cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Gonadal Steroid Effects on Serum Lipids

The effects of gonadal hormones on serum lipids have been of great interest to the physician because of the considerably greater vulnerability of men to coronary heart disease in comparison with women, whose lesser vulnerability to coronary artery disease has been, until recently, popularly attributed to a presumed cholesterol-lowering effect of ovarian estrogen.
Kinetics and Identities of Extracellular Peptidases in Subsurface Sediments of the White Oak River Estuary, North Carolina.

ABSTRACT Anoxic subsurface sediments contain communities of heterotrophic microorganisms that metabolize organic carbon at extraordinarily low rates. In order to assess the mechanisms by which subsurface microorganisms access detrital sedimentary organic matter, we measured kinetics of a range of extracellular peptidases in anoxic sediments of the White Oak River Estuary, NC. Nine distinct peptidase substrates were enzymatically hydrolyzed at all depths. Potential peptidase activities (Vmax) decreased with increasing sediment depth, although Vmax expressed on a per-cell basis was approximately the same at all depths. Half-saturation constants (Km) decreased with depth, indicating peptidases that functioned more efficiently at low substrate concentrations. Potential activities of extracellular peptidases acting on molecules that are enriched in degraded organic matter (d-phenylalanine and l-ornithine) increased relative to enzymes that act on l-phenylalanine, further suggesting microbial community adaptation to access degraded organic matter. Nineteen classes of predicted, exported peptidases were identified in genomic data from the same site, of which genes for class C25 (gingipain-like) peptidases represented more than 40% at each depth. Methionine aminopeptidases, zinc carboxypeptidases, and class S24-like peptidases, which are involved in single-stranded-DNA repair, were also abundant. These results suggest a subsurface heterotrophic microbial community that primarily accesses low-quality detrital organic matter via a diverse suite of well-adapted extracellular enzymes. IMPORTANCE Burial of organic carbon in marine and estuarine sediments represents a long-term sink for atmospheric carbon dioxide. Globally, ∼40% of organic carbon burial occurs in anoxic estuaries and deltaic systems. However, the ultimate controls on the amount of organic matter that is buried in sediments, versus oxidized into CO2, are poorly constrained. In this study, we used a combination of enzyme assays and metagenomic analysis to identify how subsurface microbial communities catalyze the first step of proteinaceous organic carbon degradation. Our results show that microbial communities in deeper sediments are adapted to access molecules characteristic of degraded organic matter, suggesting that those heterotrophs are adapted to life in the subsurface.
Naive cubical type theory

This paper proposes a way of doing type theory informally, assuming a cubical style of reasoning. It can thus be viewed as a first step toward a cubical alternative to the program of informalization of type theory carried out in the homotopy type theory book for dependent type theory augmented with axioms for univalence and higher inductive types. We adopt a cartesian cubical type theory proposed by Angiuli, Brunerie, Coquand, Favonia, Harper and Licata as the implicit foundation, confining our presentation to elementary results such as function extensionality, the derivation of weak connections and path induction, the groupoid structure of types and the Eckmman-Hilton duality.
Age-Associated Mitochondrial Dysfunction Accelerates Atherogenesis

Rationale: Aging is one of the strongest risk factors for atherosclerosis. Yet whether aging increases the risk of atherosclerosis independently of chronic hyperlipidemia is not known. Objective: T...
Humanitarian (in)Security: Risk Management in Complex Environments

Attacks against humanitarian aid workers have received increasing attention in the media, particularly high-profile incidents such as those against the hospitals of Medecins Sans Frontieres in Afghanistan, Syria, and Yemen. Concurrently, scholarly research has given rise to a number of articles, white papers, and books on humanitarian insecurity. Most of this work centres on external threats, neglecting the internal mechanisms that humanitarian organisations use to mitigate security situations. This paper builds on the existing literature by focusing on the decision-making processes of humanitarian organisations, drawing on data collected from 16 security managers or advisers. The findings reveal that several factors contribute to contextual uncertainty and complexity, including recipient perceptions, local government actions, the behaviour of other non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in the area, logistical issues, risk variance within a single location, and organisational mandate. Furthermore, the results indicate that NGOs utilise a combination of decision-making processes to determine how to manage security in high-risk environments.
Independent or Integrated Plastic Surgery Residency Pathways: Trends in Representation in Academic Plastic Surgery in the United States.

