cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Integrating Remote Sensing and Surface Weather Data to Monitor Vegetation Phenology

The US national fire danger rating system (NFDRS) generates daily estimates of fire potential throughout the United States. A key component of this system is the condition of live vegetation. Currently, there are no objective methods for determining vegetation condition. Inter-annual climatic variability causes the onset of spring green-up and fall leaf senescence to vary substantially from year-to-year. Therefore, methods used to assess live vegetation condition must be robust to these climatic changes. We present a system designed to integrate both remote sensing and surface weather-derived metrics of foliar greenness. This system provides two independent metrics that are meaningful representations of landscape level greenness responses and are suitable for use in verifying NFDRS greenup dates and greenness factors.
Text On Screen: Can Emotionally Incongruent Combinations of Media Frames and Messages Elicit Coactivation in the Motivational Systems

ABSTRACTSocial media is becoming one of the most common deployment methods for antidrug and risk message campaigns. This is largely due to the low cost and high distribution that social media affords. This article argues that the social media approach to antidrug messaging also results in greater attention to the message over time. This article reports results from a study that examined how the combination of a short gain-or-loss framed text message interacts with a subsequent pleasant or unpleasant antidrug video message to influence motivational activation and information processing. Based on previous work investigating how different emotional trajectories in public service announcements (PSAs) elicit different patterns of motivational activation and cognitive processing, it was predicted, and found, that emotionally incongruent combinations of the text frame and video content resulted in the coactivation of the motivational systems. Placing a gain frame before a video message affects the overall proces...
DNA translocation through polyelectrolyte-modified nanopores: An analytical approximation.

An analytical model for the electrophoretic speed of DNA translocating through nanopore functionalized with polyelectrolyte (PE) brush is developed for the first time. The electrophoretic speed depends on DNA surface potential, applied electric field, viscosity, and permittivity of solution along with velocity and electrostatic potential at liquid-polyelectrolyte layer (PEL) interface where the interface seemed to behave similar to that of a solid-state nanopore wall. Under the limit of Debye-Huckel linearization, the electrostatic potential at liquid-PEL interface and at DNA surface have been calculated. Velocity at liquid-PEL interface has been estimated by assuming a linear variation of hydrodynamic frictional force within the PEL. It is observed that velocity and electrostatic potential at liquid-PEL interface strongly depend on PE charge density and softness parameter. Present analytical results show excellent agreement with exact numerical results (i.e., without any approximation) at a higher salt concentration where Debye-Huckel linearization is applicable.
Learning progression toward a measurement concept of fractions

Fractions continue to pose a critical challenge for students and their teachers alike. Mathematics education research indicates that the challenge with fractions may stem from the limitations of part-whole concepts of fractions, which is the central focus of fractions curriculum and instruction in the USA. Students’ development of more sophisticated concepts of fractions, beyond the part-whole concept, lays the groundwork for the later study of important mathematical topics, such as algebra, ratios, and proportions, which are foundational understandings for most STEM-related fields. In particular, the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics call for students to develop measurement concepts of fractions. In order to support such concepts, it is important to understand the underlying mental actions that undergird them so that teachers can design appropriate instructional opportunities. In this study, we propose a learning progression for the measurement concept of fractions—one that focuses on students’ mental actions and informs instructional design. A hierarchy of fraction schemes is charted outlining a progression from part-whole concepts to measurement concepts of fractions: (a) part-whole scheme (PWS), (b) measurement scheme for unit fractions (MSUF), (c) measurement scheme for proper fractions (MSPF), and (d) generalized measurement scheme for fractions (GMSF). These schemes describe concepts with explicit attention to the mental actions that undergird them. A synthesis of previous studies provides empirical evidence to support this learning progression. Evidence from the synthesis of a series of research studies suggests that children’s measurement concept of fractions develops through several distinct developmental stages characterized by the construction of distinct schemes. The mental actions associated with these schemes provide a guide for teachers to design instructional opportunities for children to advance their construction of a measurement concept of fractions. Specifically, the collection of quantitative studies suggest that students need opportunities to engage in activities that support two kinds of coordinations—the coordination of partitioning and iterating, and the coordination of three levels of units inherent in fractions. Instructional implications are discussed with example tasks and activities designed to provoke these coordinations.
Field placement issues: From theory to practice

The significance of the field placement's rolein the professional education of schoolcounselors is explored. A model is proposed formatching students with field placementsettings, to be used as a tool to facilitateother institutions. The article details with variousguidelines for organizing a field placementprogram in counselor education. Issues such asapplication procedures, selection of sites,evaluation, responsibilities of students andsupervisors, and the role of supervision arediscussed.
CHANGES IN RELATIVE MATRIX EIGENVALUES

