cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
New imaging modalities to consider for men with prostate cancer on active surveillance.

To discuss the potential utility of newer imaging modalities including micro-ultrasound and PSMA-PET for the detection of clinically significant prostate cancer, technologies that may gain roles as adjuncts to multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) in the active surveillance (AS) setting. Narrative review of two new imaging modalities used for primary prostate cancer through April 2021. A targeted search was performed to identify current relevant literature on the role of new imaging modalities for primary prostate cancer using search terms “micro-ultrasound,” “molecular imaging,” “prostate cancer,” “active surveillance,” “multiparametric MRI,” “PI-RADS,” “PRI-MUS,” and “detection rate.” In addition, references of included articles were screened for further relevant publications. Micro-ultrasound (micro-US) and prostate-specific membrane antigen-positron emission tomography (PSMA-PET) are increasing in their use and applicability to prostate cancer imaging. Micro-US is used for cancer detection and may identify higher grade cancers more accurately than conventional ultrasound, despite technical hurdles in its initial launch. PSMA-PET is highly sensitive and specific for high-grade and metastatic prostate cancer, though costly and not easily available. Though data are sparse, it may have an emerging role in cancer diagnosis in select localized cases, and in some men considering (or currently on) AS who have indications of more aggressive disease. There are very limited data on micro-US and PSMA-PET in AS patients. However, given the ability of these modalities to identify high-grade cancer, their judicious use in AS patients may be of utility in the future.
Planar Near-Field Electric Field Sensor Array Applications Facilitated by Neural Networks

Electrical capacitance tomography is employed for various process tomography applications, typically with circular imaging regions (e.g., to estimate fluid levels in plastic pipes). Typical state-of-the-art implementations focus on circular or cylindrical sensor arrays. In contrast, this research explores using a planar 2D array of electric-field sensors to image volumes composed of various dielectric materials. The array is designed to be used with very-low-frequency electric fields, which are desirable due to their ability to differentiate between various non-conducting objects. D-dot sensors (i.e., charge induction sensors) are used as the electric-field sensing element. In this research, imaging regions of interest are modeled as a composition of (25 cm)3 voxels of dielectric material with randomized relative permittivities. Neural networks are utilized as the inversion algorithm to map measured E-field distortions to the voxels’ relative permittivities. Three applications are explored in a simulated environment: 1) predicting relative permittivities of the entire (pseudo-3D) imaging region from one measurement of electric-field distortions (modeled in free space), 2) imaging regions arbitrarily large (in two dimensions) using the planar array as an imaging kernel, and 3) repeating application (1) in a model of a practical, real-world imaging scenario both with and without interfering material. Application (3) is performed with a real-world experimental setup using a room-sized “E-field Cage” meant to generate a uniform electric field. This work showcases a new electric-field imaging modality using a planar 2D D-dot sensor array paired with a DNN-based inversion algorithm.
Arab Muslims' Perceptions of Perinatal Loss Care in the United States of America

One in four American women will experience a miscarriage, stillbirth or neonatal death each time she becomes pregnant. These perinatal losses occur even more frequently in women who are immigrants from developing countries. Care of Muslim families after perinatal loss is based primarily on expert opinion as opposed to research evidence, as few, if any, studies exist on this topic. It is critically important to know what parent's preferences for care actually are, since care that is incongruent with the desires of the bereaved parents may intensify their grief. The purpose of this study was to examine the perceptions and attitudes of immigrant Arab Muslims regarding psychosocial bereavement practices common in the United States after perinatal loss and to pilot test an investigator-developed instrument for collecting data regarding culturally relevant psychosocial bereavement practices of immigrant Arab Muslims after perinatal loss. The study employed a cross-sectional survey design using an investigator-developed instrument entitled the Arab Muslim Perceptions of Perinatal Loss Care (AMPPLC). The AMPPLC, available in both English and Arabic, was used to collect data on perinatal loss care from a convenience sample of 79 immigrant Arab Muslim adults (male n = 43 [54.4%]; female n = 36 [45.6%]). The study opened in June 2017 and closed in August 2019. The AMPPLC instrument demonstrated good reliability (α = 0.89) in measuring participants' responses. Responses by survey participants did not always agree with prior published literature on Muslim preferences after a loss. Optimal care for Arab Muslim immigrants involves offering all options that are typically part of Western bereavement care as well as options that may be more specifically associated with Islam. This information will enable healthcare providers to provide more culturally sensitive and compassionate care to Middle Eastern Muslim parents during this difficult and tragic experience.
Identification of the acetaldehyde oxide Criegee intermediate reaction network in the ozone-assisted low-temperature oxidation of trans-2-butene

