cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Detection on the pandemic( H1N1 ) 2009 virus of an influenza epidemic situation and study on the characteristic of HA and NA gene

Objective To identify the pathogen of an influenza epidemic situation and analyze the genetic characteristic of hemagglutinin( HA ) gene and neuraminidase(NA) gene of this pathogen. Methods Real-time RT-PCR was used to dectect nucleic acid of the pandemic( H1N1 ) 2009 virus from oropharyngeal swabs of initial influenza-like illness in epidemic. The viruses were was inoculated and isolated with embryonated eggs. And the HA gene and NA gene were sequenced to analyze their characteristic. Results The influenza epidemic situation was caused by the pandemic( H1N1 ) 2009 virus. The HA and NA sequences data showed that the virus had the high homology with reference virus, and the NA sequences had not the H274Y mutation. Conclusion In this study, the pandemic( H1N1 ) 2009 virus were similar with the vaccine-like virus and the isolated virus of China, and sensitive to oseltamivir. Key words: Pandemic(H1N1 ) 2009; Real-time RT-PCR; HA gene; NA gene
Prevalence and dental professional awareness of antibiotic self‐medication among older adults: Implications for dental education

OBJECTIVE Antibiotic stewardship has been recognized as an essential component of dental education. A notable threat to stewardship is the growing trend toward self-medication with nonprescribed antibiotics (SMNPA), particularly among older adults who may be at increased risk for adverse outcomes. This study aimed to assess the need to incorporate SMNPA into dental education by researching (1) professional awareness and (2) self-medication behaviors among older adults. METHODS A SMNPA awareness survey was administered to dentists in Arizona with 148 respondents including general dentists, dental school faculty, and public health clinicians. A second survey was distributed to 410 households in an independent and assisted living facility. RESULTS The dentists were aware of sources of SMNPA such as friends/family, leftover prescriptions, as well as sources outside of the United States; however, most (>80%) were not aware that ornamental fish antibiotics could be obtained online or in pet stores. The survey response rate for the older adults was 46.3%, of which 68.3% reported antibiotic use within the past 2 years (several for dental premedication) and 6.4% (n = 12) admitted to SMNPA for treating cold symptoms or pain. The main reason given for self-treatment was the belief that antibiotics had resolved similar symptoms in the past. One-third of the older adult respondents were unaware that antibiotics only treat bacterial infections. CONCLUSION Approximately 1 in 16 older adults surveyed reported SMNPA. Dental professionals reported some knowledge of SMNPA but were unaware of all sources. This study highlights the need for SMNPA education, awareness, and implementation within dental curricula.
Understanding Micromechanical Material Behavior Using Synchrotron X-rays and In Situ Loading

With the flux of high-energy, deeply penetrating X-rays that a 3rd-generation synchrotron source can provide and the current generation of large fast area detectors, the development and use of synchrotron X-ray methods have experienced impressive growth over the past two decades. This paper describes the current state of an important subset of synchrotron methods—high-energy X-ray diffraction employing in situ loading. These methods, which are known by many acronyms such as 3D X-ray diffraction (3DXRD), diffraction contrast tomography (DCT), and high-energy X-ray diffraction microscopy (HEDM), have shifted the focus of alloy characterization to include crystal scale behaviors in addition to microstructure and have made it possible to track the evolution of a polycrystalline aggregate during loading conditions that mimic alloy processing or in-service conditions. The paper is delineated into methods for characterizing elastic behavior including measuring the stress tensor experienced by each crystal and the inelastic response including crystal plasticity, phase transformations, and the onset of damage. We discuss beam size and detector placement, resolution, and speed in the context of the spatial and temporal resolution and scope of the resulting data. Work that emphasizes material models and the interface of data with various numerical simulations and machine learning is presented.
Left Cardiac Sympathetic Denervation Monotherapy in Patients With Congenital Long QT Syndrome.

Background: Videoscopic left cardiac sympathetic denervation (LCSD) is an effective antifibrillatory, minimally invasive therapy for patients with potentially life-threatening arrhythmia syndromes ...
China Bashing: Does Trade Drive the “Bad” News about China in the USA?

A monthly index of “bad” news about China as reported in the USA from January 1990 to December 2008 is developed in this paper. “Bad” is defined as news touching on the following issues: human rights, Tibet, child labor, democracy, and repression. Using this bad news index, this paper documents a peculiar finding: 3–4 months after a trade deficit shock to the US–China bilateral trade balance, the frequency of bad news published about China by US media outlets rises sharply, then dies off slowly. Statistical analysis reveals that the likelihood that this finding is just a coincidence is relatively small—about 1%. In addition, this paper finds a robust association between the annual number of Congressional hearings on China and the US–China bilateral trade deficit. These results suggest that “China bashing” may be endogenous to fluctuations in the US–China bilateral trade balance.
Rethinking the Role of Circulation Staff in Academic Libraries

The traditional functions of Access Services shrink as many academic libraries see physical circulation rates continue to decline, but the need for staff trained in customer service skills does not...
A Survey of the Issue of Generalizability in Task-based Language Assessment

