cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fabrication and optical modulation of top-emitting yellow light polymer light-emitting diodes on the FR4 board

Abstract Top-emitting yellow light polymer light-emitting diodes (PLEDs) were fabricated on the FR4 board for future application in optical interconnects. A 100 μm thick glass plate with sputtered Ag films on the back side for light reflection was bonded to the board for smooth surface. The PLED had a structure of indium tin oxide /poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)poly(styrenesulfonate)/phenyl substituted polypa raphenylene-vinylene/Ba/Ag and reached the brightness of 4528 cd/m2 with a corresponding current efficiency of 7 cd/A. A small AC signal imposed onto a DC bias was employed to characterize the electroluminescence delay time and hole mobility in the PDY-132 super yellow films.
Smoothing Protein Energy Landscapes by Integrating Folding Models with Structure Prediction

Decades of work has investigated the energy landscapes of simple protein models, but what do the landscapes of real, large, atomically detailed proteins look like? We explore an approach to this problem that systematically extracts simple funnel models of actual proteins using ensembles of structure predictions and physics-based atomic force fields and sampling. Central to our effort are calculations of a quantity called the relative entropy, which quantifies the extent to which a given set of structure decoys and a putative native structure can be projected onto a theoretical funnel description. We examine 86 structure prediction targets and one coupled folding-binding system, and find that in a majority of cases the relative entropy robustly signals which structures are nearest to native (i.e., which appear to lie closest to a funnel bottom). Importantly, the landscape model improves substantially upon purely energetic measures in scoring decoys. Our results suggest that physics-based models—including both folding theories and all-atom force fields—may be successfully integrated with structure prediction efforts. Conversely, detailed predictions of structures and the relative entropy approach enable one to extract coarse topographic features of protein landscapes that may enhance the development and application of simpler folding models.
ELECTRIC-FIELD AND MULTIPLE-FOIL EXCITATION EXPERIMENTS ON BEAM-FOIL- EXCITED HYDROGEN ATOMS.

Four experiments involving individual and combined effects of electric fields and multiple exciter foils on beam-foil-excited hydrogen atoms are described.The use of multiple exciter foils shows that excitation equilibrium does not occur in the thin carbon foils used here. The change of the rate of decay of Ly-α flux emitted by beam-foil excited hydrogen atoms in an electric field has been used to determine the relative populations of the 2s and 2p levels at the foil. The 2s level is overpopulated with respect to the 2p level when one foil is used and two exciter foils enhance the overpopulations. Photoelectric measurements of Ly-α flux and photographic measurements of the decay of Balmer-δ flux emitted by atoms in an electric field show that quasiperiodic intensity variations exist on the decay curve. The variations are attributed to the effect of the electric field but discrepancies arise between the experimental frequencies and those calculated from Stark-effect theory.
Acid dissolution of copper oxides as a method for the activation of Cu(0) wire catalyst for SET‐LRP

Here we reported the acid dissolution of copper oxides as a methodology for the activation of Cu(0) wire used as catalyst in single-electron transfer living radical polymerization (SET-LRP). In this method, the oxide layer on the surface of commercial Cu(0) wire was removed by dissolution in a concentrated acid such as nitric acid, glacial acetic acid and hydrochloric acid. SET-LRP of methyl acrylate catalyzed with Cu(0) wire activated with acids showed comparable k value to that of the nonactivated Cu(0) wire-catalyzed counterpart. However, the polymerizations catalyzed with activated Cu(0) wire proceeded with no initial induction period, predictable molecular weight evolution with conversion, and narrow molecular weight distribution. Regardless of the activation method, the chain end functionality of α,δ-di(bromo) poly(methyl acrylate) (PMA) prepared from SET-LRP initiated with a bifunctional initiator is extremely high, maintaining a 100% chain end functionality at ∼90% monomer conversion. The degree of bimolecular termination increased as the polymerization exceeds 92% conversion. However, for binfunctional initiators this small amount of bimolecular termination at high conversion maintains a perfectly bifunctional polymer. Structural analysis by MALDI-TOF upon thioetherification of α,δ- di(bromo) PMA with thiophenol and 4-fluorothiophenol confirmed the high fidelity of bromide chain ends.
Using Confirmatory Factor Analysis and the Rasch Model to Assess Measurement Invariance in a High Stakes Reading Assessment

The psychometric properties and multigroup measurement invariance of scores across subgroups, items, and persons on the Reading for Meaning items from the Georgia Criterion Referenced Competency Test (CRCT) were assessed in a sample of 778 seventh-grade students. Specifically, we sought to determine the extent to which score-based inferences on a high stakes state assessment hold across several subgroups within the population of students. To that end, both confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and Rasch (1980) models were used to assess measurement invariance. Results revealed a unidimensional construct with factorial-level measurement invariance across disability status (students with and without specific learning disabilities), but not across test accommodations (resource guide, read-aloud, and standard administrations). Item-level analysis using the Rasch Model also revealed minimal differential item functioning across disability status, but not accommodation status.
Manipulating interactions between functional colloidal particles and polyethylene surfaces using interfacial engineering

