cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Low yield of surveillance imaging after surgery for T1 kidney cancer.

To examine the mode of relapse detection and subsequent treatment after partial or radical nephrectomy in patients with low-risk (pT1, N0, Nx) kidney cancer. Retrospective study on 1404 patients treated with partial or radical nephrectomy for low-risk kidney cancer from the years 2000–2012. Scans for chest imaging (X-ray or CT) and abdominal imaging (CT, MRI, or ultrasound) are tabulated. For those patients with relapse, the site, mode of detection, and symptoms were recorded. Twenty-one patients relapsed with a median follow-up of 4.1 years for patients who did not relapse. In 17 (81 %) patients, relapse was detected by imaging alone, while 4 (19 %) patients presented with symptoms. Of the patients who relapsed by imaging, 13 (76 %) were treated immediately, while 4 (24 %) continued observation. During the first 3 years of follow-up, 5762 imaging studies were performed to detect 8 relapses, with 6 patients receiving immediate treatment. The median number of imaging studies per patient per year for the first 3 years was 1.7 (interquartile range 1.0, 2.3) including 30 % CT, 3 % MRI, 36 % X-ray, and 31 % ultrasounds. We found a low yield of surveillance imaging in the first 3 years for pT1 kidney cancer. Nearly 1000 imaging studies were performed to detect one relapse that required treatment. Further studies are needed to evaluate the clinical impact of imaging surveillance according to recent guidelines.
Inhibition by hadacidin, duazomycin A, and other amino acid derivatives of de novo starch synthesis

Two amino acid derivative antibiotics, hadacidin and duazomycin A, were isolated as inhibitors of de novo starch synthesis in excised leaf segments from culture filtrates of Penicillium No. 467 and Streptomyces No. 317, respectively. In addition, azaserine, 6-diazo-5-oxo-l-norleucine (DON), and trifluoro-dl-methionine were found to be potent inhibitors among about 70 kinds of commercial amino acid derivatives. These amino acid derivatives inhibited de novo starch synthesis at concentrations ranging from 1 to 10ppm but did not inhibit photosynthetic oxygen evolution at a concentration of 100ppm. The inhibition caused by these diazo compounds was reversed by a supplement of l-glutamine. With hadacidin and trifluoro-dl-methionine, however, the reversal was not observed upon the addition of l-aspartic acid or l-methionine, respectively. Among these active compounds, hadacidin was herbicidal against lettuce and barnyard millet by foliar treatment at a concentration of more than 1000 ppm.
General expression for the density effect for the ionization loss of charged particles

The equations for the density-effect correction $\ensuremath{\delta}(X)$ for the ionization loss as given in a previous paper have been extended to the case where $\ensuremath{\delta}({X}_{0})\ensuremath{\equiv}{\ensuremath{\delta}}_{0}g0$. Here ${X}_{0}$ is the lower limit of the range ${X}_{0}lXl{X}_{1}$, where a particularly simple expression for $\ensuremath{\delta}(X)$ applies; $X={log}_{10}(\frac{p}{{m}_{0}c})$, where $p$ is the momentum and ${m}_{0}$ is the mass of the incident particle. The case ${\ensuremath{\delta}}_{0}g0$ applies directly to the calculation of $\ensuremath{\delta}(X)$ for conductors (metals).
Characterization of a very thin uniaxial film on a nonabsorbing substrate by multiple wavelength ellipsometry: Palmitic acid on water*

At compact monolayer coverage the anisotropic rodlike molecules of palmitic acid, aligned parallel to each other and perpendicular to the monolayer film, are insensitive to wavelength dispersion relative to a water substrate. The relative absence of dispersion of the monolayer film makes it possible to obtain sufficient data to characterize the three unknowns of palmitic acid: the real refractive indices parallel and perpendicular to the plane of the film and the film thickness. Other nonabsorbing thin-film–substrate systems should lend themselves to similar analysis (where the dispersion of the film is relatively less than that of the substrate); particularly since automated, wavelength-tracking ellipsometers are coming into greater use.
Mathematical controllability theory of capital growth of nations

In this report, we derive a nonlinear functional differential equation of neutral type as the dynamics of the growth of capital stock of n firms linked up in solidarity in a region. These equations are generalizations of ordinary differential systems studied by Takayama [21, p. 685-706], Arrow [2, p. 184], Knowles [17, p. 3], and Isaacs [13], and delay systems studied by Kalecki [14], Allen [1, p. 254], and Cooke and Yorke [9]. A neutral version (in which there is delay in the derivative) is implicit in the suggestion by Arrow [2, p. 184]. Given an initial capital endowment @f and an initial investment r, we investigate what conditions on the systems parameters and on the external interventions will guarantee that @f can be steered to some fixed target in some finite time. The controls, u, (m-vectors) are investments(if 0=< u"j(t)=< 1) and consumption (if -1 =< u"j(t) =< 0). From the controllability theorems proved for the hereditary systems, we derive universal laws for the control of the growth of capital stock. These laws provide broad, startling, but obvious policy prescription for the growth of companies and for national economies. For example, it describes how big external or governmental interventions on the firms (in the form of taxation or subsidy) must be, relative to the firms' investment and consumption to ensure the growth of capital stock to the given target. It also states when this growth is impossible. We use fixed point theorems and arguments from the theory of games of pursuit [10] to establish constrained controllability of our dynamics. Problems of optimality and interpretations are pursued in a subsequent communication.
Effects of maturation on the reflectance of the lunar regolith: Apollo 16 - A case study

