cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
What Could Explain δ13C Signatures in Biocrust Cyanobacteria of Drylands

Dryland ecosystems are increasing in geographic extent and contribute greatly to interannual variability in global carbon dynamics. Disentangling interactions among dominant primary producers, including plants and autotrophic microbes, can help partition their contributions to dryland C dynamics. We measured the δ13C signatures of biological soil crust cyanobacteria and dominant plant species (C3 and C4) across a regional scale in the southwestern USA to determine if biocrust cyanobacteria were coupled to plant productivity (using plant-derived C mixotrophically), or independent of plant activity (and therefore purely autotrophic). Cyanobacterial assemblages located next to all C3 plants and one C4 species had consistently more negative δ13C (by 2‰) than the cyanobacteria collected from plant interspaces or adjacent to two C4 Bouteloua grass species. The differences among cyanobacterial assemblages in δ13C could not be explained by cyanobacterial community composition, photosynthetic capacity, or any measured leaf or root characteristics (all slopes not different from zero). Thus, microsite differences in abiotic conditions near plants, rather than biotic interactions, remain a likely mechanism underlying the observed δ13C patterns to be tested experimentally.
Establishment and characterization of a line of transgenic mice harboring a lung specific human type II p53(175H) mutation

1055 Lung cancer is one of the most deadly diseases worldwide and more than 50% of lung cancers contain p53 mutations. Mutant p53 can be classified into two major types, the type I (contact) mutation and type II (conformational) mutation. Important differences between these types have been established, including a higher oncogenic potential for the type II mutation, and the conservation of some wild type activity for type I. We previously established a line of lung specific SPC-p53(273H), a type I p53 mutant, which spontaneously developed lung adenocarcinomas at a median age of 13-15 months. To investigate the role of type II p53 mutant in lung tumorigenesis, a transgenic mouse model with a human mutant p53(175H, Arg to His at codon 175, a type II mutant) was developed. The transgene was placed under the control of the human surfactant protein C (SPC) promoter to selectively express the mutant gene in lung tissue. Transgenic mice were generated by microinjection of a 6.7-kb fragment of the SPC-p53 construct into the pro-nuclei of FVB/N mouse zygotes. Four transgenic founders were identified; 3 females and 1 male. Two female mice did not pass the transgene, whereas the other two passed the transgene to the F1 generation, permitting to establish a line of SPC-p53(175H) transgenic mice. The ratio of transgenic to non-transgenic offspring was 38% (N=157). Expression of the human mutant p53(175H) in lung tissue was evaluated by immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis using the human specific p53 antibody (DO-7). These analyses showed a high level of human p53 protein in the transgenic lung tissues. The mutant protein was found primarily in the nuclei of pneumocytes from the transgenic mice, and absent in lung tissue from non-transgenic littermates. The male founder developed a lung tumor (12 mm in diameter), identified pathologically as an adenocarcinoma, at necropsy at the age of 12 months. One of the F1 males also developed a lung adenocarcinoma (11mm in diameter) at the age of five months. The remaining mice will be evaluated for the rate of tumor formation at age intervals of 7-9, 10-12 and 13-15 months and compared to the incidence in non-transgenic littermates and type I mutants. The animal models discussed above should provide valuable information on the role of mutant p53 type in lung carcinogenesis and may provide a framework to further evaluate environmental carcinogens and the effects of these mutations on response to treatment interventions.
Understanding the Impact Dynamics of Windstorms on Short-Term Economic Activity from Night Lights in Central America

Central America is particularly prone to tropical storms and hurricanes. The prevailing conditions of poverty and socioeconomic inequality in most countries of the region, along with growing urban agglomerations, make their exposed population especially vulnerable to those extreme weather events. This paper quantifies the causal effects of hurricane windstorms on economic growth using night lights in the Central America region at the highest spatial resolution data available (1 km2). The paper uses a unique data set of monthly night light imageries to capture the temporal disaggregation of hurricane impacts on short-term economic activity. Hurricanes in Central America are often localized events and tend to make landfall during the final months of the year that are better captured through monthly –rather than yearly– frequency data. The results suggest that major hurricanes show negative effects up to 12 months after the hurricane strikes (between −2.6 to −3.9% in income growth at the local level). After that, the analysis finds positive effects during the second year and the first half of the third year as evidence of post-disaster recovery (from 2.5 to 3.6% in income growth). The paper contributes to the literature on natural disasters by providing robust estimates of the causal effects of major hurricane windstorms on Central America, which are negative (in the short term) and positive (two years after hurricanes hit).
Right ventricular undersizing is associated with increased 1-year mortality.

