cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Children's age-related speed-accuracy strategies in intercepting moving targets in two dimensions.

Purpose: This study investigated the age-related speed–accuracy strategies of children, adolescents, and adults in performing a rapid striking task that allowed the self-selection of the interception position in a virtual, two-dimensional environment. Method: The moving target had curvilinear trajectories that were determined by combinations of simulated weightings of gravity and velocity. Mass and coefficient of restitution were also assigned to the target to encourage interception with maximal effector velocity. The performance outcome was the measure of the distance that the target traveled following interception that was the result of the effector velocity and angle of motion at the time that the target was struck. Results: The number of accurate interceptions increased linearly with age. Younger children hit the object at a slower velocity and had longer response latency and movement times compared with older age groups. Effector velocity at contact was shown to be parabolic and reached an asymptote ...
Liquid-liquid extractions with microporous hollow fibers

Abstract Liquid—liquid extractions in microporous hollow fiber modules are unusually fast because of the large surface area per volume in these modules. Extractions of p -nitrophenol into amyl acetate show no membrane resistance, and hence are especially rapid. Extractions of acetic acid into methyl amyl ketone are controlled by the membrane resistance. The results show that extractions in hollow fibers will be fastest when the fibers are wet by the fluid in which the solute is more soluble. They also show when fiber modules are a sound inexpensive alternative to centrifugal extractors.
A Query Processing Architecture for an XML Data Warehouse

Data warehousing accounts for a significant fraction of database use today. As XML becomes ever more popular, more and more XML data finds its way into data warehouse repositories. This paper examines the modeling mismatch between the tree structure of XML data model and the multidimensional model of a typical data warehouse, and proposes an XML warehouse model based on the multi-colored trees (MCT) logical data model that resolves the modeling issue naturally. Furthermore, this data model ameliorates some well-known modeling limitations of the XML data warehouse. To cope with ad-hoc OLAP queries, we extend bit-map join indices to the XML context. We then tackle the difference between the bit-map and the stack-based structural join processing paradigm popular in XML query processing, permitting both styles of query processing to be used seamlessly in consort to evaluate queries. We demonstrate experimentally the benefit of bit-map join indices for typical queries, and particularly those with low cardinality or high selectivity.
Augmented O-GlcNAc signaling attenuates oxidative stress and calcium overload in cardiomyocytes

O-linked β-N-acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNAc) is an inducible, dynamically cycling and reversible post-translational modification of Ser/Thr residues of nucleocytoplasmic and mitochondrial proteins. We recently discovered that O-GlcNAcylation confers cytoprotection in the heart via attenuating the formation of mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) and the subsequent loss of mitochondrial membrane potential. Because Ca2+ overload and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation are prominent features of post-ischemic injury and favor mPTP formation, we ascertained whether O-GlcNAcylation mitigates mPTP formation via its effects on Ca2+ overload and ROS generation. Subjecting neonatal rat cardiac myocytes (NRCMs, n ≥ 6 per group) to hypoxia, or mice (n ≥ 4 per group) to myocardial ischemia reduced O-GlcNAcylation, which later increased during reoxygenation/reperfusion. NRCMs (n ≥ 4 per group) infected with an adenovirus carrying nothing (control), adenoviral O-GlcNAc transferase (adds O-GlcNAc to proteins, AdOGT), adenoviral O-GlcNAcase (removes O-GlcNAc to proteins, AdOGA), vehicle or PUGNAc (blocks OGA; increases O-GlcNAc levels) were subjected to hypoxia–reoxygenation or H2O2, and changes in Ca2+ levels (via Fluo-4AM and Rhod-2AM), ROS (via DCF) and mPTP formation (via calcein-MitoTracker Red colocalization) were assessed using time-lapse fluorescence microscopy. Both OGT and OGA overexpression did not significantly (P > 0.05) alter baseline Ca2+ or ROS levels. However, AdOGT significantly (P < 0.05) attenuated both hypoxia and oxidative stress-induced Ca2+ overload and ROS generation. Additionally, OGA inhibition mitigated both H2O2-induced Ca2+ overload and ROS generation. Although AdOGA exacerbated both hypoxia and H2O2-induced ROS generation, it had no effect on H2O2-induced Ca2+ overload. We conclude that inhibition of Ca2+ overload and ROS generation (inducers of mPTP) might be one mechanism through which O-GlcNAcylation reduces ischemia/hypoxia-mediated mPTP formation.
Light-dependent structural changes in the lamellar membranes of isolated spinach chloroplasts: measurement by electron microscopy.

Abstract 1. The distance between the lamellar membranes of isolated spinach chloroplasts fixed by glutaraldehyde-acrolein in the dark or after varying periods of illumination was measured by electron microscopy. 2. The interlamellar distance decreased on illumination by 18.6% (215 ± 19 to 175 ± 24 A ). 3. The dependence of structural change on illumination time was similar to the dependence of two-stage photophosphorylation on illumination time, suggesting a relationship between structural change and the generation of high energy intermediate(s) in ATP formation. 4. The light-dependent decrease in interlamellar distance was 68% inhibited by 1×10 −4 M carbonyl cyanide m -chlorophenylhydrazone. 5. The light-dependent increase in 90° light scattering by isolated chloroplasts was accompanied by 11.0% decrease in interlamellar distance.
Assessment of change in conventional and unconventional thought processes of schizophrenics.

