cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pathway Enrichment Analysis for Untargeted Metabolomics

Metabolomics-based studies have provided critical insights across many applications and now offer researchers an opportunity to collect information about thousands of small molecules in-bulk through untargeted metabolomics. However, taking advantage of this new development requires accurate identification of metabolites and their biological significance in a given sample, which unfortunately remains difficult. Pathway enrichment is a powerful method that can aid in addressing those tasks, but existing techniques intended for gene enrichment analysis are not directly applicable to untargeted metabolomics. In this poster we address the following problem: given a network model of the biological sample and a likelihood score of observing metabolites (nodes) within the network, compute the enrichment of pathways within the network model. We approach this challenge as an optimization problem, where a solution is defined as a particular assignment of mass features to candidate metabolites. The method generates possible assignments of features to compounds using in silico fragmentation tools (e.g., MetFrag [1], CFM-ID [2], and CSI:FingerID [3]) and spectral database (e.g., MassBank [4]) and then attempts to iteratively improve a possible solution. By developing this method, we enable the use of pathway enrichment as an effective way of metabolite identification in untargeted metabolomics.
Sleep Apnea and Kidney Function Trajectory: Results From a 20-Year Longitudinal Study of Healthy Middle-Aged Adults.

Study objectives To determine whether sleep apnea, defined by polysomnography, accelerates kidney function decline in generally healthy adults not selected for sleep apnea or kidney disease. Methods We performed a retrospective cohort study in 855 participants from the Wisconsin Sleep Cohort Study, a large 20-year population-based study of sleep apnea, who had at least one polysomnogram and serial measurements of serum creatinine over time. Sleep apnea was defined as an apnea-hypopnea index ≥ 15 or positive airway pressure (PAP) use at baseline. We compared the slope of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) change and odds of rapid eGFR decline (>2.2 mL/minute/1.73 m2/year) for those with and without sleep apnea. Results The mean follow-up was 13.9 ± 3.4 years. The cohort was 50.4 ± 7.6 years, 55% male, and 97% white. The mean eGFR was 89.3 ± 13.8 mL/minute/1.73 m2 and 11% had sleep apnea. Overall, the mean eGFR change was -0.88 ± 1.12 mL/minute/1.73 m2/year. Compared with those without sleep apnea, participants with sleep apnea had a 0.2 mL/minute/1.73 m2/year slower eGFR decline though this was not statistically significant (95% CI [-0.06-0.45], p = .134). When we excluded those on PAP therapy (n = 17), eGFR decline was even slower among those with sleep apnea (0.36 mL/minute/1.73 m2/year slower, 95% CI [0.08-063], p = .012). Those with sleep apnea had lower odds of rapid eGFR decline but this was not statistically significant, even after excluding PAP users. Conclusion Among healthy middle-aged adults, the presence of sleep apnea at baseline did not accelerate kidney function decline compared with those without sleep apnea over time.
Detection of Clostridium difficile Toxins A (enterotoxin) and B (cytotoxin) in Clinical Specimens: Evaluation of a Latex Agglutination Test

A new latex test, Culturette Brand Rapid Latex Test for detection of Clostridium difficile toxin A, was tested on 408 stool samples. In 247 frozen tissue culture supernate specimens previously obtained from patients with C. difficile-associated diarrhea (CAD), the latex test (enterotoxin) was positive in 182 (74%) as compared with 194 (79%) for the repeat tissue culture (P greater than 0.1) cytotoxin (toxin B) test. Testing of 161 fresh stool samples found the latex test superior to tissue culture (P less than 0.05) in cases of CAD (90% positivity vs. 70%), with the two tests being equal in both non-CAD diarrheal and non-diarrheal control groups. In vitro evaluation of 61 C. difficile isolates found all (100%) to be producers of enterotoxin A, while only 53 (87%) produced toxin B. The latex test for C. difficile toxin detection is a rapid, simple test for use in the diagnosis in CAD.
Zur Geschichte der ersten Versuche über künstliche Parthenogenese

Der Ausgangspunkt fur die Versuche uber kunstliche Parthenogenese waren die Beobachtungen uber die naturliche Parthenogenese bei Bombyx mori. Im Jahre 1847 teilte ein franzosischer Autor, Boursier, mit, „das ein weiblicher Seidenspinner, der sich mit einem Mannchen nicht begattet hatte, von ihm bald dem Sonnenlicht, bald dem Schatten ausgesetzt worden sei, wobei der Schmetterling viele Eier gelegt habe, von denen diejenigen, welche im Sonnenschein gelegt worden seien, Raupchen geliefert hatten“.1)
Research of Improved Algorithm Based on LBP for Face Recognition

