cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
History, Applications, and Mechanisms of Deep Brain Stimulation

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an effective surgical treatment for medication-refractory hypokinetic and hyperkinetic movement disorders, and it is being explored for a variety of other neurological and psychiatric diseases. Deep brain stimulation has been Food and Drug Administration-approved for essential tremor and Parkinson disease and has a humanitarian device exemption for dystonia and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Neurostimulation is the fruit of decades of both technical and scientific advances in the field of basic neuroscience and functional neurosurgery. Despite the clinical success of DBS, the therapeutic mechanism of DBS remains under debate. Our objective is to provide a comprehensive review of DBS focusing on movement disorders, including the historical evolution of the technique, applications and outcomes with an overview of the most pertinent literature, current views on mechanisms of stimulation, and description of hardware and programming techniques. We conclude with a discussion of future developments in neurostimulation.
Dispersed fares within a fare class: How can the reality be harnessed?

Most revenue management seat allocation models require inputs of the revenue value associated with the bookings expected in each fare class. This paper examines the impacts of more realistic fare value assumptions on the revenue performance of a commonly used seat allocation optimisation model (EMSR) and a new heuristic decision rule, called dispersed fare rule (DFR). Typical fare data for airlines, hotels, cruise lines and rental car companies show that the fares in each fare class follow a probability distribution, rather than the typical assumption of a single fare value. The revenue performance of this new DFR approach on a single leg is compared. Simulation analysis of many different scenarios is applied, using actual airline data, to show that the new decision rule can take advantage of the variability of actual fare values around the mean fare values to generate a significant revenue improvement over EMSR (2–6 per cent).
Azacitidine enhances sensitivity of platinum-resistant ovarian cancer cells to carboplatin through induction of apoptosis

Objective The objective of the study was to investigate whether azacitidine sensitizes platinum-resistant ovarian cancer cells to carboplatin and the possible mechanisms involved. Study Design We tested the in vitro antitumor activity of azacitidine both alone and combined with carboplatin in the ovarian cancer cell line 2008/C13 and Hey by 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide assays and investigated the potential mechanisms by flow cytometry, terminal transferase deoxyuridine 5-triphosphate nick-end labeling assay, Western blot, reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and promoter methylation–specific PCR. Results Sequential treatment (ie, 24-hour azacitidine pretreatment followed by 48-hour cotreatment with azacitidine and carboplatin) significantly inhibited growth in 2008/C13 and Hey cells. More apoptotic cells were induced in 2008/C13 cells by sequential treatment than by a single drug. Increased cleaved caspase-3 and -8 were seen in 2008/C13 cells after sequential treatment with azacitidine and carboplatin. DR4 was demethylated, and DR4 messenger ribonucleic acid expression was increased in 2008/C13 cells after the 24-hour azacitidine treatment. Conclusion Azacitidine enhanced the sensitivity of platinum-resistant ovarian cancer cells to carboplatin associated with caspase-3– and -8–dependent apoptosis pathway and reexpression of DR4.
Practical Considerations for the Use of Pseudorabies Virus in Transneuronal Studies of Neural Circuitry

The development of neurotrophic alpha herpesviruses for transneuronal analysis of neuronal circuitry has emerged from interdisciplinary characterizations of the viral life cycle and the defense response mounted by the nervous system to contain and eliminate the infection. Important findings from a number of fields have combined to provide compelling evidence that these viruses, when used appropriately, are powerful probes of multisynaptic circuits. These studies have also revealed that a number of variables can influence the outcome of infection and should be considered in designing and interpreting data derived from studies employing this experimental approach. The purpose of this paper is to review the literature that has established this experimental approach as a viable method for transynaptic analysis of neuronal circuitry and to define the factors that should be considered in applying this technology.
In Situ Collagen Gel Mold as an Aid in Excimer Laser Superficial Keratectomy

Purpose: The aim of this study is to evaluate the potential use of bovine type I collagen as an adjuvant to excimer laser keratectomy. Method: A suspension of collagen with the capability to polymerize into a gel was applied to the anterior corneal surface of freshly enucleated porcine eyes, using 35.0 diopter (D), 45.5 D, or 52.0 D contact lenses as molds. Keratometry, photokeratoscopy, slit-lamp photography, scanning electron microscopy, and light microscopy were performed on the new surfaces. Furthermore, an irregular corneal surface was created and a suspension of collagen was applied to mask protruding irregularities, therefore creating a smooth surface that was subjected to excimer laser keratectomy. Ablation rates for both collagen and cornea were measured. Results: Collagen suspension placed on a cornea and molded with contact lenses created a smooth-surfaced gel that conformed to the shape of the contact lens and adhered to the anterior cornea; it was optically smooth and regular as shown by photokeratoscopy, keratometry, and scanning electron microscopy. The corneal curvature was altered in accordance with the base curvature of the contact lens used. Results of keratometry showed resolution of pre-existing astigmatism without induction of new astigmatism. The ablation rate of the gel was not measurably different than that of cornea; hence, when applied to an irregular corneal surface, a smooth surface was created after excimer laser ablation. Conclusion: This study supports the potential value of collagen gel as an adjuvant to excimer laser keratectomy for removal of corneal irregularities as well as for correction of myopia or hyperopia with or without astigmatism.
REVERSAL OF INSULIN RESISTANCE IN RED CELL SUGAR TRANSPORT.

