cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Balanced structures and model reduction of unstable systems

It is shown that B.C. Moore's balancing model (1981) can be extended to unstable systems by utilizing two weighted Grammian matrices. It is proposed that the J omega axis can be shifted to handle unstable systems. The balanced approach involves the solution of two modified Lyapunov equations. Two numerical examples are given to illustrate the results. >
The dog you deserve : Ambivalence in the K-9 officer/patrol dog relationship

Primarily based on ethnographic fieldwork in a police K-9 training program, this article first presents the optimal attributes of patrol dogs and their handlers. It then moves to a discussion of the training process and emphasizes the apparent disjunction between defining the dog as a law enforcement tool, on one hand, and a unique and sentient individual, on the other. Following a description of key elements of the day-to-day work of the K-9 unit, the article discusses the uneasiness that handlers (and police administrators) feel due to the potential conflict between treating the patrol dog as an effective weapon/deterrent and treating it as a reliable companion/partner and docile family member. The article concludes with a brief examination of ambivalence as a general feature of social life and a unique characteristic of the occupation life of the K-9 police officer.
Free boundary problems arising in the freezing of soils in a bounded region. I. The mathematical formulation of the physical problem

Abstract Changes of densities occur naturally in many phase transition problems and lead to the bulk movement of material. Traditionally, this fact is ignored and the densities are assumed to be equal. However, such changes are of major importance in many practical applications. In general, when a cooled melt is in contact with its solid phase, an interface is formed and the mathematical description of the freezing process leads to the problem of determining the interface between the two phases as well as the temperature distribution throughout the medium, the pressure and the velocity distributions in the unfrozen phase, and the displacement distribution and hence, the thermal stresses in the frozen phase. This study deals with the freezing and thawing of soils in a bounded two-phase medium with phases whose material properties are not only distinct but their temperature dependence is also permitted. In this paper, a rigorous mathematical formulation of the physical problem based upon the uncoupled theory of thermoelasticity is given.
Effect of hypothermia on transthoracic defibrillation in a swine model.

Abstract Background: Induced hypothermia (H) appears a promising intervention to protect the heart and brain after resuscitation from cardiac arrest. However, the influence of H on transthoracic defibrillation energy requirements is not well documented. Methods: In 39 swine (21.4±1.3(S.E.) kg) hypothermia was induced by surrounding the head, thorax and abdomen with ice. The swine were divided into four groups: (1) normothermia (N) followed by severe H (30°C) ( n =10), (2) severe H followed by N ( n =10), (3) N followed by moderate H (33°C) ( n =10) and (4) moderate H followed by N ( n =9). After 30s of electrically induced ventricular fibrillation (VF), the swine were defibrillated (biphasic waveform) at energies of 20J, 30J, 50J and 100J in random order in both N and H conditions. Results: For pigs in Group 1 (N followed by severe H), shock success in terminating VF was higher during hypothermia (odds ratio 4.09 (95% CI: 2.21, 5.58; p p p p =0.0002). Conclusion: Severe H facilitated transthoracic defibrillation in this swine model. Since impedance rose and current fell during H, the improved shock success must be due to a hypothermia-induced change in the mechanical or electrophysiologic properties of the myocardium. Moderate hypothermia did not alter the energy requirement for defibrillation.
New Approaches to the Therapy of Autoimmune Diseases: Rheumatoid Arthritis As a Paradigm

Several therapeutic agents currently are used to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, there is no compelling evidence that any of these agents substantially alters the long-term destructive course of RA. Advances in biotechnology have led to a better understanding of mechanisms that underlie autoimmune diseases such as RA. Although the etiology of RA remains unknown, there now is considerable insight regarding the immune and inflammatory pathways that ultimately lead to cartilage and bone destruction. Therapies with monoclonal antibodies directed against cell surface constituents, fusion toxins against cell activation markers, and cytokine inhibitors all have been shown to be safe and possibly efficacious in early open trials in RA. They now are being more rigorously tested in double-blind, placebo-controlled trials. Early experience with these biologic agents in humans, as well as data obtained from the use of these agents in animal models of autoimmune disease, are reviewed. In addition, experimental studies with "blocking peptides" and immunization with autoreactive T cell receptor peptides will be reviewed, and implications for therapy in RA will be discussed.
Exploring the Relationship Between Pediatrician Self-Disclosure and Parent Satisfaction

Patient satisfaction is a frequently explored outcome in physician–patient communication research. One variable that may influence patient satisfaction, but that has not been extensively explored, is physician self-disclosure (SD). This study examined the effect of pediatrician SD on parent satisfaction in the context of a “sick child” office visit. Results showed that parents were more satisfied with visits in which pediatricians self-disclosed than with those in which pediatricians did not self-disclose. Implications of the study's results and directions for future research are discussed.
Hypnosis in the Treatment of Morgellons Disease: A Case Study