Uni- and bi-molecular reactions involving Criegee intermediates (CIs) have been the focus of many studies due to the role these molecules play in atmospheric chemistry. The reactivity of CIs is known to strongly depend on their structure. The reaction network of the second simplest CI, acetaldehyde oxide (CH3CHOO), is investigated in this work in an atmospheric pressure jet-stirred reactor (JSR) during the ozonolysis of trans-2-butene to explore the kinetic pathways relevant to atmospheric chemistry and low-temperature combustion. The mole fraction profiles of reactants, intermediates, and final products are determined by means of molecular-beam mass spectrometry in conjunction with single-photon ionization employing tunable synchrotron-generated vacuum ultraviolet radiation. A network of CI reactions is identified in the temperature region below 600 K, characterized by CI addition to trans-2-butene, water, formaldehyde, formic acid, and methanol. No sequential additions of the CH3CHOO CI are observed, in contrast with the reactivity of the simplest CI (H2COO) and the earlier observation of an extensive reaction network with up to four H2COO sequential additions (Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2019, 21, 7341–7357). Experimental photoionization efficiency scans recorded at 300 K and 425 K and ab initio threshold energy calculations lead to the identification and quantification of previously elusive intermediates, such as ketohydroperoxide and hydroperoxide species. Specifically, the C4H8 + O3 adduct is identified as a ketohydroperoxide (KHP, 3-hydroperoxybutan-2-one, CH3C(O)CH(CH3)OOH), while hydroxyacetaldehyde (glycolaldehyde, HCOCH2OH) formation is attributed to unimolecular isomerization of the CIs. Other hydroperoxide species such as methyl hydroperoxide (CH3OOH), ethyl hydroperoxide (C2H5OOH), butyl hydroperoxide (OOH), hydroperoxyl acetaldehyde (HOOCH2CHO), hydroxyethyl hydroperoxide (CH3CH(OH)OOH), but-1-enyl-3-hydroperoxide, and 4-hydroxy-3-methylpentan-2-one (HOCH(CH3)CH(CH3)C(O)CH3) are also identified. Detection of additional oxygenated species such as methanol, ethanol, ketene, and aldehydes suggests multiple active oxidation routes. These results provide additional evidence that CIs are key intermediates of the ozone-unsaturated hydrocarbon reactions providing critical inputs for improved kinetics models.
Stress analysis of a complex part: Photoelasticity vs. finite elements: The methodology and results of an integrated stress-analysis approach combining an interactive finite-element package and three-dimensional photoelasticity are described

A newly developed interactive finite-element package and conventional three-dimensional photoelasticity were used in parallel to analyze the stresses in a complex part. Contrary to most similar case studies, the geometry did not favor either method, and results from one method were at times used to assist in the implementation of the other. As a result of this study, it was concluded that the combined use of numerical and experimental methods provides more information about the part being analyzed than does either method taken alone. When applied in this sense, a highly user-oriented numerical-analysis package can be an ally rather than a rival to the efforts of the experienced experimental analyst.
Paleoenvironments of the Shungura Formation (Plio-Pleistocene: Ethiopia) based on ecomorphology of the bovid astragalus

The Shungura Formation in southwestern Ethiopia preserves a long and relatively continuous record of eastern African mammalian and hominin evolution. This study reconstructs habitat preferences of the Shungura Formation bovids from ca. 3.4-1.9 Ma (million years ago), based on the ecomorphology of fossil bovid astragali. Habitat predictions are made using a Discriminant Function Analysis informed by functional analysis of the astragalus that controls for body size and phylogenetic signal. The high abundance of astragali in the Shungura record allows for habitat reconstructions on sub-unit timescales, rather than aggregating samples at the level of geological member. During much of the time period examined, the lower Omo Valley was dominated by relatively mesic habitats in close proximity to the ancestral Omo River. Previous research has suggested that environmental change at ∼ 2.85 Ma caused significant habitat change at Shungura, but the astragalar data do not support major habitat change at this time. However, there are significant fluctuations in inferred habitats, with more open habitats indicated in sub-units C-08 and C-09 (∼ 2.56 Ma), and in unit F-01 (just after 2.36 Ma). The cause of sub-unit fluctuations in habitat signal is difficult to determine, but local factors, including spatial habitat heterogeneity around the river channel and in its floodplain, may play a contributing role. In the light of faunal evidence from elsewhere in the greater Omo-Turkana Basin, hominins in the area likely had access to a variety of heterogeneous habitats.
Navigating an ethical patchwork--human gene banks.

Population genetics research collaborations are reaching increasingly across national boundaries to access human tissue repositories. Will discrepancies in national policies on informed consent and IP rights hinder progress?
After Prometheus, are Human Genes Patentable?

