cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Apparent Five-Coordinate Metal Complexes: Evidence for Trifunctional Bridge Bonding with the 3-Cyano-2,4-Pentanedionate Ligand in the Trichloro(3-Cyano-2,4-Pentanedionato) Complexes of Tin(IV) and Titanium(IV)

Abstract Sir: We wish to report evidence for an oligomeric structure in trichloro(3-cyano-2,4-pentanedionato) titanium(IV), C13TiL, and trichloro(3-cyano-2,4-pentanedionato)tin(IV), C13SnL. Evidence is presented that oligomerization is accomplished by a novel bridging interaction involving the planar trifunctional 3-cyano-2,4-pentanedionate anion.
Encouraging smoking policies in restaurants

THIS study quantifies the extent of smoking policies in eating places in Northampton District Health Authority and examines the effectiveness of the sur vey method in stimulating further policy development.
Sign language recognition using dynamic time warping and hand shape distance based on histogram of oriented gradient features

Recognizing sign language is a very challenging task in computer vision. One of the more popular approaches, Dynamic Time Warping (DTW), utilizes hand trajectory information to compare a query sign with those in a database of examples. In this work, we conducted an American Sign Language (ASL) recognition experiment on Kinect sign data using DTW for sign trajectory similarity and Histogram of Oriented Gradient (HoG) [5] for hand shape representation. Our results show an improvement over the original work of [14], achieving an 82% accuracy in ranking signs in the 10 matches. In addition to our method that improves sign recognition accuracy, we propose a simple RGB-D alignment tool that can help roughly approximate alignment parameters between the color (RGB) and depth frames.
Scanning electron microscopic examination of pocket wall epithelium and associated plaque in localized juvenile periodontitis

Abstract The purpose of this investigation was to describe the morphologic characteristics of epithelial-associated plaque in periodontal pockets of patients with localized juvenile periodontitis (LJP). 25 tissue specimens obtained from 10 adolescent patients were examined by scanning electron microscopy. Specimens were evaluated to determine the following specific features: (1) distribution of microbial colonies on the epithelial surface; (2) topographic features of pocket epithelium associated with microbial colonies; and (3) the predominante microbial morphologic types comprising the colonies. Observations made during this investigation revealed the following. (1) The surface epithelium in the coronal one-third of the pocket wall was essentially healthy in appearance and exhibited no distinct microbial colonies or unusual topographic features. (2) The surface epithelium in the middle one-third area featured randomly-dispersed microbial colonies consisting of 3 major morphotypes: cocci, bacilli and coccobacilli. Also in this zone, there was morphologic evidence of microbial penetration of the epithelial barrier along intercellular spaces. (4) The apical one-third zone was characterized by lymphocytic infiltration, epithelial cavitation and ulcerations, and singular organisms entrapped in fibrin meshworks. There were no distinct microbial colonies in this zone, although individual spirochetes, fusiforms, filamentous organisms, and short and longe rods were observed.
Simultaneous binding to the tracking strand, displaced strand and the duplex of a DNA fork enhances unwinding by Dda helicase

Interactions between helicases and the tracking strand of a DNA substrate are well-characterized; however, the role of the displaced strand is a less understood characteristic of DNA unwinding. Dda helicase exhibited greater processivity when unwinding a DNA fork compared to a ss/ds DNA junction substrate. The lag phase in the unwinding progress curve was reduced for the forked DNA compared to the ss/ds junction. Fewer kinetic steps were required to unwind the fork compared to the ss/ds junction, suggesting that binding to the fork leads to disruption of the duplex. DNA footprinting confirmed that interaction of Dda with a fork leads to two base pairs being disrupted whereas no disruption of base pairing was observed with the ss/ds junction. Neutralization of the phosphodiester backbone resulted in a DNA-footprinting pattern similar to that observed with the ss/ds junction, consistent with disruption of the interaction between Dda and the displaced strand. Several basic residues in the 1A domain which were previously proposed to bind to the incoming duplex DNA were replaced with alanines, resulting in apparent loss of interaction with the duplex. Taken together, these results suggest that Dda interaction with the tracking strand, displaced strand and duplex coordinates DNA unwinding.
Liquid-film instabilities in confined geometries.

Sol-gel methods combined with specific thermal treatments were used to fabricate porous glasses with extremely uniform pore diameters and high internal surface areas. Low-temperature adsorption isotherm measurements reveal the dynamic and thermodynamic stability limits of the liquid films as a function of evolving pore diameter. Contrary to classical predictions, the results are in remarkable agreement with a universal hydrodynamic theory of film behavior which includes substrate interactions.
Viral Evolution and Interferon Resistance of Hepatitis C Virus RNA Replication in a Cell Culture Model

