cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
In silico characterization of the neuropeptidome of the Western black widow spider Latrodectus hesperus.

Abstract Technological advancements in high-throughput sequencing have resulted in the production/public deposition of an ever-growing number of arthropod transcriptomes. While most sequencing projects have focused on hexapods, transcriptomes have also been generated for members of the Chelicerata. One chelicerate for which a large transcriptome has recently been released is the Western black widow Latrodectus hesperus , a member of the Araneae (true spiders). Here, a neuropeptidome for L. hesperus was predicted using this resource. Thirty-eight peptide-encoding transcripts were mined from the L. hesperus transcriptome, with 216 distinct peptides predicted from the deduced pre/preprohormones. The identified peptides included members of the allatostatin A, allatostatin B, allatostatin C, allatotropin, bursicon α, bursicon β, CAPA/periviscerokinin/pyrokinin, CCHamide, corazonin, crustacean cardioactive peptide, crustacean hyperglycemic hormone/ion transport peptide, diuretic hormone 31, diuretic hormone 44, FMRFamide-like peptide (FLP), GSEFLamide, insulin-like peptide, neuropeptide F (NPF), orcokinin, proctolin, short neuropeptide F, SIFamide, sulfakinin and tachykinin-related peptide (TRP) families. Of particular note were the identifications of a carboxyl (C)-terminally extended corazonin, FLPs possessing –IMRFamide, –MMYFamide, and –MIHFamide C-termini, a NPF and a sulfakinin each ending in –RYamide rather than –RFamide, a precursor whose orcokinins include C-terminally amidated isoforms, and a collection of TRPs possessing –F X P X Lamide rather than the stereotypical –F X G X Lamide C-termini. The L. hesperus peptidome is by far the largest thus far published for any member of the Chelicerata. Taken collectively, these data serve as a reference for future neuropeptide discovery in the Araneae and provide a foundation for future studies of peptidergic control in L. hesperus and other spiders.
Hydroxyapatite-mediated separation of double-stranded DNA, single-stranded DNA, and RNA genomes from natural viral assemblages

Metagenomics can be used to determine the diversity of complex, often unculturable, viral communities with various nucleic acid compositions. Here, we report the use of hydroxyapatite chromatography to efficiently fractionate double-stranded DNA (dsDNA), single-stranded DNA (ssDNA), dsRNA, and ssRNA genomes from known bacteriophages. Linker-amplified shotgun libraries were constructed to generate sequencing reads from each hydroxyapatite fraction. Greater than 90% of the reads displayed significant similarity to the expected genomes at the nucleotide level. These methods were applied to marine viruses collected from the Chesapeake Bay and the Dry Tortugas National Park. Isolated nucleic acids were fractionated using hydroxyapatite chromatography followed by linker-amplified shotgun library construction and sequencing. Taxonomic analysis demonstrated that the majority of environmental sequences, regardless of their source nucleic acid, were most similar to dsDNA viruses, reflecting the bias of viral metagenomic sequence databases.
Genetic analysis of a phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase SH2 domain reveals determinants of specificity.

Abstract Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase is an important element in both normal and oncogenic signal transduction. Polyomavirus middle T antigen transforms cells in a manner depending on association of its tyrosine 315 phosphorylation site with Src homology 2 (SH2) domains on the p85 subunit of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase. Both nonselective and site-directed mutagenesis have been used to probe the interaction of middle T with the N-terminal SH2 domain of p85. Most of the 24 mutants obtained showed reduced middle T binding. However, mutations that showed increased binding were also found. Comparison of middle T binding to that of the platelet-derived growth factor receptor showed that some mutations altered the specificity of recognition by the SH2 domain. Mutations altering S-393, D-394, and P-395 were shown to affect the ability of the SH2 domain to select peptides from a degenerate phosphopeptide library. These results focus attention on the role of the EF loop in the SH2 domain in determining binding selectivity at the third position after the phosphotyrosine.
Direct density estimation of L-estimates via characteristic functions with applications

Abstract In this note we propose a new and novel kernel density estimator for directly estimating the probability and cumulative distribution function of an L-estimate from a single population based on utilizing the theory in Knight (1985) in conjunction with classic inversion theory. This idea is further developed for a kernel density estimator for the difference of L-estimates from two independent populations. The methodology is developed via a “plug-in” approach, but it is distinct from the classic bootstrap methodology in that it is analytically and computationally feasible to provide an exact estimate of the distribution function and thus eliminates the resampling related error. The asymptotic and finite sample properties of our estimators are examined. The procedure is illustrated via generating the kernel density estimate for the Tukey's trimean from a small data set.
Runoff-behavior of small agricultural watersheds under various land-use practices

