cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evolution of protein families: Is it possible to distinguish between domains of life?

Understanding evolutionary relationships between species can shed new light into the rooting of the tree of life and the origin of eukaryotes, thus, resulting in a long standing interest in accurately assessing evolutionary parameters at time scales on the order of a billion of years. Prior work suggests large variability in molecular substitution rates, however, we still do not know whether such variability is due to species-specific trends at a genomic scale, or whether it can be attributed to the fluctuations inherent in any stochastic process. Here, we study the statistical properties of gene and protein family sizes in order to quantify the long time scale evolutionary differences and similarities across species. We first determine the protein families of 209 species of bacteria and 20 species of archaea. We find that we are unable to reject the null hypothesis that the protein family sizes of these species are drawn from the same distribution. In addition, we find that for species classified in the same phylogenetic branch or in the same lifestyle group, family size distributions are not significantly more similar than for species in different branches. These two findings can be accounted for in terms of a dynamical birth, death, and innovation model that assumes identical protein family evolutionary rates for all species. Our theoretical and empirical results thus strongly suggest that the variability empirically observed in protein family size distributions is compatible with the expected stochastic fluctuations for an evolutionary process with identical genomic evolutionary rates. Our findings hold special importance for the plausibility of some theories of the origin of eukaryotes which require drastic changes in evolutionary rates for some period during the last two billion years.
The influence of disturbed habitat on the spatial ecology of Argentine black and white tegu (Tupinambis merianae), a recent invader in the Everglades ecosystem (Florida, USA)

The threat of invasive species is often intensified in disturbed habitat. To optimize control programs, it is necessary to understand how degraded habitat influences the behavior of invasive species. We conducted a radio telemetry study to characterize movement and habitat use of introduced male Argentine black and white tegus (Tupinambis merianae) in the Everglades of southern Florida from May to August 2012 at the core and periphery of the introduced range. Tegus at the periphery moved farther per day (mean 131.7 ± 11.6 m, n = 6) compared to tegus at the core (mean 50.3 ± 12.4 m, n = 6). However, activity ranges were not significantly smaller in the core (mean 19.4 ± 8.4 ha, n = 6) compared to periphery (mean 29.1 ± 5.2 ha, n = 6). Peripheral activity ranges were more linear due to activity being largely restricted to levee habitat surrounded by open water or marsh. Tegus were located in shrub or tree habitat (mean 96 %) more often than expected based on random locations (mean 58 %), and the percent cover of trees and shrubs was higher in activity ranges (mean 61 %) than the general study area (17 %). Our study highlighted the ability of tegus to spread across the Florida landscape, especially in linear disturbed habitats where increased movement occurred and in areas of altered hydrology where movement is not restricted by water.
Regulation of spiroimine neurotoxins and hemolytic activity in laboratory cultures of the dinoflagellate Alexandrium peruvianum (Balech & Mendiola) Balech & Tangen

Abstract Defined experimental regimes were used to determine the effects of nutrient limitation on the toxicity of Alexandrium peruvianum in batch culture. Subsamples for cell counts and spiroimine analysis at six day intervals were used to investigate the concentrations and composition of these compounds throughout growth. An erythrocyte lysis assay for hemolytic activity was performed on cell pellets and supernatants also collected every six days over the entire growth period from all treatments. From the data, growth rates, cellular spiroimine quotas and effective concentration-fifty (EC50s) for cellular and supernatant associated hemolytic activity were calculated. Phosphate limitation was identified as a key regulator of toxicity in this species, yielding maximum values of 54.1 pg cell−1 for 13-desmethyl spirolide C, 96.4 pg cell−1 for 12-methylgymnodimine and a potent hemolytic EC50 value of 7.1 × 103 cells. The concentrations of spiroimines detected in A. peruvianum among various treatments, in addition to a unique profile of paralytic shellfish poisoning toxins, is unique in the body of microalgal literature. Because of the multiple toxin arsenal produced by this organism, the evaluation of a single toxin clearly would have underestimated the potential virulence and significance of this clone. This study provides the first evidence that growth and toxin production of A. peruvianum are influenced by altered nutrient ratios.
On the estimation of long tailed skewed distributions with actuarial applications

Abstract Very long tailed skewed distributions often arise in practice. In particular, we find that size-of-loss distributions in casualty insurance are mainly of this type. Compounding explains why many of these losses have approximate Pareto, generalized Pareto, Burr, and log- t distributions. An adaptation of the empirical mean residual life function helps the statistician select the correct model to fit in these cases. It is then discovered that minimum distance estimates, in particular that of Cramer-von Mises, and minimum chi-square estimates are extremely valuable and easy to use in the case of grouped data. Two substantial examples are given, one involving hurricane losses and the other dealing with malpractice claims.
In vitro evaluation of integrity and sterilization of single-use argon beam plasma coagulation probes

In vitro evaluation of integrity and sterilization of single-use argon beam plasma coagulation probes
Applications of the Caco-2 model in the design and development of orally active drugs: elucidation of biochemical and physical barriers posed by the intestinal epithelium

