cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Molecular basis of biomaterial-mediated foreign body reactions

Despite being inert and nontoxic, implanted biomaterials often trigger adverse foreign body reactions such as inflammation, fibrosis, infection, and thrombosis. With regard to the inflammatory responses to biomaterial implants, it was previously found that a crucial precedent event was the spontaneous adsorption and denaturation of fibrinogen on implant surfaces. It was further found that interactions between the phagocyte integrin Mac-1 (CD11b/CD18) and one short sequence within the fibrinogen D domain (γ190-202; P1) at least partially explained phagocyte accumulation on implant surfaces. However, the reason that adsorbed fibrinogen is proinflammatory—while soluble fibrinogen clearly is not—remained obscure. In this study, therefore, the question of how fibrinogen is converted to a proinflammatory state when adsorbed to biomaterial surfaces is investigated. In soluble fibrinogen, the 13 amino acid P1 sequence was found to be hidden. However, the adsorption and denaturation of fibrinogen on the surfaces of commonly used biomaterials lead to the exposure of P1 and a second neo-epitope, γ377-395 (P2), which also interacts with Mac-1 and is similarly occult in the soluble protein. The extent of biomaterial-mediated P1 and P2 exposure appears directly related to the severity of inflammatory responses to a test panel of biomaterials. Finally, thrombin-mediated conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin also exposes both P1 and P2 epitopes. These observations may help explain both the inflammation caused by many types of implanted biomaterials and that which occurs naturally following thrombotic events.
Nonexistence of smooth electromagnetic fields in nonlinear dielectrics. I. Infinite cylindrical dielectrics

Abstract Coupled nonlinear wave equations are derived for the evolution of the components of the electric induction field D in a class of rigid nonlinear dielectrics governed by the nonlinear constitutive relation E = λ(D)D, where E is the electric field and λ [gt] 0 is a scalar-valued vector function. For the special case of an infinite one-dimensional dielectric rod, it is shown that, under relatively mild conditions on λ, solutions of the corresponding initial value problem for the electric induction field cannot exist globally in time in the L2 sense if it is assumed that the electric field in the rod is perpendicular to the axis of the rod and varies with the coordinate along that axis. The results hold when the electromagnetic field in the rod has compact support. Growth estimates for solutions, which are valid on the maximal time-interval of existence are also derived; these are valid in the simple but physically important case where λ(D) = λ1 + λ0 ∥ D ∥2. Relations with recent work on the phenomena of self-focusing and self-trapping for high intensity laser beams in a dielectric medium are also discussed.
THE PEDIATRIC HEART NETWORK FONTAN FOLLOW-UP STUDY: SURVIVAL DATA AND PREDICTORS OF FUNCTIONAL OUTCOME 7 YEARS LATER

Multicenter longitudinal outcome data for Fontan patients surviving into adulthood are lacking. Current vital and cardiac transplant status data were assessed 6.8±0.4 years after the Fontan Cross-Sectional Study (Fontan 1) in all 546 subjects. Anatomic, clinical and surgical data were collected
Protective Efficacy of BCG Overexpressing an L,D-Transpeptidase against M. tuberculosis Infection

Background M. bovis Bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG), currently the only available vaccine against tuberculosis (TB), fails to adequately protect individuals from active and latent TB infection. New vaccines are desperately needed to decrease the worldwide burden of TB. Methods and Findings We created a recombinant strain of BCG that overproduces an L,D-transpeptidase in order to alter the bacterial peptidoglycan layer and consequently increase the ability of this immunogen to protect against virulent M. tuberculosis (Mtb). We demonstrate that this novel recombinant BCG protects mice against virulent Mtb at least as well as control BCG, as measured by its ability to reduce bacterial burden in lungs and spleen, reduce lung histopathology, and prolong survival. A nutrient starved recombinant BCG preparation, while offering comparable protection, elicited a response characterized by elevated levels of select Th1 cytokines. Conclusions Recombinant BCG overexpressing a L,D-transpeptidase that is nutrient starved elicits a stronger Th1 type response and is at least as protective as parent BCG. Results from this study suggest that nutrient starvation treatment of live BCG vaccines should be further investigated as a way to increase host induction of Th-1 related cytokines in the development of experimental anti-TB vaccines.
Isolation and characterization of an IL-1-dependent IL-4-producing bovine CD4+ T cell clone.

