cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Amorphous transdisciplinary service systems

Amorphous transdisciplinary system is the application of backend object-oriented service providers - local/remote objects - having independent limited computational functionalities - provider services - that dynamically actualise frontend service-oriented microservices and macroservices. A microservice binds to a single provider and executes a single provider service. A macroservice by contrast is a compound service request comprising of microservices and other macroservices with service fidelities and metafidelities. Macroservices express dynamic collaborations of large number of provider services (applications, tools, and utilities) with emergent multifidelity management. This type of agile service aggregation is often referred to as a system of systems. A metafidelity - fidelity of fidelities - is used by a fidelity management system to morph a macroservice for evolving collaboration of provider services at runtime. The presented amorphous transdisciplinary approach provides service-oriented modelling or programming, or both (mogramming) with a corresponding service-oriented operating system. The operating system runs amorphous frontend macroservices and dynamically manages its service processor - corresponding collaborations of backend service providers.
Effects of porous media insert on the efficiency and power density of a high pressure (210 bar) liquid piston air compressor/expander – An experimental study

Abstract A high pressure, efficient and power dense air compressor/expander is a critical element in an isothermal compressed air energy storage (ICAES) system. Heat transfer is often the limiting factor in realizing efficient and power dense compression and expansion processes. Liquid piston compressor/expanders with porous media inserts have been proposed, in which the porous media serves as heat exchangers. While this concept has been studied through modeling and simulation, it has only been validated experimentally at low pressures (10 bar). This paper studies experimentally the effect of porous media in a high pressure (7–210 bar) liquid piston air compressor/expander, which is the proposed pressure for the ICAES system. Cases with the porous media uniformly distributed and non-uniformly distributed in the chamber are studied with various compression and expansion rates. Results show that at 93% efficiency, the uniformly distributed 2.5 mm interrupted plate porous medium increases power density by 10 times in compression and 20 times in expansion; or at the same power, efficiency is increased by 13% in compression and 23% in expansion. Moreover, the porous medium, if deployed at the top of the chamber, is shown to be more effective than if deployed at the bottom. The results indicate that the added surface area provides the dominant benefits but the porous media also increase the heat transfer coefficient at the same efficiency regime. These results are consistent with and extend the findings from previous low pressure experiments.
Dietary sources of cumulative phthalates exposure among the U.S. general population in NHANES 2005-2014.

Abstract Background Anti-androgenic phthalates are reproductive toxicants that may have additive effects on male development. Diet is the primary exposure source for most phthalates, which contaminate the food supply through food contact materials and industrialized production. Objective To compare dietary sources of cumulative phthalates exposure between “food at home” (e.g. food consumed from a grocery store) and “food away from home” (e.g. food consumed from fast food/restaurants and cafeterias) in the U.S. general population. Methods We estimated cumulative phthalates exposure by calculating daily intake from metabolite concentrations in urinary spot samples for 10,253 participants (≥6 years old) using National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES, 2005–2014) data. We constructed a biologically relevant metric of phthalates daily intake (∑androgen-disruptor, μg/kg/day) by converting phthalates into anti-androgen equivalent terms prior to their summation. Particular foods and the percent of total energy intake (TEI) consumed from multiple dining out sources were ascertained from 24-h recall surveys. Associations with ∑androgen-disruptor levels were estimated for children, adolescents, and adults using multivariable linear regression. Results We observed a consistent positive association between dining out and Σandrogen-disruptor levels across the study population ( p -trend p Conclusion Dining out may be an important source of biologically relevant cumulative phthalates exposure among the U.S. population. Future studies should evaluate modifiable production practices that remove phthalates from the food supply in addition to the efficacy of interventions that promote eating fresh foods prepared at home.
The independent statistician model: How well is it working?

With the initiation in the late 1960s of the data and safety monitoring board or equivalently the data monitoring committee in randomized clinical trials came the need for interim statistical reports for these committees to review for study conduct and early evidence of harm or overwhelming evidence of benefit, perhaps leading to early trial termination. Initially, the statistical team was part of the data coordinating center for the trial. Later, starting in the early 1990s in many industry-sponsored trials, this statistical unit was separated organizationally from the team that collected and managed the data. This unit, often referred to as the statistical data analysis center, prepares reports for the data monitoring committee, which cover study conduct, data quality and completeness, primary and secondary outcomes, and safety measures by study arm in an unblinded fashion. The role of the statistical data analysis center is critical to any well-functioning data monitoring committee. With the proliferat...
Economic measurements and quality of life in Mexico

Using the Genuine Progress Indicator (GPI), the article seeks to evaluate the quality of life in modern Mexico. The GPI employs the same indicators used to arrive at per capita GDP, but adds positive and negative monetary and non-monetary actors that affect people's lives. Monetary factors include income distribution, increased health care cost due to air and water pollution, and loss of wetlands. Non-monetary factors involve parenting, time spent in highways, loss of leisure time, the cost of volunteer work, and other social costs. If one takes these into account, the purchasing power and quality of life of Mexican citizens are considerably lower than the per capita GDP would indicate.
The Reliability and Validity of the Loadsol® under Various Walking and Running Conditions

