cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The morphology and physiology of the hepatopancreas of Cambarus virilis

The relation of the hepatopancreas to the pyloric stomach and its physiologic histology were studied. The organ consists of two lobes, united ventrally, which lie along the cardiac and pyloric stomachs and the intestine. Primary and secondary lobulations (acini) are present, and the entire organ is a system of anastomosing tubules (lumina). The tubules progressively converge and form a duct in each lobe which leads ventrolaterally into the pyloric stomach. Each acinus consists of a single layer of hepatic and pancreatic cells supported by a basement membrane, and the interacinar spaces are the seat of fibro-elastic tissue and phagocytic cells. The supporting tissue is laminar with that of the stomach. The arterial capillaries, composed of endothelial cells, lie in the interacinar spaces. The blood supply is by way of the basement membrane to the cells. The hepatic cells of specimens collected in September bear little fat; cells of June specimens are laden with fat. Glycogen is deposited in the hepatic cells; there is no difference between the quantity found in September and in June. The hepatic cells probably contain biliverdin. Chemical analysis indicates the presence of trypsin, amylase, and lipase. A review of the literature and a discussion of homologies with reference to the vertebrate liver are given.
Pressure Drop Over MEMS-Based Micro Scale Pin Fin Heat Sinks

Pressure drops and friction factors related to forced flow of de-ionized water over staggered/ in-line micro pin fin bundles (100-μm long, with hydraulic diameter of 50-μm and 100-μm, and with horizontal and vertical pitch ratios 1.5 and 5) possessing different cross-sections (circular/ diamond) have been experimentally investigated over Reynolds numbers ranging between 5–128. The applicability of conventional scale correlations to evaluate micro flow tests results has been assessed. It has been shown that available large-scale correlations do not adequately predict the pressure drop obtained at the micro scale.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
HIGHER EDUCATION LEADERSHIP IN STATE LEGISLATURES

The distribution of higher education leadership in state legislatures is examined. It is based on questionnaire and interview information from 285 legislators who exercise influence on education policy in the fifty states, and one-third of whom give special attention to issues of higher education. These higher education leaders differ from education leaders generally in terms of their experience, their location within the legislature, and their effort and relationships. What explains higher education leadership as much as anything else, however, is the nature of the environment in which legislators find themselves. In focusing on eleven states, where higher education is of considerable salience, it is possible to discern how environment combines with other factors to produce such leadership.
A novel 160-kDa phosphotyrosine protein in insulin-treated embryonic kidney cells is a new member of the insulin receptor substrate family.

We have previously identified a 160-kDa protein in human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells that undergoes rapid tyrosine phosphorylation in response to insulin (PY160) (Kuhne, M. R., Zhao, Z., and Lienhard, G. E. (1995) Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 211, 190–197). The phosphotyrosine form of PY160 was purified from insulin-treated HEK 293 cells by anti-phosphotyrosine immunoaffinity chromatography, the sequences of peptides determined, and its cDNA cloned. The PY160 cDNA encodes a 1257-amino acid protein that contains, in order from its N terminus, a pleckstrin homology (PH) domain, a phosphotyrosine binding (PTB) domain, and, spread over the C-terminal portion, 12 potential tyrosine phosphorylation sites. Several of these sites are in motifs expected to bind specific SH2 domain-containing proteins: YXXM (7 sites), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase; YVNM (1 site), Grb-2; and YIEV (1 site), either the protein-tyrosine phosphatase SHP-2 or phospholipase Cγ. Furthermore, the PH and PTB domains are highly homologous (at least 40% identical) to those found in insulin receptor substrates 1, 2, and 3 (IRS-1, IRS-2, and IRS-3). Thus, PY160 is a new member of the IRS family, which we have designated IRS-4.
Can coronary flow parameters after stent placement predict restenosis

Intracoronary stent was used to treat a dissection resulting from balloon angioplasty. Coronary flow parameters measured with Doppler Flowire pre- and post-stenting suggested abnormal coronary flow even after stenting. The patient returned 4 months later with an instent restenosis. This case suggests the intriguing possibility of coronary flow parameters obtained immediately after new device angioplasty in predicting restenosis. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
A New Valve-Less Trocar for Urologic Laparoscopy: Initial Evaluation

Abstract Introduction: Laparoscopic trocars typically maintain pneumoperitoneum using trap door valves and silicone seals. However, valves and seals hinder passage of instruments, cause lens smudgi...
Correlation Between Lipid Peroxidation and Phospholipid Hydrolysis in Frozen Fish Muscle

The effect of EDTA and KCN on the course of phospholipid hydrolysis and peroxidation in minced trout muscle was tested during storage at -10 degrees C. EDTA had no significant effect on either process but KCN caused a significant reduction in phospholipid hydrolysis as measured by lysophosphatidylcholine. The addition of ferric ion increased both lipid peroxidation and lipid hydrolysis, providing support for the hypothesis that these processes were linked in fish muscle.
Structure-Based Design of Novel 2-Amino-6-phenyl-pyrimido[5′,4′:5,6]pyrimido[1,2-a]benzimidazol-5(6H)-ones as Potent and Orally Active Inhibitors of Lymphocyte Specific Kinase (Lck): Synthesis, SAR, and In Vivo Anti-Inflammatory Activity

