cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Synthetic poly(ethylene glycol)‐based microfluidic islet encapsulation reduces graft volume for delivery to highly vascularized and retrievable transplant site

Transplant of hydrogel-encapsulated allogeneic islets has been explored to reduce or eliminate the need for chronic systemic immunosuppression by creating a physical barrier that prevents direct antigen presentation. Although successful in rodents, translation of alginate microencapsulation to large animals and humans has been hindered by large capsule sizes (≥500 μm diameter) that result in suboptimal nutrient diffusion in the intraperitoneal space. We developed a microfluidic encapsulation system that generates synthetic poly(ethylene glycol)-based microgels with smaller diameters (310 ± 14 μm) that improve encapsulated islet insulin responsiveness over alginate capsules and allow transplant within vascularized tissue spaces, thereby reducing islet mass requirements and graft volumes. By delivering poly(ethylene glycol)-encapsulated islets to an isolated, retrievable, and highly vascularized site via a vasculogenic delivery vehicle, we demonstrate that a single pancreatic donor syngeneic islet mass exhibits improved long-term function over conventional alginate capsules and close integration with transplant site vasculature. In vivo tracking of bioluminescent allogeneic encapsulated islets in an autoimmune type 1 diabetes murine model showed enhanced cell survival over unencapsulated islets in the absence of chronic systemic immunosuppression. This method demonstrates a translatable alternative to intraperitoneal encapsulated islet transplant.
CHAPTER 42 – Emerging Issues: Children's Exposure to Pesticides in Residential Settings

This chapter surveys existing and emerging methods for assessing children's nondietary exposures to pesticides in residential settings, and comments on the implications of these methods for health risk assessment. For children less than 12 years old, their residence is likely to be the primary setting in which they come into contact with pesticides. Children spend an average of 21 hours a day indoors, most of it at home, in school, or in daycare. A wide variety of consumer pesticide products are used in the home, including preparations for flies, ants, roaches, and fleas, as well as products for care of pets and houseplants. Typical active ingredients found in indoor application products include chlorpyrifos, propoxur, diazinon, malathion, dichlorvos, and pyrethroids. The basic principles of exposure assessment are described and the sources and pathways for children's exposure to pesticides are examined in the chapter. Methods for measuring pesticides are discussed, followed by a discussion of biomarker measurements to estimate exposure and dose. The chapter concludes by looking ahead at the research needed to reduce uncertainties in children's risk assessments.
Verification of Random Number Generators for Embedded Machine Learning

Embedded systems are utilizing complex machine learning designs to solve difficult problems. It is a challenge to maximize the design efficiency with limitations to space, power, and heat generation. Random Number Generators (RNGs) must meet design constraints while also trying to be sufficiently random. We investigate the randomness of multiple RNGs and explore how degrees of randomness affect machine learning.
Decoupled Epineurial and Axonal Deformation in Mouse Median and Ulnar Nerves

Author(s): Sung, Jaemyoung | Advisor(s): Shah, Sameer B; Bloodgood, Brenda L | Abstract: Peripheral nerves span one or more articulating joints, and must accommodate mechanical loads during day-to-day activities. Axons are protected in part by their undulation within the nerve, implied by the Bands of Fontana. In addition, previous studies have identified regions of increased epineurial strain and compliance, particularly near joints. Most of these studies have focused on regional differences in epineurial strain; however, how internal nerve compartments, including the axons, perceive this increased deformation is less understood. Using transgenic mice expressing a fluorescent reporter within their neurons, we tested 1) whether mesoneurial tissue contributes to regional variability in epineurial strain, and 2) whether nerves increase their local axonal undulation in regions of high epineurial strain, as a strategy to protect nerve fibers from strain-induced damage.In our results, we observed a decoupling between regions of high epineurial strain and high axonal tortuosity. Consistent with previous studies, decompression resulted in significant differences in regional strain, confirming strong mesoneurial influences on epineurial strain. However, regional differences in axonal tortuosity were largely unchanged by decompression or excision, signaling that epineurial measurements may not fully represent the response of the inner nerve. Based on our findings and previous literatures, we propose a neuromechanical model that permits axons to unravel along their length due to looser coupling between the peri/endoneurium. This capability may result in enhanced axonal protection to injury than suspected. These findings have implications for our understanding of nerve biomechanics as well as the progression of nerve dysfunction due to injury, disease, or surgery.
Antibiotic prescribing for acute respiratory tract infections in the United States outpatient setting.

