cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Diatoms from desert playas in southern California.

Diatom floras of 10 playas in southern California are described with the water chemistry of lakes in these basins. The playa lakes range from carbonate systems of low total dissolved solids (freshwater) to chloride systems of high total dissolved solids (hypersaline). Floras are dominated by aerial taxa and are not diverse with generally less than 10 taxa per playa. Diatoms are hypothesized to be active only on the periphery of the empheral playa lakes, bounded on one extreme by the lake's turbidity and on the other by the dryness of exposed sediment. Floras are largely similar among playas. This floral similarity among widely differing environments is considered linked to the inconstancy of environment within these habitats which favors taxa of broad tolerance.
Developmental assembly of transduction apparatus in chick basilar papilla.

Hair cells, the sensory receptors of auditory and vestibular systems, use a transducer apparatus that renders them remarkably sensitive to mechanical displacement as minute as 1 nm. To study the embryonic development of the transducer apparatus in hair cells of the chick auditory papilla, we examined hair cells that have been labeled with N-(3-triethylammoniumpropyl)-4-(4-(dibutylamino)styryl) pyridiniumdibromide, which has been shown to permeate the transducer channels. In addition, mechanotransduction currents were recorded directly using whole-cell patch-clamp techniques. The structure of the hair bundle was examined using scanning electron microscopy, and immunofluorescence labeling for myosin 1c, myosin 7a, and plasma membrane Ca2+ ATPase 2 was studied to determine the developmental expression of these proteins in embryonic chick papillas. We demonstrate that the transducer apparatus is assembled jointly at embryonic day 11 (E11) of the developing chick basilar papilla. The resting open probability of the transducer channels was high at E12 (∼0.5) and remained substantially elevated at E14-16; it then declined to the mature value of ∼0.15 at E21. The displacement sensitivity of the transduction apparatus, the gating force, increased from E12 to E21. Although the expression of different components of the transducer apparatus and the transduction current peaked at ∼E14-16, marked refinement occurred beyond E16. For example, myosin 1c appeared diffusely localized in hair bundles from E12 to E16, but subsequently consolidated into punctate pattern. The fine temporal and precise spatial assembly of the transducer apparatus likely contributes toward the exquisite sensitivity of the transduction ensemble.
Global Sourcing and U.S. Seafood Processors: A Discriminant Analysis

Despite its massive size, little research regarding the global seafood industry exists from a marketing perspective. In this study, differences between processors who use international or global sourcing and processors who use domestic sourcing are investigated. The results indicate that few significant differences between the two groups exist with regard to sources of seafood for processing. Only the use of two sources of seafood differed significantly: Domestic processors obtain a larger percentage of seafood for processing using vertical integration (their own fishing fleet) than do processors using international sourcing, and processors using international sourcing purchase a higher percentage of their seafood for processing from brokers agents than do processors who source domestically. In addition, processors using international sourcing were significantly larger in terms of gross sales and number of employees than are processors who use domestic sourcing. Finally, the results of the stepwise discriminant analysis indicate that the percent of seafood purchased for processing from brokers/agents, gross sales and years in business are the three variables that accurately discriminate between the two groups.
Systemic Immune Deviation in the Brain That Does Not Depend on the Integrity of the Blood-Brain Barrier

OVA injected into the brain of normal mice evoked a deviant immune response (brain-associated immune deviation (BRAID)) that was deficient in OVA-specific delayed-type hypersensitivity. This response was not dependent on an intact blood-brain barrier since BRAID was induced even when OVA was injected into a newly created lesion site with extensive BBB leakage. However, newly activated microglia at the injection site 2 days after ablation of the striatum correlated with the loss of BRAID. At day 4 after trauma, when activated microglia were only visible further away from the injection site, BRAID was again able to be induced. In contrast to immune deviation elicited via the eye, an intact spleen was not required for BRAID, nor was BRAID adoptively transferable with spleen cells. In contrast i.v. injection of cervical lymph node cells harvested 8 days after OVA injection into the striatum was able to transfer BRAID into naive animals. Together, these data indicate that immune privilege in the brain is actively maintained and is mediated by an immune deviation mechanism that differs from eye-derived immune deviation and arises even when the BBB is compromised.
Some field experience with Alice

This paper describes Converse College's experience in using Alice for CS-1. While many of the strong selling points of Alice do indeed translate well into classroom reality, Alice also has some significant shortcomings. The Alice team plans to address some of those shortcomings, but other Alice issues are more fundamental. The paper concludes with a consideration of how Alice's strengths might be incorporated into other approaches while minimizing its weaknesses.
This way up: illusions and internal models in the vestibular system

Two recent papers demonstrate that the vestibular system transforms raw sensory data into a sophisticated internal model of head orientation and movement.
Direct interaction theory of inelastic scattering: Part III. Numerical calculations

