cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The robotic exploration missions at Mars

A set of robotic missions to Mars are designed to provide information to enable the eventual human exploration of the planet. The strategy of the mission sequence including broad global assessments to specific site certification is described. The exploration and science information gained by each mission is discussed.
Improved Sensitivity and Reduced Sample Size in Serum Fatty Acid Ethyl Ester Analysis

Fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEEs) are nonoxidative esterification products of ethanol metabolism found after ingestion of ethanol (1). FAEEs were proposed as toxic mediators of ethanol-induced cell injury in a study of postmortem analysis of tissues and organs (2). Subsequently, direct damage to human hepatoblastoma cells by FAEEs was reported (3), as well as in vivo pancreatic injury in rats induced by FAEE infusion (4). FAEEs in serum are both short- and long-term markers of ethanol intake (5)(6). Because serum FAEE concentrations are useful indicators of ethanol intake, test sensitivity and sample volume have become increasingly important targets for improvement. The first use of gas chromatograph–mass spectrophotometry (GC-MS) detection systems for serum FAEE concentrations identified ethyl 16:0, ethyl 16:1, ethyl 18:0, ethyl 18:1, ethyl 18:2, and ethyl 20:4 (1). In these experiments, the FAEEs were isolated from an organic phase by thin-layer chromatography; individual species of FAEEs were then identified and quantified by GC-MS. The current procedure for isolation and quantification of FAEE using solid-phase extraction and GC-MS is based on a method developed by Bernhardt et al. (7). Improvements have increased the number of identifiable FAEEs in the current technique to include ethyl 14:0, ethyl 18:3n-3, ethyl 20:3n-6, ethyl 20:5n-3, and ethyl 22:6n-3. Preanalytical variables that affect FAEE quantification have been described in a recent report by Soderberg et al. (8). The standard procedure for FAEE analysis uses 1 …
"Alert and Oriented × 3?" Correlates of Mini-Cog Performance in a Post/Nondelirious Intensive Care Unit Sample.

Background Cognitive impairment has been found to be a predictor of adverse medical outcomes, including nonadherence, recurrent medical crises resulting in early readmissions, and death. Objective The Mini-Cog has been proposed for bedside/clinic cognitive testing. Its validity as a measure of central nervous system (CNS) impairment has never been tested against measures of CNS-medical history, CNS scans, selected laboratory findings, observed in-hospital nondelirious memory impairment, or collateral history from family. Methods We observed Mini-Cog performance in 107 post/nondelirious medical intensive care unit patients and tested its association with age, CNS-medical history, CNS scans, selected laboratory findings, and behavioral history (in-hospital observation of memory problems and collateral history from family or significant others). Results The overall Mini-Cog covaried with age, various measures of CNS impairment, abnormal laboratory findings, and measures of preadmission "forgetfulness" per family and by in-hospital staff observation. Unique variance in predicting overall Mini-Cog scores included age, positive CNS scan, and behavioral history. Of 91 patients found to be "alert and oriented × 3," 76% were impaired in immediate memory, short-term memory, or clock drawing. Conclusions The Mini-Cog appears to be a brief, yet valid, measure of CNS dysfunction that significantly enhances sensitivity of evaluation at the bedside. Failure to evaluate patients with a formal examination like the Mini-Cog appears to miss up to 76% of patients with moderate cognitive impairment.
Assessing sedimentary records of paleohurricane activity using modeled hurricane climatology

Patterns of overwash deposition observed within back-barrier sediment archives can indicate past changes in tropical cyclone activity; however, it is necessary to evaluate the significance of observed trends in the context of the full range of variability under modern climate conditions. Here we present a method for assessing the statistical significance of patterns observed within a sedimentary hurricane-overwash reconstruction. To alleviate restrictions associated with the limited number of historical hurricanes affecting a specific site, we apply a recently published technique for generating a large number of synthetic storms using a coupled ocean-atmosphere hurricane model set to simulate modern climatology. Thousands of overwash records are generated for a site using a random draw of these synthetic hurricanes, a prescribed threshold for overwash, and a specified temporal resolution based on sedimentation rates observed at a particular site. As a test case we apply this Monte Carlo technique to a hurricane-induced overwash reconstruction developed from Laguna Playa Grande (LPG), a coastal lagoon located on the island of Vieques, Puerto Rico in the northeastern Caribbean. Apparent overwash rates in the LPG overwash record are observed to be four times lower between 2500 and 1000 years B.P. when compared to apparent overwash rates during the last 300 years. However, probability distributions based on Monte Carlo simulations indicate that as much as 65% of this drop can be explained by a reduction in the temporal resolution for older sediments due to a decrease in sedimentation rates. Periods of no apparent overwash activity at LPG between 2500 and 3600 years B.P. and 500–1000 years B.P. are exceptionally long and are unlikely to occur (above 99% confidence) under the current climate conditions. In addition, breaks in activity are difficult to produce even when the hurricane model is forced to a constant El Nino state. Results from this study continue to support the interpretation that the western North Atlantic has exhibited significant changes in hurricane climatology over the last 5500 years.
Consortial Borrowing Along EL Camino Real

