cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nkx genes establish second heart field cardiomyocyte progenitors at the arterial pole and pattern the venous pole through Isl1 repression.

ABSTRACT NKX2-5 is the most commonly mutated gene associated with human congenital heart defects (CHDs), with a predilection for cardiac pole abnormalities. This homeodomain transcription factor is a central regulator of cardiac development and is expressed in both the first and second heart fields (FHF and SHF). We have previously revealed essential functions of nkx2.5 and nkx2.7 , two Nkx2-5 homologs expressed in zebrafish cardiomyocytes, in maintaining ventricular identity. However, the differential roles of these genes in the specific subpopulations of the anterior (aSHF) and posterior (pSHF) SHFs have yet to be fully defined. Here, we show that Nkx genes regulate aSHF and pSHF progenitors through independent mechanisms. We demonstrate that Nkx genes restrict proliferation of aSHF progenitors in the outflow tract, delimit the number of pSHF progenitors at the venous pole and pattern the sinoatrial node acting through Isl1 repression. Moreover, optical mapping highlights the requirement for Nkx gene dose in establishing electrophysiological chamber identity and in integrating the physiological connectivity of FHF and SHF cardiomyocytes. Ultimately, our results may shed light on the discrete errors responsible for NKX2-5 -dependent human CHDs of the cardiac outflow and inflow tracts.
Psychiatric symptoms and cognitive appraisal following the near sinking of a research submarine

ABSTRACT Objective: This study assessed the stress reactions of a submarine crew forced to abandon their vessel in high seas after flooding and fire damaged their ship. Methods: The remaining crew members (n = 22) were surveyed 7 months after the incident regarding exposures, initial emotional responses, peritraumatic dissociation, subsequent life events, current safety appraisal, and current symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression. Results: At 7 months, 9.1% met criteria for PTSD and none met criteria for depression. Higher levels of depressive symptoms were associated with previous traumatic exposures, subsequent life events, and higher levels of PTSD symptoms; higher levels of PTSD symptoms were associated with greater peritraumatic dissociation and initial emotional response. Conclusion: Acute exposures of highly trained professionals to potentially fatal events may not result in high levels of posttraumatic symptoms. Previous and subsequent life events may play a more signific...
Catalytic Conversion of Biogas to Syngas via Dry Reforming Process

Abstract Biogas generated from anaerobic digestion of waste biomass, primarily, contains methane and CO2, which is as an ideal renewable source for the production of syngas that is the feed stock of Fischer–Tropsch synthesis to produce fuels. Dry reforming of biogas can take full advantage of both CH4 and CO2 in biogas. Ni-based catalysts are commercially attractive due to the low cost and wide availability of Ni source. The contaminants posing and carbon formation can be delayed and suppressed by adding promoter, adopting bimetallic strategy, choosing basic support, and using appropriate catalyst preparation method, activation procedure, metal loading, and metal precursor. This chapter provides a comprehensive review of major research progress on catalytic conversion of biogas/methane into syngas and discusses the principles, catalysts, catalyst deactivation, and kinetics, with emphasis on the development of high activity and long-term stability Ni-based catalysts.
BAYES PROCEDURES FOR COMBINING INDEPENDENT F TESTS

Publisher Summary This chapter describes a method for determining weighted Fisher statistics, whose performance is comparable to that of the weighted Bayes combination procedures and discusses Bayes procedures for combining independent F tests. A unimodal Type II prior, which concentrates much of its mass in a neighborhood of the ray, should yield a Bayes procedure that has good power against the alternatives along that ray. As Type II priors also assign mass to points off the ray, the corresponding Bayes procedure should be robust. To choose a Type IIc prior density that concentrates much of its mass near a point in K, the mean and mode of the Type c prior density is considered.
Great expectations: Education and subjective wellbeing

Abstract This paper examines the association between education and subjective wellbeing. The evidence on this relationship is scarce, inconsistent and poorly understood, and reports of a negative association are common. Such results may appear counter-intuitive, but are in fact consistent with the idea that education is associated with higher expectations with respect to life circumstances. Consequently, education may be associated with greater subjective wellbeing only insofar as the ability to meet (or exceed) expectations is improved. This paper uses panel data from the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) Survey to evaluate the evidence for differences in reference points across education levels, and to determine the overall association between education and subjective wellbeing. The results of the analysis confirm moderate rightward drifts across education levels for satisfaction with life in general, which are ‘neutralised’ by observed differences in actual circumstances. Other patterns emerge within specific life domains. Positive overall associations are observed for satisfaction with financial circumstances and health, while negative overall associations are observed for satisfaction with work and the amount of leisure time.
The case against endometrial ablation for treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding.

