cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Multi-scale catalyst design

Catalyst design has long been sought in catalysis and reaction engineering research. In this work, multi-scale analysis and strategy is explored to take a holistic view toward catalyst design perspective and elucidate impacts of designs at different scales to a catalytic reaction process performance. A few promising design concepts are introduced to break the compromise that often needs to be made in the conventional design approach. In the catalyst bed scale, micro- or mini-structured catalyst designs can be used to potentially eliminate all mass transfer resistance and realize intrinsic catalytic performance. At the particle level, incorporation of membrane separation functions into the catalyst unit enables regulation of mass transfer rate of individual reactant or product molecules that high reaction selectivity is achieved. At the level of intrinsic catalyst structures, three-dimensional (3-D) catalyst design models are outlined here to outweigh limitations or constraints imposed by the conventional way of thinking 2-D catalyst surface. Examples of exceptional catalytic activity or concerted effects are shown by incorporating different materials into nano-composite catalysts and optimizing size and/or shape of a catalyst material at the nano-scale.
Estimation of evapotranspiration in a mid-latitude forest using the Microwave Emissivity Difference Vegetation Index (EDVI)

article We developed an algorithm to estimate evapotranspiration (ET) from dense vegetation covered area from the first principle of surface energy balance model by using satellite retrieved Microwave Emissivity Dif- ference Vegetation Index (EDVI). This algorithm can be used under both clear sky and cloudy sky conditions. Long term seasonal trend of EDVI is linked to variance of canopy resistance due to the interrelationship among leaf development, environmental condition and microwave radiation. Short term changes of EDVI caused by synoptic scale weather variations is used to parameterize the responds of vegetation resistance to the quick changes of environmental factors including water vapor deficit, water potential and others. The performance of this algorithm was test at the Harvard forest site by using satellite measurements from the SSM/I F13 and F14 sensors. Validation at the site with 169 samples shows that the correlation coefficient (R 2 ) between
Moderate recreational running is associated with lowered salivary progesterone profiles in women

Salivary progesterone profiles were studied in a group of recreational women runners (average 12.5 miles per week) and nonexercising control subjects. Although no differences were observed in the average cycle lengths of the two groups, luteal progesterone levels, both peak and average, were found to be significantly lower in the runners. A salivary progesterone level two standard deviations above the follicular phase average was used to discriminate luteal activity with 95% confidence. Runners averaged fewer days with sample values two standard deviations above this level and a shorter average interval between first and last samples observed above this level. However, no evidence was found of a delayed luteal progesterone rise among the runners. These results suggest that even moderate amounts of aerobic exercise may have effects on female reproductive function which would not be suspected from menstrual patterns alone.
The Three-dimensional Structure of the Warm Local Interstellar Medium. I. Methodology*

In this first in a series of papers, we develop a methodology for constructing three-dimensional models of the local interstellar cloud (LIC) and adjacent warm clouds in the local interstellar medium (LISM). Our models are based on the column density of neutral hydrogen gas (N) inferred primarily from measurements of the deuterium column density toward nearby stars obtained from the analysis of Hubble Space Telescope ultraviolet spectra. We also use values of N inferred from spectra of hot white dwarfs and B-type stars obtained by the Extreme Ultraviolet Explorer satellite. These very different methods give consistent results for the three white dwarf stars in common. We assume that along each line of sight all interstellar gas moving with a speed consistent with the LIC velocity vector has a constant density, N = 0.10 cm-3, and extends from the heliosphere to an edge determined by the value of N moving at this speed. A number of stars have velocities and/or depletions that indicate absorption by other warm clouds in their lines of sight. On this basis α Cen A and B and probably also Ind lie inside the Galactic center (G) cloud, HZ 43 and 31 Com lie inside what we call the north Galactic pole cloud, and β Cet is located inside what we call the south Galactic pole cloud. We show the locations of these clouds in Galactic coordinates. The Sun is located very close to the edge of the LIC toward the Galactic center and the north Galactic pole. The absence of Mg II absorption at the LIC velocity toward α Cen indicates that the distance to the edge of the LIC in this direction is ≤0.05 pc and the Sun should leave the LIC and perhaps enter the G cloud in less than 3000 yr. Comparison of LIC and total values of N toward pairs of stars with separations between 09 and 20° reveals a pattern of good agreement so long as both stars lie within 60 pc of the Sun. Thus the LIC and perhaps also other nearby warm clouds have shapes that are smooth on these angular scales. In our second paper we will therefore fit the shape of the LIC with a set of smooth basis functions (spherical harmonics).
Systematic review of outcomes of patients undergoing resection for colorectal liver metastases in the setting of extra hepatic disease