An Ag-specific interleukin 1 (IL-1)-dependent bovine CD4+ Th cell clone, termed 300B1, was isolated and found to resemble the previously described IL-1-dependent murine CD4+ Th2 cell clone, D10.G4.1. Both the 300B1 and the D10.G4. 1 T cell clones proliferated to bovine (Bo) IL-1β human (Hu) IL-1α and IL-1β, and murine IL-1α when cells were costimulated with concanavalin A (Con A). Proliferation of the 300B1 clone, when costimulated with Con A, appeared to be IL-1 -specific in that proliferation could not be promoted by BoIL-2, HuIL-3, HuIL-4, HuIL-5, or HuIL-6. The 300B1 clone produced interferon-γ (IFN-γ), but not IL-2 following stimulation with either Con A, Con A plus phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate or Ag plus antigen-presenting cells. Upon stimulation with Con A, the 300B1 clone expressed IL-4 mRNA and produced an automne growth factor (AGF) that could be inhibited by anti-HuIL-4 but not by anti-HuIL-2 Ab. The clonal derivation of the 300B1 clone was confirmed by isolating five 300B1 subclones, all of which produced IFN-γ and an AGF but not IL-2. Collectively, these results suggest the IL-1-dependent bovine 300B1 Th cell clone produces IL-4, but not IL-2, as an AGF. Furthermore, the bovine Th cell clone appeared to share many characteristics of previously described murine Th2 cell clones except that the bovine clone produced IFN-γ.
The role of congruency in taste–odor interactions

Abstract The present study investigated the role that congruency between tastes and odors plays in two types of taste–odor interactions: retronasal odor enhancement by taste and retronasal odor referral to the mouth. In the first experiment, subjects rated (1) the intensities of sweetness, sourness, bitterness, and specific odor of aqueous samples of 3 tastants (sucrose, citric acid, caffeine) and 2 odorants (citral, coffee odor), both alone and in taste–odor mixtures, and (2) the degree of congruency of all possible taste–odor pairs. The results showed that only sucrose significantly enhanced the perceived intensities of citrus and coffee odors (Tukey’s test, p
Why Words Are Hard for Adults With Developmental Language Impairments

Purpose To determine whether word learning problems associated with developmental language impairment (LI) reflect deficits in encoding or subsequent remembering of forms and meanings. Method Sixty-nine 18- to 25-year-olds with LI or without (the normal development [ND] group) took tests to measure learning of 16 word forms and meanings immediately after training (encoding) and 12 hr, 24 hr, and 1 week later (remembering). Half of the participants trained in the morning, and half trained in the evening. Results At immediate posttest, participants with LI performed more poorly on form and meaning than those with ND. Poor performance was more likely among those with more severe LI. The LI–ND gap for word form recall widened over 1 week. In contrast, the LI and ND groups demonstrated no difference in remembering word meanings over the week. In both groups, participants who trained in the evening, and therefore slept shortly after training, demonstrated greater gains in meaning recall than those who trained i...
Evaluating the Cost of Food in a Carbon Constrained Economy

Although consensus has not been reached regarding the most efficient mechanism to curb anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions, rising concern over the consequences of global climate change and consequent shifts in public and political sentiment suggest that carbon legislation will be instituted in the US in the near future. The recent climate change bill passed in the House of Representatives titled The American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 (HR 2454) includes provisions for a cap-and-trade system intended to reduce the nation’s greenhouse gas emissions 83% by 2050. Consequently, it is likely that some means of carbon pricing will take effect that will make it more expensive to emit greenhouse gases. In a carbon constrained economy, it will become increasingly important to consider every stage of food production and consumption in order to evaluate the potential opportunities for emission reductions. This analysis uses Life-Cycle Assessment to estimate the social cost of food production by quantifying the associated negative externalities under a range of potential carbon prices, using meat and grain as examples. It concludes that 0.42 and 16.0 kg of lifecycle CO2 e are embedded in 1 kg of grain and beef production, respectively. Consequently, the marginal cost associated with the emissions caused by grain production under a carbon price range of $10 and $85 per t CO2 e is estimated to be between $.004 and $0.036 per kg of grain. By comparison, the estimated marginal cost associated with beef production over the same range of carbon pricing is $0.16 and $1.36 per kg of beef. Considering that the US produces 12 billion kg of beef per year, this range indicates that the carbon cost of beef production alone might fall anywhere between $1.9 and $16.3 billion per year, depending on whether and how a carbon price is applied. This uncertainty and potential carbon price could significantly impact the cost of carbon-intensive foods.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
The awkward adolescence of archaeological science

The rapid growth of archaeological science (and of the Journal of Archaeological Science) over the last 15 years has changed archaeology worldwide. New methods of analysis have allowed archaeologists to pose many new questions, and have made it possible to revisit many old ones. In spite of its many successes, archaeological science is not yet a mature field of science, for it has yet to attract adequate funding, has not solved the problem of how to reproduce itself (issues of training and employment), and still struggles with quality control. These are however all problems of archaeological science in rich nations. Looking beyond these, a particularly troubling issue is the growing inequality of access to archaeological science. Archaeologists in poorer nations are often aware of the growing importance of scientific techniques in archaeological research, but cannot obtain access to them. Archaeological scientists also need to be aware of potential political sensitivity of their work, and to work to build trust.
A study of the involvement of melanin-concentrating hormone receptor 1 (MCHR1) in murine models of depression.

