cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Search for potent attractants of onion flies

Of various chopped vegetables tested,Allium spp. high in propyl-containing alkyl sulfides (e.g.,cepa group) caught the most onion flies in trapping tests in the field. Fly catches to chopped onion increased with bait quantity. Attractancy of chopped onion changed dramatically during aging in the field; catch increased over the first few days, peaked at ca. fivefold over fresh material by 3–5 days, and then declined sharply. This age-dependent increase in attraction was not seen for garlic (known to have antimicrobial properties) nor with chopped onion mixed with chopped garlic. These data suggested that attraction of onion flies to onions was strongly influenced by microbial activity associated with decomposing onions. The bacteriumKlebsiella pneumoniae was identified as a major colonizer of onions maximally attractive to onion flies. This increased attraction is not due to the previously reported microbially produced volatiles ethyl acetate and tetramethyl pyrazine.
Molecular cloning and characterization of the genome of wound tumor virus: a tumor-inducing plant reovirus.

Abstract The double-stranded RNA genome of the tumor-inducing plant pathogen, wound tumor virus, was converted to double-stranded DNA and cloned into plasmid pBR322. Multiple apparent full-length copies of 9 of the 12 wound tumor virus genome segments were identified. The entire sequence of cloned genome segment S12, the smallest of the genome segments, was determined. This genome segment was found to be 851 nucleotides in length and to possess a single long open reading frame that extends 178 codons from the first AUG triplet (residues 35–37): information sufficient to encode a protein of the size estimated for the smallest of the previously identified wound tumor virus primary gene products, Pns 12. Sequence data obtained from analysis of cloned cDNA copies of several genome segments and from direct analysis of the 3′ termini of the double-stranded genome RNAs revealed that each wound tumor virus genome segment possesses the common terminal sequences: (+) 5′ GGUAUU … UGAU 3′ (-) 3′ CCAUAA … ACUA 5′.
Rapidly evolving adeno-associated virus vectors: increasing possibility of gene therapy with custom-made vectors

アデノ随伴ウイルス（AAV）は，その誕生から現代に至るまで，自然選択（natural selection）により非常にゆっくりと進化を遂げてきた．ところが，2002年に100種を超える血清型やバリアントが霊長類組織から単離されて以来，人為的操作により急速な進化を遂げつつある．ウイルスの構造が単純で外殻蛋白の遺伝的操作が容易であることから，合理的設計法（rational design）と定向進化法（directed evolution）を用いることにより，使用目的に最も適したカスタムメイドAAVベクターが容易に作成，使用できるようになってきている．
Reducing eating disorder risk factors in sorority members: A randomized trial *

Although sororities are often perceived as contributing to eating-disordered behavior, limited research has investigated eating disorders in sorority members. The purpose of this study was to investigate the utility of a highly interactive cognitive dissonance prevention program in reducing empirically supported risk factors in sorority members. Members (N = 149) were randomized to the highly interactive intervention, a more passive intervention, or wait-list. Results indicated that both interventions reduced dietary restraint, body dissatisfaction, and eating disorder pathology. Only the highly interactive group reduced thin-ideal internalization as compared to wait-list. Exploratory analyses also indicated that interventions were beneficial to both lower- and higher-risk members. Taken together, results suggest that sororities are a viable population to target in the prevention of eating disorders.
Serum peptide profiles in patients with carcinoid tumors

Abstract Background Patterns of elevated serum peptides may reveal additional markers and permit better classification of tumors based on (secondary) peptide secretion. Methods Fasting peptide profiles were obtained from 31 carcinoid patients. vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), pancreatic polypeptide (PP), neurotensin, substance P, gastrin-releasing polypeptide (GRP), calcitonin, gastrin, and pancreastatin were measured. Peptide elevation patterns were correlated with disease sites, syndrome, and survival. Results Elevations in patients were as follows: VIP 0%, PP 13%, neurotensin 10%, substance P 20%, GRP 3%, calcitonin 10%, and gastrin 3%. There were no consistent patterns of elevated peptides with regard to site or syndrome. Pancreastatin was elevated in 81% of profiles and was the only abnormal peptide in 57% of patients. Conclusion Peptide profile results do not permit improved classification, predict syndrome development, or correlate with survival. In contrast, pancreastatin is elevated in most cases and may be utilized to monitor disease progression and evaluate response to therapy.
Parameter estimation for models of chaotic time series

We illustrate the inadequacy for chaotic time series data of widely-used dynamical parameter-estimation procedures based on whole-trajectory comparisons (“observation-error fitting”), using as case studies the record of measles outbreaks in New York City and simulated data generated by the logistic equation. We explore and reject alternative estimation methods based on matching emergent features of strange attractors; specifically, the Lyapunov exponents and the Hausdorff dimension. We show that partial-trajectory comparison methods (“process-error fitting”) work well when the system state is completely known through the course of the experiment.
Exogenous hyalin and sea urchin gastrulation. Part III: Biological activity of hyalin isolated from Lytechinus pictus embryos

