cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
REVISITING THE “IRISH DIMENSION” IN OSCAR WILDE'S THE PICTURE OF DORIAN GRAY

The concept of “The Irish Wilde” achieved considerable prominence during the 1990s, due to the advocacy and scholarship of Davis Coakley, Owen Dudley Edwards, Declan Kiberd, Jerusha McCormack, Richard Pine, and David Upchurch, among others. However, as the decade drew to a close, the scholarly calibration of distinctively Irish elements in Wilde's literary works began to become a matter of dispute. In his 2000 survey of emerging trends, Ian Small listed “The Irish Wilde,” along with “The Gay Wilde” and “Wilde & Consumerism,” as significant “recent paradigms” (Recent 38, 37-78). Nonetheless, he cautioned that such thematic pigeonholes as Irishness and gayness may “rely upon highly selective details of the life which in turn are used to instruct us in how to read the works” (7). Small's wariness resurfaced in his judgment that some contributions in McCormack's anthology Wilde the Irishman “are highly speculative and seem to strain to make connections,” so that “the ‘Irish dimension’ (for the want of a better term) seems rather gratuitously tacked on” (67). These reservations about methodology were subsequently echoed by Bruce Bashford, who critiqued the strategy of “reasoning by analogy” employed by Kiberd and Pine in their attempts to Hibernicize Wilde's works (617).
Liouville theorems, a priori estimates, and blow-up rates for solutions of indefinite superlinear parabolic problems

In this paper we establish new nonlinear Liouville theorems for parabolic problems on half spaces. Based on the Liouville theorems, we derive estimates for the blow-up of positive solutions of indefinite parabolic problems and investigate the complete blow-up of these solutions. We also discuss a priori estimates for indefinite elliptic problems.
Composite Hypothesis Testing with Intermittent Observations

Abstract In this paper, we consider the detection problem with intermittent observations, due to the unreliable shared communication link between local sensors and the fusion center. Detection performance is analyzed using Neyman-Pearson criterion of maximizing the probability of detection, for a given probability of false alarm. The detector performance is compared, with and without intermittent observations, and a formal approach is presented to restore the original detector performance.
Defining Mexico’s Spirit

In this article, we examine debates that have unfolded over two controversial proposals, both introduced in 2011, about how to regulate mezcal. Mezcals are distilled agave spirits that have been produced in Mexico for at least the last four hundred years. Critics of the proposed regulations argued that they threatened the livelihoods of thousands of small mezcal distillers and aimed to consolidate the power of industrial tequila and mezcal producers. Surprisingly, a transnational movement of retailers and bartenders aligned themselves with small mezcal producers and defeated the industrial elites. Here, we show how arguments on both sides of the debate focused on the market and consumer rights. We argue that there is a need to move beyond market-based labels in order to create more democratic, participatory, and inclusive ways of protecting, valuing, and preserving local foods and drinks and the people who make them.
The distributional effects of selection and capital accumulation on firm productivity under imperfect capital markets

In this evolutionary model, random shocks create differences in the rate of return on capital, while individual saving and investment behavior can reduce these differences over time. Firms with either low total factor productivity (TFP) or a low average return on capital are selected for exit, and new firms enter to take their place. As would be expected, a higher turnover rate improves TFP and reduces its variation. While we show that a higher turnover rate would result in a more positively skewed TFP distribution if exit selection is based directly upon TFP, we find that when we select firms for exit based on their average product of capital, the marginal impact of a higher turnover rate is to more negatively skew the TFP distribution. Overall, our simulations highlight the importance of considering the role selection may play in shaping the distribution of productivity when econometricians seek estimates of firm inefficiency.
The learner-centredness of two registered general nursing and two registered mental nursing courses as perceived by third-year nursing students.

Using the conceptual framework of the Nottingham Andragogy Group, two first-level British courses in general nursing and two in psychiatric nursing were studied to investigate their degree of perceived learner-centredness Boydell's Scale for Measuring the Learner-Centredness of a Course was administered to a non-random sample of all 172 third-year students at three schools of nursing Preference for learner-centred nursing education was investigated using Boydell's Preferred Teaching Style Rating Scale with the student sample and by 31 nurse teachers Results indicated that first-level nursing courses were perceived to be highly teacher-centred in terms of planning, direction, sequence, pace and evaluation of learning The climate of learning proved to be moderately learner-centred though teacher-student relationships were perceived as formal Variety of learning approach was seen as limited with a tendency towards positivism rather than relativism of knowledge Both students and teachers of nursing expressed a slight preference for teacher-centred courses despite the former's dissatisfaction with lack of participation in determining learning objectives Significantly greater perceived learner-centredness of a psychiatric course was attributed to variations in the philosophy of learning within a particular school rather than to the course per se
Comparison of transition metal nitride coatings produced using two plasma-based deposition techniques

Surface coatings of transition metal nitrides have been successfully used in industry to extend the useful life of soft materials while retaining bulk properties. In this study, a comparison of transition metal nitride coatings produced by two plasma-based methods: Physical Vapor Deposition [PVD] and Ion-Beam Enhanced Deposition using Plasma Source Ion Implantation [PSII-IBED] will be performed. Titanium nitride, chromium nitride, and tantalum nitride have been deposited on substrates of aluminum and copper using the above two processes. The tests in this study will focus on the tribological properties of the coatings.
Healthcare preferences of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth.

