cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
13-Hydroxy- and 13-Oxooctadecadienoic acids: Novel Substrates for Human UDP-Glucuronosyltransferases

Although there are numerous studies of glucuronidation of endogenous compounds, information on the glucuronidation of fatty acids is lacking. In the present studies, both linoleic acid (LA) and its biologically active oxidized derivatives, 13-hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid (13-HODE) and 13-oxooctadecadienoic acid (13-OXO), have been shown to be effective substrates for human liver UDP-glucuronosyltransferases (UGT) and recombinant UGT2B7. LA (carboxyl glucuronide) and 13-OXO (carboxyl glucuronide, unproven) were actively glucuronidated by human liver microsomes (HLM) and human recombinant UGT2B7 with similar activities, in the range of 2 nmol/mg · min. The hydroxyl derivative of LA, 13-HODE, was glucuronidated at both the hydroxyl and carboxyl functions with carboxyl glucuronidation predominating (ratio of COOH/OH, 2:1). For all substrates, the Kmfor formation of the carboxyl-linked glucuronide was in the range of 100 to 200 μM while that for the hydroxyl-linked glucuronide was somewhat lower (>100 μM). This is the first demonstration of glucuronidation of LA and its oxidized derivatives, 13-HODE and 13-OXO, by HLM and recombinant UGT2B7.
Study on Distribution Characteristics of Electromagnetic Pollution at Typical 500 kV Substation in Liaoning Province,China

In order to understand 500 kV substation electromagnetic pollution distribution characteristics,EFA-300 electromagnetic field strength analyzer was used to measure the power frequency electric field intensity and magnetic field strength in different regions,including 500 kV area,220 kV area,main equipments area and surrounding area.The results of 92 measurement points showed that all data from the measurement were allowed by the standard.However,the electric field intensity around certain equipments almost reached occupational standard limits,which should pay more attention in precaution.
The Terwilliger Valley earthquake of March 25, 1937

Summary 1.On March 25, 1937, a moderately large, moderately strong local earthquake—magnitude 6, maximum ascertained intensity VI of the 1931 scale—occurred in Southern California. 2.The origin was very nearly equidistant from the stations at (1) La Jolla and Riverside, (2) Mount Wilson and Pasadena, and (3) Santa Barbara and Haiwee; with epicenter at φ = 33°28′ N lat., λ = 116°35′ W long., and origin time O = 08 h 49 m 04 s a.m., P.S.T. (16 h 49 m 04 s G.C.T.). The source is very close to the surface outcrop of the San Jacinto fault zone. 3.The origin was in the midst of a large tract of arid, mountainous country and no significant damage resulted. The shock was large enough and strong enough, however, to have caused much damage had its source been in or near a thickly populated district.
Rosuvastatin Decreases Intestinal Fatty Acid Binding Protein (I-FABP), but Does Not Alter Zonulin or Lipopolysaccharide Binding Protein (LBP) Levels, in HIV-Infected Subjects on Antiretroviral Therapy.

Introduction: Altered gastrointestinal (GI) barrier integrity and subsequent microbial translocation may contribute to immune activation in HIV infection. We have reported that rosuvastatin improved several markers of immune activation in HIV+ participants, but the effect of statin treatment on markers of GI barrier dysfunction is unknown. Methods: SATURN-HIV is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial assessing the effect of rosuvastatin (10mg/daily) on markers of cardiovascular disease, inflammation, and immune activation in ART-treated patients. Gut-barrier integrity was assessed by the surrogate markers intestinal fatty acid binding protein (I-FABP), a marker of enterocyte death, and zonulin-1, a marker of gut epithelial cell function. Levels of lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LBP) were measured as a marker of microbial translocation. Results: Rosuvastatin significantly reduced levels of I-FABP during the treatment period compared to the placebo. There was no effect of rosuvastatin treatment on levels of zonulin or LBP. Baseline levels of LBP were directly related to several markers of immune activation in samples from all participants, including soluble CD163, IP-10, VCAM-1, TNFR-II, and the proportion of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells expressing CD38 and HLA-DR. Many of these relationships, however, were not seen in the statin arm alone at baseline or over time, as inflammatory markers often decreased and LBP levels were unchanged. Conclusions: Forty-eight weeks of rosuvastatin treatment reduced levels of I-FABP, but did not affect levels of zonulin or LBP. The reduction in levels of inflammatory markers that we have reported with rosuvastatin treatment is likely mediated through other mechanisms not related to gut integrity or microbial translocation. SATURN-HIV is registered on clinicaltrials.gov; Identifier: NCT01218802
"Wait, Do I Know You?": A Look at Personality and Preventing One's Personal Information from being Compromised