ABSTRACTCamino, a patron-initiated borrowing system, operates within the SCELC consortium made up of private academic libraries in California. OCLC's WorldCat Navigator Request Engine is the backbone of this service, because it works with all ILS systems and integrates with discovery layers and interlibrary loan. Camino is administrated by a user group which sets policies and procedures and guides implementation for new members.
Lipopolysaccharide Down-Regulates the Leukotriene C4 Synthase Gene in the Monocyte-Like Cell Line, THP-1

We studied the effects of LPS on cysteinyl leukotriene (LT) synthesis and LTC 4 synthase expression in mononuclear phagocytes. Conditioning of the monocyte-like cell line, THP-1, with LPS for 7 days resulted in significantly decreased ionophore-stimulated LTC 4 release. The putative LPS receptor, Toll-like receptor 4, was expressed in THP-1 cells. LPS down-regulated LTC 4 synthase mRNA in THP-1 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner, with down-regulation observed as early as 4 h. Conditioning of actinomycin D-treated cells with LPS resulted in no change in the rate of LTC 4 synthase mRNA decay. LPS treatment of THP-1 cells, transiently transfected with a LTC 4 synthase promoter (1.35 kb)-reporter construct, decreased promoter activity. Neutralization of TNF-α and inhibition of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase did not inhibit the effect of LPS. Treatment of cells with a Toll-like receptor 4-blocking Ab and an inhibitor of NF-κB activation resulted in inhibition of the LPS effect, while activation of NF-κB and p50/p65 overexpression down-regulated the LTC 4 synthase gene. LPS down-regulates cysteinyl LT release and LTC 4 synthase gene expression in mononuclear phagocytes by an NF-κB-mediated mechanism.
Deposition of Particles in a Plant Canopy

Abstract Deposition of ragweed pollen released from a point above a corn crop was directly observed on foliage, and the number of particles deposited was related to the concentration of pollen in the air, the wind within the crop, and the foliage characteristics. At winds of 1–2 m s−1 deposition on the foliage both at the top and at the middle of the plants was primarily by sedimentation; while at winds of 3–4 m s−1, deposition was enhanced at the top about threefold. Since 20 μm particles impact inefficiently on corn plants for usual wind speeds within the crop, they should penetrate far through the canopy before settling out by gravity.
Choosing for others: A neglected element in the theory of collective action

In formal analysis of collective action, usually attention is focused on problems arising in aggregating the separate orderings into coherent collective results. Our concern is not with the aggregation problem. Instead, our focus is on the particular characteristics of the alternatives themselves. Alternatives in collective actions are fundamentally different from alternatives in market choice (apples and oranges). Regardless of motivation, collectivization forces attention on the distribution of benefits and costs among others in the sharing community. We first examine the formal structure of alternatives as these are confronted by a participant in the collective action. The second feature involves distributional patterns made necessary by collectivization.
Synthesis and Characterization of Nylon 18 18 and Nylon 18 Adamantane

Nylon 18 18 and nylon 18 1,3-adamantanedicarboxylic acid (ADA) have been synthesized via melt polycondensation and characterized by thermal and spectroscopic techniques. Good film forming behavior combined with film toughness and flexibility indicate reasonable molecular weights for both. The higher aliphatic content of nylon 18 18 leads to increased resistance to common organic solvents over commercial nylons. Crystallization of nylon 18 18 combines hydrogen bonding of the amide units with a more significant contribution from van der Waals forces than possible for lower aliphatic content nylons due to the greater aliphatic chain lengths. Solid state 15 N CP/MAS NMR indicates a mostly amorphous polymer, with crystalline regions comprised of the thermodynamically stable α-form generally adopted by even―even nylons. Nylon 18 ADA as-produced is completely amorphous as determined by differential scanning calorimetry. However, solution cast samples of nylon 18 ADA shows some ordered structures that can grow into more stable crystals with annealing. These crystals, once melted, do not recrystallize possibly due to chain rearrangement inhibited by bulky adamantly-groups.
The Relation of Type 2 Diabetes and Cancer

Increasing evidence indicates that individuals with type 2 diabetes (diabetes) are at elevated risk for several common human malignancies, including cancers of the colon, breast, endometrium, pancreas, and liver. In particular, the consistent positive results reported by prospective investigations make it unlikely that methodologic issues, occult tumors, or chance results could explain the findings. Since diabetes and impaired fasting glucose together affect >25% of Americans above age 50, even a moderate etiologic association (e.g., relative risk = 1.5) would explain >10% of involved malignancies. Laboratory studies have suggested biologically plausible mechanisms. Insulin, for example, is typically at high levels during the development and early stages of diabetes. Activation of the insulin receptor by its ligand, or cross-activation of the insulin-like growth factor–I receptor, has been shown to be mitogenic and promote tumorigenesis in various model systems. A "unifying concept," in fact, holds that h...
Prophylactic ephedrine and hypotension associated with spinal anesthesia for cesarean delivery.