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) replicates through an error-prone process that may support the evolution of genetic variants resistant to the host cell antiviral response and interferon (IFN)-based therapy. We evaluated HCV-IFN interactions within a long-term culture system of Huh7 cell lines harboring different variants of an HCV type 1b subgenomic RNA replicon that differed at only two sites within the NS5A-encoding region. A replicon with a K insertion at HCV codon 2040 replicated efficiently and exhibited sequence stability in the absence of host antiviral pressure. In contrast, a replicon with an L2198S point mutation replicated poorly and triggered a cellular response characterized by IFN-β production and low-level IFN-stimulated gene (ISG) expression. When maintained in long term-culture, the L2198S RNA evolved into a stable high-passage (HP) variant with six additional point mutations throughout the HCV protein-encoding region that enhanced viral replication. The HP RNA transduced Huh7 cells with more than 1,000-fold greater efficiency than its L2198S progenitor or the K2040 sequence. Replication of the HP RNA resisted suppression by IFN-α treatment and was associated with virus-directed reduction in host cell expression of ISG56, an antagonist of HCV RNA translation. Accordingly, the HP RNA was retained within polyribosome complexes in vivo that were refractory to IFN-induced disassembly. These results identify ISG56 as a translational control effector of the host response to HCV and provide direct evidence to link this response to viral sequence evolution, ISG regulation, and selection of the IFN-resistant viral phenotype.
The glass point of elastin as a function of diluent concentration

Elastin shares the properties of rubberlike elasticity and its capability to form a glass with crosslinked polymers in general. The glass transition temperature of dry elastin at 200°C is strongly depressed by water, as well as by ethylene glycol. On a volume fraction basis, both diluents depress the glass point equally. This result is strong evidence against any specific binding of diluent molecules and indicates relatively high mobility of diluent molecules in glassy elastin. This deduction is in agreement with the conclusions reached on the basis of heat capacity and dielectric measurements. Proposed small sections of β turns in the elastin chain are compatible with the concept of naturally occurring elastin chains in the amorphous state. Our results, however, do not confirm the existence of proposed β spirals with periodicities of 100 A which were suggested to be the basis for the banded filaments observed in electron micrographs.
Principles of coparticipant inquiry: An introductory outline and implications for therapeutic action

Abstract Historically, two paradigms have been dominant in clinical psychoanalysis: the classical paradigm, which views the impersonal analyst as objective mirror, and the interpersonal/relational model, which views the analyst as intersubjective participant-observer. An evolutionary shift in psychoanalytic consciousness has, however, been quietly taking place, giving rise to coparticipant inquiry, a third paradigm that integrates the individualistic emphasis of classical theory and the social focus of participant-observation, avoiding the reductionism of each. This new perspective, which is rooted in the radical teachings and clinical experiments of Sandor Ferenczi, represents a significant shift in analytic theory and has major clinical implications. This essay articulates the seven guiding principles of coparticipant inquiry and reviews its contribution to the psychoanalytic theory of therapeutic action. The curative process of reconstructive new experience in the analytic situation, referred to as the...
Stimulation of endogenous cardioblasts by exogenous cell therapy after myocardial infarction

Controversy surrounds the identity, origin, and physiologic role of endogenous cardiomyocyte progenitors in adult mammals. Using an inducible genetic labeling approach to identify small non-myocyte cells expressing cardiac markers, we find that activated endogenous cardioblasts are rarely evident in the normal adult mouse heart. However, myocardial infarction results in significant cardioblast activation at the site of injury. Genetically labeled isolated cardioblasts express cardiac transcription factors and sarcomeric proteins, exhibit spontaneous contractions, and form mature cardiomyocytes in vivo after injection into unlabeled recipient hearts. The activated cardioblasts do not arise from hematogenous seeding, cardiomyocyte dedifferentiation, or mere expansion of a preformed progenitor pool. Cell therapy with cardiosphere-derived cells amplifies innate cardioblast-mediated tissue regeneration, in part through the secretion of stromal cell-derived factor 1 by transplanted cells. Thus, stimulation of endogenous cardioblasts by exogenous cells mediates therapeutic regeneration of injured myocardium.
A new method for rotor time constant tuning in indirect field oriented control

A novel adaptive controller for correction of the rotor time constant necessary for the calculation of the slip frequency in indirect field-oriented control of induction machines has been investigated and implemented. The implementation of the controller is based on the machine airgap field flux, which is measured by detecting the third harmonic component of the stator phase voltages. the adaptive controller depends only on a single, easily measurable machine parameter estimate, namely the magnetizing inductance. A correction strategy to compensate for changes of the magnetizing inductance when changes in the airgap flux level occur is also proposed. This strategy is based on a function that relates the value of this inductance to the amplitude of the third harmonic stator voltage component. This controller does not require any sensors in the airgap of the machine, nor does it require complex computations of machine parameters. Only access to the stator neutral connection is necessary to measure the airgap flux. Verification of the validity and feasibility of the technique is obtained from simulation and preliminary experimental results. >
A low-viscosity epoxy resin embedding medium for electron microscopy.

