cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of size structure and habitat complexity on predator–prey interactions

1. A predator's ability to suppress its prey depends on the level of interference among predators. While interference typically decreases with increasing habitat complexity, it often increases with increasing size differences among individuals. However, little is known about how variation in intrinsic factors such as population size structure alters predator–prey interactions and how this intrinsic variation interacts with extrinsic variation. 2. By experimentally varying the level of vegetation cover and the size structure of the predatory damselfly Ischnura posita Hagen, we examined the individual and interactive effects of variation in habitat complexity and predator size structure on prey mortality. 3. Copepod prey survival linearly increased as the I. posita size ratio decreased and differed by up to 31% among different predator size structures. Size classes had an additive effect on prey survival, most likely because intraspecific aggression appeared size-independent and size classes differed in microhabitat preference: large I. posita spent 14% more time foraging on the floor than small larvae and spent more time in the vegetation with increasing habitat complexity. Despite this difference in microhabitat use among size classes, habitat structure did not influence predation rates or interference among size classes. 4. In general, results suggest that seasonal and spatial variation in the size structure of populations could drive some of the discrepancies in predator-mediated prey suppression observed in nature, and this variation could exceed the effects of variation in habitat structure.
Faunal change, environmental variability and late Pliocene hominin evolution.

Global change during the late Pliocene was manifested in declining temperatures, increased amplitude of climate cycles, and shifts in the periodicity of orbital climate forcing. Linking these changes to the evolution of African continental faunas and to hominin evolution requires well-documented fossil evidence that can be examined through substantial periods of time. The Omo sequence of southern Ethiopia provides such a database, and we use it to analyze change in the abundances of mammal taxa at different levels of temporal and taxonomic resolution between 4 and 2 Ma. This study provides new evidence for shifts through time in the ecological dominance of suids, cercopithecids, and bovids, and for a trend from more forested to more open woodland habitats. Superimposed on these long-term trends are two episodes of faunal change, one involving a marked shift in the abundances of different taxa at about 2.8+/-0.1 Ma, and the second the transition at 2.5 Ma from a 200-ka interval of faunal stability to marked variability over intervals of about 100 ka. The first appearance of Homo, the earliest artefacts, and the extinction of non-robust Australopithecus in the Omo sequence coincide in time with the beginning of this period of high variability. We conclude that climate change caused significant shifts in vegetation in the Omo paleo-ecosystem and is a plausible explanation for the gradual ecological change from forest to open woodland between 3.4 and 2.0 Ma, the faunal shift at 2.8 +/-0.1 Ma, and the change in the tempo of faunal variability of 2.5 Ma. Climate forcing in the late Pliocene is more clearly indicated by population shifts within the Omo mammal community than by marked turnover at the species level.
Direct Determination of Energy Level Alignment and Charge Transport at Metal − Alq 3 Interfaces via Ballistic-Electron-Emission Spectroscopy

Using ballistic-electron-emission spectroscopy (BEES), we directly determined the energy barrier for electron injection at clean interfaces of Alq{sub 3} with Al and Fe to be 2.1 and 2.2 eV, respectively. We quantitatively modeled the sub-barrier BEES spectra with an accumulated space charge layer, and found that the transport of nonballistic electrons is consistent with random hopping over the injection barrier.
Effects on experimental animals of long-term inhalation exposure to carbon monoxide.

Abstract Rats, guinea pigs, monkeys, and dogs were exposed continuously for 90 days to 51, 96, and 200 ppm carbon monoxide. Animals were also exposed repeatedly 8 hr/day, 5 days/wk for 6 consecutive weeks to 106 ppm. No adverse toxic signs were noted during these studies. After the continuous exposures to 96 and 200 ppm, the mean hemoglobin and hematocrit values of all 4 species were elevated when compared to preexposure values. The carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) values at equilibrium were determined for the 4 species exposed continuously for 48 hr at the 3 concentrations. These COHb values correlated well with the affinity constants for the different species, and agreed closely with the theoretical calculated values.
Intermittent Hypoxia Furthers the Rationale for Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-1 Targeting

Hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) stabilization is a pivotal event in the response to hypoxic stress. A study in the December 15, 2006 issue of Cancer Research shows that HIF-1 stabilization occurs more robustly as a result of intermittent hypoxia compared with chronic hypoxia. The findings of this study suggest that intermittent hypoxia might influence the efficacy of radiotherapy by more strongly affecting the growth and survival of vascular endothelial cells. This finding offers additional encouragement to efforts to target HIF-1 for cancer therapy.
Therapeutic strategies to halt renal fibrosis.

Abstract Angiotensin II blockade has become a standard anti-fibrotic therapy in renal diseases because it slows progression to end-stage renal disease. However, current data support the notion that angiotensin II blockade alone cannot stop progressive fibrotic disease. Of an increasing number of therapies showing efficacy in animal studies, antibodies to transforming growth factor β are the most thoroughly studied and are likely to be effective in human clinical trials. However, hints exist in the literature suggesting that no single agent will effectively halt renal fibrosis and that combinations of agents will be required.
Symbiotic Relation between Planetary and Synoptic-Scale Waves.