Purpose Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) youth appear to be at higher risk for certain adverse health outcomes, and to have several personal, cultural and structural barriers to accessing healthcare. Little is known, however, about the experiences of LGBTQ youth with healthcare providers and healthcare services. Our goal was to recruit a sample of LGBTQ youth and to determine their preferences regarding healthcare providers, healthcare settings and the health issues that they consider important to discuss with a healthcare provider. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional Internet-based survey. Respondents ages 13-21 years and living in the U.S. or Canada were asked to review three lists of items pertaining to qualities of healthcare providers, qualities of offices or health centers, and concerns or problems to discuss with a healthcare provider, and then to assign for each item a relative importance. Items in each of the three lists were then ranked, and differences among ranks were assessed. Inter-group differences by age, gender, and race/ethnicity were also assessed. Results 733 youth met eligibility criteria. Youth indicated as most important competence overall and specifically in issues unique to taking care of youth and LGBTQ persons, as well as being respected and treated by providers the same as other youth. Notably, youth ranked as least important the provider's gender and sexual orientation. Youth ranked accessibility issues higher than specific services provided. As health concerns to discuss with a provider, youth ranked preventive healthcare, nutrition, safe sex, and family as important as common morbidities. Conclusions Youth placed as much importance on provider qualities and interpersonal skills as provider knowledge and experience, and placed little importance on a provider's gender and sexual orientation. Youth indicated the importance of providers addressing not only health risks, but also wellness and health promotion, and to do so within the context of home and family. Subgroup analyses underscore the need for greater sensitivity to both cultural and developmental differences among LGBTQ youth. These results provide a foundation for further research about healthcare services and delivery systems for youth, training initiatives for healthcare providers, and the role of utilizing the Internet for health research purposes to access and recruit hard-to-reach youth.
Differential expression of prohibitin is correlated with dual action of vitamin D as a proliferative and antiproliferative hormone in breast epithelial cells

Abstract Our previous microarray analysis showed that N -methyl- N -nitrosourea (MNU) transformed MCF12F breast epithelial cells exhibited upregulation of several genes, including prohibitin, which was reversed by 1α-hydroxyvitamin D 5 (1α(OH)D 5 ) treatment. The in silico screening for putative transcription factor binding sites identified two VDR/RXR binding sites in the 1 kb promoter region of prohibitin. Other binding sites for EGR and GR which are also Vitamin D target genes were identified in this region, indicating that prohibitin is a potential target gene for Vitamin D. The combination of multiple binding sites also provides a basis for a possible dual regulation of prohibitin by Vitamin D. Prohibitin upregulation by 1α(OH)D 5 treatment at both transcription and translation level was observed in Vitamin D sensitive BT474 breast cancer cells, in which 1α(OH)D 5 significantly inhibited cell proliferation in normal culture condition. On the other hand, prohibitin down-regulation accompanied with Vitamin D mediated maintenance of proliferation of breast epithelial cells was observed under stressed condition. These results demonstrated that Vitamin D mediated antiproliferative activity in unstressed condition and growth maintaining activity under stressed condition involve differential expression of prohibitin.
A Heavy Ion Facility for Radiation Therapy

The accelerator requirements of particle radiation therapy are reviewed and a preliminary design of a heavy ion synchrotron for hospital installation is presented. Beam delivery systems and multi-treatment room arrangements are outlined.
Factors Associated with Depressive Symptoms in Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Abstract Parents of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) have higher rates of depressive symptoms than parents of typically developing (TD) children or parents of children with other developmental disorders. The purpose of this study was to examine child and parent sleep as factors associated with depressive symptoms in parents of children with ASDs. Participants included 34 families (17 ASD, 17 TD, 17 mothers and 11 fathers per group). Both objective sleep quantity (actigraphy) and subjective sleep quality were obtained, along with measures of parent depressive symptoms and child daytime behavior. Child sleep quantity was a significant predictor of maternal depressive symptoms, controlling for group and child behavior. Fathers sleep quality was a significant predictor of paternal depressive symptoms, controlling for child behavior and child sleep disturbances. This study suggests that along with child behavior, parent and child sleep variables are associated with parental depressive symptoms. Future studies should continue to use a multi-method measurement approach for sleep, and interventions that target child sleep should include parent sleep and parent daytime functioning as outcome variables.
A DYNAMIC PROGRAMMING MODEL FOR OPTIMAL ALLOCATION OF DECISION TIME

