cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Argonaute2 Suppresses Drosophila Fragile X Expression Preventing Neurogenesis and Oogenesis Defects

Fragile X Syndrome is caused by the silencing of the Fragile X Mental Retardation gene (FMR1). Regulating dosage of FMR1 levels is critical for proper development and function of the nervous system and germ line, but the pathways responsible for maintaining normal expression levels are less clearly defined. Loss of Drosophila Fragile X protein (dFMR1) causes several behavioral and developmental defects in the fly, many of which are analogous to those seen in Fragile X patients. Over-expression of dFMR1 also causes specific neuronal and behavioral abnormalities. We have found that Argonaute2 (Ago2), the core component of the small interfering RNA (siRNA) pathway, regulates dfmr1 expression. Previously, the relationship between dFMR1 and Ago2 was defined by their physical interaction and co-regulation of downstream targets. We have found that Ago2 and dFMR1 are also connected through a regulatory relationship. Ago2 mediated repression of dFMR1 prevents axon growth and branching defects of the Drosophila neuromuscular junction (NMJ). Consequently, the neurogenesis defects in larvae mutant for both dfmr1 and Ago2 mirror those in dfmr1 null mutants. The Ago2 null phenotype at the NMJ is rescued in animals carrying an Ago2 genomic rescue construct. However, animals carrying a mutant Ago2 allele that produces Ago2 with significantly reduced endoribonuclease catalytic activity are normal with respect to the NMJ phenotypes examined. dFMR1 regulation by Ago2 is also observed in the germ line causing a multiple oocyte in a single egg chamber mutant phenotype. We have identified Ago2 as a regulator of dfmr1 expression and have clarified an important developmental role for Ago2 in the nervous system and germ line that requires dfmr1 function.
Cumulative Impact of a Clover Cover Crop on the Persistence and Efficacy of Beauveria bassiana in Suppressing the Pecan Weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

ABSTRACT The pecan weevil, Curculio caryae (Horn), is a key pest of pecan. Endemic levels of the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin can occur in pecan orchards and contribute to natural control of C. caryae. Commercial formulations of the fungus can also be applied for suppression of C. caryae. We hypothesized that a clover cover crop enhances B. bassiana efficacy and persistence (e.g., by protecting the fungus against abiotic environmental stresses). The hypothesis was tested by conducting field trials in a pecan orchard in Byron, GA, in 2009 and 2010. The study included four treatments arranged in a factorial with two levels of fungus (endemic fungus only, and application of a commercial B. bassiana product), and two levels of clover (white clover, Trifolium repens L., and no clover). Fungal persistence was measured by determining the number of CFUs per gram of soil over time (during 42 d postapplication of B. bassiana in 2009 and 29 d in 2010). Efficacy was measured by captu...
Altered engagement of attention and default networks during target detection in schizophrenia

Recent studies have implicated inappropriate engagement of functional brain networks in schizophrenia. This fMRI study examined task-induced activations and deactivations in 10 schizophrenia patients with prominent negative symptoms and 10 healthy controls during a simple target detection task. Group comparison revealed recruitment of distinct attentional networks during this task, with schizophrenia subjects activating the dorsal attention system and controls activating the executive network. Further, schizophrenia patients failed to deactivate posterior cingulate regions during the task, supporting recent studies of altered default mode processing. These findings support theories of dysfunctional recruitment of large-scale brain networks in schizophrenia.
Basic Concepts of Surface Electromyographic Biofeedback in the Treatment of Dysphagia: A Tutorial

Surface electromyographic (sEMG) biofeedback has been used to enhance behavioral treatment interventions in a variety of movement disorders involving the head and neck musculature. These include, b...
The modern staged repair of classic bladder exstrophy: A detailed postoperative management strategy for primary bladder closure

Abstract Purpose Successful primary bladder closure of classic bladder exstrophy sets the stage for development of adequate bladder capacity and eventual voided continence. The postoperative pathway following primary bladder closure at the authors’ institution is quantitatively and qualitatively detailed. Materials and methods Sixty-five consecutive newborns (47 male) undergoing primary closure of classic bladder exstrophy were identified and data were extracted relating to immediate postoperative care. Overall success rate was utilized to validate the pathway. Results Mean age at time of primary closure was 4.6 days and mean hospital stay was 35.8 days. Osteotomy was performed in 19 patients (mean age 8.8 days), and was not required in 39 infants (mean age 2.9 days). All patients were immobilized for 4 weeks. Tunneled epidural analgesia was employed in 61/65 patients. All patients had ureteral catheters and a suprapubic tube, along with a comprehensive antibiotic regimen. Postoperative total parenteral nutrition was commonly administered, and enteral feedings started around day 4.6. Our success rate of primary closure was 95.4%. Conclusions A detailed and regimented plan for bladder drainage, immobilization, pain control, nutrition, antimicrobial prophylaxis, and adequate healing time is a cornerstone for the postoperative management of the primary closure of bladder exstrophy.
Aggregation in polystyrene-sphere suspensions in near-critical binary liquid mixtures