Summary A creativity test was adapted to the measurement of schizophrenic thought processes. Schizophrenics and nonpsychotic psychiatric patients were asked to give practical and unusual uses for items in Guilford's Alternate Uses Test. Responses were scored as conventional (concrete), imaginative (abstract), or autistic. Schizophrenics did not differ from nonpsychotics in frequency nor pattern of conventional responses. However, nonpsychotics gave proportionately more imaginative uses following unusual uses instructions while schizophrenics gave proportionately more autistic responses. Schizophrenics maintained a significantly elevated autistic response level regardless of subsequent requests to be practical.
Effect of Group Variability on Pooled Group Decisions

A probability dispersion model for assessing the effect of variability of knowledge within a group on accuracy of a pooled group decision demonstrates that: (a) the more heterogeneous the group, th...
EMD 23,448: Effects of a putative dopamine autoreceptor agonist in chorea

A novel dopamine agonist, which stimulates presynaptic dopamine receptors in the experimental animal, was administered acutely to four patients with chorea. Abnormal involuntary movements worsened, plasma prolactin levels fell, and plasma growth hormone concentrations increased in all patients tested. These effects resemble those associated with a post-synaptic rather than presynaptic dopamine agonist, and thus raise some question about the ability of conventional dopaminomimetic screens to predict clinical activity.
Husbandry of pangolins Manis spp

There are seven species of pangolins in the Order Pholidota. To date there has been limited success in maintaining these animals in captivity and because of differences in size, behaviour and morphology it has been difficult to determine minimum husbandry requirements. Little is known about the biology of pangolins and there is a dearth of population information that can be used to evaluate their conservation status. This paper presents several general guidelines from some of the available published Information.
Surface Curvature and Shape Reconstruction from Unknown Multiple Illumination and Integrability

We present a multiple illumination technique that directly recovers the viewer-centered curvature matrix, up to a scalar factor, at each mutually illuminated point on a smooth object surface. This technique is completely independent of knowledge of incident illumination orientation, local surface orientation, or diffuse surface albedo. The cornerstore of this technique is the use of theintegrability constraintwhich is a fundamental mathematical property of smooth surfaces. The integrability constraint allows the derivation of an equation at each object point, which is linear in terms of quantities involving the initially unknown parameters of incident illumination orientation. These quantities, which we call thegradient ratio constants, can be simultaneously solved for five or more equations arising from the same number of object points. We show that deriving these gradient ratio constants provides just enough calibration information about incident illumination geometry to compute the viewer-centered curvature matrix at each object point, up to a scalar multiple. We demonstrate three important applications of this technique: (i) segmentation of the object surface by sign of Gaussian curvature, (ii) further segmentation of nonnegative Gaussian curvature into convexity and concavity, and (iii) reconstruction of the surface height, independent of knowledge of incident illumination orientation and diffuse surface albedo.
The Axiom of Choice for Well-Ordered Families and for Families of Well- Orderable Sets

We show that it is not possible to construct a Fraenkel-Mostowski model in which the axiom of choice for well-ordered families of sets and the axiom of choice for sets of well-orderable sets are both true, but the axiom of choice is false.
Initiation/promotion assay for chemical carcinogens in rat liver

Abstract A short-term initiation/promotion bioassay has been developed in rat liver using putative preneoplastic foci as the endpoint for the detection of chemical carcinogens. The two protocols of the bioassay used in this study were varied according to the time 2 3 partial hepatectomy was performed in relation to when the initiator or test substance was given. After 7 weeks of promotion with phenobarbital in the drinking water, the rats were killed and the liver was sectioned, stained and scored for gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGTase)-positive foci. The appearance of GGTase-positive foci was taken as an indication of initiation of carcinogenesis by the chemical. Acetylaminofluorene (AAF), aflatoxin b1 (AFB1), benzo(a)pyrene (BaP), diethylnitrosamine (DENA), 7,12-dimethylbenzo(a)anthracene, (DMBA), dimethylhydrazine (DMH), dimethylnitrosamine (DMN) and urethane were positive in the assay, while benzene and N-methyl-N-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) were negative. Phenobarbital promoted the response of AAF, AFB1, BaP, DENA, DMBA, DMH and DMN. Partial hepatectomy 24 h prior to initiation increased the response of AAF, BaP, DENA, DMBA and DMH. The initiation/promotion assay in rat liver which includes (1) partial hepatectomy at 24 h prior to administering the test chemical; (2) phenobarbital promotion, and (3) GGTase-positive foci as an indication of carcinogenic activity: appears to be sensitive to a wide variety of chemical carcinogens.
Assessing an Imperiled Oak Savanna Landscape in Northwestern Ohio using Landsat Data

