cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Costs and Benefits of Behavioral Flexibility to Inclusive Fitness: Dispersal as an Option in Heterogeneous Regimes

The current worldwide biodiversity crisis (Myers et al., 2000; Pimm and Raven, 2000) provides a natural laboratory for the study of behavioral flexibility (Tilman, 1999). Increasing temporal and spatial environmental variability and the effects of anthropogenic factors, in particular, habitat destruction, and subsequent habitat fragmentation and patchiness ( Jones, 1999a; Fukuda, 2004) are well documented for numerous primate species (Cowlishaw and Dunbar, 2000; Jones, 1983b, 1995b, 1996b, 1997c, 1999a; Harcourt et al., 2002; Clarke et al., 2002; Fukuda, 2004). This book relies heavily upon theoretical and empirical work on the causes and consequences of biodiversity from the fields of conservation biology and community ecology in an attempt to formulate and suggest tests of ideas appropriate for research at the individual level of analysis. From an evolutionary perspective, dispersal is of fundamental importance since it may counteract the effects of genetic drift by maintaining the connection between subpopulations and populations, preventing isolation.
A Comparison of Counting and Sampling Modes of Using Performance Monitoring Hardware

Performance monitoring hardware is available on most modern microprocessors in the form of hardware counters and other registers that record data about processor events. This hardware may be used in counting mode, in which aggregate events counts are accumulated, and/or in sampling mode, in which time-based or event-based sampling is used to collect profiling data. This paper discusses uses of these two modes and considers the issues of efficiency and accuracy raised by each. Implications for the PAPI cross-platform hardware counter interface are also discussed.
NCEP and GISS solar radiation data sets available for ecosystem modeling: Description, differences, and impacts on net primary production

[1] Downwelling surface solar radiation is an important input to ecosystem models, and global models require spatially extensive data sets that vary interannually to capture effects that potentially drive changes in ecosystem function. In this paper, I describe and compare solar radiation data sets from two representative sources, National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) reanalyses and Goddard Institute for Space Studies (GISS) calculations that included satellite observations of cloud properties. The CASA ecosystem model, which uses solar radiation and satellite-derived vegetation information, was run with the two solar radiation data sets to explore how differences affect estimated net primary production (NPP). GISS solar radiation matched ground-based observations better than NCEP solar radiation. Mean global NCEP solar radiation exceeded that from GISS by 16%, likely as a result of lower cloudiness within the NCEP reanalyses compared to satellite observations. Neither data set resulted in a significant trend over the study period (1984–2000). Locally, relative differences were up to 40% in the mean and 10% in the trend of solar radiation and NPP, and varied in sign across the globe. Because reanalysis solar radiation is only indirectly constrained by observations in contrast to the satellite-derived data, it is recommended that studies use the GISS solar radiation when possible.
Autonomous Vehicles for Personal Transport: A Technology Assessment

Whether it was flying cars or jetpacks, we were all promised a compelling vision of the future at some point in our childhoods. And, although it may seem like science fiction, autonomous vehicles — cars that drive themselves — are more than just a promise; they are a growing reality. The widespread coverage in October 2010 of Google’s fleet of Toyota Prii that continue to navigate the highways of California was a clear message to the world that this technology is fact, not fiction. Questions remain, however, as to whether or not the world and the marketplace are ready for this technology.To explore this topic, we conducted an assessment of the current status of autonomous vehicle technologies in the U.S to the best of our own extent. We focused mainly on those technologies that are applicable to modern cars driven on existing, unmodified public roads. Our geographical focus was mainly on the west coast of the United States where a hotbed of activity regarding this technology is located.
Humoral studies of periodontal disease. I. Characterization of immunoglobulins quantitated from cultures of gingival tissue.

Abstract Inflamed gingiva from patients with various clinical stages of chronic destructive periodontal disease (CDPD) were placed in organ culture. Quantitation of organ culture supernatant immunoglobulins demonstrated that IgG predominated in all three clinical disease stages: gingivitis, severe gingivitis, and periodontitis. Previous immunopathological studies suggested a predominance of IgG surface and cytoplasmic staining lymphocytes in the destructive lessions of periodontitis. In the present study there was a preponderance of IgG in gingival organ culture supernatants from patients with severe periodontitis. The levels of IgG in periodontitis were 7 times greater than IgA and 12 times greater than IgM. A restrictive IgG subclass distribution was detected in the culture supernatants which differed from normal autologous plasma IgG subclasses. Direct evidence for synthesis of IgG in unstimulated gingival organ cultures was provided by the incorporation of l -[3H]glutamine and l -[3H]leucine into IgG. Addition of cyclohexamide inhibited the subsequent incorporation of label into IgG suggesting de novo synthesis. Evidence from IgG subclass quantitation and incorporation of labeled amino acids into IgG indicate that the IgG found in periodontitis tissue is a product of locally secreting plasma cells and is not serum derived. The de novo synthesis of IgG in unstimulated cultures suggested in situ sensitization to antigenic determinants.
Elevation of bioactive transforming growth factor-β in serum from patients with chronic fatigue syndrome