Hyalin is a large glycoprotein, consisting of the hyalin repeat domain and non-repeated regions, and is the major component of the hyaline layer in the early sea urchin embryo of Strongylocentrotus purpuratus. The hyalin repeat domain has been identified in proteins from organisms as diverse as bacteria, sea urchins, worms, flies, mice and humans. While the specific function of hyalin and the hyalin repeat domain is incompletely understood, many studies suggest that it has a functional role in adhesive interactions. In part I of this series, we showed that hyalin isolated from the sea urchin S. purpuratus blocked archenteron elongation and attachment to the blastocoel roof occurring during gastrulation in S. purpuratus embryos, (Razinia et al., 2007). The cellular interactions that occur in the sea urchin, recognized by the U.S. National Institutes of Health as a model system, may provide insights into adhesive interactions that occur in human health and disease. In part II of this series, we showed that S. purpuratus hyalin heterospecifically blocked archenteron–ectoderm interaction in Lytechinus pictus embryos (Alvarez et al., 2007). In the current study, we have isolated hyalin from the sea urchin L. pictus and demonstrated that L. pictus hyalin homospecifically blocks archenteron–ectoderm interaction, suggesting a general role for this glycoprotein in mediating a specific set of adhesive interactions. We also found one major difference in hyalin activity in the two sea urchin species involving hyalin influence on gastrulation invagination.
Seeing the Whole Board: New Institutional Analysis of News Content

The author assesses the merits of various new institutional approaches to news presented as part of a symposium on the subject and suggests that one of the advantages of these approaches is their effort to see the major variables of news production in relation to one another and moving in time. However, this very sensitivity to interaction and time makes new institutionalist explanations complex. In this regard, of particular importance is the tendency of new institutionalist theorists to conflate at least two definitions of institutions: formal organizations and informal, largely tacit understandings. This article explores the potential of new institutionalist theory in the context of a brief examination of news coverage of the Abu Ghraib prison abuse scandal in major mainstream American newspapers. It shows that the homogeneity of this coverage can be explained in the context of new institutionalist theory. Suggestions are offered for how those interested in new institutionalist explanations of news mig...
Acute increases in arterial blood pressure do not reduce plasma vasopressin levels stimulated by angiotensin II or hyperosmolality in rats

The present study sought to determine whether an acute increase in arterial blood pressure (ABP) reduces plasma vasopressin (VP) levels stimulated by ANG II or hyperosmolality. During an intravenou...
Light Scattering in Turbulent and Laminar Flames

The scattering of light in flames, both turbulent and laminar, is investigated using line and continuum sources of excitation. The wave-length dependence, angular distribution, and polarization of the scattered intensity are measured. Only with the laminar flames does the wavelength dependence of the scattered intensity approximate the λ−4 relationship of Rayleigh scattering. Contrary to the predictions of the theory for Rayleigh scattering, the scattering is not symmetric about 90°. The variation of intensity and polarization of the scattered light at different angles is stressed from the analytical point of view. In atomic fluorescence spectroscopy, the ratio of the fluorescence intensity to the scattered intensity can be considerably improved by the use of polarizers.
HOW ADVERTISING PRACTITIONERS VIEW ETHICS : Moral Muteness, Moral Myopia, and Moral Imagination

This study examines how advertising agency personnel perceive, process, and think about ethical issues. We conducted in-depth, elite interviews with advertising practitioners at all levels in 29 agencies in eight cities. Many of our informants reported few ethical concerns in their own work or in advertising in general. They exhibited "moral myopia," a distortion of moral vision that prevents moral issues from coming into focus, and "moral muteness," meaning that they rarely talk about ethical issues. We find that the reasons for moral muteness and moral myopia are categorizable. There were, however, "seeing/talking" advertising practitioners who demonstrated "moral imagination" when responding to ethical problems. We compare the manner in which the ethically sensitive practitioners contemplate and respond to ethical issues with those characterized as having moral muteness and moral myopia. We also find that the agency context in which advertising practitioners work is important in terms of ethical sensit...
The impact of an urban environment on a child's lungs.

The primary unifying feature of an urban environment is a high population density, which is characterized by multifamily housing and high levels of vehicular traffic. Both of these features have pu...
On-Line MALDI-TOF MS Using a Continuous Vacuum Deposition Interface

In this work, a new interface for continuous on-line MALDI-TOF MS is presented. The sample, mixed with a suitable matrix, was transported into the evacuated source chamber of the mass spectrometer at liquid flow rates of 100−400 nL/min. The liquid sample matrix was deposited on a rotating quartz wheel and transported to the repeller, where laser desorption took place. Rapid evaporation of the solvent (water or methanol) on the surface of the wheel resulted in formation of a thin, ∼50-μm-wide, sample trace. Scanning electron microscopic photographs of the vacuum-dried trace revealed the deposited material to consist of an amorphous film. Furthermore, sample uniformity along the trace, in conjunction with its narrow width, resulted in excellent signal reproducibility, with detection limits in the attomole range. The interface permitted the on-line coupling of microcolumn separation techniques with MALDI MS, as demonstrated in the capillary electrophoresis MALDI-TOF MS analysis of a 12-peptide mixture. The a...
Comparison of Complications of Laparoscopic Versus Laparoendoscopic Single Site Donor Nephrectomy Using the Modified Clavien Grading System