We study the reversible aggregation of polystyrene latex spheres (PLS) in one phase mixtures of 2,6 lutidine plus water at temperatures and solvent compositions near the solvent mixture's critical point. The aggregation occurs only on the side of the critical composition rich in the liquid component which is nonpreferred when the system is in the solvent's two-phase region. The liquid that is preferred can be changed by changing the surface charge density of the PLS. The aggregation region extends to temperatures well beyond the wetting temperature, and dynamic light scattering shows no evidence of a thick layer building up on individual particles before they join aggregates.
Chemical Remediation of Nickel(II) Waste: A Laboratory Experiment for General Chemistry Students

This project involved developing a method to remediate large quantities of aqueous waste from a general chemistry laboratory experiment. Aqueous Ni(II) waste from a general chemistry laboratory experiment was converted into solid nickel hydroxide hydrate with a substantial decrease in waste volume. The remediation method was developed for a two-fold purpose: to provide procedures for removing nickel from an aqueous mixture and to serve as a template for the development of waste treatment experiments for pedagogical purposes.
Influence of Diet Composition on Chick Growth Response to Different Antibiotics, Feed Additives and Combination of the Additives,

Abstract Three experiments were conducted to determine the effect of different diet formulations on the growth response of chicks to different antibiotics and antimicrobials as single diet supplements or in combinations. The first experiment involved the use of a corn-soybean type diet and a diet containing a high level of dry beans (Phaseolus vulgaris). Both diets were supplemented with two levels of MD bacitracin and procaine penicillin, and each of the antibiotic levels was also fed in combination with a low level of 3-nitro phenylarsonic acid. In the second experiment, starter and finisher broiler diets containing a high level of dry beans were singly supplemented with two levels of MD bacitracin or the two levels in combination with a low level of 3-nitro phenylarsonic acid. In the third experiment, growth obtained with diets containing a high level of rye or beans and supplemented with procaine penicillin and nitrovin (Payzone) was compared with that obtained with a corn based diet. The results obtained indicate significant effects of diet on chick growth. Diets containing corn gave better growth than those containing rye or beans. Growth response to antibiotic supplements was greater with the diets containing rye or beans, as compared with those based on corn. A high level of MD bacitracin supplement (50 p.p.m.) was significantly more effective than lower dosage levels (4 to 10 p.p.m.), regardless of diet type. Evidence for an additive effect of MD bacitracin and 3-nitro phenylarsonic acid was stronger when bacitracin was used at the higher dosage level. Procaine penicillin and nitrovin were equally effective in promoting chick growth, regardless of diet type.
Severe head injury from dog bites

A case of severe head trauma resulting from dog bites is presented. The dog bites were inflicted by the family pet and included depressed and elevated skull fractures. The patient was treated aggressively, stabilized, and transferred to a nearby medical center for definitive care. She ultimately did well.
Pressure Changes in the Eye Due to an Injection of Inert Gases: A Theoretical Model

In the repair of retinal tears and detachments, the vitreous humor is often completely replaced with a temporary mixture of gases, one of which is not normally found in the bloodstream. The resulting bubble can then support the healing retina. There is diffusion of gases, however, from the bubble into the bloodstream and vice versa. This alters the intraocular pressure, with possible adverse consequences, as the intraocular pressure must be maintained within a certain range for the procedure to be successful. A simple model has been developed to predict the evolution of intraocular pressure over time, given a certain initial mixture of injected gases. This model could be useful in determining what mixture to use to support effectively and safely a healing retina.
Control of enzyme synthesis and stability during sporulation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Summary Studies were undertaken to understand the control of synthesis, stability and modification of UDP galactose epimerase and DNA-dependent RNA polymerase during sporulation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae . When a pre-induced culture of an inducible strain (wild type) is transferred to sporulation medium, the epimerase is inactivated to an undetectable level within 16 hours. Surprisingly, the addition of cycloheximide, a protein synthesis inhibitor, during sporulation stabilizes the epimerase activity. However, in a constitutive strain, the epimerase continues to be synthesized de novo during sporulation. Since the enzyme is synthesized during both vegetative growth and sporulation constitutively, the controls for synthesis of epimerase must be similar under these physiologically different conditions. After chromatography on DEAE Sephadex, there is no change observed in the elution patterns of RNA polymerase forms extracted from acetate growth vegetative cells, sporulating cells or from mature asci; in all cases RNA polymerase consists of three forms, Ib, II and III. However, single spore suspension obtained from asci by treatment with zymolase contains a new form with chromatographic properties similar to those of form Ia. Our data suggests that form Ia may be a modification product of form Ib.
Karlstadt's Christag predig: Prophetic rhetoric in an Evangelical Mass

