cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
DNA Methylation on N6-Adenine in C. elegans

In mammalian cells, DNA methylation on the fifth position of cytosine (5mC) plays an important role as an epigenetic mark. However, DNA methylation was considered to be absent in C. elegans because of the lack of detectable 5mC, as well as homologs of the cytosine DNA methyltransferases. Here, using multiple approaches, we demonstrate the presence of adenine N6-methylation (6mA) in C. elegans DNA. We further demonstrate that this modification increases trans-generationally in a paradigm of epigenetic inheritance. Importantly, we identify a DNA demethylase, NMAD-1, and a potential DNA methyltransferase, DAMT-1, which regulate 6mA levels and crosstalk between methylations of histone H3K4 and adenines and control the epigenetic inheritance of phenotypes associated with the loss of the H3K4me2 demethylase spr-5. Together, these data identify a DNA modification in C. elegans and raise the exciting possibility that 6mA may be a carrier of heritable epigenetic information in eukaryotes.
UNGULATES IN SOUTHERN ASIA: A CONSIDERATION OF BIOMASS ESTIMATES FOR SELECTED HABITATS

Abstract The study of ungulate populations in south Asia has lagged behind comparable efforts in Africa. The need for intensive study of Asian wildlife communities is critical. The existing data concerning the numbers and habitat needs of selected mammalian herbivores in south Asia are reviewed. It is concluded that special attention must be given to those species of ungulates which appear to exploit early to mid-succession vegetation stages. These species are especially vulnerable to decline in small parks and reserves where vegetational succession can move rapidly to a climax condition. The ungulate fauna of south Asia is unique and generalisations based on studies in Africa are not necessarily applicable to the subcontinent. The Cervidae emerge as an important radiation in Asia with extensive adaptation to browsing niches.
International Meat and Poultry HACCP Alliance

Abstract The food industry is facing tremendous challenges as it strives to meet consumer demands and continues to produce the most affordable, highest quality and safest food possible. The Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point system, HACCP, is recognized internationally as the best system of controlling food production available today. The adoption of HACCP throughout the meat and poultry industry should bring the greatest control and prevention to food production, thereby offering greater assurances of food safety to consumers. The International Meat and Poultry HACCP Alliance was formed to assist the meat and poultry industry in meeting food safety challenges.
Lack of effects of vagus nerve stimulation on drug-resistant epilepsy in eight pediatric patients with autism spectrum disorders: A prospective 2-year follow-up study

Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) therapy has been reported to reduce seizure frequency in some children with drug-resistant epilepsy who are not suitable candidates for epilepsy surgery. It has been suggested that there may be positive cognitive and/or behavioral effects independent of seizure control. We describe the effects of VNS with respect to seizure frequency, cognition, and autistic symptoms and behavior in eight children and adolescents with medically intractable epilepsy and autism. In comparison to baseline, seizure frequency had not decreased in anyone in our series at the 2-year follow-up. In three cases, minor improvements in general functioning were noted, but there were no positive cognitive effects. This open prospective pilot study highlights the need for more prospective studies to prevent false expectations of improvement in this severely disabled group.
Laws, Works, and the End of Days: Rhetorics of Identification, Distinction, and Persuasion in Miqşat Ma'aśeh ha-Torah (Dead Sea Scroll 4QMMT)

4QMMT is one of only a few epistles among the Dead Sea Scrolls. It represents the Qumran community's effort to correct impure priestly practice in the Jerusalem Temple, so that when God descends in final judgment at the end of days, his Temple will not be defiled and Israelites will rejoice in their atonement rather than suffer for their wickedness. The authors of 4QMMT create identification by citing scriptural laws that would be commonly agreed upon. Yet they also create distinction by criticizing the Temple priests' incorrect interpretations of more ambiguous laws.
Nonlinear Periodic Response of Engine Accessory Drives With Dry Friction Tensioners

Belt drives have long been utilized in engine applications to power accessories such as alternators, pumps, compressors and fans. Drives employing a single, flat, serpentine belt tensioned by an automatic tensioner are now common in automotive engine applications. The automatic tensioner helps maintain constant belt tension and to dissipate unwanted belt drive vibration through dry friction. The objective of this study is to predict the periodic rotational response of the entire drive to harmonic excitation from the crankshaft. To this end, a multi-degree of freedom incremental harmonic balance method (IHB) is utilized to compute periodic solutions to the nonlinear equations of motion over a wide range of engine speeds. Computed results illustrate primary and secondary resonances of the accessory drive and tensioner stick-slip motions.
Aortic Hypoplasia in Homozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia

Diagnosis of hypoplastic aortic root with ultrafast computed tomography provides important clinical information in homozygous familial hypercholesterolemic patients with supravalvular aortic stenosis.
Hydration kinetics and phase stability of dicalcium silicate synthesized by the Pechini process

