cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Biochemical basis for the extreme sensitivity of turkeys to aflatoxin B1.

Poultry are the most susceptible food animal species to the toxic effects of the mycotoxin aflatoxin B(1) (AFB(1)). Feed contaminated with even small amounts of AFB(1) results in significant adverse health effects in poultry. The purpose of this study was to explain the biochemical mechanism(s) for this extreme sensitivity. We measured microsomal activation of AFB(1) to the AFB(1)-8,9-epoxide (AFBO), the putative toxic intermediate, as well as cytosolic glutathione S-transferase (GST)-mediated detoxification of AFBO, in addition to other hepatic phase I and phase II enzyme activities, in 3-week-old male Oorlop strain turkeys. Liver microsomes prepared from these turkeys activated AFB(1) in vitro with an apparent K(m) of 109 microM and a V(max) of 1.25 nmol/mg/min. Preliminary evidence for the involvement of cytochromes P450 (CYP) 1A2 and, to a lesser extent, 3A4 for AFB(1) activation was assessed by the use of specific mammalian CYP inhibitors. The possible presence of avian orthologues of these CYPs was supported by activity toward ethoxyresorufin and nifedipine, as well as by Western immunoblotting using antibodies to human CYPs. Cytosol prepared from turkey livers exhibited GST-mediated conjugation of 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (CDNB) and 3,4-dichloronitrobenzene (DCNB), but at a much lower rate than that observed in other species. Western immunoblotting indicated the presence of alpha and sigma class GSTs and another AFB(1)-detoxifying enzyme, AFB(1)-aldehyde reductase (AFAR). Turkey liver cytosol also had quinone oxidoreductase (QOR) activity. Importantly, cytosol exhibited no measurable GST-mediated detoxification of microsomally activated AFB(1), indicating that turkeys are deficient in the most crucial AFB(1)-detoxification pathway. In total, our data indicate that the extreme sensitivity of turkeys to AFB(1) may be attributed to a combination of efficient AFB(1) activation and deficient detoxification by phase II enzymes, such as GSTs.
Utility of axial and radial diffusivity from diffusion tensor MRI as markers of neurodegeneration in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Objective: To investigate changes in the diffusion tensor imaging measures, axial diffusivity and radial diffusivity, in addition to the more commonly used fractional anisotropy and mean diffusivity, in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) using the voxel-based statistical analysis tool, tract based spatial statistics. Methods: We studied 12 patients with ALS and 19 normal controls using diffusion tensor imaging; tract based spatial statistics was applied to study changes in fractional anisotropy, mean diffusivity, axial diffusivity and radial diffusivity values in brain white matter tracts. ALS patients were evaluated using clinical examination, administration of the revised ALS functional rating scale and measurement of the forced vital capacity. Results: In ALS patients, we found significant increases in axial diffusivity, radial diffusivity, and mean diffusivity and significant decreases in fractional anisotropy. Increases in axial diffusivity and radial diffusivity were more widespread and more prominent in the corticospinal tract than the decreases in fractional anisotropy. The decreases in fractional anisotropy were evident only in the corona radiata and genu of the corpus callosum. Conclusion: In ALS, axial diffusivity and radial diffusivity may be useful diffusion tensor imaging-derived indices to consider in addition to fractional anisotropy and mean diffusivity to aid in demonstrating neurodegenerative changes.
Liver Function Test Abnormalities and Pruritus in a Patient Treated with Atorvastatin: Case Report and Review of the Literature

The 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors (also known as statins) are associated with elevated transaminase levels in 1-3% of patients. Therapy with these drugs requires monitoring of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels because animal studies and premarketing clinical trials showed signs of hepatotoxicity that were primarily minor elevations of ALT. Nevertheless, postmarketing experience suggests that hepatotoxicity is rare, and that elevated ALT levels are reversible with continued therapy and probably are related to cholesterol lowering. Based on the low occurrence of ALT elevations and the lack of clinical evidence of hepatotoxicity, some clinicians are calling for a change in the current practice of monitoring liver function tests. We report, however, the case of a 71-year-old woman who was receiving atorvastatin and experienced elevated transaminase levels on two occasions, and developed pruritus on rechallenge with the drug. Thus, clinicians should be aware of asymptomatic elevations in liver function tests in patients receiving atorvastatin who do not have known risk factors for liver damage.
Clinical Dimensions of Masochism

In this paper, I propose a general classification of masochistic psychopathology and describe relations between this clinical domain and, other types of psychopathology. My main objective is to provide an outline relevant for diagnostic, prognostic, and treatment considerations of masochistic pathology. This includes descriptions of and relations among a wide variety of masochistic phenomena from the depressive-masochistic personality to extreme forms of self-de-structiveness. Ego organization, object relations, superego development, narcissistic organization, and polymorphous perverse infantile sexuality are considered as codeterminants of the levels and clinical features of masochistic pathology. Finally, the relations between masochistic pathology and negative therapeutic reactions are reexamined.
Preference of Formosan Subterranean Termites for Blue-Stained Southern Yellow Pine Sapwood