Andreas Bodenstein von Karlstadt (1486–1541), one of the most prolific authors of the Reformation, is one of the most difficult for historians to classify. He produced about ninety published writings, which were printed in about 213 editions. “Among evangelical authors during the years 1518–1525, Karlstadt, after Martin Luther (1483–1546), published the largest number of works in German; and, after Luther's, his works had the second-largest number of editions.” Indeed, on these grounds “it is a safe assumption that Karlstadt's activities as a publicist had a major impact.” Yet during several years of his career, his writings had to be printed and read secretly. He even gave up his academic responsibilities for a time. However, his battles against images and, later, against Luther's doctrine of the Lord's Supper, both influenced the whole course of the Reformation in Germany and beyond.
A simple approach to measurement of electrical parameters of cultured epithelial monolayers: Use in assessing neutrophil-epithelial interactions

Typically, electrophysiologic studies of epithelial monolayers are either performed in formalized Ussing chamber systems which yield highly accurate results or in simple setups using recording devices which have limitations in accuracy or the range of measurements which can be performed or both. Here we detail a simple method of interfacing traditionally accurate Ussing chambers systems with commercially available filter supports on which epithelial monolayers can be grown. We also detail simple methods for growing inverted monolayers, suitable for electrophysiologic assays, for use in studies where cells or particles must be layered by gravity on the undersurface (basolateral pole) of the filter. Both approaches allow experiments to be performed on large numbers of monolayers synchronously. As an example of the use of this system, we analyze the sequelae of neutrophil migration across monolayers of the intestinal cell line T84. Neutrophil migration across monolayers can occur in either direction, is dependent on neutrophil surface β2 integrins, and is paralleled by a decrease in epithelial barrier function as detected electrically. We have previously shown in formal Ussing chamber studies that neutrophil-epithelial interactions elicit a modest short-circuit current indicative of electrogenic ion transport. We show here that this short-circuit current response can be readily detected using the simple approach described.
Optical anyons: Atoms trapped on electromagnetic vortices

Abstract We study composite particles consisting of an atom trapped on an electromagnetic vortex. The vortex core acts as a guiding center for the atom, so that the atom-vortex composite will be maintained under sufficiently gentle motions of the vortex center. We show that the adiabatic exchange of two identical atom-vortex composites generates a nontrivial geometric phase factor, and conclude that these quasiparticles should obey fractional statistics.
The Space Between: Building Liberatory Capital in a School-Community Partnership.

Even before withstanding one of the most devastating economic crises in American history, families living in poverty have battled a dominant discourse that labels them as lacking personal responsibility, initiative, and the ability to make “good” choices. This discourse is reflected in the parent-involvement mandates of the No Child Left Behind Act, where parents living in poverty are expected to sign contracts promising to take a more active role in the education of their children. This study describes what it looked like when a grassroots, Community Based Organization (CBO) dedicated to speaking back to this dominant discourse partnered with an urban public school system to simultaneously help families leave poverty and improve the academic success of their children. This paper illustrates what it looks like when families living in poverty speak back to the dominant discourse, seek validation for their non-dominant discourses, and enter a potentially liberating Third Space between.
Glucoregulatory Feeding by Rats after Intraventricular 6-Hydroxydopamine or Lateral Hypothalamic Lesions

Rats given intravenricular injections of 6-hydroxydopamine or bilateral electrolytic lesions of the lateral hypothalamus do not show the normal increase in food intake in response to large decreases in glucose utilization or exposure to severe cold stress. However, they will eat more during chronic glucoprivation that is less intense, or during exposure to more moderate cold stress. Thus, the feeding deficits of these lesioned rats may not reflect an inability to respond to certain qualitatively different stimuli, but rather an inability to respond to quantitatively different intensities of the same stimulus.
Flight measurement of molecular contaminant deposition

A spacecraft was instrumented with four temperature controlled quartz crystal microbalance (TQCM) contamination detectors. One TQCM, located inside the vehicle, recorded contaminant deposition that was orders of magnitude higher than did the three TQCMs located in various positions outside the vehicle. The deposition rate on the interior TQCM varied with the temperatures of interior spacecraft cavity surfaces. In particular, there is clear evidence of condensation on these surfaces and re-evaporation from these surfaces by previously outgassed contaminant molecules. The e-folding time constants of the deposition on two of the exterior TQCMs held at -50 degree(s)C are approximately 1.4 years, with extrapolated final equivalent thickness of the deposition in the 20 - 25 nm (200 - 250 angstroms) range. The third exterior TQCM, which has a significant field of view of a segmented thermal blanket, collected contamination at a greater rate. The data enable the ranking of the several contamination transport mechanisms at work and the drawing of general recommendations for spacecraft design.
Jurors' intuitive rules for deliberation: A structurational approach to communication injury decision making

