cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Spatial Distribution of the Zooplankton

The analysis in the chapters which follow is conducted as if the zooplankton community in the vicinity of stations 1 and 2 (Fig. 2-1) were typical of the entire plankton environment of Lake Lanao. As indicated in Chapter 5, the extended time series of weekly samples is an average from two stations 1 km apart in order to minimize the effect of local horizontal spatial variation. In addition, multiple samples were taken at each station each week to minimize any effect of patchiness on very small distance scales. The final averages on which all the dynamic analysis is based thus typify specifically that portion of the lake near the 50-m contour where stations 1 and 2 are located (Fig. 2-1). The extent to which this portion of the lake is representative of the entire plankton environment can be judged on the basis of the following summary of spatial analyses which have been developed more extensively in previous publications (Lewis, 1975, 1977a, 1978c, 1979). In addition, the vertical distribution of the zooplankton is worthy of some brief treatment here.
Excitation and Contraction in Vascular Smooth Muscle

The contractile state of vascular smooth muscle is the final determinant of vasoregulation at the cellular level. In this chapter we shall deal primarily with the mechanism of vascular smooth muscle contraction and its regulation. The electrical activity and ionic permeability of the surface membrane of vascular smooth muscle play major roles in excitation-contraction and inhibition-relaxation coupling: the processes responsible for, respectively, activating and inactivating the contractile apparatus in response to external stimuli or intracellular oscillations. It is generally agreed that the level of free cytoplasmic Ca concentration is the major determinant of the contractile state in smooth, as in striated, muscle. Calcium acts on a Ca sensitive regulatory mechanism, details of which are still not fully agreed upon (Hartshorne and Aksoy, 1977; Ebashi et al., 1978; Adelstein 1978), and which in a “high Ca++ state” permits force generation through the interaction of the contractile proteins actin and myosin. Therefore, in this chapter we shall provide an outline of excitatory and inhibitory membrane phenomena in vascular smooth muscle, assess the sources and sinks of activator Ca, and review the ultrastructural organization of the contractile apparatus.
Deletion of mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase 1 modifies the response to mechanical bone marrow ablation in a mouse model.

Adult bone undergoes constant remodeling, which allows the skeleton to adapt to changes in loading, replace damaged tissue, and respond to nutritional and metabolic demands.40,44 This remodeling is regulated through a delicate balance of bone formation by osteoblasts and bone resorption by osteoclasts. Osteoblasts are derived from mesenchymal stem cells that differentiate and proliferate in response to cytokines and growth factors.21,24 Osteoclasts are formed through fusion and subsequent differentiation of hematopoietic monocyte–macrophage precursors.41,44 Decreased osteoblast and increased osteoclast formation or activity can result in deficient bone mass, known as osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a highly prevalent disease, affecting an estimated 10 million people older than 50 y in the United States, with an additional 34 million at risk.47 The development of treatment depends on an indepth understanding of the mechanisms involved in bone formation and resorption. Mechanical bone marrow ablation provokes a distinct sequence of events: formation of a blood clot with inflammation and capillary invasion, mesenchymal cell migration, osteoblast proliferation, and formation of new cancellous medullary bone, followed by osteoclastic bone resorption and bone marrow reconstitution.1,4,36,42 The osteogenic phase occurs during postoperative days 6 through 10,4,31 osteoclast-mediated remodeling begins at approximately 10 d, and marrow reconstitution is complete by 21 to 30 d.4,31,42 This model has been particularly useful for identifying genes involved in bone metabolism and determining their roles in bone formation and resorption.15,27,31,34,43,46,54 Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphatase 1 (MKP1) is a component of the MAPK signal transduction pathway,23,45 where it acts as a negative regulator of MAPKs. These factors in turn transduce a wide array of extracellular signals into cellular responses, including cell growth, differentiation, and apoptosis.14,17 MKP1 dephosphorylates all 3 major MAPK families (p38 MAPK, JNK, and ERK)23,30 and plays a critical regulatory role in a variety of biologic processes, including cell survival signaling,52,58 metabolic homeostasis53 and mediation of inflammation.16,28,33,38,51,57 MKP1 also regulates myoblast fusion,7 indicating a role for this factor in cell–cell fusion, a critical step in osteoclast formation. Further, studies in our laboratory have demonstrated upregulation of MKP1 transcripts at the onset of macrophage fusion.11,12 When stimulated, osteoblasts express MKP1,29,37 and MKP1 upregulation in osteoblasts is associated with inhibited osteoblast proliferation.22 We hypothesized that absence of MKP1 would impede osteoclast formation and reduce inhibition of osteoblast proliferation, thereby leading to increased bone mass, a treatment goal for osteoporosis. To test this possibility, we examined responses of bone in MKP1-deficient mice to mechanical bone marrow ablation.
Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy: The Extraperitoneal Approach