Purpose of reviewEndometrial ablation is a common treatment for heavy menstrual bleeding, but serious limitations and long-term complications exist. Our purpose is to summarize the use of endometrial ablation devices, potential short-term and long-term complications, cost effectiveness, and quality
Synthesis of Enhanced, Isolable Disulfanium Salts and their Application to Thiiranium-Promoted Polyene Cyclizations

Although electrophile-promoted polyene cyclizations have long been a mainstay transformation for the rapid and stereocontrolled preparation of varied natural products and designed molecules, efforts to effect sulfur-promoted variants have arguably lagged behind other counterparts. This state of affairs is particularly true with alkyl sulfide-based electrophiles, even in racemic variants. Herein, building on previously reported discoveries, is described a distinct and modular method to prepare a range of isolable alkyl and aryl disulfanium salts that can affect thiiranium-based polyene cyclizations in moderate to good yields. In most of the substrates probed, these reagents provide superior yields to previously reported alternatives. In addition, initial efforts to develop an asymmetric variant of the process through the use of chiral versions of these reagents are discussed.
An Integrated Fuzzy Inference-based Monitoring, Diagnostic, and Prognostic System for Intelligent Control and Maintenance

With the advent of modern computation, intelligent control and maintenance systems have become a viable option for complex engineering processes and systems. Such control and maintenance systems can be generically described as being composed of 5 analysis steps: (1) predict the expected system signals from their measured values, (2) use the residual of the measured and predicted value to determine if the system is operating in a nominal or a degraded mode, (3) if the system is operating in a degraded mode, diagnose the fault, (4) prognose the failure by estimating the remaining useful life (RUL) of the system, and (5) use the collected information to determine if an appropriate control or maintenance action should be performed to maintain the health and safety of the system performance. This chapter presents the development and adaptation of a single generic inference procedure, namely the nonparametric fuzzy inference system (NFIS), for monitoring, diagnostics, and prognostics. To illustrate the proposed methodologies, the embodiments of the NFIS are used to detect, diagnose, and prognose faults in the steering system of an automated oil drill. The embodiments of the NFIS were found to have similar performance to traditional algorithms, such as autoassociative kernel regression (AAKR) and k-nearest neighbor (kNN), for monitoring and diagnosis. The NFIS prognoser was also shown to estimate the remaining useful life of the steering system to within an hour of its actual time of failure.
COMPUTATION OF HF GROUND BACKSCATTER AMPLITUDE.

An HF backscatter radar system is simulated by a digital computer method which includes the detailed influence of the ionosphere through use of precomputed rays. To insure a fairly realistic simulation, allowance is made for the following factors: a spherical earth and ionosphere, electron density variations with height and range, absorption which varies with range and ray angle, antenna gain as a function of azimuth and elevation, ground scattering and specular reflection characteristics which vary with range and angle of incidence, and the transmitted pulse shape. The main approximations are (a) that ray theory is used with the assumption that most energy is distributed uniformly between closely spaced ray paths, and (b) that the effect of the geomagnetic field on ray-path range and transit time is neglected. This computer simulation has two main applications. First, it permits the study of idealized backscatter problems by controlled variation of one parameter at a time. For example, a localized irregularity may be inserted in the ionosphere and the backscatter can be calculated with and without it. Second, it is possible to match experimental backscatter with synthetic backscatter for the purpose of evaluating the ground-scatter coefficient or estimating the existing ionospheric structure. This process requires carefully calibrated experimental data because the comparison must be quantitative. Some early results of this work are shown.
UTILIZING ECMO FOR RECURRENT IDIOPATHIC VENTRICULAR FIBRILLATION

ECMO has emerged as a novel and popular “bridge to” strategy to provide complete circulatory support in many areas of cardiovascular medicine and has the potential to allow time for myocardial recovery in patients with electric storm. A 44 year-old woman with a history of hypothyroidism
Ultrasound-guided Access and Dilation for Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy in the Supine Position: A Step-by-Step Approach.

Abstract Introduction Ultrasound guidance for percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) has gained acceptance amongst urologists given its numerous advantages over fluoroscopy. While traditionally performed in the prone position, this video demonstrates a step-by-step approach to performing PCNL in the supine position, solely under ultrasound guidance. Materials and Methods Once in the modified supine (Galdakao-modified Valdivia) position, important anatomic landmarks are identified. It is important to first orient the ultrasound probe such that its cranial side corresponds to the left of the ultrasound screen. After optimizing a target calyx, keeping the needle in the imaging plane of the probe facilitates renal access. Tract dilation under ultrasound guidance is then achieved by keeping the wire and dilators in the same imaging plane. Results The 11th and 12th ribs, paraspinous muscle, iliac crest, midaxillary line, and costal margin are the anatomic landmarks that orient the probe to the location of the kidney. Placing the ultrasound probe in the midaxillary line, parallel to the 11th rib allows the operator to identify key renal landmarks: the renal cortex, peri-pelvic fat, collecting system, kidney stone with its associated postacoustic shadow, and the intended target calyx. Controlling the needle is easiest in the longitudinal view, as the needle can be visualized from skin to target. Dilation under ultrasound relies on keeping the wire in view. The tip of the 10-French dilator is based on the location where the wire image disappears as the dilator advances. The balloon dilator tip is visualized on ultrasound reaching the appropriate depth just inside the collecting system, at which time balloon inflation results in complete dilation of the tract. Conclusions This video provides a step-by-step approach demonstrating that PCNL can be performed in the supine position using only ultrasound-guidance. This approach facilitates renal access in this position and obviates the need for radiation exposure.
Medical costs associated with metastatic breast cancer in younger, midlife, and older women.