Acute respiratory tract infections (ARIs) are common in the outpatient setting. Although they are predominantly viral, antibiotics are often prescribed for the treatment of ARIs. Using the U.S. Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS; 2010–2015), we estimated the national prevalence and predictors of outpatient antibiotic prescribing for ARIs by provider type. We categorized the trends of antibiotic prescriptions (overall or broad-spectrum) for ARIs by provider type (physician and advanced practice provider [APP] which includes nurse practitioner [NP], and physician assistant [PA]). The outcome variable was defined as receipt of an antibiotic prescription during a consultation with a provider for an ARI (including outpatient clinic visit or doctor’s office visit). There were 64,081,892 ARI antibiotic prescriptions written, with a decrease from 10.9 (2010) to 9.7 million (2015) during the study interval (p < 0.0001). Associations of patient- and provider-level variables with antibiotics prescription were examined using binary logistic regression. Blacks were more likely to receive antibiotics than whites (OR 1.51; 95% CI 1.25, 1.84; p < 0.001), and antibiotic prescription was more likely if the patient-provider race was concordant (OR 5.41; 95% CI 4.65, 6.29, p < 0.0001). Although the majority of patients with ARI were cared for by physicians, APPs were seeing an increasing number of ARI patients. Antibiotic prescribing for ARIs though declining, remains high. More research is needed to better understand the drivers of ARI antibiotic prescribing and to develop targeted interventions for both patients and providers.
Supervision of young children in parking lots: Impact on child pedestrian safety.

Abstract Introduction: Pedestrian injuries are a significant pediatric public health concern worldwide. Younger children are at particular risk for pedestrian injuries in parking lots, but there is limited research regarding children's pedestrian behaviors in parking lots. Method: This study examined children's behaviors and safety risks in parking lots through unobtrusive and unannounced observation of 124 children ages 2–10 years and their adult supervisors as they crossed a parking lot from their parked vehicle into a community recreation center. Results: Adult supervision was inadequate: over 67% of children 10 years of age and younger were unsupervised in the parking lot at some point between the vehicle parking and the child entering into the building. Approximately 90% of all children were outside of arm's length of the accompanying adult at some point while in the parking lot. Additionally, children exited the vehicle prior to the adult in over 50% of observations. Age was associated with safety risk, with older children being unsupervised more often than younger ones. Conclusions: Adult supervision of children in a parking lot setting was poor, creating significant safety risks. In addition, many children failed to follow basic pedestrian safety practices themselves, such as looking for moving cars. Injury prevention strategies should be implemented. Practical applications: As researchers gain better understanding about the safety risks for children in parking lots, interventions could target adult and child behaviors through improved supervision, altered perception of risk, and mandated behavioral guidelines for child behavior, such as how and when children exit vehicles in parking lots.
Optimal ultra-short copulation duration in a sexually cannibalistic spider

Sexual conflict has been shown to shape many behaviors in the reproductive context, such as the duration of copulation, across a broad taxonomic range. In spiders, copulation duration is one of the most variable reproductive traits, ranging from seconds to hours. Some species in the araneid genus Argiope exhibit very short copulations of a few seconds per pedipalp insertion. This has been hypothesized to be the result of cannibalistic females imposing selection on males to escape the attack by reducing insertion duration to a minimum. However, copulation duration is positively correlated with the number of sperm transferred and fertilization success in many species. Thus, given the tradeoff between sperm transfer and the risk of being cannibalized, males may optimize the duration of copulation to maximize lifetime reproductive success. Here we test whether males in the orb-weaver Argiope aurantia, which exhibits the shortest copulation in any spider and rivals the honey bee for shortest copulation reported for any arthropod with internal genital coupling, are optimizing the insertion duration of the first pedipalp to maximize the number of sperm transferred and eggs fertilized. We analyzed total sperm transferred to the female, and male fertilization success as a function of the first insertion’s duration, using data collected in previous staged-mating experiments and determined optimal copulations of 3–4 s, which is close to the averages of the source populations. Thus, we present evidence for sexual cannibalism as a driver of the extremely short copulations in A. aurantia. Females and males often conflict over mating frequency. In spiders, both sexes have paired reproductive organs and can remain half virgin if only one of the two possible copulations are completed. In the orb-weaver Argiope aurantia, males place mating plugs and females almost always immediately attack males in copula, probably to prevent them from achieving both copulations and to be able to upgrade to a second mate. We find an optimal duration of 3–4 s for males to terminate copulation, which reduces the risk of being killed, while at the same time maximizing sperm transfer and fertilization success because copulation duration is positively related to the number of sperm transferred and allows males to achieve the second copulation. The optimal duration detected here is very close to average copulation durations in nature. Hence, we document the adaptive value of the shortest copulation known for any spider.
Beyond Aesthetics: Use, Abuse, and Dissonance in African Art Traditions: by Wole Soyinka, New Haven and London, Yale University Press in association with the Hutchins Center for African and African American Research, 2019, xviii + 132 pp.

