cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Smaller Isn't Always Better: School Size and School Participation Among Young People*

Objective. Although political scientists studying the role of schools on political socialization have focused most of their efforts on curriculum, mainly civic education, education scholars have long recognized that schools influence outcomes through much more than curriculum and have examined school organization extensively, including school size. Much of the recent literature on school size supports smaller schools. The objective of this article is to examine the effect of school size on two political socialization outcomes: adolescent participation in school activities and volunteering. These outcomes are important because they are related to later adult participation. Method. A nationwide survey is used to conduct regression analyses as the primary method. Results. The results show limited support for smaller schools, even for those groups who are believed to benefit most significantly from small schools: racial minorities, low-income students, and underachievers. Conclusion. I conclude with an appeal for caution among education reformers seeking to downsize schools and a recommendation to political socialization scholars to expand their analyses beyond civic education curriculum.
Why and how photovoltaics will provide cheapest electricity in the 21st century

With the advent of solar panels and windmills, and our ability to generate and use electrical energy locally without the need for long-range transmission, the world is about to witness transformational changes in energy infrastructure. The use of photovoltaics (PV) as source of direct current (DC) power reduces the cost and improves the reliability of PV system. DC microgrid and nanogrid based on PV and storage can provide sustainable electric power to all human beings in equitable fashion. Bulk volume manufacturing of batteries will lead to cost reduction in a manner similar to the cost reduction experience of PV module manufacturing. Future manufacturing innovations and R & D directions are discussed that can further reduce the cost of PV system. If the current trends of PV growth continue, we expect PV electricity cost with storage to reach $0.02 per kWh in the next 8-10 years.
Comparison of Semen Quality in Young and Mature Holstein Bulls Measured by Light Microscopy and Flow Cytometry

Abstract Random samples of cryopreserved, milk-extended semen, collected from 20 Holstein bulls at about 14 mo of age (young) and again at about 4 yr of age (mature), were evaluated at thawing and during 3-h incubation to compare semen quality of young versus mature bulls. Evaluation by differential interference contrast microscopy showed greater proportions of cytoplasmic droplets in semen from young versus mature bulls. Mature bulls exhibited greater proportions of intact acrosomes in freshly thawed semen than did young bulls. Evaluation of sperm chromatin structure by flow cytometry after staining with acridine orange showed lower values for mature versus young bulls, indicating resistance of DNA in nuclear chromatin to acid denaturation increased with age. Correlations between ages for most sperm morphology, acrosome integrity, and flow cytometry variables were high and positive. Nonretum rate for young bulls was positively related to morphologically normal sperm and acrosomal integrity and negatively related to flow cytometry traits. Results suggest semen quality of young bulls was related to subsequent quality as mature bulls. With flow cytometry, differences were detected between semen samples that were not evident with light microscopy.
A checklist approach to caring for women seeking pregnancy testing: effects on contraceptive knowledge and use

Objective To assess how a checklist reminding clinicians to deliver a bundled intervention affects contraceptive knowledge and use 3 months after women seek walk-in pregnancy testing.
Scheduling Algorithms For Hierarchical Data Control Flow Graphs

New algorithms for the allocation, assignment and scheduling of a hierarchical data control flow graph (DCFG) with imposed timing constraints are presented. the hierarchical allocation environment performs a probabilistic search through the design space and converges towards a final solution by iteratively calling and interchanging resource utilisation information with the assignment and scheduling subroutines. The allocation, assignment and scheduling problem is posed in a such a way that the specific costs of all hardware elements are taken into account and simultaneously addressed. the proposed algorithms have novel constructive and rejectionless iterative improvement probabilistic components. The effectiveness of the algorithms is demonstrated with the aid of extensive experimental results. In addition to the standard benchmarks, we have studied a broad class of test examples of a very diverse nature, thus covering the global design space. We also discuss how min-bound estimations are used to more easily and realistically assess the quality of the allocation, assignment and scheduling algorithms.
Square-free algebras and their automorphism groups

A finite-dimensional algebra A over a field K is square-free in case for every pair e,f of primitive idempotents in Adim K (e A f) ≤ 1. For example, every incidence algebra of a finite pre-ordered set over a field is square-free. The automorphism groups of the latter have been studied by Stanley, Scharlau, Baclawski, and more recently by Coelho. In this paper we characterize all finite-dimensional square-free K-algebras A as certain semigroup algebras A ≅ K ξ S over a square-free semigroup S twisted by some ξ ∈Z 2 (S K *), a two-dimensional cocycle of S with coefficients in the group of units A * of K. We prove that for each such A ≅ K ξ S, its outer automorphism group Out A is the middle term of a short exact sequence where H 1 (S K *) is the first cohomology group of S with coefficients in K *Aut0 S is the group of “normal” automorphisms of the semigroup S, and Stabξ(Auto S) is the stabilizer in Auto S of ξ under the action of Auto S on H 2 (S K * ). Finally, if ξ ≅ 1, so that A ss KS is untwisted, then...
Large stable order parameter in an azo dye-attached polymer oriented by corona poling

