cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
SEAD: Towards A Social-Media-Driven Energy-Aware Drone Sensing Framework

Autonomous unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have become an important tool for efficient disaster response. Despite the virtues of UAVs in disaster response applications, various limitations (e.g., requiring manual input, finite battery life) hinder their mass adoption. In contrast, social sensing is emerging as a new sensing paradigm that utilizes signals provided by "human sensors" to gather awareness of the events occurring in the physical world. Despite being inherently broader in scope, a shortcoming of social sensing is the reliability of the sensing data that are contributed by humans. In this paper, we introduce the concept of jointly exploiting the reliability of drones and the scope of social sensing to efficiently uncover the truthful events during disasters. However, such a tight integration of social and physical sensing introduces several technical challenges. The first challenge is satisfying the conflicting objectives of event coverage of the application and energy conservation of drones. The second challenge is adapting to the dynamics of the physical world and social media. In this paper, we present a Social-media-driven Energy-Aware Drone (SEAD) sensing framework to address the above challenges. In particular, we develop a reinforcement learning-based drone dispatching scheme that adapts to the physical and social environments and launches an appropriate proportion of drones for event exploration. We further utilize a bottom-up game-theoretic task allocation approach to guide drones effectively to the event locations. The evaluation with a real-world disaster case study show that SEAD noticeably outperforms state-of-the-art baselines in terms of detection effectiveness and energy efficiency.
In situ and transcriptomic identification of synapse-associated microglia in the developing zebrafish brain

Summary Microglia are brain resident macrophages that play vital roles in central nervous system (CNS) development, homeostasis, and pathology. Microglia both remodel synapses and engulf apoptotic cell corpses during development, but whether unique molecular programs regulate these distinct phagocytic functions is unknown. Here we identify a molecularly distinct synapse-associated microglial subset in the zebrafish (Danio rerio). We found that ramified microglia populated synapse-rich regions of the midbrain and hindbrain between 7 and 28 days post fertilization. In contrast, microglia in the optic tectum were ameboid and clustered around neurogenic zones. Using single-cell mRNA sequencing combined with metadata from regional bulk sequencing, we identified synapse-associated microglia (SAMs) that were highly enriched in the hindbrain, expressed known synapse modulating genes as well as novel candidates, and engulfed synaptic proteins. In contrast, neurogenic-associated microglia (NAMs) were enriched in optic tectum, had active cathepsin activity, and preferentially engulfed neuronal corpses. These data yielded a functionally annotated atlas of zebrafish microglia (https://www.annamolofskylab.org/microglia-sequencing). Furthermore, they reveal that molecularly distinct phagocytic programs mediate synaptic remodeling and cell engulfment, and establish zebrafish hindbrain as a model circuit for investigating microglial-synapse interactions.
Folding non-homologous proteins by coupling deep-learning contact maps with I-TASSER assembly simulations

Structure prediction for proteins lacking homologous templates in the Protein Data Bank (PDB) remains a significant unsolved problem. We developed a protocol, C-I-TASSER, to integrate interresidue contact maps from deep neural-network learning with the cutting-edge I-TASSER fragment assembly simulations. Large-scale benchmark tests showed that C-I-TASSER can fold more than twice the number of non-homologous proteins than the I-TASSER, which does not use contacts. When applied to a folding experiment on 8,266 unsolved Pfam families, C-I-TASSER successfully folded 4,162 domain families, including 504 folds that are not found in the PDB. Furthermore, it created correct folds for 85% of proteins in the SARS-CoV-2 genome, despite the quick mutation rate of the virus and sparse sequence profiles. The results demonstrated the critical importance of coupling whole-genome and metagenome-based evolutionary information with optimal structure assembly simulations for solving the problem of non-homologous protein structure prediction.
A Bibliometric Analysis of Cyclophosphamide, Methotrexate, and Fluorouracil Breast Cancer Treatments: Implication for the Role of Inflammation in Cognitive Dysfunction

Inflammation is considered one of the possible mechanisms behind long-term cognitive dysfunction persistent after chemotherapy treatment. The chemotherapy combination of cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, and fluorouracil (CMF) was one of the older methods of treating breast cancer patients. Decades later, these patients still report experiencing cognitive side effects. In this present bibliometric review, we applied the VOSviewer tool to describe the existing landscape on literature concerning inflammation as it relates to CMF and cognitive dysfunctions. As time progressed, we saw an increase in interest in the topic. By the mid-2010s there were approximately 1,000 publications per year. Terms related to the brain and CNS did not appear until the later years, and terms related to inflammation and breast cancer were very prevalent throughout the three decades. Also, in more recent years, inflammatory markers and plant-derived compounds used to alleviate side effects of the inflammatory response appeared in the search results. The USA remained the most prolific producer of CMF-, inflammation-, and cognitive dysfunction-related papers throughout the three decades followed by Asia and Europe. As research of cognitive dysfunction caused by inflammation due to chemotherapy treatment progresses, more opportunities emerge for therapeutic methods to improve the quality of life for long-term survivors.
Anesthesia for Pediatric Urology

