cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The prevalence of dental sealants in North Carolina schoolchildren.

Objectives This study reports the prevalence of dental sealants derived from a survey of schoolchildren in North Carolina, and its variation according to several sociodemographic characteristics. Methods A single-stage, stratified probability sample of grade K-12 classrooms in the state yielded a sample of 8,026 students. Clinical examinations were performed on 83 percent of the sample. Estimates for sealant prevalence and their variation according to seven sociodemographic variables were determined. Results About 117,000 children in the state, or 12 percent of those 6-17 years of age, have sealants. The prevalence of sealants varied according to geographic region of residence and the socioeconomic status of whites. Prevalence was affected little by age, sex, degree of urbanism, or socioeconomic status of those with races other than white. Conclusions While underutilized, there are indications in these data that sealant use is increasing, thus having the potential to contribute to further declines in the prevalence of dental caries in the state. Those factors included in this study and associated with the prevalence of sealants suggest that major gains in sealant use will need to address not only those specific barriers preventing their use by the profession or public, but broader issues preventing the utilization of dental services in general.
Leaf litter decomposition and microbial activity in nutrient‐enriched and unaltered reaches of a headwater stream

SUMMARY 1. Decomposition of red maple (Acer rubrum) and rhododendron (Rhododendron maximum) leaves and activity of associated microorganisms were compared in two reaches of a headwater stream in Coweeta Hydrologic Laboratory, NC, U.S.A. The downstream reach was enriched with ammonium, nitrate, and phosphate whereas the upstream reach was not altered. 2. Decomposition rate, microbial respiration, fungal and bacterial biomass, and the sporulation rate of aquatic hyphomycetes associated with decomposing leaf material were significantly higher for both leaf types in the nutrient-enriched reach. Species richness and community structure of aquatic hyphomycetes also exhibited considerable changes with an increase in the number of fungal codominants in the nutrient-enriched reach. 3. Fungal biomass was one to two orders of magnitude greater than bacterial biomass in both reaches. Changes in microbial respiration rate corresponded to those in fungal biomass and sporulation, suggesting a primary role of fungi in leaf decomposition. 4. Nutrient enrichment increased microbial activity, the proportion of leaf carbon channelled through the microbial compartment and the decomposition rate of leaf litter.
A quantitative production analysis of picture description

Spontaneous speech samples were elicited from 6 non-brain-damaged elderly subjects and 10 aphasic subjects, and analyzed using the Quantitative Production Analysis (Berndt et al., 2000; Saffran et al., 1989). Aims of the study were to determine the applicability of a protocol developed for one task (story retelling) to a new task (picture description); to examine patterns of QPA scores obtained from a broad range of aphasic subjects unselected by diagnosis; and to compare these to obtained patterns from normal speakers. Implications are discussed of the use and interpretation of QPA values for a range of tasks and aphasic subjects.
Computer simulation and modeling of graded bandgap CuInSe/sub 2//CdS based solar cells

This paper proposes the graded bandgap absorber material, Cu/sub 1-x/Ag/sub x/In/sub 1-y-z/Ga/sub y/Al/sub z/Se/sub 2(1-u$/ -/sub w/)S/sub 2u/Te/sub 2w/ (CIS*) multinary system, to improve the low open-circuit voltage (V/sub OC/) seen in CuInSe/sub 2//CdS solar cells, without sacrificing the short-circuit current density (J/sub sc/). It also proposes a p-i-n model for the CuInSe/sub 2//CdS solar cell, where the intrinsic region is the graded bandgap CIS*. Reflecting surfaces are provided at the p-i and n-i interfaces to trap the light in the narrow intrinsic region for maximum generation of electron and hole pairs (EHP's). This optical confinement results in a 25-40% increase in the number of photons absorbed. An extensive numerical simulator was developed, which provides a 1-D self-consistent solution for Poisson's equation and the two continuity equations for electrons and holes. This simulator was used to generate J-V curves to delineate the effect of different grading profiles on cell performance. The effects of a uniform bandgap, normal grading, reverse grading, and a low bandgap notch have been considered. Having established the inherent advantages to these grading profiles an optimal doubly graded structure is proposed with grading between 1.5 eV and 1.3 eV regions which has V/sub OC/=0.86 V, /spl eta/=17.9%, FF=0.79 and J/sub sc/=26.3 mA/cm/sup 2/ compared to 0.84 V, 14.9%, 0.76, and 23.3 mA/cm/sup 2/, respectively, for the highest efficiency 1.4-eV uniform bandgap cell. Replacing the thick CdS(2.42 ev) layer assumed in our simulations with a wide gap semiconductor such as ZnO(3.35 ev) increases all current densities by about 5 mA/cm/sup 2/, and increases the optimal calculated efficiency from 17.9% to roughly 21% for a doubly graded structure with a thickness of 1 /spl mu/m and bandgaps ranging from 1.3 eV to 1.5 eV.
The Radio/Optical Catalog of the SSA 13 Field