Abstract In this paper a report is given of calculations of the process C 12 (p, p′) C 12∗ Q = −4.4 Mev and the (p′, γ) angular correlation following. The direct interaction action theory, using distorted waves discussed in previous papers, is used and found to give a quantitative fit to the inelastic differential cross-section in the energy range EP = 14 to 185 Mev and to the angular correlation at 16 and 19 Mev.
Predicting organic floc transport dynamics in shallow aquatic ecosystems: Insights from the field, the laboratory, and numerical modeling

Received 13 June 2008; revised 10 September 2008; accepted 15 October 2008; published 14 January 2009. [1] Transport of particulate organic material can impact watershed sediment and nutrient budgets and can alter the geomorphologic evolution of shallow aquatic environments. Prediction of organic aggregate (‘‘floc’’) transport in these environments requires knowledge of how hydraulics and biota affect the entrainment, settling, and aggregation of particles. This study evaluated the aggregation and field transport dynamics of organic floc from a low-gradient floodplain wetland with flow-parallel ridges and sloughs in the Florida Everglades. Floc dynamics were evaluated in a rotating annular flume and in situ in the field. Under present managed conditions in the Everglades, floc is not entrained by mean flows but is suspended via biological production in the water column and bioturbation. Aggregation was a significant process affecting Everglades floc at high flume flow velocities (7.0 cm s �1 ) and during recovery from high flow; disaggregation was not significant for the tested flows. During moderate flows when floc dynamics are hydrodynamically controlled, it is possible to model floc transport using a single ‘‘operative floc diameter’’ that accurately predicts fluxes downstream and to the bed. In contrast, during high flows and recovery from high flows, aggregation dynamics should be simulated. When entrained by flow in open-water sloughs, Everglades floc will be transported downstream in multiple deposition and reentrainment events but will undergo net settling when transported onto ridges of emergent vegetation. We hypothesize that net transport of material from open to vegetated areas during high flows is critical for forming and maintaining distinctive topographic patterning in the Everglades and other low-gradient floodplains.
Advances in Understanding the Pharmacological Properties of Antisense Oligonucleotides

Publisher Summary A rapid progress in the field of antisense technology and in exploiting it for therapeutic purposes has become intense. This chapter provides a summary of progress, to assess the status of the technology, to place the technology in the pharmacological context in which it is best understood, and the interpretation of experiments. The ultimate biological effect of an oligonucleotide should be influenced by the local concentration of the oligonucleotide at the target RNA, the concentration of the RNA, the rates of synthesis and degradation of the RNA, the type of terminating mechanism, and the rates of the events that result in termination of the activity of the RNA. Binding of oligonucleotides to specific sequences may inhibit the interaction of the RNA with proteins, other nucleic acids, or other factors required for essential steps in the intermediary metabolism of the RNA or its utilization by the cell. RNA molecules regulate their own metabolism. A number of structural features of RNA are known to influence stability, various processing events, subcellular distribution, and transport. Phosphorothioate oligonucleotides bind to proteins. The interactions with proteins can be divided into nonspecific, sequence-specific, and structure-specific binding events, each of which may have different characteristics and effects. To study the pharmacokinetics of phosphorothioate oligonucleotides, a variety of labeling techniques have been used. In addition to local and regional effects of antisense oligonucleotides, a growing number of well-controlled studies have demonstrated systemic effects of phosphorothioate oligodeoxynucleotides that have a therapeutic index that supports their evaluation for a number of therapeutic indications. As several clinical trials are in progress with phosphorothioates and others should be initiated shortly, more definitive information must be available about the activities, toxicities, and value of this class of antisense drugs in human beings.
Amplification and Overexpression of the Dual-Specificity Tyrosine-(Y)-Phosphorylation Regulated Kinase 2 (DYRK2) Gene in Esophageal and Lung Adenocarcinomas

Genomic amplification can lead to the activation of cellular proto-oncogenes during tumorigenesis, and is observed in most, if not all, human malignancies, including adenocarcinomas of lung and esophagus. Using a two-dimensional restriction landmark genomic scanning technique, we identified five NotI/HinfI fragments with increased genomic dosage in an adenocarcinoma of the gastroesophageal junction. Four of these amplified fragments were matched within three contigs of chromosome 12 using the bioinformatics tool, Virtual Genome Scan. All three of the contigs map to the 12q13-q14 region, and the regional amplification in the tumor was verified using comparative genomic hybridization analysis. The 12q14 amplicon was characterized using sequence tagged site-amplification mapping with DNA from paired normal-tumor tissues of 75 gastroesophageal and 37 lung adenocarcinomas. The amplicon spans a region of >12 Mb between genes DGKA and BLOV1. The core-amplified domain was determined to be 2.5-fold of normal mean) was found in 18.6% of additional 86 lung adenocarcinomas in an assay using oligonucleotide microarrays. DYRK2 mRNA overexpression occurs more frequently than gene amplification in both esophageal and lung adenocarcinomas. This is the first report of amplification and overexpression of DYRK2 in any tumor type.
Technology and U.S. Wage Inequality: A Brief Look

