cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Identification of Swine Salmonella serotypes Using Pulsed-field Gel Electrophoresis of Conserved Xba1 Fragments

Swine Salmonella isolates (n=674) from various locations throughout the United States and Canada were analyzed via pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) with Xba1. PFGE subtypes were analyzed by cluster analysis and compared to conventional serotyping results. The analysis showed a correlation of serotype to PFGE subtype. In addition, conserved fragments were identified within the restriction patterns that were unique to each serotype. PFGE using Xba1 restriction provides a screening method for identifying swine Salmonella serotypes.
Can sequence determine function

The functional annotation of proteins identified in genome sequencing projects is based on similarities to homologs in the databases. As a result of the possible strategies for divergent evolution, homologous enzymes frequently do not catalyze the same reaction, and we conclude that assignment of function from sequence information alone should be viewed with some skepticism.
Electric Power Market Experiments with Optimal Topology Control

The purpose of this experimental study is to provide engineering students an energy trading experience in electricity market and to test a new topology control capability in a market with human participants. Students in electrical engineering department participated in repeated experiments using a developed in-house market-simulation software package. Proposed optimal topology control algorithm guarantees to find a better topology that meets at least the same N-1 contingency criterion and yields a better objective function value than the original topology does. A semi-definite programming solver is developed to find a lower bound for an optimal power flow problem. We observed a significant change in pricing when optimal topology control was employed. From direct exposure through participation and submitted reports, students were able to pick up on and intuitively understand how optimal transmission topology control method might yield the most favorable market results.
Individual fitness versus whole-crop photosynthesis:solar tracking tradeoffs in alfalfa

Despite the optimism of some molecular biologists, natural selection among the wild ancestors of crops is unlikely to have missed simple genetic improvements that would consistently have enhanced individual fitness. Tradeoff-free opportunities for further improvement of crop traits like photosynthetic efficiency or drought tolerance may therefore be elusive. Opportunities linked to acceptable tradeoffs may be abundant, however. Tradeoffs between individual competitiveness and the collective productivity of plant communities (e.g. those linked to height) have been key to past increases in yield potential. Solar tracking by leaves could involve such tradeoffs, if photosynthetic benefits to tracking leaves are outweighed by increased shading of leaves lower in the canopy. This hypothesis was tested using rotation in the horizontal plane to disrupt solar tracking in alfalfa. In sparse canopies, solar tracking increased net canopy photosynthesis, but rarely by more than 3%. As leaf area increased, solar tracking tended to decrease net canopy photosynthesis, despite edge effects in our 1-m2 artificial communities, which probably exaggerated net photosynthetic benefits of tracking. Computer modeling suggested that the season-long effects of solar tracking on community productivity can be negative. Solar tracking may have persisted, nonetheless, because individuals whose leaves track the sun increase shading of competitors.
Oxidations catalyzed by zeolite Ti-UTD-1

Summary Titanosilicates have been synthesized which have the large pore structure of UTD-1. These molecular sieves were prepared using the metal complex Cp* 2 Co + (bis(pentamethylcyclopentadienyl)cobalt(III) ion) as the template. Ti-UTD-1 has been found to be an effective catalyst for the oxidation of alkanes, alkenes and phenols using hydrogen peroxide as well as the larger oxidant t-butylhydroperoxide. The channel structure defined by 14 membered rings in Ti-UTD-1 also allows the conversion of larger substrates such as 2,6-di-t-butylphenol.
Analysis of error in calculating the false-negative rate in the interpretation of cervicovaginal smears: the need to review abnormal cases.

BACKGROUND Determining the false-negative rate (FNR) of cervicovaginal smear interpretation is a necessary step for any quality assessment and improvement program. All tests estimate the FNR, but the accuracy of these estimates varies from test to test. Two methods for determining the FNR have been proposed, specifically “seeding” of the initial screening population with smears from patients with a known diagnosis and rescreening a random sample of negative smears. However, the accuracy of neither method is known. METHODS A review of the literature, an analysis of the sources of error, and an estimate of their magnitude was performed for each method. RESULTS Seeding has a large sampling error, and more important, the FNR that this test measures does not reflect the FNR of the laboratory as a whole. Random rescreening underestimates the FNR of primary screening by the FNR of rescreening. Currently, the FNR of rescreening is not known, not measured, and may be high. Nevertheless, the FNR of rescreening and the false-positive rate (FPR) of initial screening both can be measured by rescreening abnormal cases. Knowledge of both the FNR and the FPR of initial screening allows the efficiency of cervicovaginal smear interpretation to be measured, which may be a better measure of overall accuracy than the FNR alone. CONCLUSIONS Random, blinded rescreening of normal and abnormal smears can more accurately measure the FNR of screening than rescreening of normal smears alone. [See editorial on pages 261-3, this issue.] Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 1997; 81:264-71. © 1997 American Cancer Society.
Heat conduction in low-dimensional structures