The assessment of loading during walking and running has historically been limited to data collection in laboratory settings or with devices that require a computer connection. This study aims to determine if the loadsol®—a single sensor wireless insole—is a valid and reliable method of assessing force. Thirty (17 male and 13 female) recreationally active individuals were recruited for a two visit study where they walked (1.3 m/s) and ran (3.0 and 3.5 m/s) at a 0%, 10% incline, and 10% decline, with the visits approximately one week apart. Ground reaction force data was collected on an instrumented treadmill (1440 Hz) and with the loadsol® (100 Hz). Ten individuals completed the day 1 protocol with a newer 200 Hz loadsol®. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC3,k) were used to assess validity and reliability and Bland–Altman plots were generated to better understand loadsol® validity. Across conditions, the peak force ICCs ranged from 0.78 to 0.97, which increased to 0.84–0.99 with the 200 Hz insoles. Similarly, the loading rate ICCs improved from 0.61 to 0.97 to 0.80–0.96 and impulse improved from 0.61 to 0.97 to 0.90–0.97. The 200 Hz insoles may be needed for loading rate and impulse in running. For both walking and running, the loadsol® has excellent between-day reliability (>0.76).
The Promise of Dietary Supplements: Research Rigor and Marketing Claims

Abstract Millions of Americans routinely consume dietary supplements, making it into a billion dollar industry. However, despite their vast popularity among adults of all ages, the level of scientific rigor supporting claims made is highly variable. In some cases, use of supplements has been associated with severe adverse outcomes and increased all-cause mortality. While dietary supplements can be beneficial in many cases, we must be cautious about the quality of science behind them. Consumer-directed industries, such as dietary supplement, heavily rely on marketing tools to sway consumer opinion. In a loosely regulated industry such as dietary supplements, critical review of each product is essential. This chapter outlines approaches and tools useful for such critical assessment of dietary supplement products.
Contracting love versus courtly love: Jans Enikel’s “Friedrich von Auchenfurt,” the anonymous Mauritius von Craûn, and Dietrich von der Gletze’s “Der Borte”

A surprisingly large number of late medieval German verse narratives are deeply occupied with conflicts in love due to the commodifying nature of the relationship established by the male wooer or his beloved lady. Instead of pursuing love in accordance with the ideals and norms of courtly culture, in these texts from the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries we observe that suddenly contracts are set up either to force the woman to grant her body to the wooer, or to block the lover from imposing himself upon the lady. Late medieval poets such as Jans Enikel, the anonymous author of Mauritius von Craun, or Dietrich von der Gletze/Glezze present increasingly problematic cases where love is substituted by contractual conditions, bartering, and exchange commercializing and perverting the erotic aspect altogether.
Urban afforestation and infant health: Evidence from MillionTreesNYC

Abstract This paper examines the impact of urban afforestation on infant health outcomes by exploiting a quasi-experimental setting where one million new trees were planted in New York City (NYC), but not in counties surrounding NYC over the same time period. Using a near-universal birth record of NYC and surrounding counties over 2004–2015 and employing both the synthetic control method and a difference-in-differences model, we find that an approximately 20% increase in urban forest cover decreased prematurity and low birth weight among mothers in NYC by 2.1 and 0.24 percentage points, respectively, relative to similar mothers outside of NYC. The low birth weight finding is equivalent to getting a mother smoking two cigarettes a day during pregnancy to quit. An internal validity test suggests that changes in the composition of NYC mothers cannot explain the observed effects. Additionally, we find evidence that declines in PM2.5 concentrations and increases in outdoor walks are potential causal mechanisms. Results suggest that urban afforestation may be able to complement existing policies aimed at improving infant health.
Cognitive Diversity: A Measurement of Dissimilarity Between Multiple Scoring Systems

In the context of computing and informatics, Cognitive Diversity (CD) has been proposed to characterize the degree of dissimilarity between multiple scoring systems (MSS). As such, CD serves a role...
When invaders collide: competition, aggression, and predators affect outcomes in overlapping populations of red swamp (Procambarus clarkii) and rusty (Faxonius rusticus) crayfishes

Non-native crayfishes can have large impacts on biodiversity and the provisioning of ecosystem services in freshwaters. In 2015 we discovered an established population of the globally widespread red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) in the North Shore Channel of the Chicago Area Waterway System. This population overlaps with a population of rusty crayfish (Faxonius rusticus), a previous invader that is widely distributed and usually the dominant crayfish species across the Great Lakes region. If P. clarkii continues to spread in the Great Lakes region it will frequently encounter F. rusticus. Factors such as water clarity, competition for food when limited, and susceptibility to predation may alter P. clarkii’s ability to become established and spread. We sampled the overlapping populations and found that P. clarkii are significantly larger than F. rusticus. Next, we conducted lab experiments to examine the outcomes of competition between these species for shelter and food. F. rusticus were significantly more likely to seek shelter when threatened, while P. clarkii were significantly more likely to respond aggressively. P. clarkii won more competitions for food. Finally, we conducted field experiments to investigate rates of predation on each species and found that P. clarkii are predated significantly more often. Our results suggest that P. clarkii is dominant in interactions with F. rusticus but that higher rates of predation, likely occurring because P. clarkii is less likely to flee from threats, mitigate these benefits. We suggest that P. clarkii will dominate crayfish communities in water with low clarity, but not in clear-water habitats where visual predators are more effective.
Queen Sugar’s women directors: nourishing complex images

