cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Network models of frugivory and seed dispersal: Challenges and opportunities

Abstract Network analyses have emerged as a new tool to study frugivory and seed dispersal (FSD) mutualisms because networks can model and simplify the complexity of multiple community-wide species interactions. Moreover, network theory suggests that structural properties, such as the presence of highly generalist species, are linked to the stability of mutualistic communities. However, we still lack empirical validation of network model predictions. Here we outline new research avenues to connect network models to FSD processes, and illustrate the challenges and opportunities of this tool with a field study. We hypothesized that generalist frugivores would be important for forest stability by dispersing seeds into deforested areas and initiating reforestation. We then constructed a network of plant–frugivore interactions using published data and identified the most generalist frugivores. To test the importance of generalists we measured: 1) the frequency with which frugivores moved between pasture and forest, 2) the bird-generated seed rain under perches in the pasture, and 3) the perching frequency of birds above seed traps. The generalist frugivores in the forest network were not important for seed dispersal into pastures, and thus for forest recovery, because the forest network excluded habitat heterogeneities, frugivore behavior, and movements. More research is needed to develop ways to incorporate relevant FSD processes into network models in order for these models to be more useful to community ecology and conservation. The network framework can serve to spark and renew interest in FSD and further our understanding of plant–animal communities.
Invariance of principal components under low-dimensional random projection of the data

Algorithms that can efficiently recover principal components of high-dimensional data from compressive sensing measurements (e.g. low-dimensional random projections) of it have been an important topic of recent interest in the literature. In this paper, we show that, under certain conditions, normal principal component analysis (PCA) on such low-dimensional random projections of data actually returns the same result as PCA on the original data set would. In particular, as the number of data samples increases, the center of the randomly projected data converges to the true center of the original data (up to a known scaling factor) and the principal components converge to the true principal components of the original data as well, even if the dimension of each random subspace used is very low. Indeed, experimental results verify that this approach does estimate the original center and principal components very well for both synthetic and real-world datasets, including hyperspectral data. Its performance is even superior to that of other algorithms recently developed in the literature for this purpose.
Comparative lexical analysis of FORTRAN code, code comments and English text

Lexical characteristics of samples of FORTRAN code, code comments, and English text were compared in order to test the hypothesis that code comments would show characteristics intermediate between FORTRAN code and English text. The code comments were indeed intermediate in the use of special characters and function words but were similar to English text in letter distribution and average word length.
Phase behavior of polymers containing ether groups in carbon dioxide

Polyethers of different composition and chain length were investigated with regard to their solubility in CO2. The nature of the monomeric unit, the degree of polymerization, the endgroup effect, the composition and the temperature significantly influence the solubility and thus the CO2 pressures required for miscibility. In general, it was found that polymers of propylene oxide are more ‘CO2-philic’ than analogs of either ethylene oxide or tetrahydrofuran. The phase behavior of block copolymers of the ethers is influenced by both composition and topology (blocky versus random, block arrangement). It appears that the ether oxygens in polyethers enhance the solubility of such polymers (relative to simple hydrocarbons) through specific interactions with CO2, but only if the ether oxygen is in a readily accessible position.
Power/energy: First steps to the Solar Power Satellite: Guidelines issued by the Department of Energy and NASA provide a reference point for an ambitious program

Guidelines issued by the Department of Energy and NASA provide a reference point for an ambitious program.
Paid time off as a vehicle for self‐definition and sensemaking

Qualitative data collected in a small manufacturing company following implementation of a new paid time-off policy (PTO), demonstrates how organizational members use self-conceptions in sensemaking about that policy. In turn, how they understand the policy results in application and enactment that is inconsistent with the intentions of the management team. Informed by the symbolic interactionist school of thought, we provide a micro-level examination of the introduction of the policy, an examination of the processes by which these definitions of self and others are drawn upon and advanced, and an explication of the micro-level processes by which the policy is implemented and responded to in ways other than those intended by its designers and promoters. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Immunochemical Specificity of Human Antibodies to Lipopolysaccharide from the J5 Rough Mutant of Escherichia coli O111:B4

Antibody to the core region of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of Escherichia coli O111:B4 (J5) is reported to cross-react with LPS from other gram-negative bacteria. We used an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to test various LPSs and their constituents for their ability to inhibit binding of human IgG antibody to J5 LPS to J5 LPS. Results were expressed as the concentration of inhibitor required to cause 50% inhibition of binding (I50). I50 values of antibody to J5 LPS for J5 LPS ranged from 5 x 10(-7) M to 8 x 10(-9) M. I50 values for Salmonella minnesota (Rc) were higher (2 x 10(-4) M to 2 x 10(-7) M). Other rough LPS failed to inhibit to 50% (up to 2 x 10(-4) M). J5 lipid A and core oligosaccharide inhibited, with I50 values ranging from 2 x 10(-5) M to 3 x 10(-8) M. Fifty percent inhibition was not achieved by smooth LPS (8 x 10(-5) M), heterologous lipid A (3 x 10(-4) M), or core LPS constituents (5 x 10(-3) M). These data suggest that IgG J5 LPS antibodies are specific for the Rc chemotype of the core of LPS.
Survey of the essential oil in Spartina cynosuroides

