cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Invasive garlic mustard demonstrates stronger relationships with pathotrophic than mycorrhizal fungi

Garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata) has long been known to degrade mycorrhizal mutualisms in soils it invades and may also promote the abundance of microbial pathogens harmful to native plants or alter saprotrophic communities to disrupt nutrient cycling. Phenology of other invasive species, like Lepidium latifolium and Lonicera maackii, plays a role in their interactions with soil microbial communities, and so we may expect garlic mustard phenology to influence its effects on native soil microbiomes as well. Here, we investigate differences in fungal, bacterial, and archaeal community structure, as well as the abundance of key functional groups, between garlic mustard present, absent, and removed treatments in central-Illinois forest soils across different stages of the garlic mustard life cycle. Across its phenology, garlic mustard present soils had different overall fungal community structure and greater abundance of pathotrophic fungi than soils where garlic mustard was absent or removed. However, abundance of ectomycorrhizal and saprotrophic fungi as well as bacterial and archaeal community structure were similar between treatments and did not interact with garlic mustard phenology. The most abundant overall fungal taxon was a plant pathogen, Entorrhiza aschersoniana, that was greatest in garlic mustard present soils, particularly while the plants were flowering. These results support the hypothesis that invasive plants form active relationships with microbial pathogens that could contribute to their overall success in invading ecosystems.
Multimodality Imaging of Pleuropulmonary Blastoma: Pearls, Pitfalls, and Differential Diagnosis

Pleuropulmonary blastomas are rare, potentially aggressive embryonal cancers of the lung parenchyma and pleural surfaces that account for 0.25%-0.5% of primary pulmonary malignancies in children. Pleuropulmonary blastomas are classified as cystic (type I), mixed cystic and solid (type II), and solid (type III). Pleuropulmonary blastoma occurs in the same age group (0-6 years) as other more common solid tumors such as neuroblastoma and Wilms tumor. Differential diagnosis includes metastasis from Wilms tumor and macrocystic congenital pulmonary airway malformation (CPAM). A key pathologic and genetic discriminator is the DICER1 germline mutation found in patients with pleuropulmonary blastoma. Imaging, histopathologic, and clinical data are important to use in conjunction in order to determine the diagnosis and risk stratification of pleuropulmonary blastomas. Survival varies from poor to good, depending on type. However, the spectrum of pleuropulmonary blastoma is insufficiently understood due to the variable presentation of this rare disease. We present a current review of the literature regarding pleuropulmonary blastomas in this article.
The Tunica Vaginalis Flap as an Adjunct to Epispadias Repair: A Preliminary Report.

Objective To report our preliminary institutional experience of incorporating a tunica vaginalis flap (TVF) as an adjunct into primary or secondary epispadias repair. Patients and Methods A prospectively maintained institutionally approved database of exstrophy-epispadias complex patients was used to identify and retrospectively review male patients who underwent epispadias repair from September 2010 to October 2014 at the authors' institution. Patients who underwent epispadias repair with TVF were identified and their clinical outcomes were measured. Results A total of 49 male patients were identified as meeting inclusion criteria, of which 15 (2 isolated epispadias, 13 classic bladder exstrophy) underwent epispadias repair incorporating a TVF. Median age at time of repair was 12 months (interquartile range [IQR] 10-15.5). A median of 4 layers (IQR 4-5) was incorporated into each repair closure, applying EVICEL Fibrin Sealant as an additional layer in all patients. All patients received preoperative testosterone injection therapy of 2 mg/kg 5 and 2 weeks before surgery for penile growth. There were no intraoperative complications. Median follow-up of 19 months (IQR 12-23) revealed 5 patients who underwent epispadias revision, 3 (20%) of which developed a urethrocutaneous fistula. All patients had a successful repair without recurrence. Conclusion The authors have found the utilization of a TVF with epispadias repairs to be beneficial but no better than the repair with our routine soft-tissue coverage in primary epispadias repair. However, in patients presenting with complex anatomy and limited tissue reserves, a TVF is an important adjunct to epispadias repair and/or revision and may lead to improved outcomes.
Hierarchical Decision Lists for Word Sense Disambiguation

This paper describes a supervised algorithm for word sensedisambiguation based on hierarchies of decision lists. This algorithmsupports a useful degree of conditional branching while minimizing thetraining data fragmentation typical of decision trees. Classificationsare based on a rich set of collocational, morphological and syntacticcontextual features, extracted automatically from training data andweighted sensitive to the nature of the feature and feature class. Thealgorithm is evaluated comprehensively in the SENSEVAL framework,achieving the top performance of all participating supervised systems onthe 36 test words where training data is available.
Property: Legal Aspects of Intergenerational Transmission

Inheritance is a legal and customary institution that not only is universal but also has been so for centuries. This article discusses both historical and current differences in the transmission of wealth between generations, as well as the relative importance of these differences. It also analyzes future trends in the transmission of property between generations and considers possible changes to the current legal regimes.
Mach’s Principle and Propulsion: Experimental Results

