cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Materials Processing Using an Atmospheric Pressure, RF-Generated Plasma Source

Processing materials at atmospheric pressure provides clear advantages over traditional, vacuum-based plasma processing: in addition to reduction in the capital cost of equipment and the elimination of constraints imposed by vacuum-compatibility, high pressure and low temperature plasma processes offer unprecedented improvements for generation of active chemical species, high chemical selectivity, minimal ion densities resulting in low surface damage and surface treatment methods unattainable by other means. We describe several variations of this unique plasma source and some of its potential applications.
The effect of calcium and pH on Florida apple snail, Pomacea paludosa (Gastropoda: Ampullariidae), shell growth and crush weight

Pomacea (Ampullariidae) snails, commonly referred to as apple snails, serve as prey for many freshwater-dependent predators, and some species are highly invasive. Identifying limits to apple snail distribution and abundance are pertinent to understanding their ecology. Calcium (Ca2+) availability and pH generally influences freshwater snail populations, yet scant data exist for Pomacea snails. We measured 6-week change in shell length (ΔSL) in P. paludosa in two laboratory experiments with varying Ca2+ and pH levels. ΔSL was significantly higher in ≥28 mg Ca2+/l compared with treatments ≤14 mg/l. Snails from populations living in low Ca2+/pH waters did not appear genetically predisposed at growing faster in these conditions. Smallest ΔSL was in snails treated with 3.6 mg Ca2+/l and pH < 6.5 water; these snails had signs of shell erosion. Shell crush weights (CWs) were lowest for snails grown in the lowest Ca2+/pH treatment. Smaller shells and lower CWs have implications for predation vulnerability and reproductive success. Our results are consistent with reports associating relatively low snail densities with relatively low Ca2+/pH waters, and they are consistent with the geographic distribution of P. paludosa as related to the underlying water chemistry as influenced by geology.
Biochemical characterization of isolated rat retinal cells: The γ-aminobutyric acid system

Rat retinae were chemically dissociated with collagenase and eight populations of cells (layers I–VIII, from bottom to top, respectively) were separated by centrifugation through a linear metrizamide density gradient. Each cell type was examined to determine its content of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), glutamate decarboxylase, GABA uptake capacity and GABA binding sites. The cells in layers I and II had the highest concentration of GABA (a six-fold increase in GABA concentration as compared to the whole retina). Glutamate decarboxylase, the enzyme which catalyzes the decarboxylation of glutamate to form GABA, was also found in highest concentration in the cells of layers I and II. Only the cells in layer VII had the ability to take up exogenous GABA. Initial rate studies demonstrated a high and low affinity site for GABA uptake with dissociation constants of 4·7 and 50 μ m , respectively. GABA uptake was Na + -dependent and Ca 2+ -independent. Diaminobutyric acid and GABA were the two most potent inhibitors of [ 3 H]GABA uptake with K I values of 3 and 5 μ m , respectively. Muscimol and 3-aminopropanesulfonic acid, inhibitors of GABA binding, did not significantly effect GABA uptake at concentrations up to 10 m m . Specific [ 3 H]muscimol binding, used to quantitate GABA binding to GABA receptor sites, was present only in layer VI. Specific [ 3 H]muscimol binding to the membranes isolated from layer VI was saturable with a dissociation constant of 6·5 n m and was competitively inhibited by muscimol and GABA with K I values of 3 n m and 10 n m , respectively. [ 3 H]Muscimol binding was Ca 2+ - and Na + -independent and was not inhibited by diaminobutyric acid, nipecotic acid or β -alanine at concentrations up to 100 μ m .
Proceedings: Debilitating Eye Diseases

Debilitating eye diseases such as age-related macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa currently represent a large unmet medical need that could potentially be addressed by stem cell therapy. A number of novel stem cell-based cellular therapies are now under development to treat a variety of eye diseases. The approaches being taken by the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine, together with its grantees, are discussed.
Statistical shape modeling of the left atrium from MRI of patients with atrial fibrillation

Background Atrial Fibrillation (AF) is a heart condition characterized by chaotic electrical activity and irregular contractions in the atria. AF is a progressive disease with three stages of increasing fibrillation duration and frequency: paroxysmal, persistent, and permanent. Studies show that as AF progresses, there is a significant increase in left atrial (LA) volume correlated with structural and electrical remodeling of LA tissue. While volume changes have been observed, there has been little analysis of LA shape, which could provide insight into the mechanisms behind AF. Recent literature has described algorithms for modeling anatomical shape using dense sets of landmark points on surfaces derived from MRI image segmentations. In this study, we assess the feasibility of one such method, the particle-based modeling (PBM) algorithm developed by Cates, et al. at the University of Utah, for geometric modeling and statistical comparison of LA shape in AF patients.
Sub-cavity liquid volume beneath spray droplet impacts into static liquid layers, and initial estimates of the heat flux required to dry out this volume