Recurrent decision making by a lower-level manager can be viewed as a sequential decision process in which time and uncertainty are limiting factors. Under these conditions, the manager must determine how to best utilize his decision making time consistent with his own particular set of decision values. A dynamic programming model was devised to determine the optimal (consistent) allocation of decision time among five different types of problems for a sequence of simulated recurrent decision situations. Fifty-one lower-level managers were interviewed about their use of decision time and decision procedures. The model was validated by comparing model assumptions and results with the findings from the interviews. The model was used to determine the effects of variations in the levels of time available and uncertainty upon the optimal allocation of decision time.
Agriculture on the steep slopes of tropical America: Current situation and prospects for the year 2000

Abstract We examine agricultural and social indicators of the tropical American steep slopes. For the whole region, these areas currently produce between 20 and 40% of total agricultural output, have 20–50% of total agricultural land in annual crops, contain 30–50% of the farming population, and have the worst poverty. A similar situation appears likely for the year 2000. Viable development strategies for the steep sloped areas will involve increased agricultural productivity and off-farm employment to reduce poverty, economic incentives to preserve the resource base, and research into sustainable production systems for the part-time small farmers who are common there.
Land area for establishing biofuel plantations

Traditional household fuels involving crop residue and animal dung have severe adverse impacts on soil quality, air quality, water quality, climate and human health. The use of crop residues for fuel and non-use of animal dung for manure have exacerbated the problem of soil and environmental degradation. The attendant decline in soil quality, reduction in agronomic productivity and environment moderation capacity are biophysical processes driven by socio-economic and political forces. The problem is widespread in developing countries where extractive farming practices of mining soil fertility are widely used by resource-poor farmers. Biomass productivity of these degraded soils/wasteland is too low and uneconomic. With rapid increase in population in Asia and Africa, the per capita arable land area is decreasing and is already 0.1 ha in several densely populated countries, and arable land cannot be converted to biofuel plantations. Establishing biofuel plantations (e.g., Jatropha, Pongamia) on degraded soils can be a win-win strategy provided that these soils are adequately restored and specific problems (e.g., nutrient and water imbalance, loss of topsoil, shallow rooting depth, drought stress, salinization, compaction, crusting) are alleviated. Another strategy is to adopt practices of land-saving technologies, such as agricultural intensification on prime agricultural lands to improve crop yields, so that surplus land can be converted to biofuel plantations. Production of biofuels can reduce net emissions of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere and advance food security, while achieving energy security, improving environment quality and sequestering carbon in biota and soil. The global potential for soil carbon sequestration is 0.7 to 1.5 Pg C/yr, which can offset 20 to 40 % of the annual increase in atmospheric concentration of CO2. Trading carbon credits under the CDM or World Bank funds can provide another source of income for resource-poor farmers. The sustainability of a biofuel production system must be assessed through evaluation of the ecosystem carbon budget, accounting for carbon-based inputs in all on-farm operations and industrial processes.
Precision ultramicrotomy of narrow specimen embedments for electron microscopy—theory and practice

SYNOPSIS Ultramicrotomy of narrow specimen layers (< 15 μ) requires special attention to the mechanics of block alignment. A systematic approach to levelling of the block face can increase the percentage of full face (“isometric”) sections and minimize specimen loss. The method proposed has been derived from geometric equations and provides a rational basis for the instruction of technical personnel. The significance of an initial angular displacement with respect to the ideal cutting plane is gauged from the percentage of block face obtained with the first ultratome stroke, and the maximum thickness of the first section. The latter is determined from reflection colours. The magnitude of angular displacement may be directly calculated or estimated graphically. Present means of microtome chuck or knife stage control permit approximate mechanical correction of alignment errors, but chief reliance must remain upon technical expertise. Experiments indicate that visual training can result in a relatively consistent alignment of the block face in the horizontal (knife edge) plane (< 0.2° error), but that preliminary vertical alignment is usually less accurate. For a given percentage of isometric sections, the tolerable degree of alignment error is inversely proportional to the length of the block face.
Network optimization with stochastic traffic flows

Conventional management optimization models are being challenged by the evolution of electronic and optical networks and it is necessary to incorporate the stochastic effect of traffic flows into network models. This paper introduces the stochastic programming (SP) methodology to characterize the stochastic traffic. Two network models, capacity assignment and flow assignment, are proposed. One of the SP approaches, the Wait-and-See method, is integrated into the presented models. Simulation results are reported.
Structural polymorphism of the ParM filament and dynamic instability.

