cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Radial changes in wood specific gravity of tropical trees: inter- and intraspecific variation during secondary succession

Summary Variation in wood specific gravity (WSG) within and across species of tropical trees is poorly studied in relation to vegetation change during tropical forest succession. We investigated WSG of 91 species in eight long-term plots along a successional chronosequence in north-eastern Costa Rica. Radial changes in WSG were described by the rate of change (slope) along the stem radius. Significant radial changes were found in 42 of 74 species, with 37 species exhibiting increases from inner to outer wood, and five exhibiting decreases. Radial increases were commonly observed in species with inner WSG below 0·5, whereas radial decreases were observed in species with inner WSG above 0·7. Wood specific gravity weighted by cross-sectional area (wWSG) varied four-fold among species. Species classified as second-growth specialists had lower wWSG, lower inner and outer WSG, and higher slopes than old-growth specialists; successional generalists showed intermediate trait values. Among 18 species sampled in both second- and old-growth forests, four species (22%) showed significant variation in wWSG between forest types. Of 33 widely sampled species, seven species (21%) showed a significant effect of stem diameter on wWSG. Second-growth plots had lower stand-level wWSG and more pronounced radial increases than old-growth plots. Individual tree biomass for species with radial increases and low WSG was substantially underestimated when based on unweighted WSG compared with wWSG. Wood specific gravity varied with successional stage at multiple levels: within species, among successional specialist groups, and across plots of varying ages. Radial increases in WSG are common among trees in early and intermediate stages of tropical forest succession. This trait may confer growth advantages early in succession and increased resistance to physical or biotic damage during later successional stages.
Structure of Small Actin-Containing Liposomes Probed by Atomic Force Microscopy: Effect of Actin Concentration & Liposome Size

Actin-containing liposomes were prepared via extrusion through 400 and 600 nm pore diameter membranes at different monomeric actin concentrations in low ionic strength buffer (G-buffer). After subjecting the liposome dispersions to high ionic strength polymerization buffer (F-buffer), topological changes in liposome structure were studied using atomic force microscopy (AFM). Paired dumbbell, horseshoelike, and disklike assemblies were observed for actin-containing liposomes extruded through 400 and 600 nm pore diameter membranes. The topology of actin-containing liposomes was found to be highly dependent on both liposome size and actin concentration. At 1 mg/mL actin, the actin-containing liposomes transformed into a disklike shape, whereas, at 5 mg/mL actin, the actin-containing liposomes retained a spherical shape. On the basis of these observations, we hypothesize that actin could either polymerize on the surface of the inner leaflet of the liposome membrane or polymerize in the aqueous core of the liposome. We explain the associated shape changes induced in actin-containing liposomes on the basis of the hypothesized mechanism of actin polymerization inside the liposomes. At higher actin concentrations (5 mg/mL), we observed membrane-induced actin self-assembly in G-buffer, which implies that G-actin is able to interact directly with lipid bilayers at sufficiently high concentrations.
Examining the Impact of Changes in Maternal Employment on High School Completion Among Low-Income Youth

The passage of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act and decisions about its re-authorization have resurrected interest in the impact of maternal employment on child outcomes in poor families. The emerging evidence suggests that employment stability among former welfare recipients is a key factor in making successful transitions from welfare to work. This investigation explores how changes in maternal employment in poor families relate to high school completion among at risk youths. Our findings show that a substantial number of mothers experience unstable employment patterns. This instability is positively correlated with dropout among adolescents. The paper concludes with policy implications for the next phase of welfare reform.
Modeling of impacts on composite structures

Impacts of foreign objects on composite structures can create internal damage that reduces the strength of the structure significantly. The study of such impacts requires understanding the dynamics of the event, predicting the extent of the induced damage, and estimating the residual properties of the structure. The impact event involves the motion of the target, the motion of the projectile, and the local indentation in the contact zone. A large number of parameters affect the impact dynamics, many types of responses can be obtained, and many models have been proposed in the literature. These models can be classified into three categories: (1) energy-balance models that assume a quasi-static behavior of the structure; (2) spring-mass models that account for the dynamics of the structure in a simplified manner; (3) complete models in which the dynamic behavior of the structure is fully modeled. Simple models can bring insight into the problem and be efficient but have limited applicability. Complex models may have wider applicability but require significantly higher modeling and computational effort. There is a need for a general understanding of the impact dynamics and for a method for developing efficient and accurate models.
Preliminary design of smart structure fins for high-speed missiles