We present a 1.4 GHz catalog of 810 radio sources (560 sources in the complete sample) found in the SSA 13 field (R.A. = 13h12m, decl. = 42°38'). The 1.4 GHz radio image was obtained from a 91 hr VLA integration with an rms noise level of 4.82 μJy beam-1 at the field center. Optical images in the R band (6300 A) and z band (9200 A) with 3 σ detection magnitudes of 26.1 and 24.9, respectively, were obtained from three observing nights on the 8 m Subaru Telescope. We find that 88% ± 2% of the radio sources are identified with an optical counterpart. There is significantly more reddening for the optical counterparts that are fainter than 24 mag, probably caused by the somewhat larger redshifts of these faint galaxies. The radio and optical parameters are tabulated, and source morphologies are displayed by radio contours overlaid on optical false-color images. The brightness distributions show a wealth of complexity and are classified into a small number of categories. About one-third of the radio sources are larger than 12, and their orientation is often similar to that of the associated galaxy or binary galaxy system. Radio emission is sometimes located outside of the nuclear regions of the galaxy. The density of sources in the SSA 13 field above 75 μJy is 0.40 arcmin-2, with a slope of -2.43 in the differential counts. This source density is somewhat higher than that in the Hubble Deep Field North. The radio spectral index may steepen for sources below 75 μJy and is consistent with the difference in the slope of the source counts observed between 1.4 and 8.4 GHz. We estimate that at most 40% of the microjansky radio sources are dominated by AGN processes, while the remainder are mostly the consequence of star formation and associated supernova activity.
Face Spoof Detection With Image Distortion Analysis

Automatic face recognition is now widely used in applications ranging from deduplication of identity to authentication of mobile payment. This popularity of face recognition has raised concerns about face spoof attacks (also known as biometric sensor presentation attacks), where a photo or video of an authorized person’s face could be used to gain access to facilities or services. While a number of face spoof detection techniques have been proposed, their generalization ability has not been adequately addressed. We propose an efficient and rather robust face spoof detection algorithm based on image distortion analysis (IDA). Four different features (specular reflection, blurriness, chromatic moment, and color diversity) are extracted to form the IDA feature vector. An ensemble classifier, consisting of multiple SVM classifiers trained for different face spoof attacks (e.g., printed photo and replayed video), is used to distinguish between genuine (live) and spoof faces. The proposed approach is extended to multiframe face spoof detection in videos using a voting-based scheme. We also collect a face spoof database, MSU mobile face spoofing database (MSU MFSD), using two mobile devices (Google Nexus 5 and MacBook Air) with three types of spoof attacks (printed photo, replayed video with iPhone 5S, and replayed video with iPad Air). Experimental results on two public-domain face spoof databases (Idiap REPLAY-ATTACK and CASIA FASD), and the MSU MFSD database show that the proposed approach outperforms the state-of-the-art methods in spoof detection. Our results also highlight the difficulty in separating genuine and spoof faces, especially in cross-database and cross-device scenarios.
Measuring angular distributions with large-acceptance-angle detectors

We discuss the measurement of a cylindrically symmetric angular distribution of particles by a detector with an acceptance angle Ωd. We show that a large Ωd can improve the signal-to-noise ratio without reducing the effectiveness with which the detector can measure the angular distribution. While our conclusions are valid for a wide range of detectors and particle-emitting quantum systems, we especially emphasize their relevance for the design of atomic electron emission experiments. To demonstrate how large-acceptance-angle detectors may be applied in such experiments, we have used an ellipsoidal electrostatic mirror with Ωd>3π to measure electron angular distributions produced by the decay of the (6p1/2ns)J = 1 autoionizing states of barium.
A Mathematical Model to Describe the Nonlinear Elastic Properties of the Gastrocnemius Tendon of Chickens

A phenomenological model was developed to describe the nonlinear elastic behavior of the avian gastrocnemius tendon. Quasistatic uniaxial tensile tests were used to apply a deformation and resulting load on the tendon at a deformation rate of 5 mm/min. Plots of deformation versus load indicated a nonlinear loading response. By calculating engineering stress and engineering strain, the experimental data were normalized for tendon shape. The elastic response was determined from stress-strain curves and was found to vary with engineering strain. The response to the applied engineering strain could best be described by a mathematical model that combined a linear function and a nonlinear function. Three parameters in the model were developed to represent the nonlinear elastic behavior of the tendon, thereby allowing analysis of elasticity without prior knowledge of engineering strain. This procedure reduced the amount of data needed for the statistical analysis of nonlinear elasticity.
Phonemes in Use: Multiple Activities for a Critical Process

Several decades of research have established the critical role of phonemic awareness in the development of beginning reading. In particular, phonemic awareness makes early phonics instruction useful for children and facilitates their ability to blend letter sounds while decoding words, to learn sight words reliably, and to spell phonetically. A key finding in phonemic awareness research is that instruction involving segmenting and blending phonemes combined with a focus on the letters that represent those phonemes contributes greatly to success in beginning reading and spelling. The author found that students benefit greatly from a variety of activities combining phoneme segmenting and blending with letter—sound instruction. This variety allows children to develop a robust ability to apply phonemic awareness to tasks of reading and writing and supports students who may struggle with this critical process. In this article, the author describes five “phonemes-in-use” activities and practical ideas for implementing them in the classroom.
Effect of Rigid Inclusions on the Sintering of Glass Powder Compacts

The effect of rigid inclusions on the sintering of glass powder compacts has been investigated at 600°C. The densification rates show good agreement with the rule of mixtures for inclusion volume fractions of °0.1 The transient stresses generated during sintering by the presence of the inclusions were evaluated from the sintering data. Below inclusion volume fractions of °0.12, the results are in excellent agreement with Scherer's theory for viscous sintering with rigid inclusions. At higher inclusion volume fractions, interactions between the inclusion particles lead to large deviations from theoretical predictions.
Selective inhibition of rat pulmonary monooxygenase by O,O,S-trimethyl phosphorothioate treatment.

