cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Plasmodium yoelii nigeriensis circumsporozoite gene structure and its implications for the evolution of the repeat regions

The circumsporozoite (CS) gene encodes the most immunogenic component of the plasmodial sporozoites. The immunodominant epitope-encoding domain of the CS gene shows sequences that are repeated in tandem. A detailed analysis of the CS repeats of certain closely related malaria parasites (strains of Plasmodium cynomolgi, Plasmodium knowlesi, and Plasmodium vivax) showed that they evolve rapidly yet are well conserved within the gene. We were interested in studying whether the CS repeats of Plasmodia more distantly related to these species evolve in a similar manner. To this end, we isolated and characterized the Plasmodium yoelii nigeriensis CS gene. A comparative analysis of its sequence with that of Plasmodium yoelii yoelii shows that both have three sets of repeats, termed PR, R1, and R2. The R1 and basically also the R2 sequences show the features observed in most CS repeats, i.e., they evolve rapidly and are nearly perfectly tandemly repeated. In contrast, the PR repeats are not internally conserved nor divergent in sequence. The implications of these findings for the evolution of the CS repeats are discussed.
Social Capital and Adolescent Violent Behavior: Correlates of Fighting and Weapon Use among Secondary School Students

This study explores the relationship between social capital and adolescent violent behaviors for a national sample of secondary school students (N = 4,834). Cross-sectional data from The National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health were used to evaluate multivariate models examining the family, school and neighborhood correlates of violent behaviors. Results demonstrate the importance of social capital factors across domains as significant resources moderating violence outcomes, especially parent-child relationships and school affiliation. Although we hypothesized that greater sports and club participation would decrease tendencies toward violence, results indicate otherwise.
Modified Blair Tibiotalar Arthrodesis for Post-traumatic Avascular Necrosis of the Talus: A Case Report

Surgical treatment of post-traumatic avascular necrosis of the talus coupled with collapse often results in limited treatment options. Of those options, the Blair tibiotalar arthrodesis has been beneficial in preserving limb length and subtalar motion. The complications associated with Blair tibiotalar arthrodesis have led to modifications to improve stability and functional outcomes with rigid internal fixation. We present the case of a 29-year-old female with a history of an open fracture dislocation of the talus 10 years previously, with subsequent development of avascular necrosis of the talus. The purpose of the present case report was to describe the surgical approach and use of an anterior compression plate to augment the modified Blair tibiotalar arthrodesis.
Solutions of algebraic differential equations

This paper may be considered as a mathematical essay on the question “What is a solution of an algebraic differential equation?” Many theorems in differential algebra are proved by differentiating an algebraic differential equation several times, and then eliminating certain quantities, say, by the use of resultants. We give the simplest example of this, that every C” solution of an ADE satisfies some autonomous ADE. For let P(x, Y> = 0,
The nuclear envelope lamina is reversibly depolymerized during mitosis

The nuclear envelope lamina is a supramolecular protein assembly associated with the nucleoplasmic surface of the inner nuclear membrane, which contains three predominant polypeptide components in mammalian cells (lamins A, B and C). We previously demonstrated by immunofluorescence microscopy that the lamina is reversibly disassembled during cell division, coincident with the disassembly and reconstruction of the mitotic nuclear envelope architecture. In this paper, these immunocytochemical observations are extended with cell fractionation and immunoprecipitation studies performed on synchronized populations of tissue culture cells. With these techniques, we have established that during mitosis, lamina A and C occur in a soluble and nonmembrane-associated state. In contrast, the mitotic lamin B may be associated with membrane fragments derived from the disassembled interphase nuclear envelope. From sedimentation analysis on sucrose gradients, we have determined that all three lamins are monomeric at periods of mitotic lamina disassembly. These results, together with quantitative immunoprecipitation studies, demonstrate that the lamina is reversibly depolymerized during cell division. Attendant with the depolymerized state of the lamina, the mitotic lamins (which are phosphoproteins) have a distinctly more acidic isoelectric point and a substantially higher level of phosphorylation compared to their interphase counterparts. This indicates that reversible enzymatic phosphorylations of the lamins may be involved in modulating the state of polymerization of the lamina and its reversible mitotic disassembly.
A piecewise linear time-varying model for modeling the discharging process of a lithium-ion battery

A piecewise linear, time-varying model for modeling the discharging process of Li-ion batteries is introduced in this paper. Such a model consists of a group of piecewise linear model segments, whose parameters are adapted online with time. Thus, the combined overall model is capable of modeling a nonlinear time-varying process, such as a Li-ion battery discharging process, quite well. Modeling results of both simulated test data and actual test data gathered from a high-power automotive-grade Li-ion cell are presented. The close matches between actual and model-predicted behaviors demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed modeling approach and indicate the potential usefulness of such models for a battery management system.
DHEAS deficiency during consumption of sustained-action prescribed opioids: evidence for opioid-induced inhibition of adrenal androgen production.

