of reaction. (ii) The reaction proceeds in the absence of a nucleotide cofactor but is markedly stimulated by ATP in the presence of 10 mM Mg2+. A similar stimulation occurs in the absence of ATP when the Mg2+ concentration is increased from 10 mM to 30-40 mM. (iii) Both the ATP-stimulated and the Mg2+-stimulated reactions follow apparent first-order kinetics. These results, taken together with the known effects of ATP and Mg2+ on the state of aggregation of recA protein, suggest that the association of recA monomers may play an important role in recA protein-promoted DNA renaturation.
The shape parameter in the Gaussian function II

Abstract This is a continuation of our former study, Luh [1] , of the shape parameter β contained in Gaussian e − β | x | 2 , x ∈ R n . Instead of using the error bound presented by Madych and Nelson [2] , here we adopt an improved error bound constructed by Luh to evaluate the influence of β on error estimates. This results in a new set of criteria for the optimal choice of β and much sharper error estimates for Gaussian interpolation. What is important is that the notorious ill-conditioning of Gaussian interpolation can be greatly relieved because in this approach the fill distance need not be very small.
Studies on the categorization of speech by infants.

Abstract It is well-known that complexities exist in the mapping between the acoustic information in the speech signal and the phonetic categories of adult language users. We investigated whether the same complexities exist in the mapping between the speech signal and the forerunners of these categories in infants. For two classes of complexity, we found that the manner in which the categorization of information for speech occurs was virtually identical in infant and adult listeners. These findings indicate that the infant possesses finely tuned linguistically-relevant perceptual abilities, which undoubtedly facilitate and shape the task of language acquisition.
Carbon/Vinyl Ester Composites for Enhanced Performance in Marine Applications

The present study describes the processing and mechanical characterization of two different fibers (glass and carbon) and two different fabric architectures (woven roving and stitch bonded) made into composites with Dow Chemical’s Derakane 510A-40, a brominated vinyl ester (VE) resin. Both E-glass and T700 carbon fibers are coated with VE compatible sizing. The composite panels are fabricated by the vacuum assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM), the specimens are machined, and the mechanical tests are conducted as per the accepted test standards. Tension, compression, in-plane shear, and interlaminar shear properties are measured and their associated failure modes are compared with each other. The specific properties of the composites are compared with that of the marine steel. The carbon composites have superior properties, higher specific strength, and specific modulus than the marine steel. The glass composites have higher specific strength but lower specific modulus than marine steel. The glass compo...
Patient and Partner Quality of Life and Psychosocial Adjustment Following Radical Prostatectomy

We prospectively examined differences in quality of life and psychosocial adjustment in 80 prostate cancer patients and their partners (n = 65) beginning before radical prostatectomy and proceeding across the first year postsurgery. Both members of the couple experienced significant changes associated with the patient's cancer, however their experiences differed in some regards. Patients experienced reprieve from emotional distress and negative affect immediately following surgery despite worsened physical functioning. Partner quality of life and psychosocial adjustment scores were generally more constant from presurgery to postsurgery, with improvements noted 1 year later. For both patients and partners, cancer-specific stress symptoms declined progressively over the year. We also obtained partial support for the effectiveness of a single-session communication intervention on patient social/family wellbeing and partner general stress. Findings have implications for patient and partner adjustment following radical prostatectomy, and attest to the importance of incorporating partner evaluations into psychosocial oncology research.
Reevaluation and renegotiation of climate change coalitions—a sequential closed-loop game approach

Abstract Major international environmental problems can be characterized as stock externality phenomena. Long-term international environmental coalitions are subject to unexpected shocks. Certain shocks might have strong impacts on regional environmental policies and their commitments to the coalition. The open-loop solutions in optimal control problems and differential games cannot capture regions’ reactions to those shocks. In this paper, we develop a feasible modeling approach that uses the closed-loop strategies to study the issues of reevaluation and renegotiation of climate change coalitions. For the purpose, we design an algorithm that decomposes a closed-loop strategy into a sequence of open-loop equilibria and implement the algorithm in the RICE model (Am. Econ. Rev. 86 (1996) 741), an integrated assessment model of climate change and economies. We analyze policy and methodological implications of the closed-loop strategies through simulations of the RICE model.
Reactions of sodium tetrahydridoborate with tris(pyrazolyl)methane ligands. Syntheses and solid state structures of {[HC(pz)3](thf)Na(μ11,μ11-BH4)}2 and {[HC(3,5-Me2pz)3]2Na}(BH4) (pz=pyrazolyl ring, thf=tetrahydrofuran)

