cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the common variants of the ABCA4 gene in families with Stargardt disease and autosomal recessive retinitis pigmentosa

Stargardt disease (STGD) is one of the most common autosomal recessive retinal dystrophies with an estimated incidence of one in 10,000. It affects the central retina (macula). Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) comprises a large and exceptionally heterogeneous group of hereditary disorders of the retina. It is caused by the loss of photoreceptors. The condition is a degenerative disorder characterized by retinal pigment deposits and has an estimated incidence of one in 4,000. Although, to date, 45 known loci have been identified, none of them independently account for a substantial portion of RP. Recently, the photoreceptor cell-specific ATP-binding cassette transporter (ABCA4) gene was found to be mutated in patients with STGD as well as autosomal recessive RP. In order to further understand the contribution of this gene to the susceptibility to STGD and RP, we analyzed three unrelated STGD families and one autosomal recessive RP family specifically for the more common variants (A1038V, G1961E, 2588G-->C, R943Q or 2828G-->A) in the ABCA4 gene. Our analyses employing standard techniques such as polymerase chain reaction, restriction fragment length polymorphism, and direct DNA sequencing of amplified products were able to identify one common variant (R943Q) in all three STGD families but not in the RP family. All three affected STGD individuals, however, were heterozygous for this variation, and this alteration did not segregate with the disease and was also present in the normal controls. Similar analysis of other common variants revealed no pathogenic mutations in the STGD and RP families. It is likely that the variant identified in this study represents a rare polymorphism (non-pathogenic). Although, at present we cannot eliminate the possibility of this gene as a candidate gene, future extensive studies on this as well as other candidate genes may uncover the susceptibility gene for these recessive forms of the disorders in these families.
Molecular cloning, sequencing, and phylogenetic relationships of a new potyvirus: sugarcane streak mosaic virus, and a reevaluation of the classification of the potyviridae.

The nucleic acid of a serologically distinct potyvirus, originally isolated out of sugar cane from Pakistan, was reverse transcribed and the 3' terminal 2000 bp was PCR amplified, cloned, and sequenced. Phylogenetic comparisons of viruses representing each genus of the Potyviridae show that the Pakistani isolate is most closely related to the rymoviruses wheat streak mosaic virus (WSMV) and brome streak mosaic virus. We therefore propose that this new virus species be named sugar cane streak mosaic virus to reflect its similarity to WSMV. The phylogenetic data also show that the genus Rymovirus contains at least two unique evolutionary lineages. Thus the current taxonomy, based on transmission vector, is paraphyletic. We present an analysis of the taxonomic relationships among members of the family and propose a classification that both resolves the paraphyly and more accurately represents the evolutionary history of the Potyviridae.
Roles of Living Arrangements and Grandmother Social Support in Adolescent Mothering and Infant Attachment.

We examined the roles of social support from adolescents' mothers and living arrangements in 197 adolescent mother-infant pairs. Major observational measures were teaching interactions, Home Observation for Measurement of the Environment (HOME) scores, and infant attachment security. Adolescents living with neither mothers nor partners had better teaching interactions but lower HOME scores compared with those living with mothers. High mother support was associated with more secure infant attachment only for those adolescents living with partners. When mother support was low, adolescents living alone had more secure infants than adolescents living with partners. Although parenting scores were related to differences in demographics and personal resources (intelligence and social skills), these did not appear to be responsible for the major findings
The initiation and elongation steps in protein synthesis: Relative rates in Chinese hamster ovary cells during and after hyperthermic and hypothermic shocks

The relative rates of the initiation and elongation phases of protein synthesis have been determined in heat- and cold-shocked CHO cells from measurements of the incorporation of 35S-methionine into N-terminal and internal positions of growing peptides by a modified Edman degradation. When the cells are shifted from 37 degrees C to temperatures between 10 degrees C and 34 degrees C, the rate of initiation is at first reduced more extensively than that of elongation. After 20 to 30 minutes at the lower temperature, however, the cells undergo a metabolic adjustment which includes increasing the rate of initiation until it corresponds to the rate of elongation at that temperature. Calculated apparent energies of activation for initiation and elongation are in reasonable agreement with those determined in other mammalian cells. When the cooled cells are returned to 37 degrees C, the rates of initiation and elongation recover immediately but do not exceed the control values. Exposure to elevated temperatures (43 degrees C) causes an immediate cessation of initiation and thus a delayed inhibition of elongation; upon return to 37 degrees C, the rate of initiation is transiently elevated above the control rate, and the rate of elongation returns to the control rate after a 2- to 3-minute delay. Hence, a factor which leads to supranormal rates of initiation may accumulate at high but not at low temperatures.
Social neuroscience: Autonomic, neuroendocrine, and immune responses to stress

