cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Detecting Jack Pine Budworm Defoliation Using Spectral Mixture Analysis: Separating Effects from Determinants

Abstract Insect defoliation is a major disturbance force in forested ecosystems. Monitoring outbreaks, and estimating the areas affected, is therefore important for both forest managers and forest ecologists. The objective of our study was to classify jack pine budworm defoliation levels in Landsat TM imagery recorded previous to and during the 1990–1995 outbreak in our 450,000 ha study area in northwestern Wisconsin (USA). Many previous studies correlated insect defoliation and remotely sensed imagery with moderate to good success, but it often remained unclear if actual defoliation effects or other forest attributes correlated with defoliation were detected. For example, a larger deciduous component in mixed jack pine stands will limit budworm populations and thereby defoliation. The deciduous component in stands is a determining factor for insect defoliation, whereas needle discoloration and tree mortality are their effect. We used pre-outbreak Landsat TM data (1987) to identify determining factors for jack pine budworm population levels and peak-outbreak imagery (1993) for detecting actual defoliation. Our satellite data were atmospherically corrected using a radiative transfer model (5S). Spectral mixture analysis was performed using spectrometer measurements of jack pine needles and bark as representations of surface materials (“endmembers”). The explanatory power of the resulting fraction images was evaluated using jack pine budworm population data collected at 33 sampling points. Near-infrared reflectance (NIR) increased in defoliated stands between 1987 and 1993, but single date NIR in each year was negatively correlated with budworm levels in 1993 ( r =−0.69 and −0.47). This was because hardwood trees within jack pine stands caused higher NIR reflectance but limited jack pine budworm populations. The 10% NIR difference between pure and mixed jack pine stands outweighed the 3–5% increase in NIR due to defoliation and necessitated stratification of the satellite data by tree species. Spectral mixture analysis performed on pure jack pine stands resulted in a strong negative correlation between the 1993 green needle fraction and the 1993 budworm population data ( r =−0.94). This study was, to our knowledge, the first that applied spectral mixture analysis for forest damage detection, and also the first to use insect population measurements as independent field data. These methods, and the separation of determinants and effects of jack pine budworm defoliation, enabled us to detect actual defoliation with high accuracy.
A constitutively active form of the protein kinase p90Rsk1 is sufficient to trigger the G2/M transition in Xenopus oocytes.

The protein kinase p90Rsk has previously been implicated as a key target of the MAPK pathway during M phase of meiosis II in Xenopus oocytes. To determine whether Rsk is a mediator of MAPK for stimulation of the G2/M transition early in meiosis I, we sought to generate a form of Rsk that would be constitutively active in resting, G2 phase oocytes. Initial studies revealed that an N-terminal truncation of 43 amino acids conferred enhanced specific activity on the enzyme in G2 phase, and stability was highest if the C terminus was not truncated. The full-length enzyme is known to be activated by phosphorylation at five sites. Two of these sites and flanking residues were replaced with either aspartic or glutamic acid, and Tyr699 was mutated to alanine. The resulting construct, termed fully activated (FA) Rsk, had constitutive activity in G2 phase, with a specific activity equivalent to that of wild type Rsk in M phase. In eight independent experiments ∼45% of oocytes expressing FA-Rsk underwent germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD, the G2/M transition) in the absence of progesterone, and this effect could be observed even in the presence of the MAPK kinase inhibitor U0126. Moreover, the specific activity of FA-Rsk in vivo was unaffected by U0126. In oocytes that did not undergo GVBD with FA-Rsk expression, subsequent treatment with progesterone resulted in a very rapid rate of GVBD even in the presence of U0126 to inhibit the endogenous MAPK/Rsk pathway. These results indicate that Rsk is the mediator of MAPK effects for the G2/M transition in meiosis I and in a subpopulation of oocytes Rsk is sufficient to trigger the G2/M transition.
Full shift arm inclinometry among dairy parlor workers: A feasibility study in a challenging work environment

Over the last 20 years, the US dairy industry has experienced a significant transformation from small farm operations to an industrialization of the milking process. This transformation has resulted in improvements in process efficiency and product quality. Milking tasks in large-herd parlors are highly-repetitive involving awkward postures and high muscle loads of the upper extremity. Field-based direct measures of physical exposures have been limited in challenging work settings such as dairies. This study evaluated full-shift exposures of posture and motion of the upper extremity among large-herd parlor milkers using wireless inclinometry. Results suggest large-herd parlor workers may be exposed to high exposure levels (posture, movement velocity, repetition, and inadequate rest) associated with the development of shoulder pathology. Compared to other high-risk occupations involving shoulder-intensive work, parlor workers may have higher exposure levels. These findings warrant the need for continued field-based research with larger sample sizes to facilitate the development of cost-effective intervention strategies.
On the variation of dissolution rates at the orthoclase (0 0 1) surface with pH and temperature