Abstract The time variation of the sub-cavity liquid volume beneath individual droplet impact cavities was measured for ranges of drop Weber and Reynolds numbers that match those for a full cone spray nozzle of interest. Cavity lifetime was also measured. These results will be used in a Monte-Carlo model of the spray cooling process that is currently under development. Droplet Weber numbers were varied between 140 and 1000. Corresponding Reynolds numbers ranged between approximately 1200 and 3600. These ranges matched Phase Doppler results that were obtained for the water spray under study. Thickness of the static liquid layer into which the single droplets impacted was varied between 0.2 and 1.0 times the droplet diameter. The measured sub-cavity liquid volume generally was between 60% and 80% of the original droplet volume over much of the cavity lifetime. Increasing the static liquid layer thickness increased this plateau value of the sub-cavity liquid volume between these lower and upper bounds, for Weber numbers greater than around 400. Sub-cavity liquid volume also increased somewhat as Weber number was increased. The cavity lifetime increased significantly as Weber number increased. The sub-cavity liquid volume and cavity lifetime results were scaled to values for the corresponding spray droplets at equal ( We , Re ). These were then used in an energy balance between the energy transferred through a heated wall to the sub-cavity liquid and the sum of the sensible heating and latent heat required to dry out the spray drop sub-cavity liquid volume within the cavity lifetime. These computed heat fluxes to dry out the drop impact cavities were then used to estimate the overall average heat flux for a heated surface that would dry out these individual spray droplet impact cavities. The resulting average heat flux values were between 400 W/cm 2 and 800 W/cm 2 . These predictions are similar to the range of CHF values reported in the literature for water, of 500 W/cm 2 to 1000 W/cm 2 .
2 Lessons Learned Teaching Systems Engineering to Practicing Engineers with Mixed Backgrounds

A Systems Engineering subject was taught to a group of 60 practicing engineers within the context of MIT's Systems Design & Management Program during the Summer Session of 1998. Several MIT graduate students were also attending with engineers whose experience ranged between 3 and 24-years. Industries represented included aerospace, software, office equipment, telecommunications, computers, automotive, and machine tools. This paper describes the content and implementation of the course. Particular attention is devoted to the feedback that was provided by the students and the lessons learned that could benefit similar subjects taught to both graduate students and experienced engineers with different backgrounds, needs, and expectations.
Physical and Functional Interactions between Pathogen-Induced Arabidopsis WRKY18, WRKY40, and WRKY60 Transcription Factors

Limited information is available about the roles of specific WRKY transcription factors in plant defense. We report physical and functional interactions between structurally related and pathogen-induced WRKY18, WRKY40, and WRKY60 transcription factors in Arabidopsis thaliana. The three WRKY proteins formed both homocomplexes and heterocomplexes and DNA binding activities were significantly shifted depending on which WRKY proteins were present in these complexes. Single WRKY mutants exhibited no or small alterations in response to the hemibiotrophic bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas syringae and the necrotrophic fungal pathogen Botrytis cinerea. However, wrky18 wrky40 and wrky18 wrky60 double mutants and the wrky18 wrky40 wrky60 triple mutant were substantially more resistant to P. syringae but more susceptible to B. cinerea than wild-type plants. Thus, the three WRKY proteins have partially redundant roles in plant responses to the two distinct types of pathogens, with WRKY18 playing a more important role than the other two. The contrasting responses of these WRKY mutants to the two pathogens correlated with opposite effects on pathogen-induced expression of salicylic acid-regulated PATHOGENESIS-RELATED1 and jasmonic acid-regulated PDF1.2. While constitutive expression of WRKY18 enhanced resistance to P. syringae, its coexpression with WRKY40 or WRKY60 made plants more susceptible to both P. syringae and B. cinerea. These results indicate that the three WRKY proteins interact both physically and functionally in a complex pattern of overlapping, antagonistic, and distinct roles in plant responses to different types of microbial pathogens.
Lens fodrin binds actin and calmodulin

Fodrin was isolated from the chick lens and shown to bind to actin and calmodulin. Its localization to the cytoplasmic side of lens plasma membranes was demonstrated immunologically.
Relationships between the Quality of Life Questionnaire (QLQ) and the SF-36 among young adults burned as children

Abstract Objective To examine the relationship between two measures that can be used to examine quality life among pediatric burn survivors. Design Prospective, correlational study. Setting Acute and rehabilitation pediatric burn care facility. Participants Eighty young adult survivors of pediatric burns, who were 18–28 years of age, with burns of 30% or greater, and were at least 2 years after burn. Interventions Not applicable. Main outcome measures The SF-36 and the Quality of Life Questionnaire (QLQ) were used to assess participant's self-reported general health and long-term adjustment. Results Significant correlations ( p ≤0.001) were found between the total quality of life score of the QLQ and the mental component scale of the SF-36. However, no significant correlations were found between the total quality of life score of the QLQ and the SF-36 physical component scale. Conclusions Approximately 100,000 children are treated for burns annually, with a high percentage surviving, creating a challenge for health care professionals who need to prepare burn survivors with their psychosocial and physical well-being as adults. This study found that the SF-36 and QLQ are measuring somewhat different aspects of psychosocial and physical adjustment. It is recommended that both tools could be useful to the burn practitioner in assessing quality of life.
SSD: an affordable fault tolerant architecture for superscalar processors