The level of bioactive transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) was measured in serum from patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), healthy control subjects, and patients with major depression, systemic lupus erythematosis (SLE), and multiple sclerosis (MS) of both the relapsing/remitting (R/R) and the chronic progressive (CP) types. Patients with CFS had significantly higher levels of bioactive TGF-β levels compared to the healthy control, major depression, SLE, R/R MS, and CP MS groups (P < 0.01). Additionally, no significant differences were found between the healthy control subjects and any of the disease comparison groups. The current finding that TGF-β is significantly elevated among patients with CFS supports the findings of two previous studies examining smaller numbers of CFS patients. In conclusion, TGF-β levels were significantly higher in CFS patients compared to patients with various diseases known to be associated with immunologic abnormalities and/or pathologic fatigue. These findings raise interesting questions about the possible role of TGF-β in the pathogenesis of CFS.
Behavior-based safety in industry: Realizing the large-scale potential of psychology to promote human welfare

Abstract In the spirit of giving psychology away in this “Decade of Behavior,” this article reviews the behavioral science approach to preventing workplace injuries, which is currently being applied successfully in numerous companies worldwide. Unlike the traditional command-and-control approach to occupational safety, behavior-based safety (BBS) provides tools and methods employees can use to take control of their own safety performance. The author offers strategies he and his colleagues have been using for more than a decade to teach BBS to safety leaders and line workers. In addition, two conceptual models are explained. One model suggests ways to match the awareness and behavior of an individual with a particular BBS intervention technique. The second model proposes that five psychological states or “establishing conditions” increase the probability a person will use the BBS tools and procedures to actively care for the safety and health of others.
Intranuclear Concentration of Lysosomal Hydrolases in Steroid Target Cells

The present investigation was designed to determine whether the rapid intracellular redistribution of lysosomes to a perinuclear position in reproductive target cells after administration of specific gonadal hormones in vivo was accompanied by evidence of penetration of the nucleoplasm by lysosomal marker enzymes. Nuclei were prepared by conventional isolation and purification procedures from preputial glands or uteri that were excised from gonadectomized rats within 2–15 min after intravenous injection of physiological doses of estradiol-17β, testosterone or saline control solutions. Control and experimental preparations were essentially “pure”, as judged by routine phase-contrast microscopic criteria in general use. However, nuclei from target cells of animals given hormone contained substantial activities of representative lysosomal hydrolases, including acid phosphatase, β-glucuronidase and acid ribonuclease II. In contrast, the samples originating from the target tissue of saline-treated controls or from non-target tissues contained minimal concentrations of these enzyme activities. After further purification of the nuclei by removal of the outer nuclear membrane through brief exposure to very low concentrations of Triton X-100 in the cold, the resultant ‘ultrapurified’ nuclei retained significant concentrations of structurally latent lysosomal marker enzymes after hormonal pretreatment without evidence of appreciable contamination by enzymes of mitochondrial origin. Similar results were obtained with nuclei isolated by non-aqueous procedures. These combined observations appear to exclude adsorption artifacts. The total activities of lysosomal enzymes in the unfractionated homogenates and the Mg2+-dependent ribonuclease activity indigenous to the nuclear compartment were unaffected by prior hormone treatment. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that invasion of the nucleoplasm of specific target cells by lysosomal products may serve as a mechanism for triggering genic derepression in steroid hormone-induced growth.
The Exceptional Electoral Style of Barack Obama

This study reports certain lexical patterns produced during the general election of Campaign 2008 by presidential candidate Barack Obama, with contrasting data also presented about Senator John McCain. As such, it continues a series of tracings begun a dozen years ago under the rubric of the Campaign Mapping Project (Hart, 2002). This is largely a descriptive project employing computerized language analysis, making specific use of the DICTION 5.0 program. We examine some 700 speech passages delivered during the primaries of 2007 and the general election of 2008 and compare them to around 4,000 passages from the 1948 through 2004 presidential campaigns. Overall, we find that popular understanding of the Obama Style – that he is fiery, poetic, optimistic, and grandiloquent – to be wrong. Instead, we find Obama to be cautious, grounded, and highly focused. McCain, in contrast, was personal in style, quite partisan (as are most losing presidential candidates), and highly embellished. Obama’s “cool” style differed dramatically from McCain’s “emotional” style, thereby providing both a political and rhetorical contrast for voters during the 2008 campaign.
Comparative evaluation of three products for the detection of Borrelia burgdorferi antibody in human serum.

