cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Forensic psychology and forensic science: A proposed agenda for the next decade.

The field of forensic psychology has matured as a discipline, having made considerable progress toward the goal of a close integration of foundational science with practice. Substantial challenges remain, however. This article first reviews the progress of the discipline over the past 3 decades by considering the recommendations made by previous commentators (Grisso, 1987; Otto & Heilbrun, 2002; Poythress, 1979) and the extent to which identified priorities have been met. Next, it analyzes a recent multidisciplinary report addressing the current state of forensic science in the United States (National Research Council, 2009), using the recommendations from this report as another source of guidance for tracking the progress in forensic psychology. Finally, it identifies important priorities for the field of forensic psychology for the next decade in light of this discussion.
Observation of Oligonucleotide Dynamics by means of Fluorescent Nucleoside analog 6MI

To improve current understanding of the structural recognition mechanism of architectural DNA binding proteins such as HU and IHF, we are investigating the structure and dynamics of different DNA substrates. We are able to make these observations on both global and local levels by incorporating the fluorescent guanosine nucleoside analog 6-methylisoxanthopterin (6-MI), with H-bonds with cytosine similar to guanosine. We have previously shown this probe does not significantly perturb the global structures of duplex DNA molecules. 6-MI was systematically incorporated into a 34 base oligonucleotide. Initial characterization of local DNA environment included time resolved fluorescence and rotational correlation measurements of the duplex oligomers relative to 6-MI monomer and single stranded DNA. Analysis of time-resolved fluorescence decay yields 3 lifetime components of 0.4 ns, 4 ns and 6.5 ns. The largest lived component is similar to that of 6-MI monomer, 7 ns. The position of the probe shifts the fluorescent populations from 0.4 ns to 6.5ns upon formation of duplex, which implies that 6-MI local environment in these positions resembles that of the solvent exposed monomer. However, no direct correlation between adjacent base sequence and the fluorescent properties of 6MI was observed. To further investigate the increase in fluorescence upon duplex formation, we characterized the local and global structure of several oligonucleotides through temperature melts, quantum yield calculations, quenching assays, and Raman spectroscopy. The results suggest that, the position of 6-MI in the duplex sequence, helical turn, and surrounding base sequence determines the dynamics of 6-MI. This potentially leads to the formation of a fixed geometry of 6-MI which stacks poorly with adjacent bases. The lack of stacking interactions causes 6-MI to exhibit fluorescent properties of the monomer.
Purification and characterization of protein D/E, a putative sperm-binding protein involved in fertilization.

ABSTRACT We describe a method for the efficient purification of a 32 Kd glycoprotein from rat epididymal tissue. The glycoprotein was purified by gel filtration, ion-exchange, affinity, and reverse phase high pressure liquid chromatography. The highly purified glycoprotein was radiolabeled with an iodinatable, cleavable, photoreactive cross-linking agent, l-[N-(2-hydrox-5-azidobenzoyl)-2-aminoethyl]-4-(-hydroxysuccinimidyl)-succinate (HAHS). The soluble radiolabled glycoprotein was bound to washed epididymal spermatozoa in a time-dependent, saturable, and reversible manner. Scatchard analysis demonstrates mat there are approximately 3,403 binding sites/spermatozoon. The binding efficiency (Kd) for spermatozoa was ≈2.0 × 10−10 M. The function of this glycoprotein was verified by using an in vivo artificial insemination fertilization assay. The fertility rate for control spermatozoa was ≈53%, but the rate for spermatozoa exposed to polyclonal anti-glycoprotein antibodies was only 5%. These data suggest that...
Pyroglutamyl peptidase-II ("thyroliberinase") activity in human serum: influence of weight and thyroid status.

The tripeptide hormone, TRH, is metabolized by three enzymes, the most specific of which is pyroglutamyl peptide hydrolase-II (also termed thyroliberinase), a metalloenzyme present in serum and brain. Because pyroglutamyl peptidase-II activity in rat serum is regulated by thyroid hormone levels, we tested the hypothesis that this activity is similarly altered in humans. We studied serum pyroglutamyl peptidase-II activity in 6 patients with hyperthyroidism, 18 patients with hypothyroidism, and 31 euthyroid, normal weight volunteers. Because TRH [or its metabolite cyclo(His-Pro)] is believed to be an important hormone regulating appetite and metabolism, we also evaluated pyroglutamyl peptidase-II activity in 27 euthyroid patients with obesity. Serum pyroglutamyl peptidase-II activity was elevated in patients with hypothyroidism (mean +/- SEM, 33.9 +/- 3.7 nmol/mL.h) compared to that in euthyroid, normal weight volunteers (24.5 +/- 2.8 nmol/mL.h; P < 0.05), but not that in patients with hyperthyroidism (28.3...
Changes in plasma free fatty acids and glycerols during prolonged exercise in trained and hypertensive persons taking propranolol and pindolol.

