cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Role of Vasodilator Therapy in the Treatment of Severe Chronic Heart Failure

The rationale for the use of vasodilating agents in the treatment of congestive heart failure is to reverse the systemic vasoconstriction that characterises patients with this disorder, and which may further limit cardiac performance. Nitrates were the first vasodilators used, followed by arterial vasodilators (hydralazine, minoxidil), α-adrenergic blockers (prazosin, trimazosin) and, more recently, calcium antagonists, ACE inhibitors, β-agonists and phosphodiesterase inhibitors.
Effect of Growth Retardants on α-Amylase Production in Germinating Barley Seed

The effect of growth retarding compounds, (2-chloroethyl)trimethylammonium chloride (CCC), 2-isopropyl-4-dimethylamino-5-methylphenyl-1-piperidinecarboxylate methyl chloride (AMU-1618), tributyl-2,4-dichlorobenzylphosphonium chloride (Phosfon D) and N-dimethylamino succinamic acid (B-995) on α-amylase production in germinating barley seed was studied. Seeds were germinated in growth retardants in presence and absence of gibberellic acid (GA3). CCC, AMO-1618 and Phosfon D inhibitedα-amylase production in germinating seed and the effect was reversed by GA3 Phosfon D and AMO-1618 were stronger inhibitors of α-amylase production than CCC. CCC was by far the strongest inhibitor of all the other analogs tested. B-995 was comparatively only slightly inhibitory. The results reported here, when viewed in light of the results of other workers, provide good evidence that CCC, AMO-1618 and Phosfon D inhibit α-amylase production by inhibiting the synthesis of gibberellin or gibberellin-like hormone(s) during germination of barley seed. Consistent with other reports, B-995 possibly acts by other mechanism (s).
Critiquing the General Theory of Crime's Empirical Evidence: Does the Evidence Support the Theory?

Gottfredson and Hirschi's general theory of crime proposes that low self-control leads to engagement in deviant behaviors, parents must properly socialize self-control in their children, and self-control fully mediates the parenting-deviance association. A critical analysis of the empirical evidence generated suggests a number of unresolved issues regarding the theory that remain to be investigated. Some of the specific issues addressed include determining which aspects of parenting influence the etiology of self-control and to what extent self-control mediates the parenting-deviance association.
AI goes FORTH

Abstract The Forth language is presented as a vehicle for developing applications constrained by real-time considerations and size of hardware system. A specific example of rewriting OPS5 in a multitasking version of Forth shows that such applications can be extended to the realm of problems requiring a real-time artificial intelligence approach. The goal of high-speed, intelligent software operating in a restricted hardware environment is thus attainable in a cost-effective manner.
Application of Sparse Bayesian Generalized Linear Model to Gene Expression Data for Classification of Prostate Cancer Subtypes

A major limitation of expression profiling is caused by the large number of variables assessed compared to relatively small sample sizes. In this study, we developed a multinomial Probit Bayesian model which utilizes the double exponential prior to induce shrinkage and reduce the number of covariates in the model [1]. A hierarchical Sparse Bayesian Generalized Linear Model (SBGLM) was developed in order to facilitate Gibbs sampling which takes into account the progressive nature of the response variable. The method was evaluated using a published dataset (GSE6099) which contained 99 prostate cancer cell types in four different progressive stages [2]. Initially, 398 genes were selected using ordinal logistic regression with a cutoff value of 0.05 after Benjamini and Hochberg FDR correction. The dataset was randomly divided into training (N = 50) and test (N = 49) groups such that each group contained equal number of each cancer subtype. In order to obtain more robust results we performed 50 re-samplings of the training and test groups. Using the top ten genes obtained from SBGLM, we were able to achieve an average classification accuracy of 85% and 80% in training and test groups, respectively. To functionally evaluate the model performance, we used a literature mining approach called Geneset Cohesion Analysis Tool [3]. Examination of the top 100 genes produced an average functional cohesion p-value of 0.007 compared to 0.047 and 0.131 produced by classical multi-category logistic regression and Random Forest approaches, respectively. In addition, 96 percent of the SBGLM runs resulted in a GCAT literature cohesion p-value smaller than 0.047. Taken together, these results suggest that sparse Bayesian Multinomial Probit model applied to cancer progression data allows for better subclass prediction and produces more functionally relevant gene sets.
Classical conditioning of goldfish in the shuttlebox

Goldfish trained in a shuttlebox with light as CS and brief shock as US acquire the shuttling response to light whether or not an avoidance contingency is in effect. That the change in behavior produced by the classical procedure is not due merely to sensitization is demonstrated by a discriminative control. The results suggest the usefulness of the shuttlebox for the study of classical conditioning in goldfish and call into question the instrumental interpretation of the change in behavior produced by the avoidance procedure.
The Effects of Conversational Language on Group Interaction and Group Performance in Computer-Supported Collaborative Argumentation.

