cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Probing polyvalency in artificial systems exhibiting molecular recognition.

An approach to the study of polyvalencythe interaction of polyvalent receptors with polyvalent ligandsin unnatural systems is outlined. In this study, the complexation of dibenzylammonium cations by dibenzo[24]crown-8 or benzometaphenylene[25]crown-8 is utilized as the component receptor−ligand interaction. Two analogous multivalent receptorseach containing either seven dibenzo[24]crown-8 (DB24C8 CLUSTER) or seven benzometaphenylene[25]crown-8 (BMP25C8 CLUSTER) moieties appended to a modified β-cyclodextrin corewere prepared in moderate yields. For each of these multivalent receptors, complementary mono- and divalent ligands containing one or two dialkylammonium centers, respectively, were prepared in good yields. These ligands contained fluorine atom substituents to allow their interactions with crown ether compounds to be probed by ^(19)F NMR spectroscopy. The complexation of these monovalent ligands with the DB24C8 CLUSTER and the BMP25C8 CLUSTER was studied by determining the average binding constant (K_(AVE)) between the receptors and ligands. The abilities of the crown ether clusters to complex with these monovalent ligands was compared with those of the monovalent crown ethers dibenzo[24]crown-8 and benzometaphenylene[25]crown-8. In both instances, it was found that clustering seven crown ethers together into one molecule is detrimental to the abilities of the crown ether moieties to complex with monovalent dialkylammonium ligands. The complexation of the divalent ligands by the DB24C8 CLUSTER and the BMP25C8 CLUSTER was then studied again by determining K_(AVE) and their abilities to complex with these ligands was compared with those of their respective component interactions. By determining K_(AVE) for the polyvalent interaction, it was possible to calculate an association constant, K_(POLY), for the binding of the divalent ligands by the DB24C8 CLUSTER and the BMP25C8 CLUSTER compounds. In both instances K_(POLY) for the polyvalent interaction was found to be approximately 2 orders of magnitude higher than the association constants, K_A, for the component interaction.
Ban of DDT and Subsequent Recovery of Reproduction in Bald Eagles

Reproduction of bald eagles in northwestern Ontario declined from 1.26 young per breeding area in 1966 to a low of 0.46 in 1974 and then increased to 1.12 in 1981. Residues of DDE in addled eggs showed a significant inverse relation, confirming the effects of this toxicant on bald eagle reproduction at the population level and the effectiveness of the ban on DDT. The recovery from DDE contamination in bald eagles appears to be occurring much more rapidly than predicted.
Complete amino acid sequence of rat liver alcohol dehydrogenase deduced from the cDNA sequence.

Abstract Alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) catalyzes the rate-determining reaction in the metabolism of ethanol. We report here the complete nucleotide sequence of a cDNA encoding rat liver ADH, and the deduced amino acid (aa) sequence of the protein. The rat enzyme contains a cluster of aa substitutions and an aa insertion in the region between aa residues 111 and 118, which is near the intron-exon junction reported for the human ADH gene. It also contains an additional cysteine in the highly variable region from aa residues 108–125 which may account for the unusual lability of rat ADH compared with ADH from other species.
A pilot evaluation of the Family Caregiver Support Program

The purposes of this study were to evaluate a federal and state-funded Family Caregiver Support Program (FCSP) and explore what types of caregiver support service are associated with what caregiver outcomes. Information was obtained on a sample of 164 caregivers' use of eleven different types of support service. Descriptive and comparative analyses were used to detect the differences between users and nonusers of caregiver support services. Six measures included were caregiving appraisal scale, caregiving burden, caregiving mastery, caregiving satisfaction, hour of care, and service satisfaction. Using consulting and education services is associated with lessening of subjective burden; using financial support services is associated with more beneficial caregiver appraisal, such as better caregiver mastery. The findings are practical and helpful for future caregiver service and program development and evaluation and policy making for supporting caregivers. In addition, the evaluation method demonstrated in the study provided a simple and moderately effective method for service agencies which would like to evaluate their family caregiver support services.
Foundations of system theory: The hankel matrix☆

Abstract After introducing the notion of “dynamical interpretation functor” to provide a general methodology for nonlinear state-space description, we define the Hankel matrix for an arbitrary adjoint system. This returns the usual definition for linear systems, but also applies to sequential machines, group machines, and bilinear machines. We provide row-recurrence and column-recurrence criteria for the “finite-dimensional” realizability of a Hankel matrix. Finally, we introduce the concept of subquotient ascendancy to define an absolute notion of finite rank in terms of which we analyze partial realizations of Hankel matrices.
Mechanism of stabilization of Na-montmorillonite clay with cement kiln dust