Background Most antidepressant medications target central monoamine systems and are often characterized by limited efficacies and unwanted side effects. Thus, significant efforts are ongoing to identify novel targets for the treatment of depression. Growing evidence suggests that neuropeptides play a role in the pathophysiology of depression. The melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) is one such neuropeptide, implicated in the modulation of many physiological responses. Methods We utilized an array of techniques including chronic mild stress (CMS) as a depression paradigm, neurobehavior, gene expression analysis, and knockout genetics to investigate the role of MCH receptor subtype 1 (MCHR1) in murine models of depression. Results We report here that following a 5-week exposure to repeated chronic mild stress (an ethologically relevant animal model of depression), C57Bl/6J mice have increased hippocampal gene expression of MCH receptor subtype 1 (MCHR1), the cognate melanin concentrating hormone receptor in mice. This increased gene expression is reversed by chronic fluoxetine hydrochloride (Prozac™) treatment. Additionally, while female and male mice carrying a null mutation of the MCHR1 gene show comparable anxiolytic-like behavior on the open field, only female knockout mice exhibit antidepressant-like behavior, when tested on the forced swim and tail suspension tests. Conclusion Taken together, we suggest that antagonism of the MCHR1 receptor may provide a novel approach for the treatment of affective disorders, including depression, with a potentially increased efficacy in women.
Membrane curvature recognition by C-reactive protein using lipoprotein mimics

It has been reported that the oxidation of phosphatidylcholine (PC) is necessary for C-reactive protein (CRP) to bind to lipid membranes, but it remains elusive why CRP only binds oxidized membranes. Here we offer a new perspective on the role of membrane curvature in CRP binding using engineered lipoprotein particle (LPP) mimics. We show that CRP binds preferentially to LPP mimics with diameters of ≤28 nm, and binding of CRP to these mimics leads to the dissociation of native CRP into monomeric CRP, exposing CRP neo-epitopes that bind C1q. We also show that the smaller LPP mimics compete for CRP binding to oxidized low density lipoproteins (oxLDLs), suggesting that these mimics expose the same PC epitopes as those found on oxLDLs. Results from this study suggest that membrane curvature could be an additional factor influencing CRP binding of damaged membranes distinct from the oxidation of PC lipids.
Acute salpingitis in the adolescent female.

Summary Acute salpingitis is an important complication of sexually transmitted disease in young women and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of abdominal pain in all young women. Many organisms, in addition to N. gonorrhoeae , have been associated with this tubal infection giving support to polymicrobial etiology. However, the exact pathophysiologic role of these organisms needs to be clearly defined. The microbiology of acute salpingitis, through direct culture from the site of infection, the fallopian tubes, needs to be clearly elucidated. Early recognition and treatment of acute salpingitis is essential in preventing the major long-term problem, involuntary infertility. Curran 5 has estimated the reproductive outcome for a cohort of adolescent women reaching reproductive age in 1970. By the year 2000, there will have been one episode of salpingitis for every two women; 15% will be hospitalized for salpingitis with over half of these women requiring major gynecologic surgery; 10% will be rendered nonsurgically sterile; and 3% will have experienced an ectopic pregnancy. Adolescent females may be more susceptible to upper genital tract infection than older women due to possible unique biologic characteristics and sexual behaviors. Prospective microbiologically controlled studies of women with acute salpingitis using laparoscopy need to be developed to evaluate treatment regimens. Until such studies are undertaken, diagnosis, treatment, and fertility in women with acute salpingitis will remain unsatisfactory.
Methods and Limitations of Assessing New Noninvasive Tests Part II: Outcomes-Based Validation and Reliability Assessment of Noninvasive Testing

Outcomes-based approaches are the preferred methodology for technology validation. As discussed in part I of this review, the difficulties of performing an unbiased diagnostic evaluation are increasingly appreciated.1 An outcomes-based approach is advantageous in that it mimics the clinical application of testing. By risk stratifying patients, the results of this approach can be applied directly to clinical practice.2 Nonetheless, outcomes-based technology validation is not without challenges and limitations. These issues include the need for multivariable modeling for observational data, end point selection, and limitations of estimating posttest risk. Finally, it is increasingly appreciated that the future “gold standard” for outcomes-based assessments will be demonstrating whether imaging can identify which therapeutic approach optimizes patient benefit rather than merely identifying risk. ### Study Design Requirements of imaging studies include a relevant study population, comparison with an appropriate control group, and follow-up for outcomes. Designing randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that address imaging questions is challenging. The RCT may utilize imaging results as inclusion criteria or the basis for therapeutic assignment. Randomization to strategies with versus without imaging is problematic. The use of imaging per se affects outcomes only if a therapy is triggered; hence, in these studies, therapy and imaging results must be linked.3,4 Comparisons of imaging methods/modalities must mandate that test results are acted on rather than “available to the physician” (thus, an emphasis on efficacy rather than effectiveness). Because observational studies are far more common, they will be our focus. Although limited by inherent design flaws (eg, selection biases, potentially spurious observations, missing covariates), patients in observational studies better represent those seen in practice. #### Patient Selection Unlike diagnostic-based validation in which only patients referred to a gold standard after testing are included, in prognostic-based approaches all eligible patients are followed up at a preselected time point after testing to determine their status relative …
Demonstration of Analog Time-Bandwidth Compression Using Anamorphic Stretch Transform

We demonstrate a method for compressing the time-bandwidth product of analog signals. By performing feature-selective stretch, it enables digitizers to capture waveforms beyond their bandwidth with digital data size being reduced at the same time.
Exclusive versus non-exclusive dealing in auctions with resale

