cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Modular polymerized ionic liquid block copolymer membranes for CO2/N2 separation

The continuing discovery of broad classes of materials, such as ionic liquids, zeolites, metal–organic frameworks, and block copolymers, presents an enormous opportunity in developing materials for new applications. Polymerized ionic liquid block copolymers (PIL-BCPs) fall at the union of two already large sets of materials, and are an emerging class of materials useful in gas separation membranes, ion and electron conducting materials, and as mechanical actuators. A wide range of ionic liquid moieties can be used as pendant groups along the polymer backbone, potentially allowing for a wide variation in the resulting material properties; however in practice the range of ionic liquids explored is hindered by the need to optimize polymerization conditions for each new monomer. Here, we present a modular approach to PIL-BCP synthesis where a variety of olefin bearing cations are readily conjugated to polymers using thiol-Michael click chemistry. This approach allowed for the rapid development of a diverse material library including phase separated thin films, ion-gels, and liquid PIL-BCPs, with a reduced investment in synthetic time. Finally, we demonstrate that this approach identified PIL-BCPs with increased CO2 permeability relative to PILs, which could find use in carbon capture from flue gas.
Evaluating mixed-model assembly line sequencing heuristics for just-in-time production systems

Abstract When mixed-model assembly lines use components fabricated in-house, the demand for these components is not uniform over time and is affected by the sequence of models on the assembly line. Thus, without proper mixed-model sequencing and the subsequent smoothing of component demand, the effectiveness of a just-in-time (JIT) production system is limited. This paper focuses on making component usage uniform. Five sequencing methods are reviewed, two suggested by Monden (1983) and used at Toyota (GC1 and GC2), and three proposed by Miltenburg (1989) (M-A1, MA3H1, and M-A3H2). Their performance is evaluated for the special case when all models use the same components. For all of the sequencing methods tested the mean absolute deviation of model usage varies directly with the number of models produced. There is no clear relationship between the mean absolute deviation of model usage and demand pattern or length of production sequence. Method M-A3H2 produces the highest quality feasible solutions under all conditions tested. The relative performance of the methods does not appear to be related to the number of models, demand type, or length of production sequence. To compare methods for the more general case of different models requiring different components, a mixed integer programming (MIP) model is presented as a way to find an optimal sequence. The M1P creates optimal solutions but is too slow to be used in practice. The two goal chasing heuristics used by Toyota were considered on the basis of their ability to schedule production to use components linearly over time. It is shown that these methods differ widely in their ability to generate good sequences. The performance of both is best when the products assembled have simple product structures. When models require more than one of a given component or when models require many different components, the performance worsens. The difference in performance is very small for GC1, but significant for GC2.
Rule-Based Analysis of Pilot Decisions

The application of the rule identification technique to the analysis of human performance data is proposed. The relation between the language and identifiable consistencies is discussed. The advantages of production system models for the description of complex human behavior are studied. The use of a Monte Carlo significance testing procedure to assure the validity of the rule identification is examined. An example of the rule-based analysis of Palmer's (1983) data is presented.
Topology exploration with hierarchical landscapes

Topological landscapes have been proposed as a visual metaphor for contour trees that does not require an understanding of the theory involved in defining contour trees. The idea is to create a representative terrain with the same topological structure as a given contour tree. This representation exploits the natural human ability to interpret topography and results in an intuitive visualization of otherwise abstract information. However, topological landscapes still suffer from some of the same limitations as traditional contour tree visualization. Most notable is the fact that for complex functions landscapes can quickly become highly complex, exceeding the limits of human comprehension as well as the available computing resources.To address this challenge, we propose a new framework for the dynamic creation and visualization of hierarchical topological landscapes. Our system provides an interactive visualization of complex functions by utilizing a hierarchical decomposition of the contour tree as well as focus+context type interactions. For three dimensional data, we link the landscape display to flexible isosurface extraction in order to correlate terrain features with their corresponding three dimensional counterparts. We demonstrate the utility and versatility of our approach on a variety of both low and high dimensional data sets.
Selective and controlled self-assembly of zinc oxide hollow spheres on bundles of single-walled carbon nanotube templates

The possibility of selectively assembling three-dimensional structures along bundles of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) will pave the way to using SWCNTs as nanoconducting templates that can spontaneously integrate into a conductive probe or pathway in a nano device. In the past 2 years, ZnO microcages have attracted interest due to their potential application in the remote coupling of electromagnetic signals into nanoscale machines or devices. We report here, for the first time, highly selective self-assembly of ZnO cages on bundles of conducting SWCNT templates. For the selective Zn nucleation we use electrostatic coordination of carboxyl groups on the SWCNTs to Zn atoms. Bundles of SWCNTs perform a dual function as templates for growth and as scaffolds providing structural integrity to the hollow ZnO spheres (20 nm wall thickness).
Structural Basis for HNF-4α Activation by Ligand and Coactivator Binding

