cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Strain accumulation in the Shumagin Islands: Results of initial GPS measurements

Deformation in the Shumagin seismic gap has been monitored with repeated trilateration (EDM) in the 1980-1987 interval and with the Global Positioning System (GPS) in the 1987-1991 interval. The geodetic network extends for 100-km across the Shumagin Islands to the Alaska Peninsula. Results from the GPS surveys are consistent with those previously reported for the EDM surveys: we failed to detect significant strain accumulation in the N30 deg W direction of plate convergence. Using the method of simultaneous reduction for position and strain rates, we found the average rate of extension in the direction of plate convergence to be -25 +/- 25 nanostrain/yr (nstrain/yr) during the 1987-1991 interval of GPS surveys compared with -20 +/- 15 nstrain/yr during the 1981-1987 interval of complete EDM surveys. We found a marginally significant -26 +/- 12 nstrain/yr extension rate in the 1981-1991 interval covered by the combined EDM and GPS surveys. Strain rates are higher, but not significantly so, in the part of the network closest to the trench. Spatial variation in the deformation is observed in the 1980-1991 average station velocities, where three of the four stations closest to the trench have an arcward velocity of a few mm/yr. The observed strain rates are an order of magnitude lower than the -200 nstrain/yr rate predicted by dislocation models.
The Politics of Interpersonal Trust and Reciprocity: An Experimental Approach

Trust and reciprocity are theoretically essential to strong democracies and efficient markets. Working from the theoretical frameworks of social identity and cognitive heuristics, this study draws on dual-process models of decision making to expect (1) the trustor to infer trustworthiness from partisan stereotypes and thus to discriminate trust in favor of co-partisans and against rival partisans, but (2) the trustee to base reciprocity decisions on real information about the trustor’s deservingness rather than a partisan stereotype. So whereas partisanship is likely to trigger trust biases, the trust decision itself provides enough information to override partisan biases in reciprocity. The analysis derives from a modified trust game experiment. Overall, the results suggest partisanship biases trust decisions among partisans, and the degree of partisan trust bias is consistent with expectations from both social identity theory and cognitive heuristics. When it comes to reciprocity, however, information about the other subject’s level of trust nullifies partisan bias.
Success Attributes in Teaching Music as Perceived by Elementary Education Majors

The purposes of this study were to (a) develop an instrument, using attribution theory models, to measure perceptions of elementary education majors related to success in teaching music; (b) determine those factors that elementary education majors believe contribute to success in teaching music; (c) determine the relative strength of each factor; and (d) compare the factors with traditional and music-related attribution theory models. A researcher-developed instrument directed 306 elementary education majors to rate the degree to which they believed positive attributes contribute to success in teaching music. A principal-factor analysis produced four factors, accounting for 53.13% of the total variance. Factor 1 (understanding and organizing for individual differences in children) and Factor 3 (proactive personality characteristics) were consistent with literature on teacher effectiveness. Factor 2 (musical ability and positive feelings for music) and Factor 4 (external factors affecting music teaching), ...
The periaqueductal grey is a critical site in the neuronal network for audiogenic seizures: modulation by GABAA, NMDA and opioid receptors

The nuclei comprising the neuronal network for audiogenic seizures (AGS) are located primarily in the brainstem. Previous studies suggested a role for the periaqueductal grey (PAG) in the AGS network. The present study evaluated this possibility in genetically-epilepsy prone rats (GEPR-9s) by examining the effects of bilateral focal microinjection of a competitive NMDA receptor antagonist (DL-2-amino-7-phosphonoheptanoic acid (AP7), 1 and 5 nmol/side), a GABA(A) agonist (gaboxedol (THIP), 10 and 15 nmol) or an opioid peptide receptor antagonist (naloxone, 5 nmol) into PAG, based on the proposed role of these receptors in PAG neurotransmission. Blockade of NMDA receptors by AP7 (both doses) or activation of GABA(A) receptors with THIP (15 nmol/side) in the PAG suppressed AGS susceptibility. Naloxone displayed a seizure-suppressant effect that was delayed and incomplete. The seizure suppressant effect of AP7 or naloxone, unlike THIP, was observed at doses that did not produce motor quiescence. These data suggest that the PAG is a requisite nucleus in the neuronal network for AGS in GEPR-9s and that GABA(A), opioid peptide and NMDA receptors in the PAG modulate AGS propagation.
Flavonoids, a prenatal prophylaxis via targeting JAK2/STAT3 signaling to oppose IL-6/MIA associated autism

article i nfo Maternal immune activation (MIA) can affect fetal brain development and thus behavior of young and adult offspring. Reports have shown that increased Interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the maternal serum plays a key role in altering fetal brain development, and may impair social behaviors in the offspring. Interestingly, these effects could be attenuated by blocking IL-6. The current study investigated the effects of luteolin, a citrus bioflavonoid, and its structural analog, diosmin, on IL-6 induced JAK2/STAT3 (Janus tyrosine kinase-2/signal transducer and activator of transcription-3) phosphorylation and signaling as well as behavioral phenotypes of MIA offspring. Luteolin and diosmin inhibited neuronal JAK2/STAT3 phosphorylation both in vitro and in vivo following IL-6 challenge as well as significantly diminishing behavioral deficits in social interaction. Importantly, our results showed that diosmin (10 mg/kg day) was able to block the STAT3 signal pathway; significantly opposing MIA-induced abnormal behavior and neuropathological abnormalities in MIA/adult offspring. Diosmin's molecular inhibition of JAK2/STAT3 pathway may underlie the attenuation of abnormal social interaction in IL-6/MIA adult offspring.
A new design of a dorsal flap in the rat to study skin necrosis and its prevention.

