cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Silent Sentence Completion Shows Superiority Localizing Wernicke's Area and Activation Patterns of Distinct Language Paradigms Correlate with Genomics: Prospective Study.

Preoperative mapping of language areas using fMRI greatly depends on the paradigms used, as different tasks harness distinct capabilities to activate speech processing areas. In this study, we compared the ability of 3 covert speech paradigms: Silent Sentence Completion (SSC), category naming (CAT) and verbal fluency (FAS), in localizing the Wernicke’s area and studied the association between genomic markers and functional activation. Fifteen right-handed healthy volunteers and 35 mixed-handed patients were included. We focused on the anatomical areas of posterosuperior, middle temporal and angular gyri corresponding to Wernicke’s area. Activity was deemed significant in a region of interest if P < 0.05. Association between fMRI activation and genomic mutation status was obtained. Results demonstrated SSC’s superiority at localizing Wernicke’s area. SSC demonstrated functional activity in 100% of cancer patients and healthy volunteers; which was significantly higher than those for FAS and CAT. Patients with 1p/19q non-co-deleted had higher extent of activation on SSC (P < 0.02). Those with IDH-1 wild-type were more likely to show no activity on CAT (P < 0.05). SSC is a robust paradigm for localizing Wernicke’s area, making it an important clinical tool for function-preserving surgeries. We also found a correlation between tumor genomics and functional activation, which deserves more comprehensive study.
Empagliflozin Treatment Is Associated With Improved β-Cell Function in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Objective To examine whether lowering plasma glucose concentration with the sodium-glucose transporter-2 inhibitor empagliflozin improves β-cell function in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods Patients with T2DM (N = 15) received empagliflozin (25 mg/d) for 2 weeks. β-Cell function was measured with a nine-step hyperglycemic clamp (each step, 40 mg/dL) before and at 48 hours and at 14 days after initiating empagliflozin. Results Glucosuria was recorded on days 1 and 14 [mean ± standard error of the mean (SEM), 101 ± 10 g and 117 ± 11 g, respectively] after initiating empagliflozin, as were reductions in fasting plasma glucose levels (25 ± 6 mg/dL and 38 ± 8 mg/dL, respectively; both P < 0.05). After initiating empagliflozin and during the stepped hyperglycemic clamp, the incremental area under the plasma C-peptide concentration curve increased by 48% ± 12% at 48 hours and 61% ± 10% at 14 days (both P < 0.01); glucose infusion rate increased by 15% on day 3 and 16% on day 14, compared with baseline (both P < 0.05); and β-cell function, measured with the insulin secretion/insulin resistance index, increased by 73% ± 21% at 48 hours and 112% ± 20% at 14 days (both P < 0.01). β-cell glucose sensitivity during the hyperglycemic clamp was enhanced by 42% at 14 hours and 54% at 14 days after initiating empagliflozin (both P < 0.01). Conclusion Lowering the plasma glucose concentration with empagliflozin in patients with T2DM augmented β-cell glucose sensitivity and improved β-cell function.
A non-apoptotic cell death process, entosis, that occurs by cell-in-cell invasion.

1560 Epithelial cells require attachment to extra-cellular matrix (ECM) to suppress an apoptotic cell death program termed anoikis. We describe a non-apoptotic cell death program in matrix-detached cells, termed entosis, that is initiated by a previously unrecognized and unusual process involving the invasion of one cell into another, leading to a transient state in which a live cell is contained within a neighboring host cell. These 9cell-in-cell9 structures closely resemble similar cytological features in human cancers. Although a small percentage of live internalized cells can be released, the majority of internalized cells undergo non-apoptotic cell death by lysosomal acidification. Based on these data, we present evidence for a tumor suppressive role of entosis in human breast cancer. Paradoxically, we have also found that entosis can promote the development of aneuploidy, as live internalized cells can disrupt cytokinesis of host cells leading to multinucleation in vitro and in vivo. Thus, entosis may be tumor suppressive in some contexts and paradoxically tumor promoting in others. Models to investigate the role of entosis in human tumors will be presented.
Physics and technology of electronic insulator-to-metal transition (E-IMT) for record high on/off ratio and low voltage in device applications

New device concepts related to both computing and biological function emulation are emerging rapidly based upon the electronic insulator-to-metal transition (E-IMT) effect that some oxides, such as VO2, exhibit. However, the experimental E-IMT devices to-date are limited to an ON/OFF ratio of ∼102, resulting in a small and inadequate dynamic range in device operation. In addition, the voltage that drives the E-IMT is high, typically above 1 V. In this paper, we investigate the physics and technology toward realizing both high ON/OFF and low-voltage E-IMT devices. We show that, the ON/OFF ratio, critical E-IMT voltage, and device reliability are closely coupled. A predictive model is developed and shows that, for reliable operation, the maximum ON/OFF ratio of an E-IMT device should follow a square-root relation with the strength of the thermally driven insulator-to-metal transition (T-IMT). This new design rule is verified by systematic experiments using prototypical VO2 E-IMT devices. Through this study, we achieve a record value of reliable E-IMT with an ON/OFF ratio of 3.5×103 at 1.2 V — greater than 10x improvement over the previous state-of-the-art. A record low voltage of IMT switching at 0.3 V (ON/OFF ratio = 20) is also demonstrated. The proposed universal design rule is widely applicable for a range of emerging applications based on E-IMT devices. As an experimental example, the E-IMT based transistors show an ultra-steep subthreshold swing ( 103.
A tiny Triassic saurian from Connecticut and the early evolution of the diapsid feeding apparatus.

