cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Near-real-time processing of ocean color data for Naval fleet support -recent and future improvements

The Naval Oceanographic Office (NAVOCEANO) has continued to develop new capabilities in the area of near-real-time synoptic ocean observation. In the last year, the Navy has developed the ability to acquire and process near-real-time ocean color data. This has made possible the generation of satellite optical products that can be used for Naval fleet support. In this paper, we will present recent and near-future improvements in the areas of new data types, new products and product algorithms, atmospheric corrections, sensor calibrations, cloud masking techniques, validation issues, and timeliness of the data. We will also present the evolving method that NAVOCEANO is utilizing to acquire and process ocean color data. Present optical products available for Naval fleet support include diver visibility for fleet and diver guidance, attenuation fields for laser systems performance assessment, and turbidity and front/eddy information for physical circulation model performance assessments.
Protein-DNA Interactions of the Mouse αA-Crystallin Control Regions: Differences Between Expressing and Non-expressing Cells

Genomic footprinting, in vitro footprinting and mobility shift assays were used to investigate the molecular basis for expression of mouse alpha A-crystallin, a major structural protein of the transparent lens of vertebrates. The putative control region of the mouse alpha A-crystallin gene was footprinted by DNase I digestion in nuclear extracts, by dimethylsulfate treatment in cultured cells, and by micrococcal nuclease digestion in isolated nuclei. The resulting digestion patterns were compared between alpha TN4-1 lens cells, which express alpha A-crystallin, and L929 fibroblasts, which do not express alpha A-crystallin. Four regions of DNA were found occupied in both cell types. These included positions -111 to -97 (DE-1 region), positions -75 to -55 (alpha A-CRYBP1 region), positions -35 to -12 (TATA box and PE-1 region), and positions +23 to +43 (an AP-1 consensus sequence). The DNase I footprints of the DE-1 and alpha A-CRYBP1 regions, previously implicated as functional control elements, were substantially more pronounced using nuclear extract from the alpha TN4-1 cells than from the L929 fibroblasts, suggesting more stable protein binding with the former than with the latter. Numerous in vivo binding variations were noted between the two cell types in all four of the footprinted regions examined. Finally, two complexes (A and B) were formed specifically with nuclear extracts from the alpha TN4-1 cells and a synthetic deoxyoligonucleotide comprising the alpha A-CRYBP1 region. These data indicate that specific differences in protein-DNA interactions with putative control regions are associated with tissue-preferred expression of the mouse alpha A-crystallin gene.
Sexual dimorphism in the spinal cord is absent in mice lacking the ciliary neurotrophic factor receptor.

Ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) has potent survival-promoting effects on motoneurons in vitro and in vivo . We examined knockout mice with null mutations of the gene for either CNTF itself or the α-subunit of the CNTF receptor (CNTFRα) to assess whether CNTF and/or its receptors are involved in the development of a sexually dimorphic neuromuscular system. Male rodents have many more motoneurons in the spinal nucleus of the bulbocavernosus (SNB) than do females. This sex difference is caused by hormone-regulated death of SNB motoneurons and their target muscles. Sexual dimorphism of SNB motoneuron number developed completely normally in CNTF knockout (CNTF −/−) mice. In contrast, a sex difference in the SNB was absent in CNTFRα −/− animals: male mice lacking a functional CNTF α-receptor had fewer than half as many SNB motoneurons than did wild-type males and no more than did their female counterparts. Size of the bulbocavernosus and levator ani muscles, the main targets of SNB motoneurons, was not affected in either CNTF or CNTFRα knockout males. These observations suggest that signaling through the CNTF receptor is involved in sexually dimorphic development of SNB motoneuron number and that target muscle survival per se is not sufficient to ensure motoneuron survival in this system. In addition, our observations are consistent with the suggestion that CNTF itself is not the only endogenous ligand for the CNTF receptor. A second, as yet unknown, ligand may be important for neural development, including sexually dimorphic motoneuron development.
Demands of immigration among Chinese immigrant nurses

Ma AX, Quinn Griffin MT, Capitulo KL, Fitzpatrick JJ. International Journal of Nursing Practice 2010; 16: 443–453 Demands of immigration among Chinese immigrant nurses The purpose of this study was to identify the demands of immigration among Chinese nurses that have immigrated to the USA. The relationship between the demands of immigration and length of stay in the USA was investigated also. A descriptive correlational study design was used. A convenience sample of 128 nurses was recruited. A self-administered survey was conducted using the demands of immigration scale developed by Aroian, along with a demographic questionnaire. The results showed Chinese immigrant nurses have high demands of immigration. There were significant negative relationships between the demands of immigration and length of stay in the USA. Immigration demands decreased as length of stay increased but remained high even for those who had been in the USA for > 5 years. This information is vital to health-care agencies designing and implementing adaptation programmes targeting these demands to facilitate Chinese nurses' adaptation process.
Investigation of Tack Coat Failure in Orthotropic Steel Bridge Deck Overlay

