cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Use and Perceived Risk of Electronic Cigarettes Among North Carolina Middle and High School Students

Purpose Electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use continues to rise among adolescents, but little is known regarding their risk perceptions of e-cigarette use. We aimed to describe the lifetime use and perceived risk of e-cigarette use in the context of other risk-taking behaviors among adolescents in North Carolina. Methods Data were derived from the 2015 North Carolina Youth Risk Behavior Survey, which was administered to 503 middle school and 444 high school students in the Chapel Hill-Carrboro public school district. Survey participants self-reported their sex; ethnicity; school grade; ever-use of cigarettes, e-cigarettes, alcohol, and other illicit substances; perceived risk of harm of these products; and perceived view of their parents' and friends' perceptions of these products. Logistic regression analyses were used to assess associations between student-reported characteristics, risk behaviors, perceived product risk, and ever-use of e-cigarettes. Results This study found that 4.6% of middle school students and 37.2% of high school students reported ever-use of e-cigarettes. E-cigarette use increased and perception of e-cigarette risk decreased with advancing grade. Ever-use of e-cigarettes surpassed ever-use of combustible cigarettes at all grades; 49.4% of e-cigarette users had never smoked cigarettes. The perception that friends view e-cigarette use as "wrong" correlated negatively with e-cigarette use (adjusted odds ratio = 0.43; 95% confidence interval, 0.19-0.97). Limitations Self-reported results from students in one school district have limited generalizability to larger groups. Conclusion E-cigarette use among adolescents in North Carolina correlates positively with perceived friends' views of e-cigarettes, and use correlates negatively with personal perception of the risk of e-cigarettes. Based on our survey results, education and public health intervention regarding e-cigarette use may be best targeted at youth prior to their transition to high school.
Pomegranate ellagitannin-gut microbial-derived metabolites, urolithins, inhibit neuroinflammation in vitro.

Objectives: Urolithins, ellagitannin-gut microbial-derived metabolites, have been reported to mediate pomegranate’s neuroprotective effects against Alzheimer’s disease (AD), but there are limited d...
Suicidality in Young Men Who Have Sex with Men: A Systematic Review of the Literature

ABSTRACTThis systematic literature review addresses risk and protective factors associated with suicidal ideation and attempts in young men who have sex with men (YMSM). The Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), PubMed, PsychArticles, and PsychInfo yielded 14 articles. Risk factors included (1) not being enrolled in school, (2) earlier sexual debut, (3) substance use/abuse, (4) homelessness, (5) bullying and victimization, (6) fear of community violence, (7) and parental abuse. Protective factors included (1) positive sexual minority LGBT stereotypes, (2) family acceptance, (3) school and peer support, (4) high self-esteem, and (5) adaptive coping mechanisms.
The nutrient environment affects therapy.

Understanding the molecular basis of cancer has led to a revolution in how cancers are classified and treated. Subsets of patients benefit from precision-medicine drugs that target growth-promoting signaling networks, but not all cancer patients respond to these approaches ( 1 ). Precision medicine is largely built on the assumption that cancer cell–intrinsic factors, such as genetic mutations or epigenetic identity, determine which pathways and processes are required in cells and thus response to therapies. However, in many cases, the presence of particular genetic lesions is insufficient to identify patients that will respond to a drug ( 1 ). For instance, standard cell culture models have not identified the subsets of cancer patients that respond to most conventional chemotherapies ( 1 ). Nevertheless, these chemotherapy drugs remain standard of care for many cancers and, in some cases, contribute to curative regimens. Emerging data suggest that beyond cell-intrinsic factors, nutrient availability in the tumor microenvironment can also influence drug response. This highlights the importance of understanding the microenvironmental factors that dictate which cellular processes are essential for disease progression and ultimately how tumors respond to treatments that target these processes.
Impacts of Public Law 111-216: Will the Flight Instructor Career Path Remain a Viable Option for Aspiring Airline Pilots?

On August 1, 2010, President Obama signed Public Law 111-216. This new legislation impacts the practices of 14 CFR Part 121 air carriers, as well as dictating the requirement of all airline pilots to hold an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate. This study examines how a flight instructor in a 14 CFR Part 141 pilot school measures up to the aeronautical experience requirements of the ATP. Aeronautical experience of 174 current flight instructors employed by a Part 141 collegiate aviation program was analyzed. The results indicate that this group of flight instructors significantly lacked the required cross-country flight experience required by the ATP certificate. The research also found that the number of flight instructors aspiring to work for air carriers is on the decline.
Correction to: A Comparative Study of Feature Selection Methods for Stress Hotspot Classification in Materials

The formatting of Table 2, column 1 did not match the descriptions in the text and table footer. The original article has been corrected.
"I think that's all a lie…I think It's genocide": Applying a Critical Race Praxis to Youth Perceptions of Flint Water Contamination.

