cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nicotine and Toxicant Exposure Among Concurrent Users (Co-Users) of Tobacco and Cannabis.

BACKGROUND Smoking cannabis may potentially increase exposure to numerous toxic chemicals that are commonly associated with tobacco use. There is a paucity of data related to toxicant exposures among concurrent users of tobacco and cannabis (co-users). METHODS Data are from the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health Study Wave 1 Biomarker Restricted-Use Files. Analyses focused on adults who provided urine samples (N = 5859). Urine samples were analyzed for biomarkers of exposure to nicotine, tobacco-specific nitrosamines, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and volatile organic compounds. Using weighted linear regression, we compared adjusted geometric mean concentrations of 15 biomarkers between user groups of various tobacco product types according to their self-reported past 30-day cannabis use. RESULTS Past 30-day cannabis use was similar across various types of tobacco product use subgroups (range: 13%-23%) and significantly more common compared to non-tobacco users (1.0%; p < .001). Across all groups of tobacco users, those who co-used cannabis exhibited significantly higher concentrations of the biomarker of exposure to acrylonitrile (CYMA) compared to non-cannabis users (by 39%-464%). Tobacco-cannabis co-users also showed significantly elevated levels of the biomarker of exposure to acrylamide (AAMA) compared to exclusive tobacco users, and significantly higher exposure to many polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (including fluorene and pyrene). CONCLUSIONS Co-users exhibited higher concentrations for biomarkers of exposure to many combustion byproducts, compared to exclusive tobacco users. More robust measurements of cannabis use can address potential confounding in assessments of exposures to tobacco-related constituents, and potential health effects resulting from co-use. IMPLICATIONS With disproportionately greater rates of cannabis use occurring among tobacco users, it is critical to consider how concurrent cannabis use may influence health-related outcomes among smokers. Our findings suggest potential additive toxicant exposures among co-users of tobacco and cannabis. Lack of consideration and measurement of cannabis use in assessing tobacco-related exposures may confound estimates thought to be attributable to tobacco, particularly for non-specific biomarkers. Assessing tobacco and cannabis use in tandem will allow for more precise measurement of outcomes related to one or both substances, and can provide additional information on potential health effects related to co-use.
Empirische Untersuchung II: Ergebnis

Tabelle 28 zeigt eine Ubersicht uber die untersuchten Gemeinden. Mit Kaisersbach und Spiegelberg liegen zwei der Gemeinden im Rems-Murr-Kreis, Hohenstadt liegt im Landkreis Goppingen. Mit einer Bevolkerungsdichte zwischen 70.25 und 89.3 Einwohnern pro Quadratkilometer fallen alle drei Gemeinden deutlich unter die Definition des landlichen Raums (OECD, 2013, S. 154).
Unconventional transport of metal ions and protons by Nramps

Nramps are divalent transition metal ion transporters found in essentially all organisms from prokaryotes to mammals ([Nevo and Nelson, 2006][1]). The name Nramp comes from natural resistance-associated macrophage protein, because it was first identified as a protein that conferred resistance to
DIRAS3 (ARHI) Blocks RAS/MAPK Signaling by Binding Directly to RAS and Disrupting RAS Clusters

Oncogenic RAS mutations drive cancers at many sites. Recent reports suggest that RAS dimerization, multimerization, and clustering correlate strongly with activation of RAS signaling. We have found that re-expression of DIRAS3, a RAS-related small GTPase tumor suppressor that is downregulated in multiple cancers, inhibits RAS/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling by interacting directly with RAS-forming heteromers, disrupting RAS clustering, inhibiting Raf kinase activation, and inhibiting transformation and growth of cancer cells and xenografts. Disruption of K-RAS cluster formation requires the N terminus of DIRAS3 and interaction of both DIRAS3 and K-RAS with the plasma membrane. Interaction of DIRAS3 with both K-RAS and H-RAS suggests a strategy for inhibiting oncogenic RAS function.
Quasiclassical solutions for static quantum black holes

A new form of quasiclassical space-time dynamics for constrained systems reveals how quantum effects can be derived systematically from canonical quantization of gravitational systems. These quasiclassical methods lead to additional fields, representing quantum fluctuations and higher moments, that are coupled to the classical metric fields. They describe non-adiabatic quantum dynamics and can be interpreted as implicit formulations of non-local quantum corrections in a field theory. This field-theory aspect is studied here for the first time, applied to a gravitational system for which a tractable model is constructed. Static solutions for the relevant fields can be obtained in almost closed form and reveal new properties of potential near-horizon and asymptotic effects in canonical quantum gravity.
Context-Dependent Glioblastoma-Macrophage/Microglia Symbiosis and Associated Mechanisms.