Summary Segregation of the R1 plasmid in bacteria relies on ParM, an actin homolog that segregates plasmids by switching between cycles of polymerization and depolymerization. We find similar polymerization kinetics and stability in the presence of either ATP or GTP and a 10-fold affinity preference for ATP over GTP. We used electron cryo-microscopy to evaluate the heterogeneity within ParM filaments. In addition to variable twist, ParM has variable axial rise, and both parameters are coupled. Subunits in the same ParM filaments can exist in two different structural states, with the nucleotide-binding cleft closed or open, and the bound nucleotide biases the distribution of states. The interface between protomers is different between these states, and in neither state is it similar to F-actin. Our results suggest that the closed state of the cleft is required but not sufficient for ParM polymerization, and provide a structural basis for the dynamic instability of ParM filaments.
Investigation of using bone texture analysis on bone densitometry images

We previously developed bone texture analysis methods to assess bone strength on digitized radiographs. Here, we compare the analyses performed on digitized screen-film to those obtained on peripheral bone densitometry images. A leg phantom was imaged with both a PIXI (GE Medical Systems; Milwaukee, WI) bone densitometer (0.200-mm pixel size) and a screen-film system, with the films being subsequently digitized by a laser film digitizer (0.100-mm pixel size). The phantom was radiographically scanned multiple times with the densitometer at the default parameters and for increasing exposure times. Fourier-based texture features were calculated from regions of interest from images from both modalities. The bone densitometry images contained more quantum noise than the radiographs resulting in increased values for the first moment of the power spectrum texture feature (1.22 times higher than from the standard radiograph). Presence of such noise may adversely affect the texture feature's ability to distinguish between strong and weak bone. By either increasing the exposure time or averaging multiple scans in the spatial frequency domain, we showed a reduction in the effect of the quantum mottle on the first moment of the power spectrum.
Three-dimensional digital model of a maize plant.

Abstract Mechanistic modeling of crop interactions with the atmosphere requires knowledge of the canopy architecture. For example, studies of light and rainfall interception and microwave radiative transfer modeling have motivated the development of a number of virtual canopies by agronomists, computer scientists, and hydrologists. While a number of canopy measuring techniques are already available, recent improvements in digital photography and the availability of affordable commercial photogrammetry packages have created an opportunity to develop highly detailed three-dimensional digital models of maize canopies. Here, we present a non-destructive one-man methodology to digitize plants that uses an unmodified consumer grade digital single-lens reflex (SLR) camera and commercially available photogrammetry software. This methodology allows tracking of individual plant development, which was not possible in earlier techniques. The construction of the digital plant model is divided into three parts: plant preparation, where several artificial targets are placed on the plant and their relative distances are measured; leaf digitizing in which the targets are marked and referenced by the software, thereby allowing the photographs to be oriented; and the creation of three-dimensional models of individual leaves and the final model buildup when, through cross-referencing, the complete digital plant model is arranged. We demonstrate the applicability of the presented methodology by digitizing the same plant at two different stages of development (6 and 10 leaves) and subsequently assessing the models’ precision. In both cases, the objective is to define the edges and mid-rib of the leaves as well as their vertical and horizontal orientation; this allows the calculation of geometric descriptive parameters including plant area, leaf overlap, leaf area index, and gap fraction. The two presented models were built from 48 and 119 pictures, respectively, which correspond to 348 and 1553 three-dimensional points.
Real-Time, Transmission-Mode, Terahertz Imaging Over a 25-meter Distance

We demonstrate transmission-mode imaging over a 25 meter distance using a ~4.9- THz quantum-cascade laser, frequency-optimized for a low-loss (-0.5 dB/m) atmospheric window. The ~17-mW peak power allows real-time imaging with a 320x240 element microbolometer camera.
Applying computer graphics technology in media production

The use of computer graphics technology can produce immediate benefits to anyone involved with the production of media. Computer graphics use involves (1) developing a hardware base or workstation, (2) acquiring one or more graphics application software programs, and (3) using those hardware and software resources to produce effective graphics materials. In order of importance, the selection and acquisition of the required hardware and software components should take a back seat to the knowledge and application of effective visual design guidelines. Finally, if you’re having trouble making decisions about hardware, software, or design, then follow these four simple rules. If in doubt, look for a model. If in doubt, stick to a standard. If in doubt, underdo rather than overdo. If in doubt, ask someone. ⋏
A deterministic metric of stochastic operational flexibility

Operational flexibility describes a power system's ability to respond with controllable real power resources to rapid changes in power balance error. For balancing areas with high penetrations of stochastic generation, these changes can be large enough to cause operating problems. We propose a deterministic operational flexibility metric to summarize stochastic information about current and forecast system state and power balance error. The metric intuitively characterizes the system and gives a duty scheduler actionable intelligence that dovetails with existing deterministic indicators of system state. The resulting information-dense summary can improve schedule quality both as a visualization tool for human schedulers and as a versatile formulation for dispatch algorithms.
Association of high-molecular-weight proteins with microtubules and their role in microtubule assembly in vitro