Abstract Dehydroepandrosterone (DHEA)–dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) deficiency often produces fatigue, depression, weakness, and sexual dysfunction, which improve during replacement therapy. DHEAS deficiency is a sensitive marker for generalized adrenal insufficiency, but it has not been related to opioid ingestion. DHEAS values were determined in 34 male and 32 female opioid-consuming outpatients aged 35-78 years, in stable health, and in 33 male and 53 female nonopioid-consuming control subjects. No subjects used anticonvulsants or corticosteriod medications, and none had malignant, collagen-vascular, or endocrine disease other than menopause or opioid-induced androgen deficiency. Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) values were measured in 94 of 152 subjects. DHEAS levels were lower in opioid consumers than in control subjects in a dose-related pattern ( P P P P Perspective The study documents a dose-related DHEAS deficiency in a majority of nonhospitalized adults who are chronically consuming sustained-action oral or transdermal opioids for control of nonmalignant pain. This deficiency in these patients has not previously been recognized and is probably symptomatic. Evaluation of replacement therapy should receive high priority.
Correlated-basis-functions theory of metal surfaces

A new method for treating metal surfaces is presented which will complement the conventional density-functional theory. It makes use of the correlated-basis-functions approach, which has proven useful for treating liquid and solid helium, nuclear matter, and homogeneous and mildly inhomogeneous Coulomb systems. It is a variational theory that deals directly with the wave function---one that contains in a balanced way both single-particle elements and explicit many-particle correlation factors. The surface-energy expression does not require a density-gradient expansion. It does not draw information from independent work on the homogeneous electron liquid and is thus totally self-contained. Discrete ion-lattice effects are accounted for without the need to invoke a low-order perturbation theory. Systematic improvements are possible, either through the introduction of higher-order irreducible correlation factors or through a diagrammatic perturbation theory in the correlated representation. Most importantly, approximate many-particle wave functions for describing the ground-state and low-lying excitations are made available. They can be used for determining adsorption properties such as the substrate-mediated interaction between adatoms. In this paper we describe the theory in detail and report on numerical results obtained for the entire range of metals, $2\ensuremath{\lesssim}{r}_{s}\ensuremath{\lesssim}6$. Our surface energies show slight improvement over those obtained with density-functional methods. Our work functions are not quite as good at small ${r}_{s}$; there the electron-density profiles display slightly higher peaks and longer tails. We discovered no new startling results and had not expected to do so. The main accomplishment is the establishment of a self-contained theory and a basis for future calculations considered impossible or difficult in the density-functional formalism. Discussions are carried out in that spirit.
Influence of alternative liquid chromatography techniques on the chemical complexity and bioactivity of isolated proanthocyanidin mixtures.

Extracts rich in proanthocyanidins, which are implicated in multiple human health benefits, were comparatively separated using alternative separation methods [vacuum or open column liquid chromatography], separation matrices [Toyopearl, Sephadex, or silica gel], and degrees of subfractionation [8 or 12 subfraction series], to evaluate the influence of separation technique on the resolution of the chemical composition and the biological activity of separated proanthocyanidin mixtures in individual subfractions. Bioactivity was assessed using a DNA human topoisomerase II bioassay and structural composition by acid thiolysis (average degree of polymerization, DP) and HPLC-ESI/MS. The amount of parent fraction needed to inhibit 50% of topoisomerase II was 3.38 ng/mL with an average DP of 25.5. A 23 factorial analysis revealed that the vacuum and open column strategies for separation, when individually considered, did not yield significantly different results in terms of mass recovery, DP, or bioactivity; howe...
Shared meal preparation in residential kitchens: implications for kitchen planning

A comparison was made of the use of residential kitchen work centres by one worker and by two workers during a dinner meal preparation in which a microwave oven was utilized. When the meal was prepared by two workers they divided the work load by menu item and utilized separate work stations; typically, only one worker prepared the menu items requiring actual cooking. However, whether the meal preparation was individual or shared, the sink and preparation centres were the most frequently used.
Spectroscopy of 14N by use of the 12C(3He, p)14N reaction

Abstract Spectra and angular distributions were obtained for the reaction 12C(3He, p)14N at E( 3 He ) = 20.1 MeV from θlab = 8° to 170°. Distorted-wave calculations were compared to experimental angular distributions and relative total cross sections. Agreement was found when a spin-independent interaction potential was used. Nuclear wave functions used in the calculations are discussed. Spectroscopic and configuration assignments were made or confirmed on the basis of excitation energy, angular distribution, comparison of (α, d) and (3He, p) results, relative total cross sections and comparison of experimental results with distorted wave Born approximation calculations. A spin and parity assignment of 2− and a tentative assignment of 4+ were made for the 9.388 and 10.85 MeV, T = 0 levels, respectively. Configurations are suggested for the 8.979, 10.213 and 10.85 MeV levels.
Kinematic structure of the 30 Doradus giant H II region

