cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The number of rational points on Drinfeld modular varieties over finite fields

Drinfeld and Vladut proved that Drinfeld modular curves have many Fq2 -rational points compared to their genera. We propose a conjectural generalization of this result to higher dimensional Drinfeld modular varieties, and prove a theorem giving some evidence for the conjecture.
Inbreeding reduces power-law scaling in the distribution of fluctuating asymmetry: an explanation of the basis of developmental instability

The study of fluctuating asymmetry has been controversial because of conflicting results found in much of the primary literature. It has been suggested that the source of this conflict is the fact that the basis of fluctuating asymmetry is poorly understood and that, as a consequence, methodology of fluctuating asymmetry studies may be flawed. A new model for the phenomenological basis of fluctuating asymmetry, that variation in fluctuating asymmetry is in large part due to the random exponential growth of cell populations (geometric Brownian motion) that are terminated randomly around a genetically programmed development time, is presented here. If termination of development has a genetic component, then scaling effects and kurtosis in the distribution of fluctuating asymmetry should increase with genetic redundancy of the population. This model prediction was tested by comparing the distribution of multivariate size and shape fluctuating asymmetry in large samples collected from both wild populations and four moderately inbred lines of Drosophila simulans. It was found that while wild populations were best described by a lognormal distribution with power-law scaled tails, the inbred lines derived from the wild stock were dramatically normalized (half-normal) in three of four cases. As predicted, the scaling exponent of the upper tail of the distribution of fluctuating asymmetry increased with inbreeding while the kurtosis and mean fluctuating asymmetry decreased with inbreeding. The model suggests an additional explanation of leptokurtosis in fluctuating asymmetry. Kurtosis and scaling of the statistical distribution of fluctuating asymmetry in a population is related directly to genetic differences between individuals and these differences affect their ability to buffer the process of development against random perturbations.
Greenland Pt anomaly may point to noncataclysmic Cape York meteorite entry

Petaev et al. (1) tested the suite of hypotheses (collectively known as the “impact hypothesis”) that a swarm of impacts or airbursts from comets, chondritic, or stony asteroids caused an abrupt climate change, continental-scale wildfires, mass extinctions, and collapse of the Clovis culture at or near the Younger Dryas Boundary (YDB). The authors identify a large Pt anomaly in the Greenland Ice Sheet Project 2 (GISP2) core and suggest that it hints at an extraterrestrial source. Because there is no corresponding Ir spike, Petaev et al. challenge the impact hypothesis by proposing a highly fractionated iron meteorite. The Pt anomaly predates ammonimum and nitrate peaks in the GISP2 core by decades, eliminating …
Prototype Tool for Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing Coordination

Effective mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) coordination requires recalling and integrating knowledge regarding design, construction, and operations and maintenance of each MEP system. Cur...
Effect of Time of Insemination on Number of Accessory Sperm, Fertilization Rate, and Embryo Quality in Nonlactating Dairy Cattle

Abstract Two experiments were conducted to determine the effect of insemination time on number of accessory sperm per embryo (ovum), fertilization rate, and embryo quality. Semen was collected from three fertile Holstein bulls and cryopreserved in egg yolk-citrate-glycerol. In experiment 1, cows were continuously monitored for behavioral estrus by the HeatWatch estrous detection system and were artificially inseminated (AI) with one 0.5-ml straw (25 x 10 6 sperm) at the onset of estrus (AI 0h), 12h after onset (AI 12h), or received natural service at 0h (Nat 0h) from one of three bulls. From 150 inseminations, 115 embryos and ova (AI 0h: n=39; AI 12h: n=39; Nat 0h: n=37) were recovered 6 or 7 d after insemination. Fertilization rates differed between treatments (AI 0h: 67%; AI 12h: 79%; Nat 0h: 98%). Median accessory sperm per embryo (ovum) also differed (AI 0h: 1; AI 12h: 10; and Nat 0h: 27) and paralleled the fertilization rate. Embryo quality was not affected by insemination time or natural service. In experiment 2, cows received AI at 0, 12, or 24h (AI 24h) after the onset of estrus as determined by HeatWatch. From 154 inseminations, 117 embryos and ova (AI 0h: n=39; AI 12h: n=39; AI 24h: n=39) were recovered 6 or 7 d after insemination. Fertilization rates did not differ in experiment 2 (AI 0h: 66%; AI 12h: 74%; AI 24h: 82%); however, a trend toward a higher fertilization rate accompanied AI 24h. Median accessory sperm values increased from AI 0h (1) to AI 24h (4). Embryo quality declined with AI at increasing intervals after onset of estrus, as percentages of excellent and good, fair and poor, and degenerate embryos were as follows: 77, 15, 8; 52, 38, 10; and 47, 19, 34 for the 0-, 12-, and 24-h inseminations, respectively. Results indicate AI 12h after the onset of estrus provides a compromise between potential fertilization failure (AI 0h) and embryo failure (AI 24h), despite increased accessory sperm per embryo (ovum) after AI 24h. Artificial insemination 12h after onset of estrus should optimize fertility of dairy cattle through an acceptable fertilization rate, number of accessory sperm per embryo, and desirable embryo quality.
Silicon sensor quantum efficiency, reflectance, and calibration