High-molecular-weight components (HMW) specifically associated with microtubule protein purified from porcine brain tissue were separated from tubulin by DEAE-Sephadex ion exchange chromatography. Analysis by viscometry, sedimentation, and electron microscopy of the unfractionated microtubule protein, separated HMW and tubulin fractions, and reconstituted mixtures showed that HMW promoted formation of ring structures at 5 degrees and tubule polymerization at 37 degrees. The HMW reassociated with tubulin and was identified in thin sections as 18.9 x 5.6 nm projections attached to the microtubules with a longitudinal periodicity of 32.5 nm. These studies: (1) indicate that the HMW fraction stimulates microtubule assembly by facilitating the formation of ring structures which are apparently intermediates in polymerization, and (2) demonstrate that the HMW associates with microtubules as a structural component projecting from the surface of the microtubule wall.
The goal of explanation

Abstract I defend the claim that understanding is the goal of explanation against various persistent criticisms, especially the criticism that understanding is not truth-connected in the appropriate way, and hence is a merely psychological (rather than epistemic) state. Part of the reason why understanding has been dismissed as the goal of explanation, I suggest, is because the psychological dimension of the goal of explanation has itself been almost entirely neglected. In turn, the psychological dimension of understanding—the Aha! experience, the sense that a certain explanation “feels right”, and so on—has been conspicuously overemphasized. I try to correct for both of these exaggerations. Just as the goal of explanation includes a richer psychological—including phenomenological—dimension than is generally acknowledged, so too understanding has a stronger truth connection than is generally acknowledged.
Secure service composition in sensor Web

Geospatial Web services have become popular. Geospatial processing has been moving into the Web environment. A geospatial workflow, combining a series of geospatial Web services, is common in achieving a complex of computation from simple individual Web services. Web service security is important for guarding sensitive data and assuring correct delivery of data. Many Web services need to be secured in terms of access control and message/data integrity. Workflow security is not a simple problem to be completely handled at individual Web service but has its complexity. This study examines the approaches to enforce security measures on a workflow and to extend workflow scripting language with capabilities in handling security tokens. In this study, workflows are defined in Business Process Execution Language (BPEL). A BPEL execution engine was augmented with the extensions to access headers of Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP) messages. The study experimented several strategies to enable the successful passing of security tokens through the engine which is often required. The extensions worked successfully in supporting the passing of security tokens to individual services through the BPEL engine. In future, the solution needs further testing and improvements, examining on multiple security tokens, extending beyond limitations of SOAP binding, and forming standards.
Cholinergic-independent effects of amphetamine on mammalian skeletal muscle contractions

Abstract Studies were designed to investigate the cholinergic-independent mechanism(s) by which ( +)-amphetamine produces a biphasic modification of directly stimulated contractions of skeletal muscle in the rat phrenic nerve-diaphragm preparation. In tissues pretreated with α-bungarotoxin, low concentrations of (+)-amphetamine (2.7–10.8 × 10 −4 M) enhanced muscle contractions, while higher drug levels (13.5–21.6 × 10 −4 M) produced a concentration-dependent blockade. In other studies (Gerald, Meldrum and Skau, Res. Commun, chem. Path. Pharmac. , 1982), high K + concentrations or low Na + concentrations antagonized amphetamine-enhancement of the twitch, while potentiating the blockade; in contrast, K + -free media augmented amphetamine-induced enhancement of contractions. Low concentrations of amantadine, tetracaine, and tetrodotoxin increased the facilitatory response to (+)-amphetamine while the inhibitory effects of (+)-amphetamine were potentiated by higher concentrations of these antagonists; similar biphasic effects were observed with (−)-amphetamine and tetracaine. (+ )-Amphetamine reversed the marked enhancement of the twitch produced by veratridine while, conversely, this neurotoxin failed to alter muscle contractions after (+)-amphetamine pretreatment. These findings suggest that amphetamine-induced enhancement and blockade of directly-stimulated skeletal muscle resulted from alterations in Na + fluxes, possibly through interactions with membrane ionic channels.
Associations Between Social Support Network Characteristics and Receipt of Emotional and Material Support Among a Sample of Male Sexual Minority Youths

Few studies have examined how social support network characteristics are related to perceived receipt of social support among male sexual minority youth. Using egocentric network data collected from a study of male sexual minority youth (n=592), multivariable logistic regression analyses examined distinct associations between individual and social network characteristics with receipt of (1) emotional and (2) material support. In multivariable models, frequent communication and having friends in one's network yielded a two-fold increase in the likelihood of receiving emotional support whereas frequent communication was associated with an almost three-fold higher likelihood of perceived material support. Finally, greater internalized homophobia and personal experiences of gay-related stigma were inversely associated with perceived receipt of emotional and material support, respectively. Understanding the evolving social context and social interactions of this new generation of male sexual minority youth is warranted in order to understand the broader, contextual factors associated with their overall health and well-being.
Digital Optical Computing: Possibilities And Pitfalls