Abstract A study of the physicochemical interaction of a high free lime (CaO) content cement kiln dust (CKD) with expansive Na-montmorillonite clay is presented. Moist compacted specimens of the CKD-treated clay, the clay alone, the CKD alone, and (for comparison) the clay treated with 7% CaO were each cured for periods up to 90 days and examined by XRD, TGA, and SEM techniques. The results for the CKD-treated clay indicated that calcium hydroxide, derived from the CaO present in the CKD, was extensively adsorbed on the surfaces of the clay flakes, but apparently only limited pozzolanic reaction occurred. Gypsum was rapidly produced from sulfate-bearing components in the CKD, and subsequently ettringite was produced as well, some of the latter apparently incorporating aluminum derived from the clay. Much of the clay was left unreacted, but the morphology of the clay particle assemblage was significantly modified in response to the CKD treatment. Similar morphological changes were also induced by the CaO treatment, suggesting that similar underlying mechanisms were also active here.
Clues to Neuro-Degeneration in Niemann-Pick Type C Disease from Global Gene Expression Profiling

Background Niemann-Pick Type C (NPC) disease is a neurodegenerative disease that is characterized by the accumulation of cholesterol and glycosphingolipids in the late endocytic pathway. The majority of NPC cases are due to mutations in the NPC1 gene. The precise function of this gene is not yet known. Methodology/Principal Findings Using cDNA microarrays, we analyzed the genome-wide expression patterns of human fibroblasts homozygous for the I1061T NPC1 mutation that is characterized by a severe defect in the intracellular processing of low density lipoprotein-derived cholesterol. A distinct gene expression profile was identified in NPC fibroblasts from different individuals when compared with fibroblasts isolated from normal subjects. As expected, NPC1 mutant cells displayed an inappropriate homeostatic response to accumulated intracellular cholesterol. In addition, a number of striking parallels were observed between NPC disease and Alzheimer's disease. Conclusions/Significance Many genes involved in the trafficking and processing of amyloid precursor protein and the microtubule binding protein, tau, were more highly expressed. Numerous genes important for membrane traffic and the cellular regulation of calcium, metals and other ions were upregulated. Finally, NPC fibroblasts exhibited a gene expression profile indicative of oxidative stress. These changes are likely contributors to the pathophysiology of Niemann-Pick Type C disease.
A fluorescence photobleaching study of the microsecond reorientational motions of DNA.

We have conducted a polarized fluorescence photobleaching recovery (FPR) study of the rotational dynamics of ethidium azide labeled DNA. Polarized photobleaching experiments provide data on microsecond and millisecond molecular reorientation that complement the information available from nanosecond fluorescence depolarization studies. In polarized FPR experiments an anisotropic angular concentration of fluorophore is created by bleaching dye molecules in a preferred orientation with a short, intense pulse of polarized light. The sample is then weakly illuminated, and the temporal variation in the emitted fluorescence is monitored. The fluorescence signal will systematically change as molecules undergo post-bleach reorientation and the angular distribution of dye tends toward isotropy. We have observed that the time dependence of our microsecond FPR curves is also determined in part by nonrotational phenomena. To isolate the reorientational recovery we conduct our FPR experiments in two modes (called parallel and perpendicular) that differ only in the polarization of the bleaching light. A quotient function, R(t), is constructed from the data obtained in these two modes; the variation with time of this new quantity is governed solely by processes that are sensitive to the polarization of the incident light (e.g., molecular rotation). It is found experimentally that R(t) remains constant, as expected, for rotationally restricted DNA systems despite a temporal recovery in the parallel and perpendicular FPR curves. We also follow the dynamics of solutions of phage lambda DNA as revealed in the temporal dependence of R(t). This DNA system rotationally relaxes after approximately 100 microseconds and the dye/DNA complex reorients substantially during the 10-microseconds bleach period. Our FPR data are interpreted in terms of dynamic models of DNA motion.
Adaptive scheduling in random flexible manufacturing systems subject to machine breakdowns

In a FMS dynamic scheduling environment, frequent rescheduling to react to disruptions such as machine breakdowns can make the behaviour of the system hard to predict, and hence reduce the effectiveness of dynamic scheduling. Another approach to handle the disruptions is to update the job ready time and completion time, and machine status on a rolling horizon basis, and consider the machine availability explicitly in generating schedules. When machine downtime has a small variation, the operation completion time is estimated by using limiting (steady-state) machine availability. However, steady-state analysis is sometimes unlikely to provide a complete picture of the system when there is a large variation in machine downtime and repair time, and frequent disruptions (e.g. tool failures) exist. Transient analysis of machine availability will be more meaningful in such a situation during a finite observation period. In this paper, an adaptive scheduling approach is proposed to make coupled decisions about p...
Angular Distributions of Protons and Tritons from Deuteron-Induced Reactions on Be 9

The angular distributions and absolute cross sections for the reactions ${\mathrm{Be}}^{9}(d,p){\mathrm{Be}}^{10}$, ${\mathrm{Be}}^{9}(d,p){\mathrm{Be}}^{10*}$ (3.37 Mev), and ${\mathrm{Be}}^{9}(d,t){\mathrm{Be}}^{8}$ have been determined with 3.6-Mev deuterons. Both proton distributions have shapes characteristic of ${l}_{n}=1$ in the Butler theory. The peak cross sections found for these reactions are 3.1\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.6 and 4.5\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.9 mb/steradian, respectively. The triton distribution is peaked at 0\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}. Its cross section at 5\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} is 15.5\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}3 mb/steradian.
Employing reprogrammable analog VLSI in real-time analysis of transient stability