Abstract The effects of oral administration of O , O , S -trimethyl phosphorothioate (OOS), an impurity present in widely used organophosphorus insecticides, were studied using pulmonary and hepatic microsomal enzymes of rats. The animals were treated with OOS at 10, 20 and 40 mg/kg, and were killed on day 3 after treatment. Their relative lung weights increased markedly at 20 and 40 mg/kg, increasing 94% at the highest dose, whereas the weight of liver decreased. At 20 mg/kg OOS, the cytochrome P-450 content of the lung and liver decreased to 83 and 80% of the control levels respectively. Pulmonary microsomal 7-ethoxycoumarin (7-Ec) O -deethylase decreased in a dose-dependent manner; activities were less than 10% of control at the 40 mg/kg dose. The activity of pulmonary coumarin hydroxylase also decreased following OOS treatment, but the decrease was not dose-dependent since no activity was detectable at doses over 10 mg/kg. In contrast, the effect of OOS treatment on hepatic monooxygenase activity was moderate. 7-Ec deethylase activity was not affected by OOS treatment at any dose level, while p -nitroanisole ( p -NA) demethylase activity was decreased only at the 40 mg/kg dose of OOS. Pulmonary malathion carboxylesterase activity was not affected by OOS treatment. In contrast, a dose-dependent decrease was observed in the liver carboxylesterase. Time course effects of OOS treatment on these parameters were examined by treating rats at 20 mg/kg. The animals were killed 0.5, 1, 3 and 7 days after the treatment. The 7-Ec deethylase activity of pulmonary microsomes was decreased on days 0.5, 1 and 3 after treatment, the maximum decrease being observed on day 1. Significant decreases were not observed in hepatic microsomal activities of 7-Ec deethylase or p -nitroanisole demethylase throughout the experimental period; rather, these activities were higher on day 7. Hepatic microsomal malathion carboxylesterase was lower on days 0.5, 1 and 3 after OOS treatment.
Insulin receptors and membrane transport in muscle

The AA. report a group ofin vitro experiments relative to the direct inhibition of the insulin effect on the transport of 3-o-methyl glucose and L-proline in rat diaphragm muscle by a reagent specific for tryptophan in a neutral solution, the 2-hydroxy-5-nitrobenzyl bromide. Evidence for the presence of tryptophan at an insulin receptor site in the plasma membrane is given.
Physics of Nickel Clusters: Energetics and Equilibrium Geometries

The equilibrium geometries and the binding energies of Nin clusters (n ≤ 23) have been calculated by using an empirical many-body potential and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. For small clusters, the potential is found to reproduce the geometries based on first-principles density functional calculations. It is shown that the clusters do not mimic the bulk structure and undergo significant geometrical changes with size. The binding energy per atom, on the other hand, increases monotonically with size. The evolution of the geometries is found to be correlated with the underlying changes in the nature of bonding. An analysis of the fragmentation channels based on the ground state energies shows the loss of the Ni dimer to be the most energetically favorable channel. The calculated geometries are compared with those derived from recent experiments on N2 adsorption on Nin clusters.
Microwave spectrum of 2-propene-1-imine, CH2CHCHNH

Abstract The reactive species, 2-propene-1-imine, has been identified by its microwave spectrum as a pyrolysis product of diallylamine vapor (100 mTorr, 400°C). Two entirely planar forms are observed, both with an “ s-trans ” CCCN configuration. The lower energy rotamer has an “ anti ” CCNH configuration, with r CC = 1.453(3) A , r CC = 1.336(4) A , and ∠ CCC = 122.9(3)° and a dipole moment of 2.01(2) D with 1.13(1) D and 1.66(2) D “ a ” and “ b ” components. The higher energy rotamer has a “ syn ” CCNH configuration and a dipole moment of 2.51(2) D with 2.39(2) and 0.77(3) D the “ a ” and “ b ” components. From relative intensity measurements, the ground state energy difference is determined to be 0.9 ± 0.1 kcal mole −1 .
Dynamic Disequilibrium: The Intelligence of Growth.