Following the Permo–Triassic Extinction, large-bodied diapsid reptiles—with a body length >1 m—rapidly expanded their ecological roles. This diversification is reflected in enormous disparity in the development of the rostrum and adductor chamber. However, it is unclear how marked the diversity of the feeding apparatus was in contemporary small-bodied diapsids. Here we describe the remarkably small skull (2.5 cm long) of a saurian reptile, Colobops noviportensis, gen. et sp. nov., from the Triassic New Haven Arkose of Connecticut, USA. The taxon possesses an exceptionally reinforced snout and strikingly expanded supratemporal fossae for adductor musculature relative to any known Mesozoic or Recent diapsid of similar size. Our phylogenetic analyses support C. noviportensis as an early diverging pan-archosaur. Colobops noviportensis reveals extraordinary disparity of the feeding apparatus in small-bodied early Mesozoic diapsids, and a suite of morphologies, functionally related to a powerful bite, unknown in any small-bodied diapsid. The Triassic fossil record is biased towards large species, obscuring the anatomical diversity of small species. Here, the authors describe a new species, Colobops noviportensis, based on a 2.5 cm-long skull with proportionally large attachments for jaw muscles, expanding the known diversity of early diapsids.
A Method for Cranial Nerve XI Silencing During Surgery of the Foramen Magnum Region: Technical Case Report.

BACKGROUND AND IMPORTANCE Skull base surgery involves the microdissection and intraoperative monitoring of cranial nerves, including cranial nerve XI (CN XI). Manipulation of CN XI can evoke brisk trapezius contraction, which in turn may disturb the surgical procedure and risk patient safety. Here we describe a method for temporarily silencing CN XI via direct intraoperative application of 1% lidocaine. CLINICAL PRESENTATION A 41-yr-old woman presented with symptoms of elevated intracranial pressure and obstructive hydrocephalus secondary to a hemangioblastoma of the right cerebellar tonsil. A far-lateral suboccipital craniotomy was performed for resection of the lesion. During the initial stages of microdissection, vigorous trapezius contraction compromised the course of the operation. Following exposure of the cranial and cervical portions of CN XI, lidocaine was applied to the course of the exposed nerve. Within 3 min, trapezius electromyography demonstrated neuromuscular silencing, and further manipulation of CN XI did not cause shoulder movements. Approximately 30 min after lidocaine application, trapezius contractions returned, and lidocaine was again applied to re-silence CN XI. Gross total resection of the hemangioblastoma was performed during periods of CN XI inactivation, when trapezius contractions were absent. CONCLUSION Direct application of lidocaine to CN XI temporarily silenced neuromuscular activity and prevented unwanted trapezius contraction during skull base microsurgery. This method improved operative safety and efficiency by significantly reducing patient movement due to the unavoidable manipulation of CN XI.
Reviewing credentials and granting privileges

The process of reviewing credentials and granting privileges is generally well known to a medical staff member elected as department chair or appointed to the credentials committee, but the underlying principles on which it is based may have been lost to all but the most reflective observer. A brief historical survey and a review of the precepts are presented to broaden understanding of this important process.
INTERCONNECTION OF POWER SYSTEMS IN CHINA

ABSTRACT This paper describes the growth of various systems in China and the benefits of their interconnections. The prospects for future development, the major problems of both the existing and the future systems and their solutions are also discussed.
Infused wild-type macrophages reside and self-renew in the liver to rescue the hemolysis and anemia of Hmox1-deficient mice

Heme oxygenase 1 (HMOX1), the inducible enzyme that catabolizes the degradation of heme into biliverdin, iron, and carbon monoxide, plays an essential role in the clearance of senescent and damaged red blood cells, systemic iron homeostasis, erythropoiesis, vascular hemostasis, and oxidative and inflammatory stress responses. In humans, HMOX1 deficiency causes a rare and lethal disease, characterized by severe anemia, intravascular hemolysis, as well as vascular and tissue damage. Hmox1 knockout (KO) mice recapitulated the phenotypes of HMOX1-deficiency patients and could be rescued by bone marrow (BM) transplantation that engrafted donor’s hematopoietic stem cells into the recipient animals after myeloablation. To find better therapy and elucidate the contribution of macrophages to the pathogenesis of HMOX1-deficiency disease, we infused wild-type (WT) macrophages into Hmox1 KO mice. Results showed that WT macrophages engrafted and proliferated in the livers of Hmox1 KO mice, which corrected the microcytic anemia, rescued the intravascular hemolysis, restored iron homeostasis, eliminated kidney iron overload and tissue damage, and provided long-term protection. These results showed that a single macrophage infusion delivered a long-term curative effect in Hmox1 KO mice, obviating the need for BM transplantation, and suggested that the HMOX1 disease stems mainly from the loss of viable reticuloendothelial macrophages. Our work provides new insights into the etiology of HMOX1 deficiency and demonstrates the potential of infusion of WT macrophages to prevent disease in patients with HMOX1 deficiency and potentially other macrophage-related diseases.
A Family-Based Rare Haplotype Association Method for Quantitative Traits.

