cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Interpreting Whole-Genome Sequence Analyses of Foodborne Bacteria for Regulatory Applications and Outbreak Investigations

Whole-genome sequence (WGS) analysis has revolutionized the food safety industry by enabling high-resolution typing of foodborne bacteria. Higher resolving power allows investigators to identify origins of contamination during illness outbreaks and regulatory activities quickly and accurately. Government agencies and industry stakeholders worldwide are now analyzing WGS data routinely. Although researchers have published many studies that assess the efficacy of WGS data analysis for source attribution, guidance for interpreting WGS analyses is lacking. Here, we provide the framework for interpreting WGS analyses used by the Food and Drug Administration's Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN). We based this framework on the experiences of CFSAN investigators, collaborations and interactions with government and industry partners, and evaluation of the published literature. A fundamental question for investigators is whether two or more bacteria arose from the same source of contamination. Analysts often count the numbers of nucleotide differences (single-nucleotide polymorphisms [SNPs]) between two or more genome sequences to measure genetic distances. However, using SNP thresholds in isolation to assess whether bacteria originated from the same source can be misleading. Bacteria that are isolated from food, environmental, or clinical samples are representatives of bacterial populations. These populations are subject to evolutionary forces that can change genome sequences. Therefore, interpreting WGS analyses of foodborne bacteria requires a more sophisticated approach. Here, we present a framework for interpreting WGS analyses that combines SNP counts with phylogenetic tree topologies and bootstrap support. We also clarify the roles of WGS, epidemiological, traceback, and other evidence in forming the conclusions of investigations, making clear that WGS data alone is insufficient for presumptions of relatedness between bacterial isolates. Finally, we present examples that illustrate the application of this framework to real-world situations.
Echo Questions and Grammatical Constraints

Romanian constituent questions, whether standard or echo, are formed by fronting all the wh-phrases in the sentence. The only difference between standard wh-questions and echo wh-questions lies in their intonation. Roughly, the former have a falling contour, whereas the latter have a rising contour. 1
Asymmetric Cracking in Mar-M247 Alloy Builds During Electron Beam Powder Bed Fusion Additive Manufacturing

In the electron beam powder bed fusion (EB-PBF) process, a substantial number of high-gamma prime Ni-based superalloys are considered as non-printable due to a high propensity to form cracks. In this research, we focused on computational modeling framework to predict solidification-related cracking phenomena in EB-PBF processes. The cracking analysis was performed on cylindrical overhang structures where the cracks are observed only on one side of the part. Comprehensive microstructural characterization correlated the cracking tendency to low-melting point liquid-film formation along columnar grain boundaries with high misorientation angles due to partitioning of alloying elements. Uncoupled numerical thermal and mechanical models were used to rationalize the relationship between process parameters, build geometry, and cracking. The simulations showed asymmetric temperature distributions and associated asymmetric tensile thermal stresses over a cross section due to differences in section modulus and periodic changes in beam scanning directions. The results provide a potential pathway based on spatially varying beam scanning strategies to reduce the cracking tendency during additive manufacturing of complex geometries on the overhang structure in high-gamma prime nickel-based superalloys.
Transfer depends on acquisition: analyzing manipulation strategies for robotic feeding

Successful robotic assistive feeding depends on reliable bite acquisition and easy bite transfer. The latter constitutes a unique type of robot-human handover where the human needs to use the mouth. This places a high burden on the robot to make the transfer easy. We believe that the ease of transfer not only depends on the transfer action but also is tightly coupled with the way a food item was acquired in the first place. To determine the factors influencing good bite transfer, we designed both skewering and transfer primitives and developed a robotic feeding system that uses these manipulation primitives to feed people autonomously. First, we determined the primitives' success rates for bite acquisition with robot experiments. Next, we conducted user studies to evaluate the ease of bite transfer for different combinations of skewering and transfer primitives. Our results show that an intelligent food item dependent skewering strategy improves the bite acquisition success rate and that the choice of skewering location and the fork orientation affects the ease of bite transfer sianificantly.
Framing of Geoengineering Affects Support for Climate Change Mitigation

ABSTRACTThe growing recognition that climate change mitigation alone will be inadequate has led scientists and policymakers to discuss climate geoengineering. An experiment with a US sample found, contrary to previous research, that reading about geoengineering did not reduce conservatives’ skepticism about the existence of anthropogenic climate change. Moreover, depending on how it is framed, geoengineering can reduce support for mitigation among both conservatives and non-conservatives. When geoengineering is framed as a major solution, people worry less about climate change, leading to reduced mitigation support. When framed as disastrous, people perceived geoengineering as riskier, also leading to a decrease in mitigation support. A more moderate framing of geoengineering as a partial solution is less susceptible to moral hazard effects. Overall, results suggest that geoengineering will not lessen political polarization over anthropogenic climate change, and could undercut support for mitigation effor...
Comment on "Giant Nernst effect due to fluctuating Cooper pairs in superconductors".