Eighty human serum specimens tested concomitantly by immunoblot and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay developed jointly at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine and the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station were used to evaluate three commercially available diagnostic products for Lyme borreliosis. The sources of the kits were Hillcrest Biologicals, Cypress, Calif.; Whittaker Bioproducts, Walkersville, Md.; and Cambridge Bioscience, Worcester, Mass. When compared with Western blot analysis, the sensitivities and specificities, respectively, for the diagnostic assays were as follows: Hillcrest Biologicals, 93 and 75%; Whittaker Bioproducts, 73 and 100%; Cambridge Bioscience, 89 and 100%; and University of Connecticut School of Medicine, 96 and 92%. Images
Controlled Redox Chemistry at Cerium within a Tripodal Nitroxide Ligand Framework

Ligand reorganization has been shown to have a profound effect on the outcome of cerium redox chemistry. Through the use of a tethered, tripodal, trianionic nitroxide ligand, [((2-tBuNOH)C6 H4 CH2 )3 N](3-) (TriNOx (3-) ), controlled redox chemistry at cerium was accomplished, and typically reactive complexes of tetravalent cerium were isolated. These included rare cationic complexes [Ce(TriNOx )thf][BAr(F) 4 ], in which Ar(F) =3,5-(CF3 )2 -C6 H3 , and [Ce(TriNOx )py][OTf]. A rare complete Ce-halide series, Ce(TriNOx )X, in which X=F(-) , Cl(-) , Br(-) , I(-) , was also synthesized. The solution chemistry of these complexes was explored through detailed solution-phase electrochemistry and (1) H NMR experiments and showed a unique shift in the ratio of species with inner- and outer-sphere anions with size of the anionic X(-) group. DFT calculations on the series of calculations corroborated the experimental findings.
Smoke-free air policy: subcultural shifts and secondary health effects among club-going young adults

In March 2003, New York City implemented legislation that called for a ban of smoking in bars, restaurants, nightclubs, and other establishments. The express purpose of this legislation was to protect the health of employees and patrons from second-hand smoke. In addition to the stated goal of protection from second-hand smoke for employees, key secondary health effects of this law have emerged in the lives of club-going youth. This paper is based upon data derived from an ethnographic research project on club-related health issues in NYC. Drawing upon ethnographic fieldwork during the implementation of the ban and in-depth interviews with club-going youth, the paper provides a grounded analysis of youth reactions to the smoking ban and a descriptive profile of the secondary health effects of the smoking ban in nightclubs. It explores the attitudes of club-going youth towards the ban and the ways in which the legislation shapes the behaviours of habitual smokers, 'social smoking', and the use of drugs within bars and clubs. In particular, the data suggest a tension between the desire to remain subculturally involved and the desire to smoke. It also highlights the adaptive character of subcultures and the importance of social relations in behavioural patterns.
The imagined landscape: patterns in the construction of Hindu sacred geography.

This is a study of the grammar of signification in the 'imagined landscape' of India, a landscape constructed of the pilgrimage places (tirthas) and pilgrimage networks that have long served to create a complex sense of place—locally, regionally, and nationally. Here I provide an overview of the patterns of signification that have generated this symbolic landscape characterised by its polycentricity, pluralism, and duplication. I look at the intricate interrelation of myth and landscape, in which myth 'takes place' in thousands of shrines and in the culturally-created mental 'map' of Bharata. The symbolic language of the body-cosmos, the avatarana from heaven to earth, the multiple patterns of four-dhams and self-manifest svayambhu images—all contribute to the shaping of this imagined landscape.
Fish mapping of YAC clones at human chromosomal band 7q31.2: Identification of YACS spanning FRA7G within the common region of LOH in breast and prostate cancer

Loss of DNA sequences within human chromosomal band 7q31.2 is frequently observed in a number of different solid tumors including breast, prostate, and ovarian cancer. This chromosomal band also contains the common fragile site, FRA7G. Many of the common fragile sites occur within chromosomal regions that are frequently deleted during tumor formation but their precise position, relative to the chromosome breakpoints and deletions, has not been defined for the majority of the fragile sites. Because the frequency of expression of FRA7G is low, we analyzed the expression of FRA7G in a chromosome 7-only somatic cell hybrid (hamster-human). YAC clones defining a contig spanning 7q31.2 were then used as FISH probes against metaphase spreads prepared from the hybrid cells after aphidicolin induction. This analysis quickly revealed whether a specific YAC clone mapped proximal, distal, or actually spanned the region of decondensation/breakage of FRA7G. By using this approach, we have identified several overlapping YAC clones that clearly span FRA7G. Interestingly, these clones map precisely to the common region of LOH in breast cancer and prostate cancer. In addition, the MET oncogene is contained within the three YACs that span FRA7G.
AFM Reveals Age-Dependent Micromechanical Degradation of Cardiopulmonary Tissues in a Mouse Model of Marfan Syndrome

