cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Recent advances in fringe projection technique for 3D shape measurement

This paper describes a new 3D surface contouring system based on a digital fringe projection and phase shifting technique. The new system takes full advantage of a novel projection display technology to provide the capability of digital fringe projection with high brightness and contrasts ratio. This capability helps improve system resolution and accuracy and make the full-field contouring of large objects possible. Fringe patterns with any cross-sectional intensity profile and spacing can be created digitally by software on a computer, limited only by the resolution and bit depth of the projection system. Also, purely software-based digital phase shifting technique can be applied to improve the resolution of the contouring technique. This eliminates the need for physically shifting the grating or other optical components and makes phase shifting digitally accurate. The concept of this new 3D surface contouring system is first introduced. Then issues related to projector nonlinearity, background noise, and phase unwrapping are addressed. FInally, some experimental results are presented.
Training drivers with infrared displays

The purpose for this paper is to show some of the used techniques in IR driver training. Topics include the differences in IR displays compared to visual image analysis. The physical laws of radiant energy are not always understood by the student. An example of TI's experience with the Drivers Viewer Enhancer training is included. A driver view using video tape with an example of computer based training will be discussed.
TRP Channel Cannabinoid Receptors in Skin Sensation, Homeostasis, and Inflammation

In the skin, cannabinoid lipids, whether of endogenous or exogenous origin, are capable of regulating numerous sensory, homeostatic, and inflammatory events. Although many of these effects are mediated by metabotropic cannabinoid receptors, a growing body of evidence has revealed that multiple members of the transient receptor potential (TRP) ion channel family can act as "ionotropic cannabinoid receptors". Furthermore, many of these same TRP channels are intimately involved in cutaneous processes that include the initiation of pain, temperature, and itch perception, the maintenance of epidermal homeostasis, the regulation of hair follicles and sebaceous glands, and the modulation of dermatitis. Ionotropic cannabinoid receptors therefore represent potentially attractive targets for the therapeutic use of cannabinoids to treat sensory and dermatological diseases. Furthermore, the interactions between neurons and other cell types that are mediated by cutaneous ionotropic cannabinoid receptors are likely to be recapitulated during physiological and pathophysiological processes in the central nervous system and elsewhere, making the skin an ideal setting in which to dissect general complexities of cannabinoid signaling.
Partial Sums of Starlike and Convex Functions

Abstract Let f n ( z ) = z + ∑ n k = 2 a k z k be the sequence of partial sums of a function f ( z ) = z + ∑ ∞ k = 2 a k z k that is analytic in | z | a k } are “small,” we determine lower bounds on Re{ f ( z )/ f n ( z }, Re{ f n ( z )/ f ( z )}, Re{ f ′( z )/ f ′ n ( z )}, and Re{ f ′ n ( z )/ f ′( z )}. In all cases, the results are sharp for each n .
MiR-205 and MiR-375 microRNA assays to distinguish squamous cell carcinoma from adenocarcinoma in lung cancer biopsies.

Introduction Identification of adenocarcinoma (AC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) histology of non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in biopsies is clinically important but can be inaccurate by routine histopathologic examination. We quantify this inaccuracy at a cancer center, and evaluate the utility of a microRNA-based method to histotype AC/SCC in biopsies. Methods RNA was extracted from tissue sections with greater than 90% tumor content that were macro- or micro-dissected from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded biopsy specimens. MicroRNAs in RNA from the biopsies and from resected tumors were quantified by TaqMan reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction assays and normalized against the RNU6B housekeeping RNA. Publicly available microRNA expression datasets were examined. Results NSCLC subtyping of small biopsy specimens by routine histopathologic examination either failed or mistyped the histology of 21% of 190 cases. Using 77 resectates, an reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction-based assay of microRNAs miR-21 , miR-205 , and miR-375 was developed to identify AC and SCC subtypes of NSCLC. This method identified the AC/SCC histotypes of 25 biopsies with an accuracy of 96%, and correctly histotyped all 12 cases for which the histology had been mistyped by routine histopathologic examination of the biopsy. Examination of publicly available datasets identified miR-205 and miR-375 as microRNAs with the best ability to histotype AC and SCC, and that levels of the two microRNAs in AC or SCC are unaffected by the pathologic stage of the tumor or the age or race of the patient. Conclusions Histotypic microRNA assays can aid the subtyping of NSCLC biopsies as AC or SCC by standard histopathologic methods.
Criminal justice scholars as expert witnesses: A descriptive analysis

Abstract The courtroom activities of criminal justice scholars represent an area of study that, with the exception of a few first-person narratives, has been largely ignored in the past. This paper, in an attempt to expand our knowledge of such activities, analyzes data collected from a group of criminal justice scholars who were singled out by their colleagues for work as expert witnesses. Due to an apparent dearth of information on such activities, the analyses are largely descriptive in nature, comparing the key features of expert witnesses (e.g., purposes of involvement, fees charged, willingness to testify in local community) with personal-biographical information. It is concluded that experience as an expert witness is central to any understanding of the role of the expert witness.
Interleukin-6 tumor necrosis factor-alpha clearance and metabolism in vivo and by the isolated, perfused liver in the rat: effect of acute alcohol administration.

