cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Activation of Rap1B by Gi Family Members in Platelets

It has become increasingly appreciated that receptors coupled to Gαi family members can stimulate platelet aggregation, but the mechanism for this has remained unclear. One possible mediator is the small GTPase, Rap1, which has been shown to contribute to integrin activation in several cell lines and to be activated by a calcium-dependent mechanism in platelets. Here, we demonstrate that Rap1 is also activated by Gαi family members in platelets. First, we show that platelets from mice lacking the Gαi family member Gαz (which couples to the α2A adrenergic receptor) are deficient in epinephrine-stimulated Rap1 activation. We also show that platelets from mice lacking Gαi2, which couples to the ADP receptor, P2Y12, exhibit reduced Rap1 activation in response to ADP. In contrast, platelets from mice that lack Gαq show no decrease in the ability to activate Rap1 in response to epinephrine but show a partial reduction in ADP-stimulated Rap1 activation. This result, combined with studies of human platelets treated with ADP receptor-selective inhibitors, indicates that ADP-stimulated Rap1 activation in human platelets is dependent on both the Gαi-coupled P2Y12 receptor and the Gαq-coupled P2Y1 receptor. Gαi-dependent activation of Rap1 in platelets does not appear to be mediated by enhanced intracellular calcium release because no increase in intracellular calcium concentration was detected in response to epinephrine and because the calcium response to ADP was not diminished in platelets from the Gαi2−/− mouse. Finally, using human platelets treated with selective inhibitors of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and mouse platelets selectively lacking the Gβγ-activated form of his enzyme (PI3Kγ), we show that Gi-mediated Rap1 activation is PI3K-dependent. In summary, activation of Rap1 can be stimulated by Gαi- and PI3K-dependent mechanisms in platelets and by Gq- and Ca2+-dependent mechanisms, both of which may play a role in promoting platelet activation.
Polymerase chain reaction amplification and sequence analysis of human mutant adenine phosphoribosyltransferase genes: The nature and frequency of errors caused by Taq DNA polymerase

Abstract Using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with Taq DNA polymerase, we have amplified a 2.4-kb fragment of genomic DNA containing the adenine phosphoribosyltransferase ( APRT ) gene from patients with APRT deficiency. Several clones from each patient were sequenced after subcloning the PCR product into M13mp18. Selected regions of the amplified fragment were also sequenced directly. This enabled us to distinguish PCR-induced errors from endogenous mutations and polymorphisms in each clone. 44 PCR errors were found in a total of 57.94 kb of DNA sequenced from 25 clones from 7 patients. All the errors were due to the PCR process and not to subcloning, as shown by sequence analysis of 5 APRT -positive clones isolated from a phage genomic library.
Resampling methods for variance estimation of singular value decomposition analyses from microarray experiments

Microarray experiments offer the ability to generate gene expression measurements for thousands of genes simultaneously. Work has begun recently on attempting to reconstruct genetic networks based on analyses of microarray experiments in time-course studies. An important tool in these analyses has been the singular value decomposition method. However, little work has been done on assessing the variability associated with singular value decomposition analyses. In this report, we discuss use of the bootstrap as a method of obtaining standard errors for singular value decomposition analyses. We consider use of this method both when there are replicates and when no replicates exist. The proposed methods are illustrated with an application to two datasets: one involving a human foreskin study, the other involving yeast.
Thickening kinetics of interfacial Cu6Sn5 and Cu3Sn layers during reaction of liquid tin with solid copper

Thickening behavior of interfacial η (Cu6Sn5) phase and ɛ (Cu3Sn) phase intermetallic layers was investigated in liquid tin/solid copper reaction couples over reaction times from 30 sec to over 4,000 min and temperatures from 250°C to 325°C. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to quantify the interfacial microstructure at each processing condition. The η developed with a scalloped morphology, while the ɛ always grew as a somewhat undulated planar layer in phase with the η. The thickness of each phase was quantitatively evaluated from SEM micrographs using imaging software. Thickening kinetics of the ɛ and η compounds were modeled using time- and temperature-dependent empirical power-law equations. From the model, values for the kinetic exponent, rate constant, and activation energy were established for each intermetallic layer. Measured values for the kinetic exponents and activation energies suggest that thickening of the η is controlled by a grain-boundary diffusion mechanism, and growth of the ɛ occurs by solid-state diffusion, probably grain-boundary diffusion.
Solid State NMR as a Tool to Differentiate Between the Enantiotopic Methyl Groups of Prochiral Guest Molecules in Tri-o-Thymotide Clathrates

Abstract Solid state 13C CP/MAS and 2H NMR are used to examine the tri-o-thymotide clathrates of 2-bromopropane, 2-propanol and dimethylsulfoxide. In all cases the enantiotopic methyl groups could be resolved.
Engineering Electron Nanoconduits to Electronically Interface Cells with Materials