In addition to suggesting that fatty acids are endogenous ligands, our recent crystal structure of HNF-4α showed an unusual degree of structural flexibility in the AF-2 domain (helix α12). Although every molecule contained a fatty acid within its ligand binding domain, one molecule in each homodimer was in an open inactive conformation with α12 fully extended and colinear with α10. By contrast, the second molecule in each homodimer was in a closed conformation with α12 folded against the body of the domain in what is widely considered to be the active state. This indicates that although ligand binding is necessary, it is not sufficient to induce an activating structural transition in HNF-4α as is commonly suggested to occur for nuclear receptors. To further assess potential mechanisms of activation, we have solved a structure of human HNF-4α bound to both fatty acid ligand and a coactivator sequence derived from SRC-1. The mode of coactivator binding is similar to that observed for other nuclear receptors, and in this case, all of the molecules adopt the closed active conformation. We conclude that for HNF-4α, coactivator rather than ligand binding locks the active conformation.
The epigenome and the mitochondrion: bioenergetics and the environment

In the July 15, 2010, issue of Genes & Development, Yoon and colleagues (pp. 1507-1518) report that, in a siRNA knockdown survey of 6363 genes in mouse C2C12 cells, they discovered 150 genes that regulated mitochondrial biogenesis and bioenergetics. Many of these genes have been studied previously for their importance in regulating transcription, protein and nucleic acid modification, and signal transduction. Some notable examples include Brac1, Brac2, Pax4, Sin3A, Fyn, Fes, Map2k7, Map3k2, calmodulin 3, Camk1, Ube3a, and Wnt. Yoon and colleagues go on to validate their observations by extensively documenting the role of Wnt signaling in the regulation of mitochondrial function.
An adaptive step size for backpropagation using linear lower bounding functions

An adaptive step size is presented for the backpropagation algorithm in feedforward neural nets using linear lower bounding functions. Basically, a linear lower bounding function (LLBF) for a given function over an interval is a linear function that lies below the given function and matches the original function value at one end point. To search for an adaptive step size, an LLBF for the error function, which is expressed in terms of the step size, is derived. Since the error in a neural net can never be smaller than zero, it is plausible not to take a step larger than the step size when the associated LLBF reaches zero. In the paper, an adaptive learning algorithm based on the above idea is given. Numerical examples are used to illustrate its feasibility and to compare it with some previous results. >
Emergency medicine and psychiatry agreement on diagnosis and disposition of emergency department patients with behavioral emergencies.

ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2011; 18:368–373 © 2011 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine Abstract Objectives: The objective was to determine the level of agreement between emergency physicians (EPs) and consulting psychiatrists in their diagnosis and disposition of emergency department (ED) patients with behavioral emergencies. Methods: The authors conducted a prospective study at a university teaching hospital ED with an annual census of approximately 45,000 patients. During study hours, each time a psychiatric consultation was requested, the emergency medicine (EM) and consulting psychiatry residents were asked to fill out similar short questionnaires concerning their diagnoses and disposition decisions after they consulted with their attending physicians. EM and psychiatry residents were blinded to the other’s assessment of the patient. Residents were asked about their evaluation of patients regarding: 1) psychiatric assessments, 2) if the patients presented a danger to themselves or others or were gravely disabled, and 3) the need for emergency psychiatric hospitalization. Results: A total of 408 resident physician pairs were enrolled in the study. Patients ranged in age from 5 to 92 years, with a median age of 31 years; 50% were female. The most common psychiatric assessments, as evaluated by either EPs, consulting psychiatrists, or both, were mood disorder (66%), suicidality (57%), drug/alcohol abuse (26%), and psychosis (25%). Seventy-three percent were admitted for acute psychiatric hospitalization. Agreement between EPs and psychiatrists was 67% for presence of mood disorder, 82% for suicidality, 82% for drug/alcohol abuse, 85% for psychosis, and 85% for grave disability. There was 67% agreement regarding patient eligibility for involuntary psychiatric hold. EPs felt confident enough to make disposition decisions 87% of the time; for these patients there was 76% agreement with consulting psychiatrists about the final disposition decision. Conclusions: The 67% agreement between EPs and consulting psychiatrists regarding need for involuntary hold, and 76% agreement regarding final disposition, demonstrate a substantial disagreement between EPs and psychiatrists regarding management and disposition of ED patients with psychiatric complaints. Further studies with patient follow-up are needed to determine the accuracy of the ED assessments by both EPs and consulting psychiatrists.
Taking Drugs Very Seriously

Neither anti-illegal drug proponents nor their detractors have wholly plausible arguments for their positions, because neither takes responsibility for drug use sufficiently seriously. Instead, only a policy that places users' responsibility at the forefront of the problem is acceptable, one that is sufficiently respectful of actual or potential nonusers' rights not to be wrongfully harmed, directly or indirectly, by drug use, or coerced to support it in any way.
The Mystery Shopper Technique as an Experiential Exercise to Teach Undergraduate Marketing Principles

This article describes how the mystery shopper research technique can be adapted for teaching marketing principles. Trained as comparison shoppers, students visit stores and evaluate competitive pr...
Concurrent diffuse alveolar haemorrhage and venous thromboembolism in p-ANCA associated vasculitis treated with rituximab.