On November 30, 2012, the U.S. Supreme Court granted certiorari in Association for Molecular Pathology v. Myriad Genetics, Inc. on the question, “Are human genes patentable?” For over 150 years Supreme Court decisions have excluded from the federal patent power laws of nature and physical phenomena. The words "invention," "new" and "useful" in §101 are consistent with these exclusions from the federal patent power, so they are not the result of a judicially active court limiting the will of Congress. The conclusions of Judges Lourie and Moore in Myriad Genetics that the isolated DNA segments of claim 1 constitute patentable subject matter disregard the Supreme Court's decisions in Chakrabarty and Funk Brothers on products derived from nature. “Isolation” is not an inventive step changing an unpatentable physical phenomenon into patentable subject matter. Claim 1 is effectively an unpatentable claim on a human gene.Turning to claim 2, even if the isolated cDNA segments do not - under Chakrabarty and Funk Brother - constitute a patentable product, under Prometheus the isolated cDNA segments claim an unpatentable law of nature - the genetic code. Since no inventive step has been added to the genetic code in claim 2, the cDNA of claim 2 constitutes unpatentable subject matter under Prometheus. The Federal Circuit’s disregard in Myriad Genetics of the laws of nature threatens to eviscerate the public domain of basic scientific knowledge. The inventive step requirement of Prometheus promises to protect that public domain.
Mars Exploration Rover: thermal design is a system engineering activity

The Mars Exploration Rovers (MER), were launched in June and July of 2003, repsectively and successfully landed on Mars in early and late January of 2004, repectively. The flight system architecture implemented many successful features of the Mars Pathfinder (MPF) system: A cruise stage that transported an entry vehicle that housed the Lander, which in turn, used airbags to cushion the Rover during the landing event.
Assessing Soil Lead Contamination at Multiple Scales in Oakland, California: Implications for Urban Agriculture and Environmental Justice

Abstract As urban agriculture grows in popularity throughout North America, vacant lots, underutilized parks, and other open spaces are becoming prime targets for food production. In many post-industrial landscapes and in neighborhoods with a high density of old housing stock, the risk of lead (Pb) contamination at such sites is raising concerns. This paper evaluates the extent to which soil Pb contamination may be an obstacle to the expansion of urban agriculture in Oakland, California. Using a combination of soil sampling at 112 sites, GIS, “hot spot” analysis, and reconstructed land use histories, the research reveals that soil Pb concentrations are generally lower than federal screening levels of 400 ppm, but significantly higher in West Oakland, the city's oldest area and home to a predominantly low-income and African American population. Lead levels are significantly lower in the affluent, predominantly white Oakland hills. Spatial analysis at city- and neighborhood-scales reveals clusters of Pb contamination related to land use history. Site-scale analyses at 12 sites reveals a high level of variability (in some cases related to land use history) that must be taken into consideration when planning for urban agriculture.
Somatosensory cell response to an auditory cue in a haptic memory task.

Abstract Neurons in the monkey’s anterior parietal cortex (Brodmann’s areas 3a, 3b, 1, and 2) have been reported to retain information from a visual cue that has been associated with a tactile stimulus in a haptic memory task. This cross-modal transfer indicates that neurons in somatosensory cortex can respond to non-tactile stimuli if they are associated with tactile information needed for performance of the task. We hypothesized that neurons in somatosensory cortex would be activated by other non-tactile stimuli signaling the haptic movements—of arm and hand—that the task required. We found such cells in anterior parietal areas. They reacted with short-latency activity changes to an auditory signal (a click) that prompted those movements. Further, some of those cells changed their discharge in temporal correlation with the movements themselves, with the touch of the test objects, and with the short-term memory of those objects for subsequent tactile discrimination. These findings suggest that cells in the somatosensory cortex participate in the behavioral integration of auditory stimuli with other sensory stimuli and with motor acts that are associated with those stimuli.
A review and new framework for instructional design practice variation research

This article reviews practice variation in the field of instructional design. First, it compares instructional designer practice as reported or observed in several classic research studies. This analysis is framed by the standards established by the International Board for Training, Performance, and Instruction competencies for planning and analysis, design and development, implementation, and management. Although no certain causal linkages exist, we briefly review some of the reasons posited in the literature to explain instructional design practice variation (lack of time and resources, control in decision making, the designer's perception of a task, underlying philosophical beliefs, and designer expertise). Limitations of the literature base are explored, followed by a proposal for an alternative view of instructional design practice variation and recommendations.
Microstructural Transformations in Alumina Gels

Microstructural development in alumina gels is dominated by a series of phase transformations between the hydrous oxides to transition alumina phases, between transition phases, and transformation to alpha-alumina. These microstructural transformations are illustrated in boehmite AlOOH and bayerite Al(OH)3 gels.
The controlled growth method - A tool for structural optimization

An adaptive design variable linking scheme in a NLP based optimization algorithm is proposed and evaluated for feasibility of application. The present scheme, based on an intuitive effectiveness measure for each variable, differs from existing methodology in that a single dominant variable controls the growth of all others in a prescribed optimization cycle. The proposed method is implemented for truss assemblies and a wing box structure for stress, displacement and frequency constraints. Substantial reduction in computational time, even more so for structures under multiple load conditions, coupled with a minimal accompanying loss in accuracy, vindicates the algorithm.
A Portable Instrument for Simultaneous Recording of Scene Composition and Spectral Reflectance

