cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of the advent and diversification of vascular land plants on mineral weathering through geologic time

The origin of vascular land plants in the Silurian and their subsequent diversification have had a major effect on mineral weathering through geologic tune. The presence of vascular plants reduces the stability of soil minerals through a net export of ions from soil waters and through the release of complexing organic acids by root mycorrhizae. Additional factors that dictate the nature of plant-induced mineral weathering are (1) the differences in nutrient dynamics between evergreen and deciduous species; (2) the role of specific nutrient sinks (biomass storage and secondary soil mineralization) and outputs (runoff, etc.) in plant ecosystems; and (3) the effect of long- and short-term ecosystem disturbances. First-order increases in overall mineral weathering probably took place in the middle Paleozoic and early Tertiary, following the initial colonization and diversification of land plants and the radiation of deciduous angiospenns. Second-order fluctuations would typify time intervals where paleoecosystem disturbances were maximized, such as periods of climatic instability.
Estimating mean particle volume and number from random sections by sampling profile boundaries.

SUMMARY We describe some new shape-independent stereological estimates of particle mean volume and surface area. Finding volumes or surface areas of cell nuclei, from electron micrographs of random thin sections, is a central problem of biological stereology. The well-known point-sampled intercept (PSI) method samples profile interiors to find the volume-weighted mean volume. This can be used in place of the true mean volume, but to do so introduces bias when volumes vary a great deal, as they do in fixed specimens. Jensen and Gundersen quite recently extended the PSI estimator to provide particle surface area, with no bias in the case of uniform surface areas. Here we extend the PSI volume estimator in a different way, sampling profile boundaries rather than their interiors. We obtain a boundary-sampled intercept (BSI) volume estimator, simpler than the PSI surface area estimator, but also unbiased for uniform surface areas. Both of these estimators are attractive, for example, in measuring and counting cell nuclei, where membrane surface area varies less than volume. Furthermore, they have no shape bias whatsoever. This paper also examines the general relationship between boundary- and area-sampled estimates, and we clarify the formal connection between our volume estimator and the PSI surface area estimator. We also calculate and compare their theoretical efficiencies.
Improved preparation and characterization of unsaturated γ-lactones

Improved, high yield procedures for the preparation of unsaturated γ-lactones (I-IV) from saturated γ-lactones (V) are described. Compounds V are first converted to the sodium salts of the corresponding γ-hydroxy acids (VI) (100%) which are oxidized within fifteen minutes to the γ-keto acids (VII) (75–85%) by bromine at pH 6-7.5. Acid-catalyzed reaction of VII with acetic anhydride at room temperature for fifteen minutes yields γ-acetoxy-γ-lactones (VIII) (70–90%). Pyrolysis of VIII at 200–330° yields I-IV (70–95%), the composition of which depends on whether strongly acidic contaminants have been completely removed from VIII prior to pyrolysis. In selected cases studied, fractional distillation permits the isolation of pure unsaturated lactones. Nmr has been extensively used to determine purity at each step and the composition of mixtures of I-IV.
Multiple Arginine Residues within the Basic Domain of HTLV-I Rex Are Required for Specific RNA Binding and Function

The Rex protein of the type I human T-cell leukemia virus (HTLV-I) is essential for viral replication, acting post-transcriptionally to enhance the expression of unspliced and singly spliced viral mRNAs that encode the Gag, Pol, and Env virion proteins. Rex function involves its direct interaction with a complex stem-loop structure termed the Rex RNA response element (RexRE), which is located within the 3' retroviral long terminal repeat. Binding of Rex to the RexRE involves a positively charged arginine-rich domain located near the N-terminus which also functions as a nuclear localization signal. Strikingly, substitution of all seven of the arginine residues present within this domain with positively charged lysine residues exerted no adverse effect on the nuclear targeting of Rex. However, these lysine substitutions completely abrogated both Rex binding to the RexRE and Rex function. Reversion of multiple substituted lysines to arginines at specific locations within this domain was required to restore both RexRE binding and biological function to the Rex protein. Thus, while the presence of positive charge alone in this domain appears sufficient for nuclear localization of Rex, multiple arginine residues at specific sites are essential for the full expression of RNA binding and functional activity of this retroviral trans-regulatory protein.
The Heart of Social Work: Best Practitioners Rise to Challenges in Field Instruction

ABSTRACT Field, as the “signature pedagogy,” is the heart of social work education. However, field education has encountered challenges both in academia and in agencies that serve as field placements. This study explores the ways in which best practitioners in field instruction—10 field instructors who won the Heart of Social Work Award through the Council on Social Work Education—are rising to the challenges of supervising social work interns. These include (a) teaching a wide variety of skills of assessment and intervention, (b) balancing the teaching of these skills with the encouragement of reflection, (c) teaching interns to connect theory and practice, (d) developing an integrative model of supervision, (e) applying research to practice, (f) showing appropriate support to interns, and (g) upholding the mission of field education in the face of fiscal retrenchment and pressures for accountability. Findings of the study show that field instructors are responding with impressive energy and creativity t...
Characterization of a Model to Independently Study Regression of Ventricular Hypertrophy