The preliminary design of aeroelastically tailored adaptive missile fins for supersonic speeds is presented. Due to the extreme operating environment of supersonic flight including high temperatures and pressures, a successful supersonic smart missile fin design has been more difficult to develop than previously developed subsonic smart missile fins. Currently research at the University of Texas at Arlington is being conducted to develop a light-weight, low-cost, smart missile fin capable of surviving the supersonic operating environment while providing performance comparable to existing missile fins. Efforts are being concentrated on using aeroelastic tailoring to enhance the effectiveness of existing actuators using smart structures, allowing a lower total actuator weight with better utilization of missile internal volume. Previous work (Barrett) has used piezoelectric elements to apply span-wise twist to a fixed fin or deflect an all-moving fin around a fixed spar. This research attempts to identify improvements and alternative designs for the all-moving smart fin to enable it to be used at supersonic speeds. Various techniques to reduce the control surface hinge moment are presented and compared to attempt to reduce control forces which allow smaller actuators to be used. Future work will focus on improved analysis of the aerodynamic interactions and the elimination of fuselage mounted actuators by the use of a combination of smart fin technologies.
The communicative significance of primary and secondary accents

Abstract Many formal linguists hold that English pitch accent has a single function: marking focus. On the other hand, there is evidence from corpus work and from psycholinguistics that pitch accent is attracted to expressions which are unpredictable. We present a two-factor pragmatic account in which both focus and predictability contribute to the placement of accent in an English intonational phrase. On examples of so-called “second occurrence focus” and related phenomena, our account gives superior results to the one-factor accounts of Rooth and Buring and to Selkirk’s rival two-factor account.
Dielectronic recombination rate coefficients for Fe23+ ion

Abstract The dielectronic recombination rate coefficients are explicitly calculated for the Li-like ion Fe 23+ , which recombines with the continuum electron to form Fe 22+ . Both 1 s 2 2 s and 1 s 2 2 p initial states are treated for the temperature range 1∼8 keV. The rate coefficients are obtained from a direct evaluation of the Auger and radiative transition probabilities which are calculated from nonrelativistic Hartree-Fock wave functions. The L -shell electron excitation with Δ n ≠0 is found to be the dominant transition, while the 2 s →2 p excitation with Δ n = 0 contributes approx. 10–25% of the Δ n ≠0 value. The K -shell excitation effect is about 1∼30% in the temperature range considered, and the cascade effect is estimated to be a reduction in the rate of about 14%.
Translocated Heat Injury in Plants

TRANSLOCATED heat injury is common in burns of human beings1 but is apparently not recorded in plants. When one of the two primary leaves of pinto bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) or cowpea (Vigna sinensis ((Torner) Savi) or the cotyledons of National Pickling cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) was heated in water (5 sec. at 70° C. was suitable) and the opposite leaf abraded as in mechanical inoculation with viruses, the heated leaf was killed and the unheated leaf was severely injured. There was no apparent injury to the petioles and stem through which the injury stimulus passed. When the heated leaf was removed from the plant within 4 hr. after heating, the translocated injury to the opposite leaf was prevented, or recovery was favoured. Translocated injury still occurred if heating followed abrasion by as much as 12 hr., or if abrasion followed heating by as much as 16 hr., but comparable injury never occurred from abrasion or heat only. As the ratio of the area of the heated leaf to that of the unheated leaf was increased by removal of part of the leaf area, translocated injury was increased. The time of day to produce maximum translocated injury quickly was in the morning, but translocated injury could be produced at any time of day. Translocated injury was favoured by light and high temperatures in the environment. As the age of plants was increased from 12 to 23 days the degree of translocated injury was increased. The temperature coefficient for translocated heat injury was about 10. This translocated heat injury had various effects on infections which will be reported elsewhere. While no chemical responsible for translocated heat injury has been demonstrated, these results suggest a similarity between translocated heat injury in plants and animals.
Signs in the Laplace expansions and the parity of the distinguished representatives

Abstract In this paper, the signs of the terms in the Laplace expansions of determinants are investigated. The problem is equivalent to that of the parity of the distinguished coset representatives for the (maximal) parabolic subgroups of the symmetric groups. The number of positive and negative terms (equivalently, the number of even and odd representatives) are given explicitly together with their generating functions. Also mentioned are some applications to the symbolic method (in invariant theory) and combinatorics.
Prospects of vaccines for invasive aspergillosis.

Invasive aspergillosis is a disease of immunocompromised hosts and the pathogenesis of this disorder is heavily dependent upon the defect within a given host. Consequently, vaccine development is limited by our understanding of effective host responses and by limitations in our knowledge of fungal molecules that elicit protective immunity. Nonetheless, the past few years have witnessed advances in our understanding both of the immune response to this organism and in the relationship between antigenicity and the ability to confer protection. Manipulations that promote the development of TH1-associated responses correlate with increased resistance to disease, at least partly because of consequent enhancement of innate cellular effector function. Two areas of investigation most actively being pursued include the search for adjuvants that will allow products of Aspergillus fumigatus to become effective vaccine candidates, regardless of the form of immunity they ordinarily induce, and the identification of the...
GTP hydrolysis by transitional endoplasmic reticulum from rat liver inhibited by all-trans-retinol.