The purpose of this study was to examine the interaction between lipid droplets and polyethylene surfaces, representative of those commonly used in food packaging. Lipid droplets with various surface charges were prepared by homogenizing corn oil and water in the presence of surfactants with different electrical characteristics: non-ionic (Tween 80, T80), cationic (lauric arginate, LAE), and/or anionic (sodium dodecyl sulfate, SDS). The ionic properties of polyethylene surfaces were modified by UV-treatment. Stable emulsions containing small droplets (d<200 nm) with nearly neutral (T80), cationic (T80: LAE), and anionic (T80: SDS) charges were prepared by adding different levels of the ionic surfactants to Tween 80 stabilized emulsions. Scanning electronic microscopy (SEM), confocal fluorescence microscopy, and ATR-FTIR showed that the number of droplets attached to the polyethylene surfaces depended on the droplet charge and the polyethylene surface characteristics. The greatest degree of droplet adsorption was observed for the cationic droplets to the UV-ozone treated polyethylene surfaces, which was attributed to electrostatic attraction. These results are important for understanding the behavior of encapsulated lipophilic components in food containers.
Five-Year Clinical Experience with the Omniscience Cardiac Valve

Abstract Clinical data on the Omniscience cardiac valve prosthesis (sizes 19 to 31 mm) were obtained from 326 patients (155, aortic valve replacement [AVR]; 125, mitral valve replacement [MVR]; and 46, double-valve replacement) during a five-year period (650 patient-years) with 96% accountability. Mean age was 56 ± 12 years, and 40% (130) of the patients were 61 years old or older. Thirty-one percent (101) had prior or concomitant coronary artery bypass grafting procedures, 9% (28) had a previous malfunctioning prosthesis, and 17% (57) had other cardiac surgical procedures. Eighty percent were in New York Heart Association (NYHA) Functional Class III or IV preoperatively. Early mortality was 10% (34). Five-year actuarial thrombus-free rate is 96% for patients who underwent AVR and 95% for patients having MVR. Postoperatively, 89% (172/193) were in NYHA Class I or II, and 84% (163/193) improved by at least one Functional Class. A significantly high proportion of the postoperative hematological values fall within normal ranges: red blood cell count, 94% (176/187); hematocrit, 88% (166/188); and hemoglobin, 93% (176/190). Ninety-eight percent (287/292) are free from clinical anemia. Four of the 5 patients with clinical anemia had a preoperative history of this condition. Levels of lactic dehydrogenase in 3 patients suggested the probable presence of clinically significant hemolysis, although all 3 have normal hematological values. Actuarial five-year survival for patients who underwent AVR or MVR are similar (82% and 80%, respectively), indicating satisfactory and comparable levels of safety and performance. Based on the duration of the study and the absence of restrictive selection criteria, which would eliminate high-risk patients, these clinical data demonstrate a reliable degree of safety and performance for this prosthesis.
Oscilltions of a thick rectangular strip initially stressed by a finite bi-axial compression

Small oscillations and stability of a rectangular strip subject to a plane-strain finite homogeneous deformation produced by a uniformly distributed bi-axial load are investigated, two opposite faces of the strip being assumed to remain plane and move in a translatory manner. The material is assumed to be hyperelastic and incompressible. The governing equations consist of two equations of motion and a condition of incompressibility. Fulfillment of the boundary conditions results in a secular equation associated with existence of nontrivial configurations of the strip. By assuming aMooney-Rivlin constitutive equation antisymmetric modes are analyzed in some detail. In an illustrative example an explicit relation between the slenderness of the strip and the critical load as well the dependence of the speed of wave propagation on the degree of finite initial deformation are found.
Organosilicon polymers for lithographic applications

Organosilicon polymers have found many uses in the electronics industry in the last twenty-five years due to their low dielectric constant and water-repelling properties. These uses include insulators and encapsulating materials for electronic parts. More recently, siloxanes are being incorporated into polyimides for the purpose of increasing the water resistance, improving mechanical properties and preventing atomic oxygen attack of polyimides. Only in the last few years, some uses of organosilicon polymers in lithography have been reported. In this paper, a review of these uses will be presented and the requirements for organosilicon materials in lithography applications will be outlined.
Use of DNA barcodes to identify invasive armyworm Spodoptera species in Florida.

