cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Surface and Subsurface Patterns of Archaeological Materials at Fort Fillmore, New Mexico

Since 1986 New Mexico State University has been conducting archaeology at the site of Fort Fillmore, a Civil War period outpost in southern New Mexico. Part of this project has been a systematic surface survey and collection to locate subsurface deposits on a large and threatened site. Results suggest that a number of natural and human impacts to the site have contributed to complex surface-subsurface relationships. These impacts can nevertheless be recognized and understood. Numerous subsurface features and deposits were located by reference to the surface data, and today the site of Fort Fillmore is protected better.
Relationship Between Extent of Burn Injury and Magnitude of Microbial Translocation From the Intestine

The gut can be a source of sepsis after thermal injury. In the present study the relationship between the extent of burn injury and magnitude of bacterial translocation was investigated. Mice underwent 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, or 50% total body surface area full-thickness burn and simultaneous gavage with 1 x 10(10) 14C-labeled Escherichia coli. mesenteric lymph nodes, liver, spleen, peritoneal fluid, and burn wound were excised 4 hours after burn injury. Residual radioactivity and bacterial colony counts were measured, and percentages of viable organisms were calculated. Results showed that the rate of translocation of 14C E. coli increased proportionally with the burn size, reaching a maximum at 30%. The cutaneous eschar collected a remarkable amount of labeled bacteria, suggesting enteric microflora as a possible source of contamination of the burn wound via endogenous routes. The percentage of viable organisms in the tissues demonstrated that the ability of mesenteric lymph nodes, liver, and eschar to clear translocated bacteria was directly affected by the severity of the burn injury.
Eggshell thickness in mallards fed methylmercury

Eggshell thinning has been linked to impaired reproduction in many wild birds. Previous work of my own and others led me to believe that methylmercury may cause some eggshell thinning in birds. The present study was designed to determine whether methylmercury in the diet of mallards would thin their eggshells and whether it would add to eggshell thinning caused by DDE.
A liquid chromatographic-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometric method for determination of buprenorphine, its metabolite, norbuprenorphine, and a coformulant, naloxone, that is suitable for in vivo and in vitro metabolism studies.

A liquid chromatographic-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometric method has been developed and validated for determination of the antiabuse medication, buprenorphine, its primary metabolite, norbuprenorphine, and a proposed coformulant, naloxone. The method uses deuterated internal standards and a simple liquid-liquid extraction. Mass spectrometry employed selected reaction monitoring of the transitions of m/z 468 to 396 for buprenorphine, 472 to 400 for [2H4]buprenorphine, 414 to 101 for norbuprenorphine, 423 to 110 for [2H9]norbuprenorphine, 328 to 310 for naloxone, and 345 to 327 for its internal standard, [2H3]naltrexone. The method was accurate and precise across the dynamic range of 0.1 to 10 ng/ml. All analytes were stable in human plasma stored at room temperature for up to 24 h and after three freeze-thaw cycles. Reconstituted extracts were stable at -20 degrees C for up to 3 days. In human subjects receiving a sublingual tablet of 8 mg buprenorphine and 2 mg naloxone, buprenorphine and norbuprenorphine were detected for up to 24 h with respective maximum concentrations at 1 and 1.5 h. Maximal concentrations ranged from 2.2 to 2.8 and 1.5 to 2.4 ng/ml for buprenorphine and norbuprenorphine, respectively (i.e., approximately 6 nM). The method detected norbuprenorphine formation in human liver microsomes incubated with 5-82 nM buprenorphine, which encompasses the therapeutic plasma concentration range. When cDNA-expressed P450s were incubated with 21 nM buprenorphine, norbuprenorphine formation was detected for P450s 3A4, as previously described, but also for 3A5, 3A7, and 2C8. Buprenorphine utilization generally exceeded norbuprenorphine formation, suggesting that P450s 2C18, 2C19, 2D6, and 2E1 may also be involved in buprenorphine metabolism to other products. These results suggest this method is suitable for both in vivo and in vitro studies of buprenorphine metabolism to norbuprenorphine.
A fluorescent bisboronic acid compound that selectively labels cells expressing oligosaccharide Lewis X

Two fluorescent diboronic acid compounds (6a and 6b) with a dipeptide linker were synthesized as potential sensors for cell surface saccharide Lewis X (LeX). Compound 6a with a dipeptide (H-Asp-Ala-) as the linker was found to selectively label CHOFUT4 cells, which express Lex, at micromolar concentrations, while non-Lex-expressing control cells were not labeled.
Social robots for health applications

Social robots are designed to interact with people in a manner that is consistent with human social psychology. They are a particularly intriguing technology in health domains due to their ability to engage people along social and emotional dimensions. In this paper, we highlight a number of interesting opportunities for social robots in healthcare related applications.
Probability of forming 1s σ vacancies in 625 MeV Xe + Au, Pb, Bi, and Th collisions at small impact parameters

Abstract Probabilities of forming 1sσ vavancies in 625 MeV 136 Xe + Au, Pb, Bi, and Th encounters were measured at mean impact parameters of 15–20 fm and found to be (3–4) × 10 −2 . This is of the same order of magnitude as computed by Soff et al.
An Evaluation by a Panel of Psychologists of the Reliability and Validity of Two Tests of Critical Thinking.

