cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An active vision architecture based on iconic representations

Abstract Active vision systems have the capability of continuously interacting with the environment. The rapidly changing environment of such systems means that it is attractive to replace static representations with visual routines that compute information on demand. Such routines place a premium on image data structures that are easily computed and used. The purpose of this paper is to propose a general active vision architecture based on efficiently computable iconic representations. This architecture employs two primary visual routines, one for identifying the visual image near the fovea (object identification), and another for locating a stored prototype on the retina (object location). This design allows complex visual behaviors to be obtained by composing these two routines with different parameters. The iconic representations are comprised of high-dimensional feature vectors obtained from the responses of an ensemble of Gaussian derivative spatial filters at a number of orientations and scales. These representations are stored in two separate memories. One memory is indexed by image coordinates while the other is indexed by object coordinates. Object location matches a localized set of model features with image features at all possible retinal locations. Object identification matches a foveal set of image features with all possible model features. We present experimental results for a near real-time implementation of these routines on a pipeline image processor and suggest relatively simple strategies for tackling the problems of occlusions and scale variations. We also discuss two additional visual routines, one for top-down foveal targeting using log-polar sensors and another for looming detection, which are facilitated by the proposed architecture.
Tolerance to Salt Spary of Plants of Coastal Dunes

Salt spray is injurious to many plants and consequently is an important factor in the environment of vegetation on coastal dunes. Its effects are most apparent after severe storms during which plants near the ocean may have been continuously wetted. Then also other plants are subjected to salt spray which ordinarily are not exposed to it because of their distance from the ocean or because of protecting dunes. Usually such storms are accompanied by rain which reduces the effectiveness of the spray. But, when no rain falls during or immediately after a storm, as happens occasionally, damage to coastal vegetation resulting from salt spray may be disastrous. Many trees and shrubs are then killed, or at least their tops are partially killed-back, and as some of these may be of considerable age they must have survived previous storms. Since plants of some species are affected much more than others the evidence indicates a "selective" action of salt spray which permits the growth and survival of a limited number of tolerant species along the coast and thus controls indirectly the communities and their development. Wells and Shunk ('38) suggested the probability "that the distinctive composition of the dune community is based primarily upon the species adaptations to the spray factor." Later ('39) Wells recognized a "salt spray climax" on the same basis. Variation in tolerance to spray among herbaceous plants is indicated by a zonation of herbs along the North Carolina coast (Oosting and Billings, '42) which is correlated with intensity of salt spray but with no other apparent factors. Also, there are several species which grow only along the coast and others which grow more abundantly there than elsewhere. If these species are tolerant to spray their abundance along the coast may be explained by the reduced competition from intolerant species which are largely eliminated. It would appear then that the characteristic species of coastal dunes and their vicinity comprise a "select" group which is more or less tolerant to salt spray. That there should be variation in sensitivity to spray is also reasonable to suppose. To verify these assumptions and particularly to check the range of tolerance of some of the common coastal plants an experiment was set up at the Duke Marine Laboratory which is on Pivers Island, in the harbor at Beaufort, North Carolina.
Pharmacokinetics during pregnancy: evidence-based maternal dose formulation.

Abstract Objective: To review the literature regarding how drug pharmacokinetics differ between pregnant and nongravid women. Data Sources: Articles published between 1963 and 1997 were retrieved from the database of the National Library of Medicine for review, using the key words “pregnancy,” “pharmacokinetics,” and “human.” Additional articles and book chapters were identified from the bibliographies of articles retrieved. Methods of Study Selection: Articles had to include primary data that were not previously published. Data abstracted from articles meeting the inclusion criteria included: sample size, estimated gestational age, area under the curve, volume of distribution, maximum plasma concentration, steady-state concentration, half-life, time to maximum plasma concentration, clearance, and data from nonpregnant controls. Tabulation, Integration, and Results: Of more than 1000 articles published, 61 articles and book chapters reported relevant pharmacokinetic data, such as those listed, based on primary data. Only two studies synthesized pharmacokinetic data into guidelines for individualized clinical regimens. Conclusion: Available data regarding the pharmacokinetics of therapeutic regimens during pregnancy do not provide clinically relevant guidelines for the formulation of therapy for individual patients. Pharmacokinetic investigations during pregnancy that produce evidence-based guidelines for treating individual patients were identified as a major area of need. Minimum requirements are recommended for reporting pharmacokinetic studies in obstetrics.
Serpentine nanotubes in the Mighei CM chondrite

Abstract We report the discovery of serpentine nanotubes in the Mighei CM chondrite. High-resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM) images show that the nanotubes are multiwalled, containing from 3 to 11 layers with periodicities of 0.68±0.08 nm. Some nanotubes appear capped. Their lengths and inner diameters range from 20 to 230 nm and 2 to 9 nm, respectively, with internal volumes of 200–11,300 nm 3 . Chemical analyses made using electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS) give Mg 1.7 Fe 0.5 2+ Fe 0.7 3+ [Si 1.5 Fe 0.5 3+ O 5 ]H 1.8 ([] 1.0 O 2.4 S 0.6 ) ∑=4 , with H determined by difference. The S-bearing and Fe-rich composition of these nanotubes is distinct from previously reported meteoritic and terrestrial materials, and we believe them to be a new variety of serpentine. These intriguing structures likely formed during aqueous-alteration events early in the history of the solar system and potentially served as containers of primordial fluids.
Analysis of neutral sugars by gas-liquid chromatography of alditol acetates: application to thyrotropic hormone and other glycoproteins.

