cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Periodic Table at 150: A Philatelic Celebration

The International Year of the Periodic Table of the Chemical Elements (IYPT), which marks the sesquicentennial of the iconic chart’s introduction by Dmitri Mendeleev in 1869, provides a unique opportunity to bring its colorful history to life. Postage stamps, released by many countries to recognize scientific achievements or to honor well-known scientists, are used in this article to celebrate the IYPT. In particular, a detailed description of all the relevant stamps issued during 2019, some of which highlight important milestones in the development of the modern periodic table and the discovery of certain chemical elements, is presented.
Substructure Analysis of Metabolic Pathways by Graph-Based Relational Learning

Systems biology has become a major field of post-genomic bioinformatics research. A biological network containing various objects and their relationships is a fundamental way to represent a bio-system. A graph consisting of vertices and edges between these vertices is a natural data structure to represent biological networks. Substructure analysis of metabolic pathways by graph-based relational learning provides us biologically meaningful substructures for system-level understanding of organisms.
What Does Radiotherapy Do to Endothelial Cells

It has been presumed that the severe gastrointestinal side effects accompanying radiotherapy in cancer patients result from the radiation-induced death of epithelial stem cells in the intestinal crypts. As Folkman and Camphausen explain in their Perspective, this view may change with the findings of Paris et al., who show that the principal gut cells dying in response to radiation are the endothelial cells of the gut microvasculature. Gut epithelial stem cells die because they depend on microvascular endothelial cells for survival, a situation reminiscent of the dependence of tumor cells on endothelial cell proliferation and the growth of new blood vessels.
Two different subunits associate to create isoform-specific platelet-derived growth factor receptors.

Abstract Recent evidence has demonstrated that there is more than one form of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) receptor and that these receptors differ in their specificity for the multiple isoforms of PDGF. We present evidence that high affinity binding of PDGF requires association of two different receptor subunits: an alpha-subunit that can bind either a B- or an A-chain of PDGF, and a beta-subunit that can bind only a B-chain. The alpha- and beta-subunits appear to be similar in size but can be distinguished by binding specificity and by an antireceptor monoclonal antibody, PR7212, which recognizes only the beta-subunit. In the absence of PDGF, these subunits either exist separately or form rapidly reversible complexes. In the presence of PDGF, receptor subunits of appropriate specificity interact with a PDGF molecule to form a high affinity complex. Both the absolute and relative numbers of these two PDGF receptor subunits vary on different cell types and correspond to differences in the mitogenic sensitivity of cells to the different PDGF isoforms.
Three-dimensional in vivo morphometry of trabecular bone in the OVX rat model of osteoporosis

This paper describes the application of synchrotron radiation microtomography to osteoporosis research. By taking advantage of the high intensity, collimation, and monochromaticity of synchrotron radiation, we have been able to image the three-dimensional trabecular bone structure in living rats, thus providing serial data on the earliest architectural changes that occur with estrogen loss. Results from these in vivo animal experiments demonstrate that one of the earliest manifestations of estrogen loss, in addition to a decrease in the amount of trabecular bone, is decreased connectivity. We demonstrate that estrogen replacement therapy, when initiated soon after significant changes have occurred, restores bone mass to baseline levels but does not recover the trabecular connectivity. Even without an associated recovery in trabecular connectivity, finite element calculations on the three-dimensional images suggest that estrogen recovers the original structural modulus of elasticity. We believe the recovery of the elastic properties is due to an increase in trabecular thickness above baseline values.
Evaluation of Aerogel Materials for High-Temperature Batteries

Siiica aerogels have 1/3 the thermal conductivity of the best commercial composite insulations, or ~13 mW/m-K at 25°C. However, aerogels are transparent in the near IR region of 4-7 µm, which is where the radiation peak from a thermal-battery stack occurs. Titania and carbon- black powders were examined as thermal opacifiers, to reduce radiation at temperatures between 300°C and 600°C, which spans the range of operating temperature for most thermal batteries. The effectiveness of the various opacifiers depended on the loading, with the best overall results being obtained using aerogels filled with carbon black. Fabrication and strength issues still remain, however.
Intrauterine contraceptive devices: Present status and future prospects