A 60-year-old woman, who was previously diagnosed with vasculitis on skin biopsy after developing maculopapular rash on lower extremities, presented with worsening dyspnoea, cough, blood-tinged sputum and night sweats. At emergency department , she was tachycardic and tachypneic with SpO2 of 86%. Arterial blood gas showed a pH of 7.45, pCO2 36 mm Hg, pO2 55.4 mm Hg, bicarbonate 25.0 mmol/L, SaO2 83.5%, and complete blood count revealed a white cell count of 24.9 K/μL and Hb 8.9 g/dL, which dropped down to 7.2 g/dL over the next 24 h (figure 1). Chest X-ray showed bilateral airspace opacities (figure 2) and the following CT scan demonstrated severe central pneumonitis consistent with alveolar haemorrhage (figure 3A,B). For respiratory failure, she was intubated, and bronchoscopic examination showed fresh blood in the right middle lobe without identified bleeding sites. Differential cell counts of bronchoalveolar lavage revealed eosinophils …
Coastal Sediment Budgets and the Littoral Cutoff Diameter: A Grain Size Threshold for Quantifying Active Sediment Inputs

Abstract The use of coastal sediment budgets has garnered wide acceptance since its inception nearly 40 years ago. Since then, many researchers have used sediment budgets to quantify littoral transport rates and understand coastal processes on diverse coastlines including the high-energy Pacific coast of North America, the Black Sea, the Nile Delta and beyond. Here, we suggest further improvement on an already successful conceptual tool by questioning the broad definition of sand set forth by the classic Wentworth grain size scale (63–2000 microns) that is often used in quantifying coastal sediment budget inputs from sources such as coastal-draining rivers and eroding sea cliffs. A smaller range of sediment sizes is found on many beaches in California. This range is defined by a minimum grain size threshold, termed the littoral cutoff diameter. Sediment contributed to the littoral system that is smaller than this threshold, even if defined as sand by the Wentworth scale, may not remain on the beach in any...
Do Housing Sales Drive Housing Prices or the Converse

This empirical paper examines the question of whether movements in housing sales predict subsequent movement in house prices - or the converse. The former (positive) relationship is well hypothesized by several frictional search models of housing market transactions or "churn". The latter relationship has been hypothesized by two theories. Both loss aversion and liquidity or down-payment constraints suggest another positive relationship in which lower prices generate lower sales volume. Our contribution to the problem of unraveling causality is to use a panel of 101 markets over the period from 1980 through 2006. With several different estimation techniques we conclusively find that higher sales volume always generates higher subsequent prices. Higher prices, however always generate lower subsequent sales volume. Our conclusion is that theories of housing loss aversion or financial down payment constraints just are not consistent with the aggregate movements in prices and sales.
ZDOCK: An initial-stage protein-docking algorithm

The development of scoring functions is of great importance to protein docking. Here we present a new scoring function for the initial stage of unbound docking. It combines our recently developed pairwise shape complementarity with desolvation and electrostatics. We compare this scoring function with three other functions on a large benchmark of 49 nonredundant test cases and show its superior performance, especially for the antibody-antigen category of test cases. For 44 test cases (90% of the benchmark), we can retain at least one near-native structure within the top 2000 predictions at the 6 degrees rotational sampling density, with an average of 52 near-native structures per test case. The remaining five difficult test cases can be explained by a combination of poor binding affinity, large backbone conformational changes, and our algorithm's strong tendency for identifying large concave binding pockets. All four scoring functions have been integrated into our Fast Fourier Transform based docking algorithm ZDOCK, which is freely available to academic users at http://zlab.bu.edu/~ rong/dock.
Closure of Deep Fascia in Ankle Fracture Surgery

Closure of the deep fracture after open reduction and internal fixation of the ankle is often difficult due to the damage from the injury or from the intraoperative exposure. The technique described herein provides a consistent method for coverage of the hardware. The specific maneuver capitalizes on the unique arrangement of the fascial overlying the anterior compartment of the leg.
Clinical Challenges: Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy

Objectives To discuss the challenges associated with treating pain and altered sensations due to chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). Data Sources Published research articles and clinical experience. Conclusion Although there are still great challenges associated with preventing and treating pain and altered sensations due to CIPN, there are preventative strategies and therapeutic options that can certainly improve the quality of life of patients who have cancer. Implications for Nursing Practice Oncology nurses can gain a better understanding of the available pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic strategies that can prevent and reduce pain associated with chemotherapy-induced neuropathy.
Heat shock-mediated regulation of MKP-1.