Abstract A method has been developed for the quantitative determination of the neutral sugars of several glycoproteins including thyrotropic hormone, thyroglobulin, and ovalbumin by gas-liquid chromatography of alditol acetates. This approach has the advantage that only one peak for each sugar is present in the chromatograms, which is particularly valuable in the determination of trace components. The same samples are analyzed for hexosamines by ion-exchange chromatography and the combination of methods permits analyses for all sugar components other than sialic acid on one or two milligrams of glycoprotein. In addition to the fucose and mannose previously reported, highly purified bovine thyrotropin contains approximately one-half residue of galactose per molecule with the human hormone purified by similar methods relatively richer in this sugar. Trace amounts of galactose have also been found in crystalline ovalbumin preparations further purified by chromatography.
The limits of E-recursive enumerability

Abstract A classical result of Kleene is: 2ω⊃ HYP is recursively enumerable in 2E. Restated in E-recursion theory, it says: 2ω⊃ E(ω) is E-recursively enumerable in ω. Forcing, compactness and fine structure techniques decide various possible extensions of Kleene's result. Suppose L(κ) is E-closed but not Σ1 admissible. Let cf and gc denote cofinality and greatest cardinal in the sense of L(κ). Then (i) ↔ (ii). (i) 2gc(κ) ⊃ L(κ) is E-recursively enumerable in some a ϵ L(κ). ω
N‐chlorination of dilantin and sorbinil

The synthesis, stability, X-ray structural characterization and 13 C nmr shifts of N-1 ' , N-3'-dichloro and N-1'-monochlorohydantoin derivatives of the anticonvulsant dilantin and the aldose reductase inhibitor sorbinil are described. These chlorinated derivatives may be involved in drug induced hypersensitivity reactions.
Treatment of dry eye disease by the non-ophthalmologist.

Physicians caring for patients who have Sjogren's syndrome often face a particularly difficult task in managing the dry eye that occurs with this disease. The discomfort produced by the condition and the fluctuation of vision attendant to tear film instability are often the most annoying of the clinical symptoms. The understanding of dry eye disease in both its clinical expression and underlying etiopathology has expanded over the past 10 years with implications for management and therapy. The array of potential treatments both topical and systemic has evolved to provide a much more targeted and effective arsenal from which the clinician may choose.
Potential molecular targets for manipulating the radiation response

Abstract Recent advances in our understanding of the molecular events that occur following ionizing radiation leading to DNA damage and repair, apoptosis, and cell-cycle arrests suggest new ways in which the radiation response might be manipulated. Specific targets which, if inactivated, might increase radiosensitivity include Ras, which has been implicated in the radioresistant phenotype, and components of DNA-dependent protein kinase or other molecules involved in the recognition or repair of DNA damage. In some tumors, apoptosis is an important mode of cell death following radiation, so agents that promote this may prove useful therapeutically. Conversely, side effects may result from radiation-induced apoptosis of normal tissues: for example, pneumonitis following the destruction of endothelial cells in the pulmonary vasculature. Therefore, decreasing apoptosis in these tissues may reduce late effects. It may also be possible to prevent late effects such as fibrosis by blocking the induction of certain genes such as transforming growth factor β. Cell-cycle regulation is another area that could be manipulated to increase radiosensitivity. There is evidence that the G2 delay following radiation is important in protecting cells from death. Abolition of this delay may increase radiosensitivity, especially in cells with mutant p53 that have lost the G1 checkpoint.
Evolution and process of the design of the Sensor Chair

Abstract The Steelcase Sensor chair was introduced in the spring of 1986. It is designed to meet the special needs of modern office workers and their technology by supporting and encouraging movements of the operator while seated. The marketing and research trends that influenced the product philosophy are discussed. The fifteen product criteria achieved in Sensor are described, as are the pertinent ergonomic principles embodied in its design.
Labeling: palladium brings proteins to life.

A bioorthogonal decaging strategy, mediated by small-molecule palladium compounds, can recover the lysine-dependent activity of cellular proteins. This activation technique could be generally applicable for controlling and probing function of a protein target in living cells.
AIDS-associated intraocular lymphoma causing primary retinal vasculitis.