The industrial revolution of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries left in its wake a large body of literature, both popular and scholarly, arguing that technology had wrought fundamental changes to the labor market. Some argued that as important as the steam engine and new machinery were to this new economy, “mental steam power” and “intellectual machinery”—the ability of workers to interact with the new technologies—was of equal or greater significance. Even as debate about that earlier period continues more than one hundred years later, a new debate—with interesting parallels to that earlier discussion—has ensued about the effect of computers and other information and communications technology on the labor market.1
Assay for Aflatoxin Production by the Genera Aspergillus and Penicillium

A total of 260 isolates, including 43 species of Penicillium and 7 species of Aspergillus, were screened for their ability to produce aflatoxin on rice. Chloroform extracts were analyzed by thin-layer chromatography. None of the isolates produced aflatoxin. Certain species of Penicillium produced fluorescent substances that either were similar in RF or were of similar color to B and G aflatoxins. These substances were subsequently proved not to be aflatoxin by two-dimensional chromatography, by reaction with iodine fumes, or by both methods.
Counseling black adolescent parents

Gwendolyn C. Gilbert, MSW, is Associate Pro fessor, School of Social Work, Ohio State Uni versity, Columbus, Ohio. This article is a re vised version of a paper presented at the Ohio State Conference on Comprehensive Needs of School Age Pregnant Girls, April 20-21, 1972, Cincinnati, Ohio. Black adolescent parents need social work ers who are aware of their unique needs and values and of the systemic barriers to the fulfillment of these needs and values. Traditional social work knowledge and practice have proved inadequate for effec tive intervention in the black community. The purpose of the perceptions and con cepts in this article is to enhance the values and the knowledge base of social workers who counsel black adolescent par ents. Special focus is on intervention with junior and senior high school single parents. The argument in this article is not meant to imply that services to white adolescent parents are adequate. Many well-docu mented works point out the inadequacy of social services available to all single adolescent parents. However, the persistent and pervasive manifestations of racism in the delivery of services to black adolescent parents demand special consideration for that group. Before the social worker can begin to counsel the black adolescent parent effec tively, he must be knowledgeable about three concepts that are essential to under standing the black community. These are (1) neocolonialism, which is presented here as the framework for understanding the problems of the black community and the disparity in perceptions that exist be tween black and white youths in America, (2) survival, a way of viewing needs and services, and (3) liberation, a goal of blacks seeking freedom from oppression. Neocolonialism, racism, and ghetto are all terms that have special meaning for black youths in America. Neocolonialism refers to the condition wherein the op pressed (the collective state of black sub jects), in theory, have equal constitutional rights and all the outward trappings of democracy. In reality the system of capi talism exploits the black community, keeps it politically powerless, and maintains this relationship most obviously through a sys tem of institutional racism.1
The transcription factor Spi-B is not required for somatic hypermutation.

Abstract Mice with a homozygous inactivation of the transcription factor gene Spi-B−/− have abnormal B cell functions and a defect in germinal center (GC) formation. We report here that somatic hypermutation (SHM) of VH1 and VH11 genes is not diminished in Peyer’s patches of Spi-B−/− mice. However, the mutation pattern shows an increase in the ratio of replacement to silent mutations in the framework sequences of the variable regions, suggesting that selection of mutated B cells based on functionality is affected. In support of this, two of the six sequences from Spi-B mutant mice have a point mutation in the framework which introduces predicted steric clashes with another amino acid in the variable region. This mutation (Leu81Phe) has not been observed in 120 mutated VH1 or VH11 genes of germinal center B cells from Spi-B wildtype mice. The mutation also does not exist in any of 136 published heavy chain proteins of the same VH family. The mutations causing the change to Phe are transitions which are favored by the SHM process over transversions. Clearly, Phe-81 must arise relatively frequently, but is not selected in Spi-B wildtype mice.
6Li nuclear magnetic resonance chemical shifts, coordination number and relaxation in crystalline and glassy silicates

Unlike 7Li magic-angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (MAS NMR) spectra, 6Li MAS NMR spectra of silicates are dominated by chemical shift effects, often have a very high resolution and hence can provide significant structural information. In this study we demonstrate a good correlation between 6Li isotropic chemical shifts and oxygen coordination number, and use this result to describe the range of coordination environments for Li in silicate glasses. We also show that the second-order quadrupolar shift for 7Li can often be derived from 7Li and 6Li MAS spectra acquired at a single magnetic field. For a series of natural lepidolite samples with significant but varying contents of Mn and Fe, spin-lattice relaxation data show a power-law behavior and a three-dimensional distribution of paramagnetic centers, but homonuclear dipolar couplings can be important. The 6Li spectrum for lithium orthosilicate (which has three-, four-, five- and six-coordinated Li) is consistent with that predicted by the X-ray structure.
Discrete time-varying filter and PLL for synchronous estimation of parameters of a sine signal corrupted by a closely spaced FM interference