Purpose: We compared postoperative complications of laparoendoscopic single site and standard laparoscopic living donor nephrectomy using a standardized complication reporting system.Materials and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the records of consecutive patients who underwent a total of 663 laparoscopic living donor nephrectomies and 101 laparoendoscopic single site donor nephrectomies. All data were recorded retrospectively. The 30-day complication rate was compiled and graded using the modified Clavien complication scale. Multivariate binary logistic regression was used to determine independent predictors of complications.Results: Baseline demographics were comparable between the groups. Compared to those with laparoscopic living donor nephrectomy patients who underwent laparoendoscopic single site donor nephrectomy had a shorter hospital stay and less estimated blood loss but longer operative time (p <0.05) as well as higher oral but lower intravenous in hospital analgesic requirements (p <0.05)...
Microbial metabolism of 4,4′-methylene-bis-(2 chloroaniline)

4,4′-Methylene-bis-(2-chloroaniline), (MBOCA) is a suspected human carcinogen. Recently a massive contamination case by this compound was uncovered in Adrian, Michigan. By using two microbial strains,Bacillus megaterium and aNocardiopsis sp., it was determined that MBOCA is rapidly degraded. The major route of metabolism in these microorganisms is through Nacetylation and N-hydroxylation. The identities of the major metabolic products were established via mass spectroscopic analyses. These metabolites are also suspected mutagens.
"Made in Germany": The Politics of Teaching German Popular Culture in the Twenty-First Century.

In North American universities, pop culture increasingly appears in the German Studies classroom to “spice up” the curriculum. But what is conveyed and taught and how is it inserted into the curriculum and into the US cultural context? This article explores three examples of popular culture in the German Studies classroom: representations of the Berlin Republic in Good Bye Lenin! and Das Leben der Anderen, Fatih Akin's Gegen die Wand, and songs of the band Rammstein. We argue for an approach that encourages students to explore the politics of national culture in a global context and emphasizes the tensions and contingencies in the materials presented.
High-Dimensional Variable Selection for Survival Data

The minimal depth of a maximal subtree is a dimensionless order statistic measuring the predictiveness of a variable in a survival tree. We derive the distribution of the minimal depth and use it f...
The efficiency of avermectins (abamectin, doramectin and ivermectin) in the control of Boophilus microplus, in artificially infested bovines kept in field conditions

Tests were performed on artificially infested bovines, kept in field conditions, to assess the efficiency of avermectins (abamectin, doramectin and ivermectin) on Boophilus microplus (Canestrini, 1887). This assessment was carried out on 40 bovines, in the Paraiba Valley, in the State of Sao Paulo, Brazil. These bovines were distributed into four groups (abamectin, doramectin, ivermectin and a control group), after artificial infestation with some 4000 larvae per animal on days -21, -14, -7, -1, 7 and 14. The animals from the treated groups were subcutaneously injected with the commercial avermectins, at a dose of 200microg/kg of live weight (1mL/50kg). The best results were shown by the group treated with doramectin, both in relation to the reduction of female count (an average of 85.92% between 3rd and 28th day after treatment) and also in the reduction of oviposition among the females collected from the bovines after treatment and then kept in the laboratory (an average of 83.51%). None of the avermectins proved to be efficient in inhibiting the hatching of the larvae.
Opiates inhibit calmodulin activation of a high-affinity Ca2+-stimulated Mg2+-dependent ATPase in synaptic membranes

A high affinity Ca2+/Mg2+ ATPase has been identified and localized in synaptic membrane subfractions. This enzyme is stimulated by low concentrations of Ca2+ (≤1 μM) believed to approximate the range of Ca2+ in the synaptosomal cytosol (0.1 to 5.0 μM). The opiate agonist levorphanol, in a concentration-dependent fashion, inhibited Ca2+-stimulated ATP hydrolysis in lysed synaptic membranes. This inhibition was reversed by naloxone, while dextrorphan, the inactive opiate isomer, was without effect. Inhibition by levorphanol was most pronounced in a subfraction of synaptic membranes (SPM-1). The inhibition of Ca2+-stimulated ATP hydrolysis was characterized by a reduction inVmax for Ca2+. Levorphanol pretreatment reduced the Hill coefficient (HN) of 1.5 to 0.7, suggesting cooperative interaction between the opiate receptor and the enzyme protein. Levorphanol, but not dextrorphan, also inhibited (28%) ATP-dependent Ca2+ uptake by synaptic membranes. Opiate ligand stereoisomers were tested for their effects on calmodulin stimulating of high affinity Ca2+/Mg2+ ATPase in synaptic membranes. Levorphanol (10 μM), but not the inactive stereoisomer (+)dextrorphan, significantly inhibited (35%) the calmodulin-activated Ca2+-dependent ATP hydrolysis activity in a preparation of lysed synaptic membranes. Both Ca2+-dependent and calmodulin-dependent stimulation of the enzyme in the presence of optimal concentrations of the other co-substrate were inhibited by levorphanol (35–40%) but not dextrorphan. Inhibition of ATP hydrolysis was characterized by a reduction inVmax for both Ca2+ and calmodulin stimulation of the enzyme. Calmodulin stimulation of enzyme activity was most pronounced in SPM-1, the membrane fraction which also exhibits the maximal opiate inhibition (40%) of the Ca2+-ATPase. The results demonstrate that opiate receptor activation inhibits a high affinity Ca2+/Mg2+ ATPase in synaptic plasma membranes in a stereospecific fashion. The inhibition of the enzyme may occur by a mechanism involving both Ca2+ and calmodulin. Inhibition of calmodulin activation may contribute to the mechanism by which opiate ligands disrupt synaptosomal Ca2+ buffering mechanisms. Changes in the cytosolic distribution of synaptosomal Ca2+ following inhibition of Ca2+/Mg2+ ATPase may underlie some of the pharmacological effects of opiate drugs.
A coherent minimum-output-energy receiver with a Kalman channel predictor for DS-CDMA systems