Lck, or lymphocyte specific kinase, is a cytoplasmic tyrosine kinase of the Src family expressed in T-cells and NK cells. Genetic evidence from knockout mice and human mutations demonstrates that Lck kinase activity is critical for T-cell receptor-mediated signaling, leading to normal T-cell development and activation. A small molecule inhibitor of Lck is expected to be useful in the treatment of T-cell-mediated autoimmune and inflammatory disorders and/or organ transplant rejection. In this paper, we describe the structure-guided design, synthesis, structure–activity relationships, and pharmacological characterization of 2-amino-6-phenylpyrimido[5′,4′:5,6]pyrimido[1,2-a]benzimidazol-5(6H)-ones, a new class of compounds that are potent inhibitors of Lck. The most promising compound of this series, 6-(2,6-dimethylphenyl)-2-((4-(4-methyl-1-piperazinyl)phenyl)amino)pyrimido[5′,4′:5,6]pyrimido-[1,2-a]benzimidazol-5(6H)-one (25), exhibits potent inhibition of Lck kinase activity. This activity translates into ...
Evaluation of 89Zr-rituximab Tracer by Cerenkov Luminescence Imaging and Correlation with PET in a Humanized Transgenic Mouse Model to Image NHL

Purpose This research aimed to study the use of Cerenkov luminescence imaging (CLI) for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) using 89Zr-rituximab positron emission tomography (PET) tracer with a humanized transgenic mouse model that expresses human CD20 and the correlation of CLI with PET.
Surgical Approaches and Short-Term Surgical Outcomes for Patients with Morbid Obesity and Endometrial Cancer

Abstract Introduction: Due to the increasing incidence of obesity, we wanted to evaluate the short-term outcomes of obese women undergoing open abdominal surgery for endometrial cancer in regard to...
I DDQ testing as a component of a test suite: the need for several fault coverage metrics

This article is concerned with the role of I DDQ testing, in conjunction with other types of tests, in achieving high quality. In particular, the argument is made that rather than use a single fault coverage, it is better to obtain a number of different coverages, for different types of faults. To demonstrate the need for increasingly stringent fault coverage requirements, an analysis is given of the relationship between quality, fault coverage and chip area. This analysis shows that as chip area increases, fault coverage must also increase to maintain constant quality levels. Data are then presented from a production part tested with Iddq scan, timing and functional tests. To realistically fault grade I DDQ tests, three different coverage metrics are considered. The data show differences in tester failures compared to these coverage metrics, depending on whether one uses total Iddq failures (parts which fail Iddq regardless of whether they fail other tests as well) or unique IDdq failures (parts which fail only Iddq). The relative effectiveness of the different components of the full test suite are analyzed and it is demonstrated that no component can be removed without suffering a reduction in quality.
Lifetime Prediction for Organic Coatings on Steel and a Magnesium Alloy Using Electrochemical Impedance Methods

Abstract Electrochemical impedance studies were conducted on an epoxy polyamide-coated AISI1010 steel (UNS G10100) and an epoxy/chromate conversion-coated magnesium (Mg) alloy ZE41A-T5 (UNS M16410)...
Modularized Stress Management for Reduction of Predicted Illness

Abstract The purpose of this study was to develop a cost-effective modularized and self-paced learning method for reducing stress for beginning college students. Stress associated with entering collegiate programs significantly affects student adjustment and achievement. Many researchers report significant correlations between stress and serious physical and emotional illness. Two hundred ninty-nine students were randomly divided into control and experimental groups. All students completed a Stress Assessment Questionnaire at the beginning of the program and then at four weeks, fifteen weeks, and twelve months. This tool measured student self-reported physical, social, and emotional life changes during the previous year. During the first three weeks of the program, the experimental group received the modularized stress reduction packet aimed at helping students to assess their life stresses, understand the impact that stress has on their health, and develop individualized stress management skills. The con...
Perceived Quality of Care, Receipt of Preventive Care, and Usual Source of Health Care Among Undocumented and Other Latinos

BACKGROUND Latinos are the largest minority group in the United States and experience persistent disparities in access to and quality of health care.
Insertion of CO2 and COS into Bi–C Bonds: Reactivity of a Bismuth NCN Pincer Complex of an Oxyaryl Dianionic Ligand, [2,6-(Me2NCH2)2C6H3]Bi(C6H2tBu2O)