Morgellons Disease is a condition involving painful skin lesions, fibrous growths protruding from the skin, and subcutaneous stinging and burning sensations, along with symptoms of anxiety, depression, fatigue, and memory and attention deficits. The etiological and physiological bases of these symptoms are unclear, making the diagnosis controversial and challenging to treat. There are currently no established treatments for Morgellons Disease. The following case example depicts treatment of a woman with Morgellons Disease using hypnotherapy. Data from this case example suggest that hypnotherapy is a promising intervention for the physical and psychological symptoms associated with Morgellons Disease.
Semi-implicit and fully implicit shock-capturing methods for hyperbolic conservation laws with stiff source terms

Some numerical aspects of finite-difference algorithms for nonlinear multidimensional hyperbolic conservation laws with stiff nonhomogenous (source) terms are discussed. If the stiffness is entirely dominated by the source term, a semi-implicit shock-capturing method is proposed provided that the Jacobian of the soruce terms possesses certain properties. The proposed semi-implicit method can be viewed as a variant of the Bussing and Murman point-implicit scheme with a more appropriate numerical dissipation for the computation of strong shock waves. However, if the stiffness is not solely dominated by the source terms, a fully implicit method would be a better choice. The situation is complicated by problems that are higher than one dimension, and the presence of stiff source terms further complicates the solution procedures for alternating direction implicit (ADI) methods. Several alternatives are discussed. The primary motivation for constructing these schemes was to address thermally and chemically nonequilibrium flows in the hypersonic regime. Due to the unique structure of the eigenvalues and eigenvectors for fluid flows of this type, the computation can be simplified, thus providing a more efficient solution procedure than one might have anticipated.
Prevention and Management of Work Disability in Asia Pacific: Challenges and Opportunities

Introduction: The economic growth in Asia Pacific brings with it challenges and opportunities in many areas of work and health. As economies grow and work demands increase so do accidents, injures and work disability. Methods: Burns, chemical exposures, and construction related injuries are often catastrophic in severity and lead to work disability, major acute medical and subsequent rehabilitation efforts. In addition to these acute injuries, musculoskeletal and chronic illnesses are also sources of work disability. Results: Industrial injuries and health problems are often explained and managed based on the classic unidimensional hazard prevention model. In contrast, work disability is a multi-factorial problem and requires more complex conceptualizations than an exposure outcome model. The economic impact of disability, limitations of the widely used impairment based disability determination method, lack of adherence to wide scale implementation of evidence based clinical approaches, the need for meaningful stakeholder involvement and the potential of a multivariable view of work disability, in all aspects of work disability prevention, management and policy are discussed in the context of Asia Pacific economic growth. Conclusions: With ideal alignment of diverse goals and incentives along with consideration of past efforts in disability prevention and management, new models, processes and policies can be created as commerce in these countries continues to grow.
How motivation and engagement predict reading comprehension among native English-speaking and English-learning middle school students with disabilities in a remedial reading curriculum

Abstract The present study examined self-reported levels of motivation in predicting reading comprehension among 76 linguistically diverse middle school-aged students with disabilities in an urban Northeastern school district in the United States. Fifty-one percent of the students were English language learners (ELLs), and all were enrolled in READ180, an online and classroom-based, commercial reading program designed to promote comprehension for students who struggle with reading. Controlling for time spent in READ180 and formative vocabulary and comprehension performance within the environment, we investigated whether reading-related motivations (intrinsic motivation; extrinsic motivation; self-efficacy) predicted comprehension outcomes, and whether language status (ELL or non-ELL) moderated any relationships with reading comprehension. Self-efficacy was positively and significantly associated with reading comprehension, while intrinsic motivation and extrinsic motivation were not. The effect of self-efficacy was not moderated by ELL status and ELL students scored significantly below their non-ELL peers on the measure of reading comprehension.
A Low Cost Photomultiplier High-Voltage Readout System

A low-cost high-voltage readout system has been implemented to offer stand-alone digital readout capability as well as fast data transfer to a host computer. The system is flexible enough to permit use of a DVM or ADC and commercially available analogue multiplexers.
Sub-nanosecond monitoring of micro-hole electrical discharge machining pulses and modeling of discharge ringing

Abstract Monitoring the gap voltage and current in micro-hole electrical discharge machining (EDM) using high-speed data acquisition with 0.5 ns sampling period is conducted. The spark and arc pulses at three stages, namely electrode dressing, drilling, and penetration, of the micro-hole EDM are recorded. The EDM process parameters are setup to use negative polarity to blunt the electrode tip and positive polarity for micro-hole drilling and penetration. A new phenomenon of pre-discharging current is discovered. In the first 20–30 ns of spark and arc pulses, the current starts to rise while the voltage remains the same. Effects of EDM process parameters, including the open voltage, electrode diameter, and polarity, on the rate of spark and arc pulses and electrode feed rate are investigated. A model based on the RLC circuit is developed to study the ringing effect at the end of a discharge. The intrinsic parasitic capacitance and resistance of a RLC circuit are calculated from the decaying voltage signal and compared under two sets of experiments with varying wire electrode diameter and gap voltage to validate the ringing model. The calculation and experimental results validate the proposed RLC model for ringing phenomenon. The model shows the electrode diameter has negligible effect on ringing and high open voltage increases the parasitic resistance and damping in ringing. The monitoring technique and ringing model developed in this research can assist in the selection and optimization of micro-hole EDM process parameters.
Introduction to Bioinformatics

