cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparison of endoplasmic reticulum targeted and non-targeted cytoplasmic GFP as a selectable marker in citrus protoplast transformation

In order to improve transformation efficiency in citrus two green fluorescent protein (GFP) constructions, an endoplasmic reticulum targeted (GFP-ER) and cytoplasmic targeted (Cy-GFP), were used to study expression and stability of GFP in transgenic plants. Results from citrus protoplast-GFP transformation showed that GFP-ER had brighter fluorescence than the Cy-GFP. Although both of these constructs gave transient expression at the protoplast level, the non-targeted GFP gave less stable expression than targeted GFP at the micro-calli or plant level. Stable expression of GFP after 4 weeks of culture was observed in about 1.0% and 0.1% of the initial GFP positive cells in GFP-ER and Cy-GFP experiments, respectively. At the mature plant level, there were distinct fluorescent differences between shoots transformed with the two GFP constructs. Moreover, the fluorescence intensity varied among different parts of the plant, being higher in new expanding leaf flush than in old leaves, even when using the same construct. These results demonstrate that GFP-ER-targeted gene expression in citrus tissues is more stable than the Cy-GFP, thereby improving transformation efficiency and the subsequent recovery of transgenic plants. The protoplast-GFP transformation method in citrus could have an advantage over the routinely used Agrobacterium-mediated citrus transformation system that always requires the use of an antibiotic resistance gene.
Endoscopic Forceps for Ureteroscopy: A Comparative In Vitro Analysis

Objective To evaluate the functional characteristics of different ureteroscopic graspers. Methods The Captura (2.8F, Cook Medical, Bloomington, IN), Platinum (3.0F, Bard Urological, Covington, GA), TriClaw (2.4F, UroGyn Medical, Inc., Valapraiso, IN), Graspit (2.6F, Boston Scientific, Natick, MA), and Boston Scientific Tricep (2.4F, 3.0F, and 3.0F non-retracting) graspers were tested. Opening dynamics were evaluated using high-resolution images. Grip strength was determined by measuring the maximum tensional force applied while grasping stone models attached to an inline load cell. Safety profile was evaluated by the maximum force required to perforate aluminum foil. Impact on ureteroscope deflection was assessed by measurement of maximum deflection (baseline = 247°) and bending radius after advancing each grasper through a flexible ureteroscope working channel. The Tukey test for inequality assuming unequal variance with Bonferroni adjustment was used to compare grip strength and perforation forces. Results The Tricep (2.4F, 3.0F NR, and 3.0F) and Captura graspers required the least distance (7.9-8.1 mm) to attain a grasping width of 5 mm. When compared across all stone models, the TriClaw and Graspit had greater grip strengths than all other devices. The Captura (1.92 ± 0.43 N) and Tricep 2.4F (1.72 ± 0.88 N) required the greatest forces to perforate aluminum foil. Ureteroscope deflection was least impacted by the Tricep 2.4F (213°, 1.35 cm radius), Graspit (207°, 1.35 cm radius), TriClaw (206°, 1.3 cm radius), and all graspers could be deployed and operated at maximum deflection. Conclusion There are significant differences in opening dynamics, grip strength, perforation forces, and ureteroscope deflection among ureteroscopic graspers that may predict clinical performance capabilities.
Saving traces for Ada debugging

A trace database model for debugging concurrent Ada programs is presented. In this approach, trace information is captured in an historical database and queried using Prolog. This model was used to build a prototype debugger, called Your Own Debugger for Ada (YODA). The design of YODA is described and a trace analysis of a sample program exhibiting misuse of shared data is presented. Because the trace database model is flexible and general, it can aid diagnosis of a variety of runtime errors.
Behavior modification in education: Contributions and limitations☆

Abstract Behavior modification has been applied widely in educational settings encompassing a wide range of student populations, ages, and areas of focus. Major contributions of behavior modification include development and evaluation of a large number of techniques with extensive classroom research. As a direct consequence of technique development, behavior modification has provided teachers with a selection of classroom practices and information regarding their use. Despite the widespread application of behavioral principles in education, several limitations can be identified including the responses that are altered, the emphasis on response consequences, the focus on child performance rather than behaviors of teachers and others, and the lack of maintenance of improvements evident in many programs. Although limitations can be identified within the field, remarkable advances have been made in identifying educational practices that can improve student and teacher behavior. A major limitation in applying behavior modification to education pertains to dissemination and extension of existing techniques to a large number of settings likely to profit their use. The present paper considers various contributions and limitations of contemporary behavior modification and suggests areas for expansion to augment the progress that has been made.
TOURNIQUET-INDUCED HYPERTENSION