The reactivity of the unusual oxyaryl dianionic ligand, (C6H2tBu2-3,5-O-4)2–, in the Bi3+ NCN pincer complex Ar′Bi(C6H2tBu2-3,5-O-4), 1, [Ar′ = 2,6-(Me2NCH2)2C6H3] has been explored with small molecule substrates and electrophiles. The first insertion reactions of CO2 and COS into Bi–C bonds are observed with this oxyaryl dianionic ligand complex. These reactions generate new dianions that have quinoidal character similar to the oxyaryl dianionic ligand in 1. The oxyarylcarboxy and oxyarylthiocarboxy dianionic ligands were identified by X-ray crystallography in Ar′Bi[O2C(C6H2tBu2-3-5-O-4)-κ2O,O′], 2, and Ar′Bi[OSC(C6H2tBu2-3-5-O-4)-κ2O,S], 3, respectively. Silyl halides and pseudohalides, R3SiX (X = Cl, CN, N3; R = Me, Ph), react with 1 by attaching X to bismuth and R3Si to the oxyaryl oxygen to form Ar′Bi(X)(C6H2tBu2-3,5-OSiR3-4) complexes, a formal addition across five bonds. These react with additional R3SiX to generate Ar′BiX2 complexes and R3SiOC6H3tBu2-2,6. The reaction of 1 with I2 forms Ar′BiI2 an...
Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtles

ence, including the presentation of minority or conflicting points of view, rather than by publishing only material on which a consensus has been reached. Accordingly, all articles published in Sclence-including editorials, news and comment, and book reviews-are signed and reflect the individual views of the authors and not official points of view adopted by the AAAS or the institutions with which the authors are affiliated.
Red squirrel metabolism during incline running.

Abstract 1. 1. The oxygen consumption of running red squirrels is 1·4–2·8 times greater than that of resting squirrels. 2. 2. Incline running necessitates a higher aerobic metabolic rate than running at the same velocity on the horizontal. Further, the incremental increase in aerobic metabolism with increasing velocity is greater the steeper the incline. 3. 3. When metabolism is plotted as a function of velocity the y-intercept (extrapolated zero running velocity) is greater than resting metabolic values and all regressions intercept the same point regardless of angle of running. 4. 4. A multiple regression analysis of parameters affecting metabolism of running red squirrels yields the following relation: M run = 2·42 + 0·77V+1·67VG , where V = km/hr and G = sine of angle of incline. 5. 5. The following general equation to predict metabolic rate of red squirrels (at rest or active) was generated : M = α[1·50 + 0·085(20- T A )]+0-77V+1·67VG , where a is a coefficient equal to 1·12 if the animal is running or equal to 1·0 if the animal is resting and TA equals air temperature. 6. 6. The data suggest that not only velocity of running but also angle of inclination and ambient temperature may significantly affect metabolic rate of running red squirrels.
Predicting alcohol misusers' readiness and ability to quit smoking: a critical review.

Aims: The prevalence of smoking among individuals with alcohol use disorders (AUD) and other substance use disorders is alarmingly high, and long-term success rates of smoking cessation interventions in this group are low. One way to improve treatment efficacy for this population is through a more comprehensive understanding of individual- and treatment-level variables that affect the motivation to quit as well as the outcomes of smoking cessation attempts. In this paper, we review the relevant research on factors that may influence readiness to quit and the efficacy of smoking cessation interventions in this population and highlight gaps in the knowledge base that require further investigation. Methods: We conducted a review of the literature on smoking among adults with AUD in order to examine predictors of motivation to quit smoking and outcome of cessation attempts. Results: No consistent predictors of motivation for smoking cessation were identified. Although the results were not unanimous, a greater length of abstinence from alcohol and other substances predicted smoking cessation success. Conclusions: Empirical work identifying factors associated with the motivation and ability to quit smoking among individuals with AUD is in its early stages. Mixed results and a dearth of research in this area prohibit strong conclusions from being made. Future researchers are encouraged to consider alternative methods of conceptualizing and measuring motivations to quiin this group and to routinely include analyses that examine predictors of outcome in intervention studies.
Protein networks and activation of lymphocytes

The signal transduction pathways initiated by lymphocyte activation play a critical role in regulating host immunity. High-resolution mass spectrometry has accelerated the investigation of these complex and dynamic pathways by enabling the qualitative and quantitative investigation of thousands of proteins and phosphoproteins simultaneously. In addition, the unbiased and wide-scale identification of protein-protein interaction networks and protein kinase substrates in lymphocyte signaling pathways can be achieved by mass spectrometry-based approaches. Critically, the integration of these discovery-driven strategies with single-cell analysis using mass cytometry can facilitate the understanding of complex signaling phenotypes in distinct immunophenotypes.
Incidental Haptic Sensations Influence Social Judgments and Decisions

Touch is both the first sense to develop and a critical means of information acquisition and environmental manipulation. Physical touch experiences may create an ontological scaffold for the development of intrapersonal and interpersonal conceptual and metaphorical knowledge, as well as a springboard for the application of this knowledge. In six experiments, holding heavy or light clipboards, solving rough or smooth puzzles, and touching hard or soft objects nonconsciously influenced impressions and decisions formed about unrelated people and situations. Among other effects, heavy objects made job candidates appear more important, rough objects made social interactions appear more difficult, and hard objects increased rigidity in negotiations. Basic tactile sensations are thus shown to influence higher social cognitive processing in dimension-specific and metaphor-specific ways.
Micro and macro material symmetries in generalized continua

Abstract Material symmetry restrictions on constitutive moduli of anisotropic elastic solids formed by different modes of aggregation (i.e. with material elements having micro and macro domains characterized by scales of different length) are investigated. An analysis is presented of the combined influence of anisotropy, substructure orientation, and long-range-order nonlocal interactions. Starting with a suitable attenuation function, a constitutive theory is constructed for a nonlocal-polar elastic solid possessing orthotropy at the nonlocal-polar level and transverse isotropy at the local polar level.
Numerical modelling of lower hybrid RF heating and current drive experiments in the Alcator C tokamak