Abstract Oral administration is the most important and preferred route of administration for small molecular weight conventional drugs. The overall bioavailability of an orally administered drug depends on many factors, including the physicochemical properties of the drug as well as the morphological and biochemical state of the intestinal epithelium. Our understanding of the factors governing oral delivery of drug molecules is far from complete. As a result, the approaches to solve the problems related to oral drug delivery are often empirical in nature. The multifaceted nature of the problems associated with poor oral bioavailability of drug molecules requires a systematic and reductionist approach to understand the underlying factors affecting the bioavailability and absorption of these molecules. Thus, use of appropriate in vitro models is extremely useful in elucidating the role of various physical and biochemical barriers (such as metabolic enzymes, drug transporters, and the multidrug resistance (MDR) P-glycoprotein) to drug absorption. In this chapter, we have discussed the use of one such in vitro model, i.e. the Caco-2 cells, in elucidating the roles of the physical and biochemical barriers to drug absorption posed by the intestinal epithelium. By using specific examples, we have illustrated how this improved understanding about the barriers to drug absorption can be used for the design and development of drug candidates with enhanced oral absorption.
Self versus counselor perceptions of interpersonal characteristics of female welfare recipients: A cross‐cultural comparison

Self-ratings and counselor ratings of the interpersonal characteristics of 232 female welfare recipients in a job-training program were compared. The welfare recipient sample included 108 Anglos, 55 Mexican-Americans, and 69 Blacks. The data was analyzed using 3 × 2 analysis of variance (ethnicity of client × rater), and correlations between client and counselor ratings of the clients' interpersonal characteristics were computed. Results indicated that the pattern of relationships between counselor and client ratings for Mexican-Americans was distinct from the other ethnic groups. Mexican-Americans were rated by the counselors as being less competitive and dominant, and more apologetic and docile than Blacks or Anglos. Self-ratings on these dimensions did not differ across ethnic groups. Correlations between counselor and client ratings of interpersonal characteristics of Mexican-Americans was also lower than those for Anglos or Blacks. The findings were discussed in terms of their implications for the adaptation of Mexican-Americans to Anglo-dominated social environments.
Automatic sensor placement in a 3D volume

Given a 3D environment, a set of constraints, and a set of sensor models, this paper addresses the problem of finding the set of sensors and their corresponding placement that covers a target space in the environment. The set of possible sensors is represented in a parametric space associated with the sensor's pose. Initially, the target space is discretized as a set of space elements. A voting scheme builds an accumulator array where each space element votes for all sensors that may observe it while satisfying the perceptual constraints. A heuristic selects the best set of cameras that covers the target space. We present experimental results with synthetic and realistic 3D models.
Multiple Sclerosis: Current Pathophysiological Concepts

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an often disabling disease primarily affecting young adults that exhibits extraordinary clinical, radiological, and pathological heterogeneity. We review the following: (a) known environmental and genetic factors that contribute to MS susceptibility; (b) current knowledge regarding fundamental pathophysiological processes in MS, including immune cell recruitment and entry into the central nervous system (CNS), formation of the plaque, and orchestration of the immune response; (c) descriptive and qualitative distinct pathological patterns in MS and their implications; (d) the evidence supporting the causative role of direct toxins, cell-mediated and humorally mediated immune mechanisms, and the concept of a "primary oligodendrogliopathy" in demyelination and axonal injury; (e) the potential benefits of inflammation; (f) the prospects for remyelination; and (g) therapeutic implications and approaches suggested by putative pathophysiological mechanisms.
A method for estimating eruption rates of planetary lava flows

The eruption rates of single-lobed planetary lava flows are presently accounted for by a model for radiative losses from a partially crusted hotter core, assuming thermal characteristics similar to terrestrial flows. Eruption rates are within this framework expressible as functions of (1) exposed core area fraction, (2) initial core temperature, (3) core temperature upon cessation of flow, (3) crust thickness, and (4) the lava's density and heat capacity.
Songbird Dispersal of American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius)

Abstract. American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) is an uncommon perennial understory herb found in eastern deciduous forest. The species is harvested for the international medicinal plant trade. While previous research has inferred that seed dispersal is limited, the production of bright red, fleshy berries suggests long-distance dispersal may be facilitated by songbirds. The objective of this study was to determine how songbirds interacted with ginseng and whether they dispersed or predated ginseng seeds. We used infrared, motion-activated cameras to observe animal—ginseng interactions in the field. To determine the disperser potential of songbirds observed visiting ginseng in the field, we conducted a captive feeding study at the Tennessee Aquarium. Thrushes removed berries from ginseng infructescences more frequently, compared to other potential dispersers, and regurgitated viable seeds 5–37 minutes after ingestion in feeding trials. By dispersing ginseng seeds, thrushes provide a mechanism for ginseng...
The Politics of Freeing Markets in Latin America: Chile, Argentina, and Mexico. By Judith A. Teichman. Chapel Hill: University of North Carolina Press, 2001. 288p. $55.00 cloth, $19.95 paper.