Marfan syndrome (MFS) is caused by mutation of the FBN1 gene encoding the extracellular matrix (ECM) protein fibrillin-1 that forms elastic microfibrils. This study aims to characterize the micromechanics of aortic and lung tissues from wild type (WT) and FBN1-deficient mutant (MT) mice to identify biophysical determinants of cardiopulmonary disease in MFS. For testing by atomic force microscopy (AFM), full-thickness sections of ascending aorta were dissected from young (0.5-mo) and adult (2-mo) WT and MT mice, mounted flat with the lumen facing up, and indented with a 15-μm spherical probe at 3-5 sites per sample from 1-4 animals per condition. Indentation force-depth curves were analyzed using a hybrid theoretical and finite element analysis to determine the elastic modulus of intima (Eint) and media (Emed) layers. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was performed for pairwise statistical analysis; p<0.008 was considered significant based on the Bonferroni correction. Emed at 0.5-mo showed no difference between WT (10.1±2.7kPa, n=8; mean±SEM for n-curves) and MT (7.5±0.6kPa, n=80). Emed increased with age (p<0.0006), but was significantly softer in MT (21.3±1.4kPa, n=112) vs WT (37.4±2.2kPa, n=65, p<0.0001). Eint also increased with age (p<0.003) from ∼2kPa to ∼5-10kPa, but showed no significant difference between WT and MT at matched ages. Similar nano-indentation studies, using a pyramidal probe on lung parenchyma isolated from 2-mo WT and MT mice, showed Elung for MT (1.7±0.1 kPa, n=92) was significantly softer than WT (4.8±0.3kPa, n=91, p<0.0001). In conclusion, AFM revealed age-dependent softening of micro-elastic modulus in elastin-rich tissues including lung parenchyma and aortic media, but not in the aortic intima. In contrast to macro-scale measurements of aortic stiffening in MFS, these micro-scale AFM findings appear consistent with histological observations of local disruption of ECM microstructure in MFS.
Substrate Binding in Lactate Dehydrogenase: A Story Told by Conformational Sampling and Energy Landscape Analysis

Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) catalyzes the interconversion of pyruvate and lactate with concomitant interconversion of NADH and NAD+. Due to the widespread presence in a variety of organisms, LDH has been served as a general model for studying the catalytic mechanism of enzymes. Extensive IR spectroscopic studies by Callender et al. have revealed complex conformational sub-states for different substrate binding to LDH in mesophilic and thermophilic organisms. To facilitate the elucidation of the underling mechanism of LDH enzyme reaction, molecular dynamics simulation approaches were applied to study the conformational dynamics of mesophilic LDH in complex with substrate or its mimics. The functionally important motions were characterized by conformational sampling. To determine the relationship between protein stability, flexibility, and catalytic activity, thermophilic LDH enzyme will be further investigated. The energy landscape within the Michaelis complex will be explored. The computational study in connection with the experimental findings will shed new light on the mechanism of enzyme dynamics and function.
Localization of 2D 3 He on a 4 He film

We report measurements of the3He spin diffusion, magnetization and relaxation times for3He−4He mixture films on Nuclepore. For a3He coverage ofn 3=0.006 A− (∼0.10 layers), we observe a ∼104 increase of the diffusion coefficient over the one-layer4He thickness range, 0.15≤n 4≤0.23A−2 and Curie-like behavior for the magnetization forn≤0.20 A−2. Disorder due to surface roughness may result in localization of the3He. This type of localization has been predicted to be accompanied by a vanishing diffusion constant and diverging magnetization.
Trading accuracy for speed: A quantitative comparison of search algorithms in protein sequence design.

Finding the minimum energy amino acid side-chain conformation is a fundamental problem in both homology modeling and protein design. To address this issue, numerous computational algorithms have been proposed. However, there have been few quantitative comparisons between methods and there is very little general understanding of the types of problems that are appropriate for each algorithm. Here, we study four common search techniques: Monte Carlo (MC) and Monte Carlo plus quench (MCQ); genetic algorithms (GA); self-consistent mean field (SCMF); and dead-end elimination (DEE). Both SCMF and DEE are deterministic, and if DEE converges, it is guaranteed that its solution is the global minimum energy conformation (GMEC). This provides a means to compare the accuracy of SCMF and the stochastic methods. For the side-chain placement calculations, we find that DEE rapidly converges to the GMEC in all the test cases. The other algorithms converge on significantly incorrect solutions; the average fraction of incorrect rotamers for SCMF is 0.12, GA 0.09, and MCQ 0.05. For the protein design calculations, design positions are progressively added to the side-chain placement calculation until the time required for DEE diverges sharply. As the complexity of the problem increases, the accuracy of each method is determined so that the results can be extrapolated into the region where DEE is no longer tractable. We find that both SCMF and MCQ perform reasonably well on core calculations (fraction amino acids incorrect is SCMF 0.07, MCQ 0.04), but fail considerably on the boundary (SCMF 0.28, MCQ 0.32) and surface calculations (SCMF 0.37, MCQ 0.44).
Effects of Olestra on Organic and Solids Removal in Septic Tanks

