cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Where do all the aphids go? A series of thought experiments within the context of area-wide pest management

Abstract Aphids are economically important wind-borne crop pests worldwide. Forecasting invasions poses the challenge of modelling both the terrestrial and aerial portions of their life cycle in temporally-variable, spatially-heterogeneous environments. Within the context of area-wide pest management, modelling migrations is particularly problematic. We present a series of thought experiments, using sugarcane aphids (Melanaphis sacchari) as a test case, in which we ponder the relative importance of accurate forecasting of magnitudes of migrations and initial infestations versus accurate forecasting of timing of initial infestations. Our results indicate the latter is more important. Within the context of area-wide pest management programs, this suggests improvement in forecasting models for windborne pests most likely will come from increased emphasis on the aeroecological portion of the pest life cycle.
Effectiveness of a Group Exercise Class vs. Home Exercise Program as a Follow-up to Physical Therapy for Older Adults with High Fall Risk

This quasi-experimental study compared the results of a traditional model of physical therapy (PT) care to a PT wellness model known as GroupHab. The traditional model included discharge from PT with a home exercise program (HEP) to be self-administered with or without the addition of a community-based exercise program. The wellness model included participation in a PT-designed and supervised group exercise program (GroupHab class) in an outpatient clinical setting following discharge from PT. Independent t-tests were used to compare the number of falls, exercise frequency, and exercise duration between the two groups. A repeated measures, analysis of variance (RM-ANOVA) compared changes in balance confidence scores both within and between groups, and a multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) analyzed group differences across multiple quality of life ratings using the SF-20. All data were analyzed at the 0.05 alpha level using SPSS 24 statistical software. Our results showed a significantly greater reduction in recurrent falls among the GroupHab wellness group compared to the HEP group (t=2.811, p=0.009). The resulting odds ratio for subsequent falls was 2.2 among HEP participants and 0.2 among GroupHab participants. Exercise adherence was also greater for those who participated in the GroupHab class. They documented greater exercise frequency (t= -3.253, p=0.002) and more exercise minutes (t= -7.188, p<0.001) than those who participated in the HEP. When comparing changes in the participants’ balance confidence, we found an average increase of 5% among GroupHab participants compared to a 6% decrease among HEP participants (F=16.877, p<0.001, power=0.981). Although our multivariate analysis of the SF-20 scores revealed no significant difference overall (F=0.768, p=0.73), the univariate analyses showed significantly greater improvements among GroupHab participants in selected areas of physical function. These results suggest that at-risk older adults who are discharged into a functionally-based group exercise class are less likely to experience recurrent falls and are more likely to have more confidence in their balance than those who are discharged with a standard HEP and/or use of community-based exercise classes.
Complete Genome Sequence of Rhizobium japonicum Podophage Pasto

Rhizobium japonicum is a Gram-negative bacterium of interest for research into nitrogen fixation in legumes. This article describes the isolation, sequencing, and annotation of R. japonicum podophage Pasto. While it shows no significant similarity to identified phages, genomic analysis indicates that Pasto may be temperate and is a novel T7-like podophage.
The Extension of International Credit by US Banks: A Disaggregated Analysis, 1988 to 1994

We use simultaneous equation estimation techniques to analyze decisions made by 35 US banks with respect to credit extended domestically and to credit extended within 16 foreign countries, 1988-1994. Our results indicate that foreign credit extension by US banks follows the commercial expansion of US businesses abroad and is greater in countries with expanding economies. They are inconsistent with the notion that banks trade off credit activities undertaken domestically and abroad.
Using the Essays of Warren Buffett: Lessons for Corporate America in the Classroom: An Update for 4th Edition

It has been 13 years since the publication of Using the Essays of Warren Buffett: Lessons for Corporate America in the Classroom (The Essays). The Essays is currently on the 4th edition and coverage has extended quite a bit. The reference pages for the questions for discussion is no longer in their right place. This note is an update for those interested in using the 4th Edition of The Essays in the classroom.
P-122: Increased mTORC2 pathway activation in lymph nodes of iMCD-TAFRO