Abstract It is hypothesized that the low-frequency planetary scale waves and the high-frequency cyclone-scale waves in an equilibrated state of the atmosphere are symbiotically dependent upon one another. This is demonstrated with an analysis of a dissipative atmospheric model driven by a zonally symmetric forcing. Under a geophysically relevant parameter condition, the synoptic scale waves in the equilibrated state of this system intermittently extract a sufficient amount of energy from the modified instantaneous zonal flow to compensate not only for their own dissipative loss of energy but also for a net supply of energy to the planetary scale waves through the upscale energy cascade process. The planetary scale waves gain this energy in the barotropic form. The planetary scale waves, in turn, create localized strong baroclinic regions whereby the synoptic scale waves may preferentially intensify downstream of the model planetary jet streams. Such cyclone scale eddies collectively give rise to two model...
Structural classification of biotin carboxyl carrier proteins

We gathered primary and tertiary structures of acyl-CoA carboxylases from public databases, and established that members of their biotin carboxylase (BC) and biotin carboxyl carrier protein (BCCP) domains occur in one family each and that members of their carboxyl transferase (CT) domains occur in two families. Protein families have members similar in primary and tertiary structure that probably have descended from the same protein ancestor. The BCCP domains complexed with biotin in acyl and acyl-CoA carboxylases transfer bicarbonate ions from BC domains to CT domains, enabling the latter to carboxylate acyl and acyl-CoA moieties. We separated the BCCP domains into four subfamilies based on more subtle primary structure differences. Members of different BCCP subfamilies often are produced by different types of organisms and are associated with different carboxylases.
Observations on the role of the reticuloendothelial system in the metabolism of adrenocortical steroids

Abstract The reticuloendothelial (RE) stimulating agent, zymosan, produced significant increases in spleen and adrenal weights in rats. Removal of intravascular corticosterone was increased in these animals during the first five minutes following exogenous steroid administration and steroid A ring reduction by liver homogenates was likewise increased. RE cell stimulation did not modify corticoid production by incubated adrenal glands when expressed per unit of adrenal weight. Total adrenal secretory capacity was, however, increased due to the increase in adrenal tissue.
Technetium 99m glucarate: what will be its clinical role?

With publication of the studies by Khaw et al.1 and Beanlands et al.2 in this issue of the Journal, there is mounting evidence that99mTc glucarate is taken up by infarcted but not by ischemic myocardium. The early myocardial distribution and rapid blood-pool clearance of99mTc glucarate suggest important diagnostic potential in the very early detection of acute myocardial infarction and for the identification of successful acute revascularization therapy. To understand the full diagnostic implications of99mTc glucarate accumulation in the myocardium, larger human trials are now needed. It will be critically important to document the capabilities of99mTc glucarate to identify, early on, acute myocardial infarction in the presence of a persistently occluded infarctrelated coronary artery in human beings.
Tick size reduction, execution costs, and informational efficiency in the regular and E-mini Nasdaq-100 index futures markets

On April 2, 2006, the Chicago Mercantile Exchange reduced the minimum tick size of the floor-traded and E-mini Nasdaq-100 futures from 0.5 to 0.25 index points. This study examines the effect of this change in the contract design on execution costs, informational efficiency, and price discovery. The results show a significant reduction in the effective spreads in both of the contract markets but especially in the electronically traded E-mini futures. The paper also finds that the tick size reduction has improved price discovery and informational efficiency in the E-mini futures market. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark 28:871–888, 2008
Hierarchical modeling and other spatial analyses in prostate cancer incidence data.

Background State central cancer registries are often asked to respond to questions about the spatial distribution of cancer cases. Spatial analysis methods and technology are evolving rapidly, and can be a considerable challenge to registries that do not have staff with training in this area. The purpose of this article is to describe a general methodological approach that potentially might be a starting point for many cancer registry spatial analyses at the county level. Methods Prostate cancer incident cases (N=31,159) from the Louisiana Tumor Registry from 1988 to 1999 were used for illustrative purposes. To explore spatio-temporal patterns, analyses focused on four time periods, each 3 years in length: 1998–1990, 1991–1993, 1994–1996, and 1997–1999. For each time period, race-specific (white and black), direct age-adjusted incidence rates and indirect standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) were calculated, smoothed using Bayesian methods, and assessed for evidence of spatial autocorrelation using global and local Moran's I. Hierarchical generalized linear models (HGLM) were fitted to identify significant covariates. Clusters of elevated and lower rates were identified using a spatial scan statistic (SaTScan™). Results Temporal trends in SIRs in both race groups were consistent with the introduction of prostate specific antigen (PSA) testing in Louisiana during the late 1980s and early 1990s, but possibly with a lag in black males. Clusters of lower than expected values were observed for white males in the central ( p =0.001) and southeastern coastal areas ( p =0.001), and to a greater extent for black males in the central ( p =0.001), southwestern and southeastern coastal parishes ( p =0.001). Conclusions Mapping disease occurrence by time period is an effective way to explore spatio-temporal patterns. HGLM models and software are available to control for covariates and for unstructured and spatially structured variability that may confound spatial variability patterns.
Field matching through volume suppression