The politics of neoliberal reform in Latin America has produced a number of impressions that are more or less widely held, but not necessarily entirely accurate. For example, many critics of the neoliberal reform process see it as a creature of Washington and Wall Street—views of economic development imposed on vulnerable, debt-ridden Latin American governments. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank play crucial roles as carriers of the “Washington Consensus” and enforcers of its policy prescriptions. In this view, insulated technocrats—often with U.S. economics degrees—implement these essentially unpopular programs without consultation, oversight, or any societal participation. “Delegative democracy” and populations battered by a decade or more of debt and inflation help explain the extent to which these unelected and unaccountable technocrats have been able to promote this agenda. A narrow electoral coalition, anchored by wealth holders and conservative ideologues, has maintained the political space for these insulated technocrats to continue, despite deep opposition from societal groups such as labor.
Materials and Techniques for Reduction of Vibration Transmission in String Trimmers

It has been well documented that over long periods of time, people who regularly operate hand tools powered by small internal-combustion engines can become affected by a debilitating set of clinically irreversible effects, collectively referred to as hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS). Although HAVS cannot be cured, the onset of the disorder can be delayed or, in fact, prevented, by restricting the duration of the exposure and/or the magnitude of the vibration transmitted from the tool to an operator’s hands and arms (per OSHA and similar standards). Measurements have confirmed that vibration components along all three tool coordinate directions (axial, radial and circumferential) are significant, but vary in amplitude and frequency content as a function of location. The challenge is to find passive approaches capable of filtering out the most harmful low frequency components simultaneously along all three directions that do not impede the use of the string trimmer. Preliminary results show that adding lightweight, low density (lodengraf) particles to the string trimmer along its shaft reduces the amplitude of the measured radial and axial acceleration components at the grip and the loop handle. However, when the perlite particles are added only to the loop handle, there is an increase in measured circumferential acceleration component at the grip, likely due to the additional weight asymmetry introduced.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Assessment of Seeder Performance for Particle Velocimetry in a Scramjet Combustor

The design and performance of two unique fluidized bed particle seeders were assessed experimentally. The seeders were designed to seed the fuel stream and freestream of a scramjet combustor for particle image velocimetry measurements. The fuel stream seeder used alumina powder to generate particles and has been used in the past to obtain particle image velocimetry measurements. The freestream seeder used silica powder and is a new design. Using a probe and filter paper, samples were collected from the output of each seeder at operating conditions near those encountered in scramjet particle image velocimetry studies. The samples were imaged using a scanning electron microscope to obtain qualitative and quantitative data about the particles generated. Both seeders produced particles near the target size of 0.3 μm, although the silica particles were generally smaller in size and more spherical than the alumina particles. Based on these results, it was predicted that the freestream particles would scatter light more uniformly and track the flow more faithfully than the fuel stream particles. The results of this study confirm assumptions on particle size and shape made in previous particle image velocimetry experiments and also indicate that the fuel stream seeder will generate more effective particles using silica powder.
The role of paraaortic node irradiation in the treatment of cancer of the cervix.

Abstract One hundred and twenty-seven patients with previously untreated carcinoma of the uterine cervix underwent pretreatment laparotomy between 1971 and 1980. Thirty-one were found to have paraaortic metastasis. Twenty-seven patients received paraaortic node external supervoltage radiation to the entire paraaortic chain, 4400 cGy, over 4 1 2 weeks, with 600–800 cGy, boost over 1 week, limited to the area of metastasis as marked at laparotomy. Twenty-nine percent ( 8 27 ) of the patients with paraaortic node metastases who were irradiated have survived 5 years or more. These patients have FIGO stages IB IIA, or IIB; all have epidermoid carcinoma. Three of five patients (60%) with microscopic metastasis and five of twenty-two patients (23%) with gross metastasis in the paraaortic lymph nodes are long-term survivors. None of our long-term survivors have suffered late complications. There have been no fatalities from treatment related complications. We present a radiation technique for paraaortic radiation in these patients, and discuss the indications for paraaortic node radiation in cancer of the cervix.
Use of a Silage Inoculant to Improve Feeding Stability and Intake of a Corn Silage-Grain Diet

Abstract Twenty-four Holstein cows were divided into two groups blocked for age and milk yield. An 8-wk lactation study was conducted from June 22 through August 16, 1986. Corn silage was fed ad libitum and grain restricted to 1 kg/3kg milk. One group of cows was fed silage that had been treated at ensiling (1×10 5 cfu of Lactobacillus plantarum /g silage). Equal depths of silage (7.6cm) were removed daily from silos containing control and treated silages. Silages were stored in carts (1h) prior to feeding. Temperature of the control silage averaged 4°C higher than treated silage at feeding. During warm weather, intake was less and temperature of orts was higher for cows fed control silage compared to those fed treated silage. Cows fed the treated silage tended to perform better than those fed control silage (increases of .7kg milk, 45g protein, 50g fat/d). Utilizing a silage inoculant was beneficial. Temperature of the treated silage was less at feeding and 96h postaeration and intake greater when warm weather conditions occurred.
Counselling the Gifted: What we Know, and How it can Help