Background: In April 2014, the emergency manager of Flint, Michigan switched the city’s water supplier from Detroit’s water department to the Flint River. The change in water source resulted in the Flint Water Cri­sis (FWC) in which lead (Pb) from the city’s network of old pipes leached into residents’ tap water. Residents of Flint reported con­cerns about the water to officials; however, the concerns were ignored for more than a year. Objective: This study sought to understand how Black youth in Flint conceptualize, in­terpret, and respond to racism they perceive as part of the normal bureaucracy contribut­ing to the FWC. Methods: In 2016, we conducted four community forums with Flint youth aged 13 to 17 years. Sixty-eight youth partici­pated with 93% self-identifying as Black. Participants completed a brief survey. We audio-recorded the forums and transcribed them verbatim. Critical Race Theory (CRT) guided the development of the interview protocol and Public Health Critical Race Praxis (PHCRP) served as an interpretive framework during qualitative data analysis. Content analyses were completed using software. Results: Many youth viewed the FWC through a racially conscious frame. They described Flint as a Black city where historical and contemporary forms of racial stratification persist. Some described the contamination of the city’s water as a form of genocide targeting Blacks. Conclusions: The findings from this ex­ploratory study suggest some Black youth in Flint have difficulty coping with the FWC. Those who perceive it through a racial frame attribute the crisis to racism. They feel distressed about this and other traumas (eg, failure to address high rates of crime) they perceived as racism-related. Future research should examine the implications for specific mental health outcomes among youth. Ethn Dis. 2018;28(Suppl 1): 241-246; doi:10.18865/ed.28.S1.241.
GPS Multireceiver Direct Position Estimation for Aerial Applications

Modern aviation safety increasingly depends on reliable GPS services, while signal degrading effects such as multipath and masking often occur during critical flight phases, such as takeoff and landing. In this regard, we propose multireceiver direct position estimation (MR-DPE), which operates a network of DPE receivers to enhance GPS accuracy under degraded signal conditions. A DPE receiver directly estimates navigation solutions in the position–velocity–time domain with a maximum-likelihood approach, bypassing the intermediate range measurements. Whereas prior works have shown the enhanced accuracy of DPE with weak signals, MR-DPE provides further improvement by leveraging the information redundancy and the geometric diversity provided by the network of receivers and antennas. We implemented MR-DPE using software-defined radio and tested it with simulated GPS signals to show improved GPS accuracy under degraded environments. We conducted comprehensive, full-scale flight experiments, a first for DPE-related works. A wide range of flight profiles was explored and analyzed, especially those prone to signal multipath and masking, thus validating the claimed benefits of MR-DPE in GPS accuracy.
The Current State of Transformative Learning Theory: A Metatheory

This article presents a perspective on the current state of transformative learning theory. It shows how the literature surrounding transformative learning caused it to evolve into a metatheory. This article then offers a definition of transformative learning as a, as well as three criteria that delimit the learning phenomena that the metatheory encompasses. To illustrate how scholars might evaluate epistemological change in terms of its part in an overall transformation, this article explores how and when epistemological change can be considered transformative.
Fluctuation Analysis in Parallel Queues with Hysteretic Control

We study an enhanced hysteretic control system, with primary and secondary queues and random batch service. When the primary queue down-crosses r, the server operates on two parallel lines, servicing them asynchronously until the primary line of remaining units is processed or the number of serviced secondary units is at least S, whichever comes first. The server then waits until the primary queue length reaches N (if needed) before returning to primary service. The server capacity of primary units is limited by R with two options: r ≤ R ≤ N and R > N. Using fluctuation analysis we obtain closed-form distributions of available units during key periods of time and the steady state distribution of the primary queue. We illustrate analytical tractability by numerous analytical and computational examples.
Amino acid signature predictive of incident prediabetes: A case-control study nested within the longitudinal pathobiology of prediabetes in a biracial cohort.

Abstract Objective Circulating branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs, isoleucine, leucine, valine) and aromatic amino acids (AAAs, tyrosine and phenylalanine) predicted type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) risk in a Caucasian population. Here, we assessed amino acid levels in relation to incident prediabetes among initially normoglycemic African Americans (AA) and European Americans (EA). Research design and methods Using a nested case-control design, we studied 70 adults (35 AA, 35 EA) who developed prediabetes (progressors) and 70 matched participants who maintained normoglycemia (nonprogressors) during 5.5 years of follow-up in the Pathobiology of Prediabetes in a Biracial Cohort study. Assessments included plasma amino acid levels, insulin sensitivity, and beta-cell function. Results The total level of all 18 amino acid assayed was significantly associated with lean mass (r = 0.36, P Conclusions Baseline plasma aspartic acid and asparagine levels predicted progression to prediabetes, whereas histidine levels were protective of prediabetes risk. Thus, the amino acid signature associated with prediabetes in a diverse population may be distinct from that previously linked to T2DM in Caucasians.
Hospital volume and failure to rescue after vestibular schwannoma resection.

