cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Host instar preference and functional response of Aphidius transcaspicus, a parasitoid of mealy aphids (Hyalopterus species)

Aphidius transcaspicus Telenga (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Aphidiinae) has been selected for use as a biological control agent against Hyalopterus pruni Geoffroy (Hemiptera: Aphididae) in prune orchards in California. In this study we focus on the host instar preference and functional response of A. transcaspicus. Host instar preference was determined using laboratory arenas by allowing female parasitoids to attack aphids on field-collected leaves of Prunus domestica L. supporting a natural range of H. pruni instars. A relative preference index indicated that A. transcaspicus was 1.4 times more likely to attack intermediate instars (2–4) than 1st or adult instars. The functional response of A. transcaspicus to H. pruni density was determined on enclosed P. domestica shoots in a prune orchard. The functional response to host density was linear (Type I) at the lowest aphid densities, and the asymptotic number of aphids attacked at higher aphid densities was 64.3 ± 6.7 aphids day−1.
Intermittently Connected Vehicle-to-Vehicle Networks: Detection and Analysis

Vehicular Adhoc Networks (VANETs) are dedicated to improve the safety and efficiency of transportation systems through vehicle to vehicle or vehicle to road side communications. VANETs exhibit dynamic topology and intermittent connectivity due to high vehicle mobility. These distinguished features declare a challenging question: how to detect on the fly vehicular networks such that we can explore mobility-assisted message dissemination and topology control in VANETs. As being closely related to network dynamics, vehicle mobility could be explored to uncover network structure. In this paper, we have observed that mobility of vehicle, rather than being random, shows \emph{temporal locality} (i.e., frequently visiting several communities like home and office), and \emph{spatial locality} (i.e., velocity constrained by road layout and nearby vehicles). We first examine temporal locality using a campus trace, then measure temporal locality similarity between two vehicles based on the relative entropy of their location preferences. By further incorporating spatial locality similarity, we introduce a new metric, namely \emph{dual locality ratio} (DLR), which represents the mobility correlation of vehicles. Simulation results show that DLR can effectively identify dynamic vehicular network structures. We also demonstrate applications of DLR for improving performances of data forwarding and clustering in vehicle-to-vehicle networks.
Measurement of local diffusion coefficients in biofilms by microinjection and confocal microscopy

A new technique for the determination of local diffusion coefficients in biofilms is described. It is based on the microinjection of fluorescent dyes and quantitative analysis of the subsequent plume formation using confocal laser microscopy. The diffusion coefficients of fluorescein (MW 332), TRITC-IgG (MW 150000) and phycoerythrin (MW 240000) were measured in the cell clusters and interstitial voids of a heterogeneous biofilm. The diffusivities measured in the voids were close to the theoretical values in water. Fluorescein had the same diffusivity in cell clusters, voids, and sterile medium. TRITC-IgG did not diffuse in cell clusters, presumably due to binding to the cell cluster matrix. After treatment of the biofilm with bovine serum albumin, binding capacity decreased and the diffusion coefficient could be measured. The diffusivity of phycoerythrin in cell clusters was impeded by 41%, compared to interstitial voids. From the diffusion data of phycoerythrin it was further calculated that the cell cluster matrix had the characteristics of a gel with 0.6 nm thick fibers and pore diameters of 80 nm. (c) 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Decomposition and Fragmentation of Coarse Woody Debris: Re-visiting a Boreal Black Spruce Chronosequence

We re-visited a seven-stand boreal chronosequence west of Thompson, Manitoba, Canada, in which coarse woody debris (CWD) and its instantaneous decomposition were measured in 2000. New CWD measurements were performed in 2007, and tree inventories updated to provide mortality and snag failure data. These data were used to model CWD changes, compare methods of estimating decomposition, and infer possible fragmentation rates. Measured CWD was between 9.7 (in both the 77- and 43-year-old stands) and 80.4 (in the 18-year-old stand) Mg ha−1 in 2007. Spatial variability was high; at most stands CWD levels had not changed significantly from 2000 to 2007. Tree mortality was a significant flux only in older stands, whereas snag fall rate varied by an order of magnitude, from 2.9% y−1 (0.2 Mg ha−1 y−1) in the 9-year-old stand to 9.8% y−1 (2.3 Mg ha−1 y−1) in the 12-year-old stand. A one-pool model based on these inputs underestimated actual 2000–2007 CWD decomposition in the younger stands, suggesting that fragmentation could be an important part of the carbon flux exiting the CWD pool. We compared three independent measures of annual decomposition (k): direct measurements of CWD respiration, rates based on the 7-year re-sampling effort described here, and rates inferred from the chronosequence design itself. Mean k values arrived at via these techniques were 0.06 ± 0.03, 0.05 ± 0.04, and 0.05 ± 0.05 y−1, respectively. The four-pool model suggested that the transition rate between decay classes was 0.14–0.19 y−1; the model was most sensitive to initial CWD values. Although the computed k values implied a problem with chronosequence site selection for at least one site, the overall CWD trend was consistent with a larger number of sites surveyed in the region.
Leukotriene C4 and TGF-Alpha Are Stimulators of Human Melanocyte Migration In Vitro