In this paper, we develop a Kalman channel predictor based receiver for DS-CDMA systems. In particular, we develop and analyze the performance of a minimum-output-energy (MOE) receiver with short spreading codes, when fast Rayleigh flat fading channels are predicted by the Kalman filter. For comparison, we also derive the performance of a matched filter receiver with long spreading codes. It is shown by analysis and simulation that in a fast fading environment, MOE with short spreading codes is better than matched filter with long spreading codes.
SU‐GG‐J‐66: A Single Phantom Study for the Evaluation of Accuracy of Three IGRT Techniques

Purpose:Ultrasound,CBCT, and Electro‐Magnetic image‐guidedradiotherapy(IGRT) techniques are widely used in prostate localization. Using a single phantom, our aim is to investigate the accuracy of these technologies. Method and Materials: A CT scan (1 mm slice) of an ultrasound phantom with three implanted transponders was acquired for this study. Ten treatment plans with 10 different isocenters within a range of 5 cm from the origin of the phantom were created. The contoured cavity and coordinates of the isocenters were exported to the three systems. The origin of the phantom was aligned to the lasers and the isocenters were localized by the three techniques. During the 30 localization experiments, the phantom was not moved. The measured shifts from each localization method were compared with the known shifts from the treatment plans. The differences between these shifts were analyzed. Results: The mean vector differences are 2.7 ± 0.5 mm, 0.9 ± 0.3 mm and 0.3 ± 0.1 mm for Clarity, CBCT, and Calypso system, respectively. Specifically, the mean differences in the lateral direction are 2.1 ± 0.4 mm, 0.3 ± 0.3 mm, and −0.17 ± 0.09 mm, respectively. In the longitudinal direction, the mean differences are −1.6 ± 0.2 mm, 0.6 ± 0.2 mm, and −0.1 ±0.1 mm, respectively inthe 0.4 ± 0.2 mm, 0.6 ± 0.2 mm, and −0.1 ±0.1 mm, respectively in the vertical direction. The maximum deviation from the known shifts is 3.1 mm for Clarity, followed by 0.9 mm for CBCT, and 0.3 mm for Calypso. These shifts are independent of the distances from each isocenter to the origin of the phantom. Conclusion: The three IGRT systems achieve different accuracy and it is important to understand the limitation of each system. Further studies for the impact of rotation on localization are warranted.
Negotiated security policies for e-services and Web services

The growth of the Internet has been accompanied by the growth of e-services (e.g. e-commerce, e-health). This proliferation of e-services and the increasing attacks on them by malicious individuals have highlighted the need for e-service security. The security requirements of an e-service may be specified in an e-service security policy. The provider of the e-service is then responsible for implementing the security measures contained in the policy. However, a service consumer may have security preferences that are not reflected in the provider's e-service security policy (e.g. defense contractors may require higher levels of security). In order for service providers to reach a wider market, a way of customizing a security policy to a particular consumer is needed. We derive the content of an e-service security policy and propose a flexible approach that allows an e-service provider and consumer to negotiate to an agreed-upon e-service security policy. In addition, we examine how our approach may be implemented in a Web services environment and briefly describe the design of our security policy negotiation prototype.
What is type VI secretion doing in all those bugs

The identification of bacterial secretion systems capable of translocating substrates into eukaryotic cells via needle-like appendages has opened fruitful and exciting areas of microbial pathogenesis research. The recent discovery of the type VI secretion system (T6SS) was met with early speculation that it too acts as a 'needle' that pathogens aim at host cells. New reports demonstrate that certain T6SSs are potent mediators of interbacterial interactions. In light of these findings, we examined earlier data indicating its role in pathogenesis. We conclude that although T6S can, in rare instances, directly influence interactions with higher organisms, the broader physiological significance of the system is likely to provide defense against simple eukaryotic cells and other bacteria in the environment. The crucial role of T6S in bacterial interactions, along with its presence in many organisms relevant to disease, suggests that it might be a key determinant in the progression and outcome of certain human polymicrobial infections.
Measurement of C 12 , O 16 , and Fe 56 charge changing cross sections in helium at high energy, comparison with cross sections in hydrogen, and application to cosmic-ray propagation

