cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
MICROBIOLOGICAL QUALITY OF FROZEN “EDAMAME” (VEGETABLE SOYBEAN)

ABSTRACT This study compared the microbiological quality of frozen “edamame” to other varieties of frozen beans sold in Virginia. Furthermore, the reduction of microorganisms during experimental edamame processing was investigated. Commercial frozen in-pod and shelled edamame had aerobic mesophiles at 3.4 and 3.1 log cfu/g, yeasts and molds at 2.3 and 2.1 log cfu/g, and some contained low levels of Escherichia coli and enterotoxigenic Bacillus spp. Salmonellae were not found; however, 5% edamame and 4% frozen beans in general were positive for Listeria monocytogenes. Rinsing and shelling raw edamame caused a 1–2 log reduction of total aerobic mesophile, yeast and mold, and coliform counts. No naturally occurring yeast, mold or coliform was detected after blanching edamame at 98C for≥30 s. Blanching for 60 s eliminated approximately 6 log cfu/g of inoculated E. coli and Listeria from in-pod edamame. Adequate processing ensures the microbial quality and safety of frozen edamame. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS Frozen “edamame” has the potential to be produced with microbial quality acceptable for direct consumption. However, current products may contain harmful bacteria such as Escherichia coli and Listeria monocytogenes; thus, thorough reheating is required for consumer safety. Strict sanitation and effective blanching practices are critical in assuring microbial quality and safety of frozen edamame. Data reported for the first time from this current study could be used to inform frozen edamame producers and consumers of the potentially associated microbial hazards and adequate means for food protection.
Sample Pretreatment with Nitrate Reductase and Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Quantitatively Reduces Nitrate While Avoiding Interference by NADP+ When the Griess Reaction Is Used to Assay for Nitrite

An assay for the simultaneous measurement of nitrite and nitrate, products of nitric oxide metabolism, is described. Others have reported pretreating sample by using nitrate reductase (NR) and NADPH to reduce endogenous NO3- before assaying the resultant NO2- using the Griess reaction. However, we found that the NADP+ formed during pretreatment interfered with the Griess reaction when NADPH was used at concentrations necessary to drive the NR reaction. For instance, 500 microM NADP+ in 100 microM NaNO3- (without NR) causes a 90% interference with the formation of Griess reaction product. To limit interference, we modified the method by decreasing the NADPH concentration to 1 microM. NADPH was regenerated by coupling the NR reaction with that catalyzed by glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (GD). Using this method, NaNO3- standard curves were linear up to 100 microM and coincided with control curves obtained using NaNO2- incubated in parallel. Addition of urine up to a strength of 20% did not interfere with the assay. Comparison with an alternative assay based on cadmium reduction resulted in the following linear regression: [Cd method] = 0.915*[NR-GD method] + 0.37, r2 = 0.997. Coupling GD to NR to recycle NADPH allows this cofactor to be used at a low concentration so that interference with the Griess reaction is negligible.
A theoretical investigation of natural convection effects in forced horizontal flows

It is shown that viscosity variations and temperature differences between the upper and lower walls can significantly increase or decrease the tendency toward instability. It was found that low Prandtl number fluids are most sensitive to gravitational field effects because they are characterized by a thicker thermal boundary layer.
Effects of pentachlorophenol and 2,4,5-trichlorophenol on a soil ecosystem I. Application and residue analysis

The investigations were performed within the scope of a project aimed at investigating the load capacities of a soil ecosystem in the northern part of the Black Forest and identifying indicators which permit the impacts on the ecosystem to be recognised as early as possible. Within this project, the soil ecosystem under investigation was exposed to pentachlorophenol (PCP) and 2,4,5-trichlorophenol (2,4,5-T) in two different doses. An HPLC method for the residue analysis of the two substances from the forest soil was developed. The recovery rates were 57% for PCP and 66% for 2,4,5-T. The variations in reproducibility of the two methods were < 10%; the internal standard for PCP was 2,3,4,5-tetrachlorophenol, and for 2,4,5-T, 2,4-D.
Ordered CdTe/CdS Arrays for High-Performance Solar Cells

The deposition of uniform arrays of CdTe/CdS heterostructures suitable for solar cells via close-spaced sublimation is presented. The approach used to create the arrays consists of two basic steps: the deposition of a patterned growth mask on CdS, and the selective-area deposition of CdTe. CdTe grains grow selectively on the CdS but not on the SiO2 due to the differential surface mobility between the two surfaces. Furthermore, the CdTe mesas mimic the size and shape of the window opening in the SiO2. Measurements of the current density in the CdTe were high at 28 mA/cm2. To our knowledge, this is the highest reported current density for these devices. This implies that either the quantum efficiency is very high or the electrons generated throughout the CdTe are being concentrated by the patterned structure analogous to solar concentration. The enhancement in crystal uniformity and the relatively unexplored current concentration phenomenon could lead to significant performance improvements.
Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and cognition throughout the lifespan: a review.

