cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Biosynthesis of erythrocyte membrane protein band 3 in DMSO-induced Friend erythroleukemia cells.

The major integral membrane protein of red blood cells, the mouse equivalent of human band 3, was purified and used to raise a specific antiserum. The murine protein resembles its human counterpart in several of its properties, including susceptibility to digestion by chymotrypsin added to intact cells and an ability to bind to concanavalin A. The synthesis of 35S-labeled band 3 was detected in Friend erythroleukemia cells treated with DMSO by immuneprecipitation followed by SDS gel electrophoresis and fluorography. Induction with DMSO led to a greater than tenfold increase in the synthesis of band 3 and maximal synthesis was reached 3 to 4 days after the beginning of induction.
Biopharmaceutical statistics beyond 2000.

One of the duties of a new Editor is that of articulating a vision of where the focus of the journal should be under his (or her) editorship; this is the purpose of the comments that follow. The Jo...
Sequestration of atmospheric CO2 in global carbon pools

Sequestering atmospheric CO2 is necessitated by its present concentration of 385 ppm and increasing at the rate of 2 ppm y−1. Increase in atmospheric emission of CO2 with the attendant global warming and environmental degradation are driven by global energy demand. In comparison with the emission of 300 Pg C between 1850 and 2000, total emission during the 21st century is estimated at 950 to 2195 Pg, with an annual rate of emission of 20 to 35 Pg C y−1. Reduction of CO2 atmospheric loading can be achieved by biological, chemical and technological options through either reducing or sequestering emissions. This article describes technological options of sequestering atmospheric CO2 into other global pools. Geologic sequestration involves underground storage of industrially emitted CO2 into the geosphere for long-term and secure storage. Liquefied CO2 is injected about 1000 m below the ground surface either in stable porous rocks, oil wells, coal beds, or saline aquifers. Co-injecting CO2 along with H2S and SO2 is also possible. Over time, the trapped CO2 reacts with minerals to form carbonates, enhances oil recovery, or displaces coal bed methane. Deep injection of CO2 under the ocean creates a CO2 lake which eventually penetrates into the sediments. Iron fertilization is another technique of enhancing the C pool in marine biota, notably phytoplankton. The so-called “biological pumping” is based on the “iron hypothesis” of transferring C to the ocean floor. Terrestrial C sequestration is based on the natural process of photosynthesis. Transfer of CO2 into the biotic pool and soil C pool via humification and formation of secondary carbonates has numerous ancillary benefits through enhancement of ecosystem services. Soil C sequestration is essential to improving soil quality, increasing use efficiency of agronomic input, and advancing world food security. It is also needed to improve water quality by filtration and denaturing of pollutants, and enhancing biodiversity by saving land for nature conservancy. Soil C sequestration is a low hanging fruit, and a bridge to the future until low-C or no-C fuel sources take effect.
Correction of orthostatic hypotension by respiratory effort

Case report. To describe a role for breathing in maintenance for blood pressure in a tetraplegic man. Veterans Administration Hospital, USA. A 60-year-old man, tetraplegic for 14 years, was successfully treated for orthostatic hypotension (OH) by raising the head of his bed in the mornings before transfer to his wheelchair. To test the role of breathing in the compensation for OH, we monitored the nasal airflow with a thermistor clipped onto a naris and pulse pressure was measured with a transducer held against a supraorbital artery with an elastic band. On raising the head of the bed to 30° the pulse pressure fell and breathing effort increased. Within 1 min, however, pulse pressure rose to baseline levels whereas increased breathing effort continued. On transfer to his wheelchair OH was avoided and medication was unnecessary. For the tetraplegic subject the partial raising of the head of the bed for a period of time to be determined individually will recruit increased breathing effort and venous return to the chest, preventing OH on transfer to an upright position in a wheelchair.
On the Ability of the WRF Model to Reproduce the Surface Wind Direction over Complex Terrain

TheabilityoftheWeatherResearchandForecasting(WRF)modeltoreproducethesurfacewinddirection over complex terrain is examined. A simulation spanning a winter season at a high horizontal resolution of 2km is compared with wind direction records from a surface observational network located in the northeastern Iberian Peninsula. A previous evaluation has shown the ability of WRF to reproduce the wind speed over the region once the effects of the subgrid-scale topography are parameterized. Hence, the current investigation complements the previous findings, providing information about the model’s ability to reproduce the direction of the surface flow. The differences between the observations and the model are quantified in terms of scores explicitly designed to handle the circular nature of the wind direction. Results show that the differences depend on the wind speed. The larger the wind speed is, the smaller are the wind direction differences. Areas with more complex terrain show larger systematic differences between model and observations; in these areas, a statistical correction is shown to help. The importance of the grid point selected for the comparison with observations is also analyzed. A careful selection is relevant to reducing comparative problems over complex terrain.
Improved quality and outcomes through congruent leadership, teamwork and life choices