(1984). Dynamic disequilibrium: The intelligence of growth. Theory Into Practice: Vol. 23, Matching Teaching and Learning Styles, pp. 26-34.
Read‐Think‐Aloud Protocols: A New Data‐Source for Formative Evaluation

Traditional approaches to formative evaluation include one-to-one trials which provide some information about revisions that are needed in instructional materials, but typically fail to provide sufficient information about the learner's cognitive processing problems while studying the materials. Read-think-aloud methods are a viable alternative to traditional one-to-ones and provide valuable information about the learner's cognitive processing while reading instructional text. In this paper we describe the read-think-aloud method of formative evaluation and offer suggestions for its use.
Intracellular localization of 3-4 benzo(a) pyrene in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

SummaryVegetative cells of the common yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae grown in a synthetic medium were incubated in the presence of 2 × 10-6 g/ml of Benzo(a)pyrene. Ultraviolet microscopic studies of cells in the logarithmic growth phase show isolated fluorescence of intracytoplasmic organelles which appear to be mitochondria on the basis of comparison with intravitally stained cells.
The estimation of distances between specific backbone-labeled sites in DNA using fluorescence resonance energy transfer.

A series DNA helices of twenty-four base pairs has been prepared for the study of fluorescence resonance energy transfer. Each of the DNA helices contains two phosphorothioate diesters (one in each strand) at pre-selected sites for introduction of the desired donor and acceptor fluorophores. The phosphorothioate-containing oligodeoxynucleotides have been prepared as pure Rp or Sp derivatives or as deastereomeric mixtures. Fluorescein and eosin are employed as the respective donor and acceptor fluorophores. A series of donor-acceptor pairs was generated by labeling of the appropriate phosphorothioate diester with the desired fluorophore and annealing the two complementary DNA strands (one containing the acceptor and one containing the donor fluorophore) to form the double-stranded helix. The 24-mer helices containing two covalently attached fluorophores exhibited some thermal destabilization and the extent of this destabilization was dependent upon the stereochemical orientation of the fluorophore. The Sp derivatives direct the fluorophore out, away from the the DNA helix, while the Rp derivatives direct the fluorophore toward the major groove. As expected, the Sp labeled duplexes were more stable than the corresponding Rp labeled sequences. However, all of the duplex structures formed were stable under the conditions used to measure energy transfer. Energy transfer could be observed with these complexes from the quenching of the donor fluorescence in the presence of the acceptor fluorophore. Using Forster's theories, distances separating the fluorophores could be calculated that were generally in reasonable agreement with the distances expected in an idealized B-form DNA helix. However anomalous results were obtained for one donor/acceptor pair where the expected distance was less than 20 A. Fluorescence anisotropy values determined in solutions of varying viscosity were quite high suggesting that the fluorophores did not experience complete freedom of movement when attached to the DNA helix.
Stability of wind-loaded cylindrical shells

Abstract Stability analysis of perfect and imperfect cylindrical shells under wind pressures is performed using the finite element method. A 48 degree-of-freedom (d.o.f.) thin shell element previously developed by the present authors is used. The element is free from both shear and membrane locking and is capable of modelling shells with arbitrary imperfections. Nonlinear effects due to prebuckling rotations are taken into account. The nonlinear response is obtained using Riks-Wempner algorithm. Effects of the imperfection amplitude and that of the material orthotropy on the limit load points are studied. Wherever possible, the present results are compared with existing results. A favorable agreement is observed.
Simulation of three-dimensional internal flows by the random vortex and boundary element methods

A vortex boundary element method is developed for the grid-free simulation of time-dependent, incompressible, viscous flow in three dimensional configurations. The numerical scheme is based on a combination of the Lagrangian vortex method to capture the convection and stretch of the vortical field, the random walk method to describe the diffusion process, and the boundary element method to impose the normal flux boundary condition on the boundary surfaces. The no-slip boundary condition is satisfied by an extended vortex tile generation mechanism. A new boundary condition is devised to impose the fully developed flow properties at the exit plane. The formulation of the numerical scheme is presented, followed by a parametric study of the accuracy of the method using the model problem of flow in a duct with square cross-section at Re=100. Additionally, results from an example of piston driven flow in a cylinder with square cross-section and an offset port at Re=350 (based on the piston side and maximum speed) are presented.
CHANGES IN THE COMPOSITION OF THE GARDEN PEA AFTER HARVEST

In this paper data are presented showing some of the changes that occur in the fruit of the garden pea after harvest, when held at different temperatures. The object of this study was to determine the changes in at least a few of the components that were thought to be so altered after harvest as to affect the edible quality. In this study the changes in only a few of the carbohydrates were determined, but no doubt a large number of other chemical as well as structural changes occur that are to some extent responsible for the rapid loss of edible quality when held under certain conditions after harvest.
Introduction: Strengthening the Foundation of Wildland Fire Effects Prediction for Research and Management

As prescribed fire use increases and the options for responding to wildfires continue to expand beyond suppression, the need for improving fire effects prediction capabilities becomes increasingly apparent. The papers in this Fire Ecology special issue describe recent advances in fire effects prediction for key classes of direct (first-order) fire effects. Important gaps in predictive capabilities exist in pre-, active-, and post-fire measurement technology; in our ability to predict heat deposition to soil and plant surfaces from knowledge of fuels and models that simulate smoldering combustion, flame spread, and plume dynamics; in our ability to predict above and below ground plant heating and injury; in our understanding of the physiological causes of plant mortality; and in our knowledge of direct effects of fire on fauna and their habitats. Fire effects on shrub and grassland systems are particularly poorly studied. Recent advances in software systems, in which multiple models and databases are included in a single application tailored to address fire management questions, give impetus to foundational fire effects research that would improve fire effects prediction. In this introduction, we describe the range of approaches to predicting fire effects, from statistical to process; we define terminology used throughout the issue; and we highlight research and development needs. We offer the following goal as a challenge to the research community: the development of a comprehensive, first-order fire effects model employing a diversity of approaches (from statistical to process) and built to serve a range of applications (from research to land management).
Small-volume electrochemical detector for microcolumn liquid chromatography.