Many urogenital conditions are unique to children. An overview of some of the conditions that necessitate a carefully considered anesthetic approach with techniques to anticipate and prevent complications is discussed.
Berkeley's Epistemic Ontology: The Principles

Since the Mind, in all its Thoughts and Reasonings, hath no other immediate Object but its own Ideas, which it alone does or can contemplate, it is evident, that our Knowledge is only conversant about them. (Locke, Essay 4.1.1) Berkeley's Principles is a curious work. The nominal topic is epistemic. The actual topic is ontological. And it is not uncommon to suggest that ‘Berkeley's System presents us with unique puzzles, particularly at its foundation.’ If, as many commentators suggest, Berkeley's principal arguments for idealism are weak, this might suggest that we are approaching his works from a set of assumptions Berkeley did not share. In this paper I explore such a possibility.
Feedforward Control Techniques to Achieve Fast Settling Time in Robots

Robots experience vibration problems when commanded to perform rapid motions which excite system resonances. To reduce the time required to arrive and stop at the commanded position, both move time and settling time must be reduced. The control scheme presented in this paper is designed to achieve these objectives using a modified state-variable feedback controller. The conventional controller is modified with the addition of a suitably-shaped feedforward forcing function which is designed to minimize both move time and residual vibration amplitudes. This modified control system is described and performance evaluations are presented on a typical flexible dynamic system.
The Failed Attempt to Move the Emperor to Yamaguchi and the Fall of the Ōuchi

This article seeks to explain the sudden fall of the Ōuchi in 1551. It argues that the Ōuchi, the lords of the West, were established as a powerful force in sixteenth-century Japan, and that their home city of Yamaguchi reflected their wider influence and prosperity. In 1551, however, this came to a sudden end with the suicide of Ōuchi Yoshitaka and the swift fall of the family. This development, which has never been properly explained, stems from an ambitious but ultimately unsuccessful attempt to move the emperor to Yamaguchi, and thereby transform the city into Japan’s new capital. Opposition from rival warriors, courtiers, and some members of the Ōuchi organization led to the overthrow and death of Yoshitaka, along with the slaughter of all the courtiers who had traveled to Yamaguchi. The resultant turmoil coupled with the death of most of the key participants caused this epochal event to have been largely forgotten.
Iterative image fusion technique using fuzzy and neuro fuzzy logic and applications

Image fusion has attracted a widespread attention owing to applications in medical imaging, automotive and remote sensing. Image fusion deals with integrating data obtained from different sources of information for intelligent systems. Image fusion provides output as a single image from a set of input images obtained from different sources or techniques. Different approaches in image fusion provide different type of results for different applications. Fuzzy and neuro-fuzzy algorithms have already been proposed for image fusion process. The work here further explores the image fusion technique in iterative fashion using fuzzy and neuro fuzzy approach. We found this technique very useful in medical imaging and other areas, where quality of image is more important than the real time application. The work is supplemented by algorithms, its simulation and qualitative analysis using entropy.
Effect of temperature differentials upon reconstitution of embryonic primordia in Ambystoma

Eggs of Ambystoma maculatum in early stages of development were separated into two groups and maintained at 5 and 14 °C, respectively. In one series of animals comprising both temperature groups, the right otic vesicle was extirpated at stage 27. In another series the right forelimb disc was extirpated at stage 30. Following operation, animals of both groups were kept at 18 °C. Frequency and extent of reconstitution were compared between the two temperature groups. The 5° group was superior to the 14° group in the number of ears and forelimbs reconstituted. The extent of ear reconstitution and the initial quality of forelimb reconstitution were also superior in the 5° group. Statistical analysis of the data indicates that the difference between the two temperature groups is highly significant in both series. It is concluded that a slower pre-operative rate of development, caused by hypothermia, enhances the regenerative capacity of both ear and forelimb fields in the salamander embryo.
Monometallic and bimetallic europium(III) and terbium(III) complexes: Synthesis and luminescent properties

Abstract Eight new lanthanide complexes of the form Ln(L) 3 bipy and [Ln(L) 3 ] 2 bpm were synthesized (where L = 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-3,5-heptanedione (tmh) and 1,1,1-trifluoro-5,5-dimethyl-2,4-hexanedione (tdh), bipy = 2,2′-bipyridine, bpm = 2,2′-bipyrimidine and Ln = Tb(III) or Eu(III)). The luminescent spectra are typical of Tb(III) and Eu(III) complexes with intense transitions at 545 nm for Tb(III) and 612 nm for the Eu(III) complexes. Energy gaps between the tmh ∗ orbitals and the 0 D J manifold of Eu(III) are too large to give efficient energy transfer therefore emission spectra for Eu(tmh) 3 bipy and [Eu(tmh) 3 ] 2 bpm were not detected. Lifetimes are greatest for the Tb(III) complexes containing tmh terminal ligands while the longest lifetimes for the Eu(III) complexes occur with the tdh terminal ligands.
Phosphorus-Nitrogen Compounds Incorporating Transition Metals

