cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Questionnaire Adapting: Little Changes Mean a Lot

Questionnaire development involves rigorous testing to ensure reliability and validity. Due to time and cost constraints of developing new questionnaires, researchers often adapt existing questionnaires to better fit the purpose of their study. However, the effect of such adaptations is unclear. We conducted cognitive interviews as a method to evaluate the understanding of original and adapted questionnaire items to be applied in a future study. The findings revealed that all subjects (a) comprehended the original and adapted items differently, (b) changed their scores after comparing the original to the adapted items, and (c) were unanimous in stating that the adapted items were easier to understand. Cognitive interviewing allowed us to assess the interpretation of adapted items in a useful and efficient manner before use in data collection.
Experiment 4: Treatment Rules Enhancement

Experiments on action rules, described in the previous section, did not consider temporal dependencies between patient’s visits (that is, at what relative point in timeline particular actions were taken). On the other hand, it would be effective to search for temporal dependencies between particular treatment actions and their observable results in the form of changed score denoting tinnitus severity. New approach should allow to assess treatment action effectiveness in temporal terms and consider their sequence. For example, some actions might take effect after some time elapse and not be effective in the short-term.
Culex Flavivirus During West Nile Virus Epidemic and Interepidemic Years in Chicago, United States.

Abstract Culex flavivirus (CxFV) is an insect-specific flavivirus infecting Culex mosquitoes, which are important vectors of West Nile virus (WNV). CxFV and WNV cocirculate in nature and coinfect Culex mosquitoes, including in a WNV “hotspot” in suburban Chicago. We previously identified a positive association between CxFV and WNV in mosquito pools collected from suburban Chicago in 2006. To further investigate this phenomenon, we compared the spatial and temporal distribution of CxFV during an interepidemic year (2011) and an epidemic year (2012) for WNV. Both viruses were more prevalent in mosquito pools in 2012 compared to 2011. During both years, the CxFV infection status of mosquito pools was associated with environmental factors such as habitat type and precipitation frequency rather than coinfection with WNV. These results support the idea that WNV and CxFV are ecologically associated, perhaps because both viruses respond to similar environmental drivers of mosquito populations.
Representations of Groups

Let G be a group and V be a vector space over a field F. A representation of G in V is V with a group action G × V →V such that for all g in G the assignment v ↦ g · v is an F-linear transformation on V. Let Ψ: G ↦ F* be a homomorphism where F* is the multiplicative group F’ - {0}. We have a one-dimensional representation F Ψ which is F as a vector space and g · λ = Ψ(g) λ.
A Large-Scale Semi-Chronic Microdrive Recording System for Non-Human Primates

Multi-electrode recordings in the non-human primate provide a critical method for measuring the widely distributed activity patterns that underlie brain function. However, common techniques rely on small, often immovable arrays, or microdrives, that are only capable of manipulating a small number of closely spaced probes. These techniques restrict the number of cortical areas that can be simultaneously sampled and are typically not capable of reaching subcortical targets. To overcome these limitations, we developed a large-scale, semi-chronic microdrive recording system with up to 256 independently movable microelectrodes spanning an entire cerebral hemisphere. The microdrive system is hermetically sealed, free of internal connecting wires, and has been used to simultaneously record from up to 37 cortical and subcortical areas in awake behaving monkeys for up to 9 months. As a proof of principle, we demonstrate the capability of this technique to address network-level questions using a graph theoretic analysis of functional connectivity data.
Hip Soft Tissue Injuries

Hip soft tissue injuries can cause significant functional morbidity. Given the complex anatomy of the hip and lumbopelvic region, these entities may be difficult to differentiate and diagnose due to commonly overlapping pain patterns. This chapter describes the most common hip-related soft tissue disorders, categorizing each diagnosis as those that present as anterior, lateral, and posterior hip pain in order to best aid clinicians in considering a differential and expeditiously initiating the correct diagnosis and treatment approach. The majority of hipsoft tissue injuries can improve, or resolve, with appropriate rehabilitation and nonoperative treatment strategies.
Committee II: Guidelines for cytologic sampling techniques of lung and mediastinal lymph nodes

The Papanicolaou Society of Cytopathology has developed a set of guidelines for pulmonary cytology including indications for bronchial brushings, washings, and endobronchial ultrasound guided transbronchial fine-needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA), technical recommendations for cytological sampling, recommended terminology and classification schemes, recommendations for ancillary testing and recommendations for post-cytological management and follow-up. All recommendations are based on the expertise of the authors, an extensive literature review and feedback from presentations at national and international conferences. This document selectively presents the results of these discussions. The present document summarizes recommendations regarding techniques used to obtain cytological and small histologic specimens from the lung and mediastinal lymph nodes including rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE), and the triage of specimens for immunocytochemical and molecular studies.
A 25-Year-Old Recreational Softball Athlete with Internal Impingement