ABSTRACT: Land cover change caused by humans represents a major threat to the long term viability of natural areas. It is important to accurately classify and map existing natural areas so that this threat can be fully assessed within a given landscape. Availability of free orthorectified Landsat images through the U.S. Geological Survey provides a potentially valuable tool to evaluate human impacts to natural landscapes. We performed a supervised classification of multi-seasonal Landsat images to test the limits of using these images for mapping mixed landscapes at regional to local scales and to assess land cover changes within the Oak Openings region of Northwestern Ohio. Overall accuracy of our 15-class land cover map was 60% and 69% using traditional and fuzzy set analysis respectively. Overall map accuracy improved to 72% and 79% for traditional and fuzzy set analysis respectively using a more broadly defined 7-class land cover map. Accuracy of individual classes varied considerably, although classe...
Dinuclear molybdenum and tungsten C3-bridged complexes with metal-carbon multiple bonds

In this communication we report the synthesis and characterization of complexes which have C{sub 3} bridging units with metal-carbon triple bonds. In particular, methylene-bridged biscarbyne molecules serve as vehicles to prepare C{sub 3}-bridged complexes Tp`(CO){sub 2} Mo=V@C-C=V@CMo(O){sub 2}Tp`, Tp`(CO){sub 2}W=V@CC=V@CMo(0){sub 2} Tp`, and Tp`(O){sub 2}WC=V@CC=V@Mo(CO){sub 2}Tp` (Tp` = hydridotris(3,5-dimethylpyrazolyl)borate) as well as the ketone complex Tp`(CO){sub 2}W=V@CC(O)C=V@Mo(CO){sub 2}Tp`. This simple synthetic route provides access to dinuclear complexes with different metals. High-yield formation of Tp`(CO){sub 2}M=V@CCH{sub 2} C=V@Mo(CO){sub 2}Tp` provides an exciting generator for derivative dinuclear chemistry with three carbon atoms linking two metals. 24 refs.
Surgical techniques of pediatric tonsillectomy: Is there evidence of better outcomes?

The frequency of tonsillectomy in the pediatric population and the significant amount of postoperative morbidity that accompanies surgical removal of the tonsils continues to engender significant debate regarding the optimal surgical technique. In addition, these factors also drive surgeons and manufacturers to devise new techniques and methodologies in limiting postoperative morbidity. This review discusses some of the most common techniques and innovations in tonsillectomy surgery and reviews current literature pertaining to these techniques.
Glucagon-mediated changes in the concentration of rat hepatic tyrosine transaminase: an immunochemical analysis.

Abstract An immunochemical study of the glucagon-mediated induction cycle of rat hepatic tyrosine transaminase demonstrates that the increased rate of synthesis of this enzyme characteristic of the induction phase is accompanied by a more than 2-fold decrease in its rate of degradation. During the fall in enzyme activity from the induced to the basal level in the second phase of the induction cycle, the rate of enzyme degradation returns (increases) to the basal level by a mechanism which, in contrast to the corticosteroid-mediated induction, is not blocked by the nucleoside analogs 8-azaguanine or 5-azacytidine and thus apparently does not require the synthesis of functional messenger RNA. An analysis of the available pertinent immunochemical data on the glucagon- and hydrocortisone-mediated inductions of tyrosine transaminase suggest that while both hormones stimulate the rate of enzyme synthesis to the same degree, possibly through a common intermediate, the mechanism through which they control the degradation of the enzyme throughout the induction cycle are significantly different.
An Analysis of Organic Potato Demand in the U.S.

Organic food sales have been increasing rapidly. Changing consumer tastes and preferences provide market opportunities for organically-grown food products, including potatoes. We developed a model to determine the factors that influence U.S. demand for fresh organic potatoes. The model’s explanatory variables include organic potato price, consumer income, rice price, organic carrot price, red and Yukon Gold potato price, chicken price, the number of Whole Food stores, average Body Mass Index, the organic penetration rate and regional dummy variables. We found organic potato demand to be more sensitive than conventional potato demand to changes in price and consumer income. The New England region had the highest preferences for organic potatoes. We forecasted a 19% annual growth rate in U.S. per capita organic potato consumption to 2013.
The restructuring of the automobile industry in the USA

In this paper, the changes in the US automobile industry which have occurred over the 1979–86 economic downturn and recovery are examined within the framework of Markusen's profit-cycle theory. When viewing the automobile indusltry as a whole, some of the findings support the profit-cycle theory and others do not. The theory is supported, however, within the context of two distinct automobile industries in the USA—one ‘Fordist’ and the other a Japanese ‘post-Fordist’ system. The Fordist system is entering the negative profit-cycle phase and the post-Fordist system is in the mature phase. The two systems have very different spatial configurations and are likely to have very different economic futures.
Stereo computer graphics: and other true 3D technologies

PrefaceThe ContributorsCh. 1IntroductionCh. 2Composition for Electrostereoscopic DisplaysCh. 33D HardcopyCh. 4Visual and Perceptual Issues in Stereoscopic Color DisplaysCh. 5Computing Stereoscopic ViewsCh. 6Liquid-Crystal Shutter Systems for Time-Multiplexed Stereoscopic DisplaysCh. 7Implementation Issues in Interactive Stereo SystemsCh. 8Moving-Slit MethodsCh. 9The Parallax Illumination Autostereoscopic MethodCh. 10ChromostereoscopyCh. 11The Oscillating-Mirror Technique for Realizing True 3DCh. 12Three-Dimensional Imaging through Alternating PairsCh. 13Volumetric Three-Dimensional Display TechnologyReferencesIndex
A three-dimensional nodal-based implementation of a family of discontinuous Galerkin methods for elasticity problems

