cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Regeneration of alfalfa plants from protoplasts of selected Regen S clones

Abstract Two clones of Regen S alfalfa, selected for their ability to regenerate plants from petiole-derived calli, were in turn induced to regenerate plants from protoplast-derived calli. Media modified after Kao's sustained protoplast division and callus formation but did not induce embryoid formation. Embryoids were formed, however, on media similar to the induction and differentiation media that had supported plant regeneration from petiole-derived calli of these clones. Our results confirm the ability of alfalfa to regenerate plants from protoplasts, but with genotypes and media sequences different from those previously published. They also illustrate both the usefulness and the problems encountered in applying media developed for tissue-derived calli to regeneration of plants from protoplast-derived calli.
Red cell membrane protein phosphorylation in hemolytic anemias and muscular dystrophies

We review our current understanding of membrane phosphorylation in normal and abnormal erythrocytes. The major phosphoproteins in red blood cell (RBC) membranes are spectrin (band 2), bands 3, 2.1, and 4.5, and glycophorin A. At least two protein kinases can be distinguished on the basis of their stimulation by cyclic AMP and salt; they are present both in the membrane and in the cytosol. Analysis of the conflicting data on endogenous membrane-protein phosphorylation in abnormal RBCs indicates a considerable variability of phosphorylation rates which largely depends on the manner of preparation of ghosts and enzyme assay conditions. This variability reflects differences in the partitioning of protein kinases between the membrane and cytosol, the specificity and accessibility of membrane-protein substrates, and reaction kinetics. We select examples of data from several hemolytic anemias to illustrate that precautions are needed to interpret abnormalities of membrane-protein phosphorylation properly; we discuss possible new methodological approaches.
Developmental relationships between adolescent substance use and risky sexual behavior in young adulthood

Abstract Purpose To examine the developmental relationship between adolescent substance use and risky sexual behavior in young adulthood. Methods A gender-balanced, ethnically diverse urban sample of 808 children in Seattle was surveyed at age 10 years in 1985 and followed prospectively to age 21 years in 1996. Semiparametric group-based modeling was used to determine trajectory groups of binge-drinking, cigarette smoking, marijuana use, and the use of other illicit drugs. Negative binomial regressions and logistic regressions were used to examine whether these trajectory groups predicted the number of sex partners and condom use at age 21 years. Results Specific forms of adolescent substance use significantly predicted risky sexual behavior at age 21 years, after other substance use and early measures of sexual behavior were controlled. Early binge-drinkers had significantly more sex partners than nonbinge-drinkers. Late onset binge-drinkers and marijuana users had significantly more sex partners and were less likely to use condoms consistently than those who did not binge drink or use marijuana. Experimenters in cigarette smoking, who did not escalate smoking, were more likely to use condoms consistently than nonsmokers. In contrast, the use of other illicit drugs in adolescence did not predict risky sexual behavior at age 21 years. Conclusions The effects of adolescent substance use on risky sexual behavior at age 21 years differed for youths with developmentally different substance use trajectories in this urban sample disproportionately drawn from high crime neighborhoods. To prevent risky sexual behavior among young adults, attention should be paid to binge-drinking and marijuana use during adolescence.
Stark Effects in F -Center Emission

The effect of an applied electric field on the polarization and lifetime of $F$-center emission has been measured in KCl and KF. The results are explained using a model in which emission occurs from a $2s$-like state which has some $2p$ component due to internal-field mixing.
An infrared spectroscopic investigation of thin alumina films: measurement of acid sites and surface reactivity

Abstract The surface chemical activity of an alumina films grown on Mo(100) by oxidation of aluminum evaporated onto the surface and oxidized using water is examined using Auger, X-ray photoelectron and reflection/absorption infrared spectroscopies. The formation of alumina is confirmed using Auger and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy from the positions and intensities of the aluminum features and using reflection-absorption infrared spectroscopy from the longitudinal optical modes of the Al–O bonds measured at ∼935 cm −1 . The presence of surface hydroxyls is monitored by forming films using D 2 O which are evidenced by a feature at ∼2700 cm −1 . Ammonia adsorption on a dehydroxylated surface yields a single peak at 1260 cm −1 due to ammonia adsorbed at a surface Lewis site where the principle symmetry axis of ammonia is oriented perpendicularly to the surface plane. Ammonia also appears to adsorb at Lewis sites on a hydroxylated surface with a slightly different adsorption geometry from that on a dehydroxylated surface. Finally, the chemistry of trimethyl aluminum adsorbed on the planar hydroxylated alumina surface is compared with that found on high-surface-area γ-alumina where the spectra and the chemistry found in both regimes is exactly identical except that the low-frequency methyl bending modes (at 769 and 718 cm −1 ) are not obscured on the thin film by the intense substrate whereas they are on the high-surface-area support.
Free Oscillations of a Discrete Stratified Fluid with Application to Numerical Weather Prediction

Abstract Numerical models for the prediction of atmospheric motions are described by a finite number of coupled ordinary differential equations. We formally solve the initial-value problem for small-amplitude perturbations on some basic state as described by the prediction system. The solution and hence initial conditions are expressed as a sum over the normal modes of oscillation of the perturbation equations. The question as to which modes describe the evolution of meteorologically significant information may be answered for models which are used not only for prediction but also for climate simulation. Those modes which have a much larger amplitude in noisy real data than in climate simulation studies can be filtered from the initial data. The expansion of grid-point data into the normal modes of a model thus allows filtering in a more selective and rational fashion than has been possible using classical initialization procedures. Such an expansion also allows comparison of numerical simulation studies ...
Progesterone synthesis in the pure trophoblasts of human choriocarcinoma.