A graphic method of studying the frequency of recurrence of runoff peaks has been applied to the short-period records from a number of small agricultural areas. The study shows that for periods as short as two to six years, a consistent pattern of runoff behavior is evident for the data available. The analysis of the data, by this method, for three watersheds in the common three year rotation of corn, grain, and hay, indicates a marked increase in magnitude of runoff peaks where tillage, considerably off the contour, is practiced, compared with contour strip cropping. Where diversion terraces are used in conjunction with the rotation contour cropping, a decrease in the number and magnitude of peak flows is indicated. This is due largely to the channel storage in the terrace which spreads out and reduces the peaks and delays the runoff For pastured areas, the data show that the maintenance of good turf on the areas is essential, particularly in winter. The addition of pasture contour furrows definitely changed the runoff pattern and resulted in a marked reduction in runoff for smaller, low intensity rains. For the larger rains, the reduction in runoff by the furrows decreases as the depth or intensity of the rainfall increases In general, it appears that short-period records of runoff can be classified on the basis of frequency of recurrence and serve as a guide in making recommendations as to runoff expectancy under similar land managements and conditions. This method of determining the frequency of any runoff magnitude directly is considered superior to other methods where runoff values are first related to the rainfall that produced them and the determination of runoff frequency is then attempted from rainfall records that are available for longer periods. The advantage of the present method is obvious when it is remembered that rainfall intensity and amount are but two elements in the production of runoff, whereas this method actually measures the distribution of runoff frequencies and takes into account the effect of other watershed characteristics such as length and degree of slope; drainage pattern; size and shape of area; cover; soil type, depth, and condition; and tillage practices. The consistency that is apparent in the plotting of the data indicates that short records may be employed to characterize runoff behavior, and while data for longer periods unquestionably are needed, the direct use of such records should not be overlooked and at present may offer the best method of obtaining usable information.
Lipids of potato tubers. IV. Effect of growth and storage on the lipid-degrading enzymes of the potato tuber.

Six varieties of potato were chosen to investigate the activity of lipolytic acyl hydrolase and lipoxygenase during tuber growth in the field, and subsequent storage at 5 oC. Apart from an increase in the initial stages of growth, both enzymes displayed relatively consistent levels of activity throughout the life cycle of the tuber. The hydrolase showed an overall slight increase with time and there was a slight decline in lipoxygenase activity during storage. Throughout the physiological stages studied, the activities of both enzymes remained at levels characteristic for a given variety.
Story Telling and Managing Trauma: Health and Spirituality at Work

This article presents a narrative or story-telling approach to managing trauma. The emphasis is on helping religious and spiritual caregivers, as first responders, to manage the impact of trauma on victims as well as on their own lives as caregivers. Religious and spiritual caregivers come from a wide range of traditions, including the Judeo-Christian and Muslim faiths and self-help frameworks that draw on creation spirituality. The aims of this presentation are (1) to define trauma, (2) to review the literature supporting evidenced-based trauma intervention and its importance to narrative intervention, (3) to examine the impact that trauma has on first responders, and (4) to present a narrative or story-telling model of managing the impact that trauma has on the lives of those suffering from traumatic events as well as the impact of trauma on the lives of religious and spiritual caregivers.
Polysaccharide-based polyelectrolyte multilayer surface coatings can enhance mesenchymal stem cell response to adsorbed growth factors.

It is generally accepted that both surface chemistry and biochemical cues affect mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) proliferation and differentiation. Several growth factors that have strong influences on MSC behavior bind to glycosaminoglycans in interactions that affect their stability and their biochemical activity. The goal of this work was to develop polysaccharide-based polyelectrolyte multilayers (PEMs) to bind and stabilize growth factors for delivery to MSCs. Using the naturally derived polysaccharides chitosan and heparin, PEMs were constructed on gold-coated glass chips, tissue-culture polystyrene (TCPS), and titanium. PEM construction and basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2) adsorption to PEMs were evaluated by Fourier transform surface plasmon resonance, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and polarization modulation infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy. The functional response of bone marrow-derived ovine MSCs to FGF-2 on PEM-coated TCPS and titanium was evaluated in vitro, in the presence a...
Thermal hazard from propane fireballs

Tank trucks and rail cars containing such hazardous materials as commercial propane are often involved in accidents wherein the tanks are ruptured and fires occur. In this study, a model for determining the thermal hazard associated with the resulting fireball is developed, and the results are compared with available test data. This work was supported by the Atomic Energy Commission.
An MRI Based Study of Tarsal Development During Manipulation and Casting Therapy of Infant Clubfoot

