cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Coaggregation of Azospirillum with other Bacteria: Basis for Functional Diversity

The phenomenon of flocculation in Azospirilla shows great potential in providing inoculants for plants and soils. Of particular interest is the observed flocculation of coaggregating pairs containing a mixture of two different cell types. Cocultivation of Sp7 (non-pigmented) and AB 7030 (pink) resulted in the production of light-pink floes and a water-clear supernatant in floe media (FM). Cocultivation in FM of the pink strain A. brasilense Cd (ATCC 29710) and Rhizobium leguminosarum bv phaseoli (USDA 2743) also resulted in coaggregation and production of flocs containing a mixture of the two cell types. Inoculation of Phaseolus vulgaris with flocculated forms of R. leguminosarum alone or in coaggregation with A. brasilense resulted in a significant enhancement of nodulation and plant growth over the non-flocculated Rhizobium. The partnership between Azospirillum and Rhizobium is presented here to illustrate the beneficial effects of using flocculated cell forms as a delivery system for each cell type singly or in a coaggregated form
Three-dimensional super line-localization in low signal-to-noise microscope images via prior-apprised unsupervised learning (PAUL)

Biological processes such as processive enzyme turnover and intracellular cargo trafficking involve the dynamic motion of a small ”article" along a curvilinear biopolymer track. To understand these processes that occur across multiple length and time scales, one must acquire both the trajectory of the particle and the position of the track along which it moves, possibly by combining high-resolution single-particle tracking with conventional microscopy. Yet, usually there is a significant resolution mismatch between these modalities: while the tracked particle is localized with a precision of 10 nm, the image of the surroundings is limited by optical diffraction, with 200 nm lateral and 500 nm axial resolutions. Compared to the particle's trajectory, the surrounding curvilinear structure appears as a blurred and noisy image. This disparity in the spatial resolutions of the particle trajectory and the surrounding curvilinear structure image makes data reconstruction, as well as interpretation, particularly challenging. Analysis is further complicated when the curvilinear structures are oriented arbitrarily in 3D space. Here, we present a prior-apprised unsupervised learning (PAUL) approach to extract information from 3D images where the underlying features resemble a curved line such as a filament or microtubule. This three-stage framework starts with a Hessian-based feature enhancement, which is followed by feature registration, where local line segments are detected on repetitively sampled subimage tiles. In the final stage, statistical learning, segments are clustered based on their geometric relationships. Principal curves are then approximated from each segment group via statistical tools including principal component analysis, bootstrap and kernel transformation. This procedure is characterized on simulated images, where sub-voxel medium deviations from true curves have been achieved. The 3D PAUL approach has also been implemented for successful line localization in experimental 3D images of gold nanowires obtained using a multifocal microscope. This work not only bridges the resolution gap between two microscopy modalities, but also allows us to conduct 3D super line-localization imaging experiments, without using super-resolution techniques.
Strain Energy Decay Predicts Elastic Registration Accuracy From Intraoperative Data Constraints

Image-guided intervention for soft tissue organs depends on the accuracy of deformable registration methods to achieve effective results. While registration techniques based on elastic theory are prevalent, no methods yet exist that can prospectively estimate registration uncertainty to regulate sources and mitigate consequences of localization error in deforming organs. This paper introduces registration uncertainty metrics based on dispersion of strain energy from boundary constraints to predict the proportion of target registration error (TRE) remaining after nonrigid elastic registration. These uncertainty metrics depend on the spatial distribution of intraoperative constraints provided to registration with relation to patient-specific organ geometry. Predictive linear and bivariate gamma models are fit and cross-validated using an existing dataset of 6291 simulated registration examples, plus 699 novel simulated registrations withheld for independent validation. Average uncertainty and average proportion of TRE remaining after elastic registration are strongly correlated ( ${r} =0.78$ ), with mean absolute difference in predicted TRE equivalent to 0.9 ± 0.6 mm (cross-validation) and 0.9 ± 0.5 mm (independent validation). Spatial uncertainty maps also permit localized TRE estimates accurate to an equivalent of 3.0 ± 3.1 mm (cross-validation) and 1.6 ± 1.2 mm (independent validation). Additional clinical evaluation of vascular features yields localized TRE estimates accurate to 3.4 ± 3.2 mm. This work formalizes a lower bound for the inherent uncertainty of nonrigid elastic registrations given coverage of intraoperative data constraints, and demonstrates a relation to TRE that can be predictively leveraged to inform data collection and provide a measure of registration confidence for elastic methods.
Cervical Papanicolaou tests in the female-to-male transgender population: should the adequacy criteria be revised in this population? An Institutional Experience.

