cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A new biologically inspired color image descriptor

We describe a novel framework for the joint processing of color and shape information in natural images. A hierarchical non-linear spatio-chromatic operator yields spatial and chromatic opponent channels, which mimics processing in the primate visual cortex. We extend two popular object recognition systems (i.e., the Hmax hierarchical model of visual processing and a sift-based bag-of-words approach) to incorporate color information along with shape information. We further use the framework in combination with the gist algorithm for scene categorization as well as the Berkeley segmentation algorithm. In all cases, the proposed approach is shown to outperform standard grayscale/shape-based descriptors as well as alternative color processing schemes on several datasets.
Battleground Korea: Songs and Sounds of America’s Forgotten War

Memories of America’s twentieth-century military engagements are often linked to popular songs. Various recorded versions of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” “Stars and Stripes Forever March,” and “You’...
Investors Processing of Financial Communications: A Persuasion Perspective

ABSTRACT In this paper, we provide a comprehensive summary of persuasion theories from a variety of fields (e.g., psychology, marketing, and economics) and describe how these theories can enhance o...
Experimental methods for ultrasonic testing of complex-shaped parts encased in ice

Abstract Detection of damage in safety-critical components with complex geometry represents a long-standing challenge in NDE. The ultrasonic inspection of these parts in immersion is often not feasible due to the large impedance and velocity contrast between water and metals which can severely limit the penetration of the ultrasonic signal inside the part. However, this contrast can be significantly reduced if the water is frozen prior to the inspection leading to what has been referred to as Cryoultrasonic NDE. Since the speed of longitudinal waves in ice is more than 2.5 times greater than the speed in water, ice can be an ideal solid couplant provided that it is devoid of bubbles and cracks and that it is fully bonded to the surface of the part. This paper introduces new experimental methods to encase complex parts in blocks of crystal clear ice and presents the first low temperature scanner for ultrasonic array testing of ice-encapsulated parts. It is shown that by controlling the propagation of the solidification front while water is freezing, it is possible to prevent the formation of cracks inside the ice volume. On the other hand, bubble nucleation can be avoided by continuously forcing water circulation on the solidification front. An analytical model is provided to describe the propagation of the front and predict freezing times. Moreover, high-frequency ultrasonic monitoring experiments confirm the excellent adhesion strength properties of ice to metals. Finally, experiments performed with an additively manufactured Ti 6Al 4V impeller demonstrate the feasibility of performing low temperature array contact scans on the surface of the ice block encasing the part.
Development and preliminary evaluation of ilearnKAS: An animated video about kidney allocation to support transplant decision-making.

BACKGROUND We aimed to develop and feasibility test an educational video culturally targeted to African American (AA) patients regarding kidney allocation. METHODS We iteratively refined an animated video for AAs with multiple stakeholder input and conducted a one-group, pre-post study with 50 kidney transplant candidates to assess video feasibility and acceptability. A mixed population was chosen to obtain race-specific acceptability data and efficacy estimates for a larger study. RESULTS Median participant age was 56 years, and 50% were AA. Comparing pre-post video scores, large knowledge effect sizes were found for the cohort (r = 0.7) and in the context of AA race (r = 0.8), low health literacy (r = 0.6), low educational achievement (r = 0.7), age >55 years (r = 0.6), dialysis vintage ≥1 year (r = 0.8), low income (r = 0.7) and low technology access (r = 0.8). Over 87% of participants provided positive ratings on each of the seven acceptability items. The frequency of positive responses increased pre-post video for kidney allocation understanding (78% vs 94%, P = 0.008), decisional self-efficacy (64% vs 88%, P < 0.001) and belief in fairness (76% vs 90%, P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS In collaboration with key stakeholders, a culturally targeted educational video was developed that was well received. Results are promising to impact kidney allocation knowledge among AA and non-AA kidney transplant candidates.
Effects of acute pain and pain-related fear on risky decision-making and effort during cognitive tests

Introduction: The experience of acute pain and pain-related fear negatively impact cognition and behavior; however, little research has examined their impacts on risky decision-making and effort. The present study investigated the effects of acute pain and pain-related fear on risky decision-making and effort during cognitive tests. Method: Levels of pain-related fear were assessed. Healthy participants (n = 146) experienced acute pain induced via cold pressor task, and then were randomly assigned to one of the four conditions to induce pain-related fear: Pain Threat (n = 36), Pain Threat with Control (n = 39), Cognitive Threat with Control (n = 34), and Control (n = 36). Participants then completed measures of effort (Word Memory Test [WMT], self-reported effort) and risky decision-making (Iowa Gambling Task [IGT], Balloon Analogue Risk Task [BART]). Results: Collapsed across condition, participants did not learn to decide advantageously on the IGT following an acute pain experience. During the early trials (1-40) on the IGT, participants in the Pain Threat condition made riskier decisions. Higher levels of pain during the cold pressor task predicted less risky decisions on the BART, and participants in the Cognitive Threat with Control condition made less risky decisions. Participants in the Pain Threat with Control condition self-reported lower effort on cognitive tests, yet no group-based differences were seen in WMT performance. Greater pain-related fear predicted greater self-reported effort and better WMT performance, but no effects were seen on decision-making task performance. Conclusions: The experience of pain and the threat of additional pain can lead to changes in risky decision-making and effort on cognitive tasks. This threat of additional pain could activate underlying pain-related fear, creating hypervigilance to and avoidance of pain that affects subsequent task performance. Implications for research and clinical evaluation of acute pain and pain-related fear are discussed.
Carboxylic Acid Functionalization Yields Solvent-Resistant Organic Electrochemical Transistors

