cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Acquisition of epistemic and deontic meaning of modals

Modal auxiliaries have an epistemic and deontic sense and range in strength, e.g. must propositions are stronger than may propositions. Children (ages 3; 0–6; 6) heard two contradictory modal propositions of varying strength. In the epistemic condition, the propositions concerned the location of a peanut. In the deontic condition, they were commands by two teachers about what room a puppet should go to. The child was to indicate which command should be followed. The general acquisitional rule was: the greater the difference in the strength of the two modal propositions the earlier the difference was appreciated. Since the acquisitional history was similar across conditions, the two senses probably arose from a single lexical entry.
Effects of parameter variations and crosstalk on H-tree clock distribution networks

Controlling the delay and the transition time of the clock signal in the presence of various noise sources, process parameter variations and environmental effects represents a fundamental problem in the design of high speed synchronous circuits. The effects of parameter variations and crosstalk noise on the clock signal propagating along an H-tree clock distribution network are investigated in this paper. In particular, the effects of variations in power supply (VDD), temperature, and gate oxide thickness (tOX) on the clock signal delay and transition time are evaluated. In addition to parameter variations, crosstalk effects among the H-tree structure and other interconnect wires are investigated. It is shown that the delay and transition time of the clock signal is spatially dependent on interconnect crosstalk along an H-tree
Effectiveness of switchgrass filter strips in removing dissolved atrazine and metolachlor from runoff

The effectiveness of switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) filter strips in removing dissolved atrazine (2-chloro-4-ethylamino-6-isopropyl-amino-1,3,5-triazine) and metolachlor (2-chloro-N-2-ethyl-6-methylphenyl-N-2-methoxy-1-methylethyl acetamide) in runoff was investigated using aluminum-tilted beds set at 1% slope, filled with Emporia sandy loam soil (fine-loamy, siliceous, thermic Typic Hapludults) and planted to switchgrass. Solution containing herbicides, followed by water alone after 2 and 4 wk were applied on the up slope of beds with and without switchgrass. Water samples from surface flow, lateral, and vertical leachates as well as soil samples were analyzed for the two herbicides using a gas chromatograph. Switchgrass filter strips reduced the mass of dissolved atrazine and metolachlor by 52 and 59% from the applied runon, respectively. The bare soil strips removed 41% of atrazine and 44% of metolachlor. Less than 0.5% of the applied herbicide was released by the two water runons 2 and 4 wk after herbicide-solution application. The average concentrations of both herbicides in surface runoff were greater than in leachate samples. Herbicides were removed by the soil as runon moved through the soil profile. The concentration of either herbicide on the top surface (0-2.5 cm) was greater than in the soil immediately below it (2.5-5 cm). Degradation of both herbicides was faster in beds with switchgrass than without. Greater amounts of both herbicides were retained in the first 67-cm section of beds with the grass than without. Switchgrass helped to remove the herbicides by slowing runoff velocity and increasing their retention by soil.
Comparison of ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging parameters in predicting survival in isolated left-sided congenital diaphragmatic hernia.

Objective To compare test characteristics of ultrasound- and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-derived parameters in predicting newborn survival in cases of isolated left-sided congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). Methods This was a retrospective study involving 85 fetuses with an isolated left CDH. All had detailed prenatal evaluation, prenatal care, delivery and postnatal care at a single institution. Ultrasound images were reviewed to allow calculation of the lung-to-head ratio (LHR) and the observed/expected LHR (O/E-LHR), and MRI images were reviewed to determine the observed/expected total lung volume (O/E-TLV) and the percent herniated liver (%HL). Univariable logistic regression was used to evaluate each parameter for its ability to predict survival. Receiver–operating characteristics (ROC) curves were constructed and test characteristics were determined for each parameter as a predictor of survival. Results The overall survival for all fetuses included was 65%. Pseudo-R2 values for all parameters were similar and were statistically significant as predictors of survival, with %HL having the highest pseudo-R2, of 0.28. ROC curve analysis showed ultrasound-determined parameters (LHR and O/E-LHR) to have a similar area under the curve (AUC), of 0.70, whilst MRI parameters (O/E-TLV and %HL) had AUC values of 0.82 and 0.84, respectively. At ROC-curve-determined cut-off values, MRI parameters had better test characteristics than did ultrasound parameters. At a standardized 5% false-positive rate, %HL performed best, with a sensitivity of 0.54 and a specificity of 0.95. At clinically employed cut-off values, sensitivity was similar for all parameters but MRI parameters provided the best combination of sensitivity and specificity, as evidenced by better likelihood ratios. Conclusions A variety of measures have been proposed as antenatal predictors of survival in CDH. Ultrasound parameters function at a similar level, whereas MRI-determined parameters appear to offer better predictive value. Copyright © 2013 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Frequency Shifts in Hyperfine Splitting of Alkalis Caused by Foreign Gases

The difference in the dispersion force between an alkali atom in a particular hyperfine level belonging to the groundstate and a perturbing molecule is computed. These asymptotic forces, if active alone, generally produce red shifts and suffice to account for the results obtained for the heavier buffer gases. Experimental data exhibit blue shifts for the lighter gases and therefore indicate that the net frequency shifts are the result of exchange as well as dispersion forces. The former cannot be determined theoretically. Therefore, a simple model is devised in which the difference in the forces is given a positive trend at distances of separation smaller than $d$, while beyond $d$ it is given the calculated form. The experimental data for all alkali-rare gas interactions can then be fitted by values of $d$ which, for the different foreign gases, are of the order of their gas-kinetic diameters.
Retinoid signaling and the generation of regional and cellular diversity in the embryonic mouse spinal cord.