A pure trophoblastic cell line of human choriocarcinoma has been successfully grown in tissue culture. Such a biological system provides an ideal model for the study of cellular metabolism in vitro. Cultures of this pure cell line were incubated with pregnenolone-7H3 in the Waymouth's medium (MB 752-1), which contained no serum or exogenous enzyme. Based on the biochemical data and radiochemical purity criteria, the result demonstrated that the trophoblast of human choriocarcinoma synthesized progesterone in vitro.
Growth of rutile TiO2 nanorods on anatase TiO2 thin films on Si-based substrates

Synthesis of titania (TiO2) nanorods on various substrates has recently attracted attention for energy and environmental applications. Herein, we report growth of nanostructured TiO2 on Si(111) and glass borosilicate substrates by a two-step method. A thin film of anatase TiO2 was first laid down by spin coating and annealing, followed by the growth of rutile TiO2 nanorods with a hydrothermal method. To understand the role of the polycrystalline anatase TiO2 seed layer, we selected a relatively high temperature for the hydrothermal reaction, e.g., 175 °C at which no rutile TiO2 nanorods could grow without the precoated anatase TiO2 layer. The morphology and microstructure of both the polycrystalline anatase and rutile nanorod layers were characterized by electron microscopy and x-ray powder diffraction. Such a two-step fabrication method makes it possible to grow TiO2 nanorods on almost any substrate.
Anti-inflammatory activity of Albizia lebbeck Benth., an ethnomedicinal plant, in acute and chronic animal models of inflammation.

Abstract Aim of the study Albizia lebbeck Benth. is used both in Indian traditional system and folk medicine to treat several inflammatory pathologies such as asthma, arthritis and burns. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the scientific basis of anti-inflammatory activity of different organic solvent extracts of Albizia lebbeck . Materials and methods The anti-inflammatory activity of Albizia lebbeck was studied using the carrageenan, dextran, cotton pellet and Freund's complete adjuvant induced rat models. The extracts obtained using petroleum ether, chloroform and ethanol were administered at the concentrations of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight. Results The petroleum ether and ethanol extracts at 400 mg/kg, showed maximum inhibition of inflammation induced by carrageenan (petroleum ether—48.6%; ethanol—59.57%), dextran (petroleum ether—45.99%; ethanol—52.93%), cotton pellet (petroleum ether—34.46%; ethanol—53.57%) and Freund's adjuvant (petroleum ether—64.97%; ethanol—68.57%). Conclusion The marked inhibitory effect on paw edema shows that Albizia lebbeck possesses remarkable anti-inflammatory activity, supporting the folkloric usage of the plant to treat various inflammatory diseases.
Occurrence of respiratory virus: time, place and person.

Background. Respiratory viruses account for most respiratory infections. Although analysis of epidemiologic information regarding viral seasonality, sites of transmission and susceptible populations is essential to devising strategies for limiting epidemics, few long term epidemiologic studies have addressed these questions. Methods. Epidemiologic findings identifying susceptible populations, as well as temporal and geographic patterns of infection with influenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus, rhinovirus and parainfluenza virus were reviewed. Conclusions. Influenza is the virus most frequently associated with outbreaks of respiratory infection resulting in medical consultation as well as virus-related lethality. Similar symptom profiles and overlapping seasonality of respiratory syncytial virus and other viruses may sometimes complicate surveillance and treatment. Although vaccination and antiviral drugs are virus-specific, factors that promote transmission and thus strategies for limiting outbreaks are similar for various respiratory viruses.
Perceived Instrumentality and Normativeness of Corporal Punishment Use among Black Mothers

Corporal punishment (CP) remains highly prevalent in the U.S. despite its association with increased risk for child aggression and physical abuse. Five focus groups were conducted with parents (n=18) from a community at particularly high risk for using CP (Black, low socioeconomic status, Southern) in order to investigate their perceptions about why CP use is so common. A systematic qualitative analysis was conducted using grounded theory techniques within an overall thematic analysis. Codes were collapsed and two broad themes emerged. CP was perceived to be: 1) instrumental in achieving parenting goals and 2) normative within participants' key social identity groups, including race/ethnicity, religion, and family of origin. Implications for the reduction of CP are discussed using a social ecological framework.
Use of a Vessel Sealant Device for Cystic Duct Ligation in the Dog