Summary Background The Mcfarlane flap or dorsal pedicled flap has become the standard model for pedicled rat skin flap study but its reliability has been called to question. In the past, there were possible confounding variable with the McFarlane flap and various methods were used to adjust these variables. We have developed a new model for studying skin flap necrosis and its prevention that eliminates these confounding variables. Methods The flap is a significant modification of the McFarlane flap where we form a blind ended pedicled tube using a 3cm×9cm dorsal flap. Survival area is measured using digital photography and computer assisted analysis. This new flap is compared with the standard McFarlane flap with n =25 in each group. Results The mean survival area of the new flap (15.673cm 2 +SD3.37) is comparable with the McFarlane flap (18.904cm 2 +SD3.79). The relative merit lies in the elimination of the confounding variable of the graft bed influence on our flap without a significant reduction in the survival area. Conclusion A new rat model is presented that may be used in studying the effect of various treatment modalities on pedicled skin flaps. This model has the benefit of eliminating graft bed effect without the risk of flap and wound infection or desiccation that have been encountered using other models. The new flap also has better demarcation of necrosis area in this study.
The effects of perceptual encoding on the magnitude of object working memory impairment in schizophrenia

Deficits in the visual working memory (WM) system have been consistently reported in schizophrenia patients, but the relative contribution of initial perceptual encoding to these deficits remains unsettled. We assessed the role of visual perceptual encoding on performance on an object WM task. Schizophrenia patients (N=37) and nonpsychiatric control subjects (N=33) were tested on an object WM task involving three delay periods: 200 ms, 3s, and 10s. Schizophrenia patients performed significantly less accurately than controls on all three conditions. However, after controlling for the effect of perceptual encoding (accuracy on the 200 ms delay condition) on performance in the two memory load conditions, schizophrenia patients demonstrated intact WM in the 3s delay condition, and showed a weak trend for decreased accuracy on the 10s delay compared with controls. Analysis of individual differences in pattern of performance revealed that a distinct subgroup of poor encoder patients had a significantly greater reduction in accuracy at 3s than the other patient subgroups and controls. In contrast, among schizophrenia patients who performed poorly on the 10s delay, accuracy was equivalently reduced independent of encoding ability. WM deficits in controls were independent of encoding ability at both delay intervals. These results indicate that encoding ability titrates the magnitude of WM impairment in schizophrenia patients but not in controls, and that heterogeneity has to be taken into account to correctly estimate the effects of perceptual encoding on visual object WM deficits in schizophrenia.
Paradigm shifts in the cell biology of STAT signaling

In recent years several of the key tenets of the original cytokine-STAT-signaling paradigm had to be revised. First, the notion that nonphosphorylated "inactive" STATs are present in the cytoplasm as free monomers which dimerized only subsequent to Tyr-phosphorylation has been replaced by the understanding that nonphosphorylated STATs in the cytoplasm exist largely as dimers and high molecular mass "statosome" complexes. Second, the notion that phosphorylation, either of Tyr or Ser residues or both, in STAT species is required for transcriptional activation has been replaced by the realization that nonphosphorylated STATs can be transcriptionally active albeit with respect to sets of target genes distinct from phosphorylated STATs. Third, the notion that it is the activation by phosphorylation of STATs at the plasma membrane that then leads to their import into the nucleus has been replaced by the recognition that even nonphosphorylated STATs shuttle between the cytoplasm and nucleus at all times in a constitutive manner. Fourth, the notion that the trans-cytoplasmic transit of STATs from the plasma membrane to the nuclear import machinery takes place exclusively as a free cytosolic process has been replaced by the understanding that at least a portion of this trans-cytoplasmic transit is mediated via membrane-associated caveolar and endocytic trafficking (the "signaling endosome" hypothesis). Fifth, the targeting and sequestration of activated STAT3 to long-lived endosomes in the cytoplasm requires consideration of STAT3-mediated "signal transduction" from the plasma membrane to cytoplasmic membrane destinations potentially for function(s) in the cytoplasm. Indeed, in tissue sections many discrete histologic cell types display PY-STAT3 almost exclusively in the cytoplasm with little, if any, in the nucleus. New challenges include determining the structural bases for the recruitment of nonphosphorylated dimeric STAT species to the cytosolic face of membranes including at the cytoplasmic tails of respective receptor complexes, the conformational changes subsequent to phosphorylation and the structural bases for the targeting and functions of STAT proteins within the cytoplasm per se.
Use of Quantitative Broad‐based Polymerase Chain Reaction for Detection and Identification of Common Bacterial Pathogens in Cerebrospinal Fluid

ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2010; 17:741–747 © 2010 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine Abstract Background: Conventional laboratory diagnosis of bacterial meningitis based on microscopy followed by culture is time-consuming and has only moderate sensitivity. Objectives: The objective was to define the limit of detection (LOD), analytic specificity, and performance characteristics of a broad-based quantitative multiprobe polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay for rapid bacterial detection and simultaneous pathogen-specific identification in patients with suspected meningitis. Methods: A PCR algorithm consisting of initial broad-based detection of Eubacteriales by a universal probe, followed by pathogen identification using either pathogen-specific probes or Gram-typing probes, was employed to detect pathogens. The 16S rRNA gene, which contains both conserved and variable regions, was chosen as the target. Pathogen-specific probes were designed for Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, Haemophilus influenzae, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Listeria monocytogenes. Gram-positive and -negative typing probes were designed based on conserved regions across all eubacteria. The LOD and time to detection were assessed by dilutional mocked-up samples. A total of 108 convenience cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) clinical samples obtained from the Johns Hopkins Hospital (JHH) microbiology laboratory were tested, and results were compared with hospital microbiologic culture reports. Results: The LOD of the assay ranged from 101 to 102 colony-forming units (CFU)/mL. Pathogen-specific probes showed no cross-reactivity with other organisms. Time to detection was 3 hours. In clinical specimens, the universal probe correctly detected 16 of 22 culture-positive clinical specimens (sensitivity = 72.7%; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 49.8% to 89.3%), which were all correctly characterized by either pathogen-specific or Gram-typing probes. Adjusted sensitivity after removing probable microbiologic laboratory contaminants was 88.9% (95% CI = 65.3% to 98.6%). The universal probe was negative for 86 of 86 culture-negative specimens. Conclusions: A broad-based multiprobe PCR assay demonstrated strong analytic performance characteristics. Findings from a pilot clinical study showed promise in translation to human subjects, supporting potential utility of the assay as an adjunct to traditional diagnostics for early identification of bacterial meningitis.
In vitro adventitious shoot formation on mature-phase leaves and petioles of Liquidambar styraciflua L.

Abstract Adventitious shoots were induced to form on leaves and petiole segments of mature-phase Liquidambar styraciflua L. Shoot organogenesis occurred directly, without the formation of a distinct callus stage, and well-defined shoots were visible in 6–9 weeks. Prolific shoot production was supported by Woody Plant Medium supplemented with relatively high levels of benzyladenine (2.5 mg/l). Changes in benzyladenine concentration and the addition of 0.1 mg/l naphthaleneacetic acid to the medium altered the relative abundance of shoots on various parts of a leaf. Shoot formation occurred most frequently at or near breaks in major vasculature. Wounding of the leaves by slashing across the lamina and vasculature significantly increased the total number of shoots formed per explant and also altered the pattern of organogenesis. Differences in organogenic response were seen between the cultivars ‘Moraine’ and ‘Variegata’. Shoots derived from leaves were easily rooted and acclimated to greenhouse conditions. Three new variegation types arose in vitro as a result of adventitious shoot formation on ‘Variegata’ leaves.
Nitrogen uptake and transformation in a midwestern U.S. stream: A stable isotope enrichment study

This study presents a comprehensive analysis ofnitrogen (N) cycling in a second-order forestedstream in southern Michigan that has moderatelyhigh concentrations of ammonium (mean,16 μg N/L) and nitrate (17 μg N/L). Awhole-stream 15NH4+ addition wasperformed for 6 weeks in June and July, and thetracer 15N was measured downstream inammonium, nitrate, and detrital and livingbiomass. Ancillary measurements includedbiomass of organic matter, algae, bacteria andfungi, nutrient concentrations, hydrauliccharacteristics, whole-stream metabolism, andnutrient limitation assays. The resultsprovide insights into the heterotrophic natureof woodland streams and reveal the rates atwhich biological processes alter nitrogentransport through stream systems.
Differences between Oral and Written Discourse and the Acquisition of Reading Proficiency

Examines discourse conflicts between the structure of written text and the oral expectations of young readers. Twenty-eight second grade students read and retold two stories: one with oral and one with written discourse structures. ANOVA results suggest that written discourse stories were more difficult to comprehend. In addition, an interaction appeared between familiarity with written discourse structures and comprehension of the two story versions. As familiarity with written discourse structures increased, the interference effect on reading comprehension decreased. Oral reading error results paralleled these findings, suggesting that expectations based on a knowledge of oral discourse structures may, in some cases, actually interfere with the reading comprehension of young readers.
Factors affecting dye sensitised photo-oxidation reactions; the effect of oxygen concentration and its use to probe the mechanism of decarboxylation of α-oxo-carboxylic acids and esters