Overhead athletes are a unique and challenging patient population because their sport is so taxing on the glenohumeral joint. From performing overhead activity throughout the adolescent, teenage, and collegiate years, the athlete develops several adaptations to increase external rotation of the arm. In consequence, the thrower’s paradox results in anterior laxity and posterior contracture of the shoulder’s capsule. Often this is asymptomatic, but over time, posterior contracture can lead to internal impingement of the glenohumeral joint on to the posterosuperior aspect of the rotator cuff and posterior labrum. Resulting pathologies often require management and sometimes surgery. The following case-based review illustrates the anatomic and physiologic changes that may result in symptoms of internal impingement, techniques to evaluate and diagnose pathology, and appropriate management.
Foreward - 'MDL Problems' - A Brief Introduction and Summary

Multidistrict litigation ("MDL") proceedings are administrative aggregations of separately filed actions that involve one or more common questions of fact. This low bar for transfer and coordination can result in the creation of mega cases that lump together for pretrial purposes tens of thousands of individually represented plaintiffs. Once considered the poor cousin of the class action, MDL proceedings now account for roughly forty percent of the federal civil docket. Their impact on the litigation landscape has sparked both hope and anxiety, among commentators.
Sharing Styles without Feeling Gross: The Influence of Contamination on Consumers’ Collaborative Consumption Intentions

One of the major concerns of consumers in the emerging phenomenon of collaborative consumption (CC) is the issue of contamination. Guided by the consumer contamination effect theory, the influence of physical attractiveness, and similarity attraction theory, this experimental research examines the effect of positive contamination through the sellers’ physical attractiveness (Study 1) and buyer/seller racial similarity (Study 2) in two distinct CC contexts (i.e., rental and secondhand purchase). A total of 377 US female consumers were assigned to an experimental CC scenario. The findings reveal that consumers prefer to purchase items from an attractive or racially similar seller in the secondhand context but not in the rental setting. Our findings suggest possible solutions to alleviate the contamination issue in CC.
Evaluation of a Novel Absorbable Radiopaque Hydrogel in Patients Undergoing Image Guided Radiation Therapy for Borderline Resectable and Locally Advanced Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma

Abstract Purpose We assessed the feasibility and safety of placing a radiopaque hydrogel in the pancreaticoduodenal groove via endoscopic ultrasound guidance in patients with borderline resectable/locally advanced pancreatic cancer (BR/LAPC). Methods and Materials Hydrogel injections were done at time of fiducial placement to form blebs in the pancreaticoduodenal groove. Patients subsequently underwent simulation computed tomography (sim-CT) followed by hypofractionated stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT; 33 Gy in 5 fractions). Four to 8 weeks after SBRT, patients underwent CT re-evaluation for surgical candidacy and assessment of hydrogel location and size. Hydrogel placement was considered successful if identified in the pancreaticoduodenal groove on sim-CT scan. Stability was evaluated using equivalence testing analyses, with a null hypothesis of the presence of a ≥20% mean percentage change in volume and ≥2 mm change in the median and mean interbleb surface distance with a P value Results Hydrogel placement was successful in 6 of the 6 evaluable patients. The average changes in median and mean interbleb distances were −0.43 mm and −0.35 mm, respectively, with P Conclusions These data demonstrate feasibility and safety of injecting a hydrogel marker in the pancreaticoduodenal groove in patients with BR/LAPC and set the stage for a follow-up clinical trial to place hydrogel as a spacer between the pancreatic tumor and dose-limiting, radiosensitive duodenum.
Single cell RNA sequencing reveals differential cell cycle activity in key cell populations during nephrogenesis

The kidney is a complex organ composed of more than 30 terminally differentiated cell types that all are required to perform its numerous homeostatic functions. Defects in kidney development are a significant cause of chronic kidney disease in children, which can lead to kidney failure that can only be treated by transplant or dialysis. A better understanding of molecular mechanisms that drive kidney development is important for designing strategies to enhance renal repair and regeneration. In this study, we profiled gene expression in the developing mouse kidney at embryonic day 14.5 at single cell resolution. Consistent with previous studies, clusters with distinct transcriptional signatures clearly identify major compartments and cell types of the developing kidney. Cell cycle activity distinguishes between the "primed" and "self-renewing" sub-populations of nephron progenitors, with increased expression of the cell cycle related genes Birc5, Cdca3, Smc2 and Smc4 in "primed" nephron progenitors. Augmented Birc5 expression was also detected in immature distal tubules and a sub-set of ureteric bud cells, suggesting that Birc5 might be a novel key molecule required for early events of nephron patterning and tubular fusion between the distal nephron and the collecting duct epithelia.
Claudin-18 Loss Alters Transcellular Chloride Flux but not Tight Junction Ion Selectivity in Gastric Epithelial Cells.