A field study was conducted to examine the fate and potential effects of olestra, a non-caloric fat replacer, in septic tanks. The study compared the performance of parallel septic tanks, which were led domestic waste water with liquid and solid forms of olestra, against a control tank receiving waste water without olestra. Results showed that 36 g/d of olestra dosed to the tanks (a three-fold exaggeration of expected loadings) had no adverse effect on system operation (based on visual observations and sludge accumulation) or performance (based on removal of organic content and solids) over a six-month period. Removal efficiencies for total suspended solids (TSS), carbonaceous biochemical oxygen demand (CBOD), and chemical oxygen demand (COD) were not significantly different (p<0.05) in the olestra tanks when compared to the control tank. In addition, a relatively small amount of the total olestra added (3 to 6%) was recovered in the septic tank effluents over the course of the study. Accumulation of tank solids was not affected as measured sludge levels in the tank at the middle and end of the study showed no difference between the olestra dosed tanks and the control tank.
One small step and one giant leap for noninvasive prenatal screening: An editorial

It is likely that, soon after amniocentesis became accepted widely for the prenatal diagnosis of fetal chromosome and certain structural abnormalities, clinicians and researchers took interest in developing technologies that would permit prenatal detection of fetal abnormalities without placing pregnancies at increased risk for fetal loss as the result of invasive procedures. The development of such technologies would requireconsiderablework,firsttodeterminewhetherevaluation of the fetus was even possible by direct analysis of fetal tissues or cells that were obtained directly from the mother without interruptingthefetoplacentalunitandthenwhethersuchanalysis could be developed that would differentiate abnormal from normal pregnancies accurately. Accordingly, the initial, andpresumablymoreachievable,firststepwouldbethedevelopment of more effective approaches to screening the population that would reduce the use of invasive procedures by the identification of those pregnancies that were truly at increased riskfordetectableabnormalitiesandthereductionofthenumber of procedures that are offered to women who carry unaffected fetuses. Although the personal and family history was and is considered to be a vital component of the counseling process, it is clear that it is a poor “stand-alone” screening tool fortheidentificationofpregnanciesthatareatanincreasedrisk fordetectablefetalabnormalities,mostofwhich(eg,fetalchromosome abnormalities) are not associated with Mendelian
Determination of iodide in ground water and soil by ion chromatography

Comprehensive elemental analysis of samples from the Bear Creek Valley near the Oak Ridge Y-12 Plant, and its floodplain have been performed in order to allow an unclassified assessment of possible elemental contamination within this area. A rapid ion Chromatographic method, with isocratic separation and micromembrane suppression is discussed within this paper for the analysis of iodide in soils, and floodplain ground waters. This developmental method will be used for future routine iodide analysis.
Formal analysis of kinship terminologies and its relationship to what constitutes kinship

The goal of this paper is to relate formal analysis of kinship terminologies to a better understanding of who, culturally, are defined as our kin. Part 1 of the paper begins with a brief discussion as to why neither of the two claims – (1) kinship terminologies, which primarily have to do with social categories and (2) kinship terminologies, which are based on classification of genealogically specified relationships traced through genitor and genetrix – is adequate as a basis for a formal analysis of a kinship terminology. A substantive problem with rewrite rule formalism is identified next. In Part 2 this problem is resolved when a kinship terminology is viewed from the perspective of a structured, symbolic system in which there is both a symbol calculus and a set of rules of instantiation giving the symbols empirical content. The symbol structure is linked to individuals via culturally specified instantiation of symbols. It is suggested that one’s kin are determined through the symbol structure and its ...
Intestinal disease in acquired immunodeficiency: evaluation by CT

Intestinal symptoms affect most AIDS patients at some point in their disease. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of CT in this setting. A total of 339 abdominal CT exams were reviewed for signs of intestinal disease. Abdominal CT scans of 45 patients with intestinal symptoms were compared with colonoscopy and histologic data. The CT results were correlated with CD4( +) T-lymphocyte counts and patient survival. More than 14 % of all abdominal CT exams displayed signs of enteric disease. Of the 45 patients studied with both CT and colonoscopy, 35 (78 %) had signs of intestinal disease by CT. Of these 35 patients, colonoscopic signs of an intestinal lesion were found in 29 and histologic proof of disease was established in 30 cases. Colonoscopy and histology detected 8 lesions missed by CT. There were 14 cases of unspecific colitis, 15 cases of cytomegalovirus (CMV) colitis, and 4 cases of enteric tuberculosis as per biopsy. Five patients presented with Kaposi's sarcoma and 1 with a non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Neither colonoscopic nor CT signs of intestinal disease did reliably distinguish between histologic subgroups. Specifically, CMV colitis could not be distinguished from unspecific colitis. CD4( +) T-lymphocyte counts for histologic subgroups were not significantly different, either. No colonoscopic or histologic feature predicted survival, whereas low CD4 counts and ascites on CT indicated a poor prognosis. Whereas CT detects signs of intestinal disease in most AIDS patients, these signs remain largely unspecific. Colonoscopy and biopsies provide no consistently valid standard with which to compare CT because of controversial sensitivity and specificity of these methods. The CT technique detects small bowel as well as extraintestinal disease. Therefore, CT is an important diagnostic modality in abdominal disease of immunocompromised patients.
Synthetic nanostructures inducing differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells into neuronal lineage

Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) have been shown to trans-differentiate into neuronal-like cells by culture in neuronal induction media, although the mechanism is not well understood. Topography can also influence cellular responses including enhanced differentiation of progenitor cells. As extracellular matrix (ECM) in vivo comprises topography in the nanoscale, we hypothesize that nanotopography could influence stem cell differentiation into specific non-default pathways, such as transdifferentiation of hMSCs. Differentiation and proliferation of hMSCs were studied on nanogratings of 350 nm width. Cytoskeleton and nuclei of hMSCs were aligned and elongated along the nanogratings. Gene profiling and immunostaining showed significant up-regulation of neuronal markers such as microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP2) compared to unpatterned and micropatterned controls. The combination of nanotopography and biochemical cues such as retinoic acid further enhanced the up-regulation of neuronal marker expressions, but nanotopography showed a stronger effect compared to retinoic acid alone on unpatterned surface. This study demonstrated the significance of nanotopography in directing differentiation of adult stem cells.
Absolute measurement of normalized thickness, t/λi, from off-axis electron holography

Abstract A simple method is described for determination of the quantity t/λi from off-axis electron holograms, where t is the local thickness and λi is the mean-free-path for inelastic scattering of high energy electrons. The method uses the energy-filtered amplitude reconstructed from a hologram and, when applied to samples with well characterized geometry, allows measurement of the inelastic mean-free-path. Measured values of 71 ± 5 nm for MgO and 92 ± 7 nm for Si for 100 keV beam energy compare favorably with calculated and experimental values from electron-energy-loss spectroscopy. Differences between the two techniques for determining t/λi and the utility of the holographic method are briefly discussed.
The 3′ terminal oligonucleotide of E.coli 16S ribosomal RNA: the sequence in both wild-type and RNase III cells is complementary to the polypurine tracts common to mRNA initiator regions

Abstract Application of Sanger techniques to the analysis of the 3' terminal oligonucleotide from E. coli 32-P-labelled 16 S rRNA yields the sequence AUCACCUCCUUAOH. This sequence is identical in RNA isolated from two wild-type strains (MRE600 and E. coli B, SY106) and from a mutant strain (AB301/105) defective in RNase III. Data presented here explains the previous derivation of an incorrect sequence (AUCCUCACUUCAOH) by others. The functional significance of complementarity between the 3' terminus of 16S rRNA and poly-purine tracts commonly found in mRNA initiator regions is discussed.
Failure to Transmit Common Cold to Suckling Hamsters.

SummaryNasal secretions from 5 different individuals with coryzal illnesses were inoculated intranasally in 138 suckling hamsters. No evidence was obtained to indicate that human colds can be transmitted to suckling hamsters.
Structure in programs from another point of view

Sometimes a new point of view can offer a useful insight into old problems. "Point of view" is relevant when we consider structure in programs, especially if we are to think about structure as other disciplines, atomic physics or molecular biology for example.
Optical shock waves in nonlinear dispersive amplifying media

We show that optical shock-wave solutions are possible in nonlinear dispersive amplifying media that exhibit a frequency-dependent gain and background loss. These shock-wave domains exist at lasing threshold and are permitted in both the normal and the anomalous dispersive regions.
Do Dead Bodies Pose a Problem for Biological Approaches to Personal Identity

Part of the appeal of the biological approach to personal identity is that it does not have to countenance spatially coincident entities. But if the termination thesis is correct and the organism ceases to exist at death, then it appears that the corpse is a dead body that earlier was a living body and distinct from but spatially coincident with the organism. If the organism is identified with the body, then the unwelcome spatial coincidence could perhaps be avoided. It is argued that such an identification would be a mistake. A living organism has a different part/whole relationship and persistence conditions than the alleged body. A case will be made that the concept 'human body' is a conceptual mess, vague in an unprincipled manner, and that an eliminativist stance towards dead bodies is the appropriate response.
Bayesian image reconstruction from Fourier-domain samples using prior edge information: convergence and parameter sensitivity

Image reconstruction from Fourier-domain measurements is a specialized problem within the general area of image reconstruction using prior information. The structure of the equations in Fourier imaging is challenging, since the observation equation matrix is non-sparse in the spatial domain but diagonal in the Fourier domain. Recently, the Bayesian image reconstruction with prior edges (BIRPE) algorithm has been proposed for image reconstruction from Fourier-domain samples using edge information automatically extracted from a high-resolution prior image. In the BIRPE algorithm, the maximum a posteriori (MAP) estimate of the reconstructed image and edge variables involves high-dimensional, non-convex optimization, which can be computationally prohibitive. The BIRPE algorithm performs this optimization by iteratively updating the estimate of the image then updating the estimate of the edge variables. In this paper, we propose two techniques for updating the image based on fixed edge variables one based on iterated conditional modes (ICM) and the other based on Jacobi iteration. ICM is guaranteed to converge, but, depending on the structure of the Fourier-domain samples, can be computationally prohibitive. The Jacobi iteration technique is more computationally efficient but does not always converge. In this paper, we study the convergence properties of the Jacobi iteration technique and its parameter sensitivity.
Water Binding in Whey Protein Concentrates

