cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Vesicular acetylcholine transporter in the rat nucleus accumbens shell: subcellular distribution and association with mu-opioid receptors.

Cholinergic interneurons in the nucleus accumbens shell (AcbSh) are implicated in the reinforcing behaviors that develop in response to opiates active at μ-opioid receptors (MOR). We examined the electron microscopic immunocytochemical localization of the vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT) and MOR to determine the functional sites for storage and release of acetylcholine (ACh), and potential interactions involving MOR in this region of rat brain. VAChT was primarily localized to membranes of small synaptic vesicles in axon terminals. Less than 10% of the VAChT-labeled terminals were MOR-immunoreactive. In contrast, 35% of the cholinergic terminals formed symmetric or punctate synapses with dendrites showing an extrasynaptic plasmalemmal distribution of MOR. Membranes of tubulovesicles in other selective dendrites were also VAChT-labeled, and almost half of these dendrites displayed plasmalemmal MOR immunoreactivity. The VAChT-labeled dendritic tubulovesicles often apposed unlabeled axon terminals that formed symmetric synapses. Our results indicate that in the AcbSh MOR agonists can modulate the release of ACh from vesicular storage sites in axon terminals as well as in dendrites where the released ACh may serve an autoregulatory function involving inhibitory afferents. These results also suggest, however, that many of the dendrites of spiny projection neurons in the AcbSh are dually influenced by ACh and opiates active at MOR, thus providing a cellular substrate for ACh in the reinforcement of opiates. Synapse 40:184–192, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Biological trace-element measurements using synchrotron radiation.

The feasibility of performing X-ray fluorescence trace-element determinations at concentrations substantially below the ppm level for biological materials is demonstrated. Conditions for achieving optimum sensitivity were ascertained. Results achieved for five standard reference materials were, in most cases, in excellent agreement with listed values.
Evidence of NCN as a flame intermediate for prompt NO

Abstract NCN is detected by laser-induced fluorescence of the A-X transition at 329 nm in low pressure methane–air and methane–nitrous oxide flames. The excitation wavelengths, signal intensities, spatial height profiles above the burner, fluorescence quenching lifetimes, and highly resonant fluorescence wavelength are all consistent with this assignment. The spectral features require the presence of hydrocarbon fuel and nitrogen, and do not gain added intensity under reburn conditions of NO seeding. The resulting arguments and evidence favoring NCN as the initial intermediate in prompt NO formation are discussed.
Deformation twinning in polycrystalline Zr: Insights from electron backscattered diffraction characterization

The response of polycrystalline α-zirconium to various deformation conditions was investigated through electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD) characterization. The range of deformation conditions included quasi-static compression and tension at room and cryogenic temperatures, along with a Taylor cylinder impact experiment. The resultant data provided spatial resolution of individual with system activity as a function of the progression of deformation. Over 300 deformation twins were analyzed to identify the type of twin system and active variant, along with the Schmid factor in the parent orientation. These data supplied information on the distribution of Schmid factor and variant rank as a function of twin system and deformation condition. Results showed significant deviation from a maximum Schmid factor activation criterion and suggest deformation twinning is greatly affected by local internal stress heterogeneities and the sense of the applied stress.
Simulations Predict 18:0-22:6 Phosphatidylserine Drives α-Synuclein into the Liquid-Disordered Phase in Synaptic Vesicle Lipid Composition

Because α-Synuclein binds to anionic lipids and synaptic vesicles consist of 12% 18:0-22:6 phosphatidylserine (SDPS), we asked where this asymmetric lipid partitions, and how it affects α-Synuclein partitioning in a lipid raft system. Our coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations of SDPS in a lipid raft composition show that 18:0-22:6 PS partitions to the liquid disordered phase (Ld). Additional simulations of lyso-18:0 and lyso-22:6 and subsequent energy fluctuations analysis demonstrate that SDPS partitioning to Ld is due to the 22:6 acyl-chain's greater affinity for Ld than the 18:0 chain's affinity for Lo. Furthermore, we show that α-synuclein's preference for anionic lipids drives it to join SDPS in the Ld phase. Knowing that the remainder of the synaptic vesicle composition is largely uncharged, we propose that SDPS will drive α-synuclein to Ld regions of the synaptic vesicle mixture.
Thermotropic homopolyesters. III. Preparation and properties of polymers based on 4′‐hydroxyphenyl‐4‐hydroxycinnamate

