cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Methylation-sensitive single-molecule analysis of chromatin structure.

Methylation-sensitive single-molecule analysis of chromatin structure is a high-resolution method for studying nucleosome positioning. As described in this unit, this method allows for the analysis of the chromatin structure of unmethylated CpG islands or in vitro–remodeled nucleosomes by treatment with the CpG-specific DNA methyltransferase SssI (M.SssI), followed by bisulfite sequencing of individual progeny DNA molecules. Unlike nuclease-based approaches, this method allows each molecule to be viewed as an individual entity instead of an average population. Curr. Protoc. Mol. Biol. 89:21.17.1-21.17.16. © 2010 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Keywords: chromatin remodeling; nucleosome positioning; methylation footprint
Social Work and the Rural Crisis: Is Education Responding?

Abstract The Nation is experiencing a rural crisis of severe proportions. Initially, that crisis was tied to depressed commodity prices and the demise of family farms but current developments indicate that it is of greater scope. Farm closures have caused the exodus of citizens, businesses, banks and services from small towns, particularly in the Heartland and the agricultural South. Despair among farmers has resulted in suicide and homicide; a traditional way of life is under threat of extinction. Additionally, depressed oil and other mineral prices have changed the rhythm of many rural lives and caused displacement of workers in non-agricultural yet rural states. This paper reports the results of a national survey of social work schools and programs and assesses the response of social work education to this crisis. Programmatic innovations are inventoried; regional comparisons are offered on practitioner and program responses; factors that facilitated or hindered those responses are reviewed; and the pu...
A Novel Experimental and Analytical Approach to the Multimodal Neural Decoding of Intent During Social Interaction in Freely-behaving Human Infants.

Understanding typical and atypical development remains one of the fundamental questions in developmental human neuroscience. Traditionally, experimental paradigms and analysis tools have been limited to constrained laboratory tasks and contexts due to technical limitations imposed by the available set of measuring and analysis techniques and the age of the subjects. These limitations severely limit the study of developmental neural dynamics and associated neural networks engaged in cognition, perception and action in infants performing “in action and in context”. This protocol presents a novel approach to study infants and young children as they freely organize their own behavior, and its consequences in a complex, partly unpredictable and highly dynamic environment. The proposed methodology integrates synchronized high-density active scalp electroencephalography (EEG), inertial measurement units (IMUs), video recording and behavioral analysis to capture brain activity and movement non-invasively in freely-behaving infants. This setup allows for the study of neural network dynamics in the developing brain, in action and context, as these networks are recruited during goal-oriented, exploration and social interaction tasks.
Dose correction for post-contrast T1 mapping of the heart: the MESA study

Post-contrast myocardial T1 (T1myo,c) values have been shown to be sensitive to myocardial fibrosis. Recent studies have shown differences in results obtained from T1myo,c and extracellular volume fraction (ECV) with respect to percentage fibrosis. By exploring the relationship between blood plasma volume and T1myo,c, the underlying basis for the divergence can be explained. Furthermore, dose administration based on body mass index (BMI), age and gender can mitigate the divergence in results. Inter-subject comparison of T1myo,c required adjustment for dose (in mmol/kg), time and glomerular filtration rate. Further adjustment for effective dose based on lean muscle mass reflected by blood/plasma volume was performed. A test case of 605 subjects from the MESA study who had undergone pre- and post-contrast T1 mapping was studied. T1myo,c values were compared between subjects with and without metabolic syndrome (MetS), between smoking and non-smoking subjects, and subjects with and without impaired glucose tolerance, before and after dose adjustment based on plasma volume. Comparison with ECV (which is dose independent), pre-contrast myocardial T1 and blood normalized myocardial T1 values was also performed to validate the correction. There were significant differences in T1myo,c (post plasma volume correction) and ECV between current and former smokers (p value 0.017 and 0.01, respectively) but not T1myo,c prior to correction (p = 0.12). Prior to dose adjustment for plasma volume, p value was <0.001 for T1myo,c between MetS and non-MetS groups and was 0.13 between subjects with and without glucose intolerance; after adjustment for PV, p value was 0.63 and 0.99. Corresponding ECV p values were 0.44 and 0.99, respectively. Overall, ECV results showed the best agreement with PV corrected T1myo,c (mean absolute difference in p values = 0.073) and pre-contrast myocardial T1 in comparison with other measures (T1myo,c prior to correction, blood/plasma T1 value normalized myocardium). Weight-based contrast dosing administered in mmol/kg results in a bias in T1 values which can lead to erroneous conclusions. After adjustment for lean muscle mass based on plasma volume, results from T1myo,c were in line with ECV derived results. Furthermore, the use of a modified equivalent dose adjusted for BMI, age, sex and hematocrit can be adopted for quantitative imaging.
DETECTION AND QUANTIFICATION OF WHEY INGREDIENTS IN MILK CHOCOLATE USING SDS‐GEL ELECTROPHORESIS AND HIGH‐PERFORMANCE LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHY

Sodium dodecylsulfate (SDS)-polyacrylamide disc gel electrophoresis and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) were utilized for identification and quantitative determination of whey powder replaced for whole milk powder in chocolate. SDS-phosphate buffer allowed complete solubilization of casein and whey proteins in chocolate. Therefore, isolation and fractionation of protein components of chocolate prior to electrophoresis were not required. Localization of protein bands was made possible by staining with Coomassie Brilliant Blue R-250 after separation. In all chocolate products containing whey powder as a partial replacement for whole milk powder, casein and β-lactoglobulin (β-Lg) were completely resolved and yielded sizable peak areas upon densitometric measurement. Therefore, casein as the major milk protein and β-Lg as the principal protein in the whey protein fraction were chosen for quantitative purposes. Peak area ratios (casein/β-Lg) for these proteins decreased as the percentage of whole milk powder replaced by whey powder increased, and the relationship was essentially linear. The ratio (casein/β-Lg) was similar to that of the whole milk powder ingredient only in milk chocolate which did not contain any whey. Lactose, determined by HPLC, increased linearly in chocolate products with increasing percentage of whole milk powder replacement by whey powder. Using casein as a measure of whole milk solids content, the amount of β-Lg and lactose not belonging to whole milk solids can be used to estimate the type and amount of whey ingredient present in milk chocolate of unknown composition.
Individual differences in on‐air television and radio personalities

This study examined on‐air television and radio newscasters' traitlike communication dispositions. Television and radio personalities were found to be less apprehensive, less shy, less responsive, more assertive, more willing to communicate, and more extroverted than the average individual. The study also indicated that individuals working for higher paying/ranked television or radio stations/ markets are more willing to communicate, more extroverted, more assertive, less responsive, and less shy than those in the same field working at smaller, lower‐paying/ranked stations.
Risk domains associated with an adolescent alcohol dependence diagnosis.

Aims. To determine the contribution of familial, interpersonal, academic and early substance use factors to relative risk for an alcohol dependence (AD) diagnosis in adolescents. Methods. Information on 619 adolescents and their 390 sets of biological parents was obtained using the adolescent version of the Child Semi-Structured Assessment for the Genetics of Alcoholism (C-SSAGA) and the adult counterpart of this instrument, the Semi-Structured Assessment for the Genetics of Alcoholism (SSAGA). The C-SSAGA elicits a wide range of environmental, social, and psychiatric diagnostic information. Specific domain scale scores associated with an adolescent AD were computed, and generalized estimating equations (GEE) modeling was used to determine the odds ratio (relative risk) of the specified risk domains for an alcohol dependence diagnosis. Findings. Risk factors for a DSM-III-R AD diagnosis included being at least 16 years of age, as well as negative parent-child interactions, school and personal-related difficulties (including the presence of an externalizing or internalizing DSM-III-R non-alcohol-related diagnosis), and early experimentations with a variety of substances. Conclusions. An array of familial, interpersonal, academic and early substance use factors were strongly associated with adolescent AD. Given the findings of this study, further research to determine temporal relationships that might influence the onset of adolescent alcohol dependence is warranted.
The presuperhighway politics of U.S. government printing and publishing, 1917–1960

Abstract This article examines the practices of, and the policies governing, U.S. executive agency publishing and printing for the period covering 1919–1950s. Particular attention is paid to the activities of the congressional Joint Committee on Printing (JCP) of the 67th Congress, as well as advancements in the graphic arts. Attention is also paid to the inherent, and sometimes bitter, institutional tensions that resulted from the publishing activities of the executive branch. This article further examines the emergence of the Printing Industries of America (PIA) as a player in the sphere of U.S. government printing.
A reduced silver stain for normal axons in the central nervous system.

Abstract Reduced silver stains can provide excellent impregnation of normal nerve fibers, which is often obscured to some extent by staining of several other morphological components of the neuropil. In contrast, hematoxylin stains and the Kluver-Barrera stain provide adequate differentiation but only at the price of less complete fiber impregnation. In this report a staining procedure is described that capitalizes upon the desirable characteristics of both of these classical techniques by impregnating with silver and then differentiating with a hematoxylin differentiator. The result is a simple and efficient stain which can be used to study normal fiber plexes with great clarity. An additional application is the evaluation of lesions in both cortical fiber plexes and fiber tracts.
The Five-Factor Model of Personality and Career Success

Abstract This study examined the relationship between the “Big Five” personality dimensions (neuroticism, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and openness) and career success by surveying a sample of 496 (318 male and 178 female) employees in a diverse set of occupations and organizations. Hierarchical regression analyses were used to examine the incremental variance contributed by the five personality traits after controlling for several career-related variables. Results showed that, as expected, extraversion was related positively to salary level, promotions, and career satisfaction and that neuroticism was related negatively to career satisfaction. Agreeableness was related negatively only to career satisfaction and openness was related negatively to salary level. Examination of moderators revealed that there was a significant negative relationship between agreeableness and salary among individuals in people-oriented occupations but no relationship for those in occupations not involving a strong “people” component.
The effectiveness of strain counterstrain in the treatment of patients with chronic ankle instability: A randomized clinical trial

