cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Isolation and nucleotide sequence of a novel cDNA clone encoding the major form of pathogenesis-related protein R.

Pathogenesis-related (PR) proteins are acid-soluble, protease-resistant proteins which accumulate in the intercellular spaces of many plants as a result of the hypersensitive reaction to a pathogen [10]. The accumulat ion of PR proteins has also been observed in leaves of plants treated with certain chemical inducers such as acetylsalicylic acid and polyacrylic acid [4, 11]. The presence of PR proteins correlates with the onset o f a broad-range systemic resistance [3, 10] which suggests that the PR proteins may have a role in the establishment or maintenence of the resistant state. The predominant PR proteins expressed after TMV infection in tobacco are PRla, lb, lc, -2, -N, -O, -P, -Q, -R and -S [7, 10]. In an effort to isolate cDNA clones for PR proteins, Bol and colleagues at the University of Leiden constructed a cDNA library from TMV-infected tobacco leaves (Nicotiana tabacurn cv Samsun NN) and cDNA clones were isolated from this library that were induced upon TMV infection [2, 5, 6]. One group of these cDNA clones was shown to encode a protein with 65% identity to the sweet-tasting protein, thaumat in [1]. Later it was found that the thaumatin-like protein has about 60% identity to a maize t rypsin/a-amylase inhibitor [9]. Recently, the thaumatin-like protein has been identified as the tobacco pathogenesis-related protein, PR-R [8]. PR-R exists as two isoforms in tobacco, a major and a minor form which are expressed at a ratio of approximately 3:2 [8]. Cornelissen et al. described the isolation and sequence of the minor form of PR-R [1]. Here we present the sequence of a clone isolated from a cDNA library generated from RNA isolated from leaves of TMV-infected N. tabacum cv. Xanthi-nc which encodes the major form of PR-R. The two cDNA clones of PR-R share 95% identity at the nucleic acid level and 98% identity at the level of the encoded amino acid sequence. When 11 cDNA clones were randomly isolated and partially sequenced it was found that 8 code for the major form of PR-R and 3 code for the minor form of PR-R. Our deduced amino acid sequence for the major and minor forms of PR-R agrees with the protein sequence data from Pierpoint et al. [8] at every position except the asparagine residue at position 26 of the major form. There is no obvious reason for this one discrepancy. The DNA sequence for the minor form of PR-R does encode an asparagine at position 26 ([1], our unpublished results); however, the DNA sequence analysis resulting from sequencing both strands of two independent cDNA clones confirms that there is indeed a G at base 166 which would code for an aspartate.
Humoral immunity and the evolution of HIV-2.

Human immunodeficiency virus type 2 (HIV-2) evolved from the zoonotic transmission of simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) that naturally infects sooty mangabeys found in West Africa. Using sera from HIV-2–infected humans, we discovered that an hypervariable region (the V4 loop) of HIV- 2 induces antibody responses only weakly reactive against itself but strongly reactive against analogous sequences from the V4 loop of strains of SIV. Available sequence data indicates that all strains of HIV-2 have large deletions in the V4 region that truncate an immunodominant neutralizing B cell epitope among strains of SIV. Infection of a macaque with a sequenced clone of HIV-2 similarly elicited antibodies that poorly recognized the V4 loop of HIV-2 but readily bound to analogous SIV sequences. Our data are consistent with a scenario whereby a disparate antibody response directed against the V4 loop may have influenced the selective expansion and survival of HIV-2 in humans.
Wilms' tumor--a clinical study of eighty-one patients.

Eighty-one patients were treated for Wilm's tumor at the Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center from 1950 to 1970. Significant factors in diagnosis included generalized symptoms, hematuria, a palpable mass, and an abnormal intravenous urogram. Survival was affected by anatomical stage of disease which appears to be inversely correlated with age at presentation. Improved survival was obtained with transabdominal nephrectomy and para-aortic node dissection, a single course of postoperative actinomycin D, and postoperative radiation therapy. The lungs were the site of first metastasis in 29 of the 37 patients who developed metastases. Twenty-eight percent of these patients treated adequately survived. The survival rate for this entire series “Life Table Method” was 66% at 2 years, 60% at 5 years, and 58% at 10 and 20 years after diagnosis. The survival rates for the individual stages were Stage I–85%, Stage II–73%, Stage III–32%, Stage IV–37%, and Stage V–47% at 5 years after diagnosis.
Analysis of queueing policies in QoS switches