Discovery of structure–property interrelations in organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) is limited by the small number of high-performing semiconducting polymer families that are electrochemi...
Deriving high-spatiotemporal-resolution leaf area index for agroecosystems in the U.S. Corn Belt using Planet Labs CubeSat and STAIR fusion data

Abstract Leaf area index (LAI) is a key variable for characterizing crop growth conditions and estimating crop productivity. Despite continuing efforts to develop LAI estimation algorithms, LAI datasets still need improvement at spatial and temporal resolutions to meet the requirements of agricultural applications. Advancements in data fusion technique and the emergence of new satellite data provide opportunities for LAI data at higher resolutions in both space and time. In this study, we derived new LAI estimations by leveraging novel satellite remote sensing datasets, STAIR fusion (MODIS-Landsat fusion) and Planet Labs' CubeSat data (through a reprocessed pipeline) for a typical agricultural landscape in the U.S. Corn Belt. The STAIR fused data and our reprocessed CubeSat data have both fine spatial resolutions (30 m and 3.125 m, respectively) and high frequencies (daily for both). To reliably estimate LAI from these advanced satellite datasets, we used two methods: inversion of a radiative transfer model (RTM), and empirical relationship with vegetation index (VI) calibrated from field measured LAI. Compared to the ground-truth LAI collected at 36 sites across the study region, reliable approximations were achieved by both LAI estimations based on PROSAIL RTM (STAIR: R2 = 0.69 and root mean squared error (RMSE) = 1.12 (m2 m−2), CubeSat: R2 = 0.76 and RMSE = 1.09 (m2 m−2)), and LAI estimations based on Green Wide Dynamic Range Vegetation Index (GrWDRVI) (STAIR: R2 = 0.75, RMSE = 1.10 (m2 m−2), CubeSat: R2 = 0.76, RMSE = 1.08 (m2 m−2), where validation ground-truth is independent from calibration data). Newly estimated high-resolution LAI data were aggregated at 500 m resolution and compared with MODIS and VIIRS LAI products, revealing substantial uncertainties and biases in these two products. We also demonstrated phenology stage estimation at fine spatial resolutions based on our high-frequency LAI data. The proposed LAI estimation methods at both high spatial resolution and temporal frequency can be applied to the entire U.S. Corn Belt and provide significant advancement to crop monitoring and precision agriculture.
Cartographic Inference: A Peircean Perspective

A major focus of cartographic research can be framed within two broad trends involving geovisual analytic and critical cartographic approaches. Understated in the development both of scientific and...
FUNCTIONAL JOINT MOBILIZATIONS FOR PATELLOFEMORAL PAIN SYNDROME: A CLINICAL SUGGESTION.

Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is often effectively managed with appropriate exercise prescription, yet in many cases PFPS related symptoms can become persistent and result in reduced daily, functional and sport-related activity levels. Patellofemoral mobilizations may be incorporated to minimize the impact of mobility deficits, and are frequently performed in the patellofemoral joint's open-packed position of knee extension. However, many individuals with PFPS have pain during weight-bearing activities requiring knee flexion such as stairs, squatting, or running. Therefore, it seems reasonable that utilizing joint mobilizations in more symptomatic functional positions may enhance treatment plans. The purpose of this clinical suggestion is to present patellofemoral joint mobilization options in positions more closely replicating positions of symptom provocation, in an effort to offer clinicians different intervention strategies for the challenging condition of PFPS. Level of evidence 5.
Perilous Beginnings: Infant Mortality, Public Health and the State in Egypt

Beth Baron looks at the alarming rates of infant mortality in Egypt, focusing on the period from 1900 to 1930, during which time infant mortality surpassed mortality from infectious diseases, accidents, and other causes of mortality combined. She considers the humanitarian responses to the crisis by a range of actors, among them state and private, foreign and local, missionary and non-missionary personnel. Each framed and addressed the problem of high infant mortality and its gendered dimensions in different ways. Drawing on annual Egyptian Department of Public Health reports, accounts by foreign experts, missionary records, Egyptian periodicals, medical journals, and other sources, her article seeks to understand the new attention given to mothers and children and the promotion of linked notions of maternal and infant/child health.
Hypochondrogenesis: A pictorial assay combining ultrasound, MRI and low-dose computerized tomography.