The immune system is influenced by central nervous system processes that are shaped by social and psychological factors. Considerations of social factors, intrapersonal processes, and autonomic psychophysiology therefore may contribute to a fuller understanding of both immune and brain function. Research reviewed here (a) examines the socioemotional factors that contribute to, or moderate, responses to brief and chronic stressors, (b) determines whether or not stable individual differences in heart rate reactivity predict neuroendocrine and immune responses to a brief psychological stressor and to an influenza virus vaccine, and (c) investigates the autonomic origins of individual differences in low and high heart rate reactivity and their relationship to neuroendocrine and immune responses to chronic and acute stressors. Among our findings are: (a) acute psychological stressors activate the sympathetic adrenomedullary system across individuals and affect immune function; and (b) individuals characterized by high sympathetic cardiac reactivity to acute psychological stressors also show a relative activation of the hypothalamic pituitary adrenocortical system and altered immune function.
MODIS aerosol product analysis for data assimilation: Assessment of over‐ocean level 2 aerosol optical thickness retrievals

[1] Currently, the Moderate-resolution Imaging Spectroradiometers (MODIS) level II aerosol product (MOD04/MYD04) is the best aerosol optical depth product suitable for near-real-time aerosol data assimilation. However, a careful analysis of biases and error variances in MOD04/MYD04 aerosol optical depth product is necessary before implementing the MODIS aerosol product in aerosol forecasting applications. Using 1 year's worth of Sun photometer and MOD04/MYD04 aerosol optical depth (τ) data over global oceans, we studied the major biases in MODIS aerosol over-ocean product due to wind speed, cloud contamination, and aerosol microphysical properties. For τ less than 0.6, we found similar uncertainties in the mean MOD04/MYD04 τ as suggested by the MODIS aerosol group, while biases are nonlinear for τ larger than 0.6. We showed that uncertainties in MOD04/MYD04 data can be reduced, and the correlation between MODIS and Sun photometer τ can be improved by reducing the systematic biases in MOD04/MYD04 data through empirical corrections and quality assurance procedures. By removing noise and outliers and ensuring that only the highest-quality data were included, we created a modified aerosol optical depth product that removes most massive outliers and ultimately reduced the absolute error (MODIS–Sun photometer) in MODIS τ at 0.55 μm (τ0.55) by 10–20%. Averaged over 1 year's worth of Terra MODIS aerosol product over global oceans, we found a 12% reduction in MODIS τ0.55 with extremes of 30% over the southern midlatitudes and the North Pacific due to a reduction in cloud contamination. This modified aerosol optical depth product will be used operationally.
Risk taking by adolescents with maladaptive behavior histories

"High-risk" adolescents with maladaptive behavior histories and control adolescents (15-17 years of age) participated in a laboratory experiment that measured aspects of risk-taking behavior. High-risk adolescents had behavioral profiles entailing combinations of past substance use disorder, early onset substance use, conduct disorder, criminal history, and dropping out of school. A risk-taking task presented participants with "risky" and nonrisky response options. The risky response option offered a low probability of a large monetary reward or a high probability of a smaller monetary loss and resulted in a net loss of monetary earnings. The nonrisky option protected current earnings. High-risk adolescents chose the risky option more often, had lower overall earnings, and were more likely to persist in making (losing) risky responses following a single gain on the risky option. The data replicate previous findings with high-risk adults.
Energy Expenditure by Dry and Lactating Alpine Does Estimated by Entry Rate of Carbon Dioxide

Abstract Four dry and four lactating (wk 6 of lactation) Alpine does [50.5±2.2 and 45.9±2.2kg of initial body weight (BW), respectively] that consumed a 67% alfalfa diet for ad libitum intake were used 1) to compare estimates of CO 2 entry rate (via continuous infusion of NaH 13 CO 3 into the peritoneum) based on continuous saliva collection with simpler, more reliable, and less laborious sampling of urine, serum, or breath; 2) to determine effects of lactation state on CO 2 entry rate and total heat production, and 3) to compare three published equations used to predict total heat production (megajoules per kilogram of BW 0.75 ) from CO 2 entry rate (liters of CO 2 per kilogram of BW 0.75 ) based on saliva samples. The entry rate of CO 2 calculated from 13 CO 2 concentration in saliva was less variable than that determined from urine, serum, or breath samples (SE = 2.0, 4.7, 4.2, and 5.6 L/kg of BW 0.75 per d, respectively); therefore, saliva samples were used to estimate total heat production. The entry rate of CO 2 was 34% greater for lactating does than for dry does. Total heat production calculated from each equation was linearly related to metabolizable energy intake. Estimated heat production during feed deprivation was 0.196, 0.431, and 0.311 MJ/kg of BW 0.75 per d, and estimated metabolizable energy used for maintenance was 475, 755, and 818 kJ/kg of BW 0.75 per d for the three published equations. In conclusion, saliva appeared to be more suitable to estimate CO 2 entry rate than did urine, serum, or breath; CO 2 entry rate was appreciably greater for lactating does than for dry does; and published equations to predict total heat production from CO 2 entry rate warrant careful consideration.
Functional Interaction of Calcium-/Calmodulin-dependent Protein Kinase II and Cytosolic Phospholipase A2