Glioblastoma (GBM) is a lethal form of primary brain tumor in human adults. The impact of tumor-intrinsic alterations is not exclusively confined to cancer cells but can also be extended to the tumor microenvironment (TME). Glioblastoma-associated macrophages/microglia (GAMs) are a prominent type of immune cells that account for up to 50% of total cells in GBM. Emerging evidence suggests that context-dependent GBM–GAM symbiotic interactions are pivotal for tumor growth and progression. Here, we discuss how specific genetic alterations in GBM cells affect GAM biology and, reciprocally, how GAMs support GBM progression. We hypothesize that understanding context-dependent GBM–GAM symbiosis may reveal the molecular basis of GBM tumorigenesis and lead to novel candidate treatment approaches aiming to improve GBM patient outcomes.
Performance and cost predictions of 2-EEMPA, and future opportunities for water-lean post-combustion capture solvents

PNNL’s most recent single-component diamine CO2BOL derivative, 2-EEMPA, is an attractive post- combustion carbon capture solvent. This solvent can be configured to achieve regeneration energies as low as 2.0 GJ/tonne CO2 when configured with advanced heat integration, and total capture costs as low as $47.1/tonne CO2 when using a two-stage flash configuration. 2-EEMPA has been shown to be chemically durable, exhibits little foaming, and maintains a steady-state water loading of 1.6 wt%, as demonstrated on continuous flow testing with simulated flue gas. 2-EEMPA is potentially capable of thermally cracking heat-stable salts from NOx and SOx using PNNL’s polarity-swing assisted regeneration process. Building off of the promising behaviour of 2-EEMPA we conclude that by focusing future research areas on remaining cost-of-capture drivers, further improvements to water- lean formulations could be possible.
Preferences and Predictions Regarding Palliative Care in the Trauma Intensive Care Unit.

IntroductionIn the older intensive care unit (ICU) trauma population, it is common to have to make decisions about end-of-life. We sought to demonstrate uncertainty of patients and providers in thi...
Precision Solar Spectroscopy with Near Infrared Laser Heterodyne Radiometry

With frequency-comb-calibrated laser heterodyne radiometry, we perform near-quantum-limited solar spectroscopy at 1565 nm. Solar spectral lines are resolved to 1 part in 1400 in 10 minutes of averaging.
Quantum Field Theory Deserves Extra Help

Today's quantum field theory (QFT) relies heavenly on canonical quantization (CQ), which fails for $\varphi^4_4$ leading only to a "free" result. Affine quantization (AQ), an alternative quantization procedure, leads to a "non-free" result for the same model. Perhaps adding AQ to CQ can improve the quantization of a wide class of problems in QFT.
The Substructure of Human Platelet Microtubules

The substructure of the marginal bundle of microtubules supporting the discoid shape of platelets has been examined in negatively stained cells. Platelets were swollen first by exposure to distilled water, spread by surface tension, and mounted on carbon stabilized formvar coated grids. The findings differ from the work of previous investigators in the following ways: 1. Usually one microtubule remains in the circumferential bundle after pretreatment with distilled water. 2. The microtubules are composed of 12-15 subfilaments in parallel association. Each subfilament is composed of beads stacked in such a manner as to suggest a helical wind. 3. A diagonal pattern with a periodicity of 40 A° cuts across the long axis of the parallel subfilaments. This pattern suggests that globular subunits are 35-40 A° by 40 A° in size, and that beads on adjacent subfilaments are not in exact parallel register. Thus, the entire microtubule appears to be composed of subfilaments associated in a helical array. 4. At sites of partial fracture in microtubules, subfilaments lose their parallel association and spray out as free elements. The free subfilaments are essentially identical in appearance to hyaloplasmic microfilaments. The relationship between subfilaments of microtubules, hyaloplasmic microfilaments, and the contractile mechanism of the platelet is discussed.
Adult hypophosphatasia with chondrocalcinosis and arthropathy. Variable penetrance of hypophosphatasemia in a large Oklahoma kindred

Three sisters, each with chondrocalcinosis/arthropathy, are described who have the clinical, laboratory and pathologic findings characteristic of the adult form of hypophosphatasia. Premature loss of adult teeth, arthralgias and pain from bilateral femoral pseudo-fractures were associated with subnormal circulating alkaline phosphatase levels, phosphoethanolaminuria and osteomalacia diagnosed by iliac crest biopsy. Assay of alkaline phosphatase activity in the blood of kindred members revealed hypophosphatasemia in one of two younger brothers. Several subjects in subsequent generations also had suspiciously low alkaline phosphatase activity, but did not have histories of significant dental, bone or joint disease. Review of the medical records of the sisters' parents, aunts and uncles revealed normal alkaline phosphatase levels in their father and five of his siblings, but consistently low levels in their mother and two of her siblings. Despite hypophosphatasemia, the sisters' mother and her siblings lived to old age without clinical or radiographic evidence of bone disease. Our findings suggest that although adult hypophosphatasia can be transmitted as a dominant trait in some kindreds, there is considerable variation in the clinical expression of the biochemical defect. One person, generation or family may manifest clinical bone disease and arthropathy whereas the biochemical defect may be present but remain asymptomatic in others. Furthermore, in some cases, the adult form of hypophosphatasia may represent a developmental disorder with hypophosphatasemia appearing during adulthood.
Interactive systems -product design consideration

There exists today a wide spectrum of interactive systems products ranging from stand-alone minicomputers to time sharing systems integrated into large-scale general-purpose systems. This paper examines the need for such a variety of implementations and discusses design parameters, implementation techniques, and trade-offs arising from the ways in which such systems are used.
Astronomy. A twisted look at the X-ray sky.