Heat shock modulates cellular proinflammatory responses, and we have been interested in elucidating the mechanisms that govern this modulation. The dual specific phosphatase, MAP kinase phosphatase...
High resolution array comparative genomic hybridization identifies copy number alterations in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma that predict response to immuno-chemotherapy

Despite recent attempts at sub-categorization, including gene expression profiling into prognostically different groups of "germinal center B-cell type" and "activated B-cell type," diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) remains a biologically heterogenous tumor with no clear prognostic biomarkers to guide therapy. Whole genome, high resolution array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) was performed on four cases of chemoresistant DLBCL and four cases of chemo-responsive DLBCL to identify genetic differences that may correlate with response to rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (R-CHOP) therapy. Array CGH analysis identified seven DNA copy number alteration (CNA) regions exclusive to the chemoresistant group, consisting of amplifications at 1p36.13, 1q42.3, 3p21.31, 7q11.23, and 16p13.3, as well as loss at 9p21.3 and 14p21.31. Copy number loss of the tumor suppressor genes CDKN2A (p16, p14) and CDKN2B (p15) at 9p21.3 was validated by fluorescence in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry as independent techniques. In the chemo-sensitive group, 12 CNAs were detected consisting of segment gains on 1p36.11, 1p36.22, 2q11.2, 8q24.3, 12p13.33, and 22q13.2, as well as segment loss on 6p21.32. RUNX3, a tumor suppressor gene located on 1p36.11 and MTHFR, which encodes for the enzyme methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase, located on 1p36.22, are the only known genes in this group associated with lymphoma. Whole genome aCGH analysis has detected copy number alterations exclusive to either chemoresistant or chemoresponsive DLBCL that may represent consistent clonal changes predictive for prognosis and outcome of chemotherapy.
Morphology and function of cryopreserved whole ovine ovaries after heterotopic autotransplantation

The objective of this study was to perform complex characterization of cryopreserved and then autotransplanted ovaries including determination of the ability to respond to in vivo follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)-treatment, fertilizability of retrieved oocytes, and morphology, vascularization, cellular proliferation and apoptosis in sheep. Mature crossbred ewes were divided into two groups; an intact (control) group (n = 4), and autotransplanted group (n = 4) in which oophorectomy was performed laparoscopically and ovaries with intact vascular pedicles frozen, thawed and transplanted back into the same animal at a different site. Approximately five months after autotransplantation, estrus was synchronized, ewes were treated with FSH, and ovaries were collected. For all ovaries, number of visible follicles was determined, and collected cumulus oocyte complexes (COC) were matured and fertilized in vitro. Remaining ovarian tissues were fixed for evaluation of morphology, expression of factor VIII (marker of endothelial cells), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF; expressed by pericytes and smooth muscle cells), and smooth muscle cell actin (SMCA; marker of pericytes and smooth muscle cells), and cellular proliferation and apoptosis. Two fully functional ovaries were collected from each control ewe (total 8 ovaries). Out of eight autotransplanted ovaries, a total of two ovaries with developing follicles were found. Control ewes had 10.6 +/- 2.7 follicles/ovary, oocytes were in vitro fertilized and developed to the blastocyst stage. One autotransplanted ewe had 4 visible follicles from which 3 COC were collected, but none of them was fertilized. The morphology of autotransplanted and control ovaries was similar. In control and autotransplanted ovaries, primordial, primary, secondary, antral and preovulatory follicles were found along with fully functional vascularization which was manifested by expression of factor VIII, VEGF and SMCA. Proliferating cells were detected in follicles, and the rate of apoptosis was minimal in ovaries of control and autotransplanted ovaries. These data demonstrate successful autotransplantation of a portion of frozen/thawed ovaries manifested by restoration of selected ovarian function including in vitro maturation of collected oocytes, presence of follicles from several stages of folliculogenesis and blood vessels expressing specific markers of vascularization, and proliferation and apoptosis of ovarian cells. Thus, heterotopic autotransplantation of a whole frozen/thawed ovary allows for development of preovulatory follicles, oocyte growth, and for restoration of vascularization and cellular function. However, additional improvements are required to enhance the efficiency of autotransplantation of frozen/thawed ovaries to produce more oocytes.
Magnetically-Tunable Microwave Filters Using Single-Crystal Yttrium-Iron-Garnet Resonators

A new type of magnetically-tunable band-pass microwave filter that makes use of ferromagnetic resonance in single-crystal yttrium iron garnet is presented. The 3-db bandwidth can be adjusted from about 6 Mc to 100 Mc at X-band, and the center frequency can be tuned over a wide range of frequencies, by means of a varying dc field. A theoretical analysis of the operation and behavior of this type of filter is presented. Descriptions of single-resonator and two-resonator filters which can be tuned over the X-band frequency range are given and experimental data are presented showing their tuning range, insertion loss, and bandwidth.
Does tachyphylaxis occur after repeated antidepressant exposure in patients with Bipolar II major depressive episode