Background & Aims Tight junctions form a barrier to the paracellular passage of luminal antigens. Although most tight junction proteins reside within the apical tight junction complex, claudin-18 localizes mainly to the basolateral membrane where its contribution to paracellular ion transport is undefined. Claudin-18 loss in mice results in gastric neoplasia development and tumorigenesis that may or may not be due to tight junction dysfunction. The aim here was to investigate paracellular permeability defects in stomach mucosa from claudin-18 knockout (Cldn18-KO) mice. Methods Stomach tissue from wild-type, heterozygous, or Cldn18-KO mice were stripped of the external muscle layer and mounted in Ussing chambers. Transepithelial resistance, dextran 4 kDa flux, and potential difference (PD) were calculated from the chambered tissues after identifying differences in tissue histopathology that were used to normalize these measurements. Marker expression for claudins and ion transporters were investigated by transcriptomic and immunostaining analysis. Results No paracellular permeability defects were evident in stomach mucosa from Cldn18-KO mice. RNAseq identified changes in 4 claudins from Cldn18–KO mice, particularly the up-regulation of claudin-2. Although claudin-2 localized to tight junctions in cells at the base of gastric glands, its presence did not contribute overall to mucosal permeability. Stomach tissue from Cldn18–KO mice also had no PD versus a lumen-negative PD in tissues from wild-type mice. This difference resulted from changes in transcellular Cl– permeability with the down-regulation of Cl– loading and Cl– secreting anion transporters. Conclusions Our findings suggest that Cldn18-KO has no effect on tight junction permeability in the stomach from adult mice but rather affects anion permeability. The phenotype in these mice may thus be secondary to transcellular anion transporter expression/function in the absence of claudin-18.
Genetic dissection of an ancient divergence in yeast thermotolerance

Some of the most unique and compelling survival strategies in the natural world are fixed in isolated species. To date, molecular insight into these ancient adaptations has been limited, as classic experimental genetics has focused on interfertile individuals in populations. Here we use a new mapping approach, which screens mutants in a sterile interspecific hybrid, to identify eight housekeeping genes that underlie the growth advantage of Saccharomyces cerevisiae over its distant relative S. paradoxus at high temperature. Pro-thermotolerance alleles at these mapped loci were required for the adaptive trait in S. cerevisiae and sufficient for its partial reconstruction in S. paradoxus. The emerging picture is one in which S. cerevisiae improved the heat resistance of multiple components of the fundamental growth machinery in response to selective pressure. This study lays the groundwork for the mapping of genotype to phenotype in clades of sister species across Eukarya.
Manin pairs and topological conformal field theory

Abstract We study a general class of topological conformal held theories which are consistent string backgrounds, and we present some examples which arise as coset models associated to what Drinfeld has called a Manin pair. These models are obtained by twisting a superconformal field theory in which the OPE G−(z) · G−(w) has a simple pole, whose residue is a BRST commutator. (The resulting chiral algebra has been studied by Kazama.) We show how this type of topological conformal field theory may be coupled to topological gravity, retrieving a full twisted N = 2 superconformal symmetry in the process.
What Use is Chinese Studies in the Fight Against the Pandemic

The Covid-19 crisis has had an unprecedented impact on both the Chinese and global economies. Writing from the perspective of industrial economics, the author examines how Chinese studies expertise on industrial economics can contribute to knowledge of Covid-19 and provide practical solutions for post-pandemic recovery in China and around the world.
Analysis of the results of invasive diagnostic procedures in patients referred to gynecologic department due to abnormal uterine bleeding

Introduction Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) is one of the most common reason for visits to gynecologists. Endometrial biopsy is a routine procedure in gynecological practice to detect the etiology of AUB and to exclude precancerous and cancerous lesions of the endometrium. The aim of this study was to assess the causes of AUB among women, who had undergone invasive diagnostics due to AUB. Material and methods This study was carried among 531 women, who had undergone invasive diagnostics due to AUB between January 2018 and December 2018. Women were divided into premenopausal (with perimenopausal) and postmenopausal groups. Transvaginal ultrasound was performed. Endometrial thickness was compared with histopathological results in each subgroup and statistically analyzed. The incidence of histopathological findings and rate of anemia were also analyzed. Results In our series of patients the most common cause of AUB based on histopathological results was endometrial polyp, both before and after menopause. The most frequent pathologies at ultrasound findings were leiomyomas and endometrial polyps. The incidence of taken together: atypical hyperplasia and endometrial cancer was significantly higher in postmenopausal group (8.58%) than in pre- and perimenopausal (1.35%, p = 0.0001). The median endometrial thickness, both before and after menopause, was significantly greater in patients with pathological than with nonpathological endometrium. 31% of women with abnormal uterine bleeding before menopause and 10% after menopause had anemia. Conclusions Measurements of endometrial thickness seems to be acceptable initial diagnostic tool to distinguish between benign and pathological endometrial changes both before and after menopause.
Code interoperability extends the scope of quantum simulations

The functionality of many materials is critically dependent on the integration of dissimilar components and on the interfaces that arise between them. The description of such heterogeneous components requires the development and deployment of first principles methods, coupled to appropriate dynamical descriptions of matter and advanced sampling techniques, in order to capture all the relevant length and time scales of importance to the materials’ performance. It is thus essential to build simple, streamlined computational schemes for the prediction and design of multiple properties of broad classes of materials, by developing interoperable codes which can be efficiently coupled to each other to perform complex tasks. We discuss the use of interoperable codes to simulate the structural and spectroscopic characterization of materials, including chemical reactions for catalysis, the description of defects for quantum information science, and heat and charge transport.
What makes a tumour worse: Taboo context affects how emotional distractors influence picture naming