INTRODUCTION The training pathway for plastic surgery has evolved in recent years with the adoption and rise in popularity of the integrated model. Studies have demonstrated that there may be differences between integrated graduates and independent graduates, specifically in career choices and type of practice. This study seeks to understand if there are differences in representation at academic and leadership positions between graduates of the 2 pathways. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted in June of 2018 to assess integrated and independent pathway graduate's representation in academic plastic surgery in the United States. Factors examined were career qualifications, academic productivity, faculty positions, and influence of pathway on career advancement. RESULTS A total of 924 academic plastic surgeons were analyzed, 203 (22.0%) of whom were integrated graduates and 721 (78.0%) of whom were independent graduates. Independent graduates had greater National Institutes of Health funding (integrated, $40,802; independent, $257,428; P = 0.0043), higher h-index (integrated, 7.0; independent, 10.0; P < 0.001), and higher publication number (integrated, 17; independent, 25; P = 0.0011). Integrated graduates were more likely to be assistant professors (integrated, 70%; independent, 40.7%; P < 0.001) and required a shorter postresidency time to reach all positions examined compared with independent graduates. CONCLUSIONS Residency training pathway influences academic plastic surgeons in research output, qualifications, and academic positions. This is likely due to the relatively new nature of the integrated program compared with the independent, as well as the shorter length of training for integrated graduates. However, trends are moving toward integrated graduates showing increased interest and productivity in academic medicine.
Telemedicine Security: Challenges and Solutions:

The proliferation of telemedicine spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic has come with a variety of human factors challenges. Such challenges include mitigating potential risks associated with the quick ...
E-cigarette Use Among Young Adult Patients: The Opportunity to Intervene on Risky Lifestyle Behaviors to Reduce Cancer Risk.

Use of e-cigarettes and other electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) is on the rise. We administered a health needs survey via email to 804 adult primary care and oncology patients at a large urban academic medical center in 2019. We examined differences in e-cigarette use by smoking status, personal history of cancer, alcohol use, and second-hand tobacco smoke exposure. Of the 804 participants, 90 (11.2%) reported ever using e-cigarettes. E-cigarette use was more prevalent in young adults (risk ratio [RR] for 18–24 years: 4.58, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 2.05, 10.26), current smoking (RR 4.64, 95% CI 1.94, 11.07), very often/often binge drinking (RR 3.04, 96% CI 1.38, 6.73), and ≥ 1 smokers in the home (RR 3.90, 95% CI 2.10, 7.23). Binge alcohol consumption and tobacco smoking are associated with increased risk cancer. Inquiries about e-cigarette use among adults 25–40 years present providers the opportunity to also counsel young adult about reducing cancer risk.
Planning community-centered inquiries: (Re)Imagining K-8 civics teacher education with/in rural and Indigenous communities

Abstract This phenomenological case study investigates how planning community-centered civics inquiries can prepare elementary pre-service teachers to better address inequities facing rural communities, including those located on Indigenous reservations. Specifically, the study addresses this research question: How does community-centered planning inform pre-service teacher readiness to support place-conscious and anti-colonial civics education within elementary contexts? Findings suggest that guided, community-centered planning leads to enhanced pre-service teacher confidence in preparing to facilitate equity-oriented elementary education, particularly as related to evolving understandings of civics content competence, relational commitments, and responsibilities of rural teachers.
Bisphenol A affects germination and tube growth in Picea meyeri pollen through modulating Ca2+ flux and disturbing actin-dependent vesicular trafficking during cell wall construction

Abstract Bisphenol A (BPA), a widespread pollutant, is reportedly harmful to humans, animals and plants. However, the effect of BPA on plant pollen tube growth, as well as the mechanism involved, remains unclear. Here, we report that BPA significantly inhibited Picea meyeri pollen germination and tube elongation in a dose-dependent manner. Transmission electron microscopy showed that BPA was detrimental to organelles such as mitochondria and Golgi apparatus. Non-invasive detection revealed that BPA inhibited extracellular Ca 2+ influx and promoted intracellular Ca 2+ efflux at the pollen tube tip, thereby inducing a dissipated Ca 2+ gradient. Fluorescence labeling showed that BPA disorganized actin filaments (AFs), which subsequently led to abnormal vesicle trafficking. Furthermore, BPA reduced the activity of acid phosphatase, a typical exocytosis enzyme. Moreover, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis and subsequent fluorescence labeling revealed that BPA induced an abnormal deposition of cell wall components, including pectins and callose. Taken together, our results indicate that BPA, a ubiquitous environmental pollutant, disturbs Ca 2+ flux in P. meyeri pollen tubes, thus disrupting AF organization, resulting in abnormal actin-dependent vesicle trafficking and further affecting the deposition of cell wall components. These findings provide new insight into the mechanism of BPA toxicity in pollen tube tip growth.
Spectrophotometric Characterization of Pigments Produced by Staphylococcus epidermidis Strains Isolated from Bovine Udders