Introduction It is recommended that female-to-male (FTM) transgender patients with a cervix follow the same cervical cancer screening guidelines as cisgender women. This study analyzes Papanicolaou tests, HPV results, and follow-up histology in FTM patients, and compares those results to other atrophic populations at our institution. Materials and methods A cohort of FTM patients receiving androgen therapy was identified through our institution’s translational research database. We collected data on Papanicolaou tests, human papillomavirus (HPV) results, follow-up surgical procedures, and duration of androgen therapy. ThinPrep slides were reviewed for cellularity and cytomorphology. The results of these tests were compared with those of an atrophic control group consisting of postpartum and postmenopausal cisgender women. Results We identified 71 FTM patients with 77 Papanicolaou tests collected over 6 years. Papanicolaou interpretations included: negative for intraepithelial lesion (69%), atypical cells of undermined significance (5%), low grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (1%), atypical glandular cells (1%), and unsatisfactory due to inadequate cellularity (23%). Five of 27 (18.5%) HPV tests were positive. Follow-up surgical specimens did not identify high-grade lesions. Unsatisfactory rates among FTM patients differed significantly from the atrophic group (P 0.05). Most FTM Papanicolaou tests reviewed showed features of atrophy. Conclusions FTM patients receiving androgen have high Papanicolaou test unsatisfactory rates secondary to atrophy. Epithelial abnormality and HPV rates do not differ significantly from atrophic cisgender patients. Lowering the cellularity threshold for this population to 2000 like that of other atrophic groups should be considered.
An Auditory Phantom Percept That Does Not Impair External Sound Perception

To accurately represent the world, the brain must distinguish between internally generated activity and activity evoked by external stimuli. When internal brain dynamics mimic stimulus-evoked activity patterns, phantom perception may occur ([Kenet et al., 2003][1]). One common form of phantom
119 Physical, discipline, and breed factors influence sale price between stock-type and sport-type horses sold in online auctions

Online auctions are becoming a common place to sell horses and other equids due to increased marketability and focused sales for different discipline areas. Within the United States, online auctions and sale parameters for stock horses have been well established, but a similar online auction format for sport horses has recently become available. We hypothesized that horses marketed in stock or sport auctions would differ in bid price relative to physical characteristics, cross-discipline training, and breed registration status. Data from 51 stock and 75 sport online auctions across an 8 year period (Professional Horse Auctions, LLC) were assessed to determine market specific variations in sale price, along with desired traits including type and number of disciplines for which the horse was trained, breed, and registration status. Height (cm) was recorded and classified as a pony (less than 142.24 cm), small horse (142.24 to under 162.56 cm) and large horse (162.57 cm and above). Data were assessed using ANOVA and mean comparisons (a = 0.05), with Tukey's pairwise post hoc analysis where appropriate (STATA 16). Online auction format proved to be more effective for stock horses with 59.2% (n = 1,374) sold, compared with only 41.5% (n = 1,012) of sport horses. Across all horses (n = 4,744), sport horses (n = 2,425) sold at a higher mean price (5,164 ± 5,345 USD) than stock horses (n = 2,319, 3,303 ± 3,332 USD). The size of the horse impacted final sale bid across stock and sport listings, with large sport horses having a higher final sale price (7,471 ± 237 USD, P = 0.00001). The number of disciplines listed per horse was not a contributing factor to sale price; however, if listed, specific disciplines such as dressage (5,729 ± 5,590 USD) and jumping (5,516 ± 5,3 USD) resulted in a higher sale price (P = 0.0001). Registry within a breed or riding association tended to be a driving factor in a successful sale (P = 0.08); however, horses listed as registered did not differ in their price when evaluated by sale type. Understanding driving factors, including height, breed registry, and discipline training, that affect online auction bid differences across stock and sport horses may help inform sale decisions for both buyer and seller.
Abstract 1357: Population pharmacokinetic analysis of crizotinib in children with progressive/recurrent high-grade and diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas

Background: Crizotinib is a potent inhibitor of the tyrosine kinase anaplastic lymphoma kinase and the c-Met/hepatocyte growth factor receptor. This drug was studied in combination with dasatinib as part of a phase 1 clinical trial (NCT01644773) in children with progressive/recurrent high-grade and diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas (HGGs and DIPGs). Activation of the c-Met pathway contributes to the formation of HGGs, and MET is the second most common amplified oncogene in DIPG. The present study aimed to characterize the pharmacokinetics of oral crizotinib in children with HGG or DIPG and evaluate the effect of patient covariates. Methods: Patients (n=34, age range 3-21 years) were treated with 100, 130, 165, or 215 mg/m2 of oral crizotinib and pharmacokinetic studies were performed after one dose of crizotinib alone (day 1 and/or 14) and with 50 or 65 mg/m2 dasatinib (day 14 or 42). Crizotinib plasma concentrations were measured up to 48 hours post-dose using a validated LC-MS/MS method with a limit of quantification of 0.01 µM. The concentrations were analyzed using a population pharmacokinetic approach with Monolix 2019R2. A covariate analysis was performed to evaluate the impact of factors including patient demographics, weight group classification (determined by BMI-for-age growth charts published by the Centers for Disease Control), kidney and liver function, and concomitant medications including dasatinib (tested as a yes/no) on crizotinib pharmacokinetic parameters. Results: Crizotinib concentrations were fitted with a two-compartment model with first-order absorption and elimination. Larger variability was observed within patient9s occasions than between patients. The mean (range) dose-normalized steady-state area under the curve (AUC0-∞) and elimination half-life were 0.23 µM·h (0.1-0.34 µM·h) and 8.1 h (5.9-14 h). Population estimates for apparent central clearance (CL/F) and volume (V1/F) were 73 L/h/m2 and 146 L/m2. The absorption rate Ka (mean estimate 0.16 h-1) significantly decreased as patient age increased (p 95%, N=9, mean CL/F = 45 L/h/m2) compared to normal weight patients (mean CL/F = 90 L/h/m2, p Conclusion: Crizotinib pharmacokinetics was adequately characterized in children with HGG and DIPG. As also observed in adults, crizotinib exposure is significantly higher in overweight and obese patients, whom may require a dosing adjustment. Citation Format: Elizabeth Grace Gibson, Nicholas S. Selvo, Olivia Campagne, Amar Gajjar, Clinton F. Stewart. Population pharmacokinetic analysis of crizotinib in children with progressive/recurrent high-grade and diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2021; 2021 Apr 10-15 and May 17-21. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(13_Suppl):Abstract nr 1357.
njtr1: An R package for researching road safety in New Jersey using open crash data