A low-viscosity embedding medium based on ERL-4206 is recommended for use in electron microscopy. The composition is: ERL-4206 (vinyl cyclohexene dioxide) 10 g, D.E.R. 736 (diglycidyl ether of polypropylene glycol) 6 g, NSA (nonenyl succinic anhydride) 26 g, and S-1 (dimethylaminoethanol or DMAE) 0.4 g. The medium is easily and rapidly prepared by dispensing the components, in turn by weight, into a single flask. The relatively low viscosity of the medium (60 cP) permits rapid mixing by shaking and swirling. The medium is infiltrated into specimens after the use of any one of several dehydrating fluids, such as ethanol, acetone, dioxan, hexylene glycol, isopropyl alcohol, propylene oxide, and tert.-butyl alcohol. It is compatible with each of these in all proportions. After infiltration the castings are polymerized at 70°C in 8 hours. Longer curing does not adversely affect the physical properties of the castings. Curing time can be reduced by increasing the temperature or the accelerator, S-1, or both; and the hardness of the castings is controlled by changes in the D.E.R. 736 flexibilizer. The medium has a long pot life of several days and infiltrates readily because of its low viscosity. The castings have good trimming and sectioning qualities. The embedding matrix of the sections is very resistant to oxidation by KMnO 4 and Ba(MnO 4 ) 2 , compared with resins containing NADIC methyl anhydride. Sections are tough under the electron beam and may be used without a supporting membrane on the grids. The background plastic in the sections shows no perceptible substructure at magnifications commonly used for biological materials. The medium has been used successfully with a wide range of specimens, including endosperms with a high lipid content, tissues with hard, lignified cell walls, and highly vacuolated parenchymatous tissues of ripe fruits.
Emergent Complexity Matching in Interpersonal Coordination: Local Dynamics and Global Variability

Rhythmic coordination with stimuli and other people’s movements containing variable or unpredictable fluctuations might involve distinct processes: detecting the fluctuation structure and tuning to or matching the structure’s temporal complexity. This framework predicts that global tuning and local parameter adjustments (e.g., position, velocity or phase) can operate independently during coordination (Marmelat & Delignieres, 2012). Alternatively, we propose that complexity matching is a result of local phase adjustments during coordination (Delignieres & Marmelat, 2014; Torre, Varlet, & Marmelat, 2013). The current study examined this relationship in a rhythmic interpersonal coordination task. Dyads coordinated swinging pendulums that differed in their uncoupled frequencies (detuning). We predicted that frequency detuning would require increased local corrections to maintain the intended phase pattern (in phase). This was expected to yield a relative phase shift accompanied by a change in period complexity and matching. Experimental data and numerical modeling of the pendulum dynamics confirmed our predictions. Increased relative phase shifts occurred simultaneously with increased dissociation between individuals’ movement period complexity. This provided evidence that global complexity matching is intricately linked to local movement adjustments and is not a distinct coordination mechanism. These findings are considered with respect to dynamical and computational approaches to interpersonal coordination.
Optimization of a Weak 3′ Splice Site Counteracts the Function of a Bovine Papillomavirus Type 1 Exonic Splicing Suppressor In Vitro and In Vivo

Alternative splicing is a critical component of the early to late switch in papillomavirus gene expression. In bovine papillomavirus type 1 (BPV-1), a switch in 3′ splice site utilization from an early 3′ splice site at nucleotide (nt) 3225 to a late-specific 3′ splice site at nt 3605 is essential for expression of the major capsid (L1) mRNA. Three viral splicing elements have recently been identified between the two alternative 3′ splice sites and have been shown to play an important role in this regulation. A bipartite element lies approximately 30 nt downstream of the nt 3225 3′ splice site and consists of an exonic splicing enhancer (ESE), SE1, followed immediately by a pyrimidine-rich exonic splicing suppressor (ESS). A second ESE (SE2) is located approximately 125 nt downstream of the ESS. We have previously demonstrated that the ESS inhibits use of the suboptimal nt 3225 3′ splice site in vitro through binding of cellular splicing factors. However, these in vitro studies did not address the role of the ESS in the regulation of alternative splicing. In the present study, we have analyzed the role of the ESS in the alternative splicing of a BPV-1 late pre-mRNA in vivo. Mutation or deletion of just the ESS did not significantly change the normal splicing pattern where the nt 3225 3′ splice site is already used predominantly. However, a pre-mRNA containing mutations in SE2 is spliced predominantly using the nt 3605 3′ splice site. In this context, mutation of the ESS restored preferential use of the nt 3225 3′ splice site, indicating that the ESS also functions as a splicing suppressor in vivo. Moreover, optimization of the suboptimal nt 3225 3′ splice site counteracted the in vivo function of the ESS and led to preferential selection of the nt 3225 3′ splice site even in pre-mRNAs with SE2 mutations. In vitro splicing assays also showed that the ESS is unable to suppress splicing of a pre-mRNA with an optimized nt 3225 3′ splice site. These data confirm that the function of the ESS requires a suboptimal upstream 3′ splice site. A surprising finding of our study is the observation that SE1 can stimulate both the first and the second steps of splicing.
Water-vapor permeation in semicrystalline and molten poly(octadecyl acrylate)

