cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Programmed remodeling of hyperacetylated histone H4 and H3 organization on the SV40 genome during lytic infection

The presence of nucleosomes containing hyperacetylated histone H4 and H3 on the early, late, and promoter regions of the SV40 genome in chromosomes isolated 30 min, 8 h, and 48 h post-infection was determined by chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) analysis with PCR amplification of fragmented SV40 chromatin using two complementary strategies. In chromosomes isolated at 30 min post-infection hyperacetylated H4 was found intermittently in all the three regions with no preference for one region over the other. In contrast, hyperacetylated H3 was organized primarily within the promoter region and occasionally elsewhere. At 8 h post-infection, nucleosomes with both hyperacetylated H4 and H3 were found regularly associated with all three regions of the SV40 genome. Finally, in SV40, chromosomes isolated 48 h post-infection hyperacetylated H4 and H3 were found frequently associated with all regions of the chromosome although hyperacetylated H4 was preferentially associated with the late region. The changing patterns of organization of hyperacetylated histones in SV40 chromosomes during the course of a lytic infection presumably reflects the different biological functions of the SV40 chromatin at each of the time points.
Lack of specificity of melittin as a probe for insulin release mediated by endogenous phospholipase A2 or lipoxygenase.

The effects of the basic polypeptide melittin on islet phospholipid degradation and insulin release were studied in static incubations of intact rat islets as a possible model of endogenous phospholipase A2 (PLA2) activation. Melittin (2 micrograms/ml) increased [3H]-arachidonic acid [( 3H]-AA) release from prelabeled islets (at 1.7 mM glucose) to 371% of basal values. Concomitantly, melittin induced degradation of islet phospholipids labeled with [3H]-AA or [14C]-stearic acid, and led to the accumulation of stearate-labeled (but not AA-labeled) lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC, 605% of control). These findings suggested, for the first time in intact rat islets, the presence and activation of a PLA2. Under identical conditions, melittin initiated insulin secretion (at 1.7 mM glucose) in a manner that represented stimulation of physiologic exocytosis--that is, it was dose-dependent, reversible (albeit slowly), unassociated with impairment of other physiologic islet processes (i.e. the response to 16.7 mM glucose after removal of the drug) and inhibitable by reduced ambient temperature. The effect of melittin seemed to be independent of extracellular Ca2+ influx or mobilization of intracellular Ca2+ stores but was blocked by nickel or lanthanum, indirectly suggesting that the effects of this cationic amphiphile might involve a superficial pool of Ca2+. Unexpectedly, melittin-induced insulin release (at least at low glucose concentrations) was not greatly or consistently altered by a battery of inhibitors of endogenous PLA2 or of enzymes affecting AA oxygenation. Furthermore, significant contamination by bee venom PLA2 of the commercially-available melittin preparation was found, and insulin release could be induced by pure bee venom PLA2, probably through the generation of lysophospholipids. Although estimates of the amount of PLA2 in the melittin preparation suggested that such contamination was insufficient to explain at least some of the islet phospholipid hydrolysis and insulin release caused by melittin, we conclude that this agent does not serve as a specific probe of the role of endogenous PLA2 or of AA lipoxygenation in hormone release.
The optimal choice of residue management, crop rotations, and cost of carbon sequestration: empirical results in the Midwest US

This study investigates the cost of soil carbon sequestration in the Midwest US. The model addresses several missing components in earlier analyses: the link between the residue level choice and carbon payments, crop rotations, carbon loss when shifting from conservation to conventional tillage and the spatial pattern of carbon sequestration across different soil types. The results suggest that for $100 per metric ton of carbon, 1.5 million metric tons of carbon could be sequestered per year on the 19.9 million hectares of cropland in the study region. These estimates suggest less carbon potential than existing studies because the opportunity costs associated with conservation tillage are fairly high. Annual carbon rental payments are found to be more efficient, as expected, but for smaller programs, per hectare rental payments are not substantially more costly.
Positive parity levels in 36S observed in the 37Cl(d, 3He)36S reaction

Abstract Transition to the 36S ground state and excited states at 3.30, 4.57, 6.51, 7.11 and 7.69 MeV were observed in the reaction 37Cl(d, 3He)36S at a bombarding energy of 28.9 MeV. Using distorted wave analysis, l-values and strength coefficients C2S were extracted from the measured angular distributions. The results are in reasonable agreement with calculations by Glaudemans et al.
Addressing persistent and intractable employment problems in individuals with histories of drug addiction.

Most of the individuals who participated in the study by Dillon et al. were chronically unemployed and showed no signs of gaining stable employment. These individuals had progressed well into adult...
Removing The Instrument Function From Fluorescence Spectra

The spectrum acquired at the sample phototnultiplier tube of a fluorescence spectrophotometer is a product of the sample spectrum and the instrument function. The determination of the instrument function and its removal from the acquired spectrum is often critical to the accurate determination of the physical properties of the sample. Methods are discussed for the determination and removal of the instrument function from excitation and emission spectra. Methods considered include quantum counters and ratio circuits for excitation correction, and emission correction against calibrated excitation systems, calibrated tungsten lamps, and NBS standard quinine sulfate.
Beliefs and Knowledge about the Human Papillomavirus Vaccine among Undergraduate Men.