Face recognition is one of the research hotspots in the area of computer vision and pattern recognition which has a wide application perspective. In this paper, a research on the classical Local Binary Pattern (LBP) is made and an improved algorithm named double-circle LBP is proposed, which can further enhance the rotation invariant characteristic of LBP. Since LBP descriptor based on the block has good recognition effect, this paper further proposed the strategy of "multiple blocks+middle block" in double-circle LBP descriptor, which can effectively solve the problem that the information around the original block line cannot be extracted completely. Finally, experiments are conducted on Orl, Yale and Extended YaleB face databaseds by comparing the recognition rate by using original LBP and its improved algorithms. The results show that double-circle LBP descriptor and "multiple -block+middle-block LBP descriptor can greatly improve the recognition rate.
Dry eye and Delayed Tear Clearance: “A Call to Arms”

Dry eye may activate components of the ocular surface early warning system. Ocular surface stresses in dry eye, such as hyperosmolarity, could activate cellular stress pathways such as MAPKs. IL-I and MMP-9 produced by the ocular surface epithelial cells may mediate initial events in the inflammatory cascade of dry eye through a dynamic interplay between them on the ocular surface.
Tissue-cell- and species-specific expression of gonadotropin-regulated long chain acyl-CoA synthetase (GR-LACS) in gonads, adrenal and brain: Identification of novel forms in the brain

Abstract Gonadotropin-regulated long chain acyl-CoA synthetase (GR-LACS) is a novel hormonally regulated fatty acyl-CoA synthetase (FACS) with activity for long-chain fatty acids. The presence of this enzyme in the Leydig cells of the mature rat testis and its mode of regulation suggest that it participates in testicular steroidogenesis. This study demonstrates that GR-LACS expression is tissue, cell and species-specific. The 79 kDa GR-LACS protein is expressed in rodent gonads and brain, and only in the mouse in the adrenal cortex. In the ovary of both species it is associated with follicles undergoing atresia. It is present in the newborn and immature testis tubules and after puberty only in the Leydig cells. A distinct GR-LACS protein species of 64 kDa that was more abundant than the 79 kDa long form was found in the rat brain. Also, a minor 73 kDa form was observed in the rat brain and mouse ovary. Two novel species resulting from alternatively splicing of the GR-LACS gene were identified in a rat brain cDNA library: a short form 1 (S1) lacking exon 8 and short form 2 (S2) lacking exons 6–8. Expression studies revealed that the sizes of the S1/S2 proteins are comparable to those of the endogenous variant species. Neither S form contains FACSs activity, suggesting that exon 8 is essential for the enzymatic function. GR-LACS variants exhibit small but significant dominant negative effects on the FACS activity of the long form. GR-LACS variants may regulate the long form's activity in the brain.
The effect of wound complications following mastectomy with immediate reconstruction on breast cancer recurrence.

Abstract Introduction The aim of this study was to determine whether complications following mastectomy with immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) were associated with breast cancer recurrence. Methods A retrospective review was performed of women diagnosed with stage I-III breast cancer who underwent mastectomy with IBR between 2005 and 2010. Patient demographics, tumor data, surgical wound complications, treatment details and timing were recorded and analyzed. Results We identified 458 women with a median follow up time of 7.6 years. A total of 22% of patients experienced IBR complications. There was a delay in initiation of adjuvant therapy in patients who had a complication (52 vs 41 days, p Conclusions In breast cancer patients who undergo mastectomy with IBR, wound complications delayed initiation of adjuvant systemic therapy, but were not associated with an increased risk of cancer recurrence.
Progress Toward Sustainable Development Goal 4 in a Culturally Diverse World: The Experience of Modalidad Propia in Colombia

The national early childhood development (ECD) policy of Colombia De Cero a Siempre has developed a mechanism for policy implementation specific to ethnic-minority, rural and indigenous populations in the country (the Modalidad Propia). We discuss the Modalidad Propias a scalable process to ensure access and quality resources for early childhood development, care and pre-primary education (SDG Target 4.2) among diverse indigenous, rural, remote as well as mainstream or majority communities. We explain how national policies must take into account the contexts of the cultural nature of human development as well as regional livelihood dynamics in order to define how services can be structured and delivered to children and their families. Although the SDG’s are universal in nature, contextualization of policies to the diversity of ethnic, indigenous, and language-minority groups within countries is necessary to achieve progress in access, equity and quality. The Modalidad Propia mechanism may help other governments to engage in reciprocal dialogue with culturally diverse communities to ensure progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals.
Socially-Aware Navigation Using Non-Linear Multi-Objective Optimization

For socially assistive robots (SAR)to be accepted into complex and stochastic human environments, it is important to account for subtle social norms. In this paper, we propose a novel approach to socially-aware navigation (SAN)which garnered an immense interest in the Human-Robot Interaction (HRI)community. We use a multi-objective optimization tool called the Pareto Concavity Elimination Transformation (PaC-cET)to capture the non-linear human navigation behavior, a novel contribution to the community. A candidate point on a trajectory is scored (1)for its progress towards the goal, and (2)based on autonomously-sensed distance-based features that capture the social norms and associated social costs. Rather than use a finely-tuned linear combination of these costs, we use PaCcET to select an optimized future trajectory point, associated with a non-linear combination of the costs. Existing research in this domain concentrates on geometric reasoning, model-based, and learning approaches, which have their own pros and cons. This approach is distinct from prior work in this area. We showed in a simulation that the PaCcET-based trajectory planner not only is able to avoid collisions and reach the intended destination in static and dynamic environments but also considers a human's personal space i.e. rules of proxemics in the trajectory selection process.
Faculty Apprentice as a Mentorship Model for Engineering Graduate Students interested in Teaching