Abstract GTP hydrolysis by an endoplasmic reticulum fraction from rat liver enriched in part-rough, part-smooth transition elements was inhibited by all- trans -retinol half maximally at a concentration of about 10 μg/ml. Similar results were obtained with GTPase activity partially purified by ion-exchange (DE-52) chromatography. The inhibition was non-competitive and given by both retinol and retinaldehyde but not by retinoic acid or α-tocopheryl acetate. The hydrolysis of other nucleoside di- and triphosphates was much less affected by retinol. The activity was inhibited by detergents but at much higher concentrations than by retinol. The results suggest that enhancement of cell-free transfer from endoplasmic reticulum to Golgi apparatus by retinol observed previously at low concentrations of cytosol may be mediated through an interaction with GTP.
Site-directed mutagenesis of heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor (HB-EGF): analysis of O-glycosylation sites and properties.

Heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor (HB-EGF) is a 22kDa, O-glycosylated protein. HeLa cells infected with a recombinant vaccinia virus expressing human HB-EGF produced a secreted, bioactive protein, with Mr 22,000 that was decreased to 14,000 by treatment with O-glycanase. Site-directed mutagenesis of HB-EGF cDNA using oligonucleotide- and PCR-directed techniques was performed to change the potential glycosylation sites, Thr75 and Thr85, to alanine residues to prevent O-glycosylation. Purification and characterization of the mutant proteins demonstrated that: (i) both O-glycosylation sites of HB-EGF are utilized, (ii) HB-EGF secretion does not require O-glycosylation, (iii) removal of O-glycans does not affect proteolytic cleavage of the HB-EGF precursor, nor does it influence HB-EGF intracellular trafficking or subcellular localization, and (iv) HB-EGF produced by HeLa cells is heavily sialylated. Comparisons between glycosylation mutants and wild-type HB-EGF revealed no significan...
Reg IV activates the epidermal growth factor receptor/Akt/AP-1 signaling pathway in colon adenocarcinomas.

Background & Aims: Reg IV, a secreted protein and member of the Reg multigene family, is up-regulated in malignancies of the human gastrointestinal tract, including colorectal carcinoma (CRC). However, in vitro signal transduction pathway(s) utilized by Reg IV are not yet known. Methods: To determine the signaling pathway(s) responsive to Reg IV, we examined the effects of purified recombinant human Reg IV (rhR4) on HCT116 and HT29 colon adenocarcinoma cells. Results: Addition of rhR4 to cultures led to a dose-dependent increase in cell number similar to that observed after treatment with epidermal growth factor (EGF). In addition, rhR4 treatment resulted in rapid phosphorylation of EGF receptor at Tyr992 and Tyr1068 and Akt at Thr308 and Ser473. Using luciferase reporter gene assays, we demonstrated that Reg IV signaling through EGF receptor and Akt results in increased activator protein-1 (AP-1) transcription factor activity. Real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analyses revealed quantitative increases in c-Jun, JunB, JunD, and FosB expression associated with increased AP-1 activity. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay further revealed significant increases in AP-1 binding activity in rhR4-treated cells, with increased supershift in the presence of antibodies to JunB, JunD, and FosB. Furthermore, rhR4 treatments led to the increased expression of Bcl-2, Bcl-XL, survivin, and matrilysin, genes associated with a poor prognosis in advanced CRC. Conclusions: Reg IV is a potent activator of the EGF receptor/Akt/AP-1 signaling pathway in CRC. Disruption of Reg signaling may have utility as a therapeutic intervention for human gastrointestinal adenocarcinomas.
Liver metabolism of porphyrins and haem

The liver is an active site for the biosynthesis of haem and porphyrinogens/porphyrins, which are intermediates of the haem biosynthetic pathway, because haem is required for functional activity of the cytochrome P 450 system and other critical hepatic haemoproteins. The production of hepatic haem is regulated primarily through the activity of aminolaevulinic acid synthase which is the first and normally rate-limiting enzyme of the pathway. This is, in turn, controlled by a putative regulatory haem pool. Hepatic haem can be repleted by the intravenous administration of haem, which is the basis for haem therapy in patients with acute porphyric attacks. The liver catabolizes haem to bilirubin through microsomal haem oxygenase activity and excretes haem into bile along with porphyrins. Biliary excretion of porphyrins increases significantly in patients with some types of porphyria. In protoporphyria this may cause liver damage as a result of protoporphyrin toxicity. The delineation of the pathway for protoporphyrin excretion into bile should facilitate therapy in protoporphyria by identifying ways in which protoporphyrin excretion can be enhanced.
Excited Vibrational States near Dissociation in Weakly Bound Triatomic Systems

The vibrational motion of a weakly bound M3 complex is investigated using hyperspherical coordinates and an adiabatic separation of the radial and angular motions within the molecule. It is shown that the vibrational energy levels near dissociation correlate to an M atom orbiting about a rotating M2 core. Application is made to the neon trimer assuming an approximate pairwise additive potential.
Disulfide bonds in the ectodomain of anthrax toxin receptor 2 are required for the receptor-bound protective-antigen pore to function.