A critical component for sustaining adequate food production is the protection of local agriculture from invasive pest insects. Essential to this goal is the ability to accurately distinguish foreign from closely related domestic species, a process that has traditionally required identification using diagnostic morphological “keys” that can be both subtle and labor-intensive. This is the case for the Lepidopteran group of insects represented by Spodoptera, a genus of Noctuidae “armyworm” moths that includes several important agricultural pests. Two of the most destructive species, Spodoptera littoralis (Boisduval) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and S. litura (F.) are not yet established in North America. To facilitate the monitoring for these pests, the feasibility of using DNA barcoding methodology for distinguishing between domestic and foreign Spodoptera species was tested. A DNA barcoding database was derived for a subset of Spodoptera species native to Florida, with an emphasis on those attracted to pheromone blends developed for S. litura or S. littoralis. These were then compared to the barcode sequences of S. litura collected from Taiwan and S. littoralis from Portugal. Consistent discrimination of the different species was obtained with phenetic relationships produced that were generally in agreement with phylogenetic studies using morphological characteristics. The data presented here indicate that DNA barcoding has the potential to be an efficient and accurate supplement to morphological methods for the identification of invasive Spodoptera pests in North America.
Sensitivity of secular trends in precipitation data to observational errors

There has been considerable interest in estimating secular trends in precipitation data in various regions of the world. It is therefore important to ascertain the manner in which errors of observation affect estimated trends. For this purpose we have compared trends at 1219 stations in the contiguous United States for two data sets: (a) original observations, also called “raw” observations, and (b) the observations, adjusted to compensate for suspected errors. The adjustments were made at the National Climate Data Center, Asheville (Quinlanet al., 1987;karl andWilliams, 1987), In order to focus on the effects of observational errors we attempted to avoid the effects of filling of missing data by limiting the analysis to the period 1940–1984 for which the number of missing values is much smaller than earlier periods. A least-square linear regression was performed on the raw and adjusted data for each station and the slopes of the fitted lines were compared. The comparison was made for monthly, seasonal and annual precipitation values.
The new technologies offer possibilities for targeted genome engineering

It is the availability of tools and technology that influence the pace of advancements in science. The restriction nucleases and other enzymes that interact with nucleic acids combined with automated computerized electronic instrumentation have revolutionized biology. The pace of progress has been fast and name of the new game is genome engineering for tailor-made organisms (Malik 2013). Custom Kits for Surgical genome alterations are already in the market. These technologies may be applied to delete neurotoxin gene from pigeon pea, an allergen gene from castor and engineer healthy oils. These technologies hold tremendous promise for the improvement of crop plants and other organisms. The progress is firm, the pace is fast and is accelerating. Recombinant DNA technology allowed chemical characterization of DNA. Making mutant DNA molecules, their expression in new hosts and DNA Homology based precise gene replacement is now routine for yeasts and many other microbes. In plants and animals, the amount of chromosomal DNA is comparatively large and it has been a formidable task to manipulate such genomes at will. The new technologies are quickly becoming available to edit and modify complex genomes. Most of these technologies utilize the homologous recombination machinery inherent in the host. The strategy involves making a double stranded break in the DNA at a specific targeted sequence. This is achieved by fusing specific DNA sequence binding modules to a nuclease to cause double-strand breaks at the targeted site (Urnov et al. 2010; Klug 2010). Genomeediting technologies like designer zinc fingers nucleases (ZFNs), transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs), homing meganucleases, and RNA-guided Cas9 nuclease now allow targeted genome modifications.
Investigation of Sparse Data Mouse Imaging Using Micro-CT with a Carbon-Nanotube-Based X-ray Source

There has been a renewed interest in algorithm development for image reconstruction from highly incomplete data in computed tomography (CT). Such algorithms may lead to reduced imaging dose and time, and to the design of innovative configurations tailored to specific imaging tasks. In recent years, a carbon-nanotube (CNT)-based field-emission x-ray source has been developed, which offers easy electronic control of radiation and thus can be an ideal candidate for gated imaging. We have recently proposed algorithms for image reconstruction from fan- and cone-beam data collected at highly sparse angular views through minimization of the total-variation (TV) of the image subject to the condition that the estimated data are consistent with the measured data. In this work, we investigate and demonstrate the application of the TV-minimization algorithm to reconstructing images from mouse data acquired with a CNT-based CT scanner at a number of views much lower than what is used in conventional CT imaging. The results demonstrate that the TV-minimization algorithm can yield images with quality comparable to those obtained from a large number of views by use of the conventional algorithms. The significance of the work may lie in that the substantial reduction of projection views promised by the TV-minimization algorithm can be exploited for reducing imaging dose and time or for improving temporal resolution in tasks such as dynamic imaging.
Evolutionary, Not Revolutionary: Current Prospects for Diagnostic Neuroimaging

The authors of “The Puzzle of Neuroimaging and Psychiatric Diagnosis: Technology and Nosology in an Evolving Discipline” (Farah and Gillihan 2012) present an insightful overview of the current prom...
The Sporulation Protein SirA Inhibits the Binding of DnaA to the Origin of Replication by Contacting a Patch of Clustered Amino Acids