Abstract The essential oil of the giant cordgrass, Spartina cynosuroides , was isolated in 0.02”/ yield by steam distillation. Analysis by GLC-MS showed the
Hardness, ductility, and thermal processing of Cu/Zr and Cu/Cu-Zr nanoscale multilayer foils

The hardness, ductility, and thermal processing of Cu/Zr and Cu/Cu-Zr multilayers were investigated by indenting, bending, and heating a series of free-standing multilayer foils. The foils were deposited with alternate, nanoscale layers of Cu and Zr, and then thermally processed to produce three additional nanostructures: alternate layers of Cu and amorphous Cu-Zr(aCu-Zr); alternate layers of Cu and Cu{sub 51}Zr{sub 14}; and a non-layered structure with small Cu grains in large Cu{sub 9}Zr{sub 2} grains. The hardness and ductility of the foils depended strongly on the degree of thermal processing and varied dramatically with the volume fraction of the Zr or Cu-Zr phases in each of the four nanostructures. The dependence of hardness on volume fraction was stronger when the films were indented parallel to their layering than when the foils were indented perpendicular to their layering. This result demonstrates that plastic deformation is anisotropic in these multilayer samples.
Adaptive control of a smart projectile fin with unknown high-frequency gain by piezoelectric actuation

This paper delves into adaptive control of a smart projectile fin with unknown high frequency gain using a piezoelectric bimorph. The hollow projectile smart fin is actuated using a cantilevered piezoelectric bimorph that is completely enclosed within the fin. The model of the smart fin system includes the aerodynamic moment which is a function of the angle of attack of the projectile. The rotation angle of the fin is controlled by deforming the piezoelectric bimorph which is hinged at the tip of the rigid fin. It is assumed that fin parameters as well as the high frequency gain of the model are unknown. Moreover, the model includes an unknown bounded time varying aerodynamic disturbance. An adaptive control system using the Nussbaum gain is designed. The structure of the control system is independent of the dimension of the flexible fin model. This is important because the fin model has large number of flexible modes. For the design of the control law, a linear combination of the fin angle and fin angular rate is chosen as the controlled output variable. In the closed loop system, all the signals are bounded and the fin angle tracks the reference trajectory. Simulation results are presented along with the experimental validation done using the subsonic wind tunnel at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). Both simulation and experimental results show that in the closed-loop system, the fin angle is precisely controlled in spite of the uncertainties in the fin parameters and the aerodynamic force.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
A possible role for melatonin in regulation of chick liver xanthine dehydrogenase activity.

Abstract The hormone melatonin found in the pineal gland causes a striking increase in chick liver xanthine dehydrogenase. Whether the effect is direct or indirect is unknown at present. This material, however, has no observable effect when administered alone but requires the coadministration of a material such as iproniazid or harmine. While these materials are known to be monoamine oxidase inhibitors, their modes of action relative to melatonin may be quite different.
Are Two Heads Better than One? The Impact of Changes in Management Structure on Performance by Firm Size

Abstract We investigate how switching between two alternative management structures affects firms, and how this impact varies with firm size. Under one structure a single executive serves as both chief executive officer (CEO) and chairman of the board (COB). Under the alternative structure two separate executives fill these positions. In order to evaluate which management structure is optimal, we examine the impact of a change in management structure on firm performance. A change from one to two executives induces negative abnormal returns for small firms, but positive abnormal returns for large firms. These impacts are also evident with accounting profitability measures of returns. Our results are consistent with the hypothesis that small firms benefit more from the clarity and decisiveness of decision-making under a single executive, while large firms benefit more from the checks and balances of having two executives in the CEO and COB positions.
The uniformly most powerful unbiased tests involving the F-distribution

The uniformly most powerful unbiased test in exponential family situations involving the F-distrlbution is illustrated with examples. Its performance is compared with that of the more conventional equal-tails test. A FORTRAN program for computing the critical values and tail sizes of this test is also presented.
Extended saturation analysis and analytical model of diode-pumped alkali lasers

ABSTRACT An analytic model for the cw diode pumped alkali laser is developed by considering the longitudinally averaged number densities of the ground 2 S 1/2 and first excited 2 P 3/2 , and 2 P 1/2 states. The pump intensity to reach threshold requires fully bleaching the pump transition and exceeding optical losses, typically about 200 Watts/cm 2 . Slope efficiency depends critically on the fraction of incident photons absorbed and the overlap of pump and resonator modes, approaching the quantum efficiency of 0.95  0.98. For marginal cavity transmission losses, peak performance is achieved for low output coupling. For efficient operation, the collisional relaxation betw een the two upper levels should be fast to prevent bottle-necking. By assuming a statistical distri bution between the upper two levels, the limiting analytic solution for the quasi-two level system is achieved. For properly designed gain conditions, the quasi two level solution is usually achievable and represents ideal performance. Keywords: optically-pumped laser, saturation, efficiency, rubidium, analytic model
Studies on the Somatic Instability of Immunoglobulin Genes in vivo and in Cultured Cells