Background Cell-surface receptors play essential roles in anthrax toxin action by providing the toxin with a high-affinity anchor and self-assembly site on the plasma membrane, mediating the toxin entry into cells through endocytosis, and shifting the pH threshold for prepore-to-pore conversion of anthrax toxin protective antigen (PA) to a more acidic pH, thereby inhibiting premature pore formation. Each of the two known anthrax toxin receptors, ANTXR1 and ANTXR2, has an ectodomain comprised of an N-terminal von Willebrand factor A domain (VWA), which binds PA, and an uncharacterized immunoglobulin-like domain (Ig) that connects VWA to the membrane-spanning domain. Potential roles of the receptor Ig domain in anthrax toxin action have not been investigated heretofore. Methodology/Principal Findings We expressed and purified the ANTXR2 ectodomain (R2-VWA-Ig) in E. coli and showed that it contains three disulfide bonds: one in R2-VWA and two in R2-Ig. Reduction of the ectodomain inhibited functioning of the pore, as measured by K+ release from liposomes or Chinese hamster ovary cells or by PA-mediated translocation of a model substrate across the plasma membrane. However, reduction did not affect binding of the ectodomain to PA or the transition of ectodomain-bound PA prepore to the pore conformation. The inhibitory effect depended specifically on reduction of the disulfides within R2-Ig. Conclusions/Significance We conclude that disulfide integrity within R2-Ig is essential for proper functioning of receptor-bound PA pore. This finding provides a novel venue to investigate the mechanism of anthrax toxin action and suggests new strategies for inhibiting toxin action.
Performance analysis of a dual-buffer architecture for digital flow cytometry.

Background Most current commercial flow cytometers employ analog circuitry to provide feature values describing the pulse waveforms produced from suspended cells and particles. This restricts the type of features that can be extracted (typically pulse height, width, and integral) and consequently places a limit on classification performance. In previous work, we described a first-generation digital data acquisition and processing system that was used to demonstrate the classification advantages provided by the extraction of additional waveform features. An improved version of the system is discussed in this paper, focusing on dual-buffering to ensure increased pulse capture. A mathematical model of the system is also presented for performance analysis. Methods The second-generation system incorporates fast digitization of analog pulse waveforms, instantaneous pulse detection hardware, and a novel dual-buffering scheme. A mathematical model of the system was developed to theoretically compute the capture-rate performance. Results The capture rate of the system was theoretically analyzed and empirically measured. Under typical conditions, a capture rate of 8,000 pulses/s was experimentally achieved. Conclusions Based on these results, the dual-buffer architecture shows great potential for use in flow cytometry. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The choline requirement of the growing kitten in the presence of just adequate dietary methionine

Abstract This study was conducted to determine the level at which choline is required by the growing kitten fed a 33% soy protein diet containing methionine just at its required level and total sulfur amino acids in excess. All experimental diets were isocaloric with a calculated metabolizable energy of 5.0 kcal/g. The soy protein used in each diet contributed 0.04% choline by analysis, and six levels of added choline were studied: 0, 0.10, 0.15, 0.20, 0.25, and 0.30g choline per 100g of diet. Kittens were fed the diets for 30 days in a 4×6 randomized block design, and food intake and body weights were recorded three times weekly. At the end of the feeding period, the liver was removed and analyzed for water content and total lipids, and a heparinized blood sample was taken for subsequent analysis of plasma methionine, albumin, total protein, glutamate-oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT), glutamate-pyruvate transaminase (GPT) and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) activities. Weight gain and liver lipid response curves exhibited a plateau at approximately 0.2% added choline. GOT and GPT activities were significantly higher in the plasma of kittens fed the diet with no added choline than in any other of the groups. However, activities of both enzymes in that group were within normal range. No effect of dietary choline concentration was seen on any other plasma parameter measured. Assuming that the bioavailability of the choline contributed by the dietary protein is 100%, data presented indicate that 0.24% choline in a diet of 33% protein and 5.0 kcal/g, is adequate to support maximal weight gain and minimal liver fat in the growing kitten, when methionine is present just at its required level, and total sulfur amino acids are present in excess.
A neuromime in VLSI

Using conventional very large scale integration (VLSI) technology, a flexible and comprehensive neuromime circuit has been implemented in silicon for the purpose of modeling nerve networks from living organisms. Based on the "integrate-and-fire" model of neuronal threshold, the circuit was fabricated in two-micron CMOS with double-level metal. It occupies 0.6 square millimeters of die area, and requires only a few passive biasing components off-chip. The neuromime circuit offers many continuously variable parameters, including excitatory and inhibitory sensitivity and persistence, refractory duration and strength, and overall speed of operation. The circuit offers free and continuous access to waveforms for presynaptic membrane potential, postsynaptic membrane potential, and threshold potential. As such, it is amenable to many secondary behavioral characteristics, such as postinhibitory rebound, fatigue, facilitation, and accommodation. Being power-efficient, compact, and noise immune, it is ideal for assembly into networks and interfacing to biological counterparts.
Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase and the Regulation of Central Vessel Caliber in the Fetal Rat