A Comment on the Letter by M. N. Serbyn et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 102, 067001 (2009). The authors of the Letter offer a Reply.
Bilingual Access of Single and Paired Words in the Context of Episodic Memory

In a series of four experiments, the cued-recall task was used to explore bilingual word representation in episodic memory. When target words were encoded singly, their recall to same-language and to crossed-language extralist cues was found not to be different. These results appear to support a language independent view of bilingual word representation in which words of different languages are mutually accessible. When target words were encoded in a cue-target relational fashion, recall of target words was much higher to original-language than to translated-language intralist cues, thus supporting a language dependent view. In this case information seems to be bound by the language in which it was originally encountered. This difference in results of cross-language cuing of singly and relationally encoded words was assumed to result from shifts in meaning brought about by contrasting word experiences. More broadly, the findings were interpreted within the context of Don Dulany’s (1997) mentalistic theory of evocative versus deliberative processing of words.
Typed dataspace actors

Actors collaborate via message exchanges to reach a common goal. Experience has shown, however, that pure message-based communication is limiting and forces developers to use design patterns. The recently introduced dataspace actor model borrows ideas from the tuple space realm. It offers a tightly controlled, shared storage facility for groups of actors. In this model, actors assert facts that they wish to share and interests in such assertions. The dataspace notifies interested parties of changes to the set of assertions that they are interested in. Although it is straightforward to add the dataspace model to untyped languages, adding a typed interface is both necessary and challenging. Without restrictions on exchanged data, a faulty actor may propagate erroneous data through a malformed assertion, causing an otherwise well-behaved actor to crash—violating the key principle of failure isolation. A properly designed type system can prevent this scenario and rule out other kinds of uncooperative actors. This paper presents the first structural type system for the dataspace model of actors; it does not address the question of behavioral types for assertion-oriented protocols.
Quiet Ego and Subjective Well-Being: The Role of Emotional Intelligence and Mindfulness

The quiet ego refers to a self-identity that is balanced and growth-oriented in its stance toward the self and others. As a relatively new construct, its validity has been examined in domains related to balance, compassion, and self-control, it has not been examined in other domains that appear to have conceptual overlap such as emotional intelligence (EI), a construct entailing both ability EI (construed as cognitive ability) and trait EI (construed as self-perception). This pre-registered study (N = 300) first examined the quiet ego’s construct validity in the domain of EI using a confirmatory factor analysis approach, and then investigated its associations with subjective well-being and psychological stress from the angle of EI using path models. Results showed that the quiet ego was positively associated with both ability and trait EI, thereby establishing its validity in this domain. Mediation analyses revealed trait EI mediated the relationship between the quiet ego and increased subjective well-being and decreased stress. Serial mediation analyses further revealed that the link between the quiet ego and trait EI was mediated by mindfulness such that the quiet ego transmitted its effects to subjective well-being and stress first via mindfulness and then trait EI. In contrast, there was no evidence that ability EI mediated the relationship between the quiet ego and subjective well-being or stress.
Estuarine and Coastal Ecosystems as Defense Against Flood Damages: An Economic Perspective

The rapid loss of estuarine and coastal ecosystems (ECEs) in recent years has raised concerns over their role in protecting coastal communities from storms that damage property, cause deaths and inflict injuries. This paper reviews valuation studies of the protective service of ECEs in terms of reducing flood damages. Although the number of studies have grown significantly, there is still a need for a greater range of studies in more locations and for a wider variety of ecosystems. This review also examines, from an economic perspective, the issues and challenges surrounding estimating the protective benefits of ECEs, as exemplified by some of the recent valuation studies. Recent developments in valuation methods are summarized and critically reviewed. Important challenges remain in valuing coastal ecosystems as a defence against flood damages. The review discusses two of them, such as how protective benefits are subject to spatial variability and dependent on connectivity across “seascapes”. These challenges, along with analysing the multiple benefits of estuarine and coastal ecosystems, are important areas of future research priority.
Lehmann contre Héritiers Rostand: L’Aiglon, the transition to sound and the legal status of film and theatre

When Parisian theatre impresario Maurice Lehmann sued the widow and sons of the late playwright Edmond Rostand in 1932, the French press took careful notice. Lehmann owned the theatrical rights to ...
Natural oscillatory modes of 3D deformation of the human brain in vivo

