cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Living for the global city: mobile kits, urban interfaces, and ubicomp

Using ethnographic methods, 28 young professionals across the global cities of London, Los Angeles, and Tokyo were studied to understand in some detail what items they carried with them (their mobile kits) and how they used these items to access people, places, and services (through various urban interfaces). The findings are analyzed in terms of these cities as existing sites of ubiquitous information and communication technology (ICT) use. More specifically, findings are considered with respect to the prospects in these cities for ubicomp as a paradigm of trusted, environmentally embedded computing, as opposed to a wearable computing paradigm of individual self-sufficiency. Overall, at least for the young professional class studied, practices of urban interfacing were remarkably similar across all three cities studied, suggesting that ubicomp systems might be developed to address the range of urban concerns and to unburden and empower urbanites.
Acculturation and Weight Loss Strategies Among Latinas

This study examined the relationship between indicators of acculturation and weight loss strategies among Latinas. Latinas residing in the United States longer had more experience with various weight loss strategies (r = 0.24, p = 0.05). Controlling for demographic factors and BMI, years of U.S. residence was related to whether increased physical activity (OR 1.18, 95 % CI 1.01–1.39, p = 0.04) and reduced portion sizes (OR 1.39, 95 % CI 1.02–1.91, p = 0.03) were used as strategies for weight loss. More English spoken at home was associated with use of reducing calories as a strategy for weight loss (OR 4.13, 95 % CI 1.06–16.09, p = 0.04). Regardless of acculturation level, less empirically supported methods such as using herbal products and a girdle were more prevalent than commonly recommended methods such as using meal replacement products and commercial weight loss programs. Behavioral weight loss interventions for Latinas should consider acculturation to more effectively target subgroups, address cultural practices, and teach lifestyle-appropriate strategies.
A Simplified Version of the Fast Algorithms of Brent and Salamin

We produce more elementary algorithms than those of Brent and Salamin for, respectively, evaluating e x and π. Although the Gauss arithmetic-geometric process still plays a central role, the elliptic function theory is now unnecessary.
Beyond the flask: Reactions on the fly in ambient mass spectrometry

Abstract Ionic reactions in bulk solution generally occur relatively slowly, and the course of reaction can be followed by on-line monitoring using, for example, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (MS). In another approach, ionic reactions occurring in confined volumes can be studied with a focus on increasing reaction rates upon reduction in solution volume (e.g., by solvent evaporation from small droplets). Such a situation is encountered in ambient ionization MS, which involves the ionization of samples in their native state without significant sample preparation. Reagents can be included in the spray solvents used in ambient ionization and rapid derivatization reactions can accompany ionization. These latter experiments form the topic of this review. Emphasis is on their value in chemical analysis, but the products of these reactions can also be collected easily and form the basis for small-scale synthesis.
Mode of action of streptomycin in relation to thechanges in spinal fluid sugar in tuberculous meningitis

Summary Streptomycin's chemical action asa reducing agent does not invalidate true glucose determinations (in vitro) by the Shaffer-Hartmann method when the concentrations of this antibiotic are within the physiological range.
Comparative Susceptibility and Effect of Mild Aspergillus fumigatus Infection on Three Strains of Chickens

A single Comb White Leghorn strain (Dryden X Auburn = DAX) was more susceptible to Aspergillus fumigatus infection and suffered significantly greater mortality than the Athens-Canadian or a Vantress X Arbor-Acres cross exposed soon after hatching. The unexposed controls of the three types weighed significantly more than the corresponding exposed survivors at 5 weeks of age.
Mechanics of a Fluid Filled Everting Toroidal Robot for Propulsion and Going Through a Hole

Whole Skin Locomotion (WSL) is an amoeba inspired locomotion mechanism for mobile robots in which an elongated torus turns itself inside out in a single continuous motion. Since the entire surface is used as a traction surface, WSL has the potential to traverse highly unstructured terrain, and when filled with fluid with an elastic membrane skin, it has the potential to squeeze through holes smaller than its nominal diameter. Previous work has investigated the mechanics of a concentric solid tube (CST) model in which motion is generated by expanding and contracting actuator rings pushing and pulling the membrane around a solid inner tube. In this paper, we present the mechanics of a fluid filled toroid (FFT) model which replaces the solid inner tube with incompressible fluid. Locomotion using contracting ring actuation is described for the FFT model and compared to the CST model. A novel actuation scheme which exploits the chemo-mechanics of soft polymeric elastic skin is also introduced to elicit useful locomotive behavior. Chemically induced swelling in polymeric skin is demonstrated to be a viable propulsion mechanism for a toroidal membrane under pressure. Finally, preliminary analysis is presented for finding forces required for a WSL robot to squeeze through a hole of a given depth and diameter to investigate the feasibility of using contracting ring actuation and chemically induced swelling for hole traversal.© 2010 ASME
Thermodynamic studies of carbon in liquid silicon using the central atoms model

The activity and solubility of carbon in liquid silicon were calculated using the ideal interstitial solution model. The central atoms model of binary interstitial solution was introduced into the study of carbon solubility in silicon for the first time. The temperature dependence of the carbon activity coefficient and solubility in liquid silicon was presented. Good agreement with the reported data in the literature proves the validity of central atoms model in the thermodynamic studies of a Si-C binary interstitial solution.
Reply to David Ucko