The anaesthetic records of 600 patients undergoing lower limb surgery were reviewed to determine the frequency of intxaoperanve arterial hypertension (defined as a 30% increase in either systolic or diastolic pressure compared with the first pressure recording after incision). The overall frequency of hypertension during operation m 500 patients to whom a tourniquet was applied during surgery was 11% The probability of hypertension was increased if the patient was elderly, had cardiac enlargement shown by x-ray or e c g, or had nitous oxide and narcotic anaesthesia. Pre-existing hypertension, increased serum creatirune concentration, anaemia, or treatment with antihypertensives, diuretics, or steroids were not strongly associated with inrraoperative hypertension A control group of 100 patients undergoing hip surgery without application of a tourniquet exhibited hypertension in 1 % of cases
Housing conditions fail to affect the intravenous self-administration of amphetamine

Rats were housed either in isolation or in groups of 4 for 6 weeks following weaning (21 days). After this housing period, some of the rats were tested for the acquisition of intravenous self-administration of amphetamine (0.004-0.25 mg/kg/infusion) and others were tested for the locomotor activating effects of amphetamine (0-1.0 mg/kg, IP). In the self-administration tests, both the isolated and grouped rats readily acquired the operant to obtain drug infusions and exhibited dose-dependent behavior. These results are in direct contrast to those we have obtained concerning the influence of the environmental manipulation on cocaine self-administration. In those tests, only isolated rats self-administered cocaine. The results of the locomotor tests indicated that whereas the isolated rats were consistently more active, the dose/response curves for the effects of amphetamine on activity were parallel for the rats reared under the different housing conditions. Thus the environment has specific effects on behavior which may be a reflection of specific neurochemical effects of the manipulation.
Recursive and r.e. quotient Boolean algebras

We prove a converse to one of the theorems from [F], giving a description in terms of Turing complexity of sets which can be coded into recursive and r.e. quotient Boolean algebras.
Means and ends in American abolitionism; Garrison and his critics on strategy and tactics, 1834-1850,

The debate among those who sought to abolish slavery in America was a crucial one in the history of the nation, for it raised a great many questions we are still debating. Reading Ms. Kraditor's study of the abolitionists' thinking on the goals, strategy, and tactics of their cause, the modern reader can hardly escape seeing parallels with present-day politics and protest movements. Ms. Kraditor focuses on arguments over the role of women in the Anti-Slavery Society, over religion, and over political action. She sees a struggle between "respectability" and radical action which continues to reverberate. "From first to last this lucid, important book challenges preconceptions. Obviously Professor Kraditor intends to provoke critical reexamination of many points she raises, and in this she is brilliantly successful.... Her book is a fruitful exploration into the history of a great movement."-Harold M. Hyman, Book World. "Original, perceptive, provocative."-American Historical Review
Representing homology classes of simply connected 4-manifolds

Abstract The main theorem asserts that every 2-dimensional homology class of a compact simply connected PL 4-manifold can be represented by a codimension-0 submanifold consisting of a contractible manifold with a single 2-handle attached. One consequence of the theorem is the fact that every map of S2 into a simply connected, compact PL 4-manifold is homotopic to an embedding if and only if the same is true for every homotopy equivalence. The theorem is also the main ingredient in the proof of the following result: If W is a compact, simply connected, PL submanifold of S4, then each element of H 2 (W; Z ) can be represented by a locally flat topological embedding of S2.
Localization of adenylate cyclase in the blowfly labellar chemoreceptors

Abstract Adenylate cyclase activity has been demonstrated in tissue of the blowfly, Phormia regina, chemoreceptor sensillium and in labellar epidermal cells. Sensillar tissue included sensory neurons innervating the sensillum and associated supportive cells. Epidermal cells which surround the internal labellar apophysis and those below the external cuticles both displayed enzyme activity. Possible explanations for these data are discussed.
Chondrocyte activation in response to factor(s) produced by a continuous line of lapine synovial fibroblasts.

Abstract We have established a permanent line of lapine synovial fibroblasts called HIG-82. Upon appropriate stimulation, these cells mimicked primary cultures of lapine synovial cells in producing substances which activated primary cultures of lapine articular chondrocytes. Activated chondrocytes secreted prostaglandin E 2 (PGE 2 ) and latent neutral collagenase, gelatinase, and caseinase, but not acid hydrolases, into their culture media. PGE 2 itself did not activate the chondrocytes. Heating the crude, synovial-conditioned media at 70 °C for 30 min reduced their activating activity by 49.3 ± 20.5% ( n = 7). Production of PGE 2 by chondrocytes was maximal during the first day of exposure to synovial conditioned media, whereas the production of neutral proteinases peaked during the second day. All the chondrocyte-stimulating activity was present in a fraction of M r 10 000–25 000. Unlike the crude conditioned medium, this partially-purified material retained full activity following heating to 70 °C for 30 min. These data indicate that synovial fibroblasts (type B synoviocytes) are a source of chondrocyte activator(s) and that neutral, but not acid, proteinases may be involved in extracellular proteolysis which leads to the resorption of the cartilaginous matrix seen in bioassays of catabolin.
The Liquid Crystal-Based Visible To IR Dynamic Image Converter (VIDIC)