Quantum Efficiency (QE) is one of the most important parameters when either evaluating or using an imaging sensor for scientific applications. For back illuminated CCD and CMOS imagers, QE is determined by temperature, antireflection (AR) coatings, backside charging mechanisms, and silicon thickness. The accurate and precise measurement of QE requires careful consideration of illumination, temperature, calibration standards, optics, electronic equipment and components, and scattered light. QE is also closely related to the reflectance from the sensor surface. We present in this paper a study of the QE and reflectance from a variety of sensors used for astronomical imaging. Particular attention is given to precise calibration, temperature effects, models vs. measurements, and measurement techniques. We discuss all these issues and how they relate to the measurement and actual performance of sensors with different areas, thicknesses, and AR coatings.
Network Dynamics Underlying the Formation of Sparse, Informative Representations in the Hippocampus

During development, activity-dependent processes increase the specificity of neural responses to stimuli, but the role that this type of process plays in adult plasticity is unclear. We examined the dynamics of hippocampal activity as animals learned about new environments to understand how neural selectivity changes with experience. Hippocampal principal neurons fire when the animal is located in a particular subregion of its environment, and in any given environment the hippocampal representation is sparse: less than half of the neurons in areas CA1 and CA3 are active whereas the rest are essentially silent. Here we show that different dynamics govern the evolution of this sparsity in CA1 and upstream area CA3. CA1, but not CA3, produces twice as many spikes in novel compared with familiar environments. This high rate firing continues during sharp wave ripple events in a subsequent rest period. The overall CA1 population rate declines and the number of active cells decreases as the environment becomes familiar and task performance improves, but the decline in rate is not uniform across neurons. Instead, the activity of cells with initial peak spatial rates above ∼12 Hz is enhanced, whereas the activity of cells with lower initial peak rates is suppressed. The result of these changes is that the active CA1 population comes to consist of a relatively small group of cells with strong spatial tuning. This process is not evident in CA3, indicating that a region-specific and long timescale process operates in CA1 to create a sparse, spatially informative population of neurons.
Cathepsins K and S: Role in Bone, Adipocytes, and Glucose Regulation

Cathepsins are a diverse group of proteases that are increasingly being recognized for their role in various disease states. The focus of this article is to review the data regarding the activity of cathepsin K and cathepsin S in adipocyte differentiation and function as well as glucose metabolism. Data from animal and human studies have shown up-regulation of cathepsin K expression in white adipose tissue of overweight/obese mice and humans. Cathepsin K appears to affect adipocyte differentiation as well as weight gain. Data from studies using cathepsin K blocking agents suggest that by blocking cathepsin K, there is reduction in adipocyte differentiation and weight gain. Cathepsin K also may play a role in glucose metabolism with higher cathepsin K levels being associated with insulin resistance. Cathepsin S is also overexpressed in adipose tissue of overweight/obese subjects. Both murine and human models have been studied to further investigate its role in adipocytes and obesity. Cathepsin S appears to be involved in glucose dysregulation as well as pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus. Further studies are necessary to better characterize the role of cathepsin K and S and to examine whether there is potential for targeted therapy for prevention and treatment of obesity as well as diabetes mellitus.
Diphtheria toxin-receptor interaction: a polyphosphate-insensitive diphtheria toxin-binding domain.

Abstract Inositol hexaphosphate, and other polyphosphates, inhibit diphtheria toxin-mediated cytotoxicity by binding to the toxin at a highly cationic site called the P site and preventing toxin binding to cell surface receptors. The binding of diphtheria toxin to a solubilized cell surface glycoprotein (150,000 daltons) is also inhibited by these polyphosphates. Treatment of this 150,000 dalton diphtheria toxin-binding cell surface glycoprotein with papain yielded an 88,000 dalton and a 74,000 dalton diphtheria toxin-binding glycoprotein whose binding to toxin was no longer inhibited by inositol hexaphosphate. This result suggests a model of diphtheria toxin-receptor interaction in which the toxin receptor possesses one binding site which interacts with the P site of the toxin in a polyphosphate-sensitive fashion, and another binding site (located within the papain-derived 74,000–88,000 dalton glycoproteins) which can interact with the toxin at a site distinct from the P site (the X site) in a polyphosphate-insensitive fashion. This X site-receptor interaction may be involved in the binding of CRM proteins that bind to the toxin receptor but that do not bind polyphosphates, or it may be involved in the entry process of the toxin.
Public-Private Cooperation and Hybrid Organizations:

This article examines the nature and role of hybrid organizations (those which are part public, part private) as coordinating mechanisms that facilitate public sector and private sector interaction. The study examines 250 public, private, and hybrid R&D organizations to determine their structural, environmental, and behavioral differences. Environmental and behavioral differences are found to be significant and consequential in terms of the usefulness of hybrids as coordinating mechanisms.
Biohistorical Naturalism and The Symbol “God”

This article has two parts, as the title suggests. The first sketches what I call biohistorical naturalism, a naturalistic position in which it is emphasized that the historicocultural development of our humanity, particularly our becoming linguistic/symbolical beings, is as central to our humanness as the Biological evolutionary development that preceded (and continues to accompany) it. Apart from such a biohistorical emphasis (or its equivalent), naturalistic positions cannot give adequate accounts of human religiousness. The second part suggests that, although it would not be consistent with biohistorical naturalism to continue thinking of God in the traditional supernaturalistic way as the Creator, it would be quite appropriate to understand God as the ongoing creativity (of truly novel realities) manifest in the long history of the universe, particularly in the evolution of life on Earth.
Effects of nitrogen dioxide on growth and yield of black turtle bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cv. 'Domino'.