Soils at the Apollo 16 site become progressively darker as the percentage of glassy agglutinates increases. Magnetic separates of the agglutinate fraction of a soil are always darker than the bulk soil and are darker than the nonagglutinate fraction consisting of rock and mineral fragments. Darkening of a soil with maturity is due mainly to the increasing proportion of agglutinates. Coating of rock and mineral fragments with thin deposits of glass aids darkening in a minor way, but most of these particles eventually are destroyed by melting as the soils mature.
External debt, time preference, and nontraded goods in a two-sector dynamic model of consumption

A number of studies have indicated that one of the consequences of a development process is a rise in the consumers' subjective time preference rate (discount rate). This study first shows that many of the adverse economic observations in developing countries can emerge from a rise in the discount rate. It then demonstrates that the extent of such adverse effects is related to relative shares of the tradable and nontradable sectors in aggregate consumption. A result is that the aggregate dissaving generated by a rise in the discount rate is smaller when the economy's nontradable sector is relatively larger. The results add new dimensions to the allocation policies applied by international lending insitutions in developing economies.
The design and implementation of the Gecko NFS Web proxy

The World Wide Web uses a naming scheme (URLs), transfer protocol (HTTP), and cache algorithms that are different from traditional network file systems. This makes it impossible for unmodified Unix applications to access the Web; as a result, the Web is only accessible to special Web-enabled applications. Gecko bridges the gap between Web-enabled applications and conventional applications, allowing any unmodified Unix application to access the Web. We developed two prototypes of the Gecko system at the University of Arizona and incorporated the many lessons learned from the first into the second. Minimizing the amount of state was a key goal of the Gecko redesign and the second prototype uses a unique compression technique to reduce server state. Experiments performed on the prototype show that Gecko not only makes the Web accessible to unmodified applications, but does so at a performance that meets or exceeds that of HTTP. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Good neighbors? Distance, resistance, and desegregation in metropolitan New Orleans

This article constructs a local history of resistance to school desegregation in St. Bernard Parish, a predominantly White community in the metropolitan area of New Orleans, Louisiana. Within the s...
Trajectory-profile-guided single molecule tracking for assignment of one-dimensional diffusion trajectories.

A variety of algorithms exist for optical single molecule tracking in two and three dimensions. One general class of algorithms employs cost-functionals to link the individual fluorescent spots, produced by a molecule in sequential video frames, into trajectories. This method has also been used to track one-dimensional (1D) molecular motions for relatively low diffusion rates (i.e., D < 1 μm2/s). At high diffusion rates, the cost-functional approach often fails to accurately reproduce 1D trajectories, particularly when the molecules are closely spaced. In this paper, we present a new algorithm called trajectory-profile-guided (TPG) tracking that is designed specifically for 1D trajectories. TPG tracking involves an initial search for one-dimensionally aligned fluorescent spots (i.e., candidate molecules). Qualifying candidates are subsequently identified and linked into trajectories based on several criteria. We test the TPG algorithm’s accuracy and precision against cost-functional based tracking using b...
On sustained economic growth with wealth effects

In a discounted one-sector convex model of optimal economic growth where utility may depend on both consumption and capital stock, I derive necessary and sufficient conditions for sustained growth (unbounded expansion of capital and consumption). Conditions for bounded growth and extinction are also outlined. Optimal paths may be non-monotone. Sustained growth may occur even though the asymptotic marginal productivity is less than the discount rate and may require the initial capital stock to be above a critical level. The behavior of the marginal rate of substitution between consumption and capital plays a crucial role in the conditions.
Potential subunit vaccine against Mycoplasma pulmonis purified by a protective monoclonal antibody.

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) were produced against Mycoplasma pulmonis (MP); some were highly protective in the treatment of experimental infections of BALB/c mice. The mAbs inhibited MP growth in vitro and prevented the attachment of MP to fibroblasts or to red blood cells. Three separate mAbs recognized 54-76% of 54 clinical isolates of MP, and the three together detected all 54 isolates. We used the mAbs to purify the antigens by affinity column chromatography. The purified antigen used to vaccinate mice and to immunize rabbits produced antibodies capable of significant growth inhibition in sera and tracheolung lavage fluids. The vaccinated mice were challenged with various doses of a highly virulent T2 strain of MP. Assays for viable MP organisms and for histopathological changes in the lungs of infected mice indicated that mice were protected if the challenge dose was 10(3)-10(5), but not 10(7), c.f.u. The sera of immunized rabbits were used to passively transfer immunity to mice. The sera provided complete protection against 1 x 10(6) c.f.u. T2 MP. We conclude that MP antigens purified by this protocol can provide a safe vaccine against this disease, at least in mice.
Duplication/deletion polymorphism 5′- to the human β globin gene

Abstract DNA sequence analysis of the human beta globin locus has identified an array of simple tandem repeated sequences upstream from the beta globin structural gene. Comparison of several cloned human beta globin alleles demonstrated a high frequency of sequence heteromorphism at this site apparently due to duplication or deletion of single units of the repeat array. At least two such duplication/deletion events are necessary to account for the observed variation. No other sequence variation was observed, suggesting that duplication/deletion events within the tandem repeat array may be at least 13 to 14 times more frequent than nucleotide substitutions in the surrounding DNA.
Use of fungizone and polymyxin B in isolation of naturally infected tissues.