(2008). Introduction to Bioinformatics. The American Statistician: Vol. 62, No. 3, pp. 268-269.
Coupled flow phenomena in thin free-surface films

The flow of aqueous salt solutions in thin free-surface films is analyzed with a simple physico-chemical model. In addition to gravity, gradients in temperature, solute concentration and electric potential act as forces on the film. Through surface-tension gradients, electro-kinetic effects and thermal diffusion, a non-equilibrium thermodynamic coupling between the four forces and their respective fluxes is established. A global treatment of the Onsager thermodynamics is used to describe the cross-coupling, the physicochemical model used is shown to satisfy the Onsager reciprocal theorem and the relative importance of the various surface phenomena occurring in the film is acessed.
Schedule-dependent synergism for the combination of 1-beta-D-arabinofuranosylcytosine and daunorubicin.

Summary Studies utilizing the spleen colony assay for both leukemic and normal hematopoietic colony-forming units indicate that the effectiveness of the combination of 1-β-d-arabinofuranosylcytosine (ara-C) and daunorubicin (Daun) in killing leukemic cells is highly schedule dependent. When the two agents are given simultaneously, the degree of cell kill is less than additive; that is, the level of survival is greater than that given by the product of the leukemic colony-forming unit survival for the two agents used separately. When Daun is given before ara-C, the resulting cell kill is additive. However, if, Daun is given from 2 to 40 hr after ara-C, a marked increase in cell kill occurs reaching a maximum when the two agents are given 15 hr apart. The survival of normal colony-forming units utilizing the same doses in combination is never less than that defined as additive. Studies using different doses of ara-C and Daun with an optimum time interval between drug administration indicate that the synergism observed for the leukemic colony forming units is dependent upon the doses of both agents.
Thin Membranes of Parlodion

Parlodion membranes 50 to 1000 A A thick have been prepared by deposition of isoamyl acetate solutions on the air-water interface under conditions of controlled evaporation. Capacitance and resistance measurements have established the integrity of large areas of these membranes. The former also provides corroboration of the thickness estimated from the amounts of parlodion deposited.
A Striktpositivstellensatz for measurable functions

Abstract A weighted sums of squares decomposition of positive Borel measurable functions on a bounded Borel subset of the Euclidean space is obtained via duality from the spectral theorem for tuples of commuting self-adjoint operators. The analogous result for polynomials or certain rational functions was amply exploited during the last decade in a variety of applications. To cite this article: M. Putinar, C. R. Acad. Sci. Paris, Ser. I 347 (2009).
Cross-species embryonic septal transplants: restoration of conditioned learning behavior

Embryonic septal and hippocampal tissue from mice was transplanted between species into the brains of adult rat hosts as cell suspensions. Deficits in the ability to learn a conditioned, hippocampally mediated, forced alternation behavior, which were caused by a bilateral transection of the fornix-fimbria pathway, were ameliorated in the septal transplant recipients. The successful performance of the task was correlated to the density index of acetylcholinesterase in the hippocampal section.
Secondary Structure and Topology of the Transmembrane Domain of LspA, from Mycobacterium Tuberculosis, using Solid State NMR Spectroscopy: Initial Study

Lipoprotein Signal Peptidase A (LspA) belongs to type II signal peptidases and it is an essential enzyme in one of the three distinct steps in lipoprotein maturation. After targeting the prolipoprotein, LspA cleaves the signal peptide to result in the signal peptide cleaved lipoprotein, which is the precursor for the mature lipoprotein.In Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), LspA is encoded by the gene Rv1539 resulting in a 202 amino acid residue peptide with a molecular weight of 21 kDa that is predicted to possess four transmembrane helices. It has been recognized in vivo that LspA is an essential protein for Mtb virulence and that it may also contribute to antibiotic resistance. As a result LspA has been identified as a potential drug target for the treatment of tuberculosis. Globomycin, a cyclic-peptide is known to inhibit LspA in a non-competitive manner.Solid-state NMR enables studies of membrane proteins in a lipid bilayer environment. Since the native-like environment is important for studying the structure and function of membrane proteins, ssNMR is increasingly useful. In Oriented Sample ssNMR used here, the protein is uniformly aligned with respect to the magnetic field and 15N spectra of isotopically labeled protein have provided initial structural insights.Here, all sample preparation steps and initial spectroscopy will be emphasized. Expression of LspA in E.coli, purification using IMAC, reconstitution of LspA into proteoliposomes via dialysis and the preparation of bicelles as an alignment media with different types of lipids and detergents will be presented. 1D NMR 31P and 15N spectra and 2D separated local field NMR spectra of uniformly and selectively labeled LspA will be shown.
Role of the fat body in the regulation of host-seeking behaviour in the Mosquito Aedes aegypti