Bacteria regulate the frequency and timing of DNA replication initiation by controlling the activity of the replication initiator protein DnaA. SirA is a recently discovered regulator of DnaA in Bacillus subtilis whose synthesis is turned on at the start of sporulation. Here, we demonstrate that SirA contacts DnaA at a patch of 3 residues located on the surface of domain I of the replication initiator protein, corresponding to the binding site used by two unrelated regulators of DnaA found in other bacteria. We show that the interaction of SirA with domain I inhibits the ability of DnaA to bind to the origin of replication. DnaA mutants containing amino acid substitutions of the 3 residues are functional in replication initiation but are immune to inhibition by SirA.
Identification of multiple isoforms of cytochrome P450 3A in medaka Oryzias latipes: characterization and ontogeny

Abstract In this study, two isoforms of cytochrome P450 3A have been cloned from medaka Oryzias latipes . Screening of a cDNA library to medaka liver resulted in the identification of two full length cDNA clones containing 1750 and 2366 base pair inserts with open reading frames encoding two peptides of 500 and 501 amino acids, respectively. Amino acid sequence comparisons indicate that these gene products belong to the cytochrome P450 superfamily and display a high degree of sequence homology to the CYP3A subfamily, designated CYP3A38 and CYP3A39. Northern blot analysis identified two abundant gender specific CYP3A related transcripts in liver of both male and female adults. Western blot analysis confirmed the mRNA data suggesting that Oryzias latipes contains multiple CYP3A isoforms. Expression analysis was used to examine the ontogeny of each CYP3A isoform. Western blots demonstrate the presence of two abundant cytochrome P450 3A like proteins in later stages of development including larva and adults and only a single 3A protein for embryonic stages 11–35. RT-PCR was consistent with the protein data and suggests that CYP3A39 is expressed early in embryonic development and continues throughout adult stages while CYP3A38 is expressed only in larva and adults.
A new framework for urban sustainability assessments: Linking complexity, information and policy

Abstract Urban systems emerge as distinct entities from the complex interactions among social, economic and cultural attributes, and information, energy and material stocks and flows that operate on different temporal and spatial scales. Such complexity poses a challenge to identify the causes of urban environmental problems and how to address them without causing greater deterioration. Planning has traditionally focused on regulating the location and intensity of urban activities to avoid environmental degradation, often based on assumptions that are rarely revisited and producing ambiguous effects. The key intellectual challenge for urban policy-makers is a fuller understanding of the complexity of urban systems and their environment. We address this challenge by developing an assessment framework with two main components: (1) a simple agent-based model of a hypothetical urbanizing area that integrates data on spatial economic and policy decisions, energy and fuel use, air pollution emissions and assimilation, to test how residential and policy decisions affect urban form, consumption and pollution; (2) an information index to define the degree of order and sustainability of the hypothetical urban system in the different scenarios, to determine whether specific policy and individual decisions contribute to the sustainability of the entire urban system or to its collapse.
Inflammation and Its Correlates in Regenerative Wound Healing: An Alternate Perspective

Objective: The wound healing response may be viewed as partially overlapping sets of two physiological processes, regeneration and wound repair with the former overrepresented in some lower species such as newts and the latter more typical of mammals. A robust and quantitative model of regenerative healing has been described in Murphy Roths Large (MRL) mice in which through-and-through ear hole wounds in the ear pinna leads to scarless healing and replacement of all tissue through blastema formation and including cartilage. Since these mice are naturally autoimmune and display many aspects of an enhanced inflammatory response, we chose to examine the inflammatory status during regenerative ear hole closure and observed that inflammation has a clear positive effect on regenerative healing. Approach: The inflammatory gene expression patterns (Illumina microarrays) of early healing ear tissue from regenerative MRL and nonregenerative C57BL/6 (B6) strains are presented along with a survey of innate inflammatory cells found in this tissue type pre and postinjury. The role of inflammation on healing is tested using a COX-2 inhibitor. Innovation and Conclusion: We conclude that (1) enhanced inflammation is consistent with, and probably necessary, for a full regenerative response and (2) the inflammatory gene expression and cell distribution patterns suggest a novel mast cell population with markers found in both immature and mature mast cells that may be a key component of regeneration.
Estimation of Value-at-Risk and Expected Shortfall based on Nonlinear Models of Return Dynamics and Extreme Value Theory

We propose an estimation procedure for value-at-risk (VaR) and expected shortfall (TailVaR) for conditional distributions of a time series of returns on a financial asset. Our approach combines a local polynomial estimator of conditional mean and volatility functions in a conditional heterocedastic autoregressive nonlinear (CHARN) model with Extreme Value Theory for estimating quantiles of the conditional distribution. We investigate the finite sample properties of our method and contrast them with alternatives, including the method recently proposed by McNeil and Frey (2000), in an extensive Monte Carlo study. The method we propose outperforms the estimators currently available in the literature. An evaluation based on backtesting was also performed.
Control of Underload-Tap Changing Transformer