We present measurements of the spallation cross sections of carbon, oxygen, and iron in helium and hydrogen, at beam energies from 540 to 1600 MeV/nucleon, performed by exposing liquid helium, CH2, and C targets. Charge changing cross sections are reported for fragments down to Ne for Fe + alpha and Fe + p reactions, and down to B for O + alpha, O + p, C + alpha, and C + p reactions. Alpha- to p-induced cross section ratios (sigma(sub alpha)/sigma(sub p)) are determined at the same energy per nucleon. From these measurements an empirical formula for the (sigma(sub alpha)/sigma(sub p)) ratios is derived and is found in good agreement with available isotopic cross sections data from radioactivity and radiochemical techniques. These results are applied to the propagation of heavy charged cosmic rays in an interstellar medium with a helium to hydrogen abundance ratio of 0.10. It is shown that the Sc-Mn/Fe ratio prediction is decreased relative to the B/C ratio when compared to propagation calculations in a pure hydrogen interstellar medium.
Examination of the role of TRPM8 in human mast cell activation and its relevance to the etiology of cold-induced urticaria.

Abstract Mast cells are considered the primary initiators of allergic diseases as a consequence of the release of multiple inflammatory mediators on activation. Although predominately activated through antigen-mediated aggregation of IgE-occupied-FcɛRI, they can also be induced to release mediators by other receptors and environmental stimuli. Based on studies conducted in the RBL 2H3 rodent mast cell line, the transient receptor potential melastatin 8 (TRPM8) cation channel has been implicated in the activation of mast cells in response to cold and, by inference, the development of urticaria. Here we investigated the expression and role of TRPM8 receptor, in both human and mouse non-transformed cells, with the aim of exploring the potential link between TRPM8 and the pathology of cold urticaria in humans. Although expressed in mouse mast cells, we found no evidence of TRPM8 expression in human mast cells or functional mutations in TRPM8 in cold urticaria patients. Furthermore, neither mouse nor human primary cultured mast cells degranulated in response to cold challenge or TRPM8 agonists and mast cell reactivity was unaffected in Trpm8 −/− mice. From these data, we conclude that TRPM8 is unlikely to directly regulate mast cell activation in cold urticaria. Thus, alternative mechanisms likely exist for the pathogenesis of this disease.
Taking Journal Clubs off Autopilot: A Case Study of Teaching Literature Evaluation Skills to Preclinical MD/PhD Students

Researchers designed learner-directed journal clubs to develop literature evaluation skills in preclinical students. Sessions balanced student-led discussion with structured objectives and faculty support. During the pilot with preclinical MD/PhD students, self-rated mastery improved over all 17 measured objectives. Six exercises have since been incorporated into the full medical school curriculum.
Pilot study of improved lesion characterization in breast MRI using a 3D radial balanced SSFP technique with isotropic resolution and efficient fat-water separation.

Purpose To assess a 3D radial balanced steady-state free precession (SSFP) technique that provides submillimeter isotropic resolution and inherently registered fat and water image volumes in comparison to conventional T2-weighted RARE imaging for lesion characterization in breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Materials and Methods 3D projection SSFP (3DPR-SSFP) combines a dual half-echo radial k-space trajectory with a linear combination fat/water separation technique (linear combination SSFP). A pilot study was performed in 20 patients to assess fat suppression and depiction of lesion morphology using 3DPR-SSFP. For all patients fat suppression was measured for the 3DPR-SSFP image volumes and depiction of lesion morphology was compared against corresponding T2-weighted fast spin echo (FSE) datasets for 15 lesions in 11 patients. Results The isotropic 0.63 mm resolution of the 3DPR-SSFP sequence demonstrated improved depiction of lesion morphology in comparison to FSE. The 3DPR-SSFP fat and water datasets were available in a 5-minute scan time while average fat suppression with 3DPR-SSFP was 71% across all 20 patients. Conclusion 3DPR-SSFP has the potential to improve the lesion characterization information available in breast MRI, particularly in comparison to conventional FSE. A larger study is warranted to quantify the effect of 3DPR-SSFP on specificity. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2009;30:135–144. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Investigating early warning signs of oscillatory instability in simulated phasor measurements

This paper shows that the variance of load bus voltage magnitude in a small power system test case increases monotonically as the system approaches a Hopf bifurcation. This property can potentially be used as a method for monitoring oscillatory stability in power grid using high-resolution phasor measurements. Increasing variance in data from a dynamical system is a common sign of a phenomenon known as critical slowing down (CSD). CSD is slower recovery of dynamical systems from perturbations as they approach critical transitions. Earlier work has focused on studying CSD in systems approaching voltage collapse; In this paper, we investigate its occurrence as a power system approaches a Hopf bifurcation.
COPPER AS A FACTOR IN THE ONSET OF ASCIDIAN METAMORPHOSIS.