Electromagnetic scattering is reinterpreted through systematic example as a shielding phenomenon across (perfectly conducting) obstacle interiors. Consideration is also given through concrete example (half-space Fresnel reflection/refraction problem) to volume self consistency at nonvanishing values whenever field penetration becomes allowed by virtue of the conductivity being lowered to a finite level instead.
Cell interactions that affect axonogenesis in the leech Theromyzon rude

The leech nervous system comprises a relatively simple network of longitudinal (connective) and transverse (segmental) nerves. We have followed the normal pattern of axon development in the glossiphoniid leech Theromyzon rude by immunostaining embryonic preparations with antibody to acetylated alpha-tubulin. The dependence of the normal pattern of axon growth on cells in the mesodermal (M) and ectodermal (N, O, P and Q) lineages was examined by selectively ablating subsets of these lineages in developing embryos. We found that ablating mesoderm severely disrupted overall axonogenesis, while various ectodermal ablations induced a range of more specific phenotypes. In particular, formation of the posterior segmental nerve (PP) was abnormal in embryos deficient in primary neuroectoderm (N lineage). More specific ablations demonstrated that a subset of N-derived cells were required for establishing the PP nerve root. Previous studies have shown that the PP nerve root is normally pioneered by an O lineage-derived neuron (PD). Our results suggest that the role of the N lineage-derived cells is to induce the migration of neuron P(D) to its normal position in the posterior compartment of the hemiganglion.
Benchmark analytic solution of the dynamic sphere problem for Bodner–Partom elastic–viscoplastic materials

Abstract Developing benchmark analytic solutions for problems in solid and fluid mechanics is important for the purpose of testing and verifying computational physics codes. In order to test the numerical results of physics codes that predict the response of elastic–viscoplastic materials, we consider the geometrically linear dynamic sphere problem. We present an exact solution for the dynamic response of a spherical shell composed of a linearly elastic–viscoplastic material exhibiting isotropic symmetry. The solution takes the form of an infinite series of eigenfunctions. We demonstrate, both qualitatively and quantitatively, the convergence of the computed benchmark solution under spatial, temporal, and eigenmode refinement. We also use our computational benchmark solution to compute viscoplastic strains on a spherical shell composed of titanium.
Retinal analog study of the role of steric interactions in the excited state isomerization dynamics of rhodopsin.

The role of intramolecular steric interactions in the isomerization of the 11-cis-retinal chromophore in the photoreceptor protein rhodopsin is examined with resonance Raman and CD spectroscopy combined with quantum yield experiments. The resonance Raman spectra and CD spectra of 13-demethylrhodopsin indicate that its chromophore, an analog in which the nonbonded interaction between the 10-H and the 13-CH3 groups is removed, is less distorted in the C10···C13 region than the native chromophore. The reduced torsional and hydrogen-out-of-plane resonance Raman intensities further indicate that the excited state potential energy surface has a much shallower slope along the isomerization coordinate. This is consistent with the decrease in quantum yield from 0.67 in rhodopsin to 0.47 in 13-demethylrhodopsin. The resonance Raman intensities show that the steric twist is reintroduced by addition of a methyl group at the C10 position. However, the quantum yield of 10-methyl-13-demethylrhodopsin is found to be only...
A quantitative image analysis method for characterizing mixtures of granular materials

Abstract Automated image analysis is used to characterize the structure of undisturbed granular mixtures. These mixtures, produced from small-scale mixing experiments, are preserved using solidification techniques, sliced, and scanned using a video camera to produce a digital image. Image analysis is used to determine the mean, mode, standard deviation, variance, and skewness of local composition for a large number of locations in the mixtures, providing an effective method for performing a detailed quantitative characterization of the mixture structure. The digital data are then used to simulate random sampling from a powder blender. Sampling parameters, such as number of samples, sample size, and location of the samples, are varied to assess their effect on the descriptive statistics. For partially mixed systems such as those examined here, results depend strongly on the number of samples used in the analysis, but they are largely independent of sample size. The solidification techniques, image analysis methods, and numerical algorithms for quantifying features of the partially mixed structures are described in detail.
Collaborative Interaction for Improvement of Teaching.