We estimated average medical costs due to metastatic breast cancer (mBC) among younger (aged 18–44), midlife (aged 45–64), and older women (aged 65 and older) by phase of care: initial, continuing, and terminal. We used 2003–2014 North Carolina cancer registry data linked with administrative claims from public and private payers. We developed a claims-based algorithm to identify breast cancer patients who progressed to metastatic disease. We matched breast cancer patients (mBC and earlier stage) to non-cancer patients on age group, county of residence, and insurance plan. Outcomes were average monthly medical expenditures and expected medical expenditures by phase. We used regression to estimate excess costs attributed to mBC as the difference in mean payments between patients with mBC (N = 4806) and patients with each earlier-stage breast cancer (stage 1, stage 2, stage 3, and unknown stage; N = 21,772) and non-cancer controls (N = 109,631) by treatment phase and age group. Adjusted monthly costs for women with mBC were significantly higher than for women with earlier-stage breast cancer and non-cancer controls for all age groups and treatment phases except the initial treatment among women with stage 3 breast cancer at diagnosis. The largest expected total costs were for women aged 18–44 with mBC during the continuing phase ($209,961 95% Confidence Interval $165,736–254,186). We found substantial excess costs for mBC among younger women and during the continuing and terminal phases of survivorship. It is important to assess whether this care is high value for these women.
Sixth-Order Accurate Schemes for Reinitialization and Extrapolation in the Level Set Framework

The level set method is a common approach for handling moving boundary problems, which allows a moving, irregular surface to be described implicitly on a Cartesian grid. This approach often requires reinitialization of the level set function and extrapolation of fields defined only on the interface. Because many applications in physics and engineering involve calculation of second derivatives of the interface curvature and fourth order derivatives of surface fields, accurate simulations of these problems require high-order methods for reinitialization and extrapolation. Here we build off WENO schemes for Hamilton–Jacobi equations to develop novel sixth-order accurate methods for reinitialization and extrapolation. We present numerical results in three dimensional spaces demonstrating fourth-order accuracy of the interfacial curvature and sixth-order accuracy for the extrapolated surface fields. We then show that the extrapolation scheme can be integrated into the closest point method for surface PDEs and present an example of computing geodesic curves on surfaces.
(Re)Claiming Indigenous Heritage: Bringing Forward Tribal Theory

This chapter focuses on an Indigenous Ways of Knowing Model of Identity Development. Auto-historia and refleccion is utilized to delineate a tribal theory using it as a reflexive foundation for cultural, spiritual and psychological empowerment or conscientizacion, consciousness-raising (Brown and Strega, Research as resistance: Critical, Indigenous & Anti-Oppressive approaches. Canadian Scholars’ Press, Toronto, 2005; Quinones-Rosado, Consciousness-in-action: Toward an integral psychology of Liberation & Transformation. ile Publications, Caguas, 2007). Mestiza Consciousness Tribal Theory (Anzaldua, Borderlands/La Frontera: The new mestiza. Aunt Lute Books, San Francisco, 1987) is outlined as a viable and valid way to understand identity development supporting consciousness raising and critical dialogue of Indigenous people who experience multiple intersecting identities and realities. The author describes los 7 ritos de conocimiento or 7 rites of passage of Mestiza Consciousness Tribal Theory interlacing her reflexive process narrating her identities and navigation through the educational system both as a doctoral student and faculty member from 2010–2018. Recommendations for educators are provided as suggestions for critical reflection and dialogue in counseling and educational programs toward creating a more inclusive classroom environment and support balance in harmony for culturally diverse mental health professionals in training.
Zwischen Bilderflut und Bildersturm – Zur Rolle von Bildern in Religion und Gesellschaft

Bilder sind allgegenwartig – das macht ein Blick in die Tagespresse, in die ‚sozialen Medien‘ und in fast jede beliebige Einkaufspassage deutlich. Nicht erst seit der Technisierung und Digitalisierung von Bildherstellung und -verbreitung werden Bilder zirkuliert, zitiert, vervielfaltigt und zerstort. Doch hat die ‚Bilderflut‘ spatestens seit der zweiten Halfte des 20. Jahrhunderts ungeahnte Dimensionen angenommen.
Exogenous ochronosis (EO): Skin lightening cream causing rare caviar-like lesion with banana-like pigments; review of literature and histological comparison with endogenous counterpart