With increasing awareness of the effects of nutrition on physical and mental health, researchers have begun to further investigate the benefits of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) on health and the brain; however, these benefits remain unclear across different age groups. Objectives The purpose of this article is to summarize the current evidence on the cognitive effects of n-3 PUFA throughout the lifespan. Methods An exhaustive review of the literature on the effects of n-3 PUFA on various aspects of cognition, across the lifespan, was conducted. Results The research suggests that n-3 PUFA positively affect pre-natal neurodevelopment; however, this cognitive-enhancing effect might diminish post-natally with maturation, as no research on child populations has clearly tied dietary n-3 PUFA to improved cognitive skills. Overall, few studies have examined the cognitive effects of n-3 PUFA through childhood, young adulthood, and middle age. At later ages, multiple studies found evidence suggesti...
Exercise training induced bradycardia: evidence for enhanced parasympathetic regulation without changes in "intrinsic" sinoatrial node function

The mechanisms responsible for exercise-induced reductions in baseline heart rate (HR), known as training bradycardia, remain controversial. Therefore, changes in cardiac autonomic regulation and i...
Satisfiability problems for propositional calculi

For each fixed set of Boolean connectives, how hard is it to determine satisfiability for formulas with only those connectives? We show that a condition sufficient for NP-completeness is that the functionx Λ ~ y be representable, and that any set of connectives not capable of representing this function has a polynomial-time satisfiability problem.
Phosphate sorption isotherms for fertilizer p needs of sweet corn (Zea mays) grown on a high phosphorus fixing soil

Abstract Phosphorus sorption isotherms were used to estimate phosphorus fertilizer rates on a phosphorus fixing Alfic Fragiorthod soil from north Idaho. Five rates ranging from 0–584 kg/ha corresponded to sorption equilibrium solution levels from 0.06 to 0.20 ppm P. Yield of sweet corn (variety Spancross) grown two successive years was related to the sorption equilibrium solution P level. Whole plant weight, weight of ears, number of ears, and ear size approached maximum when the sorption equilibrium solution P level was near 0.13 ppm. The P content of leaves at early tassel stage increased with increasing sorption equilibrium solution P in a nearly straight line relationship. The leaves contained 0.27% P when the sorption equilibrium solution P was 0.13 ppm, the level producing maximum yield. The 0.20 ppm P resulted in 0.41% P in corn leaves.
Sign and goal tracking during delay and trace autoshaping in pigeons

In two experiments, pigeons were exposed to an autoshaping procedure in which a keylight was followed by food under delay or trace conditions, while measures were taken of keypecking and time spent near the key. In Experiment 1, the birds in the trace group spent less time near the key than did the delay birds. Moreover, the trace birds exhibited a pattern of withdrawal from the key during the trial. In Experiment 2, visual observations of the birds’ location and latencies to eat both indicated that the trace birds’ withdrawal from the conditioned stimulus was accompanied by goal tracking. The difference in performance between the delay and trace conditions was taken as evidence that a trace stimulus may exert control over behavior as an occasion setter.
Br + Br2 atom exchange: an isotopically selective, laser-initiated, chemical study

Abstract The ratio of the Br + Br 2 halogen atom exchange rate, k 2 , to the Br + HI reaction rate k 1 , has been determined experimentally by using an isotopically selective, laser-initiated chemical reaction. At 294 K, k 2 / k 1 = 4, and thus, k 2 = 4 × 10 −11 cm 3 molecule −1 s −1 .
Ultrasound imaging distinguishes between normal and weak muscle.

Abstract Chi-Fishman G, Hicks JE, Cintas HM, Sonies BC, Gerber LH. Ultrasound imagining distinguishes between normal and weak muscle. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2004;85:980–6. Objective To determine whether real-time ultrasound imaging can provide quantitative data that distinguish pathologic from healthy muscle and that correlate with strength measures. Design Nonrandomized matched-pair, repeated-measures design. Setting Ultrasound imaging laboratory, rehabilitation medicine department, government research hospital. Participants Nine patients with stable active or inactive myositis, stratified into 3 groups based on their 10-point manual muscle test (MMT) scores, and 9 age- and gender-matched controls. Interventions Maximal isometric contraction of the rectus femoris muscle in 2 knee-flexion positions (60°, 90°) during simultaneous ultrasound imaging and muscle force dynamometry. Main outcomes measures Changes of the rectus femoris muscle in horizontal (X) and vertical (Y) diameters between relaxed and contracted states, and muscle force measurements. Results The X diameters decreased and the Y diameters increased during isometric contraction in all participants. For each group, average changes in cross-sectional diameters were consistently higher in controls than in patients. Patients with MMT less than 8 differed significantly from controls in both X and Y dimensions. A moderately strong correlation was found between muscle force and the Y diameter during contraction at 60° ( r =.78) and 90° ( r =.67) knee-flexion angles. Conclusions Ultrasonography provided a quantitative measure of change between relaxed and contracted state of muscle, which correlated with muscle force. Ultrasound identified significant differences in cross-sectional diameters between the myopathic and normal muscles sampled and may be useful for measuring muscle response to drug and exercise therapy.
A tool for managing projects: an analytic parameterization of the S-curve