Background Idiopathic multicentric Castleman disease (iMCD) is a rare and life-threatening hematologic disorder involving polyclonal lymphoproliferation and organ dysfunction due to excessive cytokine production, including interleukin-6 (IL-6). Data demonstrate that IL-6 inhibition is effective in 34-50% of patients. mTOR, which functions through mTORC1 and mTORC2, is a recently-discovered therapeutic target. The mTOR inhibitor sirolimus, which preferentially inhibits mTORC1, has led to sustained remission in a small cohort of anti-IL-6 refractory iMCD patients with thrombocytopenia, anasarca, fever, renal dysfunction, and organomegaly (TAFRO). However, sirolimus has not shown uniform effect, potentially due to its limited mTORC2 inhibition. Method To investigate mTORC2 activation in iMCD, we quantified the mTORC2 effector protein pNDRG1 by immunohistochemistry of lymph node tissue from six iMCD-TAFRO and eight iMCD patients who do not meet TAFRO criteria (iMCD-not-otherwise-specified; iMCD-NOS). Eight metastasis-free sentinel lymph nodes were selected as normal controls (sentinels). Tissue from six ALPS lymph node samples was selected as a comparator group. Results First, we evaluated mTORC2 activation in iMCD-TAFRO and iMCD-NOS. In iMCD-TAFRO, pNDRG1 expression was significantly elevated in the interfollicular space (P = 0.005), germinal centers (P = 0.002), and mantle zones (P = 0.007) relative to sentinels. Positive pNDRG1 staining was significantly increased in the interfollicular space (P = 0.005) of iMCD-NOS lymph nodes relative to sentinels and there was a no difference in the germinal centers (P = 0.59) and the mantle zones (P = 0.30). Next, we compared pNDRG1 expression in iMCD-TAFRO and iMCD-NOS to ALPS, a disease characterized by aberrant mTOR activation that is effectively treated with sirolimus. While ALPS patients consistently respond to sirolimus, data from the ACCELERATE registry show that 6/11 (54.5%) iMCD cases treated with sirolimus did not achieve a response. We therefore hypothesized that mTORC2 may be more highly elevated in iMCD, suggesting a potential mechanism of resistance to sirolimus. Our results revealed significantly increased pNDRG1 staining in iMCD-TAFRO germinal centers relative to ALPS (P = 0.02) and non-significantly increased staining in the interfollicular space (P = 0.18) and mantle zones (P = 0.11). There were no differences in pNDRG1 expression between iMCD-NOS and ALPS in any region. Notably, the strongly positive pNDRG1 cells had spindle-shaped morphology resembling stromal cells. This result contrasts with the pS6-positive cells in iMCD that have been shown to represent monocytes, plasma cells, and as-yet-undefined cells with myeloid-appearing morphology. Conclusion These results suggest increased mTORC2 activity in iMCD and that duel mTORC1/mTORC2 inhibitors may be a rational therapeutic approach. We also observed potential differences in mTORC2 activation between iMCD-TAFRO and iMCD-NOS, although this should be validated.
Monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis and early-stage chronic lymphocytic leukemia: diagnosis, natural history, and risk stratification

Monoclonal B lymphocytosis (MBL) is defined as the presence of a clonal B-cell population in the peripheral blood with fewer than 5 × 109/L B-cells and no other signs of a lymphoproliferative disorder. The majority of cases of MBL have the immunophenotype of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). MBL can be categorized as either low count or high count based on whether the B-cell count is above or below 0.5 × 109/L. Low-count MBL can be detected in ∼5% of adults over the age of 40 years when assessed using standard-sensitivity flow cytometry assays. A number of biological and genetic characteristics distinguish low-count from high-count MBL. Whereas low-count MBL rarely progresses to CLL, high-count MBL progresses to CLL requiring therapy at a rate of 1% to 2% per year. High-count MBL is distinguished from Rai 0 CLL based on whether the B-cell count is above or below 5 × 109/L. Although individuals with both high-count MBL and CLL Rai stage 0 are at increased risk of infections and second cancers, the risk of progression requiring treatment and the potential to shorten life expectancy are greater for CLL. This review highlights challenging questions regarding the classification, risk stratification, management, and supportive care of patients with MBL and CLL.
Diet-induced Vascular Remodeling Produces a Shift in Collagen Fiber Angle Distribution in a Mouse Model of Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by accumulation of lipids in the artery wall. Clinical complications include plaque rupture, in which thrombosis of the artery can lead to myocardial infarction. In response to plaque development, arteries undergo long-lasting changes in size/composition, termed vascular remodeling. The study objective is to measure collagen fiber angle distribution to understand how the aortic matrix remodels in response to altered mechanical loading resulting from plaque formation. To promote aortic plaque formation, apolipoprotein E (apoE) knockout (KO) and apoE matrix metalloproteinase-12 (MMP12) DKO mice were fed a Western diet for 6 months. Control mice were fed a chow diet. Segments of the thoracic and abdominal aorta were optically sectioned using second harmonic generation (SHG) microscopy to visualize collagen fibers and analyzed using Continuity 6. Multivariate statistical analysis was performed in R to identify variables (mouse strain, diet, aorti...
A real-time parallel scheduler for the imprecise computation model

This paper considers the problem of scheduling hard real-time, periodic jobs on a multiprocessor while allowing imprecise computations. A highly dynamic job set is assumed, where limited a priori knowledge of a job set's behavior is available. The use of static partitioning schemes for such a job set is shown to lead to load imbalances and unecessary error. Instead, a dynamic load balancing approach is used. A set of constraints are established so that balancing the load does not invalidate established schedules or increase the error. Finally a scheduling algorithm, based on these constraints is presented.
Rheology of fibrin clots. II. Linear viscoelastic behavior in shear creep.

