cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
REDUCTION IN MICROBIAL BURDEN OF SPACECRAFT DUE TO HEATING ON ENTRY INTO THE ATMOSPHERE OF JUPITER

Planetary quarantine analyses performed for recent unmanned Mars and Venus missions assumed that the probability of contamination by a spacecraft given accidental impact was equivalent to one. However, in the case of the gaseous outer planets, the heat generated during the inadvertent entry of a spacecraft into the planetary atmosphere might be sufficient to cause significant microbial burden reduction. This could affect navigation strategy by reducing the necessity for biasing the aim point away from the planets. An effort has been underway at Jet Propulsion Laboratory to develop the tools necessary to predict temperature histories for a typical spacecraft during inadvertent entry. In order that the results have general applicability, parametric analyses are performed. The thermal response of the spacecraft components and debris resulting from disintegration is determined. The temperature histories of small particles and composite materials, such as thermal blankets and an antenna, are given special attention. Guidelines are given to indicate the types of components and debris most likely to contain viable organisms, which could contaminate the lower layers of the Jovian atmosphere (˜1 atmosphere pressure).
Comparative Analysis of Synthetic Peptides by Free-Solution Capillary Electrophoresis (FSCE) and Strong-Cation Exchange (SCX)-HPLC

Publisher Summary This chapter presents a comparison of the analytical capabilities of strong cation exchange (SCX)-high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and free-solution capillary electrophoresis (FSCE) at acidic pH for the characterization of synthetic peptides. Buffers covering the pH range of 2–10 were used for FSCE analysis of some of the synthetic peptides (data not shown). These pH experiments can be performed in an automated-overnight fashion. The majority of analyses were performed at low pH because of the numerous successful applications and predictable elution profiles for peptides subjected to SCX-HPLC and as the potentially undesirable effects observed at higher pH for FSCE should be minimized at pH 2–3. For the majority of the peptide groups analyzed, each analytical technique was equally proficient in peak assignment and resolution of within group peptide components.
Efficient Computation of Singularities of Chemical Reactor Models

Computing the loci of singular points of PDEs requires repeated computation of the Jacobian or monodromy matrix and of the corresponding eigenvalues and eigenvectors of the discretized equations. This is a very tedious task for large sets of equations. We propose to simplify these computations by a combined use of shooting, quasi—Newton methods and direct linearization embedded in a continuation scheme [8]. In this paper we describe the large reduction in the numerical effort that may be accomplished by direct Frechet differentiation of the PDEs, i.e., the direct linearization. This method is more general than earlier approaches and can be applied to general bifurcation problems, which is illustrated by two examples.
Potential of microalgae as biopesticides to contribute to sustainable agriculture and environmental development

The loss of yields from agricultural production due to the presence of pests has been treated over the years with synthetic pesticides, but the use of these substances negatively affects the environment and presents health risks for consumers and animals. The development of agroecological systems using biopesticides represents a safe alternative that contributes to the reduction of agrochemical use and sustainable agriculture. Microalgae are able to biosynthesize a number of metabolites with potential biopesticidal action and can be considered potential biological agents for the control of harmful organisms to soils and plants. The present work aims to provide a critical perspective on the consequences of using synthetic pesticides, offering as an alternative the biopesticides obtained from microalgal biomass, which can be used together with the implementation of environmentally friendly agricultural systems.
Experimental Implementation of Automatic Control of Posture-Dependent Stimulation in an Implanted Standing Neuroprosthesis.

Knowledge of the upper extremity (UE) effort exerted under real-world conditions is important for understanding how persons with motor or sensory disorders perform the postural shifts necessary to complete many activities of daily living while standing. To this end, a feedback controller, named the "Posture Follower Controller", was developed to aid in task-dependent posture shifting by individuals with spinal cord injury standing with functional neuromuscular stimulation. In this experimental feasibility study, the controller modulated activation to the paralyzed lower extremity muscles as a function of the position of overall center of pressure (CoP), which was prescribed to move in a straight line in forward and diagonal directions. Posture-dependent control of stimulation enabled leaning movements that translated the CoP up to 48 mm away from the nominal position during quiet standing. The mean 95% prediction ellipse area, a measure of the CoP dispersion in the forward, forward-right, and forward-left directions, was 951.0 ± 341.1 mm2, 1095.9 ± 251.2 mm2, and 1364.5 ± 688.2 mm2, respectively. The average width of the prediction ellipses across the three directions was 15.1 mm, indicating that the CoP deviated from the prescribed path as task-dependent postures were assumed. The average maximal UE effort required to adjust posture across all leaning directions was 24.1% body weight, which is only slightly more than twice of what is required to maintain balance in an erect standing posture. These preliminary findings suggest that stimulation can be modulated to effectively assume user-specified, task-dependent leaning postures characterized by the CoP shifts that deviate away from the nominal position and which require moderate UE effort to execute.
Melamine and cyanuric acid in foodstuffs from the United States and their implications for human exposure.