Reactive dicalcium silicate (Ca2SiO4) has been synthesized by the Pechini process, and hydration kinetics studied. With increasing calcination temperature, the amorphous product first crystallizes to α'L-phase and subsequently to the s- and γ-phases. The specific surface area, ranging from 40 to 1 m2/g, strongly depends on the calcination temperature of 700°-1200°C for 1 h. Samples with a high surface area have a high water demand; a water/cement ratio >2.0 is required to produce formable pastes in some instances. Hydration kinetics are determined by XRD, 29Si magic-angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (MAS NMR), and differential scanning calorimetry/thermogravimetry (DSG/TG). The hydration rate depends only on the surface area, not on the polymorph. Complete hydration occurs in as early as 7 d. Very little calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) is formed in the most reactive specimens (calcined at 700° and 800°C), which indicates the Ca/Si ratio in C-S-H gels is ∼2.0, but more Ca(OH)2 forms from samples calcined at higher temperature. The silicate structure of the hydrated Ca2SiO4 pastes is investigated using 29Si MAS NMR spectroscopy and trimethylsilylation analysis.
Diabetes, Body Size, and Risk of Endometrial Cancer

Data from a population-based case-control study of Wisconsin women were used to evaluate the relation of diabetes to the risk of endometrial cancer on the basis of body mass index (BMI). Cases (n=723) were identified from a statewide tumor registry; controls (n=2,291) were selected randomly from population lists. Diabetes status, weight, height, and other factors were ascertained by telephone interview. Subjects were categorized as not overweight (BMI, 31.9) according to the BMI distribution of middle-aged white women in the Second National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Joint associations between diabetes status, BMI, and endometrial cancer were evaluated using unconditional logistic regression models that controlled for age, parity, use of hormone replacement therapy, education, and smoking. Compared with persons without diabetes, those with diabetes had an adjusted odds ratio of 1.86 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.37-2.52) for endometrial cancer. This association was modified by BMI (p interaction=0.04). Compared with nonoverweight nondiabetic subjects, nonoverweight and overweight women who reported diabetes had nonsignificant elevated risks of endometrial cancer (nonoverweight, odds ratio (OR)=1.10, CI 0.66-1.86; overweight, OR=1.58, CI 0.81-3.05). In contrast, elevated risk estimates were observed for obese diabetic women (OR=2.95, CI 1.60-5.46). These data contradict earlier reports and suggest that diabetes confers no additional risk of endometrial cancer in women who are neither overweight nor obese.
Piezoelectrically tuned short-cavity dye-laser design.

A complete design of a short cavity dye laser with a single mode narrow-bandwidth output, and with continuous piezoelectric tuning of this mode is reported. (AIP)
Modeling scheme for vehicle longitudinal control

A modeling scheme for vehicle longitudinal control based on system input/output data is developed. A family of linear fractional transformation (LFT) models is used to describe vehicle dynamics. Each of the LFT models is valid over a given dynamic range around its operating point. With these LFT models available, robust controllers can be designed using available tools. Strategies and algorithms for building LFT models of vehicle longitudinal control are introduced. Attention is given to excitation signals for the system input, H/sub infinity / identification methods, and coverage of the system uncertainties. Experiments with a test vehicle have been conducted using these techniques, and a family of LFT models for vehicle longitudinal control has been constructed based on the experimental data. The modeling method is illustrated by using simulation data. >
Agrobacterium-Mediated Plant Transformation: the Biology behind the “Gene-Jockeying” Tool

Agrobacterium tumefaciens and related Agrobacterium species have been known as plant pathogens since the beginning of the 20th century. However, only in the past two decades has the ability of Agrobacterium to transfer DNA to plant cells been harnessed for the purposes of plant genetic engineering. Since the initial reports in the early 1980s using Agrobacterium to generate transgenic plants, scientists have attempted to improve this “natural genetic engineer” for biotechnology purposes. Some of these modifications have resulted in extending the host range of the bacterium to economically important crop species. However, in most instances, major improvements involved alterations in plant tissue culture transformation and regeneration conditions rather than manipulation of bacterial or host genes. Agrobacterium-mediated plant transformation is a highly complex and evolved process involving genetic determinants of both the bacterium and the host plant cell. In this article, I review some of the basic biology concerned with Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation. Knowledge of fundamental biological principles embracing both the host and the pathogen have been and will continue to be key to extending the utility of Agrobacterium for genetic engineering purposes.
Crevasse splays from the rapidly aggrading, sand-bed, braided Niobrara River, Nebraska: effect of base-level rise

