cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Perceptions of Sex Work-Related Stigma in Female Sex Workers from the Dominican Republic: Implications for HIV Interventions

Stigma is an important obstacle that affects access to health resources for groups vulnerable to HIV, such as female sex workers (FSW). Experiences and types of stigma are diverse, and vary across cultural settings. Consequently, research that places stigma within appropriate socio-cultural contexts should be the first step towards developing effective HIV-prevention interventions. This study examined the stigma related to engaging in sex work in a group of FSW in the Dominican Republic. The present investigation used the Sex Worker Stigma (SWS) Index to identify factors associated with sex work-related stigma along two perceived stigma domains: the community and family. A verbally administered, tablet-based questionnaire was completed by 338 FSW. Results indicate that multiple independent factors influence perceived sex work-related stigma from community and family sources. FSW who engage in sex work on an independent basis, Haitian FSW, and women who live in the same household as their dependent children perceive less sex work-related stigma from the community. Conversely, FSW who spend more time engaged in sex work per week perceive more sex work-related stigma from this source. Within the family domain, women who live in the same household as their dependent children and FSW with higher levels of education perceive less stigma from family members. FSW who provide the principal household economic support perceive more sex work-related stigma from family members. Findings show that sex work-related stigma is unique and should be taken into account for interventions focused on HIV prevention and/or stigma in female sex workers.
Aerobic Anoxygenic Phototrophic Bacteria in the Mid-Atlantic Bight and the North Pacific Gyre

ABSTRACT The abundance of aerobic anoxygenic phototrophic (AAP) bacteria, cyanobacteria, and heterotrophs was examined in the Mid-Atlantic Bight and the central North Pacific Gyre using infrared fluorescence microscopy coupled with image analysis and flow cytometry. AAP bacteria comprised 5% to 16% of total prokaryotes in the Atlantic Ocean but only 5% or less in the Pacific Ocean. In the Atlantic, AAP bacterial abundance was as much as 2-fold higher than that of Prochlorococcus spp. and 10-fold higher than that of Synechococcus spp. In contrast, Prochlorococcus spp. outnumbered AAP bacteria 5- to 50-fold in the Pacific. In both oceans, subsurface abundance maxima occurred within the photic zone, and AAP bacteria were least abundant below the 1% light depth. The abundance of AAP bacteria rivaled some groups of strictly heterotrophic bacteria and was often higher than the abundance of known AAP bacterial genera (Erythrobacter and Roseobacter spp.). Concentrations of bacteriochlorophyll a (BChl a) were low (∼1%) compared to those of chlorophyll a in the North Atlantic. Although the BChl a content of AAP bacteria per cell was typically 20- to 250-fold lower than the divinyl-chlorophyll a content of Prochlorococcus, the pigment content of AAP bacteria approached that of Prochlorococcus in shelf break water. Our results suggest that AAP bacteria can be quite abundant in some oceanic regimes and that their distribution in the water column is consistent with phototrophy.
Performance and Economics of Advanced Energy Conversion Systems for Coal and Coal-Derived Fuels

The desire to establish an efficient Energy Conversion System to utilize the fossil fuel of the future - coal - has produced many candidate systems. A comparative technical/economic evaluation was performed on the seven most attractive advanced energy conversion systems. The evaluation maintains a cycle-to-cycle consistency in both performance and economic projections. The technical information base can be employed to make program decisions regarding the most attractive concept. A reference steam power plant was analyzed to the same detail and, under the same ground rules, was used as a comparison base. The power plants were all designed to utilize coal or coal-derived fuels and were targeted to meet an environmental standard. The systems evaluated were two advanced steam systems, a potassium topping cycle, a closed cycle helium system, two open cycle gas turbine combined cycles, and an open cycle MHD system.
Bayesian Prediction Regions for the Extreme Order Statistics

In this paper, prediction bounds for the order statistics are dealt with. For this purpose, predictive distributions derived by Bayesian approach, are utilized. In particular, bounds for the smallest and the largest order statistics are set when a series of samples are drawn from exponential, Pareto and power function populations. These bounds assist in knowing the nature of these predicted statistics even without actually having the sample observations.
Ancient origins and multiple appearances of carotenoid-pigmented feathers in birds

