cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Opioids and the Urgent Need to Focus on the Health Care of Young Adults

During the 20th century, adolescence emerged as a unique period in the human life span that warranted specific scientific focus.1,2 Similarly, in the 21st century, young adulthood has been recognized as another unique period in the life span.3–5 Despite calls for research to advance the health and health care of the young adult population, young adults are underrepresented in medical research.6,7 When they are included, data on young adults are often aggregated with data of adolescents or older adults. Thus, the study by Hudgins et al8 in this issue of Pediatrics is notable for its focus on an important health topic and for its separate analyses of opioid prescriptions written for adolescents and for young adults. Using nationally representative data, the authors present trends and characteristics associated with opioid prescriptions written for adolescents (ages 13–17 years) and young adults (ages 18–22 years) from 2005 to 2015 in ambulatory care settings. The study found that opioid prescriptions were common for both groups but approximately twice as common for young adults. … Address correspondence to S. Todd Callahan, MD, MPH, Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Health, Department of Pediatrics, Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, 719 Thompson Lane, Suite 36300, Nashville, TN 37204. E-mail: todd.callahan{at}vumc.org
Joint trajectories of cognition and gait speed in Mexican American and European American older adults: The San Antonio longitudinal study of aging.

OBJECTIVES Cognitive decline and gait speed slowing are independent predictors of disability and mortality. While both factors increase in prevalence with advancing age, little is known about their combined patterns of change. The study goal was to identify joint trajectories of cognition and gait speed within an aging bi-ethnic cohort of Mexican Americans and European Americans. METHODS/DESIGN Participants included 182 Mexican Americans and 188 European Americans, ages 65 to 74, who were followed over a mean of 9.5 years. Cognition was assessed with the mini-mental state examination and gait speed was examined with a timed 10-ft walk. Joint trajectory classes of cognition and gait speed were identified with latent growth mixture modeling. Odd-ratios assessed predictors for trajectory classes. RESULTS Three latent trajectory classes were identified: (a) relatively stable cognition and gait (termed stable cognition and gait class, 65.4%); (b) deteriorating cognition and gait (termed cognitive and physical vulnerability class, 22.2%); (c) stable cognition and deteriorating gait (termed physical vulnerability class, 12.4%). The odds of classification in the cognitive and physical vulnerability class vs stable cognition and gait class was associated with Mexican American ethnicity (OR = 3.771, P = .016), age (OR = 1.186, P = .017), income (OR = 0.828, P = .029), education (OR = 0.703, P < .001), and diabetes (OR = 4.547, P = .010). The odds of classification in the physical vulnerability class was associated with female sex (OR = 6.481, P = .004) and body mass index (OR = 1.118, P = .025). CONCLUSIONS The trajectories of cognition and gait speed were generally parallel, suggesting the two domains may act synergistically to shape important health outcomes. Socioeconomic disparities and Mexican American ethnicity independently conferred risk for accelerated decline.
Basal ganglia circuits

Abstract The basal ganglia constitute a forebrain system associated with affecting motor and other behaviors that involve the cerebral cortex. The principal input nucleus is the striatum, which receives excitatory projections from the cerebral cortex and the intralaminar thalamus as well as neuromodulatory input from midbrain dopamine neurons. Output of the basal ganglia arises from GABAergic inhibitory neurons in the substantia nigra and internal segment of the globus pallidus that project to the thalamus and midbrain motor circuits. Two systems connect the striatum to the output nuclei: a direct pathway from D1 dopamine receptor expressing striatal neurons that project directly to the output nuclei, and an indirect pathway from D2 expressing striatal neurons that project to the external segment of the globus pallidus and connect indirectly to the output nuclei through the subthalamic nucleus. The direct and indirect striatal pathways, respectively, promote and constrain behaviors affected by the basal ganglia.
A Lattice Boltzmann Model for Multi-phase Fluid Flows

We develop a lattice Boltzmann equation method for simulating multi-phase immiscible fluid flows with variation of density and viscosity, based on the model proposed by Gunstensen {\em et al} for two-component immiscible fluids. The numerical measurements of surface tension and viscosity agree well with theoretical predictions. Several basic numerical tests, including spinodal decomposition, two-phase fluid flows in two-dimensional channels and two-phase viscous fingering, are shown in agreement of experiments and analytical solutions.
48 A local study on survival outcome and prognostic significance of lower uterine segment involvement in early stage endometrioid endometrial carcinoma

