cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The recovery of buffered telemetry data for future low cost space missions

It is clear that the cost efficiency is becoming a major driver in future space missions. Because of the constraints on total cost, including design, implementation and operation, future spacecraft are limited in terms of their size, power and complexity. Consequently, it is expected to have future missions operate on marginal space-to-ground communication links which, in turn, can pose an additional risk on the successful scientific return of these missions. For low data rate and low downlink margin missions, the concept of buffering the telemetry signal for further signal processing to improve data return has been widely adopted. The paper describes techniques used for post-processing of the buffered telemetry signal segments (called gaps) to recover data lost during acquisition and resynchronization. Two methods, one for a closed-loop and the other one for an open-loop configuration, are discussed. Both of them can be used in either forward or backward processing of signal segments, depending on where a gap is specifically situated in a pass.
Particle trapping in electrostatically actuated nanofluidic barriers

This paper introduces a device that can be applied to the trapping and analysis of nanoparticles in fluids. The device is fabricated on silicon substrates using standard microfabrication techniques. Sacrificial etching is used to form nanofluidic channels of precise dimensions. A section over these channels is made deformable by thinning the SiO 2 overcoat, and an electrode over the deformable section of these channels can be used to electrostatically constrict the channel walls. This deformed wall creates a physical barrier, which can trap and hold particles. Fluorescently labeled 50 nm diameter nanobeads are shown to trap behind pinched barriers in a 100 nm tall nanochannel.
Managing fire in the mesic deciduous forest when fire history is unknown: response to Stambaugh et al.

Thanks to Stambaugh et al. (2015) for their close reading of my review (Matlack 2013) and thoughtful comments, criticisms, and suggestions. I hope this exchange is the beginning of a much-needed discussion on the use of fire in moist and mesic deciduous forests of the eastern United States (hereafter, MDF). The purpose of Matlack (2013) is to emphasize the fine-grained nature of fire as an ecosystem process and to call attention to gaps in our understanding. My concern is that we are rushing to subcontinent scale generalization on the basis of sparse and idiosyncratic data.
TENDERNESS IMPROVEMENT IN FRESH OR FROZEN/THAWED BEEF STEAKS TREATED WITH HYDRODYNAMIC PRESSURE PROCESSING*

Tenderness improvement in fresh (F) or frozen/thawed (FT) beef steaks treated with hydrodynamic pressure processing (HDP) technology was examined. In Experiment 1, the effect of HDP and meat state at 48 h postmortem (fresh, never frozen compared to frozen at 48 h postmortem followed by thawing at 6 d postmortem) on meat tenderness at both day 1 and day 6 after HDP was evaluated. The effect of HDP was sustained throughout day 6 of aging.FT samples were 1 kg lower at day 1 compared to F samples and 0.8 kg lower at day 6. In Experiment 2, 40 boneless, rib-eye sections (5 d postmortem) were used. One control steak was cooked fresh, while a second was frozen for 60 d. HDP was performed on the 40 F rib-eye sections. Twenty of the HDP-treated rib eyes were frozen after HDP treatment. The remaining 20 F HDP-treated samples were cooked 24 h after treatment for tenderness determination. Sixty days after HDP treatment, the frozen control and HDP-treated samples were thawed and cooked. Control (never frozen) steaks prior to HDP treatment had shear values of 6.5 kg. A 29% reduction in shear force was observed for HDP-treated (F) samples. Freezing accounted for a 14% reduction in shear force. HDP treatment followed by freezing resulted in a 30% reduction in shear force compared to the frozen control samples. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS Postmortem storage at refrigerated temperatures has been clearly demonstrated to improve meat tenderness. Freezing and then thawing meat has been shown to either improve tenderness, increase toughness or have no effect at all on meat tenderness. The use of hydrodynamic pressure processing (HDP) in conjunction with freezing meat either before or after HDP treatment was evaluated. Use of HDP, whether on fresh or frozen/thawed meat, successfully tenderized meat. Whether one freezes the meat before performing HDP or after HDP treatment, both successfully improve meat tenderness and the improvements are maintained even after frozen storage. Although freezing alone did show signs of improving meat tenderness, the magnitude of improvement was much less than the tenderness improvements found when using HDP technology.
BHT blocks NF-κB activation and ethanol-induced brain damage