We have examined the molecular mechanism and impact of somatic diversification on the T15 heavy chain variable region gene in vivo and in vitro. Somatic point mutation appears to be responsible for the changes we have observed in both hybridomas from early and late in the immune response and in the S107 myeloma cell line in culture. By identifying S107 mutants with decreases in antigen binding, we have shown that a single point mutation can cause the loss of binding to the eliciting antigen and the acquisition of binding to another antigen. Furthermore, in this case a point mutation of the T15 heavy chain variable region gene caused the conversion of an important protective antibody to an autoantibody. While the S107 cell line frequently generates both constant and variable region mutants, hybridomas appear to have relatively stable variable region genes and unstable constant region genes which in some cases result in mutants with increased binding.
Gluconeogenesis from Amino Acids in Germinating Castor Bean Endosperm and its Role in Transport to the Embryo

During germination of the castor bean all of the contents of the endosperm are ultimately transported to the embryo through the cotyledon or respired. A net loss of nitrogen from the endosperm begins about the fourth day, i.e. at the time when embryo growth and fat breakdown are also beginning. Amino acid analysis of the exudate from the cotyledons, still enclosed in the endosperm, showed that the amounts of aspartate, glutamate, glycine, and alanine were very low and that glutamine made up 40% of the amino acids in the exudate.Amino acids labeled with (14)C were applied to intact excised endosperms to follow utilization. Aspartate, glutamate, alanine, glycine, serine, and leucine were converted to sugar to varying extents. Proline, arginine, valine, and phenylalanine were not appreciably converted to sugars. Proline and glutamate were converted to glutamine. When (14)C-glutamate, aspartate, and alanine were added to the outer endosperm of intact seedlings, only sugars and glutamine contained appreciable label in the exudate. When (14)C-valine was added, it was virtually the only labeled compound in the exudate.The results show that amino acids which on deamination can give rise to intermediates in the pathway of conversion of fat to sucrose are largely converted to sucrose and the nitrogen transported as glutamine. Other amino acids released from the endosperm protein are transported intact into the seedling axis. Some carbon from the gluconeogenic amino acids is also transported as glutamine.
The late promoter of the human papovavirus BK is contained within the early promoter enhancer region

We have analyzed the sequences necessary for late promoter function and mapped the late mRNA start sites of the human papovavirus BK (prototype). Our results show that, under both replicating and nonreplicating conditions, the BKV late promoter is contained within the same region defined as the enhancer for the early promoter. This region consists of three 68-bp repeats (the middle one of which has an 18-bp deletion) and a 66-bp region containing an enhancer element denoted as c, located to the late side of the 68-bp repeats. Deletions within the early enhancer domain indicate that elements of the late promoter are found throughout the entire region.
More comments on asymptotic freedom

Abstract The effective Coulomb interaction between sources with SU(2) color charge is reinvestigated at the one-loop order of perturbation theory. This quantity is shown to be formally identical with the effective Coulomb interaction between electric charges in the QED of massless, charged, vector fields with anomalous magnetic moments. This correspondence allows the one-loop Yang-Mills charge renormalization factor to be deduced from a knowledge of the size and origins of this quantity in massless scalar and spinor QED. Careful consideration of the analogy with QED suggests a mechanism for asymptotic freedom in the Feynman gauge.
Characterization of Redox Activity in Resting and Activated Mast Cells by Reduction and Reoxidation of Lipophilic Nitroxides

Abstract 1. We measured redox systems in resting and activated rat peritoneal mast cells under anoxia by using the redox metabolism of free doxyl stearic acid (5DS) and phosphatidylcholine with two 5DS molecules esterified to the glycerol (di5DSPC). 2. In the absence of oxygen, 5DS and di5DSPC were reduced to the corresponding hydroxylamines by resting mast cells, with apparent first-order kinetics of 0.085 and 0.078/min, respectively. 3. The activation of mast cells induced by compound 48/80 and bradykinin did not affect the rates of reduction of the nitroxides, and therefore the activation appeared not to be closely coupled to the redox system of these cells; this finding implies that ischemia is unlikely to affect histamine release from mast cells. 4. The oxidation of the nitroxides by the mast cells was very fast and may be nonenzymatic. 5. We concluded that nitroxides can be useful probes of redox metabolism in the mast cells but, because the characteristics of the cellular reduction–reoxidation systems differed from that of other cells, the use of this approach in other cells will require careful characterization of the redox metabolism of nitroxides in those cells.
Neuroscience training in the USA and Canada: observations and suggestions