This small but highly charged book is based on the Richard D. Cohen Lectures on African and African American Art, delivered by Wole Soyinka at Harvard in 2017 in connection with an exhibition of so...
Lysosomal Storage Diseases

The lysosomal storage diseases (LSD) are a heterogeneous group of disorders, characterized by the progressive accumulation of various substrates in multiple cell types, as a consequence of defects in the degradation of by-products of cellular turnover. Several subtypes are associated with neurodegenerative features, which present as a major therapeutic challenge. Although the causal gene defects and corresponding enzyme, cofactor, or transport deficiency have been delineated, there remains incomplete understanding of the downstream pathways leading to organ dysfunction and clinical symptomatology. Recent studies suggest that several processes, including inflammation, apoptosis, and defects of autophagy, may be involved. Therapy remains palliative for most LSDs, although enzyme replacement therapy is available for several disorders that are caused by a deficiency in a soluble hydrolase. Novel strategies, which involve the use of small molecular agents that inhibit substrate synthesis or act as pharmacological chaperones to rescue the mutant protein, are current subjects of investigation. In addition, gene therapy and stem cell therapy are being evaluated. The multifactorial basis of LSDs will likely necessitate a combination of approaches to optimize therapeutic outcome. Meanwhile, preimplantation genetic diagnosis and prenatal detection are being offered as an option to families at risk. Newborn screening and carrier detection in populations at risk is also being undertaken, to enable early diagnosis, appropriate counseling, and timely intervention.
Post-traumatic stress disorder in nurses: An integrative review

Aims and objectives To synthesise literature regarding PTSD among nurses. Two objectives guided this review: (a) describe the prevalence of PTSD in registered nurses and (b) identify factors associated with nursing work-related PTSD. Background Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric disorder that can occur from direct or indirect exposure to traumatic events. Nurses are at risk of developing PTSD due to their indirect and/or direct exposure to traumatic situations while providing care to vulnerable patient populations. Design An integrative review. Methods A literature search was conducted in PubMed and the Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL). Data extraction and quality assessment were independently performed by two reviewers. Data analysis procedures consisted of four concurrent activities: data reduction, data display, data comparison and conclusion drawing and verification. Conclusions were narratively synthesised and thematically presented by review objective using PRISMA guidelines. Results Twenty-four articles met criteria for review. One theme emerged from the synthesis of literature describing the prevalence of PTSD in nurses: All Over the Board. Authors reported vastly different PTSD prevalence rates across studies likely due to variability in measurement. Four themes emerged from the synthesis of factors that influence PTSD among nurses: The Workplace Matters, Relationships Matter, It Hurts to Care and Interpersonal Strengths. These overarching themes captured a multitude of factors that occur across three levels of influence: organisational, interpersonal and intrapersonal. Conclusions This integrative review highlights PTSD as a growing concern in the nursing profession. The thematic analysis and associated subthemes provide a framework for the design of interventions to reduce the risk of PTSD symptom development among nurses working in inpatient settings. Relevance to clinical practice Multitargeted efforts directed at the organisational, interpersonal and intrapersonal factors identified in this review may help mitigate the harmful impact of PTSD and promote nurse well-being.
Women's Rights in International Law: Critical Actors, Structuration, and the Institutionalization of Norms

Widespread adoption of the Convention for the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) represents a puzzle. It cannot be described as serving the interests of any state as understood in conventional theories of international relations because it commits countries to radical social change. Yet all but six UN member states have ratified it. We argue that the case can only be explained by reference to Waltz’ first image, the individual level. We invoke Giddens' notion of structuration to explain how a small group of like-minded women, many of them diplomats, were able to work within existing structures of international diplomacy to create institutions that embedded their ideals in international law. These women were critical actors, positioned simultaneously in activist organizations and government and diplomatic institutions, giving them leverage to institutionalize new norms. The case shows the importance of analysis at the individual level to explain normative change in the international system.
Impaired Postnatal Myelination in a Conditional Knockout Mouse for the Ferritin Heavy Chain in Oligodendroglial Cells.

To define the importance of iron storage in oligodendrocyte development and function, the ferritin heavy subunit (Fth) was specifically deleted in oligodendroglial cells. Blocking Fth synthesis in Sox10 or NG2-positive oligodendrocytes during the first or the third postnatal week significantly reduces oligodendrocyte iron storage and maturation. The brain of Fth knock-out animals presented an important decrease in the expression of myelin proteins and a substantial reduction in the percentage of myelinated axons. This hypomyelination was accompanied by a decline in the number of myelinating oligodendrocytes and with a reduction in proliferating oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs). Importantly, deleting Fth in Sox10-positive oligodendroglial cells after postnatal day 60 have no effect on myelin production and/or oligodendrocyte quantities. We also tested the capacity of Fth-deficient OPCs to remyelinate the adult brain in the cuprizone model of myelin injury and repair. Fth deletion in NG2-positive OPCs significantly reduces the number of mature oligodendrocytes and myelin production throughout the remyelination process. Furthermore, the corpus callosum of Fth knock-out animals presented a significant decrease in the percentage of remyelinated axons and a substantial reduction in the average myelin thickness. These results indicate that Fth synthesis during the first three postnatal weeks is important for an appropriate oligodendrocyte development and suggest that Fth iron storage in adult OPCs is also essential for an effective remyelination of the mouse brain. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT To define the importance of iron storage in oligodendrocyte function, we have deleted the ferritin heavy chain (Fth) specifically in the oligodendrocyte lineage. Fth ablation in oligodendroglial cells throughout early postnatal development significantly reduces oligodendrocyte maturation and myelination. In contrast, deletion of Fth in oligodendroglial cells after postnatal day 60 have no effect on myelin production and/or oligodendrocyte numbers. We have also tested the consequences of disrupting Fth iron storage in oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) after demyelination. We have found that Fth deletion in NG2-positive OPCs significantly delays the remyelination process in the adult brain. Therefore, Fth iron storage is essential for early oligodendrocyte development as well as for OPC maturation in the demyelinated adult brain.
Widespread endogenization of giant viruses shapes genomes of green algae.