Abstract Creep of human fibrin clots in small shearing deformations has been studied over a time scale from 20 to 10 4 s. Most clots were prepared by the action of thrombin on purified fibrinogen, under various conditions of pH and ionic strength to produce networks with either coarse or line structure, and with or without ligation by calcium ion and fibrinoligase. Combination of data with previous results on dynamic viscoelastic properties provided a description of viscoelastic behavior over seven logarithmic decades of time or frequency scale. Fine, unligated clots showed very little creep over most of this range. Coarse, unligated clots showed substantial creep but this was suppressed by ligation. It is postulated that the basic fibril element formed by polymerization of fibrin units remains intact under stress but that, in coarse clots, some slippage of these elements within aggregated bundles occurs unless they are secured by α-α ligation. The elastic modulus (in a time scale of seconds) is proportional to the 1.5 power of fibrin concentration in unligated clots (the magnitude for fine clots being somewhat smaller than for coarse) and to the 2.3 power for coarse, ligated clots. Creep behavior with different shear strain magnitudes (up to 0.2) and tests of creep recovery by the Boltzmann superposition principle show strict adherence to linear viscoelastic behavior, indicating no basic structural changes during the experiments, provided the structure is fully developed before strain is imposed. If progressive ligation continues in the strained state, subsequent creep recovery is incomplete. Clots formed with ancrod instead of thrombin show a smaller modulus and much more extensive creep.
Utility of respiratory-navigator-rejected k-space lines for improved signal-to-noise ratio in three-dimensional cardiac MR

Purpose To develop and evaluate a technique that uses the k-space lines rejected by prospective respiratory navigator (NAV) to improve the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) without increasing the scan time. Methods In conventional image reconstruction, the motion-corrupted k-space lines rejected by the NAV are not used. In this study, a set of translational motion parameters for the NAV-rejected lines and a phase-corrected average for the k-space line are estimated jointly using a maximum-likelihood approach and the information from the corresponding accepted k-space lines. Left coronary artery images were acquired in 10 healthy adult subjects, and the proposed approach incorporating the NAV-rejected lines was compared with the conventional dataset with NAV-accepted lines only, as well as a simple average of all k-space lines, in terms of SNR, normalized vessel sharpness and qualitative image scores on a four-point scale (1 = poor, 4 = excellent). Late gadolinium enhancement images of the left atrium were also acquired in 21 patients with atrial fibrillation pre- or post-pulmonary vein isolation. Images reconstructed with the proposed, conventional, and simple averaging methods were compared in terms of SNR, and subjective image quality on a four-point scale. Results For coronary MRI, there was a significant improvement in SNR with the proposed technique, but no significant difference in normalized vessel sharpness or qualitative image scores were observed with respect to the conventional method. Simple averaging resulted in an SNR gain, but significant loss in vessel sharpness and image quality. For late gadolinium enhancement, there was a significant increase in SNR, but no significant differences were observed in subjective image quality scores between the proposed and conventional methods. There was an SNR gain, but image quality loss for simple averaging, when compared with the conventional technique. In both coronary MRI and late gadolinium enhancement, the SNR gain of the proposed method was not significantly different than the maximum theoretical SNR gain. Conclusion The proposed technique improves SNR using the additional information from NAV-rejected k-space lines, while providing similar image quality to standard reconstruction using motion-free k-space data only, with no increase in scan time. Magn Reson Med 70:1332–1339, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Modulation of M4 muscarinic acetylcholine receptors by interacting proteins

Protein-protein interactions represent an important mechanism for posttranslational modifications of protein expression and function. In brain cells, surface-expressed and membrane-bound neurotransmitter receptors are common proteins that undergo dynamic protein-protein interactions between their intracellular domains and submembranous regulatory proteins. Recently, the Gαi/o-coupled muscarinic M4 receptor (M4R) has been revealed to be one of these receptors. Through direct interaction with the intracellular loops or C-terminal tails of M4Rs, M4R interacting proteins (M4RIPs) vigorously regulate the efficacy of M4R signaling. A synapse-enriched protein kinase, Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII), exemplifies a prototype model of M4RIPs, and is capable of binding to the second intracellular loop of M4Rs. Through an activity- and phosphorylation-dependent mechanism, CaMKII potentiates the M4R/Gαi/o-mediated inhibition of M4R efficacy in inhibiting adenylyl cyclase and cAMP production. In striatal neurons where M4Rs are most abundantly expressed, M4RIPs dynamically control M4R activity to maintain a proper cholinergic tone in these neurons. This is critical for maintaining the acetylcholine-dopamine balance in the basal ganglia, which determines the behavioral responsiveness to dopamine stimulation by psychostimulants.
4 Acquired equivalences and mediated generalization in pigeon's matching-to-sample

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses acquired equivalences in animal learning, particularly those instances reported in pigeon's matching-to-sample (MTS). “Acquired equivalence” refers to the finding that very different stimuli can sometimes produce the same behavior even though one of them has no direct reinforced connection with that behavior. The attempt involves the resurrection of the explanatory ideas proposed by Hull that physically unrelated stimuli come to control the same behavior because they produce some common reaction that mediates the generalization of subsequent performances from one stimulus to another. The chapter explains this mediated generalization account of acquired equivalences. This chapter describes (after some general background material) three MTS tasks in which acquired sample equivalences have been demonstrated but which differ in the degree to which mediational processes are apparent: (1) acquired sample equivalences arising from an overt mediator, (2) acquired sample equivalences via common reinforcing outcomes, and (3) acquired sample equivalences from common comparison-stimulus associations.
Heterogeneous Nuclear Ribonucleoprotein P2 Is an Autoantibody Target in Mice Deficient for Mer, Axl, and Tyro3 Receptor Tyrosine Kinases