Abstract The extent to which lipolysis is attenuated during prolonged submaximal exercise during β blockade was determined in 12 normotensive endurance-trained and 12 hypertensive sedentary men using nonselective drugs with and without intrinsic sympathomimetic activity (ISA). Initially, subjects performed a graded treadmill test to determine maximal oxygen uptake (VO 2 max). This was followed by 2-hour walks at 25 and 45% of the subject's VO 2 max under each of 3 treatments: pindolol (ISA), propranolol (non-ISA) and placebo. The distribution of medication was randomized and double blinded. Blood samples taken at rest and every 30 minutes during the 2-hour walks were analyzed to determine the concentrations of free fatty acids (FFA) and glycerol. On the basis of the respective changes in FFA, glycerols and the respiratory exchange ratio, β-adrenergic blockade did not attenuate lipolysis in the untrained hypertensive subjects when compared with the placebo administration. However, β blockade did demonstrate a tendency to attenuate lipolysis in the trained, normotensive subjects when compared with results after placebo administration. This was particularly evident at 30 minutes of exercise, when both glycerol and FFA concentrations were not increased above resting values under both conditions of β blockade. No differences between pindolol and propranolol were observed. Therefore, a β-blocking agent with ISA properties appears to have no clear benefit with respect to lipid metabolism during low and moderate intensity exercise. Furthermore, these data demonstrate that β blockade does not inhibit exercise-induced lipolysis at low and moderate intensities of exercise as formerly believed, and is unlikely to be the cause of fatigue normally observed during work in patient populations taking β-blocking medication.
Ground state of a low-density aggregate of deuterons in a uniform magnetic field.

Working in second quantization, the ground-state energy and eigenfunction of an interacting aggregate of [ital N] spin-1 deuterons confined to a volume [Omega] in a charge-neutralizing background and immersed in a uniform magnetic field [ital B] is estimated. The analysis is appropriate to the low-density limit in which magnetic-field energy is large compared to particle-particle and spin-spin interaction energies. The resulting ground-state energy is given by [ital E][sub [ital G]][approx][ital N][h bar][omega][sub [ital c]]/2+[ital N]([ital N][minus]1) ([ital e][sup 2][ital b][sub [ital c]]/[Omega][sup 2/3])[Gamma]+[ital N][Phi][minus][mu][sub [ital D]][ital BN] [minus][gamma][ital f][mu][sub [ital D]][sup 2][[ital N]([ital N][minus]1)/2], where [omega][sub [ital c]] is deuteron cyclotron frequency, [ital b][sub [ital c]] is a characteristic magnetic-field length, [Phi] is background potential, [mu][sub [ital D]] is the deuteron magnetic moment, [Gamma] represents a nondimensional interaction integral and the constants [ital f],[gamma] model spin-spin correlation and deuteron-deuteron overlap, respectively. The coordinate component of the ground-state wave function is a product of Gaussian forms whereas the spin component is the product of single-particle spin functions corresponding to spins aligned with the imposed magnetic field.
Boundary integral methods applied to the analysis of diffractive optical elements

We apply boundary integrals to the analysis of diffraction from both conductive and dielectric diffractive optical elements. Boundary integral analysis uses the integral form of the wave equation to describe the induced surface distributions over the boundary of a diffractive element. The surface distributions are used to determine the diffracted fields anywhere in space. In contrast to other vector analysis techniques, boundary integral methods are not restricted to the analysis of infinitely periodic structures but extend to finite aperiodic structures as well. We apply the boundary element method to solve the boundary integral equations and validate its implementation by comparing with analytical solutions our results for the diffractive analysis of a circular conducting cylinder and a dielectric cylinder. We also present the diffractive analysis of a conducting plate, a conducting linear grating, an eight-level off-axis conducting lens, an eight-level on-axis dielectric lens, and a binary dielectric lens that has subwavelength features.
Glued Langmuir-Blodgett bilayers from calix[n]arenes: influence of calix[n]arene size on ionic cross-linking, film thickness, and permeation selectivity.

A homologous series of calix[4]arene-, calix[5]arene-, and calix[6]arene-based surfactants, containing pendant trimethylammonium and n-hexadecyl groups, have been compared with respect to their ability (i) to undergo ionic cross-linking at the air/water interface, (ii) to incorporate poly(4-styrenesulfonate) (PSS) in Langmuir−Blodgett (LB) bilayers, and (iii) to act as barriers toward He, N2, and CO2 when assembled into cross-linked LB bilayers. As these calix[n]arenes increase in size, their ability to undergo ionic cross-linking has been found to increase, the thickness of corresponding glued LB bilayers has been found to decrease, and their barrier properties and permeation selectivities have been found to increase. The likely origin for these effects and the probable mechanism by which He, N2, and CO2 cross these ultrathin films are discussed.
A liminal territory: Gaza, executive discretion, and sanctions turned humanitarian

In September 2007 Israel’s security cabinet approved a ‘hostile entity’ classification for the Gaza Strip and intensified its economic and diplomatic blockade of this Hamas-controlled region. Taking the ‘hostile entity’ classification as a point of entry, this paper examines the construction of Gaza as an insurgent zone, a liminal space within which Israel’s executive discretion has authorizing force. Central to this process, it argues, is a blurring of lines between the civilian and combatant—the elimination of a purely civilian space. This paper begins with an analysis of the discursive strategies employed to collapse the space between the civilian body and battlefield in Gaza. It then turns to an examination of socio-spatial practices mobilized around the ‘hostile entity’ classification, foremost Israel’s sanctions policy, and argues this counter-insurgency strategy entails regulation and management of the Palestinian body combined with the active subjugation of Palestinian life to the power of death. Centrally, this paper attends to the relationship between geopolitics and violence at the scale of the (Palestinian) body.
Binding receptors for alpha-L-fucosidase in human B-lymphoid cell lines.