We consider a seller who can either sell exclusively through resellers, or allow potential consumers to purchase directly from him. The consumers’ willingness to pay is private information. All transactions are in the form of second-price sealed bid auctions. We show that, if the resellers can gain access to a substantially bigger portion of the market than the seller himself, the seller obtains a higher revenue by dealing exclusively through them, i.e., by committing to not sell to any consumer. The result is due to a “winner’s curse” effect: the resellers win only if the consumers that they compete against submit lower bids, i.e., if part of their customer base has low valuations. This depresses the resellers’ willingness to pay relative to what they would be willing to pay under an exclusive resale contract. Our results do not depend on the presence of transaction costs: exclusive dealing yields strictly higher revenue even when the resellers can market the item at zero cost.
Saccade-related, long-lead burst neurons in the monkey rostral pons.

The paramedian pontine reticular formation contains the premotoneuronal cell groups that constitute the saccadic burst generator and control saccadic eye movements. Despite years of study and numer...
Effect of renal interstitial infusion of L-dopa on sodium and phosphate excretions

It has been hypothesized that dopamine synthesized by the proximal tubule can act as a paracrine substance that regulates reabsorption by the proximal tubule. The present study was performed to study the effects of the stimulation of endogenous synthesis of dopamine by infusion of L-DOPA directly into the renal interstitium on sodium and phosphate excretions and to determine the roles of D1 and D2 receptors in the response. The infusion of L-DOPA (50 microg/kg/min) into the renal interstitium through an implanted matrix significantly increased the fractional excretion of sodium (FENa) from 1.0%+/-0.2% to 3.1%+/-0.6% and the fractional excretion of phosphate (FEPi) from 23%+/-3% to 36%+/-3%, P < .05, n = 10. The infusion of D1 receptor antagonist SCH23390 or SKF83566 (5 microg/kg/min) into the renal interstitium blocked the natriuretic (FENa 1.5%+/-0.2% to 1.9%+/-0.4%) and phosphaturic (FEPi 41%+/-3% to 41%+/-4%) effects of L-DOPA infusion. The infusion of the D2 receptor antagonist sulpiride at a rate of 4 microg/kg/min into the renal interstitium also attenuated the natriuretic (FENa 1.3%+/-0.3% to 1.6%+/-0.5%) and phosphaturic effects of L-DOPA infusion (FEPi 36%+/-5% to 39%+/-5%). We conclude that the renal interstitial infusion of L-DOPA increases sodium and phosphate excretions and that these responses are mediated by D1 and D2 receptors.
Connectivity restrictions in overlay multicast

A large number of overlay multicast protocols have been developed, almost all of which assume universal connectivity between end hosts. However, in reality, this assumption is not valid with widespread use of Network Address Translators (NAT) and firewalls. The impact of NAT and firewall connectivity restrictions on overlay multicast, especially in the application-endpoint setting, has not been seriously considered. In this paper, we argue that it is critical to consider connectivity restrictions because NAT and firewall hosts make up a large fraction of the endpoints, affecting proper functionality as well as performance of overlay multicast protocols. We present several design enhancements that explicitly consider connectivity restrictions in overlay multicast and evaluate the design space and tradeoffs based on real Internet broadcasts and Internet testbed experiments.
Complementarity of resonant and nonresonant strong WW scattering at the LHC

Abstract We exhibit a complementary relationship between resonant WZ and nonresonant W + W + scattering in a chiral Lagrangian model of the electroweak symmetry breaking sector with a dominant “ϱ” meson. We use the model to estimate the minimum luminosity for thr LHC to ensure a “no-lose” capability to observe the symmetry breaking sector.
Approach to the solid organ transplant patient with latent infection and disease caused by Coccidioides species.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW As transplant programmes flourish within the desert southwestern United States where Coccidioides species are endemic, there is increased awareness of and experience in identifying at-risk patients, and in diagnosing and treating coccidioidal infections. This review summarizes recent findings of studies and case reports about coccidioidomycosis in transplant recipients. RECENT FINDINGS Key to preventing posttransplantation coccidioidomycosis is identification of the at-risk population before transplantation. In transplant candidates, end-organ disease or comorbid conditions may mask or alter symptoms of infection; a high index of suspicion is therefore needed. With targeted prophylaxis, the rate of posttransplantation coccidioidal infections is low (1-3%); however, dissemination and mortality remain high (30 and 29%, respectively). The risk of donor-derived coccidioidomycosis is present but undefined. The diagnosis of coccidioidomycosis can be difficult, because of possible false-negative serologic findings in this population. Treatment in transplant patients parallels that for the general population, with additional secondary prophylaxis to prevent recurrence. SUMMARY In this patient population, coccidioidomycosis is a serious infection deserving careful and continuous consideration. With appropriate prophylaxis strategies, providers treating patients with coccidioidal infection can minimize its rate. Future studies should address diagnostics, treatment, and prevention strategies.
Management of macular holes that develop after retinal detachment repair.