Background Complication rates in many complex surgical procedures are associated with the volume of procedures performed. Objectives To investigate the relationship between hospital volume and complications, mortality, and failure to rescue (FTR) rates in patients undergoing vestibular schwannoma (VS) surgery. Design, setting, and participants The Nationwide Inpatient Sample was used to identify 44,336 patients who underwent VS surgery in 1995-2011. Annual case volumes were stratified by quintiles and defined as very low (≤5 cases/year), low (6-12 cases/year) medium (13-22 cases/year), high (23-37 cases/year), and very high-volume (≥38 cases/year). Main outcomes and measures Relationships between hospital volume and in-hospital mortality, postoperative complications, as well as FTR rates, defined as death after a major complication, were examined using multivariate regression analysis. Results Postoperative medical and surgical complications occurred in 5.4% and 14.6% of cases, respectively, and did not differ significantly across volume quintiles. In-hospital mortality decreased with increasing hospital volume, with an incidence of 1.4% for hospitals in the lowest volume quintile compared to 0.1% for hospitals in the top volume quintile. After controlling for all other variables, the odds of in-hospital mortality were lower for medium (OR = 0.19 [0.04-0.93]) and very high-volume hospitals (OR = 0.07 [0.01-0.53]), but not high-volume hospitals (OR = 0.43 [0.05-3.77]). There was no association between hospital volume and the odds of postoperative surgical complications. FTR was associated with hospital volume, with decreasing odds for medium-volume (OR = 0.15 [0.02-0.93]), high-volume (OR = 0.17 [0.04-0.74]), and very high-volume (OR = 0.07 [0.04-0.74]) hospitals. Conclusions Hospital volume does not appear to be associated with complication rates but is associated with decreased likelihood of FTR after VS surgery. Level of evidence NA Laryngoscope, 130:1287-1293, 2020.
Anomalous Zbb[over ¯] Couplings: From LEP to LHC.

The bottom quark forward-backward asymmetry (${A}_{\mathrm{FB}}^{b}$) data at LEP exhibits a long-standing discrepancy with the standard model prediction. We propose a novel method to probe the $Zb\overline{b}$ interactions through $gg\ensuremath{\rightarrow}Zh$ production at the LHC, which is sensitive to the axial-vector component of the $Zb\overline{b}$ couplings. The apparent degeneracy of the anomalous $Zb\overline{b}$ couplings implied by the LEP precision electroweak measurements seems to be resolved by the current 13 TeV LHC $Zh$ data, which is, however, dominated by the two data points with high transverse momentum of $Z$ boson whose central values are in conflict with the standard model prediction. We also show the potential of the HL-LHC to either verify or exclude the anomalous $Zb\overline{b}$ couplings observed at LEP through measuring the $Zh$ production rate at the HL-LHC, and this conclusion is not sensitive to the possible new physics contribution induced by top quark or Higgs boson anomalous couplings in the loop.
Class Action Democracy

A persistent concern with class actions is that the attorney will take advantage of the class members, conducting the litigation in a way that lines their own pockets at the class members’ expense. Holding an agent like an attorney accountable is always a problem, but it is especially dire in class actions because the class cannot meaningfully participate in the litigation. If the attorney misbehaves, class members cannot, for example, vote to replace them. This lack of effective democratic procedures in class actions rationalizes a range of doctrines and proposals that restrict them. Given this democratic deficit it makes sense to treat class actions as something of a last resort. I question this democratic critique of class actions. Despite the intuitive appeal and legal importance of democratic procedures, they would actually do little to benefit class members. Drawing on the economics of communication I show that there is a fundamental trade-off between democratic control and expertise. Taking this trade-off into account, even idealized democratic procedures would not make class members better off: if class members could vote to replace their attorney they would generally prefer not doing so, instead delegating matters to their attorney. These observations defang the democratic critique of class actions, therefore removing the most promising justification for restricting them and treating them as a disfavored procedure. That being said, courts should carefully scrutinize settlement and fee arrangements to make certain that the interests of the attorney and the class remain roughly, albeit imperfectly, aligned.
The intra-day link between sleep disturbance and pain severity among individuals with temporomandibular joint disorder: Pain expectancy as a potential mechanism

Most individuals with temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) report experiencing sleep disturbance, which can maintain and exacerbate pain severity. However, the factors underlying the sleep-pain link, especially at the within-person level, have not been fully elucidated. Previous studies suggest that sleep disruption can induce biased attentional and interpretative processes, which can potentially elevate pain expectancy—a potent psychological factor that shapes pain experience. We examined whether morning pain expectancy serves as a mediator in the association between previous night sleep disturbance and pain severity the following evening. The sample included 170 women (mean age=36.3 [SD=11.4]) with co-morbid TMD and insomnia. Sleep was assessed for 14 days using actigraphy. Sleep parameters, including total sleep time (TST), wake after sleep onset (WASO), and sleep onset latency (SOL), were extracted from the data. Subjective reports of previous night sleep and current pain expectancy were measured upon participant's waking, and subsequent pain-related reports were collected at end-of-day during the same 14-day period. Multilevel structural equation modeling was employed to analyze the nested data. The Rmediation software was used to test the significance of the mediated effects. Shorter previous night TST predicted higher pain expectancy (B=-.001, p=.021), such that shorter TST was associated with higher pain expectancy. TST (B=-.002, p=.007) and WASO (B=.002, p=.047) significantly predicted morning pain. Morning pain expectancy (B=.140, p
Progress in propylene homo- and copolymers using advanced transition metal catalyst systems