Abstract Objectives Right heart hemodynamic management is critical, because many post–heart transplantation (HTx) complications are related to right ventricular (RV) failure. However, current guidelines on size and sex matching rely primarily on weight matching, with recent literature using total ventricular mass (TVM), which places less emphasis on the impact of RV mass (RVM) matching. The aim of the present study was to analyze the relationship of RVM matching and survival after HTx. Methods We performed the retrospective analysis using the UNOS database of adult HTx performed between January 1997 and December 2017. Previously validated equations were used to calculate TVM and RVM. The percent difference in ventricular mass in the donor and recipient pair was used for the size mismatch. All donor-recipient pairs were divided into 4 RVM groups by their mismatch ratio. We analyzed RVM matching and explored how RVM undersizing impacted outcomes. The primary outcome measure was 1-year survival; secondary outcomes measured included stroke and dialysis within 1 year and functional status. Results A total of 38,740 donor-recipient pairs were included in our study. The 4 RVM match groupings were as follows: 40%. Utilization of donors who were older and of female sex resulted in greater RVM undersizing. Survival analysis demonstrated patients with RVM undersizing had worse 1-year survival (P Conclusions RVM undersizing is an independent predictor for worse 1-year survival. Donors who are older and female have lower absolute predicted RVM and may be predisposed to RVM undersizing. RVM-undersized transplantation requires careful risk/benefit considerations.
Growth, phase transition, and island motion of Au on Ge(111).

Using low energy electron microscopy, Au on Ge(111) is determined to follow a Stranski–Krastanov growth mode consisting of a single layer up to one monolayer (ML), followed by three-dimensional Au–Ge alloy droplets. Near 600 °C, we report the first observation of a reversible first-order phase transition that occurs from the (3 × 3)R30° phase to a (1 × 1) phase, which has a coverage of 0.367 ML. The transition gradually occurs through a coexistence region with a temperature range of about 2 °C and weakly depends on coverage, varying from 640 °C at 1 ML down to 580 °C at 0.8 ML. The phase transition is accompanied by phase fluctuations of small domains or the fluctuations of phase boundaries of large domains. At coverage >1 ML and above 250 °C, the 3D droplets move with stick-slip hopping behavior that has previously been explained by dissolution of Ge at step edges into the alloy droplet, which then comes to concentration and thermal equilibrium via the island motion.
Simulation Study of Hatch Spacing and Layer Thickness Effects on Microstructure in Laser Powder Bed Fusion Additive Manufacturing using a Texture-Aware Solidification Potts Model

Microstructure control in the laser powder bed fusion additive manufacturing processes is a topic of major interest because of the submillimeter length scale at which the manufacturing process occurs. The ability to control the process at the melt pool scale allows for microstructure control that few other manufacturing techniques can match. The majority of work on microstructure control has focused on altering laser parameters to control solidification conditions (Ref (R.R. Dehoff, M.M. Kirka, W.J. Sames, H. Bilheux, A.S. Tremsin, L.E. Lowe, and S.S. Babu, Site Specific Control of Crystallographic Grain Orientation through Electron Beam Additive Manufacturing, Mater. Sci. Technol., 2014, 31(8), p 931–938. R. Shi, S.A. Khairallah, T.T. Roehling, T.W. Heo, J.T. McKeown, and M.J. Matthews, Microstructural Control in Metal Laser Powder Bed Fusion Additive Manufacturing Using Laser Beam Shaping Strategy, Acta Mater., 2020, 184, p 284–305, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actamat.2019.11.053 .)). Other machine parameters, besides the laser parameters, have also been shown to affect the microstructure of AM parts (Ref (N. Nadammal, S. Cabeza, T. Mishurova, T. Thiede, A. Kromm, C. Seyfert, L. Farahbod, C. Haberland, J.A. Schneider, P.D. Portella, and G. Bruno, Effect of Hatch Length on the Development of Microstructure, Texture and Residual Stresses in Selective Laser Melted Superalloy Inconel 718, Mater. Des., 2017, 134, p 139–150, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matdes.2017.08.049 . F. Geiger, K. Kunze, and T. Etter, Tailoring the Texture of IN738LC Processed by Selective Laser Melting (SLM) by Specific Scanning Strategies, Mater. Sci. Eng. A, 2016, 661, p 240–246, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.msea.2016.03.036 .)). We propose an investigation of the effects of hatch spacing and layer thickness on microstructure development in laser powder bed fusion additive manufacturing. A Monte Carlo Potts model with textured solidification capabilities is used to study the effects of these parameters on a unidirectional scan strategy. The simulation results reveal substantial changes in grain morphology as well as texture. Additionally, EVP-FFT crystal plasticity simulations were performed to evaluate the effect of the microstructural shifts on mechanical response. The conclusions from this work elucidate the effects of these parameters on part microstructure as predicted by the texture-aware solidification Potts model and inform understanding of how bulk texture is predicted by the simulation approach.
A Phenotyping Algorithm to Identify People With HIV in Electronic Health Record Data (HIV-Phen): Development and Evaluation Study.