The Liquid Crystal -Based Visible to IR Dynamic Image Converter (VIDIC)U. Efron, S.T. Wu, P.O. Braatz, J. Grinberg, L.D. HessA.M. Lackner, J.D. Margerum and F.G. YamagishiHughes Research Laboratories3011 Malibu Canyon RoadMalibu, California 90265AbstractThe development of a liquid crystal -based visible -to -IR dynamic image converter isdescribed. Liquid crystal studies in the IR, as well as the structure, operation andpreliminary performance results of a 10.6 um VIDIC are reported.IntroductionExisting infrared simulation systems suffer from low resolution (caused by thermalspread in the image plane), slow response (caused by a large thermal time constant), andlimited dynamic range capabilities (limited by the conflicts between high resolution anddynamic range of a thermal -based target simulation system.) Because of these limitations anew simulation system is needed which can provide a complex, fast changing IR scene with ahigh degree of dynamic range and resolution, and is capable of real -time interaction with acomputer image generation (CIG) system.We believe that one such solution is offered by the liquid crystal light valve (LCLV) -based VIDIC. This device is based on the liquid crystal and semiconductor technologieswhich were developed at Hughes Research Laboratories during the past decade.1,2 The twomain advantages of the LCLV -based VIDIC over existing systems such as the Bly cell are:(1) the generation of a non -thermal image at the focal (target) plane, and (2) theseparation of the output source from the input image. Optical modulation of the IR beamcaused by polarization- rotation effects frees the LCLV -VIDIC system from the severe trade-offs associated with a thermal target projection system. Separation of the output imagefrom the input source allows a compact, low power input image source (e.g., a CRT) to beused without sacrificing the high IR power required at the output. Thus, much higherperformance in resolution, dynamic range and speed is expected from a LCLV -VIDIC system,with the additional advantages of high temperature simulation and compatibility with a CIG
Robust CFAR detection using order statistic processors for Weibull-distributed clutter

CFAR detectors have been utilized in radar systems where the clutter environment is partially unknown and/or has varying statistical properties (e.g., power). In such instances, the performance of the optimal detector deteriorates significantly, and a nonparametric or constant false alarm rate (CFAR) detector is designed to be insensitive to changes in the density functions of the clutter. An effective method of accomplishing this is to use local estimates for the threshold corresponding to the unknown (or varying) parameters of the clutter distribution. Recently, order statistic (OS) processors have been shown to perform robustly (in terms of CFAR loss) for inhomogeneous clutter observations, although these processors utilize order statistics in an inefficient manner in terms of estimating the power of the clutter distribution. For a more efficient threshold estimate and, consequently, more robust detector, the censored maximum likelihood (CML) and best linear unbiased (BLU) estimates are applied toward CFAR detection. In particular, these methods are utilized for estimation of the scale parameter of the Weibull-distributed clutter with known shape parameter. The design of these CFAR detectors and the probability of detection performance under Lehmann's alternative hypothesis are mathematically analyzed.© (1991) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
The complete nucleotide sequence of the coffee (Coffea arabica L.) chloroplast genome: organization and implications for biotechnology and phylogenetic relationships amongst angiosperms.

The chloroplast genome sequence of Coffea arabica L., the first sequenced member of the fourth largest family of angiosperms, Rubiaceae, is reported. The genome is 155 189 bp in length, including a pair of inverted repeats of 25 943 bp. Of the 130 genes present, 112 are distinct and 18 are duplicated in the inverted repeat. The coding region comprises 79 protein genes, 29 transfer RNA genes, four ribosomal RNA genes and 18 genes containing introns (three with three exons). Repeat analysis revealed five direct and three inverted repeats of 30 bp or longer with a sequence identity of 90% or more. Comparisons of the coffee chloroplast genome with sequenced genomes of the closely related family Solanaceae indicated that coffee has a portion of rps19 duplicated in the inverted repeat and an intact copy of infA. Furthermore, whole-genome comparisons identified large indels (> 500 bp) in several intergenic spacer regions and introns in the Solanaceae, including trnE (UUC)–trnT (GGU) spacer, ycf4–cemA spacer, trnI (GAU) intron and rrn5–trnR (ACG) spacer. Phylogenetic analyses based on the DNA sequences of 61 protein-coding genes for 35 taxa, performed using both maximum parsimony and maximum likelihood methods, strongly supported the monophyly of several major clades of angiosperms, including monocots, eudicots, rosids, asterids, eurosids II, and euasterids I and II. Coffea (Rubiaceae, Gentianales) is only the second order sampled from the euasterid I clade. The availability of the complete chloroplast genome of coffee provides regulatory and intergenic spacer sequences for utilization in chloroplast genetic engineering to improve this important crop.
Chemical solutions for the closed-cycle storage of solar energy

This review analyzes the inherent scientific challenges of realizing the potential of storing solar energy by photochemical generation of high-energy metastable compounds whose subsequent thermal isomerization releases large amounts of low-temperature (<500 K) heat. Such compounds may be stored at room temperature for days or months, regenerated using sunlight, and may be cycled many times without significant degradation. After highlighting some of the general challenges of solar energy conversion and storage, we discuss how recent advances in understanding the effect of molecular strain on the thermal and photochemical reactivity of small molecules offers new opportunities for a systematic approach to the molecular design of solar thermal fuels, defining the molecular properties which determine the fundamental limits of such a material's performance characteristics.
Misbehaviors in TCP SACK generation