This investigation was concerned with an evaluation by a panel of psychologists of both the validity and the reliability and measurement error of two tests of critical thinking: (a) the Cornell Critical Thinking Test, Level X and (b) the Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal, Form YM. As criteria, the ten ESSENTIAL validity standards and the five ESSENTIAL reliability and measurement error standards from the 1974 publication Standards for Educational and Psychological Tests were employed. For each of the 15 standards used, the respondent rendered a judgment in the instance of each test of critical thinking concerning whether the standard was met completely, somewhat, minimally, or not at all. Corresponding to each of these levels, scores of 4, 3, 2, or 1 were assigned. In the instance that a standard was judged not to be applicable, no score was given. In general, it appeared that both measures tended to meet the standards between a level judged to be "minimal" or "somewhat." No statistically signific...
Composite Atmospheric Environments of Jet Contrail Outbreaks for the United States

Abstract The cirrus-level “condensation trails” (contrails) produced by jet aircraft are considered to influence surface climate and its recent changes. To reveal the synoptic atmospheric environments typically associated with multiple co-occurrences of contrails occurring in otherwise clear or partly cloudy skies (outbreaks) for the United States, and ultimately to assist in forecasting these events, a composite (i.e., multicase average) “synoptic climatology” at regional scales is developed for the midseason months (January, April, July, October) of 2000–02. The NCEP–NCAR reanalysis data that emphasize upper-troposphere (UT) variables are allied with manually identified outbreaks appearing on satellite Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer digital data, using a geographic information system. The highest frequencies of outbreaks by far occur in the Midwest (32.6% of all-U.S. total), followed by the Northeast (17.6%) and Southeast (17.2%). In these regions, all of which have a high density of jet air t...
Motions of a Stretched String Carrying a Moving Mass Particle

A considerable amount of analytical work has been carried out in order to determine the effects of “traveling” loads on structures. Several methods—all approximate—have been used to predict the motion of a beam, along which a mass particle is constrained to move. An “exact” solution is presented here for a similar system in which a stretched string serves as support for the moving mass. Comparison with this system lends some insight into the more complicated beam problem. A singular behavior of the solution to the string problem suggests the possibility of an analogous singular behavior in the solution to the beam problem.
Accurate closed-form expressions for the frequency-dependent line parameters of on-chip interconnects on lossy silicon substrate

Accurate closed-form expressions for the complete frequency-dependent R, L, G, C line parameters of microstrip lines on lossy silicon substrate are presented. The closed-form expressions for the frequency-dependent series impedance parameters are obtained using a complex image method. The frequency-dependent shunt admittance parameters are expressed in closed form in terms of the shunt capacitances obtained in the low and high frequency limits. The proposed closed-form solutions are shown to be in good agreement with the electromagnetic solutions.
Cocaine and Metabolites in Human Graying Hair: Pigmentary Relationship

Objective: To assess differences in the binding of cocaine, cocaethylene, and benzoylecgonine among pigmented and senile white hairs of the graying human cocaine abuser. Design: A sheath of graying hair in the region around the apex of the head was gathered between the thumb and index finger then cut and removed about 2 mm proximal to the scalp. The graying hair was divided into pigmented and senile white of equal weights and lengths and then analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry chemical ionization. Twenty-nine such pairs were analyzed. Subjects: Male cocaine abusers, ages 33-55 years hospitalized for substance abuse. Informed consent was obtained and confidentiality assured. Main Outcome Measures: Concentrations of cocaine, cocaethylene and benzoylecgonine in ng were assessed for each of 29 paired hair samples by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry chemical ionization. Results: There were statistically significant differences between pigmented and senile white sections of paired samples. Coc...
Fine structure of Synechocystis didemni (Cyanophyta: Chroococcales)

The green-coloured unicellular alga Synechocystis didemni, which has a pigment complement like that of a chlorophyte, is shown by transmission electron microscopy to have a typical prokaryotic cons...
Physicochemical model of retention for capillary supercritical fluid chromatography

Abstract the solvating ability of a supercritical fluid mobile phase depends on density and temperature, which in turn govern solute retention. A model is proposed for capillary supercritical fluid chromatography that relates the logarithm of the capacity factor to the logarithm of the reduced density by an empirical equation. This relationship takes into account molecular weight and shape of solute and mobile phase, reduced density, reduced temperature, free energy of solute transfer between phases and film thickness of the stationary phase. Ultimately, each mobile phase and stationary phase combination can be described by a “phase constant” that seems to be dictated by the relative polarizability of the phases. This model has so far been proven valid for a representative group of polyaromatics.
Mechanics of Crimp Formation in a Bicomponent Fiber Model