Background: Identification of people with HIV from electronic health record (EHR) data is an essential first step in the study of important HIV outcomes, such as risk assessment. This task has been historically performed via manual chart review, but the increased availability of large clinical data sets has led to the emergence of phenotyping algorithms to automate this process. Existing algorithms for identifying people with HIV rely on a combination of International Classification of Disease codes and laboratory tests or closely mimic clinical testing guidelines for HIV diagnosis. However, we found that existing algorithms in the literature missed a significant proportion of people with HIV in our data. Objective: The aim of this study is to develop and evaluate HIV-Phen, an updated criteria-based HIV phenotyping algorithm. Methods: We developed an algorithm using HIV-specific laboratory tests and medications and compared it with previously published algorithms in national and local data sets to identify cohorts of people with HIV. Cohort demographics were compared with those reported in the national and local surveillance data. Chart reviews were performed on a subsample of patients from the local database to calculate the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy of the algorithm. Results: Our new algorithm identified substantially more people with HIV in both national (up to an 85.75% increase) and local (up to an 83.20% increase) EHR databases than the previously published algorithms. The demographic characteristics of people with HIV identified using our algorithm were similar to those reported in national and local HIV surveillance data. Our algorithm demonstrated improved sensitivity over existing algorithms (98% vs 56%-92%) while maintaining a similar overall accuracy (96% vs 80%-96%). Conclusions: We developed and evaluated an updated criteria-based phenotyping algorithm for identifying people with HIV in EHR data that demonstrates improved sensitivity over existing algorithms.
p-Aminosalicylic acid prevents the loss of immunofluorescence emissions of postsynaptic dopamine D2 receptors due to manganese treatment (796.1)

Manganese (Mn) a neurotoxin causing Manganism, a Parkinsons-like disease, disrupts dopamine (DA) neurons. The neurotoxic mechanism is not fully resolved. It’s postulated more related to dysfunction of DA D2 receptors than degeneration of DA neurons. Crassostrea virginica gill lateral cells are innervated by DA nerves and have D2 post-synaptic receptors. Mn blocks cilio-inhibition of DA. PAS (p-aminosalicylic acid) blocks the effects of Mn. It’s questioned if Mn decreases the number of DA D2 receptors in brain. We used 1 antibodies against D2 receptors and FITC-linked 2 antibodies to quantify DA D2 receptors to test if Mn decreases the number of receptors in gill of C. virginica and if PAS prevents the decrease. We treated animals with 500 µM of Mn for up to 6 days. Sections were viewed on a fluorescence microscope, intensity was quantified with ImageJ software. Control gills had bright fluorescence corresponding to lateral and other gill cells. Intensity from animals treated up to 6 days with Mn showed ...
Branched Chain Amino Acid Aminotransferase of Salmonella typhimurium II. KINETIC COMPARISON WITH THE ENZYME FROM SALMONELLA MONTEVIDEO

Abstract The branched chain amino acid aminotransferases (transaminase B) of Salmonella typhimurium and Salmonella montevideo have been purified and studied kinetically. The results of partial kinetic characterization of the enzyme support the conclusion that the reaction proceeds via a binary "ping-pong" mechanism. The Michaelis constants for the amino acceptor, α-ketoglutarate, and three branched chain amino acid donors (isoleucine, leucine, and valine) were determined with the use of an appropriate Fortran computer program. No significant kinetic differences were found between the enzymes of the two Salmonella species. The Km for α-ketoglutarate is the same with each of the branched chain amino acids. The aminotransferase displays a comparable affinity for isoleucine and leucine, which is greater than that observed for valine.
Computer-Assisted Ligament Balancing of the Femoral Tibial Joint Using Pressures Sensors

Premature wear of the ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) tibial insert has been implicated in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) failure [6,7]. Several variables are thought to contribute to polyethylene wear including patient factors, implant design, and surgical technique. While the factors in implant design that optimize implant longevity (such as large contact areas and high conformity) have been defined and implemented, surgical technique has been more difficult to quantitatively evaluate, because it remains more subjective and surgeon-dependent. Therefore, advances in surgical technique that lead to improved implant longevity have been difficult to define.
Adapting Stream Processing Framework for Video Analysis

Abstract Stream processing (SP) became relevant mainly due to inexpensive and hence ubiquitous deployment of sensors in many domains (e.g., environmental monitoring, battle field monitoring). Other continuous data generators (surveillance, traffic data) have also prompted processing and analysis of these streams for applications such as traffic congestion/accidents and personalized marketing. Image processing has been researched for several decades. Recently there is emphasis on video stream analysis for situation monitoring due to the ubiquitous deployment of video cameras and unmanned aerial vehicles for security and other applications. This paper elaborates on the research and development issues that need to be addressed for extending the traditional stream processing framework for video analysis, especially for situation awareness. This entails extensions to: data model, operators and language for expressing complex situations, QoS (Quality of service) specifications and algorithms needed for their satisfaction. Specifically, this paper demonstrates inadequacy of current data representation (e.g., relation and arrable ) and querying capabilities to infer long-term research and development issues.
Effect of cranial osteopathic manipulative medicine on cerebral tissue oxygenation.