Human vitiligo is disease of melanocyte destruction that leads to areas of depigmentation in the skin. The major form of treatment for vitiligo is photochemotherapy using psoralens and UVA radiation (PUVA), Which induces the slow migration of pigment cells from lair follicles and normal skin into the depigmented areas. Our hypothesis is that immune cytokines and inflammatory mediators released as a result of the photochemotherapy are signals for melanocyte migration. We have developed an in vitro assay that quantitates the movement of individual cultured melanocytes over a 72-h period using time lapse photography. Using this assay we found that both LTC4and TGF alpha were stimulators of melanocyte migration in vitro. The LTC4 effect was greater and lasted for the entire 72-h experimental period, whereas the TGF alpha effect was significant only during the first 24-h of the experiment.
The effect of hypercarbia on age-related changes in cerebral glucose transport and glucose-modulated agonal glycolytic rates.

The Effect of Hypercarbia on Age-Related Changes in Cerebral Glucose Transport and Glucose-Modulated Agonal Glycolytic Rates
Spin Waves in an Antiferromagnet with S = 1 2

It is shown that of two conflicting corrections to the dispersion law for spin waves in an antiferromagnetic, Fu-Cho Pu's is rather accurate for short waves, whereas Oguchi's is quite good for long waves. The operator method in terms of spin-flip operators is used in first and second approximation.
Equilibrium Isotope Effects as a Probe of Nonbonding Attractions

The equilibrium isotope effects (EIEs) in the capsule complex (12 + p-xylene + CCl4) were computed with two simple models that mimic two types of contacts, −CH3·Ar and −CH3·CCl4. By using the MP2/6-311++G(d,p) method, the calculated equilibrium constants are consistent with the reported experimental data. Harmonic frequency analyses indicate that vibrational frequency changes caused by nonbonding attractions lead to the observed EIE.
How Well can We Model Numbers and Productivity of Saltmarsh Sharp-Tailed Sparrows (Ammodramus Caudacutus) Using Habitat Features

Abstract Habitat models are often used to describe species distributions, but they need to be tested to evaluate their predictive performance. We investigated the importance of model evaluation in a study of habitat selection by Saltmarsh Sharp-tailed Sparrows (Ammodramus caudacutus), a species of conservation concern in eastern North America. We estimated the number of birds, nests, and fledglings produced in thirty 1-ha study plots spread across multiple marshes and used an information-theoretic approach to select among explanatory habitat models. Model performance was evaluated using both the original data set and data from another 30 plots from the same set of marshes. Our models indicate that both female and male Saltmarsh Sharp-tailed Sparrows increase in abundance as one moves away from the marsh's upland edge and in areas where there is deep thatch and uniform vegetation height. In contrast to the results for adult birds, number of nests and production of fledglings were positively associated with...
The invisible web and the need for new research methodologies

A research question that I believe will be important for technical communication practitioners and scholars in the next decade is as followsHow do we do develop big data methods for locating and studying web-based technical communication artifacts?
Protease signaling in tumor progression

Protease-activated receptors (PARs) constitute a family four of G-protein coupled receptors that mediate cellular responses to serine proteases. Best known as receptors for the coagulation protease thrombin, PARs can also be activated by other coagulation proteases, intestinal proteases and proteases released by epithelial cells and granulocytes. Many tumor cells express PARs, and protease agonists are often either co-expressed by the tumor cells or present in the tumor stroma. Tumors and their microenvironment should thus provide fertile ground for protease signaling, raising the question of whether this mechanism contributes to tumor progression. Cellular responses to PAR activation defined in vitro are consistent with possible roles in promoting proliferation, survival and/or malignant transformation of the tumor cells themselves and with activation of host endothelial cells and platelets to promote angiogenesis and metastasis. Indeed, expression of PARs and their potential agonists correlates with malignancy in several types of human cancer, and mouse models have pointed to a possible role in invasion and hematogenous metastasis. Whether PARs make important contributions to the biology of human tumors and/or whether they will provide useful markers of the malignant phenotype remains to be determined.
A Grammar of Black Masculinity: A Body of Science

Eighteenth-century European science set out to codify common assumptions about dark male bodies; indeed, science began to recodify these assumptions since the efforts made during the 1700s were not new. Scientists undertook this recodification by providing a precise vocabulary to talk about racial difference and about the process of racial differentiation and by circumscribing black corporeality within a particular modality. Although scientific racism and racialism have led to a particularized reading, what one might label a “misreading,” of all bodies of color and certain marginalized white male bodies, I focus on the black male body because of its axial role in the history of science and thus in the narrative of white-supremacist patriarchy. Eighteenth-century science set out to illustrate natural law by establishing biological differences between different (i.e., black and white) bodies and by proving that these “natural” differences explain the differences between the races and between the civilized and the primitive.
Firearm laws, patients, and the roles of psychiatrists.