Abstract Intrauterine devices are playing an increasingly important role in modern contraceptive practice. Although the method has been known since the turn of the century, its use remained limited until the past decade because of a general reluctance to insert any foreign material into the uterine cavity. Experience with the IUD technique in numerous clinical studies has shown that most such prejudice against the method has been unwarranted. Large-scale use of intrauterine devices has shown that many complications attributed to intrauterine contraceptives are in fact due to technical lapses during insertion, or are merely coincidental gynecologic complaints. During the past decade, over 12,000,000 women have been fitted with intrauterine devices around the world—over 3,000,000 in the United States alone. Fears that the use of IUD's carries a significant hazard of inducing pelvic sepsis or neoplasia have been dispelled by extensive clinical studies. At the same time, the incidence of side effects associated with intrauterine devices has been greatly reduced by the development of designs compatible with uterine anatomy and physiology. The unique advantages of the method are making it increasingly important in the clinical practice of contraception. Despite the many advantages of modern IUD's, however, the method cannot be considered a universal panacea. Every physician is not skilled in the use of the devices, nor is every woman a suitable candidate for the method. Observance of contraindications, careful timing of insertions and meticulous insertion technique are important factors in obtaining first class results with this, as with other birth control methods. During the early 1960's, linear coils and loops were promoted for population control, primarily because they were cheap and required little motivation to provide moderately effective contraception. In clinical practice, the poor retention and high complication rates of the older devices relegated the IUD to a secondary position in the contraceptive armamentarium. Intrauterine contraception is now achieving increasing popularity for clinical applications on the basis of the excellence and unique advantages of the method. Second generation devices have imporved retention, diminished IUD side effects and enhanced patient satisfaction. Clarification of the mechanism of action of IUD's has made possible devices approaching the ideal of virtually 100 per cent efficacy. The lack of systemic complication associated with the IUD method, combined with the excellent performance of improved devices, has today advanced intrauterine contraception to the front rank of medical methods of conception control.
D-galactose di- and trisaccharides from the earthworm cuticle collagen.

Abstract The earthworm cuticle collagen was found to contain d-galactose, which constitutes about 12% of the total weight. By the alkaline borohydride treatment, followed by gel filtration, reduced di- and trisaccharides of d-galactose could be isolated. These oligosaccharides appeared to be linked to threonine and serine residues and account for about 70% of the total carbohydrate in the collagen.
Dietary intake methodology. II. USDA's Nutrient Data Base for Nationwide Dietary Intake Surveys.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Nutrient Data Base for Nationwide Dietary Intake Surveys is specifically organized and maintained to analyze data from nationwide dietary surveys within the federal government's National Nutrition Monitoring System. These surveys include the Nationwide Food Consumption Survey and the Continuing Survey of Food Intakes by Individuals conducted by USDA, and the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). Each public release of the data base covers one or more specific surveys. The data base contains data for energy and 28 components for over 5000 food items. Data are based on the latest information from USDAs National Nutrient Data Bank, the computer-based system used to update USDAs standard reference on food composition, Agriculture Handbook No. 8. An automated system is also used to update the survey nutrient data base with new information released from the Nutrient Data Bank. This system includes three supplementary data sets (primary nutrient data set, recipe file, and table of nutrient retention factors) and a computer program for calculating nutrient content of mixed food items based on nutrient content of their ingredients. Updates are performed at the beginning of new surveys to incorporate the most up-to-date nutrient values.
Functional Dissection of a Eukaryotic Dicistronic Gene: Transgenic stonedB , but Not stonedA , Restores Normal Synaptic Properties to Drosophila stoned Mutants

The dicistronic Drosophila stoned mRNA produces two proteins, stonedA and stonedB, that are localized at nerve terminals. While the stoned locus is required for synaptic-vesicle cycling in neurons, distinct or overlapping synaptic functions of stonedA and stonedB have not been clearly identified. Potential functions of stoned products in nonneuronal cells remain entirely unexplored in vivo . Transgene-based analyses presented here demonstrate that exclusively neuronal expression of a dicistronic stoned cDNA is sufficient for rescue of defects observed in lethal and viable stoned mutants. Significantly, expression of a monocistronic stonedB trangene is sufficient for rescuing various phenotypic deficits of stoned mutants, including those in organismal viability, evoked transmitter release, and synaptotagmin retrieval from the plasma membrane. In contrast, a stonedA transgene does not alleviate any stoned mutant phenotype. Novel phenotypic analyses demonstrate that, in addition to regulation of presynaptic function, stoned is required for regulating normal growth and morphology of the motor terminal; however, this developmental function is also provided by a stonedB transgene. Our data, although most consistent with a hypothesis in which stonedA is a dispensable protein, are limited by the absence of a true null allele for stoned due to partial restoration of presynaptic stonedA by transgenically provided stonedB. Careful analysis of the effects of the monocistronic transgenes together and in isolation clearly reveals that the presence of presynaptic stonedA is dependent on stonedB. Together, our findings improve understanding of the functional relationship between stonedA and stonedB and elaborate significantly on the in vivo functions of stonins, recently discovered phylogenetically conserved stonedB homologs that represent a new family of “orphan” medium (μ) chains of adaptor complexes involved in vesicle formation. Data presented here also provide new insight into potential mechanisms that underlie translation and evolution of the dicistronic stoned mRNA.
Thermodynamic Analysis of CO2 Reduction in the SnO2/SnO Solar Thermochemical Cycle