Mass fluctuations that arise from Mach effects when objects that can store internal energy are accelerated and their application to the production of propellantless thrusts are briefly reviewed. Follow‐on experimental work to that reported at STAIF 2004, 2005, and 2006 is described. In particular, thrusts in “flux capacitors” made with high voltage disk capacitors wound with coils that produce a magnetic flux therein were sought. An effect of the sort expected continues to be observed. And it displays scaling behavior distinctive to the presence of Mach effects. Various tests for the genuineness of the observed thrusts are described and discussed. The observed effect suggests that the objective of this work, useful propellantless propulsion, may be achievable. And if Mach effects do indeed exist, then generation of significant quantities of “exotic” [negative mass] matter may be possible making the generation of traversable wormholes feasible.
The Impact of the Revenue Reconciliation Act of 1993 on the Pricing Structure of Equity REITs

Tax legislation included in the Revenue Reconciliation Act of 1993 made large-scale investments in equity real estate investment trusts (REITs) more desirable to institutional investors. Other studies have observed an increased level of institutional ownership in REITs during the timeframe following passage of the act. Based on an analysis of equity REITs before and after passage of the Act, the present study finds that its passage coincided with a significant change in the role of unsystematic risk in the pricing of equity REITs.
A study of issues relating to traffic restoration in wide area communication networks

In this paper, we compare two different criteria for the traffic restoration process at a node in a wide area communication network. The issue of the timing of the reconnection is compared with the issue of ordering the virtual circuits that need reconnection. In the first scheme, an algorithm is developed to minimize the amount of time the network is congested while the latter scheme tries to minimize the probability of blocking of calls during the reconnection process. The feasibility of implementing both these schemes simultaneously in a network is studied. >
Infarct Volume Predicts Delayed Recovery in Patients with Subarachnoid Hemorrhage and Severe Neurological Deficits

Background Recovery is common after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), even in patients who are severely disabled at hospital discharge. Little is known about predictors of late recovery in such patients, even though such knowledge may influence treatment decisions. We hypothesized that cerebral infarction volume would be associated with 3 months outcomes in patients who are severely disabled at 14 days.
Nuclear oscillations and nuclear filament formation accompany single-strand annealing repair of a dicentric chromosome in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Dicentric chromosomes undergo breakage during mitosis as a result of the attachment of two centromeres on one sister chromatid to opposite spindle poles. Studies utilizing a conditional dicentric chromosome III in Saccharomyces cerevisiae have shown that dicentric chromosome repair occurs primarily by deletion of one centromere via a RAD52-dependent recombination pathway. We report that dicentric chromosome resolution requires RAD1, a gene involved in the single-strand annealing DNA repair pathway. We additionally show that single-strand annealing repair of a dicentric chromosome can occur in the absence of RAD52. RAD52-independent repair requires the adaptation-defective cdc5-ad allele of the yeast polo kinase and the DNA damage checkpoint gene RAD9. Dicentric chromosome breakage in cdc5-ad rad52 mutant cells is associated with a prolonged mitotic arrest, during which nuclei undergo microtubule-dependent oscillations, accompanied by dynamic changes in nuclear morphology. We further demonstrate that the frequency of spontaneous direct repeat recombination is suppressed in yeast cells treated with benomyl, a drug that perturbs microtubules. Our findings indicate that microtubule-dependent processes facilitate recombination.
Expression and distribution of messenger ribonucleic acids for growth hormone (GH) receptor and GH-binding protein in mice during pregnancy

The GH-binding protein (GHBP) in rodents consists of a ligand-binding domain, which is identical to the extracellular portion of the GH receptor (GHR), and a hydrophilic carboxyl-terminal domain, in place of the transmembrane and intracellular domains of the GHR. The two proteins are encoded by separate messenger RNAs (mRNAs), which are believed to be derived from a single gene by alternative splicing. In the present study, we report the gestational profiles of mouse GHR (mGHR) and mGHBP mRNAs in adipose tissue, brain, heart, kidney, liver, lung, mammary gland, muscle, ovary, and pituitary and describe the ontogeny of both messages in the liver of late gestational fetuses and newborns. A ribonuclease protection assay was used to simultaneously detect the two transcripts with an antisense RNA probe complementary to the extracellular domain- and hydrophilic tail-encoding regions of the mRNAs. Levels of hepatic GHR and GHBP mRNAs increased with fetal age. In the maternal liver, the abundance of both messages...
Cloning and Characterization of a Novel Matrix Metalloproteinase (MMP), CMMP, from Chicken Embryo Fibroblasts CMMP, XENOPUS XMMP, AND HUMAN MMP19 HAVE A CONSERVED UNIQUE CYSTEINE IN THE CATALYTIC DOMAIN