Background The purpose of this study was to evaluate the possibility that inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) regulates the fetal circulation. Methods and Results Positive evidence for iNOS gene expression was noted in heart central vessels and placenta of untreated rat fetuses. Rats in the last week of pregnancy were treated for 5 days with l-NG-(1-Iminoethyl)lysine (L-NIL), a selective inhibitor of iNOS, at 1, 10, and 100 μg/mL in the drinking water. To raise NO levels, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) 30 μg/kg was given by intraperitoneal injection, and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) was placed in mini-osmotic pumps to deliver 10 μg/kg per minute. Control animals were undisturbed. On day 21 of gestation, dams were anesthetized and fetuses were delivered by cesarean section and rapidly frozen in isopentane chilled in liquid nitrogen. Frozen sections (10 μm) were used to reconstruct a computer-generated three-dimensional image of the great vessels and ductus arteriosus. Significant constriction of the great vesse...
Abstract 5172: The role of vimentin in FAK-mediated cell adhesion and metastasis

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Specifcally, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is responsible for about 80% of lung cancer deaths and has a 5-year survival rate of only 15-25%. This poor survival statistic results from diagnosis at advanced stages of the disease when metastasis of the primary tumor has already occurred; therefore, identifying the molecular mechanisms guiding metastasis is crucial for advances in treatment. The intermediate filament vimentin is overexpressed in metastatic cancers and its expression correlates with increased invasive capacity and reduced patient survival. A population of vimentin filaments localizes to focal adhesions, which attach to the extracellular matrix and are required for cell motility. Focal adhesions are composed of a complex of proteins, including focal adhesion kinase (FAK), which is overexpressed in NSCLC. Since evidence suggests that both FAK and vimentin co-localize at focal adhesions, we hypothesize that vimentin acts through FAK to regulate cell adhesion and thereby cell migration. Our results show that vimentin depletion leads to decreased cell adhesion and migration, with decreased FAK activation and expression. We show that vimentin filaments directly enter total FAK and pFAK- Y397 sites at the cellular leading edge of motile lung cancer cells. Using immunoprecipitation, we show vimentin interacts with several members of the focal adhesion complex, suggesting that vimentin can regulate focal adhesion activity. To address the mechanism by which this may occur, we hypothesize that the phosphorylation state of vimentin, which is important for cell migration, is crucial for proper functioning at focal adhesions. This is the focus of our future work with the goal of identifying potential new therapeutic targets to block metastasis and improve lung cancer patients’ prognosis. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 5172. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-5172
Combining multiple models to generate consensus: Application to radiation-induced pneumonitis prediction

The fusion of predictions from disparate models has been used in several fields to obtain a more realistic and robust estimate of the "ground truth" by allowing the models to reinforce each other when consensus exists, or, conversely, negate each other when there is no consensus. Fusion has been shown to be most effective when the models have some complementary strengths arising from different approaches. In this work, we fuse the results from four common but methodologically different nonlinear multivariate models (Decision Trees, Neural Networks, Support Vector Machines, Self-Organizing Maps) that were trained to predict radiation-induced pneumonitis risk on a database of 219 lung cancer patients treated with radiotherapy (34 with Grade 2+ postradiotherapy pneumonitis). Each model independently incorporated a small number of features from the available set of dose and nondose patient variables to predict pneumonitis; no two models had all features in common. Fusion was achieved by simple averaging of the predictions for each patient from all four models. Since a model's prediction for a patient can be dependent on the patient training set used to build the model, the average of several different predictions from each model was used in the fusion (predictions were made by repeatedly testing each patient with a model built from different cross-validation training sets that excluded the patient being tested). The area under the receiver operating characteristics curve for the fused cross-validated results was 0.79, with lower variance than the individual component models. From the fusion, five features were extracted as the consensus among all four models in predicting radiation pneumonitis. Arranged in order of importance, the features are (1) chemotherapy; (2) equivalent uniform dose (EUD) for exponent a=1.2 to 3; (3) EUD for a=0.5 to 1.2, lung volume receiving >20-30 Gy; (4) female sex; and (5) squamous cell histology. To facilitate ease of interpretation and prospective use, the fused outcome results for the patients were fitted to a logistic probability function.
Experimental demonstration of the coexistence of spin Hall and Rashba effects in β − tantalum/ferromagnet bilayers

We have measured the spin torques of $\ensuremath{\beta}\text{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{tantalum}/\mathrm{C}{\mathrm{o}}_{20}\mathrm{F}{\mathrm{e}}_{60}{\mathrm{B}}_{20}$ bilayers versus Ta thickness at room temperature using a ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) technique. A significant fieldlike spin torque originating from Ta was identified, which is constant and independent of Ta thickness. Because of this constant torque, the spin Hall coefficient ${\ensuremath{\theta}}_{\mathrm{SH}}$ needs to be calculated from the ratio of the symmetric component of the FMR signal to the slope of the antisymmetric component with Ta thickness, from which a value of $\ensuremath{-}0.11\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.01$ was determined. The saturation magnetization of the CoFeB layers for samples deposited with Ta was found to be smaller than that of a single CoFeB layer, with values of $1.84\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.01$ and $1.92\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.01$ T, respectively. The origin of the fieldlike torque is ascribed to an interface spin-orbit coupling, or Rashba effect, due to the strength and constancy of the torque with Ta thickness. From fitting measured data to a semiclassical diffusion model that includes interface spin-orbit coupling, we have determined the spin diffusion length for \ensuremath{\beta}-tantalum to be 2.5 nm.
The Increased Basophilia of Tissue Proteins After Oxidation with Periodic Acid