This article gives some new bounds for changes in the eigenvalues of a class of relative eigenvalue problems in finite-dimensional spaces. These bounds are “best possible” in a certain sense, and improve those given recently by G. W. Stewart. Our formulation is in terms of quadratic forms and is applicable to some aspects of eigenvalue problems in infinite-dimensional spaces.
Stigma Consciousness Among Adolescents With Learning Disabilities: Considering Individual Experiences of Being Stereotyped:

Being identified with a learning disability makes students vulnerable to experiences of stigmatization, which can be associated with negative academic and emotional effects. Yet, research with othe...
Comparative Analysis on the Epoxidation of Soybean Oil using Formic and Acetic Acids

The objective of this study was to make a comparative analysis of the effect of formic and acetic acids as oxygen carriers on the epoxidation of soybean oil used with hydrogen peroxide as the oxyge...
Monitoring alcohol use in heavy drinking soup kitchen attendees.

Abstract Rates of heavy alcohol use in soup kitchen attendees range from 30% to 38%, but these data are based entirely on self-reported drinking. Little is known about the intensity or frequency of drinking in this population. We assessed alcohol use transdermally every 30 min over a 3-week period among heavy drinkers who attended local soup kitchens. In addition to transdermal alcohol monitoring, participants were randomly assigned to daily breath alcohol monitoring with or without reinforcement for alcohol-negative breath samples (BrAC). Analyses assessed feasibility of transdermal monitoring and examined alcohol use based on BrAC, transdermal, and self-report data, as well as effect sizes for these metrics based on group assignment. Nineteen participants completed the 21-day monitoring period in full; three persons removed the anklet 3–16 days early due to hospitalization, impending hospitalization, or incarceration. Participants reported minimal impacts of the monitors, and severity ratings of side effects were mild. When using BrAC, transdermal, and self-report data, the percentage of non-drinking days was 93%, 58%, and 57%, and the longest duration of consecutive non-drinking days averaged 10.3, 7.2, and 5.7 days, respectively. About half of drinking days involved heavy drinking (5 + drinks). Self-report and transdermal drinking days correlated significantly, p
Non-destructive testing and fatigue life prediction at different environmental temperatures

Abstract The concept of fatigue fracture entropy (FFE) is utilized and extended to predict and monitor the metal fatigue life of the specimens at different environmental temperatures via infrared technology. An application of the method via a real-time fatigue life monitoring unit is presented wherein, regardless of the environmental temperature, the unit automatically shuts down the machine prior to the onset of fatigue fracture. Results show that FFE is relatively constant for ambient temperatures from 25 °C to 200 °C. The analysis of the results also demonstrates that the variation of the plastic strain energy as a function of the number of cycles to failure can be generalized in a functional form independent of the environmental temperature.
System Software Development

In designing a graphical eye tracking application, the most important requirement is mapping of eye tracker coordinates to the appropriate application program’s reference frame. The eye tracker calculates the viewer’s Point Of Regard (POR) relative to the eye tracker’s screen reference frame, e.g., a 512 × 512 pixel plane, perpendicular to the optical axis. That is, for each eye, the eye tracker returns a sample coordinate pair of x- and y-coordinates of the POR at each sampling cycle (e.g., once every ~16ms for a 60Hz device). This coordinate pair must be mapped to the extents of the application program’s viewing window.
A New Species of Ambush Bug (Heteroptera: Reduviidae: Phymatinae) from Ecuador and Peru

A new phymatine species is herein described: Phymata procremna Swanson, n. sp. from Dureno, Ecuador and Tingo Maria, Peru. The new species belongs to a small set of species that possess an ultraconnexivum on the fifth abdominal tergite. Both male and female are represented in the description. Additionally, the phymatine species currently known from Peru are enumerated.
Depression and Suicide

The purpose of this chapter is to describe behavioral treatment approaches for depression and suicide in hospitalized youngsters. We have limited the scope of the chapter to a discussion of major depression, dysthymic disorder, and related suicidality. As such, we have not included information pertaining to bipolar affective disorder and suicidality related to nondepressive disorders, such as substance abuse and conduct disorder.
Parent Perspectives on Family-Centered Pediatric Electronic Consultations: Qualitative Study.