Spectroscopic absorption measurements were used to study the non-linear optical thin-film properties of an azo dye-attached polymer in which the dye chromophores were oriented by corona poling. Details of the polymer synthesis, poling configuration and poling procedure are presented. A rigid oriented gas model was used to describe the poled polymer. The stabilized order parameter of 0.51 found is, to the authors' knowledge, larger than any reported for guest-host or chromophore-attached polymeric systems.
Life history plasticity and fitness in a caddisfly in response to proximate cues of pond-drying

Pond-drying is a model for understanding the causes of life history variation in metamorphic organisms. However, we know relatively little about how interactions among specific proximate cues of pond-drying affect juvenile life history, how those responses might be mitigated by diet, and the post-metamorphic consequences for adult fitness. I manipulated larval diet, water depth, and water temperature during the aquatic larval stage of a temporary pond-dwelling caddisfly, Limnephilus indivisus. I predicted that shallow depths and warm temperatures (depth × temperature) associated with pond-drying would have negative effects on larval survival, growth, development, adult size, female fecundity, and adult longevity, but that supplementation of the larval diet should mitigate the trade-off between juvenile growth and pre-reproductive mortality risk by ameliorating the negative effects of pond-drying (diet × depth, diet × temperature) on these traits. Larval survival was enhanced by diet supplementation but was not affected by depth or temperature. Larval diet and water temperatures acted independently on growth, development, and female size, and growth rates were higher when larval diets were supplemented relative to ambient diets; development times were shorter when temperatures were warmer relative to colder; adult females were larger when larvae were fed a supplemented diet but smaller when reared in warm water. Larval growth and development were not affected by depth, but female size was reduced under shallow relative to deep conditions. Female longevity and fecundity were affected by the larval diet × female size interaction. Surprisingly, this was independent of the depth × temperature interaction on female longevity and fecundity suggesting that reductions in adult fitness due to juvenile abiotic conditions can be independent of size-at-maturity. Future studies should quantify the effect of proximate cues of pond-drying on juvenile survival and life history as well as adult fitness correlates.
Design and performance simulations of the bunch compressor for the Advanced Photon Source low-energy undulator test line free-electron laser.

A magnetic bunch compressor was designed and commissioned to provide higher peak current for the Advanced Photon Source's Low-Energy Undulator Test Line free-electron laser [S. V. Milton et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 85, 988 (2000)]. Of great concern is limiting emittance growth due to coherent synchrotron radiation. Tolerances must also be carefully evaluated to find stable operating conditions and ensure that the system can meet operational goals. Automated matching and tolerance simulations allowed consideration of numerous configurations, pinpointing those with reduced error sensitivity. Simulations indicate significant emittance growth up to 600 A peak current, for which the normalized emittance will increase from 5 to about $8.5\ensuremath{\mu}\mathrm{m}$. The simulations also provide predictions of emittance variation with chicane parameters and precompressor linac phase, which we hope to verify experimentally.
Health promotion among older populations.

This article advocates the importance of health promotion among the aged. Basic issues regarding health education are explored along with barriers against and arguments for increasing such activities. Ways in which the surrounding environment has changed because of the "aging" of America are described. Proposed strategies focus on promotion of health, particularly on maintenance and rehabilitation as aspects of secondary prevention. Language: en
Cd-diffused Pb 1-x Sn x Te lasers with high output power

Cd-diffused Pb 1-x Sn x Te diode lasers have been fabricated with cw output powers of 1.25 mW (single-mode) and 2.4 mW (total) at 10.6 µm. These power levels are attributed to: the low-temperature Cd-diffusion, a new method of growing low dislocation density crystals and to contact resistance as low as 3\times10^{-5} -cm2. For the first time in Pb 1-x Sn x Te homojunction lasers the onset of lasing was observed in diode I-V measurements. Multi-mode emission spectra are common for cw operation, but reducing the cavity width encourages single-mode emission, indicating the filamentary nature of modes in these devices.
The impact of concentration and elasticity on line of business profitability

Abstract This paper explores the roles played by concentration and elasticity in a model of line of business profitability. It concludes that the roles are conceptually distinguishable, that concentration has a seperate effect on profit (via the degree of collusion) which is not eliminated by its dependence on elasticity, and that assertions about a bias due to the exclusion of elasticity are based on incomplete theoretical foundations.
Optimum boundary control of distributed parameter systems

The problem of designing an optimum controller based on a quadratic error measure is considered for a distributed parameter system with boundary controls. Solutions to this problem are obtained for the class of distributed parameter systems described by the N -dimensional diffusion equation. Methods for calculating optimum controls and trajectories are also discussed.
Live cell imaging of mechanotransduction.

Mechanical forces play important roles in the regulation of cellular functions, including polarization, migration and stem cell differentiation. Tremendous advancement in our understanding of mechanotransduction has been achieved with the recent development of imaging technologies and molecular biosensors. In particular, genetically encoded biosensors based on fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) technology have been widely developed and applied in the field of mechanobiology. In this article, we will provide an overview of the recent progress of FRET application in mechanobiology, specifically mechanotransduction. We first introduce fluorescent proteins and FRET technology. We then discuss the mechanotranduction processes in different cells including stem cells, with a special emphasis on the important signalling molecules involved in mechanotransduction. Finally, we discuss methods that can allow the integration of simultaneous FRET imaging and mechanical stimulation to trigger signalling transduction. In summary, FRET technology has provided a powerful tool for the study of mechanotransduction to advance our systematic understanding of the molecular mechanisms by which cells respond to mechanical stimulation.
mtLOH (mitochondrial loss of heteroplasmy), aging, and 'surrogate self'.

