cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Phenylalanine Deficiency on the Growth and Feather Pigmentation of Turkey Poults

Abstract PHENYLALANINE is an essential amino acid for the growth of chicks (Almquist and Grau, 1944). By the use of isotopic techniques, it has been shown that phenylalanine is converted to tyrosine in rats (Moss and Schoenheimer, 1940) and mice (Grau and Steele, 1954). Enzymes catalyzing the hydroxylation of phenylalanine to tyrosine have been isolated from the livers of animals (Uden-friend and Cooper, 1952; Kaufman, 1957). The reaction is not reversible since labeled tyrosine did not yield labeled phenylalanine in mice (Grau and Steele, 1954). Brown-black rats turned gray when fed diets of bread and milk which were deficient in tyrosine and tryptophan, while normal pigmentation resulted when casein diets were fed (Hartwell, 1923). Actually, bread-milk diets may have been deficient in lysine and copper also. Melanin pigments can be obtained by the action of the enzyme tyrosinase on tyrosine in vitro. In the strict sense it may be stated that …
The texas bush katydid—Its sounds and their significance

Abstract The description of sounds is the only significant work done in the past on the acoustical behaviour of Phaneropterinae, a group in which many species produce two or more sounds in solitary situations. Males of the phaneropterine katydid, Scudderia texensis , produce four sounds, three in solitary situations, and virgin females of this species make a lisping sound in response to the slow-pulsed songs of males. Using tape recordings, sonagrams, and experimental procedures, the physical characteristics of the sounds were determined and the functions of the sounds in caged conditions were ascertained. The laboratory behaviour conformed to that seen in natural situations (Fig. 17). Two male sounds (ticking and crackling) appear to function only in male spacing. A third male sound (fast-pulsed song) causes females to (1) move toward singing males when received at low intensity, or (2) simply orientate towards males when received at high intensity. The fourth male sound (slow-pulsed song) induces responsive females to produce one to three lisps which guide males to females. Solitary males usually combine both fast-pulsed and slow-pulsed phrases in each acoustical performance.
β-Amyloid polypeptide increases calcium-uptake in PC12 cells: a possible mechanism for its cellular toxicity in Alzheimer's disease

Calcium-uptake into PC12 cells was measured by incubation with45Ca after the cells were exposed for 24 h to β-amyloid peptide(1–40) at concentrations between 0 and 46 μM. The rate of influx of45Ca into PC12 cells was constant for the first 10 min. For 46 μM β-amyloid peptide(1–40), the rate of influx was about 1,300 ions/s/μm2 and the number of cells decreased significantly. There was no significant decrease in cell number when cells were exposed to β-amyloid in calcium-free medium. These results indicate that β-amyloid increases calcium uptake into PC12 cells, and suggest that the increased uptake is responsible for the toxicity of β-amyloid in PC12 cells.
Non-endoscopic percutaneous gastrostomy placement in children with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa.

Recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) is associated with high nutritional demands, esophageal strictures and dysphagia. About one quarter of the patients require gastrostomy tube placement to maintain adequate nutritional status. To minimize trauma to the skin and pharyngoesophageal mucosa caused by commonly used gastrostomy tube insertion techniques, we used a non-endoscopic, percutaneous, image-guided approach. This approach combines the use of ultrasound for mapping of the liver and spleen, water-soluble contrast enema to visualize the colon, and gastric insufflation to define the stomach. The gastrostomy tube is replaced by a low-profile button gastrostomy tube 10–12 weeks postoperatively. The five female patients reported in this series ranged in age from 6 to 9 years. They all tolerated the procedure well and no perioperative complications were encountered. All were able to tolerate feedings on postoperative day 1 and all underwent successful replacement of gastrostomy tubes by low-profile button tubes. Our experience suggests that a non-endoscopic, image-guided approach to gastrostomy tube placement offers a safe, effective, and minimally traumatic alternative to more commonly used approaches. It minimizes the risk of procedure-related morbidity and leads to overall improvement in the quality of life. As such, we strongly recommend that it be included in the treatment armamentarium for patients with epidermolysis bullosa and nutritional failure.
Is State-Mandated Planning Effective?

Abstract One of America's most interesting trends in land-use and environmental planning is state-mandated planning for local governments. Essentially, it occurs as a means of collaboration between states and local governments on important land-use and environmental issues1-the state sets policies and goals but leaves specific details and plan implementation to the discretion of local governments. Ten states have adopted statewide comprehensive growth management programs that either require or strongly encourage local governments to prepare and adopt comprehensive plans, and seven are strongly considering statewide growth management programs. Twelve other states order at least some local governments to prepare comprehensive plans, but those mandates are not part of a state growth management program.2 In addition, the American Planning Association, as part of its ongoing process of developing a policy on the state's role in growth management, is encouraging mandatory planning as a viable option for states ...
Hypervirulent-host-associated Citrobacter rodentium cells have poor acid tolerance.