Background Although a host of studies catalogue changes that occur with the development of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), there is little information about features related solely to LVH regression. This is due, in part, to a lack of animal models to study this question. While traditional models of aortic banding have provided useful information regarding the development of LVH, a similarly effective model is necessary to study mechanisms associated with LVH regression. Materials and methods Minimally invasive transverse arch banding was performed in C57BL6 mice using a slipknot technique. Twenty-eight days later, the band was removed. Carotid Doppler velocity gradients were serially measured to assess the degree of aortic constriction. Echocardiography, histology, electron microscopy, and real-time polymerase chain reaction were used to assess functional, structural, and genetic aspects of hypertrophy. Results Banding of the transverse arch created the expected increase in aortic velocity and gradient between the left and right carotid artery, which normalized with relief of the constriction. Pressure overload resulted in a robust hypertrophic response as assessed by heart weight/body weight ratios, gross and microscopic histology, transthoracic echocardiography, electron microscopy, and hypertrophy gene expression. These markers were reversed within 1 week following debanding and were maintained for up to 4 weeks. Mortality rate for the cumulative procedure was 5% over a 2-month period. Conclusions These results demonstrate a safe, effective, and reproducible method of promoting LVH regression—avoiding the need for endotracheal intubation, mechanical ventilation, and a second invasive surgery to remove the constriction. The simplicity of this technique combined with the well-known advantages of using the mouse species makes this model both unique and relevant. Ultimately, this model will facilitate focused study of independent mechanisms involved with LVH regression.
Species concepts and speciation of fishes: concluding remarks

The definition of the species category has stimulated more debate than perhaps any other topic in the biological sciences. There are currently more than 22 different species concepts and the debate continues on which concepts apply to all organisms, which concepts are operational and which concepts should be used in specific circumstances. The first major division of the types of concepts depends on whether one views species as constructs that exist for ordering biodiversity and information retrieval (i.e. classes), or views species as ontological individuals that exist in nature. If species are categories that can be defined, then theoretically, a single species can arise more than once in different places or at different times. If, on the other hand, species are individuals, then they are historical events, monophyletic and each species is unique.
The lower central series of the symplectic quotient of a free associative algebra

Abstract We study the lower central series filtration L k for a symplectic quotient A = A 2 n / 〈 ω 〉 of the free algebra A 2 n on 2 n generators, where ω = ∑ [ x i , x i + n ] . We construct an action of the Lie algebra H 2 n of Hamiltonian vector fields on the associated graded components of the filtration, and use this action to give a complete description of the reduced first component B 1 ( A ) = A / ( L 2 + A L 3 ) and the second component B 2 = L 2 / L 3 , and we conjecture a description for the third component B 3 = L 3 / L 4 .
Cellular automata for the analysis of biomedical hyperspectral images

In this paper, we describe a technique whereby cellular automata are used to rapidly scan hyperspectral medical images and quantify the extent of conditions of medical interest. The cellular automata population uses the condition of interest as food and only grows in those areas of the image where the food is present. The size of the cellular automata population can be correlated with the fractional area of the image containing the condition of interest. The technique has the potential to significantly reduce the computational overhead required to analyze a hyperspectral image. A simple model of the technique will be described and the results of its operation on a specific hyperspectral image is presented.
The Mariner Mars 1971 experiments introduction

Mariner Mars 1971 scientific experiments, describing onboard equipment, mission objectives, etc
Quantum chemical characterization of the mechanism of a supported cobalt-based water oxidation catalyst

Quantum chemical modeling is employed to elucidate the catalytic cycle of a recently described supported cobalt compound that catalyzes water oxidation. Key features of the catalytic cycle include a supporting corrole that is rendered non-innocent early in the oxidation process and a pendant carboxylate moiety that functions as a general base to further activate a water molecule that nucleophilically attacks a reactive metal oxo functionality. Fluorination of the supporting corrole appears both to modulate the electrophilicity of the metal-oxo fragment and to mitigate decomposition reactions that might otherwise be expected for a corrole radical cation.
Asking the stakeholders: Initiating collaboration

Abstract The persons most directly affected by teacher education or preservice field experiences are seldom asked to identify problems within those experiences and to help plan strategies to solve those problems. This study was developed to involve those persons in such a collaborative effort. In phase one of this study, 39 teachers and teacher education students identified problem areas of the preservice field experience and suggested strategies for improvements. In phase two, 55 participants completed a survey on who should be responsible for teacher education and then discussed how they would design a teacher education program. Findings indicated that teachers believed they should share responsibility in all aspects of teacher education. Discussions focused on broadening the base of the field experience, the perception that university professors are out of touch with the public schools, and a sentiment that teachers should participate with university methods teachers in the preparation of the prospecti...
Syntheses and characterizations of α-iminopyridine compounds (alkylNCHpy)2Fe(L/Xn), and an assessment of redox non-innocence