Abstract A submicroliter electrochemical detector for liquid chromatography has been designed, using pressure-annealed pyrolytic graphite technology. The analytical performance of this detector was studied in connection with a reversed-phase packed microcapillary column at very low flow-rates. Although the miniaturized version of the electrochemical detector is less sensitive, a direct analysis of a number of urinary metabolites in 0.1–1.0 μl samples is feasible.
Should we have a universal concept of indigenous peoples' rights?. Ethnicity and essentialism in the twenty-first century

L'A. examine la question de la pertinence de l'attribution de droits collectifs specifiques aux peuples autochtones dans leur lutte pour l'autodetermination et l'autonomie, et de l'universalite de l'applicabilite et de la force legale de la notion de droits des peuples autochtones. Il centre son analyse sur la relation entre d'une part la representation de l'autochtonie au niveau des discours politiques et juridiques contemporains sur les droits des peuples, et au niveau des representations et discours locaux de l'autre : Quelles sont les consequences locales specifiques de la revendication universaliste des droits des peuples autochtones ? La valorisation universelle de la precedence territoriale est-elle necessaire pour faire aboutir les revendications autochtones, ou les notions d'autodetermination et d'egalite sont-elles suffisantes ? Finalement, l'A. propose un cadre conceptuel dual, combinant une notion universelle, et plus large, des droits specifiques, et des concepts multiples, culturellement et localement determines, se referant aux notions de peuple, de lieu et d'Etat.
Constructing a query-able radial basis function artificial neural network.

Artificial neural networks will be more widely accepted as standard engineering tools if their reasoning process can be made less opaque. This paper describes NetQuery, an explanation mechanism tha...
The dimensions of discipleship: Organizational paradigm, mystical transmission, vested interest and identity in the Japanese martial arts

Although the modern Japanese martial arts (budo) originated in feudal Japanese combat forms, sprang from a particular cultural matrix, and hence are essentially irrelevant in an age of technological warfare, interest in these arts persists in Japan and with Japanese abroad, and exerts a powerful hold on many non‐Japanese practitioners as well. This article explores four aspects of modern budo: formal organization of training halls into hierarchical corporate groups; a sophisticated ideology, richly reinforced by a complex symbolic system; the economic and political dimensions of teaching and running these organizations, and the fact that the structural, symbolic, and ideological aspects of Japanese martial arts systems act to create a powerful sense of belonging and identity among members.
Cell biology: A score for membrane fusion.

Intracellular membrane fusion has been mimicked in vitro using a mix of 17 purified proteins and lipid bilayers. This technical tour de force allows the study of how cells orchestrate and perform such fusion events. Eukaryotic cells contain membrane-bound organelles that can undergo fusion with each other in a regulated manner. The widely held view is that fusion is mediated by SNARE (soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment receptor) proteins. Although SNAREs are capable of fusing vesicles with high specificity, fusion reactions with native SNAREs alone are inefficient and require high concentrations of proteins. In this study, Ohya et al. reconstitute endosome fusion using the Rab machinery along with SNARE proteins. This is the first report of the reconstitution of membrane fusion efficiently and under physiological conditions and also highlights the functional relationship between Rab and SNARE proteins.
Gesture and the Nature of Language

This book proposes a radical alternative to dominant views of the evolution of language, and in particular the origins of syntax. The authors argue that manual and vocal communication developed in parallel, and that the basic elements of syntax are intrinsic to gesture. They draw on evidence from areas such as primatology, anthropology, and linguistics, to present a groundbreaking account of the notion that language emerged through visible bodily action. They go on to examine the implications of their findings for linguistic theory and theories of the biological evolution of the capacity for language. Written in a clear and accessible style, Gesture and the Nature of Language will be indispensable reading for all those interested in the origins of language.
Cell-binding peptides conjugated to poly(ethylene glycol) promote neural cell aggregation.

