cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Molecular tagging of a novel rust resistance gene R 12 in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)

Sunflower production in North America has recently suffered economic losses in yield and seed quality from sunflower rust (Puccinia helianthi Schwein.) because of the increasing incidence and lack of resistance to new rust races. RHA 464, a newly released sunflower male fertility restorer line, is resistant to both of the most predominant and most virulent rust races identified in the Northern Great Plains of the USA. The gene conditioning rust resistance in RHA 464 originated from wild Helianthus annuus L., but has not been molecularly marked or determined to be independent from other rust loci. The objectives of this study are to identify molecular markers linked to the rust resistance gene and to investigate the allelism of this gene with the unmapped rust resistance genes present in HA-R6, HA-R8 and RHA 397. Virulence phenotypes of seedlings for the F(2) population and F(2:3) families suggested that a single dominant gene confers rust resistance in RHA 464, and this gene was designated as R(12). Bulked segregant analysis identified ten markers polymorphic between resistant and susceptible bulks. In subsequent genetic mapping, the ten markers covered 33.4 cM of genetic distance on linkage group 11 of sunflower. A co-dominant marker CRT275-11 is the closest marker distal to R(12) with a genetic distance of 1.0 cM, while ZVG53, a dominant marker linked in the repulsion phase, is proximal to R(12) with a genetic distance of 9.6 cM. The allelism test demonstrated that R(12) is not allelic to the rust resistance genes in HA-R6, HA-R8 and RHA 397, and it is also not linked to any previously mapped rust resistance genes. Discovery of the R(12) novel rust resistance locus in sunflower and associated markers will potentially support the molecular marker-assisted introgression and pyramiding of R(12) into sunflower breeding lines.
Valinomycin biosynthetic gene cluster in Streptomyces: conservation, ecology and evolution.

Many Streptomyces strains are known to produce valinomycin (VLM) antibiotic and the VLM biosynthetic gene cluster (vlm) has been characterized in two independent isolates. Here we report the phylogenetic relationships of these strains using both parsimony and likelihood methods, and discuss whether the vlm gene cluster shows evidence of horizontal transmission common in natural product biosynthetic genes. Eight Streptomyces strains from around the world were obtained and sequenced for three regions of the two large nonribosomal peptide synthetase genes (vlm1 and vlm2) involved in VLM biosynthesis. The DNA sequences representing the vlm gene cluster are highly conserved among all eight environmental strains. The geographic distribution pattern of these strains and the strict congruence between the trees of the two vlm genes and the housekeeping genes, 16S rDNA and trpB, suggest vertical transmission of the vlm gene cluster in Streptomyces with no evidence of horizontal gene transfer. We also explored the relationship of the sequence of vlm genes to that of the cereulide biosynthetic genes (ces) found in Bacillus cereus and found them highly divergent from each other at DNA level (genetic distance values≥95.6%). It is possible that the vlm gene cluster and the ces gene cluster may share a relatively distant common ancestor but these two gene clusters have since evolved independently.
Effects of a novel pesticide-particle conjugate on viability and reactive oxygen species generation in neuronal (PC12) cells

AbstractDevelopment of new methods and compounds to eradicate insect vectors are desperately needed. To that end, our team has previously described the synthesis and characterization of a conjugate comprised of a silver nanoparticle core encapsulated by the pyrethroid pesticide, deltamethrin (pesticide encapsulated silver nanoparticle termed “PENS”). For this current work, the PENS conjugate was tested in neuronal cultured cells to compare the cytotoxic responses to the unconjugated pesticide deltamethrin – a known neurotoxic agent and pristine silver nanoparticles. The PC12 (pheochromocytoma of the rat adrenal medulla) cell line was chosen as a model neuronal culture system. Cells were exposed to known concentrations of PENS, deltamethrin or silver nanoparticle suspensions to assess the degree of toxicity in vitro. After 24 hours of incubation, cell viability and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured. Bright field images of high dose exposures to dosing solutions were also acquired to...
Pausing phenomena: Influence on the quality of instruction