A battery-powered scene recording radiometer system has been developed for relating spectral variability and target composition. A remote controlled filter wheel radiometer is interfaced with a Hasselblad 500 EL camera, so that the silicon detector is directed toward the camera's viewing glass. Signal detection at discrete wavelength bands is achieved by successively rotating interchangeable interference filters that interdict the view of the detector. Filter positioning is controlled by coding holes drilled in the filter wheel disk which are interpreted by a bank of opposing light emitting diodes and phototransistors. Upon obtaining a photographic record of the scene, the camera is automatically advanced.`
Ch. R-18 Prospects for Thermophilic Microorganisms in Microbial Enhanced Oil Recovery (MEOR)

Abstract Developments in MEOR have shown that successful microbial candidates should be able to metabolize crude oils in the presence of high salt concentrations, as well as be able to produce beneficial metabolites such as acids and emulsifying agents. Furthermore, under reservoir conditions, such microorganisms should be viable over extended periods of time at elevated temperatures and pressures. Depending on the depth and manner of application, the ability to grow under anaerobic to low oxygen conditions and oil as a sole source of carbon would also be advantageous. Studies in this laboratory have shown that certain species of thermophilic microorganisms may satisfy MEOR requirements. Several species of thermophilic microorganisms have been grown in the presence of varying concentrations of crude oils at different temperatures and pressures. Experimental evidence indicates that some thermophiles are viable over long periods of time (six months) at 70°C and 2000 psi in the presence of crude oils as the sole source of carbon. The interaction between selected thermophilic microorganisms occurs in some cases under aerobic and in others under anaerobic conditions. During the interactions there are pH changes due to production of acids. In addition to acidification, crudes are also emulsified. The extent of emulsification is microbial-species dependent, and considerable variations have been observed when the same crude oil has been biotreated with different types of microorganisms under otherwise identical experimental conditions. The analysis of the emulsified fraction indicated that hydrocarbons in the C 13 -C 26 range were present in the emulsion. Under the experimental conditions used, the biotreatment also caused changes in the composition of the organic sulfur fractions, as well as an overall decrease in the content of sulfur-containing compounds of the crude oils tested. Further, biotreatment of crudes caused significant qualitative and quantitative changes in low and high molecular weight fractions of test oils. As in emulsification, the observed changes in different molecular weight fractions are also species dependent. Experimental data will be presented and their significance in terms of MEOR will be discussed.
Quantitation of brain oximetry using a model system and a piglet brain

The innovation of significant reliability in determining tissue optical properties offered by the 140 MHz IQ system has brought increased attention to optimum algorithms in relation to determined quantities of amplitude and phase measurements at multiple wavelengths and frequencies.
Loss of heterozygosity and HIV infection in patients with anal squamous-cell carcinoma

PURPOSE: This study was designed to determine whether loss of heterozygosity and/or microsatellite instability correlate with HIV infection and tumor recurrence after chemoradiation therapy in patients with squamous-cell carcinoma of the anus. BACKGROUND: The molecular mechanisms leading to the progression of HIV-related squamous-cell carcinoma of the anus are poorly understood. In particular, genetic alterations responsible for resistance to chemoradiation have important clinical and functional implications. METHODS: In a case-control study, we analyzed normal and tumor DNA samples of four patients with squamous-cell carcinoma of the anus who were successfully treated with chemoradiotherapy and four patients with radio-resistant squamous-cell carcinoma of the anus who required abdominoperineal resection for local recurrence. To determine the presence of microsatellite instability, we used the reference panel of five pairs of microsatellite primers recommended for colorectal cancer specimens. These include the microsatellite markers BAT25, BAT26, D5S346 (APC), D2S123 (hMSH2), and D17S250 (P53). In addition, we used microsatellite markers for loss of heterozygosity analyses that were tightly linked to tumor suppressor genes. These included D3S1611 (hMLH1), D17S513 (P53), D18S46 and 18qTA (DCC/SMAD4), D5S107 (APC), and CA5 (hMSH2). RESULTS: There were two HIV-positive and two HIV-negative patients in each group. Three HIV-positive patients (one in the chemoradiotherapy group and two in the nonchemoradiotherapy group) demonstrated loss of heterozygosity. In the chemoradiotherapy group, one HIV-positive patient demonstrated loss of heterozygosity at the hMLH1 locus. In the nonchemoradiotherapy group, two HIV-positive patients exhibited a total of four instances of loss of heterozygosity. One tumor had loss of heterozygosity at hMSH2 and DCC/SMAD4; another tumor demonstrated loss of heterozygosity at hMSH2 and APC. Microsatellite instability-low was found in two HIV-positive patients. No instances of loss of heterozygosity and microsatellite instability were detected in HIV-negative patients. CONCLUSION: Loss of heterozygosity and microsatellite instability, which reflect inactivation of tumor-suppressor genes and genomic instability, occur with increased frequency in HIV-associated squamous-cell carcinoma. These data demonstrate for the first time evidence of loss of heterozygosity at the APC and DCC/SMAD4 gene loci in anal carcinoma. Although the findings presented here need to be expanded in a larger study, the recurrent loss of heterozygosity at D2S123, which was demonstrated in HIV-positive patients with radio-resistant squamous-cell carcinoma of the anus, is notable.
Growth and chlorophyll, mineral, and total amino acid composition of tomato and wheat plants in relation to nitrogen and iron nutrition I. Growth and nutrient uptake