It is widely accepted that next-generation networks will provide guaranteed services, in contrast to the "best effort" approach today. We study and analyze queueing policies for network switches that support the QoS (Quality of Service) feature. One realization of the QoS feature is that packets are not necessarily all equal, with some having higher priorities than the others. We model this situation by assigning an intrinsic value to each packet. In this paper we are concerned with three different queueing policies: the nonpreemptive model, the FIFO preemptive model, and the bounded delay model. We concentrate on the situation where the incoming traffic overloads the queue, resulting in packet loss. The objective is to maximize the total value of packets transmitted by the queueing policy. The difficulty lies in the unpredictable nature of the future packet arrivals. We analyze the performance of the online queueing policies via competitive analysis, providing upper and lower bounds for the competitive ratios. We develop practical yet sophisticated online algorithms (queueing policies) for the three queueing models. The algorithms in many cases have provably optimal worst- case bounds. For the nonpreemptive model, we devise an optimal online algorithm for the common 2-value model. We provide a tight logarithmic bound for the general nonpreemptive model. For the FIFO preemptive model, we improve the general lower bound to 1.414, while showing a tight bound of 1.434 for the special case of queue size 2. We prove that the bounded delay model with uniform delay 2 is equivalent to a modified FIFO preemptive model with queue size 2. We then give improved upper and lower bounds on the 2-uniform bounded delay model. We also show an improved lower bound of 1.618 for the 2-variable bounded delay model, matching the previously known upper bound.
A modified fluorescent microsphere-based approach for determining resting and hyperemic blood flows in individual murine skeletal muscles.

Abstract The goal of this study was to develop a modified fluorescent microsphere-based approach for measuring resting and hyperemic blood flows in individual mouse skeletal muscles. Absolute resting blood flow in the left gracilis posterior was 1.04 ± 0.12 ml·min − 1 ·g − 1 , while functional hyperemia following muscle activity was 5.94 ± 1.33 ml·min − 1 ·g − 1 . Measuring absolute blood flow requires sampling arterial blood that serves as a flow-rate and concentration reference to the fluorescent microsphere (FMS) content in the tissue-of-interest for calculating the flow value. Because sampling arterial blood can impair cardiovascular function in the mouse, we also modified our FMS approach to determine relative blood flows in the left gracilis posterior by using the contralateral muscle as our reference in blood flow calculations. Absolute and relative hyperemia measurements detect similar increases in blood flow — 521.93 ± 216.76% and 555.24 ± 213.82%, respectively. However, sampling arterial blood during absolute blood flow measurements significantly decreased mean arterial pressure from the beginning to the end of our experiments, from 102.7 ± 2.18 to 75.5 ± 9.71 mm Hg. This decrease was not seen when measuring relative blood flows. This approach provides critical advantages over contemporary blood flow measurement approaches by allowing blood flow measurements in small and non-superficial tissues.
Ascending sensory pathways from the genitalia of the cat

Abstract Ascending sensory pathways from the genitalia in the spinal cord and brain stem were followed in cats, using single shock stimuli. Animals were anesthetized with Dial or Nembutal. Tract and nuclear potentials were studied with cathoderay oscillography. Compared with ascending pathways from the tibial nerve, the spinal tracts, including dorsal column, ipsilateral column (presumably Flechsig's tract), and the contralateral column (spinothalamic tract) from the pudendal nerve field showed conduction patterns which were slower, less in amplitude, and of less abrupt rising phase. A correlation of the speed of conduction of the secondary fibers in the spinal cord with that of the corresponding primary peripheral nerves is detected. Signal from the rapidly conducting fibers of the tibial nerve is transferred to spinal ascending fibers of rapid conduction velocity, while signal from the more slowly conducting pudendal nerve fibers ascends the spinal cord more slowly.
A stochastic approximation based state estimation algorithm for Stochastic Hybrid Systems

This paper is focused on the state estimation for the Stochastic Hybrid System (SHS) which is a class of continuous-time stochastic processes with the interacting continuous and discrete dynamics. The state estimation problem considered in this paper involves computing the probability distributions of both the continuous and the discrete state of a SHS with the information given by a series of noisy discrete-time observations from sensors at each sampling time. The numerical state estimation algorithm proposed in this paper is based on a stochastic approximation approach by using a Markov Chain (MC) to approximate the dynamics of the SHS and thus estimates the state of the MC instead of the SHS. The proposed algorithm is validated through a scenario of aircraft tracking for air traffic control.
Effects of Cyclohexyl Groups and Ortho-Substituents on the Viscosity of Ester Liquid Crystal Components

Abstract Structural effects on the relative viscosity of liquid crystal ester components are studied by capillary flow viscosity measurements of each component as an additive (10 to 25%) in a standard nematic mixture of short length 4-aIkoxyphenyl 4-alkylbenzoates. An approximate class viscosity at 25°C is calculated and assigned to each additive component, indicative of its viscosity contribution in the environment of the phenyl benzoate mixture. Studies are made on the viscosity effects of replacing benzene rings with cyclohexane rings, and of using various ortho-substituents on phenyl groups. All of the additive components are esters or thioesters, including several newly synthesized compounds. The effect of a cyclohexyl group is strongly dependent on its position in the structure. The class viscosity values show a large decrease when cyclohexane-carboxylate replaces benzoate, only a modest decrease when cyclohexylbenzoate replaces biphenylcarboxylate, and a slight increase when a cyclohexyl ester repl...
New World cranial deformation practices: historical implications for pathophysiology of cognitive impairment in deformational plagiocephaly.