Abstract Background Surgical resection for patients with colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) can offer patients a significant survival benefit. We hypothesised that patients with CRLM and extra hepatic disease (EHD) undergoing metastasectomy had comparable survival and describe outcomes based on the distribution of metastatic disease. Methods A systematic search using a predefined registered protocol was undertaken between January 2003 and June 2012. Primary exposure was hepatic resection for CRLM and primary outcome measure was overall survival. Meta-regression techniques were used to analyse differences between patients with and without extra hepatic disease. Findings From a pool of 4996 articles, 50 were retained for data extraction (3481 CRLM patients with EHD). The median survival (MS) was 30.5 (range, 9–98) months which was achieved with an operative mortality rate of 0–4.2%. The 3-year and 5-year overall survival (OS) were 42.4% (range, 20.6–77%) and 28% (range, 0–61%) respectively. Patients with EHD of the lungs had a MS of 45 (range, 39–98) months versus lymph nodes (portal and para-aortic) 26 (range, 21–48) months versus peritoneum 29 (range, 18–32) months. The MS also varied by the amount of liver disease – 42.2 months ( Interpretation In the evolving landscape of multimodality therapy, selective hepatic resection for CRLM patients with EHD is feasible with potential impact on survival. Patients with minimal liver disease and EHD in the lung achieve the best outcome.
Testing the law of one price when trade takes time

Abstract The paper deals with several issues that may bias empirical tests against the law of one price. To obtain relatively homogeneous goods, a set of 17 narrowly defined primary products are used. Since trade takes time, the model is specified in terms of expected prices ratger than contemporaneous prices. An empirical measure of rational price expectations is obtained by using the generalized method of moments. The expectations-augmented model provides stronger support for the law of one price than the conventional formulation using contemporaneous prices. Results are also sensitive to the measurement of transport costs and interest rates.
Antimicrobial Peptides: Correlation Between Pore Forming Potency in Lipid Vesicles and Antimicrobial, Hemolytic and Cytotoxic Activity

The rapid rise in drug-resistant pathogenic microorganisms has generated elevated interest in antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), which have been proposed to act largely based on the potential to induce target cell membrane permeabilization. To search for novel AMPs, we designed a 26-residue combinatorial peptide library which was screened for potent membrane pore-formers using a lipid-vesicle-based leakage assay. Selected pore-forming peptides also showed good antimicrobial activity against yeast, gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. To determine if peptides with higher activity could be identified with the same principle, we used one of the original selected peptides as a template, to design a combinatorial peptide library iteration. This iterative library was screened using a recently modified orthogonal fluorescence-based liposome assay that specifically selects for peptides that can induce highly potent, long-lived pores. The peptides in the iterative library, which had an average pore forming activity that was significantly higher than the ones in the original library, was consequently screened at a much higher stringency to find the most potent members. We identified a conserved family of sequences with extremely high membrane permeabilizing activity against lipid vesicles. These selected positives from the iteration library screen were synthesized and tested in antimicrobial and hemolytic assays. Despite their much higher vesicle permeabilization activity, their antimicrobial activities are only slightly better than the positives identified in the original library. These results support the idea that antimicrobial activity is a complex bioactivity with important factors that extend beyond the simple concept of membrane permeabilization.
Pitfalls in avoiding operation for autoimmune pancreatitis

Background Despite improved clinical characterization, autoimmune pancreatitis is often still diagnosed only after a major operative procedure. This study seeks to elucidate the circumstances that contribute to an inaccurate preoperative diagnosis. Methods Two independent reviewers identified retrospectively an institutional cohort of 68 patients with adequate clinical data to support the diagnosis of autoimmune pancreatitis. Further data regarding presentation, diagnostic studies, and clinical course was abstracted from medical records. Comparative analyses were performed between those patients who underwent major operative procedures and those who did not. Results Fifty-three patients underwent operative intervention as their initial treatment. Compared to the 15 patients avoiding operation, these patients were less likely to have diffuse pancreatic enlargement identified on pretreatment imaging (8% vs 80%) or to have pretreatment serum IgG4 level evaluations (11% vs 100%). Among the 21 patients in whom IgG4 levels were first checked postoperatively, only 12 had increases of at least twice the upper limit of normal. Pretreatment fine needle aspirates were interpreted incorrectly as definite or suspicious for adenocarcinoma in 12 patients, of whom 10 underwent operation. Clinically important postoperative disease recurrence was suspected or proven in 13 patients. Conclusion Pitfalls leading to major pancreatic resections in autoimmune pancreatitis include unnecessarily high thresholds for initiating serum IgG4 evaluation, false positive cytologic evaluations for malignancy, and failure to recognize non-classic initial presentations, or recurrence of disease. Better diagnostic strategies are needed, but awareness of these specific findings should help to decrease the number of patients undergoing operation for unrecognized autoimmune pancreatitis.
Use of pralidoxime without atropine in rivastigmine (carbamate) toxicity