Oxidation by periodic acid (a 1% aqueous solution for 1 hour at 37°C.) greatly enhances the basophilic staining normally present in the keratinized portions of epidermis and hair. It also induces strong basophilia in purified fibrin and in the cytoplasm of smooth and striated muscle fibers, endothelium and the cells of the pancreatic islets and acini Proof is offered that this observed basophilia differs from that of either acid mucopolysaccharides or nucleoproteins. The conclusion is reached that, besides revealing polysaccharides occurring in tissue sections, periodic acid also brings about the formation of strongly acid, basophilic groups. These acid groups have not been identified, but since they may be formed most readily in regions of high sulfur content, it is suggested that sulfide and sulfhydryl groups may be oxidized to the corresponding sulfonic acids which could account for the observed characteristics of the basophilic substances.
Functional mechanisms of an inducible defence in tadpoles: morphology and behaviour influence mortality risk from predation

In many amphibian larvae a suite of morphological and behavioural characters varies together in an induced defence against predators, but it remains unclear which features are functionally related to defence. We independently manipulated behaviour and morphology in tadpoles of Hyla versicolor and assessed their consequences for swimming performance and predator escape. Data on burst swimming showed that tadpoles which accelerated rapidly were elongate, with shallow bodies and tails. Predator escape was measured by exposing tadpoles to predators (larval Anax dragonflies or larval Ambystoma salamanders) and recording time until death. Tadpoles were first reared for 30 days in ponds containing either caged Anax or no predators; individuals responded to predators by developing large brightly coloured tails and short bodies. We placed tadpoles of both morphological phenotypes into plastic tubs, and manipulated their behaviour using food and chemical cues from predators. Mortality risk experienced by the predator-induced phenotype was about half that of the no-predator phenotype, and risk increased with time spent swimming. An interaction between morphology and behaviour arose because increasing activity caused higher risk for tadpoles with deep tail fins but not shallow tail fins.
The Liberal Case against Same-Sex Marriage Prohibitions

Experience suggests that most legal philosophers and ethicists are not surprised to be told that liberal states cannot permissibly prohibit same-sex marriage (henceforth: SSM). It is somewhat less clear what the appropriate liberal strategy is, and should be, in defense of this thesis. Rather than defend SSM directly, I proceed indirectly by arguing that SSM prohibitions are indefensible on liberal grounds. First, I articulate a principle that has roots in constitutional law that I dub the “Rational Basis Principle,” a principle intended to capture a constitutive commitment of liberalism: a commitment to liberty. The Rational Basis Principle condemns liberty-limiting legislation as indefensible unless that legislation bears a reasonably conceivable rational relationship to a legitimate state interest. I then argue that while SSM prohibitions limit liberty, they bear no reasonably conceivable rational relationship to anything that a liberal would regard as a legitimate state interest. Accordingly, same-sex marriage prohibitions are rightly dismissed as illiberal.
‘Lab Hands’ and the ‘Scarlet O’ Epistemic Politics and (Scientific) Labor

This paper is a history of the promotion and use of models of technical knowledge production over a seven-year period at a modern physics laboratory. In this analysis, models are seen as reflexivel...
Designing planetary protection into the Mars Observer mission

Planetary protection has been an important consideration during the process of designing the Mars Observer mission. It affected trajectory design of both the interplanetary transfer and the orbits at Mars; these in turn affected the observation strategies developed for the mission. The Project relied mainly on the strategy of collision avoidance to prevent contamination of Mars. Conservative estimates of spacecraft reliability and Martian atmosphere density were used to evaluate decisions concerning the interplanetary trajectory, the orbit insertion phase at Mars, and operations in orbit at Mars and afterwards. Changes in the trajectory design, especially in the orbit insertion phase, required a refinement of those estimates.
On the genetic uniqueness of the Ami aborigines of Formosa.

