cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Interhelical hydrogen bonding drives strong interactions in membrane proteins.

Polar residues in transmembrane α-helices may strongly influence the folding or association of integral membrane proteins. To test whether a motif that promotes helix association in a soluble protein could do the same within a membrane, we designed a model transmembrane helix based on the GCN4 leucine zipper. We found in both detergent miscelles and biological membranes that helix association is driven strongly by asparagine, independent of the rest of the hydrophobic leucine and/or valine sequence. Hydrogen bonding between membrane helices gives stronger associations than the packing of surfaces in glycophorin A helices, creating an opportunity to stabilize structures, but also implying a danger that non-specific interactions might occur. Thus, membrane proteins may fold to avoid exposure of strongly hydrogen bonding groups at their lipid exposed surfaces.
Superthermal alpha transport and wall bombardment in tokamaks

Fusion-product transport, from an axisymmetric tokamak plasma to the first wall, is modelled. Prompt-loss profiles (i.e. prior to slowing) are calculated as a function of poloidal angle. There is a significant flux incident at near-grazing angles, thus enhancing sputtering. Non-prompt losses are also obtained; the resulting wall bombardment is ≲110 of the prompt contribution but is localized at the outboard edge of the tokamak. To verify fusion-product transport, a detection experiment has been proposed and modelled for a device like PLT or TFTR. Blistering is the dominant wall erosion mechanism. Serious impurity contamination of the plasma can result: Δ〈Z〉eff/s ~ 6.5 in a TFTR-size device, and 0.014 in UWMAK-I; this poses a potential limit on reaction burn time. These effects can be minimized by: 1) periodic B-field reversal, 2) special wall materials and/or rapid wall replacement designs in peak flux areas, 3) increased plasma-wall separation, and 4) increased plasma current.
Neurostimulatory therapeutics in management of treatment-resistant depression with focus on deep brain stimulation.

Treatment-resistant depression continues to pose a major medical challenge, as up to one-third of patients with major depressive disorder fail to have an adequate response to standard pharmacotherapies. An improved understanding of the complex circuitry underlying depressive disorders has fostered an explosion in the development of new, nonpharmacological approaches. Each of these treatments seeks to restore normal brain activity via electrical or magnetic stimulation. In this article, the authors discuss the ongoing evolution of neurostimulatory treatments for treatment-resistant depression, reviewing the methods, efficacy, and current research on electroconvulsive therapy, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, magnetic seizure therapy, focal electrically administered stimulated seizure therapy, transcranial direct current stimulation, chronic epidural cortical stimulation, and vagus nerve stimulation. Special attention is given to deep brain stimulation, the most focally targeted approach. The history, purported mechanisms of action, and current research are outlined in detail. Although deep brain stimulation is the most invasive of the neurostimulatory treatments developed to date, it may hold significant promise in alleviating symptoms and improving the quality of life for patients with the most severe and disabling mood disorders. Mt Sinai J Med 75:263–275, 2008. © 2008 Mount Sinai School of Medicine
Introduction: Strategies for management and outcomes of arteriovenous malformations.

1Division of Neurological Surgery, Barrow Neurological Institute and St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona; 2Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California; 3Department of Neurosurgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota; 4Department of Neurosurgery, University of California, San Francisco, California; and 5Goodman Campbell Brain and Spine, and Department of Neurosurgery, Indiana University, Indiana University Simon Cancer Center, Indianapolis, Indiana
Improved methodology to assay carnitine and levels of free and total carnitine in human plasma

Abstract Carnitine, once known as vitamin Bt, is intrinsic to human tissue and is biochemically established as being acylated with fatty acids by Acyl-CoA to give Acyl-carnitines which then are transported to the inner mitochondrial membrane by a translocase. Carnitine is of increasing clinical interest and importance, and endomyocardial deficiencies of carnitine have been reported for patients in heart failure. Consequently, a reproducible and accurate analysis of human tissue specimens for levels of free carnitine and Acyl-carnitine to guide and to support continuing clinical studies of disease states is needed. We have devised an analytical method which utilizes 5,5′-dithiobis-2-nitrobenzoate and demonstrated recovery, reproducibility and precision. Hydrolysis of a specimen at 90° C for 15 min, and control of pH below 6.0 are critical steps. The mean levels of free carnitine and total carnitine in 17 ordinary subjects were 50.6 ± 9.7 nmol./ml and 62.6 ± 11.7 nmol./ml. respectively.
The mouse that lost its appetite for human.

In this issue of Blood , Lavender et al take an important step forward in the development of humanized mouse models and particularly for the analysis of human immunity.[1][1] ![Figure][2] Immunostained sections of intestine taken from DKO- and TKO-BLT mice that show substantial repopulation
Some characterizations of distributions by truncated moments

In this paper we extend GUPTA'S (1975) resLilt and show that the constant value of a truncated moment characterizes the exponential distribution. Similar results are prov¬ed in the discrete case and it is shown that two consecutive factorial moments are enough to determine the distribution. However, under mild conditions, the constancy of one fac¬torial moment is enough to guarantee that the distribution is geometric. Considering the truncation on the right, a general method of obtaining the distribution, whenever £(h(X) | Xj) is known, is fxmbitud in tnr continuous and in the discrete case. Several of the known characterization theorems toilow trivially trorn our results
Congenital fixed subvalvular aortic stenosis. An anatomical classification and correlations with operative results.