Abstract Human red cells were rendered responsive to insulin by exposure to chymotrypsin. Glucose uptake was accelerated following insulin addition as compared with control cells exposed to chymotrypsin alone. The insulin effect was obtained with aldohexoses only; no transport acceleration occurred with ketohexoses, amino acids, glycerol, or urea. The induced insulin effect therefore does not represent a nonspecific enhancement of cell permeability. Kinetic studies indicate that insulin does not affect the affinity of the transport system for glucose but increases the maximal transfer rate. It is possible to abolish the insulin response, but not the basal glucose uptake, with phospholipase C. This appears to implicate lecithin as mediating site in the insulin-facilitated process.
Asymptotic Theory for the Garch(1,1) Quasi-Maximum Likelihood Estimator

This paper investigates the sampling behavior of the quasi-maximum likelihood estimator of the Gaussian GARCH(1, 1) model. The rescaled variable (the ratio of the disturbance to the conditional standard deviation) is not required to be Gaussian nor independent over time, in contrast to the current literature. The GARCH process may be integrated (a + a = 1), or even mildly explosive (a + f > 1). A bounded conditional fourth moment of the rescaled variable is sufficient for the results. Consistent estimation and asymptotic normality are demonstrated, as well as consistent estimation of the asymptotic covariance matrix.
A method for isolation of viable cells from human dental pulp

A simple, reliable technique for establishing cultures of human pulpal fibroblasts is presented. The technique relies on a sequential digestion of minced pulpal tissue with collagenase and trypsin and produces confluent cultures in 7 to 10 d from four to five pulps.
Histone levels are regulated by phosphorylation and ubiquitylation dependent proteolysis

Non-chromatin associated histones are unstable in budding yeast. Tyrosine phosphorylation of histone H3 followed by subsequent ubiquitylation by the ubiquitin conjugating enzymes Ubc4 and Ubc5 and the ubiquitin ligase Tom1 triggers H3 degradation. Histone levels are tightly regulated to prevent harmful effects such as genomic instability and hypersensitivity to DNA-damaging agents due to the accumulation of these highly basic proteins when DNA replication slows down or stops. Although chromosomal histones are stable, excess (non-chromatin bound) histones are rapidly degraded in a Rad53 (radiation sensitive 53) kinase-dependent manner in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Here we demonstrate that excess histones associate with Rad53 in vivo and seem to undergo modifications such as tyrosine phosphorylation and polyubiquitylation, before their proteolysis by the proteasome. We have identified the Tyr 99 residue of histone H3 as being critical for the efficient ubiquitylation and degradation of this histone. We have also identified the ubiquitin conjugating enzymes (E2) Ubc4 and Ubc5, as well as the ubiquitin ligase (E3) Tom1 (temperature dependent organization in mitotic nucleus 1), as enzymes involved in the ubiquitylation of excess histones. Regulated histone proteolysis has major implications for the maintenance of epigenetic marks on chromatin, genomic stability and the packaging of sperm DNA.
Effect of noise and perturbations on limit cycle systems

Abstract This paper demonstrates that the influence of noise and of external perturbations on a nonlinear oscillator can vary strongly along the limit cycle and upon transition from limit cycle to stationary point behaviour. For this purpose we consider the role of noise on the Bonhoeffer-van der Pol model in a range of control parameters where the model exhibits a limit cycle, but the parameters are close to values corresponding to a stable stationary point. Our analysis is based on the van Kampen approximation for solutions of the Fokker-Planck equation in the limit of weak noise. We investigate first separately the effect of noise on motion tangential and normal to the limit cycle. The key result is that noise induces diffusion-like spread along the limit cycle, but quasistationary behaviour normal to the limit cycle. We then describe the coupled motion and show that noise acting in the normal direction can strongly enhance diffusion along the limit cycle. We finally argue that the variability of the system's response to noise can be exploited in populations of nonlinear oscillators in that weak coupling can induce synchronization as long as the single oscillators operate in a regime close to the transition between oscillatory and excitatory modes.
Arthropods associated with a manzanita gall induced by the aphid Tamalia coweni (Cockerell) (Homoptera: Aphididae)