Four discontinuous Galerkin (DG) methods are proposed to enrich the resource of modeling elasticity problems as they are volume locking-free and allow hanging nodes in meshing. A detailed finite element formulation of these DG methods is presented. For implementation, we coded a three-dimensional nodal-based DG program in which the conventional nodal-based pure displacement finite element codes are fully exploited. The robustness and accuracy of each DG method are demonstrated and compared with mixed methods through solving a rubber beam problem. The coupled use of DG with continuous elements is proposed for some practical applications.
Observation of conductance fluctuations in large In 2 O 3-x films

We have measured the magnetoconductance in the hopping regime of two thin films of crystalline ${\mathrm{In}}_{2}$${\mathrm{O}}_{3\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathit{x}}$. The films are 18 nm thick and have large (macroscopic) areas 2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}2 and 1\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}0.3 ${\mathrm{mm}}^{2}$. We observe a large positive magnetoconductance and reproducible conductance fluctuations. The conductance fluctuations are easy to observe below 100 mK and their amplitude is consistent with simple ensemble averaging of phase-coherent regions. When the field is rotated into the plane of the film, the field scale for the conductance fluctuations increases by a factor of 2 suggesting that they are partly due to orbital effects.
Cellular HIV-1 inhibition by truncated old world primate APOBEC3A proteins lacking a complete deaminase domain

The APOBEC3 (A3) deaminases are retrovirus restriction factors that were proposed as inhibitory components of HIV-1 gene therapy vectors. However, A3 mutational activity may induce undesired genomic damage and enable HIV-1 to evade drugs and immune responses. Here, we show that A3A protein from Colobus guereza (colA3A) can restrict HIV-1 replication in producer cells in a deaminase-independent manner without inducing DNA damage. Neither HIV-1 reverse transcription nor integration were significantly affected by colA3A, but capsid protein synthesis was inhibited. The determinants for colA3A restriction mapped to the N-terminal region. These properties extend to A3A from mandrills and De Brazza׳s monkeys. Surprisingly, truncated colA3A proteins expressing only the N-terminal 100 amino acids effectively exclude critical catalytic regions but retained potent cellular restriction activity. These highlight a unique mechanism of cellular HIV-1 restriction by several Old World monkey A3A proteins that may be exploited for functional HIV-1 cure strategies.
Acute and subchronic methylmercury toxicosis in the rat.

Abstract A series of experiments was performed to ascertain the acute and subchronic effects of methylmercury dicyandiamide (MMD) in the rat. The 7 day LD50 of 1.335 mg/100 g of MMD was used for the acute study. Weekly sublethal doses of 1.0 mg/100 g were used in the subchronic study. In the acute experiment clinical signs were nonspecific and could not be attributed directly to methylmercury toxicosis. Deaths occurred within 72–78 hr after inoculation. In the subchronic study some rats bumped into objects and had difficulty in walking, indicative of a nervous system disorder. Emaciation and/or loss of weight were constant findings in rats that died in both experiments. Neuronal degeneration occurred in all levels of the cerebrum, hippocampus and cervical spinal cord in rats from the acute and subchronic experiments. Fibrinoid necrosis of the capillary walls, a heretofore unreported lesion in the rat, was also seen. The neural and vascular lesions apparently were related, suggesting that the vascular lesions were responsible for the neuronal changes. Demyelination was observed in the sciatic nerve of rats killed during the first week of the acute experiment and in rats examined throughout the subchronic experiment. Atrophy of the granular cells of the cerebellum and hepatocytes was present only in rats in the subchronic study. A correlation between the concentration of mercury in the tissues and the presence and severity of lesions could not be made.
Moving DNA around: DNA transposition and retroviral integration

Mobile DNA elements are found in all kingdoms of life, and they employ numerous mechanisms to move within and between genomes. Here we review recent structural advances in understanding two very different families of DNA transposases and retroviral integrases: the DDE and Y1 groups. Even within the DDE family which shares a conserved catalytic domain, there is great diversity in the architecture of the synaptic complexes formed by the intact enzymes with their cognate element-end DNAs. However, recurring themes arise from comparing these complexes, such as stabilization by an intertwined network of protein–DNA and protein–protein contacts, and catalysis in trans, where each active subunit catalyzes the chemical steps on one DNA segment but also binds specific sequences on the other.
Intelligent materials and structures revisited

Presented are new definitions and interpretations for smartness and intelligence associated with materials, structures, and material systems (MS & MS). These newly proposed definitions complement and augment the present notion of smart and/or intelligent materials, structures and material systems, as accepted by our scientific community. These new definitions numerically quantify the concepts of smartness and intelligence for materials, structures and material systems. In this context amino acid sequences and structures such as proteins are proposed to be the smartest material family and are given an MSQ of 1000. Correspondingly, ribonucleic acid sequences such as RNA and DNA macromolecular assemblies and structures are proposed to be the most intelligent material family and are given an MIQ of 1000. In the same category the proteins are given an MIQ of about 700. Ionic polymeric gels, shape memory alloys, electromagnetic (electrostrictive, piezoelectric, ferroelectric, ferromagnetic) materials, electrorheological fluids and magnetorheological fluids are then categorized under this hierarchy of smart/intelligent materials with MSQs and MIQs of smaller values. A similar classification is also applied to smart/intelligent structures with reference to simple cells such as bacteria and viruses such as T4 Bacteriophages. A number of examples are presented and the corresponding MSQs and MIQs are estimated to show that materials, structure and material systems can truly be numerically categorized in connection with their smartness and intelligence and thus be compared with biological and botanical structures and material systems.
Interaction of low-energy ions and atoms of light elements with a fluorinated carbon molecular lattice.

