cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A dynamic job shop scheduling framework: a backward approach

Abstract We address two infrequently studied problems in scheduling research, i.e. the problems of dynamic scheduling and integration of a job shop and its environment. A dynamic scheduling framework is presented in which dynamic scheduling is carried out through solving a series of static backward scheduling problems. The framework facilitates the integration by establishing the relationship between scheduling, due-date assignment and job release times through backward scheduling. A rolling time window approach is adopted to decompose the scheduling problem in time dimension and accommodate the dynamic conditions in a job shop.
Reading Mustafa Kemal Atatürk on the Armenian genocide of 1915.

ABSTRACT The debate on where Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of modern Turkey and universally known as the ‘Father of the Turks’, stood in regard to the colossal violence committed against Armenians during the First World War has become a fiercely contested part of the Turkish-Armenian reconciliation process, especially within the past few years. Ulgen aims to clear away the clouds of dust surrounding Kemal by delving into his texts and examining his role in the reification of Turkish denial of the destruction of Ottoman Armenians. Based on a textual analysis of his entire corpus, including Nutuk—the Great Speech of 1927 and the master-narrative of modern Turkish history and national identity—her article examines and documents how his charismatic leadership helped to consolidate both the myth of ‘murderous Armenians’ and that of the Turks as an ‘oppressed nation’ (mazlum millet), monumentalizing both in official Turkish historiography. Ulgen argues that Kemal's portrayal of Armenians and the Armenian Q...
Characterization of the Circulatory Response to Maximal Upright Exercise in Normal Subjects and Patients with Heart Disease

The circulatory responses to mild and maximal upright exercise were studied in six normal subjects and 21 patients with various types of cardiac disease. It was found that the usual hemodynamic indices employed to evaluate cardiac performance during exertion were unreliable in separating patients from normal persons. In contrast, the cardiac index achieved at a pulmonary arterial (PA) O2 saturation of 30% was found to be highly reliable and sensitive for distinguishing the normal from the abnormal response to exercise. At a level of exercise that lowers PA O2 saturation to 30%, all normal subjects achieved a cardiac index greater than 7.0 L/minm2 while no patient exceeded 4.8 L/min/m.2 In addition, the maximal capacity to extract O2 was greater in patients than in normal subjects; thus, during maximal exercise it was not unusual for patients to achieve PA O2 saturations of 15% or less, while the lowest value achieved in normal subjects was 23%.
Coeliac disease and other intraepithelial lymphocytic disorders of the upper gastrointestinal tract

Abstract The finding of increased intraepithelial lymphocytes (IEL) in the upper gastrointestinal tract is common to a wide variety of disorders that involve mucosal injury. Coeliac disease or gluten-sensitive enteropathy is perhaps the first entity in pathologists' differential diagnosis when asked to identify disorders with increased IEL, but it is far from the only condition that can result in such a finding. The numerous causes that can result in this histological feature can be easily organized into three categories. Inflammatory and immune causes include coeliac disease and other autoimmune conditions, as well as relatively rare hematolymphoid neoplasms. Infectious causes include numerous conditions that often have subtle histological findings, such as giardiasis and bacterial overgrowth. Finally, "ingested" causes range from pharmacological agents to morbid obesity, which has also been associated with the isolated finding of increase IEL in the upper gastrointestinal tract. This contribution reviews selected entities from each of these categories, with special attention to coeliac disease.
New Metabolizable Immunologic Adjuvant∗ for Human Use. 2. Short-term Animal Toxicity Tests

SummaryA new immunologic adjuvant, called adjuvant 65, was assayed for toxicity, safety and irritancy in several species of animals. Clinical, gross and histomorphologic examinations were made. The reactions which resulted from adjuvant 65 vaccines were mild and inconsequential and far less than were obtained in comparable tests with Freund's incomplete mineral oil adjuvant vaccine. The comparative pathology for the 2 different kinds of adjuvant is presented and the theoretical and practical advantages of adjuvant 65 are discussed.
Nonlinear stress relaxation in an epoxy glass and its relationship to deformation induced mobility

Abstract The mobility evolution in an epoxy glass during constant strain rate uniaxial deformation was examined via the stress relaxation response observed at various locations along the stress–strain curve, including the pre-yield, yield, and post-yield regions. Experiments were performed in the temperature range from Tg-30 °C to Tg-5 °C in both uniaxial extension and compression. At the faster loading strain rates the initial rate of stress relaxation is the slowest in the pre-yield region and the fastest in the post-yield region. However, at the slower loading strain rate the ordering is unexpectedly reversed so that the initial rate of stress relaxation is the fastest in the pre-yield region and the slowest in the post-yield region. These findings challenge the key assumption made in most existing constitutive models for glassy polymers that yield is the straightforward consequence of deformation induced increase in the mobility.
Hydraulic Fracturing of Jointed Formations