Low-molecular-weight 4′-acetoxyphenyl-4-acetoxyoinnamate, as well as several polyesters synthesized from this monomer and aliphatic dibasic acids, exhibit thermotropic nematic phases. DSC heating curves for all of the polymers exhibit multiple transitions. The amount of crystallinity of these polymers at room temperature is small and the degree of order along the chain axis in the crystalline phase is poor. For the lower homologues the nematic phase exists over a broad temperature range of approximately 100°C. The polyester from chiral (+)-3-methyl adipate forms a thermotropic cholesteric phase. Both the diacetoxy monomer and azelate polymers of low molecular weight adopt the homeotropic texture on glass slides, but with increasing molecular weight the planar texture becomes preferred. Investigation of the effects of electric fields in the conduction regime upon the nematic phase of the diacetoxy monomer revealed that Williams domains are formed only with difficulty. In most cases, a stationary pattern appeared instead. At higher voltage the dynamic scattering mode (DSM) was obtained, and above this a field-induced transition to the isotropic phase. The azelate polyesters exhibited Williams domains and the DSM in the conduction regime. The formation time for Williams domains was fairly short for polymers having ηinh < 0.44 dL/g, but increased to 80 min when ηinh = 0.68 dL/g. The DSM was only observed for polymers having ηinh < 0.61 dL/g. For these polymers the critical frequency separating the conduction and dielectric regimes exhibits a stronger temperature dependence than that of low-molecular-weight nematogens. A new instability pattern is reported for the azelate polyesters in the dielectric regime.
Algebraic simplification of redundant sequential circuits

The purpose of this essay 1 is to show that if a sequential circuit can be simplified by merging “equivalent states” in the sense of E. F. Moore 2 and G. H. Mealy 3, then the equations defining the original circuit can be transformed algebraically into equations defining the simplified circuit. The transformations are purely algebraic processes occurring in a kind of extended Boolean algebra here called “discrete delay algebra”. Furthermore, the procedure for deciding which states, if any, can be thus merged, is shown to be an essentially algebraic procedure, and it is shown that the various states themselves can be viewed as special compound entities of the algebra. This outcome suggests that simplification of the Mealy-Moore sort is primarily algebraic in character and is perhaps a special sort of some more general kind of algebraic simplification that has wider application 4
Conservation of primary structure in prokaryotic hydrogenases

All prokaryotic (NiFe)-hydrogenases so far studied at the primary sequence level appear to have evolved from a common ancestral sequence. Highly conserved cysteinyl and histidinyl residues indicate regions likely to be essential for enzyme activity, ligand and co-factor binding. There is a very highly conserved sequence over 100 basepairs (bp) in length within the intergenic region upstream of the methyl-viologen hydrogenase encoding genes in several different strains of Methanobacterium thermoautotrophicum, indicating that a sequence of this length is needed to direct and regulate the expression of these genes.
Phonological processes as predictors of specific reading skills in children at risk for reading failure

Children at risk for reading disability were evaluated as kindergartners and again as first graders to determine (1) intercorrelations among phonological processing tasks and (2) the relationship of such tasks to word identification and word attack. With IQ controlled, there were no intercorrelations among measures of phonological awareness, phonetic recoding in working memory, and phonological recoding in lexical access. Thus, these results failed to substantiate the concept of a general phonological processing ability. Partial correlations controlling for IQ revealed no relationship between reading and phonological awareness or phonetic recoding in working memory. In contrast, lexical access measures were significantly, albeit moderately, correlated with word identification but not word attack. Word attack and word identification were predicted by different combinations of variables. These results suggest that lexical access ability is an important factor in reading acquisition and that different combinations of phonological processes may be related to different aspects of reading.
Active control of flexible structures using segmented piezoelectric actuators

In this paper, we use segmented piezopolymer and piezoceramic materials to impart control forces to structures for the purpose of annihilating undesired elastic motion. We use modal control techniques to generate the control inputs, particularly the Independent Modal-Space Control method. The actuators can be of any shape or size, making control implementation simpler than for modal actuators, which require that the actuators be cut into specific shapes. We analyze the performance of piezoceramic and piezopolymer actuators with regards to the size of the actuators and the maximum amount of charge that can be applied to these elements. The proposed control method is easy to implement and versatile. The control problem is formulated to have a similar form when traditional mechanical actuators are used. System simulations on 1D structural elements show that piezoceramic actuators are desirable for control of elastic motion.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Subtropical mode water variability in a climatologically forced model in the northwestern Pacific Ocean

AbstractA climatologically forced high-resolution model is used to examine variability of subtropical mode water (STMW) in the northwestern Pacific Ocean. Despite the use of annually repeating atmospheric forcing, significant interannual to decadal variability is evident in the volume, temperature, and age of STMW formed in the region. This long time-scale variability is intrinsic to the ocean. The formation and characteristics of STMW are comparable to those observed in nature. STMW is found to be cooler, denser, and shallower in the east than in the west, but time variations in these properties are generally correlated across the full water mass. Formation is found to occur south of the Kuroshio Extension, and after formation STMW is advected westward, as shown by the transport streamfunction. The ideal age and chlorofluorocarbon tracers are used to analyze the life cycle of STMW. Over the full model run, the average age of STMW is found to be 4.1 yr, but there is strong geographical variation in this, ...
Plasminogen activator in chick embryo muscle cells: induction of enzyme by RSV, PMA and retinoic acid.