Transition metal catalysts have evolved dynamically in the last few years for propylene polymerization and copolymerization in homogeneous media. The trends in catalyst development have moved from modification of Group 4 metallocene catalysts to search for new generation catalysts, including non-metallocene catalysts and late transition-metal catalysts. These new designed catalysts can produce some specific microstructures and functional polyolefins, which are not possible with metallocene catalysts. The present perspective will focus on developments in the design of new transition metal catalysts for propylene polymerization and copolymerization with different comonomers. First, propylene polymerization and copolymerization with early transition metal catalysts are discussed including the reactivity and selectivity of propylene polymerizations in a rational manner. Second, late transition metal catalyzed propylene polymerization and copolymerization with polar functionalized comonomers are discussed in detail. Third, propylene copolymerization with cyclic/diene monomers using transition metal catalysts is discussed. Special emphasis is put on the catalyst structures, the polymerization characteristics, and the chemical and physical properties of the resultant materials.
Optimal control for networks with unobservable malicious nodes

Abstract Classic network optimization theory focuses on network models with stochastic dynamics and all nodes being observable and controllable. However, modern network systems often offer limited access and suffer from adversarial attacks. In this paper, we focus on networks with unobservable malicious nodes, where the network dynamics, such as external arrivals and control actions of malicious nodes can be adversarial. We first extend the existing adversarial network models by introducing a new maliciousness metric that constrains the dynamics of the adversary, and characterize the stability region of a network under adversarial dynamics. We then propose an algorithm that only operates on the accessible nodes and does not require direct observations of the malicious nodes, and show that our algorithm is stabilizing as long as the network dynamics are within the stability region. Finally, we show that our algorithm stabilizes the network even if the estimates of the network state are erroneous, and characterize the necessary and sufficient conditions for networks with unobservable malicious nodes to be stabilizable when subjected to estimation errors.
Sporadic P limitation constrains microbial growth and facilitates SOM accumulation in the stoichiometrically coupled, acclimating microbe–plant–soil model

Abstract Requirements for biomass carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) constrain organism growth and are important agents for structuring ecosystems. Arctic tundra habitats are strongly nutrient limited as decomposition and recycling of nutrients are slowed by low temperature. Modeling interactions among these elemental cycles affords an opportunity to explore how disturbances such as climate change might differentially affect these nutrient cycles. Here we introduce a C–N–P-coupled version of the Stoichiometrically Coupled Acclimating Microbe-Plant-Soil (SCAMPS) model, “SCAMPS-CNP”, and a corresponding modified CN-only model, “SCAMPS-CN”. We compared how SCAMPS-CNP and the modified SCAMPS-CN models project a moderate (RCP 6.0) air warming scenario will impact tussock tundra nutrient availability and ecosystem C stocks. SCAMPS-CNP was characterized by larger SOM and smaller organism C stocks compared to SCAMPS-CN, and a greater reduction in ecosystem C stocks under warming. This difference can largely be attributed to a smaller microbial biomass in the CNP model, which, instead of being driven by direct costs of P acquisition, was driven by variable resource limitation due to asynchronous C, N, and P availability and demand. Warming facilitated a greater relative increase in plant and microbial biomass in SCAMPS-CNP, however, facilitated by increased extracellular enzyme pools and activity, which more than offset the metabolic costs associated with their production. Although the microbial community was able to flexibly adapt its stoichiometry and become more bacteria-like (N-rich) in both models, its stoichiometry deviated further from its target value in the CNP model because of the need to balance cellular NP ratio. Our results indicate that seasonality and asynchrony in resources affect predicted changes in ecosystem C storage under warming in these models, and therefore build on a growing body of literature indicating stoichiometry should be considered in carbon cycling projections.
Let's Get Physical: K-12 Students Using Wearable Devices to Obtain and Learn About Data from Physical Activities

Accessibility to wearable technology has exploded in the last decade. As such, this technology has potential to be used in classrooms in uniquely interactive and personally meaningful ways. Seeing this as a possible future for schools, we have been exploring approaches for designing activities to incorporate wearable physical activity data tracking technologies to help students learn how to interpret data. This article describes four instances of designed learning activities in which wearable physical activity data tracking devices in use with K-12 students. Of special note is how the devices could be used to help students learn both content related to statistics and about physical activities in general. We also identify some of the challenges associated with the use of such devices that others who may use wearable technology in the classroom may wish to consider.
Methodological Quality of Meta-Analyses on the Mediterranean Diet and Cardiovascular Disease