Context The use of cranial osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM) to alter cerebral tissue oxygen saturation could play a role in the maintenance of cerebral homeostasis. Objective To examine the effects of cranial OMM on cerebral tissue oxygen saturation (S(CT)O(2)) and cardiac autonomic function in healthy adults. Methods Cranial OMM augmentation and suppression techniques and sham therapy were randomly applied to healthy adults. During cranial OMM and sham therapy, S(CT)O(2) of the prefrontal cortex was determined bilaterally by using near-infrared spectroscopy. Heart rate, blood pressure, and systemic arterial blood oxygen saturation (SaO(2)) were also measured. Power spectral analysis was applied to continuous 4-minute R-R intervals. Measurements were made during 2-minute baseline periods, during 4-minute applications of the techniques, and during 5-minute recovery periods. Results Twenty-one adults (age range, 23-32 y) participated in the present study. Differences in mean baseline measurements for the augmentation technique, suppression technique, and sham therapy were not statistically significant for heart rate, blood pressure, SaO(2), left S(CT)O(2), or right S(CT)O(2). During the suppression technique, there was a statistically significant decrease in both left (slope [standard deviation]= -0.33 [0.08] %/min, R(2)=0.85, P=.026) and right (slope [standard deviation]=-0.37 [0.06] %/min, R(2)=0.94, P=.007) S(CT)O(2) with increased cranial OMM time. However, neither the augmentation technique nor the sham therapy had a statistically significant effect on S(CT)O(2). Decreases in normalized low-frequency power of R-R interval variability and enhancements of its high-frequency power were statistically significant (P=.05) during cranial OMM and sham therapy, indicating a decrease in cardiac sympathetic influence and an enhanced parasympathetic modulation. Conclusion The cranial OMM suppression technique effectively and progressively reduced S(CT)O(2) in both prefrontal lobes with the treatment time.
Back to the future: A comment on the use of anatomical dolls in forensic interviews

Many researchers and interviewers have become disenchanted with the practice of using anatomically detailed (AD) dolls during forensic investigations, yet there is still support for doll-assisted interviews. This comment discusses five major concerns about AD dolls, involving child-related and interviewer-related factors. The research findings suggest that individuals who advocate for AD dolls bear the burden of proving that dolls are the best alternative for eliciting information about personally-experienced events from children.
Predictability of clinical assessments for driving performance.

Abstract Problem As the number of older drivers grows, it is increasingly important to accurately identify at-risk drivers. This study tested clinical assessments predictive of real-time driving performance. Method Selected assessment tools considered important in the identification of at-risk older drivers represented the domains of vision, cognition, motor performance, and driving knowledge. Participants were administered the battery of assessments followed by an on-road test. A univariate analysis was conducted to identify significant factors ( Results Assessments identified as independently associated with driving performance in the regression model included: FACTTM Contrast sensitivity slide-B, Rapid Pace Walk, UFOV® rating, and MMSE total score. Discussion The domains of vision, cognitive, and motor performance were represented in the predictive model. Summary Due to the dynamic nature of the driving task, it is not likely that a single assessment tool will identify at risk drivers. Impact on Industry By standardizing the selection of clinical assessments used in driving evaluations, practitioners should be able to provide services more efficiently, more objectively, and more accurately to identify at-risk drivers.
A Universal Speaking Service: The Role of Westinghouse Electric and Manufacturing Company in the Development of National Network Broadcasting, 1922–1926

The National Broadcasting Company debuted in 1926. The story of NBC's birth has been told, but not from the perspective of all the corporate players. The archive of the business correspondence of H...
Macrophyte re-establishment for fish habitat in Little Bear Creek Reservoir, Alabama, USA

Re-establishment of native aquatic macrophytes may be used to enhance habitat for fish and other organisms, with additional positive effects on water quality. Species selection and planting depth for re-vegetation efforts may be of great importance due to lake-specific ecological factors that may affect survival. The objective of this research was to test whether water depth or species selection contributed to the overall survival of macrophytes planted inside protective exclosures. We planted three species along a water depth gradient (0.30, 0.60, and 1.0 m) – Stuckenia pectinata, Vallisneria americana, and Potamogeton nodosus. Our results indicated that the depth in which species were initially planted rarely had an effect on survival of P. nodosus or V. americana (p < 0.05), but species did have an effect (p < 0.05). Stuckenia pectinata did not survive during the experiment.
The Continuous Measurement of Pulmonary Gas Exchange and Mechanics

Abstract A system for breath-by-breath measurement of respiratory gas exchange and airway mechanics from analog recordings is described. The essential components are a pneumotachometer for measuring air flow, a manometer for airway pressure, and a mass spectrometer for continuous rapid analysis of O 2 , CO 2 , and N 2 . Analog signals from these instruments are recorded, manual measurements done for each breath, and calculations made of variables such as anatomical dead space, alveolar ventilation, oxygen consumption, carbon dioxide production, compliance, and resistance. Use of the Engstrom ventilator permits simplified calculation of nonelastic resistance due to its wave form. The basic calibration routine of the components of this system is described and the mathematical methods are presented. Its usefulness in the management of the critically ill patient is illustrated.
Fault isolation challenges and opportunities for proximal-probe imaging

This paper will discuss how continued resolution scaling of present far-field optical, thermal and magnetic fault isolation methods applied through backside silicon is unsustainable. The ‘search areas’ resulting remain too large for the high-resolution electrical characterization and physical imaging required for conclusively identifying defects at advanced technology nodes. The need for improved nanoscale fault isolation is presented based on a growing class of proximal probe measurements operating in or approximating the near-field.
Frequency and diagnostic utility of intralabyrinthine FLAIR hyperintensity in the evaluation of internal auditory canal and inner ear pathology.

