cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nonlinear spectral mixture modeling to estimate water-ice abundance of martian regolith

Abstract We present a new technique to estimate the abundance of water-ice in the Martian permafrost using Phoenix Lander Surface Stereo Imager (SSI) multispectral data. Past work estimated this abundance by employing radiative transfer methods to model the spectra of ice and regolith mixtures using the optical constants of water-ice and a Martian-analogue soil. Our technique removed the uncertainty of using an analogue (or of estimating a regolith composition) by deriving the optical constants directly from observations of icy regolith acquired before and after sublimation of the ice at similar viewing geometries. Laboratory spectral measurements of known mixtures of water-ice and dry soil at controlled viewing geometries allowed us to constrain the uncertainty in our technique. We found that model fits across the observational uncertainty will contain the actual water-ice fraction. We then applied the technique to Phoenix SSI observations of Snow White Trench and Dodo-Goldilocks Trench. For the Snow White Trench, we estimated water-ice abundances consistent with pore-fill in the near-surface ice, consistent with atmospheric diffusion. For the Dodo-Goldilocks Trench, we estimate water-ice abundances larger than pore-fill would allow. These results have implications to our understanding of the history of water-ice on Mars and the role of the regolith at high latitudes as a reservoir of atmospheric H2O.
GENETICS OF HANSENULA WINGEI

ABSTRACT The development of a preliminary chromosome map of the sexually agglutinative yeast H. wingei is reported. Tetrad analysis of 13 genes indicated linkage of each gene to another gene or a centromere. A minimum number of 4 chromosomes is established corroborating cytological observations. KEYWORDS Cell recognition; complementary glycoproteins; sexual agglutination; sporulation; yeast genetics; chromosome mapping.
Evaluating the use of multiteam systems to manage the complexity of inpatient falls in rural hospitals.

Objective To evaluate the implementation and outcomes of evidence-based fall-risk-reduction processes when those processes are implemented using a multiteam system (MTS) structure. Data sources/study setting Fall-risk-reduction process and outcome measures from 16 small rural hospitals participating in a research demonstration and dissemination study from August 2012 to July 2014. Previously, these hospitals lacked a fall-event reporting system to drive improvement. Study design A one-group pretest-posttest embedded in a participatory research framework. We required hospitals to implement MTSs, which we supported by conducting education, developing an online toolkit, and establishing a fall-event reporting system. Data collection Hospitals used gap analyses to assess the presence of fall-risk-reduction processes at study beginning and their frequency and effectiveness at study end; they reported fall-event data throughout the study. Principal findings The extent to which hospitals implemented 21 processes to coordinate the fall-risk-reduction program and trained staff specifically about the program predicted unassisted and injurious fall rates during the end-of-study period (January 2014-July 2014). Bedside fall-risk-reduction processes were not significant predictors of these outcomes. Conclusions Multiteam systems that effectively coordinate fall-risk-reduction processes may improve the capacity of hospitals to manage the complex patient, environmental, and system factors that result in falls.
Characteristics and Consequences of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Pain among Cardiac Sonographers Compared with Peer Employees: A Multisite Cross-Sectional Study.

Background Work-related musculoskeletal pain (WRMSP) among cardiac sonographers has been incompletely studied. The aim of this study was to compare the frequency, magnitude, and impact of WRMSP among cardiac sonographers with those of a control group of peer employees. Methods An electronic survey was sent to cardiac sonographers and peer employees assigned to different occupational exposures within the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine at 10 Mayo Clinic facilities in four states. Results A total of 416 subjects completed the survey: 111 sonographers (27%) and 305 peer-employee control subjects (73%). The mean age was 43 ± 11 years, and 307 subjects (74%) were women. The sonographers' response rate was 86%. WRMSP was experienced by a large majority of sonographers (95 [86%] vs 140 [46%] for control subjects, P 5 on a 10-point scale; 62% vs 29%, P Conclusions WRMSP in cardiac sonographers is much more prevalent and severe compared with peer employees. WRMSP in sonographers affects daily and work-related activities, as well as future employment plans. Further studies assessing the potential role of preventive interventions are needed.
Pacemakers, Deep Brain Stimulators, Cochlear Implants, and Nerve Stimulators: A Review of Common Devices Encountered in the Dermatologic Surgery Patient.

BACKGROUND In dermatologic and procedural surgery settings, there are commonly encountered devices in patients. Safe surgical planning requires familiarity with these devices. OBJECTIVE To review the current implanted devices in patients and recommendations for surgical planning around these devices. METHODS AND MATERIALS A comprehensive review using PubMed and published device recommendations was performed, searching for those most relevant to dermatologic surgery. RESULTS Devices such as pacemakers and implantable cardiac defibrillators, deep brain stimulators, cochlear implants, and various nerve stimulators are potential devices that may be encountered in patients and specific recommendations exist for each of these devices. CONCLUSION Dermatologic surgeons' knowledge of implanted devices in patients is paramout to safe surgical procedures.
METHYLATION AND DEMETHYLATION IN THE BACTERIAL CHEMOTACTIC SYSTEM

