cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fire in a sub-humid woodland: The balance of carbon sequestration and habitat conservation

Abstract Public lands are often tasked with ecosystem restoration that may include fire as a management tool in order to foster the return of ecosystem composition, structure, or function to a previous state. In some ecosystems, such as woodlands, the role of fire is poorly understood because mixed-fire regimes complicate assessment of landscape level fire return intervals and successional pathways. Management of these public woodlands may be difficult due to the need to accomplish multiple objectives such as carbon (C) sequestration and wildlife conservation on properties with marginal productivity. To assess the role of fire in affecting various ecological processes and offer information for future wildland management decision-making, we measured C storage, vegetation composition, and habitat suitability for an endangered bird species (golden-cheeked warbler, Dendroica chrysoparia ) in juniper-oak woodlands with documented past surface fires within Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge. We found significantly different total aboveground biomass C with average values of 5.25, 6.86, and 9.18 kg m −2 of C for 60 plots grouped into recent (
Solid organ transplantation: Results and implications of acyclovir use in liver transplants

CMV infection is a major cause of morbidity and mortality following liver transplantation (LT). A prospective study of 218 LT recipients showed that 55% of patients developed CMV infection during the 1st year post-transplantation. Symptomatic CMV infection developed in 25% of all patients, being a major cause of death (21% of all deaths). Of 62 episodes of documented organ invasion, liver was the major site (38 episodes), followed by lung (20), gastrointestinal (4), and retina (4). The main patient group at risk (according to CMV serology of the recipient [(R)/ donor(D)]) was the R-/D+: 77% of patients developed CMV infection, all of them with symptoms. The lowest group at risk was the R-/D-: 13% of patients developed CMV infection, half of whom developed symptoms
AN AGGREGATE OF YOUNG STELLAR DISKS IN LYNDS 1228 SOUTH

Using the Multiband Imaging Photometer for Spitzer (MIPS) and Infrared Array Camera (IRAC) instruments on the Spitzer Space Telescope, we have investigated an aggregate of at least nine candidate bright young stellar objects in the southern region of the Lynds 1228 cloud in Cepheus. The spectral energy distributions (SEDs) encompass both infrared Class II and Class III types, and at least one object has no excess at wavelengths shorter than 24 μm. There are five known IRAS sources in the region. We find that the fluxes of these sources are generally overestimated by IRAS because of confusion, and one appears in both the IRAS Point Source and Faint Source Catalogs. This small group of young stellar objects provides a good example of the power of Spitzer to resolve star-forming regions confused in the IRAS catalogs. The SEDs of these sources illustrate that there can be a diversity of disk evolutionary states within a coeval stellar aggregate.
Directed Ortho Metallation of Deep Cavity Cavitands: Functionalizing Molecular Concavity

Directed ortho metallation (DOM) processes have been used to functionalize the cavity and rim of title cavitand 1. The preorganization of the host resulted in a considerable reduction in the range of products produced. Thus, whereas sixty-nine products are possible from per-functionalization, only twelve were observed when the host was treated with three different alkyllithiums.
U2AF modulates poly(A) length control by the poly(A)‐limiting element

The poly(A)-limiting element (PLE) restricts the length of the poly(A) tail to G mutation following the AG dinucleotide in the PLE resulted in mRNA with poly(A) ranging from 25-50 nt. This reverted to a discrete, <20 nt poly(A) tail in cells expressing U2AF65. Our results suggest that U2AF modulates the function of the PLE, perhaps by facilitating the binding of another protein to the element.
Assessing the Role of pH in Determining Water Column Nitrification Rates in a Coastal System

Ocean acidification is predicted to impact the nitrogen cycle in a variety of ways. Specifically, manipulations of water column pH have shown that nitrification, the microbial conversion of ammonium to nitrate, is inhibited at low pH. A decrease in nitrification may impact phytoplankton composition and production, denitrification, and the production of nitrous oxide. We compiled an existing unique data set of concurrent water column nitrification rates and water column pH values from a temperate New England estuary (Narragansett Bay, RI, USA). Contrary to the current hypothesis, we found that nitrification rates were highest at low pH and significantly (P = 0.0031) lower at high water column pH. In this study, pH varied up to 0.85 units, 20% more than the maximum predicted ocean pH decrease of 0.7 units. These results highlight that nitrifying organisms in coastal systems tolerate a wide range of pH values. Moreover, the degree of negative correlation with pH may depend on site-specific environmental conditions. Combined, these findings indicate that the current hypothesis of the negative impacts of ocean acidification on nitrification, at least for the coastal ocean, might need reevaluation.
Photovoltaic (PV) cells characterization using advanced optical tools

In this paper we investigate the use of advanced imaging characterization tools for photovoltaic (PV) cell characterization. These tools were originally developed for CMOS VLSI circuits and offer very high sensitivity and spatial resolution. Optical imaging of PV cells using different tools and techniques will be compared and discussed.
Effect of non-uniform emitter current distribution on power transistor stability☆

Nonuniform emitter current distribution effect on power transistor thermal stability, discussing temperature distribution effects
Endogenous opioid suppression of release of luteinizing hormone during suckling in postpartum anestrous beef cows

