cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Thermal Stability of Folic Acid and 5-Methyltetrahydrofolic Acid in Liquid Model Food Systems

The effects of temperature, iron and ascorbate fortification, and oxygen concentration on the stabilities of folic acid (FA) and 5- methyltetrahydrofolic acid (5-CH3-THF) were examined in liquid model food systems. Small retort pouches were used as reaction vessels and the model systems were processed at 100°C, 120°C, and 140°C. A cation-exchange procedure was devised to provide sample extract purification before quantitation using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). FA and S-CH3-THF were found to be very stable under these conditions. Lactose, protein, iron and ascorbate were all found to be capable of reducing the oxygen partial pressure within the model systems, thereby enhancing the stability of FA and 5-CH3-THF. FA and 5-CH3-THF degradation was not zero or first order but possibly second order as a result of limiting oxygen concentrations.
Hemoglobin-water interactions in normal and sickle erythrocytes by proton magnetic resonance T1ϱ measurements

Abstract The dependence of the water proton magnetic resonance spin-lattice relaxation rate ( T 1 ϱ −1 ) in the rotating frame on the strength of the spin-locking ( H 1 ) field has been investigated for packed oxy and deoxy normal and sickle erythrocytes at temperatures from 9 to 40 °C. The T 1 ϱ −1 of oxy or deoxy normal erythrocytes shows no dependence on H 1 up to ~7 G at any temperature studied. On the other hand, T 1 ϱ −1 decreases from about 40 s −1 to 15 s −1 ( H 1 from 0 to ~7 G) for deoxygenated packed sickle cells at 40 °C. The magnitude of this variation of T 1 ϱ −1 with H 1 decreases with decreasing temperature. Oxy packed sickle cells also show a dependence of T 1 ϱ −1 on H 1 but the magnitude is T 1 ϱ −1 measurements are a sensitive probe of hemoglobin S polymerization and provide a novel technique for the study of slow water motions in these systems. The T 1 ϱ −1 results are compared with low frequency T 1 −1 results of other investigators on hemoglobin S solutions. Analysis of the data suggests that water proton motions with correlation times of the order of 10 −5 s are present in the deoxygenated sickle cell samples at temperatures above 10 °C.
EXAMINING THE MOBILIZING FEATURE OF FOOTEDNESS

This study examined the mobilizing feature of footedness in a unilateral and a bilateral context. Analysis for 47 right- and 32 left-footed undergraduates indicated a strong relationship between preferred limbs in both conditions, with right footers showing the strongest concordance. Theoretical explanations for the origin of behavior and differences in right versus left concordance are discussed. Based on selected previous reports and the present findings, it seems reasonable that for most persons the right foot may be preferred for mobilizing activities regardless of behavioral context.
The organization of work a comparative institutional assessment

Abstract Sociologists, radical economists and others who claim that hierarchical modes of organization are explained by power rather than efficiency neglect transaction costs in reaching this conclusion. This is understandable since neoclassical economics also neglects transaction cost But it is also regrettable, since the transaction costs that arise when intermediate product is transferred across technologically separable stages of production depends crucially on organizational structure. A microanalytic assessment of alternative modes of organization entails (1) an identification of the relevant transaction cost dimensions for assessing performance, (2) a description of the organizational and operating properties of alternative modes, and (3) a comparative evaluation of alternative modes in terms of their transaction cost attributes. Transaction costs drive organizational outcomes in considerable degree.
Racial susceptibility for QT prolongation in acute drug overdoses

Abstract Background and Purpose QT prolongation independently predicts adverse cardiovascular events in suspected poisoning. We aimed to evaluate the association between race and drug-induced QT prolongation for patients with acute overdose. Methods This was a cross-sectional observational study at two urban teaching hospitals. Consecutive adult ED patients with acute drug overdose were prospectively enrolled over a two year period. The primary outcome, long-QT, was defined using standard criteria: QTc > 470 ms in females and > 460 ms in males. The association between race and drug-induced QT prolongation was tested, considering several confounding variables. Results In 472 patients analyzed (46% female, mean age 42.3), QT prolongation occurred in 12.7%. Blacks had two-fold increased odds of drug-induced QT prolongation (OR 2.01, CI 1.03–3.91) and Hispanics had 48% decreased odds of drug-induced QT prolongation (OR 0.52, CI 0.29–0.94). Conclusions We found significant racial susceptibility to drug-induced QT prolongation in this large urban study of acute overdoses.
Analysis of the spatial and temporal characteristics of platelet-delivered factor VIII-based clots.