Abstract New Jersey law requires police officers to document motor vehicle collisions on a standardized form known as NJTR-1. The data collected via this form contain detailed information about motor vehicle crashes as well as drivers, vehicles & pedestrians involved in crashes, a valuable, but often underutilized resource for studying road safety in New Jersey. This paper presents njtr1, an R package that enables road safety and urban planning research in New Jersey by facilitating the easy download, automated cleaning and analysis of the raw crash table data published by the New Jersey Department of Transportation using the R programming language.
A Comparative Study of Participation in Extracurricular Sports and Academic Grades

(1951). A Comparative Study of Participation in Extracurricular Sports and Academic Grades. Research Quarterly. American Association for Health, Physical Education and Recreation: Vol. 22, No. 1, pp. 84-91.
Indexing Musical Sequences in Large Datasets Using Relational Databases

This paper proposes and tests models that provide quick searching and retrieval of continuations and the longest repeated suffix for data sequences, particularly musical data, using relational databases. The authors extend existing interactive music-generation systems by focusing on large input sequences. Algorithms for indexing prefix trees and factor oracles in relational databases are also proposed. Experiments using textual and musical data provide satisfactory performance results for the models using the two indexing methods.
The systematics and reproductive biology of the Galeus arae subspecific complex (Chondrichthyes : Scyliorhinidae)

Galeus arae is currently classified as a complex of three subspecies (Galeus arae arae, Galeus arae antillensis, and Galeus arae cadenati). Morphometric and meristic analyses, size at maturity, and variation in color patterns, support the recognition of these taxa as distinct species. All species have well-developed nidamental glands and are oviparous. Galeus arae comprises two geographically disjunct populations that are not distinguishable by the characters we examined. A northern population occurs along the east and Gulf coasts of North America from South Carolina to the Mississippi delta, and the northern coast of Cuba to the north-eastern tip of the Yucatan. A southern population occurs along the Caribbean coasts of Honduras, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica, and some neighboring islands. Galeus antillensis occurs on the northern coasts of Hispaniola and Puerto Rico, and off many of the Leeward Islands. Galeus cadenati occurs off the Caribbean coasts of Panama and Colombia. Distributional data suggest that the three species are distributed allopatrically.
Criminological scholarship and race A rejoinder from Professors Ross and Edwards

Abstract This article is a response to the concerns of an anonymous reviewer who took issue with findings presented in an earlier article entitled “Publishing Among African American Criminologists: A Devaluing Experience?” Despite the reviewer's criticism of the methods and findings, the facts remain—based on the evidence—that the scholarship of African American Criminologists is largely neglected and that opportunities to publish (in most mainstream criminal justice journals) is not equal. Simply stated, when it comes to publishing, the playing field is not level. While some readers might regard these findings as a matter of perception—in this stance, perception is reality.
Animal Models of Campylobacter jejuni Infections

Early studies have been conducted to test various inbred and outbred strains of mice as colonization and disease models. The infecting strain of Campylobacter jejuni will influence the outcome of infection even in inbred mice. Therefore, C. jejuni strain and history in the laboratory should be taken into consideration. Murine models of colonization and enteritis induced by primary oral C. jejuni challenge have long been needed to explore the genetics of resistance to this pathogen and the genetics of virulence of the pathogen; however, the basis for why most immunocompetent mice are refractory to C. jejuni induced disease is still unknown. Typhlocolitis is the main pathological lesion that can be observed by either gross or histopathological examination, although inflammation is observed in other GI tissues, including the stomach and liver. Severe combined immunodeficient mice have been tested for colonization and enteritis induced by C. jejuni. Researchers showed that wild-type C3H mice with normal enteric flora were colonized inconsistently and inefficiently by C. jejuni 81-176. Models for C. jejuni vaccine development are dependent on animals capable of expressing disease after challenge and mounting an adaptive immune response after vaccination. The greater the volume of feces that is cultured, the higher the probability will be that an accurate identification of colonization status is made. Despite progress in development of tractable murine models for study of C. jejuni colonization and enteritis, gaps in model development still exist.
Designing Against Head Injury While Considering Neck Injury