Abstract Following a blood meal that initiates oocyte development, the host-seeking behaviour of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes is inhibited by a haemolymph-borne factor that is released in response to a humoral signal from a vitellogenic ovary. This inhibition is accompanied by a decrease in the sensitivity of the peripheral lactic acid receptors. Implantation of corpora allata, medial neurosecretory cells, or terminal abdominal ganglia from blood-fed donors could not induce the inhibition in sugar-fed recipients. However, fat body transplanted from blood-fed into sugar-fed females suppressed host-seeking behaviour as well as the sensitivity of lactic acid receptors, suggesting that the source of the behavioural inhibitor is the fat body. Resting-stage ovaries from other mosquito species inhibited host-seeking after the A. aegypti host was fed on blood only if the fat body was activated by the donor ovary.
Analyses of conversion efficiency in high-speed clock recovery based on mach-zehnder modulator

In this paper, detailed analyses of the conversion efficiency in high-speed clock recovery based on Mach-Zehnder (MZ) modulator has been carried out. The theoretical results show the conversion efficiency changes with RF driving power and the mixing order. For high order clock recovery, the cascaded MZ modulator provides higher conversion efficiency. A study of clock recovery at 160 Gb/s using the cascaded MZ modulator has been carried out. The experimental results agree with the results of the analysis.
Solar sail dynamics and control using a boom mounted bus articulated by a bi-state two-axis gimbal and reaction wheel

In this paper we develop the coupled orbital/attitude dynamics of a multi-body solar sail spacecraft (sailcraft) under the gravitational attraction of a single central body.
The impact of multinational corporations on a developing country: a trade off in the long run?

This paper investigates the ‘long-run’ effects of multinational firms on unemployment and welfare of the host country. Our findings indicate that a trade off between unemployment reduction and national welfare exists for the host country which is contrary to the view that foreign investment via multinational firms is immiserizing in the ‘short run’. This may also help explain the continuing efforts on the part of LDC governments to attract foreign investment. Furthermore, in the absence of a subsidy, increased investment by multinational firms does not have any adverse effect on the welfare of the host country, while still reducing unemployment.
Dependence on substrate of the electrical potential across the isolated gut.

PUBLISHED reports1,2 have indicated that fluid and salt transport across the isolated small intestine is very low in the absence of an external supply of substrate. Chemical measurements of net transport have shown that, of the many substrates tested, only glucose is able to support optimal absorption1. With such measurements, the tissue must be allowed to equilibrate for 20–30 min. before sufficient fluid or salt has been transported to allow accurate chemical measurements. Thus a considerable uncertainty exists as to how rapidly the absorptive process changes when glucose is added to or removed from the bathing media. A clarification of this point would indicate the extent to which utilizable energy is stored in the tissue.
Synthesis of 122I- and 125I-labelled meta-dimethoxy-N,N-dimethyliodophenylisopropylamines

The syntheses of 122I- and 125I-labelled 2,4-dimethoxy-N,N-dimethyl-5-iodophenylisopropylamine, 3,5-dimethoxy-N,N-dimethyl-2-iodophenylisopropylamine and 2,6-dimethoxy-N,N-dimethyl-3-iodophenylisopropylamine are described. The speed (3 min, including purification) and yield (45-85%) obtained in direct iodination procedures utilizing chloramine-T have allowed the use of the short-lived positron emitter 122I (t1/2 = 3.6 min) in brain blood flow imaging studies. The three appropriate precursors (the meta-dimethoxy-N,N-dimethylphenylisopropylamines) were prepared from the corresponding phenyl acetone analogues by reductive amination employing dimethylamine and NaCNBH3. The ketones were obtained from the appropriate nitrostyrenes through reduction with elemental Fe.
“It's all Greek to me:” When teaching Greek and Arabic symbols as a vehicle to compare self versus peer video modeling, the present use of self video modeling appeared to be more effective for three children with high functioning autism, but these results need to be interpreted with caution owing to design limitations

This review provides a summary and appraisal commentary on the treatment review by Marcus, A., & Wilder, D. A. (2009). A comparison of peer video modeling and self video modeling to teach textual responses in children with autism. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 42, 335–341. Source of funding and disclosure of interest: No source of funding reported, and the original authors of this research do not report any conflicts of interest.
The Geography of Evolution and the Evolution of Geography

Insights into the geography of life have played a fundamental role in motivating major developments in evolutionary biology. The focus here is on outlining some of these major developments, specifically in the context of paleontology, by emphasizing the significance of geographic isolation and allopatric speciation, punctuated equilibria, and the Turnover Pulse Hypothesis to evolutionary theory. One of the major debates in evolution concerns the relative contributions of abiotic and biotic factors to macroevolution, and each one of these developments increasingly suggested that it was climatic and geologic factors, rather than competition, that played the primary role in motivating macroevolution. New technical developments, including in the area of Geographic Information Systems, allow continued detailed testing of the relative roles that biotic as opposed to abiotic factors play in causing evolution, and some of the work in this area will also be described.
The effect of morphine preexposure on the acquisition of morphine-induced taste aversions: A nonassociative effect

In Experiment 1, the amount of time rats spent engaged in a range of behaviors was recorded immediately prior to and following the intraperitoneal administration of morphine sulfate (6 mg/kg) or distilled water. No behavioral differences were observed between these groups. In Experiment 2, preexposure to this low dose of morphine attenuated the subsequent acquisition of a morphine-induced taste aversion independent of the similarity of the preexposure and conditioning environments. These results with a dose of morphine that does not produce any behavioral effects, which in turn could potentially mask associative conditioning during preexposure, confirm that the attenuating effects of morphine preexposure on taste aversion learning are nonassociative.
Bioluminescence monitoring of intracranial glioblastoma xenograft: response to primary and salvage temozolomide therapy.