BACKGROUND The variants identified in genome-wide association studies account for only a small fraction of disease heritability. A key to this "missing heritability" is believed to be rare variants. Specifically, we focus on rare haplotype variant (rHTV). The existing methods for detecting rHTV are mostly population-based, and as such, are susceptible to population stratification and admixture, leading to an inflated false-positive rate. Family-based methods are more robust in this respect. METHODS We propose a method for detecting rHTVs associated with quantitative traits called family-based quantitative Bayesian LASSO (famQBL). FamQBL can analyze any type of pedigree and is based on a mixed model framework. We regularize the haplotype effects using Bayesian LASSO and estimate the posterior distributions using Markov chain Monte Carlo methods. RESULTS We conduct simulation studies, including analyses of Genetic Analysis Workshop 18 simulated data, to study the properties of famQBL and compare with a standard family-based haplotype association test implemented in FBAT (family-based association test) software. We find famQBL to be more powerful than FBAT with well-controlled false-positive rates. We also apply famQBL to the Framingham Heart Study data and detect an rHTV associated with diastolic blood pressure. CONCLUSION FamQBL can help uncover rHTVs associated with quantitative traits.
America’s Health Care System Is Broken: What Went Wrong and How We Can Fix It. Part 5: Malpractice, Fraud, Waste, and the EMR

Although the exact sums can only be estimated, large amounts of money are wasted by the US health care system through fraud and by spending on tests, procedures, and treatments that are of no proven benefit. The adversarial fault-finding malpractice system siphons off large amounts of money from patients to lawyers and legal costs and is a deterrent to system improvement. While electronic records have the potential to improve care and lower costs through information sharing, their current implementation neither improves care nor lowers costs. If care is to be improved while costs are reduced, changes must be made in all these areas.
Purification of c-Kit-Negative Hematopoietic Stem Cells from Runx1-GFP Knock-In Mice.

The Runx1/Core Binding Factor- β (CBF β) transcriptional complex is required for the establishment of hematopoiesis during development. To permit the analysis of Runx1 expression in hematopoietic cell subsets, we have recently developed a novel murine line in which the expression of both full-length Runx1 and GFP is driven by the Runx1 promoter [Runx1-internal ribosomal entry site-green fluorescent protein (Runx1-GFP) knock-in mouse; Blood 103:2522]. Analysis of these mice has revealed that Runx1 is expressed in all hematopoietic lineages with the exception of erythroid cells. During our analysis, we identified in the bone marrow of these mice a cell population that expresses GFP at levels 2–5 fold higher than any other cell type (GFP hi ). These cells have low forward and side scatter properties and do not express c-kit or several lineage-associated cell surface markers (lin − ). In comparison to c-kit + lin − cells, these GFP hi c-kit − lin − cells possess little colony forming activity in vitro . While they lack primary CFU-S activity in contrast to c-kit + lin − cells, GFP hi c-kit − lin − cells possess secondary CFU-S activity. A c-kit − lin − hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) has been described by others that contributes to long-term, but not short-term, hematopoietic reconstitution in lethally irradiated recipients and may represent progenitors of c-kit + lin − HSCs in vivo (Ortiz et al. Immunity 10:173). The GFP hi bone marrow cells that we have identified share many of the properties of those c-kit − lin − cells identified by others; consequently, they likely represent the same cell population. Our ability to isolate these cells based on differential GFP expression should enable us to highly purify these GFP hi c-kit − lin − cells and further characterize their immunophenotypic and biologic properties.
Spatial Information Modeling of Buildings Using Non-Manifold Topology with ASM and DesignScript

Much of the discourse in architectural geometry has focused on the geometric design and physical optimisation of the material ‘Building Model’, specifically the building structure and envelope, and the digital fabrication of facades. In this paper we want to “go behind the facade’ and consider architecture not so much as a physical building model, but at a more abstract level, as the ‘enclosure of space’. The intent is to explore related geometric and topological concepts which can be the foundation of appropriate computational design tools. The objective of these tools is to support the design of a ‘spatial’ architecture and the use of the spatial analysis of building models in related engineering design processes. To achieve this we are using the concept of nonmanifold topology implemented in ASM (the Autodesk Shape Manager), but in a novel way. In this approach the interior of what would normally be referred to as a ‘solid body’ is not thought of as being composed of solid material, but rather as an enclosed void that can be used in an architectural sense to represent the ‘enclosure of space’.
Reinterpreting p p → W + W − searches for charginos