Normally factor (F) VIII is not expressed in megakaryocytes, but when human FVIII was transgenically expressed in murine megakaryocytes, it was stored in platelet α-granules and released at sites of injury. This platelet FVIII (pFVIII) is effective in correcting hemostasis, even in the presence of circulating inhibitors, so it offers a potential gene therapy strategy for hemophilia A. To understand clot development by pFVIII, we have examined clot response to laser injury in both cremaster arterioles and venules in FVIIInull mice either infused with FVIII or transgenic for pFVIII. In both sets of vessels, pFVIII is at least as effective as infused FVIII. However, there are temporal and spatial differences in fibrin and platelet accumulation within clots depending on how FVIII is delivered. These differences may be related to the temporal and spatial distribution of the α-granular–released FVIII within the developing clot, and may explain the increased frequency and size of embolic events seen with pFVIII. These observations may not only have implications for the use of pFVIII in gene therapy for hemophilia A, but may also have physiologic consequences, explaining why many procoagulant factors are delivered both in the plasma and in platelet α-granules.
Visual Feedback and Positioning Movements

Subjects (n = 60) performed both the reproduction and learning of a linear positioning movement under one of five visual feedback conditions. Results from two experiments indicated that visual cues from the task display augmented information available from visual feedback of the movement per se. Extraneous cues from the task display have clearly confounded the manipulation of visual feedback in previous positioning studies. When these cues are eliminated, visual distance information seems more useful than visual location information.
Mapping the effects of motor cortex stimulation on somatosensory relay neurons in the rat thalamus: direct responses and afferent modulation.

Abstract Single unit recordings were used to map the spatial distribution of motor (MI) cortical influences on thalamic somatosensory relay nuclei in the rat. A total of 215 microelectrode penetrations were made to record single neurons in tracks through the medial and lateral ventroposterior (VPM and VPL), ventrolateral (VL), reticular (nRt), and posterior (Po) thalamic nuclei. Single units were classified according to their: 1) location within the nuclei, 2) receptive fields, and 3) response to standardized microstimulation in deep layers of the forepaw-forelimb areas of MI cortex. For mapping purposes, only short latency (1–7 msec) excitatory neuronal responses to the MI cortex stimulation were considered. Percentages of recorded thalamic neurons responsive to the MI stimulation varied considerably across nuclei: VL: 42.6%, nRt: 23.0%, VPL: 15.7%, VPM: 9.3%, and Po: 3.9%. Within the VPL, most responsive neurons were found in “border” regions, i.e., areas adjacent to the VL, and (to a lesser extent) the nRt and Po thalamic nuclei. The same parameters of MI cortical stimulation were used in studies of corticofugal modulation of afferent transmission through the VPL thalamus. A condition-test (C-T) paradigm was implemented in which the cortical stimulation (C) was delivered at a range of time intervals before test (T) mechanical vibratory stimulation was applied to digit No. 4 of the contralateral forepaw. The time course of MI cortical effects was analyzed by measuring the averaged evoked unit responses of the thalamic neurons to the T stimuli, and plotting them as a function of C-T intervals from 5–50 msec. Of the 30 VPL neurons tested during MI stimulation, the average response to T stimulation was decreased a mean 43%, with the suppression peaking at about 30 msec after the C stimulus. This suppression was more pronounced in the VPL border areas (−52% in areas adjacent to VL and nRt) than in the VPL center (−25%).
Detection of Substrate-Dependent Conformational Changes in HP1 of the Glutamate Transporter GltPh

Glutamate acts as the primary excitatory neurotransmitter in the mammalian central nervous system. Clearance of this neurotransmitter from the synapse is accomplished by a family of glutamate transporters known as EAATs, which co-transport sodium and glutamate across the membrane. Recently, crystal structures of a related bacterial transporter, GltPh, have been solved. These structures have provided clues to the conformational changes associated with inhibitor binding as well as a large conformational change involved in switching the protein from an “outward facing” state to an “inward facing” state. However, crystallography has failed to provide data regarding the effects of sodium on the local structure of the substrate binding site. The details of how the substrate is released from the transporter are also absent. Finally, it remains undetermined which conformation(s) the protein adopts in physiological environments, and how the binding of sodium and substrate are coupled to conformational exchange. To probe these questions, we utilize the technique of site-directed spin labeling (SDSL) electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy to explore the local structure and dynamics of residues within a helical hairpin (HP1) which has been suggested to serve as an intracellular gate. EPR spectra of labeled mutants describe a conformational change within HP1 upon addition of sodium and/or aspartate. The spectral changes are localized to the tip of the hairpin, suggesting a relatively small conformational change. In order to fully interpret these structural changes, we are currently measuring the distance between doubly-labeled residues to ascertain the global conformation (outward- vs. inward-facing) of the protein. Preliminary data suggest that in vesicles, GltPh is able to adopt a conformation which resembles the most recently solved crystal structure, which has been interpreted as an inward facing form of the transporter.
Physical properties of vapor-grown carbon fibers

Abstract Vapor-grown carbon fibers (VGCF) are produced by depositing a layer of pyrocarbon from the vapor phase on a catalytically grown carbon filament. This morphology determines many properties of the fiber, since the filament is more graphitic than the pyrocarbon. In this paper we compare VGCF produced by a continuous process with those grown on a substrate. Fibers having thicker pyrocarbon layers are less graphitic as measured by X-ray diffractometry, electron diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. The bulk density of the fibers, near 2.03 g/cm3, is relatively high for carbon fibers; it decreases slightly as the pyrocarbon thickness increases. The surface area of the fibers determined by N2 adsorption is not larger than the calculated geometric area, indicating that the surface is relatively smooth and free of pores. Each of these measurements indicates that fibers produced by a continuous process are comparable to those grown on substrates, with respect to graphitization and surface properties.
Fast structured design of VLSI circuits

