cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Generation Mean Analysis of Near-Long-Staple Fiber Length in TAM 94L-25 Upland Cotton

The U.S. traditionally markets upland cotton with a high volume instrument (HVI) upperhalf mean length (UHML) of 27 mm (34 staple) although international trade requires a minimum of 27.8 mm (35 staple). Genotypes have been developed that exhibit UHML of approximately 30 mm (-38 staple) that are referred to as near-long-staple uplands (NLSU). The objective of this research was to determine gene action and heritability for near-long-staple length in a unique set of upland cotton genotypes. TAM 94L-25, an NLSU, was crossed with three programmatically diverse NLSU phenotypes and a short-staple upland (SSU) to produce the F 1 , F 2 , BCP 1 , and BCP 2 generations for generation mean analysis (GMA). Generations were grown in a randomized complete block design at College Station, TX in 2001 and 2002. Seedcotton was ginned on a laboratory gin and advanced fiber instrument system (AFIS) fiber properties were determined. Additional improvement in fiber length is possible by crossing TAM 94L-25 with the other NLSU phenotypes included in this study. Environment affected genetic expression with narrow sense heritability (h 2 ) for fiber length generally lower in the TAM 94L-25/NLSU families. Transgressive segregates were found in all families.
Phospho-control of TGF-beta superfamily signaling.

Members of the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) family control a broad range of cellular responses in metazoan organisms via autocrine, paracrine, and endocrine modes. Thus, aberrant TGF-β signaling can play a key role in the pathogenesis of several diseases, including cancer. TGF-β signaling pathways are activated by a short phospho-cascade, from receptor phosphorylation to the subsequent phosphorylation and activation of downstream signal transducers called R-Smads. R-Smad phosphorylation state determines Smad complex assembly/disassembly, nuclear import/export, transcriptional activity and stability, and is thus the most critical event in TGF-β signaling. Dephosphorylation of R-Smads by specific phosphatases prevents or terminates TGF-β signaling, highlighting the need to consider Smad (de)phosphorylation as a tightly controlled and dynamic event. This article illustrates the essential roles of reversible phosphorylation in controlling the strength and duration of TGF-β signaling and the ensuing physiological responses.
Mentoring Across Family-Owned Businesses

Nearly three decades of research on mentoring has offered empirically supported processes in developing a mentoring relationship. Yet the application of mentoring within family businesses has received little exploration. Since much of the current mentoring literature is focused on general workplace mentoring, it is not clear how the multidimensional and interdependent systems within family businesses might complicate the translation of the existing literature to family business populations. This study examines interorganizational family business mentoring relationships to determine whether there are any issues which differentiate it from the existing mentoring research findings.
Autocorrelation of Electrocardiographic Activity during Ventricular Fibrillation

Mathematical analysis of periodic and semiperiodic functions by the use of special electronic computers was applied to electrocardiographic recordings of ventricular fibrillation from hypothermic dogs. Preliminary experiments revealed a definite periodic component 1 to 3 min. after onset of fibrillation which practically disappeared in 5 min.
Chronicles from Majnun until Layla

Chronicles from Majnun until Layla is a film project structured in three stages: 1.) The Museum of Modern Iranian History (2011–2013), 2.) Layla and Majnun (in preparation), and 3.) The Film (in preparation). Each stage bears its own approach, format, and mode of presentation. The first two stages are conceived as preparation for the third and final stage: the merging moment, which will be in the form of a feature-length, hybrid fiction/documentary film. The film depicts a couple, lovers, visiting a virtual museum of modern Iranian history. The lovers appear both as themselves and as “Layla and Majnun,” characters adapted from a classical Middle Eastern love tale. As they walk the museum, the couple engages in dialogue about their individual and collective stories, memories, dreams, rages, and desires. The lovers' affairs and conversations interact with the representations of the major historical moments of Iran being documented in the museum. In Stage 1, through the museum's architectural design and refe...
Toward a discourse shift in social gerontology: From successful aging to harmonious aging

Abstract Successful aging, though controversial, is used as an overarching conceptual framework in social gerontology. In this theory critique, the discourse of successful aging is identified as problematic with respect to four dimensions. First, successful aging is ageist in nature, and it produces a disharmony between body and mind. Second, successful aging, with the emphasis on quantifiable activities driven by the “busy ethic,” overlooks the deeper concern of quality experience. Third, the capitalist and consumerist components of successful aging are under-addressed. Fourth, successful aging is a discourse developed upon Western (specifically American) values and thus may not readily apply to other cultures. Harmonious aging, as proposed, is inspired by the Yin–Yang philosophy. Harmony refers to the balance based on differences instead of uniformity. This new discourse aims to recognize the challenges and opportunities of old age itself, ease the tension between activity and disengagement theories, heal the integrity of body and mind, and emphasize the interdependent nature of human beings. The call for the discourse shift attempts to promote intellectual exploration of what constitutes a good old age and to capture more cross-cultural diversities in the context of global aging. This theoretical endeavor is important to change the status quo of gerontology as being “data rich but theory poor,” and to contribute to cross-cultural gerontological research, education and communication.
Two new species ofCerioxynus (Copepoda: Poecilostomatoida) parasitic in corals (Scleractinia: Faviidae) in the South Pacific