Strong emotional words tend to command attention and disrupt cognitive processing. Three experiments investigated whether taboo context, defined by the inclusion of taboo distractors in a picture-w...
Low-Temperature Combustion Kinetics of Methanol-Blended Gasoline and Methanol Synthesized Dimethyl Ether

Low-temperature combustion (LTC) is a desirable mode of fuel utilization that ensures low particulate matter (PM) and oxides of nitrogen (NOx) emissions. Low-temperature combustion kinetics of five different methanol-blended gasoline containing 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50% of methanol by volume, respectively, were compared with neat gasoline. Methanol addition in gasoline enhanced low-temperature combustion behavior compared to neat gasoline due to the improved evaporation and mixing characteristics. Unlike the combustion efficiency and power, which showed marginal improvement; carbon monoxide (CO), and NOx emissions dropped significantly with the increase in methanol/gasoline ratio. The effect of methanol/gasoline ratio on different low-temperature chemical pathways was investigated to find an optimum value in terms of combustion performance and emission. Operating strategies to reduce and mitigate unburned methanol emission are discussed, which arose at higher methanol concentrations. Dimethyl ether (DME) is an attractive fuel for compression ignition engines. Since it exhibits low-temperature chemistry, it is particularly suited for homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) Engines. Active radicals generated by low-temperature transient plasma (TP) discharge offer a viable approach to control the combustion phasing of an HCCI engine. In this study, the low-temperature kinetics of DME was explored employing a non-equilibrium plasma ignition strategy using zero-dimensional modeling. A sensitivity analysis of the first and second-stage ignition delays was carried out. The negative temperature coefficient (NTC) regime revealed interesting distinctions between DME and other low molecular weight alkanes. The presence of a thermal bottleneck was found to decrease the efficiency of plasma assistance.
Feedlot Diagnostics and Common Sense

Approaches to feedlot diagnostics continually change as new information becomes available to managers, veterinarians and diagnosticians. Record keeping has evolved to a point where considerable precise information regarding performance, demographics and health issues can be quickly generated. Diagnostic laboratories continue to develop more precise techniques for detecting pathogens, deficiencies and tissue damage. The role of the attending veterinarian becomes more challenging and demanding because production costs and performance issues dictate the need for better health performance. Only the on-site veterinarian can provide the skill needed to decide what information is needed and to assimilate that information into useful decision-making. Sensitive and specific diagnostic tests must be viewed with perspective to avoid being misled into over-interpreting diagnostic information.
Case Studies: MCG–6-30-15, NGC 3783 and Fairall 9

“This chapter presents case studies in applying the methods and models described in chapters 2-3 to three different AGN systems: MCG--6-30-15, NGC 3783 and Fairall 9. Though each system varies in its physical properties, we are able to constrain the spin of the SMBH in each.”
Gene expression in bacteriophage λ: I. The kinetics of the requirement for N gene product

Abstract A recombinant of bacteriophage λ was isolated producing a repressor irreversibly inactivated by high temperatures, and also containing a temperature-sensitive mutation in gene N. Lysogens of this recombinant are stable at low temperatures. When the temperature of a culture of such lysogens is raised, the repressor is inactivated, but any step in virus development which requires N protein is blocked. Studies of the kinetics of phage production when the temperature of such a heat-induced culture is lowered, indicate that this block is at a very early stage of development, and is reversible. When the temperature of such a heat-induced culture is again raised, phage development stops, even if the second temperature increase occurs after some mature phage have been produced. Thus the N gene protein appears to be necessary throughout the entire period of virus development.
Night breast feeding and dental caries.

It is of concern to some dentists and pediatricians lately that at-will nocturnal infant breast-feeding has been implicated as a cause of a dental caries pattern1,2 similar to "nursing bottle" caries.3 I submit that not a shred of valid scientific evidence exists supporting the contention that the practice of nighttime, at-will breast-feeding promotes dental caries in young children. Studies examining the incidence of dental caries in primitive cultures, where demand breast-feeding including at-will nighttime nursing is the norm4 and children are not usually weaned until 18 months to 3 years, continually report extremely low caries rates among the children.5-7
Fetal Skeletal Malformations Associated with Moderate Zinc Deficiency During Pregnancy

This study investigated the effects of moderate zinc deficiency on the development of rat fetal skeleton. Eighteen pregnant rats were fed zinc deficient diet (1.3 ppm) from days 3 to 15 of gestation. An additional 18 rats were pair fed the same diet supplemented with 100 ppm zinc and served as controls. The levels of zinc in plasma were determined on days 15 and 20 of gestation and in the amniotic fluid on day 20. The pregnant rats were killed on day 20 and fetuses were cleared and stained with alizarin red. The weight of zinc deficient fetuses was significantly less than that of controls. The uncleared, as well as stained zinc supplemented fetuses, showed no anomalies. The alizarin stained experimental fetuses showed severe anomalies of long bones, vertebrae, and ribs. The overall calcification of bones was also considerably less as compared to zinc supplemented controls. The zinc levels were significantly less in plasma (day 15) and amniotic fluid (day 20) of experimental dams. The results also indicated that although moderate zinc deficiency does not cause external craniofacial malformations, it severely affects the calcification and development of cranial bones.
Astrophysical Opacities at LLNL