The paper proposes an integrity checking architecture for superscalar processors that can achieve fault tolerance capability of a duplex system at much less cost than the traditional duplication approach. The pipeline of the CPU core (P-pipeline) is combined in series with another pipeline (V-pipeline), which re-executes instructions processed in the P-pipeline. Operations in the two pipelines are compared and any mismatch triggers the recovery process. The V-pipeline design is based on replication of the P-pipeline, and minimized in size and functionality by taking advantage of control flow and data dependency resolved in the P-pipeline. Idle cycles propagated from the P-pipeline become extra time for the V-pipeline to keep up with program re-execution. For a large-scale superscalar processor, the proposed architecture can bring up to 61.4% reduction in die area and the average-execution time increase is 0.3%.
CD95 ligand induces motility and invasiveness of apoptosis-resistant tumor cells.

The apoptosis‐inducing death receptor CD95 (APO‐1/Fas) controls the homeostasis of many tissues. Despite its apoptotic potential, most human tumors are refractory to the cytotoxic effects of CD95 ligand. We now show that CD95 stimulation of multiple apoptosis‐resistant tumor cells by CD95 ligand induces increased motility and invasiveness, a response much less efficiently triggered by TNFα or TRAIL. Three signaling pathways resulting in activation of NF‐κB, Erk1/2 and caspase‐8 were found to be important to this novel activity of CD95. Gene chip analyses of a CD95‐stimulated tumor cell line identified a number of potential survival genes and genes that are known to regulate increased motility and invasiveness of tumor cells to be induced. Among these genes, urokinase plasminogen activator was found to be required for the CD95 ligand‐induced motility and invasiveness. Our data suggest that CD95L, which is found elevated in many human cancer patients, has tumorigenic activities on human cancer cells. This could become highly relevant during chemotherapy, which can cause upregulation of CD95 ligand by both tumor and nontumor cells.
Biomechanical couplings between elbow and forearm movements

Control of reaching task requires a strategy that takes into account biomechanical couplings in the musculoskeletal system. In a kinematic study, normal subjects were asked to reach to, grasp a cup, and bring it back. It was found that forearm rotation was coordinated in a particular manner with elbow motion in order to keep the cup in a leveled orientation. This coordination pattern may be due to the multi-axial actions of biceps muscles. A realistic model of human arm was used to examine the biomechanical constraints arising from musculature couplings in the coordination of elbow and forearm movements. Moment arm analysis indicated that biceps and brachioradialis have significant moment arms in forearm supination and pronation (S/P), which displays equilibrium point like neutral positions that vary with elbow angles. The dependency of S/P neutral positions with elbow angles in biceps is consistent with the coordination pattern observed between elbow and forearm movements during the reach and grasp in normal subjects.
β-Lactamase Production Diminishes the Prophylactic Efficacy of Ampicillin and Cefazolin in a Guinea Pig Model of Staphylococcus aureus Wound Infection

Clinical trials in surgery suggest that some failures of antibiotic prophylaxis are related to the in vivo degradation of beta-lactams by Staphylococcus aureus beta-lactamase. To explore this issue further, isogeneic isolates of S. aureus differing only in whether they contained the structural gene for type A staphylococcal beta-lactamase were constructed and compared for their ability to establish an abscess in a guinea pig model. With ampicillin prophylaxis, the ID50 was 870 cfu for the beta-lactamase-negative isolate VK7114 and 240 cfu for the beta-lactamase-producing isolate VK7115 (P < .001). Similarly, the ID50 was greater for the beta-lactamase-negative isolate when cefazolin prophylaxis was administered (599 vs. 128 cfu, VK7114 and VK7115; P < .001). In the setting of prophylaxis with beta-lactamase-susceptible antibiotics, beta-lactamase contributes to the pathogenesis of S. aureus wound infections.
T CELL CLONES REACTIVE WITH SPERM WHALE MYOGLOBIN Isolation of Clones with Specificity for Individual Determinants on Myoglobin

We have been able to isolate clones of sperm whale muscle myoglobin (Mb)-reactive T cells from (C57BL/6 x A/J)F1 [(B6A)F1] mice. Four types of clones were isolated, distinguished by their patterns of recognition of Mb cyanogen bromide (CNBr) fragments and antigen presenting cell (APC) requirements. Individual T cell clones proliferated in response to one of three CNBr fragments of Mb. Dose-response curves of all clones were identical for native Mb and the appropriate fragment. T cell clones reactive to fragment 1-55 did not proliferate in response to peptide 15-22 (a peptide that binds to serum antibody directed against 1-55). These data support previous findings suggesting differences between antigen recognition by T and B cells, i.e., T cells may not recognize antigen in its native conformation and/or T and B cells may recognize distinct epitopes on the same antigen. Using T cell clones to analyze genetic control of responsiveness to Mb, we found that certain (B6A)F1 T cells recognize Mb presented by low responder strain APC. Thus, genetically determined low responsiveness in this case is probably not due to failure of APC function. We also found that responsiveness to certain Mb epitopes mapped to the I-A subregion whereas others mapped, via gene complementation, to the I-A and I-E subregions. We found no examples of responsiveness mapping to the I-C subregion and suggest an alternative explanation for previous reports mapping genetic control of responsiveness to certain Mb determinants to I-C.
Does tyrosine act as a nutritional signal mediating the effects of increased feed intake on luteinizing hormone patterns in growth-restricted lambs?

