cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
FlexiVision: Teleporting the Surgeon’s Eyes via Robotic Flexible Endoscope and Head-Mounted Display

A flexible endoscope introduces more dexterity to the image capturing in endoscopic surgery. However, manual control or automatic control based on instrument tracking does not handle the misorientation between the endoscopic video and the surgeon. We propose an automatic flexible endoscope control method that tracks the surgeon’s head with respect to the object in the surgical scene. The robotic flexible endoscope is actuated so that it captures the surgical scene from the same perspective as the surgeon. The surgeon wears a head-mounted display to observe the endoscopic video. The frustum of the flexible endoscope is rendered as an augmented reality overlay to provide surgical guidance. We developed the prototype, FlexiVision, integrating a 6-DOF robotic flexible endoscope based on the da Vinci Research Kit and Microsoft HoloLens. We evaluated the proposed automatic control method via a lesion observation task, and evaluated the AR surgical guidance in a lesion targeting task. The multi-user study results demonstrated that, for both tasks, FlexiVision significantly reduced the completion time (by 59% and 58%), number of errors (by 75% and 95%) and subjective task load level. With FlexiVision, the flexible endoscope could act as the surgeon’s eyes teleported into the abdominal cavity of the patient.
Fluid density effects in supersonic jet-induced cratering in a granular bed on a planetary body having an atmosphere in the continuum regime

To investigate the effect of atmospheric density and jet-fluid density during supersonic jet-induced cratering on a granular particle bed, large eddy simulation (LES) for the fluid phase coupled with a granular flow model based on kinetic theory is used. Coupling accounts for momentum and energy interaction between particles and fluid. Several simulations are conducted that enable discriminating between the crater characteristics which depend on the atmospheric (or jet) density, and those which depend on the ratio between jet-fluid density and atmospheric density. The crater cross-sectional shapes are controlled by the density ratio between jet fluid and atmosphere. For large such ratios, the craters have a parabolic cross-section shape, are relatively shallow, have large diameters and have subdued ejecta. In contrast, for ratios close to unity, the craters have a conical cross-section, are relatively deep, have relatively small diameters and have substantial ejecta; these craters also display ripples on their walls. The physics leading to these differences is explained. Considerations of particle momentum flux indicate that at same fraction of the crater depth and same radial distance from the jet axis, the radial and vertical components have larger magnitudes for conical craters than for parabolic craters. The spatial distribution of the ratio between the drag force and the force due to the particles resistance to compaction are compared and it is found to be dependent on the jet-to-atmospheric fluid density ratio. A few features of the crater, in particular its depth, only depend on the atmospheric (or jet) fluid density.
Impact of a Pandemic and Remote Learning on Team Development and Elements of Compassion in Prospective Medical Students Taking a Medical Humanities Course

Introduction: We reported previously that when teams of students reflect on readings about communication, unconscious bias, and service-learning, their critical reflection, implicit bias mitigation, empathy, and compassionate behavior all increase. However, would these gains occur when intimate classroom settings, in-person team meetings, and direct interactions with people served were lost owing to the COVID-19 pandemic and remote learning? Methods: Before an online Medical Humanities course began in August 2020 and following the course in December 2020, 61 prospective medical students (54.1% female) completed reliable surveys of their reflective capacity (RC) and cognitive empathy (compassion). Students also completed surveys about their implicit biases and team community service in December 2020. Results: Both RC and empathy scores increased in students after they reflected on difficulties in communication, unconscious biases, and team service-learning experiences in the course. In written reflections, they reported how their compassionate behavior also grew owing to bias mitigation. Most students concurred that “unconscious bias might affect some of (their) clinical decisions or behaviors as a healthcare professional” and vowed to remain aware of these biases in clinical settings. Conclusions: Compared to previous years, the pandemic and remote learning had minimal effects on the benefits of our Medical Humanities course.
Association between the Nutritional Quality of Household At-Home Food Purchases and Chronic Diseases and Risk Factors in the United States, 2015.

Lower diet quality is a leading preventable risk factor for obesity and chronic diseases. This study assesses differences in the nutritional quality of at-home food purchases, using the Healthy Eating Index (HEI)-2015 and its components, among households with and without a member reporting type 2 diabetes (T2D), cardiovascular disease (CVD), obesity, and/or smoking. We use the 2015 IRI Consumer Network nationally representative household food purchase scanner data, combined with the IRI MedProfiler and the USDA’s Purchase-to-Plate Crosswalk datasets. For each/multiple condition(s), the difference in mean HEI score adjusted for covariates is tested for equivalence with the respective score against households without any member with the condition(s). The HEI score is higher for households without a member with reported T2D (2.4% higher), CVD (3.2%), obesity (3.3%), none of the three conditions (6.1%, vs. all three conditions), and smoking (10.5%) than for those with a member with the respective condition. Households with a member with T2D score better on the added sugar component than those with no member reporting T2D. We found that the average food purchase quality is lower than the recommended levels, especially for households with at least one member reporting a chronic condition(s).
Contemporary practices and findings essential to the development of effective MSWI ash reuse policy in the United States

