cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ideologically Structured Information Exchange among Environmental Groups.

We use social network analysis to test the hypothesis that group ideology affects information exchange among environmental groups. The analysis is based on interviews with leaders of 136 environmental groups in Alabama. This paper adds to the literature on resource mobilization among social movement organizations by exploring information exchange among a wide range of environmental groups across an entire state, and by incorporating ideology into our analysis. A typology of environmental groups was developed based on willingness to engage or not engage in political and legal activism to pursue their goals. We found a level of information exchange between activist groups twice that among all other groups. We also found that differing ideological profiles did not limit the flow of information between groups, taken as a whole. We conclude that the relatively high level of connectivity is attributable in part to the presence of paid staff among several key activist groups, making these groups important resources for technical and non-technical support for all groups across the state.
Corrosion of carbon/magnesium metal matrix composites

Observation de la corrosion de composites C/Mg a matrice metallique exposes a des conditions douces. La vitesse de penetration est de l'ordre de 100 μm/an. Corrosion uniforme pour toutes les interfaces fibre/matrice exposees, mais egalement formation de bulles dans des sites particuliers. Formation occasionnelle de carbures d'Al, mais qui n'affectent pas fortement le comportement a la corrosion
Type II diabetes mellitus. Interface between clinical and epidemiological investigation.

The field of cardiovascular disease and atherosclerosis has been enriched by a fruitful interplay between basic and clinical scientists and epidemiologists. Such interaction has been less highly developed in the field of diabetes. I present an epidemiological perspective on certain problems in type II (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes research and point out some potentially useful directions for future interdisciplinary efforts involving both basic and clinical scientists and epidemiologists. Early research on diabetes has been marred by variable case definitions. The demonstration in numerous epidemiological studies that plasma glucose has a bimodal distribution in populations has contributed to the widely accepted National Diabetes Data Group (NDDG) and the nearly identical World Health Organization (WHO) definitions of diabetes. This development has markedly ameliorated many of the difficulties resulting from variable case definitions. Appreciation of the phenomenon of bimodality has also contributed to a better understanding of impaired glucose tolerance. Many studies on the pathogenesis of type II diabetes take the form of case-control (i.e., cross-sectional) studies. The weaknesses of this research design are well known to epidemiologists. Prospective studies, a much stronger research design for inferring causal relationships, are much less common in the field of diabetes than in the field of cardiovascular disease and atherosclerosis. Recently, however, two prospective studies have helped define the role of serum insulin levels and insulin resistance as diabetes risk factors. These studies were carried out in small, relatively isolated populations, and there is a great need to replicate these findings in larger, more representative populations and to further evaluate the relative role of insulin secretion and insulin resistance as diabetes risk factors.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Performance of an automatic target recognizer algorithm against real and two versions of synthetic imagery

An experiment is described in which an automatic target rec- ognizer (ATR) algorithm is tested against real forward-looking infrared imagery and synthetic imagery. The synthetic imagery was generated by two different approaches being developed by the U.S. Army. The pur- pose of the experiment was to establish quantitatively the relationship between ATR performance on real and on synthetic data. The metrics for comparison are probability of detection, conditional probability of identi- fication, and false-alarm rate. © 2000 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers. (S0091-3286(00)02408-9)
Spatiotemporally-Resolved Dynamics of Dispersing Ferrofluid Aggregates

Ferrohydrodynamics research has been approached predominantly from either numerical or basic experimental techniques. However, to date, these experimental techniques have been limited to ultrasonic point measurements or shadowgraphs due to the opacity of the ferrofluids. As a result, the complete dynamics of many ferrohydrodynamics flows have remained unexplored. In this work, Time Resolved Digital Particle Image Velocimetry (TRDPIV) is employed to fully resolve the dynamic interaction of ferrofluid aggregates with bulk nonmagnetic fluids. This topic is hydrodynamically rich, where shearing between the aggregate and bulk flow develop into the Kelvin-Helmholtz instability. Ferrofluid aggregates are mixed with fluorescent particles in order to enable visualization of the internal flow structure of the aggregate and generate quantitative velocity measurements. The TRDPIV measurements are made in a 15 mm square channel where ferrofluid retained by a 0.5 Tesla permanent magnet is studied as it disperses. The effects of both steady and pulsatile flows are quantified, as are the impact of varying the magnetic field gradients. In both steady and pulsatile flows, a recirculation region is observed within the ferrofluid, driven by the shear layer between the bulk flow and aggregate interface. The interaction of the aggregate with the flow is also governed by the aggregate height relative to that of the test section. Higher, larger aggregates are less stable, and therefore, more likely to be dispersed by the bulk flow. As the aggregate diminishes in size, it is both more stable and is less subject to shearing forces from the flow. Flow pulsatility enriches the dynamics of the flow and generates complex flow structures resulting from interaction between the aggregate and bulk flow. This work is the first to explore the rich spatiotemporal behavior of dispersing ferrofluid aggregates interacting with steady and unsteady bulk flows.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Efficacy of nonpheromone communication disruptants of codling moth (Cydia pomonella): Effect of pheromone isomers and of distance between calling females and dispensers.

