cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
High susceptibility to respiratory Acinetobacter baumannii infection in A/J mice is associated with a delay in early pulmonary recruitment of neutrophils

Abstract Acinetobacter baumannii is an important cause of both community-associated and nosocomial pneumonia, which have become increasingly difficult to treat because of the rapid development of resistance to multiple antibiotics. Despite its clinical importance, the pathogenesis of and host defense against respiratory A. baumannii infection remains largely unknown. To examine host factors that could contribute to the defense, we compared the susceptibilities of A/J and C57BL/6 mice to intranasal (i.n.) inoculation with A. baumannii. We found that A/J mice were significantly more susceptible to infection with higher mortality (P
Expression of GATA3 in MDA-MB-231 Triple-negative Breast Cancer Cells Induces a Growth Inhibitory Response to TGFß

Transforming growth factor (s1TGFs1) can promote proliferation in late stage cancers but acts as a tumor suppressor in normal epithelial cells and in early stage cancers. Although, the TGFs pathway has been shown to play a key role in tumorigenesis and metastasis, only a limited number of models have been developed to understand this process. Here, we present a novel model system to discern this paradoxical role of TGFs1 using the MDA-MB-231 (MB-231) cell line. The MB-231 triple-negative breast cancer cell line has been extensively characterized and has been shown to continue to proliferate and undergo epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) upon TGFs1 stimulation. We have previously shown by microarray analysis that expression of GATA3 in MB-231 cells results in reprogramming of these cells from a basal to a luminal subtype associated with a reduction of metastasis and tumorigenesis when implanted as xenografts. We now demonstrate that GATA3 overexpression in these cells results in a reduction of TGFs1 response, reversal of EMT, and most importantly, restoration of sensitivity to the inhibitory effects on proliferation of TGFs1. Microarray analysis revealed that TGFs1 treatment resulted in reduction of several cell cycle effectors in 231-GATA3 cells but not in control cells. Furthermore, our microarray analysis revealed a significant increase of BMP5 in 231-GATA3 cells. We demonstrate that combined treatment of MB-231 control cells with TGFs1 and BMP5 results in a significant reduction of cellular proliferation. Thus, this model offers a means to further investigate potentially novel mechanisms involved in the switch in response to TGFs1 from tumor promoter to tumor suppressor through the reprogramming of a triple-negative breast cancer cell line by the GATA3 transcription factor.
A variable negative resistance

A circuit which exhibits linear negative resistance characteristics is presented. Moreover, the value of the resistance is easily controlled by an independent dc voltage source. Experimental results are given.
Expression of the gin and mom genes of bacteriophage Mu.

Abstract The gin and mom genes are located in the rightmost 1.6-kb segment, designated the β segment, of bacteriophage Mu DNA. The gin gene is responsible for the inversion of the G segment of Mu, whereas the mom gene is involved in an unusual modification of the DNA. We have analyzed recombinant plasmids carrying one or both ends of Mu DNA for the expression of the Gin and Mom functions. The Gin protein and the presumptive Mom protein are not always detected in minicells, even though the plasmids being tested have the gin - and mom -containing segment of Mu DNA. However, some plasmids, in which the right end segment of Mu DNA is confined to the 1.6-kb β segment, do give rise to these gene products in minicells. It seems that synthesis of the Gin and Mom proteins is inhibited in minicells, but this inhibition is lifted if most of the DNA to the left of the β segment is eliminated from the plasmids. The most prominent Mu product detected in minicells is a 23–25-kDal polypeptide, termed here the ζ (zeta) protein. The function of the ζ protein remains unknown. In vitro transcription of Mu DNA with purified Escherichia coli RNA polymerase is limited to only two regions of the genome. The early region of Mu DNA is transcribed at a relatively high efficiency, whereas the β region is transcribed at a low efficiency. This low-efficiency transcription appears to be specific for the gin gene; the mom gene transcript cannot be detected.
Vowel similarity, connectionist models, and syllable structure in motor programming of speech

Abstract Using a response-priming procedure, five experiments examined the effects of vowel similarity on the motor programming of spoken syllables. In this procedure, subjects prepared to produce a pair of spoken syllables as rapidly as possible, but sometimes had to produce the syllables in reverse order instead. The spoken responses consisted of consonant-vowel-consonant (CVC) syllables whose medial vowels were /i/, /I/, /λ/, and /α/. Performance was measured as a function of the phonetic relationship between the vowels in a syllable pair. Longer response latencies occurred for syllable pairs that contained similar vowels (e.g., /i/ and /I/) than for syllable pairs that contained dissimilar vowels (e.g., /i/ and /λ/). This inhibitory vowel-similarity effect occurred regardless of whether the initial consonants of the syllables in a pair were the same or different. However, it decreased substantially when the final consonants of the paired syllables were different. These results suggest that a lateral-inhibition mechanism may modulate the motor programming of vowels during speech production. They also provide evidence for the integrity of vowel-consonant (VC) subunits in syllables.
IL-13 receptor α2-arginase 2 pathway mediates IL-13-induced pulmonary hypertension

