cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Identification of Lys-403 in the PI-SceI Homing Endonuclease as Part of a Symmetric Catalytic Center

Superposition of the PI-SceI and I-CreI homing endonuclease three-dimensional x-ray structures indicates general similarity between the I-CreI homodimer and the PI-SceI endonuclease domain. Saddle-shaped structures are present in each protein that are proposed to bind DNA. At the putative endonucleolytic active sites, the superposition reveals that two lysine (Lys-301 and Lys-403 in PI-SceI and Lys-98 and Lys-98′ in I-CreI) and two aspartic acid residues (Asp-218 and Asp-326 in PI-SceI and Asp-20 and Asp-20′ in I-CreI) are related by 2-fold symmetry. The critical role of Lys-301, Asp-218, and Asp-326 in the PI-SceI reaction pathway was reported previously. Here, we demonstrate the significance of the active-site symmetry by showing that alanine substitution at Lys-403 reduces cleavage activity by greater than 50-fold but has little effect on the DNA binding activity of the mutant enzyme. Substitution of Lys-403 with arginine, which maintains the positive charge, has only a modest effect on activity. Interestingly, even though the Lys-301 and Lys-403 residues display pseudosymmetry, PI-SceI mutant proteins with substitutions at these positions have different behaviors. The presence of similar basic and acidic residues in many LAGLIDADG homing endonucleases suggests that these enzymes use a common reaction mechanism to cleave double-stranded DNA.
Nematic phase transitions of flexible spherocylindrical molecules

A torsionally flexible molecule is represented as a spherocylinder that undergoes fluctuations in either its cap radius (breathing mode) or its cylinder length (stretching mode). The free energy of the flexible spherocylinder is calculated in analogy with earlier work based on density functional and Onsager theories of the isotropic-nematic transition. In the Landau-de Gennes limit of this theory, there are three order parameters, corresponding to the molecular alignment, molecular shape and an alignment-shape coupling. The effect of flexibility on the primary order parameter is addressed as well as the effect of alignment on molecular shape.
Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) Treatment on Multipotential Stromal Cells (MSCs). Possible Enhancement of Therapeutic Potential of MSC

Adult bone marrow multipotential stromal cells (MSCs) hold great promise in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. However, due to their low numbers upon harvesting, MSCs need to be expanded in vitro without biasing future differentiation for optimal utility. In this concept paper, we focus on the potential use of epidermal growth factor (EGF), prototypal growth factor for enhancing the harvesting and/or differentiation of MSCs. Soluble EGF was shown to augment MSC proliferation while preserving early progenitors within MSC population, and thus did not induce differentiation. However, tethered form of EGF was shown to promote osteogenic differentiation. Soluble EGF was also shown to increase paracrine secretions including VEGF and HGF from MSC. Thus, soluble EGF can be used not only to expand MSC in vitro, but also to enhance paracrine secretion through drug-releasing MSC-encapsulated scaffolds in vivo. Tethered EGF can also be utilized to direct MSC towards osteogenic lineage both in vitro and in vivo.
Characterization of noncholinergic nicotine receptors on human granulocytes.

Abstract The noncholinergic nicotine receptor on leukocytes identified earlier [Davies et al., Molec. cell. Biochem. 44 , 23 (1982)] was further characterized. Structure-activity relationships showed that a pyrrolidine ring containing a basic N atom is an important structural feature for ligands that bind to the receptor. Accordingly, the carcinogenic component of tobacco smoke, N -nitrosonornicotine, does not bind to the receptor. The stereoselectivity for the d -isomer, which was confirmed using [ 3 H] d -nicotine as a ligand, together with the absolute configurational relationship between d -nicotine and l -proline, suggested that basic peptides containing proline as the N-terminal amino acid would bind to the receptor. The finding that Pro-Lys-Pro-Arg, which has been reported to inhibit granulocyte phagocytosis, bound to the receptor with an IC 50 value of 3.5 μM is compatible with this idea. An increase in receptor binding, which was observed in the presence of plasma, could be ascribed to bicarbonate. The presence of bicarbonate in the binding assay, even when the pH of the buffer was carefully controlled, resulted in an increase (approximately 2-fold) in the apparent number of receptors without affecting the K d value significantly. Increasing the pH of the buffer in the absence of bicarbonate also increased receptor binding, suggesting that bicarbonate may increase receptor binding by its known ability to increase intracellular pH at constant extracellular pH. Preincubation of cells with d -nicotine under certain conditions reduced the subsequent binding of [ 3 H] d -nicotine to the receptor.
Flux pinning and dissipation in high-temperature superconductors

The effects on flux motion and dissipation of interlayer coupling of the Cu-O planes along the c-axis are considered for the high- temperature superconductors (HTS). It is argued that for the highly-anisotropic HTS, the weak interlayer coupling plays a dominant role that can be described by incoherent Josephson tunneling between superconducting Cu-O bi- or tri-layers. In YBa{sub 2}Cu{sub 3}O{sub 7}, the layers are strongly coupled, presumably because the conducting Cu-O chains short circuit the Josephson tunneling, so that these effects are weak or missing.
Interaction of dicaproyl phosphatidylserine with recombinant factor VIII and its impact on immunogenicity.