Abstract The reaction of NaBH4 and HC(pz)3 in thf yields {[HC(pz)3](thf)Na(μ1 1,μ1 1-BH4)}2. The solid state structure shows that the two BH4 ligands bridge the sodium atoms in an unusual manner such that only one hydrogen in each bonds to each sodium forming two μ1 1,μ1 1-type bonds. The reaction of HC(3,5-Me2pz)3 and NaBH4 in either a 1:1 or 2:1 ratio yields {[HC(3,5-Me2pz)3]2Na}(BH4). The solid state structure shows that both HC(3,5-Me2pz)3 ligands are coordinated to sodium in a trigonally distorted octahedral arrangement and the BH4 group is the counter-ion.
Generating formal hardware verification properties from Natural Language documentation

In the modern Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) design cycle, correctness properties for functional verification are usually created by an engineer whose task is to read the system documentation and manually generate a set of formal statements in the chosen verification language. This process is typical of the reason why up to 60% of engineering effort is spent on verification and test activities. We present a formal attribute grammar as the basis for a Natural Language based translation system which automatically generates syntactically correct verification properties in Computation Tree Logic (CTL) from Hardware Description Language (HDL) code comments written in English. The system is evaluated using verification information from an implementation of the PCI bus specification included in the Texas-97 Verification Benchmark suite and successfully translates English to valid CTL in 91% of test cases. The automatically generated CTL properties are compared to CTL properties included in the benchmark and model checking is used to determine the equivalency of generated and benchmark properties. While most generated properties are equivalent, some were found to include additional terms which result in CTL which more closely reflects designer intent.
Identification of 6-hydroxymelatonin in normal human urine by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.

Abstract The major melatonin metabolite, 6-hydroxymelatonin, has been identified in normal human urine by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (gc-ms) after rapid acid hydrolysis, extraction, and derivatization. An estimate of the amount detected (approximately 20 ng/ml) is consistent with calculated rates of melatonin synthesis and turnover.
Semantic effects in word recognition are moderated by body-object interaction

A potential embodied influence in the semantic effects of Danger and Usefulness is investigated using Body-Object Interaction (BOI). Lexical decision times are influenced by ratings of Danger and Usefulness. In a frequently-found interaction, thought to be produced by activated approach-withdraw motor responses, increasing Danger ratings produce faster responses for items with lower Usefulness ratings while producing slower responses for items with higher Usefulness ratings. BOI is used to test the embodied explanation of this interaction. The same 102 words were presented in two lexical decision experiments. In both auditory and visual lexical decision, the effects of Danger and Usefulness were found to be diminished for items with higher BOI ratings. BOI moderates Danger and Usefulness effects in both auditory and visual lexical decision, in a way that suggests BOI is either the stronger or the temporally earlier effect.
TSH response to TRH in euthyroid, hypercholesterolemic patients treated with graded doses of dextrothyroxine.

Abstract In an attempt to determine the minimum dose of D-Thyroxine (D-T4) which will suppress pituitary TSH response to TRH, we have treated 6 euthyroid, hypercholesterolemic patients with graded doses of D-T4. TSH response was suppressed in 3 patients with 3 mg and in the remaining 3 patients with 4 mg D-T4 administered once daily. The mean TSH suppressive dose of 3.5 mg, as determined in this study, is considerably less than the 6 mg daily dose given to patients treated with D-T4 in the Coronary Drug Project. This suggests that the adverse effects observed with D-T4 treatment in the Coronary Drug Project may have been due to mild, undetected hyperthyroidism. D-T4 treatment in our patients was not associated with an increase in heart rate or ventricular ectopic beats as determined by Holter monitoring. However, bile samples obtained at the time of TSH suppression showed a significant increase in lithogenic index. In four patients, TSH suppressive doses of D-T4 were associated with a 12% decrease in mean cholesterol and a 17% decrease in mean LDL cholesterol concentrations.
School Phobia: A Babel of Tongues.