Over the last several years, daVinci® robot-assisted radical prostatectomy has been increasingly performed. With a number of reports from large volume centers reporting excellent cancer outcomes, with preservation of continence, and potency in nerve-sparing cases, the use of the robot will undoubtedly continue to increase. In addition to these surgical goals, the decreased invasiveness of the laparoscopic or robotic approach is associated with a decreased hospital stay, and an overall shorter convalescence, increasing further the appeal for robot-assisted procedures.
Chapter 22 – Meta-analysis of Clinical Trials

Meta-analysis has become a popular approach for summarizing a large number of clinical trials and resolving discrepancies raised by these trials. In this chapter, we introduce the general procedures for meta-analysis: formulating the question, defining eligibility, identifying studies, abstracting data, statistical analysis, and reporting the results. One key issue determining whether studies can be combined is the extent of heterogeneity among individual studies. We review graphical and statistical tools for assessing heterogeneity, describing the fixed-effect and random-effect models commonly used in meta-analysis, and providing some general recommendations regarding when fixed-effect or random-effect approach is appropriate. Publication bias is an inherent issue with meta-analysis, since studies (especially smaller ones) with “negative” results are frequently unpublished. Funnel plot, Begg and Mazumdar's rank correlation, and Egger regression are useful tools for assessing publication bias. As an illustration of the concepts discussed, we apply meta-analysis techniques to studies examining the use of antiinflammatory therapies in sepsis.
Reduced 90-day postoperative mortality through geriatric comanagement after cancer surgery.

11512Background: We explored the association between geriatric comanagement and 90-day postoperative mortality of cancer patients aged 75 or older. Methods: A retrospective review of a prospectivel...
[Analysis on contamination of aflatoxins in food samples in Shaanxi Province from 2012-2015].

Objective To investigate the contamination of aflatoxins in food in Shaanxi Province, and provide the basic data of dietary intakes of aflatoxins for food safety assessment. Methods In year 2012- 2015, 1007 food samples of eight kinds of food including grains, beans, vegetable oil, nuts and seeds, condiment, liquor, tea and infants' food were collected randomly from ten cities, and determined with UPLC. Results 1007 samples were detected aflatoxins and the total detection rate was 10. 7%. The detection range was 0. 070- 323 μg / kg, with the mean value of 2. 34 μg / kg. Among all food samples, only peanut products were more seriously polluted than other kinds of foods. Conclusion The overall level of aflatoxins contamination in market food is low, but peanut products might be the contaminated foods with aflatoxins in Shaanxi Province, and should be given more attention.
LONG-TERM THERMOHYDROLOGIC BEHAVIOR OF NUCLEAR-WASTE REPOSITORIES

ABSTRACT In the selection and assessment of geologically suitable sites as potential underground repositories for nuclear wastes, the impact of the heat generated by the wastes upon groundwater movement between the repository and the biosphere is an important consideration. The buoyancy flows are calculated in simple fracture models and porous medium models representing fractured rock masses. The buoyancy driving force is determined by the thermal disturbances which are dependent on the waste power characteristics, thermal properties of rocks, and depth of the repository. Long-term buoyancy convective flow is calculated as a function of these parameters, as well as the properties of geological formations and recharge conditions.
Cultural Guidelines for Commercial Production of Boston fern (Nephrolepis exaltata ‘Bostoniensis’)

‘Bostoniensis’, or Boston fern, is a popular sword fern variety that is one of the most important foliage crops in the ornamental plant industry. This 5-page article describes common Boston fern cultivars, provides guidelines for their culture and interior use, and lists physiological problems that may be encountered during production and interiorscape use. Written by Bill Schall, Heqiang Huo, and Jianjun Chen and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Environmental Horticulture, January 2018. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep550
Understanding Digital Checklist Use Through Team Communication

Introducing technology support in a complex, team-based work setting requires a study of teamwork effects on technology use. In this paper, we present our initial analysis of team communications in a trauma resuscitation setting, where we deployed a digital checklist to support trauma team leaders in guiding patient care. By analyzing speech transcripts, checklist interaction logs, and videos of 15 resuscitations, we identified several tensions that arose from the use of a checklist in a team-based process with multi-step tasks. The tensions included incorrect markings of in-progress tasks as completed, failure to mark completed tasks due to missed communications, failure to record planned tasks, and difficulties in recording dynamic values. From these findings, we discuss design implications for checklist design for dynamic, team-based activities.
Optimal Exploration and Charging for an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle with Energy-Harvesting Kite.

This paper examines the control of an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) with a deployable energy-harvesting kite for oceanographic observation and surveillance. The proposed design and control strategies specifically address objectives of achieving high-payload, long-endurance AUV operation through the deployment of an energy-harvesting kite while the AUV is anchored to the seabed, followed by the retraction of the kite for continued operation of the AUV. While deployed, the kite executes power-augmenting cross-current flight motions, using a hierarchical controller. When the AUV is in motion and the kite is retracted, a dynamic programming-based controller is used to select charging locations that minimize total charging time when traversing a prescribed mission path. Focusing on oceanographic observation along a Gulf Stream transect, using a hindcast model of the Gulf Stream current resource, the paper demonstrates the efficacy of the proposed control approach, as compared to several non-optimized alternatives.
Are We Acute-Care or Recovery-Oriented? Exploring Ideals and Practices Expressed Within the Substance Use Treatment and Correctional Systems.