Abstract The dye sensitised photo-oxidation of α-oxo-carboxylic acids and esters leads to the production of carbon dioxide. The yield of carbon dioxide is dependent upon the oxygen concentration. This, together with the fact that carbon dioxide evolution can be observed in the absence of oxygen, is in accord with the view that the decarboxylation reactions involve an initial dye-substrate interaction rather than a singlet oxygen mediated reaction.
Investigating high-speed modulation characteristics of quantum dots in red emitting quantum dot-light emitting diodes

We investigate the high-speed modulation characteristics of quantum dots in red emitting quantum dot-light emitting diodes, in which the -3dB cutoff frequency for 6-mm2 device is 1.5 MHz under optimized conditions. The introduction of a positive offset DC bias voltage greatly increases the modulation speed at low applied voltage range.
Microarray Analysis Reveals Glucocorticoid-Regulated Survival Genes That Are Associated With Inhibition of Apoptosis in Breast Epithelial Cells

Activation of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) results in diverse physiological effects depending on cell type. For example, glucocorticoids (GC) cause apoptosis in lymphocytes but can rescue mammary epithelial cells from growth factor withdrawal-induced death. However, the molecular mechanisms of GR-mediated survival remain poorly understood. In this study, a large-scale oligonucleotide screen of GR-regulated genes was performed. Several of the genes that were found to be induced 30 min after GR activation encode proteins that function in cell survival signaling pathways. We also demonstrate that dexamethasone pretreatment of breast cancer cell lines inhibits chemotherapy-induced apoptosis in a GR-dependent manner and is associated with the transcriptional induction of at least two genes identified in our screen, serum and GC-inducible protein kinase-1 (SGK-1) and mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase-1 (MKP-1). Furthermore, GC treatment alone or GC treatment followed by chemotherapy increases both SGK-1 and MKP-1 steady-state protein levels. In the absence of GC treatment, ectopic expression of SGK-1 or MKP-1 inhibits chemotherapy-induced apoptosis, suggesting a possible role for these proteins in GR-mediated survival. Moreover, specific inhibition of SGK-1 or MKP-1 induction by the introduction of SGK-1- or MKP-1-small interfering RNA reversed the anti-apoptotic effects of GC treatment. Taken together, these data suggest that GR activation in breast cancer cells regulates survival signaling through direct transactivation of genes that encode proteins that decrease susceptibility to apoptosis. Given the widespread clinical administration of dexamethasone before chemotherapy, understanding GR-induced survival mechanisms is essential for achieving optimal therapeutic responses.
Two approaches to micromachining si heat exchanger for Joule-Thomson cryosurgical probes

This paper describes results from two types of micromachined recuperative heat exchangers intended for Joule-Thomson (J-T) cryosurgical probes, which require high stream-to-stream thermal conductance while restricting parasitic stream-wise (axial) conduction. In design A, rows of fins composed of high conductivity silicon are bonded onto a 100 mum thick base plate composed of low conductivity Pyrex glass. This planar device has a footprint of 6times1.5 cm2 and 2.5 mm thickness, and is fabricated using a 5-mask process. In design B, numerous high-conductivity silicon plates alternating with low-conductivity Pyrex spacers are stacked together. This has a footprint of 1times1cm2, a length of 1.4 cm, and is fabricated using a 3-mask process. Preliminary experiments show that the primary performance constraint for design A is imposed by the compromise between mechanical robustness and transverse conductance of the thin glass base plate that separates the high pressure and low pressure streams. Design B enhances the robustness of the device and can sustain higher pressure.
Selfish Mitochondrial DNA Proliferates and Diversifies in Small, but not Large, Experimental Populations of Caenorhabditis briggsae.

Evolutionary interactions across levels of biological organization contribute to a variety of fundamental processes including genome evolution, reproductive mode transitions, species diversification, and extinction. Evolutionary theory predicts that so-called “selfish” genetic elements will proliferate when the host effective population size (Ne) is small, but direct tests of this prediction remain few. We analyzed the evolutionary dynamics of deletion-containing mitochondrial DNA (ΔmtDNA) molecules, previously characterized as selfish elements, in six different natural strains of the nematode Caenorhabditis briggsae allowed to undergo experimental evolution in a range of population sizes (N = 1, 10, 100, and 1,000) for a maximum of 50 generations. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) was analyzed for replicate lineages at each five-generation time point. Ten different ΔmtDNA molecule types were observed and characterized across generations in the experimental populations. Consistent with predictions from evolutionary theory, lab lines evolved in small-population sizes (e.g., nematode N = 1) were more susceptible to accumulation of high levels of preexisting ΔmtDNA compared with those evolved in larger populations. New ΔmtDNA elements were observed to increase in frequency and persist across time points, but almost exclusively at small population sizes. In some cases, ΔmtDNA levels decreased across generations when population size was large (nematode N = 1,000). Different natural strains of C. briggsae varied in their susceptibilities to ΔmtDNA accumulation, owing in part to preexisting compensatory mtDNA alleles in some strains that prevent deletion formation. This analysis directly demonstrates that the evolutionary trajectories of ΔmtDNA elements depend upon the population-genetic environments and molecular-genetic features of their hosts.
Tomato-Based Food Products Are Related to Clinically Modest Improvements in Selected Coronary Biomarkers in Women