Detailed assessments were carried out before and after operation in 33 consecutive patients with congenital fixed subvalvular aortic stenosis. Effective relief of obstruction to left ventricular outflow can be accomplished at minimal risk in patients with discrete subaortic stenosis, but a pressure gradient may persist after operation because of secondary hypertrophic obstruction which resolves with time. Tunnel subaortic stenosis is characterized by a diffusely narrowed left ventricular outflow tract. When an intraventricular pressure gradient was present in such patients, good but not complete relief of obstruction was achieved. In tunnel deformities with a gradient at the valve or annulus and in subaortic stenosis produced by mitral valve anomalies, operative intervention was ineffective.
T cell receptor Vβ gene utilization in myelin basic protein specific clones from CXJ1 recombinant inbred mice

Abstract CXJ1 mice are a recombinant inbred strain generated from experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE) resistant BALB/c and EAE susceptible SJL/J progenitors. CXJ1 derive their major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II and TCR genes from the BALB/c progenitor. However, their susceptibility to EAE is similar to SJL/J. Utilizing myelin basic protein (MBP)-specific CD4 + hybridoma clones and a MBP-specific T cell line (TCL) from CXJ1, we found the predominant T cell receptor (TCR) Vβ chain expression to be Vβ8 and Vβ13. Our data support the concept of preferential, but not exclusive, TCR Vβ usage in the MBP-specific response which is independent of MHC class II haplotype or immunodominant peptide.
Salt, Cryoprotectants and Preheating Temperature Effects on Surimi‐like Material from Beef or Pork

Gel forming ability, measured by cooked gel hardness, and water-holding capacity of surimi-like pork were enhanced by addition of NaCl at 1.5 or 3% although 4.5% or 6% NaCl did not further increase hardness. Cooked gel strength was unaffected by freezing of beef or pork surimi-like materials for 48 hr. Addition of cryoprotectants (3% or 6% sorbitol, 3% glycerol, or 3% sucrose) before freezing had no effect on gel forming ability. Gel hardness was not increased by preheating prior to cooking. Preheating surimi-like pork at 50 degrees C resulted in formation of weaker gels which corresponded to myosin proteolysis. Myosin heavy chain (mw 200 kD) decreased, and new peptide fragments of mw about 138 kD, 128 kD, 120 kD, 86 kD, 77 kD, and 64 kD appeared. Proteolysis was salt-dependent and occurred at pH 6.8-7.5.
State Policies Targeting Junk Food in Schools: Racial/Ethnic Differences in the Effect of Policy Change on Soda Consumption

Objectives. We estimated the association between state policy changes and adolescent soda consumption and body mass index (BMI) percentile, overall and by race/ethnicity.Methods. We obtained data on whether states required or recommended that schools prohibit junk food in vending machines, snack bars, concession stands, and parties from the 2000 and 2006 School Health Policies and Programs Study. We used linear mixed models to estimate the association between 2000–2006 policy changes and 2007 soda consumption and BMI percentile, as reported by 90 730 students in 33 states and the District of Columbia in the Youth Risk Behavior Survey, and to test for racial/ethnic differences in the associations.Results. Policy changes targeting concession stands were associated with 0.09 fewer servings of soda per day among students (95% confidence interval [CI] = −0.17, −0.01); the association was more pronounced among non-Hispanic Blacks (0.19 fewer servings per day). Policy changes targeting parties were associated wi...
Scanning electron microscopy and cathodoluminescence study of the epitaxial lateral overgrowth (ELO) process of gallium nitride

Traditional epitaxial growth of GaN by metalorganic vapor phase epitaxy (MOVPE) on mismatched substrates such as sapphire or SiC produces a columnar material consisting of many hexagonal grains ∼0.2–1.0 µm in diameter. The epitaxial-lateral-overgrowth (ELO) process for GaN creates a new material: single-crystal GaN. We have studied the ELO process for GaN grown by MOVPE in a vertical flow rotating substrate reactor. Characterization consisted of plan-view SEM and vertical-cross-section TEM studies, which revealed a large reduction in dislocation density in the overgrown regions of the GaN. Panchromatic and monochromatic cathodoluminescence images and spectra were used to study the spatial variation of the optical properties within the GaN ELO samples. The effects of growth temperature and stripe material on the overgrown layers were examined. Through the use of a higher substrate temperature during growth and the use of a SiNx stripe material, the overgrown crystal shape has a smooth 2D top surface with vertical sidewalls. Applying a second ELO step, rotated by 60°, over a fully coalesced ELO layer yields a further reduction of defects in GaN overgrown surfaces.
Wavelet transforms and multiscale estimation techniques for the solution of multisensor inverse problems