The audience roots for the drug addict Darla who wants to get her son and her man back into her life. Viewers mourn for Nova who needs comforting after her father dies but can’t get it from her mar...
Strains of Dissent: Popular Music and Everyday Resistance in WWII France, 1940–1945

In Strains of Dissent: Popular Music and Everyday Resistance in WWII France, 1940–1945, Kelly Jakes deftly employs the insights of multiple disciplines and modes of discourse to reveal the rhetoric...
Fostering belonging in academic anaesthesiology: faculty and department chair perspectives on supporting women anaesthesiologists

An increasing number of global initiatives aim to address the disconnection between the increasing number of women entering medicine and the persistence of gender imbalance in the physician anaesthesiologist workforce. This commentary complements the global movement's efforts to increase women's representation in academic anaesthesiology by presenting considerations for fostering inclusion for women in academic anaesthesiology from both the faculty and departmental leadership perspectives in a US academic anaesthesiology department.
Forensic Geosciences and Geophysics: Overview

In this chapter, the theoretical foundation of the geophysical methods applied in the field of Forensic Geosciences will be treated. After an introduction about state of the art, the Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR), Gravimetry, Magnetometry, Ground-Penetrating Radar (GPR), Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT), Self-Potential (SP), and seismic sonic an ultrasonic methods will be considered. Using practical examples, some important theoretical aspect of these methods will be explained as simply as possible.
Review: Incarcerated Childhood and the Politics of Unchilding, by Nadera Shalhoub-Kevorkian

There is a symbiotic and self-sustaining relationship between political violence and the abuse of children's rights, be it in India, Mexico, Australia, Europe, the United States, Canada, the Middle...
Sprint Exercise of Juvenile Animals Does Not Impact Cartilage Glycosaminoglycan or Synovial Fluid Neopeptide Collagenase Cleavage of Type I and II Collagen Content.

Abstract Short sprints performed during growth can increase bone strength, mineral density, and cortical widths, but their impact on joint health is not fully understood. Some studies have found joints of young animals are damaged by forced sprints, while others found confinement hindered joint development. This study aimed to determine the impact of short sprints on synovial fluid neopeptide collagenase cleavage of type I and II collagen (C1,2C) and cartilage glycosaminoglycan (GAG) content. Calves were used as a model for young horses in this terminal study. Twenty-four Holstein bull calves were assigned to treatment groups of 1, 3, 5, or 0 days/week of sprinting (n = 6). A sprint consisted of an individual calf being walked from its stall and down a 71-m concrete aisle, at the end of which the calf was released, and encouraged to sprint towards the barn. Calves remained on treatment for 6 weeks and were euthanized on day 42. Immediately posteuthanasia synovial fluid was sampled from the middle carpal joint and cartilage discs sampled from 9 locations on the carpal bones. Analysis was performed in SAS 9.4 with fixed effects of treatment and bone. There were no differences in C1,2C or GAG concentrations between treatments (P = .73 and P = .96, respectively), but there was a difference between individual carpal bone GAG concentration (P = .03). Short sprints for 6 weeks during growth did not impact middle carpal joint C1,2C or carpal bone GAG content, and should be permitted given the benefits to bone health.
Super hotspots and super coldspots in the repair of UV-induced DNA damage in the human genome

The formation of UV-induced DNA damage and its repair are influenced by many factors that modulate lesion formation and the accessibility of repair machinery. However, it remains unknown which genomic sites are prioritized for immediate repair after UV damage induction, and whether these prioritized sites overlap with hotspots of UV damage. We identified the super hotspots subject to the earliest repair for (6-4) pyrimidine–pyrimidone photoproduct by using the eXcision Repair-sequencing (XR-seq) method. We further identified super coldspots for (6-4) pyrimidine–pyrimidone photoproduct repair and super hotspots for cyclobutane pyrimidine dimer repair by analyzing available XR-seq time-course data. By integrating datasets of XR-seq, Damage-seq, adductSeq, and cyclobutane pyrimidine dimer-seq, we show that neither repair super hotspots nor repair super coldspots overlap hotspots of UV damage. Furthermore, we demonstrate that repair super hotspots are significantly enriched in frequently interacting regions and superenhancers. Finally, we report our discovery of an enrichment of cytosine in repair super hotspots and super coldspots. These findings suggest that local DNA features together with large-scale chromatin features contribute to the orders of magnitude variability in the rates of UV damage repair.
The Role of Impella in the Management of Cardiogenic Shock in Heart Transplant Patients at a Pediatric Center