Abstract Municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) in the United States generates a significant amount (∼6.6 million mtons) of ash annually, yet the utilization of this ash in beneficial use applications is nearly non-existent. In some European and Asian nations, policy regulates the use of MSWI bottom ash in construction with an accepted degree of environmental and human health risk. Both federal and state-level solid waste policy in the United States largely does not address ash reuse. U.S. MSWI industry practices have been adapted to avoid hazardous waste generation and primarily practice ash disposal in monofills. Numerous case studies and laboratory experiments have characterized MSWI ashes with regard to the potential environmental contaminants and have demonstrated the efficacy of bottom ash in specific reuse scenarios. In reviewing these studies, and by analyzing the reuse policy in several nations, the authors identify key aspects of effective MSWI ash reuse. These are discussed within the framework of available data and information, and examples are provided. Moving toward the sustainable management of resources such as MSWI bottom ash will require U.S. state-level policy to address the conditions under which ashes may or may not be reused. Suggestions on practices (often already occurring in many other areas of the world) to facilitate the reuse of MSWI ashes are provided.
Quaternary structure and certain allosteric properties of aspartase.

Abstract Aspartase from Enterobacter aerogenes was found to have a molecular weight of approximately 180,000, and was cleaved by p-hydroxymercuribenzoate into four subunits. Active tetramer was regenerated by treating the mercury derivative with mercaptoethanol. A careful examination of velocity-concentration plots over a wide range of pH revealed evidence of homotropic substrate interactions which were pH-dependent. Some confirmatory evidence was obtained for nucleotide activation reported by other workers. The pH optimum and apparent Km at 30° were found to be 8.5 and 1.5 x 10-3 m. The aspartase used in these experiments possessed the highest specific activity yet reported.
Targeted Chromatin Profiling Reveals Novel Enhancers in Ig H and Ig L Chain Loci

The assembly and expression of mouse Ag receptor genes are controlled by a collection of cis -acting regulatory elements, including transcriptional promoters and enhancers. Although many powerful enhancers have been identified for Ig ( Ig ) and TCR ( Tcr ) loci, it remained unclear whether additional regulatory elements remain undiscovered. In this study, we use chromatin profiling of pro–B cells to define 38 epigenetic states in mouse Ag receptor loci, each of which reflects a distinct regulatory potential. One of these chromatin states corresponds to known transcriptional enhancers and identifies a new set of candidate elements in all three Ig loci. Four of the candidates were subjected to functional assays, and all four exhibit enhancer activity in B but not in T lineage cells. The new regulatory elements identified by focused chromatin profiling most likely have important functions in the creation, refinement, and expression of Ig repertoires.
Risk profile associated with convexity meningioma resection in the modern neurosurgical era.

Object Although meningiomas are commonly found along the supratentorial convexity, the risk profile associated with this subset of lesions in the modern neurosurgical era is unknown. Methods The authors retrospectively reviewed the clinical course of patients with supratentorial convexity meningiomas treated during the past 10 years. All patients had undergone MR imaging within 72 hours after surgery and at least 1 year of clinical follow-up. Patients with multiple meningiomas, hemangiopericytomas, malignant meningiomas, or tumor-prone syndromes were excluded from analysis. Results Between 1997 and 2007, 141 consecutive patients (median age 48 years, range 18–95 years) underwent resection of a supratentorial convexity meningioma. The most common signs or symptoms at presentation were headache (48%), seizures (34%), and weakness (21%). The mean tumor volume was 146.3 cm3 (range 1–512 cm3). There were no intraoperative complications or deaths. Medical or neurosurgical morbidity was noted in the postoperativ...
Further studies on the role of calcium in the depolarization-induced activation of tryptophan hydroxylase: Effect of verapamil, tetracaine, haloperidol and fluphenazine

Abstract Tryptophan hydroxylase becomes activated by a calcium-dependent process following depolarization of slices of rat brain stem in a potassium-enriched medium. The present study shows that the mechanism responsible for raising enzyme activity is sensitive to increasing concentrations of calcium in the depolarizing medium. Enzyme activity increased progressively as the calcium concentration in the medium was raised from 0.1 to 5.0 mM. The depolarization-induced activation was fully reversible and could be blocked by verapamil, a calcium channel blocking agent, tetracaine, a local anesthetic, and two antipsychotic drugs, haloperidol and fluphenazine, which bind calmodulin. Unlike verapamil and tetracaine, the antipsychotics appeared to have an intracellular site of action, for they blocked the increase in enzyme activity induced when brain stem slices were incubated in a calcium-free medium in the presence of a metabolic inhibitor, such as guanidine. This activation is presumed to be due to the increase in intracellular free calcium that occurs in the presence of such poisons. The inhibitory effects of haloperidol and fluphenazine on the depolarization-induced activation of tryptophan hydroxylase, taken together with published evidence that supernatant preparations of the enzyme are activated when incubated under phosphorylating conditions by a calcium-calmodulin-dependent process, suggest that calmodulin may mediate the calcium-dependent activation induced by depolarization.
Prognosis of Corticosteroid-Treated Hepatitis B Surface Antigen-Negative Chronic Active Hepatitis in Postmenopausal Women: A Retrospective Analysis