This paper presents a new model of mentoring engineering graduate students called faculty apprenticeship, which is aimed at helping prepare graduate students to become effective teachers. Engineering education scholars have pointed out that graduate school usually falls short in preparing engineering graduate students for a career as faculty. Moreover, graduate students lack deliberate opportunities to practice and gain genuine teaching experience. Students who are appointed as teaching assistants (TAs) do not always get opportunities to teach and are mostly restricted to supporting the instructor as necessary. With an increasing focus on developing strategies to better prepare graduate students for their teaching role in academia, we address this challenge through the model of faculty apprenticeship. The faculty apprentice approach was implemented in the school of engineering education at a large Midwestern university. In this paper, we present the rationale of the faculty apprentice approach, which is located within the conceptual frameworks of the mentoring and apprenticeship models. We look at the experiences of two professors and two graduate students who served as instructors and faculty apprentices respectively throughout several semesters. The data is collected in the form of reflections and is examined through a qualitative constructivist lens to inform engineering educators on the mutual benefits of this approach. The results that emerged from the combined experiences of faculty and students provide a reasonable argument on how the faculty apprentice approach benefits both faculty and students. The results also present the process involved in successfully running the model. We believe the faculty apprentice approach is compatible and complementary with current efforts being taken by engineering colleges towards professional development of graduate students. The intention of this paper is to spark interest among instructors and provide information to transfer this approach from engineering education to other engineering disciplines.
Tuber Depth and Yield Response of Tiger Nut (Cyperus esculentus) to Soil Texture and Rates of Poultry and Pig Manure

A pot experiment was conducted to evaluate tuber depth and weight of tiger nut produced in loamy fine sand and sandy clay soil using 0, 200, 300 or 400 g per pot of poultry or pig manure in a 2 × 2 × 4 factorial experiment arranged in completely randomized design and replicated three times. Total tuber weight and weight of tubers at 10 cm were significantly increased by application of manure compared with the control. Significant interaction of soil texture X manure types X manure rates was recorded on weight of tubers at 20 cm. Percentage of tubers at 0-10 cm was 90.6-92.1% (91.5-93.6% tuber weight); while 6.68-8.96% of the tubers (5.49-8.47% tuber weight) were harvested between 10-20 cm soil depth; only 0-0.94% of the tuber weight was harvested beyond 20 cm depth. Pig manure had positive effect on tiger nut productivity on loamy fine sand and sandy clay soil, while with poultry manure tiger nut productivity was enhanced on sandy clay soil; 300 g of pig or poultry manure produced similar weight of tiger nut tubers and is considered optimum for tiger nut productivity. Sandy clay and loamy fine sand had similar effect on depth and yield of tiger nut. More than 99% of the tubers were confined to 0-20 cm soil depth. Information on how deep the tubers of tiger nut can grow in soil of different texture and fertility status will enhance precise harvesting.
Leading students towards the formal world of mathematical thinking: a mathematician’s reflections on teaching eigentheory

ABSTRACTIn this study, we analysed a mathematician’s teaching journals on eigenvalues and eigenvectors in a first-year linear algebra course. The research team employed Tall’s [How humans learn to ...
IL-22 induced cell extrusion and IL-18-induced pyroptosis prevent and cure rotavirus infection

Summary Administration of bacterial flagellin elicits production of TLR5-mediated IL-22 and NLRC4-mediated IL-18 that act in concert to cure and prevent rotavirus (RV) infection. This study investigated the mechanism by which these cytokines act to impede this virus. Although IL-18 and IL-22 induce each other’s expression, we found that IL-18 and IL-22 both impeded RV independently of each other and did so by distinct mechanisms, in both cases via activation of their cognate receptors in intestinal epithelial cells (IEC). IL-22 drove IEC proliferation and migration toward villus tips, which resulted in increased extrusion of highly differentiated IEC that serve as the site of RV replication. In contrast, IL-18 induced pyroptotic death of RV-infected IEC thus directly interrupting the RV replication cycle, resulting in spewing of incompetent virus into the intestinal lumen and causing a rapid drop in levels of RV-infected IEC. Together, these actions resulted in rapid and complete expulsion of RV, even in hosts with severely compromised immune systems. These results suggest that IL-18/22 might be a means of treating viral infections that preferentially target short-lived epithelial cells.
Beware of the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.