Abstract To explore the generality of the effects of sarcoma viruses, tumor-promoting phorbol esters and retinoic acid, we have studied plasminogen activator production in differentiating chick myogenic cultures. Although slightly higher than in chick fibroblast cultures, the level of spontaneously synthesized enzyme is low; it reaches a peak shortly after maximum cell fusion has been completed and then declines. Rous sarcoma virus (RSV) transformation of differentiating myotubes was accomplished by infecting myoblasts with a temperature-sensitive mutant, maintaining cultures at the nonpermissive temperature until completion of fusion and shifting to permissive temperatures at selected times thereafter. RSV transformation, phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) and retinoic acid all induced high levels of plasminogen activator production by differentiating myotubes in the absence of DNA synthesis. In comparison with fibroblasts, virus-induced enzyme synthesis by myogenic cultures proceeded more slowly but ultimately reached comparably high levels. Whereas cAMP strongly repressed RSV- and PMA-induced plasminogen activator production by chick fibroblasts, it weakly stimulated enzyme synthesis by myotubes. This suggests that enzyme induction by RSV and PMA is not mediated primarily through effects on cAMP metabolism.
Breakdown point of Schuster–Narvarte's location estimator

Abstract The Schuster–Narvarte's (Ann. Statist. 1 (1973) 1096–1104) location parameter of a distribution F , the center of a symmetric distribution closest to F, is an appealing definition for the center of distributions. It is noticed that this parameter is a special case of Donoho and Liu's (Ann. Statist. 16 (1988) 552–586) semiparametric minimum distance functional. For this estimator, an algorithm is available in Schuster–Narvarte (1973) ; asymptotics results were established in Rao et al. (Ann. Statist. 3 (1975) 862–873) and in Arcones and Gine (Ann. Statist. 19 (1991) 1496–1511); validity of bootstraps is proved in Arcones and Gine (1991) while simulation results can be found in Schuster and Barker (Comm. Statist. Simulation Comput. 16 (1987) 69–84). In this article, we compliment the study by establishing the robustness properties for the Schuster–Narvarte's estimator. A general result for the (enlargement) finite sample breakdown point is established. In particular, when the underlying distribution is symmetric, the limiting finite sample breakdown point is almost surely 1 3 .
Censorship as a Vocation: The Institutions, Practices, and Cultural Logic of Media Control in the German Democratic Republic

What do you think you would find on the desk of a censor? He—almost certainly “he”—would not need much. A jar filled with blue pencils. A coffee cup. A phone for whispering praise to the higher-ups and for ignoring the entreaties of his victims. For reading material, an ideological reference manual or a dog-eared sheaf of instructions would suffice. Surely, one would not expect to find any actual books on the censor's shelves—why read when your life is committed to eviscerating literature?
Locating Supervision—A Reflective Framework for Negotiating Tensions Within Conceptual and Procedural Foci for Teacher Development

Abstract This manuscript presents a theoretical construct for analyzing procedural and conceptual tensions within instructional leadership for teacher development. The dynamic, multi-dimensional framework demonstrates possibilities for locating supervision as having procedural and conceptual bases. By employing the questions identified, educators may place themselves within the framework focused on specific areas and located along a procedural to conceptual continuum. Identifying tensions in practice guides educators to be more reflective when engaging in professional growth. Ultimately, teachers need to become empowered to engage in reflective supervision in order to guide professional development, teaching and learning.
Distribution of Acetylcholine-sensitive Currents Around the Rabbit Crystalline Lens

The relative distribution of acetylcholine (ACh) receptors on the surface of the isolated ocular lens of the rabbit was determined from induced changes in translens short-circuit current (I(SC)) and the translenticular resistance (R(t)) at seven delineated, parallel zones from the anterior to the posterior pole. For this, one O-ring (from among several having different diameters) was used to separate two zones in a vertically arranged Ussing-type chamber. Different O-rings separated different zone pairs. Earlier experiments from this laboratory used a conventional divided chamber, which occluded the equatorial surface, to demonstrate that anterior applications of ACh transiently decreased the I(SC) due to an intracellular Ca(2+) release and inhibition of anteriorly located K(+) channels. Measurements obtained with the newly designed zonal arrangement determined that the entire epithelial surface from its anterior-most aspect to the equatorial region responds electrically to ACh exposure, while the posterior-most region does not. Furthermore, lens-mounting positions that resulted in separation of the epithelium so that portions of its surface were present in each hemichamber resulted in inverse current changes upon bilateral ACh addition to the bathing solutions. Reductions in outward cationic current across the anterior surface into the anterior bath upon ACh treatment were accompanied by an increase in translens resistance consistent with a closure of basolateral K(+) channels. Overall, these results suggest that the posterior fiber cells may lack ACh receptors, which are clearly present in the lens epithelium that covers about two-thirds of the rabbit lens surface area, and indicate that an ACh-evoked Ca(2+) signal does not spread throughout the epithelial layer. A functional role for lens acetylcholine receptors remains to be determined.
Use of a Spreadsheet To Calculate the Net Charge of Peptides and Proteins as a Function of pH: An Alternative to Using “Canned” Programs To Estimate the Isoelectric Point of These Important Biomolecules