Abstract The pH- and temperature-dependent variations of the dissolution rates of orthoclase (0 0 1) surfaces in acidic aqueous solutions were examined in situ by using X-ray reflectivity and compared to density functional theory results. A phenomenological analysis of these data using the conventional relation R d (pH, T ) = pH − α exp(−Δ E app / kT ), with an apparent activation energy of Δ E app ∼ 65 kJ/mol, requires a variable pH-dependent order of dissolution having a value of α ∼ 1 for pH ⩾ 2.5, and α ∼ 0.37 for pH ⩽ 2.5. These data also can be described by a two-term Arrhenius model characterized by activation energies, Δ E A and Δ E B , with prefactors in the form of Langmuir adsorption isotherms controlled by the proton adsorption enthalpies, δ E . This analysis reveals that dissolution at the primary reactive site (site A) for pH > 0.5 has an apparent activation energy of Δ E A = 67 ± 3 kJ/mol and a proton adsorption enthalpy of δ E A = −13.0 ± 0.5 kJ/mol. A secondary reactive site (site B), which dominates dissolution at pH E B + δ E B = 66 ± 3 kJ/mol. Density functional theory calculations provide insight into activation energies of water reactions with the protonated sites as a function of site coordination. These results suggest that the dominant reactive site for pH > 0.5 is the bridging oxygen between Al and Si sites, while the dominant reactive for pH
Energy dependence of relativistic effects in the elastic scattering of polarized protons from 16O and 40Ca.

Measurements for spin observables for elastic scattering of 320, 400, 500, 650, and 800 MeV protons from /sup 16/O and /sup 40/Ca are reported. Comparisons of the data with theoretical calculations were carried out in the framework of nonrelativistic and relativistic approaches. The differences between the relativistic and nonrelativistic predictions are found, in agreement with earlier theoretical predictions, to decrease with the increasing energy. The trend can be best seen by examining the data for the spin-down channel differential cross sections. Unlike the spin-up cross sections, they are sensitive to the relativistic corrections. For all targets and energies considered, predictions of the relativistic and nonrelativistic approaches are similar and agree with the spin-up channel data. The predictions differ considerably in the spin-down channel.
Tonic modulatory role of mouse cerebellar α- and β-adrenergic receptors in the expression of ethanol-induced ataxia: Role of AC–cAMP

Abstract To further study neurochemical basis of ethanol-induced ataxia (EIA), we investigated role of cerebellar α and β-adrenergic receptors. Male CD-1 mice received intracerebellar microinfusion of adrenergic drugs to evaluate their effect on EIA (2 g/kg; ip) by Rotorod. Isoproterenol, phenylephrine (4, 8, 16 ng each), methoxamine (8 ng), and atenolol (2, 4, 8 ng), propranolol (4, 8, 16 ng), markedly attenuated and accentuated, respectively, EIA indicating the tonic nature of modulation. The attenuation of EIA by isoproterenol is β1-receptor mediated because it is blocked by atenolol. Tonic β1 modulation is functionally correlated with EIA potentiation by atenolol and propranolol. The prazosin-induced attenuation of EIA, initially thought of α1-receptor mediated, appeared instead β1-receptor modulated because of: (i) blockade by atenolol; and (ii) phosphodiesterase inhibition by prazosin. The phenylephrine/methoxamine-induced attenuation of EIA seems paradoxical as the response is similar to antagonist prazosin. However, functionally the attenuation seems β1 receptor-mediated since atenolol blocked it but prazosin did not. Also norepinephrine (NE) attenuated EIA that was inhibited by atenolol suggesting role of β1 receptors. Similarly yohimbine and rauwolscine attenuated EIA that indicates α2-receptor modulation associated with stimulation of AC–cAMP pathway. The results of study support the hypothesis that attenuation and potentiation of EIA is mediated by activation and inhibition of AC–cAMP pathway, respectively, in agreement with our previous reports, via direct and/or indirect activation of β-receptor.
A STUDY OF THE ENERGY EFFICIENCY RENOVATION ON PUBLIC HOUSING PROJECTS

While the energy efficiency of commercial buildings, schools, and private homes has received increasing attention, the energy performance of public housing has long been neglected. The high energy ...
The isoenzymes of human parotid amylase.

Abstract The number and proportion of isoenzymes of α-amylase in the parotid saliva of a single subject have been studied. Five amylolytic bands were observed on disc-gel electrophoresis of samples containing approximately 120 μg amylase. Two additional bands were revealed at higher amylase concentrations. Limited storage of parotid saliva at 4 ° did not alter the banding pattern, nor did treatment of saliva and gel with 5 m m EDTA. Photocatalyzed polymerization was not a factor in isoenzyme formation. Densitometric scans of gels indicate that the relative proportions of amylase isoenzymes remain constant in a single individual over an extended period of time. Prolonged storage of human parotid saliva at 4 ° resulted in quantitative differences in the proportion of isoenzymes. Crystalline amylase was prepared from human parotid saliva, and was found to contain the same number of enzymatic forms present in freshly collected saliva. No evidence of dimers or higher polymers was gained on Bio-Gel filtration columns. All of the isoenzymes were retarded well beyond the elution volume expected for molecules of their reported size. Bio-Gel P-100 fractionates crystalline preparations into two families; the A family, containing isoenzymes 5, 3, and 1 and the B family, containing isoenzymes 4, 2, and two forms designated “z.” Exploratory experiments have been carried out with the respective families including comparison of their amino acid composition, free sulfhydryl groups, and sugar content. Peptide maps of pepsin hydrolysates have been compared. No differences were observed in the amino acid composition or in the number of free sulfhydryl groups per molecule. The major difference observed was in the carbohydrate content. The A family appears to contain 8 moles of neutral sugar and 4 moles of glucosamine per mole of enzyme whereas the B family contained no detectable carbohydrate. Only minor differences were noted in the peptide maps of the respective families. Attempts to fractionate the isoenzymes of the B family on QAE-Sephadex appear to confirm the observations made with whole parotid saliva that storage at pH 8–9 promoted the conversion of isoenzyme 4 to 2 and z.
Images to frame the discourse: Group cohesion and the state