Background Binge ethanol administration causes corticolimbic brain damage that models alcoholic neurodegeneration. The mechanism of binge ethanol-induced degeneration is unknown, but is not simple glutamate-N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) excitotoxicity. To test the hypothesis that oxidative stress and inflammation are mechanisms of binge ethanol-induced brain damage, we administered 4 antioxidants, e.g., butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), ebselen (Eb), vitamin E (VE), and blueberry (BB) extract, during binge ethanol treatment and assessed various measures of neurodegeneration. Methods Adult Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with intragastric ethanol 3 times per day (8-12 g/kg/d) alone or in combination with antioxidants or isocaloric diet for 4 days. Animals were killed, and brains were perfused and extracted for histochemical silver stain determination of brain damage, markers of neurogenesis, or other immunohistochemistry. Some animals were used for determination of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB)-DNA binding by electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) or for reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2). Results Binge ethanol induced corticolimbic brain damage and reduced neurogenesis. Treatment with BHT reversed binge induced brain damage and blocked ethanol inhibition of neurogenesis in all regions studied. Interestingly, the other antioxidants studied, e.g., Eb, VE, and BB, did not protect against binge-induced brain damage. Binge ethanol treatment also caused microglia activation, increased NF-kappaB-DNA binding and COX2 expression. Butylated hydroxytoluene reduced binge-induced NF-kappaB-DNA binding and COX2 expression. Conclusions Binge-induced brain damage and activation of NF-kappaB-DNA binding are blocked by BHT. These studies support a neuroinflammatory mechanism of binge ethanol-induced brain damage.
Effect of Quality and Quantity of Study on Student Grades.

In this study we investigated the relationship between study time and test scores in a course on learning principles for college education majors. The students were required to keep a continuous lo...
Conformational Rearrangements of the Na+/K+ ATPase During Na+ Occlusion/Deocclusion Transitions Assessed by Site-Directed Fluorescence

The Na+/K+ ATPase is a E1-E2-type pump formed mainly by two subunits: α and β, and is responsible for Na+ and K+ homeostasis, thereby fundamental for cellular life. Most of the voltage dependence of the pump cycle originates from the steps associated with extracellular Na+ binding and release, namely occlusion and deocclusion (E1P and PE2). To gain further insights into the conformational rearrangements of the squid Na+/K+ pump during the E1P and PE2 transitions, we have used site-directed flourometry under voltage-clamp. We engineered single cysteine mutants facing the outside of the α and β subunits of the squid Na/K pump, as targets of a cysteine-reactive fluorescent reporter (6-TMR). These constructs were found functional when expressed in Xenopus oocytes under voltage-clamp conditions and we obtained simultaneous electrical and fluorescence recordings. We have identified two positions on the α subunit: N894C (linker M7-M8) and D802C (linker M5-M6), and two on the β subunit: D74C (top of the TM helix) and D116C (external cap-helix), that produce voltage dependence fluorescence changes during the E1P/PE2 transitions. Fluorescence intensities produced by N894C, D74C and D116C constructs were correlated with its respective voltage dependent Na+ translocation curves following a Boltzmann distribution. Interestingly, kinetics of the fluorescence and electrical signals from N894C showed remarkably similar voltage dependence, suggesting functional and conformational correlation during E1P/PE2 transitions. Surprisingly, fluorescence signal from D116C produced a biphasic kinetics behavior, indicating a complex movement of the β and/or the α with respect to the β subunit. These findings begin to delineate a region in the α-subunit that is moving during the E1P/PE2 transitions. Supported by U54GM087519 and GM030376.
Tension–tension axial fatigue of E-glass fiber-reinforced polymeric composites: fatigue life diagram

Abstract Fiber-reinforced polymeric (FRP) composites have been under analytical and experimental investigations for approx. 40 years in the context of aerospace, marine and mechanical applications. Now the use of FRP composites in civil engineering applications is steadily increasing. For civil engineering structures subject to cyclic loading, one important limit state in design is fatigue. Thus, a review of the existing data is necessary to determine the applicability to civil engineering structures. This review will focus on E-glass FRP composites under tension–tension axial fatigue with test frequency of 5 Hz or less, without environmental concerns. Test and material parameters, which define the data, are identified as R ratio, test frequency, load control, specimen shape, type of reinforcement and resin. A fatigue life diagram summarizing the E-glass FRP composite tension–tension axial fatigue data is plotted for normalized stress (maximum fatigue stress divided by ultimate tensile strength) vs. log of fatigue life. This plot reveals a lower bound confidence level, regardless of test parameter combination, such as reinforcement, resin, or R ratio. This lower bound confidence level was challenged via laboratory testing of an E-glass/vinylester composite in tension–tension axial fatigue for R ratios 0.05, 0.1, 0.5 and 0.9, and test frequencies 1, 3 and 5 Hz. The laboratory test data support the lower bound confidence level. This lower bound may be used in designing E-glass FRP composites for use in civil engineering structures conservatively estimating tension–tension axial fatigue life with test frequency 5 Hz or less. This lower bound may be used until further studies refine the effects of the individual test parameters on fatigue life.
Recent climate and air pollution impacts on Indian agriculture

Recent research on the agricultural impacts of climate change has primarily focused on the roles of temperature and precipitation. These studies show that India has already been negatively affected by recent climate trends. However, anthropogenic climate changes are a result of both global emissions of long-lived greenhouse gases (LLGHGs) and other short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs). Two potent SLCPs, tropospheric ozone and black carbon, have direct effects on crop yields beyond their indirect effects through climate; emissions of black carbon and ozone precursors have risen dramatically in India over the past three decades. Here, to our knowledge for the first time, we present results of the combined effects of climate change and the direct effects of SLCPs on wheat and rice yields in India from 1980 to 2010. Our statistical model suggests that, averaged over India, yields in 2010 were up to 36% lower for wheat than they otherwise would have been, absent climate and pollutant emissions trends, with some densely populated states experiencing 50% relative yield losses. [Our point estimates for rice (−20%) are similarly large, but not statistically significant.] Upper-bound estimates suggest that an overwhelming fraction (90%) of these losses is due to the direct effects of SLCPs. Gains from addressing regional air pollution could thus counter expected future yield losses resulting from direct climate change effects of LLGHGs.
The induction of allophanate lyase during the vegetative cell cycle in light-synchronized cultures of Chlamydomonas reinhardi.

