cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Policing global challenges: Law enforcement cooperation and partnerships

Abstract The concept of global crime and policing is an important topic and has assumed new meaning since the terrorist events such as the attacks in New York City, Madrid, and more recently in London. The focus of this current research is an exploratory and descriptive analysis of the general elements of international police cooperation. The emphasis will be on regional, national, and agency wide cooperative efforts and challenges to such endeavors. This analysis attempts to help researchers and practitioners understand the current efforts of international police cooperation in some regions of the world, as well as the best ways in which lessons learned could strengthen global police cooperation.
Rough Sets for Database Marketing

This chapter describes how rough sets can be used for response modeling in database marketing. We use real-world data from one of the largest European mail-order companies. Past transaction data of customers, personal characteristics and their response behavior are used to determine whether these clients are good mailing prospects during the next period.
Role of metabolism and intracellular trafficking in fructose-induced GLUT5 regulation (822.4)

Marked increases in fructose consumption have been linked to various diseases. Fructose (F) upregulates its own absorption by increasing the expression & activity of the intestinal F transporter GLUT5, but the underlying mechanism is not well understood. Defects or limits in regulation can lead to adult-onset F intolerance or to F malabsorption in infants. I tested the hypothesis that F transport via GLUT5, metabolism via ketohexokinase (KHK), and GLUT5 intracellular trafficking to the apical membrane via the GTPase Rab11a are required for GLUT5 upregulation. WAdult wildtype (wt), GLUT5-/-, and KHK-/-, and Rab11a-/- mice were receivedreceiving 30% glucose (G), fructose (F) or lysine (L) by gavage twice a d for 3 d at X.X ml/kgays. 17 d old wt and Rab11a-/- mice were gavaged with either 30% G or F. Afterwards, GLUT5 activity as well as mRNA and protein expression determined in the small intestine. Activity and expression of GLUT5 and of other enzymes involved in F metabolism increased in F-gavaged mice com...
Flooding for reliable multicast in multi-hop ad hoc networks

Ad hoc networks are gaining popularity as a result of advances in smaller, more versatile and powerful mobile computing devices. The distinguishing feature of these networks is the universal mobility of all hosts. This requires re-engineering of basic network services including reliable multicast communication. This paper considers the special case of highly mobile fast-moving ad hoc networks and argues that, for such networks, traditional multicast approaches are not appropriate. Flooding is suggested as a possible alternative for reliable multicast and simulation results are used to illustrate its effects. The experimental results also demonstrate a rather interesting outcome that even flooding is insufficient for reliable multicast in ad hoc networks when mobility is very high. Some alternative, more persistent variations of flooding are sketched out.
Analyticity of forward-scattering amplitude in external mass

The analyticity domain of the forward-scattering amplitude in the external mass is obtained. The dispersion relation for the off-mass-shell amplitude and the Jost-Lehmann-Dyson representation of the absorptive part were used.
Synchrotron-based Biological Microspectroscopy: From the Mid-Infrared through the Far-Infrared Regimes.

Infrared radiation from synchrotron storagerings serves as a high-brightness source fordiffraction-limited microspectroscopy inboth the mid- and far-infrared spectralranges. Mid-infrared absorption, due to localvibrational modes within complex molecules,is shown to be sensitive to small chemicalchanges associated with certain diseases.Farinfrared modes are believed to result from thefolding or twisting of larger, morecomplex molecules. The ability for thesynchrotron source to perform microscopy ata frequency of 1 THz is demonstrated.
Purification of Thioredoxin from Rat Novikoff Ascites Hepatoma

Abstract Partial purification of a thioredoxin system from Novikoff ascites hepatoma cells has been previously reported (Moore, E. C. (1967) Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 29, 264–268). Thioredoxin from the same mammalian source has now been purified to electrophoretic homogeneity by ammonium sulfate fractionation, heat treatment, DEAE-cellulose chromatography, and Sephadex chromatography. 1-Dimethylaminonaphthalene-5-sulfonyl determination indicated valine to be the sole NH2-terminal amino acid. Based on a molecular weight of 11,400 estimated by gel filtration, summation of assumed integral numbers of amino acid residue weights was 12,100. Although purification of thioredoxin reductase to electrophoretic homogeneity was not attained in these experiments, a molecular weight value of about 66,700 was estimated by gel filtration. Heterologous cross-reaction between Escherichia coli ribonucleoside diphosphate reductase and Novikoff hepatoma thioredoxin was confirmed but no heterologous cross-reaction between E. coli thioredoxin reductase and Novikoff hepatoma thioredoxin was observed.
Designing effective persuasive systems utilizing the power of entanglement: communication channel, strategy and affect