ABSTRACT A novel type of protein modification, the reversible formation of carboxy methyl esters, is an essential feature of sensory transduction during bacterial chemotaxis. It has been demonstrated that methylation of glutamate residues in a class of membrane proteins in E. coli and S. typhimurium occurs during the chemotactic responses of these organisms. Physiological studies of the responses of cells in which this methylation reaction is blocked indicate that the methylation process plays a role in information processing and adaptation. The methylation reaction is catalyzed by a substrate-specific, SAM-dependent methyl transferase. The hydrolysis of the methyl esters is catalyzed by a protein methyl esterase. Both the methyl transferase and methyl esterase are found in the soluble fraction of extracts derived from wild type Salmonella or E. coli cells. Analysis of mutant strains indicate that the che R gene product of Salmonella ( che χ in E. coli ) is necessary for the expression of the methyl transferase activity. The methyl transferase activity is associated with the che χ gene product of Salmonella ( che B in E. coli ). The development of an in vitro methylation reaction as well as the isolation of mutants in all the components of the methylation system has allowed us to dissect the processes into its components. Thus, it was possible to correlate changes in the pattern of protein methylation with alterations in physiological behavior, and to relate these changes to the time course of the response.
Developing real-time sonification with optical motion capture to convey balance-related metrics to dancers

This paper presents initial efforts in developing and evaluating a system for real-time sonification of balance during dance and other dynamic real-world movements. The system uses marker-based motion capture to calculate multiple balance metrics, which are used to control the parameters of a sound-generating process. This allows dancers and choreographers to explore balance as a compositional element and has potential for specific applications to improve strategies for maintaining balance in clinical populations. Initial feasibility tests suggest that subjects engage in enjoyable explorations that cause them to move beyond their normal range of activities. These habit-breaking explorations point towards promising use of the sonification system as a choreographic tool for dancers.
Predictors and Clinical Outcomes of Vasoplegia in Patients Bridged to Heart Transplantation With Continuous-Flow Left Ventricular Assist Devices.

Background The presence of a durable left ventricular assist device (LVAD) is associated with increased risk of vasoplegia in the early postoperative period following heart transplantation (HT). Ho...
High Power Density Platinum Group Metal-free Cathodes for Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells

Low cost and high-performing platinum group metal-free (PGM-free) cathodes have the potential to transform the economics of polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC) commercialization. Significant advan...
Social Cognitive Theory and Accelerometer Assessed Physical Activity among Adolescents Living in Rural Appalachia

Background: Rates of PA are low among adolescents living in rural areas. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to measure 1 week of “free-living” PA via accelerometer among 9th- and 10th-grade stud...
Particle dispersion in a cleanroom – effects of pressurization, door opening and traffic flow

Air cleanliness is of particular importance in clean environments, as a small source of contamination can highly disturb the true function of space. One common-place approach is to establish a posi...
Manipulating cultured mammalian cells for mitosis research.

Abstract The study of mitosis has always relied on bulk-preparation biochemistry techniques ( Mazia & Dan, 1952 ), but very early on lent itself to living, single cell microscopic techniques ( Inoue, 1953 ; Taylor, 1959 ). Here we describe several of the methods used by our lab to study cell division in living cultured cells, including cold-induced mitotic arrest, cold-induced chromosome missegregation, same-cell live and fixed cell imaging, and microinjection of inactivating antibodies. We detail our imaging system based on an upright fluorescent microscope and spinning disk confocal, as well as the customized “HEKS” metal support slide imaging chambers.
The Accuracy and Usefulness of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network Evidence Blocks Affordability Rating.

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Guidelines’ Evidence Blocks has the broadest scope of the several oncology value assessment frameworks. The Evidence Blocks includes the Affordability criterion, which reflects the financial cost of each treatment on a 1–5 scale. The accuracy of Affordability is unknown. We calculated Medicare costs for all first-line and maintenance treatments for the 30 cancers with the highest incidence in the USA that had published NCCN Evidence Blocks as of 31 December 2018. We assessed the accuracy and consistency of Affordability across different treatments and cancer types. Among different treatments for the same indication, we determined the frequency with which the Affordability assessment was consistent with calculated treatment costs. There were a total of 1386 treatments in our sample. Lower Affordability scores were associated with higher costs. There was significant variation in cost at each level of Affordability; for treatments with Affordability = 1 (very expensive), costs ranged from $US4551 to $US43,794 per month for treatments administered over an undefined time period and from $US2865 to $US500,982 per course of therapy for treatments administered over a defined time period. Among treatments for the same indication, Affordability was discrepant with calculated treatment costs in 7.9% of pairwise comparisons, identifying the higher-cost treatment as being more affordable. Discrepancies were reduced when we reassigned Affordability scores based on calculated treatment costs. Evidence Blocks Affordability generally correlated with treatment costs but contained discrepancies, which may limit its usefulness to clinicians in comparing costs. This study suggests that the Affordability score may be improved by indexing more directly to specified dollar value thresholds.
Silver coated bioactive glass particles for wound healing applications

