cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Crossflow Surfactant-Based Ultrafiltration of Heavy Metals from Waste Streams

Abstract Five heavy metals (cadmium, lead, copper, nickel, and zinc) in a simulated wastewater, alone and together, were substantially removed by surfactant-based ultrafiltration using natural surfactants such as a derivative of cholesterol (deoxycholic acid) and lecithins. Selective and total removal of metal ions has been achieved by applying an appropriate level of surfactant-to-metal ratio (S/M). The underlying principle is to increase the size of the target metal ions by fixing them to larger surfactant macromolecules so they can be retained by a compatible membrane. Deoxycholic acid exhibited more efficiency in metal removal than did lecithin and sodium dodecyl sulfate. This research showed that transmembrane pressure had a minimal effect on metal removal whereas S/M had a substantial influence. The optimal S/M for considerable metal removal (99.9 + rejection ratio) is around 2.5 and 5 for deoxycholic acid and sodium dodecyl sulfate, respectively. The binding of metals to surfactant in the absence o...
Chimera: hypertext for heterogeneous software environments

Emerging software development environments are characterized by heterogeneity: they are composed of diverse object stores, user interfaces, and tools. This paper presents an approach for providing hypertext services in this heterogeneous setting. Central notions of the approach include the following. Anchors are established with respect to interactive views of objects, rather than the objects themselves. Composable, n-ary links can be established between anchors on different views of objects stored in distinct object bases. Viewers (and objects) may be implemented in different programming languages afforded by a client-server architecture. Multiple, concurrently active viewers enable multimedia hypertext services. The paper describes the approach and presents an architecture which supports it. Experience with the Chimera prototype and its relationship to other systems is described.
Application of neutron scattering to Portland cement

Abstract Portland cement concrete is actually a composite material consisting of fine and coarse stone aggregate in a matrix of hydrated calcium silicates and aluminates. The aggregate to binder mass ratio is typically 3: 1. At a price of roughly 0.05 US dollars per kg, concrete is often the lowest cost material for construction, and hence it is widely used. In the United States, the annual consumption of Portland cement is approximately 80 million metric tons, or roughly 500 million metric tons of concrete. The largest single market is streets and highways which accounts for 30 percent of total consumption 1.11. Consequently, transportation agencies like the Federal Highway Administration have a major interest in research to better understand and improve this material.
Precise fluorophore lifetime mapping in live-cell, multi-photon excitation microscopy

Fluorophore excited state lifetime is a useful indicator of micro-environment in cellular optical molecular imaging. For quantitative sensing, precise lifetime determination is important, yet is often difficult to accomplish when using the experimental conditions favored by live cells. Here we report the first application of temporal optimization and spatial denoising methods to two-photon time-correlated single photon counting (TCSPC) fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) to improve lifetime precision in live-cell images. The results demonstrated a greater than five-fold improvement in lifetime precision. This approach minimizes the adverse effects of excitation light on live cells and should benefit FLIM applications to high content analysis and bioimage informatics.
The Use of Behavioral Indicators of Sibling Commitment Among Emerging Adults

The purpose of this investigation was to examine the role that commitment plays in emerging adult sibling relationships. In the first study, 148 participants provided 436 examples of how they showed sibling commitment that were coded into 11 behavioral indicators of commitment. In the second study, 140 participants indicated the extent to which they used each of the 11 behavioral indicators of commitment with a targeted sibling and completed measures of relational and communication satisfaction in reference to the sibling. Results indicate that (a) siblings behaviorally express their commitment through 11 behaviors: tangible support, emotional support, informational support, esteem support, network support, everyday talk, shared activities, verbal expressions, nonverbal expressions, protection, and intimate play; (b) protection was the most frequently used behavioral indicator of commitment; (c) the behavioral indicators of sibling commitment generally are directly related to relational and communication ...
On the optical activity of ionized tyrosyl residues in ovine lutropin.

The effect of alkali on the circular dichroic (CD) spectra of ovine lutropin and its subunits has been studied. Mild alkaline pH induces the appearance of a new optically active band in the 250-nm region of the spectra of lutropin without any detectable alteration in the secondary structure of the protein. This change is reversible and can be correlated with ionization of 2–3 exposed tyrosyl residues in the intact hormone. In a previous report from this laboratory it was concluded that the three exposed tyrosyl residues are located in the α subunit, in positions 21, 92 and 93 [Burleigh, B. D., Liu, W.-K. and Ward, D. N. (1976) J. Biol. Chem. 251, 308–315]. Nitration of these residues lowers the pH at which the intensity of the 250-nm band is maximal. The importance of the tyrosyl residues of lutropin α (as opposed to those of lutropin β) is also supported by the similarity of the effect of alkali on the CD spectra of lutropin and lutropin α. Further evidence for this involvement was also obtained by a comparison of the alkali-induced changes of refolded lutropin (α+β recombinant) and the product obtained by recombination of des-(92–96)-lutropin α (obtained from carboxypeptidase treatment of the α-subunit) and lutropin β. The results indicate that removal of tyrosines α92 and α93 results in a decrease of the intensity of the 235-nm band of ovine lutropin (at pH 7.5) as well as that of the 250-nm band observed under alkaline conditions. It is therefore concluded that the 250-nm band observed in alkaline solutions of lutropin arises (at least partially) from the red shift produced in the short-wavelength optically active band of tyrosines α21, α92, and α93 upon ionization.
The use of elevated divalent cation solutions to isolate monosynaptic components of sensorimotor connections in Aplysia.