The failure of tack coat on orthotropic steel bridge decks is of concern because the loss of bonding ability between layers jeopardizes the deck overlay. This study investigated tack coat failure on an orthotropic steel bridge deck overlay. A field survey on overlay distress was first conducted on a regular double-layered epoxy asphalt concrete overlay to identify the major distresses. A follow-up survey was conducted by using infrared spectroscopy to detect the changes in chemical functional groups that may respond to distress. Contact analysis in a finite element platform was used to analyze the influence of the tack coat on the mechanistic characteristics of the deck overlay. Finally, shear clamps were used to evaluate the shear resistance performance of the tack coat. Comparisons of tack coat materials were made to support maintenance strategies for deck overlays.
Number of Levels Needed for Diagnosis of Cervical Biopsies

Abstract Context.—Three levels of histologic sections are routinely prepared for small biopsies in many surgical pathology laboratories. The first level is superficial and may not be representative of the entire biopsy, and may therefore represent wasted resources and time for technologists and pathologists alike. Objective.—To determine if disposing of the first of 3 standard levels materially affects the diagnosis of cervical biopsies. Design.—We retrospectively reviewed levels 2 and 3 of 241 cervical biopsies and compared the review diagnosis with the original diagnosis, using 6 diagnostic categories: I, benign lesions; II, human papillomavirus–associated changes or low-grade dysplasia; III, high-grade dysplasia/carcinoma in situ; IV, invasive carcinoma; V, insufficient tissue for diagnosis; and VI, further workup needed. If there was a discrepancy between the original and review diagnostic categories, then we examined level 1 to determine if this would resolve the disagreement. Setting.—The surgical p...
The longevity effects of trehalulose feeding by parasitoids

Insects, particularly phloem-feeding Sternorrhyncha, are known to produce sugars in their honeydew (excreta) that are not found in their host plants. Of these, Bemisia tabaci, the sweet potato whitefly, is the only insect known to produce trehalulose [α-d-glucose (1,1) d-fructose] as a major component of its honeydew. The present study aims to determine whether trehalulose is comparable to sucrose as a nutrient source for three whitefly parasitoids (Encarsia formosa, Encarsia pergandiella and Eretmocerus eremicus). In addition, the study also examines trehalulose feeding effects on longevity for a parasitoid of muscoid Diptera, Nasonia vitripennis. Parasitoids are provided diets of either sucrose or trehalulose in varying concentrations (from 0.1% to 70%) or a water control. Sucrose and trehalulose are not significantly different in affecting survival when compared at the same concentration. This was true for all Bemisia parasitoids and N. vitripennis. Certain specific diets are significantly different in pairwise combination tests. There is a significant effect of species, diet type and the interaction of these two factors on the longevity of the three different Bemisia parasitoid species; however, within species, there is no significant increase in longevity observed for either carbohydrate diet. This result contrasts with expectations for the effects of host-modified carbohydrates on longevity. The implications are that, although carbohydrate feeding is essential for these parasitoids, these host-provided sources of carbohydrates are equally capable of extending longevity.
Consumer choice of food products and the implications for price competition and government policy

In this paper we develop a random coefficients discrete choice model to investigate what affected consumer demand for prepared frozen meals from 1993 to 1998, when government regulation of nutrition labeling changed from voluntary to mandatory. The model links individual consumer characteristics (e.g., income, knowledge about nutrition, nutrition label use) to underlying product characteristics (e.g., price, nutritional attributes) and allows us to obtain preference parameters for each consumer as well as demand elasticities with regard to product characteristics for each product considered. We find that prices, advertising, price reductions, and consumer preferences for taste have a significant effect on the demand for prepared frozen meals whereas concerns and knowledge about nutrition and health do not. Using the estimated demand parameters we then evaluate price competition in the industry and the impact of the new mandatory labeling policy. The results show that collusive pricing behavior by manufacturers is not supported by our data and that the 30% margins in the industry are due to the exercise of unilateral market power and differentiation strategies. The results also show that consumer preferences and purchasing patterns within prepared frozen meals category did not change significantly after the implementation of mandatory nutrition labeling. [EconLit codes: Q130, L110, L150]. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
AN ELECTRON MICROSCOPIC STUDY OF THE CEMENTUM, SHARPEY'S FIBERS AND PERIODONTAL LIGAMENT IN THE RAT INCISOR.