Ponseti technique is a common non-surgical treatment based on serial manipulation and casting for idiopathic infant clubfoot. We have used three dimensional MRI throughout the treatment, to investigate the effect of the casts on the clubfoot of a one week old (at the beginning of treatment) male with unilateral right idiopathic congenital clubfoot deformity. A total of 21 MRI scans were obtained during weekly serial manipulation and corrective casting. Changes in shape, volume, ossification, and positional relationships of the hind foot anlagen were studied. We found that immediate shape changes occur following casting, particularly in the talus and the navicular, and when after one week the cast is removed the anlagen do not elastically return to their original shape and position prior to casting. Furthermore, the growth rate of some of the clubfoot anlagen, in particular the talus, was faster than normal. A faster ossification was observed in the calcaneus and cuboid. Results also showed correction in parallelism of calcaneus and talus in the anteroposterior plane, minor correction of this parallelism in the lateral view necessitating a heel cord tenotomy, and correction of the medial rotation of calcaneus. Under this treatment changes in talar neck angle yielded a decreasing trend. The navicular moved with respect to the head of the talus from a medial to a lateral position. Relative to the talar body it shifted laterally. Also the geometrical center of talus ossific nucleus was noted to move towards the center of the whole anlagen suggesting that the ossification extends in the opposite direction from the head of the talus. It was concluded that the mechanism of adaptation to the casting loads was quick deformation immediately upon cast application followed by adaptation to the new shape in the cast. These were qualitative findings. It was also concluded that most of the correction occurred during the initial treatment period, primarily during the first and second weeks (1). On the quantitative end, it was confirmed that MRI and computer techniques can be utilized to ascertain and quantify the abnormalities which were impossible to well identify otherwise. MRI based studies have powerful potential to provide helpful information on the choice of treatment as well as guidance throughout. For instance, it may therefore be possible in the present case to shorten the treatment time without adverse effects on the outcome.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Consumer evaluation of community treatment

Development of community programs for offenders requires innovation in program design and evaluation. The Complex Offender Project (COP) provided intensive community treatment, and its clients' opinions were used as a component of its evaluation. Treated clients perceived the same needs for services as did other offenders, but more of them reported receiving the services. Compared to probation, COP was perceived to be more helpful in resolving problems, more continuously helpful, and of helping more to learn useful skills and achieve meaningful goals. The Complex Offender Project provides a model for program development, and the techniques of consumer evaluation are recommended as a means of evaluating such programs.
Structured assessment of acute suicide risk: An emotion focused approach

Suicide risk assessment remains a challenging task for all clinicians. Despite the vast literature on suicide, there is no consensus on how to best conduct a comprehensive suicide risk assessment. In clinical practice, various methods of assessment are employed. Some studies suggest that structured suicide assessments are less likely to miss important risk factors. Although a structured professional judgment methodology (S-RAMM) for suicide risk assessment has been recently developed, it has not received wide acceptance in clinical practice, partly because it is time consuming and it focuses mostly on chronic, non-affective, suicide risk factors. Furthermore, there is evidence that commonly assessed risk factors such as suicidal ideation and plan are not good predictors of acute suicide risk. The objective of this paper is to introduce an evidence-based, time sensitive, structured approach for the assessment of acute suicide risk that can be easily incorporated into a psychiatric interview. In this approach, in addition to assessing risk and protective factors, the clinician systematically assesses the individual's emotional reaction to distressing events. Five affective domains that are associated with suicide are examined including: humiliation/shame, anger, guilt, depression, and emotional detachment. Specific guidelines and questions are provided to ensure a structured and systematic evaluation. Case studies will be used to illustrate the application of this model in diverse clinical settings.
Cortico-cortical projections in mouse visual cortex are functionally target specific

Tuning of neurons in higher visual cortices is less diverse than in primary visual cortex (V1), but the mechanisms underlying this specialization are unknown. In this paper, Glickfeld and colleagues used two-photon imaging in awake mice to measure the visual responses of boutons from V1 projection neurons in the higher visual areas and found that bouton tunings matched the preference of their target areas. These findings suggest that inter-areal visual stimulus feature segregation occurs via the target-specific routing of visual information as it ascends the cortical hierarchy.
Accumulation of protein, non-protein nitrogen and starch during tuber growth of three potato cultivars

The proportion of protein and non-protein nitrogen (NPN) in tuber dry matter decreases rapidly during the initial stages of tuber growth. Protein then stabilizes but NPN increases during the final stages of tuber growth. The percentage of starch in the dry matter increases rapidly during early tuber growth and then either stabilizes or increases at a slower rate. Protein and starch are accumulated at constant rates with respect to tuber growth and the relative amount of protein or starch in the tuber is logarithmically related to tuber size. During tuber growth some protein molecular weight classes increase in concentration while others decrease. We propose a model, based on the growth of storage parenchyma, to explain the data.
Effect of carbon recycle materials on properties of bench scale prebaked anodes for aluminum smelting

Bench scale aluminum smelting anodes were produced from aggregates having butts contents of 0 to 40 wt pct, from 100 pct mixer scrap or 100 pct green anode scrap, and from aggregates having used potlining contents of 0 to 25 pct to determine effects on important properties. Butts additions increased baked apparent density, decreased electrical resistivity, baking shrinkage, and thermal shock cracking resistance, and had little effect on excess carbon consumption. Use of 100 pct mixer scrap was equivalent to use of freshly blended coke and pitch. Use of 100 pct green anode scrap increased baked apparent density, decreased electrical resistivity, and may have reduced carbon consumption. Additions of used potlining increased carbon consumption, had little effect on electrical resistivity, and had a variable effect on thermal shock cracking resistance.
The Role of Internal Tides in the Nutrient Enrichment of Monterey Bay, California"