A new area of emphasis in gifted child education is counselling clever children as regards accepting and using their talents. Several areas of emphasis are involved in counselling the gifted — understanding giftedness, peer relationships, coping with lacklustre school environment — and each of these topics is reviewed.Also, there are linkages between gifted child education and education of youngsters with other special learning needs. This linkage is reviewed and its importance is highlighted.Lastly, there is much we still need to learn about the specific adjustment concerns of the gifted. These areas are listed, and each is then discussed in relation to its importance for improving the attitudes and performance of gifted youngsters.
Interactions between molecules in the neighborhood of a long linear molecule

The third-order interaction between two nonpolar molecules due to the instantaneous induced dipole effect of an infinitely long linear molecule is assessed following arguments similar to earlier research on three-body effects. It is found that an attractive force favors small polar angles in approach to the linear molecule; such behavior could be of interest to processes such as those involved in replication of DNA.
Multipolar excitation in triangular nanoprisms

Theoretical studies on the optical properties of gold triangular prisms in solution are presented to determine how structural modifications affect the extinction spectrum. Well-defined trends in the particle extinction are found to depend on the triangular edge length and the prism thickness. Calculations performed on large, thin triangular prisms indicate multipolar excitation and display numerous peaks in the extinction spectrum. The dominant peaks are assigned to different in-plane modes corresponding to the lowest three orders of a multipole expansion. Vector polarization plots are presented to support the peak assignments. Altering the prisms by snipping off the points of the triangular cross section significantly blueshifts the dipole peak, but the higher-order modes are only slightly affected. Snipping off large volumes can lead to the suppression of high-order multipoles in the extinction spectrum.
Elongation behavior of calcaneofibular and cervical ligaments during inversion loads applied in an open kinetic chain.

The cervical ligament plays a significant role in lateral stability of the subtalar joint but has received little attention compared with other ankle and subtalar joint ligaments. The purpose of th...
A system for recovering 3-D motion and structure

We discuss the problem of recovering the 3-D motion and structure. An algorithm for computing the camera motion and the orientation of planar surface is developed. It solves for the 3-D motion and structure iteratively given two successive image frames. We improve the solution by solving the ordinary differential equations which describe the evolution of motion and structure over time. The solution is further improved by exploiting the temporal coherence of 3-D motion. We develop the ordinary differential equations which describe the evolution of the parameters in terms of the current parameters and the measurements. The extended Kalman filter is then used to update the solution of the differential equations. The robustness of the entire process is demonstrated by the experiment with a moving camera which “flies” over a terrain model.
Beyond Minimally Invasive Total Hip Surgery with the Anterior Approach

There has been controversy about the benefits of minimally invasive total hip arthroplasty. There cannot be any logical argument against any type of surgery performed with the least amount of soft tissue damage, be it muscles, nerves, blood vessels, or skin. The anterior approach through one or two short incisions and surgery through internervous planes seems to be the most logical. Our series of this approach with an incision as short as possible but as long as necessary has demonstrated its effectiveness in terms of few dislocations, thromboembolic events, minimal intraoperative complications, and minor transient nerve problems. With some modifications and standardization of the procedure, it should be reproducible and safe at other centers. Modular femoral components should make it even more effective.
Human capital in service organizations: identifying value drivers

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to draw attention to value‐creating processes and their impacts on human capital valuation in high‐contact service industries.Design/methodology/approach – The main argument in this paper is developed from existing theoretical and empirical research in the fields of intellectual capital, organizational behavior, marketing, and economics. This paper is conceptual and the approach adopted is analytical. Extant research and concepts have been used to develop a human capital valuation model in high‐contact service industries and to discuss both research and managerial implications.Findings – Provides conceptual description of a value matrix that can be employed to identify more accurately value drivers of human capital in various industries.Research limitations/implications – The article provides a novel conceptualization of value drivers in industry. A limitation of the paper is that it is conceptual.Practical implications – This paper provides a useful tool to identify...
Team member involvement in team leader training and performance

Purpose – This study seeks to: involve team members in part of the actual design of training for their own team leaders; improve team leader knowledge and skills; and demonstrate the use of skill charting (SC) for learning and performance improvement.Design/methodology/approach – Using focus groups of team members and q‐sort methodology we were able to have team members identify practical performance elements regarding the behavior of their team leaders. Integrating these performance elements into the training design for team leaders and using SC as a training tool, we were able to compare two groups of team leaders: one group (the study group) whose training focused, specifically, on the team‐generated performance elements and another group (the traditional group) whose training was focused on general, team leader performance elements.Findings – In the perceptions of the team members, the S group team leaders, following training, performed more effectively regarding: response time, positive reinforcement...
Amino acid metabolism in patients with Hurler's syndrome.