We tested the hypothesis that the increase in LH secretion associated with elevated feed intake in nutritionally growth. restricted lambs is due to increased availability of tyrosine (TYR). Ovariectomized ewe lambs with abomasal cannulae were fed a complete diet in amounts (0.6 Meal of net energy/day) sufficient to maintain a body weight of 21.7 ± 1.0 kg between 10 and 32 wk of age. At 32 wk of age, lambs were assigned at random to one of three treatments: 1) maintenance feeding + abomasal infusion of water (M; n = 6); 2) maintenance feeding + abomasal infusion of TYR (M + TYR; n = 7); or 3) twice maintenance feeding + abomasal infusion of water (TM; n = 6). TYR (1.25 g/l00 ml water) or water (100 ml) was delivered as a bolus injection at 0600, 1200, 1800, and 2400 h daily for 23 days. Plasma concentrations of TYR 10 and 22 days after initiation of treatments were higher (p 0.1) for the three groups 3 days prior to initiation of treatments (1.26 ± 0.35 pulses/6 h). At 10 and 22 days after the onset of treatments, LH pulse frequency was elevated (� < 0.05) in TM (4.08 ± 0.59 pulses/6 h) and in M + TYR (2.71 ± 0.51 pulses/6 h) lambs compared to M lambs (2.08 ± 0.45 pulses/6 h). There was a tendency (p < 0.10) for LH pulse frequency in the TM group to be greater than in the M + TYR group. On the basis of chi-square analysis it was apparent that treatments influenced the number of lambs exhibiting an increase in LB pulse frequency between Day -3 and Day 22. All of the M + TYR lambs exhibited an increase, whereas only 50% of the M lambs showed an increase in LH pulse frequency (p < 0.05). Eighty-three percent of the TM lambs exhibited an increase in LB pulse frequency, but pulse frequency was not significantly different from that in either M or M + TYR lambs. There were no significant differences in mean concentrations of LH or UI pulse amplitudes among treatment groups at any of the sampling periods. We conclude that TYR treatment causes an increase in Ui pulse frequency and therefore may be involved with mediating the effects of increased feed intake on LB secretion in growth-restricted lambs.
Frequency of human sperm carrying structural aberrations of chromosome 1 increases with advancing age

Objective To investigate the association between male age and the frequency of sperm with de novo structural chromosomal abnormalities. Design Semen specimens collected from two groups of 10 healthy, nonsmoking men, aged 22–28 and 65–80 years, were analyzed with the use of a multicolor fluorescence in situ hybridization assay for detecting breaks, segmental duplications and deletions, and aneuploidy and diploidy involving chromosome 1. Setting Healthy volunteer workers and retirees from a government research environment. Main Outcome Measure Sperm carrying numerical and structural chromosomal abnormalities. Result(s) We detected significant increases in the frequency of sperm carrying breaks and segmental duplications and deletions of chromosome 1 among older men compared with younger men. Older men carried twice the frequency of sperm with segmental duplications and deletions of chromosome 1. The frequency of sperm carrying breaks within the 1q12 fragile-site region nearly doubled in older men. In contrast to female gametes, there was no effect of age on the frequency of sperm with numerical chromosomal abnormalities. Conclusion Our findings suggest that advancing male age is associated with a gradual and significant increase in the risk of fathering children with various chromosomal defects such as segmental aneusomy syndromes.
A non-invasive speech processing method for analysis of vocal fold cancer based on an iterative EM algorithm

The long term goal of this study is to formulate a speech processing algorithm for analysis and classification of speech pathology due to vocal fold cancer. In this initial phase, a signal processing algorithm is proposed which attempts to quantify the change in production when vocal fold cancer is present. The basic premise is that exact glottal flow estimation is not needed to quantify the change in speech production when a stationary excitation pathology exists. The proposed method is based on maximum likelihood (ML) estimation, which allows for a separation of speech components under healthy and assumed pathology conditions. The method constitutes an iterative approach based on the estimation-maximization (EM) algorithm. An evaluation is performed on speech recordings from vocal fold cancer patients undergoing radiation treatment. An enhanced spectral pathology component (ESPC) results, which is shown to vary consistently between pre and post radiation conditions. It is suggested that general analysis of the ESPC feature can provide a quantitative, non-invasive approach for vocal fold pathology detection and characterization of speech production.
Commentary on the neurobiology of group psychotherapy: group and the social brain: speeding toward a neurobiological understanding of group psychotherapy.