Objective: Persons with mental illness and/or substance abuse are frequently perceived by the public to be dangerous. This has resulted in an increase in state legislation restricting their ability to purchase, possess, register, obtain licensure, retain, and/or carry a firearm of any sort. The purpose of this article is to educate clinicians about the impact of firearms statutes and restrictions for their patients. Many state statutes mandate that treating psychiatrists report such gun possession to state justice or police departments. Psychiatrists may also have a statutory role in an appeals process. Method: The firearms statutes of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico and the Federal National Firearms Act were surveyed, with particular attention paid to the ability of persons with mental illness and/or alcohol or substance abuse to obtain firearms. The results were tabulated. Results: These statutes are not uniform. They vary in their definition of mental illness, the type and dura...
Two-dimensional navigation problems: a knowledge-based system approach

Many researchers are studying ways to create machines that can make their own decisions and act on them. Recently, great advances have been made in intelligent mobile robot technology, advances which will provide autonomous traveling ability to autonomous systems, allowing them not only to surmount stairs but also other obstacles. The autonomous systems are expected to gather knowledge about their environment, construct a symbolic world model of the environment, and use this model in planning and carrying out tasks set them in high-level style. An approach to automatic path planning for self-navigation problems is presented. It is structured as a knowledge-based system and is a method of planning safe paths around circular obstacles in a two-dimensional plane for autonomous systems. The expert system path planner reduces the complexity of the problem and the computer run-time, enabling the agent to achieve a quicker response to its own environment. Also, computer run-time increases very slowly with problem complexity. It is done by: (1) representing the environmental information by sets of facts; (2) guiding the moving object by groups of rules and (3) deriving the result with simple algorithm and fewer calculations. This algorithm is implemented in the expert system environment, and some examples drawn from the system are also demonstrated.
Organ and class specificity of cell adhesion blocking antisera

Rabbit antisera prepared against embryonic chick liver cells have been characterized using cell cytotoxicity tests, antibody absorption tests, inhibition of cell-cell reaggregation and cell-aggregate adhesion assays. The sera contain antibodies which specifically block embryonic chick liver cell-cell aggregation with no effect on other cell types or embryonic liver cells of other classes tested. Assays with sera absorbed with live cells, neural retina cells, or erythrocytes as well as with sera raised against these cells, indicate that this anti-aggregation effect is not merely the result of coating the cell surface with non-specific antibody. The anti-aggregation specificities of the sera have been checked by absorption experiments with a variety of membrane preparations. These results suggest significant cross-reactivity only between chick liver and kidney, perhaps reflecting the relatedness of the epithelial elements of these tissues. The immunoglobulin G fraction, F(ab')2 and monomeric fragments Fab' retain activity suggesting that the antisera inhibit cell-cell adhesion via blockage of cell surface ligands and not by cell surface modulation effects or cytotoxicity. The organ and class specificities of the antisera suggest that the inhibition of cell-cell aggregation is mediated by the direct binding of antibody to the embryonic chick liver cell adhesion ligand system.
Consumer satisfaction as a function of personal competence/efficacy

Few studies have examined the potential effects of personality upon consumer's judgments of satisfaction/dissatisfaction with their purchases. This paper presents evidence that consumer satisfaction with household appliances is related to their sense of personal efficacy. Implications for policy making and future theoretical directions for satisfaction research are discussed.
Identification of a Short Linear Sequence Present in the C-terminal Tail of the Rat Follitropin Receptor That Modulates Arrestin-3 Binding in a Phosphorylation-independent Fashion

The rat follitropin receptor (rFSHR) is an unusual G protein-coupled receptor in that agonist-induced activation leads to the phosphorylation of the first and third intracellular loops instead of the C-terminal tail. To determine regions of G protein-coupled receptors that affect internalization independently of phosphorylation we examined the effects of truncations of the C-terminal tail of the rFSHR on agonist-induced internalization. Our studies show that progressive truncations of a region flanked by residues 642 and 651 enhance the internalization of human follicle-stimulating hormone (hFSH). Further characterization of a mutant truncated at residue 649 (designated rFSHR-t649) and another mutant in which the 642-651 region was deleted in the context of the full-length rFSHR, designated rFSHR(Delta642-651), showed that both of them internalized hFSH at rates that were 2-3 times faster than rFSHR-wild type (wt). Like rFSHR-wt, however, the internalization of hFSH mediated by rFSHR-t649 and rFSHR(Delta642-651) can be inhibited with dominant-negative mutants of the non-visual arrestins or dynamin. Alanine-scanning mutagenesis of the 642-651 region suggests that the effects on internalization are not mediated by a single residue, however. In an attempt to understand the molecular basis of the enhanced internalization of hFSH mediated by these mutants we used an assay that can be readily used to assess the association of the rFSHR with the arrestin-3 in co-transfected cells. Using this assay we were able to show that, when compared with rFSHR-wt, rFSHR(Delta642-651) displays an approximately 4-fold enhancement in binding affinity for arrestin-3 and an approximately 1.7-fold reduction in maximal arrestin-3 binding capacity. We conclude that a short linear sequence present in the C-terminal tail of the rFSHR (642SATHNFHARK651) that is not phosphorylated limits internalization by lowering the affinity of the rFSHR for the endogenous non-visual arrestins.
Assessment automation software for accounting of domain name auctions, forensic audit appraisal, ANOVA of price and cost, ROI univariate and multivariate linear regression forecasting models