Abstract Examination of urinary amino acids in 9 patients with Hurler's syndrome revealed moderate but significant elevation of serine in urine and blood and marked elevation of tryptophane in the urine but not in the plasma. Mucopolysac-charides obtained from the urine of normal subjects contained bonded serine, glycine, aspartic acid, threonine, glutamic acid and alanine. Mucopolysaccharides of Hurler's patients contained serine but only small amounts of the other amino acids mentioned. These findings were interpreted as lending support to the hypothesis that excessive accumulation of mucopolysaccharides in the organs and their excessive excretion in the urine in patients with Hurler's syndrome may indeed be related to the abnormal bonding between the mucopolysaccharides and protein. In this connection, serine may be playing a key role.
Comparing Decisions for Malaria Testing and Presumptive Treatment: A Net Health Benefit Analysis

Background. Rapid tests for malaria are being distributed through vendors to individual patients, presenting the dilemma of determining how individuals are incentivized to pursue testing for malaria, versus the traditional approach of presumptively treating fevers with antimalarial drugs. Methods and Findings. We incorporated testing and treatment data from 6 African countries into a dynamic model of malaria transmission and nonmalarial causes of fever to investigate how variations in the epidemiologic risk of malaria and the prices of rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) and treatments affect testing and treatment choices from the perspective of febrile patients, public health officials, and drug shop owners. In environments falling below a critical threshold infection rate (entomological inoculation rate) of 282 for patients older than 5 years (95% confidence interval [CI]: 275–289) or 300 for 0- to 5-year-olds (95% CI: 203–307), testing was more beneficial than presumptive therapy in terms of health and finan...
Heredity, stress and blood pressure, a family set approach: The Detroit Project revisited

Earlier conclusions from the Detroit Project utilizing an innovative "family sets" approach indicated that unspecified environmental factors, rather than genes, are the main determinants of blood pressure variation in blacks and whites. We report new estimates of the fraction of variation in blood pressure associated with genetic differences among individuals obtained under two methodologies: the method originally proposed for family sets and a maximum likelihood method. The family sets estimates of heritability were significant for systolic and diastolic blood pressure in both blacks and whites. Estimates for both the likelihood analysis and family sets method are within the range of estimates reported in other studies. In the present study all sets collected were included, the sets were stratified only by race and a different estimate of variance for the family sets estimate of heritability was used. The discrepancies between results presented here and the original study are attributed to these three factors.
Information at a glance [augmented reality user interfaces]

What if we could visualize and interact with information directly in the context of our surroundings? Our research group is exploring how augmented reality (AR) could someday make this possible. AR integrates a complementary virtual world with the physical world-for example, by using head-tracked see-through head-worn displays to overlay graphics on what we see. Instead of looking back and forth between the real world and a PDA, we look directly at the real world and the virtual information overlaid on it. At the heart of this approach is context-aware computing, computing systems that are sensitive to the context in which they operate, ranging from human relationships to physical location. For example, information might be tied to specific locations within a global, Earth-centered, coordinate system. How can we design effective mobile AR user interfaces? We've been trying to answer this question in part by developing experimental AR research prototypes. In AR, as in work on information visualization using desktop technologies, the amount of information available can far exceed what a system can legibly display at a given time, necessitating information filtering. Julier et al. (2000) have developed information filtering techniques for AR that depend on the user's goals, object importance, and proximity. We assume that a system can accomplish information filtering of this sort and that our system is displaying everything it should.
Seasonal Response of Stream Biofilm Communities to Dissolved Organic Matter and Nutrient Enrichments

Dissolved organic matter (DOM) and inorganic nutrients may affect microbial communities in streams, but little is known about the impact of these factors on specific taxa within bacterial assemblages in biofilms. In this study, nutrient diffusing artificial substrates were used to examine bacterial responses to DOM (i.e., glucose, leaf leachate, and algal exudates) and inorganic nutrients (nitrate and phosphate singly and in combination). Artificial substrates were deployed for five seasons, from summer 2002 to summer 2003, in a northeastern Ohio stream. Differences were observed in the responses of bacterial taxa examined to various DOM and inorganic nutrient treatments, and the response patterns varied seasonally, indicating that resources that limit the bacterial communities change over time. Overall, the greatest responses were to labile, low-molecular-weight DOM (i.e., glucose) at times when chlorophyll a concentrations were low due to scouring during significant storm events. Different types of DOM and inorganic nutrients induced various responses among bacterial taxa in the biofilms examined, and these responses would not have been apparent if they were examined at the community level or if seasonal changes were not taken into account.
Resistance of flowering crabapple cultivars to defoliation by the Japanese beetle (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae).