The broad palette of feather colours displayed by birds serves diverse biological functions, including communication and camouflage. Fossil feathers provide evidence that some avian colours, like black and brown melanins, have existed for at least 160 million years (Myr), but no traces of bright carotenoid pigments in ancient feathers have been reported. Insight into the evolutionary history of plumage carotenoids may instead be gained from living species. We visually surveyed modern birds for carotenoid-consistent plumage colours (present in 2956 of 9993 species). We then used high-performance liquid chromatography and Raman spectroscopy to chemically assess the family-level distribution of plumage carotenoids, confirming their presence in 95 of 236 extant bird families (only 36 family-level occurrences had been confirmed previously). Using our data for all modern birds, we modelled the evolutionary history of carotenoid-consistent plumage colours on recent supertrees. Results support multiple independent origins of carotenoid plumage pigmentation in 13 orders, including six orders without previous reports of plumage carotenoids. Based on time calibrations from the supertree, the number of avian families displaying plumage carotenoids increased throughout the Cenozoic, and most plumage carotenoid originations occurred after the Miocene Epoch (23 Myr). The earliest origination of plumage carotenoids was reconstructed within Passeriformes, during the Palaeocene Epoch (66–56 Myr), and not at the base of crown-lineage birds.
Phytoplankton Assemblage Patterns in the Southern Mid-Atlantic Bight

As part of the Wallops Coastal Oceans Observing Laboratory (Wa-COOL) Project, we sampled a time-series transect in the southern Mid-Atlantic Bight (MAB) biweekly. Our 2-year time-series data included physical parameters, nutrient concentrations, and chlorophyll a concentrations. A detailed phytoplankton assemblage structure was examined in the second year. During the 2-year study, chlorophyll a concentration (and ocean color satellite imagery) indicated that phytoplankton blooms occurred in January/February during mixing conditions and in early autumn under stratified conditions. The chlorophyll a concentrations ranged from 0.25 microgram 1(exp -1) to 15.49 microgram 1(exp -1) during the 2-year period. We were able to discriminate approximately 116 different species under phase contrast microscopy. Dominant phytoplankton included Skeletonema costatum, Rhizosolenia spp., and Pseudo-nitzschia pungens. In an attempt to determine phytoplankton species competition/succession within the assemblage, we calculated a Shannon Weaver diversity index for our diatom microscopy data. Diatom diversity was greatest during the winter and minimal during the spring. Diatom diversity was also greater at nearshore stations than at offshore stations. Individual genera appeared patchy, with surface and subsurface patches appearing abruptly and persisting for only 1-2 months at a time. The distribution of individual species differed significantly from bulk variables of the assemblage (chlorophyll a ) and total phytoplankton assemblage (cells), which indicates that phytoplankton species may be limited in growth in ways that differ from those of the total assemblage. Our study demonstrated a highly diverse phytoplankton assemblage throughout the year, with opportunistic species dominating during spring and fall in response to seasonal changes in temperature and nutrients in the southern MAB.
In their own words: criminals on crime

Paul Cromwell has a special talent for making ethnography serve science. This explains why this collection is still in print and its sixth edition is coming out (with co-editor Michael Birzer). I u...
Characterization of Poison Oak Urushiol

Procedures are described that were used in the isolation and characterization of urushiol components reported to be the allergenic constituents of poison oak, Toxicodendron diversilobum. Characterization of these components by spectral techniques indicated they are unsaturated congeners of 3-heptadecylcatechol, possessing one, two, or three double bonds in an unbranched C17 side chain. These components are shown to differ from those isolated from poison ivy, Toxicodendron radicans, by a —CH2CH2— unit in the unbranched alkyl side chain.
Art and Negative Affect

Why do people seemingly want to be scared by movies and feel pity for fictional characters when they avoid situations in real life that arouse these same negative emotions? Although the domain of relevant artworks encompasses far more than just tragedy, the general problem is typically called the paradox of tragedy. The paradox boils down to a simple question: If people avoid pain then why do people want to experience art that is painful? I discuss six popular solutions to the paradox: conversion, control, compensatory, meta-response, catharsis, and rich experience theories.
In situ synthesis of ultrafine β-MnO2/polypyrrole nanorod composites for high-performance supercapacitors

We report a remarkable observation that is at odds with the established notion that β-MnO2 was regarded as an undesirable candidate for supercapacitor applications. The specific capacitance of β-MnO2 can reach as high as 294 F g−1, which is comparable to the best crystallographic structure, like α-MnO2. The key is to substantially decrease the size of β-MnO2 powders to ultra small regime. We demonstrate a facile, simple, and effective approach to synthesizing ultrafine (<10 nm in diameter) β-MnO2/polypyrrole nanorod composite powders for high-performance supercapacitor electrodes. Our observation may encourage a revisit of the other good or even bad candidate active materials if we can decrease their size to extremely small scales. In addition, the proposed synthetic mechanism and the developed synthetic strategy may provide design guidelines in synthesizing other energy storage materials toward ultrafine 1D nanostructures.
Antigen recognition in the gastrointestinal tract: death to the dogma.