Abstract Relationships are explored between teachers' collaborative interactions and implementation of a complex, innovative instructional approach. The theoretical framework, drawn from organizational theory, leads to the prediction that teachers' use of collaboration will help them use non-routine teaching strategies. Thirteen elementary teachers were observed as they attempted to implement a complex science/mathematics program during one academic year. Findings revealed an association between the frequency of teachers' collaboration and the quality of their implementation only when collaborative meetings were structured. New directions are indicated for future research of structured collaboration.
Slurries and emulsions of waxy and heavy crude oils for pipeline transportation of crude oil

Abstract The high viscosity of many asphaltic crude oils and the high pour points of many waxy crude oils present significant problems in their transportation over long distances by pipeline and tanker. While heating the oils and insulating the pipelines will help alleviate the problem, there is danger associated with an extended shutdown of flow and either congealing or solidification of the oil. A possible solution which we have studied in the laboratory is the emulsification or dispersion of the oil in water or brine so that shear takes place in the continuous aqueous phase rather than the oil droplets or particles. Synthetic waxy crude oils were prepared by dissolving paraffin wax in white mineral oil at slightly elevated temperatures and then measuring the pour point. One containing 30% wax had a pour point of 43°C and was selected for preparations of the dispersions. This was emulsified in water at a temperature higher than the pour point by using a suitable surfactant as an emulsifying agent. Rheological properties were measured at various temperatures and are reported in the paper. The method shows great promise for use in countries such as China which produce significant quantities of waxy crude oil and have seasonal temperatures significantly lower than the pour point of the crude oil.
Network Connectivity Preserving Formation Stabilization and Obstacle Avoidance via a Decentralized Controller

A decentralized control method is developed to enable a group of agents to achieve a desired global configuration while maintaining global network connectivity and avoiding obstacles, using only local feedback and no radio communication between the agents for navigation. By modeling the interaction among the agents as a graph, and given a connected initial graph with a desired neighborhood between agents, the developed method ensures the desired communication links remain connected for all time. To guide the agents to a desired configuration while avoiding obstacles, a decentralized controller is developed based on the navigation function formalism. By proving that the proposed controller is a qualified navigation function, convergence to the desired formation is guaranteed.
A novel dysferlin mutant pseudoexon bypassed with antisense oligonucleotides

Objective Mutations in dysferlin (DYSF), a Ca2+-sensitive ferlin family protein important for membrane repair, vesicle trafficking, and T-tubule function, cause Miyoshi myopathy, limb-girdle muscular dystrophy type 2B, and distal myopathy. More than 330 pathogenic DYSF mutations have been identified within exons or near exon–intron junctions. In ~17% of patients who lack normal DYSF, only a single disease-causing mutation has been identified. We studied one family with one known mutant allele to identify both the second underlying genetic defect and potential therapeutic approaches. Methods We sequenced the full DYSF cDNA and investigated antisense oligonucleotides (AONs) as a tool to modify splicing of the mRNA transcripts in order to process out mutant sequences. Results We identified a novel pseudoexon between exons 44 and 45, (pseudoexon 44.1, PE44.1), which inserts an additional 177 nucleotides into the mRNA and 59 amino acids within the conserved C2F domain of the DYSF protein. Two unrelated dysferlinopathy patients were also found to carry this mutation. Using AONs targeting PE44.1, we blocked the abnormal splicing event, yielding normal, full-length DYSF mRNA, and increased DYSF protein expression. Interpretation This is the first report of a deep intronic mutation in DYSF that alters mRNA splicing to include a mutant peptide fragment within a key DYSF domain. We report that AON-mediated exon-skipping restores production of normal, full-length DYSF in patients' cells in vitro, offering hope that this approach will be therapeutic in this genetic context, and providing a foundation for AON therapeutics targeting other pathogenic DYSF alleles.
Weighted relaxed support vector machines

Classification of imbalanced data is challenging when outliers exist. In this paper, we propose a supervised learning method to simultaneously classify imbalanced data and reduce the influence of outliers. The proposed method is a cost-sensitive extension of the relaxed support vector machines (RSVM), where the restricted penalty free-slack is split independently between the two classes in proportion to the number samples in each class with different weights, hence given the name weighted relaxed support vector machines (WRSVM). We compare classification results of WRSVM with SVM, WSVM and RSVM on public benchmark datasets with imbalanced classes and outlier noise, and show that WRSVM produces more accurate and robust classification results.
Gender, Labor Allocations, and the Psychology of Entitlement within the Home

This study analyzes the effects of partners' absolute and relative labor allocations on women's and men's perceivedfairness of the division of household chores within unions. Using data from the 1988 National Survey of Families and Households, the analyses indicate that (1) men's housework efforts are powerful determinants of women's and men'sfairness perceptions, and (2) women's employment hours have no effect on men's fairness perceptions while significantly increasing women's perceptions of unfairness to themselves. This study expands on Blair and Johnson's (1992) analysis of wives' perceptions offairness by showing that men (and not just women) perceive that their housework affects fairness toward women. Major's (1987) hypothesis about gender differences in entitlement psychology and Thompson's (1991) hypothesis about "betweengender" referents are used to interpret thefindings.
Relay of retrograde synaptogenic signals through axonal transport of BMP receptors