Background: There is an increasing association between ocular-central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma and the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). In this population, the disease generally occurs in a younger age group. The origin of these B-cell neoplasms remains unknown. Method: Case study of a 26-year-old AIDS patient with an incidental finding of localized retinal vasculitis and local vitritis. Disease progression and the failure of antiviral therapy led to early diagnostic vitrectomy with vitreal and retinal biopsy. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) evaluation, head magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and brain biopsy were performed. Results: The diagnosis of ocular non-Hodgkin lymphoma was made by vitreous cytology. Serial sectioning of a retinal biopsy showed no retinal neoplastic infiltration, only perivascular inflammatory cells, CSF was normal. MRI showed multicentric brain mass lesions that enhanced with intravenous contrast. Brain biopsy revealed an immunoblastic, angiocentric, B-cell non-Hodgkin ly...
The genomic architecture of disease resistance in lettuce

Genbank and The Compositae Genome Project database, containing over 42,000 lettuce unigenes from Lactuca sativa cv. Salinas and L. serriola accession UC96US23 were mined to identify 702 candidate genes involved in pathogen recognition (RGCs), resistance signal transduction, defense responses, and disease susceptibility. In addition, to identify sequences representing additional sub-families of nucleotide binding site (NBS)-leucine-rich repeat encoding genes; the major classes of resistance genes (R-genes), NBS-encoding sequences were amplified by PCR using degenerate oligonucleotides designed to NBS sub-families specific to the subclass Asteridae, which includes the Compositae family. These products were cloned and sequenced resulting in 18 novel NBS sequences from cv. Salinas and 15 novel NBS sequences from UC96US23. Using a variety of marker technologies, 294 of the 735 candidate disease resistance genes were mapped in our primary mapping population, which consisted of 119 F7 recombinant inbred lines derived from an interspecific cross between cv. Salinas and UC96US23. Using markers shared across multiple genetic maps, 36 resistance phenotypic loci, including two new loci for resistance to downy mildew and two quantitative trait loci for resistance to anthracnose were positioned onto the reference map to provide a global view of the genomic architecture of disease resistance in lettuce and to identify candidate genes for resistance phenotypes. The majority but not all of the resistance phenotypes were genetically associated with RGCs.
Treatment of nasopharyngeal papillomatosis with coblation: a case series

Background: Nasopharyngeal papillomatosis is uncommon. Access and visualization make excision difficult, increasing the risk for recurrence. We present a novel technique for excision of nasopharyngeal papillomatosis. Methods: A case series of 3 patients with recurrent papilloma of the nasopharynx (NP) were treated with endoscopic transnasal coblation. We used an Arthrocare EVac 70 Coblator (setting: coblation-9, coagulation-5). Results: Using transnasal endoscopic coblation, we performed complete excision in 3 patients with recurrent papilloma of the NP (4 total procedures). There were no complications. One patient had a minor recurrence, which was successfully re-excised with the same technique. Conclusion: Nasopharyngeal papillomas can be difficult to excise. Multiple techniques have been described using a transoral approach, with no reported complications. However, surgical access to the entire NP is more challenging with a transoral approach. Also, bleeding and poor visualization secondary to bleeding can be encountered with these techniques. These problems were not encountered with transnasal coblation. The absence of eschar and decreased collateral thermal damage make coblation preferable to cauterization or laser excision. This proposed technique enables more complete visualization and removal of disease, which may reduce recurrence rates. © 2011 ARS-AAOA, LLC.
A Peer-Facilitated Intervention to Reduce Risky Drinking Among Fraternity and Sorority Members

Results from a pilot study of a peer-facilitated brief motivational interview using personalized normative feedback with members of fraternities and sororities are presented. Eight fraternity and sorority houses were randomly selected and then randomized into treatment or control conditions. Quantitative data testing intervention efficacy indicated no differences between treatment and control group 30 days postintervention on measures of alcohol consumption and alcohol-related consequences. Qualitative information from follow-up focus groups of intervention participants identified themes related to intervention dosage, and credibility of the normative data and peer educator. Recommendations are made for future research and intervention strategies with this population.
Circadian rhythm of glycogen in the immature rat uterus: Effects of estrogen administration†

The glycogen concentration in the immature rat uterus was investigated at three-hour intervals over a 24-hour period. Control animals received injections of 0.1 ml of oil while 0.06 μg of 17β-estradiol was administered to experimental rats; the animals were sacrificed 24 hours later. Peak concentrations were observed at 9 a.m. for both control and experimental groups. The low value for controls appeared at 12 p.m. and for experimentals at 3 a.m. The difference between low and high points represented a 102% increase for controls and 59% for estradiol-treated rats. These data show that a circadian rhythm is present in the rat uterus and that the uterus of the immature rat responds differently to estrogen stimulation according to the time of day the hormone is given.
Anomalously small 4f-5d oscillator strengths and 4f-4f electronic Raman scattering cross sections for Ce3+ in crystals of LuPO4.