Abstract The use of deprotonation-substitution reactions on poly(alkyl/arylphosphazenes) for the preparation of new types of poly(phosphazenes) is summarized. Emphasis is placed on those with metal-containing side groups. The coordination of lithium and silver tetrafluoroborate to the backbone of [Me(Ph)PN]n and [Me2PN]n is also discussed. In the second part of this paper, the synthesis and characterization of new types of the μ-phosphorus-bridged diiron compounds are reviewed. Many of these incorporate amino and silylamino substituents and are derived from the reactions of low-coordinate P-N compounds with the diiron ion, [(μ-CO)(μ-S-t-Bu)Fe2(CO)6]−.
Sulfur-Functionalization of Porous Silica Particles and Application to Mercury Vapor Sorption.

Silanol (SiOH) groups on silica particle surfaces undergo silylation reactions with organosilane molecules to give functionalized particles, which are used in many applications. The determination of the extent of this reaction is important for proper design of functionalized materials, depending upon the application. Two types of porous silica particles (206 and 484 m2 g−1; 9.6 and 2.9 nm average pore diameter, respectively), and colloidal silica (Ludox) with a nonporous base particle of 22 nm diameter, were functionalized with sulfur-containing silanes, 3-mercaptopropyl trimethoxy silane (MPTMS), and bis[3-(triethoxysilyl) propyl]-tetrasulfide (S4). Maximum extent of functionalization was determined with S4 using Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and total S analysis. For the two types of porous silica particles, FTIR indicated that 54 and 17% of the silanol groups were functionalized with S4, and TGA indicated that the functionalized particles were 12 and ...
Zonal Momentum Budget of the Madden–Julian Oscillation: The Source and Strength of Equivalent Linear Damping

Abstract Linear, dissipative models with resting base states are sometimes used in theoretical studies of the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO). Linear mechanical damping in such models ranges from nonexistent to strong, since an observational basis for its source and strength has been lacking. This study examines the zonal momentum budget of a composite MJO over the equatorial western Pacific region, constructed using filtering and regression techniques from 15 yr (1979–93) of daily global reanalysis data. Two different reanalyses (NCEP–NCAR and ERA-15) give qualitatively similar results for all major terms, including the budget residual, whose structure is consistent with its interpretation as eddy momentum flux convergence (EMFC) in convection. The results show that the MJO is a highly viscous oscillation, with a 3–5-day equivalent linear damping time scale, in the upper as well as lower troposphere. Upper-level damping is mainly in the form of large-scale advection terms, which are linear in MJO amplitu...
Glucose catabolism and anthocyanin production in apple fruit

Abstract The catabolism of glucose via the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) has been associated with anthocyanin production in apple fruit. Chemical diversion of carbon flow into this pathway was attempted and the effect on anthocyanin synthesis assessed, using isolated discs of epidermal fruit tissue. Malonate increased PPP activity, but did not increase anthocyanin production. Alar neither increased PPP activity nor anthocyanin production. Inhibiting Krebs cycle activity does not necessarily enhance anthocyanin production in vitro . Sodium chloride, however, stimulated PPP activity and increased anthocyanin content by 53%. A possible mechanism for the salt effect is discussed.
Processivity of DNA polymerases: two mechanisms, one goal

Replicative DNA polymerases are highly processive enzymes that polymerize thousands of nucleotides without dissociating from the DNA template. The recently determined structure of the Escherichia coli bacteriophage T7 DNA polymerase suggests a unique mechanism that underlies processivity, and this mechanism may generalize to other replicative polymerases.
Variation in Walleye Abundance with Lake Size and Recruitment Source

Abstract We quantified the relationship between lake size and abundance of walleyes Stizostedion vitreum at two life stages, age 0 and adult, in 172 northern Wisconsin lakes. We also determined if the relationship varied with recruitment source (stocked or natural) in order to evaluate the current system of management. For adult walleyes, as estimated by mark–recapture in spring, abundance was linearly related to lake surface area. Age-0 walleye abundance estimated by fall electrofishing catch was also linearly related to the miles of shoreline surveyed. Lake surface area explained 59% of the variability in adult walleye abundance across lakes ranging in size from 93 to 15,300 acres. Lake surface area explained 61% of the variation in abundance of self-sustaining walleye populations and 65% of stocked populations. Walleye abundance was higher in lakes sustained by natural reproduction than in lakes sustained by stocking. These patterns in abundance based on recruitment source were also apparent at age 0. ...
Dislocation cross-slip controlled creep in Zircaloy-4 at high stresses