Endogenous viral elements (EVEs)—viruses that have integrated their genomes into those of their hosts—are prevalent in eukaryotes and have an important role in genome evolution1,2. The vast majority of EVEs that have been identified to date are small genomic regions comprising a few genes2, but recent evidence suggests that some large double-stranded DNA viruses may also endogenize into the genome of the host1. Nucleocytoplasmic large DNA viruses (NCLDVs) have recently become of great interest owing to their large genomes and complex evolutionary origins3–6, but it is not yet known whether they are a prominent component of eukaryotic EVEs. Here we report the widespread endogenization of NCLDVs in diverse green algae; these giant EVEs reached sizes greater than 1 million base pairs and contained as many as around 10% of the total open reading frames in some genomes, substantially increasing the scale of known viral genes in eukaryotic genomes. These endogenized elements often shared genes with host genomic loci and contained numerous spliceosomal introns and large duplications, suggesting tight assimilation into host genomes. NCLDVs contain large and mosaic genomes with genes derived from multiple sources, and their endogenization represents an underappreciated conduit of new genetic material into eukaryotic lineages that can substantially impact genome composition. The authors show that large endogenous viral elements derived from giant viruses are prominent components of green algal genomes.
Physician wellness in allergy and immunology: Personal resiliency.

Abstract Objective Physician burnout and wellness are vital and current issues in medicine, including allergy and immunology. Resilience involves the ability to rebound from personal and professional adversities. Improving individual resilience can be used to combat many of these stresses. Data Sources PubMed database and the worldwide web were searched for articles on physician wellness and resilience. Study Selections Peer-reviewed scholarly review articles, peer-reviewed scientific research articles, and articles from internet websites on wellness and resilience were utilized as study selections. Results Physicians deal with many occupational stresses, including bureaucratic tasks, employment change, discrimination, difficult personalities, financial issues, and retirement. Personal stresses may include marital or relationship issues, loss of a family member, and mental and physical conditions. A variety of techniques can be used to improve personal resilience. These include addressing individual mental and physical health care issues; focusing on adequate sleep, nutrition, and exercise; maintaining a positive and hopeful outlook; addressing spirituality; and adding daily humor. Conclusion As we address our own wellness and improve our resilience as physicians, the healthier we become and the better we can advocate for our patients and our specialty of allergy and immunology.
Biomarkers of Immune Activation and Incident Kidney Failure With Replacement Therapy: Findings From the African American Study of Kidney Disease and Hypertension

Rationale & Objective Immune activation is fundamental to the pathogenesis of many kidney diseases. Innate immune molecules such as soluble urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) have been linked to the incidence and progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Whether other biomarkers of immune activation are associated with incident kidney failure with replacement therapy (KFRT) in African Americans with nondiabetic kidney disease is unclear. Study Design Prospective cohort. Setting & Participants African American Study of Kidney Disease and Hypertension (AASK) participants with available baseline serum samples for biomarker measurement. Predictors Baseline serum levels of soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 (sTNFR1), sTNFR2, tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), and interferon γ (IFN-γ). Outcomes Incident KFRT, all-cause mortality. Analytical Approach Cox proportional hazards models. Results Among 500 participants with available samples, mean glomerular filtration rate was 44.7 mL/min/1.73 m2, and median urinary protein-creatinine ratio was 0.09 g/g at baseline. Over a median follow up of 9.6 years, there were 161 (32%) KFRT and 113 (23%) death events. In models adjusted for demographic and clinical factors and baseline kidney function, each 2-fold higher baseline level of sTNFR1, sTNFR2, and TNF-α was associated with 3.66-fold (95% CI, 2.31-5.80), 2.29-fold (95% CI, 1.60-3.29), and 1.35-fold (95% CI, 1.07-1.71) greater risks of KFRT, respectively; in comparison, each doubling of baseline suPAR concentration was associated with 1.39-fold (95% CI, 1.04-1.86) greater risk of KFRT. sTNFR1, sTNFR2, and TNF-α were also significantly associated with death (up to 2.2-fold higher risks per 2-fold higher baseline levels; P ≤ 0.01). IFN-γ was not associated with either outcome. None of the biomarkers modified the association of APOL1 high-risk status (genetic risk factors for kidney disease among individuals of African ancestry) with KFRT (P > 0.05 for interaction). Limitations Limited generalizability to other ethnic groups or causes of CKD. Conclusions Among African Americans with CKD attributed to hypertension, baseline levels of sTNFR1, sTNFR2, and TNF-α but not IFN-γ were associated with KFRT and mortality.
Burnout and work-life balance in neurosurgery: Current state and opportunities