The rat incisor is a continuously erupting, so-called “rootless,” tooth. It differs from human or similar “rooted” teeth in that its generative cells persist at the base of the tooth. These cells are derived from the invagination of oral epithelium which forms the dental lamina and the developing dental organ. This epithelium becomes a vase-shaped structure surrounding a condensation of connective tissue elements called the dental papilla. The cells on the labial aspect of the epithelial dental organ specialize to form enamel. The cells on the lateral and lingual aspects remain undifferentiated and are called Hertwig's epithelial sheath. The odontoblasts are derived from the dental papilla. The hard tissues of the tooth form continuously at the base, and the tooth erupts into the oral cavity where the incisal edge is worn by abrasive action during gnawing (v. Brunn, 1887; Addison and Appleton, '15; Schour and Massler, '42). Hertwig's sheath extends from the base of the tooth to a short distance beyond the point where dentin formation commences. At this level the epithelial cells separate and the sheath disintegrates. As these cells separate, cementoblasts and collagen fibers appear adjacent to the newly forming dentinal surface. Apatite crystals are deposited in the matrix of collagen fibers and a thin layer of cementum results (Selvig, '63). Since Hertwig's sheath is persistent at the base of the tooth, this initial phase of cementogenesis is continuous. In rooted teeth, on the other hand, initial cementogenesis is completed when the root becomes fully formed, and Hertwig's sheath has been expended. There may be subsequent progressing depositions of cementum to form one or several strata. This initial stratum is called “primary cementum” and the successive layers are called “secondary cementum.” Primary cementum contains fine fibrils arranged radially (fiber cementum). Secondary cementum generally contains cells (osteocementum) but it may be acellular. Regardless of category, cementum contains matrix (intrinsic) fibers, and also, in most cases, Sharpey's (extrinsic) fibers (Lehner and Plenk, '36; Egli, '46; Held, '51; Schmid, '51; Sicher, '62). During the course of eruption of the rat incisor, the periodontal fibers which are attached to the cementum move with the tooth until they somehow undergo dissolution prior to the entry of the tooth into the oral cavity. A similar picture is obtained during the more limited period of eruption of rooted teeth. The mechanisms of formation, reorganization and dissolution of the periodontal fibers are all matters of biologic importance. Moreover, investigations of these phenomena may have some bearing upon understanding those pathologic processes which involve the detachment of the gingiva from teeth and the exfoliation of teeth from their sockets.
Organization Formation as Epistemic Practice: The Early Epistemological Function of the American Medical Association

This research explores how social actors adjudicate knowledge claims within intellectual environments where epistemic standards are contested. Through the case study of 19th century debates over cholera in the United States, I examine the strategies deployed by orthodox and homeopathic physicians in the struggle over medical knowledge during this “epistemic contest.” The 1832 cholera epidemic ushered in a crisis for orthodox medicine, as epistemological standards for adjudicating medical knowledge claims became challenged and ill-defined. Failing to muster an effective cultural response to homeopathy, orthodoxy adopted an organizational strategy, forming the American Medical Association and offering professional membership as a proxy indicator of legitimate knowledge. The AMA created an organizational/intellectual space insulated from homeopathy, which translated into a concerted campaign to exclude homeopaths from government institutions and affected the nature of orthodox knowledge on cholera. This case reveals that epistemic contests are not waged by cultural means only; organizational practices form an integral part of actors’ repertoires in adjudicating epistemological claims in practice.
A real-time video 2D-to-3D with the bilateral grid

The new data structure, the bilateral grid, was presented by Jiawen et al. to make bilateral filter algorithm become simple implementation. Based on the data structure, the GPU CUDA-based optimization is proposed to have more efficiency in using GPU shared memory and massive multithreading. Meanwhile, a commercial application, the video 2d to 3d conversion which was presented by Ludovic et al. is also re-designed by applying the proposed CUDA-based bilateral grid three times to obtain better 3D quality in real-time. Depth map are created and modified by adjusting bilateral grid parameters.
When the Bone Flap Hits the Floor

Objective There is no published data in the neurosurgical literature describing the incidence, treatment, or outcome of contaminating a bone flap. We reviewed our departmental experience to determine methods of prevention and assess our treatment strategies. Methods We retrospectively reviewed all incidents of dropped bone flaps during a craniotomy at a single medical center during a 16-year period. In addition, a questionnaire was mailed to neurosurgeons in the United States and abroad asking their own experience and method of management. Results Fourteen incidents of dropped bone flaps occurred during a 16-year period. Follow-up varied from 2 to 176 months. The bone flap was dropped while elevating the bone (n = 4), when handing the bone off the field (n = 4), and during plating (n = 4). The context was unknown in two cases. Management included soaking the flap in betadine and/or antibiotic solution (n = 8), autoclaving (n = 2), or discarding the bone flap and replacing with a mesh cranioplasty (n = 3). The treatment remains unknown in one case. No instances of infection were noted in follow-up. In response to the survey, 66% (33 out of 50) of the polled neurosurgeons had experienced this complication during their practice, and 83% would replace the bone flap after disinfection. Conclusion Dropping a bone flap during neurosurgery remains an uncommon but preventable complication. Treatment options include discarding the bone followed by cranioplasty versus replacing the bone after treatment with antibiotic irrigation, betadine, and/or autoclaving. Replacement after disinfection is an appropriate option for contaminated bone flaps that avoids the expense and time of cranioplasty.
Quasi-brittle dynamic fracture with damping due to crack edge failure zones