Beef cows were used to determine if suckling influences release of LH via endogenous opioids at 28 +/- 4 d after parturition. Cows of similar weight and body condition (6.8 +/- .1, 1 = emaciated, 9 = obese) were assigned randomly to five groups (n = 6 to 7): 1) control-suckled/saline (suckled 15 min every 6 hr for 48 hr); 2) control-suckled/naloxone; 3) calf-removal/saline (calf removal for 52 hr); 4) calf-removal/naloxone; and 5) control-suckled/GnRH (Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone). At 0 hr, saline was administered to all cows. This treatment was continued at 6 hr intervals for 24 hr. Either naloxone (0.5 mg/kg), GnRH (40 ng/kg) or saline was administered to cows in their respective groups every 6 hr during the ensuing 24-hr period in calf-removal groups, or immediately preceding each suckling episode in the control-suckled groups. Blood samples for analysis of luteinizing hormone (LH) were collected at 15-min intervals for 1 hr prior to and 3 hr after treatment at 0, 24, 36 and 48 hr. Cows were observed for estrus twice daily. All cows in the control-suckled/GnRH group released LH (P less than .05) in response to exogenous GnRH, indicating the presence of releasable quantities of the gonadotropin. Mean concentrations of LH were not effected (P greater than .05) by the control-suckled regime. However, calf-removal alone, or in combination with naloxone, increased (P less than .05) mean concentrations of LH by 48 hr.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Hematological findings associated with chronic acceleration.

Chronic acceleration effects on erythrocyte number, plasma volume, globulin fractions, erythrocyte size and plasma A/G ratio in chickens
A minimum cover approach for extracting the road network from airborne LIDAR data

We address the problem of extracting the road network from large-scale range datasets. Our approach is fully automatic and does not require any inputs other than depth and intensity measurements from the range sensor. Road extraction is important because it provides contextual information for scene analysis and enables automatic content generation for geographic information systems (GIS). In addition to these two applications, road extraction is an intriguing detection problem because robust detection requires integration of local and long-range constraints. Our approach segments the data based on both edge and region properties and then extracts roads using hypothesis testing. Road extraction is formulated as a minimum cover problem, whose approximate solutions can be computed efficiently. Besides detecting and extracting the road network, we also present a technique for segmenting the entire city into blocks. We show experimental results on large-scale data that cover a large part of a city, with diverse landscapes and road types.
A method of noise reduction on image processing

Describes a new control method for a noise reduction system developed to eliminate blur and picture trail in moving pictures using image processing. The method uses temporal information as well as other parameters such as frequency, amplitude, and picture pattern. The technique has been applied to the noise reduction circuit of the MUSE decoding system (Japanese HDTV). >
Phasor-Based Synchronized Frequency Measurement in Power Systems

Phasor-based frequency measurement techniques have very good steady-state performance, but their dynamic performance is not well documented. This paper analyzes a phasor-based frequency measurement method that considers the effect of dynamic frequency, and proposes a method to improve the dynamic performance of the phasor-based frequency measurements. Simulation results verify the effectiveness of the proposed method. Results of laboratory experiments are presented to show the performance of the proposed method compared to frequency measurements obtained from commercial phasor measurement units (PMUs).
Improving Culture Conditions for Temporomandibular Joint Disc Tissue Engineering

Background: The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is extremely important for activities like eating and talking, which can become painful and difficult for patients with TMJ dysfunction
High-dose paclitaxel in combination with doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide and peripheral blood progenitor cell rescue in patients with high-risk primary and responding metastatic breast carcinoma: toxicity profile, relationship to paclitaxel pharmacokinetics and short-term outcome

We assessed the feasibility and pharmacokinetics of high-dose infusional paclitaxel in combination with doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, and peripheral blood progenitor cell rescue. Between October 1995 and June 1998, 63 patients with high-risk primary [stage II with ≥ 10 axillary nodes involved, stage IIIA or stage IIIB inflammatory carcinoma (n = 53)] or with stage IV responsive breast cancer (n = 10) received paclitaxel 150–775 mg/m2infused over 24 hours, doxorubicin 165 mg/m2as a continuous infusion over 96 hours, and cyclophosphamide 100 mg kg–1. There were no treatment-related deaths. Dose-limiting toxicity was reversible, predominantly sensory neuropathy following administration of paclitaxel at the 775 mg/m2dose level. Paclitaxel pharmacokinetics were non-linear at higher dose levels; higher paclitaxel dose level, AUC, and peak concentrations were associated with increased incidence of paraesthesias. No correlation between stomatitis, haematopoietic toxicities, and paclitaxel dose or pharmacokinetics was found. Kaplan–Meier estimates of 30-month event-free and overall survival for patients with primary breast carcinoma are 65% (95% CI; 51–83%) and 77% (95% CI; 64–93%). Paclitaxel up to 725 mg/m2infused over 24 hours in combination with with doxorubicin 165 mg/m2and cyclophosphamide 100 mg kg–1is tolerable. A randomized study testing this regimen against high-dose carboplatin, thiotepa and cyclophosphamide (STAMP V) is currently ongoing. © 2001 Cancer Research Campaign http://www.bjcancer.com
Profiles of a developmental asset: youth purpose as a context for hope and well-being.