The use of authentic tasks in Task-Based Language Assessment seems to facilitate the extrapolation of assessment performance to the real-life situation. The question arises as to how effective Task-Based Language Assessment is in predicting test-takers’ performance in the real-life situation based on their task performance in the assessment settings and what proposals there are to improve the generalizability of Task-Based Language Assessment. The study draws upon Bachman and Palmer (1996) and Douglas’s (2000) frameworks in order to identify the fixed and varied characteristics of assessment tasks and conditions in the Target Language Use (TLU) situation. These frameworks function as a template by presenting an organized list of the items to compare and contrast the assessment tasks with the real-life target tasks. The present study proposes standardizing the fixed conditions present in both the assessment and the TLU situation, such as setting and equipment. However, since the standardization of the varied conditions could undermine the extrapolation inferences at the cost of improving the reliability of assessment, the study concludes that the assessment procedure should standardize a set of short tasks or observation conditions that are representative of the TLU domain rather than just one specific type of task or condition.
Outcomes With Early Cardiac Catheterization in Out of Hospital Cardiac Arrest Survivors and Utility of a Prognostic Scoring System.

Objectives A retrospective study in patients presenting out of hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) to assess the impact of early cardiac catheterization on survival and cerebral performance category (CPC) on discharge. Background The role of early coronary angiography in OHCA patients remains controversial. The cardiac arrest hospital prognosis (CAHP) scoring system has not been validated in the US population. Methods Inclusion criteria were OHCA patients with a sustained return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), presumed cardiac cause of arrest, and elements to calculate CAHP score. We compared in-hospital mortality rates and final inpatient CPC in patients who underwent early cardiac catheterization to those with delayed or no cardiac catheterization. We assessed the performance of the CAHP score in the entire OHCA population using receiver-operator curve (ROC) analysis. Results A hundred and fifty-eight patients were included, of which 39 underwent early cardiac catheterization. The mortality rate of the early catheterization group was lower than the delayed or no catheterization group (41% vs 61.3%, p=0.02); the Early cardiac catheterization group had more favorable final hospital CPC scores overall (53.8% vs 24.3%, p<0.001). However, when risk-adjusted, there was no benefit in early catheterization for mortality or CPC level in any of the CAHP score subgroups. CAHP scores showed good discrimination with c-statistics of 0.85 for mortality and 0.90 for the CPC category. Conclusion Early use of cardiac catheterization in OHCA patients with sustained ROSC was not associated with lower mortality rates or higher rates of favorable neurologic recovery when adjusted for baseline risk factors in each of the different CAHP score-based sub-groups. This was despite a higher proportion of patients with STEMI in the early catheterization group. We demonstrated a good fit between observed outcomes and outcomes predicted by the CAHP scoring system.
Recent development in electrocatalysts for hydrogen production through water electrolysis

Abstract Hydrogen is a carbon-free alternative energy source for use in future energy frameworks with the advantages of environment-friendliness and high energy density. Among the numerous hydrogen production techniques, sustainable and high purity of hydrogen can be achieved by water electrolysis. Therefore, developing electrocatalysts for water electrolysis is an emerging field with great importance to the scientific community. On one hand, precious metals are typically used to study the two-half cell reactions, i.e., hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER). However, precious metals (i.e., Pt, Au, Ru, Ag, etc.) as electrocatalysts are expensive and with low availability, which inhibits their practical application. Non-precious metal-based electrocatalysts on the other hand are abundant with low-cost and eco-friendliness and exhibit high electrical conductivity and electrocatalytic performance equivalent to those for noble metals. Thus, these electrocatalysts can replace precious materials in the water electrolysis process. However, considerable research effort must be devoted to the development of these cost-effective and efficient non-precious electrocatalysts. In this review article, we provide key fundamental knowledge of water electrolysis, progress, and challenges of the development of most-studied electrocatalysts in the most desirable electrolytic solutions: alkaline water electrolysis (AWE), solid-oxide electrolysis (SOE), and proton exchange membrane electrolysis (PEME). Lastly, we discuss remaining grand challenges, prospect, and future work with key recommendations that must be done prior to the full commercialization of water electrolysis systems.
The PSC scientific community resource: an asset for multi-omics interrogation of primary sclerosing cholangitis.