Abstract A model for dynamic crack propagation involving quasi-brittle fracture is studied in which adjacent material points in crack edge failure zones do not break completely apart instantaneously, but first undergo relative motion resisted by relative velocity-dependent stresses. An exact analysis for such a crack extending in an unbounded elastic plane under uniform shear and tension stresses indicates that the stress singularity orders are damped below the brittle fracture square-root value, and vanish at the Rayleigh wave speed. The power generated in the failure zones is also damped below the brittle fracture values, but the effect is not order-of-magnitude. Indeed, for small zone/crack size ratios, the approximate brittle fracture value can be spread out over the zone. In this case, however, the stresses are only weakly singular.
Microbiological Safety of Drug Residues in Food — Workshop Objectives

I would like to reiterate the warm welcome that was extended to you earlier. I hope you will enjoy your time at this workshop. There are several very specific goals for the workshop that I will list later, but I want to verbalize the more general goal first. As I perceive it, the more general goal is to reaffirm the need for, and the value of, scientific interchange among scientists in academia, government and industry. Certainly, scientists in the Office of New Animal Drug Evaluation at the Center for Veterinary Medicine benefit greatly from these interchanges and particularly from our interactions with the bench scientists who ultimately conduct the experiments we conceive. Feedback from scientists like you helps us keep current with the state of knowledge and advances in laboratory practices. Because of this bene?t to us, we thank you for your willingness to come to Rockville and to share your knowledge with us.
Perioperative Evaluation of Bleeding Diathesis

The differential diagnosis of a long APTT with a normal prothrombin time can be due to either a clotting factor deficiency or the presence of an inhibitor, which can be distinguished by using a plasma-mixing study. The various clotting factor deficiency states are reviewed. Clinical bleeding following cardiac bypass surgery due to acquired factor V and thrombin antibodies is also reviewed.
Simple PCR Assays Improve the Sensitivity of HIV-1 Subtype B Drug Resistance Testing and Allow Linking of Resistance Mutations

Background The success of antiretroviral therapy is known to be compromised by drug-resistant HIV-1 at frequencies detectable by conventional bulk sequencing. Currently, there is a need to assess the clinical consequences of low-frequency drug resistant variants occurring below the detection limit of conventional genotyping. Sensitive detection of drug-resistant subpopulations, however, requires simple and practical methods for routine testing. Methodology We developed highly-sensitive and simple real-time PCR assays for nine key drug resistance mutations and show that these tests overcome substantial sequence heterogeneity in HIV-1 clinical specimens. We specifically used early wildtype virus samples from the pre-antiretroviral drug era to measure background reactivity and were able to define highly-specific screening cut-offs that are up to 67-fold more sensitive than conventional genotyping. We also demonstrate that sequencing the mutation-specific PCR products provided a direct and novel strategy to further detect and link associated resistance mutations, allowing easy identification of multi-drug-resistant variants. Resistance mutation associations revealed in mutation-specific amplicon sequences were verified by clonal sequencing. Significance Combined, sensitive real-time PCR testing and mutation-specific amplicon sequencing provides a powerful and simple approach that allows for improved detection and evaluation of HIV-1 drug resistance mutations.
Affinity chromatography—Specific separation of proteins

This review covers the latest publications in the field of affinity chromatography and its merits and limits for the isolation and purification of proteins, with particular emphasis on enzymes. The literature considered in this survey includes mainly, in tabulated form, the papers published from 1969 to spring 1971. Various “affinants” and matrices are discussed and critically appraised with a view to the stabilisation of enzymes on matrices.
Using the C language to approximate non-linear stochastic systems

Abstract Recognizing the growing popularity and demand for scientific or numerical libraries in the C computer language, and the shortage of systematic methods for the increasingly important non-linear stochastic systems, this article attempts to present a method to approximate the solution of systems governed by non-linear stochastic differential equations and the corresponding algorithm and computer code in the C language. It was found that the C language offers promising possibilities for the stochastic systems modeler. It is hoped the use of C for the analysis of these type of problems will be encouraged.
A chemically-defined diet for the American house dust mite, Dermatophagoides farinae

Dermatophagoides farinae Hughes and D. pteronyssinus (Trouessart) were each reared on 2 chemically-defined diets and on a complex organic diet normally used for rearing these species in our laboratory. D. pteronyssinis could not be maintained on either chemically-defined diet, but did well on the organic diet. D. farinae grew on each of the 3 diets, although significantly higher numbers were produced on the organic diet after a 6-mo period as compared to numbers reared on the chemically-defined diets. Significantly higher numbers of D. farinae were reared on the chemically-defined diet with agar after 6 mo as compared to those reared on the chemically-defined diet without agar.
The House, the Street, Global Society: Latin American Families and Childhood in the Twenty-First Century

Globalization has produced a common vision of the experience of childhood, a kind of global "morality." However, this "global notion" fails to coincide with the experience of childhood in Latin America. In Latin America family and kinship have served as critical institutions for social stability. Perhaps the starkest example of the impact of globalization on children in Latin America is the growing number of so-called street children. While the nuclear family is widely seen as ideal, it is not prevalent. Latin American families which are often extended and matrifocal often appear in the media or popular literature as being "deviant" or "in crisis." Neoliberal reforms restrict social programs that support education, welfare, housing, and medical care. Nevertheless, children still utilize kinship and family relations in creative and adaptive ways. Structures of dependence and reciprocity sustain children in the wake of economic crisis, marital strife, and parental death or disappearance. Parents also depend upon children. The majority of "street children" are working in the street to bring resources to their families. Globalization has limited the ability of popular families in Latin America to participate in the formal society and economy; what it has not done is to destroy the family.
The Co−CH3 Bond in Imine/Oxime B12 Models. Influence of the Orientation and Donor Properties of the trans Ligand As Assessed by FT-Raman Spectroscopy