Abstract Objective Tachyphylaxis often refers to the loss of antidepressant efficacy during long-term treatment. However, it may also refer to the gradual loss of efficacy after repeated antidepressant exposures over time. The aim of this study was to examine the phenomenon of tachyphylaxis in patients with Bipolar II major depression treated with either venlafaxine or lithium. We hypothesized that a greater number of prior antidepressant exposures would result in a reduced response to venlafaxine, but not lithium, therapy. Methods 83 patients were randomized to treatment with either venlafaxine (n = 43) or lithium (n = 40). The primary outcome was a ≥ 50% reduction in baseline Hamilton Depression Rating score. A detailed history of prior drug therapy was obtained. Logistic regression was used to test the hypothesis that prior antidepressant exposure was associated with reduced response to venlafaxine therapy. Results The mean number of prior antidepressant and mood stabilizer exposures was significantly higher in venlafaxine non-responders versus responders (p = 0.02). There was no significant association between response to lithium and the number of prior antidepressant and mood stabilizer exposures (p = 0.38). The odds of responding to venlafaxine or lithium therapy decreased with an increasing number of prior antidepressant exposures (p = 0.04). Response was not significantly affected by the number of prior mood stabilizer exposures (p = 0.30). Adjustment for clinical and demographic covariates sharpened the estimated impact of prior antidepressant exposure on treatment outcome. Limitations This study was a post hoc exploratory analysis. The study was not specifically powered to test the hypothesis of an association between number of prior antidepressant drug exposures and response to venlafaxine or lithium therapy. Conclusion These observations support earlier findings suggesting the presence of tachyphylaxis occurring after repeated antidepressant drug exposures. Possible mechanisms of tachyphylaxis may include genetic predisposition for non-response, physiological adaptation after repeated antidepressant exposures, and inherent illness and pharmacokinetic heterogeneity.
State Classification for a Class of Interacting Superprocesses with Location Dependent Branching

The spatial structure of a class of superprocesses which arise as limits in distribution of a class of interacting particle systems with location dependent branching is investigated. The criterion of their state classification is obtained. Their effective state space is contained in the set of purely-atomic measures or the set of absolutely continuous measures according as one diffusive coefficient $c(x) \equiv 0$ or $|c(x)| \geq \epsilon > 0$ while another diffusive coefficient $h \in C^{2}_{b}(R)$.
Exploratory corrugated infrared hot-electron transistor arrays

An infrared hot-electron transistor (IHET) corrugated array with a common base configuration was investigated and fabricated. The IHET structure provides a maximum factor of six in improvement in the photocurrent to dark current ratio, and hence it improved the array S/N ratio by the same factor. The study also showed that there is no electrical cross-talk among individual detectors, even though they share the same emitter and base contacts. It thus paves the way to high density sensitive focal plane arrays.
A robust two-step etching process for large-scale microfabricated SiO2 and Si3N4 MEMS membranes

Abstract The ability to reliably and controllably micromachine membranes by wet anisotropic etching of silicon is essential in microelectromechanical system (MEMS) device fabrication. This paper proposes an effective way to dependably microfabricate SiO 2 and Si 3 N 4 membranes with little supervision. This two-step method takes full advantage of the different etching behaviors of both EDP (a solution of ethylene diamine, pyrocatechol, and water) and potassium hydroxide (KOH). First, EDP is used, which has almost no reaction with silicon nitride and a moderately fast silicon etching rate. Next, KOH is used, which has a negligible nitride etching rate and a significantly faster silicon etching rate. Using this method, fully etched membranes of large geometries can be consistently generated. The size of microfabricated membranes presented in this paper varies from 200 μm × 200 μm to 9000 μm × 9000 μm with a thickness variation from 100 nm to 1000 nm. High temperatures were used in both etchants to further increase the silicon etching rate.
Effects of electrically induced fatigue on the twitch and tetanus of paralyzed soleus muscle in humans

We analyzed the twitch and summated torque (tetanus) during repetitive activation and recovery of the human soleus muscle in individuals with spinal cord injury. Thirteen individuals with complete paralysis (9 chronic, 4 acute) had the tibial nerve activated every 1,500 ms with a 20-Hz train (7 stimuli) for 300 ms and a single pulse at 1,100 ms. The stimulation protocol lasted 3 min and included 120 twitches and 120 tetani. Minimal changes were found for the acute group. The chronic group showed a significant reduction in the torque and a significant slowing of the contractile speeds of both the twitch and tetanus. The decrease in the peak twitch torque was significantly greater than the decrease in the peak tetanus torque early during the fatigue protocol for the chronic group. The twitch time to peak and half relaxation time were prolonged during fatigue, which was associated with improved fusion of the tetanus torque. At the end of the fatigue protocol, the decrease in the peak twitch torque was not significantly different from the decrease in the peak tetanus torque. After 5 min of rest, the contractile speeds recovered causing the tetanus to become unfused, but the tetanus torque became less depressed than the twitch torque. The differential responses for the twitch and the tetanus suggest an interplay between optimal fusion created from contractile speed slowing and excitation contraction coupling compromise. These issues make the optimal design of functional electrical stimulation systems a formidable task.
Overview of Statutory Framework Federal Estate Taxation of Nonresidents Not Citizens