In the attempt to reconstruct the prehistory of Pacific and Indian Ocean populations, Taiwan's aborigines appear to be of particular interest. Linguistic and archeological evidence indicates that the dispersal of Austronesian speakers throughout the islands of Oceania and Southeast Asia may have originated from Taiwan about 5,000 years ago. The Ami are Taiwan's largest aboriginal group. Here, we report on six polymorphic point mutation loci in Ami individuals and compare allelic frequencies to worldwide populations. In order to examine the genetic characteristics and relationships of the Ami aborigines, we used the allelic frequency data to generate expected heterozygosities, power of discrimination values, maximum likelihood phylogenetic trees, principal component maps, and centroid gene flow plots. These analyses argue for the genetic isolation and uniqueness of the Ami people. Data supportive of limited gene flow and/or small population size, as well as genetic similarities to Native Americans, were observed.
ASCOS++: An Asymmetric Similarity Measure for Weighted Networks to Address the Problem of SimRank

In this article, we explore the relationships among digital objects in terms of their similarity based on vertex similarity measures. We argue that SimRank—a famous similarity measure—and its families, such as P-Rank and SimRank++, fail to capture similar node pairs in certain conditions, especially when two nodes can only reach each other through paths of odd lengths. We present new similarity measures ASCOS and ASCOS++ to address the problem. ASCOS outputs a more complete similarity score than SimRank and SimRank’s families. ASCOS++ enriches ASCOS to include edge weight into the measure, giving all edges and network weights an opportunity to make their contribution. We show that both ASCOS++ and ASCOS can be reformulated and applied on a distributed environment for parallel contribution. Experimental results show that ASCOS++ reports a better score than SimRank and several famous similarity measures. Finally, we re-examine previous use cases of SimRank, and explain appropriate and inappropriate use cases. We suggest future SimRank users following the rules proposed here before naively applying it. We also discuss the relationship between ASCOS++ and PageRank.
Characterization of the gene and an antigenic determinant of equine herpesvirus type-1 glycoprotein 14 with homology to gB-equivalent glycoproteins of other herpesviruses

The gene encoding glycoprotein 14 (gp14) of equine herpesvirus type 1 was sequenced. Nucleotide sequence analysis revealed a complete transcription unit composed of a CAT box, a TATA box, a ribosome-binding sequence, a polyadenylation signal and an open reading frame (ORF) of 2940 bp transcribed from left to right. The amino acid (aa) sequence deduced from this ORF corresponded to that of a protein with 979 aa and had the characteristic features of membrane gp including a 20-aa signal sequence at the N terminus, a 743-aa surface domain, a 40-aa membrane anchoring region, a 108-aa hydrophilic cytoplasmic domain at the C terminus and eleven potential sites for N-linked glycosylation. An unusual feature of this protein was an exceptionally long (66aa) sequence, with a preponderance of hydrophilic residues, preceding the hydrophobic signal core. An antigenic determinant recognized by an anti-gp14 monoclonal antibody was present in the N terminus of the postulated surface domain. Comparison of gp 14 with the gp of other herpesviruses indicated that gp14 was highly homologous to corresponding gp of pseudorabies (gII), bovine herpesvirus (gI), varicella-zoster virus (gII), as well as of herpes simplex virus, Epstein-Barr virus and human cytomegalovirus (gB).
Observation of anti-stokes fluorescent cooling in thulium-doped glass

Parallel to advances in Doppler (translational) cooling of atoms and ions in dilute gas-phase, major experimental progress has recently been made in fluorescent (vibrational) cooling of matter in solid and liquid phases 1,2.
Planning and the Professional Preparation of Health Educators: Implications for Teaching, Research, and Practice:

Planning skills are one of the seven essential responsibilities of health educators, according to the National Commission of Health Education Credentialing program; yet little information is availa...
Yttrium localization in the desert pocket mouse Perognathus penicillatus.

Forty-eight hours after intraperitoneal mnjection of radioactive yttrium (Y/sup 91/) into the desert pocket mouse (Perognathus penicillatus) large quantitmes of the isotope were discovered in the kidney tissue. Teeth and bones also concentrated this element to a large extent. Very little isotope was found in either blood or muscle. (auth)
Second thoughts on community mental health

24 Although the Nixon Administration's withdrawal of support from mental health programs and general social welfare may be attributed primarily to an anti-welfare state concept of the role of government and to political conservatism, social workers and other mental health professionals will find themselves vulnerable on their own ground. Zealously pursuing humanitarian goals, reformers closely adhered to the 1961 prescriptions of the Joint Commission on Mental Illness and Health.1 With the
The marketing of alcohol to college students: the role of low prices and special promotions.

Abstract Background Heavy episodic or binge drinking has been recognized as a major problem on American college campuses affecting the health, safety, and education of students. The present study examines the alcohol environment surrounding college campuses and assesses the impact on students' drinking. This environment includes alcohol promotions, price specials, and advertising at drinking establishments that serve beer for on-premise consumption as well as retail outlets that sell beer for off-premise consumption. Methods The study used student self-report data from the 2001 College Alcohol Study (CAS) and direct observational assessments by trained observers who visited alcohol establishments in communities where the participating colleges were located. The analytic sample included more than 10,000 students as well as 830 on-premise and 1684 off-premise establishments at 118 colleges. Results Alcohol specials, promotions, and advertisements were prevalent in the alcohol outlets around college campuses. Almost three quarters of on-premise establishments offered specials on weekends, and almost one half of the on-premise establishments and more than 60% of off-premise establishments provided at least one type of beer promotion. The availability of large volumes of alcohol (24- and 30-can cases of beer, kegs, party balls), low sale prices, and frequent promotions and advertisements at both on- and off-premise establishments were associated with higher binge drinking rates on the college campuses. In addition, an overall measure of on- and off-premise establishments was positively associated with the total number of drinks consumed. Conclusions The regulation of marketing practices such as sale prices, promotions, and advertisements may be important strategies to reduce binge drinking and its accompanying problems.
Can Voluntary Environmental Regulation Work in Developing Countries? Lessons from Case Studies