Retinoid-dependent gene expression accompanies the emergence of distinct regions and cell classes in the mouse spinal cord around midgestation. We asked whether changes in the expression of retinoid signaling molecules and retinoid-responsive genes reflect the establishment of this regional and cellular diversity. At E10.5, retinoic acid (RA) receptors (RAR)alpha, RAR beta, the retinoid X receptor (RXR) gamma, cellular RA binding protein (CRABP)I, CRAPBII, and cellular retinol binding protein (CRBP)I mRNAs are found throughout the entire anterior-posterior (AP) axis of the cord, as is RA (Colbert et al. [1993] Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 90:6572-6576) and RA-sensitive transgene expression (Balkan et al. [1992] Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 89:3347-3351). At E12.5, RA, transgene expression, and RAR beta become restricted to the cervical and lumbar cord. RAR alpha, CRABPI, and RXR gamma, however, are found throughout the AP extent. CRABPII and CRBPI, although expanded within the cervical and lumbar regions, are also found throughout the AP axis. Thus, several retinoid signaling molecules continue to be expressed beyond distinct regions of the spinal cord where RA is available and some RA-responsive genes are either restricted or enhanced. Exogenous RA can activate a more widespread response resulting in ectopic transgene and RAR beta expression in the thoracic and sacral cord. Not all RA-sensitive genes, however, respond; CRABPII and CRBPI expression patterns are unchanged. Finally, not every cell within the normal or exogenously induced domains of RA-dependent gene expression responds to RA, nor does every cell express RA receptors or binding proteins. Thus, regional and cellular differences in the distribution of the known retinoid receptors and binding proteins do not predict absolutely where or whether retinoid sensitive genes will be expressed or where retinoids will be available in the developing spinal cord. Instead, retinoid-mediated gene expression in the cervical and lumbar cord seems to reflect retinoid responses that rely both on the local availability of retinoids, the identity of the responding gene, and an indeterminate array of retinoid signaling molecules.
The Theory of Gender Identity Disorders

Experience with more than 500 patients over the last decade has led to the conclusion that the quest for sex reassignment is a symptomatic compromise formation serving defensive and expressive functions. The symptoms are the outgrowth of developmental trauma affecting body ego and archaic sense of self and caused by peculiar symbiotic and separation-individuation phase relationships. The child exists in the pathogenic (and reparative) maternal fantasy in order to repair her body image and to demonstrate the interconvertability of the sexes. Gender identity exists not as a primary phenomenon, but in a sense as a tertiary one. There is, no doubt, a tendency to gender-differentiate in a way concordant with biological endowment. Nevertheless, gender formation is seriously compromised by earlier psychological difficulty. Gender identity is a fundamental acquisition in the developing personality, but it is part of a hierarchical series beginning with archaic body ego, early body image, and primitive selfness, representing their extension into sexual and reproductive spheres. Gender identity consolidates during separation-individuation and gender pathology bears common features with other preoedipal syndromes. Transsexualism is closely linked to perversions, and the clinical syndromes may shade from one into another. However, what is kept at the symbolic level in the perversions must be made concrete in transsexualism. In this regard there is a close relation to psychosis. The clinical complaint of the transsexual is a condensation of remarkable proportions. When the transsexual says that he is a girl trapped in a man's body, he sincerely means what he says. As with other symptoms, however, it takes a long time before he begins to say what he means.
Undergraduate Certificate in Leadership Studies: An Opportunity for Seamless Learning

AbstractIn working to develop undergraduate student leadership capacity, Florida State University created the Undergraduate Certificate in Leadership Studies. This program, grounded in leadership theory and framed by a seamless learning model, has been influential in development of student leadership perceptions and capacity. This article addresses the benefit of a seamless learning model, discusses the power of reflection, and provides insight to the successes of the program and suggestions to create a similar program.
Negotiating Dissonance and Safety for the Common Good: Social Education in the Elementary Classroom.