We examine the role personality may play in individuals taking the measures necessary to help keep their personal information from being compromised. This is done by using a previously developed and validated survey instrument and combining it with measures for personality in a large-scale survey to see what, if any, relationships may be found. Extraversion, agreeableness, openness, and conscientiousness were all positively associated with taking measures necessary to help mitigate the loss of one's personal information. In contrast, individuals considered more neurotic were less likely to engage in such protective behavior.
Predicting seizures from local field potentials recorded via intracortical microelectrode arrays

The need for new therapeutic interventions to treat pharmacologically resistant focal epileptic seizures has led recently to the development of closed-loop systems for seizure control. Once a seizure is predicted/detected by the system, electrical stimulation is delivered to prevent seizure initiation or spread. So far, seizure prediction/detection has been limited to tracking non-invasive electroencephalogram (EEG) or intracranial EEG (iEEG) signals. Here, we examine seizure prediction based on local field potentials (LFPs) from a small neocortical patch recorded via a 10×10 microelectrode array implanted in a patient with focal seizures. We formulate the seizure (ictal) prediction problem in terms of discriminating between interictal and preictal neural activity. Using deep Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), we show that periods of preictal activity can be successfully discriminated (80% detection; no false positives) from periods of interictal activity several (2–18) minutes prior to seizure onset. CNN input features consisted of the spectral power of LFP channels (1-second time windows) computed in 50 frequency bands (0–100 Hz; 2 Hz steps). Our preliminary results show that intracortical LFPs may be a promising neural signal for seizure prediction in focal epilepsy.
Web based survivorship interventions for women with breast cancer: An integrative review

Abstract Purpose Breast cancer survivors' experience a range of negative sequelae post-treatment including depression, anxiety, physical side effects from treatment, sexuality concerns and decreased quality of life. Survivorship care is recommended by the IOM to meet the post treatment needs of survivors but implementation is variable and barriers to delivery such as time and resource restraints have been identified. Web-based interventions may be a way to overcome some barriers to providing quality survivorship care that is efficacious, cost efficient and convenient. The purpose of this integrative review is to summarize and synthesize the current research on web-based interventions for breast cancer survivorship care and evaluate the data to determine potential implications for practice. Methods The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were used to guide this integrative review. Key search terms included breast cancer, survivor, intervention, web, internet and technology . Articles evaluating web-based survivorship interventions (n = 405) for early stage breast cancer patients who completed active therapy were included. Results Fifteen studies met inclusion criteria: six randomized controlled trials, six survey based studies, one qualitative study, one retrospective chart review and one mixed methods study. Studies evaluating cognitive behavioral therapy provided the strongest data. Other studies evaluated exercise and lifestyle interventions, symptom management programs and pilot/exploratory work. Findings suggest that web-based survivorship interventions are feasible and acceptable to breast cancer survivors. Conclusions Web-based survivorship interventions have the potential to meet the needs of breast cancer survivors while possibly overcoming some of the documented barriers to survivorship care implementation.
A linear temporal logic based approach for vehicle motion planning

We consider a vehicle path planning problem under the model of a finite transition system. We start with a continuous model for the motion planning problem. By partitioning the state space of the continuous model, we formulate the motion planning problem as a problem of designing switching controller for the finite transition system. We use linear temporal logic (LTL) formulas to describe the behavior of the transition system and the objective of motion planning. Using the LTL planning software toolbox: TuLip, we obtain a switching controller that guarantees the satisfaction of all the LTL formulas we have defined. Under such switching strategy, the vehicle will always avoid colliding with other vehicles while eventually recovering to a desired constant velocity.
An interpretation of structural sorting diagrams for AB type compounds using molecular orbital ideas

Abstract The factors governing the structure adopted by a particular AB compound are investigated by deriving two parameters reflecting aspects of the interaction between A and B, using simple molecular orbital ideas, which can be quantified by use of atomic parameters derived from pseudopotential theory. A plot of the values of these two parameters, for a large database of compounds, produces a remarkable topological clustering of AB compounds with the same structure. This structural sorting can also be effected for nonoctet AB compounds if the number of electrons is taken into account. These parameters are related to other indices, Rσ, Rπ, previously used by Bloch, Zunger, Phillips et al. to construct structural sorting diagrams. Hence we find a justification for the success of such displays, and shed light on the reasons underpinning structural preference, in terms of the number of valence electrons, and the relative positions of the energy levels of the constituent atoms. There appear to be strong similarities between the electronic reasons behind atomic site preferences in molecules and this site preference or coordination number problem in solids.
Comparison of postoperative complications after total hip arthroplasty among patients receiving aspirin, enoxaparin, warfarin, and factor Xa inhibitors.