Background Burnout is a syndrome characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced sense of personal accomplishment. The syndrome has been recognized as a pandemic among physicians. The demanding nature of neurosurgery makes neurosurgeons, particularly prone to burnout. In recent years, pioneering work has shed light on burnout in the field of neurosurgery. Methods We have reviewed the literature in PUBMED on burnout in physicians, focusing on neurosurgical publications. Results In this manuscript, we explore the topic of burnout in neurosurgery by reviewing definitions, magnitude, etiologies, sequelae, and mitigation strategies. Conclusion Ongoing education, recognition, and targeted interventions for neurosurgeons at different career stages are needed to manage burnout proactively and ensure a resilient neurosurgery workforce.
Evolution of Texture and Deformation Mechanisms During Repeated Deformation and Heat Treating Cycles of U-6Nb

The evolution of the crystallographic texture and lattice strain of uranium 6-weight percent niobium alloy samples are tracked during multiple deformation and heat treating cycles in an effort to understand and control the mechanical properties of the material following thermo-mechanical processing. The heavily twinned microstructure and low-symmetry crystal structure of U-6Nb result in multiple sequential active deformation mechanisms associated with distinctive deformation textures in strain ranges from 0-0.15 true strain. It is found that heating into the high-temperature γ-phase erases much of the texture formed during deformation at room temperature in the α′′-phase and resets the active deformation mechanisms. Through a small number of deformation/heat treat cycles to moderate strains, i.e., ~ 0.13 per cycle, the flow strength of the material is recovered to its original value. However, on the fourth such cycle, a reduction of strength is observed and the sample failed.
Formulas of Multilevel Reliabilities for Tests with Ordered Categorical Responses

There has been no research on the multilevel composite reliability (or coefficient omega) and multilevel maximal reliability H for weighted sum of a test with ordered categorical responses. In order to fill the gap, this study reviewed various approaches to reliabilities, extended single level reliabilities to multilevel reliabilities, and provided closed-form formulas for multilevel nonlinear SEM reliabilities via a multilevel confirmatory factor analysis approach. Multilevel Cronbach’s alpha was also considered.
The Use of Contingency-Based Procedures to Promote Tolerance of Schedule Thinning for Hypothesized Multiply Maintained Problem Behavior

Contingency-based procedures have been found to be effective in facilitating delays to reinforcement for escape-maintained behavior within research and clinical contexts. Few studies have evaluated the use of these procedures for multiply maintained problem behavior. A contingency-based procedure was conducted with two participants to evaluate the effectiveness this procedure had on increasing tolerance to schedule thinning for problem behavior that was hypothesized to be multiply controlled. Results suggested that the procedure was effective at facilitating tolerance for a delay for both participants after switching to a lower effort task.
Improving the predictive value of red blood cell storage trials: lessons from the Biomedical Excellence for Safer Transfusion (BEST) Collaborative Trial 41.

BACKGROUND: Storage system trials are conducted for the development and licensure of new red blood cell (RBC) storage systems or to validate new ways of using existing systems. Results from one laboratory are often difficult to reproduce in another laboratory, leading to confusion. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A large international trial was designed to test the warm overnight hold using common donor collection systems and pooling of units to reduce interlaboratory variability of measures of RBC storage. Methods of measurement were left to the individual laboratories. pH was measured on both laboratory pH meters and clinical blood gas machines. Adenosine 5′-monophosphate (ATP) was measured by a variety of methods. RESULTS: Intralaboratory variability of measures of pH and ATP were small compared to interlaboratory variability. Initial pH measures between laboratories varied over 0.4 pH units, while RBC ATP concentrations varied 2 to 10 µMol/g hemoglobin. pH variability was partly related to temperature of measurement, but the variability in ATP measures was a problem of both methods and standards. CONCLUSIONS: Common methods and shared standards between laboratories would improve the interpretation of RBC storage measurements. Improved comparability between major laboratories would speed the development of better RBC storage systems.
Proteolytic modification of Escherichia coli alkaline phosphatase.