Abstract Plant growth and metabolism can be impaired by the nutritional status of the media in which it is grown. The present study was performed to investigate the effect of NO3‐N and FeSO4‐Fe regimes on growth, nutrient uptake, and total amino acid‐N content of tomato and wheat plants. Plants were grown in a greenhouse in sand culture with three levels of FeSO4Fe and four levels of NO3‐N. Increasing the NO3‐N up to 200 mg kg‐1 increased tomato growth. The fluctuations of total amino acid‐N, free NH4 and nutrient uptake except sodium were parallel to dry matter production. In wheat plants dry matter production continued to increase with NO3‐N addition up to 400 mg kg‐1. The increased NO3‐N supply in the nutrient solution continuously increased the free NH4, the total amino acid‐N in the plants, and P, Ca, K, and Na uptake.
Zero-Tolerance Program to enhance safety awareness during well-service jobs

Saudi Aramco has implemented an effective program to emphasize safety during the increasingly complex, rigless well-service jobs in its maturing oil fields and during development activities in its new gas fields. The needwas heightened for a structured approach to safe execution of well-service jobs because of the increasing number of horizontal well completions, which pose a higher risk and require greater logistical support during rigless jobs, and the initiation of an aggressive deep gas development program. The objective of the Zero-Tolerance Program is to complete all well-service jobs without incident, injury, or loss of resources while maximizing benefits and gaining knowledge to sustain the process of continuous employee development. The program comprises four basic elements. Human resources development. Planning. Safe and effective job execution. Post-job evaluation for continued excellence. Although production engineers (PEs) generally follow various guidelines and procedures covered under these categories, the Zero-Tolerance Program has placed these critical factors in a formal, structured document to ensure effective and consistent implementation. This paper covers details of these elements and discusses tracking and accountability procedures that ensure the program is effectively implemented. Aggressive implementation of this structured program among field personnel has greatly enhanced the awareness of safety-related issues during rigless well-service operations.
Nanoparticle Targeted Therapy Against Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

The goal of our project is to develop a unique ligand-conjugated nanoparticle (NP) therapy against childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). LLP2A, discovered by Dr. Kit Lam, is a high-affinity and high-specificity peptidomimetic ligand against an activated α4β1 integrin. Our study using 11 fresh primary ALL samples (10 precursor B ALL and 1 T ALL) showed that childhood ALL cells expressed activated α4β1 integrin and bound to LLP2A. Normal hematopoietic cells such as activated lymphocytes and monocytes expressed activated α4β1 integrin; however, normal hematopoietic stem cells showed low expression of α4β1 integrin. Therefore, we believe that LLP2A can be used as a targeted therapy for childhood ALL. The Lam lab has developed novel telodendrimer-based nanoparticles (NPs) which can carry drugs efficiently. We have also developed a human leukemia mouse model using immunodeficient NOD/SCID/IL2Rγ null mice engrafted with primary childhood ALL cells from our patients. LLP2A-conjugated NPs will be evaluated both in vitro and in vivo using primary leukemia cells and this mouse model. NPs will be loaded first with DiD near infra-red dye, and then with the chemotherapeutic agents daunorubicin or vincristine. Both drugs are mainstays of current chemotherapy for childhood ALL. Targeting properties of LLP2A-conjugated NPs will be evaluated by fluorescent microscopy, flow cytometry, MTS assay, and mouse survival after treatment. We expect that LLP2A-conjugated NPs will be preferentially delivered and endocytosed to leukemia cells as an effective targeted therapy.
Spectral estimation from laser scanner data for accurate color rendering of objects

Estimation methods are studied for the recovery of the spectral reflectance across the visible range from the sensing at just three discrete laser wavelengths. Methods based on principal component analysis and on spline interpolation are judged based on the CIE94 color differences for some reference data sets. These include the Macbeth color checker, the OSA-UCS color charts, some artist pigments, and a collection of miscellaneous surface colors. The optimal three sampling wavelengths are also investigated. It is found that color can be estimated with average accuracy ΔE94 = 2.3 when optimal wavelengths 455 nm, 540 n, and 610 nm are used.© (2002) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Interfacial chemistry: Gold's enigmatic surface

Gold is not as inert as was believed — it can promote molecular synthesis. A study uses scanning tunnelling microscopy to catch gold in the act as it guides the formation of one-dimensional polymers from saturated hydrocarbons.
How Parents Feel About Their Child’s Teacher/School: Implications for Early Childhood Professionals

The purpose of this article is to describe the effects that parent perceptions of their relationships with teachers have on parent involvement. After providing a brief review of literature identifying the importance of parent–teacher relationship formation, the authors provide suggestions for early childhood educators that will help them establish and maintain productive relationships with the families that they serve.
Evidence from Chlamydomonas on the photoactivation of rhodopsins without isomerization of their chromophore.