Little research has been conducted to investigate interactions between the invasive Formosan subterranean termite, Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki, and pine bark beetles native to the southeastern United States. Facilitative interactions between these organisms could alter stand dynamics and impact wood utilization strategies. American Wood Protection Association Standard E1-09 choice tests were carried out to determine the feeding preference of Formosan subterranean termites for blue-stained versus unstained southern yellow pine sapwood. Three separate colonies of Formosan subterranean termites consumed on average twice as much air-dried blue-stained southern yellow pine sapwood over unstained air-dried controls. Additionally, Formosan subterranean termites consumed over five-times more kiln-dried blue-stained sapwood than unstained kiln-dried control wafers. The implications of these results are particularly relevant to pine forest ecology, nutrient cycling, and the utilization of blue-stained southern pine building products in the southeastern United States, where Formosan subterranean termites have become established.
Determination of some hydride-forming elements in urine by resin complexation and inductively coupled plasma atomic spectroscopy

Abstract The separation and concentration properties of a poly(dithiocarbamate) resin combined with the generation of hydride into an inductively coupled plasma were examined for the determination of As, Bi, Sb, Se, Sn, and Te in urine. The pH-dependent complexation of these elements by the resin and resin digestion procedures are described. Optimum conditions for hydride generation and 1CP operation are established. Differential determination of Te(IV/VI) and Se(IV/VI) were obtained using select pH complexation by the resin.
Problem and pathological gambling among college athletes.

BackgroundProblematic gambling is common in college students, and in particular, athletes.MethodsThe frequency of problem and pathological gambling was determined among 636 college athletes at three Midwest universities using the South Oaks Gambling Screen (SOGS). The Gambling Attitude Scale (GAS) was used to assess college athletes’ attitudes toward gambling in general and toward four modes of gambling (casinos, betting on horse races, lottery and the Internet). A profile of college athletes’ gambling attitudes and behavior was developed through the data obtained from each of these instruments.ResultsNearly 15% of respondents had a SOGS score ≥3, indicating problem or pathological gambling. Those at risk for a gambling problem gambled frequently, had family and/or friends with perceived gambling problems, were nonwhite, older, started gambling at a younger age, preferred games of skill, and held positive attitudes toward gambling in general and Internet gambling, in particular.ConclusionsGambling problem...
Hierarchical classification of Web content

This paper explores the use of hierarchical structure for classifying a large, heterogeneous collection of web content. The hierarchical structure is initially used to train different second-level classifiers. In the hierarchical case, a model is learned to distinguish a second-level category from other categories within the same top level. In the flat non-hierarchical case, a model distinguishes a second-level category from all other second-level categories. Scoring rules can further take advantage of the hierarchy by considering only second-level categories that exceed a threshold at the top level.We use support vector machine (SVM) classifiers, which have been shown to be efficient and effective for classification, but not previously explored in the context of hierarchical classification. We found small advantages in accuracy for hierarchical models over flat models. For the hierarchical approach, we found the same accuracy using a sequential Boolean decision rule and a multiplicative decision rule. Since the sequential approach is much more efficient, requiring only 14%-16% of the comparisons used in the other approaches, we find it to be a good choice for classifying text into large hierarchical structures.
The Design and Testing of Small, Low-cost GPS-tracked Surface Drifters

We have designed and constructed drifters appropriate for use in regions characterized by limited horizontal extent. The drifters follow the upper 30 cm of surface currents, but can be modified to follow water at any depth. The drifters store their latitude and longitude internally, and transmit their current latitude and longitude to a handheld Global Positioning System (GPS)-radio receiver, making their location and subsequent retrieval straight forward A field test of six drifters in Hog Island Bay, Virginia, United States, in August 2003 was successful and led to several design improvements. With simple construction and a total materials cost of under U.S.$200 this design will make drifters an accessible part of interdisciplinary experiments, provide a potentially valuable educational tool, and make experiments that require large numbers of drifters more cost-effective.
Construction of approximately N-representable density matrices

A method is given for obtaining the density matrix or matrices, expressible in terms of a given set of spin geminals, which are as nearly $N$ representable as possible. A measure of $N$ representability is introduced as the norm of the antisymmetric component of a normalized wave function leading to the density matrix. An error estimate is given for the maximum deviation of an energy calculated with the density matrix from that calculated with an antisymmetric wave function. Linear variational parameters may occur in the density matrix, and their number can be increased at the expense of $N$ representability. Implementation of the method requires diagonalization of a large matrix, and the consequences of truncation are considered. The method is also related to the problem of the exact $N$ representability of a given density matrix.
Handling interacting positive components in machining feature reasoning using convex decomposition