Enhanced virulence or infectivity after passage through a mammalian host has been reported for a number of enteric food-borne pathogens. Citrobacter rodentium is a mouse pathogen that mimics many aspects of enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli infection of humans and serves as a useful model for studying virulence mechanisms. Emergence of a hyperinfectious state after passage through mouse gastrointestinal tract was reported for C. rodentium. We wanted to investigate if increased acid tolerance could explain hypervirulence status of C. rodentium. Although we were able to observe hyperinfectious state of C. rodentium upon host passage, the cells were extremely acid sensitive. Growth under mildly acidic conditions (LB-MES, pH 5.5) induced acid tolerance of C. rodentium, but did not improve the organism’s ability to establish infection. Growth under anaerobic environment on fecal components also did not induce hyperinfectious state. Thus, contrary to conventional anticipation, hypervirulent C. rodentium cells were found to be acid sensitive thereby revealing limitations of the role of mouse gastric acidity by itself in elucidating the hypervirulent phenotype.
The Impact of Poverty on Asthma

The epidemiologic and economic literature continues to illuminate important associations between socioeconomic status and asthma morbidity. While asthma prevalence and morbidity remains disproportionately high among minority populations, socioeconomic status appears to explain much of the differences in rates. The economic costs of illness related to asthma and low-income populations may be linked to direct medical expenditures in hospital-based versus ambulatory-based asthma care. Problems in the financing and organization of health care for the poor may also contribute to the burden of asthma. A better understanding of the interplay between people, risk factors, and health care environments is necessary if we are to design successful health system improvements for the management of asthma in impoverished populations.
Viral diagnosis by in situ hybridization: description of a rapid simplified colorimetric method

An improved method of colorimetric in situ hybridization for the diagnosis of viral infections in standard formalinfixed, paraffin-embedded tissue sections has been developed. This method employs a 2-hour hybridization with biotin-labeled DNA probes followed by direct colorimetric detection with avi
Root-mean square error in passive autofocusing and 3D shape recovery

Image focus analysis is an important technique for passive autofocusing and 3D shape measurement. Electronic noise in digital images introduces errors in this techniques. It is therefore important to derive robust focus measures that minimize error. In our earlier research, we have developed a method for noise sensitivity analysis of focus measures. In this paper we derive explicit expressions for the root-mean square (RMS) error in autofocusing based on image focus analysis. This is motivated by the autofocusing uncertainty measure (AUM) defined earlier by us as a metric for comparing the noise sensitivity of different focus measures in autofocusing and 3D shape-from-focus. The RMS error we derive by us has the same advantage as AUM in that it can be computed in only one trial of autofocusing. We validate our theory on RMS error and AUM through experiments. It is shown that the theoretically estimated and experimentally measured values of the standard deviation of a set of focus measures are in agreement. Our results are based on a theoretical noise sensitivity analysis of focus measures, and they show that for a given camera the optimally accurate focus measure may change from one object to the other depending on their focused images.
Analysis of Monomeric and Dimeric Phosphorylated Forms of PKR

PKR (protein kinase R) is induced by interferon and is a key component of the innate immunity antiviral pathway. Upon binding dsRNA or dimerization in the absence of dsRNA, PKR undergoes autophosphorylation at multiple serines and threonines that activate the kinase. Although it has previously been demonstrated that phosphorylation enhances PKR dimerization, gel filtration analysis reveals a second monomeric phosphorylated form. These forms are referred to as phosphorylated dimeric PKR (pPKRd) and phosphorylated monomeric PKR (pPKRm). These two forms do not reversibly interconvert. Sedimentation equilibrium measurements reveal that pPKRm dimerizes weakly with a Kd similar to unphosphorylated PKR. Isoelectric focusing and mass spectrometry demonstrate that both pPKRm and pPKRd are heterogeneous in their phosphorylation states, with an average of 9-10 phosphates. Equilibrium chemical denaturation analysis indicates that phosphorylation destabilizes the kinase domain by about 1.5 kcal/mol in the dimeric form but not in the monomeric form. Limited proteolysis also reveals that phosphorylation induces a conformational change in pPKRd that is not detected in pPKRm. pPKRm binds dsRNA with similar affinity as unphosphorylated PKR whereas binding cannot be detected with pPKRd. Despite these substantial differences in biophysical properties, both pPKRm and pPKRd are catalytically competent and are activated to phosphorylate the PKR substrate eIF2α in the absence of dsRNA. Thus, both monomeric and dimeric forms of phosphorylated PKR may participate in the interferon antiviral pathway.
Collection and storage of solar energy