Abstract We present a case of hypochondrogenesis, a rare autosomal dominant skeletal dysplasia that often results in infant death shortly after birth. Hypochondrogenesis can present similarly to other skeletal dysplasia diseases, notably achondrogenesis type II. The diagnosis of hypochondrogenesis was given during the prenatal stage after fetal imaging was performed using ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and low-dose computerized tomography (CT). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first known case that reported the use of low-dose CT to assist in the prenatal diagnosis of hypochondrogenesis.
Individual effects of enzymes and vital wheat gluten on whole wheat dough and bread properties.

The objective of this research was to determine effects of five enzymes on whole wheat bread properties, particularly loaf volume, bread texture, and staling. Enzymes containing conventional α-amylase (α-amyl), cellulase (cel), glucose oxidase, maltogenic α-amylase (m amyl), and xylanase (xyl) were added at three levels. Vital wheat gluten (VWG) was added as an additional, separate treatment at 2.5% (flour weight basis). Enzymes had minimal effect on water absorption and mixing time. Each enzyme increased specific loaf volume for at least one of the usage levels tested (P < 0.01). Among the enzyme treatments, the greatest loaf volume was seen for xyl at the medium and high levels. No enzyme was as effective as VWG at increasing loaf volume. Overall, enzymes did not significantly change cell structure. The greatest reduction in fresh bread hardness was obtained for the high level of xyl. VWG, m amyl, and xyl reduced the rate of bread firming over 7 days. α-Amyl, cel, and m amyl decreased starch retrogradation at day 7 as measured by differential scanning calorimetry (P < 0.01). M amyl nearly eliminated the endothermic peak for recrystallized amylopectin. This study demonstrated the specific application of enzymes in whole wheat bread to increase loaf volume and decrease initial crumb hardness and bread staling. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: This study will provide guidance for practical uses of enzymes in improving whole wheat dough and bread quality.
Assessing the quality of fire refugia for wildlife habitat

Abstract Wildfires have important effects on wildlife habitat. Within fire perimeters, ‘fire refugia’ are unburned or less severely burned areas that contain residual pre-fire habitat structures and facilitate species persistence following fire. However, fire refugia may vary in their relative quality. The ability to evaluate the relative quality of fire refugia for wildlife habitat may help efficiently allocate resources for post-fire conservation planning, especially for at-risk species. Using spatial overlays of habitat models and burn severity data, we developed the refugia index, a flexible multi-scale, multi-criteria fuzzy logic model to assess the value of unburned areas for wildlife habitat affected by wildfires and other disturbances. We conducted a case study of the northern spotted owl (Strix occidentalis caurina) and applied our method to 4278 unburned areas in 15 fires that each burned > 400 ha of spotted owl nesting/roosting habitat in the eastern Cascade Mountains, U.S.A. In our study area, unburned areas represented ~ 1.7% of the area within the fire perimeters. Most fire refugia were low quality, because unburned areas were small relative to the desired nest patch size of spotted owls and contained little suitable nesting/roosting habitat. However, each fire contained a few high-quality fire refugia, because they co-occurred with suitable nesting/roosting habitat and were surrounded by desirable habitat characteristics for spotted owls. Our method illustrates how land managers can use readily available spatial data and analysis tools to understand fire effects on species’ habitat (e.g., habitat lost) and prioritize areas for post-fire conservation and management.
Symptomatic methemoglobinemia in a patient with metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma treated with pembrolizumab and axitinib combination therapy: a case report

Combination regimens that include immune checkpoint (ICI) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibition have opened the door to new treatment opportunities for patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). While these treatment options have provided improved tolerability and better outcomes compared to older regimens, many patients still experience a myriad of treatment-related adverse events. Given that these regimens were recently approved for mRCC, the complete side effect profile may not be fully elucidated yet. We report a case of a 73-year old White male with mRCC who was managed with an ICI-VEGF inhibitor combination regimen. He experienced a partial response (Fig. 1) but had side effects including symptomatic cyanosis diagnosed as methemoglobinemia which led to treatment discontinuation. Upon holding his therapy, his methemoglobinemia and cyanosis resolved. Combination VEGF-ICI therapy provide novel regimens for advanced solid tumor malignancies including mRCC. While shown to have improved efficacy in clinical trials, it is crucial that oncologists uncover the full side effect profile of these novel agents especially as their use becomes more standard in the management of advanced malignancies. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of a patient experiencing symptomatic methemoglobinemia as an adverse event associated with a VEGF-ICI combination regimen. While the cause of this side effect is unclear, in this paper we attempt to elucidate a process that is in line with the mechanism of action of these therapies to explain how these agents, specifically the axitinib, could have caused the methemoglobin to rise to a symptomatic level.
Welfare Analysis Meets Causal Inference