Objective:The objective of this study was to assess male undergraduate students’ human papillomavirus (HPV) knowledge and intentions to receive the HPV vaccination.Design:Cross-sectional survey.Met...
Neuropharmacology of the muscarinic antagonist telenzepine in myenteric ganglia of the guinea-pig small intestine.

Abstract Intracellular recording methods were used to investigate the actions of the putative M i muscarinic receptor antagonist telenzepine on the electrical and synaptic behavior of myenteric neurons. Telenzepine had no effect on resting membrane potential. input resistance, excitability and antidromic potentials in both AH/type 2 and S/type l neurons, when applied in concentrations of 0.1–2000 nM, although higher concentrations (10–100 μM) did have a significant non-specific effect on the postsynaptic membrane. Micromolar concentrations of telenzepine (1–2 M) had no effect on excitatory responses to substance P. vasoactive intestinal peptide, the nicotinic agonist 1,1-dimethyl-4-phenylpiperazinium or the nicotinic action of acetylcholine. Nicotinic fast excitatory postsynaptic potentials were also unaffected by 2 μiM telenzepine. In contrast, at submicromolar concentrations (100 nM). telenzepine abolished responses to either muscarine or the muscarinic component of the acetylcholin0e response. The excitatory effect of muscarine at postsynaptic M 1 receptors was dese dependently inhibited by telenzepine (0.1–1000 nM) at concentrations which had no effect on the electrical properties of the cells. This effect was slowly reversible, usually requiring more than 60 min for significant recovery. The threshold dose of telenzepine as an antagonist of the muscarinic depolarization in AH/type 2 neurons was in the range of 0.1–1 nM. The IC 50 concentration of telenzepine needed to abolish the response was 8.5 nM. A small proportion of stimulus-evoked slow excitatory postsynaptic potentials in both AH/type 2 and S/type 1 cells were abolished by 1 μM telenzepine, while the majority of them remained unaffected, indicating that some slow excitatory postsynaptic potentials are mediated by the muscarinic action of released acetylcholine. The antagonist profile displayed by telenzepine at postsynaptic M 1 receptors confirms that this compound has specificity and high affinity for the postsynaptic m 1 receptors located on myenteric neurons of the small intestine.
Optical and electro-optical architectures for the compression and encryption of discrete signals and imagery: 1. Data compression

In this second of a series of papers, we present optical architectures for the encryption of signals or imagery that are defined over discrete domains. As in Part 1, we emphasize the mapping of candidate algorithms and describe encryption transforms in terms of image algebra (IA) expressions, as well as notation specific to this study. both of which were reviewed in Part 1. The feasibility of our algorithms is verified by presenting schematic optical architectures that implement the corresponding IA expressions, together with pertinent analyses. In particular, we discuss the optical implementation of data encryption via mono- and polyalphabetic substitutions, transpositional and polygraphic ciphers, vector quantization, and DES (data encryption standard). Analyses and discussion emphasize computation cost inclusive of propagation time, as well as the information loss expected from physical devices such as spatial light modulators and beam deflectors.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Stability of [3H]MK‐801 Binding Sites Following Chronic Ethanol Consumption

Previous work has demonstrated that short periods (1-2 weeks) of exposure to ethanol produce an upregulation of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor complex in hippocampus; an alteration that appears to be associated with the development of physical dependence, because a return to control levels occurs over a 24- to 48-hr abstinence period. Prolonged periods of chronic ethanol treatment (CET; 4-8 months of treatment) have been shown to produce severe and permanent alterations in the morphological and functional characteristics of hippocampal pyramidal neurons. Several lines of research have demonstrated that the NMDA receptor complex is involved in excitotoxic cell loss during certain pathological states. On the basis of this evidence, we hypothesized that prolonged ethanol exposure would be accompanied by an enduring increase in NMDA receptors and that NMDA receptor binding in cells surviving CET would be altered. To test this hypothesis, we measured the binding characteristics of the NMDA receptor complex in a variety of brain structures following CET. Animals were fed a nutritionally complete, ethanol-containing diet for 28 weeks and then allowed a 48-hr abstinence period. A control group was fed the same diet, except sucrose was isocalorically substituted for ethanol. We first examined the effect of CET on the binding properties of a noncompetitive antagonist to the NMDA receptor channel, [3H]diclozipene ([3H]MK-801). Next, as an indirect examination of NMDA receptor function, we measured the ability of glutamate to stimulate channel opening and thus [3H]MK-801 binding. In all brain structures examined, neither the Kd nor the Bmax of [3H]MK-801 binding to the NMDA receptor was altered following CET. In addition, no effect of treatment was seen on the ability of glutamate to stimulate [3H]MK-801 binding.
In vivo immunoreactive adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) production by human mononuclear leukocytes from normal and ACTH-deficient individuals