Abstract Some exotic aspects of solar energy with reference to its collection and storage have been discussed, in that the quality of energy is emphasized at the outset in collecting and storing the solar energy. Several systems have been reviewed for storage of solar energy primarily for commercial purpose with a central power generating plant. Some principles of storage for individual units for domestic, industrial or commercial use have also been briefly outlined. In that the quality of the energy, favorable to natural circumstances and technological know-how are kept in mind. With the quality of energy in view among the large scale projects some of the collection-cum-storage devices, such as helio-hydrogravity, helio-aero-gravity, salt-gradient solar pond and ocean thermal conversion are presented briefly. Among the reflective collector devices, central receiver tower, parabolic trough, parabolic dish and solar bowl are recommended. The solar bowl is primarily highlighted for developing countries. Hot water, rock bed and phase change storage systems are also briefly described for relatively small units. Finally, hydrogen as energy carrier is argued as the most efficient means for collection, storing and transportation of solar energy.
Complex cognitive behavior of the rat as a result of learning sign-significate relations

Abstract Studies have been conducted to investigate cognitive behavior in animals. Among some of the most salient studies demonstrating cognitive behavior are the sign learning experiments. The present research was designed to attempt to investigate complex sign learning in the rat. The signs the animal had learned were randomly changed through- out runs over the total number of trials. Choice of the ‘correct’ sign would direct the rat to water. Results indicate that the rat is capable of establishing a cognitive relationship between a sign and a correct response.
An underactuated hand for efficient finger-gaiting-based dexterous manipulation

This paper presents a minimalist, four-finger hand comprised of two pairs of tendon-driven, underactuated fingers decoupled by an independent, central, rotating axis. This mechanical configuration allows for finger-gaiting while also retaining the passive adaptability and other capabilities of the underactuated finger pairs. As a result, the hand, requiring only four actuators, is capable of a unique set of dexterous manipulation primitives, including finger-gaiting and precision manipulation, while retaining the robust, adaptive precision and power grasping behavior of underactuated hands. The low-cost, compact design is built with rapid-prototyping techniques and off-the-shelf components, enabling quick and inexpensive fabrication that can be produced using even desktop FDM 3D printers.
Degradation and Binding to Food Proteins of Vitamin B-6 Compounds During Thermal Processing

Thermal degradation and interconversion of B-6 vitamers and extent of their covalent binding to food proteins during processing at 121°C was evaluated. In solutions of potassium caseinate, radiolabelled forms of pyridoxal (PL) and pyridoxal phosphate (PLP) underwent partial conversion to pyridoxamine (PM) and pyridoxamine phosphate (PMP), respectively. Labelled pyridoxine (PN) underwent only slight oxidation to PL. Processing of evaporated milk, chicken liver and muscle containing tritiated B-6 vitamers yielded similar results. The extent of covalent binding to protein and net retention of vitamin B-6 varied among the food systems examined. Pyridoxyllysine and several unidentified bound forms of the vitamin formed during thermal processing were found in hydrolysates of casein, liver and muscle proteins. Bis-4-pyridoxyl disulfide was not detected.
Multiprocessor Scheduling with the Aid of Network Flow Algorithms

In a distributed computing system a modular program must have its modules assigned among the processors so as to avoid excessive interprocessor communication while taking advantage of specific efficiencies of some processors in executing some program modules. In this paper we show that this program module assignment problem can be solved efficiently by making use of the well-known Ford–Fulkerson algorithm for finding maximum flows in commodity networks as modified by Edmonds and Karp, Dinic, and Karzanov. A solution to the two-processor problem is given, and extensions to three and n-processors are considered with partial results given without a complete efficient solution.
Approach to the calculation of the important many-body effects on photoabsorption oscillator strengths

Abstract By a combination of selection rules for dipole transitions and notions from variation-perturbation theory, we develop a first-order theory of oscillator strengths (FOTOS) whereby the important correlations for an accurate treatment of electric dipole processes in atoms and molecules can be easily understood, formally derived and calculated. FOTOS is applied here to certain one- and two-electron transitions in Li I, N I and N II. The calculation of the corresponding oscillator strengths present considerable theoretical problems. Our results resolve the existing discrepancy between lifetime experiments and previous many-body calculations.
Experience with purity tests of 113Sn−113mIn generators

Abstract Radioisotope generators of 113mIn have recently become commercially available making possible the routine use of this short-lived nuclide in numerous applications to Nuclear Medicine. It is of great importance to test the eluate from these generators for radionuclidic and chemical purity. The generators under test had a hydrous ZrO2 or SiO2 bed. The radioactive impurities were measured by gamma-ray spectrometric analysis using NaI(TI) scintillators and Ge(Li) solid state detectors. Calculations showed 113Sn to be the principal source of extraneous patient radiation dose. Because of its long half-life, this radionuclidic impurity may deliver a significant dose in addition to that from 113mIn. The influence of eluant volume on 113Sn breakthrough was also determined. Chemical spot tests and spectrographic analysis were used in searching for im-impurities. The principal impurities identified were: aluminum, cadmium, calcium, copper, magnesium, nickel, silicon, zinc, and zirconium. The potential risk to the patient from impurities was quantified and evaluated.
The acute effect of peripheral nerve transection on digital thermoregulatory function.