The copepodsCerioxynus oulophylliae n. sp., parasitizing the hard coralOulophyllia crispa (Lamarck) on the Great Barrier Reef, Australia, and at Banda in the Moluccas, andCerioxynus montastreae n. sp., living inMontastrea curta (Dana) on the Great Barrier Reef, are described and illustrated. Both new species are distinguished from their four congeners by having wing-like epimera on the segments bearing leg 2 and leg 3. ac]19850419
Sex preselection: Laboratory validation of the sperm sex ratio of flow sorted X- and Y-sperm by sort reanalysis for DNA

Laboratory validation is essential in developing an effective method for separating X and Y sperm to preselect sex. Utilizing sexed sperm from a particular experiment to test fertility and achieve the subsequent phenotypic sex without knowing the likely outcome at conception is too costly for most applications. Further, research advances need to be built on an ongoing assessment with respect to the collection of data to continue progress towards achieving a successful outcome. The Beltsville Sperm Sexing Technology, which is based on the sorting of X- and Y-bearing sperm through the process of flow-cytometric sperm sorting, is also well suited for validation in the laboratory by "sort reanalysis" of the sperm X- and Y-bearing fractions for DNA content. Since the sexing technology is based on the use of Hoechst 33342, a permeant nuclear DNA stain for sorting X- and Y-bearing sperm, it also can be the marker for determining the proportions of X and Y populations by sort reanalysis. The process consists of using an aliquot of the sorted sperm and sonicating to obtain sperm nuclei. The uniformity of the nuclear staining is re-established through the addition of more Hoechst 33342. Separate analysis of each aliquot produces a histogram that is fitted to a double gaussian curve to determine proportions of X and Y populations. The relative breadths of the distributions of DNA of X- and Y-bearing sperm within a species affects interpretations of the histogram. Sort reanalysis is consistently repeatable with differences in X/Y DNA equal to or greater than 3.0%. This information on sex ratio of the sperm then provides the precise tool by which one can predict the outcome in terms of sex, from a particular sample of semen. Simple analysis of unsorted sperm to determine the proportions of X- and Y-bearing sperm based on DNA content is also an effective tool for validating sperm-sex ratio, whether it is in a sample assumed to be 50:50 or predicted to be something other than 50:50. This simple analysis provides for a check on the potential sex ratio of any sample of semen.
On the numerical stability of computations of stellar evolution

Numerical stability in computations of stellar evolution taking into account hydrostatic equilibrium and thermal processes
Estimation of cardiac index by means of the arterial and the mixed venous oxygen content and pulmonary oxygen uptake determination in the early post-operative period following surgery of congenital heart disease

Objective To assess the reliability of estimation of cardiac index based on the mixed venous oxygen saturation and methods of improving the estimation of cardiac index.
Effect of temperature, hydraulic residence time and elevated PCO2 on acid neutralization within a pulsed limestone bed reactor

Limestone has potential for reducing reagent costs and sludge volume associated with treatment of acid mine drainage, but its use is restricted by slow dissolution rates and the deposition of Fe, Al and Mn-based hydrolysis products on reactive surfaces. We evaluated a pulsed limestone bed (PLB) reactor (15 L/min capacity) that uses a CO2 pretreatment step to accelerate dissolution and hydraulic shearing forces provided by intermittent fluidization to abrade and carry away surface scales. We established the effects of hydraulic residence time (HRT, 5.1-15.9 min), temperature (T, 12-22 degrees C) and CO2 tension (PCO2, 34.5-206.8 kPa) on effluent quality when inlet acidity (Acy) was fixed at 440 mg/L (pH = 2.48) with H2SO4. The PLB reactor neutralized all H+ acidity (N = 80) while concurrently providing unusually high levels of effluent alkalinity (247-1028 mg/L as CaCO3) that allow for side-stream treatment with blending. Alkalinity (Alk) yields rose with increases in PCO2, HRT and settled bed height (BH, cm) and decreased with T following the relationship (R2 = 0.926; p<0.001): (Alk)non-filtered = -548.726+33.571.(PCO2)(0.5)+33.671.(HRT)+7.734.(BH)-5.197.(T). Numerical modeling showed CO2 feed requirements for a target Alk yield decrease with increases in HRT, T and the efficiency of off-gas (CO2) recycling.
A Tale of Two Pulling Geometries: The Complex Mechanical Behavior of a Simple Protein

Optical tweezers have enabled the use of extremely low mechanical forces to study the unfolding and refolding of single protein biomolecules. This study explores the role of the geometry of force application relative to the protein topology in controlling the unfolding pathway of the src SH3 domain. The mechanical unfolding transition state of src SH3 has been characterized for two contrasting pulling geometries; one that applies a longitudinal, shearing force on the terminal β-strand, and the other that applies an orthogonal, unzipping force. Our results suggest that different barriers are being probed along the two pulling axes. Interestingly, the force dependence of the unfolding rates for the shearing axis is biphasic, indicating a switch in the unfolding pathway. To the best of our knowledge, this represents the first instance in which a force-induced change in the unfolding pathway has been directly observed experimentally. The mechanical transition state has been further characterized by developing a protein engineering approach analogous to the φ-value methodology used in bulk studies.
Validation of radiographic criteria for the diagnosis of Down syndrome in stillborn infants.