Abstract To determine the consequences of corticosteroid treatment in postmenopausal patients with severe hepatitis B surface antigen-negative chronic active hepatitis, the findings in 43 such patients (mean age, 59 ± 2 yr) were compared retrospectively to those in 46 premenopausal counterparts (mean age, 31 ± 2 yr) after similar durations of initial (19 ± 2 vs. 18 ± 2 mo) and subsequent (48 ± 8 vs. 63 ± 11 mo) therapy. Postmenopausal patients entered remission as frequently as premenopausal women during initial treatment (81% vs. 83%, p=0.9), deteriorated as commonly (7% vs. 7%), and developed drug-related complications as frequently (49% vs. 33%, p=0.14). Postmenopausal women, however, had a higher cumulative frequency of complications (77% vs. 48%, p
Recasting Carried Interest: An Examination of Recent Tax Reform Proposals

“The nature of investment vehicles is changing right before our eyes, and the tax code must keep up with the times . . . .” In the spring of 2007, Senator Baucus’s observation resonated with congressional skepticism toward the favorable tax treatment of private equity, venture capital, and hedge fund general partners—“money managers”—who purportedly exploit a “tax loophole the size of a Mack truck.” Congress has proposed to more than double the income tax on carried interest—the payout that fund managers receive when their investments are profitable—to prevent fund managers from receiving a purported windfall. Tax scholars and politicians have cited the preferential tax treatment of carried interest as a significant legal loophole because carried interest superficially resembles the ordinary compensation that school teachers and corporate executives receive. And while school teachers and corporate executives pay income taxes equaling as much as thirty-five percent of their incomes, a private equity general partner’s carried interest is currently taxed at a low capital gains rate of fifteen percent, allowing him to withhold a significant portion of his lucrative
Big deal about a little insulin.

Identification of an orally active, small molecule insulin mimic creates new therapeutic opportunities for diabetes
Only part of the protoxin gene of Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. berliner 1715 is necessary for insecticidal activity.

Escherichia coli strains harboring deletion mutations of the insecticidal protoxin gene of Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. berliner 1715 were constructed. Although these strains did not produce intact protoxin, cell extracts from one of the mutants were extremely toxic to tobacco hornworm (Manduca sexta) larvae, indicating that only a part of the protoxin gene is required for insecticidal activity. Images
Urban Adolescents' and Young Adults' Decision-Making Process around Selection of Intrauterine Contraception

Abstract Study Objective To examine adolescent and young adults' priorities, values, and preferences affecting the choice to use an intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD). Design Qualitative exploratory study with analysis done using a modified grounded theory approach. Setting Outpatient adolescent medicine clinic located within an academic children's hospital in the Bronx, New York. Participants Twenty-seven women aged 16 to 25 years of age on the day of their IUD insertion. Interventions and Main Outcome Measures We conducted semistructured interviews exploring participant's decision making process around selecting an IUD. We were specifically interested in elucidating factors that could potentially improve IUD counseling. Results We identified 4 broad factors affecting choice: (1) personal; (2) IUD device-specific; (3) health care provider; and (4) social network. Most of the participants perceived an ease with a user-independent method and were attracted by the high efficacy of IUDs, potential longevity of use, and the option to remove the device before its expiration. Participants described their health care provider as being the most influential individual during the IUD decision-making process via provision of reliable, accurate contraceptive information and demonstration of an actual device. Of all people in their social network, mothers played the biggest role. Conclusion Adolescents and young women who choose an IUD appear to value the IUDs' efficacy and convenience, their relationship with and elements of clinicians' contraceptive counseling, and their mother's support. Our results suggest that during IUD counseling, clinicians should discuss these device-specific benefits, elicit patient questions and concerns, and use visual aids including the device itself. Incorporating the factors we found most salient into routine IUD counseling might increase the number of adolescents and young women who choose an IUD as a good fit for them.
Effectiveness of subcutaneous immunotherapy for allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and asthma: a systematic review.