Objective To compare a vessel sealant device to hemostatic clips for cystic duct ligation in a canine cadaveric model. Study Design Experimental. Methods Hepatobiliary systems were collected from normal dogs. A microtip pressure transducer was inserted into the common bile duct and a 20–24 g intravenous catheter was placed in a hepatic duct. The cystic duct was ligated with 1 of 3 techniques: vessel sealant device (VSD), 10 mm medium Endoclips™, or 10 mm large Endoclips™ with 6 specimens in each group. Methylene blue was infused until failure, which was recorded as seal/clip failure or retrograde movement of methylene blue into the liver. Results Mean failure pressure of the medium endoclip group was significantly lower than the large endoclip group (P = .014). There was no difference between the failure pressure of the VSD group and the medium and large endoclip groups (P = .097, P = .34, respectively). Failure by leakage at the cut surface of the cystic duct occurred in 2 specimens in the medium endoclip group while all others failed by retrograde flow of the methylene blue through the hepatic ducts. Conclusions The vessel sealant device appears comparable to large endoclips for closure of the cystic duct in an acute cadaveric model, while medium endoclips may not fully compress or span the diameter of a cystic duct in large breed dogs and leak at lower pressures.
The phage Mu middle promoter Pm contains a partial UP element.

There are three phases of transcription during lytic development of bacteriophage Mu: early, middle, and late. Transcription from the middle phase promoter Pm requires the activator protein Mor. In the presence of Mor, transcription from Pm is carried out by the Escherichia coli RNA polymerase holoenzyme containing σ70. A Mor dimer binds to two 5-bp inverted repeats within a 16-bp element centered at −43.5 in Pm, replacing the normal −35 element contacted by RNA polymerase (RNAP). In this study random and targeted mutagenesis of the sequence upstream (−88 to −52) of the Mor binding site was performed to determine whether Pm also contains an UP element for binding of the RNAP α subunit, thereby stimulating transcription. The results demonstrated that mutations upstream of −57 had no effect on Pm activity in vivo, assayed by expression of lacZ fused downstream of a wild-type or mutant Pm. Mutations at positions −57 through −52 led to decreased transcription from Pm, consistent with the presence of an UP element. In DNase I footprinting and gel mobility shift assays, paired mutations at positions −55 and −54 did not affect Mor binding but decreased the synergistic binding of Mor with histidine tagged α (His-α), indicating that His-α binds to Pm in a sequence- and/or structure-specific manner. Taken together, these results demonstrate that Pm has a strong proximal UP element subsite, but lacks a distal subsite.
A simplified method using somatostatin to assess in vivo insulin resistance over a range of obesity.

Twenty-one nondiabetic subjects, their weights ranging from 56 to 165 kg, received an infusion of glucose (420 mg/min), insulin (0.77 mU/kg/min), and somatostatin (500 figlh) for 150 min. A steady state level of plasma insulin and glucose was attained after 90 min. Endogenous insulin secretion, determined by C-peptide measurement, and glucagon secretion remained suppressed throughout the period. With similar steady state levels of plasma insulin (SSPI) maintained in all subjects, the height of the steady state plasma glucose concentration (SSPG) was considered an index of total body sensitivity to insulin-mediated glucose uptake. A positive correlation between SSPG and the degree of obesity, as determined by the body mass index (BMI), was demonstrated ( r = 0.70, P r = 0.82, P r = 0.80, P This method provides a simple safe measure of total body insulin resistance over a wide range of obesity and is independent of endogenous insulin secretion.
Structural health and dynamic behavior of residential buildings: field challenges in the rehab of damaged reinforced concrete

Reinforced concrete buildings require special consideration under dynamic excitations due to their anisotropic material properties. Strain compatibility equations are used in concrete analysis and design with assumptions about the stress and strain field across member section and member length. However, these assumptions fall short of describing real life behavior when concrete elements deteriorate, age or undergo cyclic loading. This paper addresses the structural health of reinforced concrete buildings and proposes an analytical model to account for concrete damage through loss of bond. The proposed model relates steel loading that causes bond distress to design parameters such as development length and bar properties, and therefore could be complemented by field measurement. The paper proposes a diagnosis method and discusses the sustainability of the structure by assisting in a simplistic decision rule as to whether to perform minor fixes, major rehabilitation, or disposal. Emphasis is placed on the difference between reversible and irreversible effects of cyclic loading on structural behaviour, and draws a distinction between damage to the girder and damage to the column in the overall structural system. The model is compared to empirical results to address field challenges faced when the structure is subjected to severe conditions in its ambient environment, or to unusual loading. Deterioration in concrete causes alteration in its composite behavior with the reinforcing steel. This affects the fundamental period of the structure, and its response to seismic loading.
Metacognition of agency