Summary form only given, as follows: Understanding phonon heat conduction mechanisms in low-dimensional structures is of great interest for thermoelectric and microelectronic applications. In this paper, we discuss modeling and experimental results for heat conduction in 2-D and 1-D systems. For 2-D systems, models based on solving the phonon Boltzmann transport equation are developed for heat conduction in both the in-plane and the cross-plane directions of GaAs/AlAs and Si/Si/sub x/Ge/sub 1-x/ superlattices. Different interface scattering mechanisms are considered, including elastic vs. inelastic, and diffuse vs. specular. A comparison of the modeling and experimental results shows that the effective thermal conductivity of superlattices is controlled by interface scattering of phonons. Inelastic phonon scattering occurs at the interfaces. Modeling results based on partially diffuse and partially specular interfaces are in reasonable agreement with experimental data.
Harvey sarcoma virus genome contains no extensive sequences unrelated to those of other retroviruses except ras.

Abstract The Harvey murine sarcoma virus genome contains two rat-derived sets of genetic information recombined with the Moloney mouse leukemia virus. The rat sequences represent a ras oncogene and a rat VL30 element. The VL30 sequences have several discrete regions of similarity with retroviral sequences which were detected by searching a protein database for similarities with predicted polypeptide sequences from the VL30 regions. On the 5' side, the most similar sequences were those of feline sarcoma viruses; on the 3' side, murine leukemia viruses were the most similar. Some of the regions of similarity could also be detected directly by searching a nucleic acid sequence database with the viral DNA sequences. The most extensive region of similarity was that which corresponded to the endonuclease in the pol gene of a murine leukemia virus. The majority of the rat-derived sequences present in the Harvey sarcoma virus genome can now be attributed exclusively to ras or retrovirus- or retrotransposon-related sequences.
ESCRITORAS DE AVENTAL: NOTAS SOBRE O TESTEMUNHO DE UMA DOMÉSTICA

In observing the general tastes and preferences of Brazilian academic criticism, one notices a near indifference to testimonial literature, or simply testimony—an indifference which has caused a few concerned critics to defend the literary attributes of the genre, defending it as literature, by associating it with the already established form of autobiography. In this essay, we are interested in studying the specifics of testimony using as an example A luta que me fez crescer [The Struggle that Made Me Stronger] (1999), written by Cornelia Parisius and based on interviews of the militant maid Lenira Carvalho. At such a time when the institutionalization of literature in Brazil is being re-evaluated, testimony presents some important theoretical challenges. For feminist critics, the genre represents an inextinguishable source of information about subaltern women’s routes of access to practices of narration (of personal life) and publication; in Jean Franco’s terms, their struggle for “interpretive power.” It is hoped, then, that this paper may contribute to the study of Brazilian testimonial literature.
STATIC LOCAL-FIELD CORRECTIONS OF TWO-DIMENSIONAL ELECTRON LIQUIDS

The parametrized form of local-field corrections is introduced to construct the dielectric function and the nonlocal spin susceptibility that describe the dielectric properties of a paramagnetic degenerate electron liquid in two dimensions beyond the random-phase approximation (RPA). The parameters that take into account the spin-parallel and spin-antiparallel electron-electron interactions at short distances are determined in such a way that the response functions correctly give the Monte Carlo values for the compressibility and the spin susceptibility, respectively, in the long-wavelength limit. The local-field correction thus obtained is compared with that in the Hubbard approximation; the static dielectric function and the spin susceptibility are also compared with those in the RPA. It is found that the sign of the static dielectric function depends on both the dimensionless coupling constant and the wave number, which is a feature markedly different from the RPA results.
Library Funding and Economics: A Framework for Research

Les bibliotheques sont des organismes de services et font souvent partie de secteurs sans but lucratif et gouvernementaux. En consequence, il est difficile de definir precisement leurs produits, de mesurer leur productivite ou de determiner des echelles et des objectifs. Cet article propose un cadre de recherche dans le domaine du financement des bibliotheques et de l'economie qui aidera les bibliotheques a devenir plus efficace et, en meme temps, aidera a une meilleure comprehension des organisations de service en general. Dans de nombreux cas l'efficacite d'une bibliotheque est mesuree en fonction de sa participation a une organisation plus large-une ecole ou une universite, une communaute locale, une corporation ou une association. Pour que les ressources affectees a la bibliotheque puissent etre utilisees de maniere efficace, il est necessaire d'analyser les liens entre les mesures des produits des bibliotheques (par ex. le pret) et l'efficacite de l'organisme pere. Il faut aussi mieux comprendre les processus budgetaires et, particulierement, les liens entre l'evaluation des operations et les niveaux des budgets futurs d'une part, et entre les niveaux des financements courants et la quantite et la qualite des produits, d'autre part. (INTD)
Management of malignancy of the eyelids.