By adopting technology developed for particle-physics experiments, astronomers have created a new X-ray tool for probing exotic parts of the Universe.
Surface Structure of Azotobacter vinelandii Cysts as Revealed by Freeze-Cleaving

Micrographs of freeze-cleaved Azotobacter vinelandii cysts reveal that the surface is composed of several overlapping layers. This observation is consistent with the previously proposed structure of the outer cyst coat.
A generalized Schwarz lemma at the boundary

Let 0 be an analytic function mapping the unit disc D to itself. We generalize a boundary version of Schwarz's lemma proven by D. Burns and S. Krantz and provide sufficient conditions on the local behavior of 0 near a finite set of boundary points that requires 0 to be a finite Blaschke product. Afterwards, we supply several counterexamples to illustrate that these conditions may also be necessary.
Racial and ethnic disparities in smoking-cessation interventions: analysis of the 2005 National Health Interview Survey.

Despite progress in smokers' being advised to quit during healthcare encounters in the past 5 years, black and Hispanic smokers continue to be less likely than whites to receive and use tobacco-cessation interventions, even after control for socioeconomic and healthcare factors. Further actions are needed to understand and eliminate this disparity.
Spectroscopic and thermodynamic studies of unsaturated nitrile compounds—IV. The vibrational spectrum and conformational equilibrium of 2-methyl-3-butenenitrile

Abstract The i.r. and Raman spectra of 2-methyl-3-butenenitrile are reported for the first time. The compound was examined in gaseous and liquid phases by i.r. spectroscopy above 400 cm−1, and as a liquid and solid by Raman spectroscopy above 100 cm−1. Bands were observed in the Raman spectrum of the liquid phase that are greatly reduced in intensity in that of the solid phase. This observation was taken as evidence for more than one conformer coexisting at normal temperatures. A complete vibrational assignment for 2-methyl-3-butenenitrile is presented, based on those of model compounds, and the most probable conformations of this compound are discussed.
Bicycle Helmet Wearing in Children: A Seven-Year, Observational Study in Broward County, Florida

We evaluated the effectiveness of statewide bicycle legislation using direct observation of the number of elementary and middle school children riding bicycles with and without helmets to or from school over a 7-year period. The percentage of children wearing helmets increased dramatically over the past 7 years (to a high of 81%) due to the passage of state law that required helmet usage. Rates for elementary school children were consistently higher than rates of middle school children. Numerous children still do not wear helmets, particularly older children. Further interventions are needed to promote helmet wearing.
Geochemical and Geomechanical Effects on Wellbore Cement Fractures

Experimental studies were conducted using batch reactors, X-ray microtomograpy (XMT), and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation to determine changes in cement fracture surfaces, fluid flow pathways, and permeability with geochemical and geomechanical processes. Composite Portland cement-basalt caprock core with artificial fractures was prepared and reacted with CO2-saturated groundwater at 50°C and 10 MPa for 3 to 3.5 months under static conditions to understand the geochemical and geomechanical effects on the integrity of wellbores containing defects. Cement-basalt interface samples were subjected to mechanical stress at 2.7 MPa before the CO2 reaction. XMT provided three-dimensional (3-D) visualization of the opening and interconnection of cement fractures due to mechanical stress. After the CO2 reaction, XMT images revealed that calcium carbonate precipitation occurred extensively within the fractures in the cement matrix, but only partially along fractures located at the cement-basalt interface. The permeability calculated based on CFD simulation was in agreement with the experimentally measured permeability. The experimental results imply that the wellbore cement with fractures is likely to be healed during exposure to CO2-saturated groundwater under static conditions, whereas fractures along the cement-caprock interface are still likely to remain vulnerable to the leakage of CO2. CFD simulation for the flow of different fluidsmore » (CO2-saturated brine and supercritical CO2) using a pressure difference of 20 kPa and 200 kPa along ~2 cm-long cement fractures showed that a pressure gradient increase resulted in an increase of CO2 fluids flux by a factor of only ~3-9 because the friction of CO2 fluids on cement fracture surfaces increased with higher flow rate as well. At the same pressure gradient, the simulated flow rate was higher for supercritical CO2 than CO2-saturated brine by a factor of only ~2-3, because the viscosity of supercritical CO2 is much lower than that of CO2-saturated brine. The study suggests that in deep geological reservoirs the geochemical and geomechanical processes have coupled effects on the wellbore cement fracture evolution and fluid flow along the fracture surfaces.« less
A Constant-Volume Rapid Exhaust Dilution System for Motor Vehicle Particulate Matter Number and Mass Measurements