Abstract This manuscript evaluates how substantial improvement in quality and outcomes can be achieved by attention to intra and interpersonal factors that influence learning, growth, innovation and team function. It is difficult to quantify the improvement in outcome in terms of lives saved, errors prevented, morbidity reduced, but the literature on this topic as well as the experience of numerous providers suggests that it will be real and substantial. The recommendations in this manuscript will help you improve your practice.
PATHOLOGY OF AN UNUSUAL LUMBAR CONDITION IN A YOUNG BLACK BEAR (URSUS AMERCANUS) FROM THE BIG BEND REGION OF TRANS-PECOS TEXAS

The skeleton of a young American black bear (Ursus americanus) possessing asymmetrical distortions of the 5 caudalmost lumbar neural spines was recovered from west Texas. We attribute this abnormality, presumed to be congenital, to the absence or atrophy of the right multifidus muscle straddling L3 and to the series of compensatory muscle adjustments required to maintain spinal alignment. This finding may have important management implications for black bears in Texas, given the possibility that our specimen originates from a partially isolated population.
Rapid induction of hypothalamic iodothyronine deiodinase expression by photoperiod and melatonin in juvenile Siberian hamsters (Phodopus sungorus).

Production of T3 in the mediobasal hypothalamus is critical for regulation of seasonal reproductive physiology. Type 2 iodothyronine deiodinase (DIO2) and DIO3 enzymes catalyze the prohormone T4 into biologically-active T3 and biologically-inactive rT3, respectively. In several seasonally-breeding vertebrates, DIO2 and DIO3 expression is implicated in photoperiod signal transduction in adulthood. These experiments tested the hypothesis that juvenile Siberian hamsters, which are highly responsive to photoperiod at weaning (postnatal day [PND]18), exhibit rapid and sustained changes in hypothalamic dio3 mRNA expression during photoperiod-induced and photoperiod-inhibited puberty. Hypothalamic dio2 and dio3 expression was measured via quantitative PCR in hamsters born and reared in a long-day photoperiod (15L:9D) and weaned on PND18 into short-day photoperiods (9L:15D). In SD males, hypothalamic dio3 mRNA was elevated 2.5-fold within 3 days (PND21) and continued to increase (>20-fold) through PND32; changes in dio3 mRNA preceded inhibition of gonadotropin (FSH) secretion and gonadal regression in SD. Females exhibited comparable dio3 responses to SD. In LD males, dio3 remained low and invariant from PND18–PND32. In contrast, dio2 mRNA rose conspicuously on PND21, independent of photoperiod, returning to basal levels thereafter. In LD, a single afternoon melatonin (MEL) injection on PND18 or PND20 was sufficient to increase hypothalamic dio3 mRNA, and dio3 increased in proportion to the number of successive days of MEL treatment. SD photoperiods and MEL exert rapid, sustained, and additive effects on hypothalamic dio3 mRNA, which may play a central role in inhibiting maturation of the peripubertal hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal axis.
Use of a bile duct T-cannula as a new technique for studying bile acid turnover in the rat

A new technique using T-cannulated bile ducts has been developed for studying bile acid turnover in the rat by isotope dilution. Applicability of this technique to study the effect of diet on cholate and chenodeoxycholate metabolism is suggested. In tests with the method, the rate of cholate synthesis for rats fed colony diet was twice that for rats fed semisynthetic diet. When sodium glycocholate was fed in the latter diet the half-life of cholate decreased; the secretion rate of deoxycholate and cholate increased without affecting chenodeoxycholate. Although curves for cholate log specific activity vs. time were linear, those obtained simultaneously for chenodeoxycholate were nonlinear. A double exponential curve was obtained for chenodeoxycholate of colony-fed rats. Separation of free deoxycholate and chenodeoxycholate was improved through continuous development thin layer chromatography.
Shape Similarity-Based Retrieval in Image Database Systems

In image database systems, we often want to retrieve images whose contents satisfy certain conditions specifiedin an iconic query (i.e., queries that involve input images and conditions on them). One type ofimage data retrievalcalled Shape Similarity-Based Retrieval involves retrieval of images containing one or more shapes similar to theshapes specified in the query or shapes present in the query image.In this paper, a new approach to shape similarity-based retrieval is proposed. The proposed approach is flexibleenough to handle images with overlapping or touching parts. In this approach a shape is represented by a set ofstructural components. Each structural component is encoded as a point in multidimensional space. A similar oridentical component (or shape) can be found by organizing the data in any multidimensional point access indexstructure. A prototype system is described in detail. Some experimental results are also presented to demonstratethe performance of the proposed technique.
Computational modeling systems