Some experimental models suggest that the use of pralidoxime in carbamate toxicity is deleterious. Although pretreatment with atropine minimizes the adverse effect of pralidoxime reported in these models, concerns over the risks of pralidoxime in humans with carbamate poisoning continue. We present a unique case of carbamate toxicity treated successfully with pralidoxime alone. An 80-year-old woman with Alzheimer's dementia presented to the emergency department with 3-4 days of lightheadedness, vomiting, diarrhea, and bilateral lower extremity muscle pain. Extensive review of systems was otherwise negative. Her vital signs were BP, 207/85 mmHg; pulse, 101 beats/min; rectal temperature, 36.6( degrees )C; respirations, 18/min; and SpO(2), 95% breathing room air. Her bedside glucose measurement was 6.7 mmol/L. Physical examination revealed a confused, diaphoretic, ill-appearing woman with miosis and fasciculations of the tongue, eyelids, gastrocnemius and quadriceps bilaterally. The heart, lung, abdominal and head, eyes, ears, nose and throat examinations were otherwise unremarkable. Nine 5-cm(2) rivastigmine patches (9.5 mg/24-hour) were found adherent to her torso and lower extremities. The patches were immediately removed and underlying skin cleansed with soap and water. Laboratory values including complete blood count, basic metabolic panel, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, troponin, coagulation studies and urinalysis were unremarkable. Due to the absence of pulmonary muscarinic findings, no atropine was administered. However, 1 g of pralidoxime was administered intravenously over 30 min to treat fasciculations. Within 30 min of this treatment, there was significant improvement in symptoms and resolution of fasciculations. She was admitted to the hospital, required no further pralidoxime therapy and was discharged after 3 days. Rivastigmine is a reversible (carbamate) cholinesterase inhibitor used to treat dementia. In overdose, cholinergic crisis is expected and in this case was precipitated by patch overuse. We believe there was a causal relationship between pralidoxime administration and the prompt resolution of symptoms and fasciculations. This case of apparently safe and effective pralidoxime use without concomitant atropine administration in a patient with carbamate toxicity reinforces recent data demonstrating the potential safety of pralidoxime in carbamate toxicity.
Success does not always lead to acceptance: Research findings on an advanced ehealth system

The reasons for the lack of acceptance of an advanced ehealth system by carers at seven care organizations in the United States, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands are explored. Given that the design of the electronic record system was largely driven by the carers who used it in the seven organizations and that the system worked, the lack of acceptance was initially perplexing. Four reasons are put forward to explain this lack of acceptance: 1) the ability of the system to be used to evaluate job performance; 2) the pilot study model; 3) reluctance on the part of the carers to alter work routine; and 4) the system's introduction is premature.
Future Orientation and External Locus of Control

A group of 112 undergraduate students was administered the Rotter Internal-External Control Scale. Students who scored above the median in the distribution were categorized as having an external locus of control. The same students also were given the Circles Test which involves having the subject draw circles representing the past, present, and future. If the circle representing the future was larger than the other two, the subject was designated as future-oriented. It was hypothesized that students with external controls would tend to be future-oriented. The hypothesis was supported by the findings.
Numerical Investigation of the Performance of a Roadside Safety Barrier Located Behind the Break Point of a Slope

Numerical simulations allow engineers in roadside safety to investigate the safety of retrofit designs minimizing or, in some cases, avoiding the high costs related to the execution of full-scale experimental tests. This paper describes the numerical investigation made to assess the performance of a roadside safety barrier when relocated behind the break point of a 3H:1V slope, found on a Mechanically Stabilized Earth (MSE) system. A safe barrier relocation in the slope would allow reducing the installation width of the MSE system by an equivalent amount, thus decreasing the overall construction costs. The dynamics of a pick-up truck impacting the relocated barrier and the system deformation were simulated in detail using the explicit non-linear dynamic finite element code LS-DYNA. The model was initially calibrated and subsequently validated against results from a previous full-scale crash test with the barrier placed at the slope break point. After a sensitivity analysis regarding the role of suspension failure and tire deflation on the vehicle stability, the system performance was assessed when it was relocated into the slope. Two different configurations were considered, differing for the height of the rail respect to the road surface and the corresponding post embedment into the soil. Conclusions and recommendations were drawn based on the results obtained from the numerical analysis.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Ookinete-induced Midgut Peroxidases Detonate the Time Bomb in Anopheline Mosquitoes

Previous analysis of the temporal-spatial relationship between ookinete migration and the cellular localization of genes mediating midgut immune defense responses suggested that, in order to survive, parasites must complete invasion before toxic chemicals ("a bomb") are generated by the invaded cell. Recent studies indicate that ookinete invasion induces tyrosine nitration as a two-step reaction, in which NOS induction is followed by a localized increase in peroxidase activity. Peroxidases utilize nitrite and hydrogen peroxide as substrates, and detonate the time bomb by generating reactive nitrogen intermediates, such as nitrogen dioxide, which mediate nitration. There is evidence that peroxidases also mediate antimicrobial responses to bacteria, fungi and parasites in a broad range of biological systems including humans and plants. Defense reactions that generate toxic chemicals are also potentially harmful to the host mounting the response and often results in apoptosis. The two-step nitration pathway is probably an ancient response, as it has also been described in vertebrate leukocytes and probably evolved as a mechanism to circumscribe the toxic products generated during defense responses involving protein nitration.
A mutation upstream of an ATPase gene significantly increases magnetosome production in Magnetospirillum gryphiswaldense.