Measured by volume, North America's largest hydraulic fracturing operations have been conducted at Fenton Hill, New Mexico to create geothermal energy reservoirs. In the largest operation 21,000 m/sup 3/ of water were injected into jointed granitic rock at a depth of 3.5 km. Microearthquakes induced by this injection were measured with geophones placed in five wells drilled into, or very close, to the reservoir, as well as 11 surface seismometers. The large volume of rock over which the microearthquakes were distributed indicates a mechanism of hydraulic stimulation which is at odds with conventional fracturing theory, which predicts failure along a plane which is perpendicular to the least compressive earth stress. A coupled rock mechanics/fluid flow model provides much of the explanation. Shear slippage along pre-existing joints in the rock is more easily induced than conventional tensile failure, particularly when the difference between minimum and maximum earth stresses is large and the joints are oriented at angles between 30 and 60 degrees to the principal earth stresses, and a low viscosity fluid like water is injected. Shear slippage results in local redistribution of stresses, which allows a branching, or dendritic, stimulation pattern to evolve, in agreement with the patterns of microearthquakemore » locations. These results are qualitatively similar to the controversial process known as ''Kiel'' fracturing, in which sequential injections and shut-ins are repeated to create dendritic fractures for enhanced oil and gas recovery. However, we believe that the explanation is shear slippage of pre-existing joints and stress redistribution, not proppant bridging and fluid blocking as suggested by Kiel. 15 refs., 10 figs.« less
Leveraging the EU regulatory framework to improve a layered policy model for US telecommunications markets

Abstract What is the best way to overhaul the current telecommunications legislative framework in the United States? This is an ongoing debate among telecom policy analysts and many others affected by the legacy of regulatory compromises that govern US telecommunications (and related information and media) industry sectors. This paper compares a Layered Model for US telecommunications policy with the regulatory framework adopted by the European Union. Both approaches focus on service characteristics rather than underlying technological traits. 1 It becomes clear that the Layered Model could be adopted to move away from sector-specific regulation, and could successfully use conventional market analysis criteria.
Ecological effects and biomonitoring for mercury in tropical ecosystems

Considerable attention has been devoted to monitoring heavy metals in temperate zones of the world, largely due to the concentration of industries and populations in these regions. With increases in global transport of mercury, it has become important to examine the effects of mercury on components of tropical ecosystems, and to design biomonitoring schemes to assess environmental changes involving mercury. Tropical ecosystems differ from temperate ones in fundamental ways, including increased species diversity, and decreased niche width, spatial heterogeneity, food web lengths and complexity, productivity and soil laterization. Because of these differences, the fate and transport of mercury may differ in temperate and tropical systems, and it is suggested in this paper that bird feathers be used as a biomonitoring tool to assess broad-scale trends in mercury exposure, as well as being indicative of adverse effects on the birds themselves. In many ecosystems, some species of birds occupy top trophic levels. It is apparent that the mercury level in feathers of some tropical birds are as high as those from temperature regions, exceeding levels associated with adverse effects in laboratory studies.
Subharmonics in a series nonlinear circuit as influenced by initial capacitor charge

SERIES circuits containing a capacitance and nonlinear inductance have assumed considerable importance in modern engineering design. However, knowledge of the behavior of such circuits is extremely limited because of the inherent nonlinearity of the differential equations encountered.
1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D induces lipoprotein lipase expression in 3T3-L1 cells in association with adipocyte differentiation

1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25-(OH)2D3] is known to modulate the development of bone and other mesenchymal cell types. Since osteoblasts and adipocytes are thought to arise in bone marrow from a common progenitor, this work examined the effects of 1,25-(OH)2D3 on adipocyte development, and in particular on the expression of lipoprotein lipase (LPL), which is an early marker for the differentiated adipocyte. 3T3-L1 preadipocytes were cultured in the presence of 1,25-(OH)2D3 (10(-9) to 10(-7) M) for up to 7 days. LPL activity was measured in the medium and cell extracts, and LPL messenger RNA levels were measured by Northern blotting. When compared to control cells, 10(-7) M 1,25-(OH)2D3 increased medium LPL activity by 2- to 3-fold and cellular LPL by 1.5-fold. Significant increases in medium and cellular LPL were observed at 10(-9) M and were maximal at 10(-7) M. Along with the increase in LPL activity, there was an increase in LPL messenger RNA by 2-fold at 5 days, and by 5-fold at 7 days. In addition to...
Factors associated with differences in mortality and self-reported health across states in the United States.

Abstract Objective Recent studies indicate continuing health disparities across geographic units in the US. This paper provides updated estimates of the association between socioeconomic factors and population health using a new state-level dataset and panel econometric methods that account for state-specific effects and autoregressive error structure. Methods Data from multiple sources for the 50 US states and the District of Columbia are merged. The dependent variables are age-adjusted all-cause mortality, self-assessed health status, and number of healthy days. Panel econometric models are used to accommodate state-specific unobserved factors and to incorporate autoregressive random disturbances to provide consistent and robust estimates. Results A 1-unit increase in the number of physicians per 1000 population is associated with a reduction in mortality by 30/100,000. The effects of physician-to-population ratio on self-reported health measures are mixed. Socioeconomic, demographic, as well as the prevalence of smoking and obesity have varying effects on mortality and self-reported measures of health. Conclusions The new estimate of the association between physician supply and lower mortality suggests continuing efforts to assess the need for policies and incentives to induce physician labor supply in underserved states. Strategies and policies to reduce health disparities should address social, economic and individual risk factors.
A two-phase model of an intermediate temperature PEM fuel cell