Abstract Treatment of cis-(Me3P)4FeMe2 with two equiv neoPeN CH(2-py) afforded {κ-N,N′-neoPeN CH(2-pyridyl)}2FeMe2 (2-P). Reductions of FeCl2 with Na/Hg in the presence of neoPeN CH(2-pyridyl) or neoHexN CH(2-pyridyl) and L (H2C CHCO2Me, PhCCPh, PMe3) gave tentative evidence of {κ-N,N′-neoPeN CH(2-pyridyl)}2Fe(H2C CHCO2Me) (2-P), but {κ-N,N′-neoPeN CH(2-pyridyl)}2Fe(PhCCPh) (5-P), {κ-N,N′-neoHexN CH(2-pyridyl)}2Fe(PhCCPh) (5-H), and {κ-N,N′-neoHexN CH(2-pyridyl)}2Fe(PMe3) (6-H) were all isolated in good yield. Phosphine complex 6-H could be alkylated with CH3I or CH3OTf to afford [{κ-N,N′-neoHexN CH(2-pyridyl)}2Fe(PMe3)Me]+I− (7-H-I) or [{κ-N,N′-neoHexN CH(2-pyridyl)}2Fe(PMe3)Me]+ OTf− (7-H-OTf). [{κ-N,N′-RN CH(2-pyridyl)}3Fe][OTf]2 (R = neoPe, 8-P-OTf; neoHex, 8-H-OTf) complexes were also prepared from Fe(OTf)2 in order to identify potential byproducts in certain reactions. Compounds 2-P and 7-H-OTf were tested for ethylene oligomerization activity, to no avail. Complexes 2-P, 5-H, 6-H, and 7-H-OTf were structurally characterized and evaluated by Mossbauer spectroscopy, and 5-H was shown to possess a redox non-innocent alkyne ligand, while the α-alkyliminopyridine ligands of 6-H were classified as radical anions, rendering all compounds describable as Fe(II).
Fluorescence Using Turmeric

A straightforward method for observing turmeric fluorescence is described using standard white light and easily obtainable blue filters.
It's Complicated: Facebook Users' Political Participation in the 2008 Election

Abstract In the 2008 U.S. presidential election, social network sites such as Facebook allowed users to share their political beliefs, support specific candidates, and interact with others on political issues. But do political activities on Facebook affect political participation among young voters, a group traditionally perceived as apathetic in regard to civic engagement? Or do these activities represent another example of feel-good participation that has little real-world impact, a concept often referred to as “slacktivism”? Results from a survey of undergraduate students (N = 683) at a large public university in the Midwestern United States conducted in the month prior to the election found that students tend to engage in lightweight political participation both on Facebook and in other venues. Furthermore, two OLS regressions found that political activity on Facebook (e.g., posting a politically oriented status update, becoming a “fan” of a candidate) is a significant predictor of other forms of poli...
A life of quiet desperation: The case example of anna

The purpose of this paper is to outline a course of treatment with Anna, a woman who presents for therapy with major depression and borderline personality disorder. A cognitive case conceptualization, influenced by constructivist theory and developed from the patient's background, is presented and utilized to guide treatment and to inform the clinical decision-making process. This conceptualization is also used to manage three problems that arise in the course of treatment.
Dynorphin and the kappa 1 ligand [3H]U69,593 binding in the human epileptogenic hippocampus

Abstract The distribution of dynorphin (DYN), one of its binding sites ( κ 1 receptor) and their relationship to neuronal loss and granule cell hyperexcitability was examined in hippocampi from patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). In hippocampi that were not the seizure focus (mass associated temporal lobe epilepsy, MaTLE; and paradoxical temporal lobe epilepsy, PTLE) DYN-like immunoreactivity was localized in the dentate granule cells and their mossy fiber terminals within the hilus and area CA3. In hippocampi that were the seizure focus (MTLE), 89% showed an additional band of immunoreactivity confined to the inner molecular layer (IML) of the dentate gyrus, representing recurrent mossy fiber collaterals. In 11% of MTLE patients no staining was found in the IML (MTLE/DYN − ). The MTLE/DYN − hippocampi were also characterized by a significantly lower degree of cell loss than in MTLE hippocampi in the dentate granule cell layer, the hilus and CA3. Both MTLE and MTLE/DYN − hippocampi showed evoked epileptiform bursting in granule cells while MTLE showed greater polysynaptic EPSPs and spontaneous excitatory activity. Thus granule cell recurrent collateral sprouting may account for only some aspects of hyperexcitability. In 30% of the MTLE group, hilar neurons of a variety of morphological types expressed DYN immunoreactivity in their somata and dendrites. The density of [ 3 H]U69,593 binding sites in MaTLE and PTLE patients was highest in areas CA1 and the subiculum–regions having little or no DYN-staining. In the dentate molecular layer, hilus and CA3—regions with the most DYN immunoreactivity—there was a low density of ligand binding. The significance of this transmitter/receptor mismatch is yet unknown.
Progressive intrahepatic cholestasis: Mechanisms, diagnosis and therapy