In an effort to reduce uncertainties in the theoretical radiative opacities a new code has been developed at LLNL which removes several of the approximation present in past calculations. Results from the new code with comparisons to other available opacity calculations are presented as well as experiments.
Management of hypoplastic left heart syndrome with intact atrial septum: a two-centre experience.

Introduction Hypoplastic left heart syndrome with an intact atrial septum is a poor predictor of outcomes. Prenatal assessment of pulmonary venous Doppler and emergent postnatal cardiac intervention may be associated with better outcomes. Materials and methods A retrospective review of all hypoplastic left heart syndrome patients in two centres over a 5-year period was performed. Group 1 included patients with adequate inter-atrial communication. Group 2 included patients with prenatal diagnosis with an intact atrial septum who had immediate transcatheter intervention. Group 3 included patients with intact atrial septum who were not prenatally diagnosed and underwent either delayed intervention or no intervention before stage 1 palliation. Primary outcome was survival up to stage 2 palliation. Results The incidence of hypoplastic left heart syndrome with a restrictive atrial communication was 11.2% (n=19 of 170). Overall survival to stage 2 or heart transplantation was 85% and 67% for Groups 1 and 2, respectively (n=129/151, n=8/12; p=0.03), and 0% (n=0/7) for Group 3. Survival benefits were observed between Groups 2 and 3 (p<0.001). Foetal pulmonary vein Doppler reverse/forward velocity time integral ratio of ⩾18% (sensitivity, 0.99, 95% CI, 0.58–1; specificity, 0.99, 95% CI, 0.96–1) was predictive of the need for emergent left atrial decompression. Conclusion Using a multidisciplinary approach and foetal pulmonary vein Doppler, time-saving measures can be instituted by delivering prenatally diagnosed neonates with hypoplastic left heart syndrome with intact atrial septum close to the cardiac catheterisation suite where left atrial decompression can be performed quickly and safely that may improve survival.
Polarized expression of cAMP-activated chloride channels in isolated epithelial cells.

We have described a preparation of Necturus maculosus gall-bladder (NGB) epithelium yielding isolated cells that retain structural and functional polarity (figure-eight cells). These cells have a normal membrane voltage and remain polarized for several hours after isolation. Apical and basolateral membrane domains are differentially labeled with hydrophobic fluorescent dyes ; freeze-fracture electron microscopy reveals two distinct membrane domains separated by tight junctions ; ZO-1, Na + /H + exchanger (NHE3), and Na + -K + -ATPase are present in the junctional, apical, and basolateral region, respectively ; and cell-attached patch-clamp experiments reveal different K + currents in the two membrane domains [R. J. Torres, G. A. Altenberg, J. A. Copello, G. Zampighi, and L. Reuss, Am. J. Physiol. 270 (Cell Physiol. 39) : C1864-C1874, 1996]. Here, we show that NGB epithelial cells express a protein cross-reactive with an antibody against human cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). In figure-eight cells, immunoreactivity was restricted to the apical membrane domain. Using intracellular microelectrodes and a novel method of regional superfusion, we found that control cells have high K + conductances in both membranes and a small basolateral Cl - conductance, similar to findings in the epithelium. Activation of adenylate cyclase with forskolin elicited a large apical membrane Cl- conductance and membrane depolarization. Whole cell patch-clamp studies yielded a forskolin-activated linear Cl - current, with high Cl - /aspartate selectivity. In conclusion, 1) figure-eight cells maintain the conductive membrane properties present in the epithelium, including polarized expression of adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP)-activated Cl- channels, and 2) the cAMP-activated Cl - conductance is underlied by a CFTR homologue.
The Interlanguage Grammar of Information Management in L1 and L2 Developing Writing

In the tradition of work by Shaughnessy (1977) and Bartholomae (1980) applying concepts from second language acquisition research to developing writing, we explore the commonalities of L1 and L2 writers on the specific level of linguistic choices needed to order information within and across sentence boundaries. We propose that many of the kinds of constructions in L1 and L2 writing most difficult to categorize, labeled as errors, are in structures that are, from the writers’ perspective, principled attempts to meet their obligation of managing information. We examine 90 essays written by college students, 60 by native speakers, and 30 by nonnative speakers, and identify 360 non-target-like structures that are attempts to manage information. There are similarities in number and type of these constructions used by L1 and L2 developing writers.
Electron paramagnetic resonance of gadolinium (III) in cadmium sulfide single crystals

Abstract The electron paramagnetic spectra of Gd 3+ in single crystals of CdS have been observed at 77°K. The Gd 3+ ions were found to occupy two distinct sites in the CdS lattice. In addition to the spectrum ascribed to isolated substitutional Gd 3+ , an axial spectrum of Gd 3+ was present. The diffusion process of sample preparation is considered as a possible explanation of the additional axial spectrum.
Mesolytic Scission of C-C Bonds as a Probe for Photoinduced Electron Transfer Reactions of Quinones.