We have developed a method for promoting cell aggregation with bifunctional macromolecules synthesized by coupling cell-binding peptides to an inert, water-soluble polymer. The peptides Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) and Tyr-Ile-Gly-Ser-Arg (YIGSR) were conjugated through their amino termini to both ends of linear poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), producing bifunctional hybrid polymers: RGD-PEG-RGD and YIGSR-PEG-YIGSR. RGD-PEG-RGD promoted aggregation of mechanically-dissociated fetal brain cells, pheochromocytoma cells (PC12), and neuroblastoma cells maintained in rotation culture at 37°C. Enhanced aggregation was noticeable within 10 minutes and became more pronounced over the next several hours: after 7–9 hours, the mean aggregate volume was up to 10 times larger than the mean volume produced in suspensions containing unmodified PEG. Similar results were obtained with YIGSR-PEG-YIGSR and PC12 cells. Enhancement in aggregation correlated with the ability of soluble RGD or YIGSR to inhibit cell adhesion to surfaces coated with laminin or fibronectin. This method for promoting aggregation may be useful for large scale culture of anchorage dependent cells, eliminating the need for microcarriers. In addition, aggregates formed by this method may be suitable for use in artificial organs or as cell transplants for tissue regeneration.
Nonprofit Organization Data What we Have and What we Need

Better information on the nonprofit sector in the United States is needed to help answer questions about the impact and accountability of nonprofits. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Form 990 is the best source of data for researchers, as filing is legally required for most nonprofits. Major exceptions are those with less than $25,000 in gross receipts and religious congregations or related organizations. All private foundations must file a Form 990-PF annually regardless of size. This article describes the current IRS data sources and details their strengths and limitations for different research purposes. Additional data needed to illuminate gaps in knowledge are noted, along with recommendations for future research. These include improving financial accounting for nonprofits and standardizing data definitions and reporting formats. Only with accurate and reliable data can research help inform decision making and lead to increased effectiveness within the nonprofit sector.
Isoform-specific membrane insertion of secretory phospholipase A2 and functional implications.

Despite increasing evidence that the membrane-binding mode of interfacial enzymes including the depth of membrane insertion is crucial for their function, the membrane insertion of phospholipase A 2 (PLA 2 ) enzymes has not been studied systematically. Here, we analyze the membrane insertion of human group IB PLA 2 (hIBPLA 2 ) and compare it with that of a structurally homologous V3W mutant of human group IIA PLA 2 (V3W-hIIAPLA 2 ) and with a structurally divergent group III bee venom PLA 2 (bvPLA 2 ). Increasing the anionic charge of membranes results in a blue shift of the fluorescence of Trp 3 of hIBPLA 2 , a decrease in quenching by acrylamide, and an increase in enzyme activity, reflecting an enhancement in the membrane binding of PLA 2 . Fluorescence quenching by brominated lipids indicates significant penetration of Trp 3 into fluid POPC/POPG membranes but little insertion into the solid DPPC/DPPG membranes. Increased membrane fluidity also supports hIBPLA 2 activity, suggesting that membrane insertion of hIBPLA 2 is controlled by membrane fluidity and is necessary for the full activity of the enzyme. Trp fluorescence quenching of the V3W-hIIAPLA 2 and bvPLA 2 by water- and membrane-soluble quenchers indicates substantial membrane insertion of Trp 3 of V3W-hIIAPLA 2 , similar to that found for hIBPLA 2 , and no insertion of tryptophans of bvPLA 2 . Our results provide evidence that (a) structurally similar group IB and IIA PLA 2 s, but not structurally diverse group III PLA 2 , significantly penetrate into membranes; (b) membrane insertion is controlled by membrane fluidity and facilitates activation of IB and IIA PLA 2 s; and (c) structurally distinct PLA 2 isoforms may employ different tactics of substrate accession/product release during lipid hydrolysis.
Two important factors controlling winter‐time precipitation in the southeastern United States

It has generally been assumed that most of the tropical maritime air responsible for the winter-time precipitation in eastern United States originates in the sub-tropical high-pressure cell of the North Atlantic. According to Bjerknes [see 1 of “References” at end of paper] this tropical air, in its trajectory around the south side of the North Atlantic HIGH, ascends and converges as it moves westward, so that a state of conditional instability is established. Bjerknes points out that the regions of most frequent shower-activity appear to be located in the western (particularly southwestern) portion of the sub-tropical anticyclonic cells, while the eastern portions, where descent of air is taking place, are characterized by deficient precipitation,
Combined opiate/adrenergic receptor blockade enhances squirrel monkey vocalization

Abstract This study provides evidence for the interaction between opiate and noradrenergic neuronal systems on primate vocal behavior. The rate of twitters produced by adult squirrel monkeys was increased in an additive or synergistic manner by the combined administration of the α2 adrenergic antagonist yohimbine and the opiate antagonist naloxone. Similar effects were not demonstrated on the isolation call. In addition, the drug combination led to an increase of autonomic symptoms. The anatomical localization of these findings and mechanism for the production of increased twitters requires further investigation.
A microfabricated fixed path length silicon sample holder improves background subtraction for cryoSAXS

The application of small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) for high-throughput characterization of biological macromolecules in solution is limited by radiation damage. By cryocooling samples, radiation damage and required sample volumes can be reduced by orders of magnitude. However, the challenges of reproducibly creating the identically sized vitrified samples necessary for conventional background subtraction limit the widespread adoption of this method. Fixed path length silicon sample holders for cryoSAXS have been microfabricated to address these challenges. They have low background scattering and X-ray absorption, require only 640 nl of sample, and allow reproducible sample cooling. Data collected in the sample holders from a nominal illuminated sample volume of 2.5 nl are reproducible down to q ≃ 0.02 A−1, agree with previous cryoSAXS work and are of sufficient quality for reconstructions that match measured crystal structures. These sample holders thus allow faster, more routine cryoSAXS data collection. Additional development is required to reduce sample fracturing and improve data quality at low q.
Cellular retinol-binding protein and cellular retinoic acid-binding protein in the lacrimal gland.