In this issue of Leukemia and Lymphoma, Annibali [1] and colleagues report that patients with diffuse large B- cell lymphoma (DLBCL) presenting with a neutrophil/lymphocyte (N/L) ratio ≥3.5 experie...
Developmental underpinnings of spermatogonial stem cell establishment

Background The germline serves as a conduit for transmission of genetic and epigenetic information from one generation to the next. In males, spermatozoa are the final carriers of inheritance and their continual production is supported by a foundational population of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) that forms from prospermatogonial precursors during the early stages of neonatal development. In mammals, the timing for which SSCs are specified and the underlying mechanisms guiding this process remain to be completely understood. Objectives To propose an evolving concept for how the foundational SSC population is established. Materials and methods This review summarizes recent and historical findings from peer-reviewed publications made primarily with mouse models while incorporating limited studies from humans and livestock. Results and conclusion Establishment of the SSC population appears to follow a biphasic pattern involving a period of fate programming followed by an establishment phase that culminates in formation of the SSC population. This model for establishment of the foundational SSC population from precursors is anticipated to extend across mammalian species and include humans and livestock, albeit on different timescales.
Analysis of Primary Hyperparathyroidism Screening Among US Veterans With Kidney Stones.

Importance Approximately 3% to 5% of patients with kidney stones have primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT), a treatable cause of recurrent stones. However, the rate of screening for PHPT in patients with kidney stones remains unknown. Objectives To estimate the prevalence of parathyroid hormone (PTH) testing in veterans with kidney stones and hypercalcemia and to identify the demographic, geographic, and clinical characteristics of veterans who were more or less likely to receive PTH testing. Design, setting, and participants This cohort study obtained Veterans Health Administration (VHA) health records from the Corporate Data Warehouse for veterans who received care in 1 of the 130 VHA facilities across the United States from January 1, 2008, through December 31, 2013. Historical encounters, medical codes, and laboratory data were assessed. Included patients had diagnostic or procedural codes for kidney or ureteral stones, and excluded patients were those with a previous serum PTH level measurement. Data were collected from January 1, 2006, to December 31, 2014. Data analysis was conducted from June 1, 2019, to January 31, 2020. Exposures Elevated serum calcium concentration measurement between 6 months before and 6 months after kidney stone diagnosis. Main outcomes and measures Proportion of patients with a serum PTH level measurement and proportion of patients with biochemical evidence of PHPT who underwent parathyroidectomy. Results The final cohort comprised 7561 patients with kidney stones and hypercalcemia and a mean (SD) age of 64.3 (12.3) years. Of these patients, 7139 were men (94.4%) and 5673 were white individuals (75.0%). The proportion of patients who completed a serum PTH level measurement was 24.8% (1873 of 7561). Across the 130 VHA facilities included in the study, testing rates ranged from 4% to 57%. The factors associated with PTH testing included the magnitude of calcium concentration elevation (odds ratio [OR], 1.07 per 0.1 mg/dL >10.5 mg/dL; 95% CI, 1.05-1.08) and the number of elevated serum calcium concentration measurements (OR, 1.08 per measurement >10.5 mg/dL; 95% CI, 1.06-1.10) as well as visits to both a nephrologist and a urologist (OR, 6.57; 95% CI, 5.33-8.10) or an endocrinologist (OR, 4.93; 95% CI, 4.11-5.93). Of the 717 patients with biochemical evidence of PHPT, 189 (26.4%) underwent parathyroidectomy within 2 years of a stone diagnosis. Conclusions and relevance This cohort study found that only 1 in 4 patients with kidney stones and hypercalcemia were tested for PHPT in VHA facilities and that testing rates varied widely across these facilities. These findings suggest that raising clinician awareness to PHPT screening indications may improve evaluation for parathyroidectomy, increase the rates of detection and treatment of PHPT, and decrease recurrent kidney stone disease.
Contamination of Breast Milk

I would like to discuss an issue that has assumed increasing importance for the developed countries and may in the future create concern in countries now moving from a pastoral or farming economy to one with an industrial base. The matter for examination is the contamination of human milk with organohalides, products of the chemical industry. In this country, federal and state officials have discussed the variables at such length as to give the impression that the problem is unique to the United States. The truth may be, however, that we are merely more aware of the issue than others. There is every reason to believe, however, based on studies of one organohalide, DDT, that the problem is a general one and that we may expect breast milk contamination in any environment where organohalides are in common use.
Kratom Alkaloids, Natural and Semi-Synthetic, Show Less Physical Dependence and Ameliorate Opioid Withdrawal