Neuronal function depends on the retrograde relay of growth and survival signals from the synaptic terminal, where the neuron interacts with its targets, to the nucleus, where gene transcription is regulated. Activation of the Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP) pathway at the Drosophila larval neuromuscular junction results in nuclear accumulation of the phosphorylated form of the transcription factor Mad in the motoneuron nucleus. This in turn regulates transcription of genes that control synaptic growth. How BMP signaling at the synaptic terminal is relayed to the cell body and nucleus of the motoneuron to regulate transcription is unknown. We show that the BMP receptors are endocytosed at the synaptic terminal and transported retrogradely along the axon. Furthermore, this transport is dependent on BMP pathway activity, as it decreases in the absence of ligand or receptors. We further demonstrate that receptor traffic is severely impaired when Dynein motors are inhibited, a condition that has previously been shown to block BMP pathway activation. In contrast to these results, we find no evidence for transport of phosphorylated Mad along the axons, and axonal traffic of Mad is not affected in mutants defective in BMP signaling or retrograde transport. These data support a model in which complexes of activated BMP receptors are actively transported along the axon towards the cell body to relay the synaptogenic signal, and that phosphorylated Mad at the synaptic terminal and cell body represent two distinct molecular populations.
The other side of eight mile: Suburban population and housing supply

∗This article establishes a linkage between decadal changes in suburban population and the supply of suburban dwelling units. It then estimates an econometric supply-and-demand model for 317 U.S. suburban areas for the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s using the State of the Cities database. Suburban supply is more elastic than central city supply, with suburban estimates between +1.26 and +1.42. However, separate estimates by geographic region lead to supply elasticities of +0.89 for the northeastern quadrant of the United States and +1.86 for the remainder of the United States. This article addresses issues of population change and housing supply in U.S. suburbs. Central cities often have only limited opportunities for new construction, while surrounding suburbs “beyond Eight Mile Road” may have considerable vacant land to accommodate new employers and new residents. 1 This generalization, of course, oversimplifies. New Rochelle, NY; Evanston, IL; Brookline, MA; Royal Oak, MI; and Lakewood, OH, for example, were developed 100 or more years go. Many suburbs (Puentes and Orfield 2002) are fully built up, many have stopped growing or have experienced population losses, and some have problems of blight or poverty similar to central cities. This article establishes a linkage between decadal changes in suburban population and housing supply, differentiating between central cities and inner and outer suburban rings. It then estimates an econometric supply-and-demand model for 317 U.S. suburban areas for the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s using the State of the Cities database. With almost all suburban areas characterized by increasing housing stock and in general more buildable land than the central cities, one would expect suburban supply price elasticities to exceed those of central cities. Using a similar model, Goodman (2004) estimated dwelling unit price elasticities between +0.03 and
Discussion of “laws of articulation”

Abstract I agree in part with both Hanau's and Trapozzano's concepts of the laws of occlusion. 1. I see three fixed factors instead of one, with the orientation of the occlusal plane and the incisal guidance angle being additions to the condylar guidance as fixed factors. 2. The angulation of certain cuspal inclines is more important than the height of the cusps per se. 3. The compensating curve is a device for increasing the effective height of the cusps without changing the forms of the individual teeth. 4. Both the cusp height and the compensating curve are means for solving the problems imposed by the Christensen phenomenon. They are the means whereby the space developed at the posterior end of the occluding surfaces which results from the downward movement of the condyles can be closed by tooth contacts. 5. The occlusal plane should be oriented according to esthetic appearance and intraoral soft tissue anatomy (the retromolar pads and tongue) instead of located according to leverage or mechanical requirements. 6. The orientation of the occlusal plane, i.e., the angle of its deviation from the horizontal, does have an effect upon the things that must be done to the angulation of the cuspal inclines, either by tipping the teeth into a compensating curve or the choice of a posterior tooth form. 7. Dr. Trapozzano's diagram can be helpful toward an understanding of the relationship of the tooth surfaces to the end guidances. In closing, I wish to thank Dr. Trapozzano for stimulating me to put these ideas on paper. I feel certain that he has stimulated the reader as well.
Biocompatibility of a polymer patch for rotator cuff repair

Both mechanical and biological factors influence the high re-tear rate after rotator cuff repair. Mechanical factors have largely been addressed by the introduction of better implants and modification of suture configuration, but further improvements are needed to address the often poor tissue quality of the degenerated rotator cuff tendons. Current biological solutions provide only short-term reinforcement and have been associated with pseudo-infectious reactions. This pre-clinical animal study investigates the biological response to a novel polycarbonate polyurethane patch used for tissue augmentation in a rat rotator cuff repair model. Bilateral defects were created in the supraspinatus tendons of 12 Sprague Dawley rats. One side was repaired with a patch as a tissue augmentation device. The contralateral side acted as internal control without patch augmentation. After 6 weeks the tissues were harvested and underwent histologic and histomorphometric analyses. Histological evaluation demonstrated no inflammatory reaction; histomorphometry revealed tissue ingrowth of 79.9%. In conclusion, the polycarbonate polyurethane patch for tissue extension or augmentation in rotator cuff repair has demonstrated no inflammatory response and excellent tissue integration in a rat rotator cuff repair model.
Genome-scale reconstruction of Escherichia coli's transcriptional and translational machinery: a knowledge base, its mathematical formulation, and its functional characterization.