Consistent with growing interest in bona fide groups and taking a structurational approach to members’ appropriation of rules for decision making, this study was an investigation of potential jurors’ intuitive rules for deliberation. Following a summary, critique, and reconceptualization of jury research, we discuss five communicative challenges juries face in the course of their deliberations (selecting a leader, agreeing on voting procedures, determining whether to request assistance from the court, reporting member misconduct, and handling disagreement about whether to continue deliberating) and report results of a content analysis reflecting the rules invoked for each of these situations by 97 citizens summoned for jury duty and waiting for jury service at a courthouse in a judicial district in the western United States.
Vacuum ultraviolet Mach-Zehnder interferometer with CaF 2 optics

A VUV Mach-Zehnder interferometer has been equipped with CaF2 optics. To test these, the hook method was used to measure the oscillator strength of the 146.9610-nm S10-P310 line of atomic xenon. The result, f = 0.244 ± 0.015, is in agreement with data obtained by other techniques. We conclude, as a result of this work, that application of our Mach-Zehnder interferometer to hook method measurements of oscillator strengths of lines with wavelengths longer than ~150 nm will be routine, but that such measurements below that wavelength limit must await development of more intense VUV continuum sources.
Effects of silt content and void ratio on the saturated hydraulic conductivity and compressibility of sand-silt mixtures.

The hydraulic conductivity, the coefficient of consolidation, and the coefficient of volume compressibility play major roles on the pore pressure generation during undrained and partially drained loading of granular soils with fines. This paper aims to determine how much these soil parameters are affected by the percentage of fines and void ratio of the soil. The results of a large number of flexible wall permeameter tests performed on 60 specimens of two poorly graded sands with 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25% nonplastic silt are presented and discussed. Hydraulic conductivity measurements were done at effective confining stresses of 50–300 kPa. The evaluation of the data shows that the hydraulic conductivity and the coefficient of consolidation of sands with 25% silt content are approximately two orders of magnitude smaller than those of clean sands. The coefficient of volume compressibility of the sand-silt mixtures is affected in a lesser degree by void ratio, silt content, and confining stress. The influence of the degree of saturation on the laboratory-measured k values is also discussed.
CNS depression in the absence of prolactin release following intraarterial injections of sodium pentothal in the proestrous rat.

SummarySamples of whole blood were collected at 20–min intervals for a period of several hours from individual cannulated proestrous rat. Plasma luteinizing hormone and prolactin concentrations were determined by radioimmunoassay. Either pentobarbital or pentothal anesthesia maintained during the critical period in proestrus rats blocked the preovulatory increase in serum LH and prevented subsequent ovulation. Pentobarbital anesthesia induced a rapid increase in serum prolactin concentrations whereas pentothal anesthesia did not, but both anesthetics prevented the spontaneous preovulatory increase in serum prolactin. In addition, pentothal anesthesia prevented the response to subsequent injections of pentobarbital.
Community Growth Around Nuclear Power Plants

This study analyzes the growth rates of 64 municipalities around 4 nuclear power plants in the Northeastern United States, as reflected by changes in equalized total real property market values from 1960 to 1976. Annual growth rates were inversely related to distance from the plant, and were higher after the plants became operational. Growth rates for the host municipalities were greater than those for the regions around them. Although it was not possible to isolate the specific effects of nuclear power plants on growth rates, the empirical results suggest that at least until 1976 there were positive growth effects in the host communities.
Effects of Innovativeness and Venture Stage on Venture Capitalist-Entrepreneur Relations

Innovative new ventures constitute a disproportionately large source of economic growth, and the amount of venture capital flowing into such ventures is increasing. A key component in the success of venture-capital-backed firms is the relationship between the lead venture capitalist VC and the venture's founding entrepreneur E. We examined the impact of innovativeness and venture stage on VC-E relations in 51 venture-capital-backed firms and found: 1 greater marketing innovativeness in ventures associated with greater openness in VC-E pairs, 2 greater technological innovativeness in ventures associated with greater conflict in VC-E pairs, and 3 more frequent VC-E interaction in earlier stage ventures. We found that the relationship between technological innovativeness and openness of VC-E relations depended upon the venture's stage.
Computation of distribution of minimum resolution for log-normal distribution of chromatographic peak heights.

Abstract General equations are derived for the distribution of minimum resolution between two chromatographic peaks, when peak heights in a multi-component chromatogram follow a continuous statistical distribution. The derivation draws on published theory by relating the area under the distribution of minimum resolution to the area under the distribution of the ratio of peak heights, which in turn is derived from the peak-height distribution. Two procedures are proposed for the equations’ numerical solution. The procedures are applied to the log-normal distribution, which recently was reported to describe the distribution of component concentrations in three complex natural mixtures. For published statistical parameters of these mixtures, the distribution of minimum resolution is similar to that for the commonly assumed exponential distribution of peak heights used in statistical-overlap theory. However, these two distributions of minimum resolution can differ markedly, depending on the scale parameter of the log-normal distribution. Theory for the computation of the distribution of minimum resolution is extended to other cases of interest. With the log-normal distribution of peak heights as an example, the distribution of minimum resolution is computed when small peaks are lost due to noise or detection limits, and when the height of at least one peak is less than an upper limit. The distribution of minimum resolution shifts slightly to lower resolution values in the first case and to markedly larger resolution values in the second one. The theory and numerical procedure are confirmed by Monte Carlo simulation.
Genetic changes in lung cancer : Potential biomarkers for early detection and prevention