TISSUES from lung, urogenital, and intestinal tract which cannot be obtained sterile represent a problem to the isolation and establishment of cell lines.
Modifications in the nitric acid oxidation of d-mannose: X-ray crystal structure of N,N′-dimethyl d-mannaramide

Abstract Nitric acid oxidation of d -mannose was carried out under an oxygen atmosphere using a computer controlled reactor. The process represents a catalytic oxidation of d -mannose with oxygen as the terminal oxidant. The crude oxidation product was esterified with methanolic HCl and the esterified product directly converted to crystalline N,N′ -dimethyl- d -mannaramide with methylamine. Treatment of the diamide in aqueous sodium hydroxide gave solid disodium d -mannarate. The X-ray crystal structure of N,N ′-dimethyl- d -mannaramide was determined as a model for the repeating d -mannaramide units of stereoregular poly(alkylene- d -mannaramides). Disodium d -mannarate was prepared as a precursor of esterified d -mannaric acid for use as a reactive diacid monomer to prepare poly- d -mannaramides.
A Sequential Procedure for Detecting Compromised Items in the Item Pool of a CAT System

To maintain the validity of a continuous testing system, such as computerized adaptive testing (CAT), items should be monitored to ensure that the performance of test items has not gone through any...
The extensibility mechanisms of the Chimera open hypermedia system

Open hypermedia system developers have many choices to make with respect to the extensibility mechanisms they include within their systems. The extensibility mechanisms of the Chimera open hypermedia system are presented to document the set of choices made for it. Chimera?s extensibility mechanisms are based on a general technique that can be applied to many aspects of an open hypermedia system. For each choice, a particular issue is discussed and a set of alternatives for solving the issue is presented. Then, the choice made for Chimera, along with its supporting rationale, is presented using an extensibility analysis framework developed by Wiil.
U.S. Wage-Inequality Trends and Recent Immigration

How should we assess the changing economic status of workers and families in the United States? The answer is obvious to many, including outstanding economists who decry the meager wage growth and rising wage and income inequality in the United States since 1979 (Paul Krugman, 1992; Richard Freeman, 1996/1997; James Tobin, 1996/1997 ) . According to Freeman (1996/1997) the following ‘‘facts are not in dispute’’:
Learning Directed Intention-driven Activities using Co-Clustering

We present a novel approach for discovering directedintention-driven pedestrian activities across large urban areas.The proposed approach is based on a mutual informationco-clustering technique that simultaneously clusterstrajectory start locations in the scene which have similardistributions across stop locations and vice-versa. The clusteringassignments are obtained by minimizing the loss ofmutual information between a trajectory start-stop associationmatrix and a compressed co-clustered matrix, afterwhich the scene activities are inferred from the compressedmatrix. We demonstrate our approach using a dataset oflong duration trajectories from multiple PTZ cameras coveringa large area and show improved results over two otherpopular trajectory clustering and entry-exit learning approaches.
Small Molecular Weight Inhibitors of Stress-Activated and Mitogen- Activated Protein Kinases

The stress-activated protein kinase (SAPK) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) sub-families are crucial to environmental stress responses and responses to growth factors that cause transcriptional activation of genes required for cell proliferation, differentiation and programmed cell death. Small molecular compounds with specific structure/activity characteristics have been developed that competitively block SAPK/MAPK binding to ATP. Chemically modified compounds based on ATP binding pocket characteristics have improved selectivity and specificity for SAPK/MAPK isoforms. In addition, site-specific mutagenesis of MAPKs has helped identify the MAPK structures required for binding recognition and selectivity of these inhibitors. A group of extracellular-signal regulated protein kinase (ERK) inhibitors has been constructed based almost exclusively on their ability to inhibit the ERK activation cascade. Inhibitors have been employed in vitro to identify protein targets and mechanism of action of SAPKs/MAPKs. The efficacy of SAPK/MAPK inhibitors in animal models of inflammation, arthritis, heart failure, cancer and neurological degeneration has provided the impetus for using them in human studies of inflammation and in clinical trials.
International human rights: a regime analysis