Abstract A commonly used method to remove polysynaptic components of test PSPs is to elevate action potential threshold of interneurons with high extracellular concentrations of divalent cations (‘Hi-Di’). Extrapolation to normal conditions requires that Hi-Di have negligible effects on synaptic transmission. We examined effects of Hi-Di on EPSPs from sensory neurons (SNs) onto motor neurons (MNs) of Aplysia in the pleural–pedal and abdominal ganglia, and in dissociated cell culture. In ganglia, standard Hi-Di solutions eliminated spontaneous input from interneurons as well as polysynaptic components of PSPs evoked by single action potentials in single SNs, but failed to block polysynaptic PSPs evoked by nerve stimulation. Hi-Di solutions had no effect on activity-dependent synaptic depression or posttetanic potentiation, or facilitation by serotonin (5-HT). Unexpectedly, standard Hi-Di solutions substantially reduced sensorimotor EPSPs in all preparations, whereas a solution containing 2.2×[Ca 2+ ] and 2×[Mg 2+ ] blocked the polysynaptic component of EPSPs without obvious changes to the monosynaptic component. In contrast to previous observations in Aplysia , and to predictions of the (J. Physiol. 193 (1967) 419) model, tripling the normal extracellular concentrations of Ca 2+ and Mg 2+ failed to increase sensorimotor EPSPs. Depression of EPSPs by these Hi-Di solutions may result from reduced spike invasion into presynaptic terminals.
AlGaAs/GaAs heterojunction bipolar transistor circuits with improved high-speed performance

Using a self-aligned base contact process and proton implantation to reduce extrinsic base-collector capacitance, we have improved the high-speed performance of AlGaAs/ GaAs heterojunction bipolar transistor digital circuits. The cutoff frequency of the transistor fT with an emitter width of 2.0 ?m is 45 GHz. NTL ring oscillators have operated at 16.5 ps/gate and CML ring oscillators at 27.6 ps/gate. Frequency dividers (1/4) have operated up to 11 GHz with wafer-probe testing These are record speeds for bipolar circuits.
β-actin and γ-actin are each dispensable for auditory hair cell development but required for Stereocilia maintenance.

Hair cell stereocilia structure depends on actin filaments composed of cytoplasmic β-actin and γ-actin isoforms. Mutations in either gene can lead to progressive hearing loss in humans. Since β-actin and γ-actin isoforms are 99% identical at the protein level, it is unclear whether each isoform has distinct cellular roles. Here, we compared the functions of β-actin and γ-actin in stereocilia formation and maintenance by generating mice conditionally knocked out for Actb or Actg1 in hair cells. We found that, although cytoplasmic actin is necessary, neither β-actin nor γ-actin is required for normal stereocilia development or auditory function in young animals. However, aging mice with β-actin– or γ-actin–deficient hair cells develop different patterns of progressive hearing loss and distinct pathogenic changes in stereocilia morphology, despite colocalization of the actin isoforms. These results demonstrate overlapping developmental roles but unique post-developmental functions for β-actin and γ-actin in maintaining hair cell stereocilia.
B16 mouse melanoma cells selected for resistance to cyclic AMP-mediated growth inhibition are cross-resistant to retinoic acid-induced growth inhibition

B16 mouse melanoma cells are grown inhibited by cyclic AMP or by retinoic acid (RA). However, the combination of these two agents results in less growth inhibition than either agent alone. In order to investigate this interaction, cells were selected for resistance to 8-bromo-cyclic AMP-induced growth inhibition. Two clones (3 and 7) which demonstrated significant resistance were isolated. When these two clones were treated with retinoic acid (RA) it was observed that they also exhibited different degrees of resistance to this growth inhibitor. This cross-resistance did not appear to be due to a lack of uptake or retention of the respective inhibitors, since the mutants took up and retained more 3H-cAMP and 3H-RA than wild type cells, suggesting that the dual resistance was not due to an amplification of P-glycoprotein. The mutation confering cAMP-resistance did not appear to involve cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase, since both catalytic activity and the amount of cAMP protein binding was similar in wild type and mutants. Thus, the mutation must be beyond the interaction of cAMP with cAMP-dependent protein kinase. We have previously reported that RA induces protein kinase C in B16 melanoma cells (Niles and Loewy: Cancer Res. 49:4483-4487, 1989). Therefore, we measured the ability of RA to induce protein kinase C in the cyclic AMP-resistant mutants. We found an inverse correlation between RA-induced protein kinase C activity and growth inhibition in these mutants. The data reported here suggest that cyclic AMP regulates some step in the RA signal transduction pathway.
Rehabilitation After Instability Surgery