Abstract Allophanate lyase can be induced by urea or acetamied 20–40-fold within 4 h in NH 4 + -deprived cultures of Chlamydomonas reinhardi . In light-synchronized cultures, allophanate lyase induction appeared to be limited to the light phase of the cell cycle, provided that culture samples were induced under ongoing illumination conditions (i.e. light induction of light phase cells and dark induction of dark phase cells). However, when culture samples were induced under constant light conditions this cell cycle pattern was abolished. Light was found to be required for allophanate lyase induction and this was shown to be due, in part, to light requirement for inducer uptake. The relationship between allophanate lyase induction and gametogenesis is discussed.
Evidence for a dual central role for angiotensin in water and sodium intake.

ANGIOTENSIN II induces short-latency water intake when infused intravascularly or injected into certain brain regions of mammals1,2. But conceptual difficulties arise if one asks why this should be so, and whether the data reflect real physiological actions. For example, angiotensin is a pressor hormone formed from kidney-based renin in response to challenge such as hypotension and hypovolaemia3–7. Water ingestion, in itself, is not an adaptive response to such challenges, since most ingested water is distributed intracellularly and will not relieve a vascular crisis. An adaptive response to hypotension or hypovolaemia would involve ingestion of an isotonic mix of fluids, since this would most rapidly and effectively increase vascular volume. In fact, hypovolaemia does result in an immediate increase in preference for isotonic saline over water and a delayed (6–10 h) acceptance of unpalatable hypertonic salt solutions8,9. But, a possible involvement of angiotensin as a rapid and direct facilitator of sodium intake (apart from a slow and indirect role through stimulation of aldosterone release) has not yet been reported and some evidence suggests that angiotensin may not play any significant role in regulating sodium intake in the rat10–12.
Determination of the spermicide nonoxynol-9 in vaginal lavage by high-performance liquid chromatography

A sensitive normal-phase high-performance liquid chromatographic method using a bonded-phase aminosilica column has been developed for the measurement of the spermicide nonoxynol-9 in vaginal lavage fluid. The mean multiple correlation coefficient (r2) for nomoxynol-9 was 0.999 over the calibration range 3.125-50 μg/ml for the standards. Quality control samples measured at two different concentration levels gave intra-day precision values (coefficient of variation, C.V.) in the range of 0.61 to 1.63% and the intra-day accuracy values (mean relative error, M.R.E.) in the range of 0.13–0.62%. Inter-day precision and accuracy values from five different calibration standard concentration values ranged from 2.25 to 5.09% C.V. and 4.02 to 7.56% M.R.E. Nonoxynol-9 samples examined for peak area stability at room temperature over a 24-h time period had a M.R.E. of 14.9%. Quality control samples stored at −70°C, and tested after one month by comparison to baseline samples, had a M.R.E. of −10% and −7.53% for the low and high quality control samples, respectively. The method is sensitive and simple, with short runtimes, to enable the processing of numerous samples from a clinical trial.
Review of Technology Acquisition and Adoption Research in the Energy Sector

Abstract A review of the technology literature from leading Engineering & Technology Management (ETM) journals was conducted to determine the most common methods or techniques used in the study of technology adoption (TAd), as well as major technology acquisition (TAq) channels. Similarly, a review of the energy literature from leading Energy Sector (ES) journals was conducted to determine the most common methods or techniques used in the field for TAd and TAq. Comparison of these two sets of research results indicate that Energy sector can benefit from many methods developed in other industries.
Potentiation of a conditioned taste aversion in preweanling and adult rats

Preweanling (18 days old) and adult rats were made ill with LiCl either 2 min or 1 hr after tasting controlled amounts of either one of two single flavors (saccharin or NaCl) or a compound mixture of the two. Conditioning was assessed with a single test 4 days later relative to explicitly unpaired control conditions. Generally, potentiation of the aversions to either flavor occurred for animals conditioned to the compound. The potentiation effect was decreased or eliminated by nonreinforced exposure to the alternative flavor of the compound. These effects tended to be stronger for the younger rats. Specifically, adult animals did not express potentiation of the saccharin aversion whereas preweanlings expressed potentiated salt aversions. Nonreinforced exposure to the alternative element eliminated the potentiation effect. Conditions conducive to potentiation are discussed in light of investigators who have not observed this effect in similar studies with compound stimuli.
Territory covered by N diffusing particles