My laboratory is particularly interested in manipulating processes at the nanointerface between living cells and inorganic materials. In my talk, I will discuss our efforts to engineer bi-directional electronic communication between living cells and non-living systems by introducing protein-based electron nanoconduits into cell membranes. We have recently demonstrated that by transplanting synthetic genes into the model organism Escherichia coli we can express these electron nanoconduits and confer upon these cells the ability to reduce metal ions, solid metal oxides, and electrodes. Additionally, these engineered E. coli cells are able to respire using these extracellular materials instead of its native respiratory pathways. This work provides the first example of a predetermined, molecularly-defined route for electronic communication between living cells to inorganic materials. Ultimately we seek to exert such control over processes at the cellular-inorganic nanointerface that our engineered cells become a new generation of self-replicating, programmable ‘living materials’.
Behavioral marital therapy for male alcoholics: Clinical procedures from a treatment outcome study in progress

Abstract This paper presents in detail the clinical procedures from a study in progress comparing behavioral with nonbehavioral couples group therapy for male alcoholics. Methods used to recruit and prepare couples for both types of therapy are presented. The interactional couples group provided feedback on current negative interaction patterns and suggested changes in couple behavior but did not use behavioral rehearsal or specific homework assignments. The behavioral couples group used behavioral rehearsal and weekly homework assignments to help couples: 1) decrease drinking and alcohol-related interactions by making an Antabuse Contract and discussing relapse prevention; 2) plan shared recreational activities; 3) notice, acknowledge, and initiate daily caring behaviors; 4) learn communication skills of listening, expressing feelings directly, and the use of planned communication sessions; and 5) negotiate desired changes using positive specific requests, compromise, and written agreements. Methods for ...
The distribution pattern of adrenocorticotropin-like immunoreactivity in the cat central nervous system

The distribution pattern of adrenocorticotropin-like immunoreactivity (ACTH-LI) in cats using the avidin-biotin modification of an immunocytochemical method shows cell bodies containing ACTH-LI in the medial basal hypothalamus, especially in the infundibular nucleus. The fibers from these neurons extended beyond the hypothalamus, into the paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus, rostral amygdala, periaqueductal gray, locus coeruleus, parabrachial nucleus and medial nucleus of the nucleus tractus solitarius. The distribution pattern of the cell bodies and fibers containing ACTH-LI bears several similarities to that seen in rats. The pattern differs from that of rats in the fact that the termination in the amygdala is more extensive and that ACTH-LI was not observed in cell bodies in any location other than the medial basal hypothalamus.
THE DISCIPLE–RKF LEARNING AND REASONING AGENT

Over the years we have developed the Disciple theory, methodology, and family of tools for building knowledge-based agents. This approach consists of developing an agent shell that can be taught directly by a subject matter expert in a way that resembles how the expert would teach a human apprentice when solving problems in cooperation. This paper presents the most recent version of the Disciple approach and its implementation in the Disciple–RKF (rapid knowledge formation) system. Disciple–RKF is based on mixed-initiative problem solving, where the expert solves the more creative parts of the problem and the agent solves the more routine ones, integrated teaching and learning, where the agent helps the expert to teach it, by asking relevant questions, and the expert helps the agent to learn, by providing examples, hints, and explanations, and multistrategy learning, where the agent integrates multiple learning strategies, such as learning from examples, learning from explanations, and learning by analogy, to learn from the expert how to solve problems. Disciple–RKF has been applied to build learning and reasoning agents for military center of gravity analysis, which are used in several courses at the US Army War College.
Exploring in the stream of behavior

Review of Observing Interaction: An Introduction to Sequential Analysis, 2nd Edition, by Roger Bakeman and John M. Gottman. New York, Cambridge University Press, 1997, xiii + 207 p., 32 fig., 19 tab., $24.95 (soft), $54.95 (hard).
Computer controlled passive networks for control of power flow on the interconnected grid

Conventional wisdom says that a solid-state AC/DC/AC power conversion system must be used between tie points if systems are nonsynchronized, or if they are synchronized but the angles between the two would allow an unacceptable power flow. This paper shows that interconnecting points of a synchronized system through computer controlled passive networks allows arbitrary power flow control in either direction which can be continuously changed as needed. Network design criteria are developed. A sample case is discussed. The flow diagram of a computer program is presented that gives predetermined power flows in either direction. Only static capacitors and continuously variable inductors are required because a variable inductor plus a static capacitor can be made to represent a variable capacitor. Design criteria for MVAr sized variable inductors utilizing computer controlled variable air gaps are presented. Application of this technology would provide much greater flexibility in load dispatching as well as the optimization of existing transmission lines. It is particularly relevant in an era of deregulation where power sources and transmission systems may be independent.
Quantitative estimation of quaternary ammonium neuromuscular blocking agents in serum by direct insertion probe chemical ionization mass spectrometry