The oscillator strengths for the 4${f}^{1}$\ensuremath{\rightarrow}5${d}^{1}$ transitions of ${\mathrm{Ce}}^{3+}$ in ${\mathrm{LuPO}}_{4}$ were measured from absorption spectra and compared to calculated values. The measured oscillator strengths were found to be between 2.5 and 20 times smaller than the corresponding theoretical values. In addition, absolute cross sections for electronic Raman scattering between the levels of the 4${f}^{1}$ configuration of ${\mathrm{Ce}}^{3+}$ in ${\mathrm{LuPO}}_{4}$ were measured and found to be significantly smaller than those expected from theory. Both of these discrepancies may be explained by a reduction in the radial integral, 〈4f\ensuremath{\Vert}r\ensuremath{\Vert}5d〉, for ${\mathrm{Ce}}^{3+}$ in the solid state. Absorption data obtained from the literature for the 4${f}^{1}$\ensuremath{\rightarrow}5${d}^{1}$ transitions of ${\mathrm{Ce}}^{3+}$ in a number of host crystals were used to establish a correlation between the cerium-ion--ligand distance and the reduction in the 〈4f\ensuremath{\Vert}r\ensuremath{\Vert}5d〉 integral. Effects on electronic Raman scattering cross sections for rare-earth ions in crystals are discussed.
A MapReduce workflow system for architecting scientific data intensive applications

MapReduce is promising for developing both scalable business and scientific data intensive applications. However, there are few existing scientific workflow systems which can benefit from the MapReduce programming model. We propose a workflow system for integrating structure, and orchestrating MapReduce jobs for scientific data intensive workflows. The system consists of a simple workflow design C++ API, a job scheduler, and a runtime support system for Hadoop or Sector/Sphere frameworks. A climate satellite data intensive processing and analysis application is developed as a use case and an evaluation for the workflow system. The evaluation shows that it is possible to make the steps in the climate data intensive application automatically from data gridding to complex data analysis using the workflow system. The performance of the climate analysis application is significantly improved by the enabled MapReduce workflow system compared with the sequential embarrassing parallel methods. The overhead of the workflow system is negligible. However, the graphic user interface is still under development for the workflow system.
Morphine inhibits indolactam V-induced U937 cell adhesion and gelatinase secretion.

We demonstrate that indolactam V, a non-phorbol protein kinase C activator, promotes U937 cell attachment to fibronectin, type IV collagen and laminin. In the absence of indolactam V, 2-4% of U937 cells attach to all test substrates, however, in the presence of 100 nM indolactam V, 25, 16 and 11% of U937 cells attach to fibronectin, type IV collagen and laminin, respectively. When added concomitantly, 90 microM H-7, a protein kinase C inhibitor, reduces indolactam V-induced U937 cell adhesion to fibronectin by 91%. Monoclonal antibodies directed against both the beta1 and alpha 5 integrin subunits inhibit indolactam V-induced U937 cell adhesion to fibronectin by 62 and 52%, respectively. Indolactam V also promotes homotypic aggregation in U937 cells, which is blocked with either anti-ICAM or anti-LFA-1 antibodies. In addition, indolactam V promotes U937 cell secretion of a 92 kDa gelatinase as demonstrated by zymography. In the presence of low levels of morphine (10 nM-1.0 microM), the U937 cell attachment to matrix proteins was not significantly affected. However, in the presence of 10 microM morphine, the indolactam V treated cells exhibit a 71-74% reduction in cell adhesion to the matrix proteins. Further, 10 microM morphine also blocks indolactam V-induced homotypic aggregation and gelatinase secretion. The inhibitory effect of morphine on cell-matrix adhesion and gelatinase secretion was not inhibited by the opiate receptor antagonist naloxone (1 microM). While 10 microM naloxone did partially counteract the effect of 10 microM morphine on U937 cell attachment, this effect was likely non-specific since 10 microM naloxone alone increased cell adhesion. Supporting this conclusion, PCR analysis revealed that U937 cells do not express the mu high affinity morphine receptor. Also, indolactam V did not induce mu receptor expression, suggesting that morphine acts on U937 cells in a non-specific fashion.
Natural Variability of Thermodynamic Features Affecting Convective Cloud Growth and Dynamic Seeding: A Comparative Summary of Three High Plain Sites from 1975 to 1977

Abstract A statistical summary of the thermodynamic features generally thought to be relevant to convective cloud development and the dynamic seeding hypothesis, as diagnosed by a one-dimensional steady-state model, has been compiled for selected locations on the High Plains. The summary is based primarily on rawinsonde data collected at Miles City, Montana, Goodland, Kansas, and Big Spring, Texas during the summer months from 1975 to 1977, as part of the High Plains Cooperative Program (HIPLEX). Data were stratified according to the occurrence or non-occurrence of convective clouds and, when clouds occurred, according to cloud type as seen in geosynchronous satellite imagery. Geographic comparisons are presented showing significant variations from north to south over the High Plains, the most intense convection occurring in the central and southern plains and the least intense in the north. Large annual variations were noted in mean values of thermodynamic features at each site between the three summers....
Gardner’s syndrome and fibromatosis: Review of the problem and report of a case

Gardner’s syndrome is inherited as an autosomal dominant trait. It is characterized by intestinal polyposis, bony exostoses, and multiple soft-tissue abnormalities. Life-threatening components of the trait are the malignant potential of the colonic polyposis and the malignant behavior of the histologically benign intraabdominal fibromatosis. Colectomy or proctocolectomy is indicated for colonic polyposis; a case illustrating the feasibility of wide resection for intra-abdominal fibromas is presented.
Cardiovascular Imaging of Remote Myocardial Ischemia Detecting a Molecular Trace of Evidence Left Behind