Abstract Effective education requires a balance between cognitive dissonance and emotional safety. This relationship is particularly important in the social studies, where the broad goal of societal improvement necessitates the contemplation of sensitive social and personal issues. Nonetheless, dissonance and safety are often unbalanced or isolated in classroom practice. For many teachers, these goals are viewed as mutually exclusive. Emotional safety is given greater priority, and the dissonance that does occur is often decontextualized, unintentional, offered without adequate support, or unidirectionally applied to some situations but not others. This paper draws from a variety of sources, including data from a recent investigation of the social studies in the state of Delaware, to analyze existing imbalances between cognitive dissonance and emotional safety in the elementary classroom. I explore the relationships needed to promote social development for the common good within our pluralistic society an...
In situ oxygen conditioning of (001) MgO thin film substrates for film growth studies by electron microscopy

It was found that the in situ treatment of 001-plane single-crystal films of MgO (prepared by epitaxial growth from the vapor phase) at high temperatures with a jet of oxygen will produce a surface that is almost equivalent, for epitaxial studies, to surfaces with the same orientation prepared by vacuum cleavage of bulk single crystals. The effectiveness of the process is demonstrated by its impact on the epitaxy of silver.
Survival of deep-sea sedimentary sections

Abstract Most sections drilled by the Deep Sea Drilling Project contain hiatuses. The sedimentary recycling implied by these hiatuses can be modeled if the proportion of surviving sections of a given age is representative of the mass of sediments of that age which remain beneath the deep-sea floor. The linear recycling model of Garrels and Mackenzie [1] overestimates the proportion of surviving Neogene sections and underestimates those of the Paleogene, suggesting that one of the underlying assumptions has been violated. A new model, in which the observed frequency of hiatus durations is used to modulate the probability of erosion with increasing age, fits the observations much better. Deviations from the general trend can be modeled by varying the mass of sediment deposited per million years and the area of non-deposition by factors of 4 and 20 respectively. The model permits a quantitative comparison of maxima and minima in surviving sections through the Cenozoic, free of the effect of an overall decline in the proportion of such sections with increasing age.
Modal convection and its effect on the stability of EDM wires

Abstract Recently, it has been shown that EDM wires undergo thermal buckling at low axial transport speeds and a series of transport instabilities at high axial transport speeds. Hence, only intermediate speeds ensure the straight wire configuration, which is needed for high-accuracy cutting. These conclusions are based on the assumption that the convective heat transfer coefficient remains piecewise constant along the length of the wire. However, a recent study on convection from a vibrating, flexible body shows that the convection coefficient becomes modal. The present study re-examines the wire stability problem with this modal effect in mind. It is shown that at low axial transport speeds, the straight wire configuration may be stable. Its stability hinges on vibration—large amplitude motion implies increased convection and increased stability from thermal buckling. At high transport speeds, the system still undergoes the reported transport instabilities. This work shows that the well-defined intermediate speed range is not so well-defined in the presence of wire vibrations.
Predicting survival after coronary revascularization for ischemic cardiomyopathy

Background. The success of coronary revascularization for ischemic cardiomyopathy (left ventricular ejection fraction of 0.25 or less) has been unpredictable. We and others have demonstrated that the hospital operative mortality rate for these operations has been surprisingly low, particularly if evidence of ischemia is present. We subsequently liberalized our selection criteria based on our hypothesis that coronary artery bypass grafting is safe in this subset of patients regardless of the status of their distal coronary vasculature. Methods. To examine this hypothesis, we studied retrospectively our patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting from 1983 to 1993. Ninety-six patients with ejection fractions of 0.25 or lower underwent this operation, with 88 hospital survivors (mortality 8%). All of the patients had clinical symptoms of heart failure. The male to female ratio was 4.6:1. The average age was 63.1 ± 0.9 years (mean ± standard error of the mean). Patients were excluded if they had valvular heart disease other than mild to moderate mitral regurgitation, required resection of a ventricular aneurysm, or required an emergency operation for acute coronary occlusion. Possible predictors of death were examined retrospectively. The catheterization films were reviewed retrospectively by a cardiovascular surgeon who was blinded to patient outcome and was never involved in the clinical management of any of the patients. Vessel quality was described as good, fair, or poor. Results. Increased age and poor vessel quality were the only significant predictors of poor outcome. Sex, presence or absence of angina, preoperative angina, preoperative ejection fraction, preoperative arrhythmia disorder, aortic cross-clamp time, and the number of bypass grafts had no significant effect on outcome in the perioperative period. Conclusion. These results demonstrate that poor vessel quality and older age are predictors of poor outcome in patients with low ejection fractions undergoing myocardial revascularization. We conclude that poor distal coronary vasculature is a contraindication to coronary artery bypass grafting in patients with an ejection fraction of 0.25 or less, even if angina is present.
Single Molecule Lifetime Probability Distribution Analysis (τ-PDA)

Time correlated single photon counting signals are compiled into arrival time histograms from which lifetime distributions are generated using a variation of the probability distribution analysis (PDA) technique which has previously been used to analyze two color fluorescence resonance energy transfer signals and anisotropy signals. The PDA techniques produces lifetime distributions which are well described using statistical methods, making the assignment of error bars and the detection of heterogeneities and dynamics easier. In this work, simulations of fluorescence signals from freely diffusing single molecules are used to compare PDA analysis of lifetimes with maximum likelihood estimator (MLE) derived distributions of the same data. The simulations incorporate Raman scattering, dark counts, afterpulsing, and for the case of two color fluorescence resonance energy transfer signals, crosstalk. Results are presented demonstrating the effectiveness of lifetime PDA analysis in homogeneous, heterogeneous, and dynamic systems.
Effects of haloperidol on sensory processing in the hippocampus during classical eyeblink conditioning

The rabbit classical eyeblink conditioning paradigm was used to assess the effects of haloperidol on hippocampal function. Haloperidol disrupted hippocampal activity and conditioned responses (CRs) at low but not high conditioned stimulus (CS) intensities. The observed relationship of hippocampal activity and the CR suggested that the hippocampus encoded sensory features associated with the learned response. Sensory processing by the hippocampus appeared to be altered by haloperidol through attenuation of the ability of a CS to evoke a learned response. Results are discussed in terms of the role of the hippocampus in sensory processing and possible mechanisms for the beneficial effects of haloperidol in schizophrenia. Classical eyeblink conditioning may provide a model system for studying behavioral and biological issues relevant to the etiology and treatment of schizophrenia.
Role of ionic interactions in ligand binding and catalysis of R67 dihydrofolate reductase.