A new method based on selected ion monitoring chemical ionization mass spectrometry was developed to measure the quaternary ammonium neuromuscular blocking agents, pancuronium and vecuronium, in serum. An ion-pair extraction procedure is utilized to separate the compounds of interest from biological fluids. The intensities of the ion currents produced by the bisamines formed from the drugs and the corresponding deuterated internal standards through thermolytic dequaternization are monitored. The assay shows good linearity over the range of 1-500 ng/ml. This assay has been utilized in a variety of clinical pharmacokinetic studies involving surgical pediatric, geriatric and obstetric patients requiring anesthesia.
Preemptive intrusion detection: theoretical framework and real-world measurements

This paper presents a Factor Graph based framework called AttackTagger for highly accurate and preemptive detection of attacks, i.e., before the system misuse. We use security logs on real incidents that occurred over a six-year period at the National Center for Supercomputing Applications (NCSA) to evaluate AttackTagger. Our data consist of security incidents that led to compromise of the target system, i.e., the attacks in the incidents were only identified after the fact by security analysts. AttackTagger detected 74 percent of attacks, and the majority them were detected before the system misuse. Finally, AttackTagger uncovered six hidden attacks that were not detected by intrusion detection systems during the incidents or by security analysts in post-incident forensic analysis.
In situ raman spectroscopy studies of the hydroformylation of propylene

Abstract In situ Raman spectroscopy studies of the catalytic hydroformylation of propylene have been carried out over Co 2 (CO) 6 (PPh 3 ) 2 supported on alumina and on silica. A companion in situ Raman spectroscopy study of the corresponding homogeneous liquid-phase reaction has also been carried out. The surface reaction intermediates identified spectroscopically in the heterogeneous reaction studies differed from one another for the two supported catalyst systems. The spectral data also indicated that these intermediates are not necessarily identical to those for the homogeneous liquidphase hydroformylation reaction as catalyzed by Co 2 (CO) 6 (PPh 3 ) 2 .
Mechanism of MutS Searching for DNA Mismatches and Signaling Repair

DNA mismatch repair is initiated by the recognition of mismatches by MutS proteins. The mechanism by which MutS searches for and recognizes mismatches and subsequently signals repair remains poorly understood. We used single-molecule analyses of atomic force microscopy images of MutS-DNA complexes, coupled with biochemical assays, to determine the distributions of conformational states, the DNA binding affinities, and the ATPase activities of wild type and two mutants of MutS, with alanine substitutions in the conserved Phe-Xaa-Glu mismatch recognition motif. We find that on homoduplex DNA, the conserved Glu, but not the Phe, facilitates MutS-induced DNA bending, whereas at mismatches, both Phe and Glu promote the formation of an unbent conformation. The data reveal an unusual role for the Phe residue in that it promotes the unbending, not bending, of DNA at mismatch sites. In addition, formation of the specific unbent MutS-DNA conformation at mismatches appears to be required for the inhibition of ATP hydrolysis by MutS that signals initiation of repair. These results provide a structural explanation for the mechanism by which MutS searches for and recognizes mismatches and for the observed phenotypes of mutants with substitutions in the Phe-Xaa-Glu motif.
Samsa: a speech analysis, mining and summary application for outbound telephone calls

The authors applied speech recognition and text mining technologies to a set of 522 recorded outbound marketing calls and analyzed the results. Since speaker-independent speech recognition technology results in a significantly lower recognition rate than that found when the recognizer is trained for a particular speaker, we applied a number of post processing algorithms to the output of the recognizer to render it suitable for the Textract text mining system. We indexed the call transcripts using a search engine and used Textract and associated Java technologies to place the relevant terms for each document in a relational database. Following a search query, we generated a thumbnail display of the results of each call with the salient terms highlighted. We illustrate these results and discuss their utility. We describe a distinct document genre based on the notetaking concept of document content, and propose a significant new method for measuring speech recognition accuracy.
Cairo University and the Making of Modern Egypt

List of illustrations List of tables Acknowledgments Note on academic terminology and transliteration List of abbreviations Introduction Part I. The Private University, 1908-1919: 1. Antecedents 2. Implementing the plan 3. Challenges and adjustments Part II. The University and the Liberal Ideal, 1919-1950: 4. The transition to a state university 5. Rival imperialisms and Egyptianization 6. Issues of equity: a university for whom? 7. The university and politics, 1930-1950 8. The issue of religion Part III. In Nasser's Shadow, 1950-1967: 9. The end of the old regime 10. Quality, quantity, and careers 11. Mobilizing the university? Part IV. The University since Nasser: 12. The open door and the Islamist challenge Conclusion and prospect Notes Select bibliography Index.
Education, Social Capital and State Formation in Comparative Historical Perspective: Preliminary Investigations.