While having a purpose in life has been theorized as a developmental asset, the extent to which adolescents cultivate a meaningful sense of direction is not well understood. In the present study, cluster analysis was used to classify adolescents by levels of purpose exploration and commitment. The sample (N = 318; 55% female) consisted of youth aged 14–18 and was predominantly White/non-Hispanic (76.3%). Results supported four meaningful yet distinguishable profiles of youth purpose that are largely consistent with theories on identity formation: Achieved, Foreclosed, Uncommitted, and Diffused. Hypothesized linkages with affect and hope were established across the profiles such that positive emotions and goal-directed thinking were most apparent among Achieved and Foreclosed youth and least apparent among Diffused and Uncommitted youth. Overall, findings demonstrate the inherent complexity in adolescents’ engagement with purpose and suggest a correspondence between stronger commitments to purpose and youths’ sense of personal agency and well-being.
Forming functional fat: a growing understanding of adipocyte differentiation

Adipose tissue, which is primarily composed of adipocytes, is crucial for maintaining energy and metabolic homeostasis. Adipogenesis is thought to occur in two stages: commitment of mesenchymal stem cells to a preadipocyte fate and terminal differentiation. Cell shape and extracellular matrix remodelling have recently been found to regulate preadipocyte commitment and competency by modulating WNT and RHO-family GTPase signalling cascades. Adipogenic stimuli induce terminal differentiation in committed preadipocytes through the epigenomic activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ). The coordination of PPARγ with CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein (C/EBP) transcription factors maintains adipocyte gene expression. Improving our understanding of these mechanisms may allow us to identify therapeutic targets against metabolic diseases that are rapidly becoming epidemic globally.
Total Laparoscopic Pancreaticoduodenectomy: A Single-Institutional Experience

Laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy represents one of the most advanced abdominal surgical procedures; however, a standard approach is still lacking. We present our initial experience with total laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy (TLPD) with a video of the technique that we have developed and the clinical as well as oncologic outcomes obtained with this technique. This was a retrospective review of all cases consecutively performed by two operators between January 2013 and December 2014 at The University of Colorado (Fig. 1). Thirty patients underwent TLPD; conversion to open procedure was required in two cases (6 %). Median age at diagnosis was 63.1 years [interquartile range (IQR) 53.8–70.8]. Operative characteristics and postoperative complications are summarized in Table 1. The operative time decreased from 366 minutes (IQR 320–421) in the first 15 cases to 312 min (IQR 282–372) in the second 15 cases (r = −2.7; p = 0.047). The estimated blood loss decreased from 300 mL (IQR 300–500) in the first 15 cases to 200 mL (IQR 150–375) in the second 15 cases (r = −6.3; p = 0.314). Laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy is a challenging operation, which is not performed in high volume at most centers. As a new laparoscopic pancreas program, our experience shows that oncologic outcomes are acceptable in terms of margin and lymph node harvest. There is undoubtedly a steep learning curve that complicates the initial application of TLPD; however, with the techniques displayed in this video many of the early complications can be overcome. Further study to evaluate for long-term safety is needed.
Health care reform and undergraduate medical education: implications for surgeons.

During the past year, I have received several interesting bits of advice regarding this speech. They ranged from keep it brief, to not too many slides, to don't include too much philosophy, to speak to the issues of most concern to the practicing, not the academic, surgeon. The advice that gave me the biggest jolt was given to me in Toronto at the end of last year's meeting by a past president. The conversation went something like this: Peter, what do you plan to discuss in your presidential address next year? I enthusiastically responded, Well, I thought I'd talk about some things I have learned during the past 35 years... I was about to add, about the evolution of treatment strategies in surgical oncology, but this past president, a friend of mine, I think, quickly added before I could finish my statement, Well, that shouldn't take very long!
Procédé de mesure par interferométrie optique avec compensation des variations d'indice de l'air

Die Funktionsweise eines Einspiegelinterferometers wird erklart. Es wird gezeigt, wie man auf einfache Art eine von der Umgebung abhangige Wellenlangenanderung kompensieren kann, so dass die interferometrische Langenmessung unverandert bleibt. Die praktischen Daten sowie die Resultate der Messungen werden angegeben. Es wurde eine absolute Genauigkeit von ∼±0,03 μ bei Langenmessungen bis 20 cm erreicht (relative Genauigkeit ∼±2·10−7).
A method for the determination of sex hormone binding globulin in human serum.