The aim of this study was to explore whether treatment and probation professionals describe ideals and practices more aligned with the recovery-oriented systems of care (ROSC) model or the acute-ca...
Experimental investigation of coaxial-gun-formed plasmas injected into a background transverse magnetic field or plasma

Injection of coaxial-gun-formed magnetized plasmas into a background transverse vacuum magnetic field or into a background magnetized plasma has been studied in the helicon-cathode (HelCat) linear plasma device at the University of New Mexico [M. Gilmore et al., J. Plasma Phys. 81, 345810104 (2015)]. A magnetized plasma jet launched into a background transverse magnetic field shows emergent kink stabilization of the jet due to the formation of a sheared flow in the jet above the kink stabilization threshold 0.1kVA [Y. Zhang et al., Phys. Plasmas 24, 110702 (2017)]. Injection of a spheromak-like plasma into a transverse background magnetic field led to the observation of finger-like structures on the side with a stronger magnetic field null between the spheromak and the background field. The finger-like structures are consistent with magneto-Rayleigh-Taylor instability. Jets or spheromaks launched into a background, low-β magnetized plasma show similar behavior as above, respectively, in both cases.
Dynamic Disruption Management in Airline Networks Under Airport Operating Uncertainty

Air traffic disruptions result in flight delays, cancellations, passenger misconnections, and ultimately high costs to aviation stakeholders. This paper proposes a jointly reactive and proactive approach to airline disruption management, which optimizes recovery decisions in response to realized disruptions and in anticipation of future disruptions. The approach forecasts future disruptions partially and probabilistically by estimating systemic delays at hub airports (and the uncertainty thereof) and ignoring other contingent disruptions. It formulates a dynamic stochastic integer programming framework to minimize network-wide expected disruption recovery costs. Specifically, our Stochastic Reactive and Proactive Disruption Management (SRPDM) model combines a stochastic queuing model of airport congestion, a flight planning tool from Boeing/Jeppesen, and an integer programming model of airline disruption recovery. We develop a solution procedure based on look-ahead approximation and sample average approximation, which enables the model's implementation in short computational times. Experimental results show that leveraging even partial and probabilistic estimates of future disruptions can reduce expected recovery costs by 1-2%, as compared to a myopic baseline approach based on realized disruptions alone. These benefits are mainly driven by the deliberate introduction of departure holds to reduce expected fuel costs, flight cancellations and aircraft swaps.
Injured recipients of low-titer group O whole blood have similar clinical outcomes compared to recipients of conventional component therapy: A single-center, retrospective study

INTRODUCTION Low-titer group O whole blood (LTOWB) is being increasingly transfused to injured patients. This study evaluated a range of clinical outcomes to determine if receipt of LTOWB predisposed recipients to worse outcomes compared to recipients of conventional component therapy (CCT). METHODS A retrospective analysis of trauma patients who received at least 3 units of LTOWB (LTOWB group) versus those that received at least 3 units of RBCs, 1 unit of plasma and 1 unit of platelets but no LTOWB (CCT group) during the first 24 h of their admission was performed. Causal treatment effects were explored using propensity score matching (PSM) and coarsened exact matching (CEM). Important clinical outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS There were 165 CCT and 155 LTOWB recipients eligible for matching. PSM and CEM reduced covariate imbalances between the CCT and LTOWB groups, with the exception that males remained over-represented in the LTOWB group due to the hospital's former resuscitation policy of not administering RhD-positive LTOWB to females <50. In both of the matched analyses, the LTOWB group received a median of 4 LTOWB units. There were no significant differences in 6-, 24-h mortality or 30-day mortality between groups, nor were there differences in the frequency of other clinical outcomes such as acute kidney injury, sepsis, venous/arterial thromboembolism; delta MODS was lower for the LTOWB recipients in the exact match group. CONCLUSION In both matched analyses, administration of a median of four LTOWB units did not result in a different frequency of major clinical outcomes including mortality.
Cradle-to-grave environmental impact assessment of silver enabled t-shirts: Do nano-specific impacts exceed non nano-specific emissions?