By using the scaled-down analog model built by integrated circuits, the transient stability analysis of power systems can be performed in real-time. However, neither the parameters nor the topology of the analog VLSI chip can be changed after fabrication. Consequently, it requires one to design and manufacture dedicated chips to perform the transient stability analysis for different power systems, which results in prohibitively high fabrication cost. To overcome this shortcoming, this paper presents a new method to employ reconfigurable analog model. A novel concept for reconfiguring system parameters of multiple machine systems has been developed and tested by a 30-bus 6-generator system.
Thermodynamics of aqueous KOH over the full range to saturation and to 573 K

The thermodynamic properties of aqueous KOH are represented by mole-fraction based equations. The apparent molar volume, and the solvent activity are obtained from literature values of experimental measurements of density and solvent vapor pressure for the range 273–573 K. Solute activity measurements are also available up to 343 K. At the highest temperature the dissociated mole fraction of KOH extends to 0.75. The equations represent the data satisfactorily over this very wide range and are of a form readily extended to more complex mixed systems.
Meta-meta-placebo and -curabo: You might get better just by reading this paper

Three separate but related ideas build on van Deventer's concept of the "meta-placebo" effect in which placebo effects are hypothesized to help patients even when patients know they are receiving a placebo. First, a method is proposed to experimentally validate the meta-placebo effect without lying to experimental subjects. Second, the idea of a meta-placebo is extended to a condition where patients experience many of the elements of placebo treatments that are hypothesized to cause placebo benefits, such as an optimistic prognosis by a doctor, but patients do not actually take a placebo pill: a "curabo effect". The final section proposes that patients might be able to experience enough placebo- and -curabo-related treatment elements to gain a beneficial effect without either a pill or a doctor. Instead, simply having the knowledge that one can derive medical benefit from placebo, meta-placebo, and -curabo treatments, and without medicine, might in itself suffice to cause some to feel better: the hypothesized meta-meta-placebo and -curabo (or "meta-bo," for short) effect.
Comparison of confidence intervals for correlation coefficients based on incomplete monotone samples and those based on listwise deletion

Inferential procedures for estimating and comparing normal correlation coefficients based on incomplete samples with a monotone missing pattern are considered. The procedures are based on the generalized variable (GV) approach. It is shown that the GV methods based on complete or incomplete samples are exact for estimating or testing a simple correlation coefficient. Procedures based on incomplete samples for comparing two overlapping dependent correlation coefficients are also proposed. For both problems, Monte Carlo simulation studies indicate that the inference based on incomplete samples and those based on samples after listwise or pairwise deletion are similar, and the loss of efficiency by ignoring additional data is not appreciable. The proposed GV approach is simple, and it can be readily extended to other problems such as the one of estimating two non-overlapping dependent correlations. The results are illustrated using two examples.
ProtEx technology for the generation of novel therapeutic cancer vaccines.

Therapeutic vaccines present an attractive alternative to conventional treatments for cancer. However, tumors have evolved various immune evasion mechanisms to modulate innate, adaptive, and regulatory immunity for survival. Therefore, successful vaccine formulations may require a non-toxic immunomodulator or adjuvant that not only induces/stimulates innate and adaptive tumor-specific immune responses, but also overcomes immune evasion mechanisms. Given the paramount role costimulation plays in modulating innate, adaptive, and regulatory immune responses, costimulatory ligands may serve as effective immunomodulating components of therapeutic cancer vaccines. Our laboratory has developed a novel technology designated as ProtEx™ that allows for the generation of recombinant costimulatory ligands with potent immunomodulatory activities and the display of these molecules on the cell surface in a rapid and efficient manner as a practical and safe alternative to gene therapy for immunomodulation. Importantly, the costimulatory ligands not only function when displayed on tumor cells, but also as soluble proteins that can be used as immunomodulatory components of conventional vaccine formulations containing tumor-associated antigens (TAAs). We herein discuss the application of the ProtEx™ technology to the development of effective cell-based as well as cell-free conventional therapeutic cancer vaccines.
Histocompatibility antigens and rheumatoid arthritis

The frequency of HL-A antigens found in a group of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) was compared with that found in a nonarthritic “normal” population. An attempt was also made to quantitate the relative amounts of HL-A antigens on lymphocytes of patients with RA as compared to control subjects' lymphocytes using three different HL-A antisera. No difference was found between controls and patients with RA either in antigen frequency or quantity of the HL-A antigens on the lymphocytes.
Unheard Voices: The Experiences of Supervisors in Training