Abstract The concept of time-varying filters as applied to the problem of rejection of a sine signal with fast variations of frequency is explored. Using such filters, a method for synchronous (i.e., when frequency is known) estimation of phase and amplitude of a sine wave corrupted by closely spaced sinusoidal interference with fast frequency variations is proposed. It is shown that the coefficients of the time-varying filter can be effectively determined using a Phase Locked Loop. It is proved that the performance of the proposed estimator depends neither on the interference level nor on the speed of frequency variations. Comparison with an adaptive estimator based on a linear time invariant filter shows the superiority of the proposed one where the interference frequency changes rapidly over time.
Hip dysplasia, pelvic obliquity, and scoliosis in cerebral palsy: a qualitative analysis using 3D CT reconstruction

Five patients with cerebral palsy, hip dysplasia, pelvic obliquity, and scoliosis were evaluated retrospectively using three dimensional computed tomography (3DCT) scans of the proximal femur, pelvis, and lumbar spine to qualitatively evaluate their individual deformities by measuring a number of anatomical landmarks. Three dimensional reconstructions of the data were visualized, analyzed, and then manipulated interactively to perform simulated osteotomies of the proximal femur and pelvis to achieve surgical correction of the hip dysplasia. Severe deformity can occur in spastic cerebral palsy, with serious consequences for the quality of life of the affected individuals and their families. Controversy exists regarding the type, timing and efficacy of surgical intervention for correction of hip dysplasia in this population. Other authors have suggested 3DCT studies are required to accurately analyze acetabular deficiency, and that this data allows for more accurate planning of reconstructive surgery. It is suggested here that interactive manipulation of the data to simulate the proposed surgery is a clinically useful extension of the analysis process and should also be considered as an essential part of the pre-operative planning to assure that the appropriate procedure is chosen. The surgical simulation may reduce operative time and improve surgical correction of the deformity.
Space Time Coding for Backscatter RFID

In this work, the use of Space-Time Codes in passive Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID) systems is explored; this is feasible whenever a tag possesses multiple antennas. Information is encoded across the multiple tag antennas and received by an RFID reader, also typically equipped with multiple antennas. The nature of passive RFID induces a unique fading channel known as the dyadic backscatter channel, which differs statistically compared to the canonical Rayleigh fading channel. We introduce a modified dyadic channel for RFID backscatter that adequately captures the space-time coding paradigm. We then propose known orthogonal space-time codes and derive an upper bound on the the pairwise error probability (PEP), leading to estimates of the (asymptotic) diversity order. Interestingly, the diversity order is shown to depend only on the number of tag antennas but not the number of receive antennas; the resultant performance trade-offs is discussed. Lastly, simulation of the symbol error rates for different channel configurations are conducted to validate the analysis.
Influence of Initial Stress on the Vibrations of Simply Supported Circular Cylindrical Shells

The influence of initial uniform circumferential and axial stress on the frequency of vibrations of simply supported circular cylindrical shells has been previously investigated on the basis of shell theories, which can be anticipated to yield accurate results only for modes having a large number of circumferential waves. In this investigation, a bending theory presented by Herrmann and Armenakas is employed in re-examining the influence of initial uniform circumferential and axial stress on the frequency of vibrations of simply supported circular cylindrical shells. The results are compared with those of previous investigations.
The effects of selection on noisy fitness optimization

This paper examines how the choice of the selection mechanism in an evolutionary algorithm impacts the objective function it optimizes, specifically when the fitness function is noisy. We provide formal results showing that, in an abstract infinite-population model, proportional selection optimizes expected fitness, truncation selection optimizes order statistics, and tournament selection can oscillate. The "winner" in a population depends on the choice of selection rule, especially when fitness distributions differ between individuals resulting in variable risk. These findings are further developed through empirical results on a novel stochastic optimization problem called "Die4", which, while simple, extends existing benchmark problems by admitting a variety of interpretations of optimality.
Distance-Dependent Plasmon Resonant Coupling between a Gold Nanoparticle and Gold Film

We present an experimental analysis of the plasmonic scattering properties of gold nanoparticles controllably placed nanometers away from a gold metal film. We show that the spectral response of this system results from the interplay between the localized plasmon resonance of the nanoparticle and the surface plasmon polaritons of the gold film, as previously predicted by theoretical studies. In addition, we report that the metal film induces a polarization to the single nanoparticle light scattering, resulting in a doughnut-shaped point spread function when imaged in the far-field. Both the spectral response and the polarization effects are highly sensitive to the nanoparticle−film separation distance. Such a system shows promise in potential biometrology and diagnostic devices.
Needed Redirections in Economic Analysis for Agricultural Development Policy

Economic literature identifies development with average rates of increase in real output per capita. Little research has focused on interrelations between productivity increases and other indicators of development such as the reduction of mass poverty, unemployment, and inequality. Such omissions may be a function of the way agricultural economics developed in the United States. Here a positive correlation between increased production, employment, and income‐earning opportunities was assumed inherent in the family farm system and the relative labor‐scarce conditions. Problems emerging in recent years throw considerable doubt on the appropriateness of these assumptions.
The Effects of Different Teaching, Research, and Service Emphases on Individual and Organizational Outcomes in Higher Education Institutions.

