cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Turning point article the wandering of a Botanist

My earliest memories are of growing up in a rural area in the northcentral part of the state of Uttar Pradesh in British India. All around us were dense woods, and fields of wheat, rice, and sugarcane, interspersed with scores of mango groves. On clear days, we could see snow-capped Himalayan peaks in the distance. We had a large and comfortable house, but no running water, electricity, and certainly no television, telephone or, radio. There were no paved roads, restaurants, or movie houses. It was largely a poor and underdeveloped area, close to the places where Lord Buddha was born and attained Nirvana. Much natural beauty surrounded us, but there was also plenty of poverty, misery, and sickness. Malaria and typhoid were rampant, and there were frequent epidemics of cholera and bubonic plague. We were a small but close-knit and loving family – my parents, my older brother and me. I fondly remember a happy and carefree childhood. Apart from school, my pastime was playing with friends, and daily long walks in the surrounding woods and along a nearby river. After sundown, before and after dinner, my father would tell us stories from the great Hindu epics Mahabharata and Ramayana, and tales of ancient Hindu kings and warriors. He talked with great passion and hope about the ongoing non-violent struggle for independence from Britain led by Mahatma Gandhi and his followers. Some of these accounts would last for months. They were far more interesting and informative than the history we were taught at school, which was based largely on the rather biased British version of Indian history. We looked forward to the story time each evening. My father was a successful businessman. Owing to family circumstances, he did not have the opportunity for much formal education. Yet, he had great love and appreciation for education. He was an avid reader and was exceptionally good with numbers (arithmetic). He had a large personal collection of books representing the best of Hindi literature, and many volumes on Indra K. Vasil. Born August 31, 1932, in India.
Bose-Einstein Gas with Repulsive Interactions: Hard Spheres at High Density

A method developed by the authors for treating Bose-Einstein particles at low temperature is specialized to the case of hard sphere interactions. It is shown that the integral equations determining the energy can in this case be replaced by an integral involving the unknown excitation spectrum. The energy is first determined as a power series in ${(\ensuremath{\rho}{a}^{3})}^{\frac{1}{2}}$, where $\ensuremath{\rho}$ is the density and $a$ the hard-sphere radius. This solution is shown to diverge badly at high density. A result is then obtained which is valid over the full range of density, reducing to the exact expressions at low density and to a good approximation at high density. The excitation spectrum of the system is shown to have a peculiar nonmonotonic relation between energy and momentum very similar to that deduced by Landau from the low-temperature properties of ${\mathrm{He}}^{4}$.
A one-plasmid conditional color-switching transgenic system for multimodal bioimaging

We have developed a new construct to generate transgenic mice with one plasmid that offers: (1) Cre/loxP-mediated spatial and temporally-controlled tissue-specific transgene expression; (2) A color-switching mechanism that uses spectrum-complementary genetically-encoded red (mRFP) and green (eGFP) fluorescent markers to label the transgene-expressing cells; (3) A bioluminescent marker that turns-on in the transgene-expressing cells; (4) eGFP as a cell surface marker in the transgene-expressing cells that facilitates the isolation and targeting of these cells. This vector was tested in vitro by co-transfection of the transgenic plasmid and a plasmid containing Cre recombinase into cultured cells and by establishing a transgenic mouse line. We show that this method allows versatile transgene expression targeting and color-switching to facilitate fluorescent and bioluminescent imaging both in cultured cells and in vivo. Our strategy provides time-saving features in tissue-specific transgene expression, bioimaging and primary cell isolation and can be used for generation of gene-specific transgenic mice.
Artifact-free black-blood cine cardiac imaging in a single breath-hold

Fast imaging using the STimulated Echo Acquisition Mode (STEAM) sequence can produce cine images of the heart with black-blood contrast. Nevertheless, correction of deformation-related artifacts is required in order to maintain myocardial signal throughout the cardiac cycle. Recent work by our group has eliminated this artifact by combining two STEAM sequences acquired with two different demodulation gradients. Unfortunately, these two STEAM sequences were acquired on two separate breath-holds; thus, scan time doubled. In this work, we present a technique to reduce the total scan time by one half, without sacrificing image quality. The technique is based on interleaving two demodulations within one acquisition in order to obtain quality cine images of the heart in a single breath-hold. The technique was tested on animal models and human subjects, and the impact of interleaved acquisition on image quality was studied using quantitative and qualitative measures.
Functional analysis of the rod photoreceptor cGMP phosphodiesterase α-subunit gene promoter: Nrl and Crx are required for full transcriptional activity