In this paper, a new control logic for slow switching devices on the interconnected electric power systems such as underload-tap changing (ULTC) transformers and capacitor banks is proposed. The "misoperation" of these devices and the coordination problems of their control are associated with the recent reports on system-wide ill-conditioned operation in lower voltage ranges. The newly proposed control logic overcomes these problems and provides a means to regulate voltages within a desired threshold. First, the present practice in controlling the swiching devices is briefly reviewed. Next, new design is proposed and illustrated on examples.
Modeling study of ultrathin gate oxides using direct tunneling current and capacitance-voltage measurements in MOS devices

Using both quantum mechanical calculations for the silicon substrate and a modified WKB approximation for the transmission probability, direct tunneling currents across ultra-thin gate oxides of MOS structures have been modeled for electrons from the inversion layers in p-type Si substrates. The modeled direct tunneling currents have been compared to experimental data obtained from nMOSFET's with direct tunnel gate oxides. Excellent agreement between the model and experimental data for gate oxides as thin as 1.5 nm has been achieved. Advanced capacitance-voltage techniques have been employed to complement direct tunneling current modeling and measurements. With capacitance-voltage (C-V) techniques, direct tunneling currents can be used as a sensitive characterization technique for direct tunnel gate oxides. The effects of both silicon substrate doping concentration and polysilicon doping concentration on the direct tunneling current have also been studied as a function of applied gate voltage.
Temporal difference and policy search methods for reinforcement learning: an empirical comparison

Reinforcement learning (RL) methods have become popular in recent years because of their ability to solve complex tasks with minimal feedback. Both genetic algorithms (GAs) and temporal difference (TD) methods have proven effective at solving difficult RL problems, but few rigorous comparisons have been conducted. Thus, no general guidelines describing the methods' relative strengths and weaknesses are available. This paper summarizes a detailed empirical comparison between a GA and a TD method in Keepaway, a standard RL benchmark domain based on robot soccer. The results from this study help isolate the factors critical to the performance of each learning method and yield insights into their general strengths and weaknesses.
The Molecular Basis for Distinct Pathways for Protein Import into Arabidopsis Chloroplasts

The translocons at the outer envelope membrane of chloroplasts (TOCs) initiate the import of thousands of nucleus-encoded proteins into the organelle. The identification of structurally and functionally distinct TOC complexes has led to the hypothesis that the translocons constitute different import pathways that are required to coordinate the import of sets of proteins whose expression varies in response to organelle biogenesis and physiological adaptation. To test this hypothesis, we examined the molecular basis for distinct TOC pathways by analyzing the functional diversification among the Toc159 family of TOC receptors. We demonstrate that the N-terminal A-domains of the Toc159 receptors regulate their selectivity for preprotein binding. Furthermore, the in vivo function of the two major Toc159 family members (atToc159 and atToc132) can be largely switched by swapping their A-domains in transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana. On the basis of these results, we propose that the A-domains of the Toc159 receptors are major determinants of distinct pathways for protein import into chloroplasts.
Activation of Thromboxane A2 Receptors Induces Orphan Nuclear Receptor Nurr1 Expression and Stimulates Cell Proliferation in Human Lung Cancer Cells

Previous studies implicate that activation of thromboxane A(2) receptor (TP) induced cell proliferation and transformation in several cell lines. We report here that the activation of TP by its agonist, [1S-[1alpha, 2alpha (Z), 3beta (1E, 3S*), 4alpha]]-7-[3-[3-hydroxy-4-(4-iodophenoxy)-1-butenyl]-7-oxabicyclo [2.2.1] hept-2-yl]-5-heptenoic acid (I-BOP), induced Nurr1 expression and stimulated proliferation of human lung cancer cells. Nurr1, an orphan nuclear receptor in the nuclear receptor subfamily 4A subfamily, has been implicated in cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. I-BOP markedly induced Nurr1 messenger RNA and protein levels as compared with other subfamily members, Nur77 and Nor-1. The signaling pathways of I-BOP-induced Nurr1 expression were examined by using various inhibitors of signaling molecules. The induction of Nurr1 expression by I-BOP appeared to be mediated through protein kinase A (PKA)/cAMP response element binding (CREB), protein kinase C and mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase pathways and not related to epidermal growth factor receptor and prostaglandin E(2) pathways. Transcriptional activation of Nurr1 gene by I-BOP was further investigated at the promoter level in H157 cells. 5'-Deletion analysis, site-directed mutagenesis and luciferase reporter assay demonstrated that Nurr1 expression was induced by I-BOP in a PKA/CREB-dependent manner. Further studies have revealed that Nurr1 may mediate cyclin D1 expression and I-BOP-induced cell proliferation in H157 cells since small interfering RNA of Nurr1 blocked I-BOP-induced cyclin D1 expression and cell proliferation and also decreased cell growth rate. These results provide strong evidence that Nurr1 plays a significant role in cell proliferation and may mediate TP agonist-induced proliferation in lung cancer cells.
Isolation of Pasteurellaceae from Bovine Abortions