Field tests comparing the ability of codlemone, (E,E)-8,10-dodecadien-1-ol, and isomers of codlemone to disrupt pheromonal communication of codling moth were carried out. In a pear orchard, four nonisomerizing, gray septa dispensers were placed in the upper canopy of each tree containing a trap baited with 10 virgin female codling moths. The dispensers were at trap height and 70 cm from the edge of each trap. Trap catches of released male codling moths in three test areas were compared simultaneously when trees in each of the test areas contained unbaited dispensers, dispensers with 1 mg of codlemone containing 1% isomers, and dispensers with 1 mg of a test communication disruptant. When the test disruptant was an equilibrium mixture of codlemone and its isomers (61% codlemone, 39% isomers), the percent communication disruption was 86.8% compared to 68.7% for codlemone (P < 0.001). When the disruptant was (E,Z)-8,10-dodecadien-1-ol (94%EZ, 3%EE), the percentage disruption was 86.4% compared to 62.7% for codlemone (P < 0.002). These results show that the previously reported superior disruptant potency (relative to codlemone) of compositions containing codlemone with a high percentage of isomers was not a result of the proximity of the dispensers to the traps. The percent disruption of compositions of codlemone with 10 and 20% isomers was also determined. A plot of percentage disruption versus logarithm of percentage of nonpheromone isomers in the mixture from 1% to 97% gave a straight line withR2=0.93.
Output learning and duality in joint production programs

Output learning is incorporated into a short-run static cost-minimizing model of the multiproduct, multifactor firm which employs a fixed-coefficients technology. The firm's output processes or activities are ultimately specified as functions of the activity variables themselves, thus rentering a generalization to a concave program. A Lagrange dual formulation is then used to obtain the indirect cost objective. Given that this optimal cost function is differentiable and satisfies a regularity condition, its price derivatives serve as input demand functions while its derivatives with respect to the minimum output requirements yield a set of (implicit) marginal costs or dual variables.
Sonication of sugary-2 corn: a potential pretreatment to enhance sugar release.

Abstract The effects of high-powered ultrasonics on the conversion of sugary-2 maize (Zea Mays L.) to fermentable sugars were studied in this research. Ground sugary-2 maize mash was sonicated at 20 kHz and varying amplitudes (192–320 μmpeak-to-peak) for 5, 10, 15, 20 and 40 s. Stargen™ 0 0 1 enzyme, which contained both α-amylase and gluco-amylase was added to the samples following sonication to hydrolyze the starch into fermentable sugars. There was a 3-fold increase in sugar conversion rate of the sonicated samples in comparison with the control (unsonicated) samples. The ultrasonic relative net energy gain in the majority of the experimental design space was greater than 1.0. This indicates that the released of stored energy (output energy) from additional sugar released was greater than the dissipated ultrasonic energy (input energy), thus making ultrasonics an efficient treatment. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) pictures revealed that the sugary starch was partially gelatinized during sonication. This observation was confirmed by polarized-light microscopic images, where a deformed “Maltese cross” was found. Swelling power for samples sonicated at 40 s reached 5.0 g/g while samples treated in conventional heating reached 4.0 g/g at 4 min treatment. It was also found that swelling power in the ultrasonicated sample initiated as quickly as 5 s and increased rapidly. These results are evident that ultrasonics can enhance swelling and gelatinization compared to conventional heating. As the saccharification time increased, a model was formulated to fit the sugar release curve. The findings indicated that there was a significant effect on enzymatic activity when enzymes were added to the sample during sonication. Additionally, jet cooking and ultrasonication obtained similar theoretical starch conversion results after 3 h saccharification. Thus, it is evident that ultrasonication could be considered a potential alternative to jet cooking.
Application-dependent simulation of microprocessor-based multiprocessors

Abstract The paper describes techniques to improve parallel algorithm design and performance evaluation on multiprocessors constructed from off-the-shelf microprocessors. Parallel algorithms are characterized by a set of parameters, and this characterization is used to generate a synthetic parallel program whose performance is then simulated. A concurrent program, which takes the form of a collection of machine language program files, is simulated in a serial fashion by enforcing a one-step behaviour constraint. The multiprocessor configuration to be simulated is described by three user-supplied data files and a pair of network function calls. By combining characterization, synthetic code generation and simulation we present a unique and flexible methodology for insight into multiprocessor dynamic behaviour.
Comparative study of roles of the lobus parolfactorius and intermediate medial hyperstriatum ventrale in memory formation in the chick brain.