This report summarizes work of 7 years on the influence of a variable called “wait-time” on the development of language and logic of children taking part in elementary science programs. Analysis of over 300 classroom tape recordings showed mean pauses to be on the order of 1 sec; that is, after a teacher asked a question, students had to begin a response within an average time of 1 sec. If they did not, the teacher typically repeated, rephrased or asked a different question, or called on others. A second wait-time is involved: when a student makes a response, the teacher normally reacts or asks another question within an average time of 0.9 sec. This study investigates the consequences of manipulating both species of wait-time. When mean wait-time of 3–5 sec is achieved through training, analysis of more than 900 tapes shows changed values on eight student variables: (1) the length of response (number of words) increases, (2) the number of unsolicited but appropriate responses increases, (3) failures to respond decrease, (4) incidence of speculative responses increases, (5) incidence of student-student comparisons of data increases, (6) incidence of evidence-inference statements increases, (7) frequency of student-initiated questions increases, and (8) the variety in type of verbal moves made by students increases. Servochart plots of recordings show that students discussing science phenomena tend to speak in bursts, with intervals of as much as 3–5 sec between bursts being fairly common provided they are not interrupted. The average post-student-response wait-time of 0.9 sec apparently intervenes between bursts to prevent completion of a thought. The classroom is conceptualized as a two-player game in which the quality of inquiry will tend to improve when there is a better equity in the distribution of moves between the players. The teacher is treated as one player and the collection of students as the second player. Changes in wait-time shift the game toward a more equitable state. Over time, a classroom or instructional group on the prolonged wait-time schedule undergoes certain spontaneous changes. Two teacher variables change: (1) response flexibility scores increase, and (2) teacher questioning patterns becomes more variable. There is some indication that teacher expectations for performance of students rated as relatively slow improves.
Cancer prevention behaviors in low-income urban whites: an understudied problem

Low-income urban whites in the United States have largely gone unexamined in health disparities research. In this study, we explored cancer prevention behaviors in this population. We compared data on whites with low socioeconomic status (SES) from the 2003 Exploring Health Disparities in Integrated Communities Study in Southwest Baltimore, Maryland (EHDIC-SWB) with nationally representative data for low SES white respondents from the 2003 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS). Rates for health behaviors and health indicators for whites from the EHDIC-SWB study as compared to NHIS prevalence estimates were as follows: current cigarette smoking, 59% (31% nationally); current regular drinking, 5% (5% nationally); overweight, 26% (32% nationally); obesity, 30% (22% nationally); mammography in the past 2 years, 50% (57% nationally); Pap smear in the past 2 years, 64% (68% nationally); screening for colon cancer in the past 2 years, 41% (30% nationally); and fair or poor self-reported health, 37% (22% nationally). Several cancer prevention behaviors and health indicators for white EHDIC-SWB respondents were far from the Healthy People 2010 objectives. This study provides rare estimates of cancer-related health and health care measures in an understudied population in the United States. Findings illustrate the need for further examination of health behaviors in low SES white urban populations who may share health risks with their poor minority urban counterparts.
Agulhas Current leakage could stabilize Atlantic overturning circulation

A major focus of concern for the coming century is understanding how the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) will respond to the changing temperatures and wind patterns brought on by global climate change. Because AMOC plays an important role in transporting heat to northern latitudes and modulating storm tracks, temperatures, and precipitation patterns in the surrounding continents, changes in its strength will have far-reaching consequences.
The association between acanthosis nigricans and dysglycemia in an ethnically diverse group of eighth grade students

The purpose of this study was to describe the prevalence of acanthosis nigricans (AN) and to quantify its association with dysglycemia in an ethnically diverse group of eighth grade students. Data were collected in 2003 from a cross-sectional study of students from 12 middle schools in three U.S. states. Sex, race/ethnicity and pubertal status were self-reported. Anthropometric measures were recorded. Trained staff identified the presence and severity of AN by inspection of the back of the neck. Fasting and 2hr blood samples were analyzed for impaired fasting glucose (IFG), impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), and high-risk glycated hemoglobin (A1C), respectively defined as ≥100 mg/dl, ≥140 mg/dl, and ≥ 5.7-6.4%. Overall, 25.0%, 58.2%, and 16.8% were Black, Hispanic and White, respectively. AN was present among 406 /1438 (28.2%) of students: 39% among Black, 30% among Hispanic, and 5.4% among White. IGT and highArisk A1C were present among 2.1%, and 12.4%, respectively. In multivariate logistic modeling after adjusting for gender, family history of diabetes, BMI percentile and pubertal staging, the presence (vs. absence) of AN was associated with a 59% increased likelihood of highArisk A1C: (P = 0.04), twice the likelihood of IGT (P=0.06), and 47% greater likelihood of IGT/IFG combined (P<0.0001). Adjustment for insulin attenuated the ORs by 25-70%. In a racially/ethnically diverse sample of U.S. adolescents, AN was common, occurring in 28% of the sample. AN was associated with a 50-100% increased likelihood of dysglycemia even after consideration of established diabetes risk factors.
Immune system control

A brief functional description of the manner in which the immune system seems to control disease and infection is presented. Recent hypotheses in immunology and the role of a model to support this work are discussed. This leads to the derivation of a simple model for the generation of antibodies from clonal selection theory. A survey of related research is provided along with model assumptions and shortcomings. Model innovations are suggested to explain the more intense secondary response to a repeated invasion by a particular alien as well as the immunoglobulin switch-over phenomenon. A case is established for more complex models which include two major classes of lymphocytes (white blood cells) termed T cells and B cells, their functional subclasses, their interaction, immune tolerance and cell mediated immunity. While plausible arguments are presented for further model development, it is noted that immunology, as supported by on-going experimental research, is such a rapidly changing science that a final model is hardly imminent. Plans are outlined for continued model development in sequence with new experimental evidence. It is seen that stochastic control and adaptive structures play a significant role in the immune processes.
A Comparison and Analysis of German and United States Managerial Attitudes Toward the Legitimacy of Organizational Influence