: Progressive intrahepatic cholestasis (PIHC, also known as progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis) is a general term encompassing a devastating group of illnesses manifest by severe morbidity and potential mortality. By definition these diseases are characterized by persistent cholestasis that is the result of intra-hepatic rather than extra-hepatic pathology. Recent scientific advances have begun to clarify the molecular basis of many of these disorders. The morbidities of these diseases are primarily the result of profound cholestasis. This cholestasis is often associated with intractable pruritus, which leads to a very poor quality of life. Normal development and sleep are not possible for the affected individual and family dynamics are sometimes irreparably damaged. The cholestasis also leads to complications of fat soluble vitamin malabsorption including osteopenia and pathologic bone fractures, xeropthalmia, and peripheral neuropathy. End-stage liver disease and all of its attendant problems may develop in affected individuals by young adulthood. Optimal therapeutic approaches to PIHC are not well established and disease-specific approaches may be required.
Commentary on Robert May's “Reflections”

Abstract This commentary discusses Robert May's reflections on policy for student mental health services on college and university campuses. The Report of the Harvard Provost's Committee on Student Mental Health Services is the impetus for his reflections. While May suggests that the student mental health unit be taken out of the medical unit, the Committee recommends that the variety of services be maintained, but out of the grip of managed care, and that there be greater collaboration and coordination among the services. While noting the psychiatric orientation of both the Committee and its Report, this author sees that the Report emphasizes the institutional context for students' emotional problems and the neglect of that context by recent Harvard University Health Services policies. The present author urges better collaboration between the services located in counseling services and those located in medical services.
Outline of a restriction-centered theory of reasoning and computation in an environment of uncertainty and imprecision

The theory which is outlined in this lecture, call it RRC for short, is a departure from traditional approaches to reasoning and computation. A principal advance is an enhanced capability for reasoning and computation in an environment of uncertainty and imprecision. The point of departure in RRC is a basic premise-in the real world such environment is the norm rather than exception.
The Challenge of the Large Lecture Class: Making it More Like a Small Seminar

*The research and experience upon which this paper is based were made possible by funding from the Dean's Office of the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, and the Center for Instructional Development, both at Syracuse University. 1. Cronin (1991) offers an exceptionally useful overview of excellent teaching, along with a set of suggestions for colleges and universities to encourage and reward it. 2. We drew on the work of Freire (1970), Gardner (1982; 1993), and Knowles (1990). For a description of these theories, see Canfield and Reeher (1996). 3. Depending on the size of the class, nongraded exercises for this purpose included in-class debates, submitted questions, oneminute papers, journals, and role playing exercises. 4. The idea that this all worked itself out in the final exams, or even later in life, did not appease them; justice could not wait. In fairness to the instructors involved, it should also be noted here that the course was already considered by most students to be a success, relative to other offerings in the college. Given the type of course, this is strong praise indeed. But we wanted more. 5. Syllabi requests should be sent directly to the authors at Department of Political Science, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244.
The pitting behavior of silicon nitride ion beam assisted deposited coatings on aluminum

Abstract The pitting potential of silicon nitride ion beam assisted deposited (IBAD) coatings on aluminum in deaerated 0.1 M NaCl solutions increased with coating thickness for coatings ranging from 0.01 to 2.0 μm. Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy and optical techniques showed the films to be nearly stoichiometric Si 3 N 4 . X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy showed that the surface of the IBAD samples is composed of Si 3 N 4 , SiO 2 , and a silicon oxynitride species. Pit propagation beneath the coatings proceeds by blister formation and rupture.
Separating the Role of Protein Restraints and Local Metal-Site Interaction Chemistry in the Thermodynamics of a Zinc Finger Protein

We express the effective Hamiltonian of an ion-binding site in a protein as a combination of the Hamiltonian of the ion-bound site in vacuum and the restraints of the protein on the site. The protein restraints are described by the quadratic elastic network model. The Hamiltonian of the ion-bound site in vacuum is approximated as a generalized Hessian around the minimum energy configuration. The resultant of the two quadratic Hamiltonians is cast into a pure quadratic form. In the canonical ensemble, the quadratic nature of the resultant Hamiltonian allows us to express analytically the excess free energy, enthalpy, and entropy of ion binding to the protein. The analytical expressions allow us to separate the roles of the dynamic restraints imposed by the protein on the binding site and the temperature-independent chemical effects in metal-ligand coordination. For the consensus zinc-finger peptide, relative to the aqueous phase, the calculated free energy of exchanging Zn2+ with Fe2+, Co2+, Ni2+, and Cd2+ are in agreement with experiments. The predicted excess enthalpy of ion exchange between Zn2+ and Co2+ also agrees with the available experimental estimate. The free energy of applying the protein restraints reveals that relative to Zn2+, the Co2+, and Cd2+-site clusters are more destabilized by the protein restraints. This leads to an experimentally testable hypothesis that a tetrahedral metal binding site with minimal protein restraints will be less selective for Zn2+ over Co2+ and Cd2+ compared to a zinc finger peptide. No appreciable change is expected for Fe2+ and Ni2+. The framework presented here may prove useful in protein engineering to tune metal selectivity.
Coating of steam reforming catalysts in non-porous multi-channeled microreactors