Rehabilitation following shoulder stabilization surgery allows the patient to regain the proper balance of mobility and stability. Range of motion (ROM) should be restored through progressive stretching and repetitive ROM activities. Neuromuscular and proprioception training are utilized to enhance strength and motor control with an emphasis on control of end ranges of motion. Proper balance of the musculature is emphasized with extra consideration paid to the rotator cuff. A physical therapy program designed to address these issues typically leads to favorable and functional outcomes.
The significance of right aortic arch in repair of esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula.

Abstract Of 130 infants with esophageal atresia who were operated on during the past 12 yr, 7 (5.4%) had a right aortic arch. In 1 infant, preoperative recognition of the right arch allowed successful primary repair of the esophagus through the left chest. In 6 infants, an unsuspected right arch was found at the time of initial right thoracotomy. In 2, repair from the right side was difficult but successful. In 4, however, the right arch markedly altered the clinical course, leading to the death of 1 infant, abandonment of esophageal repair and colon interposition in another, and bilateral thoracotomies for successful repair in 2 more infants. From this experience, we conclude that the presence of a right aortic arch is of considerable surgical significance in infants with esophageal atresia. We believe preoperative localization of the arch is important in every infant with esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) not only because a right aortic arch poses a definite technical problem during right-sided repair, but also because a right aortic arch is frequently associated with congenital heart disease or vascular compression of the trachea and esophagus. The following recommendations arise from this review: (1) Infants with esophageal atresia should be screened preoperatively by noninvasive techniques for the presence of a right aortic arch. If these studies raise the possibility of a right aortic arch or there is any other evidence of cardiac disease, angiography should be performed. (2) Surgical repair of esophageal atresia is best performed from the side opposite the aortic arch. (3) If a previously unsuspected right aortic arch is found at the time of right thoracotomy for repair of esophageal atresia, the alternatives in management are a matter of surgical judgment. Our experience suggests that in many cases it is safest to close the right thoracotomy without further dissection of the esophageal pouches or with simple ligation of the TEF, and to perform the definitive esophageal repair through a subsequent left thoracotomy.
Molecular Therapies for Vascular Diseases

Vascular disease is the most common cause of death in the industrialized world. Although significant progress has been made in treating these disorders, more therapeutic agents must be developed that effectively prevent, arrest, or reverse this disease. Recent insights into the pathogenesis of vascular disease have opened up a new frontier of molecular therapies that target molecules as diverse as adhesion molecules and transcription factors. The biological rationale for these new therapies and their prospects for success are discussed.
The U.S. patent that reached around the world (patent infringement)

The article presents the case filed before the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (CAFC) in the recent case of Union Carbide v. Shell regarding US patent infringement by activities in a foreign country. The case involved a patented method for making the industrial chemical ethylene oxide using silver-based catalysts. The seven-year patent infringement suit that ensued saw the victory of Union Carbide after two jury trials. However, the trial judge had said that Union Carbide was not entitled to any damages for Shell's sales of catalysts to its foreign customers. Union Carbide felt that such damages were proper because the only use for Shell's catalysts was to practice Union Carbide's patented method. Both at trial and on appeal, Union Carbide based its claim on a section of the Patent Laws [Section 271(f)], which Congress had enacted in 1984 in response to another court fight about offshore infringement. This section, in relevant part, i.e., 271(f)(2), provides that it is an act of infringement to supply "any component of a patented invention" from the United States with the intent that the component will be employed (combined) outside the United States in a manner that would infringe if done in the United States, if the component is 1) especially adapted for use in the invention and 2) not a staple article or commodity of commerce suitable for a substantial noninfringing use. Before the Union Carbide case, Section 271(f)(2) had been limited to apparatus and composition patents. Union Carbide wanted to extend its scope to method patents. The Union Carbide case is another example of the shrinking size of the world. Courts respond to changing realities, and with the global marketplace and outsourcing, one can expect that offshore infringement will become an increasingly common issue faced by patent owners and the infringers they sue.
Mammalian Scratch participates in neuronal differentiation in P19 embryonal carcinoma cells.