An improved version of the constant volume sampling (CVS) methodology that overcomes a number of obstacles that exist with the current CVS dilution tunnel system used in most diesel and gasoline vehicle emissions test facilities is presented. The key feature of the new sampling system is the introduction of dilution air immediately at the vehicle tailpipe. In the present implementation, this is done concentrically through a cylindrical air filter. Elimination of the transfer hose conventionally used to connect the tailpipe to the dilution tunnel significantly reduces the hydrocarbon and particulate matter (PM) storage release artifacts that can lead to wildly incorrect particle number counts and to erroneous filter-collected PM mass. It provides accurate representations of particle size distributions for diesel vehicles by avoiding the particle coagulation that occurs in the transfer hose. Furthermore, it removes the variable delay time that otherwise exists between the time that emissions exit the tailpipe and when they are detected in the dilution tunnel. The performance of the improved CVS system is examined with respect to diesel, gasoline, and compressed natural gas vehicles.
Effect of mobile phase density gradients on efficiency in packed column supercritical fluid chromatography

The efficiency of packed columns was measured as a function of flow rate, temperature, outlet density, and the density differential across the column, unsing pure carbon dioxide as the mobile phase. Although density differentials are often blamed for a serious loss in efficiency in packed column supercritical fluid chromatography, the results show that efficiency was not a function of the density differential. Peak shapes suggest that apparent loss in efficiency is actually due to inadequate solubility of the solute in carbon dioxide.
Rod-shaped bodies and crystalloid inclusions in ocular vascular endothelia of adult and developing Macaca mulatta

In addition to the usual organelles, endothelial cells of ocular blood vessels and Scheemm's canal in adult and fetal Macaca mulatta, contain two types of inclusions: rod-shaped bodies and crystalloids. The rod-shaped bodies are similar to those first described in arterial endothelia of the rat. They are between 0.2 to 0.35 μm in diameter, up to 2.5 μm in length, and are membrane bounded. The crystalloid inclusions are up to 1.2 μm in diameter and are associated with the granular endoplasmic reticulum. Their crystalline lattice consists of subunits, 28 nm in diameter, which are either arranged in rows separated by amorphous matrix or tightly packed in a honeycomb-like lattice. The rod-shaped bodies are much more numerous than the crystalloids; however, both kinds of inclusions are consistently found in both adult and fetal vessels. They represent normal components of ocular vascular endothelia which appear very early in the development of the eye.
Top 10 Milieu Interventions for Inpatient Child/Adolescent Treatment

Presented in this article are 10 interventions to deal with children and adolescents on inpatient psychiatric units. The 10 are divided into three categories: behavioral, cognitive, and affective. The interventions discussed are particularly relevant to staff in their efforts to help children and adolescents achieve control over their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Each intervention includes a summary of the theory that supports its efficacy, a brief explanation of the intervention, and methods for applying the technique in clinical situations.
Black Talk on Television: A Constructivist Approach to Viewers' Perceptions of "BEV" in "Roots II.".

Abstract Viewers’ perceptions of characters and their use of Black English Vernacular (BEV) in the American television series, Roots II, were examined. Thirty‐three college students watched an episode of Roots II, developed a set of personal constructs, and completed a role repertoire test. There were three research questions: (1) How does the language of the characters correspond to the language of black speech communities as described by socio‐linguists? (2) Do white viewers perceive language as an important construct in their perceptions and assessments of these characters? (3) Are white viewers more likely to identify with and admire speakers of standard rather than non‐standard language varieties? The results indicated that (a) only older characters and low socio‐economic status characters used BEV and the dialect was limited to two syntactic variants, copula and auxiliary deletion; (b) white viewers did not explicitly perceive language as an important construct in assessing the characters; and (c) w...
The renal cortical lymphatic system in the rat, hamster, and rabbit

Rat, hamster, and rabbit renal cortical lymphatics were examined by light and electron microscopy. Rat and hamster kidneys possessed both intra- and interlobular lymphatics that were structurally similar at the light microscopic level. Ultrastructural examination of the hamster lymphatic endothelium, however, revealed an unusual arrangement of cytoplasmic extensions not seen in the other two species. The intralobular lymphatics were related primarily to tubules, afferent arterioles, and renal corpuscles and were consistent with lymph formation from both plasma filtrate and tubular reabsorbate. Interlobular lymphatics were seen in connective tissue associated with the interlobular blood vessels. Rabbit cortex contained only interlobular lymphatics. Cross-sectional area, maximum diameter, volume density, and profile density were determined by stereological measurements using a computer-based image analyzer. The morphological data from the rat were used, in combination with published values for lymph flow, to calculate the rate of lymph formation per unit area of endothelium in lymphatics of the renal cortex. Among kidneys fixed by retrograde perfusion, the cortical lymphatic system was most extensive in maximum diameter, volume density, and profile density. It was smallest in the rabbit and intermediate in the rat. Lower volume and profile density were found for rat kidneys fixed by the dripping technique. It was concluded that: (1) tubular reabsorbate probably contributes to renal lymph in the rat and hamster, but not in the rabbit; (2) significant differences exist in the extent of the renal lymphatic systems among the three species, with the hamster kidney having the richest network and the rabbit the poorest; (3) the method of fixation influences the measured size and density of renal cortical lymphatics; and (4) the estimated rate of lymph formation in the kidney of the rat is roughly comparable to that in the dog.
Spatiotemporal periodical pattern mining in traffic data