CO2 utilization for the production of valuable chemical products may help mitigate two global problems: increasing CO2 concentration in the atmosphere and depleting petroleum resources. Solar thermochemical cycles for CO2 splitting provide relatively high efficiencies of solar energy conversion while operating at realistic temperatures. In the present paper, the cycles proposed previously are reviewed and a novel cycle, based on SnO2 /SnO redox reactions, is proposed. The results of thermodynamic calculations for the CO2 reduction step in this cycle are reported.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
An impact ionization model for SOI circuit simulation [MOSFETs]

The authors previously reported a thermal activation view for low voltage impact ionization in MOSFETs. In this paper, a compact model is developed based on the thermal activation energy theory to capture the SOI device characteristics with both thermally assisted impact ionization and electric field induced impact ionization accounted for.
Pre-election testing and post-election audit of optical scan voting terminal memory cards

Optical scan electronic voting machines employ software components that are customized for each specific election. Such software components are critical from a security and integrity point of view, as they define ballot layout and outcome reporting facilities. The possibility of these components to be tampered with presents a major concern as incorrect election results may be produced due to either malicious interference or accidental corruption. Erroneous results caused by tampering or corruptions can go unnoticed in the absence of testing and auditing, and the errors may not be detectable by election officials/poll workers using the pre-election testing procedures that rely on the machines themselves. This paper presents an actual auditing process for the AccuVote Optical Scan Voting Terminal (AV-OS) (manufactured by Premier Election Solutions) and the ensuing results from a recent statewide audit, showing that thorough auditing of a large sample of voting hardware, specifically the memory cards that contain custom software components, is both practical and informative. We argue that memory card audits are crucial in providing timely information and maintaining the integrity of the electoral process. To substantiate this claim, we present as part of our results hard evidence of inadequate reliability of certain hard-ware components used with the voting terminals, and indications of marginal procedural compliance on the part of the poll workers. These audits were performed without any access to the manufacturer's source code or the documentation regarding the design or the internal workings of the AV-OS terminal. We conclude the paper with several observations based on what was learned during the memory card audit process and offer recommendations aimed at enhancing the integrity of elections. The audits presented in this paper were performed on request of the Office of the Secretary of the State of Connecticut.
Cloning and characterization of murine p53 upstream sequences reveals additional positive transcriptional regulatory elements.

Abstract Transcriptional regulation of the p53 gene plays an important role leading to elevated expression of mutant p53 alleles in tumor cells. In addition, alterations in p53 transcription levels occur in response to changes in the cell cycle. Previous work had identified a number of regulatory sites at the 5′-end of the murine p53 promoter. During the characterization of the 5′-end of the cloned murine p53 promoter, we identified a 28 bp positive regulatory element that participates in three distinct DNA-protein complexes. The binding by nuclear factors to each one of these sites contributes to the overall activity of the p53 promoter. One site is a potential recognition sequence for members of the ETS family of transcription factors, which are known regulators of the human p53 promoter. Since six nucleotides in the middle of this required element were not present in the previously published sequence of the murine promoter, we recloned this region from C57/BL6 cells and confirmed their presence in the genome. The removal of this regulatory element completely abolishes p53 promoter activity.
Rapid product analysis and increased sensitivity for quantitative determinations of botulinum neurotoxin proteolytic activity.

Abstract The ultimate molecular action of botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) is a Zn-dependent endoproteolytic activity on one of the three SNARE (soluble N -ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor) proteins. There are seven serotypes (A–G) of BoNT having distinct cleavage sites on the SNARE substrates. The proteolytic activity is located on the N-terminal light chain (Lc) domain and is used extensively as the primary target toward therapeutic development against botulism. Here we describe an improved method using ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) whereby quantitative data were obtained in 1/10th the time using 1/20th the sample and solvent volumes compared with a widely used high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method. We also synthesized a VAMP (vesicle-associated membrane protein)-based peptide containing an intact V1 motif that was efficiently used as a substrate by BoNT/D Lc. Although serotype C1 cleaves the serotype A substrate at a bond separated by only one residue, we were able to distinguish the two reactions by UPLC. The new method can accurately quantify as low as 7 pmol of the peptide substrates for BoNT serotypes A, B, C1, and D. We also report here that the catalytic efficiency of serotype A can be stimulated 35-fold by the addition of Triton X-100 to the reaction mixture. Combining the use of Triton X-100 with the newly introduced UPLC method, we were able to accurately detect very low levels of proteolytic activity in a very short time. Sensitivity of the assay and accuracy and rapidity of product analysis should greatly augment efforts in therapeutic development.
Revolutionary Mexico: The Coming and Process of the Mexican Revolution

This acclaimed reinterpretation of the Mexican Revolution, based on new evidence obtained in Mexican and American archives and on the historical literature of recent years, is available here in the tenth anniversary edition, complete with a new Preface by the author.
Evaluation of the Eclipse electron Monte Carlo dose calculation for small fields