An established mechanism for directing newly made acid hydrolases to lysosomes involves acquisition of mannose 6-phosphate residues by the carbohydrate portion of acid hydrolases followed by binding to specific membrane-bound transport receptors and delivery to lysosomes. Two distinct phosphomannosyl receptors (CI-MPR and CD-MPR) have been identified. Alternative mechanisms for trafficking acid hydrolases exist. This report examines means for the possible receptor-mediated intracellular transport of α-l-fucosidase in lymphoid cells. The binding of α-l-fucosidase to intact cells and to total cell membrane preparations, in conjunction with immunoassays of solubilized membrane preparations, revealed the presence of CI-MPR and CD-MPR on human lymphoid and fibroblast cell lines. The mean level of CD-MPR in nine lymphoid cell lines was 7.2-fold greater than CI-MPR. The mean level of CI-MPR in two fibroblast lines was 3.8-fold greater than CD-MPR. The mean content of CI-MPR was 19.5-fold greater in the fibroblasts than in the lymphoid cells. The CD-MPR content of fibroblasts and lymphoid cells was nearly equivalent. Among these cell lines were a fibroblast and a lymphoid line from the same individual. These results indicate that human B-lymphoid cells are deficient in CI-MPR and suggest that modulation of expression of CI-MPR and CD-MPR in lymphoid cells differs from that in fibroblasts, including cell lines with identical genomes. No specific receptor capable of binding α-l-fucosidase independent of mannose 6-phosphate was demonstrable, despite published results that support the existence of a mannose 6-phosphate independent trafficking mechanism in lymphoid cells for this enzyme.
Parties and Voters: What Creates the Ties?

The increasing instability in the electorate and the party system forces us to reconsider the Lipset-Rokkan thesis about the frozen party system. In this approach, cleavages played a major role, but in Western Europe, this role has diminished significantly. The frequent shifts in voter allegiance call for a new understanding of the mechanisms that connect voters and parties. A reinterpretation of the concepts of a “frozen party system” or “cleavages” is not enough. We need a new theory about the strategic interaction between parties and a floating electorate.
Conditioning, Likelihood, and Coherence: A Review of Some Foundational Concepts

(2000). Conditioning, Likelihood, and Coherence: A Review of Some Foundational Concepts. Journal of the American Statistical Association: Vol. 95, No. 452, pp. 1340-1346.
Controlled delivery of VEGF via modulation of alginate microparticle ionic crosslinking.

Abstract Clinical application of therapeutic angiogenesis is hampered by a lack of viable systems that demonstrate controlled, sustained release of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Alginate has emerged as a popular material for VEGF delivery; however most alginate-based systems offer limited means to control the rate of VEGF release beyond reducing the VEGF:alginate ratio to suboptimal efficiency. This study describes methods to control the release of VEGF from small (
Severity of Citrus tristeza virus Isolates from Texas

ABSTRACT Citrus tristeza virus (CTV) isolates collected from the Lower Rio Grande Valley in south Texas and east Texas were characterized using citrus indicators and molecular methods. The citrus indicators were Mexican lime (Citrus aurantifolia), sour orange (C. aurantium), sweet orange (C. sinensis) grafted to sour orange, Duncan grapefruit (C. × paradisi), and Madam Vinous sweet orange, with some CTV isolates additionally indexed using the Texas commercial grapefruit cvs. Rio Red and Star Ruby, and Marrs and N-33 sweet orange. Severity ratings used 11 biotype groups or cumulative mean relative indices. Molecular characterization was carried out using poly- and monoclonal antibodies, seven strain-specific probes and single-stranded conformational polymorphism, and all were based on the CTV major coat protein or gene. All Texas CTV isolates produced vein clearing symptoms on inoculated Mexican lime plants. Over half of the CTV isolates tested were placed in biotype groups IX and X (causing decline of swe...
The development of potential antibody-based therapies for myeloma

With optimal target antigen selection antibody-based therapeutics can be very effective agents for hematologic malignancies, but none have yet been approved for myeloma. Rituximab and brentuximab vedotin are examples of success for the naked antibody and antibody–drug conjugate classes, respectively. Plasma cell myeloma is an attractive disease for antibody-based targeting due to target cell accessibility and the complementary mechanism of action with approved therapies. Initial antibodies tested in myeloma were disappointing. However, recent results from targeting well-characterized antigens have been more encouraging. In particular, the CD38 and CD138 targeted therapies are showing single-agent activity in early phase clinical trials. Here we will review the development pipeline for naked antibodies and antibody–drug conjugates for myeloma. There is clear clinical need for new treatments, as myeloma inevitably becomes refractory to standard agents. The full impact is yet to be established, but we are optimistic that the first FDA-approved antibody therapeutic(s) for this disease will emerge in the near future.
Insulin Resistance and the Transcription of the Glucose-6-Phosphatase Gene in Newborn Dogs☆