The authors investigated the relative emphasis that educators give to teaching, research, and service in the business discipline and 4 other academic disciplines. The authors also investigated the effects of different faculty activity emphases on faculty teaching effectiveness, research performance, service levels, job and pay satisfaction, attraction, and retention. The sample comprised approximately 500 faculty members from U. S. colleges and universities.
Counting Performance With Therapies for Heart Failure Aiming for Quality or Quantity

Patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction account for about half of the 6 million patients with heart failure and the $35 billion spent annually on related medical costs. Over the past 25 years, heart failure management has evolved through randomized trials of specific therapy and the extensive clinical experience accumulated at referral centers, many of which arose initially to offer comprehensive medical care for patients in parallel with cardiac transplantation, as described by Fonarow et al in 1997.1 The recommended therapies have been the subject of extensive guidelines, from the first Agency for Health Care Policy and Research guidelines chaired by Konstam in 19942 to the most recent American College of Cardiology (ACC)/American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines chaired by Hunt in 20053 and updated by Jessup et al in 2009.4 Lessons from implementation of measures for acute myocardial infarction have translated into heart failure management, as described by O'Connor.5 Outcomes with heart failure have improved remarkably as these therapies have become widely implemented, and even disparities by race have begun to diminish, as underlined by Yancy et al6; however, the remaining burdens of readmission and mortality warrant ongoing efforts to further improve care for the diverse populations with heart failure. Article see p 585 The interventions of the Registry to Improve the Use of Evidence-Based Heart Failure Therapies in the Outpatient Setting (IMPROVE HF) described in this issue of Circulation 7 successfully increased the number of therapies provided to patients with heart failure. Testing the impact of a strategy on practice is challenging, because the investigators cannot be blinded and are exposed to center effects, which may have played a role here. Simultaneous trends in continuing education and community practice also influence practice patterns over time. Data were collected by 34 …
Haemophilus influenzae type b conjugate vaccine

Abstract Hib conjugate vaccine was developed with the ultimate goal of providing an effective vaccine for infants and younger children. The conjugate vaccine is as safe as Hib polysaccharide vaccine and significantly more immunogenic. Because antibody production after vaccination with conjugate vaccine in children 18 months of age or older is substantially greater than after vaccination with polysaccharide vaccine, conjugate vaccine has been licensed for use in these children. Pediatric nurse practitioners should educate parents about the importance of the new Hib conjugate vaccine in prevention of Hib disease in children 18 months and older. The safety and efficacy of the new vaccine in children less than 18 months of age are currently under study.
The influence of human activity patterns on personal PM exposure: a comparative analysis of filter-based and continuous particle measurements.

Particulate matter (PM) exposure data from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-sponsored 1998 Baltimore and 1999 Fresno PM exposure studies were analyzed to identify important microenvironments and activities that may lead to increased particle exposure for select elderly (>65 years old) subjects. Integrated 24-hr filter-based PM2.5 or PM10 mass measurements [using Personal Environmental Monitors (PEMs)] included personal measurements, indoor and outdoor residential measurements, and measurements at a central indoor site and a community monitoring site. A subset of the participants in each study wore passive nephelometers that continuously measured (1-min averaging time) particles ranging in size from 0.1 to approximately 10 microm. Significant activities and locations were identified by a statistical mixed model (p < 0.01) for each study population based on the measured PM2.5 or PM10 mass and time activity data. Elevated PM concentrations were associated with traveling (car or bus), commercial locations (store, office, mall, etc.), restaurants, and working. The modeled results were compared to continuous PM concentrations determined by the nephelometers while participants were in these locations. Overall, the nephelometer data agreed within 6% of the modeled PM2.5 results for the Baltimore participants and within approximately 20% for the Fresno participants (variability was due to zero drift associated with the nephelometer). The nephelometer did not agree as well with the PM10 mass measurements, most likely because the nephelometer optimally responds to fine particles (0.3-2 microm). Approximately one-half (54 +/- 31%; mean +/- standard deviation from both studies) of the average daily PM2.5 exposure occurred inside residences, where the participants spent an average of 83 +/- 10% of their time. These data also showed that a significant portion of PM2.5 exposure occurred in locations where participants spent only 4-13% of their time.
Adult posttraumatic osteomyelitis of the tibia

Posttraumatic tibial osteomyelitis results from trauma or nosocomial infection from the treatment of trauma that allows organisms to enter bone, proliferate in traumatized tissue, and cause subsequent bone infection. The resulting infection is usually polymicrobial. The patient may be classified using the May and the Cierny-Mader classification systems. The diagnosis is based on the isolation of the pathogen(s) from the bone, or blood cultures. Appropriate therapy of posttraumatic tibial osteomyelitis includes adequate drainage, thorough debridement, obliteration of dead space, stabilization when necessary, wound protection, and specific antimicrobial therapy.
Crystalline arrays of proteoglycan and collagen in the tectorial membrane