Abstract A computational modeling system (CMS) provides scientific investigators with a unified computational environment and easy access to a broad range of modeling tools. The goal of a CMS is to provide computational support that increases the efficiency of scientists in the iterative process of modeling. A CMS consists of a computational modeling environment and transparent computational support for the environment. The modeling environment is based on a characterization of scientific modeling activities that is focussed on the manner in which scientific concepts are represented, manipulated, and evaluated, in the scientific modeling process. Based on a formalization of the representation for a concept as representational structures (or “R-structures”), the process of scientific modeling may be viewed as one in which (1) extensible collections R-structures are constructed, evaluated and applied in modeling both the phenomena in specific application domains and the phenomena of the modeling process itself; and (2) instances of the domain elements of R-structures are created and sequences of transformations are applied to the instances. R-structures provide a “complete” and consistent foundation for both the modeling environment of a CMS and its associated, high-level computational modeling language (CML). CML may be employed in creating, accessing, and manipulating R-structures and their components in a simple, uniform manner. A CMS provides a unifying framework for the integration of existing tools, such as DBMS and mathematical software modules, and a distributed modeling environment. Based on the general specification of a CMS, we have designed and implemented a specific CMS, Amazonia , which supports earth science applications in terms of a specific set of R-structures and a “seamlessly” integrated and extendable collection of computational modules, including an object-oriented DBMS.
Sterility of bile in multiple-organ donors

When liver removal is part of a multiple-organ procurement, bile in a liver donor is usually washed out of the biliary tree to prevent autolysis of the bile duct mucosa during cold storage (1). During the “lavage,” bile is spilled in the peritoneal cavity. The possibility that this bile is infected has often concerned surgeons removing the kidneys, heart, or other organs. Consequently, we undertook a bacteriologic study to see if flushing of the biliary system introduced a potential source of contamination of other organs.
Three midlife strategies to prevent cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer's disease.

AbstractThe slow, progressive accumulation of pathology characteristic of Alzheimer's disease is the principal determinant of cognitive decline leading to dementia. Risk-reduction strategies during midlife focus on raising the clinical threshold for the appearance of cognitive symptoms and on reducing the extent of Alzheimer pathology. Best available evidence suggests an approach based on three, conceptually distinct strategies. (1) Raise the threshold for cognitive symptoms by improving brain health. To achieve this goal, the tactic is to reduce cerebrovascular risks mediated by hypertension, diabetes, cigarette smoking, and hyperlipidemia. (2) Raise the threshold for cognitive symptoms by enhancing cognitive reserve. Here, tactics focus on mental stimulation associated with occupation, leisure activities and social engagement. (3) Reduce the burden of Alzheimer pathology. The most promising tactic toward this end is regular aerobic exercise. Tactics in support of strategies to reduce cognitive impairmen...
Structured peer-to-peer resource discovery for computational grids

Existing resource discovery and monitoring systems, such as Globus GRAM/MDS, are based on a central point of control. This paper proposes a decentralized multilayered resource discovery system implemented over a peer-to-peer structure to address shortcomings associated with current resource discovery systems. Our approach segments Grid nodes into various overlays, with each overlay (namely, layer) made up of nodes contributing the same resource attributes and connected by at least one gateway to allow nodes in the layer to communicate with other layers, to support queries for multiple resource types. This unique logical structure permits fast and effective searches for a given set of resources needed by an incoming job. Our approach disseminates resource information to nodes proximity-close to the distribution node, exhibiting a substantial reduction in traffic overhead of over 35%, without compromising its success rate in resource discovery. It supports queries for multiple resource types efficiently, often without searching associated multiple layers separately.
On the Deployment of Heterogeneous Sensor Networks for Detection of Mobile Targets

Detecting targets moving inside a field of interest is one of the fundamental services of Wireless Sensor Networks. The network performance with respect to target detection, is directly related to the placement of the sensors within the field of interest. In this paper, we address the problem of wireless sensor deployment, for the purpose of detecting mobile targets. We map the target detection problem to a line-set intersection problem and derive analytic expressions for the probability of detecting mobile targets. Compared to previous works, our mapping allows us to consider sensors with heterogeneous sensing capabilities, thus analyzing sensor networks that employ multiple sensing modalities. We show that the complexity of evaluating the target detection probability grows exponentially with the network size and, hence, derive appropriate lower and upper bounds. We also show that maximizing the lower bound is analogous to the problem of minimizing the average symbol error probability in 2-dimensional digital modulation schemes over additive white Gaussian noise, that is, in turn, addressed using the circle packing problem. Using this analogy, we derive sensor constellations from well known signal constellations with low average symbol error probability.
Diels-alder reactions of 2-carbomethoxy-4,4-dimethylcyclopentenone

Abstract 2-Carbomethoxy-4,4-dimethylcyclopentenone was found to undergo cycloaddition to oxydiene to give a 45:55 mixture of the exo and endo adducts and under thermal conditions and a 95:5 mixture of the respective adducts under Lewis acid-catalyzed conditions.
The Profitability and Risk of Long-Term Cropping Systems Featuring Different Rotations and Nitrogen Rates