Although previous literature suggests that interleukin (IL)-13, a T-helper type 2 cell effector cytokine, might be involved in the pathogenesis of pulmonary hypertension (PH), direct proof is lacking. Furthermore, a potential mechanism underlying IL-13-induced PH has never been explored. This study's goal was to investigate the role and mechanism of IL-13 in the pathogenesis of PH. Lung-specific IL-13-overexpressing transgenic (Tg) mice were examined for hemodynamic changes and pulmonary vascular remodeling. IL-13 Tg mice spontaneously developed PH phenotype by the age of 2 mo with increased expression and activity of arginase 2 (Arg2). The role of Arg2 in the development of IL-13-stimulated PH was further investigated using Arg2 and IL-13 receptor α2 (Rα2) null mutant mice and the small-interfering RNA (siRNA)-silencing approach in vivo and in vitro, respectively. IL-13-stimulated medial thickening of pulmonary arteries and right ventricle systolic pressure were significantly decreased in the IL-13 Tg mice with Arg2 null mutation. On the other hand, the production of nitric oxide was further increased in the lungs of these mice. In our in vitro evaluations, the recombinant IL-13 treatment significantly enhanced the proliferation of human pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells in an Arg2-dependent manner. The IL-13-stimulated cellular proliferation and the expression of Arg2 in hpaSMC were markedly decreased with IL-13Rα2 siRNA silencing. Our studies demonstrate that IL-13 contributes to the development of PH via an IL-13Rα2-Arg2-dependent pathway. The intervention of this pathway could be a potential therapeutic target in pulmonary arterial hypertension.
Spatial Characteristics of the Unsteady Differential Pressures on 16 percent F/A-18 Vertical Tails

Buffeting is an aeroelastic phenomenon which plagues high performance aircraft at high angles of attack. For the F/A-18 at high angles of attack, vortices emanating from wing/fuselage leading edge extensions burst, immersing the vertical tails in their turbulent wake. The resulting buffeting of the vertical tails is a concern from fatigue and inspection points of view. Previous flight and wind-tunnel investigations to determine the buffet loads on the tail did not provide a complete description of the spatial characteristics of the unsteady differential pressures. Consequently, the unsteady differential pressures were considered to be fully correlated in the analyses of buffet and buffeting. The use of fully correlated pressures in estimating the generalized aerodynamic forces for the analysis of buffeting yielded responses that exceeded those measured in flight and in the wind tunnel. To learn more about the spatial characteristics of the unsteady differential pressures, an available 16%, sting-mounted, F-18 wind-tunnel model was modified and tested in the Transonic Dynamics Tunnel (TDT) at the NASA Langley Research Center as part of the ACROBAT (Actively Controlled Response Of Buffet-Affected Tails) program. Surface pressures were measured at high angles of attack on flexible and rigid tails. Cross-correlation and cross-spectral analyses of the pressure time histories indicate that the unsteady differential pressures are not fully correlated. In fact, the unsteady differential pressure resemble a wave that travels along the tail. At constant angle of attack, the pressure correlation varies with flight speed.
Fine mapping and candidate gene analysis of the CT mouse model of neural tube defects (NTD): an approach to identifying human NTD genes. ♦ 278

Neural tube defects (NTD) are the most common and severe CNS malformations. NTD are complex traits, involving interactions between environmental agents and multiple predisposing genes. The molecular basis for NTD is not understood. We are examining the curly tail (CT) mouse, the mutant which most closely resembles human NTD in both its genetic complexity at least 3 genes are involved (Genomics 29, 719724, 1995) and phenotype: the sole defects are lumbosacral NTD and a rare `anencephaly equivalent' more common in females. We hypothesize that the CT mouse shares a molecular basis with common human NTD. We have mapped the gene of major effect ct, to distal chromosome 4, syntenic with human 1p3536 (Nature Genetics 6, 357362, 1994). We now show by haplotype analysis that ct is semidominant; 10% of affected offspring carry only a single copy of the mutant gene, preventing usual mapping approaches. Therefore, homozygosity mapping was used to indicate those regions within the ct locus that likely contain the ct gene. Five plausible candidate genes mapped outside these regions and were ruled out by this approach, including MacMARCKS (aka F52 and Mrp) whose product is involved in cell shape change and when deleted, yields a CTlike NTD. Some NTD are prevented by periconceptional folate. Thus, we examined Mthfr because it codes for an enzyme required for the regeneration of active folate and maps to human 1p3536. Mthfr is excluded because it maps 2cM outside the mouse ct locus. Moreover, we find that MTHFR is not linked to NTD in a British/Irish human population, consistent with our hypothesis. Continued genetic dissection of the ct locus will enable a positional cloning approach to the ct mutation. Such genetic analyses of appropriate mouse models may be needed to identify the genes responsible for complex traits in man. (Supported by HD28882, a Reynolds Rich Smith Fellowship and SPR/APS Student Research Program).
Changes in distal esophageal function in response to cooling.