Summary Attachment of retinal to opsin forms the chromophore N-retinylidene, which isomerizes during photoactivation of rhodopsins. To test whether isomerization is crucial, custom-tailored chromophores lacking the β-ionone ring and any isomerizable bonds were incorporated in vivo into the opsin of a blind mutant of the eukaryote Chlamydomonas reinhardtii . The analogs restored phototaxis with the anticipated action spectra, ruling out the need for isomerization in photoactivation. To further elucidate photoactivation, responses to chromophores formed from naphthalene aldehydes were studied. The resulting action spectral shifts suggest that charge separation within the excited chromophore leads to electric field-induced polarization of nearby amino acid residues and altered hydrogen bonding. This redistribution of charge facilitates the reported multiple bond rotations and protein rearrangements of rhodopsin activation. These results provide insight into the activation of rhodopsins and related GPCRs.
Architectonics of crayfish ganglia

The central nervous system of crayfish consists of a chain of segmental ganglia that are linked by cables of intersegmental axons. Each ganglion contains a highly-ordered core of longitudinal tracts, vertical tracts, commissures, and synaptic neuropils. We review from a technical perspective the history of the description of these ganglia, and recognize four episodes of progress. Each major innovation in anatomical methods has led to new insight into the structure and function of this nervous system, and new awareness of the structural patterns that are common to the CNS of all arthropods. Ganglia in different segments of the body differ in size, and appear to differ in anatomy. From a comparison of the structures of the cores of abdominal, thoracic, and subesophageal ganglia, we argue that this apparent difference is illusory. Rather, each of these ganglia is organized on the same plan, a plan also found in insect segmental ganglia. The apparent differences follow from longitudinal compression during development and from allometric growth of particular neuropils associated with innervation of the walking legs. Different authors have described the internal organization of ganglia in different segments, so we provide a cross-reference to the nomenclatures they have introduced. We compare the locations of cell bodies of motor neurons and accessory neurons that innervate different peripheral structures, and demonstrate double-labeling of certain GABAergic peripheral inhibitory neurons. Finally, we describe the construction of digital movies of serial sections of these ganglia, and discuss their utility. Microsc. Res. Tech. 60:253–265, 2003. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Asymptotic properties of the maximum likelihood estimator for spatio-temporal point processes

Abstract Consider a spatio-temporal point process whose events occur at times in the interval I0, T] and at corresponding locations in a region X. Such processes can be modeled through their conditional intensity function A(s, t;0); 0 ~< t ~< T, s e X. This article shows that the maximum likelihood estimator ~r is consistent and asymptotically normally distributed as T~ ~. These results extend those of Ogata (Ann. Inst. Statist. Math. 30A (1978), 243-261), who considered purely temporal pointproceses. The asymptotic properties of Qr are considered for a spatio- temporal self-exiciting point process. Methods for modeling spatio-temporal point patterns are illustrated on seismological data. AMS 1980 Subject Classification: Primary 62M09; secondary 60G55, 62E20, 62F12 Keywords: Consistency; Asymptotic normality; Self-exciting point process; Self-correcting point process; Seismology 1. Introduction
A monotone finite element scheme for convection-diffusion equations

A simple technique is given in this paper for the construction and analysis of a class of finite element discretizations for convection-diffusion problems in any spatial dimension by properly averaging the PDE coefficients on element edges. The resulting finite element stiffness matrix is an M-matrix under some mild assumption for the underlying (generally unstructured) finite element grids. As a consequence the proposed edge-averaged finite element scheme is particularly interesting for the discretization of convection dominated problems. This scheme admits a simple variational formulation, it is easy to analyze, and it is also suitable for problems with a relatively smooth flux variable. Some simple numerical examples are given to demonstrate its effectiveness for convection dominated problems.
Preliminary study using a wind tunnel to determine the effect of hot wind on a wheat crop

Abstract Damage caused by hot, dry winds during kernel formation and development of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is difficult to assess because under natural field conditions there is never a nonaffected area for direct comparison. An attempt to evaluate damage from hot wind was made by placing a portable wind tunnel, with an auxiliary heat source at the intake, over field-grown winter wheat during the “boot” and the “milk” growth stages. Five 2-h tests were made on wheat plants that had been grown eitherwhere soil water was never limiting or where soil water was always limiting. Air temperature, dew point temperature, and vapor pressure deficit differences from ambient air were determined during each test. Plant water potential (Ψp) was determined at the beginning and end of each test and soil water content, at the time of the test. At maturity, kernels/head, heads/m2 of soil surface area, weight/kernel and grain yield were determined. Air temperatures in the tunnel ranged from 4.6 to 8.4°C above ambient air temperature during the five tests. Vapor pressure deficit in the tunnel increased from 0.73 to 2.57 kPa and relative humidity decreased by 4.9 to 14.6% compared with ambient. Reductions in kernels/head, heads/m2, and kernel weight, compared with the nontreated area ranged from 2.9 to 32.9, 0 to 54.8, and 2.5 to 18.8%, respectively. Maximum grain yield reduction was 65.1%. In two of the tests, grain yield reduction was greatest at 2.5 m past the end of the tunnel. Reduction measured at that location probably more realistically reflects expected reductions than those measured within the tunnel.
Mechanical support for intraventricular decompression in repair of left ventricular disruption