Optimal prophylaxis for prevention of venous thromboembolism (VTE) after total joint arthroplasty (TJA) remains debated. The purpose of this study was to compare postoperative complications in patients receiving different VTE chemoprophylactic regimens. Using a nationwide healthcare database, 72,670 THA patients without a history of VTE were identified. Study cohorts received VTE prophylaxis within 30 days postoperatively. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were used to assess 30-day and 90-day postoperative complications (hematoma, hemorrhage, transfusion, pulmonary embolism (PE), VTE, prosthetic joint infection (PJI), and incision/drainage (ID 551 (2.12%) aspirin, 6791 (26.15%) enoxaparin, 12,008 (46.25%) warfarin, 5403 (20.81%) rivaroxaban, 876 (3.37%) fondaparinux and 337 (1.30%) apixaban. 30-day complications included; aspirin: ID warfarin: ID apixaban: hematoma and hemorrhage. 90-day complications included; aspirin: ID warfarin: I&D, hematoma, hemorrhage, transfusion, PJI, PE and DVT. Warfarin was the only anticoagulant associated with a higher risk for DVT, and the highest risk for 30-day and 90-day complications. Aspirin had the highest risk for I&D. Despite three times increased 30-day risk for bleeding, apixaban was effective in preventing VTE during the high-risk 3-month-period. Enoxaparin had the lowest risk for PE and DVT while rivaroxaban had the lowest risk for PJI, hematoma, I&D, hemorrhage and transfusion.
Immune-Mediated CNS Diseases: a Review

This review of central nervous system (CNS) immune-mediated disorders serves as an overview of multiple neuroinflammatory conditions. Organized by CNS site, it gives the reader up to date information on clinical presentation, diagnostic pitfalls, and treatment considerations for the acute phase of these disorders. Special attention is paid to some of the more rare CNS neuroinflammatory disorders, given the treatment and rehabilitation challenges that they present. In-depth discussion about conditions that can mimic idiopathic transverse myelitis is emphasized during this review. Also, opsoclonus-myoclonus syndrome is included as a discussion point in this review with the most recent literature cited. A general overview of the most current approaches and considerations for multiple sclerosis, neuromyelitis optica, and autoimmune encephalitis is discussed. This review serves as a brief overview of neuroinflammatory conditions most relevant to neurologists and rehabilitation providers who see and manage these patients.
Self-Similar Interfacial Impedance of Electrodes in High Conductivity Media.

Electrode polarization (EP) happening due to accumulation of ions at the electrode/electrolyte interface is an inevitable phenomenon while measuring impedance spectrum in high conductivity buffers and at low RF spectrum. Well-characterized time scales elucidating the EP effect are important for the rational design of microfluidic devices and impedance sensors. In this Article, interfacial impedance at the electrode/electrolyte interface is investigated considering channel height and Debye length effects on characteristic time scale in a binary electrolyte solution using parallel plate electrode configuration. Experimental results reveal self-similarity of normalized electrical impedance as a function of the normalized frequency. The experimental results also match with numerical solutions obtained by finite element simulation of unsteady fully coupled Poisson–Nernst–Planck (PNP) equations. Furthermore, fractal shaped gold nanostructured electrodes are examined, and it has been proven that electric double ...
Improved Super-Resolution Ultrasound Microvessel Imaging With Spatiotemporal Nonlocal Means Filtering and Bipartite Graph-Based Microbubble Tracking

Super-resolution ultrasound microvessel imaging with contrast microbubbles has recently been proposed by multiple studies, demonstrating outstanding resolution with high potential for clinical applications. This paper aims at addressing the potential noise issue in in vivo human super-resolution imaging with ultrafast plane-wave imaging. The rich spatiotemporal information provided by ultrafast imaging presents features that allow microbubble signals to be separated from background noise. In addition, the high-frame-rate recording of microbubble data enables the implementation of robust tracking algorithms commonly used in particle tracking velocimetry. In this paper, we applied the nonlocal means (NLM) denoising filter on the spatiotemporal domain of the microbubble data to preserve the microbubble tracks caused by microbubble movement and suppress random background noise. We then implemented a bipartite graph-based pairing method with the use of persistence control to further improve the microbubble signal quality and microbubble tracking fidelity. In an in vivo rabbit kidney perfusion study, the NLM filter showed effective noise rejection and substantially improved microbubble localization. The bipartite graph pairing and persistence control demonstrated further noise reduction, improved microvessel delineation, and a more consistent microvessel blood flow speed measurement. With the proposed methods and freehand scanning on a free-breathing rabbit, a single microvessel cross-sectional profile with full-width at half-maximum of $57~\mu \text{m}$ could be imaged at approximately 2-cm depth (ultrasound transmit center frequency = 8 MHz, theoretical spatial resolution $\sim 200~\mu \text{m}$ ). Cortical microvessels that are $76~\mu \text{m}$ apart can also be clearly separated. These results suggest that the proposed methods have good potential in facilitating robust in vivo clinical super-resolution microvessel imaging.
Third-Generation TKIs (Axitinib, Tivozanib) in RCC: Enhanced Efficacy and Diminished Toxicity?