The effects upon esophageal motility of water at room temperature and 0°C, taken as repeated small boluses and as 200-ml volumes swallowed as rapidly as possible, were compared before and after pretreatment with isosorbide denitrate 5 mg sublingually, in nine young healthy subjects and two patients with esophageal spasm. Iced water caused reduced strength, increased duration, and reduced velocity of distal eosphageal contractions. It also reduced the force of lower esophageal sphincteric contraction, an effect that was more transient than that seen in the esophageal body, but it did not alter the magnitude of sphincteric relaxation. Esophageal responses in normal subjects with water at the two temperatures were not affected by isosorbide denitrate. The responses to iced water in the two patients with esophageal spasm were qualitatively similar to those in normal subjects. These findings indicate that cooling brings about a transient state of relative paralysis in the distal esophagus and lower esophageal sphincter. Taken in conjunction with other observations, they are consistent with the notion that cold-induced chest pain, whether in normal subjects or in patients with esophageal motor disorders, is related to esophageal distension.
Composite quarks and leptons and the Higgs boson mass

Abstract I consider a model in which all leptons and quarks are bound states of one neutral Higgs boson H and only one fundamental lepton and quark generation embedded routinely in the standard gauge model. Relativistic bound calculations suggest M H ≈ 15 TeV, and indicate how pointlike form factors, Dirac magnetic moments and suppressed radiative decays for composite fermions can occur.
Library instruction for first-year students

Purpose – This paper aims to discuss the background, design and implementation of the new library instruction. When a new core curriculum for first-year students was adopted at the City College of New York in the fall of 2008, the City College Library took this opportunity to establish a new approach to teach library research to freshmen. Two library workshops were embedded into a six-credit combined content and writing course. Design/methodology/approach – This paper documents the process by which the City College Library successfully transitioned to the new system and also reflects on the theory and practice of teaching information literacy in an academic setting. Findings – Library workshops embedded within the new core curriculum have clear advantages over previous library instruction. By designing and implementing library workshops to blend with the new course, the Library has become a partner in an innovative first-year program. Practical implications – This study will provide useful information on ...
Submissive behaviour and habituation facilitate entry into habitat occupied by an invasive ant

An essential challenge in invasion ecology is discerning the role that behavioural adaptations play in competition among species. When evaluating the impacts of invasive species, the mechanisms underlying coexistence among organisms and the displacement of organisms within a community mosaic are often ignored, yet these interactions are necessary for fully understanding these impacts. Here, we examine behavioural mechanisms underlying the coexistence and subsequent displacement of an established global invader, the Argentine ant, Linepithema humile Mayr, by the newly invasive Asian needle ant, Pachycondyla chinensis Emery. In individual and group assays, we show that the numerically and behaviourally dominant Argentine ant is less aggressive towards P. chinensis workers from adjacent versus distant nests. Moreover, we show that P. chinensis displays submissive behaviour through recurrent contact with L. humile , which may contribute to the reported displacement of L. humile in the field. Understanding the factors that drive the coexistence of these two ants may help explain how small populations of a behaviourally submissive exotic species become established.
Rotationally-resolved spectra of Ceres in the 3-μm region

Abstract We present observations of Ceres over the 2.2–4.0 μm region taken using the SpeX instrument on the NASA IRTF in 2005. The observations cover Ceres’ entire longitude range and show evidence for a relatively uniform surface in terms of Ceres’ composition, however there is a subtle but consistently shallower band depth over longitudes associated with bright regions in HST maps, suggesting those areas are slightly less carbonate- and brucite-rich. We also find Ceres’ beaming parameter, a measure of its thermal properties, to have changed with its viewing aspect.
Adolescents' use of emergency contraception provided by Washington State pharmacists.

Abstract Study Objective: To increase knowledge about adolescents who obtained emergency contraceptive pills (ECP) directly from a pharmacist without first contacting a physician. Design: Cross-sectional self-administered survey. Setting: Fifteen randomly selected pharmacies providing ECP in western Washington State. Participants: Adolescents 15–21 years old (n = 126) who obtained ECP directly from a pharmacist. Outcome Measures: Responses to a 20-item questionnaire examining adolescents' reasons for seeking care from a pharmacist, need for additional medical evaluation, risk for not receiving additional medical care, and satisfaction with care provided by the pharmacist. Results: The most common reasons for using the pharmacy were convenience (44%), lack of knowledge about alternatives (38%), and privacy (31%). If the pharmacy service were not available, 58% said they would see a doctor, 22% said they would wait to see if they got pregnant, and 20% did not know. Based on self-report, 81% of adolescents needed a new method of ongoing contraception, an evaluation for sexually transmitted disease, or both. Among these adolescents, 36% had risk factors for not receiving this care. Adolescents were satisfied with the pharmacy service; 94% said they would recommend the service to a friend. Conclusions: ECP provision by pharmacists is a useful way to increase access to emergency contraception. However, many adolescents using ECP need additional medical care. Programs designed to increase ECP access should use these opportunities to link adolescents with more comprehensive reproductive health care services.
Diagnostics of age-graded linguistic behaviour: The case of the quotative system

