cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Adequacy of calcium and vitamin D reduces inflammation, β-catenin signaling, and dysbiotic Parasutterela bacteria in the colon of C57BL/6 mice fed a western-style diet.

Abstract Adoption of an obesogenic diet low in calcium and vitamin D (CaD) leads to increased obesity, colonic inflammation, and cancer. However, the underlying mechanisms remain to be elucidated. We tested the hypothesis that CaD supplementation (from inadequacy to adequacy) may reduce colonic inflammation, oncogenic signaling, and dysbiosis in the colon of C57BL/6 mice fed a Western diet. Male C57/BL6 mice (4-weeks old) were assigned to 3 dietary groups for 36 weeks: (1) AIN76A as a control diet (AIN); (2) a defined rodent “new Western diet” (NWD); or (3) NWD with CaD supplementation (NWD/CaD). Compared to the AIN, mice receiving the NWD or NWD/CaD exhibited more than 0.2-fold increase in the levels of plasma leptin, tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and body weight. The levels of plasma interleukin 6 (IL-6), inflammatory cell infiltration, and β-catenin/Ki67 protein (oncogenic signaling) were increased more than 0.8-fold in the NWD (but not NWD/CaD) group compared to the AIN group. Consistent with the inflammatory phenotype, colonic secondary bile acid (inflammatory bacterial metabolite) levels increased more than 0.4-fold in the NWD group compared to the NWD/CaD and AIN groups. Furthermore, the abundance of colonic Proteobacteria (e.g., Parasutterela), considered signatures of dysbiosis, was increased more than four-fold; and the α diversity of colonic bacterial species, indicative of health, was decreased by 30% in the NWD group compared to the AIN and NWD/CaD groups. Collectively, CaD adequacy reduces colonic inflammation, β-catenin oncogenic signaling, secondary bile acids, and bacterial dysbiosis in mice fed with a Western diet.
Coarse-Grained Modeling and Molecular Dynamics Simulations of Ca2+-Calmodulin.

Calmodulin (CaM) is a calcium-binding protein that transduces signals to downstream proteins through target binding upon calcium binding in a time-dependent manner. Understanding the target binding process that tunes CaM’s affinity for the calcium ions (Ca2+), or vice versa, may provide insight into how Ca2+-CaM selects its target binding proteins. However, modeling of Ca2+-CaM in molecular simulations is challenging because of the gross structural changes in its central linker regions while the two lobes are relatively rigid due to tight binding of the Ca2+ to the calcium-binding loops where the loop forms a pentagonal bipyramidal coordination geometry with Ca2+. This feature that underlies the reciprocal relation between Ca2+ binding and target binding of CaM, however, has yet to be considered in the structural modeling. Here, we presented a coarse-grained model based on the Associative memory, Water mediated, Structure, and Energy Model (AWSEM) protein force field, to investigate the salient features of CaM. Particularly, we optimized the force field of CaM and that of Ca2+ ions by using its coordination chemistry in the calcium-binding loops to match with experimental observations. We presented a “community model” of CaM that is capable of sampling various conformations of CaM, incorporating various calcium binding states, and carrying the memory of binding with various targets, which sets the foundation of the reciprocal relation of target binding and Ca2+ binding in future studies.
How Hospitalized Older Adults and Physicians Negotiate Plan-of-care Decisions during Daily Rounds.

The purpose of this study is to explore how older adults and physicians negotiate the plan of care during daily rounds in the hospital setting. We audio-recorded 40 physician–patient interactions d...
COVID-19 SIHR Modeling and Dynamic Analysis

We propose a novel disease transmission model: the Susceptible-Infected-Hospitalized-Recovered (SIHR) model, which is a modification of the classical SIR model commonly used in modeling the spread of infectious diseases for understanding epidemic duration, number of infected people throughout the duration, and peak number of infected people etc. More specifically, we introduce a new hospitalization state, denoted by H, between the I and R state in the SIR model, and such new state is constrained by the number of hospital beds denoted by M. We perform study on the dynamics of the novel SIHR model. Our numerical results based on the COVID-19 dataset from Wuhan, China show that the SIHR model illustrates much better fitting with the dataset than the classic SIR model. The computational results demonstrate how and when one should increase the hospital beds number M based on detailed numerical analysis.
Radioruthenium-Labeled Compounds for Diagnostic Tumor Imaging

Among the various radionuclides of ruthenium, 97Ru and 103Ru have proven to be quite attractive for in vitro and in vivo research investigations. Ruthenium-97, in particular, has excellent nuclear decay characteristics (t1/2 69.6 h; deday mode by electron capture; 216 keV gamma, 86%; no betas) and thus is a promising radionuclide for diagnostic imaging applications. Compared to other commonly used intermediate half-life nuclides (e.g., 67Ga, 111In), 97Ru provides marked improvement in image quality and imparts significantly less radiation dose to the patient. No-carrier-added 97Ru is routinely prepared at the Brookhaven Linac Isotope Producer (BLIP) from proton spallation of high-purity rhodium, using the 103Rh (p, 2p5n) 97Ru reaction. Ruthenium-103 (available commercially as a fission product), although not particularly appropriate for imaging, has nonetheless proven useful for chemical, in vitro, and preclinical studies.
Sequential Bayesian techniques applied to non-volcanic tremor