To understand the factors controlling expression of the cGMP phosphodiesterase type 6 (PDE6) genes, we have characterized the promoter of the human PDE6A gene that encodes the catalytic α-subunit. In vivo DNase I hypersensitivity assays revealed two sites immediately upstream of the PDE6A core promoter region. Transient transfection assay in Y79 cells of constructs containing varying lengths of the promoter region showed a decrease in promoter activity with increasing length. The most active segment contained a 177-bp upstream sequence including apparent Crx and Nrl transcription factor binding sites. Both Crx and Nrl transactivated the PDE6A promoter in HEK293 cells and showed a >100-fold increase when coexpressed. Coexpression of a dominant negative inhibitor of Nrl abolished Nrl transactivation but had no effect on Crx. DNase I footprinting assays identified three potential Crx binding sites within a 55-bp segment beginning 29 bp upstream of the transcription start point. Mutation of two of these sites reduced reporter gene activity by as much as 69%. Gel shifts showed that all three Crx sites required a TAAT sequence for efficient binding. Consistent with a requirement for Crx and Nrl in Pde6a promoter activity, Pde6a mRNA is reduced by 87% in the retina of Crx–/– mice and is undetectable in Nrl–/– mice at postnatal day 10. These results establish that both Nrl and Crx are required for full transcriptional activity of the PDE6A gene.
Effects of 3-hydrazone modification on the metabolism and protein binding of progesterone

Abstract Progesterone was rapidly metabolized with an apparent half-life of 2–2.5 min when incubated with isolated rat liver microsomes. Progesterone 3-hydrazone prodrugs, on the other hand, exhibited remarkable liver microsomal stability with apparent first-order half-lives increasing by about 35–350-fold over the parent drug. Protein binding experiments indicated significantly lower association of the prodrugs with human serum albumin as compared to progesterone. However, the combining affinities of the derivatives with α 1 -acid glycoprotein are comparable to that of progesterone itself. No appreciable binding of either progesterone or its produgs with other serum proteins, i.e., fibrinogen and γ-globulin, was observed. Therefore, 3-hydrazone prodrugs may be able to enhance oral absorption of progesterone not only by increasing its aqueous solubility but by reducing its first pass liver metabolism as well.
Between a Rock and a Hard Place: Managing Government Document Collections in a Digital World

An Oregon State University Libraries (OSUL) study group's review of its current policies, practices, and costs provides an illustrative case study of the challenges in managing government documents during this period of transition from print to digital. In its exploration of more aggressive approaches to greatly increasing access to electronic collections and reducing the size of the print footprint, OSUL learned that the current requirements of the Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP) hamper such efforts. This case study provides background on prior internal studies, OSUL's participation in a shared housing agreement, statistics on size and current usage of its government documents, and the costs to receive, process, and provide access to its document collection. It concludes with the recommendations for OSUL to be as proactive as it can be under the current FDLP rules and regulations while bringing projected costs to manage government documents more in line with higher priorities.
Resonance Raman Spectroscopic Evaluation of Skin Carotenoids as a Biomarker of Carotenoid Status for Human Studies

Resonance Raman spectroscopy (RRS) is a non-invasive method that has been developed to assess carotenoid status in human tissues including human skin in vivo. Skin carotenoid status has been suggested as a promising biomarker for human studies. This manuscript describes research done relevant to the development of this biomarker, including its reproducibility, validity, feasibility for use in field settings, and factors that affect the biomarker such as diet, smoking, and adiposity. Recent studies have evaluated the response of the biomarker to controlled carotenoid interventions, both supplement-based and dietary [e.g., provision of a high-carotenoid fruit and vegetable (F/V)-enriched diet], demonstrating consistent response to intervention. The totality of evidence supports the use of skin carotenoid status as an objective biomarker of F/V intake, although in the cross-sectional setting, diet explains only some of the variation in this biomarker. However, this limitation is also a strength in that skin carotenoids may effectively serve as an integrated biomarker of health, with higher status reflecting greater F/V intake, lack of smoking, and lack of adiposity. Thus, this biomarker holds promise as both a health biomarker and an objective indicator of F/V intake, supporting its further development and utilization for medical and public health purposes.
Ultratrace measurements of selenium by cathodic stripping voltammetry in the presence of rhodium

Abstract A remarkably sensitive cathodic stripping voltammetric procedure for ultratrace measurements of selenium in the presence of added rhodium is described. The method is based on the accumulation and subsequent reduction of a Rh2Se3 layer on the hanging mercury drop electrode. Optimum experimental conditions were established, including the use of a 0.1 M sulfuric acid solution containing 10 μg1−1 rhodium and preconcentration at −0.2 V followed by a fast linear scan. Such conditions yield an extremely low detection limit of 0.5 ng 1−1 (6 x 10−12 M) selenium following a 3-min preconcentration. The improved sensitivity (over earlier cathodic stripping voltammetric schemes) is coupled to high selectivity and precision. Applicability to assays of groundwater and river water samples is illustrated.
Role of gamma-aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptor subtypes in acute benzodiazepine physical dependence-like effects: evidence from squirrel monkeys responding under a schedule of food presentation