This study examined the effects of conversational language (e.g., asking questions, inviting replies, acknowledgments, referencing others by name, closing signatures, ‘I agree, but’, greetings, etc.) on the frequency and types of responses posted in reply to given types of messages (e.g., argument, evidence, critique, explanation), and how the resulting response patterns support and inhibit collaborative argumentation in asynchronous online discussions. Using event sequence analysis to analyze message-response exchanges in eight online group debates, this study found that (a) arguments elicited 41% more challenges when presented with more conversational language (effect size .32), (b) challenges with more conversational language elicited three to eight times more explanations (effect size .12 to .31), and (c) the number of supporting evidence elicited by challenges was not significantly different from challenges that used more versus less conversational language. Overall, these and other findings from exploratory post-hoc tests show that conversational language can help to produce patterns of interaction that foster high levels of critical discourse, and that some forms of conversational language are more effective in eliciting responses than others.
Nucleoside phosphatase activity in atrial and ventricular myocardium of the rat: a light and electron microscopic study.

Nucleoside phosphatase activity was studied in glutaraldehyde-fixed rat myocardium. At pH 7.2, ATPase, nucleoside diphosphatase and thiamine pyrophosphatase activity were demonstrated in the transverse elements of the sarcoplasmic reticulum of ventricular fibers and in the subsarcolemmal cisterns of atrial and ventricular muscle cells. The remainder of the sarcoplasmic reticulum of atrial and ventricular fibers showed reactions only with nucleoside diphosphates. The T tubules and intercalated discs of ventricular muscle reacted strongly with nucleoside monophosphates at pH 7.2; atrial myocardium showed this reaction only in the intercalated discs and in the spaces between closely apposed muscle cells. Thiamine pyrophosphatase and nucleoside diphosphatase were demonstrated in the Golgi apparatus of both atrial and ventricular muscle cells; however, reactive cisterns were more numerous in atrial than in ventricular myocardium. These enzymes were also demonstrated in some of the membranes surrounding the specific cytoplasmic granules of atrial muscle cells. Acid phosphatase activity was also detected in some of these membranes when cytidine monophosphate was used as substrate.
Transfemoral balloon aortic occlusion during open cardiopulmonary resuscitation improves myocardial and cerebral blood flow

Abstract These experiments were designed to determine whether the limited cardiac output during open cardiac massage could be preferentially directed to the coronary and cerebral vessels by balloon occlusion of the descending thoracic aorta. Sixteen dogs were instrumented to monitor cardiac output and left atrial, right atrial, right ventricular, left ventricular, and arterial blood pressures. Measurements of myocardial and cerebral blood flow distribution during massage were made using the radioactive microsphere technique. Each animal underwent two episodes of fibrillation and resuscitation. In one episode the arrest was managed by open massage alone, and in the other, open massage was accompanied by balloon occlusion, with the order randomized. When compared to control, open cardiac massage was associated with a significant decrease in mean arterial pressure; however, the addition of balloon occlusion produced a 130% increase in the mean arterial pressure that was obtained during open CPR (control, 93 ± 5 mm Hg; massage alone, 35 ± 2 mm Hg; massage + balloon, 76 ± 2 mm Hg, P
Hydrogen Storage and Thermal Load Management in a Solar Energy Conversion System

Etude des composants du stockage de l'hydrogene et du systeme de gestion de la charge thermique dans un procede au circuit ferme de conversion de l'energie solaire et energie electrique compose de panneaux de cellules au silicium immerge dans l'acide bromhydrique pour la production de brome et d'hydrogene par electrolyse, d'un stockage de brome et d'hydrogene, d'une pile a combustible brome-hydrogene et d'une pompe a chaleur pour la recuperation de l'energie thermique de basse temperature
Ceramic-based multisite microelectrode array for rapid choline measures in brain tissue

Abstract A ceramic-based multisite microelectrode array to measure choline in vivo in brain tissues is described. The microelectrodes were linear to 200 μM choline (R2=0.999±0.001) with a detection limit of approximately 0.4 μM (S/N of 3) in both single microelectrode and self-referencing amperometric recording modes. The 90% rise time of the sensor was 1.4 s, allowing for rapid measures of choline. Good selectivity (>300:1) was observed over interferents such as ascorbic acid, uric acid, and DOPAC in the single microelectrode mode. However, a self-referencing recording mode was needed to remove potassium-evoked dopamine signals in rat striatum. In vivo measurements of choline in the rat brain are presented.
Adhesion of polymer films to oxidized silicon and its effect on performance of a conductometric pH sensor

Abstract The use of a silane coupling agent, γ-methacryloxypropyl trimethoxysilane (γ-MPS), to promote adhesion of photolithographically patterned polymer hydrogels to oxidized silicon wafers and conductometric sensors has been examined. Poly-(hydroxyethyl methacrylate-co-dimethylamino ethylmethacrylate) (HEMA/DMA) polymer hydrogels are photolithographically patterned on wafers treated with γ-MPS. The wafers are immersed in buffered potassium chloride solutions of differing pH and subjected to a peel test of adhesion. Hydrogels tested in a high-pH (9.0) medium show considerably poorer adhesion than ones tested in lower-pH media (6.0 and 7.4). Hydrogels tested at elevated temperature (40°C) show comparable adhesion to those tested at room temperature (23°C). Adhesion of hydrogels that are cycled between pH 9.0 and a dry environment exhibit better adhesion than ones cycled between pH 9.0 and 6.0. This indicates that there is reformation of siloxane bonds between the polymer and the substrate. Since loss of siloxane bonds is the major determinant of sensor failure, it is possible to regenerate the performance of failed sensors by drying in a vacuum oven. These findings have implications in the design and construction of microfabricated sensors that utilize polymer hydrogel sensing layers. In recognizing the pH sensitivity of adhesion, it is possible to prevent sensor failure by restricting the pH of the testing environment to values that favor the maintenance of the siloxane bond.
EFFECT OF CARBOHYDRATE(CHO) CONCENTRATION IN A “SEMI- ELEMENTAL” INFANT FORMULA ON TOLERANCE AND MACR0- NUTRIENT ABSORPTION IN INFANTS WITH CHRONIC DIARRHEA