Calcium-/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaM kinase II), a decoder of Ca(2+) signals, and cytosolic phospholipase A(2) (cPLA(2)), an enzyme involved in arachidonate release, are involved in many physiological and pathophysiological processes. Activation of CaM kinase II in norepinephrine-stimulated vascular smooth muscle cells leads to activation of cPLA(2) and arachidonic acid release. Surface plasmon resonance, mass spectrometry, and kinetic studies show that CaM kinase II binds to cPLA(2) resulting in cPLA(2) phosphorylation on Ser-515 and an increase in its enzymatic activity. Phosphopeptide mapping studies with cPLA(2) from norepinephrine-stimulated smooth muscle cells indicates that phosphorylation of cPLA(2) on Ser-515, but not on Ser-505 or Ser-727, occurs in vivo. This novel signaling pathway for arachidonate release is shown to be cPLA(2)-dependent by use of a recently described and highly selective inhibitor of this enzyme.
The theory of fuzzy decisions, cost distribution principle in social choice and optimal tax distribution

Abstract In this essay, we present a method where the cost of a social decision or project can be distributed among the members of society for payment. The method is fuzzy-decision-theoretic that allows social consensus and expert judgement to be incorporated in the design of optimal cost-payment distribution. The method is suggested to be applicable to the designing of optimal tax distribution. We conclude with a summary of the logical steps for the cost payment distribution construct.
Next-generation confirmatory disease diagnostics

Microfluidic tools are advancing capabilities in screening diagnostics for use in near-patient settings. Here, we review three case studies to illustrate the flexibility and analytical power offered by microanalytical tools. We first overview a near-patient tool for detection of protein markers found in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), as a means to identify the presence of cerebrospinal fluid in nasal mucous – an indication that CSF is leaking into the nasal cavity. Microfluidic design allowed integration of several up-stream preparatory steps and rapid, specific completion of the human CSF protein assay. Second, we overview a tear fluid based assay for lactoferrin, a protein produced in the lacrimal gland, then secreted into tear fluid. Tear Lf is a putative biomarker for primary SS. A critical contribution of this and related work being measurement of Lf, even in light of well-known and significant matrix interactions and losses during the tear fluid collection and preparation. Lastly, we review a microfluidic barcode platform that enables rapid measurement of multiple infectious disease biomarkers in human sera. The assay presents a new approach to multiplexed biomarker detection, yet in a simple straight microchannel – thus providing a streamlined, simplified microanalytical platform, as is relevant to robust operation in diagnostic settings. We view microfluidic design and analytical chemistry as the basis for emerging, sophisticated assays that will advance not just screening diagnostic technology, but confirmatory assays, sample preparation and handling, and thus introduction and utilization of new biomarkers and assay formats.
The effect of volatile anaesthetics on levels of metabolites and on metabolic rate in brain.

— Anaesthesia with ether, halothane, methoxyflurane (Penthrane) and Ohio 347 (Ethrane) increased the energy stores in mouse brain as much as 1·7-fold above the control values. The greatest increases were observed in glucose and glycogen. Glucose-6-P was increased in some cases and UDP glucose was consistently lower in the anaesthetized animals. Hypothermia in conjunction with anaesthesia modified some of the observed changes. Hypothermia alone was associated with an increase in P-creatine and glucose and a decrease in UDPglucose in the brain. The cerebral metabolic rate was depressed by all the anaesthetic agents to about 50 per cent of the control value. When the body temperature was lowered to 25°, the cerebral metabolic rate fell to 73 per cent of the control rate. A temperature coefficient of 1·035 was calculated as the fractional change/degree between 25° and 34°.
Complete theoretical analysis for higher order asymptotic terms and the HRR zone at a crack tip for Mode I and Mode II loading of a hardening material

A complete development for the first two terms of the crack tip fields for both Mode I and Mode II loading of a hardening material in either plane stress or plane strain is performed, including the elastic deformation in the analysis. It is shown that the determination of the order of the second term depends on bothn and whether plane stress or plane strain is considered. In addition, regions of HRR dominance at a crack tip for the field variables are estimated. Comparison of the analytic predictions with finite element results indicates that the analytic results for the zone of HRR dominance are in agreement with numerical predictions.
Doppler Velocities Measured in Coronal Emission Lines from a Bright Point Observed with the EUNIS Sounding Rocket

Spectroscopic measurements of a coronal bright point obtained with the Extreme Ultraviolet Normal Incidence Spectrograph (EUNIS) sounding rocket instrument on 2006 April 12 show both upflows and downflows in all five of the best observed emission lines. Relative velocities on opposite sides of the feature were found to be ±15 km s-1 in the line of He II 303.8 A (formed at T ≈ 5 × 104 K), ±14 km s-1 in Mg IX 368.1 A (T ≈ 9.5 × 105 K), ±26 km s-1 in Fe XIV 334.2 A (T ≈ 2.0 × 106 K), and ±35 km s-1 in both Fe XVI 335.4 and 360.8 A (T ≈ 2.5 × 106 K). The latter are the hottest lines for which Doppler velocities have been reported in a bright point. Photospheric longitudinal magnetograms reveal that the photospheric magnetic fields underlying the bright point were canceling during the EUNIS observation. Based on existing bright point models, this suggests that the observed hot flows were associated with magnetic reconnection.
Colonoscopy as a Screening Test for Colorectal Cancer in Average-Risk Individuals