Chronic administration of opioids produces physical dependence and opioid-induced hyperalgesia. Users claim the Thai traditional tea “kratom” and component alkaloid mitragynine ameliorate opioid withdrawal without increased sensitivity to pain. Testing these claims, we assessed the combined kratom alkaloid extract (KAE) and two individual alkaloids, mitragynine (MG) and the analog mitragynine pseudoindoxyl (MP), evaluating their ability to produce physical dependence and induce hyperalgesia after chronic administration, and as treatments for withdrawal in morphine-dependent subjects. C57BL/6J mice (n = 10/drug) were administered repeated saline, or graded, escalating doses of morphine (intraperitoneal; i.p.), kratom alkaloid extract (orally, p.o.), mitragynine (p.o.), or MP (subcutaneously, s.c.) for 5 days. Mice treated chronically with morphine, KAE, or mitragynine demonstrated significant drug-induced hyperalgesia by day 5 in a 48 °C warm-water tail-withdrawal test. Mice were then administered naloxone (10 mg/kg, s.c.) and tested for opioid withdrawal signs. Kratom alkaloid extract and the two individual alkaloids demonstrated significantly fewer naloxone-precipitated withdrawal signs than morphine-treated mice. Additional C57BL/6J mice made physically dependent on morphine were then used to test the therapeutic potential of combined KAE, mitragynine, or MP given twice daily over the next 3 days at either a fixed dose or in graded, tapering descending doses. When administered naloxone, mice treated with KAE, mitragynine, or MP under either regimen demonstrated significantly fewer signs of precipitated withdrawal than control mice that continued to receive morphine. In conclusion, while retaining some liabilities, kratom, mitragynine, and mitragynine pseudoindoxyl produced significantly less physical dependence and ameliorated precipitated withdrawal in morphine-dependent animals, suggesting some clinical value.
George W. Bush Administration and the Environment

On its first day, the George W. Bush Administration (Bush Administration) found itself in the midst of an environmental con­ troversy when it set aside the arsenic in water standard that ap­ peared in the Federal Register.2 The Bush Administration's review3 of new or pending regulations is a practice followed by all new administrations in recent history.4 However, it was the kind of action the media loves, and it set the stage for criticism for the new administration for each action it has taken that affects the environ­ ment-whatever the merit of the action.
Management of Onion Thrips (Thrips tabaci) in Organic Onion Production Using Multiple IPM Tactics.

Onion thrips (Thrips tabaci Lindeman) is a major pest in organic onion production and effective integrated pest management strategies are lacking. Our objective was to evaluate combinations of semi-glossy (“Rossa di Milano” and B5336AxB5351C) and waxy (“Bradley”) onion cultivars with reflective mulch, with or without biopesticides (spinosad + neem oil tank mix), to manage T. tabaci in organic onion production. Thrips densities were assessed weekly and bulbs graded and weighed at harvest. Onions sprayed with spinosad + neem oil had fewer T. tabaci (adults: 74% (2019); larvae: 40% (2018), 84% (2019) and produced higher yields (13% (2018), 23% (2019)) than onions that were unsprayed, regardless of mulch type or onion cultivar. “Rossa di Milano” had relatively fewer adult and larval thrips populations compared with “Bradley” (21% (2018), 32% (2019)) and B5336AxB5351C. However, “Rossa di Milano” had the lowest marketable yield in both years. Reflective mulch reduced densities on certain dates in both years compared to white mulch, but the largest and most consistent reduction only occurred in 2019. Reflective mulch had no impact on bulb yield. While spinosad + neem oil reduced thrips numbers and increased yield alone, none of the treatment combinations were effective at suppressing populations of thrips. Future T. tabaci management in organic onions will require optimization of the available effective biopesticides.
Characterizing the Usage Intensity of Public Cloud

This article uses precise and novel data on country-level Cloud IaaS and PaaS revenue to measure the intensive margin of technology diffusion across countries and within countries over time. We horse race diffusion models and find that cloud diffusion exhibits both Log-Log and Logistic Growth patterns. We use cross validation on nearly 100 features to determine what correlates with cross-country differences. We find that increases in features impacting Gross Domestic Product, Internet Connectivity, and Human Capital are associated with increases in intensity of cloud adoption. We finally compare the relative impacts of these variables using a random coefficients model. Although correlative, our algorithmic research design motivates data-driven hypothesis generation and further causal work regarding how policymakers can encourage more cloud computing adoption and technology adoption more broadly.
Stromal microsporidial keratitis successfully treated with medical therapy.

Purpose To report a case of severe stromal microsporidal keratitis successfully treated with oral albendazole and topical voriconazole. Observations A 71-year-old man presented with progressive vision loss and corneal opacification for one year. Initial visual acuity was counting fingers attributed to a dense subepithelial opacification. Confocal microscopy and subsequent corneal biopsy lead to the diagnosis of microsporidial keratitis. The patient completed a four-week course of oral albendazole and topical voriconazole which resulted in resolution of the corneal opacification and improvement in visual acuity to 20/250. Conclusions and importance A four-week course of oral albendazole and topical voriconazole was an effective treatment for severe stromal microsporidial keratitis.
Lubumbashi: Global City

Global city scholarship generally argues that, in order for an urban center to have global' status, it needs to be an international financial capital, connected to other agglomerations from its urban centers outwards (Child Hill & Kim 2000; Sassen 2013). This paper diverges from these approaches that concentrate on cities such as New York, Tokyo and London by framing Lubumbashi as a global city. Despite receiving relatively scant urban and historical scholarship, Lubumbashi, the capital of Katanga Province, has played an incredibly important role in global politics since its founding in 1910. Indeed, significant political and economic global events have depended, at least partially, on the local politics of Lubumbashi itself, and its surrounding mineral deposits. My paper traces the extraction of copper, uranium and cobalt in and around Lubumbashi over the 20th and 21st century and places the city at the heart of broader international geopolitical events and technological advancements during the same time period.
Accuracy considerations for FDTD field solutions