Photoinduced electron transfer reactions of chlorinated benzoquinones are investigated using bibenzylic donors that undergo rapid fragmentation upon oxidation. The fragmentation rates and the quant...
Insect infestation of farm-stored maize in South Carolina: Towards characterization of a habitat

Protecting stored grain from insect damage, with minimum pesticide risk, will require pest management based on comprehensive understanding of storage environments and their interactions with pest populations. Computer modeling offers the means to this understanding. To obtain data sets for modeling selected pests of stored maize, we studied maize storages on six farms in a four-county area of southwestern South Carolina. Grain moisture content was measured monthly, and grain temperatures were recorded hourly for one storage season. Insect populations were monitored by taking grain and pitfall trap samples at weekly or monthly intervals. Hourly mean grain temperatures remained below optimal levels for growth and development of insects during most of the storage period. Grain moisture content varied from 11.2 to 16.4%. Forty three species of insects and one species complex, representing 26 families in four orders, were detected. The estimated importance of each species in the farm storage habitat, as measured by relative abundance and frequency of occurrence, depended on whether grain sampling or trapping was used. With trapping, Cryptolestes species (mostly C. pusillus (Schonherr)), the Carpophilus dimidiatus complex (C. dimidiatus (F.), C. freemani Dobson and C. mutilatus Erichson), Sitophilus species (mostly S. zeamais Motschulsky), Xylocoris flavipes (Reuter) and Oryzaephilus surinamensis (L.) appeared most important. With grain sampling, S. zeamais, Sitotroga cerealella (Olivier) and C. pusillus appeared most important. Insects were most abundant (or active) in the fall and again in the spring, if storage extended that long. Grain samples indicated more insects near the grain surface, but traps sometimes detected more near the bottom of the bulk.
Conservation or restoration

(1988). Conservation or restoration? International Journal of Museum Management and Curatorship: Vol. 7, No. 4, pp. 375-380.
Complete Atresia of Coronary Ostia in Pulmonary Atresia and Intact Ventricular Septum

We describe the clinical course, echocardiography, angiography, and histopathology of a female infant with pulmonary atresia and intact ventricular septum (PA/IVS) with complete coronary ostial atresia and right ventricle-dependent coronary circulation who survived for 7 weeks after palliative surgery. The patient expired from myocardial insufficiency while waiting for a donor heart. Postmortem examination demonstrated atretic coronary ostia, ventricular sinusoids, and myocardial infarctions of various ages. This report suggests that neonates with PA/IVS who have this extreme form of coronary abnormality may potentially be managed medically and surgically until cardiac transplantation is available.
Estimating the Effect of Campaign Spending on Senate Election Outcomes Using Instrumental Variables

o examine the traditional view that challenger spending is more effective than incumbent spending, 7 I reestimate the effects of spending using instrumental variables that affect a candidate's ability to raise campaign funds, such as candidate wealth levels. Hhen the endogeneity of candidate spending levels is properly taken into account, the marginal effects of incumbent and challenger spending are roughly equal. In contrast to previous research showing that, because of higher marginal returns to challenger spending, the incumbent's spending advantage cannot explain high incumbent reelection rates, this article shows that in an average Senate election the incumbent's spending advantage yields a 6% increase in the incumbent's vote share. That incumbent spending wins elections has direct implications regarding the consequences of campaign finance reform. My findings imply that equalizing spending levels may significantly increase incumbent defeat rates, and caps on candidate spending may improve the chances of challengers. In American congressional elections incumbents routinely win reelection. Even in the 1994 Republican landslide, change in the partisan makeup of Congress occurred mainly through open seats switching from the Democrats to the Republicans. A common explanation for high congressional reelection rates is the large campaign spending advantage enjoyed by incumbents. It is widely believed that challenger spending is very important, but there is surprisingly little evidence in the academic literature that incumbent campaign spending has an important effect on congressional election outcomes. In light of the substantial effort incumbents devote to fundraising, as well as some nagging methodological questions about existing academic studies, the effect of incumbent spending on election outcomes remains an unresolved issue. Accurately measuring how incumbent spending leads to votes is of obvious importance. Politicians want to win elections, and so if money matters, then this will influence their behavior. If campaign spending effects are trivial, then concerns about politicians being
Soil morphology of a debris flow chronosequence in a coniferous forest, southern California, USA