Screening for colorectal cancer has become the standard of care and is currently recommended by most major health organizations, including the American Cancer Society. Randomized controlled trials using fecal occult blood testing as the screening strategy have shown a reduction in mortality due to colorectal cancer. However, colorectal cancer differs from other cancers in that a variety of screening tests have been approved and recommended by experts. The advantages and disadvantages of different screening tests have been the subject of intense debate. Colonoscopy has theoretical advantages over other screening tests, including direct visualization of the entire colon and, more importantly, removal of precancerous adenomatous lesions. This review discusses the advantages and disadvantages of colonoscopy as a screening test for colorectal cancer with regard to efficacy, cost-effectiveness, and patient compliance.
Female choice and male reproductive success in the angel blenny, Coralliozetus angelica (Teleostei: Chaenopsidae)

Abstract Correlates of reproductive success of male Coralliozetus angelica were studied in field populations in the central Gulf of California by collecting males with their shelters (vacant barnacle tests) and counting the number of eggs defended. Male body size was positively correlated with the number of eggs defended. This apparently resulted from female preference for large males since females preferred to mate with the larger of two males in laboratory choice experiments. Condition of males, as assessed by their relative head width, was also positively correlated with the number of eggs defended. Fit of males in their shelter entrance, male colour intensity, and male size relative to immediately surrounding males were not correlated with reproductive success. The quality of shelters was an important determinant of male reproductive success since females apparently avoided mating with males in heavily fouled shelters. Large shelters tended to be more heavily fouled than small shelters and male size and shelter size were positively correlated. The resulting negative correlation of male size and shelter quality apparently constrained female preference for large males and may be an important factor limiting the degree of polygyny in this species.
Reaction Rate Modeling in the Deflagration to Detonation Transition of Granular Energetic Materials

The problem of accidental initiation of detonation in granular material has been the initial focus of the Los Alamos explosives safety program. Preexisting models of deflagration-to-detonation transition (DDT) in granular explosives, especially the Baer and Nunziato (BN) model, have been examined. The main focus of this paper is the reaction rate model. Comparison with experiments are made using the BN rate model. Many features are replicated by the simulations. However, some qualitative features, such as inert plug formation in DDT tube-test experiments and other trends, are not produced in the simulations. By modifying the reaction rate model the authors show inert plug formation that more closely replicates the qualitative features of experimental observations. Additional improvements to the rate modeling are suggested.
Immunogenicity of melanoma-associated gangliosides in cancer patients

The immunogenicity of gangliosides found on human melanoma cells was determined from sera of 26 melanoma patients who were immunized every 1–4 weeks for 4 months with tumor-cell vaccine (TCV) prepared from cultured melanoma cells. Total lipidbound sialic acid in the gangliosides isolated from TCV was 0.38 μmol/108 cells, and was distributed as follows: 44.8% to GM3, 44.2% to GD3, 5.6% to GM2, and 4.6% to GD2. Sera were tested at monthly intervals for antibodies to each ganglioside by ELISA with purified gangliosides as the antigen source. The immunologic specificity of the antibody was confirmed by absorption tests. None of the 26 patients had detectable anti-GM3, anti-GD3, or anti-GD2 antibodies before immunization, although anti-GM2 antibody was detected in 3 patients. After immunization, 2 patients developed IgM anti-GD2, 10 developed IgM anti-GM2, and 2 developed IgG anti-GM2 antibodies. No patient developed detectable anti-GM3 or anti-GD3 antibodies. These results indicate that both GD2 and GM2 expressed on human melanoma cells are immunogenic in humans, although GM2 appears to be more immunogenic. The other two gangliosides, GM3 and GD3, are present in human sera and in human normal tissues, and thus immunologic tolerance may have been established against these gangliosides. Alternatively, circulating GM3 and GD3 may have neutralized anti-GM3 and anti-GD3 antibodies, if any were induced by TCV immunization.
The automatic grasping responses of infants

Abstract Three kinds of automatic grasping response in the infant are described: (1) the traction response, a flexor synergy of the upper limb elicited by stretch of the shoulder adductors occurs in the neonate; (2) the grasp reflex consisting of flexion-adduction of the fingers and elicited by a contact stimulus to the palm emerges between 1–3 months, while the (3) instinctive grasp reaction, a complex exploratory and prehensile response also elicited by contact stimulus to the hand develops between 4–10 months. These reactions are physiological substrata for increasingly complex forms of “voluntary” prehension which develop as the infant matures.
A Crop-Specific Drought Index for Corn: I. Model Development and Validation

