cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Survey instrument development and validation to measure technology adoption in dental hygiene clinical environments

Purpose This pilot study aimed to develop and test a comprehensive assessment instrument, through an examination of measurement properties, to evaluate relationships between faculty technology adoption and age, level of education, teaching experience, technology anxiety, perceived technology integration barriers, and technology available in dental hygiene (DH) clinical environments. Focus was to acquire instrument validity with emphasis on test content, internal structure, and response processes. Methods The survey was developed based on expert review, pretesting, and survey piloting in 2018. Three content experts evaluated face and traditional content validity. Eleven DH faculty with diverse clinical experiences were recruited for pretesting to comment on item definitions and language. The instrument was pilot tested among DH faculty with full-time, part-time, and clinical appointments at institutions located in the Mid-West. Psychometric properties of the questionnaire were evaluated with frequency analysis and scale responses detailed. Results Evaluation by experts and faculty members refined definitions, language, and response options for the seventy-item response scale. Forty-three DH faculty completed the online pilot. The 4 sections subjected to factor analysis showed excellent factor loading. Internal consistency was satisfactory. Frequency analysis showed an array of perceived abilities and technological integration in the educational environment. Conclusion Findings suggest that respondents found the survey easy to complete and understand. The survey appears to be a valid measure of technology adoption among DH faculty of differing experiences. The survey will now be disseminated to a larger group of DH faculty.
Sex differences in biophysical signatures across molecularly defined medial amygdala neuronal subpopulations

The medial amygdala (MeA) is essential for processing innate social and non-social behaviors, such as territorial aggression and mating, which display in a sex-specific manner. While sex differences in cell numbers and neuronal morphology in the MeA are well established, if and how these differences extend to the biophysical level remain unknown. Our previous studies revealed that expression of the transcription factors, Dbx1 and Foxp2, during embryogenesis defines separate progenitor pools destined to generate different subclasses of MEA inhibitory output neurons. We have also previously shown that Dbx1-lineage and Foxp2-lineage neurons display different responses to innate olfactory cues and in a sex-specific manner. To examine whether these neurons also possess sex-specific biophysical signatures, we conducted a multidimensional analysis of the intrinsic electrophysiological profiles of these transcription factor defined neurons in the male and female MeA. We observed striking differences in the action potential (AP) spiking patterns across lineages, and across sex within each lineage, properties known to be modified by different voltage-gated ion channels. To identify the potential mechanism underlying the observed lineage-specific and sex-specific differences in spiking adaptation, we conducted a phase plot analysis to narrow down putative ion channel candidates. Of these candidates, we found a subset expressed in a lineage-biased and/or sex-biased manner. Thus, our results uncover neuronal subpopulation and sex differences in the biophysical signatures of developmentally defined MeA output neurons, providing a potential physiological substrate for how the male and female MeA may process social and non-social cues that trigger innate behavioral responses.
Metacognitive control over the distribution of retrieval practice with and without feedback and the efficacy of learners’ spacing choices

In two experiments on self-regulated learning, participants studied word pairs, made judgments of learning (JOLs), and decided whether to continue practicing after a long or short spacing interval prior to a final cued-recall test. When practice involved restudying, learners preferred a long spacing interval. However, when retrieval practice was involved, learners preferred a short spacing interval for items with low and medium JOLs and a long interval for high-JOL items, regardless of whether retrieval practice was followed by feedback or not. Taking retrieval practice after a short rather than a long spacing interval was efficacious when no feedback followed practice tests, leading to superior recall. Given that retrieval practice was successful, a long spacing interval led to better recall than a short one, but learners were insufficiently accurate in determining which items should be given a long spacing interval for this strategy to be effective. Presenting feedback after retrieval practice did not alter learners’ spacing strategy, and the frequent selection of short spacing intervals impaired subsequent recall.
Crystal growth and structural analysis of perovskite chalcogenide BaZrS3 and Ruddlesden–Popper phase Ba3Zr2S7

Perovskite chalcogenides are gaining substantial interest as an emerging class of semiconductors for optoelectronic applications. High-quality samples are of vital importance to examine their inherent physical properties. We report the successful crystal growth of the model system, BaZrS3 and its Ruddlesden–Popper phase Ba3Zr2S7 by a flux method. X-ray diffraction analyses showed the space group of Pnma with lattice constants of a = 7.056(3) A, b = 9.962(4) A, and c = 6.996(3) A for BaZrS3 and P42/mnm with a = 7.071(2) A, b = 7.071(2) A, and c = 25.418(5) A for Ba3Zr2S7. Rocking curves with full width at half maximum of 0.011° for BaZrS3 and 0.027° for Ba3Zr2S7 were observed. Pole figure analysis, scanning transmission electron microscopy images, and electron diffraction patterns also establish the high quality of the grown crystals. The octahedral tilting in the corner-sharing octahedral network is analyzed by extracting the torsion angles.
Neuropsychiatric and Neurobehavioral Syndromes of the Human Hypothalamus