A review of the literature is presented with a focus on the historical trend from a broad conception of school avoidance toward a narrow conception of school phobia and back toward a systems analysis. The following parameters of clinical investigation are recommended for consultative definition of the syndrome: (1) Chronological age in relation to developmental factors; (2) transactional involvements with mother, family, and community; (3) intrapsychic dynamics; and (4) the personal view of the child toward his symptom as ego-alien or ego-syntonic. It is suggested that careful consideration of these four areas should permit diagnosis and tailored therapeutic intervention rather than a uniform approach to a complex symptom.
BREAKING THROUGH THE "BRICK WALL" — USING AN INTERDISCIPLINARY STRATEGY TO MARKET HIGH-TECH PRODUCTS

Marketing high-tech products poses challenges to classically trained marketers who may be unfamiliar with a product's underlying science or technology. Often such marketing teams, lacking scientific backgrounds, find it particularly difficult to interface with R&D and truly understand a product's inner workings — something we show to be critical to fully assessing a product for effective differentiation and marketing. By utilizing a novel marketing strategy, the Interdisciplinary Strategic Marketing Framework, we show the need to hire interdisciplinarians — marketers with science backgrounds — to champion marketing teams which are able to overcome the R&D-to-Marketing communicative "brick wall" and delve into a product's technology, such that it can be marketed most effectively, fully assessing all potential science-based and classical aspects of a marketing campaign. Provided within the framework is a strategy for organizing a firm's marketing functionaries (possibly even integrating them into product development), and a system with which the (interdisciplinarian) marketer can efficiently categorize high-tech products, as well as corresponding methodologies which with to approach differentiating and marketing high-tech products. An illustrative consulting case is also included to demonstrate an application of the marketing methodologies.
The GPCR heterotetramer: challenging classical pharmacology

Two concepts are gaining increasing acceptance in G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) pharmacology: (i) pre-coupling of GPCRs with their preferred signaling molecules, and (ii) GPCR oligomerization. This is begging for the introduction of new models such as GPCR oligomer-containing signaling complexes with GPCR homodimers as functional building blocks. This model favors the formation of GPCR heterotetramers – heteromers of homodimers coupled to their cognate G protein. The GPCR heterotetramer offers an optimal framework for a canonical antagonistic interaction between activated Gs and Gi proteins, which can simultaneously bind to their respective preferred receptors and to adenylyl cyclase (AC) catalytic units. This review addresses the current evidence for pre-coupling of the various specific components that provide the very elaborate signaling machinery exemplified by the Gs–Gi–AC-coupled GPCR heterotetramer.
Ultrafast coherent optical signal processing using stabilized optical frequency combs from mode-locked semiconductor diode lasers

Optical frequency combs are used as a set of mutually coherently orthogonal signals to realize high speed signal processing. Here, we demonstrate novel comb sources, along with modulation and detection techniques that realize high speed sampling, arbitrary waveform generation and matched filtering functionality.
Changes in internal medicine residents' attitudes about resuscitation after cardiac arrest over a decade.

Abstract Background Resident physicians' beliefs about cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) may impact their communication with patients about end-of-life care. We sought to understand how these perceptions and experiences have changed in the past decade because both medical education and American society have focused more on this domain. Method We surveyed 2 internal medicine resident cohorts at a large academic medical center in 1995 and 2005. Residents were asked of their beliefs about survival after CPR, perceived patient understanding, and regret after attempted resuscitation. Residents in 2005 reported more numerical experience with CPR. Current internal medicine residents are more optimistic than the 1995 cohort about survival after an inpatient cardiac arrest. They believe that far fewer patients and families understand resuscitation but report less regret about attempting to resuscitate patients. Conclusions These pilot data reveal potential changes in the attitudes of resident physicians toward CPR. The perceived poor understanding among decision makers calls into question the standard of informed consent. Despite this, residents report less regret leading one to ask what factors may underlie this response.
Rapid MR image acquisition in the presence of background gradients

Image acquisition in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is based on the application of external gradients to traverse the 2D Fourier domain of the object, known as k-space. This model holds up very well provided the underlying magnetic field is highly homogeneous, however, this is often not the case, particularly for higher field MRI. The constant component of magnetic field inhomogeneity can lead to blurring or geometric shifting in rapid imaging methods, such as spiral and echo planar imaging. The gradient of this background magnetic field variation leads to a local distortion of the acquisition trajectory. This distortion can lead to local sample density variations and shifts in the k-space trajectory that can lead to signal loss. This paper presents an analysis of background gradients, their impact on image quality, and some acquisition and image reconstruction approaches to reduce their effects.
The critical role of volcano monitoring in risk reduction