Purpose Graft failure after heart transplant (HTx) due to allograft rejection or coronary artery vasculopathy (CAV) can result in cardiogenic shock requiring mechanical circulatory support (MCS). We present our institutional experience with the Impella®, a percutaneous ventricular assist device (VAD), in HTx patients in cardiogenic shock due to graft failure. Methods This is a single center, retrospective review of HTx patients who underwent Impella implantation from 10/2014 to 4/2020. Demographics, device implant techniques, complications, and clinical outcomes were analyzed. Results There were 19 Impella implants in 11 HTx patients with median age and weight of 16 years (range 6-25) and 61 kg (range 23-124). Graft failure was due to rejection in 55% (6/11), CAV in 18% (2/11), and non-specific graft failure in 27% (3/11). Median time from HTx to Impella implant was 42 months (range 9-175). Impella devices included CP (n=11), 5.0 (n=5), 2.5 (n=1), and RP (n=2). Median length of support per implant was 5 days (range 3-21). Devices were placed via femoral (15/19) or axillary (4/19) arterial access. Seven patients received Impella support once with a single implant each. One patient required 3 distinct admissions for shock due to rejection and received Impella support each time. Three patients required 9 device implants during their course primarily for recurrence of heart failure (HF) after trial off device. Two of these received simultaneous support with CP and RP devices for biventricular HF. ECMO with Impella was required in 4 patients; 2 had Impella after ECMO for left heart decompression and 2 were placed on ECMO after Impella to augment cardiac support. Device related complications per patient included: device malfunction in 2, major bleeding requiring transfusion in 2, hemolysis in 5, extremity arterial thrombus in 2, intracardiac thrombus in 1, and transient foot drop in 3. There was no limb ischemia, stroke, infection, or increase in aortic insufficiency in the study cohort. Survival to hospital discharge was 91% (10/11). Six patients were explanted for recovery, 2 were transitioned to durable VAD, and 2 were bridged to HTx. Conclusion Impella is a promising temporary MCS option with an acceptable risk profile for adolescent and young adult HTx patients in cardiogenic shock due to graft failure with means to facilitate recovery or bridge to durable VAD or re-transplant.
Emotions, identity, and commitment among early leavers in the United States of America

High teacher attrition rates hinder schools in their ability to provide quality instruction. While studies have identified factors related to attrition (e.g., salary, administrative support) and th...
Satellite Monitoring for Air Quality and Health.

Data from satellite instruments provide estimates of gas and particle levels relevant to human health, even pollutants invisible to the human eye. However, the successful interpretation of satellit...
Utility of a short, telephone-administered version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment.

Author(s): Jennings, Lee A; Araujo, Katy LB; Meng, Can; Peduzzi, Peter; Charpentier, Peter; Reuben, David B | Abstract: BackgroundBecause of the COVID-19 pandemic, the ongoing D-CARE pragmatic trial of two models of dementia care management needed to transition to all data collection by telephone.MethodsFor the first 1069 D-CARE participants, we determined the feasibility of administering a short 3-item version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) to persons with dementia by telephone and examined the correlation with the full 12-item version.ResultsThe 3-item version could be administered by telephone in approximately 6nmin and was highly correlated with the full MoCA (rn=n0.78, p l 0.0001).ConclusionsThis brief version of the MoCA was feasible to collect by telephone and could be used as an alternative to the full MoCA, particularly if the purpose of cognitive assessment is characterization of study participants.
The Depth Dependence of Shear Finestructure off Point Arena and near Pioneer Seamount

Abstract High-resolution velocity profiles to depths of 1600 m were collected off Point Arena and near Pioneer Seamount, California. They reveal shear increasing with depth relative to the GM76 model spectrum. Using an empirical parameterization found to collapse microstructure data the “dissipation rate” and “eddy diffusivity” are estimated from these shears. Away from the seamount, dissipation rates are depth invariant at 3–6(×10−10 W kg−1). As a result, the eddy diffusivity increases with depth, approaching 0.2–0.3(×10−4 m2 s−1) below 1200-m depth. This may be a result of the proximity of the continental rise and sloping topography, but there is evidence that it is a general result for the abyssal ocean. Immediately above the seamount, there is a 300–400-m thick layer of elevated shear, corresponding to an eddy diffusivity of ∼ 10−4 m2 s−1. If this localized enhancement is typical of seamounts, topographically induced mixing is insufficient to significantly modify global average mixing.
Applications of Resonance Ionization Spectroscopy in Atomic and Molecular Physics

Publisher Summary Resonance ionization spectroscopy (RIS) can be defined as a state-selective detection process in which pulsed tunable lasers are used to promote transitions from the selected state of the atoms or molecules in question to higher states, one of which will be ionized by the further absorption of another photon. At least one resonance step is used in the stepwise ionization process, and it has been shown that the ionization probability of the spectroscopically selected species can nearly always be made close to unity. The ability to make saturated RIS measurements opens up a wide array of applications to both basic and applied research. The chapter discusses applications of RIS methods to atomic and molecular physics. It begins with a theoretical description of multiphoton excitation using broad bandwidth lasers with a twofold purpose. First, the theoretical results are used to estimate excitation probabilities with regard to the feasibility and expected signal magnitude of the experiments discussed. Second, the results of these experiments can, in turn, be used to test various aspects of the theory such as atomic structure calculations and the model chosen to describe the laser radiation. A variety of photophysics and collision physics experiments on inert gases are suggested and described. The results of an experiment on the two-photon excitation of Xe are also discussed in the chapter. The possible use of RIS techniques in conjunction with pulsed supersonic nozzle jet beams is illustrated with the proposal of a couple of experiments.
Frequency of dividing cells as an estimator of bacterial productivity.