Abstract Mammalian Scratch (Scrt) is a Snail family zinc finger transcription factor that is specifically expressed in newly differentiating, post-mitotic central nervous system neurons. While Scrt-related genes appear essential for invertebrate neurogenesis, the role of Scrt in mammalian neural development is unknown. In this study, we found that neural differentiation of multipotent mouse P19 embryonal carcinoma cells by retinoic acid led to the appearance of Scrt together with neuron-specific class III β-tubulin (Tuj1), following the earlier elaboration of Mash1. Transient co-transfection in P19 cells with either Mash1 or NeuroD2 plus E12 also induced Scrt gene expression. Moreover, overexpression of Scrt alone was sufficient to confer Tuj1 immunoreactivity and neuronal morphology in a subset of P19 cells. Scrt thus appears to function downstream of proneural bHLH proteins in promoting mammalian neural differentiation in this model system.
Modeling of Deformation of Ring Shaped Workpieces Due to Chucking and Cutting Forces

This paper presents a theoretical model for predicting static elastic deformations of ring-type workpieces due to in-plane chucking and cutting forces applied in turning processes. The model is derived from classical elasticity theory for bending of thin rings. Experimental results are presented to verify the strengths and limitations of the model. The results from a finite element model are also presented for comparison. The theoretical model is shown to be accurate to within 6% of the measured radial deformation due to chucking loads for rings with inner-to-outer diameter ratio (D in /D out ) of 0.881. The finite element model is shown to yield slightly better results for higher diameter ratios. The theoretical model is also verified under actual cutting loads and shown to be in good agreement with measurements.
Performance Evaluation of Repair Technique for Damaged Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Honeycomb Bridge Deck Panels

All-composite, fiber-reinforced polymer honeycomb (FRPH) sandwich panels are an innovative application of modern composite materials in civil engineering. These panels have become increasingly popular for use as full-depth bridge decks and have been used to span both transversely between steel or concrete girders and longitudinally between abutments. Although several bridges using FRPH panels have been installed in recent years, a method to repair the panels if they are damaged has not been thoroughly investigated. This paper presents the analysis and full-scale evaluation of a 9.75 m (32 ft) long FRPH member that was subjected to severe core-face delamination damage and subsequently repaired. As such, the work presented herein is the first of its kind to be conducted for FRPH bridge members. The damaged member when repaired was shown to have approximately 65% more capacity than a similar undamaged member. The additional capacity was achieved using a single wrapping layer over the face plates and sinusoidal core. This wrapping layer is believed to have prevented a failure (at the resin bond line) between the face plates and core by engaging a shear-friction type clamping force. The contribution of the wrap layer is considered using simple calculations, rigorous finite-element models, and experimental data. Acoustic emission monitoring was used to compare the performance of the damaged and repaired specimens under sustained load.
The fluid dynamics of plume-ridge and plume-plate interactions: An experimental investigation

Abstract A number of hotspots occur at or near mid-ocean ridges (e.g., Iceland) causing elevated bathymetry, gravity anomalies, and geochemical enrichment for hundreds of kilometers along otherwise normal ridge axes. This is commonly presumed to be the result of hot plume material from the deep mantle flowing outward from a narrow plume conduit. Here we explore the dynmics of plume-ridge and plume-plate interaction using laboratory experiments. We model chemically buoyant plumes, as opposed to thermally buoyant plumes, so we ignore the effects of thermal diffusion while concentrating on the strictly fluid dynamical aspects of the interaction. We find that the spreading of a continuously fed plume beneath a fixed plate is described by a simple expression derived from a balance between plume buoyancy and viscous resistance to spreading. For plumes spreading beneath ridges we find two remarkably distinct phases of flow: At first the plume spreads approximately as it would beneath a fixed plate, then a rapid transition occurs to a steady-state condition in which the plume width along the ridge (‘waist’) is constant. This width is found to be proportional to a natural length scale that increases with the square root of the plume volumetric flux and the ratio of the mantle/plume viscosities, and decreases with the square root of the plate spreading velocity. Although our experimental conditions, with uniform mantle viscosity and no thermal diffusion, are perhaps oversimplified compared to the real Earth, the results scale reasonably well to observation. Our model suggests that sufficient time has elapsed (∼ 60 Myr) for the Iceland plume to reach steady state in its interaction with the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Using independent estimates for the plume volumetric flux at the Iceland hotspot, and assuming a viscosity ratio of one, the model predicts a minimum waist width of about 850 km, in close agreement with the observed value of about 920 km. Data from other hotspots (Jan Mayen, Azores, Galapagos) are also consistent with the experimental results for average mantle/plume viscosity ratios of 1–3. Using estimated plume fluxes with a simple conservation of mass equation yields reasonable estimates of plume thickness ranging from 70 to 180 km for these hotspots. Thus the experimental model appears to be reasonably consistent with observation, given that thermal diffusion has been disregarded.
Sequential and Cooperative Sensing for Multi-Channel Cognitive Radios