Abstract Proteolytic modification of the native alkaline phosphatase dimer is restricted to sites in the amino-terminal portion of the sequence. Complementing previous studies of the product of trypsin cleavage at the R-11, A-12 bond (Roberts, C. H., and Chlebowski, J. F. (1984) J. Biol. Chem. 259, 729-733; Roberts, C. H., and Chlebowski, J. F. (1984) J. Biol. Chem. 260, 7557-7561) circular dichroic spectroscopy indicates that cleavage at this site results in a rearrangement of secondary structure and change in tertiary structure as monitored in the far and near UV regions, respectively. Under more vigorous reaction conditions, trypsin cleaves at the R-35, D-36 bond. The deletion of an additional 24 residues yields a species whose functional and structural properties are similar to the initial product of trypsin cleavage. Treatment of the enzyme with Protease V-8 results in cleavage at the E-9, N-10 bond. In contrast to the products of trypsin treatment, this truncated enzyme is similar to the native enzyme. These results indicate that the residues at the N-10 and R-11 positions play a unique role in maintaining the structural integrity and catalytic potency of the enzyme although this locus is distant from the enzyme active centers. These observations are discussed in terms of the three-dimensional structure of the enzyme.
Univariate Geometric Stable Laws

The paper summarizes recent advances in the theory of geometric stable (GS) distributions. The results presented include parametrizations, characterizations, mixture representations, properties, asymptotic and convergent series expansions of densities and distribution functions, moments and tail behavior, simulation, and estimation.
Intensification of premonsoon tropical cyclones in the Bay of Bengal and its impacts on Myanmar

[1] We analyze multiple global reanalysis and precipitation datasets in order to explain the dynamic mechanisms that lead to an observed intensification of the monsoon trough and associated tropical cyclone (TC) activity over the Bay of Bengal (BOB) during the premonsoon month of May. We find that post-1979 increases in both premonsoon precipitation and TC intensity are a result of enhanced large-scale monsoon circulation, characterized by lower-level cyclonic and upper-level anticyclonic anomalies. Such circulation anomalies are manifest of the tropospheric expansion that is caused by regional warming. The deepened monsoon trough in the BOB not only affects TC frequency and timing, but also acts to direct more cyclones towards Myanmar. We propose that increasing sea surface temperature in the BOB has contributed to an increase in cyclone intensity. Our analyses of the Community Earth System Model single-forcing experiments suggest that tropospheric warming and a deepening of the monsoon trough can be explained by two discreet anthropogenic causes—an increase in absorption due to aerosol loading and an increase in the land-ocean thermal contrast that results from increased greenhouse gases. The ensuing circulation changes provide favorable conditions for TCs to grow and to track eastward towards Myanmar.
A comparative study of financial data sources for critical access hospitals: audited financial statements, the Medicare cost report, and the Internal Revenue Service form 990.

Purpose: Medicare Cost Reports (MCR), Internal Revenue Service Form 990s (IRS 990), and Audited Financial Statements (AFS) vary in their content, detail, purpose, timeliness, and certification. The purpose of this study was to compare selected financial data elements and characterize the extent of differences in financial data and ratios across the MCR, IRS 990, and AFS for a sample of nonprofit Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs). Methods: Line items from AFS of 47 CAHs were compared to data reported in the hospitals’ MCR and IRS 990s. Line items were based on 9 financial indicators commonly used to assess hospital financial performance. Findings: Of the indicators examined, the equity financing ratio most frequently matched between the 3 reports, while salaries and benefits to total expenses and debt service coverage were often different. Variances were driven by differences in individual account balances used to construct the ratios. Relative to AFS, cash was frequently lower on the IRS 990 while marketable securities and unrestricted investments were often higher. Other revenue and net income were consistently lower on the MCR and IRS 990, and depreciation was often higher on the MCR. The majority of total assets and fund balance (equity) values matched across the 3 reports, suggesting differences in classification among detailed accounts were more common than variances between the component totals (total assets, total liabilities, and fund balance). Conclusions: Health policy researchers should consider the impact of these variances on study results and consider ways to improve the availability and quality of financial accounting information.
Mood and personality in adulthood.

Publisher Summary The dominant paradigm in current personality psychology is a reinvigorated version of one of the oldest approaches, trait psychology. Personality traits are “dimensions of individual differences in tendencies to show consistent patterns of thoughts, feelings, and actions.” In this context, trait structure refers to the pattern of co-variation among individual traits, usually expressed as dimensions of personality identified in factor analyses. For decades, the field of personality psychology was characterized by competing systems of trait structure; more recently a consensus has developed that most traits can be understood in terms of the dimensions of the Five-Factor Model. The consensus on personality trait structure is not paralleled by consensus on the structure of affects. The chapter discusses a three-dimensional model, defined by pleasure, arousal, and dominance factors in which it is possible to classify such state-descriptive terms as mighty, fascinated, unperturbed, docile, insolent, aghast, uncaring, and bored. More common are two-dimensional systems with axes of pleasure and arousal or positive and negative affect. These two schemes are interpreted as rotational variants—positive affect is midway between pleasure and arousal, whereas negative affect lies between arousal and low pleasure.
ON DISCRIMINANTS AND MAXIMAL ORDERS

pand o)p is a primitive p-th root of unity, 0 = ]/a with (a, p)= 1. A theorem given by BERWICK in [1] will be used in dealing with the last special case. Finally, we remark that the restriction to the field ef rational numbers as base field is not essential to our discussion in this paper. As can be seen from our proofs, the results can be easily generated to any finite algebraic number field. We start by stating two theorems and giving some definitions which will be frequently used in this paper.
Variational Bounds in N-Particle Scattering Using the Faddeev–Yakubovskii Equations: Deuteron-Deuteron S=2 Scattering