Theoretical analysis is given for the "Brand and Backer bicomponent fiber model" with cross sections possessing certain well defined symmetry. The analysis excludes time-dependent effects but accommodates arbitrary stress-strain relationships. Closed form solutions are given for rectangular and elliptical cross sections for linearly elastic materials. Stress and strain distributions in the final configuration are obtained for rectangular cross sections.
Icelandic Fisher Women's Experience: Implications, Social Change, and Fisheries Policy

ABSTRACTIcelandic women have been a part of the Icelandic fishing fleet since before the seventeenth century and continue to hold positions at all levels of the fishing industry. This appears to be different from any other group of female fishers about whom a study has been done in the industrialized world. This article examines the role of these women and how multiple factors such as social change, fisheries policy, technology, mobility, and economics – including Iceland's 2008 dramatic economic crash – are affecting these women's ability and desire to fish. This article demonstrates the importance and implications of a gendered perspective when considering the effects of fisheries policy, practice, and any potential for sustainable fisheries that includes diverse factors including communities, economics, social change, and the natural environment.
The Study of Dynamic Slug Flow Characteristics Using Digital Image Analysis—Part I: Flow Visualization

This paper reports the application of novel, digital image analysis techniques in the study of slug flow characteristics, under dynamic conditions in two-phase gas-liquid mixtures. Water and an oil of viscosity 18 cP were used for the liquid phase and carbon dioxide was used for the gas phase. Flow in a 75-mm i.d., 10-m long acrylic pipeline system was studied. Images of slugs were recorded on video by S-VHS cameras, using an audio-visual mixer. Each image was then digitized frame -by-frame and analyzed on a SGI workstation. Detailed slug characteristics, including liquid film heights, slug translational velocity, mixing length, and, slug length, were obtained.
Tissue kallikreins structure, regulation, and participation in mammalian physiology and disease

In the last 30 years, significant advances have occurred in our understanding of tissue kallikrein gene families, sites of cellular expression, protein structure, abnormalities in disease, and ability to manipulate levels of kallikrein gene expression and enzyme activity. The work has revealed enough about the contributions of tissue kallikreins to cellular and organ function to allow optimism about the likelihood that new therapeutic strategies based on stimulation or interdiction of kallikrein enzymatic (or other) activities will be important to the treatment of perhaps even the prevention of some common diseases
The Joint Venture Process in International Business: India and Pakistan

Trade between developed countries has so accelerated in recent decades that it tends to obscure the less obvious returns but considerable potential of business opportunities in the developing nations. To the businessman thinking of investing in an underdeveloped market the whole issue is fraught with uncertainties, of which the structuring of investment and choice of partners are perhaps the most important and perplexing.With this book, J. W. C. Tomlinson, Senior Lecturer in International Business at the Manchester Business School, Manchester, England, paves the first steps in the path of such businessmen, especially those interested in investment in India or Pakistan. He sets up a framework for a model of the decisions and dimensions involved in establishing and operating joint ventures in international business.The author bases his study on evidence collected from top executives of 50 British firms with investments in India and Pakistan. Some of his conclusions may be surprising. He finds, for instance, that the profitability of joint ventures seems to be inversely related to the size of the foreign parent company and to the latter's predilection for control over a joint operation. He also finds that the apparently attractive compromise of 50-50 joint ventures usually turns out to be a snare and a delusion. In general, given more effective search procedures, there are more potential local associates for joint ventures in less-developed countries than the literature suggests. Most significantly, host government partners are rarely a hindrance and often the most compatible associates for a foreign investor.It appears that the decision to go into a joint venture, the selection of partners and the manner in which it is set up are only partially determined, if at all, by considerations of bilateral monopolistic advantage. Initiation, promotion and development of new ventures tends to be the responsibility of individuals or special interest groups.Hitherto, the area of joint operations in international business has only been examined descriptively. Here is a study which analyzes the subject rigorously and in depth, providing detailed information of the results of a type of operation which is likely to become increasingly significant.
An Analysis of the Infrared Reflection Nebula and Circumstellar Environment of GL 2136

The star formation region GL 2136 has been imaged using narrowband filters at 2.2, 3.08, and 3.45 μm. Water ice absorption at 3.08 μm is commonly seen in molecular clouds toward embedded objects such as GL 2136. By constructing and analyzing a water ice absorption map and a M2.2 - M3.45 color map, we are able to set constraints upon the location, size, and scattering properties of grains in the GL 2136 region. Through detailed modeling of the composition and size distribution of the grains in the reflection nebula, we calculate a dust photospheric temperature of 660 K for IRS 1. Our analysis indicates that absorption is occurring within a circumstellar disk in addition to absorption in the molecular cloud. For the density of water ice in the molecular cloud, we find an upper limit of 7 H2O molecules cm-3 and a water ice abundance of 1.2 × 10-5 by number with respect to hydrogen. The south and east lobes of the reflection nebula have small values of M2.2 - M3.45 and τice compared to those of IRS 1, and appear to line a conical cavity created by the blueshifted molecular outflow. From the apparent positions of the reflection lobes, the estimated opening angle of the outflow is 45°. We also present a schematic diagram of the geometry of the region as determined by the results of this study.
Identification of a Ty insertion within the coding sequence of the S. cerevisiae URA3 gene.