Object Bioluminescence imaging (BLI) offers a rapid and accurate means for longitudinal study of tumor cell growth and response to therapy in rodent models. Because this technology has only recently come into use in the field of small animal imaging, applications in this area have been limited. In the current study we have applied BLI to the analysis of clinically relevant issues involving use of the DNA methylating agent temozolomide (TMZ) in a mouse model. Methods An invasive glioblastoma multiforme xenograft was modified for BLI via transduction with a luciferase-encoding lentivirus. Supratentorial tumors were established in athymic nude mice that were subsequently assigned randomly to control and TMZ treatment groups, and the extent of intracranial tumor was monitored using BLI. Results In an experiment designed to compare the extent of antitumor effect between a single high-dose TMZ treatment and a protracted low-dose TMZ regimen, BLI revealed the protracted regimen as having superior antitumor effec...
Lipid lowering influence of ethyl p-chlorophenoxyisobutyrate in liver of rats fed high fat diets

The effect of CPIB on total lipid, total cholesterol, and triglyceride concentration in liver was studied in rats maintained on diets with three different fats at the level of 20 per cent. Half of the diets were supplemented with exogenous cholesterol. Rats given food without CPIB served as control animals to the other half which received dietary CPIB treatment. The type of fat showed a marked effect on total lipid, total cholesterol, and triglyceride level in the liver of rats. Contrary to our findings in serum, 5 CPIB showed a definite and remarkable lowering effect on total cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the liver of the rats not supplemented with dietary cholesterol. With exogenous cholesterol in the diet total liver cholesterol level failed to show any lowering effect of CPIB. However, consistent and notable lowering in liver triglyceride was observed in rats administered CPIB despite exogenous dietary cholesterol. The present findings indicate that type of fat and presence of dietary cholesterol are important factors in the degree of lipid lowering that can be brought about by CPIB administration. The serum lipid elevations and definite lowering noted in the liver in response to these diets may be suggestive that the influence of CPIB on the equilibrium between liver and plasma depends upon the level and type of dietary fat.
Propelling the platelet proteome

In 1906, J. H. Wright concluded that platelets are detached portions of the cytoplasm of megakaryocytes.[1][1] He was right: platelets are circulating, anucleate cytoplasts that posit at sites of vascular damage. Although they are critical effectors of hemostasis and thrombosis, it is clear that
Combination Treatment of Human Umbilical Cord Matrix Stem Cell-Based Interferon-Beta Gene Therapy and 5-Fluorouracil Significantly Reduces Growth of Metastatic Human Breast Cancer in SCID Mouse Lungs

Umbilical cord matrix stem (UCMS) cells that were engineered to express interferon-beta (IFN-β) were transplanted weekly for three weeks into MDA 231 breast cancer xenografts bearing SCID mice in combination with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). The UCMS cells were found within lung tumors but not in other tissues. Although both treatments significantly reduced MDA 231 tumor area in the SCID mouse lungs, the combined treatment resulted in a greater reduction in tumor area than by either treatment used alone. These results indicate that a combination treatment of UCMS-IFN-β cells and 5-FU is a potentially effective therapeutic procedure for breast cancer.
Rational health care should be offered to all persons: rich or poor, well or sick.

Iona Heath makes the provocative assertion that shifting spending from preventive medicine for well populations in developed countries to disease treatments for sick people in poor countries will benefit the health of everyone. Heath admits that people in developed countries live longer and are, by objective measures, healthier. But she asserts that they suffer from greater rates of self-reported illness created by a medical, industrial, and political conspiracy to medicalize trivial problems in healthy persons. Thus they are somehow less healthy than their brethren in the underdeveloped world, even though they have a significantly longer life span. She proposes to share some of the excess spent in developed countries with the poor in underdeveloped countries, perhaps so they can share in the misery of increased awareness of and rates of self-reported illness? Along the way, one hopes that they will …
Uptake of dextran‐coated monocrystalline iron oxides in tumor cells and macrophages