Replacement therapy with exogenous recombinant factor VIII (rFVIII) to control bleeding episodes results in the development of inhibitory antibodies in 15% to 30% of hemophilia A patients. The inhibitory antibodies are mainly directed against specific and universal immunodominant epitopes located in the C2 domain. Previously we have shown that complexation of O-phospho-L-serine (phosphatidylserine head group) with the phospholipid binding region of the C2 domain can lead to an overall reduction in the immunogenicity of rFVIII. Here, we have investigated the hypothesis that dicaproyl phosphatidylserine, a short-chain water-soluble phospholipid, can reduce the immunogenicity of rFVIII. Circular dichroism and fluorescence spectroscopy studies suggest that dicaproyl phosphatidyl-serine interacts with rFVIII, causing subtle changes in the tertiary and secondary structure of the protein. Sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay studies indicate that dicaproyl phosphatidylserine probably interacts with the phospholipid binding region of the C2 domain. The immunogenicity of FVIII-dicaproyl phosphatidylserine complexes prepared at concentrations above and below the critical micellar concentrations of the lipid were evaluated in hemophilia A mice. Our results suggest that micellar dicaproyl phosphatidylserine may be useful to reduce the immunogenicity of rFVIII preparations.
Teaching Software Engineering in a Compiler Project Course

A compiler course with a long-term project is a staple of many undergraduate computer science curricula, and often a cornerstone of a program's applied-engineering component. Software engineering expertise can help a student complete such a course, yet that expertise is often lacking. This problem can be addressed without detracting from the core class materials by integrating a few simple software engineering practices into the course. A domain-specific, risk-driven approach minimizes overhead and reinforces the compiler's material, while treating the project as a "real world" enterprise reinforces key engineering lessons. The method might be called "syntax-directed software engineering," being driven by specification centered around a BNF-style grammar. Engineering lessons are reinforced with general engineering principles and contextualization of the subject matter. The approach can be taught without substantial software engineering background. The domain-specific risk-driven software engineering approach can be applied in other courses such as operating systems by redesigning the practices around its domain.
Process improvement plan for the reduction of sternal surgical site infections among patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery

In an attempt to reduce sternal infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus, a protocol was introduced that included the administration of intranasal mupirocin calcium 2% before surgery to patients undergoing cardiothoracic surgery. Surveillance data indicated a 55% reduction in the rate of deep sternal wound infections caused by S aureus and superficial sternal wound infections have declined from 25 to 6 since the adoption of the protocol. At the study institution, this protocol is now an ongoing process to reduce the incidence of sternal infections caused by S aureus among cardiothoracic patients.
Excitation of core levels in nonmetallic solids: Some theoretical problems

The radiation from charged particles undergoing centripetal or transverse acceleration in synchrotron or related devices is (a) excellent for spectroscopic studies involving the excitation of electrons from core levels in solids to states in or near the conduction band and vacuum continua, and (b) becoming much more widely available for experimentation. Thus, there is renewed interest in better understanding such excitations and the dynamics of processes initiated by them (Core Hole Initiated Relaxation Processes). This article describes work done by the author and collaborators to calculate wavefunctions and associated energy eigenvalues of the localized states (ground and excited) found to be involved in the absorption of soft x rays near the observed edges (thresholds associated with the onset of absorption from deeper shells as the photon energy is increased). A convenient designation for the exploration of these structures is X-ray Absorption Near Edge Spectroscopy. Other work described involves calculations of the probabilities of the various processes [some electronic—and often Auger-like—and some in which there are changes in the motion of the participating atoms (ions)] that could effect the annihilation of the core-hole generated when a photon is absorbed.
IMPROVED HIGH-THROUGHPUT METHOD FOR MOLECULAR IDENTIFICATION OF CULEX MOSQUITOES

Culex pipiens, Cx. restuans, and Cx. salinarius play important and most likely different roles in transmission of West Nile virus (WNV) in the northeastern United States. While Cx. pipiens and Cx. restuans are considered the main enzootic vectors of WNV, Cx. salinarius may be involved in epizootic cycles due to its broader host preferences. Accurate morphological identification of field-collected Culex specimens may be difficult, and therefore the New York State Department of Health arbovirus surveillance program allows combined Cx. pipiens and Cx. restuans pools to be tested for WNV. We have developed a modified and improved DNA isolation protocol using proteinase K digestion without traditional mosquito trituration and nucleic acid extraction to permit high-throughput screening of a large number of Culex specimens for species identification using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). This method utilizes a 96-well-plate format and a novel 1-step crude extraction procedure using proteinase K to obtain genomic DNA template from 1 mosquito leg in sufficient quantity for at least 2 standard 50-microl PCR reactions. Proteinase K digestion of legs from individual Culex mosquitoes was performed and used for PCR amplification with previously described species-specific ribosomal DNA primers. Using these rDNA primers, our modified proteinase K method successfully identified 91% to 100% of the Culex samples.
Testing predictions of a three‐species plant–soil feedback model