[1] This paper uses sequential Bayesian techniques such as particle filters and smoothers to track in time both the non-volcanic tremor (NVT) source location on the plate interface and the angle of arrival via horizontal phase slowness. Sequential Bayesian techniques enable tracking of evolving geophysical parameters via sequential tremor observations. These techniques provide a formulation where the geophysical parameters that characterize dynamic, non-stationary processes are continuously estimated as new data become available. In addition to the optimal solution, particle filters and smoothers can calculate the underlying probability densities for the desired parameters, providing the uncertainties in the estimates. The tremor tracking has been performed using array beamforming. Here it is demonstrated that the uncertainties both in the NVT source location estimates and phase slowness estimates are reduced using a particle filter compared to just using a beamformer based inversion. Particle smoothers further reduces the uncertainty, giving the best performance out of the three methods used here.
The implications of dynamic financial frictions for DSGE models

This paper shows that when financial frictions are modeled dynamically, broader inferences can be drawn from DSGE models. By embedding a partial equilibrium framework of bankruptcy proceedings in a dynamic New Keynesian model I find, for example, that financial liberalization episodes are only effective when the judicial system is efficient. More generally, I find that the model responses to various shocks depend on the duration of bankruptcy and the costs incurred during the bankruptcy process. State-level data supports one prediction of the model; U.S. monetary policy is most effective in states with longer foreclosure proceedings.
Conformational changes in concanavalin A.

Abstract The circular dichroic spectrum of homogeneous concanavalin A shows changes in the near ultraviolet upon specific binding of α-methyl-d-mannoside. The far ultraviolet spectrum shows no evidence of α helical structure but most closely resembles the spectrum of the model for type II-β structure, poly-S-carboxymethyl-l-cysteine. Both the far and near ultraviolet spectra show drastic and irreversible changes above pH 9. The data suggest that sugar binding at physiological pH is accompanied by a conformational change which may be important in the unique biological activities of this lectin.
Ligand-induced Resistance of Staphylococcal Nuclease and Nuclease-T to Proteolysis by Subtilisin, α-Chymotrypsin, and Thermolysin

Abstract Staphylococcal nuclease, consisting of a polypeptide chain of 149 amino acid residues devoid of cysteine and disulfide binds, is highly susceptible to digestion by a variety of proteases. In the presence of deoxythymidine 3',5'-diphosphate and calcium ions, marked stability is acquired to digestion by trypsin, subtilisin, α-chymotrypsin, and thermolysin. Nuclease-T, the enzymically active product of trypsin digestion in the presence of ligands, which consists of two noncovalently associated chains (residues 6 to 48 and 49 and 50 to 149), is also resistant to digestion by proteases when ligands are present. These observations indicate the very close similarity of the tertiary structures of nuclease and nuclease T.
Polarographic analysis of lead(IV) species in solutions containing sulfuric and phosphoric acids

Summary The existence of soluble, relatively stable Pb(IV) species in sulfuric/phosphoric acid mixtures has been demonstrated by polarographic measurements. Lead(IV) species could not be detected in 35% sulfuric acid solution following the identical preparation procedures. An amperometric titration technique was developed to determine quantitatively the Pb(IV) species concentration in sulfuric/phosphoric acid solutions.
The linearized Boltzmann equation: a concise and accurate solution of the temperature-jump problem

Polynomial expansion procedures, along with an analytical discrete-ordinates method, are used to solve the temperature-jump problem based on a rigorous version of the linearized Boltzmann equation for rigid-sphere interactions. In particular, the temperature and density perturbations and the temperature-jump coefficient are obtained (essentially) analytically in terms of a modern version of the discrete-ordinates method. The developed algorithms are implemented for general values of the accommodation coefficient to yield numerical results that can be considered a new standard of reference.
Vaginal progesterone in risk reduction of preterm birth in women with short cervix in the midtrimester of pregnancy

Preterm birth is a major health problem for the neonate, family, country, and society in general. Despite many risk factors being identified for women destined to deliver preterm, short cervical length detected on transvaginal ultrasound is the most plausible, practical and sensitive risk factor for prediction of spontaneous preterm birth. The definition of short cervix has varied in various studies, but most commonly accepted is ≤2.5 cm in the midtrimester of pregnancy, though risk of spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB) increases as the cervical length decreases. Vaginal progesterone, a naturally occurring steroid hormone, is the most bioavailable form of progesterone for uterine and cervical effects with the fewest side effects. Multiple prospective studies have consistently shown its benefits in decreasing sPTB rate in women with asymptomatic midtrimester short cervix. The safety for mother and fetus, and tolerability of vaginal progesterone, particularly the gel form, is also well established. Vaginal progesterone is a minimally invasive intervention that is not painful and is very safe, with reasonable cost where the benefits (even if argued to be small) clearly outweigh the risks. Thus there should be little hesitation for implementation of universal transvaginal cervical length screening and preventive vaginal progesterone treatment for women with short cervix.
Groundwater contribution to the nutrient budget of Tomales Bay, California