Twenty-six-day-old black turtle bean cv. ‘Domino’ plants were exposed to nitrogen dioxide (0·0, 0·025, 0·05 and 0·10 μl liter−1), 7 h per day for 5 days per week for 3 weeks, under controlled environment. Data were collected on net photosynthesis rate (PN), stomatal resistance (SR), and dark respiration rate (DR), immediately after exposure, 24 h after the termination of exposure and at maturity (when the leaves had just started turning yellow), using a LICOR 6000 Portable Photosynthesis System. Chlorophyll-a(Ch-a), chlorophyll-b (Ch-b), total chlorophyll (tot-Ch) and leaf nitrogen were measured immediately after exposure and at maturity. Growth characteristics—relative growth rate (RGR), net assimilation rate (NAR), leaf area ratio (LAR) and root: shoot ratio (RSR)—were computed for treated plants. Net photosynthesis rate increased by 53% in 0·10 μl liter−1 NO2 treated plants immediately after exposure compared to control plants. Dark respiration rates were also higher in treated plants. Ch-a, Ch-b and tot-Ch showed significant increases with 0·1 μl liter−1 NO2 treatment immediately after exposure. Foliar nitrogen content showed an increase in treated plants both immediately after exposure and at maturity. Increases were also seen in RGR and NAR. Plant yield increased by 86% (number of pods), 29% (number of seeds) and 46% (weight of seeds), respectively. Nitrogen dioxide stimulated the overall plant growth and crop yield.
Behavioral treatment of obesity in patients taking antipsychotic medications.

OBJECTIVE Antipsychotic medications are associated with weight gain and metabolic dysregulation, yet little is known about the management of obesity among individuals with severe and persistent mental illness. Thus we sought to evaluate the potential utility of a behavioral weight control program for this population. METHOD Outpatients receiving psychiatric care at a university medical center who had a body mass index (BMI; weight in kg/[height in m](2)) >or= 30 and were currently taking antipsychotic medication participated in a 12-week group behavioral weight control program. A medical chart review was conducted for each participant's body weight over the 10 months prior to beginning the program. A multiple baseline design was used to determine the impact of the intervention on BMI through 12-month posttreatment follow-up. We also assessed self-reported eating behavior, physical activity, and health-related quality of life. Data were collected from October 2000 to July 2003. RESULTS Among 35 patients who began the program, 29 (83%) completed treatment, with mean (+/- SD) weight loss of 5.04 (+/- 7.52) pounds (p = .001) and improvements in eating, activity, and quality of life. At 3-month posttreatment follow-up (N = 27; 77%), total mean weight loss was 7.14 (+/- 11.47) pounds (p = .003). Results of a longitudinal model based on general estimating equations indicated that, relative to the pretreatment period, BMI decreased significantly during treatment and remained stable through 12-month posttreatment follow-up. CONCLUSION Behavioral weight control is a promising approach to the treatment of obesity among outpatients taking antipsychotic medications, but longer and more robust interventions are needed.
Perception costs and NIMBY

Abstract Public risk perceptions often result in NIMBY ("not-in-my-backyard") problems that have brought policy processes to screeching halts. These results are due to what we call the "perception costs" associated with alterations in risk. In this paper, the logic of the relationship between perception costs and NIMBY is presented. One interesting insight is that disagreements between experts and the lay public arise because each focuses upon different dimensions of risk. Experts typically stick to the best historical estimates of accident probabilities, while the public is concerned with risk-adjusted costs associated with such adverse outcomes. It is the challenge of policy making to choose the correct context. As an example of the usefulness of perception cost analysis, remedial action alternatives concerning radioactive waste transportation are analyzed. The magnitude of the perception costs associated with transporting such waste is found to vary dramatically across the alternatives under consideration. Further, the magnitude of these costs easily are large enough to fuel a NIMBY problem. In each of the many roles of the policy analyst, the uses of perception cost estimates are discussed with an eye toward ameliorating NIMBY problems.
America's Liberal Illiberalism: The Ideological Origins of Overreaction in U.S. Foreign Policy

Why has the United States, with its long-standing Liberal tradition, come to embrace the illiberal policies it has in recent years? The conventional wisdom is that al-Qaida's attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001, and the subsequent war on terrorism have made America less Liberal. The logic of this argument is straightforward: interstate war has historically undermined domestic liberties, and the war on terrorism is causing the United States to follow this well-worn path. This explanation confronts a puzzle, however: illiberal U.S. policies—including the pursuit of global hegemony, launching of a preventive war, imposition of restrictions on civil liberties in the name of national security, and support for torture under certain circumstances—manifested themselves even before the September 11 terrorist attacks and were embraced across the political spectrum. Indeed, it is precisely American Liberalism that makes the United States so illiberal today. Under certain circumstances, Liberalism itse...
Synthesis and evaluation of a classical 2,4-diamino-5-substituted-furo[2,3-d]pyrimidine and a 2-amino-4-oxo-6-substituted-pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine as antifolates