Insertion mutations in yeast caused by the transposable element Ty have been identified at several genetic loci. In all cases so far, the site of Ty insertion has been in the 5′ non-coding region of the affected gene. Experiments presented here demonstrate that the ura3-52 mutation, a non-reverting ura3 mutation, is caused by a Ty insertion mutation within the coding region of the URA3 gene. This Ty insertion within a gene has a similar structure to those in non-coding regions.
Hyperfine experiments on magnetic critical phenomena

The application of hyperfine techniques to the study of magnetic critical phenomena is selectively reviewed. Topics discussed are probe independence, the test of universality via measurements of static exponents, static exponents in disordered systems, and dynamic critical phenomena.
A site in the fourth membrane-associated domain of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor regulates desensitization and ion channel gating.

Abstract The N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor has four membrane-associated domains, three of which are membrane-spanning (M1, M3, and M4) and one of which is a re-entrant pore loop (M2). The M1–M3 domains have been demonstrated to influence the function of the ion channel, but a similar role for the M4 domain has not been reported. We have identified a methionine residue (Met823) in the M4 domain of the NR2A subunit that regulates desensitization and ion channel gating. A tryptophan substitution at this site did not alter the EC50 for glycine or the peak NMDA EC50 but decreased the steady-state NMDA EC50 and markedly increased apparent desensitization, mean open time, and peak current density. Results of rapid solution exchange experiments revealed that changes in microscopic desensitization rates and closing rates could account for the changes in macroscopic desensitization, steady-state NMDA EC50, and current density. Other amino acid substitutions at this site could increase or decrease the rate of desensitization and mean open time of the ion channel. Both mean open time and desensitization were dependent primarily upon the hydrophobic character of the amino acid at the position. These results demonstrate an important role for hydrophobic interactions at Met823 in regulation of NMDA receptor function.
Nonalcoholic Fatty liver disease and obesity.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is an increasingly recognized medical condition that may progress to hepatic cirrhosis with liver failure. The pathologic picture resembles that of alcohol-induced liver injury, but it occurs in patients who do not abuse alcohol. NAFLD is more common among patients with evidence of insulin resistance. NAFLD refers to a wide spectrum of liver damage, ranging from simple steatosis to steatohepatitis, fibrosis, and cirrhosis. The clinical implications of NAFLD are derived mostly from its common occurrence in the general population, specifically in obese individuals, and its potential to progress to cirrhosis and liver failure. It is difficult to propose a treatment strategy for NAFLD because its pathogenesis is poorly understood; however, the most commonly associated clinical features of obesity, diabetes mellitus, lipid disorders, and hypertension deserve therapeutic interventions independent of NAFLD. It is also not known if and how treatment of these other conditio...
Type XXIII Collagen, a New Transmembrane Collagen Identified in Metastatic Tumor Cells

We have identified a transmembrane collagen, collagen XXIII, in rat prostate carcinoma cells. Differential display of mRNA expression in prostate carcinoma sublines with varying metastatic potential revealed overexpression of this transcript in the metastatic AT6.1 subline. cDNA cloning identified a 2733-bp transcript from AT6.1 RNA, encoding a protein of 532 amino acids, together with a 3067-bp human homologue, resulting in a 540-amino acid protein. Collagen XXIII is predicted to be a type II membrane protein consisting of an amino-terminal cytoplasmic domain, a transmembrane region, and three collagenous domains flanked by short noncollagenous domains. Collagen XXIII is a new member of the transmembrane collagen family, showing structural homology with the transmembrane collagens XIII and XXV. We present evidence that collagen XXIII is expressed as a ∼75-kDa protein at the cell surface and that it can be cleaved by furin protease activity. Cleavage results in a ∼60-kDa soluble protein that forms a multimeric complex and exhibits a low affinity interaction with heparin.
Behavioral and Welfare Effects of Tournaments and Fixed Performance Contracts: Some Experimental Evidence

Using experimental economics, we compare the efficiency and welfare effects of tournaments and fixed performance contracts. Our subjects (agents) were generally better off under fixed performance contracts, but the advantage of the fixed performance contract disappears if the relative magnitude of the standard deviation of the common shock exceeds a critical value. Efficiency wise, agents tend to exert higher effort under fixed performance contracts, on average. Additionally, an increase in the common shock standard deviation appeared to be associated with lower effort under tournaments. Our results shed light on the potential impact of legislative proposals to ban tournament contracts.
Covalent DNA Binding by Vaccinia Topoisomerase Results in Unpairing of the Thymine Base 5′ of the Scissile Bond