The potential development of digital optical computing systems is discussed. Previous approaches are reviewed and their shortcomings with respect to digital electronic circuitry are analyzed. Fundamental arguments are presented which indicate the potential advantages of optical logic over electronic logic. A generic classification of digital optical computing is presented.
Designing Multiple-Load Automated Guided Vehicle Systems for Delivering Material from a Central Depot

We develop and illustrate an approach for design of shop floor automated guided vehicle systems (AGVSs) with multipleeload capacity. Vehicles provide material from a central depot to shop floor workcenters. The AGVS supplements an existing nonautomated material handling system. The design decision is to determine which workstations to service by the AGVS, and how many vehicles are needed, to meet a specified service level. We build upon an existing AGVS design model (a mathematical program) which assumes that vehicles visit workstations on a first-come-first-served basis, carrying one load per trip. We show how that model can be adapted to solve a design problem in which vehicles can carry more than one load per trip-yielding an improved system design. We illustrate our approach by solving six examples inspired by design problems faced at Hewlett-Packard Company
Apparent size-apparent distance relationships in flat stimuli.

Os judged the apparent sizes of the “near” and “far” faces of a Necker cube and of a “cylinder” percept formed stereokinetically from a pair of overlapping flat circles rotating in the frontal plan...
Intermolecular exon ligation of the rRNA precursor of tetrahymena: Oligonucleotides can function as 5′ exons

The dinucleotide CpUOH, when incubated with self-splicing Tetrahymena pre-rRNA in the absence of GTP, functions as a 5' exon. It cleaves the precursor exactly at the 3' splice site and becomes covalently ligated to the 3' exon. Other oligonucleotides with sequences that resemble CUCUCU, the sequence at the 3' end of the 5' exon, can add to the 3' exon in this reaction. Such splicing in trans is most readily explained by a site within the intervening sequence that binds the last few nucleotides of the 5' exon. This binding site functions in splice site recognition and is also part of the active site of the ribozyme. The mechanism by which 5' splice sites are selected in Tetrahymena rRNA and group I mitochondrial RNA splicing is like that used in nuclear mRNA splicing, in that it involves specific pairing of bases adjacent to the splice site with a complementary RNA sequence.
Actomyosin from Physarum polycephalum: Electron Microscopy of Myosin-Enriched Preparations

Negatively stained slime mold actomyosin examined by electron microscopy consists mainly of actin-like filaments with occasional angular projections. If some of the actin is removed, the myosin-enriched actomyosin appears as continuous arrowhead structures similar to those of vertebrate striated muscle actomyosin. Together with other evidence, the findings suggest that cytoplasmic streaming in Physarum may involve a contractile process operating at a relatively low myosin-actin ratio.
Structure of human phosphatidylcholine transfer protein in complex with its ligand

Phosphatidylcholines (PtdChos) comprise the most common phospholipid class in eukaryotic cells. In mammalian cells, these insoluble molecules are transferred between membranes by a highly specific phosphatidylcholine transfer protein (PC-TP) belonging to the steroidogenic acute regulatory protein related transfer (START) domain superfamily of hydrophobic ligand-binding proteins. The crystal structures of human PC-TP in complex with dilinoleoyl-PtdCho or palmitoyl-linoleoyl-PtdCho reveal that a single well-ordered PtdCho molecule occupies a centrally located tunnel. The positively charged choline headgroup of the lipid engages in cation–π interactions within a cage formed by the faces of three aromatic residues. These binding determinants and those for the phosphoryl group may be exposed to the lipid headgroup at the membrane–water interface by a conformational change involving the amphipathic C-terminal helix and an Ω-loop. The structures presented here provide a basis for rationalizing the specificity of PC-TP for PtdCho and may identify common features used by START proteins to bind their hydrophobic ligands.
WE‐C‐P‐618‐03: CARE Act Update

The Alliance for Quality Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy (of which both the AAPM and ACMP are members) met again in March 2005 to further develop, in anticipation of passage of the Care Bill, statutes designed to specify the training and experience of all medical professions performing or planning medical imaging and radiation therapy. The Bill, as written, is designed to include both Medical Physicists and MedicalDosimetrists in the proposed regulation. The CARE bill was recently reintroduced in the US congress. Educational Objective: 1. To review the current status and implications of the CARE Bill
Autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation: an update for clinicians