It is suggested that a structured, user-friendly, cost-effective tool for rapid implementation of VLSI circuits which encourages students to participate directly in research projects is the key component in digital integrated circuit (IC) education. The authors introduce their VLSI education activities, with emphasis on the presentation of path-programmable logic (PPL) design methodology as well as a short description of a representative student project. Students using PPL are able to implement MOS or GaAs VLSI circuits with several thousand to over 100000 transistors in a few weeks. They have designed and built numerous VLSI architectures and computer systems which play an influential role in various research areas. >
Partial degradation of tobacco ringspot virus in a single-phase phenol system: Formation of new products

When purified tobacco ringspot virus (TRSV) was incubated in phosphate buffer that contained low concentrations of phenol, sucrose density-gradient centrifugation of the dialyzed reaction mixtures revealed—in addition to free RNA and residual TRSV middle and bottom components—the presence of a homogeneous nucleoprotein (IMB) that sedimented with an s20, w of 52. Treatment of isolated middle component with phenol led to formation of a 52 S component only (IM); treatment of isolated bottom component led to formation of a 52 S component (IB) as well as of two additional, faster sedimenting components (I2 and I3). Kinetic studies showed that optimal yields of these components occurred in 0.004 M phosphate buffer (pH 7) containing 440 OD270 of phenol after 4 hr at 25°. In this medium naturally occurring top component degraded more rapidly than bottom component, which, in turn, degraded more rapidly than middle component. In contrast to TRSV top, middle, and bottom components, IMB, I2, and I3 were readily degraded by ribonuclease. Component IMB, when exposed to phenol under optimal conditions for formation of these components, degraded only slightly; whereas TRSV top component degraded completely under these conditions. Protein (Folin) and RNA (OD260) determinations indicated that IM had the same nucleic acid content as middle component (28%); whereas IB, I2, and I3 had a nucleic acid content of 32%, which is lower than that of bottom component (40%). Thus, the formation of IM appears to be due to conformational changes of middle component; whereas formation of IB, I2, and I3 appears to be due to both conformational changes and loss of a portion of the nucleic acid from bottom component.
Community College Alumni: Predicting Who Gives

Due to the decrease in public funding, community colleges are in a position where they need to generate private gifts. Alumni represent the largest untapped pool of prospective donors, and the success of alumni giving at 4-year institutions illustrates the potential that exists for community colleges. To develop effective fundraising strategies, 2-year colleges must understand what affects alumni giving. Guided by social exchange theory, the study develops a predictive model of community college alumni giving, exploring student experiences and demographics. A multistate sample (N = 7,330) suggests predictors consistent with research conducted at 4-year institutions, with the likelihood of giving related to student experience, age, wealth, and giving to other organizations. Other findings unique to community colleges conclude that alumni with an associate’s degree are twice as likely to give as those who did not, and alumni who gave to their 4-year alma mater were nearly four times more likely to give to t...
Predictions of invasion success of Gonatocerus triguttatus (Hymenoptera: Mymaridae), an egg parasitoid of Homalodisca vitripennis (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae), in California using life table statistics and degree–day values

The number of expected generations of Gonatocerus triguttatus Girault, a parasitoid of the glassy-winged sharpshooter, Homalodisca vitripennis (Germar), in California (USA) was estimated using life table statistics and degree–day requirements. Between 0–18.9 and 0– 25.3 generations per year were estimated across different climatic regions in California, using life table and degree–day models, respectively. Temperature-based values for net reproductive rate, R0, were estimated in California using a laboratory-derived equation and ranged from 0 to approximately 29.4 and analyses indicate that a minimum of 7–7.8 generations (calculated using life table and degree–day models) are required each year to sustain a population of G. triguttatus in a given area. Long-term weather data from 381 weather stations across California were used with an Inverse-Distance Weighting algorithm to map various temperature-based demographic estimates for G. triguttatus across the entire state of California. This Geographic Information Systems model was used to determine number of G. triguttatus generations based on degree–day accumulation, generation time, Tc, and Ro. GIS mapping indicated that the only areas in California that may have climatic conditions favorable for supporting the permanent establishment of invading populations of G. triguttatus, should H. vitripennis successfully establish year-round populations, are Imperial, San Diego, Riverside, Orange and the southern areas of Santa Barbara, Ventura, Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties. Northern counties in California that experience cooler average year-round temperatures do not appear to be conducive to the establishment of permanent populations of G. triguttatus. The mechanisms facilitating G. triguttatus invasion and the implications of these temperature-based estimates for biological control of H. vitripennis are discussed. Published by Elsevier Inc.
2‐tert‐Butyldimethylsilyl‐1,3‐Dithiane