Majority of endometrial cancer patients present with early - stage disease and generally carries an overall good prognosis. Treatment typically consists of surgery and the need for adjuvant therapy is based primarily on the stage of the disease and other prognostic factors. Lower uterine segment (LUS) involvement though not currently included in the FIGO staging for endometrial cancer and prognostic factors for adjuvant treatment, may play a role in the managementof early stage endometrial cancer. The aim of the study is to investigate the overall survival (OS) and recurrence free survival (RFS) of early stage endometrioid endometrial cancer (EEC) with LUS involvement and to detect its association with other prognostic factors. This is a retrospective study which included patients diagnosed with stage l EEC who underwent surgical staging at a single institution from January 2004 – December 2014. The 5 year OS and RFS of patients with or without LUS involvement were documented and analyzed. Of the 142 cases, 36 (25.4%) had LUS involvement. The 5 year OS of patients with positive and negative LUS involvement were significantly different at 83.8% and 95.4% respectively (p value = 0.039). There was no significant difference in their RFS at 87.5% and 87.8% respectively (p value = 0.807). LUS involvement was significantly associated with deeper myometrial invasion, presence of lymphovascular space invasion and larger tumor size of euqal to or greater than 2 cm. LUS involvement warrants consideration when deciding upon surgical staging and giving adjuvant treatment in patients with stage l EEC.
Gender Representation in American Urological Association Guidelines.

ABSTRACT Objective To study patterns and factors associated with female representation in the American Urological Association (AUA) guidelines. Methods We gathered publicly available information about the panelists, including the AUA section, practice setting, academic rank, fellowship training, years in practice, and H-index. The factors associated with the proportion of female panelists and trends were investigated. We also examined the proportion of female panelists in the European Association of Urology (EAU) and National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) urology guidelines. Results There were 483 non-unique panelists in AUA guidelines, and 17% are female. Non-urologist female panelists in AUA guidelines represented a higher proportion than female urologists (30% vs 13%, P Conclusion Female representation among major urologic guidelines members is low and unchanged overtime. Female urologist participation was proportional to their representation in the urology workforce. Being a non-urologist and lower H-indices were associated with female membership in guideline panels.
Design and modeling of bamboo biomorphic structure for in-plane energy absorption improvement

Abstract Bamboo cell wall exhibits a microscopically graded architecture, and micro-layer distributed cells around individual cell walls, which leads to the preferred mechanical properties of bamboo for impact loading. This work proposes a cellular structure, as called Bamboo Biomorphic Structure (BBS), which is a functionally graded honeycomb cellular structure inspired by the microstructure of bamboo and manufactured using fused filament fabrication (FFF). It is hypothesized that, by introducing bamboo biomorphic micro-unit cells, including a range of thickness step differences within an individual honeycomb unit cell, the successive stages of deformation of the honeycomb structure can be controlled, making the system absorb impact energy more efficiently. Characterization of the designed structures was conducted under in-plane quasi-static loading conditions, and then evaluated using a nonlinear finite element commercial code LS-DYNA. The proposed gradient BBS showed higher absorbed impact energies by four times compared with the conventional Honeycomb structure. The proposed parametric design would aid engineering design principles for the development of a novel biomorphic cellular structure, which has the potential for large-scale manufacturing of efficient energy-absorbing engineering structures. Such an energy-absorbing structure can help improve the lightweight structure design for various applications, including automobiles and aircrafts, while ensuring safety under impact load.
Zebrafish Cdx4 regulates neural crest cell specification and migratory behaviors in the posterior body

The neural crest (NC) is a transient multipotent cell population that migrates extensively to produce a remarkable array of vertebrate cell types. NC cell specification progresses in an anterior to posterior fashion, resulting in distinct, axial-restricted subpopulations. The anterior-most, cranial, population of NC is specified as gastrulation concludes and neurulation begins, while more posterior populations become specified as the body elongates. The mechanisms that govern development of the more posterior NC cells remain incompletely understood. Here, we report a key role for zebrafish Cdx4, a homeodomain transcription factor, in the development of posterior NC cells. We demonstrate that cdx4 is expressed in trunk NC cell progenitors, directly binds NC cell-specific enhancers in the NC GRN, and regulates expression of the key NC development gene foxd3 in the posterior body. Moreover, cdx4 mutants show disruptions to the segmental pattern of trunk NC cell migration due to loss of normal leader/follower cell dynamics. Finally, using cell transplantation to generate chimeric specimens, we show that Cdx4 does not function in the paraxial mesoderm-the environment adjacent to which crest migrates-to influence migratory behaviors. We conclude that cdx4 plays a critical, and likely tissue autonomous, role in the establishment of trunk NC migratory behaviors. Together, our results indicate that cdx4 functions as an early NC specifier gene in the posterior body of zebrafish embryos.
Qualitative assessment of anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike protein immunogenicity (QUASI) after COVID-19 vaccination in older people living with HIV.