Few epidemiologic studies have examined the potential cardiovascular mechanisms of tomato-based food products, the primary dietary source of lycopene. We examined the cross-sectional association between tomato-based food product intake and coronary biomarkers in the Women’s Health Study. Tomato-based food products (tomatoes, tomato juice, tomato sauce, pizza) were summed from a semiquantitative FFQ and multiple risk factors ascertained. Plasma from baseline blood samples were assayed for lipids, lipoproteins, hemoglobin A1c, C-reactive protein, fibrinogen, soluble intracellular adhesion molecule-1, and creatinine. A total of 27,261 women aged ≥45 y who were free of cardiovascular disease and cancer provided relevant data for this study. Tomato-based food product intake was modest, with 84% of women consuming <1 serving/d, but those with greater intake had healthier lifestyle and dietary habits. Women consuming ≥10 compared with <1.5 servings/wk of tomato-based food products had significant but clinically modest improvements in total cholesterol (TC) (5.38 vs. 5.51 mmol/L; P = 0.029), the TC:HDL cholesterol ratio (4.08 vs. 4.22; P = 0.046), and hemoglobin A1c (5.02 vs. 5.13%; P < 0.001) in multivariable models. Considering clinical cutpoints, women consuming ≥10 compared with <1.5 servings/wk were 31% (95% CI = 6%, 50%), 40% (95% CI = 13%, 59%), and 66% (95% CI = 20%, 86%) less likely to have elevated TC (≥6.21 mmol/L), LDL cholesterol (≥4.14 mmol/L), and hemoglobin A1c (≥6%), respectively. Other coronary biomarkers were unassociated with tomato-based food products. In conclusion, women consuming ≥10 compared with <1.5 servings/wk of tomato-based food products had clinically modest but significant improvements in TC, the TC:HDL cholesterol ratio, and hemoglobin A1c but not other coronary biomarkers.
Broadband Dual Linear Polarized Antenna for Statistical Detection of Breast Cancer

A broadband planar antenna capable of dual linear polarization is designed to be used for the detection of breast tumors. This antenna along with a breast model is simulated using the Ansoft HFSS v10.1. The S-parameters are used as input to Artificial Neural Networks for data processing to investigate the effect of polarization on the statistical detection. Using a dual polarized antenna allowed the calculation of all vertical and horizontal co- and cross-polarizations. The numerical results show that using polarizations parallel to the tumor's major axis increases the likelihood of tumor detection.
A Novel Risk Factor for a Novel Virus: Obesity and 2009 Pandemic Influenza A (H1N1)

Background many critically ill patients with 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1) (2009 H1N1) infection were noted to be obese, but whether obesity, rather than its associated co-morbidities, is an independent risk factor for severe infection is unknown. Methods using public health surveillance data, we analyzed demographic and clinical characteristics of California residents hospitalized with 2009 H1N1 infection to assess whether obesity (body mass index [BMI] ≥ 30) and extreme obesity (BMI ≥ 40) were an independent risk factor for death among case patients ≥ 20 years old. Results during the period 20 April-11 August 2009, 534 adult case patients with 2009 H1N1 infection for whom BMI information was available were observed. Two hundred twenty-eight patients (43%) were ≥ 50 years of age, and 378 (72%) had influenza-related high-risk conditions recognized by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices as risk factors for severe influenza. Two hundred and seventy-four (51%) had BMI ≥ 30, which is 2.2 times the prevalence of obesity among California adults (23%) and 1.5 times the prevalence among the general population of the United States (33%). Of the 92 case patients who died (17%), 56 (61%) had BMI ≥ 30 and 28 (30%) had BMI ≥ 40. In multivariate analysis, BMI ≥ 40 (odds ratio [OR], 2.8; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.4-5.9) and BMI ≥ 45 (OR, 4.2; 95% CI, 1.9-9.4), age ≥ 50 years (OR, 2.1; 95% CI, 1.2-3.7), miscellaneous immunosuppressive conditions (OR, 3.9; 95% CI, 1.6-9.5), and asthma (OR, 0.5; 95% CI, 0.3-0.9) were associated with death. Conclusion half of Californians ≥ 20 years of age hospitalized with 2009 H1N1 infection were obese. Extreme obesity was associated with increased odds of death. Obese adults with 2009 H1N1 infection should be treated promptly and considered in prioritization of vaccine and antiviral medications during shortages.
Fertility Rates among Lead Workers and Professional Bus Drivers: A Comparative Study