The relationship between education and state formation in the United States differed from that in other countries in ways that have yet to be adequately accounted for in comparative and theoretical literatures. Specifically, in the northern United States, very high levels of mass school attendance and funding were achieved prior to and outside state initiative. Although this distinctive history of educational development in the US has been noted by scholars, existing literatures still leave largely unresolved two salient questions following from this fact: (1) What factors facilitated the earlier and greater expansion of mass education in the northern US in the absence of direct state intervention? and (2) What was the significance of this early expansion for the process of state formation itself? This article addresses these questions by juxtaposing an intensive case study of the relationship between education and state formation in New York State in the early republican era, 1790–1840, against reigning ...
Incomplete processing of mutant lamin A in Hutchinson-Gilford progeria leads to nuclear abnormalities, which are reversed by farnesyltransferase inhibition

Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS) is typically caused by mutations in codon 608 (G608G) of the LMNA gene, which activates a cryptic splice site resulting in the in-frame loss of 150 nucleotides from the lamin A message. The deleted region includes a protein cleavage site that normally removes 15 amino acids, including a CAAX box farnesylation site, from the lamin A protein. We investigated the processing of the C-terminus of the mutant protein, 'progerin', and found that it does not undergo cleavage and, indeed, remains farnesylated. The retention of the farnesyl group may have numerous consequences, as farnesyl groups increase lipophilicity and are involved in membrane association and in protein interactions, and is likely to be an important factor in the HGPS phenotype. To further investigate this, we studied the effects of farnesylation inhibition on nuclear phenotypes in cells expressing normal and mutant lamin A. Expression of a GFP-progerin fusion protein in normal fibroblasts caused a high incidence of nuclear abnormalities, as was also seen in HGPS fibroblasts, and resulted in abnormal nuclear localization of GFP-progerin in comparison with the localization pattern of GFP-lamin A. Expression of a GFP-lamin A fusion containing a mutation preventing the final cleavage step, causing the protein to remain farnesylated, displayed identical localization patterns and nuclear abnormalities as in HGPS cells and in cells expressing GFP-progerin. Exposure to a farnesyltransferase inhibitor (FTI), PD169541, caused a significant improvement in the nuclear morphology of cells expressing GFP-progerin and in HGPS cells. These results implicate the abnormal farnesylation of progerin in the cellular phenotype in HGPS cells and suggest that FTIs may represent a therapeutic option for patients with HGPS.
Metal Homeostasis: Regulation of Manganese and Iron in the Rhizobia and Related α-Proteobacteria

Iron is required for many cellular processes, but can be toxic at high concentrations. Thus, iron homeostasis is strictly regulated so that iron acquisition, storage, and consumption are geared to iron availability, and that intracellular levels of free iron do not reach toxic levels. Recently, the roles of manganese and its control in cells have been investigated, and it is becoming clear that some aspects of the metabolism of iron and manganese are interrelated. Manganese is best understood in its role in oxidative stress responses, and the pro-oxidative effects of intracellular iron functionally link these two metals. Iron and manganese appear to have complementary or compensatory functions as well. In bacteria, it may not be universally true that manganese is an essential nutrient under nonstressed conditions, underscoring a gap in our knowledge of the role of this metal in prokaryotes. Studies of Bradyrhizobium japonicum and other rhizobia reveal that control of iron-responsive gene expression is fundamentally different in these bacteria when compared with model organisms such as Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis. Moreover, the Fur regulatory protein that dominates iron-responsive gene expression in those model systems has been co-opted to respond to manganese in the rhizobia. Finally, it appears that mechanisms of iron- and manganese-responsive gene expression in the rhizobia are paradigmatic for the α-proteobacteria. This is remarkable because the α-proteobacteria are metabolically and ecologically diverse, making it difficult to correlate their unique metalloregulation with specific adaptations. Keywords: iron; manganese; Irr; rhizobia; pyruvate kinase; outer-membrane channel
Constructing MRAs from desired wavelet functions

This paper develops a technique for constructing an orthonormal wavelet that is optimized to a desired signal in the least squares sense, and whose associated scaling function generates an orthonormal multiresolution analysis (MRA). The key development in this paper is a recursive equation for finding the scaling function from a given wavelet, whose closed form solution gives constraints on the wavelet that guarantee an orthonormal scaling function and multiresolution analysis. The matching algorithm uses Lagrangian multipliers to minimize the mean square error between the desired and optimum wavelet power spectra. >
Simplified and expanded input in a focused stimulation program for a child with expressive language delay (ELD)

There is considerable debate regarding the simplification of adults’ language when talking to young children with expressive language delays (ELD). While simplified input, also called telegraphic speech, is used by many parents and clinicians working with young children, its use has been discouraged in much of the clinical literature. In addition to the grammatical complexity of the input, the vocabulary presented to children with ELD must be carefully considered. A growing literature has documented the power of focused stimulation, where children hear a limited number of target words presented repeatedly. After a critical review of the language input and focused stimulation literatures, the performance of a child with ELD who completed two types of focused stimulation was reported; the child completed focused stimulation in a simplified condition where the clinician produced target words in 1—2-word phrases and in an expanded condition where the clinician produced target words in naturalistic speech.Whil...
A New Trematopid Amphibian (Temnospondyli: Dissorophoidea) from the Upper Pennsylvanian of Western Pennsylvania: Earliest Record of Terrestrial Vertebrates Responding to a Warmer, Drier Climate