Through the HPA axis, the hypothalamus influences human behavior and plays a role in a wide range of mental disorders, including anxiety disorders, affective disorders, and substance use disorders. After exposure to a psychological and/or a physiological stressor, the hypothalamus exhibits dramatic reactivity, leading to the release of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) and cortisol. Chronic stress leads to abnormal activation of the HPA axis, with resultant hyper- or hyposecretion of CRF, which may lead to abnormal behaviors or psychiatric illnesses.
It Shouldn’t take a Pandemic to increase School Meal Access for Low-Income Students: A Two-Step Floating Catchment Area Analysis of School Meal Access during COVID-19

COVID-19 created an additional barrier for students who benefit from free school meals. While some schools attempted to provide alternative meal access points, many students lack adequate transportation. Thus, physical proximity to meal access points is particularly important during the pandemic. Taking into account both the “supply” and the “demand” for free meals, we employed a two-step floating catchment area analysis to analyze meal accessibility in St. Louis, MO. Overall, while meal access during the spring 2020 semester was substantially lower than the spring 2019 semester, meal access during the 2020 summer was substantially higher than the 2019 summer. Moreover, increased access was most prevalent in low-income areas and areas with a higher proportion of African Americans.
Growth of the Retail Bank Deposits Has Slowed Down, However Cash Savings Trend Remains

During the first three quarters of 2016, growth rate of the retail bank deposits and accounts has slowed down twofold in comparison with the same period of 2015. However, it is still premature to talk about the dismantling of the savings model. Cash dynamics demonstrate increment of the households’ propensity for cash savings. Slow growth of the population’s loan debt retains positive net increment of retail assets.
Significant aortic neck dilation occurs after repair of juxtarenal aneurysms with fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair.

Abstract Objective Aortic neck dilation is a reported mode of failure and can be associated with aneurysm sac expansion after standard endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR). Fenestrated EVAR (FEVAR) of the juxtarenal segment increases the seal zone length and is often used to treat this disease progression. However, the frequency and risk factors for neck dilation after FEVAR is unknown. Methods We evaluated 124 consecutive FEVARs performed under an investigational device exemption clinical trial for juxtarenal aneurysms (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier, NCT01538056 ). The aortic diameter at the level of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA; highest fenestration) and lowest renal artery (lowest fenestration) was assessed from computed tomography angiography preoperatively, at 30 days, and annually thereafter. A subgroup analysis was performed to assess aortic neck dilation by the graft type used, degree of oversizing, infrarenal neck length, effective seal zone length, and aortic diameter at the level of the lowest and highest fenestration. Multivariable analysis was then performed to evaluate for predictors of aortic neck dilation. Results Of the 124 patients, 56 had complete anatomic detail and follow-up data available for ≥3 years. Those without preoperative or follow-up data available were excluded. The aortic diameter had increased significantly by 3 years at the level of both the SMA (2.4 mm; P 3 mm) were compared, only oversizing differed at the level of the SMA (14% vs 19%; P Conclusions Aortic neck dilation in the visceral segment can occur after endovascular repair of juxtarenal aneurysms using FEVAR. Further research is warranted to determine how these changes might affect the long-term outcomes.
Rapid plastic shifts in body size precede and determine population growth

O_LIBody size is a fundamental trait linked to many ecological processes--from individuals to ecosystems. Although the effects of body size on metabolism are well-known, how body size influences, and is influenced by, population growth and density is less clear. Specifically, 1) whether body size, or population dynamics, more strongly influences the other, and, 2) whether observed changes in body size are due to plasticity or rapid evolutionary change, are not well understood. C_LIO_LIHere, we address these two issues by experimentally tracking population density and mean body size in the protist Tetrahymena pyriformis as it grows from low density to carrying capacity. We then use state-of-the-art time series analyses to infer the direction, magnitude, and causality of the link between body size and ecological dynamics. Last, we fit two alternative dynamical models to our empirical time series to assess whether plasticity or rapid evolution better explains changes in mean body size. C_LIO_LIOur results clearly indicate that changes in body size precede and determine changes in population density, not the other way around. We also show that a model assuming that size changes via plasticity more parsimoniously explains these observed coupled phenotypic and ecological dynamics than one that assumes rapid evolution drives changes in size. C_LIO_LITogether these results suggest that rapid, plastic phenotypic change not only occurs well within ecological timescales but may even precede--and causally influence--ecological dynamics. Furthermore, large individuals may be favored and fuel high population growth rates when population density is low, but smaller individuals may be favored once populations reach carrying capacity and resources become scarcer. Thus, rapid plastic changes in functional traits may play a fundamental and currently unrecognized role in familiar ecological processes like logistic population growth. C_LI
Soleus H-Reflex Modulation After Motor Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury: Effects of Body Position and Walking Speed

AbstractObjective: To examine position-dependent (semireclined to standing) and walking speed-dependent soleus H-reflex modulation after motor incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI).Participants: Twenty-six patients with motor incomplete SCI (mean: 45 ± 15 years) and 16 noninjured people (mean: 38 ± 14 years).Methods: Soleus H-reflexes were evoked by tibial nerve stimulation. Patients were tested in semireclined and standing positions (experiment 1) and in midstance and midswing positions (experiment 2).Results: H-reflexes were significantly greater after SCI in all positions compared with noninjured people (P < 0.05). Position-dependent modulation from semireclined to standing (normally observed in noninjured people) was absent after SCI. In SCI patients, H-reflex modulation was not significantly different at 1.2 m/s compared with 0.6 m/s treadmill walking speed; in noninjured people, H-reflex modulation was significantly greater at 1.2 m/s compared with 0.6 m/s treadmill walking speed. There was a signific...
A human factors approach to the assessment of the mobility of blind pedestrians.