Rationale and Objectives Fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) imaging can detect elevated protein levels in fluid that may be difficult or impossible to detect with T1- or T2-weighted imaging. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the frequency and asses the diagnostic utility of abnormal FLAIR signal in various types of inner ear and internal auditory canal (IAC) pathology. Materials and Methods A retrospective review of medical records and magnetic resonance images from 187 consecutive patients who underwent imaging of the temporal bones for possible inner ear or IAC pathology over a 1-year period were reviewed for abnormal increased FLAIR signal, increased intrinsic T1 signal, abnormal enhancement after gadolinium administration, and the presence of a mass lesion within the cerebellopontine angle, IAC, or inner ear. Reviewers were blinded to clinical diagnosis. Results Twenty-five of 32 (78%) patients with schwannomas restricted to the IAC and cerebellopontine angle demonstrated associated increased FLAIR signal within the ipsilateral inner ear structures. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of inner ear FLAIR hyperintensity for a schwannoma were 80%, 95%, 78%, and 95%, respectively. Inner ear FLAIR hyperintensity was also seen in cases of intracochlear hemorrhage, labyrinthitis, and labyrinthitis ossificans, but these conditions did not occur with sufficient frequency in our study population to determine statistical significance. Conclusion Identification of inner ear FLAIR hyperintensity can alert the radiologist to scrutinize pre- and post-gadolinium T1-weighted images and T2-weighted images for subtle IAC and inner ear abnormalities. Although enhancement after the administration of gadolinium contrast media is the gold standard for detection of schwannoma, inner ear FLAIR hyperintensity may be a helpful diagnostic adjunct for vestibular schwannoma. This may be particularly helpful when gadolinium was not administered and the T2-weighted images are equivocal, especially when dedicated thin-section imaging of the IACs and temporal bones was not performed.
Stress/strain/life revisited. Quantification by blood pressure chronomics: benetensive, transtensive or maletensive chrono-vasculo-neuro-immuno-modulation.

Abstract We propose to initiate the automatic self-assessment of wear and tear as “stress and strain” by the time structures of blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR), in order to arrive eventually at an individualized timely and timed routine of life and to early preventive intervention as soon as needed. The routine may involve physiological scheduling of physical and mental activities and meals, and if need be of non-drug or drug treatment for stress amplification, e.g., by exercise, and/or strain (not stress) relief by relaxation. In so doing, we recognize the circulation as a pillar and marker of preventive and active neuroimmunomodulation (NIM), suggesting that some concerns of a vasculo– and broader NIM can be quantified by transdisciplinary chronobiology using its cartography—chronomics—of time structures, i.e., chronomes, from chronos = time and nomos = rule. Thus, we are introducing the chronomics of BP, HR and of other variables in the historical context of pioneers who were indispensable to experimental medicine. We build upon their contributions, but we must point out when, in the past, by necessity rather than choice, the giants provided rationalizing truisms that are no substitute for systematic serial data collection and appropriate computer analysis. A time-unspecified spotcheck as a baseline is much better than no measurement, but very often it is not enough, and it is always insufficient when an estimate of variability constitutes the information needed. For dynamic cycles, there are only reference cycles as a routine, although when maps are available, single timed spotchecks can be invaluable. With reference to their historical context, here we rely only upon data which necessity, rather than philosophy, compels us to collect.
Reactive Transport in Porous Media

Reactive Transport in Porous Media was prepared in conjunction with a Mineralogical Society of America short course. The objective of the course and this companion text was to provide an expansive, multidisciplinary treatment of reactive transport in porous media. This work focuses on developing an improved quantitative and qualitative understanding of the individual physical and biogeochemical processes involved and the complexity of their combined effects through numerical modeling of these systems. Although the focus is on modeling, the editors and authors provide an excellent presentation of the relevant physics, geology, geochemistry, microbiology and hydrology as well as the mathematical and numerical representation of these systems.
Buffer conditions in experimental stress.

Abstract : Reactions of subjects to the experimental situation was investigated by means of plasma free fatty acid level. Arousal (elevated FFA level) was shown at entry into the experiment, at the giving of instructions, and at upsetting experiences during the experiment. Stress at entry can be called experimental stress, variations within the experiment, manipulated stress. A series of conditions which insulate the subject socially, psychologically or physically from the situation diminish experimental stress and obliterate the differences in manipulated stress. They are: previous acquaintance, previous work together as a group, commitment to the experiment, and low height-weight ratio. (Author)
A magnetic compass aids monarch butterfly migration.

Monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus) migrate from North America to central Mexico during the fall. Here, Guerra et al. show that, in addition to a sun compass orientation, monarch butterflies use a magnetic compass to help direct their flight towards the equator.
LCVD of copper: Deposition rates and deposit shapes

Laser chemical vapor deposition of copper has been performed under a variety of conditions. The results are interpreted using the kinetic model of Ehrlich and Tsao. We find that the kinetics of the process are limited by the rates of surface reactions and not by diffusion of reactant molecules to the surface. Furthermore, we find that deposit shapes are quite sensitive to laser intensity and scan rate.
Finite-dimensional attractors for a free boundary problem with a kinetic condition

For a one-phase free boundary problem with kinetics, a proof of existence of a compact attractor of finite Hausdorff dimension is outlined.
Flame retardant associations between children's handwipes and house dust.

Abstract Polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE), flame retardants (FRs) have been ubiquitously detected at high concentrations in indoor environments; however, with their recent phase-out, more attention is being focused on measurements of exposure to alternative FRs such as organophosphate FRs (OPFRs). In our previous research, we found that PBDE residues measured on children’s handwipes were a strong predictor of serum PBDE levels. Here we build upon this research to examine longitudinal changes in PBDEs in indoor dust and children’s handwipes, and explore the associations between handwipes and dust for alternative FRs. Children from our previous study were re-contacted after approximately two years and new samples of indoor dust and handwipes were collected. PBDE dust-levels were significantly correlated between two different sampling rounds separated by two years; however, PBDE levels in handwipes were not correlated, perhaps suggesting that the sources of PBDEs remained relatively constant in the home, but that behavioral differences in children are changing with age and influencing handwipe levels. OPFRs [i.e. tris(1,3-dichloroisopropyl) phosphate (TDCPP), tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP), tris(2-chloroisopropyl) phosphate (TCIPP)], 2-ethylhexyl-2,3,4,5-tetrabromobenzoate (EH-TBB, also known as TBB), di(2-ethylhexyl) tetrabromophthalate (BEH-TEBP, also known as TBPH), and 1,2,5,6,9,10-hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) were also ubiquitously detected in house dust samples and geometric mean levels were similar to PBDE levels, or higher in the case of the OPFRs. Significant associations between handwipes and house dust were observed for these alternative FRs, particularly for EH-TBB ( r s = 0.54; p 5 times d −1 ) was associated with lower FR levels in handwipes. Overall these data suggest that exposure to these alternative FRs will be similar to PBDE exposure, and the influence of hand-to-mouth behavior in children’s exposure needs to be further examined to better estimate exposure potential.
The Autoimmune Basis of Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Dilated cardiomyopathy is a form of heart disease characterized by ventricular dilatation and reduced systolic function. In most patients, dilated cardiomyopathy is a sporadic disease. However, 20% of dilated cardiomyopathy patients may have a familial form of the disease. The aetiologies of both the sporadic and familial forms of dilated cardiomyopathy are unknown in most cases. Dilated cardiomyopathy has a spectrum of clinical and subclinical presentations. During the last 10 years, there have been many investigations concerning the possible aetiologic role of immune factors in dilated cardiomyopathy. It is plausible that an antecedent viral infection initiates an immunological cascade which in turn leads to production of autoimmune antibodies resulting in dilated cardiomyopathy. However, in most dilated cardiomyopathy patients, an antecedent viral infection cannot be identified. Similarly, the trail of immunological research has diverged as different groups have identified distinct autoantibodies or other immune factors in heterogeneous subsets of dilated cardiomyopathy and control patients. In this manuscript, we review the studies which have contributed supportive and confounding evidence to the theoretical autoimmune basis of dilated cardiomyopathy.
Integrating CAD and Nano-Indentation for Complex Lithography

We present an approach for producing complex nanoscale patterns by integrating computer-aided design (CAD) geometry processing with an atomic force microscope (AFM) based nanoindentation process. Surface modification is achieved by successive nano-indentation using a vibrating tip. By incorporating CAD geometry, this approach provides enhanced design and patterning capability for producing geometric features of both straight lines and freeform B-splines. This method automatically converts a pattern created in CAD software into a lithography plan for successive nanoindentation. For ensuring reliable lithography, key machining parameters including the interval of nanoindentation and the depth of nanogrooves have been investigated, and a proper procedure for determining the parameters has been provided. Finally, the automated nanolithography has been demonstrated on poly methylmethacrylate samples. It shows the robustness of the CAD integrated, AFM based nanoindentation approach in fabricating complex patterns.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Marine sciences in the coming decades

Immense progress has been made in understanding the sea since 1945. However, because during this time much of the research has had military implications, oceanography science is particularly vulnerable to shifts in national priorities away from the military. The Ocean Studies Board of the National Research Council recently published a review and discussion of the state of marine science. Concerns about the future lie in several directions. Basic research is no longer the primary thrust of government agencies, many of who must respond to short term applications and regulatory requirements. Federal and nonfederal organization structures are not as effective as they once were and lack effective coordination. Flat budgets, an increasing number of marine scientists, increasing costs of maintaining state of the art including the interaction with space technology, and problems not defined in broad enough terms are also concerns. The article poses questions and points out the critical importance of finding a new mechanism for maintaining quality of marine science. 1 ref., 2 figs.
Open and endovascular repair of type B aortic dissection in the Nationwide Inpatient Sample.