We cloned a novel matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) called CMMP from cultured primary chicken embryo fibroblasts. The cDNA-derived CMMP sequence contains 472 amino acids including a putative 19-residue signal peptide and a unique cysteine in the catalytic domain, an insertion in a sequence motif that binds the structural (noncatalytic) zinc of MMPs. Strikingly, a homologously inserted cysteine is also found in Xenopus XMMP and human MMP19, two recently cloned novel members of the MMP family. Phylogenetic analysis suggest that XMMP and MMP19 represent founding members of the MMP family, whereas CMMP is related to collagenase MMPs. Bacterially produced recombinant CMMP (without the amino-terminal inhibition domain), which was autoproteolyzed at the carboxyl-terminal domain, digested casein and gelatin. As shown by Northern blotting, CMMP mRNA of 1.8 kilobase pairs was constitutively expressed in cultured primary chicken embryo fibroblasts and up-regulated by tumor necrosis factor-α and the phorbol ester 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate, but it was not regulated by interleukin-1, basic fibroblast growth factor, or retinoic acid. CMMP mRNA of 1.8 kb was also detected in the head and body of 8-day-old chicken embryos and dramatically up-regulated in 9-day-old embryos.
Noninvasive monitoring of estrogen effects against ischemic stroke in rats by near-infrared spectroscopy

The aim of this study was to assess hemodynamic changes by near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) during acute focal cerebral ischemia and reperfusion. The study also has evaluated the therapeutic effects of estrogen against vascular dysfunction. Focal cerebral ischemia was induced in nine bilaterally ovariectomized rats, using an endovascular occlusion technique of the middle cerebral artery (MCA). Four out of nine rats had estrogen pretreatment before MCA occlusion (MCAO). The other five rats had MCAO with no pretreatment. The occlusion time was 60 min, followed by 40-60 min of reperfusion. Real-time monitoring of changes in hemoglobin concentrations was performed by a steady-state, two-channel, NIRS system through the period of occlusion and reperfusion. Both changes in total and oxygenated hemoglobin concentrations (D[HbT] and D[HbO(2)]) display apparent periodic fluctuations during occlusion for the rats without estrogen pretreatment, while no rhythmic fluctuation was observed in the rats with the pretreatment. This rhythmic fluctuation is a microvascular dysfunction. Fourier power spectral analysis was performed on the D[HbO(2)] profiles in both rat groups. The results show that the cumulative frequency power of D[HbO(2)] in the range of 0.0025-0.01 Hz for the rats without pretreatment is significantly higher than that with pretreatment. The study implies that the dysfunctional fluctuations disappear in the rats with estrogen pretreatment, demonstrating a new application of NIRS, i.e., to detect focal cerebral ischemia and to monitor cerebral responses to therapy against vascular dysfunction in animal models.
Experimental nonmechanical image rotation to 20 angles using an acousto-optic dove prism

An experimental demonstration of nonmechanical optical image rotation to 20 different angles is described. The optical system consists of a polygon mirror with 20 facets in a ha" cylinder and a 2-D acousto-optic beam deflector. Experimental details including the requirements of components are described. Various issues such as number of rotation angles, resolution, aberration, and noise are analyzed. e 2(XXJ Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers. (50091-3286(00)00411-6J
Urban land use transformation and determinants of urban land use size in China

Recent economic reforms and shifts in land use planning in China have greatly changed the size and structure of urban land use. In this paper, an overview of the problems in urban land use and the impacts of economic reforms and planning policies on rapid urban land expansion and structural transformation is outlined. This is followed by statistical analyses to reveal determinants of urban land size. The study shows that urban land use in China has been improved, and urban land use size is related to urban reforms, urban land use adjustment, as well as to population growth and economic development.
Four cases of syringe-transmitted tuberculosis.

Summary Four cases of syringe-transmitted tuberculosis are described. They are thought to have been caused by infection from a nurse with open pulmonary tuberculosis. The prolonged and dangerous course of the illness is emphasized, and a method of treatment suggested.
Crystallization and preliminary X‐ray crystallographic analysis of Escherichia coli glutaredoxin 2 in complex with glutathione and of a cysteine‐less variant without glutathione

Glutaredoxin 2 (Grx2) from Escherichia coli is larger in size than classical glutaredoxins. It is extremely efficient in the catalysis of reduced glutathione-dependent disulfide reduction. A complex of Grx2 with reduced glutathione (GSH) has been crystallized. Data were collected to 1.60 A. The crystals belong to space group P3221, with one Grx2–GSH complex in the asymmetric unit. The unit-cell parameters are a = b = 50.10, c = 152.47 A. A Grx2 mutant, C9S/C12S, which cannot form a disulfide bond with GSH was also crystallized. The crystals diffracted to 2.40 A and belong to space group P212121, with one molecule in the asymmetric unit. The unit-cell parameters are a = 28.16, b = 78.65, c = 89.16 A.
Sunlight glitter on a wind-ruffled sea: further studies

Time-averaged intensities are computed for the glitter pattern of sunlight on a wind-ruffled sea. In the present work the azimuthally asymmetric form of the wave-slope distribution measured by Cox and Munk is used, so that the glitter pattern depends on the wind direction as well as magnitude. Results are calculated for both a clean ocean surface and one covered with an oil film. The glitter pattern is quite different with the oil film due to the quieting action of the oil on the waves, the greater reflectivity of the surface when oil is on the surface, and the larger values of polarization for the reflected light at most typical angles in the glitter pattern. These effects are illustrated and discussed as possible methods for the detection of oil slicks. The glitter pattern observed at satellite altitudes is also calculated.
An investigation of the effect of in vivo interferences on Raman glucose measurements