The water-vapor permeability of poly(octadecyl acrylate) (PA-18) was measured as a function of temperature in the region traversing its melting point (50 °C). The molten-state permeability of PA-18 is comparable to that of shorter side-chain methacrylate polymers. Water permeability in the semicrystalline state of PA-18 is similar to that of polyethylene at comparable crystallinity levels. The permeation switch, or change in permeability with the traversing of the melting point, for water is discussed in the context of previous results for other penetrants in this and other side-chain crystalline polymers. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci B: Polym Phys 39: 979–984, 2001
Integrating public service and marketing differentiation: an analysis of the American Express Corporation’s “Charge Against Hunger” promotion program

Dating back to the 1980s, American Express (AMEX) has been a corporate leader in successfully applying cause-related marketing (CRM) to boost membership and credit card usage in troubled markets. During a downturn in the mid-1990s, AMEX and Share Our Strength (SOS), a nonprofit organization tackling the problem of hunger in the United States, formed a strategic alliance to create one of the best known and most highly touted CRM campaigns. AMEX implemented an innovative cause branding (CB) effort to convince its cardholders to “Charge Against Hunger” (CAH) by utilizing their AMEX credit cards more frequently during the holiday season. Over the 4-year life of the program, the issue of hunger in the United States was put somewhat higher on the public agenda as more than US $21 million were raised for SOS projects. This study assesses how AMEX’s public relations efforts contributed to the success of the CAH campaign.
STAT4 is required for antibacterial defense but enhances mortality during polymicrobial sepsis.

The signal transducer and activator of transcription factor 4 (STAT4) pathway mediates the intracellular effects of interleukin-12 (IL-12), leading to the production of gamma interferon, induction of a T helper type 1 response, and increased natural killer cell cytotoxicity. The purpose of this study was to determine the role of the STAT4 pathway during polymicrobial peritonitis in the cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) model. CLP was performed on STAT4-deficient (STAT4−/−) and wild-type control (BALB/c) mice. At 4 h after CLP, STAT4−/− mice had significantly higher bacterial counts in the peritoneal lavage fluid, liver, and blood. This difference persisted for 18 h in the peritoneal lavage fluid and blood. Neutrophil migration to the site of infection and into remote tissues was unaffected. Despite higher bacterial counts locally and systemically, STAT4−/− mice had a lower mortality rate than BALB/c controls. In contrast, blockade of IL-12 in BALB/c mice was detrimental to host survival. A blunted serum IL-12 response at 18 h after CLP was exhibited in STAT4−/− mice. These results suggest several critical roles for the STAT4 pathway in the resolution of polymicrobial infections. Additionally, the disparate effects observed with IL-12 blockade and STAT4 deficiency on host survival suggest that IL-12 may activate alternate pathways promoting survival.
Comparison of forelimb and hindlimb systolic blood pressures and proteinuria in healthy Shetland Sheepdogs.

Background The prevalence of systemic hypertension (SHT) in Shetland Sheepdogs has not been reported. Hypothesis/Objectives SHT is common in Shetland Sheepdogs and positively correlated with proteinuria. Measurements of forelimb and hindlimb systolic arterial pressure (SAP) are comparable. Animals Seventy-two clinically healthy, client-owned Shetland Sheepdogs. Methods Forelimb and hindlimb SAP were recorded by Doppler ultrasonography. Proteinuria was quantified by urine dipstick, microalbuminuria, and protein:creatinine ratio (UPC). The relationship of UPC, anxiety, age, weight, and heart rate with forelimb SAP was evaluated. Results The mean forelimb and hindlimb SAP were 132 ± 20 and 118 ± 20 mmHg, respectively. The SAP exceeded 160 mmHg in 9 dogs, suggesting 13% prevalence of SHT. Four dogs had a UPC above 0.5; 2 of these had forelimb SAP exceeding 160 mmHg. Correlation of forelimb and hindlimb SAP was poor (r2 = 0.09; P = .011). Bland–Altman plots revealed substantial bias (−14 mmHg) between limb measurements with clinically unacceptable 95% limits of agreement (−60 to 33 mmHg). There was no correlation between forelimb SAP and UPC (P = .06) or anxiety level (P = .49). Age (P < .0001) and heart rate (P = .038) were significant predictors of forelimb SAP; weight (P = .73) was not. Conclusions Prevalence of SHT was 13% and not correlated with proteinuria. Forelimb and hindlimb SAP were poorly correlated; therefore, trends in an individual animal should be monitored using the same measurement site. Additionally, values for Doppler SAP were determined in Shetland Sheepdogs.
A Hand-Held Programmable-Logic-Device Based Temperature and Relative-Humidity Sensor, Processor and Display System Platform for Automation and Control of Industry Processes

Development, testing and validation of a small battery-powered hand-held programmable-logic-device (PLD) based temperature and relative-humidity sensing, processor and display system platform, to be utilized for computation and display of metrics/parameters of importance to process industry personnel, is addressed in this manuscript. Cost of the platform is important but not the highest priority. A higher priority is an ability to efficiently explore, implement and compare in a timely manner different processor microarchitectures and display system formats which may be used in the calculation and display of any single industry process metric or, when required, even simultaneous calculation and display of multiple metrics which are a function of temperature and Relative-Humidity (RH). A best processor microarchitecture and display system can then be chosen based on application performance/cost requirements. A PLD based sensor, processor and display system platform offers this opportunity. An initial and illustrative application of the platform, and used for its validation - temperature and relative humidity sensing, calculation and display of Equilibrium Moisture Content (EMC) of wood, is described.
Human Describing Functions Measured in Flight and on Simulators