INTRODUCTION: Throughout history, prehistoric and even some contemporary civilizations have practiced various forms of intentional and unintentional cranial deformation. Plagiocephaly can be the result of craniosynostosis, infant positioning, or other unintentional or intentional deformation. MATERIALS: We reviewed the medical and anthropological literature and the anthropological collections of Arizona State University and the San Diego Museum of Man for evidence of cranial deformation and its possible physiological and cognitive side effects. Evidence of cranial shaping was also sought among art or stone work from representative cultures. RESULTS: The anthropological record and literature attest to the presence of much more severe forms of deformation than that seen as a result of contemporary infant positioning. Despite this evidence, there is no anthropological evidence as to the possible cognitive effects that such deformation may have, although some evidence is reviewed that suggests a possible physiological mechanism for the same. CONCLUSION: Because we can only view these cultures through the relics of time, any conclusions one might draw from the anthropological and historical record regarding the cognitive effects of head deformation can only be inferred through generalized observations and are tenuous. Nevertheless, there does not seem to be any evidence of negative effect on the societies that have practiced even very severe forms of intentional cranial deformation (e.g., the Olmec and Maya). On the other hand, the physical anthropology and the contemporary developmental literature suggest possible mechanisms for such an effect.
The History of the Future of International Relations

Most of the significant philosophies of history, ” Pitirim Sorokin observed, and “most of the intelligible interpretations of historical events…have…appeared either in periods of serious crisis, catastrophe, and transitional disintegration, or immediately More or alter such periods.” The twentieth century has been an age of continuing crisis in world politics. In terms of lives sacrificed to political idols, our century, in almost every interpretation, has been a profound catastrophe. This century's last decade is indeed a time of transitional disintegration.
Intraoperative perfusion echocardiography

The ability to assess perfusion intraoperatively should enable end-organ evaluation of the effects of therapeutic choices and provide a basis for understanding the mechanisms of disease. Several experimental techniques for assessment of tissue perfusion are being evaluated; contrast echocardiography appears to be adaptable to the perioperative setting because of its portability and relatively modest cost. With further improvements in commercial ultrasound imaging devices and ultrasonic contrast agents, intraoperative contrast echocardiography may prove to be a technique for quantitation of tissue perfusion. Contrast echocardiography is currently being used intraoperatively to assess cardioplegia distribution, coronary bypass graft patency, and coronary artery collateral vessel distribution. In addition, relative change in renal blood flow can be assessed during renal transplant surgery. With continued advancement of ultrasound technology providing linear (or known) acoustic signal response and wider dynamic range for detection of small and large concentrations of contrast agents, tissue blood flow may soon be evaluated with even greater precision.
Cones, graphs and optimal scalings of matrices †

Characterizations are given of the optimal scalings of a complex square matrix within its diagonal similarity class and its restricted diagonal equivalence class with respect to the maximum element norm. The characterizations are in terms of a finite number of products, principally circuit and diagonal products. The proofs proceed by reducing the optimal scaling problems from the multiplicative matrix level in succession to an additive matrix level, a graph theoretic level, and a geometric level involving duality theorems for cones. At the geometric level, the diagonal similarity and the restricted diagonal equivalence problems are unified.
Homer regulates gain of ryanodine receptor type 1 channel complex.

Abstract Homer proteins form an adapter system that regulates coupling of group 1 metabotropic glutamate receptors with intracellular inositol trisphosphate receptors and is modified by neuronal activity. Here, we demonstrate that Homer proteins also physically associate with ryanodine receptors type 1 (RyR1) and regulate gating responses to Ca2+, depolarization, and caffeine. In contrast to the prevailing notion of Homer function, Homer1c (long form) and Homer1-EVH1 (short form) evoke similar changes in RyR activity. The EVH1 domain mediates these actions of Homer and is selectively blocked by a peptide that mimics the Homer ligand. 1B5 dyspedic myotubes expressing RyR1 with a point mutation of a putative Homer-binding domain exhibit significantly reduced (∼33%) amplitude in their responses to K+depolarization compared with cells expressing wild type protein. These results reveal that in addition to its known role as an adapter protein, Homer is a direct modulator of Ca2+ release gain. Homer is the first example of an “adapter” that also modifies signaling properties of its target protein. The present work reveals a novel mechanism by which Homer directly modulates the function of its target protein RyR1 and excitation-contraction coupling in skeletal myotubes. This form of regulation may be important in other cell types that express Homer and RyR1.
Effect of paraesophageal hernia repair on pulmonary function.