Abstract Cells that require or metabolize vitamin A contain cellular retinol-binding proteins (CRBP) and cellular retinoic acid-binding proteins (CRABP) which apparently participate in metabolism and transport of retinoids within the cell. Since the lacrimal gland secretes and metabolizes vitamin A, the cellular retinoid-binding proteins and their mRNAs should also be present in this gland. Total RNA from rat and rabbit lacrimal glands was analysed by RNase protection using 32P-labeled antisense cRNA probes. CRBP-I mRNA is present in rat lacrimal gland at 2% of the level in liver but CRBP-I mRNA could not be identified conclusively in rabbit lacrimal gland using the available rat cRNA probe. CRABP-I mRNA is present in rat lacrimal gland at 5% of the level in the 12-day gestation rat fetus, but was not detectable in the rabbit lacrimal gland. Rabbit or rat lacrimal gland cytosol was incubated with [3H]retinol or [3H] retinoic acid followed by ion-exchange chromatography using a Tris buffer and NaCl gradient. CRBP is present in rabbit and rat lacrimal gland at 78·5 ± 14·5 and 71·1± 11 pmol g-1 protein, respectively. CRABP is present in rat lacrimal gland at 190·6 ± 13·8 pmol g-1 protein but was not detectable in rabbit lacrimal gland. The presence of CRBP in the lacrimal gland is consistent with its role in secretion of retinol into the lacrimal gland fluid. The apparent lack of CRABP in rabbit lacrimal gland as compared with rat suggests species differences in the role of retinoids in differentiation and maintenance of this organ.
Abnormal thalamocortical pathfinding and terminal arbors lead to enlarged barrels in neonatal GAP-43 heterozygous mice

GAP-43 has been implicated in axonal pathfinding and sprouting, synaptic plasticity, and neurotransmitter release. However, its effect on cortical development in vivo is poorly understood. We have previously shown that GAP-43 knockout (-/-) mice fail to develop whisker-related barrels or an ordered whisker map in the cortex. Here we used cytochrome oxidase (CO) histochemistry to demonstrate that GAP-43 heterozygous (+/-) mice develop larger than normal barrels at postnatal day 7 (P7), despite normal body and brain weight. Using serotonin transporter (5HT-T) histochemistry to label thalamocortical afferents (TCAs), we found no obvious abnormalities in other somatosensory areas or primary visual cortex of GAP-43 (+/-) mice. However, TCA projections to (+/-) primary auditory cortex were not as clearly defined. To clarify the mechanism underlying the large-barrel phenotype, we used lipophilic (DiI) axon labeling. We found evidence for multiple pathfinding abnormalities among GAP-43 (+/-) TCAs. These axons show increased fasciculation within the internal capsule, as well as abnormal turning and branching in the subcortical white matter. These pathfinding errors most likely reflect failures of signal recognition and/or transduction by ingrowing TCAs. In addition, many DiI-labeled (+/-) TCAs exhibit widespread, sparsely branched terminal arbors in layer IV, reflecting the large-barrel phenotype. They also resemble those found in rat barrel cortex deprived of whisker inputs from birth, suggesting a failure of activity-dependent synaptogenesis and/or synaptic stabilization in (+/-) cortex. Our findings suggest that reduced GAP-43 expression can alter the fine-tuning of a cortical map through a combination of pathfinding and synaptic plasticity mechanisms.
Health risk influence on medical care costs and utilization among 2,898 municipal employees

Abstract Introduction: Although worksite health promotion programs are credited with stabilizing medical benefits costs, research is needed to characterize the medical costs of cohorts with selected health risk factors. The purpose of this study was to compare medical cost outcomes in City of Birmingham, Alabama, employees who differ on selected health risk factors. Methods: Health risk appraisal and medical claims cost data were examined in 2,898 employees participating in health screening during 1992 and 1993. Probit analysis was employed to test the null hypotheses that there are no differences in (1) probability of medical service utilization and (2) probability of medical service cost quartile (high, moderate, and low) between groups characterized by risks. Age, gender, race, education, marital status, and diabetes were included as covariates in each model examined. In addition, smoking habits was included as a covariate in models involving risk taking behavior and psychosocial risk. Results: Significant differences in medical care utilization and costs were found between risk groups based on psychosocial risk, cardiovascular disease risk, and total risk. No association was found between risk-taking behavior and utilization and costs. Conclusion. Subjects reporting psychosocial, cardiovascular disease, and total risk factors were more likely to use medical services and to be in the high or high/moderate cost categories.
A two dimensional simulation of microtubule dynamics