Varian Medical Systems ( Palo Alto, CA ) has implemented the Monte Carlo electron dose calculation algorithm (eMC) in the Eclipse treatment planning system. Previous algorithms for electron treatment planning were limited in their calculation ability for small field depth doses and monitor units. An old rule of thumb to approximate the limiting cutout size for an electron field was determined by the lateral scatter equilibrium and approximated by E (MeV)/2.5 in centimeters of water. In this study we compared eMC calculations and measurements of depth doses, isodose distributions and monitor units for several different energy and small field cutout size combinations at different SSDs. Measurements were made using EBT film (International Specialty Products, Wayne, NJ) and a PinPoint Ion Chamber (PTW, Hicksville, NY) . Our results indicate that the eMC algorithm can accurately predict depth doses, isodose distributions and monitor units (within 2.5%) for field sizes as small as 3.0 cm diameter for energies in the 6 to 20 MeV range at 100 cm SSD. Therefore, the previous energy dependent rule of thumb does not apply to the Eclipse electron Monte Carlo code. However, at extended SSDs (105-110 cm), the results show good agreement (within 4 %) only for higher energies (12, 16, and 20 MeV) for a field size of 3 cm.
Expected Shape of Regressions for Ground-Motion Parameters on Rock

Probabilistic seismic-hazard assessments use attenuation relations that give some measure of earthquake ground motion as a function of distance, magnitude, and sometimes other parameters. Among the various relations that have been presented, an ambiguity exists with respect to whether the amplitudes of strong motion on rock show a distance-dependent magnitude saturation. Given a high degree of scatter in a limited number of observations, current empirical data cannot resolve this issue. Therefore, a series of synthetic ground-motion simulations have been conducted to elucidate the magnitude dependence of the distance decay for rock sites. Three different techniques are used: one based on empirical Green9s functions, one based on theoretical Green9s functions with a simple source representation, and one based on theoretical Green9s functions with a composite source representation. All three techniques imply that ground motion decays less rapidly with distance for larger magnitude earthquakes, so that there is a distance-dependent magnitude saturation. Intuitively this can be explained as follows: at longer distances the Green9s functions are more complex due to various arrivals spread out over a longer duration of time. A larger earthquake, with more subevents spread over a greater time period, will have constructive interference among the various arrivals from each subevent, and the longer durations of the subevent signals at larger distances will cause a proportionately greater increase in the amplitude than what typically occurs at shorter distances. Five different attenuation relations are evaluated on the basis of this prediction, and the implications with respect to probabilistic seismic-hazard assessment are tested in Field and Peterson (2000).
A novel iterative optimizing quantization technique and its application to x-ray tomographic microscopy for three-dimensional reconstruction from a limited number of views.

The iterative optimizing quantization technique (IOQT) is a novel method in reconstructing three-dimensional (3D) images from a limited number of 2D projections. IOQT can reduce the artifacts and image distortion due to a limited number of projections and limited range of viewing angles. Equivalently, by reducing the number of projections required for reconstruction, the use of IOQT can reduce the dose delivered to the specimen, simplify the complexity of an experimental setup, and consequently support the development of techniques to nondestructively image microstructures of materials. In this article, we will demonstrate the capability of IOQT to reconstruct an accurate 3D image of an object from a limited number of views, using a computer simulation and an actual 3D test pattern experiment with submicrometer features. In addition, we will introduce a promising application of IOQT to X-ray tomographic microscopy to study microbiological specimens by presenting the 3D reconstructions of the two different-conditioned human sperm cells from six projections. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Imaging Syst Technol, 8, 204–213, 1997
Impairment of growth in fetuses destined to deliver preterm

Abstract Objective: The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that fetuses destined to deliver preterm do not reach their individual growth potential. Study Design: In a case control design, data on 44 preterm deliveries at ≤34 weeks were compared with data on a control group of next consecutive term deliveries. Criteria for inclusion were dating by ultrasonography at Results: The number of fetuses with birth weight below the 5th, 10th, and 25th percentile of their growth potential was significantly higher in the preterm group (10, 13, and 18) compared with that in the control group (2, 2, and 6; P P P P =.37 and P =.27). Among preterm deliveries, those preceded by preterm premature rupture of the membranes had significantly fewer fetuses >75th percentile of their growth potential (2 vs 8; P =.025). Fetuses with lower gestational ages at preterm delivery achieved lower median percentiles of their growth potential. Conclusion: A significant proportion of fetuses destined to deliver preterm do not reach their individual growth potential compared with those delivered at term. This finding challenges our concept of preterm delivery and management strategy aimed at tocolysis. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 2001;185:463-7.)
Exchange and Intimacy in the Inner City Rethinking Kinship Ties of the Urban Poor

Drawing on three years of fieldwork among a group of young men and women from a poor urban community in Northeastern United States, I explore the salience of sibling ties in the lives of poor urban...
Theory of magnetoresistance in magnetic superlattices

