cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Studies of the specificity of deoxyribonuclease I. III. Hydrolysis of chains carrying a monoesterified phosphate on carbon 5

Kunitz (3) crystallized pancreatic deoxyribonucleasel and studied its kinetics and the products of its action on deoxyribonucleic acid. With a ratio of enzyme to substrate not higher than 1: 500, the products obtained after exhaustive digestion had an average length of a tetranucleotide. Studies from this and Sinsheimer’s laboratory (for details see the recent review (4)), showed that the digest thus obtained represented a complex mixture of fragments varying in length from mononucleotides to at least o&a-, possibly dodecanucleotides. The attempts to redigest larger oligonucleotides (by the use of a low enzyme-substrate ratio) into smaller fragments failed (5). It was therefore assumed that the digest thus obtained is a “limit digest” and that it is composed of fragments containing only internucleotide linkages which are totally resistant to the action of DNase I. Hurst (6) and Hurst and Fmdlay (7) observed that with a very large amount of enzyme (ratio of enzyme to substrate of the order 1: lo), at pH 8.0, in the presence of ethylenediaminetetraacetate and Mn++, the hydrolysis proceeds beyond the “limit digest” stage. To explain their findings, Hurst and Findlay (7) postulated that crystalline DNase I contains still another enzyme, an oligonucleotidase, which is capable of hydrolyzing oligonucleotides present in the “liiit digest” into smaller fragments, as measured by solubility in a uranyl acetate reagent. Independently, in the previous paper of this series (2), it was observed that when oligonucleotides carrying monoesterified phosphate on carbon 3’ were digested with very high amounts of DNase I, the predominant products were derivatives of dinucleotides. The hypothesis was advanced (2) that dinucleotides represent an ultimate product of the action of DNase I on deoxyribonucleic acid and that an apparent end point (“limit digest”) is caused by an insufficient amount of enzyme and by product inhibition. Thus, an alternative explanation was suggested, without postulating
Blood Cholinergic Parameters as a Potential Index of Central Cholinergic Function

Experiments have been conducted in our laboratories to establish whether it is feasible to utilize red blood cell (RBC) and plasma choline (Ch) as an index of brain cholinergic function in vivo (Shih, T.-M. et al., Neurosci. Abstr. 3, 322, 1977). An animal model has been developed which has provided encouraging results justifying the initiation of parallel studies of RBC and plasma Ch profile in human subjects. Our studies to date in human subjects indicate that: (1) within an individual, RBC and plasma Ch levels are maintained at an unusually constant level for months, provided external conditions and dietary factors are unchanged; (2) tremendous interindividual differences, on the other hand, do exist in RBC Ch levels, and they have been shown to span over a 20-fold range (Hanin, I., et al., Cholinergic Mechanisms and Psychopharmacology, D.J. Jenden, Ed., Plenum, New York, pp. 181–195, 1978); (3) these differences among individuals may furthermore be related in some manner to differences in the behavioral state of these individuals. Unipolar depressed, drug-free patients were shown to have significantly higher RBC Ch levels (51.7 ± 18.4 nmol/ml;n= 1 5) than normal controls (10.2 ± 1.0 nmol/ml; n = 10). Plasma Ch levels, at the same time, were similar in both groups; (4) finally, treatment of depressed patients with the antidepressant, amitriptyline (Elavil®), had no effect on RBC and plasma Ch levels, implying that endogenous factors play a major role in controlling the levels of RBC and plasma Ch in various individuals. We believe that the higher observed levels of RBC Ch in some of our depressed patients are related in some very specific manner to the concept of a definitive involvement of cholinergic mechanisms in affective disease states. The nature and extent of this relationship are currently under further investigation in our laboratories. Supported by NIMH grant No. MH 26320.
Assessment of Academic Achievement

Interest in individually administered achievement tests has increased dramatically since the introduction of PL 94–142 [Education for All Handicapped Children Act, 1975, now entitled the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)]. A major reason for this increase is that these tests are a critical component in the diagnosis of learning disabilities (LDs) (Chapter 6). The testing instruments that will be described differ from group tests such as the Iowa Tests of Basic Skills1 or the Stanford Achievement Test.2 These latter tests are administered at specified times over the course of a child’s school career.
Overall survival after image guided thermal ablation of pathologically proven T1a RCC in cancer survivors.

e16134Background: Although surgical excision remains the gold standard treatment for renal cell carcinoma ( RCC ), active surveillance and thermal ablation provide alternative options for patients ...
Zika Virus Infects Trabecular Meshwork and Causes Trabeculitis and Glaucomatous Pathology in Mouse Eyes