Summary 1. A growing number of experiments measure plant growth on soils cultivated by different species. Models show that the resulting plant–soil feedbacks (PSFs) can determine plant abundance and persistence; yet, quantitative tests of their importance in community dynamics are lacking. 2. Here, we use the growth of eight plant species on ‘self’ and ‘other’ soils to parameterize a threespecies PSF model. Predictions from the parameterized model were compared to plant growth observed in a 3-month glasshouse experiment. Four types of three-species communities were simulated: native, non-native, nitrogen-fixing and non-nitrogen-fixing. Because the PSF model is founded on a competition model, removing PSF effects from the model allowed us to compare PSF model predictions to competition model predictions. 3. Mean plant biomass differed among soil types by 20% and differed among plant species by 101%. 4. The PSF model correctly predicted rank abundance in the four communities tested while the competition model correctly predicted rank abundance in the two communities with nitrogen-fixing plants. Furthermore, PSF model predictions of species abundances were closer to observed values than competition model predictions. Despite consistently improving upon the competition model, predictions from the PSF model were significantly different from observed values for three of four communities. Competition model predictions were different from observed values for all four communities. 5. Our three-species model described the plant and soil conditions that allow coexistence and competitive exclusion, but when parameterized with experimental data, no communities were predicted to result in long-term coexistence. 6. Synthesis. Results suggest that PSFs captured a mechanism of plant community development. However, because improvements in model predictions were consistently small, either PSFs were not a dominant mechanism determining plant community development or PSFs were underestimated by our experimental or modelling approaches. Further testing of PSFs and development of improved methods to measure PSFs are suggested.
IS ERROR-BASED PRUNING REDEEMABLE?

Error based pruning can be used to prune a decision tree and it does not require the use of validation data. It is implemented in the widely used C4.5 decision tree software. It uses a parameter, the certainty factor, that affects the size of the pruned tree. Several researchers have compared error based pruning with other approaches, and have shown results that suggest that error based pruning results in larger trees that give no increase in accuracy. They further suggest that as more data is added to the training set, the tree size after applying error based pruning continues to grow even though there is no increase in accuracy. It appears that these results were obtained with the default certainty factor value. Here, we show that varying the certainty factor allows significantly smaller trees to be obtained with minimal or no accuracy loss. Also, the growth of tree size with added data can be halted with an appropriate choice of certainty factor. Methods of determining the certainty factor are discussed for both small and large data sets. Experimental results support the conclusion that error based pruning can be used to produce appropriately sized trees with good accuracy when compared with reduced error pruning.
Cognitive and Academic Distinctions between Gifted Students with Autism and Asperger Syndrome.

The cognitive and academic profiles of high ability students with autism spectrum disorder were examined. Inclusion criteria were a diagnosis of autism (high functioning) or Asperger syndrome and at least one ability and/or achievement index standard score of 120 or above. Results indicated that despite the restricted range of cognitive abilities, students diagnosed with Asperger syndrome had significantly higher Verbal Comprehension Index scores than did students diagnosed with autism. However, students with autism had significantly higher scores on tests of math fluency and written expression than did students with Asperger syndrome. Implications for assessment, diagnosis, and intervention are discussed.
QSAR of Cytochrome P450

The cytochrome P450 class of enzymes is an extremely important and complex group. It has a significant place in ADME (adsorption, distribution, metabolism, elimination) that those developing new dr...
Family Group Cognitive-Behavioral Preventive Intervention for Families of Depressed Parents: 18- and 24-Month Outcomes

Objective In a long-term follow-up of a randomized controlled trial (Compas et al., 2009), to examine the effects at 18- and 24-month follow-ups of a Family Group Cognitive Behavioral (FGCB) preventive intervention for mental health outcomes for children and parents from families (N = 111) of parents with a history of major depressive disorder (MDD).
Evaluation and integration of the thin wire kernel

New approaches for numerically computing the thin wire kernel and wire potential integrals are presented. The singular behavior of the kernel integral is removed by transforming the integration variable to produce a smooth integrand. Subsequent integration of the kernel to obtain potential integrals uses quadrature schemes catering to its behavior. This technique allows standard algorithms for numerical quadrature to be used with updated integration weights that account for the transformed behavior, obviating the need for singularity subtraction techniques. The result is a procedure for evaluating the potential integrals that is independent of the basis functions.
Migration and Vodou

Migration and Vodou. Karen E. Richman. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2005. 356 pp.
How does vacuum forming affect Pelite mechanical properties

Pelite is a polyethylene closed cell foam commonly used as an interface material in prosthetics. Both normal and vacuum-formed Pelite were tested under compression and under shear loading. For shear testing, the results were not significantly different for normal and vacuum-formed Pelite. For normal Pelite, the slope of the stress-strain curve was 1.17MPa (+/- 0.14) while for vacuum-formed Pelite it was 1.24MPa (+/- 0.22). Compressive results, however, were significantly different. Below 80kPa of applied compression, the slope of the stress-strain curve for normal Pelite was 0.99MPa (+/- 0.11) while for vacuum formed Pelite it was 0.72MPa (+/- 0.12). Between 80kPa and 200kPa of applied compression, the slope of the stress-strain curve for normal Pelite was 0.45MPa (+/- 0.03) while for vacuum formed Pelite it was 0.55MPa (+/- 0.05). Reasons for the differences and their significance to interface mechanics and computer-aided prosthesis design are discussed.
A Bioinformatics Module for Use in an Introductory Biology Laboratory