While analyzing CAIDA Internet traces of TCP traffic to detect instances of data reneging, we frequently observed seven misbehaviors in the generation of SACKs. These misbehaviors could result in a data sender mistakenly thinking data reneging occurred. With one misbehavior, the worst case could result in a data sender receiving a SACK for data that was transmitted but never received. This paper presents a methodology and its application to test a wide range of operating systems using TBIT to fingerprint which ones misbehave in each of the seven ways. Measuring the performance loss due to these misbehaviors is outside the scope of this study; the goal is to document the misbehaviors so they may be corrected. One can conclude that the handling of SACKs while simple in concept is complex to implement.
Effect of the pH and the ionic strength on overloaded band profiles of weak bases onto neutral and charged surface hybrid stationary phases in reversed-phase liquid chromatography.

This work reports on the effects of the solution pH and its ionic strength on the overloaded band profiles and the parameters of the adsorption isotherms of nortriptylinium hydrochloride on the bridge ethylene hybrid (BEH) and the charged surface hybrid (CSH) C18-bonded columns. The mobile phases used were mixtures of acetonitrile and water buffered with hydrogenophosphate, formate, acetate, and dihydrogenophosphate buffers. The results show that the adsorption behavior of this protonated base onto the BEH-C18 column depends barely on the mobile phase pH and is slightly affected by its ionic strength. From both physical and statistical viewpoints, the Linear-Langmuir model is the most relevant adsorption isotherm. According to the inverse method of chromatography, this model is consistent with weak dispersive interactions taking place onto the C18-bonded chains and some strong ion-dipole interactions with residual silanols. In contrast, adsorption on the CSH-C18 column depends on the applied W(S)pH, e.g., on the degree of ionization of the amine groups tethered to the CSH surface. For W(S)pH 7.0, the Linear-bi-Langmuir model describes best the weak adsorption of the protonated base molecules onto the C18 chains and their strong adsorption onto the residual silanols and neutral amine groups.
Sequence Analyses of Type IV Pili from Vibrio cholerae, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, and Vibrio vulnificus

Bacterial surface structures called pili have been studied extensively for their role as possible colonization factors. Most sequenced Vibrio genomes predict a variety of pili genes in these organisms, including several types of type IV pili. In particular, the mannose-sensitive hemagglutinin (MSHA) and the PilA pili, also known as the chitin-regulated pilus (ChiRP), are type IVa pili commonly found in Vibrio genomes and have been shown to play a role in the colonization of Vibrio species in the environment and/or host tissue. Here, we report sequence comparisons of two type IVa pilin subunit genes, mshA and pilA, and their corresponding amino acid sequences, for several strains from the three main human pathogenic Vibrio species, V. cholerae, V. parahaemolyticus, and V. vulnificus. We identified specific groupings of these two genes in V. cholerae, whereas V. parahaemolyticus and V. vulnificus strains had no apparent allelic clusters, and these genes were strikingly divergent. These results were compared with other genes from the MSHA and PilA operons as well as another Vibrio pili from the type IVb group, the toxin co-regulated pilus (TCP) from V. cholerae. Our data suggest that a selective pressure exists to cause these strains to vary their MSHA and PilA pilin subunits. Interestingly, V. cholerae strains possessing TCP have the same allele for both mshA and pilA. In contrast, V. cholerae isolates without TCP have polymorphisms in their mshA and pilA sequences similar to what was observed for both V. parahaemolyticus and V. vulnificus. This data suggests a possible linkage between host interactions and maintaining a highly conserved type IV pili sequence in V. cholerae. Although the mechanism underlying this intriguing diversity has yet to be elucidated, our analyses are an important first step towards gaining insights into the various aspects of Vibrio ecology.
Red, Hot, Healthy Mommas: (Un)Conventional Understandings of Women, Health, and Aging

There are 3.7 million people 65 years of age and older living in poverty in the United States, and over half are women. This article foregrounds such women’s voices about the aging process while simultaneously providing a space to critically examine issues regarding cultural/medical norms, mind/body duality, and healthcare advocacy. The author interviewed six women, ranging in age from 50 to 65, who frequently attended a healthcare program titled “Red, Hot, Healthy Mommas.” Employing narrative analysis, the author explores two types of counterstories they told in order to understand how these women re-identify and resist the aging process. The author suggests a third counterstory called “negotiated” because findings point to elements that both combat oppression while simultaneously reinforcing dominant metanarratives. Despite the edifying potentials of these strategies for women, the findings also indicate that patient autonomy and responsibility for one’s own healthcare is not necessarily the best soluti...
Abstract 4904: Activation of aldehyde dehydrogenase is essential for growth of mesenchymal glioma stem cells.