The application of multiscale and stochastic techniques to the solution of linear inverse problems is presented. This approach allows for the explicit and easy handling of a variety of difficulties commonly associated with problems of this type. Regularization is accomplished via the incorporation of prior information in the form of a multiscale stochastic model. We introduce the relative error covariance matrix (RECM) as a tool for quantitatively evaluating the manner in which data contributes to the structure of a reconstruction. In particular, the use of a scale space formulation is ideally suited to the fusion of data from several sensors with differing resolutions and spatial coverage (e.g. sparse or limited availability). Moreover, the RECM both provides us with an ideal tool for understanding and analyzing the process of multisensor fusion and allows us to define the space-varying optimal scale for reconstruction as a function of the nature (resolution, quality, and coverage) of the available data. Examples of our multiscale maximum a posteriori inversion algorithm are demonstrated using a two channel deconvolution problem.
A triphenylene-based triptycene with large free volume synthesized by zirconium-mediated biphenylation.

Biphenylation using (Li(THF)4)2·Zr(biphe)3 of hexabromotriptycenes bearing H (1-H) or Bu (1-Bu) at the bridgeheads gave triptycenes with triphenylene blades. The blades extend both perpendicular and parallel to the 3-fold axis and generate a large intramolecular free volume (IMFV) (1-H, AM1, 710 A3; cf. triptycene, AM1 71 A3). Crystals of 1-H could not be obtained. Triptycene 1-Bu, in which the Bu groups fill the voids near the bridgehead, was crystalline. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed crystal packing with alternating, interlocked corrugated and distorted hexagonal layers.
σ‐Hole bonding and hydrogen bonding: Competitive interactions

In certain molecular environments, a covalently-bonded atom from Groups V–VII may have a region of significantly-positive electrostatic potential on its outer side, along the extension of a covalent bond. This is due to the electron-deficient outer lobe of a half-filled p bonding orbital, which is called a “σ-hole.” σ-Hole bonding is the resulting highly directional noncovalent interaction that may occur with a nucleophile, e.g., a lone pair of a Lewis base. In this article, we compare the computed interaction energies and vibrational frequency shifts associated with the formation of a series of σ-hole-bonded and hydrogen-bonded complexes. When the molecular environments of the atoms of Groups V–VII and the hydrogen are similar, then the hydrogen bond is usually the stronger one, although there are exceptions, as in the case of bromine. Overall, however, σ-hole bonding can certainly be competitive with hydrogen bonding. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2007
Development and Evaluation of a Survey to Assess Survivor Knowledge Change After Survivorship Care Plans: WiSDOM-B (Wisconsin Survey of cancer DiagnOsis and Management in Breast cancer)

The oncology community has increased efforts to inform survivors about long-term risks and planned follow-up after cancer treatment. Survivorship care plans (SCPs) have been recommended since 2005, yet the benefits of implementation are only now being emphasized. SCPs are hypothesized to enhance patient knowledge. The Wisconsin Survey of Diagnosis and Management in Breast Cancer (WiSDOM-B) was developed to measure changes in breast cancer survivor knowledge pre- and postdelivery of an SCP. The WiSDOM-B was developed with input from oncologists (medical, radiation, and surgical), patient advocates, cancer survivors, and survey design experts. Initially, nine patients evaluated survey content, and modifications were made to enhance clarity. Subsequently, 38 patients were enrolled in a randomized pilot trial assessing SCP impact on knowledge of diagnosis, treatment, late effects, and follow-up (WiSDOM-B) and satisfaction with knowledge (existing survey). The WiSDOM-B was developed using feedback from multiple stakeholders. Baseline knowledge was poor and remained stable in the control arm. There was a suggestion of increased survivor knowledge following receipt of SCPs in the intervention arm (68.4 vs. 74.4 %). Change was not statistically significant compared with the control arm. Despite knowledge deficits, baseline satisfaction with knowledge was high for both groups, with 100 % of patients being satisfied/very satisfied with information provided. Satisfaction did not change significantly following SCP receipt. The WiSDOM-B assesses survivor knowledge of cancer diagnosis, treatment, follow-up, and side effects. It will be a useful tool for future studies assessing the impact of care plans on survivor knowledge.
Alteration of protein kinase C isoform-specific expression during rat hepatocarcinogenesis after exposure to the peroxisome proliferator WY-14,643.

The role of protein kinase C (PKC) isoforms in mediating peroxisome proliferator chemical- (PPC) induced hepatocarcinogenesis was examined. After an acute gavage exposure to WY-14,643 (WY) membrane-bound PKCδ and cytosolic PKCβ decreased, whereas the expression of the other isoforms was not altered. After a 13-week chronic exposure, membrane-bound PKCβ, δ and ζ levels decreased. In WY-induced hepatocellular adenomas, PKCα was increased, and PKCβ was further decreased in membrane fractions. These results, taken together with previous studies, indicate that alterations in PKCα, β and δ isoforms, which regulate mitogenesis, could play important roles in perpetuating the high cell proliferative rate in PPC-induced hepatocellular adenomas.
Regional controls on geomorphology, hydrology, and ecosystem integrity in the Orinoco Delta, Venezuela