Mononuclear leukocytes from 25 children (16 with normal pituitary ACTH production and 9 with ACTH deficiency) were examined for in vivo ACTH production by immunofluorescence with antiserum to ACTH-(1-13) amide. The protocol included 3 study periods: control, after administration of insulin, and after administration of typhoid vaccine (an interferon-alpha inducer). Plasma cortisol and mononuclear leukocyte ACTH immunofluorescence were measured before (0900 h) and 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 h after treatment on each of the 3 study days. In vitro studies with human leukocytes from normal subjects incubated with ACTH, insulin, or typhoid vaccine were also performed. Patients with normal pituitary ACTH production had an increase in the number of ACTH immunofluorescence-positive cells 1 h after insulin administration [25 +/- 5% (+/- SEM) to 44 +/- 6% P less than 0.05], and no change after typhoid administration. ACTH-deficient patients had no change after insulin administration and a significant rise 6 h after typhoid vaccine treatment (24 +/- 12% to 50 +/- 6%; P less than 0.05). The number of ACTH immunofluorescence-positive cells did not increase when mononuclear leukocytes were incubated in vitro with ACTH or insulin (with or without glucose deprivation). However, typhoid antigen enhanced this response from 8% to 55%. These data suggest that the number of human mononuclear leukocytes containing immunoreactive ACTH is increased by at least 2 stimuli: 1) a central factor(s), such as CRH, accounting for the in vivo rise 1 h after insulin administration in patients with an intact hypothalamic-pituitary axis, and 2) an interferon inducer (e.g. typhoid antigen), accounting for the typhoid antigen-induced rise in the number of ACTH-positive cells in vivo in ACTH-deficient patients and in vitro.
Ready to Learn: Teaching Kindergarten Students School Success Skills

Studies have indicated that children have difficulty learning when they do not demonstrate certain prerequisite learning skills that involve attention, listening comprehension, and social skills. The authors evaluated the Ready To Learn (RTL) curriculum for its effectiveness in improving the prerequisite learning skills in 12 kindergarten classes (260 students) in 3 demographically similar elementary schools. Teachers in target classrooms were trained to deliver the RTL curriculum and 5 specific teaching strategies for use throughout the day. Students who received the intervention in those classrooms scored significantly higher than did comparison students on a listening comprehension measure and a student behavior rating scale. These findings may be an indicator that entire classrooms of students can be taught prerequisite learning skills as part of the daily curriculum and, as a result, show increases in school success behaviors.
Molecular typing of epithelial ovarian carcinomas using inflammatory markers

BACKGROUND: Ovarian epithelial carcinomas have recently been classified as slow growing type I tumors and rapidly growing highly aggressive type II tumors. The present study sought to molecularly characterize type I and II tumors using known molecular markers. METHODS: Specimens from 213 patients with ovarian carcinoma were categorized as type I or type II, and evaluated by immunohistochemistry for the inflammatory markers glucose transporter protein-1 (Glut-1), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and nuclear factor kappa B. Statistical analysis was performed to investigate whether these molecular markers could distinguish between type I and type II tumors. Kaplan-Meier survival curves and COX regression analysis were used to determine the prognostic effect of these markers on survival in the 2 types of tumors. RESULTS: Overexpression of COX-1, COX-2, iNOS, and Glut-1 was significantly higher in type II tumors (P 60 years as significant predictors of poor survival. For type II tumors, median survival of patients with tumors overexpressing COX-2 was 44 compared with 85 months for those with tumors with low COX-2 expression (P = .029). Looking at both type I and II tumors, the number of markers simultaneously overexpressed in each tumor was a significant predictor of poor patient survival (P = .005). CONCLUSIONS: The present study demonstrates that the new proposed histologic classification of ovarian epithelial carcinomas correlates with a distinct expression of inflammatory pathway proteins. High expression of these markers may explain the different biologic behavior of these 2 tumor types and provide targets for therapy. Cancer 2011. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
The functional organization of the propus-dactylus organ in Cancer irroratus say

Abstract 1. 1. In the propus-dactylus organ of the crab, Cancer irroratus Say, neurons paired in the same scolopidium are sensitive to the same directional stimulus. 2. 2. The dendrites of relaxation-sensitive cells (RSC) are inserted into the dorsal side of the elastic strand, while those of elongation-sensitive cells (ESC) are inserted into a narrow band on the anterior side of the elastic strand. 3. 3. Small neurons inserted distally along the anterior side of the strand near the ventral edge are position sensitive. Their axons form a distinct bundle which exists near the elongation-sensitive cell insertions. 4. 4. Certain movement cells show position sensitivity. Those at the distal end of the strand are sensitive to the open arc region, while those at the proximal end are more sensitive to the closed arc region. 5. 5. Spikes are initiated in the region of the scolopidium.
Systems analysis and design: an orphan course about to find a home