The article presents a study which focuses on the problems of cross-cultural industrial conflict by attempting to identify areas of high and low influence legitimacy in a cross-cultural study of Ge...
15.1: Invited Paper: Influence of 8‐bit vs 11‐bit Digital Medical Displays on Observer Performance and Visual Search

8 vs 11-bit medical displays were evaluated. Six radiologists viewed 100 chest images. There was no significant difference in ROC Az as a function of bit-depth. Average Az with 8-bits was 0.8284 and with 11-bits was 0.8253. There was a significant difference in viewing time favoring the 11-bit displays.
Operative Debridement of Pressure Ulcers

Background Infection in severe pressure ulcers can lead to sepsis with a 6-month mortality as high as 68%.
Time-averaged electron number density measurement of a one atmosphere uniform glow discharge plasma (OAUDGP) by absorption of microwave radiation

Summary form only given. A simple and accurate technique for measuring the time-averaged electron number density of a plasma at atmospheric pressure is described. It is based on the angle-of-incidence dependent response of the plasma absorption to the incident microwave signal. The method is applied to determine the time-averaged electron number density of a One Atmosphere Uniform Glow Discharge Plasma (OAUDGP) generated in air on a dielectric-coated reflective substrate on which a series of parallel, plasma-generating electrodes are located. In the case of microwave propagation through this plasma, the refractive index of the propagation medium is complex, and the penetrating wave drops off exponentially from the boundary of incidence. The flux density drops by a factor of e/sup -1/ after the wave has propagated a distance /spl delta/, known as the skin depth. The skin depth is inversely proportional to the square root of the electron number density. The author of reference has developed a steady-state, uniform glow discharge plasma at one atmosphere pressure that is generated in a thin surface layer in air and other gases. This OAUDGP layer is generated by applying an RF signal of 1-20 KHz on a dielectric flat panel covered with parallel strip electrodes. The electron number density of the plasma layer is periodic with the applied RF signal. If microwave radiation propagates through the plasma layer, the attenuation is proportional to the round-trip path length of the reflected wave. A 20 dB horn antenna, operating at 12 to 18 GHz, was used both at the transmitter and the receiver end. We compared the change in the intensity of the reflected signal with the plasma layer on and off. At normal incidence, our experimental results should agree with a relatively straightforward numerical calculation based on Appleton's equation. Finally, we hope to extend the experiment to stroboscopic electron number density measurement of the electron number density as a function of time.
Using Graphic Organizers to Access the General Curriculum at the Secondary Level

Federal law requires that students with disabilities have access to the general curriculum. Specifically, students with disabilities must have access to, be involved in, and make progress in the sa...
Screening for Domestic Violence in the Pediatric Office: A Multipractice Experience

The purpose of our study was to screen for domestic violence (DV) in 4 different pediatric practice settings. Women who accompanied their children to well-child visits were eligible. The women were screened with a 6-question tool previously piloted by our group, which included questions on partner abuse, child abuse, and pet abuse. Over a 1-year period, 435 women were screened. Of these women, 95 (22%) described DV at some point in their lives. Sixty-nine (16%) reported abuse longer than 2 years before the screen and 26 (6%) reported more recent abuse. While 11 of 117 women screened in the more affluent private practice reported a history of past abuse, no women in that group reported DV occurring within 24 months. The proportion of women reporting violence did not differ significantly by site, but the proportion of patients reporting new violence was significantly lower at the private practice site by Chi-square analysis. In conclusion, women screened in a variety of pediatric settings will disclose DV. Recent abuse is more likely to be reported in settings with indigent patients. All pediatricians should be screening for DV and have protocols in place to offer women the services they need if DV is revealed.
Cell Death and Apoptosis