Two classical antifolates, a 2,4-diamino-5-substituted furo[2,3-d]pyrimidine and a 2-amino-4-oxo-6-substituted pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine, were synthesized as potential inhibitors of dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) and thymidylate synthase (TS). The syntheses were accomplished by condensation of 2,6-diamino-3(H)-4-oxo-pyrimidine with alpha-chloro-ketone 21 to afford two key intermediates 23 and 24, followed by hydrolysis, coupling with l-glutamate diethyl ester and saponification of the diethyl ester to afford the classical antifolates 13 and 14. Compounds 13 and 14 with a single carbon atom bridge are both substrates for folylpoly-gamma-glutamate synthetase (FPGS), the enzyme responsible for forming critical poly-gamma-glutamate antifolate metabolites with increased potency and/or increased cell retention. Compound 14 is a highly efficient FPGS substrate demonstrating that 2,4-diamino-5-substituted furo[2,3-d]pyrimidines are important lead structures for the design of antifolates with FPGS substrate activity. It retains inhibitory potency for DHFR and TS compared to the two atom bridged analog 5. Compound 13 is a poor inhibitor of purified DHFR and TS, and both 13 and 14 are poor inhibitors of the growth of CCRF-CEM human leukemia cells in culture, indicating that single carbon bridged compounds in these series though conducive to FPGS substrate activity were not potent inhibitors.
Direct global marketing using radio amateur packet switched network

The E-form is a kind of standardized electronic message with the potential to greatly simplify and facilitate exchanges of information on a telecommunications network. One especially promising use is to ease the problem of automatic language translation in transactions between people who speak different languages. With such a capability, direct mail marketing could go global. A commercial telecommunications and information infrastructure that could best make use of E-forms does not yet exist. But it is possible to begin to explore now the power and essential role of E-forms: the radio amateur community already has in place a global digital packet-switched information network conducive to an evaluation of the E-form concept. In this paper the concept of the E-form is discussed. Next the radio amateur packet-switched network is introduced and described, and the implications of broadcast (list) message traffic on a commercial network are explored.
Linear-Quadratic-Gaussian (LQG) Controller for Liquid Pool Profile in Vacuum Arc Remelting

Process control for vacuum arc remelting is a challenging and interesting problem that has captured the attention of the metallurgy and control communities for decades. The main goal of the process is the production of homogeneous ingots with an appropriate chemistry, physical size, and grain structure. Traditionally, this process has been controlled by applying a desired current to the furnace expecting to control the solidification profile and, therefore, the microstructure of the ingot. It is believed that the final ingot grain microstructure is strongly influenced by the molten metal pool profile. Thus, if pool profile was controlled during the melt then defect-free microstructures would be obtained. However, there was no controller capable of performing such a task. The recent development of a reduced-order model of solidification in vacuum arc remelting allowed the design of the first pool profile controller. A Linear-Quadratic-Gaussian (LQG) controller was designed to account for inaccuracies in the reduced-order model and the measurements. Simulation and experimental results show the accurate performance of the controller.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
A dishevelled-1/Smad1 interaction couples WNT and bone morphogenetic protein signaling pathways in uncommitted bone marrow stromal cells

Genetic evidence from both humans and mice suggests that Wnt/beta-catenin and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling pathways are essential for bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells to differentiate into osteoblasts. Here we describe a mechanism through which BMPs antagonize Wnt signaling and retard bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell proliferation. Treatment with Wnt3a, but not BMP-2, stimulated Lef1-mediated transcriptional activity, whereas co-stimulation with both Wnt3a and BMP-2 markedly reduced Wnt3a-induced reporter activity. Immunoprecipitation assays in 293T cells transfected with individual Smads and Wnt pathway components revealed a specific interaction between Dvl-1 and Smad1 that was dependent on the presence of Wnt3a or BMP-2. Under unstimulated conditions, Dvl-1 and Smad1 are co-immunoprecipitated and form a complex through the linker region of Smad1. Wnt3a treatment transiently disrupted the Dvl-1/Smad1 interaction coincident with nuclear accumulation of beta-catenin. In contrast, when cells were exposed to both Wnt3a and BMP-2, there was an enhanced accumulation of the Dvl-1-Smad1 complex and a decreased nuclear accumulation of beta-catenin. Expression of a mutant Smad1 protein, which cannot be phosphorylated in response to BMP, eliminated the inhibitory effect of BMP on Wnt-inducedbeta-catenin accumulation and transcriptional activity. These results identify a potential mechanism whereby BMP-2 antagonizes Wnt signaling in osteoblast progenitors by promoting an interaction between Smad1 and Dvl-1 that restricts beta-catenin activation.
The natural history of oligohydramnios/polyhydramnios sequence in monochorionic diamniotic twins.