Abstract Semidiurnal internal tides in Monterey Canyon are shown to be partially responsible for macronutrient enrichment of surface waters in Monterey Bay, California. CTD time series at five stations in the canyon revealed the presence of semidiurnal internal tides with heights between 50 and 120 m. p Thermistor data demonstrated an internal tidal bore at the head of the canyon. Data and theory suggest that internal tidal bores may be breaking, due to either shear instability or direct overturning, thereby enriching the immediate area near the canyon head. Transects normal to Monterey Canyon showed a 20-m thick lens of 12 °C water moving out of the canyon at high internal tide. This lens was then pinched off from the canyon, and led to a density-induced divergence. The nutrient transport associated with the internal tidal divergence could support as much as 30% of the daily primary productivity in the northern part of Monterey Bay during non-upwelling periods.
Treatment of inoperable carotid aneurysms with endovascular carotid occlusion after extracranial-intracranial bypass surgery

Objective Hunterian ligation of the internal carotid artery (ICA) is an accepted treatment for inoperable carotid aneurysms. Preliminary extracranial-intracranial (EC-IC) bypass surgery is required in some patients. The reported incidence of thromboembolic and ischemic complications remains significant for these patients, despite a variety of advocated management strategies. We present our treatment paradigm. Methods Between April 1992 and March 1997, nine patients with inoperable ICA aneurysms were treated using EC-IC bypass surgery and then permanent endovascular ICA occlusion. All of the patients except one had been selected for bypass surgery on the basis of failing results of the ICA test occlusion with hypotensive challenge. ICA occlusion was performed by endovascular means and was delayed after bypass surgery was performed by a mean of 6 days (range, 2-20 d). All patients were managed in the intensive care unit after ICA occlusion. Results Clinical improvement was noted in all patients (mean follow-up, 21 mo; range, 3-42 mo). There were no major complications. Aneurysmal thrombosis was confirmed in all patients. Although ICA occlusion was delayed after bypass surgery, only one bypass was noted to be occluded. The occluded bypass occurred in a patient who subsequently underwent successful ICA occlusion. This patient was thought to have been improperly selected for bypass surgery. Conclusion Certain carotid aneurysms can be effectively managed with hunterian ICA ligation. After preliminary identification of patients with borderline cerebrovascular reserve as candidates for EC-IC bypass surgery, close attention to the following points may help enhance clinical outcome: 1) excellence in surgical technique for EC-IC bypass surgery, 2) occlusion of the parent vessel as close to the aneurysm neck as possible by endovascular means, and 3) judicious postoperative combination of anticoagulation, fluid, and pressure management.
The American Way of State Building: Germany, Japan, Somalia and Panama

Little has been written about attempts to alter the domestic political systems of these countries, even though this was central to the missions. The latter two cases were selected as extremes on a ‘degree of difficulty’ scale. In Somalia there was basically no governing structure; the US had to build one in order to end the starvation caused by civil war. In Panama the US took over a government in place and had an alternative national leader; the problem was to change the existing state system. The cases reveal a stress on short‐run security issues over long‐term political questions.
CypD−/− hearts have altered levels of proteins involved in Krebs cycle, branch chain amino acid degradation and pyruvate metabolism

Cyclophilin D (CypD) is a mitochondrial chaperone that has been shown to regulate the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP). MPTP opening is a major determinant of mitochondrial dysfunction and cardiomyocyte death during ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. Mice lacking CypD have been widely used to study regulation of the MPTP, and it has been shown recently that genetic depletion of CypD correlates with elevated levels of mitochondrial Ca(2+). The present study aimed to characterize the metabolic changes in CypD(-/-) hearts. Initially, we used a proteomics approach to examine protein changes in CypD(-/-) mice. Using pathway analysis, we found that CypD(-/-) hearts have alterations in branched chain amino acid metabolism, pyruvate metabolism and the Krebs cycle. We tested whether these metabolic changes were due to inhibition of electron transfer from these metabolic pathways into the electron transport chain. As we found decreased levels of succinate dehydrogenase and electron transfer flavoprotein in the proteomics analysis, we examined whether activities of these enzymes might be altered. However, we found no alterations in their activities. The proteomics study also showed a 23% decrease in carnitine-palmitoyltransferase 1 (CPT1), which prompted us to perform a metabolomics analysis. Consistent with the decrease in CPT1, we found a significant decrease in C4/Ci4, C5-OH/C3-DC, C12:1, C14:1, C16:1, and C20:3 acyl carnitines in hearts from CypD(-/-) mice. In summary, CypD(-/-) hearts exhibit changes in many metabolic pathways and caution should be used when interpreting results from these mice as due solely to inhibition of the MPTP.
Temporal and spatial changes of fish biomass during the warm season in the Russian part of the elittoral of the Sea of Japan