Toxicants cause cell death via apoptosis, necrosis and apocrosis. The last decade of the twentieth century and the first decade of the new millennium witnessed over one million reports exploring the occurrence of apoptosis, its mechanisms, and therapeutic implications. Cooperative efforts of every compartment of the cell, as well as various micro and macromolecules, orchestrate this form of cell death. Apoptosis has captured the attention of scientists because retrospective analyses of the mechanisms of human disease show that apoptotic factors either contribute to disease development or, in large measure, account for it. Although apoptosis has been viewed as diametrically opposed to necrotic cell death, they share a number of key features in common. Apoptosis can be viewed as versatile and even malleable, whereas other forms of cell death are not; apoptosis signaling pathways are sharply defined but others are not. This chapter discusses the overall mechanistic frameworks that come under the influence of drugs, chemicals, and stressors, the initiation and progression of apoptosis during organ toxicity, and an up-to-date account of the morphological, biochemical, genetic and molecular events that characterize apoptosis. Emphasis has been placed upon insights from both in vivo and in vitro models. This chapter is intended to serve a resource that presents the current fundamentals of apoptosis and its scientific bases in this significant and rapidly evolving field. Keywords: acetaminophen; antioxidant responsive element; apoptosis; ASK1; necrosis; Bcl-2; Bcl-xL; Bad; Bax; Bim; Bid; Bak; tBid; FADD; CARD; PUMA; NEMO; JNK; apoptosome; TNF superfamily; TNFR; TRAF2; DISC; drug-induced apoptosis; chemical-induced apoptosis; genetic regulation of apoptosis; death domain; apoptosis in vivo; apoptosis in vitro; signalosome; inflammasome; apoptosis signaling pathways; intrinsic signaling pathway; extrinsic signaling pathway; mitochondria; PKC; IKK; NFκB; oxidative stress; cell death; caspase; paracetamol; dimethylnitrosamine; p53; c-Myc; phagocytosis; apocrosis; DNA fragmentation; apoptotic bodies
Exercise training attenuates age-associated diastolic dysfunction in rats

Background— In contrast to systolic function, which is relatively well preserved with advancing age, diastolic function declines steadily after age 30. Our goal was to determine whether changes in ...
EGFRvIII: an oncogene deletion mutant cell surface receptor target expressed by multiple tumour types

Optimal immunotherapeutic approaches to cancer cell eradication require the specific recognition of neoplastic cells and minimal destruction of bystander, normal cells. This is especially crucial within the CNS because of the infiltrative growth pattern of primary CNS tumours. The recently defined class III variant of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFRvIII), which is a transmembrane, tumour-specific, altered growth factor receptor molecule not expressed in normal tissues, shows promise in preclinical studies as a mediator of multiple immunotherapeutic approaches to tumours, both CNS and systemic, that express this marker. Specific monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and derived constructs specific for EGFRvIII have been developed and the molecular engineering and affinity maturation techniques currently available have resulted in the generation of highly specific cytostatic and cytotoxic reagents for clinical trial. In addition, the immunogenic properties of the EGFRvIII transmembrane segment have made p...
THE POLITICS OF REPRODUCTIVE BENEFITS U.S. Insurance Coverage of Contraceptive and Infertility Treatments

Recent changes in access to contraceptive and infertility treatments in the state of Illinois, and across the United States more generally, have heightened class cleavages in access to reproductive health care benefits in the United States. Using data gleaned from government testimonies, public documents, and telephone interviews, the authors found that poor women have broad access to contraceptive coverage but very little access to infertility treatments, while working-and middle-class women have increasingly broad coverage of infertility treatments but spare coverage of contraceptives. These findings suggest that while the extreme measures of the eugenics movement are less frequently in evidence, class differences in access to reproductive services lead to an equally dualistic, albeit unstated, fertility policy in the United States: encouraging births among working- and middle-class families and discouraging births among the poor, particularly those on Medicaid.
Effect of oral gavage dosing regimens in female Tg rasH2 transgenic mice.

Female Tg rasH2 (CB6F1/Jic-TgrasH2@Tac) mice were administered water once daily, water twice daily with 8 or 12 hours between doses, 1% sodium dodecyl sulfate in water (1% SDS) once daily, or 1% SDS twice daily with 12 hours between doses by oral gavage at volumes of 10 ml/kg/day for 28 or 29 consecutive days. A control group of mice received no treatment and no sham manipulation. There were no significant differences in body weight or food consumption between treated groups and untreated control mice. Mean weights of spleens, livers, and thymuses were lower than control values in most groups of mice subjected to gavage. Focal or multifocal loss of thymic cortical architecture was observed in 13 of 50 mice distributed among all groups (including naive controls), however only in one instance was this finding suggestive of a precursor to neoplasia. This study demonstrated that Tg rasH2 mice can tolerate once or twice daily gavage dosing with water or vehicle containing 1% SDS. Loss of thymic cortical architecture was a common incidental finding in female Tg rasH2 mice.
Adolescents with craniofacial anomalies : Psychosocial adjustment as a function of self-concept

Abstract Objective: To evaluate associations between self-concept and psychosocial adjustment among adolescents with craniofacial anomalies. Design: Retrospective chart review. Setting: Reconstructive plastic surgery department in urban medical center. Participants: Forty-nine adolescents with congenital craniofacial anomalies, aged 14 to 18 years, and their parents. Main Outcome Measures: Psychosocial adjustment (internalizing problems and social competence), assessed by self-report and parent-report forms of the Child Behavior Checklist; appearance self-concept and global self-worth, assessed by the Self-Perception Profile for Adolescents. Results: Both appearance self-concept and global self-worth were associated with psychosocial adjustment; however, global self-worth remained associated with adjustment when the effects of appearance self-concept were controlled, whereas appearance self-concept was no longer associated with adjustment when global self-worth was controlled. Demographic variables (ethni...
Molecular mixing of incompatible polymers through formation of and coalescence from their common crystalline cyclodextrin inclusion compounds