Near-IR FT-Raman spectroscopy was used to probe the properties of three types of methyl imine/oxime B12 model compounds in CHCl3 solution. These types differ in the nature of the 1,3-propanediyl chain and were selected to test the influence of electronic and steric effects on the Co−CH3 stretching (νCo-CH3) frequency, a parameter related to Co−C bond strength. For the first type studied, [LCo((DO)(DOH)pn)CH3]0/+ ((DO)(DOH)pn = N2,N2‘-propane-1,3-diylbis(2,3-butanedione 2-imine 3-oxime)), νCo-CH3 decreased from 505 to 455 cm-1 with stronger electron-donating character of the trans axial ligand, L, in the order Cl-, MeImd, Me3Bzm, 4-Me2Npy, py, 3,5-Me2PhS-, PMe3, and CD3-. This series thus allows the first assessment of the effect of negative axial ligands on νCo-CH3; these ligands (L = Cl-, 3,5-Me2PhS-, CD3-) span the range of trans influence. The CH3 bending (δCH3) bands were observed at 1171, 1159, and 1150/1105 cm-1, respectively. The decrease in C−H stretching frequencies (νCH) of the axial methyl sugg...
Rapid Control of Hypertension with Oral Bethanidine

A dosing schedule for the administration of oral bethanidine is described, which achieved optimal cumulative effect in each of 8 patients in 3 days or less. Individual patient dosage titration is necessary, because the required cumulative dose cannot be predicted on the basis of blood pressure, or creatinine clearance. The time course of the blood pressure response after the peak acute hypotensive effect was found to be variable and dependent upon the magnitude of effect and time of day. No blood pressure effect was noted in the recumbent position.
A STUDY OF CONGRESSIONAL VOTING

During the 1984 political campaigns, the public was deluged by requests from candidates and campaign managers for contributions to aid in their quest for political victory. Many contributions come from private citizens who support the views of the candidate. Contributions also come from special interest groups that support or show interest in only one or a small number of issues directly related to their own well‐being. For the 1976 general elections, Common Cause, a Washington‐based political reform group, reports that interest committees contributed a total of $20,447,560 to Congressional elections alone. The National Education Association spent $676,067 in support of candidates for the Presidency, Senate and House seats. The Political Action Committee of the national AFL‐CIO contributed over $1.6 million to candidates for local, state and national office. These monetary contributions do not include money, time and effort donated for distributing literature, organizing and participating in get‐out‐the‐vote drives and other types of political activity.
Effects of Central Muscarinic-1 Receptor Stimulation on Blood Pressure Regulation

Stimulation of central nervous system muscarinic-1 (M1) receptors in animals increases blood pressure, heart rate, and sympathetic outflow. In Alzheimer's disease, stimulation of central M1 receptors is reduced. When the oral formulation of the selective M1 agonist xanomeline was tested for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, an increased incidence of syncope was observed. Therefore, we used Alzheimer's disease as a model of relative M1 deficiency to determine the effect of M1 receptor stimulation on blood pressure regulation in humans. Eight Alzheimer's patients and 6 healthy age- and sex-matched subjects underwent blood pressure, heart rate, forearm vascular resistance, plasma norepinephrine, and heart rate variability measurements during 90 minutes after ingestion of xanomeline or placebo, then during 45 minutes of head-up tilt. Alzheimer's patients were studied on three occasions: after placebo, the first dose of xanomeline, and 3 days of xanomeline. Normal subjects were studied after placebo and the first dose of xanomeline. A subset of 5 Alzheimer's patients was studied with the peripheral muscarinic antagonist methscopolamine. Oral xanomeline increased supine systolic and diastolic blood pressures in normal subjects and heart rate and plasma norepinephrine in all subjects. During the placebo tilt, 0 of 8 Alzheimer's patients and 2 of 6 healthy subjects developed near-syncope, and during the first-dose xanomeline tilt, 4 of 8 Alzheimer's patients and 3 of 6 healthy subjects had near-syncope. The maximal decrease in systolic blood pressure during tilt was greater with xanomeline than placebo in both groups (P<.03). Methscopolamine did not prevent xanomeline-induced hypotension. Central M1 receptor stimulation with the oral formulation of xanomeline in humans is associated with sympathetic stimulation under supine conditions and impaired baroreflex compensation during tilt. Alzheimer's patients, who presumably lack M1 receptor activity, may have a reduced risk of tilt-induced syncope compared with normal subjects. Both groups, however, have enhanced susceptibility to hypotension and syncope when M1 receptor activity is pharmacologically increased.
Spatial simulation modelling of land use/land cover change scenarios in northeastern Thailand: a cellular automata approach