Sandvik, Olav (National Animal Disease Laboratory, Ames, Iowa), and Richard W. Brown. Spectrophotometric characterization of pigments produced by Staphylococcus epidermidis strains isolated from bovine udders. J. Bacteriol. 89:1201–1208. 1965.—Spectrophotometric analysis of methanol-extracted pigments of 70 isolates, representing 48 strains of Staphylococcus epidermidis, exhibited absorption curves that were classified into seven types, designated I, II, III, IV, V, VI, and a S. aureus type. Two subtypes were included in types I and III. All nonpigmented cell extracts were classified as type I. One of the six numbered type absorption curves was obtained with the majority of isolates. Three isolates gave an absorption curve that was similar to the curve produced by extracts of five of seven S. aureus strains, thus the designation S. aureus type. The differences in pigment complexes indicated by the various absorption curves of methanol extracts were substantiated by column-chromatography studies. Generally, pigments of types II to VI, as produced by representative strains, were of a xanthophyllic nature, whereas, the S. aureus type pigment studied was carotenelike. Analyses of representative strains showed that the type of spectral absorption curves did not change whether the organisms were carried in vitro and tested through 3 months, or isolated repeatedly from infected udders for periods up to 8 months. The method of determining the spectral absorption curves of whole-cell methanol extracts provides an additional tool for differentiating strains of S. epidermidis that can be used in enzootiological studies of udder infections.
α-Keto Acid Dehydrogenase Complexes IX. EFFECTS OF IODINATION OF THE TYROSYL RESIDUES ON THE PROPERTIES OF THE DIHYDROLIPOYL TRANSACETYLASE OF ESCHERICHIA COLI

Abstract Dihydrolipoyl transacetylase, one of the three enzymes comprising the Escherichia coli pyruvate dehydrogenase complex, was treated with increasing amounts of 131I2 at pH 9.0 and 0°. A maximum of 2.7 moles of iodine was incorporated per mole of transacetylase subunit (36,000g). Good correlation was obtained between the amount of radioactive iodine incorporated and the amount of diiodotyrosyl residues produced. Iodination of 1 tyrosyl residue per chain occurred readily and resulted in a decrease of about 20% in the binding capacity of the transacetylase for pyruvate dehydrogenase and dihydrolipoyl dehydrogenase. However, the enzymatic activity of the transacetylase was not affected. Iodination of the remaining tyrosyl residues was increasingly difficult and resulted in a concomitant decrease in enzymatic activity and in binding capacity. Iodination of all the tyrosyl residues resulted in total loss of enzymatic activity and binding capacity, but did not affect the gross structure of the transacetylase. It appears that all 3 tyrosyl residues in each transacetylase subunit are necessary to maintain the integrity of binding sites for the pyruvate dehydrogenase and dihydrolipoyl dehydrogenase, but that only 2 of the tyrosyl residues are essential to maintain an intact active site.
Molecular Neurobiology of The Cannabinoid Receptor

Marijuana is currently the most widely abused street drug. However, the functional significance of the cannabinoid receptor system in health and disease includes the use of cannabinoids as analgesics, antiemetics in cancer patients, anticonvulsants for epilepsy, and as antiglaucoma agents as well as immunomodulatory agents. Our knowledge of the mechanisms of action of cannabinoids has increased greatly in the past several years. Two cannabinoid receptors have been identified to date: one is located predominantly in the central nervous system (CBI), whereas the other is expressed in peripheral tissues (CB2). Both are members of the G-protein-coupled receptor family and couple to inhibition of adenylyl cyclase (as well as additional second messenger systems), in transfected cells expressing these receptors, and in the nervous system. An endogenous ligand has been isolated for the CBI receptor; it is arachidonic acid ethanolamide, or anandamide. Candidate endogenous ligands for the CB2 receptor have also been described. Another development is the discovery of a selective antagonist for the CBI receptor. The distribution of the cannabinoid receptor subtypes has been mapped by receptor autoradiography, RT-PCR and in situ hybridization. These new research tools will aid in the elucidation of the physiological role of the endogenous cannabinoid system.
Macromolecular synthesis in cells infected with frog virus 3: III. Virus-specific protein synthesis by temperature-sensitive mutants

Abstract Six temperature-sensitive (ts) mutants of frog virus 3, (five DNA + and one DNA − ) representing six separate complementation groups, were examined for their intracellular patterns of virus-specific protein synthesis both at permissive (23°) and nonpermissive (30°) temperature. At permissive temperature protein synthesis and its regulation by each mutant was similar to wild type. At nonpermissive temperature all proteins were detected but some had altered rates of synthesis, indicating defective regulation by three of the six ts mutants. The six mutants can be divided into three categories based upon the time and nature of the ts defect during the replication cycle. The first category includes three mutants, each representing a separate complementation group in which virus-specific protein synthesis and its regulation is apparently normal at nonpermissive temperature. These mutants have defects in the virus maturation and assembly process suggesting the participation of several frog virus 3 genes in the assembly process. The second category consists of a single mutant that has an early defect in the regulation of viral protein synthesis; consequently a late pattern of virus-specific protein (VSP) synthesis is absent in cells infected with this mutant at nonpermissive temperature. The third category includes two mutants; these mutants are unable to regulate the rate of synthesis of certain VSP but have some features of the late pattern of virus-specific protein synthesis. The data presented in this report confirm and extend the evidence for temporal control of the rate of viral protein synthesis during frog virus 3 infection. This control appears to be mediated through several viral regulatory proteins.
Monostotic fibrous dysplasia with dental anomalies. Report of a case.