Abstract Purpose To study the characteristics and management of macular holes that develop after prior rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RD) repair. Design Retrospective, interventional, consecutive case series. Methods The setting was a clinical practice. The case records of all of our patients (n = 12) who developed a new full-thickness macular hole after prior RD repair over an 8-year period were examined. Patients who developed a macular hole after prior RD repair were offered either surgical repair of the macular hole or continued observation. For eyes that underwent macular hole repair, main outcome measures included macular attachment status and postoperative visual acuity. Results Twelve full-thickness macular holes were detected in a series of 2,380 eyes (0.5% prevalence), which had undergone surgery for prior primary RD. Ten macular holes developed after scleral buckling surgery, two after pneumatic retinopexy, and none were seen after primary vitrectomy. The fovea had been detached in 11 of the 12 eyes at the time of RD. The median time to macular hole diagnosis after RD repair was 3.4 months (range, 0.3–161 months). Eight of the eight eyes (100%) undergoing surgical repair achieved macular reattachment with a median of 3.5 lines of visual improvement at a median of 14.8 months of follow-up. Seven of these eight eyes had an improvement in visual acuity of at least 3 Snellen lines, and four of the eight had at least 20/40 visual acuity postoperatively. Four eyes with macular holes were observed. Conclusions Macular holes developed in less than 1% of eyes that had previously undergone repair of rhegmatogenous RD. In our series, these atypical holes were seen predominantly after macula-off detachments, most commonly occurring after scleral buckling procedures. They were effectively repaired using conventional pars plana vitrectomy with long-acting gas tamponade and a variety of adjuvant therapies. A good visual outcome is possible with this approach.
Energy band structure of lithium—graphite intercalation compound

Abstract The energy band structure for C6Li has been calculated using a two-step procedure. In the first step the ab initio KKR method has been applied to a pseudo-muffin tin potential, where the potential within the atomic spheres is not spherically averaged. The resulting wave functions are then used to obtain the corrections to these bands resulting from the deviation of the actual interstitial potential from its volume averaged value. The results indicate a band structure composed of the energy bands of two-dimensional graphite, folded into the Brillouin zone of C6Li, plus a metal-like band originating from the lithium s level. The minimum of the metal-like band is about 2 eV above the Fermi level, indicating sizable transfer of charge between the Li and the graphite layers. The interaction of the lithium s level with occupied carbon π and σ bands leads to a covalent contribution to interlayer bonds. However, the interaction of the Li s level with the C π levels near the Fermi level is negligible. The Fermi surface contains two electron sheets originating from the folded, two-dimensional, weakly antibonding graphite π bands.
Neutral β-diketiminato nickel(II) monoalkyl complexes

Abstract Reaction of NiCl2(2,4-lutidine)2 (1) with Tl[Me2NN] (3) in THF results in the transmetallation of the β-diketiminate ligand from which the tetrahedral {[Me2NN]NiCl}2 (4) was isolated in poor yield. After filtration of the TlCl formed in the reaction between 1 and 3 in THF, addition of Grignard reagents RMgBr results in the isolation of monoalkyl complexes [Me2NN]Ni(R)(2,4-lutidine) (R=Me (5), Et (6), Pr (7)) in 40–70% yield. X-ray structures 5–7 of show these monoalkyls to be somewhat crowded, square planar species. NMR studies of the diamagnetic monoalkyl complexes show that lutidine dissociation/reassociation occurs on the NMR timescale at room temperature. In ethyl and propyl complexes 6 and 7, an equilibrium between the four coordinate [Me2NN]Ni(R)(2,4-lutidine) and a lutidine-free species [Me2NN]Ni(R) (R=Et, Pr) is observed. Broad, high-field 1H resonances consistent with the presence of β-H agostic alkyl groups are observed for the base-free species. The observation of two broad upfield 1H NMR signals at δ −2.7 and −7.3 ppm for the base-free Ni–propyl complex suggests a mixture of primary and secondary β-agostic isomers that reversibly interconvert by β-H elimination/reinsertion. Ethylene slowly inserts into monoalkyls 5–7 demonstrate to give highly branched ethylene oligomers.
Massive Pulmonary Edema and Death After Prostacyclin Infusion in a Patient With Pulmonary Veno-occlusive Disease

Pulmonary veno-occlusive disease (PVOD) is a rare form of pulmonary hypertension associated with fibrotic occlusion of the smaller pulmonary veins. Although vasodilator therapy is effective in many patients with primary pulmonary hypertension, the role of vasodilators in PVOD is unclear because of concerns about precipitating pulmonary edema. Recently, however, there have been reports of successful therapy with oral vasodilators or intravenous administration of prostacyclin in patients with PVOD. In contrast, a patient with PVOD is described who developed acute pulmonary edema and respiratory failure during low-dose prostacyclin infusion, leading to death. This report suggests that vasodilators, especially prostacyclin, must be used with extreme caution in patients with known PVOD.
Sierra Leone’s illicit diamonds: the challenges and the way forward