It has recently been proposed that the frequency of dividing bacterial cells (FDC) can be used to predict growth rates of natural aquatic bacterial assemblages. We have examined the relationship between FDC and growth rate in bacteria from southern-temperate, coastal marine waters by using incubation under conditions of manipulated nutrient availability and exclusion of bacterivores. The regression of the natural logarithm of bacterial instantaneous growth rate (μ) on FDC resulted in a better fit than regression of untransformed μ on FDC. The regression equation was ln μ = 0.299FDC − 4.961. The coefficient of variation for predicted ln μ at mean FDC was 7%. The range of FDC-estimated bacterial instantaneous generation times for coastal Georgia waters was 12 to 68 h, and range of calculated bacterial production rates was 0.6 to 17.6 mg of C·m−3· h−1. Unresolved problems of and suggested improvements on the FDC method of predicting growth rate are discussed.
Where in the World?: An Online Guide to Gazetteers, Atlases and Other Map Resources

SUMMARY Historically, it has been difficult for libraries to maintain large collections of map resources because of the cost of these resources and the difficulties in storing oversized gazetteers and atlases, and large loose maps. In addition to print resources, the public now has access to an overabundance of online maps and map related resources. The resources in this column have been selected after the review of a large number of map resources on the World Wide Web. The sites were chosen based on content, relevancy, quality, reliability, stability, and ease of use. Abstracts appear for the best online resources including: five online gazetteers, six atlases, three comprehensive map resource sites, four historical maps sites, four containing road maps and travel information, and one “just for fun.”
Cluster-derived structures and conductance fluctuations in nanowires

Understanding the variation of a material's properties with size, form of aggregation and dimensionality is becoming important in the face of increasing miniaturization of electronic and mechanical devices. Experimental studies have focused on the preparation and characterization of solid-state nanometre-scale structures such as metal and semiconductor nanocrystals1,2,3, surface-supported structures and quantum dots4 and nanoscale junctions or wires5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22. It has emerged that these nanostructures can often be fruitfully described using concepts and methodologies developed in the contexts of gas-phase atomic clusters and atomic nuclei23,24,25. Here we make this connection explicitly through first-principle molecular dynamics simulations22,26 which show that, as nanowires of sodium metal are stretched to just a few atoms in diameter, the structures formed by metal atoms in the neck can be described in terms of those observed in small gas-phase sodium clusters27. We find that the electronic spectral and conductance characteristics of these atomic-scale contacts exhibit dynamical thermal fluctuations on a sub-picosecond timescale, owing to rearrangements of the metal atoms, which will significantly affect the transport properties of such nanowires.
Effects of Surface Thermal Forcing on Stratified Flow Past AN Isolated Obstacle.

The present study investigates basic aspects of the flow of a density-stratified fluid past three-dimensional obstacles for Froude number ~ 0(1) and iso­ lated surface thermal forcing representative of diurnaUy varying mesoscale flows past mountainous islands such as Hawaii. In order to minimize param­ eter space, we have excluded the effects of friction, rotation, nonuniform am­ bient flow, and the complexities of realistic surface boundary layer and ter­ rain. Through simple scaJing arguments, we deduce that the parameter t]* for a given Froude number, and we provide crude estimates of a flow response for a range of 77*. The principal question addressed is for what values of 77* will a transition occur from the low-Froude-number flow regime, characterized by the stagnation and splitting of the lower upwind flow, to the regime in which flow passes over rather than around the obstacle. We show that the linear the­ ory captures such a tendency consistently with simple scaling arguments. To provide quantitative measures of flow variability with the Froude number and 77*, we employ an efficient isentropic numerical code and summarize the results of numerous simulations in the form of a regime diagram. The principal re­ sult is a simple criterion for the transition of a heated flow from the blocked to unblocked flow regime. We illustrate the relevance of the idealized study to natural flows with an example of appHcations to a flow past the Hawaiian Archipelago. 0(1) for mesoscale flows] controls thermally forced flows
The Gauthier Contract: Applicable or Not?