Abstract Disclosure of subclinical anomalies by radiographic examination provides the impetus, where necessary, for confirmatory microscopic evaluation as the final diagnostic parameter. Accordingly, the total management of the patient is enhanced. The importance of dental radiology as an adjunctive diagnostic tool, particularly in the absence of clinical signs and symptoms, is stressed.
Executive Compensation: If There's A Problem, What's the Remedy? the Case for "Compensation Discussion and Analysis"

ABSTRACT High levels of executive compensation have triggered an intense debate over whether compensation results primarily from competitive pressures in the market for managerial services or from managerial overreaching. Professors Lucian Bebchuk and Jesse Fried have advanced the debate with their recent book, Pay Without Performance: The Unfulfilled Promise of Executive Compensation, which forcefully argues that current compensation levels are best explained by managerial rent-seeking, not by arm's-length bargaining designed to create the optimum pay and performance nexus. This paper expresses three sorts of reservations with their analysis and advances its own proposals. First, enhancing shareholder welfare is not, as a positive or normative matter, a sufficient framework for understanding the controversy or devising a remedy. Second, many of the compensation practices identified by Bebchuk and Fried as veritable "smoking guns" of managerial power may have benign explanations. Third, in improving the corporate governance apparatus in the executive compensation area, the better remedy is not a wholesale expansion of shareholder power, but a tailored series of measures designed to bolster the independence of the compensation committee. Most important, the SEC should require proxy disclosure of a "Compensation Discussion and Analysis" statement (CDA (2) in contrast, the lack of shareholder influence in the director selection process, which could otherwise buttress director independence; (3) interlocking membership among boards of directors that lead to back-scratching among business elite who share a mutual self-interest in escalating levels of executive compensation; and (4) the use of compensation consultants with disabling conflicts of interest, in particular, provision to the firm of a wide range of compensation consulting services. In reflecting upon the Bebchuk and Fried analysis, sometimes critically, I want to be clear about the importance of the book's contribution in comprehensively setting forth the different elements of compensation packages and in raising many serious questions about compensation practices and the corporate governance institutions that have countenanced them. …
Anti-cooperative Biphasic Equilibrium Binding of Transcription Factor Upstream Stimulatory Factor to Its Cognate DNA Monitored by Protein Fluorescence Changes

Upstream stimulatory factor USF is a human transcriptional activation factor, which uses a basic/helix-loop-helix/ leucin zipper (b/HLH/Z) motif to homodimerize and recognize specific sequences in the promoter region of both nuclear and viral genes transcribed by RNA polymerase II. Steady state fluorescence spectroscopy demonstrated that the basic/helix-loop-helix/leucin zipper domain of USF binds its DNA targets with high affinity and specificity, whereas removal of the leucine zipper yielding the basic/helix-loop-helix minimal DNA binding region reduces both affinity and specificity. Stopped flow method provided kinetic evidence for a two-step binding process involving rapid formation of a protein-DNA intermediate followed by a slow isomerization step, which is consistent with the basic region undergoing a random coil to alpha-helix folding transition on specific DNA recognition. The leucine zipper is also necessary for USF to function as a bivalent homotetramer, capable of binding two distinct recognition sites simultaneously and mediating DNA looping under physiologic conditions. Titration studies revealed that the first binding event has a equilibrium constant Keq = (2.2 +/- 2.0) x 10(9) M-1 for major late promoter DNA, whereas the second binding event occurs with a remarkable reduced affinity, Keq = (1.2 +/- 0.8) x 10(8) M-1. This anticooperative feature of DNA binding by the homotetramer suggests that USF stimulates transcription by mediating DNA looping between nearby recognition sites located in class II nuclear and viral gene promoters.
Reflections on the 2010 AMR Decade Award: Delivering on the Promise of Entrepreneurship As a Field of Research

I examine the impact of the 2010 AMR Decade Award article on the entrepreneurship field over the past ten years, identifying aspects of “The Promise of Entrepreneurship As a Field of Research” that have been largely accepted by the field, those that the field has challenged, and those that the field has found to be unclear. I also correct errors made in the earlier work and discuss how the field of entrepreneurship has evolved in response to the publication of the original article.
Glycemic Index, Cardiovascular Disease, and Obesity

Although Americans have decreased the percent of energy they consume from fat, obesity and obesity-related comorbidities have progressively increased. Less attention has been paid to the role of carbohydrates, especially carbohydrate source, in these metabolic diseases. However, recent epidemiologic studies demonstrate consistently higher rates of cardiovascular disease and type II diabetes in individuals deriving a greater percentage of energy from refined grains and simple carbohydrates than from whole grains. Differences in the metabolic response to carbohydrates can be classified by glycemic index (GI), the blood glucose response to a given food compared with a standard (typically white bread or glucose). Classification of carbohydrates as “simple” or “complex” is of little use in predicting GI, because GI is influenced by starch structure (amylose versus amylopectin), fiber content, food processing, physical structure of the food, and other macronutrients in the meal. Low-GI diets have been reported to lower postprandial glucose and insulin responses, improve lipid profiles, and increase insulin sensitivity. Moreover, high-GI diets stimulate de novo lipogenesis and result in increased adipocyte size, whereas low-GI diets have been reported to inhibit these responses. Thus, the GI of dietary carbohydrates appears to play an important role in the metabolic fate of carbohydrates and, consequently, may significantly affect the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity.
Tonsillectomy in adults: a paucity of data.