Raman spectroscopy is a promising technology for noninvasive blood glucose monitoring because of its good selectivity for the glucose molecule. The low sensitivity of the Raman signal however, makes it difficult to quantify the concentration of glucose directly from the Raman spectra. To solve this, statistical methods such as PCA (principle component analysis) and PLS (partial least square) are traditionally used. These statistical methods general work very well and give highly accurate results, provided there is no interference. In the in-vivo case however, there are many interferences such as the inhomogeneity of tissue, physiological changes, and denaturation of the tissue by the light source. This study investigates the affect of in-vivo interferences on Raman glucose measurements. In this study, a high throughput dispersive Raman system was constructed with an 830nm multimode laser, a multiple conductor optical fiber bundle, and a back-illuminated CCD spectrometer. A simply phantom was devised, which was comprised of a plastic cuvette fitted with a human fingernail window and glucose doped human serum used as the sample. To test the inhomogeneity of tissue samples, different sites of the phantom were exposed to the laser. In the case of denaturation, tests were conducted under two laser power densities: low (3.7mW/mm 2 ) and high density (110mW/mm 2 ). To simulate the physiological change, gelatin phantoms of varied concentration were investigated. The results of the study indicate that the dominant interferers for Raman in-vivo glucose measurements are the inhomogeneity of the tissue and the denaturation by the laser power density. The next phase for this study will be the design of a high SNR Raman system which affords a low power density laser sample illumination as well as larger volumetric illumination to mitigate the effects of tissue inhomogeneity.
Use of ‘long’ polymerase chain reaction and magnetic beads for extraction of chromosome-specific cDNAs

Abstract The detection of expressed sequences of genomic DNA is an important aspect of the human genome project. A technique is described where ‘long’ polymerase chain reaction (LPCR), which allows for extended large fragment production of > 10–20 kb, is used with Alu primers to generate a biotinylated template for cDNA hybridization. Streptavidin-coated magnetic beads are used to extract the long PCR templates and bound cDNAs, which are recovered by standard PCR. This method allows the isolation of cDNAs from virtually any human DNA source and should be valuable in expression mapping, positional cloning and gene isolation.
An Investigation of Process Parameters on Selective Laser Melting of Nitinol

Nitinol’s superelastic and shape memory effects can be used in passive or active actuation systems. Often used in the aerospace industry, the use of Nitinol for actuation is also growing in the biomedical fields and elsewhere. However, the industry currently lacks the ability to produce complex Nitinol actuators, which is strictly limiting its potential. The extreme difficulty of machining Nitinol complicates manufacturing processes. Furthermore, the transformation temperatures which drive Nitinol’s unique behavior are extremely sensitive to the relative concentrations of nickel and titanium. Therefore, exceptionally tight compositional control during production is necessary to guarantee ideal material behavior. Additive manufacturing (AM) is a near-net-shaping technology which allows for the direct fabrication of complex metallic components. In this way, the (lack of) machinability of Nitinol is no longer an issue because no traditional machining is required during fabrication. Using AM also enables production of 3D geometries that are not possible using traditional techniques. Features such as engineered porosity, hollow parts, curved holes and filigree structures are suddenly realizable. Furthermore, direct CAD fabrication reduces the timescale of the concept-to-prototype transition. A major breakthrough in additive manufacturing came with the development of fiber laser technology in the mid-1990’s, which enables direct melting of manufacturing grade metals into fully dense parts. This technology became known as selective laser melting (SLM). Despite its huge potential, SLM of Nitinol has received little attention from the engineering world. In the present work, two different SLM machines (Realzier SLM 100 and Phenix Systems PXM) are used to develop Nitinol components directly from powder. Adjustment and optimization of the process parameters on the product are analyzed and compared.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Perverse Ethics: The Body, Gender and Intersubjectivity

This article explores the possibility of an ethical intersubjective relationship through the reconfiguration of the body. The violence of Western culture derives from a particular gendered fantasy of bodily organization. The Western body is constituted through a fear of lack and of loss, or, in psychoanalytic terms, of castration. The subject defined by castration attempts to defend itself against these dual threats by folding in upon itself, thereby precluding any relation with an other. The belief in lack and its partner, scarcity, informs the socio-political structures that mark the current era. However, there are other ways of imagining the body. By re-imagining the body, it becomes possible, not to avoid loss, but rather to alter its meaning. This act allows for a nonappropriative intersubjective relation to come into being.
Long-term follow-up of an alternative medical curriculum.