To determine the effect of CHO concentration in infant formula on tolerance and macronutrient absorption, we studied 12 lactose-intolerant males (age x±SD 5.7±2 mo) with chronic diarrhea and malnutrition. In 2 successive metabolic balances infants received a semi-elemental formula that contained high CHO (HCHO) (9.1 g/dl) or low CHO (LCHO) (6.7 g/Dl). Formulas were isocaloric; the difference in CHO content was counterbalanced by the amount of fat. Breath was collected for H2. Fecal fat, osmolality, N, and energy were determined and energy-derived from fecal CHO was calculated. Mean daily caloric intake was not significantly different between the 2 periods (x±SD was 114±26 vs 117±28 kcal/kg/d; HCHO vs LCHO, respectively). No significant difference was seen between the 2 periods in: wt gain/g body wt during the 3 d of each balance, peak H2 levels, fecal N, and osmolality. LCHO formula was tolerated better than HCHO as shown by a significantly lower stool output (x±SD 387±230 g vs 764±443, respectively, [p<0.05]), higher fecal pH (p<0.05), and lower amount of fecal CHO determined at bedside (p<0.05), Macronutrient absorption was also better during the ingestion of LCHO formula as shown by significantly lower amounts of total fecal energy, lower CHO excretion (p<0.05), and a better coefficient of fat absorption (p<0.001). CHO content had an overriding effect on nutrient absorption and formula tolerance in infants with severe chronic diarrhea.
Inhibition of Estrogen-Induced Precocious Ovulation by Pentobarbital in the Rat

The previous observation that small quantities of exogenous estrogen induce precocious puberty has been confirmed by the daily injection of 0.05 μg estradiol benzoate (EB; days 24-27). This dose of steroid acts directly on the vagina to cause precocious vaginal opening and cornification, but the administration of sodium pentobarbital during and beyond estrogen treatment (days 24-32) prevented precocious vaginal cornification and ovulation. Daily anesthesia alone (days 24-32) between 2:00 and 4:00 PM, the hours of the adult critical period, did not affect the onset of puberty unless the injections of pentobarbital were begun immediately prior to expected puberty. Although the prevention of estrogen-induced puberty by anesthesia is consistent with the concept that estrogen exerts this effect through the central nervous system, it is not direct evidence for this hypothesis. The present observation that a direct effect of exogenous estrogen (vaginal cornification) is inhibited by pentobarbital suggests the po...
Application of the ICF Coherence Time Method for Ocean Remote Sensing Using Digital Communication Satellite Signals

This paper applies an ocean remote sensing method, first developed for reflected Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS-R) signals, to reflected digital communication satellite signals. The fundamental observation is the time series of the Interferometric Complex Field (ICF) of the reflected signal. A relationship is derived between the coherence time of the ICF time series and the significant wave height (SWH) and mean wave period (MWP) of the ocean. Direct and reflected signals from the S-band satellite transmissions providing the commercial XM radio service were recorded at Platform Harvest over a 65-day period. In situ measurements from a nearby buoy were used to calibrate this measurement by determining coefficients of a semi-empirical model. SWH retrievals using this model on 1 min of reflected signal observations were found to have a standard deviation of 0.38 m over the range from 1 to 4.5 m. An error analysis was done to show that the primary contribution to this error was uncertainty in the relationship between MWP and SWH, and to quantify the retrieval error from different forward models.
Why less is more: exploring affect‐based value neglect

Previous research indicates that the affective nature of the problem context can override gains in the evaluability of risk attributes brought on by side‐by‐side comparisons of two problems. Specifically, in a joint evaluation, an affect‐rich problem will be given greater management preference than an affect‐neutral problem even when the risk is significantly greater for the neutral problem. A series of new experiments were conducted to explore the relevance of this concept (i.e., affect‐based value neglect) for the evaluation of two affect‐rich problems. Consistent with previous research, the results indicated no preference for either problem evaluated in isolation, given that both the affective impression and the level of risk were hard to evaluate. Again, consistent with previous research, there was no preference for either problem in a joint evaluation when the difference in risk between the two problems was small (one problem posing 1.5‐times greater risk than the other). However, when the risk diffe...
L-subshell ionization of Nd, Gd, and Er by 0.40 to 2.00 MeV incident deuterons