The search has been much influenced by the desire to recreate a supposed universal and natural order of harmony. The tension in the search, however, has been in harnessing not only the individuals, but also the groups to which individuals belong to the pursuit of this natural order. This article will examine the efficacy of certain concepts of international law in understanding, analysing and addressing problems associated with the development and expression of individual and group identities. It will conclude with an assessment of its adequacy and the areas requiring further development. The natural order approach assumes the goodness and rationality of individuals who collectively, given the right circumstances, would produce an orderly global community. In the modern period, the creation of a national identity was thought to be one of these circumstances as well as a powerful means of mobilising ‘the masses’ for the concerted pursuit of national goals. As Michael Howard explained:
Secondary amenorrhea resulting from traumatic separation of the cervix from the uterine corpus

Background Amenorrhea resulting from crushing trauma of the pelvis is exceptionally rare. The purpose of this case report is to describe the diagnosis of and successful surgical correction of traumatic separation of the cervix from the uterine corpus. Case A nulligravida presented with a complaint of secondary amenorrhea after a motor vehicle accident in which she sustained a crush-type injury to the pelvis. Ultrasonography and laparotomy revealed a complete separation of the uterine corpus from the cervix. The uterine corpus was approximated to the cervix with circumferentially placed sutures to establish a patent outflow tract from the endometrial cavity to the cervical canal. Conclusion This case demonstrates the successful surgical correction of secondary amenorrhea resulting from traumatic separation of the uterine corpus from the cervix. Normal menstruation resumed 6 weeks after surgery.
Video-assisted anterior approach to Pancoast tumors

References 1. Comoglio C, Boffini M, El Qarra S, Sansone F, D’amico M, Marra S, et al. Aortic valve replacement and mitral valve repair as treatment of complications after percutaneous core valve implantation. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2009;138:1025-7. 2. Wong DR, Boone RH, Thompson CR, Allard MF, Altwegg L, Carere RG, et al. Mitral valve injury late after transcatheter aortic valve implantation. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2009;137:1547-9.
Statistical properties for cascaded Rayleigh fading channel models

In this paper, statistical models for cascaded Rayleigh fading channels with and without line-of-sight (LOS) are presented. The models comprise two individual summations of sinusoids with the Doppler frequencies calculated using fewer variables to reduce complexity. Statistical properties, including auto- and cross-correlations of the in-phase, quadrature components, and squared envelopes of the channels, are derived. The time-average statistical properties and the corresponding variance are also investigated to justify the convergence performance of the proposed models. Simulation results are provided to validate the performance of proposed models.
Comparative Metabolism of Guinea Pig Peritoneal Exudate Neutrophils and Eosinophils

SummaryIn order to gain further insight into eosinophil metabolism, phagocytosis and accompanying metabolic changes were studied in guinea pig peritoneal exudate eosinophils and compared to guinea pig peritoneal exudate neutrophils. Eosinophils and neutrophils ingested lipopoly-saccharide-coated paraffin oil particles in similar amounts, though eosinophils had a more rapid initial ingestion rate. Postphago-cytic hexose monophosphate (HMP) shunt activation was equivalent in eosinophils and neutrophils when 200 latex beads per cell were employed. However, when the particle to cell ratio was increased by reducing the number of cells or increasing the number of latex beads, neutrophils demonstrated a greater ability to respond. When the generation of hydrogen peroxide was studied employing formate oxidation, eosinophils had elevated resting production of hydrogen peroxide. Elevated phagocytosis-induced hydrogen peroxide production by eosinophils was much more evident when the particle to cell ratio was increa...
Almost optimal polyhedral separators

We animate two deterministic polynomial time methods for finding a separator for two nested convex polyhedra in 3d. While this problem is NP-complete, we show a reduction to set cover. We then animate the greedy method and the weighted method.
Laparoscopic Paraesophageal Hernia Repair

The term paraesophageal hernia is described as a herniation of the gastric fundus through the open hiatus into the thoracic cavity while the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) remains in its normal anatomic position. This is considered a rolling esophageal hernia (Type II), and it is the least commonly encountered hiatal hernia. A more commonly encountered herniation of the fundus of the stomach is the Type III hernia, in which both the LES and the fundus herniate into the chest. This has also been classified as a paraesophageal hernia. The most common hiatal hernia is a sliding hiatal hernia (Type I), which consists of herniation of the stomach through the esophageal hiatus, causing the LES and gastric cardia to lie in the thoracic cavity. There are several controversial issues involved in paraesophageal hernia repair, including indications for surgery, the most appropriate surgical approach, and the need for a concomitant antireflux procedure. The increasing popularity of laparoscopic paraesophageal hernia repair has dramatically altered the approach to these patients and has allowed patients at higher risk to better tolerate this procedure with a decrease in morbidity and mortality. However, they remain difficult surgical procedures.
UNDERPRICING AND IPO OWNERSHIP RETENTION