After laying out a typology of international regimes, eight international and regional human rights regimes are analyzed in order to (1) examine the utility of regime analysis in noneconomic issue-areas, and (2) assess the nature, extent, and evolution of international cooperation on human rights. There has been a remarkable growth of international action since 1945, when human rights were not even widely accepted as a legitimate issue-area. This growth can be explained largely by expanding perceptions of moral interdependence and community, increased national commitment, the growing ideological appeal of human rights, and changes in the distributions of international power. These same factors, however, suggest only limited future growth. On a broader theoretical plane, the case of human rights suggests a significant, if limited and principally heuristic, utility for regime analysis, especially to the extent that international relations is becoming increasingly concerned with specific issues.
A phase transition for avoiding a giant component

Let c be a constant and (e1,f1),(e2,f2),…,(ecn,fcn) be a sequence of ordered pairs of edges from the complete graph Kn chosen uniformly and independently at random. We prove that there exists a constant c2 such that if c > c2, then whp every graph which contains at least one edge from each ordered pair (ei,fi) has a component of size Ω(n), and, if c < c2, then whp there is a graph containing at least one edge from each pair that has no component with more than O(n1-e vertices, where e is a constant that depends on c2 - c. The constant c2 is roughly 0.97677. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg., 2006
Rewriting Literary History: The Case Of The Arabic Novel

This essay suggests the need to rethink the bases upon which histories of the development of modern Arabic fiction have been founded, as being part of an ongoing process of (re-)writing literary history. Two initial "parameters" are identified: firstly, the generalizing function of the term "Arabic," as opposed to other modes of subdivision, whether regional or generic; and secondly, the term "nahdah" and the continuing need to re-examine its premises and applications. The second part of the essay examines some of the implications of such a process of re-examination, as seen through the creative writings of a number of contemporary Arab authors, whose works invite varieties of analysis and interpretation (the uses of history, for example, the resort to pre-modern textual categories, and issues of readerships and reception).
A lugubrious prospect: Tacitus, Histories 1.40

Histories 1.40 is designed to set the scene for Galba's assassination. It begins by bringing the emperor into the crowded Forum, but then it switches to Otho and his followers, dwelling on the horror, not of the act they plan (that is reserved for chapter 41), but of their readiness to commit it. The text is not problematical, but since the point behind the first two sentences is not entirely clear, this has prompted occasional emendation, repeated discussion, and continuing perplexity. The difficulty arises, in good measure, from the assumption that Tacitus is saying much the same as Plutarch (Galb. 26.4–6). As has been remarked more than once, the two authors no doubt drew their material from the common source, but they have in mind different time-frames and different viewpoints. Nor does this end the matter. A skewed perspective on these sentences has also led one scholar to dissect the chapter in a manner purporting to show that Galba's fate, not the Othonians' willingness to bring it about, is Tacitus' main concern.
Development and neurogenic potential of Müller glial cells in the vertebrate retina.

Considerable research on normal and diseased states within the retina has focused on neurons. Recent research on glia throughout the central nervous system, including within the retina where Muller glia are the main type of glia, has provided a more in depth view of glial functions in health and disease. Glial cells have been recognized as being vital for the maintenance of a healthy tissue environment, where they actively participate in neuronal activity. More recently, Muller glia have been recognized as being very similar to retinal progenitor cells, particularly when compared at the molecular level using comprehensive expression profiling techniques. The molecular similarities, as well as the developmental events that occur at the end of the genesis period of retinal cells, have led us to propose that Muller glia are a form of late stage retinal progenitor cells. These late stage progenitor cells acquire some specialized glial functions, but do not irreversibly leave the progenitor state. Indeed, Muller glia appear to be able to behave as a progenitor in that they have been shown to proliferate and produce neurons in several instances when an acute injury has been applied to the retina. Enhancement of this response is thus an exciting strategy for retinal repair.
Use of Quantitative Membrane Proteomics Identifies a Novel Role of Mitochondria in Healing Injured Muscles

Skeletal muscles are proficient at healing from a variety of injuries. Healing occurs in two phases, early and late phase. Early phase involves healing the injured sarcolemma and restricting the spread of damage to the injured myofiber. Late phase of healing occurs a few days postinjury and involves interaction of injured myofibers with regenerative and inflammatory cells. Of the two phases, cellular and molecular processes involved in the early phase of healing are poorly understood. We have implemented an improved sarcolemmal proteomics approach together with in vivo labeling of proteins with modified amino acids in mice to study acute changes in the sarcolemmal proteome in early phase of myofiber injury. We find that a notable early phase response to muscle injury is an increased association of mitochondria with the injured sarcolemma. Real-time imaging of live myofibers during injury demonstrated that the increased association of mitochondria with the injured sarcolemma involves translocation of mitochondria to the site of injury, a response that is lacking in cultured myoblasts. Inhibiting mitochondrial function at the time of injury inhibited healing of the injured myofibers. This identifies a novel role of mitochondria in the early phase of healing injured myofibers.
Arc valuations on smooth varieties