Total biomass of fish in the Russian elittoral zone of the Sea of Japan during the warm period, according to surveys performed from 1983 to 2006, was 475.6 thousand tons, or 8.8 t/km2. Relatively high values of specific biomass were recorded in the 1980s, and the maximum value (29.2 t/km2) was recorded in 1986, reflecting the cooccurrence of dramatic surges in the Alaska pollock (Theragra chalcogramma) and the Pacific herring (Clupea pallasii). In the 1990s, the total biomass of fishes decreased by an order of magnitude, and over almost the entire decade remained approximately at the same level (4.5–6.7 t/km2); after 2001, this parameter never reached higher values than 4.4 t/km2. The average annual density of fish biomass varied in different areas from 5.8 t/km2 (northern Strait of Tartary) to 13.3 t/km2 (southern Primorskii krai). The principal factor determining the value of specific fish biomass in particular areas is the level of the Alaska pollock’s resources. In the elittoral, the highest concentration of the absolute majority of dominant and subdominant species are confined to the range of depths from 50 to 100 m.
A compound parabolic concentrator as an ultracold neutron spectrometer

The design principles of nonimaging optics are applied to ultracold neutrons (UCN). In particular a vertical compound parabolic concentrator (CPC) that efficiently redirects UCN vertically into a bounded spatial volume where they have a maximum energy mga that depends only on the initial phase space cross sectional area πa^2 creates a spectrometer which can be applied to neutron lifetime and gravitational quantum state experiments.
Passive biomechanical properties of human cadaveric levator ani muscle at low strains

The objective of this study was to measure and model the passive biomechanics of cadaveric levator ani muscle in the fiber direction at low strains with a moderately slow deformation rate. Nine levator ani samples, extracted from female cadavers aged 64 to 96 years, underwent preconditioning and uniaxial biomechanical analysis on a tensile testing apparatus after the original width, thickness, and length were measured. The load extension data and measured dimensions were used to calculate stress–strain curves for each sample. The resulting stress–strain curves up to 10% strain were fit to four different constitutive models to determine which model was most appropriate for the data. A power-law model with two parameters was found to fit the data most accurately. Constitutive parameters did not correlate significantly with age in this study; this may be because all of the cadavers were postmenopausal.
IMMUNOCHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF PROSTATIC ACID PHOSPHATASE WITH MONOCLONAL ANTIBODIES

Hybridoma-derived monoclonal antibodies to human PAP have been produced by fusion of mouse myeloma cells [P3 x 63 Ag 8.653] with spleen cells from mice immunized with purified PAP. One hundred fifty-six out of 252 clones were found to produce antibodies against PAP. These monoclonal antibodies were classified into four different subclasses as IgM [3 clones], IgG2a [2 clones], IgG3 [1 clone], and IgG1 (150 clones] with k-chains. Four monoclonal antibodies, IgG1, IgG2 a, IgG3, and IgM, were selected from the 156 hybridoma clones for immunologic characterization. Results from a binding assay suggested that monoclonal anti-PAP antibodies IgG1 and IgM recognized two distinct antigenic determinants of the PAP molecule, while the hybridoma IgG2a and IgG3 antibodies recognized another antigenic determinant. The specificity of these four hybridoma anti-PAP antibodies has been evaluated by the immunohistochemical method and competitive-binding assay. Monoclonal antibodies IgG2a and IgG3 as well as polyclonal xenoantibodies were found to react with PAP as well as with nonprostatic acid phosphatases; and antibodies IgG1 and IgM reacted more specifically with PAP. These results indicated that monoclonal anti-PAP antibodies IgG1 and IgM possessed a higher specificity for human PAP in comparison with monoclonal antibodies IgG2a, IgG3, and xenoantibodies. The monoclonal anti-PAP IgG1 and IgM antibodies may be useful in delineating antigenic structure of the PAP molecule, as well as in the refinement of serologic determination and immunocytochemical study of PAP in human prostate cancer.
Photolysis of cis-Hexene-2 and cis-Butene-2 at 2026 and 2062 Å

cis‐Hexene−2 and cis‐butene−2 were photolyzed directly using 2026‐ and 2062‐A radiation at varying methane pressures up to 52 cm and olefin pressures of 2 cm. Collisional stabilization of the trans isomer in each case competes with the first‐order decomposition reactions: C6H12*→ lim (1)C4H7+C2H5,C4H8*→ lim (2)C3H5+CH3,→ lim (3)C4H7+H. From the observed pressure dependencies, the values of the first‐order rate constants are k1=8.2×107 sec−1, k2=5.0×108 sec−1, k3=3.5×108 sec−1. Quantum yields for the total of trans olefin and cleavage Reaction (2) are of the order of unity for both butene−2 and hexene−2 photolyses. It is concluded that the cleavage reactions occur after rapid internal conversion to the ground electronic states. The cis—trans isomerization and an isomerization to the 1‐olefin (5% of total reaction) occur in a time short compared to the time between deactivating collisions at the highest pressures.
Data-Dependency Graph Transformations for Instruction Scheduling