Abstract Purpose: This study tests the hypothesis that major peripheral nerves serve as important routes for adrenergic neural fibers and therefore peripheral nerve injury affects cutaneous perfusion within the nerve's sensory innervation territory. The specific aim of the study was to determine whether an acute isolated peripheral nerve injury would result in alteration of blood flow to a specific digit, digital pain, and/or cold sensitivity. Methods: The influence of peripheral nerves on their dominant area of autonomic vasomotor function was evaluated in 9 patients who had primary neurorrhaphy after a single complete median or ulnar nerve transection. At a mean follow-up of 47 days the response of digital perfusion to a cold stress was examined in these patients by using isolated cold stress testing and laser Doppler fluxmetry. Patients also completed subjective questionnaires to evaluate their symptoms. Results: The affected hands showed a decreased cutaneous perfusion when compared with the contralateral hands during all 3 phases of the cold stress test. In addition cutaneous perfusion patterns evaluated by laser Doppler perfusion imaging showed markedly decreased cutaneous perfusion patterns in the digits within the innervation territory of the injured nerve. There was no notable difference in digital baseline temperatures and temperature changes after an isolated cold stress test between the most affected digits of the injured hands and corresponding digits of the unaffected, contralateral hands. All 9 patients reported mild to severe digital numbness, 8 reported mild to severe pain, and 4 reported mild to moderate cold sensitivity of the upper extremity. Conclusions: This study documents that cutaneous perfusion and thermoregulatory function is altered after isolated peripheral nerve injury. (J Hand Surg 2003;28A:481-488. Copyright © 2003 by the American Society for Surgery of the Hand.)
The role of syllables in perceptual processing

Abstract Three experiments examined tachistoscopic reports for numbers and words as a function of the number of syllables in the item. Experiment I showed that the number of syllables in the vocalization of a two-digit number had no effect on report accuracy, indicating that tachistoscopic accuracy is unaffected by the duration of any implicit speech process. Experiment II showed that tachistoscopic accuracy was greater for one- than for two-syllable words, and it was hypothesized that this difference was due to the syllable functioning as a single perceptual unit. Subsequent probability analyses indicated that one-syllable words were indeed processed in a more unitary manner than two-syllable words, but suggested that the critical perceptual unit was a vocalic center group (Hansen & Rodgers, 1965) rather than a syllable. Experiment III further indicated that the difference between one- and two-syllable words was a perceptual one. The results were discussed in terms of processing stage models of word perception.
Converging on Correct Answers: A Peculiarity of Multiple Choice Items.

The primary mode of mental measurement in the United States today is the multiple choice item. The multiple choice format has many commendable qualities: it is relatively straightforward in terms of what is required from the subject, it is well-understood by most test-takers, it affords highly objective scoring, and it is computer scannable. The format does have some drawbacks: it is somewhat limiting in the type of mental behaviors which can be elicited, it is subject to guessing, and it interacts with characteristics of test-takers. It is this final aspect that is the subject of this research. There are certain aspects of multiple choice items which are consistent across the traits or content areas being measured. The basic form of a multiple choice item includes: (1) a set of data pertinent to the item, (2) a question or task which must be responded to, and (3) a set of alternative answers, one of which is correct. Some multiple chdice items require the test-taker to solve a problem and then locate his answer among the distractors (such as mathematics and some abstract reasoning items). Other multiple choice items require the test-taker to compare and contrast the alternative responses and pick the best one (such as reading comprehension and sentence completion items). For some items either approach may be used. An unstated assumption of multiple choice testing is that all test-takers are equally adept at responding to problems presented in the fashion just described. If aspects of the multiple choice format interact with characteristics of test-takers, then the resultant measures will be confounded to some degree. Specifically, some individuals may find the multiple choice format confusing while others find that it provides inadvertant clues to correct answers. As a result, scores are deflated or inflated due to an ability which is logically independent of the trait being measured. When the interaction between the characteristics of an item and a person is viewed from the perspective of the item, it is generally considered to be an issue of item construction; when viewed from the perspective of the person, it is considered to be an issue of testwiseness. Although there have been a number of interesting and potentially useful advances in item writing over the past decade (e.g., Bormuth, 1970 and Guttman, 1970, echoed more recently by Wood, 1977 and Nunnally, 1978), the contention of Wesman (1971) that item writing is still an art holds true in general. If item writing has proven somewhat resistant to being turned into a science, it is highly restrictive as an art form. Most texts on test construction provide a list of prescriptions and proscriptions for budding item writers. One major purpose of these lists is to keep the item writer from inadvertantly cueing the test-taker as to which of the choices is correct. There are a variety of ways in which the correct answer might be revealed to the adept test-taker. Gronlund (1977) has an excellent list of pitfalls for those who are not familiar with them.
Chronic erosive gastritis—A recently recognized disorder