A mutant of Magnetospirillum gryphiswaldense, NPHB, was obtained from a conjugation experiment. An aberrant recombination occurred between a putative elongation factor-G gene (fus-like) of the bacterial chromosome and the chloramphenicol resistant gene (cat) of a suicide vector, pSUP202. Complementary experiments and transcription analysis of genes around the recombinant site showed that the cat promoter enhanced the expression of adenosine triphosphatase gene downstream. Adenosine triphosphate hydrolyzing activity in NPHB was 35% higher than in the wild-type strain (M. gryphiswaldense MSR-1). NPHB accumulated 71% less poly-β-hydroxybutyrate and consumed 56% more oxygen and 40% more lactate than MSR-1. The magnetosome content of NPHB was 69% higher than MSR-1 in flask culture. NPHB cultured in a 7.5-L bioreactor gave a maximum yield of 58.4 ± 6.4 mg magnetosomes per liter.
Comparison of oxidant-generation and BP-diol activation by bone marrow cells from C57Bl6 and DBA2 mice: Implications for risk of bone marrow toxicity induced by polycyclic hydrocarbons

Neutrophil-derived oxidants have been implicated in both the damage to biomolecules and the metabolic activation of xenobiotics. Bone marrow, a relatively neutrophil-rich tissue with low cytochrome P450 activity, is subject to toxicity from orally administered benzo[a]pyrene (BP) in mice with noninducible P450 monooxygenase systems. Thus, we have compared the oxidant generation and chemical activation by neutrophilic cells isolated from femurs of male DBA/2 and C57Bl/6 mice, strains that are susceptible and nonsusceptible, respectively, to bone marrow toxicity from BP. Oxidant generation of neutrophilic preparations was assayed by superoxide anion generation and oxidant-dependent chemiluminescence (CL) from luminol or lucigenin. In all assays, cells from DBA/2 mice demonstrated increased oxidant generation. CL from BP-7,8-dihydrodiol (BP-diol) has previously been shown to correlate with its ability to elicit genotoxic effects. A twofold enhancement of oxidant-dependent CL from BP-diol was observed with TPA-stimulated neutrophilic cells from DBA/2 mice as compared to cells from C57Bl/6 mice. DBA/2-derived bone marrow cells also activated more BP-diol to a DNA covalent binding species than did bone marrow cells derived from the less BP-sensitive C57Bl/6 mouse. Tetraol analysis of BP-diol metabolism by activated bone marrow cells confirmed this greater bioactivation of the diol by DBA/2-derived cells. These results suggest that the increased risk of DBA/2 mice for BP-induced bone marrow toxicity may be related to their greater ability to bioactivate xenobiotics through oxidant-dependent mechanisms.
A standardized desensitization program applicable to group and individual treatments

Because they do not move at the same pace, Ss in desensitization are exposed differentially to treatment whether treatment is defined in terms of number of sessions (since some will traverse more items than others) or specific hierarchy item to be completed (because some require fewer sessions to reach criterion). For lack of alternatives, Es had to put up with this source of imprecission and confounding. Based on direct evidence which demonstrated that E does not have to wait until S is desensitized to one item before he moves along the hierarchy, a taped schedule of five sessions of standardized aversive imagery and relaxation pairings was designed. Forty snake-phobic females, matched on their fear of a live snake, were randomly assigned to one of four groups: (a) Wolpean SD; (b) standardized systematic desensitization (SSD); (c) pseudodesensitization (PD); and (d) no treatment. The results showed SSD to be as effective in reducing snake phobia as SD and both differing significantly (p<0.0005) from PD and NT. Inter alia, success of SSD curbs confounding from differential exposure or potential relationship factors and makes group treatments possible even where E is absent. Desensitization was re-conceptualized, in Guthrian terms, in the light of these findings.
An adaptive approach to motion-noise cancellation in magnetic sensors

The techniques of Process Parameter Estimation are applied to the problem of reducing motion-induced noise in vector magnetic field sensors intended for submarine communications in the Extremely Low Frequency (ELF) band. Methods using both least squares fitting and steepest descent techniques are developed and shown by means of a computer simulation to reduce motion noise to a value less than the sensor noise level.
Voice production as a function of head balance in singers.