Base-level rise of ≈2·35 m on the Niobrara River has resulted in aggradation of the channel belt and a recent avulsion. Overbank areas have become flooded by rising groundwaters, and more than eight crevasse splays have formed between 1993 and 1997. Two crevasse splays, situated on the west and east sides of the Niobrara, have been studied using ground-penetrating radar (GPR), shallow boreholes and topographic surveys. The vibracores and GPR profiles provide a nearly three-dimensional view of the architecture of crevasse splay deposits. The east splay was initiated in the winter of 1993/94 and has expanded to cover an area ≈200 m by 1000 m, with sediment up to 2·5 m thick. The west splay, which was initiated by the opening of a crevasse channel through a levee in the autumn of 1995, covers an area ≈150 m by 250 m, with up to 1·2 m of sand deposited in a single year. The Niobrara splays are sand dominated and characterized by bedload deposition within channels, 5–30 m wide and 0·5–2 m deep, with the development of slipfaces where splays prograde into standing bodies of water. Sedimentary structures in cores include horizontal lamination, ripple lamination and sets of cross-stratification. There is a slight tendency for splays to coarsen up, but individual beds within the splays often fine up. The abundance of crevasse splays on the Niobrara River contrasts with other braided river floodplains. In the Niobrara, crevasse splay formation followed aggradation within the channel belt, which occurred in response to base-level rise. The link between crevasse splays, channel aggradation and base-level rise has important implications for the interpretation of ancient braided river and floodplain sequences. It is suggested that crevasse splay deposits should be an important component of aggrading fluvial sediments and, hence, should be preserved within the rock record. In this case, the aggradation and crevassing have been tied to a rise in base-level elevation, and it is suggested that similar deposits should be preserved where braided rivers are affected by base-level rise, for instance during transgression and filling of palaeovalleys.
The Role of Death Qualification in Jurors' Susceptibility to Pretrial Publicity1

Two hundred residents of Florida’s 12 th Judicial Circuit completed questions measuring participants’ level of death-penalty support, death-qualification status, knowledge of the facts surrounding an actual capital case, and attitudes toward the defendant in the aforementioned capital case. Results indicated that death-qualified participants were better able to correctly identify the defendant, recognize most of the factual details of the case, think that the defendant was guilty, and recommend the death penalty. In addition, death-qualified jurors were more likely to feel that the pretrial publicity surrounding the case would have minimal impact on the defendant’s right to due process. Legal applications and implications are discussed. In capital trials, it is the jury’s responsibility to recommend a sentence of either life or death (Ring v. Arizona, 2002). This obligation is extremely unusual, considering the fact that jury sentencing in non-capital trials is almost nonexistent (Hans, 1986). The most salient difference between capital and non-capital voir dire (i.e., jury selection) is that jurors in capital trials must undergo an extraordinarily controversial process called death qualification. Death qualification is a part of voir dire during which prospective jurors are questioned regarding their beliefs about capital punishment. This process serves to eliminate jurors whose attitudes toward the death penalty would prevent them from being fair and impartial in deciding the fate of a defendant. In order to sit on a capital jury, a person must not feel so strongly about the death penalty that his or her belief would ‘‘prevent or substantially impair the performance of [his or her] duties as a juror’’ (Wainwright v. Witt, 1985, p. 852). Jurors who ‘‘pass’’ the Witt standard are deemed
Recidivism in “controlled drinker” alcoholics: A longitudinal study

This study tested the conflicting positions which maintain that moderate drinking invariably and rapidly leads alcoholics to uncontrolled inebriacy and that alcoholics are capable of sustaining controlled drinking over long periods without special training. We obtained 3-, 6-, 9-, and 12-month control-over-drinking follow-up ratings on 42 treated alcoholics who had been identified as completely controlled drinkers. Between a fourth and a half were rated as abstinent or controlled drinkers at each follow-up, while 21% to 37% were categorized either as uncontrolled or institutionalized. No subject was completely controlled for more than two consecutive trimesters. However, only 19% reportedly regressed to completely uncontrolled consumption within 3 months of their first evaluations, which casts doubt on the contention that even limited drinking ordinarily is followed by rapid regression. At their final follow-ups, 47% were rated as abstinent or controlled drinkers and only 36% as uncontrolled or institutionalized. The findings did not support well either the abstinence or the controlled drinking position.
A crustacean nitric oxide synthase expressed in nerve ganglia, Y-organ,gill and gonad of the tropical land crab, Gecarcinus lateralis

NO signaling is involved in many physiological processes in invertebrates. In crustaceans, it plays a role in the regulation of the nervous system and muscle contraction. Nested reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and 5′ and 3′ rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) PCR generated a full-length cDNA sequence (3982 bp) of land crab NO synthase (Gl-NOS) from molting gland (Y-organ) and thoracic ganglion mRNA. The open reading frame encoded a protein of 1199 amino acids with an estimated mass of 135 624 Da. Gl-NOS had the highest sequence identity with insect NOS. The amino acid sequences for binding heme and tetrahydrobiopterin in the oxygenase domain, binding calmodulin and binding FMN, FAD and NADPH in the reductase domain were highly conserved. Gl-NOS had single amino acid differences in all three highly conserved FAD-binding sequences, which distinguished it from other NOS sequences. RT-PCR showed that the Gl-NOS mRNA was present in testis, ovary, gill, eyestalk neural ganglia, thoracic ganglion and Y-organ. NOS mRNA varied between preparations of Y-organ, thoracic ganglion and gill, while NOS mRNA was at consistently high levels in the ovary, testis and eyestalk ganglia. Immunohistochemistry confirmed that the Gl-NOS protein was expressed in Y-organ, ovary and gill. These results suggest that NOS has functions in addition to neuromodulation in adults, such as regulating or modulating ecdysteroid synthesis in the Y-organ.
SUCCESSFUL INDUSTRIAL INNOVATIONS: A MULTIVARIATE ANALYSIS*