Wisdom would most probably dictate that one not respond to criticism of one's own work. However, David Ucko's review so obfuscates my major points that, at the invitation of the editors of this jou...
Contribution of the minor chain type iv collagen network to the mechanics of the ocular lens capsule

The ocular lens capsule (LC) is a specialized basement membrane which completely surrounds the lens. The LC serves as an attachment point for lens epithelial and fiber cells, controls lens solute and water transport, and makes accommodation possible [1]. It is primarily composed of type IV collagen (65% of dry weight), laminin, nidogen, and proteoglycans, of which type IV collagen is the main-tension resisting element [1,2]. Collagen IV monomers organize into polygonal planar networks resembling chicken wire (Fig.1) [3]. There are six different collagen IV monomers, labeled α1(IV) to α6(IV) each produced by a separate gene – COL4A1 to COL4A6. Monomers form triple helical protomers in a highly selective manner. In nature, only three monomer combinations have been discovered: the [α1(IV)]2α2(IV) protomer, referred to as the major chain, is found in all basement membranes; the α3(IV)α4(IV)α5(IV) protomer (minor chain) is found only in few basement membranes including the LC; the [α5(IV)]2α6(IV) protomer is very rare and will not be discussed further. Protomers of the same type assemble with one another to form separate networks which are known to have some differences [4]. For example, the minor chain network is more cross-linked than the major chain network. In a hereditary disease called Alport syndrome, the minor chain network is completely missing in males due to a mutation in the COL4A5 gene (located on the X chromosome) which prevents production of the α5(IV) monomer. Male Alport syndrome patients have significant ocular manifestations such as anterior lenticonus (protrusion of the lens), cataract, and even lens rupture [5] and they exhibit significant thinning of the LC. Because 1) the minor network is more cross-linked than the major network, 2) its absence affects lens shape, and 3) the LC displays pathological disruptions when it is missing, we theorize that its presence confers additional mechanical strength to the LC. Therefore, the objective of this study is to assess the contribution of the minor chain network to the mechanics of the LC.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
An attitude control system for the SIM Interferometry Test Bed 3 (STB3)

TThe SIM Interferometry Test Bed 3 (STB3) is the spaceborne-stellar-interferometer simulator for SIM, built and operating at JPL. Its construction details and performance are described elsewhere in this conference. The test bed consists of an interferometer system built on a large optical table, and a star simulator built on another large optical table placed directly across it. The optical tables float on independent, air-filled suspension legs simulating the SIM spacecraft and the distant stars it is to observe. In order to demonstrate the performance requirements, a novel attitude control system (ACS) has been built and installed on the STB3. In this paper, the details of the design, construction and performance of the attitude control system are presented. The attitude control system has been used to meet certain SIM requirements. An example of this performance test is also included.
Of flies and men--studying human disease in Drosophila.

Abstract During the past year, the Drosophila genome has been sequenced. More than 60% of genes implicated in human disease have Drosophila orthologues. Developments in RNA-mediated interference and homologous recombination have made ‘reverse genetics’ feasible in Drosophila. Conventional Drosophila genetics is being used increasingly to place human disease genes of unknown function in the context of functional pathways.
Statistical methods for astronomical data with upper limits. I - Univariate distributions

The statistical treatment of univariate censored data is discussed. A heuristic derivation of the Kaplan-Meier maximum-likelihood estimator from first principles is presented which results in an expression amenable to analytic error analysis. Methods for comparing two or more censored samples are given along with simple computational examples, stressing the fact that most astronomical problems involve upper limits while the standard mathematical methods require lower limits. The application of univariate survival analysis to six data sets in the recent astrophysical literature is described, and various aspects of the use of survival analysis in astronomy, such as the limitations of various two-sample tests and the role of parametric modelling, are discussed.
Truncation-Error Reduction in 2D Cylindrical/Spherical Near-Field Scanning

We introduce a near-field to far-field transformation for two-dimensional cylindrical/spherical scanning that significantly reduces angular-truncation errors. After examining the limitations of the traditional multipole-based expansion of truncated scan data, we consider an alternative expansion based on Slepian functions and show how far-field values can be extracted from the resulting expansion coefficients. We compare the performance and computational cost of the new transformation with those of the traditional one.
High-level production and purification of biologically active proteins from bacterial and mammalian cells using the tandem pGFLEX expression system

Abstract Because of the complexities involved in the regulation of gene expression in Escherichia coli and mammalian cells, it is considered general practice to use different vectors for heterologous expression of recombinant proteins in these host systems. However, we have developed and report a shuttle vector system, pGFLEX, that provides high-level expression of recombinant glutathione S -transferase (GST) fusion proteins in E. coli and mammalian cells. pGFLEX contains the cytomegaloma virus (CMV) immediate-early promoter in tandem with the E. coli lacZpo system. The sequences involved in gene expression have been appropriately modified to enable high-level production of fusion proteins in either cell type. The pGFLEX expression system allows production of target proteins fused to either the N or C terminus of the GST π protein and provides rapid purification of target proteins as either GST fusions or native proteins after cleavage with thrombin. The utility of this vector in identifying and purifying a component of a multi-protein complex is demonstrated with cyclin A. The pGFLEX expression system provides a singular and widely applicable tool for laboratory or industrial production of biologically active recombinant proteins in E. coli and mammalian cells.
Abstract 3939: The collagen receptor discoidin domain receptor 2 facilitates breast cancer metastasis by stabilizing Snail1 protein.