Our previous work [T. Conant, et al., Wall coating behavior of catalyst slurries in non-porous ceramic microstructures. Chem. Eng. Sci. 61 (17) (2006) 5678] described how the inertial effects limit the catalyst wall-coating thickness in a single microchannel. In this work, we demonstrate the inherent benefit of multichanneled structures in avoiding inertial effects during the process of coating catalyst slurries. Our microreactor consists of 25 capillaries of 530 μm in diameter housed within a 1/4 in. o.d. stainless steel housing. The maximum fraction coated within the parallel-channel microstructure was found to be 40% which is a significant improvement over the 25% achieved with single 530 μm capillaries. Transmitted-light optical microscopy shows that the channels are plug-free. The thick coatings may lead to some loss of cohesion within the coating layer, resulting in non-uniform coating thicknesses. The catalyst layer within the reactors was tested for the steam reforming of methanol, confirming the viability of coating catalysts slurries in pre-fabricated microreactors.
Science alternative assessment models in Illinois

(1994). Science alternative assessment models in Illinois. Journal of Science Teacher Education: Vol. 5, No. 3, pp. 97-103.
Public or Perish: Teaching, Learning, and the Ideology of Socialization.

"For what purpose do you conceive that we have come here," Thrasy machus inquires of Socrates in Book Five of The Republic, "to look for gold, or to hear discourse?" It would hardly be an exaggeration to suggest that most educators who currently think of themselves as modern or progressive would agree with what Thrasymachus is implying here?namely, that really ef fective learning is not accomplished through professorial discourse (not even that of Socrates!) but through mining the pure gold of "student-centered in struction." After all, this more egalitar ian kind of teaching?unlike its neme sis, the authoritative, fact-laden lecture ?"empowers" students, breaks down barriers of authority, makes students "owners" of their learning in ways not thought possible by any other means. As a result, it is hardly possible to pick up an educational journal or newsletter that does not contain one or more es says proclaiming the virtues of collabo rative, cooperative, or other participa tory modes of instruction. Before I become too polemical let me say that I agree that most of the positive virtues attributed to student-centered instruction, or what commonly is called either interactive teaching or collabora tive learning, are real enough. What I
Evidence for Residual Material in Accretion Disk Gaps: CO Fundamental Emission from the T Tauri Spectroscopic Binary DQ Tauri

Abstract : We present the discovery of CO fundamental rovibrational emission from the classical T Tauri spectroscopic binary DQ Tau. The high-resolution infrared echelle spectra reveal emission lines from both the gamma = 1 and gamma = 2 vibrational levels with line widths of roughly 70 km s(exp -1). The average CO excitation temperature is approximately 1200 K. We model the spectra as arising from gas in Keplerian rotation about the center of mass of the binary. The disk model requires gas with an average surface density of 5x10(exp -4) g sq cm that extends outward to 0.5 plus or minus 0.1 AU and inward to at least 0.1 AU from the center of mass. The radial extent for the emitting gas is close to the predicted size of the gap in the DQ Tau accretion disk that is expected to be dynamically cleared by the binary. We interpret these results, and previous modeling of DQ TauSs spectral energy distribution, as evidence for a small amount (~10(exp 10) M circle dot solar of diffuse material residing within the optically thin disk gap. Thus, dynamical clearing has not been completely efficient in the DQ Tau binary. We suggest that the material is associated with a flow from the circumbinary disk which feeds the ongoing accretion at the stellar surfaces.
Quorum Sensing in Vibrio fischeri: Analysis of the LuxR DNA Binding Region by Alanine-Scanning Mutagenesis

LuxR is the transcriptional activator for quorum-sensing control of luminescence in Vibrio fischeri. A series of alanine-scanning mutants spanning a predicted helix-turn-helix region in the DNA binding domain of LuxR was constructed, and the activity of each of the LuxR mutant proteins in recombinant Escherichia coli was investigated. The region covered by the mutagenesis spanned residues 190 to 224. About half of the alaninescanning mutants showed activities similar to that of the wild-type LuxR: at least two were positive-control mutants, four appeared to be defective in DNA binding, and several others were characterized as DNA binding affinity mutants. This analysis, taken together with information about other bacterial transcription factors, provides insights into amino acid residues in LuxR that are involved in DNA binding and transcriptional activation.
The Huntington's disease mutation impairs Huntingtin's role in the transport of NF-κB from the synapse to the nucleus

Expansion of a polyglutamine (polyQ) tract in the Huntingtin (Htt) protein causes Huntington's disease (HD), a fatal inherited neurodegenerative disorder. Loss of the normal function of Htt is thought to be an important pathogenetic component of HD. However, the function of wild-type Htt is not well defined. Htt is thought to be a multifunctional protein that plays distinct roles in several biological processes, including synaptic transmission, intracellular transport and neuronal transcription. Here, we show with biochemical and live cell imaging studies that wild-type Htt stimulates the transport of nuclear factor κ light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) out of dendritic spines (where NF-κB is activated by excitatory synaptic input) and supports a high level of active NF-κB in neuronal nuclei (where NF-κB stimulates the transcription of target genes). We show that this novel function of Htt is impaired by the polyQ expansion and thus may contribute to the etiology of HD.
PARASITES IN A BIODIVERSITY HOTSPOT: A SURVEY OF HEMATOZOA AND A MOLECULAR PHYLOGENETIC ANALYSIS OF PLASMODIUM IN NEW GUINEA SKINKS