Abstract Form features to the product shape can be recognized using a convex decomposition called alternating sum of volumes with partitioning (ASVP). Since the form feature decomposition is compact and faithful to the product shape, it includes both positive and negative components. For machining applications, the positive components are converted into corresponding negative components to represent the removal volume. The positive to negative conversion is done in a top-down manner by abstracting the positive components using halfspaces determined by the original faces and combining with the parent negative component. In this paper, the handling of interacting sibling positive components which have a common parent component in the positive to negative conversion is described. Interacting sibling positive components are sequentially ordered based on face dependency and extremality. Coplanarity of some faces is exploited to obtain a concise negative feature decomposition.
Economic Impacts of Using Switchgrass as a Feedstock for Ethanol Production: A Case Study Located in East Tennessee

One of the major motivations to establish a biobased energy sector in the United States is to promote economic development in the rural areas of the nation. This study estimated the economic impact of investing and operating a switchgrass-based ethanol plant in East Tennessee. Applying a spatially oriented mixed-integer mathematical programming model, we first determined the location of biorefinery, feedstock draw area, and the resources used in various feedstock supply systems by minimizing the total plant gate cost of feedstock. Based on the model output, an input-output model was utilized to determine the total economic impact, including direct, indirect, and induced effects of feedstock investment and annual production in the study region. Moreover, the economic impact of ethanol plant investment and annual conversion operation was analyzed. Results suggest that the total annual expenditures in an unprotected large round bale system generated a total $92.5 million in economic output within the 13 counties of East Tennessee. In addition, an estimated $234 million in overall economic output was generated through the operation of the biorefinery. This research showed that the least-cost configuration of the feedstock supply chain influenced the levels and types of economic impact of biorefinery.
Mesophilic Aeromonads in Human Disease: Current Taxonomy, Laboratory Identification, and Infectious Disease Spectrum

The importance of the genus Aeromonas in human disease has recently become better appreciated through the use of improved methodologies for the recovery and identification of aeromonads from biologic specimens and as a result of medical studies aimed at determining the clinical significance of these bacteria when isolated from localized and invasive infections of humans. Taxonomic schemes currently allow for the identification of six Aeromonas species (five mesophilic and one psychrophilic), four of the five mesophilic species having been recovered from infectious processes or isolated from clinical material of human origin. Two major categories of human illness attributed to Aeromonas species have been observed: acute gastroenteritis in both pediatric and adult populations and disseminated disease (e.g., bacteremia) in persons with underlying hematologic malignancies or hepatic dysfunctions. Although the role of mesophilic aeromonads as important agents of bacterial gastroenteritis remains unconfirmed because of the inability to fulfill Koch's postulates (no animal model), several lines of compelling clinical and laboratory evidence indicate that these microorganisms are significant enteric pathogens. Members of the genus Aeromonas have been recognized for almost 100 years. Their initial observation is credited to Sanarelli, who reported in 1891 the isolation from a frog of a bacterium (Bacillus hydrophilus) that, upon reinoculation into cold- and warmblooded animals, produced septicemia and disease
A split-screen electronic messaging system for Apple II computers

A method is described for configuring an Apple II+ or Apple IIe computer to create a multiuser, multiwindowed, electronic messaging system for use in computer-mediated communication research.
3,5-dichloro-4-cyanobenzoic acid : two polymorphs and the 0.25-hydrate, exhibiting two-dimensional ribbons and nets involving hydrogen-bonding and intermolecular Cl···N interactions

Two polymorphs of 3,5-dichloro-4-cyanobenzoic acid, C 8 H 3 Cl 2 NO 2 , viz. triclinic and monoclinic, and its 0.25-hydrate, C 8 H 3 Cl 2 NO 2 ·0.25H 2 O, form crystals in which hydrogen bonding and Cl-···N interactions appear to be equally important to the structures. In all three structures, there are hydrogen-bonded (COOH) dimers of the well known cyclic type, but in the hydrate there are also dimers in which the two opposing COOH groups are separated by a water molecule. In the monoclinic polymorph and in the hydrate, the intermolecular interactions form two-dimensional nets interwoven three at a time. For both the triclinic and monoclinic polymorphs, Z'= 2.
NOMENCLATURAL NOTES ON DISCOPLEA EHRENBERG

The generic name Discoplea Ehrenb. is neither available in zoological nomenclature nor validly published in botanical nomenclature. Of the 23 binomials that Ehrenberg applied to new species and for which he published descriptions and/or illustrations, all but two were validated by either Kutzing (13 names) or Ralfs (8 names) by being transferred into validly published genera (Cyclotella and Coscinodiscus). The validated names should be accredited directly to either Kutzing or Ralfs, as the case may be. They may serve as currently accepted names (e.g., Cyclotella astraea Kutz.) or as basionyms of currently accepted names (e.g., Coscinodiscus graecus Kutz., the basionym of the combination Puncticulata graeca (Kutz.) Hak.).
Microstructural aspects of non-homogeneity of grain-boundary sliding