This paper presents a set of efficient graph transformations for local instruction scheduling. These transformations to the data-dependency graph prune redundant and inferior schedules from the solution space of the problem. Optimally scheduling the transformed problems using an enumerative scheduler is faster and the number of problems solved to optimality within a bounded time is increased. Furthermore, heuristic scheduling of the transformed problems often yields improved schedules for hard problems. The basic node-based transformation runs in O(ne) time, where n is the number of nodes and e is the number of edges in the graph. A generalized subgraph-based transformation runs in O(n2 e) time. The transformations are implemented within the Gnu Compiler Collection (GCC) and are evaluated experimentally using the SPEC CPU2000 floating-point benchmarks targeted to various processor models. The results show that the transformations are fast and improve the results of both heuristic and optimal scheduling.
Trance and society

Erika Bourguignon, ed. Religion, Altered States of Consciousness, and Social Change. Columbus: Ohio State University Press, 1973. x+389 pp. Tables, illustrations, references, appendix, notes, and index. $12.50.
The role of lateral diffusion as a rate-controlling mechanism in chromatography

A general method is outlined for calculating lateral nonequilibrium when the rate-controlling steps involve lateral diffusion only. The nonequilibrium is responsible for a contribution to the diffusion, or to the plate height, of a zone in a column. The latter is easily calculated from the nonequilibrium. The stationary phase models chosen for calculation include a flat film of uniform thickness, homogeneous spheres, cylindrical rods and pores of nonuniform depth. These models are useful in describing gas, ion exchange and paper chromatography. Mobile phase models include uniform and parabolic flow; both between parallel faces and in circular tubes. The roles of two simultaneous diffusion processes is considered, and the conditions under which these contribute additive terms are discussed. Examples of both additive and nonadditive cases are shown. Finally, the rate-controlling influences of stationary phase and mobile phase diffusion are compared. The importance of parabolic flow, in contrast to uniform flow, is shown at R values near unity.
Observer variability in the histologic diagnosis of microscopic colitis.

Background: Microscopic colitis is diagnosed based on histologic criteria. There has been no investigation of the reproducibility of the histologic diagnosis of microscopic colitis. Our aim was to evaluate interobserver and intraobserver variation in this diagnosis. Methods: Colonic biopsies from 90 subjects (20 lymphocytic colitis, 20 collagenous colitis, 20 inflammatory bowel disease, and 30 normal) were blindly and independently reviewed by 4 gastrointestinal pathologists. The biopsies were classified by each pathologist into 1 of 6 diagnostic categories: lymphocytic colitis, collagenous colitis, active chronic colitis, focal active colitis, normal, or other. The slides were then relabeled and blindly reinterpreted 3 months later. The degree of agreement was determined using kappa statistics (λ). Results: Interobserver agreement with the 6 diagnostic categories was 69% (κ = 0.76, 95% CI 0.69, 0.83) and 70% (κ = 0.71, 95% CI 0.61, 0.79) for the first and second observations, respectively. Interobserver agreement with final diagnostic categories of microscopic colitis versus nonmicroscopic colitis was 91% (κ = 0.90, 95% CI 0.82, 0.96) and 88% (κ = 0.83, 95% CI 0.73, 0.92), respectively. Mean intraobserver agreement with the 6 diagnostic categories was 83% (κ = 0.77). Mean intraobserver agreement with the final diagnostic categories of microscopic colitis versus nonmicroscopic colitis was 95% (κ = 0.89). Conclusions: Both interobserver and intraobserver agreement were good in distinguishing among the 6 diagnostic categories, and excellent in distinguishing between microscopic colitis and nonmicroscopic colitis diagnoses. The histologic criteria for microscopic colitis provide for consistent and reproducible interindividual and intraindividual diagnoses in the evaluation of colonic biopsies. (Inflamm Bowel Dis 2008)
An extremal problem for the Fredholm eigenvalues

Here nt denotes the inner normal to C at t, and the integration is with respect to arc length. The integral equation (1) with a sign change is useful in constructive methods of conformal mapping [11], and with transposed kernel it leads to a solution of the Neumann boundary value problem. It can be shown [3] that the eigenvalues of the kernel k(z, t) are all real, are symmetric with respect to the origin, and lie outside the unit circle. The only exception is the trivial eigenvalue 1 corresponding to constant eigenfunctions. The integral equation (1) can be solved by successive approximations as follows. Let ~bo = u and
A class of solvable potentials

A systematic method of constructing (velocity-independent) potentials, for which thes-wave Schrodinger equation can be solved in terms of known functions, is presented. Several such examples are constructed and the analytic structure of some of the corresponding scattering amplitudes worked out in detail. The use of Darboux’s theorem allows a significant extension of the class of solvable potentials.
Vibration safety limits for magnetic resonance elastography

Magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) has been demonstrated to have potential as a clinical tool for assessing the stiffness of tissue in vivo. An essential step in MRE is the generation of acoustic mechanical waves within a tissue via a coupled mechanical driver. Motivated by an increasing volume of human imaging trials using MRE, the objectives of this study were to audit the vibration amplitude of exposure for our IRB-approved human MRE studies, to compare these values to a conservative regulatory standard for vibrational exposure and to evaluate the applicability and implications of this standard for MRE. MRE displacement data were examined from 29 MRE exams, including the liver, brain, kidney, breast and skeletal muscle. Vibrational acceleration limits from a European Union directive limiting occupational exposure to whole-body and extremity vibrations (EU 2002/44/EC) were adjusted for time and frequency of exposure, converted to maximum displacement values and compared to the measured in vivo displacements. The results indicate that the vibrational amplitudes used in MRE studies are below the EU whole-body vibration limit, and the EU guidelines represent a useful standard that could be readily accepted by Institutional Review Boards to define standards for vibrational exposures for MRE studies in humans.
The elemental composition and decay-series radionuclide content of plankton from the East Pacific☆

Mixed plankton samples collected from both the East Pacific and nearshore areas off southern California were analyzed for the elements Na, Mg, Cl, K, Ca, Sc, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Zn, Se, Br, Sr, Ag, Sb, I, Ba, La, Ce, Sm, Eu, Th and U, and the decay-series nuclides 238U, 234U, 232Th, 230Th, 228Th and 226Ra. The concentration populations for most elements (22 out of 26) were found to be normally distributed. Cross-correlation coefficients calculated for all possible pairs of elements showed the following associations to be highly significant: Na/1bCl; Fe/1bCo; Ra/1bCr; Ca/1bSb/1bZn; Sr/1bREE/1bTh/1bK/1bV; while Br and Se were inversely correlated with ash content. Principal components analysis identified members of sea salt, detrital silicate and authigenic element groups. Enrichment factors vs. pelagic clay (sea salt corrected) also identified those elements that are biophilic. Concentration factors were calculated for each element relative to seawater indicating the following relative reactivity in the photic layer: Th, Ce, Fe, Sc > La, Sm, Eu, Mn, Cr, Zn > Ba, Ag, Co, Se, Sb, Ra, V > I, U > Sr > Ca, Br > K, Mg > Na, Cl. An inverse relationship was found to exist between the log of this concentration factor and the log of the oceanic mean residence time for each element calculated from river input data, suggesting biologic transport as an important mechanism for cycling these elements between their introduction into the ocean and their ultimate incorporation into the sediments. In addition, a biologic mechanism appears likely as an explanation for the Ce depletion in seawater relative to the other REE, based on its higher concentration factor in marine plankton.
Behavior of pairs of loci in finite monoecious populations.

Abstract Transition equations are established for descent measures for pairs of loci in finite randomly mating monoecious populations. The two special cases of equal chance gamete formation and two gametes per parent are considered in detail. The descent measures allow genotypic frequencies to be found but are used mainly to evaluate three quadrigenic moments, including the variance of the linkage disequilibrium. Numerical properties of these moments are compared to previously reported values.
Visualization of human immunodeficiency virus protease inhibition using a novel Förster resonance energy transfer molecular probe.

The in vivo high-throughput screening (HTS) of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) protease inhibitors is a significant challenge because of the lack of reliable assays that allow the visualization of HIV targets within living cells. In this study, we developed a new molecular probe that utilizes the principles of Forster resonance energy transfer (FRET) to visualize HIV-1 protease inhibition within living cells. The probe is constructed by linking two fluorescent proteins: AcGFP1 (a mutant green fluorescent protein) and mCherry (a red fluorescent protein) with an HIV-1 protease cleavable p2/p7 peptide. The cleavage of the linker peptide by HIV-1 protease leads to separation of AcGFP1 from mCherry, quenching FRET between AcGFP1 and mCherry. Conversely, the addition of a protease inhibitor prevents the cleavage of the linker peptide by the protease, allowing FRET from AcGFP1 to mCherry. Thus, HIV-1 protease inhibition can be determined by measuring the FRET signal's change generated from the probe. Both in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrated the feasibility of applying the probe for quantitative analyses of HIV-1 protease inhibition. By cotransfecting HIV-1 protease and the probe expression plasmids into 293T cells, we showed that the inhibition of HIV-1 protease by inhibitors can be visualized or quantitatively determined within living cells through ratiometric FRET microscopy imaging measurement. It is expected that this new probe will allow high-content screening (HCS) of new anti-HIV drugs.
Small-angle X-ray and neutron scattering studies of the morphology of ionomers

Preliminary small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) studies have been made of different ionomers in the dry state and after saturation with water. Scattering from the dry samples arises from differences in the neutron scattering cross sections of the ionic and nonionic units in the polymer. The SANS technique is complementary to previous small-angle x-ray scattering (SAXS) studies since the SANS contrast differences are generally quite different than those for SAXS. A quantitative comparison is made of SANS and SAXS intensities for a dry cesium salt of an ethylene-methacrylic acid (E-MAA) copolymer. For water-saturated samples the technique of isotopic replacement can be used in conjunction with SANS since saturation can be effected with either H2O or D2O. In this case information about the chemical composition of the phases is obtained from an analysis of the intensity ratio I/I. Results are consistent with the presence of a separate phase containing water molecules and ions in a matrix of the nonionic units. A Guinier analysis gives a radius of gyration of 17 A for a water-saturated cesium salt of an E-MAA copolymer.
Positive intrapulmonary oncotic pressure enhances short-term lung growth acceleration after fetal tracheal occlusion.