Abstract Recent evidence suggests that genetic changes observed in lung cancer occur in bronchial epithelial cells before frank tumor development and can be detected throughout the lower respiratory tract of individuals at risk for this disease. However, it is not currently known whether these acquired molecular abnormalities in bronchial epithelial cells are associated with respiratory carcinogenesis, and therefore would be useful as markers of this process, or are merely representative of carcinogen exposure. Further studies are essential to conclusively demonstrate an association of these genetic changes with development of lung cancer and to validate their use as biomarkers for this disease. Such validation will not only provide insight into the mechanisms and pathways involved in respiratory carcinogenesis, it will also furnish a new set of tools for lung cancer prevention and early detection.
Measuring firm innovativeness: towards a composite innovation index built on firm innovative posture, propensity and performance attributes

The ability to innovate is generally accepted as a critical success factor to growth and future performance of firms. Yet, this acceptance obscures a comprehensive perspective on how firms can influence their innovation capacity and resulting performance. This paper proposes a '3P'construct of innovation measurement that simultaneously considers the Posture, Propensity and Performance related to a firm's innovation capabilities. We propose and provide empirical support showing that robust measurement of the performance implications of innovation requires the consideration of input, throughput and output factors simultaneously. Single or more limited indicators do not offer the degree of fine-tuning to a firm's innovation system that managers require. Thus, we propose the development, and future research into contingent variations, of a Composite Innovation Index (CII). We further demonstrate its use in comparing innovators and allowing managers to design a firm's innovation system.
a Comparison of the Proper-Time Equation and the Renormalization Group β-FUNCTION in String Theory

It is known that there is a proportionality factor relating the β-function and the equations of motion viz. the Zamolodchikov metric. Usually this factor has to be obtained by other methods. The proper-time equation, on the other hand, is the full equation of motion. We explain the reasons for this and illustrate it by calculating corrections to Maxwell’s equation. The corrections are calculated to cubic order in the field strength, but are exact to all orders in derivatives. We also test the gauge covariance of the proper-time method by calculating higher (covariant) derivative corrections to the Yang-Mills equation.
Lower disease infections in honeybee ( Apis mellifera ) colonies headed by polyandrous vs monandrous queens

We studied the relationship between genetic diversity and disease susceptibility in honeybee colonies living under natural conditions. To do so, we created colonies in which each queen was artificially inseminated with sperm from either one or ten drones. Of the 20 colonies studied, 80% showed at least one brood disease. We found strong differences between the two types of colonies in the infection intensity of chalkbrood and in the total intensity of all brood diseases (chalkbrood, sacbrood, American foulbrood, and European foulbrood) with both variables lower for the colonies with higher genetic diversity. Our findings demonstrate that disease can be an important factor in the ecology of honeybee colonies and they provide strong support for the disease hypothesis for the evolution of polyandry by social insect queens.
Some Relations Between Classical and Constructive Mathematics

This paper is devoted to the general question, which assertions φ have the property, if φ is provable classically, then φ is (*) provable constructively. More generally, we consider the question, what is the “constructive content” of a given classical proof? Our aim is to formulate rules in a form applicable to mathematical practice. Often a mathematician has the feeling that there will be no difficulty constructivizing a certain proof, only a number of routine details; although it can be quite laborious to set them all out. We believe that most such situations will come quite easily under the scope of the rules given here; the metamathematical machinery will then take care of the details. This basic idea is not new; it has been discussed by Godel and by Kreisel. Kreisel's investigations [Kr] were based on Herbrand's theorem; in unpublished memoranda he has also used Godel's methods on some examples. These methods of Godel (the double-negation and Dialectica interpretations) lie at the root of our work here. Previous work, however, has been limited to traditional formal systems of number theory and analysis. It is only recently that formal systems adequate to formalize constructive mathematics as a whole have been developed. Thus, for the first time we are in a position to formulate logical theorems which are easily applicable to mathematical practice. It is this program which we here carry out. Now that the work has been placed in some historical context, let us return to the main question: which φ have the property (*)? Upon first considering the problem, one might guess that any φ which makes no existential assertions (including disjunctions) should have the property (*).
Reflections on Organisms: Examples from the Neurobiology of Insect Rhythmic Movements