A course in Systems Analysis and Design (SA&D) as a component of the curriculum in Computer Science (CS) has not traditionally been given high priority at the undergraduate level. As a result students have been poorly prepared for the reality of a working world where large software projects frequently founder, and sometimes fail, for lack of project management and experience. There is a need for "real" software project experience within the framework of a college curriculum. This is not an unrealistic expectation, even though it presents a particularly demanding pedagogical challenge. The solution may be in a marriage between SA&D and Software Engineering (SE). At the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown we are introducing such a component this coming academic year (87--88). We hope that this will go some way toward giving our students a taste for the inherent complexity of large software systems. We also present a recent experience with "real" project development from which we have gained insights for future course design.
Length–weight and length–length relationships for common fish and crayfish species in the Everglades, Florida, USA

Summary Length–weight and length–length relationships are reported for 18 species of fish and two species of crayfish within the Everglades, FL, USA. This study provides updated relationships for native species, as well as initial relationships for established exotic species in this region. Additionally, 14 length–weight and two length–length relationships are presented to FishBase for the first time.
Correlated atomic diffusion and its effect on NMR spin-lattice relaxation rates

An independent spin-pair relaxation model is applied to the description of diffusion-induced spin-lattice relaxation when vacancy concentrations do not allow the use of random-walk or encounter-model formulations. This Monte Carlo model allows the calculation of ${\ensuremath{\tau}}_{d}$ from ${T}_{1}$ data to sufficient accuracy to be useful in the determination of microscopic diffusion information such as the diffusion jump length. The model is applied to the specific cases of first- and third-nearest-neighbor hopping on a cubic lattice containing 15 and 22% vacancy concentrations. Physically this is the situation encountered in the $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ phase of the titanium-hydride system.
Erythropoietin-β-D-galactosidase the generation, purification and use of a fusion protein☆

Abstract A human erythropoietin (Epo) cDNA fragment encoding the complete erythropoietin peptide sequence was fused to the 3′-end of the lacZ gene in the polylinker region of the high expression vector, pUR 278. Escherichia coli bacteria were transformed with the recombinant plasmid harboring the hybrid Epo-β- D -galactosidase gene. After induction with isopropyl-thiogalactoside large amounts of the fusion protein, Epo-β- D -galactosidase were synthesized in the transformed bacteria. The fusion protein was partially purified and shown to exhibit intact galactosidase enzymatic activity. Although no biological activity of the Epo counterpart of the fusion protein was detected both in an in vivo and in an in vitro bioassay, the fusion protein served as an effective antigen for the production of anti-erythropoietin antibodies. Antifusion protein antibodies raised in rabbits were shown to react with the intact human Epo molecule from erythropoietin producing culture supernatants. The affinity of these anti-fusion protein antibodies was sufficiently high to permit the development of a sensitive radioimmunoassay for human Epo. This fusion protein approach is a relatively straightforward and rapid method of generating antibodies with specificity for any protein encoded by a cloned eukaryotic gene.
Solution-phase secondary-ion mass spectrometry of protonated amino acids☆

Abstract Although sulfolane proved unexpectedly to be a poor solvent for solution-phase secondaryion mass spectrometry of underivatized amino acids in the presence of thallium(I) salts, glycerol was somewhat more effective. Also, the addition of trifluoromethanesulfonic acid proved more effective than addition of the metal in generating molecular ion complexes. A convenient and reliable method for rapidly determining amino acid molecular ions is based on these observations.
Cooling approaches and cutting temperatures in cryogenic machining of Ti-6Al-4V

Abstract Cryogenic machining is an environmentally safe alternative to conventional emulsion cooling. In this study, liquid nitrogen (LN2) is applied to cutting Ti-6Al-4V, a difficult-to-machine but widely used material in aerospace industry. With the goal of identifying the cooling approach for most effectively and economically using cryogenic machining, this study evaluated cutting temperatures obtained under various cooling conditions. In addition to analyzing cooling approaches reported in previous cryogenic machining literatures (i.e., precooling the workpiece and conductive remote cooling), this paper introduces an innovative and economical dispensing method that directs LN2 through micro jets to the flank, the rake, or both near the cutting edge. The cutting temperatures were theoretically estimated by finite element method and the influence of cutting speed was analyzed. They were experimentally verified using the thermocouple imbedded at the carbide insert. Temperatures in cryogenic machining were compared with conventional dry cutting and emulsion cooling. Findings showed that a small amount of liquid nitrogen applied locally to the cutting edge is superior to emulsion cutting in lowering the cutting temperature. The study found that cooling approaches in order of effectiveness (worst to best) to be: dry cutting, cryogenic tool back cooling, emulsion cooling, precooling the workpiece, cryogenic flank cooling, cryogenic rake cooling, and simultaneous rake and flank cooling.
Role of EDRF (nitric oxide) in diabetic renal hyperfiltration