[95452-06-5] C10H22S2Si (MW 234.50) InChI = 1S/C10H22S2Si/c1-10(2,3)13(4,5)9-11-7-6-8-12-9/h9H,6-8H2,1-5H3 InChIKey = JISLIURJHXAPTN-UHFFFAOYSA-N (anion undergoes alkylation with electrophiles subsequently providing a general synthesis to acyl silanes;1 anion undergoes a one-flasks bisalkylation2 with an epoxide and a second electrophile via 1,4-Brook rearrangement3) Physical Data: bp 115 °C/0.03 mm Hg, 124 °C/5 mm Hg, d 1.010. Solubility: insoluble in H2O; soluble in organic solvents. Form Supplied in: commercially available as colorless liquid. Preparative Methods: prepared by alkylation of 2-lithio-1,3-dithiane with tert-butyldimethylsilyl chloride (eq 1).1a,c,2b,4 (1) Handling, Storage, and Precautions: use in a fume hood; unpleasant odor.
Distal Anastomotic Intimal Hyperplasia: Histopathologic Character and Biogenesis

Although thrombogenicity of the prosthetic graft, progression of the atherosclerotic disease and distal anastomotic intimai hyperplasia are known etiologic factors of late graft failure, its occurrence is frequently encountered in late graft occlusion. Forty-two canine PTFE iliofemoral grafts (all with end-to-slde distal anastomosis) were studied. Computer digitization revealed that distal anastomotic intimai hyperplasia occurred exclusively at the heel and the toe of the graft and the floor of the host artery. The distal anastomotic intimai hyperplasia was 80–130 cells thick. Light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy revealed a similar architecture of interlamination of cellular elements and extracellular matrix in the hyperplastic cells. Transmission electron microscopy further defined a gradual cell transformation and orientation from the graft to the lumen. The cells near the graft were characterized by a gradual reduction of rough endoplasmic reticulum with a concomitant acquisition of myofilaments, transforming ovoid mesenchymoid cells to slender myofibroblasts. The orientation of cells In distal anastomotic intimaihyperplasia wasembodiedby random cell distribution at the peripheryto a well-organized interlamination of myofibroblasts and extracellular matrix near the lumen. Distal anastomotic intimai hyperplasia is a biologic entity with active cellular and subcellular events. Its biogenesis appears to be influenced by the hemodynamics of blood flow at the distal anastomosis.
Animal–Vegetal Axis Patterning Mechanisms in the Early Sea Urchin Embryo

We discuss recent progress in understanding how cell fates are specified along the animal‐vegetal axis of the sea urchin embryo. This process is initiated by cell-autonomous, maternally directed, mechanisms that establish three unique gene-regulatory domains. These domains are defined by distinct sets of vegetalizing (b-catenin) and animalizing transcription factor (ATF) activities and their region of overlap in the macromeres, which specifies these cells as early mesendoderm. Subsequent signaling among cleavage-stage blastomeres further subdivides fates of macromere progeny to yield major embryonic tissues. Zygotically produced Wnt8 reinforces maternally regulated levels of nuclear b-catenin in vegetal derivatives to down regulate ATF activity and further promote mesendoderm fates. Signaling through the Notch receptor from the vegetal micromere lineages diverts adjacent mesendoderm to secondary mesenchyme fates. Continued Wnt signaling expands the vegetal domain of b-catenin’s transcriptional regulatory activity and competes with animal signaling factors, including BMP2/4, to specify the endoderm‐ ectoderm border within veg1 progeny. This model places new emphasis on the importance of the ratio of maternally regulated vegetal and animal transcription factor activities in initial specification events along the animal‐vegetal axis. © 2000 Academic Press
Erratum to "Memory decline shows stronger associations with estimated spatial patterns of amyloid deposition progression than total amyloid burden" [Neurobiol. Aging 34 (2013) 2835-2842]

Erratum to “Memory decline shows stronger associations with estimated spatial patterns of amyloid deposition progression than total amyloid burden” [Neurobiol. Aging 34 (2013) 2835e2842] Rachel A. Yotter *, Jimit Doshi , Vanessa Clark , Jitka Sojkova , Yun Zhou , Dean F. Wong , Luigi Ferrucci , Susan M. Resnick , Christos Davatzikos a Center for Biomedical Image Computing and Analytics, Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA b Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA Department of Radiology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD d Longitudinal Studies Section, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD
Modularity, Development and ‘Theory of Mind’

Psychologists and philosophers have recently been exploring whether the mechanisms which underlie the acquisition of 'theory of mind' (ToM) are best charac- terized as cognitive modules or as developing theories. In this paper, we attempt to clarify what a modular account of ToM entails, and why it is an attractive type of explanation. Intuitions and arguments in this debate often turn on the role of develop- ment: traditional research on ToM focuses on various developmental sequences, whereas cognitive modules are thought to be static and 'anti-developmental'. We suggest that this mistaken view relies on an overly limited notion of modularity, and we explore how ToM might be grounded in a cognitive module and yet still afford development. Modules must 'come on-line', and even fully developed modules may still develop internally, based on their constrained input. We make these points con- crete by focusing on a recent proposal to capture the development of ToM in a module via parameterization.
Race and Gender-Disaggregated Homicide Offending Rates Differences and Similarities by Victim-Offender Relations Across Cities