A simple and rapid method for serum sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) was developed. Sera from pregnant women were pooled and the SHBG concentration was measured by Rosner's method. This pool was diluted with charcoal-treated and heated serum to give standards ranging in concentrations from 26.8–0.8 μg/L. Two sets of tubes containing dihydrotestosterone (DHT), assay and control tubes, were prepared. Diluted standards and unknowns were added to assay and control tubes along with tritiated DHT. Following incubation, cold saturated ammonium sulfate was added to each tube, mixed, centrifuged and the supernatant counted. Mean SHBG concentration (μg/L ± SEM) in normal men was 3.6 ± 0.4, normal women 11.4 ± 2.2, pregnant women 58 ± 2.6, obese women 3.3 ± 1.0, hirsute women 2.9 ± 0.2, hypothyroid women 7.3 ± 1.0, and hyperthyroid women 26.0 ± 1.6. These results correlate well with previous reports. This method is fast, convenient, and up to 40 samples can be analyzed in one assay.
Soluble acid phosphatases from the posterior reproductive system of the female housefly, Musca domestica

Abstract When the kinetics of the acid phosphatase enzyme system from the posterior reproductive tract of the female housefly, Musca domestica , were studied, enzyme activity was zero order for 2 hr and was temperature-dependent. Orthophosphate release was linearily related to enzyme concentration, and pH optima between pH 3·3 to 3·7, 4·2 to 4·8, and 5·2 to 5·7 were observed. Magnesium and calcium ions were enzyme activators; arsenate, phosphate, fluoride, and hydroxymalonate ions were inhibitors. Sodium azide had little effect. The similarity of activity exhibited on the test substrates indicated that the soluble enzymes corresponded to the non-specific phosphomonoesterases. Disk electrophoresis showed that at least 6 proteins had acid phosphatase activity and were pH-dependent. Also, electrophoresis of extracts of the various structures of the reproductive tract showed that there was a tissue specificity in the distribution of the acid phosphatase isoenzymes.
A systematic study of the prevalence of drug use in freshman college students.

Abstract Prior studies of drug use among college student have utilized samples of students attending student health facilities, or a proportion of students responding to mailed or personal questionnaires. 1,2 Both types of samples represent limited and possibly biased sources of information. To overcome this possible bias, the present work reports student drug use in a randomly selected sample of a total student freshman population, with information obtained from 97% of the selected sample of 158 students. The study seeks to ascertain what proportion of students use drugs, how often, which drugs, what changes in student drug use occur during the freshman year, and in what ways users differ from nonusers.
Unified characterization of surfaces and gases in MEMS devices

Chemical and physical materials-aging processes can significantly degrade the long-term performance reliability of dormant microsystems. This degradation results from materials interactions with the evolving microenvironment by changing both bulk and interfacial properties (e.g., mechanical and fatigue strength, interfacial friction and stiction, electrical resistance). Eventually, device function is clearly threatened and as such, these aging processes are considered to have the potential for high (negative) consequences. Sandia National Laboratories is developing analytical characterization methodologies for identifying the chemical constituents of packaged microsystem environments, and test structures for proving these analytical techniques. To accomplish this, we are developing a MEMS test device containing structures expected to exhibit dormancy/analytical challenges, extending the range of detection for a series of analytical techniques, merging data from these separate techniques for greater information return, and developing methods for characterizing the internal atmosphere/gases. Surface analyses and data extraction have been demonstrated on surfaces of various geometries with different SAMS coatings, and gas analyses on devices with internal free volumes of 3 microliters have also been demonstrated.
Logical argument mapping: a cognitive-change-based method for building common ground

In this paper, I situate Logical Argument Mapping (LAM) within the broader context of IBIS-based Computer Supported Argument Visualization (CSAV) and Dialogue Mapping, and argument mapping as realized in Rationale. While the primary goal of these methods is to clarify issues and to augment cognitive processes, LAM's purpose is to motivate cognitive change by establishing a normative standard of argumentation.
Implicit data structures for logic and stochastic systems analysis

Both logic and stochastic analysis have strong theoretical underpinnings, but they have been traditionally relegated to separate areas of computer science, the former focusing on logic and discrete algorithms, the latter on exact or approximate numerical methods. In the last few years, though, there has been a convergence of research in these two areas, due to the realization that data structures used in one area can benefit the other and that, by merging the goals of the two areas, a more integrated approach to system analysis can be derived. In this paper, we describe some of the beneficial interactions between the two, and some of the research challenges ahead.
Optoelectronic studies of an electrically tunable infrared detector

Studies are reported of an MBE-grown, two-quantum-well structure which uses photon-assisted resonant tunneling between the two quasi-confined well states to provide a detection current. Bias applied across the device allows for tuning of the wavelength of the detected light by changing the difference in energy of the two states. Various charactrization measurements of this structure will be described, and their ramifications will be discussed.
Clinical Benefits of Electronic Health Record Use: National Findings

Objective To assess whether physicians’ reported electronic health record (EHR) use provides clinical benefits and whether benefits depend on using an EHR meeting Meaningful Use criteria or length of EHR experience.
Al-Azhar in the Bibliographic Imagination

AbstractThis article interrogates the discursive substance of the library in the modern production of knowledge. It proceeds in two parts: the first section explores the locations of the idea of the Library in the modern episteme, while the second analyzes its importation and application in Egypt, and its implications for reforms at al-Azhar. Beginning with an exploration of the place of books and libraries as symbols and indices of civilizational progress in the modern West, it then moves to their mobilization in national and imperial state projects. Shifting to Egypt, it shows how modern assumptions distort readings of a pre-modern text by an Azhari scholar, before analyzing the internalization of a Western bibliographic discourse in the late nineteenth-century and beyond, culminating in today’s ‘Azhar Online’ digitalization project, where technical, didactic and ideological aims are discursively positioned in a dialectic of ‘education for heritage, heritage for education.’
Fast food in development