595 John W. Denninger is Director of Clinical Research at the Benson Henry Institute for Mind Body Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital; Associate Training Director of the MGH/McLean Adult Psychiatry Residency Training Program and Staff Psychiatrist in the Depression Clinical and Research Program in the Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital; and Instructor in Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. DENNINGER COMMENTARY
Structure and function analysis of the human myeloid cell nuclear differentiation antigen promoter: Evidence for the role of Sp1 and not of c- myb or PU.1 in myelomonocytic lineage-specific expression

The human myeloid nuclear differentiation antigen (MNDA) is expressed specifically in maturing cells of the myelomonocytic lineage and in monocytes and granulocytes. Epitope enhancement was used to confirm the strict lineage- and stage-specific expression of MNDA in bone marrow as well as in other paraffin-embedded fixed tissues. A 1-kb region of the gene that includes 5' flanking sequence was reported earlier to contain functional promoter activity and was specifically demethylated in expressing cells in contrast to null cells. Further analysis has revealed that this 1-kb fragment promotes higher reporter gene activity in MNDA-expressing cells than non-expressing cells, indicating cell-specific differences in transactivation. This sequence contains consensus elements consistent with myeloid-specific gene expression, including a PU.1 consensus site near the major transcription start site and a cluster of c-Myb sites located several hundred bases upstream of this region. However, analysis of deletion mutants localized nearly all of the promoter activity to a short region (-73 to -16) that did not include the cluster of c-Myb sites. A 4-bp mutation of the core Sp1 consensus element (GC box) (-20) reduced overall promoter activity of the 1-kb fragment. Mutation of the PU.1 site did not significantly affect promoter activity. Only a small region (-35 to +22) including the Sp1 element and transcription start site, but not the PU.1 site was footprinted. The 4-bp mutation of the core Sp1 consensus element abolished footprinting at the site and an antibody super-shift reaction showed that Sp1 is one of the factors binding the consensus site. The Sp1 site also co-localizes with a DNase I hypersensitive site. The results indicate that DNA methylation, chromatin structure, and transactivation at an Sp1 site contribute to the highly restricted expression of this myelomonocytic lineage specific gene.
A technology-independent approach to programmable logic design

Today's race to the technology leader causes design engineers to use more and more programmable logic in their designs in order to hit that shrinking market window. This paper elaborates on the implementation problems a design engineer faces, and introduces a technology-independent methodology for designing PLDs and FPGAs in a system context. >
Intranets for implementing strategic initiatives

Creating an effective work system entails linking executive strategy to operation objectives. Intranets can be that linking tool. Intranets have primarily been limited to information sharing, but they can be a powerful collaborative tool. New software makes it easier to use the Intranet to implement strategy by creating a management‐by‐exception (MBE) console. The Intranet, when combined with the proper groundwork and software, makes it easy for group members to see the results of their work and compare that to where they want to go. Rapid feedback, which the Intranet can deliver, encourages a flexible control that is the ideal for self‐directed work. When used properly, it can be used to give your organization a clearer picture of your group’s true priorities rather than some idealized managerial priorities.
Computer simulation model development and validation for radio frequency (RF) heating of dry food materials

Abstract Radio frequency (RF) heat treatment has been identified as a novel pasteurization and non-chemical quarantine method for dry food materials. But the major obstacle of this treatment is non-uniform heating in these food materials. The objective of this study was to help understand RF heating process by developing a computer simulation model. A finite element based commercial software FEMLAB was used to develop the computer model for a 12 kW, 27.12 MHz parallel plate RF system. Wheat flour was selected as a model food to represent dry food materials. Dielectric properties of wheat flour were measured using an open-ended coaxial probe connected with impedance analyzer, whereas thermal properties were determined using a duel needle probe method. Simulated and experimented temperature profiles (°C) of wheat flour were compared in four different horizontal layers after 3 min of RF heating, with a fixed electrode gap of 155 mm. Both, simulated and experimental results showed that temperature values were higher at the mid layers followed by top and bottom layers. Corners were more heated than centers in each layer. Sensitivity analysis showed that temperature uniformity in the sample was most affected by top electrode voltage and sample dielectric properties. The developed model can further be used to study the effect of some important parameters such as sample size, position, shape, and dielectric properties on RF heating of dry food materials.
Selection of Atriplex Lentiformis Host Plants by Hesperopsis gracielae (Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae)

Abstract We counted Hesperopsis gracielae (MacNeill) (Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae) eggs on Atriplex lentiformis (Torrey) S. Watson (Chenopodiaceae) plants on 3 dates during 2006-2007 next to the lower Colorado River in Cibola Valley, Arizona. The skipper has received conservation interest due to its restricted geographic range and apparent rarity. Atriplex lentiformis, the skipper’s only known host species, is a large shrub capable of C4 photosynthesis and N2 fixation. We measured the size (canopy radius) and percent water of plants and the percent nitrogen of leaves. Percentages of water and nitrogen were partially correlated, whereas plant size was not partially correlated with the percentage of water or nitrogen. Skipper eggs were more likely to be present on shrubs with greater canopy radius, water content, or nitrogen concentration. Likelihood of egg presence also increased with plant size when percent nitrogen was controlled and increased with percent nitrogen when plant size was controlled. Numbers of...
Earthquakes: Nature’s Curse or a Blessing in Disguise?