The feeling that we are agents, intentionally making things happen by our own actions, is foundational to our understanding of ourselves as humans. People’s metacognitions of agency were investigated in 4 experiments. Participants played a game in which they tried to touch downward scrolling Xs and avoid touching Os. Variables that affected accuracy included speed of the scroll, density of the targets, and feedback. Of central interest were variables directed not only at accuracy but also at people’s control: the turbulence of the cursor and how close the cursor had to come to the target for a hit (i.e., “magic”). After each trial, people made judgments of agency or judgments of performance. People were selectively sensitive to the variables to which they should be responsive in agency monitoring—whether the cursor moved in close synchrony to their movements and whether targets disappeared by magic. People knew, separably from their objective or judged performance, when they were in control and when they were not. These results indicate that people can sensitively monitor their own agency.
Assessing Adult ADHD Using a Self-Report Symptom Checklist:

The self-ratings of DSM-IV ADHD symptoms by adults reporting a previous ADHD diagnosis were contrasted with ratings by controls matched for age and sex. Adults previously diagnosed with ADHD endorsed significantly more symptoms of inattention and of hyperactivity-impulsivity. Specifically, 13 of the 18 DSM-IV ADHD symptoms were endorsed more frequently by the group previously diagnosed with ADHD than by the control group. Predictive power analysis showed that persons endorsing ADHD symptoms were highly likely to have reported a prior ADHD diagnosis. Finally, the data suggested that the DSM-IV diagnostic criteria of 6 symptoms of inattention or 6 symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity could be appropriately applied during adult ADHD assessment.
Rhetorical Question Use and Resistance to Persuasion: An Attitude Strength Analysis

Although previous research has provided indirect evidence that rhetorical questions can increase attitudinal resistance, what little work that was done was not specifically designed to examine the issue. Current models of attitude change suggest that rhetorical questions can increase persuasion and message processing, creating a relatively strong, resistant attitude. These processing and resistance effects in turn may be mediated by a property of attitude strength such as participants’ cognitive responses. In Study 1, placing rhetorical questions in a message increased participants’ message processing and counterargument generation relative to a control message. In addition, participants’ attitudes were mediated by participants’ cognitive responses. Study 2 found that a message containing rhetorical questions increased participants’ attitudinal resistance to an attacking message more than a control message, and the resistance effects were related to participants’ cognitive responses. These results provide...
The Bounded-Storage Model in the Presence of a Quantum Adversary

An extractor is a function that is used to extract randomness. Given an imperfect random source X and a uniform seed Y, the output E(X,Y) is close to uniform. We study properties of such functions in the presence of prior quantum information about X, with a particular focus on cryptographic applications. We prove that certain extractors are suitable for key expansion in the bounded-storage model where the adversary has a limited amount of quantum memory. For extractors with one-bit output we show that the extracted bit is essentially equally secure as in the case where the adversary has classical resources. We prove the security of certain constructions that output multiple bits in the bounded-storage model.
Protection Circuits for Very High Frequency Ultrasound Systems

The purpose of protection circuits in ultrasound applications is to block noise signals from the transmitter from reaching the transducer and also to prevent unwanted high voltage signals from reaching the receiver. The protection circuit using a resistor and diode pair is widely used due to its simple architecture, however, it may not be suitable for very high frequency (VHF) ultrasound transducer applications (>100 MHz) because of its limited bandwidth. Therefore, a protection circuit using MOSFET devices with unique structure is proposed in this paper. The performance of the designed protection circuit was compared with that of other traditional protection schemes. The performance characteristics measured were the insertion loss (IL), total harmonic distortion (THD) and transient response time (TRT). The new protection scheme offers the lowest IL (?1.0 dB), THD (?69.8 dB) and TRT (78 ns) at 120 MHz. The pulse-echo response using a 120 MHz LiNbO3 transducer with each protection circuit was measured to validate the feasibility of the protection circuits in VHF ultrasound applications. The sensitivity and bandwidth of the transducer using the new protection circuit improved by 252.1 and 50.9 %, respectively with respect to the protection circuit using a resistor and diode pair. These results demonstrated that the new protection circuit design minimizes the IL, THD and TRT for VHF ultrasound transducer applications.
Building roots in a changing environment: implications for root longevity