OBJECTIVES: Effective and safe COVID-19 vaccines have been developed and have resulted in decreased incidence and severity of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and can decrease secondary transmission. However, there are concerns about dampened immune responses to COVID-19 vaccination among immunocompromised patients, including people living with HIV (PLWH), which may blunt the vaccine's efficacy and durability of protection. This study aimed to assess the qualitative SARS-CoV-2 vaccine immunogenicity among PLWH after vaccination. METHODS: We conducted targeted COVID-19 vaccination (all received BNT162b2 vaccine) of PLWH (aged ≥ 55 years per state guidelines) at Yale New Haven Health System and established a longitudinal survey to assess their qualitative antibody responses at 3 weeks after the first vaccination (and prior to receipt of the second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine) (visit 1) and at 2-3 weeks after the second vaccination (visit 2) but excluded patients with prior COVID-19 infection. Our goal was to assess vaccine-induced immunity in the population we studied. Qualitative immunogenicity testing was performed using Healgen COVID-19 anti-Spike IgG/IgM rapid testing. Poisson regression with robust standard errors was used to determine factors associated with a positive IgG response. RESULTS: At visit 1, 45 of 78 subjects (57.7%) tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 anti-Spike IgG after the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine. Thirty-nine subjects returned for visit 2. Of these, 38 had positive IgG (97.5%), including 20 of 21 subjects (95.2%) with an initial negative anti-Spike IgG. Our bivariate analysis suggested that participants on an antiretroviral regimen containing integrase strand transfer inhibitors [relative risk (RR) = 1.81, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.92-3.56, p = 0.085] were more likely to seroconvert after the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, while those with a CD4 count < 500 cells/µL (RR = 0.59, 95% CI: 0.33-1.05, p = 0.071), and those diagnosed with cancer or another immunosuppressive condition (RR = 0.49, 95% CI: 0.18-1.28, p = 0.15) may have been less likely to seroconvert after the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. The direction of these associations was similar in the multivariate model, although none of these findings reached statistical significance (RRintegrase inhibitor = 1.71, 95% CI: 0.90-3.25, p = 0.10; RRCD4 count = 0.68, 95% CI: 0.39-1.19, p = 0.18; RRcancer or another immunosuppressive condition = 0.50, 95% CI: 0.19-1.33, p = 0.16). With regard to immunogenicity, we were able to record very high rates of new seroconversion following the second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that completing a two-dose series of BNT162b2 vaccine is critical for PLWH given suboptimal seroconversion rates after the first dose and subsequent improved seroconversion rates after the second dose.
Microstructural evolution during friction stir welding of dissimilar aluminum alloy to advanced high-strength steel

One type of advanced high-strength steel, transformation-induced plasticity (TRIP) 780 steel, has been successfully welded to aluminum alloy Al 6061-T6 using friction stir welding (FSW) technique. The major Al-Fe interface in the steel side has been analyzed in detail under various welding conditions, where a thin layer of intermetallic compound (IMC) with a thickness of less than 1 μm can be generally observed and the composition was identified to be either FeAl or Fe3Al. This thin IMC layer can be shown to be beneficial for joint strength. Optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy showed the weld nugget was distributed with sheared-off steel fragments encompassed IMC layers or simply IMC particles. Finally, a stirred-over steel strip embedded in the aluminum matrix was revealed, which would determine the failure mode and is crucial to joint quality based on tensile test results.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Depression and Cognitive Impairment in Late-Life

Cognitive impairment in late-life depression is prevalent, disabling, and heterogeneous. Although mild cognitive impairment in depression does not usually progress to dementia, accurate assessment of cognition is vital to prognosis and treatment planning. For example, executive dysfunction often accompanies late-life depression, influences performance across cognitive domains, and is associated with poor antidepressant treatment outcomes. Here, we review how assessment can capture dysfunction across cognitive domains and discuss cognitive trajectories frequently observed in late-life depression in the context of the neurobiology of this disorder. We also review the efficacy of a sample of interventions tailored to specific cognitive profiles.
Digital Data Acquisition and Processing

A flow cytometer is made up of many different subsystems that work together to measure the optical properties of individual cells within a sample. The data acquisition system (also called the data system) is one of these subsystems, and it is responsible for converting the electrical signals from the optical detectors into list-mode data. This unit describes the inner workings of the data system, and provides insight into how the instrument functions as a whole. Some of the information provided in this unit is applicable to everyday use of these instruments, and, at minimum, should make it easier for the reader to assemble a specific data system. With the considerable advancement of electronics technology, it becomes possible to build an entirely functional data system using inexpensive hobbyist-level electronics. This unit covers both analog and digital data systems, but the primary focus is on the more prevalent digital data systems of modern flow cytometric instrumentation.
Anesthesia Considerations for Monitoring TCMEPs in Adults Diagnosed with Poliomyelitis as Children: A Case Report

ABSTRACT.The use of transcranial motor evoked potentials (TCMEPs) to detect and hopefully prevent injury to the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves intraoperatively has increased greatly in recent years. It is well established that in addition to certain anesthetic agents, patient factors such as advanced age, obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and a collection of neurological and neuromuscular diseases and disorders can greatly reduce or completely eliminate the ability to monitor TCMEPs effectively. One such disease, poliomyelitis (polio), is a highly contagious viral disease that has been mostly forgotten since its near-eradication through vaccination. Over the past three decades there has been increasing recognition of late onset neurological deterioration in individuals who were afflicted by, and apparently recovered from, paralytic poliomyelitis much earlier in life. This condition is known as post-poliomyelitis syndrome (PPS). Patients that appear to have fully recovered from polio, and those w...
Time trends in prognosis of patients with myocardial infarction: A population based study