This paper seeks to expand on the supervision literature by exploring the experiences of five supervisors in training (SIT) as they navigate the transition from therapist to supervisor. Five key elements of the process of becoming a supervisor are highlighted; contracting, ethics, diversity, modalities, and troubleshooting. Each element is described in two parts: (1) information provided by current supervision literature and (2) by personal journal entries of SITs in an approved supervision course during their doctoral studies. The journal entries of the SITs describe the journey in forming their own supervision identity which included understanding how to include the five key elements in their own supervision with their supervisees. A postmodern approach was utilized to understand this process as well as shape the paper. The goal of this paper is to understand the experiences of supervisors who will shape the development of future therapists.
The lowest electronic states of the benzoyl ion. A molecular orbital study with configuration interaction

A configuration interaction method of molecular orbital theory shown to be accurate for the calculation of excited state energies in several aromatic systems was applied to the problem of excited states of the benzoyl ion. The excited singlet and triplet states of the benzoyl ion lie at least 3.8 eV and 2.6 eV, respectively, above the ground state. These results are not in agreement with a postulated state 20 kcal above the ground state. On the other hand, the charge distribution in excited states does agree with that postulated for the 20 kcal state. The p-hydroxy and p-cyano substituents do not greatly influence the charge distribution between the ring and the carbonyl group in either the ground or lowest excited states.
Detection of the extracellular domain of c-erbB-2 oncoprotein in sera from patients with various carcinomas: correlation with tumor markers.

Using a serum enzyme immunoassay (EIA) kit from Triton diagnostics we detected c-erbB-2 oncoprotein activity in random sera containing highly elevated tumor markers and also in serial specimens from cancer patients expressing elevated oncoprotein activities. Elevated oncoprotein activity was found not only in sera of breast and ovarian carcinomas but also in sera from colorectal, pancreatic, and prostate carcinomas and even from primary hepatoma. Whenever oncoprotein was overexpressed in an individual patient, there was usually an excellent correlation between the oncoprotein activity and the level of dominant tumor marker in serial serum specimens. Based on the size exclusion S-200 column chromatography, we found only a single molecule containing c-erbB-2 oncoprotein activity in pooled sera from cancer patients whereas two oncoproteins slightly different in size were detected in breast tumor tissue cytosol. Using HPLC on a Superose 12 HR column, the serum portion of the oncoprotein was eluted at a position near IgG, suggesting that the extracellular domain of the oncoprotein exists as a dimer in the serum. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Autoxidation versus covalent binding of quinones as the mechanism of toxicity of dopamine, 6-hydroxydopamine, and related compounds toward C1300 neuroblastoma cells in vitro

The mechanism of cytotoxicity of 6-hydroxydopamine, 2,4,5-trihydroxyphenylalanine, dopa, dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine was explored by asking whether cytotoxicity was a reflection of the potential for autoxidation of each polyphenol or of the sulfhydryl reactivity of its quinone products. The cytotoxicity of the polyphenols, as measured by inhibition of [3H]thymidine incorporation into DNA by C1300 neuroblastoma cells in tissue culture, correlated with the rate of autoxidation, as measured spectrophotometrically or by oxygen electrode studies. Polarographic determinations of the oxidation potentials of the polyphenols were also predictive of cytotoxicity; the most cytotoxic compounds had the most negative half-wave potentials and thus were the most readily oxidized. By contrast, the sulfhydryl reactivity of the quinone oxidation products of the polyphenols, as measured by inhibition of purified calf thymus DNA polymerase α, exhibited an inverse relationship to the cytotoxicity of the polyphenols; the most toxic compounds, 6-hydroxydopamine and 2,4,5-trihydroxyphenylalanine, were oxidized to the least reactive quinone products. An alternative mechanism of toxicity was observed with N -acetyldopamine, which was oxidized to 4-(2- N -acetylaminoethyl)-1,2-benzoquinone, a potent sulfhydryl reagent. N -Acetyldopamine was more toxic than predicted by its half-wave potential or its rate of autoxidation. Furthermore, while norepinephrine completely neutralized 6-hydroxydopamine and 2,4,5-trihydroxyphenylalanine as cytotoxic agents, the toxicity of N -acetyldopamine was minimally affected. Thus we conclude that 6-hydroxydopamine and 2,4,5-trihydroxyphenylalanine kill cells through the production of H2O2, O2[unknown], and OH·, while for dopamine and dopa the reaction of quinone oxidation products with nucleophiles probably also contributes to their cytotoxicity.
Resonant Frequency Control of Superconducting RF Cavities

Resonant frequency of superconducting radio frequency (RF) cavities, which are used in linear accelerator research, may rapidly shift over many bandwidths because of vibration. In this paper an all electrical method is analyzed which can correct for these frequency shifts. The method depends upon the use of a voltage-variable reactance to control frequency. The general characteristics of control are first determined. Power distribution in the system is then found.
Typologies of Family Functioning and Children's Adjustment during the Early School Years.