Background. Paraesophageal hernias classically present in elderly patients with symptoms of postprandial pain, bloating, dysphagia, and anemia. Most surgeons would advocate repairing paraesophageal hernias whenever they are encountered, however, significant levels of dyspnea or pulmonary dysfunction could previously have led to concerns regarding individual patient suitability for repair. We have noted that patients complaining of dyspnea prior to paraesophageal hernia repair often noted significant improvement following surgery. Methods. Between 1995 and 2001, 45 patients (mean age 71.5 years) presented with paraesophageal hernias. Patients had preoperative investigations including chest roentgenogram and barium swallow, 100%; upper endoscopy, 96%; manometry, 89%; and 24-hour pH studies, 27%. Operative repair was accomplished with an open Hill repair with intraoperative manometrics. All patients had assessment of pre- and postoperative spirometry, diffusion capacity, dyspnea index, and quality of life assessment. Results. Presenting symptoms included dyspnea, 84%; heartburn, 71%; dysphagia, 67%; regurgitation, 64%; and anemia, 47%. Type II hernias were found in 2 patients, type III in 33 patients, and type IV in 10 patients. Complications were minimal; mortality was zero. Mean length of stay was 4.7 days (range 3 to 9). Significant improvement in spirometry levels were noted in mean forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) (preop, 1.87 liters; postop, 2.17 liters; percent improvement, 16%), p < 0.0001; mean forced vital capacity (FVC) (preop, 2.52 liters; postop, 2.89 liters; percent improvement, 14.7%), p < 0.0001; mean percent predicted FEV1 (preop, 75.8%; postop, 88.6%), p < 0.0001; and mean percent predicted FVC (preop, 78.8%; postop, 91.5%), p < 0.0001. An improvement trend was noted in diffusing capacity, which did not reach statistical significance. The degree of improvement was seen to correlate with the size of the hernia. When hernias involved 100% of the stomach, percent improvement in FEV1 of 19.6% and FVC of 19.7% were noted. Two patients who required home oxygen were able to discontinue therapy following surgery. Significant improvements in quality of life scores and dyspnea index were documented. Conclusions. Elderly patients with paraesophageal hernias are occasionally considered inappropriate candidates for surgical repair on the basis of coexistent medical problems including pulmonary dysfunction. Paraesophageal hernia repair is routinely associated with significant improvement in spirometry values, dyspnea index, and quality of life scores.
Ammonium interaction with coastal marine sediments: influence of redox conditions on K*

Abstract Ammonium adsorption on sediments is an important process in aquatic environments where often about twice as much exchangeable NH 4 + is found adsorbed on sediments as that measured in associated porewaters. Adsorption of NH 4 + on fine-grained terrigenous sediments from the Louisiana Shelf west of the Mississippi River delta and from Lower Laguna Madre (LLM), Texas was studied under reducing and oxic conditions. Sediment from both sites yielded K * values of 2.3 and 4.0 ml g dw −1 under oxidizing and reducing conditions, respectively, even though the NH 4 + concentration was about 10 times greater in Laguna Madre sediments than sediments from the Louisiana Shelf. K * determined under reducing conditions was a better predictor of exchangeable NH 4 + in sediments from the two sites, based on NH 4 + porewater concentrations, than K * determined under oxidizing conditions (the mean square error of reducing K * was ∼1/4 that of oxidizing K *). However, when considering potential NH 4 + release from sediments if they are resuspended into overlying oxic waters, the oxic adsorption coefficient should be used.
The Bacterial ATPase SecA Functions as a Monomer in Protein Translocation

The ATPase SecA drives the post-translational translocation of proteins through the SecY channel in the bacterial inner membrane. SecA is a dimer that can dissociate into monomers under certain conditions. To address the functional importance of the monomeric state, we generated an Escherichia coli SecA mutant that is almost completely monomeric (>99%), consistent with predictions from the crystal structure of Bacillus subtilis SecA. In vitro, the monomeric derivative retained significant activity in various assays, and in vivo, it sustained 85% of the growth rate of wild type cells and reduced the accumulation of precursor proteins in the cytoplasm. Disulfide cross-linking in intact cells showed that mutant SecA is monomeric and that even its parental dimeric form is dissociated. Our results suggest that SecA functions as a monomer during protein translocation in vivo.
Molecular characterization of wheat polyphenol oxidase (PPO).

It is well-established that the enzyme polyphenol oxidase (PPO) is involved in undesirable browning of noodles, chapattis, middle east flat breads and steamed breads. Methods for measuring PPO activity have been developed, and the variation of PPO activity among wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars has been well documented. However, there is no report on the identification and characterization of a wheat PPO gene. PCR performed on wheat genomic DNA with oligonucleotide primers designed from conserved copper binding regions of other PPO genes resulted in amplification of a 444-bp DNA fragment. Sequence analysis identified the conserved amino acids of PPO genes indicating that the PCR product was part of the wheat PPO gene. Screening genomic and cDNA libraries using 444- and 760-bp DNA fragments as probes failed to identify a PPO gene based on conserved sequence, even though there were very strong hybridization signals for some isolates. Rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) technique was used as an alternative to obtain the remaining DNA sequences in 5′ and 3′ directions based on the 444-bp partial wheat PPO gene sequence. With the use of ThermoScript Reverse Transcriptase (which functions at higher temperatures) and Advantage-GC cDNA kit, the complete DNA sequence in the 3′ direction was obtained. A similar effort in the 5′ direction resulted in amplification of a truncated 414-bp DNA sequence. Overall, 1,509-bp of putative wheat PPO DNA sequence was obtained. Alignment of deduced amino-acid sequences revealed similarity to the other PPO gene sequences, especially in the conserved copper binding regions. Southern-blot analysis performed with four different restriction enzymes revealed two to four DNA fragments, suggesting a limited number of PPO genes in wheat. Wheat genomic DNA restricted with HindIII and hybridized using a 760-bp wheat PPO probe revealed a clear distinction between wheat cultivars with high and low PPO activities. Northern-blot analysis indicated a transcript size of about 2.0-kb. PPO DNA fragment as well as RNA transcript was observed for the durum cultivar Renville which normally has very low PPO activity. Further study is needed to explain the relationship between PPO activity and the presence of PPO gene (s).
TLR2-Induced Calpain Cleavage of Epithelial Junctional Proteins Facilitates Leukocyte Transmigration