We have used the echelle CCD spectrograph on the Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory (CTIO) 4 m telescope to map the nebular velocity field in the 30 Doradus giant H II region. The kinematics of 30 Dor are very complex. The outer regions are charaterized by a smooth velocity field, but its turbulent velocity, 30-40 km/s Full Width Half Maximum (FWHM), is considerably higher than those in most smaller H II regions. In the central 9 min core, multiple velocity components are observed at most positions. The velocity field is dominated by a large number of expanding structures, ranging in size from 1 to 100 pc and expansion velocities of 20-200 km/s, and often organized into large hierarchical networks. The integral of these complex expanding structures in 30 Dor produces a surprisingly simple profile with a broad Gaussian core and faint extended wings. Several fast-expanding shells, with diameters of 2-20 pc, expansion velocities of 100-300 km/s, and kinetic energies of 0.5-10 x 10(exp 50) ergs have been identified. The large fast-expanding shells and networks are coincident with extended X-ray sources and are probably associated with supernova remnants embedded in supershells produced by the combined effects of stellar winds and supernovae from OB associations. We have used the intensity-calibrated echelle spectra to determine the basic physical and dynamical properties of the kinematic features in 30 Dor. The expanding shells contain roughly half of the kinetic energy in the 30 Dor complex, and this energy is several times higher than the gravitational binding energy of the region. The energetic requirements of the gas are consistent with the observed stellar content of 30 Dor, if the gas is accelerated by a combination of stellar winds and supernovae. Extrapolating the current energy injection rate in the nebula over the lifetime of the OB complex suggest that 30 Dor and its vicinity will evolve into a supergiant shell as seen in the LMC and other nearby galaxies.
CHANGES IN BRAIN AGGRECAN CSPG SYNTHESIS AFTER GLUTAMATE RECEPTOR STIMULATION, HYPOXIA, OR INDUCTION OF APOPTOSIS 1736

Glutamate (GLU) “excitotoxicity” stimulates B-aggrecan chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan (CSPG) synthesis in chick neurons at the level of transcription (Krueger and Schwartz (1995), Ped. Res. 37:381A). We hypothesize that B-aggrecan synthesis may be stimulated as a defense against neuronal injury or death. B-aggrecan synthesis in neurons was measured after exposure to specific GLU ionotropic agonists, to hypoxia induced by cyanide, or to agents which induce apoptosis. E6C5 chick neurons were incubated for 30 min with 50 mcM of either GLU, NMDA, or kainate (KA), or 1mM NaCN, returned to the 35S-sulfate containing media, and analyzed at 24 hours. Alternatively, cells were exposed to either 2 mcM Wortmannin or 200 nM Staurosporin, agents which induce apoptosis in this system, for 24 hours in the presence of label. Viability was determined at 24 hr by MTT assay. B-aggrecan and the HNK-1 CSPG were assayed by immunoprecipitation, and radioactivity assayed. Glycosaminoglyacans (GAG) were quantified by CPC precipitation. GLU, NMDA, and KA exposure increased B-aggrecan synthesis in these cultures (KA>GLU>NMDA; p 70%, despite only 25% neuronal death. B-aggrecan synthesis is upregulated after GLU-receptor stimulation or hypoxia more than GAG or HNK-1 CSPG synthesis. Conversely, B-aggrecan is downregulated in apoptosis more than GAG or HNK-1 CSPG synthesis. Finally, apoptosis turns off B-aggrecan synthesis, whereas GLU-receptor stimulation and hypoxia increase synthesis. These data suggest that it is injury and/or ionotropic activation, not neuronal dying, which stimulate CSPG/B-aggrecan synthesis. These data are consistent with the hypothesis that B-aggrecan may have a special role in CNS protection and/or healing. Supported by HD-09402 and Wyeth Neonatal Research fund.
Long-term effects of early iron deficiency on consummatory behavior in the rat.

Abstract Two experiments were designed to investigate the effects of early iron deficiency on consummatory behavior in the adult rat. In Experiment 1, animals were placed in a novel chamber, either with or without water available. Although there were no effects of iron deficiency per se, the data suggested that decreased caloric intake experienced early in life may have different long-term consequences for males and females. While ad lib control males, and females in all diet conditions, exhibited less elevation of plasma corticosterone when water was available in the novel chamber, calorically restricted males appeared unable to use the cues or reinforcement provided by consummatory behavior to reduce arousal. In Experiment 2, a conditioned taste aversion situation involving conflict, we were able to separate effects due to early iron deficiency from those due to early caloric restriction. When reexposed to milk, calorically restricted (weight control) males exhibited an attenuated plasma corticoid response, compared to that of ad lib control males, while weight control females resembled ad lib control females in their response. Thus, as in Experiment 1, early caloric restriction affected males more than females. Early iron deficiency, however, markedly altered pituitary-adrenal responsiveness in both males and females. Not only was the response to reexposure completely reversed in rehabilitated males and females, but also, the corticoid response to deprivation was increased in rehabilitated males and decreased in rehabilitated females. Taken together with previous data, these results suggest that early iron deficiency alters both behavioral and physiological arousal or responsiveness, and may do so differentially in males and females.
Liberalism and democracy