Improving the mobility of blind pedestrians will require the application of methods developed by human factors specialists. Mobility must be recognized as a complex skill, the analysis of which will provide the information that is needed for the design of mobility aids, the development of training methods, and the evaluation of both. This paper suggests some of the requirements of a method for assessing the mobility of blind pedestrians. In so far as possible, mobility should be studied in a situation that provides both experimental control and reasonable fidelity to those situations in which the mobility task is ordinarily performed. Measures should be independent of the mobility aid used by the blind pedestrian. They should be operationally defined. They should assess behaviors that lead to the realization of the terminal objective of the mobility task. Finally, measures should be included that permit valid inferences concerning the perceptual and cognitive processes upon which mobility depends, so that...
Expression of liver fatty acid-binding protein/human growth hormone fusion genes within the enterocyte and enteroendocrine cell populations of fetal transgenic mice.

The intestinal epithelium establishes and maintains a precise spatial organization despite its continuous and rapid renewal. We have used transgenic mice containing liver fatty acid-binding protein/human growth hormone (L-FABP/hGH) fusion genes to begin to define the molecular mechanisms which are responsible for appropriate regional and cell-specific expression of genes in the gut. Multilabel immunocytochemical methods were employed to characterize the patterns of expression of two transgenes in the enteroendocrine and enterocytic populations of late gestation fetal mice at the time of initial cytodifferentiation of the gastrointestinal epithelium (fetal days 16-19). Surveys of the enteroendocrine cell population using a panel of antibodies directed against 11 neuroendocrine products revealed that these cells are scarce prior to fetal day 17, show a progressive increase in number through day 19, and while the relative proportion of subpopulations (defined by their principal peptide product) are somewhat different than in adults, their geographic distribution along the duodenal to colonic and intervillus(crypt) to villus axes are very similar to that encountered in adult (2-5 month old) mice. Immunoreactive L-FABP is first detectable at fetal day 17 and at this time of first appearance shows an adult pattern of regional enterocytic expression: i.e. it is present in cells overlying nascent villi but not those in the intervillus zone, it is highest in proximal small bowel, declines distally, and is absent from colonocytes. Colocalization studies indicate that L-FABP is not present in enteroendocrine cells during fetal life. Mapping studies indicate that nucleotides -596 to +21 of the rat L-FABP gene are sufficient to reproduce an appropriate temporal, cellular, and regional pattern of reporter (hGH) expression in fetal transgenic mice (with the exception that a subset(s) of enteroendocrine cells, typically containing immunoreactive gastric inhibitory peptide, support transgene but not L-FABP expression). This is in marked contrast to adult transgenic mice where inappropriate hGH accumulation occurs in crypt-associated epithelial cells, in colonocytes, and in many enteroendocrine populations. These studies indicate the importance of considering developmental stage when interpreting the results of any mapping study of cis-acting elements that regulate cell-specific and regional expression of genes in the perpetually renewing intestinal epithelium. Moreover, they also raise the possibility of using transgenes to define fundamental temporal changes in the gut's epithelial cell populations.
Operator Semigroup Compactifications

A weakly continuous, equicontinuous representation of a semitopological semigroup S on a locally convex topological vector space X gives rise to a family of operator semigroup compactifications of S, one for each invariant subspace of X. We consider those invariant subspaces which are maximal with respect to the associated compactification possessing a given property of semigroup compactifications and show that under suitable hypotheses this maximality is preserved under the formation of projective limits, strict inductive limits and tensor products.
Accuracy or precision: Implications of sample design and methodology on abundance estimation

a b s t r a c t Sampling by spatially replicated counts (point-count) is an increasingly popular method of estimating population size of organisms. Challenges exist when sampling by point-count method, and it is often impractical to sample entire area of interest and impossible to detect every individual present. Ecologists encounter logistical limitations that force them to sample either few large-sample units or many small sample-units, introducing biases to sample counts. We generated a computer environment and simulated sampling scenarios to test the role of number of samples, sample unit area, number of organisms, and distribution of organisms in the estimation of population sizes using N-mixture models. Many sample units of small area provided estimates that were consistently closer to true abundance than sample scenarios with few sample units of large area. However, sample scenarios with few sample units of large area provided more precise abundance estimates than abundance estimates derived from sample scenarios with many sample units of small area. It is important to consider accuracy and precision of abundance estimates during the sample design process with study goals and objectives fully recognized, although and with consequence, consideration of accuracy and precision of abundance estimates is often an afterthought that occurs during the data analysis process.
Abstract P272: Cumulative Risk for Hypercholesterolemia In Middle-Aged White and African American Men and Women