Guided by family systems theory, the present study sought to identify patterns of family functioning from observational assessments of interparental, parent-child, and triadic contexts. In addition, it charted the implications for patterns of family functioning for children's developmental trajectories of adjustment in the school context across the early school years. Two-hundred thirty-four kindergarten children (129 girls and 105 boys; mean age = 6.0 years, SD = 0.50 at Wave 1) and their parents participated in this multimethod, 3-year longitudinal investigation. As expected, latent class analyses extracted 3 primary typologies of functioning including: (a) cohesive, (b) enmeshed, and (c) disengaged families. Furthermore, family patterns were differentially associated with children's maladaptive adjustment trajectories in the school context. The findings highlight the developmental utility of incorporating pattern-based approaches to family functioning.
Differential regulation of transforming growth factor beta and interleukin 2 genes in human T cells: demonstration by usage of novel competitor DNA constructs in the quantitative polymerase chain reaction.

The regulation of mRNA encoding transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) and interleukin 2 (IL-2) in normal human T cells was explored using novel competitor DNA constructs in the quantitative polymerase chain reaction and accessory cell-independent T cell activation models. Our experimental design revealed the following: (a) TGF-beta mRNA and IL-2 mRNA are regulated differentially in normal human T cells, quiescent or signaled with the synergistic combinations of: sn-1,2-dioctanoylglycerol and ionomycin or anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody (mAb) and anti-CD2 mAb; (b) the steady-state level of TGF-beta mRNA in the stimulated T cells, in contrast to that of IL-2 mRNA, is increased by the immunosuppressant cyclosporine (CsA); and (c) the paradoxical effect of CsA on TGF-beta mRNA levels is also appreciable at the level of production of functionally active TGF-beta protein. Our findings, in addition to demonstrating the utility of the competitor DNA constructs for the precise quantification of immunoregulatory cytokines, suggest a novel and unifying mechanistic basis for the immunosuppression and some of the complications (e.g., renal fibrosis) associated with CsA usage.
Recurrent neural network as a linear attractor for pattern association

We propose a linear attractor network based on the observation that similar patterns form a pipeline in the state space, which can be used for pattern association. To model the pipeline in the state space, we present a learning algorithm using a recurrent neural network. A least-squares estimation approach utilizing the interdependency between neurons defines the dynamics of the network. The region of convergence around the line of attraction is defined based on the statistical characteristics of the input patterns. Performance of the learning algorithm is evaluated by conducting several experiments in benchmark problems, and it is observed that the new technique is suitable for multiple-valued pattern association.
Physicians and abortion: provision, political participation and conflicts on the ground--the cases of Brazil and Poland.

Abstract Background Two qualitative studies have been conducted between 2002 and 2009 in Poland and Brazil, two different geopolitical settings in which the Catholic Church has had a significant political influence and where abortion is highly restricted. In both countries, struggles for abortion rights have played an important role in challenging the current restrictive policies and bringing attention to the plight of women unable to obtain abortions. This article examines the political role that physicians play in these contestations, drawing on some findings of two larger qualitative studies. Methods In Poland semi-structured interviews were conducted with 26 physicians in Warsaw and Krakow and with 55 women aged 18 to 45 in Gdansk. In Brazil questionnaires were administered and semi-structured interviews conducted with 22 obstetrician-gynecologists and 23 health professionals in two public maternity hospitals in Salvador da Bahia. Findings This article argues that gynecologists' perspectives and practices not only reflect or heed religious precepts on reproductive rights, but are also deeply influenced by inadequate medical training and by the fear of being prosecuted or stigmatized, especially in Brazil. The political non-engagement of physicians in Poland is driven by the lack of abortion rights discourse in the public arena, poor links with women's rights groups, and the lack of political unity within the medical community. Conclusions Comparisons between Brazil and Poland ultimately suggest that strong liaisons between physicians and the feminist movement influence physicians' attitudes and political engagement and are most promising in abortion rights advocacy efforts.
Some geometries for J3 and O'N

Two geometries for J 3 and O'N are constructed and described in terms of subgroups. The former gives the projective reduced Lefschetz module and the latter has a nice diagram with some known geometries for J 1 and M 11 as residues.
Variations in direct spatial vectorcardiograms resulting from altered placement of electrodes in the cube system.

Abstract 1. 1. Eight patients with normal cardiovascular systems were examined by direct spatial vectorcardiography. In all cases normal vectors were noted when the usual electrode placement was used. 2. 2. By varying the location of the shoulder electrodes, the distances between the right chest electrodes, and the depth of respiration, no significant changes were noted. 3. 3. In three of eight cases, upon placing the chest electrodes at T 12 instead of L 2, vector loops suggesting early left ventricular hypertrophy were produced as a result of change in spatial orientation of the loops. In one of these cases a configuration suggesting anterior infarction was noted. 4. 4. The need for proper placement of chest electrodes with respect to vertebral level is emphasized.
CONSISTENCY AND VARIATION IN PHENOTYPIC SELECTION EXERTED BY A COMMUNITY OF SEED PREDATORS