Ochronosis is a cutaneous disorder caused by the accumulation of phenols, either endogenously as homogentisic acid in patients with alkaptonuria (autosomal recessive disorder with deficiency of the enzyme homogentisic acid oxidase), or exogenously in patients using phenol products such as topical creams containing hydroquinone or the intramuscular application of antimalarial drugs. Exogenous ochronosis (EO) typically affects the face and was reported in patients with dark skin such as Black South Africans or Hispanics who use skin-lightening products containing hydroquinone for extended periods. Recently more cases have been reported worldwide even in patients with lighter skin tones, to include Eastern Indians, Asians, and Europeans. However, just 39 cases of EO have been reported in the US literature from 1983 to 2020. Here we present two cases; a 69 and a 45-year-old female who were seen for melasma, given hydroquinone 4% cream daily and tretinoin 0.05%. Both patients noticed brown spots on their cheeks, which progressively enlarged and darkened in color. The diagnosis of ochronosis was confirmed by characteristic histopathological features on the punch biopsy. Unfortunately, neither patient responded to multiple treatments (to include, tazarotene 0.1% gel and pimecrolimus ointment, topical corticosteroids, and avoidance of hydroquinone containing products). We also present a case of classic (endogenous) ochronosis in a patient with alkaptonuria to picture the histological similarities of these two entities. EO is an important clinical consideration because early diagnosis and treatment may offer the best outcome for this notoriously refractory clinical diagnosis.
Lipoxygenase Metabolism in the Regulation of Hematopoiesis

In the past 25 years our knowledge of the regulation of the proliferation and differentiation of the cells of the hematopoietic system have grown tremendously. The availability of specific hematopoietic growth factors and of in vitro clonal assays for hematopoietic progenitor cells has made it possible to closely study the interrelationship between cell and cytokine (1,2). This has led to the production of clinically useful recombinant human hematopoietic growth factors (3–6). Despite these rapid advances, as yet little is known about the events that occur in hematopoietic progenitors after they have been stimulated by their appropriate growth factors.
Measuring pulmonary gas exchange using compartment-selective xenon-polarization transfer contrast (XTC) MRI.

Purpose To demonstrate the feasibility of generating red blood cell (RBC) and tissue/plasma (TP)-specific gas-phase (GP) depolarization maps using xenon-polarization transfer contrast (XTC) MR imaging. Methods Imaging was performed in three healthy subjects, an asymptomatic smoker, and a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patient. Single-breath XTC data were acquired through a series of three GP images using a 2D multi-slice GRE during a 12 s breath-hold. A series of 8 ms Gaussian inversion pulses spaced 30 ms apart were applied in-between the images to quantify the exchange between the GP and dissolved-phase (DP) compartments. Inversion pulses were either centered on-resonance to generate contrast, or off-resonance to correct for other sources of signal loss. For an alternative scheme, inversions of both RBC and TP resonances were inserted in lieu of off-resonance pulses. Finally, this technique was extended to a multi-breath protocol consistent with tidal breathing, involving 30 consecutive acquisitions. Results Inversion pulses shifted off-resonance by 20 ppm to mimic the distance between the RBC and TP resonances demonstrated selectivity, and initial GP depolarization maps illustrated stark magnitude and distribution differences between healthy and diseased subjects that were consistent with traditional approaches. Conclusion The proposed DP-compartment selective XTC MRI technique provides information on gas exchange between all three detectable states of xenon in the lungs and is sufficiently sensitive to indicate differences in lung function between the study subjects. Investigated extensions of this approach to imaging schemes that either minimize breath-hold duration or the overall number of breath-holds open avenues for future research to improve measurement accuracy and patient comfort.
Patients' experiences of recovery: Beyond the intensive care unit and into the community.

Aims To understand barriers and facilitators of recovery for critical illness survivors', who are discharged home from the hospital and do not have access to dedicated outpatient care. Design Multi-site descriptive study guided by interpretive phenomenology using semi-structured interviews. Methods Interviews were conducted between December 2017 -July 2018. Eighteen participants were included. Data were collected from interview recordings, transcripts, field notes, and a retrospective chart review for sample demographics. Analysis was completed using Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis which provided a unique view of recovery through the survivors' personal experiences and perception of those experiences. Results Participants encountered several barriers to their recovery; however, they were resilient and initiated ways to overcome these barriers and assist with their recovery. Facilitators of recovery experienced by survivors included seeking support from family and friends, lifestyle adaptations, and creative management of their multiple medical needs. Barriers included unmet needs experienced by survivors such as mental health issues, coordination of care, and spiritual needs. These unmet needs left participants feeling unsupported from healthcare providers during their recovery. Conclusion This study highlights important barriers and facilitators experienced by critical illness survivors during recovery that need be addressed by healthcare providers. New ways to support critical illness survivors, that can reach a broader population, must be developed and evaluated to support survivors during their recovery in the community. Impact This study addressed ICU survivors' barriers and facilitators to recovery. Participants encountered several barriers to recovery at home, such as physical, cognitive, psychosocial, financial, and transportation barriers, however, these survivors were also resilient and resourceful in the development of strategies to try to manage their recovery at home. These results will help healthcare providers develop interventions to better support ICU survivors in the community.
Considering network interventions.