Background: Electronic consultations, which use store-and-forward transfer of clinical information between a primary care physician and a specialist, improve access to specialty care. Adoption of electronic consultations is beginning in pediatric health care systems, but little is known about parent perspectives, informational needs, and preferences for interaction with this new model of care. Objective: This study aimed to examine parent perspectives about electronic consultations, including perceived benefits and risks, anticipated informational needs, and preferences for parent engagement with electronic consultations. Methods: We recruited caregivers of pediatric patients (aged 0-21 years) attending visits at an academic primary care center. Caregivers were eligible if their child had ever been referred for in-person specialty care. Caregivers participated in a semistructured interview about electronic consultations, including general perspectives, desired information, and preferences for parental engagement. Interviews were transcribed and qualitatively analyzed to identify parent perspectives on electronic consultations in general, information parents would like to receive about electronic consultations, and perspectives on opportunities to enhance parent engagement with electronic consultations. Results: Interviewees (n=20) anticipated that electronic consultations would reduce the time burden of specialty care on families and that these had the potential to improve the integrity and availability of clinical information, but interviewees also expressed concern about data confidentiality. The most detailed information desired by interviewees about electronic consultations related to data security, including data confidentiality, availability, and integrity. Interviewees expressed concern that electronic consultations could exclude parents from their child’s health care decisions. Interviewees saw value in the potential ability to track the consultation status or to participate in the consultation dialogue, but they were more ambivalent about the idea of read-only access to consultation documentation. Conclusions: Parents identified the potential risks and benefits of pediatric electronic consultations, with implications for communication with families about electronic consultations and for incorporation of features to enhance parent engagement.
Omni-Channel Retailing in the Fashion Industry: A Literature Review of Empirical Evidences

This study conducted a content-analysis literature review to investigate what problems have already been studied and what problems that were neglected but critical to the success of omni-channel retailing and need to be further explored. 80 peer-reviewed articles related to the research topic were gathered by key word search through Google Scholar and Search IT. The popular themes studied in omni-channeling fashion retailing include channel migration, utilities, logistics/warehouse operations, and information system. Company contingency was identified as one of less developed area in omni-channel fashion retailing. Another theme that demands more research to gain better knowledge is inventory management. Another missing point lies in the supply chain of omni-channel retailing. Very few articles addressed manufacturers’ roles and their functions in the omni-channel retail supply chain. This topic has only been mentioned in the articles about mass customization and made-to-measure services.
CD44 and associated markers in oral rinses and tissues from oral and oropharyngeal cancer patients.

Abstract Objectives Oral and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OOPSCC) is a debilitating disease. Salivary rinses contain soluble tumor markers including CD44 (solCD44) and total protein (TP) that may aid detection and prognosis of these aggressive tumors. Here we aim to examine the relationship between these salivary biomarkers and tissue markers p16 and CD44 and determine whether these markers can predict progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Materials and methods Prospective study to update biomarkers using oral rinses and tissues from OOPSC patients enrolled between 2007 and 2012 at an academic tertiary referral center. 64 cases from a 300-subject case-control study with archived tissue for immunohistochemistry were included. Results 82.8% were male, 84.4% were ever smokers, 70.3% had disease stage T3-T4, and 57.8% presented with nodal disease. Nineteen patients (25%) were p16 positive. The group with strong tissue CD44 expression in membrane and cytoplasm had higher levels of solCD44 (mean 10.73 ng/ml) than other groups (5.47 ng/ml) (p = 0.033). TP levels were significantly reduced in oral rinses from subjects with p16 universal gross tumor tissue staining (mean 0.80 vs. 1.08 mg/ml; p = 0.039). On multivariate analysis, universal CD44 gross tissue staining and TP levels ≥ 1 mg/ml demonstrated poorer PFS, with the latter also affecting OS. Poorer survival was associated with soluble CD44 ≥ 5.33 ng/ml and TP ≥ 1 mg/ml. Conclusions Direct associations were found between high solCD44 levels and strong membrane and cytoplasmic CD44 expression, and between high TP levels and peripheral/mixed p16 gross staining. Poorer PFS and OS are significantly associated with higher levels of solCD44 and protein in oral rinses.
An ethical investigation into the microbiome: the intersection of agriculture, genetics, and the obesity epidemic

There is growing evidence of the interconnectivity between animals, humans, and the environment, which has manifested in the One Health perspective that takes all three into account for a more comp...
Heuristics for chemical species identification in dense systems

A new approach to identify chemical species from molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of reacting materials under extreme temperatures and pressures is presented. The approach is based on bond-distance and vibrational criteria, derived from the examination of atomic behavior during a density functional theory MD simulation of an overdriven shock of the explosive pentaerythritol tetranitrate. For comparison, the trajectory was analyzed using popular bonding criteria commonly used in analysis of reactive MD simulations, including distance, distance–time, and bond-order criteria. Cluster analyses using the new time-dependent bond definition approach presented here and a bond-order approach revealed that species and their corresponding lifetimes were strongly dependent on the chosen approach, indicating significant implications for the development of chemical mechanisms and chemical kinetics models using the results of reactive MD simulations.
Adherence to Mammography and Pap Screening Guidelines Among Medically Underserved Women: the Role of Family Structures and Network-Level Behaviors