Yield comparisons do not provide the appropriate basis for decision-making regarding cropping systems. The dominant factor influencing the adoption of cropping systems is economics. The objective of this 15-yr study was to evaluate the long-term effect of four N fertilization treatments on the economic returns of seven crop rotations in Wisconsin, based on annual market prices and production costs. The seven crop rotations were continuous corn (Zea mays L.) (CC), continuous alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) (AA), corn-soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] (CS), corn-alfalfa (CA), corn-corn-corn-alfalfa-alfalfa (CCCAA), corn-corn-oat (Avena sativa L.) with alfalfa seeding-alfalfa-alfalfa (CCOaAA), and corn-soybean-corn-oat with alfalfa seeding-alfalfa (CSCOaA). The four N treatments were 0, 56, 112, and 224 kg N ha -1 for the corn phase. Across all crop rotations, the average return was greatest for the 112 and 224 kg N ha -1 treatments, which returned on average $32 and $85 ha -1 more than the 56 and 0 kg N ha -1 treatments, respectively. Across all N rates, average returns were highest for the CS rotation. The CS rotation returned $58 ha -1 more than the CSCOaA and CCOaAA rotations, $129 ha -1 more than the CCCAA rotation and AA, $224 ha more than the CA rotation, and $269 ha -1 more than CC. Under second degree stochastic dominance, the stochastically efficient treatments were CS at all N rates and CC at 224 kg N ha -1 . All other cropping systems were inefficient relative to these five treatments (i.e., they would not be chosen by a risk-averse decision maker). This research shows that the most profitable systems (CS) remain the most efficient when risk is taken into consideration. However, these results also show that when 224 kg N ha -1 is added, risk can be reduced for continuous corn. Individual circumstances will dictate the optimal choice among the efficient rotations.
Community Stability and the Strategy of Biological Control

Community organization is defined as the mean number of trophic links connecting species of different trophic levels in a community. For the special purposes of this paper, competition is assumed to occur whenever two species are known to eat the same food species. Community stability is defined as the reciprocal of the mean, for all species, of the standard error of logarithms of annual collection sizes. It is thus a measure of stability over time of the species populations in a community. Several authors writing about the relationship between community organization and community stability have insisted that the stability of a complex ecological system increases with the number of avenues by which energy can flow through it. This theory does not seem consistent with the observation that some insect pest species of notorious instability are attacked by a great number of entomophagous species. In this paper we seek additional evidence bearing on the relationship between community organization and stability, using computer analysis of data collected by the Canadian Forest Insect Survey on forest Macrolepidoptera and their food plants. After considering our results, and those of other workers, we postulate the following hypothesis. Stability at any herbivore or carnivore trophic level increases with the number of competitor species at that level, decreases with the number of competitor species that feed upon it, and decreases with the proportion of the environment containing useful food. If this hypothesis is valid, too much competition in the entomophagous trophic level will not allow the species in that level to be instable enough to control an unstable pest. Therefore, the best type of biological control agent is one that has no direct competitor species. Also, the most unstable biological control agents, and hence those capable of controlling an unstable pest, will be polyphagous.
Nonlinear Shape and Appearance Models for Facial Expression Analysis and Synthesis

Facial expression passes through nonlinear shape and appearance deformations with variations in different people and expressions. We present nonlinear shape and appearance models for facial expression analysis and synthesis using nonlinear generative models for different facial expressions in different people. To achieve accurate shape normalized appearance models, we utilize nonlinear warping using thin plate spline (TPS). A novel nonlinear generative model using conceptual manifold embedding and empirical kernel maps for facial expressions provides facial shape and appearance samples according to the configuration, personal style, and expression parameters. We can recognize facial expressions based on estimated facial expression parameters after iterative estimations of facial expression and style. In addition, the model provides accurate synthesis of facial expression sequences even with high nonlinear deformations of shape and appearance during facial expressions.
Characterization of the Contribution to Virulence of Three Large Plasmids of Avian Pathogenic Escherichia coli χ7122 (O78:K80:H9)

Despite the fact that the presence of multiple large plasmids is a defining feature of extraintestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli (ExPEC), such as avian pathogenic E. coli (APEC), and despite the fact that these bacteria pose a considerable threat to both human and animal health, characterization of these plasmids is still limited. In this study, after successfully curing APEC of its plasmids, we were able to investigate, for the first time, the contribution to virulence of three plasmids, pAPEC-1 (103 kb), pAPEC-2 (90 kb), and pAPEC-3 (60 kb), from APEC strain χ7122 individually as well as in all combinations in the wild-type background. Characterization of the different strains revealed unique features of APEC virulence. In vivo assays showed that curing the three plasmids resulted in severe attenuation of virulence. The presence of different plasmids and combinations of plasmids resulted in strains with different pathotypes and levels of virulence, reflecting the diversity of APEC strains associated with colibacillosis in chickens. Unexpectedly, our results associated the decrease in growth of some strains in some media with the virulence of APEC, and the mechanism was associated with some combinations of plasmids that included pAPEC-1. This study provided new insights into the roles of large plasmids in the virulence, growth, and evolution of APEC by showing for the first time that both the nature of plasmids and combinations of plasmids have an effect on these phenomena. It also provided a plausible explanation for some of the conflicting results related to the virulence of ExPEC strains. This study should help us understand the virulence of other ExPEC strains and design more efficient infection control strategies.
Spectral Modelling and Low-complexity Blind Carrier Frequency Tracking in OFDM