Abstract Concepts that presume market activities in poor and rich countries to be different from each other, such as informal, are helpful in certain types of discussion. They nevertheless cloud reality in empirical work. More useful for this work may be the hypothesis that poor and rich are alike. To make the case the paper presents data from Haiti and the United States showing that demand for prepared meals derives from identical factors, that differences in firm size and other characteristics result from income differences between the countries, and that efficiency, productivity, and other key features are the same.
The Web: Testing Impact on Individual Productivity of Users

The web is continually changing how individuals function. With the increased popularity of web use for every aspect of life, the impact on individual productivity should be studied. This article develops and tests a model of web impact for the individual user. The proposed model indicates that disposition to trust and experience impact web trust; web trust and satisfaction affect web use; and web use affects the individual productivity impact of the web. After the collection of survey data, partial least squares data analysis is conducted. The findings indicate that disposition to trust affects one's web trust; one's satisfaction affects web use; and web use affects the productivity impact the web has on the individual. Future research directions are provided.
Taking control of web browsing

Adherence to accessibility guidelines for Web pages does not necessarily guarantee a usable or satisfying Web experience for all persons with disabilities. The needs of many of these individuals fall outside the guidelines for accessible content that most Web authors take into consideration. Many of these users wish, for example, that they simply could ‘enlarge’ what is on a Web page. They also express the wish that pages would be ‘less confusing’. To meet these needs, Web browsers and various software applications provide for a variety of ways in which page presentations can be altered. The effects of these alterations often have unexpected consequences. Some designs accommodate these alterations better than others. This article discusses one such application that allows users to control features of Web page presentation and explores design features that facilitate such control.
Major antigen-induced domain rearrangements in an antibody

Abstract Background: Recent structural results have shown that antibodies use an induced fit mechanism to recognize and bind their antigens. Here we present the crystallographically determined structure of an Fab directed against an HIV-1 peptide (Fab 50.1) in the unliganded state and compare it with the peptide-bound structure. We perform a detailed analysis of the components that contribute to enhanced antigen binding and recognition. Results: Induced fit of Fab 50.1 to its peptide antigen involves a substantial rearrangement of the third complementarity determining region loop of the heavy chain (H3), as well as a large rotation of the variable heavy (V H ) chain relative to the variable light (V L ) chain. Analysis of other Fab structures suggests that the extent of the surface area buried at the V L -V H interface correlates with the ability to alter antibody quaternary structure by reorientation of the V L -V H domains. Conclusion: Fab 50.1 exhibits the largest conformational changes yet observed in a single antibody. These can be attributed to the flexibility of the variable region. Comparisons of new data with previous examples lend to the general conclusion that a small V L -V H interface, due in part to a short H3 loop, permits substantial alterations to the antigen-binding pocket. This has major implications for the prediction, engineering and design of antibody-combining sites.
Interaction of hCG and Lutalyse on steroidogenesis of bovine luteal cells

Abstract This study was designed to examine the ability of in vivo administration of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG, 4000 IU) to alter the effects of Lutalyse (PGF2α, 10 mg) in the cow. hCG significantly increased plasma progesterone concentration in midcycle cows (P
Far-field imaging of non-fluorescent species with subdiffraction resolution

Super-resolution optical microscopy is opening a new window to unveil the unseen details on the nanoscopic scale. Current far-field super-resolution techniques rely on fluorescence as the read-out1-5. Here, we demonstrate a scheme for breaking the diffraction limit in far-field imaging of non-fluorescent species by using spatially controlled saturation of electronic absorption. Our method is based on a pump-probe process where a modulated pump field perturbs the charge-carrier density in a sample, thus modulating the transmission of a probe field. A doughnut shape laser beam is then added to transiently saturate the electronic transition in the periphery of the focal volume, thus the induced modulation in the sequential probe pulse only occurs at the focal center. By raster scanning the three collinearly aligned beams, high-speed sub-diffraction-limited imaging of graphite nano-platelets was performed. This technique potentially enables super-resolution imaging of nano-materials and non-fluorescent chromophores, which may remain out of reach for fluorescence-based methods.
Forward Doppler ophthalmic artery flow in patients with extracranial carotid artery occlusion--a case report.