We assessed the utility of radiographic findings as aids to the diagnosis of Down syndrome (DS) in stillborn infants. The iliac index may help to confirm the diagnosis of DS in stillborn infants in whom it is suspected clinically, but in whom it cannot be confirmed cytogenetically. It also can serve as a screening procedure to select stillborns in whom fluorescent in situ hybridization of fixed tissues should be completed. An iliac index of 59° differentiates between control and affected stillborns with the highest accuracy, but false positives persist above 55°, and false negatives are common below 64°. We recommend that a conservative cutoff value of 55° be used if the radiographic data serve as the principal means of diagnosing DS in stillborn infants. A cutoff value of 64° may be appropriate if the radiographic data are used to screen stillborn infants for fluorescent in situ hybridization studies. Am. J. Med. Genet. 72:347–350, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Elevated creatine phosphokinase levels associated with influenza A/Texas/1/77 infection

24 patients admitted to hospital between December 1, 1977 and March 3, 1978 with cultural or serological evidence of influenza A infection were retrospectively analyzed for evidence of elevated creatine phosphokinase (CPK) levels. 14 patients had elevated CPK levels not attributable to usual causes. Muscle biopsies from 2 patients showed focal necrosis and myopathic changes. Influenza A/Texas/1/77 was isolated from the biopsy specimen of 1 patient. Patients with elevated CPK levels tended to have greater per day hospital costs and more complications than patients with normal CPK levels. Elevated CPK levels are relatively common in hospitalized patients with influenza and may be due to influenza virus involvement of skeletal muscle.
Variable Resistance of Filbert Aphid (Homoptera: Aphid.idae) to Insecticides in the Willamette Valley, Oregon

Development of resistance in the filbert aphid, Myzocallis Corly (Goetze), to commonly used insecticides was investigated. Data suggest that M. coryli populations have become resistant to many insecticides. Resistance to endosulfan, carbaryl, diazinon, phosalone, and oxydemetonmethyl was detected. Resistance levels varied from 1.5- to 4,090-fold for carbaryl, 1.2- to 288-fold for diazinon, 1.8- to 50-fold against endosulfan, 1.7- to 49,069-fold against phosalone, and 3.4- to 112.4-fold against oxydemetonmethyl. Some seasonal variations were noticed. With some exceptions, summer and fall populations were generally more resistant to pesticides than the spring populations. Although development of resistance on a regional basis was not evident, a more localized (orchard by orchard) resistance was observed. This pattern suggests limited aphid movement and gene flow.
More accurate simulations at faster rates (graphics)

The author discusses what has occurred in computer graphics during the past two decades and what will occur in the future. He covers increases in model complexity, the continuing quest for photorealism, progressive rendering algorithms, progressive modeling systems, physically based light reflection models, elimination of display lists, migration from polygon algorithms to pixel algorithms based on the true geometries, and separating sampling from discretization. >
Role of CBP and SATB-1 in aging, dietary restriction, and insulin-like signaling.

How dietary restriction (DR) increases lifespan and decreases disease burden are questions of major interest in biomedical research. Here we report that hypothalamic expression of CREB-binding protein (CBP) and CBP-binding partner Special AT-rich sequence binding protein 1 (SATB-1) is highly correlated with lifespan across five strains of mice, and expression of these genes decreases with age and diabetes in mice. Furthermore, in Caenorhabditis elegans, cbp-1 is induced by bacterial dilution DR (bDR) and the daf-2 mutation, and cbp-1 RNAi specifically in adults completely blocks lifespan extension by three distinct protocols of DR, partially blocks lifespan extension by the daf-2 mutation but not of cold, and blocks delay of other age-related pathologies by bDR. Inhibiting the C. elegans ortholog of SATB-1 and CBP-binding partners daf-16 and hsf-1 also attenuates lifespan extension by bDR, but not other protocols of DR. In a transgenic Aβ42 model of Alzheimer's disease, cbp-1 RNAi prevents protective effects of bDR and accelerates Aβ42-related pathology. Furthermore, consistent with the function of CBP as a histone acetyltransferase, drugs that enhance histone acetylation increase lifespan and reduce Aβ42-related pathology, protective effects completely blocked by cbp-1 RNAi. Other factors implicated in lifespan extension are also CBP-binding partners, suggesting that CBP constitutes a common factor in the modulation of lifespan and disease burden by DR and the insulin/IGF1 signaling pathway.
Using Chemistry as a Medium for Energy Education: Suggestions for Content and Pedagogy in a Nonmajors Course

This article describes a university chemistry course for nonscience majors that provides a comprehensive understanding of energy by coupling traditional chemical concepts and scientific technologies with appropriate economic, political, and legal mechanisms for monitoring and regulating energy both domestically and internationally. The scientific content of the course is taught in a lecture-style format and students are required to demonstrate proficiency on quizzes and exams. Two additional assessments are used to measure students’ ability to apply relevant chemical concepts to a specific energy-related topic: class presentations and newspaper-style articles written for and reviewed by laypersons. Sample course materials, supplementary tables of assessment criteria, and student data from a recent class are provided in the online supporting information.
Twin-reversed arterial perfusion sequence: pre- and postoperative cardiovascular findings in the 'pump' twin.