The complexity of the process through which new technology is developed requires the use of multivariate models and research hypotheses. However, few studies of innovation have attempted these tools; because of the expense of obtaining large enough samples and the qualitative or nominal nature of most data on technical change. Descriptive data are available for one large sample (n = 567) of new products and processes. Five industries are represented. These data include characteristics of the innovations such as cost and change required in the production process, and characteristics of the basic information used in their development, such as its source and initiation. While there are severe limitations and problems of reliability and validity for the data, some encouraging results have been obtained using a multivariate binary classification technique to test several hypotheses. Industry differences have been predicted on the basis of various characteristics of their successful innovations (R2= 0.27) and on the basis of communication characteristics (R2= 0.17). Some more rigorous approaches are suggested for future work.
Direct growth of graphene films on TEM nickel grids using benzene as precursor

Abstract We report a direct synthesis of single-layer, bi-layer, and multi-layer graphene films on a nickel grid surface by chemical vapor decomposition of liquid precursor benzene. The direct route, by avoiding several wet chemical steps and accompanying mechanical stresses and contamination common to all presently reported graphene transfer to microscopy grid method, enables providing pristine microstructure information for as-prepared graphene films. A liquid precursor based growth route opens a new door to tailor the electronic properties of graphene by doping heteroatoms using various organic liquids containing the dopant atoms.
Fluoxetine suppresses palatability-induced ingestion.

Non-deprived rats were allowed 1-h access to a range of saccarin solutions from 0.001 to 0.1 M Na saccharin. Compared to a group of rats drinking tap water, the rats drinking the saccharin solutions ingested a great deal more fluid, with as much as 24–30 ml consumed of the 0.01 M concentration, compared to 3–5 ml in controls. Fluoxetine (IP) decreased this palatability-induced excessive consumption in a dose-related manner. Effects of 10 mg/kg fluoxetine were apparent for 48 h after injection. This effect on palatability-induced ingestion may relate to previously reported effects of fluoxetine on food consumption.
Addressing Dual Agency: Getting Specific About the Expectations of Professionalism

Professionalism requires that physicians uphold the best interests of patients while simultaneously insuring just use of health care resources. Current articulations of these obligations like the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Foundation's Physician Charter do not reconcile how these obligations fit together when they conflict. This is the problem of dual agency. The most common ways of dealing with dual agency: "bunkering"--physicians act as though societal cost issues are not their problem; "bailing"--physicians assume that they are merely agents of society and deliver care typically based on a strongly consequentialist public health ethic; or "balancing"--a vaguely specified attempt to uphold both patient welfare and societal need for judicious resource use simultaneously--all fail. Here I propose how the problem of dual agency might begin to be addressed with rigor and consistency. Without dealing with the dual agency problem and getting more specific about how to reconcile its norms when they conflict, the expectations of professionalism risk being written off as cute, nonbinding aphorisms from the medical profession.
Fabrication and characterisation of nitrogen-doped diamond microtools

Chemical vapour deposited diamond films have many industrial applications but are assuming increasing importance in the area of microfabrication, most notably in the development of diamond-coated microtools. For these applications the control of structure and morphology is of critical importance. The crystallite size, orientation, surface roughness and the degree of sp³ character have a profound effect on the machining properties of the films deposited. In this paper experimental results are presented on the effects of nitrogen doping on the surface morphology, crystallite size and wear of microtools. The sp³ character optimises at 200 ppm of nitrogen and above this value the surface becomes much smoother and crystal sizes decrease considerably. Fracture induced wear of the diamond grain is the most important mechanism of material removal from a microgrinding tool during the grinding process. Fracture occurs as a consequence of tensile stresses induced into diamond grains by grinding forces to which they are subjected. The relationship between the wear of diamond-coated grinding tools, component grinding forces and induced stresses in the model diamond grains is described in detail. A significant correlation is found between the maximum value of tensile stress induced in the diamond grain and the appropriate wheel-wear parameter (grinding ratio) machining a selection of engineering steels and cast iron materials. It is concluded that the magnitude of tensile stresses induced in the diamond grain by grinding forces at the rake face is the best indicator of tool wear during the grinding process.
Escaping local minima through hierarchical model selection: Automatic object discovery, segmentation, and tracking in video