Satisfactory operation of orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) requires carrier frequency estimation with precision on the order of 1 to 2% of the subcarrier spacing. Numerous pilot-aided and blind algorithms that achieve this precision have been proposed. Blind algorithms are generally more complex than the pilot-aided algorithms. In this paper, we propose a novel low-complexity blind algorithm that takes advantage of a key property of the in-band OFDM power spectral density (PSD). To date, OFDM PSD research and modelling has mainly been directed towards reducing the out-of-band radiation. Here, we turn our attention to the in-band portion of the spectrum and show that it has an oscillatory variation. We show how this property can be used for carrier frequency tracking. Computer simulations show that the proposed algorithm works well in high-noise, frequency-selective channels.
Control system architecture for an underwater autonomous testbed

Discusses a control system designed for use in a vehicle operated as a testbed for underwater vehicle technologies. The various considerations that led to the incorporation of a communication network are discussed along with the network standards considered. The Control Area Network was adopted, and the reasons supporting this choice are discussed. Finally, some of the implemented hardware is described. The control system discussed in the paper has been operated successfully during several field tests, and has a number of features that support commonality across multiple vehicle platforms.
Well-being during the menopausal transition and early postmenopause: a within-stage analysis.

Purpose to identify whether menopausal transition (MT)-related factors—including MT stage, hot flash severity, levels of estrone glucuronide (E 1 G) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH); number of negative life events; or personal resources of mastery and social support—are associated with stage specific well-being. Methods Women from the Seattle Midlife Women's Health Study (N=334) provided at least one annual health questionnaire and a menstrual calendar; a subset provided first morning voided urine specimens assayed for E 1 G and FSH. Descriptive statistics were calculated and Pearson's product-moment correlations were estimated. Results Mean levels of well-being were the same across MT stages (4.1, range 1.8-5.9). Physiologic variables were not significantly correlated with well-being: E 1 G levels (r = −.11 to 0.16), FSH levels (r = −.17 to .20) and hot flash severity (r = −.07 to .05). Significant correlations were observed between well-being and number of negative life events (r = −.48 to −.33, p ≤ 0.01), mastery (r = .51-.64, p ≤ 0.01), and satisfaction with social support (r = .04 non-significant) to r =.41, (p ≤ 0.01). Conclusion The association of well-being with life events and personal resources, and not MT-related indicators, hormone levels or vasomotor symptoms, supports work by other researchers. Further study is needed to determine whether patterns of well-being vary across the MT, and if so, what might predict that variability.
Policy management: an architecture and approach

This paper deals with the role of policies in the management of large complex systems. An approach is suggested for the transformation of policy statements into executable process decision functions; and, an architecture is outlined to help organize the elements of policy in a manageable way. To illustrate the concepts, an example is given from information processing that conveys more concretely the manner in which this architecture can be applied to policy management, Tools are introduced to deploy a policy management system. >
Soybean ATP sulfurylase, a homodimeric enzyme involved in sulfur assimilation, is abundantly expressed in roots and induced by cold treatment

Soybeans are a rich source of protein and a key feed ingredient in livestock production, but lack sufficient levels of cysteine and methionine to meet the nutritional demands of swine or poultry as feed components. Although engineering the sulfur assimilatory pathway could lead to increased sulfur-containing amino acid content, little is known about this pathway in legumes. Here, we describe the cloning and characterization of soybean ATP sulfurylase (ATPS), which acts as the metabolic entry point into the sulfur assimilation pathway. Analysis of the ATPS clone isolated from a soybean seedling cDNA library revealed an open-reading frame, encoding a 52 kDa polypeptide with an N-terminal chloroplast/plastid transit peptide, which was related to the enzymes from Arabidopsis, potato, human, and yeast. Soybean ATP sulfurylase was expressed in Escherichia coli and purified to apparent homogeneity. Based on gel-filtration chromatography, the enzyme functions as a 100 kDa homodimer. Analysis of genomic DNA by Southern blotting revealed that multiple genes encode ATP sulfurylase in soybean. Analysis of the transcript profiles retrieved from a soybean EST database indicated that ATP sulfurylase mRNA was most abundant in root tissue. Cold treatment induced mRNA accumulation and enhanced the specific activity of ATP sulfurylase in root tissue. Northern blot analysis indicated a decline in the ATP sulfurylase transcript levels during seed development. Likewise, ATP sulfurylase specific activity also declined in the later stages of seed development. Increasing the expression levels of this key enzyme during soybean seed development could lead to an increase in the availability of sulfur amino acids, thereby enhancing the nutritional value of the crop.
Soybean diet lowers breast tumor incidence in irradiated rats