Flowering crabapples, Malus spp., are important small landscape trees in much of the United States and southern Canada. We evaluated 42 cultivars of Malus spp. for resistance to defoliation by Japanese beetles, Popillia japonica Newman, for 2 growing seasons and found marked and consistent variation in resistance. Defoliation caused by beetles ranged from 100 to <10% among cultivars at the same site. ‘Radiant’, ‘Red Splendor’, ‘Royalty’, ‘Liset’, ‘Ruby Luster’, and others were severely damaged, whereas M. baccata ‘Jackii’, ‘Harvest Gold’, and ‘Jewel berry’ were highly resistant in both years. Red - and purple-leaved cultivars, and those with reddish young leaves that mature to green, were generally fed upon more heavily than were cultivars with wholly green leaves. The rank order of cultivars in no-choice leaf disk assays was correlated with damage levels in the field. Longevity and fecundity of females were highest for beetles fed foliage from preferred cultivars. Possible mechanisms of resistance to P. japonica, and the relationship of our results to earlier studies of resistance of Malus spp. to diseases and other insect pests are discussed.
Prayers of the people: Moral metaphors in the right-to-life and faith-based labor movements

Abstract Social scientists pay increasing attention to the ways in which conservative and liberal moral frameworks may alternately cohere and conflict. At the same time, cultural sociologists maintain that the broader cultural context that informs moral thought is much less coherent than once supposed, and that positing associations between beliefs on different moral issues is fraught with both theoretical and methodological difficulties. Informed by these recent developments in the social sciences, as well as the growing influence of innovative theories such as Lakoff's (1996, 2006) about the centrality of family metaphors in political worldviews, this paper explores the way in which moral metaphors are used in one set of cultural objects—prayers, liturgies, and other worship resources prepared for religious services around pro-life and workers’ rights issues. Contrary to models emphasizing worldview coherence in political ideologies, this analysis of religious discourse draws attention to the smaller metaphors that make up larger moral frameworks, suggesting that moral worldviews may be less coherent, more varied, and more contextually dependent than typically assumed. The findings also demonstrate how religious language may remain sacred and distinct from its secular counterparts, challenging one interpretation of religious secularization.
Adaptive robust control of MIMO nonlinear systems in semi-strict feedback forms

Adaptive robust control (ARC) laws are developed for MIMO nonlinear systems transformable to two semi-strict feedback forms. The forms allow coupling and appearance of parametric uncertainties in the input matrix of each layer.
Regional Connexin43 De-Phosphorylation and AMP-Kinase Activation after Rapid Pacing in Myofilament Ca Sensitized Hearts

Increased myofilament Ca2+ sensitivity, a common finding in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), is associated with an increased susceptibility for arrhythmias. In hearts expressing a Ca sensitizing troponin T (I79N) HCM mutation reentry-type arrhythmias are induced by fast pacing of isolated perfused hearts. Fast pacing also triggers arrhythmias in control hearts pre-treated with the Ca2+ sensitizer EMD57033. Regional conduction velocity (CV) slowing may contribute to formation of the arrhythmogenic substrate, but the underlying mechanism has not been elucidated.Hypothesis: We hypothesized that a change in intercellular coupling via gap junctions (GJ) is responsible.Methods: We analyzed connexin 43 (Cx43) by Western blot in total and soluble heart tissue fractions (three phosphoisoforms could be separated: P0,P1,P2), and via confocal imaging of immunostained frozen heart sections.Results: Under baseline conditions, no difference was detectable in Cx43 expression level, soluble/insoluble ratio and isoform distribution in all assays (all n≥7). However, after hearts were rapidly paced (12-18 Hz for 16 min), Cx43 expression was lower in I79N compared to control (64.8 ± 6.6%, n ≥ 7, p = 0.03) and the P0/P2 ratio increased (p = 0.01). Strikingly, immunostaining revealed areas with high accumulation of Cx43-P0 isoform (clusters) in I79N as well as EMD-treated hearts, while there was low homogeneous Cx43-P0 staining in controls. GJs are metabolically sensitive, so we next investigated AMP-kinase activation via phosphorylation at T172. Phosphorylation level was increased after pacing in I79N (to 225±47% of control). The activated kinase accumulated in the same regions where Cx43-P0 staining was observed.Conclusion: We conclude that during rapid pacing some regions become energy depleted, as evidenced by AMP-kinase activation. This triggers Cx43-P0 accumulation in the same regions and may contribute to the regional slowing of CV and thus formation of the arrhythmogenic substrate in Ca sensitized hearts.
Ketogenic Essential Amino Acids Modulate Lipid Synthetic Pathways and Prevent Hepatic Steatosis in Mice