An agency-theory model of IPO management retention is presented and empirically explored. The model is based upon the differences between the investment public’s and underwriters’ fears of the consequences of management entrenchment and other agency problems. The model suggests that IPO underpricing should be a curvilinear hump-shaped function of retention. A large-sample empirical exploration verifies the curvilinear relation.
Synthesis of cyclic sulfamoyl carbamates and ureas via ring-closing metathesis

Abstract Synthetic routes to a diverse set of cyclic sulfamoyl carbamates and ureas are reported. These routes utilize 3-component coupling, Mitsunobu alkylation, and ring-closing metathesis using the second-generation Grubbs catalyst to achieve the synthesis of the target S-heterocyclic compounds. Cyclic S-heterocycles ranging from 9- to 11-membered rings have been obtained.
Database Support for Versions and Alternatives of Large Design Files

We identify the roles played by design versions and alternatives in an engineering database. The obvious way to implement versions is to maintain each in a separate collection of files. Because several versions must be kept on line in a design environment, the approach leads to large disk requirements. We develop B-tree-based storage structures to encode versions as ``negative'' differential files. Our objective is to keep the disk requirements small. We discuss the effect of enormous amounts of cheap archival storage (write-once optical digital disks) on the proposed structures. We have implemented versions in the Wisconsin storage system (WiSS), an experimental database component developed at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Reversible cardiac dysfunction associated with hypocalcemia: a systematic review and meta-analysis of individual patient data

Case reports have documented reversible cardiac dysfunction in the setting of severely depressed extracellular calcium concentrations. The present systematic review and meta-analyses of individual patient data were conducted to further characterize the cardiac dysfunction associated with low serum calcium levels in the clinical setting. We searched Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed databases and the Cochrane Library and the Registry of Clinical Trials from 1948 through August 2011. Studies that evaluated low serum calcium and cardiac dysfunction were identified and included for review. A total of 43 studies comprised of 47 individual cases met inclusion criteria. Univariate linear regression analysis showed a statistically significant correlation between corrected QT interval (QTc) length and corrected total serum calcium level (B = −23.19, SE = 8.04, P = 0.01), left ventricular ejection fraction and corrected total serum calcium (B = 5.16, SE = 1.29, P < 0.01) and ionized serum calcium (B = 5.48, SE = 2.04, P = 0.03). Hypocalcemia may be associated with reversible cardiac dysfunction including QTc interval prolongation and depressed left ventricular systolic function. The available evidence is very limited and does not provide a rationale for a certain threshold or a recommendation for calcium replacement. Future research is needed in this important and common metabolic disorder.
Context specificity in music perception of musicians

Regardless of the extremely subtle acoustic changes that are perceptible within almost all perception research studies, it is the total overall effect that generally occupies each individual listen...
Heterogeneity in ATP-dependent acidification in endocytic vesicles from kidney proximal tubule. Measurement of pH in individual endocytic vesicles in a cell-free system

Measurement of membrane transport in suspensions of isolated membrane vesicles provides averaged information over a potentially very heterogeneous vesicle population. To examine the regulatory mechanisms for ATP-dependent acidification, methodology was developed to measure pH in individual endocytic vesicles. Endocytic vesicles from proximal tubule apical membrane of rat kidney were labeled in vivo by intravenous infusion of FITC-dextran (9 kD); a microsomal fraction was obtained from dissected renal cortex by homogenization and differential centrifugation. Vesicles were immobilized on a polylysine coated coverglass and imaged at high magnification by a silicon intensified target camera. ATP-dependent acidification was not influenced by endosome immobilization. Endosome pH was determined from the integrated fluorescence intensity of individual labeled vesicles after background subtraction. Calibration studies with high K and nigericin showed nearly identical fluorescence vs. pH curves for different endosomes with a standard deviation for a single pH measurement in a single endosome of approximately 0.2 pH units. In response to addition of 1 mM MgATP in the presence of K and valinomycin, endosome pH decreased from 7.2 to a mean of 6.4 with a unimodal distribution with width at half-maximum of approximately 1 pH unit. The drop in endosome pH increased and the shape of the distribution changed when the time between FITC-dextran infusion and kidney removal was increased from 5 to 20 min. Differences in ATP-dependent acidification could not be attributed to heterogeneity in passive proton conductance. These results establish a direct method to measure pH in single endocytic vesicles and demonstrate remarkable heterogeneity in ATP-dependent acidification which was interpreted in terms of heterogeneity in the number and/or activity of proton pumps at serial stages of endocytosis.
Williams syndrome: an uncommon cause of supravalvular aortic stenosis in a child