Soils on a series of debris flow deposits, ranging from < 1 to 244 years old, were described and sampled in order to investigate the early stages of soil development. The parent material at the site is debris flow regolith, composed mainly of gneiss, the soil moisture regime is xeric, and the vegetation is mixed coniferous forest. Ages of the deposits were assessed using dendrochronology. Morphologic trends in the organic horizons included a thickening of the humus form over time, along with the development of Fm and Hr horizons. The humus forms underwent a progression from Mormodors (20 years old), to Hemimors (26–101 years old), and finally Lignomors (163 years old) and Resimors (184–244 years old). Changes in physical properties of the uppermost mineral horizons as a function of increasing age included a decrease in the volume of coarse fragments, a linear decrease in bulk density, and a darkening and reddening of the soil color. No significant soil development took place in the subsoil during the time span of this chronosequence. The soils described were classified as Typic Xerofluvents and Typic Xerorthents (Regosols and Leptosols). Buried A horizons were observed in many of the soils. Where the A horizons could be linked to dendrochronology to assess the age of the buried surface, we found that the properties of the buried A horizons do not serve as a good indicator of the age of the surface. This study suggests rapid development of the humus form profile (organic horizons and A horizon) following debris flow deposition and rapid degradation of these horizons when the debris flow surface is buried.
Impulsive stimulated Brillouin scattering studies of the ferroelectric phase transition in tris-sarcosine calcium chloride

The longitudinal acoustic-phonon anomalies along all three principal axes of tris-sarcosine calcium chloride near its ferroelectric phase transition were studied using ``impulsive'' stimulated Brillouin scattering with scattering angles of 23.78\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} and 6.03\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}. Logarithmic corrections to mean-field behavior are observed in both phases. Dynamic dispersion analysis of ultrasonic, Brillouin scattering, and the present results confirmed Landau-Khalatnikov order-parameter dynamics with an elementary relaxation time ${\ensuremath{\tau}}_{0}$=5.5\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}12}$ s K. The unusual acoustic behavior along the polar axis is determined to result from a weak depolarization field and the proximity to a tricritical point. Energy relaxation is believed to be the source of sharp acoustic anomalies along the polar axis which are observed in ultrasonic studies but not in optical experiments which probe higher acoustic frequencies.
A path from mitochondria to the yeast nucleus

We have identified a path in yeast, from mitochondria to the nucleus, which may have a regulatory function in mitochondrial biogenesis. This path is evident as an elevated expression of a number of nuclear DNA sequences in response to specific defects in the mitochondrial genome, including the absence of mitochondrial DNA in rho 0 petites. Among those nuclear sequences preferentially expressed in certain respiratory-deficient cells are stable poly(A)+ transcripts derived from the so-called non-transcribed spacer region of the nuclear ribosomal DNA repeat, where they are most abundant in the rho 0 petite. Although the function of these unusual RNAs is unclear, the observations may reflect the presence of a mitochondrial homeostatic control system in yeast, which we suggest could function to adjust the mass of mitochondria and mitochondrial DNA in the cell in response to inequities in organelle apportionment during cell budding.
Joint Performance Improvement and Error Tolerance for Memory Design Based on Soft Indexing

Memory design is facing the dual challenges of performance improvement and error tolerance due to a combination of technology scaling and higher levels of integration. To address these challenges, we propose a new memory microarchitecture referred to as the soft indexing. The proposed technique allocates memory resources in a self-adaptive manner in accordance with runtime program variations, thereby achieving efficient memory access and effective error protection in a coherent manner. Statistical analysis shows 10times improvement in error detection capability over the existing error-control techniques. The benefits of the proposed technique are also experimentally demonstrated using the SPEC CPU2000 benchmarks. Simulation results show 94.9% average error-control coverage on the 23 benchmarks, with average of 23.2% reduction in memory miss rates as compared to the conventional techniques.
Effects of DDT on labellar receptors in two DDT-resistant and two DDT-susceptible strains of house flies

Abstract Electrophysiological responses of labellar hairs of resistant and susceptible strains of the house fly were recorded at times following treatment of the hairs with DDT. Under the influence of DDT, the receptors of a hair discharged groups of impulses in high-frequency trains instead of the usual regular volley. The effect was observed to gradually spread to nontreated hairs. Among four strains chosen for gradation from high resistance to high susceptibility, in general the relative effectiveness of DDT corresponded to overall resistance as indicated by LD 50 data. The highly resistant strain showed essentially no effects, and the other strains showed effects with some degree of recovery. Results for the highly susceptible strain were anomalous in not differing significantly from those of the moderately resistant strai. Unexpectedly small effects in the highly susceptible strain point to a strain characteristic not necessarily correlated with LD 50 data.
USE OF CONTINUOUS SPACE MODELING TO ESTIMATE FREIGHT DISTRIBUTION COSTS

Abstract This paper develops an analytical framework for estimating the cost of distributing freight from one origin to many destinations. The origin and destinations each represent specific geographic locations, e.g., a supplier shipping to different retail outlets. Analytical estimates of freight distribution costs in the literature assume destinations have equal demand and are randomly located with uniform density. This research generalizes the techniques to account for spatial variations in the demand and density of destinations. General equations are derived for the two main cost components: the number of destination stops per load, and the distance traveled per load. Numerical examples are considered and compared to the simplest case of equal demand and uniform density. Results suggest that, for many practical situations, equations for the simplest case provide sufficiently accurate cost estimates. The analysis uses a continuous space modeling approach, which requires only the spatial density of destinations and the average and variance of demand, rather than data on the location and demand of each destination individually. This approach allows distribution costs to be determined analytically in terms of a few easily measured parameters.
The influence of racial segregation on housing prices

