cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Regional Differences in Seasonal Timing of Rainfall Discriminate between Genetically Distinct East African Giraffe Taxa

Masai (Giraffa tippelskirchi), Reticulated (G. reticulata) and Rothschild's (G. camelopardalis) giraffe lineages in East Africa are morphologically and genetically distinct, yet in Kenya their ranges abut. This raises the question of how divergence is maintained among populations of a large mammal capable of long-distance travel, and which readily hybridize in zoos. Here we test four hypotheses concerning the maintenance of the phylogeographic boundaries among the three taxa: 1) isolation-by-distance; 2) physical barriers to dispersal; 3) general habitat differences resulting in habitat segregation; or 4) regional differences in the seasonal timing of rainfall, and resultant timing of browse availability. We used satellite remotely sensed and climate data to characterize the environment at the locations of genotyped giraffes. Canonical variate analysis, random forest algorithms, and generalized dissimilarity modelling were employed in a landscape genetics framework to identify the predictor variables that best explained giraffes' genetic divergence. We found that regional differences in the timing of precipitation, and resulting green-up associated with the abundance of browse, effectively discriminate between taxa. Local habitat conditions, topographic and human-induced barriers, and geographic distance did not aid in discriminating among lineages. Our results suggest that selection associated with regional timing of events in the annual climatic cycle may help maintain genetic and phenotypic divergence in giraffes. We discuss potential mechanisms of maintaining divergence, and suggest that synchronization of reproduction with seasonal rainfall cycles that are geographically distinct may contribute to reproductive isolation. Coordination of weaning with green-up cycles could minimize the costs of lactation and predation on the young. Our findings are consistent with theory and empirical results demonstrating the efficacy of seasonal or phenologically dictated selection pressures in contributing to the reproductive isolation of parapatric populations.
Funding needed for assessments of weed biological control

Invasive non-native plants are a serious economic and ecological problem worldwide, and major efforts are therefore devoted to reducing weed abundance in agricultural and natural settings. Effective options for reducing invasive abundance and spread are few, although one common approach is biological control - the introduction of specialist herbivores or pathogens from a weed's native range to suppress weed abundance in the introduced range. Biocontrol is a crucial tool in invasive species management because, once biocontrol agents establish, they are often self-sustaining and can greatly reduce invasive populations.
Synthesis of C-5 analogs of N-acetylneuraminic acid via indium-mediated allylation of N-substituted 2-amino-2-deoxymannoses

This paper presents a short synthesis of new analogs of N-acetylneuraminic acid (Neu5Ac) varied structurally at C-5. The synthetic strategy includes indium-mediated coupling reactions between ethyl 2-(bromomethyl)acrylate and N-derivatized mannosamines, and the ozonolysis of the resulting enoates. The main advantage of this indium-mediated allylation for the synthesis of neuraminic acids comes from the efficient, stereoselective C-C bond formation, which affords predominantly the correct diastereomer having a threo relationship between the newly generated hydroxyl group and the C-2 amide group of mannosamine. By this approach, Neu5Boc (4a), Neu5Gly (4b), Neu5(6-NHCbz)hexanoyl (4c), and Neu5(1-naphthyl)acetyl (4d) were prepared in three steps (overall approximately 50%). In addition, several N-substituted neuraminic acids were synthesized by N-acylation of the amino functionality of neuraminic acid (5b), which was obtained by deprotecting the N-Boc group of Neu5Boc (4a). These analogs include Neu5BrAc (6a), Neu5acryloyl (6b), Neu5benzoyl (6c) and Neu5benzoyl-4-benzoyl (6d). The N-acylation method is especially suited for synthesis of neuraminic acids bearing substituents that can not tolerate ozonolysis or that are unstable (photo)chemically. Finally, we illustrate the utility of synthetic neuraminic acids by converting 4c to a derivative of 2-deoxy-2,3-didehydroneuraminic acid (8c), a precursor to inhibitors of neuraminidases.
Factors predicting satisfaction judgments: A comparative examination

A number of psychological processes (e.g. social comparison, aspirations) may explain why people differ in their satisfaction with various life domains. This study compared the impact of a number of such processes on satisfaction judgments in a sample of 149 college students. Social comparison and positive affect were strong predictors of satisfaction across most domains. Objective conditions and aspirations were predictive of satisfaction in few domains. The relevance of Multiple Discrepancies Theory (Michalos, 1983) for the present findings is discussed. Limitations of the present study are noted and suggestions for future research are offered. Researchers need to focus on the reasons underlying the predictability of different domains from different processes.
Divergent Mechanisms in Amyloid Formation Controlled by Critical Points