A 2-year study was conducted to determine the incidence of Pasteurellaceae in abortion samples submitted for diagnostic evaluation. A total of 687 cases, including 623 with fetal tissues and/or stomach contents and 302 with placenta and/or uterine discharge, were evaluated. Pasteurellaceae were isolated on a nonselective medium from 9 (1.5%), 14 (2.8%), 13 (12.1%), and 42 (17.4%) of the fetal tissues, stomach contents, uterine discharges, and placentas, respectively. A total of 35 (19.9%) of 176 placental samples cultured on both a selective medium for Pasteurellaceae and a nonselective medium were positive for Pasteurellaceae. Fifteen (42.9%) of these isolates were detected only on the selective medium, whereas 5 (14.2%) were detected only on the nonselective medium and 15 (42.9%) grew on both media. Placentitis of different severity was evident in 13 (68.4%) of the 19 placentas from which Pasteurellaceae were isolated in the absence of other known abortifacient agents.
The cell biology of vision

Humans possess the remarkable ability to perceive color, shape, and motion, and to differentiate between light intensities varied by over nine orders of magnitude. Phototransduction—the process in which absorbed photons are converted into electrical responses—is the first stage of visual processing, and occurs in the outer segment, the light-sensing organelle of the photoreceptor cell. Studies of genes linked to human inherited blindness have been crucial to understanding the biogenesis of the outer segment and membrane-trafficking of photoreceptors.
Predicting exposure conditions that facilitate the potentiation of noise-induced hearing loss by carbon monoxide.

Hearing loss is the most common occupational disease in the United States, with noise serving as the presumed causative agent in most instances. This investigation characterizes the exposure conditions that facilitate the potentiation of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) by carbon monoxide (CO). Auditory function was compared in rats exposed 4 weeks earlier to noise alone, CO alone, combined exposure, and air in the exposure chamber. This interval between exposure and auditory threshold assessment was selected to permit recovery of temporary threshold shifts. The compound action potential (CAP) threshold evoked by pure tone stimuli was used as a measure of auditory sensitivity. The no adverse effect level (NOAEL) with respect to potentiation of NIHL was found to be 300 ppm CO. Potentiation of NIHL by CO increases linearly as CO concentration increases between 500 -1500 ppm. Benchmark dose software (version 1. 1B) published by the U.S. EPA National Center for Environmental Assessment was employed to determine a benchmark concentration of CO that produced either a 5-dB potentiation of NIHL or an increase in auditory threshold equivalent to 10% of the effect of noise alone. The lower bound for these benchmark concentrations were 320 and 194 ppm CO, respectively. Unlike CO dose, the relationship between noise severity and potentiation of NIHL by CO shows a nonlinear relationship. The greatest potentiation was observed at moderate noise exposures (100 dB, 2-h, octave band-limited noise, or OBN) that produce limited permanent threshold shifts. Repeated exposures to 95-dB noise for 2-h periods in combination with 1200 ppm CO also yielded potentiation of NIHL, though such effects were not observed following a single combined exposure. These results underscore the potential risk of hearing loss from combined exposure to noise and CO, and the risks associated with repeated exposure.
Notch in vertebrates

Homologs of the Notch receptor and its ligands participate in cell fate decisions during vertebrate development. The past year has seen significant advances in knowledge of the role of Notch in Xenopus neuronal development and T-cell development and in our understanding of the Notch signalling pathway in vertebrates. Connections have also been discovered between alterations in Notch function and human disease.
Myasthenia gravis: newer therapies offer sustained improvement

Myasthenia gravis is a prototypical antibody-mediated autoimmune neuromuscular disorder. Treatments have improved over the past 30 years, leading to significantly fewer deaths and better quality of life. Future research should further elucidate its pathogenesis, reveal better ways to diagnose it, and yield new treatments.
In vitro establishment and characterization of two acquired immunodeficiency syndrome-related lymphoma cell lines (BC-1 and BC-2) containing Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus-like (KSHV) DNA sequences

Two unique DNA fragments were recently identified in over 90% of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)-related Kaposi's sarcoma tissues. Sequence analysis suggests that these fragments belong to a previously unidentified human herpesvirus, Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV). These fragments have also been identified in a subset of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas in human immunodeficiency virus-positive patients; specifically, in body cavity-based lymphomas (AIDS-BCBLs). We have established two cell lines derived from AIDS-BCBLs, BC-1 and BC-2, which retain the KSHV sequences, and have used them to further characterize this putative viral genome. In this report, we demonstrate that the KSHV sequences represent a portion of a much larger DNA molecule that is located predominantly in the nucleus of the infected cells. In situ hybridization of metaphase spreads made from both of these cell lines show these sequences in episomal structures. Their presence in the cells as large nuclear episomes supports previous sequence homology data suggesting that KSHV belongs to the herpesvirus family. These cell lines provide a continuous source of KSHV sequences. Thus, they represent an important tool for future studies of this recently described human herpesvirus that may be involved in the pathogenesis of Kaposi's sarcoma and some AIDS-related non-Hodgkin's lymphomas.
Enigmatic ornamentation eases male reliance on courtship performance for mating success