Interacting river discharge, tidal oscillation, and tropical rainfall across the 22,000 km2 Orinoco delta plain support diverse fresh and brackish water ecosystems. To develop environmental baseline information for this largely unpopulated region, we evaluate major coastal plain, shallow marine, and river systems of northeastern South America, which serves to identify principal sources and controls of water and sediment flow into, through, and out of the Orinoco Delta. The regional analysis includes a summary of the geology, hydrodynamics, sediment dynamics, and geomorphic characteristics of the Orinoco drainage basin, river, and delta system. Because the Amazon River is a major source of sediment deposited along the Orinoco coast, we summarize Amazon water and sediment input to the northeastern South American littoral zone. We investigate sediment dynamics and geomorphology of the Guiana coast, where marine processes and Holocene history are similar to the Orinoco coast. Major factors controlling Orinoco Delta water and sediment dynamics include the pronounced annual flood discharge; the uneven distribution of water and sediment discharge across the delta plain; discharge of large volumes of water with low sediment concentrations through the Rio Grande and Araguao distributaries; water and sediment dynamics associated with the Guayana littoral current along the northeastern South American coast; inflow of large volumes of Amazon sediment to the Orinoco coast; development of a fresh water plume seaward of Boca Grande; disruption of the Guayana Current by Trinidad, Boca de Serpientes, and Gulf of Paria; and the constriction at Boca de Serpientes.
Urology practice patterns after residency training in radical perineal prostatectomy.

Abstract Objectives To assess the impact of residency training in radical perineal prostatectomy (RPP) on subsequent use of RPP in urology practice. Methods Urologists who completed residency training at Tulane University and the University of California, San Diego, Medical Center from 1977 to 1999 were surveyed by anonymous questionnaire for their practice demographics, operative experience in RPP during residency, the role of RPP in their current practice, and the reasons they do or do not perform RPP. Results Of 91 former residents, 61 (67%) responded. RPP was in current use by 41% of the urologists trained in RPP during residency and by 13% of those with no residency RPP training. Those who had performed 10 or more RPPs during residency reported a higher rate of current RPP use (53%) than did those who had performed fewer than 10 RPPs during residency (21%). Urologists trained in RPP during residency cited partner preference (28%) and inadequate exposure (26%) as reasons they did not perform RPP; respondents with no residency RPP training cited inadequate exposure (25%), difficulty of the operation (25%), and time required to perform the operation (25%). Conclusions A urologist with residency training in RPP is more likely to perform RPP in practice than is a urologist without such training. The intensity of training, in the form of greater operative experience during residency, had a positive impact on the future use of this specialized surgical technique.
Cost of Production and Productivity in Analyzing Trade and Competitiveness

Agricultural economists for many years have calculated costs of producing agricultural commodities and measures of productivity (output per unit of input). Early research focused on farm management extension needs; then came the data demands of linear programming models of representative farms. More recently, estimates of costs of production have been used for setting price supports. Similar stories of the growth in demand for cost data and productivity measures could be told for Canada, Western Europe, Japan, and other countries. The growth of agricultural trade and the more recent increase in trade conflicts have generated interest in issues of competitiveness. One set of issues is concerned about basic comparative advantage. Would the home country's agriculture still be competitive if government support were removed at home and abroad? A second set of
Torque Transmission Characteristics of Automatic Transmission Wet Clutches: Experimental Results and Numerical Comparison

A test rig has been designed to quantify the torque transmission characteristics of wet clutches. This apparatus is presented and its features discussed. A comparison is made between the torque measurements from the test rig and simulations using a previously developed mathematical model. Results are given for a variety of operating conditions. The data presented here validate the computational model as an accurate tool for wet clutch design and analysis. Important results include accurate torque transfer prediction capabilities, with the limiting factor being precise knowledge of the sliding friction coefficient μc. Another important conclusion of the work is that torque transfer during a single engagement event can be adequately predicted using the isothermal model presented here. The simplicity of the isothermal model, along with its computational efficiency, makes it attractive for wet clutch torque transfer prediction and wet clutch design. Presented at the 52nd Annual Meeting in Kansas City, Missour...
Flow Light Scattering Studies of Polymer Coil Conformation in Solutions in Extensional Flow

The dynamics of isolated polymer chains in dilute solution under steady, extensional flow were investigated by means of flow light scattering. Both the orientation and deformation of the chains during flow were determined by analyzing the angular dependence of the scattered light intensity. The extensional flow field was imparted on the polymeric fluids by a stagnation point flow in the center of a four-roll mill apparatus. The fluids studied were nearly monodisperse high molecular weight polystyrenes (HMPS) of various molecular weights dissolved in either the viscous solvent dioctyl phthalate (DOP) or a mixed solvent of low molecular weight polystyrene (LMPS) and dioctyl phthalate. The flow field in a Newtonian fluid of seeded glycerin was also examined by flow dynamic light scattering techniques and flow visualization to confirm the extensional flow field. Flow dynamic light scattering and flow visualization results verified that the field generated by the four-roll mill was a reasonable approximation of planar extensional flow, under the conditions investigated. Flow (static) light scattering results confirmed that the polymer chains aligned completely with the stretch direction, as expected for this type of flow. The deformation of the chains, however, was significantly less than predicted by elastic dumbbell models. Also studied were the effects of molecular weight and solvent quality on the deformation of the polymer chains. Comparisons are drawn between polystyrene chains in the strong extensional flow field studied here and a steady shearing flow examined in a previous publication as well as with other studies in extensional flows.
Characterization of the polyhedral envelope of the nuclear polyhedrosis virus of Heliothis virescens