The aggregation of amyloidogenic proteins is infamous for being highly chaotic, with small variations in conditions leading to large changes in aggregation rates. We present experimental evidence that the origin of this phenomenom for a broad variety of amyloidogneic oligomers is related to the critical concentration for the formation of particular type of prefibrillar oligomer. Using chemical probes and real time solution NMR, we show that oligomers of this type reversibly form at sharply defined critical concentrations and temperatures in a manner similar to a phase transition. Similarly, the kinetics of fiber formation also show strong non-linearity near these critical points. For some amyloidogenic proteins such as IAPP, the pathway of amyloid formation switches as the critical point is approached, with aggregation initiating at different regions of the protein above and below the critical point. We also show that part of the effect of some inhibitors on amyloid aggregation is to abolish or shift the critical concentration, and map the interface between monomeric IAPP and Aβ and these aggregates.
Superconductivity in alkali-doped C60

Abstract Superconductivity in alkali-doped C 60 (A 3 C 60 , A = an alkali atom) is well described by an s-wave state produced by phonon mediated pairing. Moderate coupling of electrons to high-frequency shape-changing intra-molecular vibrational modes produces transition temperatures ( T c ) up to 33 K in single-phase material. The good understanding of pairing in A 3 C 60 offers a paradigm for the development of new superconducting materials.
Changes in carbonyl index and average molecular weight on embrittlement of enhanced-photodegradable polyethylenes

Weathering behavior of two types of enhanced-photodegradable polyethylenes was studied using FTIR spectroscopy, tensile property changes, and gel-permeation chromatography to monitor structural changes accompanying photodegradation. Changes in elongation at break and carbonyl index during degradation showed a strong correlation with the average molecular weight of the polymers. At the point of embrittlement, the highest extent of degradation measured using tensile properties, the number-average molecular weights for both polymers were in the 104 g/mol range. Facile biodegradation is not expected of polyethylenes of this degree of polymerization.
Actin in the developing stomatal complex of winter rye: A comparison of actin antibodies and Rh‐phalloidin labeling of control and CB‐treated tissues

Actin localization during stomatal complex formation in rye leaf epidermis was compared by three different labeling procedures. When leaf segments are fixed with formaldehyde prior to staining microfilament (MF) patterns visualized with actin antibodies and those with rhodamine-phalloidin (Rh-ph) are basically identical in controls. Likewise, on tissues treated with cytochalasin B (CB), actin antibodies and Rh-ph produce very similar labeling patterns. Compared to MF alignments in fixed samples, additional sets of MFs are observed at the very cortical regions of epidermal cells that are stained with Rh-ph without aldehyde fixation. Cortical MFs are also present in a variety of mitotic cells; MFs of meristematic cells and guard mother cells are more concentrated near the walls facing spindle poles, whereas a fine meshwork of MFs is observed along the entire periclinal surface of subsidiary mother cells. Although exactly how MFs are involved in control of the division site in higher plant cells is still to be determined, the presence of MFs during mitosis and the abnormal division observed in some stomatal cells after treatment with CB suggest that MFs are necessary for normal orientation of division in these cells, and thus normal morphogenesis.
Purine nucleoside and purine base concentrations in bovine thyroid and plasma

Abstract 1. 1. Concentrations of eight purine nucleosides and bases in bovine thyroid and plasma were determined by high pressure liquid chromatography. 2. 2. Plasma purines were metabolized to uric acid in the absence of inhibitors. 3. 3. The concentrations of these purines were 10–100 times greater in thyroid tissue than in plasma.
Scheduled channel access using geographical classification

Geographical Classification Multiple Access (GCMA) is introduced for scheduled channel access in large wireless networks. GCMA uses the geo-spatial coordinates of nodes, together with their transmission and interference ranges, to define collision-free transmission schedules using deterministic distributed algorithms. These algorithms require each node to know only the geo-spatial coordinates of its immediate neighbors to derive correct transmission schedules, even in the presence of hidden terminals. The transmission frames in GCMA consist of the minimum number of time slots needed to avoid multiple access interference, given the transmission and interference ranges of the nodes. GCMA is compared against representative examples of alternative approaches to medium access control; the results of the simulation experiments show that GCMA attains higher packet-delivery ratio and better goodput with end-to-end delay comparable to the other protocols.
Song output and stimulation of the female in white-throated sparrows

We investigated the importance of song length and singing rate in stimulating female white-throated sparrows, Zonotrichia albicollis. In November 1988 ten female and one male white-throated sparrow were captured during the fall migration. To enhance the expression of sexual receptivity, the females were implanted with 17-beta-estradiol silastic pellets. Using the visual stimulus of a non-singing male to further enhance the expression of sexual receptivity in the females, we found that females gave a greater response, in the form of copulation displays, to a five-note versus a two-note version of a typical male white-throated sparrow song. Each version was played back at four songs per minute. In May 1990 birds were captured and treated as before, except that the two-note song was played at ten songs per minute and the five-note song at four songs per minute. Therefore, each female heard twenty notes per minute. In the second experiment, the females did not show a statistical difference in response to the two- and five-note song playbacks. We interpret the results of the second experiment as indicating the song rate as well as song length is important in stimulating female white-throated sparrows because increasing the rate of the two-note song brought the response up to the level of response we obtained to the five-note song played at the slower rate. We conclude that in white-throated sparrows, song output is important for female stimulation.
Vibrational Energy Flow in Highly Excited Molecules: Role of Intramolecular Vibrational Redistribution