Female preferences are frequently invoked to explain the widespread occurrence of elaborate male ornaments, yet empirical data demonstrating such preferences are sometimes equivocal or even contradictory. In the wolf spider Schizocosa stridulans, despite evidence of strong female choice, prior research has been unable to link the conspicuous sexually dimorphic foreleg ornamentation of males to their mating success. We conducted three experiments aimed at determining the function of this previously enigmatic ornamentation. Our first two experiments used males with phenotypically modified foreleg phenotypes in simple and complex mating environments in order to examine the relationship between the presence/absence of ornamentation and male mating success. In both experiments, we found no relationship: courtship rate was the sole predictor of mating success. In a third experiment, we used males with naturally varying foreleg ornamentation in mating trials. Ornamentation was subsequently quantified and we again examined the factors influencing male mating success. As in our first two experiments, we found courtship rate to be a good predictor of mating success. Additionally, we discovered that foreleg ornamentation and courtship rate interact to influence male mating success. At low courtship rates, males with more foreleg ornamentation have a mating advantage, whereas at high courtship rates, males with less foreleg ornamentation have a mating advantage. We discuss several potential explanations for these results. In summary, we provide the first evidence of a benefit of foreleg ornamentation in male S. stridulans and suggest that this benefit is realized by the interaction between ornamentation and courtship rate.
Geophysical and Geoarchaeological Investigations at Aganoa Beach, American Samoa: An Early Archaeological Site in Western Polynesia

Archaeological investigations at Aganoa, a coastal site in American Samoa, western Polynesia, revealed a marine resources exploitation base for the early inhabitants of the island. A series of 19 radiocarbon age determinations indicates the principal period of site utilization began no later than 570 B.C., and probably earlier, and lasted for about 300 years. This site is squarely in the phase identified by previous scholars as “ancestral Polynesian.” Geophysical survey in the form of long, shore-perpendicular transects showed the accretionary history of this beach and ridge area. Surprisingly, it revealed that the earlier ridges were directly below the modern ridge (i.e., progradation of this geomorphic feature had not occurred). The survey revealed a buried paleosol with little or no disturbance, which yielded a well-preserved assemblage of plain and decorated ceramics, stone artifacts, fishhooks, and archaeofauna. No evidence of archaeological continuity was seen between the end of the terminal Lapita occupation and the later reoccupation of the site after about A.D. 700. This study demonstrates the utility and feasibility of using ground-penetrating radar for the discovery of deeply buried coastal sites.
Quantifying Effectiveness of Cathodic Protection in Water Mains: Case Studies

Cathodic protection is a viable measure to extend the residual life of water mains and thus defer capital investments in their rehabilitation and renewal. The effectiveness of cathodic protection varies with the unique set of conditions under which it is applied and is therefore difficult to quantify. Consequently, reported case histories have been largely anecdotal and most often based on the observed reduction of water main breaks following the application of cathodic protection. Models to assess the impact of cathodic protection programs were proposed in a previous companion paper “Quantifying the Effectiveness of Cathodic Protection in Water Mains: Theory.” This paper describes the application of these models to five groups of water mains from two water utilities that have had on-going programs of hot spot and retrofit cathodic protection. The case histories show that cathodic protection programs (hot spot and retrofit strategies) have had a significant effect on reducing breakage rates, however, in s...
Bayesian inference for the gravity model

This paper seeks to empirically extend the gravity model, which has been widely used to analyze volumes of trade between pairs of countries. We generalize the basic threshold tobit model by allowing for the inclusion of country-specific effects into the analysis and also show how one can explore the relationship between trade volumes and a given covariate via a non-parametric approach. We use our derived methodology to investigate the impact of a particular aspect of institutions—the enforcement of contracts—on bilateral trade. We find that contract enforcement matters in predicting trade volumes for all types of goods, that it matters most for the trade of differentiated goods, and that the relationship between contract enforcement and trade in our threshold tobit exhibits some nonlinearities. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
IM = Interruption Management? Instant Messaging and Disruption in the Workplace

Some scholars worry that Instant Messaging IM, by virtue of the ease with which users can initiate and participate in online conversations, contributes to an increase in task interruption. Others argue that workers use IM strategically, employing it in ways that reduce interruption. This article examines the relationship between IM and interruption, using data collected via a U.S. national telephone survey of full-time workers who regularly use computers N = 912. Analysis of these data indicates that IM use has no influence on overall levels of work communication. However, people who utilize IM at work report being interrupted less frequently than non-users, and they engage in more frequent computer-mediated communication than non-users, including both work-related and personal communication. These results are consistent with claims that employees use IM in ways that help them to manage interruption, such as quickly obtaining task-relevant information and negotiating conversational availability.
The effect of trypsin on membrane transport of non‐electrolytes