We examined the relationship between lead exposure and fertility among men in a retrospective cohort study. Fertility (1981-1992) of lead-exposed workers was determined from birth certificate information and was compared with that of nonexposed workers. The exposed group consisted of 4256 reproductive-age male workers reported to the New York State Heavy Metals Registry. The comparison group consisted of a random sample of male bus drivers licensed in the state of New York; these men were frequency-matched by age and residence to the men who were exposed to lead. The actual number of births among lead workers was lower than the expected number of births for that group (standardized fertility ratio [SFR] = 0.88; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.81-0.95), especially among those who had elevated blood lead levels for longer than 5 years (SFR = 0.43; 95% confidence interval [CI]: = 0.31, 0.59). Even after adjusting for age, race, education, and residence, workers with > 5 years of exposure had reduced likelihood of fathering a child than those with a shorter period of exposure (relative risk, 0.38; 95% CI: 0.23, 0.61). Our study indicates that men with a long duration of lead exposure might have reduced fertility.
AN EMPIRICAL APPROACH TO THE PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT OF SOLID WASTE LANDFILLS

Abstract Several methods and models have been developed to simulate or assess the probability, magnitude and potential consequences of the leakage of aqueous environmental contaminants from solid waste landfills and similar facilities. The various models incorporate many common factors, including climatological and geological characteristics. Each model, however, employs a unique approach to the problem, assigns different relative weights to factors, and relies upon extrapolation of small-scale experimental data and/or the designers» subjective judgment in predicting the various mechanisms of full-scale landfill failure that lead to contaminant migration. As a result, no two models are likely to yield the same assessment of a given facility, and no one model has been validated as a predictor of long-term landfill performance. More than 500 landfills, virtually all unlined and now closed, were analyzed to determine the correlation between a multitude of observable parameters and the actual performance of these landfills over periods up to 90 years. Landfill surface area, seismic impact, freeze/thaw cycling, potential evaporation relative to precipitation, and several other factors were found to be significantly correlated with performance. The results of this empirical analysis suggest that the many existing models may be refined to acknowledge relevant landfill performance parameters, and their relative weights and critical values.
Calcium-induced calcium release in smooth muscle: loose coupling between the action potential and calcium release.

Calcium-induced calcium release (CICR) has been observed in cardiac myocytes as elementary calcium release events (calcium sparks) associated with the opening of L-type Ca2+ channels. In heart cells, a tight coupling between the gating of single L-type Ca2+ channels and ryanodine receptors (RYRs) underlies calcium release. Here we demonstrate that L-type Ca2+ channels activate RYRs to produce CICR in smooth muscle cells in the form of Ca2+ sparks and propagated Ca2+ waves. However, unlike CICR in cardiac muscle, RYR channel opening is not tightly linked to the gating of L-type Ca2+ channels. L-type Ca2+ channels can open without triggering Ca2+ sparks and triggered Ca2+ sparks are often observed after channel closure. CICR is a function of the net flux of Ca2+ ions into the cytosol, rather than the single channel amplitude of L-type Ca2+ channels. Moreover, unlike CICR in striated muscle, calcium release is completely eliminated by cytosolic calcium buffering. Thus, L-type Ca2+ channels are loosely coupled to RYR through an increase in global [Ca2+] due to an increase in the effective distance between L-type Ca2+ channels and RYR, resulting in an uncoupling of the obligate relationship that exists in striated muscle between the action potential and calcium release.
Suppressed flux motion in magnesium diboride films

The mixed-state transport behavior of magnesium diboride films shows a suppression of flux motion that is more severe than is typical for conventional vortex pinning. At currents approaching the pair-breaking value and magnetic fields approaching the upper-critical field, the conductance diverges and the current-resistance and temperature-conductance curves become parallel, showing mainly a shift in the transition due to pairbreaking with minimal signs of flux motion.
Depositional Patterns Across Syndepositional Normal Faults, Niger Delta, Nigeria

Abstract Niger Delta depositional patterns are complicated by structural collapse of prograding deposits into underlying mobile shale. Delta field, along the northwest margin of Niger Delta, is located on the dominantly extensional proximal margin of a major collapse structure. This structure defines a sub-basin "depobelt" within this prograding clastic wedge. The Miocene deltaic Agbada Formation was deposited on a succession of cuspate normal faults displaced basinward under the weight of accumulating sediments. This nearly 2-km-thick succession contains five erosionally bounded sequences. Where not deeply incised, successive sequences become progressively thinner upsection, and change from dominantly upward-coarsening deltaic successions to dominantly channel sandstones interbedded with paralic mudstones. Older sequences thicken basinward to a greater extent onto downdropped fault blocks and across crests of associated rollover anticlines. Basal erosion of younger sequence boundaries is narrower and deeper along elongate trends extending landward into footwall blocks. Along the axis of deepest sequence-boundary incision, fills contain a relatively thin layer of basal, high-sinuosity channel sandstones that are abruptly overlain by shale. The rest of the deposits within sequences are separated vertically into two parts: a lower part defined by hundred-meter-thick, basinward-inclined bed sets that coarsen upward, and an upper part with higher-frequency parallel seismic reflections that record vertical aggradation of growth strata after erosional basin-floor topography was buried. Broad constraints on the age of deposits from biostratigraphic studies suggest a tentative link between sequence-boundary development and sea level but do not constrain the timing of sequence incision and filling relative to sea-level stage. Vertical facies changes within individual sequences do not support formation of erosional sequence boundaries by lowstand fluvial incision; rather, sequence boundaries are interpreted to form by faulting of the sea floor, the slumping of rapidly accumulated sediments and erosion by submarine mass-flow channels into footwall blocks. Deeply incised sequence boundaries may be more likely to develop during initiation of a new depobelt, as deltas first prograde to the shelf edge onto undercompacted shales.
The Effect of Diabetes on the Proliferation of Aortic Endothelial Cells