Metabolic network reconstructions represent valuable scaffolds for ‘-omics’ data integration and are used to computationally interrogate network properties. However, they do not explicitly account for the synthesis of macromolecules (i.e., proteins and RNA). Here, we present the first genome-scale, fine-grained reconstruction of Escherichia coli's transcriptional and translational machinery, which produces 423 functional gene products in a sequence-specific manner and accounts for all necessary chemical transformations. Legacy data from over 500 publications and three databases were reviewed, and many pathways were considered, including stable RNA maturation and modification, protein complex formation, and iron–sulfur cluster biogenesis. This reconstruction represents the most comprehensive knowledge base for these important cellular functions in E. coli and is unique in its scope. Furthermore, it was converted into a mathematical model and used to: (1) quantitatively integrate gene expression data as reaction constraints and (2) compute functional network states, which were compared to reported experimental data. For example, the model predicted accurately the ribosome production, without any parameterization. Also, in silico rRNA operon deletion suggested that a high RNA polymerase density on the remaining rRNA operons is needed to reproduce the reported experimental ribosome numbers. Moreover, functional protein modules were determined, and many were found to contain gene products from multiple subsystems, highlighting the functional interaction of these proteins. This genome-scale reconstruction of E. coli's transcriptional and translational machinery presents a milestone in systems biology because it will enable quantitative integration of ‘-omics’ datasets and thus the study of the mechanistic principles underlying the genotype–phenotype relationship.
Treatment of Acute Myeloid Leukemia with Cytokines: Effect on Duration of Neutropenia and Response to Infections

Clinical data regarding the use of colony-stimulating factors for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) are conflicting because of varying study conditions. Interpretation of data is affected by differences in patients' ages, induction regimens, the timing of growth factor administration, the presence of marrow hypoplasia, disease states, differences in the products used, and statistical endpoints. Most trials of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) and yeast-derived granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) have demonstrated a significant shortening of neutrophil recovery time and a trend toward higher rates of complete remission. Several studies have demonstrated a significant reduction in the rates of morbidity or early mortality with G-CSF or GM-CSF. In vitro data support the concept of enhancing antimicrobial activity with macrophage colony-stimulating factor or GM-CSF. The safety and potential benefit of these cytokines suggest that cytokines should be administered to patients receiving induction therapy for AML who are at high risk for therapy-related morbidity and mortality.
Selective security capabilities in ASAP: a file management system

Although the general requirements of data security in file management and retrieval systems are fairly obvious, and have been often stated current practice does not provide even an approximation of these requirements and, in fact, current languages and operating systems, with few exceptions make it relatively difficult to achieve these objectives when one tries to do so. Apparently, current languages and hardware serve as an informal security and privacy protection system that is more or less satisfactory for most current applications. While security and privacy controls are often discussed, they do not appear to be high on most managers' lists of pressing problems.
Modernity and the Urban Imagination in Economic Zones

The recent phenomenon of the export zone attracts scholarly attention primarily for its economic and political logics, yet it is as a cultural phenomenon that the Zone may ultimately signal its tra...
Measures Inherent to Treatments in Program Effectiveness Reviews

Abstract Program effectiveness reviews in education seek to provide educators with scientifically valid and useful summaries of evidence on achievement effects of various interventions. Different reviewers have different policies on measures of content taught in the experimental group but not the control group, called here treatment-inherent measures. These are contrasted with treatment-independent measures of content emphasized equally in experimental and control groups. The What Works Clearinghouse (WWC) averages effect sizes from such measures with those from treatment-independent measures, while the Best Evidence Encyclopedia excludes treatment-inherent measures. This article contrasts effect sizes from treatment-inherent and treatment-independent measures in WWC reading and math reviews to explore the degree to which these measures produce different estimates. In all comparisons, treatment-inherent measures produce much larger positive effect sizes than treatment-independent measures. Based on these ...
Satellite formation flying control design based on hybrid control system stability analysis

Addresses a research topic of interest to air force and space related agencies, namely formation flying control of microsatellites in Earth orbits. Since the propulsive material on board the satellites for relative position control is quite limited, innovative control design methods are warranted to accomplish the formation flying mission requirements that make the best use of control forces and moments. In the paper, such an innovative control design method is presented using hybrid system stability analysis techniques and is applied to the satellite relative position control problem and results are analyzed. The problem formulation naturally fits into a hybrid control system framework because the orbital dynamics is "continuous" whereas the controllers are "discrete" acting only occasionally in a periodic way. Using the proposed method, an intelligent trade off between relative position accuracy requirement and available control effort is obtained.
An algorithm for the multiinput eigenvalue assignment problem