The widespread use of road sensors has generated huge amount of traffic data, which can be mined and put to various different uses. Finding frequent trajectories from the road network of a big city helps in summarizing the way the traffic behaves in the city. It can be very useful in city planning and traffic routing mechanisms, and may be used to suggest the best routes given the region, road, time of day, day of week, season, weather, and events etc. Other than the frequent patterns, even the events that are not so frequent, such as those observed when there is heavy snowfall, other extreme weather conditions, long traffic jams, accidents, etc. might actually follow a periodic occurrence, and hence might be useful to mine. This problem of mining the frequent patterns from road traffic data has been addressed in previous works using the context knowledge of the road network of the city. In this paper, we have developed a method to mine spatiotemporal periodic patterns in the traffic data and use these periodic behaviors to summarize the huge road network. The first step is to find periodic patterns from the speed data of individual road sensor stations, and use their periods to represent the station's periodic behavior using probability distribution matrices. Then, we use density-based clustering to cluster the sensors on the road network based on the similarities between their periodic behavior as well as their geographical distance, thus combining similar nodes to form a road network with larger but fewer nodes.
Characterization of revertants of a Sindbis virus 6K gene mutant that affects proteolytic processing and virus assembly.

Abstract Alphaviruses of the Togaviridae encode a small hydrophobic polypeptide of 55 amino acids, noted as the 6K protein, that is synthesized as part of a polyprotein containing the sequences of the two major transmembranal viral structural glycoproteins. Mutations, insertions and deletions in the 6K appear to selectively interfere with the final stages of virus assembly and budding, producing aberrant, multi-cored infectious viruses. In addition, some of these mutations were pleiotropic and much more inhibitory to virus formation. One of the latter, a substitution of alanine in the wild-type Sindbis virus 6K gene by arginine, has been studied further and shown to interfere with normal proteolytic processing of the polyprotein. Cells infected with this mutant but not the wild-type virus also displayed viral antigens in nuclear membranes and released fragments of membranes into the cell culture media. A revertant, obtained by enrichment for a faster growing strain, ‘suppressed’ these defects and genetic mapping showed that the arginine codon had been modified to encode a methionine. However, the sequence of the 6K protein in this revertant was not wild-type and the revertant was still defective in assembly as demonstrated by formation of aberrant particles. A complete restoration of wild-type particle formation for this revertant could be effected by modifying the E2 glycoprotein sequence.
Shock induced reaction observed via ultrafast infrared absorption in poly(vinyl nitrate) films

Ultrafast laser shock generation methods and broad-band infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy have provided evidence that shock-induced chemistry in a condensed-phase energetic material occurs on a time scale of tens of picoseconds and involves the nitro group as a primary reactant. Femtosecond broad-band infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy was used to monitor films of the energetic polymer poly(vinyl nitrate) during shock loading and rarefaction. At ∼18 GPa, poly(vinyl nitrate) films exhibited loss of absorption in the nitro group stretch modes that did not recover upon rarefaction, providing an indication of initial chemical reaction. At pressures ≤9 GPa, the observed spectral changes are ascribed to thin film optical interference effects, without chemical reaction. The loss of infrared absorption required an induction time of tens of picoseconds after shock passage, supporting reaction mechanisms that require vibrational energy transfer rather than prompt reaction.
DEADLOCK-FREE ROUTING IN IRREGULAR NETWORKS USING PREFIX ROUTING

We propose a deadlock-free routing scheme in irregular networks using prefix routing. Prefix routing is a special type of routing with a compact routing table associated with each node (processor). Basically, each outgoing channel of a node is assigned a special label and an outgoing channel is selected if its label is a prefix of the label of the destination node. Node and channel labeling in an irregular network is done through constructing a spanning tree. The routing process follows a two-phase process of going up and then down along the spanning tree, with a possible cross channel (shortcut) between two branches of the tree between two phases. We show that the proposed routing scheme is deadlock- and livelock-free. We also compare prefix routing with the existing up*/down* routing which has been widely used in irregular networks. Possible extensions are also discussed.
Come to the Edge: Role Playing Activities in a Constitutional Law Class

How can I get my students to read their assignments carefully? How can I develop the writing abilities of my students? How can I get students interested in the course and excited about learning? Answers to these questions are obviously not easy, but in the teaching of a constitutional law course focusing upon civil liberties I have found that structuring the course around role playing activities seems to create a learning environment in which all of these concerns
Parent/Caregiver Satisfaction with Their Child's Medicaid Plan and Behavioral Health Providers