Abstract Consumption of silver nanoparticles (nAg) is increasing due to their use in various industries. A comprehensive analysis is needed to elucidate the potential environmental and human health benefits and costs of the silver-enabled consumer products. For this purpose, four commercially available silver/nanosilver enabled polyester textiles with different initial silver/nanosilver loadings (1.07–4030 μg Ag/g textile) are included in the current research and cradle-to-grave life cycle assessments (LCA) are conducted to identify hotspots associated with production and use of these products throughout their lifetimes (100 cycles). Both non nano-specific and nano-specific impacts are calculated using nano-specific ecotoxicity characterization factors for nAg, instead of the commonly utilized ionic silver (Ag+) surrogate. Additionally, four different laundering scenarios were modeled to analyze the impacts resulting from using conventional and high efficiency machines. In the majority of environmental impact categories, either polyester textile manufacturing (regardless of Ag/nAg enabling) or laundering were identified as hotspots. Non nano-specific ecotoxicity impacts ranged from 1.58 × 101–2.91 × 101 CTUe/textile (CTUe: comparative toxic units for ecosystems) and nano-specific ecotoxicity impacts ranged from 2.01 × 10−4–3.10 × 10−3 CTUe/textile for the lowest and the highest Ag/nAg containing textiles, respectively. It is also found that unless the initial silver loading per textile is significantly high (in this case 4030 μg Ag/g textile comparing to the lowest load of 1.07 μg Ag/g textile), ecotoxicity and human health impacts of released silver species would be lower than ecotoxicity and human health impacts resulting from raw materials acquisition and manufacturing of the antibacterial textiles.
A single baroreceptor unit consists of multiple sensors

Arterial baroreceptors (BRs) play a vital role in the regulation of the cardiopulmonary system. What is known about how these sensors operate at the subcellular level is limited, however. Until recently, one afferent axon was considered to be connected to a single baroreceptor (one-sensor theory). However, in the lung, a single airway mechanosensory unit is now known to house many sensors (multiple-sensor theory). Here we tested the hypothesis that multiple-sensor theory also operates in BR units, using both morphological and electrophysiological approaches in rabbit aortic arch (in whole mount) labeled with Na+/K+-ATPase, as well as myelin basic protein antibodies, and examined microscopically. Sensory structures presented in compact clusters, similar to bunches of grapes. Sensory terminals, like those in the airways, formed leaf-like or knob-like expansions. That is, a single myelinated axon connected with multiple sensors forming a network. We also recorded single-unit activities from aortic baroreceptors in the depressor nerve in anesthetized rabbits and examined the unit response to a bolus intravenous injection of phenylephrine. Unit activity increased progressively as blood pressure (BP) increased. Five of eleven units abruptly changed their discharge pattern to a lower activity level after BP attained a plateau for a minute or two (when BP was maintained at the high level). These findings clearly show that the high discharge baroreceptor deactivates after over-excitation and unit activity falls to a low discharge sensor. In conclusion, our morphological and physiological data support the hypothesis that multiple-sensory theory can be applied to BR units.
Three-dimensional polarimetric imaging in a snapshot

The present work generalizes the theoretical model of the rotating PSF imaging based three-dimensional (3D) localization of point sources to high numerical aperture (NA) microscopy for which non-paraxial propagation of the imaging beam and the associated nontrivial vector character of light fields must be properly accounted for. Our analysis supports the prospects of simultaneous acquisition of the state of polarization and 3D location of a point source with high-NA objectives. A second approach for doing joint polarimetry and localization using a specialized birefringent plate without the need for high-NA objectives is also discussed briefly.
Age-dependence of heat-induced strand separation of DNA in situ in postmitotic cells of rat brain as revealed by acridine orange microfluorimetry.

Abstract Acridine orange microfluorimetry as well as Feulgen microfluorimetry were applied on smears of cerebral and cerebellar cortex of young (2-month-old) and old (24–27-month-old) female Wistar rats. The strand separation of DNA caused by thermal denaturation was measured between 50° and 90°C in the nuclei of cortical nerve cells and cerebellar granular cells. In the young nerve cell nuclei a considerable DNA-loss was observed after thermal denaturation, therefore, corresponding corrections should have been made on the heat denaturation curves. The old nerve cell nuclei of brain cortex showed a much higher heat stability than the young ones, whereas in the cerebellar granular cells the age-dependent difference was much less expressed. Our observations on chromatin in situ show the same tendency as do the findings obtained on isolated chromatin by others. The results are discussed first from a methodical point of view then the arguments are listed suggesting a possible role of interprotein cross-links in the age-dependent stabilization of the chromatin gel.
Determination of criticality indices in the PERT problem

A GPSS/360 model which estimates criticality indices and project duration distribution for the generalized PERT network is presented. The cost of developing this model and using it on a production run basis is compared with the corresponding costs associated with an equivalent FORTRAN IV (Level G) model. Although GPSS/360 facilitates the model-building process, significant overall cost economies can be realized by building the same model in FORTRAN when extended production runs are to be made.
A TASTE FOR THE NECESSARY

While American teenagers are often presumed to be uniformly ‘wired’, in reality, segments of the youth population lack high-quality, high-autonomy internet access. Taking a uniquely holistic approach that situates new media use within respondents’ larger lifeworlds, this study examines the effects of digital inequality on economically disadvantaged American youth. Analyzing primary survey and interview data, findings reveal the roles played by spatial‐temporal constraints and emotional costs in creating disparities in usage and skills among differently situated respondents. A close examination of the interview material discloses a dramatic divergence in the informational orientation or habitus internalized by respondents with more- and less-constrained internet access. Drawing on Bourdieu's concept of skhole, the work outlines the differences between the playful or exploratory stance adopted by those with high-quality internet access and the task-oriented stance assumed by those with low-quality internet ...
Effect of lead acetate on reproduction

Abstract One hundred and twenty sexually mature male and female rats were divided into three groups (control and treated with 5 mcg. or 100 mcg. for 30 days). Results indicate a significant increase ( P
Labor and the economy

Labor and the Economy. The Labor Force and the Economy. Labor and the Microeconomy. Theory of Wages. Labor and Macroeconomy. Labor and Economic Institutions. Labor and Public Policy.
Astronomy. Dark arc casts a long shadow.