A PREFACE TO ECONOMIC DEMOCRACY by Robert A. Dahl Berkeley: University of California Press, 1985. 184 pp., $7.95
Synthesis of the plasma membrane of the liver cell

Abstract The steps involved in the synthesis of a plasma (surface) membrane are completely unknown. For the newly-synthesized protein constituents of the membrane, four possibilities have been considered. First, newly-formed proteins are added directly to the membrane; second, they mix with a soluble pool and are then incorporated into the membrane; third, they are assembled into complex units that are then built into the membrance; and fourth, they are incorporated into a precursor membrance that is later converted into a plasma membrane. The work presented here shows that proteins may be formed several hours before they are built into the liver plasma membrane. Thus, a direct incorporation of all new protein can be ruled out. It is not yet possible, however, to distinguish among the remaining three possibilities.
Norepinephrine regulation of fetal heart rate: multiple mechanisms of action.

Abstract Norepinephrine was infused intravenously for 30 minutes into chronically catheterized sheep fetuses averaging 133 days' gestation. At infusion rates of 3.9, 12, and 39 μg/min, heart rate initially decreased as much as 40 bpm and then gradually increased to 50 bpm above the control value by the end of the infusion. Thereafer, heart rate increased further, and by the end of a 30-minute recovery period, heart rate was still 66 bpm above the control value. In fetuses pretreated with either a ganglionic blocker or a parasympathetic blocker, norepinephrine caused a large and sustained rise in heart rate by 124 bpm, which declined rapidly when the infusion was terminated. These results suggest that circulating norepinephrine affects fetal heart by several mechanisms: (1) a baroreceptor-mediated suppression, (2) a direct stimulation by norepinephrine, (3) a gradual weakening of the vagal suppression, and (4) an increase in cardiac sensitivity to sympathetic stimulation. In addition, there appears to be a long-term positive correlation between fetal heart rate and circulating norepinephrine levels.
Effect of confining pressure on dynamic soil properties using improved transfer function estimators

Abstract Three new estimators of the transfer function (H2, H3, and H4) in addition to the conventional estimator (H1) were utilized to determine damping and shear modulus of soils under random excitation conditions. The results of this study indicate that as confining pressure increases, the difference between damping values obtained by the various estimators decreases, whereas the shear moduli are not influenced by the variation in confining pressure.
Analysis of the Transient Behavior of Rotary Lip Seals-Fluid Mechanics and Bulk Deformation

A numerical model of the transient behavior of rotary lip seals has been developed. It includes a fluid mechanics analysis of the lubricating film, an elastic deformation analysis of the lip, and predicts the lip seal state at every instant of time during a transient in shaft speed. The lip seal state includes such quantities as the lubricating film thickness distribution, pressure distribution, location of cavitation regions, location of the meniscus, and volumetric flow rate of fluid through the lubricating film. When applied to a successful lip seal design, the model predicts that the lubricating film mil be formed very rapidly during startup and mil be maintained until the very end of the transient during shutdown, thereby minimizing wear of the lip. Presented at the 53rd Annual Meeting in Detroit, Michigan May 17–21, 1998
Discourse analysis and the doctor-patient relationship.

This article describes a system of discourse analysis, called a “taxonomy of verbal response modes,” which can be applied to medical interviews. The taxonomy identifies eight basic categories: disc...
Reconstructing genetic networks in yeast

By combining data from gene expression and DNA-binding experiments, a computational algorithm identifies the genetic regulatory network in yeast.
Insights into the tetanus toxin model of early-onset epilepsy from long-term video monitoring during anticonvulsant therapy.

Abstract Video monitoring studies were undertaken to determine if the anticonvulsant, carbamazepine (CBZ), could prevent seizures in infant rats that had been intrahippocampally injected with tetanus toxin (TNTX). In control rats, seizure frequency peaked 5–6 days after injection and rapidly declined by postinjection day 9. Twice-daily CBZ treatments dramatically suppressed behavioral seizures for 7 days. However, despite increasing the dosage of CBZ, rats experienced more behavioral seizures during the second week after TNTX injection. Paradoxically, tetanus-toxin-injected control rats had very few seizures at this time. Results not only suggest that this TNTX model may be useful in screening drugs for treating intractable focal epilepsy of infancy but also provide some insight into the processes that may contribute to the rapid decline in behavioral seizure frequency that occurs during the acute phase of epileptogenesis in this model.
The Liberal Elements in English Mercantilism

I. The goal of full employment, 467. — II. The means to full employment, 473. — III. Economic freedom in mercantilist doctrine, 486. — IV. The exceptions to free exchange, 492. — V. The historical roots of mercantilism, 496. — VI. Economists on mercantilism, 499.
Current status of renal transplantation: Patient evaluations and outcomes

Patient and kidney graft survival rates have improved gradually owing to advances in recipient selection, donor surgery, kidney preservation, recipient surgery, histocompatibility testing, immunosuppression, and the diagnosis and management of complications. This article concentrates on the selection of end-stage renal disease patients for renal transplantation.
Bilateral giant inguinoscrotal Hernia: psychosocial issues and a new classification.