Abstract Natural modes and frequencies of three-dimensional (3D) deformation of the human brain were identified from in vivo tagged magnetic resonance images (MRI) acquired dynamically during transient mild acceleration of the head. Twenty 3D strain fields, estimated from tagged MRI image volumes in 19 adult subjects, were analyzed using dynamic mode decomposition (DMD). These strain fields represented dynamic, 3D brain deformations during constrained head accelerations, either involving rotation about the vertical axis of the neck or neck extension. DMD results reveal fundamental oscillatory modes of deformation at damped frequencies near 7 Hz (in neck rotation) and 11 Hz (in neck extension). Modes at these frequencies were found consistently among all subjects. These characteristic features of 3D human brain deformation are important for understanding the response of the brain in head impacts and provide valuable quantitative criteria for the evaluation and use of computer models of brain mechanics.
The Cambridge Companion to the African Novel

Africa's strong tradition of storytelling has long been an expression of an oral narrative culture. African writers such as Amos Tutuola, Naguib Mahfouz, Wole Soyinka and J. M. Coetzee have adapted these older forms to develop and enhance the genre of the novel, in a shift from the oral mode to print. Comprehensive in scope, these new essays cover the fiction in the European languages from North Africa and Africa south of the Sahara, as well as in Arabic. They highlight the themes and styles of the African novel through an examination of the works that have either attained canonical status - an entire chapter is devoted to the work of Chinua Achebe - or can be expected to do so. Including a guide to further reading and a chronology, this is the ideal starting-point for students of African and world literatures.
Ultrasonic Flaw Detection Using Signal Matching Techniques

Detection of hard-alpha inclusions in titanium has been a challenging problem for over two decades. Hard-alpha inclusions are brittle regions of microstructure usually resulting from oxygen or nitrogen contamination. During the high-stressed manufacturing process, these regions initiate cracks which are likely to grow during the service of the component, possibly leading to its failure. It becomes imperative, therefore, to detect these regions early in the manufacturing process. The detection, however, is compounded by the small contrast (consequently weak ultrasonic signal strength) of these inclusions, and the presence of high-level, correlated grain noise with spectral characteristics similar to hard-alpha inclusions. Earlier studies [1] based on model-generated simulation data have suggested that signal matching techniques are promising candidates for the detection of hard-alpha inclusions. One of the primary advantages in the use of these techniques lies in their ability to use flaw signals obtained by ultrasonic modeling as promising filter kernels.
Parental problem drinking and adolescent externalizing behaviors: The mediating role of family functioning.

This study explored relationships among parental problem drinking, family functioning, and adolescent externalizing behaviors. The unique effects of maternal and paternal drinking were examined separately for girls and boys. The sample included 14-19 year old U.S. adolescents (Mage = 16.15; SD = .75; 52.5% female) and their parents. Participants completed surveys in the spring of 2007 and 2008. Structural equation modeling was used to conduct path analysis models. RESULTS showed the distinctive and adverse effects of parental problem drinking on adolescent alcohol use, drug use, rule breaking, and aggressive behavior over time. FINDINGS also highlighted the indirect and mediating roles of family functioning. For both girls and boys, family cohesion mediated the relationship between parental problem drinking and adolescent externalizing behaviors. For girls, adolescent-father communication predicted increased externalizing behaviors over time. These findings draw attention to the importance of exploring adolescent and parent gender when examining parental problem drinking, family functioning, and externalizing behaviors. Language: en
Placentation of the Red Panda

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on the placenta of red panda. The placentas of red panda have a discoid shape and are quite unlike the completely zonary placenta of raccoons, dogs, and cats. The umbilical cord of red panda afterbirth measures 3.5 cm in length and is only slightly spiralled. The umbilical cord contains two arteries, a vein, and a large allantoic duct. Similar to the cord of raccoon placentas, it contains no omphalomesenteric duct. There are numerous small and capillary blood vessels that are remarkably concentrated around the allantoic duct; some of these smaller vessels had a considerable amount of musculature as is true of many other species, e.g., the dolphin. The allantoic duct is also accompanied by many bundles of smooth muscle; its lining is of urothelial nature. A thin amnion covers the umbilical cord and, in the free amnionic membranes, it is for the most part composed of a thin layer of squamous epithelium on loose connective tissue. The placenta of raccoons falls into the general arrangement of other carnivore placentas, but the placenta of the red panda is found to be quite different from other related canines. The filiform arrangement of villi, for instance, is lacking and the placenta does not have the ring-shaped, zonary form as is seen in numerous other carnivore species. It is rather discoid with a small central sulcus connecting the villous tissue to as trip of membranes perhaps this is the remnant of a former zonary type. The placental findings discussion indicates that there are great similarities between the Ailurus placenta and those of the Mustelidae.
Value Range Queries on Earth Science Data via Histogram Clustering