Abstract Uniaxial creep tests were performed on Zircaloy-4 sheet in the temperature range of 500–600 °C at high stresses (>10−3E), to uncover the rate-controlling mechanism. A stress exponent of 9.3–11 and a stress-dependent activation energy in the range of 220–242 kJ/mol were obtained from the steady state creep data. TEM analyses revealed an extensive presence of hexagonal screw dislocation network on the basal planes indicating recovery of screw dislocations by cross-slip to be the dominant mechanism. The creep data was therefore analyzed in the light of Friedel׳s cross slip model for HCP metals according to which the stress-dependency of the activation energy determined from the creep data was written in the form, U = ( 150 ± 4 ) + ( 2236 ± 124 τ ) kJ / mol The constriction energy of screw dislocations of 150 kJ/mol is in agreement with the values reported in the literature for zirconium and other HCP metals. Further analysis of the yield strength and the activation volume data obtained from stress relaxation tests in the temperature range 500–600 °C favors cross-slip of screw dislocations as the rate controlling mechanism over the test conditions.
Effect of bryophytes on survival of conifer seedlings in subalpine forests of central Japan

Bryophytes form the major seedbed for coniferous trees in the subalpine forests of central Japan. Field experiments were conducted on the floor of a closed stand dominated byTsuga on Mt Fuji to examine the seedling survival ofAbies veitchii andTsuga diversifolia in seven substrate types in relation to the morphological characteristics of the seeds and seedlings. NeitherAbies norTsuga seedlings could survive on dwarf-bamboo litter beyond 2 years after the seed rain.Abies seedlings survived not only in all types of bryophyte communities but also in larch litter. In contrast, the survival ofTsuga seedlings was restricted to communities of smaller-statured bryophytes found on logs. The seeds and 1st year seedlings ofA. veitchii were larger than those ofT. diversifolia. Abies seedlings produced hypocotyls taller than any bryophyte community and radicles which were long enough to penetrate into the moist humus layer, whereasTsuga seedling radicles presumably penetrate into humus only in bryophyte communities forming a thin mat on logs. The effect of bryophytes on survival of tree seedlings therefore depends on the relationships between the morphology of seeds and seedlings and the structure of bryophyte communities.
Impact of the collaboratives for excellence in teacher preparation program

This study investigated the national impact of the Collaboratives for Excellence in Teacher Preparation program (CETP). Impact of the program was examined in two different settings: institutions of higher education, and K–12 science and mathematics classrooms. The focus of this study was to determine the impact of the CETP program on the institutional culture and collaborations among faculty, and changes in instructional techniques used by higher education faculty and K–12 teachers. Data were gathered over a 3-year period from 12 different CETP projects. At the higher education level faculty reported more collaboration and a slight increase in the use of standard-based teaching. At the K–12 level, students of teachers who were prepared by the CETP program viewed classroom instruction as slightly more standards-based than comparable students of non-CETP prepared teachers. Additionally, external observers rated classes taught by teachers educated in CETP projects as more standards-based than classes taught by non-CETP teachers educated in other programs. Implications of the results for national large-scale reform of science and mathematics education are discussed. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 44: 1348–1369, 2007
Temporary biventricular pacing decreases the vasoactive-inotropic score after cardiac surgery: a substudy of a randomized clinical trial.

Objective Vasoactive medications improve hemodynamics after cardiac surgery but are associated with high metabolic and arrhythmic burdens. The vasoactive-inotropic score was developed to quantify vasoactive and inotropic support after cardiac surgery in pediatric patients but may be useful in adults as well. Accordingly, we examined the time course of this score in a substudy of the Biventricular Pacing After Cardiac Surgery trial. We hypothesized that the score would be lower in patients randomized to biventricular pacing. Methods Fifty patients selected for increased risk of left ventricular dysfunction after cardiac surgery and randomized to temporary biventricular pacing or standard of care (no pacing) after cardiopulmonary bypass were studied in a clinical trial between April 2007 and June 2011. Vasoactive agents were assessed after cardiopulmonary bypass, after sternal closure, and 0 to 7 hours after admission to the intensive care unit. Results Over the initial 3 collection points after cardiopulmonary bypass (mean duration, 131 minutes), the mean vasoactive-inotropic score decreased in the biventricular pacing group from 12.0 ± 1.5 to 10.5 ± 2.0 and increased in the standard of care group from 12.5 ± 1.9 to 15.5 ± 2.9. By using a linear mixed-effects model, the slopes of the time courses were significantly different ( P = .02) and remained so for the first hour in the intensive care unit. However, the difference was no longer significant beyond this point ( P = .26). Conclusions The vasoactive-inotropic score decreases in patients undergoing temporary biventricular pacing in the early postoperative period. Future studies are required to assess the impact of this effect on arrhythmogenesis, morbidity, mortality, and hospital costs.
Nicotine antibody production: Comparison of two nicotine conjugates in different animal species