Posterior disruption of the left ventricle is a difficult injury to repair and is associated with a high intraoperative mortality. We report a case of posterior disruption that occurred during a mitral valve operation. A conventional approach to repair failed after sutures tore through the myocardium. Intraventricular decompression to reduce ventricular wall tension and allow for successful suture repair of the injury was accomplished by insertion of a BioMedicus left ventricular assist device.
Physical activity and colon cancer prevention: a meta-analysis.

Although an inverse association between physical activity and risk of colon cancer is well established, a formal estimate of the magnitude of this risk reduction that includes recent studies is not available. This analysis examines the association by sex and study design, restricting analyses to studies where data for colon cancer alone were available. The authors reviewed published studies through June 2008 examining the association between physical activity and risk of colon cancer. Heterogeneity and publication bias were evaluated and random effects models used to estimate relative risks (RR). Differences by sex and study design were evaluated. A total of 52 studies were included. An inverse association between physical activity and colon cancer was found with an overall relative risk (RR) of 0.76 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.72, 0.81). For men, the RR was 0.76 (95% CI: 0.71, 0.82); for women, this was little different, (RR=0.79, 95% CI: 0.71, 0.88). The findings from case–control studies were stronger (RR=0.69, 95% CI: 0.65, 0.74) than for cohort studies (RR=0.83, 95% CI: 0.78, 0.88). This study confirms previous studies reporting an inverse association between physical activity and colon cancer in both men and women, and provides quantitative estimates of the inverse association.
Tissue distribution of messenger ribonucleic acid encoding the rat glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor.

The incretin hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is an important regulator of postprandial insulin secretion. In addition to its insulinotropic actions on pancreatic beta-cells, GLP-1 enhances glucose disposal by insulin-independent mechanisms, suggesting that GLP-1 receptors are located on extrapancreatic tissues. In this study, we examined the tissue distribution of GLP-1 receptor (GLP-lR) messenger RNA (mRNA) in rat by RNAse protection, RT-PCR, and in situ hybridization. We identified GLP-1R mRNA in the lung, pancreatic islets, stomach, and kidney by the RNAse protection assay. RT-PCR analysis also detected GLP-1R mRNA in the hypothalamus and heart. In situ hybridization experiments identified receptor mRNA in the gastric pits of the stomach, large nucleated cells in the lung, crypts of the duodenum, and pancreatic islets. No localized specific grains were found in kidney, skeletal muscle, heart, liver, or adipocytes. These results indicate that sequences corresponding to the cloned rat islet GLP-1...
Diffractive lens performance as a function of F-number

In this paper we present a study on the performance of diffractive lenses as a function of their f/#. To this end, we study two- and three-dimensional lenses that consist of binary, four-, eight-, and sixteen-level diffractive profiles over a range of f/#s. Lens performance is characterized in terms of diffraction efficiency for lenses of different number of levels and f/#.© (2000) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Identification of a calcium-binding subunit of the acetylcholine receptor.

Abstract Four subunits of the acetylcholine receptor molecule, obtained from the electric organ of Torpedo ocellata , have been isolated using polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and assayed by titration with a fluorescent lanthanide, terbium, and by affinity-labeling with p -( N -maleimido)benzyl [trimethyl-3H] ammonium iodide. The site with which the activator-analogue affinity label reacts, as well as the terbium-binding sites, are mainly associated with the smallest of the subunits of an apparent molecular weight of 40,000. Calcium competes with terbium for these binding sites. The affinity for terbium is the same in the intact molecule as in the subunit (KTb ⋍ 19 ± 1 μM), but the affinity for calcium decreases by a factor of 4 (KCa ⋍ 4 mM) in the subunit. Hydrolysis of the receptor, catalyzed by trypsin and chymotrypsin, to peptides with an apparent molecular weight of 8000 or less, does not affect the terbium-binding sites. These experiments indicate that the binding sites for neural activators and for calcium are associated with the same subunit, and that the terbium- and calcium-binding sites reflect structural properties of the polypeptide chain rather than the three-dimensional structure of the protein.
HPLC/MS/MS analysis of 3-carbamyl-4-methylpyrrole analog MNP001, a highly potent antihypertensive agent, in rat plasma