Abstract A two-phase model of an intermediate temperature (120–200 °C) proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell is presented. This model is an improvement on our previous intermediate temperature models, in that it accounts for two phase effects due to gas solubility in the phosphoric acid/polybenzimidazole (PBI) electrolyte, and considers aqueous phase electrochemical reactions. The model accounts for all polarization and transport phenomena, and exhibits a good fit with experimental data in the temperature range (150–170 °C). Parametric results are also presented, to investigate the dependence of the fuel cell performance on membrane doping level, catalyst activity, and transport properties of dissolved gases in the electrolyte medium. Results indicate that significant transport limitations exist at both electrodes, where catalyst utilization is between 0.1% and 1%. Alternative doping agents to phosphoric acid are suggested, as well as the need for more advanced catalyst deposition techniques.
Cytochrome c in normal and hypertrophied heart.

THE high cytochrome c content of the heart reflects the striking capacity of this organ for oxidative phosphorylation1,2. In 1956, Biorck3 studied the concentration of cytochrome c in human hearts obtained at autopsy. He found that in children and adults the concentration of this haemoprotein in the left ventricle exceeded that in the corresponding right chamber except in two cases of pulmonary hypertension with right ventricular hypertrophy. It was suggested that the elevation of cytochrome c with right ventricular hypertrophy might reflect a metabolic response to increased work load. In the case of skeletal muscle, it was previously recognized that chronic exercise load is associated with increased respiratory enzyme activity per unit of muscle mass4. In order to confirm and extend the observations of Biorck in heart muscle, the present study compared left and right ventricular concentrations of cytochrome c under conditions of normal and abnormal changes in cardiac function. Foetal and newborn human hearts, which normally have right hypertrophy, and hypertrophied hearts with congenital lesions were studied. Normal hearts from foetal, newborn, and adult pigs were also utilized.
Kluyveromyces Fragilis as an opportunistic fungal pathogen in man

An immunosuppressed cardiac transplant patient with pulmonary infection due to the yeast Kluyveromyces fragilis is described. Isolation of this fungus from human sources is rarely reported, and previous reports of human infection are unavailable in the modern literature. The organism is poorly pathogenic even in immunocompromised hosts. In vitro susceptibility studies with several strains presented here indicate inhibition by 5-fluorocytosine and miconazole, and borderline susceptibility to amphotericin B. The patient was treated with amphotericin B, and recovered without sequelae.
Subcellular Level Optical Metabolic Imaging of Induced Pluoripotent Stem Cells using Endogenous Fluorophore

In this work we show label-free metabolic imaging of induced pluoripotent stem (iPS) cell delineating regions of different metabolic activity at subcellular level. iPS cells, which are derived from adult somatic cells (skin fibroblast in this case) by nuclear reprogramming, possess pluoripotency. Hence, these cells offer a unique platform for stem cell research, drug discovery and testing, disease treatment development and toxicological screening. The phasor approach was applied to endogenous NADH fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) to map free to bound NADH ratio distribution within single cells. The FLIM phasor distribution shows a clear difference between metabolic states of the nucleus and cytoplasmic regions. The nuclei had a larger fraction of free NADH indicated by a distribution shifted more toward the shorter lifetime as compared to the phasor distribution of the cytoplasm. Also within the nucleus, two distinct lifetime distributions were observed with the perinuclear region having more bound fraction of NADH and an abundance of free NADH in the central nucleolus region. A similar observation was reported in myoblasts [Microscopy research and technique,75(12),1717-22,(2012)]. Furthermore, within the cytoplasm there are some regions with more bound NADH. This could be due to presence of more protein bound NADH within the mitochondria. The phasor analysis also revealed a unique long lifetime distribution which arose from small granular like structures within the iPS cells. These areas also had higher intensities compared to rest of the cells. This could be liquid droplet-associated granules (LDAGs) which were previously observed by Stringari et al [Journal of biomedical optics 17(4),046012,(2012)] in embryonic stem cell. Hence, we show mapping of metabolic activity of iPS cells at subcellular resolution employing a non-invasive, label-free, optical microscopy technique.Work supported in part by NIH grants P50GM076516, P41GM103540 and UH2TR000481-0.
The contribution of initiation behaviors to dating frequency

Heterosexual social competence is an important concern in our society and a relevant target behavior in the treatment of clinical disorders. A four-stage model of social relationships is presented, consisting of initiation, development, maintenance, and termination. The present study used the known groups method to compare the initiation skills of high and low frequency male and female daters who lived on or off campus. Factor analysis of the 31 dependent variables (taken from role playing, questionnaire, and self-monitoring) revealed three factors related to initiation. High frequency daters performed better than low frequency daters on general initiation skills and social exposure, Factors 1 and 2. Most likely, methodological artifacts failed to produce this differentiation on Factor 3, appearance. Campus living seemed to produce more social exposure. Initiation skills were as important for females as for males (when females lived off campus). The results indicate that initiation and social exposure should be included in the assessment and treatment of heterosocial incompetence.
Phytopathogens as Biocontrols for Aquatic Weeds