Phenotypic selection that is sustained over time underlies both anagenesis and cladogenesis, but the conditions that lead to such selection and what causes variation in selection are not well known. We measured the selection exerted by three species of predispersal seed predators of lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta latifolia) in the South Hills, Idaho, and found that net selection on different cone and seed traits exerted by red crossbills (Loxia curvirostra) and cone borer moths (Eucosma recissoriana) over 10 years of seed crops was similar to that measured in another mountain range. We also found that the strength of selection increased as seed predation increased, which provides a mechanism for the correlation between the escalation of seed defenses and the density of seed predators. Red crossbills consume the most seeds and selection they exert accounts for much of the selection experienced by lodgepole pine, providing additional support for a coevolutionary arms race between crossbills and lodgepole pine in the South Hills. The third seed predator, hairy woodpeckers (Picoides villosus), consumed less than one-sixth as many seeds as crossbills. Across the northern Rocky Mountains, woodpecker abundance and therefore selective impact appears limited by the elevated seed defenses of lodgepole pine.
An Alternative Interpretation of Recent Political Science Journal Evaluations

In their recent article in PS, Giles, Mizell, and Patterson (1989) provide a long-awaited update of an earlier article (Giles and Wright, 1975) on subjective evaluations by political scientists of a wide range of social science journals. In both articles, Giles and his collaborators sent questionnaires to a random sample of political scientists, asking them to rate each of the journals with which they were familiar on a scale from 0 to 10 with 0 = poor, 2 = fair, 4 = adequate, 6 = good, 8 = very good, and 10 = outstanding. Additional data were also collected on whether or not respondents were familiar with each journal. Based on the evaluation data, Giles et al. calculate the mean evaluation for each of the journals represented, as well as a ranking of the journals from most highly to least highly evaluated. The mean ratings and the rankings of these journals that were calculated by Giles et al. are presented in columns (1) and (5) of Table 1, respectively. The rankings have a fair degree of face validity. For the most part, the major comprehensive journals in political science are found to be ranked highly, based on mean evaluations among those claiming to be familiar with the journal; the American Political Science Review, American Journal of Political Science, and Journal of Politics are all ranked in the top six journals, along with World Politics, American Sociological Review, and American Journal of Sociology. Further, several broad-based subfield journals are also ranked highly (e.g., International Organization, Comparative Politics, Political Theory). However, an examination of these ratings yields some intriguing anomalies. What is surprising is that several journals with very narrow audiences and foci are also ranked very highly. For instance, the American Journal of International Law, Soviet Studies, Slavic Review, China Quarterly, Journal of Latin American Studies, and Journal of Political Economy are ranked among the top 22 journals, even though in none of these instances is more than one-quarter of respondents familiar with the journal. These relatively high ratings are obviously due to the high evaluations given these journals by their relatively narrow readerships, and not necessarily because they are highly visible and broadly recognized for the quality of the scholarship contained within their pages.
Effects of Respiratory Disease Risk and a Bolus Injection of Trace Minerals at Receiving on Growing and Finishing Performance by Beef Steers

Abstract Crossbred beef steers (n = 189; initial BW = 266 ± 27 kg) at low (LO) or high (HI) risk for respiratory disease were assigned randomly to receive a 5-mL s.c. trace mineral (TM) injection containing 75 mg of Cu, 25 mg of Se, 50 mg of Mn, and 200 mg of Zn, or a 5-mL s.c. injection of physiological saline (SA) upon arrival at a feedlot. Steers designated as LO were vaccinated against common diseases, treated for parasites, and weaned (45 d) before the study commenced. Steers designated as HI were vaccinated, treated for parasites, and weaned upon arrival at the feedlot. All steers were fed the same receiving diet ad libitum for a period of 28 d and monitored twice daily for symptoms of respiratory disease. Respiratory disease risk level did not affect receiving ADG (P = 0.78); however, HI steers had greater (P 0.20) for TM- or SAtreated cattle; however, a single treatment with TM at receiving was associated with increased (P = 0.04) finishing gain:feed. Finishing ADG and DMI by LO steers were greater (P 0.23) between HI and LO steers. Liver abscess incidence among LO steers was less (P
Photoinduced site distortion and persistent spectral hole burning in Cm4+ :CeF4

An unusual laser-induced, reversible, crystal structure distortion in a dilute actinide material, 0.1% Cm4+:CeF4, is reported. Distortion of one of two non-equivalent actinide ion sites occurs after photoexcitation of 5f states of Cm4+. Distinct spectral lines of the distorted ion site were detected by selective excitation. The site distortion was found to be stable below 45 K and reverted via a thermally activated process at higher temperature. At low temperature, typically 30 K or lower, persistent spectral holes were burnt in some absorption lines of distorted site Cm4+. Excited-state vibronic coupling and an assumed asymetric two-minimum ground state potential surface provide a consistent basis for understanding the observed site distortion and hole burning.
Intelligent Task Automation Manufacturing System