The mechanism of interaction of low-energy atoms and ions of light elements (H, H + , He, Li, the kinetic energy of the particles 2-40 eV) with C 6 H 6 , C 6 F 12 , C 60 , and C 60 F 48 molecules was studied by ab initio MD simulations and quantum-chemical calculations. It was shown that starting from 6 A from the carbon skeleton for the "C 6 H 6 + proton" and "C 60 + proton" systems, the electronic charge transfer from the aromatic molecule to H + occurs with a probability close to 1. The process transforms the H + to a hydrogen atom and the neutral C 6 H 6 and C 60 molecules to cation radicals. The mechanism of interaction of low-energy protons with C 6 F 12 and C 6 0F 48 molecules has a substantially different character and can be considered qualitatively as the interaction between a neutral molecule and a point charge. The Coulomb perturbation of the system arising from the interaction of the uncompensated proton charge with the Mulliken charges of fluorine atoms results in an inversion of the energies of the electronic states localized on the proton and on the C 6 F 12 and C 60 F 48 molecules and makes the electronic charge transfer energetically unfavorable. On the different levels of theory, the barriers of the proton penetration for the C 6 F 12 and C 60 F 48 molecules are from two to four times lower than those for the corresponding parent systems (C 6 H 6 and C 60 ). The penetration barriers of the He atom and Li + ion depend mainly on the effective radii of the bombarding particles. The theoretical penetration and escaped barriers for the "Li + + C 60 " process qualitatively explain the experimental conditions of synthesis of the Li@C 60 complex.
Comparison of Heparin-Coated and Conventional Split-Tip Hemodialysis Catheters

Catheter coatings have the potential to decrease infection and thrombosis in patients with chronic dialysis catheters. We report our midterm experience with a heparin-coated dialysis catheter. This retrospective, case-control study was approved by our Institutional Review Board. A total of 88 tunneled dialysis catheters were inserted over a 13-month period via the internal jugular vein. Thirty-eight uncoated split-tip catheters and 50 heparin-coated catheters were inserted. Primary catheter patency was compared between the two groups using the log rank test, with infection and/or thrombosis considered as catheter failures. Dialysis parameters during the first and last dialysis sessions, including pump speed, actual blood flow, and arterial port pressures, were compared using unpaired t-tests. Primary patency of the uncoated catheters was 86.0 ± 6.5% at 30 days and 76.1 ± 8.9% at 90 days. Primary patency of heparin-coated catheters was 92.0 ± 6.2% at 30 days and 81.6 ± 8.0% at 90 days (p = 0.87, log rank test). Infection requiring catheter removal occurred in four patients with uncoated catheters and two patients with heparin-coated catheters (p = 0.23). Catheter thrombosis requiring catheter replacement or thrombolysis occurred in one patient with an uncoated catheter and two patients with heparin-coated catheters (p = 0.9). No differences in catheter function during hemodialysis were seen between the two groups. In conclusion, the heparin-coated catheter did not show a significantly longer patency compared to the uncoated catheter. The flow characteristics of this device were comparable to those of the conventional uncoated catheter. A demonstrable benefit of the heparin-coated catheter in randomized trials is needed before a recommendation for routine implementation can be made.
A HUMORAL ANTIBODY ASSOCIATED WITH ENDOTOXIN RESISTANCE.

SummaryRabbits, subjected to a series of injections with cells or purified lipopolysaccharide of one organism designed to render them endotoxin resistant, produced elevated levels of complement-fixation antibodies against otherwise serologically unrelated endotoxins. The apparent non-specificity of the response, its temporal appearance, and recall suggested the possibility that these antibodies may be related to a humoral factor involved in endotoxin tolerance.
Ecology of the Primary Burrowing Crayfish Distocambarus Crockeri