Remote sensing data as well as ground-based and model output data about the Earth system can be very large in volume. On the other hand, in order to use the data efficiently, scientists need to search for data based on not only metadata but also actual data values. To answer value range queries by scanning very large volumes of data is obviously unrealistic. This article studies a clustering technique on histograms of data values on predefined cells to index the cells. Through this index system, the so-called statistical range queries can be answered quickly and approximately together with an accuracy assessment. Examples of using this technique for Earth science data sets are given in this article.
The psychotic patient as security guard

The job of the security guard is generally regarded as stressful because of the potential for violent or other hostile confrontation. Although the public assumes that only mentally healthy individuals who possess the capability to handle stressful situations become employed as security guards, this may not be the case. A series of 15 individuals who suffered from psychotic disorders while working as security guards is studied and discussed in terms of the issues of dangerousness and public safety. One case is described in detail in order to highlight important issues resulting from being psychotic while working as a security guard.
IBM DB2 Everyplace: a small footprint relational database system

Handheld and embedded devices are becoming increasingly popular and their uses are more versatile. Applications on these devices often need storing, retrieving and synchronizing of data. IBM DB2 Everyplace is a high performance small footprint DBMS that is targeted at this market segment. The authors describe the overall architecture, features and several design considerations.
The supplementary motor region and speech emission

Abstract Speech disorders occur with left supplementary motor region (SMR) lesions. Right SMR lesions probably produce speech disorders only when the right cerebral hemisphere is speech-dominant. Paroxysmal SMR dysfunction produces both uncontrollable vocalization and speech arrest. Slowly evolving SMR lesions produce reduced and labored speech output with word-finding difficulties. Suddenly acquired SMR lesions produce marked speech suppression and aphonia; during recovery nonpropositional “automatic” speech may be initiated easily, even involuntarily, while initiation of propositional speech is still difficult or impossible. From the data one can infer that the SMR plays a role in “language” aspects of speech (in word finding, in a mechanism facilitating the emission of propositional over “automatic” speech), and also in the “motor” aspects of speech emission (including rhythm control and the control of phonation and articulation).
Characterization of leptospires isolated from surface waters in Iowa.

Leptospiras isolated from creek water in Iowa at the site of human leptospirosis exposure could not be identified by a reference laboratory but the 31 isolates were placed into 12 serologic groups using serologic cross reactions and agglutinin absorption techniques. Reactions of the isolates to 8-azaguanine and copper sulfate suggest that they belong to the nonpathogenic or saprophytic complex. Cloning procedures failed to detect any leptospires that could be classified as pathogenic or parasitic but did indicate that some isolations from water contained serologically heterogenous populations of leptospires. The possible significance of these results is discussed.
ARE SELF-REPORTS OF SMOKING RATE BIASED? EVIDENCE FROM THE SECOND NATIONAL HEALTH AND NUTRITION EXAMINATION SURVEY

This study determined evidence for digit preference in self-reports of smoking in the Second National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES II). Subjects were 4275 adult smokers. Self-reports of smoking showed a marked degree of digit preference, with the vast majority of smokers reporting in multiples of 10 cigarettes per day. When number per day was compared to an objective measure of smoking exposure (carboxyhemoglobin; n = 2070) the distribution was found to be significantly assymetrical. Analysis of the distribution of COHb and various levels of number per day indicates that the differences in distribution are not due to variability in COHb. Heavier smokers, Caucasians, and those with less education were more likely to report a digit preference than lighter smokers, African-Americans, and those with more education. Results suggest that self-reports of number of cigarettes per day may be biased towards round numbers (particularly 20 cigarettes per day). Implications for assessment of smoking behavior are discussed.
Huntingtin–protein interactions and the pathogenesis of Huntington's disease

At least nine inherited neurodegenerative diseases share a polyglutamine expansion in their respective disease proteins. These diseases show distinct neuropathological changes, suggesting that protein environment and protein-protein interactions play an important role in the specific neuropathology. A gain of toxic function as a result of an expanded polyglutamine tract can cause the protein huntingtin to interact abnormally with a variety of proteins, resulting in the complex of neuropathological changes seen in Huntington's disease. Recent studies have identified several huntingtin-interacting proteins that might be associated with the normal function of huntingtin and/or involved in the pathology of Huntington's disease. In this article, we focus on the potential roles of huntingtin-protein interactions in the pathogenesis of Huntington's disease.
Massively parallel computation for acoustical scattering problems using boundary element methods

Abstract This paper is concerned with the parallel implementation of the boundary element method and its application to the exterior acoustical scattering problem. The numerical implementation is based on a Galerkin-type formulation of a Burton-Miller equation proposed in references [1, 2]. This scheme can avoid sensitive properties of hypersingular integration, simplify the numerical implementation, and improve the quality of the numerical solutions, especially in the range of high frequencies. Ana posteriorierror estimate proposed in reference [1] is implemented. In essence, a complete parallel implementation of the boundary element method, including the parallel formation of the linear system, a parallel dense solver, and a parallel algorithm for postprocessing (error estimation), are presented in this paper.
Abstract A73: Evaluating tissue biomarker effects of an oral green tea extract, polyphenon E, using reverse phase protein array in women with operable breast cancer