A population-based study was conducted in metropolitan Baltimore, in which the prognosis of 504 patients hospitalized with acute myocardial infarction (MI) from July 1966 through June 1967 was compared with that of 803 patients hospitalized from January through December 1971. For patients admitted to coronary care units (CCUs), the in-hospital case-fatality rate (CFR) in 1971 (20%) was found to be significantly lower than that in 1966/67 (27.5%) (p less than .025), after simultaneous adjustment for 16 variables which may affect prognosis. No such significant difference was detected for patients not admitted to CCUs when the two time periods were compared. As a result of these time trends, CFRs were not significantly different between CCU and non-CCU patients in 1966/67, but in 1971 a significant advantage was shown for CCU patients (p less than .005). These results suggest that effectiveness of CCUs in prevention of in-hospital deaths increased between 1966/67 and 1971. For hospital survivors, regardless of admission to a CCU, no significant differences in long-term prognosis were found between patients discharged in 1971 and those discharged in 1966/67. This finding may reflect the lack of major therapeutic advances between the two study periods, aimed at reducing the progression of coronary atherosclerosis and/or the extent of the infarcted area.
Analysis of the Arctic atmospheric energy budget in WRF: A comparison with reanalyses and satellite observations

[1] The Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model is used to dynamically downscale the regional climate of the Arctic, an area undergoing rapid climate changes. Because the WRF model is increasingly being run over larger spatial and temporal scales, an assessment of its ability to reconstruct basic properties of regional climates, such as terms in the energy budget, is crucial. Estimates of the Arctic energy budget from WRF are compared with estimates from reanalyses and satellite observations. The WRF model was run on a large pan-Arctic domain continuously from 2000 to 2008. Apart from a few systematic shortcomings, WRF sufficiently captures the Arctic energy budget. The major deficiency, with differences from reanalyses and satellite observations as large as 40 W m−2 in summer months, is in the shortwave radiative fluxes at both the surface and top of atmosphere (TOA). WRF's positive bias in upwelling shortwave radiation is due to a specified constant sea ice albedo of 0.8, which is too high during the summer. When sea ice albedo in WRF is allowed to vary in a more realistic manner in a test simulation, both surface and TOA energy budget components improve, while showing little impact on the atmospheric energy convergence and storage. A second, similar WRF simulation was performed but with gridded nudging enabled. When the large-scale circulation is constrained to the forcing data, the two energy budget terms that are most dependent on weather patterns, the convergence of atmospheric energy transport and the tendency of column-integrated energy, closely resemble their reanalysis counterparts.
Clarifying Criminological and Social Psychological Theory: A Second Look at the Relationship between Injustice and General Strain Theory

Research in social psychology and criminology reveals a great deal of overlap when explaining the relationship between injustice and criminal or deviant behavior. The organizational justice literature examines how the major forms of justice (distributive, procedural, and interactional) combine and interact to influence criminal or deviant behaviors in the workplace. While general strain theory (GST) recognizes that injustice is an aspect of strain that fosters criminal coping in multiple contexts, it does not detail the additive and interactive effects that these types of injustice may have on crime. Nevertheless, GST can provide a useful theoretical lens for understanding how injustice facilitates criminal behavior. This article provides an overview of major findings regarding the relationship between injustice and crime according to a GST framework, concluding with a discussion of new directions for future research.
Estimation of functions of population means and regression coefficients including structural coefficients: A minimum expected loss (MELO) approach☆

Abstract Parameter estimates that minimize the posterior expectation of generalized quadratic loss functions are derived for a wide range of estimation problems encountered in econometrics and statistics including estimation of structural coefficients of linear structural econometric models and reciprocals and ratios of population means and regression or reduced form coefficients. These MELO estimates are simple in form and possess finite sampling moments and risk in contrast to other estimators, including maximum likelihood estimators, that possess no finite moments and have infinite risk relative to quadratic loss functions. Additional finite and large sample properties of MELO estimates are derived and discussed.
ASIC1-dependent Ca2+ influx is required for NFATc3 activation in chronic hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension (1090.12)

The development of chronic hypoxia (CH)-induced pulmonary hypertension is associated with 1) the activation of the Ca2+-dependent transcription factor, nuclear factor of activated T-cells isoform c3 (NFATc3), and 2) enhanced acid sensing ion channel 1 (ASIC1)-dependent Ca2+ influx in pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMC). Therefore, we hypothesize that ASIC1-mediated Ca2+ influx increases NFATc3 nuclear translocation in pulmonary vascular smooth muscle. To test this hypothesis we first examined the effect of ASIC1 inhibition on NFATc3 nuclear translocation in PASMC in response to endothelin-1 (ET-1; 10-7 M). Inhibition of ASIC1 with psalmotoxin-1 (20 nM) diminished ET-1 induced Ca2+ influx and NFATc3 nuclear import. In addition, ET-1 mediated pulmonary arterial vasoconstriction and Ca2+ influx following CH (1 wk @ 380 mmHg) were blunted in ASIC1 knockout mice (ASIC1-/-) compared to the ASIC1 wildtype mice (ASIC1+/+). Similarly, CH increased pulmonary vascular smooth muscle NFATc3 nuclear transloc...
Quantitative studies on viral interference in suspended L cells: III. Effect of interfering viruses and interferon on the growth rate of cells