Without a doubt, the major concern of vehicle design is safety ¨C increasing the survival chance of driver and passenger during a crash and decreasing the risk of injury. Safety features, such as seat belt, seat cushion with crash tubing, or frontal and side impact airbags, have been proposed to protect the occupants from the secondary impacts. This study adapts a transdisciplinary approach, combining research from epidemiology and injury biomechanics as a basis for identifying design problem areas and variable trade-offs. The objectives of this paper are to review literature on head injury and neck injury, and to provide suggestions for designing against head injury while considering neck injury. Since the head injury is mainly caused by contact, the fundamental design principle is to minimize any hard surface protrusion. Especially sharp objects, such as dash shade and mirrors, must be removed or kept outside the striking range in any configuration. There are several principles that can be used, in any combination, to achieve the required crush depth: (1) to prevent skull damage and brain trauma, locally modifying the design by removing rigid high points and moving hard assemblies down or under; (2) to decelerate head and torso at the same rate (which will also decrease the risk of neck injury) by modifying hard structures to make them crush or collapsible and obtaining as much clearance. There is a need to design and construct test equipment that can be used to test neck injury and head injury simultaneously.
A Preliminary Study of the Association Among Metacognition and Resting State EEG in Schizophrenia

Abstract. Metacognition refers to a spectrum of activities that range from the consideration of discrete mental experiences, such as a specific thought or emotion, to the synthesis of discrete perceptions into integrated representations of the self and others as unique agents in the world. Metacognitive deficits have been observed in schizophrenia and linked with a number of behavioral correlates and outcomes. Less is known however about the neural systems associated with such processes. Establishing the link between brain activity and metacognition therefore is an essential next step. Resting state electroencephalography (EEG) provides one possible avenue for investigating this link. EEG studies in schizophrenia suggest that the gamma frequency range may have functional significance and be related to the disturbed information processing often observed in the disorder. In the present investigation, we assessed metacognition among 20 individuals with prolonged schizophrenia using the Metacognition Assessme...
Condom Use Self-Efficacy Among Younger Rural Adolescents: The Influence of Parent-Teen Communication, and Knowledge of and Attitudes Toward Condoms

This study examines the role of condom use knowledge and attitudes, and parent-teen communication about sex and relationship quality on reports of condom use self-efficacy among rural, African Amer...
Expanding the spectrum of neuronal pathology in multiple system atrophy

Multiple system atrophy is a sporadic alpha-synucleinopathy that typically affects patients in their sixth decade of life and beyond. The defining clinical features of the disease include progressive autonomic failure, parkinsonism, and cerebellar ataxia leading to significant disability. Pathologically, multiple system atrophy is characterized by glial cytoplasmic inclusions containing filamentous alpha-synuclein. Neuronal inclusions also have been reported but remain less well defined. This study aimed to further define the spectrum of neuronal pathology in 35 patients with multiple system atrophy (20 male, 15 female; mean age at death 64.7 years; median disease duration 6.5 years, range 2.2 to 15.6 years). The morphologic type, topography, and frequencies of neuronal inclusions, including globular cytoplasmic (Lewy body-like) neuronal inclusions, were determined across a wide spectrum of brain regions. A correlation matrix of pathologic severity also was calculated between distinct anatomic regions of involvement (striatum, substantia nigra, olivary and pontine nuclei, hippocampus, forebrain and thalamus, anterior cingulate and neocortex, and white matter of cerebrum, cerebellum, and corpus callosum). The major finding was the identification of widespread neuronal inclusions in the majority of patients, not only in typical disease-associated regions (striatum, substantia nigra), but also within anterior cingulate cortex, amygdala, entorhinal cortex, basal forebrain and hypothalamus. Neuronal inclusion pathology appeared to follow a hierarchy of region-specific susceptibility, independent of the clinical phenotype, and the severity of pathology was duration-dependent. Neuronal inclusions also were identified in regions not previously implicated in the disease, such as within cerebellar roof nuclei. Lewy body-like inclusions in multiple system atrophy followed the stepwise anatomic progression of Lewy body-spectrum disease inclusion pathology in 25.7% of patients with multiple system atrophy, including a patient with visual hallucinations. Further, the presence of Lewy body-like inclusions in neocortex, but not hippocampal alpha-synuclein pathology, was associated with cognitive impairment (P = 0.002). However, several cases had the presence of isolated Lewy body-like inclusions at atypical sites (e.g. thalamus, deep cerebellar nuclei) that are not typical for Lewy body-spectrum disease. Finally, interregional correlations (rho ≥ 0.6) in pathologic glial and neuronal lesion burden suggest shared mechanisms of disease progression between both discrete anatomic regions (e.g. basal forebrain and hippocampus) and cell types (neuronal and glial inclusions in frontal cortex and white matter, respectively). These findings suggest that in addition to glial inclusions, neuronal pathology plays an important role in the developmental and progression of multiple system atrophy.
Experimental Investigation Of The Longitudinal Characteristics Of Laser Speckle