Abstract Ultrastructure of the tectorial membrane in the chinchilla cochlea was studied by transmission electron microscopy using different fixatives and staining procedures. It was shown that the tectorial membrane is a highly structured matrix composed of collagen type A fibrils, noncollagenous type B fibrils and proteoglycan. The localization of type B fibrils surrounding bundles of parallel type A fibrils was observed. Staining of the tectorial membranes with the cationic dye Cuprolinic blue in a “critical electrolyte concentration” method revealed proteoglycan, D-periodically associated with collagen type A fibrils and orthogonal to them. The appearance and size of the proteoglycan, and its binding to collagen, were similar to small proteoglycans observed in cartilage and other tissues. In many regions of the tectorial membrane the collagen-bound proteoglycan forms crystalline-like arrays. The images of these arrays processed by Fourier analysis show long linear aggregates of proteoglycan arranged parallel each other.
Thickness dependence, in situ measurements, and morphology of thermally controlled interdiffusion in polymer- C 60 photovoltaic devices

A series of detailed studies is presented in which heat-induced interdiffusion is used to create a gradient bulk-heterojunction of 2-methoxy-5-${(2}^{\ensuremath{'}}$-ethylhexyloxy)-1,4-phenylenevinylene (MEH-PPV) copolymer and ${\mathrm{C}}_{60}.$ Starting from a bilayer of spin-cast MEH-PPV and sublimed ${\mathrm{C}}_{60},$ films are heated in the vicinity of the glass transition temperature of the polymer to induce an interdiffusion of polymer and fullerene. Variation of the polymer layer thickness shows that the photocurrents increase with decreasing layer thickness within the examined thickness regime as transport of the separated charges out of the film is improved. The interdiffusion was observed in situ by monitoring the photocurrents during the heating process and exhibited a rapid rise during the first five minutes. Cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy studies show that ${\mathrm{C}}_{60}$ forms clusters of up to 30 nm in diameter in the polymer bulk of the interdiffused devices. This clustering of the fullerene molecules puts a significant constraint on the interdiffusion process that can be alleviated by use of donor-acceptor combinations with better miscibility.
On maintaining and updating expert systems

: A mechanism for tracing the utilization of rules in expert systems during periods of practical usage is proposed. Statistics related to the utilization of each rule help the designer to re-evaluate the appropriateness of each rule, so that over-utilized rules may be expanded and unnecessary ones deleted. By incorporating such a mechanism, the efficiency of maintaining and updating expert systems is improved.
Insulin, proinsulin, proinsulin:insulin ratio, and the risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus in women

Abstract Purpose To assess the associations among baseline levels of fasting insulin and proinsulin, proinsulin:insulin ratio, and the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus in apparently healthy middle-aged women. Methods In a nested case-control study involving a nationwide cohort of 27,628 participants from the Women’s Health Study, 126 women with diabetes diagnosed during a 4-year follow-up period were compared with 225 age-matched controls. Fasting insulin level and proinsulin:insulin ratio were assessed in quartiles, and proinsulin level was assessed in categories (≤4.0 pmol/L, 4.01 to 6.99 pmol/L, ≥7.0 pmol/L). The risk of developing type 2 diabetes was determined using conditional logistic regression analysis that adjusted for body mass index and other diabetes risk factors. Results Baseline insulin and proinsulin levels and proinsulin:insulin ratios were significantly higher among cases than among controls. Women with elevated insulin levels in the highest as compared with the lowest quartile were more likely to develop diabetes (odds ratio [OR] = 5.6; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.8 to 17.6), as were women with elevated (≥7.0 pmol/L vs. ≤4.0 pmol/L) proinsulin levels (OR = 16.4; 95% CI: 5.8 to 46.8) and women with proinsulin:insulin ratios in the highest quartile (OR = 9.6; 95% CI: 3.1 to 30.8). Similar results were observed among women with a baseline hemoglobin A1c level ≤6.0%. In time-trend analyses, fasting insulin was a consistent predictor of long-term risk. Proinsulin and proinsulin:insulin ratio, although predictive throughout the study, were especially strong predictors of rapid progression to type 2 diabetes. Conclusion Elevated fasting insulin and proinsulin levels and proinsulin:insulin ratio are associated with an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes in apparently healthy middle-aged women.
Functional association models for multivariate survival processes

We consider multivariate temporal processes that are continuously observed within overlapping time windows. The intended application is in censored multistate and multivariate survival settings, where point processes are continuously observed. These data differ from other functional data, like longitudinal data, which are discretely observed at irregular times. Existing functional approaches to survival processes use intensity models, which require smoothing and depend critically on the choice of smoothing parameters, similarly to discretely observed data. In this article we study functional mean and association regression models for the point processes, with unspecified time-varying coefficients. The continuous observation scheme is exploited; the coefficients may be estimated nonparametrically by extending generalized estimating equations to continuously observed data. The estimators automatically converge at the parametric rate without smoothing, unlike with discretely observed data. Uniform consistenc...
Functional characterization of Ebola virus L-domains using VSV recombinants