A variational-bound formulation of the N-particle scattering problem has been developed based on the Yakubovskii–Faddeev chain-of-partition equations. It is shown that the scattering amplitude for the elastic, rearrangement or break-up processes satisfies a Lippmann–Schwinger type integral equation in which the kernel integration is over the open channels and the closed channels enter through the effective potential. In the case where only two (three)-cluster open channels are allowed, the integral equation for the transition amplitude involves integration over only one (two) momentum vector(s). A variational estimate for the effective potential input to the integral equation is obtained when the closed channel partition Green’s functions are estimated variationally. It is shown that the variational estimates for the closed-channel Green’s function also provide upper and lower bounds that can be used as a subsidiary extremum principle to determine optimum parameters in the trial function. Several methods are provided for simplifying the determination of the effective potential. The inclusion of Coulomb potentials in the Yakubovskii–Faddeev (YF) chain-of-partition formalism is also described. In this approach the inter-particle potential is not assumed to be separable as in typical quasi-particle schemes. The many-body dependence of the effective potential is included via expectation values involving an inter-particle potential and spatially decaying trial functions. The N-body scattering problem is therefore reduced to: (a) solving a two-body scattering problem (three-body in the case of break-up) and (b) a bound-state type calculation to determine the effective potential. As an initial application, the method is applied to the case of low-energy elastic deuteron-deuteron scattering (including the Coulomb force) and compared to a recent cluster-reduction calculation.
Exclusion of cooperating T cells as targets for heterologous anti-mu antiserum.

Abstract BALB/c thymocytes were exposed to anti-μ serum in vitro , and both thymocytes and splenic T cells were exposed to anti-μ by long-term intensive treatment of intact animals. In all cases, the anti-μ-treated T cells could cooperate with splenocytes from nude mice in the in vitro immune response to sheep erythrocytes, indicating that cooperating T cells are not targets for immunosuppression by heterologous anti-μ antibodies.
SEDENTARY BEHAVIOR IS ASSOCIATED WITH CORONARY ARTERY CALCIFICATION IN THE DALLAS HEART STUDY

Prior research shows no definitive relationship between physical activity (PA) and coronary artery calcification (CAC). The relationship between sedentary behavior and CAC, independent of PA, has not been investigated. Participants of the Dallas Heart Study free of known CVD with accelerometer-
A Novel Biomimetic Model for Studying Mechanics of Embryonic Morphogenesis and Differentiation

Before the explosion of genetics research in the last century, embryonic development was largely studied from a mechanical perspective. Paired with genetic advances in understanding developmental signaling pathways and induction mechanisms, an important goal for understanding morphogenesis is to discover how the genome codes for changes in the mechanical movements of the embryonic cells. After formation of the zygote, a phase of rapid mitotic cell division is followed by epithelialization resulting in a cohesive sheet of cells termed the epiblast. During the next major phase of triploblastic development called gastrulation, a group of undifferentiated cells in the epiblast moves collectively to the embryonic midline and eventually gives rise to the three primary germ layers: endoderm, mesoderm, and ectoderm. At the primitive streak—the “organizing center” in amniotes (reptiles, birds, and mammals) which delineates anterior-posterior polarity—prospective endodermal and mesodermal precursors undergo epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), internalization, and eventually organogenesis. “It is not birth, marriage, or death, but gastrulation which is truly the most important time in your life” (Lewis Wolpert, 1986).Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Construction and measurements of a prototype near-zero index reconfigurable metamaterial antenna

A design for an arbitrarily reconfigurable metamaterial lens antenna is presented that makes use of a spatially-tunable uniaxial near-zero-permeability metamaterial. By combining the shape-based radiation pattern control of uniaxial ZIM lenses and a metamaterial that switches from near-zero-index to near-free-space properties, a cylindrical (or approximately-cylindrical) metamaterial slab may be used to generate and dynamically steer beams. A static, proof-of-concept lens has been constructed and a fully-reconfigurable dynamic lens is under construction to demonstrate the operation of the metamaterial-enabled antenna. Measured results from the prototypes will be presented at the conference.
Chemical degradation of fluorosulfonamide fuel cell membrane polymer model compounds

Abstract The durability of a polymer electrolyte fuel cell membrane, along with high proton conductivity and mechanical performance is critical to the success of these energy conversion devices. Extending our work in perfluorinated membrane stability, aromatic trifluoromethyl sulfonamide model compounds were prepared, and their oxidative degradation was examined. The chemical structures for the models were based on mono-, di- and tri-perfluorinated sulfonamide modified phenyl rings. Durability of the model compounds was evaluated by exposure to hydroxyl radicals generated using Fenton reagent and UV irradiation of hydrogen peroxide. LC–MS results for the mono-substituted model compound indicate greater stability to radical oxidation than the di-substituted species; loss of perfluorinated fonamide side chains appears to be an important pathway, along with dimerization and aromatic ring hydroxylation. The tri-substituted model compound also shows loss of side chains, with the mono-substituted compound being a major oxidation product, along with a limited amount of hydroxylation and dimerization of the starting material.
De novo sequencing of heparan sulfate oligosaccharides by electron-activated dissociation.