Introduction: The long-term risks for incident hypercholesterolemia (HC) have not been quantified by sex in AA men and women. Methods: We conducted an individual-level pooled analysis of participants from The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities and The Framingham Offspring Studies with baseline prevalence and follow-up data on HC and lipid-lowering medications. Hypercholesterolemia was defined as a total cholesterol level > 240mg/dL or the use of lipid-lowering medications on ≥2 consecutive examinations. We quantified the long-term risk for HC using competing risk models to assess incidence from age 55 years (y) though 70y to 85y, adjusted for baseline prevalence and competing risks of death. Analyses were stratified by race and sex. Results: There were 11,341 White and 2,828 AA participants (55% and 63% female, respectively) included in the analysis. At an index age of 55y the mean (SD) BMIs in White and AA (men/women) respectively were: 27.8(4.1)/26.9 (5.6) and 28.1(5)/31.3(6.7)Kg/m2. Baseline prevalence rates of HC were not substantially different across race and sex groups. White women had the highest risks for the development of HC, with long-term risks as high has 63% through age 80y. AA men had the lowest risks for hypercholesterolemia through at 70y. Conclusions: The burden of HC is substantial across all race groups, with the highest risks found in white women. Aggressive surveillance and early preventive efforts against HC are needed across all race and sex groups.
Does electrical stimulation of deaf cochleae prevent spiral ganglion degeneration

Abstract Thirty-six drug deafened guinea pigs were studied to determine how electrical stimulation of the cochlea affects spiral ganglion cell (SGC) survival. Animals were divided into two groups, extracochlear and intracochlear stimulation, and each group was further divided into four stimulus subgroups: no stimulation (implanted controls), the inferior colliculus electrically evoked potential (ICEEP) threshold−2 dB, ICEEP threshold+2 dB, and ICEEP threshold+6 dB. Stimuli consisted of 200 μs/phase charge balanced biphasic current pulses presented at 100 pulses per second using monopolar stimulation. Animals were stimulated 5 h/day, 5 days per week, for 8 weeks. The animals were then perfused and the cochleae serially sectioned at 4 μm saving every 8th section. We counted the number of intact SGCs, those containing a nucleus with chromatin, in each 20% segment of the cochlea and also measured SGC densities (number of neurons per mm2 of Rosenthal’s canal). The number of surviving spiral ganglion neurons was not significantly different (P>0.05) between the implanted and the unimplanted ears in any of the experimental groups. However, the spiral ganglion neuron densities were significantly elevated in the electrically stimulated ears (P 0.05). We measured the volume of Rosenthal’s canal in one subgroup (ICEEP threshold+2 dB) and found a decrease in this volume in the stimulated ear compared to the unstimulated ear (P
Reappearance of dihydrofolate reductase in rodent tissues following methotrexate administration

Mice were injected with methotrexate (MTX) (10 mg/kg) and folinic acid (30 mg/kg), the latter being used as a precaution against toxicity. The disappearance of MTX and the appearance of free dihydrofolate reductase were followed with time in Walker 256 carcinoma, Murphy-Sturm lymphosarcoma, and intestinal mucosa of the rat and in the intestine, liver, kidney, and P388 ascites leukemia in mice. The rate of loss of MTX from the rapidly growing tissues seems to reflect the growth rate of these tissues, since MTX is not lost from living cells. The rate of appearance of free enzyme in these rapidly growing tissues suggests that the rate of degradation is small relative to the tissue growth rate. In mouse kidney and liver, on the other hand, the rate of enzyme degradation is much faster than the negligible growth rate of these tissues. The results in mouse liver probably indicate that the MTX- bound enzyme is 1.5 times more stable to decay than free enzyme.
Possible Efficient Generation of sub-MM wave signals by heterodyning two optical signals in a UTC-TW photo detector

In this paper the generation of sub-mm wave signals by heterodyning two optical signals in a photo detector is considered. Previous work exhibits very low power efficiency (<1%) and low output power level (<1 mw) for frequencies in the mm wave range. The authors have developed a simplified model to simulate the heterodyning process in the UTC-TW photo detector. The model has been validated by comparison between simulation and measurement results of an existing mm wave device. Special attention is given to the dependence of bandwidth on optical power level. The model has been used to design and simulate the performance of a sub-mm wave device. Good performance is expected at frequencies well into the sub-mm region
Accuracy of a simplified equation for energy expenditure based on bedside volumetric carbon dioxide elimination measurement--a two-center study.