Tomales Bay, a graben structure along the San Andreas Fault, was selected for modeling ecosystem nutrient dynamics because of its linear, one-dimensional morphology and relatively pristine state. Groundwater is a potentially important term in the nutrient budget. The geologic complexities created by the San Anreas Fault, however, complicate the hydrogeology and require the area to be subdivided into three regions: granite to the west, Franciscan Formation to the east, and alluvial fill in the trough. Nutrient concentrations in the groundwater were determined through extensive well sampling; groundwater discharge was estimated using both Darcy's Law calculations and a soil moisture budget. Results indicate that groundwater discharge is of the same order of magnitude as summer streamflow into the Bay, while being significantly less than other freshwater inputs in winter. Dissolved nutrient (phosphate, nitrate + nitrite, ammonium, silica and DIC) concentrations in groundwater were consistently higher (by as much as an order of magnitude) than in surface water discharges. During the summer months, groundwater flow contributes about as much nutrient load to the bay as does streamflow. During the winter, the groundwater contribution to nutrient loading is about 20% of the streamflow contribution. Our findings indicate that groundwater is a significant component of terrestrial nutrient and freshwater loading to Tomales Bay, particularly so during the summer months. However, neither groundwater nor streamflow nutrient fluxes are large in comparison to the mixing flux at the bay mouth or the flux of N2 gas across the air-water interface.
Investigation of rail corrugations on the Baltimore Metro

Abstract Rail corrugations have been a problem in certain sections of the relatively new Baltimore MTA rail transit system. A study was conducted to define rail corrugation initiation and growth processes on the system so that construction specifications for new trackage could be modified to reduce corrugations. The study included a literature review, experiments with both trackside and on-board instrumentation and analysis by means of computer modeling. Results from these three tasks are reviewed in this paper.
The role of imagery, analogy, and instantiation in proverb comprehension

The role of imagery, analogy, and instantiation in understanding proverbs was examined in the light of the Conceptual Base Theory (CBT). The CBT proposes that proverb comprehension involves four phases and that (a) after Problem Recognition, imagery is often used during the Literal Transformation Phase with the intention of constructing a figurative meaning but that imagery does not enter into this meaning; (b) figurative meaning is the solution to a four-part, a:b::c:d, analogy, which occurs during the Figurative Phase; (c) the Instantiation Phase can be entered only if a figurative meaning is constructed, but once instantiation occurs it serves to refine this meaning. A transfer paradigm was used to test these hypotheses. During acquisition, the subjects were presented proverbs and given rating tasks in connection with one of the following: pictures that illustrated the literal proverb information (picture groups), instructions to image the literal proverb information (imagery groups), or analogies involving literala andb terms drawn from the proverb andc andd terms that constituted an interpretation of the proverb (analogy group), concrete verbal instances that illustrated the proverbs' figurative meanings (instance group), or an analogy and an instance (analogy-instance group). During transfer, all subjects attempted to distinguish between novel sentences that were either positive or negative instances of the figurative meaning of the acquisition proverbs. The picture and imagery groups, which were assumed to have used imagery without the intention of constructing a figurative meaning, performed at chance. The analogy group performed above chance and on a par with the instance group subjects, who theoretically had constructed and solved an implicit analogy. The analogy-instance group showed superior performance. Discussion centered on the pattern of the results in relation to the CBT and on the role of imagery and analogy in understanding proverbs as opposed to metaphors.
Migrant employment, recessions, and return migration: some consequences for migration policy and development.

After bringing approximately 13 million foreign migrants into Europes industrial regions the governments of many of these countries among them France Switzerland West Germany and the Netherlands have imposed severe restrictions on further immigration. Along with this move are the attempts by many countries to attract migrants back to their home countries. The recession of 1973 decreased the need for migrant labor and resulted in high levels of unemployment. The hard working migrant of the 1950s and 60s grew to become the politically active striker and social/political/financial burden on the state. Most governments have decided that future economic development will depend on technology not labor production. The labor market structure of migrant workers helps explain why laid-off migrants do not return to their home countries. Political and economic conditions in the homeland also determine the amount of migrant return. The mere existence of a secondary labor force in an immigration country may make it easier to remain in that country. Incentives and financial inducements are needed to attract migrants home.
Angstrom exponent and bimodal aerosol size distributions