Abstract. Data from volcano-monitoring studies constitute the only scientifically valid basis for short-term forecasts of a future eruption, or of possible changes during an ongoing eruption. Thus, in any effective hazards-mitigation program, a basic strategy in reducing volcano risk is the initiation or augmentation of volcano monitoring at historically active volcanoes and also at geologically young, but presently dormant, volcanoes with potential for reactivation. Beginning with the 1980s, substantial progress in volcano-monitoring techniques and networks – ground-based as well space-based – has been achieved. Although some geochemical monitoring techniques (e.g., remote measurement of volcanic gas emissions) are being increasingly applied and show considerable promise, seismic and geodetic methods to date remain the techniques of choice and are the most widely used. Availability of comprehensive volcano-monitoring data was a decisive factor in the successful scientific and governmental responses to the reawakening of Mount St. elens (Washington, USA) in 1980 and, more recently, to the powerful explosive eruptions at Mount Pinatubo (Luzon, Philippines) in 1991. However, even with the ever-improving state-of-the-art in volcano monitoring and predictive capability, the Mount St. Helens and Pinatubo case histories unfortunately still represent the exceptions, rather than the rule, in successfully forecasting the most likely outcome of volcano unrest.
The kinetics and inhibition of p-nitrophenylacetate-hydrolysing esterases in a solitary bee, Megachile rotundata (Fab.).

1. The kinetics and inhibition of p-nitrophenylacetate hydrolysis by cytosolic esterases of female alfalfa leafcutting bees, Megachile rotundata (Fab.) was examined.2. For p-nitrophenylacetate, the Km = 1.24 × 10-4M and Vmax= 2.29x10-9mol/s per mg protein.3. Regarding four organophosphate insecticides, the mechanism of inhibition in all cases was mixed (competitive and uncompetitive) and, based on inhibition constants, the order of toxicity was naled>paraoxon>trichlorfon>oxydemeton methyl.4. Comparisons are made to the honey bee, Apis mellifera.
Schemes for Bidirectional Modeling of Discrete Stationary Sources

We develop adaptive schemes for bidirectional modeling of unknown discrete stationary sources. These algorithms can be applied to statistical inference problems such as noncausal universal discrete denoising that exploit bidirectional dependencies. Efficient algorithms for constructing those models are developed and we compare their performance to that of the DUDE algorithm for universal discrete denoising
Circularity of the Genetic Map of Bacteriophage T4

Support is indicated for the conclusion that the genetic map of T4 is circular. The circularity is demonstrated in two types of experiments, standard four-factor crosses and cross reactivation experiments using gamma -irradiated phage with four genetic markers. The circular pattern of marker knockout in the cross reactivation experiments argues that the circular linkage map of T4 is implicit in the chromosomes of the mature, irradiated phage. These results, therefore lend some support to the idea that the linear genetic sequences of the individual chromosomes in a T4 population are circular permutations of each other. (auth)
Top Management Influence on Innovations: Effects of Executive Characteristics and Social Culture

Innovation is a growing source of strategic advantage across a variety of industrialized cultures. Top managers often seek to influence or champion strategic innovations. This study examined the extent to which executive characteristics explains top management influence on product/market (PM) and administrative (A DM) innovations in four Western cultures. The results support the proposition that different executive characteristics explain influence on each type of innovation. The influence process differed across cultures for A DM but not for PM innovations. The implications of this study for practice and research are discussed.
Wickability and Transient Cooling Capacity of Binary Mixtures

Previously, aerospace and military, high heat-flux, electronics have been cooled with phase-change-modules composed of a metal-matrix saturated with a solid phase-change-material. This method requires the heat to be transferred from the source location, through the metal matrix, to the available phase-change-material. Empirical evaluations indicate that wick-based coldplates including non-metallic porous media, saturated with fluid may be much more effective. This wick-based method allows the capillary action of the wick to passively transport liquid from liquid-rich areas to the point of need; a much more efficient process. The optimization of a wick-based coldplate involves a careful balance between the wickability of the working fluid and its heat of vaporization (i.e. cooling capacity). The wickability and transient cooling capacity of both ethanol-water and methanol-water mixtures were empirically evaluated for the full mass fraction range. Testing procedures and results will be described in detail.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
EFFECTS OF TEMPERATURE ON THE NEUTRAL LIPID CONTENT OF BIOMPHALARIA GLABRATA AS DETERMINED BY HIGH PERFORMANCE THIN LAYER CHROMATOGRAPHY-DENSITOMETRY AND OBSERVATIONS ON SNAIL FECUNDITY