Poor adherence to screening recommendations is an important contributing factor to disparities in breast and cervical cancer outcomes among women in the USA. Screening behaviors are multifactorial, but there has been limited focus on how family network beliefs and behaviors influence individual's likelihood to complete screening. This research aims to fill this gap by evaluating the role of family network composition and screening behaviors on women's likelihood to adhere to mammogram and pap screening recommendations. We used an ego network approach to analyze data from 137 families and their networks. Primary outcomes were whether an individual had received a mammogram in the past year and whether she had received a pap screening in the past 3 years. Network-level predictors included network composition (size of network, average age of network members, satisfaction with family communication) and network screening behaviors. We conducted multivariable logistic regressions to assess the influence of network-level variables on both mammogram and pap smears, adjusting for potential individual-level confounders. Each network had an average age of 47.9 years, and an average size of 3.05 women, with the majority of members being sisters (57.7%). We found differences in network screening behaviors by race, with Arab networks being less likely to have completed self-breast exams (OR = 0.21, 95%CI = 0.05-0.76, p = 0.02), ever a gotten pap screen (OR = 0.11, 95%CI = 0.01-0.85, p = 0.04), and gotten pap screening in the last 3 years (OR = 0.31, 95%CI = 0.10-0.99, p = 0.04) compared with African American networks. Network screening behaviors also strongly influenced the likelihood of an individual completing a similar screening behavior. This analysis sheds light on family network characteristics that influence screening behaviors among medically underserved women. These findings support the development and dissemination of screening interventions among female's family networks.
Nd:YAG Laser and Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) in the Treatment of Hypertrophic and Keloid Scar

M22™ is a modular multi-application platform (Lumenis, Santa Clara, CA) that combines universal intense pulsed light (IPL), multi-spot Nd:YAG, ResurFX™, and Q-switched Nd:YAG. The Nd:YAG and intense pulsed light components of the M22™ have been utilized in the treatment of hypertrophic scars and keloids. M22™ is utilized at Shriners Hospital for Children in Galveston, using the intense pulse light function, for the treatment of immature and pruritic hypertrophic burn scars. A picture of the M22™ utilized at Shriners Hospital for Children in Galveston can be seen in Fig. 1. Its use as well as the use of intense pulsed light and Nd:YAG in the treatment of hypertrophic burn scars and keloids as described in the literature will be reviewed in detail in this chapter.
Mechanical anisotropy and its evolution with powder reuse in Electron Beam Melting AM of Ti6Al4V

Abstract Powder reuse is recognized as a key to industrialization of metal additive manufacturing (AM), which necessitates that changes in the structural behavior of metal with reuse are clearly understood. In this investigation, the mechanical properties of Ti6Al4V resulting from Electron Beam Melting (EBM) were evaluated as a function of powder reuse over 30 build cycles. The metal was characterized in the horizontal and vertical build orientations under uniaxial tension to failure in the as-built and machined conditions. Results showed that there was an increase in strength and decrease in ductility of the metal with powder reuse, resulting from rising oxygen content of the powder. The elongation at failure and tensile toughness of the metal exhibited anisotropy, which increased substantially with powder reuse. For the horizontal orientation, the elongation at failure decreased by over 60% in the 30 builds, which was one and a half times greater reduction than that for the vertical orientation. The anisotropy in ductility with reuse is suspected to result from changes in microstructure with oxygen content, specifically changes in the grain boundary alpha phase. Additionally, the powder recovery system (PRS) was identified as a contributor to powder oxidation.
Use of Environmental Sampling as a Herd Screening Diagnostic Tool for the Detection of Mycobacterium avium Subsp paratuberculosis on Minnesota Dairy Farms

Johne's disease (JD) is a chronic and progressive intestinal disease in ruminants caused by Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (Map). The usual route of infection is fecal-oral. The disease manifests in adult cows and results in economic losses. Although Map does not propagate in the environment, it survives for long periods in different environmental conditions expected on many dairy farms. Johne's disease control programs have been developed in different countries and in several US states with a goal to test and classify herds of cattle as infected or presumptively noninfected with maximum accuracy and least cost. Generally, these programs utilize recognized laboratory tests such as ELISA or direct microbiological individual fecal culture. However, these tests have several disadvantages, especially when applied in herds with subclinical disease or low prevalence. Since Map is shed into the environment by dairy cattle through fecal contamination and appears to survive well, a better understanding of Map distribution in the environment could lead to improved herd-screening alternatives. Objectives of the study were: 1) to describe Map distribution and prevalence in the environment on Minnesota dairy farms, and 2) to assess the relationship between culture status of Map in the farm environment and fecal-pooled culture status on dairy farms.
Mental Disorders, Gun Ownership, and Gun Carrying Among Soldiers After Leaving the Army, 2016–2019

Objectives. To examine associations of current mental and substance use disorders with self-reported gun ownership and carrying among recently separated US Army soldiers. Veterans have high rates of both gun ownership and mental disorders, the conjunction of which might contribute to the high suicide rate in this group. Methods. Cross-sectional survey data were collected in 2018-2019 from 5682 recently separated personnel who took part in the Army Study to Assess Risk and Resilience in Servicemembers. Validated measures assessed recent mood, anxiety, substance use, and externalizing disorders. Logistic regression models examined associations of sociodemographic characteristics, service characteristics, and mental disorders with gun ownership and carrying. Results. Of the participants, 50% reported gun ownership. About half of owners reported carrying some or most of the time. Mental disorders were not associated significantly with gun ownership. However, among gun owners, major depressive disorder, panic disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, and intermittent explosive disorder were associated with significantly elevated odds of carrying at least some of the time. Conclusions. Mental disorders are not associated with gun ownership among recently separated Army personnel, but some mental disorders are associated with carrying among gun owners. (Am J Public Health. 2021;111(10):1855-1864. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2021.306420).
Energetic components VirD4, VirB11 and VirB4 mediate early DNA transfer reactions required for bacterial type IV secretion.