Root turnover is important to the global carbon budget as well as to nutrient cycling in ecosystems and to the success of individual plants. Our ability to predict the effects of environmental change on root turnover is limited by the difficulty of measuring root dynamics, but emerging evidence suggests that roots, like leaves, possess suites of interrelated traits that are linked to their life span. In graminoids, high tissue density has been linked to increased root longevity. Other studies have found root longevity to be positively correlated with mycorrhizal colonization and negatively correlated with nitrogen concentration, root maintenance respiration and specific root length. Among fruit trees, apple roots (which are of relatively small diameter, low tissue density and have little lignification of the exodermis) have much shorter life spans than the roots of citrus, which have opposite traits. Likewise, within the branched network of the fine root system, the finest roots with no daughter roots tend to have higher N concentrations, faster maintenance respiration, higher specific root length and shorter life spans than secondary and tertiary roots that bear daughter roots. Mycorrhizal colonization can enhance root longevity by diverse mechanisms, including enhanced tolerance of drying soil and enhanced defence against root pathogens. Many variables involved in building roots might affect root longevity, including root diameter, tissue density, N concentration, mycorrhizal fungal colonization and accumulation of secondary phenolic compounds. These root traits are highly plastic and are strongly affected by resource supply (CO2, N, P and water). Therefore the response of root longevity to altered resource availability associated with climate change can be estimated by considering how changes in resource availability affect root construction and physiology. A cost–benefit approach to predicting root longevity assumes that a plant maintains a root only until the efficiency of resource acquisition is maximized. Using an efficiency model, we show that reduced tissue Nconcentration and reduced root maintenance respiration, both of which are predicted to result from elevated CO2, should lead to slightly longer root life spans. Complex interactions with soil biota and shifts in plant defences against root herbivory and parasitism, which are not included in the present efficiency model, might alter the effects of future climate change on root longevity in unpredicted ways.
DEPRESSION AND RELATIONAL HEALTH IN ASIAN AMERICAN AND EUROPEAN AMERICAN COLLEGE WOMEN

Research consistently demonstrates elevated rates of depression among college-aged women, yet evidence of racial differences in depression among this population are poorly understood. Moreover, the correlates of depression among Asian American women are also understudied. In this exploratory analysis, we examined mean differences in depression levels in a sample of Asian American (n = 117) and European American (n = 257) students from a women's liberal arts college. We also estimated associations between depression and relational health in three types of relationships (mentor, friend, and college community) using ordinary least squares regression. Relational health was examined as a buffer (i.e., moderator) against depression. Results indicated no differences in depression levels between Asian American and European American women. Relationships with the college community were associated with lower levels of depression in both groups of women. Limited evidence suggested that relational health served as a buffer. Results are discussed in light of interventions for college campuses.
Use of abdominal wall allotransplantation as an alternative for the management of end stage abdominal wall failure in a porcine model.

Background We describe a novel approach for treating end stage abdominal wall failure using isolated abdominal wall allotransplantation in a porcine model. Methods Full thickness abdominal wall transplants were performed in 13 pairs of genetically mismatched pigs. All recipients received daily immunosuppresion after transplantation. Rejection was assessed by visual inspection and skin biopsies. At the end of the 28 d study period, thickness, stiffness, and tensile strength of the transplanted rectus muscle was measured and compared with native rectus muscle. Results Eight grafts were viable and showed no signs of herniation. Four grafts failed within the first week secondary to vascular thrombosis. One animal had viable graft but was euthanized due to an incarcerated inguinal hernia. Rejection was minimal in six of the eight recipients. At necropsy, the gross thickness of the transplanted muscle flap was reduced compared with the native muscle (4.3 mm versus 7.7 mm, P Conclusion This study demonstrates the feasibility of isolated abdominal wall allotransplantation to provide a potential solution for end stage abdominal wall failure. Based on the model set forth, future work will evaluate the biomechanical properties of the composite allograft to provide a suitable dynamic abdominal wall replacement.
A Na+:H+ Antiporter and a Molybdate Transporter Are Essential for Arsenite Oxidation in Agrobacterium tumefaciens

Transposon Tn5-B22 mutagenesis was used to identify genetic determinants required for arsenite [As(III)] oxidation in an Agrobacterium tumefaciens soil isolate, strain 5A. In one mutant, the transposon interrupted modB, which codes for the permease component of a high-affinity molybdate transporter. In a second mutant, the transposon insertion occurred in mrpB, which is part of a seven-gene operon encoding an Mrp-type Na+:H+ antiporter complex. Complementation experiments with mod and mrp operons PCR cloned from the genome-sequenced A. tumefaciens strain C58 resulted in complementation back to an As(III)-oxidizing phenotype, confirming that these genes encode activities essential for As(III) oxidation in this strain of A. tumefaciens. As expected, the mrp mutant was extremely sensitive to NaCl and LiCl, indicating that the Mrp complex in A. tumefaciens is involved in Na+ circulation across the membrane. Gene expression studies (lacZ reporter and reverse transcriptase PCR experiments) failed to show evidence of transcriptional regulation of the mrp operon in response to As(III) exposure, whereas expression of the mod operon was found to be up-regulated by As(III) exposure. In each mutant, the loss of As(III)-oxidizing capacity resulted in conversion to an arsenate [As(V)]-reducing phenotype. Neither mutant was more sensitive to As(III) than the parental strain.
Assessment of biophysical tumor response to PDT in pancreatic cancer using localized reflectance spectroscopy