summary Background & aims: Accurate assessment of resting energy expenditure (REE) and metabolic state is essential to optimize nutrient intake in critically ill patients. We aimed to examine the accuracy of a simplified equation for predicting REE using carbon dioxide elimination (VCO2) values. Methods: We conducted a two-center study of metabolic data from mechanically ventilated children less than 18 years of age. Mean respiratory quotient (RQ) from the derivation set (n ¼ 72 subjects) was used to modify the Weir equation to obtain a simplified equation based on VCO2 measurements alone. This equation was then applied to subjects at the second institution (validation dataset, n ¼ 94) to predict resting energy expenditure. Bland-Altman analysis was used to assess the agreement between measured REE values, and REE estimated by the new equation as well as the Schofield equation. We also examined the accuracy of the new equation in classifying patients according to their metabolic state. Results: Mean respiratory quotient (� SD) of 0.89 � 0.09 in the derivation set was used to obtain a simplified equation, REE (kcal/day) ¼ 5.534*VCO2 (L/min)*1440. In relation to the measured REE in the validation set, the mean bias (limits of agreement) for the REE predicted by this equation was � 0.65% (� 14.4e13.1%); and the overall diagnostic accuracy for classifying subjects as hypometabolic or hypermetabolic was 84%. Mean bias (limits) of agreement between measured and Schofield equation estimated REE was � 0.1% (� 40.5e40.7%). Conclusions: A simplified metabolic equation using VCO2 values was superior to the standard equation in estimating REE, and provided a reasonably accurate metabolic classification in mechanically ventilated children. In the absence of indirect calorimetry, bedside VCO2 monitoring could provide valuable
SU‐GG‐J‐139: Quantitative PET Imaging of Heterogeneous Tumors: The Dosimetric Effect of Patient Motion on Image‐Based Dose Painting Plans

Purpose: Dose‐painting requires accurate quantification of tumor characteristics and precise localization of molecular targets within tumors.Imaging with PET provides surrogate markers of molecular activity within sub‐tumor volumes; however, quantification is limited by many physical factors, including patient motion during image‐acquisition. We have evaluated the dosimetric impact of neglecting respiration‐motion management during PET image‐acquisition. Methods and Materials: PET/CT images were used to generate dose‐painting plans of 60Gy base‐dose to the entire tumor volume (PTV) and 10Gy boost‐dose redistributed within sub‐regions of elevated metabolic activity. Spatial distributions of metabolic activity were derived from: (1) heterogeneous phantoms with variable amplitudes of respiration‐motion, and (2) respiration‐gated and non‐gated [18F]FDG PET images of lung‐cancer patients. For each phantom and patient, a reference plan was generated from PET image where minimal motion occurred. For lung patients, these reference plans corresponded to respiration‐gated PET of the end‐exhalation phase. “Motion‐blurred” dose‐painting plans were generated from non‐gated PET images; however, the PTV contour, boost volume, and integral dose were kept constant. Results: Phantom studies characterized the relationship between dosimetric errors and amplitude of motion. For typical respiration‐motion (2cm superior‐inferior, 1cm anterior‐posterior) 10% of PTV voxels showed dose errors exceeding 3Gy (30% of boost‐dose). Errors were reduced below 3Gy, when motion amplitude was lcm or less. For lung‐cancer patients, the use of motion‐blurred images resulted in dosimetric errors (exceeding 3Gy) within 5% of PTV voxels. Additionally, dose differences up to ±10Gy were observed. Conclusion: Respiration‐motion during PET acquisition resulted in dosimetric errors throughout PTV for dose‐painting plans in phantoms and lung‐cancer patients. Magnitudes of these errors were correlated to the amplitude of residual motion within PET images. Motion‐management techniques (e.g. gated acquisition, 4D‐PET) are necessary to reduce uncertainty in defining heterogeneous dose‐distributions and improve efficacy of image‐based dose‐painting.
Mammalian target of rapamycin as a therapeutic target in leukemia.

Reflecting its critical role in integrating cell growth and division with the cellular nutritional environment, the mammalian target of rapamycin *(mTOR) is a highly conserved downstream effector of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt (protein kinase B) signaling pathway. mTOR activates both the 40S ribosomal protein S6 kinase (p70s6k) and the eukaryotic initiation factor 4E-binding protein-1. As a consequence of inhibiting its downstream messengers, mTOR inhibitors prevent cyclin- dependent kinase (CDK) activation, inhibit retinoblastoma protein phosphorylation, and accelerate the turnover of cyclin D1, leading to a deficiency of active CDK4/cyclin D1 complexes, all of which may help cause GI phase arrest. Constitutive activation of the PI3K/Akt kinases occur in human leukemias. FLT3, VEGF, and BCR-ABL mediate their activities via mTOR. New rapamycin analogs including CCI- 779, RAD001, and AP23573, are entering clinical studies for patients with hematologic malignancies.
Spin dependence in superelastic electron scattering from Na(3P)

Measurements are presented of spin asymmetries for superelastic scattering of 10-eV spin-polarized electrons from the excited $\mathrm{Na}(3{P}_{\frac{3}{2}})$ state created by linearly polarized laser optical pumping. Asymmetries as large as 16% are observed in scattering from a state which is not spin polarized. Results are shown both as a function of scattering angle with fixed laser polarization direction, and as a function of the laser polarization direction at a fixed scattering angle.
Dogs as Human Food in Northwest Africa