ABSTRACT Fedexia striegeli, a new genus and species of trematopid temnospondyl amphibian, is described on the basis of a single specimen that includes the greater portion of the skull and articulated portions of both mandibles and the atlas-axis complex, The holotype was collected from Upper Pennsylvanian—early Virgilian strata assignable to the lower part of the Casselman Formation of the Conemaugh Group in western Pennsylvania. This is not only the first trematopid to be reported from the State of Pennsylvania, but also, in addition to Actiobates Eaton, 1973, and Anconastes Berman et al., 1987, only the third reported Late Pennsylvanian member of the family that otherwise has a greater Early Permian representation. A cladistic analysis of the Dissorophoidea was performed utilizing primarily cranial characters and only members of Amphibamidae, Trematopidae, and Dissorophidae that are well represented in this field of inquiry. This includes Ecolsonia Vaughn, 1969, whose relationships to the latter two fam...
Romantic relationships and substance use in early adulthood: an examination of the influences of relationship type, partner substance use, and relationship quality

This study used longitudinal data from 909 young adults to examine associations between substance use and the status and quality of romantic relationships. Heavy alcohol use, marijuana use, and cigarette smoking, as well as relationship status, relationship quality, partner substance use, and other salient life circumstances were assessed at four time points in the two years after high school. Marriage, cohabiting relationships, and noncohabiting dating relationships were associated with reductions in heavy drinking and marijuana use relative to non-dating, after adjusting for adolescent substance use; marriage compared to not dating was associated with reductions in cigarette smoking. For those in romantic relationships, partner substance use moderated the associations between relationship quality and substance use for heavy drinking and for marijuana use, supporting the hypothesis derived from the Social Development Model that the protective effect of stronger social bonds depends on the use patterns of the partner to whom an individual is bonded.
Evidence of a Pathway of Reduction in Bacteria: Reduced Quantities of Restriction Sites Impact tRNA Activity in a Trial Set

Occurring naturally along the genomes of many viruses and other pathogens, short palindromic restriction sites ( These palindromes are composed of bases likely containing information relating to codons used for protein translation. If palindromes are reduced in the genome, then its sequence composition making up the codons may also be found in reduced quantities. Furthermore, during translation codons are associated with tRNAs for protein fabrication which may also occur in reduced numbers. We suggest that a pathway of reduction that can be followed from the onset of these missing palindromes to the reduction (or absence) of specific tRNAs correlated to the codons from the palindromes. To create evidence for this pathway, we studied the bacterial genomes of Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Haemophilus influenzae, Methanococcus jannaschii, Mycoplasma genitalium, Synechocystis sp. and Marchantia polymorpha. Across these organisms, we applied statistical data from reduced palindromic populations (biological and non-relevant words) to regression models and performed an analysis of genomic tRNA presence from their compositions. We illustrate a pathway of reduction that extends from palindromes to tRNAs which may follow from evolutionary pressures concerning restriction site handling.
Evidence for the expression of Ia (H-2-associated) antigens on thymus-derived lymphocytes

We have demonstrated in an anti-Ia serum the presence of specific antibodies reacting with T cells, as well as with B cells, using a highly sensitive dye exclusion test. This antiserum reacts with both spleen and lymph node in a characteristic biphasic titration curve killing up to 70% of these cells. It also reacts with cortisone-resistant thymocytes. The A.TH-α-A.TL serum can be absorbed with spleen, lymph node, cortisone-resistant thymus, or normal thymus cells. Further in vivo absorptions in BALB/c nude cannot remove all of the cytotoxic activity for normal BALB lymph node lymphocytes, while completely removing the activity for nude cells. A Thy-1 positive cell line derived from a C57Br leukemia is reactive with this anti-Ia serum.
Left Atrial Remodeling and Function in Advanced Heart Failure With Preserved or Reduced Ejection Fraction

Background— Left atrial (LA) structure and function are altered in most heart failure (HF) patients, but there may be fundamental differences in LA properties between HF with preserved (HFpEF) and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Methods and Results— One hundred ninety-eight HF patients (51% HFpEF, New York Heart Association 3.1±0.7) and 40 HF-free controls underwent catheterization, echocardiography, and follow-up. Compared with controls, HF patients had larger and more dysfunctional left atria. At identical mean LA pressure (20 versus 20 mm Hg; P =0.9), HFrEF patients had larger LA volumes (LA volume index 50 versus 41 mL/m2; P <0.001), whereas HFpEF patients had higher LA peak pressures, lower LA minimal pressures, higher LA stiffness (0.79 versus 0.48 mm Hg/mL; P <0.001), greater LA pulsatility (19 versus 13 mm Hg; P <0.001), and higher wall stress variations. Despite smaller LA volumes, better function, and less mitral regurgitation, HFpEF patients had more atrial fibrillation (42 versus 26%; P =0.02). LA dysfunction was associated with increased pulmonary vascular resistance and right ventricular dysfunction in both HF phenotypes. After a median follow-up of 350 days, 31 HFpEF and 28 HFrEF patients died. LA function (total LA EF) was associated with lower mortality in HFpEF (hazard ratio 0.43; 95% confidence interval, 0.2–0.9; P <0.05), but not in HFrEF. Conclusions— HFrEF is characterized by greater eccentric LA remodeling, whereas HFpEF by increased LA stiffness, which might contribute to greater atrial fibrillation burden. LA function is associated with pulmonary vascular disease and right HF in both HF phenotypes, but is associated with outcome more closely in HFpEF, supporting efforts to improve LA function in this cohort.
Microcalorimetry of biological macromolecules