Background Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a rare, chronic cholestatic liver disease that often progresses to end-stage liver disease and/or the development of hepatobiliary neoplasia. Lack of prognostic tools and treatment options for PSC is driven in part by our poor understanding of its pathogenesis, which is thought to be complex, the interaction of genetic variants, environmental influences and biological response throughout the course of disease. The PSC Scientific Community Resource (PSC-SCR) seeks to overcome previous shortcomings by facilitating novel research in PSC with the ultimate goals of individualizing patient care and improving patient outcomes. Methods PSC patients who receive their health care at Mayo Clinic or a collaborating site are identified by chart review and invited in person or by mail to participate. Non-Mayo patients are offered enrollment if they provide sufficient access to their medical records to evaluate inclusion/exclusion criteria. Controls without liver disease are identified with assistance of the Mayo Clinic Biobank. Participant consent is obtained at the beginning of the recruitment process by mail-in, electronic or face-to-face protocols. Clinical data is extracted from the medical record by qualified physicians and entered in a custom designed database. Participants fill out a custom-designed, comprehensive questionnaire, which collects scientifically relevant demographic and clinical information. Biospecimens are collected using mail-in kits thar are returned via overnight carrier service and processed by the biospecimen accessioning and processing facility at Mayo Clinic, which coordinates sample transfers and provides required sample preparation services. The resource is currently being utilized to perform omics-scale projects investigating the exposome, metabolome, methylome, immunome and microbiome in PSC. Datasets and residual biospecimens will be shared with researchers proposing scientifically sound PSC-focused research with approval of the appropriate review boards. Discussion Patient-based studies leveraging the latest technologies for targeted and wide-scale interrogation of multiple omics layers offer promise to accelerate PSC research through discovery of unappreciated aspects of disease pathogenesis. However, the rarity of PSC severely limits such studies. Here we describe our effort to overcome this limitation, the PSC-SCR, a repository of patient biospecimens coupled with clinical and omics data for use by the broader PSC research community.
A simplified superconducting coated conductor design with Fe-based superconductors on glass and flexible metallic substrates

Abstract Iron-based superconductors have attracted great research interests from both the intriguing fundamental superconducting mechanism aspects and their potential applications in high fields owing to their high critical field Hc2 and low field anisotropy. However, one critical factor limiting the commercial applications of superconducting coated conductors is the significant manufacturing costs involved in the processing of the complex layered buffers and the subsequent epitaxial growth of superconducting coated conductors. Here we demonstrate a much simplified superconducting coated conductor design for Fe-based superconductor on glass and metallic substrates without bi-axial texturing buffers. Using this design, FeSe0.1Te0.9 thin films on glass show superconducting properties of critical temperatures Tczero of 10 K, and Tconset of 12.5 K, self-field critical current density (Jc) of 2.1 × 104 A/cm2 at 4 K, and upper critical field (Hc2) as high as 126 T. This work could lay a critical foundation toward future practical applications of Fe-based superconductor coated conductors.
Self-perception of Smile Aesthetics and Self-esteem

Self-perception of Smile Aesthetics and Self-esteem By: Larry D. Scarborough Jr., D.D.S. A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Masters of Science in Dentistry at Virginia Commonwealth University Virginia Commonwealth University, 2011 Major Director: Bhavna Shroff, D.M.D., M.S.D., M.P.A. Professor and Graduate Program Director, Department Of Orthodontics Introduction: Self-perception of smile aesthetics has been suggested as the most common reason for seeking orthodontic treatment. A recent study concluded that an improvement of dental attractiveness at the end of orthodontic treatment had positive effects on self-esteem. The purpose of this study was to determine if a relationship exists between one‟s self-perceived smile aesthetics and their self-esteem. Methods: A survey was conducted where each subject completed an evaluation of their smile aesthetics and a Rosenberg Self-esteem Test (RST). A smiling photograph of each subject was evaluated by dental professionals for dental aesthetics and straightness. Results: Female students rated their teeth straighter than males (mean = 78.5, p value < .0001). Self-esteem varied by race (p = 0.0017). African Americans had the highest selfesteem. There was a significant relationship between a subject‟s satisfaction with their smile and their self-esteem (r = .30, p < .0001), but not with their self rating of their smile straightness (r = 0.11, p = 0.0528). Conclusions: Subjects with straight teeth perceived their smile as more aesthetic. Subjects that perceived themselves as having a more aesthetic smile had a higher selfesteem. Subjects that had orthodontic treatment in the past perceived their teeth were straighter and their smile was more aesthetic. There was no relationship between previous orthodontic therapy and self-esteem. Perception of smile aesthetics may be a more important aspect and a better predictor of self-esteem than a subject‟s actual smile aesthetics.
Fine structure of cells in embryos chimeric for mutant genes at the T/t locus.

Since it has been proposed that at least some of the abnormalities in mouse embryos that are homozygous for lethal mutations at the T/t locus are interpretable as due to derangements of cell recognition and response (Bennett 1975), we thought that we might be able to look directly at the affected cells in embryos chimeric for the mutant and wild-type genotypes during the appropriate developmental stages in order to see what kinds of cellular associations occur when cells of the defective type are in proximity to their normal counterparts. Such observations might give a clue to the kind of deficiency, in a mechanical sense perhaps, that is involved in the mutant embryo. In short, do cells of the mutant phenotype remain unchanged, or do they react to the new environment and participate in normal development? With respect to the T/t locus, this question has been approached once before, in 1964 by Mintz for the t12 gene.
Abstract W MP35: Localized Increase of Myeloperoxidase in the Lumen of Human Cerebral Aneurysms

