cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Strategy in War

The conduct of war is among the most important acts of the state. In the past century alone, failure in this undertaking has toppled governments and imposed hostile occupation for hundreds of millions from Paris to Warsaw and from Tokyo to Jakarta. Military failure in World War I destroyed the Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, German, and Russian empires and created a host of new states in Eastern Europe and the Balkans. Allied military victory in World War II made global superpowers of the United States and the Soviet Union, and split Germany into two countries. The success of Soviet arms ended Latvian, Lithuanian, and Estonian independence, and resulted in a generation of subjugation under Soviet satellite rule for the peoples of Eastern Europe. Pyrrhic victory in two world wars exhausted Britain and brought an end to its global economic hegemony. Failure in internal war has toppled governments from Afghanistan to Vietnam; variations in the conduct of such wars can mean the difference between decades of misery in grinding stalemates, as in Lebanon, or in a rapid, decisive conclusion, as in the Sinai in 1967.
Digestion of 131I-Labeled Thyroid Tissue with Maximum Recovery of 131I-Iodothyronines

A study was made of some of the factors responsible for the erroneously low values for 131I-iodothyronines obtained when labeled thyroid homogenates are digested wth Pronase or pancreatin under the usual conditions of digestion. Two major sources of error were encountered: 1) degradation of 131I-iodothyronines occurring simultaneously with the release of iodoamino acids from thyroid protein, and 2) selective adsorption of 131I-iodothyronines on particulate matter that appears during digestion of thyroid homogenates with Pronase. Errors from both sources were almost completely eliminated when the digestion was performed under anaerobic conditions in the presence of 0.05m methylmercaptoimidazole (MMI). Under these conditions the observed values for all the 131I-iodoamino acids rose progressively as the digestion was continued for 18 hr. Not only were the 18 hr values for 131I-T4 and 131I-T3 higher than those obtained under other conditions tested, but there was better agreement between results obtained with...
Turner's anthropology of media and its legacies

In the 1990s, Terry Turner produced some of the most conceptually and ethnographically important research anywhere in the anthropology of media, apparently without having intended to do so. This article reviews the impact of his collaboration on the Kayapo Video Project both in terms of its effects in Kayapo communities and in terms of the debates it catalyzed in anthropology over the relationship of human productive powers with representation and social mediation in its broadest sense. Turner’s anthropology of media (and indeed his anthropology more generally) emphasizes that human production always contains a historical excess within itself, which is the potential to transcend and to transform fundamentally the dominant social relations of production and reproduction in a given time and place. As such, Turner’s work challenges what I describe as more ‘Hegelian’ theories of media that emphasize the inaccessibility of social mediation to human agency. In conclusion, I celebrate Turner’s own historical exc...
A review of the applications of physiologically based pharmacokinetic modeling

The physiological pharmacokinetic approach to the modeling of drug distribution is reviewed. These models allow extrapolation outside the range of data with some confidence if the dominant mechanisms of transport are sufficiently well understood. In addition, it is possible to extrapolate to other species. Compartments correspond to anatomical spaces so that biochemical interactions (including drug effect or pharmacodynamics) can be incorporated in the model. The articles summarized in this review are limited to models dealing with drug application.
A taxonomy for scenes

Abstract Tomkins [Tomkins, S. (1979). Script theory: Differential magnification of affects. In: C. Keasey (Ed.), Nebraska Symposium on Motivation, Vol. 26 (pp. 201–236). Lincoln: University of Nebraska Press; Tomkins, S. (1987). Script theory. In: J. Aronoff, A. Rabin, & R. Zucker (Eds.), The Emergence of Personality (pp. 147–216). New York: Springer] proposed that personality is built from the experience of scenes, which minimally consist of an emotion and an event evoking that emotion. This study sought to identify a taxonomy of emotion-eliciting events. Examples of specific events eliciting love, joy, sadness, anger, and fear were collected from 200 participants, another 120 participants independently sorted these examples for similarity, and a hierarchical cluster analysis was run on these similarity sorts. The resulting tree diagram displayed categories of events at varying levels of abstraction. Individual differences were found in the types of events offered for each of the five emotions.
Disappointment aversion equilibrium in a futures market

This article examines the effect of disappointment aversion on the equilibrium in a commodity futures market. Consider a commodity market with a producer and a speculator. We show that the equilibrium price is positively related to either agent's risk or disappointment aversion, and to the market volatility. The market trading volume is positively related to the producer's risk or disappointment aversion, but negatively related to the speculator's risk or disappointment aversion. The producer lowers his or her reference point in response to an increase in the risk aversion or disappointment aversion of either agent, and to an increase in spot price volatility. The speculator raises his or her reference point when the producer becomes more risk averse or disappointment averse, or when the spot price becomes more volatile. A more disappointment-averse speculator will lower his or her reference point. However, a more risk-averse speculator raises (lowers) the reference point if he or she is less (more) risk averse than the producer. Numerical examples are provided to further support the above analytical results. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark 23:135–150, 2003
Repair of Oroantral Communications by Use of a Combined Surgical Approach: Functional Endoscopic Surgery and Buccal Advancement Flap/Buccal Fat Pad Graft.

Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a combined surgical approach for repair of oroantral communications. Materials and Methods This retrospective study evaluated the effectiveness of the combined surgical approach of functional endoscopic sinus surgery and buccal advancement flap or buccal fat pad grafting. Forty-three patients with chronic sinusitis from 2007 to 2013 were evaluated after combined functional endoscopic sinus surgery and closure of oroantral communication with a buccal fat pad graft or buccal advancement flap for persistent oroantral communication. Treatment included preoperative computed tomography, antibiotic therapy, exploration and removal of sinus pathologic tissues, rotation of a pedicled fat pad graft into the oral opening, repair and closure of oral mucosa, exploration of involved sinuses with excision of sinus and nasal tissues necessary for establishment of osteomeatal drainage, and follow-up to evaluate the success or failure of treatment. Results The results were overwhelmingly positive, with 17 of 19 buccal advancement flaps showing no dehiscence or chronic sinusitis and all 24 buccal fat pad grafts showing no dehiscence, with no continued sinus complaints. Complications ranged from a sensation of tightness in the graft area to paresthesia of nerve V2. There was no statistical difference in results between buccal fat pad grafts and buccal advancement flaps. Conclusion The results of this study infer that a combined approach to the multifactorial disease process results in a very successful and predictable outcome.
CGG-repeat polymorphism of the BCR gene rules out predisposing alleles leading to the Philadelphia chromosome.

The Philadelphia Chromosome (Ph) is associated with leukemia, most frequently of the chronic myelogenous variety. The Ph chromosome is a translocation Chromosome which gains oncogenic potential through the fusion of the ABL oncogene of chromosome 9 with the BCR gene of chromosome 22. The Ph is believed to arise from random chromosome rearrangement with a subsequent selective advantage of the malignant cell line. However, alleles may be present in the population which predispose toward this specific rearrangement. We used a highly polymorphic CGG-repeat polymorphism within the first exon of the BCR gene to determine BCR allele frequencies among 26 leukemia patients with the Ph chromosome and 63 control individuals. Eight BCR alleles of variable CGG-repeat length were present in both groups at statistically similar frequencies and in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. We therefore concluded that there are no alleles of the BCR gene that have a major predisposing influence on the development of the ph chromosome and subsequent leukemia Genes Chrom Cancer 9:141-144 (1994). Inc.© 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Vitamin E attenuation of the effects of chronic ethanol and cod liver oil consumption on rat liver lipid composition

Abstract We investigated the effects of dietary vitamin E supplementation on the modulatory actions of chronic ethanol and cod liver oil (CLO) feeding by measuring the fatty acid composition of hepatic lipids. Rats were fed diets that provided 35% of total calories as lipids and 36% of the calories as ethanol for 28 days. In these diets, cod liver oil replaced safflower, corn and olive oils low in omega-3-unsaturated fatty acids but high in the omega 6 unsaturated fatty acids. Some diets were also supplemented with 142 IU of vitamin E per kg of diet. Hepatic cholesterol, phospholipids and triglyceride levels were 30–100% greater in rats fed alcohol with or without vitamin E supplementation. Addition of dietary CLO reduced liver cholesterol and the cholesterol: phospholipid ratio but increased the phospholipid and triglyceride levels. Supplemental vitamin E in the CLO fed rats elevated the levels of hepatic phospholipids and cholesterol. The vitamin E-related alterations in hepatic lipids were also reflected by changes in hepatic fatty acid (FA) composition in rats fed ethanol and CLO. The alterations in the fatty acid profile indicated that both ethanol and CLO consumption altered hepatic FA profile. Ethanol metabolism by rats fed the Lieber-DeCarli (LD) diets increased hepatic levels of myristic, palmitoleic and oleic acid levels and decreased the level of linoleic acid despite diet type. Ethanol metabolism slightly decreased hepatic palmitate levels in rats fed the LD-diet but did not alter hepatic palmitate levels in rats fed the CLO-diets, and had no effect on hepatic stearate levels in rats fed the LD diet but significantly increased hepatic stearate levels in rats fed the CLO-diet. Hepatic oleic acid levels were not altered in rats fed ethanol in the CLO-diets.
Predictors and Outcome of Discharge Against Medical Advice From the Psychiatric Units of a General Hospital