We need to differentiate recurrent viral pharyngitis from streptococcal tonsillitis before recommending surgery.
Interpretive Real-Time Linux Interface and Its Applications

For time deterministic control, manufacturers and system designers of computer controlled machinery use real-time based systems to satisfy stringent requirements. Standard real-time systems contain built in kernel modules and often some type of user interface written in C. With a large multidimensional system spanning many smaller objective systems, it is hard for specialists to access real-time controlled objects on the spot. Making modifications to the user interface may require a slew of compilation and linking. This article presents an Interpretive Real-Time Linux Interface, which seamlessly integrates C/C++ applications using a C/C++ interpreter. Running the application interpretively makes the interface insensitive to user customization and product upgrading. An example of an insensitive interface is given in which a CGI web based user interface written in C has been implemented allowing users to control the frequency output of a speaker through a real-time Linux system from the web.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Opioid receptor selectivity of peptide models of β-endorphin*

Two peptides, designed to contain structural models of the proposed hydrophilic linker domain (residues 6-12) and amphiphilic alpha-helical domain (residues 13-29) in beta-endorphin, have been tested for their abilities to mimic the opioid receptor selectivity profile of the natural hormone. In competitive binding assays employing guinea-pig brain membranes, both peptides displayed a much higher affinity for mu- and delta-opioid receptors than for kappa opioid receptors. Relative to beta-endorphin, the peptide models were 2-3 times more potent in the mu and kappa receptor binding assays, and about equipotent in the delta receptor binding assay. In guinea-pig ileum assays, one peptide was equipotent to beta-endorphin and the other was twice as potent. Like beta-endorphin, their actions on this tissue were highly sensitive to naloxone antagonism, indicating that they were mediated by mu receptors and not kappa receptors. In view of the design of the two peptide models, and their minimal homology to the natural hormone, these results provide additional evidence in support to our proposal for the functional conformation of beta-endorphin.
Modeling Gas Transport in the Shallow Subsurface During the ZERT CO2 Release Test

We used the multiphase and multicomponent TOUGH2/EOS7CA model to carry out predictive simulations of CO2 injection into the shallow subsurface of an agricultural field in Bozeman, Montana. The purpose of the simulations was to inform the choice of CO2 injection rate and design of monitoring and detection activities for a CO2 release experiment. The release experiment configuration consists of a long horizontal well (70 m) installed at a depth of approximately 2.5 m into which CO2 is injected to mimic leakage from a geologic carbon sequestration site through a linear feature such as a fault. We estimated the permeability of the soil and cobble layers present at the site by manual inversion of measurements of soil CO2 flux from a vertical-well CO2 release. Based on these estimated permeability values, predictive simulations for the horizontal well showed that CO2 injection just below the water table creates an effective gas-flow pathway through the saturated zone up to the unsaturated zone. Once in the unsaturated zone, CO2 spreads out laterally within the cobble layer, where liquid saturation is relatively low. CO2 also migrates upward into the soil layer through the capillary barrier and seeps out at the ground surface. The simulations predicted a breakthrough time of approximately two days for the 100kg d−1 injection rate, which also produced a flux within the range desired for testing detection and monitoring approaches. The seepage area produced by the model was approximately five meters wide above the horizontal well, compatible with the detection and monitoring methods tested. For a given flow rate, gas-phase diffusion of CO2 tends to dominate over advection near the ground surface, where the CO2 concentration gradient is large, while advection dominates deeper in the system.
Chronic administration of cholecystokinin antagonists reverses the enhancement of spinal morphine analgesia induced by acute pretreatment.

Abstract The effects of acute and chronic (22 days) treatment with the cholecystokinin (CCK) antagonists proglumide and lorglumide on antinociception induced by intrathecal (i.t.) morphine were determined at weekly intervals with the rat tail-flick assay. On day 1, acute pretreatment with either proglumide (20 ng, i.t.) or lorglumide (7 ng, i.t.) enhanced morphine (1 μg, i.t.) analgesia compared to saline (1 μl, i.t.) pretreatment, but this facilitation was absent on days 8 and 15 of CCK antagonist treatment and was replaced by attenuation of opioid antinociception on day 22. Following termination of daily proglumide or lorglumide injections, normal (control) morphine response was observed after pretreatment with either CCK antagonist on days 29 and 36. Weekly co-administration of either drug with morphine had similar effects: opioid antinociception was initially enhanced on day 1, but this amplification was lost by day 8 and remained absent for the duration of the study (i.e., up to day 36). Inhibition of morphine analgesia, however, was not observed with this treatment paradigm. Chronic daily administration of either CCK antagonist alone did not lower nociceptive thresholds; further, normal opioid response was retained throughout the study in saline treated controls receiving morphine weekly. This study demonstrates that whereas acute i.t. administration of CCK antagonists enhances i.t. morphine antinociception, chronic treatment causes loss of facilitation or attenuation of opioid antinuaciception, suggesting that (1) compensatory alterations in CCK-opioid interactions develop during chronic CCK blockade and (2) CCK antagonists may not be useful adjuncts to opioid in the management of chronic pain in man.
Development of sample-scale shear bands during necking of ferrite-austenite sheet