Background: Numerous epidemiologic studies and experimental data support potential anti-tumor effects of green tea and its main component, epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), in breast cancer. However, there is limited data on the effects of tea catechins on breast cancer in human intervention trials. The purpose of this study is to evaluate tumor proteomic changes after short-term pre-surgical administration of an oral green tea extract, Polyphenon E (Poly E), in women with operable breast cancer using reverse phase protein array (RPPA). Methods: This is a phase II single-arm open-label trial of oral Poly E 800 mg daily for 2-4 weeks in women with histologically-confirmed breast cancer on core biopsy who were scheduled for surgical resection. Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tumor tissue from the diagnostic core biopsy (pre-treatment) and surgical resection (post-treatment) were analyzed for expression of the Ki-67 proliferation index, estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and HER2 by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Protein was extracted for RPPA analysis of 161 proteins, including components of the PI3K/AKT and MAPK pathways. Women were matched by age, breast cancer stage, ER/PR/HER2 status, and time interval between breast biopsy and surgery to untreated historical controls. Paired t-test was used to calculate changes in protein markers before and after Poly E treatment and 2-sample t-test to compare biomarker changes in the treatment and no treatment groups. All statistical analyses were 2-sided and performed using SAS version 9.1. Results: From Feb 2008 to Sept 2009, 25 women were enrolled and 21 were evaluable. Median age: 50 years (range, 33-71); White/Hispanic/Black (%): 44/48/7; Stage 0/I/II/III (%): 11/48/30/11; hormone receptor +/- (%): 85/15. Mean duration on Poly E was 20 days (range, 13-36). We demonstrated significant correlations between RPPA and IHC for Ki-67 (0.46, P Conclusions: Short-term administration of Poly E did not significantly decrease proliferation in breast tumor tissue; however, our RPPA data suggests that Poly E may act on alternative signaling pathways. The changes we observed in CDK4, HER2, Src, MAPK, and JNK expression are consistent with preclinical studies of EGCG. This is one of the first human intervention trials to demonstrate the biologic effects of Poly E on growth factor signaling pathways in breast cancer. Citation Format: Kimberly A. Ho, Davida Kornreich, James A. Cardelli, Jerry McLarty, Dawn L. Hershman, Matthew Maurer, Kevin Kalinsky, Bret Taback, Hanina Hibshoosh, Tao Su, Susan F. Refice, Katherine D. Crew. Evaluating tissue biomarker effects of an oral green tea extract, polyphenon E, using reverse phase protein array in women with operable breast cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Eleventh Annual AACR International Conference on Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research; 2012 Oct 16-19; Anaheim, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Prev Res 2012;5(11 Suppl):Abstract nr A73.
The First Shāfiī: The Traditionalist Legal Thought of Abū Ya qūb al-Buwaytī (d. 231/846)

Abū Ya qūb al-Buwaytī, the first successor of Muhammad b. Idrīs al-Shāfiī, made an important but hitherto unappreciated contribution to the formation of the Shāfiī school of law and the convergence of the rival legal approaches of the traditionalists ( ahl al- hadīth ) and the rationalists ( ahl al-ra'y ) over the course of the 3d/9th century. An analysis of the content and transmission history of al-Buwaytī's recently discovered Mukhtasar , the earliest work of secondary Shāfiī scholarship, demonstrates that (1) the particular interpretation of al-Shāfiī's teaching developed and transmitted by al-Buwaytī was marked by a characteristically traditionalist emphasis on hadith; (2) al-Buwaytī's Shāfiīsm was ultimately methodological in nature, rooted in al-Shāfiī's legal hermeneutic and the central "hadith principle"; and (3) al-Buwaytī's hadith-oriented approach found its most enthusiastic audience among the ahl al-hadīth , to whom it offered a way of engaging in juristic reasoning ( ra'y ) while maintaining the supremacy of hadith.
Analysis of malicious abstract sensor faults in adaptive measurement-based overlay networks

Adaptivity is an important mechanism used to handle the dynamic characteristics of the Internet infrastructure. It is commonly employed to allow distributed applications to monitor and subsequently respond to the ephemeral faults and variable performance that have characterized the Internet since its conception [1]. More recently, adaptation mechanisms were integrated into overlay networks, a technology proposed to improve on the perceived limitations of end-to-end communication using the existing Internet routing infrastructure.
Binary-mask generation for diffractive optical elements using microcomputers