Bioactive glass particles (0.42SiO2–0.15CaO–0.23Na2O–0.20ZnO) of varying size (<90 μm and 425–850 μm) were synthesized and coated with silver (Ag) to produce Ag coated particles (PAg). These were compared against the uncoated analogous particles (Pcon.). Surface area analysis determined that Ag coating of the glass particles resulted in increased the surface area from 2.90 to 9.12 m2/g (90 μm) and 1.09–7.71 m2/g (425–850 μm). Scanning electron microscopy determined that the Ag coating remained at the surface and there was little diffusion through the bulk. Antibacterial (Escherichia coli—13 mm and Staphylococcus epidermidis—12 mm) and antifungal testing (Candida albicans—7.7 mm) determined that small Ag-coated glass particles exhibited the largest inhibition zones compared to uncoated particles. pH analysis determined an overall higher pH consider in the smaller particles, where after 24 h the large uncoated and Ag coated particles were 8.27 and 8.74 respectively, while the smaller uncoated and Ag coated particles attained pH values of 9.63 and 9.35 respectively.
Metagenomic Deep Sequencing to Investigate for an Infectious Etiology of Iridocorneal Endothelial Syndrome

Author(s): Sutra, Plern; Rose-Nussbaumer, Jennifer; Gonzales, John A; Wang, Kaidi; Hinterwirth, Armin; Seitzman, Gerami; Bloomer, Michele; Acharya, Nisha; Doan, Thuy | Abstract: PurposeIridocorneal endothelial (ICE) syndrome is a group of rare ocular conditions that result from abnormal corneal endothelial cells, leading to secondary glaucoma, iris distortions, and corneal edema. The etiology of ICE is unknown, although it has been associated with viral infections, such as herpes simplex virus. In this study, we sought to identify an infectious etiology for ICE using advanced molecular techniques.MethodsMetagenomic RNA sequencing (MDS) is a high-throughput sequencing approach that can identify all pathogens in any clinical sample, including RNA viruses. Descemet membrane and aqueous fluid from patients with ICE syndrome were subjected to MDS testing.ResultsSamples from 3 patients with ICE were analyzed. MDS was performed on the aqueous fluid of 3 patients and Descemet membrane and endothelial cell tissue from 1 patient. Viral pathogens were not identified in any of the samples.ConclusionsWe were unable to identify a viral etiology in the tissues of patients with the Chandler variant of ICE syndrome, although this study was limited by sample size.
FEL-klystron for prebunched ka-band emission

Preliminary analytical work has been performed on a low order prebunched FEL interaction, which exploits the narrow micropulse width of the beam produced by a linac compared to the wavelength of the generated wave. If the electrons are resonant with the FEL beat wave, then short electron micro-pulses will yield gain significantly higher than in the conventional FEL.
3D photolithography through light field projections

A methodology of 3D photolithography through light field projections with a microlens array (MLA) is proposed and demonstrated. With the MLA, light from a spatial light modulator (SLM) can be delivered to arbitrary positions, i.e., voxels, in a 3D space with a focusing scheme we developed. A mapping function between the voxel locations and the SLM pixel locations can be one-to-one determined by ray tracing. Based on a correct mapping function, computer-designed 3D virtual objects can be reconstructed in a 3D space through a SLM and a MLA. The projected 3D virtual object can then be optically compressed and delivered to a photoresist layer for 3D photolithography. With appropriate near-UV light, 3D microstructures can be constructed at different depths inside the photoresist layer. This 3D photolithography method can be useful in high-speed 3D patterning at arbitrary positions. We expect high-precision 3D patterning can also be achieved when a femtosecond light source and the associated multi-photon curing process is adopted in the proposed light field 3D projection/photolithography scheme. Multi-photon polymerization can prevent the unwilling patterning of regions along the optical path before arriving to the designed focal voxels as observed in our single photon demonstrations.
DeepER: A Deep Learning based Emergency Resolution Time Prediction System

Accurately predicting resolution time for emergency incidents is crucial for public safety and smooth functioning of cities as it helps in planning resources that will be available for immediate assistance. In this paper, we present DeepER, a deep learning based emergency resolution time prediction system that predicts future resolution times based on past data. DeepER is an encoder-decoder based sequence-to-sequence model that uses Recurrent Neural Networks (RNNs) as the neural network architecture. The basic cell in DeepER is a Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) cell. We perform experiments on the NYC Emergency Response Incidents data provided by NYC Open Data. We effectively preprocess the data to deal with uneven distribution of resolution times, outliers, and missing values. We compare the performance of the model with ARIMA and Linear Regression using two metrics— Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE) and Mean Absolute Error (MAE). DeepER achieves an average performance improvement of 3% and 16% with respect to RMSE and 10% and 27% with respect to MAE over ARIMA and Linear Regression, respectively.
Oral Health Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Among School Children in Abha-Saudi Arabia.