Abstract This study is a quantitative, experimental study of development of shear band formation during plane strain extension of ferrite-austenite sheet. The position of aligned austenite islands was used to measure internal shape change throughout the development of flow localization to sheet failure. Through-thickness shearing flow and rotation of material by an angle φ develop during nonuniform thinning in order to maintain compatibility between deforming subelements of sheet. Surface grains fail in the locations of sheet where φ is near maximum. A pair of short shear bands form at the location of surface grain separation. Sample-scale shear bands initiate during subsequent deformation from one of the short shear bands created by surface grain failure. Sample-scale bands initiate heterogeneously and grow in volume during continuing sheet extension. Sheet failure develops once sample-scale shear bands grow across the entire cross section of sheet. These processes are described using a series of solid element models.
The Impacts of the Voice Change, Grade Level, and Experience on the Singing Self-Efficacy of Emerging Adolescent Males.

The purposes of the study are to describe characteristics of the voice change in sixth-, seventh-, and eighth-grade choir students using Cooksey’s voice-change classification system and to determin...
Change in length of synapsed bivalents during pachytene

Total pachytene bivalent length was measured in 93 nuclei from plants of an inbred line of maize (KYS). These nuclei are thought to represent samples of substages from the portion of pachytene which begins with the opening of the synizetic knot and ends with the initiation of loss of the synaptonemal complex at diplotene. Pachytene substages were ranked on the basis of the length of the anther in which they occurred, with longer anthers generally expected to contain more advanced stages. The data strongly suggest that maize synapsed bivalents shorten significantly during this period.
Neural Prediction of Communication-Relevant Outcomes

Understanding the mechanisms of effective communication may be advanced by knowledge from social and cognitive neuroscience. We build on prior brain research that mapped mental processes, and describe a brain-as-predictor approach that encompasses studies that treat measures of brain activity in response to communication relevant tasks as: 1) mediators between communication relevant stimuli and outcomes, 2) moderators of the relationship between communication relevant stimuli and outcomes or 3) direct predictors of communication relevant outcomes. In this article, we give a detailed description of the brain-as-predictor approach and provide a guide and checklist for interested authors, reviewers and editors. We discuss how the approach can provide theoretical insights and advance practical applications in communication research. Given its potential for advancing theory and practice, we argue that the brain-as-predictor approach can complement other communication research methods and serve as a valuable ad...
Does magnetic resonance imaging accurately predict residual disease in breast cancer

Abstract Background The accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in identifying residual disease after breast conservation therapy (BCT) is unclear. Method Review of an institutional database identified patients with positive or close (≤2 mm) margins undergoing MRI before re-excision. Histopathologic correlation was performed. Results Forty-three women underwent MRI after BCT. MRI suggested residual disease in 29 patients, of whom 20 (69%) had residual carcinoma pathologically. Nine patients had false-positive MRI as seen by benign pathology findings. Fourteen MRIs indicated no residual disease, of which 6 had residual disease pathologically. The sensitivity and positive predictive value of MRI was 77% and 69%, respectively. MRI conducted within 28 days of the original surgery was 85% sensitive. MRI performed after 28 days was 69% sensitive. Conclusions MRI is able to detect residual disease among most patients undergoing re-excision. False-positive results may be caused by inflammatory processes that resemble residual disease.
Integrating mRNA Decay Information into Co-Regulation Study

Absolute or relative transcript amounts measured through high-throughput technologies (e.g., microarrays) are now commonly used in bioinformatics analysis, such as gene clustering and DNA binding motif finding. However, transcription rates that represent mRNA synthesis may be more relevant in these analyses. Because transcription rates are not equivalent to transcript amounts unless the mRNA degradation rates as well as other factors that affect transcript amount are identical across different genes, the use of transcription rates in bioinformatics analysis may lead to a better description of the relationships among genes and better identification of genomic signals. In this article, we propose to use experimentally measured mRNA decay rates and mRNA transcript amounts to jointly infer transcription rates, and then use the inferred transcription rates in downstream analyses. For gene expression similarity analysis, we find that there tends to be higher correlations among co-regulated genes when transcription-rate-based correlations are used compared to those based on transcript amounts. In the context of identifying DNA binding motifs, using inferred transcription rates leads to more significant findings than those based on transcript amounts. These analyses suggest that the incorporation of mRNA decay rates and the use of the inferred transcription rates can facilitate the study of gene regulations and the reconstruction of transcriptional regulatory networks.
Mixed membership trajectory models of cognitive impairment in the multicenter AIDS cohort study.