Malignancies of the eyelids can be treated in a number of ways, including surgery, radiation therapy, chemosurgery, curettage and electrocautery, cryosurgery, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy. Each method has advantages and disadvantages. Deciding which to use in any given case must depend upon the type and severity of the malignancy, the availability of treatment, and the patient's preference.
Localized states in doped amorphous silicon

Abstract Doping in amorphous silicon is reviewed, with particular focus on the localized states introduced by doping, and the physical origin of the effects. Many experiments find that doped a-Si:H contains a large density dangling bonds and that the doping efficiency is low and concentration dependent. Recent experiments have given much new information about shallow states near the band tails. Neutral donors are observed directly by their hyperfine structure in ESR. A doping model is described which accounts for most of the data. However, many aspects of the doping process remain to be resolved.
Halogenation of d8 transition metal complexes—I chlorination of platinum(II) complexes

Abstract The combined results of kinetic studies of a number of platinum(II)-chlorine systems, together with spectrophotometric and potentiometric evidence of the presence of intermediates, lead to the conclusion that two consecutive reactions occur in the chlorination of platinum(II) complexes in aqueous solution. Evidence is presented for a rapid oxidation reaction, probably assisted by solvent participation, that leads to the formation of a chloroaquoplatinum(IV) intermediate and chloride ion. Attack by the chloride ion upon the platinum(IV) intermediate from the oxidation reaction then yields thetrans-dichloroplatinum(IV) products of oxidative-addition. The rate of formation of the chloroaquoplatinum(IV) intermediate in the oxidation of the tetrachloroplatinate(II) ion by chlorine provides the first direct evidence for the mechanism of the oxidation of platinum(II) complexes by halogens. The oxidation reaction is catalyzed by tetrachloroplatinate(II) ion and it appears to be solvent-assisted as well. A two-term rate law is observed with an uncatalyzed rate constant of 10 sec−1 and a rate constant for the platinum(II)-catalyzed path of (3·8±0·2)×10+5 d d t [ P t I V C l 5 O H 2 − ] = ( k 1 + k 2 [ P t I I C l 4 2 − ] c a t ) [ ( P t I I C l 4 · C l 2 ) 2 − ] M−1 sec−1 at 25·0°C and μ = 0·50 in sodium perchlorate media. The activation parameters (ΔH*= 3·0±0·2kcal/mole, ΔS* = −13·2±0·1cal/mol/deg) for the catalyzed path are consistent with a net increase in bonding in the transition state and somewhat larger solvation requirements for an aggregate of higher charge. A mechanism is proposed to account for this behavior. The rate law for anation is d d t [ P t I V L 4 C l 2 n + ] = k 4 [ H + ] [ C l − ] [ P t I I L 4 n + ] [ P t I V L 4 C l O H n + ] for L =NH3 or L2 =ethylenediamine. The pH dependence is consistent with the anation of a strong acid intermediate. A bridged-redox mechanism, similar to that postulated for other platinum(II)-catalyzed substitution reactions for platinum(IV) complexes is proposed to explain these observations.
Electron-electron interactions and spontaneous spin polarization in quantum Hall edge states.

We study the effects of electron-electron interactions on the ground state of integral quantum Hall edge states in the Hartree-Fock approximation. We find that, in the absence of Zeeman splitting, the outermost edge state undergoes a spontaneous transition between spin-unpolarized and spin-polarized ground states at a sample-dependent critical value of the bulk filling ${\ensuremath{\nu}}_{\mathrm{bulk}}^{\mathit{c}}$\ensuremath{\sim}4. The abrupt appearance, in the spin-polarized state, of a sizable (about a magnetic length) separation between edge states of opposite spin should make the transition accessible to a range of magnetotransport experiments.
Geodetic network optimization for geophysical parameters

The first order design problem in geodesy is generalized here, to seek the network configuration that optimizes the precision of geophysical parameters. An optimal network design that satisfies intuitively appropriate criteria corresponds to minimizing the sum of logarithmic variances of eigenparameters. This is equivalent to maximizing the determinant of the design matrix, allowing for closed-form analysis. An equivalent expression is also given specifically for square root information filtering, to facilitate numerical solution. Appropriate seeding of numerical solutions can be provided by exact analytical solutions to idealized models. For example, for an ideal transform fault, simultaneous resolution of both the locking depth Dand location of the fault is optimized by placing stations at ±D/√3 (∼9 km) from the a priori fault plane. In a two-fault system, the resolution of slip partitioning is optimized by including a station midway between faults; however resolution is fundamentally limited for fault separation <2D(∼30 km).
Thoracic CT scanning for mediastinal Hodgkin's disease: Results and therapeutic implications☆

Abstract Thoracic CT scans were performed on 42 newly diagnosed patients with Hodgkin's disease. Five of 10 patients with negative chest X ray (CXR) had abnormal thoracic CT scans. Among the remaining 32 patients with mediastinal Hodgkin's disease (MHD on CXR, pericardial (Ep) and chest wall invasion (Ec) were the two most common sites of involvement which were detectable by CT scan alone. All 14 cases with Ep had M/T ≥ 0.30 and 14 of 21 with M/T ≥ 0.30 had Ep. Six cases had extensive Ec. Ep and Ec accounted for 16 of 19 of the changes in treatment portal or philosophy based on CT scan findings. Because of the high risk of cardiac or pulmonary radiation toxicity in Ep or Ec, radiation treatment alone may be inadequate. Treatment of mediastinal Hodgkin's disease is reviewed here. The use of CT scans for identification of Ep, Ec, and other abnormalities will allow for more precise treatment, further define the use of conventional radiotherapy, combined modality therapy or whole lung irradiation, and allow more accurate analysis of treatment results.
Role of inherent matrix toughness on fracture of glass bead filled epoxies