Abstract The polyhedral envelope of the nuclear polyhedrosis virus of Heliothis virescens was separated from the matrix proteins and nucleocapsids by alkaline dissolution and differential centrifugation. Spectrophotometric analyses and histochemical staining demonstrated that the envelope was composed of carbohydrates. The envelope contained 60.9% (by weight) hexose and 29.1% pentose. Further examination revealed significant amounts of uronic acids (8.4%) and hexosamines (1.6%).
Process-oriented simulation languages

This article presents a brief general discussion of simulation languages followed by a more detailed description of some the important important features of process-oriented languages. Event oriented languages and some of their properties are briefly covered. Essential elements of process-oriented languages are described and desired features are elaborated. A need for a powerful, complex, yet easy to use process-oriented simulation language is emphasized.
Calorimetric studies of flavin-binding proteins: FMN and FAD binding to hen egg riboflavin-binding proteins.

Abstract Systematic thermodynamic studies have been conducted for flavin (FMN, FAD) binding to purified riboflavin-binding proteins from hen egg white and egg yolk. These studies were conducted under a variety of temperature (14, 26, and 38 °C), pH (4.5, 5.5, 6.5, 7.4, and 9.0), and buffer conditions, and an extensive thermodynamic profile was constructed. Enthalpies of binding FMN to white riboflavin-binding protein and yolk riboflavin-binding protein were −19.3 and −14.4 kcal/mol, respectively, at pH 7.4 and 38 °C. FAD bound to white and yolk riboflavin-binding proteins under the same conditions with Δ H values of −11.7 and −6.0, respectively. Binding constants of about 10 5 and 10 4 were obtained for FMN and FAD, respectively, and were the same for both proteins under all conditions studied. Using established thermodynamic relationships, we were able to calculate entropy and free energy changes. Entropies indicated a large degree of ordering in the system upon flavin binding with FMN (about −40 cal/mol/ °C) twice as large as FAD (about −15 to −25 cal/mol/ °C), which may indicate a structured solvent interaction with the charged phosphate group, or steric limitations placed on the ribityl side chain in the bound state. Our thermodynamic data support the idea that flavin binding is a mixture of forces, with no one predominant. Analysis of the data suggests that the nucleotide may bind both as the mono- or dianion, that flavin binding occurs with no significant change in the p K of any functional group in the system, except at low pH for FAD binding, and that the temperature variation of the enthalpy change is quite small. These findings are combined with other published data to outline a general scheme of flavin binding with a histidine residue implicated in hydrogen bonding to the adenine portion of FAD, which may be in the unstacked form.
Switching and modulating light on silicon

Si photonics could enable a chip-scale platform for monolithic integration of optics and microelectronics for applications of optical interconnects in which high data streams are required in a small footprint. This paper discusses mechanisms in silicon photonics for modulating and switching light. These mechanisms together with recent advances of fabrication techniques have enabled the demonstration of ultra-compact active silicon photonic components with very low loss.
Design of VAX software for a generalized feedback system

A description is given of the VAX code used by a generalized feedback system at the Stanford Linear Collider. The system categorizes various classes of information by the use of linked lists. The lists use a primitive form of an objective-C object in which a container class describes all linked lists. This permits an arbitrary number of feedback loops whose behavior can be globally modified by changing common code. >
Detection of Puccinia pelargonii-zonalis-infected Geranium Tissues and Urediniospores

The occurrence of geranium rust (caused by Puccinia pelargonii-zonalis) in commercial greenhouses can result in unmarketable plants and significant economic losses. Currently, detection of geranium rust relies solely on scouting for symptoms and signs of the disease. The purpose of this research was to develop a rapid detection assay for P. pelargonii-zonalis-infected tissues or urediniospores on greenhouse-grown geraniums. Two oligonucleotide primers were designed based on internal transcribed spacer sequence data from three isolates of P. pelargonii-zonalis. The primers amplified a 131-bp product from genomic DNA from each isolate of P. pelargonii-zonalis but did not amplify a product from genomic DNA from twelve other rust fungi or four other plant pathogenic fungi. A PCR product was amplified consistently from solutions that contained 1 ng or 100 pg/ml of purified P. pelargonii-zonalis DNA in conventional PCR and at 1 pg/ml using real-time PCR. The detection threshold was 102 urediniospores/ml for real-time PCR and 104 urediniospores/ml for conventional PCR using urediniospores collected by vacuum from sporulating lesions. Puccinia pelargonii-zonalis DNA was amplified by real-time PCR from urediniospores washed from a single inoculated leaf, but recovered urediniospores were below detection threshold from one inoculated leaf with 5, 10, 25 and 50 non-inoculated leaves. Conventional and real-time PCR did not detect P. pelargonii-zonalis in infected leaf tissues, presumably due to PCR inhibitors in the geranium leaf tissue. The inhibition of both conventional and real-time PCR by geranium tissues suggests that a detection assay focusing on urediniospore recovery and microscopic examination with subsequent species verification by PCR may be the most efficient method for assessing the presence of geranium rust in greenhouses.
Automating Internet Routing Behavior Analysis Using Public WWW Traceroute Services