THE number of distinct sites visited by a random walker after t steps is of great interest1–21, as it provides a direct measure of the territory covered by a diffusing particle. Thus, this quantity appears in the description of many phenomena of interest in ecology13–16, metallurgy5–7, chemistry17,18 and physics19–22. Previous analyses have been limited to the number of distinct sites visited by a single random walker19–22, but the (nontrivial) generalization to the number of distinct sites visited by TV walkers is particularly relevant to a range of problems-for example, the classic problem in mathematical ecology of defining the territory covered by N members of a given species13–16. Here we present an analytical solution to the problem of calculating SN(t), the mean number of distinct sites visited by N random walkers on a d-dimensional lattice, for d = 1, 2, 3 in the limit of large N. We confirm the analytical arguments by Monte Carlo and exact enumeration methods. We find that there are three distinct time regimes, and we determine SN(t) in each regime. Moreover, we also find a remarkable transition, for dimensions ≳2, in the geometry of the set of visited sites. This set initially grows as a disk with a relatively smooth surface until it reaches a certain size, after which the surface becomes increasingly rough.
Beyond the imaging: Limitations of cellular uptake study in the evaluation of nanoparticles

Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs) conjugated to a cell-penetrating peptide, TAT, was used to increase intracellular delivery of paclitaxel (PTX) to multi-drug resistant (MDR) cells. Efficient cellular uptake of the TAT-conjugated PLGA NPs was observed; however, it did not translate to increased killing of MDR cells. An investigation of drug release kinetics in phosphate-buffered saline containing Tween 80 led us to suspect that a significant fraction of the loaded PTX was released before efficient cellular uptake could occur. These results indicate that the increased cellular uptake of NPs does not always mean an enhanced drug effect and that it is critical to control both the location of NPs and the drug release from NPs together. Based on this study, we propose that two prevalent practices in NP research be reconsidered: first, the utility of a new NP system should be tested beyond the imaging level. Second, NP release kinetics should be monitored in a medium that can reflect the complexity of biological environment rather than a simple buffered saline.
Cognitive Representations of Sexual Self Differ as a Function of Gender and Sexual Debut

This research evaluated the association between gender and sexual debut (initial sexual intercourse) and indirect measures of sexuality. A sample of 440 U.S. college students (pre-sexual debut: 144 women, 153 men; post-sexual debut: 49 women, 94 men) completed the Sexual Self-Schema Scale (SSSS), which assessed cognitive representations about sexual aspects of oneself, and three Implicit Association Tests (IAT), which measured the strength of the associations between the concepts of self + sex, women + sex, and men + sex. Results replicated previous findings that (1) men more strongly associated self + sex and women + sex than did women, and (2) men and women had similarly strong associations of men + sex. Post-sexual debut women’s self + sexual and women + sexual associations were stronger than pre-sexual debut women’s. Men’s associations did not differ significantly as a function of sexual debut. Post-sexual debut women’s SSSS scores were more direct, more romantic, and less conservative than pre-sexual debut women’s. Post-sexual debut men’s SSSS scores were more aggressive and more open-minded than pre-sexual debut men’s. Sexual debut appeared to be associated with sexualized and sexually liberal cognitive representations in women and, to a lesser extent, sexually liberal and aggressive cognitive representations in men. Findings were consistent with theories of cognitive consistency and provide preliminary evidence that sexual debut status was associated with differing cognitive representations.
Optimizing distribution strategy for perishable foods using RFiD and sensor technologies

Purpose – Delivery of safe products while meeting customer demand is a critical marketing requirement for logistics. To meet this requirement, this paper aims to develop a decision‐making model for distribution strategies in cold chain network with the real‐time flow and quality information of perishable foods.Design/methodology/approach – This paper first presents a real‐time monitoring solution for cold chain distribution by integrating radio frequency identification (RFiD), sensor, and wireless communication technologies. With the enhanced visibility of product flow and quality information, a multi‐stage planning model is developed to determine optimal distribution plans so that the overall cost of the entire cold chain network is minimized.Findings – The proposed distribution‐planning model can capture the dynamics of logistics due to frequent update of product quality information during distribution. Therefore, the distribution decision will be adjusted at sequential stages to optimally preserve the ...
Breast-conserving therapy for triple-negative breast cancer.