Deficiencies in clearance of apoptotic cells predispose to the development of autoimmune disease. This is evident in mice lacking the receptor tyrosine kinases Tyro3, Axl, and Mer. Deficient mice exhibit an increased abundance of apoptotic cells in tissues and manifest diverse autoimmune conditions. To test these mice for the presence of autoantibodies to apoptotic cells, we generated spontaneous splenic B cell hybridomas and used a novel microscopy screen to detect Ab binding to apoptotic Jurkat cells. From hybridomas secreting IgG Abs reactive with apoptotic cells, we selected one that recreated the major serum specificity for apoptotic cells. The Ab LHC7.15 bound to an Ag that is differentially distributed between the nucleus and the cytoplasm in live and apoptotic cells. In late apoptotic cells, the Ag coalesces into aggregates that bleb from the cell surface. Immunopurification of the Ag, followed by mass spectrometry, identified a protein of 69 kDa whose partial sequence matched heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein P2. This multifunctional protein binds DNA, RNA, and several known ribonucleoprotein autoantigens. Our observations indicate that a ribonucleoprotein complex, formed and translocated to the cell surface in apoptosis, represents a potent stimulus for breaking tolerance and inducing systemic autoimmunity in mice with defective clearance of cell remnants.
Barnard on conflicts of responsibility: Implications for today's perspectives on transformational and authentic leadership

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to reacquaint researchers and practitioners with Barnard's contributions to understanding of the moral conditions that underlie the authenticity of organizational leadership.Design/methodology/approach – The paper identifies Barnard's insights on leadership and uses them as inputs to theorizing about authentic leadership.Findings – As an outcome of theorizing, the paper identifies the conditions that are likely to lead to inauthentic, pseudo‐authentic or authentic leader behavior.Research limitations/implications – Examining authentic leadership from a historical perspective can open promising avenues for future research.Practical implications – Leadership development programs should incorporate concepts of responsibility and conflicts of responsibility in order to provide executives with the knowledge base required for ethical decision making.Originality/value – By placing contemporary discussion of authentic leadership in its proper historical context, scholars can...
A comparison of superconductive and surface-acoustic-wave signal processing

A number of superconductive analog signal-processing devices with functions analogous to those of surface-acoustic-wave(SAW) devices have been demonstrated, including filters, resonators, pulse compressors, convolvers, and correlators. Most of these devices utilize the extremely low microwave surface resistance of superconducting thin films to obtain highly compact yet low-loss electromagnetic delay lines, and some incorporate tunnel junctions for nonlinear functions. The design and fabrication of such superconductive devices are discussed, and they are compared to SAW devices in terms of bandwidth, delay, transduction loss, and interface requirements. Two examples with particularly strong analogy to SAW devices are presented: (1) chirp filters for pulse compression and spectral analysis; and (2) high-Q resonators for use in low-phase-noise oscillators. The prospects for devices operating in liquid nitrogen are explored. >
Hypnosis and the Psychological Unconscious

Publisher Summary Hypnosis is a social interaction in which one person (the subject) responds to suggestions given by another person (the hypnotist) for imaginative experiences involving alterations in perception, memory, and the voluntary control of action. In the classic case, these responses are associated with a degree of subjective conviction bordering on delusion and an experience of involuntariness bordering on compulsion. The psychological unconscious refers to the proposition that mental states—cognitions, emotions, and motives—can influence ongoing experience, thought, and action outside of phenomenal awareness and voluntary control. Hypnosis has been used in clinics for both medical and psychotherapeutic purposes. By far the most successful and best documented of these has been hypnotic analgesia for the relief of pain. Clinical studies indicate that hypnosis can effectively relieve pain in patients suffering pain from burns, cancer and leukemia, childbirth, and dental procedures. Hypnosis is used to promote relaxation, enhance imagery, and generally loosen the flow of free associations. It is also used therapeutically to recover forgotten incidents. It is relevant to the psychological unconscious as it appears to expand the boundaries of unconscious processing beyond the automatic and the preconscious.
Cholesterol Content and Sensory Analysis of Ground Pork as Influenced by Fat Level and Heating

Eight treatment combinations for the formulation and heating of fresh ground pork were investigated: four raw fat levels (4, 9, 18, 23%) and two internal end point temperatures (71°C and 77°C). In the raw state, ground pork containing 4 or 9% fat contained less cholesterol, more moisture and was judged to be more red than samples containing 18 or 23% fat. Tenderness, juiciness and amount of mouthcoating increased as fat level in the cooked patties increased. Internal end point temperature (71°C or 77°C) did not affect sensory scores of cooked pork patties. Cooked patty cholesterol content (wet weight) did not differ among the four fat levels. High-fat ground pork retained less cholesterol than low-fat ground pork.
Evolution, Not Revolution

Effective management of change is critical for all organizations, including those providing construction and engineering services. Organizational change is practically ubiquitous. The view of this phenomenon that prevails for managers depends on their understanding of its opportunities and challenges. The view of the phenomenon that prevails for employees depends on their trust of management, which is based on how they were treated in the past, and how they are included in change processes. An incremental change conceived to proactively address probable future organizational needs, while minimizing turmoil and providing the best opportunity for employees, delivered success for a functional division of a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers district. The writer, who was not immediately responsible for the restructuring activity, reconciles his personal observations of the case with organizational change management theory. It may stimulate discussion of necessary manager knowledge and behavior that can lead to impr...
Child maltreatment and risk patterns among participants in a child abuse prevention program.