We describe a framework for empirical welfare analysis that uses the causal estimates of a policy’s impact on net government spending. This framework provides guidance for which causal effects are (and are not) needed for empirical welfare analysis of public policies.The key ingredient is the construction of each policy’s marginal value of public funds (MVPF). The MVPF is the ratio of beneficiaries’ willingness to pay for the policy to the net cost to the government. We discuss how the MVPF relates to “traditional” welfare analysis tools such as the marginal excess burden and marginal cost of public funds. We show how the MVPF can be used in practice by applying it to several canonical empirical applications from public finance, labor, development, trade, and industrial organization. Institutional subscribers to the NBER working paper series, and residents of developing countries may download this paper without additional charge at www.nber.org.
Introduction to Molecular Schläfli Indexes

The polygonality, n, and the connectivity, p, are topological indexes that are rigorously defined for the polyhedra through the Schlafli relation. The ordered pair of numbers (n, p) constitute the Schlafli symbol for a polyhedron. It has recently been discovered that the Schlafli indexes, although not rigorously defined for extended structures through a Schlafli-type relation, are nonetheless computable for the units of pattern described by extended structures. These indexes can be used to define a topology map of the polyhedra and extended structures. Such a topology map is useful in one sense for identifying the location of a structural pattern and its relation to other structures. In the present paper, a methodology is outlined for the computation of Schlafli indexes for discrete molecules. An aufbau process is used to create the fullerene and graphene structures from molecular precursors in a continuous fashion, the topology indexes of the various intermediate structures to the fullerene icosahedron and the graphene sheet are traced with a quadratic fit and are thus shown to form ordered pairs of a continuous function in n and p that is internally consistent. Such topological indexes of molecules complement those indices that have already been formulated as molecular descriptors in the burgeoning field of molecular graph theory. The role that the Schlafli symbols of discrete molecules might play in the identification of structure-activity relationships is briefly discussed.
Assessing the Quality of SK&A's Office-Based Physician Database for Identifying Oncologists.

Health services research increasingly uses commercial databases that capture provider practice characteristics. Little is known about how these data sets compare along other dimensions with publicl...
Social Media Accounts of Food and Beverage Brands Have Disproportionately More Black and Hispanic Followers than White Followers

Introduction: On television, food companies promote their least nutritious products to Black and Hispanic youth more than White youth, but little is known about the extent to which Black and Hispanic adolescents may disproportionately engage with unhealthy food and beverage brands on social media relative to White adolescents. Methods: In 2019, we purchased and analyzed demographic data of social media users who followed 27 of the most marketed food/beverage brands on Instagram and Twitter. We used one-sample t-tests to compare percentages of Black, Hispanic, and White followers of the selected brands' accounts versus all social media accounts, and independent samples t-tests to compare followers of sugary versus low-calorie drink brands. We also used linear regression to examine associations between racially targeted marketing practices and the percentages of Black, Hispanic, and White followers on social media. Results: On Instagram, the percentage of Black followers of the selected brands (12.7%) was higher than the percentage of Black followers of any account (7.8%) (p<0.001). On Twitter, findings were similar for Hispanic users but opposite for White users. A higher racially targeted ratio was positively associated with the percentage of Black followers, and negatively associated with the percentage of White followers. Sugary drink brands had more Hispanic followers than low-calorie drink brands (p<0.001). Conclusions: Unhealthy food/beverage brands that target Black adolescents have a disproportionately higher percentage of Black followers on social media relative to White followers. These findings support the 2019 proposal to restrict racially targeted advertising through the Children's Online Privacy and Protection Act.
Constraint on net primary productivity of the global ocean by Argo oxygen measurements

The biological transformation of dissolved inorganic carbon to organic carbon during photosynthesis in the ocean, marine primary production, is a fundamental driver of biogeochemical cycling, ocean health and Earth’s climate system. The organic matter created supports oceanic food webs, including fisheries, and is an essential control on atmospheric carbon dioxide levels. Marine primary productivity is sensitive to changes due to climate forcing, but observing the response at the global scale remains a major challenge. Sparsely distributed productivity measurements are made using samples collected and analysed on research vessels. However, there are never enough ships and scientists to enable direct observations at the global scale with seasonal to annual resolution. Today, global ocean productivity is estimated using remote-sensing ocean-colour observations or general circulation models with coupled biological models that are calibrated with the sparse shipboard measurements. Here we demonstrate the measurement of gross oxygen production by photosynthesis using the diel cycle of oxygen concentration detected with the array of Biogeochemical-Argo profiling floats. The global ocean net primary productivity computed from this data is 53 Pg C y−1, which will be an important constraint on satellite and general circulation model-based estimates of the ocean productivity. Argo measurements provide a constrained estimate of net primary productivity of the global ocean of 53 Pg C y–1, according to a global analysis of diel oxygen variations.
Improvement of Cell Survival During Human Pluripotent Stem Cell Definitive Endoderm Differentiation.