Intravenous microbubbles currently are approved by the Food and Drug Administration solely for the purpose of enhancing left ventricular cavity opacification. However, intravenous microbubbles also have been used in several clinical studies to detect myocardial perfusion. Ultrasound imaging of myocardial contrast to detect perfusion abnormalities has significant advantages over other imaging techniques in that it has higher resolution, does not require ionizing radiation, and can be performed at the patient’s bedside. Clinical studies have demonstrated that myocardial contrast echocardiography is useful for detecting coronary artery disease both in the emergency room setting and during stress echocardiography. In these settings, the intravenous microbubbles function as pure intravascular tracers and are not adherent to the vessel wall or taken up by the myocytes. Article p 345 Ligands can be attached to the surface of microbubbles, which results in their binding to specific epitopes upregulated on the endothelial surface. Such binding was used in the study by Villanueva et al1 in the present issue of Circulation . In a rat model, these investigators were able to successfully attach the selectin-targeting tetrasaccharide sialyl Lewisx to phospholipid-shelled microbubbles and to detect myocardial regions that were previously ischemic with a sensitive ultrasound detection scheme. Detection of contrast enhancement from retained microbubbles within the remotely ischemic perfusion …
Effects of marginal dietary zinc deficiency and vitamin E supplementation on hepatic adenine dinucleotide phosphoribosyl transferase activity in female Sprague-Dawley rats

Abstract Previous reports from our laboratory have shown that rats fed diets low in zinc (Zn), either marginally or severely deficient, have reduced serum vitamin E (E) levels. Epidemiologic studies suggest that small alterations in either E or Zn nutriture may have roles in determining the prevalence of certain cancers. This study, therefore, was undertaken to ascertain whether the interaction between dietary Zn and E may play a role in carcinogenesis via effects upon DNA damage and repair. The activity of the nuclear enzyme adenine dinucleotide phosphoribosyl transferase (ADPRT) is an indirect measure of the extent of DNA damage and repair. ADPRT activity was measured in livers of female Sprague-Dawley rats fed diets either adequate or marginally deficient in Zn, each with and without supplementation of E. Marginal Zn deficiency suppressed basal enzyme activity. This suppression was alleviated when the animals were supplemented with either Zn or E. We propose that certain biochemical perturbations observed during Zn deficiency may possibly be prevented or ameliorated by vitamin E.
The molar volume and expansion coefficient of liquid He4

Abstract The density of liquid He 4 under its own vapor pressure has been measured over the range 0.5–2.8°K with a precision of about 0.006%. A direct pycnometric method was used; the cell was immersed in a liquid He 3 bath. Detailed measurements in the neighborhood of the lambda point temperature showed the density maximum to occur 0.006°K above T λ . Analysis of these data and other available data has yielded analytical equations from which the coefficient of expansion has been determined. Below 2.14°K the Landau formulations of He II was found to represent the data. In the neighborhood of T λ the density changes logarithmically in | T − T λ |. Above 2.2°K all available data are fitted as a function of the He 4 vapor pressure. The behavior near T λ is analyzed in terms of the theory of Buckingham and Fairbank.
Lessons in Blackbody Minstrelsy: Old Plantation and the Manufacture of Black Authenticity

In 1901, a white theatre director reportedly established an exclusive school to teach 150 African Americans from the South how to perform themselves. His curriculum: the original blackface minstrel act. The report of this school illuminates how minstrelsy not only defined "blackness" but also made it a teachable concept by white Americans.
Effect of strategic planning education on attitudes and perceptions of independent community pharmacy owners/managers.

Abstract Objectives To assess the impact of formal education program participation on the attitudes and perceptions of independent community pharmacy owners/managers toward strategic planning. Design Cross-sectional study. Setting United States; June 4–July 30, 2004. Participants Nationwide random sample of 1,250 owners/managers of independent community pharmacies. Intervention Mailed survey Main outcome measures Strategic planning formal education program participation.Comprehensiveness of strategic planning. Attitudes and perceptions of owners/managers of independent community pharmacies toward strategic planning. Results A total of 527 (42.1%) usable questionnaires were returned. Only 124 (23.5%) respondents indicated that they participated in a formal strategic planning education program. However, of the 141 (26.85%) respondents who indicated that they had conducted strategic planning for their community pharmacy, 111 (89.5%) had participated in a formal strategic planning education program. A significant association was detected between formal education program participation and the conducting of strategic planning (P ≤ 0.0001). Significant differences were observed for all attitudes and perceptions of independent community pharmacy owners/managers toward strategic planning based on program participation (P ≤ 0.0001). Finally, respondents who indicated that they had participated in a formal education program had a significantly higher comprehensiveness of strategic planning rating than those respondents whodid not participate in an educational program (P ≤ 0.0001). Conclusion A significant association exists between formal strategic planning education program participation and the conducting of strategic planning by owner/managers of independent community pharmacies, and those participating in such programs have significantly different attitudes and perceptions toward the conducting of strategic planning and have a significantly higher comprehensiveness of strategic planning rating.
Coupled effects on Kenyan horticulture following the 2008/2009 post-election violence and the 2010 volcanic eruption of Eyjafjallajökull