ILLIAMS SYNDROME is a rare autosomal dominant disorder characterized by a variable spectrum of abnormalities including supravalvular aortic stenosis, multiple peripheral pulmonary arterial stenoses, elfin face, mental and statural deficiency, characteristic dental malformation, and infantile hypercalcemia.‘** In this report, the anesthetic management of a child with supravalvular aortic stenosis, diffuse hypoplasia of the aortic arch and proximal descending aorta, and stenoses of the proximal left carotid and subclavian arteries is described. CASE REPORT
Phosphatidylinositol-3 Kinase Is Necessary for 12-O-Tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate-induced Cell Transformation and Activated Protein 1 Activation

Phorbol esters, which activate isoforms of protein kinase C, are general activators of the transcription factor activated protein 1 (AP-1). The pathway involved in this signal transduction is not very clear. Currently, little is known about whether phosphatidylinositol-3 (PI-3) kinase plays any role in phorbol ester 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-induced signal transduction. We demonstrate here that TPA not only has markedly synergistic effects on insulin-induced PI-3 kinase activity, but it also can induce PI-3 kinase activity and the PI-3 phosphates by itself. We also found that insulin, a PI-3 kinase activator, enhanced TPA-induced AP-1 trans-activation and transformation in JB6 promotion-sensitive cells. Furthermore, wortmannin and LY294002, two PI-3 kinase inhibitors, markedly decreased AP-1 activity induced by insulin, TPA, or TPA and insulin and inhibited JB6 promotion-sensitive cell transformation induced by TPA or TPA and insulin. Most importantly, constitutive overexpression of the dominant negative PI-3 kinase P85 mutants completely blocked insulin- or TPA-induced AP-1 trans-activation and TPA-induced cell transformation. All evidence from present studies suggests that PI-3 kinase acts as a mediator in TPA-induced AP-1 activation and transformation in JB6 cells.
The Joint Determination of Audit Fees, Non-Audit Fees, andAbnormal Accruals

Prior research has estimated piece-meal the determinants of audit fees, non-audit fees and abnormal accruals. Intuition, informal analysis, and a variety of theories suggest that audit fees, non-audit fees, and abnormal accruals are jointly determined. We address this endogeneity issue by modeling the confluence of audit fees, fees for non-audit services and abnormal accruals in a system of simultaneous equations. Our joint estimation provides a starting point to look simultaneously at several competing theories. Using audit and non-audit fee data from the UK for 1994-2000, we find evidence consistent with knowledge spillovers (or economies of scope) from auditing to non-audit services and from non-audit services to auditing. While knowledge spillovers from non-audit services to auditing have been found in prior research [e.g. see Simunic 1984], the presence of knowledge spillovers from auditing to non-audit services is a new result. Contrary to recent results in Ferguson et al. (2001) and Frankel et al. (2002), we do not find support for the assertion that fees for non-audit services increase abnormal accruals. In fact, contrary to the results in Ashbaugh et al. (2003) and Chung and Kallapur (2003), we find that non-audit fees decrease abnormal accruals, which we attribute to the productive effects of non-audit services. We also find evidence that audit fees increase abnormal accruals, consistent with behavioral theories of unconscious influence or bias in the auditor-client relation. The findings are robust to tests with US data.
Uptake and utilization of long chain and medium chain fatty acids by the perfused rat kidney.

Abstract 1. 1. The apparent transport maximum (Tm) for renal peritubular uptake of the long chain fatty acid, palmitate, is 2.4 μmols · 20 min −1 · g−1 · This value is similar to that observed for peritubular uptake of the medium chain fatty acid, octanoate (2.1 μmols · 20 min −1 · g−). 2. 2. Maximum palmitate uptake is not changed by altering fatty acid metabolism through inhibition of fatty acid oxidation or by prior starvation. 3. 3. It is possible to inhibit [14C]palmitate uptake with a conventional inhibitor of the organic acid transport system (probenecid) only when palmitate is present in trace amounts.
A study of spatially coupled bipolar electrochemistry on the sub-micrometer scale: colloidal particles on surfaces and cylinders in nuclear-track etched membranes

In the present study we explore the feasibility of applying spatially coupled bipolar electrochemistry to the sub-micrometer regime. This is a technique where electrically isolated objects can be interconnected by the application of electric fields and has previously been demonstrated on the millimeter and micrometer scales. Three experimental designs were explored: annealed Au and Ag films on glass, annealed Ag films on silicon nitride membranes and Ag tubes immobilized within polycarbonate nuclear-track etched membranes. In the evaporated and annealed film part of this study, particles on the order of 20–50 nm were exposed to electric fields up to 2 kV cm − 1 for periods up to 180 s, in a mixture of toluene and acetonitrile. Plasmon resonance measurements and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to characterize the changes following field application. At all field intensities and times studied, the gold particle sub-monolayers did not appear to be discernibly affected. The plasmon resonance absorption of the silver sub-monolayers displayed significant peak broadening after field application. Further experiments using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis of annealed silver films on silicon nitride membranes demonstrated particle agglomeration without evidence for particle interconnection or morphological change. This result suggests that, under these experimental conditions, physical movement of the Ag particles occurs instead of electrochemical processes. In order to prevent particle movement, polycarbonate membranes were used to anchor silver cylinders with diameters of 1 m, 400nm and 200 nm. Results from these experiments demonstrated that for Ag in 1:1 toluene–acetonitrile, spatially coupled bipolar electrochemistry (SCBE) reaches a practical limit for structures between 200 and 400 nm since the width of the deposit approaches the size of the metal particles. At 200 nm the result is electrochemical migration of the particles, where a commensurate amount of Ag is deposited on one side and dissolved on the other. This size limitation is specific only to SCBE, where structures are required to electro-dissolve, not to the application of bipolar electrochemistry to structures below 200 nm. © 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Controlling the coast