Effective spectrum sensing is a critical prerequisite for multi-channel cognitive radio (CR) networks, where multiple spectrum bands are sensed to identify transmission opportunities, while preventing interference to the primary users. The present paper develops sequential spectrum sensing algorithms which explicitly take into account the sensing time overhead, and optimize a performance metric capturing the effective average data rate of CR transmitters. A constrained dynamic programming problem is formulated to obtain the policy that chooses the best time to stop taking measurements and the best set of channels to access for data transmission, while adhering to hard “collision” constraints imposed to protect primary links. Given the associated Lagrange multipliers, the optimal access policy is obtained in closed form, and the subsequent problem reduces to an optimal stopping problem. A basis expansion-based sub-optimal strategy is employed to mitigate the prohibitive computational complexity of the optimal stopping policy. A novel on-line implementation based on the recursive least-squares (RLS) algorithm along with a stochastic dual update procedure is then developed to obviate the lengthy training phase of the batch scheme. Cooperative sequential sensing generalizations are also provided with either raw or quantized measurements collected at a central processing unit. The numerical results presented verify the efficacy of the proposed algorithms.
Comparison Of Conventional Film/Screen To Photo-Stimulable Imaging Plate Radiographs For Intraoperative Arteriography And Cholangiography

This prospective study compared images obtained using a photo-stimulable imaging plate (IP) to images obtained using a conventional film/screen (FS) combination in a total of 66 patients, 26 of whom were undergoing surgical procedures requiring intra-operative arteriography and 40 of whom were undergoing cholangiography. Exposure factors, number of repeat examinations, and elapsed time for processing each image were recorded. Diagnostic accuracy of the two techniques was assessed objectively and image quality was assessed subjectively. The radiation dose was reduced by 50% using the IP technique. Due to the greater dynamic range of the IP system, no repeat IP examinations were required for either arteriography or cholangiography, while 6 (9%) of the FS studies had to be repeated due to under- or over-exposure. IP studies required very slightly more time for processing than FS studies, an average of 35 seconds per patient. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis revealed no significant difference in diagnostic accuracy between the two imaging techniques for either the arteriographic or cholangiographic studies. Subjective evaluation also revealed no significant difference in observer preference for IP vs FS studies.© (1988) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
A Comparison of Health Behaviors of Women in Centering Pregnancy and Traditional Prenatal Care

Objectives Researchers sought to determine the difference in health behaviors between women who receive prenatal care via the Centering Pregnancy approach and those involved in traditional prenatal care. Methods Using a cross-sectional design, adult pregnant women (n = 125) were surveyed from at least 28 weeks gestation to delivery. The sample was comprised of primarily white low income women. Results Using multiple linear regression it was determined that women in Centering Pregnancy had significantly lower index health behavior scores compared with the traditional care group showing that those in Centering Pregnancy reported engaging in fewer health promoting behaviors. Furthermore, no differences were observed for smoking or weight gain behaviors between groups. Additionally, those in Centering Pregnancy reported a lower perceived value of prenatal care. Conclusions The results of this study suggest that Centering Pregnancy is not adequately aiding its patients in adopting healthy behaviors during pregnancy.
Decapentaplegic head capsule mutations disrupt novel peripodial expression controlling the morphogenesis of the Drosophila ventral head

Drosophila adult structures derive from imaginal discs, which are sacs with apposed epithelial sheets, the disc proper (DP) and the peripodial epithelium (PE). The Drosophila TGF-β family member decapentaplegic (dpp) contributes to the development of adult structures through expression in all imaginal discs, driven by enhancers from the 3′ cis-regulatory region of the gene. In the eye/antennal disc, there is 3′ directed dpp expression in both the DP and PE associated with cell proliferation and eye formation. Here, we analyze a new class of dpp cis-regulatory mutations, which specifically disrupt a previously unknown region of dpp expression, controlled by enhancers in the 5′ regulatory region of the gene and limited to the PE of eye/antennal discs. These are the first described Drosophila mutations that act by solely disrupting PE gene expression. The mutants display defects in the ventral adult head and alter peripodial but not DP expression of known dpp targets. However, apoptosis is observed in the underlying DP, suggesting that this peripodial dpp signaling source supports cell survival in the DP.
Neither Ape, nor Peacock, but Human

Stewart-Williams and Thomas (this issue) present a well-written but misguided argument detailing their concerns regarding exaggerated sex differences in the evolutionary psychological literature. I...
Differential effects of delay of reinforcement on acquisition of affective and instrumental responses

Thirsty rats were allowed to choose between a striped arm of a T-maze that contained water and a black arm that contained a saccharin solution. After each exposure to the saccharin solution, half of the animals received a lithium chloride injection 1 min later and half received the same injection 30 min later. Comparable saline injections at these same delays were given after each exposure to the striped, water, arm. The results from saccharin aversion, spatial aversion, and instrumental learning tests generally supported the hypothesis that delayed reinforcement has a substantially greater negative impact on the acquisition of an instrumental response than it has on affective conditioning.
Second-order design sensitivity analysis of structural systems

ESIGN sensitivity analysis methods for calculation of first derivatives of structural performance with respect to design parameters have become quite well developed and applied.1>2 It is the purpose of this Note to extend the adjoint method of design sensitivity analysis to calculation of second derivatives of performance with respect to design parameters. The value of second-deriva tive information in design optimization is well known. Using only first-order (gradient) information, optimization algorithms must resort to onedimensional search or heuristic step-size selection methods. If second-derivative information is available, at a reasonable computing cost, much more powerful iterative optimization algorithms are possible.3 Finite-dimensional (matrix) structural models are considered here, even though the methods presented can be extended to distributed parameter (boundary-value problem) structural models. Structural design is presumed to be described by a vector of design parameters b=[b1,b2,...,bk]T. Structural response is described by a vector of nodal displacement coordinates z=[Zi,z2,«.,Zn\7
Using host molecules to increase fungal virulence for biological control of insects.