Oral health is a very critical component of individuals’ physical and psychological well-being. The present study aimed to investigate the dental health knowledge, attitude, and practice among scho...
Active Thermochemical Tables: the thermophysical and thermochemical properties of methyl, CH3, and methylene, CH2, corrected for nonrigid rotor and anharmonic oscillator effects

The thermophysical properties (isobaric heat capacity, entropy, enthalpy increment) of two prominent radicals, methyl, CH3, and methylene, CH2, were computed using the Nonrigid Rotor Anharmonic Osc...
Financial Conflicts of Interest and the Funding of New Orleans’s Criminal Courts

State and local government budget shortfalls have increased financial pressure on criminal courts. Many states are relying on fees and costs imposed on criminal defendants to help fund their criminal justice systems. This Comment highlights the constitutional and policy concerns raised by fines, fees, and costs in New Orleans’s adult criminal courts. New Orleans’s criminal courts are financially dependent on fines, fees, and costs (collectively “financial assessments”) imposed on criminal defendants to pay operating costs. This dependence creates a possible financial conflict of interest that violates defendants’ due process rights to impartial judges. This Comment provides several recommendations to reform the adult criminal court system’s funding structures, including abolishing judicial expense funds, separating court funding from financial assessments, consolidating the court system, and providing fee waivers for indigent defendants. These reforms would better protect citizens’ constitutional rights, preserve judicial independence, and improve local democracy and governance.
Integrity Tests for High-Tc and Conventional Critical-Current Measurement Systems

Critical-current measurement systems must be extremely sensitive to the small differential voltage that is present across the test specimen as it changes from the zero resistance state to the flux-flow resistance state. Consequently, these measurement systems are also sensitive to interfering voltages. Such voltages can be caused by ground loops and by common mode voltages. Specific methods for testing the sensitivity of critical-current measurement systems and for detecting the presence of interfering voltages are discussed. These include a simple procedure that simulates the zero resistance state and the use of an electronic circuit that simulates the flux-flow resistance state.
Kinase modulation of androgen receptor signaling: implications for prostate cancer

Androgens and androgen receptors play essential roles in the development and progression of prostate cancer, a disease that claims roughly 28,000 lives annually. In addition to androgen biding, androgen receptor activity can be regulated via several post-translational modifications such as ubiquitination, acetylation, phosphorylation, methylation & SUMO-ylation. Off these modifications, phosphorylation has been the most extensively studied. Modification by phosphorylation can alter androgen receptor localization, protein stability and transcriptional activity, ultimately leading to changes in the biology of cancer cells and cancer progression. Understanding, role of phosphorylated androgen receptor species holds the key to identifying a potential therapeutic drug target for patients with prostate cancer and castrate resistant prostate cancer. Here, we present a brief review of recently discovered protein kinases phosphorylating AR, focusing on the functional role of phosphorylated androgen receptor species in prostate cancer and castrate resistant prostate cancer.
On the probabilistic evaluation of indices for power system security assessment

In power system security assessment, security indices or approximate system performance (ASP) models are used to predict the system security. The authors develop performance curves based on probabilistic methods which indicate the effectiveness of the various security indices used in steady state security assessment. These curves give the probability of detecting insecurity as a function of false alarm probability, thus showing the tradeoff obtained when a particular security criterion is selected. These performance curves are used to illustrate the change in the effectiveness of the indices as the operating scenario and the uncertainties change. A 14 bus system is used to illustrate the probabilistic evaluation of the three scalar indices for predicting thermal limit violations. >
Spatial differences in fertility decline in Kenya: evidence from recent fertility surveys

Abstract Province level fertility and socioeconomic development indicators from the 1989 and 1993 Kenya Demographic and Health Surveys (KDHS) document the spatial pattern of Kenya’s recent fertility decline. Although the data suggest that substantial regional variations in fertility reduction exist, fertility reduction has been pervasive throughout the 1989–1993 period. More specifically, the 1989 and 1993 KDHS data indicate that low fertility levels characterize the Nairobi–Central Province core while high fertility levels characterize Coast, Rift Valley and Western Province. However, Western Province has experienced the greatest percentage reduction in fertility throughout the period suggesting that the regional gaps in fertility decline are closing. Persistent fertility decline has also occurred in rural and urban areas, and fertility limitation is supported by Kenyan males. Factors impacting continued fertility reduction efforts are identified.
Transcortin: a corticosteroid-binding protein of plasma. XII. Immunologic studies on transcortin in guinea-pig tissues.