R67 dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR), which catalyzes the NADPH dependent reduction of dihydrofolate to tetrahydrofolate, belongs to a type II family of R-plasmid encoded DHFRs that confer resistance to the antibacterial drug trimethoprim. Crystal structure data reveals this enzyme is a homotetramer that possesses a single active site pore. Only two charged residues in each monomer are located near the pore, K32 and K33. Site-directed mutants were constructed to probe the role of these residues in ligand binding and/or catalysis. As a result of the 222 symmetry of this enzyme, mutagenesis of one residue results in modification at four related sites. All mutants at K32 affected the quaternary structure, producing an inactive dimer. The K33M mutant shows only a 2−4-fold effect on Km values. Salt effects on ligand binding and catalysis for K33M and wildtype R67 DHFRs were investigated to determine if these lysines are involved in forming ionic interactions with the negatively charged substrates, dihydrofolate ...
Functional characterization of the interacting domains of the positive coactivator PC4 with the transcription factor AP-2α

Abstract The transcriptional positive cofactor 4 (PC4) physically interacts with the transcription factor, activator protein-2 (AP-2) α, and overexpression of PC4 results in a relief of the AP-2 transcriptional self-interference, which is induced by high levels of AP-2α expression. PC4 was initially described as a DNA-binding protein that enhances the activator-dependent transcription of class II genes in vitro, but it was later shown that PC4 could also act as a potent repressor of transcription on specific DNA structures such as single-stranded (ss) DNA, DNA ends and heteroduplex DNA. To further explore the functional domains of PC4 and its ssDNA-binding effect in the interaction with AP-2α and on AP-2 transcriptional activity, we investigated the C-terminal domain of PC4 (PC4-CTD) and several PC4 mutants in which the ssDNA binding function was interrupted. We found that the C-terminal domain of PC4 physically interacts with AP-2α and retains the function of full-length protein in relieving transcription self-interference of AP-2. A point-mutated form of PC4 within the C-terminal domain β-ridge, PC4 W89A, or a triple mutant in the β2–β3 loop of PC4, F77A/K78G/K80G, inactivate the ability of PC4 to bind AP-2α and to relieve the transcription self-interference of AP-2α. In addition, point-mutated forms of AP-2α within the activation domain (AD) that inactivate AP-2 transcription activity also lose their self-interference function. Our data suggest that the C-terminal domain of the transcription cofactor PC4 is critical for AP-2α transcriptional interference that is mediated by the activation domain of AP-2α.
Relationship of Dissolution Rate to Viscosity of Polymeric Solutions

The influence of viscosity on the dissolution rate of benzoic acid in aqueous solutions of methylcellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, and guar gum was investigated. The viscosities were measured by capillary and rotational viscometers and were calculated from experimental diffusion coefficients by means of the Stokes-Einstein equation. The relationship of the dissolution rate to viscosity may be represented by a single curve. An equation is presented relating the dissolution rate of benzoic acid to solubility, diffusion coefficient, and viscosity for these nonionic viscosity-enhancing agents. To demonstrate that additional factors affect the dissolution rate, similar data were determined using solutions of xanthan gum, which is anionic. The electrical effect modified mass transport so the quantitative relationship of dissolution rate and viscosity was not the same as in the nonionic carbohydrate solution.
Adiabatic electron-phonon interaction and high-temperature thermodynamics of A15 compounds.

Inelastic neutron scattering was used to measure the phonon densities of states of the A15 compounds V_3Si, V_3Ge, and V_3Co at temperatures from 10 to 1273 K. It was found that phonons in V_3Si and V_3Ge, which are superconducting at low temperatures, exhibit an anomalous stiffening with increasing temperature, whereas phonons in V_3Co have a normal softening behavior. First-principles calculations show that this anomalous increase in phonon frequencies at high temperatures originates with an adiabatic electron-phonon coupling mechanism. The anomaly is caused by the thermally induced broadening of sharp peaks in the electronic density of states of V_3Si and V_3Ge, which tends to decrease the electronic density at the Fermi level. These results show that the adiabatic electron-phonon coupling can influence the phonon thermodynamics at temperatures exceeding 1000 K.
Social differentials in selected work-limiting chronic conditions