The cultivation of upland field crops, primarily cassava and sugar cane, in Nang Rong district, northeast Thailand, beginning in the mid- to late 1960s, has helped transform a once forest-dominated landscape to one dominated by agriculture. Today, paddy rice is cultivated throughout the lowlands, field crops and a fragmented forest matrix comprise the uplands, and fruit trees, rubber plantations, and vegetable gardens are among the crops dispersed around nuclear villages. Distributed along a topographic terrace system, upland and lowland crops are cultivated relative to environmental and economic opportunities and geographic access, although crops grown in marginal settings may not be sustainable. Relying upon a remote sensing image time-series, a longitudinal social survey, and GIS coverages, a cellular automata (CA) model is described that is used to characterize land use and land cover (LULC) change patterns through specified initial conditions, neighbourhood associations, and transition or growth rule...
Proteins at Interfaces Probed by Chiral Vibrational Sum Frequency Generation Spectroscopy

Characterizations of protein structures at interfaces are important in solving an array of fundamental and engineering problems, including understanding transmembrane signal transduction and molecular transport processes and development of biomaterials to meet the needs of biomedical and energy research. However, in situ and real-time characterization of protein secondary structures is challenging because it requires physical methods that are selective to both interface and secondary structures. Here, we summarize recent experimental developments in our laboratory of chiral vibrational sum frequency generation spectroscopy (SFG) for analyzing protein structures at interfaces. We showed that chiral SFG provides vibrational optical signatures of the peptide N–H stretch and amide I modes that can distinguish various protein secondary structures. Using these signatures, we further applied chiral SFG to probe orientations and folding kinetics of proteins at interfaces. Our results show that chiral SFG is a bac...
Privacy and security issues in cloud computing: The role of institutions and institutional evolution

Cloud computing is likened and equated to the Industrial Revolution. Its transformational nature is, however, associated with significant security and privacy risks. This paper investigates how the contexts provided by formal and informal institutions affect the perceptions of privacy and security issues in the cloud. This paper highlights the nature, origin, and implications of institutions and institutional changes in the context of cloud computing. A goal of the present work is also to gain insights into the mechanisms and forces that have brought about institutional changes in the cloud industry. Specifically, they investigate how contradictions generated at various levels by the technology, the formation of dense networks and relationships and the changing power dynamics have triggered institutional changes. Since the current analysis of the causes and consequences of institutions and institutional change is mainly concerned with more established industries and markets, this paper is expected to provide insights into institutions surrounding to this new and emerging technological development.
Vortex flux creep and its hysteretic changes with magnetic field in a type-II superconductor

Abstract Measurements were made of the time dependence of the vortex flux density ( B ) of a grain-oriented YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7 sample at 4.2 K in various fixed fields ( H ) on several hysteresis loops, with H and B along the c axis. It was found that whenever the hysteretic changes of H are reversed in sign, the vortex flux creep (d B /dlog t ) decreases very rapidly to zero, where it lingers before changing in sign. At the same turning values of H , the slope of the hysteresis loops (d B /d H ) also goes to zero. Both these properties are attributable to a reversal of vortex motion which occurs at the turning values of H and causes a reversal of frictional pinning forces. The reversed pinning forces inhibit any changes in the vortex population in the sample and, hence, any changes in B .
Hemagglutination study of serum factors related to L.E. cell formation.

Lupus factor as detected by tannic acidtreated sheep erythrocytes coated with a saline extract of nucleoprotein was found in the sera of 10 patients with systemic lupus erythrematosus and positive L.E. cell preparations. Nucleoprotein and the nucleoprotein extract (NP-E) were capable of inhibiting the NP-E hemagglutination as well as L.E. cell formation. Gamma globulin and DNA were not capable of inhibiting the NP-E hemagglutination test. Factor de lupus, detegite per medio de erythrocytos ovin tractate con acido tannic e revestite de un extracto salin de nucleoproteina, esseva trovate in le seros de 10 patientes con systemic lupus erythematose e positive preparatos de cellulas L.E. Nucleoproteina e le extracto de nucleoproteina (E-NP) esseva capace a inhibir le hemagglutination per E-NP e etiam le formation de cellulas L.E. Globulina gamma e acido disoxyribonuclcic non esseva capace a inhibir le test de hemagglutination per E-NP.
Eye tracking and its application in human computer interfaces

Current research on gaze tracking, specifically relating to mouse control, is often limited to infrared cameras. Since these can be costly and unsafe to operate, inexpensive optical cameras are a viable alternative. This paper presents image processing techniques and algorithms to control a computer mouse using an optical camera. Usually, eye tracking techniques utilize cameras mounted on devices located relatively far away from the user, such as a computer monitor. However, in such cases, the techniques used to determine the direction of gaze are inaccurate due to the constraints imposed by the camera resolution in conjunction to limited size of the pupil. In order to achieve higher accuracy in pupil detection, and therefore mouse control, the camera used is head-mounted and placed near one of the user's eyes.
Probing Distance and Electrical Potential within a Protein Pore with Tethered DNA