Galls induced by the aphid Tamalia coweni (Cockerell) were sampled from greenleaf manzanita (Arctostaphylos patula E. Greene) in Shasta County, California. Thirty galls from each of four sites were collected over a 5-year period (1990–1994) at roughly weekly intervals (N = 5010). The contents of each gall were examined and recorded. Excluding T. coweni, 25 taxa were encountered representing eight arthropod orders: Acari, Thysanoptera, Hemiptera, Neuroptera, Coleoptera, Diptera, Lepidoptera, and Hymenoptera. All play a minor role in the gall community with the exception of two species of Diptera. The data suggest that Leucopis sp. and Heringia sp. are obligatory predators of T. coweni and coexist by partitioning the aphid resource with different exploitation strategies. Heringia sp. has a relatively low infestation rate (10.8%) but is a superior competitor. Leucopis sp. compensates for its inability to compete effectively with Heringia sp. by maintaining a higher infestation rate (41.4%).
Tubules with viruslike particles in leaf cells infected with bean pod mottle virus

Abstract Ultrastructural studies of plant tissues infected with bean pod mottle virus (BPMV) revealed viruslike particles within tubules as a prominent feature of infection. Tubules with particles were found between the plasmalemma and the cell wall in a local lesion host, Pinto bean. In a systemic host, Cherokee Wax bean, the tubules with particles were embedded within the cell wall. Many irregularities and protrusions of the cell wall were noted in the systemically infected host.
The effect of aging on the bioavailability of toluene sorbed to municipal solid waste components.

Abstract Past practice of co-disposing priority pollutants with municipal solid waste (MSW) has led to the placement of more than 150 MSW landfills in the US on the National Priorities List of Superfund. Interactions between organic contaminants and MSW constituents and the effects of these interactions on contaminant fate are poorly understood. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of sorbate–sorbent aging time and sorbent decomposition on toluene bioavailability and fate. The bioavailability of 14 C-toluene sorbed to individual MSW constituents [office paper, newsprint, model food and yard waste, high density polyethylene (HDPE), and poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC)] was evaluated after aging times of 1, 30, and 180 d. Biodegradable sorbents were tested in both fresh and anaerobically degraded forms to evaluate the effect of sorbent decomposition. At the termination of bioavailability tests, the distribution of 14 C that was not converted to 14 CO 2 was measured by sequential lipophilic solvent and base extractions of sorbents followed by combustion of extracted sorbents. Increasing the toluene-sorbent aging time reduced the rate of toluene biodegradation for all MSW components except for HDPE. 14 C remaining in sorbents at the completion of bioavailability tests was physically sequestered within and/or covalently bound to sorbent organic matter, and this fraction increased with increasing aging time. Up to 18.6% of 14 C was associated with humic matter (humic and fulvic acids, humin) at the completion of bioavailability tests.
Observed parent-child relationship quality predicts antibody response to vaccination in children.

Abstract Background: Quality of the parent–child relationship is a robust predictor of behavioral and emotional health for children and adolescents; the application to physical health is less clear. Methods: We investigated the links between observed parent–child relationship quality in an interaction task and antibody response to meningococcal conjugate vaccine in a longitudinal study of 164 ambulatory 10–11 year-old children; additional analyses examine associations with cortisol reactivity, BMI, and somatic illness. Results: Observed Negative/Conflict behavior in the interaction task predicted a less robust antibody response to meningococcal serotype C vaccine in the child over a 6 month-period, after controlling for socio-economic and other covariates. Observer rated interaction conflict also predicted increased cortisol reactivity following the interaction task and higher BMI, but these factors did not account for the link between relationship quality and antibody response. Conclusions: The results begin to document the degree to which a major source of child stress exposure, parent–child relationship conflict, is associated with altered immune system development in children, and may constitute an important public health consideration.
Extending a model of salesperson role perceptions and work-related attitudes: Impact of job tenure

Abstract The salesforce of a national consumer goods manufacturer was used to conduct two distinct tests of the model of salesperson role perceptions and work-related attitudes developed by Fry, ET AL . (1986). In addition, the model was extended by examining the moderating role of job tenure. Results of the study support, in general, the results of Fry et al. (1986). Job tenure does influence the form of the relationships between variables in the model.
Sequence and transcriptional activity of the Escherichia coli K-12 chromosome region between rrnC and ilvGMEDA.

Abstract We previously identified a protein related to the expression of the ilvGMEDA cluster of Escherichia coli K-12. It was observed that this ilv-related protein was produced at higher levels in UV irradiated cells infected with MilvGMEDA phage with specific ilvG mutations (ValR), compared to phage carrying the wild-type (ValS) ilvG allele. The gene encoding this protein was further localized to a region between rrnC and ilvGMEDA by analyzing restriction fragment subsets in maxicells. We have now determined the nucleotide (nt) sequence of the 3.5-kb segment between rrnC and ilvGMEDA, and two open reading frames (ORFs) are present in the region expected to contain the ilv-related gene. These ORFs predict Mrs of 18751 (ORFI) and 20085 (ORFII) Da, and both ORFs have a strong probability to encode proteins based on codon frequency analysis. Maxicell analysis revealed that a 1319-bp HindIII-SmaI fragment containing ORFI encodes the ilv-related peptide. We deleted a ClaI fragment that removed a portion of ORFI encoding the C-terminal region of the peptide, and maxicell analysis revealed a decrease in the size of the protein produced in accord with the prediction. RNA slot blots and Northern blots were used to characterize transcripts encoding ORFI. A transcript initiated 112 nt from the ilvGp2 promoter, but proceeding in the opposite direction, may encode the ORFI peptide.
Retention of Conditioned Inhibition Produced by Extinction