Plasma clearance and organ distribution of intravenously injected human recombinant [125I]interleukin (IL)-6 and [125I]tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha were studied in male rats, 2 hr after intravenous alcohol (ethanol) administration (single dose, 2.2 g.kg-1 body weight). Also, the rate of uptake and degradation of the two cytokines by the isolated, perfused rat liver was studied in the absence or in the presence of ethanol (35 mM) in the perfusate. Acute ethanol administration significantly increased plasma clearance rate for both cytokines (36% and 72%, for IL-6 and TNF-alpha, respectively), decreased the t1/2 alpha (30% and 11%, for IL-6 and TNF-alpha, respectively), abolished the slow (beta)-phase component for TNF-alpha, and increased t1/2 beta for IL-6 (31%). Although alcohol did not affect organ distribution of TNF-alpha, it increased the IL-6 content in the liver, kidney, and blood. IL-6 uptake rate by the isolated, perfused rat liver was 2-fold higher than TNF-alpha uptake, whereas the rate of degradation was larger for TNF-alpha than for IL-6, despite the fact that both cytokines were presented to the liver at the same concentration (6 nM). Ethanol addition to the perfusate (35 mM, final concentration) significantly increased TNF-alpha uptake (24%), without affecting IL-6 uptake or the degradation rate of either cytokine. Also, the kinetics of degradation by the isolated, perfused rat liver was linear for TNF-alpha, but exponential for IL-6. Data presented in this study demonstrate that: (1) acute alcohol consumption can alter the kinetic behavior of IL-6 and TNF-alpha in the bloodstream, mainly by accelerating their clearance which, in turn, may counteract the outcome of cytokine secretion and delivery to the blood; and (2) short exposure of liver to ethanol levels commonly seen in humans after binge drinking may alter its capacity to take up cytokines.
Observations on the mechanism of erythrocyte sickling.

Extract: Recent studies have shown that the fundamental mechanism underlying the distortion of sickled erythrocytes is the conversion of reduced sickle cell hemoglobin (HbS) into rods. The abnormal molecules appear to stack into 65 A filaments that, through parallel association, form twisted rods 180–190 A in diameter. In the present investigation, the effect of hemolysis on parallel bundles of rods in sickled cells has been examined. Hemolysis was found to destroy the framework of rods in the reverse stages of formation. The rods broke down into filaments, which disappeared into amorphous debris. To further characterize the nature of the sickling phenomenon, the structure of hemoglobin crystals formed in canine erythrocytes by freeze-thaw was examined. The structure differed significantly from rods of sickled hemoglobin. Results of these investigations support the concept that sickling is a process of sol-gel transformation, not of intracellular crystallization. Speculation: Precise arrangement of HbS molecules in the rods formed when intact erythrocytes sickle under reduced oxygen tension has not been defined. The phenomenon of stacking of HbS molecules into 65 A filaments before aggregation of the 170–190 A rods is supported by this study. It is not certain, however, whether the rod is an aggregate of twisted filaments like the microtubule, or an ascending filamentous spiral of molecular subunits resembling tobacco mosaic virus. Clarification of the molecular arrangement is important for understanding the mechanism of sickling and essential for the selection of chemical agents potentially capable of disassembling or preventing formation of rods of HbS.
Stereochemical aspects of the Diels-Alder reaction

The mechanism of the Diels-Alder reaction has been a subject of intense interest for many years (1) and yet there is still substantial ambiguity concerning the timing of formation of the various bonds. In the present work we have examined the stereochemical pathways of systems designed to favor the diradical intermediate which might be involved in a two-step mechanism. The Woodward-Katz mechanism (1) embraces the salient features of both concerted and stepwise processes, although the authors seem to imply that, under favorable circumstances, a second barrier may intervene during the formation of the second bond, thus causing the overall process to be truly stepwise and perhaps not wholly stereospecific.
Inactivation of Platelet PDE2 by an Affinity Label: 8-[(4-Bromo-2,3-Dioxobutyl)Thio]cAMP

Cyclic GMP-stimulated cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase (PDE2) is the second most abundant of this class of enzymes in platelets. PDE2 probably plays an important role in the regulation of elevated intracellular concentrations of cAMP and cGMP in platelets inhibited by prostacyclin and/or nitric oxide. The cAMP and cGMP PDEs have catalytic domains with 28–40% identity, but vary in their substrate specificity and affinity. As a first step toward the goal of identifying important amino acids in the substrate binding site pocket, we have employed the affinity analog 8-[(4-bromo-2,3-dioxobutyl)thio]adenosine-3′5′ cyclic monophosphate (8-BDB-TcAMP) to inactivate PDE2 and observe the pattern of protection by substrates and their products. Incubation of purified platelet PDE2 with 8-BDB-TcAMP (2–10 mM) resulted in a time-dependent, irreversible inactivation of the enzyme with a second-order rate constant of 0.013 min−1 mM−1. Both substrates, cAMP and cGMP, as well as the products of hydrolysis by PDE2, AMP and GMP, exhibited concentration-dependent protection against inhibition by 8-BDB-TcAMP, but no protection was noted with ADP or ATP, which are not hydrolyzed by the enzyme. This compound, 8-BDB-TcAMP, and similar affinity reagents should prove useful in delineating amino acids in the active site of PDE2.
Isolation and culturing of rat pulmonary alveolar macrophages