The authors report 2 cases of common carotid artery (CCA) occlusion and 4 cases of extracranial internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusion with forward Dop pler ophthalmic artery flow. The compression...
Bombing My Mind

A paper from Itoh et al. has stuck with me since its publication date 8 years ago for many reasons, but primarily because it stretched my mind and pleased my eye. The major conclusion of the paper—that Mind bomb-mediated ubiquitination of Delta promotes its endocytosis, thereby activating Notch signaling in an adjacent cell—was an important advance in the fields of ubiquitin-mediated regulation, Delta-Notch activated signaling, and neuronal development. For these reasons the title and abstract caught my attention. However, this manuscript was a challenging read for a life-long yeast cell biologist. I had heard talks over the years from my developmental biology colleagues, but I wasn't used to looking carefully at zebrafish embryos. I had also never rigorously thought through the experiments that would be needed to test whether a signal was acting cell autonomously in vivo. The paper therefore took time, but it was well worth it: the data are spectacular, both in clarity and aesthetics, and the conclusions are significant. A paper with a protein named Mind bomb, magenta and green fluorescent micrographs, and a description of a new ubiquitin ligase has everything it takes to make my day. This PaperPick relates to "Mind Bomb Is a Ubiquitin Ligase that Is Essential for Efficient Activation of Notch Signaling by Delta" by M. Itoh, C.-H. Kim, G. Palardy, T. Oda, Y.-J. Jiang, D. Maust, S.-Y. Yeo, K. Lorick, G.J. Wright, L. Ariza-McNaughton, A.M. Weissman, J. Lewis, S.C. Chandrasekharappa, and A.B. Chitnis, published in January 2003. Video Abstract The first author of the original Developmental Cell paper, Dr. Motoyuki Itoh, introduces the mind bomb mutation, the work he did on it in Dr. Ajay Chitnis's laboratory, and some unanswered questions surrounding Notch ligand ubiquitination that persist to this day.
Influence of Yellow Foxtail on Corn Growth and Yield

Abstract Yellow foxtail [Setaria pumila syn. Setaria glauca (L.) Beauv.] competitive influence on corn (Zea mays L.) growth and yield was investigated at Brookings, South Dakota, and Morris, Minnesota, in 1995 and 1996. Yellow foxtail was seeded at different densities, and at Morris, two levels of nitrogen (N) were applied. Corn biomass measured at V‐6 or V‐8, silking, and harvest and grain yield were correlated negatively to foxtail biomass and density, but the loss differed between years and sites. Nitrogen increased corn growth and decreased yield loss. Defining a single foxtail density or biomass that resulted in a maximum yield loss of 10% was not possible. The most conservative estimate was 3 yellow foxtail plants m−2 or 24 g m−2 of yellow foxtail biomass, but ranged up to 55 plants m−2 and 256 g m−2 when weather conditions and N were optimal.
Helping students become better communicators (abstract only)

To be successful, CS and SE graduates need strong communication skills (writing, speaking, and teaming), particularly within their discipline. Students exercise these skills during their classes but are not always given explicit domain-specific instruction on these skills, instead relying on instruction provided outside the program. CS and SE faculty are not always comfortable in evaluating these aspects of their assignments and are often unhappy with the results. In this workshop we will lead sessions on teaching writing, speaking, and teaming; situating assignments in workplace-scenarios (to motivate students); and writing communication rubrics that convey faculty expectations to students and support evaluation of student work. For more information, see www.muohio.edu/sigcse_workshop11. A laptop is recommended but not mandatory for this workshop.
Multi-axis single-layer PDMS-on-silicon micro optical reflector

This paper reports on a new micro optical reflector made of an organic elastomer, Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), which achieves multi-axis motion with a single actuator layer. The whole device structure incorporates Au-coated three-dimensional PDMS micro reflector integrated with electrostatic MEMS actuators on a silicon chip by a new fabrication method named "Soft-Lithographic Lift-Off and Grafting (SLLOG)" process. The SLLOG process is a low-temperature (less than 150°C) microfabrication technique that allows soft lithographically molded PDMS micro-structures to be integrated together with silicon micromachined device patterns. The developed PDMS/silicon hybrid device reflects visible light with fast response and large rotational motion through taking advantage of the mechanical compliance of PDMS structures. The demonstrated PDMS-based reflector can achieve 4.6 micron vertical displacement using AC actuation voltage of 40 V at frequency of 1.0 kHz, and ±1.43° scanning angles using AC actuation voltage of 40 V at resonant frequency of 5.0 kHz, and ±0.85° scanning angles for static operation at 60V.
Interest Rate Movement in the United States, 1888–1913

As a nation becomes economically developed, the pace of development usually tends to vary between sectors and between regions of the nation. Industrialization usually involves more rapid growth and technological change in some industries than others. Often regional specialization accompanies industrialization, and, in fact, can become an important determinant in the industrialization process. With differential growth among industries, and increasing regional specialization, the performance of the factor markets in mobilizing and reallocating capital and labor among industries and regions becomes extremely important.
The Capacity Region of Two-Receiver Multiple-Input Broadcast Packet Erasure Channels With Channel Output Feedback