Direct observation in the scanning electron microscope of grain-boundary sliding (GBS) in Pb-62%Sn eutectic alloy, superplastically deformed in shear, showed non-uniformity of GBS. Such non-homogeneity of GBS reveals itself as sliding of large grain blocks with dimensions of tens of grain size and sliding of grain groups with dimensions of a few (four to eight) grain size. Sliding of large blocks of grains is a result of the sliding of grains as an entity along grain boundaries of former dendritic boundaries. The sliding of grain groups is due to the cooperative manner of GBS. Experimentally observed size of the grain groups can be explained from the view point of cooperative GBS, caused by glide of cellular dislocations.
Ecological Interactions Between Gila Monsters (Heloderma suspectum) and Desert Tortoises (Gopherus agassizii)

Abstract We report on ecological interactions between the Gila monster (Heloderma suspectum) and the desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) in the Mojave Desert of southern Nevada. Eggs of desert tortoises are an important source of food for Gila monsters, and although tortoises are not always successful, they vigorously defend their nests from predation by Gila monsters. Shelters were co-occupied by these two species only during the nesting season for desert tortoises, and Gila monsters occupied shelters almost exclusively with female tortoises, probably because these shelters were nesting sites.
Measurement of Fineness of Cotton by Air-Flow Methods

Using 7 varieties of cotton harvested at different times to give an extremely wide range in fiber development, a study was made of the air-flow method of measuring fineness and maturity of the lint. The data show that when porosity meters are calibrated in units of weight per unit length of fiber (i.e., fineness) the curves for different varieties of cotton are quite different. This is due to the fact that resistance to air-flow through a fiber plug correlates more closely with the surface area of the fibers composing the plug than with their fineness. This surface area varies with variety and maturity, independently of the fineness of the cotton.Using a plug of constant weight and volume made of fibers having a constant density enables the use of a simple theory which predicts essentially the actual variation of air-flow with both variety and maturity of the cottons tested. Two quite different types of air-flow apparatus are shown to give similar results that are more consistent with the specific surface...
Does it hurt to say um

This paper examines whether the profusion of ums that so many speakers produce is noticed, and whether these ums influence what audiences think of speakers. Even though ums do not seem to be a product of anxiety or lack of preparation, the first study, using a simple questionnaire, indicated that the average listener assumes that they are. The second study manipulated um rates by editing a tape to create a version where ums were replaced by silence or were eliminated. The original and edited versions were played to audiences who were told to focus on either the content or the style, or were not given any particular instructions. Estimates of ums showed no sensitivity whatsoever in the content focus, some sensitivity without focus instruction, and greatest sensitivity with the style focus, suggesting that ums can be, but are not always, processed automatically. On subjective ratings of the speaker, filled pauses created a better impression than silent pauses, but no pauses proved best of all. The ums had an effect even in conditions where the audience was unable to report their presence.
Assessing the insurance role of microsavings

The paper contends that more attention should be paid to micro savings in view of multiple ways in which it can help poor to deal with economic insecurity. The paper presents information to show that while microsaving programs have spread, their full potential is far from being realized. It presents a detailed analysis on the basis of data from a selection of micro savings programs to show how savings help the poor to smooth consumption and undertake investment. The paper urges for a strong campaign to popularise micro saving programs.
Performance analysis of parameter estimation of superimposed signals by dynamic programming

The problem of fitting a model composed of a number of superimposed signals to noisy data using the maximum likelihood (ML) criterion is considered. A dynamic programming (DP) algorithm which solves the problem efficiently is presented. An asymptotic property of the estimates is derived, and a bound on the bias of the estimates is given. The bound is then computed using perturbation analysis and compared with computer simulation results. The results show that the DP algorithm is a versatile and efficient algorithm for parameter estimation. In practical applications, the estimates can be refined by a local search (e.g., the Gauss-Newton method) of the exact ML criterion, initialized by the DP estimates. >
The Basic Reproductive Ratio of Life

Template-directed polymerization of nucleotides is believed to be a pathway for the replication of genetic material in the earliest cells. We assume that activated monomers are produced by prebiotic chemistry. These monomers can undergo spontaneous polymerization, a system that we call “prelife.” Adding template-directed polymerization changes the equilibrium structure of prelife if the rate constants meet certain criteria. In particular, if the basic reproductive ratio of sequences of a certain length exceeds one, then those sequences can attain high abundance. Furthermore, if many sequences replicate, then the longest sequences can reach high abundance even if the basic reproductive ratios of all sequences are less than one. We call this phenomenon “subcritical life.” Subcritical life suggests that sequences long enough to be ribozymes can become abundant even if replication is relatively inefficient. Our work on the evolution of replication has interesting parallels to infection dynamics. Life (replication) can be seen as an infection of prelife.
Population in motion: Salvadorean refugees and circulation migration

Abstract The profound socio-political crisis in El Salvador fully revealed itself in the events of 1979 and 1980, developing into an open civil war beginning on 10 January 1981. The conflict generated a series of profound changes in the social structure of the country (Segundo Montes, 1988: 107).
Crossing the qualitative-quantitative chasm III Enduring methods, open geography, participatory research, and the fourth paradigm