Study Design: Randomized clinical trial. Objective: To determine the effect of strain counterstrain (SCS) on dynamic balance and subjective sense of instability in individuals with chronic ankle instability (CAI). Although many studies have been published on CAI, the cause for this common clinical dysfunction remains inconclusive. No studies have assessed the effectiveness of SCS on CAI. Methods: At baseline all participants completed a demographic questionnaire, the star excursion balance test (SEBT), and the foot and ankle ability measure (FAAM). Following the baseline evaluation, participants were randomized into the SCS experimental group (EG) (n513) or the sham SCS group (SG) (n514). All participants received the assigned treatment once a week for 4 weeks and participated in a prescribed exercise program. At week 4, all participants repeated the outcome measures and completed a global rating of change (GROC) form. The primary aim was examined with a two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results: A significant group-by-time interaction was found for seven directions in the SEBT (P,0.031). For subjective measures, no significant group-by-time interaction was found for the FAAM (P.0.548), but the GROC revealed a significant difference (P50.014) in the mean score for the EG (3.92i1.66) when compared to the SG (2.43i1.66). Discussion: Although SCS may not have an effect on subjective ankle function in individuals with CAI, preliminary evidence suggests that SCS may lead to an improvement in dynamic ankle stability and the subjective sense of ankle instability. Level of Evidence: Therapy, Level 1b.
Recent developments in molecular simulation approaches to study spherical virus capsids

Viruses are particularly challenging systems to study via molecular simulation methods. Virus capsids typically consist of over 100 subunit proteins and reach dimensions of over 100 nm; solvated vi...
Time-lapse Live Imaging of Clonally Related Neural Progenitor Cells in the Developing Zebrafish Forebrain

Precise patterns of division, migration and differentiation of neural progenitor cells are crucial for proper brain development and function1,2. To understand the behavior of neural progenitor cells in the complex in vivo environment, time-lapse live imaging of neural progenitor cells in an intact brain is critically required. In this video, we exploit the unique features of zebrafish embryos to visualize the development of forebrain neural progenitor cells in vivo. We use electroporation to genetically and sparsely label individual neural progenitor cells. Briefly, DNA constructs coding for fluorescent markers were injected into the forebrain ventricle of 22 hours post fertilization (hpf) zebrafish embryos and electric pulses were delivered immediately. Six hours later, the electroporated zebrafish embryos were mounted with low melting point agarose in glass bottom culture dishes. Fluorescently labeled neural progenitor cells were then imaged for 36hours with fixed intervals under a confocal microscope using water dipping objective lens. The present method provides a way to gain insights into the in vivo development of forebrain neural progenitor cells and can be applied to other parts of the central nervous system of the zebrafish embryo.
Abnormal cholesterol biosynthesis in sitosterolaemia and the Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome.

We investigated the enzyme defects in two inherited disorders of cholesterol biosynthesis: sitosterolaemia and the Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome. In sitosterolaemic homozygotes, plasma plant sterols (sitosterol and campesterol) concentrations are elevated because of enhanced intestinal absorption and diminished removal. Underlying these changes is very low cholesterol biosynthesis to provide extra sterol for cell growth. Extremely reduced activities of HMG-CoA reductase, the rate-controlling enzyme for cholesterol biosynthesis, caused by deficient HMG-CoA reductase mRNA is responsible and is the suspected inherited abnormality. The Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome is caused by a block in the last reaction in the cholesterol biosynthetic pathway, the conversion of 7-dehydrocholesterol to cholesterol, which is catalysed by 7-dehydrocholesterol Δ7-reductase. As a result, low plasma and tissue cholesterol with high 7-dehydrocholesterol levels are found in homozygotes, who show characteristic phenotypes of mental retardation, facial dysmorphism, and organ and limb congenital anomalies. Similar biochemical findings are produced in rats fed BM 15,766, an inhibitor of 7-dehydrocholesterol Δ7-reductase. Interestingly, feeding cholesterol can suppress abnormal cholesterol biosynthesis and improve symptoms in homozygotes and rats fed BM 15,766.
Early response of the hamster kidney to cold exposure and unilateral nephrectomy

Abstract 1. 1. Renal enlargement and DNA synthesis were studied in adult male hamsters at 1–5 days and at 2 weeks following either unilateral nephrectomy or cold exposure (4°C) alone or in combination. 2. 2. Either treatment alone caused a 40–45 per cent increase in renal wet weight within 2 weeks. When the treatments were combined the effects were additive. 3. 3. Per cent dry weights were decreased only in cold-exposed hamsters after 2 weeks of treatment. 4. 4. Renal cortical DNA synthesis, as determined by the use of radioautography after the injection of tritiated thymidine, was increased significantly at 2 days after unilateral nephrectomy, at 14 days after cold exposure and at 5 and 14 days when animals received the combined treatment. 5. 5. DNA synthesis in the outer medulla was increased significantly at 2 weeks after cold exposure and at 3, 5 and 15 days after both unilateral nephrectomy and exposure to the cold. 6. 6. Within the inner medulla only the combined treatment for 14 days caused a significant increase in DNA synthesis in tubular epithelia.
Hemodialysis for acetaminophen detoxification.