Powerlaws have long been used to describe the spectral dependence of aerosol extinction, and the wavelength exponent of the aerosol extinction powerlaw is commonly referred to as the Angstrom exponent. The Angstrom exponent is often used as a qualitative indicator of aerosol particle size, with values greater than two indicating small particles associated with combustion byproducts, and values less than one indicating large particles like sea salt and dust. In this study, we investigate the relationship between the Angstrom exponent and the mode parameters of bimodal aerosol size distributions using Mie theory calculations and Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) retrievals. We find that Angstrom exponents based upon seven wavelengths (0.34, 0.38, 0.44, 0.5, 0.67, 0.87, and 1.02 micrometers) are sensitive to the volume fraction of aerosols with radii less then 0.6 micrometers, but not to the fine mode effective radius. The Angstrom exponent is also known to vary with wavelength, which is commonly referred to as curvature; we show how the spectral curvature can provide additional information about aerosol size distributions for intermediate values of the Angstrom exponent. Curvature also has a significant effect on the conclusions that can be drawn about two-wavelength Angstrom exponents; long wavelengths (0.67, 0.87 micrometers) are sensitive to fine mode volume fraction of aerosols but not fine mode effective radius, while short wavelengths (0.38, 0.44 micrometers) are sensitive to the fine mode effective radius but not the fine mode volume fraction.
State-of-the-technology review on water pipe condition, deterioration and failure rate prediction models!

This paper presents a state-of-the-technology literature and current practice review on water pipe condition, deterioration and failure rate prediction models in order to identify the gap between the models found in literature and those currently used by utilities around the world. Researchers have developed various methodologies in determining pipe condition and failure prediction over the last three decades. Their efforts are discussed in many literatures and articles but are not summarised by one document. In this report, more than 50 articles were reviewed from the last decade and are presented based on the type of methodology utilised. Nine utilities across the world with significant undertakings of water pipe infrastructure management are also presented which underline the current practice. In summary, both the literature and current practice are summarised to identify the gap between the models found in literature and water utility asset management practices.
Modeling the specific growth rate of Lactobacillus plantarum in cucumber extract

Extensive empirical research has been published on the fermentation of vegetables, but little predictive modeling of the process is available. The objectives of this study were to assess the effects of key variables involved in cucumber fermentation and to develop models for predicting the growth of Lactobacillus plantarum in pure and mixed culture fermentations. The growth medium for the studies was cucumber juice. The effects of various concentrations of lactic, acetic, and hydochloric acids and sodium chloride on growth at 30° C were determined in batch culture. Limiting conditions for growth were pH 3.37 (lower limit), 69 mm undissociated lactic acid, 150 mm undissociated acetic acid, or 11.8% NaCl. Acetic acid was stimulatory to growth at low concentrations (up to 40 mm) but inhibitory at higher concentrations. Lactic acid was more inhibitory than acetic acid, whether total or undissociated concentrations were used as the basis of comparison. A predictive equation for specific growth rate was developed, tested, and shown to predict growth of L. plantarum in batch processes reasonably well.
Whole mount electron microscopy of meiotic chromosomes and the synaptonemal complex

The mechanism by which homologous chromosomes pair and crossover has been a major unsolved problem in genetics. Thin section electron microscopy of the synaptonemal complex has not provided enough details to allow any significant insight into this problem. Whole mount preparations of the testis of mice, quail, crayfish, and frogs provided a striking improvement in visualization of the morphological features of meiotic chromosomes. These studies, when combined with the use of deoxyribonuclease and trypsin allowed the following conclusions. 1. The synaptonemal complex (lateral and central elements with connecting L-C fibers) is composed of protein. 2. Contrary to common speculation the central element is not the pairing surface of homologous chromosomes. 3. The L-C fibers, averaging 75–100 A in width, extend from the lateral elements and meet to form the central element which is usually composed of four fibers. 4. During leptotene, homologous axial elements, although unpaired for most of their length, attach next to each other at the nuclear membrane. 5. Short segments of the chromatin fibers attach to the lateral elements. These points of attachment are clustered, producing the chromomeres seen by light microscopy. 6. The chromatin fibers extend out from the lateral element as loops. Lampbrush chromosomes are thus not restricted to oogenesis but are common to all meiotic chromosomes. Since the morphological features of the central element of the synaptonemal complex persist despite extensive deoxyribonuclease digestion, pairing is perhaps best visualized as a two-step process consisting of a) chromosomal pairing during which the proteinaceous synaptonemal complex pulls homologous chromosomes into approximate association with each other, and b) molecular pairing, which probably takes place in the area around the synaptonemal complex.
Introducing Spirituality into Psychiatric Care

Spirituality is important to many psychiatric patients, and these patients may be moved toward recovery more effectively if their spiritual needs are addressed in treatment. This, however, is rarely given expression in the psychiatric services of teaching hospitals. In order to develop this potential area of improved care, we (1) evaluated the differential attitudes of patients and psychiatric trainees toward the value of spirituality in the recovery process, (2) established a program of group meetings conducted by psychiatric residents and staff where patients can discuss how to draw on their spirituality in coping with their problems, and (3) established related training experiences for psychiatric residents. The results and implications of these three initiatives are presented.
Use of the water-soluble fluor sodium salicylate for fluorographic detection of tritium in thin-layer chromatograms and nitrocellulose blots.