Axitinib and tivozanib are two novel oral vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) that have demonstrated significant antitumor activity in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). Compared to earlier generation VEGFR TKIs, these two agents selectively inhibit VEGF-1, 2, and 3, at picomolar concentrations, and PDGFRs and c-KIT at low nanomolar concentrations, without significant effect on other kinases. The high potency and selectivity to VEGFRs can potentially lead to improved clinical efficacy as well as less “off-target” toxicity. Axitinib demonstrated improved toxicity and superior clinical outcome in a randomized controlled trial as second-line therapy in advanced RCC patients. Tivozanib demonstrated superiority in PFS over sorafenib in frontline RCC therapy with good tolerability.
Relationships of Internal Shell Features to Chemosymbiosis, Life Position, and Geometric Constraints Within the Lucinidae (Bivalvia)

Lucinids are an ancient bivalve clade in which all living members examined to date possess sulfur-oxidizing bacterial endosymbionts. Although a basal synapomorphy is the most parsimonious explanation of universal chemosymbiosis, other mechanisms, including differential extinction of nonsymbiotic lineages, could produce the same character distribution. Therefore, a proxy for chemosymbiosis applicable to fossil taxa could be used to test hypotheses of endosymbiotic evolution as well as elucidate paleocommunity dynamics and biogeochemical cycling for the wide range of marine ecosystems that these bivalves inhabit. Toward that end, geometric morphometrics were used to quantify features of the anterior adductor muscle scar, an inferred basal synapomorphy for the Lucinidae that previous authors have associated with chemosymbiosis. Eight shallow-marine lucinid species were included in analyses, along with two other “lucinoid” species, one of which is chemosymbiotic. Species demonstrated significant shape differences in both a canonical variates analysis (CVA) and a series of discriminate function analyses. For all but two species, the first canonical variates (CV) axis exhibits strong positive interspecific allometry. This allometric trend describes elongation of both the anterior adductor muscle scar and inhalant channel as size increases. Comparing results to published ecologic and phylogenetic data indicate that both life position within the sediment and geometric constraint control morphologic variation. In addition, although morphologic variation cannot be linked to the degree of symbiont dependence with available data, thin-plate splines (TPS) of landmark configurations may track the location of mantle gills and pallial septa, which are accessory respiratory and feeding structures thought to have evolved as lucinid ctenidia were co-opted to house bacteria.
The Excited State Dynamics of Conjugated Molecules: Theoretical Studies of Slow Vibrations

Theoretical approaches to the study of excited state dynamics of large conjugated molecules are presented. These studies are based on the construction of simplified models of large molecules in which extensive constraints are imposed on the vibrations and only the low frequency, large amplitude vibrations such as bend vibrations and dihedral angle torsions are included. The formalism for constructing the proper classical and quantum kinetic energy expressions for highly constrained model systems is presented and an algorithm for examining the quantum wave packet dynamics of constrained systems is discussed. Implications for the kinematics of large amplitude motions in several example systems is explored and an extensive application to the S 1 state dynamics of benzophenone is treated.
Impact of Immigrant Status on Aggressive Medical Care Counter to Patients' Values Near Death among Advanced Cancer Patients.

Abstract Background: Little is known about disparities in end-of-life (EoL) care between U.S. immigrants and nonimmigrants. Objective: To determine immigrant/nonimmigrant advanced cancer patient di...
Modernizing the Mathematics Taught in Computer Science

The undergraduate computer science curriculum is ever-changing but has seen particular turmoil recently. Topics such as machine learning, data science, and concurrency and parallelism have grown in importance over the last few years. As the content of our curriculum changes, so too does the mathematical foundations on which it rests. Do our current theoretical courses adequately support these foundations or must we consider new pedagogy that is more relevant to our students' needs? In this BoF, we will discuss what a modern mathematics curriculum for computer scientists should cover and how we should go about accomplishing this in our classrooms.
Sensorineural Hearing Loss in Leukemia: A Case Report Showing Intravascular Coagulation in the Cochlea and Vestibular Labyrinth.

Introduction:Sensorineural hearing loss frequently has been described in patients with leukemia, and in fact, hearing loss may be the presenting symptom of this disease. However, the pathogenesis o...
Conducting a Street-Intercept Survey in an Authoritarian Regime: The Case of Myanmar*

Objective In this research note, I share my experiences conducting a street‐intercept survey in Yangon, Myanmar. The prestudy aimed to measure postmaterialism among Burmese using Roland Inglehart's four‐item measure. The article discusses the key features and advantages of the street‐intercept survey method in difficult sociopolitical environments, the design and implementation of the study, as well as the results of the survey. Moreover, the ethics one ought to consider in authoritarian regimes are emphasized. Methods Original data were collected via a street‐intercept survey in Yangon, Myanmar. Results The prestudy confirmed the feasibility and the advantages of the street‐intercept survey method in Myanmar. At the same time, in Myanmar, difficulties in the translation of Inglehart's items raise questions regarding the applicability of this particular measure. Conclusion This note will be useful for researchers intending to collect survey data in Myanmar and other authoritarian regimes.
The Synthesis of [Me(4)N](2)[a(2)-B(20)H(16)(NH(3))(2)] and trans-B(20)H(16)(NH(3))(2) from [Me(3)NH][cis-B(20)H(17)NH(3)] and Their Structural Characterization.