A simulation model is described for lower hybrid (LH) current drive, rampup, heating, and sawtooth stabilization. The model incorporates a one-dimensional radial transport code, parallel velocity Fokker-Planck calculation, and a toroidal ray tracing code. For steady LH current drive it is found that the RF current generation is accurately predicted by a fast electron confinement time of the form ms in the density range of 3 × 1019 m−3 e 7 × 1019 m−3 (where ± distinguishes electrons moving parallel (antiparallel) to the current drive direction). Also in this range, the theoretically predicted wave absorption and experimentally measured electron temperatures and stored energy were found to be consistent with an electron thermal diffusivity whose magnitude is independent of ne. To reproduce the experimentally measured values of LH rampup efficiency at e = 3 × 1019 m−3, it was necessary to take . For LH heating at densities of e ≌ 1.4 × 1020 m−3, the power lost due to collisional damping of the LH ray trajectories at the plasma periphery was found to be significant, because of higher edge densities. Studies of LHRF sawtooth stabilization experiments with RF current drive indicated the possibility of creating stable profiles of the safety factor, q, via the generation of positive RF current near the q = 1 surface, thus producing a current 'pedestal'.
Photonic crystal fiber monitors for intracellular ice formation

An all-silica steering wheel photonic crystal fiber (SW-PCF) device with real-time analysis for cellular temperature sensing is presented. Results are provided for water-filled SW-PCF fibers experiencing cooling down near -40°C. Cellular temperature sensors with fast response times are of interest particularly to the study of cryopreservation, which has been influential in applications such as tissue preservation, food quality control, genetic engineering, as well as drug discovery and in- vitro toxin testing. Results of this investigation are relevant to detection of intracellular ice formation (IIF) and better understanding cell freezing at very low temperatures. IIF detection is determined as a function of absorption occurring within the core of the SW-PCF. The SW-PCF has a 3.3μm core diameter, 125μm outer diameter and steering wheel-like air hole pattern with triangular symmetry, with a 20μm radius. One end of a 0.6m length of the SW-PCF is placed between two thermoelectric coolers, filled with ~0.1μL water. This end is butt coupled to a 0.5m length of single mode fiber (SMF), the distal end of the fiber is then inserted into an optical spectrum analyzer. A near-IR light source is guided through the fiber, such that the absorption of the material in the core can be measured. Spectral characteristics demonstrated by the optical absorption of the water sample were present near the 1300-1700nm window region with strongest peaks at 1350, 1410 and 1460nm, further shifting of the absorption peaks is possible at cryogenic temperatures making this device suitable for IIF monitoring applications.
Verifying the INF and START treaties

The INF and START Treaties form the basis for constraints on nuclear weapons. Their verification provisions are one of the great success stories of modern arms control and will be an important part of the foundation upon which the verification regime for further constraints on nuclear weapons will be constructed.
A Characterization of the Normalized Restricted Profit Function

Abstract A duality theorem between production functions and normalized restricted profit functions is derived under the assumptions of joint biconvexity and independence of the production possibilities sets. Biconvexity is a natural generalization of the concept of convexity to the case of overall increasing returns which maintains at the same time the conventional property of diminishing marginal rates of transformation (substitution) amongst certain subsets of commodities. Specializing to the twice differentiable, locally strongly convex case, certain identities linking the Hessians of the production function and the normalized restricted profit function are derived. Using these identities, Le Chatelier's principle is demonstrated.
STAR: A unique embedded performance assessment technique

STAR (The Strategic and Tactical Assessment Record) is a versatile research tool designed to evaluate the effects of sustained performance and other stressors on integrated, complex cogni­ tive functioning. This completely automated task is presented in the form of a highly motivating computer game. However, unlike typical computer games, successful performance of STAR de­ pends on an individual's ability to rapidly and accurately assess risk/benefit ratios in a variety of situations, and on the skilled use of an array ofmultipurpose control systems. STAR is unique in that approximately 80 performance measures are unobtrusively embedded in the operations required to "play the game"; no obvious performance assessment interferes with task presenta­ tion. STAR provides multiple measures of psychomotor function, attention, memory, informa­ tion processing, decision making, risk-taking behavior, subjective state, errors, and error paths. In this report, we describe STAR, and summarize two preliminary experiments designed to separately evaluate the effects of task difficulty and task stress level on complex performance. STAR (The Strategic and Tactical Assessment Record) grew out of our attempts to better understand the effects of sustained operations on human performance capabili­
Computational Earthquake Science

This special issue presents work stemming from collaboration in the APEC Cooperation for Earthquake Simulation (ACES) project. Here, the guest editors discuss how each article tackles significant challenges, with various approaches for studying earthquakes and mitigating earthquakes' effects.
Mixed-ligand coordination polymers constructed from flexible 2,2′-biphenyldicarboxylate and rigid isomeric bipyridines