Abstract Hypotension commonly accompanies induction of spinal anesthesia for cesarean section. To determine whether intravenous ephedrine prophylaxis would benefit prehydrated obstetrical patients presenting for elective cesarean section, we studied 30 patients randomly assigned to one of three experimental groups. All patients were preloaded with crystalloid (15 ml/kg), given spinal anesthesia and positioned with left uterine displacement (LUD). During induction, all patients received a 2 ml intravenous bolus and intravenous infusion of the study drug or placebo. The control group ( n =10) received a saline bolus and saline infusion, the bolus group ( n =10) received an ephedrine bolus (10 mg) and a saline infusion and the infusion group ( n =10) received a saline bolus and a two-stage ephedrine infusion (20 mg over 12 min). After induction of anesthesia, systolic blood pressure decreased in the first 5 min in all groups. Hypotension occurred in 610 control patients, 510 bolus patients and 510 infusion patients. The amount of supplemental ephedrine required to treat hypotension did not differ among groups. Although the efficacy of ephedrine prophylaxis for hypotension associated with spinal anesthesia for elective cesarean section cannot be established by the small number of patients studied, this practice does not appear to be clinically relevant at the doses studied.
An improved dark-object subtraction technique for atmospheric scattering correction of multispectral data

Abstract Digital analysis of remotely sensed data has become an important component of many earth-science studies. These data are often processed through a set of preprocessing or “clean-up” routines that includes a correction for atmospheric scattering, often called haze. Various methods to correct or remove the additive haze component have been developed, including the widely used dark-object subtraction technique. A problem with most of these methods is that the haze values for each spectral band are selected independently. This can create problems because atmospheric scattering is highly wavelength-dependent in the visible part of the electromagnetic spectrum and the scattering values are correlated with each other. Therefore, multispectral data such as from the Landsat Thematic Mapper and Multispectral Scanner must be corrected with haze values that are spectral band dependent. An improved dark-object subtraction technique is demonstrated that allows the user to select a relative atmospheric scattering model to predict the haze values for all the spectral bands from a selected starting band haze value. The improved method normalizes the predicted haze values for the different gain and offset parameters used by the imaging system. Examples of haze value differences between the old and improved methods for Thematic Mapper Bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 7 are 40.0, 13.0, 12.0, 8.0, 5.0, and 2.0 vs. 40.0, 13.2, 8.9, 4.9, 16.7, and 3.3, respectively, using a relative scattering model of a clear atmosphere. In one Landsat multispectral scanner image the haze value differences for Bands 4, 5, 6, and 7 were 30.0, 50.0, 50.0, and 40.0 for the old method vs. 30.0, 34.4, 43.6, and 6.4 for the new method using a relative scattering model of a hazy atmosphere.
Making sense out of LINES: long interspersed repeat sequences in mammalian genomes

Abstract The highly repeated DNA sequences that are dispersed in mammalian genomes have seemed hopelessly complex. Because of the high copy-numbers of family members (10 4 to more than 10 5 ) and the absence of any clues about their function, they were relegated to the junk DNA category. Many investigators consider them simply as boring road-blocks to the mapping of genomes. Recent experiments, however, suggest that at least some of these sequences are functional and, as a result, questions about them can be more carefully framed.
Effect of harvest date on the nutritional quality and antioxidant capacity in 'Hass' avocado during storage.

Abstract The effect of harvest date on nutritional compounds and antioxidant activity (AOC) in avocado ( Persea americana Mill. cv Hass) fruit during storage was determined. The fruits were harvested at seven different dates and ripened at 25 °C following 21 or 35 days of cold storage. The results indicated that the phenolic and glutathione contents were increased and the ascorbic acid content was not significantly different in early harvested fruit (January to March), and the phenolic, ascorbic acid and glutathione contents were increased slightly and then decreased on late harvested fruit (April to June). Similar trends were observed in the changes of AOC. Furthermore, AOC in early harvested fruit after storage for 35 days was much higher than that in late harvested fruit after storage for 21 days. Therefore, avocado can be harvested earlier for economic benefits according to the market and can keep high nutritional value for human health benefits.
Modeling contribution behavior in fundraising: Segmentation analysis for a public broadcasting station