Importance The aggressive triple-negative phenotype of breast cancer (negative for estrogen and progesterone receptors and v-erb-b2 avian erythroblastic leukemia viral oncogene homolog 2 [ERBB2] [formerly human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)]) is considered by some investigators to be a relative contraindication to breast-conserving therapy. Objectives To compare outcomes of breast-conserving therapy for patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) with those of patients with the luminal A, luminal B, and ERBB2 subtypes. Design, Setting, and Participants Prospective database review at an academic tertiary medical center with a designated breast cancer center. We included 1851 consecutive patients ages 29 to 85 years with stages I to III invasive breast cancer who underwent breast-conserving therapy at a single institution from January 1, 2000, through May 30, 2012. Of these patients, 234 (12.6%) had TNBC; 1341 (72.4%), luminal A subtype; 212 (11.5%), luminal B subtype; and 64 (3.5%), ERBB2-enriched subtype. Exposure Breast-conserving therapy. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcome measure was local recurrence (LR). Secondary outcome measures included regional recurrence, distant recurrence, and overall survival. Results Triple-negative breast cancer was associated with younger age at diagnosis (56 vs 60 years; P = .001), larger tumors (2.1 vs 1.8 cm; P P = .005), and more G3 tumors (86.4% vs 28.4%; P P = .43), luminal B (1.6 [0.5-5.2]; P = .43), and ERBB2 (1.1 [0.2-5.2]; P = .87) subtypes. Only tumor size was a significant predictor of LR (hazard ratio, 4.7 [95% CI, 1.6-14.3]; P = .006). Predictors of worse overall survival included tumor size, grade, and stage and TNBC subtype. Conclusions and Relevance Breast-conserving therapy for TNBC is not associated with increased LR compared with non-TNBC subtypes. However, the TNBC phenotype correlates with worse overall survival. Breast-conserving therapy is appropriate for patients with TNBC.
Hierarchical factor solutions without rotation

A method is presented for securing a hierarchical factor solution which achieves simple structure at each hierarchical level without rotation or even preliminary arbitrary orthogonal or oblique solutions. The method is based upon the assumption that if overlap is removed from clusters the remaining specifics will achieve simple structure automatically. The problem presented earlier by Schmid and Leiman, using oblique simple structural rotation as a basis, is reworked by this new approach.
A Palladian Construction Grammar—Design Reasoning with Shape Grammars and Rapid Prototyping

Presented is a production system that generates information for physical model manufacture with a 3D-printing device. Defined here as a construction grammar, rule sets based on 16th-century-masonry construction are used to generate a villa model as a 3D construct. The derivation of the grammar demonstrates a design process based on physical constraints as the primary means of grammar structuring. The paper claims that construction rules can be used to build villas in Palladio's corpus, starting with a floor-plan drawing as the initial shape, with little need for an elevation drawing. This paper introduces unexplored issues of physical reasoning in the field of computing and design as part of the rule-building process. As a detailed example, a Palladian villa (the Villa Cornaro) is fabricated as a 3D-printed model (scale 1:120) from an eleven-part set of rules based on field analysis of Palladio's constructed villas.
Relative Signs of Scalar and Dipolar Coupling in Liquid Crystals from Spin-Locked NMR Experiments

Abstract A method for determining the relative signs of scalar and di-polar couplings between two spin- 1 2 nuclei in a liquid-crystal system is presented. It is shown theoretically that the mixture of dipolar and scalar contributions to constants which determine the rate of Hartmann-Hahn transfer between two spins in spin-locked experiments and the splitting in directly observed 1D spectra are different. Comparison allows separation and determination of the relative signs of these contributions. Experimental results acquired on the H5,H6 pair of spins of uracil in a liquid-crystal solvent agree with theory only if a positive dipolar coupling is assumed. Such knowledge about the signs of coupling places useful restrictions on the average geometry of molecules in liquid-crystal media.
p53 mutations in hepatocellular carcinomas induced by a choline-devoid diet in male Fischer 344 rats

Analyses were performed on livers and hepatocellular carcinomas from male Fischer 344 rats fed a choline-devoid diet, to assess whether they carried alterations of the p53 tumor suppressor gene. The analyses consisted of immunoperoxidase staining of tissue sections with monoclonal antibodies to p53, Western blotting and cDNA sequencing. Immunostaining revealed the presence of mutant p53 proteins in 22/27 tumors analyzed and immunoblotting in 18/20. Immunochemical evidence was obtained that occurrence of the mutations precedes tumor development. cDNA sequencing was performed on 11 hepatocellular carcinomas that expressed mutant p53 gene proteins. Seven were found to contain point mutations within the 120-290 codon region of the gene, and one a microdeletion in the same region. No mutational hot spot was observed. It is concluded that mutations within the p53 gene, along with a c-myc gene amplification previously detected in these tumors, most likely contribute to the neoplastic transformation of liver cells in this nutritional model of hepatocarcinogenesis. The results are discussed also in view of recent literature on the presence of p53 mutations in human hepatocellular carcinomas.
Effect of Hyperglycemia on Brain Penetrating Arterioles and Cerebral Blood Flow Before and After Ischemia/Reperfusion

The effect of preexisiting hyperglycemia on cerebral blood flow (CBF) and brain penetrating arterioles before and after 2 h of ischemia and 30 min of reperfusion was determined. Male Wistar rats that were either hyperglycemic (50 mg/kg streptozotocin; n = 24) or normoglycemic (n = 24) were subjected to transient ischemia by filament occlusion or nonischemic. CBF was measured prior to ischemia using microspheres and during transient ischemia using laser Doppler. Edema was compared by wet/dry weights. Constriction to apamin, TRAM-34, and L-NNA, inhibitors of small- and intermediate-conductance calcium-activated potassium channels (SK and IK) and nitric oxide, were compared in penetrating arterioles from the ischemic hemisphere to investigate changes in basal tone and endothelium-dependent vasodilator responses. Preexisiting hyperglycemia did not affect CBF in nonischemic animals or after transient ischemia; however, edema was significantly greater. Ischemia and reperfusion caused decreased basal tone in penetrating arterioles similarly in normoglycemic and hyperglycemic animals that was restored by apamin, and further increased by TRAM-34 and L-NNA. The restoration of tone in penetrating arterioles by apamin and TRAM-34 suggests that transient ischemia activates SK and IK channels in penetrating arterioles. This effect of ischemia was not different between normoglycemic and hyperglycemic animals, suggesting that it was related to ischemia and reperfusion rather than hyperglycemia.
Home alone: assessing mobility independence before discharge.