BACKGROUND The Alternative Curriculum (AC), an elective program at the University of Virginia School of Medicine that enrolled a total of 48 students in 1973 and 1974, was one of many demonstration and pilot programs conducted during the 1970s. Its principal features were (1) a three-year time span; (2) early, prolonged, and intensive instruction in clinical skills; (3) intensive consideration of behavioral, social, economic, ethical, and legal aspects of medicine in a patient-centered curriculum; (4) an extensive course in sexuality; (5) an independent study format for two preclinical courses; (6) instruction in cardiopulmonary resuscitation; and (7) participation in the activities of the local rescue squad. In view of continuing questions about the structure and content of medical school curricula, it seemed worthwhile to try to determine what effects the program might have had on the participants during medical school and in their subsequent careers. METHODS In 1991, data on the AC participants were collected, largely by means of a survey but also by examination of the participants' medical school records and determination of their current professional status. RESULTS Of the 48 participants, 44 were available for the survey, and 37 returned completed questionnaires. The great majority of the respondents had positive opinions about the program's three-year time span, morale during the program, and beneficial effects of the program's special content during their clerkships, postgraduate training programs, and subsequent careers. They thought they had had enough time to make informed specialty choices and did not think that their participation in the AC had been a handicap in getting the internships they wanted. Fewer than half of the students thought that the AC had influenced their career choices, and only 26% were currently in primary care specialties. CONCLUSION The AC was successful in improving students' morale during the preclinical segment, preparing them for clerkships, and increasing their sensitivity to the patient as a whole. That the program was not effective in inducing students to enter primary care specialties supports the view that curriculum content is not a major factor in students' choices of specialty.
Longitudinal study on patent citations to academic research articles in nanotechnology (1976–2004)

Academic nanoscale science and engineering (NSE) research provides a foundation for nanotechnology innovation reflected in patents. About 60% or about 50,000 of the NSE-related patents identified by “full-text” keyword searching between 1976 and 2004 at the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) have an average of approximately 18 academic citations. The most cited academic journals, individual researchers, and research articles have been evaluated as sources of technology innovation in the NSE area over the 28-year period. Each of the most influential articles was cited about 90 times on the average, while the most influential author was cited more than 700 times by the NSE-related patents. Thirteen mainstream journals accounted for about 20% of all citations. Science, Nature and Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) have consistently been the top three most cited journals, with each article being cited three times on average. There is another kind of influential journals, represented by Biosystems and Origin of Life, which have very few articles cited but with exceptionally high frequencies. The number of academic citations per year from ten most cited journals has increased by over 17 times in the interval (1990–1999) as compared to (1976–1989), and again over 3 times in the interval (2000–2004) as compared to (1990–1999). This is an indication of increased used of academic knowledge creation in the NSE-related patents.
In vivo dopamine release and uptake impairments in rats treated with 3-nitropropionic acid.

Abstract Recent evidence has suggested that mitochondrial dysfunction may lead to impaired neurotransmitter exocytosis in transgenic Huntington's disease (HD) model mice. To gain insight into the impact of mitochondrial impairment on striatal dopamine release in vivo , we used fast-scan cyclic voltammetry (FSCV) at carbon fiber microelectrodes to measure dopamine release and uptake kinetics in anesthetized Lewis rats continuously treated for 5 days with 3-nitropropionic acid (3NP). Our results indicate that, even though striatal dopamine content was unchanged, remotely stimulated dopamine release evoked per electrical stimulus pulse ([DA] p ) is decreased in 3NP-treated rats (33% of that observed in sham control rats) and that this decrease is uniform throughout all stereotaxic depths tested. Nevertheless, unlike data collected previously from transgenic HD model rodents, the maximum rate of dopamine uptake ( V max ) in 3NP-treated rats is diminished (30% of controls) while K m is unchanged. Treatment with 3NP also resulted in a corresponding decrease in locomotor activity, presumably due in part to the impaired dopamine release. These results indicate that dopamine release is degraded in this HD model, as is observed in transgenic HD model rodents; however, the results also imply that there are fundamental differences in dopamine uptake between 3NP-treated animals and transgenic animals.
Manganese-enhanced MRI of salivary glands and head and neck tumors in living subjects.

Manganese-enhanced MRI has previously been used for visualization of brain architecture and functional mapping of neural pathways. The present work investigated the potential of manganese-enhanced MRI for noninvasive imaging of salivary glands in living subjects. Marked shortening of T1 was observed in salivary glands of naive mice (n = 5) 24–48 h after systemic administration of MnCl2 (0.4 mmol/kg, intraperitoneally). Three-dimensional MR microscopy confirmed selective contrast enhancement of salivary gland tissues post–MnCl2 injection. Ectopic and orthotopic head and neck tumor xenografts also showed an increase in R1 at 24 h following MnCl2 injection (0.2 mmol/kg, intraperitoneally). However, tumor enhancement was minimal compared to salivary gland tissue. Salivary gland R1 values were lower in mice bearing orthotopic head and neck tumors compared to naive mice. These results demonstrate, for the first time, the usefulness of manganese-enhanced MRI in the visualization of salivary glands and head and neck tumors in vivo. Magn Reson Med, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Helminth Parasites of the Wood Frog, Lithobates sylvaticus , in Prairie Pothole Wetlands of the Northern Great Plains