that is required of GALT by virtue of its continuous coexistence with the external environment. The exposure to Ag is limited in the spleen and lymph nodes so that antigenic challenge here should result in an active directed immune response. In the gut, the lymphoid tissue is compartmentalize d to those cells residing within the epithelial layer (IELs) and those below the basement membrane in the loose connective tissue stroma (LPLs). The origin and fate of IELs remains unclear. In both mouse and man IELs are predominantly CD8 + and are difficult to activate in vitro [6, 7]. LPLs, in contrast, are functional in vitro although they tend to be constitutively activated memory cells (activated in vivo) with poor responses to recall Ags [8]. What then governs the activation and effector function of both cell populations? Our group in man and Bland's group in the rat system [9, 10] have recently described a novel role for the intestinal enterocyte, that of antigen-presenting cell (APC). Normal intestinal epithelia express class II Ags at low density and are capable of processing and presenting Ag to immunocompetent T cells [9, 10]. However, in contrast to conventional APCs, epithelial cells appear to preferentially activate CD8 + T cells. In our studies, these CD8 + T cells are antigen nonspecific and, in
The effects of verbally redundant information on student learning: An instance of reverse redundancy

Abstract This study aimed to examine the effects of redundant on-screen text on student learning outcomes (i.e. comprehension, matching, spatial labeling, and diagram reconstruction) when learning from multimedia instruction. An interactive, learner-controlled multimedia material was developed to teach the points of articulation used to describe human speech sounds. Participants included 137 undergraduate students from a large southwestern university in the U.S. who were randomly assigned to one of two treatment conditions: (1) an audio only treatment where audio descriptions of each point of articulation were provided, (2) an audio with text label treatment where audio descriptions of each point of articulation plus redundant text labels were provided. The results showed that having redundant on-screen text with spoken information was helpful for student learning. Overall, results confirm an instance of the reverse redundancy effect when instructional material is complex; redundant on-screen text is short; and learners have control over the pace of instruction.
Learning to read and write: A longitudinal study of 54 children from first through fourth grades.

My research focused on literacy development in children through fourth grade and followed an earlier study (Juel, Griffith, & Gough, 1986). The Simple View of reading and writing received support in this earlier study and was examined in my current research. Of particular concern were these questions: Do the same children remain poor readers year after year? Do the same children remain poor writers year after year? What skills do the poor readers lack? What skills do the poor writers lack? What factors seem to keep poor readers from improving? What factors seem to keep poor writers from improving? The probability that a child would remain a poor reader at the end of fourth grade if the child was a poor reader at the end of first grade was .88. Early writing skill did not predict later writing skill as well as early reading ability predicted later reading ability. Children who became poor readers entered first grade with little phonemic awareness. By the end of fourth grade, the poor readers had still not achieved the level of decoding skill that the good readers had achieved at the beginning of second grade. Good readers read considerably more than the poor readers both in and out of school, which appeared to contribute to the good readers' growth in some reading and writing skills (e.g., in ideas for stories). Poor readers tended to become poor writers. The Simple View received support in accounting for reading and writing development through fourth grade. This study examined the development of literacy in one elementary school with a large minority, low socioeconomic status population. The reading and writing development of 54 children was followed as they progressed from first through fourth grade. This in-depth examination of literacy acquisition in a microcosm of at-risk children attempted to answer the following questions: Do the same children remain poor readers year after year? Do the same children remain poor writers year after year? What skills do the poor readers lack?
Influence of elevated CO2 and mild water stress on nonstructural carbohydrates in field-grown cotton tissues

Root, stem and leaf tissues, from cotton plants exposed to CO2 at ambient (370 μmol mol−1 (control)) or elevated (550 μmol mol−1 (FACE; free-air carbon dioxide enrichment)) levels in the field during the 1990 and 1991 growing seasons, were analyzed for nonstructural carbohydrates (glucose, fructose, sucrose and starch). Besides the FACE treatment, these plants were also exposed to two irrigation levels: 100% and 67% replacement of evapotranspiration. FACE had a greater effect upon cotton plant nonstructural carbohydrates than did irrigation treatments. Leaf carbohydrate content was increased by FACE, but this increase was much more pronounced in the stems and roots. Starch and soluble sugars in leaves in FACE plots tended to be consistently greater than in control leaves, without much change in carbohydrate content during the growing season. In contrast, root and stem, starch and soluble sugar pools were strongly increased by FACE and fluctuated strongly during the growing season. In both seasons, stem and taproot nonstructural carbohydrate content passed through a minimum during periods of heavy boll set. The fluctuations in stem and root carbohydrate content were therefore probably caused by the varying metabolic demands of the developing plant. These results suggest that a significant effect of CO2 enrichment on starch-accumulating plants is an increase of nonstructural carbohydrate, especially starch, in nonleaf storage pools. This buildup occurs somewhat independently of the water status of the plant, and these enlarged pools can be drawn upon by the growing plant to maintain growth during periods of high metabolic demand.
YinYang Bipolar Atom—An Eastern Road toward Quantum Gravity