We have used potassium permanganate to probe contacts between vaccinia DNA topoisomerase and thymine residues in its 5'-CCCTT downward arrow DNA target site. Two major conclusions emerge from the experiments presented: (i) permanganate oxidation of the +2T base of the scissile strand interferes with topoisomerase binding to DNA, and (ii) the +1T base of the scissile strand becomes unpaired upon formation of the covalent topoisomerase-DNA intermediate. Disruption of T:A base pairing is confined to the +1-position. Covalently bound DNAs that have experienced this structural distortion (such DNAs being marked by oxidation at +1T) are fully capable of being religated. We suggest that a protein-induced DNA conformational change is a component of the strand passage step of the topoisomerase reaction.
Dense matter in the skyrme model

Abstract In the Skyrme model for strong interactions a lattice configuration corresponding to neutron matter is studied. Numerical time-dependent calculations allow a temperature to be introduced and allow a single-cell potential and an effective mass to be defined. Subsequent quantization of the system yields the equation of state, and the implications for neutron stars are calculated. Two different configurations are found, and the phase transition to the configuration favored at high densities, which could correspond to pion condensation and quark deconfinement, is investigated.
Evapotranspiration and Other Water Losses on Some Aspen Forest Types in Relation to Water Available for Stream Flow

This paper reports the effects of altering an aspen forest cover in Utah on evapotranspiration losses, overland flow, erosion, and mantle storage deficits during three successive growing seasons. These data, together with supplemental measures of winter precipitation and estimates of evaporation from snow, provided a basis for estimating amounts of water available for stream flow. Removal of aspen trees, leaving the herbaceous understory and litter undisturbed, reduced evapotranspiration losses and increased the amount of water available for stream flow by about four inches without seriously increasing overland flow or soil erosion during summer rains. Removal of the remaining herbaceous cover further reduced evapotranspiration losses and increased the amount of water available to streams by an additional four inches but resulted in an undesirable increase in summer rainfall runoff and soil loss.
Coenological study of snails (Mollusca: Gastropoda) in forest phytocoenoses of Medvednica mountain (NW Croatia, Yugoslavia)

The coenological research of land snails has produced 42 taxa gathered on 68 sites in 11 forest phyto coenoses of the Medvednica mountain area (NW Croatia, Yugoslavia). Relative abundance, constancy and density have been established for every taxon of a snail community in the specific phytocoenosis. The total number of snail taxa, the average number of snail taxa per site, the Shannon-Wiener index (the qualitative characteristics) and the community density (the quantitative characteristic) have been established for every snail community. The snail communities from thermophilic basophilous phytocoenoses, especially the community in the association Querco-Ostryetum have been proved to be the richest in regard to quality and quantity. Markedly acidophilic phytocoenoses have had the poorest snail community: a snail community in the association Querco-Castanetum has proved the poorest in quality and the snail community in the asso ciation Luzulo-Fagetum has been the poorest in quantity. The Shannon-Wiener index has got its high est values in the snail communities belonging to climatogenous phytocoenoses. The attempts at establishing the relation of snail communities using objective methods have been made by calculating the similarity of snail communities according to Sorensen (1943) and Kulczynski (1927) and also by clustering according to weight variable-group method (Sokal & Sneath 1963: 310, 311). The following common features have been established among the results obtained by applying the stated methods:
GZO/ZnO multilayered nanodisk metasurface to engineer the plasma frequency

A metal/dielectric multilayered metasurface can be used to engineer the plasma frequency by controlling the ratio between the metal and dielectric layers. In this work, we demonstrate that a multilayered nanodisk metasurface based on semiconductor materials offers the design flexibility for tuning the plasmonic resonance.
Conformation of poly-l-glutamate is independent of ionic strength

Abstract CD and UV resonance Raman measurements surprisingly find that the charge screening of even 2 M concentrations of NaCl and KCl does not alter the unfolded PPII and 2.5 1 -helix conformations of poly- l -glutamate. These salts appear to be excluded from the region between the side chain charges and the peptide backbone. Furthermore, no direct ion pairing occurs between these salts and the side chain carboxylates.
Monte Carlo extension of quasi-Monte Carlo

The paper surveys recent research on using Monte Carlo techniques to improve quasi-Monte Carlo techniques. Randomized quasi-Monte Carlo methods provide a basis for error estimation. They have, in the special case of scrambled nets, also been observed to improve accuracy. Finally, through Latin supercube sampling it is possible to use Monte Carlo methods to extend quasi-Monte Carlo methods to higher dimensional problems.
Application of the important sampling method to Vehicle Routing Problem with weight coefficients and Stochastic Demands

Vehicle Routing Problem has been approved a NP problem and it belongs to classical Combination Optimization hard problem. An effective algorithm based on Important Sampling is designed to solve the model which named Vehicle Routing Problem with Weight Coefficients and Stochastic Demands (WVRPSD). The optimal importance sampling distribution function was obtained by making use of the expection constructed by likelihood ratio. Numerical experiments have been conducted and the results indicate that the method can effectively solve this problem.
Cathepsin L Is Involved in Proteolytic Processing of the Hendra Virus Fusion Protein