The longitudinal dimension of laser speckle was measured in the near field of a uniformly illuminated frosted-glass diffuser. Theory indicates that the speckle produced by the circular spot varies according to XL2/D2, where X is the wavelength of the laser, L is the distance from the observation position to the diffuser, and D is the diameter of the illuminated spot. A single wavelength was used, allowing variation with respect to L and D to be measured. The experimental results obtained closely match the theory. More than 400 speckle lengths were measured, normalized by multiplying by D2/L2, and statistically analyzed to deter-mine a mean of 11µm and a standard deviation of 2.5µm.
Complexation of Fe(III) by natural organic ligands in the Northwest Atlantic Ocean by a competitive ligand equilibration method and a kinetic approach

Total and labile Fe measurements, and Fe3+ titrations were carried out both at sea and in the laboratory with adsorptive cathodic stripping voltammetry (CSV) methods using 1-nitroso-2-naphthol (1N2N) as a complexing ligand to study Fe(III) speciation and the kinetic interaction of Fe3+ with naturally occurring organic ligands. On the continental slope and at the shelf/slope front of the Northwest Atlantic ocean, the total dissolved (< 0.4 μm) Fe was predominantly 1N2N nonlabile, with 60% nonlabile at the mouth of Delaware Bay. The exact chemical speciation of this nonlabile Fe is not known; although some of this Fe is likely in strong organic complexes with a KFeL1023.22 as determined by a competitive ligand equilibration/cathodic stripping voltammetry (CLE/CSV) method. To obtain kinetic information on Fe3+ uptake by natural ligands in excess of ambient Fe3+ concentrations in seawater, Fe3+ was added to UV irradiated seawater samples with and without the model ligands, EDTA and enterobactin. Measurable Fe in UV seawater with model ligands decreased with time much faster than that without model ligands. Similar faster decreases of measurable Fe with time were observed for field samples, suggesting the existence of Fe(III) complexing organic ligands. The reaction kinetics of the added Fe3+ with natural organic ligands and of the Fe(III)-organic complexes with 1N2N suggested that there were different organic ligands in different oceanographic regimes. Two classes of ligands are distinguished from these studies; one class which binds to Ca and Mg and another which does not. The latter assessment could not be unambiguously determined by a CLE/CSV method. Our kinetic experiments indicate that equilibrium is not achieved at the same rate in all natural samples studied and that different ligands occur in different water masses. The maximum second-order rate constant determined for Fe3+ uptake by natural ligands in our field samples is 106 M−1s−1. Using a CLE/CSV method at pH 6.9 with complete equilibrium established for the samples, a KFeLCL value of < 1012.04 ± 0.09 is calculated for the excess ligands in these samples. These data are in agreement with our detailed kinetic analysis using the steady state approximation based on natural ligand dissociation from FeL and recovery of that Fe by 1N2N at pH 8. KFeL (1020.6 M−1) estimated from kinetic data is within the range of estimates made by researchers using only the CLE/CSV approach.
Temperature dependence of the elastic moduli in alpha uranium single crystals, part iv (298° to 923° K)

Abstract The single crystal elastic moduli for alpha uranium have been measured as a function of temperature between 298° and 923° K. These data, together with those previously reported, permit a description of the elastic properties of uranium at temperatures from 42° K to 12° K below the α → β phase transformation. Abnormal changes in the temperature dependence of certain shear and Young's moduli occur above 350° K. It is shown that the changes in temperature dependence of the elastic properties are probably responsible for the contraction of b 0 lattice constant with increasing temperature and are reflected in the anomalous increase in the lattice specific heat above 350° K. It is suggested that the anomalies and the marked decrease in temperature dependence of the electrical resistivity above 400° K are associated with a gradual disappearance of magnetic ordering.
Intra-Gastric Band Erosion from an Un-inflated Lap-Band: A Case Report

The increasing prevalence of morbid obesity is of public health concern throughout the world, and surgical intervention seems to offer the only long-term solution to the problem. Gastric banding is one of the available options in the bariatric armamentarium. As more Lap-Bands are being inserted, intragastric erosion is increasingly being encountered as a major complication. The case of a 40-year-old man with intra-gastric band erosion is presented with the band never having been inflated, suggesting that additional factors may play a role in the development of erosions. The presentation, diagnostic modalities, and pathognomomic findings are discussed.
Diverse Effects of pH on the Inhibition of Human Chymase by Serpins