Abstract Measurements of the heat of fusion of free water in concentrated solutions of purified whey proteins showed that .5g water/g whey protein would not freeze at –40C. This water was defined as bound. Total bound water in protein solutions containing lactose and salts varied between .5 and 1.2g water/g solids, with unfreezable water increasing as the concentrations of lactose and salts were increased. Bound water values observed with several whey protein products agreed with values computed from data both for high and low molecular weight fractions of these products. Thermal denaturation did not cause significant changes in water binding. Water vapor sorption by a concentrated whey protein product was an additive process at all relative pressures, with the amount of sorbed water, as P/P 0 approached unity, equal to the unfreezable water in the corresponding suspension of the same product.
Analyzing Influence Factors of Transverse Cracking on LTPP Resurfaced Asphalt Pavements through NB and ZINB Models

The negative binomial (NB) and zero-inflated negative binomial (ZINB) models were employed to simulate the development of pavement transverse cracks on asphalt overlays and to evaluate the influence of different designs of asphalt overlays on crack development. Pavement transverse crack data were collected from 15 long-term pavement performance (LTPP) SPS-5 test sites. Analyzed factors include traffic level, overlay thickness, mixture [using reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) or virgin], intensity of surface preparation (mill or no mill) before overlay, total thickness of pavement, and freeze index. Analysis results indicate that the NB and ZINB models were effective in simulating the development of pavement transverse cracks by addressing the overdispersion. In addition, the ZINB model outperformed the NB model by explaining the excess zeros in the cracking count data to capture both the initiation and propagation of cracking. The regression analysis indicates that mill before overlay is effective in retarding the initiation of cracks, but not the propagation of cracks. Thicker overlay appears to reduce transverse cracking. High traffic level or using RAP is likely to increase the number of transverse cracks. Total thickness of pavement and freeze index are not significant for the development of transverse cracks.
Darwin's bridge between microevolution and macroevolution

Evolutionary biologists have long sought to understand the relationship between microevolution (adaptation), which can be observed both in nature and in the laboratory, and macroevolution (speciation and the origin of the divisions of the taxonomic hierarchy above the species level, and the development of complex organs), which cannot be witnessed because it occurs over intervals that far exceed the human lifespan. The connection between these processes is also a major source of conflict between science and religious belief. Biologists often forget that Charles Darwin offered a way of resolving this issue, and his proposal is ripe for re-evaluation in the light of recent research.
Analytical Investigation of the Toughening Potential of a Failure Tailoring Concept

A parametric study has been performed to determine the upper bounds of toughening benefit achievable using an approximate model for the response of one-dimensional, tailored, flexible composite-material tethers with progressive failure. The tailoring concept is achieved through judicious arrangement of redundant load paths with unequal length and strength and has been proposed, modeled, and experimentally verified in previous research. The model is recast in this work using nondimensional material-independent parameters that are varied over ranges of interest in advanced composites. The effects of each parameter on the response of the tailored member are discussed. An increase of nearly two orders of magnitude in toughness over an untailored member is found to be attainable by taking complete advantage of the energy dissipated by the failure of each load path within the bounds of the study. Challenges to implementation of the tailored member as approximated by the model are also discussed.
Introducing Diversity: We Don't Have to Wait for a Program.

Because 92 percent of education students are white and nearly 85 percent of them had at least a middle-class income during their K-12 years, most of today's preservice teachers unavoidably have a white, middle-class perspective and cannot imagine teaching in a multicultural urban school. America's schoolchildren, however, are increasingly diverse and need teachers willing to work in schools unlike the ones they attended and sensitive to the possibilities of all children in all schools. In this article, six education students describe their experiences during a one-day visit to a Harlem school, demonstrating that even a brief visit to an urban school can prompt students to critically examine their implicit beliefs about urban schools and students. Teacher educators need not wait for a program to begin preparing their students for urban schools: a one-day visit can make a difference in students' thinking and is within reach for many teacher educators.
Electrofluidic systems for contrast management

Operating in dynamic lighting conditions and in greatly varying backgrounds is challenging. Current paints and state-ofthe- art passive adaptive coatings (e.g. photochromics) are not suitable for multi- environment situations. A semi-active, low power, skin is needed that can adapt its reflective properties based on the background environment to minimize contrast through the development and incorporation of suitable pigment materials. Electrofluidic skins are a reflective display technology for electronic ink and paper applications. The technology is similar to that in E Ink but makes use of MEMS based microfluidic structures, instead of simple black and white ink microcapsules dispersed in clear oil. Electrofluidic skin's low power operation and fast switching speeds (~20 ms) are an improvement over current state-ofthe- art contrast management technologies. We report on a microfluidic display which utilizes diffuse pigment dispersion inks to change the contrast of the underlying substrate from 5.8% to 100%. Voltage is applied and an electromechanical pressure is used to pull a pigment dispersion based ink from a hydrophobic coated reservoir into a hydrophobic coated surface channel. When no voltage is applied, the Young-Laplace pressure pushes the pigment dispersion ink back down into the reservoir. This allows the pixel to switch from the on and off state by balancing the two pressures. Taking a systems engineering approach from the beginning of development has enabled the technology to be integrated into larger systems.
Do weight-preoccupied women misinterpret ambiguous stimuli related to body size?