Definitive endoderm (DE) is a vital precursor for internal organs such as liver and pancreas. Efficient protocol to differentiate human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) or induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to DE is essential for regenerative medicine and for modeling diseases; yet, poor cell survival during DE differentiation remains unsolved. In this study, our use of B27 supplement in modified differentiation protocols has led to a substantial improvement. We used an SOX17-enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) reporter hESC line to compare and modify established DE differentiation protocols. Both total live cell numbers and the percentages of eGFP-positive cells were used to assess differentiation efficiency. Among tested protocols, three modified protocols with serum-free B27 supplement were developed to generate a high number of DE cells. Massive cell death was avoided during DE differentiation and the percentage of DE cells remained high. When the resulting DE cells were further differentiated t...
Positional Effects of the Phosphate Group on Thermal Polymerization of Isomeric Uridine Phosphates

A calorimetric study of the abiogenic synthesis of biopolymers utilizing high temperature and relatively anhydrous conditions (the volcanic-areas rationale) has led to an even greater understanding of the process by which life may have originated on this planet. Accordingly the energetics associated with the thermal polymerization of the isomers of crystalline uridine monophosphates (2′-UMP, 3′-UMP and 5′-UMP) have been determined by differential scanning calorimetry. The thermal spectra are characteristic of a particular isomer and indicate the absence of a common intermediate in the condensation reactions of 2′-UMP and 3′-UMP. Enthalpimetric values indicate a preference for the following order in polymerization:- $$ 5' - UMP > 3' - UMP > 2' - UMP $$ When equimolar mixtures of each of these isomers with uridine are subjected to thermal condensation, the lower melting base provides a fusion mixture in which polymerization can be initiated at a lower temperature, extends over a wider temperature range and can proceed to a greater degree than is possible in the absence or uridine.
Propositional Attitudes and Cultural Scripts

In the linguistic literature inspired by the philosophical tradition, the key concepts of analysing ‘propositional attitudes’ are ‘belief’, ‘hope’, ‘doubt’, ‘know’, among others. Yet, this distinction ignores cultural and linguistic variation in the conceptualisation of mental states that can be labelled as ‘propositional attitudes’. Moreover, this approach overlooks the fact that categorisation of mental states in general and ‘propositional attitudes’ in particular is aligned with cultural attitudes and understandings. This chapter proposes a comparative analysis of selected terms of ‘propositional attitudes’ in English and Russian (to believe vs. scitat’ and belief vs. mnenie) in terms of universal meanings as they are identified in the Natural Semantic Metalanguage (NSM). The concepts central to the analysis are know and think which have been shown to have exact semantic equivalents in Russian and English as well as other languages. The chapter demonstrates that the analysed concepts differ in meaning and can be related to culture-specific cognitive styles which can be formulated as cultural scripts. The chapter demonstrates that the supremacy of logical concepts does not correlate to the architecture of mental lexicon as it is revealed in universal human concepts. It argues that NSM semantic universals can be regarded as more appropriate elements in the analysis of propositional attitudes.
The power of plagues

The Power of Plagues offers a fascinating examination of epidemic diseases within a historical context. Engagingly written, this new volume presents the science of plagues in an understandable and accessible manner, describing the nature and evolution of diseases and conveying their significance in shaping Western culture and civilization. Chapters present individual, independent plague stories complemented by relevant and historical illustrations. Major historic outbreaks are covered, including those of the Greek and Roman empires as well as the infamous Black Death. Contemporary and emerging diseases are comprehensively detailed, including HIV-AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, smallpox, SARS, West Nile virus infection, influenza, mad cow disease, and several others. Despite advancements in the development of antimicrobials and vaccines and in securing clear water and food supplies, modern civilizations are not immune to epidemic diseases. The Power of Plagues provides insight into the struggle to attain disease control and eradication and explores the challenge of forecasting emerging plagues. In doing so, it offers readers a deeper understanding of modern public health issues and the role of infectious diseases. Paperback, 431 pages, illustrations, index.
Results from ORNL Characterization of Nominal 350 ?m NUCO Kernels from the BWXT 59344 batch