Twelve patients with monochorionic diamniotic twin pregnancies complicated by oligohydramnios/polyhydramnios sequence were evaluated to determine the natural history of this syndrome. Nine patients elected to continue their pregnancies and three underwent elective termination. Six of the nine continuing pregnancies delivered viable fetuses. Four of the nine continuing pregnancies had evidence of a ‘stuck’ twin at less than 20 weeks' gestation, and only one yielded live newborns (25%). Three patients diagnosed with a mild case of oligohydramnios/polyhydramnios sequence underwent worsening of the syndrome with a ‘stuck’ twin seen only after 26 weeks: all neonates survived. Five pregnancies initially diagnosed as having a ‘stuck’ twin showed improvement in amniotic fluid volume, with one actually reversing, so that the previously ‘stuck’ twin developed polyhydramnios and the co-twin became ‘stuck’. In summary, among the nine non-aborted pregnancies managed conservatively, 12 of 18 fetuses (67%) survived. When the diagnosis of ‘stuck’ twin was made at ≤ 20 weeks, only two of eight (25%) lived. These observations suggest that the oligohydramnios/polyhydramnios sequence is a dynamic process with wide and often unpredictable fluctuations in amniotic fluid volume. Copyright © 1992 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Pharmacology of novel nicotinic analogs

It is believed that nicotine exerts its psychoactive and addictive effects through neuronal nicotinic receptors (nAChRs). Surprisingly, few systematic structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies have been undertaken with nicotine. The major goal of our laboratory is to characterize the mechanisms by which nicotine produces some of its behavioral effects, with the ultimate aim of developing novel nicotine receptor ligands. Nicotine analogs with a wide range of receptor affinities were synthesized and evaluated for their ability to reduce spontaneous activity, produce antinociception, and engender nicotine-like responding in drug discrimination. Mecamylamine antagonism was then used to verify that these effects were mediated through the nicotinic receptor. Our results showed that an intact pyrrolidine ring, although not essential, appears to be optimal for nicotine activity and that bulky substituents dramatically attenuate receptor affinity. In addition, the pyrrolidine N in the up position is more important for activity than the down position. Epibatidine analogs revealed that halogen substitution at position 2 was not sufficient to account for all of epibatidine's potency. Finally, correlation of receptor affinity with pharmacological potency suggested that nicotine-induced antinociception and hypomotility may involve the activation of nicotinic receptors containing an α 4 β 2 subunit combination. These results clearly show that this strategy can be used to distinguish among nicotine analogs with different mechanisms of action and can serve as the basis for an evaluation model.
Accessing Genetic Information with High-Density DNA Arrays

Rapid access to genetic information is central to the revolution taking place in molecular genetics. The simultaneous analysis of the entire human mitochondrial genome is described here. DNA arrays containing up to 135,000 probes complementary to the 16.6-kilobase human mitochondrial genome were generated by light-directed chemical synthesis. A two-color labeling scheme was developed that allows simultaneous comparison of a polymorphic target to a reference DNA or RNA. Complete hybridization patterns were revealed in a matter of minutes. Sequence polymorphisms were detected with single-base resolution and unprecedented efficiency. The methods described are generic and can be used to address a variety of questions in molecular genetics including gene expression, genetic linkage, and genetic variability.
Consider Graduate School

While still in the undergraduate program, many students think about attending graduate school sometime in their lives, some immediately after graduation and some perhaps after a few years of experience. However, students have several major concerns about finances, grade-point-average (GPA) requirements, and contacting professors.
TiCl(OCH3)(SO3Cl)(OSO2F)-chloro(chlorosulfato)(fluorosulfato)-methoxytitanium(IV) - asymmetric titanium(IV) compound

Abstract A stable titanium(IV) compound with four different kinds of ligands, TiCl(OCH 3 )(SO 3 Cl)− (SO 3 F), results when TiCl 2 (OCH 3 )(SO 3 F) is refluxed with HSO 3 Cl using CH 2 Cl 2 as the solvent. It is an off-white solid and decomposes around 125°C. The powder X-ray diffraction studies of the title compound will be discussed along with other physical and chemical properties.
Religiousness, Spirituality, and Existential Well-being Among HIV-Positive Gay, Bisexual, and Other MSM Age 50 and Over

The religious and spiritual experiences of HIV-positive gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM) are severely understudied, especially among those over 50. However, literature supports that religious/spiritual experiences are related to both physical and mental health among older adults. In this exploratory analysis we assessed the relations that exist among a sample of HIV-positive gay, bisexual, and other MSM over 50 in regard to sociodemographic factors and two established measures of religiosity/spirituality. Differences emerged in relation to both race/ethnicity and age for the Ironson-Woods Spirituality/Religiousness (SR) Index, while, for the Existential Well-being subscale, differences emerged in relation to race/ethnicity and perceived socioeconomic status.
Drivers of Spatial Variation in Plant Diversity Across the Central Arizona-Phoenix Ecosystem

ABSTRACT We examined how growth of the Phoenix urban landscape has changed spatial patterns in native Sonoran desert plant diversity. Combining data from the U.S. Census with a probability-based field inventory, we used spatial and multivariate statistics to show how plant diversity across the region is influenced by human actions. Spatial variations in plant diversity among sites were best explained by current and former land use, income, housing age, and elevation. Despite similar average diversity in perennial plant genera between desert and urban sites, numerous imported exotics have significantly increased variation in plant generic composition among urban sites, with a “luxury effect” of higher plant diversity at sites in wealthier neighborhoods. We conclude that controls on natural spatially autocorrelated desert plant diversity are replaced by a variable suite of site-specific human factors and legacy effects, which require an integration of ecology and social science to be fully understood.
Continuum Source Tungsten Coil Atomic Fluorescence Spectrometry