The Intelligent Task Automation (ITA) program was initiated in 1982. The program consists of a number of projects related to key enabling technologies of intelligent automation and two major projects to demonstrate the integration of the key technologies. Each of the major projects has completed a research phase to identify and develop enabling technologies. The projects will be completed during 1987 and 1988. The purpose of this paper is to report on the results of the research phase for the two major projects of the ITA program from the perspective of the entire program. More specific and detailed results of the two projects have been and are being made available in other papers.
Organophosphorus Synthesis Without Phosphorus Trichloride: The Case for the Hypophosphorous Pathway

Abstract The vast majority of organophosphorus compounds is currently synthesized from phosphorus trichloride (PCl3), even though the final consumer products do not contain reactive phosphorus–chlorine bonds. In order to bypass phosphorus trichloride, significant interest has been devoted to functionalizing elemental phosphorus (P4, the precursor to PCl3), red phosphorus (Pred), or phosphine (PH3). Yet, other industrial-scale precursors are hypophosphorous derivatives (H3PO2 and its alkali salts), but their use as phosphorus trichloride replacements has been completely overlooked. Here, the case is made for an alternative approach to the industrial synthesis of organophosphorus compounds based on hypophosphites.
A Review of Influences on Sexual Fantasy: Attitudes, Experience, Guilt, and Gender

The important role of sexual fantasy in human sexuality has received wide support in the past decade and a half. The initial interest in establishing fantasy's normality has shifted to examining th...
The Relationship Between the Duration of Fecal Shedding and the Production of Contaminated Eggs by Laying Hens Infected with Strains of Salmonella Enteritidis and Salmonella Heidelberg

SUMMARY. Egg contamination by Salmonella Enteritidis has remained a significant public health problem for nearly two decades, and Salmonella Heidelberg has also been recently implicated in egg-transmitted human illness. Colonization of the intestinal tract is a necessary precursor to the invasion of reproductive organs and subsequent deposition inside eggs laid by infected hens, but the relationship between the persistence of Salmonella in the intestinal tract and the likelihood of egg contamination has been uncertain. In this study, groups of laying hens were inoculated with large oral doses of strains of Salmonella Enteritidis and Salmonella Heidelberg, including variants of the original parent strains that had been reisolated from eggs laid by infected hens in a prior study. The shedding of Salmonella in voided feces was monitored for 6 wk postinoculation, and all eggs laid by infected hens between 5 and 22 days postinoculation were cultured for Salmonella in their contents. The mean duration of fecal shedding was significantly longer for the previously passaged Salmonella strains (26.7 days) than for the original parent strains (17.5 days), and the passaged strains caused a significantly higher frequency of egg contamination (6.4%) than did the parent strains (3.3%). However, the duration of fecal shedding and the frequency of egg contamination were not correlated for any of the Salmonella Enteritidis or Salmonella Heidelberg strains.
On improving conformant planners by analyzing domain-structures

The paper introduces a novel technique for improving the performance and scalability of best-first progression-based conformant planners. The technique is inspired by different well-known techniques from classical planning, such as landmark and stratification. Its most salient feature is that it is relatively cheap to implement yet quite effective when applicable. The effectiveness of the proposed technique is demonstrated by the development of new conformant planners by integrating the technique in various state-of-the-art conformant planners and an extensive experimental evaluation of the new planners using benchmarks collected from various sources. The result shows that the technique can be applied in several benchmarks and helps improve both performance and scalability of conformant planners.
Rapid prototyping for virtual environments

Development of Virtual Environment (VE) applications is challenging where application developers are required to have expertise in the target VE technologies along with the problem domain expertise. New VE technologies impose a significant learning curve to even the most experienced VE developer. The proposed solution relies on synthesis to automate the migration of a VE application to a new unfamiliar VE platform/technology. To solve the problem, the Common Scene Definition Framework (CSDF) is developed, that serves as a superset/model representation of the target virtual world. Input modules are developed to populate the framework with the capabilities of the virtual world imported from VRML 2.0 and X3D formats. The synthesis capability is built into the framework to synthesize the virtual world into a subset of VRML 2.0, VRML 1.0, X3D, Java3D, JavaFX, JavaME, and OpenGL technologies, which may reside on different platforms. Interfaces are designed to keep the framework extensible to different and new VE formats/technologies. The framework demonstrated the ability to quickly synthesize a working prototype of the input virtual environment in different VE formats.
Neonatal Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy: A Case Study

Abstract Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) of the neonate is a devastating consequence of a spectrum of perinatal complications. The etiology of HIE is multifactorial with the level of neurological injury influenced by both the degree of ischemic insult and the infant’s gestational age. Early diagnostic imaging provides healthcare providers with objective data following ischemic brain injury, however it is unclear which modality or combination of modalities may provide the best prognostic information. Diffusion-weighted MRI has become the diagnostic tool of choice in moderate to severe neonatal HIE with a high predictive value; however the utility of MRI alone in mild HIE remains unclear. This case review presents an infant with HIE with abnormalities in both early cranial ultrasound and EEG, yet with a post-cooling MRI without significant abnormality. This case suggests that in mild HIE, multiple imaging modalities may be a more accurate predictor for neurological outcomes than MRI alone.
Lyricons (Lyrics + Earcons): Designing a New Auditory Cue Combining Speech and Sounds