Proteolytic processing of paramyxovirus fusion (F) proteins is essential for the generation of a mature and fusogenic form of the F protein. Although many paramyxovirus F proteins are proteolytically processed by the cellular protease furin at a multibasic cleavage motif, cleavage of the newly emerged Hendra virus F protein occurs by a previously unidentified cellular protease following a single lysine at residue 109. We demonstrate here that the cellular protease cathepsin L is involved in converting the Hendra virus precursor F protein (F(0)) to the active F(1) + F(2) disulfide-linked heterodimer. To initially identify the class of protease involved in Hendra virus F protein cleavage, Vero cells transfected with pCAGGS-Hendra F or pCAGGS-SV5 F (known to be proteolytically processed by furin) were metabolically labeled and chased in the absence or presence of serine, cysteine, aspartyl, and metalloprotease inhibitors. Nonspecific and specific protease inhibitors known to decrease cathepsin activity inhibited proteolytic processing of Hendra virus F but had no effect on simian virus 5 F processing. We next designed shRNA oligonucleotides to cathepsin L which dramatically reduced cathepsin L protein expression and enzyme activity. Cathepsin L shRNA-expressing Vero cells transfected with pCAGGS-Hendra F demonstrated a nondetectable amount of cleavage of the Hendra virus F protein and significantly decreased membrane fusion activity. Additionally, we found that purified human cathepsin L processed immunopurified Hendra virus F(0) into F(1) and F(2) fragments. These studies introduce a novel mechanism for primary proteolytic processing of viral glycoproteins and also suggest a previously unreported biological role for cathepsin L.
Galectin-3 mediates oligomerization of secreted hensin using its carbohydrate-recognition domain

A multidomain, multifunctional 230-kDa extracellular matrix (ECM) protein, hensin, regulates the adaptation of rabbit kidney to metabolic acidosis by remodeling collecting duct intercalated cells. Conditional deletion of hensin in intercalated cells of the mouse kidney leads to distal renal tubular acidosis and to a significant reduction in the number of cells expressing the basolateral chloride-bicarbonate exchanger kAE1, a characteristic marker of α-intercalated cells. Although hensin is secreted as a monomer, its polymerization and ECM assembly are essential for its role in the adaptation of the kidney to metabolic acidosis. Galectin-3, a unique lectin with specific affinity for β-galactoside glycoconjugates, directly interacts with hensin. Acidotic rabbits had a significant increase in the number of cells expressing galectin-3 in the collecting duct and exhibited colocalization of galectin-3 with hensin in the ECM of microdissected tubules. In this study, we confirmed the increased expression of galectin-3 in acidotic rabbit kidneys by real-time RT-PCR. Galectin-3 interacted with hensin in vitro via its carbohydrate-binding COOH-terminal domain, and the interaction was competitively inhibited by lactose, removal of the COOH-terminal domain of galectin-3, and deglycosylation of hensin. Galectin-9, a lectin with two carbohydrate-recognition domains, is also present in the rabbit kidney; galectin-9 partially oligomerized hensin in vitro. Our results demonstrate that galectin-3 plays a critical role in hensin ECM assembly by oligomerizing secreted monomeric hensin. Both the NH2-terminal and COOH-terminal domains are required for this function. We suggest that in the case of galectin-3-null mice galectin-9 may partially substitute for the function of galectin-3.
Reply to Moffatt

For Michael Moffatt, "postmodernism" is like a red flag. So indignant does this concept make him that he becomes incapable of following any analysis in which it figures. Such, at least, is the most charitable explanation I can give for his failure to understand the argument presented in "Secrets of Success in Postmodem Society" (Cultural Anthropology, Vol. 4, No. 3, August 1989). Moffatt's misunderstanding is harmless in itself and might conceivably be corrected. What is more disturbing is his disciplinary reaction to critical practices of which he disapproves (the moral tone is of the essence). Confronted with new modes of cultural criticism, Moffatt's impulse is to call into question their status as anthropology. What drives the self-righteous bluster of his "discipline-centered" conclusion is a fantasy of a disciplinary community under attack from those whom Moffatt, on the model of the right-wing patriot, would construct as doubtful members.
Biofeedback: the need for a flexible approach.