Abstract The study of differentials in morbidity has received relatively concentrated attention in epidemiological research. However, many results were found inconclusive in delineating the causal relationship between disease and etiological factors. The present study attempts to demonstrate, using a variety of socioeconomic and demographic indicators, the possible differentials in selected work-limiting chronic conditions which were prevalent in a significant proportion of the U.S. population. The analysis is based upon data collected in the national Survey of Economic Opportunity in 1967. The evidence indicates that sharp differences were found for white vs Negro, the married vs the not married, the young vs the old, high vs low SES persons, urban vs rural residents, migrants vs nonmigrants, etc. These findings may in part reveal the potential contributions of social epidemiological studies in the understanding of sociopathogenic factors in illness.
Remodeling capacity of calcified fibrocartilage of the hip

It is well known that the incidence of hip fractures increases exponentially with age and that hip fractures can be a major cause of morbidity and morality among elderly humans; this has prompted substantial research on hip fractures. The majority of research on hip fractures has focused on morphological changes of the proximal femur with age. Recently calcified fibrocartilage in the proximal femur has been shown to increase in fractional area with age and can ultimately make up to 60% of the fractional area of the cortex. However, the capacity of the tissue to remodel and heal is currently unknown. The purpose of the present study was to determine the remodeling capacity of calcified fibrocartilage on the proximal femur compared to the underlying cortical bone. The remodeling capacity of calcified fibrocartilage and cortical bone was assessed in adult female sheep by means of tetracycline labeling. The number of double and single labels within each tissue type was quantified and analyzed with a paired t-test. The data showed very few labels in the calcified fibrocartilage compared to the cortical bone. This indicated that calcified fibrocartilage lacked a capacity to remodel in a manner similar to bone. The results of this investigation demonstrate that while the underlying cortical bone was actively remodeling, the calcified fibrocartilage appeared to have no remodeling capacity similar to that of cortical bone.
Arthroscopic Partial Trapeziectomy and Interposition Arthroplasty of the Thumb Carpometacarpal Joint

Trapeziometacarpal arthritis, a common and disabling condition, often is treated by open procedures involving trapeziectomy and interposition arthroplasty. A minimally invasive technique potentially could offer advantages over more common open procedures. We describe an arthroscopic technique for the treatment of trapeziometacarpal arthritis. After adequate arthroscopic debridement, interposition arthroplasty may be performed with a variety of materials.
Vitamin D Status and the Risk for Hospital-Acquired Infections in Critically Ill Adults: A Prospective Cohort Study

Introduction To identify patient characteristics associated with low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations in the medical intensive care unit (ICU) and examine the relationship between serum 25(OH)D and the risk for hospital-acquired infections. Methods This is a prospective observational cohort of adult patients admitted to the medical ICU at an urban safety net teaching hospital in Atlanta, Georgia from November 1, 2011 through October 31, 2012 with an anticipated ICU stay ≥ 1 day. Phlebotomy for serum 25(OH)D measurement was performed on all patients within 5 days of ICU admission. Patients were followed for 30 days or until death or hospital discharge, whichever came first. Hospital-acquired infections were determined using standardized criteria from review of electronic medical record. Results Among the 314 patients analyzed, 178 (57%) had a low vitamin D at a serum 25(OH)D concentration < 15 ng/mL. The patient characteristics associated with low vitamin D included admission during winter months (28% vs. 18%, P = 0.04), higher PaO2/FiO2 (275 vs. 226 torr, P = 0.03) and a longer time from ICU admission to study phlebotomy (1.8 vs. 1.5 days, P = 0.02). A total of 36 (11%) patients were adjudicated as having a hospital-acquired infection and in multivariable analysis adjusting for gender, alcohol use, APACHE II score, time to study phlebotomy, ICU length of stay and net fluid balance, serum 25(OH)D levels < 15 ng/mL were not associated with risk for hospital-acquired infections (HR 0.85, 95% CI 0.40-1.80, P = 0.7). Conclusions In this prospective, observational cohort of adults admitted to a single-center medical ICU, we did not find a significant association between low 25(OH)D and the risk for hospital-acquired infections.
Green consumers in the 1990s: Profile and implications for advertising

The passage of time and incipient change call for another look at the demographic and attitudinal correlates of ecologically conscious consumer behavior (ECCB). As concern for the environment becomes a universal phenomenon, surely the profile of the ecologically conscious consumer has evolved along with this fundamental shift in public attitude. From the responses of 582 adult consumers to a nationwide survey (n = 1,302), a profile of the ecologically conscious consumer was developed. The findings suggest that ecologically conscious consumers of the 1990s differ from their predecessors. Demographics explained only 6% of the variation in the sample's ECCB. However, the addition of attitudinal variables increased R2 to 45%. The consumers' belief that they, as individuals, can help solve environmental problems (perceived consumer effectiveness) was found to be the best predictor of ECCB.
Orientation cues used by migratory birds: A review of cue-conflict experiments.