Objective The longitudinal trajectories that individuals may take from a state of normal cognition to HIV-associated dementia are unknown. We applied a novel statistical methodology to identify trajectories to cognitive impairment, and factors that affected the “closeness” of an individual to one of the canonical trajectories.
Arousal, positive and negative affect, and preference for Renaissance and 20th-century paintings

Treatments expected to raise the level of arousal and induce different degrees of positive and negative affect were paired on some trials with Renaissance or 20th-century paintings, whereas no paintings were shown on other trials. The design was within-subjects (24 females); the dependent measures were skin conductance (SC) and the preference for paintings. All treatments, including the paintings/no paintings factor, raised SC over the base-line, and the pattern was essentially additive. The perceived failure to attain control over aversive auditory stimulation (resulting in negative affect) raised SC to a higher level than did the unavoidable aversive stimulation (minimal affect) or monetary gains (positive affect). Paintings paired with affect (positiveor negative) were rated as more pleasing than were those paired with no affect. The Renaissance works were preferred to the 20th-century works when negative affect was induced, whereas the opposite was true in the case of positive affect. The collative-motivation model could not account for the fact that pleasingness of paintings was not related to SC by an inverted-U function. The contiguity model could not explain the considerable rated pleasingness of paintings paired with negative affect. In contrast, there was considerable support for a more comprehensive hypothesis (“distraction/soothingness”) based on attentional and affective considerations, and the differential cognitive labeling of fluctuations of arousal.
Calculation of multicomponent chemical equilibria and reaction processes in systems involving minerals, gases and an aqueous phase

Abstract The compositional characteristics of many geochemical systems which involve the interaction of natural aqueous solutions with minerals and gases are conveniently described using the following thermodynamic components: Cl − , SO 4 = , HS − , CO 3 = , H + , Na + , K + , Ca ++ , Mg ++ , Fe ++ , Zn ++ , Cu + , Al +++ , SiO 2 and H 2 O. A set of mass balance and mass action equations equal in number to the number of components plus the number of saturated minerals (and gases) is defined for a specified temperature, pressure and bulk composition. The mass balance equations include terms for minerals, gases and the molalities of aqueous complexes and dissociated species. This set of non-linear equations can be solved with the aid of a computer using'a Newton-Raphson technique. The calculation takes account of aqueous ion complexing, oxidation-reduction equilibria, activity coefficients, non-unit water activity and solid solutions. The use of H + , SO 4 = , HS − and H 2 O as components allows straightforward treatment of processes involving oxidation-reduction, evaporation, boiling and changes of total aqueous H + due to hydrolysis, mineral reaction or temperature change. One product of this approach is a technique for calculating pH at high temperature from measurement of pH at room temperature. By linking a series of discrete overall heterogeneous equilibrium calculations in which incremental changes of bulk composition, temperature or pressure are made, dynamic geochemical processes can be modeled. Example calculations for two such processes are given. These are the heating of seawater from 25° to 300°C and the isothermal irreversible reaction of rhyolite with an aqueous solution at 250°C.
Treatment of tuberculosis in a neuropsychiatric hospital.

SUMMARY 1)Our experience suggests that the high incidence of tuberculosis in hospitals for mental patients can be reduced by a continuous case finding program followed by adequate therapy of active cases. 2)Neuropsychiatric patients with tuberculosis should receive all types of therapy available to mentally normal patients inclusive of major surgery. The indications for temporary and permanent collapse procedures and resections are the same as in the non-psychotic patient. 3)The patients' mental conditions should be treated concurrently and electroconvulsive therapy should be used when indicated in the presence of active tuberculosis. 4)It is emphasized that the treatment of neuropsychiatric tuberculous patients requires the active supervision of the internist, psychiatrist, thoracic surgeon and nurses trained and experienced in caring for them. 5)Preliminary data in the treatment of 121 psychotic patients with active pulmonary tuberculosis confirm these conclusions.
Distinct kinetics of human DNA ligases I, IIIalpha, IIIbeta, and IV reveal direct DNA sensing ability and differential physiological functions in DNA repair.