Zika virus (ZIKV) infection during pregnancy leads to devastating fetal outcomes, including neurological (microcephaly) and ocular pathologies such as retinal lesions, optic nerve abnormalities, chorioretinal atrophy, and congenital glaucoma. Only clinical case reports have linked ZIKV infection to causing glaucoma, a major blinding eye disease. In the present study, we have investigated the role of ZIKV in glaucoma pathophysiology using in vitro and in vivo experimental models. We showed that human primary trabecular meshwork (Pr. TM) cells, as well as a human GTM3 cell line, were permissive to ZIKV infection. ZIKV induced the transcription of various genes expressing pattern recognition receptors (TLR2, TLR3, and RIG-I), cytokines/chemokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, CCL5, and CXCL10), interferons (IFN-α2, IFN-β1, and IFN-γ), and interferon-stimulated genes (ISG15 and OAS2) in Pr. TM cells. ZIKV infection in IFNAR1-/- and wild-type (WT) mouse eyes resulted in increased intraocular pressure (IOP) and the development of chorioretinal atrophy. Anterior chamber (AC) inoculation of ZIKV caused infectivity in iridocorneal angle and TM, leading to the death of TM cells in the mouse eyes. Moreover, anterior segment tissue of infected eyes exhibited increased expression of inflammatory mediators and interferons. Furthermore, ZIKV infection in IFNAR1-/- mice resulted in retinal ganglion cell (RGC) death and loss, coinciding with optic nerve infectivity and disruption of anterograde axonal transport. Because of similarity in glaucomatous pathologies in our study and other experimental glaucoma models, ZIKV infection can be used to study infectious triggers of glaucoma, currently an understudied area of investigation.IMPORTANCE Ocular complications due to ZIKV infection remains a major public health concern because of their ability to cause visual impairment or blindness. Most of the previous studies have shown ZIKV-induced ocular pathology in the posterior segment (i.e., retina) of the eye. However, some recent clinical reports from affected countries highlighted the importance of ZIKV in affecting the anterior segment of the eye and causing congenital glaucoma. Because glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness worldwide, it is imperative to study ZIKV infection in causing glaucoma to identify potential targets for therapeutic intervention. In this study, we discovered that ZIKV permissively infects human TM cells and evokes inflammatory responses causing trabeculitis. Using a mouse model, we demonstrated that ZIKV infection resulted in higher IOP, increased RGC loss, and optic nerve abnormalities, the classical hallmarks of glaucoma. Collectively, our study provides new insights into ocular ZIKV infection resulting in glaucomatous pathology.
Delivery Methods for Treatment of Genetic Disorders

Abstract The effective delivery of gene therapy can be reduced to three essential components: (1) specific targeting of an anatomical region or cell population, (2) transfer of genetic material to the host, and (3) efficacious expression that alters the disease phenotype. The predominant delivery methods are viral-mediated and nonviral-mediated therapies. Each method has benefits and caveats that affect the targeting of specific regions, stable or unstable transfer of genetic material, and effect on the targeted disorder. In this chapter we will discuss viral- and nonviral-mediated therapies, challenges in applying these therapies in animal models and human patients, and ways to circumvent these delivery roadblocks. We will also discuss specific adaptations of these methods in attempting delivery to the central nervous system.
Environmental Risk (and Benefit) Information Seeking Intentions: The Case of Carbon Capture and Storage in Southeast Texas

Americans remain relatively unaware of the risks and benefits associated with carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology, including its role in combating CO2 emissions as a means to address climat...
Off-label dermatologic uses of IL-17 inhibitors.

IL-17 inhibitors, including secukinumab, brodalumab, and ixekizumab, have been U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved for the treatment of psoriasis. In addition to psoriasis, IL-17 has been implicated in the pathophysiology of other inflammatory skin conditions. This review aims to synthesize and interpret the literature evaluating the off-label dermatologic uses of IL-17 inhibitors. We performed searches in PubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov for clinical trials, observational studies, case series, and case reports evaluating non-psoriatic uses of the three IL-17 inhibitors. Studies evaluated the efficacy of IL-17 inhibitors for the following conditions: hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), pityriasis rubra pilaris (PRP), Behcet's disease, alopecia areata, and allergic contact dermatitis. Based on the available literature, secukinumab appears to be a potential treatment for HS, PRP, and Behcet's disease, while ixekizumab appears to be a potential treatment for HS and PRP. However, more clinical trials data are needed to adequately assess the safety and efficacy of IL-17 inhibitors for the treatment of these conditions.
Assessment of teachers’ gains across multiple historic site-based professional development programs

Abstract This paper reports on Y3/3-year project to assess teacher growth in historical knowledge, skills, and dispositions, at historic site-based teacher PD programs (HSBPD). This third year study, drawn from two different historic sites—Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello and George Washington’s Mount Vernon, we found a plurality of teachers evinced growth in historical thinking after exposure to on-going archeological and interpretive work at the sites. This is the first study to tie historical thinking gains to specific elements of teachers’ work with historic dssites. As part of the larger study, these results move us towards more generalizable understandings of HSBPD outcomes.
Extending IEEE 802.11s Mesh Routing for 3-D Mobile Drone Applications in ns-3