PRECOCIOUS metamorphosis of certain species of ascidian larvae can be initiated by increasing the copper content of sea-water1,2. Furthermore, Glaser and Anslow3 observed that various materials that cause an acceleration of the onset of ascidian metamorphosis have an unusually high copper content; they concluded that the copper content of sea-water is causally related to the onset of natural metamorphosis. While this theory has not been generally accepted4, it has never been experimentally disproved.
Using velocimeter signal to noise ratio as a surrogate measure of suspended mud concentration

Abstract This study examines the relationship between suspended sediment concentration (SSC) and the signal to noise ratio (SNR) recorded by a 6 MHz Nortek Vector velocimeter in a laboratory water tank using four different synthetic and natural mud mixtures and different combinations of the user-set Vector parameters transmit power level and velocity range. For concentrations less than 1500 mg/l (1.5 g/l), a region of linearity between the logarithm of concentration and time-average SNR was found for all sediment types and transmitter power level settings. Within this concentration range, the experimental data was used to develop calibrated equations of the form, log ( SSC ) = c 1 SNR + c 2 ; R 2 values for all calibrated equations were greater than 0.98, suggesting that properly calibrated relations can yield accurate time-averaged SSC measurements using Vector measured SNR. An analysis of the general calibration equation indicated that the predicted SSC values are sensitive to changes in the coefficient values for c 1 and c 2 . Even small (10%) deviations in coefficient values resulted in 20%–65% changes in the predicted SSC. Variation in c 1 and c 2 values among all four mud mixtures were significant enough that the calibrated equations could not be used interchangeably. This was true even among three samples that had similar particle-size distributions. Translation of raw 32 Hz SNR data to 32 Hz SSC time series produced excessively large variation in the SSC time series. Several smoothing and filtering schemes were examined to reduce the magnitude of these fluctuations to more reasonable levels. Of the methods tested, a two-sided moving average functioned best at removing fine-scale variation while retaining larger-scale trends. A 96-point (3 Hz) averaging window brought 98.6% of the Vector estimated SSC time series values to within ±10% of the time-average physical samples. Impacts of turbulent kinetic energy and sampling volume size on instrument recorded SNR were also empirically examined.
Individual differences in phonological development: ages one and three years.

This paper reports the results of a study of the persistence of individual differences in the phonological development of 10 normally developing children observed at age 1 year and again at age 3 y...
Structural differences in epiphyseal and physeal hypertrophic chondrocytes

We have observed that epiphyseal and physeal hypertrophic chondrocytes in BALB/c mice show considerable differences of light microscopic and ultrastructural appearance, even when the cells are at the same stage of differentiation. In addition, cell structure maintenance improved with tissue preparation controlled for osmolarity and for membrane stabilization using 0.5% ruthenium hexammine trichloride (RHT) for both light microscopy (LM) and electron microscopy (EM) or 0.5% lanthanum nitrate for LM. Physeal hypertrophic chondrocytes showed a gradual increase in size closer to the metaphysis and a change in shape as cells elongated along the long axis. The nucleus remained central, with uniformly dispersed chromatin, and the rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) was randomly dispersed throughout cytoplasm with little to no presence against the cell membrane. Even the lowermost cells showed thin elongated or dilated cisternae of RER and intact cell membranes. Epiphyseal chondrocytes remained circular to oval with no elongation. Nucleus and RER were positioned as a complete transcellular central nucleocytoplasmic column or as an incomplete bud with RER of the column/bud always continuous with RER peripherally against the intact cell membrane. RER was densely packed with parallel cisternae with adjacent cytoplasm empty of organelles but often filled with circular deposits of moderately electron-dense material consistent with fat. Optimal technique for LM involved fixation using glutaraldehyde (GA) 1.3%, paraformaldehyde (PFA) 1% and RHT 0.5% (mOsm 606) embedded in JB-4 plastic and stained with 0.5% toluidine blue. Optimal technique for EM used fixation with GA 1.3%, PFA 1%, RHT 0.5% and cacodylate buffer 0.03 M (mOsm 511) and post-fixation including 1% osmium tetroxide. These observations lead to the possibility that the same basic cell, the hypertrophic chondrocyte, has differing functional mechanisms at different regions of the developing bone.
Effects of cell structure and density on the properties of high performance polyimide foams