This chart provides a visual overview of the statutory framework for the United States federal estate taxation of nonresidents not citizens (Chapter 11, Subchapter B, sections 2101-2108). This chart is designed for students, professionals and experienced scholars alike – anyone who needs a quick reference sheet will find it helpful. This visual representation of the statutory structure allows someone with no background in these specific Code sections to understand quickly the main rules, exceptions, definitions, and cross-references. Instructors and others are welcome to photocopy or otherwise make these pages available for educational purposes.
Are oxygen limitations under recognized regulators of organic carbon turnover in upland soils

Understanding the processes controlling organic matter (OM) stocks in upland soils, and the ability to management them, is crucial for maintaining soil fertility and carbon (C) storage as well as projecting change with time. OM inputs are balanced by the mineralization (oxidation) rate, with the difference determining whether the system is aggrading, degrading or at equilibrium with reference to its C storage. In upland soils, it is well recognized that the rate and extent of OM mineralization is affected by climatic factors (particularly temperature and rainfall) in combination with OM chemistry, mineral–organic associations, and physical protection. Here we examine evidence for the existence of persistent anaerobic microsites in upland soils and their effect on microbially mediated OM mineralization rates. We corroborate long-standing assumptions that residence times of OM tend to be greater in soil domains with limited oxygen supply (aggregates or peds). Moreover, the particularly long residence times of reduced organic compounds (e.g., aliphatics) are consistent with thermodynamic constraints on their oxidation under anaerobic conditions. Incorporating (i) pore length and connectivity governing oxygen diffusion rates (and thus oxygen supply) with (ii) ‘hot spots’ of microbial OM decomposition (and thus oxygen consumption), and (iii) kinetic and thermodynamic constraints on OM metabolism under anaerobic conditions will thus improve conceptual and numerical models of C cycling in upland soils. We conclude that constraints on microbial metabolism induced by oxygen limitations act as a largely unrecognized and greatly underestimated control on overall rates of C oxidation in upland soils.
IL-1β and IL-18 inhibition of HIV-1 replication in Jurkat cells and PBMCs.

HIV-1 infection-induced apoptosis is able to ensure viral replication. The death of some CD4+ T cells residing in lymphoid tissues can be induced by HIV-1 infection through caspase-1 driven pyroptosis with release of cytokine of IL-1β and IL-18. It is not well known whether IL-1β and IL-18 affect HIV-1 replication in lymphocytic cells. Using susceptible lymphocytic cell line, Jurkat cells, and primary peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), we studied the effects of IL-1β and IL-18 on HIV-1 replication. We found that treatment with exogenous IL-1β protein (rIL-1β) and IL-18 protein (rIL-18), or expression of IL-1β and IL-18 significantly reduced HIV-1 replication. HIV-1 infection enhanced caspase-3 expression and its activation, and had no effects on caspase-1 activity. Treatment with rIL-1β and rIL-18 dramatically lowered caspase-3 activity. IL-1β and IL-18 also played roles in diminishing reactivation of viral replication from latency in J1.1 cells. These results indicate that IL-1β and IL-18 are able to inhibit HIV-1 replication, and their effects may be due to signaling through apoptosis involved in inactivation of caspase-3 activity.
Mediators of the impact of a home-based intervention (beat the blues) on depressive symptoms among older African Americans.

Older African Americans (N=208) with depressive symptoms were randomly assigned to a home-based nonpharmacologic intervention (Beat the Blues, BTB) or wait-list control group. BTB was delivered by licensed social workers and involved up to 10 home visits focused on care management, referral and linkage, depression knowledge and efficacy in symptom recognition, instruction in stress reduction techniques, and behavioral activation through identification of personal goals and action plans for achieving them. Structured interviews by assessors masked to study assignment were used to assess changes in depressive symptoms (main trial endpoint), behavioral activation, depression knowledge, formal care service utilization and anxiety (mediators) at baseline and 4-months. At 4-months, the intervention had a positive effect on depressive symptoms and all mediators except formal care service utilization. Structural equation models indicated that increased activation, enhanced depression knowledge, and decreased anxiety each independently mediated a significant proportion of the intervention’s impact on depressive symptoms as assessed with two different measures (PHQ-9 and CES-D). These three factors also jointly explained over 60% of the intervention’s total effect on both indicators of depressive symptoms. Our findings suggest that most of the impact of BTB on depressive symptoms is driven by enhancing activation or becoming active, reducing anxiety, and improving depression knowledge/efficacy. The intervention components appear to work in concert and may be mutually necessary for maximal benefits from treatment to occur. Implications for designing tailored interventions to address depressive symptoms among older African Americans are discussed.
Positive Psychology and Disaster Mental Health: Strategies for Working With Children and Adolescents