OBJECTIVE: The study examined predictors of discharge against medical advice (AMA) and outcomes of psychiatric patients with AMA discharges, as measured by poorer symptom ratings at discharge and higher rates of rehospitalization. METHODS: A total of 195 patients discharged AMA from general hospital psychiatric units were compared retrospectively with 2,230 regularly discharged patients. AMA status was defined as signing out against medical advice, being absent without leave, or being administratively discharged. All patients received standardized assessments within 24 hours of admission and at discharge. Demographic characteristics, psychiatric history, DSM-IV psychiatric and substance use diagnoses, and scores on an expanded 32-item version of the Psychiatric Symptom Assessment Scale were compared. RESULTS: The groups did not differ in primary psychiatric diagnoses. Patients discharged AMA were significantly less likely to be Caucasian or to be functionally impaired due to physical illness. They were mo...
Intraoperative detection of laparoscopic bladder injury

We report a case of bladder perforation during laparoscopic gynaecological surgery that was detected intraoperatively by gaseous distention of the urinary bag. The anaesthetist can help detect intraoperative laparoscopic bladder injury by checking the bladder catheter collection bag for gaseous distension. In this clinical report, gaseous distention of the urinary bag was the only indication of intraoperative laparoscopic bladder injury and resulted in immediate intervention and surgical repair. Intraoperative bladder injury repair will result in decreased surgical morbidity, and if performed laparoscopically may result in decreased hospital stay.
Histoplasmosis in infancy; report of a case in an infant, with a brief clinicopathologic review.

Summary A case of histoplasmosis in an infant is reported, with a brief review ofthe clinical and pathologic picture. This report is distinctive in that the organism was cultured for the first time ante mortem from the stool, urine, and duodenal drainage.
Nonhierarchical control of manufacturing systems

Abstract An alternative to the high cost of development, maintenance, operation and modification of complex manufacturing systems with hierarchical architectures is under study at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Nonhierarchical control architectures offer prospects of reduced complexity by localizing information and control, reducing software development costs, increasing maintanability and modifiability, and improving reliability.
Count‐a‐thon of airplane contrails

The third Contrail Count-a-Thon of the GLOBE (Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment) project is being held during Earth Science Week 2005 in October. Reports of sky observations—including those of contrail-free skies—taken between 11:00 A.M. and 1:00 P.M. local time on 13 October 2005 are welcome from any interested observers (including Eos readers), whether or not they are associated with local schools, clubs, parks, or other groups. The Web site with instructions and the report form is available at http://www.globe.gov/earthsciweek2005. Clouds remain one of the main sources of uncertainty in efforts to understand and predict the Earth's global climate [Cess et al., 1990]. Although satellite instruments and techniques to study clouds continue to improve, contrails are a cloud type of significant interest that remains a challenge to study.
A critical view of the yawn-sigh as a voice therapy technique

The purpose of this study was to take a critical look at a voice therapy technique known as the yawn-sigh. The voiced sigh as an approach in voice therapy has had increased use in recent years, particularly with problems of vocal hyperfunction. In this study, the physiology of the yawn-sigh was studied with video nasoendoscopy in eight normal subjects; their taped voices were also studied acoustically for possible fundamental frequency and format changes in producing selected vowels under normal and sigh conditions. Although each subject was given a model by the examiner of a yawn-sigh, one of the eight subjects could not produce a true yawn-sigh. Endoscopic findings for seven of the eight subjects performing the yawn-sigh demonstrated retracted elevation of the tongue, a lower positioning of the larynx, and a widened pharynx. Acoustic analyses for the seven subjects producing the sigh found a marked lowering of the second and third formants. Implications for using the yawn-sigh in voice therapy are given, such as using a modified "silent" yawn-sigh, as an easy method for producing greater vocal tract relaxation.
Transsacral resection of the rectum

Transsacral resection of the rectum carries a low mortality rate and much less morbidity than resections performed through the abdominal approach. It can be advantageously combined with the classical abdominal procedure in the treatment of cancer or when added length of colon is necessary to establish continuity with the anal canal in benign lesion treatment. It should be combined with a defunctionizing colostomy when most inflammatory strictures are removed. In the treatment of benign neoplasms or small, low-grade types of malignancy, a colostomy is seldom necessary. In our hands it has been possible in the treatment of lesions of the middle and lower portions of the rectum to re-establish continuity and preserve function of the bowel more effectively by transsacral resection and end-to-end anastomosis than by any other method of which we know.
The Hughes/Larkin Phenomenon: Poetic Authenticity in Postwar English Poetry

I n a letter to Faber editor Charles Monteith, dated March 2, 1978, Philip Larkin presented two quatrains. The first was his contribution to the Queen's Jubilee, to be inscribed in stone outside the Faber & Faber offices in Queen Square. With a characteristically dismissive and self-deprecating air?"I'm no good at this lapidary lark"?Larkin relinquishes the following lines for "first British chiselling rights":
The composition and ultrastructure of the nucellus in cotton

The nucellus of cotton was examined with the techniques of electron microscopy. Three cell types could be distinguished: (a) the micropylar cells, (b) the collar cells, and (c) the vacuolate cells. All the various types should have common features as well as distinguishing characteristics. The micropylar cells were particularly rich in multivesicular bodies which appeared to be forming from ends of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). The plastids in these cells were highly organized and rich in a tubular component. The collar cells were distinguished by massive protein deposits within spherical swellings of the ER. The vacuolate cells had large, central vacuoles. The cytoplasm was rich in spherosomes. Unusual wall thickenings were also found in these cells. The relation of these ultrastructural features to the possible function of the cells was discussed.
In vitro evidence that cytokine receptor signals are required for differentiation of double positive thymocytes into functionally mature CD8+ T cells.