We propose a two dimensional model to simulate microtubule dynamics. Microtubules are polymers that are important in many cell functions including cell division. In particular, chemotherapy targets microtubule dynamics in order to slow cancer cell reproduction. Traditional stochastic or chemical models for microtubule dynamics are one-dimensional, focusing on one variable such as length or concentration. We combine a traditional microtubule instability model and a chemical model and propose a two dimensional space for these models to interact. This gives a more realistic simulation of microtubule dynamics as it allows interaction of different microtubules. It can also simulate microtubule movement under different conditions. Our approach quantifies microtubule images and models microtubule dynamics within a synthesis-analysis framework.
Introducing a New Associate Editor in Chief

IEEE Computer Graphics and Applications Editor in Chief Gabriel Taubin welcomes Pak Chung Wong as the magazine's associate editor in chief for special issues. The Web extra thanks our many reviewers for all their hard work in 2012.
The role of the medial geniculate region in differential Pavlovian conditioning of bradycardia in rabbits

The present study examined the role of the medial geniculate region (MGN) in differential Pavlovian conditioning of bradycardia and corneo-retinal potential (CRP) to acoustic stimuli in rabbits. Injections of horseradish peroxidase into the amygdala central nucleus, an area that mediates the bradycardia-conditioned response (CR), produced cell body and fiber labeling at the ventral and medial borders of the MGN. Then, bilateral electrolytic lesions were made at the medial border of the MGN or in control sites dorsal and/or rostral to the MGN. Ten days after surgery, lesioned and unoperated control animals were subjected to 7 days of differential Pavlovian conditioning. In the control lesion and unoperated groups, the CS+ consistently elicited larger bradycardia responses than the CS-. However, animals with bilateral lesions in the medial MGN did not demonstrate differential bradycardia CRs. Bradycardia response magnitude in MGN lesion animals was not affected. Evidence of CRP differential conditioning was present in each group. The present findings suggest that a region just medial to the MGN is involved in bradycardia differential conditioning in rabbits. The fact that bradycardia responses were still present after medial MGN lesions suggests that other auditory regions may also be involved in the mediation of the bradycardia CR.
Sentence-demonstration ability in reading-disabled vs. normal college students

A sentence-demonstration task was used to examine the prose-processing skills of normal and reading-disabled college students. The effects of sentence meaningfulness (meaningful vs. nonsense), sentence length (2 vs. 4 vs. 6 vs. 8 items), and presentation mode (word vs. logographs) were evaluated. The finding of a population membership x sentence length interaction indicated that performance differences favoring the normal college students emerged when task demands exceeded the operational limits of the disabled student’s working memory. In contrast, the effects of sentence meaningfulness and presentation mode did not differ for the two populations. It was suggested that general differences in short-term-memory processing, rather than specific processes associated with decoding of individual printed words, underlie the reading problems of the disabled college students.
Bridging the gap between gene expression and metabolic phenotype via kinetic models.

Despite the close association between gene expression and metabolism, experimental evidence shows that gene expression levels alone cannot predict metabolic phenotypes, indicating a knowledge gap in our understanding of how these processes are connected. Here, we present a method that integrates transcriptome, fluxome, and metabolome data using kinetic models to create a mechanistic link between gene expression and metabolism. We developed a modeling framework to construct kinetic models that connect the transcriptional and metabolic responses of a cell to exogenous perturbations. The framework allowed us to avoid extensive experimental characterization, literature mining, and optimization problems by estimating most model parameters directly from fluxome and transcriptome data. We applied the framework to investigate how gene expression changes led to observed phenotypic alterations of Saccharomyces cerevisiae treated with weak organic acids (i.e., acetate, benzoate, propionate, or sorbate) and the histidine synthesis inhibitor 3-aminotriazole under steady-state conditions. We found that the transcriptional response led to alterations in yeast metabolism that mimicked measured metabolic fluxes and concentration changes. Further analyses generated mechanistic insights of how S. cerevisiae responds to these stresses. In particular, these results suggest that S. cerevisiae uses different regulation strategies for responding to these insults: regulation of two reactions accounted for most of the tolerance to the four weak organic acids, whereas the response to 3-aminotriazole was distributed among multiple reactions. Moreover, we observed that the magnitude of the gene expression changes was not directly correlated with their effect on the ability of S. cerevisiae to grow under these treatments. In addition, we identified another potential mechanism of action of 3-aminotriazole associated with the depletion of tetrahydrofolate. Our simulation results show that the modeling framework provided an accurate mechanistic link between gene expression and cellular metabolism. The proposed method allowed us to integrate transcriptome, fluxome, and metabolome data to determine and interpret important features of the physiological response of yeast to stresses. Importantly, given its flexibility and robustness, our approach can be applied to investigate the transcriptional-metabolic response in other cellular systems of medical and industrial relevance.
Alternative Modes of Mechanical Ventilation: A Review for the Hospitalist

Newer ventilators can be set to modes other than the pressure-control and volume-control modes of older machines. In this paper, the authors review several of these alternative modes (adaptive pressure control, adaptive support ventilation, proportional assist ventilation, airway pressure-release ventilation, biphasic positive airway pressure, and high-frequency oscillatory ventilation), explaining how they work and contrasting their theoretical benefits and the actual evidence of benefit.