High-dose chemotherapy followed by transplantation of autologous hematopoietic progenitor cells has a proven track record of safety and efficacy in hematological malignancies and select solid tumors. The near-universal use of peripheral blood stem cells as source for autografts, routine growth factor support, and antimicrobial prophylaxis post transplantation has improved the safety of this procedure. However, the advent of highly active novel therapies in the last few years warrants reappraisal of the role of autologous transplantation in the therapeutic armamentarium of malignant disorder. This review summarizes the current role of autologous transplantation for hematological malignancies, discusses modern standards for patient selection, and highlights long-term care issues of transplant survivors from an internist's perspective. Role of tumor purging in autologous transplantation, novel transplant conditioning regimens, and post-transplant therapies to prevent disease relapse are reviewed.
Simplified seismic analysis of piping or equipment mounted on two points of a multistory structure

Abstract A simplified procedure is presented to calculate the maximum earthquake response of light mechanical or electrical equipment supported at two arbitrary points of a building structure. The procedure is derived on the basis of the application of the response spectrum method to a combined structure-equipment system, but, in an effort to avoid the complications of such an approach, it is formulated in terms of the dynamic characteristics of the two independent components. It fully takes into account the interaction between the two subsystems, and avoids the generation of floor response spectra and the need to consider two different support excitations. The formulation is attained by using Hurty's component mode synthesis technique and Rayleigh's principle. Linear systems with classical modes of vibration and small structure to equipment mass ratios are considered. The simplicity of the method is demonstrated by a numerical example, and its accuracy verified by a comparative study. In this comparative study, the suggested procedure estimates correct solutions with an average error of about 2%.
Land Conservation in the Northeastern United States: An Assessment of Historic Trends and Current Conditions

Developed and developing nations around the world are struggling to balance human population pressures and development impacts with societal needs for landscape-level protection of important ecosys...
Regulation of Epstein-Barr Virus Latency Type by the Chromatin Boundary Factor CTCF

Epstein Barr virus (EBV) can establish distinct latency types with different growth-transforming properties. Type I latency and type III latency can be distinguished by the expression of EBNA2, which has been shown to be regulated, in part, by the EBNA1-dependent enhancer activity of the origin of replication (OriP). Here, we report that CTCF, a chromatin boundary factor with well-established enhancer-blocking activity, binds to EBV sequences between the OriP and the RBP-Jkappa response elements of the C promoter (Cp) and regulates transcription levels of EBNA2 mRNA. Using DNA affinity, electrophoretic mobility shift assay, DNase I footprinting, and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), we found that CTCF binds both in vitro and in vivo to the EBV genome between OriP and Cp, with an approximately 50-bp footprint at EBV coordinates 10515 to 10560. Deletion of this CTCF binding site in a recombinant EBV bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) increased EBNA2 transcription by 3.5-fold compared to a wild-type EBV BAC. DNA affinity and ChIP showed more CTCF binding at this site in type I latency cell lines (MutuI and KemI) than in type III latency cell lines (LCL3456 and Raji). CTCF protein and mRNA expression levels were higher in type I than type III cell lines. Short interfering RNA depletion of CTCF in type I MutuI cells stimulated EBNA2 mRNA levels, while overexpression of CTCF in type III Raji cells inhibited EBNA2 mRNA levels. These results indicate that increased CTCF can repress EBNA2 transcription. We also show that c-MYC, as well as EBNA2, can stimulate CTCF mRNA levels, suggesting that CTCF levels may contribute to B-cell differentiation as well as EBV latency type determination.
Optimal projection equations for discrete-time fixed-order dynamic compensation of linear systems with multiplicative white noise

The optimal projection equations for discrete-time reduced-order dynamic compensation are generalized to include the effects of state-, control- and measurement-dependent noise. In addition, the discrete-time static output feedback problem with multiplicative disturbances is considered. For both problems, the design equations are presented in a concise, unified manner to facilitate their accessibility for developing numerical algorithms for practical applications.
Assessing the Social Bonds of Elderly Neighbors: The Roles of Length of Residence, Crime Victimization, and Perceived Disorder

Starting from the rationale that elderly urban residents tend to be “neighborhoodbound,” this study examines the relationship between age or aging and local social bonds (friendship, social cohesion and trust, informal social control, and participation in local organizations). Specifically, is the level of local bonding among elderly urban residents (age 65 and over) greater than that of the younger cohorts (17–35, 34–49, and 50–64)? Additionally, two specific hypotheses are constructed to examine the determinants of local social bonds among elderly urban residents: the systemic approach, regarding length of residence; and the social-disorganization approach, regarding crime victimization and perceived disorder. Using Chicago data collected in 1995, the analysis found a substantial difference between the elderly cohort and each of the younger cohorts in only the friendship category of local social bonds. The other results show that in a sample of elderly urban residents, length of residence is the only significant, positive factor in local friendship, and that the two disorder predictors, physical and social, play a substantial role in weakening two types of local social bonds, social cohesion and trust and informal social control.
Backbone and ILV side chain methyl group assignments of the integral human membrane protein VDAC-1