This document is a compilation of characterization data obtained on nominal 350 {micro}m natural enrichment uranium oxide/uranium carbide kernels (NUCO) produced by BWXT for the Advanced Gas Reactor Fuel Development and Qualification Program. These kernels were produced as part of a development effort at BWXT to address issues involving forming and heat treatment and were shipped to ORNL for additional characterization and for coating tests. The kernels were identified as G73N-NU-59344. 250 grams were shipped to ORNL. Size, shape, and microstructural analysis was performed. These kernels were preceded by G73B-NU-69300 and G73B-NU-69301, which were kernels produced and delivered to ORNL earlier in the development phase. Characterization of the kernels from G73B-NU-69300 was summarized in ORNL/CF-04/07 'Results from ORNL Characterization of Nominal 350 {micro}m NUCO Kernels from the BWXT 69300 composite'.
Simulation of the Sum-Product Algorithm Using Stratified Sampling

Using stratified sampling a desired confidence level and a specified margin of error can be achieved with smaller sample size than under standard sampling. We apply stratified sampling to the simulation of the sum-product algorithm on a binary low-density parity-check code.
The anti-inflammatory effects of sulforaphane are not mediated by the Nrf2 pathway

Sulforaphane (SFN) is a naturally occurring compound, found in cruciferous vegetables. SFN is a potent activator of the endogenous anti-oxidant transcription factor nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2). Due to its anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties SFN has been identified as a potential treatment for a number of diseases including chronic obstructive pulmonary (COPD). We confirmed that SFN activates of the Nrf2 pathway and induces the expression of haemoxygenase (HO)-1 and NAD(P)H:Quinone Oxireductase (NQO)-1. SFN suppressed interleukin (IL)-1b-induced and IL-1b plus oxidative stress (hydrogen peroxide, H 2 O 2 )-induced CXCL8 expression in a concentration-dependent manner in human bronchial epithelial and monocyte cell lines. Nrf2 siRNA significantly reduced the ability of SFN to enhance Nrf2-mediated induction of HO-1 and NQO-1 without any effect on the ability of SFN to suppress IL-1b- and IL-1b+H 2 O 2 -induced CXCL8 expression in these cells. Our results suggest that the anti-inflammatory effects of SFN occur independently of Nrf2 in human airway epithelial cells and macrophages. Figure legend. Nrf2 knockdown using siRNA abrogates the ability of sulpforophane to induce Nrf2 activation (A & B) and that of the downstream target NQO-1 (c & d) in BEAS-2B cells. Nrf2 knockdown does not have a significant effect on the ability of sulforophane to suppress IL-1b-induced CXCL8 release in BEAS-2B or U937 cells (e & f).
Model-updated image guidance: initial clinical experiences with gravity-induced brain deformation

Image-guided neurosurgery relies on accurate registration of the patient, the preoperative image series, and the surgical instruments in the same coordinate space. Recent clinical reports have documented the magnitude of gravity-induced brain deformation in the operating room and suggest these levels of tissue motion may compromise the integrity of such systems. The authors are investigating a model-based strategy which exploits the wealth of readily-available preoperative information in conjunction with intraoperatively acquired data to construct and drive a three dimensional (3-D) computational model which estimates volumetric displacements in order to update the neuronavigational image set. Using model calculations, the preoperative image database can be deformed to generate a more accurate representation of the surgical focus during an operation. In this paper, the authors present a preliminary study of four patients that experienced substantial brain deformation from gravity and correlate cortical shift measurements with model predictions. Additionally, they illustrate their image deforming algorithm and demonstrate that preoperative image resolution is maintained. Results over the four cases show that the brain shifted, on average, 5.7 mm in the direction of gravity and that model predictions could reduce this misregistration error to an average of 1.2 mm.
Fluorescence bronchoscopy for localization of carcinoma in situ

A fluorescence bronchoscope system has been developed for imaging lung tumors by fluorescence of a previously injected, tumor-specific agent hematoporphyrin derivative. Carcinoma in situ has been localized, but there are too many false positives and negatives. A new system has been implemented which allows rapid switching between viewing of fluorescence, and viewing of the same area under white light illumination as in conventional bronchoscopy. The excitation source is a violet krypton ion laser coupled to a fused quartz fiber light conductor, with a diverging microlens to spread the light uniformly. A third-generation, microchannel plate image intensifier amplifies the weak fluorescence for viewing and video display, recording, and analysis. A movable mirror and periscope bypasses the intensifier for normal color viewing and video display and recording, with the laser shutter closed and the white light shutter open. This facilitates accurate localization, comparison of the color and fluorescence images, and precise sampling during biopsy. The improved system should reduce the false positive rate due to biopsy sampling error, and together with the video analyzer should reduce indeterminate results.
Tuning Electrical Conductance of Serpentine Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes

Changes in resistivity of serpentine single-walled carbon nanotubes are presented as a function of bending radius, r b , in the range of 100-2000 nm. Resistivity (p) is observed to increase with curvature (1/r b ), which is consistent with theoretical speculation on strain-induced bandgap increment. Furthermore, a sharp bend (r b < 50 nm) in the nanotubes results in a drastic change in the field-effect behavior, i.e., from ambipolar to p type across the bend. Local Raman spectra show that the G-band Raman frequencies shift along the curvature, which may be attributed to local deformation and broken cylindrical symmetry in the nanotubes. The results suggest the possibility to tune the electrical properties by bending nanotubes and to build an all-nanotube device by modulating the structure of the same tube.
A simple, inexpensive, hydration chamber for attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy

Attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR/FT-IR) spectroscopy is a powerful and widely used technique for obtaining molecular structural information from thin films of material. The ability of the method to provide orientational information from partially ordered samples such as lipid multibilayers (possibly with incorporated peptides) has resulted in several recent applications of the method to biophysical problems. In most ATR studies, the material under investigation is deposited as a dry film on an appropriate crystal, Ge or ZnSe being widely used for this purpose. Obviously, the biological relevance of dry films is questionable, as water often forms an integral part of the in vivo macromolecular assembly. It is evidently desirable to study biological samples under conditions of full hydration, where the effects of variation in pH and ionic strength and composition can be explored. Commercial ATR cells with water jackets are available, but these are expensive and fragile and have fairly large jacket volumes.
Aging, Brain Disease, and Reserve: Implications for Delirium

Cognitive and brain reserve are well studied in the context of age-associated cognitive impairment and dementia. However, there is a paucity of research that examines the role of cognitive or brain reserve in delirium. Indicators (or proxy measures) of cognitive or brain reserve (such as brain size, education, and activities) pose challenges in the context of the long prodromal phase of Alzheimer disease but are diminished in the context of delirium, which is of acute onset. This article provides a review of original articles on cognitive and brain reserve across many conditions affecting the central nervous system, with a focus on delirium. The authors review current definitions of reserve. The authors identify indicators for reserve used in earlier studies and discuss these indicators in the context of delirium. The authors highlight future research directions to move the field ahead. Reserve may be a potentially modifiable characteristic. Studying the role of reserve in delirium can advance prevention strategies for delirium and may advance knowledge of reserve and its role in aging and neuropsychiatric disease generally.
Shelf life prediction software finds application with ethical drugs

Applications for approval of new ethical drugs require that stability studies be completed prior to submission to the FDA. If the company chooses packaging which is found (by conventional storage testing) to provide insufficient barrier protection, new packaging must be identified and storage tests re-run. This iterative process must be repeated until packages are found which provide adequate protection. If the chosen package is over-protective, stability studies show adequacy, but do not identify over-protection. A third option is to employ a myriad of test packs which impacts negatively on facilities and personnel, and is expensive and time-consuming. Package optimization requires additional testing and re-submission of the New Drug Application (NDA). A combination of analysis and computer shelf life predictions can be utilized to develop optimal packaging without such repetitive testing. A study was initiated with Searle to apply analytical evaluations and shelf life simulations to identify appropriate packaging for new drugs prior to the initiation of conventional stability testing. The procedure used analytical evaluations of two ethical drugs (without package protection) to identify the susceptibilities of the product to storage-induced changes. The analytical results were then plugged into a computer shelf life modelling program which identified barrier requirements which would provide the protection found to be required for the drug product. This then defined the packaging needs. The efficacy of this modelling approach was confirmed for one product by conducting conventional stability studies with packaging materials which satisfied the barrier requirements which had been specified by the computer simulations. Storage studies for the second product are in process, and performance to date supports the predicted values. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Economies with a mean demand function

Abstract The present paper shows one way to look at G. Debreu and W. Hildenbrand's conjecture that certain atomless economies have mean demand functions . We conclude within the continuity framework that an economy gives rise ‘in general’ to a continuous mean demand function , and that the class of all atomless economies is ‘big’ in the space of all economies with a continuous mean demand function. The same problems are reconsidered within the framework of a space of differentiable preferences at the end.
Global space-based inter-calibration system (GSICS)

The GSICS is a new program within the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Space Programme and is coordinated by NOAA/NESDIS/STAR. The overarching objective of GSICS is to improve the calibration and characterization of space-based measurements through satellite intercalibration of the international satellite observing system. The GSICS program currently includes participation from the United States (NOAA, NASA, NIST), Europe (CNES/France, EUMETSAT), China (CMA), Japan (JMA) and Korea (KMA). These agencies have agreed to take steps to ensure better comparability of satellite measurements made by different instruments and to tie these measurements to absolute standards. The direct benefit of improved satellite observations will be improved weather and climate assessments and predictions. Satellite intercalibration is vital for reducing measurement uncertainty and to optimally integrate data from different observing systems to support the GEO nine societal benefits. The GSICS activities are currently focused on the intercalibration of operational satellites from United States, Europe, China, Japan and Korea.
The isolation and characterization of the Esherichia Coli DNA adenine methylase (dam) gene