We have determined that sodium salicylate, a water-soluble fluor which we use routinely for fluorography with polyacrylamide gels, is also useful for fluorography with thin-layer media. Detection of /sup 3/H-labeled material applied to thin-layer chromatography plates, or nitrocellulose membranes, can be enhanced up to 150-fold after treatment with an aqueous solution of 2 M sodium salicylate, while detection of /sup 35/S-labeled material is enhanced only about 2-fold. We demonstrate the utility of sodium salicylate fluorography in detecting 3H-labeled palmitic acid following thin-layer chromatography and /sup 3/H-labeled proteins following blotting to nitrocellulose.
The epsilon-skew-normal distribution for analyzing near-normal data

Abstract A family of asymmetric distributions, which first appeared in Fechner (1897, Kollectivmasslehre. Leipzig, Engleman) is reparameterized using a skewness parameter e and named the epsilon–skew–normal family. It is denoted by ESN(θ,σ,e). Its basic properties such as the relationship between the mean and mode, and its higher-order moments are examined. They are used to obtain simple estimators of the parameters measuring the location θ, the scale σ, and the skewness e. The maximum likelihood estimates are derived and it is shown that the estimators of θ and σ are asymptotically independent. The estimators reduce properly to the normal case when e=0. The ESN(θ,σ,e) can be used both as a model and as a prior distribution in Bayesian analysis. The posterior distributions in both cases are unimodal, and the modes are available in closed form.
Maternal sensory sensitivity and response bias in detecting change in infant facial expressions: Maternal self-efficacy and infant gender labeling

This study examined the role of maternal cognitive sets regarding infant gender on maternal response; participants were 69 mothers, each with a 6-month-old infant. Signal detection methodology was used to assess maternal sensory sensitivity and response bias to subtle changes in positive and negative infant facial expressions as a function of maternal self-efficacy, operationalized by low, moderate, and high illusory control, and maternal perceptions of infant gender, experimental manipulated through labeling. For the positive expression, mothers who received the female manipulation exhibited greater sensory sensitivity and responded with a less conservative response bias compared with mothers who received the male manipulation. For the negative expression, only mothers with high illusory control were differentially sensitive to the manipulation; those who received the male manipulation exhibited less sensory sensitivity than those who received the female manipulation. Results are discussed in the context of the gendered socialization of emotion.
Retention of threaded pins in amalgam

The force required to remove three self-threading retention pins from amalggam and the pin length for optimum retention was determined. Link series TMS Minuta, TMS Minikin, and TMS Minim pins were tested; Minim pins were tested at various lengths. The amalgam materials used were representative of a high-copper admixture type and a ternary spherical-type alloy. Results demonstrate that the Minim pin of 2 to 2.5 mm length is the optimum pin for retention in high-copper type amalgam. Minuta and Minikin pins are removed with only a small amount of force and should be used only when clinical prudence requires a small pin; and when used, the strongest possible amalgam should be selected.
The Use of Oxygen in SEM Plasma Cleaning Equipment

Getting the most out of your SEM has in the past meant baking out your column and being vigilant about wearing gloves when handling samples. As feature sizes decrease this may not be enough. Hydrocarbon buildup in SEM vacuum chambers can lead to less than ideal resolution. The electron beam reacts with contamination and deposits carbon on the sample which can cause charging and degrade image contrast. Oxygen plasma has long been used for cleaning surfaces in a vacuum. O2 is split into oxygen ions and radicals which are effective at removing organic contaminants. Manufacturers have produced low energy plasma cleaners that pull oxygen ions and radicals out of “thin air.” While this may seem like “snake oil”, it actually does work. This approach works, is easy to use, and has very little setup, but it is very slow. If you have a “dirty” system you may spend days or weeks on an initial cleaning. We modified our Evactron® De-Contaminator to use welding grade oxygen. The investigation that we have performed indicates that there is a night and day comparison for effectiveness and speed. One or two four hour sessions with oxygen was shown to be more effective than using ambient air for weeks.
Versatile Boron Carbide-Based Visual Obscurant Compositions for Smoke Munitions

New pyrotechnic smoke compositions, containing only environmentally benign materials, have been demonstrated to produce thick white smoke clouds upon combustion. These compositions use powdered boron carbide (B4C) as a pyrotechnic fuel, KNO3 as a pyrotechnic oxidizer, and KCl as a combustion temperature moderator. Small amounts of calcium stearate and polymeric binders may be added to moderate burning rate and for composition granulation. Prototype tests involving three preferred compositions were conducted in end- and core-burning grenade and canister configurations. Smoke release times ranged from 3.5 to 70 s for the grenades and from 8 to 100 s for the canisters. Notably, any desired smoke release time within these ranges may be obtained by fine adjustment to the calcium stearate content of the compositions and/or small changes to the device containers. Aerosolization efficiency and quantitative performance, as determined by smoke chamber measurements, remain consistent regardless of smoke release time...
Do-Gooder Derogation: Disparaging Morally Motivated Minorities to Defuse Anticipated Reproach

Two studies document do-gooder derogation (the putting down of morally motivated others), by studying the reactions of meat eaters to vegetarians. In Study 1, 47% of participants freely associated ...
Analysis of Heat Dissipation of Epitaxial Graphene Devices on SiC