Abstract DNA molecules tethered inside a protein pore can be used as a tool to probe distance and electrical potential. The approach and its limitations were tested with α -hemolysin, a pore of known structure. A single oligonucleotide was attached to an engineered cysteine to allow the binding of complementary DNA strands inside the wide internal cavity of the extramembranous domain of the pore. The reversible binding of individual oligonucleotides produced transient current blockades in single channel current recordings. To probe the internal structure of the pore, oligonucleotides with 5′ overhangs of deoxyadenosines and deoxythymidines up to nine bases in length were used. The characteristics of the blockades produced by the oligonucleotides indicated that single-stranded overhangs of increasing length first approach and then thread into the transmembrane β -barrel. The distance from the point at which the DNA was attached and the internal entrance to the barrel is 43A, consistent with the lengths of the DNA probes and the signals produced by them. In addition, the tethered DNAs were used to probe the electrical potential within the protein pore. Binding events of oligonucleotides with an overhang of five bases or more, which threaded into the β -barrel, exhibited shorter residence times at higher applied potentials. This finding is consistent with the idea that the main potential drop is across the α -hemolysin transmembrane β -barrel, rather than the entire length of the lumen of the pore. It therefore explains why the kinetics and thermodynamics of formation of short duplexes within the extramembranous cavity of the pore are similar to those measured in solution, and bolsters the idea that a "DNA nanopore" provides a useful means for examining duplex formation at the single molecule level.
Unwinding initiation by the viral RNA helicase NPH-II.

Viral RNA helicases of the NS3/NPH-II group unwind RNA duplexes by processive, directional translocation on one of the duplex strands. The translocation is preceded by a poorly understood unwinding initiation phase. For NPH-II from vaccinia virus, unwinding initiation is rate limiting for the overall unwinding reaction. To develop a mechanistic understanding of the unwinding initiation, we studied kinetic and thermodynamic aspects of this reaction phase for NPH-II in vitro, using biochemical and single molecule fluorescence approaches. Our data show that NPH-II functions as a monomer and that different stages of the ATP hydrolysis cycle dictate distinct binding preferences of NPH-II for duplex versus single-stranded RNA. We further find that the NPH-II–RNA complex does not adopt a single conformation but rather at least two distinct conformations in each of the analyzed stages of ATP hydrolysis. These conformations interconvert with rate constants that depend on the stage of the ATP hydrolysis cycle. Our data establish a basic mechanistic framework for unwinding initiation by NPH-II and suggest that the various stages of the ATP hydrolysis cycle do not induce single, stage-specific conformations in the NPH-II–RNA complex but primarily control transitions between multiple states.
An exact solution for a derivative nonlinear Schrödinger equation

A method of solution for the ’’derivative nonlinear Schrodinger equation’’ i q t =−q x x ±i (q*q 2) x is presented. The appropriate inverse scattering problem is solved, and the one‐soliton solution is obtained, as well as the infinity of conservation laws. Also, we note that this equation can also possess ’’algebraic solitons.’’
Gastrointestinal cancer mortality of workers in occupations with high asbestos exposures

Asbestos, which is a well-known risk factor for lung cancer and malignant mesothelioma, has also been suggested as a gastrointestinal (GI) carcinogen. This study was conducted to assess the relationship between high asbestos exposure occupations and the occurrence of G1 cancer. Death certificate data were analyzed from 4,943,566 decedents with information on occupation and industry from 28 states from 1979 through 1990. Elevated proportionate mortality ratios (PMRs) for mesothelioma were used to identify occupations potentially having many workers exposed to asbestos. All PMRs were age-adjusted and sex- and race-specific. The PMRs for GI cancers in white males were then calculated for these occupations after excluding mesothelioma, lung cancer, and non-malignant respiratory disease from all deaths. We identified 15,524 cases of GI cancer in the 12 occupations with elevated PMRs for mesothelioma. When these occupations were combined, the PMRs for esophageal, gastric, and colorectal cancer were significantly elevated at 108 (95% confidence interval = 107-110), 110 (106-113), and 109 (107-110), respectively. Esophageal cancer was elevated in sheet metal workers and mechanical workers. Gastric cancer was elevated in supervisors in production and managers. Colorectal cancer was elevated in mechanical and electrical and electronic engineers. However, high exposure occupations like insulation, construction painter supervisors, plumbers, furnace operators, and construction electricians showed no elevations of GI cancers. In conclusion, this death certificate study supports an association between asbestos exposure and some GI cancer, however the magnitude of this effect is very small.
When one's main effect is another's error: Material vs. psychosocial explanations of health disparities. A commentary on Macleod et al., “Is subjective social status a more important determinant of health than objective social status? Evidence from a prospective observational study of Scottish men” (61(9), 2005, 1916–1929)