Unlike the situation for many fungal pathogens, i.e., those of most plants and animals, where efforts at understanding the pathogenic process are aimed toward controlling the disease-causing agent, research on entomopathogenic fungi seeks to develop new strategies for improving the ability of the fungus to target its insect hosts. Previous work has shown that fungal virulence can be increased via overexpression of insect cuticle-degrading enzymes, e.g., proteases and chitinases, and by expression of insect toxins derived from various organisms. A new approach in which insect derived molecules are used against the insects themselves within the context of the microbial pathogenic process has recently been described. Depending upon the host and molecule chosen it is theorized that target specific enhancement of virulence is achievable, a critical step in developing safer and more effective biopesticides. Exploiting host molecules also places a higher burden on potential resistance development as compared with use of chemical pesticides and/or insect toxins.
Soil Erosion: A Food and Environmental Threat

Soil erosion is one of the most serious environmental and public health problems facing human society. Humans obtain more than 99.7% of their food (calories) from the land and less than 0.3% from the oceans and other aquatic ecosystems. Each year about 10 million ha of cropland are lost due to soil erosion, thus reducing the cropland available for food production. The loss of cropland is a serious problem because the World Health Organization reports that more than 3.7 billion people are malnourished in the world. Overall soil is being lost from land areas 10 to 40 times faster than the rate of soil renewal imperiling future human food security and environmental quality.
Gene transfer, expression, and sarcomeric incorporation of a headless myosin molecule in cardiac myocytes: evidence for a reserve in myofilament motor function.

The purpose of this study was to implement a living myocyte in vitro model system to test whether a motor domain-deleted headless myosin construct could be incorporated into the sarcomere and affec...
Delay reduction and optimal foraging: variable-ratio search in a foraging analogue

The present study investigated conditions under which the conditioned reinforcement principles of delay-reduction theory and views based on simple maximization of reinforcement rate make ordinally opposing predictions with respect to foraging-related choice behavior. The use of variable-ratio schedules in the choice phase also represents an extension of delay-reduction theory to schedules that may better mimic the effort involved in searching. Pigeons responded on modified concurrent-chains schedules in which equal variable-ratio schedules led to unequal variable-interval outcomes and unequal reinforcer amounts. All 4 subjects completed a minimum of two replications of conditions for which the predictions of delay-reduction theory and a simple rate-maximizing theory were opposed. Results were consistent with delay reduction's ordinal predictions in 11 of 11 replications of the divergent predictions favoring the smaller, more immediate alternative. The predictions of rate maximization were upheld only when they were consistent with those of delay reduction. Results are discussed in terms of conditioned reinforcement, sensitivity to reductions in delay to food, and possible rules of thumb that may be useful in characterizing foraging.
Absolute pitch twin study and segregation analysis.

Absolute pitch is a rare pitch-naming ability with unknown etiology. Some scientists maintain that its manifestation depends solely on environmental factors, while others suggest that genetic factors contribute to it. We sought to further investigate the hypothesis that genetic factors support the acquisition of absolute pitch and to better elucidate the inheritance pattern of this trait. To this end, we conducted a twin study and a segregation analysis using data collected from a large population of absolute pitch possessors. The casewise concordance rate of 14 monozygotic twin pairs, 78.6%, was significantly different from that of 31 dizygotic twin pairs, 45.2%, assuming single ascertainment ([chi]2 = 5.57, 1 df, p = .018), supporting a role for genetics in the development of absolute pitch. Segregation analysis of 1463 families, assuming single ascertainment, produced a segregation ratio pD = .089 with SEpD = 0.006. Unlike an earlier segregation analysis on a small number of absolute pitch probands from musically educated families, our study indicates that absolute pitch is not inherited in a simple Mendelian fashion. Based on these data, absolute pitch is likely genetically heterogeneous, with environmental, epigenetic, and stochastic factors also perhaps contributing to its genesis. These findings are in agreement with the results of our recent linkage analysis.
Hydrolysis of triacylglycerol emulsions by lingual lipase a microscopic study

The effect of lingual lipase on four different triacylglycerol emulsions was observed by light microscopy at pH 5-6. The extent of hydrolysis on the microscope slide was determined with the aid of radioactive emulsions or by analyzing the products by gas-liquid chromatography. Artificial emulsions that had been stabilized with amphiphilic lipids gradually coalesced during the unstirred lipase reactions. Gum arabic-stabilized emulsions and human milk fat droplets did not stick to each other or coalesce during lingual lipase hydrolysis. No visible liquid-crystalline product phases, as are seen with pancreatic lipase (Patton, J.S. and Carey, M.C. (1979) Science 204, 145-148), were observed with lingual lipase. The products of lingual lipase activity, protonated fatty acid and diacylglycerol, appear to remain dissolved in the oil phase of the triacylglycerol particle.
Effects of gestation and lactation on forage intake, digestion, and passage rates of primiparous beef heifers and multiparous beef cows.