An approach is presented that utilizes a spreadsheet to allow students to explore different means of calculating and visualizing how the charge on peptides and proteins varies as a function of pH. In particular, the concept of isoelectric point is developed to allow students to compare the results of their spreadsheet calculations with those of computer programs that are freely available on the Internet and are designed to calculate the same parameter. Such comparisons allow students to explore the underlying assumptions of their model (and the likely assumptions of the computer programs) and to speculate on ways in which their model might be improved. A discussion of the oligomeric protein hemoglobin is included to show the limitations of the computer programs and to show how the spreadsheet approach can be adapted to treat satisfactorily this important protein.
Raman spectroscopic analysis of whole blood acetylcholinesterase

Raman spectra were taken from whole sheep’s blood with varying levels of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition using 229 and 532 nm laser excitation wavelengths. AChE levels were inhibited using the organophosphates malathion, paraoxon-ethyl, and octamethyldiphosphoramide and confirmed using the Ellman method. This AChE activity level was investigated with the Raman spectra and analyzed using a partial least squares calibration and cross validation to determine if the AChE activity could be predicted from the Raman spectrum. Correlation scores of 0.78 and 0.26 between the measured and predicted AChE activity were observed using 229 and 532 nm excitation, respectively. A estimate limit of detection was found to be approximately 0.01 ΔA/min.
Leprosy XII. T‐Cell Subsets in Lepromatous Leprosy

The authors quantitated T-rosette-forming cell (TRFC) and T-cell subsets (T mu, T gamma) in the peripheral blood of twenty patients with lepromatous leprosy. The results obtained in their studies are as follows: (1) They reconfirmed the low levels of TRFC in patients with lepromatous type of leprosy; (2) T-cell subsets, both T mu (helper) and T gamma (suppressor) cells, showed lower levels in all patients with lepromatous leprosy than mean values of normal healthy controls; (3) The degree of decreased levels of T mu cells (96%) was more severe than other parameters TRFC (70%) and T gamma cells (47%) in all patients with lepromatous leprosy; and (4) It may be concluded that the alteration of the T-cell subset, T mu-cells, reflects a more fundamental abnormality than TRFC aberration in demonstrating the impairment of cell-mediated immunity in patients with lepromatous leprosy.
The use of bronchotomy and retrograde dilatation to repair acquired obliterative bronchial obstruction

A case is presented of acquired obliterative mainstem bronchial obstruction with total ipsilateral lung atelectasis and contralateral lung hyperexpansion. The condition failed to improve after a suitable trial of positive airway pressure and medical management. Penetration of the obstructing lesion bia bronchotomy and a distal retrograde approach successfully opened the airway and the patient has been symptom-free for more than 9 months. This unique approach may be useful in other selected patients with similar acquired lesions.
Improved estimation algorithms using smoothing and relinearization

Abstract The usual filtering techniques such as the extended Kalman filter are inadequate in predicting the state of a non-linear dynamic system between successive measurements. The large prediction errors often lead to the divergence of an otherwise effective filter. It is proposed and demonstrated that by smoothing the trajectory back one measurement and relinearizing the dynamical equations, one can arrive at a filtering scheme that overcomes the above problem. The technique is found to be effective in estimating the concentration and temperature trajectories for a CSTR, given the measurements of either the concentration or the temperature. Also considered is the problem of parameter estimation given exact but intermittent measurements, for which case the conventional technique of augmented Kalman filtering does not apply. A new Bayesian scheme, incorporating the smoothing feature, is shown to be effective in converging to true parameter values. For illustration, the techniques are applied to the problem of estimating the rate constants in Langmuir—Hinshelwood kinetics and comparative studies are made.
Effect of Interactive Multimedia Computing on Young Saxophonists' Achievement and Attitude

Effects of development and implementation of an interactive multimedia computer program on the achievement and attitude of 44 sixth-grade saxophonists were investigated. For 3 weeks, the control gr...
Application of regulatory focus theory to search advertising

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to test the utility of regulatory focus theory principles in a real-world setting; specifically, Internet hosted text advertisements. Effect of compatibility of the ad text with the regulatory focus of the consumer was examined. Design/methodology/approach – Advertisements were created using Google AdWords. Data were collected for the number of views and clicks each ad received. Effect of regulatory fit was measured using logistic regression. Findings – Logistic regression analyses demonstrated that there was a strong main effect for keyword, such that users were almost six times as likely to click on a promotion advertisement as a prevention advertisement, as well as a main effect for compatibility, such that users were twice as likely to click on an advertisement with content that was consistent with their keyword. Finally, there was a strong interaction of these two variables, such that the effect of consistent advertisements was stronger for promotion searches th...
The direction of growth of human epidermis.