We have reviewed the clinical manifestations, endoscopic findings, pathology, and upper gastrointestinal x-rays in 10 patients with chronic erosive gastritis, a disorder that was rarely recognized before the use of double-contrast upper gastrointestinal radiology and endoscopy. The characteristic x-ray appearance is that of a series of 3 to 11-mm nodules, some with central collections of barium, that are distributed along rugal folds and usually extend into the antrum. The endoscopic appearance is similar: small erythematous nodules with shallow central erosions. The pathology differs from that seen in peptic ulcer disease. There are few polymorphonuclear leukocytes and a predominance of plasma cells in the inflammatory infiltrate. Seven of our patients presented with epigastric pain similar to that of peptic ulcer disease; four of these also had anorexia and weight loss. In two other patients anorexia and weight loss were the only symptoms. One patient was asymptomatic. All nine symptomatic patients responded to antacid treatment. However, repeat x-rays demonstrated persistence of the nodules, although the central erosions usually disappeared. The etiology is unknown. Chronic erosive gastritis appears to be a distinct entity different from peptic ulcer disease.
A FIELD TEST FOR HOST‐PLANT DEPENDENT SELECTION ON LARVAE OF THE APPLE MAGGOT FLY, RHAGOLETIS POMONELLA

Host-plant dependent fitness trade-offs refer to traits that enhance the performance of an insect on one plant species to its detriment on others. Such trade-offs are central to models of sympatric speciation via host shifts, but have proven difficult to empirically demonstrate. Here, we test for host-plant dependent selection on larvae of apple (Malus pumila L.)- and hawthorn (Crataegus mollis L. spp.)-infesting races of Rhagoletis pomonella (Walsh). Samples of larvae were reared in the field and under protective conditions in a garage. Our rationale was that the garage should slow rates of fruit rot relative to the field, relaxing selection pressures associated with declining fruit quality. Four findings emerged from the study. (1) Larvae suffered higher mortality in fruits in the field than the garage. (2) The increase in mortality was greater for larvae in haws. (3) Larvae possessing the alleles Me 100, Acon-2 95, and Mpi 37, three allozymes displaying host-related differentiation in R. pomonella that map to linkage group II in the fly, left fruits earlier than other genotypes. (4) Allele frequencies for Me 100, Acon-2 95, and Mpi 37 were significantly higher in both apple and haw larvae surviving the field versus the garage treatment. Our results suggested that field conditions favored larvae that rapidly developed and left rotting fruits. Since these individuals tended to possess the alleles Me 100, Acon-2 95, and Mpi 37, frequencies of these allozymes were higher in the field. Selection on larvae was directional for Me 100, Acon-2 95, and Mpi 37 (or linked genes) in both host races. We previously showed that these same alleles can be disfavored in the pupal stage, especially in the apple race, where they correlate with premature diapause termination. Fitness trade-offs in Rhagoletis may therefore be due as much to differences in the relative strengths of directional selection pressures acting on different life stages as to disruptive selection affecting any one particular stage. The necessity to consider details of the entire life-cycle highlights one of the many challenges posed to documenting fitness trade-offs for phytophagous insects.
EUV structure of a small flare

Observations of a small flare are presented using data from the Harvard spectroheliometer on Skylab. The event is discussed in terms of the magnetic structure of the active region as deduced from the EUV observations and from field line extrapolations. The role of emerging flux in the initial flare brightenings is emphasized. A detailed model of one loop is deduced using the EUV data. This self-consistent model indicates initial heating of the loop modelled near its top, and mass flow into the cool core of the loop, with matter preferentially concentrating in a few distinct knots along the loop. Implications for theories of the flare process are discussed.
X-linked agammaglobulinemia

The identification of the gene responsible for XLA has made it possible to clarify the clinical and laboratory findings in this disorder. It has markedly improved our ability to provide informative genetic counseling for affected families and it has helped unmask disorders that are clinically similar to XLA but genotypically different. However, many significant questions remain unanswered. What are the factors that influence the severity of disease and can we manipulate these factors to the benefit of the patient? As an increasing proportion of patients with XLA reach middle age and old age, are there previously unidentified complications that we should be aware of? What are the biological mechanisms by which mutations in Btk result in a failure of B-cell development and are these mechanisms different at different stages of B-cell differentiation? The long term goal of patients with XLA, their families, and the physicians who provide care for them is improved treatment for this disorder. Perhaps it is not unreasonable to hope that we are on the brink of entering the molecular therapeutic are of immunology.
Self-Consistent-Field Analysis of Mixed Polyelectrolyte and Neutral Polymer Brushes