Comparisons have been made between human describing functions measured in flight and on the ground using two different types of ground simulation. A T-33 variable-stability airplane was used for the in-flight measurements. The ground tests were conducted in the T-33 airplane on the ground with simulated instrument flight and also on a general-purpose analog computer in conjunction with a contact analog display. For this study, a multiple-degree-of-freedom controlled element was used in a single-loop compensatory tracking task. The input disturbance in each case consisted of the sum of 10 sine waves with a corner frequency of 1.5 radians per second.
Major technological advances affecting clinical and diagnostic immunology.

There have been many important technological advances in the field of immunology over the last 200 years, but the rate of introduction of new technology, particularly new methods involving sophisticated instrumentation, has increased rapidly in recent years. Prepackaged systems, computer analysis, and electronic reporting, as well as greatly expanded basic and clinical knowledge of immunology and immunological diseases, are changing our approaches to clinical and diagnostic immunology. In addition, the constraints of increasingly limited budgets in the health care system have forced us to reconsider our selection of laboratory tests and methods. In this paper, I will review a few of the important historic findings which advanced the field of clinical and diagnostic immunology as it relates to virology and then discuss some of the more recent important changes in technology, particularly since the 1960s, that are affecting the field today. Last, I will consider some of the future changes which should be in place by the turn of the century. (Adapted from the Abbott Laboratories Award Lecture in Clinical and Diagnostic Immunology, 96th General Meeting of the American Society for Microbiology, 20 May 1996, New Orleans, La.)
Exploring Unconscious Bias in Disparities Research and Medical Education

The evidence that physician behavior and decision making may contribute to racial inequalities in health care1,2,3,4,5 is difficult to reconcile with the fact that most physicians are genuinely motivated to provide good care to all their patients.6 This apparent contradiction can cause considerable cognitive dissonance, the uncomfortable feeling that occurs when holding 2 conflicting ideas simultaneously. Cognitive dissonance has been shown to be so aversive that people are highly motivated to resolve it, often by discounting the evidence supporting one of the conflicting beliefs. For scientists, however, cognitive dissonance motivates inquiry into how 2 seemingly contradictory sets of facts can coexist. The study by Haider and colleagues 7 in this issue of JAMA is part of a growing body of work applying concepts and methods from cognitive and social psychology to medical care and education research to understand and inform …
Iatrogenic salt water drowning and the hazards of a high central venous pressure

Current teaching and guidelines suggest that aggressive fluid resuscitation is the best initial approach to the patient with hemodynamic instability. The source of this wisdom is difficult to discern, however, Early Goal Directed therapy (EGDT) as championed by Rivers et al. and the Surviving Sepsis Campaign Guidelines appears to have established this as the irrefutable truth. However, over the last decade it has become clear that aggressive fluid resuscitation leading to fluid overload is associated with increased morbidity and mortality across a diverse group of patients, including patients with severe sepsis as well as elective surgical and trauma patients and those with pancreatitis. Excessive fluid administration results in increased interstitial fluid in vital organs leading to impaired renal, hepatic and cardiac function. Increased extra-vascular lung water (EVLW) is particularly lethal, leading to iatrogenic salt water drowning. EGDT and the Surviving Sepsis Campaign Guidelines recommend targeting a central venous pressure (CVP) > 8 mmHg. A CVP > 8 mmHg has been demonstrated to decrease microcirculatory flow, as well as renal blood flow and is associated with an increased risk of renal failure and death. Normal saline (0.9% salt solution) as compared to balanced electrolyte solutions is associated with a greater risk of acute kidney injury and death. This paper reviews the adverse effects of large volume resuscitation, a high CVP and the excessive use of normal saline.
Undiagnosed urethral carcinoma: an unusual cause of female urinary retention

Female urinary retention is extremely rare. Two cases of female urethral carcinoma that presented as urinary retention are reviewed and discussed.
Electromigration in eutectic tin-lead solder lines at the device temperature

Electromigration in eutectic SnPb has been studied at the device temperature i.e. 100/spl deg/C and at three different current densities viz. 5/spl times/10/sup 3/ A/cm/sup 2/, 5/spl times/10/sup 4/ A/cm/sup 2/ and 5/spl times/10/sup 4/ A/cm/sup 2/. The test samples are prepared by reflowing solder into V-grooves etched on [001] Si wafer. The accumulation of a large lump of solder is observed at the anode for 5/spl times/10/sup 3/ A/cm/sup 2/ and 5/spl times/10/sup 4/ A/cm/sup 2/ current densities. The dominant diffusing species is found to be Pb in both cases. At 5/spl times/10/sup 3/ A/cm/sup 2/, the electromigration doesn't occur. The effects of current stressing on microstructure of eutectic SnPb solder have also been reported. Grain coarsening is observed, which becomes very significant with increasing current density.
Spatio-temporal variation in the demographic attributes of a generalist mesopredator