Diabetic vascular disease is more severe, diffuse, and accelerated when compared to nondiabetic vascular disease. Endothelial cell injury or alteration in endothelial cell function is hypothesized to be the initial cellular event in the pathophysiology of diabetic vascular disease. We examined the effect of insulin-treated and untreated alloxan diabetes on the proliferation of rabbit aortic endothelial cells in vitro by growing thoracic aortic endothelial cells from alloxan diabetic rabbits in serum obtained from alloxan diabetic rabbits. Diabetes adversely affected the proliferation of aortic endothelial cells; the most significant decrease in cell proliferation was noted in untreated diabetic cells. Crossover studies between endothelial cells and serum from different groups revealed that diabetes slows endothelial proliferation by not only a serum effect but also an intrinsic cellular effect. These observations suggest that diabetes adversely affects the proliferation of aortic endothelial cells by changing cell and serum functions.
Intranasal Administration of Mycobacterium bovis BCG Induces Superior Protection against Aerosol Infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Mice

Despite the widespread use of Mycobacterium bovis BCG, the only licensed vaccine against tuberculosis (TB), TB remains a global epidemic. To assess whether more direct targeting of the lung mucosa by respiratory immunization would enhance the potency and longevity of BCG-induced anti-TB protective immunity, the long-term impact of intranasal (i.n.) BCG vaccination was compared to conventional subcutaneous (s.c.) immunization by using a mouse model of pulmonary tuberculosis. Although significantly improved protection in the lung was seen at early time points (2 and 4 months postvaccination) in i.n. BCG-immunized mice, no differences in pulmonary protection were seen 8 and 10 months postvaccination. In contrast, in all of the study periods, i.n. BCG vaccination induced significantly elevated protective splenic responses relative to s.c. immunization. At five of nine time points, we observed a splenic protective response exceeding 1.9 log10 protection relative to the s.c. route. Furthermore, higher frequencies of CD4 T cells expressing gamma interferon (IFN-γ) and IFN-γ/tumor necrosis factor alpha, as well as CD8 T cells expressing IFN-γ, were detected in the spleens of i.n. vaccinated mice. Using PCR arrays, significantly elevated levels of IFN-γ, interleukin-9 (IL-9), IL-11, and IL-21 expression were also seen in the spleen at 8 months after respiratory BCG immunization. Overall, while i.n. BCG vaccination provided short-term enhancement of protection in the lung relative to s.c. immunization, potent and extremely persistent splenic protective responses were seen for at least 10 months following respiratory immunization.
An Explanation of the Sound Generated by Light Rain in the Presence of Wind

Field observations have shown that the spectral character of sound generated by light rain changes in the presence of wind. The pronounced spectral peak near 15 kHz in the no wind situation broadens and is much reduced in magnitude as the wind increases. Laboratory measurements of small drops at normal incidence have demonstrated that the spectral peak in the no wind situation is due to tiny bubbles created during the splashes of the raindrops. Recent additional laboratory measurements of small drops at oblique incidence show that bubble creation probability decreases rapidly with increasing angle of impact. These results are used to explain the observed change in the spectral character of the sound generated by light rain in the presence of wind. The predicted change in the spectral levels are within 3 dB of the observations and show that for wind exceeding 3 m/s most of the sound generated by light rain is due to the impact of the raindrops on the water surface rather than due to bubbles created during the splashes.
Elementary School Difficulties of Low-Income Latino and African American Youth: The Role of Geographic Context

ABSTRACT:Do the geographic contexts in which disadvantaged children are raised influence whether they have difficulties in elementary school? We address this question by estimating Cox proportional...
Six. The Evolution of Free Enterprise Values

Free enterprise economic systems evolved in the modern period as culturally transmitted values related to honesty, hard work, and education achievement emerged. One evolutionary puzzle is why most economies for the past 5,000 years have had a limited role for free enterprise given the spectacular success of modern free economies. Another is why if humans became biologically modern 50,000 years ago did it take until 11,000 years ago for agriculture, the economic foundation of states, to begin. Why didn't free enterprise evolve long ago and far away?
Quantitative Evaluation of Frontalure and Cacodylic Acid Treatment Effects on Within-Tree Populations of the Southern Pine Beetle