Since biomedical science has become increasingly data-intensive, acquisition of computational and quantitative skills by science students has become more important. For non-science students, an introduction to biomedical databases and their applications promotes the development of a scientifically literate population. Because typical college introductory biology laboratories do not include experiences of this type, we present a bioinformatics module that can easily be included in a 90-minute session of a biology course for both majors and non-majors. Students completing this computational, inquiry-based module observed the value of computer-assisted analysis. The module gave students an understanding of how to read files in a biological database (GenBank) and how to use a software tool (BLAST) to mine the database.
RESPIRATORY PHENOTYPES ARE DISTINCTLY AFFECTED IN MICE WITH COMMON RETT SYNDROME MUTATIONS MECP2 T158A AND R168X

Respiratory disturbances are a primary phenotype of the neurological disorder, Rett syndrome (RTT), caused by mutations in the X-linked gene encoding methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MeCP2). Mouse models generated with null mutations in Mecp2 mimic respiratory abnormalities in RTT girls. Large deletions, however, are seen in only ∼10% of affected human individuals. Here we characterized respiration in heterozygous females from two mouse models that genetically mimic common RTT point mutations, a missense mutation T158A (Mecp2(T158A/)(+)) or a nonsense mutation R168X (Mecp2(R168X/+)). MeCP2 T158A shows decreased binding to methylated DNA, while MeCP2 R168X retains the capacity to bind methylated DNA but lacks the ability to recruit complexes required for transcriptional repression. We found that both Mecp2(T158A/+) and Mecp2(R168X/+) heterozygotes display augmented hypoxic ventilatory responses and depressed hypercapnic responses, compared to wild-type controls. Interestingly, the incidence of apnea was much greater in Mecp2(R168X/+) heterozygotes, 189 per hour, than Mecp2(T158A/+) heterozygotes, 41 per hour. These results demonstrate that different RTT mutations lead to distinct respiratory phenotypes, suggesting that characterization of the respiratory phenotype may reveal functional differences between MeCP2 mutations and provide insights into the pathophysiology of RTT.
Charting Academic Drift

Increasingly, it seems, the first fact of academia is this: higher education is a hyper-competitive industry. Scientists compete for federal research dollars, humanities professors compete for prestige (by publishing books and essays), departments on the same campus compete for dwindling resources, admissions offices compete for applications, and everyone strives to beat peer institutions in theU.S. News &World Report rankings. The system has helped make research universities in the United States the best in the world (at research), the scientific side of them marking the great success story of the twentieth century.When it comes to pursuing undergraduate applicants, however, competition has had an entirely different result. Instead of pushing the campus toward more rigor, more excellence, competition has dragged the campus into more mediocrity, more complacency. The reason is simple. Instead of having to impress federal agencies and peer reviewers with the scientific and scholarly value of their products, campuses have had to impress eighteen-year-olds with the social and experiential value of their products. Colleges and universities need to expand the applicant pool, and so they must market the things that excite teenagers—not challenging teachers and high standards, but a state-of-the-art gym, lots of student choice in course work, tolerance and diversity, and loads of fun. If a school has a low average GPA, if it asks freshmen to write too many papers, if it has too many U.S. history, Western civ, and foreign language requirements...word gets around and high school seniors don’t apply. This is one reason why empirical instruments such as theNational Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) Acad. Quest. (2011) 24:352–358 DOI 10.1007/s12129-011-9238-7
MoteLab: a wireless sensor network testbed

As wireless sensor networks have emerged as a exciting new area of research in computer science, many of the logistical challenges facing those who wish to develop, deploy, and debug applications on realistic large-scale sensor networks have gone unmet. Manually reprogramming nodes, deploying them into the physical environment, and instrumenting them for data gathering is tedious and time-consuming. To address this need we have developed MoteLab, a Web-based sensor network testbed. MoteLab consists of a set of permanently-deployed sensor network nodes connected to a central server which handles re programming and data logging while providing a Web interface for creating and scheduling jobs on the testbed. MoteLab accelerates application deployment by streamlining access to a large, fixed network of real sensor network devices; it accelerates debugging and development by automating data logging, allowing the performance of sensor network software to be evaluated offline Additionally, by providing a Web interface MoteLab allows both local and remote users access to the testbed, and its scheduling and quota system ensure fair sharing. We have developed and deployed MoteLab at Harvard and found ft invaluable for both research and teaching. The MoteLab source is freely available, easy to install, and already in use at several other research institutions. We expect that widespread use of MoteLab will accelerate and improve wireless sensor network research.
Object tracking across multiple independently moving airborne cameras