The relationship between risk factors and Child Protective Services (CPS) outcomes in families who participate in home visiting programs to prevent abuse and neglect and who are reported to CPS is largely unknown. We examined the relationship between parental risk factors and the substantiation status and number of CPS reports in families in a statewide prevention program. We reviewed CPS reports from 2006 to 2008 for families in Connecticut's child abuse prevention program. Six risk factors (histories of CPS, domestic violence [DV], mental health, sexual abuse, substance abuse, and criminal involvement) and the number of caregivers were abstracted to create risk scores for each family member. Maltreatment type, substantiation, and number of reports were recorded. Odds ratios were calculated. Of 1,125 families, 171 (15.6%) had at least one CPS report, and reports of 131 families were available for review. Families with a substantiated (25.2%) versus unsubstantiated (74.8%) first report had a high number of paternal risk factors (OR=6.13, 95% CI [1.89, 20.00]) and were more likely to have a history of maternal DV (OR=8.47, 95% CI [2.96, 24.39]), paternal DV (OR=11.23, 95% CI [3.33, 38.46]), and maternal criminal history (OR=4.55; 95% CI [1.32, 15.60]). Families with >1 report (34.4%) versus 1 report (65.6%) were more likely to have >3 caregivers, but this was not statistically significant (OR=2.53, 95% CI [0.98, 6.54]). In a prevention program for first-time families, DV, paternal risk, maternal criminal history, and an increased number of caregivers were associated with maltreatment outcomes. Targeting parental violence may impact child abuse prevention. Language: en
Numerically Predicted Transient Temperature and Velocity Profiles During Natural Convection Heating of Canned Liquid Foods

Numerically predicted transient flow patterns and temperature profiles during natural convection heat transfer of a liquid in a uniformly heated cylindrical can were presented for the first time. A recirculating flow pattern was predicted inside the cylindrical container. The liquid was found to be stratified inside the container with increasing temperatures towards the top. The slowest heating location in the fluid was a donut-shaped region close to the bottom of the can at about one-tenth the can height.
Fractal distributions of reservoir properties and their use in reservoir simulation

Geostatistics has become a popular way to distribute reservoir properties between wells. One of the geostatistical methods being used is fractal geostatistics. Most porosity well logs have been found to have a fractal character. An analysis of vertical and horizontal logs, core photos, and outcrop photos has led to a rather simple model to describe porosity and permeability distributions. This representation has been tested in reservoir simulation of a mature waterflood and found to match production history with very little history matching. Fractal distributions were found to require much less history matching than classical layer cake models. Conoco is now actively applying this new technology to a number of its reservoirs.
Connectivity-free front tracking method for multiphase flows with free surfaces

In this study, a connectivity-free front tracking method is developed to simulate multiphase flows with free surfaces. This method is based on the point-set method which does not require any connectivities between interfacial points to represent the interface. The main advantage of the connectivity-free approach is the easiness in re-constructing the interface when large topology change occurs. It requires an indicator field to be constructed first based on the existing interface and the surface curvature and normal are then computed using the indicator field. Here, we adopt the reproducing kernel particle method (RKPM) interpolation function that provides the ability to deal with free-surface flows and the flexibility of using non-uniform meshes when local fine resolution is needed. A points regeneration scheme is developed to construct smooth interfaces and to automatically handle topology changes. The mass conservation is verified by performing a single vortex advection test. Several 2-D and 3-D numerical tests including an oscillating droplet, dam-breaking, two droplet impacting and multi-bubble merging are presented to show the accuracy and the robustness of the method.
Crame´r-von Mises statistics based on the sample quantile function and estimated parameters

Abstract The estimated weighted empirical quantile process is introduced, and under mild regularity conditions is shown to converge weakly in L 2 (0, 1) to a Gaussian process. This leads to an elementary approach to the derivation of the asymptotic null distribution of Cramer-von Mises type statistics for testing a composite null hypothesis based on the sample quantile function and estimated parameters. Special emphasis is given to the location/scale composite null hypothesis.
The use of lipid-lowering drugs in children†

Editor–in–Chief, The Journal of Clinical Lipidology, Charles Howard Candler Professor of Internal Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, 1670 Clairmont Road, Atlanta, GA 30033, USA (Dr. Brown); Director, Division of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, Phoenix Children’s Hospital and Clinical Professor of Pediatrics, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Phoenix, AZ, USA (Dr. Wilson); Chief, Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes and Robert C. and Veronica Atkins Professor of Pediatrics, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA (Dr. Freemark); and Chief, Lipid Research and Atherosclerosis Division and Director, Johns Hopkins Lipid Clinic and Professor of Pediatrics and Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA (Dr. Kwiterovich)
Effect of treating stylets of aphids with formalin on the transmission of sugar beet yellows virus

Abstract Formalin treatment of exposed stylets of anesthetized Myzus persicae (Sulzer) apterae or nymphs, which had fed on Swiss chard plants infected with sugar beet yellows virus, resulted in a depression in virus transmission; but it also depressed frequency and depth of stylet penetration during the first few hours of inoculation access time to test plants. Because of the treatment-feeding interaction, it was not possible to determine whether or not this semipersistent aphid-borne virus is stylet-borne or internally translocated prior to transmission.
Effects of platelet-derived growth factor-AA and -BB on embryonic cardiac development.