In the present report changes in the mRNA level of glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase; EC 3.1.39) in newborn and adult dogs in vivo were studied to further test the hypotheses that neonatal hyperglycemia may be due to unsuppressed gluconeogenesis by insulin and that the antidiabetic role of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) may be intact in newborn dogs who have consistently demonstrated insulin resistance. Our results were the following: (i) Both renal and hepatic G6Pase mRNA were expressed at birth and increased with time during a 24-h period of fasting after birth. (ii) The renal G6Pase mRNA levels in newborn dogs did not respond to either insulin or epinephrine. (iii) Hyperinsulinemia lowered the liver G6Pase mRNA by only 16.3% in newborn dogs, but reduced the liver G6Pase mRNA to an undetectable level in adult dogs. (iv) Hyperglycemia decreased the hepatic G6Pase mRNA by 14.3% in newborn dogs under hyperinsulinemia. (v) Infused epinephrine did not elevate the hepatic G6Pase mRNA level in newborn dogs in the presence of hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia. (vi) In newborn dogs, hyper-IGF-1 rapidly reduced the hepatic G6Pase mRNA level by 50%, and hypoglycemia was unable to elevate the hepatic G6Pase mRNA level under the hyper-IGF-1. We concluded that the reduced rate of suppression of transcription of the liver G6Pase gene by insulin in newborn dogs may reflect the unsuppressed neonatal hepatic gluconeogenesis due to insulin resistance and that the physiological roles of IGF-1 seemed to be intact in newborn dogs and may be not responsible for neonatal hyperglycemia.
Complications of open primary and post-chemotherapy retroperitoneal lymph node dissection for testicular cancer.

Abstract Objective Treatment decisions regarding the use of retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND) for low-stage and advanced testicular cancer may be influenced by the morbidity of the procedure. We sought to compare the complication profile of primary (P-) and post-chemotherapy (PC-) RPLND using a standardized complication grading scale. Materials and methods A retrospective analysis was conducted of 112 and 96 patients who underwent P-RPLND and PC-RPLND, respectively, between 1982 and 2007 for perioperative outcomes and late complications. Postoperative complications were graded using a 5-tiered scale based on the severity and/or level of intervention required for resolution. Results P-RPLND patients had rates of 5%, 24%, and 7% for intraoperative, postoperative, and late complications, respectively. For PC-RPLND, these rates were 12%, 32%, and 7%, respectively ( P = 0.11, 0.19, and 1, respectively). Major postoperative complications (grades III–V) were observed in 3 (3%) P-RPLND and 8 (8%) PC-RPLND patients ( P = 0.15), including 1 fatal pulmonary embolus in a PC-RPLND patient. Ileus accounted for 63% and 45% of postoperative complications of P-RPLND and PC-RPLND, respectively. PC-RPLND was associated with significantly greater operative times, blood loss, and transfusion rates ( P Conclusions P-RPLND and PC-RPLND are associated with low rates of serious short- and long-term complications and negligible mortality, without significant differences between the 2 procedures. The safe morbidity profile of RPLND performed by fellowship-trained urologic oncologists should be considered during treatment decision-making for low-stage and advanced testicular cancer.
Closing the gaps in knowledge, policy and action to address water issues in forests

Abstract Water issues on forest lands involve many human elements and needs that are not addressed by advanced physical and biological research and technology. Major gaps in our knowledge of important patterns of climate, soils, and terrain can be filled by relatively basic data collection and monitoring programs. Careful analysis of existing data and field experience also can reveal appropriate directions for management. A focus on problem-solving can direct research more effectively towards the resolution of key issues. Despite their impact, resource policies have widely varying scientific foundations. Policy-makers need sound processes for policy development, including timely technical input that is clear, objective, and related to socio-economic considerations. Resource polices should be consistent and include not only regulation, but also research, education, assistance, and incentives. Knowledge and sound policies still may not produce the desired on-the-ground actions, however, because of variable awareness, understanding, skill, or supervision in the field. Education and training programs are important not only for resource technicians, but also for contractors, operators, and other forest workers. Good planning, communication, and field coordination further insure that problems are avoided and new opportunities for effective actions are identified.
Motor domains of kinesin and ncd interact with microtubule protofilaments with the same binding geometry

Abstract Kinesin and ncd (non-claret disjunctional) are microtubule associated motor proteins which share several structural features: both motors are dimers; each monomer is composed of a stalk region, a cargo binding domain and a motor domain; the motor domains have ∼41% sequence identity. Despite these similarities the two motors have strikingly different movement properties: kinesin is a plus-end directed molecular motor, while ncd is minus-end directed. Here we compare the structure and the microtubule-binding properties of these oppositely directed molecular motors. We determined the three-dimensional structure of tubulin sheets decorated with the motor domains of either kinesin or ncd to a resolution of
Polyhedral borane derivatives: Unique and versatile structural motifs