Angus-cross cows (n = 13; 8 pregnant, BW 610 ± 24 kg, and 5 nonpregnant, BW 571 ± 23 kg) and heifers (n = 13; 8 pregnant, BW 511 ± 40 kg, and 5 nonpregnant, BW 451 ± 60 kg) were individually fed chopped warm-season grass hay (5.5% CP, 67% NDF) for ad libitum intake and soybean meal (46% CP) at 450 g/d. Intake was measured daily, and DM digestibility, digesta passage rate, and plasma glucose and β-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) concentrations were measured every 14 d from 49 d prepartum to 49 d postpartum. Prepartum DMI (% of BW) increased over time for pregnant heifers through 2 wk prepartum before declining but did not change over time for pregnant cows. Dry matter digestibility decreased with advancing gestation (P 0.23). Lactating animals had lower plasma glucose and greater plasma BHBA concentrations postpartum than nonlactating animals (P < 0.001). Calves from mature cows grew faster than calves from heifers (age × time; P < 0.001). These data show that although primiparous beef heifers have similar DM digestibility, passage rates, and plasma glucose and BHBA concentrations, intake patterns differ between heifers and cows. Although DMI (% of BW) and digestibility did not differ between pregnant beef heifers and pregnant mature cows, the DMI (% of BW) was greater for lactating primiparous cows (heifers) than for lactating multiparous cows. Even with their postpartum increase in DMI, primiparous beef heifers were not able to consume adequate amounts of the warm-season forage to support their requirements for maintenance, growth, and lactation.
Proteostasis Modulators Prolong Missense VHL Protein Activity and Halt Tumor Progression

Although missense mutations of the von Hippel-Lindau disease (VHL) gene are the most common germline mutation underlying this heritable cancer syndrome, the mechanism of tumorigenesis is unknown. We found a quantitative reduction of missense mutant VHL protein (pVHL) in tumors associated with physiologic mRNA expression. Although mutant pVHL is unstable and degraded contemporarily with translation, it retains its E3 ligase function, including hypoxia-inducible factor degradation. The premature pVHL degradation is due to misfolding and imbalance of chaperonin binding. Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACIs) can modulate this pathway by inhibiting the HDAC-Hsp90 chaperone axis, stabilizing pVHL, and restoring activity comparable to wild-type protein, both in vitro and in animal models. Furthermore, HDACI-mediated stabilization of missense pVHL significantly attenuates the growth of 786-O rodent tumor model. These findings provide direct biological insight into VHL-associated tumors and elucidate a treatment paradigm for VHL.
MIMO Transceiver Scheme Based on Singular Linear Transform

Multiple input multiple output (MIMO) wireless systems have gained increasing attention today. Based on research for the known spatial multiplexing detection algorithms, in order to improve BER performance and decrease the computational complexity, we propose a MIMO transceiver scheme using singular linear transformation (SLT) in this paper. In this scheme, the transmitted signal vectors with a proper time interval are combined together by an optimizing singular linear matrix. The signal detection at the receiver includes the coarse estimator based on zero forcing (ZF) filter and the fine estimator based on parallel interference cancelation (PIC). Simulation results show that this novel MIMO scheme can improve the receive diversity order, improve the Bit Error Rate (BER) performance, and decrease the computational complexity without loss in spectrum efficiency.
A Prospective Study of the Synergistic Effects of Arsenic Exposure and Smoking, Sun Exposure, Fertilizer Use, and Pesticide Use on Risk of Premalignant Skin Lesions in Bangladeshi Men

Skin lesions are classic clinical signs of toxicity due to long-term exposure to arsenic, and they are considered precursors to arsenic-related skin cancer. The authors prospectively evaluated synergisms between effects of arsenic exposure and those of tobacco use, sun exposure, and pesticide and fertilizer use on incident skin lesions using risk factor data from 5,042 men from the Health Effects of Arsenic Longitudinal Study in Araihazar, Bangladesh, which recruited participants from October 2000 to May 2002. Discrete time hazard models were used to estimate measures of synergistic interactions on the additive scale. The authors observed significant synergistic effects between various measures of arsenic exposure and smoking and fertilizer use. The relative excess risks for the interactions between smoking status and arsenic exposure were 0.12 (95% confidence interval: 0.06, 0.19) for water arsenic and 0.11 (95% confidence interval: 0.05, 0.15) for urinary arsenic measures, respectively. Significant synergistic effects were also observed between fertilizer use and water arsenic (relative excess risk for the interaction = 0.06, 95% confidence interval: 0.01, 0.12). This is the first prospective study based on individual-level data that supports a role for smoking and certain occupational risk factors in modification of the effect of long-term arsenic exposure on skin lesions. Understanding differential arsenic susceptibility allows researchers to develop interventions to prevent the health consequences of this massive problem in the Bangladeshi population and beyond.
A Wiener Filtering Approach over the Euclidean Motion Group for Radon Transform Inversion