Neuroscience training programs in the USA and Canada are awarding about 1000 PhDs each year. This number exceeds the faculty vacancies in these programs by a ratio of three to one. Nonetheless, virtually all graduates are finding employment, usually after a period of postdoctoral experience. On the other hand, recent surveys suggest that there are many other concerns to be addressed. These include an attrition of women during training and within the faculty ranks, a low percentage of minorities throughout the neuroscience community, and a relative lack of federal training funds.
Synthesis and X-ray absorption spectroscopy structural studies of Cu(I) complexes of HistidylHistidine peptides : The predominance of linear 2-coordinate geometry

Modified His−His dipeptides have been reacted with copper(I) salts to model active-site Cu ions bound by contiguous His residues in certain oxygen-activating copper proteins, as well as amyloid β-peptide. Chelation of copper(I) by these ligands affords linear, two-coordinate complexes as studied structurally by X-ray absorption spectroscopy. The complexes are robust toward oxidation, showing limited to no reactivity with O2, and they bind CO weakly. Reaction with a third ligand (N-methylimidazole) affords complexes with a markedly different structure (distorted T-shaped) and reactivity, binding CO and oxidizing rapidly upon exposure to dioxygen.
Apparent role of melatonin and prolactin in initiating winter fur growth in mink.

Abstract A study was conducted to determine the effects of exogenous melatonin and bromocryptine (CB-154), an inhibitor of prolactin synthesis and secretion, on the induction of winter fur growth in mink. Melatonin (10 and 120 mg) was administered to mink (N = 5/group) via silastic implants inserted sc over the scapular area during the last week of June 1985. Treatment of mink (N = 5) with CB-154 alone or in combination with 10 mg melatonin (N = 5) consisted of daily sc injections of 2 mg of the drug in sterile saline from June 25 through July 30. Control animals (N = 5) did not receive injections of vehicle or sham implants. Administration of CB-154 alone or in combination with 10 mg melatonin, as well as 120 mg melatonin alone, initiated growth of the winter fur significantly earlier than that of controls or mink treated with 10 mg melatonin (P
Simple nephrectomy: managing the difficult case: xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis and autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease.

ABSTRACT Laparoscopic surgery for kidneys with xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis or autosomal dominant polycystic disease has proved to be technically difficult but is possible. The Harmonic Scalpel facilitates the dissection of inflammatory tissues and does not inflict burns. Hand-assisted laparoscopy may be useful. Pain relief is obtained by most patients undergoing cyst drainage, although recurrence after a year or two is common. A specific and detailed preoperative diagnosis and treatment plan are essential to a successful outcome.
Preservice teachers’ perceptions and concerns about classroom management and discipline: A qualitative investigation

(1992). Preservice teachers’ perceptions and concerns about classroom management and discipline: A qualitative investigation. Journal of Science Teacher Education: Vol. 3, No. 1, pp. 1-4.
Lack of response to addition of degradable protein to a low protein diet fed to midlactation dairy cows.

Abstract Midlactation Holstein cows (n = 24, 12 primiparous) were subjected to four dietary treatments arranged in six Latin squares. Cows were assigned to squares according to parity and previous production within parity. Diets contained 53 to 55% DM from corn silage, and the remaining DM was from concentrates. The basal diet contained 13.9% CP with 9.5% rumen-degraded and 4.4% undegraded intake protein. Three other treatments were formulated to give one diet with more degradable true protein than the basal (11.9% degraded intake protein, 4.3% undegraded intake protein); another with urea added to the basal (12.2% degraded intake protein, 4.5% undegraded intake protein); and a third with additional undegraded protein added to the basal (8.3% degraded intake protein, 7.2% undegraded intake protein). Milk fat and protein concentration were unaffected by diet in all squares. Only the highest producing cows responded significantly to increased undegraded intake protein; milk production was 30.8, 30.9, 31.6, and 33.2 kg/d for basal, added degradable true protein, added urea, and added undegraded protein, respectively. Corresponding protein productions were 913, 929, 927, and 1004 g/d for these cows. Neither degradable true protein nor degradable N increased milk production in the highest producing cows, suggesting that microbial protein production was not limited by the amount of degradable protein in the basal diet. For midlactation, multiparous, and primiparous cows producing
Virtuous selves in vicious times: Alasdair MacIntyre on narrative identity

In this paper I review some of the key elements of Alasdair MacIntyre’s conception of narrative identity. I focus on his notions of tradition and unified self, which have been interpreted by some critics as signs of a political conservatism and elitism. My argument proceeds by reviewing the critiques offered by Galen Strawson and Hilde Lindemann Nelson, both concerned with the conflict between tradition and choice. While Strawson and Nelson believe that traditions are oppressive at least to some individuals, MacIntyre offers a more complex understanding of tradition, emphasizing that traditions embody conflicts. In proposing a different reading of these concepts, one I claim is more accurate, I suggest that MacIntyre’s concept of narrative selfhood can serve as foundation of a political theory that is utopian in a standard liberal way.
Procedural haptic texture