The hallmark way to search for electroweakinos in natural supersymmetry at the LHC involves the trilepton plus missing energy (${\overline{)E}}_{T}$) final state. This approach assumes an electroweakino mass hierarchy that allows for cascade decays leading to a final state of ${W}^{\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}}{Z}^{0}$ plus ${\overline{)E}}_{T}$. There are, however, situations when that decay pattern may not exist, such as when a chargino is the lightest electroweakino and the lightest supersymmetric particle is the gravitino. In regions of the parameter space where this ordering occurs, the production of any combination of neutralino/chargino leads to a ${W}^{+}{W}^{\ensuremath{-}}+{\overline{)E}}_{T}+X$ final state, where $X$ could be additional jets or leptons. If $X$ is soft, then all neutralino/chargino production modes fall into the same experimental final state, ${\ensuremath{\ell}}^{+}{\ensuremath{\ell}}^{\ensuremath{-}}+{\overline{)E}}_{T}$. ATLAS and CMS have ${W}^{+}({\ensuremath{\ell}}^{+}\ensuremath{\nu}){W}^{\ensuremath{-}}({\ensuremath{\ell}}^{\ensuremath{-}}\overline{\ensuremath{\nu}})+{\overline{)E}}_{T}$ searches, but their interpretation assumes a spectrum consisting of an isolated charged state. In this paper, we identify the circumstances under which natural supersymmetry models can avoid ${W}^{\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}}{Z}^{0}+{\overline{)E}}_{T}$ bounds. For scenarios that escape ${W}^{\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}}{Z}^{0}+{\overline{)E}}_{T}$, we then recast the latest ATLAS ${W}^{+}{W}^{\ensuremath{-}}+{\overline{)E}}_{T}$ search, taking into account all the states that contribute to the same signal. Assuming the lightest supersymmetric particle is massless, we find a bound of 460 GeV for a Higgsino-like degenerate doublet. Finally, we extend our arguments to a nonsupersymmetric simplified model containing new electroweak-scale $SU(2{)}_{w}$ doublets and singlets.
Chemical characterization of smokeless tobacco products and relevant exposures in users

Abstract Smokeless tobacco (ST) products are characterized by enormous diversity of types and formulations. Many are made with complex mixtures of ingredients and processes that can modify tobacco addictiveness, toxicity, and carcinogenicity. Data on biomarkers of exposure provide important information on the intake of chemical toxicants and carcinogens from the use of ST. Therefore, chemical characterization of ST products and related exposures in users is key to understanding the toxic and carcinogenic potential of ST and development of preventive measures. This chapter provides an overview of sources, levels, and variation of harmful constituents in ST products, relevant biomarkers to assess users' exposure to these constituents, and analytical methods for the measurement of constituents and biomarkers in ST studies. Variations in the levels of key harmful constituents across ST products and the impact of these variations on related exposures are emphasized, and policy implications of such variations are discussed.
Chronic and acute fatigue and intershift recovery in undergraduate nursing students working 12 or 6-hour faculty-supervised clinical shifts.

BACKGROUND Nursing student fatigue and recovery time are important considerations. PURPOSE This descriptive research compared chronic/acute fatigue and recovery time between one 12-hour shift or two 6-hour faculty-supervised clinical shifts per week. METHODS The Occupational Fatigue and Exhaustion Recovery (OFER) scale was completed by undergraduate students in pediatric and obstetrical courses. RESULTS The student (N = 106) mean score on OFER was 37.57 for chronic fatigue, 56.57 for acute fatigue, and intershift recovery was 56.57. No differences in chronic fatigue (P = .40), acute fatigue (P = .14), or intershift recovery (P = .35) were found between groups. Nursing students (79%) preferred 12-hour clinical shifts as compared to 21% who chose two 6-hour clinical. CONCLUSIONS No differences in chronic/acute fatigue or intershift recovery between a 12-hour clinical shift or two 6-hour clinical shifts were found. Nursing students preferred the one 12-hour clinical shift.
Re-basing Scientific Authority: Anthropocene Narratives in the Carnegie Natural History Museum

Natural history museums legitimate and motivate social and political actions through their representations of science-society relations. The Carnegie Natural History Museum has brought narratives o...
HOW THE NIH RECOMBINANT DNA MOLECULE COMMITTEE WORKS IN 1979

Publisher Summary This chapter presents the working of Recombinant DNA Molecule Advisory Committee (RAC). As the RAC is so large, preliminary reports are all written by subcommittees and working groups, of which there are seven at present. There is a subcommittee for bacterial viruses and one for plasmids. Another important subcommittee is for risk assessment. Its function is (1) to provide information from scientific and nonscientific community to NIH concerning what risk assessment experiments should be done and 2) to examine critically proposed risk assessment experiments and report conclusions about such proposals to RAC. There are working groups for lower eukaryote host–vectors, for prokaryote host–vectors other than E. coli , and a small group to consider containment problems concerning plants.
The Limits of Terrorism: A Network Perspective1