This study deals with live and silent auctions of domain names. It develops a domain name appraisal model for decisions related to marketability, brand, traffic, industry e-commerce value trademark assessment. It focuses on ICANN NAF WIPO IRS type of resolution dispute cost benefit analysis and thereby lets plaintiffs, defendants, and courts budget the worthiness of proceedings compared to settling a dispute, or assessing the damages due. This study reviews the difference between a silent and a live auction of domain names. It tests the difference in the prices of domain names that were sold in each type of auction. This study demonstrates that there is a significant difference and presents the calculations. These calculations can serve forensic experts in dispute resolutions and in calculating the damages and compensations due to suboptimal choices.
Time-dependent Effects of Dog Exposure and Genotype at Immune-Related Genes on Wheezing and Atopy in Early Childhood

Immune-Related Genes on Wheezing and Atopy in Early Childhood J. Bufford1, Z. Li2, C. Reardon3, K. A. Roberg3, C. Tisler3, E. Anderson3, D. DaSilva3, I. Ostrovnaja4, S. Hoffjan5, D. Nicolae4, R. Gangnon2, C. Ober5, R. F. Lemanske, Jr.6, J. E. Gern3; 1Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 2Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 3Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 4Department of Statistics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 5Department of Human Genetics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 6Pediatrics and Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI. RATIONALE: Dog exposure is associated with reduced atopy and increased IL-10 and IL-13 responses in early childhood. Whether these influences depend on the age of the child is unknown. METHODS: 275 children in the Childhood Origins of ASThma study were evaluated to age 3 for pet ownership, and blood was obtained for PHA-induced cytokine responses and RAST. Dog exposure was categorized into groups: never (D0, n=165), at birth but not age 3 (DB, n=21), at age 3 but not at birth (D3, n=13), or continuous (DB+3, n=76). All statistical comparisons were relative to nonexposed children (D0). 208 children were genotyped at selected immunoregulatory genes. RESULTS: Rates of wheezing in the third year of life (D0 35%; DB 15%, p=0.07; D3 42%, p=0.65; DB+3 20%, p=0.02) and rates of atopic dermatitis (AD) in the first 3 years (D0 37%; DB 14%, p=0.042; D3 46%, p=0.49; DB+3 14%, p=0.0004) were related to the timing of dog exposure. Notably, the prevalence of dog sensitization did not vary among these groups (D0 12%, DB 11%, D3 10%, DB+3 11%). There were interactions between dog exposure at birth and genotype on risk for wheezing at year 3 (IL10_-854C/T [p=0.006], -571C/A [p=0.002]; IL4RA Q551R [p=0.043], 676C/T [p=0.023], 7339A/G [p=0.024]) and for AD (IL4RA 150V [p=0.025], 676C/T [p=0.014], 7339A/G [p=0.016]; IL4_-589C/T [p=0.023]). CONCLUSIONS: The protective effects of dog exposure against subsequent AD and wheezing are age dependent and appear to be greatest in the newborn period. Furthermore, these effects may be modified by genotype at the IL10 and Th2 loci. Funding: NIH grants M01 RR03186, R01 HL61879 and P01 HL70831
Nickel Colloids in Reduced Nickel-Doped Magnesium Oxide

High-temperature treatment in a reducing atmosphere of Ni-doped MgO crystals resulted in the formation of colloids with an average size of about 50 nm. The colloids are coherent nickel precipitates having a fcc structure ($a=0.352$ nm), and occasionally a bcc structure ($a=0.288$ nm). The ratio of magnetic to nuclear scattering amplitudes for the (111) precipitate reflection was about 17% below the value for nickel. Optical absorption measurements indicate that a broad optical band centered at \ensuremath{\sim} 2.2 eV is associated with the colloidal precipitates.
Signal Loss, Spatial Resolution, and Sensitivity of Long Coaxial Crack Sensors

Configuration-based coaxial cable sensors have recently been developed to detect cracks in reinforced concrete (RC) structures. These sensors have shown a high sensitivity when applied to several short RC flexural members. However, the signal losses resulting from a long cable sensor may distort the initial waveform of the electromagnetic wave propagating along the cable, thereby compromising the spatial resolution and sensitivity of this sensor. The signal losses consist of the contributions from the skin effect of conductors, energy absorption in the dielectric material, and impedance mismatch loss due to multiple signal reflections resulting from discontinuities caused by the separation between the adjacent spirals, which acts as the outer conductor of a cable sensor. This paper summarizes the basic physics of signal losses in cable sensors, and investigates the impact of the signal losses on the spatial resolution and sensitivity of a cable sensor over distance. Several methods are proposed to simulate and quantify various factors affecting the signal losses.
Neuroimaging of Reading Intervention: A Systematic Review and Activation Likelihood Estimate Meta-Analysis