Abstract Funding pressures have forced many not-for-profit organizations to reduce their reliance on mass-marketing efforts, e.g., pledge drives, and increase the volume and sophistication of their direct marketing activities. The efficiency of direct marketing, however, is linked to an organization’s ability to target population segments effectively, which, in turn, has motivated the development of methodological approaches for market segmentation. In this paper, we use finite-mixture models as a framework to analyze member contributions at a public radio station in the Midwestern United States between 2001 and 2008. We exploit the methodology’s flexibility, in a novel setting, to formulate segmentation models under different assumptions about the processes that generate the individual contribution sequences, i.e., longitudinal data. This differs from conventional models summarizing transactions with aggregate statistics, i.e., RFM data, that can introduce bias. We first consider generalized (Multivariate) Normal mixture models to obtain segmentations based on contribution frequencies and monetary value. To capture serial dependence in the contribution sequences, we present Markov Chain mixture models yielding segmentations based on behavioral patterns. We also derive instances of the Expectation–Maximization algorithm to estimate the associated parameters. Rather than modeling how segment size and membership evolve, we assume stable membership, and attribute manifest changes to the characteristics that define the segments. This, supports the identification of systematic, but unobserved, differences between individuals, and enables optimization of marketing policies for the ensuing segments. Analysis of the data from the public radio station shows significant heterogeneity in excess of that explained by residence location – a proxy for socioeconomic traits. In terms of managerial insights, we conclude that the contributions are largely driven by recommended membership levels, which suggests that the radio station can exert influence to increase revenue. We also find that the public radio members exhibit three distinct behavioral patterns: a “Low Variance” segment associated with individuals who consistently contribute at a given level, a “Transient” segment describing the behavior of individuals who allow their membership to remain lapsed, and a “High Variance” segment for individuals whose contribution frequencies and levels exhibit significant variation, which according to the station’s management, could be a manifestation of propensity to donate in response to solicitations.
STUDIES ON THE FACTORS ESSENTIAL TO THE INITIATION AND MAINTENANCE OF MULTIPLICATION OF PSITTACOSIS VIRUS (6BC STRAIN) IN DEFICIENT CELLS IN TISSUE CULTURE

The growth of psittacosis virus (6BC) was studied in cultures of minced whole chick embryo tissue maintained in either Hanks-Simms solution or Hanks's balanced salt solution (BSS), and in neither medium could sustained, long-term virus growth take place. Addition of beef embryo extract (BEE) to cultures at a time when virus multiplication was declining reversed this general trend and resulted in greater virus growth. This virus-stimulating action of BEE was only partially diminished by colchicine, a mitotic inhibitor, indicating that the action of BEE was not due entirely to the development of a larger population of cells as a result of its enhancement of cell proliferation. Chick embryo tissue cultivated for 13 days in BSS prior to infection lost its ability to support the growth of psittacosis virus, but this capacity could be restored by the addition of BEE, alone or with colchicine, at the time of infection. A significant amount of virus was adsorbed to tissue in BSS alone, indicating that the failure of virus to grow in depleted tissue maintained only in BSS after infection was not due entirely to failure of virus to attach to and invade the cells. It was found that an ultrafiltrate and a dialysate of BEE contained the major part of the stimulating capacity of the whole extract, indicating that the active materials were substances of low molecular weights. Autoclaved lactalbumin hydrolysate was an active stimulator, suggesting that the materials responsible for its activity were relatively heat-stable. Since a chemically defined medium (Parker 199) was equally effective in stimulating viral growth, it should be possible eventually to define the chemical nature of the virus stimulators. The implications of the findings are discussed with special reference to their application in the study of tissue tropisms and of latency in viral infections of cells.
Acute toluene exposure alters expression of genes in the central nervous system associated with synaptic structure and function

Toluene is a volatile organic compound (VOC) and a ubiquitous air pollutant of interest to EPA regulatory programs. Whereas its acute functional effects are well described, several modes of action in the CNS have been proposed. Therefore, we sought to identify potential pathways mediating direct or indirect effects of VOCs by investigating the genomic response of the rat CNS to acutely-inhaled toluene. Adult male Long-Evans rats inhaled clean air or 1000 ppm toluene vapor for 6 h. Specific brain regions were collected from the rats either immediately after 6 h of treatment or 18 h after removal from the exposure chambers (n=6/group/time). Total mRNA was extracted from the striatum and hybridized to Rat 230A Affymetrix arrays. Statistical analyses showed 226 and 3352 transcripts altered in the toluene-exposed groups relative to controls at the 6 h time point and after the 18 h recovery period, respectively. Relative to controls, toluene exposure was associated with induction or repression of genes in pathways associated with synaptic plasticity, including long-term depression, GABA receptor signaling and mitochondrial function. In each of these pathways, responses were characterized by changes in a small number of transcripts following the 6 h toluene inhalation and with substantial increases in numbers of changed transcripts at 18 h recovery following termination of exposure. This report provides the first global genomic evidence that CNS pathways affected by toluene are strongly associated with neurological processes participating in synaptic transmission and plasticity.
Low-dose X-ray CT reconstruction based on joint sinogram smoothing and learned dictionary-based representation

In this paper we propose two novel image reconstruction methods for low-dose X-ray CT data. Both approaches are based on anisotropic sinogram smoothing coupled with sparse local image representation with respect to a learned overcomplete dictionary. The redundant dictionary is learned from normal-dose CT training images and encodes artifact-free image behavior. The methods differ in the details of how the redundant dictionary information is included. Efficient solution approaches to the new formulations are provided. Comparative results on simulated low-dose imagery are given. Our approach is new in how it applies learning-based dictionary techniques to low-dose CT reconstruction, in its use of high quality training data in dictionary generation, and in its incorporation of anisotropic sinogram constraints together with the dictionary-based representation.
Inequalities for t designs

Abstract A number of inequalities concerning the set structure of balanced incomplete block designs are unified, and strengthened in the case of t designs with t ⩾ 4.
Tinnitus modulation by stapedectomy.