Rationale Assays of schedule-controlled responding can be used to characterize the pharmacology of benzodiazepines and other GABAA receptor modulators, and are sensitive to changes in drug effects that are related to physical dependence.
Maximum likelihood estimation for directional conditionally autoregressive models

A spatial process observed over a lattice or a set of irregular regions is usually modeled using a conditionally autoregressive (CAR) model. The neighborhoods within a CAR model are generally formed using only the inter-distances or boundaries between the regions. To accommodate directional spatial variation, a new class of spatial models is proposed using different weights given to neighbors in different directions. The proposed model generalizes the usual CAR model by accounting for spatial anisotropy. Maximum likelihood estimators are derived and shown to be consistent under some regularity conditions. Simulation studies are presented to evaluate the finite sample performance of the new model as compared to the CAR model. Finally, the method is illustrated using a data set on the crime rates of Columbus, OH and on the elevated blood lead levels of children under the age of 72 months observed in Virginia in the year of 2000.
A determination of the effective B and ϱ trajectories from the reaction π+p→ωΔ++

Abstract We present results of two high-statistics bubble chamber measurements of the reaction π + → ω 0 Δ ++ at incident momenta of 2.67 and 7.1 GeV/ c . The energy dependence of the natural parity exchange projection gives a Regge trajectory consistent with the accepted ϱ trajectory. The unnatural parity exchange projection gives a B trajectory consistent with our current knowledge of the pion trajectroy.
Partial Colocalization of Oxidized, N‐formylkynurenine‐containing Proteins in Mitochondria and Golgi of Keratinocytes†

Proteins are the dominant cellular target for oxidative reactions because they comprise the majority of macromolecules. Posttranslational oxidative protein modifications include fragmentation, aggregation and alteration of specific amino acid residues. The amino acids and amino acid residues most susceptible to oxidative modification are those containing sulfur and those with aromatic rings. Tryptophan reacts with radicals, ozone and singlet oxygen to form the end product N-formylkynurenine (NFK). We recently described a novel anti-NFK antiserum and validated its use in immunological assays for the specific detection of NFK in isolated proteins and protein mixtures. Here we photo-oxidize rose bengal-containing HaCaT keratinocyte cells and examine the results using fluorescent confocal microscopy and staining with anti-NFK antiserum and markers for both Golgi and mitochondria. We show that photosensitization mediates the accumulation of NFK and that NFK can be detected in photosensitized cells with only slightly decreased viability. Additionally, we detect NFK-modified proteins in both Golgi and mitochondria of photosensitized cells. These experiments demonstrate that we have developed a tool for the specific detection of oxidized tryptophan residues in cells and suggest that this tool could be useful in tracking the fate of these oxidized proteins.
Territorial Behavior of a Blackbird: Mechanisms of Site-Dependent Dominance

The behavioral mechanisms that produce territoriality require that a resident's agonistic tendencies vary with the locations of encounters with opponents or with the distance between the resident and an opponent. Variation in agonistic tendencies with location could result from increased aggressiveness in familiar locations. Only a few field studies have previously documented variation in aggressive tendencies either with the location of an encounter or the distance of an opponent. In this study, we measured the spatial distributions of advertising activities in the territories of male yellow-hooded blackbirds Agelaius icterocephalus and related these distributions to aggressive tendencies of the residents. Advertising and agonistic activities resembled those of other marsh-nesting blackbirds in the genera Agelaius and Xanthocephalus. To portray the spatial distributions of activities, we determined convex hulls for the 95 % and 68% of instances or seconds of an activity closest to the vector mean of the distribution. A territorial male's time perched conspicuously, instances of conspicuous perching, songs and song flights were concentrated near the center of his territory. In spite of this uneven distribution of a male's time and advertising activities within his territory, a male's aggressive tendencies toward intruders did not vary clearly either with the intruder's location or distance from the resident, provided only that the intruder was within the resident's boundaries. Interactions with neighbors suggested that use of an area is a prerequisite for its defense. Changes in boundaries and establishment of new territories revealed that a male's use of an area increased before aggression toward neighboring residents began. Changes in a resident's territorial boundaries often resulted from changes in the spatial distribution of residents' activities as a result of localizing activities around nests of egg-laying females or changes in the locations of nests under construction. These observations suggest that predominance in use of an area leads to dominance in defense of that area.
The impact of microcomputer word processing on the performance of learning disabled students in a required first-year writing course

Summary Simple descriptive statistics tell us something about the efficacy of word processing in this study. When success is defined as helping a group of variously LD student writers perform like non-LD student writers without the intervention of specialists, it would appear that success is approached but not achieved. On essential matriculation criteria (grades and course completion), the differences between the.
Magnesium sulfate increases intracellular magnesium reducing inflammatory cytokine release in neonates.