The neutrophil granule protein myeloperoxidase (MPO) reacts with H2O2 to oxidize chloride, thereby generating hypochlorous acid (HOCl), a highly reactive product. Circulating levels of MPO are increased in many inflammatory diseases, and have been linked to oxidative stress and elevated risk for vascular disease in humans. We hypothesized that MPO is increased locally in human intracranial aneurysms. Blood, both from the lumen of the aneurysm and femoral artery, and tissue, both from the aneurysm wall and from a superficial temporal artery, were sampled from seventeen patients with intracranial aneurysms who underwent microsurgical clipping. Plasma concentrations of MPO (ELISA) were 3-fold higher in aneurysm (100±15 ng/ml) (mean±SE) than in femoral blood (33±10; p=0.0007). Plasma concentrations of vascular peroxidase 1 (VPO1), a homologue of MPO that is expressed in endothelial cells, were not increased in aneurysm (384±51 μg/ml) compared to femoral blood (513±65; p=0.12). mRNA expression (RT-qPCR) was si...
Barriers and facilitators to New Mexico Farmers’ Markets’ acceptance of SNAP and WIC benefits (632.21)

Objective: Federal nutrition assistance program benefits allow for purchase of fresh produce at farmers' markets, but the administrative burden on markets is challenging, particularly in small, rural communities. This study evaluates the barriers and facilitators faced by NM farmers' markets in accepting these benefits and suggests policy recommendations and technical assistance approaches to highlight what farmers' markets require in order to fully realize the benefit of participating in these programs, and to ensure low-income families’ access to fresh fruits and vegetables at farmers’ markets. Methods: Mixed methods Results: Data collection and analysis will be complete at time of presentation.Grant Funding Source: Supported by the University of New Mexico Prevention Research Center
The 220 MHz nuclear magnetic resonance study of a solvent-induced conformational change in flavin adenine dinucleotide.

Abstract Proton magnetic resonance studies at 220 MHz have shown that the conformation of flavin adenine dinucleotide in D2O-dioxane-d-8 (70:30, v/v) solutions is in agreement with the model proposed by Sarma, Dannies, and Kaplan (Biochemistry, 7, 4359 (1968)) for D2O solution. The determination of the temperature dependence of the FAD, flavin mononucleotide, and adenosine diphosphoribose proton shifts were found to be necessary for a correct assignment of the isoalloxazine protons in FAD and hence for determining the conformation. The FAD proton shifts in D2O solutions have a sigmoid dependence on temperature which is discussed in terms of a two-state model, where an equilibrium exists between the folded and unfolded states of the molecule. Sigmoid curves are not observed in D2O-dioxane solutions, suggesting that dioxane lowers the transition temperature. Dioxane decreases the fraction of folded FAD molecules in solution by lowering the energy barrier between the two states and also reduces the intermolecular stacking of FAD and FMN. Line broadening of the adenine AC8H proton in ADP-ribose is observed and may be interpreted in terms of rotational isomers in solution.
Latent Fisher Discriminant Analysis

Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA) is a well-known method for dimensionality reduction and classification. Previous studies have also extended the binary-class case into multi-classes. However, many applications, such as object detection and keyframe extraction cannot provide consistent instance-label pairs, while LDA requires labels on instance level for training. Thus it cannot be directly applied for semi-supervised classification problem. In this paper, we overcome this limitation and propose a latent variable Fisher discriminant analysis model. We relax the instance-level labeling into bag-level, is a kind of semi-supervised (video-level labels of event type are required for semantic frame extraction) and incorporates a data-driven prior over the latent variables. Hence, our method combines the latent variable inference and dimension reduction in an unified bayesian framework. We test our method on MUSK and Corel data sets and yield competitive results compared to the baseline approach. We also demonstrate its capacity on the challenging TRECVID MED11 dataset for semantic keyframe extraction and conduct a human-factors ranking-based experimental evaluation, which clearly demonstrates our proposed method consistently extracts more semantically meaningful keyframes than challenging baselines.
The relationship between a novel NAD(P)H oxidase activity of ovoperoxidase and the CN- -resistant respiratory burst that follows fertilization of sea urchin eggs.

Abstract The extracellular protein coat of the sea urchin egg is cross-linked after fertilization via dityrosyl linkages made by an exocytosed ovoperoxidase. The source of oxidant for this reaction is unknown, but eggs produce H2O2 in amounts equivalent to the cyanide-insensitive O2 uptake "respiratory burst" that follows fertilization. Several possible H2O2-forming oxidase activities, including glucose, xanthine, fatty acyl, and fatty-acyl CoA oxidases, were absent from the egg cortex. However, an NAD(P)H-O2 oxidoreductase activity was found in the egg cortex and was completely accounted for by ovoperoxidase. Homogeneous ovoperoxidase exhibits two types of NAD(P)H oxidase activity. One of these activities is similar to that of horseradish peroxidase and lactoperoxidase; it is dependent on Mn2+ ions and catalytic amounts of phenols, such as 2,4-dichlorophenol and N-acetyltyrosinamide, and is greater than 95% inhibited by 0.1 mM cyanide. A second, novel oxidase activity utilizes Ca2+ and an unidentified, heat-stable, Mr less than 1000 factor that can be extracted by ethanol from egg homogenates. This NADH oxidase activity is only 40% inhibited by 0.1 mM cyanide and is maximally stimulated by 10 mM Ca2+. It has an apparent Km for NADH of 50 microM. The stoichiometry of NADH:O2 consumption is 1.6:1, but approaches 2:1 in the presence of 20 micrograms/ml superoxide dismutase or 200 micrograms/ml catalase. This indicates that complete reduction of O2 to water occurs and that the reaction does not produce H2O2 stoichiometrically. However, nearly complete inhibition of the reaction by higher catalase concentrations suggests that H2O2 is an intermediate. The properties of this novel oxidase activity suggest that it may play such a role in vivo.
Group Therapy for Parents of Mentally Retarded Children