Compounds with polyhedral borane moieties have demonstrated numerous unique properties for a variety of applications, including nanoelectronics, drug delivery vehicles, and live cell imaging. Polyhedral boranes are good pharmacophore analogs of carbocycles because polyhedral boranes are inherently insensitive to many undesirable enzymatic meta- bolic transformations typical for a majority of aromatic compounds. The defined shape, low molecular volume, and high 3D symmetry of the surface are useful for the application of the polyhedral borane scaffolds as universal and convenient spacers for the modular assembly approach with a controllable predisposition of peripheral groups.
Wiki anxiety: impediments to implementing wikis for IT support groups

As web technologies have flourished, the workplace has become inundated with new, often-overlapping applications meant to assist busy employees with information management and collaboration. IT departments seeking to implement these systems encounter difficulties in determining which to use. This paper reports on the impediments that arose as a result of the installation of a knowledge sharing wiki in tandem with other knowledge sharing tools within six school technology departments. Analysis of the use and perception of the wiki revealed two prevalent issues: concern over achieving a critical mass of content and anxiety over potential unintended/unexpected content changes.
Research evaluation and citation analysis: key issues and implications

Purpose – Citation and ranking information are becoming key aspects of knowledge management in academic and research institutions. By examining changing user needs and products, this paper aims to encourage information professionals to better understand and manage these resources and better respond to user needs.Design/methodology/approach – Literature reviews, work with faculty clients and initial product testing are used to present coherent information on the current climate and practice of competitive analysis of researchers and their institutions.Findings – As more sources for citation information have become available – even many scholarly databases today offering cited reference data – the need to identify, access and manage these resources is becoming acute. Information professionals need to become more proactive in their strategies to support these applications and users.Originality/value – This article builds on previous analyses of the roles and nature of citation analysis in research institutio...
Self-trapped optical beams in liquids

The conditions under which an electromagnetic beam can produce its own dielectric waveguide and propagate without spreading are discussed for a model of the nonlinear dielectric response which includes the effects of saturation. The model assumes that the principal contribution to the nonlinear response arises from the reorientation of anisotropic molecules. For the lowest order "modes," the variation of the field amplitude over the cross section of the beam for various total powers in the beam is presented graphically. It is also shown that, for "cigar"-type axially symmetric molecules, there are two trapped beams possible which have no nodes, but which have the same total power.
Applications of optimization methods to robust stability of linear systems

We study the robust stability problem for a family of polynomials. We allow for all the coefficients of the polynomials to be affinely perturbed, where the size of the perturbation is measured by an arbitrary convex function. We apply optimization techniques, and in particular convex duality methods, to derive simple formulas for the stability radius, to find a minimal perturbation which destroys stability, and to obtain necessary and sufficient conditions for robust stability. Our framework is general enough to cover many applications. As special cases, we obtain many results recently reported in the literature.
Generalization of a prototype intelligent hybrid system for hard gelatin capsule formulation development

The aim of this project was to expand a previously developed prototype expert network for use in the analysis of multiple biopharmaceutics classification system (BCS) class II drugs. The model drugs used were carbamazepine, chlorpropamide, diazepam, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, naproxen, and piroxicam. Recommended formulations were manufactured and tested for dissolution performance. A comprehensive training data set for the model drugs was developed and used to retrain the artificial neural network. The training and the system were validated based on the comparison of predicted and observed performance of the recommended formulations. The initial test of the system resulted in high error values, indicating poor prediction capabilities for drugs other than piroxicam. A new data set, containing 182 batches, was used for retraining. The percent of the test batches were used for cross-validation, resulting in models with R2≥70%. The comparison of observed performance to the predicted performance found that the system predicted succcessfully. The hybrid network was generally able to predict the amount of drug dissolved within 5% for the model drugs. Through validation, the system was proven to be capable of designing formulations that met specific drug performance criteria. By including parameters to address wettability and the intrinsic dissolution characteristics of the drugs, the hybrid system was shown to be suitable for analysis of multiple BCS class II drugs.
Homestead tree planting in two rural Swazi communities.

Tree planting practices were investigated on a total of 95 homesteads in two communities in rural Swaziland. Information was also collected on socioeconomic characteristics of the homesteads. In both the study areas, Sigombeni and Bhekinkhosi, there was considerable variation amongst individual homesteads in size, relative wealth (as indicated by cattle and motor vehicle ownership), and amount and types of trees planted. Eighty-five percent of all homesteads in Sigombeni and 73 percent in Bhekinkhosi had planted at least one tree. Common forms of planting included small woodlots, fruit trees, and ornamentals. Virtually all the woodlots consisted of two introduced wattle species (Acacia mearnsii and A. decurrens). The most commonly planted fruit trees were avocadoes, bananas, and peaches. No complex or labor-intensive agroforestry practices (such as maize/leucaena intercropping) were observed. There was some evidence that the poorest and newest homesteads were the least likely to have planted any trees and that the richest homesteads were the most likely to have planted woodlots. The results indicate that forestry research and extension efforts should take into account homestead characteristics, and strive to offer a range of tree planting options that vary in input requirements, labor needs, and complexity.
Hepatic uptake and disposition of aflatoxin B1 in isolated perfused rat liver