Problem Magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) exposure reduces the risk of cerebral palsy. As neonatal inflammatory cytokine levels strongly correlate with neurologic outcome, we hypothesize that MgSO4 decreases inflammatory cytokine production. Method of study We assessed the effect of MgSO4 on cellular magnesium levels, cytokine production, and release within THP-1 and cord blood mononuclear cells. Results MgSO4 exposure increased intracellular magnesium levels, reducing the frequency of THP-1 cells producing IL-1β, IL-8, and TNF-α following LPS stimulation. Significant reductions in the frequency of neonatal monocytes producing TNF-α (48%) and IL-6 (37%) were seen following LPS stimulation, and MgSO4 also significantly decreased the frequency of monocytes producing TNF-α (35%) under basal conditions. Decreased cytokine production was confirmed via ELISA, demonstrating a sustained effect and dose response. Magnesium also reduced cytokine production following stimulation with TLR ligands representing obstetrical infections (group B Streptococcus and Mycoplasma) and in preterm neonatal monocytes. Conclusion MgSO4 increases intracellular magnesium, reducing inflammatory cytokine production and release, potentially elucidating the mechanism by which MgSO4 prevents cerebral palsy, eclampsia, and preterm birth.
Quasiparticle charge of 1 3 FQH liquid from resistance fluctuation measurements

We have studied resistance fluctuations as a function of magnetic field (B) and backgate bias (VG) at v = 13, 1, and 2 in a hi quality two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG). We find that, within an experimental uncertainty of ∼ 25%, the relation among the fluctuation periods ΔB, at fixed n, is ΔB(v = 13) = 3ΔB(v = 1) = 3ΔB(v = 2), but at fixed B, the r ΔVG is ΔVG(v = 13) = ΔVG(v = 1) = (12)ΔVG(v = 2). These results provide experimen excitations from the 13 FQH liquid is e∗ = e3 and that the flux quantum relevant to quantization of the semiclassical o Θ∗ = 3he.
Isolation and partial characterization of an endogenous inhibitor of dopamine-β-hydroxylase

Abstract An endogenous inhibitor of dopamine-β-hydroxylase (EC 1.14.2.1) was isolated from homogenates of bovine adrenal medulla. The inhibitor was purified using chromatography on Florisil, Sephadex G-15, and DEAE-cellulose, and appeared to be pure using paper and thin-layer chromatography. In the absence of protein, the inhibitor was rapidly inactivated, but could be reactivated by treatment with H 2 S. This treatment of the inactive inhibitor resulted in the appearance of two components, only one of which possessed significant inhibitory activity. Amino acid analysis of each of the fragments indicated the presence of three amino acids, glutamic acid, cysteine, and glycine. Each component resembled glutathione in composition, although they did not appear to be identical with it.
Learning potential functions by demonstration for path planning

Potential functions can be used to design efficient path planning schemes. However, it is often difficult to design appropriate potential functions to mimic desired behavior of the agent. Instead of using a pre-designed potential function for path planning, this paper presents an algorithm that learns the underlying potential function from a given sample trajectory generated by a “expert” (say, a human). This underlying potential function implicitly incorporates obstacle avoidance information that may be intuitive or experience-based. The potential function to be learned is parametrized and the parameter weights are obtained through minimization of a well-designed cost function via a gradient descent search algorithm. Once learned, this potential function can be used for path planning in case of alternative (and more complex) scenarios, such as those with multiple obstacles. The paper presents the theoretical foundation and numerical validation of the proposed algorithm.
Patterns of intraspecific diversification in the Piriqueta caroliniana complex in southeastern North America and the Bahamas.

Abstract We use chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) variation and nested clade phylogeographic analyses to infer the historical processes that have contributed to the high level of morphological and ecological diversification present in a group of herbaceous perennials (the Piriqueta caroliniana complex) in North America and the Bahamas. The presence of morphologically distinct and intercompatible varieties (morphotypes) that can be distinguished based on suites of taxonomic characters (e.g., leaf shape, pubescence type, stature) and contrasting habitat affinities (from marshes to dry pinelands and sand scrub) makes this group particularly appropriate for studies of intraspecific diversification. To examine the distribution of haplotypes among populations, we sampled 467 individuals from 55 locations in Florida, Georgia, and the northern Bahamas (Grand Bahama and Abaco) and screened each individual for cpDNA variation using restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) and heteroduplex analyses. We develop a one-st...
First order kinetics in continuous reactors

Abstract It is shown that for any continuous flow reactor, isothermal or not, supporting any system of first order reactions, there exists always a batch reactor or plug flow reactor whose performance is better (or at least no worse) for that reaction system. The performance criterion (a higher value to indicate better performance) may be any convex function of the concentrations of the various species.
Expression of chimeric human transferrin-chloramphenicol acetyltransferase genes in liver and brain of transgenic mice during development.