SUMMARY A review of epidermal and dermal architecture and biology provides an array of facts supporting the classical concept that movement of cells in the human epidermis is in an outward direction in the steady state as well as in the development of non-neoplastic acanthosis. The review provides no data which would require an adjustment of our thinking to accept Ryan's (1966) hypothesis of inward migration.
Control-nonlinear-nonstationary structural response and radiation near a supersonic jet

This paper is on the control of nonlinear-nonstationary vibration of a frame-stringer structure resulting from high levels of excitaation from a nearby supersonic jet exhaust. The structure exhibits periodic, chaotic, or random behaviors when forced by high-intensity sound from a supersonic jet exhaust with shock loading superimposed on the broadband response. The time history of the pressure, showing the rotation and flapping of the shock structure in the jet column due to large-scale instabilities, indicates that the response is not only nonlinear but also nonstationary. The acoustic pressure radiated by the structure also contains shocks and the formation of harmonics with distance. Control of the structural response is achieved by actively forcing the structure with an actuator at the shock oscillation frequency whose amplitude is locked into a self-control cycle. Results show that the peak power level is reduced by a factor of 63, or 18 dB. As a result, new broadband components emerge with at least four harmonics. At accelerating and decelerating supersonic speeds, the exhaust from the jet induces higher transient loading on the nearby flexible structure due to the occurence of multiple shocks from the jet.
Estradiol: alterations in the mechanism of intracellular transport.

Abstract (1) Uptake of estradiol into cell nuclei of the anterior hypothalamus and uterus (females) was studied in normal male, normal female, and neonatally androgen treated (androgenized) adult female rats. (2) In the uterus, the addition of excess cytosol to homogenates of similar tissue in incubation increased nuclear uptake of estradiol in normal but not in androgenized females. (3) In the hypothalamus, the addition of excess cytosol to homogenates of similar tissue in incubation increased nuclear uptake of estradiol to similar levels in normal females, normal males and androgenized females. (4) The addition of excess cytosol from normal uterus or hypothalamus to homogenates of androgenized uterus or hypothalamus (respectively) consistently increased nuclear uptake of estradiol during incubation. (5) The data suggest that androgens act during a critical period of hypothalamic differentiation to alter the mechanism for intracellular transport of estradiol.
Zebrafish wnt8 Encodes Two Wnt8 Proteins on a Bicistronic Transcript and Is Required for Mesoderm and Neurectoderm Patterning

In vertebrates, wnt8 has been implicated in the early patterning of the mesoderm. To determine directly the embryonic requirements for wnt8, we generated a chromosomal deficiency in zebrafish that removes the bicistronic wnt8 locus. We report that homozygous mutants exhibit pronounced defects in dorso-ventral mesoderm patterning and in the antero-posterior neural pattern. Despite differences in their signaling activities, either coding region of the bicistronic RNA can rescue the deficiency phenotype. Specific interference of wnt8 translation by morpholino antisense oligomers phenocopies the deficiency, and interference with wnt8 translation in ntl and spt mutants produces embryos lacking trunk and tail. These data demonstrate that the zebrafish wnt8 locus is required during gastrulation to pattern both the mesoderm and the neural ectoderm properly.
On the binary nature of AM Herculis

Emission lines of hydrogen and helium observed in the spectrum of AM Her show a 3.1-hour radial-velocity variation. The period and amplitude of the variation indicate a close low-mass system different from previously known X-ray binaries. The period of the radial-velocity variation is significantly different from the period of optical-polarization variation.
N-acetylglucosamine-insensitive glucose phosphorylation in isolated hepatocytes from rats fasted for 48 h.

Abstract Glucose phosphorylation in isolated hepatocytes was studied by the release of 3H from d -[2-3H]glucose. Glucokinase activity was decreased by fasting rats for 48 h and was further reduced in cells by adding 30 mM GlcNAc, a potent competitive inhibitor. Although this treatment resulted in the loss of more than 97% of glucokinase activity in hepatocytes, glucose phosphorylation proceeded at an appreciable rate. These observations demonstrate the involvement of a high −K0.5 enzyme system in addition to glucokinase in hepatocyte glucose phosphorylation.
Mutations in the N- and D-Helices of the N-Domain of Troponin C Affect the C-Domain and Regulatory Function

Troponin C contains a 14-residue alpha-helix at the amino terminus, the N-helix, that calmodulin lacks. Deletion of the first 11-14 residues of troponin C alters function. In the present investigation a mutant lacking residues 1-7 of the N-helix has normal conformation, Ca2+ binding, and regulatory function. Thus, residues 8-14 of the N-helix are generally sufficient for troponin C function. In the x-ray structures of troponin C there is a salt bridge between Arg 11 in the N-helix and Glu 76 in the D-helix. Destroying the salt bridge by individually mutating the residues to Cys has no effect on function. However, mutation of both residues to Cys reduces troponin C's affinity for the troponin complex on the thin filament, reduces the stability of the N-domain in the absence of divalent cations, increases the Ca2+ affinity and reduces the cooperativity of the Ca2+Mg2+ sites in the C-domain, and alters the conformational change that takes place upon Ca2+ binding (but not Mg2+ binding) to the C-domain. Cross-linking with bis-(maleimidomethylether) partially restores function. The Ca2+-specific sites in the N-domain, those closest to the sites of the mutations, are unaffected in the assays employed. These results show that the N-helix is a critical structural element for interaction with and activation of the thin filament. Moreover, mutations in the N-helix affect the C-terminal domain, consistent with recent structural studies showing that the N-helix and C-terminal domain are physically close.
What Causes Seasonal Variation in Disease Prevalence and Rapid Evolutionary Changes in Virulence Mycoplasma gallisepticum