Background The use of stent grafts and mortality of stent graft repair of type B thoracic aortic dissection (T B AD) is not well defined. We sought to determine national estimates for the use and mortality of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for T B AD in the United States. Methods Records of the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database between 2005 and 2007 were examined. International Classification of Diseases , 9th edition (ICD-9) diagnosis codes were used to select patients who underwent open or TEVAR with a stent graft for a diagnosis of thoracic aortic dissection or thoracoabdominal aortic dissection. We excluded patients with a diagnosis code for aortic aneurysm and those with procedure codes for cardioplegia or for operations on heart vessels or valves, which were considered type A dissections (T A AD). The remaining patients were considered as T B AD. We compared demographics and comorbidities, as well as adjusted complications and mortality rates, between patients undergoing TEVAR vs open repair. Results We identified an estimated 10,466 repairs for dissection of the thoracic or thoracoabdominal aorta (open, 8659; TEVAR, 1818). Of these, 464 had a diagnosis of aortic aneurysm, and 5002 patients were considered T A AD. Of nonaneurysmal dissections, 5000 repairs were considered T B AD (open, 3619; TEVAR, 1381). The endovascular patients were older and had greater comorbidities, although only cardiac disease, renal failure, hypertension, and peripheral vascular disease were statistically significant. In-hospital mortality was 19% for open repair vs 10.6% for TEVAR (odds ratio [OR], 2.24; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.36-3.67; P P = .03), but did not reach statistical significance for elective admissions (12.3% vs 4.8%; P = .09). Cardiac complications (12.4% vs 4.9%, P P = .02), genitourinary complications (9.0% vs 2.5%, P P P P Conclusion For patients with a diagnosis of T B AD who undergo repair, the endovascular approach is being used for older patients with greater comorbidities, yet has reduced morbidity and in-hospital mortality. The use of endovascular stent graft repair for type B thoracic aortic dissection merits further longitudinal analysis.
Toward an Understanding of Religious Tolerance: Quest Religiousness and Positive Attitudes Toward Religiously Dissimilar Others

ABSTRACTWe interact frequently with individuals with religious beliefs that vary from our own. Although we may naturally prefer interacting with religiously similar others, individuals vary in their attitudes toward religiously dissimilar others. In the present set of studies, we examined how variability in quest religiousness affects religious tolerance. In Study 1 (N = 159), we found that quest religiousness in Christian undergraduates was associated with positive attitudes toward both non-Christian religious groups and atheists. In Study 2, 118 Christian undergraduates evaluated vignettes regarding a devout moral or an average morality Christian (ingroup) or Muslim (outgroup). Participants preferred moral targets relative to less moral targets. However, when rating moral targets, participants high in quest religiousness preferred the Muslim target (religious outgroup member), whereas those low in quest religiousness preferred the Christian target (religious ingroup member). We discuss implications for ...
Neighborhood effects of developing country protection

We examine how protection in LDCs affects welfare in other countries whose economic circumstances are similar. Theoretical analysis suggests the effects may be positive or negative. Analysis of data on protection in nine selected LDCs showed positive correlations among patterns of protection and trade, but a tendency for greater protection against the exports of other LDCs than against developed countries. To evaluate the general equilibrium economic effects involved, we used the Michigan Computational Model of World Production and Trade. The results showed positive terms-of-trade effects on other countries within the LDC sample group and negative effects for may DCs. However, the terms-of-trade improvement was very small and cannot be expected to outweigh the efficiency losses of protection within the LDCs themselves.
Potato lectin activity assay based on hemagglutination

A quantitative method for the determination of potato lectin activity has been developed. In the method, lectin is incubated with an excess of red blood cells (RBC) in phosphate buffered saline at 25 °C. Maximum agglutination is reached within 60 min. Agglutinated RBC are then separated from nonagglutinated RBC by filtration. The agglutinated RBC remaining on the filter paper are then lysed and cluted using a solution of Triton X-100. The hemoglobin content of the lysed RBC is measured at 415 nm. The number of agglutinated RBC is calculated from the hemoglobin value. One unit of lectin activity will agglutinate one million RBC.
Synthetic and enhanced vision systems for NextGen (SEVS) flight test performance evaluation

• SVS — Synthetic Vision System — a synthesized (rendered) image of a forward view of terrain/obstacles/runway from a database at the aircraft's present position & heading
Synthesis and reactivity of [closo-1-CB9H9-1-N2]: functional group interconversion at the carbon vertex of the {closo-1-CB9} cluster.