Objectives/Hypothesis To systematically review the effectiveness and safety of subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) for treatment of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and asthma, using formulations currently approved in the United States. Study Design We searched the following databases up to May 21, 2012: MEDLINE, Embase, LILACS, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Methods We included randomized controlled trials published in English comparing SCIT to placebo, pharmacotherapy, or other SCIT regimens that reported clinical outcomes of interest. Studies of adults or mixed age populations were included. Studies were excluded if the diagnosis of allergy and/or asthma was not confirmed with objective testing. Paired reviewers selected articles for inclusion and extracted data. We assessed the risk of bias for each study and graded the strength of evidence for each outcome as high, moderate, or low. Results Sixty-one studies met our inclusion criteria. Majority of the studies (66%) evaluated single-allergen immunotherapy regimens. The literature provides high-grade evidence that SCIT reduces asthma symptoms, asthma medication usage, rhinitis/rhinoconjunctivitis symptoms, conjunctivitis symptoms, and rhinitis/rhinoconjunctivitis disease-specific quality of life in comparison to placebo or usual care. There is moderate evidence that SCIT decreases rhinitis/rhinoconjunctivitis medication usage. Respiratory reactions were the most common systemic reaction. There were few reports of anaphylaxis; no deaths were reported. Conclusions Generally moderate to strong evidence supports the effectiveness of SCIT for treatment of allergic rhinitis and asthma, particularly with single-allergen immunotherapy regimens. Adverse reactions to SCIT are common, but no deaths were reported in the included studies. Level of Evidence 1a. Laryngoscope, 124:616–627, 2014
Evaluation of a Multimethod Undergraduate Management Skills Development Program

Abstract A Solomon four-group experimental design was used to measure the impact of a multimethod development program on the managerial skills of undergraduate business majors. Skill levels were measured through use of an assessment center. Participation in assessment center exercises had a significant impact on more skills than did participation in the skills development program. The study has implications for management development program design and evaluation.
An Iterative Approach to Region Growing Using Associative Memories

The postulate is made that ``any computation which can be performed recursively can be performed easily and efficiently by iteration coupled with association.'' The ``easily and efficiently'' part of that postulate is nontrivial to prove, and is shown by examples in this paper. The use of association leads directly to potential implementation by content-addressable memories. The example addressed is region growing, often given as a classical example of the use of recursive control structures in image processing. Recursive control structures, however, are somewhat awkward to build in hardware, where the intent is to segment an image at raster scan rates. This paper describes an algorithm and hardware structure capable of per-forming region labeling iteratively at scan rates. Every pixel is individually labeled with an identifier signifying to which region it belongs. The difficulties which often justify recursion (``U''- and ``N''-shaped regions, etc.) are handled by maintaining an equivalence table in hardware, transparent to the computer, which reads the labeled pixels. The mechanism for updating the region map is explained in detail. Furthermore, simulation of the associative memory has been demon-strated to be an effective implementation of region growing in a serial computer.
Second-generation irreversible epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs): A better mousetrap? A review of the clinical evidence

The discovery of activating epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in 2004 heralded the era of molecular targeted therapy in NSCLC. First-generation small molecule, reversible tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) of EGFR, gefitinib and erlotinib, had been approved for second- or third-line treatment of NSCLC prior to the knowledge of these mutations. However, resistance to gefitinib and erlotinib invariably develops after prolonged clinical use. Two second-generation irreversible EGFR TKIs, afatinib (BIBW 2992) and dacomitinib (PF-00299804), that can potentially overcome the majority of these resistances are in late stage clinical development. Here I will review the clinical data of EGFR TKIs and discuss the appropriate future role of afatinib and dacomitinib in NSCLC: whether as replacement of erlotinib or gefitinib or only after erlotinib or gefitinib failure and whether different subgroups would benefit from different approaches.
Efficacy and utility of phone call follow-up after pediatric general surgery versus traditional clinic follow-up.

Context Typical follow-up for surgical procedures consists of an interim history and brief focused physical examination. These appointments occupy clinic resources, require a time investment by the family, and rarely identify problems. Previous studies have demonstrated the safety of a postoperative phone call. Objective Compare a traditional in-person clinic postoperative visit with postoperative phone call follow-up regarding patient satisfaction, rate of successful follow-up, and clinic resource utilization in a large academic practice. Design A retrospective review of charts of patients who underwent select surgical procedures, along with a review of the clinic schedule for the same time period. Main outcome measures Efficacy, patient/family satisfaction, and impact on the clinic. Methods Families were contacted by telephone two weeks after select surgical procedures to assess for complications and questions. Cohorts of patients six months before and six months after implementation were assessed for main outcome measures. Results Before implementation, 55.5% of patients (427/769) who had one of the select surgical procedures were seen in the clinic postoperatively, and 62.6% (435/695) had a successful postoperative phone call follow-up. There were also 1090 overall scheduled postoperative appointments. Six months after implementation, overall postoperative appointments decreased 35.5% to 703. Overall, postoperative-scheduled visits decreased by 6% compared with new visits and other general follow-up visits, which each increased by 3%. A satisfaction survey revealed that 93% of patients (n = 231) were highly satisfied with the process. A hospital cost analysis suggested an 89% cost savings ($101.75 per patient for clinic visit vs $12.50 per patient for phone call follow-up). Conclusion Postoperative phone call follow-up is an effective tool that improves patient and physician efficiency and satisfaction.
C-terminal peptides of calcitonin gene-related peptide act as agonists at the cholecystokinin receptor.