In our third and final report, we again prioritize the open embrace of methodological differences, seeking to span the qualitative-quantitative chasm in different ways. Amid broad focus on methodol...
Secure aggregation for wireless networks

An emerging class of important applications uses ad hoc wireless networks of low-power sensor devices to monitor and send information about a possibly hostile environment to a powerful base station connected to a wired network. To conserve power, intermediate network nodes should aggregate results from individual sensors. However, this opens the risk that a single compromised sensor device can render the network useless, or worse, mislead the operator into trusting a false reading. We present a protocol that provides a secure aggregation mechanism for wireless networks that is resilient to both intruder devices and single device key compromises. Our protocol is designed to work within the computation, memory and power consumption limits of inexpensive sensor devices, but takes advantage of the properties of wireless networking, as well as the power asymmetry between the devices and the base station.
Swimming in circles: motion of bacteria near solid boundaries

Near a solid boundary, Escherichia coli swims in clockwise circular motion. We provide a hydrodynamic model for this behavior. We show that circular trajectories are natural consequences of force-free and torque-free swimming and the hydrodynamic interactions with the boundary, which also leads to a hydrodynamic trapping of the cells close to the surface. We compare the results of the model with experimental data and obtain reasonable agreement. In particular, the radius of curvature of the trajectory is observed to increase with the length of the bacterium body.
Immunoglobulins of the Middle Ear Fluid in Acute Otitis Media: Relationship to Serum Immunoglobulin Concentrations and Bacterial Cultures

Immunoglobulin concentrations were studied in 255 specimens of middle ear fluid (MEF) from 165 episodes of acute otitis media in children. There were significant amounts of all three major immunoglobulins (Ig) in MEF, the mean concentration of IgA being 39 mg/100 ml, of IgM 63 mg/100 ml, and of IgG 383 mg/100 ml. Secretory component was present in all 10 MEF specimens in which it was sought. In patients over 9 months of age, there was a decreased likelihood of isolating pathogenic bacteria from MEF if the patient had higher concentrations of IgA in MEF than in simultaneously obtained serum. IgA concentrations were greater in MEF than in serum in almost half the patients, and the mean MEF-serum ratio for IgA was 1.38. Thus, it would appear that in this disorder MEF represents primarily a secretory response to inflammation rather than a transudate.
Some comparisons among spectral sensitivity data obtained in different retinal locations and with two sizes of foveal stimulus.

Relative cone sensitivity measurements were made from 420 mμ to 700 mμ in the spectrum using 42 minute and 3 minute diameter test-light fields in the fovea and a 42 minute diameter field at 10° in the periphery. The data were analyzed with reference to (a) the suggestion that the humps found in the blue region of the spectrum result from the absorption of macular pigment, (b) changes in the over-all shape of the sensitivity function, and (c) the number of humps in the sensitivity function. Two humps were found below 500 mμ in the fovea, one in the orange, and possibly two or three between 500 mμ and 580 mμ. Consideration of the possible origin of the humps favored the conclusion that the humps in the blue region of the spectrum were contributed to by cone activity, since measurements at 10° in the periphery, where there is no pigment, produced an exaggerated hump in the blue below 470 mμ which could only be ascribed to cone activity. Systematic changes in the shape of the functions indicated little change in the long wavelength portion of the curves over the three stimulus conditions, but sizable changes in the relative sensitivity to the short wavelengths. The 10° periphery is increasingly more sensitive than the fovea as wavelengths become shorter than 520 mμ, while the 42′ foveal area is appreciably more sensitive than the 3′ area to blue wavelengths.
United States policy in Latin America : a quarter century of crisis and challenge, 1961-1986

The Dawn of the World, one of the great classics in American Indian oral literature, was collected from Miwok Indian peoples at the turn of the century by a natural scientist. C. Hart Merriam, famous in biology as well as anthropology, heard these myths and legends of the Miwok Indians of central California at a time when original cultural memories could still be recounted. This book provides the reader with a special view of their world--of the cultural and philosophical ways of the ancestors of today's Miwok Indian peoples. Until now rare and hard to find, it is to he enjoyed and used by peoples of many cultures."--Lowell J. Bean. The stories collected in The Dawn of the World were related by the Miwok elders "after the first rains of the winter season, usually in the ceremonial roundhouse and always at night by the dim light of a flickering fire. They constitute the religious history of the tribe, and from time immemorial have been handed down by word of mouth," writes C. Hart Merriam. Included are creation myths and accounts of the First People, beings who antedated humans, as well as tales about animals, death and ghosts, witches and giants, and natural phenomena. A professor of anthropology at California State University, Hayward, Lowell J. Bean is director of the C. F. Smith Museum of Anthropology. He is the author of Mukat's People: The Cahuilla Indians of Southern California (1972).
Genotyping single nucleotide polymorphisms using intact polymerase chain reaction products by electrospray quadrupole mass spectrometry.