OBJECTIVE To assess change in tinnitus severity after stapedectomy using the validated Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI) at 1 and 6 months in 2 cohorts of subjects with otosclerosis with different preoperative (TFIpre) distress levels. STUDY DESIGN Prospective within-subjects repeated measures. MATERIALS AND METHODS Twenty-six subjects completed the study between January 2012 and April 2013. Demographic information, preoperative and postoperative audiometric data at 1 month, and TFI scores measured preoperatively within 1 month of stapedectomy and postoperatively at 1 and 6 months were captured and analyzed. RESULTS Stapedectomy has its largest effect on tinnitus severity reduction within the first month of surgery. Cohort A (TFIpre > 15, n = 16) ΔTFI mean and median values were ∼20 for the intervals preoperatively to 1 month and preoperatively to 6 months (p values 0.05). CONCLUSION Stapedectomy in patients with otosclerosis with more than a small problem with tinnitus (TFIpre > 15) will reduce severity by at least 1 clinical category in ∼85% of cases within 6 months of surgery. The majority of patients will experience stable tinnitus suppression within the first postoperative month. In patients with no tinnitus or less than a small problem with tinnitus (TFIpre < 15), stapedectomy carries a 10% risk of transient worsening of tinnitus at 1 month, which resolves by the sixth postoperative month.
Integrated operando X-ray absorption and DFT characterization of Cu–SSZ-13 exchange sites during the selective catalytic reduction of NOx with NH3

Abstract We investigate the Cu oxidation state and coordination environment in copper-exchanged chabazite (Cu–SSZ-13) under operando conditions representative of NO x selective catalytic reduction (SCR) with ammonia, using a combination of X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) experiments, density functional theory (DFT), and first-principles thermodynamics models. Four-fold-coordinated Cu(II) are found to dominate the as-prepared Cu–SSZ-13 and Cu–SSZ-13 under so-called Fast and Slow SCR conditions, in which the NO 2 /NO x ratios are 0.5 and 1, respectively. Under Standard SCR conditions, containing no NO 2 in the feed, mixed Cu(I) and Cu(II) oxidation states are observed along with a reduction in the average Cu coordination. The rate per mole was found to be about equal for Fast and Slow SCR conditions and a factor of two less for Standard conditions. Periodic DFT calculations are used to determine the structure, oxidation state, and relative stability of Cu ions charge compensated with one or two Al and with extralattice oxy, hydroxy, and water ligands. Two-fold Cu(I) and 4-fold Cu(II) species bound with H 2 O or OH are found to be most stable over a wide range of conditions. Using the NO 2 /NO ratio as a surrogate for the reaction oxidation strength provides good agreement with the observed appearance of Cu(I) species under Standard SCR conditions. The results highlight the role of Cu redox chemistry in SCR catalysis.
The prevalence of melasma and its association with quality of life in adult male Latino migrant workers

Background: Melasma is a common condition of Latino women that detracts from their quality of life (QOL). The prevalence and impact of melasma in Latino men is not well characterized. Aim: To assess the prevalence of melasma and its association with QOL in Latino men from Mexico and Central America working in the USA. Methods: The prevalence of melasma was assessed in three studies of Latino men: by direct examination in a study of 25 Latino poultry workers; by direct examination in a study of 54 Latino farm workers; and by examination of store-and-forward teledermatology images in a study of 300 Latino farm workers. QOL was assessed with a Spanish version of the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). Results: The prevalence of melasma was 36.0%, 7.4%, and 14.0% in the three studies. The prevalence of melasma was greatest amongst those aged 31 years and older, who were from Guatemala, and who spoke an indigenous language. The presence of melasma was associated with higher DLQI scores, indicating a poorer QOL, in the poultry worker population. Conclusions: Melasma is a common condition in Latino men and is associated with a poor QOL in some affected individuals. Clinicians should be aware that melasma may be a concern for their male Latino patients. Research on the association of skin conditions with QOL amongst minority men is needed.
Synthesis of reconfigurable high-performance multicore systems

Reconfigurable high-performance computing systems (RHPC) have been attracting more and more attention over the past few years. RHPC systems are a promising solution for accelerating system performance, lowering power consumption and minimizing operation cost. In order to achieve high performance on this hybrid system, it is important to effectively explore the design space, which includes accelerator synthesis, resource allocation and job scheduling. In this paper we propose novel algorithms for reconfigurable resource allocation and job scheduling to optimize performance of multicore RHPC systems. Specifically, we first propose an interesting approximation algorithm to assign jobs to processors with consideration of coprocessors at the global optimization step. Then we present an optimal solution for coprocessor selection in the local optimization step. In this paper we also demonstrate that designers can quickly explore a large number of accelerator design choices with the help of high-level synthesis tools. Experiments show that our proposed techniques provide efficient solutions for real-life benchmarks and generate higher quality of results. When compared to other heuristic algorithms, our results can achieve up to 47% performance improvement.
B-naphthoflavone induction and its effect on hepatic phospholipid metabolism in rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri)