Proceedings: AACR 104th Annual Meeting 2013; Apr 6-10, 2013; Washington, DC Emerging evidence has indicated glioma stem cells(GSCs) could be subclassified into two major entities termed as as proneural(PN) GSCs and mesenchymal(MES) GSCs according to their mutually-exclusive gene expression pattern. In this study, we characterize 20 patient-derived GSCs into PN GSCs and MES GSCs based on the unbiased analysis with transcriptome microarray and microRNA profiles. Signaling pathway analysis identified the upregulation of various tumor metabolic pathways in MES GSCs. In particular, the glycolytic pathway containing several aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) genes was significantly enriched in MES GSCs. ALDH activity was elevated in MES GSCs, but not in MES non-GSCs or PN GSCs, and its inhibition attenuated MES GSC growth. Intriguingly, irradiation could induce PN GSC's loss of PN phenotype and a gain of MES phenotype, indicating the irradiation-induced PN-to-MES transformation. Furthermore, selective ALDH inhibitor, DEAB, can partially block irradiation-induced transformation of PN to MES GSCs. Clinically, ALDH immunoreactivity was markedly elevated in malignant gliomas in comparison to low grade gliomas or normal brain tissues. Collectively, our data suggest that two GSC subtypes harboring distinct signaling pathways represent intertumoral glioma heterogeneity, and highlight previously unidentified roles of ALDH-associated metabolic signaling in MES MGs and their GSCs. Blocking the pathways that regulate ALDH activity might providepromising therapeutic approaches for a subset of malignant gliomas with the MES signature. Citation Format: Ping Mao, Kaushal Joshi, Jian feng Li, Jakub Godlewski, Xiao kui Mo, Shi yuan Chen, Robert W. Sobol, Ichiro Nakano. Activation of aldehyde dehydrogenase is essential for growth of mesenchymal glioma stem cells. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4904. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-4904
Abstract PL08-04: New ways to impact glutamine metabolism in cancer.

Our laboratory has a long-standing interest in understanding the involvement of Rho GTPases in cell growth and migration, which recently led to our discovery of a novel signaling connection between these GTPases and elevated glutamine metabolism in cancer cells. This was based on our identification of a small molecule inhibitor that blocks the transformation of fibroblasts by oncogenic Dbl (for Diffuse B cell lymphoma), a Rho GTPase-activator, as well as inhibits the growth of human breast cancer and B lymphoma cells, and shrinks tumors induced by these cancer cells in mice. The effects of the small molecule inhibitor are specific for transformed/cancer cells, as it does not inhibit the growth of normal fibroblasts or mammary epithelial cells. We identified the target of this inhibitor to be an isoform of the metabolic enzyme glutaminase (GLS1), which catalyzes the hydrolysis of glutamine to glutamate. Transformed/cancer cells show markedly elevated levels of GLS1 activity, due to post-translational modifications (phosphorylation) that are dependent on the activation of Rho GTPases and NFκB, and are blocked by the small molecule inhibitor. Recently, we have shown that an important outcome of the metabolic changes exhibited by cancer cells, that can be prevented by the inhibitor, is the generation of vesicular structures (oncosomes) that contain signaling proteins, metabolic enzymes, RNA transcripts and microRNA. Oncosomes, by transferring these components to recipient cells, are capable of conferring transformed properties on to their acceptor cells and thus have been suggested to play important roles in cancer progression. Collectively, these results shed new light on how glutamine metabolism is elevated during tumorigenesis in order to satisfy the ‘glutamine addiction’ of cancer cells, as well as demonstrate the consequences of such metabolic changes and how they might be interrupted. The hope is that these insights will highlight new strategies for therapeutic intervention. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference: Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics; 2011 Nov 12-16; San Francisco, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2011;10(11 Suppl):Abstract nr PL08-04.
Breaking of Large-Amplitude Waves as a Result of Relativistic Electron-Mass Variation

The role of the relativistic electron-mass variation in the evolution of large-amplitude electromagnetic waves near cutoff and in the generation of plasma waves by linear mode conversion is investigated. Shock formation and subsequent wave breaking along the electric field of the wave will enhance the absorption of the wave by the plasma.
In vivo development and pathogenicity of Ascosphaera proliperda (Ascosphaeraceae) to the alfalfa leafcutting bee, Megachile rotundata

Abstract First instar larvae of the leafcutting bee, Megachile rotundata , were fed on either artificial or natural provisions containing spores of Ascosphaera proliperda . Two isolates were used as a source of inocula: one originated from in vitro isolates obtained while culturing what was thought to be pure spores of A. aggregata , the second originated from in vitro cultures from Denmark. Histological and scanning electron microscopy studies revealed that the spores germinated in the gut lumen and the developing hyphae invaded all tissues, after which they penetrated through larval integument and began the sexual phase of the life cycle aerially. Virtually all fungus-exposed larvae developed symptoms of disease regardless of source of inoculum, type of provision, and spore dose (1.5 × 10 3 to 3 × 10 6 ) per insect. It was concluded that the fungus was pathogenic to the alfalfa leafcutting bee under laboratory conditions and future studies should be conducted to determine its etiology, cross infectivity, and natural distribution in other bee taxa.
Maternal Acute Fatty Liver of Pregnancy Associated with Fetal Trifunctional Protein Deficiency: Molecular Characterization of a Novel Maternal Mutant Allele