Although drones applications fit into the broad category of mobile ad-hoc networks (MANET) that has been extensively studied in the past, swarm-of-drones (a.k.a flying adhoc networks (FANET)) management poses unique challenges related to 3-D environments and their particular way of mobility that increase the level of complexity for wireless link management. Such challenges impact the quality of communication and routing among drones which is crucial in many cooperative tasks. Therefore, in this paper, we propose two new routing metrics that will suit the needs of 3-D mobile mesh networks within the IEEE 802.11s mesh standard. Specifically, we design and implement Square Root Frame Time routing metric (SrFTime) and Comprehensive Radio and Power (CRP) metric, which are optimized to increase the network throughput for swarm-of-drones applications. We comprehensively explain how these routing metrics are implemented in ns-3 Mesh module through a cross-layer approach by also incorporating suitable 3-D group mobility model in order to test its performance. The group mobility model implementation in ns-3 is based on an upgrade from an existing reference group mobility (RPGM) to 3-D environments. The performance results with the new metrics under group mobility models indicate that our metrics outperform the existing airtime routing metric in the IEEE 802.11s standard.
A case report of unusually long episodes of asystole in a severe COVID-19 patient treated with a leadless pacemaker

Background Experience has been emerging about cardiac manifestations of COVID-19-positive patients. The full cardiac spectrum is still unknown, and management of these patients is challenging. Case summary We report a COVID-19 patient who developed unusually long asystolic pauses associated with atriventricular block (AV) block and atrial fibrillation who underwent leadless pacemaker implantation. Discussion Asystole may be a manifestation of COVID-19 infection. A leadless pacemaker is a secure remedy, with limited requirements for follow-up, close interactions, and number of procedures in a COVID-19 patient.
Outpatient Ultrafiltration to Prevent Hospital Readmission During Covid 19 Pandemic in Diuretic Intolerant Patient: Case Study

Introduction Heart Failure (HF) is the leading cause of hospitalization among adults greater than 65 years of age in the U.S. and results in over 1,000,000 hospitalizations annually. Despite advances in medical therapeutics, mortality remains high. Adjustments in workflow across hospital systems have been instituted to reduce HF hospitalizations. Ambulatory HF clinics have helped in this regard. In the current COVID-19 pandemic, the need to minimize utilization of hospital resources and limit patient hospital admissions is paramount. Inpatient ultrafiltration (UF) has been utilized to improve congestion in patients with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF). Less is known of outpatient utilization of UF in the ambulatory HF patient. We present a case of outpatient UF to reduce congestion in an ambulatory HF patient to minimize hospitalization in the era of COVID-19 pandemic. Case A 70-year-old female with HF preserved ejection fraction, combined pre and post pulmonary capillary hypertension, with chronic dyspnea on continuous home oxygen, who presented to the HF clinic. The patient had previous multiple hospitalizations due to recurrent congestion, with therapies limited by dermatologic biopsy proven allergy to sulfa based diuretics. She had failed various diuretic regimens with recurrent desquamating whole body rash. She had recurrent weight gain during the COVID-19 pandemic, and again was refractory to outpatient therapies. Given her co-morbidities, she was deemed high risk for COVID-19 exposure. A decision to proceed with outpatient UF was made. The day of outpatient HF clinic visit, we placed a brachial dual lumen 16-gauge extended length catheter. A heparin drip was initiated thirty minutes prior to the start of UF per protocol. Baseline serum creatinine was 1.24 mg/dl and estimated GFR was 44. Initial outpatient session was performed over a total of 4-hours with isolated veno-venous UF utilizing the Aquadex Flex Flow system at a rate of 200 cc/hr fluid removal. The patient completed a total of 4 sessions, and total fluid removal was 4950mL. (Table 1) The patient had immediate improvement in symptoms. Discussion UF is a method of decongestion that can be used as an alternative to loop diuretics. Simplified UF devices can utilize peripheral venous access, low blood flows, and small extracorporeal blood volume. Previous experience with intermittent outpatient UF utilizing peritoneal dialysis and hemofiltration has been reported, though not widely utilized. This is the first case to report the use of the Aquadex Flex Flow system to provide outpatient UF therapies in the COVID-19 era. Conclusions Pre-existing cardiac and pulmonary disease, including congestive HF, increase risk of serious complications from exposure to SARS-COVID-2 virus. We report a novel case of minimizing exposure risk of a congested HF patient using outpatient isolated veno-venous UF in the ambulatory setting.
Dynamic Stability of Soil Carbon: Reassessing the “Permanence” of Soil Carbon Sequestration