Proceedings: AACR 104th Annual Meeting 2013; Apr 6-10, 2013; Washington, DC Mammographic density is a leading risk factor for the development of breast cancer and these cancers are more invasive and metastatic. The increase in breast density is, in part, due to increased fibrillar collagen deposition. In an RNAi human kinome screen to identify post-transcriptional regulators of Snail1 protein stability we found the collagen receptor DDR2, but not related DDR1, to stabilize Snail1 protein as a result of collagen I activated DDR2 stimulation of ERK2 activity. This can occur independent of β1-integrin and TGFβ signals. DDR2 is not required for TGFβ-induced Epithelial Mesenchymal transition (EMT) or EMT-induced Snail1 transcription. Rather DDR2 expression, which is absent in normal breast epithelia, is induced during EMT as breast tumor cells assume invasive, mesenchymal features. DDR2-induced ERK2 activity stabilizes Snail1 protein level in two ways. First, ERK2 interacts with and phosphorylates Snail1 and second ERK2 inhibits GSK3b. DDR2 was found to be critical for breast cancer cell invasion and migration in vitro, in 3D collagen gels, and breast cancer metastasis in vivo, in syngeneic xenograft models. A majority of human invasive ductal breast carcinomas express DDR2 protein and there is a strong association between nuclear Snail1 expression, DDR2 expression, and the absence of E-cadherin expression. The small group of breast cancer patients with tumors harboring increased DDR2 gene copy number has diminished survival. We propose that DDR2 acts in a positive feedback loop to maintain Snail1 protein level and activity in breast tumor cells at the leading, invasive edge where tumor cells that have undergone EMT and invaded through the basement membrane to encounter extracellular matrix collagen I. This facilitates the continued tumor cell invasion and migration through the collagen I-rich ECM, and thereby, contributes to breast cancer metastasis. That the collagen I receptor DDR2 maintains the EMT-inducing Snail1 protein level and activity and contributes to breast cancer metastasis could explain the increase in metastasis of breast cancers in women with dense breasts. As such, DDR2 could be considered a novel RTK target for the treatment of breast cancer metastasis. Citation Format: Kun Zhang, Callie Corsa, Julie Prior, David Piwnica-Worms, Gregory D. Longmore. The collagen receptor discoidin domain receptor 2 facilitates breast cancer metastasis by stabilizing Snail1 protein. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3939. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-3939
Quantifying the Impact of Going Trayless in a University Dining Hall

Though tray removal from dining facilities is a growing trend among colleges and universities, its impact is not well documented. Here, we report on the results of an experiment to evaluate the effects of tray availability on food waste production and dish use in a university dining facility. We sampled 360 individual diners over a 6-day period and documented a 32% reduction in food waste and a 27% reduction in dish use when trays were unavailable. The findings suggest that removing trays is a simple way for universities and other dining facilities to reduce their environmental impact and save money.
Output-feedback control for switched linear systems subject to actuator saturation

This article is devoted to the output-feedback ℋ∞ control problem for switched linear systems subject to actuator saturation. We consider both continuous- and discrete-time switched systems. Using the minimal switching rule, nonlinear output feedbacks expressed in the form of quasi-linear parameter varying system are designed to satisfy a pre-specified disturbance attenuation level defined by the regional ℒ2 (l2)-gains over a class of energy-bounded disturbances. The conditions are expressed in bilinear matrix inequalities and can be solved by line search coupled with linear matrix inequalities optimisation. A spherical inverted pendulum example is used to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Identification of Src as a Novel Atypical Protein Kinase C-Interacting Protein

Abstract Atypical protein kinase C-zeta (PKC-ζ) participates in nerve growth factor (NGF) signaling and is required for NGF-induced differentiation of PC12 cells. The biological activity of PKC-ζ is likely mediated by interaction of PKC-ζ with specific proteins. Affinity column chromatography employing the PKC-ζ regulatory domain coupled to glutathione–agarose was used to search for proteins that bound PKC-ζ. Two proteins (59/60 kDa) were recovered from NGF-stimulated PC12 cell lysates that bound the matrix. Western blot analysis of pooled column fractions identified these proteins as tubulin and src, respectively. Using purified preparations of src and tubulin, PKC-ζ was shown to interact with both proteins using blot overlay. To demonstrate a functional interaction in vivo, PC12 cells expressing a temperature-sensitive v-src were shifted to the permissive temperature (37°C), followed by immunoprecipitation. At the permissive temperature where src was active, PKC-ζ was tyrosine phosphorylated and coassociated with src in vivo; by comparison, at the nonpermissive temperature (40°C) PKC-ζ was not tyrosine phosphorylated. Taken together, these findings support a novel role for the interaction of src and atypical PKC in vivo, which is dependent upon the activity of src and the tyrosine phosphorylation state of PKC-ζ.
An industrial bond rating model based on the Analytic Hierarchy Process