With rapid advances in information and communication technology, computer-mediated communication (CMC) technologies are utilizing multiple IT platforms such as email, websites, cell-phones/PDAs, social networking sites, and gaming environments. However, no studies have compared the effectiveness of a persuasive system using such alternative channels and various persuasive techniques. Moreover, how affective computing impacts the effectiveness of persuasive systems is not clear. This study proposes (1) persuasive technology channels in combination with persuasive strategies will have different persuasive effectiveness; (2) Adding positive emotion to a message that leads to a better overall user experience could increase persuasive effectiveness. The affective computing or emotion information was added to the experiment using emoticons. The initial results of a pilot study show that computer-mediated communication channels along with various persuasive strategies can affect the persuasive effectiveness to varying degrees. These results also shows that adding a positive emoticon to a message leads to a better user experience which increases the overall persuasive effectiveness of a system.
The Role of Nuclear Power in the Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Nuclear energy is a low greenhouse gas emitter and is capable of providing large amounts of power using proven technology. In the immediate future, it can contribute to greenhouse gas reduction but only on a modest scale, replacing a portion of the electricity produced by coal fired power plants. While it has the potential to do more, there are significant resource issues that must be addressed if nuclear power is to replace coal or natural gas as a source of electricity.
Overview of via formation technologies for ceramic packaging manufacturing

Via hole formation plays an important role in multi-layer electronic packaging fabrication because it provides vertical paths for the packaging interconnection networks. As the packaging wiring density and complexity increases, additional and more stringent demands are put on the via formation technology (e.g. tighter dimensional control, higher via positional accuracy, etc.). Over the years, several via formation technologies have been developed and implemented for manufacturing high performance electronic packages. They range from the traditional mechanical punch to the state-of-the-art directed energy technologies such as laser and electron beam. The primary driving forces for the various via formation technologies are application extension, performance enhancement, cost reduction, and flexibility. In this paper, an-overview of these via forming technologies along with the comparison of their capability and flexibility is given. The focus is on mechanical punching, laser drilling, and electron beam machining. >
Integrative and complementary therapies for patients with advanced cancer

In integrative medicine, well-being is emphasized, and in palliative care, quality of life (QOL) is a similar concept or goal. Both can occur despite advanced cancer. Integrative medicine serves to combine the best of alternative, complementary and conventional therapies to optimize well-being and QOL, whether or not a person is at the end of their life. When integrative medicine is combined with palliative care modalities, the toolbox to provide symptom control and well-being or QOL is increased or broadened. Palliative care and integrative medicine are best provided early in the trajectory of illness such as cancer, and increase in amount as the illness progresses toward end of life. In cancer care, symptoms of the cancer, as well as symptoms produced by cancer therapies, are addressed with conventional and integrative therapies. Goals of care change as the disease progresses, and a patient’s unique situation creates a different balance of integrative and conventional therapies. Integrative therapies such as music, aromatherapy, and massage might appeal to more patients than more specific, less common integrative therapies that might be more expensive, or seem more unusual such as Ayurvedic medicine and energy modalities. Each person may be drawn to different integrative modalities depending on factors such as cultural traditions, beliefs, lifestyle, internet information, advice from family and friends, books, etc. This review focuses on how integrative and complementary modalities can be included in comprehensive palliative care for patients with advanced malignancies. Nutrition and movement, often neglected in conventional treatment strategies, will also be included in the larger context of integrative and palliative modalities. Both conventional and integrative modalities in palliative care help patients live with empowerment, hope, and well-being no matter how long their lives last. A comprehensive review of all integrative and complementary therapies is impossible given the enormous diversity in this area. This review will concentrate on modalities such as nutrition, movement, music, aromatherapy, massage, select supplements, and acupuncture that have been researched in cancer survivors. Many of these modalities are quite effective for a number of symptoms in palliative care and have been studied in non-cancer populations. Resources for further study will also be included.
The role of the blood transcriptome in innate inflammation and stroke

Cerebrovascular disease is a major cause of death and disability, with a poorer outcome in patients having select risk factors including diabetes and hypertension. Risk factors and the state of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion associated with cerebrovascular occlusion are known to cause inflammatory changes. These events and the inflammatory state are reflected by transcript changes in various components of the blood and can be specifically measured. By defining these changes, new insight into cerebrovascular disease and its therapeutics is being achieved.
Protease inhibitors of Manduca sexta expressed in transgenic cotton

To explore the effectiveness of insect derived protease inhibitors in protecting plants against insect feeding, anti-trypsin, anti-chymotrypsin and anti-elastase protease inhibitor (PI) genes from Manduca sexta L. were expressed in transgenic cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.). From 198 independent transformants, 35 elite lines were further analyzed. Under the control of the 35S promoter of CaMV, PI accumulated to approximately 0.1% of total protein, depending on the tissue analyzed. Using cell-flow cytometry, DNA content/ nuclei of transgenic and non-transformed cotton were identical. On cotton plants expressing PIs, fecundity of Bemisia tabaci (Genn.), the sweetpotato whitefly, was reduced compared to controls. Expression of these protease inhibitors may reduce the developmental rate of B. tabaci and other insects, and provide a strategy for cotton protection.
Maximal strength, power, and aerobic endurance adaptations to concurrent strength and sprint interval training.