We describe the successful mixing of polymer pairs and triplets that are normally incompatible to form blends that possess molecular-level homogeneity. This is achieved by the simultaneous formation of crystalline inclusion compounds (ICs) between host cyclodextrins (CDs) and two or more guest polymers, followed by coalescing the included guest polymers from their common CD-ICs to form blends. Several such CD-IC fabricated blends, including both polymerl/ polymer2 binary and polymerl/ polymer2/polymer3 ternary blends, are described and examined by means of X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and solid-state NMR to probe their levels of mixing. It is generally observed that homogeneous blends with a molecular-level mixing of blend components is achieved, even when the blend components are normally immiscible by the usual solution and melt blending techniques. In addition, when block copolymers composed of inherently immiscible blocks are coalesced from their CD-ICs, significant suppression of their normal phase-segregated morphologies generally occurs. Preliminary observations of the thermal and temporal stabilities of the CD-IC coalesced blends and block copolymers are reported, and CD-IC fabrication of polymer blends and reorganization of block copolymers are suggested as a potentially novel means to achieve a significant expansion of the range of useful polymer materials.
On a nonlinear observer with pseudo-linearized error dynamics

The problem of selecting state and output coordinate changes that transform a given nonlinear system into a pseudoobserver form is considered. A system in this form has the property that its family of linearizations about constant operating points is in observer form in the sense of linear systems. For a system in pseudoobserver form, it is straightforward to construct a state observer with the property that the family of linearized error systems is independent of the operating point. Therefore, the error dynamics are said to be pseudolinearized. Such an observer can then be used as part of a stabilizing dynamic output feedback control law. >
Ethanol stimulates the expression of fibronectin in lung fibroblasts via kinase-dependent signals that activate CREB.

Ethanol renders the lung susceptible to acute lung injury in the setting of insults such as sepsis. The mechanisms mediating this effect are unknown, but activation of tissue remodeling is consider...
Student activism and curricular change in higher education

Mikaila Mariel Lemonik Arthur in Student Activism and Curricular Change in Higher Education examines the development of women's studies, Asian American studies and queer theory at six different Ame...
Comparative efficacies of three commercially available vaccines against West Nile Virus (WNV) in a short-duration challenge trial involving an equine WNV encephalitis model.

We used a severe challenge model that produces clinical West Nile virus (WNV) disease to test the efficacy of three commercially available equine WNV vaccines in horses. Twenty-four healthy, WNV-seronegative horses of varying ages and genders were placed, in random and blind manner, into three trial groups consisting of eight horses each; two horses in each group received (i) an inactivated WNV vaccine (K-WN), (ii) a modified-live vaccine (CP-WN) containing the WNV prM and E proteins expressed by a canarypox vector, (iii) a live-chimera vaccine (WN-FV) containing WNV prM and E proteins expressed in a YF17D vector, or (iv) a diluent control. Challenge by this model caused grave neurological signs, viremia, moderate to severe histopathologic lesions in the brain and spinal cord, and an outcome of 0% survivorship in all six control horses. In contrast, challenge in horses at between 28 days postvaccination with the chimera vaccine and 56 days postvaccination with the commercial inactivated or modified-live vaccine resulted in 100% survivorship (protection from the onset of WNV encephalitis and viremia). Horses vaccinated with the live-chimera vaccine showed significantly fewer clinical signs than did the control horses (P ≤ 0.01) and the horses vaccinated with inactivated vaccine (P = 0.035). Mild residual inflammatory lesions were seen in a few of the vaccinated horses.
Design and simulation of silicon microring optical routing switches

Using two-dimensional (2-D) scattering matrix theory, the switching behavior of inplane waveguided 2 /spl times/ 2 resonant optical switches in silicon-on-insulator was analyzed at the 1.33, 1.55, and 10.6 /spl mu/m wavelengths. The switch consisted of two straight bus waveguides coupled independently and laterally to a pair of microring resonators. Switching actuated by a /spl Delta/n + i/spl Delta//spl kappa/~ complex index perturbation of the rings was investigated. The switching effects discussed include the free-carrier-plasma dispersion, Franz-Keldysh, quantum-confined Stark, Kerr, and thermooptic effects. Each effect has its /spl Delta//spl kappa/~//spl Delta/n signature. For waveguides /spl les/0.3/spl lambda/ wide, an optimum switch design was determined in the weak coupling regime. Complete switching was found for /spl Delta/n/spl sim/2/spl times/10/sup -3/, together with significant modulation for /spl Delta/n in the 10/sup -4/ range.
Self-controlled fabrication of single-crystalline silicon nanobeams using conventional micromachining