Distocambarus crockeri Hobbs and Carlson, 1983 (piedmont prairie burrowing crayfish) burrows were excavated monthly from April through July 2005 and September 2005 through June 2006 at a terrestrial site in South Carolina. Crayfish were counted, measured (carapace length in mm, CL), sexed, and life stage determined. Number, size and life stage of crayfish per burrow varied within and among months. Burrow excavation yielded ovigerous females in spring and a new cohort of young-of-the-year (YOY) crayfish in June 2005 and 2006. Burrows contained both sexes of adult (≥27 mm CL) and juvenile (<27 mm CL) crayfish, male reproductive forms, and YOY. The sex ratio of 394 adult and juvenile (0.80:1) crayfish favored females. Rarely were burrows observed with more than two adult or juvenile individuals and YOY crayfish with juveniles were not observed in the same burrow. Young-of-the-year crayfish were observed in 28.7% of excavated burrows ( n = 359 ) and these YOY accounted for 81% of the 2116 crayfish excavated. Mean burrow occupancy decreased from 14.9 crayfish/burrow in September 2005 to 1.2 in March 2006 before increasing to 6.3 crayfish/burrow in June 2006. The decrease in the 2005-year class YOY crayfish from parental burrows through mortality and emigration, instantaneous rate of loss ( Z ′ ), was estimated at 0.008. The von Bertalanffy growth model: CL = 36 . 62 ∗ ( 1 − 0 . 8236 6 ( − 0 . 2219 ∗ t ) ) derived from mark-recapture CL data provide an estimated first age of reproduction of 5.1 years for this D. crockeri population.
The adsorption and degradation of foot-and-mouth disease virus by isolated BHK-21 cell plasma membranes

Abstract Foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) was examined for its ability to adsorb specifically to plasma membranes isolated from BHK-21 cells. The membranes were prepared by the polyethylene glycol-dextran method, and characterized by increases in specific activity of ouabain-sensitive Na + K + -ATPase and 5′-nucleotidase, and by enrichment in 3 H-fucose over unfractionated homogenates. The membranes adsorbed purified radiolabeled FMDV type A 12 119 with kinetics characteristic of intact cells. Plasma membranes prepared from cells pretreated with trypsin were unable to adsorb virus. The adsorption of labeled FMDV was inhibited by unlabeled virus. Treatment of virus with trypsin, which cleaves capsid protein 3, greatly reduced its ability to adsorb to both plasma membranes and intact cells. After adsorption of virus to membranes at 4°, subsequent incubation at 37° under physiological conditions resulted in a rapid elution of bound virus in an unmodified form which reached approximately 80% by 1 hr. Incubation of the membrane-virus complex at 33° under low-salt conditions degraded the virus particles to intact and fragmented viral RNA and 12 S protein subunits. Membrane-induced viral degradation did not occur at 4° but was observed within 5 min after shifting to 33°. Thus, isolated plasma membranes from BHK-21 cells retain receptors for FMDV possessing uncleaved capsid protein 3. In addition, the eclipse and uncoating of FMDV in intact cells probably occurs at the plasma membrane, and in confirmation of previously reported results, the postadsorptive degradation, unlike that of other picornaviruses, occurs in a single step without the production of intermediate subviral particles.
K-terminal reliability of hierarchical networks

A class of networks called hierarchical networks is described, and it is shown how reliability can be computed efficiently in a hierarchical network. In particular, an algorithm for the K-terminal problem is described for computing the probability that a set of k nodes (k>1) can communicate through the network. The algorithm complexity is polynomial with a small degree. The exact degree depends on the distribution of the nodes that desire to communicate and the external gateways. >
Association of (tropical) ataxic neuropathy' with HTLV-II

Jamaican Neuropathy of the ataxic type (tropical ataxic neuropathy [TAN] and spastic type (tropical spastic paraparesis [TSP]) have been recognized for over a century in Jamaica. The recent association of TSP with HTLV-I (TSP/HAM) is now well established. We now present evidence for a possible association between a TAN-like illness with HTLV-II in four females aged 34-49. All presented with ataxic gait and all four have prominent mental changes. Three of the four also have minor motor deficits with urinary frequency and two have nocturnal leg cramps. All have serum antibody and all had PCR evidence of HTLV-II infection. Antibody to HTLV-II is present in CSF from two subjects. The distinctive picture of prominent ataxia and altered mental status in these subjects contrasts with a predominantly myelopathic picture seen in TSP/HAM.
Gaelic Ireland's English frontiers in the late Middle Ages

Frontiers' or 'borderlands' offer a useful conceptual framework for the exploration of Irish history in the late Middle Ages. Insufficient scholarly attention, however, has been devoted to the study of the Gaelic polity - the 'other side' of the frontiers that existed in late medieval Ireland between regions of Gaelic and English political, social and cultural domination. What follows seeks to begin a broad reconceptualisa- tion of the study of the Gaelic world and its frontiers by approaching these frontiers from a contemporary Gaelic perspective and by scrutinising contemporary Gaelic terminology used to describe borders. In this study, Ireland emerges as the historic and cultural centre of a wider Gaelic world, or Gaedhealtacht, which extended to parts of Scotland. The exploration of Gaelic Ireland's English frontiers presents a more complete picture of society in late medieval Ireland and sets Gaelic society in Ireland apart from its counterpart across the North Channel. Introduction One might expect that a consequence of the continued existence of an international border on an island as small as Ireland would be the interest of its historians in the study of frontiers or borderlands. That the border separating the Republic of Ireland from Northern Ireland would serve both as a reminder of the divisions - political, linguistic and economic - in Ireland's past and as a starting point for understand- ing them. Yet the study of Ireland's frontiers has not figured prominently in most accounts of Irish history. This is especially true of nationalist histories, which would seek to underscore the unity of 'Ireland' throughout history so as to show that the modern border is unhistorical and artificial. The approach of historians to the late medieval period, however, represents a partial exception to this tendency to overlook frontiers. This period - standing as it did between the emergence in Ireland of poli- tical and cultural frontiers in the twelfth and thirteenth centuries and the steady dis- appearance of frontiers under the later Tudors - has been approached, more than any other period in Irish history perhaps, through the exploration of its borders. Since Robin Frame's memorable description over 30 years ago of the medieval lordship of Ireland as a land of many marches (as frontiers were then commonly known in
Characterization of the Tet M determinants in urogenital and respiratory bacteria.