Abstract Recently giant magnetoresistive effects have been found in Fe/Cr magnetically layered structures. In the quasi-classical Fuchs—Sondheimer approach to the resistivity the contribution from interfacial scattering is treated differently from other sources. We have treated the contributions to the resistivity from the scattering within the layers and the interfaces on an equal footing, and summarize our results for the longitudinal and transverse magnetoresistances.
Facilitated transport of benzylpenicillin through immobilized liquid membrane

The rate of benzylpenicillin transport, as an ionic pair with a tetrabutyl ammonium cation, from aqueous media through a liquid membrane consisting of n-decanol supported in a porous Teflon membrane has been investigated as a function of the chemical composition of the system and the hydrodynamic conditions at 25 o C. The measured transfer rates have been explained in terms of the diffusion of the ionic pair species through the liquid membrane. The results are in agreement with theoretical predictions and its is demonstrated that the transport of benzylpenicillin takes place against a concentration gradient
THE GASTROCAMERA AS A DIAGNOSTIC INSTRUMENT FOR GERIATRIC PATIENTS

One hundred and ten patients aged 65 or older were examined with the gastrocamera (color photographs) because of radiologically diagnosed or suspected disease of the upper gastrointestinal tract. The gastrocamera pictures confirmed the 31 radiologically identified ulcers in 52 per cent of the cases. Radiologically suspected gastric cancers were confirmed in all 5 cases. In the 24 patients with uncertain radiologic findings, the gastrocamera revealed 4 ulcers, 3 polyps and 2 cases of gastritis; the rest had normal stomachs. The color photographs were especially useful in the diagnosis of gastritis. The procedure, when properly performed, is well tolerated and safe for geriatric patients.
The consequences of physical abuse and neglect on the school age child: Mediating factors

Abstract This follow up study revealed that physically abused school age children continued to function more poorly than their nonmaltreated peers on a variety of academic and socio-emotional measures, and neglected school age children were performing more poorly in school. The results indicate that a high level of stress, particularly stress related to alcohol or drug use by family members, is an important correlate of maltreatment and also contributes significantly to poor child functioning. Parents of abused children reported high levels of depression, and for both abusive and neglectful families, child behavior problems were related to high levels of parental depression. In addition, multiple foster care placements were associated with greater child maladjustment. Children who had experienced multiple forms of maltreatment were more likely to engage in delinquent behaviors. Both groups of maltreated children showed some small but consistent improvements over time, but were still functioning poorly when compared to nonmaltreated children, with SES controlled.
Enhancement of mitogen-induced lymphocyte proliferation in sheep.

Summary Conditions were established to optimize the lymphocyte proliferation test in sheep, a species where proliferation under standard conditions is lower than for other species. Optimum proliferation of phytohemagglutinin-stimulated lymphocytes was achieved in TCM-199 supplemented with 5 % (v/v) horse serum, 0.2 mM sodium pyruvate and 5 times 10−5 M β-mercaptoethanol. Proliferative responses in this medium were 2.5-fold higher or more than when using a standard medium (RPMI-1640 + 10 % heat-inactivated fetal bovine serum). Lymphocytes cultured in medium containing horse serum also responded to concanavalin A as well as or better than lymphocytes cultured in medium with bovine serum. For both PHA and Con A, optimal incorporation of radioactivity was achieved when cells were pulsed with [3H-methyl]-thymidine 72 h after addition of mitogen. The medium based on TCM-199 + horse serum could support interleukin-2-induced proliferation. Furthermore, known inhibitors of lymphocyte proliferation in sheep were effective in inhibiting lymphocytes cultured in this medium.
The role of gender in predicting the willingness to engage in digital piracy among college students

Scholars have provided increased attention toward the issue of digital piracy in recent years; however, few studies have focused on the issue of gender in predicting digital piracy. This study explores the role of gender in predicting college students’ willingness to participate in varying forms of digital piracy (n = 585). The findings suggest that gender is not directly related to digital piracy when controlling for other factors. Furthermore, the findings suggest that the impact from existing theories of crime (social learning, self‐control, techniques of neutralization, and microanomie) are equivalent across genders. A discussion is provided in the context of future theory development and in the development of policy implications geared toward curtailing digital piracy.
Structurally Distinct Complexes of Ubiquitin and Sumo-Modified PCNA Lead to Distinct DNA Damage Response Pathways

Ubiquitination of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in response to DNA damage leads to the recruitment of specialized translesion polymerases to the damage locus. This constitutes the initial step in translesion synthesis (TLS) - a critical pathway for cell survival and genome stability. By contrast, PCNA sumoylation leads to suppression of homologous recombination through recruitment of the antirecombinogenic helicase SRS2. How do these similar posttranslational modifications effect such vastly different functional outcomes? We modeled PCNA covalently modified by Ub and SUMO using a multiscale protocol (conjugated docking with the Rosetta package, molecular dynamics and minimal ensemble searches). Our models rationalized the differences in solution scattering data (SAXS) from the PCNA-K164Ub, PCNA-K107Ub and PCNA-K164SUMO complexes. Our results suggest a structural basis for the different functional outcomes of Ub vs. SUMO modification of PCNA.View Large Image | View Hi-Res Image | Download PowerPoint Slide
The Fréchet derivative for the one-dimensional electromagnetic induction problem