This paper examines the relationship between feeding a diet rich in protease inhibitors and the reduction of mammary cancer induced by x-irradiation in Sprague-Dawley rats. Of a total of 145 irradiated animals, 44% of the 45 rats fed a raw soybean diet containing a high concentration of protease inhibitor developed mammary tumors as compared to 74% of 50 rats fed a casein diet containing no protease inhibitor. Animals fed Purina rat chow which contained low levels of protease inhibitor exhibited a 70% mammary tumor incidence. No spontaneous neoplasms were found in any of the non-irradiated animals on the raw soybean diet whereas about 10% of the animals on the protease-free diet developed tumors. Thus, soybeans which are rich in protease inhibitors reduced the induction of mammary cancer in x-irradiated rats. This work suggests that diets rich in protease inhibitors may contribute to reducing cancer incidence in man.
The fog of identity

Personal identity and social identity are two very different concepts and the idea of getting them together, as Bhikhu Parekh proposes, within an integrated bundle of some `overall identity' raises serious questions of coherence. Personal identity demands the `sameness' of a person (Who is this guy? Am I still the same person that I was ten years ago?). Social identity is focused instead on our social affiliations, such as identifying with others with, say, the same nationality, or the same religion, or same political partnership. We can make reasoned choices about our priorities in social affiliation. Those who want to make our social affiliation a matter of `discovery' rather than of choice may frighten us by saying that we would lose our overall identity if we were to choose to affiliate differently (for example as an Indian and not just as a Hindu, or as British and not just as a Muslim). To understand that there is no threat to personal identity involved in such choices is important both for clarity ...
Feature detection algorithm based on a visual system model

An algorithm for the detection of visually relevant luminance features is presented. The algorithm is motivated and directed by current models of the visual system. The algorithm detects edges (sharp luminance transitions) and narrow bars (luminance cusps) and marks them with the proper polarity. The image is first bandpass filtered with oriented filters at a number of scales an octave apart. The suprathreshold image contrast details at each scale are then identified and are compared across scales to find locations in which the signal polarity (sign) is identical at all scales, representing a minimal level of phase congruence across scales. These locations maintain the polarity of the bandpass-filtered image. The result is a polarity-preserving features map representing the edges with pairs of light and dark lines or curves on corresponding sides of the contour. Similarly, bar features are detected and represented with single curves of the proper polarity. The algorithm is implemented without free (fitted) parameters. All parameters are directly derived from visual models and from measurements on human observers. The algorithm is shown to be robust with respect to variations in filter parameters and requires no use of quadrature filters or Hilbert transforms. The possible utility of such an algorithm within the visual system and in computer vision applications is discussed.
Schizophrenia Among Hispanics: Epidemiology, Phenomenology, Course, and Outcome

A number of studies point to the influence of culture and ethnicity on the presentation and course of schizophrenia. In general, a relatively powerful influence of environmental factors is identified. This article reviews the literature on schizophrenia among Hispanics in the United States and uses the results of this review as a basis for identifying directions for future study. Research is divided into three major areas: epidemiology, phenomenology, and illness course and outcome. Ethnic comparisons suggest similar prevalence rates of schizophrenia. However, differences in illness phenomenology between certain subgroups of Hispanics are also observed. Moreover, culture can affect various aspects of the illness process, including illness definition, help- seeking behavior, response to treatment, and post-treatment adjustment. Proposed guidelines to direct future research ventures include (1) better delineation of the sociocultural attributes of the group under study, (2) validation of assessment instruments across ethnic groups, (3) use of innovative approaches to assess incidence and prevalence, (4) incorporation of qualitative methodology, (5) use of illness behavior models to provide a conceptual framework to guide investigations, and (6) integration of cross-cultural and biological studies.
Mechanism of vertical Ge nanowire nucleation on Si (111) during subeutectic annealing and growth

The direct integration of Ge nanowires with silicon is of interest in multiple applications. In this work, we describe the growth of high-quality, vertically oriented Ge nanowires on Si (111) substrates utilizing a completely sub-Au-Si-eutectic annealing and growth procedure. With all other conditions remaining identical, annealing below the Au-Si eutectic results in successful heteroepitaxial nucleation and growth of Ge nanowires on Si substrate while annealing above the Au-Si eutectic leads to randomly oriented growth. A model is presented to elucidate the effect of the annealing temperature, in which we hypothesized that sub-Au-Si-eutectic annealing leads to the formation of a single and well-oriented interface, essential to template heteroepitaxial nucleation. These results are critically dependent on substrate preparation and lead to the creation of integrated nano wire systems with a low thermal budget process.
Exposure to high-risk genital human papillomavirus and its association with risky sexual practices and laboratory-confirmed chlamydia among African-American women.