In a 2013 article, David Gauthier noted upon the twenty-fifth anniversary of the publication of Morals by Agreement that his contractarian approach to morality had found a niche among ‘some of those who remain unpersuaded by either Kantianism or utilitarianism’. In this article I will focus on Pareto optimization and I will argue that the Gauthier contract, even in spite of the article’s revisions, is still less useful for consultation purposes than Gauthier is assuming. To highlight the conceptual distance that I think separates the Gauthier contract from real-world circumstances—a separation that is greater than Gauthier supposes—I will focus on the problem of ‘civic defection’. The point is not for us to repudiate as such the deliverances of the Gauthier model, but simply to use caution in our deployment of the model, and, in order to access the full extent of the model’s offerings, to resist the temptation to deploy it in the service of purposes which it is not capable of accomplishing.
High-Throughput Screening for Modulators of Mesenchymal Stem Cell Chondrogenesis

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are an attractive cell source for regenerative medicine and the study of skeletal development. Despite considerable interest in MSC chondrogenesis, the signal transduction and molecular mechanisms underlying this process remain largely undefined. To explore the signaling topology regulating chondrogenic differentiation, as well as to discover novel modulators, we developed and validated a high-throughput screening (HTS) assay for MSC chondrogenesis. Adapting standard assay procedures to enable HTS, we successfully minimized cell number, handling, and culture duration. Using our optimized methodology with automation, we evaluated a comprehensive screen using four growth factors, TGF-β3, BMP-2, IGF-1, and FGF-2, to demonstrate the feasibility of large combinatorial screens. We examined the chondrogenic effects of these growth factors in different combinations and doses (81 combinations total with 16 replicates per group) and found variable effects on GAG content with different combinations. In general, TGF-β3 had a pro-chondrogenic effect while FGF-2 had a proliferative effect. BMP-2 was both proliferative and pro-chondrogenic while the effect of IGF-1 in our system was variable. We also carried out an HTS campaign of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) chemical library of small molecules (1040 compounds) and identified 5 potential inducers and 24 potential inhibitors of chondrogenesis. Of these compounds, several were identified from the hypnotic, anti-neoplastic, or anti-protein synthesis classes of molecules. These studies demonstrate our ability to carry out high-throughput screening assays for modulators of chondrogenesis.
SU‐FF‐I‐28: Effects of Voxel Size On Visibility of Microcalcifications in Cone Beam Breast CT

Purpose: To investigate the effects of voxel size on the visibility of simulated microcalcifications (MCs) in cone bream breast CT.Method and materials:Calciumcarbonate grains (ranging from 140–150 to 200–212 μm), were used to simulate MCs. 25 MCs from same size group were arranged into a 5 × 5 cluster and embedded at the center of a 15 mm diameter paraffin rod. Rods with MCs from various size groups were constructed and scanned with a bench top experimental CBCT system. A CCDdetector (C4742‐56‐12ER, Hamamatsu Photonics K.K) operated in 2×2 binning mode was used to acquire 300 projection images with a pixel size of 48 μm over 360°. Imaging geometry was configured with a magnification factor of 1.16 to result in a voxel size of 42 μm to match the spatial resolution limit. The acquired images were further binned into image sets of larger pixels (96, 144, 192, 240 and 288 μm). The image sets were then reconstructed with Feldkamp's backprojection algorithm using a ramp filter. The reconstructed image sets were reviewed by 6 readers independently. The visibility, computed as the ratio of visible MCs and averaged over all readers, was plotted as the function of voxel size to quantify the effects of voxel size on the visibility of MCs.Results: Based on the visibility versus voxel size plot, 90% visibility was achieved for 200 – 212, 180 – 200, 160 – 180, 150 – 160 and 140 – 150 μm calcifications at a voxel size of 249, 249, 206, 166 and 125 μm, respectively. The visibility versus voxel size plot may be used to determine the minimum pixel size required to achieve a specific visibility level for MCs of certain sizes. Conclusions: We have demonstrated that the minimum voxel size required to achieve a specific visibility level decreased with the MC size.
The Beginnings of Pyrotechnology, Part II: Production and Use of Lime and Gypsum Plaster in the Pre-Pottery Neolithic Near East

AbstractCharacterization techniques of modern materials science have been used to extend a prior study (W. H. Gourdin and W. D. Kingery, “The Beginnings of Pyrotechnology: Neolithic and Egyptian Lime Plaster,” Journal of Field Archaeology 2 [1975]: 133–50) of plaster materials and their processing in the Pre-Pottery Neolithic (ca. 7200–6000 B.C.). The “invention” of lime plaster can be traced back to at least the Epi-PaleolithicGeometric Kebaran (ca. 12,000 B.C.) and its use in architecture to the Natufian (10,300–8500 B.C.). The production of lime and gypsum plasters is described as a multi-step process requiring selection and collection of raw materials, heating of limestone at 800–900°C (gypsum at 150–200°C), slaking the quicklime in water to form the hydroxide, mixing with various additives, applying and shaping as a paste, and often coating with a slip coat and burnishing—a skilled craft activity having some structural similarities to pottery manufacture. Plaster production expanded in the Pre-Potter...
Enhancement of antineoplastic activity of 5-fluorouracil in mice bearing colon 38 tumor by (6R)5,10-dideazatetrahydrofolic acid