Inhibition of human chymase by the serpins alpha1-antichymotrypsin (ACT) and alpha1-proteinase inhibitor (PI) at pH 8.0 produces a complex stable to dissociation by SDS/dithiothreitol and a second product, hydrolyzed/inactivated serpin. The first product is the presumed trapped acyl-enzyme complex typical of serpin inhibition, and the second is the result of a concurrent substrate-like reaction. As a result of the hydrolytic reaction, stoichiometries of inhibition (SI) appear greater than 1; values of 4 and 6.0 are observed for the chymase-ACT and -PI reactions. In this study the effect of pH on the inhibition rate constant (kinh) and the SI of each reaction were evaluated to better define the rate-limiting steps of the inhibitory and hydrolytic reaction pathways associated with chymase inhibition. Reactions were evaluated over a pH range to correlate kinh and SI with the ionizations (pK values of 7 and 9) that typically regulate serine protease catalytic activity. The results show that the effects of pH on SI and kinh differ for each inhibitor. On reducing the pH from 8.0 to 5.5, the chymase-ACT reaction exhibited a decrease in SI (to about 1) and little change in kinh, whereas the chymase-PI reaction revealed an increase in SI and a marked decrease in kinh. On increasing the pH from 8.0 to 10.0, the chymase-ACT reaction exhibited little change in SI and a marked decrease in kinh, whereas the chymase-PI reaction revealed a decrease in SI and a marked increase in kinh. Chymase catalytic properties determined for a peptide substrate were atypical over the high pH range exhibiting increases for kcat/Km and kcat and decreases for Km. This behavior suggests the presence of a high pH enzyme form with enhanced hydrolytic activity. From these results and others involving analyses of ACT/PI reactive loop chimeras and ACT point variants exhibiting a range of SI values, we suggest that the diverse pH effects on kinh and SI are caused largely by a difference in the abilities of ACT and PI to interact with low (catalytically inactive) and high (catalytically enhanced) pH forms of chymase. The constancy of kinh for the chymase-ACT reaction over the low pH range suggests that the rate-limiting step for inhibition is pH insensitive and not reflective of diminished chymase hydrolytic activity. Low pH did not appear to affect the rate of SDS-stable complex formation as complex accumulation, assessed qualitatively by SDS-PAGE, correlated with the loss of chymase enzymatic activity.
Navigation Using Images, A Survey of Techniques

The accuracy and availability of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) has revolutionized navigation. As a result, world-wide, meter-level positioning is required for many applications. Unfortunately, satellite navigation signals are not available in all environments. To address this issue, researchers have devoted much effort into investigating the use of image sequences for navigation. Many different image-aided navigation techniques have been demonstrated, each with varying assumptions, and most using ad-hoc techniques. This results in little information on how to apply image-aided techniques to problems with differing assumptions. The goal of this article is to characterize the properties of various forms of image-aided navigation. Once the observability is established, additional measurements that can augment weak areas are presented and discussed. The limitations of current image-aided navigation techniques are shown to require additional measurements from a non-homogeneous sensor for reliable, long-term navigation.
Fluid percussion injury device for the precise control of injury parameters.

Abstract Background Injury to the brain can occur from a variety of physical insults and the degree of disability can greatly vary from person to person. It is likely that injury outcome is related to the biomechanical parameters of the traumatic event such as magnitude, direction and speed of the forces acting on the head. New method To model variations in the biomechanical injury parameters, a voice coil driven fluid percussion injury (FPI) system was designed and built to generate fluid percussion waveforms with adjustable rise times, peak pressures, and durations. Using this system, pathophysiological outcomes in the rat were investigated and compared to animals injured with the same biomechanical parameters using the pendulum based FPI system. Results in comparison with existing methods Immediate post-injury behavior shows similar rates of seizures and mortality in adolescent rats and similar righting times, toe pinch responses and mortality rates in adult rats. Interestingly, post injury mortality in adult rats was sensitive to changes in injury rate. Fluoro-Jade labeling of degenerating neurons in the hilus and CA2-3 hippocampus were consistent between injuries produced with the voice coil and pendulum operated systems. Granule cell population spike amplitude to afferent activation, a measure of dentate network excitability, also showed consistent enhancement 1 week after injury using either system. Conclusions Overall our results suggest that this new FPI device produces injury outcomes consistent with the commonly used pendulum FPI system and has the added capability to investigate pathophysiology associated with varying rates and durations of injury.
Visualization of Transient Ultra-Weak Protein Self-Association in Solution Using Paramagnetic Relaxation Enhancement

Ultra-weak macromolecular self-association is exceptionally difficult to both detect and visualize using conventional biophysical techniques owing to the very low population of the associated species, yet such weak intermolecular interactions coupled with nucleation events play an important role in driving spontaneous self-assembly to form higher-order architectures (such as crystals, viral capsids, and amyloid fibrils). In this article, we detect and characterize transient, ultra-weak self-association (KD ≥ 15 mM) involving the histidine-containing protein HPr by means of paramagnetic relaxation enhancement (PRE), using EDTA−Mn2+ conjugated at three separate sites (E5C, E25C, and E32C, one at a time). Large intermolecular PRE effects, above the background observed with hydroxylamine−EDTA−Mn2+ as a control, are observed for two of the three paramagnetically labeled sites, E5C and E32C. The extent of self-association can be modulated (significantly reduced) by increasing the ionic strength or by the introd...
Plant and marine n-3 fatty acids inhibit experimental metastasis of rat mammary adenocarcinoma cells