The interstellar medium is mainly hydrogen gas, which is thought to cool to form clouds of molecular hydrogen. But the discovery of a large cloud of cold atomic hydrogen overturns that belief.
Fast optimization for mixture prior models

We consider the minimization of a smooth convex function regularized by the mixture of prior models. This problem is generally difficult to solve even each simpler regularization problem is easy. In this paper, we present two algorithms to effectively solve it. First, the original problem is decomposed into multiple simpler subproblems. Then, these subproblems are efficiently solved by existing techniques in parallel. Finally, the result of the original problem is obtained from the weighted average of solutions of subproblems in an iterative framework. We successfully applied the proposed algorithms to compressed MR image reconstruction and low-rank tensor completion. Numerous experiments demonstrate the superior performance of the proposed algorithm in terms of both the accuracy and computational complexity.
The effect of platelet concentrate storage temperature on adenine nucleotide metabolism

The effect of platelet concentrate storage temperature (4 degrees C versus 22 degrees C) on platelet adenine nucleotide metabolism was studied. In general, levels of platelet ATP and ADP, the release reaction, and the metabolis nucleotide pool were best preserved for 72 hr by storage of concentrates at 4 degrees C. Storage of concentrates for 72 hr at 22 degrees C was occasionally associated with a pH decrease to less than 6.0, which is incompatible with platelet viability. When the pH fell below 6.0, there was a marked deterioration of platelet adenine nucleotide levels and the release reaction. The results for concentrates stored at 22 degrees C, with a final pH above 6.0, were not inferior to the results for those stored at 4 degrees C. The pH remained above 7.0 in all concentrates stored at 4 degrees C. The pH changes of platelet concentrates stored at 22 degrees C could not solely be attributed to platelet count, red cell count, or bacterial contamination. Storage at both temperatures was associated with conversion of ATP in the metabolic adenine nucleotide pool to hypoxanthine.
On the irrigation requirements of cottonwood (Populus fremontii and Populus deltoides var. wislizenii) and willow (Salix gooddingii) grown in a desert environment

Abstract Native tree plots have been established in river irrigation districts in the western U.S. to provide habitat for threatened and endangered birds. Information is needed on the effective irrigation requirements of the target species. Cottonwood (Populus spp.) and willow (Salix gooddingii) trees were grown for seven years in an outdoor plot in a desert environment in Tucson, Arizona. Plants were allowed to achieve a nearly complete canopy cover over the first four years, then were subjected to three daily summer irrigation schedules of 6.20 mm d−1; 8.26 mm d−1 and 15.7 mm d−1. The lowest irrigation rate was sufficient to maintain growth and high leaf area index for cottonwoods over three years, while willows suffered considerable die-back on this rate in years six and seven. These irrigation rates were applied April 15–September 15, but only 0.88 mm d−1 was applied during the dormant period of the year. Expressed as a fraction of reference crop evapotranspiration (ETo), recommended annual water applications plus precipitation (and including some deep drainage) were 0.83 ETo for cottonwood and 1.01 ETo for willow. Current practices tend to over-irrigate restoration plots, and this study can provide guidelines for more efficient water use.
Role of hypoxia in the evolution and development of the cardiovascular system.

Article on the role of hypoxia in the evolution and development of the cardiovascular system.
Synergistic inhibitory effects ofp-coumaric and ferulic acids on germination and growth of grain sorghum

The data support the hypothesis that there is a synergistic phytotoxic effect whenp-coumaric and ferulic acids are found together. Equimolar mixtures of both acids showed greater reduction in sorghum seed germination, shoot elongation, and total seedling growth than either phytotoxin caused when alone. Repeated experiments showed mixtures containing 5×10−3 Mp-coumaric and 5×10−3 M ferulic acids reduced germination to 34% of controls after 24 hr and 59% by 48 hr. The same concentration of either phenol-treated seeds alone showed 69 and 92% germination at comparable times. The phytotoxic action of the combination approximated the inhibitory effect on germination of 10−2 M ferulic acid and was a greater reduction than caused by 10−2 Mp-coumaric treatments. Sorghum seedling growth was more sensitive than germination, with an equimolar mixture of 2.5×10−4 Mp-coumaric and 2.5×10−4 M ferulic acids reducing seedling dry weight significantly below weights of seedlings treated separately with 2.5×10−4 Mp-coumaric or ferulic acids. Further dilutions showed a 1.25×10−4 M concentration of either phenol was stimulatory to seedling growth, whereas a mixture of these two produced inhibition.
Nanoshell-based substrates for surface enhanced spectroscopic detection of biomolecules