Background Genital human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the United States and African-American women have the highest prevalence of high-risk HPV. This study examined exposure to high-risk HPV in African-American women and its relation to risky sexual practices and laboratory-confirmed chlamydia. Methods A sample of 665 African-American women between 18 and 29 years old, recruited from October 2002 to March 2006 in Atlanta, Georgia, completed an Audio Computer-Assisted Survey Interview assessing sociodemographics, health practices, and risky sexual practices. Participants also provided vaginal swab specimens assayed for STIs and high-risk HPV. Results The overall prevalence of high-risk HPV was 38.9%. Among women 18 to 24 years old, it was 42.4%; it was 31% among women 25 to 29 years old. Age-stratified logistic regression analyses indicated that women between the ages of 18 and 29 and 18 and 24 who had multiple male sexual partners did not use a condom during their last casual sexual encounter and tested positive for chlamydia were significantly more likely to test positive for high-risk HPV. Women 18 to 24 years old who reported having a casual or risky sexual partner were significantly more likely to test positive for high-risk HPV. No significant correlates were identified among women 25 to 29 years old. Conclusions Programs should aim to educate, decrease risky sexual practices, and increase screening and treatment for STIs among women with high-risk HPV infections. HPV vaccination recommendations for young adult African-American women warrant special consideration.
Living scaffolds: surgical repair using scaffolds seeded with human adipose-derived stem cells

Decellularized porcine small intestinal submucosa (SIS) is a biological scaffold used surgically for tissue repair. Here, we demonstrate a model of SIS as a scaffold for human adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) in vitro and apply it in vivo in a rat ventral hernia repair model. ASCs adherence was examined by confocal microscopy and proliferation rate was measured by growth curves. Multipotency of ASCs seeded onto SIS was tested using adipogenic, chondrogenic, and osteogenic induction media. For in vivo testing, midline abdominal musculofascial and peritoneal defects were created in Sprague–Dawley rats. Samples were evaluated for tensile strength, histopathology and immunohistochemistry. All test groups showed cell adherence and proliferation on SIS. Fibronectin-treated scaffolds retained more cells than those treated with vehicle alone (p < 0.05). Fresh stromal vascular fraction (SVF) pellets containing ASCs were injected onto the SIS scaffold and showed similar results to cultured ASCs. Maintenance of multipotency on SIS was confirmed by lineage-specific markers and dyes. Histopathology revealed neovascularization and cell influx to ASC-seeded SIS samples following animal implantation. ASC-seeded SIS appeared to offer a stronger repair than plain SIS, but these results were not statistically significant. Immunohistochemistry showed continued presence of cells of human origin in ASC-seeded repairs at 1 month postoperation. Pretreatment of the scaffold with fibronectin offers a method to increase cell adhesion and delivery. ASCs maintain their immunophenotype and ability to differentiate while on SIS. Seeding freshly isolated SVF onto the scaffold demonstrated that minimally manipulated cells may be useful for perioperative surgical applications within the OR suite. We have shown that this model for a “living mesh” can be successfully used in abdominal wall reconstruction.
Relapse of Type A β-Lactamase-Producing Staphylococcus aureus Native Valve Endocarditis during Cefazolin Therapy: Revisiting the Issue

Our experience with a patient with methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus aortic native valve endocarditis, who had a relapse involving fever and positive blood culture results while receiving cefazolin, led us to evaluate this organism's ability to hydrolyze cefazolin at high inocula, a previously well-documented phenomenon. Analysis of the infecting strain disclosed a high minimum inhibitory concentration of cefazolin when a large inoculum was used, as well as rapid and complete cefazolin degradation, which was associated with regrowth in a time-kill experiment. DNA sequencing of the β-lactamase gene showed that it was identical to that of the S. aureus type A β-lactamase, known to efficiently inactivate cefazolin. A word of caution is given regarding the use of this antibiotic for treatment of endocarditis caused by this type of S. aureus isolate.
Estimation of Life Distributions and System Characteristics

In Chapters 2 and 3 we presented families of life distributions of components/systems and probabilistic methods of determining the reliability of a system as a function of the reliabilities of its components. In Chapter 5 we touched upon some problems of estimating some interesting parameters of life distributions. The estimation methods discussed there are based on graphical analysis of probability plots. These methods, though often coarse and imprecise, do provide quick estimates.
Using histograms to detect and track objects in color video

Two methods of detecting and tracking objects in color video are presented. Color and edge histograms are explored as ways to model the background and foreground of a scene. The two types of methods are evaluated to determine their speed, accuracy and robustness. Histogram comparison techniques are used to compute similarity values that aid in identifying regions of interest. Foreground objects are detected and tracked by dividing each video frame into smaller regions (cells) and comparing the histogram of each cell to the background model. Results are presented for video sequences of human activity.
The clinical utility of the safe times questionnaire