The effect of an artificial kidney on the removal of acetaminophen and its metabolites (glucuronide and sulfate) was investigated in six chronic hemodialysis patients. Acetaminophen 650 mg was give...
Active chemotherapy for collecting duct carcinoma of the kidney: a case report and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND Collecting (Bellini) duct carcinoma (CDC) of the kidney is associated with an aggressive course and an extremely poor prognosis. To the authors' knowledge, there are no standard treatment regimens and neither immunotherapy nor chemotherapy have been found to be effective. METHODS In the current study, the authors report a 49-year-old man who presented with a 7.0 cm × 6.0 cm renal mass with extensive regional, paraaortic, and left supraclavicular lymphadenopathy. Radical nephrectomy revealed a CDC. The patient was treated with doxorubicin, 50 mg/m2 (Day 1), and gemcitabine, 2000 mg/m2 (Day 1), (AG) every 2 weeks with granulocyte–colony-stimulating factor (GCSF) support. RESULTS The left supraclavicular lymphadenopathy significantly decreased in size after the first cycle. Computed tomography (CT) scan after the third cycle revealed a significant (68%) reduction in the tumor volume. Toxicity was comprised of only CTC version 2.0, 1998; Grade 1 nausea and fatigue. After Cycle 6, a repeat CT scan demonstrated minimal disease progression. Based on recent Phase II data of an active regimen comprised of AG alternating with ifosfamide, paclitaxel, and cisplatin (ITP) in patients with transitional cell carcinoma, the patient was treated with ifosfamide, 1500 mg/m2 (Days 1–3); paclitaxel, 175 mg/m2 (Day 1); and cisplatin, 35 mg/m2 (Days 1 and 2), every 4 weeks with GCSF support. After two cycles of ITP, the patient developed disease progression in bone and received palliative radiation therapy. Follow-up CT scan demonstrated new liver metastases. The patient received palliative care without further chemotherapy and died approximately 10 months after the initial diagnosis of CDC. CONCLUSIONS Immunohistologic and molecular analyses indicate that CDC more closely resembles transitional cell carcinoma than renal cell carcinoma. Chemotherapy regimens used to treat advanced transitional cell carcinoma such as AG should be evaluated as first-line therapy for CDC. Cancer 2002;94:111–6. © 2002 American Cancer Society.
Optical Fourier Processing of Subcellular Structure

We demonstrate a microscope for optical Fourier processing with high frequency resolution. Quantitative object maps that encode local morphological parameters with sub-wavelength sensitivity are generated. Applications include analysis of multiple non-spherical scatterers within living cells.
Chloroquine inhibition of cholera toxin

Cholera toxin (CT) stimulated adenylate cyclase and a phospholipase which elevated levels of 3.5-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and arachidonic acid (AA). The AA was quickly converted to prostaglandins (PGs) via the cyclo-oxygenase pathway. Chloroquine exerted minimal inhibition of cAMP levels in CT-treated cells, although CT-induced release of [3H]AA and PGs was blocked completely when the drug was added in concentrations as low as 0.1 mM (30 μγ ml). Inhibition of [3H]AA release was complete when chloroquine was added before or within 30 min after CT. The capacity of chloroquine to inhibit either phospholipase C (PLC) or phospholipase A2 (PLA2) could explain the antisecretory activity of this drug.
Structural Basis for Feedback and Pharmacological Inhibition of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Glutamate Cysteine Ligase

Structural characterization of glutamate cysteine ligase (GCL), the enzyme that catalyzes the initial, rate-limiting step in glutathione biosynthesis, has revealed many of the molecular details of substrate recognition. To further delineate the mechanistic details of this critical enzyme, we have determined the structures of two inhibited forms of Saccharomyces cerevisiae GCL (ScGCL), which shares significant sequence identity with the human enzyme. In vivo, GCL activity is feedback regulated by glutathione. Examination of the structure of ScGCL-glutathione complex (2.5 A; R = 19.9%, R(free) = 25.1%) indicates that the inhibitor occupies both the glutamate- and the presumed cysteine-binding site and disrupts the previously observed Mg(2+) coordination in the ATP-binding site. l-Buthionine-S-sulfoximine (BSO) is a mechanism-based inhibitor of GCL and has been used extensively to deplete glutathione in cell culture and in vivo model systems. Inspection of the ScGCL-BSO structure (2.2 A; R = 18.1%, R(free) = 23.9%) confirms that BSO is phosphorylated on the sulfoximine nitrogen to generate the inhibitory species and reveals contacts that likely contribute to transition state stabilization. Overall, these structures advance our understanding of the molecular regulation of this critical enzyme and provide additional details of the catalytic mechanism of the enzyme.
Covariant Method for Soliton Matrix Elements