Natural disasters can cause significant economic impacts impeding growth and development of local sectors. In sub-Saharan Africa, the effects may intensify following social–political unrest and unstable governance. Interestingly, though uncommon, both happenings took place consecutively causing huge economic meltdown on the horticulture sub-sector in Kenya. This paper evaluates the impacts of two events: (1) the 2008 post-election violence in Kenya and (2) the 2010 Icelandic volcanic eruption on the Kenyan horticultural exports. Long-term annual and monthly trends in export volume for cut-flower, vegetables and fruits (export cluster) over a 19-year period are examined to establish impacts of both events on horticulture exports. The performance of the three export clusters are examined, highlighting underlying seasonal variations in export volume in the last ~2 decades. Results show positive trends in all three commodities, until 2008/2009, where the trend declines continuously hitting lowest volume in 2010, particularly the month of December which coincides with a rainy, low production season. There are significant differences in export volumes between the groups (F = 63.08, p < 0.001, F critical = 3.316). Cut-flowers lead in export, followed by vegetables and fruits. Characteristic seasonal peaks occur for vegetables and fruits, unlike cut-flowers which show continuous year round production. Interestingly, the annual average fruit exports increased (cut-flowers and vegetables decreased) during and after the two events, a trend not observed previously. The findings of the current study present important lessons that can help initiate a discussion on suitable needed changes within the horticulture sub-sector, to aid sustainable development of the local economies.
Heterogeneous expression of neurofilament proteins in forebrain and cerebellum during development: clinical implications for spinocerebellar ataxia

Abstract Using quantitative immunoblotting, we have measured the level of two mammalian neurofilament proteins, the 68-kDa NF-L and the 66-kDa NF-66 (α-internexin), in the rat CNS during development. NF-66 is localized in neurons and neuronal processes in both embryonic and postnatal brain. Importantly, NF-66 is more abundant than NF-L in both forebrain and cerebellum during development. The prevalence of NF-66 over NF-L is most pronounced in brain gray matter. The expression of both NF-66 and NF-L increases continuously during the first month after birth. In situ hybridization demonstrated that NF-66, but not NF-L, is expressed in the cerebellar granule cells. Our findings suggest that the neurofilaments are heterogeneous in developmental expression, among neuronal subtypes and in composition. Human NF-66 neurofilament has recently been mapped to chromosome 10q24. Careful analysis of the human genome map indicates NF-66 gene lies within the critical region of infantile-onset spinocerebellar ataxia (IOSCA). The characteristic developmental expression and spatial localization of the NF-66 gene suggests it as a candidate gene for the disease.
Condensation of enolates with O-ethyl pyrrolidonium salts: an alternative to the orthoamide condensation

O-Ethyl-N-substituted pyrrolidonium fluoroborate salts were condensed under basic conditions with active methylene compounds to give vinylogous carbamates and cyanamides.
The interactions of the methyl reds and bovine serum albumin

Abstract The mode of m -methyl red binding to bovine serum albumin (BSA) differs from that for o - or p -methyl red. Evidence for this includes differences in the enthalpy and entropy changes associated with these binding processes and the unusual effect which the addition of aminobenzoate has upon the spectrum of the m -methyl red-BSA system. It is suggested that each of the o - and m -methyl red interactions involves two types of sites and that the binding of p -methyl red causes an unfolding of the protein. Since the methyl reds do not, in the dilute systems studied, compete among themselves for binding sites, it is further suggested that under these conditions they are bound at different sites. It appears that no simple relationship exists between binding and steric properties as evidenced by the lack of similarity in the binding preferences among the methyl reds and aminobenzoates and the competitive effects of the aminobenzoates for methyl red binding.
African Ethnobotany in the Americas

Robert Voeks and John Rashford, eds. New York: Springer, 2012. xii and 429 pp., 13 maps, 107 color photos, 14 black-and-white photos, 22 diagrams, 14 color illustrations, 7 black-and-white illustra...
The lethality and spectroscopic properties of toxins from Bungarus multicinctus (Blyth) venom.

Abstract The venom of the Taiwanese banded krait Bungarus multicinctus (Blyth) was fractionated into 13 components by ion exchange chromatography on CM-Sephadex. Eleven fractions were lethal to mice and a correlation between time to death at high doses and the type of neurotoxicity (pre- or postsynaptic) is suggested. A tentative identification of the toxins studied in this work with those described by Lee et al. ( J. Chromatog . 72, 71, 1972) is presented. Fluorescence spectra of all of these proteins, in the native and denatured states, as well as in acid hydrolysates, revealed the presence of tryptophan and tyrosine residues. Differences in several spectral parameters suggest that fluorescence spectra could be used to distinguish each of these toxins, as well as to indicate denaturation of the toxins.
Directed distance regular graphs with the Q -polynomial property