A camera mounted on an aerial vehicle provides an excellent means for monitoring large areas of a scene. Utilizing several such cameras on different aerial vehicles allows further flexibility, in terms of increased visual scope and in the pursuit of multiple targets. In this paper, we address the problem of tracking objects across multiple moving airborne cameras. Since the cameras are moving and often widely separated, direct appearance-based or proximity-based constraints cannot be used. Instead, we exploit geometric constraints on the relationship between the motions of each object across cameras, to test multiple correspondence hypotheses, without assuming any prior calibration information. We propose a statistically and geometrically meaningful means of evaluating a hypothesized correspondence between two observations in different cameras. Second, since multiple cameras exist, ensuring coherency in correspondence, i.e. transitive closure is maintained between more than two cameras, is an essential requirement. To ensure such coherency we pose the problem of object tracking across cameras as a k-dimensional matching and use an approximation to find the maximum likelihood assignment of correspondence. Third, we show that as a result of tracking objects across the cameras, a concurrent visualization of multiple aerial video streams is possible. Results are shown on a number of real and controlled scenarios with multiple objects observed by multiple cameras, validating our qualitative models
Teaching students to think critically about science and origins

In David Long’s article, Scientists at Play in a Field of the Lord, he studies the discourse between a network of regional scientists, atheists, activists and evolutionists at the opening of The Creation Museum on Memorial Day, 2007. This review essay examines the teaching of evolution through the teacher’s ‘lens of empathy’ and also considers a ‘pupil centeredness’ approach. As a practicing science educator, I have found it paramount to take into consideration my students’ backgrounds and their families’ beliefs in order to understand their preconceived notions about the origins of life. By teaching evolution as ‘a theory with both facts and fallacies’ only then does it become an opportunity for critical thinking that fosters growth and risk taking in a safe environment. Most times students hear evolution preached as a one-sided lecture by teachers who believe it’s “my way or the highway” and leave little or no room for dialogue. I believe that a teacher’s job is to stay updated with current research on the theory of evolution and then present all the information to students in a way that creates personal opportunities for them to adjust their existing schema without demeaning them, their ideas, or their faith or belief system. This not only shows value, compassion and tolerance for them as thinking humans, but also allows them opportunities to develop critical thinking, which helps to shape whom they become as adults.
Receptor-receptor interactions of complement receptor type 3 in neutrophil membranes.

The leukocyte integrin CR3 (CD11b/CD18) is known to participate in a variety of cell functions. Recent studies have indicated that CR3 may communicate with other plasma membrane receptors to carry out several cell functions. In this review we discuss these potential receptor-receptor interactions of CR3 and present a uni- fying model of CR3's diverse functions. J. Leukoc. Biol. 54: 492-494; 1993.
Crown Gall Tumor Formation

Agrobacterium tumefaciens causes a disease known as crown gall in many species of dicotyledons. The disease is characterized by production of a non-selflimited, nondifferentiated neoplastic growth, to be distinguished from insectinduced galls, which are self-limiting (Braun, 1969). Two of the characteristics of crown gall tumors not shared by the normal cells are the abilities of the tumor to synthesize certain compounds known as opines and to proliferate in the axenic culture in the absence of IAA and cytokinins.
Estimating the Long-term Contributions of Small Buisness Marketing Expenditures

While small business owners and managers typically recognize the long-term benefits of many types of capital expenditures, the potential long-term benefits of marketing expenditures are frequently overlooked. This situation is true even though expenditures on marketing frequently yield sales revenue to firms over several periods. This paper introduces and examines three relatively low-cost approaches that small business owners may use as aids in estimating the aggregate value of marketing expenditures.
'Made in Italy' in China: From Country of Origin to Country Concept Branding

Chinese consumers recognize in Italian products a high added value and, in some cases, consider them preferable to other products. The success around the world of items ‘‘Made in Italy’’ is mostly due to the Italian brand’s ability to transfer a certain sense of product quality in concert with values and experiences of beauty, elegance, tradition, luxury, and life quality. In a context, in which the Chinese consumer grows in appreciating products made in China, items made in Italy will have to evolve and consolidate more as an “Italian Country Concept”, transferring, when possible, the manufacture to China and fostering the brand intangible components. Many among the affirmed brands are tending in the direction of this conceptual transition, and maintaining the distinguished Italian style has achieved internationally recognized connotations and stylistic characteristics recognized all around the world. The paper analyzes the main success components of the Italian brand and the opportunity for further growth in the Chinese market. The study is based on quantitative and qualitative data that will provide a basis for further analysis and research.
La Martinique de Lafcadio Hearn: Un Lieu de Mémoire Paradoxal

De 1887 a 1889 un journaliste cosmopolite, d’origine grecque et irlandaise, a sejourne a Morne Rouge, puis a Saint-Pierre de la Martinique dans l’espoir d’ecrire une serie d’articles a l’intention du magazine new-yorkais Harper’s. Au depart, ce sejour de deux ans, qui a tant influence l’interpretation du folklore martiniquais du 20e siecle, ne devait durer que quelques mois, de septembre 1887 a janvier 1888. Reduit a la penurie, souffrant d’un acces de fievre tropicale, Lafcadio Hearn s’est trouve bloque a Saint-Pierre par l’epidemie de variole qui a isole la Martinique en 1888. Les etudes de terrain qui ont donne les Esquisses martiniquaises, puis les Contes des Tropiques, edites a Paris entre les deux guerres, ont resulte moins de la methode scientifique du chercheur que de la misere qui l’obligeait a enqueter dans son propre quartier de la rue du Morne Mirail et aux alentours.
A Simple Apparatus for Measuring Density of Insect Population