Hospitalists are often confronted with discharge planning responsibility and decisions for elderly patients who live alone. The absence of an in-home helper (spouse, partner, or care-giver) reduces the margin of safety and resilience to any new debility. Research has documented that during hospital stays elderly patients tend to become deconditioned, even if there is no new specific neurologic or motor deficit. In the patient whose pre-hospital mobility independence is not robust, and perhaps marginally compensated, inpatient stays for any diagnosis may result in critical decrements in mobility independence. The present study is an effort to design a bedside tool for the hospitalist by which to discern, or screen, for such debility. The tool is a hierarchical performance test we named I-MOVE (Independent Mobility Validation Examination). It is a quick series of bedside mobility requests to demonstrate capability of fundamental movements critical to independent living. We describe manner in which I-MOVE can be performed. Moreover, we describe the face validity and the high interrater reliability (> 0.90 intra-class correlation coefficient) of two RNs who independently administered and scored I-MOVE for 41 patients on a General Medical Care Unit. Although not yet studied in correlation with outcomes, nor with validated mobility assessment tools, we believe I-MOVE can serve as a useful extension of the nurse's assessment, or the Hospitalist's physical examination. Discerning the continued capability of mobility independence is a desirable, on-going insight for discharge planning of the elderly patient who resides alone. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2009;4:252–254. © 2009 Society of Hospital Medicine.
Analytical aberration model for an infrared telescope

An analytical model for an infrared telescope is described. The model gives not only the prescription and the third-order aberrations but also the influence of tilts and decenters of the secondary on the first- and third-order properties of the system as a function of the input parameters. Predictions obtained with this model are compared with the results of real ray tracing.© (1986) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
copia-like retrotransposons are ubiquitous among plants

Transposable genetic elements are assumed to be a feature of all eukaryotic genomes. Their identification, however, has largely been haphazard, limited principally to organisms subjected to molecular or genetic scrutiny. We assessed the phylogenetic distribution of copia-like retrotransposons, a class of transposable element that proliferates by reverse transcription, using a polymerase chain reaction assay designed to detect copia-like element reverse transcriptase sequences. copia-like retrotransposons were identified in 64 plant species as well as the photosynthetic protist Volvox carteri. The plant species included representatives from 9 of 10 plant divisions, including bryophytes, lycopods, ferns, gymnosperms, and angiosperms. DNA sequence analysis of 29 cloned PCR products and of a maize retrotransposon cDNA confirmed the identity of these sequences as copia-like reverse transcriptase sequences, thereby demonstrating that this class of retrotransposons is a ubiquitous component of plant genomes.
Visual grammars and their neural networks

We exhibit a systematic way to derive neural nets for vision problems. It involves formulating a vision problem as Bayesian inference or decision on a comprehensive model of the visual domain given by a probabilistic grammar. A key feature of this grammar is the way in which it eliminates model information, such as object labels, as it produces an image; correspondence problems and other noise removal tasks result. The neural nets that arise most directly are generalized assignment networks. Also there are transformations which naturally yield improved algorithms such as correlation matching in scale space and the Frameville neural nets for high-level vision. Networks derived this way generally have objective functions with spurious local minima; such minima may commonly be avoided by dynamics that include deterministic annealing, for example recent improvements to Mean Field Theory dynamics. The grammatical method of neural net design allows domain knowledge to enter from all levels of the grammar, including `abstract' levels remote from the final image data, and may permit new kinds of learning as well.© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
A qualitative assay for beta cell antibodies. Preliminary results in dogs with diabetes mellitus

Purified beta cells from a radiation-induced transplantable rat insulinoma were used to detect beta cell antibodies in serum from untreated diabetic dogs. Serum from dogs in which anti-beta cell antibodies were induced by injecting a purified beta cell suspension subcutaneously was used as positive control. Following incubation with test sera, fluorescein-labeled anti-dog immunoglobulins were used to visualize binding between the beta cells and dog gamma globulins. Nine of the 23 diabetic dogs showed a strongly positive reaction which was characterized by a ring fluorescence, three showed a weak reaction and 11 were negative, i.e. they showed diffuse fluorescence. In contrast, 14 of the 15 healthy dogs showed diffuse fluorescence and one dog showed a weakly positive reaction. Thyroid, liver and kidney cells did not elicit ring fluorescence. Although females (spayed and intact) represented the majority of the diabetic dogs, there was no correlation between sex and the occurrence of antibodies in the diabetic dogs. There was also no correlation to the age of the dogs. In conclusion, we have developed a specific test for anti-beta cell antibodies. The test is reproducible and economical to perform on a large number of samples.
Challenges for assessing carbon nanomaterial toxicity to the skin