The three human LIG genes encode polypeptides that catalyze phosphodiester bond formation during DNA replication, recombination and repair. While numerous studies have identified protein partners of the human DNA ligases (hLigs), there has been little characterization of the catalytic properties of these enzymes. In this study, we developed and optimized a fluorescence-based DNA ligation assay to characterize the activities of purified hLigs. Although hLigI joins DNA nicks, it has no detectable activity on linear duplex DNA substrates with short, cohesive single-strand ends. By contrast, hLigIIIβ and the hLigIIIα/XRCC1 and hLigIV/XRCC4 complexes are active on both nicked and linear duplex DNA substrates. Surprisingly, hLigIV/XRCC4, which is a key component of the major non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) pathway, is significantly less active than hLigIII on a linear duplex DNA substrate. Notably, hLigIV/XRCC4 molecules only catalyze a single ligation event in the absence or presence of ATP. The failure to catalyze subsequent ligation events reflects a defect in the enzyme-adenylation step of the next ligation reaction and suggests that, unless there is an in vivo mechanism to reactivate DNA ligase IV/XRCC4 following phosphodiester bond formation, the cellular NHEJ capacity will be determined by the number of adenylated DNA ligaseIV/XRCC4 molecules.
Continued Promise of School Breakfast Programs for Improving Academic Outcomes Breakfast Is Still the Most Important Meal of the Day

A groundbreaking study, 1 published in this journal nearly 25 years ago, documented improved academic outcomes among low-income schoolchildren who received school breakfast via the School Breakfast Program (SBP) vs those who did not, including significantly decreased tardiness and absences and improved performance on standardized tests of academic achievement. Since that time, the empirical study of school breakfast initiatives has increased substantially, with several literature reviews 2-4 documenting the importance of breakfast for a variety of health and academic outcomes. In this issue, Anzman-Frasca and colleagues 5 at Tufts University provide even more evidence about the importance of school breakfasts. Their study used a large sample of elementary schools to examine outcomes of a Breakfast in the Classroom (BIC) intervention as a strategy to increase participation in the SBP and several key academic outcomes. They found that the BIC intervention significantly improved rates of participation in the SBP and student attendance. Although Anzman-Frasca and colleagues did not replicate previous findings that breakfast improved academic achievement, this should not be interpreted as a lack of benefit for breakfast programs. Indeed, a recent comprehensive review 2 found that 21 prior studies—many of which used highquality experimental designs to evaluate breakfast interventions—reported that consumption of breakfast can significantly improve students’ performance on standardized tests of mathematics and reading. Most important, these effects appear to be most reliable for habitual breakfast consumption, and breakfast interventions appear to require at least 1 month, but generally durations of several
Building Leadership Skills and Promoting Workforce Development: Evaluation Data Collected from Public Health Professionals in the Field of Maternal and Child Health

Professional development, including training and leadership skill building, is important for maternal and child health (MCH) epidemiologists. Current workforce development and training opportunities vary, but lack an emphasis on linking leadership competencies with MCH epidemiology. This paper describes efforts at the annual MCH Epidemiology Conference (the “Conference”) to promote leadership activities and workforce development, and recommendations to enhance professional development. An evaluation of attendee opinions on Conference workforce development activities was conducted during the 2009 and 2010 Conferences (70 and 66 % response rates, respectively). Frequencies and percentages were calculated overall and by attendee profession. Qualitative responses to questions regarding workforce and professional development were classified by theme in 2009, and a categorical question was developed for the 2010 evaluation. A combined 38 % of Conference attendees in 2009 and 2010 were MCH epidemiologists and 62 % were other MCH professionals. Attendees recommended more support and access to training, mentoring, and resources including job opportunities. Continuing education (41 %), special knowledge and skills-building training (51 %), and development of online resources for training (57 %) were highly recommended by attendees. Career (47 %) and leadership (49 %) mentoring by senior-level professionals in the field were also highly recommended. Promotion of leadership can be achieved by integrating the concept of leadership into the Conference itself; by publishing and disseminating MCH epidemiologic research in scientific, program, and policy settings; and by communicating the importance of epidemiologic findings to stakeholders and other non-scientific audiences.
Enhancing Learning and Learner Satisfaction Through the Use of WebCT in Social Work Education

Emerging technology has produced changes in the ways that social workers learn, practice, and interact. As communication and educational innovations have increasingly involved the use of ever-improving technologies for social work practice, so too has social work education evolved to incorporate these advances in the classroom setting. This article describes and evaluates various aspects of one particular type of web-based learning environment, WebCT, and its incorporation into five face-to-face foundation courses in a bachelor's and master's level social work program. The authors utilized an online survey to assess frequency of access of the web-based course management system and perceptions of the features. Results of this online survey assessing student use and perception of hybrid courses are shared along with implications and recommendations.
RF CMOS technology scaling in High-k/metal gate era for RF SoC (system-on-chip) applications

The impact of silicon technology scaling trends and the associated technological innovations on RF CMOS device characteristics are examined. The application of novel strained silicon and high-k/metal gate technologies not only benefits digital systems, but significantly improves RF performance. The peak cut-off frequency (f T ) doubles from 209 GHz in the 90 nm node to 445 GHz at the 32 nm node. 1/f flicker noise reduces by an order of magnitude from the 0.13 um node to the 32 nm node. Transistor noise figure, high voltage tolerance, and quality factors of RF passives all show similar benefits from technology scaling.