Abstract The effectiveness of dietary n-3 plant and marine fatty acids and n-6 gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) was tested as an antimetastatic modality in the experimental model of metastasis of 13762MAT:B mammary adenocarcinoma cells. Weanling female Fischer 344 rats were placed on one of the following diets: I—23.52% blackcurrant oil (BCO), II—23.52% corn oil (CO), III—15.52% BCO + 8% fish oil (FO), IV—20.52% FO + 3% CO, and V—5% CO. After 8 weeks, 15 rats per group were injected i.v. with 10 5 cells and diets were continued until sacrifice. In the 23.52% CO group (II), the number of small ( 2 mm) lung metastatic foci and their total volume were significantly greater than the BCO- and/or FO-fed groups (I, II and IV). Although the number of small metastatic foci was comparable in the 5% and 23.52% CO groups, the number of large foci and the total tumor volume were reduced in the 5% CO group. These results suggest that, compared to a low-corn oil diet or a high-fat diet containing a mixture of marine and plant n-3 fatty acids plus n-6 GLA, a 23.52% corn oil diet can enhance experimental metastasis of mammary adenocarcinoma cells. Total number of metastatic foci and tumor volume were the smallest in group III, receiving a combination of plant and marine n-3 fatty acids.
Bifunctional hCG analogs adopt different conformations in LH and FSH receptor complexes.

Abstract Human reproduction requires specific interactions between follitropin (hFSH) and its receptor (FSHR) and between lutropin (hLH) or choriogonadotropin (hCG) and the lutropin receptor (LHR). Substitution of hFSH residues between hCG β-subunit cysteines 11–12 creates a bifunctional analog that binds both receptors. To understand the basis of this observation, we used antibody probes to compare the conformations of bifunctional analogs before and after they were complexed with each receptor. Introduction of hFSH residues between cysteines 11–12 changed a distant conformation-sensitive region created by the juxtaposition of the subunit aminotermini. This region, found not to contact either receptor, was altered further when bifunctional ligands bound FSHR. All other surfaces, detected in LHR complexes, were also recognized in FSHR complexes, an indication that bifunctional ligands bind both receptors in similar orientations. These observations suggest that unlike hCG or hFSH, bifunctional gonadotropins can acquire ‘lutropin’ and ‘follitropin’ conformations, a phenomenon accentuated by receptor contacts.
Lidar based off-road negative obstacle detection and analysis

In order for an autonomous unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) to drive in off-road terrain at high speeds, it must analyze and understand its surrounding terrain in realtime: it must know where it intends to go, where are the hazards, and many details of the topography of the terrain. Much research has been done in the way of obstacle avoidance, terrain classification, and path planning, but still so few UGV systems can accurately traverse off-road environments at high speeds autonomously. One of the most dangerous hazards found off-road are negative obstacles, mainly because they are so difficult to detect. We present algorithms that analyze the terrain using a point cloud produced by a 3D laser range finder, then attempt to classify the negative obstacles using both a geometry-based method we call the Negative Obstacle DetectoR (NODR) as well as a support vector machine (SVM) algorithm. The terrain is analyzed with respect to a large UGV with the sensor mounted up high as well as a small UGV with the sensor mounted low to the ground.
Principles of orthopaedic medicine and surgery: Sam W. Wiesel and John N. Delahay. Philadelphia, W. B. Saunders, 2001, 860 pp., $125.00

Abstract Arthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic and Related surgery, Vol 18, No 6 (July-August), 2002: pp 676–676
Effectiveness of a dietary intervention on macronutrient intake, lean mass and strength gains in males participating in a supervised resistance training program

Background ISSN recommendations for individuals involved in a general fitness program are to ingest 25-35 kcal/kg/day consisting of 3-5 g/kg of carbohydrate and ≤30% of total calories from fat. Additionally, the ISSN recommends that individuals engaged in resistance-training should ingest 1.4-2.0 g/kg/d of protein and to ingest some protein after exercise. This study examined whether nutritional counseling and post-workout supplementation affects dietary intake during training.
The incorporation of rare earth elements in modern coral