Consideration of organisms is necessary for neurobiologists interested in the neural bases of behavior, because a behavioral act performed by an intact animal defines the problem to be solved and also constitutes the context in which the nervous system operates. In addition, observations of behaving organisms can introduce new preparations for study of general questions. Examples are given from rhythmic gill movements of Corydalus cornutus , insect flight, and development of the moth flight motor. In a concluding section, questions are raised about possible philosophical and judgmental influences on the current tensions between holistic approaches expressed in organismic biology and reductionist approaches expressed in biotechnology.
Cooperative network coding in selective decode-and-forward networks with multiple source-destination pairs

In this paper, a cooperative network coding scheme is proposed for a two-stage selective decode-and-forward relaying network with multiple source-destination pairs. In particular, based on employing Best-Select cooperation to perform relay selection, the selected best relay performs network coding on the correctly decoded information from all the sources, by transmitting a random linear combination of the columns in an underlying full-rate full-diversity perfect STBC matrix. A decentralized implementation with minimal overhead is presented. Under realistic propagation conditions, including the effects of path-loss and flat Rayleigh fading, the performance in term of the single-pair outage probability is evaluated. Simulation results show that, when compared with non-cooperative direct transmission, the proposed cooperative network coding scheme can achieve much better performance while also achieving full-rate re-transmission for each single source-destination pair.
Models of electronic structure of hydrogen in metals: Pd-H

Local-density theory is used to study the electron charge-density distribution around hydrogen and host palladium metal atoms. Self-consistent calculations using a finite-size molecular-cluster model based on the discrete variational method are reported. Calculations are also done in a simple ''pseudojellium'' model to study the electron response to hydrogen within the framework of the density-functional formalism. Results of this simple approach agree very well with the molecular-cluster model. Partial densities of states obtained in the cluster model are compared with band-structure results and conclusions regarding the importance of the local environment on the electronic structure are drawn. Calculated core-level shifts and charge transfer from metal ions to hydrogen are compared with the results of x-ray--photoelectron spectroscopy experiments in metal hydrides and are discussed in terms of conventional anionic, covalent, and protonic models. The effect of zero-point vibration on the electron charge and spin-density distribution is studied by repeating the above calculations for several displaced configurations of hydrogen inside the cluster. The results are used to interpret the isotope effect on the electron distribution around proton and deuteron.
Antibodies to cell membrane antigens associated with human T-cell leukemia virus in patients with AIDS

The acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), which has recently occurred at increasing rates in homosexual men, intravenous drug users, and others, is characterized by the development of Kaposi's sarcoma and several opportunistic infections including pneumonia caused by Pneumocystis carinii. Serum samples from patients with AIDS and from matched and unmatched control subjects were examined for the presence of antibodies to cell membrane antigens associated with human T-cell leukemia virus. Nineteen of 75 of the AIDS patients had antibodies directed to surface antigens of Hut 102, a reference T lymphoid cell line infected with leukemia virus, as did two of the 336 control subjects.
Preface: Marine and coastal applications in landscape ecology

Landscape ecology traditionally has been limited to the study of terrestrial systems; however, the questions and methods defining the science are equally relevant for marine and coastal systems. The reciprocal relationship between spatial pattern and ecological processes and the overarching effect of scale on this relationship was being explored in some marine and coastal settings as the general discipline of landscape ecology was evolving throughout the latter two decades of the last century. As with all components of the biosphere, an understanding of these relationships is critical for successful management of marine and coastal systems. In these systems, widely dispersed field or ship-based observations and lack of broad scale data have historically precluded quantification of large-scale patterns and processes and hindered management efforts. However, relatively recent advances in geographic information systems, remote sensing and computer technologies have begun to address these issues and are now permitting assessments of pattern and process in oceans. The intent of this special issue is to highlight research that is adapting the tools of landscape ecology to answer ecological questions within marine and coastal systems, to address the unique challenges faced in these landscapes, and to stimulate an exchange of ideas and solutions to common problems. Inspiration for this special issue of Landscape Ecology began with a special session on “Marine and Coastal Applications in Landscape Ecology” that was held at the 19th Annual Symposium of the United States Regional Association of the International Association for Landscape Ecology, March 31–April 2, 2004 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Decadal changes in habitat-type coverage on Horn Island, Mississippi, U.S.A.

Abstract Barrier island geomorphic features change over relatively brief timescales in response to the combined effects of wind, waves, currents, sediment supply, coastal subsidence, sea-level rise, and tropical cyclones. Consequently, alterations in the vegetation composition occur with these physiographic changes. A greater understanding of the extent to which such changes have occurred in recent decades may indicate the likely response of barrier islands to the currently anticipated acceleration in sea-level rise and increase in tropical storm frequency and severity under a climate-warming scenario. Using ground data in conjunction with hyperspectral, Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR), and historical data, this study classified and mapped vegetation on Horn Island, Mississippi, and compared the island land area and habitat-type distribution in 2004 vs. 1978. Total vegetation cover as a percentage of total land area remained virtually unchanged during the 1978–2004 period. However, the relative covera...
Bioattribution Needs a Coherent International Approach to Improve Global Biosecurity