We present a theoretical study of the phase behavior of mixed brushes composed of charged and noncharged polymers that are mutually incompatible. We derive the self-consistent-field (SCF) equations...
A cluster-based approach to thesaurus construction

The importance of a thesaurus in the successful operation of an information retrieval system is well recognized. Yet techniques which support the automatic generation of thesauri remain largely undiscovered. This paper describes one approach to the automatic generation of global thesauri, based on the discrimination value model of Salton, Yang, and Yu and on an appropriate clustering algorithm. This method has been implemented and applied to two document collections. Preliminary results indicate that this method, which produces improvements in retrieval performance in excess of 10 and 15 percent in the test collections, is viable and worthy of continued investigation.
Simulation of Sub-Wavelength Metal Gratings for On-Chip Applications in Optical Communications

Finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) and finite element method (FEM) techniques are used to demonstrate the potential of integrating sub-wavelength metal gratings onto an InP based material platform. Dispersion relations and pulse propagation are simulated.
Population genetics of Homalodisca vitripennis reovirus validates timing and limited introduction to California of its invasive insect host, the glassy-winged sharpshooter.

Abstract As RNA viruses evolve rapidly, we hypothesized that a virus could serve as a surrogate to discriminate recently separated populations of an invasive insect species. Homalodisca vitripennis reovirus (HoVRV) was used as a surrogate to assess population structure of glassy-winged sharpshooter (GWSS), an invasive species detected in California ~ 20 years ago. HoVRV nucleotide sequence polymorphism revealed a bottleneck in the introduced population, yielded population age estimates consistent with timing of GWSS discovery in California, suggested gene flow within the native range but not among native and introduced populations, and could potentially pinpoint source of the introduced population. Collectively, the data support use of a virus surrogate to define critical attributes of invasive species populations, with the caveat that life history of the surrogate must be closely linked to that of the host.
Spreadsheets Across the Curriculum, 3: Finding a List of Mathematical Skills for Quantitative Literacy Empirically

What mathematical topics do educators committed to teaching mathematics in context choose for their students when given the opportunity to develop an educational resource explicitly to teach mathematics in context? This paper examines the choices made for the 55 modules by 40 authors in the General Collection of the Spreadsheets Across the Curriculum (SSAC) library. About half of the modules were made by authors from natural science, and about 60% of the other modules were by authors from mathematics. The modules are tagged with terms of a search vocabulary developed for the browse page of the collection. The four terms most frequently used to tag the modules are: visual display of data (particularly XY plots and bar graphs); ratio and proportion; rates; and forward modeling (e.g., what-if?). Subdividing the modules into those authored by instructors from mathematics vs. natural science vs. other disciplines shows universal popularity of the first three choices. Forward modeling was a favorite of authors from mathematics and natural science. Manipulating equations, unit conversions, and logarithms (orders of magnitude, scientific notation) were called for by authors from natural science. The paper concludes with a list of 15 concepts and skills that received the most “votes.”
Heavy ion induced K, L and M X-rays and their use in trace element analysis

Characteristic K, L and M X-ray and background production trends from high energy heavy ion bombardment were investigated on a series of target elements (14≤Z≤92) using 0.5 MeV/amu and 1 MeV/amu Nn+, On+, Cun+, Krn+ and Xen+ beams. X-ray production for K and L shell X-rays roughly followed the same trends, i.e. increased yield with projectile size and energy and decreased yield with increasing X-ray energy. Broad simultaneous multielement coverage can be achieved using K, L and M Lines. Experimental detection limits of 0.8 to 10 ppm were obtained for elements between Mn and Se with K X-ray detection, between Sm and Pb using L X-ray detection, and for Th and U via M X-ray detection in biological samples with a 1MeV/amu Kr7+ beam of 70 nA for 1000 s. These detection limits are better for many elements than those obtained with a 1.65 MeV proton beam.
Therapeutic gas delivery via microbubbles and liposomes

Gaseous molecules including nitric oxide, hydrogen sulfide, carbon monoxide and oxygen mediate numerous cell signaling pathways and have important physiological roles. Several noble gasses have been shown to elicit biological responses. These bioactive gasses hold great therapeutic potential, however, their controlled delivery remains a significant challenge. Recently, researchers have begun using microbubbles and liposomes to encapsulate such gasses for parenteral delivery. The resultant particles are acoustically active, and ultrasound can be used to stimulate and/or image gas release in a targeted region. This review provides a summary of recent advances in therapeutic gas delivery using microbubbles and liposomes.
Monitoring the response of vegetation phenology to precipitation in Africa by coupling MODIS and TRMM instruments