Tetracycline-resistant Fusobacterium nucleatum, Haemophilus ducreyi, Mycoplasma hominis, Peptostreptococcus spp., Ureaplasma urealyticum, and Veillonella parvula had DNA sequences which showed homology throughout the length of the Tet M transposon, Tn916. In contrast, Gardnerella vaginalis, commensal Neisseria spp., and the 25.2-megadalton plasmid family lacked the complete transposon. Images
Specification, Validation and Run-time Monitoring of SOA Based System-of-Systems Temporal Behaviors

This paper is concerned with the correct specification and validation of temporal behaviors in a service-oriented architecture based system-of-systems. It presents a new formalism, called message sequence chart assertions (MSC-assertions), for the specification of global system behaviors, and describes a specification validation technique using scenario simulation based on the JUnit test framework. We also describe the armor-plating of svstem-of-systems using runtime execution monitoring of MSC-assertions.
Quantifying the effects of environmental change on an oyster population: A modeling study

Three models are combined to investigate the effects of changes in environmental conditions on the population structure of the Eastern oyster,Crassostrea virginica. The first model, a time-dependent model of the oyster population as described in Powell et al. (1992, 1994, 1995a,b, 1996, 1997) and Hofmann et al. (1992, 1994, 1995), tracks the distribution, development, spawning, and mortality of sessile oyster populations. The second model, a time-dependent larval growth model as described in Dekshenieks et al. (1993), simulates larval growth and mortality. The final model, a finite element hydrodynamic model, simulates the circulation in Galveston Bay, Texas. The coupled post-settlement-larval model (the oyster model) runs within the finite element grid at locations that include known oyster reef habitats. The oyster model was first forced with 5 yr of mean environmental conditions to provide a reference simulation for Galveston Bay. Additional simulations considered the effects of long-term increases and decreases in freshwater inflow and temperature, as well as decreases in food concentration and total seston on Galveston Bay oyster populations. In general, the simulations show that salinity is the primary environmental factor controling the spatial extent of oyster distribution within the estuary. Results also indicate a need to consider all environmental factors when attempting to predict the response of oyster populations; it is the superposition of a combination of these factors that determines the state of the population. The results from this study allow predictions to be made concerning the effects of environmental change on the status of oyster populations, both within Galveston Bay and within other estuarine systems supporting oyster populations.
Trimetallic nitride endohedral metallofullerenes: reactivity dictated by the encapsulated metal cluster.

The first derivatives of Y3N@C80 have been synthesized and fully characterized. 1,3-Dipolar cycloaddition of N-ethylazomethine ylide yielded mainly the pyrrolidine monoadduct of the icosahedral (Ih) symmetry cage exclusively at a [6,6] double bond. The same regioselectivity on a [6,6] double bond was observed when the endohedral compound was cyclopropanated with diethyl bromomalonate. These results are in pronounced contrast to those observed for icosahedral symmetry Sc3N@C80, for which all reported derivatives add completely regioselectively to [5,6] double bonds. 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and HMQC spectroscopy revealed that the addition pattern on Y3N@C80 resulted in a pyrrolidinofullerene derivative with unsymmetric pyrrolidine carbons and symmetric geminal protons. The cyclopropanated monoadduct exhibited symmetric ethyl groups on the malonate, consistent with regioselective addition at a [6,6] double bond. Attempts to perform the same cyclopropanation reaction on (Ih) Sc3N@C80 failed to yield any identifiable...
Efficient computation of time-based customer service levels in a multi-item, multi-echelon supply chain: A practical approach for inventory optimization

Abstract Time-based item fill rates, or “channel” fill rates, are the building blocks needed to evaluate steady-state compliance with time-based customer service agreements. Exact computation of channel fill rates is both difficult and time-consuming, yet their accurate assessment is essential for system-wide inventory optimization. We describe and validate a practical method for computing channel fill rates in a multi-item, multi-echelon service parts distribution system. A simulation study is presented which shows that, in a three-echelon setting, our estimation errors are very small over a wide range of base stock level vectors. A more accurate, though less efficient, approximation method is also evaluated for comparison.
Linkage Mapping and QTL Analysis of Agronomic Traits in Tetraploid Potato (Solanum tuberosum subsp. tuberosum)

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is one of the world's most important crops. Using a tetraploid population, we developed a linkage map using amplified fragment length polymorphism and simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers, and searched for quantitative trait loci (QTL) via interval mapping and single-marker analysis of variance. Quantitative trait loci were detected for flower color, foliage maturity, tuber skin texture, dry matter content, specific gravity, and yield. Most linkage groups were anchored to Solanum chromosomes using SSRs. The most significant QTL detected was for flower color. It was located on chromosome II and explained over 40% of the variation for this trait. This QTL most likely corresponds to the R locus for red anthocyanin production. We also confirmed the presence of QTL for foliage maturity on chromosomes III and V. For skin texture, a trait that has not been previously mapped in potato, we detected multiple QTL. One of these, found on chromosome III, explained 20% of the variation. By measuring specific gravity and dry matter independently we were able to detect QTL for these traits that did not co-locate, even though the traits are strongly correlated. Yield QTL were detected on multiple chromosomes, including a novel one on chromosome III. Many QTL could be modeled as simplex or duplex with dominant effects, but a large number displayed additive or interallelic interactive effects. The mapping and modeling of traits in this tetraploid population could be improved by the use of more codominant markers, such as single nucleotide polymorphisms.
A hydrostatic device for tissue dehydration.