Abstract Subshell X-ray production cross sections of Nd, Gd and Er were measured for incident deuterons with energies between 0.40 and 2.00 MeV. These measurements are compared to theoretical X-ray production cross sections (obtained from the theoretical ionization cross sections by the use of theoretical values of fluorescence yields and Coster-Kronig transition probabilities) predicted by the Plane Wave Bom Approximation and Perturbed Stationary State theories (including relativistic and Coulomb deflection effects). No one theory provides a best fit to the experimental data. However, there is a marked improvement in the fit as the Z of the target atom increases.
Signal selection in communication and radar systems

A criterion for selecting a finite set of transmitter signals for a continuous communication channel is proposed. The "optimum" signal sets using this criterion are selected to maximize the minimum divergence between hypothesis pairs being tested at the receiver. The resulting signal sets have the property that the error probability using these signals is less than the error probability for any other choice of signals for some {\em a priori} message statistics. The signal selection procedure may be applied without a knowledge of the {\em a priori} message statistics and does not require an evaluation of error probabilities. Four examples of signal selection are included to illustrate the procedure.
Switchgrass as an alternate feedstock for power generation: an integrated environmental, energy and economic life-cycle assessment

An environmental biocomplexity analysis is done on the environmental, energy, economic and technological implications of using switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) to replace coal in power generation. We evaluate cost, environmental impact and net greenhouse gas emissions. In the analysis, alternatives for production and transport are considered. The analysis shows that the most effective technologies for switchgrass preparation are harvesting loose material for hauling and chopping and then compressing it into modules and transporting. The GHG emission mitigation is found to be substantial with the mitigation contribution under cofiring found to be greater per ton of switchgrass than for switchgrass fired alone. This paper also analyzes the implications of switchgrass use under alternative cofiring ratios, coal prices, hauling distances and per acre yields.
Diazoxide promotes oligodendrocyte precursor cell proliferation and myelination.

Background Several clinical conditions are associated with white matter injury, including periventricular white matter injury (PWMI), which is a form of brain injury sustained by preterm infants. It has been suggested that white matter injury in this condition is due to altered oligodendrocyte (OL) development or death, resulting in OL loss and hypomyelination. At present drugs are not available that stimulate OL proliferation and promote myelination. Evidence suggests that depolarizing stimuli reduces OL proliferation and differentiation, whereas agents that hyperpolarize OLs stimulate OL proliferation and differentiation. Considering that the drug diazoxide activates KATP channels to hyperpolarize cells, we tested if this compound could influence OL proliferation and myelination. Methodology/Findings Studies were performed using rat oligodendrocyte precursor cell (OPC) cultures, cerebellar slice cultures, and an in vivo model of PWMI in which newborn mice were exposed to chronic sublethal hypoxia (10% O2). We found that KATP channel components Kir 6.1 and 6.2 and SUR2 were expressed in oligodendrocytes. Additionally, diazoxide potently stimulated OPC proliferation, as did other KATP activators. Diazoxide also stimulated myelination in cerebellar slice cultures. We also found that diazoxide prevented hypomyelination and ventriculomegaly following chronic sublethal hypoxia. Conclusions These results identify KATP channel components in OLs and show that diazoxide can stimulate OL proliferation in vitro. Importantly we find that diazoxide can promote myelination in vivo and prevent hypoxia-induced PWMI.
Successive Flaring during the 2005 September 13 Eruption

We report a detailed analysis of successive flaring during the X1.5 event in the NOAA AR 0808 on 2005 September 13. We identify a filament lying at the southeast boundary of the active region as the physical linkage between the two flares in close succession. It is noticeable that the filament erupted ~13 minutes after the initial flare onset at ~19 : 22 UT near the central magnetic polarity inversion line (PIL). During this time period, the filament only showed a slow rising; meanwhile, a spatially associated large magnetic loop with one leg connecting to the initial flaring site began to brighten in the TRACE 195 A channel. After ~19 : 35 UT, the filament abruptly erupted together with the bright TRACE loop. Besides the moving ribbons at the first flaring site, the filament eruption caused a secondary flare identified with another set of moving ribbons. This event thus provides a clear evidence for the successive flaring where the initial flare destabilizes the nearby flux loop system, leading to the filament eruption with the second flare. We also identify the initial flare core by finding rapid, irreversible enhancements of the photospheric transverse magnetic fields at a section of the PIL.
Comparison of crystal orientation mapping-based and image-based measurement of grain size and grain size distribution in a thin aluminum film

Abstract Crystal orientation maps of a nanocrystalline Al film were obtained using precession electron diffraction in a transmission electron microscope. The orientation maps were then subjected to a series of well-defined clean-up procedures for removal of badly indexed points and pseudosymmetry boundaries. The mean grain size and grain size distribution were obtained from the reconstructed boundary network. The grain size and grain size distribution were also measured by the conventional transmission electron microscopy bright-field-imaging-based hand-tracing methodology, and were compared quantitatively with the orientation mapping results. It was found that the mean grain size from the two methodologies agree within experimental error. On the other hand, the orientation mapping methodology produced a somewhat different grain size distribution compared with the distribution obtained by the hand-tracing methodology. The reasons for the differences in the distributions are discussed.
Cu(II) adsorption at the calcite-water interface in the presence of natural organic matter: kinetic studies and molecular-scale characterization