Abstract 1. B-naphthoflavone (BNF) induction of microsomal cytochrome P-448 and its effect on liver phospholipid metabolism were examined in rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri) 24 and 96 hr after intraperitoneal injection. 2. Cytochrome P-448 content increased at 96 hr to approximately double the cytochrome content of control fish. 3. Computer-analyzed laser densitometry scans of LDS-polyacrylamide gels of 96 hr BNF-treated liver microsomes showed a 90% increase in cytochrome P-448 levels. 4. A 34% increase in microsomal phospholipid (μmol/mg protein) was observed 24 hr after BNF injection, with a marked increase in choline, ethanolamine and inositol phospholipids. 5. Following 96 hr of exposure to BNF some differences in enzyme activity were noted; choline kinase and cytidylytransferase activities were reduced, while a marked increase was observed in choline phosphotransferase activity. In light of current information on induction of liver microsomal phospholipid metabolism in mammals, the results of the this study suggest that trout do not respond like mammals to inducers of monooxygenase activity.
Principles, practice, and instrumentation for optical recording of cellular metabolism

This chapter describes the principles and practice of the optical recording of cellular metabolism. Redox imaging of cells, tissues, and organs based on intrinsic fluorescent probes of cellular metabolism. Cellular metabolism may be noninvasively interrogated through the `optical method' based on the fluorescence intensity of intrinsic probe molecules (Change, 1991). The intrinsic fluorescent probes, which report on cellular metabolism, are the reduced pyridine nucleotides, NAD(P)H, and the oxidized flavoproteins.
The effect of solid interaction forces on pneumatic handling of sorbent powders

This study shows that a comparison of powder characteristics–-particle morphologies, particle size distributions, and static dielectric and Hamaker constants–-can be used to interpret differences in dispersion and transport behavior between powders. These differences are attributed to the relative values of the solid-solid interaction forces experienced by each powder in the process. The static dielectric constants of the powders are used as the material properties related to the relative magnitudes of the electrostatic forces. Similarly, the Hamaker constants are the material properties used to indicate the relative magnitudes of the van der Waals forces. The effects of differences in particle morphologies and size distributions are used to evaluate the dispersibility and efficiency of transport of four calcium-based powder materials used as sorbents in flue-gas desulfurization.
Algorithms for the extraction of chemical absorption signatures in lidar time series

Chemical absorption signatures in lidar data can be difficult to identify when the signal to noise ratio is small. For lidar interrogation of unknown chemical mixtures it is advantageous to sample with many different wavelengths, covering the largest possible absorption bandwidth. A more effective DIAL measurement can be made if one known a priori which wavelengths will be absorbed by the unknown chemical(s). An algorithm has been developed which quickly identifies the absorbed laser lines by examining the temporal cross-correlation between wavelengths. Once this determination has been made the remote chemical mixture can be re-sampled with fewer wavelengths resulting in higher data rats at the sensitive wavelengths. This algorithm was shown to be successful with actual DIAL measurements of remote chemical mixtures. A second detection algorithm will also be presented that uses the temporal autocorrelation at a single wavelength to detect the presence of a time dependent chemical absorption, e.g. form a chemical plume, in a noisy time series. The overall DIAL sensitivity using these algorithms will be compared with standard methods.
Linear viscoelastic properties of mixtures of 3- and 4-arm polybutadiene stars

Abstract The viscoelastic properties of a three-arm and a four-arm star polybutadiene with the same arm molecular weight (Ma) were studied. The zero-shear recoverable compliance (J0e) and plateau modulus (G0N) for these stars are the same. The zero-shear viscosity (η0) of the three-arm star is 20% lower than that of the four-arm star. Mixtures of the stars had J0e and G0N unchanged. A 50 50 mixture of the three- and four-arm star was diluted with a low molecular weight linear polybutadiene. G0N∝o2; J0e∝o−1 and Me∝o−1, as expected for dilution with a θ-solvent.
Comments on John D. Keen and James E. Keen, What is the point: will screening mammography save my life? BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making, 2009

This paper by John D. Keen and James E. Keen addresses a thorny subject. The numerical findings and commentaries in their paper will be disturbing to some readers and seem to defy logic and well established viewpoints. It may well generate angry letters to the editor. However such numerical analysis and reporting including civil discussion should be welcomed and are the basis for informed decision making – something that is highly needed in this field.
Prevention of experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis by intrathymic S-antigen injection