Several studies have shown that disruption of the normal expression patterns of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) ligands and receptors during development results in gross cardiac defects and embryonic or neonatal death. However, little is known about the specific role that PDGF plays in the differentiation of cardiac myocytes. In experiments complementing studies that utilized naturally-occurring Patch mice lacking the PDGFr alpha, or knockout animals lacking a PDGF ligand or receptor, we used rat and mouse whole-embryo culture (WEC) techniques to increase the exposure of embryos to the PDGF-AA or -BB ligands. Following a 48-hr culture period, we analyzed heart growth and cardiac myocyte differentiation. Exposure of rat embryos to 50 ng/ml of PDGF-AA resulted in a 42% increase in total protein levels in the heart, but did not result in a significant increase in heart growth, as determined by measurements of the atrioventricular length and the left ventricular length and width. Exposure of embryos to 50 ng/ml of PDGF-BB resulted in a 77% increase in total protein levels and a significant (P < 0.05) 8-15% increase in the measured heart parameters. Although a comparison of control and PDGF-AA-treated embryos showed no increase in the overall size of the heart, confocal microscopy showed an increase in the size and number of myofibrillar bundles in the developing myocardium. In addition, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed an increase in the presence of sarcomeres, indicating that myofibrils were more highly differentiated in these areas of the treated embryos. In PDGF-BB-treated embryos, the compact zone of the myocardium was thicker and, as shown by confocal microscopy and TEM, f-actin and well-developed sarcomeres were more prevalent, indicating that the myofibrils were more differentiated in the treated embryos than in the control embryos. These studies indicate that increased exposure of embryonic hearts to PDGF-AA or -BB increases the rate of myocardial development.
THE ROLE OF TEACHER CHARACTERISTICS AND PRACTICES ON UPPER SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS’ MATHEMATICS SELF-EFFICACY IN NYANZA PROVINCE OF KENYA: A MULTILEVEL ANALYSIS

The study identified two dimensions of teacher self-efficacy and practices and five dimensions of students’ mathematics self-efficacy and sought to determine the extent to which teacher characteristics and practices can enhance secondary school students’ self-efficacy. Data were collected from 13,173 students in 193 teachers’ classrooms from 141 schools in the 10 districts of Lake Victoria Region of Kenya. Two-level hierarchical linear model revealed that teachers’ frequent use of mathematics homework, their level of interest and enjoyment of mathematics, as well as their ability and competence in teaching mathematics were found to play a key role in promoting students’ mathematics self-efficacy. Teachers’ ability and competence in teaching were also found to be effective in narrowing the gender gap in students’ self-confidence and competence in mathematics. The study recommends that teacher training colleges emphasize such teacher practices and values in order to enhance students’ mathematics self-efficacy, reduce their level of anxiety and fear of mathematics, and consequently, enhance their achievement in mathematics. Professional development opportunities should also be made available to in-service teachers to continually update their knowledge and skills and develop new strategies for teacher effectiveness.
DNA statics and dynamics in nanoscale confinement

We present, along with theoretical scaling arguments, measurements of the equilibrium and dynamic properties of λ and T2 phage DNA molecules confined in quartz nanochannels. Such measurements serve a two-fold purpose: (1) we hope to assist in the design of future nanofluidic devices by quantifying the behavior of semiflexible polymers in confined environments and (2) we hope to test existing theories for confined semiflexible polymers.
A CONTEXTUALIST VIEW OF THE NATURE OF INTELLIGENCE

Abstract A contextualist view of intelligence is presented and discussed. The presentation and discussion are divided into four main parts. First, I define and explicate just what I mean by a contextualist view of intelligence. Second, I consider some common criticisms of the contextual view, and respond to these criticisms at the same time that I elaborate upon the contextual view. Third, I consider how intelligence can be specifically defined, measured, and trained within a given socio-cultural milieu. Finally, I draw some conclusions about intelligence and the contextual approach to it. In particular, it is claimed that this approach is compatible with a variety of kinds of theorizing (e.g., psychometric and cognitive) but that it enables one to escape from certain vicious circularities that have plagued intelligence research when it has not been placed in a contextual perspective.
Diamond burr superficial keratectomy in the treatment of visually-significant anterior corneal lesions