Earthquakes are a major source of destruction. They destroy roads, ports, power plants, fixed assets, disrupt supply chains. All this destruction/disruption should negatively affect the firm. Particularly it should destroy value (market capitalization) and cash flows. An alternative view is based on Schumpeter’s (1942) creative destruction. If earthquakes provide firms with the opportunity to change/improve technology, (lower the cost of adoption of new technology) they should have a positive effect on firm value and cash flows. We test this hypothesis using a sample of 299 earthquakes that occurred between 1990 and 2004 and a large panel sample of firms from over 50 countries. We find mixed evidence regarding creative destruction: Earthquake damage is generally positively correlated with market capitalization providing support for the creative destruction hypothesis. Earthquakes create value. However, a closer look shows that this result is valid only for firms in less developed countries, particularly firms from non G8 countries. We find that in fact earthquakes destroy value for firms in the G8. We interpret this as a sign that innovation can be easier in poorer countries where the economies of scale of adopting new technologies are bigger. Overall, earthquake damage is negatively correlated with operational cash flows, supporting a negative view of earthquakes. We find also that this effect is persistent in time. Even after 3 years, companies feel a reduction in their cash flows. However, this reduction in cash flows is not true for all countries. We show that firms from Latin America and Asia; the regions most affected by earthquakes experience an increase in operational cash flow. Finally, we show that multinationality helps reduce the reduction in cash flows associated with earthquake damage.
Host Genetic Variations and Sex Differences Potentiate Predisposition, Severity, and Outcomes of Group A Streptococcus-Mediated Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infections

Host genetic variations play an important role in several pathogenic diseases, and we previously provided strong evidence that these genetic variations contribute significantly to differences in susceptibility and clinical outcomes of invasive group A Streptococcus (GAS) patients, including sepsis and necrotizing soft tissue infections (NSTIs). The goal of the present study was to investigate how genetic variations and sex differences among four commonly used mouse strains contribute to variation in severity, manifestations, and outcomes of NSTIs. DBA/2J mice were more susceptible to NSTIs than C57BL/6J, BALB/c, and CD-1 mice, as exhibited by significantly greater bacteremia, excessive dissemination to the spleen, and significantly higher mortality. Differences in the sex of the mice also contributed to differences in disease severity and outcomes: DBA/2J female mice were relatively resistant compared to their male counterparts. However, DBA/2J mice exhibited minimal weight loss and developed smaller lesions than did the aforementioned strains. Moreover, at 48 h after infection, compared with C57BL/6J mice, DBA/2J mice had increased bacteremia, excessive dissemination to the spleen, and excessive concentrations of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. These results indicate that variations in the host genetic context as well as sex play a dominant role in determining the severity of and susceptibility to GAS NSTIs.
Antemortem Detection of Chronic Wasting Disease Prions in Nasal Brush Collections and Rectal Biopsy Specimens from White-Tailed Deer by Real-Time Quaking-Induced Conversion

Chronic wasting disease (CWD), a transmissible spongiform encephalopathy of cervids, was first documented nearly 50 years ago in Colorado and Wyoming and has since spread to cervids in 23 states, two Canadian provinces, and the Republic of Korea. The expansion of this disease makes the development of sensitive diagnostic assays and antemortem sampling techniques crucial for the mitigation of its spread; this is especially true in cases of relocation/reintroduction of farmed or free-ranging deer and elk or surveillance studies of private or protected herds, where depopulation is contraindicated. This study sought to evaluate the sensitivity of the real-time quaking-induced conversion (RT-QuIC) assay by using recto-anal mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (RAMALT) biopsy specimens and nasal brush samples collected antemortem from farmed white-tailed deer (n= 409). Antemortem findings were then compared to results from ante- and postmortem samples (RAMALT, brainstem, and medial retropharyngeal lymph nodes) evaluated by using the current gold standardin vitroassay, immunohistochemistry (IHC) analysis. We hypothesized that the sensitivity of RT-QuIC would be comparable to IHC analysis in antemortem tissues and would correlate with both the genotype and the stage of clinical disease. Our results showed that RAMALT testing by RT-QuIC assay had the highest sensitivity (69.8%) compared to that of postmortem testing, with a specificity of >93.9%. These data suggest that RT-QuIC, like IHC analysis, is an effective assay for detection of PrP(CWD)in rectal biopsy specimens and other antemortem samples and, with further research to identify more sensitive tissues, bodily fluids, or experimental conditions, has potential for large-scale and rapid automated testing for CWD diagnosis.
The Emerging Zika Virus Epidemic in the Americas: Research Priorities

This Viewpoint focuses on research priorities to better understand and effectively respond to the Zika virus crisis.
Quantitation of hemoglobin F. An interlaboratory study