This article presents a cross-variety investigation of quotatives be like and go in apparent and real time. Distributional and attitudinal evidence points to a change in progress as the underlying process for the distribution of be like. However, there is also evidence of life-span change (Sankoff to appear). The patterning of go across age is much less clear-cut. It could be interpreted as age grading or as a change in progress. This paper discusses seemingly contradictory findings from U.S. and British English. It will be suggested that the distribution of go is due to unstable behaviour at both the individual and the community level. Furthermore, there is evidence that go has a latent presence in the linguistic repertoire and was picked up again after its frequency dipped due to the introduction of be like. This finding ties in with other reported cases of recycling of variables (Dubois and Horvath 1999).
Ordering of type-2 values: Representation theorems

In the traditional (2-valued) logic, we assume that each statement is either true or false. In practice, for some statements, we do not know whether they are true or false. It is therefore natural to consider different degrees of confidence; the (partially) ordered set V of all such degrees forms a fuzzy logic. For example, in the standard [0, 1]-based fuzzy logic, these degrees form the interval [0, 1].
An air to ground forward scan B-scope and PPI imaging radar simulation for diverse and urban terrain

Discusses the development of an air to ground, variable flight path, variable system parameter forward sector scan imaging radar simulation capable of treating urban terrain. This work has been supported by the U.S. Army Engineers Waterways Experiment Station in conjunction with the U.S. Army Theatre Missile Defence Command. Like its sister sidelooking simulation the forward scan mode models both natural terrain and cultural scene elements in a single integrated database. >
Positive effects of native shrubs on Bromus tectorum demography

There is increasing recognition that overall interactions among plant species are often the net result of both positive and negative effects. However, the positive influence of other plants has rarely been examined using detailed demographic methods, which are useful for partitioning net effects at the population level into positive and/or negative effects on individual vital rates. This study examines the influence of microhabitats created by the native shrubs Artemisia tridentata and Purshia tridentata on the demography of the invasive annual grass Bromus tectorum in the Great Basin Desert, California, USA. Shrub understory environments differed significantly from intershrub space and were characterized by higher soil fertility and less extreme microclimates. There existed a strong spatial association between B. tectorum and the shrubs across four years, with more than double the density of B. tectorum in shrub microhabitats compared to intershrub space. Periodic matrix models were used to calculate population growth (λ) and reproductive potential (RP, expected lifetime fecundity of seedlings) of B. tectorum in different microhabitats over two years. Modeled population growth was significantly increased in shrub microhabitats in the first of two years. This was primarily due to increased seedling establishment in Artemisia microhabitats, rather than effects during the growing season. In the following year, B. tectorum individuals in shrub microhabitats had a significantly greater reproductive potential than those in intershrub microhabitats, indicating shrub facilitation during the growing season. Loop analysis revealed an interacting effect of year and microhabitat on B. tectorum life history pathway elasticity values, demonstrating a fundamental influence of spatiotemporal factors on which life history pathways are important and/or possible. Life table response experiment (LTRE) analysis showed that increased survival and growth rates positively contributed to population growth in both years under Purshia, but only in the second year under Artemisia. This research provides evidence that the positive effects of native shrubs on B. tectorum can be strong enough to produce net positive effects at the population level, although positive effects were variable. In this study, a rigorous demographic approach was particularly useful in partitioning overall interactions into positive and negative components.
Middle Holocene Sea-Level and Evolution of The Gulf of Mexico Coast (USA)

ABSTRACT Recently published data suggest middle Holocene sea level along the Texas Gulf Coast was at -9 m at ca. 7800-7700 yrs BP, then rose rapidly to +2 m or more during the middle Holocene. This view contrasts with the traditional, widely accepted interpretations of continual submergence. Recently recognized Holocene beach-ridge plains on the mainland central Texas coast, landward of Holocene barriers, may represent the geomorphic manifestation of this highstand. Long considered to be part of the last interglacial period shoreline, these Holocene beach-ridge plains attain elevations of 2.5-3 m, extend for 10s of kms along the mainland shore, and can be 1-3 kms in width, roughly the same scale as the Holocene barriers. We have also investigated previously mapped Holocene shorelines along the Alabama coast. A series of optical luminescence ages suggest that some of the shorelines are middle Holocene in age, ca. 6700-4000 yrs BP, whereas others are late Holocene in age, ca. 3500-2500 yrs BP. In aggregate, these data suggest that relative sea level was at, or very close to, present elevations throughout the middle to late Holocene along the Gulf of Mexico shoreline, both to the west and east of the subsiding Mississippi depocenter, and the model of continual submergence needs reevaluation.
Tobramycin and Ticarcillin Therapy for Exacerbations of Pulmonary Disease in Patients with Cystic Fibrosis