Abstract A 24-hour exposure of suspended L cells to NDV uv or to interferon resulted in a temporary depression of cellular growth of variable duration. Prolonged contact with these agents had a more marked effect which could terminate in almost total cessation of cell multiplication. The intensity of the depressor effect was proportional to the interfering activity of these agents. Some degree of protection persisted for at least as long as the slow growth rate prevailed. Noninterfering, UV-inactivated PR8, or interferon derived from a heterologous host failed to depress cell division. The factor in interferon preparations responsible for this effect was trypsin-sensitive, pH 2-stable, and nonsedimentable at 105,000 g ; it could not be separated from the interfering principle itself. Increasing doses of ultraviolet irradiation destroyed interfering and cell growth depressor activities of NDV at the same rate. Removal of UV-inactivated virus or of interferon after prolonged contact with L cells permitted gradual recovery of the cultures.
Does the peroxide compound of cytochrome oxidase contain a ferryl iron

The reaction of peroxide with cytochrome oxidase generates a peroxide compound having a Soret maximum at 428 nm. X-ray absorption spectroscopy analysis of the local structure of the active site iron shows marked similarity to that of the cytochrome c peroxidase intermediate Compound ES, which contains a short iron to proximal nitrogen distance compared to globins. Reductive titration of the 580 nm band of this compound indicates that the iron is one oxidizing equivalent above the resting oxidized form. These results support the presence of a ferryl iron (Fe(IV) = O) in the peroxide compound similar to that found for the peroxidases.
Learning by experimentation: acquiring and refining problem-solving heuristics

This chapter concerns learning heuristic problem-solving strategies through experience. In particular, we focus on the issue of learning heuristics to guide a forward-search problem solver, and describe a computer program called lex, which acquires problem-solving heuristics in the domain of symbolic integration. lex acquires and modifies heuristics by iteratively applying the following process: (i) generate a practice problem; (ii) use available heuristics to solve this problem; (iii) analyze the search steps performed in obtaining the solution; and (iv) propose and refine new domain-specific heuristics to improve performance on subsequent problems. We describe the methods currently used by lex, analyze strengths and weaknesses of these methods, and discuss our current research toward more powerful approaches to learning heuristics.
Geometry and density of drifts formed by snow fences

This paper presents results from studies of snow-drifts formed by vertical-slat “Canadian” and horizontal-slat “Wyoming” snow fences having 50% porosity and heights H from 0.8 to 3.8 m, on nearly level terrain. Characteristics of equilibrium lee drifts behind the Wyoming fence include cross-sectional area 19.3H 2 , length 30H, maximum depth 1.20H. and water-equivalent volume 6.8H 2.18. Up-wind drift dimensions include maximum depth 0.5H and length 12H. Drifts behind Canadian fences are about 25% smaller than for the Wyoming design. Polynomial regression equations are fitted to drift profiles for both fence types. Relationships are presented for the effects of wind orientation and curvature of drifts near fence ends, as well as empirical equations describing pre-equilibrium geometry relative to degree of saturation. Mean density ρ (kg/m3) of drifted snow having depth y (m), is given by ρ = 376+158 log y.
Efficient tiled loop generation: D-tiling

Tiling is an important loop optimization for exposing coarse-grained parallelism and enhancing data locality. Tiled loop generation from an arbitrarily shaped polyhedron is a well studied problem. Except for the special case of a rectangular iteration space, the tiled loop generation problem has been long believed to require heavy machinery such as Fourier-Motzkin elimination and projection, and hence to have an exponential complexity. In this paper we propose a simple and efficient tiled loop generation technique similar to that for a rectangular iteration space. In our technique, each loop bound is adjusted only once, syntactically and independently. Therefore, our algorithm runs linearly with the number of loop bounds. Despite its simplicity, we retain several advantages of recent tiled code generation schemes—unified generation for fixed, parameterized and hybrid tiled loops, scalability for multi-level tiled loop generation with the ability to separate full tiles at any levels, and compact code. We also explore various schemes for multi-level tiled loop generation. We formally prove the correctness of our scheme and experimentally validate that the efficiency of our technique is comparable to existing parameterized tiled loop generation approaches. Our experimental results also show that multi-level tiled loop generation schemes have an impact on performance of generated code. The fact that our scheme can be implemented without sophisticated machinery makes it well suited for autotuners and production compilers.
Dynamic heterogeneity and life histories