We describe a procedure to isolate pulmonary alveolar macrophages from rat lungs. Macrophages isolated in this procedure retain their phagocytic ability for up to 2 wk.
Atmospheric turbulence effects on a wavelength diversified ground-to-UAV FSO link

The use of free-space optical (FSO) communications links are envisioned as a viable option for providing a temporary high-bandwidth communications link between a ground station and an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The presence of atmospheric turbulence causes three different phenomena to occur, namely beam wander, scintillation and beam spread, each of which is a wavelength dependent phenomenon. In this paper, simulation tools are used to investigate the effects of atmospheric turbulence on a wavelength diversified ground-to-UAV FSO communications link. This paper compares the effects of atmospheric turbulence on three different wavelengths, 1.55 μm, 0.85 μm and 10 μm. Each of these wavelengths has different advantages depending on prevalent weather conditions and atmospheric turbulence conditions. Based on the effects of atmospheric turbulence on each wavelength, a wavelength diversity scheme is proposed in order to optimize the performance of the FSO link. The largest problem associated with establishing a ground-to-UAV FSO link is alignment and tracking of the FSO link. For this reason, the wavelength diversity scheme is further analyzed as a method to optimize link acquisition and tracking of the ground-to-UAV link by exploiting various characteristics of each wavelength.
Remote-Control Crimes

In summary, the development and use of teleoperated robotic systems will continue to present new difficulties for the enforcement of local and international laws. These systems present a new capability for committing violent crimes at great distances that did not exist before. Moreover, the ability of tele-agency to separate actors from their actions will further enable the exploitation of inconsistencies between the legal standards of different jurisdictions. These legal issues are likely to be exacerbated by recent developments in international trade and globalization. There are some counterweights to these rather bleak possibilities how ever. First, robots only provide a margin of anonymity to their controller and not complete anonymity. Second, there are fundamental asymmetries in tele-agency, such that information can be transmitted in both directions, but material entities and properties are stuck on the effector end of the robotic system. Finally, the jurisdiction issues could be addressed by international courts or universal jurisdiction, but the establishment of such courts is unlikely, and most cases of telerobotic crimes will fail to rise to the current high standards set for universal jurisdiction.
Thermal management of vertical gallium nitride nanowire arrays: Cooling design and tip temperature measurement

This study reports a new thermal management scheme for vertical Gallium Nitride (GaN) nanowire (NW) arrays. A new cooling design for vertical NWs is developed by encapsulating NWs with electroplated copper. Numerical simulations show that the thermal performance of NW array could be significantly enhanced when encapsulated with high thermal conductivity materials. We have also developed a tip temperature measurement technique to characterize the tip temperature of vertical GaN NWs by using steady-state photoluminescence (PL) system. The cooling design and tip temperature measurement technique can be applied to various NW-based nanoelectronic and nanophotonic applications.
The solution of linear, constant-coefficient, ordinary differential equations with APL

Abstract The matrix exponential technique is a method for solving linear, simultaneous constant-coefficient, differential equations. The method does not require matrix inversions, but rather the summing of a truncated exponential series. The matrix form of this method makes it particularly well-suited to the matrix-handling methods of APL. The essential portion of the APL program contains only fourteen APL statements; thus it can be readily programmed. The combination of matrix exponential method and the APL language provides a fast and accurate interactive means for solving this class of ordinary differential equations.
Selective binding of 2-[125I]iodo-nisoxetine to norepinephrine transporters in the brain

A radioiodinated ligand, (R)-N-methyl-(2-[(125)I]iodo-phenoxy)-3-phenylpropylamine, [(125)I]2-INXT, targeting norepinephrine transporters (NET), was successfully prepared. A no-carrier-added product, [(125)I]2-INXT, displayed a saturable binding with a high affinity (K(d)=0.06 nM) in the homogenates prepared from rat cortical tissues as well as from LLC-PK(1) cells expressing NET. A relatively low number of binding sties (B(max)=55 fmol/mg protein) measured with [(125)I]2-INXT in rat cortical homogenates is consistent with the value reported for a known NET ligand, [(3)H]nisoxetine. Competition studies with various compounds on [(125)I]2-INXT binding clearly confirmed the pharmacological specificity and selectivity for NET binding sites. Following a tail-vein injection of [(125)I]2-INXT in rats, a good initial brain uptake was observed (0.56% dose at 2 min) followed by a slow washout from the brain (0.2% remained at 3 hours post-injection). The hypothalamus (a NET-rich region) to striatum (a region devoid of NET) ratio was 1.5 at 3 hours post-i.v. injection. Pretreatment of rats with nisoxetine significantly inhibited the uptake of [(125)I]2-INXT (70-100% inhibition) in locus coeruleus, hypothalamus and raphe nuclei, regions known to have a high density of NET; whereas escitalopram, a serotonin transporter ligand, did not show a similar effect. Ex vivo autoradiography of rat brain sections of [(125)I]2-INXT (at 3 hours after an i.v. injection) displayed an excellent regional brain localization pattern corroborated to the specific NET distribution in the brain. The specific brain localization was significantly reduced by a dose of nisoxetine pretreatment. Taken together, the data suggest that [(123)I]2-INXT may be useful for mapping NET binding sites in the brain.
Yeast Eap1p, an eIF4E-associated protein, has a separate function involving genetic stability