Abstract Background: Mycoplasma gallisepticum is a widespread bacterial pathogen that is economically important in poultry. A novel strain, causing severe conjunctivitis in wild passerines, emerged in 1994, and spread rapidly across eastern North America. In house finches the pathogen causes severe conjunctivitis. As the epidemic spread through the eastern (introduced) part of the finch’s range it caused massive declines in host abundance. In 2002 it successfully spread to the western (native) range of the host. There it spread much more slowly and disease prevalence and effects on host abundance are much lower than in the east. Mycoplasmal conjunctivitis in house finches is a system with strong seasonal variation: conjunctivitis prevalence is minimal (often zero) during the breeding season (April July); In late summer and fall, prevalence increases gradually reaching a maximum in October to November. In December, prevalence reaches a new low, followed by a second smaller peak in late February and early M...
New ANSI versions of MIL‐STD‐414 and MIL‐STD‐105D

When acceptance sampling plans are applied to measurement characteristics, a choice between application of a variables or an attributes sampling plan must be made. With the recent revision by the American Society for Quality Control for the American National Standards Institute of the ANSI/ASQC Z1.9 variables system and the ANSI/ASQC Z1.4 attributes system, the standards have now been matched so that it is possible to move between them. This article will discuss exploitation of the resulting synergistic relationship to achieve more rational and more effective acceptance sampling.
The Escherichia Coli Chromosome is segregated by Biased Diffusion

The physical mechanism responsible for accurately partitioning newly replicated Escherichia coli chromosomes into daughter cells remains a mystery. We present a quantitative characterization of the dynamical motion of the origin of replication (oriC) using a large ensemble of trajectories generated by automated complete-cell-cycle imaging. In contrast to the dynamics of chromosome segregation in eukaryotic cells, we find that the motion in this bacterium is dominated by sub-diffusive dynamics before, throughout and after the segregation process rather than processive (ballistic) motion. Instead, to maintain accurate partitioning without processive motion, we find that oriC sub-diffusion is subject to a small diffusional bias (or drift velocity). Prior to oriC replication, we find that the drift velocity profile is analogous to a damped spring with equilibrium position at mid-cell. After two replicated oriC loci are distinguishable, the equilibrium position moves immediately to the quarter-cell positions and stays relatively constant for the remainder of the cell cycle, suggesting the mechanism responsible for maintaining chromosome structure may also be responsible for oriC segregation.
Surgical Management of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma

The uniquely diffuse nature of malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) makes it difficult to diagnose, stage, and treat. In addition, it is a relatively uncommon disease, making adequate prospective trials difficult to perform and leading to several controversies regarding the best management of MPM. Perhaps the greatest area of dispute is whether extrapleural pneumonectomy or pleurectomy/decortication is the most appropriate curative operation for patients who are physiologically candidates for both. Although median survival remains poor, important strides have been made in the treatment of MPM, mainly in the form of multimodality therapeutic regimens.
Pericardial patch repair of left ventricular aneurysm

Infectious complications associated with the use of Teflon felt buttresses in left ventricular aneurysm repair may result in serious morbidity. Use of an autologous pericardial patch is an alternative approach that should be considered. The technique, which we have used in 4 patients, is described.
Variations of oxygen and carbon isotopes in carbonatites: A study of Brazilian alkaline complexes

We have studied the oxygen and carbon isotopic compositions of carbonatite complexes from South America (Jacupiranga, Araxa, Catalao, Tapira, and Mato Preto) and interpreted the results in terms of magmatism, contamination by country rocks, and hydrothermal processes. These complexes range in age from 130 to 65 Ma and were emplaced during the reactivation of the South American Platform during the Mesozoic Era. Except for the samples from Mato Preto (δ13C = −6.9 to + 0.8%), which have been contaminated by limestone from the country rock, there are no large carbon isotope differences among the samples of Jacupiranga (−7.3 to −6.6%), Araxa (−7.5 to −4.8%), Catalao (−7.1 to −5.3%), and Tapira (−6.8 to −4.8%). In contrast, the carbonatites have a wide range in oxygen isotopic composition, which seems to be related to their degree of hydrothermal alteration and their emplacement level. For instance, while the samples from Jacupiranga have a narrow range of δ18O (6.6 to 7.3%) and have not been extensively affected by fertilization, the carbonatites from the complexes of Araxa (8.7 to 16.3%o), Catalao (7.3 to 19.3%), and Tapira (9.7 to 15.4%) have a wide range in δ18O and are accompanied by pervasive potash-fenitization of their host rock. The potash-fenitization is marked by the replacement of carbonatite host rock (mainly pyroxenite) by carbonate-phlogopite-magnetite-rich rocks. We conclude that fractional crystallization and liquid immiscibility may not significantly affect the oxygen and carbon isotopic composition of carbonatites. Large isotopic variations may be produced when these rocks intrude limestone country rocks (i.e., Mato Preto) and/or have been subjected to postcrystallization alteration processes. Variations of δ18O and δ13C in the carbonatites may be explained by isotopic exchange between these rocks and H20CO2-fluids at different temperatures and with different H2O/CO2 ratios. The isotope exchange model implies that the isotopic variations in carbonatites take place under low-temperature conditions (below 300°C) and involve fluids with high H2O/CO2 ratios.
Sufficient conditions for alias-free direction of arrival estimation in periodic spatial spectra