Acute fatty liver of pregnancy (AFLP) is a devastating late gestational complication with many similarities to the inherited disorders of mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation. We report the molecular defects in a woman with AFLP and her infant who subsequently was diagnosed with trifunctional protein (TFP) deficiency. We used single-stranded conformation variance and DNA sequence analyses of the human TFP α-subunit gene, which encodes the long chain 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase (LCHAD) activity, to demonstrate a C to T mutation (C1678T) in exon 16 present on one allele in the mother and the affected infant. This creates a premature termination codon (R524Stop) in the LCHAD domain. Using reverse transcriptase-PCR amplification of theα-subunit mRNA from cultured fibroblasts, we demonstrated that transcripts containing this R524Stop mutation are present at very low levels, presumably because of rapid mRNA degradation. The affected infant also had the common E474Q mutation (nucleotide G1528C) on the second allele. Thus, he is a compound heterozygote. The father and two normal siblings are heterozygous for this E474Q mutation. This initial delineation of the R524Stop mutation provides evidence of the heterogeneity of genetic defects responsible for TFP deficiency and AFLP.
Pyrogen and enzyme release from rabbit blood leukocytes promoted by endotoxin and polyinosinic polycytidylic acid

Abstract Like endotoxin, the copolymer of polyinosinic polycytidylic acid promoted the release of pyrogen into the soluble phase of rabbit blood leukocyte mixtures. Pyrogen release with either material was inhibited by actinomycin D, cycloheximide, and puromycin. No evidence for de novo pyrogen synthesis was obtained. Only endotoxin, and not pylyinosinic polycytidylic acid caused release of enzymes aldolase and lysozyme from cells. The RNA and protein synthesis inhibitors did not prevent their release. Both pyrogen and enzyme release were inhibited by EDTA and N-ethylmaleimide. It was suggested that enzyme release is associated with endotoxin degradation because protamine sulfate inhibited both processes. Attempt to show that endotoxin contributes a building block to pyrogen synthesis was unsuccessful.
Metamagnetism of single crystal Ca3Ru2O7 in high magnetic fields

Abstract Ca 3 Ru 2 O 7 , which has a double-layered structure related to perovskites and high- T c cuprates, exhibits several coupled magnetic and transport phases. As-grown single crystals have nonmetallic conductivity for T T M =48 K, antiferromagnetic ordering up to T N =56 K and “bad metal” conductivity, linear in temperature for T > T N . The current study reveals a metamagnetic transition with an accompanying nonmetal to metal transition found in pulsed high magnetic fields ( H c =37 T) for the field directed perpendicular to the Ru–O planes in the “hard” axis (0 0 1) direction of this highly anisotropic system. By contrast, the transition occurs at 6T for the field along the “easy” axis (1 1 0). The resistivity for current along (1 1 0) or (0 0 1) is anisotropic in zero field at low temperatures but becomes isotropic with H > H c applied along the easy axis, in contrast to results expected from Fermi-liquid models.
The 50th Anniversary of the ASCB: Celebrating by Looking Forward

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the founding of the American Society for Cell Biology (ASCB). We decided that a fitting way to honor this occasion would be to look forward to the next 50 years of cell biology. To take on this daunting task, we invited a group of cell biology thought leaders to write essays on their perspectives on the future of cell biology for this special issue of MBoC. We gave the authors wide latitude to write about topics that they found interesting and important for the future of cell biology but suggested that they contemplate such questions as:
Supervised and unsupervised feature selection for inferring social nature of telephone conversations from their content

The problem of selecting a subset of relevant features in a potentially overwhelming quantity of data is classic and found in many branches of science including - examples in computer vision, text processing and more recently bioinformatics are abundant. We present a definition of "relevancy" based on spectral properties of the Affinity (or Laplacian) of the features' measurement matrix. The feature selection process is then based on a continuous ranking of the features defined by a least-squares optimization process. A remarkable property of the feature relevance function is that sparse solutions for the ranking values naturally emerge as a result of a "biased nonnegativity" of a key matrix in the process. As a result, a simple least-squares optimization process converges onto a sparse solution, i.e., a selection of a subset of features which form a local maxima over the relevance function. The feature selection algorithm can be embedded in both unsupervised and supervised inference problems and empirical evidence shows that the feature selections typically achieve high accuracy even when only a small fraction of the features are relevant.
Reorientation measurements in 116Sn and 124Sn

Abstract The first 2 + states of 116 Sn and 124 Sn have been studied by observing the γ-ray decay to the ground states, following Coulomb excitation with backscattered 4 He, 16 O and 32 S ions. The static electric quadrupole moment Q 2+ of the 2 + states and the reduced electric transition probability B (E2, 0 + → 2 + ) were obtained by interpreting the results in terms of the reorientation effect. The values of Q 2+ found are +0.09±0.13 b for 116 Sn and -0.24±0.15 b for 124 Sn. The measured B (E2, 0 + → 2 + ) values are 0.22±0.01 e 2 · b 2 for 116 Sn and 0.19±0.01 e 2 · b 2 for 124 Sn.
Hepatocellular Carcinoma Surveillance in a Western Population with Hepatitis B