Enhancing soil organic matter in agricultural soils has potential to contribute to climate mitigation while also promoting soil health and resilience. However, soil carbon (C) sequestration projects are rare in C markets. One concern surrounding soil C is uncertainty regarding the permanence of newly sequestered soil C. This scientific uncertainty is exacerbated by differences in terminology used by scientists and policymakers, which impedes the integration of new scientific findings regarding soil carbon longevity into evidence-based policies. Here, we review the evolution of understanding of soil C lifespan and the language used to describe it in both scientific and policy sectors. We find that recent scientific findings that have bearing on soil C lifespan are not part of discussions surrounding C policy, and conversely, policymaker concerns are not clearly addressed by scientific research. From a policy perspective, soil C is generally assumed to be a vulnerable pool at risk of being quickly lost via microbial degradation or other avenues of physical loss if soil C building practices are not maintained indefinitely. This assumption has been challenged by recent scientific advances demonstrating that microbial consumption and transformation of plant-derived C actually necessary for the long-term storage of soil organic matter. Here, we argue that soil C longevity can best be understood as resulting from continual movement and transformation of organic compounds throughout the soil matrix, and show that this definition is directly at odds with how soil C longevity is represented in current policies. Given current interest in new policies to promote soil C sequestration activities, resolving these definitions is critical. We further identify priority areas for future research in order to answer key policymaker questions about soil C lifespan, and to help develop new tools and benchmarks necessary to assess efficacy of agricultural soil C sequestration efforts.
Safety and Diagnostic Yield of Transthoracic Needle Aspiration of the Lung in Elderly Patients.

Pulmonary nodules in elderly patients are commonly encountered in clinical practice. Tissue sampling with image guided transthoracic needle aspiration is often performed but may be complicated by pneumothorax or bleeding. To understand the outcomes of transthoracic needle aspiration in the elderly, we retrospectively reviewed outcomes of patients age 75 or greater in a single tertiary center. Four-hundred eleven patients age 75 or greater with a pulmonary nodule identified on computed tomography who underwent needle aspiration of the lung were studied. Diagnostic yield and procedural complications were assessed for each patient and subgroups analysis of those age 85 or greater was performed. Malignancy was confirmed in 70% of subjects and a benign diagnosis identified in 9%. Of the 411 patents, 203 (49.4%) experienced a complication; 150 patients (36.5%) developed a pneumothorax and 79 (19.2%) had bleeding. No patient required transfusion, experienced persistent air leak or massive hemoptysis, air embolism or death. Post procedural hospitalization was required in 36 patients (8.8%) with a median hospital stay of 2 days. No factors were identified to be associated with occurrence of a complication (all p ≥ 0.16) and complications were not increased in those 85 or greater. Our results suggest that in an elderly population, image guided needle aspiration of a pulmonary nodule provides diagnostic findings in most patients. Procedural complications following are not uncommon but the severity and long-term impact are limited. The occurrence of complications is similar in those age 75–84 and age 85 and older.
Time-periodic thermal rectification in heterojunction thermal diodes

Abstract Thermal diodes that rectify time-periodic temperature ( T ) fields have been proposed for applications in waste heat scavenging and thermal control. Although these applications involve transient temperatures, prior analytical solutions for heat conduction in thermal diodes have focused on the steady-state response. We use analytical perturbation methods supported by finite-element method (FEM) calculations to study time-periodic rectification in a one-dimensional heterojunction diode consisting of two materials with thermal conductivity k and heat capacity c that each scale linearly with T . One boundary of the diode experiences a sinusoidal boundary condition with an average temperature T 0 , an angular frequency ω , and a temperature amplitude Δ T , while the other boundary is maintained at a constant T 0 . The analytical perturbation solution shows that the nonlinear response has frequency components at direct current (dc) and at the second harmonic of ω for small Δ T / T 0 . We introduce a rectification asymmetry metric φ as the difference in the forward and reverse diode orientation dc heat fluxes and find that φ can be enhanced at large ω by a factor of two compared to the quasi-steady φ at small ω . We identify the optimal dimensionless parameters to maximize φ and find that φ is independent of the heat capacity temperature coefficient for all ω . We use FEM calculations to validate the perturbation solution and to study the effects of larger Δ T oscillations, interface thermal contact resistances, and heat losses. Our modeling results can be used to design heterojunction thermal diodes for applications and experiments involving time-periodic thermal rectification.
The Foundations of Modern Science in the Middle Ages: Their Religious, Institutional and Intellectual Contexts

Contrary to prevailing opinion, the roots of modern science were planted in the ancient and medieval worlds long before the Scientific Revolution of the seventeenth century. Indeed, that revolution would have been inconceivable without the cumulative antecedent efforts of three great civilisations: Greek, Islamic, and Latin. With the scientific riches it derived by translation from Greco-Islamic sources in the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, the Christian Latin civilisation of Western Europe began the last leg of the intellectual journey that culminated in a scientific revolution that transformed the world. The factors that produced this unique achievement are found in the way Christianity developed in the West, and in the invention of the university in 1200. As this 1997 study shows, it is no mere coincidence that the origins of modern science and the modern university occurred simultaneously in Western Europe during the late Middle Ages.
Western Juniper (Juniperus occidentalis) Ecology with an Exercise in Remote Sensing Techniques