Background: Bilateral giant inguinoscrotal hernias pose challenging psychosocial problems to the patient. The engulfed phallus and hernia size are socially embarrassing and may make penetration during coitus increasingly difficult and uncomfortable. This paper presents a classification and the psychosocial aspects of bilateral giant inguinoscrotal hernias. Methods: A prospective study of patients with bilateral giant inguinoscrotal hernia in which the phallus was completely engulfed by the swelling, managed by this author between 2002 and 2011 in both urban and rural practice in Nigeria and Sierra Leone was reviewed and analyzed using a simple frequency distribution. Results: Eleven patients with bilateral giant inguinoscrotal hernias were reviewed. Age range 63-86 years. Mean age 73.73 (± 6.96SD) years. The reason for delayed presentation was financial constraint. Six patients (54.55%) presented due to continuous refusal of coitus by their partners. Sexual satisfaction was poor in all the patients (100.00%). All the patients (100.00%) had poor self-esteem and poor socialization habits as a result of continuous ridicule from peers and colleagues. Conclusion: To improve quality of life of the elderly, there is the need for early awareness campaigns and provision of improved access to free surgical health care services particularly in rural African communities. Keywords: Bilateral giant inguinoscrotal hernia, classification, quality of life
Connections between the processing and nuclear export of mRNA: Evidence for an export license?

Although the identification of cellular factors involved in mediating nuclear RNA export has been the subject of intense research interest, this issue is at best partly resolved (reviewed by refs. 4 and 5). However, it has been known for some time, based on in vivo competition assays, that different classes of RNAs, i.e., tRNAs, U small nuclear RNAs (snRNA), ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs), and mRNAs, exit the nucleus via distinct pathways that depend on different cofactors (6). Although rRNA nuclear export, …
Perception of place of articulation for plosives and fricatives in noise

This study aims at uncovering perceptually-relevant acoustic cues for the labial versus alveolar place of articulation distinction in syllable-initial plosives {/b/,/d/,/p/,/t/} and fricatives {/f/,/s/,/v/,/z/} in noise. Speech materials consisted of naturally-spoken consonant-vowel (CV) syllables from four talkers where the vowel was one of {/a/,/i/,/u/}. Acoustic analyses using logistic regression show that formant frequency measurements, relative spectral amplitude measurements, and burst/noise durations are generally reliable cues for labial/alveolar classification. In a subsequent perceptual experiment, each pair of syllables with the labial/alveolar distinction (e.g., /ba,da/) was presented to listeners in various levels of signal-to-noise-ratio (SNR) in a 2-AFC task. A threshold SNR was obtained for each syllable pair using sigmoid fitting of the percent correct scores. Results show that the perception of the labial/alveolar distinction in noise depends on the manner of articulation, the vowel context, and the interaction between voicing and manner of articulation. Correlation analyses of the acoustic measurements and the threshold SNRs show that formant frequency measurements (such as F1 and F2 onset frequencies and F2 and F3 frequency changes) become increasingly important for the perception of labial/alveolar distinctions as the SNR degrades.
Cytoplasmic dynein is localized to kinetochores during mitosis

Recent evidence suggests that the force for poleward movement of chromosomes during mitosis is generated at or close to the kinetochores. Chromosome movement depends on motion relative to microtubules, but the identities of the motors remain uncertain. One candidate for a mitotic motor is dynein, a large multimeric enzyme which can move along microtubules toward their slow growing end. Dyneins were originally found in axonemes of cilia and flagella where they power microtubule sliding. Recently, cytoplasmic dyneins have also been found, and specific antibodies have been raised against them. The cellular localization of dynein has previously been studied with several antibodies raised against flagellar dynein, but the relevance of these data to the distribution of cytoplasmic dynein is not known. Antibodies raised against cytoplasmic dyneins have shown localization of dynein antigens to the mitotic spindles in Caenorhabditis elegans embryos (Lye et al., personal communication) and punctate cytoplasmic structures in Dictyostelium amoebae. Using antibodies that recognize subunits of cytoplasmic dyneins, we show here that during mitosis, cytoplasmic dynein antigens concentrate near the kinetochores, centrosomes and spindle fibres of HeLa and PtK1 cells, whereas at interphase they are distributed throughout the cytoplasm. This is consistent with the hypothesis that cytoplasmic dynein is a mitotic motor.
Antivenom therapy for snakebites in children: is there evidence?