Isolated perfused rat liver preparations were utilized to measure the hepatic uptake and biliary excretion of aflatoxin B 1 (AFB 1 ). Livers were perfused with 30% rat blood perfusate containing 6.4 μmol of AFB 1 and a series of timed blood and bile samples were extracted and analyzed by high-pressure liquid chromatography. Blood, bile, and liver samples also were radioassayed by liquid scintillation. Over 70% of AFB 1 was taken up by the liver from the recirculating perfusate within 5 min and less than 0.5% remained in the perfusate after 180 min of perfusion. AFB 1 was removed from the perfusate by a first-order process (monophasically) with a half-life of 18.6 ± 1.55 min (mean ± SE). By 4 hr of perfusion, 28.9% of the total AFB 1 -derived radioactivity was excreted into the bile. Less than 0.4% of the total dose of AFB 1 was excreted unchanged into the bile by 4 hr. The rates of biliary excretion of AFB 1 -derived radioactivity and parent compound reached a maximum at 30 min, after which time the rates of excretion decreased monophasically with half-lives of 47 ± 1.22 min (mean ± SE) for AFB 1 -derived radioactivity and 25.33 ± 1.08 min (mean ± SE) for the parent compound. One metabolite was detected in the perfusate plasma and at least five metabolites were seen in the bile. Bile flow was decreased after 90 min of perfusion and was completely stopped in two experiments by 120 min, and by the end of 240 min bile flow was stopped in all experiments. This observation indicates that AFB 1 is cholestatic upon acute exposure.
Estuarine habitat quality reflects urbanization at large spatial scales in South Carolina's coastal zone.

Abstract Land cover patterns were evaluated in 29 estuarine watersheds of South Carolina to determine relationships between urban/suburban development and estuarine habitat quality. Principal components analysis and Pearson product moment correlation analyses were used to examine the relationships between ten land cover categories and selected measures of nutrient or bacterial enrichment in the water column and contaminant enrichment in sediments. These analyses indicated strong relationships between land cover categories representing upland development and a composite measure of 24 inorganic and organic contaminants using the Effect Range Median-Quotient (ERM-Q). Similar relationships also were observed for the summed concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), pesticides, and metals. Data obtained from tidal creeks generally showed stronger correlations between urban/suburban land use and pesticides and metals compared to data obtained from larger open water habitats. Correlations between PAH concentrations and the urban/suburban land cover categories were similar between creek and open water habitats. PCB concentrations generally showed very little relationship to any of the land cover categories. Measures of nutrient enrichment, which included total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN), nitrate–nitrite, phosphorus, chlorophyll-a, and total organic carbon, were generally not significantly correlated with any land cover categories, whereas fecal coliform bacteria were significantly and positively correlated with the urban/suburban land cover categories and negatively correlated with the non-urban land cover categories. Fecal coliform correlations were stronger using data from the open water sites than from the tidal creek sites. Both ERM-Q and fecal coliform concentrations were much greater and more pervasive in watersheds with relatively high (> 50%) urban/suburban cover compared to watersheds with low (
On the Implications of Reporting Retail Food Prices over Extended Periods

This paper reports the results of economic experiments designed to determine the implications of a changed information flow to sellers in spatial markets. The experimental design used duopoly posted-price markets. Apparently, price and firm profit levels increase as a result of instituting a price reporting system when consumers are fully informed. In light of these findings, it appears that a retail food price reporting system may have adverse impacts on consumers, especially when instituted for longer time periods.
A Comparison of the Roles of Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor and Retinoic Acid Receptor on CYP26 Regulation

The cytochrome P450 26 family is believed to be responsible for all-trans-retinoic acid (atRA) metabolism and elimination in the human fetus and adults. CYP26A1 and CYP26B1 mRNA is expressed in a tissue-specific manner, and mice in which the CPY26 isoform has been knocked out show distinct malformations and lethality. The aim of this study was to determine differences in CYP26A1 and CYP26B1 regulation and expression. Analysis of CYP26A1 and CYP26B1 expression in a panel of 57 human livers showed CYP26A1 to be the major CYP26 isoform present in the liver, and its expression to be subject to large interindividual variability between donors. CYP26A1 and retinoic acid receptor (RAR) β were found to be greatly inducible by atRA in HepG2 cells, whereas CYP26B1, RARα, and RARγ were induced to a much lesser extent. Based on treatments with RAR isoform-selective ligands, RARα is the major isoform responsible for CYP26A1 and RARβ induction in HepG2 cells. Classic cytochrome P450 inducers did not affect CYP26 transcription, whereas the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) γ agonists pioglitazone and rosiglitazone up-regulated CYP26B1 transcription by as much as 209- ± 80-fold and CYP26A1 by 10-fold. RARβ was also up-regulated by pioglitazone and rosiglitazone. CYP26B1 induction by PPARγ agonists was abolished by the irreversible PPARγ antagonist 2-chloro-5-nitrobenzanilide (GW9662), whereas RARβ and CYP26A1 induction was unaffected by GW9662. Overall, the results of this study suggest that CYP26B1 and CYP26A1 are regulated by different nuclear receptors, resulting in tissue-specific expression patterns. The fact that drugs can alter the expression of CYP26 enzymes may have toxicological and therapeutic importance.
Consequences of Single Sport Specialization in the Pediatric and Adolescent Athlete