Positive psychology concepts and principles can be incorporated into preparedness, crisis response, and recovery phases of disaster mental health efforts to address the needs of children, adolescents, and families. This article articulates general developmental considerations for applying positive psychology in disaster mental health contexts and discusses how 5 essential elements of immediate and midterm mass trauma intervention identified by Hobfoll et al. (2007) may be infused in applications of positive psychology for children and adolescents. Specific strategies for working with children, adolescents, and their families in home, community, and school contexts are drawn in part from disaster mental health resources developed jointly by the National Child Traumatic Stress Network and National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, including the Psychological First Aid Field Operations Guide (Brymer et al., 2006), the Skills for Psychological Recovery Field Operations Guide (Berkowitz et al., 2010), and the Psychological First Aid for Schools Field Operations Manual (Brymer et al., 2012). Two case examples illustrate the use of positive psychology principles.
Mechanochemically Active Soft Robots.

The functions of soft robotics are intimately tied to their form—channels and voids defined by an elastomeric superstructure that reversibly stores and releases mechanical energy to change shape, grip objects, and achieve complex motions. Here, we demonstrate that covalent polymer mechanochemistry provides a viable mechanism to convert the same mechanical potential energy used for actuation in soft robots into a mechanochromic, covalent chemical response. A bis-alkene functionalized spiropyran (SP) mechanophore is cured into a molded poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) soft robot walker and gripper. The stresses and strains necessary for SP activation are compatible with soft robot function. The color change associated with actuation suggests opportunities for not only new color changing or camouflaging strategies, but also the possibility for simultaneous activation of latent chemistry (e.g., release of small molecules, change in mechanical properties, activation of catalysts, etc.) in soft robots. In addition...
Movement Sequence-Related Activity Reflecting Numerical Order of Components in Supplementary and Presupplementary Motor Areas

Clower, William T. and Garrett E. Alexander. Movement sequence-related activity reflecting numerical order of components in supplementary and presupplementary motor areas. J. Neurophysiol. 80: 1562...
Micro-structural and Biaxial Creep Properties of the Swine Uterosacral-Cardinal Ligament Complex

The uterosacral ligament and cardinal ligament (USL/CL) complex is the major suspensory tissue of the uterus, cervix, and vagina. This tissue is subjected primarily to bi-axial forces in-vivo that significantly alter its structure and dimension over time, compromising its support function and leading to pelvic floor disorders. In this study, we present the first rigorous characterization of the collagen fiber microstructure and creep properties of the swine USL/CL complex by using scanning electron microscopy and planar biaxial testing in combination with three-dimensional digital image correlation. Collagen fiber bundles were found to be arranged into layers. Although the fiber bundles were oriented in multiple directions, 80.8% of them were aligned within ±45[Formula: see text] to the main in-vivo loading direction. The straightness parameter, defined as the ratio of the end-to-end distance of a fiber bundle to its length, varied from 0.28 to 1.00, with 95.2% fiber bundles having a straightness parameter between 0.60 and 1.00. Under constant equi-biaxial loads of 2 and 4 N, the USL/CL complex exhibited significant creep both along the main in-vivo loading direction (the parallel direction) and along the direction perpendicular to it (the perpendicular direction). Specifically, over a 120-min period, the mean strain increased by 20-34[Formula: see text] in the parallel direction and 33-41[Formula: see text] in the perpendicular direction. However, there was no statistically significant difference in creep strains observed after 120 min between the parallel and perpendicular directions for either the 2 or 4 N load case. Creep proceeded slightly faster in the perpendicular direction under the equi-biaxial load of 2 N than under the equi-biaxial load of 4 N ([Formula: see text]). It proceeded significantly faster in the parallel direction under the equi-biaxial loads of 2 N than under the equi-biaxial loads of 4 N ([Formula: see text]). Overall, our findings contribute to a greater understanding of the biomaterial properties of the USL/CL complex that is needed for the development of new surgical reconstruction methods and mesh materials for pelvic floor disorders.
Induction of ovulation and LH response in cyclic mares treated with gonadorelin diacetate tetrahydrate

Regulating the time of ovulation in the mare has many practical and beneficial management applications, including use with artificial insemination. The objective of the present study was to test the effectiveness of CystorelinTM (gonadorelin diacetate tetrahydrate) to elicit increased LH secretion and to induce ovulation in cyclic mares. A total of 24 mares of Thoroughbred and stock type breeding was used in this study. Mares possessing an ovarian follicle 3.5 cm to 4.0 cm in diameter were assigned to either treatment with three 75 μg (1.5 mL) i.m. injections of CystorelinTM or three 1.5 mL i.m. injections of sterile saline (control). Treatment with CystorelinTM reduced (P .81). Mean plasma LH levels were calculated over four time periods (-30 to 0 (Period 1), 30-120 (Period 2), 150-240 (Period 3), 270-360 min (Period 4)). Luteinizing hormone response was analyzed by comparing the mean LH value of Period 1, 2, and 3 with the baseline mean. Although the level in Period 2 tended (P .15, P>.18 respectively). In summary CystorelinTM effectively hastened ovulation in mares. Further research is necessary to develop a protocol that can also reduce variability in the time of ovulation.
Quality Assurance for Breast Brachytherapy