Recently, the generative modeling approach to video segmentation has been gaining popularity in the computer vision community. For example, the flexible sprites framework has been studied in, among other references, [11,13,14,24]. In general, detailed generative models are vulnerable to intractability of inference and local minima problems when approximations are made (see, e.g., [25]). Recent approaches to dealing with these problems focused on inference techniques for increasingly more expressive models. Simpler models, on the other hand, while less precise, are often not just faster, but less prone to local minima. In addition, while many different models may be based on similar hidden variables, some models may be more amenable to inference of some of the shared variables, while other models lead to efficient and accurate inference of other components of the hierarchical data description. In this paper, we empirically illustrate that forcing multiple models to share the posterior distribution leads to inference less prone to local minima. We define a set of key hidden variables that describe aspects of the data that we care about. The relationships among these key variables are defined through multiple conditional distribution models on the same pairs of variables, controlled by switch variables. The posterior distribution over the key hidden variables is shared, and inference of the switch variables serves as a mechanism for combinatorial model selection. The key observation here is that while the most expressive model often ends up a winner by the end of the iterative learning of model parameters, early iterations are dominated by simpler model components, and upon convergence, the free energy is lower than the ones reached by switching on all the most complex components from the beginning of the learning. We illustrate the performance of this approach on the unsupervised video segmentation task.
Metabolic syndrome and health-related quality of life in obese individuals seeking weight reduction.

Background: No previous research has examined the association between metabolic syndrome (MetSyn) and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) using standard criteria for defining MetSyn. We hypothesized that MetSyn would be associated with lower HRQoL on measures of physical and mental health. Methods and Procedures: Participants were 361 individuals in two randomized weight loss trials. MetSyn was defined by the National Cholesterol Education Panel criteria. The Medical Outcomes Study, Short Form-36 (SF-36) was used to assess HRQoL. Differences in HRQoL and in clinical and psychosocial characteristics were compared among participants with and without MetSyn. Multiple regression was used to determine predictors of HRQoL. Results: MetSyn was associated with lower scores on the physical function and general health subscales of the SF-36 and on the physical component summary (PCS) score. This association remained after controlling for age or depression but was eliminated by controlling for BMI. MetSyn was not associated with lower mental quality of life, a higher depression score, tobacco or alcohol use, or a higher rate of psychosocial stressors. Discussion: Individuals with MetSyn reported lower HRQoL. This appeared to be an effect of increased weight, rather than a unique effect of MetSyn. Larger studies are needed to assess whether MetSyn may have an independent effect on HRQoL.
Application of decentralized time-delay controller to robot manipulators

The authors first review the concept of time-delay control, then present a decentralized version. The application of such a decentralized controller to robot manipulators is then discussed. Successful experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the time-delay concept. The controller functions despite any system parameter uncertainty, and it is not necessary that the parameters be estimated. The practical use is verified. >
The Imprisonment Penalty for Young Black and Hispanic Males: A Crime-Specific Analysis

In the United States, there are well-known racial, ethnic, age, and sex differences in incarceration rates. Younger offenders are more likely to be sentenced to prison than are older offenders. Black and Hispanic rates of incarceration are six to eight times that of White offenders and males are 14 times as likely as women to be sentenced to prison. This research explores how the combined effects of race, ethnicity, age, and sex, net of legally relevant factors, influence the decision to incarcerate. We examine these effects across nine offense categories. The analysis is based on Florida felony conviction data for the years 2000 to 2006. We find that legally relevant factors significantly influence the incarceration decision. Young Black males are most disadvantaged at the incarceration decision.
Impact of Oxygen Vacancy Ordering on the Formation of a Conductive Filament in $\hbox{TiO}_{2}$ for Resistive Switching Memory

The electronic properties of rutile TiO2 with an ordered arrangement of oxygen vacancies show a transition from a resistive to conductive oxide as a function of vacancy ordering. Vacancy ordering along two different directions [110] and [001], studied by the density functional theory, predicts that the geometries in which the vacancy-to-vacancy interaction is the strongest, within the nearest neighbor coordination, are thermodynamically favorable and of technological importance. The oxygen vacancies induce several occupied defect states of Ti 3d character, and according to our model, the vacancies are the mediators of electron conduction, while the conductive filament is formed by Ti ions. We propose that the formation of these types of conductive filament is intrinsically connected to the observed defect-assisted tunneling processes and oxide breakdown issues.
Estimating Velocity Fields on a Freeway From Low-Resolution Videos