Nanoshells are optically tunable core-shell nanostructures with demonstrated uses in surface enhanced spectroscopies. Based on their ability to support surface plasmons, which give rise to strongly enhanced electromagnetic fields at their surface, nanoshells provide simple, scalable, high-quality substrates. In this article, we outline the development and use of nanoshell-based substrates for direct, spectroscopic detection of biomolecules. Recent advances in the use of these nanostructures lead to improved spectroscopic quality, selectivity, and reproducibility.
General near-zone light source model and its application to computer-automated reflector design

The goal of this work is to develop a general light source model that is physically accurate, intuitively descriptive, computationally convenient, and applicable to real sources. It solves two major problems in illumination optics: near zone general extended light source charac- terization for accurate image rendering and ray tracing, and computer- automated reflector design using the resulting near-zone model. The main approach is to combine measurements with Fourier analysis, using judiciously chosen coordinate systems and orthogonal fitting functions. This has several advantages over standard ray tracing: it provides for natural data compression and interpolation; it bypasses the problem of computing the radiance distribution of a real source by using actual pin- hole CCD camera measurements; and it eliminates the computationally intensive ray-filament intersection problem by transforming the source into an equivalent nonuniform spherical radiator. A method for treating the occlusion of rays by the extended filament, with only spherical inter- section calculations, is also discussed. The application of the method is illustrated by the problem of designing a smooth specular reflector to cast a desired intensity distribution on a distant screen for a given source. The problem becomes a straightforward numerical optimization of the perturbations to a base reflector shape. An algorithm to provide a first guess for the perturbations based on the shape of the image perim- eter is also described. © 1996 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers. Subject terms: near-zone light source model; computer-automated reflector de- sign.
A novel alternative splice domain in zebrafish tenascin-C.

Abstract We have identified and sequenced clones from a zebrafish library that correspond to tenascin-C (TN-C). The 2036-bp sequence covers the C-terminal segment of the protein. Comparison of this sequence to TN-C from other vertebrates indicates that our sequence starts in FN-III domain 5, continues with one alternative splice domain, then with FN-III domains 6–8 and, finally, the complete fibrinogen-like domain. The alternative splice domain, designated TNfnQ, is not closely identified to any of the domains in other species, and may represent a novel descendent of the alternative splice-domain precursor.
Opioid receptors in midbrain dopaminergic regions of the rat. II. Kappa and delta receptor autoradiography.

Opiates and opioid peptides are known to influence the dopaminergic (DA) neurons in the midbrain. The purpose of this study was to map and quantify the density of kappa and delta opioid receptor subtypes in the retrorubral field, substantia nigra, and ventral tegmental area and related nuclei, which contain DA nuclei A8, A9, and A10, respectively. Sections through the rostral-caudal extent of the rat midbrain were stained with an antibody against tyrosine hydroxylase, as a DA cell marker, and comparable sections were processed for in vitro receptor autoradiography using the kappa-selective ligand, U-69593, and the delta-selective ligand, D-Pen2, D-Pen5-enkephalin. In general, both kappa and delta ligands exhibited low levels of specific binding in regions occupied by the midbrain DA neurons.Kappa binding (4–8 fmol/mg tissue) was high throughout the rostral-caudal extent of the substantia nigra, in rostral portions of the ventral tegmental area, and in the nucleus paranigralis; low binding occurred in the retrorubral field and central linear nucleus raphe.Delta binding (6–18 fmol/mg tissue) was high in the caudal portion of the substantia nigra pars reticulata, and in the medial terminal nucleus of the accessory optic system (a region previously shown to contain DA dendrites). The kappa and delta receptor binding is heterogeneously distributed in regions occupied by midbrain dopaminergic neurons, and several fold lower than the binding of mu opioid receptors in the same brain regions.
Sport, Ethnicity, and Assimilation

The “melting pot” theory suggests that prolonged interethnic contact leads to the disappearance of ethnic and/or cultural differences in society. Eventually, the argument holds, such contact between minorities and other subcultural groups with the mainstream society leads, first, to the assimilation of, and, then, to the disappearance of, ethnic distinctions. Sport has been perceived as an important mechanism in this process by which ethnic group members could be assimilated into mainstream society. However, recent anthropological work indicates that the melting-pot theory does not hold. Drawing from the works of several social scientists who have analyzed and are currently studying play forms among several ethnic cultures within the United States, this article presents data which challenge the tenability of the melting-pot theory. The data indicate that adopting cultures within the United States transform the nature of typically “American” sport forms to fit their own cultural schema and that the value o...
The Black press in Mississippi, 1865-1985