Biophysical changes such as inflammation and necrosis occur immediately following PDT and may be used to assess the treatment response to PDT treatment in-vivo. This study uses localized reflectance measurements to quantify the scatter changes in tumor tissue occurring in response to verteporfin-based PDT treatment in xenograft pancreas tumors. Nude mice were implanted with subcutaneous AsPC-1 pancreatic tumors cells in matrigel, and allowed to establish solid tumors near 100mm3 volume. The mice were sensitized with 1mg/kg of the active component of verteporfin (benzoporphryin derivative, BPD), one hour before light delivery. The optical irradiation was performed using a 1 cm cylindrical interstitial diffusing tip fiber with 20J of red light (690nm). Tumor tissue was excised progressively and imaged, from 1 day to 4 weeks, after PDT treatment. The tissue sections were stained and analyzed by an expert veterinary pathologist, who provided information on tissue regions of interest. This information was correlated with variations in scattering and absorption parameters elucidated from the spectral images and the degree of necrosis and inflammation involvement was identified. Areas of necrosis and dead cells exhibited the lowest average scatter irradiance signature (3.78 and 4.07 respectively) compared to areas of viable pancreatic tumor cells and areas of inflammation (5.81 and 7.19 respectively). Bilirubin absorbance parameters also showed a lower absorbance value in necrotic tissue and areas of dead cells (0.05 and 0.1 respectively) compared to tissue areas for viable pancreatic tumor cells and areas of inflammation (0.28 and 0.35). These results demonstrate that localized reflectance spectroscopy is an imaging modality that can be used to identify tissue features associated with PDT treatment (e.g. necrosis and inflammation) that can be correlated with histopathologically-reviewed H&E stained slides. Further study of this technique may provide means for automated discrimination of tissue features based on scatter and absorbance maps elucidated from reflectance spectral datasets and provide a valuable tool for treatment response monitoring during PDT and enabling more effective treatment planning. These results are relevant to verteporfin-based PDT trial for treatment pancreatic cancer in non-surgical candidate cases (VERTPAC-1 University College London, PI Pereira), where individualized assessment of damage and response could be beneficial, if this study is proven to be a well-controlled imaging tool.
Results of an ISS round robin sponsored by ASTM committee E‐42 on surface analysis

Results are reported for a round robin involving ion scattering peak positions and FWHM measurements from seven cylindrical mirror analyzer (CMA) based instruments from the same manufacturer. The specimen used in the round robin was a Cu–Ag–Au ternary alloy. The ion scattering data were obtained using 4He and 20Ne ions at 1 and 2 keV. Within the set of data for any given peak, the spread in the FWHM values was >70%, and the variation between the maximum and minimum CMA voltages was ∼8.5% A comparison of the experimental data with the results of calculations involving the dispersion characteristics of a CMA and the scattering equation suggests that much of the spread in the peak position is associated with the position of the specimen with respect to the CMA geometry. The cause of the spread in the FWHM measurements is unknown. Further analysis of the data indicates an inelastic energy loss of ∼3% for 20Ne scattering from Ag at 2 keV.
Myocardial adenosine A1-receptor sensitivity during juvenile and adult stages of maturation

In the heart, endogenous adenosine attenuates the β-adrenergic-elicited increase in contractile performance via activation of adenosine A1 receptors. It has been recently reported that this functio...
Reflections on the Pentium division bug

We review the field of result-checking and suggest that it be extended to a methodology for enforcing hardware/software reliability. We thereby formulate a vision for "self-monitoring" hardware/software whose reliability is augmented through embedded suites of run-time correctness checkers. In particular, we suggest that embedded checkers and correctors may be employed to safeguard against arithmetic errors such as that which has bedeviled the Intel Pentium Microprocessor. We specify checkers and correctors suitable for monitoring the multiplication and division functionalities of an arbitrary arithmetic processor and seamlessly correcting erroneous output which may occur for any reason during the lifetime of the chip.
Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) study of the flow in an annular centrifugal contactor

This study presents an initial scoping analysis of the application of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to modeling the flow in an annular centrifugal contactor. The unsteady, turbulent nature of this multi-phase flow presents significant challenges to quantitative CFD modeling. Existing methods for confronting these obstacles are considered and initial results of the steady-state flow of a single liquid phase in the annular mixing zone are presented. The flow of particulates and the effects of changes in geometric and operational parameters were also evaluated. Even with simplifying assumptions qualitatively accurate results could be obtained using widely available CFD models.
Reduction of Vibration Transmission in String Trimmers

It has been well documented that over long periods of time, people who regularly operate hand tools powered by small internal-combustion engines can become affected by a debilitating set of clinically irreversible effects, collectively referred to as hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS). Although HAVS cannot be cured, the onset of the disorder can be delayed or, in fact, prevented, by restricting either the duration of the exposure, and/or the magnitude of the vibration transmitted from the tool to an operator's hands and arms (per ANSI and similar standards). In this paper, we’ve evaluated an approach for reducing the magnitude of transmitted vibration at the engine-side grip of one commercial- and one consumer-grade string trimmer. The ultimate goal of this work is to develop a set of simple, passive retrofits for these tools that will reduce the likelihood of HAVS in full-time grounds-maintenance workers. The idea for this work stems from a stated need of Goodwill Industries of San Antonio, our NPA (non-profit agency) collaborator over the past several years. Based on this preliminary work, we’ve found that grips incorporating half-inch rubber studs placed at areal densities of either 25/in2 or 12/in2 significantly reduce the RMS vibration transmitted to the hand and arm at all frequencies (including the low frequency components known to be most harmful).
Quantifying aerosol direct effects from broadband irradiance and spectral aerosol optical depth observations