Abstract The solution to a differential equation used frequently in ecology is found to reproduce the well-known S-curve seen in various aspects of project management. The solution is modified in a minor way to fit project management boundary conditions. An excellent fit of this theoretical curve to two samples of project cost data shows the utility of the formula. Numerical approximations valid under typical project conditions are utilized to produce an analytic expression that can easily generate classic project management evolution curves under a variety of conditions. The curves are normalized to two basic parameters: the total of the relevant quantity (e.g., project costs) and the duration of the project. The user can choose the steepness of the climb and the point in time at which half the total has been accumulated.
Micro Behavior Information Decision Research in An ABM Traffic and Energy Model

Along with rapid economic growth, urban traffic has become a complicated worldwide issue, which synthesizes out-of-order jam, energy consumption and GHG emission. An autonomic traffic and energy model is proposed based on the micro behavior simulation, in which an information decision factor is introduced. Thus the travel patterns and choice of the road trip have been controlled and optimized dynamically. Simulation with NetLogo verifies that the model can realize the optimization among traffic, energy and greenhouse gas emission and some practical use for solving the existing traffic problems.
Assessing the Travel-Related Behaviors of the Mobility-Disabled Consumer

Few consumer groups have greater potential and are more ignored than the disabled. Consisting of 50 million individuals in the United States, with discretionary income of over $200 billion, this largest of all minority groups has been viewed by many tourist businesses as a source of confusion, requiring extra expenditures on ramps, specially fitted rooms, and the loss of prime parking. This article offers new insights into the possibilities associated with the disabled, including general trends and need sets. Also included are the results of a survey of a cross section of mobility-disabled consumers. Four hypotheses relating severity of disability with destination decision criteria were tested. Results indicate that disability relates to environmental criteria, accessible criteria, and activities criteria. The findings indicate that segmenting the disabled by level of severity is a valuable process and that those with more severe disabilities travel differently and for different reasons. Managerial implic...
Enhanced external counterpulsation: mechanism of action.

The mechanisms accounting for the salutary benefits of enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) remain largely unknown. Emerging data now point to three possible hypotheses to explain its efficacy. These possible explanations include enhanced diastolic flow, changes in the neurohumoral milieu, and changes in ventricular function independent of changes in cardiac load. While each of these three hypotheses may help explain the mechanism behind EECP's effects, more clinical studies are required to refine these proposed explanations.
Sepsis: A Review for the Neurohospitalist

Sepsis represents a major challenge in medicine. It begins as a systemic response to infection that can affect virtually any organ system, including the central and peripheral nervous systems. Akin to management of stroke, early recognition and treatment of sepsis are just as crucial to a successful outcome. Sepsis can precipitate myasthenic crisis and lead to encephalopathy and critical illness neuropathy. Stroke and traumatic brain injury can predispose a patient to develop sepsis, whereas Guillain-Barre syndrome is similarly not uncommon following infection. This review article will first describe the essential principles of sepsis recognition, pathophysiology, and management and will then briefly cover the neurologic aspects associated with sepsis. Vigilant awareness of the clinical features of sepsis and timeliness of intervention can help clinicians prevent progression of this disease to a multisystem organ failure, which can be difficult to reverse even after the original source of infection is under control.
A classic chase problem solved from a physics perspective

The trajectory, travel time and relative approach velocity of a pursuer tracking a prey along a simple curve of pursuit are deduced using basic principles of two-dimensional kinematics. While such curves are well known in the mathematics literature, little attention has been paid to this problem by the physics educational community, despite the fact that it has abundant physical applications. It also makes an interesting alternative to the traditional problems of introductory kinematics.
“I Will Own You” Accountability in Massively Multiplayer Online Games