Western juniper (Juniperus occidentalis var. occidentalis) has been expanding its biogeographic range since the mid-1800's, resulting in decreased biodiversity, altered wildlife habitat, increased soil erosion, reduced stream flows and reduced forage production. The direct causes of western juniper aforestation are unclear but appear to be related to altered fire regimes, over grazing, and climatic shifts. This study seeks to determine how Landsat images combined with Digital Orthoquads (DOQs) can be used to examine the geographic distribution of western juniper. Satellite imagery has yet to be applied to the large scale mapping of western juniper aforestation, resulting in the lack of regional and landscape level monitoring of western juniper range expansion. Remote sensing technologies, when combined with geographical information systems provide potentially valuable tools for monitoring western juniper expansion because of their abilities to assess large scale coverage of scenes, high cost effectiveness, and minimal field crew requirements. The two main objectives of my research are to review and summarize current literature regarding western juniper expansion and explore how remote sensing techniques may be used to quantify the expansion of the species. The results of my studies suggest that large patches of western juniper are detectable using Landsat imagery.
Hardware Removal Due to Infection after Open Reduction and Internal Fixation: Trends and Predictors.

Background: Little is known about trends and predictors of hardware related infection following open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of extremity fractures, one of the major causes of failure following ORIF. The present study was designed and conducted to determine trends and predictors of infection-related hardware removal following ORIF of extremities using a nationally representative database. Methods: We used Nationwide Inpatient Sample data from 2002 to 2011 to identify cases of ORIF following upper and lower extremity fractures, as well as cases that underwent infection-related hardware removal following ORIF. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify independent predictors of infection-related hardware removal, controlling for patient demographics and comorbidities, hospital characteristics, site of fracture, and year. Results: For all ORIF procedures, the highest rate of hardware removal related to infection was observed in tarsal fractures (5.56%), followed by tibial (3.65%) and carpal (3.37%) fractures. Hardware removal rates due to infection increased in all fractures except radial/ulnar fractures. Tarsal fractures(odds ratio (OR)=1.06, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.04-1.09, P<0.001), tibial fractures (OR=1.04, 95% CI: 1.03-1.06, P <0.001) and those patients with diabetes mellitus (OR=2.64, 95% CI: 2.46-2.84, P<0.001), liver disease (OR=2.04, 95% CI: 1.84- 2.26, P <0.001), and rheumatoid arthritis (OR=2.06, 95% CI:1.88-2.25 P <0.001) were the main predictors of infection-related removals; females were less likely to undergo removal due to infection (OR= 0.61, 95% CI: 0.59-0.63 P <0.001). Conclusions: Hardware removal rates due to infection increased in all fractures except radial/ulnar fractures. Diabetes, liver disease, and rheumatoid arthritis were important predictors of infection-related hardware removal. The study identified some risk factors for hardwarerelated infection following ORIF, such as diabetes, liver disease, and rheumatoid arthritis,that should be studied further in an attempt to implement strategies to reduce rate of infection following ORIF.
Political Handbook of the World

The Political Handbook of the World provides an alphabetically arranged ready reference to national governments of the world from A (Afghanistan) to Z (Zimbabwe). Each entry contains the official t...
Adaptive nonlinear tracking control of an underactuated nonminimum phase model of a marine vehicle using ultimate boundedness

In this paper, an adaptive nonlinear tracking controller for an underactuated nonminimum phase model of a marine vehicle is derived. The result is kept flexible enough, throughout its derivation, to be applicable to a large variety of marine vehicles. The characteristics of the dynamic model are such that solving the tracking problem is non-trivial. Specifically, we consider a propulsion system composed of either a thruster and a rudder, or a vectored thruster, which provides two independent control commands and three degrees of freedom, with an overall unstable zero-dynamics. The tracking problem dealt with in this paper is solved using a backstepping approach, as well as a technique derived from dynamic surface control theory and the notion of ultimate boundedness. The tracking problem is first solved assuming full knowledge of the geometric and hydrodynamic coefficients appearing in the vehicle's model. The control law is then modified into an adaptive one. Computer simulations are presented to illustrate the performances of the final control algorithm.
Tuning in to the ‘right’ calcium channel regulation in experimental models of diabetes

Elucidation of cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying vascular disease is of fundamental importance to the development of pharmacological agents to target these pathways. Pinho et al. in this issue of the BJP provide highly compelling evidence that the δ isoform of phosphatidyl inositol 3-kinase (PI3K δ) was upregulated and accounted for the increase in L-type, voltage-gated, Ca channel current in aortic vascular smooth muscle (VSM) cells of a mouse model of type 1 diabetes. There are several key issues of broad fundamental significance to this work. Firstly, what is the ‘right’ answer about calcium channel regulation in diabetes? Conflicting reports of increased and decreased Ca channel current may be due to specificity of the vascular bed and species. Then, the time course of diabetic vasculopathy may influence the expression of contractile versus proliferative phenotypes of VSM. Also the metabolic characterization of diabetes may enlighten or confound any study of diabetic vascular disease. These issues need attention to move forward work in this area. LINKED ARTICLE This article is a commentary on Pinho et al., pp. 1458–1471 of this issue. To view this paper visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1476-5381.2010.00955.x
Integrating computer vision and control for vision-assisted robotic tasks