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a malignant tumor arising primarily in cirrhotic livers as a consequence of chronic hepatitis B or C virus infection or alcohol-induced cirrhosis. Unlike the majority of other common cancer types, the incidence of HCC in the United States is still rising, with peak incidence expected for 2020. Although hepatitis B is a less common etiology for the development of HCC in the West, it is the most common risk factor among certain ethnic groups in the United States. Given the high case fatality of HCC, surveillance efforts have been recommended. Specifically, HCC surveillance has demonstrated a survival benefit in patients with chronic hepatitis B. In this review, we discuss the demographics of patients with HCC in the United States, the evidence promoting surveillance, and recent literature identifying the best surveillance test.
Designer solids and surfaces

Techniques being used to prepare "designer" solids of predictable structure and properties.
Photo-messaging

Model demonstrates role of personality, technology, and motives on photo-messaging.Prior technology ownership influenced the frequency people share and send photos.Self-expression and self-presentation strongly influenced photo-messaging frequency.Innovativeness predicted technology perceptions and impression management motives. The purpose of this study was to develop a model of technology diffusion and impression management variables on photo-messaging behavior. Diffusion variables, such as innovativeness and technology clusters, were demonstrated to be predictors of sending photo messages and online sharing. Impression management motives - self-expression and self-presentation - were also indicators of photo-messaging. The perceived usefulness of mobile technology for sending and sharing was identified as an important influence of photo-messaging frequency; while perceived ease of use was not a predictor. Taken together, the findings indicate the importance of integrating technological adoption factors and motives for impression management in social media research.
Development of columnar microstructure in magnetron sputter deposited CoPtCr/Cr magnetic thin films

The microstructure of CoPtCr alloy thin films, sputter deposited on Cr-underlayers varying in thickness from 25 to 1300 AA, is examined. The cross-sectional as well as plane-view high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) of these films revealed that fine Cr-underlayer grains nucleate randomly and grow on the surface of a textured NiP substrate during the early stage of sputter deposition. The heterogeneously nucleated Cr grains result in the formation of columnar grains through competitive growth. The width of columnar grains gradually increased with film thickness and saturated at a thickness of about 850 AA Cr-underlayer films. High resolution electron microscopy of these films showed the onset of physical separation between columnar grains occurred between 250 and 600 AA. The study provides insights into the evolution of thin film microstructure during sputter deposition and into the reported low noise in CoPtCr/Cr films with ultra-thin Cr underlayers. >
Fine-scale habitat modeling of a top marine predator: do prey data improve predictive capacity?

Predators and prey assort themselves relative to each other, the availability of resources and refuges, and the temporal and spatial scale of their interaction. Predictive models of predator distributions often rely on these relationships by incorporating data on environmental variability and prey availability to determine predator habitat selection patterns. This approach to predictive modeling holds true in marine systems where observations of predators are logistically difficult, emphasizing the need for accurate models. In this paper, we ask whether including prey distribution data in fine-scale predictive models of bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) habitat selection in Florida Bay, Florida, USA, improves predictive capacity. Environmental characteristics are often used as predictor variables in habitat models of top marine predators with the assumption that they act as proxies of prey distribution. We examine the validity of this assumption by comparing the response of dolphin distribution and fish catch rates to the same environmental variables. Next, the predictive capacities of four models, with and without prey distribution data, are tested to determine whether dolphin habitat selection can be predicted without recourse to describing the distribution of their prey. The final analysis determines the accuracy of predictive maps of dolphin distribution produced by modeling areas of high fish catch based on significant environmental characteristics. We use spatial analysis and independent data sets to train and test the models. Our results indicate that, due to high habitat heterogeneity and the spatial variability of prey patches, fine-scale models of dolphin habitat selection in coastal habitats will be more successful if environmental variables are used as predictor variables of predator distributions rather than relying on prey data as explanatory variables. However, predictive modeling of prey distribution as the response variable based on environmental variability did produce high predictive performance of dolphin habitat selection, particularly foraging habitat.
Looking for “Threats” in all the Wrong Places: A Critique of the Current Use of Race as a Contextual Effect in Political Science

This paper examines race and contextual effects, especially as applied to the study of racial politics. Contextual analysis has proven to be an extremely useful technique in political science. Yet there are instances in which it may be misapplied. I argue that some of the findings in the extant literature fail to specify properly the mechanisms by which contextual effects operate, and that such a failure leads to incomplete the orizing about racial politics. I make two basic arguments. The first is that the major theoretical element, group conflict, is under-examined as long as we think of conflict between groups only in terms of mass public attitudes. I suggest, instead, that we pay more attention to elite strategies. The second argument is that group theories seem less generalizable as long as we concentrate on Whites as the only relevant political actors. In summary, I contend that politics are not given priority in contextual models of race. Moving beyond some of the current, more standard applications will allow us to demonstrate empirically a richer picture of how race shapes the political options of certain groups in America, especially Blacks and other minority groups.
GQL estimation in linear dynamic models for panel data