Capturing the spirit of the late 1970s and early 1980s, Robert Gilpin (1981) explained how the diffusion of technology and other capabilities was leading to the decline of US hegemony relative to rising challengers. After a brief hiatus during the halcyon decade of the 1990s that followed the end of the Cold War, the hegemon is once again under siege. This time, however, networks of discontented individuals and groups have joined the ranks of states in exploiting the diffusion of modern transportation, communication, and technology to challenge the dominant state(s) in the system (Deutsch 1966; Rosenau 1990; Rosenau and Czempiel 1992; Risse-Kappen 1995; Zacher and Sutton 1996; Slaughter 2004). Enabled or amplified by the technological innovations and diffusions that have characterized the last several decades, network-based threats include identity theft, drug trafficking, infectious disease, and terrorism (Matthew and Shambaugh 1998; Lilley 2003; Sageman 2004; Friedman 2005). We agree with arguments that contend that network-based threats are difficult to defeat and pose a long-term challenge to security, especially at the individual level. But the resilience of networks is not limited to terrorists and criminals; it is a prominent feature of contemporary states and gives them considerable protection as well. Moreover, most networks face significant collective action problems that limit what they can achieve. These characteristics make it extraordinarily unlikely that terrorists or other such actors will be able to undermine the national or homeland security of countries or, indeed, achieve any long-term strategic goals (Matthew and Shambaugh 2005). Consequently, even though terrorism poses a grave and persistent threat to personal security and a wide range of devastating attacks are possible, we argue that its threat to national security is at times poorly characterized and, hence, misrepresented. The West is never likely to …
Physiologic Regulation of Systemic Klotho Levels by Renal CaSR Signaling in Response to CaSR Ligands and pHo.

Background: The kidney is the source of sKlotho and kidney-specific loss of Klotho leads to a phenotype resembling the premature multi-organ failure phenotype in Klothohypomorphic mice (kl/kl mice). Klotho and the Ca-sensing receptor (CaSR) are highly expressed in the distal convoluted tubule (DCT). The physiologic mechanisms that regulate sKlotho levels are unknown. Methods: We measured sKlotho in WT and tubule-specific CaSR-/- (TS-CaSR-/-) mice treated with calcimimetics, alkali, or acid, and Klotho shed from minced mouse kidneys, as well as from HEK-293 cells expressing the CaSR and Klotho, in response to calcimimetics, calcilytics, alkalotic and acidic pH, and ADAM protease inhibitors. The CaSR, Klotho, and ADAM10 were imaged in mouse kidneys and cell expression systems using confocal microscopy. Results: The CaSR, Klotho, and ADAM10 co-localize on the baso-lateral membrane of the DCT. Calcimimetics and HCO3 increase serum sKlotho levels in WT but not in CaSR-/- mice and acid pH suppresses sKlotho levels in WT mice. In minced kidneys and cultured cells, CaSR activation with high Ca, calcimimetics, or alkali increase shed Klotho levels via ADAM10, as demonstrated using the ADAM10 inhibitor GI254023X and siRNA. In cultured cells the CaSR, Klotho, and ADAM10 form cell surface aggregates that disperse following CaSR activation. Conclusions: We identify a novel physiologic mechanism for regulation of sKlotho levels by the renal CaSR-ADAM10-Klotho pathway. We show that CaSR activators, including alkali, increase renal CaSR-stimulated Klotho shedding and predict that this mechanism is relevant to the effects of acidosis and alkali therapy on CKD progression.
Improving human coronavirus OC43 (HCoV-OC43) research results comparability in studies using HCoV-OC43 as a surrogate for SARS-CoV-2

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has renewed interest in human coronaviruses that cause the common cold, particularly as research with them at biosafety level (BSL)-2 avoids the added costs and biosafety concerns that accompany work with SARS-COV-2, BSL-3 research. One of these, human coronavirus OC43 (HCoV-OC43), is a well-matched surrogate for SARS-CoV-2 because it is also a Betacoronavirus, targets the human respiratory system, is transmitted via respiratory aerosols and droplets and is relatively resistant to disinfectants. Unfortunately, growth of HCoV-OC43 in the recommended human colon cancer (HRT-18) cells does not produce obvious cytopathic effect (CPE) and its titration in these cells requires expensive antibody-based detection. Consequently, multiple quantification approaches for HCoV-OC43 using alternative cell lines exist, which complicates comparison of research results. Hence, we investigated the basic growth parameters of HCoV-OC43 infection in three of these cell lines (HRT-18, human lung fibroblasts (MRC-5) and African green monkey kidney (Vero E6) cells) including the differential development of cytopathic effect (CPE) and explored reducing the cost, time and complexity of antibody-based detection assay. Multi-step growth curves were conducted in each cell type in triplicate at a multiplicity of infection of 0.1 with daily sampling for seven days. Samples were quantified by tissue culture infectious dose50(TCID50)/ml or plaque assay (cell line dependent) and additionally analyzed on the Sartorius Virus Counter 3100 (VC), which uses flow virometry to count the total number of intact virus particles in a sample. We improved the reproducibility of a previously described antibody-based detection based TCID50 assay by identifying commercial sources for antibodies, decreasing antibody concentrations and simplifying the detection process. The growth curves demonstrated that HCoV-O43 grown in MRC-5 cells reached a peak titer of ~107 plaque forming units/ml at two days post infection (dpi). In contrast, HCoV-OC43 grown on HRT-18 cells required six days to reach a peak titer of ~106.5 TCID50/ml. HCoV-OC43 produced CPE in Vero E6 cells but these growth curve samples failed to produce CPE in a plaque assay after four days. Analysis of the VC data in combination with plaque and TCID50 assays together revealed that the defective:infectious virion ratio of MRC-5 propagated HCoV-OC43 was less than 3:1 for 1-6 dpi while HCoV-OC43 propagated in HRT-18 cells varied from 41:1 at 1 dpi, to 329:4 at 4 dpi to 94:1 at 7 dpi. These results should enable better comparison of extant HCoV-OC43 study results and prompt further standardization efforts.
Ceramic Insulated Slug Calorimeter for High- Enthalpy Flows