Abstract A three-dimensional thermal simulation for analysis of heat dissipation of graphene resistors on silicon carbide substrates is presented. We investigate the effect of parameters such as graphene–substrate interface thermal resistance, device size and source-to-drain contact spacing, to quantify lateral as well as vertical heat spreading. Pulsed I–V measurements were performed at different temperatures and pulse widths to extract device thermal resistance for comparison with simulation results. Due to small heat capacitance of the device, self-heating occurs even at the shortest pulse time of 200 ns. The effective thermal resistance of epitaxial graphene resistors on SiC was estimated as 8 × 10−5 K cm2 W−1, by comparison between measurement and simulation results.
Poverty, Housing Niches, and Health in the United States

Drawing on psychological, health, and social science literature, a housing niche model is developed that focuses on (a) housing markets and other societal processes that constrain residential choice, (b) effects of residential environments on health and access to human and social capital, and (c) family dynamic effects on health and the intergenerational consequences of particular housing niches for future health and housing choices. The model requires the examination of cumulative risks, mediating and moderating processes, and the use of multilevel statistical models. The health consequences of existing housing policies are explored and future directions for research and policy suggested.
Multiple scattering in the Lee model

It is shown that the amplitude for the scattering of a theta particle from an arbitrary number of fixed N particles in the Lee model can be obtained from Watson's multiple scattering theory if the elementary interaction is taken to be the full theta-N T matrix, including the V-particle pole, and the propagator is taken to be a free particle propagator.
Sonographic sign of intermittent dilatation of the renal collecting system in 10 patients with vesicoureteral reflux

Purpose Renal sonography is an accepted primary imaging modality for evaluating the pediatric urinary tract. We report a new sonographic finding associated with vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). Methods Ten patients underwent sonographic evaluation of the kidneys and were noted to have intermittent renal collecting system dilatation that expanded and contracted during real-time scanning. These patients were further evaluated with voiding cystourethrography. Results All 10 patients were proven to have VUR on the side of the sonographic abnormality. Four patients had bilateral VUR for a total of 14 refluxing renal units. Of these 14 renal units, 1 was sonographically normal. Five of the 14 renal units had grade V VUR that required surgical reimplantation of the ureter. Conclusions. This new finding of intermittent renal collecting system dilatation may become an important predictor of VUR. The finding warrants further evaluation even when detected in patients not suspected of having VUR who are undergoing renal sonography for other reasons. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound26: 65–68, 1998.
Legal issues surrounding public health emergencies.

The growing concern about the use of a biological weapon by a state or, more likely, a terrorist organization against the United States often focuses on the potential that new advances in science, especially biotechnology, will be used for evil purposes. It is this potential that George Poste described as the “peril” lurking in the promise of biotechnology. In many meetings on bioweapons that I have attended, discourse frequently turned to this specter of evil science. Individuals skilled in science and biotechnology ponder what kind of awful bioweapons competent (but warped) scientists could create. The conversation then typically delved into the horrors that engineered pathogens could inflict on human societies. As a lawyer, I am not trained to put people in ambulances but rather to chase ambulances. When I listen to scientists and biotechnologists ponder the specter of evil science, I sit in mute fascination and horror. However, I have nothing to add to these conversations. I would not know a plasmid if it smacked my transposon. Having an ethical duty to justify billable hours exerts, however, pressure on the creative juices of the lawyer. I was becoming concerned that, in connection with bioterrorism, scientists were getting all the attention. However, after sitting silently through many evil microbe engineering sessions, it finally dawned on me that even evil scientists interested in bioterrorism might need a lawyer. Let me take you, therefore, with Dr. Evil as he visits the law offices of Rumpole the Malevolent.
Penicillin interference with the determination of δ-aminolevulinic acid

Abstract Penicillin G reacts with 2,4-pentanedione to produce a derivative, which, in turn, reacts with Ehrlich's aldehyde reagent. The colored reaction product describes maximum absorbance in the region of 545–560 nm. Since maximum absorbance of the Ehrlich's complex of the pentanedione derivative of δ-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) is within this region, the excretion of penicillin G in urine will generate erroneously high ALA values.
Closing the Gap: Using Conferencing Software To Connect Distance Education Students and Faculty.