CD4+8+ double positive (DP) thymocytes differentiate into CD4+ and CD8+ mature T cells in response to TCR signals. However, TCR signals that are initiated in DP thymocytes are unlikely to persist throughout all subsequent differentiation steps, suggesting that other signals must sustain thymocyte differentiation after TCR signaling has ceased. Using an in vitro experimental system, we now demonstrate that cytokine receptor signals, such as those transduced by IL-7 receptors, are required for differentiation of signaled DP thymocytes into functionally mature CD8+ T cells as they: (a) up-regulate Bcl-2 expression to maintain thymocyte viability; (b) enhance CD4 gene silencing; (c) promote functional maturation;and (d) up-regulate surface expression of glucose transporter molecules, which improve nutrient uptake and increase metabolic activity. IL-7Rs appear to be unique among cytokine receptors in maintaining the viability of newly generated CD4−8+ thymocytes, whereas several different cytokine receptors can provide the trophic/differentiative signals for subsequent CD8+ thymocyte differentiation and maturation. Thus, cytokine receptors provide both survival and trophic/differentiative signals with varying degrees of redundancy that are required for differentiation of signaled DP thymocytes into functionally mature CD8+ T cells.
Electrochemical microleakage study of endodontic sealer/cements

The sealing ability of five commonly used endodontic sealer/cements (Procosol, Diaket, Tubliseal, N2, and Nogenol), was studied by an electrochemical technique. Extracted teeth were prepared biomechanically and the root canals were sealed with one of the sealer/cements. Ten teeth were used for each material without an accompanying solid core. Microleakage was determined over a period of 30 days. The degree of leakage for the materials tested decreased in the following order: Diaket, Tubliseal, Nogenol, ProcoSol, N2. On the basis of this study and previously reported histopathologic studies of tissue compatibility, it appears that ProcoSol is the material of choice as an endodontic sealer/cement.
Onshore Mobile App Development: Successes and Challenges

During the past two years, Applico, a mobile app development company based in New York City, has grown from a dorm room start-up to a successful business with 45 employees (75 by the end of 2011) and a client list that includes several household names, all without seeking outside venture funding. Developing mobile apps on multiple platforms requires innovative designers who can mold them into a native and immersive experience.
Alcohol-induced brain pathology and behavioral dysfunction: using an animal model to examine sex differences.

Background: Human epidemiological studies suggest that the female brain may be more susceptible to the toxic effects of alcohol and that this is the reason why women show greater behavioral dysfunction after chronic alcohol exposure. This hypothesis was tested by using a rat model of chronic alcoholism [chronic ethanol treatment (CET)]. The investigation assessed sex differences in neuropathology and behavior after chronic exposure and subsequent withdrawal from alcohol. Methods: Young male and female rats (∼3 months old) were assigned to either a CET group, which received a 20% ethanol drinking solution for 20 weeks, or a pair-fed control group, which received ad libitum tap water and a restricted diet for 20 weeks. After the CET groups were phased off the 20% alcohol solution, learning and memory abilities were examined by using matching-to-position and nonmatching-to-position tasks. Neuropathology was assessed in the frontal cortex and medial septal region. Results: CET was shown to cause behavioral deficits. The behavioral dysfunction was sex, task, and process dependent; i.e., CET-female rats displayed a delay-dependent impairment on delayed matching-to-position, whereas CET-male rats displayed a delay-independent impairment on delayed nonmatching-to-position. CET resulted in a significant reduction in the frontal cortical (FR1) and collosal thickness, as well as a decrease in cells staining immunopositive for choline acetyltransferase in the medial septal region. However, relative to male rats exposed to CET, female rats did not show any accelerated neuropathology after CET. Conclusions: Chronic exposure to ethanol does result in both brain and behavior dysfunction in male and female rats. The results demonstrate that different cognitive processes are altered by chronic ethanol exposure in male and female rats. However, the neurobiological mechanisms responsible for these differences remain to be determined.
Numerical calculations of the longevity of impact oases on Titan