Activity at the NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC) has focused on developing low density polyimide foam and foam structures which are made using monomeric solutions or salt solutions formed from the reaction of a dianhydride and diamine dissolved in a mixture of foaming agents and alkyl alcohol at room temperature. Monomer blends may be used to make a variety of polyimide foams with varying properties. The first foaming process developed consisted of thermal cycling the polymer precursor residuum and allowing the inflation of the particles to interact to create the foam. This process has resulted in foam structures with higher percentages of open cell content. Another innovative foaming process has been developed that begins with partially inflated microspheres, “friable balloons”, with incomplete polymer molecular weight gain, which when fully cured into a foam results in more closed cell structures. In a research study performed by NASA Kennedy Space Center (KSC) and LaRC, two closely related polyimide foams, TEEK-H series and TEEK-L series, (4,4′-oxydiphthalic anhydride/3,4′-oxydianiline and 3,3′,4,4′-benzophenonetetracarboxylic acid dianhydride/4,4′-oxydianiline) were investigated for density effects and closed versus open cell effects on the thermal, mechanical, and flammability properties. Thermal conductivity data under the full range of vacuum pressures indicate that these materials are effective insulators under cryogenic conditions. Contributing factors such as cell content, density, and surface area were studied to determine the effects on thermal conductivity. Cone calorimetry data indicated decreased peak heat release rates for the closed cell system, TEEK-H friable balloons, compared to the TEEK foams with higher open cell content. Mechanical properties including tensile strength and compressive strength indicated that the materials have good structural integrity. Foams with more open cell content resulted in greater tensile and compressive strengths than the closed cell foams. The maximum closed cell content achieved in the “friable balloon” system was 78% at a foam density of 0.048 gm/cm3. Published in 2005 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Agonistic Behavior in the Squid Loligo plei (Loliginidae, Teuthoidea): Fighting Tactics and the Effects of Size and Resource Value

Observations of small schools of squids in captivity suggested that dominance relationships among males were based upon major differences in the frequency or duration of their agonistic behavior, but staged contests showed few differences. During staged contests, squids exhibited up to 21 separate behaviors. Some contests included a complex array of visual signals and side-by-side posturing (Lateral Display) followed by physical contact during Fin beating. There was behavioral variability and step-wise escalation during the contests: squids performed either 1. long sequences of visual signaling followed by Chasing and Fleeing; or 2. short sequences of visual signaling followed by physical Fin beating and ending with Chasing and Fleeing. Size influenced outcome in all contests; larger males were more likely to win the contest. Size had no effect on contest duration, but contest duration was shorter when resource value was high, especially when a male established temporary ownership of a female. We speculate that when the perceived resource value is high, male squids are more likely to engage in a shorter yet riskier fighting tactic.
Progress in psychiatric pharmacogenomics and new publication features

In this issue we publish three articles on psychiatric pharmacogenomics, which reflect the growth and progress of this exciting field. The paper by Llerena and colleagues (pages 300–302) shows that CYP2C9*3, a specific cytochrome (CYP) P450 genotype, is more common in Spaniards with the diagnosis of depression than those with schizophrenia or controls. These interesting results indicate that CYP enzymes are not only relevant to the response to antidepressant medication but possibly also to the diagnosis of depression itself. The authors propose that CYP genotype could lead to metabolic alterations that might predispose to depression. Alternatively, a linkage between CYP2C9 and some other gene related to depression cannot be ruled out.
Raman Spectral Study of the Composition of Basic Silicate Solutions

Raman spectral data are reported for silicate solutions at varying hydroxide ion concentrations. The gradual change in the spectra is explained as being due to various monomeric, dimeric, cyclic, and polymeric silicate species in solution. Band assignments are made by comparison with the Raman spectra of phosphates and crystalline silicate minerals.
Area x-ray beam equalization for digital angiography.

An area beam equalization technique has been investigated in order to generate patient-specific compensating filters for digital angiography. An initial image was used to generate the compensating filter, which was fabricated using a deformable compensating material, containing CeO 2 , and an array of square pistons. The CeO 2 attenuator thicknesses were calculated using the gray level information from the initial unequalized image. The array of pistons was pressed against a uniform thickness of attenuating material to generate a filter for x-ray beam equalization. The filter was subsequently inserted into the x-ray beam for the final equalized radiograph. It was positioned close to the focal spot (magnification of 8.0) in order to minimize edge artifacts from the filter. The equalization of x-ray transmission across the field exiting from the object significantly improved the image quality by preserving local contrast throughout the image. The contrast-to-noise ratio(CNR) in the equalized images was increased by up to fivefold. Phantom studies indicate that equalized images using a relatively small array of pistons (e.g., 8×8) produce significant improvement in image quality with negligible perceptible artifacts. Animal studies showed that beam equalization significantly improved fluoroscopic and angiographic image quality. X-ray beam equalization produced an image with a relatively uniform scatter-glare intensity and it reduced the scatter-glare fraction in the previously underpenetrated region of the image from 0.65 to 0.50. Also, x-ray tube loading due to the mask assembly itself was negligible. In conclusion, area beam equalization reduces the scatter-glare fraction and significantly improves CNR in the previously underpenetrated region of the image.
Using brain-computer interfaces for implicit input