A rate-limiting step during translation initiation in eukaryotic cells involves binding of the initiation factor eIF4E to the 7-methylguanosine-containing cap of mRNAs. Overexpression of eIF4E leads to malignant transformation [1-3], and eIF4E is elevated in many human cancers [4-7]. In mammalian cells, three eIF4E-binding proteins each interact with eIF4E and inhibit its function [8-10]. In yeast, EAP1 encodes a protein that binds eIF4E and inhibits cap-dependent translation in vitro [11]. A point mutation in the canonical eIF4E-binding motif of Eap1p blocks its interaction with eIF4E [11]. Here, we characterized the genetic interactions between EAP1 and NDC1, a gene whose function is required for duplication of the spindle pole body (SPB) [12], the centrosome-equivalent organelle in yeast that functions as the centrosome. We found that the deletion of EAP1 is lethal when combined with the ndc1-1 mutation. Mutations in NDC1 or altered NDC1 gene dosage lead to genetic instability [13,14]. Yeast strains lacking EAP1 also exhibit genetic instability. We tested whether these phenotypes are due to loss of EAP1 function in regulating translation. We found that both the synthetic lethal phenotype and the genetic instability phenotypes are rescued by a mutant allele of EAP1 that is unable to bind eIF4E. Our findings suggest that Eap1p carries out an eIF4E-independent function to maintain genetic stability, most likely involving SPBs.
Written Language Disorders: Speech-Language Pathologists' Training, Knowledge, and Confidence

Purpose This study examined speech-language pathologists' (SLPs') perceptions of their (a) educational and clinical training in evaluating and treating written language disorders, (b) knowledge bas...
Modeling of Thermal Transpiration Flows for Knudsen Compressor Optimization

Abstract : Rarefied gas flows through two-dimensional finite length capillaries are studied numerically with the goal of performance optimization of a nanomembrane-based Knudsen compressor. Both density and temperature gradient driven flows are considered in a wide range of Knudsen numbers from 0.05 to 75. The length-to-height ratios from 5 to 30 were examined. Three different wall temperature distributions were considered, namely, linear, step-wise, and a non-monotonic profile typical for a radiantly heated Knudsen compressor membrane. The direct simulation Monte Carlo method was used for shorter channels, and a discrete ordinate method for the solution of the BGK model equation is utilized for a long channel. The mechanism for the Knudsen minimum in flow conductance is quantitatively explained, the short channel end effects are characterized, and the sensitivity of the mass flow rate to a non-monotonic temperature distribution is shown.
Simultaneous Bilateral Supine Anterior Approach Total Hip Arthroplasty: Evaluation of Early Complications and Short-Term Rehabilitation

Simultaneous bilateral anterior approach total hip arthroplasty has been a successful procedure with high patient demand and good short-term clinical results. Complication rates are acceptable and compare favorably with previously published series. The anterior approach takes advantage of supine positioning, allowing improved intraoperative monitoring and anesthesia care. Short-term rehabilitation goals are met early with this technique. Despite these advantages, providing this simultaneous approach imposes a large financial burden on the hospital and surgeon.
Assessment of satisfaction with care and decision-making among English and Spanish-speaking family members of neuroscience ICU patients

Abstract Background Patients' and family members' experiences of hospital care are important indicators of quality. "Black, Asian, and Hispanic patients are more at risk than White patients for decreased satisfaction with care." In addition, of any of these groups, Hispanic patients were most likely to report a lack of patient-centered care. In the intensive care setting, (ICU) previous research has indicated that the needs and satisfaction of family members of neurological ICU patients are different from those of family members of other types of ICU patients. Purpose The purpose of this study was to determine if there were any differences between English-speaking and Spanish-speaking family members of patients in a neurological ICU. Methods This study was a single center prospective study conducted over a 10-month period from April 2013 to February 2014 in the 18-bed neuroscience ICU of a large, urban, academic medical center. The Family Satisfaction with ICU (FS-ICU) questionnaire was used; it provides an overall score and has two factors: satisfaction with care and satisfaction with decision-making. Results There was no statistical significance between the two groups in overall satisfaction or in satisfaction with care, however Spanish-speakers (n=22) were significantly less satisfied ( p =.04) than English-speakers (n=50) with decision-making. There were three other discreet variables in which Spanish-speakers were also less satisfied: (a) management of patients' pain (OR 3.16, 95% CI [1.12, 8.9]) (b) management of patients' breathlessness (OR 3.5, 95% CI [1.23, 9.96]) as well as (c) ease of getting information (OR 3.25, 95% CI [1.09, 9.64]). Conclusion Using a standardized survey it was found that Spanish-speakers were statistically less satisfied with decision-making than English-speakers. Additionally, Spanish-speakers were statistically less satisfied with management of patients' pain and breathlessness and ease of getting information. Based on these findings, increased vigilance is recommended regarding decision-making processes of Hispanic-families, especially with regard to provision of information.
Replication of anisotropic dispersed particulates and complex continuous templates