The reaction of the recently synthesized [cis-B20H17NH3]- with liquid ammonia afforded a diammonio derivative, [a2-B20H16(NH3)2]2- ([4]2-). Aqueous ferric ion oxidation of [4]2- resulted in a novel neutral derivative, trans-B20H16(NH3)2 (5). The structures of [4]2- and 5 were determined by X-ray crystallography.
Better Confidence Intervals for RMSEA in Growth Models given Nonnormal Data

Currently, the best confidence interval (CI) for RMSEA in covariance structure analysis given nonnormal data is proposed by Brosseau-Liard, Savalei, and Li (BSL). A key assumption for the BSL CI of...
History, epidemiology and prevalence of neonatal bone mineral metabolic disorders

The evolutionary patterns of human migration and historical pre/post-industrial revolution have changed the face of bone metabolic disease through past centuries. Cultural, religious, and lifestyle practices continue to alter nutritional recommendations for this expanding diagnosis. Likewise, modern advancements in the field of neonatology and, more specifically, aggressive nutritional management of premature infants have shaped the epidemiology of neonatal bone metabolism over the past two decades. Decreased use of long-term parenteral nutrition, early fortification of enteral nutrition, and stringent American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) practice guidelines instituting early supplementation of vitamin D have attributed to improved bone mineralization outcomes in both term and preterm infants. Nevertheless, neonatal bone mineral metabolic disorders remain prevalent. In this review, we provide an in-depth look at the diagnoses, therapeutics, and subset populations-both genetic and non-genetic-affected by neonatal bone mineral metabolic disorders.
Regularity and variation in Japanese recipes: A comparative analysis of cookbook, online and user-generated sub-registers

Abstract This paper investigates the similarities and differences between three sub-registers of Japanese recipe texts: cookbook recipes, online commercial recipes written/edited by professionals, and online user-generated recipes. Past studies on Japanese recipes do not distinguish different sub-registers, and they tend to focus on a single feature. The present study of the sub-registers examines a group of frequently appearing linguistic features and uncovers functional links between observed features and situational characteristics. The comparative perspective contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of Japanese recipe language as well as universal and language-specific aspects of register variation. Shared traits among the three sub-registers are tied to the common topic of cooking and the central purpose of providing easy-to-follow food preparation instructions. Varied linguistic and textual features are motivated by different production circumstances, mediums, and relations among the participants. Professionally edited cookbook and online commercial recipes show a much higher uniformity in their grammatical features than unedited/self-edited user-generated recipes. Online sub-registers share a role of serving as a repository and reference center for numerous recipes and related information. Relationships among writers, readers, and other participants such as publishers and site organizers differ among all three sub-registers, resulting in some unique linguistic patterns.
Adenovirus and the Cornea: More Than Meets the Eye

Human adenoviruses cause disease at multiple mucosal sites, including the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and genitourinary tracts, and are common agents of conjunctivitis. One site of infection that has received sparse attention is the cornea, a transparent tissue and the window of the eye. While most adenovirus infections are self-limited, corneal inflammation (keratitis) due to adenovirus can persist or recur for months to years after infection, leading to reduced vision, discomfort, and light sensitivity. Topical corticosteroids effectively suppress late adenovirus keratitis but are associated with vision-threatening side effects. In this short review, we summarize current knowledge on infection of the cornea by adenoviruses, including corneal epithelial cell receptors and determinants of corneal tropism. We briefly discuss mechanisms of stromal keratitis due to adenovirus infection, and review an emerging therapy to mitigate adenovirus corneal infections based on evolving knowledge of corneal epithelial receptor usage.
Polycythemia in a Patient With Atonic Bladder and Hydronephrosis

Kidneys influence the production of red blood cells by secreting most of the erythropoietin (EPO) in adults. Consequently, renal diseases often impact erythropoiesis and hemoglobin levels. Chronic kidney diseases lead to anemia due to EPO deficiency. However, erythrocytosis can occur in patients with cystic diseases of the kidney and renal artery stenosis due to upregulation of hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) and increased EPO production. Here, we present a patient with secondary polycythemia who was found to have atonic bladder and hydronephrosis. Resolution of hydronephrosis led to the reversal of erythrocytosis, highlighting the intricate regulation of red cell production.
Information Risk and Fair Values: An Examination of Equity Betas: information risk and fair values