Measuring population density is often difficult in field studies of insects. Direct counts of individuals per unit area are possible only with slow-moving species. The sweep net, in wide use for sampling the more active forms, gives only an estimate of relative numbers. A conversion factor, derived from some direct method of sampling, must be used for expressing sweep data in terms of absolute numbers (Beall 1935; Gray and Treloar 1933; and Romney 1945). For sampling the entire aboveground insect fauna the suction-type apparatus of Dietrick et al. (1959) possesses the most general applicability for different vegetational types and species. The suction apparatus, however, is expensive and an extensive laboratory setup is needed for separation of the material collected, if an investigator is interested only in one or a few species of the insect fauna, it is sometimes possible to utilize a faster and less expensive sampling procedure designed specifically for a restricted group of species, such as that described in this note.
Now One Is Russian, Now One Is Not: Ethnic Attitudes and Categorization Effects in the Russian Federation

We studied implicit and explicit ethnic attitudes and ethnic evaluations in Russia, where ethnic prejudice and violence are on the rise. Undergraduate sociology students ( N = 54) judged 100 faces, varying in facial physiognomy (Eurocentric to Afrocentric) and skin tone (light to dark), and completed implicit and explicit ethnic attitude measures. Participants used skin tone when evaluating faces as Russian or non-Russian, and relied on facial physiognomy for finer distinctions among lighter faces. Implicit ethnic attitudes moderated the effects of skin tone and facial physiognomy on ethnic typicality judgments. Explicit and implicit attitudes were very pro-Russian, with negative explicit attitudes expressed toward some ethnic groups. Implicit and explicit attitudes toward non-Russian groups were largely independent. This research has important implications for contemporary ethnic relationships in Russia, where being categorized as “non-Russian” has serious life-threatening consequences. It also has implications for models of social categorization: It addresses how variability in two dimensions (skin tone and facial physiognomy) and preexisting implicit attitudes affect ethnic categorization judgments.
Effects of thyroxine and cortisol on liver threonine dehydratase and tryptophan pyrrolase in rats fed a high protein diet.

SummaryThe activities of threonine dehydratase (l-threonine hydro-lyase EC4.2.1. 16) and tryptophan pyrrolase (l-tryptophan: oxygen oxido-reductase EC 1.13.1.12) were measured in tissues from rats subjected to hormonal and dietary treatments. Both treatment with cortisol and a high protein intake resulted in elevations in the activities of these enzymes in intact, hypophysectomized, and thyroidectomized rats. The combined effect of cortisol treatment and a high protein intake on the activities of threonine dehydratase and tryptophan pyrrolase was as great or greater than the sum of the two treatments individually. Thyroidectomy resulted in a two- to threefold increase in the activity of threonine dehydratase, but did not affect the activity of tryptophan pyrrolase. Thyroxine injections depressed threonine dehydratase activity in intact, hypophysectomized, and thyroidectomized rats. Thyroxine also depressed the activity of threonine dehydratase in rats fed a high protein diet or injected with cortisol. Try...
Buried Pd slows self-diffusion on Cu(001)

Using low-energy electron microscopy, we determine that self-diffusion of the Cu(001) surface is slowed by the presence of a $c$($2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}2$)-Pd buried surface alloy. We probe surface diffusion using Cu-adatom island-ripening measurements. On alloyed surfaces, the island decay rate decreases monotonically as the Pd concentration is increased up to $\ensuremath{\sim}$0.5 monolayer (ML), where the $2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}2$ buried alloy is Pd saturated. We propose that the Pd slows island ripening by inhibiting the diffusion of surface vacancies across terraces. For dilute alloys ($\ensuremath{\lesssim}$0.2-ML Pd), this conclusion is supported by density-functional theory calculations, which show that surface vacancies migrate more slowly owing to an attraction to isolated buried Pd atoms. The results illustrate a fundamental mechanism by which even a dilute alloy thin-film coating may act to inhibit surface-diffusion-mediated processes, such as electromigration.
Use of measles vaccine and epidemic trend of measles in younger children

The implementation of measles vaccine has made great achievements in prevention and control of measles,and it has prevented measles outbreaks and epidemic trend in most regions of the world. In high vaccine coverage area measles elimination goal has been achieved. With the advancement of the use of measles vaccine,high incidence of measles in small age children has become one of epidemiological characteristics in measles vaccine era. The measles antibody level of Infants obtained from their mothers who have measles vaccination history was only 56% which can only maintains about 3-6 months,then decreases sharply. It can not protect children against measles. Population movements,different vaccine types,economic backwardness and other factors lead to population immunity gaps or untimely immunization,and finally the uncompleted immune barrier. It is necessary to put forward measles control strategies aiming at small age children to achieve the ultimate objective of eliminating measles via considering low levels of maternal antibodies and routine immunization gaps.
Bone isotopes, eggshell and turkey husbandry at Arroyo Hondo Pueblo