Abstract Two discrete areas of the chick brain, the intermediate medial hyperstriatum v ventrale (IMHV) and lobus parolfactorius (LPO), were found to have different functions during the formation of memory for a 1-trial peck-avoidance paradigm. Glutamate, ouabain, and emetine, known to disrupt short-, intermediate-, and long-term memory when injected into the IMHV, were injected into the cerebellum and LPO. All amnestic agents investigated produced amnesia when injected into the IMHV; only one of these agents produced amnesia when injected into the LPO, and none of the agents produced amnesia when injected into the cerebellum. The chick brain was also found to exhibit hemispheric asymmetries: The left IMHV and LPO were more sensitive to the amnestic agents than their corresponding right structure. From these data, hypotheses for the roles of these structures during memory are proposed.
Fine mapping of the Co-4 locus of common bean reveals a resistance gene candidate, COK-4, that encodes for a protein kinase

The SAS13 SCAR marker, tightly linked with the Co-4 2 gene segregating in a population of 1018 F2 individual plants, was used as a starting point for cloning gene sequences associated with the Co-4 locus that conditions resistance to anthracnose caused by the fungal pathogen Colletotrichum lindemuthianum in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris). A contig developed from genomic clones flanking the marker region revealed a 1110-bp open reading frame, named COK-4. The predicted COK-4 protein contains a serine-threonine kinase domain highly similar to the protein encoded by the Pto gene in tomato, but with a highly hydrophobic membrane-spanning region. COK-4 homologs were cloned and sequenced from different bean cultivars. Single nucleotide polymorphisms were found between the homologous sequences and were confirmed with three restriction enzymes. Restriction patterns among three bean cultivars known to possess different alleles at the Co-4 locus, SEL 1308 (Co-4 2 ), TO (Co-4) and Black Magic (co-4), were polymorphic. Absolute co-segregation between COK-4 restriction patterns and the disease phenotype was observed in 96 F3 families. More than one copy of the COK-4 gene homolog exists in the bean genome as demonstrated by Southern analysis. These results suggest that COK-4 is part of the Co-4 locus conditioning resistance to C. lindemuthianum in bean.
Structural Disorder of Folded Proteins: Isotope-Edited 2D IR Spectroscopy and Markov State Modeling

The conformational heterogeneity of the N-terminal domain of the ribosomal protein L9 (NTL91-39) in its folded state is investigated using isotope-edited two-dimensional infrared spectroscopy. Backbone carbonyls are isotope-labeled (13C=18O) at five selected positions (V3, V9, V9G13, G16, and G24) to provide a set of localized spectroscopic probes of the structure and solvent exposure at these positions. Structural interpretation of the amide I line shapes is enabled by spectral simulations carried out on structures extracted from a recent Markov state model. The V3 label spectrum indicates that the β-sheet contacts between strands I and II are well folded with minimal disorder. The V9 and V9G13 label spectra, which directly probe the hydrogen-bond contacts across the β-turn, show significant disorder, indicating that molecular dynamics simulations tend to overstabilize ideally folded β-turn structures in NTL91-39. In addition, G24-label spectra provide evidence for a partially disordered α-helix backbone that participates in hydrogen bonding with the surrounding water.
PHOTOCHEMISTRY OF THYMIDINE AS A THIN SOLID FILM

— –Photochemistry of thymidine in the solid state has been investigated. Four isomers of the cyclobutane-type thymidine dimer, two bimolecular addition products with u.v. absorbance maxima above 300 nm, (the formation of which involves the C=C and C=O groups of adjacent thymine residues) and 5-thyminyl-5.6 dihydrothymine (TDHT) (formed by the addition of a thyminyl radical at the C5 position of a thymyl radical) were isolated. TDHT was found to be the major photoproduct. The results are compared with those for thymidine irradiated in the frozen state.
Comparison of cryothermia and radiofrequency current in safety and efficacy of catheter ablation within the canine coronary sinus close to the left circumflex coronary artery.

Cryoablation Versus RF in the Canine CS Close to LCx. Introduction: A canine model was used to compare cryoablation and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) within the coronary sinus (CS) in the ability to create a transmural CS myocardial (Trans-CSM) lesion and risk of coronary artery stenosis. Methods: After CS and left circumflex (LCx) coronary angiography, an intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) probe was placed in LCx in 29 dogs. An irrigated RFA catheter (8 dogs) or N2O cryoablation catheter (21 dogs) was inserted into the CS and positioned within 2 mm of LCx, confirmed by IVUS. RF (30‐50W) was applied for 60 seconds at 10 CS sites. Cryoablation (−75 ◦ C) was performed with one (n = 7) or two (n = 14) 4-minute applications. Dogs were sacrificed at 1 week (8 RFA and 13 cryoablation) or 3 months (8 cryoablation). Results: During RFA, IVUS showed wall thickening and LCx narrowing in 9 of 10 sites. Angiography at 5-minute post-RFA identified LCx narrowing (25‐90%) at 6 of 10 sites and 25‐75% narrowing at 4 of 9 sites at 1-week post-RFA. During cryoablation, IVUS showed reversible ice ball compression of LCx, and no LCx narrowing by angiography at 5 minutes, 1 week, or 3 months. Histology showed Trans-CSM lesion at 10 of 10 RFA sites and 20 of 21 cryoablation sites. RFA produced LCx medial necrosis at 7 of 10 sites, involving 20‐50%(median 32.5%) of LCx circumference with loss of intima at 5 of 7 sites. Single and twice 4-minute cryoablation produced LCx medial necrosis at 2 of 7 and 8 of 14 sites (5‐40%, median 25% circumference). Intima was preserved at 1 week (13/13) with minor proliferation (without narrowing) at 2 of 8 sites at 3 months. Conclusions: Cryoablation in CS within 2 mm of LCx produces Trans-CSM lesions similar to RFA with lower risk of LCx stenosis than RFA. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 16, pp. 1218-1226, November 2005)
Wages and Employment: Workers' Rights and Market Forces