This paper studies the capacity of the two-receiver multiple-input broadcast packet erasure channels (PECs) with channel output feedback, which is in contrast with the single-input setting of the existing works. Motivated by the immense success of linear network coding (LNC) in theory and in practice, this paper first focuses on LNC schemes and characterizes the LNC feedback capacity region of two-receiver multiple-input broadcast PECs. A new linear-space-based approach is proposed, which unifies the problems of finding a capacity outer bound and devising the achievability scheme into a single linear programming problem. In particular, an LP solver is used to exhaustively search for the LNC scheme(s) with the best possible throughput, the result of which is thus guaranteed to attain the LNC feedback capacity. It is then proven by pure algebraic arguments that the LNC capacity region matches a simple capacity region outer bound, which proves that the derived LNC capacity region is indeed the true capacity. A byproduct of the above results is a complete LNC capacity region characterization for two-receiver partially Markovian and partially controllable broadcast PECs.
Imaging Sites of Infection Using a 99mTc-Labeled Folate Conjugate Targeted to Folate Receptor Positive Macrophages

EC20, a folate-targeted 99mTc based radioimaging agent with a high folate receptor (FR) binding affinity, has been used for both the diagnosis and the staging of FR positive malignancies (currently in phase III trials) and also for the localization of inflamed lesions characterized by the accumulation of FR+ macrophages. Because recent evidence has suggested that FR+ macrophages might accumulate at sites of infectious disease, this study evaluated whether EC20 might prove similarly useful for imaging bacterial infection foci. Using gamma scintigraphic imaging, it was demonstrated that EC20 accumulated at sites of Staphylococcus aureus infection with a significant difference (P < 0.0001, n = 12) in enrichment noted between infected and noninfected limbs. Confirmation that the elevated uptake of EC20 in infected limbs was FR-mediated was supported by suppression of EC20 accumulation in the presence of a 200-fold excess of free folic acid (P < 0.0001, n = 12). This study establishes for the first time the us...
Improved Semimicrodetermination of Sulfur in Organic Materials. Peroxide-Carbon Fusion Followed by a Titration Using Tetrahydroxyquinone Indicator

Abstract Sulfur combined in a variety of nonvolatile organic compounds was oxidized to inorganic sulfate by a sodium peroxide-carbon fusion, and the sulfate ion was estimated by titration with standard barium chloride solution, using tetrahydroxyquinone as an internal indicator. No special apparatus was required, and 0.5- to 5-mg. quantities of combined sulfur were determined with speed and accuracy. The method should be especially useful for the routine analysis of materials like oil or rubber, with modification, if necessary, to remove interfering ions, and is apparently general for all types of sulfur-containing substances, including sulfonic acid derivatives.
The Gene Encoding Human Nuclear Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase, PRL-1 CLONING, CHROMOSOMAL LOCALIZATION, AND IDENTIFICATION OF AN INTRON ENHANCER

Expression of the rat PRL-1 gene, which encodes a unique nuclear protein tyrosine phosphatase, is positively associated with cellular growth during liver development, regeneration, and oncogenesis but with differentiation in intestine and other tissues. Here, we analyzed the structure of the humanPRL-1 gene and localized it to chromosome 6 within band q12. Human, rat, and mouse PRL-1 are 100% conserved at the amino acid level and 55% identical to a newly identified Caenorhabditis elegans PRL-1. The presence of two promoter activities, P1 and P2, in the human PRL-1 gene were identified by primer extension and RNase protection assays. A functional TATA box was identified in promoter P1 upstream of the non-coding first exon. A non-canonical internal promoter, P2, was found in the first intron that results in PRL-1 transcripts beginning 8 base pairs downstream of the 5′-end of exon 2 and causes no alteration in the encoded protein. The first 200-base pair region of either promoter P1 or P2 conferred high basal transcriptional activity. An enhancer that bound a developmentally regulated factor, PRL-1 intron enhancer complex (PIEC), was localized to the first intron of the humanPRL-1 gene. The presence of PIEC correlated with the ability of the intron enhancer to confer transcriptional activation in HepG2 and F9 cells. The intron enhancer contributed significantly toPRL-1 promoter activity in HepG2 cells which contain PIEC but not to NIH 3T3 cells which do not.
Modeling of a simple motor task in man: intentional arrest of an ongoing movement.

Normal subjects and cerebellar patients were instructed to arrest “as soon as possible” a ballistically initiated flexion movement of the forearm. The intentional actions consist essentially of a downward torque, the peak value of which has almost a constant latency (about 200 msec) from the beginning of the movement. A variable number of oscillations precede the arrest of the movement, the characteristics of which depend on the initial velocity of the flexion and on the mass with which the forearm is loaded. The motor commands responsible for the intentionally produced downward torque are controlled centrally as to leave the ratio between the peak values of the angular velocity which precede and follow the peak of the torque almost constant, under all conditions. To describe the oscillations a simple analytical model was proposed which includes the mechanical as well as the reflex factors, the latter under the form of a delayed velocity term. The satisfactory fitting of this model to the experimental findings permitted to establish the following points: 1. The oscillations are sustained by both a mechanical and a reflex stiffness. The contribution of the reflex loop is however quantitatively dominant since it accounts for about 75% of the inertial torque. It is fairly constant over the range of frequency of the oscillations considered. 2. Under the imposed experimental conditions angular velocity appears to be the parameter of the movement which is predominantly sensed and fed back by the reflex loop.
Numerical Study of the 10 January 1998 Lake-Effect Bands Observed during Lake-ICE