Based on bipolar dynamic logic and bipolar quantum linear algebra, a causal theory of YinYang bipolar atom is introduced in a completely background independent geometry that transcends spacetime. The causal theory leads to an equilibrium-based super symmetrical quantum cosmology of negative-positive energies. It is contended that the new theory has opened an Eastern road toward quantum gravity with bipolar logical unifications of particle and wave, matter and antimatter, relativity and quantum entanglement. Information recovery after a black hole is discussed. It is shown that not only can the new theory be applied in physical worlds but also in logical, mental, social and biological worlds. Falsifiability of the theory is discussed.
Impedimetric Detection of Mutant p53 Biomarker-Driven Metastatic Breast Cancers under Hyposmotic Pressure

In cancer cells, the oncogenic mutant p53 (mtp53) protein is present at high levels and gain-of-function (GOF) activities with more expression of mtp53 proteins contribute to tumor growth and metastasis. Robust analytical approaches that probe the degree of metastasis of cancer cells in connection with the mtp53 activity will be extremely useful not only for establishing a better cancer prognosis but also understanding the fundamental mechanism of mtp53 oncogenic action. Here we assessed the influence of mtp53 in breast cancers to the mechanical property of breast cancer cells. Recently, ovarian and kidney cancer cell lines have been shown to have higher cellular elasticity as compared to normal cells assessed by monitoring the degree of deformation under hyposmotic pressure. To make fast detection in large scale, the impedance measurement was applied to monitor the swelling ratio of cells with time. The results showed that knockdown of mtp53 leads to decrease in cell swelling. In addition, by means of two types of impedimetric detection systems we consistently detected enhancement of impedance signal in mtp53-expressing breast cancer cells. Based on this observation we hypothesize that highly expressed mtp53 in metastatic mutant breast cancers can promote tumor progression by making cells more deformable and easier to spread out through extracellular matrix. The identification via the electric measurement can be accomplished within 10 minutes. All results in this report suggest that electric probing for the extent of the mtp53 expression of breast cancer cells may serve as a meaningful fingerprint for the cancer diagnostics, and this outcome will also have an important clinical implication for the development of mtp53-based targeting for tumor detection and treatment.
Virtual Field Trips for Long-Term Care Residents: A Feasibility Study

Long-term care residents need better activities and access to community. A quasi-experimental design, one-group, pre- and post-test was used to investigate the outcomes of Passport, a one-month intervention for assisted living residents consisting of activities, face-to-face visits, and virtual fieldtrips. Residents were assessed for depression, social support, and physical and mental health. A significant increase in mental health was found post-intervention (p < .011). Mean comparisons pre- and post-intervention showed decreased depression and improved physical health and social support. This pilot study demonstrates the promise of technology as a viable intervention for quality resident care and a solution to overcoming cost, environmental, and regulation barriers.
Cancer of the hard palate and maxillary alveolar ridge: Technique and applications

Cancers of the hard palate and maxillary alveolus are uncommon and are most often squamous cell carcinoma. Etiologic factors such as tobacco and ethanol use are similar to those of other oral cavity cancers. Each of the oral cavity subsites has treatments and techniques uniquely designed for eradication of disease. In addition, each subsite has different functional and reconstructive options for the surgeon to individualize to each patient. While radiation therapy may be effective, cancers of the hard palate and alveolar ridge are safely and effectively treated with surgical resection. With an understanding of regional anatomy, surgery in this region can be performed reliably with very few complications and excellent functional recovery. Technological advances such as imaging and powered instrumentation have aided the technique of maxillary and hard palate cancer surgery.
Glutamine transport in isolated human hepatocytes and transformed liver cells

The transport of L-glutamine was examined in isolated adult and fetal human hepatocytes as well as in the human hepatoma cell lines HepG2 and SK-Hep. In all cells studied, glutamine uptake was at least 85% Na(+)-dependent. Kinetic analysis of the Na(+)-dependent component indicated mediation by a single transporter in three human hepatocyte preparations and in SK-Hep cells, whereas two transporters appeared to be responsible for glutamine uptake in HepG2 cells and in hepatocytes from the liver of one male patient. Amino acid inhibition analysis showed primary mediation by System N in fetal and adult hepatocytes, whereas System ASC was principally responsible for glutamine uptake in transformed cells. Similar to the rat transporter, human System N was pH-sensitive, stereospecific, and responsive to treatment with steroid hormones. Although the human carrier was less tolerant of Li(+)- for Na+ substitution, glutamine transport in primary human hepatocytes was stimulated by treatment with hypotonic buffer (cell swelling), as reported in rat parenchymal cells. In contrast, glutamine transport in hepatoma cells was relatively insensitive to changes in extracellular pH and failed to show enhanced activity in response to hypoosmotic challenge. Collectively, the data suggest that markedly distinct plasma membrane transporters mediate the concentrative uptake of glutamine in normal and transformed human hepatocytes, and that the salient properties of System N have been largely conserved from rat to man.
Retrospective analysis of the use of a standardized reference form in admissions to a dietetics internship program