An algorithm to estimate velocity fields from low-resolution video recordings is presented. The algorithm does not attempt to identify and track individual vehicles, nor does it attempt to estimate derivatives of the field of pixel intensities. Rather, a frame is compressed by obtaining an intensity profile in each lane along the direction of traffic flow. The speed estimate is then computed by searching for a best matching profile in a frame at earlier and later times. It is shown that the estimate is equivalent to a weighted median of velocities of vehicles. Because the algorithm does not need high-quality images, it is directly applicable to a compressed format digital video stream, such as .mpeg, from conventional traffic video cameras. The procedure is illustrated using a 15-min-long Video Home System recording to obtain speed estimates on a 1-mi stretch of highway I-80 in Berkeley, CA
From shade- to sun-grown perennial crops in Sulawesi, Indonesia: implications for biodiversity conservation and soil fertility

Traditional, complex forest farming systems are increasingly converted to sun-grown mono- cultures throughout the tropics. Biophysical, soil and biodiversity effects associated with sun- vs. shade-grown coffee and cacao were investigated in a case study in Sulawesi, Indonesia. Canopy height, tree, epiphyte, liana and bird species diversity, vegetation structural complexity, percent ground cover by leaf litter, and soil calcium, nitrate nitrogen and organic matter levels in the O horizons were all significantly greater in shaded than in sun-grown farms. In contrast, photosynthetic active radiation (PAR), air and soil temperatures, weed diversity and percent ground cover by weeds were significantly greater in sun compared to shade farms. At the landscape level, conversion of shade-grown crops to sun conditions isolates protected areas and remnant primary forest fragments. Local cultivators are cognizant of the agronomic and socioeconomic risks associated with sun-grown perennial monocultures and some are increasing the density and diversity of fruit tree cultivation in an effort to provide shade and organic matter, and increase and diversify crop yields. The maintenance of traditional, complex forest farming systems, particularly shade-grown perennial crops, warrants greater attention in agricultural development and biodiversity conservation efforts.
Psychogenic Dissociation in Childhood: The Role of the Counseling Psychologist

A review of the literature on psychogenic dissociative disorders in children is presented with the intent to highlight the unique characteristics and needs of this population. Three central issues are discussed: (a) the role of the counseling psychologist in the research, assessment (including screening instruments), and treatment of dissociatively disordered children; (b) etiology, clinical presentation, assessment, and treatment; and (c) suggestions for future study and research. It is concluded that counseling psychologists have much to offer in the emerging field of research and treatment of dissociative disorders in children.
Open surgical revision provides a more durable repair than endovascular treatment for unfavorable vein graft lesions.

Objective Lower extremity bypass grafts that develop stenoses are commonly treated with either open surgical or endovascular revision. Vein graft stenoses with unfavorable lesions (multiple lesions, lesions >2 cm in length, lesions in grafts Methods We performed a retrospective review of 175 vein graft revisions performed at a single institution from 2000 to 2010. Characteristics of lesions treated with surgical and endovascular revision were identified. Cox proportional hazard models were used to identify predictors of revision failure (restenosis >75%, revision, or amputation). Results Ninety-one failing vein grafts (52%) were treated with surgical revision and 84 with endovascular treatment (48%), with a median follow-up of 30 months. Favorable lesions fared better than unfavorable lesions after endovascular treatment, with 12-month freedom from failure of 59% vs 34% ( P P = .90). Unfavorable lesions had better freedom from failure after surgery than endovascular treatment (62% vs 34%; P P = .57). Conclusions For the treatment of failing vein grafts, endovascular therapy appears adequate for favorable lesions and surgical revision is more durable for unfavorable lesions.
Quantitative Histochemical Measurements within Sublobular Zones of the Liver Lobule

It is well established that parenchymal cells in different zones of the hepatic lobule differ in function, biochemical properties, and susceptibility to hepato-toxins.1–3 The experimental approaches that have been used most extensively over the years to describe the biochemical heterogeneity of the liver lobule are classic microscopic histochemistry and quantitative histochemistry. The object of this chapter is to describe the latter approach and illustrate its application to analyses of selected substrates and enzyme activites in microdissected samples from specific zones of the liver lobule. Methods of high specificity and sensitivity are required for such analyses because the number of cells that can be obtained conveniently from specific zones of the liver lobule range in number from about 100 to 500 depending on the age and species of animal studied. The average mass of a rat liver cell is estimated to be on the order of 1 × 10-9 g. Thus, an intermediate such as ATP, which is estimated to be about 5 mmoles/kg wet weight liver, would be about 5 × 10-15 mole/cell or about 0.5–2.5 × 10-12 mole/microdissected sample. Although this amount of substrate is below the range detected by conventional biochemical analytical techniques, this level of substrate can be measured conveniently via pyridine-nucleotide-dependent enzymatic cycling assays4,5 and some bioluminescence assays.6,7 Each of these types of analyses can be applied to specimens obtained by quantitative histo-chemical sampling procedures.
Decreased Survival with Increasing Prevalence of Full-Body, Radiographically Defined Osteoarthritis in Women