Both single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and mutations are commonly observed in the gene encoding the tumor suppressor protein, p53. SNPs occur at specific locations within genes whereas mutations may be distributed across large regions of genes. When determining nucleotide differences, mass spectrometry is the only method other than Sanger sequencing which offers direct structural information. Electrospray ionization (ESI) quadrupole mass spectrometry (MS) analysis of intact polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products was performed following a simple purification and on-line heating to limit ion adduction. The PCR products were amplified directly from genomic DNA rather than plasmids, as in our previous work. Two known polymorphisms of the p53 gene were genotyped. A cytosine (C) or guanine (G) transversion, designated C G (G C on the opposite strand), were each detected by a 40.0 Da change upon ESI quadrupole MS analysis. Using known PCR products as standards, the genotypes determined for 10 human samples corresponded with restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis. Cytosine/thymine (T) transitions, designated C T (G A on the opposite strand), were also genotyped by ESI-MS. This SNP is discriminated by a 15.0 Da change on one strand (C T) and a 16.0 Da change on the other (G A). Appropriate sample preparation and instrumental configuration (including heated sample inlet syringe and MS source), to limit adducts, are both vital for successful ESI quadrupole MS analysis of intact PCR products.
A continuous multivariate exponential distribution that is multivariate phase type

Abstract A reliability model for a bivariate exponential distribution is extended to the multivariate case. The multivariate exponential distribution is then shown to be of multivariate phase type (MPH), and its MPH representation is derived.
An Appellate Court Case Assignment Algorithm

This paper describes a case assignment (calendaring) algorithm for a multi-judge appellate court system. In the algorithm, cases of unequal work content are selected for assignment to one of m panels (or clusters) from a set of N available cases. Each panel of cases is heard by a team of three judges. Each appellate case has an estimated work load and a priority ranking based on the type of appeal and filing date with the court. The algorithm balances both the total work load and the number of cases assigned to each panel while insuring that the highest priority cases are assigned to those available. The assignment problem is normally capacity constrained in that not all of the N cases can be assigned to one of the m panels on the monthly calendar. The algorithm is based on a neighborhood search and bounding principle that continually improves upon an initial feasible solution. Empirical results are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency of the algorithm.
Special Issue: Significance of Tissue Chromaffin Cells and Mast Cells in Man

Tissue mast cells have been a source of great curiosity since their conclusive description by Ehrlich over 80 years ago. They have been implicated in a vast majority of connective tissue reactions both of physiologic and pathologic nature. In some species at least, mast cells have been implicated in the production, storage and release of potent cardiovascular substances including heparin, serotonin and histamine. The present report is directed particularly toward man. Evidence is presented suggesting that human tissue cells previously lumped into one large group on the basis of granular metachromasia and termed tissue mast cells, represent at least two morphologically distinct cellular types. Difference in function of these cells may be great. There is evidence that one type may be a local tissue source for epinephrine, norepinephrine, or both. It is suggested that mast cells as a whole may represent a spectrum of cell types having numerous differences in ultrastructure and function. It is believed that t...
Making sense of the newspaper crisis: A critical assessment of existing research and an agenda for future work

This article analyzes recent research on the newspaper crisis. It discusses how authors have examined the sources, manifestations, and implications of this crisis, and the proposals to resolve it. In addition, the essay critically examines this body of work by assessing the main spatial and temporal contexts that researchers have studied, the theories and methods that authors employ, and the analytical tropes they have deployed to make sense of the crisis. Building on this assessment of existing research, the article outlines an agenda for future work that fosters an analysis of the process, history, comparative development, and manifold implications of this crisis, and advances various empirical strategies to examine some of its most under-theorized dimensions.
Availability of Medical Countermeasures for Bioterrorism Events: US Legal and Regulatory Options

Plans for mass distribution of medical countermeasures raise challenging problems, including legal and regulatory issues. Many in the distribution chain have expressed concerns over the potential for liability when countermeasures are distributed in accordance with large-scale response plans. This is of particular concern if the medical countermeasure involved has not been approved, cleared, or licensed by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This article discusses legal and regulatory options for countermeasure distribution that address liability concerns and access to unapproved countermeasures during an emergency.
Does Relocation Still Benefit Corporations and Employees

Abstract This paper reviews the literature on corporate relocation from the perspective of both the employer and the employee. Patterns of mobility as well as factors effecting willingness to relocate are discussed. Literature related to stress and relocation, from the viewpoint of the employee, spouse and children is reviewed. A summary of the legal aspects of job relocation and the dos and don'ts of human resource policy is also provided. Finally, alternatives to job relocation are suggested and a recommendation on the direction in which the literature and research should progress is provided.
Natality of Ruffed Grouse Bonasa umbellus in Central Wisconsin, USA