Abstract Phytopathogens have characteristics that make them desirable candidates as biological control agents for aquatic weeds: 1. numerous and highly diverse, 2. easily disseminated and self-maintaining, 3. often host-specific, 4. non-pathogenic to animals and 5. capable of limiting populations without eliminating the species. Phytopathogens have been little investigated for the biological control of water weeds. Recent efforts have revealed several diseases with the potential for exerting a degree of control over populations of water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes), hydrilla (Hydrilla verticillata) and alligator-weed, (Alternanthera philoxeroides). These include a blight and leafspot of water hyacinth caused by Rhizoctonia solani and Cephalosporium zonatum respectively, a root and crown rot of water hyacinth of unknown cause, a virus-induced stunt of alligator-weed, a Penicillium lysogenic to hydrilla and a pythium-induced blight of hydrilla.
Cell Inquiry: A 5e Learning Cycle Lesson

One dilemma science teachers face every day is balancing the content demands of state and federal testing requirements while providing opportunities for inquiry. Using the 5E learning cycle is a realistic, constructivist way to address this dilemma. The 5E learning cycle leads students through a sequence of learning in which they become engaged in a topic, explore that topic, are given an explanation for their experiences, elaborate on their learning, and are evaluated. This article outlines a 5E learning cycle introducing middle/high school students to the cell.
Crystal Structure of Toxoplasma gondii Hypoxanthine-Guanine Phosphoribosyltransferase with XMP, Pyrophosphate, and Two Mg2+ Ions Bound: Insights into the Catalytic Mechanism†,‡

The crystal structure of the Toxoplasma gondii hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (HGPRT)−xanthosine 5‘-monophosphate (XMP)−pyrophosphate−Mg2+ ternary complex has been determined at 1.60 A resolution. This biproduct, post-transition state structure is of a T. gondii HGPRT mutant (Asp150Ala or D150A). The D150A mutant has reduced activity (kcat lower by 11-, 296-, and 8.6-fold for hypoxanthine, guanine, and xanthine, respectively) compared to wild-type T. gondii HGPRT. The Michaelis constants for purine bases are altered only slightly, whereas those for α-d-5-phosphoribosyl 1-pyrophosphate (PRPP) are lower by ∼6.5-fold. The ternary complex crystallizes in space group C2221 (a = 55.21 A, b = 112.25 A, and c = 144.28 A) with two subunits in the asymmetric unit; the HGPRT tetramer is completed by the application of 2-fold crystallographic symmetry. All active sites contain XMP {bound in a fashion similar to that of the guanosine 5‘-monophosphate (GMP) and inosine 5‘-monophosphate (IMP) complexes r...
Synthesis and in vitro evaluation of a rhenium-cyclized somatostatin derivative series.

The structure–activity relationships of a series of rhenium (Re)-cyclized octreotide derivatives are described. The effects of changes in the peptide sequence, N-terminus, and C-terminus on metal cyclization, as well as binding to the somatostatin receptor, were investigated. Each peptide complex was found to have an integrated Re(V) core with a single metal oxo group, two coordination sites filled by the cysteine sulfhydryls, and another by the amide nitrogen of Phe3/Tyr3. The final coordination site was determined by the peptide N-terminus: the N-terminal amine coordinated for N-NH2 peptides and the amide nitrogen of Thr6 for peptides with acetylated N-termini. Re-cyclization of the octreotide derivatives led to structural perturbations of the somatostatin receptor-binding sequence relative to the Re−free disulfide analogues, resulting in reduced binding affinities. The findings presented herein demonstrate the importance of understanding the consequences of structural modifications when designing metal...
Development of a statewide collaborative to decrease NICU central line-associated bloodstream infections

To characterize hospital-acquired bloodstream infection rates among New York State's 19 regional referral NICUs (at regional perinatal centers; RPCs) and develop strategies to promote best practices to reduce central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs). During 2006 and 2007, RPC NICUs reported bloodstream infections, patient-days and central line-days to the Department of Health, and shared their results. Aiming to improve, participants created a central line-care bundle based on visiting a potentially best performing NICU and reviewing the literature. All 19 RPCs participated in this quality initiative, contributing 218 096 patient-days and 56 911 central line-days of observation. Individual RPC nosocomial sepsis infection (NI) rates ranged from 1.0 to 5.8 NIs per 1000 patient-days (2006), and CLABSI rates ranged from 2.6 to 15.1 CLABSIs per 1000 central line-days (2007). A six-fold rate variation among RPC NICUs was observed. Participants unanimously approved a level-1 evidence-based central line-care bundle. Individual RPC rates and consequent morbidity and resource use attributable to these infections were substantial and varied greatly. No center was without infections. It is hoped that the cooperation and accountability exhibited by the RPCs will result in a major network for characterizing performance and improving outcomes.
Root Size and Depth Distributions for Three Species of Submersed Aquatic Plants Grown Alone or in Mixtures: Evidence for Nutrient Competition