In tribute to Dr Strehler, an attempt is made to use a style of reasoning found in some of his later papers as an outline of this article. First, general arguments in favor of the involvement of somatic mutations in mtDNA in the aging process are presented. Second, evidence is provided in support of a general tendency of mitochondrial genomes to reach homoplasmic state at the cellular level, for which we propose the term mitochondrial loss of heteroplasmy (mtLOH). This process is likely to facilitate the involvement of mtDNA mutations in the aging process by streamlining the phenotypic expression of the mutant genotype. Third, preliminary evidence of the very high incidence of clonal deletions in pigmented neurons of substantia nigra is reported. This observation highlights the possibility that accumulation of mtDNA mutations specific in certain cell types of a complex tissue may account for the involvement of mtDNA mutations in the aging process despite the relatively low average incidence of these mutations in the tissue as a whole. High incidence of mtDNA deletions in pigmented neurons evokes Strehler's idea that efforts to delay aging may not be the most cost-efficient way of preserving 'self awareness and a joyful sense of life', as he put it. A potential alternative suggested by Strehler, i.e. creation of a 'surrogate self' by computer simulation may deserve more attention than it currently enjoys.
The effects of bromobenzene and Carbon tetrachloride exposure in vitro on the phospholipase C activity of rat liver cells

Abstract Homogenates were prepared from isolated rat hepatocytes, previously incubated (30 to 120 min) in the presence of bromobenzene (BB), Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), or dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO = control vehicle). Homogenates of hepatocytes incubated with BB and CCl4 compared to those exposed to DMSO exhibited a rapid increase (two- to five-fold) in their capacity to convert labeled, membrane-bound phosphatidic acid into diacylglycerol. The BB- and CCl4-dependent increase in diacylglycerol (DG) content, at the expense of phosphatidate, was Ca2+ dependent and was attributed to changes in cell surface (plasma membrane) enzyme activity since the response occurred primarily in 1000g cell fractions. when either purified plasma membranes or 1000g cell fractions, isolated from fresh liver homogenates, were incubated with BB and CCl4 in vitro, a rise (two- to fourfold) in the conversion of labeled phosphatidate into DG was also observed. These Ca2+-dependent, BB- and CCl4-induced changes in hepatocellular glycerolipid content were caused by a BB- and CCl4-activated phospholipase C which degrades membrane phospholipids. This hypothesis is supported by the observation that 32P-labeled phospholipids of hepatocyte monolayers were rapidly catabolized (10 to 50%) after BB and CCl4 exposure (5 min). Also, there was an increased conversion of [methyl-14C]cytidine diphosphocholine into phosphatidylcholine after cell surface fractions were incubated with phospholipase C, BB, or CCl4, a change which reflects a rise in hepatocellular DG content. A rapid, BB- and CCl4-induced rise in hepatocellular phospholipase C activity that degrades cellular phospholipids could disrupt the structure and function of membranes and may represent an early event in toxic substance-related hepatocyte injury.
Effects of lignin‐modified Populus tremuloides on soil organic carbon

Several genes in the aspen genome have been modified to generate stem wood with lower lignin content and an altered lignin composition. Lower lignin in wood reduces the time and energy required for pulping. Further, this modification can also increase the allocation of photosynthate to cellulose and total biomass production, potentially increasing CO 2 -sequestration capacity. However, widespread planting of trees with altered lignin content and composition could alter soil organic-C dynamics in complex ways. To further examine the effects of altered lignin biosynthesis on plant growth and accrual of soil organic C (SOC), we conducted a repeated greenhouse study with four lines of transgenic aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.) and one wild-type (control) aspen. Accrual of aspen-derived SOC was quantified by growing aspen trees (C3 plants) in C4 soil and measuring changes in the natural abundance of d13C. We measured plant growth, biomass, and C content and combined these data with SOC measurements to create C budgets for the plant mesocosms. Lignin modifications resulted in differences in the accrual of aspen-derived SOC and total mesocosm C, primarily due to differences in biomass between genetically modified lines of aspen. One genetic alteration (low lignin, line 23) was able to perform similarly or better than the wild-type aspen (control, line 271) without altering SOC. Alterations in lignin structure (S : G ratios) had negative effects on biomass production and SOC formation. The addition of new (aspen-derived) SOC was proportional to the loss of existing SOC, evidence for a priming effect. The pool of new SOC was related to total plant biomass, suggesting that the effects of lignin modification on SOC are driven by changes in plant growth.
Development of a combined radiation and burn injury model.