Abstract A promising setting for the formation of interesting prebiotic molecules on Titan is the transient liquid water environment formed by a comet impact, as originally suggested by Thompson and Sagan (1992, in: Symposium on Titan, ESA SP, vol. 338, p. 167). The impact melt (water or a water–ammonia mixture) generated in such an event can react with the abundant photochemical hydrocarbons and nitriles deposited on the surface of Titan to form more complex molecules such as purines and amino acids. We use a finite-difference thermal conduction code to calculate how long it takes for realistic liquid deposits in crater floors to freeze in the Titan environment. Our results suggest that 15 km diameter craters can sustain liquid water or water–ammonia environments for ∼ 10 2 –103 yr and 150 km craters can sustain them for ∼ 10 3 –104 yr. We discuss the implications of these timescales for organic chemistry on Titan.
Importance of genetics in fetal alcohol effects: null mutation of the nNOS gene worsens alcohol-induced cerebellar neuronal losses and behavioral deficits

The cerebellum is a major target of alcohol-induced damage in the developing brain. However, the cerebella of some children are much more seriously affected than others by prenatal alcohol exposure. As a consequence of in utero alcohol exposure, some children have substantial reductions in cerebellar volume and corresponding neurodevelopmental problems, including microencephaly, ataxia, and balance deficits, while other children who were exposed to similar alcohol quantities are spared. One factor that likely plays a key role in determining the impact of alcohol on the fetal cerebellum is genetics. However, no specific gene variant has yet been identified that worsens cerebellar function as a consequence of developmental alcohol exposure. Previous studies have revealed that mice carrying a homozygous mutation of the gene for neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS-/- mice) have more severe acute alcohol-induced neuronal losses from the cerebellum than wild type mice. Therefore, the goals of this study were to determine whether alcohol induces more severe cerebellum-based behavioral deficits in nNOS-/- mice than in wild type mice and to determine whether these worsened behavior deficits are associated with worsened cerebellar neuronal losses. nNOS-/- mice and their wild type controls received alcohol (0.0, 2.2, or 4.4mg/g) daily over postnatal days 4-9. In adulthood, the mice underwent behavioral testing, followed by neuronal quantification. Alcohol caused dose-related deficits in rotarod and balance beam performance in both nNOS-/- and wild type mice. However, the alcohol-induced behavioral deficits were substantially worse in the nNOS-/- mice than in wild type. Likewise, alcohol exposure led to losses of Purkinje cells and cerebellar granule cells in mice of both genotypes, but the cell losses were more severe in the nNOS-/- mice than in wild type. Behavioral performances were correlated with neuronal number in the nNOS-/- mice, but not in wild type. Thus, homozygous mutation of the nNOS gene increases vulnerability to alcohol-induced cerebellar dysfunction and neuronal loss. nNOS is the first gene identified whose mutation worsens alcohol-induced cerebellar behavioral deficits.
Switching stimulation patterns improves performance of paralyzed human quadriceps muscle

The clinical efficacy of functional electrical stimulation (FES) is limited by the rapid onset of fatigue. Functional electrical stimulation applications typically stimulate skeletal muscles with constant-frequency trains (CFTs). Our laboratory has identified trains that we call doublet-frequency trains (DFTs) and that produce greater forces than CFTs, but more fatigue during repetitive activation than comparable CFTs. The purpose of this study was to see whether a series of CFTs followed by DFTs would reach a targeted isometric peak force more times than either train type alone during repetitive isometric activation of the paralyzed quadriceps muscles of subjects with spinal cord injuries (SCI). The combination of CFTs followed by DFTs reached the targeted isometric force 14% more often than the CFTs alone and 18% more often than the DFTs alone. These findings confirm that switching train types may be a useful strategy to offset the rapid fatigue of the functionally important quadriceps muscle that persons with SCI experience when using FES.
Effect of canard deflection on close-coupled canard-wing-body aerodynamics

The thin-layer Navier-Stokes equations are solved for the flow about a canard-wing-body configuration at transonic Mach numbers of 0.85 and 0.90, angles of attack from -4 to 10 degrees and canard deflection angles from -10 to +10 degrees. Effects of canard deflection on aerodynamic performance, including canard-wing vortex interaction, are investigated. Comparisons with experimental measurements of surface pressures, lift, drag and pitching moments are made to verify the accuracy of the computations. The results of the study show that the deflected canard downwash not only influences the formation of the wing leading-edge vortex, but can cause the formation of an unfavorable vortex on the wing lower surface as well.
Implant restoration of external resorption teeth in the esthetic zone.

Purpose The purposes of this article were to review the literature for treatment of teeth with external resorption secondary to avulsive injuries and to illustrate treatment of patients with teeth following different clinical scenarios to develop a predictable course of therapy. Materials and Methods Cases that demonstrate treatment of teeth with external resorption following injury during the growing period, external resorption treated with a delayed approach after tooth extraction, immediate grafting of the extraction site to repair labial bone loss, and immediate implant placement with provisionalization are shown. Conclusion Based on a review of the literature, the decision to place dental implants to replace teeth with external resorption can be timed depending on the location and type of the resorption, with excellent esthetic results.
Elucidating the effects of adsorbent flexibility on fluid adsorption using simple models and flat-histogram sampling methods