Although the Kimberley Process Certificate Scheme has considerably reduced the flow of conflict diamonds from 4% to less than 1%, other forms of illicit diamonds are estimated at 20% of global production. While scholars and policy makers have given considerable attention to illicit mining and smuggling (with some success), illicit exploitation still hinders revenue generation that is needed for economic growth and development in Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries heavily reliant on alluvial minerals. Based on surveys of 240 households in four diamondiferous chiefdoms in Kono District in Sierra Leone, key informant interviews, focus groups and secondary data, and drawing from the actor-oriented approach and Le Billon (Fuelling war: natural resources and armed conflict. London, International Institute for Strategic Studies, 2005) conceptualization of the political geography of the resource, this paper examines the problem of illicit diamond exploitation in post-conflict Sierra Leone. It investigates: (1) the causes of illicit diamond mining and smuggling; (2) the spatial and temporal aspects of illicit mining and smuggling, and (3) possible solutions to illicit diamond exploitation. The paper argues that the ineffectiveness of national mining laws/policies has created conditions that are exploited by local and international actors in the diamond industry. This is further exacerbated by the political geography of the resource. Study findings reveal that while better mining regulation could reduce illicit exploitation, bringing buyers closers to miners and offering them better prices for rough diamonds will minimize smuggling and thus increase government’s mineral revenue base.
Improved temperature response functions for models of Rubisco‐limited photosynthesis

Predicting the environmental responses of leaf photosynthesis is central to many models of changes in the future global carbon cycle and terrestrial biosphere. The steadystate biochemical model of C3 photosynthesis of Farquhar et al .( Planta 149, 78‐90, 1980) provides a basis for these larger scale predictions; but a weakness in the application of the model as currently parameterized is the inability to accurately predict carbon assimilation at the range of temperatures over which significant photosynthesis occurs in the natural environment. The temperature functions used in this model have been based on in vitro measurements made over a limited temperature range and require several assumptions of in vivo conditions. Since photosynthetic rates are often Rubisco-limited (ribulose, 1-5 bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase) under natural steady-state conditions, inaccuracies in the functions predicting Rubisco kinetic properties at different temperatures may cause significant error. In this study, transgenic tobacco containing only 10% normal levels of Rubisco were used to measure Rubisco-limited photosynthesis over a large range of CO2 concentrations. From the responses of the rate of CO2 assimilation at a wide range of temperatures, and CO2 and O2 concentrations, the temperature functions of Rubisco kinetic properties were estimated in vivo. These differed substantially from previously published functions. These new functions were then used to predict photosynthesis in lemon and found to faithfully mimic the observed pattern of temperature response. There was also a close correspondence with published C3 photosynthesis temperature responses. The results represent an improved ability to model leaf photosynthesis over a wide range of temperatures (10‐40 °C) necessary for predicting carbon uptake by terrestrial C3 systems.
Anxious Displacements The Representation of Gay Parenting on Modern Family and The New Normal and the Management of Cultural Anxiety

On popular television, parenting narratives have emerged as a dominant representational paradigm in depicting lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) subjectivities as “normal.” However, I a...
The public health impact of avian influenza viruses

Influenza viruses with novel hemagglutinin and 1 or more accompanying genes derived from avian influenza viruses sporadically emerge in humans and have the potential to result in a pandemic if the virus causes disease and spreads efficiently in a population that lacks immunity to the novel hemagglutinin. Since 1997, multiple avian influenza virus subtypes have been transmitted directly from domestic poultry to humans and have caused a spectrum of human disease, from asymptomatic to severe and fatal. To assess the pandemic risk that avian influenza viruses pose, we have used multiple strategies to better understand the capacity of avian viruses to infect, cause disease, and transmit among mammals, including humans. Seroepidemiologic studies that evaluate the frequency and risk of human infection with avian influenza viruses in populations with exposure to domestic or wild birds can provide a better understanding of the pandemic potential of avian influenza subtypes. Investigations conducted in Hong Kong following the first H5N1 outbreak in humans in 1997 determined that exposure to poultry in live bird markets was a key risk factor for human disease. Among poultry workers, butchering and exposure to sick poultry were risk factors for antibody to H5 virus, which provided evidence for infection. A second risk assessment tool, the ferret, can be used to evaluate the level of virulence and potential for host-to-host transmission of avian influenza viruses in this naturally susceptible host. Avian viruses isolated from humans exhibit a level of virulence and transmissibility in ferrets that generally reflects that seen in humans. The ferret model thus provides a means to monitor emerging avian influenza viruses for pandemic risk, as well as to evaluate laboratory-generated reassortants and mutants to better understand the molecular basis of influenza virus transmissibility. Taken together, such studies provide valuable information with which we can assess the public health risk of avian influenza viruses.
Residential energy-efficient lighting adoption survey