The capabilities of contemporary differential scanning and isothermal titration microcalorimetry for studying the thermodynamics of protein unfolding/refolding and their association with partners, particularly target DNA duplexes, are considered. It is shown that the predenaturational changes of proteins must not be ignored in studying the thermodynamics of formation of their native structure and their complexes with partners, particularly their cognate DNA duplexes.
REPRODUCTIVE SUCCESS OF WOOD THRUSHES IN FOREST FRAGMENTS IN NORTHERN INDIANA

Abstract I monitored 278 Wood Thrush (Hylocichla mustelina) nests in 14 forest fragments (range 7 to 500 ha) in northern Indiana to explore patterns of brood parasitism by Brown-headed Cowbirds (Molothrus ater), nest predation, and reproductive success. Density of thrushes was negatively related to area of forest fragments. Cowbirds were common throughout the landscape, but I found no relationship between their abundance and forest area. Overall, 90% of the thrush nests were parasitized by cowbirds (x = 2.4 cowbird eggs per nest). The number of cowbird eggs per thrush nest was not related to forest area, abundance of host species, or distance to a forest edge but was positively related to thrush abundance. Nest predation rates averaged 58% and were lower than those reported in much of neighboring Illinois but also were unrelated to forest area and distance to a forest edge. The combination of cowbird parasitism and nest predation resulted in relatively low reproductive success (x = 0.6 thrush fledglings...
EGG SIZE EVOLUTION IN TROPICAL AMERICAN ARCID BIVALVES: THE COMPARATIVE METHOD AND THE FOSSIL RECORD

Marine organisms exhibit a wide range of egg sizes, even among closely related taxa, and egg size is widely considered to be one of the most important components of the life histories of marine species. The nature of the trade-off between egg size and number and the consequences of variation in egg size for offspring growth and survivorship have been extensively modeled. Yet, there is little empirical evidence that supports the relative importance of particular environmental parameters in engendering the tremendous variation in egg size seen in marine organisms. This study compares egg sizes between six geminate species pairs of bivalves in the family Arcidae to determine whether egg size differs in predictable directions between geminate species in the two oceans separated by the Central American isthmus, and whether the direction and timing of egg size evolution among geminates in this family is correlated with both modern and paleoceanographic patterns of oceanic productivity. In all modern members of six geminate pairs, egg size was larger in the species in the western Atlantic than in its sister species the eastern Pacific. This pattern supports the hypothesis that optimal egg size differs in the two oceans due to the low productivity and poor larval feeding environment in the western Atlantic relative to the eastern Pacific. The fossil record of one geminate pair shows that egg size has remained consistently large in the western Atlantic from the Miocene to the Recent, while egg size in the eastern Pacific has decreased to the current small size in less than 2 million years; this suggests that modern-day differences between egg sizes in the western Atlantic and eastern Pacific are due to either an increase in productivity in the eastern Pacific and subsequent selection for smaller eggs in that ocean, or differential patterns of extinction that occurred well after the rise of the isthmus. These results agree with ancestral character state reconstruction using linear parsimony, but differ from squared-change parsimony reconstructions.
DO BAND-TAILED PIGEONS SEEK A CALCIUM SUPPLEMENT AT MINERAL SITES?

Abstract We tested the hypotheses that mineral sites in western Oregon are used by Band-tailed Pigeons (Columba fasciata) to supplement dietary calcium and sodium. We compared mineral composition of sites used by Band-tailed Pigeons, adjacent unused sites, and three major food items during the nesting season. Sixty-five percent of used mineral sites were low in calcium (<200 ppm), whereas mean concentrations in food items were high (1,960–2,290 ppm). All but one used mineral site were high in sodium (≥678 ppm), whereas mean concentrations in food items were low (20–254 ppm). Food items were high in mean concentrations of potassium (12,470–26,980 ppm) and potassium:sodium ratios (138–656). Used and adjacent, unused, estuary mineral sites were similar in calcium and sodium concentrations. We hypothesize that because of insufficient sodium intake and inefficient sodium retention, Band-tailed Pigeons seek a sodium source to supplement their diet during the nesting season. Use of mineral sites probably depends...
Experimental Study on the Surface Roughness in Mesoscopic-Scale Grinding of Nickel-Based Superalloy