Abstract This paper shows that the parameters of a non-symmetric, metric, cometric association scheme are determined by the eigenvalues and dual eigenvalues of the scheme. All the work is done at the level of the associated dual pair of algebras.
Observed regimes of collective flux creep in proton-irradiated, single-crystal Y-Ba-Cu-O: Dependence on current density

Flux-creep studies have quantified the time decay of supercurrents in a proton-irradiated ${\mathrm{YBa}}_{2}$${\mathrm{Cu}}_{3}$${\mathrm{O}}_{7}$ crystal. We determine the dependence of the characteristic exponent \ensuremath{\mu} (which governs current decay) on current density and magnetic field. The results are compared with collective-creep theory for the case of random pointlike disorder. Observed are predicted regimes of creep with small and large bundles of vortices, indications of single vortex motion, crossovers in current density, and other qualitative consistencies.
Interference Measurements in the Spectrum of Mercury

Fabry-Perot spectrograms of some twenty lines of Hg i in the visible region have been obtained using as a source an electrodeless discharge tube containing pure mercury vapor. The measurements permit accurate evaluation of the higher odd P terms.
Effect of Fatty Acid Type on Dispersed Phase Particle Size Distributions in Emulsion Edible Films

Edible films used as moisture barriers can enhance food quality. Dispersed phase particle size distributions of microfluidized whey protein−fatty acid emulsion films were measured to determine the effect of fatty acid type on microstructure. Emulsions of saturated fatty acids from C14 to C22 and whey protein isolate were prepared by microfluidization and analyzed by polarized light microscopy coupled with digital image analysis. Particle size increased with increasing chain length, and at least two populations of fatty acid particles were observed. Chain length effect on particle size may be used to explain functional property differences in future experiments. Keywords: Milk proteins; edible film; microscopy; emulsion; digital analysis
A new proof of the Wiener-Hopf factorization via Basu's theorem

We illustrate how Basu's theorem can be used to derive the spatial version of the Wiener-Hopf factorization for a specific class of piecewise-deterministic Markov processes. The classical factorization results for both random walks and Levy processes follow immediately from our result. The approach is particularly elegant when used to establish the factorization for spectrally one-sided Levy processes.
In vitro replication and assembly of vesicular stomatitis virus nucleocapsids

Abstract An in vitro system using vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) infected HeLa cell S10 extracts, optimized for transcription and translation, replicated and assembled VSV genome-size RNA into nucleocapsids containing at least N protein. The in vitro synthesized nucleocapsids (RNPs) were RNase resistant and had the same buoyant density in CsCl as virion nucleocapsids. Full-length (+) and (−) RNA were synthesized in about the same ratio as in vivo . In vitro replication was dependent on protein synthesis or at least a pool of VSV RNP proteins. This system will be useful for identification of the host cell factors necessary for replication and the relationship of L and NS proteins in transcription and replication.
Moving through the membrane with filamentous phages

Filamentous phages are small, highly evolved parasites that can reproduce and disseminate without killing their host. During assembly, virion proteins are transferred from the host membrane to the single-stranded DNA phase genome and simultaneously secreted from the cell. Filamentous phage assembly shares certain features with bacterial processes responsible for the assembly of cell-surface structures and for extracellular protein secretion.
Compensation in heavily N-doped ZnSe: a luminescence study

Heavily doped ZnSe:N samples were studied using photoluminescence and excitation spectroscopy. The luminescence was found to depend sensitively on the sample temperature and the excitation. The results are attributed to fluctuations in the band and impurity levels which result, via charged ions, from compensation. The quenching of the luminescence led to a measured activation energy of about 40 meV, presumably caused by the thermalisation of carriers from the deep donor states. The excitation spectrum of the luminescence peak shows excitation well below the band-gap, consistent with the proposed model.
Convenient large-scale synthesis of D-glucaro-1,4:6,3-dilactone.

Calcium d-glucarate was converted into d-glucaro-1,4:6,3-dilactone on 32-g, 1-kg, and 22-kg scale, using azeotropic distillation with methyl isobutyl ketone to drive the dehydration. The crystalline product was ≥99.5% pure by GC and NMR, and overall yield was as high as 72%.
The influence of swirling flow on orifice and turbine flowmeter performance

Tests of four different beta ratio orifice flowmeters in a 100 mm (4 inch) meter tube and two 100 mm turbine flowmeters were run in nitrogen gas at 4 MPa (580 lb in−2 abs) at pipe Reynolds numbers ranging from 0.4 to 1.6 × 106. Different levels of swirl were generated and the change in the discharge coefficients and the meter factors were determined. Differences greater than 5% were found in the discharge coefficients for certain combinations of swirl and beta ratios. The change in turbine meter factors also exceed 5% for certain combinations of swirl and meter design.
Amine chemistries for isocyanate-based coatings