Abstract Some polymers can be toughened by rigid inorganic fillers. In this study, the effect of inherent matrix toughness on the fracture of filled thermosets is systematically investigated using glass beads and epoxies. The toughening effect of glass beads, i.e. the relative increase of toughness due to the incorporation of glass beads, follows an increase in the molecular weight of epoxides. Inherent matrix toughness is found to increase with the increase of the epoxide molecular weight. Microscopy studies reveal that the sizes of debonding and micro-shear banding zones are increased as the fracture toughness of composites increases. Matrix shear yielding is identified as one of the major energy absorbing mechanisms for unmodified and modified epoxies.
The talin wags the dog: new insights into integrin activation

Integrin transmembrane receptors have a unique property that distinguishes them from other signaling receptors. Their affinity for ligands can be modulated from the inside out in response to intracellular signals generated by non-integrin receptors. Recent findings provide novel mechanistic insights into this process by demonstrating that talin, a protein that links integrins to actin, is necessary for the inside-out activation of integrins.
Henriksen and Isbell on f-rings

Abstract This paper gives an account of the contributions of Melvin Henriksen and John Isbell to the abstract theory of f -rings and formally real f -rings, with particular attention to the manner in which their work was framed by universal algebra. I describe the origins of the Pierce–Birkhoff Conjecture and present some other unsolved problems suggested by their work.
Using peer reviews to examine micropolitics and disciplinary development of engineering education: a case study

This article presents a case study of the peer review process for a feminist article submitted to an engineering education journal. It demonstrates how an examination of peer review can be a useful approach to further understanding the development of feminist thought in education fields. Rather than opposition to feminist thought per se, my experience reveals that opposing beliefs about what a feminist contribution to engineering education entails pose a challenge to those aiming to engage with feminist thought.
Creation of three-dimensional patient models for hyperthermia treatment planning

The finite-difference-time-domain (FDTD) method has been used to simulate hyperthermia treatment using the Sigma-60 applicator of the BSD-2000 Hyperthermia System. In order to use this simulation capability in treatment planning, a detailed anatomical representation of the patient must be created. The authors describe a system developed to create such models from the CT scans of the patients and to display the results of the simulation. About a day and a half is required to create a patient model. CT scans and the resulting three-dimensional models are presented. >
An Instructional Exercise in Cost-Raising Strategies, and Perfect Complements Production

The author presents an account of the 1993 contract negotiations between the United Auto Workers (UAW) and Ford Motor Company to assist students in developing facility with perfect complements production and cost functions and cost-raising strategies. The author seeks an answer to why the UAW targeted Ford for contract negotiations to establish a benchmark for subsequent negotiations with Chrysler and General Motors. Contrary to assertions of the popular business press that "Ford drew the short straw" in being the first of the "Big Three" automakers to negotiate with the UAW, the author believes it is not implausible that this arrangement served the economic interests of both Ford and the UAW. The UAW targeted Ford because it was more likely to go along with a liberal wage and benefits package given its investment in robotics. In turn, Ford was able to raise, albeit indirectly, its rivals' costs.
Fluvoxamine treatment of alcoholic amnestic disorder.

The serotonin uptake inhibitor fluvoxamine was assessed in treatment of alcohol-induced Korsakoff's syndrome (KS) using fixed (4 weeks, 200 mg/day) or individualized (6 weeks, plasma concentration ⩾400 ng/ml) dosing in randomized placebocontrolled double-blind crossover studies. Cognitive functions and concentrations of the major cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) metabolites of serotonin (5-HIAA), norepinephrine (MHPG), and dopamine (HVA) were determined in abstinent, nondepressed KS patients (aged 45–75), at baseline and placebo (3–4 weeks), and after 3–4 (n = 10) or 6 (n = 4) weeks of fluvoxamine administration. Fluvoxamine decreased CSF 5-HIAA compared to placebo (P < 0.003) without consistent changes in HVA or MHPG. Reductions in 5-HIAA correlated with improvements on the Wechsler Memory Scale Memory Quotient (P < 0.05), independent of effects on attention/vigilance or Beck Depression Inventory scores. Reductions in 5-HIAA correlated with plasma fluvoxamine (P < 0.03) only for fluvoxamine concentrations below 450 ng/ml. These findings suggest improvement of memory consolidation and/or retrieval in patients with Korsakoff's syndrome by fluvoxamine via serotonergic mechanisms.
Calculation of upper and lower bounds for eigenvalues by a boundary condition method: The quartic oscillator, hydrogen molecule ion, and helium atom