A pedagogical overview of intramolecular vibrational redistribution (IVR) phenomena in vibrationally excited molecules is presented. In the interest of focus and simplicity, the topics covered deal primarily with IVR in the ground electronic state, relying on examples from the literature to illustrate key points. The experimental topics discussed attempt to sample systematically three different energy regimes on the full potential surface corresponding to (i) “low”, e.g., moderate- to high-resolution vibrational spectroscopies, (ii) “intermediate”, e.g., stimulated emission pumping and high overtone spectroscopies, and (iii) “high”, e.g., photofragment/predissociation dynamical spectroscopies. The interplay between experiment and theory is highlighted here because it has facilitated enormous advances in the field over the past decade.
Hormone and prostaglandin F2α regulation of messenger ribonucleic acid encoding steroidogenic acute regulatory protein in human corpora lutea

Steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR) protein mediates the rapid increase in steroid hormone biosynthesis in response to tropic hormones by facilitating transport of cholesterol into the inner mitochondrial membrane. Although our laboratory has recently reported on the hormonal regulation of StAR mRNA in the rat ovary, the same regulation in the human corpus luteum requires analysis. To this end, a human StAR complementary DNA (cDNA) probe of 858 bp was generated using reverse transcriptase-PCR and RNA from human corpora lutea. The StAR sequence was confirmed by dideoxy chain-termination sequence analysis. Northern blot analysis using the StAR cDNA probe on human corpora lutea mRNA showed that the probe hybridized to a major 1.6-kb transcript and a minor 4.4-kb transcript. Examination of corpora lutea of different luteal phases revealed that the basal expression of the 1.6-kb transcript was significantly more abundant in the early (days 15–19) luteal phase than in the middle (days 20–23) or late (days 24–28) phases. To examine the hormonal regulation of StAR mRNA, corpora lutea were treated in vitro with increasing concentrations of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) or prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α). Following hCG stimulation, both 1.6- and 4.4-kb StAR transcripts were increased. A statistically significant increase of 2.2- and 1.8-fold in the 1.6-kb transcript was seen with hCG concentrations of 50 and 100 mIU/mL, respectively. This increase was coupled with a significant elevation in media progesterone levels. In contrast, PGF2α treatment significantly decreased both StAR messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expression and media progesterone levels at concentrations of 500 and 5000 ng/mL. This investigation demonstrated that StAR mRNA is regulated by tropic hormones and prostaglandins in the human corpus luteum. The parallel change in StAR mRNA in conjunction with a change in progesterone levels further supports StAR’s putative role in the regulation of steroidogenesis.
Maternal mortality and the consequences on infant and child survival in rural Haiti.

Objective: To determine the odds of death of children when a woman of reproductive age dies from maternal or non maternal causes in rural Haiti. Methods: Deaths among reproductive aged women between 1997 and 1999 in and around Jeremie, Haiti were classified as maternal or non maternal and matched to female, non-deceasesd controls based on village, age, and parity. Information regarding the health and survival of all of the offspring under 12 years old of the identified women was extracted from the Haitian Health Foundation (HHF) Health Information System (HIS). Additional demographic information was obtained through interviews with the mothers for controls and with family members for cases. Two analyses on child death were conducted; 1) the odds of death for each individual child after a mother’s death and 2) the odds of one of the children in a family dying after the mother’s death. Findings: If a family experiences a maternal death, that family has a 55.0% increased odds of experiencing the loss of a child less than 12, whereas when a non maternal death occurs, no increased odds exists. When children of cases were compared to children of controls, mean weight z-scores were the same for the periods corresponding to before and after the maternal deaths. After a maternal death, dosage of BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guerin) TB (tuberculosis) immunization for the surviving child is significantly lower, as are dosage of measles immunization and the first dose of vitamin A. Conclusions: This study shows that a maternal death significantly effects the survival of children in a family in a greater way than a non maternal death.
Phase noise reduction of photonic frequency synthesizer by frequency division

A frequency-independent low-phase-noise microwave source is demonstrated via frequency division of a photonic frequency sythesizer.
Bialgebras of linearly recursive sequences

(1993). Bialgebras of linearly recursive sequences. Communications in Algebra: Vol. 21, No. 11, pp. 3935-3952.
Josephson Coupling, Phase Correlations, and Josephson Plasma Resonance in Vortex Liquid Phase