Our research introduces a framework called controlled active vision for efficient integration of the vision sensor in the feedback loop. This framework was applied to the problem of robotic visual tracking and servoing and the results were very promising. Full 3D robotic visual tracking was achieved at rates of 30 Hz. Most importantly, the tracking was successful even under the assumption of poor calibration of the hand-eye system. This paper extends this framework to other problems of sensor-based robotics, such as the derivation of depth maps from controlled motion; the vision-assisted grasping; the active calibration of the system robot-camera; and the computation of the relative pose of the target from the camera. We dealt with these problems by combining adaptive control techniques with computer vision algorithms. The paper concludes with a discussion on several relative issues such as the stability and robustness of the proposed algorithms.
Interactions between cover crops and weed management in Iowa's conventional cropping systems

The effect of different levels of cereal rye (Secale cereale L.) residue on common waterhemp (Amaranthus rudis Sauer) and common lambsquarters (Chenopodium album L.) emergence was determined. Cereal rye seeding date had a greater effect on rye biomass accumulation and percent cover than seeding rate. Common waterhemp emergence was equal to or increased in the presence of cereal rye residue in both 2013 and 2014 compared to the control. Common lambsquarters emergence was increased in two treatments in 2014 but was otherwise unaffected by cereal rye. The presence of cereal rye residue increased the time to 10% and 50% emergence of common waterhemp in both years but had less effect on common lambsquarters. The lack of weed emergence suppression seen in these experiments is a concern for cover crop use in Iowa’s conventional cropping systems, while the delay in weed emergence associated with cereal rye residue may be beneficial or detrimental to weed management. Greenhouse trials determined the soil activity of low rates of eleven corn (Zea mays L.) and soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] herbicides on five cover crops: cereal rye (Secale cereale L.), oat (Avena sativa L.), hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth), lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.), and radish (Raphanus sativus L.). Cereal rye was the most tolerant cover crop, whereas radish was the most sensitive species. Dry weight of radish was severely reduced by nearly all herbicides, whereas other cover crop species had smaller reductions due to herbicide injury. Root growth of oat was inhibited more by pendimethalin than the other species. Flumetsulam + clopyralid, atrazine, and herbicides containing isoxaflutole caused significant injury to most species studied.
Steroid and Neuronal Regulation of Ecdysone Receptor Expression during Metamorphosis of Muscle in the Moth, Manduca sexta

Ecdysteroids regulate the remodeling of the dorsal external oblique 1 (DEO1) muscle during metamorphosis in Manduca sexta (Hegstrom and Truman, 1996a). We show that the temporal and spatial patterning of the A and B1 isoforms of the ecdysone receptor (EcR) within muscle DEO1 corresponds with the developmental fates of the fibers. Using antibodies directed to specific isoforms of EcR, we show that the expression of various EcR isoforms in myonuclei differ among the five fibers of DEO1 and correspond with the developmental response of the muscle to the changing steroid titers and to the pattern of innervation. Muscle degeneration and apoptosis of myonuclei in all fibers are correlated with the expression of only EcR-A just before pupal ecdysis and then with the expression of low levels of both EcR-A and EcR-B1 shortly after pupation. Only the first fiber of muscle DEO1 participates in the regrowth of the adult muscle, and only this fiber shows an upregulation of EcR-B1 that is evident at 3 d after pupal ecdysis. Denervation of the muscle prevents both the upregulation of EcR-B1 and myoblast proliferation. We conclude that the developmental fate of muscle DEO1 during metamorphosis is orchestrated by interactions between rising and falling ecdysteroid titers, the pattern of expression of EcR isoforms by the muscle, and interactions with other cells in the local environment.
Playground of the Century

Playground of the Century: A Political and Design History of New York City’s Greatest Unbuilt Park presents a microhistory of one of the last substantial open spaces in metropolitan New York, the Gerritsen tidal marsh of Brooklyn. Spared from development on the recommendation of Daniel Burnham and Edward H. Bennett, the Gerritsen estuary was an ecological treasure that nonetheless became a “clean slate” upon which a succession of heroic plans was projected. The greatest of these was Charles Downing Lay’s 1,800-acre Marine Park, intended to be the largest urban playground in the world. A vast space for exercise and sport that won its designer a silver medal in the 1936 Olympics, Marine Park was the anti–Coney Island, an engine of moral fitness and self-improvement as focused on physical activity as Prospect Park was on promenade and contemplation. It remains a rare example of progressive park design in the conservative “Country Place” era of the 1920s. Designed in the neo-Renaissance idiom then popular for private estates, Marine Park was a vast formal garden for the people. In this article Thomas J. Campanella explores the ironic turn of events by which Robert Moses later dismissed the Lay plan in favor of a less invasive park scheme that preserved the salt marsh and enabled its recent ecological restoration as one of New York City’s Forever Wild nature preserves.
Avocational Contact Dermatitis—Pearls for Recognition and Management