Although several dextran-coated iron oxide preparations are in preclinical and clinical use, little is known about the mechanism of uptake into cells. As these particles have been shown to accumulate in macrophages and tumor cells, we performed cellular uptake and inhibition studies with a prototypical monocrystalline iron oxide nanoparticle (MION). MION particles were labeled with fluorescein isothiocyanate or radioiodinated and purified by gel permeation chromatography. Two preparations of MION particles were used in cell experiments: nontreated MION and plasma-opsonized MION purified by gradient density purification. As determined by immunoblotting, opsonization resulted in C3, vitro-nectin, and fibronectin association with MION. Incubation of cells with fluorescent MION showed active uptake of particles in macrophages both before and after opsonization. In C6 tumor cells, however, intracellular MION was only detectable in dividing cells. Quantitatively, 125I-labeled MION was internalized into cells with uptake values ranging from 17 ng (in 9L gliosarcoma) to 970 ng iron per million cells for peritoneal macrophages. Opsonization increased MION uptake into macrophages sixfold, whereas it increased the uptake in C6 tumor cells only twofold. Results from uptake inhibition assay suggest that cellular uptake of nonopsonized (dextran-coated) MION particles is mediated by fluid-phase endocytosis, whereas receptor-mediated endocytosis is presumably responsible for the uptake of opsonized (protein-coated) particles.
Ethnomethodology, Psychosocial Measures, and Inhalant Abuse Research'

Analysis and commentary are provided concerning an article by Oetting and Webb entitled, Psychosocial Characteristics and Their Links with Inhalants: A Research Agenda, that appears in the NIDA Research Monograph #129, pp. 59-97. Attention is given to the elements contained in the Oetting and Webb model and emphasizes the strategies necessary to capture cultural influences on inhalant use behavior. Culture is best captured by using ethnic identification measures. To accomplish the objective, a model is provided accompanied with appropriate discussion.
pH Dependence of peptidylglycine monooxygenase. Mechanistic implications of Cu-methionine binding dynamics.

The pH dependence of the PHM-catalyzed monooxygenation of dansyl-YVG was studied in two different buffer systems in the pH range of 4−10. The pH−activity profile measured in a sulfonic acid buffer exhibited a maximum at pH 5.8 and became inactive at pH >9. The data could be fit to a model that assumed a protonated unreactive species A, a major reactive species B, and a less reactive species C. B formed in a deprotonation step with pKa of 4.6, while C formed and decayed with pKas of 6.8 and 8.2, respectively. The pH dependence was found to be dominated by kcat, with Km(dansyl-YVG) remaining pH-independent over the pH range of 5−8. Acetate-containing buffers shifted the pH maximum to 7.0, and the activity−pH profile could be simulated by formation and decay of a single active species with pKas of 5.8 and 8.3, respectively. The pH-dependent changes in activity could be correlated with a change in the Debye−Waller factor for the Cu−S(met) (M314) component of the X-ray absorption spectrum which underwent a tra...
Short-chain carboxylic acids from gray catbird (Dumetella carolinensis) uropygial secretions vary with testosterone levels and photoperiod.

Abstract The uropygial gland of birds produces secretions that are important in maintaining the health and structural integrity of feathers. Non-volatile components of uropygial secretions are believed to serve a number of functions including waterproofing and conditioning the feathers. Volatile components have been characterized in fewer species, but are particularly interesting because of their potential importance in olfactory interactions within and across species. We used solid-phase microextraction headspace sampling with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry to detect and identify volatiles in uropygial secretions of gray catbirds ( Dumetella carolinensis ), a North American migratory bird. We consistently detected the following carboxylic acids: acetic, propanoic, 2-methylpropanoic, butanoic, and 3-methylbutanoic. We tested for the effect of lengthened photoperiod and/or exogenous testosterone on volatile signal strength and found a negative effect of lengthened photoperiod on the signal strength of propanoic, 2-methylpropanoic, and butanoic acids, suggesting a trade-off between their production and heightened night-time activity associated with lengthened photoperiod. Signal strength of propanoic and 2-methylpropanoic acids was lower in birds treated with exogenous testosterone than in birds treated with placebos. Sex did not affect signal strength of any of the volatile compounds.
N-Methyl and N-cyclopropylmethyl-14α,14′β-[dithiobis[(2-oxo-2,1-ethanediyl)imino]]bis(7,8-dihydro-5β-methyl-morphinone) MET-TAMO and N-CPM-MET-TAMO: Synthesis and opioid binding properties

Abstract MET-TAMO and N-CPM-MET-TAMO were prepared by the same procedure used for the corresponding 5-desmethyl compounds, TAMO and N-CPM-TAMO, except that a new procedure was employed to synthesize the intermediate, 14β-amino-7,8-dihydromorphinone. Both MET-TAMO and N-CPM-MET-TAMO produced wash-resistant inhibition of μ, δ and κ binding but were more potent at the μ receptor.
A New Parasitic Pythium