The relation between full-body, radiographically defined osteoarthritis and survival was examined in a cohort of 296 women aged 42-76 years (mean age, 57.1 years). These women were a random sample of women with very low body burdens of radium who were part of a larger cohort of women first employed in the US radium dial-painting industry between 1915 and 1945. At entry into the study between 1957 and 1982, these women had a clinical examination, and full-body radiographs were taken. Fifty-five joints (18 joint groups) of the hands, feet, cervical spine, lumbar spine, pelvis, and knees in each woman were graded for osteoarthritis by the method of J. H. Kellgren and J. S. Lawrence (Ann Rheum Dis 1957; 16:494-502). Through 1985, 18.6% (n = 55) of the women died. Cox regression showed a decreased survival for women with an increasing number of joint groups affected with osteoarthritis after adjusting for age at examination (hazard ratio = 1.45 for each increase in 3.1 joint groups (1 standard deviation) affected with osteoarthritis, 95% confidence interval 1.12-1.87). Further adjustment for a history of diabetes, smoking, alcohol use, and body mass index only slightly altered the risk. Similar results were obtained for the number of joints with osteoarthritis and the number of structures (e.g., left hand and right hand) with osteoarthritis. These results suggest that an increasing prevalence of full-body radiographic osteoarthritis is associated with decreased survival independent of age and several comorbid conditions related to osteoarthritis.
Adult Cigarette Smokers at Highest Risk for Concurrent Alternative Tobacco Product Use Among a Racially/Ethnically and Socioeconomically Diverse Sample.

INTRODUCTION Rates of alternative tobacco product use (ATPs; eg, cigars, cigarillos, pipes) among cigarette smokers are on the rise but little is known about the subgroups at highest risk. This study explored interactions between demographic, tobacco, and psychosocial factors to identify cigarette smokers at highest risk for ATP use from a racially/ethnically and socioeconomically diverse sample of adult smokers across the full smoking spectrum (nondaily, daily light, daily heavy). METHODS Two-thousand three-hundred seventy-six adult cigarette smokers participated in an online cross-sectional survey. Quotas ensured equal recruitment of African American (AA), white (W), Hispanic/Latino (H) as well as daily and nondaily smokers. Classification and Regression Tree modeling was used to identify subgroups of cigarette smokers at highest risk for ATP use. RESULTS 51.3% were Cig+ATP smokers. Alcohol for men and age, race/ethnicity, and discrimination for women increased the probability of ATP use. Strikingly, 73.5% of men screening positive for moderate to heavy drinking and 62.2% of younger (≤45 years) African American/Hispanic/Latino women who experienced regular discrimination were Cig+ATP smokers. CONCLUSIONS Screening for concurrent ATP use is necessary for the continued success of tobacco cessation efforts especially among male alcohol users and racial/ethnic minority women who are at greatest risk for ATP use.
The mark of sexual preference in the interpretation of texts: preface to a homosexual reading.

Since reading is an interaction or confrontation between the reader and the text-an interaction that depends upon the background and perspectives of the reader as well as on the text being read-we can assume that the dynamics of sexuality and sexual object choice will influence how readers ascribe meaning to literary texts. In fact, although other aspects of our identities come into play when we read, sexual identity is unique and central because of the role that it plays in the creation of subjectivity. Specifically, male homosexuality informs and structures the reading of texts. But what does it be a homosexual reader or to effectuate a homosexual reading of a particular text?
Study on the Applicability of Corporate Personality Traverse System

The function of corporate personality traverse system is to rectify the limitation of corporate personality and to reach equity and justice.The system is first regulated in the new Company Law to be carried into execution in the year 2006.It is of great significance.However,it is forgettable that there are a few relative items and that there aren't definite regulations on the applicable situations.It is still lacking in implement.The author suggests that the Supreme Court should regulate the judicial explanation for the applicability of the system.The author suggests that this system should be applied to the following situations: company obviously lacking in capitals,not carrying out contracts and not compensating intrusion debt,and corporate personality becoming human body,etc.The abuse of the system would be much worse that that of corporate personality.Therefore,several suggestions to prevent the abuse of the system are put forward in this paper.
Progresses on monitoring and assessment of flood disaster in remote sensing

Flood disaster is one of the most serious natural disasters in the world,which often brings immeasurable social economic loss. The scientific and effective monitoring and assessment of flood disaster is the key of the decision-making of disaster reduction and prevention,the timeliness and precision of monitoring and assessment of flood disaster is the core problem of flood disaster management. Based on summarizing the basic principle of monitoring and assessment of flood disaster in remote sensing,this article probed into international phylogeny of the study from four aspects:use of remote sensing data sources,the technology of multi-source remote sensing data fusion,water extraction models of monitoring,and assessment of flood disaster based on RS and GIS. Then the authors point out the difficulties,the shortages and main problems existing in the study. Finally,the article puts forward that special attention should be paid to increase remote sensing data sources,improve the quality of the remote sensing data,develop new water extraction models,improve ground data system,refine disaster statistics basic unit,and strengthen flood loss warning.
Participation of MAP kinase p38 and IκB kinase in chromium (VI)-induced NF-κB and AP-1 activation