Radio-marked female ruffed grouse Bonasa umbellus were monitored in central Wisconsin, USA, during 1983–1988 to estimate nesting rates (the percentage of hens that initiate a clutch), clutch size, nest success, and the prevalence and success of renests. All 23 radio-marked females initiated a clutch, 22 completed a first clutch; the remaining hen was killed by a predator during laying. Mean clutch size of first nests was 11.0 ± 0.5 eggs (range = 7–13). Five of nine (56%) hens attempted to renest with a mean clutch size of 7.4 ± 1.3 eggs (range = 6–9). Mean nest success was 46%; 43% for yearlings and 60% for adults. First nests produced the large majority of eggs that hatched (86.1%) compared to renests (13.9%). Productivity was estimated at 5.8 chicks hatched for each hen alive on 20 April, the mean date of the first egg laid.
Shoot Morphology of Eleven Alfalfa Populations

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is a major component of feed for dairy and beef cattle and one of the most productive forage species in North America. Alfalfa has been planted on millions of acres. More than 100 varieties have been developed in North America over the past 100 years. However, historically, alfalfa persistence under grazing in semiarid rangeland has generally been poor. Recently, it was discovered that naturally-selected populations of predominantly yellow-flowered alfalfa have been proven to be adapted to rangelands of western South Dakota and adjacent areas. A study was initiated in May 2006 to evaluate persistence and vigor of eleven alfalfa populations (conventional-hay type, pasture type, pure falcata, and predominately falcata) by transplanting seedlings into native and tame grasslands in South Dakota. The objective of this experiment was to investigate shoot morphology of eleven alfalfa populations in tame grasslands. The experiment was a randomized complete block design with three replications of five plants in 1.2 m long single-row plots. For each population, aboveground biomass of all plants was harvested and ten stems were randomly selected on July 25, 2008. For each stem, the morphological characteristics measured included: a) length & basal diameter, b) number of nodes, branches, pods, c) ratios of leaf to stem, branch to stem, reproductive to vegetative biomass. The results showed that pure falcata cultivar Don had the shortest and thinnest stem, the highest proportion of total stem weight in leaves and reproductive to vegetative biomass ratio, but the lowest stem total biomass. Naturally-selected predominately falcata population from Wind River Seed Co. had the longest, thickest, heaviest, most branched and pods produced stem compared to the other populations. SHOOT MORPHOLOGY OF ELEVEN 129
The Chronology of Xunzi's Works

On the basis of a chronology developed after a review of the datable events in Xunzi's life, his career is divided into seven periods which characterize distinct phases of his intellectual development, some well-attested, others poorly understood. Within his works there are a number of clues, princi...
Genetically Dominant Spinal Cord Repair in a Murine Model of Chronic Progressive Multiple Sclerosis

For reasons that are not well understood, central nervous system repair in multiple sclerosis is often minimal. We present evidence, in a murine model of chronic progressive multiple sclerosis, that genetic factors can substantially influence remyelination, axonal integrity, and neurologic function. Four inbred mouse strains, SJL, B10.D1-H2 q , FVB, and SWR, developed extensive inflammatory demyelination by 3 months after infection with Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus. Demyelination continued lifelong in SJL and B10.D1-H2 q mice, accompanied by axonal injury, minimal remyelination, and progressive motor dysfunction. In contrast, FVB and SWR mice showed less axonal injury, progressive remyelination, and stabilization of motor function. Genetic dominance of the reparative traits was demonstrated by crossing remyelinating strains (FVB and SWR) with nonremyelinating strains (SJL and B10.D1-H2 q ). All Fl mice developed a phenotype identical to FVB and SWR, showing extensive remyelination, partial preservation of axons, and preserved motor function. Analyses of viral RNA and antigen, immune cell infiltration, and antiviral antibody titers did not predict the phenotypic differences between strains. These results highlight the significant extent to which hereditary factors can control disease course and demonstrate that the switch from a pathogenic to a reparative phenotype can occur even after prolonged inflammatory demyelination.
Developmental inhibition of mosquitoes and the house fly by urea analogues.

Exposure of larvae of 5 mosquito species, beginning with 3rd instars, led to LC-95 (inhibition of development) values ranging from 0.005 to 0.01 ppm for OMS-1803 and 0.001 to 0.005 ppm for OMS-1804. Flour treated with 0.01% or 0.05% of these compounds added to test pans as an initial feeding was effective in preventing emergence of adults. The compounds appeared to affect the molting process. Against the house fly, OMS-1804 as a larval medium treatment was markedly more effective than OMS-1803. A concentration of 5 ppm OMS-1804 prevented development to the pupal stage.
Influence of Host Plants on the Reproductive Success of the Parthenogenetic Two-Banded Japanese Weevil, Callirhopalus bifasciatus (Roelofs) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