Patients who had cystic fibrosis and acute infectious exacerbations of pulmonary disease produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa were treated with a combination of tobramycin and ticarcillin. P. aeruginosa recovered from patients was inhibited by lower concentrations of both of these drugs than of gentamicin or carbenicillin. Thirteen courses of treatment were administered to 11 patients (mean. 14.4 days). A favorable response was seen in 11 of 12 completed courses of treatment. Improvement was associated with decreases in white blood cell count, temperature, and sedimentation rate. Adverse reactions were uncommon. Although P. aerug.ntosa was not eradicated from the sputum, the clinical results suggest that the combination of tobramycin and ticarcillin may be particularly useful for treatment of acute exacerbations of pulmonary disease in patients with cystic fibrosis from whom P. aeruginosa is isolated. Despite advances in the treatment of patients with cystic fibrosis, pulmonary disease remains the major cause of death and disability in these patients. Pseudomonas aeruginosa has become increasingly important as a pulmonary pathogen in patients with cystic fibrosis and can be isolated from the sputum of 70%-80% of these patients, not only in severely advanced disease, but also early in disease before treatment is begun [1]. Although the frequency of morbidity and death caused by P. aeruginosa infections of the lungs remains high, both carbenicillin and gentamicin have proven useful in the treatment of pulmonary infections due to P. aeruginosa in patients with cystic fibrosis [2, 3]. Tobramycin, a new aminoglycoside with a spectrum of activity similar to that of gentamicin, is more active than the latter against most strains of P. aeruginosa [4]. Preliminary reports have suggested that tobramycin may be useful in the
A serologic test for identification and titration of vesicular stomatitis virus.

SummaryA method is described for the identification and titration of vesicular stomatitis virus which involves the use of the virus, immune serum, fresh horse serum, heat-inactivated bovine serum, and guinea pig erythrocytes. The results obtained using this technic have been shown to be specific.
THE ROLE OF DISCRIMINATION AND RACIAL IDENTITY FOR MENTAL HEALTH SERVICE UTILIZATION

Several reports have documented different patterns in mental health service utilization among ethnic minority groups, particularly for Black Americans, in comparison to Whites. In this research, we examined individual variables that may underlie these differences, focusing on experiences of discrimination and racial identity. We used a community sample of over 1,000 White and Black American adults residing in a large Midwestern metropolitan area. Results showed that discrimination or unfair treatment was marginally associated with increased utilization for Black Americans after controlling for age, gender and psychological distress, but prior to taking SES and identity into account. For Black Americans, those with high racial identity who experienced discrimination reported a lower probability of utilization in comparison to those with low racial identity. For White Americans, only gender and psychological distress were associated with utilization. Results are discussed in terms of the functions that racial identity may play for Black Americans in the context of health seeking behaviors.
Hydrates at high pressures: Part I. Methane‐water, argon‐water, and nitrogen‐water systems

Effect of high pressure on gas hydrate equilibrium curve determined experimentally for methane, argon and nitrogen hydrates
Periodic lattice-ordered pregroups are distributive

It is proved that any lattice-ordered pregroup that satisfies an identity of the form xll···l = xrr···r (for the same number of l,r-operations on each side) has a lattice reduct that is distributive. It follows that every such l-pregroup is embedded in an l-pregroup of residuated and dually residuated maps on a chain.
Increasing incidence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus skin and soft-tissue infections: reconsideration of empiric antimicrobial therapy

Abstract Background Community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) rates are at an all time high. MRSA rates as high as 60% have been reported in patients presenting with skin and soft-tissue infections (SSTIs). Our objectives were to (1) examine the incidence of MRSA over a 7-year period in surgical patients with SSTIs, (2) examine the choice of empiric antibiotic therapy, and (3) evaluate the vancomycin minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) in MRSA isolates. Methods The medical records of all patients who underwent operative debridement of SSTIs from 2000 to 2006 were retrospectively reviewed. Demographic data such as age, race, and gender as well as co-morbid risk factors were collected. Preoperative American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, temperature, WBC, creatinine, HgbA1c, albumin, and empiric antimicrobial of choice were also included. Microbiology of all operative cultures was recorded. Available vancomycin MIC data were collected. All data are presented as mean ± standard error of the mean. A chi-square test was used for statistical analysis. Results From 2000 to 2006, 288 patients with operative debridement for SSTIs were identified. The mean age was 54 ± 11 years. Fifty-two percent of patients had diabetes mellitus, 55% were tobacco users, 34% alcohol users, and 23% had hepatitis C. The mean temperature at presentation was 99.2° ± 1.5°F. The mean white blood cell count was 13.8 ± .9. The mean HgbA1c was 8.6 ± 2.5. The mean body mass index was 30.1 ± 8. Sixty-seven percent of patients had an ASA ≥ 3. There was a significant increase in MRSA SSTIs in 2006 (77%) compared with 2000 (34%, P P Conclusion Our study shows a significant and ongoing increase in the incidence of MRSA in patients with SSTIs. Empiric coverage with an MRSA antimicrobial should be used as first-line therapy. However, given the observed increase in vancomycin MIC, alternative MRSA antimicrobials should be considered.
Diffusion Coefficients in Crosslinked Polystyrene