Abstract Six coordination polymers have been synthesized and characterized based on dpa and isomeric bipyridine mixed ligands with various metal ions. Complex 1 exhibits a two-dimensional layer structure. Complex 2 is isomorphic to complex 1, with only small differences in bond lengths and bond angles. Complex 3 shows a one-dimensional chain structure composed of interesting pentanuclear Co building units. Complex 4 possesses a two-dimensional (4, 4) layer network, which crystallizes in a homochiral space group. During the synthesis process of complex 4, the dpa ligands decompose and form 2-bpa ligands, which connect with Ni atoms and produce the two-dimensional complex 5. Complex 6 exhibits a three-dimensional supramolecular structural feature constructed from discrete building units with π–π interactions. Furthermore, the magnetic properties of complex 2 are studied.
The morphology in nafion† perfluorinated membrane products, as determined by wide- and small-angle x-ray studies

The morphology of the ionomer resin from which Nafion perfluorinated membrane products are made was studied with wide-angle and small-angle x-ray diffraction. A reflection observed in the small-angle x-ray scan from hydrolyzed polymer is attributed to ionic clustering. The effects of equiv wt, cation form, temperature, water content, and tensile drawing on this reflection were studied and are discussed.
MR imaging of knee cartilage with FEMR.

Abstract Objective. Fluctuating equilibrium magnetic resonance (FEMR) is a rapid three-dimensional (3D) imaging sequence with high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). FEMR may be useful for detecting cartilage defects in the knee. At 1.5 T, FEMR uses a TR with odd multiples of 2.2 ms for fat/water separation. With a TR of 6.6 ms, high-resolution 3D imaging of cartilage is possible. Design and patients. The knees of 10 volunteers and two patients were imaged on a GE Signa 1.5 T scanner using an extremity coil. Scans were preceded by a shimming sequence optimizing linear terms. Subjects were imaged with FEMR, proton-density fast spin-echo (PD-FSE), T2-weighted fast spin-echo (T2-FSE), and 3D fat-suppressed spoiled-gradient-recalled echo (3D-SPGR). Results. SNR and contrast-to-noise efficiency measurements for cartilage using FEMR were superior to those using PD-FSE, T2-FSE, and 3D-FS-SPGR. FSE images showed bright synovial fluid with limited cartilage detail. 3D-SPGR had comparable resolution to FEMR but suboptimal cartilage/fluid contrast and longer scan times (8 min versus 2 min). Cartilage surface detail, outlined by bright synovial fluid, was best seen on the FEMR images. Discussion. FEMR obtains high-resolution 3D images of the entire knee in 2 min with excellent cartilage/fluid contrast. FEMR is sensitive to field inhomogeneity and requires shimming. Surface defects are outlined by bright synovial fluid, and cartilage has higher signal-to-noise efficiency compared with PD-FSE, T2-FSE, and 3D-SPGR techniques.
Obesity Prevention and Control: From Clinical Tools to Public Health Strategies

Four papers in this issue of Academic Pediatrics address several key aspects of the clinical and community approach to the obesity epidemic. Despite the centrality of body mass index to the assessment of obesity, the study by Oettinger and colleagues 1 demonstrates that few parents in that sample had a clear understanding of the meaning of the measure. Nonetheless, the color-coding intervention of the growth charts to demonstrate healthy weight, overweight, and obesity increased parental understanding of risk. The high prevalence of severe obesity reported by Skelton and colleagues 2 emphasizes again the importance of the need for tertiary centers to care for this high-risk population. However, successful control of the obesity epidemic will require not only changes in how we deliver medical care for this widespread disease but also complementary changes in the environment. The contribution of the environment to childhood and adolescent obesity is emphasized by Galvez and colleagues 3 and Oreskovic and colleagues, 4 who demonstrate that access to convenience stores and fast-food restaurants is associated with an increased prevalence of obesity. It also appears that the opposite is true—that increased access to supermarkets has been inversely related to adolescent body mass index. 5 Access affects both sides of the energy balance equation. On the energy expenditure side, community infrastructure such as sidewalks and recreational facilities fosters physical activity and may also play a role in the prevention
“It is just easier to do what you did before…”: An Update on Internet Use in Secondary Social Studies Classrooms in Indiana

This study replicated a 1999 survey study of classroom Internet use by social studies teachers (6–12) in Indiana. The 1999 study indicated that although 80% wished to be using it more often, respon...
Histone-induced conformational changes in DNA as probed by quasi-elastic light scattering.