This fungus was obtained from a soil sample l in association with Allomyces. Its more rapid and vigorous growth hindered and at times completely suffocated the Allomyces. In the icebox at a temperature of about 3? C, Allomyces grew slowly but at a fair rate of speed on agar 2 cultures while the Pythium grew very slowly or not at all. However, if the petri-dish cultures were kept at room temperature the Pythium would grow so rapidly as to smother the Allomyces. Because of this variation in growth it was possible to secure pure Allomyces at the lower temperatures and pure Pythium at the higher temperatures. The pure cultures of the Pythium were obtained by cutting out a small portion of agar at the edge of the colony grown under room temperature and transferring the piece to sterile water. After further growth had been established a single sporangium was carried over to a petri-dish containing sterile agar. After 24 hours it would be possible to make further transfers from this growth. Ant larvae and various seeds were used as a supply of food for the fungus. All were attacked by Pythium epigynum. However on ant larvae the hyphae grew longer by about 1-1.5 cm. and very early formed reproductive organs. On hemp seed the 1 The soil-sample was taken from the surface at the waterline of a pond in a meadow near Milton, Wisc. No plants were present; the grass-cover began at a distance of about 3 m.
Congruent Strategies for Carbohydrate Sequencing. 1. Mining Structural Details by MSn

This report is the first in a series of three focused on establishing congruent strategies for carbohydrate sequencing. The reports are divided into (i) analytical considerations that account for all aspects of small oligomer structure by MSn disassembly, (ii) database support using an ion fragment library and associated tools for high-throughput analysis, and (iii) a concluding algorithm for defining oligosaccharide topology from MSn disassembly pathways. The analytical contribution of this first report explores the limits of structural detail exposed by ion trap mass spectrometry with samples prepared as methyl derivatives and analyzed as metal ion adducts. This data mining effort focuses on correlating the fragments of small oligomers to stereospecific glycan structures, an outcome attributed to a combination of metal ion adduction and analyte conformation. Facile glycosidic cleavage introduces a point of lability (pyranosyl-1-ene) that upon collisional activation initiates subsequent ring fragmentatio...
Properties of crystalline hexokinase from yeast. III. Studies on glucose-enzyme interaction.

Abstract Crystalline yeast hexokinase was found to contain, by anthrone reaction, only 0.25 mole “glucose” per mole of enzyme, assuming a molecular weight of 96,600. The interaction between added glucose and hexokinase was found to be too small for a direct measurement of the dissociation constant by the equilibrium dialysis technique. The dissociation constants for glucose, fructose, and glucose-6-P were measured, however, by an indirect method based on the protection of hexokinase by glucose, fructose, and glucose-6-P against inactivation by trypsin. These constants were 2.4 × 10 −4 M for glucose, 0.8 × 10 −3 M for fructose, and 4 × 10 −3 M for glucose-6-P. Since these studies showed that only one molecule of glucose or fructose is bound per moleclule of hexokinase and that the dissociation constants so determined are the same as the K m values calculated from kinetic data, added glucose and fructose are considered to be bound at the active site when they protect hexokinase against tryptic action. Because hexokinase is attacked readily by trypsin in the absence of added glucose, glucose is probably not already bound at the active site of hexokinase as isolated. No significant changes in either ultraviolet or fluorescence spectra were found to accompany the addition to a hexokinase solution of Mg ++ , ATP, glucose, or any combination of two of them.
Pedagogy and the paradox of American evangelical involvement in East African schools

This article analyzes the ideals and principles that organize American evangelical Christians' work in Africa. Based on field research conducted among a group of American restorationist missionaries working in Kenya and Tanzania, the author argues that the education-oriented work of these missionaries is paradoxically socially encompassing, yet excluding. Missionaries themselves anticipate that their educational programs will help to connect Africans with a global community and that by evangelizing quietly, through actions more so than through words, they can establish a sustainable church that has buy-in at the grassroots level. On the ground, however, these missionaries' work is neither fully integrative nor well established. Yet globalization, indigeneity, grassroots-focus, and sustainability are powerful organizing tropes that carry these missionaries' projects forward.
Preschool screening for behavior problems

The purpose of the study was to establish developmental norms for maternal-rated problem behaviors within a disadvantaged group of preschool children. The sample included 406 children between two and five years of age from lower socioeconomic families. Mothers completed the Behavior Problem Checklist (BPC) reporting the frequency of conduct (acting-out) and personality (inhibition) problems. The analyses investigated differences for males and females among four age groups for frequency of behavior problems. No significant age differences were found for either sex on the acting-out or inhibition dimensions of the BPC. The results revealed that the frequency of behavior problems becomes apparent at an early age and remains consistent throughout the preschool years. The consistency across age levels of these maternal-reported behavioral difficulties suggests that early screening with BPC is a viable procedure. The data are discussed in terms of their utility in assisting the school psychologist to select appropriate intervention strategies for the preschool child.
Pullorum Disease Studies in Turkeys: III. Studies on the Bactericidal and Agglutinative Properties of Serum and Plasma of Normal and Pullorum Infected Turkeys,,