The study of labor economics has gone through dramatic changes over the past fifty years. Theories have come and gone, each innovation, hopefully, improving on its predecessor. This paper looks at a particular example of this evolutionary process, efforts to explain the "rigidity" or "stickiness" of wages relative to employment over the business cycle.1 The works considered are those representing signifi? cant new stages in the evolutionary process. It is in vogue to refer to the competing explanations as hysteretic or ahysteretic.2 Hysteresis implies that the present is influenced, indeed, permeated with the past. As a result equilibria are not invariant over time, and models of wages and unemployment must include historical variables as well as current state variables. Ahysteretic models assume the past influences the present only insofar as historical factors manifest themselves in the current state. An equilibrium would not be affected by previous shocks. A fundamental problem with this division is that there appears little reason for choosing one side over the other, yet there are clearly sides in the debate, and normative ethical dimensions abound. This paper takes a very different approach. The underlying premise is that the explanations of wage and unemployment behavior can be ordered in terms of, on the one hand, issues of equity and efficiency and, on the other, individual versus collective rights. While equity and the collective good imply historical comparisons, efficiency can more easily be seen in an ahysteretic context. Our objective is to
Habitats and Management Associated with Common Ground Beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae) in a Michigan Agricultural Landscape

The associations between common ground beetles and habitat and management characteristics were studied in an agricultural landscape that comprised part of the Long-Term Ecological Research site in southwestern Michigan. The 42-ha area included 7 habitat treatments, which represented 4 annual cropping systems in wheat, Triticum aestivum L., corn, Zea mays L., soybean, Glycine max (L.) Merr., rotation; 2 perennial crop systems (alfalfa, Medicago sativa L., and Populus ); and a native succession habitat. Pitfall traps were used to sample adult ground beetles during the growing seasons of 1994 and 1995. Four species numerically dominated the trap catches and together accounted for 87% of the total specimens collected: Cyclotrachelus sodalis (LeConte), Poecilus lucublandus (Say), Pterostichus melanarius (Illiger), and Agonum placidum (Say). Differences in representation of these common species were most pronounced between perennial and annual plant systems. However, tillage also influenced the relative abundance of these species. The adult-overwintering, spring-breeding species, P. lucublandus and A. placidum , were most common in the annual crop habitats, particularly those under conventional tillage. Catch numbers of these 2 species were correlated positively, suggesting similar habitat preferences or responses to management practices. In contrast, C. sodalis , a larval-overwintering, autumn breeder, was most common in the perennial crop systems and the annual crop system receiving no tillage. The exotic species P. melanarius showed the least response to the agricultural habitat treatments but was more abundant in managed crop habitats compared with the unmanaged succession habitat. Cluster analysis based on these 4 species indicated that plant type and tillage were important in distiniquishing the carabids of these habitats. The potential implications of these findings for conserving or enhancing ground beetle populations in agricultural systems are discussed.
Characterizing the development of visual search expertise in pathology residents viewing whole slide images.

Summary The goal of this study was to examine and characterize changes in the ways that pathology residents examine digital whole slide images as they progress through the residency training. A series of 20 digitized breast biopsy whole slide images (half benign and half malignant biopsies) were individually shown to 4 pathology residents at four points in time—at the beginning of their first, second, third, and fourth years of residency. Their task was to examine each image and select three areas that they would most want to zoom in on in order to view the diagnostic detail at higher resolution. Eye position was recorded as they scanned each whole slide image at low magnification. The data indicate that with each successive year of experience, the residents' search patterns do change. Overall, with time, it takes significantly less time to view an individual slide and decide where to zoom, significantly fewer fixations are generated overall, and there is less examination of nondiagnostic areas. Essentially, the residents' search becomes much more efficient. These findings are similar to those in radiology, and support the theory that an important aspect of the development of expertise is improved pattern recognition (taking in more information during the initial Gestalt or gist view) as well as improved allocation of attention and visual processing resources. Progression in improvements in visual search strategies was similar, but not identical, for the 4 residents.
Enhancement of OspC expression by Borrelia burgdorferi in the presence of tick hemolymph.