A sample of 204 skinks (Squamata: Scincidae) from 10 genera representing 24 species were collected from 10 different localities in New Guinea and examined for blood parasites. Hemogregarines, trypanosomes, microfilarial worms, and 8 infections showing 2 distinct morphological types of malaria parasites (Plasmodium sp.) were observed. Molecular sequence data, in the form of mitochondrial cytochrome b sequences from the Plasmodium infections, showed 2 distinct clades of parasites, 1 in Sphenomorphus jobiense hosts and 1 in Emoia spp., which correspond to the 2 morphotypes. There was substantial genetic variation between the 2 clades, as well as within the clade of Emoia parasites. Nearly half of the skinks sampled had green blood pigmentation, resulting from the presence of biliverdin in the plasma; however, only 1 of these lizards was infected with Plasmodium sp. and only 2 had any blood parasites. These preliminary results suggest a high degree of phylogenetic diversity but a very low prevalence of Plasmodium spp. infections in the skinks of this globally important biodiversity hot spot.
Effects of varying bulk densities of steam-flaked corn and dietary roughage concentration on in vitro fermentation, performance, carcass quality, and acid-base balance measurements in finishing steers.

Effects of varying bulk densities of steam-flaked corn (SFC) and level of inclusion of roughage in feedlot diets were evaluated in 3 experi- ments. In Exp. 1, a total of 128 beef steers were used in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement to evaluate the effects of bulk density of SFC (335 or 386 g/L) and roughage concentration (6 or 10% ground alfalfa hay, DM basis) on performance and carcass characteristics. No interac- tions were observed between bulk density and roughage concentration for performance data. From d 0 to the end, cattle fed the 335 g/L SFC had greater overall G:F (P = 0.04) than those fed the 386 g/L SFC, with tendencies (P 0.20). In Exp. 2, the effects of bulk density of SFC (283, 335, or 386 g/L) and 6 or 10% ground alfalfa hay on IVDMD and in vitro pH were evaluated at 6, 12, 18, and 24 h of incubation. With a reduced-strength buffer in vitro fermentation system, pH increased (P 0.23) for IVDMD. In Exp. 3, two diets that varied in bulk density of SFC and roughage concentration (335 g/L SFC with 6% alfalfa hay vs. 386 g/L SFC with 10% alfalfa hay) were compared for their effects on the pattern of feed intake and the acid-base balance in Hol- stein steers (12/treatment). No differences (P > 0.10) between treatments were noted for blood gases or urine pH; however, day effects (P < 0.02) were detected for blood pH, partial pressure of CO 2, and urine pH, which generally decreased (P < 0.05) with an increasing time on feed. The 2 treatments had little effect on the pat- tern of feed intake within the sampling days, with the exception that the 386 g/L SFC with 10% alfalfa hay diet increased (P < 0.05) the percentage of total DMI consumed at 1 and 6 h after feeding on d 14. Within the ranges of bulk density and roughage level studied, 335 g/L SFC with 6% alfalfa hay yielded the optimal animal performance, with limited effects on in vitro fermentation and the acid-base balance.
The effect of soft tissue on wave-propagation and vibration tests for determining the in vivo properties of bone

Abstract The vibration response of long bones to the impact of an instrumented hammer was monitored with an accelerometer. Different parameters associated with the accelerometer waveform were evaluated with respect to their sensitivity to changes in the thickness and quality of simulated soft tissue over excised bones and to changes in the preload force between the accelerometer and bone. Soft-tissue related errors were reduced if the accelerometer was spring-loaded rather than mass loaded. Experiments with human volunteers indicated no saturation of soft-tissue related effects at any preload level below the pain threshold.
The Neotropical genera Oxycrepis Reiche and Stolonis Motschulsky: a taxonomic review, key to the described species and description of new Stolonis species from Ecuador (Coleoptera: Carabidae: Loxandrini)

Five species of Stolonis (Carabidae: Loxandrini) are newly described: S. yasuni Will, sp. n., S. spinosus Will, sp. n., S. catenarius Will, sp. n., S. tapiai Will, sp. n. from Yasuni Scientific Station, Orellana Province (previously part of Napo Province), Ecuador and S. scortensis Will, sp. n. with its type locality Reserva Faunistica Cuyabeno, Sucumbios Province, Ecuador. A key to adults of Stolonis and Oxycrepis species is provided. Generic concepts for these taxa are briefly reviewed.
Satisfaction of conduct-disordered and substance-abusing youth with their parents.