A growing number of studies examine instructional training and brain activity. The purpose of this paper is to review the literature regarding neuroimaging of reading intervention, with a particular focus on reading difficulties (RD). To locate relevant studies, searches of peer-reviewed literature were conducted using electronic databases to search for studies from the imaging modalities of fMRI and MEG (including MSI) that explored reading intervention. Of the 96 identified studies, 22 met the inclusion criteria for descriptive analysis. A subset of these (8 fMRI experiments with post-intervention data) was subjected to activation likelihood estimate (ALE) meta-analysis to investigate differences in functional activation following reading intervention. Findings from the literature review suggest differences in functional activation of numerous brain regions associated with reading intervention, including bilateral inferior frontal, superior temporal, middle temporal, middle frontal, superior frontal, and postcentral gyri, as well as bilateral occipital cortex, inferior parietal lobules, thalami, and insulae. Findings from the meta-analysis indicate change in functional activation following reading intervention in the left thalamus, right insula/inferior frontal, left inferior frontal, right posterior cingulate, and left middle occipital gyri. Though these findings should be interpreted with caution due to the small number of studies and the disparate methodologies used, this paper is an effort to synthesize across studies and to guide future exploration of neuroimaging and reading intervention.
CKD-EPI eGFR categories were better than MDRD categories for predicting mortality in a range of populations

Source Citation Matsushita K, Mahmoodi BK, Woodward M, et al; Chronic Kidney Disease Prognosis Consortium. Comparison of risk prediction using the CKD-EPI equation and the MDRD study equation for e...
Potassium depletion in hepatic cirrhosis. A reversible cause of impaired growth-hormone and insulin response to stimulation.

Abstract Seven of 17 patients with cirrhosis and impaired carbohydrate tolerance were found to have potassium depletion as judged by rises of body potassium from 12.7 to 35.8 per cent of the initial value during potassium chloride administration. Plasma insulin and growth-hormone response to the administration of glucose or arginine was initially below normal in the potassium-depleted patients but elevated above normal in those without potassium depletion. Administration of 180 mEq of potassium chloride daily for a period of two or more weeks resulted in increased body potassium, improved glucose tolerance and increased insulin and growth-hormone responses in the seven potassium-depleted cirrhotic patients, but no significant change in any of these measurements in the others. These observations indicate that potassium depletion in cirrhotic patients is associated with a diabetic glucose tolerance test and reduced output of both insulin and growth hormone and that potassium repletion may be accompanied by ...
Separation of coal macerals

Abstract The conditions necessary for efficient, small-scale separation of coal macerals are investigated. The method developed takes advantage of known density differences of the various macerais, but unlike most separations, an isopycnic density gradient centrifugation (DGC) technique is used to isolate pure macerals. The technique consists of grinding the coal in a fluid energy mill to ≈ 3 μm average particle size, separating macerals in an aqueous CsCI density gradient, and analysing the products for maceral composition as a function of density. Excellent separations can be achieved in a single run if the coal is first demineralized and then well dispersed with a wetting agent. Sink-float separations also benefit substantially from the addition of a surfactant. The density gradient centrifugation technique is limited more by inability to liberate macerals from each other on comminution than by any inherent errors in the gradient technique itself. Resolution of pure macerals using the DGC technique is much better than would be obtained from sink-float techniques. Data for three coals of differing constitution are presented.
Some measurements of the penetration of turbulence into small cavities

Abstract Within a cavity, bordering a fluid in turbulent flow, mass and heat transport, along with phenomena which depend on them (such as corrosion), are likely to be affected by penetration of turbulence from without. Experimental measurements of velocities within cavities have been carried out by hot film velocimetry. Measurements were carried out in a wind tunnel with cavities of various shapes, of width 2–10 mm. Turbulence was generated by a grid upstream of the cavity and velocity fluctuations were observed in the cavity for all but the smallest cavities. It is suggested that an eddy will penetrate a cavity if the cavity is larger than the Prandtl eddy length.
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors containing the α6 subunit contribute to ethanol activation of ventral tegmental area dopaminergic neurons

Abstract Nicotine and alcohol are often co-abused suggesting a common mechanism of action may underlie their reinforcing properties. Both drugs acutely increase activity of ventral tegmental area (VTA) dopaminergic (DAergic) neurons, a phenomenon associated with reward behavior. Recent evidence indicates that nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), ligand-gated cation channels activated by ACh and nicotine, may contribute to ethanol-mediated activation of VTA DAergic neurons although the nAChR subtype(s) involved has not been fully elucidated. Here we show that expression and activation of nAChRs containing the α6 subunit contribute to ethanol-induced activation of VTA DAergic neurons. In wild-type (WT) mouse midbrain sections that contain the VTA, ethanol (50 or 100 mM) significantly increased firing frequency of DAergic neurons. In contrast, ethanol did not significantly increase activity of VTA DAergic neurons in mice that do not express CHRNA6, the gene encoding the α6 nAChR subunit (α6 knock-out (KO) mice). Ethanol-induced activity in WT slices was also reduced by pre-application of the α6 subtype-selective nAChR antagonist, α-conotoxin MII[E11A]. When co-applied, ethanol potentiated the response to ACh in WT DAergic neurons; whereas co-application of ACh and ethanol failed to significantly increase activity of DAergic neurons in α6 KO slices. Finally, pre-application of α-conotoxin MII[E11A] in WT slices reduced ethanol potentiation of ACh responses. Together our data indicate that α6-subunit containing nAChRs may contribute to ethanol activation of VTA DAergic neurons. These receptors are predominantly expressed in DAergic neurons and known to be critical for nicotine reinforcement, providing a potential common therapeutic molecular target to reduce nicotine and alcohol co-abuse
710-5 Progressive Deterioration in Late (2-Year) Clinical Outcomes After Stent Implantation in Saphenous Vein Grafts: The Multicenter JJIS Experience