Most popular indices in use today that address agricultural drought [e.g., the Palmer Drought Severity Index (PDSI) and the Crop Moisture Index (CMI)] do not consider specific crop responses to the drought event. Thus, values produced by indices such as the PDSI and CMI cannot be directly linked to drought impacts on crop production and yield since each crop responds differently to moisture and heat stress. This paper presents a new drought index that unlike other drought indices, is specific to a single crop (corn―Zea mays L.) and takes into consideration water use during specific periods of growth. The Crop-Specific Drought Index (CSDI) model was developed with 8 yr of data from Nebraska's East Central Crop Reporting District (CRD), and validated with 10 yr of data from Nebraska's East Central CRD, 9 yr of data from Missouri's Northeast CRD, 8 yr of data from Wisconsin's South Central CRD, and 9 yr of data from Indiana's Central CRD [...]
An interaction between dietary tryptophan and stress in exacerbating gastric disease

Abstract Rats fed a tryptophan deficient diet composed of corn developed significantly more gastric erosive disease when subjected to prolonged immobilization than similarly stressed rats fed a tryptophan enriched diet. No gastric disease developed in control groups which were not immobilized. No significant correlations were found between treatment groups and levels of indoleamines in brain and gut. However, serum tryptophan was significantly lowered only in the group of stressed rats fed a tryptophan deficient diet. This report raises the possibility that people eating preponderantly a corn-based diet, deficient in tryptophan, may be at increased risk of having stress ulcer disease of the gut.
Characteristics of Students Participating in Collegiate Recovery Programs: A National Survey

Relapse rates are high among individuals with substance use disorders (SUD), and for young people pursuing a college education, the high rates of substance use on campus can jeopardize recovery. Collegiate Recovery Programs (CRPs) are an innovative campus-based model of recovery support that is gaining popularity but remains under-investigated. This study reports on the first nationwide survey of CRP-enrolled students (N = 486 from 29 different CRPs). Using an online survey, we collected information on background, SUD and recovery history, and current functioning. Most students (43% females, mean age =26) had used multiple substances, had high levels of SUD severity, high rates of treatment and 12-step participation. Fully 40% smoke. Many reported criminal justice involvement and periods of homelessness. Notably, many reported being in recovery from, and currently engaging in multiple behavioral addictions-e.g., eating disorders, and sex and love addiction. Findings highlight the high rates of co-occurring addictions in this under-examined population and underline the need for treatment, recovery support programs and college health services to provide integrated support for mental health and behavioral addictions to SUD--affected young people.
Superconducting coil development and motor demonstration: overview

Superconducting bismuth-cuprate wires, coils, and magnets are being produced by industry as part of a program to test the viability of using such magnets in Naval systems. Tests of prototype magnets, coils, and wires reveal progress in commercially produced products. The larger magnets will be installed in an existing superconducting homopolar motor and operated initially at 4.2K to test the performance. It is anticipated that approximately 400 Hp will be achieved by the motor. This article reports on the initial tests of the magnets, coils, and wires as well as the development program to improve their performance.
Image-based view rendering in endoscopy

Video endoscopy, a modality of minimally invasive surgery, has proven to be significantly less invasive to the patient. However, by relying on a video interface to observe the surgical scene, several nonintuitive effects need to be contended with. One of these is the reduction or removal of the discrepancy in view position and orientation between the surgeon and the endoscope. Eliminating artifacts in the visual feedback is important for the improvement of the effectiveness of the surgical procedures. This article presents a novel rendering technique to produce the scene from a “surgeon-centric” viewpoint to create greater transparency for optimizing the visual precision of the endoscopic procedures. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Imaging Syst Technol 14, 181–185, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ima.20022
Effect of polyamines on the electrokinetic properties of red blood cells

Abstract At the physiological pH 7.4, the zeta potential of the normal red blood cell in 1.5% glycine buffer was found to be −52 mv, whereas that of sickling erythrocytes is −45 mv. Addition of spermidine to normal red blood cells reduced the zeta potential by approximately 20 mv. In sickling red blood cells, where the polyamine content is determined to be 5 to 6 times greater than in the normal erythrocyte, addition of spermidine reduced the zeta potential by only 5 mv, indicating that little more polyamine binding occurs. The polyamine content of whole blood taken from 24 patients having sickle cell anemia was found to be more than ten times that of whole blood from normal donors. Binding of polyamines to the normal red blood cell was analyzed from the surface charge potential variation as a function of polyamine concentration and the apparent binding constant determined to be 130 d1/g. The difference in the electrokinetic properties of normal and sickling red blood cells in this system may be attributed, in part, to a variation in the polyamine content of the two types of erythrocytes.
NEUTRON ISOTOPIC DENSITY DIFFERENCES DEDUCED FROM 0.8-GEV POLARIZED PROTON ELASTIC SCATTERING