We construct field-theory wave functions for soliton and other collective states in field theory. The formalism is covariant, incorporates zero modes, and the states can be directly related to states postulated in the standard Hamiltonian quantization procedures. By explicitly constructing the states using a generalized coherent-state expansion, we present the calculation of matrix elements of functions of operators in a general linearization scheme and reduce such calculations to ordinary functions of classical fields. The results include the dependence of matrix elements on a regularization scale ${\ensuremath{\mu}}^{2}$, momentum transfer ${q}^{\ensuremath{\mu}}$, the overlap of states having different position indices, and the classical configuration. We construct momentum eigenstates and examine the semiclassical limit \ensuremath{\Elzxh}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}0. Although most of the analysis is expressed in free-field or plane-wave modes for definiteness, the generalization to modes defined by an arbitrary linearization procedure is presented. We also discuss the separation of divergences from zero-point fluctuations versus classical divergences from topological sectors.
Peer assessments using the moodle workshop tool

In this Tip, we describe our experiences over the past four years in using the Workshop tool in the Moodle Learning Management System (LMS) to allow students to do peer assessments of student written journal article reviews. In our junior-level Software Development course, students are required to read and review several journal articles, producing a written review of 2-4 pages. Students are then required to use the Workshop tool to read and assess the work of several of their peers using an instructor-supplied rubric. In this Tip we describe the Workshop tool, how it is set up for student use, and the results of several experiences with this approach.
Solid phase synthesis of dihydropyrimidinones and pyrimidinone carboxylic acids from malonic acid resin

Abstract Malonic acid resin 1 and the corresponding diester 2 have been used for the preparation of dihydropyrimidinones 6 and pyrimidinone carboxylic acids 8. Knoevenagel condensation of the unsymmetrical resin bound malonate diester 2 followed by condensation with amidines provides dihydropyrimidinone carboxylate esters 4. Cleavage of 4 with TFA afforded the carboxylic acid 5 which undergoes decarboxylation to give dihydropyrimidinone 6. Oxidation of 4 with CAN followed by cleavage with TFA gave pyrimidinone carboxylic acids 8.
Control-Structure Integrated Design

This article presents an optimization- based approach to the integrated control and structural design of dynamical systems. The framework of a general formulation is developed, which lends itself directly to the design of structural plants requiring control. This method can employ classical and modern control techniques in the time or frequency domain. A performance norm that possesses full knowledge of the control and structural design characteristics is developed. This article explicitly addresses the disturbance-rejection and commandfollowing performance of the system, in addition to the vibration level and the control effort. The design methodology is demonstrated by simultaneously performing the structural and control designs of a truss-like spacecraft undergoing a rotational maneuver.
Dose Effects of Relaxation Practice on Immune Responses in Women Newly Diagnosed With Breast Cancer: An Exploratory Study

Purpose/objectives To determine the dose effects of relaxation practice on immune responses and describe the types of relaxation techniques preferred and the extent of relaxation practice over 10 months. Design Descriptive, prospective, repeated measures. Setting An interdisciplinary breast clinic at a university-affiliated comprehensive cancer center in the United States. Sample 49 women with newly diagnosed breast cancer and undergoing adjuvant therapy who participated in a stress management intervention. Methods Relaxation practice was assessed twice a month for 10 months with immune measurements (e.g., natural killer cell activity; lymphocyte proliferation; interferon [IFN]-γ; interleukin [IL]-2, -4, -6, and -10) at the beginning and end of 10-month practice. Main research variables Relaxation practice (representing the concepts of stress and adherence), relaxation technique, and immune response. Findings After adjusting for covariates, the extent of relaxation practice significantly contributed to the variance of natural killer cell activity, lymphocyte proliferation, IL-4, and IL-10 responses in a positive direction; the higher the relaxation practice, the higher the immune responses. In comparison, IFN-γ, IL-2, and IL-6 responses were not affected. The deep-breathing method was most preferred by participants, followed by progressive relaxation and imagination or visualization. The mean weekly frequency of relaxation practice was 5.29 (SD = 3.35), and the mean duration of relaxation practice was 19.16 (SD = 10.81) minutes per session. Conclusions Persistent relaxation practice may have positive effects on multiple immune responses in a dose-dependent manner. Implications for nursing Allowing the choice of preferred techniques and emphasizing the importance of long-term adherence, a relaxation program may need to be routinely offered to women under high stress.
A computer simulation technique for spinodal decomposition and ordering in ternary systems

To the author's knowledge, the nonlinear dynamics of inhomogeneous morphological evolution during spinodal decomposition and ordering including the subsequent coarsening process in a ternary system has not been extensively investigated. To predict morphological evolution in an inhomogeneous system without a priori assumptions on the transformation sequence and morphologies, they have to resort to computer simulations. The main objective of this work is, therefore, to develop a computer simulation technique which can predict microstructural evolution during ordering and spinodal decomposition in ternary alloys. Since the present kinetic model is microscopic in nature, it can be applied to model both ordering and phase separation as well as simultaneous ordering and phase separation. The elastic energy effect on the decomposition kinetics can also be easily incorporated into the model. As an example, a computer simulation of isostructural spinodal decomposition in a ternary alloy was performed in a simple two-dimensional square lattice.
Stereophotography for the field biologist: measurement of lengths and three-dimensional positions of free-swimming sharks