[1] While temperature controls on vegetation phenology in humid temperate climates have been widely investigated, water availability is the primary limit on vegetation growth in arid and semiarid ecosystems at continental and global scales. This paper explores the response of vegetation phenology to precipitation across Africa from 2000 to 2003 using vegetation index data from the Moderate-Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) and daily rainfall data obtained from the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM). The results indicate that well-defined thresholds exist in cumulative rainfall that stimulate vegetation green-up in arid and semiarid regions of Africa. Therefore cumulative rainfall provides an appropriate criterion for determining the onset of the rainy season, which can be used to predict the onset of vegetation green-up. Following the end of the rainy season, the onset of vegetation dormancy occurs with a lag of about 54 and 84 days in the Sahelian and sub-Sahelian region and in southern Africa, respectively. Further, spatial patterns in vegetation phenology can be divided into three distinct regions in arid and semiarid ecosystems of Africa because of well-defined patterns in rainfall seasonality. In response to rainfall patterns controlled by the Intertropical Convergence Zone in the Sahelian and sub-Sahelian region, the timing of vegetation phenology shifts gradually in a north-south direction at a rate of 0.12 d/km for green-up onset and 0.05 d/km for dormancy onset. In contrast, patterns in vegetation phenology and rainfall seasonality are much more complex in southern Africa. The shift rates and trends in this region are consistent locally but vary abruptly across different ecosystems or climate regimes. Multiple annual cycles of vegetation growth closely follow rainy seasons in parts of the Greater Horn of Africa.
OREOBROMA MEGARHIZUM IS A CALANDRINIA OF SECTION ACAULES (PORTULACACEAE)

Oreobroma megarhizum is reassigned to the genusCalandrinia and placed in the sectionAcaules. The biogeographic and evolutionary consequences are evaluated in relation toOreobroma (Lewisia) andCalandrinia distribution patterns.
Retention of aversively motivated behavior: Effects of time of training and associative versus nonassociative processes

Three experiments were performed to investigate time-based retention performance in aversively motivated behavior. In Exp. 1 separate groups of rats received one-way active avoidance or yoked noncontingent footshock training at 4 pm either 0.25, 6, 12, 18, 24, or 30 hr prior to one-way active avoidance testing. The data revealed neither of the two most commonly observed retention functions (i.e., U-shaped “Kamin effect” or a multiphasic pattern). In Exp 2 the same procedure was employed except all subjects were trained at 9 am . A multiphasic pattern of retention performance for both active avoidance and noncontingent shock groups was observed. Experiment 3 employed a “truly noncontingent” control procedure. Results indicated that the retention functions observed in Exp 2 were primarily due to associative rather than nonassociative processes.
Automated measurement of the static light scattering of macromolecular solutions over a broad range of concentrations

A method and apparatus for automated measurement of the concentration dependence of static light scattering of protein solutions over a broad range of concentrations is described. The gradient of protein concentrations is created by successive dilutions of an initially concentrated solution contained within the scattering measurement cell, which is maintained at constant total volume. The method is validated by measurement of the concentration dependence of light scattering of bovine serum albumin, ovalbumin, and ovomucoid at concentrations up to 130 g/L. The experimentally obtained concentration dependence of scattering obtained from all three proteins is quantitatively consistent with the assumption that no significant self-association occurs over the measured range of concentrations.
RAP80, a Novel Nuclear Protein That Interacts with the Retinoid-related Testis-associated Receptor *

In this study, we describe the characterization of a novel nuclear protein, referred to as RAP80. The RAP80 cDNA was cloned from a human testis cDNA library and encodes a 719-amino acid protein containing two potential CX2CX11HX3C-type zinc finger motifs at its carboxyl-terminal region. Analysis of its genomic structure revealed that the RAP80 gene covers more than 90 kb and consists of 15 exons and 14 introns. Fluorescencein situ hybridization mapped the RAP80 gene to human chromosome 5q35. RAP80 mRNA is expressed in many human tissues, but its expression is particularly high in testis. In situ hybridization showed that RAP80 is highly expressed in germ cells of mouse testis but is not differentially regulated during spermatogenesis. Confocal microscopy showed that RAP80 is localized to the nucleus, where it is distributed in a speckled pattern. Deletion analysis showed that a bipartite nuclear localization signal at the amino terminus is important in mediating nuclear transport of RAP80. Monohybrid analysis showed that RAP80 might function as an active repressor of transcription. Mammalian two-hybrid analysis demonstrated that RAP80 was able to interact with the retinoid-related testis-associated receptor (RTR), an orphan receptor that has been implicated in the control of embryonic development and spermatogenesis. Pull-down analysis showed that RAP80 and RTR physically interactin vitro. Deletion and point mutation analyses revealed that part of the hinge domain of RTR is required for this interaction. RAP80 is able to inhibit the interaction of RTR with the co-repressor N-CoR likely by competing with N-CoR for RTR binding. Our results suggest that RAP80 may be functioning as a modulator of RTR signaling.
Abusive supervision and citizenship behaviors: exploring boundary conditions