This work presents an approach to the design, and successful experimental validation, of a slug-type calorimeter for long-duration high-enthalpy flows. Specifically, a ceramic shell is used to insu...
Sensemaking of University and District Stakeholders in Implementing a Teacher Residency Policy in Louisiana

A growing body of research has identified teacher residency’s potentials for improving and sustaining preservice teacher learning through a stronger district–university partnership. Drawing on sens...
How a Small Double-Stranded Trick Can Mislead Sanger Sequencing.

Notwithstanding the arrival of “third-generation sequencing,” Sanger sequencing, developed in 1980, is still the most accurate and used method for sequencing, although on a smaller scale. It is a powerful resource for studying sequences and discovering polymorphisms and genes, as well as regulatory elements. There has already been described a wide range of possible problems with this very sensitive and accurate technology. Here, we show that a specific event, related to genomes rich in repetitive sequences, can mislead operators working with Sanger sequencing.
On the Relationship Between Computer Technology and Climate Modelling

A major factor in determining what research pursuits are reasonable and feasible with physically-comprehensive climate models is the available computer power. Advances in model realism and capabilities have often followed advances in computer technology. However, because of a variety of technical and physical realities, such as heat dissipation considerations and the speed of light, improvements in raw central processor unit (CPU) power have slackened off considerably during the past ten years when compared to previous decades. Nevertheless, model performance enhancement, in terms of reduced execution time for a given job, is still possible through the effective exploitation of the multiple processors available in current and future generations of supercomputers. Strategies for harnessing the multiple processors of a Cray X-MP/48 for executing a resource-demanding climate model in a highly parallel mode were developed and successfully implemented to achieve a very high performance level. Representative design factors are presented to demonstrate the intimate relationship between the science and technology of climate modelling.
Nutrition management of type 2 diabetes by primary care physicians.

A survey was mailed to a probability sample of primary care physicians in Indiana to assess their use of and barriers to nutritional therapy for patients with type 2 diabetes. Most (62%) primary care physicians reported referring their type 2 diabetes patients for nutrition counseling, while 38% reported providing counseling themselves. Patient-centered barriers were most frequently cited as reasons for poor effectiveness of nutrition therapy. This differs from previous research that cites system-level factors as barriers.
Critical evaluation of FBD, PQ and generalized non-active power theories

Due to the widespread use of non-sinusoidal, non-periodic loads and the existence of distorted voltages, many definitions of non-active power for non-sinusoidal and non-periodic waveforms have been formulated. This paper investigates the major similarities and discrepancies of three non-active power theories which are widely used in control algorithms for shunt compensation systems. The three approaches are FBD, PQ and generalized non-active power theories. The evaluation and comparison of these three theories as the non-active power compensation strategies for single-phase system, three-phase system with unbalanced load, sub-harmonic load, and distorted system voltage will be included in this paper. The conclusions are based on both the simulation and the experimental results of different compensation objectives.
Has the Hudson River fish community recovered from the zebra mussel invasion along with its forage base

In the first decade after zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) appeared in the Hudson River, the biomass of zooplankton and deepwater macrobenthos fell by ∼50%, while the biomass of littoral macrobenthos rose by >10%. These changes in the forage base were associated with large, differential changes in the abundance, geographic distribution, and growth rates of openwater and littoral fish. In recent years, populations of zooplankton and deepwater macrobenthos have risen towards pre-invasion levels, while littoral macrobenthos remained unchanged. We therefore hypothesized that the abundance, distribution, and growth rates of openwater fish species would shift back towards pre-invasion levels, while littoral fish species would not change. Our analysis of large data sets for young-of-year fishes found no systematic change in the abundance or geographic distribution of either group of fish in the Hudson. We did find a marked increase in growth rates of openwater fish, but no change in growth rates of littoral ...
The effects of nitrogen addition on the growth of two exotic and two native forest understory plants

Many studies have linked the spread of exotic, invasive species to high nitrogen supply, but most of this work does not distinguish between various inorganic forms and different concentrations of available nitrogen. Previous research has suggested that exotic, invasive species common in eastern deciduous forests may preferentially utilize nitrate in contrast to native species that preferentially make use of ammonium. We tested this hypothesis by comparing the growth response of two common forest invaders, Berberis thunbergii and Microstegium vimineum, and two co-occurring native species (Vacciniumpallidum and Hamamelis virginiana) to different forms of nitrogen under varying concentrations in a greenhouse experiment. Two forms of nitrogen (nitrate or ammonium) were added at different concentrations (22, 106, and 212 mg N l−1) to all species. Growth response variables included survival, stem length, stem diameter, above and belowground biomass, and estimated seed production (Microstegium only). Unexpectedly the exotic species did not respond preferentially to nitrate addition. Microstegium responded most strongly to both nitrogen forms depending on the response variable. Berberis and Hamamelis surprisingly reacted similarly to nitrogen additions. As expected, Vaccinium fared poorly under most treatment conditions, but did show some growth in NH4+ treatments. Our findings suggest species response to nitrogen addition is complex, and that exotic species do not all respond similarly to nitrogen inputs. In this study, the response of exotic and native species to available nutrients does not provide a general mechanism of invasion success.
A neural circuit for spatial summation in visual cortex