The finite difference time domain (FDTD) method of solving electromagnetic problems is gaining popularity. This is due to the simplicity of the technique, and to its ability to solve very complicated problems. Scattering from an infinitely long perfect electrical conductor (PEC) cylinder is studied to show how accuracy varies with field sampling point location. It is shown that accuracy varies with respect to the location of the field sampling point, and convergence at one point does not guarantee that the other points in the problem space have converged. Scattering from a PEC cylinder is also used to show how low frequency field solutions are affected by the number of time steps used in the FDTD algorithm. For low-frequency solutions, the FDTD algorithm has to run long enough to capture the low frequency spectra. Additionally, the absorbing boundaries have to be placed far away enough so that reflections do not contaminate the low frequency spectra of the signal.
Comparison of seed phenolic extraction and assay methods

Summary 1. Phenolic acids have been found to play a role in seed persistence traits such as dormancy and resistance to microbial decay, and so accurate methods for their quantification are needed to study the ecological significance of these compounds. 2. The goal of this study was to compare three different spectrophotometric assays and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC/MS) for the extraction and quantification of phenolic compounds in seeds. Total phenolic concentrations in the seeds of wild oat, broadleaf plantain and common lambsquarters were determined according to the methods recommended for the total polyphenol content assay, the orthodihydroxyphenol assay and the Folin–Ciocalteu reagent (FCR) assay, and compared to totals determined through GC/MS. 3. The spectrophotometric methods were found to consistently overestimate the total phenolic concentrations when compared to totals indicated by GC/MS. The total concentrations indicated by GC/MS analysis ranged from as low as 0·005% of the spectrophotometric totals indicated by the total polyphenol content assay to 12% of the totals indicated by the FCR assay. 4. Ferulic acid, p-coumaric acid and vanillic acid were among the most abundant simple phenolics in the seeds, with ferulic acid accounting for as much as 56% of the total phenolic composition in the hulls of wild oat seeds. 5. Bound phenolics also constituted a large proportion of the total phenolic concentration (up to 98%) although only one method extracted them. 6. The results suggest that to get an accurate determination of the simple phenolic content of seed material, GC/MS analysis, along with the use of calibration curves and internal standards, is needed.
T7 Protein Synthesis in F-Factor-Containing Cells: Evidence for an Episomally Induced Impairment of Translation and Its Relation to an Alteration in Membrane Permeability

T7 infection of F-factor-containing PIFA+, B+ cells is abortive. In spite of the presence of mRNA for all three classes of T7 proteins, only the earliest of the T7 proteins are synthesized. A crucial question is whether the failure of T7 to develop in PIFA+, B+ cells is the result of an inability to translate the late classes of T7 mRNA or, as has been recently suggested (Britton, and Haselkorn, 1975; Condit, 1975), whether it is the result of a more generalized alteration in membrane permeability. We have examined the effects of the wild-type PIFA+, B+ spisome and two sipsomal mutations (pifA- and pifB-) on in vitro translation and membrane permeability. In vivo the episomal mutations allow partial or complete T7 development to occur. We demonstrate that cell-free protein-synthesizing systems from T7-infected PIFA+, B+ cells show a three- to fivefold decrease in the rate of translation of both natural and synthetic mRNA. In addition, ribosomes from T7-infected PIFA+, B+ cells are defective in their ability to bind Fmet tRNAf in response to natural mRNA. By contrast, cell-free extracts from T7-infected pifA-(PIFA-, B+) celld retain the ability to bind Fmet defective T7-infected PIFA+, B+ rigosomes can be restored to full activity by a trypsin-sensitive fraction from uninfected PIFA+, B+ or T7-infected PIFA-, B+ cells. Despite the differences in translational capacity of these extracts, both T7-infected PIFA+, B+ and PIFA-, B+ cells display the same permeability lesions as measured by the loss of ATP from the cells into the supernatant. Mutation of the episome of pifB- prevents the loss of ATP from the cells after T7 infection.
Thirty years of vegetation change in the coastal Santa Cruz Mountains of Northern California detected using landsat satellite image analysis

The Santa Cruz Mountains is a coastal landscape with a history of extensive forest logging, and a future with projected climate warming that may alter vegetation cover and surface water runoff in new ways. Results from Landsat satellite image time-series analysis since 1983 of this study area showed gradual, statistically significant increases in the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) in more than 90 % of the (predominantly second-growth) evergreen forest locations sampled. The cumulative distribution of NDVI values in 2013 was significantly different and higher overall from the cumulative distribution of NDVI values in 1983. The extreme drought year of 2013 (and other previous years of low precipitation) did not affect average NDVI growth rates in most drainage basins of the study area, with the exception of four relatively small basins that had less than 30 % forested land cover. Notably different patterns of NDVI change were detected in areas burned by wildfires in recent years. Within the perimeters of the 2008 Summit Fire and the 2009 Lockheed Fire, NDVI showed notable declines from pre-fire levels to those calculated in 2013 Landsat imagery. In contrast to these recent fires, the burned area from the 1985 Lexington Fire showed the highest rate of NDVI increase (over 27 years of regrowth) of any relatively large contiguous area within the Santa Cruz Mountains.
Peptide-Bound Methionine as Methionine Sources for Protein Accretion and Cell Proliferation in Primary Cultures of Ovine Skeletal Muscle