The experiences of children in FFS and MC managed care plans (n = 715) were examined through satisfaction ratings by their parents/caregivers about their behavioral health provider and their Medicaid behavioral health plan. Multivariate regression analyses compared satisfaction ratings among children enrolled in FFS versus MC while controlling for other known predictors of satisfaction including child and parent/caregiver demographic characteristics, behavioral health status, and child history of behavioral health service use. Caregiver satisfaction with their children's behavioral health provider did not differ significantly between those children in managed care plans and those in fee-for-service plans. However, satisfaction ratings for Medicaid FFS plans were significantly more positive than those for Medicaid MC plans.
On hurricane parametric wind and applications in storm surge modeling

[1] This study revisits the parametric modeling of the hurricane surface wind field composed of the storm vortex and the environmental background flow. First, we investigate the parametric representation of the surface background wind by analyzing its empirical relationship with storm movement. A marked deceleration and counter-clockwise rotation of the surface background wind from the storm translation vector is detected, a result predicted by the Ekman theory but rarely applied in wind and surge modeling. Then, we examine the various parameters used to model the wind field and, through numerical simulations, quantify their induced uncertainties in the extreme wind and surge estimates at two coastal sites. Our analyses show that, over the range of accepted values and methods in the literature, the local wind and surge estimates are most sensitive to uncertainties in the surface wind reduction factor and storm wind profile but less sensitive to uncertainties in other wind parameters, such as inflow angle and surface background wind (varying in the observed range). The surge is more sensitive than the wind to uncertainties in the wind parameters, and these sensitivities are comparable to the sensitivity of the surge to the uncertainty in the sea surface drag coefficient. We also find that some commonly used wind parameters unsupported by theory or observations can induce significant errors in the wind and surge estimates. The results of this study provide new insights and references for future hurricane wind and surge analysis.
Problems in Teaching the Old Testament

NABI and its Journal is to provide an opportunity for the exchange of ideas by those who are involved day-by-day in the teaching of courses in Bible and Religion. Such exchange among teachers may often lead to better understanding of the nature, purpose, and content of their course offerings. The tendency is always strong to settle into a pattern of teaching the same old familiar course in the same old familiar way semester after semester. After all, are there not better ways to spend one's time than in revising old lecture notes? However, when confronted by the pattern which someone else follows in the
Is the ratio of transition zone to total prostate volume higher in African-American men than in their Caucasian or

Objective To determine if the transition zone index (TZI, the ratio between transition zone volume, TZV, and total prostate volume, as estimated by transrectal ultrasonography, TRUS) differs among African-American (AA), Hispanic and Caucasian men. Patients and methods The study group consisted of 104 age-matched men (36 AA, 34 Hispanic and 34 Caucasian) with lower urinary tract symptoms secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). A control group of 55 age-matched men, equally distributed among the three ethnic groups, but with no BPH (based on a digital rectal examination) were also evaluated. All men completed the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and a measurement of peak urinary flow rate (Qmax ), prostate volume and TZV (by TRUS) and the TZI calculated. Results In the control group, the mean prostate volume was 20.9, 18.2 and 19.8 mL, the TZV 6.9, 4.9, and 5.4 mL and the TZI 0.33, 0.27 and 0.25 for AA, Hispanic and Caucasian men, respectively. The TZI was significantly higher in AA than in either Hispanic or Caucasian men (P<0.03). Although there were no differences in prostate volume among the three ethnic groups with BPH, the mean (sd) TZV and TZI were significantly higher in AA men than in either their Hispanic or Caucasian counterparts, at 15.8 (7.6) mL and 0.43, 12.7 (8.1) mL and 0.37, and 13.8 (6.7) mL and 0.37, respectively. For all groups, age correlated with the IPSS (r=0.22, P<0.04); the mean (sd) IPSS was 14.3 (5.7), 10.2 (2.9) and 10.6 (4.9) for AA, Hispanic and Caucasian men, respectively. There was no correlation between the IPSS and either prostate volume or TZV, but there was a strong correlation with the TZI (r=0.29, P<0.01), regardless of race. Conclusions These results suggest that AA men have a greater TZV and a higher TZI than their Caucasian or Hispanic counterparts, regardless of the presence of lower urinary tract symptoms. Studies are underway to determine if these differences are clinically significant and correlate with either subjective and/or objective parameters of BPH.
An e-sewing tutorial for DIY learning

This paper presents an e-sewing tutorial that details how to sew circuits into fabric. The tutorials are intended for an audience of young adults without access to workshops or classroom activities on this topic. Development of the tutorials was motivated by the emergence of online learning as a useful educational pathway for students. We reflect upon our introductory explorations with self-motivated learners and how these explorations may inform future development of online support materials.
Criterion for employing bivariate formulations in collision-coalescence problems

A constant kernel collision and coalescence model in bivariate moment form is used to develop a criterion for when a bivariate formulation of the collision-coalescence problem is necessary. This analysis springs from a previous publication in which the more complex problem of simultaneous collision, coalescence and breakage is considered.
Myc-ARF (Alternate Reading Frame) Interaction Inhibits the Functions of Myc