We determined the concentrations of melamine, ammeline, ammelide, and cyanuric acid in meat, fish and seafood, cereal products, beverages, cooking oil, and vegetables (n = 121) collected from Albany, New York, United States. In addition, food packaging (n = 24) and animal feed (n = 12) were analyzed to determine the sources of melamine and its derivatives in foods. Among the six categories of foods analyzed, median concentrations of ∑melamine (sum of melamine and its three derivatives) in meat (23.6 ng/g fresh weight; fw) and cereal products (20.9 ng/g fw) were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than those in other food categories (<5.03 ng/g fw). Cyanuric acid and melamine were the major compounds, accounting for 51% and 26% of the total ∑melamine concentrations, respectively. ∑melamine was found ubiquitously in food packaging (median: 36.2 ng/g fw) and animal feed (56.5 ng/g fw), which are two important sources of melamine found in foodstuffs. The median estimated daily dietary intakes (including concentrations reported for dairy products in our previous study) of melamine and cyanuric acid were in the ranges of 13.4-72.7 and 75.4-347 ng/kg body weight/day, respectively, for various age groups. Dairy products, cereal products, and meat were major sources of dietary melamine (~76%) and cyanuric acid (~95%) exposure. The calculated hazard quotients for dietary exposure to melamine and cyanuric acid were well below 1.0, which suggested minimal risk from current exposures.
The Mechanisms Underlying PTEN Loss in Human Tumors Suggest Potential Therapeutic Opportunities

In this review, we will first briefly describe the diverse molecular mechanisms associated with PTEN loss of function in cancer. We will then proceed to discuss the molecular mechanisms linking PTEN loss to PI3K activation and demonstrate how these mechanisms suggest possible therapeutic approaches for patients with PTEN-null tumors.
Misunderstanding the Match: Do Students Create Rank Lists Based on True Preferences?

Introduction: The “stable marriage” algorithm underlying the National Residency Match Program (NRMP) has been shown to create optimal outcomes when students submit true preference lists. Previous research has shown students may allow external information to affect their rank lists. The objective of this study was to determine whether medical students consistently make rank lists that reflect their true preferences.Methods: A voluntary online survey was sent to third-year students at a single midwestern medical school. Students were given hypothetical scenarios that either should or should not affect their true residency preferences and rated the importance of six factors to their final rank list. The survey was edited by a group of education scholars and revised based on feedback from a pilot with current postgraduate year 1 residents.Results: Of 175 students surveyed, 140 (80%) responded; 63% (88/140) reported that their “perceived competitiveness” would influence their rank list at least a “moderate amount. Of 135 students, 31 (23%) moved a program lower on their list if they learned they were ranked “low” by that program, while 6% (8/135) of respondents moved a program higher if they learned they were ranked “at the top of the list.” Participants responded similarly (κ = 0.71) when presented with scenarios asking what they would do vs what a classmate should do.Conclusion: Students’ hypothetical rank lists did not consistently match their true residency preferences. These results may stem from a misunderstanding of the Match algorithm. Medical schools should consider augmenting explicit education related to the NRMP Match algorithm to ensure optimal outcomes for students.
Dura, Loss Causation, and Mutual Funds: A Requiem for Private Claims?

Some courts have interpreted Dura's loss causation standard to require proof that the stock's price dropped as a result of the correction of the misleading statements or omissions. Mutual fund prices cannot be affected, however, by misleading disclosures by the fund. The price-drop interpretation of Dura therefore would preclude all prospectus claims against funds and their affiliates under Sections 11 and (12)(a)(2) of the Securities Act and Section 10(b) (and rule 10b-5 there under) of the Exchange Act. This article discusses the application of the loss causation requirement in recent mutual fund cases and argues that courts eventually will reject a strict loss causation in this context.
Introduction: The Development and Application of AI Technology

Despite a lack of successes to date, industry will soon become a new frontier for AI applications and business opportunities.
Social Capital as a Positive Social Determinant of Health: A Narrative Review

Social determinants of health influence child health behavior, development, and outcomes. This paper frames social capital, or the benefits that a child receives from social relationships, as a positive social determinant of health that helps children exposed to adversity achieve healthy outcomes across the life course. Children are uniquely dependent on their relationships with surrounding adults for material and nonmaterial resources. We identify and define three relevant aspects of social capital: 1) social support, which is embedded in a 2) social network, which is a structure through which 3) social cohesion can be observed. Social support is direct assistance available through social relationships and can be received indirectly through a caregiver or directly by a child. A child's social network describes the people in a child's life and the relationships between them. Social cohesion represents the strength of a group to which a child belongs (eg, family, community). Pediatric primary care practices play an important role in fostering social relationships between families, the health care system, and the community. Further research is needed to develop definitional and measurement rigor for social capital, to evaluate interventions (eg, peer health educators) that may improve health outcomes through social capital, and to broaden our understanding of how social relationships influence health outcomes.
AI-RADS: An Artificial Intelligence Curriculum for Residents.