Abstract Guinea-pig tissues were tested for the presence of macromolecules antigenically related to transcortin by the use of anti-guinea-pig transcortin rabbit sera. By counterimmunoelectrophoresis, transcortin was detected in liver homogenates in all fractions obtained by differential centrifugation at 700, 35,000 and 200,000 g . Transcortin was also detected by immunoelectrophoresis in sonified liver, uterus, and kidney, but not in adrenal or spleen; and also by radioimmunoassay, with the highest transcortin concentration being in liver, followed by uterus and kidney, and the lowest concentration in adrenal and spleen. By chromatography of the 27,000 g supernatants of sonified liver or uterus on sucrose density gradient, a progesterone-binding peak was obtained that was close to and ahead of the standard peak of bovine serum albumin and produced precipitin lines by counterimmunoelectrophoresis. The progesterone binder was selectively absorbed from a 27,000 g supernatant of sonified liver by a transcortin specific immunoadsorbant, as demonstrated by the disappearance of the precipitin line and by a large reduction of protein-bound progesterone, relative to a small loss of protein, which could be shown by chromatography on Sephadex G-25. The selective adsorption of bound progesterone from the 27,000 g supernatants of sonified liver, uterus, or kidney by a transcortin-specific immunoadsorbant was demonstrated by finding tritiated progesterone on the specific but not on the non-specific immuno-adsorbant. The experiments demonstrated that blanched guinea-pig liver and uterus contained transcortin, or transcortin-like molecules, in concentrations exceeding the concentrations that could be obtained from interstitial blood plasma alone.
Analyses of variation of fine material and broken kernels in grain

Abstract A method of analyzing the variation in the distribution of fine material and broken kernels in grain is proposed. Since a periodic distribution is highly unlikely, a systematic sampling plan is recommended. The application of χ 2 , degree of mixing, and the discrete Fourier transform for the analyses of the variation of grain mixtures has been tested. It has been found that the discrete Fourier transform power spectrum possesses more significant physical meaning than the variance itself.
Surgical management of hiatal hernia in children

Abstract Hiatal hernia should be included in the differential diagnosis of all children with emesis and failure to thrive, since early diagnosis is imperative to prevent the irreversible esophageal damage from long-standing peptic esophagitis. The Nissen fundoplication as described in this paper appears to be far superior to gastropexy in preventing recurrence of gastroesophageal reflux. Colon interposition should be reserved for those cases in which hiatal herniorrhaphy is technically impossible. Successful repair of the hiatal hernia results in rapid improvement in the nutritional status of these children.
On the linear approximation of gravity wave saturation in the mesosphere

Lindzen's model of gravity wave breaking is shown to be inconsistent with the process of convective adjustment and associated turbulent outbreak. The K-theory turbulent diffusion model used by Lindzen implies a spatially uniform turbulent field which is not in agreement with the fact that gravity wave saturation and the associated convection produce turbulence only in restricted zones. The Lindzen model may be corrected to some extent by taking the turbulent Prandtl number for a diffusion acting on the wave itself to be very large. The eddy diffusion coefficients computed by Lindzen then become a factor of 2 larger and eddy transports of heat and constituents by wave fields vanish to first order.
Plasma clonidine levels in hypertension.

Ten patients with essential hypertension were treated orally with clonidine, and the dose was titrated until the diastolic pressure fell below 90 mm Hg or at least 10 mm Hg below baseline, or until a maximum dose of clonidine of 1.2 mg/day was reached. After at least 2 wk on a constant dose of clonidine, the patients were hospitalized and blood pressure and plasma clonidine concentrations were measured by a highly specific and sensitive gas Chromatographic, electron-capture method (sensitivity as low as 0.1 ng clonidine/ml). There was good correlation between daily clonidine dose and plasma clonidine concentration. The average blood pressure reduction during 12 hr after clonidine correlated poorly with steady-state plasma levels of clonidine, but when the individual maximum decrease in mean blood pressure was paired with the corresponding peak plasma concentration of clonidine, the correlation was strong. Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics (1983) 34, 341–346; doi:10.1038/clpt.1983.177
The effects of aerobic interval training on the left ventricular morphology and function of VLCAD-deficient mice

This study examined the effect of aerobic interval training on cardiac adaptations in VLCAD-deficient mice and determined the effects of the deficiency on the morphology and function of the left ventricle among 53 knockout homozygous VLCAD−/−, 28 heterozygous VLCAD±, and 39 controls VLCAD+/+ male mice (129 SvJ/C57BL6). Echocardiographic images were used to determine the left ventricular (LV) wall thicknesses, during systole and diastole, acquired at a depth setting of 20 mm. Cardiac hypertrophy (as evidenced by increased wall thickness, and decreased left ventricular dimension in diastole and systole) appeared to be a major finding in the VLCAD−/− mouse with, however, normal %FS. The trained mice from all three genotypes exhibited lower body weight compared with their controls. The echocardiographic data of this study demonstrated structural but not functional differences among the three genotypes. This study demonstrated that VLCAD± deficient mice handled interval training similarly to the non-deficient mice. Four VLCAD−/− deficient mice died unexpectedly on the treadmill during the early stages of training. The VLCAD−/− deficient mice that survived adapted to the aerobic interval training similarly to the non-deficient mice. It is unclear whether aerobic interval training is an appropriate training tool for the VLCAD-deficient humans.
An analytical model of the hydraulic aspects of stomatal dynamics.