A method for computing upper and lower bounds for bound-state eigenvalues is described. It depends upon inserting trial eigenvalues and observing the nature of the misbehavior of the solutions which are obtained. This misbehavior will change as a sequence of trial eigenvalues crosses the true eigenvalue. Thus in some examples ψ may go to ψ as x ∞ for E too small, and ψ — ∞ for x ∞ for E too large. The advantages of the method are that it gives upper and lower bounds of comparable accuracy, the wave equation need not be separable, and the method can be applied to excited states as well as ground states. So far, we have used series type solutions, so that no integrations or secular equations were required. Three examples are summarized in this paper: the quartic oscillator, the hydrogen molecule ion, and the helium atom.
An investigation of sibling recognition in a solitary sciurid, Townsend's chipmunk, Tamias townsendii

We tested juvenile Townsend's chipmunks (Tamias townsendii) to determine whether 1) they could distinguish kin from non-kin and 2) to assess if this ability was based on familiarity or on genetic relatedness. Seventy-three pups between the ages of 55-62 days were observed in 68 pairwise tests. The frequencies (number/trial) and durations (length in seconds) of 8 behaviors as well as the mean distance between pups were recorded in 10 min. trials. Analyses indicated that frequencies of behaviors varied depending on relatedness (related/unrelated) and familiarity (familiar/unfamiliar) but durations of behaviors did not. Pups discriminated between familiar and unfamiliar animals in the frequency of contacts, and the occurrence of attacks and chases. Pups discriminated between animals on the basis of relatedness in the occurrence of chasing. Both relatedness and familiarity played a role in the frequency of sniffing and grooming and in the mean distance between pups, as shown by the significant interaction between familiarity and relatedness in 2-way ANOVAs. The sex composition of pairs (male-male, male-female or female-female) influenced the mean distance between pups. We can only speculate on the functions of kin recognition in Townsend's chipmunk. It may enable animals to selectively direct nepotistic behavior toward kin or facilitate optimal outbreeding.
Microradiographic Study of Odontologic Tissues in Cooley's Anemia

SYNOPSIS IN INTERLINGUA STUDIO MICRORADIOGRAPHIC DE Tissu ODONTOLOGIC IN ANEMIA DE COOLEY.—Le presente studio esseva effectuate pro determinar le effectos de anemia de Cooley super le configuration del mineralisation e le morphologia del dentes e de lor structuras de supporto. Sectiones mollite esseva obtenite ab specimens includitein bioplastico. Examines microradiographic revelava que le dentina esseva mal mineralisate e que inusual inclusiones esseva presente in le lumines del tubulos. Esseva constatate proliferation de cemento de radice. In le osso, numerose irregularmente resorbite cavitates esseva presente si ben como areas interstitial con multe lacunas e tenue cortice attenuate e discontinue.
Cardiovascular Manifestations of Rheumatologic Diseases

The prevalence and importance of cardiovascular disease in rheumatologic disorders have increased in the setting of therapeutic advances, resulting in longer life expectancy, a growing understanding of the importance of inflammation and the immune system in the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis, and enhanced disease detection with the use of sophisticated noninvasive cardiac and vascular diagnostic technology. This article will briefly review cardiovascular manifestations of rheumatologic diseases with an emphasis on recent clinical research. Rheumatologic diseases will be discussed individually for ease of reference, although pathophysiology and basis for cardiovascular abnormalities may be common among some of them. When applicable, cardiovascular disease will be categorized as vascular (accelerated atherosclerosis, arterial stiffness, small-vessel disease, aortic disease), myocardial (abnormalities of structure and function), valvular, pericardial, and conduction diseases. Endothelial dysfunction, although reported in some rheumatologic diseases, will not be systematically discussed in view of space limitations and the nonspecific and incompletely characterized nature of this abnormality. Discussion of suggested mechanisms underlying cardiovascular manifestations of rheumatologic diseases is beyond the scope of this review. Rheumatologic diseases with vasculitis as the primary manifestation, such as giant cell arteritis and Takayasu’s arteritis, will not be discussed. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common chronic autoimmune disease associated with systemic inflammation, a female predominance, and a prevalence of ≈1% that increases with age.1 The diagnosis is a clinical one, based on the characteristic joint manifestations (Table 1).2 The presence of rheumatoid factor is included in the diagnostic criteria, although antibodies to cyclic citrullinated peptides are more specific for RA.3 Although the precise antigenic stimulus driving the autoimmunity in RA has not been identified, a recent study demonstrated an increased risk of developing RA in smokers in whom citrullinated antigens are expressed on bronchoalveolar immune cells.4 RA is associated with specific human leukocyte …
Soil organic carbon pools and composition in a wetland complex invaded by reed canary grass

Reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea) invasion is prevalent in wetlands and riparian fringes, and due to differences in vegetative growth and residue quality relative to native species, P. arundinacea invasion could result in measurable effect on soil organic carbon (SOC) pools and composition. To examine these questions, plant biomass and soil samples were collected from areas invaded by P. arundinacea and areas colonized either by a native sedge Scirpus cyperinus or a mixed assemblage of 22 native species in a south-central Indiana (USA) wetland. Plant biomass composition (C, N, cellulose, lignin, and phenolics), total and water-extractable SOC pools were determined. S. cyperinus biomass contained (g kg−1 biomass) significantly (P < 0.05) more lignin (142.5 vs 72), phenolics (29.2 vs 11.2), and cellulose (260.5 vs 164.8) than P. arundinacea biomass. These constituents were also more abundant in mixed native plant material than in P. arundinacea biomass. Decomposition of plant biomass was related to residue composition with P. arundinacea shoot biomass decomposing 1.6 times faster than S. cyperinus material. SOC pools (Mg C ha−1, 0–30 cm) were larger under P. arundinacea (28.3) than under either S. cyperinus (23.9) or the mixed native species (21.8). Thus, the greater recalcitrance of native plant biomass did not translate into larger SOC pools. Furthermore, water-extractable organic C, N, and carbohydrates were significantly higher in the surface layer of soils supporting P. arundinacea than in native species. These results therefore indicate a clear effect of P. arundinacea invasion on the cycling and composition of soil organic matter at the study site.
Unique complements and decompositions of database schemata

In earlier work, Bancilhon and Spyratos introduced the concept of a complement to a database schema, and showed how this notion could be used in theories of decomposition and update semantics. However, they also showed that, except in trivial cases, even minimal complements are never unique, so that many desirable results, such as canonical decompositions, cannot be realized. Their work dealt with database schemata which are sets and database mappings which are functions, without further structure. In this work, we show that by adding a modest amount of additional structure, many important uniqueness results may be obtained. Specifically, we work with database schemata whose legal states form partially ordered sets (posets) with least elements, and with database mappings which are isotonic and which preserve this least element. This is a natural algebraic structure which is inherent in many important examples, including relational schemata constrained by data dependencies, with views constructed by composition of projection, restriction, and selection. Other examples include deductive database schemata in which views are defined by rules, and general first-order logic databases. Within this context of posets, we show that direct (i.e., independent) complements must be unique, and that in fact the directly complementable views have the structure, in a very natural sense, of a Boolean algebra. Decompositions of the schema then become identifiable with finite subalgebras of this Boolean algebra. To demonstrate the utility of our approach, we examine in some detail its applicability to the relational model. Particularly, we establish that under the condition that the schema is constrained by universal Horn sentences, there is a unique ultimate decomposition into a finite set of type restrictions. The latter are a special class of views which includes classical projections which occur in direct decompositions. In particular, classical join-based decomposition is completely recovered within a framework which explicitly axiomatizes independence via null values.
Solute Carrier Family 26 Member a2 (Slc26a2) Protein Functions as an Electroneutral SO42−/OH−/Cl− Exchanger Regulated by Extracellular Cl−

Slc26a2 is a ubiquitously expressed SO42− transporter with high expression levels in cartilage and several epithelia. Mutations in SLC26A2 are associated with diastrophic dysplasia. The mechanism by which Slc26a2 transports SO42− and the ion gradients that mediate SO42− uptake are poorly understood. We report here that Slc26a2 functions as an SO42−/2OH−, SO42−/2Cl−, and SO42−/OH−/Cl− exchanger, depending on the Cl− and OH− gradients. At inward Cl− and outward pH gradients (high Cl−o and low pHo) Slc26a2 functions primarily as an SO42−o/2OH−i exchanger. At low Cl−o and high pHo Slc26a2 functions increasingly as an SO42−o/2Cl−i exchanger. The reverse is observed for SO42−i/2OH−o and SO42−i/2Cl−o exchange. Slc26a2 also exchanges Cl− for I−, Br−, and NO3− and Cl−o competes with SO42− on the transport site. Interestingly, Slc26a2 is regulated by an extracellular anion site, required to activate SO42−i/2OH−o exchange. Slc26a2 can transport oxalate in exchange for OH− and/or Cl− with properties similar to SO42− transport. Modeling of the Slc26a2 transmembrane domain (TMD) structure identified a conserved extracellular sequence 367GFXXP371 between TMD7 and TMD8 close to the conserved Glu417 in the permeation pathway. Mutation of Glu417 eliminated transport by Slc26a2, whereas mutation of Phe368 increased the affinity for SO42−o 8-fold while reducing the affinity for Cl−o 2 fold, but without affecting regulation by Cl−o. These findings clarify the mechanism of net SO42− transport and describe a novel regulation of Slc26a2 by an extracellular anion binding site and should help in further understanding aberrant SLC26A2 function in diastrophic dysplasia.
Increase salespeople's prestige with a new title

Abstract The public tends to view sales occupations as relatively low in prestige. The authors present the findings of their study that alternative job titles enhance the prestige awarded sales occupations and suggest how sales titles should be changed.
Maternal and peer influences on drinking among Latino college students