Abstract Bond ratings serve as perceived indicators of the default risk associated with bond issues and issuers. A review of the descriptions of the ratings process followed by the agencies reveals that an informal judgmental system is used to rate bond issues. However, informal judgmental systems have the potential to induce serious inconsistencies in decisions. Such inconsistencies can occur with respect to the relative importance of criteria applicable to the same issues over time and also across issuers. We present a formal judgmental model of the bond ratings process that does not suffer from the weaknesses of informal judgmental systems. The model relies on the descriptions of the process published by Standard and Poor's Corporation (S&P) and is based on the Analytic Hierarchy Process. Model use is illustrated by analyzing the bond ratings of Chrysler Corporation and General Motors. The model should prove useful to ratings agencies, bond issuers and institutional investors. Ratings agencies can adopt a more systematic and consistent approach towards rating bond issues. Issuers and institutional investors can examine the perceived consistency and appropriateness of the rating assigned to a firm's debt by providing inferences concerning the rating criteria.
PPPS-2013: Relaxing assumptions in field-limited emission, and an iterative approach to a scaling law for space-charge limited flow in axisymmetric 2D

Summary form only given. Field-limited emission is an approach for using Gauss's Law to to satisfy the space charge limit for emitting current in Particle-in-Cell simulations. A thorough analysis is done of the assumptions made in prior implementations, and corrections are introduced for cylindrical geometry, non-zero injection velocity, and non-zero surface field. Particular care is taken to determine special conditions for the outermost node, where we find that forcing a balance of Gauss's Law would be incorrect. The scheme is then applied to determine a scaling law for the Child-Langmuir limit in an axisymmetric planar diode, with finite initial velocity. We find that the new scheme reproduces prior results, in significantly less computation time, due to no longer needing to overinject and to rapid convergence of the surface field using our new algorithmic optimization wrapper to seek the local limiting current along an emitter.
Self-calibration technique for A/D converters

Linearity errors of weighted capacitor digital-to-analog converters (DAC's) can be corrected using a simple digital algorithm. The additional circuitry required is approximately 350 digital gates plus 10 bytes of memory space.
Testicular sperm extraction with intracytoplasmic sperm injection is successful for the treatment of nonobstructive azoospermia associated with cryptorchidism.

ABSTRACTPurpose: We evaluated the results of testicular sperm extraction (TESE) with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) in men with nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA) associated with cryptorchidism.Materials and Methods: A total of 321 TESE attempts were done in 275 men with confirmed nonobstructive azoospermia to recover spermatozoa for ICSI between November 1995 and December 2001. Of these patients 38 with a diagnosis of cryptorchidism underwent 47 sperm extraction attempts. The remaining 237 men with a total of 274 associated TESE attempts had various other etiologies for NOA. The outcome measures studied were the sperm retrieval, fertilization, pregnancy and miscarriage rates after ICSI. Serum follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), testicular volume and age at orchiopexy (in the cryptorchid group) were examined as predictive factors for sperm recovery.Results: In the cryptorchid cohort spermatozoa were successfully retrieved at 35 of 47 TESE attempts (74%) with fertilization in 214 of 347 metaphase II...
The effect of CO2 and H2O on the kinetics of NO reduction by CH4 over a La2O3/γ-Al2O3 catalyst

Abstract NO reduction by CH 4 over a 40% La 2 O 3 / γ -Al 2 O 3 catalyst in the absence and presence of O 2 in the feed was studied. The addition of either CO 2 or H 2 O to the feed produced a reversible inhibitory effect on the rate similar to that observed with unsupported La 2 O 3 ; however, the extent of rate inhibition was considerably smaller than on unsupported La 2 O 3 . At 973 K, either CO 2 (9%) or H 2 O (2%) in the feed decreased activity by about 35% in the absence of O 2 and by only 20% with excess O 2 in the feed. In the absence of O 2 , a reaction mechanism previously proposed for La 2 O 3 was altered to include competitive CO 2 and H 2 O adsorption and to give the following rate expression for N 2 formation: r N 2 = k′P NO P CH 4 (1+K NO P NO +K CH 4 P CH 4 +K CO 2 P CO 2 +K H 2 O P H 2 O ) 2 . This equation fit the data well, had apparent activation energies of 14–25 kcal/mol, and gave thermodynamically consistent enthalpies and entropies of adsorption. Stable rates at 973 K with O 2 and either CO 2 or H 2 O in the feed were between 0.94 and 0.99 μmol N 2 /s/g catalyst. In the presence of excess O 2 , after CO 2 and H 2 O adsorption were again included, a rate equation proposed earlier for La 2 O 3 again provided a good fit to the data with H 2 O in the feed as well as thermodynamically consistent parameters determined under integral reaction operation. However, with both CO 2 and excess O 2 in the feed, this rate expression could not provide thermodynamically meaningful parameters from the fitting constants even though it fit the data well. This was attributed to a major contribution from the alumina to the overall rate, because CO 2 had no significant effect on NO reduction on alumina, but it inhibited this reaction on La 2 O 3 . A reaction model was proposed for γ -Al 2 O 3 that gave the rate expression for total CH 4 disappearance due to both combustion and NO reduction over γ -Al 2 O 3 (r CH 4 ) T = k′ com P CH 4 P O 2 0.5 +k′ NO P NO P CH 4 P O 2 0.5 (1+K′ NO 2 P NO P O 2 0.5 +K CH 4 P CH 4 +K O 2 0.5 P O 2 0.5 +K CO 2 P CO 2 +K H 2 O P H 2 O ) 2 , which gave a satisfactory fit to the data along with thermodynamically consistent parameters. The second term in this equation, which represents the rate of N 2 formation, was then combined with the rate equation for N 2 formation on pure La 2 O 3 in the presence of O 2 to describe overall catalyst performance, and the data were fit well, assuming that La 2 O 3 composed 6.8% of the total surface area, a value close to that of 6.1% obtained from XRD line-broadening calculations.
Pulmonary hypertension in a stable community-based COPD population.