We have characterized the adsorption of Suwannee River humic acid (SRHA) and Cu(II) on calcite from preequilibrated solutions at pH 8.25. Sorption isotherms of SRHA on calcite follow Langmuir-type behavior at SRHA concentrations less than 15 mg C L−1, whereas non-Langmuirian uptake becomes evident at concentrations greater than 15 mg C L−1. The adsorption of SRHA on calcite is rapid and mostly irreversible, with corresponding changes in electrostatic properties. At pH 8.25, Cu(II) uptake by calcite in the presence of dissolved SRHA decreases with increasing dissolved SRHA concentration, suggesting that formation of Cu-SRHA aqueous complexes is the primary factor controlling Cu(II) sorption at the calcite surface under the conditions of our experiments. We also observed that surface-bound SRHA has little influence on Cu(II) uptake by calcite, suggesting that Cu(II) coordinates to calcite surface sites rather than to surface-bound SRHA. Cu K-edge X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) and extended X-ray absorption fine-structure (EXAFS) spectroscopic results show that the local coordination of Cu adsorbed at the calcite surface is very similar in the presence and absence of SRHA. Ca backscatterers at ∼3.90 A indicate that Cu(II) forms tetragonally distorted inner-sphere adsorption complexes in both binary and ternary systems. Subtle differences in the XANES and EXAFS between binary sorption samples and ternary sorption samples, however, prevent us from ruling out the formation of ternary Cu-SRHA surface complexes. Our findings demonstrate that SRHA plays an important role in controlling the fate and transport of Cu(II) in calcite-bearing systems.
SU‐EE‐A4‐03: Metal Artifact Reduction Algorithm for X‐Ray CT Using a Three‐Pass Approach

Purpose: To investigate a three‐pass reconstruction approach for metal artifact reduction in x‐ray CT.Method and Materials: The algorithm consists of: 1) Initial reconstruction from the original sinogram data; 2) Simple thresholding to identify high‐density regions (e.g. metal) that can cause artifacts; 3) Delineation of corresponding regions in the original sinogram that are replaced using linear interpolation; 4) Second reconstruction after the interpolation; 5) All pixels in the second image that lie between −500 and +500 HU are replaced with the mean of these pixels; 6) Rays in the sinogram through the metal are estimated a second time through forward projection of the segmented second image; 7) Third and final reconstruction. To avoid the need for forward projection across the entire native field‐of‐view (FOV) during step 6 above, a double‐wedge filter is applied in the 2DFT space of the sinogram so that objects outside of the reconstruction FOV are filtered out of the original sinogram. If k and p are the view‐angle and fan‐angle frequency variables, respectively, the double‐wedge filter consists of setting to zero all frequencies in the 2DFT of the sinogram for which |k/(k+p)|>R/L, where R is the reconstruction FOV and L is the source‐to‐isocenter distance. Results: The algorithm substantially reduces streak and blooming artifacts that are present in the original reconstruction for three scans with dental fillings, and performs better than linear interpolation across missing regions in the sinogram. The double‐wedge filter is effective in removing contributions to the sinogram from objects outside of the reconstruction FOV. Conclusion: The algorithm is effective for reducing metal artifacts as well as computationally practical. Conflicts of Interest:Funding was provided by GE Healthcare.
Investment performance of high income stocks over up and down markets

This paper presents empirical tests of the hypothesis that high-dividend-yield stocks offer investors significantly lower systematic risk in down markets. While high-yield stocks have lower levels of systematic risk overall, there is no evidence in this study that lower systematic risk is achieved in down markets for stocks with high-yield components in their total rates of return. This finding is robust over a variety of test procedures and provides additional support for dividend irrelevance propositions.
Total cross section for p + p → p + p + π 0 near threshold measured with the Indiana Cooler

The total cross section for the reaction pp\ensuremath{\rightarrow}pp${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\pi}}}^{0}$ was measured at nine center-of-mass energies from 1.5 to 23 MeV above threshold. The experiment was carried out with the Indiana Cooler, a recently constructed storage ring. The experimental advantages of an electron-cooled proton beam were utilized. The data cover an energy range where only the lowest possible angular momentum state contributes in the exit channel. The measured energy dependence of the total cross section is not compatible with that predicted by models of s-wave pion production and rescattering.
Identification of embryonic sex by detection of H-Y antigen☆

Abstract The commercial embryo transfer industry will find immediate use for a reliable, economical and practical procedure for identification of embryonic sex prior to transfer. Unfortunately, no procedure is currently available that meets these criteria. An approach under study is detection of a male-specific factor (hereafter referred to as H-Y antigen) on early embryos. Expression of H-Y antigen by cleavage-stage mouse embryos was first reported over a decade ago, but only over the past several years has detection of H-Y antigen been considered potentially useful to the embryo transfer industry. H-Y antigen is expressed as early as the eight-cell stage and is readily detectable on morulae; detection becomes more difficult at the blastocyst stage. It has been shown to be expressed by preimplantation embryos of all mammalian species studied, including the mouse, rat, pig, sheep, goat, cow and horse. For at least four of these species assays for H-Y antigen are approximately 85% accurate in identification of embryonic sex. Indirect immunofluorescence assays for embryonic H-Y antigen are compatible with survival and continued development of the embryo, but such assays involve highly subjective evaluation and classification of fluorescent embryos. Current procedures for identification of embryonic sex by detection of H-Y antigen remain largely experimental at this time.
Rhodocollybia in neotropical montane forests