Abstract Studies of archaeofaunal turkey and eggshell remains have identified a clear and consistent pattern of turkey husbandry across the prehistoric Southwest. Domestic turkeys appear to have been penned, fed maize, and kept genetically isolated from wild turkey populations. In this study we use carbon (δ 13 C) and nitrogen (δ 15 N) isotope values, scanning electron microscopy of eggshells, and quantitative analysis of turkey remains from Arroyo Hondo Pueblo (LA 12) to explore how turkey husbandry at this Pueblo IV site fits into the overall regional pattern. We find that although turkeys seem to have played a minor role in the overall faunal subsistence at Arroyo Hondo, they were nevertheless carefully husbanded, even during periods of climatic stress and human demographic fluctuation.
Multidetector CT imaging of the pancreatic groove: differentiating carcinomas from paraduodenal pancreatitis

Abstract Objective This study aims to identify multidetector row CT (MDCT) findings that differentiate paraduodenal pancreatitis (PDP) from groove carcinomas (GC). Methods Two radiologists retrospectively reviewed various imaging features on pancreas protocol CT scans of 8 PDP and 8 GC patients. Two-tailed Fisher's Exact Test was used for statistical analysis. Results MDCT findings correlating with PDP included benign common bile duct morphology ( P P P P =.119). Conclusions There are several MDCT findings that favor PDP over GC. However, presence of GDA encasement is not a reliable distinguishing feature.
A comparison of patency and interventions in thigh versus Hemodialysis Reliable Outflow grafts for chronic hemodialysis vascular access

Objective With improvements in medical management and survival of patients with end-stage renal disease, maintaining durable vascular access is increasingly challenging. This study compared primary, assisted primary, and secondary patency, and procedure-specific complications, and evaluated whether the number of interventions to maintain or restore patency differed between prosthetic femoral-femoral looped inguinal access (thigh) grafts and Hemodialysis Reliable Outflow (HeRO; Hemosphere Inc, Minneapolis, Minn) grafts. Methods A single-center, retrospective, intention-to-treat analysis was conducted of consecutive thigh and HeRO grafts placed between May 2004 and June 2015. Medical history, interventions to maintain or restore patency, and complications were abstracted from the electronic medical record. Data were analyzed using parametric and nonparametric statistical tests, Kaplan-Meier survival methods, and multivariable proportional hazards regression and logistic regression. Results Seventy-six (43 thigh, 33 HeRO) grafts were placed in 61 patients (54% male; age 53 [standard deviation, 13] years). Median follow-up time in the intention-to-treat analysis was 21.2 months (min, 0.0; max, 85.3 months) for thigh grafts and 6.7 months (min, 0.0; max, 56.3 months) for HeRO grafts ( P = .02). The groups were comparable for sex, age, coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, peripheral vascular disease, and smoking history (all P ≥ .12). One thigh graft (2%) and five HeRO (15%) grafts failed primarily. In the intention-to-treat analysis, patency durations were significantly longer in the thigh grafts (all log-rank P ≤ .01). Point estimates of primary patency at 6 months, 1 year, and 3 years were 61%, 46%, and 4% for the thigh grafts and 25%, 15%, and 6% for the HeRO grafts. Point estimates of assisted primary patency at 6 months, 1 year, and 3 years were 75%, 66%, and 54% for the thigh grafts and 41%, 30%, and 10% for the HeRO grafts. Point estimates of secondary patency at 6 months, 1 year, and 3 years were 88%, 88%, and 70% for the thigh grafts and 53%, 43%, and 12% for the HeRO grafts. There were no differences in ischemic ( P = .63) or infectious ( P = .79) complications between the groups. Multivariable logistic regression demonstrated that after adjusting for follow-up time, HeRO grafts were associated with an increased number of interventions ( P = .03). Conclusions Thigh grafts have significantly better primary, assisted primary, and secondary patency compared with HeRO grafts. There is no significant difference between thigh grafts and HeRO grafts in ischemic or infectious complications. Our logistic regression model demonstrated an association between HeRO grafts and an increased number of interventions to maintain or restore patency. Although HeRO grafts may extend the use of the upper extremity, thigh grafts provide a more durable option for chronic hemodialysis.
The Role of Stigma and Referral Source in Predicting College Student-Athletes’ Attitudes Toward Psychological Help-Seeking

The purposes of this study were to (a) examine the relationships between public stigma, self-stigma, and mental health help-seeking attitudes in college studentathletes, and (b) test whether referral source would have an impact on student-athletes’ willingness to seek mental health help. Participating college student-athletes (n = 43) completed an online survey including measures of stigma (public and self), attitudes, and willingness to seek mental health help. The results indicated that public stigma and self-stigma predicted a significant proportion of variance in attitudes (66%) above and beyond gender and treatment-use history. In addition, student-athletes were more willing to seek help when referred by a family member compared with a coach (d = 0.89), a teammate (d = 1.05), or oneself (d = 1.28). The results have important implications for helping student-athletes seek mental health help when there is a need.
Asarum rosei (Aristolochiaceae), a new species from the Blue Ridge Escarpment of North Carolina, USA