Using a sample of U.S. financial institutions, we exploit recent mandatory disclosures of financial instruments designated as fair value level 1, 2, and 3 to test whether greater information risk in financial instrument fair values leads to higher cost of capital. We derive an empirical model allowing asset-specific estimates of implied betas, and find evidence that firms with greater exposure to level 3 financial assets exhibit higher betas relative to those designated as level 1 or level 2. We further find that this difference in implied betas across fair value designations is more pronounced for firms with ex ante lower-quality information environments: firms with lower analyst following, lower market capitalization, higher analyst forecast errors, or higher analyst forecast dispersion. Overall, the results are consistent with a higher cost of capital for more opaque financial assets, but also suggest that differences in firms' information environments can mitigate information risk across the fair value designations.
Microwave Spectrometry as an Air Pollutant Analysis Method

The high resolution and resulting high specificity of molecular rotational resonance (MRR) spectrometry, along with the high sensitivity for certain polar compounds suggests its use for the detection and measurement of trace quantities of these compounds in samples of polluted air.
Mechanisms of Chromosomal Changes in Mammalian Speciation

Ultimately, biologists should be able to describe each species (or subdivisions thereof) in terms of base sequences of all its genes and the order in which the genes are aligned. Evolution can then be studied by comparing the base sequences and arrangement of genes in various taxa. This naturally is not possible at the present time, so that only cruder criteria, phenotypes such as morphology, anatomy and behavior, have been used to elucidate species relationships, population structure, and evolutionary trends.
Evolve IV: A Metabolically-Based Artificial Ecosystem Model

Evolve IV is designed to explore the effects of environmental uncertainty on niche proliferation and the evolution of interspecific interactions. Preliminary experiments with the model suggest that autotrophicheterotrophic specializations emerge.
Efficient Post-Election Audits of Multiple Contests: 2009 California Tests

Risk-limiting post-election audits have a pre-specified minimum chance of requiring a full hand count if the outcome of the contest is not the outcome that a full hand count of the audit trail would show. The first risk-limiting audits were performed in 2008 in California. Three refinements to increase efficiency were tested in Marin and Yolo counties, California, in November 2009. The first refinement is to audit a collection of contests as a group by auditing a random sample of batches of ballots and combining observed discrepancies in the contests represented in those batches in a particular way: the maximum across-contest relative overstatements (MACRO). MACRO audits control the familywise error rate (the chance that one or more incorrect outcomes fails to be corrected by a full hand count) at a cost that can be lower than that of controlling the per-comparison error rate with independent audits. A risk-limiting audit for the entire collection of contests can be built on MACRO using a variety of probability sampling schemes and ways of combining MACRO across batches. The second refinement is to base the test on the Kaplan-Markov confidence bound, drawing batches with probability proportional to an error bound (PPEB) on the MACRO. The Kaplan-Markov bound is especially well suited to sequential testing: After each batch is audited, a simple calculation--a product of fractions--determines whether to audit another batch or to stop the audit and confirm the apparent outcomes. The third refinement is to audit individual ballots rather than larger batches of ballots, comparing the cast vote record (the machine interpretation of the voter's marks on the ballot) to a human interpretation of the voter's intent. Such single-ballot audits can greatly reduce workload: When the outcome is correct, the number of ballots that must be audited to attain a given risk limit is roughly proportional to the number of ballots per batch. All three of these refinements can be used together, resulting in extremely efficient risk-limiting audits.
Chapter 2 Extending Atomistic Time Scale Simulations by Optimization of the Action

Publisher Summary In this chapter, a variant of the stochastic difference equation in time (SDET) algorithm is described. In recent formulation called “stochastic difference equation in length” (SDEL), the trajectory is parameterized as a function of its arc length and a unique path is obtained connecting the two boundary conformations. The algorithm and details of its numerical implementation to obtain the conformational changes of peptides and folding mechanisms of protein systems are described in the chapter. Applications demonstrate the potential of the SDEL algorithm as a tool to study conformational dynamics of large molecular systems such as peptides and proteins. This is the only algorithm that can be used to compute trajectories for such complex processes that take milliseconds or longer, such as the folding of cytochrome c. Although the trajectories are approximate, they still provide the structural insight that is needed to explain many coarse-grained experimental observations. If a more detailed and accurate description is required, snapshots taken from these SDEL trajectories can be used to extract thermodynamic information using molecular dynamics, umbrella sampling, or replica exchange methodologies.
Smart support functions for sequential pattern mining

In real applications, transaction data typically contain quantitative attributes. Existing approaches and algorithms proposed for sequential pattern mining such as AprioriAll often assume Boolean attributes (i.e., quantitative values are simply interpreted/transformed as Boolean values). This article addresses the impact of varied quantitative attributes in sequential pattern mining. More specifically, we define alternate smart support functions for computing the support measure of candidate sequential patterns. A noticeable advantage of this work is that the proposed smart support functions can be smoothly integrated into the framework of existing sequential pattern mining algorithms. In the discussion of this article, we assume adoption of the well-known AprioriAll algorithm and discuss the incorporation of the proposed smart support functions into this framework. The expected mining results are believed better reflecting the particular interests of different user groups and thus are more satisfactory to the intended users.
Muscle fatigue induced by sustained isometric contraction.