This paper reports on a low-cost top-down approach to the nano-precision fabrication of nanobeams on single-crystalline silicon using only conventional micromachining technology. The fabrication technique takes advantage of the crystalline structure of silicon for controllable feature size reduction of nanobeams with atomically smooth surfaces and sharp edges. Applying a deliberate rotational misalignment in a 2 μm resolution standard lithography process, followed by anisotropic wet etching of the silicon, nanobeams with well uniform widths as small as ∼85 nm are fabricated on thin SOI substrates. As a proof of concept for the incorporation of such nanobeams within electromechancial structures, we successfully demonstrate thermally actuated resonators that show very high frequencies (close to 50 MHz).
An ECO routing algorithm for eliminating coupling-capacitance violations

Engineering change order changes are almost inevitable in the late stages of a design process. Based on an existing design, incremental change is favored since it can avoid considerable efforts of redoing the whole process and can minimize the disturbance on the existing converged design. The coupling-capacitance violation elimination (CVE) problem is addressed. Due to the changes in the multiple layer routing design, the total coupling capacitance on some signal wire segments on a layer may be larger than their allowable bounds after postlayout timing/noise analysis. The target is to find a new routing solution without coupling-capacitance violations under certain constraints, which helps to keep the new design close to the original one. This paper proposes a two-stage algorithm to solve CVE problems, and present optimization strategies to speed up the execution. Experimental results demonstrate the efficiency and effectiveness of this algorithm
An Ecological and Recreational Use Survey of the Luxapalila River

ABSTRACI An ecological and recreational use survey was made of the Luxapalila River in Mississippi. This study was made before channelization work was started by the Army Corps of Engineers. A follow-up study is planned after channelization work is completed. Four stations were located along a 10.5 mile stretch of river where certain chemical and biological measurements were taken during the four seasons of the year. The results of this study revealed that the river is an unpolluted, biologically productive waterway relatively high in chemical constituents. Eleven families and 37 different species of fish were collected. Biomass measurements of standing crops of invertebrates ranged from a low of 0.11 grams oven dry weight per square meter to a high of 18.89 grams per square meter, with larger biomass collected from eddy areas than from riffle areas. A survey of recreational use of the river indicated relatively light use was made of the river. Fishing was the major use followed by swimming.
A Multivariate Normal Plot to Detect Nonnormality

Royston proposed a normal probability plot to detect nonnormality of univariate data. The normal probability plot was provided with normalized acceptance regions to enhance its interpretability. By using the theory of spherical distributions and the idea of principal component analysis, we propose an approach to extending Royston’s normal plot to detecting nonmultivariate normality in analyzing high-dimensional data. The performance of the proposed multivariate normal plot is demonstrated by Monte Carlo studies and illustrated by two real datasets. Datasets, computer code and documentation of the code are available in the online supplements.
How Jeffries Wyman put Florida and Shell Mounds on the Map (1860–1875)

The state of Florida is an intermittent flashpoint of shell mound research. This process was initiated in the 19 th century by Jeffries Wyman, whose 1875 publication Fresh-Water Shell Mounds of the St. John's River, Florida highlighted methods that are now commonplace. Wyman’s innovations are often attributed to familiarity with the Scandinavian shell midden school. I examine how Wyman’s experiences engaging with the archaeology of northeast Florida also structured his methods and interpretations. I employ GIS to reconstruct Wyman’s reconnaissance surveys based on his daily field journals. I consider the characteristics of his encampments and changing field methods. By visualizing Wyman’s excursions, I consider why he emphasized certain sites and observations over others, and reconstruct how he conducted his excavations. The results have significance for local researchers who use Wyman’s research, and anyone interested in the influence of field experiences on the emergence of prehistory as scientific inquiry and its theoretical consequences.
mpME!: music recommendation and exploration

mpME! introduces users to new music and interweaves old music the listener has heard of before and enjoys. mpME! exposes listeners to new music by using existing music information on the Internet such as musical artist directories. mpME! also provides complementary information about the artist to educate the user throughout the listening experience. MpME! uses a feature intersection algorithm to make recommendations for artists using features of artists found on the web.
Implications of predatory specialization for cranial form and function in canids

The shape of the cranium varies widely among members of the order Carnivora, but the factors that drive the evolution of differences in shape remain unclear. Selection for increased bite force, bite speed or skull strength may all affect cranial morphology. We investigated the relationship between cranial form and function in the trophically diverse dog family, Canidae, using linear morphometrics and finite element (FE) analyses that simulated the internal and external forces that act on the skull during the act of prey capture and killing. In contrast to previous FE-based studies, we compared models using a newly developed method that removes the effects of size and highlights the relationship between shape and performance. Cranial shape varies among canids based on diet, and different selective forces presumably drove evolution of these phenotypes. The long, narrow jaws of small prey specialists appear to reflect selection for fast jaw closure at the expense of bite force. Generalists have intermediate jaw dimensions and produce moderate bite forces, but their crania are comparable in strength to those of small prey specialists. Canids that take large prey have short, broad jaws, produce the largest bite forces and possess very strong crania. Our FE simulations suggest that the remarkable strength of skulls of large prey specialists reflect the additional ability to resist extrinsic loads that may be encountered while struggling with large prey items.
Low spreading loss in underwater acoustic networks reduces RTS/CTS effectiveness