The response of cortical neurons to a sensory stimulus is modulated by the context. In the visual cortex, for example, stimulation of a pyramidal cell's receptive-field surround can attenuate the cell's response to a stimulus in the centre of its receptive field, a phenomenon called surround suppression. Whether cortical circuits contribute to surround suppression or whether the phenomenon is entirely relayed from earlier stages of visual processing is debated. Here we show that, in contrast to pyramidal cells, the response of somatostatin-expressing inhibitory neurons (SOMs) in the superficial layers of the mouse visual cortex increases with stimulation of the receptive-field surround. This difference results from the preferential excitation of SOMs by horizontal cortical axons. By perturbing the activity of SOMs, we show that these neurons contribute to pyramidal cells' surround suppression. These results establish a cortical circuit for surround suppression and attribute a particular function to a genetically defined type of inhibitory neuron.
Electrochemical detection of lead using overoxidized polypyrrole films

An electrochemical method for the determination of lead has been developed using overoxidized polypyrrole (OPPy) electrode doped with 2(2-pyridylazo)chromotropic acid anion (PACh 2� ). The PACh 2� acts both as a chelating agent and a counter anion within the polypyrrole matrix. In a typical assay, Pb 2� is accumulated on a solid electrode via the formation of a lead � /PACh complex at open circuit. The electrode containing the Pb 2� PACh 2� is then transferred to a 0.1 M acetate buffer where it is subjected to differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry. The resulting stripping peak current was linearly related to the concentration of lead. The method has been optimized with respect to pH, concentration of chelating agent, accumulation time, reduction potential and time. The detection limit was found to be 10 ng ml � 1 with a linear range of 0 � /200 ng ml � 1 . The method has been validated for the determination of lead using spiked potable water at 25 ng ml � 1 . The average recovery was 93.4% with a relative standard deviation of 8.54%. # 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Home Life: Factors Structuring the Bacterial Diversity Found within and between Homes

Most of our time is spent indoors where we are exposed to a wide array of different microorganisms living on surfaces and in the air of our homes. Despite their ubiquity and abundance, we have a limited understanding of the microbial diversity found within homes and how the composition and diversity of microbial communities change across different locations within the home. Here we examined the diversity of bacterial communities found in nine distinct locations within each of forty homes in the Raleigh-Durham area of North Carolina, USA, using high-throughput sequencing of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene. We found that each of the sampled locations harbored bacterial communities that were distinct from one another with surfaces that are regularly cleaned typically harboring lower levels of diversity than surfaces that are cleaned infrequently. These location-specific differences in bacterial communities could be directly related to usage patterns and differences in the likely sources of bacteria dispersed onto these locations. Finally, we examined whether the variability across homes in bacterial diversity could be attributed to outdoor environmental factors, indoor habitat structure, or the occupants of the home. We found that the presence of dogs had a significant effect on bacterial community composition in multiple locations within homes as the homes occupied by dogs harbored more diverse communities and higher relative abundances of dog-associated bacterial taxa. Furthermore, we found a significant correlation between the types of bacteria deposited on surfaces outside the home and those found inside the home, highlighting that microbes from outside the home can have a direct effect on the microbial communities living on surfaces within our homes. Together this work provides the first comprehensive analysis of the microbial communities found in the home and the factors that shape the structure of these communities both within and between homes.
The importance of dispersal in determining seed versus safe site limitation of plant populations

The traditional dichotomy of seed versus safe site limitation of plant populations is an oversimplification. While most plant models implicitly assume that the number of safe sites colonized will increase directly with increased seed production by each plant, the number of sites colonized may also strongly depend on patterns of seed dispersal relative to the parent plant, since the majority of a plant’s seeds are deposited very close to it and so not all safe sites are equally accessible. I created a series of spatially explicit individual based plant population models exploring how seed versus safe site limitation is jointly affected by the number of seeds produced per plant and mean dispersal distances. While increased dispersal distance led to reduced seed limitation (more saturation of available safe sites) when a parent plant’s site was temporarily unsuitable following its death, increased dispersal distances could increase seed limitation, especially at low per-plant fecundities, if safe sites did not turn over through time. Models comparing localized to global seed dispersal indicated substantially different degrees of seed limitation for constant per-plant fecundities. Thus seed addition experiments need to be designed to add seeds in realistic spatial patterns to yield meaningful results.
Field Evaluation of Hazardous Waste Pretreatment as an Air Pollution Control Technique

Three types of commonly used commercial treatment processes were investigated for the removal of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from hazardous waste: thin-film evaporation, steam stripping, and distillation. These unit operations were evaluated for their potential to control emissions from hazardous waste treatment, storage and disposal facilities (TSDFs) by reducing waste VOC content. One-day visits were conducted at three sites which operate thin-film evaporators to gather data on the types of waste that can be treated, the treatment cost, and the major emission points. Steam stripping and distillation of six different wastes were evaluated during 3-4 day site visits to two recycling firms. Data collected on these two processes permitted calculation of unit cost-effectiveness and determination of compound-specific stripping rate constants for each batch. Air emission factors were also estimated for these two processes. The full report also contains generic descriptions of thin-film evaporators and distillation processes. Typical unit designs, operating modes, and estimates of unit costs are included.
TAT-mediated protein transduction into mammalian cells.