Growing dependence of commerce, industry and academia on the Internet underlines importance of analyzing its behavior. Changing Internet structure makes the gathered data quickly obsolete, yet the results of analyses are useful in validating network management software and network protocols, as well as in planning extensions and enhancement. In this paper we describe tools for data analysis and an experiment conducted during the summer of 1999 using traceroute for analyzing Internet routing anomalies. We compare our results with Paxton’s analysis of 1995’s Internet.
Small melt inclusions can record bulk magma compositions: A planetary example from the Martian basalt (shergottite) Tissint

Melt inclusions in igneous minerals can provide constraints on magma compositions, especially for planetary samples where mass is severely limited. Small inclusions (<15 μm diameter) are more abundant than large ones, but have been used little from concern that they did not entrap average magma, but are rich in melt of a diffusional layer against the host mineral. We compared bulk compositions and calculated original compositions of small and large melt inclusions in the Martian basalt meteorite (shergottite) Tissint. Small and large melt inclusions are consistent with the same line of igneous differentiation, have the same abundance ratios for incompatible elements (P, Ti, Al, K, Na), and are consistent with derivation from the bulk composition of Tissint (inferred to represent its parent melt composition). For Tissint, then, small melt inclusions show no evidence of entrapping diffusional boundary layers, and appear to have entrapped bulk magma. Thus, its small inclusions can be as useful as larger ones; this may be so for other planetary samples, and thus provides an additional tool for investigating planetary magmas.
Selectivity in the Addition Reactions of Organometallic Reagents to Aziridine‐2‐carboxaldehydes: The Effects of Protecting Groups and Substitution Patterns

Good to excellent stereoselectivity has been found in the addition reactions of Grignard and organozinc reagents to N-protected aziridine-2-carboxaldehydes. Specifically, high syn selectivity was obtained with benzyl-protected cis, tert-butyloxycarbonyl-protected trans, and tosyl-protected 2,3-disubstituted aziridine-2-carboxaldehydes. Furthermore, rate and selectivity effects of ring substituents, temperature, solvent, and Lewis acid and base modifiers were studied. The diastereomeric preference of addition is dominated by the substrate aziridines' substitution pattern and especially the electronic character and conformational preferences of the nitrogen protecting groups. To help rationalize the observed stereochemical outcomes, conformational and electronic structural analyses of a series of model systems representing the various substitution patterns have been explored by density functional calculations at the B3LYP/6-31G* level of theory with the SM8 solvation model to account for solvent effects.
The Huh Vocalization of White‐faced Capuchins: a Spacing Call Disguised as a Food Call?

White-faced capuchins, Cebus capucinus, predictably emit huh vocalizations at high rates within dense fruit patches. We sought to determine why white-faced capuchins at the La Selva Biological Station, Costa Rica produce these food-associated calls. Here we analyze the contexts in which this intra-group vocalization was emitted, including the spatial responses elicited from other troop members. A cumulative 26.6 h of continuous focal samples and 3314 spectrograms (including 1643 huhs) were analyzed from a study troop with 16 focal subjects. The mean individual rate of huhs was greater (1) during foraging versus nonforaging activities; (2) during fruit foraging compared to both visual searching for foraging sites and foraging for arthropod prey; and (3) when the nearest neighbor was within a 10 m radius of the focal animal compared to when the nearest neighbor was at greater distances. A huh also predicted a significant increase in nearest-neighbour distance; on average, mean nearest-neighbor distance increased 3 m within 2 min following a huh vocalization. Null models of change in mean nearest-neighbor distance over time were generated from the original data set by treating predetermined time points (140 s intervals) in the focal recordings as if those points marked instances at which huhs were produced by the fiscal subject. No significant alterations in nearest-neighbor distance were detected within time lags up to 100 s in these null models, supporting the conclusion that huhs are causally linked with subsequent increases in nearest-neighbor distances. Huhs were most evident when capuchins were within dense fruit patches, but these calls were produced across all foraging contexts. Our results suggest that huhs may not be food calls in the usual sense (i.e. informing others of the location of food sources to be shared), but may be more appropriately described as spacing calls. Huhs probably act to increase foraging efficiency by reducing overlap in foraging areas with other troop members.
Towards transition modelling for supersonic laminar flow control based on spanwise periodic roughness elements

Laminar flow control (LFC) is one of the key enabling technologies for quiet and efficient supersonic aircraft. Recent work at Arizona State University (ASU) has led to a novel concept for passive ...
Staging laparoscopy in the management of gastric cancer: a population-based analysis.