Abstract Although the letter of recommendation is the most commonly requested information relating to the personal qualities of applicants to dietetics internship programs, little research has focused on its value in selection decisions. The purpose of this study was to review how 318 letters of recommendation submitted on a standardized form related to the source of the reference and to the admission status of the applicants. The form contained 40 attributes that raters assigned to one of six categories. Nine of the 40 attributes were not rated by more than 75% of the raters, and 3 of the attributes were rated as outstanding by more than 60% of the raters. We concluded that these attributes did little to distinguish among applicants. The attribute maturity correlated 0.70 with 5 attributes and 0.99 with 2 attributes, so duplication of information existed. Raters were categorized as follows: adviser, major professor, other professor, employer, and other. The highest mean ratings were given by advisers; major professors rated students lowest. Analysis of variance supported a significant difference in rating by type of rater. Our findings suggest that fewer items should be used on a standardized form and that the type of rater should be specified if references are to distinguish among applicants.
Interventional radiology of the extracranial head and neck.

The topic of interventional radiology of the extracranial head and neck is reviewed. Knowledge of functional vascular anatomy and recognition of the “dangerous anastomoses” between the external carotid artery and the intracranial circulation are stressed. Technical aspects of embolization are surveyed. The authors' approach to some of the more common lesions such as paragangliomas, congenital vascular lesions, epistaxis, juvenile angiofibromas, and arteriovenous fistulas are described. Illustrative cases are presented. Proper training and experience are needed in order to safely and effectively perform embolization procedures of the head and neck.
A shape resonance observed in fast collisions of Li− ions with gas targets

Abstract A shape resonance state in the Li − ion, identified as the 2s2p 3 P o state, has been populated in 100 keV collisions with a He gas target. The resonance was observed via zero-degree electron detachment spectroscopy in which kinematic shifting and doubling were exploited in the detection of the very low energy electrons. The electrons ejected via the resonance gave rise to structures in the electron energy spectra that were disposed about a continuum cusp. These structures corresponded to forward- and backward-directed emission in the projectile frame. Laser photodetached electron spectroscopy was used to accurately calibrate the electron energy scale and to determine the spectrometer resolution function. Preliminary analysis indicates that the measured position and width of the resonant state agree with theoretical values.
Consequences of crystal shape and fabric on anisotropic permeability in magmatic mush

Crystals that form an interconnected porous network can become preferentially oriented both prior to and during compaction of magmatic mush. This introduces anisotropy in the melt pore-space that can reduce permeability in the direction of compaction and in turn decrease melt flux and compaction rate. Using a number of grain-scale numerical models, the consequences of end-member magmatic fabrics on the directional dependence of permeability are tested over a range in melt fraction from 22 to 77%. As the crystal aspect ratio (i.e. ratio of long to short axis length) increases from 2 to 10, isotropic permeability decreases by a factor of 2 and 5 for randomly oriented prolate and oblate-shaped crystals, respectively, at a melt fraction of 22%. With a flattening fabric, permeability is reduced in the compaction direction no more than approximately a factor of 2 relative to the isotropic permeability at the same melt fraction and crystal shape for both oblate and triaxial prisms. However, permeability is enhanced in directions orthogonal to the compaction direction. For example, permeability is enhanced up to a factor of 11 relative to the isotropic permeability at a melt fraction of 22% for oblate prisms with a ratio of the long to short axis length of 10. Anisotropy in permeability increases as the melt fraction decreases and the crystal aspect ratio increases. Ratios of the principal permeabilities are sufficiently large based on the realistic crystal shapes tested here to warrant including anisotropic permeability into macroscale melt segregation models including those for compaction.
Visceroptosis of the Bowel in the Hypermobility type of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome: Presentation of a Rare Manifestation and Review of the Literature

Gastrointestinal complications are common in patients with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, affecting up to 50% of individuals depending on the subtype. The spectrum of gastrointestinal manifestations is broad and ranges from life threatening spontaneous perforation of the visceral organs to a more benign functional symptoms. Here we describe the clinical and radiographic manifestations of visceroptosis of the bowel, a rare complication of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome that is characterized by prolapse of abdominal organs below their natural position. We further review the literature on gastrointestinal complications in the different forms of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.
The Steroid Receptor Coactivator-1 Contains Multiple Receptor Interacting and Activation Domains That Cooperatively Enhance the Activation Function 1 (AF1) and AF2 Domains of Steroid Receptors

Steroid receptors are ligand-inducible transcription factors, and their association with steroid receptor coactivators (SRCs) upon binding to DNA is necessary for them to achieve full transcriptional potential. To understand the mechanism of SRC-1 action, its ability to interact and enhance the transcriptional activity of steroid receptors was analyzed. First, we show that SRC-1 is a modular coactivator that possesses intrinsic transcriptional activity when tethered to DNA and that it harbors two distinct activation domains, AD1 and AD2, needed for the maximum coactivation function of steroid receptors. We also demonstrate that SRC-1 interacts with both the amino-terminal A/B or AF1-containing domain and the carboxyl-terminal D/E or AF2-containing domain of the steroid receptors. These interactions are carried out by multiple regions of SRC-1, and they are relevant for transactivation. In addition to the inherent histone acetyltransferase activity of SRC-1, the presence of multiple receptor-coactivator interaction sites in SRC-1 and its ability to interact with components of the basic transcriptional machinery appears to be, at least in part, the mechanism by which the individual activation functions of the steroid receptors act cooperatively to achieve full transcriptional activity.
Chromatographic speciation of anionic and neutral selenium compounds in Se-accumulating Brassica juncea (Indian mustard) and in selenized yeast.