We present the Haptic Shading Framework (HSF), a framework for procedurally defining haptic texture. HSF haptic texture shaders are short procedures allowing an application-programmer to easily define interesting haptic surface interaction and the parameters that control the surface properties. These shaders provide the illusion of surface characteristics by altering previously calculated forces from object collision in the haptic pipeline.HSF can be used in an existing haptic application with few modifications. The framework consists of user-programmable modules that are dynamically loaded. This framework and all user-defined procedures are written in C++, with a provided library of useful math and geometry functions. These functions are meant to mimic RenderMan functionality, creating a familiar shading environment. As we demonstrate, many procedural shading methods and algorithms can be directly adopted for haptic shading.
Introduction prevention and intervention with aggressive and disruptive children: Next steps in behavioral intervention research

The current paper introduces the special section on intervention for children and adolescents with aggressive and disruptive behavior disorders. A great deal of knowledge has been accumulated regarding the treatment of aggressive and disruptive behavior disorders over the last several decades ( Kazdin, 2000 ), and much of this research indicates that we are making remarkable progress. Specifically, treatment programs continue to be refined and outcome studies continue to show significant treatment effects. The current special section adds to this literature base by providing data regarding the efficacy of multimodal interventions, the importance of teacher and parent training, and the importance of providing encouragement to parents to keep them highly engaged in the treatment process. Moreover, the studies covered in this special section span a developmental range from early childhood to adolescence and, importantly, provide both proximal and distal outcome data. One paper in this special section examines the cost-effectiveness of implementing a multimodal treatment program for aggressive children. The papers presented in this special section suggest that early intervention is important, effective, and, in the long run, cost-efficient.
Hydrogen diffusion mechanism in amorphous silicon from deuterium tracer studies

Abstract We study D tracer diffusion in hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) by annealing sandwich structures of a-Si:H/a-Si:H:D/a-Si:H. Our experimental D profiles are fit well by the analytic solutions that we derive for a trap-controlled diffusion model. For anneals shorter than the deep H release time, the D profiles follow the asgrown profiles except for exponential wings at low concentration. The wing amplitude increases nearly linearly with time. In the long-time limit, the solutions are identical to the trap-free case, but with an effective diffusion coefficient that can be calculated from features of the early-time tracer profiles. We measure parameters of H diffusion including the H release time from deep traps and the mean displacement of free H before retrapping. We discuss implications of these results for models of H trapping in a-Si:H.
Alternative purification of the membrane-bound ATPase from Bacillus megaterium KM, and some properties

Abstract 1. 1. ATPase from the cytoplasmic membrane of Bacillus megaterium KM has been purified by glycerol gradient centrifugation. The purified enzyme sediments as a single peak in the analytical ultracentrifuge with a sedimentation velocity constant s 20,w of 13.6 S. On polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis at pH 8.0 only one band which also has ATPase activity is seen, but when 8 M urea is added to both sample and gel two subunits are seen. On polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in 0.1 % sodium dodecyl sulfate the protein is inactivated and one band of molecular weight approximately 69 000 is seen. After cold inactivation the ATPase shows a different pattern on polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis at pH 8.0.
Repertory hypergrids for large-scale hypermedia linking

Abstract Creation and maintenance of links in large hypermedia documents are difficult. Motivated by an application to a federal clinical practice guideline for cancer pain management, we have developed and evaluated a repertory grid-based linking scheme we call repertory hypergrids. Harnessing established knowledge acquisition techniques, the repertory hypergrid assigns each "knowledge chunk" a location in "context space". A chunk links to another chunk if they are both close in context space. We have developed a program to convert the hypergrid and associated knowledge chunks to HTML and have made the hypermedia clinical practice guideline available on the World Wide Web. To evaluate the scheme, we conducted two analyses. First, we conducted a protocol analysis using the paper-based guidelines. Six users of the guideline addressing typical cancer pain management tasks made 30 explicit links. The repertory hypergrid using a neighborhood size of 16 captures of 24 of these links. With optimization, the repertory hypergrid captures 27 of the links with a neighborhood size of 14. Second, 18 users addressed the same tasks, six using the paper-based guideline, six using the hypermedia document with repertory hypergrid-created links ("TALARIA"), and six using the hypermedia document with randomly selected links ("Random TALARIA"). TALARIA users found the required information significantly more quickly than either the users of the paper-based guideline or of Random TALARIA, with no loss in accuracy.
Prospective study of antenatally diagnosed congenital cystic adenomatoid malformations.