This study was designed to examine whether concurrent sprint interval and strength training (CT) would result in compromised strength development when compared to strength training (ST) alone. In addition, maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) and time to exhaustion (TTE) were measured to determine if sprint interval training (SIT) would augment aerobic performance. Fourteen recreationally active men completed the study. ST (n = 7) was performed 2 days/week and CT (n = 7) was performed 4 days/week for 12 weeks. CT was separated by 24 h to reduce the influence of acute fatigue. Body composition was analyzed pre- and post-intervention. Anaerobic power, one-repetition maximum (1RM) lower- and upper-body strength, VO2max and TTE were analyzed pre-, mid-, and post-training. Training intensity for ST was set at 85 % 1RM and SIT trained using a modified Wingate protocol, adjusted to 20 s. Upper- and lower-body strength improved significantly after training (p 0.05). VO2max increased 40.9 ± 8.4 to 42.3 ± 7.1 ml/kg/min (p < 0.05) for CT, whereas ST remained unchanged. A significant difference in VO2max (p < 0.05) was observed between groups post-intervention (CT: 42.3 ± 7.1 vs. ST: 36.0 ± 3.0 ml/kg/min). A main effect for time and group was observed in TTE (p < 0.05). A significant main effect for time was observed in average power (p < 0.05). Preliminary findings suggest that performing concurrent sprint interval and strength training does not attenuate the strength response when compared to ST alone, while also improves aerobic performance measures, such as VO2max at the same time.
Nonlinear Compensation Using the Gauss–Newton Method for Noise-Robust Speech Recognition

In this paper, we present the Gauss-Newton method as a unified approach to estimating noise parameters of the prevalent nonlinear compensation models, such as vector Taylor series (VTS), data-driven parallel model combination (DPMC), and unscented transform (UT), for noise-robust speech recognition. While iterative estimation of noise means in a generalized EM framework has been widely known, we demonstrate that such approaches are variants of the Gauss-Newton method. Furthermore, we propose a novel noise variance estimation algorithm that is consistent with the Gauss-Newton principle. The formulation of the Gauss-Newton method reduces the noise estimation problem to determining the Jacobians of the corrupted speech parameters. For sampling-based compensations, we present two methods, sample Jacobian average (SJA) and cross-covariance (XCOV), to evaluate these Jacobians. The proposed noise estimation algorithm is evaluated for various compensation models on two tasks. The first is to fit a Gaussian mixture model (GMM) model to artificially corrupted samples, and the second is to perform speech recognition on the Aurora 2 database. The significant performance improvements confirm the efficacy of the Gauss-Newton method to estimating the noise parameters of the nonlinear compensation models.
Mechanisms and convergence of compensatory evolution in mammalian mitochondrial tRNAs

The function of protein and RNA molecules depends on complex epistatic interactions between sites. Therefore, the deleterious effect of a mutation can be suppressed by a compensatory second-site substitution1,2. In relating a list of 86 pathogenic mutations in human tRNAs encoded by mitochondrial genes to the sequences of their mammalian orthologs, we noted that 52 pathogenic mutations were present in normal tRNAs of one or several nonhuman mammals. We found at least five mechanisms of compensation for 32 pathogenic mutations that destroyed a Watson-Crick pair in one of the four tRNA stems: restoration of the affected Watson-Crick interaction (25 cases), strengthening of another pair (4 cases), creation of a new pair (8 cases), changes of multiple interactions in the affected stem (11 cases) and changes involving the interaction between the loop and stem structures (3 cases). A pathogenic mutation and its compensating substitution are fixed in a lineage in rapid succession, and often a compensatory interaction evolves convergently in different clades. At least 10%, and perhaps as many as 50%, of all nucleotide substitutions in evolving mammalian tRNAs participate in such interactions, indicating that the evolution of tRNAs proceeds along highly epistatic fitness ridges.
Beaver pond effects on carbon storage in soils

Abstract Beaver ponds have been shown to be hot spots of carbon trace gas flux, which begs the question, “What is the source of the carbon?” The density and stratigraphy of carbon storage was studied in soils of boreal beaver meadows, graminoid wetlands that develop after a beaver pond is abandoned and drained, at Voyageurs National Park on the U.S.–Canada border, where beaver re-colonized the landscape during the latter half of the 20th century. Carbon density was measured to a depth of 60 cm by collecting volumetric samples in mineral soils from the side walls of hand-dug trenches and in a Histosol using a box corer. Interpretation of pre-beaver (1940) aerial imagery showed the presence of cedar swamps in locations that currently have Haplosaprists and Argiaquolls, with deep carbon storage that cannot be attributed to recent beaver activity. Excluding these sites, carbon density to a depth of 60 cm was still significantly greater in beaver meadow pedons (15.1 ± 6.8 kg m − 2 ) than in adjacent forest soils that had not been impounded (8.2 ± 2.9 kg m − 2 ). The difference was attributed to the accumulation of graminoid plant debris in thick surface O horizons. Volumetric carbon concentrations were greatest in O horizons, and a linear regression between O horizon thickness and carbon density was significant. Parent material origin (i.e., glacio-fluvial vs. glacio-lacustrine) did not significantly affect carbon density. This research confirms the presence of soil carbon adequate to supply trace gas fluxes, but suggests that considerable carbon is sequestered by beaver impoundments in the meadow stage, which may offset carbon release that occurs during the pond stage.
Refrigeration by adiabatic demagnetization of nuclear spins