Although most massively multiplayer online games (MMOs) remain entrenched in a binary system of gendered avatars, the limited representational framework of avatar creation is only one among many different strategies for what sociologists refer to as “doing gender.” This essay explores how a doing gender approach might be useful for analyzing the interactive dimensions of gender play in the rich communicative environments of MMOs. Specifically, this essay explores how players do (or do not) hold one another accountable to sex category membership through their interactions, in so doing either reproducing or resisting normative forms of gender. A doing gender approach, I argue, holds out the promise of being held accountable to a different set of rules for doing gender—of doing gender differently or, in a more utopian sense, perhaps doing away with it altogether.
Gene products that promote mRNA turnover in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Abstract We showed previously that the increased rate of mRNA turnover associated with premature translational termination in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae requires a functional UPF1 gene product. In this study, we show that the UPF1 gene codes for a 109-kDa primary translation product whose function is not essential for growth. The protein contains a potential zinc-dependent nucleic acid-binding domain and a nucleoside triphosphate-binding domain. A 300-amino-acid segment of the UPF1 protein is 36% identical to a segment of the yeast SEN1 protein, which is required for endonucleolytic processing of intron-containing pre-tRNAs. The same region is 32% identical to a segment of Mov-10, a mouse protein of unknown function. Dominant-negative upf1 mutations were isolated following in vitro mutagenesis of a plasmid containing the UPF1 gene. They mapped exclusively at conserved positions within the sequence element common to all three proteins, whereas the recessive upf1-2 mutation maps outside this region. The clustering of dominant-negative mutations suggests the presence of a functional domain in UPF1 that may be shared by all three proteins. We also identified upf mutations in three other genes designated UPF2, UPF3, and UPF4. When alleles of each gene were screened for effects on mRNA accumulation, we found that the recessive mutation upf3-1 causes increased accumulation of mRNA containing a premature stop codon. When mRNA half-lives were measured, we found that excess mRNA accumulation was due to mRNA stabilization. On the basis of these results, we suggest that the products of at least two genes, UPF1 and UPF3, are responsible for the accelerated rate of mRNA decay associated with premature translational termination.
Clinically applicable labeling of mammalian and stem cells by combining superparamagnetic iron oxides and transfection agents.

PURPOSE: To label mammalian and stem cells by combining commercially available transfection agents (TAs) with superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) magnetic resonance (MR) imaging contrast agents. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three TAs were incubated with ferumoxides and MION-46L in cell culture medium at various concentrations. Human mesenchymal stem cells, mouse lymphocytes, rat oligodendrocyte progenitor CG-4 cells, and human cervical carcinoma cells were incubated 2–48 hours with 25 μg of iron per milliliter of combined TAs and SPIO. Cellular labeling was evaluated with T2 relaxometry, MR imaging of labeled cell suspensions, and Prussian blue staining for iron assessment. Proliferation and viability of mesenchymal stem cells and human cervical carcinoma cells labeled with a combination of TAs and ferumoxides were evaluated. RESULTS: When ferumoxides-TA or MION-46L–TA was used, intracytoplasmic particles stained with Prussian blue stain were detected for all cell lines with a labeling efficiency of nearly 100%...
Minimizing position uncertainty for under-ice autonomous underwater vehicles

Localization underwater has been known to be challenging due to the limited accessibility of the Global Positioning System (GPS) to obtain absolute positions. This becomes more severe in the under-ice environment since the ocean surface is covered with ice, making it more difficult to access GPS or to deploy localization infrastructure. In this paper, a novel solution that minimizes localization uncertainty and communication overhead of under-ice Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) is proposed. Existing underwater localization solutions generally rely on reference nodes at ocean surface or on localization infrastructure to calculate positions, and they are not able to estimate the localization uncertainty, which may lead to the increase of localization error. In contrast, using the notion of external uncertainty (i.e., the position uncertainty as seen by others), our solution can characterize an AUV's position with a probability model. This model is further used to estimate the uncertainty associated with our proposed localization techniques. Based on this uncertainty estimate, we further propose algorithms to minimize localization uncertainty and communication overhead. Our solution is emulated and compared against existing solutions, showing improved performance.
Selective targeting of the cysteine proteome by thioredoxin and glutathione redox systems

Thioredoxin (Trx) and GSH are the major thiol antioxidants protecting cells from oxidative stress-induced cytotoxicity. Redox states of Trx and GSH have been used as indicators of oxidative stress. Accumulating studies suggest that Trx and GSH redox systems regulate cell signaling and metabolic pathways differently and independently during diverse stressful conditions. In the current study, we used a mass spectrometry-based redox proteomics approach to test responses of the cysteine (Cys) proteome to selective disruption of the Trx- and GSH-dependent systems. Auranofin (ARF) was used to inhibit Trx reductase without detectable oxidation of the GSH/GSSG couple, and buthionine sulfoximine (BSO) was used to deplete GSH without detectable oxidation of Trx1. Results for 606 Cys-containing peptides (peptidyl Cys) showed that 36% were oxidized more than 1.3-fold by ARF, whereas BSO-induced oxidation of peptidyl Cys was only 10%. Mean fold oxidation of these peptides was also higher by ARF than BSO treatment. Analysis of potential functional pathways showed that ARF oxidized peptides associated with glycolysis, cytoskeleton remodeling, translation and cell adhesion. Of 60 peptidyl Cys oxidized due to depletion of GSH, 41 were also oxidized by ARF and included proteins of translation and cell adhesion but not glycolysis or cytoskeletal remodeling. Studies to test functional correlates showed that pyruvate kinase activity and lactate levels were decreased with ARF but not BSO, confirming the effects on glycolysis-associated proteins are sensitive to oxidation by ARF. These data show that the Trx system regulates a broader range of proteins than the GSH system, support distinct function of Trx and GSH in cellular redox control, and show for the first time in mammalian cells selective targeting peptidyl Cys and biological pathways due to deficient function of the Trx system.
Patterns of intron gain and conservation in eukaryotic genes.