A stereophotographic technique for determining size and relative position of free-swimming sharks is described and illustrated for schooling scalloped hammerhead sharks (Sphyrna lewini). The method yields total length and nearest-neighbor, interindividual distance; and each of these dimensions is expressed as a function of the shark's distance into a school on the vertical and horizontal planes. Stereopairs of photographs were taken by an aligned, beam-mounted pair of cameras (Nikonos III). The scale to determine the length of a shark from the paired photographic images was obtained from the horizontal displacement between the images. Displacement was correlated with optical axis separation from photographs of a scaled staff at known distances from the camera. Image dimensions on the photographs were measured by projecting a scale onto the stage through a camera lucida. The precision of repeated measurements of a 50 cm section of a scaled staff at increasing distances from the cameras of 2, 4, and 8 m was ≦±5.0%. Lengths of the sharks ranged from 109 to 371 cm, with a median of 178 cm, for 3 offshore sites in the Gulf of California during July and August 1979. At one site, El Bajo Gorda, lengths increased with both distance from the camera and distance into the group; in contrast, the interindividual distances (head-to-head) did not vary with distance into the group and possessed a median of 232 cm.
The cross and the seed: Active and receptive spiritualities

If anyone wants to follow in my footsteps, he must give up all right to himself, carry his cross every day, and keep close behind me. For the man who wants to save his life shall lose it, but the man who loses his life for my sake will save it. (Luke 9:23-24) I tell you truly that unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains a single grain of wheat; but if it dies, it brings a good harvest. The man who loves his own life will destroy it, and the man who hates his life in this world will preserve it for eternal life. If a man wants to enter my service, he must follow my way. (John 12:24-26) In these two places in the Scriptures, Christ declares that the person who seeks to hold onto life will lose it, while one who willingly gives it up will find it in fullness. Also in these passages is the statement that this giving of one's life is necessary for the follower of Christ; similar statements are found in the traditions of many religions. At first reading, these spiritual postures may appear to be saying the same thing and, indeed, at some level they are. Both are insisting upon transcendence of the narrow and petty concerns of the individual ego, upon denying the limited self in order to make room for the divine to operate. Yet the manner in which one is to give up life is different in each text. These two stancesactively taking up one's cross and voluntarily yielding oneself to ego-deathsuggest very different modes of achieving the ideal of selflessness. Two types of spirituality There is an assertive activity suggested by taking up of one's cross, a reaching out to embrace with ardor the demands of the religious life. In yielding oneself to death that new life may develop, one is taking a different posture: that of volitionally surrendering self to the action of God rather than initiating personal effort. Temperamental proclivities are likely to make one or the other position easier for a given individual, yet the practice of both, at least to some extent, seems necessary. While individual human effort alone cannot bring
Changing Composition of Renal Calculi in Patients With Neurogenic Bladder

Purpose: Renal calculi are a significant source of morbidity for patients with neurogenic bladder. Calculi from patients with NB have traditionally been composed primarily of struvite and carbonate apatite secondary to chronic urea-splitting bacteriuria. In the current era there have been great improvements in the urological rehabilitation of patients with NB. We defined the composition of renal calculi in a contemporary cohort of patients with NB due to spinal cord injury or myelomeningocele who underwent percutaneous nephrolithotomy.Materials and Methods: We performed a retrospective evaluation of all patients with NB due to SCI or MM who underwent PNL between January 2002 and January 2005.Results: A total of 32 patients with NB (14 with SCI, 18 with MM) underwent PNL in this period. Stones were infectious in etiology in 37.5% (12 struvite/carbonate apatite) and metabolic in 62.5% (1 uric acid, 2 calcium oxalate monohydrate, 2 brushite, 6 hydroxyapatite, 9 mixed hydroxyapatite/calcium oxalate). All pati...
Real-Time Optical Synthetic Aperture Radar (Sar) Processor

A description is given of a real-time optical synthetic aperture radar (SAR). The processor employs an acoustooptic device as the input electronic-to-optical transducer and a CCD camera that serves as the optical detector and simultaneously performs the focusing of the SAR image in the azimuth direction. The performance criteria of the optical processor that are discussed include azimuth resolution, image size in azimuth, range resolution, image size in range, flexibility, and dynamic range.
Infective endocarditis caused by USA300 methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)

We report seven cases of infective endocarditis caused by USA300 methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) at an urban, tertiary care, academic institution. Five strains were community associated and two were healthcare associated. All patients were injection drug users. Staphylococcus aureus isolates were characterised as USA300-type MRSA using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. Five cases were right-sided endocarditis and two cases were left-sided. The mean length of in-hospital antimicrobial therapy was 23 days and the mean length of total antibiotic therapy was 55 days. Complications included heart failure resulting in valve replacement in one patient as well as death in that patient. As USA300 strains of MRSA continue to increase in prevalence, clinicians must be aware of the increasing spectrum of illness in considering management and prevention strategies.
Searching Responses of a Hunting Spider to Cues Associated with Lepidopteran Eggs