Josephson plasma resonance (JPR) has been introduced recently as a powerful tool to probe interlayer Josephson coupling in different regions of the vortex phase diagram in layered superconductors. In the liquid phase, the high-temperature expansion with respect to the Josephson coupling connects the Josephson plasma frequency with the phase correlation function. This function, in turn, is directly related to the pair distribution function of the liquid. We develop a recipe to extract the phase and density correlation functions from the dependencies of the plasma resonance frequency ${\ensuremath{\omega}}_{p}(\mathbf{B})$ and the c-axis conductivity ${\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{c}(\mathbf{B})$ on the ab component of the magnetic field at fixed c component. Using Langevin dynamic simulations of two-dimensional vortex arrays we calculate density and phase correlation functions at different temperatures. Calculated phase correlations describe very well the experimental angular dependence of the plasma resonance field. We also demonstrate that in the case of weak damping in the liquid phase, broadening of the JPR line is caused mainly by random Josephson coupling arising from the density fluctuations of pancake vortices. In this case the JPR line has a universal shape, which is determined only by parameters of the superconductors and temperature.
The emerging role of miRNAs in inflammatory bowel disease: a review

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), comprised of ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, is believed to develop as a result of a deregulated inflammatory response to environmental factors in genetically susceptible individuals. Despite advances in understanding the genetic risks of IBD, associated single nucleotide polymorphisms have low penetrance, monozygotic twin studies suggest a low concordance rate, and increasing worldwide IBD incidence leave gaps in our understanding of IBD heritability and highlight the importance of environmental influences. Operating at the interface between environment and heritable molecular and cellular phenotypes, microRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of endogenous, small noncoding RNAs that regulate gene expression. Studies to date have identified unique miRNA expression profile signatures in IBD and preliminary functional analyses associate these deregulated miRNAs to canonical pathways associated with IBD pathogenesis. In this review, we summarize and discuss the miRNA expression signatures associated with IBD in tissue and peripheral blood, highlight miRNAs with potential future clinical applications as diagnostic and therapeutic targets, and provide an outlook on how to develop miRNA based therapies.
A computer model of the kidney.

Abstract We developed a computer model of renal function that factors perfusion pressure, serum sodium, potassium, antidiuretic hormone and aldosterone concentrations to derive urine output, urinary sodium and urinary potassium excretion. The model implements Uttamsingh's (Uttamsingh, R.J., et al. Mathematical model of the human renal system. Med. Biol. Eng. Comput. 23 (1985) 525–536) analytical equations as an electrical circuit suitable for network analysis. This model is useful for studying the effects of renal blood flow and the humoral milieu on renal function in normal kidneys either as a stand-alone unit or in combination with other physiological electrical models.
Measuring Actomyosin Function in a Living Parasite using a Laser Trap

The pathogenic parasite Toxoplasma gondii invades host cells as part of its life cycle. Forward motion of the parasite during invasion is driven by rearward motion of adhesion receptors through the parasitic plasma membrane. These adhesion receptors are coupled to a unique actin (TgACT1) that forms very short filaments (∼100 nm) for which there is no structure to lend them polarity. These are driven rearward by a fast, single-headed, class XIV myosin (MyoA) that is attached to an inner membrane complex. It is unknown how this system of un-oriented, short actin filaments and membrane-associated myosin can result in directional motility. Here we show that the motile apparatus of Toxoplasma is not pre-organized for directional motion, but rather becomes directional after a period of randomly oriented force generation. A laser trap was used to position microspheres on live Toxoplasma and to measure the transduction of force from TgACT1 and MyoA through cell surface adhesion receptors. We found that a ∼50 second period of randomly oriented bead movement was followed by the force becoming oriented toward the rear (basal end) of the cell. The stall force was only 5.6 pN, and we see occasional series of 5 nm steps that may represent the activity of single MyoA. Force becomes directional at the basal end of the cell approximately 3 seconds later than at the apical end of the cell, but the magnitude of force generation was independent of location on the parasite. Addition of the actin filament stabilizer jasplakinolide abrogated directionality. These data suggest that MyoA is activated in Toxoplasma soon after receptor ligation, but that actin filament dynamics are critical to direction finding, and consequently to the regulation of host cell invasion.
Recovery of lymphocytes from clotted blood for HLA typing

A method to recover lymphoid cells from clotted blood for the microcytotoxicity test used in HLA typing is described. The procedure consists of disruption of the clotted blood followed by Ficoll-Hypaque gradient purification of the mononuclear cells. The results of HLA typing of lymphocytes from unclotted and clotted blood were identical.
Economic development and income inequality: Further evidence on the U-curve hypothesis

Abstract Internationally comparable data on inequality and income are utilized to reassess the empirical status of Kusnets' U-curve hypothesis. The hypothesis seems well supported when both developed countries (DCs) and less developed countries (LCDs) are included in the sample. However, the position changes rather dramatically if the sample is restricted to LCDs, and very small support for the hypothesis is then observed. Also, a simple comparison indicates that some of the support reported in earlier studies may have been due to the use of conventional gross domestic product per capita. In general, results based on Gini-coefficient seem less favorable to the hypothesis than those derived from household income shares.
Surrogate duality in a branch-and-bound procedure for integer programming