Combined radiation and burn injuries are likely to occur after nuclear events, such as a meltdown accident at a nuclear energy plant or a nuclear attack. Little is known about the mechanisms by which combined injuries result in higher mortality than by either insult alone, and few animal models exist for combined radiation and burn injury. Herein, the authors developed a murine model of radiation and scald burn injury. Mice were given a single dose of 0, 2, 4, 5, 6, or 9 Gray (Gy) alone, followed by a 15% TBSA scald burn. All mice receiving <4 Gy of radiation with burn survived combined injury. Higher doses of radiation (5, 6, and 9 Gy) followed by scald injury had a dose-dependent increase in mortality (34, 67, and 100%, respectively). Five Gy was determined to be the ideal dose to use in conjunction with burn injury for this model. There was a decrease in circulating white blood cells in burn, irradiated, and combined injury (5 Gy and burn) mice by 48 hours postinjury compared with sham (49.7, 11.6, and 57.3%, respectively). Circulating interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α were increased in combined injury at 48 hours postinjury compared with all other treatment groups. Prolonged overproduction of proinflammatory cytokines could contribute to subsequent organ damage. Decreased leukocytes might exacerbate immune impairment and susceptibility to infections. Future studies will determine whether there are long lasting consequences of this early proinflammatory response and extended decrease in leukocytes.
Investigation of proton conductance in liver mitochondria of broilers with pulmonary hypertension syndrome.

Abstract We previously reported an impaired ability to regulate hepatic mitochondrial state 4 respiration rate in response to sequential additions of adenosine diphosphate in pulmonary hypertension syndrome (PHS). As proton conductance is a major contributor to State 4 respiration, the major goal of this study was to investigate the nature of proton conductance in hepatic mitochondria isolated from broilers with and without PHS. Broilers were placed on floor litter in environmental chambers and exposed to cold temperatures (15°C) from 3 to 7 wk of age to induce PHS. Liver mitochondria were isolated from birds that exhibited PHS (cyanosis, right ventricular weight ratio > 0.30) or from birds that appeared healthy (no cyanosis, right ventricular weight ratio
Increase in thermostability of N-carbamyl-D-amino acid amidohydrolase on amino acid substitutions.

To improve the production of D-amino acids using an immobilized N-carbamyl-D-amino acid amidohydrolase, the enzyme gene of Agrobacterium sp. KNK712 was mutagenized randomly to increase its thermostability. The gene was inserted into M13mp19, mutagenized with hydroxylamine, ligated into pUC19 after restriction endonuclease digestion, and then used to transform Escherichia coli. The resultant transformants were screened by a newly developed colorimetric enzyme assay method, and the candidate colonies corresponding to red spots were separated from the master plates. Using cell-free extracts of these clones, the properties of the enzymes produced were investigated, it being proved that these enzymes had almost the same activity and improved thermostability by about 5°C compared with those of the native enzyme. As found on enzyme gene analysis of these mutants, the 57th amino acid, histidine, of the enzyme was changed to tyrosine, or the 203rd amino acid, proline, to leucine or serine.
A TWO-DIMENSIONAL SCHEME FOR AXISYMMETRIC RADIATIVE HEAT TRANSFER USING THE FINITE-VOLUME METHOD

ABSTRACT A two-dimensional scheme using the finite-volume method is proposed to solve the radiative transfer equation for axisymmetric radiative transfer. The directions of intensity are determined relative to Cartesian-based vectors. The final discretized equations are based on a two-dimensional mesh in the spatial domain, similar to meshes used for convective and conductive heat transfer in computational fluid dynamics analysis. The control-angle overlap problem caused by misalignment of solid angles with control-volume faces in the angular direction is eliminated in the current scheme. Error caused by the control-volume face curvature is also eliminated. A comparison study using demonstration cases with participating media in axisymmetrical cylindrical enclosures shows satisfactory results.
Root penetration through a high bulk density soil layer: differential response of a crop and weed species

Weed control remains one of the greatest problems in agro-ecological systems. An important factor controlling crop and weed competition for below ground resources is the presence of compacted soil layers or ‘hard pans’. In a series of experiments, we investigated the ability of roots of soybean (Glycine max L.) and the weeds sicklepod (Senna obtusifolia L.) and Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri S. Wats) to penetrate through a compacted soil layer and acquire N from lower in the soil profile. Soil columns were constructed to simulate a compacted soil layer with different bulk densities ~8 cm beneath the soil surface. Results indicated that roots of the two weed species penetrated high bulk density soil layers more effectively than those of four soybean lines. Root penetration was not related with growth rates among the species or soybean genotypes. Overall root and shoot growth of the weeds was sustained when downward root growth was inhibited, while both declined with soybean, even under high fertility conditions. The weeds also acquired relatively high amounts of $$^{15} {\text{N}} - {\text{NO}}_{\text{3}}^ - $$ from buried patches beneath the high bulk density layers compared to soybean. The results indicate that the weed species would have a competitive advantage when plow pans are present, and an attempt is made to relate this advantage with competitive dynamics observed in the field.
The atmospheric structure and dynamical properties of Neptune derived from ground-based and IUE spectrophotometry