We outline a methodology using broadband and spectral irradiances to quantify aerosol direct effects on the surface diffuse shortwave (SW) irradiance. Best Estimate Flux data span a 13 year timeframe at the Department of Energy Atmospheric Radiation Measurement Program’s Southern Great Plains (SGP) site. Screened clear-sky irradiances and aerosol optical depth (AOD), for solar zenith angles ≤ 65°, are used to estimate clear-sky diffuse irradiances. We validate against detected clear-sky observations from SGP’s Basic Radiation System (BRS). BRS diffuse irradiances were in accordance with estimates, producing a root-mean-square error and mean bias errors of 4.0 W/m2 and -1.4 W/m2, respectively. Absolute differences show 99% of estimates within ±10 W/m2 (10%) of the mean BRS observations. Clear-sky diffuse estimates are used to derive quantitative estimates of aerosol radiative effects, represented as the aerosol diffuse irradiance (ADI). ADI is the contribution of diffuse SW to global SW, attributable to scattering of atmospheric transmission by natural plus anthropogenic aerosols. Estimated slope for the ADI as a function of AOD indicates an increase of ~22 W/m2 in diffuse SW for every 0.1 increase in AOD. Such significant increases in the diffuse fraction could possibly increase photosynthesis. Annual mean ADI is 28.2 W/m2, and heavymore » aerosol loading at SGP provides up to a maximum increase of 120 W/m2 in diffuse SW over background conditions. With regard to seasonal variation, the mean diffuse forcings are 17.2, 33.3, 39.0, and 23.6 W/m2 for winter, spring, summer, and fall, respectively.« less
Persistent photoconductivity in Cd0.7Zn0.3Se mixed crystals

Persistent photoconductivity (PPC) in Cd 0.7 Zn 0.3 se mixed crystals is investigated. We report here the first experimental observation of PPC in Cd 0.7 Zn 0.3 Se mixed crystals is investigated. We report here the first experimental observation of PPC in Cd 0.7 Zn 0.3 Se at room temperature. In the temperature region 70 K<T<200 K, we found that the decay of PPC follows stretched-exponential behavior. PPC is not observable at temperatures below 70 K, in contrast to previously reported results on most materials which exhibits dominant PPC effects at low temperatures. Experimental results show strong evidence that random local potential fluctuations induced by composition fluctuations are the origin of PPC observed here
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Tube Washer

Washing of expensive nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) tubes has been a problem; washing each tube by hand can be time consuming and awkward. Akkerman reported a device which allows the tubes to be cleaned by a batch process.1 The tube washer described in the present paper was developed on similar principles, but has several advantages: Filling the tubes with cleaning fluids is more convenient, the washer can be emptied and the tubes dried very easily, and breakage of the tubes during the cleaning process has been greatly reduced.
640 Poor Pre-Operative Pulmonary Function Tests (PFT) Do Not Predict Worse Outcomes in Patients Undergoing LVAD Placement

Purpose: Poor preoperative pulmonary function has been identified as a risk factor for poor outcomes following cardiac surgery, but this has not been well described in patients undergoing LVAD placement. The objective is to examine the relationship between preoperative pulmonary function and outcomes after LVAD implantation. Methods: We evaluated patients who underwent HeartMate II as intent for BTT at a single center from 10/2005 to 7/2014. Moderate to severe obstructive pulmonary disease was defined as a forced expiratory volume in 1s (FEV1) to forced vital capacity ratio (FEV1/FVC) < 0.7 and FEV1 < 80%. Results: 183 patients were evaluated; of these, 122 had preoperative PFTs; 61 patients had PFTs deferred due to heart failure exacerbation. Of these 122 patients, 47 had moderate to severe obstructive PFTs (group 1) and 75 patients had normal to mild obstructive PFTs. The mean % predicted FEV1 was 56 ± 12L in group 1 and 72± 17L (p = 0.001) in group 2. The FEV1/ FVC ratio was 0.63 ± 0.1 in group 1 and 0.80 ± 0.05 in group 2 (p = 0.0001). There were no significant differences in age, etiology, gender, INTERMACS profiles, or baseline hemodynamics (p = NS). Patients in group 1 were significantly more likely to have a smoking history (64% vs 35%, p = 0.03) higher pack years of smoking (39 vs 23, p = 0.02), and prior history of COPD (23% vs 5%, 0.004). There was no significant differences in days of ventilation, reintubation, right heart failure, ICU length of stay, length of stay, or LVAD duration of support between group 1 or 2 (p = NS). Actuarial survival at 1 year was 81% in group 1 and 89.5% in group 2 (log rank p = NS). Conclusion: Patients with moderate to severe obstruction on PFTs prior to LVAD placement do not have worse outcomes than those patients with normal PFTs. In patients with end-stage heart failure, poor pulmonary function may be a reflection of decompensated heart failure. Therefore, poor PFTS should not be considered an absolute contraindication to LVAD placement.
Learning statistical models for annotating proteins with function information using biomedical text.