A simple continuum source tungsten coil atomic fluorescence spectrometer is constructed and evaluated. The heart of the system is the atomizer: a low-cost tungsten filament extracted from a 150 W light bulb. The filament is resistively heated with a small, solid-state, constant-current power supply. The atomizer is housed in a glass chamber and purged with a 1 L/min flow of a conventional welding gas mixture: 10% H2/Ar. A 25 μL sample aliquot is pipetted onto the tungsten coil, the liquid is dried at low current, and then the atomic vapor is produced by applying a current in the range 3.5–5.5 A. The atomization current does not produce temperatures high enough to excite atomic emission. Radiation from a 300 W xenon lamp is focused through the atomic vapor, exciting atomic fluorescence. Fluorescence signals are collected using a hand-held chargecoupled device (CCD) spectrometer. Simultaneous determination of ten elements (Ag, Bi, Cr, Cu, Ga, In, Mg, Mn, and Tl) results in detection limits in the range 0.3 to 10 ng. The application of higher atomization currents (10 A) leads to straightforward detection of atomic emission signals with no modifications to the instrument.
The bell numbers and r-fold transitivity☆

Abstract Let G be a permutation group of order |;G| acting on a set of n elements. For g ϵ G, let θ(g) be the number of elements left fixed by g. Then, for 1 ⩽ r ⩽ n, ∑ gϵ (θ(g)) r ⩽ X r |G| with equality if and only if G is r-fold transitive. Here, Xr is the r-th Bell number.
A low cost, 400 G 18″ (45.7 cm) gap C-magnet using permanent magnet technology

Abstract A low-cost, low-field (400 G) 18″ (45.7 cm) gap C-magnet using permanent magnets has been constructed. This magnet was used in a calibration study in the E799/E832 (KTeV) beamline at Fermilab. The C-magnet configuration was selected for ease of installation around an existing vacuum pipe. An advantage of the permanent magnet design is that no water or power connections are needed.
On-line volume flow rate and velocity profile measurement for blood in microvessels.

Abstract The extreme blunting of velocity profiles for human blood, reported from doubleslit photometric measurements, has been shown to be an artifact of the measuring technique. The nature of the data distortion is an averaging over an area much larger than that predicted from analysis of the optics alone. A similar sensing and averaging of events from an area much larger than assumed may account for blunting of velocity profiles measured by other techniques such as laser-doppler. An empirical result showing a simple constant relationship between the volume flow rate and the double-slit centerline velocity makes the volume flow rate measurement by this technique simple and implies that the actual velocity profiles do not change significantly from a parabolic shape over a wide range of U hematocrit, and tube diameter.
TH-C-BRB-04: Reliability of Proton-Nuclear Interaction Cross Section Data to Predict Proton-Induced PET Images in Proton Therapy

Purpose: In‐vivo PET range verification relies on the comparison of measured and simulated activity distributions. The accuracy of the simulated distribution depends on the accuracy of the Monte Carlo code, which is in turn dependent on the accuracy of the available cross sections data for &#946;+ isotope production. We have explored different cross section data available in the literature for the main reaction channels (16O(p,pn)15O, 12C(p,pn)11C and 16O(p,3p3n)11C) contributing to the production of &#946;+ isotopes by proton beams in patients. Methods: Available experimental and theoretical values were implemented in the simulation and compared with measured PETimages obtained with a high‐resolution PET scanner. Each reaction channel was studied independently. A phantom with three different materials was built, two of them with high carbon or oxygen concentration and a third one with average soft tissue composition. Monoenergetic and SOBP field irradiations of the phantom were accomplished and measured PETimages were compared with simulation results. Results: Different cross section values for the tissue‐equivalent material lead to range differences below 1 mm when a 5 min scan time was employed and close to 5 mm differences for a 30 min scan time with 15 min delay between irradiation and scan (a typical off‐line protocol). Conclusion: The results presented here emphasize the need of more accurate measurement of the cross section values of the reaction channels contributing to the production of PETisotopes by proton beams before this in‐vivo range verification method can achieve mm accuracy.
Permutation group algorithms based on partitions, I: Theory and algorithms

A technique for computing in permutation groups of high degree is developed. The technique uses the idea of successive refinement of ordered partitions, introduced by B. McKay in connection with the graph isomorphism problem, to supplement the techniques of base and strong generating set developed earlier by Sims. Applications to a number of specific problems in computational group theory are presented.
Functional and Subcellular Changes in the A-Kinase-Signaling Pathway: Relation to Aromatase and Sgk Expression during the Transition of Granulosa Cells to Luteal Cells