Parents of mentally retarded children face many special stresses. They have traditionally been offered information about their children but little opportunity to explore their own needs and difficulties. Such an opportunity was offered to parents, as couples, in group settings. The leaders concluded that the most effective approach was an eclectic one including Rogerian reflection, Freudian interpretation, Ellis' reality therapy, Gestalt techniques, and learning theory-based behavior modification. Most parents proved to be compassionate and insightful group members with a great deal to offer each other.
A study of viscoelastic free surface flows by the finite element method: Hele–Shaw and slot coating flows

Abstract A pseudo-solid domain mapping technique coupled with the DEVSS finite element formulation is applied to study the effects of viscoelasticity on free surface flows. Two distinct flow types are analyzed: the flow induced by a long air bubble steadily displacing a polymeric liquid confined by two parallel plates, i.e. Hele–Shaw flow, and the slot coating of viscoelastic fluids in the low metering rate limit. The Oldroyd-B, FENE-CR, and FENE-P constitutive equations are used to model the viscoelastic fluid. Our study reveals the formation of an elastic boundary layer in the capillary-transition region near the bubble front at moderate Weissenberg numbers while the stress field in the parallel flow region remains largely unaffected by the dynamics of the free surface. Our calculations show that the increase in the hydrodynamic coating thickness due to viscoelasticity often reported in planar injection experiments [Physica A 220 (1995) 60; J. Non-Newtonian Fluid Mech. 71 (1997) 73] is associated with the onset of these elastic boundary layers and is strongly dependent on the physical properties of the coating fluid.
Studies on the role of nerve impulses and acetylcholine release in the regulation of the cholinesterase activity of muscle

Abstract Cholinesterase (ChE) activity was measured in soleus muscle of adult rats following various operative procedures in order to ascertain possible mechanisms by which the nerve regulates ChE activity of muscle. ( i ) Whether the nerve was interrupted near the muscle or far from the muscle, the rate of loss of ChE activity was identical. Since miniature end plate potentials (MEPP) are known to diminish more rapidly when the nerve is cut near the muscle, this result suggests that MEPP (and random quantal release of acetylcholine) are not important in the neural regulation of ChE. ( ii ) Spinal cord transection produced a significant, but smaller, decrease in ChE than did sciatic nerve transection. This constitutes further evidence that MEPP are not related to this regulatory mechanism and that influences from higher centers affect the “trophic” function of the lower motor neuron. ( iii ) Tenotomy produced no decrease in ChE. Since tenotomized red muscle is quiescent electromyographically, this result indicates that nerve impulses are not essential to this neurotrophic process. ( iv ) Electrotherapy failed to retard the rate of loss of ChE in denervated muscles; consequently, muscular contractions are not of primary importance in the maintenance of muscle ChE. Since known physiological properties of nerve (random quantal release of ACh, impulse-directed release of ACh and muscular contractions) are not responsible for the neural regulation of muscle ChE, we must look for some alternative neurotrophic mechanism. Perhaps the synthesis of this protein is regulated by the transmission of specific messenger substances or derepressor agents from nerve to muscle.
Desulfurization of high-sulfur jet fuel by mesoporous π-complexation adsorbents

Abstract Desulfurization of JP-5 jet fuel (1172 ppmw S) was investigated by π-complexation adsorption with AgNO 3 supported on mesoporous silica SBA-15 and MCM-41. The average pore sizes of AgNO 3 /SBA-15 and AgNO 3 /MCM-41 were 48.8 and 19.1 A, respectively. The results of JP-5 desulfurization showed that significant sulfur breakthrough occurred at ∼10.0 and ∼15.0 mL/g by AgNO 3 /SBA-15 and AgNO 3 /MCM-41, respectively, at a space velocity of 1.25 h −1 . The spent AgNO 3 /MCM-41 was regenerated by a simple process (heating in air at 200 °C) and ∼50% of the sulfur capacity was recovered after the first cycle. Molecular orbital calculations show that Cu + (as that in CuY zeolite) formed stronger π-complexation bonding with the thiophenic compounds than Ag + (in AgNO 3 ), as evidenced by experimental heats of adsorption. However, pore diffusion limitation of the large sulfur molecules (alkylated benzothiophenes) became an important factor for desulfurization of high sulfur jet fuels such that the AgNO 3 -supported mesoporous sorbents yielded substantially better results than Cu(I)Y, although Cu(I)Y was better for a model fuel that contained only small sulfur molecules. Among all sorbents that have been investigated, the AgNO 3 /MCM-41 sorbent showed the best desulfurization performance for high sulfur jet fuels.
Viruses and their uses in nanotechnology

The use of materials derived from natural sources in materials science has allowed the harnessing of complex structures resulting from eons of evolutionary fine-tuning. A better understanding of the structure and function of viruses has revealed a collection of natural molecular assemblies and containers with a variety of shapes, sizes, stabilities, dynamic properties, and chemical reactivities. Viruses are increasingly being used in materials science, engineering, and nanotechnology as tools and building blocks for electronics, chemistry, and biomedical science. Here we discuss different types of viruses presently in use, their physical properties, and their potential uses in a variety of nanotechnology applications. Drug Dev. Res. 67:23–41, 2006. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Bench to bedside: tempering antigen-presenting cells in multiple sclerosis.