An important potential thermodynamic criterion for the condition of muscle fatigue induced by a single sustained isometric contraction is discussed, and a method is suggested for its use in determi...
Precision control of multiple quantum cascade lasers for calibration systems.

We present a precision, 1-A, digitally interfaced current controller for quantum cascade lasers, with demonstrated temperature coefficients for continuous and 40-kHz full-depth square-wave modulated operation, of 1–2 ppm/ °C and 15 ppm/ °C, respectively. High precision digital to analog converters (DACs) together with an ultra-precision voltage reference produce highly stable, precision voltages, which are selected by a multiplexer (MUX) chip to set output currents via a linear current regulator. The controller is operated in conjunction with a power multiplexing unit, allowing one of three lasers to be driven by the controller, while ensuring protection of controller and all lasers during operation, standby, and switching. Simple ASCII commands sent over a USB connection to a microprocessor located in the current controller operate both the controller (via the DACs and MUX chip) and the power multiplexer.
A Conceptual Model for Integrative Monitoring of Nuclear Power Plants Operational Activities Based on Historical Nuclear Incidents and Accidents

A conceptual model for improvement in nuclear power plant operational safety and monitoring is presented. The innovation of this model is based on a calibrated software that utilizes an interactive component, thereby, eliminating a Corrective Action Management Plan's sole dependence on informational databases. Artificial intelligence tools are used to build this model and, subsequently, support the monitoring and decision-making process software. Furthermore, the model integrates past historical knowledge of accidents and incidents occurring within the nuclear industry. Overall, intelligent analytic methods coupled with encoded accidents and incidents experiences synergize an inference system for nuclear operations monitoring and corrective action management. The proposed concept is challenged on two examples specific to nuclear power plants' operation.
Pilgrims' Progress: Narratives of Penitence and Reconciliation in the Dutch Reformed Church

Historians over the past twenty years have utilized consistory records to analyze long-term patterns of illicit behavior and church punishment in Reformed congregations across Europe. Despite the value of these studies, a narrative approach to consistory records offers an opportunity to penetrate the assumptions of local church leaders and to discover real men and women in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. Using examples from the pivotal moments in the discipline process in the Dutch Reformed Church at Delft, this article reconstructs the narrative framework of discipline there. The author argues that consistory secretaries recorded discipline cases as ongoing stories of penitence and reconciliation in the lives of all sorts of church members.
Differential maternal retrieval of jaundiced versus non‐jaundiced gunn rat pups

Gunn rat dams were tested for differential retrieval of their jaundiced versus non-jaundiced offspring in 2 experiments. In Experiment 1, in which testing took place every day from Day 1 to Day 8 postpartum, non-jaundiced pups were retrieved significantly faster than jaundiced pups. In Experiment 2, in which testing took place every other day from Day 1 to Day 15 and the pups were weighed each test day, the order of retrieval of the 4 gender/genotype (jaundiced vs non-jaundiced) classifications as found in the 1st experiment was replicated and the non-jaundiced pups tended to be retrieved faster. Heavier pups were retrieved significantly faster than lighter pups, indicating that weight or size may be a cue to differential retrieval.
Responses of the lung to toxic injury

Analysis of toxic lung damage may focus on the offending agent and define patterns of bioactivation and interactions with the target tissues. It may also focus on a study of the biological response...
Alpha-adrenergic bronchoprovocation in neonates with bronchopulmonary dysplasia.

Ophthalmic administration of phenylephrine caused decreased pulmonary compllance, tidal volume, and peak airflow values in infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia but not in control infants. The α-adrenergic effects of phenylephrine may aggravate the bronchospastic component of bronchopulmonary dysplasia.
Photoperiodic control of the annual testicular cycle in the house finch, Carpodacus mexicanus

Abstract The annual testicular cycle of the house finch, Carpodacus mexicanus , has been described and investigated with lighting regimens of various combinations. The annual testicular cycle of the house finch is typical of North Temperate Zone birds and is reconfirmed to be controlled photoperiodically by a circadian rhythm of photic sensitivity. This rhythm explains the effects of photoperiods of different duration, both in the laboratory and in nature. The idea of “critical day length” is shown to be a misleading “hour-glass” hypothesis which inadequately purports to explain photoperiodic responses. It is suggested that the term be discarded, or be used with more care.
Qualitative and quantitative analysis of lysine acetylation and methylation in yeast histone H3