Rationale and Objectives Artificial intelligence (AI) has rapidly emerged as a field poised to affect nearly every aspect of medicine, especially radiology. A PubMed search for the terms “artificial intelligence radiology” demonstrates an exponential increase in publications on this topic in recent years. Despite these impending changes, medical education designed for future radiologists have only recently begun. We present our institution's efforts to address this problem as a model for a successful introductory curriculum into artificial intelligence in radiology titled AI-RADS. Materials and Methods The course was based on a sequence of foundational algorithms in AI; these algorithms were presented as logical extensions of each other and were introduced as familiar examples (spam filters, movie recommendations, etc.). Since most trainees enter residency without computational backgrounds, secondary lessons, such as pixel mathematics, were integrated in this progression. Didactic sessions were reinforced with a concurrent journal club highlighting the algorithm discussed in the previous lecture. To circumvent often intimidating technical descriptions, study guides for these papers were produced. Questionnaires were administered before and after each lecture to assess confidence in the material. Surveys were also submitted at each journal club assessing learner preparedness and appropriateness of the article. Results The course received a 9.8/10 rating from residents for overall satisfaction. With the exception of the final lecture, there were significant increases in learner confidence in reading journal articles on AI after each lecture. Residents demonstrated significant increases in perceived understanding of foundational concepts in artificial intelligence across all mastery questions for every lecture. Conclusion The success of our institution's pilot AI-RADS course demonstrates a workable model of including AI in resident education.
Suppression of Spurious Modes in Lithium Niobate A1 Resonators Using Dispersion Matching

This work presents an improved design that exploits dispersion matching to suppress the lateral spurious modes in the thin-film lithium niobate first-order antisymmetric Lamb wave mode (A1) resonators. The dispersion matching in this work is achieved by micro-machining the lithium niobate thin film to balance the electrical and mechanical loading of electrodes. The fabricated devices based on the proposed method exhibit spurious-free responses with a maximum $Q_{3dB}$ of 692 and $k_{t}{}^{2}$ of 28%. The demonstrated method herein could overcome a significant hurdle that is currently impeding the commercialization of A1 devices.
Harnessing Artificial Intelligence to Improve the Quality of Answers in Online Question-answering Health Forums

Quality of answers in health-related community-based question answering (HCQA) forums has been a concern for both users and forum administrators. We conducted a two-phase study to better understand...
Occupancy models reveal regional differences in detectability and improve relative abundance estimations in fossil pollen assemblages

Abstract The late Quaternary fossil record provides crucial data that demonstrate how organisms respond to climate change. These records have been used to great effect, demonstrating that no-analog communities frequently occur during periods of no-analog climate, and that taxa demonstrate individualistic responses to change. However, our efforts to reconstruct biotic responses to environmental change are frequently hampered by inconsistent sampling and differential preservation of fossil taxa. We leveraged occupancy modeling methods and the fossil pollen record across eastern North America to identify circumstances under which occupancy modeling improves our ability to estimate relative abundance in four pollen taxa (Cornus, Fagus, Picea, and Pinus) through time (15 kya to present) and to identify localities where data are unreliable reflections of the local community. We found that integrating observed pollen abundance and detectability improves model performance. Low genus richness and large basin area were consistently important determinants of low detection. Our occupancy models were most informative for taxa with high enough variation in observed pollen abundance for models to be adequately calibrated. We combined occupancy model estimates of pollen abundance and detectability with a Getis-Ord statistical approach to identify spatial clusters of high or low detectability, identifying regions where a taxon’s pollen is more (or less) reliable. This work will advance the integration of ecological and paleontological sciences by allowing us to better identify whether a pollen taxon is truly absent from a fossil site or if it has simply gone undetected, allowing us to produce more robust paleoecological models. This approach will bolster our ability to identify the responses of plant communities to past climatic and anthropogenic change so that we can improve our predictions of future responses.
Abstract WP7: Early Neurological Improvement With First Pass Effect is More Common in Early Window Endovascular Intervention for Emergent Large Vessel Occlusion

Background: First pass effect (FPE), defined as complete reperfusion within one procedural pass during endovascular therapy, is associated with higher rates of a favorable clinical outcome. We aime...
An Institutional experience with primary hyperparathyroidism in the elderly over two decades.

Abstract Background Parathyroidectomy is the only curative treatment for primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT) and is associated with low morbidity. This study examined the severity of disease and outcomes of parathyroidectomy based on patient age at a high-volume institution. Methods This is a retrospective review of sporadic pHPT patients who underwent initial parathyroidectomy. To study disease severity over time, patients were divided into timeframes: 1999–2007, 2007–2012, and 2013–2018. Elderly was defined as age ≥75 years. Results Over time, the elderly had progressively lower preoperative calcium (11.0, 10.7, 10.7; p = 0.05) and PTH (150.4, 111.9, 107.9; p Conclusions Over the 3 time periods of the study, elderly patients had progressively lower calcium and PTH levels. There was no difference in endocrine-specific complications between the age groups, suggesting that parathyroidectomy in the elderly is safe and therefore, age-associated morbidity should not preclude parathyroidectomy.
Religiosity and Risk Taking: Corporate Culture or Demand Driven?