Borrelia burgdorferi B31 cultured at 28°C was used to assay the effects of tick hemolymph on outer surface protein C (OspC) surface expression. Using immunofluorescence, OspC surface expression was shown to increase in cultures treated with hemolymph from both Ixodes scapularis and Dermacentor variabilis, while control samples (non-hemolymph treated) showed no increase in the levels of OspC. Sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis also showed an increase in OspC from spirochetes exposed to tick hemolymph. In addition, a lower-molecular-mass protein band of unknown identity was also enhanced in the hemolymph-exposed spirochetes. The significance of these effects of tick hemolymph on B. burgdorferi outer surface protein expression is unknown.
Positive Selection for Mutations Affecting Bioconversion of Aromatic Compounds in Agrobacterium tumefaciens: Analysis of Spontaneous Mutations in the Protocatechuate 3,4-Dioxygenase Gene

A positive selection method for mutations affecting bioconversion of aromatic compounds was applied to a mutant strain of Agrobacterium tumefaciens A348. The nucleotide sequence of the A348 pcaHGB genes, which encode protocatechuate 3,4-dioxygenase (PcaHG) and β-carboxy-cis,cis-muconate cycloisomerase (PcaB) for the first two steps in catabolism of the diphenolic protocatechuate, was determined. An omega element was introduced into the pcaB gene of A348, creating strain ADO2077. In the presence of phenolic compounds that can serve as carbon sources, growth of ADO2077 is inhibited due to accumulation of the tricarboxylate intermediate. The toxic effect, previously described for Acinetobacter sp., affords a powerful selection for suppressor mutations in genes required for upstream catabolic steps. By monitoring loss of the marker in pcaB, it was possible to determine that the formation of deletions was minimal compared to results obtained with Acinetobacter sp. Thus, the tricarboxylic acid trick in and of itself does not appear to select for large deletion mutations. The power of the selection was demonstrated by targeting the pcaHG genes of A. tumefaciens for spontaneous mutation. Sixteen strains carrying putative second-site mutations in pcaH or -G were subjected to sequence analysis. All single-site events, their mutations revealed no particular bias toward multibase deletions or unusual patterns: five (−1) frameshifts, one (+1) frameshift, one tandem duplication of 88 bp, one deletion of 92 bp, one nonsense mutation, and seven missense mutations. PcaHG is considered to be the prototypical ferric intradiol dioxygenase. The missense mutations served to corroborate the significance of active site amino acid residues deduced from crystal structures of PcaHG from Pseudomonas putida and Acinetobacter sp. as well as of residues in other parts of the enzyme.
Behavioral Problems in the Classroom and Underlying Language Difficulties.

Dealing with the behavioral problems of students is one of many dimensions of most educators’ and schools’ requirements. While research has repeatedly shown that a large number of children with behavior problems have underlying, unrecognized language difficulties, few schools have implemented programs where children with problem behavior are evaluated in terms of these skills. This paper provides information to teachers about (1) the links between behavior and language, (2) the levels at which language can be impaired including phonology , grammar and pragmatics , (3) how language impairment can be recognized and (4) what can be done in the classroom to support the language skills of this group. Special attention is paid to the pragmatic level of language as impairment at this level may be misdiagnosed as behavior problems. The information provided is targeted towards pre-K and elementary school age, but can also be adapted for older children.
p135 Src Homology 2 Domain-containing Inositol 5′-Phosphatase (SHIPβ) Isoform Can Substitute for p145 SHIP in FcγRIIB1-mediated Inhibitory Signaling in B Cells

The inositol 5'-phosphatase, SHIP (also referred to as SHIP-1 or SHIPalpha), is expressed in all cells of the hematopoietic lineage. Depending on the cell type being investigated and the state of differentiation, SHIP isoforms of several different molecular masses (170, 160, 145, 135, 125, and 110 kDa) have been seen in immunoblots. However, the function of the individual isoforms and the effect of expressing multiple isoforms simultaneously are not understood. Some of these SHIP isoforms have recently been characterized at the level of primary sequence. In this report, we investigated the function of the recently characterized 135-kDa SHIP isoform (SHIPbeta), which appears to possess the catalytic domain but lacks some of the protein-protein interaction motifs at the C terminus. By reconstituting SHIP-deficient DT40 B cells with either SHIPbeta or the better-characterized p145 SHIPalpha, we addressed the function of SHIPbeta in the complete absence of SHIPalpha. We observed that SHIPbeta had enzymatic activity comparable with SHIPalpha and that SHIPbeta was able to reconstitute F(c)gammaRIIB1-mediated inhibition of B cell receptor-induced signaling events such as calcium flux and Akt and mitogen-activated protein kinase activation. SHIPbeta was readily phosphorylated in response to B cell receptor cross-linking with the inhibitory receptor F(c)gammaRIIB1 and SHIPbeta also interacted with the adapter protein Shc. During these studies we also observed that the SHIPalpha or SHIPbeta interaction with Grb2 is not required for F(c)gammaRIIB1-mediated inhibition of calcium flux. These data suggest that SHIPbeta, which is normally expressed in B cells along with SHIPalpha, functions comparably with SHIPalpha and that these two isoforms are not likely to be antagonistic in their function in vivo.
A mammalian chromatin remodeling complex with similarities to the yeast INO80 complex.