This manuscript reviews a number of issues that must be dealt with to assess carbon nanomaterial interactions with the skin in the context of potential toxicity. The potential pathway for dermal absorption of carbon nanomaterials is discussed. The few existing studies assessing carbon nanomaterial toxicity to skin are reviewed. This paper addresses potential confounding factors in dealing with the experimental design of nanomaterial toxicity studies and their interpretation. Certain standard cytotoxicity assays that are well suited to assess chemical toxicity may generate conflicting results when carbon materials are assessed. This was demonstrated in an experimental study comparing carbon effects on human keratinocyte cytotoxicity assessed by transmission electron microscopy, neutral red and MTT cell viability assays, as well as irritation assessed by release of the cytokine IL-8. Four sources of carbon black particles were assessed. Conflicting results were obtained across all cytotoxicity endpoints potentially secondary to the adsorbing properties of carbon interfering with viability markers in the assay systems. These data suggest that a single cytotoxicity assay should not be relied upon in assessing carbon nanomaterial toxicity and that carbon black may not be optimal control particles for assessing nanomaterial toxicity in epidermal cell culture systems due to the wide range of responses seen between the carbon black varieties.
Infamous Scribblers: The Founding Fathers and the Rowdy Beginnings of American Journalism – By Eric Burns

This book is best described in pairs of adjectives: intriguing and irritating; exciting and frustrating; enjoyable and annoying. The negative adjectives will be muttered by serious historians looki...
Increasing Adult Hippocampal Neurogenesis is Sufficient to Reduce Anxiety and Depression-Like Behaviors.

Adult hippocampal neurogenesis is increased by antidepressants, and is required for some of their behavioral effects. However, it remains unclear whether expanding the population of adult-born neurons is sufficient to affect anxiety and depression-related behavior. Here, we use an inducible transgenic mouse model in which the pro-apoptotic gene Bax is deleted from neural stem cells and their progeny in the adult brain, and thereby increases adult neurogenesis. We find no effects on baseline anxiety and depression-related behavior; however, we find that increasing adult neurogenesis is sufficient to reduce anxiety and depression-related behaviors in mice treated chronically with corticosterone (CORT), a mouse model of stress. Thus, neurogenesis differentially affects behavior under baseline conditions and in a model of chronic stress. Moreover, we find no effect of increased adult hippocampal neurogenesis on hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis regulation, either at baseline or following chronic CORT administration, suggesting that increasing adult hippocampal neurogenesis can affect anxiety and depression-related behavior through a mechanism independent of the HPA axis. The use of future techniques to specifically inhibit BAX in the hippocampus could be used to augment adult neurogenesis, and may therefore represent a novel strategy to promote antidepressant-like behavioral effects.
A real-time dynamic lot-sizing heuristic for a manufacturing system subject to random setup times

A heuristic is derived for real-time dynamic lot sizing at the bottleneck of a high volume manufacturer of many pan types. This bottleneck resource is subject to significant, random setup times. The problem is motivated by the scheduling requirements of a medical device manufacturing division of Johnson & Johnson, where meeting a common due date for all the current week's production is critical. The lot-sizing heuristic is one component of a hierarchical dispatching policy in which lot sequencing dominates lot sizing. A sample problem is developed and modelled as a dynamic program in order to demonstrate the form of an optimal solution. Numerical tests are provided which compare the dynamic program policy, a derived heuristic and other controllers. The results indicate the possibility of closed feedback control as an efficient method for dispatching pans. A prototype controller which was developed based on the heuristic control policy is briefly described.
Electrothermal vaporization for sample introduction into a gas sampling glow discharge time-of-flight mass spectrometer

Abstract An electrothermal vaporizer (ETV) has been coupled with a helium-supported gas sampling glow discharge (GSGD) time-of-flight mass spectrometer (TOFMS) for the analysis of small volumes of aqueous solutions. Both the cation (metal) and anion (halide) could both be measured with this source owing to the high ionization potential of the discharge gas. Inorganic halides were transported more effectively than were the nitrate, sulfate, or acetate salts of copper and zinc. The transport efficiency of the non-halides was improved through the use of ammonium chloride and mineral acids as matrix modifiers. Detection limits (3σ) in the range of 5–120 pg and a linear dynamic range of three orders of magnitude were measured for six elements with the use of boxcar averagers. Precision was 3.8% R.S.D. for a series of 15 replicate injections of zinc chloride; isotope ratio precision (64Zn+/66Zn+) was 1.8% R.S.D. and limited by counting statistics. Comparable precision was obtained for measurement of both peak heights and integrated peak areas. Speciation of iron was accomplished by employing a modulated GSGD to sequentially collect atomic and molecular mass spectra. The different volatilities from the ETV permitted ferrocene to be temporally resolved from ferrous chloride.
Molecular dynamics simulations of friction in self-assembled monolayers