In the 1976 hemoglobinopathy proficiency testing survey of the Center for Disease Control (CDC), whole-blood samples from hematologically normal adults and from individuals heterozygous for beta-thalassemia were shipped to survey participants. The object of this survey was to determine the state of the art for technics used to quantitate hemoglobin A2 (Hb A2) and to test the ability of laboratories to differentiate between blood samples having normal Hb A2 levels and those having elevated levels (i.e., those from individuals with beta-thalassemia trait). The results of Hb A2 quantitation obtained from 183 volunteer participant laboratories were compared with those obtained from 24 reference laboratories. Individual values varied greatly among laboratories and among methods for both normal and elevated Hb A2 samples. The results returned by many laboratories were not within 2 SD of the reference laboratory mean and also were not sufficiently accurate to differentiate between the normal blood samples and those with beta-thalassemia trait. The results suggest that methods for quantitating Hb A2 need to be standardized and a suitable method for determining laboratory performance found.
Ventilator-associated events surveillance: a patient safety opportunity

Purpose of reviewThe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently released new surveillance definitions for ventilator-associated events. The new definitions broaden the focus of surveillance from ventilator-associated pneumonia alone to all significant complications of mechanical ventilation
Abstract ED02-02: Notch defines the tumor initiating cell in non-small cell lung cancer

We investigated heterogeneity of tumorigenic capacity in KrasG12D and KrasG12D; Trp53 fl/fl mouse models of non-small cell lung cancer. Loss of Trp53 greatly enhances self-renewal in vitro and tumor propagating capacity in vivo. A conserved set of markers including CD24, ITGB4 and Notch enriches for a rare population of tumor initiating cells (TICs) in tumors driven by oncogenic Kras regardless of disease stage, or the presence or absence of Trp53. Notch marks TICs and Notch signaling is also required for their self-renewal and tumor propagating capacity. Using primary human NSCLC ex vivo cultures, we demonstrate a role for Notch signaling in the self-renewal of human tumor cells. Using multiple methods of Notch3 specific inhibition we demonstrate a Trp53-independent role for Notch3 in the maintenance of TICs in mouse lung tumor models. Citation Format: Yanyan Zheng, Cecile de la Cruz, Leanne C. Sayles, Chris Alleyn-Chin, Tim D. Knaak, Marty Bigos, Yue Xu, Chuong D Hoang, Joseph Shrager, E. Alejandro Sweet-Cordero, Erica L. Jackson,. Notch defines the tumor initiating cell in non-small cell lung cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Eleventh Annual AACR International Conference on Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research; 2012 Oct 16-19; Anaheim, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Prev Res 2012;5(11 Suppl):Abstract nr ED02-02.
Feeding Habits of Orius tristicolor

Orius tristicolor (White) (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) is both predaceous and phytophagous. Thrips appear to be a preferred prey. Of the diets tested, pollen + thrips was most suitable for development of nymphs whereas green bean + pollen + thrips was the best diet for increased adult longevity and total egg deposition. The significance of omnivory in predaceous Hemiptera is discussed.
A Unified Approach to Contact and Structural Fatigue

A unified model of fatigue that is applicable to a variety of mechanical in nature fatigue phenomena including contact and structural fatigue is introduced. The model considers two- and three-dimensional stress states. The model is based on crack mechanics, kinetics of crack propagation, and statistical treatment of material defects. The foundation of the model follows from the analysis [1, 2], a model of contact fatigue [3], and the asymptotic formulas for the stress intensity coefficients (see [4]) developed earlier. The model takes into account the local stress distribution, initial statistical distribution of defects versus their size, defect location and crack propagation directions related to the specific stress state of the material, material fatigue resistance parameters, etc. The main assumptions used for the model derivation and their validity are discussed.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Detecting both melanoma depth and volume in vivo with a handheld photoacoustic probe

We applied a linear-array-based photoacoustic probe to detect the tumor depth and volume of melanin-containing melanoma in nude mice in vivo. We demonstrated the ability of this linear-array-based system to measure both the depth and volume of melanoma through phantom, ex vivo, and in vivo experiments. The volume detection ability also enables us to accurately calculate the rate of growth of the tumor, which is important in quantifying tumor activity. Our results show that this system can be used for clinical melanoma diagnosis and treatment at the bedside.
The Feeding of Corn Cockle to Chickens

Abstract CORN Cockle is recognized to contain a toxic substance, known as githagin. It has also been referred to as saponin, agrostemmin, sapotoxin, and smilacin. This is a saponin-like glucoside and listed as a haemolytic poison. The poisonous principle, said to be present in all parts of the plant but mainly in the seed, is destroyed by heating to 50°C. The poisonous character of corn cockle has been reported as affecting humans and all domestic animals. The susceptibility of animals varies, the young being more readily affected. Animals seem to become accustomed to the poison so that the amount of seed first causing sickness later has no injurious effect. The amount of the poisonous substance in the plant also is variable. Cornevin (1874) indicated 0.25 pound per 100 pounds of live weight as being harmful for the calf and fowl, 0.10 pound for the pig, and 0.09 pound for the dog. . . .
Photolytic dehalogenation of disinfection byproducts in water by natural sunlight irradiation.