The mammalian Tip49a and Tip49b proteins belong to an evolutionarily conserved family of AAA+ ATPases. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, orthologs of Tip49a and Tip49b, called Rvb1 and Rvb2, respectively, are subunits of two distinct ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling complexes, SWR1 and INO80. We recently demonstrated that the mammalian Tip49a and Tip49b proteins are integral subunits of a chromatin remodeling complex bearing striking similarities to the S. cerevisiae SWR1 complex (Cai, Y., Jin, J., Florens, L., Swanson, S. K., Kusch, T., Li, B., Workman, J. L., Washburn, M. P., Conaway, R. C., and Conaway, J. W. (2005) J. Biol. Chem. 280, 13665–13670). In this report, we identify a new mammalian Tip49a- and Tip49b-containing ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling complex, which includes orthologs of 8 of the 15 subunits of the S. cerevisiae INO80 chromatin remodeling complex as well as at least five additional subunits unique to the human INO80 (hINO80) complex. Finally, we demonstrate that, similar to the yeast INO80 complex, the hINO80 complex exhibits DNA- and nucleosome-activated ATPase activity and catalyzes ATP-dependent nucleosome sliding.
Conservative management of hip pain.

Thomas H. Hudgins, MD, and Joseph T. Alleva, MD, MBA cetabular dysplasia and femoral acetabular impingement are thought to e precursors of osteoarthritis. Likewise, disruption of the joint integrity hrough labral tears may also lead to early osteoarthritis. The goal of a omprehensive nonoperative approach to these entities is to restore unction and manage pain. Physical therapy to implement a home xercise program is the cornerstone of conservative care. Strengthening nd flexibility exercises around the hip joint are emphasized. The patient s instructed on a program that addresses his or her biomechanical mbalances. Typically, the patient will have decreased motion in hip exion and hip internal rotation. Therefore, promoting flexibility with hip exor stretches and hip external rotator stretches, such as the piriformis tretch, are part of the program. Strengthening exercises are conducted hrough closed kinetic chain exercises, such as step-ups and lunges, to educe sheer stress on the hip joint and simulate everyday functional asks. After pain is reduced, the patient is advanced to the maintenance hase of rehabilitation with sports-specific training. Oral medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs NSAIDs) are effective to reduce acute inflammation and provide pain elief. Cox 2 inhibitors are used in patients with risks of gastrointestinal leeding. Acetaminophen (1000 mg 3 times per day) has been shown to e as effective as NSAIDs for pain management while reducing risk of astrointestinal toxicity. Glucosamine–chondroitin has not shown any adiographic improvement of hip osteoarthritis, but may reduce pain. It hould be taken at dosages of 1500 mg daily for 3-6 months for an dequate trial and can be combined with methylsulfonylmethane or hondroitin for additive benefit. Injections have been shown to provide temporary relief and can provide stopgap measure for patients who are not surgical candidates because of omorbidities or are waiting for surgery. Two approaches are generally ccepted, an anterior approach and a lateral approach. The procedures
Egg Shell Quality I: The Body-Checked Egg

Research indicates that there are at least three means of reducing economic loss caused by body-checked eggs: first, the provision of as much cage area per bird as economically feasible; second, th...
Dehydration stress activates Arabidopsis MPK6 to signal DCP1 phosphorylation

Eukaryotic mRNA decapping proteins are essential for normal turnover of mRNA. Yet, the mechanism of bulk mRNA turnover during stress responses and its importance to stress tolerance are poorly understood. Here, we showed that dehydration stress activated MPK6 to phosphorylate serine 237 of Arabidopsis DCP1 and phospho-DCP1 preferentially associated with DCP5 to promote mRNA decapping in vivo. This process was essential for stress adaption as dcp5-1 and DCP1-S237A plants were hypersensitive to stress compared with wild-type (WT) plants. Microarray analysis revealed that dehydration-induced expression of many stress responsive genes was compromised in dcp5-1, whereas a subset of transcripts was over-represented in this mutant. Further analysis revealed that this subset of transcripts was likely the direct targets of stress-triggered mRNA decapping in WT. Our results suggest that mRNA decapping through MPK6-DCP1–DCP5 pathway serves as a rapid response to dehydration stress in Arabidopsis.
A hybrid boundary element-finite element analysis procedure for fluid flow simulation in fractured rock masses

Extension of numerical techniques to the analysis of fissure flow in three-dimensional rock masses of realistic complexity and extent constitutes an important facility in civil engineering and resource exploitation practice. Migration velocities of contaminants and fluid discharge will always be higher for a true three-dimensional network over a two-dimensional representation in that the effect of critical, out-of-plane intersections may be correctly accommodated. Revised direct boundary element formulations are developed that are capable of discretizing individual fissure discs and their intersections with adjacent fissures. Discretization coverage, by definition, is limited to the fissure edges and internal intersections, with this factor alone being a major advantage of the technique over the more conventionally utilized domain methods. Appropriate manipulation of the resulting set of equations is shown to yield a fully populated, positive definite, symmetric tensor representing the geometric conductivity of a single fissure disc. The retained degrees-of-freedom for the ‘super element’ are purely in terms of the fissure intersections with a minimum of 1 degree-of-freedom required per intersection. Global matrix assembly and solution is accomplished by standard finite element techniques, the global matrix being, in general, sparsely populated. The procedure is ideally suited to micro-computer solution in that a reduced degree-of-freedom system is obtained from a much larger and computationally, intractable system. The advantages of boundary solution procedures are realized with minimal data input requirements and effective representation of high potential gradients. The sparsely populated and symmetric from of the global matrix retains one of the more favourable assets of the secondary finite element formulation.
Solder bump size and shape modeling and experimental validation