Traditional concepts of Collybia (Agaricales) have included a variety of morphologically disparate taxa. Reapplication of some characters used in circumscribing Collybia s.l. suggests realignment of well-known North American and European species into three genera, viz. Collybia s.s, Rhodocollybia, and Gymnopus. Rhodocollybia is recognized here at generic rank based on morphological characteristics and phylogenetic signaling. Seven new species epithets under Rhodocollybia, and a new combination under Gymnopus, are proposed. A key to species of Rhodocollybia found in neotropical montane forests is provided.
Analysis of Extensive [FeFe] Hydrogenase Gene Diversity Within the Gut Microbiota of Insects Representing Five Families of Dictyoptera

We have designed and utilized degenerate primers in the phylogenetic analysis of [FeFe] hydrogenase gene diversity in the gut ecosystems of roaches and lower termites. H2 is an important free intermediate in the breakdown of wood by termite gut microbial communities, reaching concentrations in some species exceeding those measured for any other biological system. The primers designed target with specificity the largest group of enzymatic H domain proteins previously identified in a termite gut metagenome. “Family 3” hydrogenase sequences were amplified from the guts of lower termites, Incisitermes minor, Zootermopsis nevadensis, and Reticulitermes hesperus, and two roaches, Cryptocercus punctulatus and Periplaneta americana. Subsequent analyses revealed that all termite and Cryptocercus sequences were phylogenetically distinct from non-termiteassociated hydrogenases available from public databases. The abundance of unique sequence operational taxonomic units (as many as 21 from each species) underscores the previously demonstrated physiological importance of H2 to the gut ecosystems of these wood-feeding insects. The diversity of sequences observed might be reflective of multiple niches that the enzymes have been evolved to accommodate. Sequences cloned from Cryptocercus and the lower termite samples, all of which are wood feeding insects, clustered closely with one another in phylogenetic analyses to the exclusion of alleles from P. americana, an omnivorous cockroach, also cloned during this study. We present primers targeting a family of termite gut [FeFe] hydrogenases and provide results that are consistent with a pivotal role for hydrogen in the termite gut ecosystem and point toward unique evolutionary adaptations to the gut ecosystem.
A comprehensive transposon mutant library of Francisella novicida, a bioweapon surrogate

Francisella tularensis, the causative agent of tularemia, is one of the most infectious bacterial pathogens known and is a category A select agent. We created a sequence-defined, near-saturation transposon mutant library of F. tularensis novicida, a subspecies that causes a tularemia-like disease in rodents. The library consists of 16,508 unique insertions, an average of >9 insertions per gene, which is a coverage nearly twice that of the greatest previously achieved for any bacterial species. Insertions were recovered in 84% (1,490) of the predicted genes. To achieve high coverage, it was necessary to construct transposons carrying an endogenous Francisella promoter to drive expression of antibiotic resistance. An analysis of genes lacking (or with few) insertions identified nearly 400 candidate essential genes, most of which are likely to be required for growth on rich medium and which represent potential therapeutic targets. To facilitate genome-scale screening using the mutant collection, we assembled a sublibrary made up of two purified mutants per gene. The library provides a resource for virtually complete identification of genes involved in virulence and other nonessential processes.
Stereotype Threat and Women's Performance in Physics

Stereotype threat (ST), which involves confirming a negative stereotype about one's group, is a factor thought to contribute to the gender gap in science achievement and participation. This study involved a quasi-experiment in which 312 US high school physics students were randomly assigned, via their classroom cluster, to one of three ST conditions. The conditions included an explicit ST condition, an implicit ST condition, and a nullified condition. Results indicated that males in all three conditions performed similarly on a set of physics problems. Females in the nullified condition outperformed females in the explicit ST condition and females in the implicit and explicit conditions performed similarly. Males performed better than females in the implicit and explicit ST conditions, but male and female performance on the physics problems was not significantly different in the nullified condition. The implications of these findings for physics instruction and future research on gender differences in phy...
In Vivo Studies of Mutant Fibrillin-1 Microfibrils

In humans, mutations in fibrillin-1 result in a variety of genetic disorders with distinct clinical phenotypes. While most of the known mutations in fibrillin-1 cause Marfan syndrome, a number of other mutations lead to clinical features unrelated to Marfan syndrome. Pathogenesis of Marfan syndrome is currently thought to be driven by mechanisms due to haploinsufficiency of wild-type fibrillin-1. However, haploinsufficiency-driven mechanisms cannot explain the distinct phenotypes found in other fibrillinopathies. To test the hypothesis that mutations in fibrillin-1 cause disorders through primary effects on microfibril structure, two different mutations were generated in Fbn1 in mice. One mutation leads to a truncated fibrillin-1 molecule that is tagged with green fluorescent protein, allowing visualization of mutant fibrillin-1 incorporated into microfibrils. In heterozygosity, these mutant mice demonstrate progressive fragmentation of the aortic elastic lamellae and also display fragmentation of microfibrils in other tissues. Fibrillin-2 epitopes are also progressively revealed in these mice, suggesting that fibrillin-2 immunoreactivity can serve as a marker for microfibril degradation. In contrast, a second mutation (in-frame deletion of the first hybrid domain) in fibrillin-1 results in stable microfibrils, demonstrating that fibrillin-1 molecules are not required to be in perfect register for microfibril structure and function and that the first hybrid domain is dispensable for microfibril assembly. Taken together, these results suggest that perturbation of microfibril structure may underlie one of the major features of the Marfan syndrome: fragmentation of aortic elastic lamellae.
Extensive skin sensitization with minimal antibody production in guinea pigs as a result of exposure to dicyclohexylmethane-4,4'-diisocyanate.