Conduct-disordered and substance-abusing adolescents (N = 132) completed the Youth Happiness With Parent Scale (YHPS). The YHPS measures youth happiness with parental behaviors across 11 domains (e.g., communication, chores, and discipline) as well as a single item reflecting overall happiness. Results indicated that youth satisfaction did not vary as a function of parents’ or youths’ age, ethnic minority status, or gender. Although youth were relatively dissatisfied with their parents across behavioral domains (particularly illegal behaviors, drug use, school conduct, and alcohol use), they were fairly satisfied with their parents overall. Youth happiness with parental behaviors was negatively related to externalizing but not internalizing behavioral problems of the youth. Study implications and future directions are discussed in light of the results.
Integrating uncertain speech evidence into a knowledge-based message generation system for the nonverbal, severely motor disabled

An intelligent communication device is being developed to assist the nonverbal, motor disabled in the generation of written and spoken messages. The device is based on a knowledge base of the grammatical rules and message elements. A 'belief' reasoning scheme makes use of highly uncertain speech-recognition information in combination with the embedded knowledge to optimize the process of message search. The authors focus on the integration of that speech information. Experimental testing of a prototype system to assess the effects of speech evidence is discussed. >
Comparison of Subjective and Objective Outcomes After Rotator Cuff Repair

Purpose To determine whether subjective (pain by visual analog scale) or objective (strength by dynamometer) measures correlate with disease-specific measures and quality-of-life metrics in arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. Methods The study population included patients who underwent primary arthroscopic rotator cuff repair at a single institution between 2006 and 2009. Within these parameters, data from 166 patients was obtained. Data were collected prospectively and reviewed retrospectively. Preoperative and 1-year postoperative data were compared. Correlation was determined in (1) disease-specific metrics including American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, Constant score (CS), and Simple Shoulder Test (SST) score and (2) quality of life measured by the Short Form 12. Results Preoperative strength and pain are closely associated with postoperative changes ( P −5 , with β coefficients of 0.8 to 1.0). Change in ASES score was most closely associated with change in pain and change in CS with change in strength ( R 2 = 0.82 and R 2 = 0.54, respectively). Only the SST score was found to be statistically linked to changes in both strength and pain ( P Conclusions Patients, despite sex and age, with good preoperative strength and high preoperative pain will benefit most from arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. The CS best captures changes in strength, and the ASES score best captures changes in pain. Only changes in the SST score show a statistically significant link with changes in both strength and pain. Level of Evidence Level IV.
Effect of magnesium on active and passive sodium transport in the human ileum

Abstract The effect of 12.5 mM magnesium chloride on sodium transport in the human ileum in vivo was investigated using segmental perfusion. Choline chloride was used as a control. During perfusion of a balanced electrolyte solution containing isotopes of sodium and chloride, magnesium reduced unidirectional flux of sodium in both directions across the ileum; magnesium had no statistically significant effect on net sodium absorption, on chloride fluxes, or on potential difference. When sodium-free test solutions were infused, magnesium (and calcium] reduced net sodium secretion compared with choline and potassium. These results suggest that magnesium (and calcium) reduce passive sodium movement across ileal mucosa.
Angiotensin Type 2 Receptor Mediates Valsartan-Induced Hypotension in Conscious Rats

Inhibition of the renin-angiotensin system is associated with vasodilation and reduction in blood pressure. We hypothesized that angiotensin type 1 (AT(1)) receptor (AT(1)R) blockade is associated with increased production of renal nitric oxide (NO) mediated by release of bradykinin (BK). By use of a microdialysis technique, changes in renal interstitial fluid (RIF) BK, NO end products nitrite and nitrate (NOX), and cGMP were monitored in response to intravenous infusion of the AT(1)R blocker valsartan (10 mg/kg), the angiotensin type 2 (AT(2)) receptor (AT(2)R) blocker PD123319 (50 microg x kg(-1) x min(-1)), and the BK B(2) receptor blocker icatibant (10 microg x kg(-1) x min(-1)) in conscious rats (n=10) during low sodium intake. RIF BK, NOX, and cGMP significantly increased during valsartan treatment, whereas AT(2)R blockade caused a significant decrease in these autacoids. During icatibant infusion, RIF NOX and cGMP decreased by 64% and 40%, respectively, whereas BK increased. Combined administration of valsartan and icatibant, of valsartan and PD123319, or of valsartan, PD123319, and icatibant prevented the increase in RIF cGMP and NOX in response to valsartan alone. These data demonstrate that AT(1)R blockade with valsartan is associated with release of renal BK, which in turn mediates NO production. The results suggest that increased angiotensin II, in response to sodium restriction and valsartan infusion, stimulates AT(2)R, which mediates a BK and NO cascade.
Friction Based Segregation Of 2D Granular Assembly