Abstract The existence of efficient techniques such as subgradient search for solving Lagrangean duals has led to some very successful applications of Lagrangean duality in solving specially structured discrete problems. While surrogate duals have been theoretically shown to provide stronger bounds, the complexity of surrogate dual multiplier search has discouraged their employment in solving integer programs. We have recently suggested a new strategy for computing surrogate dual values that allows us to directly use established Lagrangean search methods for exploring surrogate dual multipliers. This paper considers the problem of incorporating surrogate duality within a branch-and-bound procedure for solving integer programming problems. Computational experience with randomly generated multiconstraint knapsack problems is also reported.
RESISTANCE OF GLASS TO THERMAL STRESSES

The theory of stresses introduced in glass by thermal shocks is a matter of fundamental interest to the glass manufacturer. Analysis is complicated by the existence in many cases of unknown degrees of stress relief or transference by flexure. General treatment of these cases is extremely difficult because of irregular or variable shapes. There is, however, a large group of thermal-shock phenomena in which flexure of the piece is not a factor. Complete immersion shocks fall in this category; so also do thermal shocks administered to tubes and pipes, since the cylindrical shape prevents flexure. (There is a small end effect accompanied by flexure, but in practice only a small fraction of breaks originate in the end region.) Many examples of breakage from shocking one side only of a piece are also of this simple type, since maximum tension occurs immediately from pure “stretch” and is greater than subsequent stresses accompanied by flexure. Analysis of the stresses resulting from stretch incurred by thermal gradients has been carried out by many writers for plates and cylinders, and various applications have been made of the results.1 The calculation of maximum fiber tension, however, is not in itself enough to determine thermal endurance. The duration of the stress also plays an important role. The simplest example of this is the well-known fact that in immersion tests breakage frequently does not occur for an appreciable interval, sometimes several seconds. Yet maximum tension on the cooled surface is almost immediate and falls off rapidly. The importance of duration is pointed out by Schonborn,1(c) but he does not attempt any quantitative treatment. It is the purpose of the subsequent analysis to incorporate the time of stressing into the discussion of thermal endurance.
Practical experiences with Java software transactional memory

In this paper, we evaluate the emerging Transactional Memory (TM) area by developing a set of Java transactional memory workloads and studying their performance under a Java Software Transactional Memory (STM) system and comparing them to their lock based counterparts. We provide a detailed performance and memory consumption analysis of the overheads of software transactional memory and transactional workloads within a production quality open source Java Runtime system. Additionally, we detail the impact of the various performance optimizations in both workloads and the underlying runtime system to improving both single thread performance and scalability.
Effects of monochlorosilane on the properties of plasma deposited hydrogenated amorphous silicon

Concentrations of monochlorosilane (SiH3Cl) of the order of 2500 ppm have been detected in some commercial tanks of silane by mass spectrometry and optical emission spectroscopy (OES). This impurity is shown to depress the position of the Fermi level in a-Si:H, resulting in lower photoconductivity and solar cell efficiency.
Tilted Optic Disks

Tilted optic disks are a common finding in the general population. An expression of anomalous human development, the tilted disk appears rotated and tilted along its axes. Visual sequelae described with tilted optic disks include myopia, astigmatism, visual field loss, deficient color vision, and retinal abnormalities. Although the natural course of tilted optic disks is nonprogressive, the anomaly can be mistaken for tumors of the anterior visual pathway, edema of the optic nerve head, or glaucoma. A thorough examination of patients with tilted disk includes refraction, dilated fundus examination, and visual field testing. At times, neuroimaging may be necessary to arrive at the correct diagnosis. Until normative data are validated for tilted disks, the role of new imaging technologies for the optic nerve head is limited. Familiarity with the spectrum of ophthalmoscopic appearance and the clinical manifestations of tilted disks may be the most critical factors in avoiding misdiagnosis.
PACT Loop Expansion

Abstract : A discussion of the method used to write loops in machine language for any series of PACT I compiler instructions is presented. (Author)
ABLATIVE THERAPIES FOR THE COLUMNAR-LINED ESOPHAGUS

Endoscopic ablative therapy could reduce the risk for the development of adenocarcinoma in patients with Barrett's esophagus. Combination therapy, which includes pharmacologic or surgical acid control plus endoscopic mucosal ablation, can reverse Barrett's esophagus that has not been accomplished with prior medical or surgical therapy. Pharmacologic esophageal acid control often takes higher than usual doses of proton pump inhibitor therapy. The preliminary results of endoscopic ablation techniques, including laser, photodynamic therapy, and multipolar electrocoagulation, are reviewed. The goal of ablative therapy is to eliminate all intestinal metaplasia and therefore the risk for the development of adenocarcincoma. Endoscopic ablative therapies need to be validated with larger and longer term trials. Better criteria to estimate the risk for the development of adenocarcinoma are needed to select appropriate candidates for combination therapy.
Sensitivity analyses of a precerebellar neuron model predict a morphologic mechanism for plasticity of neuronal function