A new technique for generation of binary masks for the fabrication of diffractive optical elements is investigated. This technique, which uses commercially available desktop-publishing hardware and software in conjunction with a standard photoreduction camera, is much faster and less expensive than the conventional methods. The short turnaround time and low cost should give researchers a much greater degree of flexibility in the field of binary optics and enable wider application of diffractive-optics technology. Techniques for generating optical elements by using standard software packages that produce PostScript output are described. An evaluation of the dimensional fidelity of the mask reproduction from design to its realization in photoresist is presented.
The immunobiology of human Fcγ receptors on hematopoietic cells and tissue macrophages

Abstract The ability to identify and remove potentially dangerous foreign organisms and proteins is critical to the survival of a species. In humans, IgG antibodies serve to recognize such foreign antigens and to facilitate their removal. The latter process involves several hematopoietic cells, including those of the macrophage phagocytic system, which express Fcγ receptors. These receptors specifically recognize the Fc domain of IgG antibody. On the surface of hematopoietic cells these Fcγ receptors mediate cell attachment and stimulate several signal transduction events, including those which lead to phagocytosis. Moreover, their perturbation can lead to the generation and release of mediators and enzymes involved in inflammation and in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases.
Effectiveness of braided, gravel-bed river restoration in the Upper Waitaki Basin, New Zealand

In 1991 the New Zealand Department of Conservation implemented Project River Recovery (PRR) to restore braided, gravel-bed riverine and wetland habitats in the Upper Waitaki Basin on the South Island. These are critical habitats for wading and shore birds, including threatened species, but have been degraded by hydroelectric power development. This paper evaluates the effectiveness of PRR after more than 10 years with regard to key issues, effective methods, and lessons learned. Few restoration programs explicitly include evaluation of effectiveness or criteria for success, thereby limiting knowledge transfer and benefits to new or ongoing projects. This evaluation is based on site visits, interviews with program staff, review of PRR documents, comparisons with international restoration programs and recommendations, and a Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) analysis. Primary components include pest plant and animal control, wetland construction and enhancement, research and monitoring, and public awareness. The program has elements common to many other restoration programs, including strategic planning and annual reporting. Its strengths include well-defined goals, stakeholder collaboration, and successful integration of science with restoration as part of adaptive management. PRR could benefit from improved understanding of physical and watershed characteristics, expansion of goals at multiple scales, additional collaboration with other organizations, and knowledge transfer. Threats include weed invasions and increased recreational and land-use impacts. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Meander-Folded Coupled Lines

The quarter wave meander-folded coupler is a compact device useful for frequencies up to a few gigahertz. The folding is shown to shorten the electric length of the coupler and a theory is presented for the calculation of this shortening effect. The theory shows that the even-mode circuit is shortened to a higher extent than the odd-mode circuit which in stripline causes a degradation of performance. A conformal mapping technique is presented for determining the characteristic impedances of some stripline structures necessary for the theory. The theory is verified by experimental meander-folded stripline couplers. It is also experimentally shown that the meander-folded microstsip coupler can be designed to equalize the even- and the odd-mode lengths.
Detecting MeV gauge bosons with high-energy neutrino telescopes

If annihilating MeV-scale dark matter particles are responsible for the observed 511 keV emission from the Galactic bulge, then new light gauge bosons which mediate the dark matter annihilations may have other observable consequences. In particular, if such a gauge boson exists and has even very small couplings to standard model neutrinos, cosmic neutrinos with {approx}TeV energies will scatter with the cosmic neutrino background through resonant exchange, resulting in a distinctive spectral absorption line in the high-energy neutrino spectrum. Such a feature could potentially be detected by future high-energy neutrino telescopes.
Strategic Rationality Orderings and the Best Rationalization Principle

Abstract In a finite game fix a space of extended probabilities over strategies and a profile of best response correspondences. A profile ofrationality orderingsis then given by an ordered partition of the set of strategies of each player, representing different degrees of rationality, where at-leastk+1-rational strategies are best responses against extended probabilities reflecting at leastkdegrees of rationality. This solution can be constructed inductively, providing a Bayesian foundation for controversial deletion procedures such as extensive form rationalizability and iterated weak dominance. Focusing on extensive games, this approach formalizes the best rationalization principle.Journal of Economic LiteratureClassification Number: C72.
Determination of ascorbic acid and dehydroascorbic acid in juices by high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection using l-cysteine as precolumn reluctant

Determination of ascorbic acid (AA) and dehydroascorbic acid (DHAA) in juices was performed by high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection using l-cysteine as precolumn reluctant. This method was suitable for the determination of AA and total AA (AA + DHAA) in juices. The mild reduction of DHAA to AA with l-cysteine took ca. 15 min, and the retention time of AA was ca. 15 min. The detection limit (signal-to-noise ratio = 2) was ca. 0.15 ng. The method was selective and reproducible (relative standard deviation 2.6–3.2% for AA and 2.1–3.2% for total AA). The calibration graph for AA was linear in the range 0.1–10 ng. The recovery of AA was over 90% by the standard addition method.
Domain interactions of the mannose 6-phosphate/insulin-like growth factor II receptor.