Ruminants have high concentrations of peptide-bound amino acids in the circulation. Earlier studies in our laboratory showed that a myogenic cell line (C 2 C 12 ) developed from mouse skeletal muscle and a mammary epithelial cell line (MAC-T) developed from bovine mammary epithelial tissues are able to utilize peptides as amino acid sources. In this study, primary cultures of ovine myogenic satellite cells were evaluated for their ability to use peptide-bound methionine as a source of methionine for protein accretion and cell proliferation. The basal medium contained methionine-free Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium supplemented with 6% desalted fetal bovine serum. Treatment media included the basal medium supplemented with no methionine, methionine or one of 22 methionine-containing peptides. No protein or DNA accretion was observed in the presence of basal medium alone. Growth responses to all of the peptides were obtained, with protein and DNA accretion ranging from 49 to 107% and from 45 to 144% of the corresponding methionine response, respectively. These results indicate that the ovine myogenic satellite cells possess the ability to utilize methionine-containing peptides as methionine sources for protein accretion and cell proliferation.
Translational isomerism in a [3]catenane and a [3]rotaxane.

Post-assembly covalent modification using Wittig chemistry of [2]rotaxane ylides, wherein NH2+ centers in the dumbbell-shaped components are recognized by dibenzo[24]crown-8 (DB24C8) rings, has aff...
Interference with dimethylhydrazine induction of colon tumors in mice by epsilon-aminocaproic acid

The antifibrinolytic agent epsilon-aminocaproic acid given in the drinking water to Swiss ICR/Ha mice significantly counteracted the appearance of colorectal tumors induced by 21 weekly infections of 1,2-dimethylhydrazine. The drug affected both the number and the location of the tumors and, in some animals, altogether prevented their appearance. The low concentrations of epsilon-aminocaproic acid in the plasma of four control mice given the agent labeled with carbon-14 for 3 days suggest that the effect may depend not on inhibition of plasminogen activator activity, but on interference with the binding of some substance to the strong lysine binding site of plasminogen.
A High-Resolution Lightning Map of the State of Colorado

AbstractFor the state of Colorado, 10 years (2003–12) of 1 April–31 October cloud-to-ground (CG) lightning stroke data are mapped at 500-m spatial resolution over a 10-m spatial resolution U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) digital elevation model (DEM). Spatially, the 12.5 million strokes that are analyzed represent ground contacts, but translate to density values that are about twice the number of ground contacts. Visual interpretation of the mapped data reveals the general lightning climatology of the state, while geospatial analyses that quantify lightning activity by elevation identify certain topographic influences of Colorado’s physical landscape. Elevations lower than 1829 m (6000 ft) and above 3200 m (10 500 ft) show a positive relationship between lightning activity and elevation, while the variegated topography that lies between these two elevations is characterized by a fluctuating relationship. Though many topographic controls are elucidated through the mappings and analyses, the major finding of ...
Failure analysis of surrogate tibial constructs with medium and fast setting bone cements

Abstract One of the major reasons of failure in Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) is aseptic loosening of the tibial implant. Currently, cement viscosity’s role in ensuring the long-term success of the arthroplasty is not clear. We conducted the failure analysis of the surrogate tibial constructs instrumented with fast and medium setting bone cements. The three cements (Depuy 2, Palacos R (fast setting, high viscosity cements) and Simplex P, (medium setting, a low viscosity cement)) were used to prepare the tibial constructs using standard TKA procedures. Mechanical load tests were conducted to investigate the structural integrity of the constructs. Average cement penetration was measured from radiographs of the constructs and analyzed according to the Knee Society Total Knee Arthroplasty Roentgenographic Evaluation System. Simplex P had the maximum cumulative penetration in seven zones in the mediolateral view, and three zones in antero-posterior view. Simplex P exhibited maximum penetration in zone 7 in the anteroposterior view, and in zone 3 in the lateral view. For the mechanical tests the TKA constructs were subjected to cyclic compressive loading (600 N, 5000 cycles at 10 Hz) in the sagittal plane. Simplex P displayed the smallest micromotion of the three cements. Displacement of the tibial trays with Simplex P, 0.728 ± 0.156 mm, and Palacos R, 1.573 ± 0.519 mm had no statistically significant difference ( P = 0.109). However, the tibial trays with Simplex P showed statistically significant smaller displacement than those with Depuy 2, 2.267 ± 0.491 mm ( P = 0.010). There was no significant difference between the displacements for Palacos R and Depuy 2 ( P = 0.190). Digital Imaging Correlation (DIC) was used to determine displacements in the transverse plane. In the transverse plane, Simplex P had the lowest micromotion, however the results were not significant ( P > 0.05). The consistently superior performance of Simplex P suggests that cement viscosity does indeed play a role in arthroplasty success. These results have direct clinical relevance for TKA patients suffering from aseptic loosening.
Electrical conductivity and electron spin resonance studies of pyrolysed polyimide