The problem of broadband spatial spectral estimation with a uniform linear array where the interelement spacing is greater than a half-wavelength over the frequency band of interest is addressed. It is shown that by using properly chosen frequencies, ambiguities in the source location estimates can be resolved. The proposed approach is based on the selection of the wavelengths to ensure that aliased versions of the source component occur at different angles, while the source component in the true direction occurs at the same angle at different frequencies. >
High-gain 9.25 GHz silicon bipolar transistor power amplifier

A four-stage silicon bipolar transistor power amplifier operating at centre frequency 9.25 GHz is reported. The amplifier has output power exceeding 1.0 W over an instantaneous bandwidth of approximately 800 MHz. The power-added efficiency of the amplifier is measured to be better than 18%.
Factors That Influence the Selling of Milk Through Milk Vending Machines

The aim of this paper is to assess the current situation in the sale of milk through vending machines in the context of the previous period of the decline in milk consumption, the transition of the Czech Republic towards the market economy, the transformation of agriculture, the entry into the EU and the concentration in the milk market and to define the basic motivational factors and barriers of the development of this distribution path. Technical problems with sales, intent to diversify milk selling and aiming the high profitability of the sale are the reasons for operating vending machines that are correlated with the share of this selling channel on producers' total sales of milk. Vending machines are inhibited by misinformation from state authorities; other problems are weak support by media and low consumer awareness. The expectations of the operators concerning the development of the situation of the milk vending machines are rather optimistic: 36% of them expect an increase in sales, 48% expect the stagnation and only 16% expect the decrease.
The effect of uncertainty in modeling coefficients used to predict energy production using the Sandia Array Performance Model

Predicting photovoltaic array performance is an important part of system design and monitoring, so it's important to quantify the uncertainty associated with the predictions. The Sandia Array Performance Model [1] is one of many tools used to predict annual energy production, but the effect of the uncertainty in model coefficients has not been fully investigated. This paper quantifies the relative importance of voltage and current temperature coefficients, as well as the coefficients relating voltage and current to solar irradiance, for crystalline silicon modules. Using the coefficient variation observed in the Sandia module database and computer simulation, the effect of the uncertainty was quantified in terms of the range in predicted annual energy production relative to actual energy production by three small grid-connected PV systems. The relative importance of each coefficient by month of the year was also determined in order to understand the seasonal behavior of the performance model.
Testing Sociobiological Theory with Respect to Human Polyandry: A Reply to Beall and Goldstein

In a recent paper in the American Anthropologist (1981:5-12), Beall and Goldstein purport to test certain sociobiological hypotheses about fraternal polyandry. From a sociobiological perspective, a male sharing his wife with other males would tend to decrease his genetic representation in the next generation compared to monogamy, because he is expected to father fewer offspring. This loss in gene replication could be compensated somewhat by sharing a wife with his brothers (instead of unrelated males), in which case offspring born to the female, if not sons and daughters, would be nieces and nephews. However, for polyandry to be biologically adaptive for males, it appears that offspring survival probability would have to be considerably greater than if monogamy had been chosen. Using demographic data on fertility rates and offspring survivorship for monogamous and polyandrous females in a Tibetan population in the Limi Valley of Nepal, Beall and Goldstein attempt to calculate the expected inclusive fitness for males in monogamous and polyandrous marriages. Because offspring survival rates are lower for polyandrous females, the authors suggest that fraternal polyandry as practiced in the Limi Tibetan population could not be biologically adaptive for males. Beall and Goldstein hav not adequately tested the predictions arising from sociobiological theory. The logical fallacy committed is that fitness estimates are based solely on population statistics, rather than on an individual male's expectations of his own inclusive fitness under polyandry versus monogamy. Use of population statistics assumes all males have the same ex-
A mass peak profile generation model to facilitate determination of elemental compositions of ions based on exact masses and isotopic abundances

To identify elemental compositions of ions, a mass peak profile generation model (PGM) was developed to plan data acquisitions and to interpret the data obtained by using a high resolution mass spectrometer (VG70-250SE). The PGM provides a list of all compositions possible for the exact mass of ion M and its error range from which the user selects a hypothetical composition. The PGM then plots [M + 1] and [M + 2] mass peak profiles and calculates masses and abundances of full and partial [M + 1] and [M + 2] profiles relative to the M profile. All possible compositions, calculated values for the exact masses and relative abundances, and measures of profile broadening and the shape of the [M + 2] profile are listed in a table. Pass-fail results for each of six criteria based on a comparison between table entries for the hypothetical composition and each of the other compositions are indicated. Compositions failing one or more criteria will be eliminated if the hypothetical composition is correct. The table provides assurance that all possible compositions based on the elements specified by the user have been considered. The PGM can be used to estimate the minimum resolution and number of determinations necessary to identify the correct composition by eliminating all others. As multiple determinations are made and error limits become smaller, average values are entered into the PGM to determine all compositions consistent with the data, often until only one composition remains.
Microstructure and strengthening of metal matrix composites