Chemically synthesized 3-carbamyl-4-methylpyrroles were characterized as a group of antihypertensive agents with dual-targeting mechanism to simultaneously inhibit type 4 phosphodiesterase (PDE4) and L-type calcium channels. A 5-butyl analog of the pyrrole family, MNP001, was found to have high potency in reducing animal blood pressure and heart rate. A method for measuring MNP001 using high performance liquid chromatography combined with tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC/MS/MS) was developed. The calibration curve for MNP001 showed good linearity with the value of correlation coefficient greater than 0.987 over the range of 0.25-500 ng/mL. The results for inter-day and intra-day precision as well as accuracy were acceptable according to the criteria established by FDA. The lower limit of quantification was 0.25 ng/mL. This method was quick, sensitive and sufficient for in vivo pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies on this novel antihypertensive pyrrole compound.
Lower bounds for the fidelity of entangled-state preparation

Estimating the fidelity of state preparation in multiqubit systems is generally a time-consuming task. Nevertheless, this complexity can be reduced if the desired state can be characterized by certain symmetries measurable with the corresponding experimental setup. In this paper we give simple expressions to estimate the fidelity of multiqubit state preparation for rotational-invariant, stabilizer, and generalized coherent states. We specifically discuss the GHZ-type and W-type states, and obtain efficiently measurable lower bounds for the fidelity. We use these techniques to estimate the fidelity of a quantum simulation of an Ising-like interaction model using two trapped ions. These results are directly applicable to experiments using fidelity-based entanglement witnesses, such as quantum simulations and quantum computation.
A new look at the simplified method for remote sensing of daily evapotranspiration.

Abstract A modification of the so-called “Simplified Method” used to obtain the integrated daily evapotranspiration from surface radiant temperature over variable vegetation cover is proposed. Mathematically, the simplified equation takes the form Rn 24 − LE 24 =(T o13 − T a13 ) n , where Rn24 and LE24 are, respectively, the integrated net radiation and evapotranspiration over a 24-h period and T013 and Ta13 are, respectively, the surface radiant and the 50-m air temperatures at 1300 local time. B and n are pseudo constants given as functions of the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), expressed as a scaled index N*. Both N* and Ta13 are obtained with the aid of remotely determined measurements, which are viewed on scatterplots of T013 versus NDVI.
B-type Natriuretic Peptide (BNP) is useful in detecting asymptomatic left ventricular dysfunction in low-income, uninsured patients.

Low-income, uninsured individuals with multiple cardiovascular risk factors (CRFs) are at risk of heart failure (HF). B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) screening for asymptomatic left ventricular dy...
Self-selection, endogeneity, and the relationship between CEO duality and firm performance

This study focuses explicitly on the methodological implications of the endogenous theory of governance as applied to firm performance. In particular, if firms choose their governance structures as part of a constrained performance maximization process, then application of an appropriate empirical methodology should reveal statistical evidence of such behavior. In this study we take advantage of the endogenous switching regression model framework to determine whether such predicted optimizing behavior can be corroborated by the data. The model allows us to test explicitly for selection behavior in accordance with comparative advantage and, concomitantly, the presence of selectivity bias, in estimating the impact of CEO duality on firm performance. The selection and performance equations are modeled in accordance with the extant accounting, economics, and management literature on the impact of the dual governance structure on firm performance. Overall, we tested four performance measures for the entire sample of firm-year observations as well as for the largest three industries in terms of sample sizes. The major finding, robust in all cases, is that there is no evidence to support a contention that CEO duality is a structure purposefully chosen for optimizing performance. If firms are indeed choosing the dual leadership structure, they are doing so for reasons other than improving performance from what it would be otherwise. In fact, for performance measured as market return and earnings per share, there is evidence of a significant selectivity bias that acts to lower performance below what it would have been under random assignment. For performance measured by Tobin's q and return on assets, we found neither evidence of selectivity bias, nor any significant marginal performance impacts of CEO duality. Such findings are inconsistent with an endogenous governance theory, at least when applied to firm performance. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prediction of the genotoxicity of aromatic and heteroaromatic amines using electrotopological state indices

A quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) model relating electrotopological state (E-state) indices and mutagenic potency was previously described by Cash [Mutat. Res. 491 (2001) 31-37] using a data set of 95 aromatic amines published by Debnath et al. [Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 19 (1992) 37-52]. Mutagenic potency was expressed as the number of Salmonella typhimurium TA98 revertants per nmol (LogR). Earlier work on the development of QSARs for the prediction of genotoxicity indicated that numerous methods could be effectively employed to model the same aromatic amines data set, namely, Debnath et al.; Maran et al. [Quant. Struct.-Act. Relat. 18 (1999) 3-10]; Basak et al. [J. Chem. Inf. Comput. Sci. 41 (2001) 671-678]; Gramatica et al. [SAR QSAR Environ. Res. 14 (2003) 237-250]. However, results obtained from external validations of those models revealed that the effective predictivity of the QSARs was well below the potential indicated by internal validation statistics (Debnath et al., Gramatica et al.). The purpose of the current research is to externally validate the model published by Cash using a data set of 29 aromatic amines reported by Glende et al. [Mutat. Res. 498 (2001) 19-37; Mutat. Res. 515 (2002) 15-38] and to further explore the potential utility of using E-state sums for the prediction of mutagenic potency of aromatic amines.