Recruitment of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) into the lungs in response to inhaled pathogens is initiated by epithelial signaling, the activation of toll-like receptors (TLRs), and the production of the chemokine interleukin-8. To reach the site of infection, PMNs must be mobilized through epithelial junctions. Here, we demonstrate that Ca(2+) fluxes generated by TLR2 signals activate calpains, Ca(2+)-dependent cysteine proteases. These activated calpains cleave the transmembrane junctional proteins occludin and E-cadherin without breaching the integrity of the epithelial barrier. Calpain inhibitors decrease PMN transepithelial migration in response to TLR2 agonists both in vitro and in a mouse model of P. aeruginosa infection. Thus, TLR2 signaling in the airway not only induces chemokine expression to recruit PMNs, but also initiates cleavage of junctional proteins to accommodate transmigration of the recruited PMNs.
Methylation of sindbis virus “26S” messenger RNA

Abstract The main virus-specific messenger RNA species of Sindbis virus-infected hamster cells, the “26S” RNA, has been examined with regard to methylation status. Internal methylated residues and terminal methylated residues were present, in approximately equal amounts. The internal methyl groups were almost all in 5-methylcytosine residues and the terminal methyl groups were mainly in 7-methylguanine residues. Evidence is presented that these latter occur in “capped” 5′-termini with the novel structure m7G(5′)pppNp.
Synthesis, characterization and surface analysis using dynamic contact angle measurements of graft copolymers: poly(methyl methacrylate)-g-poly(dimethylsiloxane) and poly(methyl methacrylate)-g-poly(trifluoropropylmethylsiloxane)

Abstract A series of poly(methyl methacrylate)-g-poly(dimethylsiloxane) and poly(methyl methacrylate)-g-poly(trifluoropropylmethylsiloxane) copolymers have been synthesized via the ‘macromonomer’ method by which monofunctional polysiloxane macromonomers are copolymerized with methyl methacrylate. The graft copolymers have been characterized by gel permeation chromatography,1H n.m.r. spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. Dynamic contact angle (DCA) analysis afforded advancing and receding water contact angles over 15 days immersion in water. The initially hydrophobic polymer surfaces rapidly rearrange in the presence of water to more hydrophilic surfaces. The effects of varying the amount and type of siloxane in the copolymer on DCA results are discussed. The fouling and fouling release behaviour of coatings formulated from the graft copolymers have been evaluated in Chesapeake Bay. Fouling and fouling release behaviour are discussed in the light of DCA results
Inlay Tympanoplasty: Cartilage Butterfly Technique

For closure of a nonmarginal tympanic membrane perforation, currently popular techniques utilize either an underlay or an onlay approach. However, both procedures require incising canal skin. A transcanal inlay procedure could provide theoretical advantages of ease, speed, and comfort. Specifically designed cartilage that could facilitate the transcanal approach similar to placement of a solid tube was employed and evaluated. A transcanal cartilage butterfly inlay technique was found to be efficient and effective to close a subgroup of small-to-medium-sized tympanic membrane perforations including cases in which the condition of the tympanic membrane was somewhat hostile. Postoperative patient comfort was an additional benefit.
An Early Soybean Production System for Drought Avoidance

Late summer drought during seed formation often limits yield of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] grown in the southern U.S. A field study was conducted to determine if earlier planting of early-maturing varieties could avoid periods of drought stress by having their reproductive development coincide with periods of greater available moisture. Varieties in Maturity Groups (MG) III to VII were planted in mid-April and in mid-May near Blossom and Hooks, TX, from 1986 to 1988. There were significant year and location effects on yield. Two MG III varieties planted in April 1986 at Blossom yielded eight times more than the MG V to VII varieties. Negative correlations were found between yield and maturity date in 1986 and 1987. Early drought stress in 1988 reduced yields about 30% for the April-planted MG III and IV varieties, but yield was again negatively correlated with maturity date. Yields at the Hooks site were up to 45.8 bu/acre higher than those at Blossom, but they were also negatively correlated with maturity date in the April 1986 planting. The seasonal rainfall at Hooks in 1987 was less than half that of 1986 resulting in varietal yields from the early planting being reduced from 8.3 up to 47.1 bu/acre. A negative correlation was still found between maturity date and yield. In 1988, however, late-season rainfall resulted in a positive correlation between yield and maturity for the April planting. Results from this study show that an early soybean production system using adapted MG III and IV varieties can avoid the effects of late summer drought and result in acceptable yields
PATTERNS OF ALLOZYMIC SIMILARITY IN ECOLOGICALLY CENTRAL AND MARGINAL POPULATIONS OF HORDEUM JUBATUM IN UTAH.