Late clinical follow-up (after I-year) in patients treated with native coronary stents demonstrates no further clinical events (death or MI) and rare delayed target lesion revascularization (TLR = repeat PTCA or CABG). To examine the long-term effects of stent placement in saphenous vein grafts (SVG), we evaluated all follow-up clinical data in 661 consecutive patients (775 SVG lesions) from the JJIS multicenter registry (17 sites). Baseline demographics were pertinent for a high incidence of unstable angina (72%), heart failure (22%), and high surgical risk status (49%). The mean SVG age was 9 ± 4 years, and the mean ejection fraction was 49 ± 14%. Overall procedure success (l50% residual stenosis without in-hospital death. MI, or CABG) was 92%, and subacute thrombosis was documented in 9 patients (14%). Actuarial follow-up event rates: Events 6-months 12-months 24-months – Death (%) 5 8 14 – MI(%) 7 8 8 – CABG (%) 7 9 12 – PTCA(%) 6 8 12 – Event-free survival (%) 75 67 55 Event-free survival = freedom from death, MI. CABG or PTCA Conclusion Similar to PTCA in SVG lesions and in contrast to stents in native coronaries, patients with stents in SVG's exhibit a disappointing attrition in late clinical outcomes beyond one year, Both increasing mortality and repeat revascularization procedures contribute to the 2-year 55% event-free survival. We surmise that further deterioration at the stent site (i.e. “late” restenosis), increasing non-TLR events, and less favorable baseline characteristics are responsible for these findings.
Evaluating the cross-national comparability of survey measures of political interest using anchoring vignettes

Abstract Making cross-groups comparisons by using survey instruments has raised substantial scholarly concerns due to the potential risk of incomparability resulting from differential item functioning (DIF). However, not every survey item necessarily suffers from DIF. In this paper, we argue that, unlike many other survey items (e.g., political efficacy), the usual question used to measure political interest is likely to be largely immune to DIF. Our theoretical argument centers on the relative specificity of the item and a corresponding cultural homogeneity (at least in advanced democracies) in what it means to be politically interested or not. Utilizing the anchoring vignettes technique (King et al., 2004; King and Wand, 2007) in our original surveys in the UK, France, and the Netherlands, we demonstrate the size of DIF is small for the standard political interest question.
Implications for our definitions of pain

The International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) definition of pain, by its emphasis on verbal communication, may contribute to the lack of recognition and treatment of pain in certain vulnerable groups of people. Additionally, the definition possesses an inherent Cartesian dualism, which may undermine effective treatment and contribute to stigmatization. Although the definition is valuable in that it addresses the irreducible subjectivity and lack of specificity of the pain experience, certain aspects deserve discussion and revision.
Attitudes of the Public Toward Educational Mainstreaming

This investigation measured current public attitudes toward educational mainstreaming. The Attitudes Toward Mainstreaming Scale (ATMS) was administered to 377 adults at a small city shopping mall. Results showed positive attitudes on factors dealing with general concept of mainstreaming and the mainstreaming of handicapped students with normal potential for learning. Less favorable attitudes were expressed toward mainstreaming students likely to have difficulty functioning in a general classroom setting. Attitudinal differences among subjects emerged for race, age, and child in school, but not for gender. These findings were compared to results from surveys of preservice and inservice teachers and from a public sample of the previous decade.
Quasi‐ternary Nanoparticle Superlattices Through Nanoparticle Design

Individual nanoscale building blocks exhibit a wide range of size-dependent properties, since their size can be tuned over known characteristic length scales of bulk materials. In the last several years, the possibility of combining different materials in the form of two and three component nanoparticles (NPs) has been extensively explored. Also multi-component materials can be obtained via self-assembly of NPs from their binary colloidal mixtures. These new nanocrystal solids may possess tunable collective properties that originate from interactions between size and composition controlled building blocks. Exchange coupling between neighboring NPs of magnetically soft and hard materials enhances the magnetic energy product of the nanocomposite material. Randomly mixed solids of small and large semiconducting CdSe NPs revealed enhancement of photoluminescence intensity of large semiconductor particles accompanied by quenching of photoluminescence of the small particles because of long-range resonant transfer of electronic excitations from the more electronically confined small particles to higher excited states of the large particles. Recently, it was demonstrated that binary semiconducting composite materials can show strongly enhanced electronic properties with about 100-fold higher conductance as compared to the sum of individual conductances of single-component films. Creation of highly periodic superlattices is expected not just provide the control of the homogeneity of the sample but also affect their properties. It was shown that silver nanocrystals organized into periodic cubic structures vibrated coherently [20] and demonstrated a change in electronic transport properties.
Interplay of localization and superconducting fluctuations above the critical point