Although gender and race are two of the best known correlates of violent crime, surprisingly little research has examined how gender and race intersect in the etiology of violent behavior. To redress this, the authors' study integrates a communities and crime perspective within a gender inequality framework to examine the city-level correlates of homicide offending rates disaggregated by race and gender. Two questions are addressed: a) Are the contextual underpinnings for high rates of urban homicide in the United States similar or distinct across race and gender categories? b) Does the ability of city characteristics as predictors of violence vary depending upon the context of violence (i.e., by victim-offender relationship)? Consistent with expectations, findings indicate that there are differences in the relative importance of predictors of homicide across race and gender categories. In addition, the relative importance of homicide predictors depends upon the nature of the victim-offender relationship.
Derivative DFT Beamspace ESPRIT: a high performance closed-form 2-D arrival angle estimation algorithm

This paper presents Derivative DFT Beamspace ESPRIT, a new closed-form algorithm for direction-of-arrival (DOA) estimation with uniform linear arrays or uniform rectangular arrays. The algorithm uses a novel virtual derivative DFT beamforming procedure to improve upon the performance of the recently developed DFT Beamspace ESPRIT algorithm. This beamforming procedure yields an additional invariance relationship which the algorithm exploits to obtain higher estimation accuracy (the algorithm is shown to outperform both DFT Beamspace ESPRIT and Unitary ESPRIT). Further, Derivative DFT Beamspace ESPRIT possesses all the attractive features (such as low computational complexity, and the ability to provide automatically paired source azimuth and elevation angle estimates) of the two aforementioned algorithms.
Improving the understanding of hurricanes: Visualizing storm surge

Improved methods for visualizing hurricanes, specifically their associated storm surge, will increase the understanding of the effects of hurricanes. Enhanced understanding could result in better preparedness, safer evacuations, and less loss of life when a hurricane strike is eminent. Using Hurricane Katrina (2005) and its catastrophic, record-breaking storm surge as an example, we created storm surge visualizations of both measured and modeled data (Fig. 1).
Effectiveness of nicotinic agonists as desensitizers at presynaptic α4β2- and α4α5β2-nicotinic acetylcholine receptors.

Introduction Nicotine interacts with nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) and modifies neuronal functions. The net result of nicotine exposure is difficult to assess because multiple nAChR subtypes exist and are expressed on multiple classes of neurons. Nicotine, unlike the natural agonist acetylcholine, remains in tissues for hours, and during this extended exposure nAChRs desensitize. Therefore, agonists can block the natural functions of nAChRs. Higher nicotine concentrations are required to desensitize α4β2-nAChRs containing the α5 subunit. The aim of these experiments was to determine if this property holds true for compounds other than nicotine. Methods [(3)H]-dopamine release from crude mouse striatal synaptosomal preparations was used to measure activation and desensitization of the [(α4β2)2β2] and [(α4β2)2α5] nAChR subtypes. Affinity was measured by competition with [(125)I]-epibatidine. Results Nine compounds of varying affinity and efficacy were tested. All compounds partially desensitized both subtypes; concentration necessary for desensitization correlated with binding site affinity but not efficacy. All compounds showed a similar, significant shift in concentration necessary for a 50% effect when the α5 subunit was included (averaging 8-fold higher). The extent of desensitization produced by a 10-min exposure did not correlate with affinity or efficacy of compound. Conclusion Full or partial nicotinic agonists used as medications may effectively desensitize α4β2-nAChRs. However, significantly higher concentrations of all compounds tested were required to elicit desensitization of α4α5β2-nAChRs than α4β2-nAChRs. If desensitization is the important property for a smoking cessation drug, basic screening at both subtypes may provide a mechanistic foundation for effectiveness.
Stability and Change in Positive Self-Appraisal from Midlife to Later Aging:

This research investigated stability and change in the self-appraisal of having lived up to one's abilities from midlife to later aging. The subjects were 185 participants in the Terman Study of the Gifted, who had been asked to rate themselves with respect to living up to their abilities in 1960 (at an average age of 48) and in 1996 (at an average age of nearly 85). While there was a positive relation between self-appraisal at the 2 times, net change favored a more positive appraisal in aging. Those who rated themselves positively at both times had more positive personality characteristics in early to mid-adulthood, more education, better self-rated health in midlife, somewhat higher ambition in early adulthood and midlife, and greater satisfaction with their achievement in early aging. Those who changed positively in their self-appraisal, as compared with those with a negative later self-appraisal, had somewhat better education, better self-rated health in midlife, higher level occupations, and greater satisfaction with their achievement in early aging. Self-appraisals in later aging were related to current life satisfaction. The results are discussed in terms of the role of the self-concept and the self-narrative in life-span development.
Limitations of stable carbon isotope analysis for determining natal host origins of tobacco budworm, Heliothis virescens