High performance thin-layer chromatography with densitometry was used to examine the effects of extreme temperature on the neutral lipid content of Biomphalaria glabrata, and observations on fecundity were made at these extreme temperatures of 32, 28, and 14°C. Fecundity results showed that egg laying at 32°C was higher than at 28 and 14°C. Free sterols, free fatty acids, and triacylglycerols were quantified at 2 and 4 weeks after the initiation of the experiment using Analtech channeled high performance silica gel plates with a preadsorbent zone. Plates were developed using the Mangold mobile phase, petroleum ether-diethyl ether-glacial acetic acid (80:20:1), and after treatment with 5% ethanolic phosphomolybdic acid spray reagent and 10 min of heating at 110°C, neutral lipids appeared as blue zones on a yellow background. Quantitative densitometric analysis was performed using a CAMAG TLC Scanner II with the tungsten light source set at 610 nm. Quantitative identification was based on correspondence of ...
Scaling law for noise variance and spatial resolution in differential phase contrast computed tomography

Purpose: The noise variance versus spatial resolution relationship in differential phase contrast (DPC) projection imaging and computed tomography (CT) are derived and compared to conventional absorption-based x-ray projection imaging and CT. Methods: The scaling law for DPC-CT is theoretically derived and subsequently validated with phantom results from an experimental Talbot–Lau interferometer system. Results: For the DPC imaging method, the noise variance in the differential projection images follows the same inverse-square law with spatial resolution as in conventional absorption-based x-ray imaging projections. However, both in theory and experimental results, in DPC-CT the noise variance scales with spatial resolution following an inverse linear relationship with fixed slice thickness. Conclusions: The scaling law in DPC-CT implies a lesser noise, and therefore dose, penalty for moving to higher spatial resolutions when compared to conventional absorption-based CT in order to maintain the same contrast-to-noise ratio.
Comparison of health-relevant flavonoids in commonly consumed cranberry products.

The human health benefits from consumption of cranberry products have been associated with the fruits' unique flavonoid composition, including a complex profile of anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins. However, when processed by techniques such as pressing, canning, concentrating, or drying, a number of these natural components may be compromised or inactivated due to physical separation, thermal degradation, or oxidation. Fresh cranberries were compared to freeze-dried berries and individual fruit tissues (skin and peeled fruit). Products examined included cranberry juices (commercial and prepared from concentrate), cranberry sauces (commercial and homemade), and sweetened-dried cranberries (commercial). Freeze-drying resulted in no detectable losses of anthocyanins or proanthocyanidins from cran- berry fruits. Anthocyanins were localized in the skin. Proanthocyanins were higher in the skin than in the flesh, with the exception of procyanidin A-2 dimer which was concentrated in the flesh. Anthocyanins were significantly higher in not-from-concentrate juice than in reconstituted juice from concentrate (8.3 mg and 4.2 mg/100 mL, respectively). Similarly, proanthocyanidins were markedly higher in not-from-concentrate juice compared to juice from concentrate (23.0 mg and 8.9 mg/100 mL, respectively). Homemade sauce contained far higher anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins (15.9 and 87.9 mg/100 g, respectively) than canned sauces processed with whole berries (9.6 and 54.4 mg/100 g, respec- tively) or jelled-type (1.1 and 16 mg/100 g, respectively). Sweetened-dried cranberries were quite low in anthocyanins (7.9 mg/100 g), but they still retained considerable proanthocyanidins (64.2 mg/100 g). Commercially processed products contained significantly lower levels of polyphenols as compared to fresh and home-processed preparations. Anthocyanins were more sensitive to degradation than proanthocyanidins.
2D enhanced intra prediction (2DEIP) for high definition image/video coding