Does local religiosity create a risk averse corporate culture, or is the relationship between religiosity and firm risk taking driven by risk-sensitive demand? We utilize the detailed financial statements of financial services firms and find that both, local religiosity and the religiosity of firms’ largest geographic market, are negatively related to risk taking. The impact of religiosity is stronger for financially unconstrained firms and firms with one salient market, robust to various specifications mitigating endogeneity concerns, and supported by an analysis of headquarter moves. Our evidence suggests that firms’ reduction in risk taking is both corporate culture and demand driven.
Seeing the forest for the trees—single-cell atlases link CD8+ T cells and macrophages to disease progression and treatment response in kidney cancer

Intra- and interpatient heterogeneity of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) confounds the search for therapies associated with durable tumor responses and predictive biomarkers. Here, Braun et. al., Krishna et.al, and Bi et.al. use single-cell mRNA sequencing to characterize progressive immune dysfunction associated with ccRCC progression and resistance to immunotherapies.
The classical SIS model

The SIS model is the simplest compartment model with only two populations, the susceptible and infectious groups S and I. It characterizes infectious diseases like the common cold or influenza that do not provide immunity upon infection. While the SIS model is too simplistic to explain the outbreak dynamics of complex infectious diseases, it is the only compartment model with an explicit analytical solution for the time course of its populations. This makes it a popular model to explain and illustrate the basic principles of compartment modeling. The learning objectives of this chapter on classical SIS modeling are to
A transcriptional relationship with a natural product disrupts mitochondrial biogenesis.

A limonoid natural product disrupts mitochondrial biogenesis and overcomes resistance. In this issue of Cell Chemical Biology, Cho et al. describe an anti-melanoma strategy in which a transcriptional target gene enables the anti-proliferative activity of the limonoid, harrpernoid D.
Chrysippus’ Uncertain Fools

Famously, Immanuel Kant claims to complete a “Copernican Revolution” in philosophy by reorienting epistemology around the knowing subject rather than the object of knowledge (Critique of Pure Reason B xvi–xvii). In the analysis of opinion, the Stoics complete a Copernican Revolution of their own, shifting the focus from the ontologically based analysis of Plato’s Two-World Thesis to the two distinct subjects of Stoic epistemology—the sage and the fool. While Plato divides the world of knowledge from a world of opinion, the Stoics counter that the difference between knowledge and opinion lies in the rationality of the person and not in the external world, which fools and sages share. The Stoics base their revolution on the rejection of any objective uncertainty in the world because it is fully determined by Zeus’ rational design operating through fate in the universe. The sage can then overcome the remaining subjective uncertainty by eliminating the belief that external objects can be good or evil and making decisions about courses of action based solely on the promotion of virtue.
Optimized SVM constellations for SDM fibers

Stokes vector modulation (SVM) can be used together with multimode and mulitcore fibers. We study various algorithms for optimal geometric constellation shaping and bit-to-symbol mapping in the generalized Stokes space. We evaluate the performance of these constellations for optically-preamplified direct-detection receivers.
A New Conjecture, a New Invariant, and a New Non-splitting Result

We prove a new non-splitting result for the cohomology of the Milnor fiber, reminiscent of the classical result proved independently by Lazzeri, Gabrielov, and Le in 1973-74.
An Innovative Longitudinal Educational Approach to Maternal-Child Community Health

Poster Presentation Purpose for the Program The health care environment is rapidly changing. Nurse educators must develop innovative curricula to prepare future nurses to respond to the community maternal/child health needs of an evolving health care system. Proposed Change Starting in 2012, University of New Mexico (UNM) graduate and undergraduate faculty partnered to provide bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) students with a longitudinal community clinical experience through the Family Health Partnership (FHP). The FHP, a faculty practice located in rural Sandoval County, NM, is a federally funded, nurse‐managed practice center. Using the FHP as a clinical site, a three‐term sequence of community‐based maternal/child electives were developed to engage students in activities aimed at promoting maternal/child health, preventing disease, decreasing health care disparities, and increasing access to care. Implementation, Outcomes, and Evaluation BSN students worked with certified nurse–midwives, nurse practitioners, community health workers, and a mental health nurse practitioner to provide group prenatal care, well‐child group care, and labor support; perform extended family assessments; and research community resources. Student reported benefits included building connection to a community, increased understanding of the benefits of the provision of preventative services in the community, and an increased interest in working in maternal/child community settings and/or graduate nurse midwifery programs after graduation. Implications for Nursing Practice Partnerships between graduate and undergraduate nursing faculty and utilization of faculty practice sites can provide opportunities to provide longitudinal, innovative, clinical experiences for BSN students that increase interest in maternal–child health and community health.
Current-mode control of a DC-DC converter using a microcontroller: implementation issues