Several systematic reviews/meta-analyses published within the last 10 years have examined the effects of Mediterranean style diets (MedSD) on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. However, these reports have not been evaluated for satisfying contemporary methodological quality standards. To assess compliance with current standards, we applied a modified version of the Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews (AMSTARMedSD) quality scale to systematic reviews/ meta-analyses retrieved from electronic databases that had met our selection criteria: (1) used systematic or meta-analytic procedures to review the literature; (2) examined MedSD trials; and (3) had MedSD interventions independently or combined with other interventions. Reviews completely satisfied from 8% to 75% of the AMSTARMedSD items (Mean=31.6%±19.6%), with those published in higher impact journals having greater quality scores. At a minimum 50% of the 20 reports did not disclose full search details or apply appropriate statistical methods to comb...
Toward the Ideal of a Healthy Land

Aldo Leopold's Odyssey . By Julianne Lutz Newton . Island Press/Shearwater Books, Washington, DC, 2006. 501 pp. $35. ISBN 9781597260459. Drawing on earlier accounts and unpublished archives, Newton discusses the evolution and context of Leopold's thinking on the relation between people and the land.
A role for interleukin-15Rα signaling in the homeostasis of early T cell progenitors (LYM7P.716)

A deficiency in interleukin-15 receptor α (IL-15Rα) expression is associated with an overall decrease in thymic cellularity. To further investigate this defect, we examined T cell progenitors in the thymus of wild-type (WT) and IL-15Rα KO mice. We identified a significant reduction specifically within the subset of CD27 high cells in the CD44 high CD25 - double negative (DN1) population of T cell progenitors in the absence of IL-15Rα. Since T cell development begins early in ontogeny, we also examined the thymus of WT and IL-15Rα KO neonates ( high DN1 cells suggesting that the aforementioned deficiencies are acquired over time. Finally, while IL-15Rα functions largely through the transpresentation of IL-15, it also has the capacity to signal directly. To determine which of these two roles might be involved in the long-term homeostasis of thymic progenitors, we used a transgenic mouse strain that expresses a chimeric receptor composed of the extracellular domain of IL-15Rα and the intracellular domain of the IL-2Rα, thus efficiently disrupting IL-15Rα signaling while maintaining transpresentation. We found that, similar to IL-15Rα KO mice, IL-15Rα signaling transgenics also exhibited a significant decrease in the subset of CD27 high DN1 cells suggesting that direct signaling through IL-15Rα is required for optimal homeostasis of early T cell progenitors in the thymus.
Expression and polarization of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 on human intestinal epithelia: consequences for CD11b/CD18-mediated interactions with neutrophils.

Epithelial dysfunction and patient symptoms in inflammatory intestinal diseases such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease correlate with migration of neutrophils (PMN) across the intestinal epithelium. In vitro modeling of PMN transepithelial migration has revealed distinct differences from transendothelial migration. By using polarized monolayers of human intestinal epithelia (T84), PMN transepithelial migration has been shown to be dependent on the leukocyte integrin CD11b/CD18 (Mac-1), but not on CD11a/CD18 (LFA-1). Since intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) is an important endothelial counterreceptor for these integrins, its expression in intestinal epithelia and role in PMN-intestinal epithelial interactions was investigated. A panel of antibodies against different domains of ICAM-1, polarized monolayers of human intestinal epithelia (T84), and natural human colonic epithelia were used to examine the polarity of epithelial ICAM-1 surface expression and the functional role of ICAM-1 in neutrophil-intestinal epithelial adhesive interactions. While no surface expression of ICAM-1 was detected on unstimulated T84 cells, interferon-γ (IFNγ) elicited a marked expression of ICAM-1 that selectively polarized to the apical epithelial membrane. Similarly, apically restricted surface expression of ICAM-1 was detected in natural human colonic epithelium only in association with active inflammation. With or without IFNγ pre-exposure, physiologically directed (basolateral-to-apical) transepithelial migration of PMN was unaffected by blocking monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to ICAM-1. In contrast, PMN migration across IFNγ-stimulated monolayers in the reverse (apical-to-basolateral) direction was inhibited by anti-ICAM-1 antibodies. Adhesion studies revealed that T84 cells adhered selectively to purified CD11b/CD18 and such adherence, with or without IFNγ pre-exposure, was unaffected by ICAM-1 mAb. Similarly, freshly isolated epithelial cells from inflamed human intestine bound to CD11b/CD18 in an ICAM-1-independent fashion. These data indicate that ICAM-1 is strictly polarized in intestinal epithelia and does not represent a counterreceptor for neutrophil CD11b/CD18 during physiologically directed transmigration, but may facilitate apical membrane-PMN interactions after the arrival of PMN in the intestinal lumen.
Chapter 7 Visual-Motor Control in Altered Gravity