An intra prediction (IP) scheme based on 2D geometrical manipulation, called 2DIP, was proposed in [1] to improve the line-based intra prediction (LIP) in H.264/AVC. In this work, we propose ways to reduce the complexity and enhance the efficiency of 2DIP and call the resultant scheme 2D enhanced intra prediction (2DEIP). These enhancements are achieved via block classification and translation vector prediction. It is shown by experimental results that the proposed 2DEIP method allows better prediction for images with complex textures. The average PSNR gain over the H.264/AVC intra prediction can be as high as 0.6 dB.
Assessing the potential of SeaWiFS and MODIS for estimating chlorophyll concentration in turbid productive waters using red and near-infrared bands

Bio-optical algorithms for remote estimation of chlorophyll-a concentration (Chl) in case-1 waters exploit the upwelling radiation in the blue and green spectral regions. In turbid productive waters other constituents, that vary independently of Chl, absorb and scatter light in these spectral regions. As a consequence, the accurate estimation of Chl in turbid productive waters has so far not been feasible from satellite sensors. The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the extent to which near-infrared (NIR) to red reflectance ratios could be applied to the Sea Wide Field-of-View Sensor (SeaWiFS) and the Moderate Imaging Spectrometer (MODIS) to estimate Chl in productive turbid waters. To achieve this objective, remote-sensing reflectance spectra and relevant water constituents were collected in 251 stations over lakes and reservoirs with a wide variability in optical parameters (i.e. 4 � Chl � 240 mg m � 3 ;1 8� Secchi disk depth � 308 cm). SeaWiFS and MODIS NIR and red reflectances were simulated by using the in-situ hyperspectral data. The proposed algorithms predicted Chl with a relative random uncertainty of approximately 28% (average bias between � 1% and � 4%). The effects of reflectance uncertainties on the predicted Chl were also analyzed. It was found that, for realistic ranges of Rrs uncertainties, Chl could be estimated with a precision better than 40% and an accuracy better than T35%. These findings imply that, provided that an atmospheric correction scheme specific for the redNIR spectral region is available, the extensive database of SeaWiFS and MODIS images could be used to quantitatively monitor Chl in turbid productive waters.
Arboviruses in North Dakota, 2003–2006

Abstract. To investigate arbovirus transmission in North Dakota, we collected and screened mosquitoes for viral infection by Vero cell culture assay. Seven viruses were isolated from 13 mosquito species. Spatial and temporal distributions of the important vectors of West Nile virus (WNV), Cache Valley virus, Jamestown Canyon virus (JCV), and trivittatus virus are reported. Snowshoe hare virus, Potosi virus, and western equine encephalomyelitis virus were also isolated. The risks of Culex tarsalis and Aedes vexans transmitting WNV to humans were 61.4% and 34.0% in 2003–2006, respectively, but in 2003 when the largest epidemic was reported, risks for Ae. vexans and Cx. tarsalis in Cass County were 73.6% and 23.9%, respectively. Risk of humans acquiring an infectious bite was greatest from about the second week of July through most of August. West Nile virus sequences were of the WN02 genotype. Most JCV strains belonged to a single clade of genetically related strains. Cache Valley virus and JCV were prevalent during August and early September and during July and August, respectively.
Line patterning for flexible and laterally configured electrochromic devices

We have applied the line patterning method, which involves printing of patterns on a plastic or paper substrate using a commercial printer followed by coating of the non-printed areas by a conductive polymer, or metal conductor, to build laterally configured polymer and metallic interdigitated electrodes (IDEs) for electrochromic devices (ECDs). Selective deposition of transparent poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)–poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT–PSS) or electroless gold films resulted in lateral electrode resolution values of ∼30 µm as determined by optical microscopy. These ECDs comprise complementary colored, dioxythiophene based electrochromic polymers deposited on alternating fingers of gold coated IDEs and a viscous electrolyte layer to enable ion transport between the polymers. The devices are switched by stepping the applied voltage between −1.2 V to +1.2 V and pass a maximum of 1.3 mA cm−2 and a switching charge of 1.2 mC cm−2 in ∼3 s to switch the device from a highly reflective gold state to an absorptive blue state. Three IDEs with different anode to cathode distances have been line patterned via electroless gold deposition. Electrochromic switching kinetics of 2-lane, 4-lane, and 6-lane ECDs have been studied by applying potential steps from −1.0 V to +0.8 V and monitoring the reflectance change as a function of time. The switching times to reach 85% of the full contrast are 4.3 s, 1.5 s, and 0.8 s for the 2-lane, 4-lane, and 6-lane devices, respectively. The extent of interdigitation noticeably improves the switching performance of lateral ECDs due to shorter diffusion distances for dopant ions and minimal electrolyte resistance.
Hydrological Connectivity Between Headwater Streams and Downstream Waters: How Science Can Inform Policy