ABSTRACT We hypothesized that if aquatic plants were competing for nutrients then the spatial distribution and sizes of roots should change when competitors were present. Stukenia pectinatus, Potamogeton nodosus, and Hydrilla verticillata (monoecious type) were grown in either monocultures or mixtures in polyvinylchloride containers. Four 5 cm diameter minirhizotrons were mounted horizontally across the containers so that they were 2.5, 12.5, 22.5, or 32.5 cm below the surface of the sediment, and we inserted a specialized video camera in each minirhizotron tube and recorded root images at 21 locations in each tube. For two of three cases, adding plants of another species changed the root depth distribution and increased the volume of soil occupied by roots compared to monocultures. Additionally, smaller diameter roots were more abundant when competitors were present. This implies that the plants adjusted to the presence of competitors by producing more roots capable of nutrient uptake. These results impl...
Automatic scoring of short handwritten essays in reading comprehension tests

Reading comprehension is largely tested in schools using handwritten responses. The paper describes computational methods of scoring such responses using handwriting recognition and automatic essay scoring technologies. The goal is to assign to each handwritten response a score which is comparable to that of a human scorer even though machine handwriting recognition methods have high transcription error rates. The approaches are based on coupling methods of document image analysis and recognition together with those of automated essay scoring. Document image-level operations include: removal of pre-printed matter, segmentation of handwritten text lines and extraction of words. Handwriting recognition is based on a fusion of analytic and holistic methods together with contextual processing based on trigrams. The lexicons to recognize handwritten words are derived from the reading passage, the testing prompt, answer rubric and student responses. Recognition methods utilize children's handwriting styles. Heuristics derived from reading comprehension research are employed to obtain additional scoring features. Results with two methods of essay scoring-both of which are based on learning from a human-scored set-are described. The first is based on latent semantic analysis (LSA), which requires a reasonable level of handwriting recognition performance. The second uses an artificial neural network (ANN) which is based on features extracted from the handwriting image. LSA requires the use of a large lexicon for recognizing the entire response whereas ANN only requires a small lexicon to populate its features thereby making it practical with current word recognition technology. A test-bed of essays written in response to prompts in statewide reading comprehension tests and scored by humans is used to train and evaluate the methods. End-to-end performance results are not far from automatic scoring based on perfect manual transcription, thereby demonstrating that handwritten essay scoring has practical potential.
The Achievement Gap: Past, Present & Future

The achievement gap between blacks and whites owes nothing to genetics. It is not solely due to discrimination or social-class differences between blacks and whites. It is due in good part to environmental differences between blacks and whites stemming from family, neighborhood, and school socialization factors that are present even for middle-class blacks. The gap is closing slowly, but it could be closed much more rapidly, with interventions both large and small. Preschool programs exist that can produce enormous differences in outcomes in school and in later life. Elementary schools where children spend much more time in contact with the school, and which include upper-middle-class experiences such as visits to museums and dramatic productions, have a major impact on poor black children's academic achievement. Simply convincing black children that their intellectual skills are under their control can have a marked impact.
The multifacet graphically contracted function method. II. A general procedure for the parameterization of orthogonal matrices and its application to arc factors.

Practical algorithms are presented for the parameterization of orthogonal matrices Q ∈ R m×n in terms of the minimal number of essential parameters {φ}. Both square n = m and rectangular n < m situations are examined. Two separate kinds of parameterizations are considered, one in which the individual columns of Q are distinct, and the other in which only Span(Q) is significant. The latter is relevant to chemical applications such as the representation of the arc factors in the multifacet graphically contracted function method and the representation of orbital coefficients in SCF and DFT methods. The parameterizations are represented formally using products of elementary Householder reflector matrices. Standard mathematical libraries, such as LAPACK, may be used to perform the basic low-level factorization, reduction, and other algebraic operations. Some care must be taken with the choice of phase factors in order to ensure stability and continuity. The transformation of gradient arrays between the Q and {φ} parameterizations is also considered. Operation counts for all factorizations and transformations are determined. Numerical results are presented which demonstrate the robustness, stability, and accuracy of these algorithms.
Bacterial growth and losses due to bacterivory in a mesotrophic lake

Abstract. Bacterial secondary production and rates of bacterivory were determined from samplescollected from mesotrophic Lake Arlington. Bacterial production and losses were determined bycomparing the growth of natural bacterial assemblages in the presence of predators (unfilteredsamples) to growth in the absence of predators (water filtered through 1.0 (im porosity filters).Growth rates of heterotrophic nanoflagellates (HNF) were estimated from growth in the absence ofpredators (water filtered through 5.0 u.m porosity filters). Bacterial growth rates ranged between0.002 and 0.069 h~\ and averaged 0.026 h" 1 . HNF grew at rates ranging between 0.003 and 0.107h~\ and averaged 0.028 h~\ Grazing rates ranged between 0.002 and 0.043 h" 1 , and averaged 0.018h" 1 . The annual average rate of bacterial biomass synthesis was 3.2 jtg C P' h" 1 and ~69% of thisproduction was grazed. Temporal changes in growth and grazing rates suggest a tightly coupledpredator-prey linkage in this lake.
The intraocular pressure and the pupillary responses of conscious rabbits to racemic erythro-α-methylnorepinephrine