The etiology and prevalence of pulmonary hypertension (PH) in patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is uncertain. This study was done to determine the prevalence of PH in stable COPD outpatients and to evaluate the relationship between PH and indices of pulmonary function. The study was a retrospective review of outpatients with COPD and PH defined as a history of cigarette smoking, pulmonary function tests (PFTs) that met GOLD criteria for airway obstruction, an echocardiogram within 6 months of PFTs, and a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) >55%. Of the 159 individuals who met all inclusion criteria, 105 had a sufficient tricuspid regurgitant jet to measure systolic pulmonary artery pressure (sPAP). PH was defined as sPAP ≥36 mmHg. The prevalence of PH was 60% (63/105) in the study group. The mean sPAP in patients with PH was 45 ± 6 mmHg. COPD patients with PH were older (71.1 ± 11.8 vs. 63.7 ± 10.2 years, P = 0.001), had lower FEV1% predicted (51.8 ± 18.8 vs. 62.7 ± 20.5%, P = 0.006), a higher RV/TLC (0.55 ± 0.10 vs. 0.48 ± 0.11, P = 0.001), and a lower % predicted DLCO (59.6 ± 19.5% vs. 71.9 ± 24.9%, P = 0.006). Only age (P < 0.002) and prebronchodilator FEV1% predicted (P < 0.006) predicted PH by logistic regression analysis. No differences were observed in gender, BMI, smoking status, pack years, total lung capacity (TLC), or residual volume (RV). PH is common in COPD. Older individuals and those with more airway obstruction are at greater risk for developing PH.
Odors (osmyls) as allergenic agents

Abstract 1.1. On the basis of chemical, physical, and physiologic observations, it appears that scent, whether organic or inorganic in origin, has a physico-chemical basis and is propagated by minute particles. Accordingly, osmyls, as these odoriferous particles are termed, can act as allergens on inhalation in certain cases. 2.2. Hypersensitiveness to the scent of some trees and plants without associated hypersensitiveness to their pollen may explain the failure of pollen extract therapy in such cases. 3.3. A method of oral administration of substances prepared by the process of enfleurage is described for the treatment of scent allergies.
Discrimination and estimation of time-to-contact for approaching traffic using a desktop environment

Each year, thousands of pedestrians are injured or killed in traffic accidents. Identifying pedestrians' perceptual capabilities for street crossing decisions is an important problem. This paper examines this issue by seeking to understand people's time-to-contact judgments for short-range to long-range times-to-contact in a desktop environment. Two experiments were used to test time-to-contact judgments around 4, 7, and 10 seconds. Both experiments showed subjects videos of a car moving down a road toward the viewer. The first experiment observed subjects' ability to discriminate between two different time-to-contact values. The second experiment measured subjects' absolute time-to-contact estimates. We found subjects to be accurate at both discriminating and estimating time-to-contact in a desktop environment. However, performance worsens at longer time ranges, those that pedestrians typically use in street-crossing decisions. Our discrimination thresholds are consistent with other time-to-contact work, and thus illustrate that desktop environments are plausible settings to use for time-to-contact studies.
Epigenetic regulation and measurement of epigenetic changes

Epigenetic mechanisms provide an adaptive layer of control in the regulation of gene expression that enables an organism to adjust to a changing environment. Epigenetic regulation increases the functional complexity of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) by altering chromatin structure, nuclear organization, and transcript stability. These changes may additively or synergistically influence gene expression and result in long-term molecular and functional consequences independent of the DNA sequence that may ultimately define an individual's phenotype. This article (1) describes histone modification, DNA methylation, and expression of small noncoding RNA species; (2) reviews the most common methods used to measure these epigenetic changes; and (3) presents factors that need to be considered when choosing a specific tissue to evaluate for epigenetic changes.
RESPONSE MEASURE EFFICIENCY IN VERBAL CONDITIONING RESEARCH