Congenital cystic adenomatoid malformations (CCAMs) are increasingly diagnosed in recent years due to the routine usage of antenatal ultrasound. The aim of this study was to present the natural course and outcome of antenatally diagnosed cystic lung diseases, which were prospectively studied. Between the period June 2004 and June 2010, 25 fetuses with suspected CCAMs were seen in a single tertiary maternal fetal unit. One child was excluded as the fetal MRI suggested congenital diaphragmatic hernia. Data were prospectively entered into a database including antenatal and postnatal findings which were then analyzed. Mean gestational age at the time of diagnosis was 20.8 weeks (range 17–29). Fetal interventions included amnioreduction (n = 2) and fetal thoracocentesis (n = 3) in one child. The mean gestational age at delivery was 38.5 weeks (range 31.6–40.6). None of the mothers underwent termination of pregnancy or spontaneous abortion. All patients underwent postnatal radiological assessment. Of the 24 cases, 5 children were symptomatic in the immediate neonatal period and 19 were asymptomatic. Anatomical surgical resection was undertaken in all symptomatic cases. There was one death in this group due to severe pre-existing pulmonary hypoplasia. Among the 19 asymptomatic cases, 5 children were managed conservatively as the lesions were not significant and the remaining 14 (73%) underwent surgical resection. The mean age at surgery was 11.1 months (range 3.3–34 months). Postnatal pathology confirmed CCAM in all operated cases, except one who had pulmonary sequestration. Antenatally diagnosed CCAMs have an excellent prognosis except in children with a large lesion and associated with lung hypoplasia. Postnatal investigations are required in all cases to confirm the diagnosis. Symptomatic CCAMs require immediate surgery in the neonatal period with a good outcome. Asymptomatic CCAMs can be safely operated between 9 and 12 months of age.
Determination of absolute configurations from vibrational circular dichroism: (+)-2-methylthiirane-3,3-d2

Abstract Experimental vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) spectra for the dextrorotatory enantiomer and theoretical VCD spectra obtained with localized molecular orbital theory using 6-31G* basis set for the (R) configuration of 2-methylthiirane-3,3-d2 in the 700–1500 cm−1 region are presented. The observed and predicted VCD signs are in very good agreement suggesting that the dextrorotatory enantiomer has the (R) configuration. This conclusion is also supported by the optical rotational data.
Dynamic phenomena during the photocatalytic oxidation of ethanol and acetone over nanocrystalline TiO2: simultaneous FTIR analysis of gas and surface species

Photocatalytic oxidation of acetone and ethanol over nanocrystalline TiO2 powder was studied under batch conditions using an UV-illuminated DRIFTS chamber as a photoreactor. In this way, we could study the evolution of the reaction by examining changes in the species at the surface of the photocatalyst under UV irradiation. In addition, we were able to simultaneously analyze the gas-phase composition of this reaction by means of a multiple reflection FTIR gas cell. Results obtained indicate that ethanol adsorbs on the TiO2 surface either molecularly or in the form of ethoxide complexes. Under UV irradiation, these species are progressively removed, and acetate and formate complexes slowly accumulate on the TiO2 surface. Acetaldehyde builds up in the gas phase during the photocatalytic oxidation of ethanol, although this molecule is scarcely found on the TiO2 surface. The spectroscopic data provided are consistent with the existence of two parallel reaction pathways for the photocatalytic oxidation of ethanol: one yielding acetaldehyde vapor and the other leading to CO2 through adsorbed ethoxide species. On the other hand, acetone is adsorbed exclusively in a molecular form on TiO2. Its photocatalytic oxidation yields acetate and formate complexes, along with adsorbed acetaldehyde and formic acid. These adsorbed molecules can act as intermediates species in the photooxidation of acetone. In addition, participation of specific hydroxyls groups on the TiO2 surface during this photocatalytic reaction can also be observed using the DRIFTS system.
Effect of biotin, pantothenic acid and nicotinic acid deficiencies on amino acid transport in Lactobacillus plantarum.

Abstract 1. 1.The effects of biotin, pantothenic acid, nicotinic acid and folic acid deficiencies and of physiological age on the rate and amount of glutamic acid accumulation in Lactobacillus plantarum have been investigated. 2. 2.The time-course of glutamic acid uptake was markedly affected by biotin and pantothenic acid deficiencies. After several minutes of uptake at a normal rate, accumulation ceased or continued slowly for 20 to 40 min, after which it resumed at a more rapid though generally inferior rate resulting in submaximal pool levels. 3. 3.High concentrations of sucrose restored uptake by these cells to a normal level and pattern. Acetate and the respective vitamin individually stimulated uptake by biotin and pantothenate-deficient cells and together they allowed normal uptake. With biotin-deficient cells, the stimulatory effect of biotin, but not of acetate, was inhibited slightly by chloramphenicol. With pantothenic acid-deficient cells high concentrations of KCl in contrast to sucrose failed to restore uptake to fully normal levels. 4. 4.In contrast, nicotinic acid-deficient cells accumulated glutamate and glycolyzed at markedly reduced rates. Sucrose and acetate failed to stimulate uptake, while nicotinic acid greatly improved the accumulation rate. The effects of this deficiency on uptake appear to be related primarily to energy metabolism. 5. 5.Early exponential phase, nutritionally normal cells also showed a slight dip in the accumulation curve which could be corrected by acetate and usually, although not consistently, by sucrose. Folic acid-limited cells accumulated as well as early exponential phase control cells indicating that this deficiency does not create any disturbance in the transport system. 6. 6.Penicillin inhibited amino acid uptake by early exponential phase cells much more than by early stationary phase cells and sucrose protected against this inhibition. 7. 7.The adverse effects of biotin and pantothenic acid deficiencies on amino acid transport may arise from structural changes in the cell. The reversal of these effects by high extracellular osmotic pressure indicates that these vitamins probably do not participate directly in the transport step. These findings are discussed in terms of the probable effects of biotin and pantothenate deficiencies on lipid synthesis and consequently on cell membrane structure. The facile reversal by osmotic means of the effects of these presumed membrane changes on transport suggests that membrane permeability properties and the activity of transport catalysts may not be strictly dependent on a specific membrane composition. An alternate possibility also is considered, viz. , that the aberrations in accumulation activity occur primarily as a result of cell wall changes.
Retrograde stenting for obstruction of the renal transplant ureter.