Trypsinization of alveolar macrophages depresses lysine transport but has no effect on nucleoside transport. The depression of the initial rate of lysine transport is due to a decreased rate of exchange diffusion presumably secondary to lowered intracellular pools of amino acids. It is shown directly that trypsinization accelerates the efflux of amino acids but not certain other metabolites, and reduces the capacity of the cell to concentrate amino acids.
The ethnobotany of Fagraea Thunb. (Gentianaceae): The timber of malesia and the scent of polynesia

The genus Fagraea comprises a diverse group of woody gentians that are renowned for having hard wood and fragrant, showy flowers. This diverse assemblage of approximately 70 species is distributed from Southeast Asia, Malesia, to the archipelagos of the Pacific Ocean. Fagraea species occupy important niches in forest ecosystems. These fast growing, pioneer species are an important component in natural succession after forest disturbance and provide food and shelter for many other forest species. The plants have played an important role in the lives of humans and have made their way into the legends of Polynesia. Fagraea plants are utilized by the Asian, Australian, Malesian, Melanesian, Micronesian, and Polynesian cultures for timber, weapons, crafts, medicine, and adornment. This paper is a comprehensive survey of the past and present uses of the species by these cultures and identifies the need for future scientific research on Fagraea.
A RELATIONSHIP-CENTRIC HYBRID INTERFACE FOR BROWSING AND AUDITING THE UMLS

The Unified Medical Language System UMLS is a large and complex controlled medical terminology managed by the National Library of Medicine. The UMLS combines about 160 different terminologies into the Metathesaurus containing over 2.4 million concepts linked by about 50 million relationships. The process of merging 160 terminologies with often very different structures is a complex and error-prone task. Auditing terminologies for quality assurance is an important phase of any terminology's life cycle. Previously, we developed the Neighborhood Auditing Tool NAT, a concept-centric browser and auditing tool for the UMLS. In this paper we discuss the "Relationship, Audit Set Builder and Concept Neighborhood Auditing Tool" RAC-NAT, an expansion of the NAT into a multi-faceted browsing and auditing tool.
Melanotaenium Oxalidis Sp. Nov. on Oxalis Oregana from Washington State

(1970). Melanotaenium Oxalidis Sp. Nov. on Oxalis Oregana from Washington State. Mycologia: Vol. 62, No. 2, pp. 402-405.
The Bipolar Prodrome: Meta-Analysis of Symptom Prevalence Prior to Initial or Recurrent Mood Episodes

Objective The aim of this study was to meta-analyze the prevalence of symptoms before an initial mood episode of bipolar disorder (BD) and the prevalence of subthreshold symptoms before a BD mood episode recurrence, to facilitate early identification and prevention. Method Systematic literature reviews were conducted in PsycINFO and PubMed for prospective or retrospective studies reporting on the prevalence and longest duration of symptoms before an initial or recurrent mood episode of BD. Random effects meta-regression explored whether geographic location, age, percentage of female individuals, and study quality moderated the overall prevalence. Results In 11 studies (n = 1,078), the prodrome preceding an initial mood episode lasted 27.1 ± 23.1 months (range, 4.6−130 months). In 10 studies (n = 1,000), the subthreshold symptoms preceding a recurrent mood episode lasted 1.0 ± 0.9 months (range, 0.5−1.3 months). The most common symptoms were largely consistent with diagnostic criteria symptoms associated with the subsequent mood polarity for both the initial prodrome and the period prior to a recurrent mood episode. Few moderators of symptom prevalences emerged, and significant heterogeneity remained. Conclusion The initial prodromal period is sufficiently long and characterized by symptoms of the subsequent mood episode to make early identification and intervention programs feasible. Conversely, the period of subthreshold symptoms before a recurrent mood episode is short, mandating adequate psychoeducation of patients and families, monitoring of changes in sleep and activity, plus sufficiently frequent follow-up visits to identify patients before a mood episode recurrence. Future prospective investigations, designed to address the identified shortcomings in the extant literature, are needed to identify more clinically applicable information.
Prevalence of smoking behavior among residents aged 15-69 in Guangdong province in 2007

Objective To determine prevalence character of smoking behavior among residents aged 15-69 in Guangdong province in 2007.Method 6 647 subjects were selected by multistage cluster random sampling method.Results Present smoking rate among residents aged 15-69 was 27.59%;present smoking rate among male residents aged 15-69 was 56.10%;among females were 1.61%;the difference was significant(P0.01).The smoking-quitting rate was 12.42%.The average age of first time smoking was 16.0 years.The average age of start smoking everyday was 18.0 years.Prevalence rate of passive smoking was 39.51% and home was the main place of passive smoking.Conclusions The prevalence of smoking among residents aged 15-69 in Guangdong province is still high.Health education and smoking prohibition in public places should be addressed to reduce the smoking rate.