The relatively low spreading losses in underwater acoustic channels allows increased interference from distant interferers, which reduces the effectiveness of collision-avoidance MAC protocols. These collisions in turn reduce spatial reuse and network goodput, and increase power consumption. A competing channel effect, however, is the frequency-dependent absorption. The absorption can strongly suppress distant interferers, improving the effectiveness of collision-avoidance protocols. A third channel effect is frequency-dependent ambient noise, which reduces effectiveness for links consisting of widely separated nodes. RTS/CTS effectiveness generally decreases with decreasing acoustic frequency.We present analytic, numerical, and simulated results detailing how each of the major characteristics of the physical channel and physical layer affect the RTS/CTS effectiveness. We find that RTS/CTS effectiveness can drop to between 50%--90% for source and receiver separated by more than about two-thirds of the maximum packet range. The effect depends heavily on the acoustic frequency. We also present as a hypothesis an alternative physically based spreading model that distinguishes between desired signals, which are typically coherently detected via the largest of their multipath arrivals, and interfering signals whose effect on detection performance is related to the total energy in all of their multipath arrivals.
Spontaneous Spinal Epidural Hematoma

Spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma (SSEH) is a relatively rare but significant spinal condition. Urgent surgical evacuation of a hematoma is generally indicated to prevent serious permanent neurological deficits. We encountered three cases of spontaneous spinal epidural hematomas associated with motor weakness that were treated successfully by surgical intervention.
Interaction with embodied media

The graphical user interface has become the de facto metaphor for the majority of our diverse activities using computers, yet the desktop environment provides a one size fits all user interface. This dissertation argues that for the computer to fully realize its potential to significantly extend our intellectual abilities, new interaction techniques must call upon our bodily abilities to manipulate objects, enable collaborative work, and be usable in our everyday physical environment. In this dissertation I introduce a new human-computer interaction concept, embodied media. An embodied media system physically represents digital content such as files, variables, or other program constructs with a collection of self-contained, interactive electronic tokens that can display visual feedback and can be manipulated gesturally by users as a single, coordinated interface. Such a system relies minimally on external sensing infrastructure compared to tabletop or augmented reality systems, and is a more general-purpose platform than most tangible user interfaces. I hypothesized that embodied media interfaces provide advantages for activities that require the user to efficiently arrange and adjust multiple digital content items. Siftables is the first instantiation of an embodied media interface. I built 180 Siftable devices in three design iterations, and developed a programming interface and various applications to explore the possibilities of embodied media. In a survey, outside developers reported that Siftables created new user interface possibilities, and that working with Siftables increased their interest in human-computer interaction and expanded their ideas about the field. I evaluated a content organization application with users, finding that Siftables offered an advantage over the mouse+graphical user interface (GUI) for task completion time that was amplified when participants worked in pairs, and a digital image manipulation application in which participants preferred Siftables to the GUI in terms of enjoyability, expressivity, domain learning, and for exploratory/quick arrangement of items. (Copies available exclusively from MIT Libraries, Rm. 14-0551, Cambridge, MA 02139-4307. Ph. 617-253-5668; Fax 617-253-1690.)
A System for Dosage-Based Functional Genomics in Poplar

Altering gene dosage through variation in gene copy number is a powerful approach to addressing questions regarding gene regulation, quantitative trait loci, and heterosis, but one that is not easily applied to sexually transmitted species. Elite poplar (Populus spp) varieties are created through interspecific hybridization, followed by clonal propagation. Altered gene dosage relationships are believed to contribute to hybrid performance. Clonal propagation allows for replication and maintenance of meiotically unstable ploidy or structural variants and provides an alternative approach to investigating gene dosage effects not possible in sexually propagated species. Here, we built a genome-wide structural variation system for dosage-based functional genomics and breeding of poplar. We pollinated Populus deltoides with gamma-irradiated Populus nigra pollen to produce >500 F1 seedlings containing dosage lesions in the form of deletions and insertions of chromosomal segments (indel mutations). Using high-precision dosage analysis, we detected indel mutations in ∼55% of the progeny. These indels varied in length, position, and number per individual, cumulatively tiling >99% of the genome, with an average of 10 indels per gene. Combined with future phenotype and transcriptome data, this population will provide an excellent resource for creating and characterizing dosage-based variation in poplar, including the contribution of dosage to quantitative traits and heterosis.
Sarcoidosis of the upper respiratory tract. Selected cases emphasizing diagnostic and therapeutic difficulties.