Publisher Summary Human perception and performance are affected by changes in the magnitude of the gravitational-inertial environment. The extra weight of the limbs during exposure to hypergravity (muscle loading) causes initial (ballistic) reaching responses to be too low, whereas the reduced weight of the limbs during exposure to hypogravity (muscle unloading) causes them to be too high. If a visual target is viewed in an otherwise dark setting under altered gravitational-inertial conditions, the elevator illusion will also occur and will induce target-pointing errors opposite in direction from those caused by muscle loading/unloading. This chapter examines the effects of alternating hypogravity and hypergravity, as produced by parabolic flight, on open-loop target-pointing. The results exhibit that adaptation is specific to those conditions under which motor-sensory feedback is provided; the subjects who pointed at the target during the hypogravic phase, but were passive during the hypergravic phase, adapted only to the hypogravic condition; likewise, the subjects who pointed at the target only during the hypergravic phase adapted to that condition. In both cases, the adaptation is based on an elimination of the effects of muscle loading/unloading.
Circumsporozoite protein as a potential target for antimalarials

Since the discovery of circumsporozoite protein (CSP), a major sporozoite surface antigen, by Ruth Nussenzweig and Victor Nussenzweig in the early 1980s, the role of CSP in protection against malaria has been extensively investigated. Several monoclonal antibodies against CSP have been generated to date, with some of them mediating antimalarial protection upon passive transfer into animals. Genetically engineered transgenic mosquitoes producing the anti-CSP antibody have recently been generated to reduce malarial transmission. A monoclonal anti-CSP antibody was produced in mice by adeno-associated virus vector, which protected them from malaria. Phase III trials with RTS,S vaccine that targets CSP of Plasmodium falciparum have shown modest efficacy. Polyclonal anti-CSP antibodies derived from children who received the RTS,S vaccine failed to block malarial transmission through mosquitoes, but passive transfer of monoclonal antibodies raised from RTS,S-vaccinated recipient conferred protection against malaria in mice. Taken together, these findings may imply CSP as an antimalarial target.
Are phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors associated with vision-threatening adverse events? A critical analysis and review of the literature.

ABSTRACT Introduction Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors are the first line drugs for treatment of erectile dysfunction. Sildenafil (Viagra R ), tadalafil (Cialis R ), and vardenafil (Levitra R ) are from the same class of drugs that inhibit PDE5. Transient visual symptoms such as change in color perception and increased light sensitivity are well‐known adverse effects of these drugs and occur in 3–11% of sildenafil users. Vision‐threatening (serious) ocular complications, such as nonarteritic ischemic optic neuropathy and cilio‐retinal artery occlusion have rarely been reported in PDE5 inhibitor users. Aims To highlight and analyze the most recently published case literature on serious ocular complications of PDE5 inhibitors. Methods Search of the peer‐reviewed English literature was conducted using Medline. The following databases also were searched: Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Cochrane Library, Global Health, and MD Consult. The causality assessment of the reported adverse drug reactions was analyzed by applying both the World Health Organization (WHO) Probability Scale and the criteria utilized by the National Registry of Drug‐Induced Ocular Side Effects. Main Outcome Measures To scientifically and objectively find out if PDE5 inhibitors are associated with vision‐threatening ocular complications. Results Eight case reports of serious PDE5 inhibitor‐associated ocular complications were identified since January 2006 until February 2011. Case reports included cases of anterior and posterior nonarteritic ischemic optic neuropathy, central retinal vein occlusion, cilio‐retinal artery occlusion, acute angle closure glaucoma and optic atrophy after sildenafil use. Conclusion There is lack of conclusive evidence to indicate a direct cause–effect relationship between PDE5 inhibitor use and vision‐threatening ocular events. Men who use PDE5 inhibitors appear to suffer vision‐threatening complications at the same frequency as the general population. However, minor visual adverse effects occur in 3–11% of users and they are transient and reversible. Azzouni F and Abu samra K. Are phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors associated with vision‐threatening adverse events? A critical analysis and review of the literature. J Sex Med 2011;8:2894–2903.
The sodium pump becomes a family.

Abstract The sodium pump, long recognized as central to the maintenance of Na + and K + ionic gradients, has gained a new personality, or we should say, set of personalities. Its catalytic subunit (α) and probably also its glycoprotein subunit (β) are encoded by several genes that are differentially expressed in different cell types. Of what physiological or regulatory relevance is this variety? The answers probably lie at many different levels of biological complexity.
Wavefront propagation in a class of random microstructures—II. Non-Linear elastic grains

Abstract The propagation of stress pulses is studied in one-dimensional piecewise constant microstructures of grains with power-law elastic response, having randomness present in constitutive moduli and grain lengths. Materials of two types are being considered: all grains of either a soft or a hard type. First, a Markov process is established for evolution of forward propagating disturbances, with the main feature being the progressive curving and random diffusion of the characteristics. Next, a study is conducted of the sensitivity of loading and unloading shock waves, as well as of washing out of pulses, to the randomness in the medium. It is found that the curving of characteristics shifts the formation of a shock with respect to the classical homogeneous medium solutions, but the strength is always decreased due to the presence of backscattered waves.
Dominance and den use in Octopus bimaculoides

Abstract Abstract. Past studies have indicated that dominance relationships based on size occur in octopuses. It is unclear, however, why this behaviour evolved since octopuses are solitary animals that do not form social aggregations. The hypothesis that dominance determines den use when dens are limited and vary in quality was tested using Octopus bimaculoides. The results from this study support this hypothesis. In a large circular tank, three octopuses competed for two dens that varied in quality and there was a significant association between den use and dominance rank. Wet weight and mantle length were highly correlated and both were good predictors of the dominance of an individual. The results also suggest that O. bimaculoides is able to recognize whether an individual is dominant or subordinate to it and that this recognition occurs quickly.
Cytochrome b in plasma membrane enriched fractions from several photoresponsive organisms.