Abstract An analytical model of the hydraulic aspects of stomatal dynamics is formulated in this paper. The model consists of a coupled system of non-linear, ordinary differential equations, written in terms of water potentials, hydrostatic pressures, osmotic potentials, water vapor resistances and water fluxes. The model is validated by comparisons with the experimental literature. Numerical solutions of the model show qualitative agreement with most known stomatal responses. Stomatal opening in the model is dependent on the interaction of the guard and subsidiary cells in the following manner. Pore opening is initiated by a rise in the guard cell hydrostatic pressure. As the stomate opens, transpiration increases, causing the cell wall water potential to drop. The drop in cell wall water potential then causes the subsidiary cell pressure to drop, opening is accelerated, and the stomate literally “pops” open. Simulated opening proceeds in two distinct phases: a stress phase and a motor phase. During the stress phase, guard cell pressure rises but the pore remains closed. The motor phase commences when the guard cell pressure has risen sufficiently to initiate pore opening, beyond which point opening progresses rapidly. Hydropassive stomatal movements are found to be insufficient to regulate water loss at low leaf water potentials. Stable, hydraulically-based oscillations in stomatal aperture are shown in the model by the existence of a stable limit cycle. The period of these oscillations is strongly influenced by the cell membrane hydraulic conductivity. An increased conductivity results in a shorter period oscillation. Environmental conditions promoting oscillatory behavior are in qualitative agreement with the experimental literature.
Composition operators and a pull-back measure formula

A pull-back measure formula obtained in some particular cases by E. A. Nordgren and this author is generalized in the framework of boundary measures for zero-free Nevanlinna class fuctions on the unit polydisk. The formula is used to characterize the zero-free Nevanlinna class functions which are solutions of Schroder's equation induced by a polydisk automorphism ϕ (i.e. to determine the zero-free functionsf belonging to the Nevanlinna class which are solutions of the functional equationf ° π=λf, for some constant λ), thus generalizing earlier results obtained by R. Mortini and this author.
The effects of contact angle on two-phase flow in capillary tubes

Abstract A two-phase gas—liquid flow was studied in small diameter (1.6 mm i.d.) horizontal tubes. Adiabatic flow of air-water mixtures was tested over a range of flow rates, 1000:1 for air and 600:1 for water. Flow maps were established for four systems with different contact angles. Each system contained the same fluids (air and water) and had the same tube diameter, however, the tube material was different for each system. The four tube materials were pyrex, polyethylene, polyurethane and FEP, a fluoropolymer resin. Three of the contact angles, measured on a flat sample of each tube material, were partially wetting (34° 61° and 74°) and one was partially non-wetting (106°). The flow maps for the systems were very similar except for a region of rivulet flow. Rivulet flow is a new flow regime that replaces wavy flow when the contact angle becomes large. On the other hand, the transition boundaries for the non-wetting system, except for the plug—slug transition, were significantly changed.
Correlative Whole-Body FDG-PET and Intraoperative Gamma Detection of FDG Distribution in Colorectal Cancer.

Abstract Purpose: 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) is the superior imaging modality for detection of primary and recurrent colorectal cancer compared to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computerized tomography (CT). We investigated the feasibility of developing intraoperative procedures for detection of FDG in tumor deposits in order to assist the surgeon in achieving an optimal reduction of tumor burden. Procedures: Fourteen patients (45–83 years of age) were scanned using FDG-PET followed by Gamma Detection Probe evaluation at laparotomy. One patient did not have a pre-operative FDG-PET scan. The collimated detector probe contained a CdZnTe crystal (7mm diameter × 2mm thick). We used a lower window setting of 200 KeV and an open upper window setting. Fasted patients were given an IV bolus of FDG (4.0–5.7 mCi) 15–20 minutes prior to preparation for surgery. Catheterization and the diuretic Lasix were used to remove FDG activity from the bladder. The time from FDG injection to intraoperative GDP data acquisition varied from 58–110 minutes. Results: In all patients, the GDP detected background activity in normal tissues (aorta, colon, liver, kidney, abdominal wall, mesentery, and urinary bladder). The GDP correctly identified single or multiple tumor foci in 13/14 patients as noted by an audible signal from the control unit (3 S.D. above counts obtained from normal tissues). These tumor foci corresponded to regions of high FDG uptake as seen on FDG-PET scans. The one case that the GDP did not localize was a recurrent mucin pseudomyxoma-producing tumor (acellular, mucinous deposits). Ex vivo GDP evaluations demonstrated significant tumor:normal adjacent tissue activity (audible signals in 6/6 tumor samples tested). Conclusions: These data demonstrate that tumors identified from pre-operative whole-body PET scans can be localized during surgery utilizing a gamma probe detector and FDG.
Cerebral bypasses for complex aneurysms and tumors: long-term results and graft management strategies.