Cheiracanthium inclusum (Hentz), a hunting spider, feeds on eggs of Helicoverpa zea (Boddie) and other moths. This study investigated whether C. inclusum can use chemical compounds present in H. zea scales and egg residues as kairomones to find these non-motile prey items. In a series of no- choice tests, spiders were presented with a piece of florist paper containing scales alone, scales + egg residues, or untreated controls. Next, spiders were presented with solvent extracts of either scales or eggs. Polar and non-polar solvents were used in the extractions. Contact with scales alone, scales + egg residues, and non-polar solvent extracts of both scales and eggs resulted in retention and/or induction of local searching behavior. Extracts made with polar solvents induced no apparent response, indicating that the chemostimulatory compounds are lipophilic. These results show that C. inclusum responds to kairomones left by ovipositing H. zea and use these chemical cues to detect and locate H. zea eggs.
Measured Stability of Teacher Personality

Statistical evidence based on observer ratings of 61 Ss, on three teacher personality dimensions, over a 2- to 6-yr. period, supports the hypothesis of stability of measured teacher characteristics under proper and reliable methods of analysis. These methods include adjustment of ratings for rater bias. Correlations for two dimensions (Understanding-friendly and Responsible-businesslike) ranged from .62 to .86. One dimension (Stimulating-imaginative) showed significantly lower correlations.
Experimental Analysis and Implementation of a Multiscale Wireless/Wired Networked Control System

The aim of this paper is to discuss the flexibility and the performance of a multiscale wireless/wired networked control system (NCS). This NCS consists of three different types of dynamic systems (fast, medium, and slow clients) with distinct time scales. The experimental results verified the capability of the NCS to combine both the wired and wireless networks and the control capability of the NCS with various sampling periods. Compared to the original wired NCS, the average steady-state error of the fast client increased by 20% to 30% under the same conditions with the wireless NCS within the bandwidth-utilization (BU) threshold. From the analysis, the sampling period together with the BU and the number of clients will determine the time-delay and packet-loss levels and affect the stability and performance of the NCS in a complex correlated manner.
Perineural spread of squamous cell carcinoma of the lip: the importance of follow‐up and collaboration

Perineural spread (PNS) of mucosal squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck region occurs with a reported frequency of 2% to more than 27%. Patients previously diagnosed with and treated for head and neck cancer should be closely followed by both their physician and their dentist in order to facilitate the coordination of care. This case history demonstrates the results that can occur when a team approach to head and neck cancer is not followed, especially in a patient who is an infrequent and somewhat reluctant health care utilizer. Despite mandibular pain, the patient, who had a history of a carcinoma of the lower lip and had developed PNS, was not referred to a dentist. In patients with a previous history of squamous cell carcinoma, sensory and/or motor changes must be closely monitored when there is a suspicion of PNS. The outcome of this case supports improved collaborations between physicians and dentists in following head and neck cancer patients.
The effects of charge‐neutralizing mutation D6.30N on the functions of CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors

Charge-neutralizing mutation D6.30N of the human cannabinoid receptor subtype 1 (CB1) and cannabinoid receptor subtype 2 (CB2) cannabinoid receptors was made to test two hypotheses: (1) D6.30 may be crucial for the functions of CB1 and CB2 receptors. (2) D6.30 may participate in an ionic lock with R3.50 that keeps the receptors in an inactive conformation. Specific ligand binding and ligand-induced inhibition of forskolin-stimulated cAMP accumulation were observed with human embryonic kidney epithelial cell line (HEK293) cells expressing wild-type CB1 and CB2, as well as CB1D6.30N and CB2D6.30N mutant receptors. There was however a decrease in maximum response of the mutant receptors compared to their wild-type counterparts, suggesting that D6.30 is essential for full activation of both CB1 and CB2 receptors. Both CB1D6.30N and CB2D6.30N demonstrated a level of constitutive activity no greater than that of their wild-type counterparts, indicating that either D6.30 does not participate in a salt bridge with R3.50, or the salt bridge is not critical for keeping cannabinoid receptors in the inactive conformation.
Conductance fluctuations in free-standing hydrogenated amorphous silicon nanoparticles

Dept. of Electrical and Comput er Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455 ABSTRACT Measurements of the electronic current fluctuations of free-standing hydrogenated amorphous silicon nanoparticles are described. The nanoparticles are synthesized by high-density plasma chemical vapor deposition and are deposited onto conducting substrates. An insulating matrix, either silicon oxide or silicon nitride is then grown in order to electrically isolate the particles. Electronic measurements are performed in this transverse geometry, and underneath a top electrode of area 1mm x 1mm are typically 10,000 nanoparticles with an average diameter of 150 nm in parallel. The spectr al density of the current fluctuations in the a-Si:H nanoparticles is we ll described by a 1/ f frequency dependence for frequency f, as in the case of bulk a-Si:H films. The variation of the correlation coefficients with frequency octave separation of the noise power fluctuations in bulk a-Si:H films indicates serial interactions between fluctuators. In contrast, the octave se paration dependence of the correlation coefficients for the nanoparticles are ve ry well described by an ensemble of fluctuators whose amplitudes are independently modulated in parallel. Keywords: hydrogenated amorphous silicon, 1/f noise, silicon nanoparticles, non-Gaussian statistics 1. INTRODUCTION Thin film hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H ) plays an important role in large area electronic applications such as photovoltaics or fl at panel displays. The preferred technique for synthesizing a-Si:H involves the Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition (PECVD) of silane gas. An R.F. plasma (13.56 MHz) is created in a capacitively coupled reactor, and the silane and dopant gas molecules (such as phosphine or diborane for n-type or p-type doping, respectively) are dissociated into reactive sub-species. When these reactive chemical components strike an insulating glass substrate affixed to the capacitively coupled electrodes, they adhere and build up a thin film of amorphou s silicon. The structural and electronic quality of the resulting hydrogenated amorphous silicon film is sensitive to the deposition parameters under which the film is synthesized, such as the substrate temperature, the R.F. power supplied to the capacitively coupled electrodes, the gas pressu re in the reactor chamber, the flow rate of the reactive gases through the plasma deposition chamber and the presence of any other gases, whether inert (such as Helium or Argon) or reactive (such as Hydrogen).
Analytic evaluation of three-electron integrals