Human land-use practices have dramatically altered the composition and configuration of native habitats throughout many ecosystems. Within heterogeneous landscapes generalist predators often thrive, causing cascading effects on local biological communities, yet there are few data to suggest how attributes of fragmentation influence local population dynamics of these species. We monitored 25 raccoon (Procyon lotor) populations from 2004 to 2009 in a fragmented agricultural landscape to evaluate the influence of local and landscape habitat attributes on spatial and temporal variation in demography. Our results indicate that agricultural ecosystems support increased densities of raccoons relative to many other rural landscapes, but that spatial and temporal variation in demography exists that is driven by non-agricultural habitat attributes rather than the availability of crops. At the landscape scale, both density and population stability were positively associated with the size and contiguity of forest patches, while at the local scale density was positively correlated with plant diversity and the density of tree cavities. In addition, populations occupying forest patches with greater levels of plant diversity and stable water resources exhibited less temporal variability than populations with limited plant species complexity or water availability. The proportion of populations comprised of females was most strongly influenced by the availability of tree cavities and soft mast. Despite the abundance of mesopredators in heterogeneous landscapes, our results indicate that all patches do not contribute equally to the regional abundance and persistence of these species. Thus, a clear understanding of how landscape attributes contribute to variation in demography is critical to the optimization of management strategies.
Categorization using semi-supervised clustering

Many applications require matching objects to a predefined, yet highly dynamic set of categories accompanied by category descriptions. We present a novel approach to solving this class of categorization problems by formulating it in a semi-supervised clustering framework. Text-based matching is performed to generate ldquosoftrdquo seeds, which are then used to guide clustering in the basic feature space. We introduce a new variation of the k-means algorithm, called Soft Seeded k-means, which can effectively incorporate seeds that are of varying degrees of confidence, while allowing for incomplete coverage of the pre-defined categories. The algorithm is applied to real-world data from a business analytics application, and we demonstrate that it leads to superior performance compared to previous approaches.
Religiosity and Self-Rated Health: A Longitudinal Examination of Their Reciprocal Effects

While religiosity tends to be favorably associated with physical health, further research is needed to assess the causal directions between religiosity and health. This study examined reciprocal pathways between them with a three-wave panel dataset (General Social Survey, 2006–2010). Among Christians (N = 585), religious activities were associated with improved self-rated health, while conservative religious beliefs were associated with worsened health over time. Additionally, worse health was associated with increased engagement in religious activities and greater endorsement of conservative religious beliefs over time. Results highlight the need for additional research and theory to map the complexity of the religion–health connection.
Economic Evaluation of the Use of Growth Regulators by Contract Broiler Growers

Abstract Technological breakthroughs in recombinant DNA and molecular biology have provided the means to economically produce growth regulators for broiler production. This study evaluates the economic impact of growth regulators on contract broiler grower profitability in the Delmarva (Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia) region and Georgia using a stochastic-dynamic simulation model (CHICKSIM). Increases in feed efficiency and the number of bird placements per year were used to capture the increased productivity (shorter growout period) resulting from use of the growth regulators. Empirical results show that broiler farms experience an increase in profitability using growth regulators only if livability rates and broiler prices are not substantially reduced by the increase in productivity.
Enantioselective Synthesis and Stereoselective Ring Opening of N‐Acylaziridines

Kinetic resolution of N-acylaziridines by nucleophilic ring opening was achieved with (R)-BINOL as the chiral modifier under boron-catalyzed conditions (see scheme; Ar=3,5-dinitrophenyl). The consumed enantiomer of aziridine can be further converted to an enantioenriched 1,2-chloroamide with recovery of (R)-BINOL.
Cyber law development and the United States Law of War Manual

This chapter examines the recently released United States Department of Defense (DoD) Law of War Manual to sample sovereign views on the current state of international law applicable to cyberspace operations and to assess State interest in development of new cyber-specific norms. The Manual’s treatment of cyber operations is a useful indication of the current state of international norm development in cyberspace and offers insights into likely future developments. Despite presenting the opportunity to do so, the Manual declines to resolve considerable and relatively long-standing legal questions concerning the operation of the law of war in cyberspace. Although the Manual describes the U.S. as committed to resolving unsettled and undeveloped legal issues in cyberspace, its authors decline to stake out meaningful positions with respect to these issues or to resolve them in any significant respect. The Manual, with minor exceptions, is not a significant contribution to the development or refinement of new cyber norms. It leaves the international legal community uncertain with respect to both a number of substantive legal issues in cyberspace as well as with respect to how, if at all, the U.S. intends to develop new international cyber law.
Inferring population-level significance from individual-level effects: An extrapolation from fisheries science to ecotoxicology