Objectives To assess cardiovascular findings in twin-reversed arterial perfusion (TRAP) sequence pre- and post-therapy and compare these findings to traditional obstetric markers, defined as acardius to pump twin weight ratio and presence of polyhydramnios. Methods This was a retrospective review of 27 cases of TRAP sequence diagnosed between 2004 and 2008. Echocardiographic data included indexed cardiac output and functional and anatomic parameters. Ultrasound reports were reviewed for acardius to pump twin weight ratio and polyhydramnios. We assessed the relationship between cardiac output and the remaining cardiac/obstetric variables obtained pre- and post-treatment. Results Twenty-three subjects had complete echocardiographic data sets at initial evaluation (mean gestational age, 20.4 ± 2.5 weeks) and, of these, post-treatment echocardiographic evaluation was available in 10. Six of seven (86%) pump twins with elevated indexed cardiac output had significant cardiovascular compromise. Most fetuses with abnormal cardiac output or right ventricular dysfunction normalized post-therapy. There was no relationship between cardiac output and obstetric markers. Conclusions Elevated indexed cardiac output is strongly associated with cardiovascular compromise. Traditional obstetric prognosticators do not correlate with cardiovascular derangements. In pump twins with cardiac compromise, postoperative cardiovascular status improves acutely. Given this analysis, we conclude that assessment of cardiovascular findings should be incorporated into the management and treatment of TRAP sequence. Copyright © 2009 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Platelet reactivity among Asian Indians and Caucasians.

Asian Indians are reported to have higher mortality and morbidity from coronary artery disease (CAD) than other ethnic groups. This variation in events cannot be explained only by differences in conventional risk factors. Platelet activation is an important factor in the pathogenesis of CAD, however, there are limited data concerning platelet reactivity in Asian Indians. Therefore, we aimed to examine platelet reactivity in healthy Asian Indians vs. Caucasians. Thirty-five healthy, nonsmoking Asian Indians (mean age 30.1 ± 3.6 years, 31.4% women) were matched for age and sex with 35 healthy, nonsmoking Caucasians (mean age 30.8 ± 5 years, 31.4% women). Platelet reactivity was evaluated by measuring platelet aggregation, platelet leukocyte aggregates (PLA) formation in response to a 6-mer thrombin receptor agonist peptide (TRAP) at a final concentration of 40 µM and flow cytometry determined P-selectin expression induced by ADP, TRAP and arachidonic acid (AA). In addition, P-Selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 ...
Perceived exercise barriers, enablers, and benefits among exercising and nonexercising adults with arthritis: results from a qualitative study.

Objective Rates of participation in regular exercise are lower among individuals with arthritis than those without arthritis. This study examined perceived exercise barriers, benefits, and enablers in exercising and nonexercising adults with arthritis. Methods Twelve focus groups were conducted with 68 adults with arthritis. Groups were segmented by exercise status, socioeconomic status, and race. Focus group discussions were transcribed verbatim and coded. NVivo software was used to extract themes for exercisers and nonexercisers. Results A wide range of physical, psychological, social, and environmental factors were perceived to influence exercise. Some of these factors were similar to those in general adult samples, whereas others were unique to individuals with chronic disease. Symptoms of arthritis were barriers to exercise, yet improvements in these outcomes were also seen as potential benefits of and motivations for exercise. Exercisers had experienced these benefits and were more likely to have adapted their exercise to accommodate the disease, whereas nonexercisers desired these benefits and were more likely to have stopped exercising since developing arthritis. Health care providers' advice to exercise and the availability of arthritis-specific programs were identified as needs. Conclusion This study has implications for how to market exercise to individuals with arthritis and how communities and health care professionals can facilitate the uptake of exercise. These implications are discussed.
Short Circuiting of the Ocular Oxygen Concentrating Mechanism in the Teleost Salmo gairdneri Using Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors

Ocular oxygen concentration by the process of counter current multiplication in rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri) was rapidly suppressed after intraperitoneal injections of the carbonic anhydrase inhibitor CL-11,366. The rapidity with which this drug acted suggested a short circuiting of the choroidal rete mirabile. A comparison was made between the time after injection of inhibitor at which oxygen concentrating ability was lost to the time after injection of inhibitor at which its presence in red blood cells, choroidal rete, pseudobranch, and retinal tissue was first noted. A scheme for the possible role of carbonic anhydrase from each of these tissues in the process of ocular oxygen concentration is given.
Formation and Removal of Hydrocarbon Residual in Porous Media: Effects of Attached Bacteria and Biosurfactants