13.1 Quality Assurance During the Implantation Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180 13.1.1 Interstitial Implants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180 13.1.1.1 Checking of the Implantation Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180 13.1.1.2 Verification of the Target . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180 13.1.1.3 Alignment of the Needles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181 13.1.1.4 Verification after Needle Placement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181 13.1.2 Intracavitary Insertions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182 13.1.2.1 Checking the Intracavitary Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182 13.1.2.2 Verification of Conformance with the Target . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Vaginal Cytology Results in Follow-up of Endometrial Carcinoma After Hysterectomy.

Objectives: Our study examined accumulated data on vaginal cytology follow-up results of women treated for endometrial carcinoma (EmCa) by hysterectomy in a large academic women’s hospital practice. Methods: This study analyzed cases of EmCa treated by hysterectomy from January 2006 to December 2008 with documented follow-up vaginal cytology and/or vaginal biopsy results available prior to September 2013. Results: Of 607 patients with EmCa who had documented hysterectomy findings, 420 had either follow-up vaginal biopsy or cytology results during a mean follow-up period of 42.5 months, and 414 (98.6%) had at least one vaginal cytology follow-up result. Of 414 patients followed with vaginal cytology results, 48 (11.6%) had biopsy results while 366 (88.4%) had only vaginal cytology results. Recurrent EmCa in the vagina was documented by biopsy in 11 patients, eight within 2 years of hysterectomy. Cytology findings of neoplastic glandular cells triggered diagnostic vaginal biopsies in two of 11 cases. Conclusions: Vaginal recurrences of EmCa were diagnosed in 11 (2.6%) of 420 patients with documented vaginal follow-up testing. Abnormal vaginal cytology findings directly led to vaginal biopsy diagnoses of EmCa in two of the 11 patients. Vaginal cytology is no longer a recommended routine surveillance option for detection of vaginal cuff recurrence of EmCa.
Authority and Obligation

Can an effective authority be compatible with the autonomy of those subject to authority? The above is an important question, for in many respects authority looks to be a necessary part of our everyday lives. The authority of traffic law, for example, seems necessary if we wish to co-ordinate the actions of individual drivers so that we may safely get from one place to another. Although in some sense it is true that the traffic law restricts my behavior (I may not drive on a certain side of the road), in another sense it seems my freedom is enhanced by the presence of this authority (the co-ordination of my action with that of others allows me to go places I would not otherwise be able to go). Some forms of authority, like the authority of traffic law, seem to both enhance and limit my autonomy. If autonomy and authority are fundamentally incompatible (as many writers believe they are1), we are faced with a serious paradox concerning individual freedom.
The case for investigating social context in laboratory studies of smoking.

Background With increasing frequency, addiction is conceived of as a brain disease, and such accounts seem especially pertinent with regard to the rapid delivery of nicotine to the brain via cigarette smoke. Moreover, drug administration trials (cigarette puffs) suggest that the behavior of smoking becomes automatized, with individuals developing prototypical approaches to smoking a cigarette. Compared with presumably more social activities, such as drinking alcohol, there may be little opportunity for social processes to influence smoking behavior. However, survey research examining smoking motivation often reveals a broadly defined ‘social’ factor and field research suggests that social context does influence smoking. Argument We posit that laboratory smoking research has largely ignored social contextual factors that may help to understand better the precise mechanisms underlying smoking behavior and smoking motivation. Method We reviewed laboratory studies examining the effect of social context (operationalized as modeling) on smoking behavior. Studies were identified by searching PsychInfo and Medline using the following keywords: smoking, nicotine, tobacco, cigarette, consumption, topography, puff, smoking behavior, cigarettes smoked, modeling, imitation, social context, social influence and peer pressure. The reference and citation lists of these studies were then searched to identify additional studies. Conclusions Few laboratory smoking studies target social context. Those few studies indicate that smoking behavior can be influenced by the presence of others. There is also some evidence that social context influences the effects of smoking as well as processes related to self-perception and self-regulation that reinforce smoking and hamper smoking cessation efforts.
Lunate Bone Morphology and Its Association with Kienböck’s Disease

The etiology of Kienbock’s disease has yet to be determined. Several previous investigators have suggested that the shape of the lunate may predispose to the development of Kienbock’s disease. Lunate shape and morphology have been classified by overall size, dorsal and volar articular surface height, as well as proximal and distal articular surface shape. Variations in shape can be associated with aberrant ligamentous connections and irregular bony trabecular framework. In addition, lunate morphology can influence carpal kinematics with associated alterations in transmitted load through the carpus. As such, lunate morphology may affect the pathogenesis and management of Kienbock’s disease.