Abstract Rats in a flavor aversion procedure were used to examine the extent to which an extinguished CS can pass a retardation and summation test for conditioned inhibition after either a short or a long retention interval. Rats were given a single pairing of a flavored solution with LiCl, and then received a large number of CS-alone extinction trials. Following extinction, some subjects received a 3-week retention interval following extinction while others did not. Extinction produced evidence of conditioned inhibition on both tests when a short retention interval occurred following extinction. However, conditioned inhibition was attenuated by the long retention interval when assessed with a retardation test, but no effect of the long retention interval was observed when inhibition was evaluated with a summation test.
Genetic Epidemiology of Asthma

Asthma is an increasingly common disease in the developed world (1-3). In the United States, the second National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES II) (1976-1980) estimates of asthma prevalence (4) were 6.9 percent for whites and 9.2 percent for blacks. Most current definitions of asthma (5) characterize it as a (rapidly or slowly) reversible narrowing of the conducting airways of the lungs, usually associated with evidence of airway wall inflammation and eosinophilia (6, 7). Acute and delayed bronchoconstriction can be precipitated by inhalation by the asthmatic individual of a number of agents, such as ozone, cold dry air, proteins (mainly enzymes), or low molecular weight chemicals, and presents clinically as development (and resolution) of dyspnea, wheezing, and cough. Asthma is clinically heterogenous, but the bulk of cases tend to be characterized by childhood onset, markers of allergic hypersensitiveness such as wheezing and bronchoconstriction following inhalation of antigen (allergen), and elevated levels of total serum immunoglobulin E. There may be remission of symptoms for up to 20 years after childhood, so that earlier mild episodes may be forgotten by the individual, though not by the parent (8, 9). Most genetic studies have concentrated on this type of asthma (i.e., allergic or extrinsic asthma). However, a few studies have attempted to determine if different genes might be acting in the 20 percent of asthmatics who do not exhibit any signs of allergy (i.e., nonallergic or intrinsic asthma).
Sensuous Ethnography, African Persuasions, and Social Knowledge

This article suggests that transnational complexities require a more sensuous approach to ethnography, an approach in which local epistemologies and sensory regimes are more fully explored. More specific, the purpose of this article is to suggest that sensuous descriptions improve not only the clarity and force of ethnographic representations but also the social analysis of power relations-in-the-world. African states, as the author attempts to demonstrate, have been particularly adept at manipulating sensory regimes to establish and reinforce their power. In the end, the author concludes that a fully sensuous scholarship not only propels social scientists to reconsider the analysis of power-in-the-world but also compels them to rethink their scholarly being-in-the-world.
In vitro toxicity of sodium nitroprusside to human endothelial ECV304 cells.

The cytotoxicity of sodium nitroprusside (SNP) to the human endothelial cell line, ECV304, was studied. The cytotoxicity of SNP was primarily related to the liberation of nitric oxide (NO). S-nitroso-N-acetyl-d-penicillamine (SNAP), an NO donor, was highly toxic. Other degradation products of SNP either exerted much less toxicity (i.e. cyanide and nitrite) or were non-toxic (i.e. ferricyanide and ferrocyanide). SNP induced multinucleation, inhibited cell proliferation, lowered the endogenous level of reduced glutathione (GSH), and induced apoptotic cell death. The plasma membrane was not the prime site of toxic action, as leakage of lactic acid dehydrogenase (LDH) occurred only at a relatively high concentration of SNP. Cells treated with non-toxic levels of the glutathione-depleting agents, 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (CDNB), dl-buthionine-[S,R]-sulfoximine (BSO), and 1,3-bis-(chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea (BCNU), were hypersensitive to subsequent exposure to SNP. The GSH status of the cells was, therefore, a key factor in determining the cytotoxicity of SNP.
Effective bandwidth in spectral-domain OCT

We found that the bandwidth in the formula calculating the depth resolution of OCT is usually not the same as the bandwidth of the light source; the effective spectral profile for the interfering signal is determined by the dot product of the electric vectors of the light field in the two interfering arms. We thus introduced a new concept: the effective bandwidth in spectraldomain OCT (SD-OCT). Through theoretical and experimental analyses we found that the effective bandwidth is a function of both the polarization matching conditions (PMC) and the path length difference (PLD) between the sample and reference arms.
Preferred Sleep Position on the Side is Associated with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Background Although carpal tunnel syndrome is the most common compressive neuropathy, there is no comprehensive theory of its etiology. Because of the prevalence of night symptoms, we are interested in the role of sleep position in the causation of carpal tunnel syndrome.
Are Medical Prices Declining? Evidence from Heart Attack Treatments