Avoidance is the principle treatment for all types of contact dermatitis. The myriad of potential hobbies and recreational activities can make recognizing and managing avocational contact dermatitis challenging. For this reason, it is important to become familiar with some of the more common irritants and allergens encountered. Key Points 1. An avocation is a recreational activity or hobby which may lead to exposure of potential cutaneous irritants and allergens. 2. Many cases of avocational contact dermatitis present as hand dermatitis. 3. Prevention is the best strategy for avocational contact dermatitis.
An algebraic and Bayesian technology for object recognition

This paper presents a new robust, low computational cost technology for recognizing free-form objects in three-dimensional (3D) range data, or, in two dimensional (2D) curve data in the image plane. Objects are represented by implicit polynomials (i.e. 3D algebraic surfaces or 2D algebraic curves) of degree greater than two, and are recognized by computing and matching vectors of their algebraic invariants (which are functions of their coefficients that are invariant to translations, rotations and general linear transformations). Such polynomials of the fourth degree can represent objects considerably more complicated than quadrics and super-quadrics, and can realize object recognition at significantly lower computational cost. Unfortunately, the coefficients of high degree implicit polynomials are highly sensitive to small changes in the data to which the polynomials are fit, thus often making recognition based on these polynomial coefficients or their invariants unreliable. We take two approaches to the...
Qβ Bacteriophage Photoinactivated by Methylene Blue Plus Light Involves Inactivation of Its Genomic RNA

Methylene blue (MB) is being used as a sensitizer for the photodynamic inactivation of viral contaminants, including the human immunodeficiency virus, in blood and blood components used in medical treatment. We recently showed that oxygen-dependent photodynamic inactivation of the RNA bacteriophage Q beta with MB plus light (MB + L) is associated with the formation of 8-oxo-7,8-dihydroguanine, protein carbonyls, RNA-protein crosslinkages and minor amounts of RNA strand breaks. We report herein, with the use of infectious RNA assays, that the lethal lesions in Q beta phage following MB + L exposure can be accounted for, and thereby most likely reside in, the RNA component of the phage but that the protein component of the virion contributes to the inactivation. The formation of RNA-protein crosslinkages as the primary inactivating type of lesion is put forth as the most probable model of the inactivation mechanism due to the sensitivity with which RNA-protein crosslinks are formed in response to MB + L exposure and the expectation of the powerful inactivating power of this type of lesion.
Scientific psychology and hermeneutical psychology: Causal explanation and the meaning of human action

About 20 years ago it was fashionable to recognise that explanations of hu? man action in terms of agent's reasons, purposes, values etc. were of a dif? ferent logical order from causal explanations. Nowadays the fashion seems to be to recognise that they are bona fide examples of causal explanation. The debate about 'reasons and causes' has been around for centuries, at least since Kant and probably since Aristotle, although it has perhaps generated more confusion than illumination. It has alternatively been dis? missed as a purely verbal dispute, or treated as the most fundamental ques? tion of the philosophy of the human sciences. The present contribution to this debate is offered because most of the discussions of this question (at least since Kant) are vitiated by the presup? position of an inadequate philosophy of science. It is also offered because the question is not of mere philosophical interest: it has rather profound implications for the practise of social psychological sciences. Indeed the confusions of this debate have had a very definite and detrimental impact upon the practise of scientific social psychology. The issue is of course too large to encompass in the scope of a single ar? ticle. In the present article I hope to show that none of the arguments which purport to demonstrate that explanations of human action are non-causal in fact establish this, although they do illustrate important truths about the subject matter of psychological and social sciences. In a future article (Greenwood, 1986) I hope to explicate the sense(s) in which explanations of human action are causal. In these articles the primary concern is with a putative science of social psychology, insofar as this may be held to be closely co-ordinated with a science of human action: the implications apply
Clinical review 71: Advances in the understanding and management of erectile dysfunction.

I NTEREST IN sexual dysfunction continues to grow rapidly as public awareness is enhanced by the media, our understanding of the erectile process increases, and effective therapies become available. Major endocrine texts now carry chapters on the subject. Scholarly reviews have appeared, and an NIH-sponsored Consensus Development Conference was convened on the subject (1). All agree that the most common serious sexual dysfunction in men is the inability to develop or maintain an erection adequate for sexual intercourse, i.e. erectile dysfunction (ED). ED is now considered to be a medical rather than an emotional disorder, generally caused by medical conditions, especially in older patients with late development of sexual dysfunction. The availability of effective nonsurgical therapies provides a major role for endocrinologists in both diagnosis and management of ED.
Water-use patterns of woody species in pineland and hammock communities of South Florida