Abstract We have previously described that [Tyr 0 ]CGRP(28–37) acts as a receptor antagonist of rat CGRP in guinea pig pancreatic acini. We therefore examined other C-terminal peptides of CGRP for such activity. CGRP-acetyl(28–37) acetate did act as a rat CGRP antagonist. However, C-terminal CGRP peptides of 4 to 8 amino acid residues did not antagonize the actions of rat CGRP but stimulated amylase secretion. In pancreatic acini, a maximally effective concentration of rat CGRP (100 nM) caused a 2.1-fold increase in amylase secretion. When the C-terminal peptides of CGRP were tested in at 100 μM, CGRP(34–37) caused a 1.8-fold increase in amylase secretion, CGRP(33–37) a 2.8-fold increase, CGRP(32–37) a 9.2-fold increase, CGRP(31–37) a 4.1-fold increase, and CGRP(30–37) a 5.1-fold increase. Further studies with the most effective peptide, CGRP(32–37), demonstrated that it did not cause release of lactate dehydrogenase, and thus did not cause amylase release by cell damage. Unlike rat CGRP, CGRP(32–37) did not increase cellular cyclic AMP, but did stimulate outflux of 45 Ca. CGRP(32–37)-stimulated amylase release was not inhibited by the substance P receptor antagonist, spantide, by the bombesin receptor antagonist, [D-Phe 6 ]bombesin(6–13) propylamide, or by the muscarinic receptor antagonist, atropine, but was inhibited by the CCK receptor antagonist L364,718. C-terminal peptides of CGRP inhibited binding of 125 I-BH-CCK-8, with the relative potencies of the peptides being the same as their relative potencies for stimulating amylase secretion. The present data demonstrate that C-terminal peptides of CGRP, although they have only 2 amino acid residues in common with CCK(26–33), act exclusively at CCK receptors on pancreatic acini to stimulate amylase secretion.
Morphology and microstructure of hydrating portland cement and its constituents I. Changes in hydration of tricalcium aluminate alone and in the presence of triethanolamine or calcium lignosulphonate

Abstract Morphological changes which occur during the hydration of C3A∗ paste were observed by electron microscopy from the age of 5 minutes to 3 months. X-ray analyses were used to identify phases. The effects of the admixtures, triethanolamine and calcium lignosulphonate, were investigated with and without gypsum. The dosage of admixture was 0.5%; the water to C3A ratio was 1.0. The results showed clearly the morphological changes that took place as hydration proceeded, and showed the specific influences of each of the two admixtures.
A regulatory network modeled from wild-type gene expression data guides functional predictions in Caenorhabditis elegans development

Complex gene regulatory networks underlie many cellular and developmental processes. While a variety of experimental approaches can be used to discover how genes interact, few biological systems have been systematically evaluated to the extent required for an experimental definition of the underlying network. Therefore, the development of computational methods that can use limited experimental data to define and model a gene regulatory network would provide a useful tool to evaluate many important but incompletely understood biological processes. Such methods can assist in extracting all relevant information from data that are available, identify unexpected regulatory relationships and prioritize future experiments. To facilitate the analysis of gene regulatory networks, we have developed a computational modeling pipeline method that complements traditional evaluation of experimental data. For a proof-of-concept example, we have focused on the gene regulatory network in the nematode C. elegans that mediates the developmental choice between mesodermal (muscle) and ectodermal (skin) cell fates in the embryonic C lineage. We have used gene expression data to build two models: a knowledge-driven model based on gene expression changes following gene perturbation experiments, and a data-driven mathematical model derived from time-course gene expression data recovered from wild-type animals. We show that both models can identify a rich set of network gene interactions. Importantly, the mathematical model built only from wild-type data can predict interactions demonstrated by the perturbation experiments better than chance, and better than an existing knowledge-driven model built from the same data set. The mathematical model also provides new biological insight, including a dissection of zygotic from maternal functions of a key transcriptional regulator, PAL-1, and identification of non-redundant activities of the T-box genes tbx-8 and tbx-9. This work provides a strong example for a mathematical modeling approach that solely uses wild-type data to predict an underlying gene regulatory network. The modeling approach complements traditional methods of data analysis, suggesting non-intuitive network relationships and guiding future experiments.
Incidence algebras on generalized semigroups. I

Abstract The concept of incidence algebras over partially ordered sets is generalized to include algebraic structures such as semigroups, some groupoids, and partial groupoids. The rank of the zeta function is studied for these structures. Conditions for closure in the incidence algebras are given.
Abstract LB-246: Dietary strawberry phytochemical metabolism in saliva, urine, and genetic biomarkers in smokers and non-smokers