Anisotropic nano-, micro- and mesoscale natural and synthetic structures possess a unique combination of physical properties due to a complex balance of steric factors and intermolecular interactions at multiple length scales. Utilizing such structures as templates for conformal replication allows reproduction of their unique shapes and properties into different synthetic materials. This review is devoted to the recent progress made on anisotropic microstructures suitable as sacrificial templates as well as techniques currently used for their precise replication into various materials. We present an overview of synthetic strategies used for the replication of both dispersed particulates and continuous templates with a number of recent examples of anisotropic organic and inorganic replicas presented. Strategies for generating adequate robust replicas and their expected assembling behavior are also briefly discussed.
PERSONALITY INFERENCES DRAWN ABOUT ABUSIVE MOTHERS

This study investigated the personality inferences people draw about abusive mothers by having 287 subjects view videotapes of four female targets engaged in social discourse with other adults. Some subjects were primed beforehand to believe that the female targets had physically abused or neglected their child and other subjects viewed the tapes without being primed. Afterward, all subjects rated the targets' personalities using 17 bipolar trait scales and estimating the likelihood of six social behaviors. Analyses compared the ratings of the two types of abuse groups (physical abuse and neglect) with each other and with the unprimed control group. Analysis showed that ratings of one or both of the abuse groups differed from those of the control group on 10 of the 17 trait dimensions and four of six social behaviors. Implications are drawn about the social forces experienced by abusive mothers and the possible role of such forces in therapeutic change.
Incorporation of triethoxysilyl functionalized Coumarin 4 in sol-gel hosts

A silylated Coumarin 4 (derCoum) laser dye has been incorporated over a large range of concentrations in sol-gel silica composites. Optically transparent films of derCoum and Coumarin 4 (Coum) doped silica were obtained; and their absorption and fluorescence spectra and fluorescence efficiency were measured. Dye extraction was investigated as a function of sol-gel processing conditions. Dye extraction results indicated that prehydrolysis of the derCoum and full hydrolysis of TMOS resulted in films from which the dye could not be extracted, suggesting that all the dye is bonded within the sol-gel matrix. The silylated dye films showed higher fluorescence efficiency at all concentrations with respect to the normal dye film.
Material characterization in liquid composite molding

This article reviewed the current knowledge of material characterization in liquid composite molding. Kinetic analysis and modeling of resins, rheological changes and modeling of resins, and the methods to determine permeabilities of fabric reinforcement are presented.
Explanations of the endowment effect: an integrative review

The endowment effect is the tendency for people who own a good to value it more than people who do not. Its economic impact is consequential. It creates market inefficiencies and irregularities in valuation such as differences between buyers and sellers, reluctance to trade, and mere ownership effects. Traditionally, the endowment effect has been attributed to loss aversion causing sellers of a good to value it more than buyers. New theories and findings – some inconsistent with loss aversion – suggest evolutionary, strategic, and more basic cognitive origins. In an integrative review, we propose that all three major instantiations of the endowment effect are attributable to exogenously and endogenously induced cognitive frames that bias which information is accessible during valuation.
Mechanism of human methyl-directed DNA methyltransferase and the fidelity of cytosine methylation.

Abstract The properties of the methyl-directed DNA (cytosine-5-)-methyltransferase (EC 2.1.1.37) suggest that it is the enzyme that maintains patterns of methylation in the human genome. Proposals for the enzyme's mechanism of action suggest that 5-methyldeoxycytidine is produced from deoxycytidine via a dihydrocytosine intermediate. We have used an oligodeoxynucleotide containing 5-fluorodeoxycytidine as a suicide substrate to capture the enzyme and the dihydrocytosine intermediate. Gel retardation experiments demonstrate the formation of the expected covalent complex between duplex DNA containing 5-fluorodeoxycytidine and the human enzyme. Formation of the complex was dependent upon the presence of the methyl donor S-adenosylmethionine, suggesting that it comprises an enzyme-linked 5-substituted dihydrocytosine moiety in DNA. Dihydrocytosine derivatives are extremely labile toward hydrolytic deamination in aqueous solution. Because C-to-T transition mutations are especially prevalent at CG sites in human DNA, we have used high-performance liquid chromatography to search for thymidine that might be generated by hydrolysis during the methyl transfer reaction. Despite the potential for deamination inherent in the formation of the intermediate, the methyltransferase did not produce detectable amounts of thymidine. The data suggest that the ability of the human methyltransferase to preserve genetic information when copying a methylation pattern (i.e., its fidelity) is comparable to the ability of a mammalian DNA polymerase to preserve genetic information when copying a DNA sequence. Thus the high frequency of C-to-T transitions at CG sites in human DNA does not appear to be due to the normal enzymatic maintenance of methylation patterns.
Mercury toxicity in the shark (Squalus acanthias) rectal gland: apical CFTR chloride channels are inhibited by mercuric chloride.