Abstract Rockland pine forests of south Florida dominated by Pinus elliottii var. densa characteristically have poor soil development in relation to neighboring hardwood hammocks. This has led to the hypothesis that Everglades hammock trees are more reliant on soil moisture derived from local precipitation whereas pineland plants must depend more on groundwater linked to broader regional hydrologic patterns. Because soil moisture sources are likely to vary more than groundwater sources, we hypothesized that hammock plants would exhibit correspondingly higher levels of dry season water stress. This was examined by measuring predawn water potentials, and by analyzing water uptake in representative hammock and pineland woody species using stable isotopes of plant water and that of potential sources during wet and dry seasons. Two species typical of each of the two communities were selected; a fifth species which was found in both communities, Lysiloma latisiliqua Benth., was also analyzed. Water content of soils in both communities decreased from wet to dry season. Consistent with our hypothesis, the change in predawn water potentials between the wet and dry season was less in pineland species than that of hammock species. Water potential changes in L. latisiliqua in both communities resembled that of hammock species more than pineland plants. Isotopic data showed that pineland species rely proportionately more on groundwater than hammock species. Nevertheless, unlike hammock species in the Florida Keys, mainland hammock species utilized a substantial amount of groundwater during the dry season.
A conjecture on strong magic labelings of 2-regular graphs

Let sC"3 denote the disjoint union of s copies of C"3. For each integer t>=2 it is shown that the disjoint union C"5@?(2t)C"3 has a strong vertex-magic total labeling (and therefore it must also have a strong edge-magic total labeling). For each integer t>=3 it is shown that the disjoint union C"4@?(2t-1)C"3 has a strong vertex-magic total labeling. These results clarify a conjecture on the magic labeling of 2-regular graphs, which posited that no such labelings existed. It is also shown that for each integer t>=1 the disjoint union C"7@?(2t)C"3 has a strong vertex-magic total labeling. The construction employs a technique of shifting rows of (newly constructed) Kotzig arrays to label copies of C"3. The results add further weight to a conjecture of MacDougall regarding the existence of vertex-magic total labeling for regular graphs.
Identification of Two Tamoxifen Target Proteins by Photolabeling with 4-(2-Morpholinoethoxy)benzophenone

Our quest to identify target proteins involved in the activity of tamoxifen led to the design of photoaffinity ligand analogues of tamoxifen able to cross-link such proteins. A new tritiated photoprobe, 4-(2-morpholinoethoxy)benzophenone (MBoPE), was synthesized and used to identify proteins involved in tamoxifen binding in rat liver. MBoPE, which has structural features in common with the potential antagonist of the intracellular histamine receptor (N,N-diethyl-2-[(4-phenylmethyl)phenoxy]ethanamine HCl: DPPE) is unable to bind the estrogen receptor although it does compete with tamoxifen for an antiestrogen binding site (AEBS). This tritiated benzophenone derivative was obtained by metal-catalyzed halogen-tritium replacement reaction. Because of its high specific activity, four target proteins could be photolabeled, three of which were identified with M(r) of 60,000, 49,500, and 14,000, while the fourth at 27,500 was in too low an amount and could not be sequenced. The 49.5 kDa protein corresponded by mass spectrometry to the microsomal epoxide hydrolase already identified with an aryl azide photoprobe [Mesange, F., et al. (1998) Biochem. J. 334, 107-112]. The 60 and 14 kDa proteins were identified as the carboxylesterase (ES10) and the liver fatty acid binding protein (L-FABP), respectively. The inhibitory effect of tamoxifen on carboxylesterase activity and the competitive efficacy of oleic acid on [(3)H]tamoxifen binding suggest that both proteins are AEBS subunits. Moreover, treatment of hepatocytes with antisense mRNA directed against ES10 or L-FABP abolished both tamoxifen and MBoPE binding. On the basis of previous pharmacological arguments, the 27.5 kDa protein might correspond to the sigma I receptor. Altogether, these results confirm that the microsomal epoxide hydrolase is a target for tamoxifen and provide evidence of two new target proteins implicated in cell lipid metabolism.
The prevention of primary prevention, 1960-1994: Notes toward a case study.

This paper discusses the barriers that have kept primary prevention from realizing its potential.
Primary adult lactose intolerance and the milking habit : a problem in biologic and cultural interrelations II. A culture historical hypothesis

The principal conclusion reached in Part I of this article (1) was that the group differences found in primary adult lactose intolerance among the world's peoples are largely genetic in origin. In this part, after a review of recent research that adds to Part I in important ways, we turn to a consideration of the conditions of genetic selection that may have led some groups of men to have persistently high levels of intestinal lactase throughout life, and others not. Low incidence of intolerance, it is held, would develop over time in a group that has an abundant milk supply, that has alternate foodstuffs inadequate in amount and quality, and that consumes milk in lactose-rich forms. Since such selection cannot have occurred among groups that did not use milk, areas of nonmilking in the modern world are first delimited. The origins and diffusion of dairying are then sketched to determine the length of time that milk was consumed in various regions. With the background thus gained, the present-day occurrence of various Old World groups with high and low incidences of intolerance is explained. All groups studied so far within the traditional areas of nonmilking are found to have high incidences of intolerance. Overseas groups, such as American Negroes, whose ancestors came from nonmilking regions also have high incidences of intolerance. Within the areas of milking in Africa and Europe, moreover, the known group differences in tolerance are found to be in accord with the hypothesis. Then, that the hypothesis may further be confirmed, specific additional research efforts are suggested.