Parasites are ubiquitous members of biotic communities. Because their persistence and abundance is closely tied to other taxa and numerous environmental factors, information about parasite diversity may provide unique insights into ecosystem health. Parasites may also impact host health and population dynamics. Because they are relatively inconspicuous, however, little is known about parasite diversity and prevalence in specific host species in most geographic regions. We sampled parasites from wood frogs in the ecologically unique Prairie Pothole Region of North Dakota, USA. Most frogs were infected with helminths. We found a minimum of 7 species of trematodes, 3 of nematodes, and 1 cestode. Two species had prevalence >50%: the lung nematode Rhabdias bakeri and the trematode Echinoparyphium rubrum. Helminth species richness ranged from 0 to 6 taxa per host, with a median of 2. Total helminth abundance within infected frogs ranged from 1 to 503 worms. Males caught during the spring breeding season were infected with more taxa of helminths than either recent metamorphs or frogs captured later in the summer. The total abundance of helminths was also greater in breeding frogs. These data provide the foundation for further analyses of the ecology of amphibian-parasite interactions on the Northern Plains.
The commitment of delinquents to their misdeeds: A re-examination

Abstract Do delinquents and nondelinquents adhere to similar or contrasting value systems? The results of a study undertaken to resolve the conflicting conclusions of Sykes and Matzas' studies and those of Cohen, Cloward and Ohlin, and Hindelang are reported. Correlations of participation in delinquent activities and approval or disapproval of those activities indicate that delinquents generally hold “middle class” values, but violate them in a search for excitement.
Fluid–structure interactions in micro-interlocked regions of the cement–bone interface

Experimental tests and computational modelling were used to explore the fluid dynamics at the trabeculae–cement interlock regions found in the tibial component of total knee replacements. A cement–bone construct of the proximal tibia was created to simulate the immediate post-operative condition. Gap distributions along nine trabeculae–cement regions ranged from 0 to 50.4 μm (mean = 12 μm). Micro-motions ranged from 0.56 to 4.7 μm with a 1 MPa compressive load to the cement. Fluid–structure analysis between the trabeculae and the cement used idealised models with parametric evaluation of loading direction, gap closing fraction (GCF), gap thickness, loading frequency and fluid viscosity. The highest fluid shear stresses (926 Pa) along the trabecular surface were found for conditions with very thin and large GCFs, much larger than reported physiological levels (∼1–5 Pa). A second fluid–structure model was created with a provision for bone resorption using a constitutive model with resorption velocity propor...
Using uncertainty analysis in the debugging and qualification of a turbulent heat transfer test facility

Abstract The application of detailed uncertainty analysis techniques in the debugging and qualification checks of a new turbulent heat transfer test facility is demonstrated. The data reduction equation for Stanton number is developed, and the associated uncertainty analysis is presented. The techniques used in estimation of the bias errors in the measured variables, including the effects of correlated bias errors in the measurements of several different variables, are discussed in some detail. Finally, the use of these estimates in first- and n th-order replication level checks of the experimental techniques and facility is illustrated.
When International Press Rights Are the News

Objective: To educate about restraints and restrictions on the press around the world and on international efforts to protect press freedom Courses: High School and College Journalism and Mass Communication
Vibrational spectroscopy as a probe of potential-dependent electrode-chemisorbate bonding: an assessment using finite-cluster density functional theory

Abstract The application of Density Functional Theory (DFT) using variable-field finite-cluster models to the description of electrode-chemisorbate systems is considered, with the particular objective of assessing the relationships between potential-dependent metal-adsorbate vibrational frequencies and the chemical nature of the surface bond. The validity of employing finite-cluster models in variable homogeneous fields to describe potential-dependent electrode-chemisorbate bonding is discussed, including the choice of bulk-phase adsorbate reference states for ionic systems. The bond length-dependent charge polarization, as reflected in the so-called static ( μ S ) and dynamic ( μ D ) dipole moments, plays a central role in determining the field ( F )-dependence of the metal-adsorbate binding energies, E b , and vibrational force constants, K MA , respectively. A distinction between ‘ionic’ and ‘dative covalent’ surface bonding, based on whether the signs of μ S and μ D are the same or opposite, respectively, is demonstrated by means of DFT calculations for selected atomic and molecular adsorbates on Pt(111), and interpreted in terms of bond length-dependent charge polarization and orbital overlap. A basic consequence of these behavioral differences between μ S and μ D is to deny the occurrence of any uniform correlation between the E b – F and K MA – F behavior (i.e. between the potential-energy well depth and well ‘stiffness’, respectively). On the other hand, combined potential-dependent bond-energy and bond-frequency data should therefore be invaluable in ascertaining the nature of the surface coordination. A more uniform relationship, however, is observed between F -dependent force constants and equilibrium bond lengths. The applicability of these notions to the interpretation of Stark-tuning (i.e. frequency–potential) data for intramolecular as well as metal-adsorbate vibrations is also briefly discussed.
Nucleophile assistance of electron-transfer reactions between nitrogen dioxide and chlorine dioxide concurrent with the nitrogen dioxide disproportionation.