Abstract Census tract data were used to investigate the influence of racial segregation on housing prices in the Oakland, California housing market. White renters were found to pay a premium to live in segregated neighborhoods. Racial differences in the implicit prices of specific housing characteristics were also observed in the rental market: a unit of housing space was more expensive in the black rental submarket, while a unit of housing quality cost more in the white rental submarket. No significant differences were found in the prices paid by black and white homeowners, although for methodological reasons these results were less reliable than those for rental housing.
CCR2 mediates increases in glial activation caused by exposure to HIV-1 Tat and opiates

To assess the role of CCL2/MCP-1 in opiate drug abuse and HIV-1 comorbidity, the effects of systemic morphine and intrastriatal HIV-1 Tat on macrophage/microglial and astroglial activation were assessed in wild type and CCR2 null mice. Tat and/or morphine additively increased the proportion of CCL2 immunoreactive astroglia. The effects of morphine were prevented by naltrexone. Glial activation was significantly reduced in CCR2(−/−) versus wild-type mice following Tat or morphine plus Tat exposure. Thus, CCR2 contributes to local glial activation caused by Tat alone or in the presence of opiates, implicating CCR2 signaling in HIV-1 neuropathogenesis in drug abusers and non-abusers.
Effect of Extended Conjugation on the Optoelectronic Properties of Benzo[1,2-d:4,5-d′]bisoxazole Polymers

Four copolymers comprising benzo[1,2-d:4,5-d']bisoxazole (BBO) and benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b′]dithiophene (BDT) bearing phenylethynyl substituents on either the BBO, BDT moieties or both units were synthesised and the influence of two-dimensional conjugation on their optoelectronic properties investigated. Extending conjugation along the BBO resulted in a 0.5 eV decrease in the LUMO level, whereas the HOMO level was raised by 0.2 eV. Extending conjugation across the BDT moiety in also resulted in a 0.5 eV decrease in the LUMO level, however, the effect was negligible on the HOMO level. Thus, cross-conjugation can be used to independently tune the LUMO level within these systems.
The LAMS-DLC ARQ protocol

In this paper we introduce a new data link control protocol appropriate for a low earth orbit (LEO) satellite network. The principle characteristics of an LEO satellite network are high error rates, long propagation delay, and high mobility. Although this area is traditionally dominated by forward error correction (FEC) we present a reliable protocol suited to this environment and derive the throughput for it given a finite buffer model. In our target network environment, reliability constraints may be relaxed provided that the protocol provides zero packet loss capability. The proposed scheme (called LAMS-DLC) provides a datagram service at the link level based on a Negative Acknowledgement ARQ scheme to accomplish error recovery. In LAMS-DLC the receiver sends commands for the following reasons only: to enable the sender to release buffer space held for previously transferred information frames (I-Frames); and to identify when the sender has failed. Commands are sent by the receiver so long as the link is active. The performance of the protocol is compared with the popular ARQ protocol HDLC. We show that LAMS-DLC performs better than the selective repeat HDLC and offers certain advantages in satellite networks.
Bio-optical properties of Antarctic pack ice in the early austral spring

Abstract Pack ice in the Bellingshausen Sea contained moderate to high stocks of microalgal biomass (3–10 mg Chl a m−2) spanning the range of general sea-ice microalgal microhabitats (e.g., bottom, interior and surface) during the International Polar Year (IPY) Sea Ice Mass Balance in the Antarctic (SIMBA) studies. Measurements of irradiance above and beneath the ice as well as optical properties of the microalgae therein demonstrated that absorption of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) by particulates (microalgae and detritus) had a substantial influence on attenuation of PAR and irradiance transmission in areas with moderate snow covers (0.2–0.3 m) and more moderate effects in areas with low snow cover. Particulates contributed an estimated 25 to 90% of the attenuation coefficients for the first-year sea ice at wavelengths less than 500 nm. Strong ultraviolet radiation (UVR) absorption by particulates was prevalent in the ice habitats where solar radiation was highest—with absorption coefficients by ice algae often being as large as that of the sea ice. Strong UVR-absorption features were associated with an abundance of dinoflagellates and a general lack of diatoms—perhaps suggesting UVR may be influencing the structure of some parts of the sea-ice microbial communities in the pack ice during spring. We also evaluated the time-varying changes in the spectra of under-ice irradiances in the austral spring and showed dynamics associated with changes that could be attributed to coupled changes in the ice thickness (mass balance) and microalgal biomass. All results are indicative of radiation-induced changes in the absorption properties of the pack ice and highlight the non-linear, time-varying, bio-physical interactions operating within the Antarctic pack ice ecosystem.