The effects of composite microstructure (e.g. particle size and volume fraction) on the mechanical properties of 2080 Al matrix composites with SiC particulates are considered. Finite element calculations on unit cell representations are compared to tensile measurements. For fine particles, good agreement is obtained for inclusion volume fractions as large as 30%. Coarse particle materials show evidence of particle cracking, which degrades the modulus and yield stress. In a new computational approach, the unit cell of a cracked particle and surrounding matrix is embedded in an effective medium with properties of a composite with intact particles. By appropriate choice of the portion of cracked particles, experiments on materials with a broad distribution of particle sizes are reproduced by the model calculations.
AppSealer: Automatic Generation of Vulnerability-Specific Patches for Preventing Component Hijacking Attacks in Android Applications

Component hijacking is a class of vulnerabilities commonly appearing in Android applications. When these vul- nerabilities are triggered by attackers, the vulnerable apps can exfiltrate sensitive information and compromise the data integrity on Android devices, on behalf of the attackers. It is often unrealis- tic to purely rely on developers to fix these vulnerabilities for two reasons: 1) it is a time-consuming process for the developers to confirm each vulnerability and release a patch for it; and 2) the developers may not be experienced enough to properly fix the problem. In this paper, we propose a technique for automatic patch generation. Given a vulnerable Android app (without source code) and a discovered component hijacking vulnerability, we automatically generate a patch to disable this vulnerability. We have implemented a prototype called AppSealer and evaluated its efficacy on apps with component hijacking vulnerabilities. Our evaluation on 16 real-world vulnerable Android apps demon- strates that the generated patches can effectively track and mitigate component hijacking vulnerabilities. Moreover, after going through a series of optimizations, the patch code only represents a small portion (15.9% on average) of the entire program. The runtime overhead introduced by AppSealer is also minimal, merely 2% on average.
Distributed decoding of rectangular parity-check code

Distributed iterative decoding of the rectangular parity-check code between two receiving nodes is performed. Simulation results show that a close-to-full diversity advantage can be achieved using the proposed scheme, which requires exchanging only a small amount of information between the two nodes.
Cryoprotectants Prove Ineffective for Frost Protection on Strawberries

Abstract ‘Earliglow’ and ‘Lateglow’ strawberries were treated with 4 cryoprotectanis (Frost Free, Kocide, Frost Gard and Cryoban) according to manufacturers' recommendations. The cryoprotectants did not affect the percentage of blossoms damaged by low temperatures, yield or berry size. There was a higher percentage of deformed berries on plots treated with Frost Gard on one harvest date for each cultivar and with Cryoban on one date for ‘Earliglow.’
Calculation of the magnetization and total energy of vanadium as a function of lattice parameter

Abstract Self-consistent spin-polarized APW calculations have been performed to determine the energy band structure of metallic vanadium in an assumed ferromagnetic b.c.c. structure as a function of lattice parameter. The statistical exchange (‘Xα’) and muffin-tin approximations were used. At each lattice parameter for which a calculation was performed, the Xα cohesive energy, the pressure, and the magnetization were calculated. The calculated cohesive energy and pressure agree fairly well with experiment. The calculations also correctly predict the absence of a magnetic moment for vanadium at its equilibrium lattice constant. However, a nonmagnetic-to-magnetic transition is found to occur abruptly at a lattice constant which is about a factor of 1·25 larger than the equilibrium value, and which is in good qualitative agreement with the appearance of a local magnetic moment in certain vanadium alloys.
Effect of Industrial Byproducts Containing High Aluminum or Iron Levels on Plant Residue Decomposition

Abstract Excess phosphorus (P) in soils is a result of manure and fertilizer additions that exceeded crop P requirements. Reducing or eliminating future P fertilizer additions or manures is one method of remediation. Another would be to treat manures or soils with byproducts that contain iron (Fe), aluminum (Al), or calcium (Ca) that adsorb P readily. A study was conducted in which two industrial byproducts and 14C-labeled soybean leaves and stems were added to two soils and soil organic matter and residue decomposition were monitored. Water treatment residue (WTR) containing high Al content and iron-rich residue (IRR) were added to Sassafras and Matapeake soils at rates from 0.5 to 10.0 g kg−1 soil. Lime (CaO) was added as a treatment to determine the effect of increased pH. Additions of WTR to either soil did not affect decomposition of 14C-labeled soybean leaves and stems, soil organic matter decomposition recorded by total CO2 evolution or residual soil 14C. Addition of IRR affected decomposition of 1...