Structural characterization of highly sulfated glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) by collisionally activated dissociation (CAD) is challenging because of the extensive sulfate losses mediated by free proton...
Improving physical activity and function in overweight and obese older adults with osteoarthritis of the knee: A feasibility study

Osteoarthritis of the knee, a prevalent condition in older adults, can impact physical function and ability to perform physical activity. This randomized controlled trial examined the effects of a 6-month self-efficacy-based, individually delivered, lower-extremity exercise and fitness walking intervention with 6-month follow-up on physical activity and function. The 26 subjects were mostly older (M = 63.2 years, SD = 9.8), White (83%), obese (BMI M = 33.3, SD = 6.0) women (96%). Physical activity was measured by diaries. Physical function was measured by the 6-minute walk, Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), and WOMAC Physical Function subscale. Exercise self-efficacy was assessed by a questionnaire. Results showed significant increases in self-reported performance of lower-extremity exercise and participation in fitness walking distance in the 6-minute walk, and SPPB scores from baseline to 6-month follow-up with a trend for improvement in self-efficacy. Results suggest that the intervention was feasible, acceptable, and improved physical activity and function.
Schistosoma mansoni: Lectin-dependent cytotoxicity of hemocytes from susceptible host snails, Biomphalaria glabrata

Normally benign hemocytes from a strain (M-line) of the snail, Biomphalaria glabrata, susceptible to Schistosoma mansoni, became cytotoxic toward the sporocyst stage if the parasite was first treated with the lectin, concanavalin A. Concanavalin A binding was inhibitable with α-methyl mannoside and killing was dose-dependent. Maximal levels of concanavalin A-induced cytotoxicity were comparable with levels observed when hemocytes from a resistant snail strain (13-16-R1) encountered untreated sporocysts. Induction of the cytotoxic response did not occur if hemocytes alone were pretreated with the lectin. A unique method incorporating ultraviolet microscopy and the vital fluorescent dye, eosin Y, was used for discriminating between live and dead sporocysts. This model may prove useful in understanding mechanisms used by invertebrate effector cells in recognition and killing of invading organisms.
Synthesis and Structural Characterization of Sr2NbN3and BaThN2

Abstract Two ternary nitrides, Sr2NbN3and BaThN2, have been synthesized by heating under flowing N2at 900°C the appropriate molar mixtures of Sr2N and NbN, and Ba2N and Th3N4, respectively. The structure of Sr2NbN3was refined by the Rietveld method from X-ray powder diffraction data. It crystallizes isotypically with Ba2TaN3and Ba2ZnO3[space groupC2/c(No. 15);a=5.9864(2) A;b=11.2271(3) A;c=12.5465(1) A;β=92.587(2)°, andZ=8]. Based on its powder X-ray diffraction pattern BaThN2is believed to be isostructural with BaCeN2and RbScO2[space groupP63/mmc(No. 194);a=3.7523(6) A;c=12.858(1) A, andZ=2]. Magnetic susceptibility data are consistent with the structural results.
A long-range ordered structure in mitochondrial cristae revealed by a pathological structural modification.

Abstract An experimentally imposed 6-hr local ischemia in the anterior wall of the left ventricle in dog hearts leads to a structural modification of the mitochondria in the posterior wall with the cristae revealing a zig-zag pattern when viewed in cross sections. This pattern was found to reveal a change in the distribution of crista mass with an increase of mass at circumscribed regions in each crista membrane and a reduction of mass from the surrounding region in each crista membrane. The accumulation of mass contributed to the elevations that caused the zig-zag pattern. These elevations were distributed according to a tetragonal pattern with a periodicity of 850 A. The tetragonal pattern contributed by one crista membrane was translocated halfway along the diagonals of the tetrameric pattern of the other crista membrane within each crista. The change in mass distribution reveals differences in the strength of bonds that account for binding of the proteins to the cristae. This difference was interpreted to correspond to a location of enzymes bound in the cristae with strong bonds in the elevated regions, while enzymes less firmly bound are located in the surrounding region. The respiratory chain enzymes will then be located in the elevated regions and the soluble enzymes including the tricarboxylic acid cycle enzymes will be located in the surrounding region. The tissue in the posterior wall was functionally impaired and normal function was restored when substrate for oxidative phosphorylation was added to the blood perfusing the tissue. It is concluded that the functional impairment is a consequence of a partial breakdown of the structural organization of the tricarboxylic acid cycle enzymes. The discovery of a long-range structural order involving the entire cristae reveals that the enzymes of the multienzyme systems as well as those systems in the cristae are structurally highly organized and it excludes that the enzymes are randomly mixed and highly mobile.