. Plasma membrane enriched fractions from Phycomyces blakesleeanus, Neurospora crassa and Dictyostelium discoideum were examined spectrally. All showed a membrane bound b-type cytochrome and the presence of some flavin but the membrane preparations did not exhibit any light-induced absorbance changes. It was concluded that most of the flavin which might have been associated with the membranes in vivo had been washed off during the preparation procedures. However, the reduced-minus-oxidized difference spectrum of the cytochrome b in the plasma membrane enriched fraction from Neurospora was very similar to light-minus-dark difference spectrum for the photoreduced cytochrome b in whole cells of Neurospora, both spectra being measured at –196°C to enhance spectral discrimination.
Equation of state and critical exponents of 3 He and a 3 He- 4 He mixture near their liquid-vapor critical point

We report a determination of the effective critical exponents ${\ensuremath{\beta}}_{\mathrm{eff}}$ and ${\ensuremath{\gamma}}_{\mathrm{eff}}$ in $^{3}\mathrm{He}$ as a function of the distance $T\ensuremath{-}{T}_{c}$ from the liquid-vapor critical point. These exponents characterize respectively the singular behavior of the densities for the coexisting phases ($Tl{T}_{c}$) and of the compressibility along the critical isochore for $Tg{T}_{c}$. The density measurements use the dielectric-constant method and cover the range $2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}1}g|t|g3\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}5}$ where $t=\frac{(T\ensuremath{-}{T}_{c})}{{T}_{c}}$. Far away from ${T}_{c}$ we find ${\ensuremath{\beta}}_{\mathrm{eff}}=0.36$, but as ${T}_{c}$ is approached, ${\ensuremath{\beta}}_{\mathrm{eff}}$ decreases progressively. Although the error becomes large for $t\ensuremath{\lesssim}5\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}4}$, ${\ensuremath{\beta}}_{\mathrm{eff}}$ tends into the direction of the limiting value $\ensuremath{\beta}=0.32$ that is predicted by recent theories. For $2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}2}gtg5\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}4}$, we find ${\ensuremath{\gamma}}_{\mathrm{eff}}=1.19\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.01$. Both the coexistence curve and the compressibility are fitted to power-law series that include correction-to-scaling terms. The amplitudes of these terms for the coexistence curve are compared with those for Xe and S${\mathrm{F}}_{6}$. The slope of the rectilinear diameter is found to be $d\frac{\ensuremath{\rho}}{{\ensuremath{\rho}}_{c}}dt=\ensuremath{-}0.022$. For the 80%-$^{3}\mathrm{He}$---20%-$^{4}\mathrm{He}$ mixture above ${T}_{c}$, the singular density gradient in the earth's gravity field is found to diverge strongly as ${T}_{c}$ is approached. The relevant exponent is again ${\ensuremath{\gamma}}_{\mathrm{eff}}\ensuremath{\simeq}1.18\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.02$ and the amplitude of the singular term is intermediate between those for $^{3}\mathrm{He}$ and for $^{4}\mathrm{He}$. These results are in good agreement with those calculated from the Leung-Griffiths model for $^{3}\mathrm{He}$-$^{4}\mathrm{He}$ mixtures.
RETURN TO THE QUAI BRANLY

The Musee du quai Branly, built in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower, opened to great fanfare in 2006. Since then it has sponsored a wide variety of exhibitions and conjoint activities and fueled rich debates about museology in the postcolonial world—from collecting practices in the field and issues concerning cultural property to the politics of display and the distribution of power among collectors, dealers, curators, anthropologists, and art historians. This article follows on the book in which Price (2007) chronicled events leading up to the museum's inauguration. It lays out developments over the past three years and engages the literature, in France and elsewhere, that has swirled around the museum's undertaking.
Trauma case management: a role for the advanced practice nurse

The care of a critically ill trauma patient is complex and requires the expertise and skill of many healthcare providers. Delays in injury identification and the development of a treatment plan without considering comorbid conditions impede the patient's resuscitation and recovery from the acute injury, delay the rehabilitative phase, and increase the costs. This article will discuss a strategy using an advanced practice nurse as a case manager to assist in prompt identification of the patients' pathologic and physiologic changes and psychosocial and rehabilitative needs and to orchestrate a comprehensive and consistent plan through the continuum of care.
Cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase: Solubilization and determination of enzyme activity

Abstract A method has been developed by which endogenous cholesterol is removed from rat liver microsomes with the full retention of cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase activity. This method consists of lyophilization of microsomes followed by extraction with distilled n -butanol. After centrifugation at 25,000g, the particulate fraction remaining from the butanol extraction is rapidly dried under vacuum. More than 90% of endogenous cholesterol is removed by this method. The butanol-extracted enzyme shows a linear increase in cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase activity with increasing protein concentration and time of incubation. The method of assay of cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase was also improved by using petroleum ether in place of the previously reported solvent systems to extract the product formed during incubation. This solvent reduces the time required for evaporation before separation of the sterols on thin-layer chromatography. The nonionic detergent, Emulgen 911, is effective in solubilizing substrate cholesterol for the assay system. It is also used to solubilize the butanol-extracted enzyme. The solubilized enzyme shows a high degree of heat lability.
Introduction to slow synaptic potentials and their neuromodulation by dopamine.