A variety of immune cell types contribute to disease in individuals with multiple sclerosis, an autoimmune condition of the central nervous system. Thomas Prod'homme and Scott Zamvil comment on the 'Bench to Bedside' approach, examining how recent basic research implicates the antigen-presenting cell in this disease. In our 'Bedside to Bench' column, Hans Link explores how recent clinical trials may bolster a mechanistic role for the B cell.
The accountant and farm management advice

The purpose of accounting is two-fold. First to record and summarize economic transactions for a given period, and second to interpret the account as an aid for making management decisions. Before we examine a more rational blend of the two ingredients of accounting it is necessary to examine the framework of principles and procedures within which accountants work. However, this discussion is primarily intended to, demonstrate how more accountants serving agriculture can overcome their pre-occupation with recording and summarizing, virtually aimed at assessing tax liability, and extend their influence to render professional advice to management. Economic transactions fall into two accounting groups; cash movements during the period and estimates or valuations at the close of the period. Faithful recording of cash transactions is rendered complex by movements in price, characteristic of a dynamic environment. Estimates or valuations are necessary to record the capital charges imputed for the period. While certain conventions have been established governing both the treatment of cash and the basis of valuation, judgment and experience play a dominant part in their application.
Unusual Contact-Line Dynamics of Thick Films and Drops.

We report several novel phenomena In contact-line and fingering dynamics of macroscopic spinning drops and gravity-driven films with dimensions larger than the capillary length. It is shown through experimental and theoretical analysis that such macroscopic films can exhibit various interfacial shapes, including multi valued ones, near the contact line due to a balance between the external body forces with capillarity. This rich variety of front shapes couples with the usual capillary, viscous, and intermolecular forces at the contact line to produce a rich and unexpected spectrum of contact-line dynamics. A single finger develops when part of the front becomes multivalued on a partially wetting macroscopic spinning drop in contrast to a different mechanism for microscopic drops of completely wetting fluids. Contrary to general expectation, we observe that, at high viscosity and low frequencies of rotation, the speed of a glycerine finger increases with increasing viscosity. Completely wetting Dow Corning 200 Fluid spreads faster over a dry inclined plane than a prewetted one. The presence of a thin prewetted film suppresses fingering both for gravity-driven flow and for spin coating. We analyze some of these unique phenomena in detail and offer qualitative physical explanations for the others.
NMR measurements of residual dipolar couplings for lifetime assessments in γ-irradiated silica-PDMS composite materials

Abstract We have measured changes in 1H NMR residual dipolar couplings, 〈Ω d 2 〉 , and the mean squared fluctuations in the residual dipolar couplings, 〈 δ Ω d 2 〉 , associated with cross-link density changes in a complex silica-filled PDPS/PDMS block copolymer composite material. The cross-links were induced by exposure of the composite material to γ-radiation from a Co-60 source. We have detected 1H NMR responses from polymer chains directly interacting with the silica and network polymer chains not directly interacting with the silica. The residual dipolar couplings change in a straight-forward manner with radiation and chemically induced cross-linking of the polymer network. The strength of the filler–polymer interaction was seen to affect only the residual dipolar couplings and the transverse relaxation times and not directly the mean squared fluctuations of the residual dipolar couplings. Dipolar correlation effect NMR shows direct evidence for surface adsorbed species, however, and has measured changes in the amount of surface adsorption due to irradiation. The results suggest that siloxane polymer cross-linking was preceded by an initial disruption of the hydrogen bond interaction between the polymer backbone and the silica silanol groups at the polymer/silica interface and that noticeable radiation induced cross-linking then occurs at dosages above 100 kGray.
Chocolate and Cardiovascular Health: Is It Too Good To Be True?

Recent findings indicate that cocoa and chocolate, when processed appropriately, may contain relatively large amounts of flavonoids, particularly catechin and epicatechin. We review the benefits of these flavonoids, specifically with regard to cardiovascular health, and raise several unresolved issues that suggest the need for additional research and product development in this area.
Large scale geodetic least squares adjustment by dissection and orthogonal decomposition

Very large scale matrix problems currently arise in the context of accurately computing the coordinates of points on the surface of the earth. Here geodesists adjust the approximate values of these coordinates by computing least squares solutions to large sparse systems of equations which result from relating the coordinates to certain observations such as distances or angles between points. The purpose of this paper is to suggest an alternative to the formation and solution of the normal equations for these least squares adjustment problems. In particular, it is shown how a block-orthogonal decomposition method can be used in conjunction with a nested dissection scheme to produce an algorithm for solving such problems which combines efficient data management with numerical stability. As an indication of the magnitude that these least squares adjustment problems can sometimes attain, the forthcoming readjustment of the North American Datum in 1983 by the National Geodetic Survey is discussed. Here it becomes necessary to linearize and solve an overdetermined system of approximately 6,000,000 equations in 400,000 unknowns - a truly large-scale matrix problem.
Determination of bone age in pediatric patients with Crohn's disease should become part of routine care