The responsiveness of granulosa cells to FSH (cAMP) changes as these cells switch from the proliferative stage in growing follicles to the terminally differentiated, nonproliferating stage after LH-induced luteinization. To analyze this transition, two well characterized culture systems were used. 1) Granulosa cells isolated from immature rats were cultured in serum-free medium, a system that permits analysis of dynamic, short-term responses to hormones/cAMP. 2) Granulosa cells from preovulatory (PO) follicles that have been exposed in vivo to surge concentrations of hCG (PO/ hCG) were cultured in medium containing 1% FBS, a system that permits analyses of cells that have undergo irreversible, long-term changes associated with luteinization. To analyze the biochemical basis for the switch in cAMP responsiveness, the localization of A-kinase pathway components was related to the expression of two cAMP target genes, aromatase (CYP19) and serum-and glucocorticoid-induced kinase (Sgk). Components of the A-kinase pathway were analyzed by Western blotting and indirect immunofluorescence using specific antibodies to the C subunit, RIIalpha/beta subunits, CREB (cAMP-regulatory element binding protein), phospho-CREB, CBP (CREB binding protein), and Sgk. Cellular levels of C subunit and CREB were similar in all cell types and hormone treatments. CREB and CBP were nuclear; RIIalpha/beta was restricted to a cytoplasmic basket-like structure. Addition of FSH to immature granulosa cells caused rapid nuclear import of C subunit within 1 h. Nuclear C subunit decreased by 6 h after FSH but could be rapidly reimported to the nucleus by the addition of forskolin at 6, 24, or 48 h. Nuclear C subunit was associated with the rapid but transient increases in phospho-CREB. FSH induced Sgk in a biphasic manner in which the protein was nuclear at 1 h and cytoplasmic at 48 h. Aromatase mRNA was only expressed at 24-48 h after FSH, a pattern that was not altered by phosphodiesterases or phosphatases. In the luteinized (PO/hCG) granulosa cells, immunoreactive C subunit was localized in a punctate pattern in the nucleus as well as to a cytoplasmic basket-like structure, a distribution pattern not altered by forskolin. Aromatase, Sgk, and phospho-CREB were expressed at elevated levels in a non-forskolin-responsive manner. Most notable, both phospho-CREB and Sgk were preferentially localized in a punctate pattern within the cytoplasm and not altered by forskolin. Collectively, these data indicate that when granulosa cells differentiate to luteal cells the subcellular localization (nuclear vs. cytoplasmic) of A-kinase pathway components changes markedly. Thus, either the mechanisms of nuclear import and export or the presence of distinct docking sites (and functions ?) dictate where A-kinase, phospho-CREB and Sgk are localized in granulosa cells compared with the terminally differentiated luteal cells.
Posterior Cervical Fusion Utilizing A Modified “Screwless” Vertex System:

Background Context: Posterior cervical fusion techniques have evolved from spinous process or facet wiring methods to the application of plates or rods utilizing lateral mass or pedicle screws. However, the morbidity associated with screw placement has prompted many surgeons to revert back to wiring constructs. Purpose: To document the efficacy of posterior cervical fusion employing a rod-eyelet and braided cable construct (Vertex System, Atlas Cables, Medtronic, Sofamor Danek, Memphis, TN). Cables were passed around rods, through eyelets and the base of spinous processes or facet joints in a “cerclage” fashion. Study Design/Setting: Eight posterior cervical Vertex fusions were prospectively performed. Patient Sample: Three patients exhibited ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL), 2 demonstrated stenosis with ossification of the yellow ligament (OYL), while 3 showed stenosis with spondylosis. Outcome Measures: Outcomes were measured one year postoperatively utilizing Nurick Grades (preoperative/postoperative) and Odom's Criteria. Medical Outcomes Trust Short-Form 36 questionnaires were administered preoperatively, and 3 months, 6 months and 1 year postoperatively. Methods: Three patients with OPLL had multilevel anterior corpectomy/fusion (ACF) with Vertex spinous process fusions (PF) performed under one anesthetic. Two patients with stenosis and OYL underwent focal 1-2 level laminectomies with Vertex spinous process fusions, while 3 with stenosis and spondylosis had multilevel laminectomies with Vertex spinous process/facet fusions. Results: Eight patients demonstrated dynamic X-ray and 2D-CT evidence of fusion an average of 4.5 months postoperatively. One year following surgery, patients improved an average of 3.6 Nurick Grades, and Odom's Criteria revealed 3 good and 5 excellent outcomes. Maximal improvement occurred 1 year postoperatively on the SF-36 Role Physical (0 to 30), Bodily Pain (27.2 to 65), and Role Emotional (13.3 to 40) Health Scales. Conclusions: Posterior spinous process/facet fusions utilizing the Vertex rods and eyelets with Atlas cables resulted in successful fusions in 8 patients.
Ultrastructural localization of β-adrenergic receptor-like immunoreactivity in the cortex and neostriatum of rat brain