Abstract Purpose: This study was aimed at determining whether positive oncotic pressure induced in the fetal lung liquid could safely maximize accelerated lung growth after tracheal occlusion. Methods: Fetal lambs (n = 21) were divided into 4 groups: group I (n = 5) consisted of sham-operated controls; group II (n = 5) underwent simple tracheal occlusion (TO); group III (n = 5) received TO and 60 mL of saline injected into the trachea; and group IV (n = 6) underwent TO and intratracheal infusion of 60 mL of iso-osmotic, 6% Dextran 70. All fetuses were delivered near term, at a mean of 15.9 ± 1 days postoperatively. Their lungs were studied by standard morphometric techniques, and the basic chemical profile of the lung liquid was analyzed. Statistical comparisons were by 1-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and post-hoc analyses by the Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons, with P values less than.05 considered significant. Results: The lung volume-to-body-weight ratio (LV:BW) was significantly different among groups. Pairwise comparisons of LV:BW showed that it was higher in group IV than in all other groups, but there was no difference between groups II and III. Airspace fraction was not significantly different among groups, and histologic appearance was normal in all lung samples. There were no differences in lung liquid osmolarity, pH level, and electrolyte concentrations. Conclusion: Positive intrapulmonary oncotic pressure by an isosmotic agent boosts short-term lung growth acceleration after fetal tracheal occlusion with no evidence of cell damage. J Pediatr Surg 37:1007-1010. Copyright 2002, Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.
Spectral sensitivity optimization of color image sensors considering photon shot noise

Filter optimization is investigated to design digital camera color filters that achieved high color accuracy and low image noise when a sensor's inherent photon shot noise is considered. In a computer simulation, both RGB- and CMY-type filter sets are examined. Although CMY filters collect more photons, performance is worse than for RGB filters in terms of either color reproduction or noise due to the large noise amplification during the color transformation. When RGB filter sets are used and photon shot noise is considered, the peak wavelength of the R channel should be longer (620 to 630 nm) than the case when only color reproduction is considered: peak wavelengths 600, 550, and 450 nm for RGB channels, respectively. Increasing the wavelength reduces noise fluctuation along the a* axis, the most prominent noise component in the latter case; however, color accuracy is reduced. The tradeoff between image noise and color accuracy due to the peak wavelength of the R channel leads to a four-channel camera consisting of two R sensors and G and B. One of the two R channels is selected according to the difference in levels to reduce noise while maintaining accurate color reproduction.
FAMILY DEVIANCE AND DELINQUENCY IN CHINA

This research explores the relationship between family deviance and delinquency using survey data from Tianjin, a large city in China. We hypothesize that, similar to findings in the West, family deviance will be positively related to delinquency in China. We also hypothesize that the nature of the causal process linking these two variables will differ in certain respects from the pattern observed in Western nations, reflecting the unusually strong emphasis placed on family relations in Chinese society. The results of the analysis are mixed. Consistent with expectations, family deviance is positively related to official delinquency status, exhibiting indirect effects via family controls, moral commitments, and deviant associations, and direct effects that are likely to reflect family group pressures. We also discovered appreciable effects of friends' deviance, which runs counter to our hypothesis that the influence of family variables will significantly diminish the importance of peer associations. In general, our analysis indicates the key role of the family in explaining delinquent behavior in China, and it illustrates the utility of cross-cultural research for assessing the generality of research findings and identifying new directions for criminological inquiry.
Leveraging the Science of Geographic Information Systems

The Center for Geographic Information Science (CGISc) at the University of North Carolina Greensboro (UNCG) was established in the Summer of 2006. CGISc is an educational research entity that relies on the use of GIS and the science of geographic information to conduct research on human and natural phenomena distributed on the Earth's surface. CGISc welcomes interdisciplinary collaboration, and emphasizes the development of public-private sector partnerships. CGISc also places a high priority on research that involves students. This paper first provides an overview of the CGISc. This section is followed by a discussion on the fundamental approach to conducting geographic research using GIS. The paper concludes with several significant projects and a discussion on future directions.
Lamotrigine: Preliminary clinical observations on pharmacokinetics and interactions with traditional antiepileptic drugs

Findings on pharmacokinetics of lamotrigine (LTG) and its interaction with other antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) in realistic clinical conditions are reported. LTG kinetics are typically influenced by other AEDs, and its dosing has to be carefully adapted to comedication. A frequent slight increase of carbamazepine (CBZ) epoxide levels is the only influence of LTG on kinetics of another AED that has been observed. Valproic acid in combination with LTG requires lower doses than with other AEDs. If therapeutically effective, LTG seems to act at low levels already, and its tolerance until now seems to be excellent. However, in combination with CBZ, cerebellar intolerance may be caused by pharmacodynamic interactions.