Column studies were used to investigate the fate of a representative nonaqeous-phase liquid (NAPL), hexadecane, with specific regard to (1) the effect of attached bacteria on the formation of residual saturation and (2) the role of biodegradation and biosurfactants on the removal of residual NAPL. Residual saturation of hexadecane was determined using sterile sand (40/50 mesh) columns and was found to be 19.0 ± 4.8% of the pore volume. Columns loaded with bacterial biomass (Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 15442, 109 cells g-1) showed no difference in residual hexadecane formation as compared to sterile sand columns. In further column studies examining the effect of ATCC 15442 and biosurfactants on the removal of hexadecane residual, results showed that biodegradation alone removed approximately 50% of the [14C]hexadecane, in the form of 14CO2 and undefined cellular metabolites, during elution with at least 200 pore volumes of mineral salts medium. The columns were then eluted with 1 mM rhamnolipid biosurfacta...
Studies of the cyanogen bromide fragments of the apoprotein of human serum low density lipoproteins

Abstract The apoprotein of human serum low density lipoproteins was reduced and carboxymethylated and then cleaved by cyanogen bromide (CNBr). The peptides which were produced from this cleavage (90% yield, based upon loss of methionine) were resolved by SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis into 10 major bands, each having an amino acid composition very similar to that of intact reduced and carboxymethylated LDL apoprotein. The fractionation of the CNBr fragments by preparative gel filtration was dependent upon the nature of the eluting solvent. NH 4 OH and SDS solvents eluted all of the material in the void volume. In 6 M guanidinium chloride solvents several peaks were, however, resolved, each having an amino acid composition similar to that of the unfractionated products. Whereas no NH 2 -terminal was detected in reduced and carboxymethylated LDL apoprotein, automated Edman degradation of the protein following treatment with CNBr revealed the presence of several NH 2 -termini. The results suggest that LDL apoprotein may be made of segments of, at least, very similar amino acid composition and that both the protein itself and derivative fragments have a great tendency to aggregate even in denaturing solvents.
ATTENUATED EFFECT OF GROWTH HORMONE(GH) IN ACIDOSIS- AND METHYLPREDNISONE(MP)-INDUCED GROWTH RETARDATION(GR) IN WEANLING RATS

Acidosis and glucocorticoid excess retard linear growth. GH reverses MP-induced GR and stimulates urinary net acid excretion in mid-sized uremic rats. However, the efficacy of GH in reversing acidosis- and MP-induced GR in early postnatal life is unknown. We gave GH (0.5mg.s.c. 5d/wk × 2wk) to NH4Cl-treated(0.28M), MP-treated (6mg/kg/day), and control(H2O) weanling Sprague-Dawley rats (mean wt. 50gm) and to adult (A)(mean wt: 250gm) NH4CL-treated and control rats. Acidosis was confirmed by a mean venous pH of 7.26±.03 in NH4CL animals. Pair feeding (PF), matching food intake to NH4CL rats, was examined in a subset of weanling-and A-H2O rats. Compared with non-PF weanling H2O rats, who had change in length (d-It[cm]) of 5.68±0.07, linear growth was retarded (p<0.05) by NH4CL (d-lt 4.32±0.8), MP (d-lt 4.62±0.1), and PF (d-lt 4.63±0.05). PF markedly reduced weight gain (d-wt[gm]) in H2O rats (38±4 PF vs. 91±12 non-PF). In A rats, NH4CL diminished d-lt (2.64±0.25 vs. [A-H2O] 3.17±0.2) but PF did not. GH treatment did not accelerate growth in weanling NH4CL, MP, or H2O rats. In contrast, GH did increase d-lt in A-NH4CL rats (2.65±0.25 vs. 2.12±0.1; p<0.05). We conclude: 1) GH ameliorates acidosis-induced GR in A rats; 2) poor caloric intake accounts for much of acidosis-induced GR in weanling rats; 3) the efficacy of GH in reversing GR in acidosis- or MP-induced GR is limited in very young animals. These results suggest that rapid early linear growth in weanling rats is not primarily GH-dependent, and that neonatal GR due to acidosis or glucocorticoid excess results predominantly from mechanisms other than impaired GH secretion and action.
An examination of the relationship between carrying capacity and the tourism lifecycle: Management and policy implications

Tourism is an industry with enormous economic impacts. It is also an industry which has many environmental and social consequences. A thorough understanding of each component of the tourism phenomenon is essential so that those involved with planning, management, and policy determination have the basis for decision making. This paper is intended to delineate the link between the carrying capacity and tourism lifecycle concepts. The paper then suggests management implications consistent with the synergistic relationship that exists between the two concepts in tourism.
Effect of surface tension in the measurement of the average normal stress at the exit of a capillary tube through an analysis of the capillary jet

The analysis of a stationary, rotationally symmetric liquid jet which leads to an expression for the average normal stress at the exit of a capillary tube is reexamined with particular attention to the effect of surface tension. The limiting case of a nearly cylindrical jet is compared with the analysis presented by Gavis and Middleman.
A comparative study of parallel sort algorithms

In this paper we examine the performance of parallel sorting algorithms on modern multi-core hardware. Several general-purpose methods, with particular interest in sorting of database records and huge arrays, are evaluated and a brief analysis is provided.
Development of the Gran Desierto sand sea, northwestern Mexico