Traditionally, analog controllers have been utilized for current-mode control (CMC) of DC-DC converters. This paper discusses implementation issues for microcontroller-based digital controllers for CMC converters such as system modeling, required functionalities of a microcontroller, main design procedures, and AD conversion and time delay. A hybrid control concept is introduced such that a one-chip solution can be achieved to control a CMC power converter using a microcontroller. Experimental results are presented where hybrid controllers using the PIC16C782 are designed to control peak CMC and average CMC boost converters.
Planning the motion of a sliding and rolling sphere

This paper investigates the free motion of a sphere with initial velocity and angular velocity on a plane under sliding and rolling friction. The sphere will first slide along a parabolic trajectory (with a constant direction of its contact velocity), and then roll along a straight trajectory. Such a curved trajectory can be utilized for obstacle avoidance in path planning. A one-to-one correspondence exists between trajectories connecting two specified locations and pairs of sliding and rolling directions within some 2-dimensional region, called the trajectory space, which is then used for planning. A plane sweep algorithm operating in this space is presented to find all collision-free trajectories in the presence of cylindrical obstacles that are vertically oriented.
TEV Observations of SNRS and Unidentified Sources

A review of very high energy γ-ray astronomy is presented. Particular attention is paid to the atmospheric Cherenkov imaging technique whose employment has resulted in detections of both galactic and extra-galactic objects at energies above 300GeV. Next generation ground-based telescopes promise to increase our knowledge of extreme astrophysical objects as they begin to operate over the next few years.
Upper critical field in the organic superconductor β ″ − ( ET ) 2 SF 5 CH 2 CF 2 SO 3 : Possibility of Fulde-Ferrell-Larkin-Ovchinnikov state

We report upper critical-field measurements in the metal-free-all-organic superconductor ${\ensuremath{\beta}}^{\ensuremath{''}}\text{\ensuremath{-}}{(\text{ET})}_{2}{\text{SF}}_{5}{\text{CH}}_{2}{\text{CF}}_{2}{\text{SO}}_{3}$ obtained from measuring the in-plane penetration depth using the tunnel diode oscillator technique. For magnetic field applied parallel to the conducting planes the low-temperature upper critical fields are found to exceed the Pauli limiting field calculated by using a semiempirical method. Furthermore, we found a signature that could be the phase transition between the superconducting vortex state and the Fulde-Ferrell-Larkin-Ovchinnikov state in the form of a kink just below the upper critical field and only at temperatures below 1.23 K.
Multi-modal encoding of speech in memory: a first report

Why do people like to watch videos on TV? Why is there now increased interest in video telephones and multimedia technologies that were developed back in the 1960's? Obviously, the availability of new digital technology has played an enormous role in this transition. But, we also believe this is in part due to the same operating principle that encourages listeners in noisy environments to orient toward a talker's face. A multimodal speech signal is extremely robust and informative and provides information that perceivers are able to exploit during perceptual analysis. We present results from two experiments that examined performance in immediate memory and serial recall tasks with normal hearing listeners using unimodal (auditory only) and multimodal (auditory+visual) presentation. Our findings suggest that the addition of visual information in the stimulus display about the speakers' articulation affects the efficiency of initial encoding operations at the time of perception and also results in more detailed and robust representations of the stimulus events in memory. These results have implications for current theories of speech perception and spoken language processing.
Speech-language pathologists' perceptions of child and adult female and male stutterers

Abstract A questionnaire asking respondents to list adjectives describing four hypothetical stutterers (a typical adult male, adult female, 8-year-old male, and 8-year-old female stutterer) was completed by 81 speech-language pathologists. The large majority of reported adjectives were negative stereotypical personality traits, indicating that the perceptions of practicing speech-language pathologists concerning stutterers have remained relatively unchanged over the past two decades. Implications of these findings and suggestions for clinical training and professional services to stutterers are discussed.
Studying Different Methods of Providing Input to Collaborative Interactive Museum Exhibit Using Mobile Devices

Museums receive hundreds of thousands of visitors every year, and the mobile devices they carry with them expand the range of possibilities for museum exhibit design. We wish to design interactive exhibits that take advantage of the presence of these devices to help museum exhibits "scale up" to support variable-sized groups of visitors, and to support collaborative interactions within those groups. The choice of user input methods can impact learnability and sociability, so our research project, WeTangram, aims to evaluate three different approaches to providing input to an interactive exhibit via mobile devices. We plan to conduct an experiment to study how small groups of people make use of these interfaces, evaluating: (1) the learnability of providing input, (2) the impact of the input method on sociability and group efforts to achieve a common goal, and (3) the feasibility of the input method for use in museum exhibits.
Mechanism of impaired afferent arteriole myogenic response in Dahl salt-sensitive rats: role of 20-HETE