In the shark rectal gland, basolateral membrane proteins have been suggested as targets for mercury. To examine the membrane polarity of mercury toxicity, we performed experiments in three preparations: isolated perfused rectal glands, primary monolayer cultures of rectal gland epithelial cells, and Xenopus oocytes expressing the shark cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) chloride channel. In perfused rectal glands we observed: (1) a dose-dependent inhibition by mercury of forskolin/3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX)-stimulated chloride secretion; (2) inhibition was maximal when mercury was added before stimulation with forskolin/IBMX; (3) dithiothrietol (DTT) and glutathione (GSH) completely prevented inhibition of chloride secretion. Short-circuit current (Isc) measurements in monolayers of rectal gland epithelial cells were performed to examine the membrane polarity of this effect. Mercuric chloride inhibited Isc more potently when applied to the solution bathing the apical vs. the basolateral membrane (23±5% and 68±5% inhibition at 1 and 10 µM HgCl2 in the apical solution vs. 2±0.9% and 14±5% in the basolateral solution). This inhibition was prevented by pre-treatment with apical DTT or GSH; however, only the permeant reducing agent DTT reversed mercury inhibition when added after exposure. When the shark rectal gland CFTR channel was expressed in Xenopus oocytes and chloride conductance was measured by two-electrode voltage clamping, we found that 1 µM HgCl2 inhibited forskolin/IBMX conductance by 69.2±2.0%. We conclude that in the shark rectal gland, mercury inhibits chloride secretion by interacting with the apical membrane and that CFTR is the likely site of this action. J. Exp. Zool. 305A:259–267, 2006. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Shape Transformation and Surface Melting of Cubic and Tetrahedral Platinum Nanocrystals

We report transmission electron microscopic studies of in-situ temperature-induced shape transformation and melting behavior of polymer-capped cubic and tetrahedral nanocrystals. Our results indicate that the surface-capping polymer is removed by annealing the specimen at temperatures between 180 and 250 °C. The particle shapes show no change up to ∼350 °C. In the temperature range between 350 and 450 °C, a small truncation occurs in the particle shapes but no major shape transformation is observed. The particle shapes experience a dramatic transformation into spherical-like shapes when the temperature is raised above ∼500 °C, where surface diffusion or surface premelting (softening) takes place. Above 600 °C, surface melting becomes obvious leading to coalescence of the surfaces of neighboring nanocrystals and a decrease in the volume occupied by the assembled nanocrystals. The surface melting forms a liquid layer a few atomic layers deep around the still solid core of the nanocrystal. This temperature i...
Studies on mixed micelles of Triton X-100 and phosphatidylcholine using nuclear magnetic resonance techniques.

The addition of the nonionic detergent Triton X-100 to aqueous phosphatidyl-choline dispersions converts the bilayer structures to mixed micellar structures containing Triton X-100. High-resolution nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy at 220 MHz was used to follow this conversion, and the general spectral characteristics of the mixed micelles are presented. The results are discussed in terms of the precise change in structure which occurs as Triton is mixed with the phospholipid bilayers, and it is concluded that, above a molar ratio of about 2:1 Triton to phospholipid, most or all of the phospholipid is in mixed micelles. The relevance of these results to the study of enzymes which require substrate in the form of micelles is discussed.
Cardiovascular Risk Factors Increase with Obesity Severity in African American Youth with and without type 2 Diabetes (T2DM)

Background The increase in childhood Type 2 Diabetes (T2DM) has paralleled the epidemic increase in childhood obesity. T2DM and obesity in adults are associated with increased risk for cardiovascular disease with African-Americans (AA) disproportionately affected. This study evaluated whether obese AA youth with and without T2DM exhibit a similar cardiovascular risk (CVR) profile and if severity of obesity affects the CVR profile. Groups BMI RBMI (%) HBA1c TC (mg/dL) HDL (mg/dL) LDL (mg/dL) TRI (mg/dL) CRP (mg/L) FIB (mg/dL) T2DM (54) 40.2 ± 9.8 204 ± 47 8.2 ± 2.7 178 ± 44 42 ± 11 107 ± 28 129 ± 106 0.7 ± 0.8 393 ± 83 Non-DM (44) 36.2 ± 9.5 196 ± 44 5.5 ± 0.5 a 170 ± 30 48 ± 12 a 104 ± 26 88 ± 31a 0.8 ± 1.4 370 ± 71 Values means ± SD. a P Methods Overweight AA youth without (Non-DM, n = 44, 70% female, 13.3 ± 2.8 yr) and with T2DM (n = 54, 67% female, 14 ± 2.3 yr) underwent a physical examination with resting BP, fasting levels of fibrinogen (FIB), lipids, and HBA1c measured. In a subgroup (n=60), C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were obtained. Relative BMI (RBMI) was used as an estimate of percent overweight (BMI/50th percentile BMI on CDC chart*100 for gender and age). Results Although younger in age ( P 400 mg) (34 vs. 46%), CRP (>0.5 mg) (44% vs. 29%), and BP (55% vs. 39%) compared to the T2DM group ( P = NS). Based on National Cholesterol Education Program guidelines, dyslipidemia was present in 81% T2DM compared to 60% Non-DM ( X 2 = 5.26, P = 0.02). In addition to obesity, 88% of Non-DM and 93% of T2DM had at least one additional CVR factor of dyslipidemia, hypertension or elevated FIB. For the entire cohort, higher RBMI was associated with higher FIB (r = 0.36, P = 0.001), CRP (r = 0.50, P P P = 0.001) and total cholesterol (r = 0.30, P = 0.003). These associations persisted after adjusting for age. The number of CVR factors was similar between groups at comparable RBMI, with both groups exhibiting an increased number of CVR factors at higher RBMI ( P Conclusion Severity of obesity contributes to CVR in overweight AA youth, regardless of concomitant diagnosis of type 2 diabetes, suggesting that control of glycemia, while critical, is insufficient to reduce CVR. The presence of CVR factors prior to manifestation of T2DM might account for the earlier manifestation and higher prevalence of CVD in AA with T2DM. Screening for CVR factors and development of treatment strategies for weight and CVR management are needed for all overweight AA youth regardless of diabetes status.
Interlegislator Relations and Policy Making: A Sociological Study of Roll-Call Voting in a State Legislature1