Abstract Selenium-accumulating plants such as Brassica juncea (Indian mustard) concentrate the element in plant shoots and roots. Such behavior may provide a cost-effective technology to clean up contaminated soils and waters that pose major environmental and human health problems (phytoremediation). Such ability to transform selenium into bioactive compounds has important implications for human nutrition and health. Element selective characterization of B. juncea grown in the presence of inorganic selenium under hydroponic conditions provides valuable information to better understand selenium metabolism in plants. The present work determines both previously observed organoselenium species such as selenomethionine and Se-methylselenocysteine and for the first time detects the newly characterized S-(methylseleno)cysteine in plant shoots and roots when grown in the presence of selenate or selenite as the only selenium source. A key feature of this study is the complementary role of selenium and sulfur specific chromatographic detection by HPLC with interfaced inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) detection and by derivatization GC with interfaced atomic spectral emission. HPLC–ICP-MS limits of detection for such species were in the range 5–50 ng Se mL −1 in the injected extracts. Speciation profiles are compared with those of selenium-enriched yeast by both HPLC–ICP-MS and GC–AED.
Concentration and composition of natural urine of some michigan small mammals

Analysis of bladder urine of small mammals collected during the summer in Michigan shows that: 1. 1. Snap-trapping rodents and insectivores can be an effective technique for collecting natural urine. 2. 2. Individuals not immediately killed by the trap produce abnormally concentrated urine. 3. 3. Natural urine is very dilute compared to maximum concentrating abilities of the species tested. 4. 4. Brief periods of captivity (< 2 hr) do not significantly affect urine concentration in Eptesicus fuscus.
Regional cerebral blood flow measured by 133Xe inhalation in tracheostomized and laryngectomized men and women

Abstract The question of contamination of cerebral clearance curves utilized for measureing regional cerebral blood flow by radioactivity derived from the nasopharyngeal air passages following inhalation of 133Xe was tested in patients with chronic tracheostomy. The peak counts for head curves were 5–9% higher when 133Xe was inhaled via a face mask than when inhaled via the tracheal stoma. Calculated flow values using standard recommended start-fit-times were not significantly different between these two different methods. Present results indicate that neither overestimation of fast flow values due to contamination from rapid 133Xe washout recorded from the air passages nor the underestimation of slow flow due to contamination from 133Xe trapped in the air sinuses produces significant measurement errors. However, if earlier start-fit-times were used, flow values were artificially high, particularly for brain stem/cerebellar probes because of an initial rapid decline in the head desaturation curves due to an arterial peak believed to be derived from the basilar artery.
Network I/O Acceleration in Heterogeneous Multicore Processors

Chip multiprocessor (CMP) architectures are fast becoming the dominant design for general purpose processors. Whereas current generation server and desktop processors use homogenous CMP architectures, network processors (NPs) have used heterogeneous CMP architectures for years. At the same time, the failure of network stacks in traditional processors to scale with increased network bandwidths has spawned numerous proposals for new approaches to accelerate network processing. This paper looks at moving network stack processing from the main CPU to a series of smaller, closely coupled, and more efficient processors in a heterogeneous CMP by implementing such an architecture on an Intel IXP network processor. Our experiments show that the close coupling and flexible nature of the IXP?s microengines allow them to greatly accelerate network processing for a small cost in area.
Sport fan maximizing: following the best team or being the best fan?

Purpose – The purpose of these studies is to determine how maximizing sport fans seek optimal outcomes through team identification. Maximizers seek optimal outcomes but do not always obtain them. This may be particularly true of sport fans, who often identify with teams for reasons that run deeper than team success. Maximizing fans may be more concerned with being the best fans than following the best teams. Design/methodology/approach – In Study 1, the authors measured maximizing tendency and identification with participants’ favorite National Football League (NFL) teams. The authors then used moderated regression to predict identification levels from the interaction of maximizing and the historical win–loss records of these teams. In Study 2, the authors manipulated team success by providing participants either an optimistic or pessimistic preview of their college basketball team’s upcoming season. The authors measured maximizing tendency as a moderator of this relationship and identification with the c...
Contributions of the Cognitive Approach to Political Psychology