The afferent arteriole (Af-Art) controls glomerular capillary pressure, an important determinant of glomerular injury. Af-Art myogenic response is mediated by ATP, and ATP signaling is in turn mediated by 20-HETE. Dahl salt-sensitive rats (Dahl SS) have decreased renal 20-HETE production. We hypothesized that Dahl SS have an impaired myogenic response and constrictor response to ATP, due to decreased 20-HETE. Af-Arts from Dahl SS or Dahl salt-resistant rats (Dahl SR) were microdissected and perfused. When myogenic response was induced by increasing Af-Art perfusion pressure from 60 to 140 mmHg, luminal Af-Art diameter decreased in Dahl SR but not in Dahl SS (−3.1 ± 0.8 vs. 0.5 ± 0.8 μm, P < 0.01). The 20-HETE antagonist 20-HEDE (10−6 M) blocked the myogenic response in Dahl SR but had no effect in Dahl SS. Addition of a subconstrictor concentration of 20-HETE (but not a subconstrictor concentration of norepinephrine) restored the myogenic response in Dahl SS. We then perfused Af-Arts at 60 mmHg and tested the effects of the ATP analog α,β-methylene-ATP (10−6 M). Maximum ATP-induced constriction was attenuated in Dahl SS compared with Dahl SR (1.5 ± 0.5 vs. 7.4 ± 0.8 μm, P < 0.001). 20-HEDE attenuated ATP-induced Af-Art constriction in Dahl SR but not in Dahl SS, and consequently, ATP-induced constriction was no longer different between strains. In conclusion, Dahl SS have an impaired myogenic response and ATP-induced Af-Art constriction due to a decrease in Af-Art 20-HETE. The impaired myogenic responses may contribute to the nephrosclerosis that develops in Dahl SS.
Planning and information foraging theories: social implications and extensions

Information foraging theory and strategic planning theory can help technical communicators think about effective research methods. A broader understanding of social theory can complement Gattis's approach by adding considerations related to underlying ideological assumptions and to how research practices are situated in the larger contexts of organizations, communities, and cultures.
Solution Combustion as a Promising Method for the Synthesis of Nanomaterials

Solution–combustion is an attractive approach to synthesis of nanomaterials for a variety of applications, including catalysts, fuel cells, and biotechnology. In this paper, several novel methods based on the combustion of a reactive solution are presented. These methods include selfpropagating sol-gel combustion and combustion of impregnated inert and active supports. It was demonstrated that, based on the fundamental understanding of the considered combustion processes, a variety of extremely high surface area materials could be synthesized. The controlling process parameters are defined and discussed. Examples of materials synthesized by the above methods are presented. A continuous technology for production of nanopowders by using the solution combustion approach is also discussed.
Boron isotopic measurements from spectrally filtered non-gated molecular spectra induced by laser ablation

Abstract Spectral analysis of molecular emissions from laser-produced plasmas can augment laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy measurements, in which only atomic spectra are typically considered. Molecular isotopic shifts can be significantly greater than the respective atomic isotope shifts, enabling isotopic measurements with lower spectral resolution and in atmospheric pressure conditions. Successful isotopic measurements using molecular spectra have been made in the past by gating off the atomic emissions, or by the use of a femtosecond laser in conjunction with a non-gated detector. We report that it is possible to make accurate isotopic measurements by use of molecular emissions from non-gated spectral data even when nanosecond lasers are used. We demonstrate this capability by measuring the isotopic composition of boron-containing samples using 10-ns, 1064-nm pulses from an Nd:YAG laser and a non-gated detector. We investigate how the accuracy and precision of the multivariate calibration model used in the isotopic reconstruction is influenced by the spectral data analysis. The effect of the selection of the spectral region of interest for analysis and the optimization of a numerical spectral filter is studied. It is shown that the accuracy of isotopic reconstruction can be greatly improved by spectral filtering, and that it is relatively insensitive to laser pulse duration.
Premature social aging: the social-psychological consequences of a chronic illness.

Abstract The social consequences of Parkinsonism, and probably of many other chronic illnesses, can be likened to a premature social aging of the individuals affected, in the sense that the activity levels of Parkinson patients correspond to those of people who are chronologically older. But the effect of this artificial aging is not constant for all individuals; it impinges much more heavily on younger patients. This article examines the consequences of such premature aging for patients' attitudes toward themselves and their outlook on life.
Climate effects on formation of jellyfish and ctenophore blooms: a review

Much speculation and some evidence suggest that jellyfish and ctenophore populations have increased in recent decades. Unfortunately, few past records exist with which to compare current populations, and our knowledge of how environmental factors affect jellyfish population size is meagre. Human enterprise has wrought many changes in the ocean that are hypothesized to favour jellyfish, including eutrophication, reduction of fish stocks, and global warming. In addition to anthropogenic changes, natural climate cycles may affect jellyfish populations. Records of jellyfish and ctenophore abundance that appear to be related to indices of climate variations (temperature, salinity, North Atlantic Oscillation, North Pacific Decadal Oscillation, El Nino Southern Oscillation) are reviewed. In eleven species studied from subtropical, temperate and subarctic environments, warm temperatures were related to large population sizes; three scyphozoan species in the North Sea, and one mesopelagic hydromedusan were exceptions to that trend. One tropical scyphomedusan species was decimated by unusually warm, salty El Nino conditions in Palau. Because climate changes have complex ecosystem-level effects, the proximate causes of jellyfish increases are difficult to deduce. Therefore, the effects of temperature, salinity and prey on asexual production of new medusae from the benthic polyps of scyphomedusae and hydromedusae also are reviewed. Experiments on temperate species show greater and more rapid production of medusae at warmer temperatures. Salinity also had significant effects, and was especially important for estuarine species. Temperature and salinity affect asexual reproduction rates directly through metabolism, and indirectly through prey capture. Ocean warming may shift the distributions, expand the seasonal occurrence, and increase the abundances of temperate-boreal species. Populations living near their thermal maximum may suffer negative consequences of warming.
The impact of organizational learning on joint venture formations