Quasi-elastic light scattering as measured by intensity fluctuation (self-beat) spectroscopy in the time domain can be profitably used to follow both the translational diffusion D and the dominant internal flexing mode τint of DNA and its complexes with various histones in aqueous salt solutions. Without histones, DNA is found to have D = 1.6 × 10−8 cm2/sec and τint ≅ 5 × 10−4 sec in 0.8 M NaCl, 2 M urea at 20°C. Total histone as well as fraction F2A induce supercoiling (D = 2.6 × 10−8 cm2/sec, τint ≅ 2.8 × 10−4 sec) whereas fraction F1 induces uncoiling (D = 1.0 × 10−8 cm2/sec, τint ≅ 9.4 × 10−4 sec). Upon increasing the salt concentration to 1.5 M the DNA–histone complex dissociates (D = 1.8 × 10−8 cm2/sec). Upon decreasing the salt concentration to far below 0.8 M, the DNA–histone complex eventually precipitates as a chromatin gel.
Fournier's gangrene complicating aggressive therapy for hematologic malignancy

The authors describe two cases of Fournier's gangrene complicating aggressive therapy for hematologic malignancies. Fournier's gangrene is a fulminant necrotizing fasciitis of the scrotum and penis, often with an infectious etiology. Only one prior case has been reported in a patient receiving aggressive chemotherapy for a hematologic malignancy. Unique to these three cases was profound granulocytopenia and the culturing of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in both the blood and necrotic perineal-scrotal tissue. Maintaining a high index of suspicion with early recognition and aggressive therapy may decrease the morbidity and mortality of this devastating and life-threatening infection in the compromised host.
The role of metal nanoparticles and nanonetworks in alloy degradation

Oxide scale, which is essential to protect structural alloys from high-temperature degradation such as oxidation, carburization and metal dusting, is usually considered to consist simply of oxide phases. Here, we report on a nanobeam X-ray and magnetic force microscopy investigation that reveals that the oxide scale actually consists of a mixture of oxide materials and metal nanoparticles. The metal nanoparticles self-assemble into nanonetworks, forming continuous channels for carbon transport through the oxide scales. To avoid the formation of these metallic particles in the oxide scale, alloys must develop a scale without spinel phase. We have designed a novel alloy that has been tested in a high-carbon-activity environment. Our results show that the incubation time for carbon transport through the oxide scale of the new alloy is more than an order of magnitude longer compared with commercial alloys with similar chromium content.
Evolution of Interacting Proteins in the Mitochondrial Electron Transport System in a Marine Copepod

The extensive interaction between mitochondrial-encoded and nuclear-encoded subunits of electron transport system (ETS) enzymes in mitochondria is expected to lead to intergenomic coadaptation. Whether this coadaptation results from adaptation to the environment or from fixation of deleterious mtDNA mutations followed by compensatory nuclear gene evolution is unknown. The intertidal copepod Tigriopus californicus shows extreme divergence in mtDNA sequence and provides an excellent model system for study of intergenomic coadaptation. Here, we examine genes encoding subunits of complex III of the ETS, including the mtDNA-encoded cytochrome b (CYTB), the nuclear-encoded rieske iron-sulfur protein (RISP), and cytochrome c(1) (CYC1). We compare levels of polymorphism within populations and divergence between populations in these genes to begin to untangle the selective forces that have shaped evolution in these genes. CYTB displays dramatic divergence between populations, but sequence analysis shows no evidence for positive selection driving this divergence. CYC1 and RISP have lower levels of sequence divergence between populations than CYTB, but, again, sequence analysis gives no evidence for positive selection acting on them. However, an examination of variation at cytochrome c (CYC), a nuclear-encoded protein that transfers electrons between complex III and complex IV provides evidence for selective divergence. Hence, it appears that rapid evolution in mitochondrial-encoded subunits is not always associated with rapid divergence in interacting subunits (CYC1 and RISP), but can be in some cases (CYC). Finally, a comparison of nuclear-encoded and mitochondrial-encoded genes from T. californicus suggests that substitution rates in the mitochondrial-encoded genes are dramatically increased relative to nuclear genes.
Accuracy of body image perception and preferred weight loss strategies in schizophrenia: a controlled pilot study.

Objective: Obesity in severely mentally ill (SMI) populations is an increasing problem, but there is no controlled data regarding the relationship between SMI and weight perception. Method: Fifty patients with schizophrenia and 50 demographically matched control participants were recruited. Weight, height, and body image accuracy were assessed for all participants, and assessments of mood, psychotic symptom severity and anxiety, and preferred modes of weight loss were assessed for the schizophrenia sample. Results: Patients with schizophrenia were significantly more likely to be obese than controls (46% vs. 18%, P < 0.005), and most patients expressed an interest in losing weight. Obese participants with schizophrenia underestimated their body size (11.0%) more than controls (4.9%) (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Patients with schizophrenia are more likely to underestimate their body size, independent of the effects of obesity. However, they also express concern about weight issues and willingness to participate in psychoeducational groups targeted at weight loss.
Scale-space filtering

The extrema in a signal and its first few derivatives provide a useful general-purpose qualitative description for many kinds of signals. A fundamental problem in computing such descriptions is scale: a derivative must be taken over some neighborhood, but there is seldom a principled basis for choosing its size. Scale-space filtering is a method that describes signals qualitatively, managing the ambiguity of scale in an organized and natural way. The signal is first expanded by convolution with gaussian masks over a continuum of sizes. This "scale-space" image is then collapsed, using its qualitative structure, into a tree providing a concise but complete qualitative description covering all scales of observation. The description is further refined by applying a stability criterion, to identify events that persist of large changes in scale.
Is March Madness Contagious? Post Season Play and Attendance in NCAA Division I Basketball