A review of some developments in localization effects on conductivity and magnetoconductivity is given. The determination of inelastic scattering rates for electrons in thin disordered metallic films is emphasized. In two-dimensional disordered superconductors aboveT c , the superconducting fluctuations play an essential role. Recent work on the interplay of localization and superconducting fluctuation effects in determining the magnetoconductivity and the inelastic rate is described.
Aq-Series Approach to Deblurring the Discrete Gaussian

A method is presented for deblurring an image blurred by the discrete Gaussian. The method, based on classical theorems of Jacobi and Ramanujan, not only provides exact formulas for the deblurring, but also condition numbers and error bounds estimating the agreement between the original and reconstructed image. The use of the Jacobi Triple Product Theorem provides a convenient factorization of the formulas used in the inversion process into a product of three infinite series. These three series correspond to a constant together with a Toeplitz operator and its transpose. In the finite setting this factorization corresponds to the factorization of a matrix into the product of Toeplitz matrices, where the entries can be computed using simple recursion formulas. For selected choices of ?, condition numbers are calculated for these operators. The results are similar to a method developed by Kimia and Zucker.
A MOLECULAR-ORBITAL APPROACH TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF VIBRATIONAL POTENTIAL FUNCTIONS: CO FORCE CONSTANT AND STRETCH-STRETCH INTERACTION CONSTANTS FOR METAL HEXACARBONYLS

Abstract From a consideration of the molecular-orbitals of carbon monoxide it is shown that the observed CO force constants of the metal carbonyls indicate considerable metal-carbon pi bonding. The seven stretch-stretch interaction constants of the metal hexacarbonyls of octahedral symmetry have been reduced to three constants using a molecular-orbital development. The results are the same as those derived by the author using a valence-bond approach.
Lumbar motion-sparing surgery

Surgical treatment of the painful lumbar spine segment is a challenging endeavor. The ideal surgical intervention has a predictably good clinical effect, a low incidence of complications, and long-term durability. The gold standard for surgical intervention is a lumbar spine fusion, but the long-term durability of lumbar fusions is compromised with the development of adjacent level degeneration. Due to these concerns, motion-sparing surgical implants, including artificial discs, dynamic stabilization techniques, and nucleus pulposus replacements, have been developed to simultaneously treat the painful motion segment while at the same time preserving sufficient motion to decrease the chances of adjacent level degeneration.
Hydrolysis of N-alkyl sulfamates and the catalytic efficiency of an S-N cleaving sulfamidase.

The final step in the degradation of heparin sulfate involves the enzymatic hydrolysis of its 2-sulfamido groups. To evaluate the power of the corresponding sulfamidases as catalysts, we examined the reaction of N-neopentyl sulfamate at elevated temperatures and found it to undergo specific acid catalyzed hydrolysis even at alkaline pH. A rate constant of 10–16 s–1 was calculated using the Eyring equation for water attack on the N-protonated species at pH 7, 25 °C. As a model for the pH neutral reaction, a rate constant for hydroxide attack on (CH3)3CCH2N+H2SO3– at pH 7, 25 °C was calculated to be 10–19 s–1. The corresponding rate enhancement (kcat/knon) produced by the N-sulfamidase of F. heparinum is approximately 1016-fold, which is somewhat larger than those generated by most hydrolytic enzymes but considerably smaller than those generated by S–O cleaving sulfatases.
Practical Behavior-Management Techniques to Close the Accessibility Gap for Students Who Are Culturally and Linguistically Diverse.

Students from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds are disproportionately identified for special education in the most restrictive placements. These students tend to have the least access to the general education curriculum and experience the greatest levels of school failure. Educators see an obvious need to change this pattern. These students would benefit most from positive, proactive interventions that enable them to adjust to their school's culture and to master the requisite behaviors leading to their success in school. To achieve these ends, teachers and administrators need to acquire cultural competence and skills related to culturally sensitive behavior management and socialskill development. They also need to realize the importance of effective instruction and academic achievement. Because early intervention is most efficient and promising, applications in this article focus on a young child, but the basic principles are equally applicable to older learners.
Synthesis and biological evaluation of RON-neoglycosides as tumor cytotoxins.

Cardenolides such as digitoxin have been shown to inhibit cancer cell growth, to reduce cancer metastasis, and to induce apoptosis in tumor cells. Among the most potent digitoxin-based cytotoxins identified to date are MeON-neoglycosides generated via oxyamine neoglycosylation. Here, we report our studies of oxyamine neoglycosylation aimed at facilitating the elucidation of linkage-diversified digitoxin neoglycoside structure–activity relationships. We identified conditions suitable for the convenient synthesis of digitoxin neoglycosides and found that sugar structure, rather than RON-glycosidic linkage, exerts the strongest influence on neoglycoside yield and stereochemistry. We synthesized a library of digitoxin neoglycosides and assessed their cytotoxicity against eight human cancer cell lines. Consistent with previous findings, our data show that the structure of RON-neoglycosidic linkages influences both the potency and selectivity of digitoxin neoglycosides.
Immunity induced in rats vaccinated with toxoid prepared from heat-labile toxin produced by Pasteurella multocida serogroup D