Abstract Objectives To present our experience with retrograde stent placement and stent exchange for transplant ureteral obstruction. Methods A review of our renal transplant database was performed to identify all renal transplant patients who underwent attempted retrograde ureteral stenting for allograft ureteral obstruction or attempted allograft ureteral stent exchange between May 1992 and April 2004. A retrospective review was performed. Results Forty patients underwent 52 attempted retrograde ureteral stent placements, and 11 patients underwent a total of 27 attempted stent exchanges. In patients with ureteral obstruction, the most common clinical signs and symptoms were nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, decreased urine output, edema, and an elevated serum creatinine. Of the 52 cases of allograft ureteral obstruction and attempted retrograde ureteral stent placement, 28 (53.8%) were managed successfully with retrograde ureteral stenting. Of the 27 attempted stent exchange procedures, a successful exchange was accomplished in 23 cases (85.2%). Conclusions Cystoscopy with retrograde allograft stent placement is a reasonable first approach to the management of transplant ureteral obstruction and is successful in more than one half of cases.
Genetic variation in drug transporters in ethnic populations.

Drug-metabolizing enzymes and membrane transporters work in concert to play crucial roles in drug absorption, distribution, and elimination. It is well recognized that genetic variation in drug-metabolizing enzymes contributes substantially to interindividual differences in drug response. With the notable exceptions of CYP1A1 and CYP2E1, genes encoding cytochrome P450s, which are involved in the metabolism of >80% of all drugs used in clinical practice, are highly polymorphic. Interethnic variation in the distribution and frequency of occurrence of variant alleles in drug-metabolizing enzymes is known to alter the rate of drug metabolism in vivo, resulting in interethnic variation in drug disposition and response.
Successful Teaching Strategies: Findings from a Case Study of Middle School African Americans Learning Arabic

ABSTRACT A six month case study of ten African American Middle School students in an inner-city school setting provided the data for the article. Successful strategies were based on theories of discovery learning and synergistic learning styles. The classroom allowed for free physical movement, bonding and multisensorial activities. Students were incorporated into planning lessons and activities, as well as in teaching. Students visited sites in the community where they used the language in real life situations. Contrary to previous research findings on L1 L2 transfer, the study showed that the students' L1, (African American English), facilitated the learning of Arabic.
Sequestration of Amyloid β‐Peptidea

Amyloid beta-protein, or beta/A4, is a 4-kilodalton peptide that forms poorly soluble extracellular depositions of amyloid in brains and leptomeninges of patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD), Down's syndrome (DS), and hereditary cerebral hemorrhage with amyloidosis-Dutch type (HCHWA-D). beta/A4 peptide is a derivative of a large transmembrane glycoprotein (APP) and is found in the extracellular space, i.e., in the cerebrospinal fluid and serum of individuals with and without AD and in the conditioned media of many different cells grown in culture. The mechanism by which normally produced amyloid beta peptide forms extracellular aggregates in patients is unknown. One possible explanation is a failure of a mechanism for removal of the beta/A4 peptide that prevents this highly aggregating peptide from forming extracellular amyloid depositions.
Model of Sarcomeric Ca2+ Movements, Including ATP Ca2+ Binding and Diffusion, during Activation of Frog Skeletal Muscle

Cannell and Allen (1984. Biophys. J. 45:913-925) introduced the use of a multi-compartment model to estimate the time course of spread of calcium ions (Ca2+) within a half sarcomere of a frog skeletal muscle fiber activated by an action potential. Under the assumption that the sites of sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ release are located radially around each myofibril at the Z line, their model calculated the spread of released Ca2+ both along and into the half sarcomere. During diffusion, Ca2+ was assumed to react with metal-binding sites on parvalbumin (a diffusible Ca2+- and Mg2+-binding protein) as well as with fixed sites on troponin. We have developed a similar model, but with several modifications that reflect current knowledge of the myoplasmic environment and SR Ca2+ release. We use a myoplasmic diffusion constant for free Ca2+ that is twofold smaller and an SR Ca2+ release function in response to an action potential that is threefold briefer than used previously. Additionally, our model includes the effects of Ca2+ and Mg2+ binding by adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) and the diffusion of Ca2+-bound ATP (CaATP). Under the assumption that the total myoplasmic concentration of ATP is 8 mM and that the amplitude of SR Ca2+ release is sufficient to drive the peak change in free [Ca2+] (Delta[Ca2+]) to 18 microM (the approximate spatially averaged value that is observed experimentally), our model calculates that (a) the spatially averaged peak increase in [CaATP] is 64 microM; (b) the peak saturation of troponin with Ca2+ is high along the entire thin filament; and (c) the half-width of Delta[Ca2+] is consistent with that observed experimentally. Without ATP, the calculated half-width of spatially averaged Delta[Ca2+] is abnormally brief, and troponin saturation away from the release sites is markedly reduced. We conclude that Ca2+ binding by ATP and diffusion of CaATP make important contributions to the determination of the amplitude and the time course of Delta[Ca2+].
PGRP-LB is a maternally transmitted immune milk protein that influences symbiosis and parasitism in tsetse’s offspring