Abstract The intraocular pressure and the pupillary responses in conscious rabbits to racemic erythro -α-methylnorepinephrine (αMeNE) have been investigated and its activity compared to l -norepinephrine (NE). Aqueous solutions of αMeNE applied topically caused dose-dependent decreases of intraocular pressure and of pupil dilatation. The maximal intraocular pressure response to αMeNE exceeded that to NE, and the sensitivity of the intraocular pressure response exceeded that to NE by 10–20 times. The onset of the decrease in intraocular pressure to αMeNE was rapid and contrasted to the slow onset of the intraocular hypotensive response to NE. Preganglionic cervical sympathotomy did not affect the intraocular pressure and the pupillary responses to either αMeNE or NE. Superior cervical ganglionectomy induced supersensitivity to NE but not to αMeNE. Studies using α 1 , α 2 , and β adrenoceptor antagonists indicated that the intraocular pressure responses to αMeNE were mediated primarily by α 2 and β adrenoceptors whereas the responses to NE were mediated primarily by α 1 adrenoceptors. The observations are discussed in the light of recent data of the affinities of αMeNE and NE to α 1 , α 2 , and β adrenoceptors. The high potency of αMeNE compared to NE in decreasing intraocular pressure and in dilating the pupil does not correlate with their binding affinities to α and β adrenoceptors. The observations support an alternative explanation that the differences in the potencies of αMeNE and NE are due to differences in rates of inactivation of the two compounds in the adrenergic neurone.
Systematics of Snail-Killing Flies of the Genus Elgiva in North America and Biology of E. divisa (Diptera: Sciomyzidae)

The classification of snail-killing flies of Elgiva Meigen in North America is revised. Described here and added to the two recorded North American species, E. connexa Steyskal and E. solicita (Harris), are two new species, E. elegans Orth & Knutson and E. pacnowesa Orth & Knutson. Elgiva divisa (Loew), known from Europe and Siberia, is recorded for the first time from North America. Included are illustrations of male genitalia and Nearctic distribution maps for all species. The life cycle of E. divisa , a predator of freshwater snails, is described, based on rearings in Sweden.
Depolarization-activated gating pore current conducted by mutant sodium channels in potassium-sensitive normokalemic periodic paralysis

Some inherited periodic paralyses are caused by mutations in skeletal muscle NaV1.4 sodium channels that alter channel gating and impair action potential generation. In the case of hypokalemic periodic paralysis, mutations of one of the outermost two gating charges in the S4 voltage sensor in domain II of the NaV1.4 α subunit induce gating pore current, resulting in a leak of sodium or protons through the voltage sensor that causes depolarization, sodium overload, and contractile failure correlated with low serum potassium. Potassium-sensitive normokalemic periodic paralysis (NormoPP) is caused by mutations in the third gating charge in domain II of the NaV1.4 channel. Here, we report that these mutations in rat NaV1.4 (R669Q/G/W) cause gating pore current that is activated by depolarization and therefore is conducted in the activated state of the voltage sensor. In addition, we find that this gating pore current is retained in the slow-inactivated state and is deactivated only at hyperpolarized membrane potentials. Gating pore current through the mutant voltage sensor of slow-inactivated NormoPP channels would cause increased sodium influx at the resting membrane potential and during trains of action potentials, depolarize muscle fibers, and lead to contractile failure and cellular pathology in NormoPP.
Prediction of fly ash size and chemical composition distributions: The random coalescence model

In the course of combustion of pulverized coal, the coal minerals partially coalesce to form fly ash upon the complete burnout of the combustible matter. The probability of a fly ash particle impacting an obstacle in the flow e.g. heat exchange surface, depends largely on its size, and its retention in a deposit upon the chemical composition. The Random Coalescence Model (RCM) is an essential part of an overall model that follows the coal mineral matter transformation to deposit formation. Computer Controlled Scanning Electron Microscopy (CCSEM) of the size and chemical composition distributions of the mineral inclusions in the coal and analysis of the ion-exchangeable minerals form the inputs to the RCM calculations. A coal char combustion model provides limits for the coalescence of mineral inclusions as the char surface recedes during combustion. The calculation proceeds through steps determining the most probable values for the coal mineral size and chemical composition and the mean values and variants of the resultant fly ash size and chemical composition distributions. Experiments carried out with a Wyoming lignite in the pilot scale MIT Combustion Research Facility gave good agreement with results of the RCM calculations predicting the fly ash size and chemical composition distributions when CCSEM data of the coal minerals were used as input to the model.
Plasmodium berghei calcium dependent protein kinase 1 is not required for host cell invasion.