Role of EDRF (nitric oxide) in diabetic renal hyperfiltration. In order to study the role of EDRF in diabetic hyperfiltration, the concentrations of NO 2 - /NO 3 - , the stable products of nitric oxide (NO), were measured in arterial plasma, urine, and renal venous blood in streptozotocin diabetic rats and normal control rats. In additional experiments, the renal hemodynamic and blood pressure responses to graded doses of an inhibitor of NO synthesis (Nitro-L-arginine; NLA) were measured. We found that plasma and urinary levels of NO 2 - /NO 3 - are significantly higher in STZ diabetic rats (10 to 15 days) than in normal rats. Renal blood flow and GFR fell comparably in diabetic and normal rats in response to NLA infusion, although the absolute levels of RBF and GFR remained significantly higher in the diabetic rats at all doses of the inhibitor. Mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) rose in response to NLA administration, but the increase in the diabetic rats was significantly blunted as compared with the normal rats. Similarly, renal vascular resistance (RVR) increased less in the diabetic than in the normal rats at comparable doses of NLA. The blunted vasoconstrictor responses to NLA were accompanied by a smaller reduction in the levels of NO 2 - /NO 3 - in the urine of the diabetic versus the normal rats. These findings suggest that NO synthesis is increased in diabetic rats manifesting hyperfiltration and are consistent with the view that excess NO synthesis contributes to renal hyperfiltration.
PIEZOELECTRIC ACTUATOR AND SENSOR MODELS FOR AN INFLATED TOROIDAL SHELL

Abstract Due to their low mass and conformability, actuators and sensors made of active materials can be used in the vibration control of inflatable structures. In this study, we model piezoelectric patches attached to an inflated toroidal shell as actuators and sensors. Using Sanders' shell theory in the presence of initial stresses, the generalised forces due to the piezoelectric actuators are derived for the inflated toroidal shell assuming quasi-static conditions. The derivations are given for both unimorph and bimorph configurations. Effects of the mass and stiffness of the patches are incorporated in the equations of motion. Thereafter, a sensor equation is presented. Within linear shell theory, the methodology is quite general in nature and can be applied easily to other types of shells and membranes. To demonstrate this, we specialise the actuator and sensor equations for a circular cylinder. Using the formulations for the inflated toroidal shell, the modal forces and modal sensing constants are calculated for different sizes and locations of the piezoelectric patches. Along with this, controllability and observability indices are calculated to quantify the performance of the actuators and sensors. A study of the stiffness and mass effects of the piezoelectric patches is performed using frequency response function.
shamanism and politics in late‐colonial Ecuador

Study of 18th-century “witchcraft” trials from the Audiencia de Quito indicates that many acts of magical aggression and defense belonged to the South American tradition of shamanic combat but that the conflicts provoking them derived from specifically colonial stresses. Due in part to the poor fit between jurally mandated institutions of colonial governance and the dynamics of native communities, shamanic achievement continued to be a route to indigenous power. The failure of Spanish administrators to interpret such facts politically had the paradoxical effect of accrediting shamans' magical potency in European eyes and strengthening the conviction that peoples of the colonial periphery were ungovernable and dangerous. [shamanism, Andes, Ecuador, ethnohistory]
Factors Associated with Recurrence of Accessory Pathway Conduction After Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation

Catheter ablation of 215 accessory pathways (APs) using radiofrequency current (RF) was attempted in 204 consecutive patients. Two hundred twelve of the 215 (99%) APs were successfully ablated. After a minimum of follow-up period of 1 month (mean 8.5 +/- 5.4 months), AP conduction had returned in 17 patients (8%). Recurrence of AP conduction was manifest by atrioventricular (AV) reentrant tachycardia in six patients, palpitations suggestive of AV reentrant tachycardia in five patients, ventricular preexcitation on electrocardiogram in five patients, and inducible AV reentrant tachycardia during a follow-up electrophysiological study in one asymptomatic patient. AP conduction returned as early as 12 hours and as late as 4.7 months, but was evident within 2 months of ablation in 15 of 17 (88%) patients. AP conduction recurred in 12%-14% of anteroseptal, right free-wall, and posteroseptal APs, but only 5% of left free-wall APs (P less than 0.01). Retrograde only conducting APs (concealed APs) had recurrence of AP conduction more frequently (16%) than APs that exhibited antegrade conduction (5.5%; P less than 0.01). Failure to record AP potentials from the ablation electrode, reflecting poor AP localization, was a strong predictor for recurrence of AP conduction. AP conduction returned in 19% of 48 APs when AP potentials were not recorded, compared to 5% of 164 APs where AP potentials were recorded from the ablation electrode (P less than 0.01). The time to block of AP conduction from the onset of RF current application was longer in APs with recurrence of conduction (4.9 +/- 6.1 sec vs 2.9 +/- 3.4 sec; P less than 0.02).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Backhoe 3D gold standard image