Purpose of reviewA new Fab fragment antivenom (CroFab) for the treatment of crotaline envenomation, the predominant venomous snakebite in the United States, has drastically changed snakebite management since its release in December 2000. This review examines the evidence supporting the use of CroFab
Resistance to IP leptin-induced adipose apoptosis caused by high-fat diet in mice

Abstract The objectives of this experiment were to determine whether leptin causes adipocyte apoptosis in mice, whether peripheral administration is an effective means of studying leptin-induced adipocyte apoptosis, and whether high-fat feeding results in reduced responsiveness to leptin-induced adipocyte apoptosis. Continuous 13-day intraperitoneal infusion of 10 μg/day leptin significantly increased adipocyte apoptosis in the epididymal/parametrial fat pads of male and female mice, but only male mice developed reduced responsiveness to leptin-induced adipocyte apoptosis after high-fat (45% fat) feeding for 5 or 15 weeks. There was a positive correlation between serum leptin concentration and percent apoptotic adipocytes. These findings demonstrate that leptin administered peripherally is effective in inducing adipocyte apoptosis in mice, thus extending the possibility of studying this effect of leptin in a wider variety of animal models. In addition, high-fat feeding has a gender-specific effect on development of reduced responsiveness to leptin-induced adipocyte apoptosis.
Taste aversion in albino rats using centrifugal spin as an unconditioned stimulus.

Summary.-3 experimental and 3 control albino rats were run under a 2bottle, taste-aversion paradigm which used a lemonade solution as the conditioned stimulus and centrifugal spinning as the unconditioned stimulus. Conditioning was observed after the second pairing of conditioned and unconditioned stimuli. Support for thc hypothesis that conditioning is facilitated by a preference for the conditioned stirndus was found. It was observed that as long as tap water was preferred to the conditioned stimulus solution the conditioned aversion did not appear. Most studies of conditioning of appetitive aversions in animals have accomplished this end through the use of conditioned stimuli in the form of x-ray irradiation, or the injection of drugs such as lithium or sodium salts, cyclophosphamine, and apomorphine hydrochloride (Garcia, Kimmeldorf, & Hunt, 1961; Garcia & Koelling, 1966; Wrighc, Foshee, & McCleary, 1971). Several studies attempting to forego the use of toxic substances and to substitute the use of electric shock as the uncondirioned stimulus have not shown conditioning (Garcia & Koelling, 1966; Garcia, McGowan, Ervin, & Koelling, 1968). The apparent link between a gustatory unconditioned stimulus and a gustatory-debilitating conditioned stimulus has led Garcia and Ervin (1968) to postulate that the conditioned aversion may not follow along the lines of traditional learning phenomena. In other words, taste aversion, as a process, appears to be a "wired-in" behavioral effect. This hypochesis seems to be supported by the fact that the vast majority of studies on taste aversion show the formation of the aversion within one presentation of the conditioned stimulus, i.e., singletrial learning. Dragoin and his colleagues (Dragoin, 1971; Dragoin, McCleary, & MCCleary, 1971; Wilcoxin, Dragoin, & Kcal, 1971) have repeatedly drawn the comparison between the observed, behavioral effects of toxic substances used as unconditioned stimuli and "nausea" as would be experienced by humans. Alchough this distinction may be anthropomorphic, it stands to reason that if indeed nausea, or a nausea-like state, is produced in the organism, then there may be an alternative to the use of toxic stimulation. The present study investigated the use of centrifugal spin as an alternative to the traditional use of irradiation or toxins.
Chemical composition and characterization of cellulose for Agave as a fast-growing, drought-tolerant biofuels feedstock

A major issue raised about development of cellulosic biomass derived fuels technologies is the concern about possible competition for land with agricultural crops and impacts on food and feed supply. However, because agave offers high productivity with low water and nutrient demands, it can thrive on semiarid lands not suitable for conventional agriculture, making it a promising lignocellulosic feedstock for biofuels production. Because agave composition will establish the maximum potential fuel yield that is vital to low cost conversion, detailed chemical composition data and cellulose characteristics were measured by standard biomass analysis procedures and solid-state NMR methods, respectively, for four agave samples: A. americana leaves, A. salmiana leaves, A. tequilana leaves, and A. americana heart. For the first time, we report substrate characteristics relevant to biochemical conversion for the tested agave species, specifically cell wall compositional data along with the relative proportions of cellulose ultra-structural components. The experimental results also provide an important baseline for further characterization and conversion of different agave species as biofuels feedstocks for semi-arid lands.
Material-length-scale-controlled nanoindentation size effects due to strain-gradient plasticity