The microscopic spin-independent proton-nucleus optical potential defined by Kerman, McManus, and Thaler is used to analyze recent 0.8 GeV polarized proton elastic scattering data from $^{40,48}\mathrm{Ca}$, $^{58,64}\mathrm{Ni}$, $^{116,124}\mathrm{Sn}$, and $^{208}\mathrm{Pb}$. Second-order effects due to target nucleon correlations are included in both the central and spin-orbit parts of the proton-nucleus optical potential. Electromagnetic corrections to the proton density which arise from the electric and magnetic form factors of the neutron, and from the magnetic form factor of the proton, are also calculated. A discussion is presented regarding uncertainties in the nucleon-nucleon amplitudes used in construction of the potential, and also discrete ambiguities which arise from fitting the limited set of nucleon-nucleon data available near 1 GeV are examined. Approximately model-independent forms are assumed for the target neutron density distributions, thereby allowing the statistical and model-dependence errors to be estimated. Neutron density and rms radii are deduced and compared to Hartree-Fock predictions, with good agreement found for most of the seven nuclei studied. Because of the uncertainty in the proton-nucleon amplitudes, neutron density and radius differences are considered more reliable than individual absolute values. Owing to the inclusion of certain second-o\ifmmode \acute{r}\else \'{r}\fi{}der terms discussed here, an accurate determination of these differences is obtained.
An extensively associated dimer in the structure of the C713S mutant of the TIR domain of human TLR2

The Toll/interleukin-1 receptor (TIR) domains are conserved modules in the intracellular regions of the Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and interleukin-1 receptors (IL-1Rs). The domains are crucial for the signal transduction by these receptors, through homotypic interactions among the receptor and the downstream adapter TIR domains. Previous studies showed that the BB loop in the structure of the TIR domain forms a prominent conserved feature on the surface and is important for receptor signaling. Here we report the crystal structure of the C713S mutant of the TIR domain of human TLR2. An extensively associated dimer is observed in the crystal structure and mutations of several residues in this dimer interface abolished the function of the receptor. Moreover, the structure shows that the BB loop can adopt different conformations, which are required for the formation of this dimer. This asymmetric dimer might represent the TLR2:TLRx heterodimer in the function of this receptor.
Multicultural training practices in community psychology programs

Surveyed the directors of 56 community psychology graduate programs to assess multicultural training practices and attitudes. Although most program directors agreed that multicultural training is important in their mission to educate students, less than half the programs (48%) required their students to take any relevant course work and only half of the programs surveyed had any faculty who were members of an ethnic minority group and one third had only one such faculty member. Furthermore, less than half the programs had a combination of training opportunities in place to integrate classroom, research, and field experiences relevant to multicultural issues. Finally, only 23% of program directors believed their training programs were successful for most students, suggesting the need to improve training.
Measurements of the potential dependence of electric field magnitudes at an electrode using fluorescent probes in a self-assembled monolayer

Abstract This report details the measurement of the dependence of the electric field magnitude in the electrical double layer on applied potential for a metal/organic thin film/electrolyte system. The self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) used in these experiments were formed from n-alkyl thiols on roughened Ag and roughened or smooth Au electrodes. The electric field magnitudes were calculated from the Stark shifts of a cationic fluorescent probe, an (aminostyryl)pyridinium derivative, that was immobilized in the SAM. Attention is focused on two gold-supported SAMs, one in which the probe was embedded within the SAM, and another in which the probe was external to the SAM. The composition of the monolayers and the orientation of the probe and n-alkyl thiol molecules within them were characterized using ex situ reflection-absorption Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (RA-FTIR). For the case in which the probe was embedded within a dodecane thiol SAM, the change in electric field magnitude was determined to be 3×105 V cm−1 per volt change in the applied potential, while for the case of the probe outside of a propyl thiol SAM a value of 4×104 V cm−1 per volt change in the applied potential was obtained. These values are considerably smaller than expectations based on existing models for the potential distributions within such structures, and possible reasons for this behavior are discussed. The fluorescence intensity from the probe was observed to depend on potential, an effect that is also discussed. Measurements of the Stark shift versus applied potential at different ionic strengths provide a value of the potential of zero charge for these SAMs of −0.4 V versus SCE, in good agreement with previously measured values. The conditions under which fluorescent probes can be used effectively at metal electrodes are also discussed.
Recovery of auditory function following intense sound exposure in the neonatal chick

We report the changes in auditory function that occurred at selected intervals following exposure to an intense pure-tone stimulus. One day old chicks were exposed to a 0.9 kHz tone for 48 h at 120 dB. At 0, 1, 3, 6, 9, 12 and 15 days after exposure, cochlear nucleus sound-evoked potentials were used to assess threshold sensitivity and frequency selectivity. Immediately after removal from the pure tone a threshold shift of 60 dB relative to age-matched controls was measured. The sharpness of tuning curves, as measured by Q10 dB, decreased by over 50%. By post-exposure day 15, near complete recovery of function was seen, with the greatest recovery occurring within the first three days. We relate these results to recent reports of structural recovery on the basilar papilla of the chick.
Factors affecting the response of the female rat reproductive system to cannabinoids