Abstract Preparation and characterization of two nicotine-albumin conjugates, N-Succinyl-6-amino-DL-nicotine-BSA and 6-(Σ-aminocapramido)-DL-nicotine-BSA are described. Ten and eleven molecules of nicotine per molecule of BSA were found, respectively. Two different animal species were used to produce anti-nicotine antibodies. Goats inoculated with 6-(Σ-aminocapramido)-DL-amino nicotine conjugate produced antibodies with higher titer and better affinity and specificity. Comparative studies of antibody production, purification, solid phase assays in controlled pore glass, titration and specificity are also reported.
Immunoreactive Epidermal Growth Factor Receptors in Neuritic Plaques from Patients with Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized neuropathologically by the presence of neuritic plaques (NP) in cerebral cortex and hippocampus, as well as intraneuronal neurofibrillary tangles and granulovacuolar degeneration. The etiology of plaque formation has remained obscure, but morphologically NP are known to contain amyloid cores surrounded by astrocytes and degenerating neurons. Although growth factors are important in growth, differentiation and regrowth in response to injury, studies relating growth factors to AD have been lacking. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) plays an important role outside the central nervous system (CNS) through interaction with its specific receptor, EGF-R. Using an antibody to EGF-R (threestep immunoperoxidase staining) in conjunction with fluorescence staining, we found that the majority of NP from patients with pathologically confirmed AD as well as those few NP in the normal aging brain showed intense EGF-R immunoreactivity. Specific staining was seen at the periphery of plaques but not in the central amyloid core. Tissue sections from AD cases were also reacted with antibodies to both glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and paired helical filaments (PHF) in an attempt to identify which component of the NP was reactive for EGF-R. The antibody to PHF densely stained the periphery of NP but not the central core in a majority of NP. The antibody to GFAP stained a few reactive astrocytes that bordered plaques in only a small proportion of all plaques present. We conclude that the neuron and its processes although not exclusively may be the site of EGF-R immunoreactivity. An EGF/EGF-R system within the CNS may play an important part in scar formation in response to neuronal injury and death or it may function as a trophic factor important in axonal or dendritic sprouting. It is also possible that EGF could serve as a neurotransmitter/neuromodulator in the CNS
Identification of oxidative degradates of the TRIS salt of a 5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-1,8-naphthyridine derivative by LC/MS/MS and NMR spectroscopy--interactions between the active pharmaceutical ingredient and its counterion.

Abstract The Tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane (TRIS) salt of a substituted 5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-1,8-naphthyridine compound (I) in a mannitol-based formulation was stressed at various conditions. Liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) and liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) analyses of the stressed samples revealed that oxidation and dimerization were the primary degradation pathways for this compound. 1H- and 13C-nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy were used to characterize the isolated dimers. The aromatized degradate, N-oxide, amide, and three dimeric products were all confirmed by either LC/MS using authentic standards or NMR spectroscopy. In general, the aromatized product was always the primary degradate produced under all stress conditions. When stressed at 80 °C, the TRIS counterion also underwent thermal degradation to yield formaldehyde in situ which reacted with the parent compound to form a unique methylene-bridged dimeric product and an N-formyl degradate. A minor condensation product between the compound I and the TRIS counterion was also detected in the 80 °C stressed samples. Under 40 °C/75% RH stress conditions, TRIS derived degradates were insignificant, while dimers formed by compound I became predominant. In addition, two hydroxylated products (7-OH and 5-OH) were also detected. Mechanisms for the formation of the oxidative and dimeric degradates were proposed.
Disease avoidance influences shelter use and predation in Caribbean spiny lobster

Shelter competition is uncommon among social animals, as is the case among normally gregarious Caribbean spiny lobsters (Panulirus argus). However, healthy lobsters avoid sheltering with conspecifics infected by a lethal pathogenic virus, PaV1. These contradictory behaviors have implications for shelter use and survival, especially in areas where shelter is limited. In laboratory experiments, we tested shelter competition between paired healthy and diseased juvenile lobsters in shelter-limited mesocosms. Neither healthy nor diseased lobsters dominated access to shelters, but lobsters shared shelter less often when diseased lobsters were present relative to controls with two healthy lobsters. We hypothesized that exclusion of juvenile lobsters from shelter results in increased mortality from predation, especially for the more lethargic, infected individuals. Field tethering trials revealed that predation was indeed higher on infected individuals and on all tethered lobsters deprived of shelter. We then tested in mesocosm experiments how the contrasting risks of predation versus infection by a lethal pathogen influence shelter use. Lobsters were offered a choice of an empty shelter or one containing a diseased lobster in the presence of a predator (i.e., caged octopus) whose presence normally elicits shelter-seeking behavior, and these data were compared with a previous study where the predator was absent. Lobsters selected the empty shelter significantly more often despite the threat of predation, foregoing the protection of group defense in favor of reduced infection risk. These results offer striking evidence of how pathogenic diseases shape not only the behavior of social animals but also their use of shelters and risk of predation.
Fluorescence-based SMC and OCT endoscope to study aberrant crypt foci in the mouse colon

The accepted model of colorectal cancer assumes the paradigm that aberrant crypt foci (ACF) are the earliest events in tumorigenesis and develop into adenoma, which further develop into adenocarcinoma. Under this assumption, basic research and drug studies have been performed using ACF as substitute markers for fully developed carcinoma. While studies have shown a correlation between the number of ACF present and the presence of adenoma/adenocarcinoma, a causal relationship has yet to be determined. The mouse has shown to be an excellent model for colorectal cancer; however, the outcomes of such experiments require sacrifice and histologic examination of ex vivo tissue. To better utilize the mouse model to study ACF and adenoma development, an endoscope was constructed for non-destructive in vivo surface visualization, molecular imaging and cross-sectional imaging of the colon. Our system combines surface magnifying chromoendoscopy (SMC) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) to image colon microstructure. Sixteen mice, treated with the carcinogen azoxymethane, were imaged at 2 week intervals, to visualize carcinogenesis events. With this dual-modality system we are able to visualize crypt structure alteration over time as well as adenoma development over time.
Randomized controlled study of inhaled nitric oxide after operation for congenital heart disease.