Background: Impaired growth and delayed puberty are common in pediatric Crohn's disease (CD). Bone age (BA) is important for interpretation of statural growth. Our aims were to 1) determine the distribution of BA-Z scores; 2) identify clinical factors associated with BA-Z scores; and 3) compare anthropometric Z scores based on chronological age (CA) (CA-Z) versus BA-Z in pediatric CD. Methods: CD patients ≤CA 15 in females and 17 years in males were enrolled in a cross-sectional study. BA was determined with left hand/wrist x-ray. In all, 49 patients (65% male; 84% Caucasian; mean CA 13 years) examined between January 2007 and July 2009 qualified for the study. Results: Mean BA-Z score was −1.40 ± 1.50 (standard deviation). 41% had BA-Z score < −2.0. Mean BA-Z scores were lower in females (P = 0.02), Caucasians (P = 0.006), Tanner stage 1–3 children (P = 0.004), and patients with colonic disease (P = 0.0006), past corticosteroid exposure (P = 0.01), current azathioprine/6-mercaptopurine treatment (P = 0.003), or lower height (P = 0.006), weight (P < 0.001), or body mass index (BMI) (P = 0.01) CA-Z scores. Mean height, weight, and BMI BA-Z scores were 0.73 units (P < 0.0001), 0.51 units (P < 0.0001), and 0.23 units (P < 0.0001) greater than mean height, weight, and BMI CA-Z scores. Conclusions: Low BA occurs frequently in CD. Determination of BA should become the standard of care in pediatric CD patients, allowing clinically meaningful interpretation of growth in the context of skeletal maturation, leading to improved treatment recommendations, as growth is a dynamic marker of disease status. Prospective longitudinal studies are required to clarify determinants of BA and patterns of BA advancement in CD. (Inflamm Bowel Dis 2012;)
A High Precision Solar Ultraviolet Spectral Irradiance Monitor for the Wavelength Region 120–400 nm

There exists a growing need to improve the accuracy of measurement of the absolute solar flux within the wavelength range 120–400 nm. Although full-disk solar fluxes and variations thereof in the 120–400 nm region are required to model the solar atmosphere, current increased interest in the measurements arises from their importance in modeling the terrestrial atmosphere. We describe the Solar Ultraviolet Spectral Irradiance Monitor (SUSIM) experiment under development at the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) for flight aboard the Space Shuttle and the Upper Atmospheric Research Satellite (UARS). SUSIM will monitor the solar flux in the 120–400 nm region with high precision, using an in-flight calibration system to reduce absolute error to < 10%, and error relative to the 400 nm continuum to < 1%.
The clinical usefulness of nuclear matrix protein-22 in patients with end-stage renal disease and microscopic hematuria.

Objectives: To evaluate the sensitivity, specificity, and false-positive rate of the nuclear matrix protein-22 (NMP22) test in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and microscopic hematuria in order to avoid unnecessary follow-up tests for patients with false-positive NMP22 test results. Patients and Methods: Patients with ESRD were screened for microscopic hematuria as part of the pre-transplant workup. Patients with documented microscopic hematuria underwent workup as recommended by the American Urological Association. Results: Between January 2006 and April 2012, 277 patients with ESRD were referred to the Department of Urology for pre-transplant evaluation. Fifty-seven (22.6%) patients were found to have microscopic hematuria and underwent further testing. Nineteen (33.3%) patients demonstrated a positive NMP22 test result and 38 (66.7%) had a negative NMP22 test result. The false-positive rate was 32.7%. The sensitivity and specificity of the NMP22 test in this patient population were 50% and...
Poleward flows in the southern California Current System: Glider observations and numerical simulation

[1] Three years of continuous Spray glider observations in the southern California Current System (CCS) are combined with a numerical simulation to describe the mean and variability of poleward flows in the southern CCS. Gliders provide upper ocean observations with good across-shore and temporal resolution along two across-shore survey lines while the numerical simulation provides a dynamically consistent estimate of the ocean state. Persistent poleward flows are observed in three areas: within 100 km of the coast at Point Conception, within the Southern California Bight (SCB), and offshore of the SCB and the Santa Rosa Ridge (SRR). Poleward transport by the flows within the SCB and offshore of the SRR exceeds the poleward transport off Point Conception, suggesting that the poleward flows are not continuous over the 225 km between observation lines. The numerical simulation shows offshore transport between the survey lines that is consistent with some of the poleward flow turning offshore before reaching Point Conception. The poleward current offshore of the SRR is unique in that it is strongest at depths greater than 350 m and it is observed to migrate westward away from the coast. This westward propagation is tied to westward propagating density anomalies originating in the SCB during the spring-summer upwelling season when wind stress curl is most strongly positive. The across-shore wave number, frequency, and phase speed of the westward propagation and the lack of across-shore transport of salinity along isopycnals are consistent with first-mode baroclinic Rossby dynamics.
“He Won't Hurt Us Anymore”: A Feminist Performance of Healing for Children Who Witness Domestic Violence