High and low weight-preoccupied women were instructed to imagine themselves in situations described by ambiguous sentences related to body size. These ambiguous sentences could be interpreted in either a positive or negative manner. In a subsequent recognition memory test, subjects highly preoccupied with body weight were found to recall their imagery of the body-related situations with a negative interpretation. The interpretation of imagery to ambiguous performance and health-related situations was found to be unrelated to weight preoccupation. These findings suggest that interpretational biases may be a result of processing information which is of emotional concern to the individual, and that the biased interpretation of ambiguous body-related stimuli may function to maintain excessive preoccupation with body size.
Titania: a material-based approach to oil spill remediation?

The anatase phase of titania is being considered for use in oil spill remediation due to its high photocatalytic efficiency and its activity under a wide range of environmental conditions.
Soil and cropping system research in semi-arid West Africa as related to the potential for conservation agriculture

Semi-arid West Africa faces challenges to increase sorghum and pearl millet production to meet food needs for a growing human population while increasing soil carbon (C), nutrient levels, and water holding capacity that are documented benefits of conservation agriculture. This review focuses on the wealth of research on cropping systems, tillage, crop residue, nutrient, and weed management as related to conservation agriculture. It also identifies needs for multidisciplinary, integrative research to assist the transition from current production systems to conservation agriculture. Crop residue use as livestock feed, or fuel are major constraints to adoption of conservation agriculture, which could be reduced by wood production in agroforestry systems, alternate energy sources, and increased forage supply. Crop residue and grain yields are related, thus improved crop, soil, water, nutrient, and weed management to increase grain yield would also increase the supply of crop residue with potential for ‘left o...
A three-way comparative genomic analysis of Mannheimia haemolytica isolates

Mannhemia haemolytica is a Gram-negative bacterium and the principal etiological agent associated with bovine respiratory disease complex. They transform from a benign commensal to a deadly pathogen, during stress such as viral infection and transportation to feedlots and cause acute pleuropneumonia commonly known as shipping fever. The U.S beef industry alone loses more than one billion dollars annually due to shipping fever. Despite its enormous economic importance there are no specific and accurate genetic markers, which will aid in understanding the pathogenesis and epidemiology of M. haemolytica at molecular level and assist in devising an effective control strategy. During our comparative genomic sequence analysis of three Mannheimia haemolytica isolates, we identified a number of genes that are unique to each strain. These genes are "high value targets" for future studies that attempt to correlate the variable gene pool with phenotype. We also identified a number of high confidence single nucleotide polymorphisms (hcSNPs) spread throughout the genome and focused on non-synonymous SNPs in known virulence genes. These SNPs will be used to design new hcSNP arrays to study variation across strains, and will potentially aid in understanding gene regulation and the mode of action of various virulence factors. During our analysis we identified previously unknown possible type III secretion effector proteins, clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) and CRISPR-associated sequences (Cas). The presence of CRISPR regions is indicative of likely co-evolution with an associated phage. If proven functional, the presence of a type III secretion system in M. haemolytica will help us re-evaluate our approach to study host-pathogen interactions. We also identified various adhesins containing immuno-dominant domains, which may interfere with host-innate immunity and which could potentially serve as effective vaccine candidates.
Predictions of vacuum loss of evacuated vials from initial air leak rates

ABSTRACT Container closure integrity is a critical factor for maintaining product sterility and stability. Therefore, closure systems (found in vials, syringes, and cartridges) are designed to provide a seal between rubber stoppers and glass containers. To ensure that the contained product has maintained its sterility and stability at the time of deployment, the seal must remain intact within acceptable limits. To this end, a mathematical model has been developed to describe vacuum loss in evacuated drug vials. The model computes equivalent leak diameter corresponding to initial air leak rate as well as vacuum loss as a function of time and vial size. The theory accounts for three flow regimes that may be encountered. Initial leak rates from 10 - 8 to 10 3 sccm (standard cubic centimeters per minute) were investigated for vials ranging from 1 to 100 mL. Corresponding leak diameters of 0.25-173 μm were predicted. The time for a vial to lose half of its vacuum, the T 50 value, ranged from many years at the lowest leak rates and largest vials, to fractions of a second at the highest leak rates and smallest vials. These results may be used to determine what level of initial vacuum leak is acceptable for a given product. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association J Pharm Sci 102:2730-2737, 2013