An increasing number of youth are specializing in single sports at younger ages and engaging in repetitive, intensive activity. Early, single sport specialization has not been shown to improve future athletic performance, but has been shown to be detrimental both physically and emotionally. The adolescent growth spurt is a particularly vulnerable period of time for the youth athlete with repetitive microtrauma, placing the body at risk structurally. Identifying burnout is critical for the clinician taking care of youth athletes who specialize in a single sport. Long-term consequences extending into adulthood exist for the athlete who specializes at a young age.
In vivo skin penetration of quantum dot nanoparticles in the murine model: the effect of UVR.

Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) has widespread effects on the biology and integrity of the skin barrier. Research on the mechanisms that drive these changes, as well as their effect on skin barrier function, has been ongoing since the 1980s. However, no studies have examined the impact of UVR on nanoparticle skin penetration. Nanoparticles (NP) are commonly used in sunscreens and other cosmetics, and since consumer use of sunscreen is often applied to sun damaged skin, the effect of UVR on NP skin penetration is a concern due to potential toxicity. In this study, we investigate NP skin penetration by employing an in vivo semiconductor quantum dot nanoparticle (QD) model system. This model system improves NP imaging capabilities and provides additional primary interest due to widespread and expanding use of QD in research applications and manufacturing. In our experiments, carboxylated QD were applied to the skin of SKH-1 mice in a glycerol vehicle with and without UVR exposure. The skin collection and penetra...
On the use of global cost modeling early in new product development

As a result of globalization, the Internet, and electronic collaboration tools, the design engineer now has the ability to direct design decisions based on actual supplier quotes much earlier in the design process. This allows the designer to make fact-based decisions on the design of components, the extent to which design for assembly and manufacturing techniques are applied, the use of common components, and the adoption of common architectures and shared platform elements. Additionally, cost modeling early in the new product development (NPD) process allows the design team to better meet cost targets once the product reaches the market. In this paper, a historical context on globalization and new product development is discussed. A framework for early cost modeling in the NPD process using the global supply chain is then proposed. An in- depth case study of a current design effort is detailed, highlighting the iterative design process using global cost modeling.
Optimization for multiport VNA vector error correction

Multiport vector error correction leverages the techniques that apply to two-port error correction. In some testset configurations the load match at any particular port may take on multiple distinct values that must be characterized. As the number of ports increases it becomes important to find ways to minimize the number of connections required to calibrate the VNA. This paper presents techniques for optimizing the calibration both from the point of view of minimizing the number of calibration steps as well as utilizing TRL, Unknown Thru and QSOLT calibration without requiring dual reflectometers at each testport.
Evaluating the potential of a novel oral lesion exudate collection method coupled with mass spectrometry-based proteomics for oral cancer biomarker discovery

Early diagnosis of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC) increases the survival rate of oral cancer. For early diagnosis, molecular biomarkers contained in samples collected non-invasively and directly from at-risk oral premalignant lesions (OPMLs) would be ideal. In this pilot study we evaluated the potential of a novel method using commercial PerioPaper absorbent strips for non-invasive collection of oral lesion exudate material coupled with mass spectrometry-based proteomics for oral cancer biomarker discovery. Our evaluation focused on three core issues. First, using an "on-strip" processing method, we found that protein can be isolated from exudate samples in amounts compatible with large-scale mass spectrometry-based proteomic analysis. Second, we found that the OPML exudate proteome was distinct from that of whole saliva, while being similar to the OPML epithelial cell proteome, demonstrating the fidelity of our exudate collection method. Third, in a proof-of-principle study, we identified numerous, inflammation-associated proteins showing an expected increase in abundance in OPML exudates compared to healthy oral tissue exudates. These results demonstrate the feasibility of identifying differentially abundant proteins from exudate samples, which is essential for biomarker discovery studies. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that our exudate collection method coupled with mass spectrometry-based proteomics has great potential for transforming OSCC biomarker discovery and clinical diagnostics assay development.
THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING SUFFICIENTLY EQUAL

Neither income nor wealth should be too highly unequal. But there is a fundamental distinction between pay for work and the ownership of capital assets. The reasons to moderate these inequalities therefore differ, and the arguments are best considered separately.
Food restriction markedly increases dopamine D2 receptor (D2R) in a rat model of obesity as assessed with in‐vivo μPET imaging ([11C] raclopride) and in‐vitro ([3H] spiperone) autoradiography