Biodemography is increasingly focused on the large and persistent differences between individuals within populations in fitness components (age at death, reproductive success) and fitness-related components (health, biomarkers) in humans and other species. To study such variation we propose the use of dynamic models of observable phenotypes of individuals. Phenotypic change in turn determines variation among individuals in their fitness components over the life course. We refer to this dynamic accumulation of fitness differences as dynamic heterogeneity and illustrate it for an animal population in which longitudinal data are studied using multistate capture-mark-recapture models. Although our approach can be applied to any characteristic, for our empirical example we use reproduction as the phenotypic character to define stages. We indicate how our stage-structured model describes the nature of the variation among individual characteristics that is generated by dynamic heterogeneity. We conclude by discussing our ongoing and planned work on animals and humans. We also discuss the connections between our work and recent work on human mortality, disability and health, and life course theory.
Nutrition, Development and Efficacy of Growth Modifiers in Livestock Species

Somatotropin (ST) and synthetic β-adrenergic agonists (β-AA) are growth-modifying agents that increase the rate and sometimes, the efficiency of protein deposition in lean tissues of livestock species. The ST-induced increase in muscle protein deposition is effected by a relatively modest increase in protein synthetic rate. This is possibly mediated by the endocrine influence of marked increases in circulating IGF (insulin-like growth factor)-l, and other ST-dependent components of the IGF system; mediation by locally expressed IGF-I may also occur. Increased muscle protein accretion in animals treated with β-AA seems to be directly mediated by binding of the synthetic agonist to muscle β-1 or β-2 receptors, leading to increased muscle protein synthesis, possibly accompanied or followed by decreased protein degradation. This response is transient, due to down-regulation of β-adrenergic receptors. Maximal responses of muscle protein accretion to both ST and β-AA are attenuated by feeding inadequate levels of total protein or specific, limiting amino acids. For ST, but not β-AA, this effect in growing pigs is partially offset by increased efficiency of utilization of absorbed amino acids for protein deposition, with predictable consequences for dietary protein and amino acid requirements. Both ST and β-AA are less efficacious in promoting muscle protein deposition in very young animals. For ST, this is related to postnatal development of the somatotropic axis; a mechanistic explanation for the similar lack of effect of β-AA is lacking. In both cases, this phenomenon must be considered against the very high inherent capacity and efficiency of lean tissue protein accretion in the neonate.
Structural and functional insights provided by crystal structures of DNA polymerases and their substrate complexes

New levels in the understanding of DNA replication have been achieved from recent crystal structure determinations of several DNA polymerases and their substrate complexes. The structure of an alpha family DNA polymerase from bacteriophage RB69 shows some similarities, but also considerable differences in structure and organization from the pol I family DNA polymerases. Also, the functions of three polymerase domains and their conserved residues have been clarified by studying structures of pol I family DNA polymerases complexed to their substrates. These structures also confirm that an identical two-metal ion catalytic mechanism proposed previously is used by both the nonhomologous pol I and pol beta family DNA polymerases.
Perfect matchings in uniform hypergraphs with large minimum degree

A perfect matching in a k-uniform hypergraph on n vertices, n divisible by k, is a set of n/k disjoint edges. In this paper we give a sufficient condition for the existence of a perfect matching in terms of a variant of the minimum degree. We prove that for every k ≥ 3 and sufficiently large n, a perfect matching exists in every n-vertex k-uniform hypergraph in which each set of k - 1 vertices is contained in n/2 + Ω(log n) edges. Owing to a construction in [D. Kuhn, D. Osthus, Matchings in hypergraphs of large minimum degree, J. Graph Theory 51 (1) (2006) 269-280], this is nearly optimal. For almost perfect and fractional perfect matchings we show that analogous thresholds are close to n/k rather than n/2.
Identifying primary concerns in patients newly diagnosed with lung cancer.

Purpose/objectives To compare illness concerns before and after surgery in patients newly diagnosed with early-stage lung cancer, and to determine whether perceived healthcare environment factors were associated with reduced concerns and cancer-related worry. Design Participants completed a semistructured interview using the conceptual content cognitive map (3CM) method. Important concepts were identified in a spatial array representative of a cognitive map of the illness. Setting A comprehensive cancer center and a Veterans Affairs medical center in the midwestern United States. Sample 34 men (n=22) and women (n=12), aged 47-83 years (X=65, SD=10), with newly diagnosed lung cancer were interviewed at the time of diagnosis and again three to four weeks after surgery. Methods Content and frequency analysis and descriptive statistics were used to characterize the data. Correlation studies and paired t tests were used to determine relationships among the main study variables. Main research variables Illness perceptions, worry, and health environment experience. Findings Twelve primary content domains were identified pre- and postoperatively (seven negative and five positive). Cancer-related worry was related to negative content and to fears both before and after surgery. Positive health environment perceptions were related to positive content after surgery. Conclusions The findings demonstrate important areas of concern that can be targeted to reduce psychological distress and promote adaptation. Implications for nursing The willingness of nurses to identify concerns, assist patients to participate in care, and identify strategies to manage unresolved issues early in the treatment trajectory is integral to optimize long-term adjustment.
IMES: A System for Identifying and Evaluating Computer Models for Exposure Assessment2