Abstract Transferrin (TF) gene expression is tissue specific and is regulated during development. Transgenic mice have been developed which carry 1.2 or 0.67 kb of the TF 5' flanking region of the human TF gene fused to the bacterial chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) gene. The onset of expression of the chimeric human TF-CAT transgenes in liver and brain during development has been studied in these transgenic mice. In brain, the TF(0.67)CAT transgene began to express between 5 and 10 days after birth; in liver, the TF(0.67)CAT transgene was turned on between 10 and 20 days after birth. Endogenous mouse TF mRNA levels in liver and brain have also been measured during development by Northern analysis. In brain, the developmental expression pattern of the TF(0.67)CAT transgene is the same as the mouse endogenous TF gene; in liver, the transgene is turned on later than the endogenous mouse TF gene. DNA-protein mobility shift assays and DNase I footprinting analyses were conducted in the region of -621 to -409 bp of the human TF gene by using TP-CAT expressing liver nuclear extract from 27-day-old mice and nonexpressing liver nuclear extract from 7-day-old mice. The level of protein-DNA complex formation is several times higher in the expressing extracts, and the region from -481 to -463 bp of human TF gene is protected by the expressing extract. But not the nonexpressing extracts. As demonstrated by this and other studies, the transgenic mouse model furnishes a unique opportunity to analyze developmental regulation of human transgenes.
A further study of the annual cycle of the zonal mean circulation in the middle atmosphere

The influence on the stratospheric mean circulation of planetary wavenumber 2 disturbances excited by steady forcing at the 100 mb level is investigated using a global semi-spectral primitive equation model. There exists a critical forcing amplitude below which the waves have little effect on the mean flow, while above which the waves produce subseasonal time scale vacillations in the winter hemisphere, including both major and minor warmings. Wave transience induced by the evolving mean flow distribution is responsible for generating the vacillations, while thermal damping serves to reduce the wave-driven changes in the mean flow.
The Immune System in Hereditary Hemochromatosis: A Quantitative and Functional Assessment of the Cellular Arm

The objective of this investigation was to evaluate certain quantitative and functional characteristics of the effector cells of the cellular arm of the immune system in hereditary hemochromatosis (HH) with respect to treatment status. Two observations were consistent with the postulate that the elevated levels of storage iron has in vivo immunoregulatory properties: (1) the absolute number of CD8-positive T cells were significantly elevated in untreated HH patients (n = 7) and reduced in treated patients (n = 7), as compared with controls; and (2) the proliferative response of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from untreated HH patients to mitogens was suboptimal but the response of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBM) from treated HH patients was normal. Furthermore, immunoglobulin secretion by PBM from treated HH patients as compared to controls was altered. Finally, one T effector cell abnormality was unrelated to treatment status in that a subset of mature, non-activated T lymphocytes aberrantly formed thermostable erythrocyte-rosettes (TE-R), a lymphoid surface marker usually expressed on thymocytes or activated T cells. Taken together these data define certain immune alterations that are consistent with the interpretation that cellular immunity may be influenced by the high level of storage iron in HH patients.
Expression of phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH) in erythrogenic bone marrow does not correct hyperphenylalaninemia in Pah(enu2) mice.

Background Treatment of many inherited liver enzyme deficiencies requires the removal of toxic intermediate metabolites from the blood of affected individuals. We propose that circulating toxins can be adequately cleared and disease phenotype influenced by enzyme expressed in tissues other than the liver, such as bone marrow. Our specific hypothesis was that phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH) expressed in bone marrow would lower blood phenylalanine levels in hyperphenylalaninemic Pah enu2 mice, a model of human phenylketonuria (PKU).
ROLE OF ULTRAVIOLET RADIATION IN MAINTAINING THE THREE‐DIMENSIONAL STRUCTURE OF A CYANOBACTERIAL MAT COMMUNITY AND FACILITATING NITROGEN FIXATION

Cyanobacterial mat communities were collected in the mangrove forest bordering the Grand Cul de Sac Marin, Guadeloupe, French West Indies, which supports a community of nitrogen fixing cyanobacterial mats established on the trunk and branches of black mangrove (Avicennia germinans L.). This study presents results that are focused on the mat community and the physiological and morphological adaptations to UV radiation. The dominant surface species of the mat, Nostoc cf commune Vaucher and Scytonema sp., possessed the UV-shielding pigment scytonemin. Mats grown on medium D agar without nitrogen under photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) only, rapidly became disorganized compared with those exposed to PAR + UV-A (320– 400 nm) + UV-B (280–320 nm) irradiation. Concurrent with disorganization, acetylene reduction activity (ARA = one third of N2 reduction) was severely reduced, whereas mats irradiated with PAR + UV-A + UV-B maintained high ARA activity. Mats incubated for 27 days under PAR + UV-A + UV-B then exposed to PAR only exhibited a 68% stimulation of ARA, whereas ARA values were 33% inhibited in mats incubated with PAR only and then exposed to PAR + UV-A + UV-B. This favorable equilibrium was facilitated by the mats' three-dimensional structure in which the most UV-resistant species, N. commune, covers the surface with UV-sensitive species below this protective covering. The UV stressor was essential for the maintenance of mat structure and ARA.
Distance-dependence in two Amazonian palms: effects of spatial and temporal variation in seed predator communities.