Introduction: Dopamine (DA) regulates food intake by modulating food reward and motivation but its involvement in obesity is much less understood. Recent evidence points to the involvement of leptin in the DA-related modulation of food intake. Here we assess DA D2 receptors (D2R) in a genetic rodent obesity model characterized by leptin-receptor deficiency and assess the influence of food restriction on these receptors. Methods: We compared D2R levels between Zucker Obese (fa/fa) and Lean (Fa/Fa) rats at 1 and 4 months of age and in two different feeding conditions (restricted and unrestricted food access) using in-vivo lPET imaging (( 11 C) raclopride, which is a method sensitive to competition with endogenous DA) and in-vitro (( 3 H) spiperone washed to ensure no competi- tion with endogenous DA) autoradiography (ARG). Results: Both ARG and lPET showed that D2R were higher at 1 month than at 4 months of age and that food restricted animals had higher D2R than unrestricted animals. However there were significant differences in the results obtained at 4 months between ARG and lPET. ARG showed that at 1 month and at 4 months unrestricted lean rats (Le U) had significantly higher D2R binding than obese unrestricted rats (Ob U) but showed no differences between restricted obese (Ob R) and re- stricted lean rats (Le R). It also showed that D2R decline between 1 and 4 months of age was significantly attenuated in food restricted rats (both obese and lean). In contrast, lPET showed that at 4 months of age, Ob U showed greater D2R availability than Le U rats but like ARG showed no differences between Ob R and Le R rats. Conclusion: The lower D2R binding in Ob U than Le U rats observed with ARG most likely reflects decreases in striatal D2 receptors levels whereas the increased availability observed with lPET is likely to reflect reduced DA release (resulting in decreased competition with endogenous DA). Lack of a sig- nificant difference between Ob R and Le R suggests that the differences in dopamine activity and D2R levels between Ob and Le Zucker rats are modulated by access to food. The ARG finding of an attenuation of the age-related loss of D2R binding corroborates previous studies of the salutary effects of food restriction in the aging process. Because ( 11 C) raclopride is sensi- tive to competition with endogenous DA, the higher D2R binding in obese rats with raclopride despite the lower D2R levels shown with spiperone could reflect lower extracellular DA in the Ob rats and merits further investigation. Synapse 62:50-61, 2008. Published 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. y
Terfenadine Effect on the Bronchoconstriction, Dermal Response, and Leukopenia Induced by Platelet-Activating Factor

We have investigated the protective effect of oral terfenadine, a H1 antagonist, on the dermal and pulmonary response, and changes of circulating WBCs to injected and inhaled platelet activating factor. Nine men with mild asthma participated in a double-blind, crossover study using terfenadine, 120 mg, or placebo. Three hours after administration of study drug, pulmonary function was measured, and a PAF challenge was performed. Skin test to histamine and PAF was performed prior to study drug, and 2.5 hours after drug. Circulating WBC count was determined prior to PAF inhalation and during the PAF challenge. There was a significant improvement in pulmonary function on terfenadine. Terfenadine significantly inhibited the wheal and flare response to histamine and the flare response to injected PAF. Terfenadine did not have an effect on the change in circulating WBC count or the change in pulmonary function to inhaled PAF. These results suggest a limited role for endogenous histamine for the effects of PAF.
Development of Short-Period ${\rm Nb}_{3}{\rm Sn}$ Superconducting Undulators for the APS

Superconducting undulators (SCUs) with a period of 14.5 mm are under development for the Advanced Photon Source (APS) using Nb3Sn superconductors. The initial goal is to install a SCU with a 19- to 29-keV tuning range for the first harmonic photon energy. The design of the SCU assembly includes the interface with the beam chamber as an integral part of the assembly. A four-period Nb3Sn half SCU was fabricated and tested. After a number of quenches, the SCU was charged to an engineering current density of 1.92 kA/mm 2 in the coil pack. This corresponds to a peak field of 1.08 T on the beam axis with a pole gap of 8.5 mm. The achieved current density was approximately 90% of the engineering critical current density for the design calculations. With an operating current density of 1.6 kA/mm 2 , the SCU will operate at a peak field of 0.95 T with some degree of stability.
Dynamic Ranges of Detection-Coupled Assays and Their Effect on IC50 Measurements for Inhibition of Enzymatic Reactions

Most assays used to monitor enzymatic activities can be considered detection-coupled assays (i.e., indirect measurement of an analyte by using another chemical reaction for detection). The major reason for this is that the analyte that indicates the activity of the reaction cannot be directly measured or specifically directly measured by conventional means, such as optical density, fluorescence, and so on. By coupling another reaction to the enzymatic reaction of interest, the activity of the reaction can be monitored without modification to the analyte itself. However, due to the additional coupling reaction between the analyte and the detection reagents, the dynamic range of the assay could be greatly limited by the coupling reaction, and the apparent parameters of the enzymatic reaction could be much different from its uncoupled counterpart, causing significant deviations for IC50 measurement for an inhibition reaction of the enzyme. By using exact solutions for both the enzymatic and the coupling reac...
On the design of multi-robot systems

For an efficient design of multi-robot systems it is of interest to consider not only parts of the hierarchical structure but to develop a complete control concept including the dynamics of the robots involved. In spite of high practical interest relatively little work has been done on these topics so far. In the paper, the structure of multi-robot systems based on the nonlinear control approach is considered and a design method including the hierarchical coordinator is presented. The new approach is applied to the collision avoidance of two robots working on a conveyor belt with a common working space.