The objective of this paper was to determine whether intra-thymic injection of retinal S-antigen (S-Ag) can prevent experimental auto-immune uveoretinitis (EAU) in Lewis rats. Lewis rats were injected intra-thymically with 25-100 μg of S-Ag in 100 μ1 split between thymic lobes. Controls received vehicle alone (PBS) or 100 μg of BSA. Animals were im-munized two weeks later with 100 μg of S-Ag in CFA with or without per-tussis toxin (0.5 μg/rat). Clinical ocular disease was confirmed by histopa-thology. Splenocytes and lymph node cells were assayed, in vitro, for their ability to proliferate in response to various concentrations of S-Ag. Further-more, attempts were made to adoptively transfer protection to naive rats us-ing spleen cells from intrathymically injected animals and to adoptively transfer EAU to protected rats using Con A activated cells from affected animals. Intrathymic injection of S-Ag reduced the incidence of EAU in ani-mals subsequently immunized with S-Ag and pertussis, and prevented it e...
On host regulation of the vesicular—arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis

Summary We investigated mycorrhizal infections caused by Glomus elunicalum Becker & Gerd. in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) plants given small concentrations of phosphate. In pure sand given no additional phosphate, infection was only poorly developed. As phosphate availability was increased, the extent of infection also initially increased. We hypothesized that the extent of infection should be regulated by the nutritional status of the shoot. However, by performing a split-root experiment, we found that the root rather than the shoot was responsible for this regulation.
Glucose Determination in Beverages Using Carbon Nanotube Modified Biosensor: An Experiment for the Undergraduate Laboratory

We describe a versatile method for students to fabricate carbon nanotube-based enzyme-modified biosensor electrodes using a layer-by-layer electrostatic self-assembly procedure. Amperometric experiments employing a simple three-electrode cell enabled sensitive and selective determination of glucose in various commercially produced beverages familiar to students. The method was optimized with respect to various parameters, and the results compared very well with standard methods used for glucose determination. The procedure is versatile, robust, and relatively inexpensive. It can be performed by undergraduate students as was demonstrated by the good results obtained by the upper-level instrumental analysis class. The experiment can easily be integrated into laboratory classes for analytical chemistry, biotechnology, or biochemistry students to demonstrate important principles and techniques of nanoscale science, materials science, biochemistry, electrochemistry, and sensor technology.
Guest editorial: robotic techniques in urologic oncology.

It is our pleasure to be Guest Editors for this issue of theWorld Journal of Urology focusing on robotic techniquesin urologic oncology. It is interesting to reﬂect on theintegration of laparoscopic and robotic technology in uro-logic oncology over the past 10 years. Although driven bymany factors, including market and ﬁnancial forces, wethink the primary driver was interest in improved out-comes, particularly less pain, blood loss and the shorterhospital stays possible with minimally invasive surgery.Many of us who were early adopters of laparoscopictechniques in urologic oncology recognized that extirpativeprocedures (nephrectomy and prostatectomy) were rela-tively straightforward laparoscopically with adequatetraining and experience. However, reconstructive proce-dures, vesicourethral anastomosis, partial nephrectomyrenorrhaphy, and intracorporeal diversion remained difﬁ-cult. So, the robotic platform, with its wristed instrumentsand stable surgeon-controlled camera, gave us an attractivetool to expand the beneﬁts of minimally invasive surgery tomore complex procedures. This issue offers some excellentreviews and original contributions spanning the range ofthe current extensive integration of robotic technology andurologic oncology techniques.The article by Drs. Mirheydar and Parsons is a pro-vocative analysis of the safety of new technology integra-tion. We should embrace more standardized training andbetter competency assessments prior to credentialingsurgeons for new procedures. We also have outstandingcontributions concerning graded nerve sparing and out-comes of robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RALP) byTewari et al., a clinical study by Nunez-Nateras et al. ofnovel new microporous polysaccharide hemispheres forhemostasis, a study of the impact of minimizing tensionduring nerve sparing by Kowalczyk et al., and an update onthe most extensive series of extraperitoneal RALP in theliterature by Ploussard et al. Our group (Liss et al.) ana-lyzes the outcomes and complications of standard andextended pelvic lymph node dissection during RALP. Alsoincluded in the prostate section is an excellent review ofthe outcomes of robotic salvage prostatectomy by Drs.Wetherell, Bolton and colleagues.Patel et al. provide a thorough analysis of the outcomesand complications of retroperitoneal robotic partialnephrectomy by one of the most experienced surgeonsusing this technique.Two articles concerning the robotic radical cystectomyand urinary diversion are included: a review of the litera-ture by Drs. Liss and Kader, and a summary of the com-plications and recommendations to avoid them by one ofthe most experienced groups in the world led by Dr. Pruthi.We hope these articles add to your knowledge andenhance the outcomes and safety of the urologic canceroperations that you perform.
Applied Multivariate Data Analysis

(2002). Applied Multivariate Data Analysis. The American Statistician: Vol. 56, No. 3, pp. 248-249.
CALCULATIONS OF DEUTERON STRIPPING IN A SOLUBLE MODEL