ViSUAl-D (VIsual Sar Using ALl Dimensions), a 2004 DARPA/IXO seedling effort, is developing a capability for reliable high confidence ID from standoff ranges. Recent conflicts have demonstrated that the warfighter would greatly benefit from the ability to ID targets beyond visual and electro-optical ranges[1]. Forming optical-quality SAR images while exploiting full polarization, wide angles, and large bandwidth would be key evidence such a capability is achievable. Using data generated by the Xpatch EM scattering code, ViSUAl-D investigates all degrees of freedom available to the radar designer, including 6 GHz bandwidth, full polarization and angle sampling over 2π steradians (upper hemisphere), in order to produce a "literal" image or representation of the target. This effort includes the generation of a "Gold Standard" image that can be produced at X-band utilizing all available target data. This "Gold Standard" image of the backhoe will serve as a test bed for future more relevant military targets and their image development. The seedling team produced a public release data which was released at the 2004 SPIE conference, as well as a 3D "Gold Standard" backhoe image using a 3D image formation algorithm. This paper describes the full backhoe data set, the image formation algorithm, the visualization process and the resulting image.
An algorithm to minimally decompose a rectilinear figure into rectangles (abstract only)

In computer modeling of geometrical objects it is essential to be able to decompose a complex object into easily managed 'primitives'. For example a rectangular block could be considered a primitive in solid geometry modeling and more complex objects with planar faces could be put together with such blocks. A block itself is obtained by sweeping a rectangle in a direction normal to it. Thus solid objects generated by sweeping simple closed polygons ( the so called extrudes) may be obtained by first decomposing the polygon into a union of (not necessarily disjoint) rectangles, extruding them and finally unioning the resulting blocks. Other Boolean operations such as intersection and difference may have to be employed to build a specified object. This is approach used, for example, in GMSOLID - a geometry modeling software package developed at General Motors. See [1].In this paper we develop an algorithm for decomposing a simple rectilinear polygon into a minimal set of non-overlapping rectangles. Here simple means non-self-intersecting and rectilinear denotes that the sides of the polygon are parallel to the coordinate axes. Throughout this paper the term polygon refers to such a polygon. Further applications of such a decomposition are to be found in IC mask-making and pattern generation. See [3], [4]. Minimality is interesting not only from the optimal point of view but also because the solution seems to involve a degree of symmetry of the given polygon. For other algorithms that treat this problem see [2], [5], [6].Our approach to the problem is by means identifying and analyzing the “left turns” in the given polygon. Simply put, the polygon is traversed in a clockwise fashion and each vertex is labeled as a left turn or a right turn. Since the only polygon with no left turns is a rectangle the presence and the configuration of left turns provides a clue to the degree of departure from the desired final decomposition consisting only of rectangles. The left turns are eliminated by adding edges to the interior of the polygon in a fashion such that the addition of an edge decreases the number of left turns. The problem is thus reduced to the determination of the smallest number of edges which results in only right turns. This is accomplished by classifying edges into three categories labeled DLT, SLT and NLT. It is then shown that the minimum decomposition is achieved by choosing the largest set of mutually non-intersecting DLT edges. An efficient algorithm of complexity O(n**2) is developed to do this. Some implementation remarks are provided.
Human Origins: Rise of the modern mind

Our direct ancestors spread out from Africa long after the first hominid exodus, and they were anatomically and behaviourally much more human
Religion and Mental Health Among Older Adults: Do the Effects of Religious Involvement Vary by Gender?

Objectives. Few studies explore how the relationship between religious involvement and mental health varies by gender among the aging population. This article outlines a series of arguments concerning the effects of gender in moderating the effect of religious involvement on mental health and examines them empirically. Methods. Using two waves (2001 and 2004) of the Religion, Aging, and Health Survey, this study estimates the differential effect of gender in the religion ‐ mental health connection using multivariate analyses for a nationally representative sample of U.S. adults aged 66 ‐ 95 years. Results. Results suggest that (a) men obtain more mental health benefi ts from religious involvement than women, (b) women with higher levels of organizational religious involvement have similar levels of mental health as those with moderate and lower levels of organizational religious involvement, (c) men with very high levels of organizational religious involvement tend to have much higher levels of mental health than all other men. Discussion. The relationship between organizational religious involvement and mental health is found to be mostly a nonlinear one such that those with the highest levels of religiosity receive all the benefi ts. The fi ndings suggest a number of promising research directions on the religion ‐ mental health connection among older Americans.
Prevalence of Bacterial Infection in Febrile Children Less Than 2 Years of Age With a Positive Influenza A Antigen Test