(1972). Voice Production as a Function of Head Balance in Singers. The Journal of Psychology: Vol. 82, No. 2, pp. 209-215.
The First 35 Amino Acids and Fatty Acylation Sites Determine the Molecular Targeting of Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase into the Golgi Region of Cells: A Green Fluorescent Protein Study

Catalytically active endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) is located on the Golgi complex and in the caveolae of endothelial cells (EC). Mislocalization of eNOS caused by mutation of the N-myristoylation or cysteine palmitoylation sites impairs production of stimulated nitric oxide (NO), suggesting that intracellular targeting is critical for optimal NO production. To investigate the molecular determinants of eNOS targeting in EC, we constructed eNOS–green fluorescent protein (GFP) chimeras to study its localization in living and fixed cells. The full-length eNOS–GFP fusion colocalized with a Golgi marker, mannosidase II, and retained catalytic activity compared to wild-type (WT) eNOS, suggesting that the GFP tag does not interfere with eNOS localization or function. Experiments with different size amino-terminal fusion partners coupled to GFP demonstrated that the first 35 amino acids of eNOS are sufficient to target GFP into the Golgi region of NIH 3T3 cells. Additionally, the unique (Gly-Leu)5 repeat located between the palmitoylation sites (Cys-15 and -26) of eNOS is necessary for its palmitoylation and thus localization, but not for N-myristoylation, membrane association, and NOS activity. The palmitoylation-deficient mutants displayed a more diffuse fluorescence pattern than did WT eNOS–GFP, but still were associated with intracellular membranes. Biochemical studies also showed that the palmitoylation-deficient mutants are associated with membranes as tightly as WT eNOS. Mutation of the N-myristoylation site Gly-2 (abolishing both N-myristoylation and palmitoylation) caused the GFP fusion protein to distribute throughout the cell as GFP alone, consistent with its primarily cytosolic nature in biochemical studies. Therefore, eNOS targets into the Golgi region of NIH 3T3 cells via the first 35 amino acids, including N-myristoylation and palmitoylation sites, and its overall membrane association requires N-myristoylation but not cysteine palmitoylation. These results suggest a novel role for fatty acylation in the specific compartmentalization of eNOS and most likely, for other dually acylated proteins, to the Golgi complex.
Airway obstruction in the pierre robin sequence

Airway obstruction and feeding difficulties vary among patients with Pierre Robin sequence (PRS). Treatment is challenging and the appropriate management may not be readily identified, leading to delay in securing the airway. A retrospective review of 90 children with PRS was done to identify subgroups at a higher risk of developing severe airway obstruction using oxygen and apnea monitoring, sleep studies, and response to treatment. Patients with isolated PRS (group I, 27 patients) and Stickler syndrome (group II, 32 patients) do not suffer from debilitating airway and feeding difficulties when compared to those with unique syndromes (group III, 16 patients) and recognized named syndromes (group IV, 15 patients). Feeding difficulties were universal with the severity proportional to airway obstruction. Aggressive intervention should be considered early in group III and IV patients.
Strategic Issues in the Automated Factory

The potential benefits that a firm can expect from an automated factory, the economic justification and the steps for implementing flexible manufacturing systems are discussed. Some British companies are used as case examples. They all point to the need for the UK to implement the automated factory. For success in this, attention must be given to management practices, support systems, performance measurement, cost management and data collection.
Uncoupled Peptide Bond Vibrations in α-Helical and Polyproline II Conformations of Polyalanine Peptides

We examined the 204-nm UV resonance Raman (UVR) spectra of the polyproline II (PPII) and alpha-helical states of a 21-residue mainly alanine peptide (AP) in different H2O/D2O mixtures. Our hypothesis is that if the amide backbone vibrations are coupled, then partial deuteration of the amide N will perturb the amide frequencies and Raman cross sections since the coupling will be interrupted; the spectra of the partially deuterated derivatives will not simply be the sum of the fully protonated and deuterated peptides. We find that the UVR spectra of the AmIII and AmII' bands of both the PPII conformation and the alpha-helical conformation (and also the PPII AmI, AmI', and AmII bands) can be exactly modeled as the linear sum of the fully N-H protonated and N-D deuterated peptides. Negligible coupling occurs for these vibrations between adjacent peptide bonds. Thus, we conclude that these peptide bond Raman bands can be considered as being independently Raman scattered by the individual peptide bonds. This dramatically simplifies the use of these vibrational bands in IR and Raman studies of peptide and protein structure. In contrast, the AmI and AmI' bands of the alpha-helical conformation cannot be well modeled as a linear sum of the fully N-H protonated and N-D deuterated derivatives. These bands show evidence of coupling between adjacent peptide bond vibrations. Care must be taken in utilizing the AmI and AmI' bands for monitoring alpha-helical conformations since these bands are likely to change as the alpha-helical length changes and the backbone conformation is perturbed.
Evolving structures and consumer response: dynamic transformations of The Fugitive and Mission Impossible