Abstract This paper conceptualizes the coast as commons and treats the implications of collective governance driven by the characteristics of coastal commons. Institutional control is essential, and two key institutions – state and local resource management institution – are central to the control of the coast as every other institution, from international aid agencies to private sector and non-government organizations, must go through them to develop and manage the coast. In the practice of institutional control, spatial management critical to integrated coastal management and ecosystem-based management emerges as an innovative approach to the success of coastal management.
Shock boundary layer interactions in a low aspect ratio duct

Abstract Experimental data acquired using high resolution two-component particle image velocimetry (PIV) are presented for shock boundary layer interactions (SBLIs) generated by a compression–expansion ramp geometry. The incident oblique shock wave is generated by a sub-boundary layer height ramp inclined 20 ° to the M ∞ = 2.05 inflow. Results are presented for two different ramp sizes ( h ramp / δ 0 = 0.56 and h ramp / δ 0 = 0.93 ), and compared to a previously documented h ramp / δ 0 = 0.20 case. For each case, mean velocitiy and turbulent statistics for both the SBLI at the foot of the compression ramp and the incident/reflected SBLI on the opposite wall are analyzed. Data are acquired in several streamwise-vertical planes across the span of the low aspect ratio duct in order to document spanwise non-uniformities and confinement effects, with the specific goal of producing a high quality experimental database for CFD validation. The angles of the incident and reflected shock waves become steeper as the side wall is approached, due to the lower velocities within the side wall boundary layer. Mean flow reversal is observed near the spanwise centerline of the duct, but only instantaneous flow reversal is seen closer to the side walls. These spanwise non-uniformities are more prominent for the stronger interactions caused by the larger ramp geometry. For this case there is no nominally two-dimensional region of the flow, and a Mach stem occurs in the core of the flow, causing a significant subsonic wake. The shock excursion length scale relative to the incoming boundary layer thickness, L ex / δ 0 , is measured for all of the shock features and found to be significantly lower than values reported in the literature for similar flows. Furthermore, L ex / δ 0 for the reflected shock does not depend on the strength of the incident shock or the size of the separated zone.
Homo- and Heteronuclear Multiple-Quantum Filters for Measurement of NMR Isotope Shifts

The measurement of NMR isotope shifts as mechanistic probes can be complicated by mixtures of isotopomers. Homo- and heteronuclear NMR techniques based on multiple-quantum filtration are presented and shown to be a useful aid in measuring such shifts. The effects of 1H/2H substitution and 16O/18O substitution on the nuclear shielding of 1H, 13C, and 31P in a multiply labeled phosphoenolpyruvate are measured and interpreted qualitatively in terms of their rovibrational origins.
Heredity and risk of disease

Abstract Mathematical modeling of competing risks often uses a single risk function for all individuals within a population. In this paper we use several specific examples to argue that such representations remain approximations until account is taken of the existence of genetic variability within and between populations, and the impact of this upon liability to disease. The extent of human genetic variability is also indicated.
WWP1-dependent ubiquitination and degradation of the lung Krüppel-like factor, KLF2.

The zinc-finger transcription factor Kruppel-like factor-2 plays an important role in pulmonary development, inhibition of adipocyte differentiation, and maintaining quiescence in single-positive T cells. KLF2 levels rapidly decrease during adipogenesis and activation of T cells, but the pathways involved remain unclear. Previously, we identified WWP1, a HECT-domain E3-ubiquitin ligase, as an interacting partner of KLF2. This led us to speculate that KLF2 may be targeted for ubiquitination. Here, we demonstrate that WWP1 interacts with KLF2 in vivo and mediates both poly-ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation of KLF2. Deleting the inhibitory domain of KLF2 abrogated KLF2-WWP1 interactions and abolished WWP1-mediated poly-ubiquitination and down-regulation of KLF2. Furthermore, lysine-121 in the inhibitory domain of KLF2 is critical for ubiquitin-conjugation. Finally, the catalytic cysteine of WWP1 is not required for KLF2-ubiquitination. Our experiments demonstrate for the first time that WWP1 promotes ubiquitination and degradation of KLF2 and is not involved in the ubiquitin-transfer reaction.
Spin-Orbit Coupling and Zero-Field Electron Spin Splitting in AlGaN/AlN/GaN Heterostructures with a Polarization Induced Two-Dimensional Electron Gas