Using flat-histogram Monte Carlo methods, we investigate the adsorptive behavior of the square-well fluid in two simple slit-pore-like models intended to capture fundamental characteristics of flexible adsorbent materials. Both models require as input thermodynamic information about the flexible adsorbent material itself. An important component of this work involves formulating the flexible pore models in the appropriate thermodynamic (statistical mechanical) ensembles, namely, the osmotic ensemble and a variant of the grand-canonical ensemble. Two-dimensional probability distributions, which are calculated using flat-histogram methods, provide the information necessary to determine adsorption thermodynamics. For example, we are able to determine precisely adsorption isotherms, (equilibrium) phase transition conditions, limits of stability, and free energies for a number of different flexible adsorbent materials, distinguishable as different inputs into the models. While the models used in this work are relatively simple from a geometric perspective, they yield non-trivial adsorptive behavior, including adsorption-desorption hysteresis solely due to material flexibility and so-called “breathing” of the adsorbent. The observed effects can in turn be tied to the inherent properties of the bare adsorbent. Some of the effects are expected on physical grounds while others arise from a subtle balance of thermodynamic and mechanical driving forces. In addition, the computational strategy presented here can be easily applied to more complex models for flexible adsorbents.
Harnessing Big Data for Health Care and Research: Are Urologists Ready?

We are at a crossroads in terms of the data we collect and how they are analyzed. In health care, big data analytics may uncover associations, patterns, and trends with the potential to advance patient care and lower costs. To adapt to this approach, urologists will have to ask the right questions.
Coastal Bacterioplankton Community Dynamics in Response to a Natural Disturbance

In order to characterize how disturbances to microbial communities are propagated over temporal and spatial scales in aquatic environments, the dynamics of bacterial assemblages throughout a subtropical coastal embayment were investigated via SSU rRNA gene analyses over an 8-month period, which encompassed a large storm event. During non-perturbed conditions, sampling sites clustered into three groups based on their microbial community composition: an offshore oceanic group, a freshwater group, and a distinct and persistent coastal group. Significant differences in measured environmental parameters or in the bacterial community due to the storm event were found only within the coastal cluster of sampling sites, and only at 5 of 12 locations; three of these sites showed a significant response in both environmental and bacterial community characteristics. These responses were most pronounced at sites close to the shoreline. During the storm event, otherwise common bacterioplankton community members such as marine Synechococcus sp. and members of the SAR11 clade of Alphaproteobacteria decreased in relative abundance in the affected coastal zone, whereas several lineages of Gammaproteobacteria, Betaproteobacteria, and members of the Roseobacter clade of Alphaproteobacteria increased. The complex spatial patterns in both environmental conditions and microbial community structure related to freshwater runoff and wind convection during the perturbation event leads us to conclude that spatial heterogeneity was an important factor influencing both the dynamics and the resistance of the bacterioplankton communities to disturbances throughout this complex subtropical coastal system. This heterogeneity may play a role in facilitating a rapid rebound of regions harboring distinctly coastal bacterioplankton communities to their pre-disturbed taxonomic composition.
Accurate timing of passive Q-switch lasers

Using fast switching high power diode laser driver, we are able to push the limit of accurate timing of the laser pulses from a passive Q-switched diode pumped Nd:YAG laser. Combined with prepumping technique, we could reduce the delay between pump current pulse and the laser pulse down to 2.5 micro-second, and the jitter of the delay down to 100 nanoseconds.
Moisture transport, adhesion, and corrosion protection of PV module packaging materials

Abstract We compare the properties of a number of encapsulant and soft backsheet materials that are important for photovoltaic (PV) module packaging. These properties include moisture transport and interfacial adhesion as a function of accelerated exposure to damp heat. Various cleaning and priming methods were studied for improving adhesion to glass and polymer surfaces. Barrier coatings prepared by industry and at NREL have been found to promote adhesion and provide varying levels of moisture-ingress protection. Plasma pre-etch of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) before barrier deposition reduces adhesion strength and moisture barrier properties. Resistance to cracking during lamination and peeling during test are investigated. The relative effectiveness of various combined packaging strategies to protect PV devices has been studied using 80-nm-thick aluminum films deposited onto 10 cm×10 cm glass substrates. Glass/ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA)/aluminized-glass laminate constructions were found to trap harmful compounds that catalyzed moisture-driven corrosion of Al. Constructions with breathable backsheets allow higher rates of moisture ingress, but also allow egress of deleterious substances, thereby reducing corrosion.
Homeolog loss and expression changes in natural populations of the recently and repeatedly formed allotetraploid Tragopogon mirus (Asteraceae)