Chronic oral administration of either crude marihuana extract (CME) or Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) to female Fischer rats for 64–72 days, at a dose approximating heavy usage by humans, reduces food intake by about 8%. Pair-feeding studies demonstrate that this decreased food intake accounts for previously described decreases in uterine and ovarian weights, which are much more affected by food restriction than is body weight. THC-treated rats lost weight initially which was not regained. Pair-fed rats gained only about one-half of the weight of the untreated control or vehicle-treated control rats over a 64-day period. Although long-term cannabinoid administration leads to tolerance and the resumption of the estrous cycle, the onset of estrus is often delayed when cannabinoid is administered 5–6 hr before the proestrus luteinizing hormone (LH) surge. Our results indicate that although chronic exposure to cannabinoids can continue to affect the rat estrous cycle, they do not have a direct effect of growth of the reproductive organs. The results reemphasize the need for adequate nutritional controls in marihuana and other toxicological research.
Galilean Satellites and Jovian Energetic Particles

The observed infrared temperatures of the four Galilean satellites, Io, Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto, are inconsistent with their equilibrium temperatures. Since these satellites appear to have little or no atmosphere, the discrepancies may be explained as due to the heating of their surfaces by energetic particles from Jupiter's radiation belts. The required energy fluxes are not entirely unreasonable and decrease with the distance of the satellite orbit from Jupiter.
Braking Movement Time and Accelerator-Brake Separation

Movement times were obtained for nine adult drivers for three accelerator-brake pedal separations. The typical separation (6.35 cm laterally and 5.08 cm vertically) produced significantly longer movement times than did either a 10.16-cm or 15.24-cm lateral separation with no vertical separation.
Classroom-based professional development training program

In this paper the research team proposes that classroom-based teacher training is more effective when embedded in the instructional context of the classroom. Instructional context can be defined as the relation between academic instruction and motivation to learn. Hence, we were interested in understanding how the classroom-based professional development training provided to teachers who integrated Crystal Island, a game-based learning environment, influenced teaching, learning and motivation.
A fully integratable, 1.55 /spl mu/m wavelength, continuously tunable asymmetric twin-waveguide distributed Bragg reflector laser

We demonstrate a fully integratable distributed Bragg reflector laser at 1.548 /spl mu/m. The device has a threshold of 50 mA and output power of 13 mW, with a tuning range of 4.8 nm and a linewidth of 146 kHz.
Genome comparison of virulent and avirulent strains of the Pichinde arenavirus.

A virulent (P18) strain of the Pichinde arenavirus produces a disease in guinea pigs that somewhat mimics human Lassa fever, whereas an avirulent (P2) strain of this virus is attenuated in infected animals. It has been speculated that the composition of viral genomes may confer the degree of virulence in an infected host; the complete sequence of the viral genomes, however, is not known. Here, we provide for the first time genomic sequences of the S and L segments for both the P2 and P18 strains. Sequence comparisons identify three mutations in the GP1 subunit of the viral glycoprotein, one in the nucleoprotein NP, and five in the viral RNA polymerase L protein. These mutations, alone or in combination, may contribute to the acquired virulence of Pichinde virus infection in animals. The three amino acid changes in the variable region of the GP1 glycoprotein subunit may affect viral entry by altering its receptor-binding activity. While NP has previously been shown to modulate host immune responses to viral infection, we found that the R374 K change in this protein does not affect the NP function of suppressing interferon-β expression. Four out of the five amino acid changes in the L protein occur in a small region of the protein that may contribute to viral virulence by enhancing its function in viral genomic RNA synthesis.
An experimental test of the ideal despotic distribution

Summary 1. Ideal despotic distribution theory predicts that the quality of habitat controlled by territorial animals should vary depending on their competitive ability and the availability of resources. 2. In environments where resources have a patchy distribution, males that monopolize high quality territories may require less territory area than males in low quality areas. This has been a difficult premise to test in the wild owing to logistical constraints regarding manipulation of relevant resources and accurate measures of territory distributions. 3. We present results from an experimental test of ideal despotic distribution theory in a wild population of side-blotched lizards, Uta stansburiana (Baird and Girard). 4. We manipulated thermal resources on territories by shuttling rocks between dyads of neighbouring male territories. Manipulations created high quality territories by significantly increasing the variance in temperatures available for thermoregulation. 5. Experimentally improved quality territories (rock addition) became smaller after treatment, while reduced quality territories (rock removal) became larger. 6. Males on improved and reduced quality territories had equal numbers of females, resulting in higher densities of females on the smaller high quality territories. 7. Densities of the snake Masticophis flagellum, the dominant predator of Uta stansburiana, were higher on reduced quality territories. 8. Progeny released to experimental plots had significantly higher growth-rates and survival on experimentally improved sites relative to their neighbours on low quality territories. 9. Our results demonstrate both the ecological factors that drive the ideal despotic distribution, and the fitness consequences of high and low quality territories to lizards.
Evolution of the pore-pressure field around a moving conical penetrometer of finite size