Abstract The time and attention that managers in firms are spending on joint ventures and the decisions to formulate joint ventures in increasing as the numbers of joint ventures increase. This article develops insights into the impact of past organizational learning on the decision to form new joint ventures. It builds on a model of organizational learning (Lyles, M.A. (1988) Management International Review , Special Issue, pp. 85–96) and addresses the relevant aspects of organizational learning that can impact these important strategic choices.
Amygdala inputs drive feedforward inhibition in the medial prefrontal cortex

Although interactions between the amygdala and prefrontal cortex (PFC) are critical for emotional guidance of behavior, the manner in which amygdala affects PFC function is not clear. Whereas basolateral amygdala (BLA) output neurons exhibit many characteristics associated with excitatory neurotransmission, BLA stimulation typically inhibits PFC cell firing. This apparent discrepancy could be explained if local PFC inhibitory interneurons were activated by BLA inputs. Here, we used in vivo juxtacellular and intracellular recordings in anesthetized rats to investigate whether BLA inputs evoke feedforward inhibition in the PFC. Juxtacellular recordings revealed that BLA stimulation evoked action potentials in PFC interneurons and silenced most pyramidal neurons. Intracellular recordings from PFC pyramidal neurons showed depolarizing postsynaptic potentials, with multiple components evoked by BLA stimulation. These responses exhibited a relatively negative reversal potential (Erev), suggesting the contribution of a chloride component. Intracellular administration or pressure ejection of the GABA-A antagonist picrotoxin resulted in action-potential firing during the BLA-evoked response, which had a more depolarized Erev. These results suggest that BLA stimulation engages a powerful inhibitory mechanism within the PFC mediated by local circuit interneurons.
The use of graphite electrodes in potentiometric titrations

Abstract The use of various types of graphite as indicator electrodes in potentiometry has been limited, to our knowledge, to acid-base and redox titrations. These topics have recently been reviewed [1,2]. The sensors range from wax-impregnated graphite through glassy carbon to pyrolytic graphite. We have expanded the range of feasible titrations to (1) Precipitation titrations, (2) Acid-base titrations, (3) Compleximetric titrations, and (4) Redox titrations. Graphite covered with an organic membrane containing poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) and a plasticizer is particularly useful in monitoring the endpoints of titrations in which insoluble ion-pairs are formed, such as large organic and inorganic water-soluble anions vs quaternary ammonium halides, or organic and inorganic water-soluble cations vs tetraphenylborate. Probably of more interest to this audience is the potentiometric titration of fluoride vs La(III) or Th(IV), which can be monitored with a plain carbon rod as previously reported [3]. Other applications and possible mechanisms will be discussed.
Epifaunal abundance, association, and overgrowth patterns on large hermit crab shells

Abstract Epifaunal abundance, association, and overgrowth patterns are described for seven species occurring on live, empty, and hermit crab-occupied shells of Busycon carica (Gmelin). Alcyonidium polyoum (Hassall) and Membranipora tenuis Desor were significantly more common on live gastropod shells while Hydractinia echinata Fleming and Crepidula fornicata (L.) were more common on hermit crab-occupied shells. A significant negative association was determined between Alcyonidium and Hydractinia on hermit crab-occupied shells; Hydractinia and Sabellaria vulgaris Verrill had a significant positive association. Alcyonidium had the highest mean abundance and highest win-loss ratio in overgrowth observations on hermit crab-occupied shells. Overgrowth interactions between colonial and solitary species were highly intransitive and in many cases not a probable source of mortality.
Proximal phalanx and flexor digitorum longus tendon biomechanics in flexor to extensor tendon transfer.