Background Inhaled nitric oxide selectively decreases pulmonary vascular resistance. This study was performed to determine whether inhaled nitric oxide decreases the incidence of pulmonary hypertensive crises after corrective procedures for congenital heart disease. Methods Patients with a systolic pulmonary arterial pressure of 50% or more of the systolic systemic arterial pressure during the early postoperative period were randomized to receive 20 parts per million inhaled nitric oxide (n = 20) or conventional therapy alone (n = 20). Acute hemodynamic and blood gas measurements were performed at the onset of therapy. The efficacy of sustained therapy was determined by comparing the number of patients in each group who experienced a pulmonary hypertensive crisis. Results In comparison to controls, there were no significant differences in the baseline and 1-hour measurements of patients who were treated with nitric oxide. Four patients in the control group and 3 patients in the nitric oxide group experienced a pulmonary hypertensive crisis. Conclusions Nitric oxide did not substantially improve pulmonary hemodynamics and gas exchange immediately after operation for congenital heart disease. Nitric oxide also failed to significantly decrease the incidence of pulmonary hypertensive crises.
Fallacies in memory for conversations: Reflections on Clarence Thomas, Anita Hill, and the Like

This study examines conditions that relate to fallacies in memory for conversations. This research tests a cognitive interpretation for why a conversation might be vividly memorable to one eyewitness but not to another. Specifically, a test of gist and verbatim memory for sexual versus non sexual material is presented. In addition, the relative memorability of sexual versus non sexual mateial is tested as a function of the consistency of the context in which it is presented. In two experiments participants heard a recorded conversation between a man and a woman that included four sexual and four non sexual target sentences. The conversation was framed as having been recorded in either a singles bar (the consistent context) or an office setting (the inconsistent context). Sexual items were recalled and recognized better than non sexual items, on both gist and verbatim memory tasks, and the difference in gist (but not verbatim) memory between sexual and non sexual items was greater in the inconsistent than in the consistent context. The discussion considers how this pattern of results might illuminate slippages in memory that may have occured during the Clarence Thomas-Anita Hill hearing (U. S. Supreme Court appointment review; October 1991) as well as memory slippages more generally. Language: en
Wilson loop observables in (2 + 1)-dimensional Chern-Simons supergravity

Abstract (2 + 1)-dimensional gravity and supergravity, without a cosmological constant, can be described as Chern-Simons gauge theories of the Poincare and super-Poincare groups respectively. The only gauge invariant observables are Wilson loops.In this paper, we consider N = 2 Poincare supergravity on R × Σ, where R is “time” and the spatial hypersurface Σ is the plane with an arbitrary number, N, of isolated sources or punctures carrying super-Poincare charges, and examine Wilson loops enclosing one or more of them. We describe how to compute the Wilson loop observables and give explicit expressions for the cases of one and two sources. We also discuss the Poisson brackets between two Wilson loops and derive a rule by which they might be obtained.
Does Performance Management Lead to Better Outcomes? Evidence from the U.S. Public Transit Industry

Although performance management processes are widely assumed to be beneficial in improving organizational performance in the public sector, there is insufficient empirical evidence to back this claim. In this article, the authors examine the impact of performance management practices on organizational effectiveness in a particular segment of the public transit industry in the United States. The analysis utilizes original survey data on performance management practices comprising both strategy formulation and performance measurement in 88 small and medium-sized local transit agencies in conjunction with comparative outcome data drawn from the National Transit Database maintained by the Federal Transit Administration. The results provide evidence that more extensive use of performance management practices does in fact contribute to increased effectiveness in this segment of the transit industry.
Synthesis and Optical Properties of Undoped and Aluminum Doped ZnO Nanowires for Optoelectronic Nanodevice Applications

Zinc oxide (ZnO) is a major wide band gap semiconductor material for optoelectronic and photonic devices because of its exceptional optical properties, arising from the combination of a wide band gap (~3.37 eV) and a large exciton binding energy (~60 meV). In this paper, the effects of Al doping on the optical properties of the ZnO nanowires are studied. In this paper, the doping effects of Al on the ZnO nanowires are studied. Results show the Al enhanced the UV photoluminescence emission in ZnO. With increasing optical excitation, a clear difference in the NBE photoluminescence peak characteristics of ZnO nanowires is observed when Al is introduced. Undoped nanowires exhibit a clear redshift of this emission peak above a certain threshold corresponding to the onset of bandgap renormalization effect . Furthermore, the measured integrated intensity of the near-band edge (NBE) emission changes from a free-excitonic behavior at lower excitation powers into a bimolecular radiative recombination at higher excitation powers beyond that same threshold level. By contrast, in Al-doped nanowires, there is no such peak shift in the same range of excitation power and only excitonic recombination process is observed, which is attributed to the incorporation of Al donors and the higher exciton binding energy in Al-doped ZnO. This makes Al-doped ZnO a promising platform for room-temperature polariton `lasers' because excitons could be preserved at high pump intensities.
Modeling of laser-analyte-substrate interaction in photo-thermal infrared imaging and laser trace vaporization