A wide range of recent full-disk spectral observations is used to constrain the atmospheric structure and dynamical properties of Neptune; analytical determinations are made of the abundances of such spectrally active gas species as the deep-atmosphere CH4 molar fraction and the mean ortho/para hydrogen ratio in the visible atmosphere, as well as stratospheric and tropospheric aerosol properties. Compared to Uranus, the greater abundance and shorter lifetimes of Neptunian particulates in the stratospheric region irradiated by the solar UV flux indicate that such radiation is the darkening agent of stratospheric aerosols on both planets.
Who are the most vulnerable? Disaggregating orphan categories and identifying child outcome status in Tanzania

Abstract In 2005, UNICEF Tanzania commissioned the National Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) in Mwanza to analyse data collected regarding the circumstances of orphan and non-orphan children and their care providers in Kisesa ward in Magu district in north Tanzania. The large sample (n = 1,960) of children aged 6–19 years has made an analysis of disaggregated data possible. This article builds on the analysis from the report Circumstances of Orphan and Non-orphan Children and their Care Providers in Mwanza, Tanzania with a focus on vulnerability indicators in children's living arrangements, education, paid work and psychosocial well-being. The analysis draws particular attention to the vulnerable girl child. Other studies in eastern and southern Africa have also identified the particular vulnerabilities of the girl child such as dropping out of school and early marriage. The findings from Magu suggest further that in many situations, the most vulnerable child is the girl who has an absent or deceased ...
Systolic blood pressure classification

To classify systolic, mean and diastolic blood pressure using the oscillometric method heavily depends on the computational algorithms. Generally, the algorithms aim at extracting some parameters such as height, ratios of the pulses at certain pressure levels, which are obtained from the cuff pressure. These parameters can be used to form profiles to attribute to blood pressures. Our algorithms are based on fuzzy sets, whose membership functions are determined by using neural networks. We further employ Gram-Schmidt orthogonal transformation to select appropriate features for classification. The effectiveness of neural network solution to systolic blood pressure classification is the focus of this paper.
Cobalt-vermittelte [2+2+2]-Cycloadditionen: eine ausgereifte Synthesestrategie

Dicarbonyl(η5-cyclopentadienyl)cobalt wirkt als Matrize, an der eine Vielzahl ungesattigter organischer Spezies miteinander Bindungen bildet. Auf diese Weise konnen α,ω-Diine mit Monoalkinen zu anellierten Benzolderivaten cocyclisieren, o-Diethinylbenzol liefert Biphenylene, und α, ω-Enine ergeben komplexierte bi- und tricyclische Diensysteme. Nitrile cocyclisieren mit Alkinylgruppen zu Pyridinen und anderen Heterocyclen, Isocyanate fuhren zu anellierten 2-Pyridonen, wahrend die Inkorporation von Kohlenmonoxid den Zugang zu komplexierten Cyclopentadienonen eroffnet. In vielen Fallen verlaufen diese Reaktionen mit bemerkenswerter Chemo-, Regio- und Stereoselektivitat, die zum Teil durch Trimethyl-silylsubstituenten als kontrollierende und dirigierende Gruppen ermoglicht werden. Anwendungsbereich und Ausgereiftheit dieser Methode werden an der Synthese bisher nicht zuganglicher, neuartiger und theoretisch interessanter Molekule und daruber hinaus einer Vielfalt von Naturstoffen demonstriert, z. B. Protoberberinen, Steroiden, Vitamin B6 und Camptothecin.
The vascular marker CD31 also highlights histiocytes and histiocyte-like cells within cutaneous tumors.

Objectives: While useful in diagnosing angiosarcomas, CD31 can also highlight histiocytes within soft tissue tumors and lead to errors in diagnosis. We sought to determine how often CD31 highlights cutaneous histiocytomas and histiocytoma mimics. Methods: We examined eight epithelioid cell histiocytomas (ECHs), 12 xanthogranulomas (XGs), nine cases of Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH), eight reticulohistiocytomas, 11 xanthomas, 29 atypical fibroxanthomas, nine granular cell tumors, four cases of angiolymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophilia, nine intradermal Spitz nevi, and nine angiosarcomas with antibodies directed against CD31, CD34, CD163, and factor VIII. Results: CD31 marked cells in three of 12 XGs, four of nine cases of LCH, one of eight reticulohistiocytomas, one of 11 xanthomas, 10 of 29 atypical fibroxanthomas, four of four cases of angiolymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophilia, nine of nine angiosarcomas, zero of nine granular cell tumors, and zero of eight ECHs. CD34 and factor VIII were negative in all nonvascular cases. Conclusions: Our results indicate that CD31 can mark lesional cells and imitate vascular tumors in cutaneous histiocytomas and histiocytoma mimics, an error that can be avoided by using a panel of antibodies.
Autobiographical memories and self‐schemata