(6R)5,10-Dideazatetrahydrofolic acid (DDATHF, Lometrexol), a potent antitumor drug in vivo and in vitro, is an inhibitor of the two folate-dependent enzymes in the de novo purine biosynthesis pathway: glycinamide ribonucleotide (GAR) and amino imidazole carboxamide (AICAR) transformylases. A single dose of DDATHF (50 mg/kg, i.p.) in C57/BL6 mice caused a prolonged depletion of purine nucleotides (ATP and GTP) in colon 38 tumor and only a temporary effect in liver. GAR transformylase activity was higher in colon 38 tumor than in liver, but a kinetic analysis on the purified enzyme showed no differences in Ki values for DDATHF or Km values for the folate substrate. As a consequence of de novo purine synthesis inhibition, there was a 2- to 3-fold elevation of 5-phosphoribosyl-1-pyrophosphate pools in colon 38 tumor between 4 and 12 hr after DDATHF administration. When DDATHF (50 mg/kg) was administered 4 or 8 hr prior to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU; 85 mg/kg, i.p., weekly), these biochemical effects significantly increased the antitumor activity of 5-FU, with a modest increase in toxicity. Lower doses of DDATHF (25 and 37.5 mg/kg) when combined with 5-FU also resulted in an improved antitumor activity without additional toxicity. The two different schedules of administration for DDATHF, 4 and 8 hr prior to 5-FU, showed no differences in antitumor activity or toxicity.
Cloud effects on air-sea interactions during the 1979 Indian summer monsoon as studied from satellite observations

The Indian summer monsoon, one of the earth's most vigorous and energetic seasonally occurring weather events, influences the global atmospheric circulation. Its onset, duration, and intensity are governed by large- and meso-scale geophysical processes, such as surface solar heating and air-sea interactions. In this paper, using innovative combinations of satellite sensor data, we investigate some of these fundamental processes which are closely tied to clouds and control the monsoon system's evolution. The study, which focuses on the monsoon period of June, 1979, examines the low-frequency variability of clouds and their effects on air-sea processes through an analysis of the complex influence clouds play on the surface heat and water budgets. First, the effects of clouds on both the solar and longwave components of the surface radiation budget are assessed using a cloud radiative forcing parameter. While the effects of clouds on the long-wave irradiance act in a manner opposite to their effects on the shortwave irradiance, only a partial compensation is found to take place and the net effect results in a maximum cloud forcing of 60 Wm−2 in the southwestern Arabian Sea. Second, employing satellite-derived precipitation and evaporation estimates, the paper analyzes the net surface fresh water budget variability around the monsoon onset. This budget is important in that fresh water affects the upper ocean density distribution and, consequently, the thermohaline circulation. Two regions are found to dominate the analysis: the western Arabian Sea, where evaporation is dominant by more than 10 mm day−1, and the eastern Arabian Sea, where precipitation is dominant by more than 10 mm day−1. Thus, a strong zonal gradient of fresh water at the surface is established during the monsoon. The last topic investigated is the intraseasonal variability of convection as analyzed using a cloud parameter indicative of deep convection. Cloud oscillations of 30–50 days, associated with the different phases of the monsoon, are found to propagate northward in the eastern Indian Ocean and eastward in the Bay of Bengal. Our analysis not only supports the hypothesis that the 30–50-day oscillation is driven by deep convection but also, and more importantly, suggests that the ocean thermal forcing is modulated by 30–50-day oscillations through cloud-induced surface radiative forcing. Although the results presented are limited in scope and preliminary because of the diffculty in quantifying the accuracy of the parameters examined, they do demonstrate: 1) the role of clouds in modulating the surface heat and water budgets, 2) the advantage of using combinations of multi-sensor and multi-platform satellite observations to quantify interrelated surface heat/water budget processes, and 3) the potential to examine the intraseasonal variability of air-sea interaction processes associated with the monsoon, even though these processes are not directly measurable from space.
A comparative evaluation of polycarboxylate cement as a root-canal sealer utilizing roughened and nonroughened silver points

Abstract Polycarboxylate cement was compared to a commonly used root-canal sealer and tested in vitro on eighty-five maxillary anterior teeth. No advantages were demonstrated by this cement in these tests; however, the fit and texture of the master cone were shown to be significant factors in root-canal obturation.
Neoadjuvant chemoradiation for extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma

Background The prognosis for patients with extrahepatic bile duct cancer remains poor. The purpose of this study was to evaluate our initial results with preoperative chemoradiation for extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, in the context of our experience with conventional treatment of this disease over the past 13 years. Methods From 1983 through 1996, analysis of all patients treated for extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma was performed. Results Of 91 total patients, 51 had unresectable disease and 40 underwent resection. Median survival was significantly different for patients who underwent resection (22.2 months) versus those treated palliatively (10.7 months; P Conclusions These results suggest that preoperative chemoradiation for extrahepatic bile duct cancer can be performed safely, produces significant antitumor response, and may improve the ability to achieve tumor-free resection margins. Additional trials of preoperative chemoradiation are warranted.
Estimating Subpycnocline Density Fluctuations in the California Current Region from Upper Ocean Observations