Passive brain-computer interfaces, in which implicit input is derived from a user's changing brain activity without conscious effort from the user, may be one of the most promising applications of brain-computer interfaces because they can improve user performance without additional effort on the user's part. I seek to use physiological signals that correlate to particular brain states in order to adapt an interface while the user behaves normally. My research aims to develop strategies to adapt the interface to the user and the user's cognitive state using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), a non-invasive, lightweight brain-sensing technique. While passive brain-computer interfaces are currently being developed and researchers have shown their utility, there has been little effort to develop a framework or hierarchy for adaptation strategies.
Use of Ca+2 to re-aggregate lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in hemoglobin solutions and the subsequent removal of endotoxin by ultrafiltration

Divalent cations such as Ca+2 can act as “bridges” between lipopolysaccharide subunits causing large vesicles to form. During a two-stage ultrafiltration Ca+2 re-aggregated lipopolysaccharide subunits in protein solutions into large vesicles that could not pass a 300,000 nominal molecular weight cut-off ultrafiltration membrane. Such re-aggregation occurred at concentration ratio of hemoglobin Ao / lipopolysaccharide equal to or less than 17.0, or at concentration ratio of Ca+2 / hemoglobin Ao / lipopolysaccharide equal to or greater than 8.5.
Hydroxyapatite formed from Coral Skeletal Carbonate by Hydrothermal Exchange

WE have prepared porous microstructures, having potential for prosthetic applications, consisting of hydroxapatite and of whitlockite, by employing exchange reactions at elevated temperatures and pressures. Rather demanding specifications are to be met by biomaterials being considered for tooth or bone replacement. Porous solids have the advantage of allowing circulation of body fluids and of increasing the potential for firm attachment of body tissue1,2. Weber et al.3 successfully replicated the porous structure of echinoid skeletal material in epoxy resin and in sodium silicate; and White et al.4 achieved replication of the coral Porites structure with methacrylate, tin, Tichonium, and sintered Al2O3. This was the starting point for our attempts to reproduce such structures in the phosphatic material which is a major component of human teeth and bones, hydroxyapatite. Such a material, porous, inorganic and sterile (formed at high temperatures and pressures), should be highly compatible with body tissue, and when used as bone implants may become essentially integral with the bone. Furthermore, composites of such porous hydroxyapatite with other materials including metals4 may achieve optimum mechanical and physical properties for a particular application.
Signifying (Non)Linguistic and Subliminal Spirituality: Caryl Phillips's Crossing the River (1993).

In "West," the second narrative of his 1993 novel, Crossing the River, author Caryl Phillips showcases the life story of Martha, a former slave. In doing so, Phillips privileges Martha’s recounting of her own trials. At times, Martha's idiom seems to demonstrate an interspersed, omniscient perspective, and she shares in the production of the text. What results is the viability of Martha's spirit: Phillips uses her suffering to demonstrate her resilience. The author engages intermediary verbal and non-verbal cues that enter Martha (and that project the narrative) into various states of (divine) consciousness. This style shows that Martha operates from a very sophisticated and individualized system of signs.
Carboalumination/Ni-catalyzed couplings. A short synthesis of verticipyrone

Verticipyrone (1) has been synthesized in six overall steps from commercially available ethyl-2-methylacetoacetate. This represents the first successful application of a modified Negishi carboalumination-nickel-catalyzed cross-coupling reaction to a chloromethylated pyrone.
Muscleblind proteins regulate alternative splicing

Although the muscleblind (MBNL) protein family has been implicated in myotonic dystrophy (DM), a specific function for these proteins has not been reported. A key feature of the RNA-mediated pathogenesis model for DM is the disrupted splicing of specific pre-mRNA targets. Here we demonstrate that MBNL proteins regulate alternative splicing of two pre-mRNAs that are misregulated in DM, cardiac troponin T (cTNT) and insulin receptor (IR). Alternative cTNT and IR exons are also regulated by CELF proteins, which were previously implicated in DM pathogenesis. MBNL proteins promote opposite splicing patterns for cTNT and IR alternative exons, both of which are antagonized by CELF proteins. CELF- and MBNL-binding sites are distinct and regulation by MBNL does not require the CELF-binding site. The results are consistent with a mechanism for DM pathogenesis in which expanded repeats cause a loss of MBNL and/or gain of CELF activities, leading to misregulation of alternative splicing of specific pre-mRNA targets.
Adolescents who work: Effects of part-time employment on family and peer relations

Research on adolescents has ignored a setting in which significant numbers of young people spend significant amounts of time: the workplace. The increasing participation of high school students in the part-time labor force raises a number of questions about the impact of such employment on family and peer relations. Questionnaire data from a descriptive study of 531 tenth- and eleventh- graders indicate that (a) working attenuates time spent with family, but not with peers; (b) girls, but not boys, may enter the work force in part as a result of weaker emotional ties to their parents; (c) working has negligible impact on the quality of family and peer relationships; (d) despite substantial incomes, workers do not have complete autonomy over their expenditures, nor do working and money-making lead to increased autonomy in other areas; and (e) the workplace is not a source of close personal relationships with others. Taken together, these findings suggest that working does not have a substantial immediate impact on the adolescent's relations with others. Possible long-range effects are briefly noted.