Differences in the stable carbon isotope ratios of plants utilizing the C3 vs. C4 photosynthetic pathway have been used to broadly identify the natal host origins of herbivorous insects. This study explored whether adequate variation exists between the carbon isotope ratios of different C3 plants in the host range of Heliothis virescens (Fabricius) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) to enable accurate identification of natal host-plant species. Isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) analysis of 13 C/ 12 C ratios of moths reared on four crop plant species [ Gossypium hirsutum (L.) , Nicotiana tabacum L. , Glycine max (L.) Merrill, and Arachis hypogaea L.] and two common weed species [ Geranium carolinianum L. and Linaria canadensis (L.) Chaz.] revealed a range of δ 13 C values within that expected for plants utilizing the C3 photosynthetic pathway. Analysis of vegetative and reproductive tissues from the plants utilized in the study resulted in statistically different δ 13 C values for some plant species; nevertheless, the range of δ 13 C values observed for many plant species overlapped. Significant differences in mean δ 13 C values were detected between groups of moths reared on different host-plant species, but there was no significant correlation between the δ 13 C values of moths vs. the δ 13 C value of plant tissue on which they were reared. Feral tobacco budworm moths collected over 3 years were found to have carbon isotope ratios consistent with those having fed on C3 plants, confirming little utilization of C4 plant species by the insect. Results demonstrate that within the range of C3 host plants tested, carbon isotope signatures are not sufficiently unique to enable a reliable determination of natal origin of feral tobacco budworm with current IRMS technology.
Optimal sampling theory and population modelling - Application to determination of the influence of the microgravity environment on drug distribution and elimination

Newer mathematical techniques such as optimal sampling theory and NON-linear Mixed Effects Modelling (NONMEM) allow the determination of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in populations of individuals previously believed to be "too ill" or "too difficult to study." Optimal sampling determines the most information-rich times to sample the system, allowing robust parameter estimates to be determined from the minimal number of samples. NONMEM, by taking the population as the unit of analysis, allows even fragmentary patient data sets to contribute to population parameter estimates. Obviously, the microgravity environment presents extreme logistical difficulties to the performance of traditional pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies. Examples of the validation of these techniques are presented, which indicates their likely utility in the important task of determining the influence of the microgravity environment on drug distribution and elimination, even accounting for the limitations of support which will be faced in this circumstance.
Clinical Outcomes of Sacral Neuromodulation in Patients With Neurologic Conditions

Objective To examine the outcomes in patients with and without a comorbid neurologic diagnosis (ND) or neurogenic bladder dysfunction after a staged neuromodulation procedure for refractory bladder symptoms. Materials and Methods Patients enrolled in our prospective neuromodulation database study were grouped according to the presence of a coexisting ND. The implantable pulse generator implant rates were evaluated. Those who had received an implantable pulse generator were further evaluated over time for complications, revisions, explantations, and reprogramming sessions collected from the medical records. The symptom changes from baseline over 2 years were measured using patient-completed voiding diaries, the Interstitial Cystitis Symptom-Problem Index, Overactive Bladder Questionnaire, the Medical Outcomes Study short form, 12-item health survey, version 2, physical and mental component subscales, and a scaled global response assessment. The data were examined using Pearson's chi-square test or Fisher's exact test, Wilcoxon rank tests, and repeated measures analyses. Results Of 340 patients, 63 of 71 (88.7%) with an ND and 241 of 269 (89.6%) without an ND had an implantable pulse generator implanted (P = .82). The NDs consisted of stroke (n = 17), multiple sclerosis (n = 13), Parkinson's disease (n = 10), incomplete spinal cord injury (n = 4), cerebral palsy (n = 1), and others. The complications, revisions/explants, and reprogramming sessions were similar between the 2 groups. Statistically significant improvements were seen in both groups over time on the voiding diary variables (except for incontinence episodes and severity in the ND group), Interstitial Cystitis Symptom-Problem Index, and Overactive Bladder Questionnaire. The short form, 12-item, physical and mental component subscale scores only improved significantly in those without an ND. Most patients (>50%) in both groups reported moderate or marked improvement in overall bladder symptoms at each point using the global response assessments. Conclusion Patients with neurogenic bladder dysfunction experience benefits after neuromodulation similar to the benefits experienced by those without coexisting neurologic conditions.
Schematic-Driven Substrate Noise Coupling Analysis in Mixed-Signal IC Designs