Plasmodium Calcium Dependent Protein Kinase (CDPK1) is required for the development of sexual stages in the mosquito. In addition, it is proposed to play an essential role in the parasite’s invasive stages possibly through the regulation of the actinomyosin motor and micronemal secretion. We demonstrate that Plasmodium berghei CDPK1 is dispensable in the parasite’s erythrocytic and pre-erythrocytic stages. We successfully disrupted P. berghei CDPK1 (PbCDPK1) by homologous recombination. The recovery of erythrocytic stage parasites lacking PbCDPK1 (PbCDPK1-) demonstrated that PbCDPK1 is not essential for erythrocytic invasion or intra-erythrocytic development. To study PbCDPK1’s role in sporozoites and liver stage parasites, we generated a conditional mutant (CDPK1 cKO). Phenotypic characterization of CDPK1 cKO sporozoites demonstrated that CDPK1 is redundant or dispensable for the invasion of mammalian hepatocytes, the egress of parasites from infected hepatocytes and through the subsequent erythrocytic cycle. We conclude that P. berghei CDPK1 plays an essential role only in the mosquito sexual stages.
Selection and application of SSR markers for variety discrimination, genetic similarity and relation analysis in gerbera (Gerbera hybrida)

Abstract Gerbera is one of the most important floricultural crops worldwide, yet few robust and informative molecular markers were available for use in gerbera breeding and genetic studies. Previously we reported the first set of 99 EST-SSR markers. This study further characterized these markers using a much larger group of gerbera accessions and selected 53 robust, informative markers. The selected markers each amplified two to seven alleles, their PIC value ranged from 0.207 to 0.771, observed heterozygosity from 0.100 to 0.775, and expected heterozygosity from 0.224 to 0.801. Observed heterozygosity varied considerably among gerberas, ranging from 0.245 to 0.615. Similar levels of genetic diversity (observed and expected heterozygosity and Shannon's index) were observed among groups of gerberas for different uses (breeding lines, cut flower, seed-propagated pot-type, and tissue culture-propagated pot-type). The selected markers unequivocally differentiated all gerberas in the study, including six pairs of highly similar varieties that were indistinguishable morphologically. The great majority of the 861 pairwise comparisons among the 40 gerbera accessions showed a Jaccard similarity coefficient between 0.290 and 0.700 and a few pairs between 0.800 and 0.970. The UPGMA dendrogram based on similarity coefficients and population inference analysis with STRUCTURE separated the gerbera accessions into two major clusters that largely correspond to breeding approaches and/or propagation methods. These results showed that the selected markers were very powerful for discriminating gerberas and revealed genetic structures in cultivated gerberas. Application of these markers may also facilitate assessment of clonal fidelity and future DUS tests in gerberas.
Directed transposon Tn5 mutagenesis and complementation analysis of rhizobium meliloti symbiotic nitrogen fixation genes

Abstract An 18 kb region adjacent to and surrounding the genes for nitrogenase ( nif ) was cloned from the genome of the symbiotic nitrogen-fixing species Rhizobium meliloti. A total of 31 Tn5 insertions in the nif region were constructed and assayed for their effect on symbiotic nitrogen fixation (Fix phenotype). Fix − insertions were found in two clusters, one 6.3 kb and a second at least 5.0 kb, separated by a 1.6 kb region not containing essential symbiotic genes. The locations of at least three transcription units containing Fix genes were deduced from complementation analysis between genomic nif ::Tn5 insertions and nif ::Tn5 insertions on mobilizable cloning vectors. The locations of R. meliloti genes nifH, nifD and nifK , which code for the single subunit of the nitrogenase Fe protein and for the two subunits of the nitrogenase MoFe protein respectively, were determined by DNA hybridization to cloned Klebsiella pneumoniae nif genes and by comparison of partial R. meliloti DNA sequences with K. pneumoniae nif gene sequences. R. meliloti nifH, D and K are located in the 6.3 kb Fix − ::Tn5 cluster and are transcribed in the order nifH, nifD, nifK , which is the same order as in K. pneumoniae.
Aldosterone does not mediate angiotensin II-induced atherosclerosis and abdominal aortic aneurysms

We have demonstrated previously that infusion of angiotensin II (AngII) into hyperlipidemic mice augments atherosclerosis and results in the formation of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA). The purpose of this study was to determine the role of aldosterone in these AngII-induced vascular pathologies. Male apolipoprotein E-/- (apoE) mice were infused with either vehicle or aldosterone (50 or 200 ng kg(-1) min(-1)). Arterial blood pressure was determined throughout the study and serum lipid concentrations and vascular pathology were quantified after 28 days of infusion. Infusion of aldosterone did not influence body weight or serum cholesterol concentrations. Kidney weight was increased dose-dependently by aldosterone infusion. Systolic blood pressure was not significantly altered by aldosterone. Plasma aldosterone concentrations were increased dose-dependently by infusion of aldosterone. However, there was no effect of aldosterone on the extent of atherosclerosis and AAAs were not formed. Implantation of pellets containing spironolactone (16 mg kg(-1) day(-1)) in AngII-infused apoE-/- mice (1000 ng kg(-1) min(-1)) had no effect on AngII-induced elevations in blood pressure. Plasma aldosterone concentration was not influenced by coadministration of spironolactone with AngII. Spironolactone administration did not influence the extent of atherosclerosis. Moreover, spironolactone had no significant effect on AngII-induced AAA (incidence of AAA formation: 80 versus 70% for vehicle versus spironolactone, respectively; not significant). These studies demonstrate that the AngII-induced vascular pathologies of atherosclerosis and AAA formation are not mediated through aldosterone.
An A/G polymorphism in the promoter of mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH2): effects of the sequence variant on transcription factor binding and promoter strength.