The dinitrogen derivative [closo-1-CB9H9-1-N2] (1) was prepared from amine [closo-1-CB9H9-1-NH3] (2) and reacted with three types of nucleophiles: activated arenes (phenolate and aniline), divalent sulfur compounds (Me2S and Me2NCHS), and pyridine, giving products of substitution at Ccage. The reaction of 1 with pyridine gave all four isomers 11a−11d, indicating the Gomberg−Bachmann mechanism, which involves radical anion [closo-1-CB9H9]−• (26). The radical and also closed-shell electrophilic aromatic substitution mechanisms were probed with the aid of DFT and MP2 computational methods and compared to those of phenylation of pyridine. Overall, experimental results supported by computational analysis suggest two mechanisms for the substitution of the N2 group in 1: (i) thermal heterolytic cleavage of the Ccage−N bond and the formation of electrophilic carbonium ylide [closo-1-CB9H9] (19) and (ii) electron-transfer-induced homolytic cleavage of the Ccage−N bond and the formation of 26. Decomposition of 1 in...
Tropomyosin: Long Range Perturbations In The Hydrophobic Interface

Skeletal tropomyosin, (Tm), is an α-helical coiled-coil which binds to actin, and with troponin, regulates muscle contraction. We previously demonstrated that a conserved Asp 137 in the hydrophobic interface produces a dynamic region in the middle of Tm, and that this region is involved in the myosin dependent activation of the thin filament at high Ca2+, (Sumida et. al. JBC 283 2008). The current work characterizes a long-range interaction between positions 137 and 190.The thermodynamic properties of wild type (WT) Tm and two single mutants, C190A and D137L, are compared with those of the double mutant, D137L/C190A, using differential scanning calorimetry, (DSC), and circular dichroism, (CD). CD measurements show that Ala 190 increases the fraction of helix unfolding in the 40°C pre-transition, before the main transition. DSC measurements support this finding, indicating a large enthalpic pre-transition, (ΔH=150kcal/mol), for the C190A mutant relative to D137L, D137L/C190A, or WT, (average ΔH=20kcal/mol). Additionally, Ala 190 increases the ΔCp, (heat capacity), of Tm ∼5 fold, reflecting an increase in solvent exposure of hydrophobic residues in the pre-transition during unfolding.Since the D137L/C190A and D137L mutants do not exhibit the large enthalpic pre-transition observed for C190A, the Leu mutation at 137 must stabilize the alanine effect observed for C190A mutation 77A away. This demonstrates how a locally dynamic region near 137 is able to produce global effects along the thin filament, and in this manner provide the proper regulation of the myosin dependent activation of the thin filament. This observation may also contribute to our understanding about the manner in which single point mutations significantly affect function in cardio-myopathies such as FHC and DCM.
Toxicity of sodium pentafluorostannite, a new anticariogenic agent: II. Contribution of tin to the acute toxicity of sodium pentafluorostannite in the rat

Abstract Male Wistar rats in groups of six to eight received a single ip injection of sodium pentafluorostannite (NaSn2F5), 9.4 mg of F/kg; sodium fluoride (NaF), 9.4 mg of F/kg; or distilled water. In the first two studies, one in post-treatment fed rats and the other in post-treatment fasted rats, the excretion of fluoride (F) in the urine and feces 24 hr following treatment was compared. In both studies, NaSn2F5-rats excreted significantly less F in the urine (about 65–79% less) than did NaF-rats. Most of the difference in F excretion occurred during the first 12 hr after treatment. In the last two studies, the clearance of F from the serum, liver, brain, kidneys, and skeletal muscle, and uptake into bone (femur) in NaSn2F5- and NaF-treated rats was compared. In general, clearance of F from the blood and soft tissues was similar in NaSn2F5- and NaF-treated rats; however, clearance of F was substantially delayed 1–2 hr post-treatment in NaSn2F5-treated animals. The results suggest that the biodisposition of F in NaSn2F5- and NaF-treated rats is different. This difference could account for the increase in the acute toxicity of NaSn2F5 relative to that of NaF when compared on a F basis.
Reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatographic separation of aspartame diastereomeric decomposition products

Abstract The diastereomeric dipeptides and diketopiperazines generated from the decomposition and epimerization of l -aspartyl- l -phenylalanine methyl ester (aspartame) have been separated by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography using UV detection (215 nm). Six diastereomeric products are identified and a scheme is proposed for their formation.
Fetal to neonatal development of gluconeogenic enzymes in the guinea-pig kidney.

Abstract 1. 1. The activities of pyruvate carboxylase and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase were barely detectable in foetal guinea-pig kidney. 2. 2. From mid-gestation to term, glucose-6-phosphatase was present at about 50% of the adult activity whereas fructose-l,6-diphosphatase activity equalled that in the adult. 3. 3. In the neonatal period no appreciable changes were noted for both glucose-6-phosphatase and fructose-1,6-diphosphatase in the first 24 hr of life. 4. 4. In this period pyruvate carboxylase activity increased 2-fold, and the activities of cytosolic and mitochondrial phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinases increased 20- and 6-fold, respectively. 5. 5. These changes suggest that, like the liver, the kidney may also be a potentially important organ for glucose synthesis in the newborn.