It is recognized that experimental results are, in part, a function of the selection of a dependent variable. Relative to verbal conditioning research, particularly research employing a Taffel-type task (Taffel, 1955), numerous alternative strategies may be, and have been, used to transform raw operant frequency counts into response measures (RMs) chat are more amenable to parametric analyses. This condition suggests that a portion of the discrepancies observed in verbal conditioning research might be attributable to choice of RM. This investigation attempted to assess the relative efficiency of 15 RMs that can be generated from a Taffel-type situation. Relative efficiency was defined as the extent to which a RM demonstrates a greater conditioning effect when compared with others, all things being equal. Data on 80 Ss (frequency of reinforced self-reference response for each of four 20-trial-blocks) were obtained from a previous study (Kennedy, Cook, & Brewer, in press). Ss comprised two groups: (a) a group (N = 40) who "apparently" demonstrated conditioning and (b) a group (N = 40) who clearly failed to manifest a conditioning effect. From raw frequency/block data, 15 different RMs were generated for Ss. Essenrially, the 15 RMs can be loosely classified into one of three categories on the basis of the arithmetic operations used in their derivation: (a) simple conditioning gain scores from the base period (Trial Block 1) to later conditioning trial blocks, (b) per cent increase in operant production from base period, and (c) ratio gain scores from base period to later blocks.' One-way analyses of variance between group means, with associated eta coefficients (?), were calculated for each RM. Results indicated that selected RUs were not equally efficient. In particular, Rhls based on per cent increase were noticeably less efficient while (a) simple frequency gain between Trial Blocks 1 and 4 and (b) operant/total ratio gain also between Blocks 1 and 4 appeared maximally efficient.
Perturbation constraint on the Higgs boson mass

Abstract It is shown that a systematic perturbation expansion of spontaneously broken gauge theory imposes a constraint on the upper as well as the lower limit of the Higgs boson mass. In the standard SU(2) × U(1) model, the Higgs boson mass is calculated to be between 13 GeV and 500 GeV for the weak mixing angle, θ ≈ 35°.
Local disentanglement in relativistic quantum field theory

Abstract This paper discusses a claim by Clifton and Halvorson (2001) that, contrary to non-relativistic quantum mechanics, local operations can never destroy entanglement in relativistic quantum field theory. The impossibility of achieving local disentanglement would raise a threat for the mutual independence between microscopic subsystems. Here, we observe that Clifton and Halvorson no-go result rests on an unnecessarily strong notion of local operations, which we label absolutely local operations, and we argue that a weaker notion, namely that of relatively local operations, is sufficient to guarantee that acting on one subsystem does not have non-local effects on another spacelike separated subsystem. We then show that one can achieve local disentanglement in relativistic quantum field theory by means of relatively local operations. In fact, we prove that, under the split property, there exists a class of disentangling relatively local operations.
Increased expression of CR3 (C3bi receptor) on neutrophils in human inflammatory skin reactions.

To help determine whether the neutrophils (PMN) found in skin inflammatory reactions are activated, we have compared the expression of the C3bi receptor (CR3) on such cells with that on autologous blood PMN in 10 pollen-sensitive subjects. Using skin chambers overlying denuded blister bases we collected PMN at 2 or 4 hr at sites of challenge with pollen antigen or buffer solution. These cells and PMN in autologous blood were incubated with monoclonal anti-CR3 antibody and the expression of CR3 was measured by indirect fluorescence and flow cytometry. Significantly more PMN were found at antigen than at buffer sites at 2 hr (7.02±0.45 × 105 vs 0.71±0.25×105) and at 4 hr (2.2±0.57×106 vs 5.47×105). The mean CR3 expressions on PMN at antigen and buffer sites were similar (117±7.4 vs 118±9.0); both were significantly greater than on blood PMN (17.6±1.5;P<0.005). PMN from both sites could be stimulated furtherin vitro with formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (FMLP) to express more CR3 to a level even greater than in FMLP-stimulated blood PMN (155±11 and 157±12, respectively, vs 108±7 in blood PMN). The incubation of blood PMN with the noncellular component of the chamber fluid led to a moderate (28–100%) increase in CR3 expression, but far less than the CR3 expression on the chamber fluid PMN themselves. Since surface CR3 is thought to be an activation marker important in PMN adhesion, these findings may be important in understanding the emigration of PMN in skin inflammatory reactions.
Introduction: Jane Austen and William Shakespeare – Twin icons?

Jane Austen and William Shakespeare have often been compared. However, at first glance, the two would seem to be “strange bedfellows”. This paper investigates what the two authors share, how they differ, and what it is it about their works and about the images we've created of them that speaks to so many of us today.
Development of a Protocol to Assess Dietary Intake Among Hispanics who Have Low Literacy Skills in English

Abstract Hispanic adults who had low literacy in English (n=143) and who attended community college English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) classes, completed 24-hour dietary recalls using version 2.5 of the computerized Minnesota Nutrition Data System (NDS), which included many Hispanic foods. The purposes of our study were to assess the appropriateness of NDS for a Hispanic group who had low literacy in English, to describe the development and implementation of training procedures for NDS interviewers, and to discuss the special problems that occurred using the enhanced version of NDS. Further, nutrient intakes for the study population, as calculated using NDS, were compared with nutrient estimates from the Hispanic Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (HHANES). Results suggest that version 2.5 of NDS is a useful tool for collecting dietary information for Hispanics who have low literacy in English. Challenges encountered during data collection for this study could be categorized into three types: regional differences in foods, food preparation differences, and lack of appropriate options in NDS for preparation methods. Generally, the study group and HHANES participants had similar intakes, although the study group tended to have a more healthful nutrition profile. Overall, findings indicate that NDS is a promising assessment tool for nutrition practitioners who work with Hispanics who have low literacy in English. Continued improvements to the NDS system can correct its shortcomings related to regional/ cultural food differences. J Am Diet Assoc. 1996; 96: 1276-1279.
A quantitative assay for capacitation: evaluation of multiple sperm penetration through the zona pellucida of salt-stored hamster eggs.