In the econometrics literature, it is standard practice to use the existing instrumental variables as well as generalized method of moments approaches for the estimation of the parameters of a linear dynamic mixed model for panel data. In this paper, we introduce a generalized quasi-likelihood estimation approach that produces estimates with smaller mean squared errors when compared with the aforementioned and other existing approaches.
A new angular velocity sensor using the temperature stable AT-cut quartz

The feasibility of a new angular velocity sensor using the temperature stable AT-cut quartz was presented. The sensor consisted of one pair of electrodes for driving the fundamental thickness shear mode, and another pair of electrodes for sensing the angular velocity. Two tines extended outward from resonator, and in the plane of the plate. The tines were designed to be sensitive to angular velocity of the resonator. The Coriolis body force caused by the cross product of the angular velocity with the linear momentum of the vibrating tines changes the their mode shapes that in turn perturbed the thickness shear mode, and changed the voltage at the sensing electrodes. A vibratory gyroscope with a trapped energy thickness mode as the main driving mode offers good improvements in terms of frequency stability and less dependence on the mounting supports and lead installation of the sensing element. Since the AT-cut resonators were known to have good f-T curves and long term aging, such a gyroscope would have the advantages of a stable quartz AT-cut resonator. Results for two angular velocity sensors were presented: (1) a 5 MHz sensor with a sensitivity of 5.8 mV/deg./s angular velocity about the X-axis, and (2) a 37 MHz sensor with a sensitivity of 0.38 mV/deg./s angular velocity about the Z-axis.
Testing for adaptive signatures of amino acid alphabet evolution using chemistry space

Multidisciplinary consensus indicates that half of the genetically amino acids are likely to have been available on the prebiotic earth, which implies certain adaptive expectations for the relationship between those amino acids and later additions to the genetic code. Chemistry space a concept that translates molecules to corresponding points in multidimensional space provides a framework for investigating these relationships. We therefore developed three tests to explore these implications using chemistry space to quantify otherwise qualitative questions. All three of our tests individually, as well as combined, provide quantitative evidence to support an adaptive expansion of the genetically encoded amino acid alphabet from 10 prebiotically plausible (“early”) amino acids to the full set of 20 amino acids found within the standard genetic code. We present three logically independent, novel tests of the adaptive growth of the amino acid alphabet from a smaller, functionally cohesive alphabet of only 10 amino acids to the 20 amino acids of the standard genetic code. While similar tests in the past have compared the genetically encoded amino acids to an external context of amino acids that were not incorporated into the genetic code our tests focus on the internal context of the 20 genetically encoded amino acids and find strong support. Of particular note one of these tests for the first time moves beyond consideration of amino acids as monomers and begins to explore polypeptides by considering the chemistry space of amino acid dimers.
Nutrient Cycling by Animals in Freshwater Ecosystems

▪ Abstract Animals are important in nutrient cycling in freshwater ecosystems. Via excretory processes, animals can supply nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) at rates comparable to major nutrient sources, and nutrient cycling by animals can support a substantial proportion of the nutrient demands of primary producers. In addition, animals may exert strong impacts on the species composition of primary producers via effects on nutrient supply rates and ratios. Animals can either recycle nutrients within a habitat, or translocate nutrients across habitats or ecosystems. Nutrient translocation by relatively large animals may be particularly important for stimulating new primary production and for increasing nutrient standing stocks in recipient habitats. Animals also have numerous indirect effects on nutrient fluxes via effects on their prey or by modification of the physical environment. Future studies must quantify how the importance of animal-mediated nutrient cycling varies among taxa and along environme...
RATING AMERICAN CITIES‐CREDIT RISK, URBAN DISTRESS AND THE QUALITY OF LIFE

Since communities have failed to generate their own indicators of social and economic well-being and the quality of community life, they have been forced to rely on externally generated indicators, often presented in form of rankings comparing one community with another. Three such rankings are explored in this paper (1) credit risk, (2) urban distress, and (3) quality of life. While each of the ratings serves a particular purpose and clientele, none was designed with the needs or interests of cities in mind. These rankings affect the community in numerous ways both directly and indirectly by driving up the cost of borrowing, altering local priorities and distorting agendas, and by shaping the images held by persons and businesses of particular cities and the desirability of locating in them. Unless and until local governments are willing to generate their own indicators they are at the mercy of these and should be aware of their strengths and weaknesses.
Development of Resistance to Amphotericin B in Candida lusitaniae Infecting a Human

Candida lusitaniae associated with infection in a patient with acute myelogenous leukemia developed resistance to amphotericin B during systemic treatment of the patient. The organism, when isolated initially, was inhibited by 0.31 μg of amphotericin B per ml in yeast nitrogen base agar, but when isolated (20 days later) just antemortem and postmortem, required 100 and 50 μg/ml, respectively, for complete inhibition at 48 h.