Self-schemata associated with dependency were assessed in a group of nine adults. Subjects subsequently kept diary-type records of the three most memorable events occurring in their daily lives during a 3-week period. Free and cued recall memory tests for reported events were given approximately 5½ weeks after the completion of record keeping. A priori assessments of self-schemata were correlated with the kinds of daily events reported: independent subjects evaluated their events as more independent than did dependent subjects, and vice-versa. Free recall results suggested that the degree of schematicity found in assessment, and the nature of reported events, were correlated with memory. In cued recall no significant memory differences were found between independent and dependent subjects for schema-consistent or inconsistent events. Self-schemata apparently function as an effective retrieval environment in the absence of observable mnemonics. The data support the view that autobiographical recollections are reconstructions driven, in part, by self-schemata derived from life experiences. Language: en
Transmembrane Domain-Mediated Colocalization of HLA-DM and HLA-DR Is Required for Optimal HLA-DM Catalytic Activity

HLA-DM catalyzes peptide loading and exchange reactions by MHC class II molecules. Soluble recombinant DM, lacking transmembrane and cytoplasmic domains, was observed to have 200- to 400-fold less activity compared with the full-length protein in assays measuring DM-catalyzed peptide dissociation from purified HLA-DR1 in detergent solutions. Additional studies with truncated soluble DR1 demonstrated that transmembrane domains in DR1 molecules are also required for optimal activity. The potential requirement for specific interaction between the transmembrane domains of DM and DR was ruled out in experiments with chimeric DR1 molecules containing transmembrane domains from either DM or the unrelated protein CD80. These results suggested that the major role of the transmembrane domains is to facilitate colocalization of DM and DR in detergent micelles. The latter conclusion was further supported by the observation that HLA-DM-catalyzed peptide binding to certain murine class II proteins is increased by reducing the volume of detergent micelles. The importance of membrane colocalization was directly demonstrated in experiments in which DM and DR were reconstituted separately or together into membrane bilayers in unilamellar liposomes. Our findings demonstrate the importance of membrane anchoring in DM activity and underscore the potential importance of membrane localization in regulating peptide exchange by class II molecules.
An analog neural net performing multidimensional maximum entropy spectral estimation

A general algorithm is presented for computationally efficient multidimensional maximum entropy (ME) spectral estimation. The estimator is equivalent to an analog neural net that is governed by an energy function that measures the degree of constraint satisfaction, i.e., correlation-matching property. The multidimensional ME (MDME) spectral-estimation problem is defined. ME spectral estimation is formulated as an initial-value problem. The MDME spectral estimators, or algorithms, for solving the initial-value problem are developed. The neural net algorithm is derived, and simulated experiments with 1D or 2D signals are conducted. In each, the assumed true spectrum is given and autocorrelations at a number of horizontally and vertically equally spaced lags are calculated from the Fourier transform of the true spectrum. The overall results indicate very good performance in estimating ME spectra, even in cases where there are few autocorrelation measurements. >
Some Properties of Coherent Light

The present paper is concerned with the study of some general properties of coherent light. A clear definition of coherence is given, which appears to be preferable to definitions previously proposed by other authors. Several new theorems relating to correlation functions and the spectral density functions of coherent light are derived. The results are used to establish the Huygens-Fresnel principle for a coherent optical field. This principle has previously been freely applied to such a field, although the validity of the principle has only been justified for the much more idealized (and physically unrealizable) case of a field which is strictly monochromatic. The present formulation of the Huygens-Fresenel principle involves only observable quantities and not the instantaneous amplitudes and the instantaneous phases of the light vibrations.
Utility of a Single 3-Vessel View in the Evaluation of the Ventricular Outflow Tracts.

OBJECTIVES Prenatal diagnosis of congenital heart disease can improve neonatal outcomes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the utility of an isolated 3-vessel view image in evaluating the ventricular outflow tracts. METHODS Three-vessel view images were prospectively collected from consecutive patients referred to a regional fetal heart center for fetal echocardiography between gestational ages of 18 weeks and 23 weeks 6 days. Cardiac malformations were categorized as anomalies of the outflow tracts, the 4-chamber view, or combined lesions. A single representative still-frame 3-vessel view image was reviewed by 2 independent and blinded observers who were asked to label each image as "normal" or "abnormal." Test characteristics of the isolated 3-vessel view were calculated. RESULTS During the study period, 122 consecutive patients (139 fetuses) underwent fetal echocardiography. Eight fetuses with fetal chest anomalies and 12 fetuses with oblique images were excluded. Thirty-four of 119 fetuses (28.6%) had abnormal echocardiograms, including 11 outflow tract anomalies and 16 combined anomalies. Using the 3-vessel view alone, both reviewers achieved 91% sensitivity for the detection of isolated outflow tract anomalies and mean sensitivity of 88% for combined anomalies. All cases of tetralogy of Fallot and transposition of the great arteries were identified in the 3-vessel view. CONCLUSIONS A single 3-vessel view image can serve as a representative view of the outflow tracts and can show ventricular outflow tract anomalies with high sensitivity. Given that the conventional outflow tract views can be difficult to obtain, the 3-vessel view may serve as an effective first-line view when evaluating the ventricular outflow tracts for congenital heart disease.
Alterations in Gene Expression Induced in Day-9 Mouse Embryos Exposed to Hyperthermia (HS) or 4-Hydroperoxycyclophosphamide (4CP): Analysis Using cDNA Microarrays