SUMMARY Although IMES is apparently a marriage of independently developed modules, the blend is nearly seamless-there are only minor differences in “feel” between the three modules. IMES is well organized and easy to use. There are help screens at every stage in each module. Selection is efficient-queries rarely take more than a few seconds on a 386 machine before a report can be generated. There are a few pitfalls in model selection which are difficult to avoid. Improper classification is one of them. For example, IMES lists MINTEQ as a multimedia model. It would be more appropriate from this reviewer's perspective to classify MINTEQ as a geo-chemical model (for which this version of IMES has no classification category.)One minor concern is that in two modules (Selection and Validation)IMES queries the operator “Do you really want to exit?” or “Exit?” when one simply wants to go back one level in the screening process. It would be less disconcerting to be consistently presented (as is done in the Uncertainty module)with a pop-up menu selection like “Do you want to return to the previous screen?” IMES was an ambitious undertaking that resulted in a useful and important contribution to Exposure Assessment Model community.
Sympathetic Violence: Maria Stewart's Antebellum Vision of African American Resistance

Between January 7, 1832 and May 4, 1833, William Lloyd Garrison’s newspaper, The Liberator, published six articles by abolitionist and black nationalist Maria W. Stewart. In these articles, Stewart spoke in two seemingly contradictory registers as she described God’s interactions with humanity. On the one hand, she portrayed a gentle God who directed his angels to carry oppressed individuals “into Abraham’s bosom [where] they shall be comforted” (“Address: Delivered before” 66); on the other hand, she warned sinners—specifically white American sinners—of a wrathful and violent God who was on the verge of sending “horror and devastation” to the world (“Address, Delivered in”). While these two images may seem paradoxical to contemporary readers, they reflect the connection between sympathy and violence that permeated Stewart’s theology and structured her concept of Christian community. She believed God’s compassion for suffering believers would motivate him to punish their tormenters and that African American Christians should follow his example by protecting one another with force if necessary. This juxtaposition of Christian mercy and retributive violence also points to the crucial but often minimized role of African American women such as Stewart who were uniquely situated to collaborate with black nationalists and white abolitionists. As an important figure in radical political action, Stewart helps us to better understand the multivalent forces that shaped resistance movements in the early nineteenth century. Stewart, a free African American widow who lived in Boston during the 1830s, was one of the first American women to lecture before mixedrace and mixed-gender audiences (Richardson, Preface xiii-xiv). She passionately and publicly advocated for abolition and racial equality, and many of her speeches were printed in The Liberator. While most scholarship regarding nineteenthcentury black nationalism and violent resistance movements has focused on men such as David Walker and Martin Delany, discussions surrounding women abolitionists have typically highlighted pacifist activists such as Lucretia
Malignant hyperthermia: Perianesthesia recognition, treatment, and care

Abstract Although relatively uncommon, malignant hyperthermia (MH) can be a life-threatening crisis when it occurs intraoperatively or postoperatively. It is imperative that every member of the perianesthesia team knows what to do and works cohesively because it is a true emergency. This article reviews information for perianesthesia nurses, perioperative nurses, and anesthesia providers about agents that trigger MH; early and late symptoms of MH; recommended medications, equipment, and emergency supplies that should be readily available for use; and the recommended protocol for effectively treating MH. © 2001 by American Society of PeriAnesthesia Nurses. Objectives —Based on the content of this article, the reader should be able to (1) describe the pathophysiology of malignant hyperthermia (MH); (2) identify the triggering agents of MH; (3) identify patients at risk for MH; (4) describe the early and late signs of MH; (5) state the medication of choice to treat MH; and (6) describe perianesthesia and/or perioperative nursing interventions for treating an MH patient.
Rydberg atoms as gravitational-wave antennas

We show that highly excited Rydberg atoms nearby astrophysical gravitational wave sources are expected to emit significant electromagnetic radiation in the radio through a process of gravitationally induced resonance fluorescence. Semiclassical arguments are discussed and a quantum-mechanical expression for the differential cross section is obtained. This process could provide a new observational tool for the remote detection and study of gravitational waves.
In vivo [31P]NMR studies on the influence of age on rat brain hypoxia.