One of the greatest challenges to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic is the need to develop new economic policies that steer nations safely between the Scylla of exponentially increasing infection rates and the Charybdis of a severe economic downturn. The obvious solution to curtail the rapidly increasing rate of COVID-19 infection is “lockdown”—government sanctions that limit the physical mobility of citizens within a city, region, or entire nation. However, strict lockdown policies can severely impact a wide range of economic sectors (1). Moreover, these policies can have compounding social consequences, disproportionately impacting vulnerable populations and women (2). The other side of the dilemma is equally treacherous. If public policies are unable to prevent the unchecked growth of the pandemic, the disease will spread aggressively, ultimately undercutting the stability of an even wider range of economic sectors and resulting in graver social consequences (3). In PNAS, Nishi et al. (4) bravely propose a solution to this critical dilemma. Using the lockdown model as their baseline measure for an effective disease prevention strategy, Nishi et al. (4) use computational “experiments” to explore the effectiveness of adopting public health policies that might sustain normal economic activity—in schools, offices, restaurants, and supermarkets—while steering clear of the deadly consequences of unchecked disease transmission. The core idea behind their approach is to focus on social networks. Social contact networks are the primary pathways for the transmission of COVID-19 (5). There are several different kinds of interpersonal networks—such as intimate partner networks, family and friend networks, acquaintanceship and coworker networks, and causal/accidental contact networks (e.g., in a grocery store or a subway). All of these networks can be pathways for COVID-19 transmission. However, the likelihood of transmission increases with the duration and closeness of contact. Building on well-established social networks research on the differences between “strong ties” … [↵][1]1Email: dcentola{at}asc.upenn.edu. [1]: #xref-corresp-1-1
Predatory Policing, Intersectional Subjection, and the Experiences of LGBTQ People of Color in New Orleans:

Much of the disparate outcomes experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and other identities along the spectrum (LGBTQ+) people of color are directly linked to the practices of pu...
Physically motivated models of polymer networks with dynamic cross-links: comparative study and future outlook

Polymer networks consisting of a mixture of chemical and physical cross-links are known to exhibit complex time-dependent behaviour due to the kinetics of bond association and dissociation. In this...
Pathology of the Urinary System and the Male Genital Tract

The genitourinary system consists of the two kidneys, two ureters, urinary bladder, and male and female genital organs. This chapter covers the urinary system and the male genital tract.
Technological Change and Risk-Taking Behavior

Technology, the manufacture and use of artifacts, is an aspect of all human activity. Because countless numbers and types of artifacts are used every day in a myriad of activities, changes are always being made to fine tune their performance for a specific activity. Studies chronicling the development and evolution of household items such as the dinner fork or paper clip (Petroski, 1994) and tools such as the hammer (Basalla, 1993) are used to develop theories of technological change that may be applied to any artifact. According to Petroski, every artifact is somewhat inefficient in its use, and modifications are constantly being made, thereby driving its evolution. Whereas the shortcomings of a thing may be expressed in terms of a need for improvement, Petroski argues that it is really want rather than need that drives the process of technological evolution: “The form of made things is always subject to change in response to their real or perceived shortcomings, their failures to function properly” (Petroski, 1995). This somewhat simplistic view of technological evolution, however, falls short of explaining completely new inventions, radical innovations, or the development of entirely new technologies. Basalla offers a more intellectually satisfying model that is rooted in four broad concepts: diversity, continuity, novelty, and selection. The “diversity of made things can be explained as the result of technological evolution because artifactual continuity exists; novelty is an integral part of the made world; and a selection process operates to choose novel artifacts for replication and addition to the stock of made things” (Basalla, 1993).
Formal Verification by Reverse Synthesis

In this paper we describe a novel yet practical approach to the formal verification of implementations. Our approach splits verification into two major parts. The first part verifies an implementation against a low-level specification written using source-code annotations. The second extracts a high-level specification from the implementation with the low-level specification, and proves that it implies the original system specification from which the system was built. Semantics-preserving refactorings are applied to the implementation in both parts to reduce the complexity of the verification. Much of the approach is automated. It reduces the verification burden by distributing it over separate tools and techniques, and it addresses both functional correctness and high-level properties at separate levels. As an illustration, we give a detailed example by verifying an optimized implementation of the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) against its official specification.
Chapter Seven Theoretical and Methodological Issues in Sibling Research

Abstract Interest in the impact and influence of having a brother or sister with a disability has increased over the past 40 years as evidenced by the recent larger number of publications on siblings of persons with disabilities. However, as an area of research, qualitative and quantitative inquiry into siblings and sibling relationships is in its infancy. In this chapter, we review some of the major issues that have been raised in the literature on siblings, addressing theoretical approaches, research designs, measures, and statistical methods used in sibling research. Finally, we examine the many frontiers into which sibling research can and should expand.
Complex Cobordism and Stable Homotopy Groups of Spheres