Three major eolian sand populations can be recognized in the Gran Desierto sand sea of northwestern Mexico by using spectral data from the Landsat thematic mapper in conjunction with textural and mineralogical studies of surface sands. Each sand population has distinct textural, mineralogic, and spectral properties that can be related to sand-dune morphology and position with reference to source areas and transport paths of the sands. The oldest eolian sediment in the sand sea was derived from the early to middle Pleistocene Colorado River that flowed through the area of the western Gran Desierto. Subsequent inputs of eolian sands came from the area of the present Colorado River valley and the coast south of the sand sea. The spatial and temporal pattern of eolian deposition in the region has been controlled by Quaternary tectonic and climatic changes, resulting in the episodic input and deposition of sand.
Global pollution effects of U.S. protectionism

Between 1967 and 1986 the United States and other members of GATT implemented major reductions in tariff rates on manufactured goods. Our primary hypothesis is that beginning with the Kennedy Round, trade restrictions in the U.S. shifted in favor of high pollution industries as their competitive position declined. As a consequence, inefficient domestic producers were nurtured and, thanks to the original GSP from 1975 to 1985, developing country polluters were encouraged to produce dirty industry manufactures for export to the United States. It is likely that both groups benefitted at the expense of more efficient and less heavily polluting competitors in other industrialized countries.
NASA's Structure and Evolution of the Universe focal plane directions

The SEU theme encompasses an extremely diverse area of space science. Recent roadmapping efforts been devoted to prioritizing science challenges rather than defining all that is contained in the SEU theme. The highest priorities are the Big Bang and a look at Black Holes and the regions near them. To support these challenges the following technologies are of high priority: Cryogenic Systems, Formation Flying, High Performance Optics: Mid- and Far-IR Optics, X-Ray/UV optics, Advanced Detectors: X-ray and Submm/Far IR, Energy resolving detectors and Large Format Arrays. The initiative, Beyond Einstein, includes baseline missions that utilize technologies that are generally at a laboratory proof of concept level. Technology development plans are established for the flagship missions: Con-X and LISA. Conceptual development is still progressing for some Einstein Probe missions. Vision missions are still in conceptual development.
Assembly of the cell division protein FtsZ into ladder‐like structures in the aerial hyphae of Streptomyces coelicolor

In the filamentous bacterium Streptomyces coelicolor, the cell division protein FtsZ is required for the conversion of multinucleoidal aerial hyphae into chains of uninucleoidal spores, although it is not essential for viability. Using immunofluorescence microscopy, we have shown that FtsZ assembles into long, regularly spaced, ladder-like arrays in developing aerial hyphae, with an average spacing of about 1.3 microm. Within individual hyphae, ladder formation was relatively synchronous and extended for distances over 100 microm. These ladders were present only transiently, decreasing in intensity as chromosomes separated into distinct nucleoids and disappearing upon the completion of septum formation. Evidence from the overall intensity of immunofluorescence staining suggested that ladder formation was regulated in part at the level of the accumulation and degradation of FtsZ within individual aerial hyphae. Finally, FtsZ ladder formation was under developmental control in that long arrays of FtsZ rings could not be detected in certain so-called white mutants (whiG, whiH and whiB), which are blocked in spore formation. The assembly of FtsZ into ladders represents the earliest known molecular manifestation of the process of spore formation, and its discovery provides insight into the role of whi genes in the conversion of aerial hyphae into chains of spores. We have also described a novel use of a cell wall-staining technique to visualize apical tip growth in vegetatively growing hyphae.
Clinical experience in the preclinical years: Role of an area health education center program

Background: As medical schools develop clinical experiences in the preclinical years, identifying suitable preceptors and training sites can be a problem. To begin to ameliorate this problem, we present the role of an Area Health Education Center (AHEC) program in the development of a clinical experience in the preclinical years. Description: The Clinical Skills Program (CSP) at the University of Miami School of Medicine is a 2‐year longitudinal experience for 1st‐ and 2nd‐year students. Students learn interviewing, physical diagnosis, clinical problem solving, and patient management skills from community physicians, supplemented by didactic sessions. Evaluations: AHEC contributes to the design, implementation, and operation of the program. AHEC recruits preceptors and arranges affiliations with community‐based primary care clinics to serve as training sites. It also supports the course coordinator and provides financial support for preceptor recognition and certain preceptors working in severely underser...
On the segregation of compressible binary powder mixtures subjected to tapping

Abstract The segregation pattern of a compressible binary mixture in a cell subjected to tapping is regulated by various factors, among them the fines migration rate to the bottom, the bed's compaction rate and the density of the fractions. Their effects can be studied through computer-simulated concentration profiles generated with simple mathematical models. Theoretical calculations showed that a reliable segregation index for a compressible mixture must take into account the complete concentration profile, or at least the fines concentration, at the very bottom of the cell. Otherwise, it would be very difficult to distinguish between fines reaching the lower part of the cell through migration or as a result of the overall volume reduction. Differences in density between the fractions, unless extreme, have only a minor effect on the magnitude of the segregation index irrespective of whether it was based on the whole concentration profile or the fines concentration in the top and bottom halves only.
Estimating Statistical Power and Required Sample Sizes for Organizational Research Using Multilevel Modeling