A simple device for mixing water and organic solvents can be easily constructed to dehydrate tissue for electron microscopy. the device utilizes hydrostatic leveling between a reservoir and a mixing chamber to produce a continuously increasing concentration of dehydrating solvent. the rate of dehydration may be regulated by geometry and/or outflow rate. A prototype model is described which compactly incorporates the solvent reservoirs and a tissue tray that can accommodate ten tissue specimens in stainless steel mesh baskets. the device can be fabricated cheaply and replaces manual dehydration.
Design of fiber optic IIR filters for processing lightwave signals

Realization of direct forms infinite-impulse response digital filters using various radiatively-tappered fiber optic delay lines is discussed. Such filters are attractive because they can provide better magnitude characteristics in their frequency response for a smaller number of taps than finite-impulse response filters can. These realizations use spatial light modulators and thus can be incorporated into optical adaptive filters for processing lightwave signals. Models of error sources in the fiber optical realization and their effects on both time and frequency response characteristics are explained. Cascading of lower order subsystems to obtain higher order filters is discussed. A possible way of improving the insertion loss using Erbium doped fiber optic amplifiers is derived.
Finite strain analysis of the Zhangbaling metamorphic belt, SE China - Crustal thinning in transpression

Abstract Finite strain analysis of pebbles in the metatillite and phyllite shows that the deformation of the metatillite/phyllite zone is flattening to plane-strain dominated. Results of SPO analysis of the rigid plagioclase porphyroclasts in three perpendicular planes indicate monoclinic strain symmetry of the Zhangbaling schist and oblate geometry of the clast. Forward strain modeling of rigid clasts is performed based on the shape fabric of the clast population. Integrated results of finite strain modeling and finite strain analysis indicate that this midcrustal section experienced at least ∼18–36% thinning in the oblique convergence between North and South China blocks.
The mathematics and physics of knots

This paper is an introduction to relationships between knot theory and theoretical physics. We give an exposition of the theory of polynomial invariants of knots and links, the Witten functional integral formulation of knot and link invariants, and the beginnings of topological quantum field theory, and show how the theory of knots is related to a number of key issues in mathematical physics, including loop quantum gravity and quantum information theory. Along with the references cited in the text below, we also recommend the following as sources of background information [1–13].
2,576 ultrasounds for blunt abdominal trauma.

Background: Determination of intra-abdominal injury following blunt abdominal trauma (BAT) continues to be a diagnostic challenge. Ultrasound (US) has been described as a potentially useful diagnostic tool in this setting and is being used with increasing frequency in trauma centers. We determined the diagnostic capability of US in the evaluation of BAT. Methods: A retrospective analysis of our trauma US database was performed over a 30-month period. Computed tomographic scan, diagnostic peritoneal lavage, or exploratory laparotomy confirmed the presence of intra-abdominal injury. Results: During the study period, 8,197 patients were evaluated at the Ryder Trauma Center. Of this group, 2,576 (31%) had US in the evaluation of BAT. Three hundred eleven (12%) US exams were considered positive. Forty-three patients (1.7%) had a false-negative US; of this group, 10 (33%) required exploratory laparotomy. US had a sensitivity of 86%, a specificity of 98%, and an accuracy of 97% for detection of intra-abdominal injuries. Positive predictive value was 87% and negative predictive value was 98%. Conclusion: Emergency US is highly reliable and may replace computed tomographic scan and diagnostic peritoneal lavage as the initial diagnostic modality in the evaluation of most patients with BAT.
Purified Influenza Vaccine: Clinical and Serologic Responses to Varying Doses and Different Routes of Immunization

Recently a purified bivalent influenza vaccine prepared by zonal ultracentrifugation was described, which appeared to be highly antigenic and to cause few side reactions [1, 2]. During the 1968-1969 epidemic of influenza caused by the Hong Kong variant of influenza A2 virus, a highly purified monovalent influenza vaccine was prepared in a similar manner and made available for field testing. Because it was highly purified and could be concentrated in the zonal ultracentrifuge, the vaccine was available in preparations of different potency. This made it possible to give the vaccine at different levels of dosage and to compare antigenic response and incidence of side reactions to a single subcutaneous inoculation. Although the usual route of immunization employed with killed influenza vaccines is the subcutaneous one, physicians have frequently used the intradermal route in patients who have given a history of previous severe local reactions to the vaccine or when vaccine is in short supply. Recent reports have also suggested that administration of the vaccine intranasally may be a more effective way of obtaining local antibody and