This paper presents an approach to reduce substrate cross-talk noise between noisy and sensitive circuitry in mixed-signal integrated circuits at different stages of design and layout development. Silencer! a new, fully automated, schematic-driven substrate noise coupling analysis tool is introduced to accomplish this task. The tool seamlessly enables substrate noise coupling analysis in a standard mixed-signal design flow. Two different methods, fast scalable macro-models and a boundary element solver are integrated into Silencer!. These methods allow extractions of a substrate network from geometric layout information. Simulation results obtained with Silencer! are accurate to within 10% of measured integrated circuits
The Work of Richard Dunn

in books, articles numbering a bakers dozen, and book reviews as numerous as his age. I tote these up only for the record because Richard Dunn would never want to be measured by the number of pages in print but rather by the quality of the pages. Dunns scholarly contributions can be appreciated by discussing them in three interlocking categories: imperial politics, religion in its political and social contexts, and labor systems. The first phase of his career was rooted in imperial politics. This, no doubt, owes much to the tutelage of Wesley Frank Craven, who schooled his students in Charles McLean Andrews' work. Thus, Dunn's early articles on the Georgia Trustees and the House of Commons; the demise of the Bermuda Company; the founding of South Carolina; "Imperial Pressures on Massachusetts and Jamaica" in the late seventeenth century; and a good portion of Puritans and Yankees: The Winthrop Dynasty of New England, reflect the scholarly climate of political history in the 1950s.1 Also, the first phase of his scholarship bridges the Atlantic, logical enough since Dunn arrived at Princeton intending to study English history, his interest sparked by his English mother and cultivated by his Tudor-Stuart studies in history and literature at Harvard. Once he spun an Anglo-American thread, Dunn wove it into almost all his subsequent work. In annotating and introducing four volumes of William Penn's papers in the 1980s in collaboration with Mary Maples Dunn, he necessarily delved deeply into Penn the colonial American founder and Penn the Englishman with tangled connections with the British government.2 All of this work is meticulous, firmly grounded in archival research on both sides of the Atlantic, and partaking of the prosopographic methodology much in evidence after World War II.
Challenges in the ambient Raman spectroscopy characterization of methylammonium lead triiodide perovskite thin films

The importance of methylammonium lead triiodide (CH3NH3PbI3 or MAPbI3) organic-inorganic hybrid perovskites has shot up dramatically since their use in highly efficient thin-film perovskite solar cells (PSCs). However, the basic structural characterization of these fascinating materials remains sparse. In particular, Raman spectroscopy, which is a powerful vibrational spectroscopy characterization tool and complements other characterization methods, of MAPbI3 under ambient conditions is plagued with difficulties. Here, a systematic ambient Raman spectroscopy characterization study of MAPbI3 thin films is conducted under different conditions (excitation laser wavelength, integration time, filter characteristic). The results from this study help elucidate the possible sources of artifacts in the Raman spectra, and raise the awareness of the challenges in the ambient Raman spectroscopy of MAPbI3 perovskites. Approaches to overcome these challenges are suggested.
Electrically Conductive Molecular Composites Based Upon Ppbt and Metallophthalocyanines: Processing, Microstructure, and Electrochemistry

Mechanically strong, environmentally stable, and electrically conductive polymeric films and fibers can be fabricated by processing (dry-jet, wet-spinning) solutions of PPBT and metallophthalocyanine molecular metal precursors, followed by chemical or electrochemical oxidation. X-ray diffraction, and resonance Raman measurements on (PPBT)-[Ni(Pc)I]x fibers indicate a microstructure consisting of small Ni(Pc)I crystallites imbedded in a PPBT matrix. Cyclic voltammetry and controlled potential coulometry indicate that PPBT/NiPc films can be reversibly doped.
Effects of the sheep scab mite on cumulative weight gains in cattle.

Studies were conducted during the winters of 1978 to 1979 and 1979 to 1980 to determine if Psoroptes ovis (Hering) affects cumulative weight gains (CWG) of young Hereford steer calves. In the first test, no significant difference was found in the mean CWG between the control and P. ovis -infested calves, but after the infestation had reached a mean scabies rating of 3.3, the mean CWG of the infested calves began to decrease and then increase as the scabies rating declined. One calf died due to a heavy mite population. In the second test, a significant difference ( P < 0.05) was found between the mean CWG of the control and the P. ovis -infested calves. The same trend as in test 1 was seen between the control and the P. ovis -infested calves. The mean CWG was lower in the infested calves than in the control calves from 6 through 10 weeks postinitial infestation (PI) ( P < 0.025) and 12 through 14 weeks PI ( P < 0.05). To prevent animal mortality in the second test (two of the calves were in poor condition due to heavy scabies infestation), the infested calves were dipped in toxaphene. The moderately and heavily infested calves, (scabies ratings of 3 and 5, respectively) showed a lower CWG than the control calves and the lightly infested calves (scabies rating of 2) at 8 weeks PI. After dipping, calves began to gain weight, thus indicating that P. ovis infestation had been limiting the mean CWG. It is clear from these data that the mean CWG of young Hereford steer calves is affected by P. ovis infestation.
Experimental Investigations of Morphogenesis in the Growing Antler

D9Arcy Thompson (1942) described the form of antlers as having developed in a two-dimensional pattern which, during growth, may have become more or less distorted depending on the species. In some (e.g. moose, fallow deer), the antlers may exhibit a palmate configuration; in most deer, however, they are branched structures formed by the repeated two-dimensional bifurcation of the original outgrowth. This process gives rise to a series of tines which vary in number according to age and species. In the sika deer, the first set of antlers, produced in yearlings, are unbranched spikes which may grow as much as 6 inches in length. The following year, these are replaced by branched antlers usually having three points each. Mature bucks ordinarily possess 4 points per antler. The annual growth cycle of antlers has been thoroughly documented by Waldo & Wislocki (1951), and Wislocki (1956) in the Virginia deer. In the sika deer it is briefly as follows.
Ian Sussex: simple tools, clever experiments and new insights into plant development.