Background:The flexor to extensor transfer of the flexor digitorum longus (FDL) tendon has been a relatively common operative procedure for the treatment of a flexible hammer toe deformity and chro...
Analysis of RC beams strengthened with mechanically fastened FRP (MF-FRP) strips

Abstract The analytical model for reinforced concrete beams strengthened using mechanically-fastened fiber reinforced polymer (MF-FRP) pultruded strips is discussed in this paper. In this method, FRP strips, reinforced with a combination of carbon and E-glass unidirectional fibers and continuous strand mats, are fastened to the concrete with steel powder-actuated (PA) fasteners and expansion anchors (EA). The model predicts the ultimate strength and failure modes of MF-FRP strengthened beams and was developed based on results of tests on over 75 RC beams of many different sizes using the MF-FRP method, that have been conducted over the last five years. These tests have explored numerous different failure modes and factors affecting the behavior of MF-FRP strengthened beams. The analytical model can be used to proportion the strengthening system for an RC beam so as to cause the beam to fail in a unique ductile failure mode. This procedure was used to proportion strengthening systems for large-scale beams (7.3 m long by 51 cm × 51 cm) that were used to verify the analytical procedure. The strengthened RC beams were designed to fail in a ductile manner. In the test results presented in this paper, the strengthened beams showed increases in yield and ultimate moments of up to 25% and 58%, respectively over an unstrengthened beam. All strengthened beams failed, as intended, in a ductile manner with the ultimate failure mode due to concrete compression failure at large deflections with the FRP strip still firmly attached. Comparisons between the analytical predictions and the experimental results show good agreement.
The rotatory dispersion of amino acids and proteins

Abstract 1. 1. Measurements of the optical rotatory dispersion of five amino acids, ribonuclease, and bovine serum albumin are reported. 2. 2. Tyrosine and phenylalanine are shown to have optically active bands near 2720 and 2530 A., respectively. 3. 3. The optical rotation of ribonuclease follows a simple Drude law down to 3000 A. and shows only small deviations in the 2500–3000-A. region. Bovine serum albumin, on the other hand, shows a distinct curvature below 4000 A. 4. 4. The absence of strong anomalous rotations in the absorption region is supporting evidence that the optical rotation of many proteins and polypeptides is primarily a function of configuration rather than of amino acid content.
The Use of Videoconference in the Treatment of Panic Disorder With Agoraphobia in a Housebound Woman: A Case Study

Individuals with Panic Disorder With Agoraphobia (PD/A) experience recurrent unexpected panic attacks and anxiety about the attacks along with significant anxiety about being in places or situation...
Purification of ⨿-n-acetyl-d-glucosaminidase of the horseshoe crab by affinity chromatography

Abstract An affinity column has been synthesized consiting of p -aminophenyl 1-thio-β- l -fucopyranoside residues attached to Sepharose 4B through succinylated diaminodipropylamien bridges. Surprisingly, it has been found to bind β-N-acetylglucosaminidase in the serum of Limulus polyphemhus (horsehoe crab). The enzye is eluted with N-acetyl- d -glucosamine at a concentration of 2 mg/ml and with other sugars at higher concentrations. A highly purified enzyme free from other glycosidases is obtained. The enzyme is not eluted by solutions of salt.
Basal and Hydrogen Peroxide Stimulated Sites of Phosphorylation in Heterogeneous Nuclear Ribonucleoprotein C1/C2†

Hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) is a recently recognized second messenger, which regulates mammalian cell proliferation and migration. The biochemical mechanisms by which mammalian cells sense and respond to low concentrationsof H 2 O 2 are poorly understood. Recently, heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein C1/C2 (hnRNP-C1/C2) was found to be rapidly phosphorylated in response to the application of low concentrations of H 2 O 2 to human endothelial cells. Here, using tandem mass spectrometry, four sites of phosphorylation are identified in hnRNP-C1/C2, all of which are in the acidic C-terminal domain of the protein. Under resting conditions, the protein is phosphorylated at S247 and S286. In response to low concentrations of H 2 O 2 , there is increased phosphorylation at S240 and at one of the four contiguous serine residues from S225-S228. Studies using a recombinant acidic C-terminal domain of hnRNP-C overexpressed in Escherichia coli demonstrate that protein kinase CK2 phosphorylates hnRNP-C1/C2 at S247, while protein kinase A and several protein kinase C isoforms fail to phosphorylate the isolated domain. These findings demonstrate that the acidic C-terminal domain of hnRNP-Cl/C2 serves as the site for both basal and stimulated phosphorylation, indicating that this domain may play an important role in the regulation of mRNA binding by hnRNP-C1/C2.
Mortality and body-weight changes in the Mongolian gerbil after cobalt-60 gamma irradiation.

SummaryYoung adult Mongolian gerbils were exposed to acute, whole-body 60Co gamma-rays. Groups of 10 animals each were given doses between 890 to 1400 rads at 30–47 rads per minute, respectively. The LD50/30 determined by probit analysis was 1090 rads with 95 per cent fiducial limits of 1067 and 1113 rads. Sex-specific probit analyses were not significantly different at this fiducial level. Radioresistance in the gerbil is high compared with other laboratory-raised rodents but not high compared with wild rodents.
Current perspectives in occupational asthma

This issue of the Journal focuses on occupational asthma (OA). Up to 10% to 15% of adult asthmatic patients report that their symptoms worsen at work. The term work-related asthma would apply to most of these patients, whereas true OA is asthma caused by exposure encountered in the workplace. Work-exacerbated asthma is a preexisting condition that is worsened by exposure in the workplace to aeroallergens, irritants, or as a consequence of physical activity. Work-exacerbated asthma affects more individuals than true OA.