In spite of the historical conditions of poverty, illiteracy, and fear that have prevailed in Mississippi, blacks in the state have struggled to create a viable press that would record their world view. From Reconstruction to the present, the Black press has been a major institution in their effort to secure freedom and equality. This work, attempting a complete treatment of the journalism experience of blacks in a single state, documents all known examples of the Black press in Mississippi from 1865 to 1985, taken from newspapers, newsletters, magazines, and radio and television. Born during slavery - when blacks exchanged information through music, myth and religion - and growing out of necessity during the Civil War, the Black press in Mississippi had developed into a conservative, marginally relevant institution by the turn of the century. Thompson examines its period of vigorous growth in the 20s, its decline during the depression, and its precarious balance in the 1960s: if Black press publications and reporters appeared to be too conservative, the civil rights movement denounced them; if they appeared to be too radical, the police, Ku Klux Klan and White Citizens' Council abused them, sometimes with arson, bombings or beatings. All black journalists had reason to fear the state's Sovereignty Commission, which could and did curb and coerce the press. Though more black newspapers existed in the state in the 1960s than at any time since the 20s, the decade of struggle took its toll. With the death of Martin Luther King and the freedom movement's geographic shift to the North, the era gave way to disillusionment in the 1970s. The Black press in Mississippi continues to struggle, week by week, to stay afloat, Thompson says, while the White press - competing successfully for advertising dollars - maintains a generally conservative stance on the social, political and economic matters of greatest interest to blacks. He concludes that the challenge that confronted the Black press in the last century looms into the next.
Tropomyosin as a modulator of microfilaments

Abstract Microfilaments are used within the cytoplasm in a variety of structural forms. Over thirty actin-modulating proteins, producing particular structural alterations, have been described. But how are the actin-modulated proteins controlled? A major factor may be the expression of multiple tropomyosin genes. These tropomyosin isoform proteins may differ in their binding and effects on actin and in their capability to regulate the interactions of several actin-modulating proteins.
On the time-domain response of cole-cole dielectrics

We investigate time-domain electromagnetic pulse propagation in a dispersive lossy dielectric half-space whose properties are described in the frequency-domain by the Cole-Cole model /spl epsi/(/spl omega/)=/spl epsi//sub /spl infin//+(/spl epsi//sub s/-/spl epsi//sub /spl infin//)/(1+(i/spl omega//spl tau/)/sup /spl alpha//), 0</spl alpha/<1. With asymptotic techniques we calculate the small-depth impulse response and determine it is infinitely smooth at the wavefront. This result contrasts the case of the Debye medium (/spl alpha/=1) in which the wavefront supports discontinuities that decay exponentially with depth. Then, with asymptotic and numerical methods we investigate the large-depth impulse response. We find that while the saddle-point method accurately predicts the space-time location of the peak of the response it is of limited applicability in the approximation of such response for times past the arrival of the peak. Significantly, we find the peak of the response for 0</spl alpha/<1 arrives earlier than in the case of /spl alpha/=1. Our asymptotic results are validated with independent results obtained numerically.
FrameShift: shift your attention, shift the story

Attention is a limited resource that intrinsically dictates our perceptions, memories, and behaviors. Further, visuospatial attention correlates highly with user engagement, heart rate, and arousal [El-Nasr et al. 2010]. Artists and interactive game designers strive to capture and direct attention, yet even in the most carefully crafted graphic narratives viewer eye paths -- a proxy for attention -- vary up to 20 percent [McCloud 1994; Jain et al. 2012]. Our aim is to use attentional measures to enrich graphic novel narratives. FrameShift uses eye tracking to measure reader attention and changes text and visual elements later on in the story accordingly. We have built an extensible framework for using attention to introduce perceptual changes in narratives. We use attention as an indirect method for interactions and introduce shiftable frame nodes that change readers' belief states over time.
Periodic solutions of non-linear differential equations of the second order. IV

1.1. This paper is a theoretical investigation in the real domain of the existence of subharmonic solutions of non-linear differential equations of the form where F is analytic and of least period 2π/ω in t; e = (e 1 , …, e n ) is small; and F ( x, ẋ, 0, t ) is not linear in x and ẋ.
Vaginal Douching Among Latina Immigrants

Little is known about vaginal douching among Latina immigrants in the U.S. Understanding factors associated with douching is important due to the negative reproductive outcomes associated with this practice. This study examined demographic and behavioral factors associated with vaginal douching among Latina immigrants. A cross-sectional anonymous survey was administered among a convenience sample of 206 Latina immigrants aged 19–44 years (mean = 28 years) living in the U.S. at least 6 months (mean = 4 years). Demographic and behavioral characteristics, history of regular douching (at least once a month for 6 months), and current regular douching (at least once a month for the last 6 months) were assessed. Adjusted odds ratios (adj. OR) were estimated using multiple logistic regression. Overall, 25% (n = 50) of women reported ever douching regularly and 15% (n = 31) reported current regular douching. Ever douching regularly was significantly associated with a woman’s number of lifetime sex partners (adj. OR = 1.6 per additional partner over one, 95% CI: 1.1–2.5), hormonal contraceptive use (adj. OR = 0.3, 95% CI: 0.1–0.9), and healthcare seeking behavior (adj. OR = 2.3, 95% CI: 1.1–5.2). Regular vaginal douching is a common practice among Latina immigrants. Factors associated with douching in this population vary from those in other U.S. populations and, therefore, it needs to be addressed in a culturally appropriate manner.
On the use of lexicographic min cost flows in evacuation modeling.