Distance programs utilize various strategies and technologies in an attempt to keep students and faculty connected. Express mail delivery, telephone and conference calls, electronic mail and compressed video sessions have all been used with varying degrees of success. This paper discusses the use of a novel Desktop Video Conferencing (DTVC) product, CU-SeeMe, and offers an analysis of its effectiveness in providing distance instruction and library support to a cohort of medical technology students embarked on the clinical rotation phase of their program at the University of Wyoming. We conclude that the potential benefits of this low cost technology outweigh the inconveniences of working with an immature technology.
Malathion and phenthoate carboxylesterase activities in pulmonary alveolar macrophages as indicators of lung injury

Abstract Malathion and phenthoate carboxylesterase activities were investigated in pulmonary alveolar macrophages (PAM) in Sprague-Dawley rats. PAM was found to be capable of hydrolyzing phenthoate at a faster rate than malathion. Oral administration to rats with O,O,S-trimethyl phosphorothioate (OOS-Me), a pneumotoxic impurity present in technical grades of malathion and phenthoate, increased the activities of these esterases in PAM without affecting an activity in lung microsomal carboxylesterase. The time course study indicated that this increase was maximal on Day 1 following treatment with OOS-Me at 20 and 40 mg/kg od doses. To assess the usefulness of measuring these esterases in PAM as an indicator of lung damage, paraquat and bromobenzene were administered to rats with treatment regimens which have been shown previously to result in histopathologically demonstrable pneumotoxicity. Malathion and phenthoate carboxylesterase activities in PAM were increased by two- to threefold following treatment with paraquat or bromobenzene. These treatments also increased lung microsomal malathion carboxylesterase activity by threefold. Furthermore, infection of rats with Pseudomonas aeruginosa by intratracheal inoculation increased malathion and phenthoate carboxylesterase activities in PAM by two- to threefold without increasing these activities in lung microsomes. These results indicate that PAM may play a significant role in detoxifying airborne malathion and phenthoate when inhaled. Furthermore, the activities of malathion and phenthoate carboxylesterases may be useful for detecting lung injury produced by pneumotoxic chemicals as well as bacterial infection.
Can high-level synthesis compete against a hand-written code in the cryptographic domain? A case study

This paper investigates the state of the current high-level synthesis (HLS) tools by using Xilinx Vivado HLS for designing a cryptographic module based on Advanced Encryption Standard. The obtained results are compared with the results for the hand-written Register-Transfer Level (RTL) VHDL code to determine the suitability of the HLS-based approach for implementing cryptographic algorithms in hardware. Our study has shown that the RTL-based approach still outperforms the HLS-based approach due to the flexibility in designing a control unit, which affects the throughput of the circuit. Nevertheless, the HLS-based approach can successfully compete with the RTL-based approach in terms of area and maximum clock frequency.
Prevaccine Determination of the Expression of Costimulatory B7 Molecules in Activated Monocytes Predicts Influenza Vaccine Responses in Young and Older Adults

Background Innate immunity, including Toll-like receptor (TLR)-mediated expression of the B7 costimulatory molecules CD80 and CD86, is critical for vaccine immunity. We examined whether CD80 and CD86 expression vary with aging and predict response to the trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine. Methods One hundred sixty-two subjects between 21 and 30 years of age (the young group) or > or =65 years of age (the older group) enrolled before vaccination. We determined TLR-induced monocyte CD80/CD86 expression by flow cytometry and vaccine antibody responses by hemagglutination inhibition. Results The mean increase in TLR-induced CD80(+) monocytes was reduced in older, compared with young, adults by 68% (P=.0002), and each decile increase of CD80(+) cells was associated with an 8.5% increase in mean number of vaccine strains with a > or =4-fold titer increase (P=.01) and a 3.8% increase in mean number of strains with a postvaccine titer > or =1 : 64 (P=.037). Each decile decrease of CD86(+) cells was associated with an 11% increase in the mean number of strains with a 4-fold increase (P=.002) and a 3.9% increase in the mean number of strains with a postvaccine titer > or =1 : 64 (P=.07). Conclusions CD80 and CD86 expression on activated monocytes is highly associated with influenza vaccine response. This approach prospectively identifies adults unlikely to respond to immunization who may benefit from alternative vaccines or antiviral prophylaxis during influenza outbreaks.
The effects of urea modification and heat treatment on the process of NO2 removal by wood-based activated carbon.

Abstract The removal of NO2 on urea-modified and heat-treated wood-based activated carbons was studied. From the obtained results it was found that these modifications, especially when done at 950 °C, have a positive effect on NO2 adsorption and on the retention of NO (the product of NO2 reduction by carbon). The presence of moisture in the system enhances the removal of NO2 but negatively affects the retention of NO. It is possible that the formation of active centers on the carbon surface and some increase in the volume of supermicropores during the high temperature treatment play a significant role in these removal processes. The surface of the carbons was analyzed in terms of the p K a distributions. The qualitative and quantitative analyses of the NO2 adsorption products were carried out by means of FTIR and TA techniques, respectively. The main products found on the carbon surface were the NO3 and NO2 species.
Inferred basal friction and surface mass balance of the Northeast Greenland Ice Stream using data assimilation of ICESat (Ice Cloud and land Elevation Satellite) surface altimetry and ISSM (Ice Sheet System Model)