We studied spin-orbit coupling in wurtzite AlxGa1−xN/AlN/GaN heterostructures with different Al concentrations using weak antilocalization measurements at 1.6 K. Using the persistent photoconductivity effect we change the carrier density in controllable manner. We find that the electron spin splitting energies does not scale linearly with the Fermi wavevector at high carrier densities. From this deviation, for the first time, we are able to extract the cubic spin-orbit parameter for this material system.
Simone Weil and the Theo‐Poetics of Compassion

Simone Weil's writings suggest that human compassion is divinely revelatory to the extent that interpersonal union and estrangement intensify identically and simultaneously. The relational space of compassionate communion is aporetic; the more attuned one becomes to an afflicted other, the more unreachable this other is seen to be. In her uniquely poetic style of writing, Weil locates perhaps the most intense experience of God directly in the center of this aporia. Compassion between two people—a sufferer and an empathizer—becomes a locus of divine manifestation as it instantiates the (im)possible distance and oneness of Creation, Incarnation, and Cross.
Female preference for males depends on reproductive physiology in the African cichlid fish Astatotilapia burtoni.

Mate choice is fundamental to sexual selection, yet little is known about underlying physiological mech- anisms that influence female mating decisions. We investigated the endocrine underpinnings of female mate choice in the African cichlid Astatotilapia burtoni, a non-seasonal breeder. In addition to profiling behavioral and hormonal changes across the female reproductive cycle, we tested two hypotheses regarding possible factors influencing female mate choice. We first asked whether female mate choice is influenced by male visual and/or chemical cues. A. burtoni females were housed for one full reproduc- tive cycle in the center of a dichotomous choice apparatus with a large (attractive) or small (unattractive) conspecific male on either side. Females associated mostly with small, less attractive males, but on the day of spawning reversed their preference to large, attractive males, with whom they mated almost exclusively, although this choice depended on the relative amount of androgens released into the water by small males. We next asked whether male behavior or androgen levels change in relation to the stim- ulus females' reproductive state. We found that stimulus male aggression decreased and reproductive displays increased as the day of spawning approached. Moreover male testosterone levels changed throughout the females' reproductive cycle, with larger males releasing more testosterone into the water than small males. Our data suggest that female association in a dichotomous choice assay is only indic- ative of the actual mate choice on the day of spawning. Furthermore, we show that male behavior and hormone levels are dependent on the reproductive state of conspecific females.
The evolution of genes in branched metabolic pathways.

Simulation models of the evolution of genes in a branched metabolic pathway subject to stabilizing selection on flux are described and analyzed. The models are based either on metabolic control theory (MCT), with the assumption that enzymes are far from saturation, or on Michaelis–Menten kinetics, which allows for saturation and near saturation. Several predictions emerge from the models: (1) flux control evolves to be concentrated at pathway branch points, including the first enzyme in the pathway. (2) When flux is far from its optimum, adaptive substitutions occur disproportionately often in branching enzymes. (3) When flux is near its optimum, adaptive substitutions occur disproportionately often in nonbranching enzymes. (4) Slightly deleterious substitutions occur disproportionately often in nonbranching enzymes. (5) In terms of both flux control and patterns of substitution, pathway branches are similar to those predicted for linear pathways. These predictions provide null hypotheses for empirical examination of the evolution of genes in metabolic pathways.
Food consumption and reproduction as affected by tethered flight in female milkweed bugs (Oncopeltus fasciatus).

Duration of tethered flight (up to 5 hr/day for 6 days) had little effect on postflight food consumption, body weight and life history characteristics of adult female milkweed bugs, but when bugs were also starved during the 6 days, fecundity and longevity were negatively affected, especially for females flying more than about 19 hr. In both experiments the mean age at first oviposition of flown bugs (regardless of duration) was about one week earlier than that of unflown bugs. Duration of tethered flight was highly variable between bugs and between different days for an individual bug, and it was not correlated with preflight food consumption or body weight. Compensation for a presumed increase in energy costs by an increase in food consumption did not occur after flight or starvation, and consequently 6 days of starvation caused about a one-week delay in the onset of oviposition. The adaptive syndrome of O. fasciatus, a long distance migrant, which minimizes the negative effects of flight on egg production includes: (1) high food consumption and fat storage the first few days posteclosion; (2) continued feeding throughout adult life; (3) independence of flight duration and fecundity from body weight (over a 25% range); (4) temporal separation of migratory flight and reproduction; and (5) possible stimulation of the onset of oviposition by flight. ZUSAMMENFASSUNG FUTTERAUFNAHME UND FORTPFLANZUNG BEI ONCOPELTUS FASCIATUS IN ABHANGIGKEIT VOM FLUG ANGEBUNDENER WEIBCHEN Die Abhangigkeit zwischen Futteraufnahme, Zeit und Ausmass der Fortpflanzung und Flugverhalten wurde an adulten Weibchen von Oncopeltus fasciatus studiert. Vom Tag 8 nach dem Schlupfen an wurden angebundene Weibchen in einem Luftstrom von 2 m/sec bis zu 5 Stunden pro Tag fliegen gelassen und zwar an 6 Tagen. Die Insekten hatten nach dem Flug Zugang zu Futter, Wasser, Geschlechtspartner und Eiablagesubstrat, in einem Versuch zu dem Zugang zu Wasser wahrend der Flugperiode. Die Flugdauer hatte geringe Wirkung auf die Futteraufnahme nach dem Flug und auf das Korpergewicht. Wenn die Insekten auch wahrend des Flugs fasteten, reduzierte die Flugdauer die Fruchtbarkeit und die Lebensdauer. Der Eiablagebeginn war im Durchschnitt bei Flug-Wanzen um etwa 1 Woche fruher als bei Nichtflug-Wanzen. Die Flugdauer war in jeder Gruppe sehr unterschiedlich. Die Futteraufnahme nach dem Flug wurde durch die Flugdauer nicht beeinflusst, offenbar ist sie vorprogrammiert. Das Adaptivsyndrom von O. fasciatus, einem Langdistanzflieger, das die negativen Folgen des Flugs auf die Eiproduktion klein halt, enthalt: 1 grosse Futteraufnahme und Fettspeicherung in den ersten Tagen nach dem Schlupfen, 2 fortgesetzte Futteraufnahme wahrend des Lebens der Adulten, 3 Unabhangigkeit von Flugdauer und Fruchtbarkeit vom Korpergewicht, 4 zeitliche Trennung von Wanderflug und Fortpflanzung, 5 eventuelle Stimulation des Eiablagebeginns durch den Flug.
Determinants of the spatial properties of cone-rod interaction