Abstract Let X be a nonsingular variety (with dim X ⩾ 2 ) over an algebraically closed field k of characteristic zero. Let α : Spec k 〚 t 〛 → X be an arc on X, and let v = ord α be the valuation given by the order of vanishing along α. We describe the maximal irreducible subset C ( v ) of the arc space of X such that val C ( v ) = v . We describe C ( v ) both algebraically, in terms of the sequence of valuation ideals of v, and geometrically, in terms of the sequence of infinitely near points associated to v. As a corollary, we get that v is determined by its sequence of centers. Also, when X is a surface, our construction also applies to any divisorial valuation v, and in this case C ( v ) coincides with the one introduced in [L. Ein, R. Lazarsfeld, M. Mustaţǎ, Contact loci in arc spaces, Compos. Math. 140 (2004) 1229–1244, Example 2.5].
Four-Coloring Model and Frustrated Superfluidity in the Diamond Lattice

We propose a novel four-coloring model which describes "frustrated superfluidity" of p-band bosons in the diamond optical lattice. The superfluid phases of the condensate wave functions on the diamond-lattice bonds are mapped to four distinct colors at low temperatures. The fact that a macroscopic number of states satisfy the constraints that four differently colored bonds meet at the same site leads to an extensive degeneracy in the superfluid ground state at the classical level. We demonstrate that the phase of the superfluid wave function as well as the orbital angular momentum correlations exhibit a power-law decay in the degenerate manifold that is described by an emergent magnetostatic theory with three independent flux fields. Our results thus provide a novel example of critical superfluid phase with algebraic order in three dimensions. We further show that quantum fluctuations favor a Neel ordering of orbital angular moments with broken sublattice symmetry through the order-by-disorder mechanism.
Influecne of nifedipine on arterial baroreflex modulation of heart rate control during dynamic increases in arterial pressure: Studies in normal man

Studies in animals have demonstrated that calcium channel blocking agents exert important influences on autonomic mechanisms in addition to their direct vascular effects. Previous studies in our laboratory showed that clinical doses of nifedipine sensitized baroreceptor-mediated control of peripheral vascular resistance in normal human subjects. However, baroreflex control of vascular tone does not necessarily imply parallel control of heart rate. A series of experiments was therefore performed to test the hypothesis that therapeutic doses of nifedipine would potentiate arterial baroreflex modulation of heart rate during ramp increases of arterial pressure in normal volunteers. Arterial baroreflex control was assessed by measuring heart interval (HI) responses to dynamic ramp elevation of systolic arterial pressure (SAP) with bolus administration of phenylephrine (PE) before and after nifedipine or placebo in 19 normal subjects. Arterial baroreflex control was calculated from the slope of the regression of SAP on succeeding HI during the first 18 cardiac cycles following onset of rise of SAP after PE bolus. In 13 subjects, bolus PE produced an increase in SAP from 125 ± 3 mm Hg to 152 ± 5 mm Hg (p 0.80, p < 0.025) and = 17.8 ± 3.3 msec/mm Hg. After nifedipine (20 mg sublingual), there was no change in central venous pressure and the same dose of PE increased SAP from a similar baseline value of 119 ± 3 mm Hg (p = NS vs pre nifedipine) to 133 ± 3 mm Hg (p < 0.01), with a consequent increase in HI from 957 ± 41 msec to 1254 ± 64 msec (p < 0.01). The baroreflex slope of this response post nifedipine was augmented to 22.5 ± 2.8 msec/mm Hg (p < 0.05 pre vs post nifedipine). In six additional subjects, administration of placebo had no effect on arterial baroreflex responses to PE-induced increase in SAP. Thus, in addition to augmenting baroreceptor modulation of vascular resistance in normal man, nifedipine also augments arterial baroreceptor modulation of heart rate during dynamic elevations of arterial pressure.
Optical bistability at low light level due to collective atomic recoil.

We demonstrate optical nonlinearities due to the interaction of weak optical fields with the collective motion of a strongly dispersive ultracold gas. The combination of a recoil-induced resonance in the high gain regime and optical waveguiding within the dispersive medium enables us to achieve a collective atomic cooperativity of $275\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}50$ even in the absence of a cavity. As a result, we observe optical bistability at input powers as low as 20 pW. The present scheme allows for dynamic optical control of the dispersive properties of the ultracold gas using very weak pulses of light. The experimental observations are in good agreement with a theoretical model.
Characterizing Transition Pathways in the Transport Cycle of ABC Transporter MsbA

MsbA is a member of the ABC (ATP-binding cassette) family transporters that uses energy from ATP hydrolysis to transport various substrates across cellular membrane. The transport cycle of MsbA has been described by a simple “Alternating Access” mechanism in which the transporter changes its conformation between an outward-facing (OF) and an inward-facing (IF) state while coupling the translocation of substrates. Here, to investigate the detailed transport cycle of MsbA at atomistic resolution, we have performed molecular dynamics (MD) simulations using a combination of several computational methods. Starting from the recently solved X-ray crystal structure of MsbA in OF state, we first generate high resolution all-atom models for the two IF states (IF open and IF closed) by using targeted MD simulations. We then define two collective variables to describe the relative motion of the two transmembrane domains (TMDs) and nucleotide binding domains (NBDs), respectively. Steered MD simulations along the collective variables have been performed to induce the conformational changes between the three states (OF, IF open and IF closed) of MsbA. Assessing the energetics associated with the induced transitions, approximated by calculating the non-equilibrium work involved in going from one state to another suggest that the OF-to-IF conformational transition follows two steps: the two TMDs close first, and then the two NBDs open, as opposed to the pathway observed from initial targeted MD simulations. Taken together, these results not only provide a better understanding of the functionality of ABC transporters, but also help define a general mechanism for membrane transport process.
The Production of Radium from Actinium