Structural analysis is designed to deal with patterns which exist in the human mind and, thereby, impact the ways in which people act and respond to circumstances. As such, structural analysis has value in situations involving consumer choice and preference. Historically, structural analysis, in both literary criticism and consumer research, has tended to be static in nature. Marketing managers, however, are interested in cultural dynamics and what influences consumer preferences and buying patterns as they evolve through time. Here a structural interpretation which is linked to a socio/economic deterministic model, will be used to analyze two popular television series (The Fugitive and Mission Impossible) which were originally aired in the 1960s and were remade into blockbuster feature films in the 1990s. This example will explore the value of a dynamic structural model within marketing management.
Paleoclimate Scenarios to Inform Decision Making in Water Resource Management: Example from Southern California’s Inland Empire

AbstractSouthwestern United States paleoclimate reconstructions feature droughts that are longer and higher in magnitude than any water shortage during the twentieth century, and thus could aid water managers in planning for future severe droughts. This research used the robust decision-making (RDM) analytical framework to incorporate paleoclimate information into an analysis of long-range water management for a Southern California water agency. The analysis leverages a water management model to identify near-term management actions that may help mitigate water shortages over a wide range of future conditions reflecting various assumptions about climate, costs, and planning. Results indicate that a regional urban water management plan for 2005 is vulnerable to extended droughts and that enhancing water management actions in the near term reduces the risk of future unmet demand and shortage costs. Comparing results with previous work with the IEUA using climate model projections indicates some differences ...
Migration of Contaminated Soil and Airborne Particulates to Indoor Dust

We have developed a modeling and measurement framework for assessing transport of contaminated soils and airborne particulates into a residence, their subsequent distribution indoors via resuspension and deposition processes, and removal by cleaning and building exhalation of suspended particles. The model explicitly accounts for the formation of house dust as a mixture of organic matter (OM) such as shed skin cells and organic fibers, soil tracked-in on footwear, and particulate matter (PM) derived from the infiltration of outdoor air. We derived formulas for use with measurements of inorganic contaminants, crustal tracers, OM, and PM to quantify selected transport parameters. Application of the model to residences in the U.S. Midwest indicates that As in ambient air can account for nearly 60% of the As input to floor dust, with soil track-in representing the remainder. Historic data on Pb contamination in Sacramento, CA, were used to reconstruct sources of Pb in indoor dust, showing that airborne Pb was likely the dominant source in the early 1980s. However, as airborne Pb levels declined due to the phase-out of leaded gasoline, soil resuspension and track-in eventually became the primary sources of Pb in house dust.
Observational learning of discriminative avoidance in hooded rats

To determine the aspects of an observational situation facilitating subsequent acquisition of an observed task, two experimental groups of rats were exposed to a model’s performance of a two-way discriminative shuttlebox avoidance task with a tone as the discriminative stimulus. One experimental group (OND) observed the performance of a naive demonstrator; the other experimental group (OSD) observed a skilled demonstrator. A stimulus control group (SC) was exposed to the tone with no model present; a response control group (RC) observed demonstrator running with no tone present. A naive control group (NC) received no observational experience. All groups were subsequently tested on acquisition of the task. An analysis of variance on avoidance scores and Newman-Keuls tests for differences between means revealed that OND and OSD groups performed significantly more avoidances than the control groups. Exposure to the total tone-running sequence was found to be necessary for observational learning. The results were interpreted in terms of a sensory-sensory conditioning model.
Development and demonstration of RNA isolation and RT-PCR procedures to detect Escherichia coli O157:H7 gene expression on beef carcass surfaces.

E . D . B E R R Y . 2000. Preventing the development of pathogen resistance to processing and preservation techniques will require an understanding of the genetic mechanisms that pathogens use in situ to adapt and develop tolerance to stresses they encounter in the food environment. RNA isolation and reverse-transcription (RT)‐PCR protocols were developed as tools to detect gene expression in bacteria on beef carcass surfaces. The utility of these procedures was demonstrated by detecting the expression of a selectively-inducible green fluorescent protein (GFP) gene in a plasmid-transformed strain of Escherichia coli O157:H7 inoculated onto beef carcass surface tissue. These procedures should serve as useful tools for studying the genetic responses of bacteria when exposed to antimicrobial interventions applied to food animal carcasses.
Simple Route to Gradient Concentric Metal and Metal Oxide Rings

Gradient concentric rings with unprecedented regularity, formed by drying a polymer solution from a sphere-on-Si geometry, are utilized as templates for preparing a wide variety of metal or metal oxide rings. This simple yet novel approach affords a cost-effective means to produce metal or metal oxide rings in a concentric fashion.
Fitting marginal accelerated failure time models to clustered survival data with potentially informative cluster size