Epidemiological studies demonstrate that environmental and occupational exposure of chromium(VI) [Cr(VI)] or Cr(VI)-containing particles can cause a number of human diseases, including inflammation and cancer. The biological mechanisms responsible for the initiation and progression of diseases resulting from exposure to Cr(VI) are not fully understood. The present studies evaluated the ability of Cr(IV) to induce activation of NF-kappaB and AP-1, two important transcription factors governing the expression of many early response genes involved in inflammation and carcinogenesis. The activation of NF-kappaB and AP-1 by Cr(IV) was dose dependent. Aspirin, a well-established antioxidant, substantially inhibited Cr(VI)-induced activation of both NF-kappaB and AP-1. SB202190, a specific inhibitor for p38, attenuated AP-1 activation induced by Cr(IV), whereas PD98059, a specific inhibitor for Erk, exhibited no effect on Cr(IV)-induced AP-1 activation. Blockage of NF-kappaB signaling pathway by a transient transfection of a dominant negative expressing vector for IkappaB kinase beta resulted in inhibition of Cr(IV)-induced NF-kappaB, but not AP-1 activation. These data suggest that the activation of AP-1 or NF-kappaB by Cr(IV) is through the involvement of MAP kinase or IKK pathway, respectively.
Pulsus paradoxus: a manifestation of a marked reduction of left ventricular end-diastolic volume in cardiac tamponade.

To examine the cardiodynamics of pulsus paradoxus, simultaneous intrathoracic and cardiac pressures, coronary blood flow, and cardiac volumes were measured before and after the development of pulsus paradoxus in spontaneously breathing, closed-chest dogs subjected to cardiac tamponade. Pulsus paradoxus was associated with equalization of mean right atrial (from 2.8 ± 1.2 to 11.2 ± 1.3 mm Hg, p
Is prior parental criminal justice involvement associated with child maltreatment? A systematic review

Abstract Parental criminal justice involvement is prevalent in the United States and potentially associated with a range of negative outcomes for children including child abuse and neglect. However, the association between prior parental criminal justice involvement and child maltreatment is not well understood. This paper reviewed the existing literature regarding maltreatment victimization among children of parents with prior criminal justice involvement. Results from ten reviewed studies demonstrated an association between prior parental criminal justice involvement and child maltreatment, but did not provide sufficient evidence to determine whether parental criminal justice involvement is an independent risk factor for child maltreatment or of the specific mechanisms through which this association occurs. Recommendations for future research include use of multivariate analysis methods that account for variations in the type and timing of parental criminal justice involvement and child maltreatment. Implications for practice include the development of strategies to address the adverse family contexts commonly found among these parents and children.
The Cutaneous Microbiota as a Determinant of Skin Barrier Function: Molecular Interactions and Therapeutic Opportunities

As the largest organ of the human body, skin provides the first barrier against environmental insults, including invading pathogens. Many studies have defined commensal skin bacteria; more recent metagenomic studies have extended characterization of the microbiota to resident fungi and viruses. The skin is dominated by members of Actinobacteria, Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Malassezia spp., bacteriophages and human viruses. Defining the microbiota of both healthy and affected skin provides insight into the influence of the cutaneous microbiota on immune responses and disease states. Crosstalk between commensal microbiota and the innate immune system facilitates proper response and healing. Commensal bacteria appear to protect from pathogens directly by releasing antibacterial products and indirectly by stimulating innate immune responses. Skin pathologies such as atopic dermatitis, rosacea, psoriasis and acne are characterized by disruptions of certain immune pathways and imbalances of skin microbiota. Additionally, susceptibility to skin infection appears to be influenced by the microbial community present on the skin, while infection and the resultant immune response alters the skin microbiota. Understanding the role of the skin microbiota in skin disorders and infection may lead to novel therapies that aim to restore the balance of commensal skin microbes.
Types of Radiation-Related Skin Reactions

Radiation-related skin reactions can be divided into acute reactions and late reactions. The most common scoring systems for these reactions include the RTOG (Radiation Therapy Oncology Group)/EORTC (European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer), the LENT (Late Effect on Normal Tissue)/SOMA (Symptom Objective Measures, Management, Assessment), and CTCAE (Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events). The reactions vary in frequency, intensity, and severity. Patient-related factors include anatomic site, sex, body mass index, age, ethnicity, sun-reactive skin type, bra or breast size, comorbidities including collagen vascular disease and HIV, smoking, and genetic mutations. Treatment-related factors include prior surgery or other procedural intervention, expanse of the skin within the treatment field, beam energy, total dose and fractionation, the use and frequency of bolus, the use of tangential or abutting beams, intensity-modulated radiation, and proximate or concurrent use of radiosensitizers, chemotherapy, and targeted agents.