Summary Bacteria use type IV secretion systems (T4SS) to translocate DNA (T-DNA) and protein substrates across the cell envelope. By transfer DNA immunoprecipitation (TrIP), we recently showed that T-DNA translocates through the Agrobacterium tumefaciens VirB/D4 T4SS by forming close contacts sequentially with the VirD4 receptor, VirB11 ATPase, the inner membrane subunits VirB6 and VirB8 and, finally, VirB2 pilin and VirB9. Here, by TrIP, we show that nucleoside triphosphate binding site (Walker A motif) mutations do not disrupt VirD4 substrate binding or transfer to VirB11, suggesting that these early reactions proceed independently of ATP binding or hydrolysis. In contrast, VirD4, VirB11 and VirB4 Walker A mutations each arrest substrate transfer to VirB6 and VirB8, suggesting that these subunits energize this transfer reaction by an ATP-dependent mechanism. By co-immunoprecipitation, we supply evidence for VirD4 interactions with VirB4 and VirB11 independently of other T4SS subunits or intact Walker A motifs, and with the bitopic inner membrane subunit VirB10. We reconstituted substrate transfer from VirD4 to VirB11 and to VirB6 and VirB8 by co-synthesis of previously identified ‘core’ components of the VirB/D4 T4SS. Our findings define genetic requirements for DNA substrate binding and the early transfer reactions of a bacterial type IV translocation pathway.
Multi-capacity bin packing algorithms with applications to job scheduling under multiple constraints

Multi-capacity bin-packing is a generalization of the classical one-dimensional bin-packing problem in which the bin capacity and the item sizes are represented by d-dimensional vectors. Previous work in d-capacity bin-packing algorithms analyzed variants of single capacity bin-packing, extended to deal with the d capacities. These extended algorithms are oblivious to the additional capacity information, however, and do not scale well with increasing d. We provide new packing algorithms which use the additional capacity information to provide better packing and show how these algorithms might lead to better multi-resource allocation and scheduling solutions.
La influencia de la cultura política sobre las falsas percepciones culturales cruzadas y la política exterior. Estados Unidos y Alemania

Starting from the disagreement between Germany and the United States over the war in Iraq as a case study, this article seeks to demonstrate that political culture variables must be acknowledge in investigations that focus upon recurring conflicts among allies. On one level this calls for a re-incorporation of history and culture into analyses of international conflict. On another, it concludes that significant heterogeneity in the political cultures of Germany and the United States, because deeply rooted in their respective histories, precludes a gradual dying out of sustantive differences –even with a further “Americanization” of Germany– and foretells the likelihood of periodic conflicts in the future.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa Quorum-Sensing Molecule Homoserine Lactone Modulates Inflammatory Signaling through PERK and eI-F2α

Pseudomonas aeruginosa secrete N-(3-oxododecanoyl)-homoserine lactone (HSL-C12) as a quorum-sensing molecule to regulate bacterial gene expression. Because HSL-C12 is membrane permeant, multiple cell types in P. aeruginosa-infected airways may be exposed to HSL-C12, especially adjacent to biofilms where local (HSL-C12) may be high. Previous reports showed that HSL-C12 causes both pro- and anti-inflammatory effects. To characterize HSL-C12's pro- and anti-inflammatory effects in host cells, we measured protein synthesis, NF-κB activation, and KC (mouse IL-8) and IL-6 mRNA and protein secretion in wild-type mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEF). To test the role of the endoplasmic reticulum stress inducer, PERK we compared these responses in PERK(-/-) and PERK-corrected PERK(-/-) MEF. During 4-h treatments of wild-type MEF, HSL-C12 potentially activated NF-κB p65 by preventing the resynthesis of IκB and increased transcription of KC and IL-6 genes (quantitative PCR). HSL-C12 also inhibited secretion of KC and/or IL-6 into the media (ELISA) both in control conditions and also during stimulation by TNF-α. HSL-C12 also activated PERK (as shown by increased phosphorylation of eI-F2α) and inhibited protein synthesis (as measured by incorporation of [(35)S]methionine by MEF). Comparisons of PERK(-/-) and PERK-corrected MEF showed that HSL-C12's effects were explained in part by activation of PERK→phosphorylation of eI-F2α→inhibition of protein synthesis→reduced IκBα production→activation of NF-κB→increased transcription of the KC gene but reduced translation and secretion of KC. HSL-C12 may be an important modulator of early (up to 4 h) inflammatory signaling in P. aeruginosa infections.
Update on Food Allergy