Capillary physics was used to predict the size of solder bumps processed through a heated reflow cycle. Based on the density, surface tension, and volume of the solder material the effects of body forces are negligible compared to surface tension effects. For this case the predicted equilibrium shape of the molten solder is a truncated sphere, where the base of the sphere is defined by the bump input/output (I/O) pad on the integrated circuit (IC). Experiments using different size bumps on Si wafers were conducted to test the validity of the truncated sphere model. The experimental results matched the model to within 11% for the predicted height and 8% for the predicted radius. Using dimensionless variables for the solder volume, bump height, and bump radius allows these results for reflowed height and radius to each be plotted on a single curve and fitted with a single equation. These results can be used to design ICs, solder bumps, and solder bump assemblies in order to ensure that the attached IC can be underfilled reliably, and to ensure reliable products.
Pharmacokinetic evaluation of oblimersen sodium for the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Introduction: Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the most common form of leukemia in the western hemisphere. Developing new therapies remains a priority as present treatment options do not offer a cure. BCL-2 overexpression in CLL is associated with aggressive disease features and resists chemotherapy. Oblimersen sodium (G3139) is a phosphorothioate oligonucleotide antisense drug targeting the BCL-2 mRNA and is the first antisense to reach advanced clinical testing in oncology. Preclinical evaluation has demonstrated good antineoplastic effect in B-cell cancers; several clinical trials have confirmed its safety and efficacy both alone and in combination with other therapeutics. Areas covered: This review focuses on the chemistry, pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics and clinical evaluation of oblimersen in CLL. PubMed and MEDLINE searches assisted in data collection. Expert opinion: Bcl-2 is an important target in CLL. Antisense therapy is a novel approach to target oncoproteins; this can be beneficial i...
A secondary reanalysis of student perceptions of non‐traditional writing tasks over a ten year period

This study aims to add to the growing research related to the implementation of non-traditional writing tasks in classrooms to encourage science literacy. A secondary reanalysis methodology was employed to review student interviews collected as a part of several individual studies during a ten year research program. This method established an interpretive framework different than the particular frameworks guiding the individual studies. In doing so, a greater ability to generalize findings was sought. Main assertions emerging from the student responses analyzed include recognition of benefits of non-traditional writing, recognition of the need for particular task characteristics to encourage these benefits, and recognition of greater cognitive activity than is present in typical science classroom writing. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 47: 518–539, 2010
A protocol for establishing secure communication channels in a large network

Knowledge exchange and information access in a truly distributed network often require transmitting of data through open media. Consequently, data presented through such an environment are vulnerable to attacks. To minimize such vulnerability, data transformation or encryption/decryption techniques are often utilized among senders and receivers to achieve secure communication. Since data encryption/decryption requires sharing of a secret session key, finding an efficient way to distribute the session key in a large-scale, truly distributed network has been a nontrivial task. This paper presents a protocol for efficiently distributing session keys in such an environment to establish a secure channel. We assume the target network consists of many locally trusted centers, and each center has many users attached to it. The scheme incorporates the public-key distribution concept and the RSA encryption scheme as the basic mathematical tools, but eliminates the storage problem associated with huge public-key files. In addition, the proposed scheme has the added feature of providing the authenticate session key to the two parties in a secure communication. >
Dynamics of the Amari-Takeuchi competitive learning model

A rigorous analysis of an analog version of the Amari-Takeuchi (1978) theory of self-organization of category detecting nerve cells is given. Convergence of the learning is proven by constructing a Lyapunov function for the learning dynamics in a convenient set of coordinates. This function has separate terms reflecting the Hebbian learning and lateral inhibition components of the theory. This facilitates a theoretic characterization of the categories formed by the model. Also proposed is a different network interpretation of the equations, with the outputs implicit functions of the inputs. >
The Vapor Deposition and Oxidation of Platinum- and Yttria-Stabilized Zirconia Multilayers

Attempts to increase the gas temperature within gas turbine engines are driving the development of thermal barrier coatings that reduce superalloy component oxidation rates by disrupting thermal transport processes. Novel metal–ceramic multilayer's combining thin metal layers with low thermal conductivity oxide ceramics offer a potential approach for impeding both the radiative and conductive transport of heat to a component surface. A gas jet-assisted vapor deposition technique has been modified and used to experimentally explore the deposition model thermal protection system consisting of platinum- and yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) multilayers. Coatings containing one, three and four platinum layers in 7YSZ have been deposited on NiCoCrAlY bond-coated Hastelloy X substrates and compared with conventional 7YSZ monolayers deposited on the same bond-coated substrates. The multilayer samples have been thermally cycled to 1100°C and found to be less susceptible to delamination failure than the conventional coatings. Their bond coat oxidation rate at 1100°C was also measured and discovered to decrease as the number of platinum layers was increased. The observations are consistent with a retarded inward diffusion of oxygen by the platinum layers.
Coronary artery aneurysmal fistula: a late complication of stent deployment