Background Staging laparoscopy can detect radiographically occult peritoneal metastases and prevent futile laparotomy in patients with gastric adenocarcinoma. We sought to assess the use of staging laparoscopy for gastric adenocarcinoma in a cohort of older patients and to compare outcomes after laparoscopy alone with nontherapeutic laparotomy. Study Design Using Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) population-based cancer registry data linked with Medicare claims, we identified patients aged 65 or older diagnosed with gastric adenocarcinoma between 1998 and 2005. We defined staging laparoscopy as a laparoscopic procedure from 1 month before the date of diagnosis until death and futile laparotomy as a laparotomy in the absence of a therapeutic intervention. We examined trends in the use of staging laparoscopy and compared outcomes between patients who underwent staging laparoscopy alone and those who had a futile laparotomy. Results Of 11,759 patients with gastric adenocarcinoma, 6,388 (54.3%) had at least 1 surgical procedure. Staging laparoscopy was performed in 506 (7.9%) patients who had any surgery, and 151 (29.8%) of these patients did not have a subsequent therapeutic intervention. Patients who underwent staging laparoscopy alone had a significantly lower rate of in-hospital mortality (5.3% vs 13.1%, p Conclusions Our findings in this large, population-based cohort suggest that staging laparoscopy is used infrequently in the management of older patients with gastric adenocarcinoma. Increased use of staging laparoscopy could reduce the substantial morbidity and mortality associated with nontherapeutic laparotomy.
Potential mechanisms of attenuation for rifampicin-passaged strains of Flavobacterium psychrophilum

Flavobacterium psychrophilum is the etiologic agent of bacterial coldwater disease in salmonids. Earlier research showed that a rifampicin-passaged strain of F. psychrophilum (CSF 259-93B.17) caused no disease in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss, Walbaum) while inducing a protective immune response against challenge with the virulent CSF 259–93 strain. We hypothesized that rifampicin passage leads to an accumulation of genomic mutations that, by chance, reduce virulence. To assess the pattern of phenotypic and genotypic changes associated with passage, we examined proteomic, LPS and single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) differences for two F. psychrophilum strains (CSF 259–93 and THC 02–90) that were passaged with and without rifampicin selection. Rifampicin resistance was conveyed by expected mutations in rpoB, although affecting different DNA bases depending on the strain. One rifampicin-passaged CSF 259–93 strain (CR) was attenuated (4 % mortality) in challenged fish, but only accumulated eight nonsynonymous SNPs compared to the parent strain. A CSF 259–93 strain passaged without rifampicin (CN) accumulated five nonsynonymous SNPs and was partially attenuated (28 % mortality) compared to the parent strain (54.5 % mortality). In contrast, there were no significant change in fish mortalities among THC 02–90 wild-type and passaged strains, despite numerous SNPs accumulated during passage with (n = 174) and without rifampicin (n = 126). While only three missense SNPs were associated with attenuation, a Ser492Phe rpoB mutation in the CR strain may contribute to further attenuation. All strains except CR retained a gliding motility phenotype. Few proteomic differences were observed by 2D SDS-PAGE and there were no apparent changes in LPS between strains. Comparative methylome analysis of two strains (CR and TR) identified no shared methylation motifs for these two strains. Multiple genomic changes arose during passage experiments with rifampicin selection pressure. Consistent with our hypothesis, unique strain-specific mutations were detected for the fully attenuated (CR), partially attenuated (CN) and another fully attenuated strain (B17).
Institutional and individual factors affecting scientists' data-sharing behaviors: A multilevel analysis

The objective of this research was to investigate the institutional and individual factors that influence scientists' data-sharing behaviors across different scientific disciplines. Two theoretical perspectives, institutional theory, and theory of planned behavior, were employed in developing a research model that showed the complementary nature of the institutional and individual factors influencing scientists' data-sharing behaviors. This research used a survey method to examine to what extent those institutional and individual factors influence scientists' data-sharing behaviors in a range of scientific disciplines. A national survey with 1,317 scientists in 43 disciplines showed that regulative pressure by journals, normative pressure at a discipline level, and perceived career benefit and scholarly altruism at an individual level had significant positive relationships with data-sharing behaviors, and that perceived effort had a significant negative relationship. Regulative pressure by funding agencies and the availability of data repositories at a discipline level and perceived career risk at an individual level were not found to have any significant relationships with data-sharing behaviors.
The roles of behavioral adjustment and conceptions of peers and emotions in preschool children's peer victimization

Ninety-four low- and middle-income preschoolers (48 boys, 46 girls) were recruited from two sites in a large southwestern city. Children's positive attributions of peer intent, social problem-solving decisions, and attributions of peers' feelings about the provocation were evaluated from individual interviews. In addition, children's anger perception accuracy and their global emotion situation knowledge were assessed. Teachers and their assistants reported on the children's social competence, internalizing and externalizing behavior, and the degree to which children were physically and relationally victimized. Social competence was a negative predictor of relational and physical victimization, and externalizing behavior was a positive predictor of both types of victimization. Anger perception accuracy was negatively related to physical victimization, and global emotion situation knowledge and attributions of sorrow to provoking peers were positive predictors. Results support a conceptual framework that emphasizes the importance of social and emotion-related social cognitive variables for understanding young children's peer-related victimization.
On Concealed Questions