Teratogen-induced alterations in gene expression play an important role in the genesis of malformations in animals. The recent development of DNA microarrays now offers the opportunity to monitor global changes in gene expression and therefore the potential to obtain significant new information concerning both normal and abnormal development. RNA was isolated from day-9 mouse embryos at 1 and 5 h after exposure to hyperthermia (HS) or 4-hydroperoxycyclophosphamide (4CP) and compared to RNA isolated from concurrent controls using mouse cDNA microarrays. Cy5/Cy3 intensity data were extracted using Spot-on Image software and then normalized using the statistical software program R/maanova. Differentially expressed genes were identified using a linear mixed-effects model and p values derived from t-test statistics. Approximately 9000 genes show statistically significant alterations in expression in day-9 mouse embryos exposed to HS or 4CP. HS and 4CP also induce alterations in the expression of distinct sets of genes, e.g., DNA replication/repair, cell cycle, signal transduction, and transcription-related genes. As expected, a variety of heat shock genes are upregulated by HS but not 4CP. Among genes whose expression is altered by both HS and 4CP, cluster analysis identified three p53 target genes (Cyclin G1, Gtse1, and Mdm2), and follow up studies confirmed that p53 is activated in embryos exposed to these two teratogens. In addition,
Group-Based Medium Access Control for IEEE 802.11n Wireless LANs

The latest generation of Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs) is based on IEEE 802.11n-2009 Standard. The standard provides very high data rates at the physical layer and aims to achieve a throughput at the Medium Access Control (MAC) layer that is higher than 100 Mbps. To do that, the standard introduces several mechanisms to improve the MAC efficiency. The most notable ones are the use of frame aggregation and Block-ACK frames. The standard, however, does not introduce a mechanism to reduce the probability of collision. This issue is significant because, with a high data rate, an AP would be able to serve a large number of stations, which would result in a high collision rate. In this paper, we propose a Group-based MAC (GMAC) scheme that reduces the probability of collision and also uses frame aggregation to improve the efficiency. The contending stations are divided into groups. Each group has one station that is the group leader. Only the leader stations contend, hence, reducing the probability of a collision. We evaluate the performance of our scheme with analytic and simulation results. The results show that GMAC achieves a high throughput, high fairness, low delay and maintains a high performance with high data rates.
Data Partitions and Complex Models in Bayesian Analysis: The Phylogeny of Gymnophthalmid Lizards

Phylogenetic studies incorporating multiple loci, and multiple genomes, are becoming increasingly common. Coincident with this trend in genetic sampling, model-based likelihood techniques including Bayesian phylogenetic methods continue to gain popularity. Few studies, however, have examined model fit and sensitivity to such potentially heterogeneous data partitions within combined data analyses using empirical data. Here we investigate the relative model fit and sensitivity of Bayesian phylogenetic methods when alternative site-specific partitions of among-site rate variation (with and without autocorrelated rates) are considered. Our primary goal in choosing a best-fit model was to employ the simplest model that was a good fit to the data while optimizing topology and/or Bayesian posterior probabilities. Thus, we were not interested in complex models that did not practically affect our interpretation of the topology under study. We applied these alternative models to a four-gene data set including one protein-coding nuclear gene (c-mos), one protein-coding mitochondrial gene (ND4), and two mitochondrial rRNA genes (12S and 16S) for the diverse yet poorly known lizard family Gymnophthalmidae. Our results suggest that the best-fit model partitioned among-site rate variation separately among the c-mos, ND4, and 12S + 16S gene regions. We found this model yielded identical topologies to those from analyses based on the GTR+I+G model, but significantly changed posterior probability estimates of clade support. This partitioned model also produced more precise (less variable) estimates of posterior probabilities across generations of long Bayesian runs, compared to runs employing a GTR+I+G model estimated for the combined data. We use this three-way gamma partitioning in Bayesian analyses to reconstruct a robust phylogenetic hypothesis for the relationships of genera within the lizard family Gymnophthalmidae. We then reevaluate the higher-level taxonomic arrangement of the Gymnophthalmidae. Based on our findings, we discuss the utility of nontraditional parameters for modeling among-site rate variation and the implications and future directions for complex model building and testing.
Drug Disposition in the Pediatric Patient

The pediatric patient is a unique individual who undergoes continual physiologic change from the time of conception through adolescence. The pharmacokinetics of therapeutic agents are influenced by physiologic changes that ultimately affect drug therapy. The gastric absorption of many therapeutic agents is altered by changes in gastric pH, gastric emptying, intestinal motility, biliary function, pancreatic function, and regional blood flow. Intramuscular absorption is erratic and unpredictable because of reduced skeletal muscle mass, alterations in regional blood flow, and physical activity. Percutaneous absorption is increased in the neonate due to increased water content and decreased thickness of the stratum corneum. The distribution of many therapeutic agents is increased in the neonate and infant because of an increase in extracellular fluid and total body water, alterations in tissue binding, and decreased plasma protein binding. The metabolic capacity and elimination processes of the newborn are gr...
Effect of treatment with a mixture of bacteria and fibrolytic enzymes on the quality and safety of corn silage infested with different levels of rust