Abstract Recent studies of polymer-based pyrolytic amorphous carbon for use in organic electrolyte-lithium batteries and as metal-doped carbon electrodes show considerable promise. Polyimide can be thermally converted to amorphous carbon films. The irreversible evolution of polyimide under progressive heat treatment is characterized by three successive structural changes: pyrolysis, carbonization and graphitization. Four-point contact conductivity and electron spin resonance (e.s.r.) measurements were used to study and correlate electrical conductivity changes with unpaired electrons. From these studies it is concluded that at low pyrolysis temperature ( 700°C) a microcrystalline graphite-like metallic domain starts to appear in the amorphous matrix. The development of this ‘metallic domain’ causes the conductivity of the pyrolysed polyimide to increase sharply.
Production of non-defective and defective oligomers of viral DNA in mouse 3T3 cells transformed by a thermosensitive mutant of polyoma virus.

Abstract Cultures of three lines of mouse 3T3 cells transformed independently by the thermosensitive ts-a mutant of polyoma virus yield virus upon lowering their incubation temperature to 31°C. At 31°C, the internal pools of DNA of all three lines contain not only superhelical viral monomers, but also a small proportion of viral oligomers. From one of these three cell lines, several sublines of different clonal morphology were isolated at 38.5°C. The viral DNA synthesized at 31°C by each different subline displayed a unique oligomer pattern which has been stable through many cell passages and further reclonings. In contrast to the parental line, the monomer in most of these sublines is a minor component of the viral DNA pool. In one subline, more than 80% of the viral DNA consists of superhelical molecules about 1.6-times the size of a monomer. The specific infectivity of these molecules is only about one-tenth that of monomers, whereas the efficiency in transforming hamster (BHK21) cells is about twice that of monomers.
The sexual double standard: Fact or fiction?

In contemporary society it is widely believed that men are socially rewarded for sexual activity, whereas women are derogated for sexual activity. To determine whether a sexual double standard exists, both undergraduate (n = 144) and Internet (n = 8,080) participants evaluated experimental targets who were described as either male or female and as having a variable number of sexual partners. Targets were more likely to be derogated as the number of sexual partners increased, and this effect held for both male and female targets. These results suggest that, although people do evaluate others as a function of sexual activity, people do not necessarily hold men and women to different sexual standards.
Quality control in digital mammography: automatic detection of under- and over-exposed mammograms

We developed a quality control system (QCS) for digital mammography that can notify technologists in real time of mammograms of poor image quality due to under or over exposure. Mammograms are digitized by a Lumisys Scanner at 100 micron and 12 bits per pixel. An automatic image segmentation technique is employed to extract area inside the breast in mammogram. Histograms of the segmented areas are then calculated. By analyzing the composition of histograms, the computer program determines whether the original films have properly exposed. Traditional image segmentation techniques are based on histogram analysis of digitized mammograms. However, such methods often fail with mammograms of low contrast or that are under-exposed because the difference in brightness across the breast skin line is so small that it is difficult to define boundary by thresholding or region growing techniques. We proposed a novel method to detect breast skin line based on statistical changes of gradient. By analyzing the histogram composition of normal, under and over-exposed films, we defined an image feature that describes the image intensity content of underlying mammograms. The criterion for determining the category of a mammogram were established by studying a training database of normal, under, and over exposed films. We can then classify the mammograms using the image feature, based on the established criterion. Over 150 real mammograms of different exposure levels were analyzed. The images were classified by the computer system into groups of normal, slightly under-exposed, under-exposed, slightly over- exposed, and over-exposed. We compared the classification results by computer with a radiologist's evaluation. Our QCS system was able to correctly classify over 85% of the cases. Receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis will be employed to evaluate the performance of the QCS system in determining the image quality of digital mammograms. Our QCS program is able to automatically determine whether a mammogram is properly exposed and advise a technologist to re-take additional exposures. The QCS correctly identified 100% of over- and under-exposed mammograms and 92% of mammograms of normal exposure. The QCS can help reduce the cost of recalling patients and improve the overall quality of mammographic service.
A Blended Qualitative-Quantitative Assessment Model for Identifying and Rank-Ordering Service Needs of Indigenous Peoples.

Abstract Community-based decentralized decision-making is advocated increasingly by the national government of the United States and by international agencies such as the World Health Organization. The purpose of this approach is to empower local citizens to analyze their own needs and determine their own service priorities. Such an approach may be particularly important for indigenous people who frequently do not utilize fully human care services prescribed by professionals who often represent the dominant culture group. This article describes a series of qualitative and quantitative methods used to test a community based needs assessment model that is bias free and socio-culturally relevant for indigenous populations. It presents the results of the field tested model and offers implications for policy formation and the way needs assessments are conducted in general and with indigenous populations in particular. While a summary of the results is presented, it is the model that is reviewed primarily.