We present theoretical, computational (molecular dynamics), and experimental results describing the dynamical properties of a set of monodisperse, spherical particles confined to a two dimensional surface. An interaction model, which includes the interaction between the particles via collisions as well as the interaction with the substrate, shows that the properties of this granular system are influenced significantly by the latter. In particular, we analyze in detail the effects of slipping and rolling friction, which are usually overlooked. Theoretically, we explore the possibility of formulating a continuum, hydrodynamic-like theory applicable to this system. Further, we apply our model to the particular problem of a system of two kinds of particles with different frictional properties. Our experiments have found that friction-based segregation of particles moving on a horizontally shaken substrate can be achieved. Computational results give further insight into this novel segregation mechanism and confirm that careful and realistic modeling is needed in order to understand this effect.
A reliable failure analysis methodology in analyzing the elusive gate-open failures

Gate-open failures are typically caused by physical disconnections within the various gate contact interfaces inside the package such as gate lead post to wire bond, die bond pad to wire bond, or within the gate wire itself. Various challenges surround the analysis of gate-open failures. Among others are the electrical difficulty, the intermittent nature of the failure, electrical overstress clouding the gate-open failure mechanism, and uncertainties on the destructive chemical decapsulation process, which is sometimes doubted as a defect contributor. This makes the failure elusive and misleading, at times resulting to erroneous analysis. This paper aims to present a reliable failure analysis methodology in analyzing the elusive gate-open failures. An approach consisting of specially designed series of previously established failure analysis techniques and used in conjunction with a gate-open curve trace testing method by Palermo and Moreno. Actual case studies utilizing the mentioned approach are used to demonstrate the application of the methodology.
Modern Design and Classical Performance Assessment of an F/A-18 Experimental Flight Controller

Longitudinal and lateral-directional experimental flight controllers for a NASA F/A18 research aircraft are designed, and the handling qualities of the resulting augmented aircraft are assessed and compared to those for the production F/A-18 controller. The experimental controllers are designed for a low dynamic pressure envelope of flight conditions. For both the longitudinal and the lateral-directional axes, a robust linear controller is first designed for a trim point in the center of the envelope. Then this controller is incorporated into a nonlinear controller that includes terms for cancelling kinematic nonlinearities and variations in the aerodynamic forces and moments over the flight envelope. The performance of the augmented aircraft is assessed by nonlinear simulation of its response to various pilot inputs and by a handling qualities evaluation. For the latter, the closed-loop system is approximated over the important frequency range by low-order transfer functions. The performance of the augmented aircraft is similar to that for the production controllers. When the dynamic pressure is very low, the performance of both the experimental and the production flight controllers is degraded, but Level 1 handling qualities are still achieved.
Characteristics of Insomniacs with Self-Reported Morning and Evening Chronotypes

Study Objectives:This study examines the relevance of self-reported morning and evening chronotypes in treatment-seeking insomniacs presenting to a tertiary sleep clinic setting.Design:Using a cros...
An efficient fault-tolerant distributed channel allocation algorithm for cellular networks

A channel allocation algorithm in a cellular network consists of two parts: a channel acquisition algorithm and a channel selection algorithm. Some of the previous works in this field focused on centralized approaches to allocating channels. But, centralized approaches are neither scalable nor reliable. Recently, distributed dynamic channel allocation algorithms have been proposed, and they have gained a lot of attention due to their high reliability and scalability. But, in most of the algorithms, the cell that wants to borrow a channel has to wait for replies from all its interference neighbors and, hence, is not fault-tolerant. In this paper, we propose a new algorithm that is fault-tolerant and makes full use of the available channels. It can tolerate the failure of mobile nodes as well as static nodes without any significant degradation in service.
Fieldwork on Another Planet: Social Science Perspectives on the Autism Spectrum

The autism spectrum disorders are a group of neurodevelopmental syndromes of communication, behavior and social cognition. Over the past decade, they have received increasing attention from scholars in the social sciences. This research has been motivated by the prospect of critiquing and improving support services and therapies, by self-advocates who have argued that autism should be tolerated as a form of difference rather than treated as a disorder, and by the interest inherent in syndromes that seem to affect many of the attributes that we use to define personhood. In this commentary, I review social science research on the autism spectrum. I identify some key approaches in the work, including the idea of autism as a culture, transcultural comparisons, studies based on treatment strategies, investigations of subjectivity and interpersonal relations, and research on social movements. In the process, I suggest some further directions for this area of research. I also consider some reasons why the autism spectrum disorders are a particularly interesting site for studies of the ways that biomedical information is used to craft individual and group identities.
The communicating PC

As the PC entered its second decade of evolution, it started a transformation into a general-purpose communication tool. This article takes a look at a number of established and emerging technologies that contribute to this ongoing transformation of the PC. Although each of these technologies individually is perfectly capable of enabling compelling PC applications in specific market segments, it is their use in combination that potentially supports the most useful real-world communications applications. The ability of an applications program to use seemingly independent technologies in concert is no coincidence, but requires proper upfront consideration and careful design. This article presents technologies and common interfaces promoted by Intel for the Microsoft Windows family of operating systems. Although several alternative solutions exist and are promoted by others, none of them offer the degree of interworking needed to make the "communicating PC" a coherent entity. We start by taking a look at the PC's role in computer telephony integration (CTI) and go on to consider call processing, protocol-independent data transport, simultaneous voice/data communication, unattended PC operation, plug and play CTI peripherals and mainstream implementations.