We are developing two techniques for non-contact detection of explosives and other substances with low vapor pressure. In one approach, quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) at eye-safe power levels heat trace residues on surfaces at stand-off distances and the photo-thermal signal is imaged with an infrared camera. When using wavelengths corresponding to vibrational resonances specific to the trace molecules, the traces can be selectively heated and become visible in the infrared. In a second approach, a QCL or other IR laser of higher power is used to enhance the vapor signature of the analyte, thus facilitating vapor-based (e.g. ion mobility spectrometry) techniques. Details and advances in these techniques will be reported elsewhere. In this paper, we study the laser heating of analytes on substrates using the simulation software COMSOL. A model is validated with experimental results for particles of well characterized shape and size. The heat transfer between particle and substrate is of special interest, but not necessarily the dominant contributor to heat loss. Both air- and substrate-mediated heating of neighboring interferent particles is generally negligible. The presence of neighboring explosives particles affects the thermal kinetics via air-mediated heat transfer.
A relational database model for representation of formal specifications

Literature has established the effectiveness of formal specifications for modeling specifications for computer system properties as well as for verifying program correctness. However, tools that can enable the typical commercial software developer to utilize formal methods are not in widespread use. A possible reason for this is that commercial tools can more easily be produced if industry-standard storage mechanisms such as relational database management systems (RDBMS) can be leveraged as repositories. This paper explores how to model and store formal specifications, specifically those based on the Zed method, in a relational database. We explore a technique for fully decomposing the predicate calculus to a relational database to provide a framework for manipulation and reverse generation of formal specifications and automating the implementation of relational states.
Determination of Nitrosourea Compounds in Brain Tissue by Gas Chromatography and Electron Capture Detection

A relatively simple, high-sensitivity gas chromatographic assay is described for nitrosourea compounds, such as BCNU [1,3-bis(2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea] and MeCCNU [1-(2-chloroethyl)-3-(trans-4-methylcyclohexyl)-1-nitrosourea], in small biopsy samples of brain and other tissues. After extraction with ethyl acetate, secondary amines in BCNU and MeCCNU are derivatized with trifluoroacetic anhydride. Compounds are separated and quantitated by gas chromatography using a capillary column with temperature programming and an electron capture detector. Standard curves of BCNU indicate a coefficient of variance of 0.066 ± 0.018, a correlation coefficient of 0.929, and an extraction efficiency from whole brain of 68% with a minimum detectable amount of 20 ng in 5–10 mg samples. The assay has been facile and sensitive in over 1000 brain biopsy specimens after intravenous and intraarterial infusions of BCNU.
Confinement-induced high-field antiferroelectric-like behavior in a poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-trifluoroethylene-co-chlorotrifluoroethylene)-graft- polystyrene graft copolymer

An antiferroelectric-like polymer approach was proposed for high electric energy storage and low loss performance by using a novel confinement concept. A poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-trifluoroethyle...
Dynamically unstable syndesmosis injuries.

Distal tibiofibular syndesmosis injuries are com - plex injuries that often result in extended loss of playing time for athletes. Unstable syndesmosis injuries are uniformly reduced and stabilized by numerous methods. Controversy arises from syndesmosis injuries that are stable on stress ra- diographs but functionally unstable with loading of the ankle during athletic activity. The authors present a case of opera- tive fixation of a dynamically unstable syndesmosis and detail the postoperative course.
Development Of Laboratory Capabilities For The Integration Of Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) System Onto The F‐14 Aircraft

This paper discusses the systems approach used in the design and development of laboratory test capabilities used to integrate GPS capabilities onto the F-14 aircraft. Modifications made to the existing simulation/stimulation capabilities, radar target generators and airframe wiring will be discussed as well as the installation and alignment of a three axis tilt table, the design of a stand-alone workstation, and the use of COTS test tools.
Release of Sucrose from Vicia faba L. Leaf Discs