Building evacuation problems can be represented as dynamic network-flow problems [3]. The underlying network structure of a building evolves through time yielding a time-expanded network (a dynamic network). Usually in such evacuation problems involving time, more than one objective function is appropriate. For example, minimizing the total evacuation time and evacuating a portion of the building as early as possible are two such objectives. In this article we show that lexicographical optimization is applicable in handling such multiple objectives. Minimizing the total evacuation time while avoiding cyclic movements in a building and priority evacuation are treated as lexicographical min cost flow problems. Language: en
Crystal structure of a replicative DNA polymerase bound to the oxidized guanine lesion guanidinohydantoin.

The oxidation of guanine generates one of the most common DNA lesions, 8-oxo-7,8-dihydroguanine (8-oxoG). The further oxidation of 8-oxoG can produce either guanidinohydantoin (Gh) in duplex DNA or spiroiminodihydantoin (Sp) in nucleosides and ssDNA. Although Gh can be a strong block for replicative DNA polymerases such as RB69 DNA polymerase, this lesion is also mutagenic: DNA polymerases bypass Gh by preferentially incorporating a purine with a slight preference for adenine, which results in G·C → T·A or G·C → C·G transversions. The 2.15 A crystal structure of the replicative RB69 DNA polymerase in complex with DNA containing Gh reveals that Gh is extrahelical and rotated toward the major groove. In this conformation Gh is no longer in position to serve as a templating base for the incorporation of an incoming nucleotide. This work also constitutes the first crystallographic structure of Gh, which is stabilized in the R configuration in the two polymerase/DNA complexes present in the crystal asymmetric ...
Three-stage nucleation and growth of Ge self-assembled quantum dots grown on partially relaxed SiGe buffer layers

Three-stage nucleation and growth of Ge self-assembled quantum dots (SAQDs) on a relaxed SiGe buffer layer has been studied. Plastic relaxation of the SiGe buffer layer is associated with a network of buried $60\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}$ dislocations leading to an undulating strain field. As a result, the surface possesses three different types of sites for the nucleation and growth of Ge SAQDs: over the intersection of two perpendicular buried dislocations, over a single dislocation line, and in the region beyond one diffusion length away from any dislocation. Ge SAQDs are observed to nucleate exclusively over the dislocation intersections first, followed by over single dislocation lines, and finally in the region far away from dislocations. By increasing the Ge coverage at a slow rate, the prenucleation stage at the various sites is observed. It appears that the varying strain field has a significant effect on both the diffusion of Ge adatoms before SAQD nucleation, as well as the shape evolution of the SAQDs after they form. Moreover, two distinctly different self-assembly mechanisms are observed at different sites. There exist denuded zones free of Ge SAQDs adjacent to dislocation lines. The width of the denuded zone can be used to make direct determination of the Ge adatom diffusion lengths. The partially relaxed substrate provides a useful experimental vehicle for the in-depth understanding of the formation mechanism of SAQDs grown epitaxially in the Stranski-Krastanov growth mode.
An unexpected spectrum of p53 mutations from squamous cell carcinomas in psoriasis patients treated with PUVA

Photochemotherapy employing 8-methoxypsoralen and long-wavelength ultraviolet radiation (UVA, 320-400 nm) is widely used in the treatment of psoriasis. The photoactivation of psoralens in skin cells leads to formation of DNA photoadducts which may be responsible, at least in part, for the efficacy of these photochemotherapies. However, mutations arising from these adducts may also lead to the well-characterized increased incidence of squamous cell carcinoma. Mutations in the p53 tumor suppressor gene have been detected in many human cancers. To determine whether p53 mutations occur in squamous cell carcinomas in PUVA patients, PCR was used to amplify the exons (5-9) in which other studies have found a high frequency of point mutations. Gel electrophoresis was used to detect single-strand conformational polymorphisms. Aberrantly migrating bands were excised, reamplified and sequenced. Thirty-four specimens from 10 patients were examined. Specimens from one patient who had received no phototherapy as well as from normal controls were also analyzed. Five of the 10 patients showed at least one p53 mutation. In contrast to previously reported psoralen-induced p53 mutations in mice, the expected psoralen type mutations at alternating AT sites were not detected. All but two of the altered sequences occurred at dipyrimidine sites which is typical of solar type mutations. Two C-->T mutations and two dipyrimidine mutations (CC-->TT) were found. Other mutations included: C-->G, G-->T, C-->A and an 18 bp deletion. A review of therapeutic history of these patients showed that some had also received UVB phototherapy. Furthermore, because sunlight is thought to be beneficial for psoriasis, nontherapeutic, casual UVB exposure cannot be excluded. Our observations suggest that the SCC may have arisen from the solar mutations and that PUVA may enhance tumor progression or immune suppression.