Study objectives: The prevalence of coexisting significant bacterial infections in young infants and children who have influenza A is unknown in the era after the introduction of Haemophilus influenzae and Streptococcus pneumoniae vaccinations. The evaluation of these infants is still controversial. We hypothesize that infants with fever caused by influenza A are at low risk for secondary bacterial infection and may not require extensive and invasive laboratory evaluations. Infants excluded were those with previous antibiotic use. Methods: This was a prospective evaluation; all infants younger than 2 years, who presented with fever during 4 consecutive influenzae A seasons, and who had a laboratory evaluation for their fever and an influenza A antigen test performed were eligible. Results: There were 236 children; 60 (25.4%) were influenza A positive and 176 (74.6%) were influenza A negative. Median age in the influenza A–positive group was 9.9±8.4 months and for influenza A–negative group 10.3±8.4 months. In the influenza A–positive group, there were 31 (51.6%) male patients, 6 (10%) white patients, 41 (68%) black patients, and 13 (21.6%) Hispanic patients. In the influenza A–negative group, there were 106 (60.2%) male patients, 27 (15.3%) white patients, 121 (68.7%) black patients, 27 (15.3%) Hispanic patients, and 1 Middle Eastern patient. In the influenza A–positive group, median temperature was 39.5±0.8°C, which was significantly greater than that of the influenza A–negative group (38.9±0.7°C; P P Enterococcus ) in a 24-day-old patient. There were no significant positive blood culture results in the influenza A–positive group, but there were 2 (3.3%) contaminants. In the influenza A–negative group, there were 28 (15.9%) instances of pneumonia, 6 (3.4%) of urinary tract infections, and 3 (1.7%) of positive blood culture results ( Klebsiella pneumoniae, Serratia marcescens, S pneumoniae ). Conclusion: The risk of serious bacterial infection is low in the influenzae-positive group, especially if one excludes pneumonias. There were no cases of bacteremia, but bacterial meningitis did occur in an infant younger than 30 days. In addition, urinary tract infections are still significant. Therefore, in the presence of influenzae A, infants younger than 30 days still require a full sepsis evaluation, whereas all others may require only the exclusion of a urinary tract infection. Further studies with larger numbers are required to verify these results.
Degradation of the sealing properties of a zinc oxide-calcium sulfate-based temporary filling material by entrapped cotton fibers.

During root canal therapy cotton may be placed in the pulp chamber before placement of a temporary filling. This study evaluated the effect on the sealing of a zinc oxide-calcium sulfate-based temporary filling material when fibers of the internal cotton passed through the filling material and reached the external surface of the temporary filling. Glass tubes were filled with a 3.5 mm thickness of the temporary filling incorporating a bundle of cotton fibers that passed from the inner surface of the restoration to the outer surface. The time for methylene blue stain to penetrate the filling was compared among four groups. Group 1 (large bundles of fibers) had 20 to 40 fibers, group 2 (medium bundles) had 10 to 15 fibers, group 3 (small bundles) had 3 to 5 fibers, and group 4 (negative controls) had no cotton fibers. All samples with cotton fibers leaked within 12 min. None of the negative controls leaked within the 21-day observation time. These results demonstrate that even a very small amount of cotton trapped between the wall of the tube and the filling material dramatically reduced the sealing quality of the temporary restoration.
Electromagnetic fields act via activation of voltage-gated calcium channels to produce beneficial or adverse effects

The direct targets of extremely low and microwave frequency range electromagnetic fields (EMFs) in producing non-thermal effects have not been clearly established. However, studies in the literature, reviewed here, provide substantial support for such direct targets. Twenty-three studies have shown that voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs) produce these and other EMF effects, such that the L-type or other VGCC blockers block or greatly lower diverse EMF effects. Furthermore, the voltage-gated properties of these channels may provide biophysically plausible mechanisms for EMF biological effects. Downstream responses of such EMF exposures may be mediated through Ca2+ /calmodulin stimulation of nitric oxide synthesis. Potentially, physiological/therapeutic responses may be largely as a result of nitric oxide-cGMP-protein kinase G pathway stimulation. A well-studied example of such an apparent therapeutic response, EMF stimulation of bone growth, appears to work along this pathway. However, pathophysiological responses to EMFs may be as a result of nitric oxide-peroxynitrite-oxidative stress pathway of action. A single such well-documented example, EMF induction of DNA single-strand breaks in cells, as measured by alkaline comet assays, is reviewed here. Such single-strand breaks are known to be produced through the action of this pathway. Data on the mechanism of EMF induction of such breaks are limited; what data are available support this proposed mechanism. Other Ca2+ -mediated regulatory changes, independent of nitric oxide, may also have roles. This article reviews, then, a substantially supported set of targets, VGCCs, whose stimulation produces non-thermal EMF responses by humans/higher animals with downstream effects involving Ca2+ /calmodulin-dependent nitric oxide
Electromagnetic perspective on the operation of RF coils at 1.5–11.7 Tesla

In this work experimental and numerical studies of the MR signal were performed at frequencies ranging from 64 MHz to 485 MHz, utilizing three different MRI coils: a single-strut transverse electromagnetic (TEM)-based coil, a TEM resonator, and a high-pass birdcage coil. The experimental analyses were conducted using 1.5 and 8 Tesla whole-body systems and volume RF head coils. The simulation data were obtained utilizing an in-house-developed finite difference time domain (FDTD) model. Pertinent data from the numerical and experimental setups were compared, and a remarkable agreement between the two methods was found that clearly demonstrates the effectiveness of the FDTD method when it is applied rigorously. The numerical and experimental studies demonstrate the complexity of the electromagnetic (EM) fields and their role in the MR signal. These studies also reveal unique similarities and differences between the transmit and receive field distributions at various field strengths. Finally, for ultra high-field operations, it was demonstrated mathematically, numerically, and experimentally that highly asymmetric inhomogeneous images can be acquired even for linear excitation, symmetrical load geometries, and symmetrical load positioning within the coil.
Life cycle shifts in Baetis rhodani (Ephemeroptera) in the Norwegian mountains