Artificial lighting has transformed how humans relate to the world, by improving productivity and making spaces habitable. The adoption of energy-efficient solid-state lighting, light emitting diodes (LED), has been suggested as a way of reducing energy used for lighting. Such predictions rest on the assumptions of constant light density and time of use in the future, assumptions not supported by past trends. In order to better understand how consumers choose to adopt energy-efficient artificial lighting for their homes; a survey was administered in four major urban areas: Chicago, Houston, New York, and San Francisco. Major insights from the survey indicate that if lighting becomes less expensive through adopting energy-efficient light sources, there is the potential for consumers to use considerably more, and the point at which the price for LED lighting yields broad market penetration is about one half of current prices. Regional factors such as lighting subsidies, taxation policies, laws, and educational information are also explored.
Blood flow and brain cell region models for Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease is a brain disease that affects the memory and causes disturbances in thinking, planning, language and perception. It has been repeated in the literature that the lack of oxygen and glucose in the brain cells make them function improperly and then die. As engineers we studied the behavior of blood flow inside the capillary and the brain cells. We have designed analog circuits that correspond to the blood flow and cells region models in the human brain. The control theory for continuous time systems has been applied to the design of circuits to study and analyze the results and to find the relationship between two models.
Thickness dependence of carrier mobility in mono- and bi-layer graphene with HfO 2 gate dielectric

Graphene, a two-dimensional layer of carbon atoms in a honeycomb lattice, can potentially serve as an alternative channel material for future electronics technology owing to its high (> 10,000 cm2/Vs) intrinsic mobility. Understanding the carrier scattering mechanism in graphene devices with high-k dielectrics is key to enabling top dielectric-metal stacks that combine a high capacitance and high electron mobility. Here we provide a systematic study of carrier mobility as a function of HfO 2 dielectric thickness, and as a function of temperature. Our results show that the carrier mobility decreases during the deposition of the first 2–4 nm of top dielectric, and remains constant for thicker layers. The carrier mobility dependence on temperature is relatively weak, indicating that phonon scattering does not play a dominant role in degrading the carrier mobility. The results strongly suggest that fixed charged impurities located in close proximity to the graphene are responsible for the mobility degradation. We speculate that positively charged oxygen vacancies, ubiquitous in high-k dielectrics, are the mobility limiting factor.
Leveraging crowds and clouds: towards an intercommunity approach to improving web accessibility

This paper discusses our research project for using an intercommunity approach to combine technical web solutions from many online communities into one tool that can provide simplified web pages to users with cognitive disabilities who find traditional websites difficult to use. We discuss our current progress, future directions, and benefits to the accessibility community as a whole.
A Prescription for Improving Drug Formulary Decision Making

Gordon Schiff and colleagues present a new tool and checklist to help formularies make decisions about drug inclusion and to guide rational drug use.
Low cost complexity of a general multicast network

This paper presents a new multicasting network constructed with a bit-level cost complexity of O(N log N) and a bit-level time complexity of O(log 2 N) using comparators with bit-level O(1) time and cost complexities. The requested addresses for connection and the addresses of the source nodes to be connected to, are sorted together in a pipeline fashion (worm-hole routed) bit-serially most-significant-bit first through the network. This network achieves sorting by recirculating its inputs through its 3(1+log N) stages. Input items of the network are constructed of leading addresses (request or adversely nodes addresses), return addresses, and data packets. Packets are broadcast during the process of sorting between two equal leading addresses. >
Regulation of sterol regulatory element-binding proteins by cholesterol flux in CaCo-2 cells

The regulation of sterol regulatory element-binding proteins (SREBP) by cholesterol flux was studied in the intestinal cell line CaCo-2. CaCo-2 cells were incubated for 18 h with micelles containing 5 mM taurocholate and 500 microM oleic acid or micelles containing either 200 microM cholesterol or 150 microM lysophosphatidylcholine. In some incubations, an ACAT inhibitor was added or 25-hydroxycholesterol was substituted for cholesterol. The SREBP-1a transcript was 2-fold more abundant than the SREBP-1c transcript. In cells incubated with micelles containing cholesterol, rates of cholesterol synthesis were decreased and rates of esterification were increased. Cholesterol synthesis was decreased further by ACAT inhibition. Cholesterol influx decreased mRNA levels of SREBP-2, HMG-CoA synthase, HMG-CoA reductase, and fatty acid synthase. ACAT inhibition modestly suppressed gene expression further. Neither SREBP-1a nor SREBP-1c mRNA levels were altered by cholesterol. Despite decreases in gene expression of the sterol-responsive genes by cholesterol, the amounts of precursor and mature forms of SREBP-1 and SREBP-2 were not altered. In contrast, if 25-hydroxycholesterol was substituted for cholesterol, both the precursor and mature forms of SREBP-2 were decreased. The polar sterol decreased the mature form of SREBP-1 but the amount of the precursor form was unchanged. In cells incubated with micelles containing lysophosphatidylcholine, which causes cholesterol to efflux from cells, sterol-responsive gene expression was increased. The amounts of precursor and mature forms of SREBP-1 and SREBP-2, however, were not altered. In contrast, if the cells were depleted of cholesterol by incubating them with lovastatin and cyclodextrin, the mature forms of SREBP-1 and SREBP-2 were increased, as were mRNA levels for the sterol-responsive genes. The data would suggest that cholesterol influx/efflux regulates mRNA levels of sterol-responsive genes independently of changes in the amount of mature SREBP. In contrast, 25-hydroxycholesterol influx or cholesterol depletion alters the amount of mature SREBP, leading to the regulation of sterol-responsive gene expression.
On certain sums over the non-trivial zeta zeroes