The reaction of chlorine dioxide with excess NO2- to form ClO2- and NO3- in the presence of a large concentration of ClO2- is followed via stopped-flow spectroscopy. Concentrations are set to establish a preequilibrium among ClO2, NO2-, ClO2-, and an intermediate, NO2. Studies are conducted at pH 12.0 to avoid complications due to the ClO2-/NO2- reaction. These conditions enable the kinetic study of the ClO2 reaction with nitrogen dioxide as well as the NO2 disproportionation reaction. The rate of the NO2/ClO2 electron-transfer reaction is accelerated by different nucleophiles (NO2- > Br- > OH- > CO32- > PO43- > ClO2- > H2O). The third-order rate constants for the nucleophile-assisted reactions between NO2 and ClO2 (kNu, M-2 s-1) at 25.0 °C vary from 4.4 × 106 for NO2- to 2.0 × 103 when H2O is the nucleophile. The nucleophile is found to associate with NO2 and not with ClO2 in the rate-determining step to give NuNO2+ + ClO2-. The concurrent NO2 disproportionation reaction exhibits no nucleophilic effect a...
Numerical renormalization group for finite Fermi systems.

A numerical renormalization group technique based on Wilson's momentum shell method is presented for interacting, finite Fermi systems. Results for small fullerene analogs show that the method is quite accurate to moderate values of U, and qualitatively better than other approximation methods. The method has potential applicability far beyond the fullerenes.
Generalizing from PRSA to public relations: How to accommodate sampling bias in public relations scholarship

Abstract One of the major challenges to conducting externally valid, quantitative scholarship in public relations is accessing samples of practitioners that are willing to participate in academic research. One sampling frame would naturally be the membership of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), which is the world's largest professional association for public relations practitioners. Yet, even if the question of access were resolved, there still remains the question of external validity, i.e., the issue of whether and to what extent the membership of PRSA (or any other sampling frame) reflects the population of public relations practitioners in general. The purpose of this study was thus to examine the population of U.S. public relations practitioners and compare it to the PRSA membership, using census data from PRSA and sample data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the U.S. Census Bureau. Results of this study are significant for public relations scholarship because they address the fundamental question of external validity, without which no research can claim to offer a true contribution to the body of knowledge in public relations.
Direct absorption spectroscopy of jet‐cooled polyenes. I. The 1 1B+u←1 1A−g transition of trans, trans‐1,3,5,7‐octatetraene

The direct absorption spectrum of the 1 1B+u←1 1A−g transition of jet‐cooled trans,trans‐1,3,5,7‐octatetraene is reported here for the 35, 120–42, 600 cm−1 region. The alleviation of vibrational sequence band congestion in the jet spectrum results in an order‐of‐magnitude decrease in the observed breadth of the origin band and a comparable sharpening throughout the spectrum, enabling the redetermination of vibronic band positions, relative intensities, and widths. Vibrational assignments for the seven observed active modes are discussed, and results are compared to the predictions of previously reported vibronic structure calculations.
Gametogenesis and plasmogamy in certain species of Microspora

Abstract Gametogenesis and plasmogamy of gametes is documented in light and electron microscopy of Hazardia milleri, Culicospora magna, and an undescribed microsporidium in Aedes aegypti, using three mosquito hosts in experimental infection studies. Events taking place during gametogenesis and plasmogamy were similar in all three species studied. However, merogonial and sporogonial sequences differed among the three species. Gametes of C. magna and a Microsporidium sp. in A. aegypti were structurally different from those of H. milleri in that they contain an unusual nipple-like structure on one end. The function of this structure was not ascertained. C. magna was successfully transmitted to healthy Culex restuans larvae exposed to spores in well water, but infections were higher when larvae were exposed to spores in filtered field water taken from breeding sites. The presented evidence of the production and union of gametes is the first documentation of gametogenesis and plasmogamy in species of microsporidia. The realization of sexual cycles in some species raises important questions concerning the present classification of the Microspora.
Safety implications of control systems

Abstract As part of an overall program to determine the extent to which failures of control can impact plant safety, control failures in the Oconee-1 nuclear plant were examined. Plant systems capable of initiating plant overcooling and undercooling were identified, as well as those with potential for overfilling events in the steam generators. Failure mode and effects analyses (FMEA) were conducted on these candidate plant systems, with computer analysis applied where appropriate. This latter process utilized a detailed hybrid computer model of Oconee-1, developed as part of this program. Where failures with safety consequences were found, probabilities of the pertinent scenarios were developed. Tentative recommendations for corrective actions have been sought.
Novel transcripts of the estrogen receptor α gene in channel catfish