VSV recombinants containing the overlapping L-domain sequences from Ebola virus VP40 (PTAPPEY) were recovered by reverse-genetics. Replication kinetics of M40-WT, M40-P24L, and M40-Y30A were indistinguishable from VSV-WT in BHK-21 cells, whereas the double mutant (M40-P2728A) was defective in budding. Insertion of the Ebola L-domain region into VSV M protein was sufficient to alter the dependence on host proteins for efficient budding. Indeed, M40 recombinants containing a functional PTAP motif specifically incorporated endogenous tsg101 into budding virions and were dependent on tsg101 expression for efficient budding. Thus, VSV represents an excellent negative-sense RNA virus model for elucidating the functional aspects and diverse host interactions associated with the L-domains of Ebola virus.
Review of the IPCC methodology for estimating nitrous oxide emissions associated with agricultural leaching and runoff

Abstract Context abstract : The constraint imposed by the observed atmospheric N 2 O increase suggests that the IPCC may overestimate the anthropogenic N 2 O source. The 1996 Revised IPCC methodology, which will be used by Parties to the Kyoto Protocol, predicts that N 2 O accounts for 10% or more of national aggregate greenhouse gas emissions in many countries. This percentage contribution is comparable to or greater than the overall emissions reductions required by the Protocol. N 2 O emissions associated with agricultural leaching and runoff contribute a significant share of the IPCC N 2 O source. The current methodology may significantly overestimate these emissions, with implications for the total IPCC anthropogenic N 2 O source and for national greenhouse gas inventories. Main abstract : N 2 O emissions associated with leaching and runoff play an important role in determining both the magnitude and the uncertainty of the agricultural N 2 O source, as estimated by the 1996 revised IPCC methodology. According to the methodology, leaching/runoff emissions account for over 1/4 of the total agricultural N 2 O source and nearly 1/2 of the range of uncertainty in the total source. Notably, the observed atmospheric N 2 O increase of 3.9 Tg N/yr, which provides an important and well documented constraint on the anthropogenic N 2 O source, is significantly lower than the IPCC total agricultural source of 6.3 Tg N/yr. Several areas of uncertainty in the IPCC estimate of leaching and runoff-related N 2 O emissions are identified in this review. First, in the current methodology, a default-leaching fraction for fertilizer and animal waste of 30% is recommended for all countries, despite large variations within individual watersheds and agricultural systems. Second, the N 2 O emission factor associated with groundwater may be overestimated by an order of magnitude. Currently, groundwater accounts for 60% of leaching-related N 2 O emissions, with the remainder assumed to occur from rivers and estuaries. Finally, leaching fractions and associated N 2 O emission factors may not be defined in a conceptually consistent manner.
Identification and Characterization of Anthocyanins by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography−Electrospray Ionization−Tandem Mass Spectrometry in Common Foods in the United States: Vegetables, Nuts, and Grains

Anthocyanins in common foods in the United States, other than fruits and berries, were identified and characterized by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry coupled with diode array detection. Of all of the 40+ vegetables, nuts, and grains screened, seven vegetables, one nut, and one grain were found to contain anthocyanins; the number of anthocyanins detected varied from two in pistachio nuts to 34 in red radishes. The individual anthocyanins were identified by comparing their mass spectrometric data and retention times with those of standards, published data, and reference food samples. In all of the samples analyzed, except for sorghum, only six common anthocyanidins (delphinidin, cyanidin, pelargonidin, petunidin, peonidin, and malvidin) were found as their glycosides. Anthocyanins in certain vegetables such as red cabbage and red radish were highly conjugated with sugars and acylated groups, and thus, their structures were very complicated. Eight different either aliphatic or aromatic acylated groups (acetoyl, coumaroyl, malonoyl, p-hydroxybenzoyl, feruoyl, caffeoyl, sinapoyl, and oxaloyl) were identified in the anthocyanins. In addition to glucose, six other sugar moieties (galactose, xylose, rhamnose, rutinose, sambubiose, and laminaribiose) were observed. Three varieties of sorghum were found to contain 3-deoxyanthocyanidins and their derivatives as major anthocyanins. A number of new anthocyanins were identified in the foods studied. This paper presents complete HPLC profiles and MS spectrometric data, obtained under the same experimental conditions, for common vegetables, pistachio nuts, and sorghum that contain anthocyanins.
Spam decisions on gray e-mail using personalized ontologies