Abstract It has been reported that workers exposed to dicyclohexylmethane-4,4′-diisocyanate (HMDI) developed dermal sensitization with little accompanying pulmonary sensitivity ( E. A. Emmett, 1976 , J. Occup. Med. , 18 , 802–804; R. Israeli, V. Smirnov, and M. Sculsky, 1981 , Int. Arch. Occup. Environ. Health , 48 , 179–184). Such findings contrast with those reported for workers sensitized to toluene diisocyanate (TDI) where pulmonary symptomatology has been frequently cited. An animal model recently developed for sensitization to TDI ( M. H. Karol, 1981 , In Inhalation Toxicology and Technology , (B. K. J. Leong, ed.), pp. 233–246, Ann Arbor Science, Ann Arbor, Mich.; M. H. Karol, C. Dixon, M. Brady, and Y. Alarie, 1980 , Toxicol. Appl. Pharmacol. , 53 , 260–270; M. H. Karol, B. A. Hauth, E. J. Riley, and C. M. Magreni, 1981 , Toxicol, Appl. Pharmacol. , 58 , 221–230.) was employed to investigate characteristics of sensitivity resulting from exposure to HMDI. Comparison was made between sensitization to HMDI and to TDI. Guinea pigs were exposed to HMDI by topical application, intradermal and intraperitoneal injection, as well as toepad inoculation of HMDI in Freund's complete adjuvant. Each method of HMDI administration resulted in development of dermal sensitivity. In contrast to findings with TDI, animals injected with HMDI produced little, if any, antibody, and no pulmonary sensitivity was detected in any of 12 animals sensitized by topical exposure to HMDI. Two of eleven animals injected with HMDI in adjuvant displayed respiratory sensitivity. With HMDI, as in previous studies with TDI, the pattern of sensitivity observed in the animal model paralleled that noted previously in workers.
Inequality and Regime Change: Democratic Transitions and the Stability of Democratic Rule

Areinequalityanddistributiveconflictsadriving force in the transition to democratic rule? Are unequal democracies more likely to revert to authoritarianism? These questions have a long pedigree in in the analysis of the transition to democratic rule in Europe (Lipset 1960; Marshall 1963; Moore 1966), and have been raised again in newer comparative historical work on democratization (Collier 1999; Rueschemeyer, Stephens, and Stephens 1992). More recently, an influential line of theory has attempted to ground the politics of inequality on rationalist assumptions about citizens’ preferences over institutions (Acemoglu and Robinson 2000; 2001; 2006; Boix 2003; 2008; Przeworski 2009). These distributive conflict approaches conceptualize authoritarian rule as an institutional means through which unequal class or group relationsaresustainedbylimitingthefranchiseandthe ability of social groups to organize. The rise and fall of democratic rule thus reflect deeper conflicts between elites and masses over the distribution of wealth and income. Despite its logic, there are several theoretical and empirical reasons to question the expectations of these new distributive conflict models. Socioeconomic inequality plays a central role in these models, but has cross-cutting effects. The more unequal a society, the greater the incentives for disadvantaged groups to press for more open and competitive politics. Yet the
Large variation in vulnerability to grazing within a population of the colonial phytoplankter, Microcystis aeruginosa

We asked if intraspecific variation within a population of the toxic, bloom-forming phytoplankter, Microcystis aeruginosa, leads to differential vulnerability to grazing by the invasive, filter-feeding zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha). We performed two series of laboratory feeding experiments in which D. polymorpha were presented with several different sympatric M. aeruginosa clones in a two-species mixture with the high-quality, nutritious alga, Ankistrodesmus falcatus. Mean selectivity across M. aeruginosa clones ranged from near zero (i.e., no feeding on M. aeruginosa) to near one (equal feeding on the two algal species), evidence of maximal variation in grazing vulnerability across twenty clones of M. aeruginosa—a species assumed to be largely ‘inedible’ to grazers—from the same population. This range of vulnerability is essentially equal to that typically measured across all phytoplankton species. Large intraspecific variation in grazing vulnerability, and its ecological consequences, could influence the promotion or control of noxious blooms of toxigenic cyanobacteria.
The Internal and External Networks of Knowledge-Intensive Teams: The Role of Task Routineness