The use of multilevel modeling to investigate organizational phenomena is rapidly increasing. Unfortunately, little advice is readily available for organizational researchers attempting to determin...
Compacting Earth Dams With Heavy Tamping Rollers

Results of compacting 39 Bureau of Reclamation earth dams by heavy tramping rollers compared with laboratory standard compaction test; statistical method of obtaining roller curves from control tests made during construction; results of analysis on 3 dams which represent wide range of impervious soils. (26 refs.)
Patient Preference for Light-Cured Composite Bite Splint Compared to Heat-Cured Acrylic Bite Splint

Background: Heat-cured acrylic has been the most commonly used material for construction of bite splints. Although effective, its processing involves several steps and is time consuming. Furthermore, acrylic splints distort easily if not kept in water when not worn for long periods of time. A newly developed light-cured composite material is now being used for bite splint fabrication. The composite material offers benefits in ease and speed of construction, has minimal warping and distortion, and has proven patient acceptance. The aim of this study was to determine if patient satisfaction with the composite splint was as good as, or preferential to, the acrylic splint. Methods: Both a composite and an acrylic bite splint were fabricated for each of 10 patients. The splints were worn alternately on a nightly basis and were adjusted as needed after the first week. After 3 weeks, each patient completed a questionnaire regarding the properties of each splint and any preferences they had in reference to fit, c...
Exact Expression for the Effective Elastic Tensor of Disordered Composites

We derive new, exact series expansions for the effective elastic tensor of anisotropic, $d$-dimensional, two-phase disordered composites whose nth-order tensor coefficients are integrals involving n-point correlation functions that characterize the structure. These series expansions, valid for any structure, perturb about certain optimal dispersions. Third-order truncation of the expansions results in formulas for the elastic moduli of isotropic dispersions that are in very good agreement with benchmark data, always lie within rigorous bounds, and are superior to popular self-consistent approximations.
TOWARD AN EVOLUTIONARY ECOLOGY OF MEANING

. I will discuss some of the implications of the ongoing Darwinian revolution for theology as a constructor and interpreter of human meaning. Focus will be directed toward the following issues: How should we best understand ourselves in the new, evolutionary cosmos? What are the problems with the kind of genetic reductionism espoused by neo-Darwinism? How are those problems resolved by the “relational” understanding of life made available by thermodynamics and ecology? How do we generate meaning-structures in this relationally-constituted cosmos? Finally, how do these developments enrich our understandings of responsibility—to each other and to our private conceptions of God?
Balance laws of micromorphic mechanics

Abstract A new derivation is presented for the balance laws of micromorphic mechanics. The hierarchy of field equations and jump conditions is given for the moments of fields to any arbitrary order.
Role of the cytokine-induced SH2 domain-containing protein CIS in growth hormone receptor internalization

The cytokine-inducible SH2 domain-containing protein CIS inhibits signaling from the growth hormone (GH) receptor (GHR) to STAT5b by a proteasome-dependent mechanism. Here, we used the GH-responsive rat liver cell line CWSV-1 to investigate the role of CIS and the proteasome in GH-induced GHR internalization. Cell-surface GHR localization and internalization were monitored in GH-stimulated cells by confocal immunofluorescence microscopy using an antibody directed against the GHR extracellular domain. In GH naive cells, GHR was detected in small, randomly distributed granules on the cell surface and in the cytoplasm, with accumulation in the perinuclear area. GH treatment induced a rapid (within 5 min) internalization of GH.GHR complexes, which coincided with the onset of GHR tyrosine phosphorylation and the appearance in the cytosol of distinct granular structures containing internalized GH. GHR signaling to STAT5b continued for approximately 30-40 min, however, indicating that GHR signaling and deactivation of the GH.GHR complex both proceed from an intracellular compartment. The internalization of GH and GHR was inhibited by CIS-R107K, a dominant-negative SH2 domain mutant of CIS, and by the proteasome inhibitors MG132 and epoxomicin, which prolong GHR signaling to STAT5b. GH pulse-chase studies established that the internalized GH.GHR complexes did not recycle back to the cell surface in significant amounts under these conditions. Given the established specificity of CIS-R107K for blocking the GHR signaling inhibitory actions of CIS, but not those of other SOCS/CIS family members, these findings implicate CIS and the proteasome in the control of GHR internalization following receptor activation and suggest that CIS-dependent receptor internalization is a prerequisite for efficient termination of GHR signaling.
INTRAGENIC RECOMBINATION IN MAIZE: POLLEN ANALYSIS METHODS AND THE EFFECT OF PARENTAL Adh1+ ISOALLELES

The ability to stain mature pollen grains for the presence of alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) activity permits the quantitation of ADH + gametophytes at frequencies below 10-6. This resolution allows reversion and genetic fine structure analyses. The rationale of pollen analysis follows Nelson's prototype studies with waxy. As with the waxy gene, revertant frequencies for seven Adh1-deficient ( Adh1-) alleles appear to be in excess of microbially derived expectations. Each of the seven Adh1- alleles were derived from one of three naturally occurring isoalleles. Based on Schwartz's protein level characterizations of the mutants' products, it was anticipated that the seven Adh1- alleles should recombine to yield ADH+ cistrons in certain pairwise combinations. This expectation was not met. The parental "wild-type" isoalleles from which the mutants were derived appear to be structurally divergent. The discussion interprets these data in view of understanding naturally occurring cistronic variation.
Computer-assisted assignments in a large physics class