Abstract This paper proposes a concept of strain-gradient plasticity that is based on characteristic material length scale. Experimental results for indentation size effect are correlated with the predictions from a dislocation-based strain-gradient plasticity model. Nanoindentations on single crystals of Al, Ag, Ni, polycrystalline Cu and poly-synthetically twinned (PST) lamellar α2- and γ-TiAl are conducted with an atomic force microscope with an add-on force transducer from Hysitron, Inc. It is found that the indentation size effect is controlled by a characteristic material length scale l , which is a function of the Burger’s vector, the shear modulus, and a material reference stress. The material length scales are found to be in the order l Ag > l Ni > l Al > l Cu > l α 2 -TiAl > l γ-TiAl , which corresponds to the indentation size effect.
Conformal geometry and string field theory

Abstract The covariant perturbation theory rules that should arise from any gauge invariant string field theory, such as those proposed on the basis of BRST formalism, are set forth. The resulting path integral expressions naturally produce coordinate invariant densities on the moduli space of Riemann surfaces; these include the Koba-Nielsen amplitudes. The connection between string field theory and modular invariance is discussed, and it is proposed that future explorations in string field theory focus on coordinate invariant quantities on moduli space.
Occupational asthma secondary to inhalation of garlic dust

An atopic patient in whom the inhalation of occupationally encountered garlic dust precipitated asthma is reported. Studies revealed the presence of immediate skin-test reactivity to garlic extract, and specific IgE anti-garlic antibodies were detected in the patient's serum by the polystyrene tube solid phase radioimmunoassay (PTRIA) technique. Bronchial challenge with garlic dust also resulted in an immediate asthmatic response typical for an IgE-induced mechanism.
Buffer requirements of an optical communication system in atmospheric turbulence

Expressions related to the buffer requirements of an optical communication system in atmospheric turbulence are developed from the channel signal fade time statistics. Laser irradiance data were recorded over the course of one day by a receiving aperture of variable diameter at the Townes Institute Science and Technology Experimentation Facility (TISTEF) 1km laser range located within the Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral, FL. Fade statistics of collected data and scintillometer measurements were compared to the derived model gamma-gamma fade model. Parallel to the laser instrumentation was a commercial scintillometer unit which reported the refractive index structure coefficient, C n 2 and the inner-scale of atmospheric turbulence, l 0 . The atmospheric parameters inferred from the collected laser data and the commercial instruments were compared. Mean and variance of the fade times were found to agree well with theory for smaller apertures where effects of aperture averaging are not present and in cases where scintillation is weak to moderate. It is suggested that a more appropriate PDF, with a heavier focus on aperture averaging, may be applied in future studies of free space optical communication system fade statistics.
Literacy Instruction, Disciplinary Practice, and Diverse Learners: A Case Study.

This article presents a close analysis of a reading group in a first-grade class of Spanish-dominant Latina/o children established through the English-only mandate of California’s Proposition 227. First, I discuss how the practice of the reading group was shaped by the intersection of socio-political and institutional discourses and practices. Next, I present findings that demonstrate that the reading group functioned in problematic ways to construct the children as individuals who were responsible for their own cognitive-academic performances; to evaluate and rank the children by these performances; and to reconstruct their bodily and linguistic habitus in the image of a disciplined literate subject.
Translation of endogenous message in embryonic chick erythroid cell polysomes in a cell-free protein-synthesizing system.

Polysomes from 5.5-day and 6.5-day embryonic chick erythroid cells contain messenger RNA (mRNA) which can be translated into products in a cell-free protein-synthesizing system. The products of the cell-free system coelectrophoresed with carrier globin chains from the cells from which the polysomal pellet was isolated. Wheat germ S30 fraction increases by 1.5–2.0 fold [3H] leucine incorporation into trichloroacetic acid-precipitable material directed by the endogenous mRNA on chick erythroid cell polysomes. The wheat germ probably provides a specific factor or factors absent or in shortage in the incubation medium.
Approaches to the Study of the Behavior of Sharks

Many kinds of sharks are dangerous and apparently unpredictable predators whose behavior is virtually unknown. This is because they are difficult both to maintain in captivity and to observe in the field. However, the purpose of this paper is to review the behavioral information on sharks and, more importantly, to suggest approaches which will accelerate progress in understanding the activities of these animals. Shark behavior has been investigated within the methodological frameworks of both comparative psychology and ethology. Thus the underlying philosophies of these disciplines are briefly discussed. Six approaches for investigating the activities of sharks are presented. Approach I involved intuitive studies drawing upon natural history notes and fisheries statistics, and is typified by Springer (1967). This work set the stage for future quantitative research. Approach II is also intuitive. Here, as typified by Klausewitz (1962), inferences about behavior and ecology are drawn from morphologic and taxonomic considerations. Results appear to be useful in only the broadest of applications. Approach III, an ethological approach we term “structure of behavior,” rests upon direct observation of behavior. The basic rationale underlying this technique, including examples of field and laboratory studies with sharks, is given. While we are at a beginning stage in the ethology of sharks, this approach appears to hold great promise. Approach IV, the study of activity rhythms in sharks, is reviewed. Little is known about such rhythms, which represent short-term temporal activity. Practically nothing is known about long-term activity, i.e., behavioral ontogeny. In Approach V psychological studies of learning are reviewed with emphasis on habituation, operant and classical conditioning in sharks. It is concluded that learning probably plays an important role in the lives of sharks and that they are clearly not the stupid, blindly swimming creatures of folklore. In Approach VI studies of sensory physiology using behavioral techniques are briefly discussed. Results led to the conclusion that sharks are well adapted to detect and respond appropriately to a wide variety of environmental stimuli. Though the difficulties are real and many, the paper ends on an optimistic note, and it is felt that continued effort will unquestionably lead to a significant increase in our understanding of these fascinating animals.
Life Prediction and Reliability Analysis of Ceramic Structures Under Combined Static and Cyclic Fatigue