Abstract The negative results in many research reports on the use of biofeedback for hypertension and other stress-related conditions may be attributable, at least in part, to rigidity of design and failure to give patients needed psychological support. In a clinical psychophysiologic laboratory, we have found it valuable to vary treatment with biofeedback and other relaxation therapies according to the needs of the individual patient. In addition to its already reported uses, biofeedback can be used in diagnosis, and can also function as a means of introducing patients to psychotherapy.
Target mass corrections in the QCD parton model

Abstract We show how target mass corrections can be incorporated to all orders of the QCD parton model, for leading and non-leading logarithms. This algorithm reproduces the ξ scaling analysis of totally inclusive leptoproduction. Target mass corrections to semi-inclusive leptoproduction are computed. We show that the simplest final-state variable to use is ωH = −2P′·q/Q2, where P′ is the observed hadron's momentum. We define double moments for this process for which scaling violations and factorization breaking are target-mass independent.
Discourage the possibility of airborne attack with a good detection system: amethodology for planning

Detection of the ground intruder has been a subject of primary emphasis when planning an intrusion detection system. The ground intruder has been viewed as the major threat because the ground intrusion scenario does not require a means of sophisticated transport to gain access to a sensitive site. But a new trend is developing that should sensitize the security planners at sensitive facilities to begin to address the airborne threat as a credible intrusion scenario. Within the western hemisphere during the past 10 years, no less than 10 prison escape attempts have utilized helicopters as an escape transport. A terrorist, in an attack that resulted in the deaths of three Mid-East army personnel, used an ultra-light aircraft to circumvent normal border intrusion detection systems. Another terrorist was killed when explosives detonated prematurely in the gondola of his hot air balloon. Through use of the hot air balloon, the terrorists had succeeded in avoiding detection at the border before his explosives accidently detonated. There is another documented case where an innocent airborne intruder succeeded in landing a helicopter within the controlled boundary of a sensitive facility without detection until the pilot solicited assistance from the facility operations personnel. The short history of airborne intrusions and certain intelligence information indicates that the airborne intrusion scenario may be a trend of the future. The airborne intrusion scenario has many advantages over a ground assault. The airborne platform can be used to transport the intruder over traditional barrier systems that are designed to delay the ground intruder. The early-warning ground intrusion sensors are located on and behind the barriers, and the avoidance of the barriers denies security personnel early-waming information usually required for an optimum response, The airborne intruder also has access to the rooftops of buildings which can be used to strategic advantage. This paper serves as an introduction to the methodology that should be considered when planning for defense against the airborne intrusion.
Warum interferieren die Wahrscheinlichkeiten

The wavelike interference law connecting various transition probabilities, usually taken as the expression of a basic and irreducible quantum dualism, is derived as a consequence of the postulate that a general connection law between the robabilities exists at all, together with requirements of symmetry, invariance, and other features of a non-wavelike nature. Duality is thus divested of its fundamental character, and a way is found to understand quantum mechanics on a non-quantal basis.
Shaping user input in speech graffiti: a first pass

Speech Graffiti is a standardized interaction protocol for spoken dialog systems designed to address some com-mon difficulties with ASR. We have proposed a strategy of shaping to help users adapt their interaction to match what the system understands best, thereby re-ducing the chance for misunderstandings and improving interaction efficiency. In this paper we report on an evaluation of our initial implementation of shaping in Speech Graffiti, noting that our baseline strategy was not as powerful as expected, and discussing proposed changes to improve its effectiveness.
The effectiveness of multiscale collaboration in virtual environments

Adding multiscale capabilities to collaborative virtual environments can potentially help people work on very large electronic worlds. Our experiment shows that the user performance on cross-scale tasks is indeed improved.
The Differentiation of the Volatile Organic Signatures of Individuals Through SPME-GC/MS of Characteristic Human Scent Compounds

Human scent evidence is utilized as an investigative tool through canine scent discriminations based on the premise that human scent is an individualizing characteristic. This study describes the development of what is effectively a human scent barcode consisting of the relative ratios of an individual's ''primary odor'' compounds utilized to determine a reproducible and individualizing profile which can be stored in a search- able database for a proof of concept of human scent as a biometric measure. Triplicate hand odor samples were evaluated from 10 subjects utilizing solid phase micro-extraction gas chromatography ⁄ mass spectrometry (SPME-GC ⁄ MS) and compared via Spearman Rank Correlations. Narrowing the compounds considered for each subject to only those common in all three samples, or a subject's ''primary odor constituents,'' produced a greater degree of both individualization and discrimination; at both correlation thresholds of 0.9 and 0.8, the individuals were correctly discriminated and identified in 99.54% of the cases. Human scent profile analysis and comparison is an area of analyti- cal research which has garnered a great deal of interest in recent times. The medical community's interests lie in the possible use of the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released by the human body as a diagnostic tool for disease and the forensic community's interest is primarily in the use of human scent evidence as an investigative tool. Human odor has long been cited as a probable parameter containing individualizing characteristics that can be exploited as a biometric measure; however, proof of concept for the instrumental interrogation of this physical characteristic has yet to be achieved.
Biological Weighting Functions for the Effect of UV Radiation on Carbon Partitioning in Microalgae