Using data describing Division I men’s basketball from 1990-2009, this paper presents empirical evidence that participating in the NCAA tournament or the National Invitational Tournament (NIT) generates internal benefits in the form of increased future attendance to a team’s home games. These impacts are in addition to those generated by team winning percentage and other institutional characteristics. The evidence suggests that having more conference members in the NCAA tournament generates external benefits in the form of future attendance, although there do not appear to be similar impacts associated with the NIT. Finally, there appear to be no greater internal benefits but lower external benefits for Big Six conference members, relative to members of smaller conferences. Thus, if the NCAA tournament selection process is biased against smaller conferences then their members face two levels of costs: they receive lower distributions from the NCAA basketball revenue pool and also enjoy lower attendance than they otherwise would.
Fluorescence Live-Cell Imaging: Principles and Applications in Mechanobiology

It has become clear that mechanical force plays critical roles in regulating a variety of cellular functions. However, the molecular mechanism by which cells perceive mechanical cues remains elusive.With the development of novel fluorescence probes and optical microscopy, there has been significant advancement in the spatiotemporal characterization of signaling transduction. In this chapter, we describe the recent progress in the development of fluorescence proteins and biosensors capable of visualizing signaling cascades in live cells. Special emphasis is placed on how these biosensors are applied to image the subcellular localization of organelles and signaling/structural molecules, and the transcriptional regulation of target genes. Several technologies, including fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET), fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP), and fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM), are highlighted to demonstrate their utility and efficacy in live cell imaging of post-transcriptionalmodifications in response to mechanical stimulation. The impact of these fluorescence technologies on cardiovascular research in relation to mechanobiology is also discussed. In summary, we overview the research progress in fluorescence technologies and their applications in mechanobiology.
Knowledge-Aided Parametric Tests for Multichannel Adaptive Signal Detection

In this paper, the problem of detecting a multi-channel signal in the presence of spatially and temporally colored disturbance is considered. By modeling the disturbance as a multi-channel auto-regressive (AR) process with a random cross-channel (spatial) covariance matrix, two knowledge-aided parametric adaptive detectors are developed within a Bayesian framework. The first knowledge-aided parametric detector is developed using an ad hoc two-step procedure for the estimation of the signal and disturbance parameters, which leads to a successive spatio-temporal whitening process. The second knowledge-aided parametric detector takes a joint approach for the estimation of the signal and disturbance parameters, which leads to a joint spatio-temporal whitening process. Both knowledge-aided parametric detectors are able to utilize prior knowledge about the spatial correlation through colored-loading that combines the sample covariance matrix with a prior covariance matrix. Computer simulation using various data sets, including the KASPPER dataset, show that the knowledge-aided parametric adaptive detectors yield improved detection performance over existing parametric solutions, especially in the case of limited data.
A String Algorithm for Shortest Path in Directed Networks

Any shortest-path algorithm A for undirected networks can be combined with the simple cutting procedure C described below so as to form a shortest-path algorithm for directed networks. If a directed network has v nodes and e arcs, then a shortest path joining two specified nodes can be found by min[v, 1/2e + 2] or fewer applications of A, each followed by an application; of C.
Two-dimensional ageostrophic secondary circulation at ocean fronts due to vertical mixing and large-scale deformation

[1] Ageostrophic secondary circulation (ASC) in frontal data sets have been previously diagnosed using only adiabatic versions of Omega equations. This study includes the effect of vertical mixing on such diagnostics. Modified quasi-geostrophic and semigeostrophic balance equations are examined for the existing Azores front data sets and idealized fronts in the presence of diabatic vertical mixing as well as a large-scale deformation field. The relevant dimensionless parameter representing the relative importance of large-scale deformation and vertical mixing is the inverse of the Ekman number based on the deformation rate (αH2/Ao), where α is large-scale deformation rate, H is vertical scale of the front, and Ao is the maximum vertical eddy viscosity; when this parameter is smaller than O(102), the influence of vertical mixing may be important. Other relevant parameters include Burger number, Bu, and Prandtl number, Pr. The vertical velocity in ASCs caused by diabatic mixing in all diagnostics solutions except for large Bu cases shows good agreement with the Garrett-Loder scaling. The structure of ASCs is found to be sensitive to Pr. The diagnostics of ASCs for the Azores front data set indicates that the vertical mixing intensifies the ASC in the upper ocean (∼100 m) and should not be neglected, when the large-scale deformation rate, α, is O(10−6 s−1) or smaller. The magnitude of vertical velocity in ASCs due to mixing contributions reaches ∼O(10 m d−1) with downwelling on the dense side and upwelling on the less dense side of Azores front.
Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation Should Be Offered as Primary Therapy: What’s Your Hurry?