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate a valid, reliable self-report health behavior screening instrument, the Safe Times Questionnaire (STQ), in a clinical setting. Methods: One hundred and fifty-two patients at a primary care health center completed the STQ and were randomized into two groups; physicians in the “STQ group” (79 patients) used the STQ while physicians in the “interview group” (73 patients) were blinded to the STQ. Physicians rated each patient on their need for intervention in nine topic areas. Patients then had a psychological interview and were rated on the same topic areas. Results: The total time of the patient visit was significantly longer in the interview group than in the STQ group. Physicians in the STQ group had significantly higher accuracy in identification of subjects at risk for depression and family conflict. Conclusions: The Safe Times Questionnaire is a potentially useful instrument to efficiently screen adolescents.
Evidence of the Impact of School Reform on Systems Governance and Educational Bureaucracies in the United States

latter half of the 20th century saw an array of reform efforts designed to improve the educational system and achieve other, often ideological goals. These reforms operate within a system that is highly institutionalized, in both its structures and functions, which by design both limit and facilitate particular courses of action. At the same time, reforms often introduce contradictory goals, as is the case with those leading to greater centralization of the system versus those intended to weaken the bureaucracy and inject market principles into schooling. These tendencies give rise to the perception that things rarely change or that reforms have little impact on either school governance or the bureaucracy. Although there is some international convergence of these trends, this chapter examines recent trends in school reform and their impact on school governance and educational bureaucracies in the United States. It takes an institutional perspective, allowing us to examine how the educational system has evolved and understand the implications of particular reforms for educational governance.1 It argues that reform has expanded the federal and state role in education, transformed the organization of interests, and created a national political culture where educational policy priorities increasingly are established nationally. The result has been greater bureaucratization of the educational system and a more formalized and standardized system reflective of a national political culture. However, because these mostly top-down reforms fail to specify the mechanism by which they will transform education, their impact varies widely depending on local conditions and implementation, allowing local districts to retain considerable power within an increasingly bureaucratic system.
Solutions in weight control: lessons from gastric surgery

Surgical therapy is currently the only proven way to achieve significant long-term weight loss, improve obesity-related comorbidities, reduce the risk of premature death, and improve quality of life in a large proportion of treated individuals. Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, the most widely performed procedure in the United States, is known to achieve permanent (>14 y of follow-up) and significant (>50% of excess body weight) weight loss in >90% of patients who undergo the operation. Gastric bypass procedures induce physiologic and neuroendocrine changes that appear to affect the weight regulatory centers in the brain. Researchers have begun to explore the molecular pathways responsible for these outcomes. Identifying the differences between surgical and nonsurgical treatments will eventually lead to new therapeutic options.
On the Phase-Space Dynamics of Systems of Spiking Neurons. II: Formal Analysis

We begin with a brief review of the abstract dynamical system that models systems of biological neurons, introduced in the original article. We then analyze the dynamics of the system. Formal analysis of local properties of flows reveals contraction, expansion, and folding in different sections of the phase-space. The criterion for the system, set up to model a typical neocortical column, to be sensitive to initial conditions is identified. Based on physiological parameters, we then deduce that periodic orbits in the region of the phase-space corresponding to normal operational conditions in the neocortex are almost surely (with probability 1) unstable, those in the region corresponding to seizure-like conditions are almost surely stable, and trajectories in the region corresponding to normal operational conditions are almost surely sensitive to initial conditions. Next, we present a procedure that isolates all basic sets, complex sets, and attractors incrementally. Based on the two sets of results, we conclude that chaotic attractors that are potentially anisotropic play a central role in the dynamics of such systems. Finally, we examine the impact of this result on the computational nature of neocortical neuronal systems.
A method for determining the emitter and base lifetimes in p-n junction diodes

A method is described that provides an experimental means for the first time to separate and determine the emitter and base lifetimes in a p-n diode after the junction has been fabricated. In the method, several static and transient measurements are analyzed using physical models of the diode characteristics. To illustrate the method, diffused silicon diodes are fabricated having substrate (base) impurity concentrations ranging from 1014to nearly 1017phosphorous atoms per cubic centimeter. The results show an emitter lifetime that is much smaller than the base lifetime in the diode having the highest base doping concentration. In this diode, the recombination current from the emitter is 65 percent of the recombination current from the base, demonstrating the significance of the emitter in governing the static current-voltage dependence. The importance of emitter recombination to the transient characteristics is also demonstrated. The paper emphasizes the techniques by which the base and emitter lifetimes are distinguished. It also demonstrates the need for carefully basing the quantitative analysis of the measurements on the underlying diode physics. The method described here applies not only to p-n diodes but also to junction solar cells and transistors.