Animals aid population growth and fitness in tropical forest communities through dispersal and negatively impact populations through seed predation. The interaction between dispersal and seed predation can produce distance- or density-dependence; powerful mechanisms for maintaining species diversity incorporated in the Janzen–Connell model. Large mammals, the highest biomass seed predators of intact Amazonian communities and at risk due to human disturbance, are potentially central to these interactions. This study tests the Janzen–Connell model and investigates the impact of mammalian seed predators on seedling recruitment and maintenance of tree diversity. Patterns of both vertebrate and invertebrate seed predation and seedling recruitment were studied in the two most abundant canopy tree species in western Amazonia (Arecaceae: Astrocaryum murumuru and Iriartea deltoidea). We specifically examined effects of both spatial and temporal variation of the highest biomass seed predator in southwest Amazonian forests, the white-lipped peccary (Tayassu pecari), on recruitment through disturbed and undisturbed sites and through a fortuitous 12 year natural extinction and recolonization event of T. pecari. Distance-dependent seedling recruitment was found in Astrocaryum and Iriartea at both sites. However, the median distance of seedlings was ~1.5× farther from reproductive adults in both palms at the undisturbed site. The number of Iriartea seeds escaping predation increased 6,000% in both space and time due to the decline of T. pecari abundance. The results demonstrate that Janzen–Connell effects are stronger in intact ecosystems and tie these mechanistically to changes in seed predator abundance. This study shows that anthropogenic changes in mammal communities decrease the magnitude of Janzen–Connell effects in Amazonian forests and may result in decreases in tree diversity.
Five Years and Change with the TEAM: Moving Fast Past the Apocalypse

Carol Martin and Rachel Chavkin discuss the intellectual formation and working methods of the young American theatre company, the TEAM—Theatre of the Emerging American Moment.
A Modified Teniotomy Technique for Facilitated Removal of Descending Colon Enteroliths in Horses

Objective—To describe a method for facilitating movement of enteroliths obstructing the proximal portion of the descending colon. Study Design—Prospective report. Sample Population—15 horses. Methods—A seromuscular incision through the antimesenteric taenia of the proximal portion of the descending colon was used to facilitate movement of enteroliths. Results—Teniotomy allowed proximal descending colon enteroliths located within the abdomen or close to the abdominal wall to be advanced 4 to 15 cm in an aboral direction so that they could be exteriorized for safe removal. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance Teniotomy is a feasible method for mobilizing enteroliths in the proximal descending colon in locations that cannot otherwise be exteriorized.
The relationship between maternal parenting style, female adolescent decision making, and contraceptive use

Purpose: To examine the relationship between maternal parenting style, female adolescent decision making, and contraceptive behavior in multiethnic, 14- to 17-year-old Hawaii residents. Data sources: This was a descriptive cross-sectional survey design using a convenience sample of 112 female adolescents 14–17 years of age who came for health care from four clinics on the island of Maui and the Big Island of Hawaii. Along with a brief demographic questionnaire, maternal parenting style was measured by the Parental Control Scale, decision making was measured by the Flinders Adolescent Decision Making Questionnaire, and sexual activity and contraception use was measured by a non-normed Sexual History and Contraceptive Use Questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, logistic regression, and correlations were used to analyze associations and correlations between age, maternal parenting style, decision self-esteem, decision coping (vigilant and maladaptive), and contraceptive use for sexually active female adolescents. Conclusions: No significant associations or correlations were found between age, maternal parenting style, decision self-esteem, decision coping (vigilant and maladaptive), and contraceptive use. There were significant positive correlations (p < .05) between maternal parenting style, age, and decision coping-complacency, suggesting that maternal parenting styles are more controlling and that decision coping-complacency increases as the adolescent ages, leading the adolescents to take a less active role in decision making.
HEAT TRANSFER AND FLUID FLOW IN A NONISOTHERMAL CONSTRAINED VAPOR BUBBLE

A Constrained Vapor Bubble (CVB) with a relatively large Bond number formed by partially underfilling liquid in an evacuated cavity is capable of high thermal conductance. Il operates on the principle of closed loop phase-change along with capillarity to circulate the working fluid. Analytical investigations were conducted to compare with existing experimental data. A steady-state fluid flow model combined with a two-dimensional heat transfer model was developed and solved to yield key operating parameters ( i.e., temperature and liquid meniscus curvature) of the CVB. The modeling results of the outside wall temperature in the evaporator were found to agree well with the measured experimental data. An area average heat transfer coefficient was used to characterize the heat transfer on the inside wall of the evaporator. The value of this heat transfer coefficient was found to increase with the heat flow rate. The fluid flow model with the heat transfer model in the evaporator to provide the energy balance ...
Lifting the burden of history from adaptive query processing