Legislative roll-call voting is crucial in policy making. Standard approaches to studying roll-call voting focus on legislator attributes, ignoring how social factors, such as legislator relations, may drive voting. Using original data based on a state legislature, I adopt a relational approach to examine how legislator relations impact roll-call voting net of attributes. Results show that relations strongly influence voting, adding significantly to the explanatory power of the models. These results imply that standard approaches to studying roll-call voting should incorporate consideration of social factors, suggesting the value of social influence models in studies of political phenomena.
The influence of seasonal water availability on global C3 versus C4 grassland biomass and its implications for climate change research

Abstract Climate-change induced alterations in the global distribution of cool season (C3) and warm season (C4) grasses would impact the global carbon cycle and have differing, local effects on range and agricultural production. We hypothesize that a major influence on C3/C4 distribution may be the seasonal timing of water availability with respect to the different C3 and C4 growing seasons. An algorithm expressing this hypothesis (the SAW hypothesis for Seasonal Availability of Water), estimates C3 versus C4 grass biomass from climate data. Sensitivity analysis indicated that temperatures used to delineate the start and end of the C3 and C4 grass growing seasons were more important than photosynthetic responses to temperature. To evaluate the SAW hypothesis, this algorithm was applied globally on a 1°×1° latitude–longitude grid. When compared with vegetation survey data at 141 locations in North America, Argentina, Australia, and South Africa, SAW algorithm predictions yielded an R2 of 0.71. Error resulted primarily from comparing large grid cells to plot data, interannual variability of climate, and from gridding measured climate to data-sparse locations with a single lapse rate of air temperature with elevation. Application of the SAW algorithm to a climate change scenario suggested that changes in temperature and precipitation patterns could offset C3 photosynthetic advantages offered by elevated atmospheric CO2 concentrations. These results underscored the importance of accurately representing the timing and spatial distribution as well as the magnitude of temperature and precipitation in scenarios of future climate.
Effects of d-amphetamine on observing behavior in the squirrel monkey

Abstract Four squirrel monkeys were trained to press a lever, which produced stimuli indicating availability or non-availability of reinforcement for pushing a key. Food reinforcements were available for the key response at random intervals with an average rate of 1 per min. When food was available, a single lever response produced a red light behind the key. Reinforcement availabilities and red keylights remained until terminated by a reinforced key response. When reinforcement was not available, each lever response produced a 0.5-sec green light on the key. Except after lever responses, the key remained dark. Under this procedure, lever responses functioned as observing behavior in that they produced discriminative stimuli correlated with the availability or non-availability of reinforcement for key responses. The procedure generated a high rate of responding on the lever, short latencies of the key response after onset of red lights and few responses to the key in the absence of red lights. Intra-muscular d-amphetamine, in doses from 0.125 to 1.0 mg/kg, abolished both observing behavior and key responding for periods that increased as a function of dose. However, both observing and key rates were increased at the smallest dose in two subjects whose performances included responding to the key in the absence of red lights. Results are discussed in relation to previous findings regarding effects of amphetamines on operant behavior and on observing and monitoring performance.
The Changing Role of Community College Faculty: Implications in the Literature

After discussing major environmental forces for change in higher education, the author draws upon organizational theory to analyze the community college environment with a focus on faculty as the technical core of educational organizations. Based on her analysis, she predicts a change to a more complex and less centralized organizational structure than colleges currently use and an accompanying change in the role of community college faculty from that of instructor-worker to that of learing process manager.
The pH Value of Turkey Egg Albumen

Abstract The hydrogen ion concentration of egg white, expressed as pH, has been reported by several workers for that of the chicken egg. Denton and Titus (1945) reported the pH of egg albumen within one hour after laying to be 7.60±.05 and to be 8.34±.06 for those measured 20–24 hours after laying. Swanson (1959) gave the pH of albumen of chicken eggs to be about 8.7 after aging for 48 hours. Fromm and Gammon (1968) stated that the pH of the albumen of freshly laid egg is approximately 7.8 and rises shortly thereafter to about 9.7. Romanoff and Romanoff (1949) gave the pH of albumen of new-laid chicken eggs to be about 7.6. No references were found in regard to the pH of the turkey egg albumen. PROCEDURE Eggs from 548 Large White turkeys of a commercial strain were used in this experiment. The pH determinations were made with a…
Supplemental description of Myxobolus squamalis (Myxozoa).

Abstract: Myxobolus squamalis is a myxozoan skin parasite first reported from rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Identification of the parasite based on myxospore morphology is unreliable because M. squamalis is similar to several other myxobolids that share host species and geographic ranges. The only ssrRNA gene sequence available for M. squamalis is from Chinook salmon, Oncorhynchus tschawytscha, but these data are not linked with any information on spore morphology. Here we provide a supplemental description of M. squamalis from its type host, O. mykiss, using myxospore morphology, morphometry, and ssrRNA gene sequence data. Our ssrRNA sequence data were only 78% similar to the GenBank M. squamalis sequence from Chinook salmon, which raises the possibility of misidentification. We suggest that Chinook salmon are not a host of the parasite, as no infections were found in current stocks or in >30 yr of historical data from hatchery fish held in waters that harbored M. squamalis in rainbow trout, and ...
Alterations in N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor sensitivity and magnesium blockade occur early in development in the R6/2 mouse model of Huntington's disease.