The voltage dependent anion channel (VDAC) forms a channel for metabolites and nutrients in the outer membrane of mitochondria, and it is also involved in apoptotic pathways. Here, we report sequence-specific NMR assignments for the isoform 1 of human VDAC reconstituted in lauryldimethylamine oxide (LDAO) detergent micelles. The assignments were deposited in the BMRB data base with accession number 16381.
Medical School Ranking and Medical Student Vocational Identity

Phenomenon: Vocational identity may play an important role in physicians' healthy professional development. Allopathic medical students' vocational identity may bear a relationship to the level of emphasis placed on research versus service at their medical school. Approach: Social mission score (SMS) and the US News and World Report (USNWR) research ranking (year 2011) were used as schools' national rankings for service and research, respectively. A questionnaire was sent to 960 3rd-year medical students from 24 allopathic medical schools between January and April 2011. The scale for vocational identity was created using the responses from the Vocational Identity Scale (9 items), and we used an established cutoff from a previous study to categorize those students who had “strong” vocational identity. Findings: After categorizing allopathic medical schools into four groups based on SMS rankings, we found that medical students who attended allopathic medical schools from the two highest SMS ranking groups w...
Research and Development of Synthetic Test Equipement for High Voltage Thyristor Valves

Synthetic test equipment is the most important operational test equipment for high voltage thyristor valves. In this paper, the main circuit analysis and design, control and protection strategy analysis and system design have been introduced. The commission results have validated that research and development of the synthetic test equipment is success, which will provide the test base, R&D platform, engineering experiments and technology consultation for high power electronics technology applied in electric power system.
High‐fiber diet promotes weight loss and affects maternal behavior in vervet monkeys

The dramatic increase in obesity in western societies has shifted the emphasis in nutrition research from the problems of undernutrition to the adverse consequences of being overweight. As with humans, Old World monkeys are at increased risk for type II diabetes and other chronic diseases when they gain excessive weight. To prevent overweight and obesity, promote animal health, and provide a more natural level of fiber in the diet, the standard commercial monkey chow diet at a vervet monkey breeding colony was changed to a higher fiber formulation in 2004. The new diet was also higher in protein and lower in carbohydrate and energy density than the standard diet. Because maternal behavior is known to be sensitive to differences in resource availability, data on weight and mother-infant interactions for 147 mothers with 279 infants born from 2000 through 2006 were assessed for effects of the diet change. The results showed that, even though food was provided ad libitum, the mean body weight of breeding females was 10% lower after the transition to the high-fiber diet. Behaviorally, mothers on the high-fiber diet were significantly more rejecting to their infants, and their infants had to play a greater role in maintaining ventral contact in the first few months of their lives. The effects of the diet change on maternal rejection were significantly related to the mother's body weight, with lower-weight mothers scoring higher in maternal rejection. These results demonstrate that maternal behavior is responsive to changes in maternal condition, and that beneficial changes in the diet may have unintended consequences on behavior.
Chukchi Gold: American Enterprise and Russian Xenophobia in the Northeastern Siberia Company

During the gold rush in Nome, Alaska, neither Russians nor Americans found significant quantities of gold on the Chukchi Peninsula, across the Bering Strait from the Seward Peninsula. Despite its failure, the documents of the Northeastern Siberian Company (1902––1914) and the memoirs of its managers and employees illuminate important contrasts between the political and cultural perspectives of its founders in St. Petersburg and those of its agents in Seattle. The Russian criticisms of American managers of the company also place the Soviet government9s antipathy to American capitalism in historical context. Despite many differences between the tsarist and Marxist-Leninist ideologies, the hostile stereotypes of Americans expressed by tsarist officials and Russian capitalists in St. Petersburg persisted into the Soviet and post-Soviet periods.
Are Clinical Signs Accurate Indicators of the Cause of Central Venous Catheter Occlusion

Background: Two hundred dysfunctional central venous catheters used for total parenteral nutrition and administration of cancer chemotherapy were radiographically examined in order to objectively identify thrombotic occlusions as the cause of catheter dysfunction. Methods: Outcomes of radiographic dye injections were compared with factors such as the inability to aspirate blood or to infuse fluids, catheter type, and duration of catheter placement. Results: Catheter type and duration of placement were not significant factors for predicting the type of dysfunction. Failure to withdraw blood was associated with 96% of the thrombosed catheters; this was also associated with 65% of the catheters with nonthrombotic dysfunctions. Once the cause of catheter occlusion was correctly identified, 90% of the catheters were restored to normal function. Conclusions: Inability to withdraw blood from a catheter does not necessarily mean it is occluded by thrombus. Mechanical complications account for a significant portio...