Abstract We measured the breakthrough curves for rectangular pulses of methane, ethane, and acetylene at low concentrations adsorbed on crosslinked polystyrene at 0, 25, and 30°C. The method of moments was utilized to evaluate the diffusion coefficients of the three gases based on a homogeneous-solid diffusion model.
Extirpation and recolonization in a metapopulation of an endangered fish, the tidewater goby

The tidewater goby ( Eucyclogobius newberryi ), an endangered species in the United States, occurs in a series of isolated coastal wetlands in California. Using historical presence-absence data and our own sur- veys, we estimated annual rates of extirpation and recolonization for several populations of the goby in southern California. As predicted, large wetlands had lower rates of extirpation than small wetlands. There was a negative but statistically nonsignificant correlation between recolonization rate and distance to the nearest northerly source population. Populations at small sites were sensitive to drought, presumably be- cause droughts can eliminate suitable habitat at small wetlands. Populations in small wetlands have de- clined over time, even after accounting for variation in stream flow, supporting the species' endangered sta- tus. Our study emphasizes the need to understand metapopulation dynamics for conserving species where the unit of conservation is a local population. It is also emphasizes the importance of not treating metapopu- lations as identical units. Finally, our results provide a means for describing the decline of a species that is complex in time and space and provide insight into how to target protection measures among metapopula- tions. Extirpacion y Recolonizacion de una Metapoblacion de un Pez Amenazado, el Goby de Mareas Resumen: El Goby de mareas ( Eucyclogobius newberryi ) es una especie amenazada en los Estados Unidos que ocurre en una serie de humedales costeros aislados en California. Utilizando datos historicos de presen- cia y ausencia, asi como nuestros propios datos, estimamos la tasa anual de extirpacion y recolonizacion de varias poblaciones del goby en el Sur de California. A como se predijo, los humedales grandes tuvieron tasas de extirpacion mas bajas que los humedales pequenos. Existio una correlacion negativa, aunque no estadis- ticamente significativa entre la tasa de recolonizacion y la distancia a la poblacion fuente nortena mas cer- cana. Las poblaciones en sitios pequenos fueron susceptibles a temporadas de seca, presumiblemente debido a que las secas pueden eliminar habitat viable en humedales pequenos. Las poblaciones en humedales pe- quenos han disminuido a lo largo del tiempo, aun despues de considerar la variacion del flujo en arroyos, soportando el estatus de amenaza para las especies. Nuestro estudio enfatiza la necesidad de entender las dinamicas de metapoblaciones para conservar especies donde la unidad de conservacion es una poblacion local. Tambien enfatiza la importancia de no tratar metapoblaciones como unidades identicas. Finalmente, nuestros resultados proveen un medio para describir el declive de una especie compleja en tiempo y espacio y provee ideas sobre como abarcar medidas de proteccion entre metapoblaciones.
Historical memory as a foundation for peace: Network formation and ethnic identity in North Mara, Tanzania

While ethnic identity formulated by historical memory is often understood as the cause of violent conflict in Africa, this qualitative historical study of interethnic relations between Luo and Bantu-speaking communities on the borderlands of Tanzania and western Kenya demonstrates just the opposite. In fact, migration and violent conflicts over land in the late 19th century were the basis for oral traditions that established new microethnic identities. It was only in the colonial era that the modern macroethnicities of Luo and Suba (Bantu), as rigid oppositional identities, began to solidify around land disputes. Historical memory constructs these dynamic microethnic identities around interethnic reciprocal networks that were necessary for gaining security and access to land in the past. During these late 19th-century conflicts, interethnic alliances and marriages were the norm, resulting in many Bantu-speaking communities becoming Luo, to one degree or another. Historical memory, as the central tool for constructing ethnicity, can be used to promote either violence or peace, depending on how it is deployed. In western Kenya, an oppositional Luo identity resulted from the colonial construction of macroethnicity, while in North Mara, Tanzania, a different national narrative has resulted in relative peace. In his collection of oral traditions from North Mara, Zedekia Oloo Siso makes a case for these still salient microethnicities, based on regional networks that cross-cut ethnic boundaries, as the indigenous networks necessary for peace.
Microcomputer Graphics in Support of Vehicle Fleet Routing

A geographic-based decision support system has been developed to help Southland Corporation traffic managers choose routes for trucks that deliver to convenience stores. The system, implemented on a microcomputer, presents information on routes and accounts, uses flexible computer graphics and interactive text screens to help a traffic manager analyze routes, and produces maps for drivers and reports for management.
Inhibition of Salmonella typhimurium Enteropathogenicity by Piperidine, a Metabolite of the Polyamine Cadaverine