Food allergies are a global health issue with increasing prevalence. Allergic reactions can range from mild local symptoms to severe anaphylactic reactions. Significant progress has been made in diagnostic tools such as component-resolved diagnostics and its impact on risk stratification as well as in therapeutic approaches including biologicals. However, a cure for food allergy has not yet been achieved and patients and their families are forced to alter eating habits and social engagements, impacting their quality of life. New technologies and improved in vitro and in vivo models will advance our knowledge of the pathogenesis of food allergies and multicenter-multinational cohort studies will elucidate interactions between genetic background, lifestyle, and environmental factors. This review focuses on new insights and developments in the field of food allergy and summarizes recently published articles.
A Review of: “Head Over Heels: Wives Who Stay With Cross-Dressers and Transsexuals”

Until very recently, the voices of spouses of transgender and transsexual people have been virtually silent. Head Over Heels is a long-awaited and essential contribution to the literature on transg...
Label-Free Plasmonic Detection of Biomolecular Binding by a Single Gold Nanorod

We report the use of individual gold nanorods as plasmonic transducers to detect the binding of streptavidin to individual biotin-conjugated nanorods in real time on a surface. Label-free detection at the single-nanorod level was performed by tracking the wavelength shift of the nanorod-localized surface plasmon resonant scattering spectrum using a dark-field microspectroscopy system. The lowest streptavidin concentration that was experimentally measured was 1 nM, which is a factor of 1000-fold lower than the previously reported detection limit for streptavidin binding by biotinylated single plasmonic nanostructures. We believe that the current optical setup is able to reliably measure wavelength shifts as small as 0.3 nm. Binding of streptavidin at 1 nM concentration induces a mean resonant wavelength shift of 0.59 nm suggesting that we are currently operating at close to the limit of detection of the system.
Characterization of zebrafish dysferlin by morpholino knockdown.

Abstract Mutations in the gene encoding dysferlin cause two distinct muscular dystrophy phenotypes: limb-girdle muscular dystrophy type 2B (LGMD-2B) and Miyoshi myopathy (MM). Dysferlin is a large transmembrane protein involved in myoblast fusion and membrane resealing. Zebrafish represent an ideal animal model to use for studying muscle disease including abnormalities of dysferlin. cDNAs of zebrafish dysferlin were cloned (6.3 kb) and the predicted amino acid sequences, showed 68% similarity to predicted amino acid sequences of mammalian dysferlin. The expression of dysferlin was mainly in skeletal muscle, heart and eye, and the expression could be detected as early as 11 h post fertilization (hpf). Three different antisense oligonucleotide morpholinos were targeted to inhibit translation of this dysferlin mRNA and the morpholino-injected fish showed marked muscle disorganization which could be detected by birefringence assay. Western blot analysis using dysferlin antibodies showed that the expression of dysferlin was reduced in each of the three morphants. Dysferlin expression was shown to be reduced at the myosepta of zebrafish muscle using immunohistochemistry, although the expression of other muscle membrane components, dystrophin, laminin, β-dystroglycan were detected normally. Our data suggest that zebrafish dysferlin expression is involved in stabilizing muscle structures and its downregulation causes muscle disorganization.
Compton coincidence volumetric imaging: a new x-ray volumetric imaging modality based on Compton scattering

Compton scattering is a dominant interaction during radiography and computed tomography x-ray imaging. However, the scattered photons are not used for extracting imaging information, but seriously degrade image quality. Here we introduce a new scheme that overcomes most of the problems associated with existing Compton scattering imaging schemes and allows Compton scattered photons to be effectively used for imaging. In our scheme, referred as Compton coincidence volumetric imaging (CCVI), a collimated monoenergetic x-ray beam is directed onto a thin semiconductor detector. A small portion of the photons is Compton scattered by the detector and their energy loss is detected. Some of the scattered photons intersect the imaging object, where they are Compton scattered a second time. The finally scattered photons are recorded by an areal energy resolving detector panel around the object. The two detectors work in coincidence mode. CCVI images the spatial electron density distribution in the imaging object. Similar to PET imaging, the event location can be located within a curve; therefore the imaging reconstruction algorithms are also similar to those of PET. Two statistical iterative imaging reconstruction algorithms are tested. Our study verifies the feasibility of CCVI in imaging acquisition and reconstruction. Various aspects of CCVI are discussed. If successfully implemented, it will offer a great potential for imaging dose reduction compared with x-ray CT. Furthermore, a CCVI modality will have no moving parts, which potentially offers cost reduction and faster imaging speed.
A Quorum on Bacterial Programmed Cell Death

A recent article in Science (Kolodkin-Gal et al., 2007) reported a novel programmed cell death mechanism for Escherichia coli that occurs during cellular overcrowding via the release of a fratricidal pentapeptide derived from the metabolic enzyme glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase.
Exposures to Conducted Electrical Weapons (Including TASER® Devices): How Many and for How Long are Acceptable?