Background: Epidemiological studies implicate tobacco smoke and alcohol consumption are critical risk factors for oral cancer. Yet diets rich in strawberries have shown in rodent and cell studies to have significant protective effects which lower the risk of oral cancer. A fully-characterized strawberry confection was evaluated for safety and adherence in a 6-week, randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover trial involving smokers (n=12) and non-smokers (n=13). Methods: Using HPLC with tandem mass spectroscopy, strawberry phytochemicals in strawberry powder, confection and saliva collected during a 30 minute timed intervention were fully characterized. Buccal tissue was evaluated using pre-validated TaqMan Gene Expression assays corresponding to known smoke-altered oral transcriptome biomarkers used for RT-qPCR analysis. UPLC with mass spectroscopy quantified ellagic acid metabolites (dimethyl-, isourolithin A, urolithin A, B, and C) in 24hr urine collections. Results: Adherence strawberry confections intervention (equivalent to 2 cups of whole strawberries) in smoker (91%) and nonsmokers (99%) was excellent. Toxicities to strawberry intervention was limited to a grade I toxicity (NIH criteria). Significantly less ellagic acid and ellagitannins were observed in saliva compared to confection (p ANKRD37 ), was found to be significantly down-regulated in smokers following strawberry confection intervention ( p =0.0484). Significant increase (p Conclusions: A fully characterized strawberry confection was utilized and significant changes in biomarkers of strawberry exposure from saliva, urine and genomic materials were observed. Both ellagitannin metabolites, urolithin A and C would be reliable biomarkers of strawberry exposure. Moreover, differences in ellagitannin metabolite profiles and in ANKRD37 between smokers and non-smokers warrant further studies. Citation Format: Jennifer H. Ahn-Jarvis, Steven K. Clinton, Kenneth M. Riedl, Marta T. Sears, Thomas J. Knobloch, Steven J. Schwartz, Christopher M. Weghorst, Yael Vodovotz. Dietary strawberry phytochemical metabolism in saliva, urine, and genetic biomarkers in smokers and non-smokers. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-246. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-LB-246
Kinetics of Dissociation of Molecular Oxygen from a Superoxorhodium(III) Complex and Reactivity of a Macrocyclic Rhodium(II) Ion

The kinetics of disappearance of the superoxorhodium complex L2(H 2 Ο)RhOΟ 2+ (L 2 = meso-hexamethylcyclam) were determined in the presence of several oxidants (H 2 O 2 , (NH 3 ) 5 CoBr 2+ , and lrCl 6 2- ) in both air-free and air-saturated aqueous solutions. Under air-free conditions, the reaction obeyed first-order kinetics. After the correction for the appropriate stoichiometric factors, the value of the rate constant k h was the same irrespective of the oxidant, k h = 2.18 (±0.37) x 10 -4 s -1 at 25.0 °C in acidic solutions. The disappearance of L 2 (H 2 O)RhOO 2+ was slower in the presence of O 2 . All the data suggest a sequence of reactions beginning with homolytic dissociation of O 2 from L 2 (H 2 O)RhOO 2+ , followed by capture of the newly generated L 2 (H 2 O)Rh 2+ by added oxidants in competition with O 2 . The equilibrium constant for O 2 binding by L 2 (H 2 O)Rh 2+ is 10 9 -fold greater than that for the cobalt analogue. This difference is attributed to the lower reduction potential of the rhodium complex.
JANUS: An interactive system for document composition

This paper describes the architecture of a proposed document composition system named JANUS, which is intended to provide support for authors of complex documents containing mixtures of text, line art, and tone art. The JANUS system is highly interactive, providing authors with immediate feedback and direct electronic control over page layouts, using a special two-display workstation. Authors communicate with the system by marking up their documents with high-level descriptive “tags”. A tag definition language is provided whereby new tags may be defined and the format of each tagged object may be controlled.
Effect of two polyamine toxins on the bacterial porin OmpF.

Spermine, a polyamine based on a 12-carbon motif, is an effective inhibitor of E. coli OmpF porin. Here we study the inhibition of porin by two polyamine toxins commonly used as modulators of polyamine-sensitive channels: Philanthotoxin-433 (PhTX) from wasp venom and Joro spider toxin (JSTX). Both are highly asymmetric molecules, with at one end a 12-carbon chain polyamine targeting the molecule to the porin constriction zone, and at the other end large aromatic groups conferring to this extremity a size in the order of the OmpF constriction zone. Here we report that PhTX, but not Joro toxin, induces a high degree of flickering in the OmpF-mediated current. The effect is concentration and voltage-dependent, and greatly diminished in a mutant lacking D113 on the constriction loop, a residue previously shown to be required for spermine sensitivity. Possible reasons for the distinct sensitivity of OmpF to PhTX and Joro toxin are discussed.
Protein Kinase M, the Cytosolic Counterpart of Protein Kinase C, Remodels the Internal Cytoskeleton of the Mammalian Egg during Activation