Although polyploidy has long been recognized as a major force in the evolution of plants, most of what we know about the genetic consequences of polyploidy comes from the study of crops and model systems. Furthermore, although many polyploid species have formed repeatedly, patterns of genome evolution and gene expression are largely unknown for natural polyploid populations of independent origin. We therefore examined patterns of loss and expression in duplicate gene pairs (homeologs) in multiple individuals from seven natural populations of independent origin of Tragopogon mirus (Asteraceae), an allopolyploid that formed repeatedly within the last 80 years from the diploids T. dubius and T. porrifolius. Using cDNA-AFLPs, we found differential band patterns that could be attributable to gene silencing, novel expression, and/or maternal/paternal effects between T. mirus and its diploid parents. Subsequent cleaved amplified polymorphic sequence (CAPS) analyses of genomic DNA and cDNA revealed that 20 of the 30 genes identified through cDNA-AFLP analysis showed additivity, whereas nine of the 30 exhibited the loss of one parental homeolog in at least one individual. Homeolog loss (versus loss of a restriction site) was confirmed via sequencing. The remaining gene (ADENINE-DNA GLYCOSYLASE) showed ambiguous patterns in T. mirus because of polymorphism in the diploid parent T. dubius. Most (63.6%) of the homeolog loss events were of the T. dubius parental copy. Two genes, NUCLEAR RIBOSOMAL DNA and GLYCERALDEHYDE-3-PHOSPHATE DEHYDROGENASE, showed differential expression of the parental homeologs, with the T. dubius copy silenced in some individuals of T. mirus. Genomic and cDNA CAPS analyses indicated that plants representing multiple populations of this young natural allopolyploid have experienced frequent and preferential elimination of homeologous loci. Comparable analyses of synthetic F1 hybrids showed only additivity. These results suggest that loss of homeologs and changes in gene expression are not the immediate result of hybridization, but are processes that occur following polyploidization, occurring during the early (<40) generations of the young polyploid. Both T. mirus and a second recently formed allopolyploid, T. miscellus, exhibit more homeolog losses than gene silencing events. Furthermore, both allotetraploids undergo biased loss of homeologs contributed by their shared diploid parent, T. dubius. Further studies are required to assess whether the results for the 30 genes so far examined are representative of the entire genome.
Mechanisms of dioxin tumor promotion: Implications for risk assessment

Abstract TCDD is a liver carcinogen in female rats but not male rats. In a two stage model for hepatocarcinogenesis, using a single initiating dose of diethylnitrosamine (DEN) and chronic exposure to TCDD (25 ng/kg/day for 30 weeks), ovariectomy prevented the tumor promoting actions of TCDD. This finding was consistent with data on cell proliferation which demonstrated that TCDD did not induce cell proliferation in the absence of the ovaries. Dose-response data were obtained for a number of responses to TCDD within the framework of a tumor promotion model. These included cell proliferation, number and size of hepatic preneoplastic foci, induction of cytochrome P-450 isozymes (CYP 1A1 and 1A2), TCDD liver and blood concentrations, epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor, estrogen receptor, histological changes and clinical chemistries. Dose response relationships were markedly different for the different parameters. For example, CYP 1A1 and 1A2 induction occurred at lower doses than effects of cell proliferation and preneoplastic lesions. The relevance of these data to low dose human risks and rodent to human extrapolations of risks are discussed.
Development of neuroepithelial bodies in fetal rabbit lungs. I. Appearance and functional maturation as demonstrated by high-resolution light microscopy and formaldehyde-induced fluorescence.

Developing lungs of fetal rabbits aged 13 days through early postnatal stages were examined for periodic acid-Schiff (PAS)–lead hematoxylin staining, serotonin fluorescence, and argyrophilia, methods selective for small-granule (neuro) endocrine cells. Later stages were also studied by electron microscopy. These cells arise from precursors that first appear around days 18-19 in the endodermal epithelium; the latter stand out as clear cells from their undifferentiated, glycogenladen neighbors. The cells first form in the main and lobar bronchi, then continue to arise in the lining of newly laid down branches of the extending bronchial tree, tending to concentrate near points of branching. Some cells have been seen to divide, and clusters of two, four, or more soon appear. Morphologically mature neuroepithelial bodies begin to appear in larger bronchi around 23 days, although the largest examples occur in 25-day and older fetuses. After 23 days, additional bodies mature from clear-cell precursors in more re...
Food Biophysics of Protein Gels: A Challenge of Nano and Macroscopic Proportions

Aggregation and gelation of proteins are key reactions used to generate food texture. Heat-induced gelation of globular proteins produces two general types of gels designated as fine-stranded and particulate. Fine-stranded gels are formed from denatured proteins that aggregate into curved, flexible strands (pH > pI) or rigid, linear fibrils (pH pI breakdown into large, inhomogeneous particles that have irregular shapes and do not form a cohesive mass or stick to the teeth during chewing. In contrast, particulate gels are formed from proteins with a lower degree of unfolding that aggregate into large particles. Particulate gels break down rapidly into a homogeneous distribution of small particles forming a cohesive mass that adheres to teeth during chewing. This review discusses the mechanisms related to the formation and breakdown of fine-stranded and particulate gels. Although there has been extensive research on gel formation, understanding gel breakdown based on mechanical (rheological and fracture properties) and sensory testing is limited. Further research is required to understand how the nanostructure of a gel network translates into the complex fracture pattern seen when evaluating the macroscopic property of food texture.
Radioiodinated surface proteins of separated cell types from rabbit endometrium in relation to the time of implantation