Abstract Complementary DNA libraries from liver and ovary of an immature female channel catfish were screened with a homologous ERα cDNA probe. The hepatic library yielded two new channel catfish ER cDNAs that encode N-terminal ERα variants of different sizes. Relative to the catfish ERα (medium size; 581 residues) previously reported, these new cDNAs encode Long-ERα (36 residues longer) and Short-ERα (389 residues shorter). The 5′-end of Long-ERα cDNA is identical to that of Medium-ERα but has an additional 503-bp segment with an upstream, in-frame translation-start codon. Recombinant Long-ERα binds estrogen with high affinity ( K d = 3.4 nM), similar to that previously reported for Medium-ERα but lower than reported for catfish ERβ. Short-ERα cDNA encodes a protein that lacks most of the receptor protein and does not bind estrogen. Northern hybridization confirmed the existence of multiple hepatic ERα RNAs that include the size range of the ERα cDNAs obtained from the libraries as well as additional sizes. Using primers for RT-PCR that target locations internal to the protein-coding sequence, we also established the presence of several ERα cDNA variants with in-frame insertions in the ligand-binding and DNA-binding domains and in-frame or out-of-frame deletions in the ligand-binding domain. These internal variants showed patterns of expression that differed between the ovary and liver. Further, the ovarian library yielded a full-length, ERα antisense cDNA containing a poly(A) signal and tail. A limited survey of histological preparations from juvenile catfish by in situ hybridization using directionally synthesized cRNA probes also suggested the expression of ERα antisense RNA in a tissue-specific manner. In conclusion, channel catfish seemingly have three broad classes of ERα mRNA variants: those encoding N-terminal truncated variants, those encoding internal variants (including C-terminal truncated variants), and antisense mRNA. The sense variants may encode functional ERα or related proteins that modulate ERα or ERβ activity. The existence of ER antisense mRNA is reported in this study for the first time. Its role may be to participate in the regulation of ER gene expression.
The effects of user participation in identifying information security risk in business processes

User participation is essential to identifying information security risks in routine business processes because it is the business users who possess detailed knowledge of business processes. This research develops a theory of the consultative form of user participation that emphasizes the cognitive benefits of user participation. In consultative participation, designated users acting as subject matter experts with detailed knowledge of specific business processes participate in a risk analysis to identify information security vulnerabilities. It is expected that previously unknown information risks will be identified, thereby increasing the quality of information used for information risk management. Knowledge of identified risks is expected to be transferred among peers (e.g., other users) or other participant groups (e.g., IT), which is expected to ultimately lead to improved information security through enhanced policies and procedures.
Phospholipase A2 from Naja naja sputatrix venom is a muscarinic acetylcholine receptor inhibitor.

Abstract A variety of snake venoms was tested for the ability to inhibit the binding of antagonists to specific muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs); the highest activity was found in the venom ofNaja naja sputatrix.The active principle in this venom was isolated by column chromatography on Sephadex G-50, Sephadex G-150, and CM-Sephadex C-25. The final preparation was homogeneous as determined by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and HPLC; about sevenfold purification was achieved with a yield of 12%. The isolated active component, which was designated “muscarinic inhibitor,” was found to displace various antagonists from rat synaptosomal membranes, which contain all subtypes of mAChRs. The m1 and m2 recombinant human receptors were also competitive withN. naja sputatrixmuscarinic inhibitor. This antagonist-displacing action was dose dependent, but was independent of the reaction temperature. The isolated muscarinic inhibitor was determined to be a 13.6 kDa, monomeric, neutral protein and to have an N-terminal amino acid sequence which is highly homologous with phospholipase A2from the venoms of genusNaja. N. naja sputatrixmuscarinic inhibitor could hydrolyze phosphatidylcholine in a dose- and temperature-dependent manner. This phospholipase A2enzymatic activity was augmented by the addition of the calcium ion, while it was almost completely abolished by a competitive inhibitor of phospholipase A2enzymes. However, the antagonist-displacing activity was only slightly affected by these agents. The treatment of the muscarinic inhibitor withp-bromophenacyl bromide, which selectively modifies the histidine residue in the catalytic site of a phospholipase A2enzyme, caused complete elimination of both activities. These findings indicate thatN. naja sputatrixmuscarinic inhibitor is a protein with two distinct activities, phospholipase and antagonist displacement, the active centers of which may be in close physical proximity for both actions. This is the first finding that a phospholipase A2is an inhibitor of the muscarinic receptor.
Recomposition: Coordinating a Web of SoftwareDependencies

In this paper, I revisit the concept of recomposition – all the work that development organizations do to make sure that their product fits together and into a broader environment of other technologies. Technologies, such as Configuration Management (CM) systems, can ameliorate some of a software development team's need to engage in recomposition. However, technological solutions do not scale to address other kinds of recomposition needs. This paper focuses on various organizational responses to the need for recomposition. By organizational response, I mean how individuals engage in recomposition so that the organization can assemble software systems from parts. Specifically, I describe how those responses are manifested in the day-to-day communications and responsibilities of individuals throughout the organization. I also highlight how changes in an organization complicate recomposition. The paper concludes with a discussion of three features of software development work that are revealed by recomposition: the affects of environmental disturbances on development work, the types of dependencies that require recomposition, and the images of organizations required to manage the recomposition.