The mannose 6-phosphate/insulin-like growth factor II receptor (M6P/IGF2R) forms oligomeric structures important for optimal function in binding and internalization of Man-6-P-bearing extracellular ligands as well as lysosomal biogenesis and growth regulation. However, neither the mechanism of inter-receptor interaction nor the dimerization domain has yet been identified. We hypothesized that areas near the ligand binding domains of the receptor would contribute preferentially to oligomerization. Two panels of minireceptors were constructed that involved truncations of either the N- or C-terminal regions of the M6P/IGF2R encompassing deletions of various ligand binding domains. α-FLAG or α-Myc-based immunoprecipitation assays showed that all of the minireceptors tested were able to associate with a full-length, Myc-tagged M6P/IGF2R (WT-M). In the α-FLAG but not α-Myc immunoprecipitation assays, the degree of association of a series of C-terminally truncated minireceptors with WT-M showed a positive trend with length of the minireceptor. In contrast, length did not seem to affect the association of the N-terminally truncated minireceptors with WT-M, except that the 12th extracytoplasmic repeat appeared exceptionally important in dimerization in the α-FLAG assays. The presence of mutations in the ligand-binding sites of the minireceptors had no effect on their ability to associate with WT-M. Thus, association within the heterodimers was not dependent on the presence of functional ligand binding domains. Heterodimers formed between WT-M and the minireceptors demonstrated high affinity IGF-II and Man-6-P-ligand binding, suggesting a functional association. We conclude that there is no finite M6P/IGF2R dimerization domain, but rather that interactions between dimer partners occur all along the extracytoplasmic region of the receptor.
Real-time three-dimensional microscopy with volume holographic pupils

Multiplex volume holographic pupils have been demonstrated in the capacity of imagers with optical slicing and real-time (scanning-free) three-dimensional imaging capability. We overview application to microscopy and describe methods to improve depth resolution and contrast.
The electric car

The history of the electric automobile is presented. Its capabilities and use over the years, beginning in 1895, are examined. Its emergence as a competitor to the gasoline powered vehicle from 1980 to the present is discussed. >
Protective effect of spleen shielding on susceptibility of irradiated mice to Escherichia coli.

SummaryShielding of spleen in animals during irradiation protected them from subsequent infection with E. coll. Sixty-six per cent of the dying irradiated-infeeted animals succumbed within 48 hours, while only 18% of the sham-shielded-irradiated-infected animals succumbed within this time. The possible role of toxemia in experimental infection of irradiated animals is discussed.
Transient and time-resolved resonance Raman investigation of photoinitiated electron transfer in ruthenated cytochromes c.

Ruthenation of exterior amino acid residues of heme proteins provides an effective means by which biological ET reactions can be studied within the context of highly complex protein environments. Resonance Raman spectroscopy can probe both ET kinetics and structural dynamics at the molecular level. Here we present the first comprehensive use of time-resolved and transient resonance Raman spectroscopies to examine photoinduced ET in cytochromes. Two ruthenated cytochromes c, Ru(lys72)-cyt.c and Ru(cyt102)cyt.c, were studied with TRRS using 10 ns laser pulses and with TRRRS on a 10 ns to 10 ms time scale. It was found that resonance Raman protocols can effectively trace ET kinetics and associated heme--protein structural dynamics. Care must be exercised, however, when drawing comparisons to measurements made by other methods (i.e., transient absorbance). The TRRS studies directly probe the heme and its local environment and reveal that the heme dynamics accompanying ET are very rapid relative to phenomenological ET kinetics. The heme and its local environment evolve to their equilibrium (ferrous) structure in less than 10 ns subsequent to ET, with no evidence for the existence of metastable heme pocket geometries analogous to those observed in the dynamic response of hemoglobins and oxidases. Finally, species-specific differences are observed in the photoinduced ET kinetics and heme structural dynamics. However, these differences are confined to nanosecond or faster time scales.
Resistivity studies of interstitial helium mobility in niobium

Abstract The mobility of interstitial helium in Nb and Nb-O alloys was studied in the temperature range of 10–383 K using resistivity measurements. The helium was introduced by radioactive decay of solute tritium (~ 1 at%). At T the resistivity increased due to conversion of tritium trapped at oxygen interstitials to helium. The formation of helium caused a very significant resistance increase at room temperature and above. The results suggest that helium is mobile at temperatures above 295 K and that the precipitation of large helium bubbles occurs along grain boundaries. The mobile helium species may either be single interstitials or small helium clusters. The activation enthalpy for the diffusion of the mobile helium species was estimated to be about 55 kJ/mol (0.66 eV).
A class of exact strange quark star model