We address long-standing problems in measuring medical inflation by estimating two types of price indices. The first, a Service Price Index, prices specific medical services, as does the current CPI. The second, a Cost of Living Index, measures a quality-adjusted cost of treating a health problem. We apply these indices to heart attack treatment between 1983 and 1994. More frequent reweighting and accounting for price discounts lowers the measured price change for heart attacks by three percentage points annually. Accounting for quality change lowers it further; we estimate that the real Cost of Living Index fell about 1 percent annually.
K-Means Clustering and Mixture Model Clustering: Reply to McLachlan (2011) and Vermunt (2011)

McLachlan (2011) and Vermunt (2011) each provided thoughtful replies to our original article (Steinley & Brusco, 2011). This response serves to incorporate some of their comments while simultaneously clarifying our position. We argue that greater caution against overparamaterization must be taken when assuming that clusters are highly elliptical in nature. Specifically, users of mixture model clustering techniques should be wary of overreliance on fit indices, and the importance of cross-validation is highlighted. Additionally, we note that K-means clustering is part of a larger family of discrete partitioning algorithms, many of which are designed to solve problems identical to those for which mixture modeling approaches are often touted.
Application of information networks to a theory of vision

Some principles of information theory are utilized in the design of neural nets of the McCulloch-Pitts type. In particular, problems are considered where signals from several neurons must pass through a single one, thus resulting in a “bottleneck” in the flow of information, an abstract model of the corresponding bottleneck from the retina to the optic nerve. The first part of the paper deals with a construction of a McCulloch-Pitts net in which the redundancy in the messages originating in two neurons is utilized so that the messages can be sent over a single neuron with little loss of information. In the second part, messages from a set of neurons are “pumped” into two channel neurons. The optimum connection scheme is computed for this case, i.e, one resulting in a minimum loss of information. Possible biological implications of this approach are indicated.
Divergence in a high-intensity ion beam from a concave, multiple-aperture source electrode

Abstract The factors affecting beam divergence are studied, for planar and concave source electrodes emitting high-intensity ion beams in which the effect of space charges cannot be neglected. The dominant factors are the radius of curvature of the source electrode and the effects of space charges and the extraction electrodes. The measured optimum beam divergences were within ± 1° of the beam axis at the half-maximum beam profiles. Analyzed currents of 4.6 mA for argon (at 45 keV) and 2.1 mA for arsenic (at 40 keV) were obtained.
1α,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3-3β-bromoacetate, a potential cancer therapeutic agent: synthesis and molecular mechanism of action.

Synthesis of 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3-3β-bromoacetate (1,25(OH)2D3-3-BE), a potential anti-cancer agent is presented. We also report that mechanism of action of 1,25(OH)2D3-3-BE may involve reduction of its catabolism, as evidenced by the reduced and delayed expression of 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3-24-hydroxylase (CYP24) gene in cellular assays.
The Use of Discriminant Analysis in Selecting Rural Development Strategies

Billions of dollars are being spent in the United States in attacking problems of families, communities, and the environment, and greater amounts may be needed in the future. In both current and projected situations, funding and program measures are being pursued without the required research and evaluation for effective and efficient policy formulation and direction. Scores of millions of dollars could be saved or used more effectively with measures based on the fundamental knowledge which research can furnish [3, p. 1].
Simple sensors for performing useful tasks autonomously in complex outdoor terrain

This paper describes the control system for Rocky IV, a prototype microrover designed to demonstrate proof-of-concept for a low-cost scientific mission to Mars. Rocky IV uses a behavior-based control architecture which implements a large variety of functions displaying various degrees of autonomy, from completely autonomous long-duration conditional sequences of actions to very precisely described actions resembling classical AI operators. The control system integrates information from infrared proximity sensors, proprioceptive encoders which report on the state of the articulation of the rover's suspension system and other mechanics, a homing beacon, a magnetic compass, and contact sensors. In addition, significant functionality is implemented as 'virtual sensors', computed values which are presented to the system as if they were sensors values. The robot is able to perform a variety of useful tasks, including soil sample collection, removal of surface weathering layers from rocks, spectral imaging, instrument deployment, and sample return, under realistic mission- like conditions in Mars-like terrain.© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Mechanisms of Lymphocyte Accumulation in Pulmonary Disease

However, the question that arose from all these studies was whether the migratory response is ever separable from cell cycle events. Is migration an epiphenomena of cell activation? We think not because of all the data on chemotaxis of nondividing cells and because antibodies to CD4 induce motile responses but have no effect on IL2r, MHC II expression, insulin, or transferrin receptors, nor on intracytoplasmic signalling events. Our loboratory has demonstrated, however, that the HIV-1 envelope protein gp120 can act as a CD4 ligand to induce signalling, migration, and cell cycle
Long-term dynamics of household size and their environmental implications

Little is known about the environmental implications of long-term historical trends in household size. This paper presents the first historical assessment of global shifts in average household size based on a variety of datasets covering the period 1600–2000. Findings reveal that developed nations reached a threshold in 1893 when average household size began to drop rapidly from approximately 5.0 to 2.5. A similar threshold was reached in developing nations in 1987. With the notable exceptions of Ireland, and England and Wales in the early 1800s, and India and the Seychelles in the late 1900s, the number of households grew faster than population size in every country and every time period. These findings suggest accommodating housing may continue to pose one of the greatest environmental challenges of the twenty-first century because the impacts of increased housing present a threat to sustainability even when population growth slows. Future research addressing environmental impacts of declining household size could use an adapted IPAT model, I = PHoG: where environmental impact (I) = population × personal goods (P) + households × household goods (HoG).
Office space bacterial abundance and diversity in three metropolitan areas.