Abstract This project aimed to determine if a dual-purpose bacterial inoculant could mitigate potential adverse effects of increasing levels of rust infestation on the quality, aerobic stability, and safety of corn silage. Corn plants with no rust infestation (NR), or medium (all leaves on the lower half of the plant affected, MR), or high (all leaves affected, HR) levels of southern rust infestation were harvested at random locations on a field, chopped, and ensiled without (control, CON) or with a dual-purpose inoculant applied at a rate that supplied 1×10 5 cfu/g of Pediococcus pentosaceus 12455 and 4×10 5 cfu/g of Lactobacillus buchneri 40788. Each treatment was prepared in quadruplicate in 20-L mini silos and ensiled for 97 d. As the level of rust infestation increased, the concentrations of dry matter (DM) and neutral detergent fiber increased, whereas DM digestibility decreased by up to 16%. Control HR silages also had lower 24-h neutral detergent fiber digestibility (NDFD; 36.2% of DM) than CON MR (39.8%) or NR silages (38.1%). Inoculation increased the NDFD of NR (43.4%) and MR silages (45.7%) but not HR silages (33.0%). Concentrations of lactate and volatile fatty acids decreased with increasing rust infestation in CON silages, but this trend was absent in inoculated silages. In HR silages, inoculation increased aerobic stability by 75% (77.3 vs. 44h), and prevented production of aflatoxin (5.2 vs. 0mg/kg). The concentration of aflatoxin in uninoculated HR silages exceeded action levels stipulated by the US Food and Drug Administration. In conclusion, increasing rust infestation was associated with reductions in the nutritive value and fermentation of corn silage. Inoculation reduced adverse effects of rust infestation on the fermentation, increased 24-h NDFD of NR and MR silages, and decreased aerobic spoilage and aflatoxin production in HR silages.
Temporal and Spatial Localization Patterns of Gata4 During Porcine Gonadogenesis

The zinc finger transcription factor Gata4, is associated with gonadal development in many species. The present study characterizes temporal and spatial localization of Gata4 throughout gonadogenesis in porcine embryos. Immunohistochemical studies illustrated that Gata4 protein is present in the coelomic epithelium prior to histological differentiation of the nascent bipotential gonad, marking the future site of both XX and XY porcine gonads. Many somatic cells of both XX and XY bipotential gonads continue to retain Gata4 immunoreactivity throughout sexual differentiation and subsequent gonadal development. Testicular cords were evident by 26 days postcoitum. Gata4 was present in Sertoli cells, identified by virtue of coexpression with Mullerian inhibiting substance and also interstitial cells including Leydig cells throughout fetal and postnatal life. Many somatic cells of the differentiating ovary including follicular cells also contained Gata4 protein throughout fetal and postnatal life. Gata4 was not present in germ cells, endothelial cells, or other undifferentiated mesenchymal cells of both XX and XY gonads. A population of Gata4-positive cells in the dorsal mesentery was continuous with the coelomic epithelium of the gonad. This localization pattern led to the hypothesis that a subpopulation of somatic cells in the dorsal mesentery moves toward the gonad. An in vitro cell migration assay demonstrated that Gata4-positive cells preferentially migrate toward explanted gonadal tissue, and morphological features of the developing gonad supported this hypothesis. This study illustrates that Gata4 is a very early marker for gonad formation, highlights species differences in temporal and spatial localization patterns, and suggests a potential role for Gata4 in the development of both XX and XY porcine gonads. Further, we suggest that mesenchymal cells of the dorsal mesentery may provide a source of somatic cells that migrate and incorporate into the gonad and contribute to various somatic cell lineages. Overall, the spatial and temporal localization patterns of Gata4 during porcine gonadogenesis implies a much earlier and wider role for Gata4 than previously reported in other species.
Salmonella Pathogenicity and Host Adaptation in Chicken-Associated Serovars

Enteric pathogens such as Salmonella enterica cause significant morbidity and mortality. S. enterica serovars are a diverse group of pathogens that have evolved to survive in a wide range of environments and across multiple hosts. S. enterica serovars such as S. Typhi, S. Dublin, and S. Gallinarum have a restricted host range, in which they are typically associated with one or a few host species, while S. Enteritidis and S. Typhimurium have broad host ranges. This review examines how S. enterica has evolved through adaptation to different host environments, especially as related to the chicken host, and continues to be an important human pathogen. Several factors impact host range, and these include the acquisition of genes via horizontal gene transfer with plasmids, transposons, and phages, which can potentially expand host range, and the loss of genes or their function, which would reduce the range of hosts that the organism can infect. S. Gallinarum, with a limited host range, has a large number of pseudogenes in its genome compared to broader-host-range serovars. S. enterica serovars such as S. Kentucky and S. Heidelberg also often have plasmids that may help them colonize poultry more efficiently. The ability to colonize different hosts also involves interactions with the host's immune system and commensal organisms that are present. Thus, the factors that impact the ability of Salmonella to colonize a particular host species, such as chickens, are complex and multifactorial, involving the host, the pathogen, and extrinsic pressures. It is the interplay of these factors which leads to the differences in host ranges that we observe today.