The endpoint for sperm capacitation occurs when spermatozoa become able to penetrate intact zonae pellucidae of unfertilized homologous eggs. Activation of eggs stimulated by sperm fusion or by gamete aging initiates changes in zonae pellucidae that bar further sperm entry. This zona block mechanism reduces the usefulness of eggs as indicators for sperm capacitation. Egg storage in concentrated salt solutions destroys the zona block mechanism while retaining the biological sperm receptor/activator functions of the zona pellucida [Yanagimachi et al., Fertil Steril 31:562-574, 1979]. We have developed techniques for the quantitative assay of capacitation using multiple sperm penetration into zonae and have evaluated the sperm-response characteristics of hamster eggs stored in a modified salt solution (STOR). Sperm, preincubated in capacitating or noncapacitating treatments (CAP or NOCAP, respectively), were coincubated with unfertilized and fertilized STOR-treated zonae for 4 hr. Then zonae were stripped of externally bound sperm and the sperm heads in the perivitelline space (PVS) were fluorescently labeled with Hoechst dye 33342. Entry of CAP sperm into the PVS of STOR-treated unfertilized eggs was highly correlated with sperm concentration (Rw = .859) and was log linear from 1 X 10(3)-2 X 10(5) CAP sperm/ml. At 2 X 10(5) CAP sperm/ml, the mean number of PVS sperm was 63.5 and the maximum observed was 158. NOCAP sperm very rarely penetrated unfertilized zonae (2 sperm into 75 eggs). Few CAP sperm entered the PVS of STOR-treated fertilized eggs (two sperm into 54 eggs at 2 X 10(5) sperm/ml) unless the sperm concentration was raised to high levels. Differences between replicates were due to male but not female (ie, egg) differences. We conclude that 1) STOR-treated unfertilized zonae can be used to accurately quantitate differences between sperm capacitation and/or fertility states and 2) the availability of large numbers of homogeneous "shelf-stable" zonae will make it feasible to perform hamster sperm capacitation bioassays on a large scale.
Effects of estrogen and progesterone on tibia histomorphometry in growing rats.

The present study was performed to evaluate possible interactions between estrogen and progesterone on peak cancellous bone mass. Ovariectomized (OVX) growing rats were treated with 17β-estradiol (4.8 μg/day), progesterone (4.8 mg/day), a combination of the two sex steroids, or with vehicle for 14 days beginning 7 days after OVX. The tibiae were removed for histomorphometric analysis of the proximal metaphysis. OVX and growth each resulted in net resorption of cancellous bone at a sampling site adjusted for longitudinal bone growth. Estradiol and progesterone treatment each antagonized bone loss by inhibiting the decrease in trabecular number. Estradiol increased but progesterone had no effect on trabecular thickness. Progesterone did not influence either osteoclast number or the resorption of the pretreatment fluorochrome label. Estradiol reduced osteoclast number and inhibited label resorption, the latter change being accentuated by combination treatment. Estradiol reduced and progesterone enhanced the mineral apposition and bone formation rates. The results indicate that estradiol and progesterone have independent activities on cancellous bone turnover during growth. Whereas estradiol reduced bone turnover, progesterone had a stimulatory effect on bone formation. These findings suggest that progesterone has a role in establishing and maintaining peak cancellous bone volume during growth.
Understanding mediated practices: Combining ethnographic methods with blog data to develop insights

While theories of practice have been influential in the social sciences, these frameworks have seen limited application in ethnographic and applied inquiry, perhaps because few methods for carrying out practice theoretical research have been elaborated. We address this opportunity and provide an account of a multi-method inquiry on domestic practice. First, we explain methods for integrating data from blogs with ethnographic methods and how this data can be used to develop theory. Second, we share our experience as interdisciplinary researchers using ethnographic and quantitative data to connect work at the boundaries of social practice theory and theories of consumption. Finally, we share our insights on wby industry should aim to better understand existing and emergent consumer practices.
Photosynthetic Carbon Metabolism of a Marine Grass