Summary. From consideration of the higher order terms, it is shown that the magneto-telluric response is Frechet differentiable with respect to conductivity; this result remains valid for discontinuous profiles, which is not so in the case of the corresponding free-oscdlation problem for the elastic earth. The remainder term in the Frechet formula is shown to be O|δσ|2 and a numerical estimate is made of the bounding constant for a restricted class of conductivity models.
Parasitism of Heliothis zea (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) Eggs: Effect on Pest Management Decision Rules for Processing Tomatoes in the Sacramento Valley of California

Egg parasitism of Heliothis zea (Boddie) and other lepidopterous pests was monitored in a field trial of processing tomato cultivars in 1981 and in several late-season commercial fields of processing tomatoes in the Sacramento Valley of California in 1983, 1985, and 1986. Four species of Trichogramma were present: T. pretiosum Riley, T. thalense (Pinto & Oatman), T. deion Pinto & Oatman, and T. brevicapillum Pinto & Platner. Actual parasitism of H. zea eggs exceeded 83% in all fields monitored in 1985 and exceeded 62% in most fields monitored in 1986. Manduca spp. and Trichoplusia ni (Hubner) eggs were also commonly parasitized by Trichogramma spp. The high levels of H. zea egg parasitism recorded in these commercial fields indicates that the current economic threshold, which is based on the abundance of white H. zea eggs, can be increased to account for the mortality caused by Trichogramma . Procedures to incorporate H. zea egg parasitism into the current integrated pest management program for processing tomatoes are proposed. Acceptable fruit quality at harvest in fields that exceeded the current economic threshold during the growing season provides additional support for increasing the threshold. The effect of insecticide applications on H. zea egg parasitism is discussed.
Competitive Efficiency of Turkey Sperm

Abstract ARISTOTLE was aware of competition of sperm in the oviduct, the object of this paper. He stated “the bird who carries an egg conceived by copulation, if it then has coitus with another male, will hatch all its chicks thereafter of a genus similar to the latter male.” (As quoted by Aldrovandi, 1599–1603). Harvey (1651) as quoted by Olsen and Neher (1948) suggested intra-ovarian fertilization. He believed that a single mating would fertilize all the eggs in the ovary. Buffon (1771), Burdach (1838) and Coste (1859), accepted, at least in part, Harvey’s contention. Furthermore, Harvey (1651), Ivanov (1924) and Vermeulen (1929) believed that fertilization of a hen’s eggs took place in the ovary before ovulation. Lau (1894), Barfurth (1896), Walton and Wethand (1933), Van Drimmelen (1946) and many others believed fertilization occurred only following ovulation. Critical studies by Olsen and Neher (1948) provided direct evidence that fertilization of the…
Ultrafast treatment plan optimization for volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT)

Purpose: To develop a novel aperture-based algorithm for volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) treatment plan optimization with high quality and high efficiency. Methods: The VMAT optimization problem is formulated as a large-scale convex programming problem solved by a column generation approach. The authors consider a cost function consisting two terms, the first enforcing a desired dose distribution and the second guaranteeing a smooth dose rate variation between successive gantry angles. A gantry rotation is discretized into 180 beam angles and for each beam angle, only one MLC aperture is allowed. The apertures are generated one by one in a sequential way. At each iteration of the column generation method, a deliverable MLC aperture is generated for one of the unoccupied beam angles by solving a subproblem with the consideration of MLC mechanic constraints. A subsequent master problem is then solved to determine the dose rate at all currently generated apertures by minimizing the cost function. When all 180 beam angles are occupied, the optimization completes, yielding a set of deliverable apertures and associated dose rates that produce a high quality plan. Results: The algorithm was preliminarily tested on five prostate and five head-and-neck clinical cases, each with one full gantry rotation without any couch/collimator rotations. High quality VMAT plans have been generated for all ten cases with extremely high efficiency. It takes only 5–8 min on CPU (MATLAB code on an Intel Xeon 2.27 GHz CPU) and 18–31 s on GPU (CUDA code on an NVIDIA Tesla C1060 GPU card) to generate such plans. Conclusions: The authors have developed an aperture-based VMAT optimization algorithm which can generate clinically deliverable high quality treatment plans at very high efficiency.
Predicting the gap: perceptual congruence between American principals and their teachers’ ratings of leadership effectiveness