This paper uses micro-grinding tool with 500# grains and 0.9 mm diameter to grind nickel-based superalloy Inconel600 through three factors(grinding depth, feed rate, spindle speed ) at three levels orthogonal grinding experiment in mesoscopic scale. Then according to the range analysis of surface roughness, the primary and secondary influencial factors are found; the micro grinding parameters are optimized ,the results show: the influence of the feed rate(vf)is the biggest, followed by the spindle speed(n), the grinding depth(ap) is minimal, when n=50kr/min, vf=100μm/s, ap=6μm, the grinding surface roughness is minimum: Ra=579nm; finally , the regression mathematical model of micro grinding surface roughness is established, the relative error of the calculated value and experimental measurements is low, showing that this regression mathematical model is accurate and effective. This study provides a theoretical basis for the micro grinding parameters and surface quality control of nickel-based superally.
7-Nitroindazole attenuates vasodilation from cerebellar parallel fiber stimulation but not acetylcholine

We used the relatively selective inhibitor of neuronal nitric oxide synthase 7-nitroindazole (7-NI) to test the hypothesis that the increases in local cerebellar blood flow (BFcrb) elicited by activation of the cerebellar parallel fibers (PF) are mediated by neuronal production of nitric oxide. In halothane-anesthetized rats, the cerebellar cortex was exposed and superfused with Ringer solution (37 degrees C; pH 7.3-7.4). The PF were stimulated electrically (100 microA, 30 Hz, 40 s), while BFcrb was monitored at the site of stimulation by a laser-Doppler flow probe. In vehicle-treated rats (n = 5), PF stimulation increased BFcrb by 61 +/- 5% (P 0.05; t-test), a response mediated by endothelial nitric oxide synthase. 7-NI did not attenuate the BFcrb increase evoked by the nitric oxide donor S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine (1 mM; n = 5; P > 0.05; t-test). Similarly, 7-NI did not affect resting systemic arterial pressure. These observations suggest that selective inhibition of neuronal nitric oxide synthase by 7-NI attenuates the increases in BFcrb evoked by PF stimulation. The findings provide additional support to the hypothesis that the increase in BFcrb evoked by PF stimulation is mediated, in part, by glutamate-induced activation of neuronal nitric oxide synthase.
Nutrition of the European Corn Borer, Ostrinia nubilalis. VI. A Larval Rearing Medium without Crude Plant Fractions

A meridic dietary medium containing no foliage, wheat germ, or other crude plant fractions has been developed. This medium appears to be completely satisfactory for continuous culturing of laboratory populations of Ostrinia nubilalis (Hubner). Omission of plant materials from the rearing medium was made possible by the development of a simplified, balanced mineral salt mixture. Because of inorganic contaminants contained in other organic constituents of the medium, the insect's requirement for individual inorganic elements could not be determined with acceptable accuracy.
Occurrence of a Toxic Non-Aldrin Residue in Carrots Grown on Aldrin-Treated Soil

Discrepancies in residues determined by several methods have been noted with soil applications of the insecticide aldrin to carrots. The present study was undertaken to determine the cause of the discrepancies among the three methods used: Drosophila bioassay, total chloride and phenyl azide. The experiments were designed to eliminate external contamination in the field and laboratory, to determine the efficiency of extraction of residues from carrots, and to rigidly test the methods of analysis. Residues from direct bioassay of the carrots were significantly greater than those from chemical methods, which require preliminary extraction and chromatography. Direct bioassay and bioassay of unchromatogmphed Skellysolve-isopropanol extracts gave the same results. Bioassay residues of chromatographed extracts, however, were the same as the chemical residues, indicating that chromatography had removed a part of the toxic residue. All extractions with Skellysolve alone were less complete than those with Skellysolve-isopropanol. Additional chromatographic analysis showed the presence of a second toxic constitutent. The sequence of chromatographic elution and the positive response of this compound to the reduction phenyl azide and total chloride methods but not to the phenyl azide method identified the compound as dieldrin. The biological evaluation of aldrin-dieldrin combinations proved the validity of equating the sum of the chemically determined aldrin and dieldrin values with the direct bioassay value.
MATING SELECTION IN THE CALIFORNIA OAK MOTH (LEPIDOPTERA, DIOPTIDAE).