A model is presented for a nuclear demagnetization cooling system in which the metallic refrigerant is distributed over a region where the magnetic field varies by a large amount. A method employing ''quasi-steady-state'' approximations is used to solve the problem in the framework of finite difference procedures. The predictions from the model are used to establish a number of design parameters in cryostats for studies of superfluid /sup 3/He and ultra-low-temperature metals physics.
Protection from irreversible hypoxic injury by potassium cardioplegia and hypothermia: effects on contracture, morphology and O2-enzyme release.

Abstract Isolated rat hearts were perfused at temperatures from 40 to 30°C in the presence and absence of 16 m m potassium cardioplegia, with hypoxic substrate-free Krebs-Henseleit medium. During hypoxia the development of contracture was monitored with an intraventricular balloon. After intervals from 10 to 300 min of hypoxia hearts were reoxygenated at 37°C and the released creatine kinase activity (CK) was measured for a 15 min interval. At the end of experiments, the percentage of injured cells was estimated by light microscopy. Both hypothermia and cardioplegia delayed the onset and reduced the rate of development of contracture. The effects of cardioplegia and hypothermia were additive. Irreversible injury was delayed proportionally with the delay in full contracture development. Hypothermia caused a progressive decrease in the rate of progression of injury. Cardioplegia also reduced the slopes of injury curves, but its major effect was to delay the onset of injury. Between 40 to 30°C there was a nearly linear decrease in the slopes of injury curves from a rate of 6.6% per min. at 40°C to 0.85% per min. at 30°C. Estimates of injury by CK release and morphology were similar. Severe hypoxic injury was associated with marked reductions in coronary flow rates to about 40% of control flows. In hypoxic hearts at 37°C vascular infusion of colloid carbon demonstrated subendocardial zones of severe ischemia ranging from 10 to 40% of heart ventricular masses. There was no apparent correlation between coronary flow rates and the size of observed perfusion defects. It is concluded that myocardial protection occurs as the combined effect of delaying the onset of injury and slowing its progression after initiation. The proportion of cells in a heart showing morphologic evidence of injury correlated with the observed enzyme release. Injury appeared to progress in quantum steps as individual cells made the transition from reversible to irreversible injury. Reductions in slopes of injury curves with protection could be explained as a slowing of the rate of energy depletion in a heterogenous cell population and a spreading of the time interval over which cells reached a critical level of energy depletion. The existence of perfusion defects and concomitant ischemia may limit the isolated perfused rat heart as an experimental model of hypoxic cell injury.
Transmastoid retrosigmoid approach to the cerebellopontine angle: surgical technique.

Background The traditional suboccipital craniotomy in the retrosigmoid approach gives limited exposure to the cerebellopontine angle (CPA) structures and necessitates cerebellar retraction, whereas the addition of drilling of the mastoid process with reflection of venous sinuses offers wider exposure of the CPA and avoids cerebellar retraction. We describe the details of the surgical technique and provide radiological measurements substantiating the advantages of this approach. Objective To validate the usefulness of partial mastoidectomy in the retrosigmoid approach and to evaluate the complications of this maneuver. Methods Radiological CPA measurements on computed tomography bone window films were made on the last consecutive 20 patients who underwent CPA surgery via the transmastoid retrosigmoid approach. We measured the distance and angle of work by this approach and compared the measurements with those using the traditional retrosigmoid approach if that would have been used in each case. We also reviewed 432 patients from the records of the senior author to evaluate possible complications of this approach. Results The mean working distance for the transmastoid approach was 23.06 mm, whereas the working distance in the traditional approach was 46.44 mm. The mean increase in the angle of work after drilling of the mastoid was 25.39 degrees, and the simple average of increased distance in lateral exposure was 26.66 mm. Conclusion The transmastoid retrosigmoid approach increases the exposure and gives better access to the CPA targets. This approach alleviates cerebellar retraction, facilitates surgery in the supine position, promotes the use of the endoscope, and is associated with negligible complications.
Demonstration of novel, secure, real-time, portable ultrasound transmission from an austere international location