Beneficial microbe functions range from host dietary supplementation to development and maintenance of host immune system. In mammals, newborn progeny are quickly colonized with a symbiotic fauna that is provisioned in mother’s milk and that closely resembles that of the parent. Tsetse fly (Diptera: Glossinidae) also depends on the obligate symbiont Wigglesworthia for nutritional supplementation, optimal fecundity, and immune system development. Tsetse progeny develop one at a time in an intrauterine environment and receive nourishment and symbionts in mother’s milk. We show that the host Peptidoglycan Recognition Protein (PGRP-LB) is expressed only in adults and is a major component of the milk that nourishes the developing progeny. The amidase activity associated with PGRP-LB may scavenge the symbiotic peptidoglycan and prevent the induction of tsetse's Immune Deficiency pathway that otherwise can damage the symbionts. Reduction of PGRP-LB experimentally diminishes female fecundity and damages Wigglesworthia in the milk through induction of antimicrobial peptides, including Attacin. Larvae that receive less maternal PGRP-LB give rise to adults with fewer Wigglesworthia and hyperimmune responses. Such adults also suffer dysregulated immunity, as indicated by the presence of higher trypanosome densities in parasitized adults. We show that recPGRP-LB has antimicrobial and antitrypanosomal activities that may regulate symbiosis and impact immunity. Thus, PGRP-LB plays a pivotal role in tsetse’s fitness by protecting symbiosis against host-inflicted damage during development and by controlling parasite infections in adults that can otherwise reduce host fecundity.
Proteolysis of CDH1 enhances susceptibility to UV radiation-induced apoptosis

As a critical ubiquitin ligase, the anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C) governs cell cycle progression, signaling modulation and the pathogenesis of some human diseases. Recent studies implicate APC in maintaining genomic integrity, but the mechanism by which it plays such a role remains largely unknown. We report here that acute UV radiation triggers proteolysis of CDH1, an activator of APC, which is involved in regulation of apoptosis induced by UV radiation. Depletion of CDH1 by RNA interference enhances the cellular susceptibility to apoptosis in response to UV radiation, whereas overexpression of non-degradable CDH1 delays UV radiation-induced apoptosis. In addition, UV-induced degradation of CDH1 results in the accumulation of cyclin B1 and therefore to increased CDK1 activity, which is believed to enhance UV-induced apoptosis. The present results unveil a novel role for the APC in UV-induced cell death and demonstrate a new regulatory mechanism for APC/CDH1 through proteolysis.
HPLC Separation of Acyl Lipid Classes

Abstract Identification of complex acyl lipids ideally includes the normal‐phase HPLC to separate the acyl lipid classes followed by reversed‐phase HPLC to separate the molecular species of a lipid class. Both polar lipid classes and non‐polar lipid classes have been separated by normal‐phase HPLC, mostly on silica and diol columns using binary gradients. The tentative identification of lipid classes can be made by HPLC retention times and the co‐chromatography with lipid class standards. Various normal‐phase HPLC systems separating lipid classes are reviewed here.
Optimal landmark configuration for vision-based control of mobile robots

We analyze the problem of finding the optimal placement of tracked primitives for robust vision-based control of a mobile robot. The analysis evaluates the properties of the Image Jacobian matrix, used for direct generation of the control signals from the error signal in the image, and the accuracy of the underlying sensor system. The analysis is then used to select optimal tracking primitives that ensure good observability and controllability of the mobile system for a variety of sensor system configurations. The theoretical results are validated with our mobile robot for system configurations that use standard video cameras mounted on a pan-tilt head and catadioptric systems.
Continuous decision models for process control

The intelligent real-time monitoring associate (IRMA) framework for supervisory control of complex distributed production processes is presented. IRMA integrates decision analytic, optimization, and AI-style tools into a multiprocessing problem-solving environment. The application of IRMA to emissions control at a geothermal power plant is described. This application uses the Gaussian influence diagram (GID) model for control by unrolling a continuous process into a sequence of discrete-time control decisions and optimizing them, taking account of previous observations of the system state. A tutorial introduction to GIDs is provided, and approaches to model specification and repeated construction of the GIDs used for emissions control are described. Examples of the operation of the controller are given, and extensions of this method to other aspects of supervisory process control are suggested. >