To investigate changes in surface proteins of uterine cells in relation to the time of implantation, epithelial and stromal cells were isolated from rabbit endometrium and maintained in primary culture for 3 days. Surface-iodination of intact cells was carried out before and after culture, using immobilized Iodogen catalyst. The labeled proteins were analyzed by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, followed by autoradiography; peak areas were quantitated by scanning densitometry. Different gestational ages showed no marked qualitative differences in the surface-iodination patterns either of epithelial or stromal cells before or after culture. Quantitative differences between the surface-iodination pattern of epithelial cells from days 4 to 6.5 of pregnancy were revealed by canonical variate analysis of labeled peak areas. Values for individual rabbits clustered according to gestational age, with significant (p<0.05) separation of the clusters, although the discrimination was less pronounced for cultured than for freshly isolated cells. Changes involving increases in labeling of a protein of 38 000 Mr in fresh cells, and decreases in a protein of 42 000 Mr in cultured cells, were evident between day 4 and day 6.5. Thus changes in the surface-labeling pattern of uterine epithelial cells in relation to the time of receptivity for ovoimplantation can be distinguished. The functional significance of these changes remains to be elucidated.
The nonorientable genus of complete tripartite graphs

In 1976, Stahl and White conjectured that the nonorientable genus of Kl,m.n, where l ≥ m ≥ n, is ⌈(l-2)(m + n - 2)/2⌉. The authors recently showed that the graphs K3,3,3, K4,4,1, and K4,4,1 are counterexamples to this conjecture. Here we prove that apart from these three exceptions, the conjecture is true. In the course of the paper we introduce a construction called a transition graph, which is closely related to voltage graphs.
Finite element modeling of scattering problems involving infinite domains using drilling degrees of freedom

Abstract Scattering of waves involving complex geometries in conjunction with infinite or semi-infinite domains is modeled by introducing a mathematical boundary within which the finite element representation is employed. On the mathematical boundary, the finite element representation is matched with analytical representation in the infinite/sem-infinite domain. The matching has been done with and without slope constraints on the boundary. Drilling degrees of freedom at each of the nodes of the finite element model are introduced to take into account the transverse component of the elastodynamic field more precisely. Use of the slope constraint makes the eigenvalues of the mathematical domain complex and hence reduces the error at those frequencies compared to the use of field continuity only, which would result in real eigenvalues. Use of drilling degrees of freedom improves accuracy. Examples involving elastic and acoustic wave scattering at the interface of fluid-solid half spaces are considered. In the examples involving a fluid-solid interface, a method for using displacement formulation in the irrotational fluid region is also presented. The approach presented here can be applied to acoustic and electromagnetic field problems also.
Serum cytokine concentrations in patients with schizophrenia

Interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha and the soluble interleukin-2 receptor were measured in the serum of 34 healthy controls and 48 patients with chronic schizophrenia using ELISA sandwich assays. No differences were found between the controls and patients.
Dialkyl phosphates as biomarkers of organophosphates: The current divide between epidemiology and clinical toxicology

Context. Organophosphate insecticides are widely utilized throughout the world. The cholinergic toxidrome, resulting from cholinesterase inhibition, is the clinically relevant endpoint in organophosphate poisoning. In recent years, urinary dialkyl phosphates (DAPs) have emerged as a common method of assessing exposure to organophosphates in epidemiological investigations. Using dialkyl phosphates as biomarkers of exposure to organophosphates, several recent epidemiological studies have reported associations with adverse health outcomes. The purpose of this article is to review the application and limitations of urinary DAPs as biomarkers of exposure to organophosphate insecticides. Methods. A literature search was conducted of the PubMed database, using keywords dialkylphosphate” and “dialkyl phosphate.” The scientific literature was reviewed to identify sources of dialkyl phosphate metabolites from in vivo metabolism of organophosphates, and as environmental degradation products. Epidemiological investig...
Production of anaphylaxis with ragweed in nonatopic dogs

Abstract Ten nonatopic dogs were sensitized by weekly injections of ragweed extract in Freund's incomplete adjuvant. Skin tests for immediate wheal and flare type of hypersensitivity were done weekly, and hemagglutinating antibody titers were done every 2 weeks. Within 4 weeks all dogs developed positive skin tests to ragweed. Following intravenous challenge with ragweed, all the dogs developed anaphylaxis. More severe reactions were observed in dogs with low hemagglutinating antibody titers. No systemic reactions were observed in control dogs, and passive anaphylaxis with induced antibody could not be elicited. Thus, anaphylaxis was produced in nonatopic dogs with ragweed, further establishing the use of a canine model for the study of atopic diseases.