Purpose – Previous research indicates that employees reciprocate for abusive supervision by withholding discretionary organizational citizenship behaviors (OCBs). The purpose of this paper is to investigate the boundary conditions of the negative relationship between abusive supervision and OCBs, by investigating time and money (dyadic duration and pay satisfaction) as potential moderating variables to the abusive supervision‐OCBs relationship.Design/methodology/approach – A sample of 357 bank employees in Kazakhstan was used to test hypotheses.Findings – Results indicate that the negative relationship between abusive supervision and OCBs is more pronounced when employees have been supervised by a particular manager for a longer period of time, as well as when employees are less satisfied with their level of compensation.Research limitations/implications – Limitations include the use of cross‐sectional data and the possibility of common method bias.Practical implications – Satisfaction with pay as a moder...
APPLICATION OF GENETIC ALGORITHMS TO THE DESIGN OF LIFTING TASKS

Abstract Proper workplace design for jobs requiring lifting is important in reducing injuries in the workplace. The challenge is to incorporate a variety of postures to meet productivity and safety requirements. In this paper, a form of evolutionary computation, known as a genetic algorithm (GA), is applied to the problem of designing safe lifting tasks within the constraints of the work place. The design criteria is the NIOSH Revised Work Practices Guide for Manual Lifting. The resulting model develops a population of solutions which represent multiple groups of lifting parameters adapted to the productivity and safety requirements set by the ergonomist.
Cardiopulmoitary bypass procedures in dialysis patients

To determine the operative outcome of chronic renal failure patients, we retrospectively reviewed twenty-five consecutive adult patients with chronic renal failure dependent on maintenance hemodialysis (21) or peritoneal dialysis (3), who underwent cardiopulmonary bypass procedures over a five-year period in our institution. The operations included isolated coronary artery bypass grafting in 16 patients; aortic valve replacement in 3; aortic valve replacement plus mitral valve replacement in 1; aortic valve replacement, mitral valve replacement, and coronary artery bypass grafting in 2; aortic valve replacement and coronary artery bypass grafting in 1, mitral valve replacement and coronary artery bypass grafting in 1, and repair of a thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm in 1 patient. Fourteen operations were elective, and 11 were urgent or emergent. The number of patients with good (> 0.50), fair (0.30 to 0.50), and poor (< 0.30) left ventricular ejection fractions were 13, 9, and 3, respectively. There were 0, 7, 7, and 11 patients in New York Heart Association functional classification I, II, III, and IV, respectively. All patients were dialyzed within 24 hours before operation. All but 3 patients were managed by immediate postoperative peritoneal dialysis via a Technoff catheter placed intraoperatively (18 patients) or via a preexisting Technoff catheter (4 patients). This was then switched to hemodialysis when clinical conditions stabilized. Univariate analysis of 22 preoperative and intraoperative variables, followed by a multivariate analysis with a stepwise logistic regression model, was performed using the 30-day or in-hospital operative mortality as the dependent variable.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
How to store a triangular matrix

The problem of storing a triangular matrix so that each row and column is stored as a vector, i.e. the locations form an arithmetic progression, is discussed. Storing rows and columns as vectors can speed up access significantly. It is shown that there is no such storage method that does not waste approximately one-half of the computer memory. >
Estimation of covariate effects in generalized linear mixed models with a misspecified distribution of random intercepts and slopes.

Generalized linear mixed models with random intercepts and slopes provide useful analyses of clustered and longitudinal data and typically require the specification of the distribution of the random effects. Previous work for models with only random intercepts has shown that misspecifying the shape of this distribution may bias estimates of the intercept, but typically leads to little bias in estimates of covariate effects. Very few papers have examined the effects of misspecifying the joint distribution of random intercepts and slopes. However, simulation results in a recent paper suggest that misspecifying the shape of the random slope distribution can yield severely biased estimates of all model parameters. Using analytic results, simulation studies and fits to example data, this paper examines the bias in parameter estimates due to misspecification of the shape of the joint distribution of random intercepts and slopes. Consistent with results for models with only random intercepts, and contrary to the claims of severe bias in a recent paper, we show that misspecification of the joint distribution typically yields little bias in estimates of covariate effects and is restricted to covariates associated with the misspecified random effects distributions. We also show that misspecification of the distribution of random effects has little effect on confidence interval performance. Coverage rates based on the model-based standard errors from fitted likelihoods were generally quite close to nominal.