Background The BioCreative text mining evaluation investigated the application of text mining methods to the task of automatically extracting information from text in biomedical research articles. We participated in Task 2 of the evaluation. For this task, we built a system to automatically annotate a given protein with codes from the Gene Ontology (GO) using the text of an article from the biomedical literature as evidence.
Inhibitors of differentiation (ID1, ID2, ID3 and ID4) genes are neuronal targets of MeCP2 that are elevated in Rett syndrome

Rett syndrome (RTT) is an X-linked dominant neurodevelopmental disorder caused by mutations in MECP2, encoding methyl-CpG binding protein 2. MeCP2 is a transcriptional repressor elevated in mature neurons and is predicted to be required for neuronal maturation by regulating multiple target genes. Identifying primary gene targets in either Mecp2-deficient mice or human RTT brain has proven to be difficult, perhaps because of the transient requirement for MeCP2 during neuronal maturation. In order to experimentally control the timing of MeCP2 expression and deficiency during neuronal maturation, human SH-SY5Y cells undergoing mature neuronal differentiation were transfected with methylated MeCP2 oligonucleotide decoy to disrupt the binding of MeCP2 to endogenous targets. Genome-wide expression microarray analysis identified all four known members of the inhibitors of differentiation or inhibitors of DNA binding (ID1, ID2, ID3 and ID4) subfamily of helix-loop-helix (HLH) genes as novel neuronal targets of MeCP2. Chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis confirmed binding of MeCP2 near or within the promoters of ID1, ID2 and ID3, and quantitative RT-PCR confirmed increased expression of all four Id genes in Mecp2-deficient mouse brain. All four ID proteins were significantly increased in Mecp2-deficient mouse and human RTT brain using immunofluorescence and laser scanning cytometric analyses. Because of their involvement in cell differentiation and neural development, ID genes are ideal primary targets for MeCP2 regulation of neuronal maturation that may explain the molecular pathogenesis of RTT.
State and parameter estimation of linear stochastic multivariable sampled data systems

The problem of combined parameter and state estimation was originally posed as a nonlinear filtering problem using the extended Kalman filter. This led to problems of divergence and excessive computation, especially for multivariable systems. A two-stage online parameter and state estimator for multivariable stochastic systems is proposed that avoids these difficulties. A special canonical form of the state-space equations that simplifies the parameter estimation problem is used. In the first stage the parameters of the system matrices and of the steady-state Kalman filter matrix are estimated by a normalized stochastic approximation algorithm assuming known states. These parameter estimates are then utilized for state estimation in the second stage using the linear Kalman filter. The two stages are then coupled in a bootstrap manner.
Long-term Visual Outcome in Patients with Optic Nerve Pit and Serous Retinal Detachment of the Macula

Serous detachment of the macula is a well-known complication in patients with an optic nerve pit. Despite the many descriptions of this condition and possible treatment options, the long-term natural history is not well known. The authors identified 15 eyes of 15 consecutive patients seen over 21 years who were diagnosed with a serous detachment of the macula arising from an optic nerve pit. Average length of follow-up was 9 years. Twelve eyes lost three or more lines of vision, two eyes remained unchanged, and only one eye improved. All of the 12 eyes losing three or more lines of vision experienced this decrease within the first 6 months of follow-up. Although only two patients had a visual acuity of 20/200 or less initially, 12 of 15 patients had a visual acuity of 20/200 or less at the time of their last examination. The appearance of the macula at last examination included cystic changes of the neurosensory retina, full-thickness hole formation, retinal pigment epithelial mottling, and lamellar hole formation in the outer retinal layer. The long-term visual prognosis in patients with optic nerve pit and untreated serous retinal detachment of the macula is poor, and visual loss occurs within 6 months of the serous detachment.
Toward a Taxonomy of Groupware Technologies

The rise of the global marketplace and the advancing of the World Wide Web have given impetus to rapid advances in groupware. Hundreds of products now exist in the groupware marketplace, and more appear monthly. To ease the cognitive load of understanding what groupware technologies are, what capabilities they afford, and what can be done with them, we analyzed hundreds of computer-based collaboration-support products and distilled their attributes into two complementary schemas --- a classification scheme and a comparison scheme. The classification scheme provides a way to organize the many products from the rapidly expanding groupware arena into a small set of relatively stable categories. The comparison scheme provides the means to compare and differentiate collaboration technologies within and across categories. Taken together, the classification and comparison schemas provide a basis for making sense of collaboration technologies and their potential benefits to the collaboration community.