This paper presents a computational methodology for life prediction and time-dependent reliability analysis of ceramic structures under combined effects of static and cyclic fatigue. It involves (1) a crack-growth equation representing damage contributions from both static and cyclic fatigue, (2) a multivariate nonlinear regression model for performing parameter estimation from fatigue data generated by small specimens, and (3) the Batdorf model for structural reliability analysis. A linear superposition of crack-growth rates obtained from the Power-law and Walker-law equations was used. The model assumes that the time-dependent and cycle-dependent crack growth formulation exponents are identical, and that loading frequency and amplitude do not vary over time. For the parameter estimation, the regression was performed using nonlinear least squares and a modified Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm. This methodology was implemented into the integrated design code named CARES/Life (Ceramics Analysis and Reliability Evaluation of Structures/Life). A numerical example is presented to illustrate the parameter estimation component of this methodology. The results suggest that the predicted stress-life curves based on the proposed model can correlate better with experimental data when compared with either Power-law or the Walker-law models individually.Copyright © 1998 by ASME
Economic analysis of water temperature reduction practices in a large river floodplain: an exploratory study of the Willamette River, Oregon†

This paper examines ecosystem restoration practices that focus on water temperature reductions in the upper mainstem Willamette River, Oregon, for the benefit of endangered salmonids and other native cold-water species. The analysis integrates hydrologic, natural science and economic models to determine the cost-effectiveness of alternative water temperature reduction strategies. A temperature model is used to simulate the effects of combinations of upstream riparian shading and flow augmentations on downstream water temperatures. Costs associated with these strategies are estimated and consist of the opportunity costs of lost agricultural production and recreation opportunities due to flow releases from an up-stream reservoir. Temperature reductions from another strategy, hyporheic flow enhancement, are also examined. Restoration strategies associated with enhanced hyporheic cooling consist of removal/reconnection of current obstacles to the creation of dynamic river channel complexity. The observed reduction of summer water temperatures associated with enhanced channel complexity indicates that restoring hyporheic flow processes is more likely to achieve cost-effective temperature reductions and meet the total maximum daily load (TMDL) target than conventional approaches that rely on increased riparian shading or/and combinations of flow augmentation. Although the costs associated with the hyporheic flow enhancement approach are substantial, the effects of such a long-term ecological improvement of the floodplain are expected to assist the recovery of salmonid populations and provide ancillary benefits to society. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
EFFECT OF ENVIRONMENTAL VARIATION ON THE INVASIVE SUCCESS OF A NONINDIGENOUS FOREST HERB

With the ever-burgeoning spread of nonindigenous plants, often facilitated by human activities, it is imperative to conduct case studies of particular invasive plants and the sites they invade in order to develop effective and efficient habitat management strategies. Alliaria petiolata is a native European biennial mustard that has become a serious invasive pest in many North American forests. In order to better characterize habitat vul- nerability to invasion by A. petiolata, we conducted an experiment to test the effects of environmental heterogeneity in the form of habitat, microenvironment, and small-scale litter disturbance on A. petiolata germination, survival, growth, and reproduction. Treatments consisted of two habitats (upland and lowland), two microenvironments (forest edge and forest interior), and three small-scale litter disturbance treatments (control, litter completely removed, and litter partially removed). Seeds were sown into plots in November, and plots were monitored for two years. Lowland plots had greater soil moisture and less litter per unit area than upland plots. In general, forest edge plots had greater understory cover and light availability and lower overstory cover than forest interior plots. Rosette survival, mature plant survival, plant biomass, height, and fruit and seed production were significantly greater for plants in the lowland compared with plants in the upland. Germination, rosette survival, mature plant survival, and reproduction were significantly greater in the forest edge plots when compared with interior plots. Litter disturbance had no significant effect on germination, growth, or reproduction. It is apparent that site colonization by A. petiolata was not dependent on the creation of patches of bare soil by disturbance, since plants were capable of invading sites with an intact litter layer. Alliaria petiolata growth and repro- duction was greatest in plots with adequate soil moisture and increased light availability. Therefore, mesic forests with a more open canopy structure and forest trails or edges may be the most vulnerable to invasion and the most difficult sites to manage. Drier upland forest interiors, which were more resistant to invasion, may be more responsive to man- agement techniques.