Let z denote the Riemann zeta function, and x(s) = (s/2)(s − 1)p −s/2 G(s/2)z(s) the classical completed zeta function, where G is the gamma function (Riemann 1859-1860; Edwards 1974; Ivic 1985; Titchmarsh 1986). Within the critical strip S ,0 < Re s < 1, the complex zeroes of z and x coincide, and we denote them by r. The x-function is entire, of order 1, and of maximal type. Herein, we mainly investigate certain sums bn over complex zeta function zeroes. We provide various representations and properties of these sums, with the main specific results stated in §2. We also supply some remarks on the Li criterion Li (1997) for the Riemann hypothesis (RH). We recall that the Li equivalence for the RH results as a necessary and sufficient condition that the logarithmic derivative of the function x(1/(1 − z)) be analytic in the unit disc. This obtains from a conformal map of the critical strip to this disc. The equivalence Li (1997) states that a necessary and sufficient condition for the non-trivial zeroes of the z-function to lie on the critical line Re s = 1 is that constants {lk } ∞=1 are non-negative for every integer k. The sequence {ln} ∞=1
Testing and simulation of degrading faults

Fault degrading is the result of a defect mechanism which has no effect on the logical behavior of the circuit, but rather causes performance degradation to the circuit. This degradation is manifested in poor signal propagation delays, and weak noise immunity. However, there are no testing techniques and no fault models that are capable of handling the testing of the degrading fault by using digital fault simulation. A defect model that is capable of mapping degrading defects syndrome into a Boolean behavior (syndrome) would make it possible to use higher speed digital fault simulation techniques, rather than analog parametric testing. This approach for testing is more reliable and would cover both; degrading faults (DF) and fatal (catastrophic) faults (CF) in the system.
An integrated Web-based grid-computing environment for research and education in computational science and engineering

We present the development of an integrated extendable Web-based simulation environment called Computational Science and Engineering On-line (CSEO) that allows computational scientists to perform research using state-of-the-art tools, querying data from personal or public databases, discuss results with colleagues, and access resources beyond those available locally from a Web browser. It is a user-driven Web-based application tool. Currently, CSEO provides an integrated environment for multi-scale modeling of complex reacting systems. A unique feature of CSEO is in its framework that allows data to flow from one application to another in a transparent manner. A particular example is demonstrated to show how results from fundamental quantum chemistry simulations are used to calculate thermodynamic and kinetic properties of a chemical reaction, which subsequently are used in the simulation of a combustion reactor. Advantages, disadvantages, and future prospects of a Web-based simulation approach are then discussed. CSEO can be accessed at http://cseo.net.
Multi-level pixel difference classification methods

Block matching motion estimation algorithms are useful in many video applications such as the block-based video coding scheme employed in MPEG1/2. A single-chip implementation of a motion estimator (ME) for high quality video compression domains has been the goal of many ongoing research projects. There are several complementary directions along which we can reduce hardware complexity, for example, (1) reduction of search points, and (2) simplification of criterion functions. The last category is what this paper focuses on. We study the algorithmic and architectural potentials of the pixel difference classification (PDC) method and propose a generalisation called multi-level PDC (MPDC). The goal is to examine different hardware-complexity vs performance trade-offs. Moreover, we identify a subset of MPDC, the bit-truncation (BT) method which has the most potential for hardware saving. Experimental results show that it offers attractive trade-offs. Under fixed bit rate constraints, it gives picture quality degradation of less than 0.5 dB, which is non-perceivable, for up to 6-bit truncation. BT results in no complicated data or control flows. Hence the consequent hardware reduction is straightforward. The estimated overall encoder hardware saving ranges from 12% to 35% for 6-bit truncation.
The Prevalence and Nature of Unrequited Love

Unrequited love (UL) is unreciprocated love that causes yearning for more complete love. Five types of UL are delineated and conceptualized on a continuum from lower to greater levels of interdependence: crush on someone unavailable, crush on someone nearby, pursuing a love object, longing for a past lover, and an unequal love relationship. Study 1a found all types of UL relationships to be less emotionally intense than equal love and 4 times more frequent than equal love during a 2-year period. Study 1b found little evidence for limerent qualities of UL. Study 2 found all types of UL to be less intense than equal love on passion, sacrifice, dependency, commitment, and practical love, but more intense than equal love on turmoil. These results suggest that UL is not a good simulation of true romantic love, but an inferior approximation of that ideal.
Microwave-promoted insertion of Group 10 metals into free base porphyrins and chlorins: scope and limitations

The scope and limitations of microwave heating as a tool for insertion of Group 10 metals into meso-tetraphenyl-porphyrin, -porpholactone, and -2,3-dihydroxychlorin derivatives are discussed. In some cases it is possible to reduce reaction times dramatically while obtaining good yields of the metallated products while in others new issues arise relating to the metal salt used as well as acceleration not only of the metallation reaction but also of byproduct formation.