The presence of introns in protein-coding genes is a universal feature of eukaryotic genome organization, and the genes of multicellular eukaryotes, typically, contain multiple introns, a substantial fraction of which share position in distant taxa, such as plants and animals. Depending on the methods and data sets used, researchers have reached opposite conclusions on the causes of the high fraction of shared introns in orthologous genes from distant eukaryotes. Some studies conclude that shared intron positions reflect, almost entirely, a remarkable evolutionary conservation, whereas others attribute it to parallel gain of introns. To resolve these contradictions, it is crucial to analyze the evolution of introns by using a model that minimally relies on arbitrary assumptions. We developed a probabilistic model of evolution that allows for variability of intron gain and loss rates over branches of the phylogenetic tree, individual genes, and individual sites. Applying this model to an extended set of conserved eukaryotic genes, we find that parallel gain, on average, accounts for only ~8% of the shared intron positions. However, the distribution of parallel gains over the phylogenetic tree of eukaryotes is highly non-uniform. There are, practically, no parallel gains in closely related lineages, whereas for distant lineages, such as animals and plants, parallel gains appear to contribute up to 20% of the shared intron positions. In accord with these findings, we estimated that ancestral introns have a high probability to be retained in extant genomes, and conversely, that a substantial fraction of extant introns have retained their positions since the early stages of eukaryotic evolution. In addition, the density of sites that are available for intron insertion is estimated to be, approximately, one in seven basepairs. We obtained robust estimates of the contribution of parallel gain to the observed sharing of intron positions between eukaryotic species separated by different evolutionary distances. The results indicate that, although the contribution of parallel gains varies across the phylogenetic tree, the high level of intron position sharing is due, primarily, to evolutionary conservation. Accordingly, numerous introns appear to persist in the same position over hundreds of millions of years of evolution. This is compatible with recent observations of a negative correlation between the rate of intron gain and coding sequence evolution rate of a gene, suggesting that at least some of the introns are functionally relevant.
All APOBEC3 family proteins differentially inhibit LINE-1 retrotransposition

Approximately 17% of the human genome is comprised of long interspersed nuclear element 1 (LINE-1, L1) non-LTR retrotransposons. L1 retrotransposition is known to be the cause of several genetic diseases, such as hemophilia A, Duchene muscular dystrophy, and so on. The L1 retroelements are also able to cause colon cancer, suggesting that L1 transposition could occur not only in germ cells, but also in somatic cells if innate immunity would not function appropriately. The mechanisms of L1 transposition restriction in the normal cells, however, are not fully defined. We here show that antiretroviral innate proteins, human APOBEC3 (hA3) family members, from hA3A to hA3H, differentially reduce the level of L1 retrotransposition that does not correlate either with antiviral activity against Vif-deficient HIV-1 and murine leukemia virus, or with patterns of subcellular localization. Importantly, hA3G protein inhibits L1 retrotransposition, in striking contrast to the recent reports. Inhibitory effect of hA3 family members on L1 transposition might not be due to deaminase activity, but due to novel mechanism(s). Thus, we conclude that all hA3 proteins act to differentially suppress uncontrolled transposition of L1 elements.
Spatial optical CDMA

A method for optical signaling is investigated that allows multiple transmitters to simultaneously use the same noncoherent receiving aperture. The signaling is based on the properties of laser speckle interference patterns. Capacity for an interference limited system is explored for a correlation receiver based on random coding. A synchronization scheme is presented that allows a practical implementation of the proposed optical multiple access system. >
One-year follow-up of family versus child CBT for anxiety disorders: Exploring the roles of child age and parental intrusiveness.

Objective To compare the relative long-term benefit of family-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (FCBT) and child-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (CCBT) for child anxiety disorders at a 1-year follow-up. Method Thirty-five children (6–3 years old) randomly assigned to 12–16 sessions of family-focused CBT (FCBT) or child-focused CBT (CCBT) participated in a 1-year follow-up assessment. Independent evaluators, parents, and children rated anxiety and parental intrusiveness. All were blind to treatment condition and study hypotheses. Results Children assigned to FCBT had lower anxiety scores than children assigned to CCBT on follow-up diagnostician- and parent-report scores, but not child-report scores. Exploratory analyses suggested the advantage of FCBT over CCBT may have been evident more for early adolescents than for younger children and that reductions in parental intrusiveness may have mediated the treatment effect. Conclusion FCBT may yield a stronger treatment effect than CCBT that lasts for at least 1 year, although the lack of consistency across informants necessitates a circumspect view of the findings. The potential moderating and mediating effects considered in this study offer interesting avenues for further study.
Submicrosecond correlations in photoluminescence from InAs quantum dots