BACKGROUND Sarcoidosis of the upper respiratory tract (SURT) is a frequently overlooked and inadequately treated complication of sarcoidosis. AIM The aim of this descriptive study is to present selected cases of sarcoidosis of the upper respiratory tract depicting diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. METHODS AND RESULTS Five selected patients who either had an unusual initial presentation or an unusual clinical course were included if they also had long follow up. The diagnosis of SURT was based on the conventional criteria including histological evidence and appropriate microbiological studies. CONCLUSION These case studies underline problems that may arise when SURT is not recognized early and appropriate and adequate treatment is delayed.
On the chemical sterilization of blood and blood plasma.

SummaryMethyl-bis (beta-chloroethyl) amine hydrochloride has been demonstrated to exert effective virucidal and bactericidal effects in the presence of either plasma, serum or whole blood. The required virucidal dosage of HN2 is below 500 mg/l of blood or plasma if the pH is at or near 7.0. The end products of decomposition of the added HN2 are essentially nontoxic if the pH of the system is not too low. No evidence of antigenic or other toxic reactions has been produced in two dogs and two humans receiving repeated injections of treated plasma. Human red blood cells withstand the application of virucidal dosages of HN2 without hemolysis and with only a slight increase in fragility. Complement, immune bodies, phosphatase and fibrinogen are only slightly affected by sterilizing dosages of HN2. Prothrombin time is markedly prolonged by HN2.
The seattle experience with allogeneic marrow transplantation for aplastic anaemia and acute leukaemia

Through June of 1977 128 patients with severe aplastic anaemia received marrow transplants from HLA identical siblings. Seven patients died within the first week and could not be evaluated. Thirty patients (25%) rejected the transplant. Fifty-nine patients became long-term survivors (1–6 yr), 6 of whom have chronic graft-versus-host disease. Studies in the canine model have shown that the problem of graft rejection is related to sensitization to transplantation antigens by blood transfusions. More recently, 18 patients with severe aplastic anaemia have been transplanted before transfusions were given. One patient died early. The other 17 patients are living and no patient has rejected the graft. One hundred and twenty patients with endstage acute leukaemia were transplanted from HLA identical siblings after preparation with cyclophosphamide 60 mg/kg on each of 2 days followed by 1000 rad total body irradiation. Fourteen of these patients are living in remission 2½ to 8 yr after transplantation. In 1976 and 1977 15 patients with acute myelogenous leukaemia were transplanted during the first remission. Only one patient has relapsed. Nine patients are living in remission 10 to 30 mth (median 16) after transplantation. A proportional hazards analysis indicates the strong probability that the long-term survivors, who have received no maintenance chemotherapy, are cured of the disease. Transplantation in remission has significantly increased early survival and the results to date indicate a substantial improvement in the fraction of patients cured of the disease. Problems related to graft-versus-host disease and opportunistic infections will be discussed.
APPLYING THE STRAUSSIAN FRAMEWORK OF ACTION, NEGOTIATION, AND SOCIAL ARENAS TO A STUDY OF ACCOUNTABILITY IN HOSPITALS

Millions of dollars are being spent on the quest for the best means to assess, monitor, and improve the quality of health care in the United States and on making physicians, health plans, and hospitals accountable. Toward this end, participants in this ever-expanding arena are earnestly trying to develop universal quality standards and regulatory mechanisms. Hospital personnel are desperately trying to adapt to this accountability imperative under two significant conditions that are prompted by the drive to stem costs : (1) the redesign of hospitals, resulting in extensive changes in work roles and the division of labor; and (2) the provision of clinical procedures on an outpatient basis to reduce the length of hospital stay. Consequently, patients who are hospitalized are much sicker than they used to be, while nursing and support staff have been reduced to save money. Meanwhile, a disjunction exists between the nature of quality being measured and the meaning people place on their experiences with health care delivery. Based on five years of research that focused on the evolution of the accountability enterprise, this article demonstrates the usefulness of the framework that was central to the work of Anselm Strauss action, negotiation, and social arenasfor analyzing this complex endeavor. The fit of business techniques and methods currently being used to advance hospital accountability is viewed in relation to the complexity of medical work and the fast pace of change in biotechnology. Amid the pressure to curtail health care spending, an elaborate enterprise costing millions of dollars has been constructed for the purpose of assessing and monitoring the quality of health care in the United States in an effort to "improve performance/' in the current language, and to make physicians, health plans, and hospitals more accountable. A growing cadre of people computer specialists, researchers, health care economists, health policy experts are earnestly seeking the means to measure the outcomes of hospital care. This "accountability endeavor" is occurring under two significant conditions that are prompted by the drive to stem * Direct all correspondence to: Carolyn L. Wiener, Box 0610, Department of Physiological Nursing, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143; e-mail : carolyn.wiener@nursing.ucsf.edu. Sociological Perspectives, Volume 43, Number 4, pages S59-S71. Copyright © 2000 by Pacific Sociological Association. All rights reserved. Send requests for permission to reprint to: Rights and Permissions, University of California Press, Journals Division, 2000 Center St., Ste. 303, Berkeley, CA 94704-1223.