Abstract We report measurements of rare earth elements (REEs) which show that these trace elements are being incorporated in modern coral in proportion to their seawater concentrations. Four Bermuda North Rock coral species, Diploria strigosa, Diploria labyrinthiformis, Montastrea annularis, and Porites astreoides and two Tarawa atoll samples of the species Hydnophora microconos were analyzed by TI-IDMS following cleaning techniques to isolate the lattice-bound REEs. Based on the replicate analyses of the same piece of Diploria strigosa, excellent reproducibility was achieved. The REE/Ca ratios (0.1–3 nmol/mol) of the Bermuda and Tarawa corals are similar to those of Cd/Ca, the trace metal with the lowest seawater concentration used in coral studies. With the exception of Ce, the distribution coefficients (e.g., DNd = [Nd coral/Nd seawater] × [Ca seawater/Ca coral]) between Bermuda coral lattice and Sargasso seawater have fairly flat patterns across the REE series. The values of D range from 1 to 3, like those reported for other trace elements in corals. This suggests, but does not prove, that REEs are incorporated in the aragonite lattice of these corals. The shale-normalized REE patterns of the Tarawa corals also have seawater-like distributions; however, no local seawater data are available to calculate values of D. Two Bermuda species (D. labyrinthiformis and P. astreoides) have values of D for Ce that are high with respect to the D values of La and Nd, implying that there is preferential uptake of Ce into the lattice. This may be related to the fact that Ce is the only REE with an active redox chemistry in seawater. There is considerable interest in using the chemical and isotopic composition of coral as indicators of climatic variations. The combination of REE/Ca ratios and neodymium isotopic composition of coral has the potential to help understand important natural processes. A primary application could be directed toward a tracer for river water discharge in tropical regions and, by inference, a proxy for rainfall, climate variation, and weathering history. This application would exploit the fractionated composition of REEs in river water as a terrigenous signature in coastal corals.
Contributions to teaching object-oriented design and programming

We provide a formal agenda for teaching the object-oriented paradigm in a programming language independent manner, and a tool which supports our teaching approach. Our proposal for a comprehensive study of the subject includes an ordered set of objectives designed to guide the uninitiated user from zero knowledge about object-oriented programming through class definitions, inheritance, subtyping, and the parameterization of classes. This set of graded objectives provides both a useful metric for gauging a student's progress, and a facility through which users can begin their studies at a level commensurate with their experience.
How accurately can 21 cm tomography constrain cosmology

There is growing interest in using 3-dimensional neutral hydrogen mapping with the redshifted 21 cm line as a cosmological probe. However, its utility depends on many assumptions. To aid experimental planning and design, we quantify how the precision with which cosmological parameters can be measured depends on a broad range of assumptions, focusing on the 21 cm signal from $6lzl20$. We cover assumptions related to modeling of the ionization power spectrum, to the experimental specifications like array layout and detector noise, to uncertainties in the reionization history, and to the level of contamination from astrophysical foregrounds. We derive simple analytic estimates for how various assumptions affect an experiment's sensitivity, and we find that the modeling of reionization is the most important, followed by the array layout. We present an accurate yet robust method for measuring cosmological parameters that exploits the fact that the ionization power spectra are rather smooth functions that can be accurately fit by 7 phenomenological parameters. We find that for future experiments, marginalizing over these nuisance parameters may provide constraints almost as tight on the cosmology as if 21 cm tomography measured the matter power spectrum directly. A future square kilometer array optimized for 21 cm tomography could improve the sensitivity to spatial curvature and neutrino masses by up to 2 orders of magnitude, to $\ensuremath{\Delta}{\ensuremath{\Omega}}_{k}\ensuremath{\approx}0.0002$ and $\ensuremath{\Delta}{m}_{\ensuremath{\nu}}\ensuremath{\approx}0.007\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{eV}$, and give a $4\ensuremath{\sigma}$ detection of the spectral index running predicted by the simplest inflation models.
Variations in Physical Properties and Water Quality in the Webhannet River Estuary (Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve, Maine)*

Abstract Time-series observations and point measurements were used to assess seasonal patterns, tidal cycle variations, and the impact of major forcings on salinity, water temperature, turbidity, suspended sediments, and dissolved nutrients in the Webhannet River estuary (Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve). Because of the small size of the Webhannet River watershed, the main tributary of the estuary responds quickly to precipitation events, resulting in rapid increases in freshwater inputs, large decreases in salinity, and increases in suspended sediments and turbidity. Overall, suspended sediment concentrations were typically highest in the upper estuary and lowest in the Webhannet River, averaging 17.2 mg/L and 3.4 mg/L, respectively. The dissolved nutrient concentrations were variable; however, several species showed spatial and temporal patterns. Similar to suspended sediments, ammonium concentrations were typically highest in the upper estuary and lowest in the Webhannet River, averaging 4.60...
An elementary approach to characterizing Sheffer A-type 0 orthogonal polynomial sequences

In 1939, Sheffer published “Some properties of polynomial sets of type zero”, which has been regarded as an indispensable paper in the theory of orthogonal polynomials. Therein, Sheffer basically proved that every polynomial sequence can be classified as belonging to exactly one type. In addition to various interesting and important relations, Sheffer’s most influential results pertained to completely characterizing all of the polynomial sequences of the most basic type, called A-type 0, and subsequently establishing which of these sets were also orthogonal. However, Sheffer’s elegant analysis relied heavily on several characterization theorems. In this work, we show all of the Sheffer A-type 0 orthogonal polynomial sequences can be characterized by using only the generating function that defines this class and a monic three-term recurrence relation.