BACKGROUND Various techniques of cerebral bypasses are used to treat aneurysms and tumors. OBJECTIVE To study long-term clinical and radiological outcome of various bypass types and to analyze techniques used in the management of long-term graft problems. METHODS A consecutive series of patients who underwent revascularization during a 5-year period were analyzed for indications, graft patency, and neurological outcomes. Potential risk factors for bypass problems and the management of bypass stenosis were studied. RESULTS A total of 80 patients (69 with aneurysms and 11 with tumors) underwent 88 bypasses (59 extracranial-to-intracranial [EC-IC] bypasses [10 low flow, 49 high flow], 9 intracranial-to-intracranial [IC-IC] bypasses [3 long, 6 short], and 20 local bypasses), with mean radiological follow-up of 32 months (range, 1-53 months). At late follow-up, 5 of 9 (56%) IC-IC (5 short, 0 long grafts), 8 of 9 (90%) EC-IC low-flow, 44 of 48 (92%) EC-IC high-flow, and all local bypasses were patent. Four patients with EC-IC high-flow bypass occlusions were asymptomatic, but transient ischemic attacks were noted in 3 of 6 patients with graft stenosis. None of the risk factors evaluated were significantly predictive of EC-IC graft occlusions or stenosis. EC-IC HF graft stenoses were permanently corrected by microsurgery (n = 4) or endovascular surgery (n = 1). CONCLUSION The EC-IC and local bypasses have higher long-term patency rates (91% and 100%) compared with IC-IC bypasses (66%, 0% long graft). Some EC-IC bypasses may occlude asymptomatically (9%) or develop graft stenosis (13%) over the long term. Microsurgical and endovascular surgical techniques have been developed to treat graft stenosis.
Local verification of global integrity constraints in distributed databases

We present an optimization for integrity constraint verification in distributed databases. The optimization allows a global constraint, i.e. a constraint spanning multiple databases, to be verified by accessing data at a single database, eliminating the cost of accessing remote data. The optimization is based on an algorithm that takes as input a global constraint and data to be inserted into a local database. The algorithm produces a local condition such that if the local data satisfies this condition then, based on the previous satisfaction of the global constraint, the global constraint is still satisfied. If the local data does not satisfy the condition, then a conventional global verification procedure is required.
Active and Passive Learning in Agent-based Financial Markets

This short note compares and contrasts two forms of learning which are present in most agent-based financial markets. First, passive learning refers to a form of “as if rationality” where wealth accumulates on strategies which have done relatively well. Second active learning refers to the active switching of agents across strategies. Most heterogeneous agent markets contain some form of both these types of learning. From what we know so far the dynamics of each may be quite different, and may yield a rich and complex joint dynamic.
Adaptation to curvature: Eye movements or neural curvature analyzers?

Three experiments were conducted in an attempt to discriminate between an eye-movement theory and a neural curvature analyzer theory of visual adaptation to curvature. Ninety university students served as subjects and were required to inspect stimulus lines presented as (a) curved line pairs, (b) single curved lines, (c) curved line stereograms portraying curved lines concave up, to the right, or toward the subject, or (d) random-dot stereograms portraying curved lines concave up, to the right, or toward the subject. The results of the first two experiments indicate that subjects can readily adapt to the curvature in pairs of lines of opposite curvature presented in different parts of the same or opposite retinas. These results contradict the eye-movement theory of adaptation to curvature. In the third experiment, adaptation to curvature was recorded for curved lines presented as line stereograms and random-dot stereograms. It was concluded that presently the neural curvature analyzer theory of adaptation to curvature best explains the results of these three experiments.
1475 LIPID CLEARING IN PREMATURE INFANTS: LECITHIN-CHOLESTEROL ACYL TRANSFERASE ACTIVITY

Lipoprotein-X, a low density lipoprotein containing lecithin and free cholesterol, appears in the circulation of infants maintained on total parenteral nutrition within 16 hrs of Intralipid infusion, suggesting that the clearing mechanism of lecithin (present in Intralipid) is not well developed at birth. We have therefore quantitated the activity of the key enzyme in lecithin catabolism, lecithin-cholesterol acyl trasferase (LCAT) in cord blood of 173 infants. LCAT activity, measured by transesterification of 3H-fatty acid from lecithin to cholesterol, is expressed in nmol cholesterol esterified/ml serum/hr. Cord blood levels of cholesterol, lecithin and triglycerides were also measured. LGAT levels were significantly (p 0.001) lower in newborns than in adults: 43±10, 54±19. 101±29 and 290±36 (Mean+SEM) at 24-30(n=19), 31-35(n = 17), 36-40(n = 137) wks gestation and in adults (n=7), respectively. Cord blood cholesterol, lecithin and triglyceride levels were similar at all gestational ages. We conclude that the clearing of lecithin is inefficient at birth and that preterm infants have a higher incidence of hyperlipemia due to low LCAT activity. (Supported by NIH grant HD-15631).
Games, computer science, and education

Games and computer science are kindred spirits. Both start with a few simple components and rules, from which are built towering structures of majestic complexity. The programmer and the player of ...
Pachymetric mapping with Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography.