This paper discusses the concepts and operational definitions of significance used in fisheries management and environmental impact assessment, and demonstrates their applicability to contaminant hazard assessment. Methods of linking chronic test data to models commonly used in fisheries assessments are demonstrated, using the Chesapeake Bay striped bass population as a representative species of regulatory interest. These models can (1) integrate concentration-response functions for the separate components of life cycle chronic tests into a single measure of population-level effects, and (2) translate experimental variability into uncertainty concerning consequences of contaminant exposure. We compared population-level risk functions derived from five life-cycle toxicity data sets to maximum acceptable toxicant concentrations (MATCs) derived from the same five data sets. The comparison showed the MATC to be an inadequate measure of significant population-level effects because (1) several life stages frequently contribute to the effect associated with a given exposure, and (2) test responses such as fecundity, which are both highly sensitive and highly variable, are systematically undervalued in the calculation of the MATC. We discuss several approaches for enriching ecotoxicology through the use of population models and other methods outside the current domain of the field.
Goldspotted oak borer in California: Invasion history, biology, impact, management, and implications for Mediterranean forests worldwide

In 2008, the goldspotted oak borer, Agrilus auroguttatus Schaeffer (Coleoptera: Buprestidae), was first linked to elevated levels of oak mortality in southern California (CA), but it appears to have impacted oak woodlands and mixed conifer forests across all land ownerships in this region for nearly two decades. This unexpectedly damaging indigenous exotic phloem- and wood-boring pest is hypothesized to have been introduced in the late 1990s to early 2000s via infested firewood from southeastern Arizona to San Diego County, CA. The life history and impact of A. auroguttatus on oaks were unknown in its native range prior to 2008, and confusion surrounding its taxonomic placement further complicated the status of this emerging pest problem. The primary tree species infested in CA are coast live oak, Quercus agrifolia Nee, and California black oak, Quercus kelloggii Newb. As the invaded range expands, A. auroguttatus may interact with the broader community of other exotic and native pests of oaks in CA and continue to cause ecological and economic impacts. Early detection of A. auroguttatus is an imperative prerequisite for managing this invasive species and preventative and suppression treatments have been developed to protect high-value oaks. The movement of infested firewood will likely result in additional satellite infestations across the range of susceptible hosts from Baja California Norte, Mexico to southern Oregon. Agrilus auroguttatus currently represents the most significant insect threat to oaks in CA, but, if they are introduced, other European and eastern North American Agrilus species also threaten these Mediterranean forest ecosystems.
Fiber-bundle microendoscopy with sub-diffuse reflectance spectroscopy and intensity mapping for multimodal optical biopsy of stratified epithelium.

Early detection of structural or functional changes in dysplastic epithelia may be crucial for improving long-term patient care. Recent work has explored myriad non-invasive or minimally invasive “optical biopsy” techniques for diagnosing early dysplasia, such as high-resolution microendoscopy, a method to resolve sub-cellular features of apical epithelia, as well as broadband sub-diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, a method that evaluates bulk health of a small volume of tissue. We present a multimodal fiber-based microendoscopy technique that combines high-resolution microendoscopy, broadband (450-750 nm) sub-diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (sDRS) at two discrete source-detector separations (374 and 730 μm), and sub-diffuse reflectance intensity mapping (sDRIM) using a 635 nm laser. Spatial resolution, magnification, field-of-view, and sampling frequency were determined. Additionally, the ability of the sDRS modality to extract optical properties over a range of depths is reported. Following this, proof-of-concept experiments were performed on tissue-simulating phantoms made with poly(dimethysiloxane) as a substrate material with cultured MDA-MB-468 cells. Then, all modalities were demonstrated on a human melanocytic nevus from a healthy volunteer and on resected colonic tissue from a murine model. Qualitative in vivo image data is correlated with reduced scattering and absorption coefficients.
Effects of High-LET Radiation Exposure and Hindlimb Unloading on Skeletal Muscle Resistance Artery Vasomotor Properties and Cancellous Bone Microarchitecture in Mice

Weightlessness during spaceflight leads to functional changes in resistance arteries and loss of cancellous bone, which may be potentiated by radiation exposure. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of hindlimb unloading (HU) and total-body irradiation (TBI) on the vasomotor responses of skeletal muscle arteries. Male C57BL/6 mice were assigned to control, HU (13-16 days), TBI (1 Gy (56)Fe, 600 MeV, 10 cGy/min) and HU-TBI groups. Gastrocnemius muscle feed arteries were isolated for in vitro study. Endothelium-dependent (acetylcholine) and -independent (Dea-NONOate) vasodilator and vasoconstrictor (KCl, phenylephrine and myogenic) responses were evaluated. Arterial endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), superoxide dismutase-1 (SOD-1) and xanthine oxidase (XO) protein content and tibial cancellous bone microarchitecture were quantified. Endothelium-dependent and -independent vasodilator responses were impaired in all groups relative to control, and acetylcholine-induced vasodilation was lower in the HU-TBI group relative to that in the HU and TBI groups. Reductions in endothelium-dependent vasodilation correlated with a lower cancellous bone volume fraction. Nitric oxide synthase inhibition abolished all group differences in endothelium-dependent vasodilation. HU and HU-TBI resulted in decreases in eNOS protein levels, while TBI and HU-TBI produced lower SOD-1 and higher XO protein content. Vasoconstrictor responses were not altered. Reductions in NO bioavailability (eNOS), lower anti-oxidant capacity (SOD-1) and higher pro-oxidant capacity (XO) may contribute to the deficits in NOS signaling in skeletal muscle resistance arteries. These findings suggest that the combination of insults experienced in spaceflight leads to impairment of vasodilator function in resistance arteries that is mediated through deficits in NOS signaling.
Cooperative titanocene and phosphine catalysis: accelerated C-X activation for the generation of reactive organometallics.