The social cognition tradition has had a strong impact on political psychology scholarship in the last part of the 20th century. The purpose of this essay is to review the contributions of the cognitive approach in helping political psychologists to better understand how citizens think about the world of politics. I consider research concerned with both the mental structure or representation of information about the political world and research concerned with specifying the cognitive processes that produce political judgments and opinion, and conclude that political cognition scholarship has begun to live up to its promise. In the second part of the essay, I suggest a research agenda for the future, pointing to ten directions for extending the political cognition paradigm.
Temporal Contrast Adaptation in the Input and Output Signals of Salamander Retinal Ganglion Cells

We investigated how the light-evoked input and output signals of salamander retinal ganglion cells adapt to changes in temporal contrast, i.e., changes in the depth of the temporal fluctuations in the light intensity about the mean. Increasing the temporal contrast sped the kinetics and reduced the sensitivity of both the light-evoked input currents measured at the ganglion cell soma and the output spike trains of the cell. The decline in sensitivity of the input currents after an increase in contrast had two distinct kinetic components with fast (,2 sec) and slow (.10 sec) time constants. The recovery of sensitivity after a decrease in contrast was dominated by a single component with an intermediate (4‐18 sec) time constant. Contrast adaptation differed for ON and OFF cells, with both the kinetics and amplitude of the light-evoked currents of OFF cells adapting more strongly than those of ON cells. Contrast adaptation in the input currents of a ganglion cell, however, was unable to account for the extent of adaptation in the output spike trains of the cell, indicating that mechanisms intrinsic to the ganglion cell contributed. Indeed, when fluctuating currents were injected into a ganglion cell, the sensitivity of spike generation decreased with increased current variance. Pharmacological experiments indicated that adaptation of spike generation to the current variance was attributable to properties of tetrodotoxinsensitive Na 1 channels.
Stereotyping or Projection? How White and Black Voters Estimate Black Candidates' Ideology

In studying the electoral fortunes of Black candidates, scholars have almost exclusively focused on White voters' attitudes. In this article, we employ a set of randomized experiments and nationally representative survey data to examine how both Black and White voters evaluate the ideology of racially diverse candidates. In line with previous research, we find evidence that White voters stereotype Black candidates as being more liberal than White candidates in three of our four tests. In contrast, we find that Black voters—particularly those who identify as politically conservative—project their own ideology onto Black candidates. These findings have electoral importance because, as we show, vote choice for both Blacks and Whites is substantially mediated by perceived ideological distance from a candidate. These findings also enable us to better understand the manner in which Black voters navigate a trade-off between descriptive and substantive representation.
A note on trip matrix estimation from link traffic count data

Abstract In this note, a simple network equilibrium based approach for estimating a trip matrix using link traffic count data is proposed. In essence a combined distribution and assignment model is formulated in which the link flow data serve to furnish an estimate for the sum of the integrals of the link cost functions. A comparison of this model with others proposed previously is made.
Solving performance issues in COTS-based systems

Performance is a critical issue in large projects involving the integration of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) products. Many COTS-products include data collection facilities for monitoring their performance. But for understanding performance problem in a COTS system, it is necessary to understand the causality of events. This paper presents an iterative process that uses data collection and correlation techniques to locate the source of a performance issue. The Eclipse test and performance tools platform project (TPTP) supports this process in COTS-based systems using its extensibility mechanisms. An example illustrates how to use the TPTP tools to solve a performance problem in a real situation.
Don’t Smile for the Camera: Black Power, Para-Proxemics and Prolepsis in Print Ads for Hip-Hop Clothing

The UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions was adopted in October 2005. This article explores the Convention’s objectives and the contribution that the Convention is likely to make to their realisation in the future. In its final form the Convention is considerably less ambitious than many of its promoters had wished: key provisions are expressed in aspirational terms, the Convention’s dispute resolution procedures are consensual and the Convention explicitly states that it does not modify the rights or obligations of its Parties under pre-existing international agreements. The extensive support that the Convention received from the international community at the time of its adoption, with one hundred and forty eight countries voting in its favour, nevertheless affords it considerable political weight. The Convention may consequently play a role in the interpretation of existing international agreements, including the WTO agreements, and in negotiations over their future development. The article also suggests that there may be more scope than is initially apparent for the Convention to be used as a basis for evaluating state measures, not only in relation to international trade, but also regarding the domestic treatment of cultural minorities. For such review to become meaningful, however, active support will be necessary not only from civil society organisations, which played a key role in the Convention’s initial development, but also from contracting states and the various Convention organs
Molecular and Cellular Approaches to Cognitive Impairments Associated with NF1 and Other Rasopathies