TASER(®) conducted electrical weapons (CEWs) are an important law-enforcement tool. The purposes of this study are a) to review recent literature regarding potential pathophysiological responses to applications of CEWs, and other related issues and b) to evaluate whether enough data exist to determine the acceptability of longer-duration (or repeated) exposures. This is a narrative review, using a multidisciplinary approach of analyzing reports from physiological, legal-medical, and police-strategy literature sources. In general, short-duration exposures to CEWs result in limited effects. Longer-duration or repeated exposures may be utilized with caution, although there are currently not enough data to determine the acceptability of all types of exposures. Data examined in the literature have inherent limitations. Appropriateness of specific types of CEW usage may be determined by individual police agencies, applying risk/benefit analyses unique to each organization. While more research is recommended, initial concepts of potential future long-duration or repeated CEW applications are presented. Language: en
Collection of very low resolution protein data

Simple modifications to a MAR 345 detector which facilitate the collection of very low resolution data are described. With these modifications, the lowest order reflections from a poliovirus crystal (c = 377.1 A) were observed, and measurement of all reflections in typical protein cells should be routine.
Emergency Contraception Provision: A Survey of Emergency Department Practitioners

Objectives: To determine emergency department (ED) practitioner willingness to offer emergency contraception (EC) following sexual assault and consensual sex and to compare responses of practitioners from states whose laws permit the refusal discussion counseling and referral of patients for abortions (often called ‘‘opt-out’’ or ‘‘abortion-related conscience clauses’’) with those of practitioners from states without these laws. Methods: Using a structured questionnaire a convenience sample of ED practitioners attending a national emergency medicine meeting was surveyed. Results: The 600 respondents were: 71% male 29% female; 34% academic 26% community and 33% resident physicians; and 7% nurse practitioners and physician assistants. Many respondents (88%) were inclined to offer EC to those sexually assaulted by unknown assailants. More practitioners said they were willing to offer EC if the assailant was known to be HIV-infected rather than if the assailant had low HIV risk factors (90% vs. 79% p < 0.01). More respondents would prescribe EC after sexual assault than consensual sex (88% vs. 73% p < 0.01). The rates of willingness to offer EC were the same for practitioners in states with ‘‘abortion-related conscience clauses’’ and those from other states. Conclusions: Most ED practitioners said they were willing to offer EC. Although the risk of pregnancy exists after consensual sex practitioners were less willing to prescribe EC after those exposures than for sexual assault. ‘‘Abortion-related conscience clauses’’ did not seem to influence willingness to offer EC. (author’s)
Promoting Us or Preventing Them: Regulatory Focus and Manifestations of Intergroup Bias

Four studies examined whether situational and individual differences in individuals’ regulatory focus influence how intergroup bias is expressed emotionally and behaviorally. Consistent with past findings on promotion focus, these studies found evidence that participants’ promotion focus, whether measured or manipulated, was related to how extensively they demonstrated bias toward their ingroup in terms of cheerfulness- and dejection-related emotions and approach-related behaviors. Consistent with past findings on prevention focus, these studies also revealed that participants’ prevention focus was related to how extensively they showed bias against an outgroup in terms of quiescence- and agitation-related emotions and avoidance-related behaviors. The implications for the self-regulatory functions of intergroup bias are discussed.
A random transport-diffusion equation

Abstract In this paper we study the integral curve in a random vector field perturbed by white noise. It is related to a stochastic transport-diffusion equation. Under some conditions on the covariance function of the vector field, the solution of this stochastic partial differential equation is proved to have moments. The exact p-th moment is represented through integrals with respect to Brownian motions. The basic tool is Girsanov formula.
Artificial Site-Specific DNA-Nicking System Based on Common Restriction Enzymes Assisted by PNA Openers†

We report on the peptide nucleic acid (PNA)-directed design of a DNA-nicking system that enables selective and quantitative cleavage of one strand of duplex DNA at a designated site, thus mimicking natural nickases and significantly extending their potential. This system exploits the ability of pyrimidine PNAs to serve as openers for specific DNA sites by invading the DNA duplex and exposing one DNA strand for oligonucleotide hybridization. The resultant secondary duplex can act as a substrate for a restriction enzyme, which ultimately creates a nick in the parent DNA. We demonstrate that several restriction enzymes of different types could be successfully used in the PNA-assisted system we developed. Importantly, the enzyme cleavage efficiency is basically not impaired on such artificially generated substrates, compared with the efficiency on regular DNA duplexes. Our design originates a vast class of semisynthetic rare-cleaving DNA nickases, which are essentially absent at present. In addition, we show that the site-specific PNA-assisted nicking of duplex DNA can be engaged in a rolling-circle DNA amplification (RCA) reaction. This new RCA format demonstrates the practical potential of the novel biomolecular tool we propose for DNA technology and DNA diagnostics.
2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin increases mRNA levels for interleukin-1beta, urokinase plasminogen activator, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha in human uterine endometrial adenocarcinoma RL95-2 cells.