An introduction to the homotopy groups of spheres Setting up the Adams spectral sequence The classical Adams spectral sequence $BP$-theory and the Adams-Novikov spectral sequence The chromatic spectral sequence Morava stabilizer algebras Computing stable homotopy groups with the Adams-Novikov spectral sequence Hopf algebras and Hopf algebroids Formal group laws Tables of homotopy groups of spheres Bibliography Index.
Methane Oxidation by Nitrosococcus oceanus and Nitrosomonas europaea

Chemolithotrophic ammonium-oxidizing and nitrite-oxidizing bacteria including Nitrosomonas europaea, Nitrosococcus oceanus, Nitrobacter sp., Nitiospina gracilis, and Nitrococcus mobilis were examined as to their ability to oxidize methane in the absence of ammonium or nitrite. All ammonium oxidizers tested had the ability to oxidize significant amounts of methane to CO2 and incorporate various amounts into cellular components. None of the nitrite-oxidizing bacteria were capable of methane oxidation. The methane-oxidizing capabilities of Nitrosococcus oceanus and Nitrosomonas europaea were examined with respect to ammonium and methane concentrations, nitrogen source, and pH. The addition of ammonium stimulated both CO2 production and cellular incorporation of methane-carbon by both organisms. Less than 0.1 mM CH4 in solution inhibited the oxidation of ammonium by Nitrosococcus oceanus by 87%. Methane concentrations up to 1.0 mM had no inhibitory effects on ammonium oxidation by Nitrosomonas europaea. In the absence of NH4-N, Nitrosococcus oceanus achieved a maximum methane oxidation rate of 2.20 × 10−2 μmol of CH4 h−1 mg (dry weight) of cells−1, which remained constant as the methane concentration was increased. In the presence of NH4-N (10 ppm [10 μg/ml]), its maximum rate was 26.4 × 10−2 μmol of CH4 h−1 mg (dry weight) of cells−1 at a methane concentration of 1.19 × 10−2 mM. Increasing the methane concentration above this level decreased CO2 production, whereas cellular incorporation of methane-carbon continued to increase. Nitrosomonas europaea showed a linear response throughout the test range, with an activity of 196.0 × 10−2 μmol of CH4 h−1 mg (dry weight) of cells −1 at a methane concentration of 1.38 × 10−1 mM. Both nitrite and nitrate stimulated the oxidation of methane. The pH range was similar to that for ammonium oxidation, but the points of maximum activity were at lower values for the oxidation of methane.
Modeling of Cyclic Thermomechanical Response of Polycrystalline Shape Memory Alloys

In this paper, the evolution of plastic strains and Two-Way Shape Memory (TWSM) effect with respect to thermally induced cyclic phase transformation is investigated for NiTi shape memory alloys. It is observed by Bo and Lagoudas (1997b) that the accumulation of plastic strains continues beyond a large number of cycles (2000), while the TWSM is saturated and remains stable after a few hundred transformation cycles, depending on the magnitude of the applied load. Motivated by the experimental observations, evolution equations for the accumulation of plastic strains and plastically related back and drag stresses, which govern the evolution of TWSM, are proposed. Model predictions are successfully compared with experimental data.
Measurement of biological activity of ambient air mixtures using a mobile laboratory for in situ exposures: preliminary results from the Tradescantia plant test system

A variety of short-term bioassays has been developed to assess the mutagenicity of industrial chemicals. Many of these assays work well when used under laboratory conditions but are not suitable for monitoring ambient air under field conditions. To facilitate exposures of biological systems to ambient air pollution in natural or industrial sites a plan was implemented to design, assemble, and test a mobile laboratory. The Tradescantia plant test system was chosen for these initial field studies because of its high sensitivity to both physical and chemical mutagens and its versatility and adaptability to monitoring the mutagenicity of gaseous pollutants. Positive results to date support the further development of the mobile laboratory and Tradescantia system as a useful method for monitoring biological activity of complex environmental mixtures in situ.
Nutritive Value of Germinated Corn and Corn Fermented After Germination

Sprouts of germinated corn were significantly (P < 0.01) higher in ascorbic acid, riboflavin, and niacin than nongerminated corn. Corn fermented after gemination was significantly (P < 0.01) higher in riboflavin and niacin than nongerminated corn but not germinated corn. Corn fermented after germination was significantly (P < 0.01) higher in percent relative nutritive value (%RNV) than both the germinated and nongerminated corn. Corn chips prepared with germinated and germinated-fermented corn meal were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in riboflavin, niacin and %RNV, and were acceptable to a taste panel. Fresh corn sprouts, when compared to mung bean sprouts by a taste panel, were significantly (P < 0.01) sweeter and more bitter.
Preemptible I/O Scheduling of Garbage Collection for Solid State Drives