The release of sucrose from leaf discs of Vicia faba L. to a bathing medium was studied for evidence of a relationship between this release and mesophyll export of photosynthate in vivo. Sucrose was released specifically over hexoses and represented over 85% of total photosynthate released. The sucrose appeared to be derived from the mesophyll tissue directly and release did not require concurrent photosynthesis. The data indicated two separate channels for sucrose release. The first was sensitive to inhibition by 1 millimolar p-chloromercuribenzenesulfonic acid and the second was promoted by lowering the Ca2+ concentration below 0.1 millimolar. Flow through both channels was about equal when tissue that had been actively photosynthesizing for several hours was used. The rate of release was not dependent on the extracellular pH, but was inhibited by 10 micromolar carbonylcyanide p-trifluromethoxyphenylhydrazone. Lowering the Ca2+ concentration below 0.1 millimolar or raising the K+ concentration above 100 millimolar stimulated sucrose release. The stimulation by high K+ was not reversed by adding Ca2+. The data supported the postulate that Ca2+ removal or K+ addition changed the permeability of the mesophyll plasma membrane to sucrose.
The Role Of Class Ii And Iii Viral Protein Transmembrane Domains (tmds) In Voltage-dependent Fusion

We have found that fusion mediated by class II (e.g. Semliki Forest Virus E1) and class III (e.g., Vesicular Stomatitis Virus G) viral proteins are promoted by a trans-negative voltage and prevented by a trans-positive potential across the target membrane. Endosomes, from which these viruses normally fuse, naturally have a trans-negative potential and so voltage dependence may have important biological relevance. We have shown that in contrast to class II and III proteins, fusion induced by class I viral proteins (influenza HA, HIV Env, and ASLV Env) is independent of the target membrane voltage. We are currently seeking to identify the voltage sensor. Because the sensor must lie within the membrane to respond to the electric field, the fusion peptides and TMDs are sensor candidates. We therefore prepared viral protein chimeras that consist of the class I protein influenza HA as ectodomain, and the TMD and/or the cytoplasmic tail (CT) of VSV G. All chimeras fuse well to red blood cells, in accord with previous demonstrations that the precise TMD and CT of HA were of relatively little importance in fusion to red cells. But surprisingly, all chimeras were less efficient that WT HA in fusing to nucleated cells. We have therefore produced fluorescently-labeled pseudovirus using WT and chimeras as the envelope protein and are now monitoring fusion of these pseudovirions to voltage-clamped target cells. Supported by Public Health Service grants R01 GM27367 and GM057454.
Recent advances in the expression of foreign genes in Pichia pastoris

The Pichia pastoris heterologous gene expression system has been utilized to produce attractive levels of a variety of intracellular and extracellular proteins of interest. Recent advances in our understanding and application of the system have improved its utility even further. These advances include: (1) methods for the construction of P. pastoris strains with multiple copies of AOX1-promoter-driven expression cassettes; (2) mixed-feed culture strategies for high foreign protein volumetric productivity rates; (3) methods to reduce proteolysis of some products in high cell-density culture media; (4) tested procedures for purification of secreted products; and (5) detailed information on the structures of N-linked oligosaccharides on P. pastoris secreted proteins. In this review, these advances along with basic features of the P. pastoris system are described and discussed.
ATP dependent primary active transport of xenobiotic-glutathione conjugates by human erythrocyte membrane

We have demonstrated the presence of a dinitrophenyl glutathione (Dnp-SG) stimulated ATPase in human erythrocyte membranes. This ATPase mediates the active transport of glutathione — xenobiotic conjugate such as Dnp-SG from erythrocytes into the plasma. It is suggested that this transport system is distinct from the system which actively transports oxidized glutathione from the erythrocytes.
Java-based program to study user choice behavior for alternate routes

This paper present learning stochastic automata as a model for traveller route choice. The theoretical aspects of the model are discussed. A JAVA based program was developed to acquire data from subjects, which are being used to validate the models.© (1998) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
A study of novel polymorphisms in the upstream region of vasoactive intestinal peptide receptor type 2 gene in autism.

We investigated the vasoactive intestinal peptide receptor type 2 (VIPR2) gene as a candidate gene for autism. We searched for mutations in the VIPR2 gene in autistic individuals, and 10 novel poly...
The Transducer Protein HtrII Modulates the Lifetimes of Sensory Rhodopsin II Photointermediates

Abstract We studied the photochemical reaction cycle of sensory rhodopsin II (SRII) by flash photolysis of Halobacterium salinarum membranes genetically engineered to contain or to lack its transducer protein HtrII. Flash photolysis data from membranes containing HtrII were fit well in the 10 μ s–10s range by three rate constants and a linear unbranched pathway from the unphotolyzed state with 487nm absorption maximum to a species with absorption maximum near 350nm (M) followed by a species with maximum near 520nm (O), as has been found in previous studies of wild-type membranes. Data from membranes devoid of HtrII exhibited similar M and O intermediates but with altered kinetics, and a third intermediate absorbing maximally near 470nm (N) was present in an equilibrium mixture with O. The modulation of SRII photoreactions by HtrII indicates that SRII and HtrII are physically associated in a molecular complex. Arrhenius analysis shows that the largest effect of HtrII, the acceleration of O decay, is attributable to a large decrease in activation enthalpy. Based on comparison of SRII photoreactions to those of sensory rhodopsin I and bacteriorhodopsin, we interpret this kinetic effect to indicate that HtrII interacts with SRII so that it alters the reaction process involving deprotonation of Asp 73 , the proton acceptor from the Schiff base.