Using a sample of 56 science research teams, the authors examined (a) the relationships between qualities of team internal and external networks and team performance and (b) the moderating impact of task routineness on these relationships. The authors argued that the mixed empirical results of past studies investigating the relationship between internal networks and performance may be due partly to variations in task routineness and partly to the presence of curvilinear relationships between network qualities and team performance. Using an objective measure of team performance, the results revealed support for both explanations. The authors found an inverted-U relationship between internal trust relationship strength and team performance and a positive linear relationship between external work relationship strength and team performance. Furthermore, task routineness moderated these relationships, as predicted. Future scholarship and practice may be advanced by attending to the boundary conditions under wh...
Minimizing MOSFET power losses in near-field electromagnetic energy-harnessing ICs

The value of distributed sensors, embedded biomedical implants, and other wireless microsystems is the information they collect, process, and transmit over time. Unfortunately, powering such tiny devices for extended periods is a major challenge because miniaturized batteries cannot store sufficient energy and connecting wires to recharge the batteries demands considerable space overhead. Electromagnetically coupling energy to recharge these devices wirelessly is possible, but practical only if power losses are low enough for sufficient energy to reach the batteries. Because small inductors capture little energy, minimizing the power that switches dissipate to energize and de-energize an inductor is critical. This paper presents how transmitted power changes with distance and, as a result, with inductive coupling factor kc, and shows how to use that information to minimize the power lost in the interconnecting MOSFETs. This way, a 0.18-μm near-field electromagnetic energy-harnessing IC loses on average (in simulations) 3 μW across kc's ranging from 0.01 to 0.1, which roughly represents 3.9% of the total power transferred.
Determining the Role of Tie-dyed1 in Starch Metabolism: Epistasis Analysis with a Maize ADP-Glucose Pyrophosphorylase Mutant Lacking Leaf Starch

In regions of their leaves, tdy1-R mutants hyperaccumulate starch. We propose 2 alternative hypotheses to account for the data, that Tdy1 functions in starch catabolism or that Tdy1 promotes sucrose export from leaves. To determine whether Tdy1 might function in starch breakdown, we exposed plants to extended darkness. We found that the tdy1-R mutant leaves retain large amounts of starch on prolonged dark treatment, consistent with a defect in starch catabolism. To further test this hypothesis, we identified a mutant allele of the leaf expressed small subunit of ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase (agps-m1), an enzyme required for starch synthesis. We determined that the agps-m1 mutant allele is a molecular null and that plants homozygous for the mutation lack transitory leaf starch. Epistasis analysis of tdy1-R; agps-m1 double mutants demonstrates that Tdy1 function is independent of starch metabolism. These data suggest that Tdy1 may function in sucrose export from leaves.
Patching Catmull-Clark meshes

Named after the title, the PCCM transformation is a simple, explicit algorithm that creates large, smoothly joining bicubic Nurbs patches from a refined Catmull-Clark subdivision mesh. The resulting patches are maximally large in the sense that one patch corresponds to one quadrilateral facet of the initial, coarsest quadrilateral mesh before subdivision. The patches join parametrically C2 and agree with the Catmull-Clark limit surface except in the immediate neighborhood of extraordinary mesh nodes; in such a neighborhood they join at least with tangent continuity and interpolate the limit of the extraordinary mesh node. The PCCM transformation integrates naturally with array-based implementations of subdivision surfaces.
Light emission from compound eye with conformal fluorescent coating

Compound eyes of insects are attractive biological systems for engineered biomimicry as artificial sources of light, given their characteristic wide angular field of view. A blowfly eye was coated with a thin conformal fluorescent film, with the aim of achieving wide field-of-view emission. Experimental results showed that the coated eye emitted visible light and that the intensity showed a weaker angular dependence than a fluorescent thin film deposited on a flat surface.
The generation of chromosomal deletions to provide extensive coverage and subdivision of the Drosophila melanogaster genome

Chromosomal deletions are used extensively in Drosophila melanogaster genetics research. Deletion mapping is the primary method used for fine-scale gene localization. Effective and efficient deletion mapping requires both extensive genomic coverage and a high density of molecularly defined breakpoints across the genome. A large-scale resource development project at the Bloomington Drosophila Stock Center has improved the choice of deletions beyond that provided by previous projects. FLP-mediated recombination between FRT-bearing transposon insertions was used to generate deletions, because it is efficient and provides single-nucleotide resolution in planning deletion screens. The 793 deletions generated pushed coverage of the euchromatic genome to 98.4%. Gaps in coverage contain haplolethal and haplosterile genes, but the sizes of these gaps were minimized by flanking these genes as closely as possible with deletions. In improving coverage, a complete inventory of haplolethal and haplosterile genes was generated and extensive information on other haploinsufficient genes was compiled. To aid mapping experiments, a subset of deletions was organized into a Deficiency Kit to provide maximal coverage efficiently. To improve the resolution of deletion mapping, screens were planned to distribute deletion breakpoints evenly across the genome. The median chromosomal interval between breakpoints now contains only nine genes and 377 intervals contain only single genes. Drosophila melanogaster now has the most extensive genomic deletion coverage and breakpoint subdivision as well as the most comprehensive inventory of haploinsufficient genes of any multicellular organism. The improved selection of chromosomal deletion strains will be useful to nearly all Drosophila researchers.