Piperidine is a 1-ring heterocyclic compound formed from the polyamine cadaverine in the human intestine. Because heterocyclic compounds are routinely used in the promotion of antimicrobial treatment strategies, it was considered whether piperidine could be used against infection with enteric pathogens. This study demonstrates that piperidine treatment prevented the invasion of Salmonella typhimurium into model intestinal epithelium by nearly 95%. In vivo studies also revealed that it increased mouse survival and reduced S. typhimurium translocation into and colonization of various organs and tissues. Initial evaluations demonstrated that piperidine reduced the S. typhimurium-induced polymorphonuclear leukocyte transepithelial migration response in vitro by inhibiting activation of protein kinase C. Piperidine did not affect the ability of S. typhimurium to elicit interleukin-8 secretion by epithelial cells or to activate extracellular-regulated kinase signal transduction pathways. These results show that piperidine does not exhibit paninhibitory activity and suggest that piperidine may be useful in down-regulating active inflammation at mucosal surfaces.
Acoustically coupled thickness-mode AIN-on-Si band-pass filters-Part II: simulation and analysis

In this, the second of two papers, we present numerical simulations and comprehensive analysis of acoustically coupled thickness-mode AlN-on-Si filters. We simulate the scattering parameters of such acoustically coupled filters using commercially available finite element analysis software and compare the simulation results with a set of measurements. The simulations are in good agreement with the measurements, allowing the optimization of filter characteristics. We analyze the filter response under varying geometric parameters and demonstrate that variations in the top electrode geometry allow the design of low-loss filters (insertion loss <;5 dB) with percentage bandwidth up to about 1% and ripple less than 1 dB.
Tourette's syndrome in monozygotic twins. Relationship of tic severity to neuropsychological function.

• Objective. —To determine whether there is a relationship between tic severity and neuropsychological function in Tourette's syndrome (TS). Design. —The study employed a case-control series involving monozygotic twin pairs, divided into more severe and less severe groups based on tic severity and tested with a neuropsychological battery of tests. Setting. —Twin pairs were recruited nationwide and evaluated in the National Institute of Mental Health Neuropsychiatric Research Hospital. Patients. —Twelve twin pairs (mean age, 10.5 years; range, 8 to 16 years) in which at least one member met criteria for a diagnosis of TS. Results. —Global neuropsychological performance was significantly worse in the twins with more severe tic symptoms, with significant differences emerging on individual tests of attention, visuospatial perception, and motor function. In each twin pair, the twin with more severe tics had poorer global neuropsychological function. Conclusions. —The results suggest that the nongenetic factors that influence tic severity in TS exert a similar effect on neuropsychological function, and that these two clinical manifestations of TS may share a common pathophysiologic state.
The parasitoid community of Andricus quercuscalifornicus and its association with gall size, phenology, and location

Plant galls are preyed upon by a diverse group of parasitoids and inquilines, which utilize the gall, often at the cost of the gall inducer. This community of insects has been poorly described for most cynipid-induced galls on oaks in North America, despite the diversity of these galls. This study describes the natural history of a common oak apple gall (Andricus quercuscalifornicus [Cynipidae]) and its parasitoid and inquiline community. We surveyed the abundance and phenology of members of the insect community emerging from 1234 oak apple galls collected in California’s Central Valley and found that composition of the insect community varied with galls of different size, phenology, and location. The gall maker, A. quercuscalifornicus, most often reached maturity in larger galls that developed later in the season. The parasitoid Torymus californicus [Torymidae] was associated with smaller galls, and galls that developed late in the summer. The most common parasitoid, Baryscapus gigas [Eulophidae], was more abundant in galls that developed late in the summer, though the percentage of galls attacked remained constant throughout the season. A lepidopteran inquiline of the gall (Cydia latiferreana [Tortricidae] and its hymenopteran parasitoid (Bassus nucicola [Braconidae]) were associated with galls that developed early in the summer. Parasitoids and inquilines, in general, had a longer emergence period and diapause within the gall than the gall-inducer. The association of different parasite species with galls of different size and phenology suggests that different parasite species utilize galls with slight differences in traits.
Biofiber‐reinforced polypropylene composites

Biofibers, natural lignocellulosics, have an outstanding potential as a reinforcement in thermoplastics. This study deals with the preparation of lignocellulosic composites by reactive extrusion processing in which good interfacial adhesion is generated by a combination of fiber modification and matrix modification methods. PP matrix was modified by reacting with maleic anhydride and subsequently bonded to the surface of the modified lignocellulosic component, in-situ. The fiber surface was modified by reacting it with a silane in a simple and quick aqueous reaction system, similar to that employed for glass fibers. The modified fibers are then extruded with the modified polymer matrix to form the compatibilized composite. The various reactions between the lignocellulosic fiber/filler and modified polymer chains, is expected to improve the interfacial adhesion significantly as opposed to simple mixing of the two components, since new covalent bonds between the fiber surface and matrix are created in the former case. These composite blends were then injection molded for mechanical characterization. Typical mechanical tests on strength, toughness and Izod impact energy were performed and the results are reported. These findings are discussed in view of the improved adhesion resulting from reactions and enhanced polar interactions at phase boundaries.
Glucose regulation of lipid metabolism in humans.