Abstract Two pathways by which socioeconomic factors result in health disparities are the material and the psychosocial. Recently, Macleod and colleagues reported on data showing that a subjective measure of workplace status was not as strongly related to mortality as were objective indicators and that another psychosocial measure, perceived stress, did not mediate the impact of these indicators [Macleod et al., 2005. Is subjective social status a more important determinant of health than objective social status? Evidence from a prospective observational study of Scottish men. Social Science & Medicine , 61 (9), 1916–1929]. They suggest that the failure of these variables is indicative of the relative insignificance of psychosocial influences on health. This commentary argues for a different approach to examining these pathways. Efforts to demonstrate the failure of variables to predict health have the usual difficulties of trying to prove the null hypothesis. In this instance, problems in the conceptualization and measurement of psychosocial variables may account for the null results. Psychosocial and material factors are not mutually exclusive but, rather, are complementary. Unexplained variation in health when material factors are accounted for may be explained in part by psychosocial factors and vice verse. Collaboration between researchers who understand each of these domains will yield the greatest benefit in terms of understanding the processes leading to health disparities and providing multiple approaches for eliminating them.
Amphetamine effects on long term potentiation in dentate granule cells

Long term potentiation (LTP) has received considerable attention as a neurophysiological analog of memory. Amphetamine, as well as several other catecholamine agonists, can enhance behaviorally-assessed memory storage in a variety of training situations. The present experiments tested the effects of amphetamine on LTP produced by high frequency stimulation of the perforant path in rats. The results indicate that amphetamine can enhance the development of LTP under some but not all testing procedures. Studies of the neurobiological bases by which central and peripheral catecholamines modulate memory storage may be augmented by examinations of catecholamine effects on a specific form of long-lasting change in brain function. Similarly, the ability to manipulate LTP may prove to be an important aid in examinations of neurobiological correlates of this phenomenon.
Molecular orientation of aqueous surfactants on a hydrophobic solid

Direct evidence is presented for the molecular configuration as a function of concentration for aqueous anionic, cationic, and nonionic surfactants adsorbed on a polycarbonate membrane. The polycarbonate surface consists of ionizable weak-acid groups with an average pK value of approximately 4. Hydrodynamic thickness, determined from filter viscometry, in conjunction with contact angle and streaming potential measurements, elucidate the adsorption mechanisms. At neutral pH, nonionic and counterion surfactant adsorption occurs in three regions. In the low-concentration region I, the surfactant lie prone to the surface. Near the CMC, region II, the surfactants stand vertical with their hydrophobic moiety exposed to the aqueous solution. Very slightly beyond the CMC, region III commences with tail-tail bilayer adsorption. Co-ion surfactant adsorption does occur, but only in region I. 34 references.
Revascularisation du tronc coeliaque nécessitée par le traitement d'un syndrome du ligament arqué du diaphragme

Le syndrome du ligament arque du diaphragme (SLAD) est une entite rare et souvent mal comprise caracterisee par la compression de la partie proximale du tronc coeliaque par le ligament arque du diaphragme. L'existence du SLAD, egalement appele syndrome de compression du tronc coeliaque ou syndrome de Dunbar, a ete mise en doute dans la mesure ou la compression du tronc coeliaque est souvent demontree par l'aortographie chez des malades asymptomatiques. De plus, une stenose isolee du tronc coeliaque peut etre compensee par la circulation collaterale a partir de l'artere mesenterique superieure. Malgre ces arguments negatifs, il existe de nombreux cas de malades ayant ce syndrome et dont les symptomes ont ete gueris par la section chirurgicale du ligament arque du diaphragme. Nous rapportons le cas d'une malade ayant des symptomes du meme type, non seulement pour apporter des arguments en faveur de l'existence de ce syndrome mais aussi pour souligner la necessite d'une revascularisation lorsque des modifications pathologiques se sont developpees au niveau du tronc coeliaque.
A comparison of the membrane-bound and extracellular cyclic AMP phosphodiesterases of Dictyostelium discoideum

Abstract The Dictyostelium discoideum membrane-bound and extracellular cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases (EC 3.1.4.17) shear several properties including the ability to react with a specific glycoprotein inhibitor and small inhibitory molecules. We have partialy purified the membrane-bound enzyme and compared its properties to those of the extracellular form. The kinetic properties of the two forms were similar except that, while associated with membrane particles, the membrane-bound form exhibited non-linear kinetics when assayed ove a broad substrate range. The isoelectric point of the membrane-bound phosphodiesterase was identical to that of the extracellular enzyme when isoelectrofocusing was done in the presence of 6 M urea. The molecular weights of membrane-bound and extracellular enzyme, determined by gel filtration, were the same following isoelectrofocusing in the presence of 6 M urea. When precipitated with an antiserum prepared against purified extracellular phosphodiesterase, the partially purified membrane-bound enzyme preparation was shown to contain a M r 50 000 polypeptide comigrating with the extracellular enzyme during SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. When the iodinated extracellular enzyme and the iodinated M r 50 000 polypeptide from membrane-bound enzyme were subjected to partial proteolytic digestion, similar profiles were obtained indicating extensive regions of homology.