Abstract During the late 1960s and early 1970s the accumulating evidence of magnetic orientation forced the conclusion that the orientation of migratory birds and homing pigeons is based upon multiple stimuli. ‘Cue-conflict experiments' have provided a powerful means of asking how these directional cues relate one to another. The weight of evidence suggests that in short-term orientation decision making, magnetic cues take precedence over stars, and visual information at sunset overrides both these stimuli. Recent experiments point to polarized skylight patterns as the relevant cue in dusk orientation. Although cue-conflict experiments have now been performed on a diversity of species, generalizations are weakened because of differences in experimental design, in the cues examined and in our ability to manipulate those cues. There remains a need for carefully designed comparative studies.
Contribution of de‐novo and salvage synthesis to the uracil nucleotide pool in mouse tissues and tumors in vivo

The relative contribution of de-novo and salvage synthesis to tissue pyrimidine nucleotide pools is an important parameter in the rational design of anti-pyrimidine therapies, but has not been measured in vivo. We have measured the contribution of de-novo synthesis to the total acid-soluble uracil nucleotide pool in mouse tissues by analysis of the incorporation of label after intra-peritoneal infusion of L-[15N]alanine. The contribution of salvage synthesis was measured by the incorporation of radiolabel after intravenous infusion of [14C]uridine. The results show that de-novo synthesis makes the larger contribution to the intestine uracil nucleotide pool, salvage synthesis makes the larger contribution to the kidney pool, and de-novo and salvage synthesis make roughly equal contributions to the liver pool. In tumors studied (L1210, P388, B16, Nettesheim), the contribution of de-novo synthesis was at least five times the contribution of salvage synthesis. The measurements were repeated 24 hours after a 400-mg/kg dose of N-phosphonacetyl-l-aspartic acid. De-novo synthesis was substantially inhibited in all tissues and tumors after this treatment, although significant residual activity was observed in the intestine and L1210 cells. Nettesheim carcinoma was the only tumor or tissue to show a significant increase in salvage synthesis after N-phosphonacetyl-l-aspartic acid treatment.
Structure and Function of the Genomically-Encoded Fosfomycin Resistance Enzyme, FosB, from Staphylococcus Aureus

The Gram-positive pathogen Staphylococcus aureus is a leading cause of global morbidity and mortality. Like many multi-drug resistant organisms, S. aureus contains antibiotic modifying enzymes that facilitate resistance to a multitude of antimicrobial compounds. FosB is a Mn2+-dependent fosfomycin-inactivating enzyme found in S. aureus that catalyzes nucleophillic addition of either L-cysteine (L-Cys) or bacillithiol (BSH) to the antibiotic resulting in a modified compound with no bacteriacidal properties. The three-dimensional x-ray crystal structure of FosBSa has been determined to a resolution of 1.15 A. Co-crystallization of FosBSa with either L-cys or BSH results in an unnatural disulfide bond between the exogenous thiol and the active site Cys9 of the enzyme. Two crystals of FosBSa contain Zn2+ in the active site, but subsequent kinetic analyses indicated that the enzyme is inhibited by Zn2+ for L-Cys transferase activity and only marginally active for BSH transferase activity. Fosfomycin-treated disk diffusion assays involving S. aureus Newman and the USA300 methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) demonstrate a marked increase in sensitivity of the organism to the antibiotic in either the BSH or FosB null strains, indicating that both are required for survival of the organism when treated with fosfomycin. This work identifies FosB as the sole fosfomycin-modifying pathway of S. aureus and establishes the enzyme as a potential therapeutic target for increased efficacy of the antibiotic against the pathogen.
Goethite, α-FeO(OH), from single-crystal data

This is the first reported structure refinement of goethite, α-FeO(OH), on the basis of a single-crystal X-ray diffraction study. The structure of goethite, isostructural with diaspore, AlO(OH), and groutite, MnO(OH), can be described in terms of a slightly distorted hexa­gonal close-packed O-atom arrangement with Fe atoms occupying one-half of the octa­hedral inter­stices, and with all atoms located on mirror planes. There are two distinct O sites, O1 and O2, each bonded to three Fe atoms, with O2 additionally bonded to an H atom. The O2—H⋯O1 donor–acceptor distance in goethite is significantly longer than that in diaspore or groutite, indicating that the hydrogen bonding in goethite is the weakest of the three minerals. Analysis of refinement data for the three isostructural compounds reveals rigid-body thermal motion behavior of the octa­hedral groups.
Hartree-Fock calculations for crystalline Ne and LiF

The self-consistent Hartree-Fock energy bands which are presented in this paper for LiF and Ne closely match Hartree-Fock energy bands reported by other groups for these compounds. The Hartree-Fock equilibrium lattice constant and bulk modulus for LiF are 3.972 \AA{} and 7.54 \ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{} ${10}^{11}$ dyn/${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$, as compared to the experimental values of 4.02 \AA{} and 6.71 \ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{} ${10}^{11}$ dyn/${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$. Hartree-Fock x-ray structure factors and directional Compton profiles in the impulse approximation are presented. The calculated x-ray structure factors of LiF agree with experiment to within 2%, while the calculated Compton profiles of LiF agree with experiment to within 3%.
Shifts in the Gas-Particle Partitioning of Ambient Organics with Transport into the Indoor Environment