Hamstrung by weak institutions that undermine conventional environmental regulatory tools, policymakers in developing countries are increasingly turning to voluntary approaches. To date, however, there have appeared few evaluations of these policy experiments. To help fill this gap, we summarize arguments for and against the use of voluntary regulation in developing countries, review the nascent literature on the topic, and present case studies of agreements negotiated between regulators and leather tanners in an industrial city in Mexico, a national environmental audit program in Mexico, and a national public disclosure program in India. Admittedly few in number, these three case studies nevertheless suggest that although voluntary environmental regulation in developing countries is a risky endeavor, it is by no means doomed to failure. The risks can be minimized by emphasizing the dissemination of information about pollution and pollution abatement options and by avoiding voluntary approaches in certain situations—those where regulatory and nonregulatory pressures for improved environmental performance are weak and where polluters can block quantified targets, individual sanctions for noncompliance, and other widely accepted prerequisites of effective voluntary initiatives.
Morphological and functional consequences of transradial coronary angiography on the radial artery: implications for its use as a bypass conduit

OBJECTIVES: To assess the degree of damage to the radial artery (RA) in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) patients who underwent preoperative transradial coronary angiography (RA-CA). RESULTS: Baseline RA median diameters were 0.25 ± 0.04 cm in the cannulated arm and 0.22 ± 0.04 cm in the non-cannulated arm (P= 0.01). The flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) in the RA in the catheterized arm and in the control arm were 11.6 ± 7.9 and 14.2 ± 8.9 (P= 0.01), respectively. A statistically significant correlation was found between FMD of the catheterized RA and the time from RA-CA (Pearson's r= 0.348). Linear regression analysis confirmed that the FMD of the catheterized RA was dependent on days elapsed from the procedure (P= 0.032; OR 1.11, CI 0.009-0.203). Immunohistochemical evaluation showed extensive endothelial lesion in all examined RAs, with a trend towards reduction of the damage with time. Endothelial function and integrity of the cannulated arm did not reach those of the control arm in any of the study patients. CONCLUSIONS: RA-CA produces extensive damage to the RA. The lesions tend to heal with time but incomplete recovery of endothelial integrity and function is still present more than 30 days after the procedure. After RA-CA, the cannulated RA should not be used for CABG.
HOM damping with coaxial dampers in a pillbox cavity without the fundamental mode frequency rejection filter

Coaxial dampers with E-probe and H-loop couplers are used to damp higher-order mode (HOM) in an 840 MHz cylindrical prototype cavity. The dampers are positioned to have minimum coupling at the fundamental frequency, f/sub 0/, without using any blocking circuit. The E-probe dampers are used at the equatorial plane of the cavity. The H-loop dampers are used in the end wall of the cavity. The fundamental mode decoupling can be done by positioning the loop plane in the direction of the H-field of the mode. For both dampers, the fundamental mode coupling can be better than -50 dB. The damper load resistance is varied to find the optimum loading. Measurement is made for three cases with 1) three E-probe dampers, 2) three H-loop dampers, and 3) three E-probe and three H-loop dampers. >
Methionine-to-cysteine recycling in Klebsiella aerogenes.

In the enteric bacteria Escherichia coli and Salmonella enterica , sulfate is reduced to sulfide and assimilated into the amino acid cysteine; in turn, cysteine provides the sulfur atom for other sulfur-bearing molecules in the cell, including methionine. These organisms cannot use methionine as a sole source of sulfur. Here we report that this constraint is not shared by many other enteric bacteria, which can use either cysteine or methionine as the sole source of sulfur. The enteric bacterium Klebsiella aerogenes appears to use at least two pathways to allow the reduced sulfur of methionine to be recycled into cysteine. In addition, the ability to recycle methionine on solid media, where cys mutants cannot use methionine as a sulfur source, appears to be different from that in liquid media, where they can. One pathway likely uses a cystathionine intermediate to convert homocysteine to cysteine and is induced under conditions of sulfur starvation, which is likely sensed by low levels of the sulfate reduction intermediate adenosine-5′-phosphosulfate. The CysB regulatory proteins appear to control activation of this pathway. A second pathway may use a methanesulfonate intermediate to convert methionine-derived methanethiol to sulfite. While the transsulfurylation pathway may be directed to recovery of methionine, the methanethiol pathway likely represents a general salvage mechanism for recovery of alkane sulfide and alkane sulfonates. Therefore, the relatively distinct biosyntheses of cysteine and methionine in E. coli and Salmonella appear to be more intertwined in Klebsiella .