The role of plasma glucose in the regulation of lipid metabolism in humans, independent of associated changes in hormone concentrations, is controversial. Therefore we examined the role of glucose in the regulation of lipolysis and free fatty acid (FFA) reesterification in six healthy lean male volunteers. Blood glucose concentration was clamped at either 5 or 10 mM during 2-h pancreatic-pituitary clamps. Glycerol and palmitate turnover were measured by isotope dilution ([1-14C]palmitate and [2H5]-glycerol). All hormone concentrations were the same during the euglycemic and hyperglycemic studies. FFA turnover, which represents the difference between lipolysis and FFA reesterification, was reduced 30% by hyperglycemia (29 +/- 2 vs. 20 +/- 3 mumol.kg fat mass-1.min-1, P less than 0.05). Glycerol turnover, which represents lipolysis only, was reduced to a similar extent (9.4 +/- 0.9 vs. 6.2 +/- 0.7 mumol.kg fat mass-1.min-1, P less than 0.05). We conclude that glucose regulates lipid metabolism, independently of changes in hormone concentrations. The equivalent suppression of glycerol and FFA turnover indicates that the effect is mediated by suppression of lipolysis and not by stimulation of FFA reesterification.
Is the Hatching Clock of Fiddler Crab Larvae (Uca thayeri) Phenotypically Plastic

Larval release by adult fiddler crabs occurs during the ebbing tides, but its timing relative to the day-night and tidal amplitude cycles depends upon tidal form, e.g., shows phenotypical plasticity. Crabs (Uca thayeri) from Florida's East Coast are exposed to semidiurnal tides and release their larvae at night, whereas crabs from Florida's West Coast are exposed to mixed tides and release their larvae during the afternoon. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the larvae would hatch at other times, specifically those dictated by females from a different coast. To find out, clusters of eggs at similar stages of development, 24-72 h in advance of release, were reciprocally transferred between females from each location. Release of both the transferred and maternal larvae occurred synchronously, at the time dictated by the female's tidal regime. These results indicate that fiddler crab embryos can either advance or delay their hatching clock to match the temporal regime dictated by a brooding female.
Foundations for Success: Strengthening Your Agency Attorney Office

Child welfare agencies need to present strong, compelling cases in court to ensure safety and permanence for children. Yet all too often, agency legal representation is not at the level it could be. This book helps child welfare agency attorney offices focus on necessary changes, such as hiring practices, evaluation processes, standards of practice, and efficient use of resources, to improve the level of representation and effective implementation of the federal Adoption and Safe Families Act. It highlights agency attorney offices around the country using creative and innovative methods to provide strong representation, and includes appendices containing such practical information as useful Web sites and forms.
Landscapes and Land Use along Soda Playa in the Mojave Desert

The settlement and subsistence practices of the Late Prehistoric Period occupants of the Mojave Sink correspond to the availability of specific resources across the landscape and changed in response to climatic conditions. In this article, we propose that Late Prehistoric archaeological sites in the Mojave Sink are part of a larger regional pattern of landscape use and thus should be viewed on a regional scale to interpret land use patterns. This approach is well suited to the Mojave Sink due to the seasonal availability of local plant, animal, and water resources in the region and the potential variation present during wet and dry periods. The significance of this study is to determine the land use patterns of the Mojave Sink as a region, rather than the patterns at individual sites.
Transforming Growth Factor-β Is an Upstream Regulator of Mammalian Target of Rapamycin Complex 2–Dependent Bladder Cancer Cell Migration and Invasion

Our prior work identified the mammalian target of rapamycin complex 2 (mTORC2) as a key regulator of bladder cancer cell migration and invasion, although upstream growth factor mediators of this pathway in bladder cancer have not been well delineated. We tested whether transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, which can function as a promotility factor in bladder cancer cells, could regulate mTORC2-dependent bladder cancer cell motility and invasion. In human bladder cancers, the highest levels of phosphorylated SMAD2, a TGF-β signaling intermediate, were present in high-grade invasive bladder cancers and associated with more frequent recurrence and decreased disease-specific survival. Increased expression of TGF-β isoforms, receptors, and signaling components was detected in invasive high-grade bladder cancer cells that expressed Vimentin and lacked E-cadherin. Application of TGF-β induced phosphorylation of the Ser473 residue of AKT, a selective target of mTORC2, in a SMAD2- and SMAD4-independent manner and increased bladder cancer cell migration in a modified scratch wound assay and invasion through Matrigel. Inhibition of TGF-β receptor I using SB431542 ablated TGF-β-induced migration and invasion. A similar effect was seen when Rictor, a key mTORC2 component, was selectively silenced. Our results suggest that TGF-β can induce bladder cancer cell invasion via mTORC2 signaling, which may be applicable in most bladder cancers.