We sought to quantitatively examine the processes containing β-adrenergic receptor-like immunoreactivity (β-AR-LI) in the cerebral cortex and neostriatum using a previously characterized rabbit antiserum to frog erythrocyte β-ARs under optimized immunolabeling conditions. Quantitative assessments of the laminar distribution of β-AR-LI in the cortex was achieved by computer-assisted image analysis of immunoautoradiographs and by quantitative electron microscopic analysis of peroxidase-antiperoxidase (PAP) labeling in aldehyde-fixed sections and unfixed synaptosomes. In the somatosensory and anterior cingulate cortical areas, light microcopy of aldehyde-fixed sections immunolabeled by the PAP method revealed small (0.5–1.0 μm) punctate processes in all layers. In the deeper layers, rims of immunoreactivity around the plasmalemma of a population of neuronal perikarya and processes were also observed. By immunoautoradiography, labeling was seen in distinct, laminar distributions resembling the reported autoradiographic patterns using radioligands34, 40, 46. By electron microscopy, the immunoreactive profiles in all cortical layers were primarily thick and thin postsynaptic densities (PSDs), comprising 4% of all identifiable PSDs in fixed sections and 12% in unfixed synaptosomal preparations. Also labeled were saccules of smooth endoplasmic reticulum and pinocytotic vesicles in dendrites, glial processes and lightly myelinated axons. In the neostriatum, the density of autoradiographic immunoreactivity was equivalent to the heavily labeled laminae of the cerebral cortex. Immunoreactivity detectable by light microscopy included punctate processes and rims of perikarya, as was seen in the cerebral cortex. The PAP reaction was shown by electron microscopy to be localized to the cytoplasmic surface of plasmalemma of a few proximal dendrites, but was most prominently associated with PSDs of dendritic spines. Preadsorption of the antiserum with a partially purified β-AR preparation abolished all detectable immunoreactivity. These results provide further support for the specificity of the antiserum for β-ARs, and are the first quantitative ultrastructural evidence for association of β-AR-LI with PSDs in the cerebral cortex. The neostriatum, whose major catecholaminergic innervation is dopaminergic, and not noradrenergic, is also confirmed to exhibit high levels of β-AR-LI within subcellular structures analogous to those seen in the cerebral cortex. The ultrastructural distribution of β-AR-LI in the two regions provides morphological support for the receptor's membrane-associated recycling, axonal transport, function at both excitatory and inhibitory synapses, and role in interactions between specific neuorons and glia.
Synthesis of 123I-16-iodo-9-hexadecenoic acid and derivatives for use as myocardial perfusion imaging agents

Abstract Radioiodinated long chain ω-iodocarboxylic acids have been proposed for use as fatty acid analog tracer molecules. Fatty acids serve as fuel for myocardial metabolism and, since 131 I-16-iodo-9-hexadecenoic acid has been shown to simulate the heart uptake and turnover of oleic and stearic acids, the 123 I labeled compound has been suggested as a radiopharmaceutical for use in myocardial perfusion imaging. 123 I-16-iodo-9-hexadecenoic acid was synthesized by reacting the brominated precursor with 123 I-iodide in refluxing anhydrous acetone or MEK. 123 I-iodide was extracted into the reaction medium from aqueous 4 N NaOH. Single extraction transfer into acetone was more efficient than into MEK, but labeling yields were higher using MEK. In routine synthesis, using MEK as the solvent, 20 mCi of 123 I-16-iodo-9-hexadecenoic acid at a specific activity of 20 mCi/mg are produced. The label of radioiodinated 16-iodo-9-hexadecenoic acid shows rapid metabolic turnover within the heart. This limits its usefulness for myocardial imaging when multiple projection images are required. The heart uptake and turnover of labeled 16-iodohexadecenoic acid were found to be indistinguishable from those of the unsaturated molecule.
Evaluation of advanced Georgia peanut breeding lines with reduced-input and without irrigation

Abstract USA peanut ( Arachis hypogaea L.) growers are currently needing disease- and insect-resistant cultivars to lower input production cost to increase net returns and enhance their competitiveness in the global market. Replicated field trials were conducted for 3 years (2000–2002) with reduced inputs and without irrigation to evaluate the performance of several advanced Georgia breeding lines at the University of Georgia, Coastal Plain Experiment Station. Each year, reduced inputs for disease control included only four fungicide applications at recommended rates on a 28 d schedule beginning 30 d after planting. No insecticides, nematicides, miticides, or irrigation were applied during the three growing seasons. Two recently released runner-type cultivars ‘Georgia-01R’ (GA 942511) and ‘Georgia-02C’ (GA 982508) were found to consistently out perform the five check cultivars each and every year under these test regimes of reduced input production practices and without irrigation. Both Georgia-01R and Georgia-02C also had comparable or significantly better tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) resistance at midseason and total disease (TD) resistance at harvest than the best TSWV-resistant check cultivars. Peanut growers competitiveness should be enhanced with utilization of such new and improved cultivars.
Labour Market Developments in the Maritime Industry of the South Baltic Region

Dwa glowne cele badan, to analiza stanu gospodarki morskiej i zatrudnienia w Rejonie Poludniowego Baltyku oraz zidentyfikowanie sektorow gospodarki morskiej wykazujących potencjal dla rozwoju i określenie wplywu, jaki bedzie to mialo na zatrudnienie i wymagane kwalifikacje zawodowe, a takze na mozliwości wymiany miedzyregionalnej pracownikow. Badania porownawcze przeprowadzono dla czterech nadmorskich regionow UE, a mianowicie Meklemburgii-Przedpomorza Przedniego(D), wojewodztw: Zachodniopomorskiego i Pomorskiego (PL) oraz Regionu Klajpedy (LT). Wskazano na perspektywy rozwoju gospodarczego poszczegolnych segmentow gospodarki morskiej i ustalono związany z tym wplyw na rynki pracy w poszczegolnych regionach. Analiza porownawcza poszczegolnych segmentow gospodarki morskiej Rejonu Poludniowego Baltyku umozliwila zidentyfikowanie roznic w mozliwościach ich rozwoju i w efektach popytu na prace i na kwalifikacje zawodowe dla kazdego z regionow. Zjawisko zroznicowanego potencjalu rozwoju rynkow pracy w wyroznionych segmentach gospodarki morskiej w ujeciu miedzyregionalnym przedstawiono w formie wielokryterialnych macierzy prognoz popytu na prace.