Predicting indoor exposures to ambient organic aerosol (OA) is complicated by shifts in the gas-particle partitioning of ambient organics with outdoor-to-indoor transport. This analysis aims to quantify the effect of changes in temperature and OA loading on the gas-particle partitioning of ambient organics transported indoors and explores whether accounting for shifts in partitioning closes the gap between measured indoor ambient OA concentrations and indoor concentrations calculated in a previous analysis using a model that accounts for only physical losses. Changes in the gas-particle partitioning of ambient organics with outdoor-to-indoor transport were calculated for 167 homes using measured temperatures and OA concentrations and published OA volatility distributions. Initially, it was assumed that ambient OA could be represented with a single volatility distribution. We then repeated the analysis treating ambient OA as the sum of distinct components, each with a distinct volatility distribution, deri...
Elimination of helminth infection restores HIV-1C vaccine specific T cell responses independent of helminth-induced IL-10

HIV-1 prevalence is highest in developing countries; similarly helminth parasites are often highly endemic in these same areas. Helminths are strong immune modulators, and negatively impact the ability of the infected hosts to mount protective vaccine-specific T cell immune responses for HIV-1 and other pathogens. Indeed, previously we found that Schistosoma mansoni infected mice had significantly impaired HIV-1C vaccine-specific T cell responses. Anthelminthics are available and inexpensive; therefore, in this study, we evaluated whether elimination of schistosome infection prior to vaccination with an HIV-1C DNA vaccine would increase recipients vaccine-specific responses. As expected, splenocytes from S. mansoni infected mice produced significantly elevated amounts of interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-10, and significantly lower amounts of interferon (IFN)-gamma than splenocytes from naive mice. Following elimination of parasites by praziquantel (PZQ) treatment, splenomegaly was significantly reduced, though splenocytes produced similar or higher levels of IL-10 than splenocytes from infected mice. However, we found that PZQ treatment significantly increased levels of IFN-gamma in response to concanavalin A or SEA compared to splenocytes from untreated mice. Importantly, PZQ treatment resulted in complete restoration of HIV-1C vaccine-specific T cell responses at 8 weeks post-PZQ treatment. Restoration of HIV-1C vaccine-specific T cell responses following elimination of helminth infection was time dependent, but surprisingly independent of the levels of IL-4 and IL-10 induced by parasite antigens. Our study shows that elimination of worms offers an affordable and a simple means to restore immune responsiveness to T cell based vaccines for HIV-1 and other infectious diseases in helminth endemic settings.
Norepinephrine and serotonin imbalance in the locus coeruleus in bipolar disorder

Objectives: Abnormalities in norepinephrine (NE) and serotonin (5-HT) are implicated in bipolar disorder (BD). We examined 5-HT input and NE neurons in the locus coeruleus (LC, the NE nucleus that innervates the forebrain) in BD by quantifying immunoreactivity (IR) for tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH), the biosynthetic enzymes for NE and 5-HT, respectively. Methods: Six suicides with BD were compared to matched normal controls and unipolar major depression suicides, using immunocytochemistry with computer-assisted quantification of immunoreactivity. Results: Depressed bipolar suicides had 26.7 ± 1.3% of LC area occupied by the TH immunoreactive (TH-IR) process, while controls had 50.7 ± 8% (p = 0.002) and unipolar depressed suicides had 50.3 ± 2.5% (p = 0.003). In bipolars, these processes did not stain as darkly (1.9 ± 0.5 × background) as controls (2.9 ± 0.9 × background; p = 0.01) or unipolars (2.9 ± 0.6 × background; p = 0.002). Bipolar suicides also had less TPH-IR processes in the LC (11.7 ± 10%) compared with controls (32.8 ± 8.8%; p = 0.01) or unipolar suicides (30.3 ± 8%; p = 0.02). The TPH-IR intensity did not differ between groups. Conclusions: We found less TH-IR and TPH-IR in the LC in depressed bipolar suicides, but not unipolar suicides, suggesting that both NE and 5-HT activity is lower in BD. Studies during manic or euthymic states will determine whether these changes are mood state dependent.
Self-tuning control of a two-link manipulator with a flexible forearm

The control of the motion of a two-link manipulator with a flex ible forearm is studied. The first link is rigid, and the second link has a flexible part as an extension of a rigid part. The motion of the manipulator takes place on a horizontal plane. The dynamics of the two-link manipulator with a flexible fore arm are determined in Lagrange's formulation. The positions of specified points on the flexible forearm are obtained from the strain gauge measurements and the positions of the joint vari ables. The inputs are applied to the actuators of the revolute first joint and the prismatic link.For the controller design, a time series multivariate model of the autoregressive exogenous (ARX) type is used to describe the input/output relation. The discounted least squares method is used to estimate the parameters of the time series model. A self-tuning controller is so designed that the positions of the specified points on the flexible forearm track the given trajectory points. The controller operates on the ...
Dopamine and dihydroergocryptine binding to the anterior pituitary and other brain areas of the rat and sheep.