The life cycle of the widely distributed mayfly, Baetis rhodani, was investigated in Ovre Heimdalen, in the Jotunheimen Mountains of central southern Norway. B. rhodani displayed a shift in life cycle from univoltine below the lake, Ovre Heimdalsvatn (1090 m a.s.l.) to a two-year life cycle in the inflowing stream, Brurskardbekken (1100–1300 m a.s.l.). The day degree sum for the univoltine life cycle was 950 compared to 1500–1550 for the two-year life cycle. Larvae of B. rhodani grew rapidly during the ice-free period (June–October) with growth rates of 2.1–8.1% (mg/day), while growth rates were low during winter (0.3–0.5%). There was a positive correlation between growth (mg/day) and temperature (r 2 = 0.34, p = 0.02). Although larval growth and voltinism were influenced by water temperature, other factors such as food resources are likely to be important in mountain areas. The life cycle plasticity exhibited by B. rhodani has undoubtedly contributed to its success in colonising a wide range of running w...
Fire Effects on Demography of the Invasive Shrub Brazilian Pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius) in Florida Pine Savannas

ABSTRACT: Fire is a common disturbance in savanna ecosystems that may either facilitate or impede non-native plant invasions. Although fire can create recruitment opportunities for non-native plants, it can also prevent their invasion if it exerts strong negative effects on their demographic processes. Some savannas may, therefore, be able to resist invasion provided the natural, frequent-fire regime remains intact. We examined the effects of fire on the demography of the invasive shrub Brazilian pepper, Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi., which is invading fire-prone slash pine savannas of southern Florida. We studied survivorship, growth, and reproduction of low-density populations of Brazilian pepper in a pine savanna within Everglades National Park to investigate whether fire might suppress Brazilian pepper in the early stages of invasion. We found a significant decrease in Brazilian pepper survivorship following fire, particularly among small individuals. We further found that fire reduced fecundity of ...
OLTP and OLAP data integration: a review of feasible implementation methods and architectures for real time data analysis

This paper elaborates on the justification and need for integration of OLTP (online transaction processing) and OLAP (online analytical processing) data environments for the purpose of real time data analysis, and reviews potential implementation methods and architectures for integration of these disparate environments. A body of relevant literature is reviewed to answer a central question on the efficacy of OLTP and OLAP integrated environments, and the central question is made tractable by its decomposition to the essential questions that must be answered regarding the feasibility of various methods and architectures for integrating data architectures. Additional coverage is given to proposed architectures and methods for real time data warehouses in the context of OLTP and OLAP data integration. This qualitative study uses an interpretivist epistemology to reach conclusions about the literature's treatment of the topic and the justification and need for data integration to accomplish real time data analysis in the business enterprise.
Membrane-based production of salinity-gradient power

This perspective paper outlines the fundamental principles and state-of-the-art of membrane-based conversion of salinity-gradient energy, a renewable and environmentally benign energy source receiving increased attention in recent years. In particular, an attempt is made to identify the most important and promising directions for future research and technological innovation.
Effect of template size on accumulation of defective interfering RNAs in protoplasts.

Abstract A turnip protoplast system has been used to study the effects of template size and sequence on the replication and/or stability of a small defective interfering (DI) RNA associated with turnip crinkle virus. Our results indicated that as little as a single base difference in the size of the molecule in some regions, rather than the specific sequence, affected the level of DI RNA accumulating in protoplasts.
Complexity affects regional cerebral blood flow change during sequential finger movements

Brain regions activated with complex sequential finger movements were localized by measuring regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) with positron emission tomography. Whereas the total number and frequency of finger movements were kept constant, the complexity of auditory cued sequential finger movements of the right hand varied, with sequence length as the independent variable. In four conditions of differing complexity, the bilateral primary sensorimotor area, left ventral premotor cortex, posterior supplementary motor area, right superior part of the cerebellum, and left putamen were consistently and equally activated. This finding suggests an executive role in running sequences, regardless of their length. The right dorsal premotor cortex (Brodmann area 6) and the right precuneus (Brodmann area 7) showed a linear increase of rCBF as sequence complexity increased. This finding is consistent with the hypothesis that these areas function in the storage of motor sequences in spatial working memory and the production of ongoing sequential movement with reference to that of buffered memory. A similar increase in the cerebellar vermis and the left thalamus likewise suggests a role of these subcortical structures in complexity of sequential finger movements. Conversely, the left inferior parietal lobule showed a decrease of rCBF as complexity increased. Because short-term phonological storage is localized to this area, we suggest that the visuospatial working memory system may suppress other systems not in use. Our findings suggest that complex sequential finger movements recruit a discrete set of brain areas, in addition to areas underlying the execution of simple movement sequences.