The problem of Radon transform inversion arises in field as diverse as medical imaging, synthetic aperture radar, and radio astronomy. In this paper, we model the Radon transform as a convolution integral over the Euclidean motion group and provide a novel deconvolution method for its inversion. The deconvolution method presesnted here is a special case of the Wiener filtering framework in abstract harmonic analysis that was recently developed by the author. The proposed deconvolution method provides a fundamentally new statistical formulation for the inversion of the Radon transform that can operate in nonstationary noise and signal fields. It can be utilized for radiation treatment planning, inverse source problems, and 3D and 4D computed tomography. Furthermore it is directly applicable to many computer vision and pattern recognition problems, as well as to problems in robotics and polymer science. Here, we present an algorithm for the discrete implementation of the Wiener filter and provide a comparison of the proposed image reconstruction method with the filtered back projection algorithms.
Digital Ethnography : An Examination of the Use of New Technologies for Social Research

The rise of digital technologies has the potential to open new directions in ethnography. Despite the ubiquity of these technologies, their infiltration into popular sociological research methods is still limited compared to the insatiable uptake of online scholarly research portals. This article argues that social researchers cannot afford to continue this trend. Building upon pioneering work in 'digital ethnography', I critically examine the possibilities and problems of four new technologies — online questionnaires, digital video, social networking websites, and blogs — and their potential impacts on the research relationship. The article concludes that a balanced combination of physical and digital ethnography not only gives researchers a larger and more exciting array of methods, but also enables them to demarginalize the voice of respondents. However, access to these technologies remains stratified by class, race, and gender of both researchers and respondents.
Accuracy of ultrasonic assessment of residual urine in children.

Bladder volumes were determined by realtime ultrasonography and compared to catheterised volumes in a consecutive series of 101 children. Volumes were calculated as the product of the longitudinal, transversal and sagittal diameter and a correction factor of 0.52. There was a good correlation between the methods (r=0.96) although large volumes tended to be underestimated by ultrasonography. Small volumes could be assessed accurately.
Factorization approach to time-varying filter banks and wavelets

A complete factorization of all optimal (in terms of quick transition) time-varying FIR unitary filter bank tree topologies is obtained. This has applications in adaptive subband coding, tiling of the time-frequency plane and the construction of orthonormal wavelet and wavelet packet bases for the half-line and interval [8, ?, 11, 2]. For an M-channel filter bank the factorization allows one to construct entry/exit filters that allow the filter bank to be used on finite signals without distortion at the boundaries. One of the advantages of our approach is that an efficient implementation algorithm comes with the factorization. The factorization can be used to generate filter bank tree-structures where the tree topology changes over time. Explicit formulas for the transition filters are obtained for arbitrary tree transitions. The results hold for tree structures where filter banks with any number of channels or filters of any length are used. Time-varying wavelet and wavelet packet bases are also constructed using these filter bank structures. >
Universal space-time codes from two-dimensional trellis codes

In the absence of accurate channel probability distribution information or in broadcast scenarios, code design for consistent channel-by-channel performance, rather than average performance, may be desirable. Root and Varaiya's compound channel theorem promises the existence of universal codes that operate with a consistent proximity to channel mutual information on any instance of the compound linear vector Gaussian channel that is similar to the capacity gap of an AWGN-specific code with similar complexity on the AWGN channel. This study presents single-dimensional trellis codes such that when multiplexed over two, three and four transmit antennas, provide universal performance over the compound linear vector Gaussian channel. As a result of their channel-by-channel consistency, the universal trellis codes presented here deliver comparable or in some cases superior frame-error-rate and bit-error-rate performance under quasistatic Rayleigh fading to trellis codes of similar complexity that are designed specifically for the quasistatic Rayleigh fading scenario.
Predicting accurate and actionable static analysis warnings: an experimental approach

Static analysis tools report software defects that may or may not be detected by other verification methods. Two challenges complicating the adoption of these tools are spurious false positive warnings and legitimate warnings that are not acted on. This paper reports automated support to help address these challenges using logistic regression models that predict the foregoing types of warnings from signals in the warnings and implicated code. Because examining many potential signaling factors in large software development settings can be expensive, we use a screening methodology to quickly discard factors with low predictive power and cost-effectively build predictive models. Our empirical evaluation indicates that these models can achieve high accuracy in predicting accurate and actionable static analysis warnings, and suggests that the models are competitive with alternative models built without screening.