Abstract Methods for analyzing clustered survival data are gaining popularity in biomedical research. Naive attempts to fitting marginal models to such data may lead to biased estimators and misleading inference when the size of a cluster is statistically correlated with some cluster specific latent factors or one or more cluster level covariates. A simple adjustment to correct for potentially informative cluster size is achieved through inverse cluster size reweighting. We give a methodology that incorporates this technique in fitting an accelerated failure time marginal model to clustered survival data. Furthermore, right censoring is handled by inverse probability of censoring reweighting through the use of a flexible model for the censoring hazard. The resulting methodology is examined through a thorough simulation study. Also an illustrative example using a real dataset is provided that examines the effects of age at enrollment and smoking on tooth survival.
Genetically engineered immune privileged Sertoli cells: A new road to cell based gene therapy

Sertoli cells are immune privileged cells, important for controlling the immune response to male germ cells as well as maintaining the tolerogenic environment in the testis. Additionally, ectopic Sertoli cells have been shown to survive and protect co-grafted cells when transplanted across immunological barriers. The survival of ectopic Sertoli cells has led to the idea that they could be used in cell based gene therapy. In this review, we provide a brief overview of testis immune privilege and Sertoli cell transplantation, factors contributing to Sertoli cell immune privilege, the challenges faced by viral vector gene therapy, the use of immune privileged cells in cell based gene therapy and describe several recent studies on the use of genetically engineered Sertoli cells to provide continuous delivery of therapeutic proteins.
Massless particles and losing clocks

Abstract The general relativistic time delay induced by massless particles travelling near a clock is recalculated.
The Time Course of D1 Agonist Induced Striatonigral ERK1/2 Signaling in a Rat Model of Parkinson's Disease

Using a rat model of hemiparkinsonism, we examined the time-course of D1 agonist, SKF-38393-induced changes in extracellular signaling regulated kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2) phosphorylation in the striatum and substantia nigra (SN). We unilaterally lesioned the rat median forebrain bundle with 6-hydroxydopamine. Dopaminergic lesioned rats were administered with SKF-38393 and perfused at 15, 30, 60, or 120 minutes after the drug. Immunohistochemical analysis of striatum and SN revealed, as expected, a loss of tyrosine hydroxylase and a decrease of substance P in lesioned rats. SKF-38393 induced a robust increase in phospho-ERK1/2 levels in the lesioned striatum, which peaked at 15 min and substantially declined by 120 min. We report for the first time that similar changes were observed in the SN. The time-dependent ERK 1/2 activation in the striatonigral neurons may play a role in the therapeutic and/or side effects such as dyskinesias related to the dopamine agonist treatment for Parkinson’s disease.
Results on the asymptotic stability properties of desynchronization in impulse-coupled oscillators

The property of desynchronization in impulse-coupled oscillators is studied. Each impulsive oscillator is modeled as a hybrid system with a single timer state that self-resets to zero when it reaches a threshold, at which point any other impulsive oscillator adjusts their timers following a common law. This law dictates the reaction to an external reset. In this setting, desynchronization is considered as timers having equal separation among each other and between successive resets. We show that, for the considered model, desynchronization is an (almost global) asymptotic stability property, which, due to the regularity properties of the hybrid systems, is robust to small perturbations. To establish this result, we recast desynchronization as a set stabilization problem and employ Lyapunov stability tools for hybrid systems. The results are illustrated in examples and simulations.
Purification and characterization of a calcium binding protein with "synexin-like" activity from human blood platelets.

Abstract A calcium binding protein of Mr =54,000 has been isolated from human blood platelets. This protein has been shown to enhance Ca2+-induced aggregation of phosphatidylserine liposomes, suggesting that it may be a member of a recently recognized class of binding proteins known to interact with phospholipids and the membrane in a Ca2+ dependent manner. Because of the “synexin-like” activity of this protein it may be involved in Ca2+ regulated platelet secretion as well as cell motility.
One size fits all? Dialectometry in a small clan-based indigenous society

In many societies, dialectometry has revealed strong correlations between geographic distances and dialect differences (e.g., Gooskens, 2005; Heeringa & Nerbonne, 2001; Nerbonne, 2009, 2010). But what happens when dialectometry is applied to a small, clan-based society such as the indigenous Sui people of rural southwest China? The Sui results show a strong correlation between dialect difference and geographic distance, thus supporting Nerbonne and Kleiweg's (2007) Fundamental Dialectological Postulate. A new culturally specific computation, “rice paddy distance,” also provides a strong correlation with dialect differences. However, the study finds that some dialectometry patterns of larger societies are not “compressible” into small societies such as Sui. Clan exogamy also poses challenges for dialectometry. Nonetheless, the overall results show that basic principles of dialect variation in space can be generalized cross-culturally, even across very different cultures. This paper also suggests a “lower limit” for dialectology, that is, the smallest distance where regional dialectology may be relevant, all other things being equal.
Isolation of mitochondria from ascites tumor cells permeabilized with digitonin