A very simple and inexpensive algorithm is presented for pole placement in the multiinput case. The algorithm consists of orthogonal reduction to a Block-Hessenberg form and a simple linear recursion. It yields a matrix F such that A+BF has any specified set of eigenvalues whenever the system is controllable. It is extremely easy to program on a computer. The algorithm is not a robust pole-placement algorithm but appears to give comparable results in most well-conditioned cases at a fraction of the cost. It is a direct (noniterative) algorithm and no eigenvalues or singular values are computed. The algorithm does not need any complex arithmetic, even when complex conjugate eigenvalues need to be assigned. >
Supervised and Unsupervised Methods of Classification of Raman Spectra of Explosives and Non-Explosives

Various pattern-recognition techniques have been examined to evaluate their usefulness in automated detection and identification of explosives that constitute a threat when used in bombs in public place or airline baggage. Self-organizing map neural networks proved more useful than principal components analysis.
Examining systemic steroid use in older inflammatory bowel disease patients using hurdle models: a cohort study

Interpreting clinical guideline adherence and the appropriateness of medication regimens requires consideration of individual patient and caregiver factors. Factors leading to initiation of a medication may differ from those determining continued use. We believe this is the case for systemic steroid therapy in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), resulting in a need to apply methods that separately consider factors associated with initiation and duration of therapy. To evaluate the relationship between patient characteristics and the frequency and duration of incident steroid use we apply a 2-part hurdle model to Medicare data. We do so in older patients with tumor necrosis factor antagonist (anti-TNFs) contraindications, as they are of special interest for compliance with Medicare-adopted, quality metrics calling for anti-TNFs and nonbiologic immune therapies to reduce steroid utilization. Many older patients have contraindications to anti-TNFs. However, nonbiologics cause adverse events that are concerning in older adults, limiting their use in this population and increasing reliance on systemic steroids. We used a national Medicare sample for 2006–2009 including patients with 12 months or greater of Parts A and B and 6 months or greater of Part D coverage, IBD confirmed with at least 2 claims for ICD-9CM 555.xx or 556.xx, anti-TNF contraindications and without contraindications to nonbiologic agents. We applied a negative binomial-logit hurdle model to examine patient characteristics associated with systemic steroid utilization. Among the 1,216 IBD patients without baseline steroid use, 21 % used systemic steroids. Odds of receiving systemic steroids were greater in those younger, rural, and those receiving other agents. Available patient characteristics failed to predict longer steroid treatment duration. Our study identified differences in predictors of frequency and duration of medication use and suggests the utility of two-part models to examine drug utilization patterns. Applying such a model to Medicare data, we determined that despite medical consensus that systemic steroid use should be minimized, its use was substantial. Findings indicate anticipated difficulties in implementing recently adopted quality measures to avoid systemic steroids.
Negative Index Lenses

The prelims comprise: Introduction Geometric Optics Gaussian Optics Aberrations References
Human Plasminogen: Structure, Activation, and Function

The conversion of the plasma zymogen, plasminogen (Pg), to the serine protease plasmin (Pm) is a critical event associated with the activation of the fibrinolytic system (Collen, 1980). The primary vascular function of Pm is to maintain patency by degrading fibrin-rich thrombi. Localization of this proteolytic activity at the site of a developing thrombus, as well as the protection of Pm and its activators from circulating inhibitors are essential in regulating fibrinolysis (Collen, 1980). The identification of cell surface receptors for Pg/Pm and its activators and the demonstration that Pm can either directly or indirectly degrade extracellular matrices have implicated Pm in mediating cell migration, a critical event in a number of physiologies, e.g., wound healing, embryogenesis, angiogenesis, and pathologies, e.g., tumor growth and metastasis processes (Mak et al, 1976; Strickland et al., 1976; Gross et al., 1983; Ossowski and Reich, 1983; Dano et al, 1985; Nielsen et al., 1988; Schafer et al., 1994). Therefore, aside from its vascular function in controlling thrombus formation and dissolution, Pg may play a broad and diverse role in a number of diverse biological events.
English-Language Latino Themed Programming and Social Identity: The Relationship Between Viewing and Self-Esteem among Latina/os

ABSTRACTEnglish-language Latino-themed programming (ELLTP) incorporates ethnocultural content reminiscent of Latina/os TV viewers’ social identity. Grounded in a social identity approach, the present study explored the relationship between Latina/os’ viewing of identity categories embedded in ELLTP and self-esteem. A voluntary survey of 426 self-identified Latina/os generally found a positive relationship between identity categories and self-esteem shifts, either at a personal or collective level. The overall results suggest that consuming in-group ethnic media content can satiate social identity gratifications among ELLTP Latina/o viewers, specifically pertaining to self-esteem maintenance.
Capability of the CANAPI algorithm to derive shrub structural parameters from satellite imagery in the Alaskan Arctic