E-mail is one of the most common communication methods among people on the Internet. However, the increase of e-mail misuse/abuse has resulted in an increasing volume of spam e-mail over recent years. As spammers always try to find a way to evade existing spam filters, new filters need to be developed to catch spam. A statistical learning filter is at the core of many commercial anti-spam filters. It can either be trained globally for all users, or personally for each user. Generally, globally-trained filters outperform personally-trained filters for both small and large collections of users under a real environment. However, globally-trained filters sometimes ignore personal data. Globally-trained filters cannot retain personal preferences and contexts as to whether a feature should be treated as an indicator of legitimate e-mail or spam. Gray e-mail is a message that could reasonably be considered either legitimate or spam. In this paper, a personalized ontology spam filter was implemented to make decisions for gray e-mail. In the future, by considering both global and personal ontology-based filters, we can show a significant improvement in overall performance.
Orbits and masses of Saturn's coorbital and F-ring shepherding satellites

Abstract We have obtained numerically integrated orbits for Saturn's coorbital satellites, Janus and Epimetheus, together with Saturn's F-ring shepherding satellites, Prometheus and Pandora. The orbits are fit to astrometric observations acquired with the Hubble Space Telescope and from Earth-based observatories and to imaging data acquired from the Voyager spacecraft. The observations cover the 38 year period from the 1966 Saturn ring plane crossing to the spring of 2004. In the process of determining the orbits we have found masses for all four satellites. The densities derived from the masses for Janus, Epimetheus, Prometheus, and Pandora in units of g cm−3 are 0.61 −0.06 +0.07 , 0.64 −0.09 +0.13 , 0.42 −0.13 +0.27 , and 0.54 −0.15 +0.30 , respectively.
Quantitative Analysis of Molecular Interaction in a Microfluidic Channel: The T-Sensor

The T-sensor is a recently developed microfluidic chemical measurement device that exploits the low Reynolds number flow conditions in microfabricated channels. The interdiffusion and resulting chemical interaction of components from two or more input fluid streams can be monitored optically, allowing measurement of analyte concentrations on a continuous basis. In a simple form of T-sensor, the concentration of a target analyte is determined by measuring fluorescence intensity in a region where the analyte and a fluorescent indicator have interdiffused. An analytical model has been developed that predicts device behavior from the diffusion coefficients of the analyte, indicator, and analyte-indicator complex and from the kinetics of the complex formation. Diffusion coefficients depend on the local viscosity which, in turn, depends on local concentrations of all analytes. These relationships, as well as reaction equilibria, are often unknown. A rapid method for determining these unknown parameters by interpreting T-sensor experiments through the model is presented.
Matrix metalloproteinase and G protein coupled receptors: co-conspirators in the pathogenesis of autoimmune disease and cancer

Similarities in the pathologies of autoimmune diseases and cancer have been noted for at least 30 years. Inflammatory cytokines and growth factors mediate cell proliferation, and proteinases, especially the collagenase, Matrix Metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1), contribute to disease progression by remodeling the extracellular matrix and modulating the microenvironment. This review focuses on two cancers (melanoma and breast) and on the autoimmune disorder, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and discusses the activated stromal cells found in these diseases. MMP-1 was originally thought to function only to degrade interstitial collagens, but recent studies have revealed novel roles for MMP-1 involving the G protein-coupled receptors: the chemokine receptor, CXCR-4, and Protease Activated Receptor-1 (PAR-1). Cooperativity between MMP-1 and CXCR4/SDF-1 signaling influences the behavior of activated fibroblasts in both RA and cancer. Further, MMP-1 is a vital part of an autocrine/paracrine MMP-1/PAR-1 signal transduction axis, a function that amplifies its potential to remodel the matrix and to modify cell behavior. Finally, new therapeutic agents directed at MMP-1 and G protein-coupled receptors are emerging. Even though these agents are more specific in their targets than past therapies, these targets are often shared between RA and cancer, underscoring fundamental similarities between autoimmune disorders and some cancers.
Prediction of history-dependent forming limits by applying different hardening models

Abstract The loading history-dependent forming limits have been computed for sheet metals undergoing various combinations of plane-stress loading conditions. The analysis method is essentially an extension of Marciniak and Kucźynski's inhomogeneous model, except that the roles of isotropic and Prager-Ziegler kinematic hardening have been examined in detail while the flow theory of plasticity is applied. A suitable modification of the constitutive equations for the kinematic hardening model converts the rate form of the constitutive equations into the finite-increment form which satisfies the yield criterion precisely. Representative combinations of strain history consisted of an initial proportional straining to either a fixed strain state or different levels of strain state followed by continued loading under different conditions of strain ratios. Comparison of computed forming limits with available experimental data shows that the ultimate choice of either an isotropic or a kinematic hardening model is dependent on a specific combination of strain history and the material properties.
Expectant Father’s Stress—Due to the Mother’s Expectations?

Despite the increased attention to the role of the father in the childbearing family, relatively little is known of those factors that facilitate or hinder the transition to parenthood. To study the relationship between stress in the prospective father and congruence of attitudes between husband and wife regarding the projected role of the father with the newborn, 103 prenatal couples were studied. Results supported the position that anxiety in the father increased as discordance between husband and wife increased regarding the projected father role. No relationship was found between anxiety and the amount of projected involvement by the father in child care.