Populations at the margins of a species range often appear to be living in an environment stressful for the species. Individuals may show signs of physiological stress, such as stunting, dehydration, or starvation, while the populations may be smaller, exhibit a lower density of individuals, and have a higher probability of extinction than populations at the center of the range. In contrast, central populations often appear to be in a favorable environment, one to which the species is highly adapted (Mayr, 1963). Whereas central populations may inhabit a variety of habitats, those at the margin may be restricted to a single type (Bantock and Price, 1975). Such stressful environments can occur not only at the species border but also locally, as conditions along some environmental gradient become less and less favorable until the species is no longer able to maintain a population (Lewontin, 1974). In such cases, both ecologically marginal populations (those existing near the minimum level of subsistence) and ecologically central ones (those in favorable conditions) may be located close to one another away from the geographic periphery of the species range. Da Cunha and Dobzhansky (in Dobzhansky, 1970) have suggested that a restriction in available habitats will lead to a reduction in genetic diversity in marginal populations. Previous work on the genetic structures of marginal populations in animals has focused primarily on quantifying levels of variability among chromosomal polymorphisms (e.g., Carson, 1955; da Cunha et al., 1959; Soule, 1973) and allozymes (e.g.,
Attitude Toward Globalization and Country-of-Origin Evaluations: Toward a Dynamic Theory

ABSTRACT In theory, increased globalization should lead to greater openness to different cultures, thereby reducing consumer ethnocentrism and resulting in improved consumer perceptions and behavior with respect to foreign products. However, empirical studies testing the impact of globalization have met with mixed results possibly due to the effects of globalization occurring at different levels in the mind-sets among consumers. This notion of “multi-layered consciousness” and its effects on country of origin image are proposed and tested in a theoretical model incorporating a dynamic theory of globalization, to supplement the conventional theory of country-of-origin effects. As predicted, results showed that country-of-origin image is negatively influenced by consumer ethnocentrism, but is not positively influenced by globalization, despite consumers' self-perceived global mindsets (i.e., positive attitude toward globalization and subsequent global openness).
On the Brauer group of a localization

Let X be a smooth variety over an algebraically closed field k and Y a closed subvariety of codimension 1. We associate to Y a graph Γ and use the homology of Γ to study the Brauer group of X — Y.
Unique continuation for solutions to the induced Cauchy-Riemann equations

Let M be a real infinitely differentiable closed hypersurface in X, a complex manifold of dimension n ⩾ 2, and let \t6M denote the induced Cauchy-Riemann operator on M. The problem considered in this paper is unique continuation for distribution solutions to the equation \t6Mu = 0 (these solutions are called CR distributions). In a local version of the problem it is shown that a CR distribution u in an open set U ⊂M which vanishes on one side of a C1 hypersurface S ⊂U which is noncharacteristic at a point p ϵ S necessarily vanishes in a neighborhood of p. If the CR distribution u is a continuous function on U, then it is only necessary to assume that u vanishes on S in order to prove that u vanishes in a neighborhood of p in M. It is also proved that if u is a CR distribution on M, then the boundary of the support of u is foliated by complex hypersurfaces. Thus a global unique continuation theorem is obtained by assuming that such a set is not contained in M.
Potential improvements in instrumentation for PET

This paper discusses the potential for improved detectors in Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and explores the ultimate limits that might be achieved in the areas of spatial resolution, sensitivity, and maximum imaging rates. It is shown that if an ultra-fast, high efficiency scintillator and a thin, low-noise, position-sensitive photodetector were available, a multi-layer time-of-flight tomograph would be possible with a 10 cm axial field of view, a 3-dimensional spatial resolution of 2 mm fwhm, and >700,000 prompt unscattered coincidences per sec for 1 µCi per cm3 in a 20 cm diam cylinder of water.
A Tracking Algorithm for Car Paths on Road Networks

In this paper we introduce a computation algorithm to trace car paths on road networks, whose load evolution is modeled by conservation laws. This algorithm is composed of two parts: computation of solutions to conservation equations on each road and localization of car position resulting by interactions with waves produced on roads. Some applications and examples to describe the behavior of a driver traveling in a road network are shown. Moreover, a convergence result for wave front tracking approximate solutions, with BV initial data on a single road, is established.
Aversion treatment of alcoholism: some reminiscences.

Summary The development of the conditioned reflex aversion treatment of alcoholism at the Schick Shadel Hospital in Seattle, Washington, U.S.A. is reviewed. This treatment is based on Pavlovian principles which must be strictly adhered w if true aversion is to be attained. The unconditioned stimulus (nausea and emesis induced by emetine injection, or painful electric shock) must be timed to coincide exactly with the conditioned stimulus (the imbibing of alcoholic beverages). Aversion atone, however is not enough for a complete treatment program. We have, therefore, augmented this with pentothal interviews and a comprehensive program of individual and group counseling, informational orientation lectures, nutritional advice, and strong after-care support systems for recovery. Abstinence should not be a deprivation but rather a positive rewarding experience of life without alcohol.
Patterns of injury and management of children with pelvic fractures at a non-trauma center.