Static spherically symmetric space-time is studied to describe dense compact star with quark matter within the framework of MIT Bag Model. The system of Einstein’s field equations for anisotropic matter is expressed as a new system of differential equations using transformations and it is solved for a particular general form of gravitational potential with parameters. For a particular parameter, as an example, it is shown that the model satisfies all major physical features expected in a realistic star. The generated model also smoothly matches with the Schwarzschild exterior metric at the boundary of the star. It is shown that the generated solutions are useful to model strange quark stars.
Beyond Batteries and Bulbs, Circuits and Conductors: Building Green, Activist-Oriented Student Communities

In this article we provide an example of how to foster an activist-oriented student community by critically examining green technology. We designed this curriculum unit to teach students about the fundamentals of electricity, green technology, and experimental design. Additionally, we viewed this activity as an opportunity for students to apply their science content knowledge and skills to a societal issue and, in turn, to take an active stance as part of a science community and member of society. This unit extends how elementary electricity content and activities have been traditionally taught to highlight the relationship between science and society.
A "PET" area of interest: myocardial metabolism in human systolic heart failure

Myocardial substrate metabolism provides the energy needed for cardiac contraction and relaxation. The normal adult heart uses predominantly fatty acids (FAs) as its primary fuel source. However, the heart can switch and use glucose (and to a lesser extent, ketones, lactate, as well as endogenous triglycerides and glycogen), depending on the metabolic milieu and superimposed conditions. FAs are not a wholly better fuel than glucose, but they do provide more energy per mole than glucose. Conversely, glucose is the more oxygen-efficient fuel. Studies in animal models of heart failure (HF) fairly consistently demonstrate a shift away from myocardial fatty acid metabolism and toward glucose metabolism. Studies in humans are less consistent. Some show the same metabolic switch away from FA metabolism but not all. This may be due to differences in the etiology of HF, sex-related differences, or other mitigating factors. For example, obesity, insulin resistance, and diabetes are all related to an increased risk of HF and may complicate or contribute to its development. However, these conditions are associated with increased FA metabolism. This review will discuss aspects of human heart metabolism in systolic dysfunction as measured by the noninvasive, quantitative method-positron emission tomography. Continued research in this area is vital if we are to ameliorate HF by manipulating heart metabolism with the aim of increasing energy production and/or efficiency.
Increased Incidence of Nontasters of Phenylthiocarbamide among Congenital Athyreotic Cretins

The incidence of nontasters for phenylthiocarbamide was found to be significantly higher in 27 athyreotic cretins than in normal adults and children. A significant increase of nontasters among the parents and siblings of these cretins was also found. These findings are discussed in relation to maldevelopment of the fetal thyroid in nontaster genotypes.
Vacuum Deposition of Thin Films of Pentaphenylcyclopentadienyl Radical and Their Electronic Properties

Thin films of 1,2,3,4,5-pentaphenylcyclopentadienyl radical (Cp5φ•; φ = C6H5) were obtained upon decomposition of decaphenylplumbocene [PbCp5φ2] in vacuo. Formation of the radical species was confi...
Implications of cosmic repulsion for gravitational theory

We present a general, model independent analysis of a recently detected apparent cosmic repulsion, and discuss its potential implications for gravitational theories, both standard and non-standard. In particular, we show that a negatively spatially curved universe acts like a diverging refractive medium to thus naturally cause galaxies to accelerate away from each other. Additionally, we show that it is possible for a cosmic acceleration to only be temporary, with some accelerating universes actually being able to subsequently recontract.
Effects of 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid and quinolinic acid on 5-hydroxy-3-indoleacetic acid transport by the rabbit choroid plexus: pharmacology and electron microscopic cytochemistry.

2,4,5-Trichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4,5-T) reduced the uptake of 5-hydroxy-3-indoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) by the choroid plexus in a dose-related manner, while treatment with quinolinic acid at comparable concentrations did not inhibit 5-HIAA uptake. The role of carrier-mediated transport in the clearance of 5-HIAA from cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was also evaluated in vivo by ventriculocisternal perfusion. Steady-state clearance of 5-HIAA from CSF exceeded that of inulin and was reduced competitively in the presence of 2,4,5-T. However, the clearance was not affected by quinolinic acid. The effect of 2,4,5-T on transport enzyme systems was also studied by electron microscopic cytochemistry. Na+-K+-ATPase and cytochrome oxidase activities in the choroid plexus were reduced by 2,4,5-T. Since this transport system in the choroid plexus in normally responsible for the excretion of the serotonin metabolite from the brain to the plasma, accumulation of endogenously produced organic acids in the CSF and the brain, secondary to reduced clearance by the chroid plexus, could be a contributing factor in the development of neurotoxicity.