Abstract Photopic increment thresholds can be elevated by 0.2–1.9 log units, depending on the diameter of a concentric scotopic background. This cone-rod interaction displays spatial properties that resemble the spatial sensitization (Westheimer effect) observed in the isolated scotopic and photopic systems. This raises the possibility that the spatial properties of the interaction are determined by the same mechanisms or pathways that determine the spatial properties of either scotopic or photopic vision. When annulus backgrounds are used, the spatial properties of interaction match those of the scotopic system but not the photopic system. When disk backgrounds are used, the spatial properties of interaction match those of neither photopic nor scotopic systems. Thus, under some conditions, the scotopic visual system alone is sufficient to determine the spatial properties of cone-rod interaction. Under other conditions, additional complications arise. The results are discussed in terms of the center-surround model that has previously been applied to cone-rod interaction.
A susceptible-infected model of early detection of respiratory infection outbreaks on a background of influenza

The threat of biological warfare and the emergence of new infectious agents spreading at a global scale have highlighted the need for major enhancements to the public health infrastructure. Early detection of epidemics of infectious diseases requires both real-time data and real-time interpretation of data. Despite moderate advancements in data acquisition, the state of the practice for real-time analysis of data remains inadequate. We present a nonlinear mathematical framework for modeling the transient dynamics of influenza, applied to historical data sets of patients with influenza-like illness. We estimate the vital time-varying epidemiological parameters of infections from historical data, representing normal epidemiological trends. We then introduce simulated outbreaks of different shapes and magnitudes into the historical data, and estimate the parameters representing the infection rates of anomalous deviations from normal trends. Finally, a dynamic threshold-based detection algorithm is devised to assess the timeliness and sensitivity of detecting the irregularities in the data, under a fixed low false-positive rate. We find that the detection algorithm can identify such designated abnormalities in the data with high sensitivity with specificity held at 97%, but more importantly, early during an outbreak. The proposed methodology can be applied to a broad range of influenza-like infectious diseases, whether naturally occurring or a result of bioterrorism, and thus can be an integral component of a real-time surveillance system.
Hyperphosphorylation of Mouse Cardiac Titin Contributes to Transverse Aortic Constriction-Induced Diastolic Dysfunction

Rationale: Mechanisms underlying diastolic dysfunction need to be better understood. Objective: To study the role of titin in diastolic dysfunction using a mouse model of experimental heart failure induced by transverse aortic constriction. Methods and Results: Eight weeks after transverse aortic constriction surgery, mice were divided into heart failure (HF) and congestive heart failure (CHF) groups. Mechanical studies on skinned left ventricle myocardium measured total and titin-based and extracellular matrix-based passive stiffness. Total passive stiffness was increased in both HF and CHF mice, and this was attributable to increases in both extracellular matrix-based and titin-based passive stiffness, with titin being dominant. Protein expression and titin exon microarray analysis revealed increased expression of the more compliant N2BA isoform at the expense of the stiff N2B isoform in HF and CHF mice. These changes are predicted to lower titin-based stiffness. Because the stiffness of titin is also sensitive to titin phosphorylation by protein kinase A and protein kinase C, back phosphorylation and Western blot assays with novel phospho-specific antibodies were performed. HF and CHF mice showed hyperphosphorylation of protein kinase A sites and the proline glutamate valine lysine (PEVK) S26 protein kinase C sites, but hypophosphorylation of the PEVK S170 protein kinase C site. Protein phosphatase I abolished differences in phosphorylation levels and normalized titin-based passive stiffness levels between control and HF myocardium. Conclusion: Transverse aortic constriction-induced HF results in increased extracellular matrix-based and titin-based passive stiffness. Changes in titin splicing occur, which lower passive stiffness, but this effect is offset by hyperphosphorylation of residues in titin spring elements, particularly of PEVK S26. Thus, complex changes in titin occur that combined are a major factor in the increased passive myocardial stiffness in HF.