Previous research on college drinking has paid little attention to Latino students. Social development models (Catalano, Hawkins, & Miller, 1992) suggest that protective influences in one domain (e.g., mothers) can offset negative influences from other domains (e.g., peers) though this possibility has not been explored with respect to Latino college student drinking. The present study had two aims: 1) to determine whether four specific maternal influences (monitoring, positive communication, permissiveness, and modeling) and peer descriptive norms were associated with college drinking and consequences among Latino students, and 2) to determine whether maternal influences moderated the effect of peer norms on college drinking and consequences. A sample of 362 first-year students (69.9% female) completed an online assessment regarding their mothers' monitoring, positive communication, permissiveness, and modeling, peer descriptive norms, and drinking and related consequences. Main effects and two-way interactions (mother×peer) were assessed using separate hierarchical regression models for three separate outcomes: peak drinking, weekly drinking, and alcohol-related consequences. Maternal permissiveness and peer descriptive norms were positively associated with drinking and consequences. Maternal communication was negatively associated with consequences. Findings indicate that previously identified maternal and peer influences are also relevant for Latino students and highlight future directions that would address the dearth of research in this area.
Targeting miR-21 in glioma: a small RNA with big potential.

Importance of the field: Glioma therapies have produced relatively small improvements over the past decade, highlighting an important need to identify novel ways to target this disease. Targeted therapies against single activated protein kinases have proven effective in some cancers including gastrointestinal stromal cancer and colon cancer, but not yet in gliomas where multiple pathways and targets may be involved. MicroRNAs are emerging as key regulators of multiple pathways involved in cancer development and progression and may become the next targeted therapies in glioma. Areas covered in this review: This review covers the basics of microRNA biology and specifically focuses on the roles of miR-21 in glioma and its potential as target for glioma therapy. What the reader will gain: This review will provide the reader with an in depth understanding of how miR-21 functions in glioma. We also review the current state of studies designed to specifically target miR-21 as a potential future therapeutic. Take...
Politicizing biology: Social movements, parties, and the case of homosexuality

Abstract We offer an expanded version of attribution theory that incorporates macro- and micro-elements. We then use this theory on a test case and propose an explanation of how individual beliefs about the origins of homosexuality have changed over time and become polarized along partisan lines. We argue that attributions on the origins of homosexuality have been shaped over time by the emergence of a macro-level debate about gay civil rights policy, the related macro-level partisan polarization on gay rights policies, and the strategic framing efforts of in-groups within the parties. We employ aggregate and individual level survey data, descriptive analysis, and content analysis and find support for a theory of attribution that accounts for macro-level factors when explaining individual-level attitudes. We conclude that policy debates can fundamentally shift as attributions become partisan or otherwise politicized.
The effect of welfare sanctions on TANF exits and employment

Abstract Using longitudinal administrative data for Wisconsin, this article accounts for the length of time on welfare and the length of sanctioning to better understand the effect of work-related financial sanctions on cash welfare (TANF) participants' program exits and subsequent employment. Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) remains an important, if less generous, part of the safety net for families with children. Our findings highlight the importance of considering the time on welfare, duration of sanctions, and post-welfare employment and earnings outcomes. The results indicate that being sanctioned increases the likelihood of transition off TANF cash assistance and this effect increases with the duration of the sanction. In addition to measuring the effects of welfare sanctions on individual participants, the article also estimates the effects of agency sanction policies, using measures of the risk of sanctions at the agency level. Agency policy effects were of interest both because they addressed the potential effects of changes in the threat of sanctions—even on those not directly subject to them—and because the agency effects were not subject to the same concerns about unobserved individual heterogeneity between sanctioned and non-sanctioned participants. We found that an increase in an agency's use of sanctions resulted in increased exits to no job, to jobs paying less than cash benefits, and to jobs paying more than available cash benefits. Our results have important implications for understanding the consequences of financial sanctions for public program participants.
Loading along the lumbar spine as influence by speed, control, load magnitude, and handle height during pushing.

Abstract Background Low back loading and risk associated with pushing activities have been poorly understood. Previous studies have demonstrated that increases in anterior/posterior shear forces are primarily initiated by antagonistic coactivity within the torso. Yet, few studies have considered the range of activities that might contribute to the antagonistic coactivation and subsequent spine loading. Methods Twenty subjects were tested to examine how various physical factors might influence spine loads during pushing tasks that workers might experience in industrial settings. Load magnitude, speed of push, required control, and handle height were varied while pushing both carts and overhead suspended loads. A biologically-assisted biomechanical model was used to assess compression, anterior/posterior shear, and lateral shear over the various levels of the lumbar spine. Findings Anterior/posterior shear loads were greatest at the upper levels of the lumbar spine and of a magnitude that would be of concern. Anterior/posterior shear was influenced by all experimental factors to varying degrees except for the nature of the load (cart vs. suspended). Interpretation This study confirms the notion that pushing and pulling is not as simple a task as once believed since it entails a complex biomechanical activity. Spine shear forces result from a complex coactivation of trunk muscle activities and spine orientations that are influenced by several occupational factors. This study may help explain why low back pain rates in some work environments associated with lifting may not be reduced even when lifting interventions (that change the task from lifting to pushing) are employed.
Assessing the construct validity and utility of two new influence tactics