Ian Sussex, who began his career at a time when the most powerful tool available to plant developmental biologists was a scalpel, helped transform the discipline of plant developmental biology into the dynamic, sophisticated field that it is today. He did this through his own research, through an influential book that he wrote with his friend and colleague Taylor Steeves, and through his many students and post-doctoral fellows, to whom he gave the greatest gift a scientist can receive – the freedom to do whatever they wanted.
Intracoronary Stem Cell Delivery to the Right Ventricle: A Preclinical Study.

Clinical protocols for stem cell-based therapies are currently under development for patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome. An ideal cell delivery method should have minimal safety risks and provide a wide distribution of cells to the nonischemic right ventricle (RV). However, the optimal strategy for stem cell delivery to the RV has yet to be explored in a preclinical model, necessary for a hypoplastic left heart syndrome trial. Human c-kit + cardiac stem cells (CSCs) were delivered to healthy Yorkshire swine through the proximal right coronary artery with a stop and reflow technique. The effect of premedication with antiarrhythmic (AA) medications in this model was retrospectively reviewed, with the primary outcome of survival 2 hours after infusion. A group underwent CSC delivery to the RV without prophylactic AA medication (no AA, n = 7), whereas the second group was premedicated with a loading dose and intravenous infusion of amiodarone and lidocaine (AA, n = 13). Cardiac biopsies were obtained from each chamber to ascertain the biodistribution of CSCs. Survival was significantly greater in the prophylactic AA group compared with the group without AA (13/13 [100%] vs 1/7 [14.3%], P + CSCs were distributed to lateral segments of the RV free wall, consistent with the anatomical course of the right coronary artery (lateral RV, 19.2 ± 1.5 CSCs/field of view vs medial RV, 10.4 ± 1.3 CSCs/field of view, P + CSCs were identified in the right atrium, septum, or left ventricle. Prophylactic infusion of AA enhances survival in swine undergoing intracoronary delivery of human c-kit + CSCs to the RV. Additionally, intracoronary delivery results in a limited biodistribution of c-kit + CSCs within the RV. Human clinical protocols can be optimized by requiring infusion of AA medications before cell delivery.
Spontaneous Membrane Translocating Peptides: Mechanisms and Motifs

We previously used an orthogonal high-throughput screen to select peptides that spontaneously cross synthetic lipid bilayers without permeabilization. Interestingly, many of the 12-residue spontaneous membrane translocating peptides (SMTPs) selected from the library contained a consensus LRLLR motif. We hypothesized that the conserved LRLLR motif could be a minimal motif for spontaneous membrane translocation. To test this and to explore the mechanism of spontaneous membrane translocation, we synthesized six arginine spacing variants of LRLLR and compared their membrane partitioning, translocation, and perturbation to one of the parent SMTPs, called TP2.
Managing Technological Turbulence: Strategies for Neoteny in Technology-Based Corporations

Abstract This paper distinguishes two broad classes of corporate structure and goal seeking behavior relative to technological change: the mature “homeostatic” corporation seeks to maintain an invariable structure by controlling the market environment in which technological battles are waged; the “dynamic” corporation attempts to exploit, and indeed to spearhead, technological turbulence. We attempt to contrast the structural and behavioral features of these two corporate strategies with special emphasis on the latter as a form that is emerging in response to the quickening pace and broadening scale of contemporary technological dynamics. The analogy of neoteny in human evolution is employed to highlight structures that foster corporate adaptation through exploitation of high risk, high payoff technological opportunities.
Social Networks, Social Capital and Obesity: A Literature Review

Publisher Summary Social networks consist of the patterns of relationships existing among a set of actors. Social capital is to be distinguished from social networks in that social capital refers to the resources to which individuals or groups have access through their social networks. Unlike other forms of capital, such as economic, human, or cultural, social capital is not the property of individuals or groups per se but instead emerges in the social networks that individuals or groups maintain. Individuals may access these resources through their own personal networks, or they might have access to a more generalized set of resources from living in an area having dense social connections and a propensity for reciprocity. At the individual or area levels, social capital may provide benefits for the health of individuals through a variety of network mechanisms, such as the provisioning of affective support, access to information, or greater sense of belonging. Studies on social capital and health cover a range of outcomes. For instance, its associations with self-reported health and mental health have found particular prominence in the literature. This may be due in part to the fact that the health-related pathways linking social capital to these are less opaque. Social capital is often seen as contributing to the psychological well-being of individuals through mechanisms related to social integration or the availability of support.