There is not sufficient access to medical care or medical expertise in many parts of the world. An innovative telemedicine system has been developed to provide expert medical guidance to field caregivers [who have less medical expertise but can reach the patient population in need]. Real-time ultrasound video images have been securely transmitted from the Dominican Republic to Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack NJ (HackensackUMC), while the expert physician at HackensackUMC maintained direct voice communication with the field caregiver. Utilizing a portable ultrasound machine (Sonosite) integrated with portable broadcasting device (LiveU), extended Focused Assessment Sonography in Trauma (e-FAST) examinations were performed on healthy volunteers and transmitted via the local cellular network. Additionally, two e-FAST examinations were conducted from a remote location without cellular coverage and transmitted via broad ground area network (BGAN) satellites. The demonstration took the technology “out of the lab” and into a real life, austere environment. The conditions of the Dominican Republic ultrasound mission provided experience on how to manage and utilize this innovative technology in areas where reliable communications and medical coverage are not readily available. The resilient transmission capabilities coupled with the security features deem this portable Telesonography (TS) equipment highly useful in the telemedicine forefront by offering healthcare in underdeveloped areas as well as potentially enhancing throughput in disaster situations.
Alkaline phosphatase activity, characterization, and subcellular distribution during initial skeletogenesis in the prenatal rat limb.

The specific activity, tissue specificity, and subcellular distribution of alkaline phosphatase were studied in the fetal rat limb during initial cartilage calcification and bone formation. The pH optimum, Km, activation, and inhibition characteristics of the enzyme assayed for in 900 ×g supernates of whole limb homogenates indicated that the activity represented a fetal bone alkaline phosphatase. Studies examining temporal changes of the enzyme in these preparations demonstrated a substantial increase in activity over each of the days during which they were studied (days 15–18). Fractions derived from the discontinous density gradient centrifugation of the limb preparations were used to study the chronological subcellular distribution of the enzyme. Enzyme activity was found in all of the fractions with the greatest activity occurring in fractions consisting of ribosomes and small vesicles. The vesicular component was similar to the matrix vesicles described by others in calcifying tissues. The daily increase in activity measured in the crude supernate was further reflected in the distribution studies. The association of alkaline phosphatase with the vesicular structure is compatible with the theorized functions of matrix vesicles, and the substantial increase in activity between days 15 and 18 further demonstrates an intimate association of alkaline phosphatase with skeletal development.
An application of Google's PageRank to NFL rankings

We explain the PageRank algorithm and its application to the ranking of football teams via the GEM method. We then modify and extend the GEM method with the addition of more football statistics to look at the possibility of using this method to more accurately rank teams. Lastly, we compare both methods by aggregating each statistical ranking using the cross-entropy Monte Carlo algorithm.
Fast instruction cache performance evaluation using compile-time analysis

DAVID B.WHALLEYDepartment of Computer Science,Florida State University,Tallahassee,FL32306, U.S.A.SUMMARYCache performance has become a very crucial factor inthe overall system performance of machines.Effectiveanalysis of a cache design requires the evaluation of theperformance of the cache for typical programs that areto be executed on the machine. Recent attempts toreduce the time required for such evaluations eitherresult in a loss of accuracy or requireaninitial pass by aﬁlter to reduce the length of the trace.This paperdescribes techniques that overcome these problems forinstruction cache performance evaluation. Informationcalculated during the compilation is used to reduce thenumber of references in the trace. Thus, in effect refer-ences arestripped beforethe initial trace is generated.These techniques areshown to signiﬁcantly reduce thetime required for evaluating instruction caches with noloss of accuracy.
SAVING AND TAKING LIFE IN WAR: THREE MODERN MUSLIM VIEWS

Cet article est centre sur les oeuvres de trois ecrivains musulmans modernes qui ont parle sur le droit de vie et de mort en temps de guerre, l'Indien Abū al-A lā Mawdūdī (mort en 1979), un autre Indien Muhammad Hamidullah qui a publie La Conduite musulmane de l'Etat en 1941, et le Syrien Wahba al-Zuhaylī dont les idees sont accessibles dans un volume en francais, Dispositions internationales relatives a la guerre, justifiees au regard de l'Islam et leurs aspects humains caracteristiques (1991). Tous trois presentent de facon complete et systematique toute la theorie du jihad et evaluent de maniere critique la pertinence de nombreux aspects de la theorie medievale ajustes aux normes et circonstances modernes.
Iron absorption and transport: An update

Iron is vital for all living organisms. However, excess iron is hazardous because it produces free radical formation. Therefore, iron absorption is carefully regulated to maintain an equilibrium between absorption and body loss of iron. In countries where heme is a significant part of the diet, most body iron is derived from dietary heme iron because heme binds few of the luminal intestinal iron chelators that inhibit absorption of non-heme iron. Uptake of luminal heme into enterocytes occurs as a metalloporphyrin. Intracellularly, iron is released from heme by heme oxygenase so that iron leaves the enterocyte to enter the plasma as non-heme iron. Ferric iron is absorbed via a beta(3) integrin and mobilferrin (IMP) pathway that is not shared with other nutritional metals. Ferrous iron uptake is facilitated by DMT-1 (Nramp-2, DCT-1) in a pathway shared with manganese. Other proteins were recently described which are believed to play a role in iron absorption. SFT (Stimulator of Iron Transport) is postulated to facilitate both ferric and ferrous iron uptake, and Hephaestin is thought to be important in transfer of iron from enterocytes into the plasma. The iron concentration within enterocytes reflects the total body iron and either upregulates or satiates iron-binding sites on regulatory proteins. Enterocytes of hemochromatotics are iron-depleted similarly to the absorptive cells of iron-deficient subjects. Iron depletion, hemolysis, and hypoxia each can stimulate iron absorption. In non-intestinal cells most iron uptake occurs via either the classical clathrin-coated pathway utilizing transferrin receptors or the poorly defined transferrin receptor independent pathway. Non-intestinal cells possess the IMP and DMT-1 pathways though their role in the absence of iron overload is unclear. This suggests that these pathways have intracellular functions in addition to facilitating iron uptake.
Comments on "The Effects of Texture on Microwave Emission from Soils"