People in developed countries spend approximately 90% of their lives indoors, yet we know little about the source and diversity of microbes in built environments. In this study, we combined culture-based cell counting and multiplexed pyrosequencing of environmental ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene sequences to investigate office space bacterial diversity in three metropolitan areas. Five surfaces common to all offices were sampled using sterile double-tipped swabs, one tip for culturing and one for DNA extraction, in 30 different offices per city (90 offices, 450 total samples). 16S rRNA gene sequences were PCR amplified using bar-coded “universal” bacterial primers from 54 of the surfaces (18 per city) and pooled for pyrosequencing. A three-factorial Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) found significant differences in viable bacterial abundance between offices inhabited by men or women, among the various surface types, and among cities. Multiplex pyrosequencing identified more than 500 bacterial genera from 20 different bacterial divisions. The most abundant of these genera tended to be common inhabitants of human skin, nasal, oral or intestinal cavities. Other commonly occurring genera appeared to have environmental origins (e.g., soils). There were no significant differences in the bacterial diversity between offices inhabited by men or women or among surfaces, but the bacterial community diversity of the Tucson samples was clearly distinguishable from that of New York and San Francisco, which were indistinguishable. Overall, our comprehensive molecular analysis of office building microbial diversity shows the potential of these methods for studying patterns and origins of indoor bacterial contamination. “[H]umans move through a sea of microbial life that is seldom perceived except in the context of potential disease and decay.” – Feazel et al. (2009).
Peptide-Mediated Formation of Single-Wall Carbon Nanotube Composites

The formation of silica- and titania-coated single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) using a mutlifunctional peptide to both suspend SWNTs and direct the precipitation of silica and titania at room temperature is demonstrated.
Environmental DNA (eDNA) Sampling Improves Occurrence and Detection Estimates of Invasive Burmese Pythons

Environmental DNA (eDNA) methods are used to detect DNA that is shed into the aquatic environment by cryptic or low density species. Applied in eDNA studies, occupancy models can be used to estimate occurrence and detection probabilities and thereby account for imperfect detection. However, occupancy terminology has been applied inconsistently in eDNA studies, and many have calculated occurrence probabilities while not considering the effects of imperfect detection. Low detection of invasive giant constrictors using visual surveys and traps has hampered the estimation of occupancy and detection estimates needed for population management in southern Florida, USA. Giant constrictor snakes pose a threat to native species and the ecological restoration of the Florida Everglades. To assist with detection, we developed species-specific eDNA assays using quantitative PCR (qPCR) for the Burmese python (Python molurus bivittatus), Northern African python (P. sebae), boa constrictor (Boa constrictor), and the green (Eunectes murinus) and yellow anaconda (E. notaeus). Burmese pythons, Northern African pythons, and boa constrictors are established and reproducing, while the green and yellow anaconda have the potential to become established. We validated the python and boa constrictor assays using laboratory trials and tested all species in 21 field locations distributed in eight southern Florida regions. Burmese python eDNA was detected in 37 of 63 field sampling events; however, the other species were not detected. Although eDNA was heterogeneously distributed in the environment, occupancy models were able to provide the first estimates of detection probabilities, which were greater than 91%. Burmese python eDNA was detected along the leading northern edge of the known population boundary. The development of informative detection tools and eDNA occupancy models can improve conservation efforts in southern Florida and support more extensive studies of invasive constrictors. Generic sampling design and terminology are proposed to standardize and clarify interpretations of eDNA-based occupancy models.
Feature choice for detection of cancerous masses by constrained optimization

This paper reports a progress in the research on detection of cancerous masses with an evidential constrained optimization method. This method performs unsupervised partitioning mammograms into homogeneous regions by using 'generic' labels. Domain knowledge is employed to forbid certain configurations of regions during segmentation to reduce the false alarm rate. A constrained stochastic relaxation algorithm is used for building an optimal label map to separate tissue and masses. At the heart of this mammogram partitioning procedure is an evidential disparity measure function that estimates the similarity of two blocks of pixels in the feature space. The specific objective of the research described in this paper is the selection of independent features that represent the difference between tissue and masses texture more adequately for any type of the lesions and give the best segmentation result being combined in the disparity measure. Three types of features have been selected as the result of our experiments: the fractal dimension, a vector computed from pixel values, and a vector computed from the coefficients of Gabor expansion of the pixel block. Experiments with the MIAS database have been conducted and shown the feasibility of utilization of these features.© (1999) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
ABSENCE OF LECITHIN FROM THE STROMATA OF THE RED CELLS OF CERTAIN ANIMALS (RUMINANTS), AND ITS RELATION TO VENOM HEMOLYSIS