We have investigated mechanisms by which intracellular signals act to restructure the spatial organization of the cytoskeleton as the mammalian egg is converted into the zygote. Four distinct approaches (one cytological, two biochemical, and one pharmacological) demonstrate protein kinase C (PKC) and its cytosolic active counterpart, PKM, act in succession at the time of egg activation. PKM serves to remodel the internal cytoskeleton. The cytological approach mapped the distribution of kinase over time using the PKC reporter dye, Rim-1, which demonstrated a temporal shift in kinase distribution from its initial site of activation at the plasma membrane to its subsequent association with a cross-linked network of intermediate filaments referred to as sheets. The first of two biochemical analyses, Western blot analysis, demonstrated that eggs activated with calcium ionophore contained PKC in the detergent-soluble fraction and PKM in the sheet enriched fraction. Prior to egg activation, PKM is not detected in the sheet-enriched fraction; only PKC is detected in the detergent-soluble fraction of these eggs. The second biochemical analysis demonstrated, via [32P]ATP labeling of a known PKC substrate, that the PKM generated from activation of PKC in response to activation of eggs with calcium ionophore is an active kinase and is located in the sheet-enriched fraction. In addition, purified forms of PKM, but not PKC, could be shown to act on the internal cytoskeleton when perfused into a permeabilized egg system. Pharmacological treatments demonstrate that elevation of [Ca2+]i does not act directly to alter the internal cytoskeleton of the egg. Our results suggest that this kinase is employed at the time of fertilization to provide an internal chronometer acting first at the cell periphery as PKC and subsequently in the cell interior as PKM.
Solar cycle dependence of the geomagnetically trapped anomalous cosmic rays

Solar cycle variations in the intensity of geomagnetically trapped anomalous cosmic ray (ACR) oxygen are demonstrated by ∼7 years of data from the SAMPEX satellite. They correspond to similar variations in the interplanetary ACR source. Trapped particle losses during the approach to solar maximum are not associated with geomagnetic activity and may be consistent with atmospheric energy degradation. The average trapped particle pitch angle distribution and energy spectra support this interpretation in which both source and loss rates are proportional to atmospheric density.
Debate and the destruction of friendship: An analysis of fox and burke on the French revolution

Parliamentary debate played a significant part in bringing about the famous split between Charles James Fox and Edmund Burke over the issue of the French Revolution and English domestic reform. Two important rhetorical phenomena are investigated: the gradual drawing out of Fox's position on France and domestic reform; and the polarization of opinion in Commons by Burke's rhetorical destruction of traditional middle‐of‐the‐road Whig principles.
Factor structure of the protestant work ethic scale

Abstract Max Weber envisioned the Protestant Work Ethic (PWE) as a multidimensional construct. However, research utilizing the PWE scale of Mirels and Garrett (1971; Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 36, 40–44; PWE scale), the most widely used measure of the PWE, has simply employed a total score as a general measure of PWE endorsement. This practice is problematic, as converging evidence suggests the PWE scale measures multiple aspects of work-ethic beliefs. Factor analytic results are presented which indicate that the PWE scale is indeed a multidimensional measure of work-ethic beliefs. Thus, simply focusing on a total score derived from the PWE scale obscures relationships between specific aspects of the PWE and other constructs of interest. The importance of differentiating the PWE construct is illustrated by examining its relationship with religious involvement. The present findings highlight the ambiguity of previous PWE research, and the need for further PWE scale development.
Modeling with light

Abstract The problem of making solid objects appear as they are—three-dimensional—is largely a matter of lighting. The subject occurs in the education of children, in the illumination of statuary, in photography, and in television; and the treatment has been almost entirely qualitative and empirical. This paper attempts to raise the problem to the quantitative level by introducing a numerical modeling ratio and by showing how the lighting can be predetermined by calculation to give any desired modeling, without recourse to the cut-and-try methods prevalent in the past.
Reflected shock tube studies of high-temperature rate constants for OH + C2H2 and OH + C2H4.

The reflected shock tube technique with multi-pass absorption spectrometric detection of OH-radicals at 308 nm (corresponding to a total path length of ∼4.9 m) has been used to study the reactions, OH + C2H2 → products (1) and OH + C2H4 → C2H3 + H2O (2). The present optical configuration gives a S/N ratio of ∼1 at ∼0.5−1.0 × 1012 radicals cm−3. Hence, kinetics experiments could be performed at [OH]0 = ∼4–20 ppm thereby minimizing secondary reactions. OH was produced rapidly from the dissociations of either CH3OH or NH2OH (hydroxylamine). A mechanism was then used to obtain profile fits that agreed with the experiment to within 1275 K while the present results extend the temperature range for (2) by ∼700 K. These values are compared with earlier determinations and with recent theoretical calculations. The calculations agree with the present data for both reactions to within ±10% over the entire T-range.
Pulmonary α-adrenoceptors: Autoradiographic localization using [3H]prazosin