This autoethnographic essay is my attempt to work through a history of violence my mother's ex-husband enacted on us. At the intersection of trauma, memory, and performance, I have uncovered the violent moments that haunted my adolescence and early adulthood and led to feelings of helplessness, fear, and anger. Feminist storytelling helps untangle my victim identity from the powerful moments of my survivorship. I hope that the stories I share of my embodied experiences of gendered violence demonstrate the significance of feminist storytelling for survivors of domestic violence. Looking to feminism as a performance of healing from memories of trauma is a new way to move feminism from the theoretical to the pragmatic. Communication scholars must investigate more of these narratives to secure feminism's place as a forum for healing.
Gene expression modifications in the liver caused by binge drinking and S-adenosylmethionine feeding. The role of epigenetic changes

Chronic ethanol ingestion, achieved by feeding ethanol at a constant rate using intragastric tube feeding, alters the expression of genes in the liver. This is done by epigenetic mechanisms, which depend on the blood alcohol levels at the time of killing. However, acute bolus feeding of ethanol changes gene expression without lasting epigenetic changes. This occurs with histone 3 methylation and acetylation modifications. The gene expression response to an acute bolus of ethanol might be modified by feeding S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe), a methyl donor. In the present study, rats were given a bolus of ethanol (6 g/kg body weight (bw), SAMe (1 g/kg bw), ethanol + SAMe, or isocaloric glucose. The group of rats (n = 3) were killed at 3 and 12 h post bolus, and gene microarray analysis was performed on their liver cells. SAMe reduced the 3 h blood ethanol levels and increased the ALT levels at 3 h. Venn diagrams showed that alcohol changed the expression of 646 genes at 3 h post bolus and 586 genes at 12 h. SAMe changed the expression of 1,012 genes when fed with ethanol 3 h post ethanol bolus and 554 genes at 12 h post ethanol bolus. SAMe alone changed the expression of 1,751 genes at 3 h and 1,398 at 12 h. There were more changes in gene expression at 3 h than at 12 h post ethanol when ethanol alone was compared to the dextrose control. The same was true when SAMe was compared to SAMe + ethanol. Ethanol up regulated gene expression in most functional pathways at 3 h. However, when SAMe was fed with ethanol at 3 h, most pathways were down regulated. At 12 h, however, when ethanol was fed, the pathways were half up regulated and half down regulated. The same was true when SAMe + ethanol was fed. The expression of epigenetically important genes, such as BHMT and Foxn3, was up regulated 3 h post alcohol bolus. At 3 h, SAMe down regulated the expression of genes, such as BHMT, Mat2a, Jun, Tnfrs9, Ahcy 1, Tgfbr1 and 2, and Pcaf. At 12 h, the insulin signaling pathways were half down regulated by ethanol, which was partly prevented by SAMe. The MAPK pathway was up regulated by ethanol, but SAMe did not prevent this. In conclusion, profound changes in gene expression evolved between 3 h and 12 post ethanol bolus. SAMe down regulated these changes in gene expression at 3 h, and less so at 12 h.
Recent Advances In High Speed Photography And Associated Technologies In The U.S.A.

In the past decade, high speed photography has been rapidly incorporating electrooptics. More recently, optoelectronics and digital recording of images for specialized laboratory cameras and commerically available systems have helped broaden the versatility and applications of high speed photography and photonics. This paper will highlight some of these technologies and specialized systems.
Maybe Langston Was Right

Some time ago I wrote an article describing the assaults certain academicians experience while navigating the “academic in-between,” the space between postcolonial privilege/oppression. This is the...
Sizes and Long-Term Trends of Duck Broods in Maine, 1955–2007

Productivity is a primary parameter used in waterfowl population models; however, few long-term metrics of reproductive output exist for eastern North American waterfowl. We used 52 years of brood survey data from throughout Maine to determine mean Class III brood sizes for Lophodytes cucullatus (Hooded Merganser), Anas platy- rhynchos (Mallard), Anas rubripes (American Black Duck), Aix sponsa (Wood Duck), Aythya collaris (Ring-necked Duck), and Bucephala clangula (Common Goldeneye). Us- ing model selection with theoretic-information approaches, we also investigated effects of wetland type, mean ambient temperature during nesting and brood rearing, and year (1955-2007) on trends in brood sizes. Brood sizes declined throughout the survey period for American Black Ducks (-0.88 ducklings/brood), Wood Ducks (-0.91), Ring-necked Ducks (-1.75), and Common Goldeneyes (-1.45). Declines in brood sizes in Maine are consistent with that of other metrics of productivity (e.g., age ratios of harvested water- fowl) for breeding ducks in Maine and may be cause for concern, especially given that declines in brood sizes were observed across a range of species with highly disparate life-history strategies. Declines in age ratios of hunter-harvested ducks could be indica- tive of range-wide declines in productivity resulting from decreased breeding propensity, nest success, clutch size, or duckling survival. Our fi ndings may suggest that declines in productivity observed in age ratios of hunter-harvested ducks are, at least in part, re- lated to conditions during the breeding season. Thus, understanding factors infl uencing productivity on breeding grounds are of primary concern for long-term conservation of breeding waterfowl populations in Maine.