The tumor suppressor protein ARF (alternate reading frame) inhibits MDM2 to stabilize and activate the functions of p53. Here we provide evidence for an additional activity of ARF that attenuates cell cycle progression independently of p53 activation. We show that ARF interacts with c-Myc independently of MDM2 or p53. Consequently, ARF relocalizes c-Myc from the nucleoplasm to the nucleolus. Binding and relocalization by ARF correlate with an inhibition of the c-Myc-activated transcription in both p53-positive and -negative cells. Using inducible cell lines, we show that the wild type ARF, but not a mutant, inhibits expression of the c-Myc-induced genes before inhibiting S phase. Moreover, ARF inhibits Myc-induced progression into S phase in cells lacking p53 or expressing a defective p53, indicating that ARF inhibits the S phase stimulatory function of c-Myc independently of p53. Our results strongly suggest that cMyc is a bona fide target of ARF and that ARF attenuates c-Myc independently of the ARF-p53 axis.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Neuronal Grafts in the Primate

This preliminary study demonstrates the vital role that magnetic resonance imaging plays in the study of neuronal grafts in a nonhuman primate model of Huntington's disease. MRI scans were used to accurately locate and stereotactically lesion the anterior putamen of an adult rhesus monkey, thereby mimicking the anatomical and biochemical changes in Huntington's disease. Follow-up scans were utilized to confirm correct placement of the lesion and to stereotactically implant primate fetal neuronal tissue precisely into the lesion. Additionally, MRI appeared capable of imaging the fetal striatal grafts in rhesus monkeys. While the precise cellular composition of growing grafts was not identifiable on MRI scans, differentiation between normal, lesioned, and engrafted tissue was possible. Correlation of the magnetic resonance images of the grafted regions with actual graft tissue in perfused sections of the brain was shown. The use of magnetic resonance imaging, as indicated in these neuronal implantation studies, allows for a wide variety of future research possibilities where noninvasive and precise localization of the graft is mandated.
ReaChR: a red-shifted variant of channelrhodopsin enables deep transcranial optogenetic excitation

Channelrhodopsins (ChRs) are used to optogenetically depolarize neurons. We engineered a variant of ChR, denoted red-activatable ChR (ReaChR), that is optimally excited with orange to red light (λ ∼590-630 nm) and offers improved membrane trafficking, higher photocurrents and faster kinetics compared to existing red-shifted ChRs. Red light is less scattered by tissue and is absorbed less by blood than the blue to green wavelengths that are required by other ChR variants. We used ReaChR expressed in the vibrissa motor cortex to drive spiking and vibrissa motion in awake mice when excited with red light through intact skull. Precise vibrissa movements were evoked by expressing ReaChR in the facial motor nucleus in the brainstem and illumination with red light through the external auditory canal. Thus, ReaChR enables transcranial optical activation of neurons in deep brain structures without the need to surgically thin the skull, form a transcranial window or implant optical fibers.
Zoological Nomenclature: Thirty-five Generic Names of Mammals

THE following generic names of mammals (with genotype in parentheses) have been submitted to the International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature for inclusion in the Official List of Generic Names.
Heat transfer at the interface of dissimilar metals - The influence of thermal strain.

Heat flux dependence and directional effect of thermal contact resistance for interface between dissimilar metals
A theory of modularity for automated software development (keynote)

Automated Software Development (ASD) are technologies for developing customized programs automatically and compositionally from modules. The foundations of ASD are domain-specific algebras, where each program in the target domain maps to a unique expression. Algebraic identities are used to optimize programs automatically. In this keynote, I trace the history of ASD and present a general theory of modularity for ASD that follows from its tenets.
Triazolam-induced changes in alcoholic thought processes

This study was designed to examine and contrast cognitive effects (explicit memory and access to semantic knowledge) of the benzodiazepine Halcion (triazolam) in ten normal volunteers and ten cognitively unimpaired detoxified alcoholics. The two groups were indistinguishable from one another under placebo conditions on all measures of cognitive functioning. Under Halcion test conditions (0.375 mg PO), both groups were about equally impaired in their recall of to-be-remembered information. However, alcoholics, were more likely to recall information that they were not asked to remember (intrusion errors) on all measures of explicit remembering. Alcoholics also generated relatively uncommon (low frequency) responses from semantic memory, rather than common, categorically related associations in response to stimuli such as types of vegetables, flowers, and fruit following the administration of Halcion, but were not different from normal volunteers in the types of responses generated under placebo conditions. These findings suggest that a drug challenge that simulates many of the effects of acute alcohol administration induces alcoholics to think and remember differently (qualitatively) from normal volunteers.
An empirical study of flow experience in online gaming: antecedents and outcomes