The appropriate initial treatment of a middle-aged individual with symptomatic paroxysms of atrial fibrillation, diabetes, and hypertension should focus on eliminating the underlying causes of disease to safely reduce morbidity and prolong life. An initial strategy using ablation temporarily reduces arrhythmia symptoms and exposes the individual to potentially needless risk and repeat procedures. Randomized trials have not established the superiority of ablation to antiarrhythmic drugs with respect to prolonging life or reducing serious morbidity. It is appropriate to treat modestly symptomatic individuals with antiarrhythmic drugs while performing aggressive risk factor modification.
Surgical exploration of the injured kidney: current indications and techniques

When treating renal injuries, the goals of the urologic surgeon are preservation of maximal renal function with a minimal risk of complications. To meet these, accurate staging is essential. The combined use of clinical and radiologic findings, with intra-operative information where available, will enhance the practitioner’s ability to detect, classify, and treat renal injuries appropriately. We discuss our current approach to renal trauma and current indications and techniques for surgical exploration of the injured kidney.
Impairment-Based 3-D Robotic Intervention Improves Upper Extremity Work Area in Chronic Stroke: Targeting Abnormal Joint Torque Coupling With Progressive Shoulder Abduction Loading

The implementation of a robotic system ( ACT3D ) that allowed for a quantitative measurement of abnormal joint torque coupling in chronic stroke survivors and, most importantly, a quantitative means of initiating and progressing an impairment-based intervention, is described. Individuals with chronic moderate to severe stroke (n = 8) participated in this single-group pretest-posttest design study. Subjects were trained over eight weeks by progressively increasing the level of shoulder abduction loading experienced by the participant during reaching repetitions as performance improved. Reaching work area was evaluated pre- and postintervention for ten different shoulder abduction loading levels along with isometric single-joint strength and a qualitative clinical assessment of impairment. There was a significant effect of session (pre versus post) with an increase in reaching work area, despite no change in single-joint strength. This data suggests that specifically targeting the abnormal joint torque coupling impairment through progressive shoulder abduction loading is an effective strategy for improving reaching work area following hemiparetic stroke. Application of robotics, namely, the ACT3D , allowed for quantitative control of the exercise parameters needed to directly target the synergistic coupling impairment. The targeted reduction of abnormal joint torque coupling is likely the key factor explaining the improvements in reaching range of motion achieved with this intervention.
Lack of relay toxicity in ferret hybrids fed carbaryl-treated prairie dogs.

Carbaryl (1-napthol methylcarbamate) is being considered for control of fleas on prairie dogs (Cynomys spp.) used in black-footed ferret (Mustela nigripes) recovery in the western United States. The potential for relay toxicity in ferrets was determined by feeding carbaryl treated prairie dogs to black-footed ferret X Siberian polecat (M. eversmanni) hybrids. Adult prairie dogs were treated topically with 2.5 g of commercial 5% carbaryl dust sold as flea powder. After 14 days prairie dogs were killed and fed to ferrets. Potential for relay toxicity was evaluated by analyzing ferret blood cholinesterase (CHe), prairie dog brain Che, and hepatic carbamate concentration. There was no difference between pre- and post-exposure blood CHe activity, nor did treated prairie dog brain CHe differ significantly from controls. Post-exposure blood CHe did not exhibit reactivation after dilution in aqueous buffer. Hepatic carbaryl concentrations were less than detection limits (50 ppb). Based on these results, we conclu...
Can organic agriculture feed the world

Renewable Agriculture and Food Systems is a multidisciplinary journal which focuses on the science that underpins economically environmentally and socially sustainable approaches to agriculture and food production. The journal publishes original research and review articles on the economic, ecological and environmental impacts of agriculture; the effective use of renewable resources and biodiversity in agro-ecosystems; and the technological and sociological implications of sustainable food systems. It also contains an open discussion Forum, which presents lively discussions on new and provocative topics. However, the opinions of the Forum and responses are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Renewable Agriculture and Food Systems or Cambridge University Press.
Intelligent congestion control in ATM networks

In large modern telecommunication networks, the amount of traffic and the number of nodes and links are so large that the traditional network control may not be effective due to high complexity. These networks need adaptive and intelligent systems in order to provide high network reliability, accurate traffic prediction, efficient use of channel bandwidth, and optimized network management in relation to various, dynamically changing environments. Neural networks can contribute to this emerging new telecommunication infrastructure by providing fast, flexible, adaptive, and intelligent control that cannot be performed sufficiently well by digital computers. In this paper, we discuss the neural network approaches for solving various control problems in high-speed communication networks, and present our proposed neural network model for the optimized control of input queues in ATM switches.
Regulation of heat shock gene transcription in neuronal cells.

The heat shock protein (HSP) molecular chaperones are the primary cellular defense against damage to the proteome, initiating refolding of denatured proteins and regulating degradation after severe protein damage. Many neurodegenerative disorders involve aberrant protein folding and protein damage, which accumulates in an age-dependant manner. Ageing is associated with the decrease in activity of the heat shock transcription factors (HSF) that regulate HSP gene transcription. Neuronal cells seem particularly vulnerable in this sense as HSF activity and HSP expression are relatively weak in such cells and motor neurons appear to require input of HSP secreted from adjacent glial cells to maintain adequate molecular chaperone levels. It may be significant that motor neurons have been shown to be the sensitive cells in the ageing of Drosophila and C. elegans and that these organisms may acquire extended lifespans with over-expression of small heat shock proteins and HSF1. HSF1 transcriptional activity has been discussed in neuronal cells, concentrating on the regulation and activity of HSF1 and HSF2 and their role in HSP expression, during neurodegenerative diseases and as mediators of cell survival.