Suitability of feeding hosts of the two-banded Japanese weevil, Callirhopalus bifasciatus (Roelofs), was evaluated by comparing fecundity of adults fed different foliar diets in the laboratory. Host plants, arranged in order of increasing suitability (i.e., mean fecundity of weevils), were Kalmia latifolia L., Rhododendron maximum L., Ligustrum vulgare L., Cornus florida L., and Rosa multiflora Thunb. Fecundity was negatively correlated with preoviposition period (i.e., period of ovarian development between adult emergence and initial oviposition) and leaf toughness and was positively correlated with frequency of feeding, reproductive rate, water content of fresh leaves, and N content of dry leaves. Egg laying by weevils on each foliar diet was greater during the first half than the second half of the oviposition period. Decrease in the second half corresponded closely to a reduction in foliar N. Fecundity increased significantly when adult diet was switched from K. latifolia , R. maximum , or L. vulgare to R. multiflora during consecutive 6-day periods and decreased significantly when it was changed from R. multiflora to K. latifolia or R. maximum . Measurement of the preoviposition period may be a practical technique for evaluating the suitability of adult feeding hosts.
Small-signal Dynamic Modeling and Analysis of a Microgrid Composed of Inverter-interfaced Distributed Generations

The ideal inverter model and state-less impedance model of network and loads are currently used to analyze the small-signal stability of a microgrid,which will cause important dynamics to be omitted. To capture the dynamics of a microgrid and large power inverters more accurately,a complete small-signal model of a microgrid composed of inverter-interfaced distributed generations is developed. This integrated model consists of two sub-models: one is the small-signal sub-model of network and loads considering dynamics and the other is the small-signal sub-model of inverters including voltage and current controller dynamics. Using the model constructed,the step response results with the active load increased by 20% are obtained,which are verified by the results obtained from simulation of the same situation in PSCAD/EMTDC. The eigenvalues of state matrix of the small-signal model for a microgrid can be used to directly investigate the small-signal stability. A sensitivity analysis is further performed to help identify the origin of the dominant low frequency eigenvalues. The development of the model can optimize the control parameters and improve the small-signal stability of a microgrid.
The Plight of the Artist's Life——On Kafka's "A Hunger Artist"

The novel "A Hunger Artist" tells the reader an artist from the being popular to being forgotten,and the cage is where the hunger artist lives.He refuses to communicate with the outside world,only to carry out the hunger performances.His art cannot get the people's idenfication,in a state of forgotten existence.But the artist stick to his choice,which is full of absurdity and also determines his tragic destiny.
Evolution of THz impulse imaging radar to 1550nm photoconductive switches

We present measurements of sub-bandgap photoconductivity and photoconductive switches using GaAs doped heavily with Er such that nanoparticles of ErAs are formed. In addition to strong resonant absorption centered around 1550 nm, the material provides strong sub-bandgap photoconductivity and >> μW average power levels when fabricated into an efficient (square spiral) THz antenna and driven by a 1550- nm ultrafast fiber laser. Photo-Hall measurements prove that the predominant photocarrier is the electron and the linearity of the 1550-nm photocurrent (with laser power) suggests that the photoconductivity is “extrinsic”, not other possible mechanisms, such as two-photon absorption. These results have immediate relevance to the use of GaAs:Er switches as the transmitter in 1550-nm-driven THz imaging systems such as the “impulse imager” that we have successfully used for biomedical imaging applications.
Neotomadon alstoni (Mexican volcan mouse)

The male specimen was collected by Dr. R. J. Baker 42 km S. of Mexico City, Mexico, in 1966. Lung cultures were initiated for cytological preparations. The female karyotype was a gift of Dr. J. Paulete. However, in the report of Uribe et al. (1973), the Y chromosome is as long as the X and the X is not one of the longest biarmed chromosomes. Thus the arrangement of the female karyotype is different from the original report.
The effects of nutrition of lipid metabolism.

Nutritional factors have important effects upon lipid metabolism in man and indeed play the dominant role in the pathogenesis of the hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis so commonly found in populations of the Western World. Many past investigations have documented that certain dietary substances have decisive effects upon the serum lipid concentrations and the sterol balance of the body. These dietary factors are sterols, fats and total calories. This review will focus upon a discussion of their roles. Other substances whose effects are to date less well defined but which may have some influence especially in certain individuals, include carbohydrates, fiber and alcohol. Proteins, minerals and vitamins have little or no effect upon lipid metabolism in amounts and kinds typically consumed by the American population.
Chapter II : 12 – REFLECTED SHOCKS IN SIO2*

Pavlovskii et al. 1 , by compression by a magnetic field, find a transition on the quartz isentrope at 125 GPa. The transition, having a 2-fold increase in density over and above the density increase from quartz to stishovite, is ascribed to the metalization of quartz. The geophysical implications of such a transition would be profound. One would not see such a transition in singly-shocked quartz because all the shock energy would be increasing the thermal energy. Accordingly, we have performed second-shock experiments on a fine-grained quartz. These data will be presented. No evidence for a catastrophic volume collapse was found for second shocks up to 145 GPa.