Lipide extracts of the red cells of several animal species have been analyzed chromatographically. Genetically determined differences in phospholipide composition were found. Lecithin is absent from the cells of ox, sheep, and goat. Cells containing lecithin are susceptible to the direct hemolysin of cobra venom while cells not containing lecithin are resistant. The facts indicate that the direct hemolysin is a lecithinase.
Influence of nucleation and growth phenomena on microstructural evolution during droplet-based deposition

Abstract In the present study, Phase Doppler interferometry (PDI) is utilized to measure droplet sizes and velocities, which are used as initial conditions in the following calculations. A numerical approach, along with the microstructural observation, is implemented to analyze the heat transfer, nucleation and growth of individual droplets during both flight and deposition. The results confirm that during the initial deposition stage, a second nucleation event can occur in the remaining liquid of impinging droplets. The two nucleation events generate intermixed small and large grains at the end of solidification, in agreement with the experimental observation. After a mushy layer forms, no second nucleation can occur. The deposited material's surface behaves like a size modulator which regulates and equalizes the different-size nuclei within impinging droplets. Grains grow from the surviving nuclei, and their growth fronts converge thereby producing a relatively equiaxed grain morphology.
The Edwin Smith Papyrus: the birth of analytical thinking in medicine and otolaryngology

The Edwin Smith Papyrus, discovered in 1862 outside of Luxor, Egypt, is the oldest known surgical text in the history of civilization. The surviving scroll, a copy of an earlier text from around 3,000 B.C., gives us remarkable insight into the medical practice of ancient Egyptians in the Nile River bed during the dawn of civilization. The Papyrus is divided into 48 cases, most of which describe traumatic injuries. The text instructs the physician to examine the patient and look for revealing physical signs that may indicate the outcome of the injury. Although in modern medicine we take for granted that the use of physical examination and rational thinking lead to an accurate conclusion, 5,000 years ago, this was extraordinary. The Edwin Smith Papyrus cast aside the prevailing magic and mysticism of that time in favor of logic and deductive reasoning. As Egyptian civilization declined during the next millennium, the teachings of the Papyrus would be lost. It would not be until 300 B.C. when Hippocrates and his disciples in ancient Greece would once again revive logic in medical thinking and teaching. It is believed that the ancient Greeks had knowledge of the contents of the Edwin Smith Papyrus and its teachings and used them as the basis for their writings. As Europe entered the Dark Ages, so did medicine yet again, reverting to spells and prayers instead of judgment and reason. Although Hippocrates teachings were recognized by some scholars during the Middle Ages, they did not make up the basis for mainstream medical knowledge. With the dawn of the Renaissance, medicine would finally purge itself of its past supernatural foundation. Hippocratic teachings were used to form the basis of modern medicine, and medical pioneers in the 17 century studied the ancient Greek texts as the origin for their ideas. Many of the concepts physicians and patients today take as common knowledge originated in the Edwin Smith Papyrus. The authors attempt to uncover some of these fundamental ideas and trace them through time until their incorporation in our modern medical knowledge base. It is the rational, logical, and advanced thinking exhibited in the Edwin Smith Papyrus that mandates its respect from modern otolaryngologists and all physicians alike.
Mathematical techniques to improve hardware accuracy of graphic display devices

The contribution of scientists pioneering the design and construction of electrical apparatus has been recognized and valued by our society. Equipment ranging from toasters to air conditioners to electrocardiographs have been widely implemented and regularly used. People have viewed each new apparatus independently and sought to derive maximum benefits by judicious application of its potential.
Laboratory aggression research and real-life aggression.

Research on Toch's 10 categories of aggressive personalities is documented. Active research on strategies which will reduce the aggressors' violence is needed. Language: en
Geochronologic Studies near WIPP Site, Southeastern New Mexico: Summary and Interpretation: ABSTRACT

The WIPP site is currently being investigated for pilot storage of defense-generated radioactive waste. A critical facet of the overall study is the question as to whether the rocks have remained closed systems with respect to their bulk chemistry and isotopic composition since formation in the Late Permian as opposed to later episodic or continuous recrystallization. Early attempts at K-Ar dating of sylvites mixed with other salts yielded inconclusive results, primarily because sylvite is not well suited for K-Ar study owing to loss of radiogenic 40Ar. Rb-Sr study of sylvites yields a 214 ± 15-m.y.B.P. isochron indicating closed system conditions to Rb and Sr since latest Permian or earliest Triassic. Pre-200-m.y.B.P. K-Ar dates have also been determined or pure langbeinites and polyhalites. When mixed with sylvite, age lowering results. The Rb-Sr systematics of aeolian clay minerals known to have interacted with the evaporite brine yield a poorly defined isochron of 390 ± 75 m.y.B.P., but the apparent date indicates that the clay mineral-brine interactions were not so severe as completely to rehomogenize Sr isotopes despite the clay-mineral alteration. A 34 ± 1.5-m.y.B.P. lamprophyre dike intrudes the evaporite sequence 16 km north of the WIPP site. Contact effects, including recrystallization of polyhalite, are restricted to within 10 m of the dike. Finally, polyhalite inclusions in one rubble chimney yield a pre-200-m.y.B.P. age indicating no major recrystallization effects due to this disturbance of the evaporite sequence. ollectively, the geochronologic studies argue for End_Page 555------------------------------ pre-200-m.y.B.P. formation of the evaporite minerals and stability of the rocks since that time. End_of_Article - Last_Page 556------------
Closed-loop control of stochastic non-linear systems