Introduction: The strong protective effect of the ALDH2*2 mutation on risk of alcoholism suggests that other mutations that reduce mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) activity in the liver might also deter drinking. This study describes a polymorphic locus found in the promoter of the ALDH2 gene that affects expression of reporter constructs. Method: Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based sequencing was used to search for polymorphisms. The ability of the promoter variants to bind transcription factors apolipoprotein A regulatory protein 1 (ARP-1) and chicken ovalbumin upstream promoter-transcription factor (COUP-TF) was tested in gel retardation assays using in vitro synthesized transcription factors. The variant promoters were tested for transcriptional activity using a heterologous promoter system and transient transfection assays. Result: A common polymorphism (A or G) in the human ALDH2 promoter region was found at -361 base pair (bp) from the translation start site. This polymorphism was found at different frequencies in African Americans, Caucasians, and Asians. The polymorphism occurs adjacent to the core binding motif for the transcription factors COUP-TF and ARP-1. Competition and binding affinity determinations did not show differences in the ability of these two sequences to bind the factors. Reporter genes containing these elements upstream of a basal thymidine kinase promoter had similar activity when transfected into a fibroblast (CV-1) cell line. However, the reporter containing the G allele was more active than that containing the A allele in hepatoma (H4IIEC3) cells. Conclusions: The -361 bp A/G polymorphism is common in all racial groups tested. The G allele was more active than the A allele in a transfection assay. The basis for this difference is not known. If the differences in activity of the promoter constructs were paralleled by differences in ALDH2 enzyme activity in the liver, this polymorphism could affect risk of alcoholism.
Click assembly of magnetic nanovectors for gene delivery

Functionalization of iron oxide nanoparticles with quaternary ammonium ion-based aminooxy and oxime ether substrates provides a flexible route for generating magnetic gene delivery vectors. Using the MCF-7 breast cancer cell line, our findings show that pDNA magnetoplexes derived from the lipid-coated nanoparticle formulation dMLP transfect in the presence of 10% serum with or without magnetic assistance at significantly higher levels than a commonly used cationic liposome formulation, based on luciferase assay. The present ion-pairing, click chemistry approach furnishes Fe(3)O(4) nanoparticles with lipid layers. The resultant magnetic nanovectors serve as transfection enhancers for otherwise transfection-inactive materials.
The effect of adiabatic deceleration on the cosmic ray spectrum in the solar system.

Adiabatic deceleration effect on cosmic ray spectrum, noting particle momentum and energy change, diffusion coefficient independent of energy, etc
Cell–Cell Junctional Proteins in Cardiovascular Mechanotransduction

Cell–cell junctional proteins play important structural and functional roles in several physiological systems. Recent studies have illuminated key aspects in the relationship of junctional proteins with normal cell and tissue function as well as various pathologies. In this review article, the roles of cell–cell junctional proteins will be presented in four classes: adherens junctions, desmosomes, gap junctions, and tight junctions, and discussed primarily in the context of cardiovascular cell and tissue physiology and pathophysiology. The functions of the proteins are described from the perspective of mechanotransductive regulation of physiological and disease processes, with focus being laid on more biomechanical aspects, such as cell adhesion, migration, and mechanosignaling.
The New Scholarship on Women

Biklen, S.K., & Dwyer, C. (Eds.). (1986). The new scholarship on women in education [Special issue]. Educational Researcher, 15(6). McHugh, M.C., Koeske, R.D., & Frieze, I.H. (1986). Issues to consider in conducting nonsexist psychological research. American Psychologist, 41, 879–890.
Contribution of the rate of change of antimüllerian hormone in estimating time to menopause for late reproductive-age women

Objective To determine the rate of change of antimullerian hormone (AMH) level in the late reproductive years and its associations with time to menopause (TTM). We hypothesized that the rate of change between two measures of AMH reflects follicular atresia and varies among women independent of age. Design A14-year follow-up. Setting A randomly identified, population-based cohort (Penn Ovarian Aging Study). Patient(s) Two measures of AMH were evaluated in survival analysis of 293 women. Intervention(s) None. Main Outcome Measure(s) Time to menopause. Result(s) The rate of AMH change was a strong independent predictor of TTM in multivariable analysis after adjusting for AMH baseline, age, and smoking (hazard ratio for 1 SD change=1.82, 95% confidence interval 1.56–2.14). Among women with similar AMH levels, TTM differed by approximately 2 years when compared between a slow and fast rate of AMH change. A significant interaction of AMH rate of change and age indicated that a faster decrease in AMH level was associated with an increased risk of menopause in women aged 35–39 years (hazard ratio 6.97, 95% confidence interval 3.81–12.72), with less dramatic but significant associations in women aged 40–44 and 45–48 years. Conclusion(s) The AMH rate of change was independently associated with TTM in late reproductive-age women and increased the precision of estimates of TTM when included with an AMH baseline level and age. The rate of AMH change may be a more direct surrogate than age and increases the precision of estimates of TTM during this clinically important time period.