Abstract We determined the distribution of pulmonary α-adrenoceptors by autoradiographic localisation of [ 3 H]prazosin binding to frozen sections of ferret lung. Specific binding of [ 3 H]prazosin to lung sections was saturable and of high affinity (K D = 0.44 ± 0.55 nM; mean ± S.E., n = 5), with a specificity indicating binding to α 1 -receptors. Autoradiographic showed that α 1 -receptors were present in highest density in vascular smooth muscle (small vessels > large vessels), and were also present in airway submucosal glands and epithelium. There was also scantly labelling of alveolar walls which may be to contractile interstitial cells (Kapanci cells). Although smooth muscle of bronchi showed little labelling, surprisingly that of bronchioles was heavily labelled. The high density of α-receptors in small airways may be relevant to asthma in which α-adrenergic responses are activated. This method offers a means by which autonomic receptors of small airways may be investigated without the confusing contribution of other contractile elements and larger airways.
Brd4: tethering, segregation and beyond

Papillomaviruses segregate their genomes in dividing cells by tethering them to mitotic chromosomes via the viral E2 protein. A recent report has shown that this interaction is mediated by the cellular bromodomain protein Brd4. This discovery provides new insight into the mechanism of viral genome segregation and raises many exciting questions about the regulation and nature of the interaction of this complex with mitotic chromosomes.
A Meta-analytic Integration and Test of Psychological Climate Dimensionality

There is no consensus as to what constructs should be considered to be psychological climate. Further, there is no clear taxonomy of psychological climate, although the climate literature suggests that psychological climate perceptions should form higher-order (i.e., abstract, broad) dimensions. Two meta-analyses have been conducted to evaluate higher-order frameworks, but neither study tested the psychometric structure of their hypothesized models. The current meta-analysis estimated the intercorrelations and criterion-related validity of 23 psychological climate constructs in order to test the theoretical frameworks proposed by prior meta-analyses. Confirmatory factor analyses supplemented by a method analogous to item-to-scale correlations indicated little empirical support for the a priori frameworks. Results suggest that that psychological climate may be parsimoniously represented by two dimensions. Task climate was most strongly indicated by supervisor goal setting, innovation, and organizational responsiveness. Relational climate was most strongly indicated by work group warmth and social rewards. A path analysis was estimated to test whether job satisfaction partially mediated the association between psychological climate and the outcomes of job performance, turnover intentions, and psychological well-being. Results provide guidance to researchers and practitioners interested in measuring perceptions of the work environment.
Planning for the Galapagos Marine Resources Reserve

Abstract The Galapagos Marine Resources Reserve was proclaimed by the Government of Ecuador in May 1986. Planning for its management has involved a high degree of international collaboration. By late 1987 a draft zoning plan, regulations and management strategy had been developed. These provide for conservation and for sustainable use for the purposes of artisanal fishing, tourism, local recreation and scientific research. Successful implementation of management will depend upon the identification of sustainable funding devoted to day-to-day management of the Galapagos archipelago.
A Researcher's Perspective

The diversity of community colleges justifies a more subtle system of categorization than the traditional Carnegie system, but the large number of missions taken on by community colleges complicates this goal. Any system must be based on a clear understanding of the goals of the categorization. This chapter makes a distinction between a characteristics-based system and an output-based system and uses that distinction to discuss the proposed classification schemes.
Bacterial phenotype identification using Zernike moment invariants

Pathogenic bacterial contamination in food products is costly to the public and to industry. Traditional methods for detection and identification of major food-borne pathogens such as Listeria monocytogenes typically take 3-7 days. Herein, the use of optical scattering for rapid detection, characterization, and identification of bacteria is proposed. Scatter patterns produced by the colonies are recognized without the need to use any specific model of light scattering on biological material. A classification system was developed to characterize and identify the scatter patterns obtained from colonies of various species of Listeria. The proposed classification algorithm is based on Zernike moment invariants (features) calculated from the scatter images. It has also been demonstrated that even a simplest approach to multivariate analysis utilizing principal component analysis paired with clustering or linear discriminant analysis can be successfully used to discriminate and classify feature vectors computed from the bacterial scatter patterns.
Towards a theory of events

Event-driven systems are used in a wide range of applications such as responding to missile attacks, interdicting potential terrorists, exploiting arbitrage opportunities and responding to congestion in supply chains. The designs of event-driven systems vary widely because the costs and benefits to users of different applications are markedly different. This talk proposes a framework for unifying designs of different types of applications by representing the design problem as a constrained optimization and by defining interaction between components in distributed event-based systems in terms of a concept called "shared models." This talk is intended to suggest that there are concepts that unify analyses of a range of event-driven systems in nature, human social organizations and information technology systems.
An evaluation of the densification characteristics of nanocrystalline materials

The possibility of superplastic tensile deformation in nanocrystalline materials has not yet been realized, largely due to the difficulty in maintaining a fine grain size during the densification of nanocrystalline powders. In this preliminary study, it is demonstrated that it may be possible to retain a nanocrystalline grain size in a 3 mol% yttria stabilized zirconia by sinterforging, which enhances densification without significantly affecting grain growth. In addition, other published data are examined to identify conditions favorable for enhancing densification and limiting grain growth.