Manipulation of mammalian cells has been achieved by the transfection of expression vectors, microinjection, or diffusion of peptidyl mimetics. While these approaches have been somewhat successful, the classic manipulation methods are not easily regulated and can be laborious. One approach to circumvent these problems is the use of HIV TAT-mediated protein transduction. Although this technology was originally described in 1988, few improvements were reported in the subsequent 10 years. In the last few years, significant steps have been taken to advance this technology into a broadly applicable method that allows for the rapid introduction of full-length proteins into primary and transformed cells. The technology requires the synthesis of a fusion protein, linking the TAT transduction domain to the molecule of interest using a bacterial expression vector, followed by the purification of this fusion protein under either soluble or denaturing conditions. The purified fusion protein can be directly added to mammalian cell culture or injected in vivo into mice. Protein transduction occurs in a concentration-dependent manner, achieving maximum intracellular concentrations in less than 5 min, with nearly equal intracellular concentrations between all cells in the transduced population. Full-length TAT fusion proteins have been used to address a number of biological questions, relating to cell cycle progression, apoptosis, and cellular architecture. Described here are the fundamental requirements for the creation, isolation, and utilization of TAT-fusion proteins to affect mammalian cells. A detailed protocol for production and transduction of TAT-Cdc42 into primary cells is given to illustrate the technique.
A thermodynamic analysis of refrigerants: Possibilities and tradeoffs for Low-GWP refrigerants ☆

Abstract We explore the possibilities for refrigerants having low global warming potential (GWP). A set of about 1200 candidate fluids is identified from more than 56 000 small molecules examined by applying screening criteria to estimates for GWP, flammability, stability, toxicity, and critical temperature. Methodologies for this screening have been presented in earlier works and are summarized here. The fluids with critical temperatures between 300 K and 400 K (i.e., those that could be used in current types of equipment with minor modifications) number 62. The fluids include halogenated olefins; compounds containing oxygen, nitrogen, or sulfur; as well as carbon dioxide. We discuss the tradeoffs presented by these 62 candidates, considering their thermodynamic properties and their stability and toxicity characteristics. No fluid is ideal in all regards—all have one or more negative attributes: poor thermodynamic properties, toxicity, chemical instability, low to moderate flammability, or very high operating pressures.
Attenuation of furosemide's diuretic effect by indomethacin: pharmacokinetic evaluation.

The pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of intravenous furosemide, 40 mg, were studied in four normal males in a crossover fashion with and without indomethacin pretreatment. In each study 16 plasma and 10 urine samples were collected over 24 hr. Fluid and electrolyte urinary losses were replaced orally throughout the study. Unchanged furosemide and indomethacin were measured using HPLC; urinary sodium was measured by flame photometry. Pretreatment with indomethacin resulted in increased and prolonged furosemide plasma levels, increased area under the curve, decreased plasma clearance, decreased renal clearance, increased half-life, no change in volume of distribution, and decreased sodium excretion and urine volume. Analysis of sodium excretion rate with time shows that the inhibiting effect of indomethacin was greater during the first 2 hr than at later times.
GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS DUE TO CEMENT AND STEEL

The consumption of building materials such as cement and steel has increased in the last century. The environmental implications of this increase are considered. Following current trends, global cement production can be expected to increase by a factor of two to five over the next 50 years. The consequences of unrestrained consumption of cement and steel are discussed with reference to climate change, carbon dioxide emissions, steel recycling, and energy consumption. Three solutions were proposed for reducing the global environmental impacts of structural materials: reducing consumption of building materials; judicious selection of materials to minimise impacts; and developing new materials that have a lower environmental impact.
Pushing the Theoretical Limit of Li-CFx Batteries: A Tale of Bifunctional Electrolyte

In a typical battery, the inert electrolyte functions solely as the ionic conductor without contribution to the cell capacity. Here we demonstrate that the most energy-dense Li-CFx battery delivers a capacity exceeding the theoretical maximum of CFx with a solid electrolyte of Li3PS4 (LPS) that has dual functions: as the inert electrolyte at the anode and the active component at the cathode. Such a bifunctional electrolyte reconciles both inert and active characteristics through a synergistic discharge mechanism of CFx and LPS. The synergy at the cathode is through LiF, the discharge product of CFx, which activates the electrochemical discharge of LPS at a close electrochemical potential of CFx. Therefore, the solid-state Li-CFx batteries output 126.6% energy beyond their theoretic limits without compromising the stability of the cell voltage. The additional energy comes from the electrochemical discharge of LPS, the inert electrolyte. This bifunctional electrolyte revolutionizes the concept of convention...