The study presented herein describes a reductive transmetalation approach toward the generation of Grignard and organozinc reagents mediated by a titanocene catalyst. This method enables the metalation of functionalized substrates without loss of functional group compatibility. Allyl zinc reagents and allyl, vinyl, and alkyl Grignard reagents were generated in situ and used in the addition to carbonyl substrates to provide the corresponding carbinols in yields up to 99%. It was discovered that phosphine ligands effectively accelerate the reductive transmetalation event to enable the metalation of C–X bonds at temperatures as low as −40 °C. Performing the reactions in the presence of chiral diamines and amino alcohols led to the enantioselective allylation of aldehydes.
Local VE-cadherin mechanotransduction triggers long-ranged remodeling of endothelial monolayers

In this study, we present results demonstrating that mechanotransduction by vascular endothelial cadherin (VE-cadherin, also known as CDH5) complexes in endothelial cells triggers local cytoskeletal remodeling, and also activates global signals that alter peripheral intercellular junctions and disrupt cell-cell contacts far from the site of force application. Prior studies have documented the impact of actomyosin contractile forces on adherens junction remodeling, but the role of VE-cadherin in force sensation and its ability to influence endothelial cell and tissue mechanics globally have not been demonstrated. Using mechanical manipulation of VE-cadherin bonds and confocal imaging, we demonstrate VE-cadherin-based mechanotransduction. We then demonstrate that it requires homophilic VE-cadherin ligation, an intact actomyosin cytoskeleton, Rho-associated protein kinase 1 (ROCK1) and phosphoinositide 3-kinase. VE-cadherin-mediated mechanotransduction triggered local actin and vinculin recruitment, as well as global signals that altered focal adhesions and disrupted peripheral intercellular junctions. Confocal imaging revealed that VE-cadherin-specific changes appear to propagate across cell junctions to disrupt distant inter-endothelial junctions. These results demonstrate the central role of VE-cadherin adhesions and the actomyosin cytoskeleton within an integrated, mechanosensitive network that both induces local cytoskeletal remodeling at the site of force application and regulates the global integrity of endothelial tissues.
A Disorderly People? Urban Order in the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries

Historians have characterized American cities as violent, noisy, chaotic, and disorderly. 1 This description accords well with the writings of contemporaries who loved the city, like Walt Whitman who saw it as disorderly or, in his phrase, "brawling, lusty." Stephen Crane seconded this image in Maggie, with his portrayal of children fighting, adults fighting, and a general air of brutal self-expression. And Mark Twain lent his support to this image by commenting in Innocents Abroad on the quiet and civility of European cities. The order of the Paris train depot amazed him: "There was no frantic crowding and jostling, no shouting and swearing, and no swaggering intrusion of services by rowdy hackmen."2 Examples of contemporary perceptions of public disorder in American cities could be expanded considerably, but to do so would do more to enlarge our knowledge of urban observers than to deepen our understanding of public disorder. The most common forms of criminal behavior can serve as a conceptual device with which to examine the relationship of social structure and cultural
Dilution of Precision in Vision Navigation Systems

Dilution of Precision (DOP) is a common measure of the quality of measurement geometry in the Global Positioning System. Measurement references that are clustered together in space provide nearly identical measurements and consequently little additional information relative to each other. To have a good measurement geometry, the measurements need to be unique combinations of the navigation states, and DOP is a measure for this. This paper takes this concept of DOP and applies it to optical measurements from a vision navigation system. The DOP for vision measurements is developed by relating noise in measurements of reference location in an image to both position and orientation states. The relationship is demonstrated with a numerical example.
Early Events in Alfalfa Nodule Development

The development of a nitrogen-fixing root nodule is a complex, multi-staged process. A large number of genes, from both the plant and bacteria, are specifically expressed during this interaction. We study the earliest stages of the alfalfa-Rhizobium meliloti interaction and have used a number of plant cDNA clones as molecular markers to examine nodule formation and nodule tissue differentiation. Some plant gene families, e.g., chalcone synthase, have members that are specifically induced after inoculation with R. meliloti, while other genes, e.g., the MsENOD12 gene, are expressed exclusively in nodules. We have determined that mRNAs of MsENOD2, another alfalfa early nodulin, are found in a number of different bacteria-free nodules, while MsENOD12 transcripts have been detected so far only in nodules having infection threads which elongate into the nodule interior. When phytohormones or chemicals that disturb the balance of endogenous plant hormones are applied to alfalfa roots, the ENOD2 gene is expressed. We have also determined that R. meliloti produces a molecule that competes with the auxin transport inhibitor N-1-(naphthyl)phthalamic acid (NPA) for its binding site. This molecule is synthesized by Nod− as well as by wildtype R. meliloti, and appears to require luteolin for maximum induction.