Molecular dynamics simulations were performed to study friction in self-assembled monolayers of alkanethiols on gold. The simulations yield a frictional force that is proportional to the applied load, consistent with Amontons' second law for macroscopic systems. It is further demonstrated that the chain length of the alkanethiols and the load under which the surfaces interact has an effect on the structure of the monolayer film during compression. The simulations suggest, however, that these changes in structure have little effect on the friction properties of the monolayer film. Also, the mode of energy dissipation in both this system and a system in which two monolayer films interact is examined.
Fast timing with bismuth germanate

Abstract The coupling of an Amperex 2312 photomultiplier to a 7.6 cm × 7.6 cm bismuth germanate (BGO) detector has yielded excellent time resolution for 0.5 MeV gamma-rays (1.40 ± 0.05 ns). Along with the excellent timing this photomultiplier has an energy resolution which is as good as that obtained with slower tubes.
New Species of Brasa from Hispaniola with Notes on Taxonomy and Distribution of the Genus (Homoptera: Cicadellidae: Agalliinae)

Two new species of the genus Brasa, B. dozieri and B. media, are described and illustrated. The identity of the type-species of Brasa, Macropsis rugicollis Dozier, is clarified, with a redescription and illustrations of the male genital characters. A key to species and distribution of the genus are also given.
Long-term spatial and structural dynamics in Acadian mixedwood stands managed under various silvicultural systems

Using inventory data from a long-term silviculture experiment in east-central Maine, spatial models were developed to analyze 28 years (1974–2002) of stand structural dynamics. Differences in spati...
Miscibility in polybenzimidazole/polyimide sulphone blends: a comparison of blends containing fluorinated and non-fluorinated polyimide sulphone

Abstract A comparison of miscibility is presented for blends containing a fluorinated and a non-fluorinated polyimide sulphone, of otherwise comparable structure, with polybenzimidazole [PBI, poly(2,2′-(m-phenylene)-5,5′-bibenzimidazole]. The miscibility behaviour was studied using Fourier transform infra-red (FTi.r.) spectroscopy and thermal analysis. The NH and CO absorbance regions in the FTi.r. spectra show that the fluorine-containing group in the hexafluoroisopropylidene-containing polyimide (PI1) decreases the miscibility of this polyimide with PBI, whereas the carbonyl group in the benzophenone moiety in the second polyimide (PI2) enhances miscibility. In blends with low PBI content, PI2 forms uniform hydrogen bonds with PBI, and the strength of the hydrogen bonding is maximized at a blend composition of 50 50 wt % . FTi.r. spectra of the blends were also obtained as a function of temperature. Above the glass transition temperature the PBI/PI2 blends contain two phases: pure PI2 (present in small amounts) and the predominant miscible phase. Analysis of the carbonyl band could be related to glass transition behaviour in the blend. Finally, an enhanced degradation of PI2 in the presence of PBI was observed and is discussed.
Elastic scattering and total cross sections

This report discusses concepts of elastic scattering and cross sections of proton-proton interactions. (LSP)
Scaffold proteins of MAP-kinase modules

Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) regulate critical signaling pathways involved in cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. Recent studies have shown that a novel class of scaffold proteins mediates the structural and functional organization of the three-tier MAPK module. By linking the MAP3K, MAP2K and MAPK into a multienzyme complex, these MAPK-specific scaffold proteins provide an insulated physical conduit through which signals from the respective MAPK can be transmitted to the appropriate spatiotemporal cellular loci. Scaffold proteins play a determinant role in modulating the signaling strength of their cognate MAPK module by regulating the signal amplitude and duration. The scaffold proteins themselves are finely regulated resulting in dynamic intra- and inter-molecular interactions that can modulate the signaling outputs of MAPK modules. This review focuses on defining the diverse mechanisms by which these scaffold proteins interact with their respective MAPK modules and the role of such interactions in the spatiotemporal organization as well as context-specific signaling of the different MAPK modules.
Environmentalism, Feminism, and Gender

Although social scientists have written much recently about environmentalism, feminism, and gender, insufficient systematic examination of their interrelations has been done. The lack of adequate research on links among these three concepts limits their usefulness for both grassroots mobilization efforts and general theory development. The present exploratory study surveys a college student sample (N = 393) clarifying the relationships between liberal environmentalism, gender, and feminism. Relationship between feminism and attitudes toward human use of the environment and between gender and environmental regulation are found suppressed by a relationship between feminism and environmentalism. Although tentative, these findings suggest new directions for the study of ecofeminism.
The German Health System: Lessons for Reform in the United States

My interest in the German health system sprang from experiences I had as a military physician in Germany from 1991 to 1994. As any first-time visitor to another country will report, I was surprised to find just how different things were from back home. Writing about Germany in particular was difficult because the system itself is in the throes of marked changes. I greatly appreciate Knuth and colleagues' update on how the system is currently structured, more recent figures on a number of parameters of their system, and clarification on several points from people who understand the system better than an auslander ever could.