Abstract A method for extending upper ocean density observations to the deep ocean is tested using a large number of deep CTD (conductivity-temperature-depth) stations in the California Current. The specific problem considered is that of constructing the best estimate for the density profile below a certain depth D given an observed profile above that depth. For this purpose, the estimated disturbance profile is modeled as a weighted sum of empirical vertical modes (E0Fs). The EOFs are computed from the surface to 2000 m, using 126 largely independent CTP stations off Point Sur, California. Separate computations are made for the summer half-year (mid-April to mid-October) and the winter half-year (mid-October to mid-April). For each observed density profile. the EOF weights that determine the estimated profile are obtained by performing a successive least-squares fit of the disturbance density profile above D to the first N EOFs. In this study, N is taken to be 7, which is the number of EOFs that account ...
Changes in the Mechanism of DNA Integration in Vitro Induced by Base Substitutions in the HIV-1 U5 and U3 Terminal Sequences

We have reconstituted concerted human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) integration with specially designed mini-donor DNA, a supercoiled plasmid acceptor, purified bacterial-derived HIV-1 integrase (IN), and host HMG-I(Y) protein (Hindmarsh, P., Ridky, T., Reeves, R., Andrake, M., Skalka, A. M., and Leis, J. (1999) J. Virol. 73, 2994-3003). Integration in this system is dependent upon the mini donor DNA having IN recognition sequences at both ends and the reaction products have all of the features associated with integration of viral DNA in vivo. Using this system, we explored the relationship between the HIV-1 U3 and U5 IN recognition sequences by analyzing substrates that contain either two U3 or two U5 terminal sequences. Both substrates caused severe defects to integration but with different effects on the mechanism indicating that the U3 and the U5 sequences are both required for concerted DNA integration. We have also used the reconstituted system to compare the mechanism of integration catalyzed by HIV-1 to that of avian sarcoma virus by analyzing the effect of defined mutations introduced into U3 or U5 ends of the respective wild type DNA substrates. Despite sequence differences between avian sarcoma virus and HIV-1 IN and their recognition sequences, the consequences of analogous base pair substitutions at the same relative positions of the respective IN recognition sequences were very similar. This highlights the common mechanism of integration shared by these two different viruses.
A concentration gradient of glucose from liver to plasma

Concentrations of glucose in plasma water and liver water were determined in rats under a number of conditions. In fasted and fed postadsorptive rats, the concentration of glucose in plasma water averaged 5.5 +/- 0.5 and 6.8 +/- 0.2 mmol/L, respectively. The concentration in liver water was 8.2 +/- 0.9 and 11.1 +/- 1.1 mmol/L, respectively (mean +/- SD). The concentration ratio of liver water to plasma water (LW/PW) was 1.52 +/- 0.1 (range, 1.4 to 1.7; n = 7) in fasted rats and 1.64 +/- 0.39 (range, 1.38 to 2.0; n = 10 [mean +/- SD]) in fed rats. Fasted rats treated with glucagon contained no liver glycogen. The concentration of glucose in plasma water was 7.1 +/- 0.3 mmol/L and in liver water 9.2 +/- 0.5 mmol/L, and the LW/PW averaged 1.35 +/- 0.08 (range, 1.23 to 1.45; n = 8). Insulin-injected hypoglycemic rats contained very little glycogen. The LW/PW was 2.7 +/- 0.2. In fasted rats infused intragastrically with 30 mg/min/kg glucose, the concentration of glucose in mixed portal-arterial plasma water entering the liver averaged 10.3 +/- 0.8 mmol/L and that in liver water 12.4 +/- 1.3 mmol/L (mean +/- SD), with the LW/PW averaging 1.21 +/- 0.1 (range, 1.08 to 1.4; n = 8). Fasted rats were infused with 3.4 mg/min/kg sodium lactate labeled with 14C and 13C and with a trace amount of [3-3H]glucose. The glucose concentration in arterial plasma water averaged 6.4 +/- 1.0 mmol/L and in liver water 14.6 +/- 4.4 mmol/L (mean +/- SD).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Lipoxygenase is an abundant protein in cucumber exudates

The presence of lipoxygenase (LOX) has been reported in many plant organs. High LOX activity (1–2 μkatal/mg protein) was detected in exudates from cut cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) stems and petioles. Exudate LOX had a pH optimum of 5.0, an estimated molecular weight of 95 kDa and cross-reacted on sodium-dodecyl-sulfate gels with anti-LOX antibodies raised against soybean leaf LOX isoenzymes. Lipoxygenase activity was detected on native gels stained with o-dianisidine using linoleic acid as a substrate. Enzyme activity was similar with linoleic and linolenic acid and 2 times greater with arachidonic acid as substrate. At pH 6.8, LOX metabolized linoleic acid into 13- and 9-hydroperoxides at a ratio of 1∶2. Linolenic acid was preferentially oxidized at carbon 13. Lipoxygenase activity was inhibited by n-propyl gallate (IC50 300 nM) and nordihydroguaiaretic acid (IC50 25 nM), but not by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. LOX activity was enhanced 4.5-fold by 300 mM Ca2+. Spermine at 1 mM, and putrescine and spermidine at 2 mM completely inhibited LOX activity, but at low concentrations spermine (100 mM) and spermidine (100–500 mM) significantly stimulated LOX activity: 8- and 4.5-fold, respectively. Tissue printing of stem, petiole and hypocotyl sections with subsequent incubation with the antiserum raised against soybean leaf LOX revealed the presence of LOX in the internal and external phloem and in the sieve tubes.