Background Pelvic injuries in young children are rare, and it has been difficult to establish clinical guidelines to assist providers in managing blunt pelvic trauma, especially in non−Level 1 trauma centers. Objective Our aim was to describe the relationship among clinical findings, mechanism of injury, and the radiographic resources utilized in children with pelvic fractures presenting to a non−Level 1 trauma center. Methods A retrospective review of patients with a pelvic fracture treated in two urban pediatric Level 3 emergency departments was performed. Results Between 2001 and 2010, a total of 208 patients were identified. Avulsion/iliac wing fractures were the most common fractures (58.7%), and sports-related injuries were the most common mechanism of injury (50.0%). Children with sports-related injuries were more likely to sustain an avulsion fracture (p < 0.001), less likely to have a computed tomography scan obtained in the emergency department (p < 0.001), and less likely to have an associated injury (p < 0.001) than other children. Children struck by a motor vehicle (p < 0.001) or involved in a motor vehicle accident (p < 0.001) were more likely to receive a computed tomography scan (p < 0.001) and have associated head and extremity injuries (p < 0.001). Mechanism of injury was associated with abnormal computed tomography scans. Nearly all patients were treated nonoperatively (98.1%) and no deaths were reported in this study. Conclusions Patterns of injury, based on mechanism of injury, have been reported to assist the assessment and management of children with minor pelvic injuries.
Fabrication of a monolithically integrated multiple wavelength fabry-perot filter array using transparent etch stop layers for accurate wavelength determination

In this paper we describe a method of fabricating a Fabry-Perot filter array consisting of four distinct wavelengths using a stopping layer, which in turn is discriminately measured. Precise control of the oxide thickness is demonstrated by using reflectance to measure center wavelengths (CWL) between 645nm-822nm with full width half maximum (FWHM) values of 15 nm. These parameters are used to confirm good narrow band filter characteristics. The physical and chemical properties of an oxide layer converted from a silicon-carbon-nitride (SiCN) etch stop layer (ESL) is reported for both as-deposited and the resultant oxidized film. The filter array can be fabricated directly on top of silicon photo diodes, to form a complete multi-wavelength sensor system. Fabricating a multi-wavelength filter array using etch-stop layers can provide better thickness control and across wafer uniformity compared to a timed-etch approach.
Ecological factors influencing movement of creek chub in an intermittent stream of the Ozark Mountains, Arkansas

Increasing our understanding of the traits and adaptations that promote the survival and persistence of organisms in highly dynamic environments will aid in the conservation of populations and communities. Projected effects of climate change and land alterations suggest headwater streams may become more intermittent and less predictable, consequently altering biological processes (i.e. dispersal or movement) that govern population dynamics. Few studies have provided insight into movement dynamics of nongame fishes in small headwater streams that commonly experience intermittent conditions. The purpose of this study was to investigate movement of a fish species adapted to intermittent stream conditions. Our objectives were to (i) describe the general movement patterns of creek chub, Semotilus atromaculatus, in an intermittent stream and (ii) investigate which ecological factors may influence movement in patchy environments. Creek chub displayed some of the longest distances moved compared to many other stream fishes in perennial streams (179–1069 m seasonal averages; 4678 m maximum distance). Directional movement was significant only in May with more individuals moving upstream. The probability of creek chub movement was inversely related to habitat complexity and pool area. Creek chub adapted to intermittent stream conditions not only exhibited increases in the frequency and distance of movement compared to other nongame fishes, but also exhibited movements in relation to local habitat metrics. These results demonstrate some of the potential adaptations that are likely to promote the survival and persistence of populations in highly dynamic environments such as intermittent streams.
Chemigum SL—An Elastomeric Polyester-Urethane

Abstract A great deal of interest has been aroused in recent years in isocyanate chemistry by the announcement of new elastomers based on diisocyanate modification of polyesters. Early du Pont patent literature described diisocyanate modified alkyds, and Vulcaprene A, an elastomeric diisocyanate modified polyesteramide, has been offered to the rubber trade by Imperial Chemical Industries, Ltd., England. Several articles also have been published on Vulcollan by Bayer and associates on work done in the laboratories of Fabenfabriken Bayer Co., Leverkusen, Germany. More recently a new elastomeric polyester-urethane, Chemigum SL, was described by the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. These rubbers are first made in the form of processible and storable raw gums, having many of the characteristics of pale crepe natural rubber. They can then be mixed on the mill or in the Banbury with additional curatives, such as diisocyanates and other compounding agents, and cured in standard rubber molds. The cured physical proper...
Environmental Concern in the Mormon Culture Region

ABSTRACT Perspectives on an array of social issues, including the environment, are strongly rooted within culture. Religion is an important carrier of culture, and several research projects have examined the influence of membership in some denominations on environmental attitudes. Research on connections between the Mormon religion and environmental attitudes have relied on national samples and do not control for the influence of regional but nonreligious culture. This research empirically examines connections between environmental attitudes and self-identification with the Mormon religion to further understand the religious culture's influences on environmental concern. To isolate the influences of the Mormon religion alone, survey data were collected from 639 residents of 4 communities located within the Mormon culture region. Findings indicate that there are statistically significant differences between the Mormon and non-Mormon populations' environmental concern, and clarify that the Mormon faith and ...
THEOLOGY FROM A FRACTURED VISTA: SUSAN NEIMAN'S EVIL IN MODERN THOUGHT