This study investigated the potential role of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) in uterine growth utilizing a human endometrial adenocarcinoma cell line (RL95-2). Western immunoblot analysis showed a maximal induction of cytochrome P4501A1 (CYP1A1) at 1 nM TCDD, but no change in epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) protein level. Northern blot analysis showed that TCDD significantly increased the steady state mRNA level of CYP1A1 and CYP1B1 which was maximal at 1 nM. TCDD significantly increased mRNA levels for interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) by 6h, and for urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) by 36h. Nuclear runoff analysis showed that transcription of CYP1A1 was significantly increased by TCDD with no effect on CYP1B1, uPA or IL-1beta. These results indicate that TCDD can differentially alter the expression of growth factor and cytokine gene products in uterine cells which may contribute to the promotion of uterine disease.
Safety Monitoring of Drugs Receiving Pediatric Marketing Exclusivity

In response to impediments—real and perceived—to performing drug studies in the pediatric population, Congress passed the Food and Drug Administration Modernization Act (FDAMA) in 1997.1,2 FDAMA provides for an additional 6-month period of marketing exclusivity to the innovator drug company that responds to an FDA-issued written request for studies of its drug in pediatric patients. The exclusivity program has been very successful in stimulating much-needed drug studies in children; as a result of this program, as of April 2007, over 130 labeling changes have been made for drugs used in children.2,3 However, most pediatric studies conducted for FDA approval of an individual drug include fewer than 1000 children, and drugs are used after marketing in a population of children more diverse and numerous than that in the controlled studies. Thus, safety concerns may become apparent after the introduction of a product to the market. Because children represent a smaller percentage of the population receiving drugs for which adverse events are reported to the FDA, it is often more difficult to identify pediatric-specific problems as they are “submerged” in the larger number of reports submitted for adults. In addition, voluntary reporting of adverse events (AEs) is a passive process. To address these issues, Congress included in the Best Pharmaceuticals for Children Act (BPCA) of 2002 a requirement for the FDA to report to the Pediatric Advisory Committee (PAC) a review of safety concerns identified in the 1-year period following the granting of exclusivity and to obtain recommendations for action from the PAC.4 The PAC consists of 14 voting members including the Chair. Members and the Chair are selected by the FDA Commissioner from authorities knowledgeable in pediatric research, pediatric subspecialties, statistics, and/or biomedical ethics. Some of the duties tasked to the PAC include advising and making recommendations to the FDA Commissioner regarding: (1) pediatric research; (2) the ethics of clinical trials related to pediatric therapeutics; (3) pediatric labeling disputes; and (4) AE reports for drugs granted pediatric exclusivity and any safety issues that may occur. Safety information for these reports is obtained from the electronic Adverse Event Reporting System (AERS). AERS is a computerized information database designed to support the FDA’s post-marketing safety surveillance program for all approved drug and therapeutic biologic products. The ultimate goal of AERS is to improve public health by providing a mechanism for collecting post-marketing AEs. Safety reports are received by the FDA from manufacturers as required by regulation, as well as from patients and health care professionals. The AEs reported to AERS are evaluated by safety evaluators, medical reviewers, and epidemiologists at the FDA to detect safety signals. As of March 2007, 67 drugs granted exclusivity have been reviewed by the PAC. The purpose of this study was to describe the PAC recommendations in response to the safety reports provided by the FDA.
A NOVEL LIF RADIATOR FOR RICH DETECTORS

Abstract A multifaceted LiF radiator produces more Cherenkov light and has better resolution per photon than a flat radiator slab when used in a ring imaging Cherenkov counter. Such a system is being considered for the CLEO III upgrade.
Multibody instantly centered moving lagrangian observer schemes—Part I. Formulation

Abstract Employing an instantly centered moving Lagrangian observer (ICMLO), this two part series of papers develops a finite element (FE) modeling methodology which can handle multibody problems involving several rotating components each with its own distinct rotational history. The overall thrust of the work is to enable the modeling of mechanical systems as opposed to purely structural problems. This includes the ability to simulate rotating equipment, transportation systems, aircraft frame-engine interactions, i.e. complete machinery responses. In this part, emphasis is given to (i) establishing the ICMLO, (ii) developing the FE formulation, and (iii) deriving the associated steady and transient solution algorithms. In Part II, extensive modifications are introduced to handle automotive type vehicular models. To demonstrate the scheme, simulations involving vehicular-obstruction rollover events are presented.