The vestibuloocular reflex (VOR) provides an amenable model of learning and memory. Neurons from the Area II nucleus of goldfish are necessary for VOR plasticity, carrying an efferent copy of the eye velocity motor command to the cerebellum. Recently we introduced a novel sensitivity analysis method [1] to quantify how dendritic morphology and intrinsic electrical parameters affect neuronal function. This approach also allows precise combinations of active conductances to be predicted that can compensate for a given morphologic change to restore normal function. Here we have extended our method to analyze interactions between explicit pairs of parameters. We reconstructed the morphology and built multi-compartment models of three distinct Area II neurons, followed by an automated parameter optimization to fit each model to a single set of physiological data. Using partial least squares regression to identify sensitivity trends globally across the space of active and morphologic parameters, neuronal outputs relevant to eye velocity integration were found to be driven largely by intracellular calcium concentration near the soma, and voltage attenuation in distal dendrites. We then analyzed the second order sensitivity matrices (Hessians) of perisomatic calcium concentration and distal voltage attenuation, for each morphologic model at two disparate points in parameter space. The results identified sensitive directions, precise combinations of electrical and morphologic parameters that varied output the most, and robust directions that varied output the least. Perturbing the model along the sensitive direction of distal voltage attenuation, which minimally changed perisomatic calcium concentration, was sufficient to induce functional changes that might underlie vestibular plasticity paradigms. Yet, even large perturbations along the robust direction of distal voltage attenuation had little effect on functional output. Our results show that specific, subtle changes of morphology and conductances in the dendrites are sufficient to alter the range of a neuron’s firing dynamics. We propose that dendritic morphology plays a significant role in determining the functional flexibility, or robustness, of a neuron.
Delineation of the influence of propionylcarnitine on the accumulation of long-chain acylcarnitines and electrophysiologic derangements evoked by hypoxia in canine myocardium.

To investigate the potential influence on one analogue of carnitine on the electrophysiologic derangements elicited by myocardial ischemia and subsequent reperfusion, we evaluated whether increasing concentrations of propionylcarnitine would interact with carnitine acyltransferase I and thereby decrease the accumulation of long-chain acylcarnitines during hypoxia in isolated adult canine myocytes. Propionylcarnitine (1–100 μM) did not alter the sixfold reversible increase in long-chain acylcarnitines elicited by 10 minutes of hypoxia. Likewise, propionylcarnitine did not alter the reversal of the accumulation of long-chain acylcarnitines associated with reoxygenation of hypoxic myocytes. To assess whether analogues of carnitine could influence the development or reversal of the electrophysiologic derangements induced by hypoxia in adult canine epicardial tissue, selected concentrations of propionylcarnitine (1 μM to 10 mM) were administered prior to and during 15 minutes of hypoxic perfusion at 35°C followed by 5–20 minutes of reoxygenation. Continuous intracellular transmembrane action potentials were recorded with glass microelectrodes. Administration of propionylcarnitine prior to and during hypoxia did not alter the electrophysiologic derangements elicited by hypoxia or subsequent reoxygenation. Therefore, propionylcarnitine does not influence the activity of carnitine acyltransferase I and does not alter the accumulation of long-chain acylcarnitines during hypoxia. Although propionylcarnitine may protect ischemic myocardium by enhancing the recovery of contractile function during reperfusion, propionylcarnitine does not attenuate any of the electrophysiologic alterations observed during hypoxia or subsequent reoxygenation in isolated tissue.
Vietnamese Postpartum Practices Implications for Nursing in the Hospital Setting

Abstract Twenty Vietnamese families in Salt Lake City, Utah, were interviewed concerning postpartum practices. Results show that special dietary and activity proscriptions are widely accepted for Vietnamese primiparae and less rigidly accepted for multiparae. Activity proscriptions relate to the avoidance of cold, including drafts and showers, and avoidance of sexual intercourse. Bed rest and limitation of activity were also important to the subjects. Implications for nursing practice in the inpatient obstetrical unit are presented.
The Functions and Role of the United Nations Secretariat in Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea

AbstractThis article provides an overview of the functions entrusted to the Secretary-General of the United Nations under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and performed on his behalf by the United Nations Secretariat, namely the Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea of the Office of Legal Affairs. In accordance with the commemorative spirit of this special issue, the article seeks to chronicle the major institutional steps through which the Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea came into existence and was assigned with unique tasks in ocean and sea-related matters within the United Nations system. The functions of the Division are then briefly discussed.
Selecting operating points for discrete-time gain scheduling

Abstract Gain scheduling is a popular approach for nonlinear control system design. A controller is obtained by designing a set of controllers at operating points and then linearly interpolating controller values between them. However, little guidance has been provided in the literature for the selection of operating points. We use interval mathematics and a classical synthesis design approach to determine a near minimal set of design points and assess the quality of a gain scheduled controller. A sufficient condition for the assignment of the system closed loop poles is developed, and an algorithm for selecting the operating points is provided. An example is given to demonstrate the approach.
Application of environmental sample processor (ESP) methodology for quantifying Pseudo-nitzschia australis using ribosomal RNA-targeted probes in sandwich and fluorescent in situ hybridization formats