Adaptive query processing schemes attempt to re-optimize query plans during the course of query execution. A variety of techniques for adaptive query processing have been proposed, varying in the granularity at which they can make decisions [8]. The eddy [1] is the most aggressive of these techniques, with the flexibility to choose tuple-by-tuple how to order the application of operators. In this paper we identify and address a fundamental limitation of the original eddies proposal: the burden of history in routing. We observe that routing decisions have long-term effects on the state of operators in the query, and can severely constrain the ability of the eddy to adapt over time. We then propose a mechanism we call STAIRs that allows the query engine to manipulate the state stored inside the operators and undo the effects of past routing decisions. We demonstrate that eddies with STAIRs achieve both high adaptivity and good performance in the face of uncertainty, outperforming prior eddy proposals by orders of magnitude.
Strong ion gap: a methodology for exploring unexplained anions.

Purpose: This paper describes the calculation of the strong ion gap (SIG), a physical chemical methodology similar to the anion gap (AG), as a measure of the anion/cation balance exclusive of sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicarbonate. We compared the SIG and AG methodologies in three groups of subjects with and without unexplained anions. These groups were (1) healthy volunteers with hyperlacticemia during exercise; (2) intensive care unit (ICU) patients with sepsis; and (3) ICU patients with severe liver disease. Methods: The SIG, AG, and corrected AG (AGc) were calculated for each group from data available in the original reports (groups 1 and 2) and by retrospective chart review (group 3). Results: The SIG correlated poorly with the AG in group 2, whereas no correlation was seen in groups 1 and 3. The AGc correlated with SIG in all three groups (r = .99, .93, and .91 respectively; P < .01 for each group). Although the AG was similar, the SIG differed for each group. Group 1 had levels of SIG near zero, and groups 2 and 3 had mean SIG's of 4.80 ± 4.67 mEq/L and 9.60 ± 6.43 mEq/L respectively. The composition of the anion gap differed markedly among subject types. Conclusions: The SIG correlates with the AG once corrected for all known anions. The SIG technique can detect unknown anions in a patient population known to have them and does not detect unknown anions in healthy volunteers during exercise. This test detects large amounts of unknown anions in some patients with sepsis or liver disease. Therefore, the test is both sensitive and specific in characterizing metabolic acidosis.
Effects of verbal and nonverbal interference on spatial and object visual working memory.

We tested the hypothesis that a verbal coding mechanism is necessarily engaged by object, but not spatial, visual working memory tasks. We employed a dual-task procedure that pairedn-back working memory tasks with domain-specific distractor trials inserted into each interstimulus interval of then-back tasks. In two experiments, objectn-back performance demonstrated greater sensitivity to verbal distraction, whereas spatialn-back performance demonstrated greater sensitivity to motion distraction. Visual object and spatial working memory may differ fundamentally in that the mnemonic representation of featural characteristics of objects incorporates a verbal (perhaps semantic) code, whereas the mnemonic representation of the location of objects does not. Thus, the processes supporting working memory for these two types of information may differ in more ways than those dictated by the “what/where” organization of the visual system, a fact more easily reconciled with a component process than a memory systems account of working memory function.
The separatrix cycle for a class of phase-locked loops

The vector field model for a class of second-order, PLLs is shown to have rotational properties which imply the existence of a separatrix cycle. The external stability of this separatrix cycle is shown to be an indicator of the type of bifurcation which terminates the limit cycle /spl Gamma//sub s/ associated with the PLL's stable false lock state. A formula is given for determining the separatrix cycle's stability, and this leads to the conclusion that the cycle is externally stable for sufficiently small valves of closed loop gain. A novel algorithm is presented for computing the PLL's separatrix cycle. For a given loop filter and valve of closed loop gain, the algorithm uses an iterative approach to find the valve of the PLL's detuning parameter /spl omega//sub d/ at which the separatrix cycle occurs. >
Beyond independent components: trees and clusters

We present a generalization of independent component analysis (ICA), where instead of looking for a linear transform that makes the data components independent, we look for a transform that makes the data components well fit by a tree-structured graphical model. This tree-dependent component analysis (TCA) provides a tractable and flexible approach to weakening the assumption of independence in ICA. In particular, TCA allows the underlying graph to have multiple connected components, and thus the method is able to find "clusters" of components such that components are dependent within a cluster and independent between clusters. Finally, we make use of a notion of graphical models for time series due to Brillinger (1996) to extend these ideas to the temporal setting. In particular, we are able to fit models that incorporate tree-structured dependencies among multiple time series.
A Ligand-mediated Hydrogen Bond Network Required for the Activation of the Mineralocorticoid Receptor