Abstract Histone post-translational modifications play important roles in cell functions and the modification patterns vary significantly among different organisms. It is important that histone modification patterns be identified. Flowing our previous work-identification of acetylation and methylation sites of histone H3 in a typical transcription most inactive chromatin isolated from chicken erythrocytes, here, we report using mass spectrometry to qualitatively and quantitatively analyze histone modification pattern of H3 in a typical transcription most active chromatin isolated from Saccharomyces cerevisiae . We compared the modification patterns of histone H3 between these two functionally opposite chromatins and observed that acetylation level at K9, K14, K27, K56 and methylation level at K4 and K79 are significantly higher in S. cerevisiae than in chicken erythrocytes, methylation at K9 is higher in chicken erythrocytes than in S. cerevisiae and methylation level at K36 is unchanged in these two chromatins. Contrary to other sites, acetylation levels at K18 and K23 are higher in chicken erythrocytes than in S. cerevisiae . Our data revealed the difference of acetylation and methylation pattern of individual H3 lysine between two distinct chromatins, one with more inactive form versus the other with more active form.
The G-Matrix as One Piece of the Phenotypic Evolution Puzzle

In quantitative genetics, a single term, the genetic covariance matrix (G-matrix), is used to encompass all important associations between traits, whether due to pleiotropy or gametic disequilibrium. As noted by Polly (2008) some quantitative geneticists have argued that the G-matrix is a sufficient descriptor of the ways in which underlying development influences phenotypic evolution, while many other researchers find these models unsatisfactory. To see why G-matrix models are sufficient sometimes, but not always, we need to look to a more general formulation, phenotype landscape theory, of which quantitative genetics is one special case. A phenotype landscape is a plot of some trait as a function of a set of underlying genetic or environmental factors. Such landscapes have recently started to be constructed for particular traits, either through the synthesis of detailed developmental studies (Nijhout et al. 2006) or through Quantitative Trait Locus analysis (Rice 2008). Evolution on the landscape is described by a set of vectors, termed Q vectors, each of which corresponds to a different set of interactions between the underlying factors or a different property of the shape of the distribution of underlying variation. There are potentially a very large number of Q vectors, and an exact description of how a population evolves over a phenotype landscape requires specifying all of them. One of these vectors, Q1, describes the effects of directional selection on an uncurved landscape in terms of only the variances and covariances of the distribution of underlying genetic variation. Q1 is thus essentially the same as the G-matrix model. The fact that the G-matrix is only one of many terms that jointly describe phenotypic evolution raises the question of why it is ever useful by itself. The answer is
The cost-coverage trade-off: "it's health care costs, stupid".

ACCORDING TO RECENT POLLS, MANY AMERICANS CONsider health care reform the No. 1 domestic issue. Presidential candidates, other politicians, health policy experts, labor leaders, business groups, and others have responded with numerous reform proposals. And somehow in the clamoring, health care reform has become equated exclusively with expanding coverage to the 47 million uninsured Americans. This is a mistake. As serious as it is, the problems of the uninsured and lack of coverage are symptoms, not the underlying problem. Focusing on them is like treating a fever without addressing the causal infection. Instead, the diagnosis and treatment need to focus on health care costs. The fundamental problem arises because of a cost-coverage tradeoff. Without controlling health care costs, any attempt at universal coverage will be transient. Sustainable expansion of coverage to all Americans requires credible changes in the rate of health care inflation—the slope of the health care cost curve. Fortunately, focusing on controlling costs may actually enhance prospects for health care reform. Those who count in the political process—voters, employers, governors, and others—are concerned about costs in a way they have not been genuinely concerned about the fate of the uninsured.
Modifying Randles circuit for analysis of polyoxometalate layer-by-layer films.

Multilayer films with anionic phosphomolybidic acid (PMo12) clusters have been fabricated via the electrostatic layer-by-layer (LbL) method. The charged mass transport phenomena of these thin films have been studied using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) with [Fe(CN)6]3−/4− and [Ru(NH3)6]3+/2+ as the redox probes. By adding a film resistance and a film capacitance to the conventional Randles equivalent circuit, we can calculate the diffusion coefficient values that help understand the microscopic nature of the thin films. When the negatively charged probe [Fe(CN)6]3−/4− was used, lower diffusion coefficients were obtained for multilayers deposited from higher ionic strength solutions. This relationship was less obvious when the positively charged probe [Ru(NH3)6]3+/2+ was used, in which the electrostatic attraction between PMo12 clusters and the probe ions complicates the mass-transfer process. It is believed that the addition of salt to dipping solutions increases ...
SEPARATION OF PROLINE AND HYDROXYPROLINE USING THIN-LAYER CHROMATOGRAPHY.

Abstract Thin-layer chromatography allows rapid separation of proline and hydroxyproline over a wide quantitative range. The present method utilizes the nitrous acid reaction to destroy amino acids in protein hydrolyzates. After ether extraction of amino acid derivatives, proline and hydroxyproline are present unchanged or as unstable n -nitroso derivatives and can be rapidly separated by thin-layer chromatography on cellulose. Mixtures including up to 500 μg of each imino acid are separable on a 250-μ thick layer. The imino acids can be eluted and determined colorimetrically. Studies using isotopically labeled proline and hydroxyproline are possible even when low specific activities are involved. This simple and rapid technique has proved useful in determination of the specific activity of radioactive protein bound hydroxyproline in crude collagen extracts.