This paper traces the history of cynophagy, the eating of dogs by humans, in Northwest Africa. It also describes the practice of cynophagy in recent centuries and identifies the cultural influences that have acted to decrease the dietary importance of dogflesh.
Direct observation of Landau damping with coherent plasmons in InSb

We study Landau damping of a coherent, solid-state plasma by means of ultrafast THz spectroscopy. The onset of this phenomenon occurs when momentum and energy conservation are satisfied for single-particle excitations; this diminishes collective mode behavior. A series of InSb-based bulk heterostructures have varying amounts of spatial confinement, allowing direct access to a different range of wave vectors in the electron-electron interaction. Sufficient confinement leads to disappearance of the plasmon quasi-particle via Landau (collisionless) damping. The experimental results are quantitatively reproduced by model calculations.
TECHNOLOGY POLICY AND CLIMATE CHANGE

There is a strong foundation in theoretical and empirical research in economics for the proposition that efficient climate policy must include both carbon-price policy and technology policy. Even the most modest projections of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) reductions needed to moderate climate change imply very large reductions in the carbon-intensity of the world economy, something in excess of a 60% reduction by 2050. This is a greater proportionate reduction than has occurred in the petroleum intensity of world GDP since 1970, despite a six-fold increase in the price of oil. This illustrates how unlikely it is that the needed economic transformation could be brought about by price-based policy instruments alone. There is no good historical analogue to the needed transformation, but the closest parallels all involved major roles for technology policy. Increased public funding of research and training is a necessary but not sufficient component of such policy. Historical experience with technological transformation in other sectors suggests that government support for purchases of low-carbon technologies will be needed. Unfortunately, we do not have good evidence on efficient design of such programs. We need systematic evaluation of different policy instruments designed to accelerate the transformation of basic technologies into large-scale commercial products. We have the "technology" to do this kind of systematic evaluation, but it is not generally used.
Food Insecurity Is Not Associated with Childhood Obesity as Assessed Using Multiple Measures of Obesity

There has been extensive previous research examining the connection between obesity and food insecurity, 2 serious nutrition challenges facing low-income children in the US. All of this work used BMI to categorize a child as obese. Although BMI is one way to categorize the obesity status of a child, other measures have not been used to understand the connection between food insecurity and obesity. In response, this study used multiple measures of obesity taken from the 2001 to 2004 NHANES. The sample included 2516 children between the ages of 8 and 17 y in households with annual incomes <200% of the poverty line. Within this sample, 36.6% of children were in food-insecure households. The prevalence of obesity depended on the measure employed (BMI, waist circumference, triceps skinfold thickness, trunk fat mass, body fat), with prevalence rates ranging from 15.4 to 44.8%. Logistic regression models estimated the probability of a child being obese using multiple measures of obesity conditional on food-insecurity status and other covariates. The results indicated that food-insecure children were no more likely to be obese than their food-secure counterparts across all measures of obesity. This relationship held after controlling for other factors and examining subpopulations based on race/ethnicity, gender, and race/ethnicity and gender. These results suggest that efforts to alleviate food insecurity and childhood obesity will work independently.
Midline signals that control the dorso-ventral polarity of the neural tube

Abstract During development of the vertebrate nervous system distinct classes of neural cells appear at defined positions along the dorso-ventral axis of the neural tube. Grafting experiments in chick embryos and in vitro induction assays have been used to examine the cellular interactions that control the patterning and differentiation of cells in the developing spinal cord and hindbrain. These studies have provided evidence that the dorsoventral pattern of cell differentiation in the neural tube is dependent on inductive signals that derive from axial mesodermal cells of the notochord and from a special group of midline neural cells, the floor plate. The fate of neuroepithelial cells in the ventral neural tube appears to depend on their position with reference to the ventral midline.
Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate for the treatment of HIV infection

Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate is a nucleotide analogue reverse transcriptase inhibitor approved by the FDA for the treatment of HIV infection. It is a potent agent with a long intracellular half-life that allows for once-daily dosing. It has been well tolerated in clinical trials, without evidence of the mitochondrial toxicity that has been associated with long-term treatment of some of the nucleoside analogue reverse transcriptase inhibitors. Because of its demonstrated efficacy and favourable safety profile, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate has quickly become a favoured nucleoside component of antiretroviral regimens for both treatment-naive and -experienced patients.
Drought-Stress Effects on Branch and Mainstem Seed Yield and Yield Components of Determinate Soybean