Huntington’s disease (HD) is an autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disorder that affects primarily the striatum and cerebral cortex. A search for the factors that increase the vulnerability of striatal neurons will lead to a better understanding of the pathological cascades of this disease. A current hypothesis for neurodegeneration of striatal medium-sized spiny neurons in HD is an alteration in N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor function. In the present study we examined electrophysiological properties of NMDA receptors in the R6/2 transgenic mouse model. These animals express exon 1 of the human HD gene and present an overt behavioral phenotype at about 5 weeks of age. Whole-cell voltage clamp recordings from acutely dissociated striatal neurons were obtained from three different age groups of transgenic mice (15, 21, and 40 days old) and their littermate controls (WT). In transgenic animals, two groups of neurons were found with respect to NMDA and Mg 2þ sensitivity. One group of R6/2 cells displayed responses similar to those of WT, whereas the other showed increased responses to NMDA and decreased Mg 2þ sensitivity. These cells were encountered in all age groups. The abnormal sensitivity to NMDA and Mg 2þ indicates that NMDA receptor alterations occur very early in development and suggest the presence of constitutively abnormal NMDA receptors. These alterations may contribute to an enhancement of NMDA responses at hyperpolarized membrane potentials that may be a key factor in striatal neuronal dysfunction. V C 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Effects of Elevated Temperature on Early Embryonic Development of the Tautog, Tautoga onitis

Abstract The effect of elevated temperature on early embryonic development of tautog, Tautoga onitis, was the subject of a study in which both spawning adults and developing eggs were exposed to similar temperatures. When incubation temperature was gradually raised from 20.0 C, anatomical deformities, including stunted embryos and/or abnormal body curvatures, as well as increased mortality occurred between 24.2 and 26.3 C. Normal development was evident after the temperature returned to 20.0 C.
Associations between health insurance and generalized periodontal disease in a study population of Gullah African Americans with type-2 diabetes.

Objectives To explore the relationship between health insurance status (Medicare, Medicaid, private, and uninsured) and generalized periodontal disease (GPD) among a study population (N = 245) of adult Gullah African Americans with type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) ages <65 years. Methods We used multivariable logistic regression to assess GPD [using three different and increasingly severe clinical assessments: ≥3, ≥4, and ≥5 mm clinical attachment level (CAL) at ≥30% of sites] according to health insurance status. Results Prevalence of GPD was 33.06% for ≥3, 18.78% for ≥4, and 9.80% for ≥5 mm CAL. Age ranged 26–64 years (mean = 52.11, SD = 8.53, median = 53). Private insurance was most prevalent (39.59%), followed by uninsured (30.61%), Medicaid (16.33%), and Medicare (13.47%). Results showed increased odds (versus private insurance) for GPD at ≥3 mm among Medicaid (OR = 1.82, P = 0.2404), Medicare (OR = 3.34, P = 0.0103), and uninsured (OR = 1.96, P = 0.0956) groups; GPD at ≥4 mm among Medicaid (OR = 1.97, P = 0.3303), Medicare (OR = 5.02, P = 0.0121), and uninsured (OR = 3.38, P = 0.0319) groups; and GPD at ≥5 mm among Medicaid (OR = 1.21, P = 0.8507), Medicare (OR = 12.62, P = 0.0038), and uninsured (OR = 4.00, P = 0.0763) groups. Conclusions We observed substantial disparities for GPD severity among those without private health insurance even after adjusting for glycemic control, income, dental health behaviors, and other covariates. Improved insurance benefits as well as individualized oral health educational interventions may decrease GPD severity for this study population of younger (ages <65 years) Gullah African Americans with T2DM, particularly those with Medicare insurance.
Antibodies to the 60 and 65 kDa heat-shock proteins and risk of peripheral artery disease.

Autoimmunity may be involved in atherogenesis. Beta2-glycoprotein I (beta2-gpI) and heat-shock proteins (Hsp) are found in the atherosclerotic plaque. Our group has recently looked at the humoral response to these atheromatous components. Uniformly, IgA antibodies to beta2-gpI were associated with an increase in the risk of cerebral ischemia, myocardial infarction, and peripheral artery disease (PAD). In turn, IgG antibodies to the 60 kilodalton (kDa) human Hsp and to the 65 kDa Mycobacterium bovis Hsp behaved as risk factors for cerebral [...]
Burial of Dredged Sediment Beneath the Floor of New York Harbor

Subaqueous burial of dredged sediment beneath the sea floor may be one way to better isolate and contain contaminated sediments on a disposal site as well as to restore the disposal site to the ambient conditions. The technology is available to construct a deposit of dredged sediment in a pit which might be mined into the sea floor and to cover, or cap, this deposit in the sand using conventional equipment. Such a project has been designed for a disposal site in New York Harbor. The deposit of dredged sediment is to be constructed in three stages and will ultimately contain about 915,000 yd3. The form of the first stage was predicted empirically using isopach maps of dredged sediment mounds in other areas. The first stage has been completed and its form was adequately anticipated.