Purpose To evaluate the repeatability of Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) pachymetric mapping and compare central corneal thickness (CCT) measurements by OCT, ultrasound pachymetry, and scanning-slit tomography. Setting Doheny Eye Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA. Methods A Fourier-domain OCT system was used to map the corneal thickness in normal eyes with scans centered on the corneal vertex or the pupil. Repeatability of central and pericentral map sectors was assessed by pooled standard deviation. The CCT measurements were compared between the OCT, ultrasound, and scanning-slit devices. Results Pupil centration (SD: 1.3 μm central, 1.8 to 3.8 μm pericentral) provided better repeatability than vertex centration (SD: 1.7 μm central, 2.4 to 5.7 μm pericentral) in all sectors ( P P = .007; mean difference −19.7 μm; 95% limits of agreement [LoA], −40.4 to 0.9 μm) but not than by scanning-slit tomography ( P = .2637; mean difference −0.3 μm; 95% LoA, −24.0 to 23.5 μm). The CCT by OCT correlated well with ultrasound and scanning-slit CCTs ( r = 0.940 and r = 0.934, respectively). Conclusion Pachymetric mapping with Fourier-domain OCT was highly repeatable. Repeatability was better with pupil-centered scans than with corneal vertex–centered scans. Ultrasound pachymetry, Fourier-domain OCT, and scanning-slit tomography should not be used interchangeably for CCT assessment. Financial Disclosure No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned. Additional disclosures are found in the footnotes.
On the least-squares conjugate-gradient solution of the finite element approximation of Burgers' equation

Abstract A finite element approximation of the two-dimensional steady Burgers' equation is presented and a conjugate gradient approach is taken to solve the resulting finite element equations. The scheme is computationally efficient and is relatively easy to implement. An optimal error bound is established and a set of test problems with known analytic solutions is given to demonstrate the efficiency of the method.
Vasopressin innervation of the mouse (Mus musculus) brain and spinal cord

The neuropeptide vasopressin (AVP) has been implicated in the regulation of numerous physiological and behavioral processes. Although mice have become an important model for studying this regulation, there is no comprehensive description of AVP distribution in the mouse brain and spinal cord. With C57BL/6 mice, we used immunohistochemistry to corroborate the location of AVP-containing cells and to define the location of AVP-containing fibers throughout the mouse central nervous system. We describe AVP-immunoreactive (-ir) fibers in midbrain, hindbrain, and spinal cord areas, which have not previously been reported in mice, including innervation of the ventral tegmental area, dorsal and median raphe, lateral and medial parabrachial, solitary, ventrolateral periaqueductal gray, and interfascicular nuclei. We also provide a detailed description of AVP-ir innervation in heterogenous regions such as the amygdala, bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, and ventral forebrain. In general, our results suggest that, compared with other species, the mouse has a particularly robust and widespread distribution of AVP-ir fibers, which, as in other species, originates from a number of different cell groups in the telencephalon and diencephalon. Our data also highlight the robust nature of AVP innervation in specific regulatory nuclei, such as the ventral tegmental area and dorsal raphe nucleus among others, that are implicated in the regulation of many behaviors.
The Intrinsic Dynamics and Function of Nickel-Binding Regulatory Protein: Insights from Elastic Network Analysis

Nickel-responsive protein NikR regulates the nickel uptake in nickel-dependent bacteria by interacting with the operator of nikABCDE and subsequently repressing the transcription of NikABCDE, an ABC-type nickel transporter system. The function of NikR and its affinity for the operator DNA is highly conformation-dependent, which has been confirmed by three independent crystallographic studies on NikR proteins from different bacteria. Depending on the intracellular nickel concentration, NikR is able to adopt either the open form or one of the two closed forms (cis and trans) that differ in the domain-domain arrangement. Only the closed cis form is optimal for DNA binding. We examined the low-resolution vibrational spectrum of NikR in each conformational form using the elastic network model and observed large-scale domain-domain vibrations that are closely related to the conformational transitions required for function, particularly the symmetric bending mode and the asymmetric twisting mode. This analysis on the intrinsic dynamics coded in the three-dimensional molecular construct allows us to examine the proposed mechanisms of NikR regulation from the standpoint of protein collective motions. Our findings further support the three-state equilibrium hypothesis proposed by others, and imply that an isolated closed cis form may be dynamically unstable but can be stabilized by DNA binding. However, we also found that the simple Cα-model used in the current analysis is insufficient to capture the impact of nickel binding on the protein dynamics, for which an all-atom model with detailed atom typing is more appropriate.
Advances in the Use of Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum)

Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) is an herbal supplement used to treat liver and biliary disorders. Silymarin, a mixture of flavanoid complexes, is the active component that protects liver and kidney cells from toxic effects of drugs, including chemotherapy. Although milk thistle has not significantly altered the course of chronic liver disease, it has reduced liver enzyme levels and demonstrated anti-inflammatory and T cell-modulating effects. There is strong preclinical evidence for silymarin's hepatoprotective and anticarcinogenic effects, including inhibition of cancer cell growth in human prostate, skin, breast, and cervical cells. Milk thistle is considered safe and well-tolerated, with gastrointestinal upset, a mild laxative effect, and rare allergic reaction being the only adverse events reported when taken within the recommended dose range. More clinical trials of rigorous methodology, using standardized and well-defined products and dosages, are needed to evaluate the potential of silymarin against liver toxicity, chronic liver disease, and human cancers.