A better understanding of how drought stress affects soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] seed-yield determination would aid in the development of improved cultivars for the southeastern Coastal Plain and better production systems aimed at ameliorating the effects of drought stress. The objective of this field study was to examine the effects of drought stress on both soybean branch vegetative growth and the distribution of seed yield and yield components between the main stem and branches. Soybean was grown on an Eunola loamy sand in 1998 and 1999 with three levels of drought-stress treatment: (i) irrigation and no deep tillage, (ii) deep tillage but no irrigation, and (iii) no deep tillage or irrigation. Total seed yield, branch seed yield, and the percentage of total seed yield on the branches were highest with irrigation, followed by the in-row subsoiled/no deep tillage treatment and the no irrigation/no deep tillage treatment. Drought-stress treatment had no effect on mainstem seed yield. Branch seed number per square meter was highly correlated with branch seed yield (r = 0.994; P < 0.0001) and total seed yield (r = 0.989; P < 0.01) over both years and all levels of drought-stress treatment. A close relationship was found between branch seed number per square meter and branch dry weight at harvest maturity (r = 0.963; P < 0.05), final branch length per square meter (r = 0.994; P < 0.05), and final branch number per square meter (r = 0.995; P < 0.05). Most branch growth occurred between initial flowering and the beginning of seed fill. Less association was found between individual seed weight and seed yield from the mainstem or branch fractions. These data indicate that drought stress occurring between initial flowering and seed fill decreases total seed yield primarily by reducing branch vegetative growth, which reduces branch seed number and branch seed yield.
Blood gas and plasma ion concentrations of asphyxiated hypothermic and normothermic rats

1. 1. Cardiac punctures were made in four groups of rats during and after the time they were subjected to the procedures described for the induction of hypothermia with subsequent cardiac arrest. 2. 2. The absolute amounts of oxygen were low and the carbon dioxide was high in the arterial and mixed venous blood. Even under these situations a large A-V oxygen and carbon-dioxide difference remained. 3. 3. Although animals in all groups were acidotic, fibrillation was not observed on the electrocardiographic recordings during immersion of the animals of Groups AAH (ambient asphyxiation followed by hypothermia) and HAH (hypothermic asphyxiation followed by hypothermia) in the ice baths. 4. 4. A decreased buffering capacity of the blood, as evidenced by the BHCO3/H2CO3 ratio, was prominent especially in those groups ambiently asphyxiated. 5. 5. Plasma K+ increased at least 80 per cent in all groups. However, plasma sodium exhibited a significant decrease only in Groups HA (hypothermic asphyxiation) and HAH. 6. 6. It is suggested that one of the limiting factors for the induction of hypothermia with cardiac arrest is the absolute amount of oxygen available to the animal after respiratory arrest.
To B or Not to B, That Is the Question: Is It Time to Replace Colistin With Polymyxin B?

The polymyxins-colistin and polymyxin B-are an increasingly important part of the antimicrobial arsenal given the rising rate of infections due to multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacteria. Although the drugs have available since the 1950s, only recently have pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic data been available to guide appropriate use of these drugs. Far more data and global clinical experience exist for colistin, available as the prodrug colistimethate sodium (CMS), compared with polymyxin B. Concerns raised about variability in the ability to achieve therapeutic drug concentrations when dosing CMS have led many clinicians to desire a more pharmacokinetically reliable product. The pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic advantages of polymyxin B compared with CMS are compelling, but clinical experience has not consistently corroborated these data. Prospective, comparative data evaluating both drugs in combination with other antimicrobials as well as comparing polymyxin B and CMS directly will inform optimal use of each drug. Some of these investigations are currently under way. In the meantime, based on current data, both drugs appear to be appropriate for use in the clinical setting.
Frank’s sign: a potential predictor of cardiovascular disease

No abstract available. (Published: 1 April 2015) Citation: Journal of Community Hospital Internal Medicine Perspectives 2015, 5 : 26885 - http://dx.doi.org/10.3402/jchimp.v5.26885
A microscopic and ultrastructural evaluation of dibasic esters (DBE) toxicity in rat nasal explants

Dibasic esters (DBE) solvent has been demonstrated to induce a mild degeneration of the olfactory, but not the respiratory epithelium of the rat nasal cavity following a 90-day inhalation exposure. Previous work has demonstrated that acid phosphatase release is a reliable index of DBE-induced cytotoxicity in an in vitro system of rat nasal explants. In the present study, rat nasal explants were examined microscopically and ultrastructurally following incubation in varying concentrations of a representative DBE, dimethyl adipate (DMA). DMA-induced microscopic and ultrastructural changes in rat nasal explants correlated well with biochemical perturbations associated with DBE exposure in a previous study. In both studies, olfactory epithelium was more susceptible to DMA-induced toxicity than respiratory epithelium and DMA-induced nasal toxicity was attenuated by pretreatment with a carboxylesterase inhibitor. The results of this study support the hypothesis that DBE and potentially other inhaled organic esters induce nasal toxicity via a common mechanism, carboxylesterase-mediated production of toxic acid metabolites. It was established that carboxylesterase-rich sustentacular cells are the primary target cells for DBE toxicity in rat nasal explants. It was proposed that degeneration of nasal olfactory sensory cells observed in rats following 90-day inhalation exposure to DBE may be secondary to necrosis and loss of sustentacular cells.
Two and Three-Dimensional Biomechanical Torso Models for Pushing and Pulling