Unlike hard disks, flash devices use out-of-place updates operations and require a garbage collection (GC) process to reclaim invalid pages to create free blocks. This GC process is a major cause of performance degradation when running concurrently with other I/O operations as internal bandwidth is consumed to reclaim these invalid pages. The invocation of the GC process is generally governed by a low watermark on free blocks and other internal device metrics that different workloads meet at different intervals. This results in an I/O performance that is highly dependent on workload characteristics. In this paper, we examine the GC process and propose a semipreemptible GC (PGC) scheme that allows GC processing to be preempted while pending I/O requests in the queue are serviced. Moreover, we further enhance flash performance by pipelining internal GC operations and merge them with pending I/O requests whenever possible. Our experimental evaluation of this semi-PGC scheme with realistic workloads demonstrates both improved performance and reduced performance variability. Write-dominant workloads show up to a 66.56% improvement in average response time with a 83.30% reduced variance in response time compared to the non-PGC scheme. In addition, we explore opportunities of a new NAND flash device that supports suspend/resume commands for read, write, and erase operations for fully PGC (F-PGC). Our experiments with an F-PGC enabled flash device show that request response time can be improved by up to 14.57% compared to semi-PGC.
A framework for half-time internship training in psychology.

In the past 50 years, psychology has so heavily emphasized the full-time internship as the preeminent training model that it has often overlooked the benefits of half-time internships for educators, students, the profession, and the populations that psychologists serve. This article makes a case for the nearly forgotten half-time predoctoral internship. The history and context of the half-time internship, culminating in a recent national conference, is presented. The benefits to students, doctoral programs, and the community are described, as well as obstacles and solutions for their implementation. Implications for developing more half-time internships for psychology stakeholders are also discussed.
Coordinate actions of calcium and protein kinase-C in the expression of primary response genes in pituitary gonadotrophs

Activation of GnRH receptors in cultured pituitary cells and alpha T3-1 gonadotrophs caused prominent, but transient, increases in messenger RNAs for primary response genes (PRGs) including c-fos, c-jun, and junB. GnRH-induced stimulation peaked at 30 min and was dose related, with similar EC50 values (approximately 1 nM) for all three PRGs and higher maximum responses for junB than for c-jun and c-fos. The agonist-induced expression of PRGs was mimicked by activation of protein kinase-C with the phorbol ester phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), which acted additively with GnRH at low concentrations of both stimuli. Depletion of cellular protein kinase-C by prior treatment with PMA reduced GnRH- and PMA-induced expression of PRGs. The protein kinase-C inhibitor staurosporine also attenuated agonist- and phorbol ester-induced PRG expression. Activation of Ca2+ entry by the calcium channel agonist BayK 8644 or high K(+)-induced depolarization caused a concentration-dependent rise in intracellular Ca2+ ([...
Far Infrared Photoconductive Detectors For Infrared Astronomy

Photoconductive detectors in the 10-1000μm range have been developed and flown in rocket borne liquid helium cooled telescopes for sky survey and auroral emission studies. Measurements under background limited conditions have been made in the spectral range of 60-300μm using the 30cm telescope aboard the NASA Lear Jet. We present the results of the detector sensitivities used under these two environments.© (1975) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Loss of enteric dopaminergic neurons and associated changes in colon motility in an MPTP mouse model of Parkinson's disease

Gastrointestinal (GI) dysfunction is the most common non-motor symptom of Parkinson's disease (PD). Symptoms of GI dysmotility include early satiety and nausea from delayed gastric emptying, bloating from poor small bowel coordination, and constipation and defecatory dysfunction from impaired colonic transit. Understanding the pathophysiology and treatment of these symptoms in PD patients has been hampered by the lack of investigation into GI symptoms and pathology in PD animal models. We report that the prototypical parkinsonian neurotoxin, MPTP (1-methyl 4-phenyl 1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine), is a selective dopamine neuron toxin in the enteric nervous system (ENS). When examined 10 days after treatment, there was a 40% reduction of dopamine neurons in the ENS of C57Bl/6 mice administered MPTP (60 mg/kg). There were no differences in the density of cholinergic or nitric oxide neurons. Electrophysiological recording of neural-mediated muscle contraction in isolated colon from MPTP-treated animals confirmed a relaxation defect associated with dopaminergic degeneration. Behaviorally, MPTP induced a transient increase in colon motility, but no changes in gastric emptying or small intestine transit. These results provide the first comprehensive assessment of gastrointestinal pathophysiology in an animal model of PD. They provide insight into the impact of dopaminergic dysfunction on gastrointestinal motility and a benchmark for assessment of other PD model systems.
Calculations and applications of screened hydrogenic wave functions

Abstract This paper deals with the evaluation of screened-hydrogenic orbitals for a many-electron atom. Expressions for Slater intergrals and their derivatives with respect to the effective nuclear charges are given. The dipole matrix elements are evaluated for screened-hydrogenic orbitals as a function of the scaled nuclear charges of the initial and the final states of the active electron. Comparisons of predicted energies and transition integrals with experimental values and those based on the self-consistent field method are given.
Evidence That Highly Conserved Residues of Transmembrane Segment 6 of Escherichia coli MntH Are Important for Transport Activity