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of diamond burr superficial keratectomy in the treatment of visually-significant anterior corneal lesions. METHODS: A retrospective review of 23 eyes (23 patients). Pre- and postoperative visual acuities and refractions, slit-lamp biomicroscopic findings, and the incidence of recurrence of disease after keratectomy were studied. RESULTS: Nineteen eyes had map-dot-fingerprint basement membrane dystrophy and 4 had Salzmann's nodular degeneration. All patients presented with decreased vision, as well as varying degrees of glare, halos, and monocular diplopia. Postoperative follow-up ranged from 3 to 39 months (mean 10.6 months), and no recurrence of the original disease occurred within this period. This procedure improved the best-corrected visual acuity from 20/36 (LogMar 0.250) to 20/24 (LogMar 0.076) by LogMar statistical evaluation (p<0.001) and caused a statistically non-significant (p=0.232) myopic change in the mean refractive spherical equivalent (-0.36 diopter ± SD 2.28 preoperatively to -0.71 ± 2.26 postoperatively). Glare and monocular diplopia were subjectively reduced or eliminated in all patients. One patient had mild anterior stromal haze which decreased the bestcorrected visual acuity from 20/25 to 20/30. CONCLUSION: Diamond burr superficial keratectomy appears to be an effective and safe method of removing visually-significant anterior corneal opacities.
A Stationary Positron Emission Ring Tomograph Using Bgo Detector and Analog Readout

A single ring PET camera has been constructed to demonstrate the use of one dimensional scintillation camera techniques in positron tomographic design. A pseudo-continuous BGO detector is used. The detector is 46 cm ID, 52 cm OD, 2 cm wide and is made using 360 elements. A narrow light guide and 90 PM Tubes are used for the readout. The position of coincident events are found using unique scintillation camera logic.
Ligand control in palladium—catalyzed coupling reactions between organozirconium compounds and allylic species

Abstract A (π-allylic)Pd(II) complex can serve as a catalyst precursor for selective coupling between allylic halides or acetates and alkenylsirconium complexes.
Further combinatorial identities deriving from the n th power of a 2 × 2 matrix

In this paper we use a formula for the nth power of a 2 × 2 matrix A (in terms of the entries in A) to derive various combinatorial identities. Three examples of our results follow. (1) We show that if m and n are positive integers and s ∈ {0,1,2,..., ⌊(mn-1)/2⌋}, then Σi,j,k,t21+2t-mn+n(-1)nk+i(n+1)/1+δ(m-1)/2,i+k (m-1-i, i) (m-1-2i, k) ×(n(m-1-2(i+k)), 2j)) (j, t-n(i+k)) (n-1-s+t, s-t)=(mn-1-s, s) (2) The generalized Fibonacci polynomial fm (x,s) can be expressed as fm(x,s)= Σk=0⌊(m-1)/2⌋ (m-k-1, k)xm-2k-1sk. We prove that the following functional equation holds: fm(x,s)=fm(x,s) × fn(fm+1(x,s) + sfm-1(x,s),-(-s)m. (3) If an arithmetical function f is multiplicative and for each prime p there is a complex number g(p) such that f(pn+1) = f(p)f(pn)-g(p)f(pn-1), n≥1, then f is said to be specially multiplicative. We give another derivation of the following formula for a specially multiplicative function f evaluated at a prime power: f(pk) = Σj=0⌊k/2⌋(-1)j(k-j, j)f(p)k-2jg(p)j. We also prove various other combinatorial identities.
The religious factor in economic development

Abstract An earlier study, using factor analysis, indicated that there is a positive relationship between religion and socio-economic development in a sample of 55 countries. This study reexamines the evidence and examines more intensively the relationship between the predominant type of religion in a country and 25 social and political indicators. We conclude that the strong statistical association is the outcome of complex historical influences associated with the early spread of commercial and industrial capitalism.
The Hyper-Envelope Modeling Interface (HEMI): A Novel Approach Illustrated Through Predicting Tamarisk ( Tamarix spp.) Habitat in the Western USA

Habitat suitability maps are commonly created by modeling a species’ environmental niche from occurrences and environmental characteristics. Here, we introduce the hyper-envelope modeling interface (HEMI), providing a new method for creating habitat suitability models using Bezier surfaces to model a species niche in environmental space. HEMI allows modeled surfaces to be visualized and edited in environmental space based on expert knowledge and does not require absence points for model development. The modeled surfaces require relatively few parameters compared to similar modeling approaches and may produce models that better match ecological niche theory. As a case study, we modeled the invasive species tamarisk (Tamarix spp.) in the western USA. We compare results from HEMI with those from existing similar modeling approaches (including BioClim, BioMapper, and Maxent). We used synthetic surfaces to create visualizations of the various models in environmental space and used modified area under the curve (AUC) statistic and akaike information criterion (AIC) as measures of model performance. We show that HEMI produced slightly better AUC values, except for Maxent and better AIC values overall. HEMI created a model with only ten parameters while Maxent produced a model with over 100 and BioClim used only eight. Additionally, HEMI allowed visualization and editing of the model in environmental space to develop alternative potential habitat scenarios. The use of Bezier surfaces can provide simple models that match our expectations of biological niche models and, at least in some cases, out-perform more complex approaches.
On Pólya frequency functions IV: The fundamental spline functions and their limits

The present paper was written in 1945 and completed by 1947 (see the abstract [3]) but for no good reason has so far not been published. It appears now in a somewhat revised and improved form.
In vitro studies of phospholipid biosynthesis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