To complement visual displays, auditory researchers have developed various auditory cues such as auditory icons, earcons, spearcons, and spindex cues. Even though those auditory cues were successfully applied to a number of electronic devices, they still require some improvements. From this background, the present work introduces more intuitive and fun auditory cues, “Lyricons (Lyrics + Earcons), which integrate the benefits of speech (i.e., accuracy) and earcons (i.e., aesthetics). We categorized functions of electronic products into meta-functional groups and devised a plausible earcon set for each functional group. Nine students conducted the sound card sorting task to match earcons with functional groups and brainstormed to generate lyrics for each functional group. Based on the results, several lyricon sets were created and improvements and application directions were discussed in focus group sessions. The use of lyricons is expected to increase accessibility to electronic devices for multiple users, including novices, older adults, children, and people with vision impairment.
Inhibition of the AMPK/nNOS pathway for neuroprotection in stroke.

Stroke ranks fourth among all causes of death and is the major cause of long-term disability in the United States. Furthermore, it is associated with significant morbidity/mortality and a direct/indirect cost of approximately $65 billion annually (Roger et al., 2012). Other than thrombolysis by tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), which offers only a short window of treatment (~3–4 hours), an effective neuroprotective or functional recovery therapy is not available mainly because of limited understanding of the signaling mechanisms of stroke disease (Moskowitz et al., 2010).
Novel synthesis route to graphene using iron nanoparticles

Graphene is currently one of the most extensively studied materials because it displays a number of unique structural and electronic properties. A variety of methods are currently available for the growth of graphene; however, few are viable for large scale, cost-effective production of high quality graphene. Here, a novel growth process for few layer graphene using chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and a commercial iron nanopowder catalyst is described. This method is readily scalable so it can be used to produce a large volume of graphene sheets. Graphene sheets made from this process were characterized by Raman spectroscopy, and scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Raman spectroscopy shows that the product consists of few layer graphene sheets. This is the first reported method of utilizing nanoparticles to synthesize graphene by a CVD process, which typically produces multiwalled carbon nanotubes. A possible mechanism for the formation of graphene by this modified CVD process is discussed.
Antibody Against Neisseria Meningitidis(Serogroup A and C) Among Healthy Population in Weifang

Objective To define the antibody levels against Neisseria imeningitidis (Nm) so as to formulate efficacious measures for prevention and control epidemic cerebrospinal meningitis(ECM). Methods 1 125 subjects were recruited by stratified random sampling from 5 districts in Weifang. Antibody against ECM-A and ECM-C were tested by ELISA.Result 254 were antibody positive against ECM-A(positive rate 22.58%,GMP 1:1.70).132 were antibody positive against ECM-C(positive rate 11.73%,GMP 1:1.30).Antibody levels against ECM-A was higher (χ2=45.78,P0.05).Conclusion The antibody against Neisseria meningitidis level (group A and C) is low among healthy population in Weifang. It is urgent to inject A+C meningococcal capsular polysaccharide vaccine in Weifang. At the same time,the effective vaccination coverage should be improved.
A Surface Plasmon Resonance Study of Lipid Interactions for Amphipathic Alpha- Helix Bundles

Amphipathic α-helix bundles are a commonly found structural motif in many lipid associated proteins including apolipoproteins as well as lipid droplet-associated proteins. The α-helix bundles are arranged in a manner in which the hydrophilic residues face the aqueous environment outside whereas the hydrophobic residues are hidden within a hydrophobic core. These proteins are thought to interact with lipids via hydrophobic interactions, but additional questions remain. Hence, we employed Surface Plasmon Resonance to monitor the lipid interactions of the above proteins in real-time. In this study, we systematically varied the lipid composition of the lipid interface in order to investigate the binding interactions of three distinct amphipathic α-helix bundles. These are, apoLp-III (from Locusta migratoria), and the helix bundles of Plin2 and Plin3, two human lipid droplet-associated proteins. Our SPR results are interpreted in the context of the natural binding partner of these proteins, a phospholipid monolayer. Effective lipid molecular shape, charge, and acylchain composition are considered.
Under the Microscope: The Effect of Star Analyst Downgrades on Director Exit

Research on the director labor market has primarily focused on internal factors driving director exit, such as firm performance or director characteristics, but has mostly overlooked how external factors may influence director exit. We draw on the reputation literature and self-determination theory to argue that downgrades from "star" analysts increase the likelihood of director exit by reducing a director’s perceived value from serving on a particular board and that this effect is contingent on various factors that affect the salience of negative star analyst attention. Results from a sample of 12,971 unique directors between 2003 and 2010 largely support our hypotheses. Specifically, we find that star downgrades are positively and significantly related to director exit. We also find that serving as the board chair or on a greater number of outside boards reduces this effect, while serving as the compensation committee chair and longer firm tenure intensify this effect.