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a single-gene disorder with multiple somatic and behavioral phenotypes. NF1 and other related disorders, including Noonan syndrome, Costello syndrome, LEOPARD syndrome, and CFC syndrome are caused by gain-of-function mutations in various components of the Ras-MAPK signaling pathway and are therefore known as “rasopathies.” Individuals affected with any one of these disorders exhibit various cognitive problems such as learning disabilities and mental retardation. Many of the cognitive phenotypes observed in the rasopathies can be modeled in animal models, including mice. Studies in these animal models have played an important role in understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the cognitive deficits associated with NF1 and other rasopathies. For example, studies in mouse models of NF1 have shown that increased inhibition and subsequent disruptions in synaptic plasticity caused by increased Ras signaling are responsible for cognitive deficits in this condition. Based on these mechanistic findings, pharmacological interventions that decrease Ras signaling have been shown to be able to rescue deficits in both synaptic plasticity and behavior in a mouse model of NF1, and these have inspired current clinical trials. In this chapter, we shall review molecular, cellular, and behavioral studies of mouse models of NF1 and other rasopathies, as well as efforts to use these results to develop treatments for this class of conditions.
Part I: recent developments in nanoelectrodes for biological measurements

Biosensors are a type of analytical device that use biological molecules to monitor biorecognition events and interactions. Coupled with the progress in nanotechnologies over recent years, the development of a nanobiosensor based on individual nanoelectrodes and nanoelectrode arrays or nanoelectrode ensembles offers unprecedented avenues for screening and detection at ultrahigh sensitivities. These capabilities provide the basis for a paradigmatic change in biomedical diagnostics and treatment. In this review, we highlight recent developments in nanoelectrode platforms and their suitability for integrating with biological components for the fabrication of ultrasensitive nanobiosensors.
Genetics of gametophyte development

Fern gametophytes provide unique opportunities for the investigation of various aspects of physiology, genetics and development. Past genetic studies of gametophytes have primarily involved investigations of variegation and radiation-induced plastid aberrations. Two studies have utilised the gametophyte generation to develop screens for specific types of mutations. The considerable natural variation that exists in gametophyte development has not been investigated genetically. Genetic studies can provide needed information regarding basic aspects of development. A selection system with broad applicability has been developed to isolate gametophyte mutations that confer resistance to growth regulators. An example of the use of the screen with abscisic acid is given and preliminary characterisations of some of the mutants are presented.
Palaeoproterozoic ice houses and the evolution of oxygen-mediating enzymes: the case for a late origin of photosystem II

Two major geological problems regarding the origin of oxygenic photosynthesis are (i) identifying a source of oxygen pre-dating the biological oxygen production and capable of driving the evolution of oxygen tolerance, and (ii) determining when oxygenic photosynthesis evolved. One solution to the first problem is the accumulation of photochemically produced H2O2 at the surface of the glaciers and its subsequent incorporation into ice. Melting at the glacier base would release H2O2, which interacts with seawater to produce O2 in an environment shielded from the lethal levels of ultraviolet radiation needed to produce H2O2. Answers to the second problem are controversial and range from 3.8 to 2.2 Gyr ago. A sceptical view, based on the metals that have the redox potentials close to oxygen, argues for the late end of the range. The preponderance of geological evidence suggests little or no oxygen in the Late Archaean atmosphere (less than 1 ppm). The main piece of evidence for an earlier evolution of oxygenic photosynthesis comes from lipid biomarkers. Recent work, however, has shown that 2-methylhopanes, once thought to be unique biomarkers for cyanobacteria, are also produced anaerobically in significant quantities by at least two strains of anoxygenic phototrophs. Sterane biomarkers provide the strongest evidence for a date 2.7 Gyr ago or above, and could also be explained by the common evolutionary pattern of replacing anaerobic enzymes with oxygendependent ones. Although no anaerobic sterol synthesis pathway has been identified in the modern biosphere, enzymes that perform the necessary chemistry do exist. This analysis suggests that oxygenic photosynthesis could have evolved close in geological time to the Makganyene Snowball Earth Event and argues for a causal link between the two.
Biophysics of geomagnetic field detection

In biology, the study of geomagnetic orientation has gained new momentum since the discovery of magnetic field detectors in aquatic organisms. Sharks and rays respond to dc and low frequency voltage gradients of 0.005 μV/cm. By moving through the earth's magnetic field, they induce electric fields well within the sensitivity range of their keen electric sense. As these fields depend on the direction in which the animal is heading, the induced voltage gradients may serve as the biophysical basis of an electromagnetic compass sense. The ability of sharks and rays to orient to the earth's magnetic field has been demonstrated in behavioral experiments. Also, various marine and freshwater mud bacteria are endowed with permanent magnetic dipole moments, directed parallel to the axis of motility. When separated from the sediments, these bacteria return to the mud by migrating downward along the earth's inclined magnetic field lines. Their orientation is largely determined by the principles of statistical mechanics and may be expressed in terms of the directive magnetic force, the randomizing effect of thermal agitation, and the cells' flagellar thrust. Observations on live bacteria yield individual dipole moments circa 15 × kT/G.