An analytic formula for the three-electron generating integral I(${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\alpha}}}_{1}$,${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\alpha}}}_{2}$,${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\alpha}}}_{3}$,${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\alpha}}}_{12}$,${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\alpha}}}_{23}$,${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\alpha}}}_{31}$) :=F${(}_{123122331}$${)}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$ exp(-${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\alpha}}}_{1}$${\mathrm{r}}_{1}$-${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\alpha}}}_{2}$${\mathrm{r}}_{2}$-${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\alpha}}}_{33}$-${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\alpha}}}_{12}$${\mathrm{r}}_{12}$-${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\alpha}}}_{23}$${\mathrm{r}}_{23}$ -${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\alpha}}}_{31\mathrm{r}31}$)${\mathrm{d}}^{3}$${\mathrm{r}}_{1}$${\mathrm{d}}^{3}$${\mathrm{r}}_{23}^{3}$ is given which is valid for all values of ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\alpha}}}_{1}$,${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\alpha}}}_{2}$,${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\alpha}}}_{3}$,${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\alpha}}}_{12}$${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\alpha}}}_{23}$,${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\alpha}}}_{31}$ for which this integral converges. A large class of integrals can be evaluated analytically by taking derivatives of I with respect to the \ensuremath{\alpha}'s. More general integrals whose integrands contain products of spherical harmonics can also be evaluated analytically. In particular, all of the matrix element integrals which arise in a variational calculation on the lithium atom with Hylleraas-type basis functions can be evaluated in closed form. Certain difficult two-electron integrals can be obtained as a limiting case. Two-center two-electron molecular integrals can be obtained via an inverse Laplace transform; this observation is used to discuss the computation and convergence of series expansions for these molecular integrals.
Poultry Meat Color: Kinds of Heme Pigments and Concentrations of the Ligands

Abstract The heme-complex-forming reactions of myoglobin, hemoglobin, and cytochrome c with various concentrations of reactants were studied. Each 1 mg/mL of myoglobin and hemoglobin as well as each .5 mg/mL of cytochrome c was dissolved in. 1 M phosphate buffer solution, pH 6.5; and several concentrations of ligands were added. A 10% SDS solution was used to prepare a final concentration of. 1% SDS for denaturing pigments. The pigment solutions were reduced with sodium hydrosulfite, and their absorption spectra were scanned from 600 nm to 500 nm with a spectrophotometer. Among those ligands studied, pyridine and nicotinamide formed heme-complexes most effectively with all three pigments. Albumin, bovine serum albumin (BSA), and gammaglobulin were also quite effective in complex formation with myoglobin and hemoglobin at high concentrations, but were not as effective as pyridine and nicotinamide. Histidine, cysteine, and methionine also made heme-complexes with hemoglobin at high concentrations. With cytochrome c, the complex-forming reactions of nicotinic acid, histidine, and BSA were as effective as those of pyridine and nicotinamide in high concentrations. The complex-forming-reaction of gammaglobulin was lower than that of other proteins with myoglobin and cytochrome c. Thiouracil exhibited some reaction with hemoglobin and myoglobin at high concentrations, but did not react with cytochrome c. Some complex-forming reaction was observed with cytochrome c at 20 mg/mL of cysteine and methionine. Aspartic acid, glycine, cysteine, and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) showed no reaction with any of the three pigments under the conditions studied. The color of the heme-complex was orange-red to pink; in some cases, the color intensity was increased by about three times that of the control. Although the heme-complex forming reactions of myoglobin, hemoglobin, and cytochrome c with pyridine were the strongest, pyridine is not present in meat. Therefore, the authors concluded that histidine, cysteine, and methionine, or their side-chains from the solubilized proteins and vitamin B6 derivatives, are very important factors in the pinkness of cooked meat.
General Trust Management - GTM

This paper presents General Trust Management (GTM), a functional trust model that is applicable in multiple problem domains. GTM explicitly handles trust management functions including trust formation, dissemination and evolution. GTM is a generalization of Trust in Smart Spaces (TISS), a trust model that targets smart space scenarios. The generalization is performed with attention to preserving the richness of TISS, including the ability to handle multi-link trust decisions, stereotyping by dividing participants into user defined classes, and personalization through the use of privacy policies. GTM’s generality is validated by demonstrating its applicability in diverse problem domains namely: service provision, packet routing and content management.