The aqueous photolysis of halogenated disinfection byproducts (DBPs) by natural sunlight irradiation was studied to determine their photolytic dehalogenation kinetics. Total organic halogen analysis was used to quantify the dehalogenation extents of DBPs during outdoor photolysis experiments. Dichloroacetamide, chloral hydrate, chloroform, dichloroacetonitrile, monochloro-, monobromo-, dichloro-, dibromo-, and trichloroacetic acids were generally resistant to photolytic dehalogenation and showed less than 10% reduction after 6 h sunlight irradiation. Monoiodoacetic acid, tribromoacetic acid, bromoform, dibromoacetonitrile, and trichloronitromethane showed moderate to high dehalogenation degrees with half-lives of 4.0-19.3 h. Diiodoacetic acid, triiodoacetic acid, and iodoform degraded rapidly under the sunlight irradiation and exhibited half-lives of 5.3-10.2 min. In general, the photosensitive cleavage of carbon-halogen bonds of DBPs increased with increasing number of halogens (tri- > di- > mono-halogenated) and size of the substituted halogens (I > Br > Cl). Nitrate, nitrite, and pH had little impact on the photodehalogenation of DBPs under typical levels in surface waters. The presence of natural organic matter (NOM) inhibited the photodehalogenation of DBPs by light screening. The NOM inhibiting effects were more pronounced for the fast degrading iodinated DBPs. The results of this study improve our understanding about the photolytic dehalogenation of wastewater-derived DBPs in surface waters during water reuse.
Nussbaum, Capabilities, and Biology

The notion of an “Aristotelian feminism,” although by no means a dominant approach in feminism, exists in several forms—the most significant of which is Martha Nussbaum’s “capabilities approach.” Nussbaum presents a compelling and important form of feminism, drawing significant inspiration from aspects of Aristotle’s thought. The version I would like to advocate has different foci and goes beyond that of Nussbaum by incorporating more fully Aristotle’s metaphysics. But I think that Nussbaum is right that feminism ought to focus on human capabilities, or capacities, and the various conditions relevant to the development of those capacities. Women historically have had, and continue to have, fewer opportunities to both develop and use the full range of their capacities. And the form of Aristotelian feminism advocated here agrees with Nussbaum that our attention ought to be turned not simply to rights, or equality in terms of job opportunities or distribution of particular resources (as important as these may be), but to capabilities and the full set of conditions relevant to the development and full use of these capacities.
UARS Ozone and Temperature Validation by GSFC Lidar During UARS Correlative Measurement Campaigns (1992 – 1995)

A mobile Stratospheric Ozone Lidar Trailer Experiment (STROZ-LITE) from NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) was deployed at various sites in northern and southern hemisphere during 1992-1995 as part of Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite (UARS) correlative measurement campaign. The main objective of GSFC lidar deployment was to provide ground-based stratospheric ozone and temperature data for independent evaluation and validation of UARS instrument data. Individual near-coincident ozone profile intercomparison between lidar and various UARS instruments shows an agreement of better than ±5% between 20 to 1 mbar pressure levels. When all near-coincident profiles at a site is considered, relative percentage difference approaches about ±10% for the same pressure levels. Temperature profile intercomparison shows a much better agreement of 2 K for 20 to 0.4 mbar of pressure levels.
Of Apples, Eve, and Genesis B: Contemporary Theory and Old English Practice

(1990). Of Apples, Eve, and Genesis B: Contemporary Theory and Old English Practice. ANQ: A Quarterly Journal of Short Articles, Notes and Reviews: Vol. 3, No. 2, pp. 87-90.
Light manipulation of mosquito behaviour: acute and sustained photic suppression of biting activity in the Anopheles gambiae malaria mosquito

Host-seeking behaviours in anopheline mosquitoes are time-of-day specific, with a greater propensity for nocturnal biting. We investigated how a short exposure to light presented during the night or late day can inhibit biting activity and modulate flight activity behaviour. Anopheles gambiae (s.s.), maintained on a 12:12 LD cycle, were exposed transiently to white light for 10-min at the onset of night and the proportion taking a blood meal in a human biting assay was recorded every 2 h over an 8-h duration. The pulse significantly reduced biting propensity in mosquitoes 2 h following administration, in some trials for 4 h, and with no differences detected after 6 h. Conversely, biting levels were significantly elevated when mosquitoes were exposed to a dark treatment during the late day, suggesting that light suppresses biting behaviour even during the late daytime. These data reveal a potent effect of a discrete light pulse on biting behaviour that is both immediate and sustained. We expanded this approach to develop a method to reduce biting propensity throughout the night by exposing mosquitoes to a series of 6- or 10-min pulses presented every 2 h. We reveal both an immediate suppressive effect of light during the exposure period and 2 h after the pulse. This response was found to be effective during most times of the night: however, differential responses that were time-of-day specific suggest an underlying circadian property of the mosquito physiology that results in an altered treatment efficacy. Finally, we examined the immediate and sustained effects of light on mosquito flight activity behaviour following exposure to a 30-min pulse, and observed activity suppression during early night, and elevated activity during the late night. As mosquitoes and malaria parasites are becoming increasingly resistant to insecticide and drug treatment respectively, there is a necessity for the development of innovative control strategies beyond insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) and residual spraying. These data reveal the potent inhibitory effects of light exposure and the utility of multiple photic pulses presented at intervals during the night/late daytime, may prove to be an effective tool that complements established control methods.