An analysis of microwave emission from soils located in Arizona, Arkansas, Maryland, and Texas raises doubt that the use of field capacity as the soil moisture parameter will "normalize" the influence of soil texture, as was contended in an earlier paper in this transactions. An alternate approach is suggested.
Diversity of Practice in Accounting for Derivatives Related to Credit Risk Retention

One of the Dodd–Frank Act’s improvements to the asset-backed securitization process is known as the “skin in the game” provision because it requires issuers of some types of asset-backed securities to retain at least 5% of the fair value of the issued interests. The thinking is that an issuer will be less likely to lower its underwriting standards if it must retain some of an ABS’s credit risk. This article explains two ways in which an ABS issuer can satisfy the 5% requirement: the vertical method and the horizontal method. Also, the article raises the possibility of diverse practices in valuing the 5% requirement if the issued interests contain embedded derivatives. This is because there are two ways under U.S. GAAP of valuing financial instruments that contain certain embedded derivatives. The article also suggests that the final rule consider the possibility that ABS issuers could use the cash flow hedge accounting technique to manipulate when changes to bifurcated embedded derivatives affect their income statements.
The comparative cell cycle and metabolic effects of the herbicide napropamide on root tip meristems

Abstract Napropamide reduces the rate of entry of pea root cells into DNA synthesis and cell division by 8 and 12 hr of treatment, respectively. Protein synthesis was reduced by 22% 8 hr after treatment, and this level of inhibition remained about the same even after 48 hr. Napropamide treatment appeared to have little effect on oxygen uptake or the rate of RNA synthesis. Transfer of treated pea roots to fresh herbicide-free nutrient solution demonstrated complete recovery in both root growth and cell cycle progression. Incorporation of tritiated thymidine in recovering roots indicates that a number of dividing cells were arrested in G 2 . However, the majority of total cells were in G 1 after 24-hr herbicide treatment. This suggests a block in both G 1 and G 2 of the cell cycle. The inhibitory effect of napropamide on the mitotic cycle may result from an inhibition in the synthesis or activity of cell cycle specific proteins.
Enterobacteriaceae act in concert with the gut microbiota to induce spontaneous and maternally transmitted colitis

Summary Disruption of homeostasis between the host immune system and the intestinal microbiota leads to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Whether IBD is instigated by individual species or disruptions of entire microbial communities remains controversial. We characterized the fecal microbial communities in the recently described T-bet −/− × Rag2 −/− ulcerative colitis (TRUC) model driven by T-bet deficiency in the innate immune system. 16S rRNA-based analysis of TRUC and Rag2 −/− mice revealed distinctive communities that correlate with host genotype. The presence of Klebsiella pneumoniae and Proteus mirabilis correlates with colitis in TRUC animals, and these TRUC-derived strains can elicit colitis in Rag2 −/− and WT adults but require a maternally transmitted endogenous microbial community for maximal intestinal inflammation. Cross-fostering experiments indicated a role for these organisms in maternal transmission of disease. Our findings illustrate how gut microbial communities work in concert with specific culturable colitogenic agents to cause IBD.
Cholesterol Phenoxy Hexanoate Mesogens: Effect of meta Substituents on Their Liquid Crystalline Behavior and in Situ Metal Nanoparticle Synthesis

A series of liquid crystalline mesogens, cholesterol phenoxy hexanoates with meta substituted (alkyl, electron-donating/withdrawing, halogens, and hydrogen bond forming) groups at the phenyl ring, ...
A Comparative Study of GaN Films Grown on Different Faces of Sapphire by ECR-Assisted MBE

GaN films were grown on c-plane (0001), a-plane (1120) and r-plane (1102) sapphire substrates by the ECR-assisted MBE method. The films were grown using a two-step growth process, in which a GaN buffer is grown first at relatively low temperatures and the rest of the film is grown at higher temperatures. RHEED studies indicate that this growth method promotes lateral growth and leads to films with smooth surface morphology. The epitaxial relationship to the substrate, the crystalline quality and the surface morphology were investigated by RHEED, X-ray diffraction and SEM studies.
Who has used internal company documents for biomedical and public health research and where did they find them