Photon correlation measurements reveal memory effects in the optical emission of single InAs quantum dots with time scales from 10 to 800 ns. With above-band optical excitation, a long-time scale negative correlation (antibunching) is observed, while with quasiresonant excitation, a positive correlation (blinking) is observed. A simple model based on long-lived charged states is presented that approximately explains the observed behavior, providing insight into the excitation process. Such memory effects can limit the internal efficiency of light emitters based on single quantum dots, and could also be problematic for proposed quantum-computation schemes.
The Enemy of My Enemy is My Friend

Through a series of interviews with and observations of Aryan Nations members, this article explores attempts by Aryan Nations to form an alliance with followers of Islamic Jihad and examines how a shared hatred of the Jew provides a basis for such an alliance. The article discusses growing differences between members of Aryan Nations with regard to such an alliance and the role of Christian Identity in their organization. Some members of Aryan Nations believe that their organization and its members should remain tied solely to Christian Identity. Others believe that people from other faiths, specifically Muslims, who share Aryan Nations's goal of defeating Jews, should be allowed to join Aryan Nations. Leaders in Aryan Nations have tried to satisfy both groups by dividing Aryan Nations into two distinct entities, one political and one religious.
Endotoxin elicits ambivalent social behaviors.

Summary The acute phase response to infection is reliably accompanied by decreases in social investigation; however, social behavior is commonly assayed in inescapable environments using unfamiliar social stimuli. In this experiment, male Wistar rats were raised from weaning with 2 familiar, same-sex conspecifics. In adulthood, rats were implanted with radiotelemetry devices that permitted localization in space, and were challenged with LPS treatments (150 μg/kg, i.p.) in a novel, semi-natural arena which afforded the treated (Focal) animal exclusive control of social exposure, and the ability to avoid social interactions. LPS reliably elicited thermoregulatory responses (transient hypothermia and fever) during the scotophase following injection, but did not yield changes in the proportion of time spent engaged in social interactions: both LPS- and saline-treated rats spent approximately 10% of the night with their familiar cagemates. Injection treatments markedly altered the spatial distribution of activity: LPS-treated rats exhibited significant increases in the amount of time spent as far as possible from their cagemates. The data suggest that sickness responses to LPS may give rise to a transient state of social ambivalence—characterized by a persistent motivation to engage in social contact, but also by increased avoidance of social environments. Selective maintenance of social motivation illustrates plasticity in the expression of sickness behaviors and may be adaptive in social species.
Synthetic seismograms for deep seismic sounding studies using asymptotic ray theory

In asymptotic ray theory, the solution for particle motion is assumed to be an infinite power series of inverse frequency and a vector amplitude, Ān ( x, y, z ), independent of frequency. A point source with any desired impulse response and radiation pattern is easily incorporated. A synthetic seismogram computer program has been written for a plane-layered homogeneous elastic media using the first or second terms of the expansion where necessary. Multiply converted refracted and reflected phases and also head waves at distances away from the critical angle are included. In addition, the phases are all identified and their amplitude-distance function plotted if desired. The synthetic seismograms are calculated for a model in southern Alberta and another in northwestern Ontario as obtained by deep seismic sounding programs. It is found that reflected phases dominate the seismograms and they are at least as important as head waves in the interpretation of experimental results.
Rosmarinic Acid Antagonizes Activator Protein-1–Dependent Activation of Cyclooxygenase-2 Expression in Human Cancer and Nonmalignant Cell Lines

One mechanism through which bioactive food components may exert anticancer effects is by reducing the expression of the proinflammatory gene cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), which has been regarded as a risk factor in tumor development. Rosmarinic acid (RA) is a phenolic derivative of caffeic acid present in rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis). Previous research documented that RA may exert antiinflammatory effects. However, the mechanisms of action of RA on COX-2 expression have not been investigated. Here, we report that in colon cancer HT-29 cells, RA (5, 10, and 20 micromol/L) reduced the 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-induced COX-2 promoter activity (P < 0.05) and protein levels (P < 0.05). In addition, the cotreatment with RA reduced (5 micromol/L, P < 0.05; 10 and 20 micromol/L, P < 0.01) TPA-induced transcription from a control activator protein-1 (AP-1) promoter-luciferase construct and repressed binding of the AP-1 factors c-Jun (10 micromol/L; P < 0.01) and c-Fos (10 micromol/L; P < 0.05) to COX-2 promoter oligonucleotides harboring a cAMP-response element (CRE). The anti-AP1 effects of RA were also examined in a nonmalignant breast epithelial cell line (MCF10A) in which RA antagonized the stimulatory effects of TPA on COX-2 protein expression (5 micromol/L, P < 0.05; 10 and 20 micromol/L, P < 0.01), the recruitment of c-Jun and c-Fos (10 micromol/L; P < 0.01) to the COX-2/CRE oligonucleotides, and activation of the extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase-1/2 (ERK1/2) (10 micromol/L; P < 0.01), a member of the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway. Additionally, RA antagonized ERK1/2 activation in colon HT-29 and breast MCF-7 cancer cells (10 micromol/L; P < 0.01). Thus, we propose that RA may be an effective preventative agent against COX-2 activation by AP-1-inducing agents in both cancer and nonmalignant mammary epithelial cells.
Training templates for scene classification using a few examples