The inherent high reactivity and color instability of primary amines has limited their applicability in polyisocyanate-based coatings. However, recent developments in the use of modified amine functional coreactants in such formulations shows significant progress towards having two-component systems with excellent application and durability properties. The systems reviewed here use amine functional groups which are either blocked by addition of carbonyl compounds, or are of reduced reactivity through steric hindrance and intramolecular hydrogen bonding. The relative benefits and drawbacks of the various systems are detailed along with their applicability to high solids coatings.
Temporal separation between jaguar and puma in the dry forests of southern Bolivia

Despite the potential importance of temporal separation for the coexistence of competing species, no study has found significant segregation at the circadian level between jaguar (Panthera onca) and puma (Puma concolor) in sympatry. Using data from camera trap surveys (wet and dry seasons), we have evaluated the activity patterns of both species and their potential prey at four areas in the dry forest of the Bolivian Chaco. We tested if temporal separation existed between these two species, and if their activity was related to that of a particular prey. At most sites, activity patterns of jaguar and puma did not vary significantly between seasons, except for puma at one site. There were no differences between sexes for any cat species at any site. At three sites we found statistically significant differences in the activity patterns of jaguar and puma, as they showed a clear temporal segregation. None of them followed the activity patterns of any particular prey species across sites. The latter suggests that segregation is influenced by avoidance behaviour between the two felid species. Therefore, temporal separation may be an important behavioural factor promoting the coexistence of jaguar and puma in some areas of this dry forest.
Alzheimer’s Disease: In Vivo Detection of Differential Vulnerability of Brain Regions

The severe cognitive impairment during the later stages of Alzheimer's disease is usually preceded by a selective disturbance in the ability to remember new experiences. With quantitative, high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging techniques, it is now possible to determine, in vivo, differences in the pattern of anatomical changes that might reflect behavioral symptomatology during different stages of the disease. In the present investigation, magnetic resonance imaging examinations were carried out in aged controls and in clinically diagnosed Alzheimer's disease patients who were divided into three groups based upon dementia severity. Atrophy of the hippocampal formation, a region important for memory function, was observed even in Alzheimer's disease patients with the mildest dementia. With more prominent dementia, atrophy extended to the parahippocampal gyrus and the temporal neocortex.
The Ethics of End‐of‐Life Care for Prison Inmates

Author contends that the philosophical arguments involving the value of persons, social contract theory, the definition of justice, the notion of just desserts, and a utilitarian calculus of societal benefits and burdens provide support for an ethical imperative to provide end-of-life care to dying prisoners.
Virus-Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) Biocomposite Films

Virus-poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (virus-PEDOT) biocomposite films are prepared by electropolymerizing 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) in aqueous electrolytes containing 12 mM LiClO(4) and the bacteriophage M13. The concentration of virus in these solutions, [virus](soln), is varied from 3 to 15 nM. A quartz crystal microbalance is used to directly measure the total mass of the biocomposite film during its electrodeposition. In combination with a measurement of the electrodeposition charge, the mass of the virus incorporated into the film is calculated. These data show that the concentration of the M13 within the electropolymerized film, [virus](film), increases linearly with [virus](soln). The incorporation of virus particles into the PEDOT film from solution is efficient, resulting in a concentration ratio of [virus](film):[virus](soln) ≈ 450. Virus incorporation into the PEDOT causes roughening of the film topography that is observed using scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The electrical conductivity of the virus-PEDOT film, measured perpendicular to the plane of the film using conductive tip AFM, decreases linearly with virus loading, from 270 μS/cm for pure PEDOT films to 50 μS/cm for films containing 100 μM virus. The presence on the virus surface of displayed affinity peptides did not significantly influence the efficiency of incorporation into virus-PEDOT biocomposite films.
Determinants of long-term survival of pediatric kidney grafts reported to the United Network for Organ Sharing kidney transplant registry.

Pediatric 1-yr kidney graft survival rates have steadily improved in the US so that, by 1998, over 90% of hospital-discharged young recipients had survived the first year post-transplantation (Tx). However, 25% of the early surviving kidney grafts failed at 5 yr, yielding a projected half-life of 10 yr. Given a median age at transplant of 13 yr (range 0-20 yr), 50% of all current pediatric kidney recipients will need a second graft before the age of 25 years. We examined 8,422 pediatric renal transplants reported to the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) Kidney Transplant Registry and, by using a log-linear multifactorial analysis, determined the relative influence of 26 major transplant factors on long-term graft survival. Results are reported as percentages of assignable variation (totaling 100% for all 26 factors combined) in pediatric outcomes beyond 1 yr and as adjusted graft survival rates. Transplant center, recipient race and age, transplant year, and panel-reactive antibody (PRA) had assignable variation percentages of 25, 24, 16, 12, and 4, respectively. When combined, they accounted for 81% of changes in long-term survival. Besides center effects, Blacks, teenagers, and transplants performed before 1994 exhibited significantly (p 40%) pediatric patients (p = 0.02). Patients transplanted with a living donor kidney demonstrated a 5% point advantage at 5 yr post-Tx over cadaver donor kidneys (p = 0.001). Although the survival rate of pediatric kidney transplants has improved steadily, the long-term outcomes for teenagers and for Black recipients lag significantly behind those of younger patients and non-Blacks.