A new approach for optimum control of stochastic non-linear systems is developed from practical engineering assumptions. Systems amenable to this new approach include optimum guidance and navigation systems for space and terrestrial vehicles, optimum closed-loop process controllers and optimum controllers for systems with unknown parameters. The classical quadratic synthesis approach-optimization of a deterministic cost and perturbation estimation and control about that solution-is shown to give 24 per cent more cost and 97 per cent more mean-squared terminal error than the combined optimization approach presented for a sample problem involving control of a first-order system with an unknown time constant. A similar improvement in terminal error is shown for an atmospheric entry problem. Furthermore, the optimum controller automatically designs the best controller to minimize the effects of the unknown parameter without artificial augmentation of the cost function as is done in the sensitivity theory approach. The solution is obtained by expansion of the cost function in a power series around a deterministic trajectory with the assumption of linear perturbation estimation and control about that trajectory. Optimization of the expanded cost function gives necessary conditions dependent on the covariance matrices and the deterministic portion of the cost. When the necessary conditions are solved, a set of open-loop controls, perturbation controller gains, and perturbation estimator gains are obtained that can be precomputed and implemented into the system.
Surface photometry of powerful radio galaxies. II: Relations with the radio, optical, and clustering properties

Etude basee sur les images CCD d'un echantillon de 31 radiogalaxies puissantes avec z<0,25 de l'hemisphere austral
Optical properties and electronic structure of InN and In-rich group III-nitride alloys

Abstract The optical properties and electronic structure of molecular-beam epitaxy grown InN and In-rich group III-nitride alloy films are studied. The band gap of InN is determined to be 0.7 eV by optical absorption, photoluminescence, and photo-modulated reflectance. The band gap exhibits weaker temperature and pressure dependencies than those of GaN and AlN. The narrow band gap leads to a strong k·p interaction, resulting in a non-parabolic conduction band, which is studied by the free electron concentration dependence of the electron effective mass. Highly n-type InN exhibits a large Burstein-Moss shift in the optical absorption edge; this effect may be responsible for the 1.9 eV band gap reported previously for some degenerately doped InN films. The band gap bowing parameters of the InGaN and InAlN alloy systems are determined. The band offset of InN with other group III-nitrides is presented and its effect on p-type doping is discussed.
Beta cell-specific ablation of target gene using Cre-loxP system in transgenic mice.

Tissue-specific inactivation of a gene using the Cre-loxP system has been used as an important tool to define its role in which the inactivation of the gene in every cell type results in an embryonic lethality. The expression of Cre recombinase (Cre) can be regulated by controlling the timing or spatial distribution of Cre expression via tissue-specific promoters, ligand-inducible promoters, and ligand-dependent Cre fusion proteins. The rat insulin promoter (RIP) has been used in this study to drive the expression of Cre, specifically in the beta cells. The Cre coding sequence was ligated with the RIP and the isolated RIP-Cre transgene was microinjected into one cell embryo to establish a transgenic mouse line. Tissue specificity of the rat insulin promoter was demonstrated by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction using total RNA from pancreas and other tissues of the RIP-Cre transgenic mice. In addition, the efficiency and specificity of RIP was further analyzed by crossbreeding the RIP-Cre transgenic mice with reporter mice bearing a beta-actin-loxP-CAT-loxP-lacZ transgene. In these mice, lacZ is expressed only after excision of the floxed-CAT gene by Cre-mediated recombination. Here, we present the data for beta cell-specific expression of lacZ in the bigenic mice, as proof of concept in a mouse model for targeting beta cell-specific gene(s). The RIP-Cre transgenic mice will be used as a potential tool for targeting the excision of beta cell-specific gene(s) to study their role in islet cell physiology.
Correction: Jia, C. and Batterman, S. A Critical Review of Naphthalene Sources and Exposures Relevant to Indoor and Outdoor Air. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2010, 7, 2903-2939

3 Paragraph 4, lines 3 and 4, p. 2911: For the following sentence citing reference [60], units should be in μg/(m h); not in mg/(m h). On an area basis, caulking has the highest emission rate, 310 μg m h, among materials tested, followed by carpet pads (installed underneath carpets), 2.1 to 9.9 μg m h. Emission rates fell below 1 μg m h for other materials tested, which included solid and engineered materials and flooring materials.