The aim of this study is to determine the extent to which principals’ self-ratings of leadership effectiveness coincide with their teachers’ perceptions of their leadership effectiveness. Furthermore, we explore several characteristics of teachers and principals in an attempt to identify the factors that may predict congruence in perceptions of leadership. This study draws from survey data of 76 principals and over 2100 teachers who completed parallel forms of a 72-item Learning-Centered Leadership survey (VAL-ED©) in the USA. Teacher and principal characteristics are incorporated into a multivariate regression analysis. Although there is zero difference in the overall sample, teachers and principals within any given school seldom share the same perspective. Principals’ self-efficacy was a strong predictor of principals rating themselves higher than the teachers. Interestingly, the more time a teacher spent with a principal, the less congruence they shared. This research has identified rather large disparities in perceptions of leadership between teachers and their principals. Such a gap suggests that teachers have information and perspectives on school leadership distinct from the principals’ information and perspectives. This research provides evidence that structured teacher feedback may provide a useful avenue for principals seeking additional perspectives on their leadership effectiveness.
Distributed and centralised material handling scheduling: Comparison and results of a simulation study

Part of a larger research that employs decentralized holonic modelling techniques in manufacturing planning and control, this work proposes a holonic-based material handling system and contrasts the centralized and distributed scheduling approaches for the allocation of material handling operations to the available system resources. To justify the use of the decentralized holonic approach and assess its performance compared to conventional scheduling systems, a series of evaluation tests and a simulation study are carried out. As illustrated by the results obtained from the simulation study, the decentralized holonic approach is capable of delivering competitive feasible solutions in, practically, real-time.
Concepts of coevolution.

The word coevolution has become a standard part of the lexicon of evolutionary biology. More than 1000 papers during the past decade have used coevolution in the title or abstract. Hundreds more have used the word in passing in the body of the paper. A half dozen books now include coevolution in the title. As usage of coevolution has increased, so have the views on the processes and mechanisms of coevolutionary change. The problem now is to understand the ecological and genetic conditions that favor different modes and outcomes of coevolution.
Spectral effects of the vacuum resonance in soft gamma-ray repeaters

The association of all three soft gamma-ray repeaters (SGRs) with supernova remnants has established that SGRs are young neutron stars, and has given us a starting point for detailed modeling. One of the most popular classes of models involves strongly magnetised neutron stars, with surface dipole fields B~ 10^{14}-10^{15} Gauss. In such strong magnetic fields, many otherwise negligible processes can play an important role. Here we consider the effects of vacuum polarisation on Compton scattering. Vacuum polarisation introduces a characteristic density-dependent photon frequency at which the normal modes of polarisation become nonorthogonal and the mean free path of photons decreases sharply. Our analytic results and Monte Carlo simulations of photon propagation through a magnetised plasma show that this effect leads, under a wide range of physical conditions, to a broad absorption-like feature in the energy range ~5 keV---40 keV. We discuss this effect in light of the spectra from SGR 1806-20.
Individual differences in pain responses.

The experience of pain is characterized by tremendous inter-individual variability. Indeed, an identical noxious stimulus can produce vastly different pain responses across individuals. Historically, scientists have regarded this vari-ability as a nuisance; however, substantial data suggest that these individual differences may provide valuable informa-tion that can be used to enhance clinical management of pain. This paper discusses several factors that contribute to individual differences in pain perception, including demo-graphic (ie, sex, age, and ethnicity), genetic, and psycho-social variables. These factors are discussed in the context of the biopsychosocial model of pain, which posits that pain perception is influenced by interactions among biologic, psychosocial, and sociocultural factors. Finally, the clinical and scientific implications of individual differences in pain are discussed.
The entropy of small clusters of atoms using an Einstein model

Abstract We present a generalized Einstein model for calculating thermodynamic properties of small clusters of atoms and demonstrate its validity by comparing its predictions with Burton's exact calculations. The simplicity of the method enables one to easily compute thermodynamic quantities for many systems beyond those previously considered.
Laminated composites with improved toughness

The composite studied in the present investigation was a powder metallurgy 2XXX series alloy, designated MB-85 containing in wt. % : 3.5 Cu, 1.5 Mg, 0.4 Zr, 0.21 Mn, Bal A1 reinforced with 15 volume percent silicon carbide particulate (average size 13 microns). Heat treatments consisted of solution treatment at 495 C/4 hours, followed by a cold water quench and artificial aging at 190 C/3 hours to produce a composite in the underaged condition. The backing material used in the laminated specimen was nominally a 6061 aluminum alloy. The initiation and growth toughness of the composite and the monolithic 6061 alloy were tested using a compact tension specimen geometry. The effect of the ductile backing on retarding crack propagation was studied. The proportion of the 6061 alloy thickness in the laminated specimen was about 25%. Enhancement in the crack growth toughness is achieved because more energy is required to initiate and propagate a crack in the 6061 backing in comparison to the composite as originally proposed. Thus one can take advantage of the enhancement in stiffness and strength offered by the incorporation of a very strong reinforcement without overly sacrificing the flaw tolerant nature of aluminum alloys.
One Comprehensive System? A Historical Perspective on Federal Disability Policy:

We examine the historical development of federal disability policy; we assess the scope of the social security disability system, as well as inconsistencies between that attempt at a comprehensive system and programs such as vocational rehabilitation, veterans' programs, and special entitlements for blind people; and we conclude with a list of the questions that our analysis raises for the conduct of disability studies.
Two newly discovered S stars in a list of faint red objects

A list of 103 faint red stars in a 0.7-square-degree area located near NGC 6820/23 on the galactic plane in the constellation Vulpecula is presented. The stars were chosen from Near Infrared Photographic Sky Survey visual and near-IR photographic pairs and were selected for their visual faintness as well as their red colors. Positions, approximate magnitudes, and finding charts for these stars are presented. It is noted that two members of the list, 1548C858 and 1548C869, have already been determined to be faint, pure S stars.
Gating Of Bacterial Cyclic Nucleotide Gated (bCNG) Channels In Response To Membrane Tension

We have identified, cloned, and characterized a new family of bacterial cyclic nucleotide gated (bCNG) ion channels. While we have demonstrated that these channels gate in response to cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), all bCNG channels exhibit significant homology to the pore lining helix (TM3) of the mechanosensitive channel of small conductance (MscS). This homology suggests that these channels might gate in response to mechanical stress in addition to ligand binding. To test this hypothesis, we have explored the ability of bCNG channels to rescue MscL/MscS/MscK null E. coli from osmotic downshock. While some homologues, such as bCNG from Synechococcus sp. PCC 6803, show rescue similar to that observed for wild-type E. coli MscS, other homologues, such as bCNG from M. loti, do not exhibit osmotic rescue. In the bCNG channel family, the numbers of transmembrane domains varies from two to six, with high homology between pore lining helices. Our current data implies that bCNG channels with greater homology to MscS are more likely to be mechanosensitive.
Liver RNA in aminonucleoside nephrosis in rats

Abstract Nephrosis was induced in rats by an injection of puromycin aminonucleoside (PA). RNA was examined in the liver of nephrotic rats during the period when the rate of albumin synthesis was accelerated to about three times the normal level. The liver of PA-treated rats had significantly higher ribosomal RNA fractions. There was no difference in the rates of synthesis of various RNA fractions, but the half-life of ribosomal RNA was significantly prolonged in the liver of nephrotic rats. Stability of ribosomal RNA may vary according to the demands placed upon the liver to produce certain types of protein.
A study of liver function in rats with mirex-induced enlarged livers

Abstract The functional capacity of a mirex-induced, enlarged liver was studied in rats. The tests used were sulfobromophthalein clearance, hepatic cytochrome P -450 concentration, serum total protein concentration and electrophoretic pattern, serum total lipid concentration, serum glucose concentration, and the liver response to epinephrine. There was no indication of a loss of functional capacity in the enlarged liver. Sulfobromophthalein clearance and microsomal cytochrome P -450 concentration indicated an increase in total liver functional capacity. We conclude that mirex is not a direct hepatotoxin producing generalized parenchymal cell damage.
Characteristics of patients surgically treated for primary hyperparathyroidism with and without renal stones.

Background. Between 1980 and 1984, 312 (30%) of 1038 patients undergoing initial cervical exploration for primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT) at our institution had proven renal stones. Methods. In this retrospective study we focused on clinical characteristics, biochemical tests, perioperative and pathologic findings, and immediate outcomes of operation, comparing findings in patients with and without renal stones. Results. Patients with renal stones were more often younger male patients, had serum phosphorus levels significantly lower (p < 0.02) and 24-hour urinary calcium excretion significantly higher (p < 0.0001) than patients without renal stones, and had a significantly higher (p < 0.05) proportion of abnormal glands weighing less than 250 mg. Relevant diagnostic preoperative variables were evaluated by means of multivariate analysis to determine whether they independently had predictive power with regard to renal stones. Male gender and younger age were significantly associated with the presence of renal stones, providing odds ratios of 2.5 and 1.4, respectively. In addition, the risk of having renal stones was significantly related to minimally elevated serum calcium levels (p < 0.05), serum phosphorus levels (p = 0.02), and 24-hour urine calcium excretion (p < 0.05). Conclusions. In patients with renal stones the diagnosis of pHPT should be considered. If the diagnosis is confirmed, a liberal approach to cervical exploration should be taken.
Surface compositions and composition profiles of AgAu (100), (110), and (111) surfaces determined quantitatively by Auger electron spectroscopy

Abstract Polycrystalline samples of AgAu alloy containing 10, 20, and 30 at% silver were investigated by Auger electron spectroscopy (AES). The samples were also investigated with low angle X-ray diffraction, low energy electron diffraction (LEED), and selected area channeling pattern (SACP) to determine crystallographic orientation of some surface domains or grains. The low index planes (111), (110), and (100) were found. The AES data were deconvoluted to ascertain the composition of the first two atomic layers of these surfaces. A procedure was established that allowed determination of orientation of various surface domains from the Auger data alone.