UV radiation clearly inhibits phytoplankton photosynthesis, with direct effects on both photosystem II and the enzyme, Rubisco, that catalyses the first reaction of the photosynthetic carbon reduction cycle. The subsequent partitioning of fixed carbon into macromolecular pools (carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins) is also affected by UV exposure, although relative changes in allocation are not well-documented and vary considerably. The wavelength specificity of inhibition of photosynthesis has been described by spectral weighting functions, or biological weighting functions (BWFs) that combine the effect of UV radiation with interactive effects of longer wavelengths. BWFs permit one to compare the effects of different radiation sources or various ozone depletion scenarios. However, no data are available from which BWFs for partitioning can be determined, as experimental techniques have varied widely. These BWFs are essential for predicting the effects of increased UV-B on other trophic levels, and for analyzing the cost and benefit of synthesizing protective compounds. Using a polychromatic approach, we are developing BWFs for the partitioning of 14C in Thalassiosira pseudonana (3H) at photosynthetically saturating irradiance. We are comparing these functions to BWFs calculated from simultaneous measurements of primary productivity. We have found consistent differences in sensitivity to UV exposure among the pools, and are testing these differences for significance using a variety of model and calculation approaches.
Using Latent Dirichlet Allocation for automatic categorization of software

In this paper, we propose a technique called LACT for automatically categorizing software systems in open-source repositories. LACT is based on Latent Dirichlet Allocation, an information retrieval method which is used to index and analyze source code documents as mixtures of probabilistic topics. For an initial evaluation, we performed two studies. In the first study, LACT was compared against an existing tool, MUDABlue, for classifying 41 software systems written in C into problem domain categories. The results indicate that LACT can automatically produce meaningful category names and yield classification results comparable to MUDABlue. In the second study, we applied LACT to 43 software systems written in different programming languages such as C/C++, Java, C#, PHP, and Perl. The results indicate that LACT can be used effectively for the automatic categorization of software systems regardless of the underlying programming language or paradigm. Moreover, both studies indicate that LACT can identify several new categories that are based on libraries, architectures, or programming languages, which is a promising improvement as compared to manual categorization and existing techniques.
Will Marriage Matter? Effects of Marriage Anticipated by Same-Sex Couples

The current study used an online survey to explore the anticipated impact of legalized marriage on partners in same-sex couples living in California. These data were gathered prior to the California Supreme Court decision in May 2008 legalizing same-sex marriage, which held sway for 5 months before California Proposition 8 eliminating same-sex marriage was passed by a voter referendum. In addition to administering three quantitative measures (Gay and Lesbian Acceptance & Social Support Index, Anticipated Impact of Marriage Scale, and The Couple Satisfaction Index), a qualitative approach to inquiry was used to derive themes in the reported experiences of the study participants. The principal theme emerging from participants’ responses involved a ubiquitous sense of security in all areas of their life, including increased permanence in their couple relationship as well as feeling protected as a unit by the larger society.
FOXO1 plays an essential role in apoptosis of retinal pericytes.

Purpose: An early and significant event in diabetic retinopathy is the loss of retinal microvascular pericytes. Studies were performed to investigate pathways through which an advanced glycation endproduct and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α stimulate apoptosis in retinal pericytes through the activation of the pro-apoptotic transcription factor Forkhead box O1 (FOXO1). Methods: Human retinal pericytes were stimulated by carboxymethyllysine (CML)-collagen, an advanced glycation endproduct, or TNF-α in vitro. Apoptosis was assessed by measuring cytoplasmic histone-associated DNA. The role of FOXO1 was examined by RNA interference (RNAi), and specific inhibitors were used to investigate the role of p38 and Jun N-terminal kinase mitogen-activated protein kinase (JNK MAP) kinases, Akt, and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB). Caspase-3 activity was measured with a luminescent substrate, and FOXO1 DNA-binding activity was measured by electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA). Results: TNF-α and CML-collagen but not control collagen stimulated apoptosis, caspase-3 activity, and FOXO1 DNAbinding activity in pericytes. Silencing FOXO1 by small interfering RNA prevented apoptosis of pericytes in response to both TNF-α and CML-collagen. By use of specific inhibitors, we demonstrated that both FOXO1 activation and subsequent apoptosis was mediated, in part, by p38 and JNK MAP kinases. In contrast Akt and NF-κB inhibitors had the opposite effect on pericyte apoptosis. Conclusions: The results demonstrate pathways through which two different mediators, TNF-α and an advanced glycation endproduct, can induce pericyte apoptosis through activation of the transcription factor FOXO1.
Pharmacological Therapy of Obesity: Past, Present, and Future

There is probably no medical condition for which a safe and effective form of pharmacotherapy is more highly desired than obesity. Neither is there a condition for which effective treatment would spare so much suffering for so many individuals. There is abundant evidence from epidemiological and interventional studies to suggest that morbidity from diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cerebrovascular disease, osteoarthritis, sleep apnea, and certain cancers could all be reduced in proportion to a reduction in body fat content. Past forms of pharmacotherapy for obesity have often been misguided, and currently available drugs are less effective than we would like them to be. However, our growing understanding of peripheral signals and central nervous system (CNS) pathways involved in the regulation of adiposity makes it very likely that effective new drugs will become available to treat obesity in the near future. This review will provide a brief history of obesity pharmacotherapy, discuss the status of currently available obesity drugs, and outline the major physiological pathways that will form the targets for future drug development. The past