Abstract The CAPA system, a software tool to implement a computer-assisted personalized approach for homework assignments and examinations, was used in a large introductory physics class for the first time. The students rated the system extremely favorably even though they spent significantly more time on the assignments compared to traditional classes. Fewer teaching assistants were needed and their time could be diverted from grading to more interactive contact with their students.
On the capacity of the erasure multiple relay channel

This paper considers a simple wireless network - the multiple relay channel (MRC) - wherein a single source communicates with a single destination with the aid of M parallel relays. The links between the communicating nodes are non-interfering and subject to erasures. The capacity of this network is derived under the assumption that the destination has access to perfect side information on the erasure locations at the relays. This is done by first establishing an upper bound on the capacity by enumerating bounds on information transfer across various cut-sets and solving for the highest achievable rate using tools from linear programming; subsequently, it is shown that this rate can be achieved using low-complexity capacity-achieving codes designed for the point-to-point erasure channel, e.g., low-density parity-check codes. The paper concludes with a discussion of specific examples of MRCs.
Indirect evolutionary rescue: prey adapts, predator avoids extinction.

Recent studies have increasingly recognized evolutionary rescue (adaptive evolution that prevents extinction following environmental change) as an important process in evolutionary biology and conservation science. Researchers have concentrated on single species living in isolation, but populations in nature exist within communities of interacting species, so evolutionary rescue should also be investigated in a multispecies context. We argue that the persistence or extinction of a focal species can be determined solely by evolutionary change in an interacting species. We demonstrate that prey adaptive evolution can prevent predator extinction in two-species predator–prey models, and we derive the conditions under which this indirect evolutionary interaction is essential to prevent extinction following environmental change. A nonevolving predator can be rescued from extinction by adaptive evolution of its prey due to a trade-off for the prey between defense against predation and population growth rate. As prey typically have larger populations and shorter generations than their predators, prey evolution can be rapid and have profound effects on predator population dynamics. We suggest that this process, which we term ‘indirect evolutionary rescue’, has the potential to be critically important to the ecological and evolutionary responses of populations and communities to dramatic environmental change.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Anal Canal: Patterns and Predictors of Failure and Implications for Intensity-Modulated Radiation Treatment Planning

Purpose Intensity-modulated radiation treatment (IMRT) is increasingly used in the treatment of squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal (SCCAC). Prevention of locoregional failure (LRF) using IMRT requires appropriate clinical target volume (CTV) definition. To better define the CTV for IMRT, we evaluated patterns and predictors of LRF in SCCAC patients given conventional radiation treatment. Methods and Materials We reviewed records of 180 SCCAC patients treated with conventional radiation with or without chemotherapy at our institution between January 1990 and March 2007. All patients received radiation; the median primary tumor dose was 45 Gy. A total of 173 patients also received mitomycin-based chemotherapy. Results Median follow-up was 40 months. Actuarial 3-year colostomy-free survival was 89% and overall survival (OS) 88%. Actuarial 3-year LRF was 23%. A total of 45 patients had LRF, with 35 (78%) occurring locally in the primary site (25 local only, 10 local and regional); however, 20 (44%) had regional components of failure within the pelvis or inguinal nodes (10 regional only, 10 local and regional). Cumulative sites of LRF (patients may have one or more site of failure) were as follows: primary, 35; inguinal, 8; external perianal, 5; common iliac, 4; presacral, 3; distal rectum, 2; external iliac, 2; and internal iliac, 2. All patients with common iliac failure had cT3 or N+ disease. Conclusions The observed patterns of failure support inclusion of the inguinal and all pelvic nodal groups in the CTV for IMRT. In patients with advanced tumor or nodal stage, common iliac nodes should also be included in the CTV.
Nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae and Streptococcus pneumoniae bind respiratory syncytial virus glycoprotein

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection is associated with secondary bacterial infections caused by nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) and Streptococcus pneumoniae. The pathogenesis of these complications is not completely understood; however, viral infection of respiratory epithelial cells promotes colonization by these bacteria. In the present study, RSV virions associated with NTHi and pneumococci in an inoculum-dependent manner in a fluid-phase binding assay. Adherence of NTHi and S. pneumoniae to epithelial cells transiently expressing RSV G glycoprotein was 2- and 2.2-fold higher, respectively, than adhesion to cells transfected with the vector alone (P <0.01). Furthermore, 4.6- and 6.2-fold larger numbers of NTHi and pneumococci bound to cells expressing a membrane-bound full-length RSV G protein than to cells expressing a truncated non-membrane-bound protein (P <or=0.005). Pre-incubating cells expressing membrane-bound G protein with blocking anti-RSV G antibodies reduced bacterial adherence by 78-84 % (P <or=0.005). These studies demonstrate that RSV G protein is a receptor for both NTHi and S. pneumoniae. Strategies to prevent this interaction may reduce the incidence of secondary bacterial complications of RSV infection.