A solution is developed for the evolution of buildup, steady, and postarrest dissipative pore-fluid pressure fields that develop around a finite-radius conical penetrometer advanced in a saturated linearly elastic porous medium. The analog with cone penetrometer testing is direct and is used to enable continuous distributions of permeability and diffusivity to be determined with depth. This analysis reveals the direct dependence of penetration rate on the induced fluid pressure field magnitudes, and predicts that a penetration rate threshold limit exists with respect to pore-pressure generation. This represents the essence of a partially drained system. The developed pore-pressure field is determined to be a function of the dissipation rate of the material, the penetration rate, and the storage effects of the advecting medium. Analysis of the pore-pressure field under start-up conditions reveals that the time required to reach steady state is strongly influenced by the penetration rate and the pressure-dissipation properties of the material. Analysis of the developed stable pressure fields illustrates the inversely proportional relationship that exists between penetration rate and pore-pressure magnitudes at the cone surface; representing the influence of storage in the medium on stable pore-pressure magnitudes. Stable pressure fields below the penetration threshold limit, UD10 1 , form a spherical response around the cone tip transitioning to an elongated radial response for penetration rates above this limit. Postarrest analysis indicates that the prearrest penetration rate strongly influences the dissipation rate and pattern of dissipation. The developed analysis can be correlated with CPTu-recovered data to independently evaluate permeability magnitudes during steady penetration.
IXP2400 network processor package development

This paper describes the application and performance of network processors (NPU) and the development of packaging for the new IXP2400 NPUs. Flip chip interconnect packaging, applied first time to Intel NPUs, is described. The package used for very high I/O and ball count with a 1.0 mm pitch fully populated BGA is a first in its class. The details of the package substrate design are described and the package substrate characteristics along with validation are discussed. High ambient temperature for certain applications was specially challenging for cooling solutions. The techniques applied to circumvent packaging problems are described in the paper which include alignment of the package with the market demand and reconciling the silicon reliability for such solutions. The issues related to solder joint reliability for a 1.0 mm pitch BGA and its interactions with board level enabling are discussed with methods considered to improve it. Finally, the future direction of NPU products and the demands on packaging are listed.
MEMS deformable mirrors for astronomical adaptive optics

We report on the development of high actuator count, micro-electromechanical (MEMS) deformable mirrors designed for high order wavefront correction in ground and space-based astronomical adaptive optics instruments. The design of these polysilicon, surface-micromachined MEMS deformable mirrors builds on technology that has been used extensively to correct for ocular aberrations in retinal imaging systems and for compensation of atmospheric turbulence in free-space laser communication. These light-weight, low power deformable mirrors have an active aperture of up to 25.2mm consisting of a thin silicon membrane mirror supported by an array of 140 to 4092 electrostatic actuators which exhibit no hysteresis and have sub-nanometer repeatability making them well suited for open-loop control applications such as Multi-Object Adaptive Optics (MOAO). The continuous membrane deformable mirrors, coated with a highly reflective metal film, are capable of up to 6μm of stroke, have a surface finish of <10nm RMS with a fill factor of 99.8%. Presented in this paper are device characteristics and performance test results, as well as reliability test data and device lifetime predictions that show that trillions of actuator cycles can be achieved without failures.
Development of Assays for Assessing Induced Systemic Resistance by Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria against Blue Mold of Tobacco

Abstract A microtiter plate and a detached leaf assay were developed to test elicitation of induced systemic resistance (ISR) by plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) against tobacco blue mold disease caused by Peronospora tabacina, and results from the bioassays were confirmed in pot trials in the greenhouse. Five PGPR strains, Serratia marcescens 90-166, Bacillus pumilus SE34, Pseudomonas fluorescens 89B-61, B. pumilus T4, and B. pasteurii C-9, which had been previously demonstrated to elicit ISR against several diseases on different crops, were evaluated for potential elicitation of ISR against blue mold. In the microtiter plate system, three PGPR strains significantly reduced number of leaves with lesions when P. tabacina was applied onto leaf surfaces. Sporulation of P. tabacina was reduced by two of these three PGPR strains when the pathogen was applied as foliar sprays. No PGPR were detected within upper leaves, indicating that the pathogen and inducing agents were spatially separated. Four PGPR strains elicited significant disease reduction in an assay conducted with detached tobacco leaves placed in petri dishes, and in the same assay, sporulation of P. tabacina was reduced by all five tested PGPR strains. Results from greenhouse assays confirmed that treatment with PGPR resulted in significant reduction in blue mold disease severity. Elicitation of ISR varied among PGPR strains on different tobacco cultivars; five strains elicited significant protection on tobacco cv. Ky14, four strains on cv. Xanthi-nc, and three on cv. TN 90. Significant reduction in sporulation of P. tabacina was achieved with all five strains in the pot trials. These results indicate that the microtiter plate and detached leaf assays can be used for further studies on mechanisms of ISR elicited by rhizobacteria.