Rats were vaccinated with a toxoid (D-toxoid) prepared from purified heat-labile toxin (D-toxin) produced by Pasteurella multocida serogroup D. Vaccination of rats with D-toxoid prevented death and other effects of D-toxin (hepatic necrosis, development of elevated leukocyte counts, lymphopenia, neutrophilia, and elevated complement titers) that occurred in phosphate buffered saline (PBS)-vaccinated control rats.
Recent developments in the co-delivery of siRNA and small molecule anticancer drugs for cancer treatment

Because of the complexity of cancer, combination therapy is becoming increasingly important to overcome multidrug resistance in cancer and to enhance apoptosis. Cancer treatment using nanocarriers to co-deliver small interfering RNA (siRNA) and small molecule anticancer drugs has gained more attention because of its ability to generate synergistic anticancer effects via different mechanisms of action. This article provides a brief review on the recent developments of nanotechnology-based anticancer drug and/or siRNA delivery systems for cancer therapy. Particularly, the synergistic effects of combinatorial anticancer drug and siRNA therapy in various cancer models employing multifunctional drug/siRNA co-delivery nanocarriers have been discussed.
Mechanism and kinetics of the acid-catalyzed dehydration of ethanol in supercritical water

Abstract In the presence of a low concentration ( −3 ) of sulfuric acid, ethanol undergoes rapid and selective dehydration to ethene in supercritical water. The kinetics of this reaction are consistent with an acid-catalyzed E2 mechanism.
A New Tone Generator

New Pure Tone Generator and Receiver of Sounds.---(1) Construction and operation. The instrument consists of a thin, non-magnetic, metallic diaphragm between two flat coils through which a constant direct current ${I}_{0}$ flows in such a way as to produce a radial magnetic field in the diaphragm; then when a simple harmonic alternating current $I$ of the frequency $\frac{\ensuremath{\omega}}{2\ensuremath{\pi}}$ is superposed upon the direct current, circular currents are induced in the diaphragm, which thereupon is acted upon by a simple harmonic electrodynamic force and vibrates with the frequency of the alternating current. For low frequencies the electrodynamic force is approximately proportional to $\ensuremath{\omega}{I}_{0}I sin (\ensuremath{\omega}t+\ensuremath{\theta})$ and the amplitude of vibration is approximately proportional to $\frac{{I}_{0}I}{\ensuremath{\omega}}$. The absence of overtones is due to the absence of ferromagnetic material, and to the fact that the radial magnetic field is constant. The aperiodicity of the diaphragm renders the calculation of the performance of the instrument practicable, and eliminates distorsion, due to resonance, in the wave form of the emitted sound when the instrument is excited by a complex alternating current. When used as a generator of pure tones, the coils were connected in the circuit of a thermionic oscillator whose frequency could be varied from 500 to 25,000 vibrations per second. When used as a receiver of sound, the current generated in the coils by the motion of the diaphragm is fed into a thermionic amplifier. (2) Quantitative study of the performance. The distribution of the magnetic field between the coils was determined experimentally; the diaphragm current equations were deduced and solved for a particular case; the forces on various parts of the diaphragm were calculated, and thence the amplitude of vibration and the sound energy output. With an aluminum diaphragm 0.0025 cm. thick and 10 cm. in diameter, a direct current of 1 ampere, an alternating current of 0.085 ampere, and a frequency of $\frac{{10}^{5}}{2\ensuremath{\pi}}$, these were respectively 7 \ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{} ${10}^{\ensuremath{-}7}$ cm., and 9 ergs per second. By increasing both direct and alternating currents five-fold, the output could be increased over six hundred-fold. Measurements of the amplitude for various frequencies agreed well with the calculated values. (3) Applications of the instrument. Since it gives a pure tone of constant and measurable pitch and intensity over a wide range, it would serve as a precision source of sound, useful both for research and lecture purposes. When used as a telephone receiver and transmitter, actual tests have shown that the reproduction of sound is remarkably faithful.
Genotype-specific effects of elevated CO2 on fecundity in wild radish (Raphanus raphanistrum).

Rising atmospheric CO2 may lead to natural selection for genotypes that exhibit greater fitness under these conditions. The potential for such evolutionary change will depend on the extent of within-population genetic variation in CO2 responses of wild species. We tested for heritable variation in CO2-dependent life history responses in a weedy, cosmopolitan annual, Raphanus raphanistrum. Progeny from five paternal families were grown at ambient and twice ambient CO2 using outdoor open-top chambers (160 plants per CO2 treatment). Elevated CO2 stimulated net assimilation rates, especially in plants that had begun flowering. Across paternal families, elevated CO2 led to significant increases in flower and seed production (by 22% and 13% respectively), but no effect was seen on time to bolting, leaf area at bolting, fruit set, or number of seeds per fruit. Paternal families differed in their response to the CO2 treatment: in three families there were no significant CO2 effects, while in one family lifetime fecundity increased by >50%. These genotype-specific effects altered fitness rankings among the five paternal families. Although we did not detect a significant genotype x CO2 interaction, our results provide evidence for heritable responses to elevated CO2. In a subset of plants, we found that the magnitude of CO2 effects on fecundity was also influenced by soil fertility.