In January 2001, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers exceeded its statutory authority by asserting Clean Water Act (CWA) jurisdiction over non-navigable, isolated, intrastate waters based solely on their use by migratory birds. The Supreme Court's majority opinion addressed broader issues of CWA jurisdiction by implying that the CWA intended some "connection" to navigability and that isolated waters need a "significant nexus" to navigable waters to be jurisdictional. Subsequent to this decision (SWANCC), there have been many lawsuits challenging CWA jurisdiction, many of which are focused on headwater, intermittent, and ephemeral streams. To inform the legal and policy debate surrounding this issue, we present information on the geographic distribution of headwater streams and intermittent and ephemeral streams throughout the U.S., summarize major findings from the scientific literature in considering hydrological connectivity between headwater streams and downstream waters, and relate the scientific information presented to policy issues surrounding the scope of waters protected under the CWA. Headwater streams comprise approximately 53% (2,900,000 km) of the total stream length in the U.S., excluding Alaska, and intermittent and ephemeral streams comprise approximately 59% (3,200,000 km) of the total stream length and approximately 50% (1,460,000 km) of the headwater stream length in the U.S., excluding Alaska. Hillslopes, headwater streams, and downstream waters are best described as individual elements of integrated hydrological systems. Hydrological connectivity allows for the exchange of mass, momentum, energy, and organisms longitudinally, laterally, vertically, and temporally between headwater streams and downstream waters. Via hydrological connectivity, headwater, intermittent and ephemeral streams cumulatively contribute to the functional integrity of downstream waters; hydrologically and ecologically, they are a part of the tributary system. As this debate continues, scientific input from multiple fields will be important for policymaking at the federal, state, and local levels and to inform water resource management regardless of the level at which those decisions are being made. Strengthening the interface between science, policy, and public participation is critical if we are going to achieve effective water resource management.
Seasonal dynamics of mycoplasmal conjunctivitis in eastern North American house finches

Summary 1. Mycoplasma gallisepticum is an emerging eye disease that spread rapidly among wild house finches ( Carpodacus mexicanus ) in the eastern United States following initial reports of infected birds in 1994. The hallmark signs of infection have allowed systematic monitoring of disease at both local and continent-wide scales for more than 7 years since the onset of the epidemic. 2. Using data collected by a network of citizen science volunteers, we examined both long-term trends and seasonal dynamics of mycoplasmal conjunctivitis in three different climatic regions in eastern North America over a 77-month period (November 1994‐March 2001). 3. Time-series prevalence data from all three regions suggest that following establishment, marked seasonal fluctuations in prevalence each year were characterized by autumn‐winter epidemics (in October and February) and consistent summer declines (with prevalence falling close to zero from May to July). 4. The maximum peak, annual rates of increase and timing of epidemics varied among three geographical locations that were delineated by minimum winter temperatures. Annual autumn prevalence in the South increased more rapidly, and maximum prevalence was nearly three times greater in the South than in the colder North and Central regions. 5. Longer-term trends showed evidence for multiyear fluctuations in prevalence that were characterized by greater amplitude in the southern region. 6. Finally, monthly estimates of house finch flock sizes derived from a similar citizen science data set showed that winter flock sizes were associated positively with average monthly prevalence in the northern and central regions, although regional differences in flock sizes did not correspond to regional differences in maximum prevalence. 7. This study represents the first evidence of multiyear fluctuations, regional differences and highly predictable annual outbreaks of this recently emerged wildlife pathogen. Several factors associated with house finch life history and behaviour are likely to contribute to temporal and spatial variation in prevalence, including annual changes in host reproduction, social behaviour and environmental effects on host stress or immunocompetence.
Assessing the Value of Computer Science Course Material Repositories

Finding new course materials is a continual challenge for computer science faculty. Although some free, online collections exist, they are largely under utilized. This study is a work-in-progress that examines the utility of these repositories via a survey of North American faculty. It explores both their current practices for identifying new course materials and probes their perceptions of online repositories. Preliminary results indicate both low visibility and marginal utility. Suggestions for improvement are provided.