1. 1. Evidence is given for reactions leading to the formation of all the major glycerol containing phospholipids of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. A cell free particulate fraction prepared from S. cerevisiae is capable of incorporating sn-[14C]glycero-3-phosphoric acid into phosphatidic acid, phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylglycerophosphate, phosphatidylglycerol, cardiolipin, CDP-diglyceride and diglyceride. These products were separated by a two-dimensional chromatography system. 2. 2. The incorporation of sn-[14C]glycero-3-phosphoric acid into phosphatidic acid requires CoA and ATP and is greatly stimulated by the addition of divalent cations. The incorporation of this label into CDP-diglyceride, phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylglycerophosphate, phosphatidylglycerol and cardiolipin has an additional requirement for CTP. Inositol and serine enhance the incorporation of sn-[14C]glycero-3-phosphoric acid into phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylserine, respectively. Evidence is given for two pathways for phosphatidylethanolamine synthesis, from the reaction of CDP-ethanolamine and diglyceride and by the decarboxylation of phosphatidylserine. There are also two pathways for the synthesis of phosphatidylcholine, the methylation of phosphatidylethanolamine and the reaction of CDP-choline and diglyceride. CDP-diglyceride may therefore be a precursor, directly or indirectly, of all the phospholipids under study. The direct conversion of labeled CDP-diglyceride to some of the phospholipids is demonstrated. 3. 3. Formation of CDP-diglyceride from endogenous precursors appears to be a major reaction.
Thermoelastic effects in brushes with high current and high sliding speeds

Abstract Experimental results in the literature indicate that electric brushes may deform thermally, leading to point contact with the slip ring at high current levels. The present work provides theoretical support for these observations and a quantitative statement showing how operating variables influence this behavior. The analysis is restricted to a two-dimensional model of the brush with isotropic and constant material properties. The most unexpected result is that for steady current flow cooling of the exterior of the brush increases the tendency to deform unfavorably.
Effect of urea on the partial reactions and crystallization pattern of sarcoplasmic reticulum adenosine triphosphatase.

Abstract Steady-state ATPase activity, calcium binding, formation of phosphorylated enzyme intermediate with ATP in the presence of Ca2+, or with Pi, in the absence of Ca2+, and association of ATPase molecules into bidimensional crystals, were studied using vesicular fragments of sarcoplasmic reticulum. The vesicles were exposed to increasing concentrations of urea in order to produce stepwise perturbations of protein structure and to test the effect of such perturbations on the partial reactions and crystallization pattern of sarcoplasmic reticulum ATPase. It was found that low concentrations of urea produce specific inhibition of Pi binding and enzyme phosphorylation with Pi (but not with ATP). Intermediate concentrations of urea reduce calcium binding affinity and cooperativity, while the ability of the enzyme to be phosphorylated with ATP and to form dimeric arrays is retained. These observations demonstrate that the sarcoplasmic reticulum ATPase is sensitive to physical perturbations producing specific and reversible changes in the Pi and calcium binding domains. These changes interfere with enzyme turnover, indicating that conformational effects related to binding and dissociation of pi and calcium are tightly coupled to catalysis and energy transduction. Higher concentrations of urea produce irreversible denaturation, accompanied by total inhibition of calcium binding, enzyme phosphorylation with ATP, and association of ATPase chains in bidimensional crystals. Under these conditions, protein unfolding is manifested by a sharp reduction in the fluorescence of intrinsic tryptophan residues and of a covalently bound probe. These observations suggest that dimeric association and a tendency to form bidimensional crystals correspond to a basic property of the enzyme, which is linked to its native structure and whose character may change in the presence of ligands and/or during the catalytic cycle. On the other hand, the decavanadate-induced crystallization pattern cannot be interpreted in terms of a mechanistic relationship of ATPase dimerization with one of the intermediate states of the catalytic cycle.
Quasi-static energy recovery logic and supply-clock generation circuits

A Quasi-Static Energy Recovery Logic family (QSERL) using two complementary sinusoidal supply clocks is proposed in this paper. A high-efficiency clock generation circuitry which generates two complementary sinusoidal clocks required by QSERL is also presented. The clock circuitry locks both frequency and phase of clock signals, which makes it possible to integrate adiabatic module into a VLSI system. We have designed an 8/spl times/8 carry-save multiplier using QSERL logic and two phase sinusoidal clocks. SPICE simulation shows that the QSERL multiplier can save 37% of energy over static CMOS multiplier at 100 MHz.
Conformational control by remote stereogenic centers: linear tetrapyrroles

Abstract A novel, optically-active N21–N22, N23–N24 bis-carbonyl-bridged bilirubin congener 1 with propionic acids replaced by sec-butyls exhibits a strong negative exciton chirality circular dichroism spectrum from the (S,S)-enantiomer. Molecular dynamics calculations favor the M-helical diastereomer by 0.4 kJ/mol over the P. The dipyrrinone model 2 of one half of 1 exhibits an almost undetectable circular dichroism. Unlike 1, which is only very weakly fluorescent, 2 is strongly fluorescent, with quantum yield ϕF ∼ 0.70.