Ligand binding is the first step in hormone regulation of mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) activity. Here, we report multiple crystal structures of MR (NR3C2) bound to both agonist and antagonists. These structures combined with mutagenesis studies reveal that maximal receptor activation involves an intricate ligand-mediated hydrogen bond network with Asn770 which serves dual roles: stabilization of the loop preceding the C-terminal activation function-2 helix and direct contact with the hormone ligand. In addition, most activating ligands hydrogen bond to Thr945 on helix 10. Structural characterization of the naturally occurring S810L mutant explains how stabilization of a helix 3/helix 5 interaction can circumvent the requirement for this hydrogen bond network. Taken together, these results explain the potency of MR activation by aldosterone, the weak activation induced by progesterone and the antihypertensive agent spironolactone, and the binding selectivity of cortisol over cortisone.
Diffusion- and Perfusion-Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Brain Before and After Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Surgery

Background and Purpose— Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is a frequently performed surgical procedure that can be associated with neurological complications. Some studies have demonstrated that new focal brain lesions, detected by MRI, can develop after CABG. Furthermore, it has been suggested that the presence of such new lesions is associated with a decline in neurocognitive test scores. Advanced MRI techniques, including diffusion- (DWI) and perfusion-weighted imaging (PWI), offer important diagnostic advantages over conventional imaging in the assessment of patients undergoing CABG. We sought to determine whether focal PWI and DWI abnormalities could occur after CABG, particularly in patients without any measurable neurological deterioration. Methods— Thirteen patients prospectively underwent MRI with DWI and PWI before and after CABG. A battery of neurocognitive tests was administered before and after surgery. Demographic, clinical, and radiographic characteristics of the patients were collecte...
Assessment of exhaled nitric oxide kinetics in healthy infants

Exhaled nitric oxide (Fe NO) measurements provide a noninvasive approach to the evaluation of airway inflammation. Flow-independent NO exchange parameters [airway NO transfer factor (DNO) and airwa...
Attachment in Deaf Mothers and Their Children

In attachment research, there has been a growing interest in how adults conceptualize their relationships with their own parents as well as in the transmission of attachment status from parent to child and the variables that influence that transmission. The primary goal of the present study was to examine the transmission of attachment from deaf mother to child. Adult Attachment Interviews were collected on 32 deaf women and Strange Situation Procedure data were obtained from their children. While the distribution of deaf mother attachment classifications was similar to that found with hearing samples, the concordance between mother and child in terms of attachment status was lower than in hearing samples. Having a deaf parent did not affect a deaf adult's attachment status. Post hoc analyses suggested a trend towards a dismissing stance in attachment relationships. Results are discussed in terms of variables affecting attachment status as well as the transmission of attachment.
Representative versus direct democracy: A Tiebout test of relative performance

This study has used a Tiebout-type empirical model to analyze the overall differences in performance between representative and direct democratic forms of local government. In agreement with the underlying theory of representative democracy, representative forms of local government are found to be significantly inefficient relative to the direct democratic form of local government. The findings also indicate that a great similarity in efficiency exists between council-manager and mayor-council forms of local government. Both forms of local government appear to be equally inefficient compared to the open-town meeting. Further empirical analysis demonstrates that the cost of local representative government failure may be as high as 13 percent of the typical community's property tax base, which may be cause for some alarm. It should be mentioned that the results do not suggest that open-town meeting forms of government are necessarily efficient. (The median-voter model argues otherwise.) The results only indicate that the open-town meeting can be considered more efficient relative to the other forms of local government.
Following the argument where it leads

Throughout the history of western philosophy, the Socratic injunction to ‘follow the argument where it leads’ has exerted a powerful attraction. But what is it, exactly, to follow the argument where it leads? I explore this intellectual ideal and offer a modest proposal as to how we should understand it. On my proposal, following the argument where it leaves involves a kind of modalized reasonableness. I then consider the relationship between the ideal and common sense or ‘Moorean’ responses to revisionary philosophical theorizing.
Prediction of software reliability using connectionist models

The usefulness of connectionist models for software reliability growth prediction is illustrated. The applicability of the connectionist approach is explored using various network models, training regimes, and data representation methods. An empirical comparison is made between this approach and five well-known software reliability growth models using actual data sets from several different software projects. The results presented suggest that connectionist models may adapt well across different data sets and exhibit a better predictive accuracy. The analysis shows that the connectionist approach is capable of developing models of varying complexity. >
The menopause transition: interview with Ellen W Freeman

Ellen W Freeman is a Research Professor in the Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology and the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine in Philadelphia (PA, USA). She directs the PMS research program and is co-director of the Human Behavior and Reproduction unit in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. She received her AB in history in Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts and her MS and PhD in social research from Bryn Mawr College in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania. She has published more than 200 scientific articles, book chapters, reviews and abstracts on premenstrual syndromes, perimenopause, adolescent pregnancy, infertility and related topics as well as a book on teenage pregnancy. In addition, she has lectured extensively worldwide on mood disorders and menopause in women. She is also a member of the editorial boards of Medscape, Archives of Women's Mental Health and Mental Fitness: Psychiatry, OB/GYN, Primary Care and is a Fellow in the College of Physicians of Philadelphia.