The goal of this talk is to review three main approaches to CQs in the literature –the pragmatic account, the individual concept account and the propositional account–, and to evaluate them with respect to several empirical patterns. The comparison across different data sets will lead to some conclusions and some important open questions, helping characterize the state of the art of the CQ debate in the literature. Three main approaches to CQs will be discussed. The first one is the pragmatic approach in Heim (1979), in which [[know]] combines with an object of type e. For example, in (1a) [[know]] would combine with the dollar amount (or degree on a scale) provided by the NP the price of milk. The second approach is the individual concept approach (Lasersohn 2005, Romero 2005a, among others). In this case, [[know]] in (1a) would combine with an object of type provided by the NP the price of milk. Finally, in the propositional approach (Romero 2005b, Nathan 2005), [[know]] would combine with an object of type (or type >) arising from the NP the price of milk in (1a). As we evaluate these approaches, we will examine the following five empirical patterns:
Sex and the Shaheed: Insights from the Life Sciences on Islamic Suicide Terrorism

Theoretical insights from evolutionary psychology and biology can help academics and policymakers better understand both deep and proximate causes of Islamic suicide terrorism. The life sciences can contribute explanations that probe the influence of the following forces on the phenomenon of Islamic suicide terrorism: high levels of gender differentiation, the prevalence of polygyny, and the obstruction of marriage markets delaying marriage for young adult men in the modern Middle East. The influence of these forces has been left virtually unexplored in the social sciences, despite their presumptive application in this case. Life science explanations should be integrated with more conventional social science explanations, which include international anarchy, U.S. hegemony and presence in the Middle East, and culturally molded discourse sanctioning suicide terrorism in the Islamic context. Such a consilient approach, melding the explanatory power of the social and life sciences, offers greater insight into the causal context of Islamic fundamentalist suicide terrorism, the motivation of suicide terrorists, and effective approaches to subvert this form of terrorism.
Discovery of grain sorghum germ plasm with high uncooked and cooked in vitro protein digestibilities

ABSTRACT Grain sorghum has been documented to have low protein digestibility relative to other cereal grains. Low protein digestibility of sorghum is most pronounced in cooked foods and is ranked slightly lower than corn as a feed grain. In this article, sorghum germ plasm is identified that has substantially higher uncooked and cooked flour in vitro protein digestibility than normal cultivars. Sorghum lines were found within a high-lysine opulation derived from the mutant P721Q that have ≈10–15% higher uncooked and ≈25% higher cooked protein digestibilities using a pepsin assay. Highly digestible sorghum grain showed little reduction in digestibility after cooking, compared to the large reduction that is typical of normal sorghum cultivars. Using the three-enzyme pH-stat method, we showed that the highly digestible lines had the same degree of peptide bond hydrolysis in ≈5 min, as was found in 60 min in the normal cultivar, P721N. Differences in protein digestibility were related to enyzme susceptibility...
Comparison of the Hunting Behavior of Four Piscine Predators Attacking Schooling Prey

Four piscine predator species were observed repeatedly attacking large (> 100,000) schools of flat-iron herring, Harengula thrissina. The predators could be categorized into two groups. Stalking predators (two species) were slow-moving, predominantly solitary hunters attacking from positions beneath the school. Attacks were directed at individual prey and the sequence of events was orient-approach-strike. Although the stalking species were seen most often and were responsible for the majority of the attacks, capture success was low. The remaining two species were fast-moving, pelagic hunters regularly occurring in groups of up to 8 individuals. These predators were extremely proficient at capturing prey, either by orienting on individuals (stragglers) or accelerating into the school and ramming their prey (impact attacks). Group size was positively associated with capture success, but not significantly so. Because stalking predators orient towards individual prey, they may suffer from the effect of confusion when attacking schooling prey. Use of the impact strategy, by comparison, may allow predators to overcome the confusion effect either by attacking prey already separated from the school, or by orienting towards aggregated prey rather than particular individuals.
Iron homeostasis: new tales from the crypt

The enterocyte is a highly specialized cell of the duodenal epithelium that coordinates iron uptake and transport into the body. Until recently, the molecular mechanisms underlying iron absorption and iron homeostasis have remained a mystery. This review focuses on the proteins and regulatory mechanisms known to be present in the enterocyte precursor cell and in the mature enterocyte. The recent cloning of a basolateral iron transporter and investigations into its regulation provide new insights into possible mechanisms for iron transport and homeostasis. The roles of proteins such as iron regulatory proteins, the hereditary hemochromatosis protein (HFE)–transferrin receptor complex, and hephaestin in regulating this transporter and in regulating iron transport across the intestinal epithelium are discussed. A speculative, but testable, model for the maintenance of iron homeostasis, which incorporates the changes in the iron-related proteins associated with the life cycle of the enterocyte as it journeys from the crypt to the tip of the villous is proposed.