We investigate a method for extracting simple, flexible, relational templates that capture the color, luminance and spatial properties of classes of natural scene images from a small set of examples. We have built an interactive system that allows the user to build his own templates by selecting a set of example images and letting the system extract a set of templates that capture the common relations within the set of images. Given a small set of example images, the classification system works by automatically building flexible templates that define color, luminance and spatial relations between image patches in these examples. These extracted templates can be matched against the entire database to obtain other images that belong to the query-class. The system also gives the user the option of using the results of the initial classification in order to refine the query and perform a more selective search if needed. The system uses very low resolution images to extract the templates from a set of examples. It has been used successfully to retrieve a few classes of natural scenes from the COREL photo library. Our experiments show that the algorithm is fast, requires little storage and works reliably in this domain
Plasma membrane ion fluxes and NFAT-dependent gene transcription contribute to c-met-induced epithelial scattering

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) signaling drives epithelial cells to scatter by breaking cell-cell adhesions and causing them to migrate as solitary cells, a process that parallels epithelial-mesenchymal transition. HGF binds and activates the c-met receptor tyrosine kinase, but downstream signaling required for scattering remains poorly defined. We have applied a chemical biology approach to identify components of HGF signaling that are required for scattering in an in vitro model system. This approach yields a number of small molecules that block HGF-induced scattering, including a calcium channel blocker. We show that HGF stimulation results in sudden and transient increases in ion channel influxes at the plasma membrane. Although multiple channels occur in the membranes of our model system, we find that TrpC6 is specifically required for HGF-induced scattering. We further demonstrate that HGF-induced ion influxes through TrpC6 channels coincide with a transient increase in nuclear factor of activated T-cells (NFAT)-dependent gene transcription and that NFAT-dependent gene transcription is required for HGF-induced cell scattering.
Once-daily radiation therapy for inflammatory breast cancer.

Purpose Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is a rare and aggressive breast cancer variant treated with multimodality therapy. A variety of approaches intended to escalate the intensity and efficacy of radiation therapy have been reported, including twice-daily radiation therapy, dose escalation, and aggressive use of bolus. Herein, we examine our outcomes for patients treated with once-daily radiation therapy with aggressive bolus utilization, focusing on treatment technique. Methods and Materials A retrospective review of patients with nonmetastatic IBC treated from January 1, 2000, through December 31, 2010, was performed. Locoregional control (LRC), disease-free survival (DFS), overall survival (OS) and predictors thereof were assessed. Results Fifty-two women with IBC were identified, 49 (94%) of whom were treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy. All underwent mastectomy followed by adjuvant radiation therapy. Radiation was delivered in once-daily fractions of 1.8 to 2.25 Gy (median, 2 Gy). Patients were typically treated with daily 1-cm bolus throughout treatment, and 33 (63%) received a subsequent boost to the mastectomy scar. Five-year Kaplan Meier survival estimates for LRC, DFS, and OS were 81%, 56%, and 64%, respectively. Locoregional recurrence was associated with poorer OS ( P P =.02), DFS ( P =.007), and OS ( P =.002). Age greater than 50 years was associated with better DFS ( P =.03). Pathologic complete response was associated with a trend toward improved LRC ( P =.06). Conclusions Once-daily radiation therapy with aggressive use of bolus for IBC results in outcomes consistent with previous reports using various intensified radiation therapy regimens. LRC remains a challenge despite modern systemic therapy. Extracapsular extension, age ≤50 years, and lack of complete response to chemotherapy appear to be associated with worse outcomes. Novel strategies are needed in IBC, particularly among these subsets of patients.
GLYCOGENIN-DEPENDENT ORGANIZATION OF ASCARIS SUUM MUSCLE GLYCOGEN

In Ascaris suum, muscle glycogen is synthesized during host feeding intervals and degraded during nonfeeding intervals. Glycogen accumulation is up to 12-fold greater than that observed in mammalian muscle. Previous studies have established that many aspects of the parasite glycogen metabolism are comparable with the host, but a novel form of glycogen synthase designated GSII also occurs in the parasite. In this report glycogenin has been identified as the core protein in both mature glycogen and the GSII complex. Digestion of GSII complex glycogen generates discreet intermediates that may correspond to a proglycogen pool, whereas digestion of mature glycogen does not generate these intermediates. Because both GSII complex glycogen and mature glycogen serve as GSII substrates, the GSII complex likely represents an intermediate between glycogenin and mature glycogen. The regulation of glycogenin synthesis or the regulation of GSII activity that converts glycogenin to proglycogen, or both, may account for high levels of polysaccharide accumulation that are essential for A. suum survival.
Multiscale thermoelastic analysis of random heterogeneous materials: Part II: Direct micromechanical failure analysis and multiscale simulations