Objective To describe the sources of internal company documents used in public health and healthcare research. Methods We searched PubMed and Embase for articles using internal company documents to address a research question about a health-related topic. Our primary interest was where authors obtained internal company documents for their research. We also extracted information on type of company, type of research question, type of internal documents, and funding source. Results Our searches identified 9,305 citations of which 357 were eligible. Scanning of reference lists and consultation with colleagues identified 4 additional articles, resulting in 361 included articles. Most articles examined internal tobacco company documents (325/361; 90%). Articles using documents from pharmaceutical companies (20/361; 6%) were the next most common. Tobacco articles used documents from repositories; pharmaceutical documents were from a range of sources. Most included articles relied upon internal company documents obtained through litigation (350/361; 97%). The research questions posed were primarily about company strategies to promote or position the company and its products (326/361; 90%). Most articles (346/361; 96%) used information from miscellaneous documents such as memos or letters, or from unspecified types of documents. When explicit information about study funding was provided (290/361 articles), the most common source was the US-based National Cancer Institute. We developed an alternative and more sensitive search targeted at identifying additional research articles using internal pharmaceutical company documents, but the search retrieved an impractical number of citations for review. Conclusions Internal company documents provide an excellent source of information on health topics (e.g., corporate behavior, study data) exemplified by articles based on tobacco industry documents. Pharmaceutical and other industry documents appear to have been less used for research, indicating a need for funding for this type of research and well-indexed and curated repositories to provide researchers with ready access to the documents.
Differential Patterns of Elastic Fibers in Scarring and Non-Scarring Alopecias

Elastic fiber stain (acid alcoholic orcein) reveals diagnostically significant differences between several types of alopecia of the scalp. A short outline of elastic fiber distribution on the normal hair follicle emphasizes the elastic coat of the follicular isthmus, the sparsity of elastic fibers on the cyclic lower portion of the hair root, and the presence in the neck of the dermal papilla of an elastin-like body which is formed anew with each hair cycle. This body provides a marker of the gradual shortening of successive anagen hairs in male pattern alopecia. Patterns of elastic fibers in the perifollicular and interfollicular dermis are helpful in differentiating idiopathic pseudopelade of Brocq from pseudopeladic states secondary to lupus erythematosus and other disease processes. Within the idiopathic group, the development of elastic fibres on the lower cyclic portion of the hair root identifies a sub-group that may have a different, non-inflammatory pathogenesis and is provisionally designated as fibrosing alopecia.
Relationship between molecular orientation and draw ratio of polypropylene monofilaments

The following empirical equation was derived for the relationship between molecular orientation α and permanent extension ratio λ of polypropylene monofilaments: α = 0.91(1 − 1/λ). The permanent extension ratio λ is the measured draw ratio adjusted to 1 when the orientation is zero. The standard deviation of the data points for 44 experimental filaments having different molecular weights, molecular weight distributions, and isotacticities about the line described by the equation was only 0.03. This equation is similar to a general empirical relationship between birefringence and draw ratio for several synthetic fibers derived by De Vries.
Assessment of movement distribution in the lumbar spine using the instantaneous axis of rotation

The position of the torso and the magnitude of exertion are thought to influence the distribution pattern of intervertebral movements within the lumbar spine. Abnormal intervertebral movements have been correlated with the risk of spine injuries. Since the capability to measure movement distribution within the lumbar spine noninvasively is limited, a convenient method to diagnose joint motion function was proposed. The goal of this research was to test the efficacy of the instantaneous axis of rotation for assessment of the distribution of movement within the lumbar spine. The proposed method was evaluated in the biomechanical model. The results showed that the location of instantaneous axis of rotation lowered with increased trunk exertion force, and slightly moved higher with increased trunk angle. Recognizing that abnormal location of the instantaneous axis of rotation correlated with spinal pain, these results suggest potential the location of the instantaneous axis of rotation relates to the risk of low back pain on distributed spinal kinematics.
The genetic control of antibody formation

Studies of the molecular biology of lymphoid cells have markedly increased our understanding of how millions of different antibodies can be synthesized by a single animal. To date, the most detailed understanding has been achieved for the mouse, primarily because of the relatively greater experimental availability of this species. These studies, as well as those involving other species, have shown that the complete genes for antibody polypeptide chains are assembled from disparate genetic elements which are originally widely separated in the genome. The assembly process itself, together with the coding information present in the germ line genetic elements, contributes to the diversity of structure (and thus combining specificities) shown by mature antibody molecules. Specifically, the diversity of structure characteristic of antibody variable regions is due to three distinct mechanisms: innate variability of germ line genes; mismatching of individual gene segments during their somatic rearrangement leading to junctional diversity; and somatic mutation in variable region genetic material during or after the rearrangement. These processes lead to the wide array of combining specificities that permit the humoral immune system of a mature animal to interact with essentially any non-self antigen which it encounters. Complex genetic rearrangements are also responsible for the class switching phenomenon long known to be characteristic of the humoral immune response. A form of homologous recombination between constant region genes, possibly mediated by specific "switching" enzymes, is now believed to be involved in this phenomenon. It is also currently believed that the restriction of gene rearrangement processes to one of the two possible chromosomes of a diploid pair in each cell is responsible for the phenomenon of allelic exclusion that has long been associated with the normal functioning of mammalian B-cells.
A Multiscale Model for pH-Dependent Folding and Binding of a Conditionally Disordered Chaperone