Background: Although dietary ketogenic essential amino acid (KAA) content modifies accumulation of hepatic lipids, the molecular interactions between KAAs and lipid metabolism are yet to be fully elucidated. Methodology/Principal Findings: We designed a diet with a high ratio (E/N) of essential amino acids (EAAs) to nonEAAs by partially replacing dietary protein with 5 major free KAAs (Leu, Ile, Val, Lys and Thr) without altering carbohydrate and fat content. This high-KAA diet was assessed for its preventive effects on diet-induced hepatic steatosis and whole-animal insulin resistance. C57B6 mice were fed with a high-fat diet, and hyperinsulinemic ob/ob mice were fed with a high-fat or high-sucrose diet. The high-KAA diet improved hepatic steatosis with decreased de novo lipogensis (DNL) fluxes as well as reduced expressions of lipogenic genes. In C57B6 mice, the high-KAA diet lowered postprandial insulin secretion and improved gluc ose tolerance, in association with restored expression of muscle insulin signaling proteins repressed by the high-fat diet. Lipotoxic metabolites and their synthetic fluxes were also evaluated with reference to insulin resistance. The high-KAA diet lowered muscle and liver ceramides, both by reducing dietary lipid incorporation into muscular ceramides and preventing incorporation of DNL-derived fatty acids into hepatic ceramides. Conclusion: Our results indicate that dietary KAA intake improves hepatic steatosis and insulin resistance by modulating lipid synthetic pathways.
Feeling good at the right time: Why people value predictability in goal attainment

Abstract We investigate whether information on upcoming goal attainment spoils some of the benefits of attaining the goal, because people hold a script suggesting they should feel happy at the “right” time; that is, after the goal is attained. We find that people falsely recall sequences of events in a way that corresponds to a script of feeling happy upon goal attainment rather than upon learning that a goal will be attained (Study 1). The disruption of the goal-attainment script results in mellowed happiness and lower goal evaluation (Studies 2–4). We conclude that because of their expectation to feel happy only upon goal attainment, people experience mellowed positive emotion and goal evaluation when they learn that a goal will be attained. Reawakening positive emotion after having had early knowledge of goal attainment appears to be difficult.
The standing ovation problem

Over the last decade, research topics such as learning, heterogeneity, networks, diffusion, and externalities, have moved from the fringe to the frontier in the social sciences. In large part this new research agenda has been driven by key tools and ideas emerging from the study of complex adaptive systems. Research is often inspired by simple models that provide a rich domain from which to explore the world. Indeed, in complex systems, Bak’s (1996) sand pile, Arthur’s (1994) El Farol bar, and Kauffman’s (1989) NK system have provided such inspirations. Here we introduce another model that offers similar potential—the Standing Ovation Problem (SOP). This model is especially appropriate given the focus of this special issue on complex adaptive social systems. The SOP has much to offer as it (1) is easily explained and part of everyone’s common experience; (2) simultaneously emphasizes some of the key themes that arise in social systems, such as learning, heterogeneity, incentives, and networks; and (3) is amenable to research efforts across a variety of fields. These features make it an ideal platform from which to explore the power, promise, and pitfalls of complexity modeling in the social sciences. The basic SOP can be stated as: A brilliant economics lecture ends and the audience begins to applaud. The applause builds and tentatively, a few audience members may or may not decide to stand. Does a standing ovation ensue or does the enthusiasm fizzle? Inspired by the seminal work of Schelling (1978), the SOP possesses sufficient structure to generate nontrivial dynamics without imposing too many a priori modeling constraints. Like Schelling’s work, it focuses on the macro-behavior that emerges from micro-motives, and relies on models that emphasize agents driven by simple behavioral algorithms placed in interesting spatial contexts. Though ostensibly simple, the social dynamics responsible for a standing ovation are complex. As the performance ends, each audience member must decide whether or not to stand. Of course, if the decision to stand is simply a personal choice based on the individual’s own assessment of the worth of the performance, the problem becomes trivial. However, people do not stand solely based upon their own impressions of the performance. A seated audience member surrounded by people standing might be enticed to stand, even if he hated the performance. This behavioral mimicry could be strategic (the agents wants to send the
Evidence for π bonding in the boron–thiolate compounds (2,4,6-Me3C6H2)2B(SPh) and (2,4,6-Pri3C6H2)B(SPh)2

The use of the bulky aryl substituent groups 2,4,6-Me3C6H2 and 2,4,6-Pri3C6H2 has allowed the structural characterization of two monomeric boron-sulfur compounds (2,4,6-Me3C6H2)2B(SPh)1 and (2,4,6-Pri3C6H2)B(SPh)22. The crystal structures of 1 and 2 show a close alignment between the boron and sulfur p orbitals that is consistent with a π interaction. Furthermore, the B–S distances in 1[1.790(6)] and 2[1.801(6)A] are slightly shorter than the sum of the covalent radii (with allowance made for ionic effects) of boron and sulfur. Variable-temperature 1H and 13C NMR data for 2 indicate an average barrier to rotation around the B–S bond of ca. 12 kcal mol–1. This value is significantly less than the 18.4 kcal mol–1 reported earlier for 1. The lower rotational barrier observed in 2 is consistent with the delocalization of the B–S π bond over the three atom BS2π system which has a similar electronic arrangement to that of an allyl anion. Crystal data at 130 K: 1, triclinic, space group P, a= 7.851(5), b= 11.685(6), c= 13.096(7)A, α= 63.52(2), β= 73.93(2), γ= 74.54(2)°, Z= 2, R= 0.073; 2, monoclinic, space group P21/c, a= 18.373(3), b= 12.713(2), c= 10.844(2)A, β= 99.96(1)°, Z= 4, R= 0.072.
The imaging issue in an automatic face/disguise detection system