The observed greening of Arctic vegetation and the expansion of shrubs in the last few decades probably have profound implications for the tundra ecosystem, including feedbacks to climate. Uncertainty surrounding this vegetation shift and its implications calls for monitoring of vegetation structural parameters, such as fractional cover of shrubs. In this study, CANAPI, a semi-automated image interpretation algorithm that identifies and traces crowns by locating its crescent-shaped sunlit portion, was evaluated for its ability to derive structural data for tall (> 0.5 m) shrubs in the Arctic. CANAPI estimates of shrub canopy parameters were obtained from high-resolution imagery at 26 sites (250 m x 250 m each) by adjusting the algorithm's parameters and filter settings for each site, such that the number of crowns delineated by CANAPI roughly matched those observed in the high-resolution imagery. The CANAPI estimates were then compared with field measurements to evaluate the algorithm's performance. CANAPI successfully retrieved fractional cover (R2 = 0.83, P < 0.001), mean crown radius (R2 = 0.81, P < 0.001), and total number of shrubs (R2 = 0.54, P < 0.001). CANAPI performed best in sparse vegetation where shrub canopies were distinct, while it tended to underestimate shrub cover where shrubs were clustered. The CANAPI algorithm and the regression equations presented here can be used in Arctic tundra environments to derive vegetation parameters from any sub-meter panchromatic imagery.
Integrating philosophy, sociology, and dialog-based instruction in the social & criminal justice classroom

AbstractIn creating this analysis of pedagogical strategies, we began with the recognition that criminal justice education currently tends to be limited in its scope. The focus on courts, law enforcement, and incarceration dominate the curriculum in the university context. We hope to broaden this scope within social and criminal justice courses, and here we outline effective pedagogical strategies. The focus is primarily on cultivating student consciousness of foundational bases of justice using perspectives from philosophy alongside sociological and criminological research. Descriptions of philosophical and sociological content and concepts around justice are accompanied by an analysis of dialog-based instructional methods and the use of Michael Sandel’s Justice: What’s the Right Thing to do? From this approach, we address fundamental philosophical perspectives on virtue, maximizing general welfare, and freedom; and we tie this content with studies of core sociological issues of civic engagement and soci...
Taking the Pledge: The Commitment Process in Alcoholics Anonymous

Abstract Drawing from the writings of Becker, Kanter and others, an investment model of the process of commitment to an organization is developed. The commitment process can be described as a funnel wherein commitment demands are gradually escalated as people invest more and more of their resources in the line of action sponsored by the organization. The utility of this model is illustrated through an analysis, based on observational data, of the commitment process as it occurs in Alcoholics Anonymous.
POPULATION STUDIES IN PREDOMINANTLY SELF-POLLINATED SPECIES. XI. GENETIC DIVERGENCE AMONG THE MEMBERS OF THE FESTUCA MICROSTACHYS COMPLEX.

One of the characteristic elements of the vegetation of western North America is a group of autogamous annual grasses which can be referred to as the Festuca microstachys complex. The plants comprising this complex have many morphological characteristics and ecological preferences in common and they form a phylogenetically distinct group within the Vulpia section of the genus Festuca. Hitchcock and Chase (195 1) separate the Festuca microstachys complex into eight species, primarily on the basis of presence or absence of pubescence on the glumes and/or lemmas and whether the spikelets are appressed or divergent. These eight species are: Festuca pacifica Piper, F. reflexa Buckl., F. confusa Piper, F. grayi (Abrams) Piper, F. microstachys Nutt, F. eastwoodae Piper, F. tracyi Hitchc., and F. arida Elmer. The basis of this taxonomic treatment was that "the differences though small, appear to be constant, hence the recognizable forms are maintained as species, rather than reduced to varieties under leading species." Earlier Henrard (1937) proposed that the complex be reduced to two species, one including the appressed and the other the reflexed forms. Both pubescent and glabrous forms occur within a species in the European fescues and to treat the F. microstachys complex in any other way would, according to Henrard, unduly complicate the situation. Niehaus (1961) went further and suggested tentatively that all eighl forms might be grouped in the species
Controversy in multiple myeloma transplants: tandem autotransplants and mini-allografts.

Autologous stem cell transplantation appears to enhance outcome in multiple myeloma patients. To improve upon these results, various groups have utilized tandem autografts, as well as used reduced-conditioning allogeneic stem cell transplantation. These two approaches, discussed herein, have been promising. Inherent patient selection, however, appears to play a role and much of the data have not yet been subjected to peer-review scrutiny. At present, these strategis remain investigational and cannot be considered the standard-of-care for multiple myeloma patients. Bone Marrow Transplantation (2001) 28, 725–735.