Hundreds of years of botanical exploration in heavily populated and highly accessible eastern North America have not exhausted taxonomic prospects in the region. Here, I describe a new species of Asarum (Aristolochiaceae), Asarum rosei B.T.Sinn, from North Carolina, USA. This species is characterized and contrasted with species in Asarum subgenus Heterotropa section Hexastylis , and a revised artificial taxonomic key to the similar species in the section is provided.
A Psychology Learning Center

A Learning Center in which 60 students studied psychology is described. The style combines in a complementary way behavioral, nondirective psychodynamic and organizational principles. Natural influences over learning, taken from Ss current activity, goals and value systems rather than arbitrary and coercive control are emphasized. The work of the faculty where the student works for reasons natural to his life is to facilitate and support learning rather than to goad it. The most prominent evidence of S’s work is a journal—distinguished from a term paper because it is an unedited product written as the student learns.
Application of quality control chart in the determination of urinary iodine

Objective Establish a laboratory quality control system to ensure accurate and reliable test data and to contrapose the influence of error factors in current detection methods for urinary iodine measurement. Methods The results of reagent blank absorbance value and uric iodine standard materials were collected, then their relevant technical indexes such as mean, standard deviation, control limit, auxiliary line were worked out. Then the quality control chart of blank test and the relative error control chart were made base on these technical indexes. And different iodine concentrations (high, middle and low concentration) were tested and their mean,relative reduction difference value, weighted mean value and critical limit Rc value were calculated, and then critical limit Rc value precision control chart was made. Results The range of absorbance of blank control test was 1.183 to 1.553. And the limit of the accuracy control Rc value was 0.0883, 0.0572, respectively, when the concentrations of urinary iodine was 0～ < 150 μg/L and 150 ～ 300 μg/L. The control limit of the relative error was 9.3%. Conclusions The method of quality control chart could be satisfactorily applied to identify the quality of the analytical results of urine iodine, and ensure the results of the urine iodine reliable and authentic. Key words: Urine; Iodine; Laboratories; Quality control
Vaccines for Workers: Immune Aspects of Occupational Health:

With the rapid pace of immunologic research, it is more important than ever for readers to understand rational immunodiagnosis, immunoprophylaxis, and immunotherapy. This column is intended to help...
Follow-up of monotherapy remitters in the PReDICT study: Maintenance treatment outcomes and clinical predictors of recurrence.

OBJECTIVE This study followed remitted patients from a randomized controlled trial of adults with major depressive disorder (MDD). The aims were to describe rates of recurrence and to evaluate 3 clinical predictor domains. METHOD Ninety-four treatment-naive patients (50% female; Mage = 38.1 years; 48.9% White; 30.9% Hispanic) with MDD who had remitted to 12-week monotherapy (escitalopram, duloxetine, or cognitive behavior therapy [CBT]) participated in a 21-month maintenance phase (i.e., continued medication or 3 possible CBT booster sessions per year). Recurrence was assessed quarterly, and the clinical predictors were the following: 2 measures of residual depressive symptoms, 1 measure of lifetime depressive episodes, and 2 measures of baseline anxiety. Survival analysis models evaluated recurrence rates, and regression models evaluated the predictors. RESULTS Among all patients, 15.5% experienced a recurrence, and the survival distributions did not statistically differ among treatments. Residual depressive symptoms on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale at the end of monotherapy were associated with increased risk for recurrence (hazard ratio = 1.31, 95% confidence interval [CI: 1.02, 1.67], Wald χ2 = 4.41, p = .036), and not having a comorbid anxiety disorder diagnosis at study baseline reduced the risk of recurrence (hazard ratio = .31, 95% CI [.10, .94], Wald χ2 = 4.28, p = .039). CONCLUSIONS The study supported the benefits of maintenance treatment for treatment-naive patients who remitted to initial monotherapy; nevertheless, remitted patients with a comorbid anxiety disorder diagnosis at the beginning of treatment or residual depressive symptoms after initial treatment were at risk for poorer long-term outcomes. (PsycINFO Database Record
Toward Continual Measurement of Global Network-Level Censorship

Many accounts of censorship begin—and end—with anecdotes or short-term studies from a handful of vantage points. To enable continuous measurement of network-level censorship on an Internet-wide basis, Augur leverages TCP/IP side channels to measure reachability between two Internet locations from off-path third-party vantage points.
Particle Tracking of Microelectromechanical System Performance and Reliability

Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) that require contact of moving parts to implement complex functions exhibit limits to their performance and reliability. Here, we advance our particle tracking method to measure MEMS motion in operando at nanometer, microradian, and millisecond scales. We test a torsional ratcheting actuator and observe dynamic behavior ranging from nearly perfect repeatability, to transient feedback and stiction, to terminal failure. This new measurement capability will help to understand and improve MEMS motion. [2018-0118]