Abstract This paper presents the results of a series of idealized cloud resolving simulations of the evolution of moist roll convection observed as part of the Lake-Induced Convection Experiment (Lake-ICE) that took place during the 1997/98 winter over central Lake Michigan. Satellite and radar observations of the roll convection depict striking linear rolls stretching from 10 km off the western shore of the lake, across to the eastern shore, and then continuing across Michigan. The spacing of the primary rolls was observed to be 6 km, giving a ratio of spacing to depth of about 5:1, which is consistent with theory. In addition, a longer wavelength (13 km) of stationary banding was observed parallel to the shoreline. In an earlier study of this case, multiply nested simulations of the convective rolls based on real data variable initialization were successful in producing banded structures with similar spacing and location over the water to those observed using fine grid resolution of about 500 m. Unfortu...
Mediation of wound-related Rous sarcoma virus tumorigenesis by TGF-beta

In Rous sarcoma virus (RSV)-infected chickens, wounding leads to tumor formation with nearly 100% frequency in tissues that would otherwise remain tumor-free. Identifying molecular mediators of this phenomenon should yield important clues to the mechanisms involved in RSV tumorigenesis. Immunohistochemical staining showed that TGF-beta is present locally shortly after wounding, but not unwounded controls. In addition, subcutaneous administration of recombinant transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) could substitute completely for wounding in tumor induction. A treatment protocol of four doses of 800 nanograms of TGF-beta resulted in v-src-expressing tumors with 100% frequency; four doses of only 10 nanograms still led to tumor formation in 80% of the animals. This effect was specific, as other growth factors with suggested roles in wound healing did not elicit the same response. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) or TGF-alpha had no effect, and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) or insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) yielded only occasional tumors after longer latency. TGF-beta release during the wound-healing response may thus be a critical event that creates a conducive environment for RSV tumorigenesis and may act as a cofactor for transformation in this system.
Gradient flow-injection amperometry based on induced retention by the detector coating

Abstract A novel approach for enhancing the selectivity of amperometric flow-injection systems is described. This strategy relies on the use of coated electrodes to induce longer residence times for the target analyte (within the detector) compared to the interfering species. Selective measurements of the analyte are thus performed on the tailing edge of its peak, after passage of the interfering species from the detector. Surface coatings with different permeability properties, including charge-exclusion Nafion or hydrophobic lipid and alkanethiol films are thus used to retain and selectively detect counterionic or nonpolar analytes, after the elution of co-ionic and polar interferences, respectively, from the detector.
Can microfocal prostate cancer be regarded as low-risk prostate cancer?

Purpose Prostate specific antigen (PSA) screening for prostate cancer has become widespread, the prostate biopsy technique has evolved, and the occurrence of low-risk prostate cancer has been increasing. Even low-risk patients may demonstrate disease upgrading or upstaging. We aimed to evaluate the clinical importance of a single microfocal prostate cancer at biopsy in patients subsequently treated with radical prostatectomy. Methods A total of 337 cases of patients who underwent radical prostatectomy after prostate biopsies were retrospectively reviewed. Microfocal prostate cancer was defined as Gleason score 6 and a single positive core with ≤5% cancer involvement after the standard 12-core extended biopsy. Results Of the 337 prostatectomy specimens, 22 (6.5%) were microfocal prostate cancer based on prostate biopsy. On final pathology, microfocal patients were found to have significant 45% Gleason score upgrading ( P =0.02) and 27% positive surgical margins ( P =0.04) despite low PSA, compared with the nonmicrofocal prostate cancer group. Gleason upgrading was significantly higher in the microfocal prostate cancer group ( P =0.02), whereas Gleason downgrading was significantly higher in the nonmicrofocal prostate cancer group ( P P =0.18). Overall, 13 of 22 cases (53.1%) in the microfocal prostate cancer group showed Gleason upgrading or stage upgrading. Conclusions Based on higher rates of Gleason score upgrading or stage upgrading cases in microfocal prostate cancer group, compared with nonmicrofocal prostate cancer group, active surveillance should be cautiously applied to these patients.
Active Very Low Frequency Experiments on the Magnetosphere from Siple Station, Antarctica

V.l.f. coherent waves transmitted from Siple Station, Antarctica, provide a novel means for the study and control of the magnetosphere and ionosphere. Through cyclotron resonance the waves exchange energy with radiation belt electrons, causing wave growth (ca. 10 $^3$ in power), wave-wave interaction and modification of the distribution of electrons. The measured growth rates give information on the flux of energetic electrons along the path of propagation. Precipitation induced by v.l.f. waves from lightning, ground transmitters and power grids, alters the ionosphere, affecting propagation (e.l.f., v.l.f., l.f., h.f.) and providing a controlled forcing function for the study of ionospheric processes. The active experiments are supported by the L = 4 network of whistler stations in the Antarctic; they provide data on the distribution and movement of the magnetospheric plasma. Both the active and the passive v.l.f. experiments will contribute important data to the I.M.S. (International Magnetospheric Survey) and to the associated space experiments of the I.S.E.E. (International Sun-Earth Explorers) and E.E. (Electrodynamic Explorer) programmes.