This study uses flow theory and the Technology Acceptance Model to provide new insight into the impact of enjoyment, one important dimension of flow, on user satisfaction, user beliefs and behavioural intention to use. In addition, based on the propositions that knowledge results in an increased ability for activity and that flow is an emotional state of activity, this paper adopts a process view of knowledge to examine the role of knowledge in predicting enjoyment. The foregoing concepts are represented in a nomological network of enjoyment. Associated hypotheses are tested by using questionnaire responses of 253 online game players.
The Inconsistencies among Disequilibrium Aggregates

Abstract It is generally believed that disequilibrium aggregates (DEAs), namely, general shortage, forced savings, monetary overhang, and repressed inflation, are directly correlated. This paper shows that because of the spillover effects and the aggregation problem, inconsistencies and contradictions between DEAs are quite possible, and indeed their relationships can be quite complex. The paper further derives the general mathematical equations expressing the relationships between DEAs. From the equations one can identify factors causing the inconsistencies and analyze the conditions for the inconsistencies to exist. J. Comp. Econom. March 1993, 17 (1), pp. 70-91. University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio 43606.
Characterization of the Proteostasis Roles of Glycerol Accumulation, Protein Degradation and Protein Synthesis during Osmotic Stress in C. elegans

Exposure of C. elegans to hypertonic stress-induced water loss causes rapid and widespread cellular protein damage. Survival in hypertonic environments depends critically on the ability of worm cells to detect and degrade misfolded and aggregated proteins. Acclimation of C. elegans to mild hypertonic stress suppresses protein damage and increases survival under more extreme hypertonic conditions. Suppression of protein damage in acclimated worms could be due to 1) accumulation of the chemical chaperone glycerol, 2) upregulation of protein degradation activity, and/or 3) increases in molecular chaperoning capacity of the cell. Glycerol and other chemical chaperones are widely thought to protect proteins from hypertonicity-induced damage. However, protein damage is unaffected by gene mutations that inhibit glycerol accumulation or that cause dramatic constitutive elevation of glycerol levels. Pharmacological or RNAi inhibition of proteasome and lyosome function and measurements of cellular protein degradation activity demonstrated that upregulation of protein degradation mechanisms plays no role in acclimation. Thus, changes in molecular chaperone capacity must be responsible for suppressing protein damage in acclimated worms. Transcriptional changes in chaperone expression have not been detected in C. elegans exposed to hypertonic stress. However, acclimation to mild hypertonicity inhibits protein synthesis 50–70%, which is expected to increase chaperone availability for coping with damage to existing proteins. Consistent with this idea, we found that RNAi silencing of essential translational components or acute exposure to cycloheximide results in a 50–80% suppression of hypertonicity-induced aggregation of polyglutamine-YFP (Q35::YFP). Dietary changes that increase protein production also increase Q35::YFP aggregation 70–180%. Our results demonstrate directly for the first time that inhibition of protein translation protects extant proteins from damage brought about by an environmental stressor, demonstrate important differences in aging- versus stress-induced protein damage, and challenge the widely held view that chemical chaperones are accumulated during hypertonic stress to protect protein structure/function.
A Novel Trilayered Polymer Scaffold Mimicking Native Aortic Valve Leaflet

The most common surgical therapy for heart valve disease is heart valve replacement via mechanical or bioprosthetic valves. These valves succeed in restoring blood hemodynamics but fail in the repairing/remodeling aspect that is essential for the pediatric population. Tissue engineered heart valves (TEHV) aim to solve this issue by implanting a functional living tissue with the ability to grow and remodel with the heart. Current efforts in the fabrication of synthetic scaffolds for TE heart valves have been lacking in structural consideration, treating it as a uniform mass. In this study, we addressed the leaflet mechanical integrity and structural characteristics. By utilizing electrospinning, we have generated a three layered polymer scaffold mimicking the trilayered structure in the aortic valve: fibrosa, spongiosa, and ventricularis. (Figure 1)© 2010 ASME
Use of the K-distribution for classification of breast masses

The K-distribution had been introduced as a valid model to represent the statistics of the envelope of the backscattered echo from phantom and tissue. This paper investigates the efficacy of the parameters of this statistical model; namely, the effective number and the effective cross-section, to characterize breast lesions as benign or malignant. Based on the normalized values of the effective number and the effective scattering cross-section, images containing benign and malignant masses were classified for a data set from 52 patients having breast masses/lesions. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were then obtained to test the classification based on these two parameters. The results indicate that the parameters of the K-distribution may be useful in classification of the breast lesions as benign and malignant.
The brain in flux: genetic, physiologic, and therapeutic perspectives on transporters in the CNS.

The brain has specific properties that make it uniquely dependent upon transporters. This is the 3rd edition of a biennial special issue that originates from a scientific meeting devoted to studies of transporters and their relationship to brain function and to neurodevelopmental, neurologic, and psychiatric disorders. The field continues to rapidly evolve with advances in studies of structure that inform mechanism, with genetic analyses in humans revealing surprising aspects of biology, and with integrated cellular to whole animal analyses of the role of transporters in their control of physiology and pathophysiology. This special issue includes a sampling of review articles that address timely questions of the field followed by several primary research articles.