Evil in Modern Thought, Susan Neiman's account of the intellectual trajectory of modernity, employs the trope “homeless” to articulate deep difficulties that affirmations of divine transcendence and of human capacities to acknowledge transcendence face in a contemporary context thoroughly marked by fragmentation, fragility, and contingency. The “hospitality” of the Incarnation, which makes a fractured world a place for divine welcoming of the human in all its contingency and brokenness, is proposed as locus for theological engagement with Neiman's appropriation of a Kantian sense of hope as the readiness to resist evil in a world seemingly bereft of welcome.
Poly(ether amide) triblock and star block copolymers

Triblock and three arm, poly(ether amide) star block copolymers have been synthesized and characterized. Di- and tri-functional amine terminated polyethers were reacted with caprolactam at elevated temperatures to produce the block copolymers. The polyether amines were incorporated at levels ranging from 5%-40%. Differential scanning calorimetry(DSC) evaluation reveals no reduction in the crystalline melting point of the polycaprolactam end blocks up to 40% polyether incorporation. Dynamic mechanical spectroscopy and FTIR were used to confirm the incorporation of the polyether. A comparison is made between triblock and star block copolymers, and between poly(propylene glycol) and poly(ethylene glycol) polyether midblocks. These block copolymers have improved impact performance as well as a flexural modulus that first increases and then decreases as the amount of polyether is increased in the block copolymer.
Adenosine Release Evoked by Short Electrical Stimulations in Striatal Brain Slices is Primarily Activity Dependent.

Adenosine is an important neuromodulator in the brain. Traditionally, adenosine is thought to arise in the extracellular space by either an extracellular mechanism, where it is formed outside the c...
Spectral mixture analyses of hyperspectral data acquired using a tethered balloon

Tethered balloon remote sensing platforms can be used to study radiometric issues in terrestrial ecosystems by effectively bridging the spatial gap between measurements made on the ground and those acquired via airplane or satellite. In this study, the Short Wave Aerostat-Mounted Imager (SWAMI) tethered balloon-mounted platform was utilized to evaluate linear and nonlinear spectral mixture analysis (SMA) for a grassland-conifer forest ecotone during the summer of 2003. Hyperspectral measurement of a 74-m diameter ground instantaneous field of view (GIFOV) attained by the SWAMI was studied. Hyperspectral spectra of four common endmembers, bare soil, grass, tree, and shadow, were collected in situ, and images captured via video camera were interpreted into accurate areal ground cover fractions for evaluating the mixture models. The comparison between the SWAMI spectrum and the spectrum derived by combining in situ spectral data with video-derived areal fractions indicated that nonlinear effects occurred in the near infrared (NIR) region, while nonlinear influences were minimal in the visible region. The evaluation of hyperspectral and multispectral mixture models indicated that nonlinear mixture model-derived areal fractions were sensitive to the model input data, while the linear mixture model performed more stably. Areal fractions of bare soil were overestimated in all models due to the increased radiance of bare soil resulting from side scattering of NIR radiation by adjacent grass and trees. Unmixing errors occurred mainly due to multiple scattering as well as close endmember spectral correlation. In addition, though an apparent endmember assemblage could be derived using linear approaches to yield low residual error, the tree and shade endmember fractions calculated using this technique were erroneous and therefore separate treatment of endmembers subject to high amounts of multiple scattering (i.e. shadows and trees) must be done with caution. Including the short wave infrared (SWIR) region in the hyperspectral and multispectral endmember data significantly reduced the Pearson correlation coefficient values among endmember spectra. Therefore, combination of visible, NIR, and SWIR information is likely to further improve the utility of SMA in understanding ecosystem structure and function and may help narrow uncertainties when utilizing remotely sensed data to extrapolate trace glas flux measurements from the canopy scale to the landscape scale.
Self-Will, Power, and Determination: A Qualitative Study of Black Women Faculty and the Role of Self-Efficacy

In the following study, the authors sought to understand how self-efficacy contributed to the career success of five tenured Black women faculty employed at two predominantly White institutions. Investigating the level of self-efficacy was significant in understanding the behavior, attitudes, and strategies of study participants. The findings suggest that a high level of self-efficacy was engendered among participants and facilitated perseverance toward their career goals. Specifically, participants relied on lessons and values instilled during their upbringing, their survival during difficult situations, and ability to seek support and resources.
EYEBALL MEASUREMENT OF DEXTERITY: TESTS AS ALTERNATIVES TO INTERVIEWS

As industry's most popular selection device, the interview is too often misused to measure or predict numerous skills and abilities that can be measured or predicted better by other methods. The authors encountered such an abuse in a recent allegation of sex discrimination. This paper reports a study conducted for this litigation. Couched in a general lens model paradigm, the results demonstrate an inappropriate use of a selection technique to predict an ability that can be better measured by a test. This simple interview analog demonstrates the problems of replacing tests with inappropriate selection devices.
A General Volume = Multiplicity Formula

In this paper, we prove a general volume = multiplicity formula for graded families of mR-primary ideals in a Noetherian local ring R.