The δ 13 C value of a tropical marine grass Thalassia testudinum is −9.04‰. This value is similar to the δ 13 C value of terrestrial tropical grasses. The δ 13 C values of the organic acid fraction, the amino acid fraction, the sugar fraction, malic acid, and glucose are: −11.2‰, −13.1‰, −10.1‰, −11.1‰, and −11.5‰, respectively. The δ 13 C values of malic acid and glucose of Thalassia are similar to the δ 13 C values of these intermediates in sorghum leaves and attest to the presence of the photosynthetic C 4 -dicarboxylic acid pathway in this marine grass. The inorganic HCO 3 − for the growth of the grass fluctuates between −6.7 to −2.7‰ during the day. If CO 2 fixation in Thalassia is catalyzed by phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (which would result in a −3‰ fractionation between HCO 3 − and malic acid), the predicted δ 13 C value for Thalassia would be −9.7 to −5.7‰. This range is close to the observed range of −12.6 to −7.8‰ for Thalassia and agree with the operation of the C 4 -dicarboxylic acid pathway in this plant. The early products of the fixation of HCO 3 − in the leaf sections are malic acid and aspartic acid which are similar to the early products of CO 2 fixation in C 4 terrestrial plants. Electron microscopy of the leaves of Thalassia reveal thick walled epidermal cells exceedingly rich in mitochondria and C 3 -type chloroplasts. The mesophyll cells have many different shapes and surround air lacunae which contain O 2 and CO 2 . The mesophyll cells are highly vacuolated and the parietal cytoplasm contains an occasional chloroplast. This chloroplast contains grana but the lamellar system is not as developed as the system in epidermal chloroplasts. Extensive phloem tissue is present but the xylem elements are reduced in this aquatic grass. The vascular tissue is not surrounded by bundle sheath cells. This work does not establish the exact relation between structure and function in Thalassia , but it does show the C 4 -type photosynthetic carbon metabolism in this grass involves epidermal and mesophyll cells and internally produced O 2 and CO 2 in the air lacunae.
University Leaders and the Public Agenda: Talking About Women and Diversity in STEM Fields

We undertake an investigation of public statements and pronouncements from leaders at various universities to gain insight into institutional values and environments relative to women and their participation and advancement in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and other disciplinary fields. Employing content analysis techniques to focus on terminological use and keyword interdependencies in these speeches, our findings indicate that, while gender equality is addressed as a separate topic in its own right, university leaders raise issues of gender in the context of STEM participation primarily in conjunction only with other topics. As expected, the data also support arguments suggesting diversity in general as an important goal espoused in the rhetoric of university representatives. Questions remain, however, concerning whether these speeches presage concrete institutional commitments and responses relative to the achievement of diversity, gender equality, and gender equity in the STEM professoriate.
Men, Anal Sex and Desire: Who Wants What?

Anal sex between men has been constructed in many ways throughout the last century. In this paper, I describe three realms of discourse that have offered ideas regarding the meanings and motivations of anal sex: (1) Freud's exploration of anal erotism using classical psychoanalytic language, (2) a radical sex theorist describing transcendence and community through anal sexuality, and (3) a Lacanian perspective that questions the idea of the anus as passive. Recurrent themes regarding power dynamics, identity and gender are identified and explored, and the role of anal sex as cultural signifier is examined.
Proteasomal degradation of Nck1 but not Nck2 regulates RhoA activation and actin dynamics

The ubiquitously expressed adapter proteins Nck1/2 interact with a multitude of effector molecules to regulate diverse cellular functions including cytoskeletal dynamics. Here we show that Nck1, but not Nck2, is a substrate of c-Cbl-mediated ubiquitination. We uncover lysine 178 in Nck1 as the evolutionarily conserved ubiquitin acceptor site. We previously reported that synaptopodin, a proline-rich actin-binding protein, induces stress fibres by blocking the Smurf1-mediated ubiquitination of RhoA. We now find that synaptopodin competes with c-Cbl for binding to Nck1, which prevents the ubiquitination of Nck1 by c-Cbl. Gene silencing of c-Cbl restores Nck1 protein abundance and stress fibres in synaptopodin knockdown cells. Similarly, expression of c-Cbl-resistant Nck1(K178R) or Nck2 containing the SH3 domain 2 of Nck1 restores stress fibres in synaptopodin-depleted podocytes through activation of RhoA signalling. These findings reveal proteasomal regulation as a key factor in the distinct and non-redundant effects of Nck on RhoA-mediated actin dynamics.
A dynamic structural model of expanded RNA CAG repeats: A refined X-ray structure and computational investigations using molecular dynamics and umbrella sampling simulations

One class of functionally important RNA is repeating transcripts that cause disease through various mechanisms. For example, expanded CAG repeats can cause Huntington’s and other disease through translation of toxic proteins. Herein, a crystal structure of r[5′UUGGGC(CAG)3GUCC]2, a model of CAG expanded transcripts, refined to 1.65 A resolution is disclosed that shows both anti–anti and syn–anti orientations for 1 × 1 nucleotide AA internal loops. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations using AMBER force field in explicit solvent were run for over 500 ns on the model systems r(5′GCGCAGCGC)2 (MS1) and r(5′CCGCAGCGG)2 (MS2). In these MD simulations, both anti–anti and syn–anti AA base pairs appear to be stable. While anti–anti AA base pairs were dynamic and sampled multiple anti–anti conformations, no syn–anti ↔ anti–anti transformations were observed. Umbrella sampling simulations were run on MS2, and a 2D free energy surface was created to extract transformation pathways. In addition, an explicit solvent MD s...
Psychiatric and ethical issues in the care of patients with AIDS.

Abstract Most often, the various presentations of AIDS involve intermittent development of the associated diseases in an additive and progressive manner. Some aspects examined here of this progression that bear on psychiatric and ethical issues as they may confront the consultant are: (1) the high incidence of neurologic complications; (2) the nonspecific nature of psychiatric symptoms; (3) the need for the patient to select a reliable person to make legal and health-care decisions if and when that is necessary; (4) assessment of suicidal ideation; (5) decisions about terminal care and life supports; and (6) how rigorously to pursue treatment for drug abuse in the patient who has contracted AIDS intravenously.