Abstract THIS study was undertaken for the purpose of contributing to the knowledge of certain immunological reactions of turkeys affected with pullorum disease. The observations of Nuttall (1888) first contributed to our knowledge of serum reactions. It has been recognized that the bactericidal property of serum varies according to the animal species and the type of microorganism concerned. There has been some uncertainty regarding the specificity or non-specificity of innate bactericidal effects. Muir and Browning (1908) found that treatment of a normal serum with increasing amounts of bacterial suspension produced first a diminution of the bactericidal action towards the homologous bacterium, and also a decrease in the effect of natural complement-fixing and agglutinating antibodies. Thjotta (1919) showed that during immunization there is produced along with the antibodies, a complement-inhibiting substance which he believes to be separate and distinct from agglutinins, precipitins and bactericidal amboceptors. If sufficient dilution of the serum is . . .
Fluctuations and clustering in relativistic heavy ion interactions

Abstract The method of scaled factorial moments is used to study the fluctuations in the nuclear fragmentations of 197 Au at 10.6 A ·GeV by disentangling the peripheral from more central events. Intermittent behavior is found only in the midcentral processes. Clustering size distributions also exhibit power-law behavior. These observations indicate that the nuclear system might have gone through a phase transition.
Feedback control of weakly nonlinear Rayleigh-Bénard-Marangoni convection

We study the effect of proportional feedback control on the onset and development of finite-wavelength Rayleigh-Benard-Marangoni (RBM) convection using weakly nonlinear theory as applied to Nield's model, which includes both thermocapillarity and buoyancy but ignores deformation of the free surface. A two-layer model configuration is used, which has a purely conducting gas layer on top of the liquid. In the feedback control analysis, a control action in the form of temperature or heat flux is considered. Both measurement and control action are assumed to be continuous in space and time. Besides demonstrating that stabilization of the basic state can be achieved on a linear basis, the results also indicate that a wide range of weakly nonlinear flow properties can also be altered by the linear and nonlinear control processes used here. These include changing the nature of hexagonal convection and the amount of subcritical hysteresis associated with subcritical bifurcation
four-jointed interacts with dachs, abelson and enabled and feeds back onto the Notch pathway to affect growth and segmentation in the Drosophila leg

The molecular basis of segmentation and regional growth during morphogenesis of Drosophila legs is poorly understood. We show that four-jointed is not only required for these processes, but also can direct ectopic growth and joint initiation when its normal pattern of expression is disturbed. These effects are non-autonomous, consistent with our demonstration of both transmembrane and secreted forms of the protein in vivo. The similarities between four-jointed and Notch phenotypes led us to further investigate the relationships between these pathways. Surprisingly, we find that although four-jointed expression is regulated downstream of Notch activation, four-jointed can induce expression of the Notch ligands, Serrate and Delta, and may thereby participate in a feedback loop with the Notch signaling pathway. We also show that four-jointed interacts with abelson, enabled and dachs, which leads us to suggest that one target of four-jointed signaling is the actin cytoskeleton. Thus, four-jointed may bridge the gap between the signals that direct morphogenesis and those that carry it out.
Unsupervised approach for the accurate localization of the pupils in near-frontal facial images

A new method to automatically locate pupils in images (even with low resolution) containing near-frontal human faces is pre- sented. In particular, pupils are localized by an unsupervised pro- cedure consisting of two steps: at first, self-similarity information is extracted by considering the appearance variability of local regions, and then it is combined with an estimator of circular shapes based on a modified version of the circular Hough transform. Experimental evi- dence of the effectiveness of the method was achieved on challenging databases and video sequences containing facial images acquired under different lighting conditions and with different scales and poses. © 2013 SPIE and IS&T (DOI: 10.1117/1.JEI.22.3.033033)
Bootstrap confidence intervals in a switching regressions model

Traditional switching regression methods produce slope and intercept estimates conditional on the change point estimate, with confidence intervals that overstate their precision. This paper describes the problem and a bootstrap alternative. Extensive sampling experiments confirm that the traditional methods overstate precision, and that bootstrap confidence intervals are far more accurate.
Changes in Ice Storm Impacts over Time: 1886–2000

Abstract Ice storms have a variety of negative effects on society. Through an analysis of newspaper accounts of nine exceptional ice storms, the most widespread and longest lasting impact is the loss of electrical power. Power outages also cause secondary effects, such as carbon monoxide poisoning and fire, and they can force people to leave their homes because of a lack of heat. Other impacts of ice storms are transportation disruptions, school and business closings, and economic losses to agriculture and some business sectors. However, some businesses, such as those associated with the hospitality sector, actually benefit from ice storms. Modern power outages have a longer duration than those associated with earlier storms. Rural areas are most likely to suffer from long power outages because utilities prioritize areas with greater numbers of customers and because fallen trees may limit accessibility. Several suggestions for reducing electrical disruption, such as aggressive tree-trimming programs and b...
Achieving K-anonymity in mobile ad hoc networks

A zone-based K-anonymity routing protocol is proposed and investigated, the goal of which is to achieve destination anonymity in positioning routing algorithms. Under this protocol, the source sends the data to an anonymity zone, where the destination node and a number of other nodes are located. The data is flooded within the anonymity zone so that to a tracer is not able to guess which is the destination node. The paper presents the details of the protocol design and proposes two approaches for anonymity zone management. In particular, we have found out that initially setting anonymity zone large can help to meet the destination anonymity requirement for longer time at a relatively low control overhead.