Within-tree populations of Dendractonus frontalis Zimmerman were measured in untreated control trees, cacodylic acid-injected trees, and frontalure-baited trees. Effects of the treatments were compared to the controls for the mean density/100 cm2 of attacking adults, eggs, larvae, pupae-callow adults, and brood adults by using a life table format. Mathematical models were employed to describe the within-tree spatial distribution and mean density/100 cm2 of the various life stages. Cacodylic acid treatments, when compared to controls, resulted in reduced attack density, substantially greater mortality between the egg-larva and larva-pupa-callow adult stages, greater total generation mortality, and a much reduced increase ratio for the generation. Treatment effects were most pronounced in the basal portion of the tree. Statistically, the mean densities/100 cm2 of the various life stages measured were significantly different from controls. The mean densities of the various life stages/100 cm2 in trees baited with frontalure were not significantly different from controls. Mortality between life stages, total generation mortality, and the increase ratio for the generation all were essentially identical to controls.
The related factors in the population of routine health examination of idiopathic macular epiretinal membrane

Objective To explore the related factors of routine health examinationcrowd idiopathic macular epiretinal membrane, and research findings to developtargeted prevention and treatment measures. Method From 2010 to 2012 received physical examination population department of ophthalmology examination, compared patients to find the examination process of idiopathic epiretinal membrane in patients with and without related diseases in clinical features, using Logistic regression analysis model of the. Result In this study, the physical object to a total of 27 500 people received Department of ophthalmology examination, with idiopathic macular epiretinal membrane in 80 cases. All idiopathic macular epiretinal membrane in patients without prominent Department of ophthalmology with, with the rising trend of age increased probability of patients with idiopathic macular epiretinal membrane; idiopathic macular epiretinal membranein 42.5% of patients with hypertension, 5% patients with diabetes mellitus, 17.5%patients with cataract, 5% patients with renal insufficiency, 65% patients with abnormal blood lipid levels, multivariate Logistic analysis on the factors related, result display and idiopathic macular epiretinal membrane mainly include: age andhyperlipidemia(P 0.05). Conclusion The idiopathic macular epiretinal membraneincreased with age, showing a rising trend, probability and hyperlipidemia patients with idiopathic macular epiretinal membrane is much higher compared to the ordinary people, have more strict attention to high risk people need, the greatest degreeguarantee their health, play examination of the role of.
Development of 700 MPa Grade Ultra-high Strength Heavy Duty Automobile Carriage Strip

In order to promote lightweight process of heavy duty automobile,and optimizing product structure of domestic hot-rolled ultra-high strength steel,with low cost and high performance as basic principle,a composition design idea of low carbon content and an quantitative manganese added with microalloying elements Nb and Ti is proposed,and fine grain strengthening and precipitation strengthening are used,the 700 MPa grade ultra-high strength heavy duty automobile carriage strip is carried out on Tianjin Iron Hot-rolled Plate Company 1 750 mm semi-continuous hot rolling mill.The heating temperature is 1 250 ℃,the finishing temperature between 780～860 ℃,the coiling temperature between 500～620 ℃.The microstructure of steel is fine ferrite,small amounts of degenerated pearlite,and a lot of dispersed(Nb,Ti)C precipitates with the scale of 20 nm and below.The yield and tensile strengths of the steel plate are about 600 MPa and 700 MPa,respectively.The elongation is between 19%～22%.The steel plate has good cold bending property,hole expansion ability and low-temperature impact toughness,reach or over that of domestic and abroad.The carriage plate has excellent weldability.20% structure weight loss can be achieved by replacing Q345,and its application effect is good.
Expertise in Cognitive Task Analysis Interviews.

Cognitive Task Analysis (CTA) interview technique is commonly used to elicit knowledge of subject-matter experts and to design instruction better focused on what experts don’t know they know. However, the knowledge of how to conduct an effective interview is, itself, largely implicit. In this study we performed protocol analysis on a set of interview transcripts from an expert CTA practitioner to elicit the cognitive processes of conducting CTA interviews. We also consulted expert CTA practitioners to identify the strategies that they used during the interviews. We present key strategies that were employed by the expert CTA practitioners to ensure comprehensiveness and accuracy in the information collected, such as looking for perceptual cues (e.g. considering verbs such as “determine”) to ascertain adequacy of SME’s responses and selection of follow-up questions. We present a production rule model as a detailed description of the cognitive processes underlying expert CTA interviewing.
Response to Letter Regarding Article, “Temporal Trends and Variation in Early Scheduled Follow-up After a Hospitalization for Heart Failure: Findings from Get With The Guidelines-Heart Failure

We thank Dr Ezekowitz and McAlister for their interest in our work on early outpatient follow-up after a hospitalization for heart failure.1 The investigators raise an interesting question: what proportion of early follow-up appointments was planned to be with a familiar provider? A prior analysis from their group identified an association between provider continuity and improved outcomes after a hospitalization for heart failure in Canada.2 However, whether these findings extend to other settings, including the United States, are unknown. For example, in a prior analysis of Medicare beneficiaries hospitalized with heart failure, early follow-up with a physician from the index hospitalization was not associated with 30-day readmission rates.3 The question posed by these authors raises a larger issue. What are the unintended consequences, or “off-target effects,” of early follow-up? Certainly, there are financial implications for increased clinic appointments after a heart failure hospitalization, though these are presumably offset by reduced hospitalizations. Could early follow-up …