THE experimental evidence on the growth of radium from uranium has in the past been somewhat conflicting. Both Mr. Soddy and Mr. Whetham have stated that they observed an increase with the time in the amount of radium in solutions of certain uranium salts which were under examination. The writer, however, was able to show that, starting with a solution of uranium nitrate carefully purified by repeated crystallisation, the amount of radium formed in an interval of eighteen months was less than one two-thousandth of the amount which was to be expected from the disintegration theory.
PROCESSING AND INGREDIENT INFLUENCES ON TEXTURE OF COOKED COMMINUTED FISH MUSCLE

The study was conducted to determine process requirements and formulations necessary to prepare a coarse textured smoked fish sausage. Sausages prepared from Spanish mackerel, using two different comminution processes and different levels of shortening, soy protein fiber (SPF) and added ice, were evaluated for texture using both instrumental methods and taste panels. Previous work has shown that fish muscle chopped with NaCl and polyphosphate in a silent cutter had a texture similar to a hard gelatin gel when steam cooked and a mushy texture when cooked in a smokehouse. The cooked fish sausages had a sponge-like texture after freezing and thawing. These unacceptable textural characteristics were overcome by the incorporation of at least 12g shortening/100g fish muscle, and SPF at 15:85 SPF/fish muscle using a two-stage comminution process. Shear and compressive strength were markedly diminished when ice was added in excess of 15%. The addition of shortening at the level of 12 g/100g fish muscle and SPF significantly improved taste panel ratings on texture relating to the structure of material and increased juiciness. The mechanical properties of the sausages were significantly modified by addition of SPF in a ratio 30g SPF/70g of fish muscle. A comminution process for the formulation containing 25g shortening/100g fish muscle resulted in significantly reduced strength and water-holding capacity and increased brittle-ness of the cooked product. There were no significant differences in texture and general acceptability between products prepared from the mechanically deboned as compared to the filleted fish if the moisture content and bone residue in the raw material were carefully controlled.
A simplified basis for Bell-Kochen-Specker theorems

We show that a reduced form of the structural requirements for deterministic hidden variables used in Bell-Kochen-Specker theorems is already sufficient for the no-go results. Those requirements are captured by the following principle: an observable takes a spectral value x if and only if the spectral projector associated with x takes the value 1. We show that the "only if" part of this condition suffices. The proof identifies an important structural feature behind the no-go results; namely, if at least one projector is assigned the value 1 in any resolution of the identity, then at most one is.
No Increase in Developmental Delay in Very Low Birth Weight Cocaine Exposed Infants: A Two Year Follow-Up † 1306

Objective: Published studies reveal conflicting data on the effect of in-utero cocaine exposure on infant development, with little data on VLBW infants. The aim of this study was to measure the effect of cocaine and other variables on the VLBW infant.
Cloning and spatiotemporal expression of zebrafish neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor alpha 6 and alpha 4 subunit RNAs

Acetylcholine plays an important role in regulation of nervous system development and function. We are developing zebrafish (Danio rerio) as a model system to study the role of specific neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) subtypes in development and the effects of nicotine on the developing vertebrate nervous system. We previously characterized the expression of several zebrafish nAChR subunits. To further develop the zebrafish model, here we report a study on the molecular characterization of two additional nAChR subunit genes, designated chrna6 and chrna4. Both zebrafish nAChRs have a high degree of sequence identity to nAChRs expressed in a variety of mammalian species. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was used to show that both nAChR subunit RNAs were expressed early in zebrafish development, with the chrna4 transcript present at 3 hours postfertilization (hpf) and the chrna6 RNA present at 10 hpf. In situ hybridization was used to localize chrna6 and chrna4 RNA expression in 24, 48, 72, and 96 hpf zebrafish. The chrna6 and chrna4 RNAs were each expressed in a unique pattern, which changed during development. At various ages, chrna6 was expressed in Rohon-Beard sensory neurons, trigeminal ganglion, retina, and the pineal gland. Most notably, chrna6 was expressed in catecholaminergic neurons in the midbrain, but was also present in noncatecholaminergic cells in both midbrain and hindbrain. The expression of chrna6 RNA in catecholaminergic cells supports the use of zebrafish as a valid model system to better understand the molecular basis of cholinergic regulation of dopaminergic signaling and the role of alpha6-containing nAChRs in Parkinson's disease. The most notable chrna4 expression was in neural crest cells at 24 hpf and reticulospinal neurons in hindbrain at 48 hpf. chrna4 RNA exhibited a widespread and robust expression pattern in the midbrain in 72 hpf and 96 hpf zebrafish.
Are beta-adrenergic bronchodilators safe?