The existence of two muscarinically mediated slow postsynaptic potentials (PSPs) and a noncholinergic (peptidergic) late-slow PSP was established in the 1960s. These have synaptic delays and PSP durations 100–10 000 times those for the nicotinic (fast) excitatory post-synaptic potential (EPSP). Evidence is reviewed for and against the proposal that, in rabbit superior cervical ganglia, the slow (s-) inhibitory postsynaptic potential requires a second transmitter, dopamine, released by muscarinic action on interneurones (the small, intensely fluorescent cells). The s-EPSP in frog ganglia appears only in already depolarized cells by a muscarinic closure of the M (voltage-sensitive K+) channels. But the large s-EPSP in mammalian neurones, not depolarized, is generated largely via other mechanisms, especially one involving cyclic GMP. Dopamine also produces a long-term enhancement (LTE) of the muscarinic slow PSPs in rabbit superior cervical ganglia, whether dopamine is applied exogeneously or released intrag...
Documentation of code status and discussion of goals of care in gravely ill hospitalized patients.

Abstract Background Timely discussions about goals of care in critically ill patients have been shown to be important. Methods We conducted a retrospective chart review over 2 years (2003-2004) of patients admitted to our medical service who were classified as “expected to die.” Charts were evaluated for do-not-resuscitate (DNR) documentation and discussions of goals of care. Detailed chart reviews for demographic information, cause of death, site of death, length of stay, and duration of resuscitation attempt were performed. Results Of 497 charts identified, 434 (87.3%) had a DNR on file at the time of death. After exclusion of patients who died in less than 24 hours, 18 no-DNR charts remained. Seven noted a decision to continue aggressive care and 11 had no code status discussion documented. Younger patients and patients with cardiovascular disease were less likely to have a DNR. Resuscitation times were longer in the no-discussion group. All patients who died without a DNR died in the intensive care unit. Seventy-six percent of discussions were done by medicine housestaff. Conclusions Although the overall rate of DNR documentation was high, several trends emerged. Medicine housestaff in the intensive care unit would be a logical group to target for an educational intervention to address these discrepancies.
XPS study of coal liquefaction catalysts and catalyst impregnated coal

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) has been used to study the surface characteristics of six coal liquefaction catalysts and a catalyst impregnated Illinois #6 coal sample. The surface composition was determined and compared with the composition from the bulk analysis. Sputtering with Ar + ions followed by XPS depth profiling analysis has also been carried out to determine elemental distributions as a function of depth from the surface
Dewey's enduring vitality

There are many loose ends in this study and I shall make no effort to tie them together in some neat summary. I trust that my basic sympathies with Dewey have been clear throughout. What I have discovered in the course of writing this is that reflecting upon Dewey's work in the light of contemporary problems and schools of philosophy not only casts light on these problems and schools but enhances one's appreciation for the distinctiveness, coherence and value of his work.
Mode matching interface for efficient coupling of light into planar photonic crystals

We enhance the insertion efficiency from a silicon slab into a planar photonic crystal with a mode-matching interface consisting of a multi-layered diffraction grating (9% to 84%). Computations are performed with 3D finite difference time domain
Vendor‐Based Retrospective Conversion at George Washington University

In May 1982, the Gelman Library of George Washington University initiated circulation services on a DataPhase A LIS‐II automated library system. This article discusses the conversion of records to machine‐readable format and the linking of physical items requisite to installing the system. Two vendors were selected to support two components of the conversion project, which are described.
What Predicts Method Effects in Child Behavior Ratings.

The purpose of this research was to determine whether child, parent, and teacher characteristics such as sex, socioeconomic status (SES), parental depressive symptoms, the number of years of teaching experience, number of children in the classroom, and teachers’ disciplinary self-efficacy predict deviations from maternal ratings in a multitrait-multimethod (MTMM) confirmatory factor analysis. The study included 978 families from the National Institute of Child Health and Development Study of Early Child Care and Youth Development. Results indicated that teachers with more disciplinary self-efficacy, teaching experience, and children in their classrooms generally rated their students’ behavior in a more consistent manner with ratings completed by the students’ mothers. In addition, fathers who reported more symptoms of depression rated their children’s behavior in a less consistent manner with ratings completed by mothers. Finally, the perspectives of mothers generally deviated more from the perspectives o...