The forensic investigation of hoax, suspected or actual biological weapons attacks and bioproliferation activities is recognized by biosecurity-advanced nations as an important pillar in a national biosecurity program. Some nations have taken this seriously; most others have not or are not aware of the potential. When law enforcement and forensic science investigations are performed in a coordinated manner, decisions assigning attribution are informed and accountability is supported through legal and policy decisions and actions. Incorporating public health investigative and tailored scientific assets makes the system even more effective, dynamic and robust. Perpetrators and enablers must be held at risk of being brought to justice, or through a policy decision resulting in direct action being taken or sanctions imposed. This paper provides a foundation and path forward to establish substantially expanded capability founded on establishing and leveraging national and regional programs and international agreement that attribution is an important component of biosecurity. Specific forward-looking initiatives will be recommended and discussed.
GLUCOCORTICOID REGULATION OF AN INSULIN-LIKE GROWTH FACTOR-BINDING PROTEIN-4 PROTEASE PRODUCED BY A RAT NEURONAL CELL LINE

Insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-4 (IGFBP-4) is expressed in distinct regions in the rodent brain from the perinatal period into adulthood and is postulated to modulate the action of the insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) in vivo. This study was initiated to examine the regulation of IGF-binding protein-4 (IGFBP-4) in B104 cells, a rat neuronal cell line in which IGFBP-4 is the predominant secreted IGFBP. Exposure of B104 monolayer cultures to dexamethasone reduced native IGFBP-4 abundance to less than 10% of that in control medium by 48 h. Immunoblots showed that the decline in intact 24-kilodalton IGFBP-4 was accompanied by an increase in a 16-kilodalton immunoreactive fragment. In addition, IGFBP-4 proteolytic activity in medium was increased after exposure of the cells to dexamethasone. The protease was calcium dependent and appeared to be of the serine protease class, because activity could be inhibited by phenylmethylsulfonylfluoride and aprotinin, but not antipain, leupeptin, or pepstatin...
On-line Monitoring of Metric Temporal Logic with Time- Series Constraints Using Alternating Finite Automata

In this paper we describe a technique for monitoring and checking temporal logic assertions augmented with real-time and time-series constraints, or Metric Temporal Logic Series (MTLS). The method is based on Remote Execution and Monitoring (REM) of temporal logic assertions. We describe the syntax and semantics of MTLS and a monitoring technique based on alternating finite automata that is efficient for a large set of frequently used formulae and is also an on-line technique. We investigate the run-time data-structure size for several interesting assertions taken from the Kansas State specification patterns.
Spatial Distribution of the Cereal Leaf Beetle (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) in Wheat

A 2-yr study was conducted in wheat fields in South Carolina involving weekly sampling of cereal leaf beetle, Oulema melanopus (L.). In each of the six fields of this study, temporal patterns showed two distinct peaks in March and in May of adult O. melanopus. Populations decreased as wheat plants matured. In 2009, larval populations had one peak in April in between the two adult peaks. The χ(2) statistics for observed and Poisson predicted distributions of O. melanopus indicated nonrandom distribution for adults and larvae. In addition, the values of I(D) were >1 for adults and larvae in both years across sampling dates. These results indicate that the sampling distributions of both adult and larval populations of O. melanopus were aggregated. Slopes of Taylor power's law (b) and patchiness regressions (β) were significantly (P < 0.05) different than one in all cases, except for b in 2008 for adults. Across sampling dates, the distance from field border had a significant effect on adult O. melanopus in both years, but not on larval O. melanopus. Densities of adult O. melanopus were greatest at 0 m (the field edge), and decreased at 5-25 m from the field edge. The inverted distance weighted interpolation method showed considerable levels of spatial variability in densities within fields. High densities along the edge of wheat fields suggests that localized control methods in wheat may be effective in reducing migration of O. melanopus and damage in corn, Zea mays L.
Prevention of medication errors

Medication error is the most frequent source of medical error that is associated with adverse events, and, in many cases, is preventable. Medication errors can occur at any step in the medication process. Medication error prevention and reduction begins with a systematic approach to their detection. An important approach to mitigating errors involves the reduction of variation in task performance using tested techniques and technologies from other industries. The most important component of error prevention and reduction is the proactive promotion of a safety culture by organizational leadership, with sustained education and support for users.
Isoflurane-induced splanchnic sympathectomy