Nramp (natural resistance-associated macrophage protein) family members have been characterized in mammals, yeast, and bacteria as divalent metal ion/H(+) symporters. In previous work, a bioinformatic approach was used for the identification of residues that are conserved within the Nramp family [Haemig, H. A., and Brooker, R. J. (2004) J. Membr. Biol. 201 (2), 97-107]. On the basis of site-directed mutagenesis of highly conserved negatively charged residues, a model was proposed for the metal binding site of the Escherichia coli homologue, MntH. In this study, we have focused on the highly conserved residues, including two histidines, of transmembrane segment 6 (TMS-6). Multiple mutants were made at the eight conserved sites (i.e., Gly-205, Ala-206, Met-209, Pro-210, His-211, Leu-215, His-216, and Ser-217) in TMS-6 of E. coli MntH. Double mutants involving His-211 and His-216 were also created. The results indicate the side chain volume of these residues is critically important for function. In most cases, only substitutions that are closest in side chain volume still permit transport. In addition, the K(m) for metal binding is largely unaffected by mutations in TMS-6, whereas V(max) values were decreased in all mutants characterized kinetically. Thus, these residues do not appear to play a role in metal binding. Instead, they may comprise an important face on TMS-6 that is critical for protein conformational changes during transport. Also, in contrast to other studies, our data do not strongly indicate that the conserved histidine residues play a role in the pH regulation of metal transport.
Prevalence and control of diabetes and impaired fasting glucose in New York City: Response to Getaneh and Findley

Getaneh and Findley (1) raise an important issue in response to our article (2). Grouping diverse populations into broad race/ethnicity categories (Hispanic, black, white, Asian, etc.) can mask meaningful differences within groups for cardiovascular and other disease risks. We agree with Getaneh and Finley that where possible, differences in disease prevalence should be reported by race/ethnicity subgroup, and settings like New York City provide an excellent opportunity to examine subgroup differences. For example, using data from New York City birth certificates, we published an earlier study on gestational diabetes mellites …
Expression of neuron-specific enolase in adult rat brain following status epilepticus.

Increased levels of neuron-specific enolase (NSE), a key glycolytic enzyme, in either the cerebrospinal fluid or the serum is correlated with both the duration and the outcome of status epilepticus. To further understand the molecular basis of seizure-induced elevations in NSE protein, we investigated NSE mRNA expression in the adult rat brain following systemic administration of kainic acid. The findings demonstrated either no change or a decrease in NSE gene expression during, and following, status epilepticus, suggesting that posttranscriptional mechanisms are responsible for seizure-induced increases in NSE protein.
Continuing immunomodulators and biologic medications in pregnant IBD patients — Sometimes con

he degree of controversy on this subject does not seemwarranted by the limited amount of available data. Cur-rently, the immunosuppressives 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP)and azathioprine (AZA) are the most commonly used drugsfor maintenance of remission in patients with Crohn’s disease(CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) that was moderate to severeat onset because of their efﬁcacy and low toxicity proﬁle. Theissue of 6-MP and AZA before and during pregnancy pre-vails, however, since the most common years of onset of bothdiseases are during the ages of greatest fertility, and at leastCD occurs more often in females than males. Furthermore,consideration of continuing immunosuppressives duringpregnancy is markedly diluted as an issue since pregnancyusually takes emotional priority over treatment of the diseasein female inﬂammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients whowant to stop all medications and so often the obstetricianencouraging her to do so.The evidence favoring continuing 6-MP/AZA duringthe pregnancy is based on the following.1. The largest reported study on pregnancy and adverseoutcomes possibly attributed to 6-MP has concluded thatthese drugs are safe.
Semiconductor laser absorption diagnostics of atomic oxygen in an atmospheric-pressure plasma

Abstract Narrow-bandwidth semiconductor (GaAlAs) lasers have been used to record spectrally resolved atomic oxygen (7772 A) and argon (8425 A) lineshapes, corresponding to the 3s5S02→3p5P3 and 4s3P1→4p3D2 transitions, in an atmospheric pressure, 1.4- kW, 27-MHz inductively coupled argon-oxygen (12% O2/argon) plasma. Electron number density and kinetic temperature values were inferred from the Stark- and Doppler-broadening components of the absorption lineshapes, respectively. The ionization temperature was calculated from the measured electron number density assuming ionization (Saha) equilibrium. Values of excited- state species number density and population temperature were determined from the frequency- integrated absorption coefficient for each transition. The difference between the ionization and population temperatures reflects the presence of a suprathermal electron number density in the flowfield. In addition, the excellent agreement between the kinetic and population temperatures suggests that the population in the oxygen and argon lowest excited states may be described by a Boltzmann distribution at the kinetic temperature. The methods presented extend effectively the range of semiconductor-laser diagnostics to mixed-gas plasmas and flowfields containing atomic oxygen.