Since the introduction of β2-selective adrenergic drugs in the 1960s and the development of the metered-dose inhaler (MDI) delivery system, these agents have rapidly become the most commonly prescribed medications for asthma. In 1993, for example, β-adrenergic drugs represented 71% of the total prescriptions written by pediatricians for asthma.1 At the same time that the drugs were becoming widely accepted by physicians and patients, reports have appeared suggesting that the drugs have subtle but important toxicity. The first suggestions came from epidemiologic studies in England showing that the timing of a nationwide surge in deaths attributable to asthma coincided with the introduction of a new MDI that delivered a large dose of isoproterenol.2 A similar correlation was found 20 years later in New Zealand when an MDI was introduced that dispensed high doses of a potent new agent, fenoterol.3 More recently, Canadian case-control studies showed that hospitalizations and deaths were more frequent in persons who used two or more canisters per month, ie, who took more than 10 to 15 puffs of the drugs per day.4 Because these were case-control studies, it was not possible to look beyond the relationship and to determine whether the excess use of the drug somehow contributed to the deaths or whether sicker patients both used more inhalers and died more commonly. A second suggestion of subtle toxic effects came from experiments such as those that Simons et al5 report in this …
Cytokine Expression in Response to Biomaterials

Abstract The biological consequences of implanting biomaterials can include a series of progressively more complex inflammatory reactions. Cytokines play a pivotal role in these reactions. Cytokines are divided into either proinflammatory or growth factors and their activity can affect the cell of their origin, have a localized effect, or induce a systemic response. The expression of interleukin-8, interleukin-1, interleukin-2, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor can be affected by the presence of implanted materials, causing a change in the resulting inflammatory process and thus affecting the clinical performance of biomaterials or medical devices. In vitro and in vivo studies that show numerous widely used biomedical polymers eliciting cytokine production are reviewed.
Family Dynamics and Changes in Sibling of Origin Relationship After Lesbian and Gay Sexual Orientation Disclosure

Despite the knowledge that the entire family system plays a role in the development of an individual, research on the disclosure of LG sexual orientation to the family of origin is mostly concentrated on the parental reaction. Siblings are rarely a focus of such research. Thus, the purpose of this qualitative study was to provide an understanding of the experiences of 14 heterosexual biological siblings of LG persons after they learn that their sister or brother is LG. More specifically, this study explored the changing family dynamics with a focus on the sibling of a LG sister or brother and the ways in which sexual orientation disclosure affects the sibling relationship. Data analysis identified ten themes: personal reaction to disclosure, suspecting sibling was LG based on stereotyping, protectiveness/concern, gay equals being different, anger/disappointment in how parent(s) handled LG sibling coming out, sibling relationship changes, increased comfort with having a LG sibling, disclosure of LG sibling sexual orientation to others, dealing with and challenging heterosexism, and changes to self as a result of sibling sexual orientation.
Trained helping behaviors and group performance

96 students assigned to 32 groups were trained in seeking information to judge whether particular helping behaviors would increase application of the behavior found positively correlated with performance. Three-person groups worked crossword puzzles which decreased in difficulty over two trials. Training significantly increased seeking behaviors and performance (reduced errors). Helping behaviors were also more useful when the task was difficult and not helpful when the task was easy, which supports the notion that helping behaviors may even be debilitating under certain circumstances. More research is needed to establish a functional definition of helping behaviors and to investigate the use of helping behaviors on tasks requiring interdependence among group members.
Differentiating Female Homosexuals from Female Heterosexuals by Use of the MMPI

Abstract There is a direct correspondence between the interpretation of homosexuality and the ideas and theories surrounding it. Upon administering the MMPI to a group of female homosexuals and a group of female heterosexuals, the two groups were differentiated on three of the 13 scales. The two groups differed also on 57 of the 566 items. The findings support the idea that differences in personality, although not out of the “normal” ranges (i.e., T scores > 70 or < 30) do occur between female homosexuals and female heterosexuals. The results also indicate that a personality scale to detect homosexuality could be developed.
Pseudophacomorphic Glaucoma along with Pupillary Block after Visian™ Implantable Collamer Lens Implantation for High Myopia.

Purpose: To report a case of bilateral glaucoma related to pseudophacomorphic mechanism in one eye and pupillary block in the other eye after Visian Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL; STAAR Surgical) insertion. Methods: A 44-year-old female with high myopia underwent bilateral ICL implantation of MICL12.6 after sulcus diameter measurements were performed by Pentacam. Results: Pseudophacomorphic glaucoma-related angle closure occurred due to lens oversizing in the right eye. The mechanism was relieved via ICL explantation. In the left eye, pupillary block developed in a subacute manner after closure of the Peripheral Iridotomy (PI). The attack was ameliorated by reestablishing patency of the iridotomy. Conclusions: ICL-related glaucomatous attacks may result from improper sizing as well as from placement of a single PI. Identification of the proper mechanism is vital as treatments differ significantly. In pseudo phacomorphic glaucoma, explantation is needed. In pupillary block glaucoma, treatment involves establishment of a patent PI.
Tamoxifen and cataracts: a null association.