Subcellular preparations of the anterior pituitary of rats and sheep bind [3H]dopamine ([3H]DA) and the dopaminergic agonist [3H]dihydroergocryptine ([3H]DHE) in a manner compatible with interactions at a DA receptor. The binding is high affinity ([3H]DA, dissociation constant = 65 nM; [3H]DHE, dissociation constant = 5 nM), low capacity ([3H]DA, 336 fmol/mg protein; [3H]DHE, 250 fmol/mg protein) and seems to be associated with a single order of binding sites. In addition, the binding is stereoselective, as the physiologically active (+)isomer of butaclamol reduces binding of [3H]DA and [3H]DHE by 50% at concentrations 1000 times less than the inactive (-)butaclamol. Interactions of dopaminergic and adrenergic agonists and antagonists with this binding site mimic their pharmacological potencies at a DA receptor. A similar binding site was present in the corpus striatum and the posterior pituitary, regions which contain DA axon terminals, as well as in the region of the median eminence. However, insufficie...
Responses of prolactin cells of two euryhaline marine fishes, Gillichthys mirabilis and Platichthys stellatus, to environmental salinity.

Changes in the prolactin cells of the euryhaline marine teleosts Gillichthys mirabilis and Platichthys stellatus were studied by light and electron microscopy after transfer from sea water to fresh water. In seawater fish the secretory granules were smaller and the cellular organelles poorly developed. Within 3 hours after transfer to fresh water, the prolactin cells of Gillichthys exhibited definite functional activation: exocytosis of granules and development of rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER), Golgi systems and mitochondria. Concurrently, plasma sodium fell from about 172 meq/l to about 133 meq/l.
Two-dimensional changes and surface characteristics from an erbium laser used for root canal preparation.

Background and Objective Erbium lasers have been advocated for use in root canal because of their ability to ablate dentin and remove biologic debris in the root canal space. This study evaluated the ability of an Er:YAG laser to remove dentin predictably in the root canal system and its cleaning ability. Study Design/Materials and Methods Twenty-eight single-rooted extracted teeth were assigned into two groups. The first group was cleaned and shaped using crown-down technique with GT rotary files (control). The second group used an Er:YAG laser with ceramic tip, above the dentin ablation threshold for root canal shaping. A separate group of three teeth was evaluated for cleanliness using an Er:YAG laser with spiral tips. Amount of dentin removed in the buccal–lingual and mesial–distal directions was measured, the data analyzed by ANOVA. Surface characteristics were qualitatively examined. Results The control group produced cleaner, better shaped root canals, faster than the Er:YAG group. The Er:YAG group removed more dentin in the coronal portion but less in the middle and apical thirds. The Er:YAG with spiral tip group left a dense smear layer in the middle and apical thirds. The Er:YAG group was subject to procedural errors more often than the control group. Conclusion The Erbium laser studied was equivalent to rotary files in the coronal and middle thirds but not in the apical thirds of the root canal system. Lasers Surg. Med. 42:379–383, 2010. © 2010 Wiley–Liss, Inc.
Linearization-based algorithms for mixed-integer nonlinear programs with convex continuous relaxation

We present two linearization-based algorithms for mixed-integer nonlinear programs (MINLPs) having a convex continuous relaxation. The key feature of these algorithms is that, in contrast to most existing linearization-based algorithms for convex MINLPs, they do not require the continuous relaxation to be defined by convex nonlinear functions. For example, these algorithms can solve to global optimality MINLPs with constraints defined by quasiconvex functions. The first algorithm is a slightly modified version of the LP/NLP-based branch-and-bouund $$(\text{ LP/NLP-BB })$$ ( LP/NLP-BB ) algorithm of Quesada and Grossmann, and is closely related to an algorithm recently proposed by Bonami et al. (Math Program 119:331−352, 2009). The second algorithm is a hybrid between this algorithm and nonlinear programming based branch-and-bound. Computational experiments indicate that the modified LP/NLP-BB method has comparable performance to LP/NLP-BB on instances defined by convex functions. Thus, this algorithm has the potential to solve a wider class of MINLP instances without sacrificing performance.
Vorticity boundary conditions and boundary vorticity generation for two-dimensional viscous incompressible flows

Abstract In this paper we present boundary conditions appropriate for the vorticity formulation of the two-dimensional incompressible viscous Navier-Stokes equations. These boundary conditions are incorporated into a finite difference scheme and the resulting method is of the “vorticity creation” type; i.e., vorticity is generated at the boundary to ensure that the tangential velocity boundary condition is satisfied. The results of computations with this finite difference method are presented for flow past a circular cylinder. A difference scheme and computational results for a model problem, the Prandtl boundary layer equations describing flow over a semi-infinite flat plate are also presented.
Teachers’ reflections on effectively managing their classroom: a discussion of how two experienced science teachers examined their classroom management practices

This multiple-case study examined two experienced science teachers’ reflections on their classroom management practice. Specifically, this study examined what factors the participants believed influenced their classroom management approach and how they define their current classroom management approach. Data collected were interviews, journal entries, informal conversations and member checks. Microanalysis was used to analyze the data and cross-case analysis was used to look for similarities and differences between the cases. Participants identified two themes, axial and peripheral responsibilities, and corresponding sub-themes, which influenced their classroom management. They defined their management approach according to a continuum of classroom management approaches ranging from student to teacher-centered. The participants had similar goals with regard to their science classroom yet implemented classroom management in different ways. This study illustrates implications for future research on the fact...