We present preliminary results of calculations based on a soluble three-body model recently proposed by Amado. Angular distributions for the deuteron stripping process are presented for several energies and the results are compared with the general behavior of experimental stripping patterns although no attempt is made to describe a particular nucleus. Various approximation schemes such as the Butler theory and the distorted-wave Born approximation are applied to our model amplitudes. The possibility of describing real nuclei with this model is also discussed.
ISOLATION OF GLYCOSYLATED MUCINS WITH THE MUC5 PROTEIN BACKBONE FROM AIRWAY CELL SECRETIONS. † 2325

ISOLATION OF GLYCOSYLATED MUCINS WITH THE MUC5 PROTEIN BACKBONE FROM AIRWAY CELL SECRETIONS. † 2325
The Effects of Pointing out Failures of Inattentional Blindness on Performance and Situation Awareness

Eighty-two participants were categorized into one of three groups: participants with inattentional blindness (IB), participants without IB, and participants with IB, but were told about their failure to notice a salient, although irrelevant stimulus (the Show group). The Invisible Gorilla video (Simons, 2003) was used to determine IB. The effects of pointing out IB failures were tested for subsequent tasks. Performance and situation awareness (SA) of the Show group in a subsequent task of watching driving videos was compared to the IB group and the group who did not display IB. No differences in performance were found between any of the groups. The IB group was slower to answer irrelevant questions about the driving environment than participants who did not display IB. The IB group and the Show group answered irrelevant questions slower than they answered relevant questions. However, the time to answer relevant SA questions and accuracy of answering SA questions about the driving environment did not diffe...
Longitudinal Associations Between Family Dinner and Adolescent Perceptions of Parent-Child Communication Among Racially Diverse Urban Youth

We examined changes in adolescent self-reported parent-child communication using growth curve models conditional on family meal frequency over a 3.5-year period among a population of racially diverse, low-income adolescents from an urban environment (n = 4,750). Results indicated that although both family dinner frequency and adolescent perceptions of parent-child communication scores were characterized by negative linear growth over time (both p < .001), family dinner frequency was positively associated with adolescent perceptions of parent-child communication scores over time (p < .001). Study findings suggest that families with teenagers may enhance parent-child communication and ultimately promote healthy adolescent development by making family dinner a priority. In addition, the communication benefits of family dinner at the beginning of sixth grade may be protective through eighth grade.
Immobilization of active hydrogenases by encapsulation in polymeric porous gels.

Hydrogenases encapulated in porous polymeric silica gels retain significant levels of hydrogen production activity when compared to hydrogenases in solution using reduced methyl viologen as an electron donor. Encapsulated hydrogenases remain active after storage at room temperature for longer than four weeks and are less sensitive to proteolytic digestion. Nanoscopic confinement of active hydrogenases in solids paves the way for their potential use in hydrogen producing catalytic materials applications.
Nature of the heterotic effect

The nature of the heterotic effect is discussed. “Purification” of the genotype of the initial hybrid from lethals and semilethals introduced by parental forms in the case of producing dihaploids as well as the possibility of fixing the heterotic effect in rice plants by the proposed methods are shown.
Physicochemical studies of bovine fibrinogen III. Optical rotation of the native and denatured molecule

Abstract The optical rotation and the rotatory dispersion of fibrinogen have been determined in the native and in various denatured states. 1. 1. The stability of the molecule, revealed by changes of [α]D, has been examined as a function of pH, urea concentration, guanidine · HCl concentration, and cleavage of the disulfide bonds. The pH range for stability of fibrinogen is narrow (pH 5.5–10) and there is an apparent correlation between [α]d and net charge. 2. 2. The dispersion studies showed coherent variations of [α]D, λc and b0 and consistent values of the helical content could be calculated from these parameters. Native fibrinogen appears to have a helical content of 33%, which is reduced to approx. 20% by acid, alkali, and 5 M urea denaturation, and disappears completely at 5 M guanidine · HCl, or 10 M urea concentration. 3. 3. The molecule in the denatured state shows reversible changes in rotatory properties within the concentration range of the denaturing agent where aggregation does not occur.
A Bayesian Method for Evaluating Passing Scores: The PPoP Curve

In this note, we demonstrate an interesting use of the posterior distributions (and corresponding posterior samples of proficiency) that are yielded by fitting a fully Bayesian test scoring model to a complex assessment. Specifically, we examine the efficacy of the test in combination with the specific passing score that was chosen through expert judgment, or, in general, any external a priori criterion. In addition, we study the robustness of the test's efficacy with respect to choice of the passing score.
Defect-Mediated Condensation of a Charge Density Wave

Symmetry, dimensionality, and disorder play a pivotal role in critical phenomena. The atomic imaging capabilities of the scanning tunneling microscope were used to directly visualize the interaction between charge density oscillations and lattice defects in a two-dimensional charge density wave (CDW) system. Point defects act as nucleation centers of the CDW, which, as the temperature is lowered, results in the formation of pinned CDW domains that are separated by atomically abrupt charge boundaries. Incomplete freezing of substitutional disorder at low temperature indicates a novel CDW-mediated hopping of pinning centers.