This paper presents a two and three-dimensional biomechanical torso models for pushing and pulling. The three-dimensional model was developed by dividing the erector spinae and rectus abdominis muscle force components into right and left side and by adding the right and left oblique muscle force components to the two-dimensional model. This paper also presents the results of the muscle forces predicted by the two-dimensional model. The predicted muscle forces were compared with the measured EMG(rms) values (root-mean-square electromyogram values) from the corresponding muscles while pushing and pulling. Three different types of isometric pushing and pulling, namely trunk pushing and pulling, hand pushing and pulling in an erect posture with hips braced and hand pushing and pulling in a free posture at three differrent handle heights were studied. The results show that a simple two-dimensional biomechanical model with only one muscle active at a time may not be appropriate for the estimation of the muscle ...
Molecular dynamics simulations of plastic deformation in Nb/NbC multilayers

Abstract Experimental studies show that metal–ceramic multilayers can have high strength, high strain hardening and measurable plasticity when the ceramic layer is a few nanometers thick. Using molecular dynamics simulations we studied deformation mechanisms in metal–ceramic multilayers and the role of interface structure and layer thickness on mechanical behavior. NbC/Nb multilayers were investigated numerically using the molecular dynamics (MD) method with empirical interatomic potentials. The interface dislocation structure was characterized by combining MD simulations and atomically informed Frank–Bilby theory. Two sets of pure edge misfit dislocations have been identified. Plastic deformation in NbC/Nb multilayers commences first in the metal layers by nucleation and glide of lattice dislocations initiating from interface misfit dislocations. These dislocations glide in the Nb layer and are deposited at the interface. The deposited dislocations facilitate slip transmission from the Nb layer to the NbC layer. The critical strain corresponding to dislocation nucleation is insensitive to layer thickness but depends on interface dislocation structure. The strain hardening and the peak flow strength of NbC/Nb multilayers are associated with the slip transmission from Nb to NbC, and are correlated to the interfacial dislocations, Nb layer thickness, and NbC layer thickness. The flow strength decreases with increasing Nb layer thickness and decreasing the NbC layer thickness.
Cyanate and thiocyanate: acute toxicity.

SummaryIn toxic doses sodium cyanate and thiocyanate produce similar syndromes in mice: tremor, hyper-reactivity and tonic-clonic convulsions. A common pattern of interactions with central nervous system drugs suggests that these anions have similar mechanisms of action. Thiocyanate had highly unpredictable lethal effects, but its conversion to cyanide in vivo cannot account for its toxicity.
Contemporary Neighborhood Theories Integration versus Romance and Reaction

Theories of neighborhood government can be divided into three categories. Integrative theories grant neighborhoods a significant role in the metropolitan political process. Romantic theories outline nonattainable goals for the neighborhood. Reactive theories juxtapose neighborhood against metropolis by assuming that the neighborhood can be an instrument of social change. This article endorses integrative theories and criticizes theories which are romantic and reactive. The urban reform movement stimulated the development of romantic and reactive theories by attempting to suppress neighborhood politics. Mary Parker Follett suggests a viable way to integrate neighborhood and metropolis which deserves reconsideration.
Aciculitins A−C: Cytotoxic and Antifungal Cyclic Peptides from the Lithistid Sponge Aciculites orientalis

The lithistid sponge Aciculites orientalis contains three cyclic peptides, aciculitins A−C (1−3), that are identical except for homologous lipid residues. The structure of the major peptide, aciculitin B (2), was elucidated by interpretation of spectroscopic data. The aciculitins consist of a bicyclic peptide that contains an unusual histidino-tyrosine bridge. Attached to the bicyclic peptide are C13−C15 2,3-dihydroxy-4,6-dienoic acids bearing d-lyxose at the 3-position. The structures of aciculitamides A (4) and B (5), which are artifacts obtained earlier from this sponge, are also presented. The aciculitins 1−3 inhibited the growth of Candida albicans and were cytotoxic toward the HCT-116 cell line.
Effect of pore architecture on magnetic-field-induced strain in polycrystalline Ni–Mn–Ga

Abstract Monocrystalline Ni–Mn–Ga alloys show magnetic-field-induced strains (MFIS) of up to 10% as a result of reversible twinning; by contrast, polycrystalline Ni–Mn–Ga shows near-zero MFIS due to strain incompatibilities at grain boundaries inhibiting twinning. Recently, we showed that porous polycrystalline Ni–Mn–Ga exhibits a small, but non-zero, MFIS value of 0.12% due to reduction of these incompatibilities by the porosity. Here, we study the effect of pore architecture on MFIS for polycrystalline Ni–Mn–Ga foams. Foams with a combination of large (∼550 μm) and small (∼80 μm) pores are fabricated by the replication method and exhibit thinner nodes and struts compared to foam containing only large (∼430 μm) pores. When magnetically cycled, both types of foams exhibit repeatable MFIS of 0.24–0.28% without bias stress. As the cycle number increases from a few tens to a few thousands, the MFIS drops due to damage accumulation. The rate of MFIS decrease is lower in the dual-pore foam, as expected from reduced constraints on the twin boundary motion, since twins span the whole width of the thinner nodes and struts.