A new, improved procedure for isolating mitochondria from ascites tumor cells is described. The unique feature of this technique is the use of digitonin to make the cells susceptible to disruption by Teflon pestle/glass vessel homogenization. The yield and respiratory control ratios of mitochondria isolated by this method from murine Ehrlich ascites tumor cells and rat AS30-D ascites hepatoma cells are significantly better than those obtained for mitochondria isolated by the commonly employed Nagarse method, which involves the use of proteolytic enzymes. Moreover, mitochondria isolated by this new procedure from three different lines of tumors exhibit respiratory control ratios with both adenosine diphosphate and a respiratory uncoupler comparable to those obtained with mitochondria present in situ within digitonin-permeabilized tumor cells.
Human Factors and Advanced Traveler Information Systems (ATIS)

The nation's motoring public is increasingly burdened by recalcitrant transportation problems, many of them directly attributable to increasing traffic congestion. In response to this, the US. Department of transportation is actively moving on several fronts to address this problem.One of the more promising approaches to relieving congestion is through the design and implementation of new technology in the Intelligent Vehicle/Highway System (IVHS). IVHS is composed of five elements: Advanced Traffic Management Systems (ATMS), Advanced Traveler Information Systems (ATIS), Commercial Vehicle Operations (CVO), Advanced Vehicle Control Systems (AVCS), and Advanced Public Transportation Systems (APTS). This paper will discuss human factors issues associated with ATIS.
Increased chilling tolerance and altered carbon metabolism in tomato leaves following application of mechanical stress

We investigated the effects of brushing on the chilling tolerance and metabolism of nonstructural carbohydrates (soluble sugars and starch) in tomato leaves before, during and after a chilling stress. Tomato plants (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. cv. Caruso) were cultivated either without mechanical stress application (control plants) or with daily brushing treatments for 15 days (brushed plants), prior to a 7-day chilling treatment (8/5°C day/night). Brushing resulted in shorter plants with a 34% reduction in leaf dry weight per area and a 59% reduction of soluble sugars and starch, on a dry weight basis. The sugar to starch ratio was not affected by brushing. A greater chilling tolerance in the brushed plants was demonstrated by the maintenance of a significantly higher PSII efficiency in brushed plants (42%) compared to that of the control plants (30%) after 7 days of chilling treatment, less visible damage to the leaf tissue, and a more rapid resumption of growth during 3 days of recovery as compared to control plants. During the chilling treatment levels of soluble sugars per leaf dry weight increased 15-fold in the brushed plants and 5-fold in control plants. In the present study we have demonstrated that brushing can increase chilling tolerance in tomato plants. The observed differences in chilling tolerance and concentration of soluble sugars in the leaves may indicate an involvement of soluble sugar levels in acclimation to chilling.
“Heart Trouble” and Religious Involvement among Older White Men and Women

Objective Few studies examine how older adults’ health status affects spiritual and religious involvement. This study examined the effects of gender and poor cardiac health on older adults’ ends, means, and quest religious motivations and frequency of private devotion. Method Longitudinal data (12 months between the T1 and T2 interviews) with 182 older adults sampled from a Northeast city were used to examine in a multivariate analysis of covariance whether gender and the existence of cardiac health problems at T1 affected older adults’ spiritual and religious involvement at T2. Findings A gender and cardiac health condition interaction showed older men with heart trouble had more changes in religious involvement—they engaged in more religious doubt, prayed less, and were not as intrinsically oriented at T2. Discussion The findings strongly suggest that older men with heart trouble may maintain a masculine style and shun seeking divine help.
Cardiac imaging techniques for physicians: Late enhancement †

Late enhancement imaging is used to diagnose and characterize a wide range of ischemic and non-ischemic cardiomyopathies, and its use has become ubiquitous in the cardiac MR exam. As the use of late enhancement imaging has matured and the span of applications has widened, the demands on image quality have grown. The characterization of sub-endocardial MI now includes the accurate quantification of scar size, shape, and characterization of borders which have been shown to have prognostic significance. More diverse patterns of late enhancement including patchy, mid-wall, sub-epicardial, or diffuse enhancement are of interest in diagnosing non-ischemic cardiomyopathies. As clinicians are examining late enhancement images for more subtle indication of fibrosis, the demand for lower artifacts has increased. A range of new techniques have emerged to improve the speed and quality of late enhancement imaging including: methods for acquisition during free breathing, and fat water separated imaging for characterizing fibro-fatty infiltration and reduction of artifacts related to the presence of fat. Methods for quantification of T1 and extracellular volume fraction are emerging to tackle the issue of discriminating globally diffuse fibrosis from normal healthy tissue which is challenging using conventional late enhancement methods. The aim of this review will be to describe the current state of the art and to provide a guide to various clinical protocols that are commonly used.