The quantitative estimation of the components of natural selection, readily feasible in the laboratory, meets with obvious obstacles in studies of natural populations. Mating fitness under natural conditions has been a component which has been especially difficult to approach, owing to the requirements that the populations be large and that mating activity be readily observable and unlikely to be interfered with by the activities of the investigator. Among insect populations, such conditions occasionally arise. In the San Francisco Bay Area, the California Oak Moth, Phryganidia californica, sometimes reaches extremely high population levels, the larvae often defoliating the oaks on which they feed. Large numbers of adult individuals, including many mating pairs, can be collected in very small areas during times of maximum outbreak (such as June, 1965, when the present study was done). Mating (i.e., actual copulation, as opposed to a looser "pair-bond" relationship) lasts for substantial periods, at least as long as several hours in some cases. By comparing the characteristics of mating individuals with characteristics of those not found mating, estimates can be made of the mating fitnesses of various phenotypes. We must assume only that those insects mating at the time of collection represent a fair sample of the individuals which are fit for mating, i.e., that the likelihood that an individual with a given phenotype will be found mating is a direct function of the capacity for mating associated with that phenotype, and so presumably its likelihood of contributing to subsequent generations. An additional convenient feature of populations of this species makes it possible to gain a measure of insight into the behavioral mechanism by which the selection operates. As is usual among Lepidoptera, males begin to emerge a few days earlier than females, and so a good number of matings involve teneral (i.e., newlyemerged and relatively inactive) females. If teneral females are less able to reject an unsuitable male (and are therefore less able to influence the relative success of male phenotypes), a larger proportion of males ought to be able to mate when most of the females present are teneral. In this study, the following two hypotheses will be examined: (1) That in nature, different phenotypes have measurably different success in mating. (2) That the response of females to the approach of males of differing phenotypes contributes to this difference in fitnesses in the males.
Analysis on Health Status of Middle and Primary Schools Students in Changsha from 2006 to 2010

Objective To know well about the health status and the main problems of middle and primary schools students in Changsha,and to provide a scientific basis for government making the school health work plan.Methods Health examination data of middle and primary schools students aged between 7 and 18 years in Changsha from 2006 to 2010 were continuously collected.Poor vision,dental caries,malnutrition,height,weight and other growth indexes were statistically analyzed.Results In the recent 5 years,the main diseases which affected the students' health were as follows: poor vision(with the average annual detection rate of 35.5%),dental caries(with the average annual detection rate of12.05%),obesity(with the average annual detection rate of 9.06%),malnutrition(with the average annual detection rate of 7.34%),and trachoma(with the average annual detection rate of 2.07%).Primary and middle schools students with good and normal height development accounted for 91.61%,and children with classy weight accounted for 19.5%.In the recent 5 years,the detection rates of malnutrition,dental caries,obesity,poor vision,and trachoma in primary and middle schools students in Changsha showed downtrend year by year,which benefited from the improvement of people's living standard,the improvement of medical conditions and the enhancement of students' health knowledge.Monitoring data also showed that the detection rates of malnutrition,low vision and trachoma in middle schools students were significantly higher than those in pupils(P≤0.01).Superior height and weight in elementary schools students were better than those in middle schools students,and moreover,urban students were superior to rural students.The detection rates of malnutrition,obesity,poor vision,and dental caries in urban students were higher than those in rural students(P≤0.01).The detection rate of trachoma in rural students was higher than that of rural students.Conclusions The results suggest that the health of primary and middle schools students in Changsha has further improved.The schools should pay more attention to developing health education and balanced nutrition,to cultivating a good way of life for the students,and to strengthening prevention measures of common diseases so as to lessen the difference between urban and rural areas.
On the improvement of personality right system

With the development of economy and scientific technology,there is on the one hand,growing emphasis on the value of personality right,and increasing possibility of violation on the other.However,the system of personality right in General Principles of the Civil Law of the PRC is still unsatisfactory.To improve such system and promote the establishment of the personality right law,the paper explores from the following five aspects: the addition of general system of personality right,the extension of subjects of personality right,development of concrete practice of personality right,commercialization of personality interests,and protection of personality right under network environment.
A Return Flight for Due Process? An Argument for Judicial Oversight of the No-Fly List

Since 2001, thousands of people have been placed on the No-Fly List by mistake. Even more have been confused with individuals on the list based on watchlist mismanagement. Politicians such as Ted Kennedy and Donald Young have been denied flights because of the list. Famous musicians, pilots, children, and Nelson Mandela have been included among the thousands of names erroneously placed on the FBI’s No-Fly List. To make matters worse, the FBI never informs travelers of their status on the list and the process for removing ones’ name from the list is often unfruitful. Because of the difficulties facing travelers placed on the No-Fly List in error, the past decade has brought several cases to various federal courts over the right to travel and the No-Fly List. While many of these cases have been unsuccessful in providing any answers to plaintiffs, recently two cases have arisen that have called into question the way in which the No-Fly List is compiled and the redress available to those placed on the list in error. In August 2013, the District Court of Oregon held for the first time that the No-Fly List affects a constitutional interest. Also, in January 2014 the District Court for the Northern District of California held that the U.S. government must disclose to a citizen of Malaysia her status on the No-Fly List. These legal victories for travelers note the importance of the right to travel and the necessity for more accurate and judicious management the No-Fly List.This comment proposes that a court order, similar to a warrant, be required prior to placement on the No-Fly List. This requirement would add a layer of judicial review to reduce the amount of people placed on the list in error. It would require the government to have evidence of a person’s probable guilt or danger to society before depriving them of a fundamental constitutional right. This comment also proposes a reform to the redress process, providing information to those placed on the list, but limiting that information in the interest of national security. These proposals seek to strike a healthy balance between allowing the government to pursue its interest in national security while also securing the constitutional rights of individuals.