The E. coli dam (DNA adenine methylase) enzyme is known to methylate the sequence GATC. A general method for cloning sequence-specific DNA methylase genes was used to isolate the dam gene on a 1.14 kb fragment, inserted in the plasmid vector pBR322. Subsequent restriction mapping and subcloning experiments established a set of approximate boundaries of the gene. The nucleotide sequence of the dam gene was determined, and analysis of that sequence revealed a unique open reading frame which corresponded in length to that necessary to code for a protein the size of dam. Amino acid composition derived from this sequence corresponds closely to the amino acid composition of the purified dam protein. Enzymatic and DNA:DNA hybridization methods were used to investigate the possible presence of dam genes in a variety of prokaryotic organisms.
Resistance to EGFR blockade in colorectal cancer: liquid biopsies and latent subclones

Two recent papers identify KRAS activation as a mechanism of acquired resistance to EGFR blockade in colorectal cancer. In doing so, they suggest that resistance to single-agent EGFR blockade will be unavoidable because these alterations exist as latent subclones within the tumor even prior to the initiation of therapy.
Flow-pressure drop measurement and calculation in a tapered femoral artery of a dog

This study describes the in vivo measurement of pressure drop and flow during the cardiac cycle in the femoral artery of a dog, and the computer simulation of the experiment based on the use of the measured flow, vessel dimensions and blood viscosity. In view of the experimental uncertainty in obtaining the accurate velocity profile at the wall region, the velocity pulse at the center was measured and numerical calculations were performed for the center line instantaneous velocity and within the two limits of spatial distribution of inlet flow conditions: uniform and parabolic. Temporal and spatial variations of flow parameters, i.e., velocity profile, shear rate, non-Newtonian viscosity, wall shear stress, and pressure drop were calculated. There existed both positive and negative shear rates during a pulse cycle, i.e., the arterial wall experiences zero shear three times during a cardiac cycle. For the parabolic inlet condition, the taper of the artery not only increased the magnitude of the positive and negative shear rates, but caused a steep gradient in shear rate, a phenomenon which in turn affects wall shear stress and pressure. In contrast, for the uniform inlet condition, the flow through the tapered artery was predominantly the developing type, which resulted in reduction in magnitude of wall shear rate along the axial direction.
SYN AND ANTI ARYL NITRENIUM IONS

Calculations at several levels of ab initio molecular orbital theory have been carried out on 20 polycyclic aryl nitrenium ions of general structure ArNH+ and containing from two to four condensed rings. Electronic interactions between the aryl ring and the NH+ group stabilize all ions relative to PhNH+ by amounts varying from 14 to 40 kcal mol−1 depending on the ring system and on the site of substitution. Apart from a few symmetrical cases, the ions exist in distinct syn and anti configurations, separated by substantial inversion barriers. At the HF/6-31G(d) level, the latter are predicted to lie in the rather narrow range of 27.8±2.0 kcal mol−1. Simple PMO analyses are presented based on the analogy with odd alternant hydrocarbon cations. ©1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Comput Chem 20: 231–243, 1999
Photochemical effects on explosive instability

The explosion limits associated with a given sample of an unstable compound are generally taken to be defined by the sample's temperature, pressure, composition and size. In the presence of steady-state or pulsed radiative fields, these explosion limits are necessarily modified. Further, photochemically significant radiation (e.g. u.v.) may play a markedly different role in this modification than does purely thermal radiation (e.g. i.r.). Examination is made of the role of both steady-state and pulsed radiative fields in the explosive behaviour of unstable compounds. The analytical considerations are illustrated for the case of hydrazine.
Electrochemically controlled release

Abstract In vitro experiments on iontophoretic delivery of model anions: acetate, benzoate, hexanoate and dodecanoate, at constant current through hairless mouse skin show that smaller ions are delivered more efficiently and that flux-concentration −1 current −1 is nearly constant. Electrochemically controlled drug-ion delivery from conducting polymer films is described. This method allows release rates to be controlled by the current passed .
"Spiritual education" in a Japanese bank.

Many Japanese companies train their new employees according to a philosophy of “spiritualism,” a set of ideas about human psychology and character development that inspired much of the country's pre-war education. “Spiritualism's” debts to the Zen, Confucian and samurai traditions are quite apparent. It emphasizes social cooperation and responsibility, an acceptance of reality, and perseverance. Its educational methods emphasize specially constructed training experiences. As a case study in the anthropology of education, Japanese company spiritual education points to the value of (1) studying educational processes outside formal school systems; (2) considering native concepts of psychology in analyzing educational processes; (3) finding relationships between educational techniques and techniques found in religious conversion, psychological therapy, and social initiation; and (4) discovering avenues of education that proceed by non-verbal means.