To ascertain whether isoflurane produces a peripheral splanchnic sympathectomy as compared to fentanyl or pentobarbital anesthesia, 12 mongrel dogs (30-45 kg) were allocated randomly to one of three anesthetic test groups, tracheally intubated, surgically prepared, and subjected to unilateral electrical stimulation of the greater splanchnic nerve. Anesthetically, Group 1 animals (n = 4) received pentobarbital, Group 2 animals (n = 4) were administered fentanyl, and Group 3 animals (n = 4) received isoflurane. Stimulation continued for 90 min. Each second of stimulation consisted of 20 stimuli of 0.5 minimum alveolar anesthetic concentration duration and 5 V intensity, delivered during a 0.2-s interval, followed by an 0.8-s pause. To assess splanchnic sympathetic responses, mean arterial blood pressure, heart rate, pulmonary artery diastolic, cardiac output, adrenal blood flow, adrenal and arterial norepinephrine (N) and epinephrine (E) were obtained before and at 5, 10, 15, 30, 45, 60, and 90 min during stimulation. In Group 1 animals (pentobarbital), electrical stimulation elicited marked increases in mean arterial blood pressure, pulmonary artery diastolic, and cardiac output (P < 0.001). Examination of the adrenal effluent, which was exteriorized from the animal during the protocol, revealed that adrenal blood flow, adrenal vein N and E concentrations dramatically increased (P < 0.0001). Arterial N and E concentrations remained unchanged. Results of Group 2 animals (fentanyl) were similar to those of Group 1; mean arterial blood pressure, pulmonary artery diastolic, and cardiac output increased (P < 0.005). Adrenal blood flow, adrenal vein N and E increased dramatically (P < 0.0001).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Exchange-correlation and layer-thickness effects in quasi-two dimensional electron liquids

We demonstrate a replacement of the non-uniform sub-band density of quasi-2D electron layers by an effective uniform-slab density. Exchange, correlation and Fermi-liquid properties are determined via a mapping of the electron liquid to a classical fluid, using the hyper-netted-chain equation inclusive of bridge corrections, (i.e. the CHNC), as a function of the density, spin-polarization, layer width and the temperature. Our parameters-free theory is in good accord with quantum simulations, with effective-mass and spin-susceptibility results for 2D layers found in GaAs/AlGaAs structures.
Fermi-Level Depinning of GaAs for Ohmic Contacts

In summary, we successfully demonstrate the unpinning of the Fermi level in n-GaAs through the insertion of an ultrathin insulator to reduce the penetration of MIGS from the metal into the semiconductor. We are able to transform the current from rectifying Schottky behavior, to increased conduction, to tunneling limited, simply by increasing the SiN thickness, verifying the ability for SiN to modulate the barrier height. A minimum contact resistance and maximum reverse current is obtained for a SiN thickness of 1.5 nm. We expect this method can be used to make non-alloyed low resistance ohmic contacts to n-GaAs, and can be applied to unpin other III-V Fermi levels.
Monitoring site occupancy for American mink in its native range

American mink (Neovison vison) are secretive, semi-aquatic carnivores that often require noninvasive methods based on field signs such as tracks and scat for determining their spatial distribution. Most previous assessments of survey methods for American mink have been conducted in the United Kingdom where mink are an invasive species. We evaluated survey techniques for American mink in riparian habitat in its native range in the midwestern United States. We used occupancy modeling to compare detection rates between walking surveys and mink raft surveys, and we evaluated the potential for environ- mental covariates and observer bias to influence detectability from walking surveys. Per-survey detection probabilities were greater for walking surveys (0.72) than for mink rafts (0.39). Walking surveys also were cheaper and easier to conduct in small streams prone to flooding when compared to mink raft surveys. However, detection probabilities from walking surveys were affected by observer bias, recent rainfall, substrate, and date. We recommend walking surveys for determining the distribution of American mink in riparian habitat in the Midwest if occupancy modeling is applied to adjust for environmental and observer effects on detectability. We used such an approach to demonstrate occupancy dynamics of mink were related to variable water depths, which has implications for how this carnivore might be influenced by climate change. Mink rafts standardize the substrate for recording mink tracks and reduce the likelihood of observer effects. For studies using many volunteers, we recommend mink rafts for determining site occupancy by American mink. 2011 The Wildlife Society.
Direct Observation of Spin-Trapped Carbon Dioxide Radicals in Hepatocytes Exposed to Carbon Tetrachloride

Carbon dioxide radical adducts of the spin trapping agent, α-phenyl N-t-butyl nitrone (PBN), have been observed to occur in the urine and bile of rats exposed to carbon tetrachloride as well as in perfusates of liver in which the perfusion medium contained carbon tetrachloride (Connor er al., J. Biol. Chem., 261, 4542, (1986)). The carbon dioxide adduct was proven to be derived from CCI, by use of 13-C-labelled compound. These adducts were not observed in the liver itself suggesting that they might be rapidly secreted from the liver. However, using isolated hepatocytes, we have demonstrated that the carbon dioxide radical adduct can be observed directly in the liver cells as it is formed. Since this water-soluble adduct cannot be extracted by non-aqueous solvents such as chloroform or toluene, its formation in liver in vivo or in perfused livers was not detected. Lowering the oxygen tension in the system diminished the intensity of production of the carbon dioxide adduct, consistent with the adduct being ...