An unusual case of a coronary artery fistula with the right atrium is described. Four months following the placement of a stent in a high grade, complex lesion of the proximal right coronary artery, restenosis, and contrast spill with rapid clearance into the right atrial space was evident on coronary angiogram. The calculated shunt fraction was trivial and hemodynamically insignificant.
The presence of trapped carbon dioxide in lapis lazuli and its potential use in geo-sourcing natural ultramarine pigment

Abstract The source of the previously unassigned weak band at 2340 cm −1 that is occasionally observed in the infrared spectrum of natural lapis lazuli pigment is here attributed conclusively to CO 2 trapped in the β-cage of lazurite. In addition, the geo-sourcing potential of this infrared feature for lapis lazuli is tested and found to be more ambiguous than previously suggested. The CO 2 absorption band is in fact observed in lapis lazuli samples from numerous disparate geographic locales including Afghanistan, Canada, Myanmar, Siberia, Tajikistan, and the Ural Mountains, as well as mineral hauyne samples from Germany and Italy. The spectral feature was absent from lapis lazuli samples from California, Chile, Colorado, and New York. Furthermore, poor quality lapis lazuli samples, regardless of locale, highly processed natural pigment samples, and all samples of synthetic ultramarine blue, green, and violet pigments were devoid of encapsulated CO 2 .
Evolution and Horizontal Transfer of dUTPase-Encoding Genes in Viruses and Their Hosts

dUTPase is a ubiquitous and essential enzyme responsible for regulating cellular levels of dUTP. The dut gene exists as single, tandemly duplicated, and tandemly triplicated copies. Crystallized single-copy dUTPases have been shown to assemble as homotrimers. dUTPase is encoded as an auxiliary gene in a number of virus genomes. The origin of viral dut genes has remained unresolved since their initial discovery. A comprehensive analysis of dUTPase amino acid sequence relationships was performed to explore the evolutionary dynamics of dut in viruses and their hosts. Our data set, comprised of 24 host and 51 viral sequences, includes representative sequences from available eukaryotes, archaea, eubacteria cells, and viruses, including herpesviruses. These amino acid sequences were aligned by using a hidden Markov model approach developed to align divergent data. Known secondary structures from single-copy crystals were mapped onto the aligned duplicate and triplicate sequences. We show how duplicated dUTPases might fold into a monomer, and we hypothesize that triplicated dUTPases also assemble as monomers. Phylogenetic analysis revealed at least five viral dUTPase sequence lineages in well-supported monophyletic clusters with eukaryotic, eubacterial, and archaeal hosts. We have identified all five as strong examples of horizontal transfer as well as additional potential transfer of dut genes among eubacteria, between eubacteria and viruses, and between retroviruses. The evidence for horizontal transfers is particularly interesting since eukaryotic dut genes have introns, while DNA virus dut genes do not. This implies that an intermediary retroid agent facilitated the horizontal transfer process between host mRNA and DNA viruses.
Arboreal Species Richness in Piedmont North Carolina 1764–1996

Abstract The 40,000 ha Wachovia (Wachau) tract, which encompasses much of modern Forsyth County, North Carolina, was surveyed by Reuter (1760–64), with subsequent surveys by Kramsch (1789–1791) and von Schweinitz (1821). Reuter's survey, despite its limitations, is valuable because it is the first record by a trained expert of the plant and animal species present during the European settlement of the piedmont frontier, predating reports from well-known pioneering botanists such as Andre Michaux, William Bartram and Asa Gray. A comparison of Reuter's list with a modern survey reveals that all the tree species he recorded are currently present in Forsyth County. Despite massive anthropogenic community disruption, there has been no loss of tree species diversity (measured as presence/absence) following European settlement. Due to the presence of introduced species, tree species richness is probably greater now than in 1764.
Re-evaluation of Phosphorus Requirements and Phosphorus Retention of Feedlot Cattle1

etal tissue growth and mineralization should improve estimation of gain requirements. Cattle have extensive ability to buffer against P deficiency through mobilization of P reserves. The buffering ability causes P requirement for growth to be less than potential retention, complicating management of P nutrition. Improved estimates of P gain requirements may reduce P over-feeding, whereas separate retention estimates will allow accurate estimation of P excretion. Cattle are thought to excrete almost all P in feces. However, cattle on very high P diets saturate the fecal P excretion route and excrete an extensive proportion of P in urine. Future research should be directed at resolving deficiencies of current P nutritional recommendations and management to reduce environmental concerns.
Pre-treatment PSA velocity (PSAV) is not predictive of outcomes after radical prostatectomy (RP) in a referral cohort

4619 Background: PSA velocity has recently been reported as a significant predictor of prostate cancer-specific mortality in early-staged cancer patients selected from a large screening trial where...