Automatic face recognition systems have made great strides. They still, however cannot cope with changes due to lighting and cannot detect disguises, Both of these issues are critical for the employment of face recognition systems in high security applications, such as embassy perimeters, federal plazas, mid the like. We propose novel imaging solutions that address these difficult problems. We demonstrate with theoretical and experimental arguments that a dual-band fusion system in the near infrared can segment human faces much more accurately than traditional visible band face detection systems. Face detection is useful by itself as an early warning method in certain surveillance applications. Accurate face delineation can also improve the performance of face recognition systems in certain difficult scenarios, particularly in outside environments. We also demonstrate with theoretical and experimental arguments that the upper band of the near infrared (1.4-2.4 /spl mu/m) is particularly advantageous for disguise detection purposes. This is attributable to the unique and universal properties of the human skin in this sub-band. We conclude the paper with a description of our ongoing and future efforts.
Psychiatric, Genetic, and Positron Emission Tomographic Evaluation of Persons at Risk for Huntington's Disease

• We examined chorea-free subjects at risk for Huntington's disease (n = 52) for lifetime psychiatric diagnoses, present mood, genetic marker status, and caudate glucose metabolic rates with positron emission tomography. Based on previous work, a caudate—ipsilateral hemisphere ratio less than 1.15 was defined as abnormal and predictive of Huntington's disease. None of three methods used to segregate subjects into groups more and less likely to develop Huntington's disease gave significant group rate differences for any formal psychiatric diagnoses. On present mood testing, however, subjective "anger/hostility" was significantly higher in those likely, compared with those less likely, to develop Huntington's disease, as determined by all three methods.
Infrared focal plane array technology

Requirements for infrared focal plane arrays (IRFPAs) for advanced infrared imaging systems are discussed, and an overview is given of different IRFPA architectures. Important IR detector structures, including photoconductive, photovoltaic, metal-insulator-semiconductor (MIS), and Schottky barrier, are reviewed. Infrared detector materials and related crystal-growth techniques are discussed, emphasizing applicability to IRFPA designs and performance. Three types of input circuit used to couple the detector to the readout circuitry are discussed, namely, direct injection, buffered direct injection, and gate modulation. An overview is given of several readout techniques, including the CCD, MOSFET switch, CID, and CIM. Also discussed are related onchip signal processing topics as well as questions regarding producibility and array implementation. >
Body mass index is increasing faster among taller persons

Taller people have been increasing their body mass indexes during the past 40 years at a faster rate than shorter people. Constraints on weight gain for taller people that existed in a more calorie-constrained environment may have been eliminated.
Loss of intracellular lipid binding proteins differentially impacts saturated fatty acid uptake and nuclear targeting in mouse hepatocytes.

The liver expresses high levels of two proteins with high affinity for long-chain fatty acids (LCFAs): liver fatty acid binding protein (L-FABP) and sterol carrier protein-2 (SCP-2). Real-time conf...
Computer Scientist, Software Engineer, or IT Professional: Which Do You Think You Are?

Job titles and functions shift quickly in the IT world, but some broad classifications can be useful for identifying what people do and how they view themselves. In some ways, the category of "IT professional" is the most broadly encompassing, but many people identify more closely with subspecialties such as "software engineer" or "computer scientist."
Reaction of Aliphatic Amines with 49% Formic Acid. 1-Hexylamine, di-1-hexylamine, N,N-dimethyl-1-hexylamine, 1-dodecylamine, N,N-dimethyl-1-dodecylamine and N,N-dimethyl-1-butylamine

Two primary amines, 1-hexylamine 2, 1-dodecylamine 19, one secondary amine, di-1-hexylamine 18, and three tertiary amines, N,N-dimethyl-1-hexylamine 6, N,N-dimethyl-1-butylamine 3, and N,N-dimethyl-1-dodecylamine 22 were each heated at 150 °C, 250 °C or 350 °C with 49% aqueous formic acid for varying periods of time. The aliphatic primary amines underwent easy N-formylation and subsequent reduction to give N-methyl- and N,N-dimethylalkylamines. Especially at higher temperatures, other reactions intervened including elimination of NH3 to the corresponding alkenes followed by partial double bond isomerization. Tertiary amines were more reactive at higher temperatures undergoing hydrolysis and reductive cleavages to secondary and primary amines, which subsequently followed the reaction sequences seen for primary amines. This series of saturated amines showed none of the cleavage into smaller fragments that was observed in the reductive alkylation of pyridine and 4-methylpyridine to a series of N-alkylpiperdines. This result reinforces the bis-aza-retro-Aldol-fragmentation mechanism postulated for the formation of the N-alkylpiperidines.