The bacterial acid stress-sensing chaperone HdeA loses structure to gain function. As enteropathogenic E. coli pass through the severely acidic environment of the mammalian stomach, HdeA transitions from an inactive, folded dimer to chaperone-active, unfolded monomers to protect against the acid-induced aggregation of periplasmic proteins. Toward achieving an atomic-level mechanistic understanding of the acid stress response of HdeA, we develop a multiscale modeling approach to capture its pH-dependent thermodynamics. Our approach utilizes pKa calculations from all-atom constant pH molecular dynamics simulations to alter the coarse-grained model for representing different pH environments. Changes in the thermodynamics of binding as a function of pH are explored using the efficient “Hamiltonian mapping” reweighting formalism. We propose new features of the pH-sensing mechanism of HdeA that can be directly tested by experiment. Namely, our model predicts that HdeA is maximally stable under mildly acidic conditions and that a partially unfolded dimeric intermediate may contribute to substrate binding. Our multiscale approach is general such that it can be applied toward understanding pH-dependent functional transitions in other systems and sets a foundation from which to construct models of HdeA-substrate interaction.
An Implosive Precursor to the Colombia Earthquake 1970 July 31

Summary A direct search has been made for the effects of the implosive precursor to the Colombia earthquake, 1970 July 31 proposed by Dziewonski & Gilbert from spectral studies. Theoretical seismograms, calculated for various models of the time-dependence of the isotropic part of the moment tensor, have been compared with observed records for the period preceding the earthquake for 10 nearby WWSSN stations and the strain network at mafia, Peru. Whilst no significant correlation was found between observation and theory at any of the WWSSN stations, a correlation coefficient of more than 0.9 was found for the Rafia record for precursor times around 200 s. Since this latter record is nearly free of instrumental effects the high correlation coefficient gives good direct evidence for the existence of the precursor. Introduction A recent study of the WWSSN long-period recordings of two deep South American earthquakes (Dziewonski & Gilbert
Spiritual well-being as predictor of quality of life for adults with paraplegia.

Purpose The promotion of quality of life (QOL) and healthy development across the person's life span can result in long and meaningful lives. The purpose of this study was to examine relationships between spiritual well-being (SWB), depression, and QOL for adults with paraplegia. Design A descriptive correlational design was used for this study. Methods A purposive sample of 75 participants completed the Ellison's SWB Scale, the Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression Scale, and a QOL scale. Findings Quality of life was significantly associated with SWB (r = .47, p = .01), and depression (r = −.59, p = .01), 43% of the variance in QOL was explained by age, gender, length of stay, SWB, and depression (F[5,69] = 10.45, p < .001). Conclusions Participants with a strong sense of purpose or meaning in life were more likely to experience a higher QOL. Clinical Relevance Rehabilitation nurses can help guide patients to the discovery of what brings purpose and meaning to their lives.
Influence of Gaseous Environment on Reaction Behavior and Phase Formation in Ti/2B Reactive Multilayer Foils

The effects of surrounding gaseous environment on the reaction behaviors and product formation for sputter-deposited Ti/2B reactive multilayers are reported. With the surrounding environment set to different air pressures, from atmospheric conditions to 10 -4 Torr, Ti/2B samples were reacted in a self-propagating mode, and the average reaction wave velocities were determined through high-speed imaging. Propagation speeds for 3.0 μm-thick multilayers were in the range of 10.89 to 0.05 m/s depending on bilayer thickness (i.e., reactant layer periodicity) and ambient pressure. X-ray diffraction analysis showed that single-phase TiB 2 forms within multilayers that have small bilayer thickness. Multilayers that have a large bilayer thickness developed a mixture of TiB 2 , TiB and TiO 2 .
Microfabrication of a multichannel microfluidic system for use with microbead reagent sources and detectors

This paper presents the design, fabrication, and testing of a multi-channel microfluidic system specifically designed for use with porous microbeads that can serve as both reagent sources and detectors. The system contains anisotropically etched reservoirs in which reagent source and detector beads are located, and microchannels that are fabricated on both side of the wafer to connect the each reservoir. Fluids are transported from reagent source bead reservoirs to "downstream" reservoirs containing detector beads. The system employs airflow channels to control liquid flow. Finally, the system is completed with PDMS covers on the top and bottom of the device to seal the channels. We have tested the complete system with sample fluid, showing control of liquid flow using the air channels. The result indicates that this system may be useful in biochemical applications where both reagent sources and receptor sites are combined.
Picosecond Coherent Anti-Stokes Raman Scattering (CARS) Microscope

A nonlinear optical microscope based on CARS using picosecond dye lasers is described. Applications to biological studies are demonstrated.