Abstract A methodology is presented for the multiscale thermoelastic analysis of random heterogeneous materials. Realistic random microstructures are generated for computational analyses using random morphology description functions (RMDFs) and their corresponding homogenized material properties obtained through the asymptotic expansion homogenization (AEH) method as described previously in Part I. Part II of the investigation concerns the computation of heat flux and stresses at the macro- and micro-scales for a heterogeneous body with random microstructure. The stresses at the microstructural level, coupled with appropriate material failure models, enable the realistic failure analysis of random media which in turn can be used to create useful initial failure envelopes at the macroscale for random materials. Initial failure envelopes are generated for metal/ceramic and metal/metal random heterogeneous materials using this direct micromechanical failure analysis methodology. The microscale and macroscale analysis tools are coupled together to perform a thorough and accurate multiscale analysis of random heterogeneous components. The proposed methodology is illustrated using two model problems. In the first model problem, a functionally graded Al / Al 2 O 3 beam with material composition that varies in the thickness direction is analyzed. In the second model problem, a functionally graded W/Cu component with bi-directional grading is subjected to a heat flux on a portion of its boundary and the corresponding macroscopic temperature, macroscopic average stresses, microscopic stress distribution and factor of safety are computed. In addition, a detailed investigation of failure at the microscale is performed at the critical location for representative random microstructures.
C12/C13-ratio determination in nanodiamonds by atom-probe tomography

The astrophysical origins of ∼ 3 nm-diameter meteoritic nanodiamonds can be inferred from the ratio of C12/C13. It is essential to achieve high spatial and mass resolving power and minimize all sources of signal loss in order to obtain statistically significant measurements. We conducted atom-probe tomography on meteoritic nanodiamonds embedded between layers of Pt. We describe sample preparation, atom-probe tomography analysis, 3D reconstruction, and bias correction. We present new data from meteoritic nanodiamonds and terrestrial standards and discuss methods to correct isotopic measurements made with the atom-probe tomograph.
State-Local Complementarity and Spatial Variation in Human Development: Lessons from Rural Guatemala

What accounts for variation in human development levels across similar communities? Why, for example, have some equally poor, indigenous, highland communities in Guatemala made advances in health and education, in particular, while others have stagnated or regressed? This paper argues that, contrary to an emerging recognition of the role of “ordinary citizens” in peacebuilding or crime reduction, human development requires the complementarity of citizen mobilization and government resources. For example, even in highly organized communities utilizing culturally relevant modes of participation and mobilization – at times with important consequences for local politics and crime – citizens were otherwise unable to coordinate resources and augment the implementation of key programs designed to combat hunger and illiteracy. In most cases, local level grievances and petty party politics interfered with the transparent and intended distribution of critical medical and monetary resources. Only rarely, when state actors at the local level coordinate with traditional leaders, and gain the cooperation and support of the mayor, does local governance allow for measurable gains in human development at the local level. These results are demonstrated through a quantitative analysis of all of Guatemala’s 334 municipalities, including difficult to access data from myriad sources, combined with the results of qualitative field methods – including over 100 key informant interviews and the results of focus groups across 6 paired communities throughout the Western Highlands – which aided in process tracing the implementation of a widely acclaimed government anti-hunger program at the village level. By highlighting stark differences in local governance and development outcomes across otherwise similar communities in the highlands of Guatemala, this paper raises important questions about: the role of durable social forces at the local level and their ability – if not taken into consideration – to thwart what are otherwise award-winning development schemes designed abroad or in the capital city; the complications of “local ownership” and local legitimacy with respect to development in complex environments of state-society discord; and the limitations of our knowledge of local forces on human development outcomes, versus peace and security, which operate under different mechanisms.
Organic nitrogen storage in mineral soil: Implications for policy and management

Nitrogen is one of the most important ecosystem nutrients and often its availability limits net primary production as well as stabilization of soil organic matter. The long-term storage of nitrogen-containing organic matter in soils was classically attributed to chemical complexity of plant and microbial residues that retarded microbial degradation. Recent advances have revised this framework, with the understanding that persistent soil organic matter consists largely of chemically labile, microbially processed organic compounds. Chemical bonding to minerals and physical protection in aggregates are more important to long-term (i.e., centuries to millennia) preservation of these organic compounds that contain the bulk of soil nitrogen rather than molecular complexity, with the exception of nitrogen in pyrogenic organic matter. This review examines for the first time the factors and mechanisms at each stage of movement into long-term storage that influence the sequestration of organic nitrogen in the mineral soil of natural temperate ecosystems. Because the factors which govern persistence are different under this newly accepted paradigm we examine the policy and management implications that are altered, such as critical load considerations, nitrogen saturation and mitigation consequences. Finally, it emphasizes how essential it is for this important but underappreciated pool to be better quantified and incorporated into policy and management decisions, especially given the lack of evidence for many soils having a finite capacity to sequester nitrogen.