We present a new data assimilation method within the Ice Sheet System Model (ISSM) framework that is capable of assimilating surface altimetry data from missions such as ICESat (Ice Cloud and land Elevation Satellite) into reconstructions of transient ice flow. The new method relies on algorithmic differentiation to compute gradients of objective functions with respect to model forcings. It is applied to the Northeast Greenland Ice Stream, where surface mass balance and basal friction forcings are temporally inverted, resulting in adjusted modeled surface heights that best fit existing altimetry. This new approach allows for a better quantification of basal and surface processes and a better understanding of the physical processes currently missing in transient ice-flow models to better capture the important intra- and interannual variability in surface altimetry. It also demonstrates that large spatial and temporal variability is required in model forcings such as surface mass balance and basal friction, variability that can only be explained by including more complex processes such as snowpack compaction at the surface and basal hydrology at the bottom of the ice sheet. This approach is indeed a first step towards assimilating the wealth of high spatial resolution altimetry data available from EnviSat, ICESat, Operation IceBridge and CryoSat-2, and that which will be available in the near future with the launch of ICESat-2.
Computer-assisted Docking of Flavodoxin with the ATP:Co(I)rrinoid Adenosyltransferase (CobA) Enzyme Reveals Residues Critical for Protein-Protein Interactions but Not for Catalysis

The activity of the housekeeping ATP:co(I)rrinoid adenosyltransferase (CobA) enzyme of Salmonella enterica sv. Typhimurium is required to adenosylate de novo biosynthetic intermediates of adenosylcobalamin and to salvage incomplete and complete corrinoids from the environment of this bacterium. In vitro, reduced flavodoxin (FldA) provides an electron to generate the co(I)rrinoid substrate in the CobA active site. To understand how CobA and FldA interact, a computer model of a CobA·FldA complex was generated. This model was used to guide the introduction of mutations into CobA using site-directed mutagenesis and the synthesis of a peptide mimic of FldA. Residues Arg-9 and Arg-165 of CobA were critical for FldA-dependent adenosylation but were catalytically as competent as the wild-type protein when cob(I)alamin was provided as substrate. These results indicate that Arg-9 and Arg-165 are important for CobA·FldA docking but not to catalysis. A truncation of the 9-amino acid N-terminal helix of CobA reduced its FldA-dependent cobalamin adenosyltransferase activity by 97.4%. The same protein, however, had a 4-fold higher specific activity than the native enzyme when cob(I)alamin was generated chemically in situ.
Nonparametric density estimation of streaming data using orthogonal series

Streaming data represent a serious challenge because implicit in the nature of streaming data, data are not exchangeable and are not storable. This means data must be processed on the fly. Density estimation is an essential tool used to make sense of data collected by large scale systems. In this paper, we present a recursive method for constructing and updating an estimate of the nonstationary probability density function. Our approach is shown to work well with simulated data as well as with real data.
Reliability of DSM-IV Symptom Ratings of ADHD: implications for DSM-V.

Objective: The objective of this study was to examine the intrarater reliability of DSM-IV ADHD symptoms. Method: Two-hundred-two children referred for attention problems and 49 comparison children (all 7-12 years) were rated by parents and teachers on the identical DSM-IV items presented in two different formats, the SNAP-IV and Conners’ Revised Questionnaires, at two closely spaced points in time. Results: For the combined sample, weighted kappa scores for intrarater agreement ranged from .30 (“fair”) to .77 (“good”) across symptoms. Kappa scores were good with respect to agreement on the DSM-IV criterion of endorsement of at least six symptoms in a given cluster for Inattention (.60 and .76, for parents and teachers, respectively) and Hyperactivity-Impulsivity (.72 and .75, respectively). Kappas for identification of cases as AD/HD or not AD/HD were good to excellent (.67 and .79 for parents and teachers, respectively). Classification as AD/HD or not AD/HD changed from the first to the second rating in...
Mesh size and collection characteristics of 50-cm diameter conical plankton nets

This paper compares collection characteristics of #2-(363 µm), #10-(156 µm), and #20-(76 µm) mesh conical plankton nets: dimensions were 50-cm diameter by 1.6-m long. The #2-mesh net severely underestimated the abundances of Lake Michigan copepods and cladocerans with the exception of the largest species (Limnocalanus macrurus). Zooplankton abundance estimates were more similar for the #10- and #20-mesh nets collections. Nauplii, however, were severely undersampled by the #10-mesh net with abundance estimates approximately 8 to 12 times lower than for the #20-mesh net collections. Most other larger zooplankton were 50% more abundant in the 20-mesh net collections than in the #10-mesh net collections: such consistent differences occurred despite large variations in taxa size. This indicates that a sampling bias occurred other than the loss of zooplankton through the meshes of the #10 net. We hypothesize that, by incorrectly locating the flowmeter in the mouth of the plankton net, we underestimated the volume of water filtered by the easily-clogged #20-mesh net and therefore overestimated taxa abundances. We conclude that the #10-mesh net provided accurate estimates of microcrustacean zooplankton abundances except for nauplii. The #10-mesh net used in our study had a filtration area ratio of 3.06 and operated at a calculated average filtration efficiency of 98%. The #20-mesh net had a filtration area ratio of 1.86 and operated at calculated average filtration efficiencies ranging from 64.7% (41.7 m station) to 79.6% (6.3 m station). Calculations are presented which show how the filtration efficiencies of the nets used in our study could be improved by net redesign.