In this contribution, we assess the application of methodology used in a novel in situ remote sampling platform, the environmental sample processor (ESP), for the identification and enumeration of a harmful algal species, the domoic acid-producing diatom Pseudo-nitzschia australis, using 2 molecular assays: a sandwich hybridization assay (SHA) and fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH). Both the SHA and FISH assays were initially designed as laboratory-based methods that are now emulated in the ESP. Response of the SHA to a range of concentrations of P. australis using the laboratory (96-well plate) and ESP (DNA probe array) formats showed that the two were highly correlated. Enumeration of cells filtered and archived for FISH using a manifold designed for laboratory applications agreed well with counts of cells filtered and archived in the ESP at ≥2.5 × 104 cells L−1. At lower concentrations, it becomes statistically unlikely to derive a reliable abundance estimate, suggesting that FISH is better suited for qualitative analyses unless the target organism is very abundant. We also assessed the suitability of an oligonucleotide as synthetic target sequence to act as a SHA reagent quality control and internal standard for the plate assay. This was successful, but the probe and/or associated reagents were stable for only ~60 days. Our results show that the ESP is capable of detecting P. australis in near real-time and also supports whole-cell archival samples, making it a potentially useful tool for future research and monitoring initiatives.
Targeting Self-Stigma in Returning Military Personnel and Veterans: A Review of Intervention Strategies

Research suggests that mental health-related stigma significantly decreases the use of mental health services by military personnel and veterans. The goal of this article is to review what is known...
Rotating Probe Measurements of the Pump Passage Flow Field in an Automotive Torque Converter

The relative flow in an automotive torque converter pump passage was measured at three locations inside the passage (mid-chord, 3/4-chord, and 4/4-chord) using a miniature high-frequency response five-hole probe in the pump rotating frame. A custom-designed brush-type slip-ring unit is used in the rotating probe system to transmit the amplified signal from the probe in the rotating frame to the stationary frame. At speed ratio of 0.6, a weak jet-wake flow pattern is observed at the pump mid-chord. High flow loss is observed in the core-suction corner due to the wake flow caused by the flow separation. A strong clockwise secondary flow is found to dominate the flow structure at the pump mid-chord, The Coriolis force and the through flow velocity deficit near the core at the pump inlet are the main reasons for this secondary flow. The jet-wake flow pattern at the 3/4-chord is enhanced by the upstream secondary flow. A jet-wake flow pattern is also observed at the pump 4/4-chord, with concentration of the flow near the passage pressure side. The secondary flow changes its direction of rotation from the 3/4-chord to 4/4-chord. This is mostly caused by the passage meridional curvature and the flow concentration. High loss is found in the core-suction corner wake flow due to a low kinetic energy flow accumulation and the flow separation. Finally, the pump flow field is assessed through the mass-averaged total pressure and relative pressure loss parameter. The data are also analyzed to assess the effect of the speed ratio on the flow field.
Proteolytic enzymes from the midgut of the housefly

Abstract Three electrophoretically separate bands hydrolysing gelatin-agar substrate were found in extracts from the midgut of adult houseflies. One of these seems to be an endoenzyme from the tissues of the gut, probably from epithelial cells. The other two enzymes are from the midgut contents. These enzymes also have characteristic differences in heat denaturation and substrate-pH sensitivity.
Room-temperature and near-room-temperature molecule-based magnets.

Additional members of the family of high-Tc molecule-based magnets, V[acceptor]2·yCH2Cl2 have been discovered in which the acceptor is a fluorophenyltricyanoethylene. Varying the number and positio...
Accuracy of Aerial Photography for Locating Seasonal (Vernal) Pools in Massachusetts

Several studies in the northeastern U.S. used aerial photographs to map potential seasonal (vernal) pools, yet their accuracy is highly variable. We used the statewide seasonal pool database and two other independent aerial photographic seasonal pool surveys in conjunction with field surveys to assess the accuracy of aerial photography for locating seasonal pools at four study sites in central and western Massachusetts, and compared the overlap of mapped pools for each aerial photographic survey database. Commission errors ranged from 0% to 50% for meeting the physical criteria, and 4% to 61% for meeting the biological criteria for certification. There was low overlap (16% to 33%) between databases for potential seasonal pools mapped, and digitizing errors ranged from 13% to 65% of assessed pools, typically between 1–31 m. Photo type, scale, quality of the imagery, forest cover, spring precipitation levels, and minimum mapping unit can all affect the ability of a photo-interpreter to accurately map potential seasonal pools. Despite these limitations, aerial photographic surveys provide an important tool for locating seasonal pools over large areas; however, substantial numbers of seasonal pools may be missed by these surveys.
Plasmapheresis in catastrophic complications of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura

Delayed hypoxic encephalopathy was first described in adults with Carbon monoxide poisoning? However, in the review of Plum et al" and in subsequent case reports, it was noted that patients of all ages sustaining various types of anoxic insult to the brain may develop this syndrome. Heroin overdose, postoperative anoxia, and hypoglycemia have all been described with recovery and relapse.~, Clinically, the affected patients seem to recover completely soon after the anoxia. After two to ten days that may exhibit strange behavior, irritability, agitation, and confusion or they may become very withdrawn and uncommunicative. Usually they then develop signs of p),ramidal tract disease although rigidity and other extrapyramidal signs have also been seen. Some patients pursue a steady downhill course to death, others maY arrest at various levels of dysfunction, and others may reach a certain level and then either totally or partially recover. The pathology of the disorder is diffuse cerebral demyelination or destruction of the basal ganglia or both. There is absence of cerebral edema and vascular abnormality. No evidence of allergic encephalomyelitis is present. Some authors suggest that an enzyme abnormali ty or lactic acidosis may be related to the demyelination. None of these theories has been proven. Awareness of this syndrome is not widespread. Many of these patients were thought to have had psychiatric illness or they remained undiagnosed until postmortem examination revealed the pathology. Therapy and prevention are unknown.
A comparison of techniques for myelomeningocele defect closure in the neonatal period.

Numerous techniques have been described for repair of myelomeningoceles, but outcome data is scarce. A retrospective review was performed in 32 consecutive patients who underwent neonatal myelomeningocele repair and extra-dural closure to determine the influence of repair type on outcome. All procedures for myelomeningocele closure were classified into one of three groups, which included primary closure, myocutaneous flaps, and fasciocutaneous flaps. Defect size ranged from 1 to 48 cm2. Primary skin closure was performed in 3 patients, fasciocutaneous flaps in 13 patients, and myocutaneous flaps in 16 patients. The overall complication rate was 18 %. No difference in the complication rates among the primary closure, myocutaneous, and fasciocutaneous flap groups was observed in our analysis. While not statistically significant, our data documents an association of fasciocutaneous flaps with postoperative complications that were not evident with primary skin closure or myocutaneous flaps (odds ratio 3.8; p = 0.15). The occurrence of one or more complications was associated with a longer hospital stay. Myocutaneous flaps provide a secure repair and should be considered for smaller myelomeningocele defects in addition to the larger defects where they are more traditionally used. We propose a tissue-based classification of closure techniques strictly for multi-institution outcome comparison that may ultimately inform clinical decision-making.
A Comparison of Gill Netting and Electrofishing as Sampling Techniques for White Bass in Missouri's Large Reservoirs

Abstract I compared fall gill netting with spring electrofishing to determine which method best represented the population abundance and size structure of white bass Morone chrysops in two Missouri reservoirs. Gill nets caught all ages and sizes of white bass, and both sexes were equally represented. Median catch rates were variable but were usually less than 10 fish/gill-net day. Mean annual electrofishing catch rates peaked after mid-April and ranged from about 50–180 fish/h. Electrofishing did not reflect the size structure because it caught primarily male white bass (about 90% of the sample), which are smaller than females of the same age, and the catch rates of immature (age-1) fish were low (usually < 10 fish/h). The catch rates of the two methods were not related to each other, but both appeared to reflect large changes in population abundance. The age frequencies of the sexes and the relative differences in year-class strength were similar with both methods. I recommend fall gill netting for sampl...
Proton radiotherapy for childhood ependymoma: initial clinical outcomes and dose comparisons.

Purpose To report preliminary clinical outcomes for pediatric patients treated with proton beam radiation for intracranial ependymoma and compare the dose distributions of intensity-modulated radiation therapy with photons (IMRT), three-dimensional conformal proton radiation, and intensity-modulated proton radiation therapy (IMPT) for representative patients. Methods and Materials All children with intracranial ependymoma confined to the supratentorial or infratentorial brain treated at the Francis H. Burr Proton Facility and Harvard Cyclotron between November 2000 and March 2006 were included in this study. Seventeen patients were treated with protons. Proton, IMRT, and IMPT plans were generated with similar clinical constraints for representative infratentorial and supratentorial ependymoma cases. Tumor and normal tissue dose–volume histograms were calculated and compared. Results At a median follow-up of 26 months from the start date of radiation therapy, local control, progression-free survival, and overall survival rates were 86%, 80%, and 89%, respectively. Subtotal resection was significantly associated with decreased local control ( p = 0.016). Similar tumor volume coverage was achieved with IMPT, proton therapy, and IMRT. Substantial normal tissue sparing was seen with proton therapy compared with IMRT. Use of IMPT will allow for additional sparing of some critical structures. Conclusions Preliminary disease control with proton therapy compares favorably with the literature. Dosimetric comparisons show the advantage of proton radiation compared with IMRT in the treatment of ependymoma. Further sparing of normal structures appears possible with IMPT. Superior dose distributions were accomplished with fewer beam angles with the use of protons and IMPT.