Background. Previous studies have reported an increased risk of cataract for breast cancer patients treated with tamoxifen. We assessed whether breast cancer patients treated with tamoxifen were at increased risk of developing cataracts compared to women not prescribed tamoxifen.
What They Don't Want You to Know About Planet X: Surviving 2012 and the Aesthetics of Conspiracy Rhetoric

Predictions of catastrophe at the end of the year 2012 are popular enough to be exploited by Hollywood and debunked by NASA. Drawing from a YouTube video series predicting a 2012 cataclysm caused by “Planet X,” we ask whether the discourse in question is a conspiracy theory and demonstrate how it exemplifies the challenges of analyzing rhetoric in the “paranoid style.” Examining these videos in terms of evidence, credibility, and inter-textuality, this article articulates an aesthetic of conspiracism, going beyond identifying the components of paranoid style to answer what makes a good conspiracy theory as such.
Plasmonic-metal nanostructures for efficient conversion of solar to chemical energy

Recent years have seen a renewed interest in the harvesting and conversion of solar energy. Among various technologies, the direct conversion of solar to chemical energy using photocatalysts has received significant attention. Although heterogeneous photocatalysts are almost exclusively semiconductors, it has been demonstrated recently that plasmonic nanostructures of noble metals (mainly silver and gold) also show significant promise. Here we review recent progress in using plasmonic metallic nanostructures in the field of photocatalysis. We focus on plasmon-enhanced water splitting on composite photocatalysts containing semiconductor and plasmonic-metal building blocks, and recently reported plasmon-mediated photocatalytic reactions on plasmonic nanostructures of noble metals. We also discuss the areas where major advancements are needed to move the field of plasmon-mediated photocatalysis forward.
Assortment planning of automotive products with considerations for economic and environmental impacts of technology selection

A manufacturer's assortment is the set of products that the company offers to its customers. Assortment planning considerably affects both the sales revenue and product offering costs for the company and it had experienced growing attention across different industries over recent decades. In this study, we propose a modeling framework that seeks to identify the optimal assortment for a manufacturer of configurable products (in particular, automobiles). Our model accounts for environmental considerations (Corporate Average Fuel Economy requirements, tailpipe emissions, and greenhouse gas emissions related to the production of the fuel used to power the vehicle) during assortment planning. We formulate the economic and environmental requirements in the model through a mixed-integer programming framework and present a hypothetical product case study motivated by an American automaker that involves 120 potential configurations employing different engine technologies (gasoline, diesel, and hybrid technologies). Notwithstanding consideration for consumer perceptions and acceptance, the results of this research work show that diesel technologies are a better choice to satisfy average fuel economy requirements compared to hybrid and conventional powertrains with current technology maturity.
Launch and Early Operation of the MESSENGER Mission

On August 3, 2004, at 2:15 a.m. EST, the MESSENGER mission to Mercury began with liftoff of the Delta II 7925H launch vehicle and 1,107-kg spacecraft including seven instruments. MESSENGER is the seventh in the series of NASA Discovery missions, the third to be built and operated by The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (JHU/APL) following the Near Earth Asteroid Rendezvous (NEAR) Shoemaker and Comet Nucleus Tour (CONTOUR) missions. The MESSENGER team at JHU/APL is using efficient operations approaches developed in support of the low-cost NEAR and CONTOUR operations while incorporating improved approaches for reducing total mission risk. This paper provides an overview of the designs and operational practices implemented to conduct the MESSENGER mission safely and effectively. These practices include proven approaches used on past JHU/APL operations and new improvements implemented to reduce risk, including adherence to time-proven standards of conduct in the planning and implementation of the mission. This paper also discusses the unique challenges of operating in orbit around Mercury, the closest planet to the Sun, and what specific measures are being taken to address those challenges.
Havana’s Changing Urban Agriculture Landscape: A Shift to the Right?

For two decades Havana, Cuba, has served as a living laboratory for practitioners and scholars of urban agriculture, particularly in its well-docu­mented role in helping stave off food insecurity during a period of severe resource constraints. After the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 and the austere economic conditions that followed, the Cuban government enacted a series of radical agrarian reforms aimed at seeding the growth of private urban gardens—a new phenomenon in this country once dependent on trade subsidies and food rations. As a result of the reforms, close to 300 private urban agricultural cooperatives and thousands of small home gardens sprouted up across Havana. Yet in the ensuing decade and a half, Cuba’s increasing desire to integrate with the global economy, and its adoption of free-market principles, has forced the urban agriculture sector to make dramatic adjustments. Using secondary data, reports by other observers, and our own structured interviews with 11 of Havana’s urban gardeners, this study examines the challenges and opportunities that urban agriculture has experienced, and will continue to experience, in Cuba’s post-communist society. We hope to stimulate continuing inquiry into Havana’s evolving urban agriculture scene, as it continues to provide valuable lessons for other cities in the Global North and South that are increasingly likely to experience their own future resource constraints and food insecurity.