Abstract In this paper the response of cerebral phosphate metabolism to mild hypoxia in young, medium and old rats has been studied via in-vivo [ 31 P]nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). It was found that the young adults (5–6 months) were more sensitive to this mild stress than either the mature adult (11–12 months) or senescent (23–24 months) rats even though the depth of hypoxia ( p a O 2 = 45–55mm Hg) was equal for all age groups. They displayed an earlier onset of acidosis, a greater fall in PCr and larger rise in P i . This response is presumably an attempt to maintain adequate adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels via anaerobic glycolysis. In contrast, mature adults and senescent adults appear to be able to maintain ATP levels by increasing mitochondrial rates. Acidosis is less severe as are drops in PCr and rises in P i . Recovery is less complete for the young rats: P i levels remain high while PCr and pH i levels stay low after normoxia has been reinstigated. All metabolite levels in the mature and senescent adults return to within 10% of control levels. All the data were analyzed and differences were found to be statistically significant. This study reveals that, contrary to popular belief, mature and old rats respond more favorably to reduced O 2 than younger individuals. This is due to a more severe anaerobic acidosis in the latter age group. Speculations to explain this disparity are based on the fact that previous in-vitro studies involve systems that are totally or partially disconnected from the organism will not account for important feedback control present in an in-vivo system as studied here.
Mitochondrial Damage During Cerebral Ischemia

Cerebral ischemia causes a rapid decline in the ability of brain mitochondria to synthesize adenosine triphosphate when they are exposed to oxygen and oxidizable substrates. Ischemia also results in a decreased capacity for energized mitochondria to sequester the abnormally high levels of calcium that are present within ischemic tissue. The degree to which these processes are affected is likely to influence the maintenance of cell viability during cerebral resuscitation. Factors that have been proposed to account for mitrochondrial damage during ischemia and reperfusion include intracellular acidosis, Ca 2+ -induced membrane damage, and free-radical-dependent membrane lipid peroxidation. Ongoing research indicates that measures can be taken to manipulate these factors so that mitochondrial damage may be minimized and cell viability optimized during resuscitation.
Ultrasensitive measurement of MEMS cantilever displacement below the photon shot noise limit

We demonstrate sub-shot-noise microcantilever displacement sensitivity using simple differential measurements with multi-spatial-mode squeezed light, a result that may be critical for ultra-trace sensing and imaging applications.
One-dimensional dynamic modeling and validation of maintenance-free lead-acid batteries emphasizing temperature effects

Abstract Lead acid batteries are still widely used for SLI (Starting–Lighting–Ignition) systems in vehicles because of the cost advantage. The batteries are frequently charged and discharged under different operation conditions, which continuously changes distribution of inner temperature of batteries. Variation of the temperature distributions significantly affects performance and durability of the battery. We developed a one-dimensional dynamic model based on the first principle of thermal dynamics and electrochemistry. The thermal model incorporates control volumes for each of the major constituents of the battery cells that is casing, electrolyte, and electrodes. The model was extended for a six-cell battery and used to analyze effects of discharging currents on the performances and temperature, compared with results from a three-dimensional finite element analysis and tested against experimental results obtained from a thermal chamber and using thermal imaging.
Monthly variability of satellite-derived cyclonic activity for the southern hemisphere winter

A satellite-derived climatology of cloud vortices for the Southern Hemisphere winter (June to September) indicates that significant within-season changes occur in the areal frequencies of extratropical depressions. This variability is found to be most strongly associated with the climatic frontal zones, while on a zonally-averaged basis, the semi-annual oscillation of the circumpolar vortex appears to dominate the latitudinal changes in cyclonic activity between June and September. Surface-atmosphere interactions evidently play a key role in the wintertime circulation at middle and high latitudes. Cyclogenesis over the Southern Oceans is observed to be linked closely to the baroclinity associated with the Oceanic Polar Front, while on a regional scale, the presence of a time-averaged zone of in situ cyclogenesis over sub-antarctic latitudes of the South Pacific is found to be augmented by the influence of the unique winter season sea ice regime in that sector.
Mechanically Improved Rectangular Cable

Most electrical cables for superconducting magnets are made from round strands twisted into a hollow spiral and compacted into a two layer rectangular cross-section (called Rutherford cable.). It is used to make compact electrical coils when a stranded conductor is required. A significant improvement has been conceived and improved cable has been fabricated. The improvement avoids the effect in the Rutherford cable where the round strands are indented into each other during the compacting process. Advantages of the new cable are: Minimum distortion of cable cross-section in making bends; low fraction of voids with minimum distortion of the individual strands; larger area of strand-to-strand contact which decreases plastic flow under compressive force. The advantages apply to conventional conductors as well as superconductors.
Vitamin D3-Induced Calcium-Binding Protein in Chick Intestinal Mucosa

The administration of vita-min D3 to rachitic chicks induces in intestinal mucosal tissue the formation or elaboration of a calcium-binding factor which is found in the supernatant of the mucosal homogenate. The enhanced binding of Ca by the "vitanmin D" supernatant (in contrast to "rachitic" supernatant) was indicated by a slower rate of diffusion of Ca45 across a cellophane dialyzing membrane and by a lesser amount of Ca45 being bound to an ion-exchange resin (Chelex-100) in the presence of vitamiiin D3 supernatant. The binding activity was only associated with the protein fraction from a Sephadex G-25 column and was destroyed by trypsin digestion. This and other evidence suggest that the soluble factor is a protein. The vitamin D3-enhanced duodenal absorption of Ca47 in rachitic chicks occurred almost simultaneously with the appearance of the vitamin D3-induced factor, and there was good correlation between the concentration of binding factor and the rate of absorption of Ca47.