Progress in developing theories of interpersonal influence depends on the identification of meaningful and measurable constructs for classifying influence behavior. We assessed the construct validity and relative effectiveness of two new influence tactics with a field survey study, an incident study, and a laboratory experiment. The confirmatory factor analysis of data from the survey study indicated that collaboration and apprising were distinct from nine proactive tactics identified in earlier research. Additional evidence for construct validity was provided by a comparison of tactics in terms of expected differences in influence outcomes, frequency of use, and differential use with subordinates and peers. Managers who understand the differences among the tactics will be more effective in influencing people in organizations. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Internal filters: Prospects for UV‐acclimation in higher plants

Wavelength-selective absorption of solar radiation within plant leaves allows penetration of visible radiation (400–700 nm) to the chloroplasts, while removing much of the damaging ultraviolet-B (UV-B, 280–320 nm) radiation. Flavonoids are important in this wavelength-selective absorption. Induction of flavonoid synthesis by solar radiation, and specifically by UV-B radiation, is discussed as this relates to the potential acclimation of plants to enhanced solar UV-B radiation that would result from stratospheric ozone reduction.
Analysis of the Dynamics of a Bacillus subtilis Spore Germination Protein Complex during Spore Germination and Outgrowth

Germination of Bacillus subtilis spores is normally initiated when nutrients from the environment interact with germinant receptors (GRs) in the spores' inner membrane (IM), in which most of the lipids are immobile. GRs and another germination protein, GerD, colocalize in the IM of dormant spores in a small focus termed the "germinosome," and this colocalization or focus formation is dependent upon GerD, which is also essential for rapid GR-dependent spore germination. To determine the fate of the germinosome and germination proteins during spore germination and outgrowth, we employed differential interference microscopy and epifluorescence microscopy to track germinating spores with fluorescent fusions to germination proteins and used Western blot analyses to measure germination protein levels. We found that after initiation of spore germination, the germinosome foci ultimately changed into larger disperse patterns, with ≥ 75% of spore populations displaying this pattern in spores germinated for 1 h, although >80% of spores germinated for 30 min retained the germinosome foci. Western blot analysis revealed that levels of GR proteins and the SpoVA proteins essential for dipicolinic acid release changed minimally during this period, although GerD levels decreased ∼ 50% within 15 min in germinated spores. Since the dispersion of the germinosome during germination was slower than the decrease in GerD levels, either germinosome stability is not compromised by ∼ 2-fold decreases in GerD levels or other factors, such as restoration of rapid IM lipid mobility, are also significant in germinosome dispersion as spore germination proceeds.
Daily hassles, cortisol, and the pathogenesis of depression

Daily hassles and/or ongoing stress are associated with increased cortisol secretion in healthy individuals. Hassles are also associated with increased cortisol levels in depressed patients. Considerable evidence suggests that hypercortisolism is involved in the pathogenesis of depressive disorders. Over the past decade, there has been a shift from viewing excessive hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) activity in depression as an epiphenomenon to its having specific effects on symptom formation. The author suggests that increased cortisol secretion caused by daily hassles and/or ongoing stress contributes to the development of depressive disorders. Minor stressful events may lead to depression in vulnerable individuals. Genetic factors interact with environmental factors to influence the vulnerability to stress and mood disorders. The author also proposes that elevated cortisol levels associated with stressful daily events may worsen the condition of depressed patients. The author notes that one of the goals of prevention of stress-related disorders is to help individuals be more competent in managing their behavior and emotions in reaction to negative aspects of their environment, and briefly discusses stress management methods and techniques. The risk of developing depression is determined by a complex interplay between genetic susceptibility, environmental exposures, and aging. These influences also account for long term changes in the regulation of HPA function. Further studies of HPA function may not only advance our understanding of the role of the HPA system in the etiology and pathogenesis of psychiatric disorders, but also be useful in refining conceptions of psychiatric disorders themselves and possible approaches to the treatment of these conditions.
P300 assessment of anxiety effects on processing novel stimuli

Abstract In the present experiment, event-related potentials (ERPs) were used to investigate the effect of anxiety on the attention to novel stimuli. A total of 16 healthy subjects participated in an experiment involving the anticipation of electric shocks. ERPs from 15 scalp sites were recorded in response to three types of auditory stimuli, and two attentional modes during threat and safe conditions. The three types of auditory stimuli were (1) frequent “standard” tones, (2) rare “target” tones, and (3) rare “novel” sounds. In the passive attentional mode, subjects passively listened to the stimuli. In the active attentional mode, they had to press a button in response to target tones. In each attentional mode, stimuli were presented under two conditions: threat (anticipation of shock) and safe (no-shock anticipation). P3 to the target stimuli was not affected by shock anticipation. The amplitude of P3 to the novel stimuli, however, was increased by the threat of shock in the passive but not in the active mode. The lack of impact of anxiety on P3 to the novel stimuli in the active mode is discussed.